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

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally
[PRIDE] You will tell him a little bit, but also that he should ask her the rest himself. (Reveal to Pride what action Axe will take this turn only)
[ASH-GUARD] Stalk.
[ASH-PREY] Copper Secateur

You are Princess Luna, and right now you are doing something you have not done in a very long time.

You are training.

Ever since you woke up, you felt… different. You felt different in a good way, as if there was a part of you that had been missing this whole time but that you finally got back. You feel different in the sense that you no longer feel like a stranger in your own body, and it no longer feels wrong to walk, or to breathe, or even to exist.

Part of you misses the simplicity of when you were "just" Selene, but you can still say confidently that returning to that stage of your life would be taking a step back. Because now you feel complete, in a sense. Now you feel whole.

However, it is precisely because you feel "whole" that you are now able to realize just how small you are. After all, now that you finally feel… now that you feel solid, you finally realize that you could be doing a lot more than before. Now that your life feels like a stable foundation, you can see that you were always meant to build upon it.



And this is what you are doing right now. This is what you have been doing for the last several days.



The first thing you started working on was, well, your own body. Granted, you don't think there is anything you can improve in your body, given that you are an alicorn. However, you very quickly realized that your constitution is so good that you had no idea of how far you could push yourself.

So, you have been pushing yourself. You have been pushing yourself as much as you can.

You started small, at first, by answering some very simple questions. How fast can you run? How much wind can your wings blow? How long can you hold your breath? You started by answering those questions, and accumulating the much-needed personal experience that a pony needs to be active in a healthy way.

And then, you moved to the unhealthy questions.

How long can you go without sleep? How much pain can you take? What is the color of your blood?

Of course, you only started answering those questions after you found a place that is far from your home. And you have already decided you will never tell these details to anypony. Not even Silky.

And especially not your mom.

Tartarus, she would flip if you told her what you have been doing.

But still, you carry on.

Because you have so much you still need to figure out.

Because you are a Princess.

Because you can't afford not to be ready, when the time comes.

Not again.

So, you fly away every night to this little training place of yours, and you return home every morning.

This will be your life, until you feel like you are ready.



- - -



You haven't slept in… a while, now.

Silky has already noticed, and you almost dozed off during Miss Cherilee's lecture this morning.

But that's the thing. You are tired, exhausted even, but you still feel like you can carry on.

And knowing that, knowing that your body responds so well even when you are like this, is precious information for you.

Although, staying awake isn't the only reason why you are so tired.

Because after you went through all the exercises and physical tests you could think of, you started testing the limits of your magic.

"All right… one more time," you say to yourself, "give me one more."

You are talking to yourself, or maybe to your horn, or perhaps to the moon. Still, you say those words out loud, as you fight against your increasingly heavier eyelids and focus on the magic you are trying to cast.

You are far, far away from your home right now. More than one hour of flight away. In a valley surrounded by tall hills, where you know you can stay in your Princess form without the risk of anypony stumbling upon you.

However, this little valley you have located has certainly… changed, thanks to what you have been doing.

When you first arrived here, this valley was green, lush and calm. A relatively large stretch of grass, surrounded by a few pockets of trees here and there, inside a circle of hills.

But now, this place is almost completely destroyed.

The grassy plain is blasted and uneven, pockmarked with small craters almost everywhere you look. A group of trees in the distance had their tops sheared clean, due to a previous mishap of yours. And even some of the hills that surround you have signs of damage on them.

And that is because.

"And this time… try… to make it… focused!"

You say that, almost yelling that last word. Just as you finish focusing that deep well of magic you have inside of you, gathering it at the very tip of your horn and-

!!!!!!!!!!​

-and the world explodes around you. A magical blast coming out of the tip of your horn, and spilling in every direction like a malformed ball of moonlight.

It feels like you just got hit in the face and chest by a hammer, and for a moment you go entirely deaf before your ears finally start ringing again.

You weren't thrown off your hoofs, thankfully, and your legs are still firmly pressed under you. But still…

"Ouch! Stars… damnit…!" you say out loud.

You almost had it. Or at least you think you almost had it. But still, you ended up with the same result as before.

Because this whole time, you have been trying to test… no, you have been trying to tap into the magical reserves you have inside of you. After all, you know that you have a much greater magical power than almost anypony else, by sheer virtue of being an alicorn. However, you also know that having power does not equate to having the skill to use it, just like having a strong body doesn't mean you have the finesse to dance or fight or do anything else.

But still, every time you try to cast a stronger spell, or every time you try to use those magical reserves you know you have, the whole thing just gets out of control.

No, more than just that, your magic literally explodes at the tip of your horn. And for all that your magical energy in itself doesn't hurt you, the compressed air and resulting shockwave certainly do.

Still, you know you are making progress… you are not lost, and you know the direction you need to go.

You just need to dig deeper. To make your magic sharper. To be more in control.

You will get there, in time. You are sure of it.

"Still, I think I should…" you say, but your words trail off before you can finish that sentence.

Because it is getting late into the night, or perhaps early into the morning. Or is it… late in the morning? Ehh, you aren't entirely sure how to word it, and you are too tired to care. Still, the fact remains that sunrise should happen sooner rather than later.

You should go back home, clean yourself, and get ready for another morning of school. And thank the stars Silky has been doing your homework for you, because you can still walk around and pretend you are awake, but you cannot muster the energy to do all those math and grammar lists.

Miss Cherilee has certainly been stepping up on her homework assignments, ever since more foals have been moving into the city and joining your classroom… You even think you heard that they will separate you all into grades? Maybe get another teacher?

Wait, no, your mind is already drifting away. You shake your head and try to focus on the task at hoof. You think you can shove in one last attempt before going back home, so you should concentrate on that.

"Yeah, one more time. One last time before we call it," you say out loud, as you step out of the… small crater that you are in, that you just created with your latest explosive magic.

You trot out of the crater, find somewhere you can stand on even ground, and you start your now-familiar routine of trying to cast stronger magic.

You take a deep breath…

You close your eyes…

You start pulling at the well you have inside of you…

And you almost fall to the ground as something very, very wrong happens.​

An overpowering sense of vertigo suddenly crashes into you, and you almost fall to the ground even though your four legs are firmly rooted under you. And you… you…

What in Equestria just happened?!

You look around you, turning your face this and that direction as you try to understand what the hay you just felt.

Because one moment, everything was fine. But for a split second, you… you felt that…

How do you even describe it?

It felt like a wave just crashed against you.

It felt like the very ground moved under your hoofs.

It felt like the whole word was being twisted, forcibly bent into a straight line as something very large slithered through it.

But it only lasted for a moment.

In fact, for all that the sensation was almost dizzying, now that you think about it you barely noticed it was there. Or rather, you only noticed because you had the means to notice it. You only realized it happened because a part of you, a very small part, already learned about this kind of thing.

You think that, if you didn't know about it, you wouldn't have noticed it at all. You think that if anypony else was here, they wouldn't even have realized something just happened.

But something did happen.

And more importantly…



You are no longer alone.



That sensation. That thing. That mind-numbing, world bending thing that just rushed through you. You can tell that it just landed, or perhaps burst out of the ground, somewhere nearby.

And just a few moments later, your eyes are immediately drawn to a small group of trees. A patch of woods that your explosive experiments have not yet accidentally damaged.

You look towards those trees. And sure enough, moments later you spot a figure walking out of it.

"Who's there?" you ask, your tone loud and clear, as you turn your entire body to face the newcomer.

You think you know who it is. Because that thing you just felt, it wasn't magic. It was something else. However, as the newcomer steps out of the tree line and into the moonlight, you can also tell it isn't your mother.

Which only leaves…



"Ae knew ye were a lil' freak… bu' ae had no idea 'ow right ae was."



The moonlight shines down on the old, battered cloak she is wearing. Every now and then you can see a hint of the hoofs of her forelegs, as she walks. And the long and purple braid of her mane dangles slightly in time with her hoofsteps.

But her voice alone was more than enough for you to know who that is.

Not long ago, you would have called her Velvet Axe. Going by the name your sister gave her, and that the mare never seemed to object to.

But now? Now that you know what she is? Now that your mother told you of her true nature?

Now that she is glaring daggers at you, wearing a scowl on her face and keeping a distance from you that is clearly cautious?

Now you are not so sure how to call her.

In fact, you are not even sure why she is here. Or rather, you have a suspicion, but a good part of you hopes that you are very wrong.

Still, the mare glares at you. She walks in your direction, but she stops several hoofsteps away from you. And the way she glares at you makes it very clear she is not here just to talk.

You feel tense, the muscles of your legs coiling inside of you, as your body makes it very clear that…

… that this could very well turn into a fight-or-flight situation.



"Now, are ye just a freak… or are ye also a monster?"



You can feel a certain poison in her words. A mixture of revulsion, or disgust, or maybe even hate.

To which your heart begins to hammer inside your chest. Because you remember Axe. By the stars, you remember being fine with Axe. The memories almost flash inside your mind, as your body tenses up. But still, you distinctly recall how you suspected her at first, and how the two of you slowly found a common ground of sorts, until you trusted her enough to ask for her help.

You were… the two of you were in good terms, or at least as much of a good term as one can be with a mare like her.

So why…

Why does she look like she doesn't even recognize you, as she speaks to you?

"Are you threatening me?" you ask, although you can tell how dry your throat is as you say those words. In fact, part of you thinks you should just leave, and fly away as fast as you can. Because you are tired, you have no idea why this is happening, and you definitely don't want to make this situation any worse than it already is.

You should fly away, go back home, or maybe just rush to Canterlot to try and find your mother. After all, she told you she had recently summoned the snakemare. So she has to know what is going on, right?

However, before you can make a decision.

!!!​

The air splits, as if something has just sliced the atmosphere around you in two.

Because with a fluid and dangerous motion, the Daughter-of-Axes reaches into her cloak, and draws out the instrument that is her namesake.

The great, double-bladed and antler-topped axe digs deep into the ground, as she rests her hoof on its hilt. And the way she glares at you is almost painful now, as a rousing air starts to blow around her.

"Yer asking if aem' threatenin' ye? Well, tha' depends entirely on how ye answers me next few questions."

You are in danger.

This is dangerous.

You are in danger.

A rush of adrenaline courses through your body, and in an instant your exhaustion is forgotten. Your throat feels dry, and you think your hoofs are digging into the ground, but other than that your mind is clear.

No, it's not that your mind just became clear. You simply threw away all of the small concerns you were carrying in your brain. It's just that you stopped paying attention to anything that isn't related to surviving the next few seconds.

Because you could die here.

You might die here.

You will die here, depending, according to her own words, on how you answer her questions.

And as you look at the snakemare's eyes, you feel like you are staring at a predator. A very large predator. It might not make any sense, but you feel like there is something very long and very large all around you. As if a great slithering body was just outside your view. Surrounding you. Constricting against the very hills that are around this quiet and grassy plain.

"Firs' question," she says.

You swallow something dry.

"Hav' we ever met before?" she asks.

And for a moment you feel… confused. But only for a moment.

Partly because you don't have it in you to feel anything but stress and tension right now.

But also because you…

"Yes?" you say, but you repeat yourself as soon as you realize how dangerous your doubtful tone is in this situation. "I mean, yes. We have met before. I know who you are."

The mare continues to glare at you for a few more moments, before doing some strange noise you can't identify.

"If ye sae so… Secon'. If ye sae we met befor', then how much do ye remember o' that time?"

Your heart is still hammering inside your chest, so much so that it is also painful.

However, a thrilled, adrenaline-rushed part of your mind thinks you understand where she is going with this. And perhaps why she is here.

"I remember everything," you say, trying to make your words as clear as possible. Because you know she won't let you speak for too long, so you must make sure she doesn't misunderstand anything you say. "I remember everything ever since I woke up as a filly. I remember it because I lived it."

You say that, and the snakemare's glare… narrows. Or at least her eyes narrow, as if she is scrutinizing something about you that you can't quite name.

You even swear you see a forked tongue sniff the air a few times, coming out of her mouth.

But just when you think she is about to back down-

-the very air around you grows heavier, and the ground under the antlers of her axe doesn't so much crack as it opens, and in that moment you understand that even though she is locked and chained and looking at you from behind the bars of a prison her fangs are still more than enough to pierce cleanly through you-

-because she may be a creature of poisons and locks and openings and paths, and her keys might not be as sharp as blades, but she is still long enough to constrict and crush the mountain that is your life-

-and most importantly, having her body destroyed here and now would mean nothing to her, while it would mean death to something like you-



"Third. If ye really remember tha' time, than ye remember we made a deal. Does. Tha'. Deal. Still. Stands?"



Your body freezes. Every muscle you have goes rigid from the sheer weight of her eyes. And that small but attuned part of your mind realizes that, this whole time, you never had any chance to escape. You never had any chance to fly away, because this whole time she was already in the ground under your hoofs and waiting to pounce at you from the skies and behind every keyhole you have ever seen in your life.

Your body freezes. But your mind does not. And you know exactly what "deal" she is talking about.

"… yes," you say, although it takes effort to even force the word out of your lungs.

The snakemare holds your gaze for several moments longer, as if trying to wring any lies out of you with her glare.

Until-

…

-the air finally starts to grow lighter. And the sensation that you were being glared at by a snake the size of the horizon slowly fades away, until you can barely remember it was ever there.

And the wave of relief you feel coursing through you is so strong you almost feel lightheaded.

"Good… good… jus' a lil' freak then, aye…" you think you hear her say to herself.

But you don't… dear stars your body feels heavy… still, you don't really have it in you to answer her, or even say anything at all. You just stand there, breathing in heaves as too many parts of your body cry for oxygen at the same time.

"Aye then, ae'll take yer word fer et," she says, nodding to herself.

And before you realize it, Axe is walking towards you.

You are still so disoriented that you don't even believe it for a moment. But sure enough, after you blink two or three times, you confirm to yourself that Axe is walking towards you, rather than away. Her great axe is nowhere to be seen, and she only has a practiced scowl on her face.

But much, much more importantly, you don't feel like you are staring down at a monster hunter who is judging whether you are a target or not.

"Wha… what are you doing?" you ask, shaking your head as you try to regain your balance.

Still, you manage to recompose yourself only when Axe is standing right in front of you. And you look at the mare just in time to see her parsing through a keychain, that she took from somewhere inside her cloak.

"Fokken obvious, innit?" she says, her tone more annoyed than anything else. "Yer keeping tae yer part o' the deal, so ae'm keeping tae mine."

She says that as she picks one particular key from the heavy keychain, plucking it out from the ring that was holding it and holding it between her teeth.

"I… what? No, what do you mean? What exactly are you planning to do?" you ask, even more confused by her answer.

But instead of answering you, the mare just…

Your eyes go wide in surprise as she quite literally grabs your face with her hoofs, and unceremoniously yanks your head downwards. Until your horn is practically aiming at her chest.

"Jus' shut up an' let me work'," she says, rolling her eyes as she does. "Becos' a deal is a deal. Ye take care of yer hatchlin' sissah, and ae'll help ye with yer mind doors."

You barely have time to comprehend her words through her accent, let alone understand what she means by that.

And before you can even object to how she is still gripping your head-



KA-CLICK



-she jams the key she is holding in her mouth straight into your forehead. Right above the base of your horn. And then she turns it.

You feel pain, for a split second, as the sharp tip of the key digs through your skin. And then you feel a strange sense of invasion as the key goes even deeper than that, as if it was somehow extending past your skull and all the way into your brain or your mind or your soul.

But finally, you feel as if a set of rusted gears were suddenly twisted into their proper places, as the turn of the key does something inside of you.

Axe lets you go right after that. And much to your surprise you… she just did something in your mind, but you don't even feel disoriented. If anything, you just feel better.

You even rub the place on your forehead where she stabbed you with her key. But you don't see even a drop of blood on your hoof. Your coat isn't even prickled or damaged.

"Did… did you just help me…?" you ask, more than a little confused, as you once again turn your attention to the mare.

But as you look at her once more, you are faced with the back of her cloak, as she unceremoniously makes her way back to the patch of woods where she came from.

"W-wait! I… well, thank you?" you say to the retreating mare.

"Fak off!"

But she only gives you that one answer.

And after she is out of your sight, you feel the world shift under your hoofs once again, as the weight of a great snake slithers away to another part of this world.

Leaving you alone once more.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Silky Stream, and you are…

… barely awake.

You sit up on your bed, stretching your forelegs as you do.

Your room is still mostly dark, but a few rays of sunlight are already making their way in through the drapes of the window. Which means that you didn't just wake up in the middle of the night, and that you didn't just imagine the sound of Soft knocking at your door to wake you up.

Oh no, the knocking was very real.

But, as you open your mouth to let out another long yawn, you can't help but wish this was all just a dream.

…

However, as the minutes drag on, you slowly but surely begin to wake up properly.

Or rather, the desire you have to stay on your bed and laze for a little longer is slowly replaced by the memories of how Soft will react if she catches you on your bed like this.

Of course, your older sister won't do anything bad to you. That's not what you are afraid of.

But still, you also know the first thing she will do is to carry you on her back… take you to the bathroom… and then splash that cold water on your face as she cleans the drowsiness from your face.

You feel a shudder running down your spine just from that memory.

"Silky? Are you up already?" you hear her voice, almost as if on cue, coming from the closed door.

And you practically leap out of your bed at that, making sure she can hear the sound of your hoofsteps as you make your way to your closet.

"Yes! Yeah, I'm awake sis," you say out loud, clearing your throat before you continue, so you don't sound as sleepy as you are. "Just, uh, getting my bag ready!"

"Okay then, I'll be fixing breakfast downstairs," she says, and you hear her walk away from your door right after.

You let out a small sigh of relief, glad that you avoided a small crisis. Because sure, Soft cares about you, and you also care for her very much! But one of the ways she expresses that is, well, by taking care of you. And sometimes she can be quite, uhm, zea-… zai… zealot about it?

Well, she can be very enthusiastic about it at times. Cold-water-splashingly enthusiastic, even.

With that in mind, you open your closet and start collecting your stuff. You collect both your and Selene's homework, put them in your saddlebag together with the books you will need for today, and you make sure your other things are properly stored in there as well.

After you put your readied saddlebag on your work desk, you start waking towards your closed window so you can let some fresh air in-

BANG



"Ack!"​

-and you almost scream in surprise as your bed jumps up from the floor for a second.

"Me… me fokken 'ead! Tha's gonna smart fer longer than ae want et to…"

No, it's not that your bed just jumped up. Instead, there is somepony under your bed. There is somepony under your bed, and they just tried to get up and hit their head against the underside of your bed.

And you… and you recognize that voice!

"Axe! You're back!" you say.

And your mind doesn't even think about the fact that, well, somepony just appeared under your bed. You don't even stop to consider that you, a filly, just had her room invaded by a fully grown mare, who just appeared under your bed of all places.

And why would you think any of that? After all, she didn't invade your room, you'd invite her in anytime she wants! And this isn't just anypony, she is your friend!

The perks of being an innocent filly…

Regardless, you can feel a smile appearing on your face as you watch the mare slither crawl from under your bed, still rubbing the top of her head with a hoof.

"It really is you!" you say, not being able to contain your excitement.

"W-wait, hol'on! Lemme first- OOF!"

And you are already hugging her, literally slamming against her chest (and maybe smashing the air out of her lungs) on the next moment. Rubbing your face against her cloak and feeling the braids of her mane against your cheek as you do.

"I missed you so much! And I'm so glad you're back! Oh, but you're staying this time, right? Are you going to be in your old room? Oh, and what did you do while you were away? And can you take the crusaders on an adventure again? Please, please please?!"

You just say everything that comes to your mind, the moment you think about it. Because how could you not? You remember having a very bad dream the last time Axe suddenly left, and you were sad about it for a while. But when your mommy said Axe would be coming back soon you really couldn't wait!

You're going to be able to talk to her whenever you want now! And you will be able to see her around the house, and take her to the crusaders' headquarters, and you will be able to share cookies with her in the middle of the night!

"Aye, aye, just lemmego!" she says, prying her away from you.

And you let go of your hug, of course. But you're still jumping in place while you look at her!

However, you… start to slow down.

"Wait… is… Axe, is everything alright?" you ask.

Because you… you think that…

There is something wrong with her eyes?

Yes, the more you look at her, the more you are certain of it. You don't know what it is, but…

You stop jumping in place, your expression becoming a lot more serious as you grow more and more worried about your friend. Because this entire time, while you were hugging her and prancing all excited, you didn't even notice she had not yet met your gaze. This whole time, she has not yet looked you in the eyes.

"Aye, everythin is… actually, no." She says that, and then she shakes your head. She takes a deep breath, and finally looks you in the eye, with a serious expression on her face on top of her usual scowl. "Ae hav' an important question to ask ye."

She says that, and you can feel the weight behind her words. You have no idea what is going on with her, but you know she means it.

So, you sit down on the ground and give her a small nod. Your own seriousness mirroring hers

"Yer sis… the freak one. The other hatchlin'. Do ye kno about 'er? Ye kno wot happened?"

She asks that, and you immediately understand what she is asking about.

Because she knows. You have no idea how she knows, but your mommy did say she is magical. So, she knows, or maybe she just found out.

And now she wants to know if you know.

"Yes." You answer, without even thinking about it.

After all, you trust Axe. So, if she knows, then either your mommy or Selene told her.

Which means there is no need to keep this secret from her.

"Good, good…" she says, nodding to herself.

However, her seriousness doesn't really go away. This strange… thing, you can see in her eyes, doesn't really fade. Instead, she just seem to be deep in her own thoughts now, for some reason.

"Ae'd hav' told ye, if ye dinnae kno… et's a fokked up secret tae keep, between sissers…" she says, but her tone is so low you realize she is talking to herself.

And after that, she stays quiet for a while. She stays quiet for a while, and slowly the seconds begin to stretch into a full minute.

You are not sure if you should say something. Well, you feel like you should say something, but you don't know what. You feel like there is something bothering her, and that you want to help her, but you have no idea what you could possibly do or say to…

"Just dinnae forget," she suddenly says. But there is something about her tone of voice that makes you perk up your ears in attention. Because the way she is saying this… she isn't just talking to you, you know. She is also talking to herself. She is talking to you, to herself, and you can tell that she believes this is something very important. "Dinnae ever forget. Yer sissers. Et's tha two of ye agains that world, aye? No matter wot happens, ye'll always hav' each other. No matter how many times ye shed, always come back to the nest."

She says that, her tone at the same time resolute and… something else besides. But you don't know what it is that you see in her face right now. You don't know the name of this feeling.

She doesn't look sad, but she doesn't look happy either. She doesn't look hopeful, but she doesn't look lost.

It's almost like she is remembering something, or like part of her mind is elsewhere, even though she just told you something that she thinks is very important to you. Or perhaps that is very important to her and…

Oh, and speaking of remembering things!

"Ah, Axe, I almost forgot!" you say, immediately turning your back to her and going back to your closet.

And before she can say anything, you open your closet, flutter your wings a little bit so you can reach the topmost shelf, and very carefully pick up the thing you had kept there.

"Here, I kept Pasharka for you," you say, giving her back the doll you had gifted her several months ago, and that she left in her room the night she left. "I promise I took good care of her," you finish.

You never felt like she abandoned her doll. Nor did you feel that she forgot about it either. So, when you entered her room in the morning you realized she was gone, and you found her doll resting on a soft pillow, you decided to take care of it for Axe.

That's what friends are for, right?

Axe takes her doll on her hoofs, and then she just…

Huh. She looks surprised.

You can't remember if you ever saw her without a scowl on her face. You don't think you have ever seen her without a frown, or without an expression that made it look like she had just eaten something bad.

You don't think you have ever seen what her face really looks like. How she truly looks like, without all the expressions she puts on for some reason.

Until now.

Because the way she is looking at her doll, with her eyes wide up in surprise, is certainly...

She blinks. Once. Twice. She blinks again, and you think you can hear her take in a deep breath.

After that, she very carefully brings the doll into her cloak, as if she is storing it somewhere safe. And even though you can't see the doll anymore when her foreleg comes out again, you know she still has it.

And more importantly, the way she is looking at you now is…

You think she had a smile on her face, but right now she is shaking her head. But still, even after she is done doing that, she doesn't have a scowl anymore. Not right now, at least.

"Ye… yer a good hatchlin', ye know that?" she says.

And you can't help but let out a short giggle. You cover your mouth with a hoof as you do, but still you can't help but laugh a little bit.

"Oi, yer laughin' at me?!" she asks, her expression turning serious again.

And just like that, there is is once again. There's the Axe you know, once more. Scowling at you as she talks maybe a little too quick for you to understand most of her words.

Still, you don't mind it at all. She's your friend after all!

"No, no, not laughing at you! I promise," you say, still smiling.

To which the mare shrugs.

Before either of you can say anything else, you hear the distant sound of something happening downstairs. Maybe somepony closed a door, or maybe something heavy was dropped on the floor. But whatever it was, that noise reminds you two that it is still morning! It's morning, and you have school, and you gotta go downstairs for breakfast!

And the mare seems to realize the same. So, without a word, she makes her way to the door so she can leave your room.

You are about to ask her if she is having breakfast with you all, but she speaks up before you have the chance to.

"Ah, and et's Pasharka. Passs-harka. Not Patcharka. Ye drag out tha ess," she says, opening the door and making her way outside. "An'… an' thank ye," she finishes, mumbling those last two words in such a low tone that you can barely hear her, right before she closes the door behind herself.

But hear her you did.

And you have a smile on your face as you finish your morning routine, and you make your way downstairs for breakfast.

Spoiler: Teenager shouts and yells

"What… what the HAY were you doing IN THERE?!"

"Fakoff, ye wolf-maid freak."

"You get back here RIGHT THIS INSTANT, or so help me-"

"Ae do what ae wont! Sod off!"

The two voices drag on to the distance, followed by the sound of doors being slammed open, slammed shut, locked and forced open, as two mares draw their respective lines in the sand within the Velvet household.

Selene is on the fast track to advance on her training. Her character file has been updated. (Edge Realization, Knock Realization, +1 Health). However, her newly learned skills will only be available at the beginning of the next turn.

Silky Stream has succeeded in her "Hold on to this!" action. "A Doll – Pasharka" has been removed from her inventory. Further actions down the Snake Path have become available.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church

Author's Note: Apparently, some people were not entirely sure that the two "teenagers" yelling at each other at the end of the last update were, in fact, Soft and Axe. The wording has been changed to rectify that.
And yes, that is definitely something important enough to warrant its own note, at the very top of the following update



- - -



You are Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But you are called "Princess Cadance" by most ponies, and just "Cadance" by the ones that really matter.

And right now, you are…



"Cadance… Cadance, please…"

"Shush, Shining. I'm almost done here!"



… right now, you are writing. You are writing something very important.

"Cadance, you really don't have to…"

"That's where you are wrong, Shining. I must!"

You say that as you put the finishing touches on your hoofwork.

And voila! It is finished! You let out a small puff of pride as you take one final look at your work.

--------------------------------------------------
Hello! My name is CADANCE.
And my HUBBY works here.
--------------------------------------------------​

Nodding to yourself one last time, you proudly pass the chord of your identification badge around your neck. And you stifle a laugh as you watch Shining cover his face with his hoofs, on the corner of your vision.

He looks so cute when he is embarrassed.

But more importantly, you shouldn't keep the line stalled any longer!

"Here you go, thank you for your patience," you say, giving the writing pen back to the mare standing in front of you.

"Oh, no problem at all my Princess. And have a wonderful day!" the mare answers, also covering her mouth with a hoof as she looks at you and Shining.

Right now, it is morning. It is morning, and you are currently in your husband's workplace.

But you are not here as a Princess. Oh no. You are not here in any official capacity, or anything boring like that.

You are here because today is a "Bring your family to work today".

And you are here because you are Shining Armor's family.

You are his wife.

Because the two of you are married now!

As always, a smile appears on your face as you think about that. But still, you mustn't get too lost in your thoughts. Not right now, at least. So, you give the mare behind the reception desk one last nod as you get out of the line, so the next group of ponies can get their own badges.

"Well then, lead the way dear," you say.

To which Shining answers with a small sigh, as he looks at your identification badge one last time. But still, less than a moment later he gives you a smile, clearly showing he can't keep the façade of being upset anymore. And then he waves for you to follow him.

The two of you are currently in the floor level of the Lunar Bureau. More specifically, you are in the reception hall. A large and circle-shaped hall that serves as the "official" main entrance of the Lunar Bureau.

Behind you is a great set of double doors that lead to the Royal District. And all around you are several doors that lead to different parts of the Bureau.

But, as Shining told you earlier, that is where the similarities with his routine end. Because unlike most days, all the doors you can see here are open. And more importantly, the reception hall is actually full for the first time ever. And a large line of ponies, families of varying sizes following after one of his coworkers, is making this place a lot livelier than it must normally be.

On top of that, you can also see this place has been decorated so it looks more welcoming. Which makes sense, you suppose. You can see how this place would be intimidating if somepony didn't go out of their way to make it more pleasant, and you sincerely appreciate the effort.

"Well then. This way, my Princess-"

"Wife," you jokingly interrupt him with a smile.

"Ah, of course. My dear, beautiful, just-married wife. Right this way, please," he says with a charming smile.

"Oh, you. Whatever will I do if you decide to say that just a little louder so everypony can hear it," you say, bringing up another small round of laugher from the two of you.

Ahh… there is absolutely nothing in Equestria that could ruin this day. You can feel it. Knowing that you are going to spend the whole day with ponies you care about, without the constant pressure of your obligations, is like a dream come true.

So, you will make sure to enjoy it as much as you can!

"But as I was saying, we mostly have offices and administration from the ground floor up. For obvious reasons," he says, as he guides you to a specific door on the far end of the reception hall. "However, we organized most of this event to take place downstairs. Both because we have more space there and because, frankly, the cooler stuff is all underground."

The two of you keep walking as he speaks, and not long after you arrive at what seems to be the top of a very long set of stairs. Which, you guess, lead to this underground area he is speaking of.

However, more importantly, waiting for the two of you by the stairs is…

"Cadance!"

"Velvet!"

The unicorn mare, wearing a casual long dress and with a smile on her face, reaches out to hug you as soon as she sees you.

"I'm so glad you could make it! I was worried you would get swamped by your throne affairs and whatnot," she says, lightly squeezing you with her forelegs as she does.

"As if. How could I ever not come?" you say, hugging her back just as tightly. "I mean, what if one of those secretaries starts eyeing my Shining Armor?"

You say that, and you can feel her chest shaking as she laughs against your ear, until you two finally let go of each other.

"Right, right, as if anypony didn't get the memo after the greatest wedding in history."

Shining Armor, also, is shaking his head next to you. But all three of you know this is just good fun.

"Anyways, let's go downstairs!" Velvet says, nodding for you to follow her and walking by your side as the three of you make your way down. "The other times you came here, you only ever went upstairs to our offices, right? Well, in that case, today is the day we can give you a grand tour!"

"That would be lovely. I also never came in through the main entrance, I only ever used the underground passage from the Castle. So yes, definitely! I want to know everything about this place."

You don't even try to hide the earnestness from your voice, giving Velvet and Shining a vigorous nod as you speak. Smiling all the while as you do.

And with that, the three of you make your way to the underground. Shining Armor to your right, Velvet Covers to your left, and all three of you chatting merrily as they lead you somewhere.

There really isn't anywhere else in the whole world you would rather be.

You really can't think of any other word for this feeling. Right now, you are happy!

And you somehow know that this day will only get better.



- - -



"Look at them… they are so cute…" you say.

And your voice is happy. You definitely mean it when you say this.

However, you can't really hide the small sigh you let out, as you said those words.

"I know, I know… They are adorable. But Cadance, well…" Velvet Covers says, but her words trail off soon after.

However, you know what unspoken question she just asked you. It is obvious, even.

The two of you are currently in the underground of the Lunar Bureau. Of course, several areas of the underground are currently off-limits thanks to the visitors. Some of them simply locked, while others are more cleverly hidden, so ponies don't accidentally stumble upon them.

But still, several other places, like this one, are open for the families to look around. And this place, that Shining told you is their "Hangar", is where most of the activities are taking place.

And you can see why they decided to focus their activities here. This place is huge, even though it is carved from under the mountain itself. Still, it is wide, tall, spacious, and has more than enough size for several displays to be in place. With several flying chariots being placed in plain sight, next to several sets of equipment that the Bureau use, for the visitors to look at. There's all of that, and extra space to spare for the tables where everypony had lunch, and other things besides.

And then, of course, there is the view.

You had never visited this part of the Bureau before. But even you were delighted by the "exit" of the Hangar, the great opening (which, you were told, is usually covered by an illusion magic) that gives you a grand view of what is around Mount Canterlot.

However, back to the matter at hoof, the unspoken question Velvet is asking you is…

"Well, me and Shining decided that we should wait… until things calm down a little, you know. Everything has been so hectic that we both agreed that, well, it just isn't a good time right now."

You say that, and Velvet gives you an understanding nod, as the two of you look at a group of foals that is currently gathered around one of the flying chariots.

They have been there for a while, and for obvious reasons. Flying chariots are more than just rare, they are almost exclusively used by the Crown. And knowing that, Velvet arranged for a flying chariot to be available for families to ride in, for today. One of the chariots that doesn't have any covers on it, where the passengers can really see the sights and feel the wind on their faces. And of course, there are more than enough Bureau pegasi who volunteered to fly it around.

So, it is no surprise that a small crowd of fillies and colts is currently waiting for their turn. Especially the non-pegasus ones.

And watching them jump and chat and play with each other as they wait makes you feel so…

"There, there, I'm sure it will happen sooner than we think," she says, patting your shoulder as she does. "And Silky will have a little cousin to fawn over in no time."

You answer her with a smile. Because sure, you don't really feel sad. It's not like this subject makes you gloomy or anything. But still, this is one of the dreams you still have, just like you always dreamed of marrying Shining. So, knowing that you can but shouldn't do it grates at you every now and then.

"Also, thank you so much for helping me out," Velvet says, helping you push your thoughts in another direction. "I really appreciate you making the rounds with me."

She is talking about the fact that… well, that you are basically here to begin with. When Shining Armor told you about this event, he also confided in you that this is an attempt from Velvet to get to know the ponies of the Bureau better. That this is an attempt to get a little closer to them, or maybe to break certain preconceptions they might have about her.

So, earlier today, Velvet tried to excuse herself so she could go talk to everypony. Have a small chat with everypony she could, learn a little more about their families and lives, and hopefully show everypony the approachable and kind mare you know she is.

But of course, rather than just let her go on her own, you followed her. And you are sure that having everypony see how close the Commissioner is to the Princess of Love was helpful, even if just a little bit.

"No need to mention it, Velvet. That's what friends are for," you say. "In fact, I wish I could do more. But by the life of me, I don't understand why everypony was intimidated by you to begin with. You are such a nice mare!"

"Well, going by Shining's words, I think I… mellow out a little more when my family is around?" she asks, although you can sense the hesitation in her voice.

"Is that right…? Speaking of which, I am sorry they couldn't come."

"So am I, but there wasn't much we could do about it. Fillies had school, and Stormy is still at work. And besides, I wouldn't be able to make the rounds and talk to everypony if they were here," she says, with a light shrug. "And also, I hope to be able to make more events like this in the future."

She says that, and well… you understand. Life just happens, sometimes. And like she said, you too hope there can be more days like this in the future.

"Oh, and speaking of your grand tour," she says, her eyes suddenly lighting up. "We have, uh, most of the underground open to visit. But follow me, there is something I want to show you!"

She says that as she gets up from her seat, motioning for you to follow after her.

You look at Shining Armor one last time before you follow her, taking one last glance at him as he talks to a pair of stallions. And then you look at the crowd of foals who are gathered (safely behind the temporary fence) near the landing zone of the flying chariots.

And then, you go after your friend.



- - -



Now that you think about it, you have never been in this room before.

Of course, you had never visited most of the Bureau before. Today was a grand tour for you in all but name. However, every time you came to see Velvet here in the Bureau, you would always come to this floor. Every time you visited, you always made your way up those last set of stairs, and arrived at the corridor that leads to this very door. And yet, you never came here, and instead always went straight into Velvet's office.

You wonder if it was because it never occurred to you.

You wonder if you never considered coming here because you thought it would be disrespectful.

You wonder if you were scared of coming here, all this time. For reasons you don't really want to think about.

And yet, here you are. Standing right next to Velvet as she shows you…

"And here is the Director's office," she says, with a particular expression you can't quite name.

You think she is going to say something else. You think she is going to tell you some story, or perhaps a tidbit of information that came to her mind about this place. But instead, she just stays silent.

Still, it makes sense, doesn't it? What stories could she possibly tell about this place? What memories does she, or anypony, have within these four walls?

The only things she could possibly tell you, are the things you can already tell at a glance. That this place is kept immaculately clean and ready. That everything here, from the solid cabinets to the bottles of ink, was made by the best craftsponies that ponykind has at its disposal… That this place has been left empty and unused, like the east horizon awaiting for the morning sun…

… or perhaps like a tomb waiting for its occupant.

The room itself is beautiful, of course. From the great map to the wide windows, all the way down to the rich chairs and the embroidered details of the carpet. This place is, without a doubt, something beautiful to see.

But it is not… a pleasant place to be in.

Well, tour is over you suppose. And this situation is gloomy enough that you think you should just say something, and have your conversation carry the two of you out of here.

Yes, that is what you will do. In fact, the two of you should go downstairs and meet Shining! And then you can all go back to that place where they keep all the fliyng carriages. You could do with hearing the thrilled laughter of excited foals right now.



"Velvet, why don't we-"

"Actually, Cadance, I lied."



You start saying something, but Velvet almost immediately interrupts you and…

Wait, what did she just say? She… she lied to you?

Your confusion pushes you into silence for maybe half a second, but that is more than enough for Velvet to continue.

And much to your surprise, she lights up her horn, and you can both hear and sense her telekinesis magic pushing the door behind you close.

Click goes the lock, and for some reason she locks the two of you in this place.

"Velvet I… what? What do you mean?" you ask. Although you are not even sure what you are feeling right now.

Should you be confused? Should you be worried? Should you be surprised? You have no idea.

And after stealing a glance in your direction, the mare next to you just nods to herself. As if she had just confirmed something, or as if she was gathering the courage to do something else.

"Cadance, first of all I want you to know that I trust you," she says. "I really mean it, and I am not lying about this. And what I want you to know is that… I trust you even with the things that are most important to me."

She says that, and then she takes in a deep breath.

And you… you can only tilt your head? You can tell from her tone that she is being serious, but you have no idea of where she is going with this.

"So, I need you to know that I lied to you. I did bring my family here today."

She says that, and on the other side of the room, the great executive chair on the far side of the room, behind the large wooden desk, begins to slowly spin. You didn't even notice before that the executive chair had its back turned to you. But now, it is slowly turning towards you, as if somepony is sitting on it.

And once the chair finally turns to face the two of you…

"Selene? Selene! It is so lovely to see you!" A smile appears on your face as you say that. Because sure enough, one of Velvet's daughters, the little earth pony she had adopted and that she loves so dearly, is sitting on the chair.

You say that, and you almost automatically begin making your way towards her. Speaking towards Velvet as you do.

"Velvet, is this a prank? I mean, all this tense talk about lying," you say, laughing a little bit as you do, "was it just for this? Well, you definitely got me. But what happened? Why couldn't your other-"

You are halfway towards the desk, and the filly sitting behind it, when Selene suddenly raises a hoof.

And there is something about her expression that immediately gives you pause.

"What… Velvet, what is going on…?" you say, as the obvious explanation that this is all an elaborate joke from your friend starts to… make a little less sense.

After all, why isn't Velvet laughing?

And why does a filly as young as Selene look so…

"Cadance, I have been meaning to speak with you for a while, but I wasn't sure if I should," Selene says.

And her tone sounds strangely mature. Her voice itself still sounds like that of a filly her age. But the way she is saying that is…

"However, my mother vouched for you. So…"

She says that, and then she reaches with a hoof for the desk.

And then she pushes with her tiny foreleg, gathering just enough strength to make the large executive chair spin once again.

The chair starts spinning in a circle. And one moment, it has its back turned to you again. And in the next, its front is once again facing you.

But when the chair finishes its single rotation, the pony who is sitting on the chair… the pony who should be sitting on the chair…

Selene is gone. The filly is nowhere to be seen.

And an alicorn is sitting in her place. An alicorn, much like yourself, or perhaps slightly larger. An alicorn who was born as such, and not transformed into one like you.

An alicorn who was already old, and who had already passed into history, even before you were born. An alicorn who has been given authority over the very skies, and the stars that shine in the night.

Princess Luna, the other half of the true ruler of Equestria.

"However, I understand the nature of one of our enemies. I understand that one should not trust only their eyes, and that the threat of shapeshifting monsters still haunts Equestria."

Your hindlegs buckle under you, and you sit down flat on the ground. Your eyes wide in surprise as she just speaks to you so casually.

"So, my mother agreed this was the best way for me to begin this conversation. And we can continue it properly once we meet."

She says that, and then she reclines on the chair… on her chair. The tailor-made seating somehow proving to be her perfect size.

"I look forward to properly getting to know you, oh Princess of Love. Better than I did the first time I returned, while I was still so lost and recluse."

Suddenly, her horn begins to light up. A strange sensation taking over your body and the room and the whole world around you.



And then you wake up, with your face buried on your husband's chest, and the certainty that this is the morning of the day where you will visit your husband's workplace for a family event.



- - -



You reach the floor level of the Lunar Bureau, following Shining Armor as the two of you exit the underground passage from the Royal Castle. Soon enough, the two of you arrive at the large reception hall.

True to the name of today's event, the place is decorated to a certain extent. Which only makes sense, you suppose. After all the idea of today is to show everypony's families what they do on a daily basis, so prettying up the place too much would probably frustrate that purpose a little bit.

Still, you can tell that your mind is almost stunned as you look around you. A small part wondering how you could have forgotten this place was supposed to look like this. While another, much greater part of you, is still…

"Are you alright?" Shining's voice reaches you, tugging you of your stupor like a lifeline thrown towards a drowning pony. "You really don't need to be here, if you don't want to. We can go back if you're feeling tired?"

You look at his handsome face as he talks, and you take a deep breath before you answer him.

"Oh, no, it's alright Shining. I'm not tired. I'm just…" you say, but you trail off.

Not because you are keeping a secret from him. You would never do that.

Instead, it's because, ever since you woke up, you still don't know what is going on. You still… you still have to confirm that…



"Princess Cadance! Shining Armor! I am so very glad you are here!"



Suddenly, her voice reaches the two of you, and your face almost snaps in the direction you hear it coming from.

And sure enough, Commissioner Velvet Covers is right there, smartly dressed in her fancy dress-uniform, wearing a particularly lustrous badge on her chest, and making your way towards you two with a smile on her face. Somepony must have warned her of your arrival, you think. That, or she was just waiting nearby for the two of you.

But still, you don't smile. You don't smile, you don't frown, and you don't overreact.

You are not angry. You don't feel betrayed. And to be honest, you don't even have it in your to feel surprised, for some maddening reason.

Instead, you just feel dazed. Ever since you woke up, your mind has been dazed. And the only thing you can think about is that you need to discover if that was just a dream or not.

"Cadance dear, it is so good to see you," she says, giving you a warm hug, as Shining gives her a half-salute on your side. You think you hear him mumble something about she never hugs me, with a joking tone, but you can't really be sure.

Instead, you just return the hug, although more by rote than anything else.

Until she finally looks you in the eye.

"Beautiful as always, Cadance. Being married is really doing wonders to you," she says, and you can't help but feel a chuckle coming from somewhere inside of you. Shining Armor, to your side, can only feel flustered. "But more importantly… you look like you slept well."

She says that, as she look into your eyes with a knowing expression, and your own eyes go wide with surprise.

No, not surprise. Your eyes go wide with understanding.

Because you can immediately tell from her tone of voice… the same part of your mind that learned you can trust her is also whispering to you that…

That she knows. She knows, and she knows that you know.

"Tell me, Cadance, did you have a pleasant dream?" she asks.

And before you realize it, a smile is slowly appearing on your face.

More than just that, a wave of something rushes through you. Coming from inside your chest and flowing through every part of your body.

Like a garden receiving the first rain of spring. Like a home being warmed by the first rays of dawn. Like the single greatest piece of good news you have received in a long, long time, surpassed only by the day Shining Armor proposed to you. You can feel that this thing coursing through you is…

Hope.

"Y-yes," you say, although your throat is so dry for some reason your voice fails. But the smile on your face is growing so much you don't really have it in you to care.

And much, much more importantly, you have to ask her if…!

"And Velvet, is… is your family coming today? Will I be seeing your daughters?" you ask, and you have to hold yourself to keep your tone of voice level, given how many ponies you know are watching the two of you right now.

To which Velvet Covers answers by giving you a calm smile, as if you had just asked her if the hands of a clock will continue to move.

"Of course, Cadance. How could I ever not bring them here today? This is a family event, after all," she says. "They should arrive around midday, for lunch, given how they have to come from Ponyville by train and all."

She says that, and she finishes by giving you a mischievous wink.

"But Selene in particular has been looking forward to this all week."





Princess Mi Amore Cadenza has joined Velvet Cover's faction. She is not considered a "Confidante" for mechanical effects, and will not immediately translate into actions points/favor requests. But your relationship is just as strong, if not more. And her role to play is much greater.

Issues of Lore revelations, and other things besides, will be tackled at a later stage. For now, you have only revealed to her that Selene was Luna all along. Your bond is strong enough for you to trust her with that, and for her to side with you moving forward.

"Problems" that were attached to Princess Cadance, such as her knowing about your scar, are no longer in effect. And Velvet Covers will safely assume that, if worst comes to pass, Cadance will side with her instead of Princess Celestia.

You have further ingratiated yourself with the Lunar Bureau. And, very technically, you have revealed the existence of Princess Luna to the very highest echelon of the Bureau (your Deputy). But more importantly, you have learned that your Constables to not appreciate being used as a support to your Detectives, and they will feel a lot more useful if they perform dedicated actions that reflect their abilities. However, your efforts to ingratiate yourself with the Bureau are making more progress than your casual use of their skills is mining their trust in you.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church

You are Lady Velvet Covers. And right now, you are more than just a little uncomfortable.

"This has to be wrong," you tell yourself, as you check the information for perhaps the hundredth time.

Because right now, it is midnight. This is the first night of the weekend, and although you cannot see it, you know the moon is currently at the very top of the sky. However, despite the time and the day of the week, you are not in your home right now.

Oh no, you are not in your home. Despite the late hour, you are not currently lounging in your balcony with your husband, as the two of you hold hoofs while looking up at the starry sky.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

You are currently in Ponyville. You are, quite literally, in one of the streets of Ponyville. In fact -and this is one of the reasons why you are so concerned, you are presently standing right in the middle of a cul-de-sac, surrounded on all sides by houses. Some of which even have the faint glow of candlelight coming from their windows.

Granted, you don't think anypony would be able to see you, since the skies are covered with clouds and the moonlight isn't shining down upon you.

However, the fact remains that you are in a very, very public place. And that at any given point, somepony might see you if they but peek out through a window.

And yet…

And yet.

"How in the heavens am I supposed to perform such a large ritual… here?!" you say to yourself, as you once again read the map Baldomare gave you.

Because sure enough, Baldomare marked this very specific place, at this very specific time, as a location where you should be able to perform "the largest rituals you know without any problems".

And sure, the cul-de-sac itself is shaped like an almost-perfect circle, breaking only where the street leads back to Ponyville at large. And the size is just right to what a summoning circle should be. In fact, you think the farthest edges of the circle will end precisely where the circular sidewalk begins.

On top of that, Baldomare's notes assure you that "nopony will look, as long as you don't yell", and that "the storm scheduled for the coming morning will wash all evidence away".

But… but still…

"Baldomare will be the death of me," you whisper to yourself, as you look back at the bags of supplies you brought all the way here. And not for the first time you ponder if you should just delay this for another week or two, or if you shouldn't just try to summon this in your estate despite the risks.

But ultimately, and despite the honest nervousness you have in your heart, you decide to go for it.

"And if the worst happens, I can just run… I hope," you say to yourself, as you pull down the hood of the cloak you are wearing, making sure it is covering as much of your face as you can.

And then, you begin to draw the great summoning circle for the ritual you will try to cast.



[Summoning Ritual]



You never stopped to think about it, of how you just "know" certain things. Or how you just "learn" or "realize" some ideas when you are in the Mansus.

Or maybe you did ponder those things, and you concluded that it is best to just not think about it too hard. After all, trying to understand the Mansus is folly at best, and a well-trod path to madness at worst.

But still, the fact remains that ever since you met him… ever since you met Biedde, that old pony whose names you know despite never being told, you have also known how to call him to the Wake.

Somehow, after you first saw him, you learned what to do. You know the words, and you know the oaths, and most important of all you know the rules that must be followed, in order to create a bridge that he will deign to cross into the Wake. Or at least, a path that he is willing to send a part of himself through, even as he continues his watch over that dark place within the Mansus.

And as you finish drawing the great ritual circle, thanking the heavens that Ponyville still has dirt roads that can be easily cut with a knife, you take one final deep breath before you begin.



[Moth Roll: 30 + 13 (Magic) + 40 (MOTH, Level 4) = 83]

[Success]



You take your place at the very center of the circle, within the smallest circle focused on obfuscation and misdirection.

Ideally, this ritual would be performed by two ponies. Ideally, the next few steps would be carried out by the main celebrant, and mirrored by an assistant.

But alas, ideally this ritual would also take place on the eve of a battle, and in the early hours of the morning. However, the rules of this ritual allow for certain modifications or alternatives, and that is what you will be counting on.

So, since you do not have an assistant ritualist to play the second role, you will have to do it yourself.

And to that end, you pull up the long blindfold you have around your neck, firmly covering your eyes with the tightest knot you can make. You hope this will be enough for you to be considered "blinded", even though you can still see through your closed eyes.

Well, you can see the back end of your blindfolds, through your closed eyes, so you are as blind as a pony can be for this.

You feel a shiver run down your spine, and you swear that somepony is looking at you right now. But for some reason, you also know that nopony in the surrounding houses is looking out through a window.

And yet, the feeling that you are being observe will not leave you. Not anymore.

Still, you carry on.

Because one of the rules of this ritual, also, is that it may not be stopped once it starts.



[Knock Roll: 41 + 13 (Magic) + 40 (KNOCK, Level 4) + 20 (KNOCK reagent) = 114]

[Success]



The second step is as inevitable as it is predictable.

Around you, and within the confines of the smallest circle, are seven knives. They are all respectfully placed on top of perfectly square pieces of cloth. But not silk, or linen, or anything fancy or expensive. Instead, the pieces of cloth are made out of cut uniforms, from maids and workers and ponies who knew toil and a rigorous routine, so that the knives know their purpose here is to serve.

You steel yourself for what comes next, and you try your best not to even graze our hoof out of the ritual circle as you blindly reach out for the first knife.

Because of course, the presence you are trying to call will not answer your summons if blood is not spilt.

So, you take the first knife, the one closest to your right, on your hoofs. And then you point its sharp edge to the place right where your left foreleg meets with your chest.

And then you open the smallest of paths, just enough for your blood to exit your body and cover the tip of the blade.

There is no need for grandeur, no need for pointless sacrifice. The rules are exacting, but they are not needlessly cruel.

Granted, you have no way of knowing if the tip of the knives have been truly bloodied, except for making sure you push them just enough. But still, despite the pain, you only do what is needed.

You do the first knife, then the second, then the third, moving your way clockwise as you do.

Until finally, you finish with the seventh.

Once you put the seventh down, you once again pick the first knife, gripping it firmly on your hoof as your try your best not to shake.



[Edge Roll: 67 + 13 (Magic) + 40 (EDGE, Level 4) + 40 (EDGE reagent) = 160]

[Success]



You grip the knife firmly on your hoof, wondering for a split second if it wouldn't be better to hold it with your mouth.

But ultimately, you decide against it. It is a tradeoff between strength and precision, but you need both right now, there is no better alternative.

You grip the knife on your hoof, and then you let go of it as you lift your foreleg with a fluid motion.

You throw the knife over your shoulder, aiming at a very particular spot on the outer reach of the third circle.

And although you have no indication of whether you hit your mark or not, you pick up the second knife as soon as you hear the sound of a blade burying itself in the ground.

This, you somehow know, is a very old game. A pastime, or perhaps a competition, that was played in an age long past. This is test, of sorts, and also the reason of why two celebrants are ideal for this ritual.

You pick up another knife, and you throw over your shoulder. And then you pick up the next, and do it again.

Because right behind you, on the farthest reach of the largest and sharpest circle of this ritual, is a triangle-shaped sigil.

You call it a sigil because the symbol itself is quite ornate and detailed, but the interior of the triangle it draws is actually empty.

And that place, the empty space within the triangle, is where you are aiming the knives.

This is, in essence, a knife throwing game. But you know, although you have no idea how, that it carried a much greater significance a long time ago.

Because the blood oaths, or the life-bets, made before carrying out this competition could never be taken back. And this method has already been used, in a long-forgotten Era, to decide the fate and faith of far too many contestants.

The method used to decide the winner still eludes you, or perhaps it was an agreement the contestants themselves had to reach before beginning. However, for the purpose of this ritual, it is enough that you "merely" hit all the seven knives within the three-pointed sigil.

While blindfolded.

With your back turned to it.

And without any way to see how well, or how badly, you are doing between throws.

Still, you throw the sixth knife, and you reach out for the seventh. You reach out with your hoof, grab at the handle of the clay-wrought knife you took so many pains to craft, and then you take a deep breath.

But you only allow yourself that one breath. Hesitation is also against the rules of this ritual.

You throw the knife over your shoulder-

-!!!-​

-and you realize that, unlike the previous six knives, you did not hear it burry itself on the ground.



[All three rolls successful]

[Ritual successful]



You… you can feel that… you can sense that…

Nothing happened.

You did not know what to expect. You do not know how things were supposed to play out.

But still, you can tell for certain that nothing happened.

There is no pressure in the air, like you felt in other similar rituals. No sensation of the world being opened, or a path being cut, or that something large and heavy is once again walking upon this world after so long.

You heart begins to pound inside your chest, as you start considering the implications of that. Did you really fail? Was all of this really for nothing? And what should you do next? Can… can you still retry it, with the materials you have on hoof? Do your reagents still retain their power, or were they spent?

A wave of shame, or perhaps regret, runs through your body. And you only realize you have been frozen in place this whole time after perhaps half a minute passes.

Still, you slowly begin to move once again. Raising a foreleg so you can remove your blindfold, realizing your hoof is shaking as you pull the cloth from over your eyes.

For some reason, you feel tense. More than just that, you feel stressed. And you don't know if it is because of your failure, or because of the powers you just tried to summon, or perhaps a mixture of both. But still, the cloak you are wearing feels damp on your skin, and you can already tell your fur is covered in sweat.

You breathe in the cold air of the night, and you… well, you turn around to see if you can still salvage something from this.



And you realize you are not alone.



"…!"

You feel like you almost yelled in surprise, but you shut your mouth at the very last moment.

But still, you can't help but look wide-eyed at him. At the stallion who is very calmly waiting outside the ritual circle.

At Biedde, the Name of Edge.

He looks exactly like how you saw him, when you met him in the Mansus. A slightly short earth pony stallion, or at least a pony whose horn and wings you can't see. And he is wearing a uniform that seems to old and battered that it almost looks soft to the touch.

He has a beard on his face, not too long but not too short, and his bushy eyebrows are practically covering his eyes.

However, that is where the similarities between now and your last encounter end. Because he looks like how you remember him to be, but he…

But he definitely doesn't feel the same.

His expression looks soft and calm. Almost gentle. And the way he carries himself is more than just approachable, he quite literally looks friendly. Like an old pony who is all too happy with just letting the days pass him by, after a life well lived, offering advice to whatever youngster cares to ask for it.

He looks old, and he looks wise, and he looks patient. But most of all, he gives you this strange sensation that you are safe right now. As if merely being in his presence means that you have a solid stone under your hoofs, or a well-crafted hoofrail that you can lean upon while going up the stairs.

You can only remember the faintest echo of how cold and undeniable he was, back in the Mansus. And even that memory is starting to fade as you look at him.

And to your surprise, he is not even looking at you right now.

Instead, his attention seems to be solely focused on the triangle-sigil carved on the floor, right in front of his hoofs. The one within which six knives are now buried, almost all the way to the hilt.

He is looking down at the knives like an arbiter would look at a competition, or like a judge would look at a prisoner. Although, given his demeanor, even those comparisons seem a little too harsh for such a calm pony…

Yes, you are sure of it, you think the best way to describe him is like a grandfather, looking down at a painting made by a foal.

"Interesting…" he says to himself. And although you think his voice would have been deeper during his youth, you can clearly hear the weight and hoarseness of age in it.

There is something about him that is just so… disarmingly approachable, that you cannot help but start walking on his direction.

And he only seems to notice your presence once you completely step out of the Moth-circle, at the very center of the configuration.

"Ah, I did not see you there," he says, looking up at you a moment later. Pulling out his cap and revealing an age-worn spot of baldness on the top of his head. "Biedde, soldier of the Colonel, at your service. I will be your employee, until our contract is finished."

He places his cap on his chest and gives you a short, polite bow.

And you can't help but… give him a bow back? It would feel impolite not to, and you could see that he was waiting on you until you finished your movement according to the etiquette.

"The pleasure is all mine, sir," you say, still not entirely sure of how to proceed.

But before you can say anything else, he moves to collect something from within his uniform. And moments later, he is pulling out a small, clay-made knife from one of his pockets. That is, you can immediately tell, the seventh knife you have thrown. Although whether he grabbed it from midair after you threw it, or whether he collected it from the ground of the Mansus before coming here, you can't tell for certain.

"But before we discuss the terms of our business, would you absolutely mind if I asked a question?" he asks.

And you can only nod. Of course, his question was so polite you have no choice but to agree with it.

"Thank you. My question is…"

He says that, and then he drops the knife.

He drops the knife, tip down, and allows it to fall on the ground.

And as soon as the knife falls on the ground, it… well, it buries itself a little bit on the dirt road, but otherwise stays there.

He looks at the knife, as if that was his question. But before you can ask him what is going on, he once again picks it up, holds it in front of him…

… and then he does something. Something so minute and precise you can't even say you can see it. But he does something nonetheless.

And when he drops the knife a second time-

-!!!-

-it digs straight into the ground. Plunging tip-first into the dirt road until its hilt hits the road.

"… all the knives you threw… even this one, when I dropped it for the first time, they were all crooked. None of them were properly upright… So, can please tell me, why is it that the world is bent?"

He asks that as if it was the most natural thing in the world, but you… well, you have no idea how to answer him, for starters, but you have even less idea of how he could tell that just by looking at knives that are sticking from the ground.

"I ask this because it might throw off my aim, a little bit. But I would appreciate the information nonetheless."

He says that, and you…

Well, you don't feel intimidated enough to tell him that you don't know. You can tell that he will take no offense to it, and that he is not the kind of pony who is unreasonable about these sorts of things.

But still, although you cannot sense him, and although the rational part of your mind is telling you he is not even dangerous at all, you still treat him with the utmost respect as the two of you make your way back to your estate.

And thankfully, he is as direct as he is pleasant, and the two of you reach an agreement even before the farmlands come into view.





You have successfully summoned Biedde, the Name of the Colonel. And the two of you have discussed the terms of his "employment" as he stated it.

Following the rules of how a guest should act, he has accepted a room in your mansion, and will properly introduce himself to your family at a time of your choosing. But other than that, he will be at your disposal, and will await your orders.

Biedde's sheet has been updated as follows:

Spoiler: Biedde

"An old and battered uniform, worn proudly. A small knife and a blowpipe, used to lethal effect. A sagged and wrinkled face, hiding eyes that are hard and cold. Everything about this stallion is old. And yet, he wears all those characteristics as if they are medals. He moves slowly, and carefully, like a mindful grandfather. But no action he performs, from lighting his pipe to crushing a pony's bone, may be denied."

Biedde

Summoning requirements: EDGE 100, KNOCK 80, MOTH 60.

Summoning cost: 100 bits.

Summoning details:
-Biedde is willing to extend (reset) his summoning period indefinitely, according to the options he has listed to you (available at the end of this sheet).
-Biedde is capable of CHANNELING the highest intensity of an Edge Influence, and gifting it to you for a full month.
-Biedde is considered to be a Minion, and does not mind being sacrificed for Rituals.

Health: 5/5
General bonus: +30
"Combat-related" bonus: +50
Aspects: EDGE 6, MOTH 3
[NAME]: There is, or was, a hierarchy within the Mansus. He has reached high within its ranks.
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Biedde is willing to offer you Sacrament in the Lore of Edge, should you fulfill his requirements.
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Biedde grants a full level up to the Secret Library for his preferred Lore.
[MY SCARS ARE LESSONS]: If Biedde is wounded during combat, he will receive a "+5 personal combat" for each wound received. Until he defeats, or is defeated by, the creature that wounded him, or until the combat ends.
[PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER]: Biedde will always perform a "Guard" action for free, on top of whatever orders he receives for the turn, unless his actions specifically require him to be totally unavailable for the turn.

[TERRIFYING OPPONENT]: Creatures that are capable of feeling fear will avoid combat with him as much as possible. They will not flee or refuse attacking him, but they will avoid "dogpiling" him whenever possible.

[UNIQUE]: Biedde is a unique creature. He may refuse summons at will, and will refuse re-summons for three full months should he be unsummoned for any reason (including if he is killed).
[HE WILL NOT RELEASE ME]: It is impossible to befriend Biedde.

The following options are available at the end of Biedde's stay:

Spoiler: The terms of our contract

"I am forever bound to His service. So, once my initial contract is done, I will be willing to extend it in exchange for the chance to pursue His goals."

[] End your contract.
-Biedde will be unsummoned.

[] Fund a short monster-hunting expedition (Costs 60 bits)
-Biedde will extend his stay for one turn.

[] Fund a long monster-hunting expedition (Costs 100 bits)
-Biedde will extend his stay for three turns.
-During the FIRST turn of his extended stay, he will be "completely unavailable" as he pursues his expedition.
-Meaning he will be GONE for the first turn, and present as normal for the following TWO turns, for a total of three turns.

[] Pursue religious goals.
-Biedde will extend his stay for one turn.
-It is rude to ask what he would do with his free time.

Possible Biedde actions:

[] [BIEDDE] Ask for a lesson on Edge.
[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.
[] [BIEDDE] Something else? (Write in)

(Note, you may choose any "general action" from the regular options. However, there is no need to ask him to "Guard", and he cannot "Cover your Bases" right now given how late in the turn we are. Otherwise, write-ins are available as normal.)

The relevant reagents, and 100 bits, have been taken from your inventory.

Sacrament threadmark will be posted imminently.

Voting is NOT open, and will open after the next update.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

There is a new visitor at the Velvet estate.

That is the latest bit of gossip that has been going around. That is what the maids have been letting each other know, between shifts and as they bump into each other. What servant after servant has been hearing, as the hours turned into a day, and a day turn into several more besides.

There is a new visitor at the Velvet estate.

And you should be very polite when you are around him.

But not because he is harsh or exacting about it. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Word among the halls is that he is an older stallion. An uncle from one of the families that married into the Velvets, or perhaps the father of a friend who already passed away. But still, he is an older pony, and every servant who has met him so far says he should be treated as such.

It is something about his age, you see, that just makes you want to behave a little better when you are around him. Something about him that just makes you want to try your very best, so he will give you some encouragement, or advice, or perhaps even praise. Even Ponpon herself, the head of the Lady's household servants, already said that she would like to have his approval. And everypony agrees that doing something wrong near him, to the point that he would shake his head in disappointment, would make the receiving pony very sad indeed.

But still, above all else, the few servants who have met him so far all say he is a very polite and mindful. And at least one of the younger maids said she would have liked it if she could call him "grampa", but that she was too embarrassed to ask if she could do that.

Or at least, that is the word that has been spreading around the Velvet estate.

And that is what she is hoping she can check, this afternoon.



- - -



As far as everypony knows, old Biedde must have some trouble walking. That, or he just likes to watch the younger ponies come and go. Because almost every hour of every day, he can be seen sitting on one of the balconies of the central mansion. Looking towards the sky without a care in the world, slowly swinging on a rocking chair, as ponies go about their businesses. Puffing wide rings from his pipe, every now and then, whenever the fancy strikes him.

Of course, he always has time to chat whenever somepony stops by. It is a bit of a shame the balcony he chose as his spot is on the second floor, because only a few servants are allowed in the floor where Lady Velvet and her family lives. But still, those few ponies privileged to work there will every now and then go up to that balcony to offer him something. Be it a cup or a treat from the kitchen, or just to ask if there is anything the old stallion needs.

And whenever that happens, it is not unusual for them to spend more than just a few minutes, chatting away with him about this and that. Listening with attention and wonder to whatever interesting topic the old stallion decides to tell them about

But unfortunately, she is neither a maid nor a servant. And the cook has already been instructed not to let her grab anything from the kitchen without permission.

So, there is almost nothing Silky Stream can do, except sneak closer and closer to the door that leads to the balcony, as she looks at the back of the rocking chair he is sitting on.

Wondering what she should do next, or even if she should do anything at all. After all, her mother very clearly told her she should not "disturb their latest guest".

But still... he is just there… would it really be wrong if...?



"Young lady, are you really just going to stay there all day? The weather is lovely out here, you know?"



But her thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the soft, and unexpectedly clear, voice of the old stallion.

And somehow, she immediately knows he is talking to her.

"Um… mommy said I shouldn't disturb you, Mr. Biedde sir…" she says, feeling as incensed as she feels excited about this. Because on the one hoof, she thinks she shouldn't be talking to him. But on the other, she really wanted to!

So, she watches in silence as the old stallion slowly stops his rocking chair, by firmly placing a hindleg on the ground. And then as he turns his face so he can look at her.

"Well then, young lady, do you think you are disturbing me? Or that instead this old pony's day would be a little better with a young filly to listen to his stories?"

A smile comes to her face as she hears that. However, true to what everypony said, she does try her best to control herself, and calmly walk towards him instead of immediately prancing to his side.

"Now, no need to be that polite, young lady. Following the rules is important, but rules have limits for a reason. So, you can just call me Biedde, or sir. And please, take a seat. It would be a crime if you had to sit on the ground just to talk to me."

She gives him a hearty nod, and quickly (but not too quickly) goes to the side of the balcony where they keep a group of cushions. After that, she sits next to the old stallion, looking up to him with eyes full of wonder and questions.

"So, is there anything I can help you with?" he asks, although it is clear he already knows the answer to that.

"Yes sir! I, well, mommy said you know a lot of things. So, could you tell me a little bit about yourself?"

"Ohoh? You want this old stallion to tell you a story?" he asks, to which the filly quickly nods. "Well then, I have been around for a while, and I have seen quite a few things during my travels. So why don't I tell you the story about a city I visited once. It was a very cold city, mind you, and it was even colder because a certain mare was in charge. She was a very sad mare, you see, and she put a rule in place saying that nopony was allowed to sing, or even speak at all! So, an old teacher of mine asked me to…"

The young filly was listening with rapt attention, even before he had finished relighting his pipe.

And the two of them stayed there all afternoon, until the filly's caretaker found her, and called her down to lunch. And by then, she had found the filly wearing the old stallion's cap, and she had already moved her cushion so she would be sitting right in front of him to better listen.

But of course, since it would only be polite to invite the old stallion to join them, that only meant he had a greater audience to tell his story.



- - -



Nopony is really sure of when old Biedde sleeps.

Of course, several ponies have already seen the rocking chair empty. Which everypony agrees that, hard of walking or not, he still moves around like anypony else.

However, several other ponies have already seen him on the rocking chair late at night. And the gossip that he just sleeps there was further thrown into mystery by accounts that, every now and then, his pipe will light up as he puffs from it, even during the early hours of the morning.

Nopony is really sure.

But then again, old Biedde is not the only little-understood pony that has been living at the Velvet estate.

"Slave."

"Hypocrite."

The young-looking (but old-sounding) mare sits down next to the old stallion, settling down on the cushion that everypony has taken to using while visiting him.

They exchanged a few greetings words, of course. However, despite the weight behind them, there really was no malice behind them.

And it is not just that no malice was intended. Both ponies understood those words to be true, so they had greeted each other that way as if they were speaking each other's names.

On top of that, they are both too old for those kinds of games. They know they are not enemies, and their interests neither align nor clash. So, there is nothing between them but the professional respect of two ponies who share a trade.

"Quite disturbing how warped the world is, isn't it? Makes it harder to keep watch."

"I can't help but agree. The light gets ugly when it is bent like this. But still, this place has its charm, now."

"I will take your word for it."

They share a few words, every now and then. But not out of enmity, and not out of the depth of a mutual friendship.

Instead, they speak little because there is little to be shared. And also, because given the depth of their knowledge, what little words they share is more than enough to convey a lot.

"Still, quite the peculiar habits our employer has, wouldn't you say?"

"The weight of being the first in so long."

"Indeed…"

They speak very little. And yet… they stay in each other's company for a very long time.

Maybe out of nostalgia. Or maybe, as unlikely as it might be, because deep down the two of them were ponies, once. And the faint, burned, and cut-away echo of that need every pony has, to be near those who are like them, still exists somewhere inside of them.

Although that is very unlikely. If not impossible.

But still, they stay in each other's company throughout the entire night, looking down at the balcony and towards the distant horizon. Until the sun is about to rise.

"Oh, by the way, the thing you did to the little filly? I do not think her mother would appreciate it if she knew about it."

"Is that right? Well, we both know I did her a favor. And besides, she looked adorable with my cap on."

"Adorable or not, we both know what wearing your cap means. And we both know it wasn't a favor. There is only one other creature who would care about that mark, and he would see right through your intent in an instant."

"Would he now? He is not above harming the young, as we both know."

"And neither are you, or myself, or anypony whose name is worth knowing. But still, I don't speak about the mark itself. I'm speaking of the symbolism behind the action. Her mother would not appreciate you marking her daughter as a pawn."

"Pff, we are all pawns. All of us. What use is there in denying that?"

"You are right that there is none. And I am not condemning you. But still, I thought I would let you know that about our current summoner. Not that she will ever notice it, even, but she is still very protective of her young."

"Yes, I have noticed that… And much appreciated. I will take that under advisement."

The two of them continue talking, as the sun rises and begins to bathe the world in its light.

And at some point, the mare is gone, and the old stallion continues his watch.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Steppes.

And today is the day you die.

You are currently in one of your offices. The base of operations you keep in Manehattan. But unlike every other day, where you would be giving orders, or plotting your next move, or just doing anything at all… you are currently just sitting in your office.

You are sitting in your office. And everywhere else in your building, all your employees are doing… something. They are patrolling, or they are counting bits, or they are just nervously walking around in circles wishing they had something to do.

Because you, every last one of you, are all waiting.

You are all waiting, because you know it will happen.

You know it is coming.

You know today is the day you will all die, and that there is nothing you can do but wait for it.

…

It is like an unspoken agreement. A silent message you have all received, as soon as you woke up. A cold hoof on your shoulder, or an unwelcome letter on the mail, conveying a single three word message.

I am coming.​

None of you know who is coming. None of you know why this is happening.

But every single one of you, from your lowliest cleaner to your personal accountant, know that it would be very rude to not be on your station once it happened. And that, even though every single one of you will die today, that it would somehow be worse if you tried to escape.

After all, trying to escape inevitability would only mean you would die tired.

So, you are all waiting. Your "guards" are waiting by the entrance, and your "counters" are waiting at the storage, and everything in your "business" is waiting like a perfectly oiled clock that is waiting for permission to begin to click.

In fact, it would not be a joke to say that today would be the most productive day of your lives, given how eager and ready you all are… if today also didn't feel like the mother of all inspections.

Today, you will all be judged.

And given the occupation you have chosen in your lives, it is only natural that you will all be found guilty.

Your thoughts are interrupted as… as the inevitable happens. Your thoughts are interrupted by the sound of somepony knocking on your door.

"Come on in", you say. And moments later, one of your henchponies walks in. Carrying his hat under his foreleg, as befitting the manners of a pony who is indoors, and sweating cold from snout to tail.

"He's here, boss," he says, with his rumbling voice.

Although you can't hear any of the intimidating edge he usually has on his voice. Which only makes sense, you know, given how terrified he is.

And for good reason.

You look at Vellum, who is sitting on one of the side chairs of your office, and the boy only returns you the glance of a pony who is lost.

No, you shouldn't be looking at him right now. You are the older pony. You are the boss. Everypony is looking at you right now, and if you crack, then you all failed.

"Let him in," you say. To which the large henchpony answers with a nod, carefully closing the door behind himself as he leaves.

And then… you just wait.

You wait, as he walks into your building.

You join everypony in collectively shivering with dread, as he makes his way up the stairs.

And it takes all the willpower you have not to flee, as he reaches your door.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.​

A trio of knocks come to your door, and you know the only reason the door did not burst open was because he did not want it to.

So, you look at Vellum, and give him a small nod.

And the boy gingerly makes his way to the door, opening it and stepping out of the way as quickly as he can.

!!!!!​

The single scariest, oldest, and undoubtedly deadliest pony you have ever seen in your life is standing right outside your door.

The wrinkles on his face look like the face of a mountain, and the old uniform he wears makes him look like the constable out of a thief's worst nightmare.

His eyes, also, are impossibly cold. You think his eyebrows might have been able to hide his eyes, if he really wanted to, but right now he is all but piercing you with those glaciers that he has behind his eyelids.

He is not scowling, and you can only thank the Princesses for that. Because if he was truly scowling, if he was truly displeased, then he wouldn't even have bothered to get this close to you to begin with. Instead, his mouth is a thin line of judgment that you can scarcely describe. Like an old teacher looking at a failure, or perhaps a Lord who can only barely stand the presence of his lesser.

But still, he has not killed you yet.

So, you must continue to play your part, lest you become a rude host.

"Please, come in," you say, although your throat is so dry it is almost painful.

And the old stallion complies. He does not nod or thank you, which is only fair given how you are his lesser. Instead, he only makes his way towards you, and sits on the chair you have before your desk.

You try not to think about how every movement he does, from walking to pulling the chair, seem to be inevitable. You try not to think about how, for some reason, you already know he could crush bones or bend metal just as easily, with a movement that would be as fluid as walking or waving for somepony to come closer.

You try not to think about any of that, as he sits down and reaches for something inside his uniform.

You only wait, as he carefully brings out a long pipe from inside his jacket, and methodically lights it with an ancient pair of stones.

"I am here to collect something," he says. And you have no choice but to answer affirmatively. "Information. About my employer."

Of course, you will tell him. You will tell him whatever he wants to know.

Even though your mind is too numb and terrified to even consider the fact that you have no idea of who he is, and that you can't even begin to guess who his "employer" might be, you will still give him what he wants.

This old stallion will have it his way. It is inevitable.

"I have recently come under the employment of one Velvet Covers," he says, taking a long drag out of his pipe, and puffing it out in a plume of smoke. "You will tell me everything you know about her."

And your heart… you aren't even sure of how that is possible, but your heart becomes even colder than it was before. The dread on your back becomes even heavier.

Because several questions come to your mind at the same time. What does he mean about this? How did he meet your niece? What in Celestia's sun does he mean by employment?

He is not lying. You know that. You know that he is capable of lying, like only the very cunning can. But still, you know he is not lying.

However, how… how?! How? And why? And what does this mean? And is she safe?!

You do not know. You do not know, and you cannot know. Not now. Not as you walk down the death row and towards your execution.

So, you do the only thing that is possible, under these circumstances.

You give him what he wants.

"Yes, yes, of course. I will tell you everything…" you say, feeling yourself age an entire day with every passing second, with how much pressure you are feeling. "Boy, leave us. I w-" you start telling Vellum to leave.

"The boy stays."

But he immediately interrupts you. And Vellum's hind practically slams back into his seat as soon as he hears those words. The two of you know that it is impossible for Vellum to stand up from his seat now, and that to even think about it would be a death sentence.

So, you…

Well, you…

You really, truly, absolutely do not have any options left.

You just… begin to speak.



- - -



You tell him everything. Everything you know, and even some things you are not sure about. You tell him everything, and he silently absorbs all your words.

And then, you fall silent. You just wait for what comes next.

Until slowly, so very slowly, the old stallion nods to himself.

And you almost close your eyes, so you can die in peace, as he gets up from his chair. But ultimately, you decide to face your executioner with dignity, and you look him straight in the eyes as you prepare for what comes next.

"Very well," he says. Right before he takes his pipe out of his mouth, and carefully stores it back in his coat. "That is all."

He says that and he…

… he begins to leave?

Your eyes are not deceiving you. He definitely just turned around so he can leave. And just like it would be impossible to stop him if he had decided to kill you, you also know it is impossible to stop him from leaving.

Because once that old stallion declares something, or makes a decision, there is nothing else that can be done.

But still, you can't help yourself. In fact, as suicidal as it might be, the words leap out of your mouth before you can stop them.

"W-wait!" you say.

Although you immediately regret it. Because your words make the stallion stop, and his lethal attention once again falls upon you.

Still, you carry on.

"Are… are we not going to die? Is… will we live past today?" you ask. Your words heavy with anxiety, your hoofs shaking under your legs.

And when the old stallion once again moves his cold, cold eyes towards you, you think he is about to give you the answer you had been expecting all along.

But to your absolute surprise… and to your absolute relief, he answers that…

"No."

And it takes everything you have to not just sag on your chair, or perhaps for your heart not to just stop beating due to the previous strain you were under.

"I am not here to clean up, though I would if ordered," he says, and the indifference in his voice makes him more scarier than any level of hatred would ever be capable of. "And besides, your grandniece spoke well of you. Her company has earned you a stay of execution."

He just says that, and then he moves to leave. This time, in a way you would not be able to stop even if you tried.

And then you… you…

You try to think about… you try to comprehend what just…

And your body was so tense before that it is almost painful to feel your muscles relax and…

…

And then he is gone.





Just an old stallion making the rounds. Just another old -so very old- creature looking around this new Wake. Nothing more, nothing less, and nothing worth noting.

The "mark" was just a little thing that stuck to Silky's head, after she wore his cap, like a splotch of ink or a speck of dirt. Nothing Velvet would ever notice, and nothing to be worried about.

Still, it was something that those with eyes could see, and a reminder that Velvet can't see everything that happens in the Wake.

Voting is now OPEN, for what Biedde is to do this turn. Since it is a single option to be picked, no moratorium is needed.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally
[X][BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

You are Velvet Covers, and right now you are resting.

Yes, resting. You are doing absolutely nothing. You are not entertaining anypony, you are not spending time with your family, and you haven't even asked anypony to bring you tea.

You are just… resting. Taking some time for yourself. Allowing your mind to just exist without forcing yourself to tackle any problems, or consider any issues.

You really are, right now, at your home and doing nothing.

Is that really so surprising?

Well, considering how defensive you are being about this… yes, it probably is. Because when was the last time you truly did nothing?

"I suppose that worrying about the fact that I am doing nothing means that I am not doing nothing," you say to yourself.

But still, you make a point of not being too hard on yourself about it.

You are currently inside your… former office. You don't think this place can be called a hobby room yet, like the one Stormchaser has. And this place certainly isn't a workshop either. But still, you are in the large room where you used to work, back when you were in charge of the farmlands. And this place has already seen some level of transformation.

You had your servants bring one of the larger sofas here, the one that was in your tearoom and that wasn't really used even when you had visits. And you also transported your book cabinets here as well. As well as some other things besides.

Granted, this room is still mostly empty, but you think you will work on it one step at a time. One week after the other. As if you are allowing this room to grow on its own, in a sense, rather than imposing a design upon it.

Still, you aren't even concerned about that right now. Right now, you are just lounging on the sofa, letting time pass you by as you try to forget the concerns from this last week.

However, you are suddenly snapped out of your thoughts as somepony knocks on your door.

"Come in," you say out loud, not even bothering to check who it is.

And you are… honestly surprised when you see Biedde walk in.

…

You are surprised for a lot of reasons.

Because first of all, you did not sense him. Sure, you are telling yourself you didn't bother to check, but… But as you link thought after thought, you wonder if "not bothering" with it was truly your own decision, or if you just slipped up on that habit because it was him.

And second, you are surprised because…

Because you don't feel threatened at all.

Rationally speaking, you thought you would have felt a lot less comfortable around Biedde. You thought that, if he had ever walked into a room where you were, you would have shot up in alert. You thought you would at least sit up to greet him.

However, right now, you… you do not feel alarmed at all. In fact, the only source of nervousness you can feel comes from the fact that you are not alarmed by him.

The Name of Edge, who has been living in your mansion and interacting with your family, has just closed the door behind him, leaving the two of you alone, and you can't feel the slightest echo of your survival instinct crying out in alert.

That, more than anything else, surprises you.

"Good afternoon, my employer, I hope I am not interrupting anything," he says, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

No, more than just natural. He says that as if he is one of your servants. He is treating you with the same level of familiarity, coated with deference, that Ponpon would have if she were the one who had just entered.

"Biedde, I… there is no problem at all. Can I help you with anything?" you say.

And you… you actually force yourself to sit up. You force yourself to think of him as what he truly is.

Not as a guest. Not as an old stallion. Not as a visiting grandfather.

But as the most dangerous creature who you have ever seen walk the Wake. Something that should make you feel afraid, and that is all the more terrifying for the fact that he manages not to.

"Nothing at all," he says, giving you a short bow that shows you the bald spot at the top of his head. "In fact, I am just here to deliver you something, and then I will get out of your way."

He says that as he reaches into his coat, rummaging through some unseen pocket until he brings out a piece of paper.

It is a letter, you can immediately tell. But curiously, the letter he is giving you does not appear to be signed or sealed. As if somepony had finished writing it, and put it in an envelope, but never had the chance to fill it and mail it.

"I had the opportunity to visit your uncle, and during our conversation he mentioned he was writing you a letter. So, I offered to deliver it to you," he says simply.

"You visited my uncle?" you ask, immediately curious, as you receive the letter from his hoofs.

"Yes, yes, your daughter mentioned him a few days ago. She said that she thought the two us of would get along well," he says with a smile, letting out a soft chuckle as he speaks. "We had a very interesting conversation."

He says that, and part of you wants to ask him for more details. After all, unless you are sorely mistaken, you just heard that a Name has visited your uncle. And that he did so at the suggestion of your daughter of all things.

You almost ask him about it, but you stop yourself at the last moment.

Because the part of you that is curious is the same strangely calm part of you that thinks the stallion you are speaking to is just an old pony, who likes to idle the day away while sitting on a rocking chair. The part of you that is curious is the same emotional, disarmed part of you that doesn't feel threatened by his presence.

And now that you are aware of this mental dissociation, it is almost painful to have it in your mind. After all, you almost have to force yourself, your rational side, to remember exactly who you are speaking to.

Still, once you remind yourself of that, you keep your silence. You don't ask him anything else. Baldomare, Axe and even Mareinette pursue their own interests in the Wake, and you have already learned not to inquire too deeply about them. Their presence here, you know, is a trading of favors.

You care about your uncle, of course. But if Biedde is not giving you any more details, and if he isn't reporting to you that he did anything troublesome, you are better off not getting on his way.

"Thank you…" you say, to which he gives you the slightest of nods.

So, you just… well, he just gave you a letter from your uncle, so you might as well read it.

…

My dear niece,

As always, it is great to hear from you! And yes, I have been doing fine. Work has been taking a chunk out of me lately, but nothing that you need to worry about.

More importantly, I was a bit intrigued about what you asked me. You want to know if I heard any rumors about you?

Well, I wouldn't really call them rumors. But I wouldn't call them gossip either. I think you already suspect this, but a lot of ponies have just been curious about who you (and us Velvets in general) are, ever since you were appointed to your current position.

And of course, most of the hub-dub I hear echo the same questions that I have! As in: how did you get appointed? What is your connection to the Princesses? What do you plan for the future? And most importantly, how can I get a piece of that pie?

I joke, I joke, don't worry about that last one.

But still, what little I hear is that everypony is mostly waiting for what comes next. After all, the Bluebloods were (quite literally) taken out of the scene less than two months ago. By Celestia, their trial is still going on! And I don't see a lot of ponies making a lot of moves until we see where those particular chips will fall.

Other than that, I also see hear a lot about Bureau agents going here and there, but mostly in rumors. Most of the times somepony will say that so-and-so was asked a few questions, and was flashed a badge, but to be honest I don't think anypony confirmed if those sightings were true to begin with.

The bottom line, niece, is that nopony knows what to expect, really. There are the decrees from the Princess, putting a very big hat on your head. And then there was the big show of the Bluebloods. But other than that? It's all speculation and uncertainty.

Oh, now that I think of it, I don't think anypony has hosted a ball or a gathering (in the noble circles, that is) ever since the Bluebloods were taken away. That in itself says a lot, but that also means the higher crust of Equestria had little chance to mingle and talk, other than through the very rare personal visits to each other's mansions.

Well, I'll stop babbling about that. I'd hate to bore you with my own speculations. The same applies to the Solar Court, of course. But I have a different lot less contact with the law, so I don't really have many feelers on that Fair Trial mare. Most of us ponies are waiting to see how she treats the Bluebloods before we jump to any conclusions.

But that's enough about that. How are you? How are the fillies?

I recently heard that…​

The letter goes on, talking about other things besides, but mostly the usually chit-chat you have with your uncle through your letters.

Still, you can't help but notice there are some unusual things about this letter.

For example, you can sense a lot of hesitation on this letter, for some reason. Of course, you don't think your uncle is hiding anything from you, and you certainly don't think he is lying to you.

Why would he ever do that?

But still, you can feel there is something off about your uncle. You quickly conclude this feeling is due to the fact he is swamped by his work, as he said, but still… you truly hope he is doing alright. And who knows, if Biedde offered to bring this letter, maybe you are just reading an unfinished version. Or the draft he was preparing to send you, and that he would rewrite before mailing.

As you fold the letter back into the unlabeled envelope, you realize Biedde is still standing by the door. A calm smile on his face, with his bushy eyebrows hiding his eyes, as if his presence there was only natural.

"Oh, I am very sorry. Is there anything else?" you ask.

"I was about to ask the same question. Do you need anything else?"

The tone of his answer makes it abundantly clear he is quite literally waiting for you to dismiss him, if you have no other use for him, as if he was just another servant from your household.

And once again, you almost fall for the trap of waving him away. Your emotional, almost instinctual side, almost nods for him to leave as if he was just a butler who had just brought you tea.

It is almost scary, the fact that you are still not scared of him.

No, it is definitely scary. Because, your rational side almost drags this thought to the forefront of your mind, he is doing this on purpose.

This is intentional.

And then, you remind yourself that…

"Actually, there is something I would like to ask you," you say.

The stallion calmly waits for you to continue.

"I will be doing a few things, these next few weeks… A few conversations that might be dangerous. A few dreams that will certainly be dangerous. I would like to ask for your help with those. I would like you to…"

You don't really know how to finish that sentence. Because you aren't asking for his presence, but you aren't just asking for advice either.

You know what you want, of course. You know it, and he understands it as well. You already had this thing described to you as a shadow, or a presence, or just as a token. Or maybe as a gift that you carry inside your soul, like a burning ember that slowly fades away. Baldomare already gave it to you, once, in the form of a pleasant conversation over tea. And Axe already burned your veins with it, with her sharp fangs and her sharper venom.

Still, the fact remains that you need a little push. You need more than what you currently have. And you need it in the particular color you know only he can provide.

And of course, you know the stallion understands exactly what you mean.

So, as he walks in your direction, you begin to feel…

…

… nothing.

The old stallion makes his way across the room, stopping right in front of you where you are sitting on the sofa, and then he just nods at you.

And that… that makes your heart beat a little faster.

"Are you sure about that?" he asks, his tone nothing but polite.

And for all that you don't feel like you are in danger, you begin to realize that you should feel that way.

Your throat begins to dry up, and the beating of your heart turns into that of a drum.

But still, for some maddening reason, you can tell all those reactions are being forced into your body by the rational side of your brain.

Because your heart, and your nose, insist to you that there is nothing to be worried about.

"Y-yes," you say.

The stallion lets out a low hum. And then, he reaches for something inside his coat.

The sensation that your mind is splitting into two sides, and that they are battling each other, is almost disorienting.

Because on one hoof, there is absolutely nothing threatening about the stallion in front of you.

But on the other hoof, the Name of Edge has just pulled out a knife from inside his coat, and he is wielding it right in front of you.

It is an old knife, a dagger-sized blade covered in scratches and bruises. The blade itself is well-kept, and definitely sharp, but other than that you can't see anything out of the ordinary on that knife.

Except for the fact it is currently on Biedde's hoof, after being taken out of Biedde's coat, and that it is currently within fifty meters of your body, inside your very own house.

"I will give you what you need, my employer. But I have a few words of warning for you."

He says that as he brings out another item from his coat. A simple piece of string, old and worn with time and use.

And then, he ties a complicated knot on the hilt of the knife, almost as if he is making a trinket out of it.

A chill runs through your spine as he calmly passes the string around your neck, giving you a hoof-made necklace with a knife tied to its end.

"This is a rather special knife," he says. "If you try to remove it, it will cut you. If you regret having asked for it, it will cut you. And most important of all, if you ever hesitate, about anything at all in your life while you wear it, it will cut you."

He says that, and finally, finally you begin to feel something.

Not a chill in the air. Not a change in the atmosphere. You do not feel anything different about the old stallion at all. In fact, he might as well be telling you about the weather right now, or about a gift he was planning to give somepony else.

But the moment his hoof leaves the knife-necklace, the emotional side of your brain becomes acutely aware that the Name of Edge has just placed a knife around your neck.

And it is all you can do not to yell. It takes all of your willpower to bite down with your teeth, to stop yourself from saying anything.

However-

!​

-you immediately feel a twinge of pain coming from somewhere in your chest. As if you had just been prickled by the tip of a knife.

It is something very small. Almost like a warning. A reminder that you should not regret, not complain, not even think about turning back on this decision you just made.

Even though you already regr-

!!​

-donotregreteveraskinghimtodothisforyou.

Biedde nods to himself, as if he had just confirmed something. He is not looking at you, of course, but at the knife itself.

And naturally, the knife has not moved at all. It is still dangling from your neck, like a strange tribal artifact, and it has not moved an inch ever since he left it there.

Even though it has already stabbed you twice.

"And lest I forget, I should also warn you about something else," he finishes. "Naturally, this knife will not harm your body. It will only cut away the things you do not need."

He says that, and you immediately understand that… you immediately realize what he means by those words.

This pain you felt twice now, this sensation that a knife is being dug into your chest just a little deeper every time you feel-

!!!​

-every time you feel nothing, and definitely not when you regret anything… it is…

This knife, or this talisman he just gave you, it is stabbing at your soul. Following the ironclad belief of that stallion, that what is useless should be cut away and that scars are lessons, this knife is going to cut away little pieces of your soul. Trimming you like a tree, whenever it spots weakness or hesitation. Chiseling you like a statue, into a shape that is less weak and merciful.

And that terrifies you-

!!!!​

-although with each painful twinge, you can already tell that it terrifies you a little bit less.

"Now, if you excuse me," the stallion says, giving you one last short bow before he makes his way to the door. Bringing his cap out from another pocket of his uniform, and putting it on his head, just as he closes the door behind himself.

Leaving you alone.

With this thing around your neck.

As it finally dawns upon you that-

!!!!!​

-you may have made a mistake.

And also that, once this is over, there is a chance you will no longer be the kind of pony who regrets having done this.





The Colonel's lessons are always learned, even if they leave scars. Especially if they leave scars.

Velvet Covers is now under the effect of "A Resolution". It will fade at the end of the current turn.

Since this is the first time Velvet Covers has experienced the highest degree of an Edge Influence, she has gained two scraps of Edge. Velvet Covers will no longer be able to gain any scraps of Edge until she attains Sacrament.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Afternoon fades into dusk over the growing town of Ponyville, as the sun lazily makes its way to the west horizon. However, despite the growing influx of newcomers, there really isn't much activity happening in the late hours yet.

Most stores still close their doors, when the hours grow late. Most streets still lack light posts, or some form of public illumination. In fact, the town doesn't even have a large enough source of electricity to speak of, and its inhabitants still mostly rely on mundane methods, such as magic or fire, to pierce through the darkness.

Of course, one can already see signs of change here and there. So, even though most of the citizens of this small town are still laborers or craftsponies, there is also a growing minority who is not physically exhausted and looking forward to sleeping as the night approaches. Not enough ponies to truly change the "atmosphere" that Ponyville has, of an idyllic earth pony village, but enough to at least influence it.

Meaning that, even though the night is fast approaching, there are still ponies out and about in the streets. There are still ponies who have not yet finished their activities, or who might even be about to start their activities, even though Princess Celestia is about to steal the sun away from the skies.



And one of those ponies is currently walking through the streets of Ponyville. Making her way to the east road that leads away from the city.



As far as anypony could tell, she looks like a perfectly ordinary mare. An earth pony, with a coat so dark it might as well be black, and a mane of dark redd-ish color. Not bright enough to be the color of fire, but not dark enough to be the color of blood either. She is also carrying a saddlebag on her back, and the white color of the bag can almost be described as "clashing" with the color of her fur.

Her cutie mark, displayed on her flank for all the world to see, also seems perfectly ordinary. A flower, a pair of masks, and a lace connecting all of them together. Not the kind of cutie mark that would immediately tell somepony what her skills are, but still normal enough for anypony to be able to make a polite guess.

And her name… doesn't really matter. She isn't really the kind of mare who minds being called this or that, and she is more than glad to entertain nicknames and whatnot. Still, her friends usually call her Amor.

Although she doesn't really have many friends.

In fact, she only has one.

…

As she walks through the streets of Ponyville, making her way east, she starts to hum a soft tune. A merry little jingle, that she is making up on the spot, that she hums in time with her trot.

She is humming that song because, in all honesty, she can't really help it. After all, this is her favorite part of the week! In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that she spends almost every other day waiting for this night to arrive.

And how could she not? Tonight is the night where she meets her friend!

So, she merrily hums that tune as she makes her way through town.

That is, until she finally passes by a… certain place.

Like every other week, the path she takes as she walks through Ponyville inevitably crosses the center of the town. Which means that, like every other week, she is once again passing right in front of… this place.

It is a structure unlike any other in Ponyville. Not as grandiose as the town hall, which is currently being rebuilt, and not as eye-catching as some of the more eccentric houses. But still, this place has a unique look of its own.

And that is because Amor is currently staring at what is, or perhaps was, the town library. A treehouse, or a house that is literally built from a tree, that stands in one of the roads near the center of Ponyville.

Although, like anypony else, she can immediately tell that said library had seen better days.

After all, she can barely tell that the place is shaped like a tree. Because there are no leaves or flowers to speak of, and most of its branches have already rotted and fallen down.

Furthermore, to say that the structure is in disrepair is an understatement. The "natural" parts of the tree look rotten and sick, but the "pony-made" parts of the structure look no better. And everywhere she looks, she can spot a broken window, or a misaligned door, or some other sign that this place is in desperate need for the attention of a cutie-marked carpenter.

But most of all, this place is unique because of…

Most ponies prefer to just ignore this place. In fact, most ponies in Ponyville either pretend this place doesn't exist, and just avoid this road altogether.

However, Amor… doesn't. In fact, it is the opposite with her.

And just like every other week, she spends… more than just a few moments staring at the rotting tree-house. Just like every other week, she can feel the thing that is emanating from that place. Like a strange warmth that comes from an invisible bonfire, or a strong smell that sticks to the coat.

And just like every other week, she… slowly, cautiously makes her way towards the worn front door.

Amor makes her way towards the front door, noticing that the sign that used to hang over the door is no longer there. Although she was sure that it was there last week. Another sign of disrepair, no doubt. Another thing that was simply lost.

She reaches the front door, and she can almost taste the feelings that are covering this place.

And she knows that… she knows that it would be so simple. It would be as easy as picking up a ripe fruit, that is hanging from a low branch.

She could call whoever lives in that place right now, and she knows that pony would follow. All she needed to do was knock on that door. All she needed to do was extend a hoof, and the denizen of this catacomb would practically lunge to hold on to it.

Amor slowly raises her hoof, inching it closer and closer to the front door…



But like every other week, she stops.



She stops herself. She stops her hoof. And as painful as it might be, she wrangles herself away from that temptation.

Because there are rules to this. There are rules to their… gathering, that she knows she must obey.

In fact, she was the one who wrote them.

And just like every other week, she almost broke the very first rule that they all must follow.

Do not invite any newcomers, unless She was the one who called for them.

Yes… yes. She must follow the rules.

No matter how inviting this place seems to be.

No matter how obvious this option might look like.

The pony who dwells in this place has not yet been called by… her friend. Her one and only very best friend has not yet called for whoever lives in this place. She has not yet mentioned this place, or looked at it, or even thought about it. Which can only mean that something, perhaps the gathering, or perhaps the pony who lives here, is not ready yet.

Which means that, once again, she must painfully force herself to lower her hoof, and leave that door undisturbed.

It is a shame they stopped leafletting, ever since the rules were put into place. But again, almost all the ponies who came because of the leaflets have already left, and only the ones She called have stayed. So…

Well, she should be on her way.

Letting out one last, pained sigh, Amor drags herself away from the rotting tree-house, and makes her way to the road that leaves Ponyville.

Soon, she knows. So very soon…





- - -

- - -

- - -





Dusk fades into sunset over the growing town of Ponyville, as the sun touches the west horizon and patiently waits for its Princess to dismiss it. However, despite the fact that daylight has almost entirely faded, there are still ponies going about their business.

Or rather, it is precisely because daylight has almost entirely faded that some ponies are going about their business.

Ponyville is a growing town, and it has already started to feel the touch of progress. However, that progress so far has only been in the realm of quantity, rather than quality. A few more streets have already been beaten into the dirt, and new houses have been built where there was once only grass. But still, no roads have been paved yet, and the ground has not yet been kissed by concrete or iron or the things that form the foundations of larger buildings.

That might happen very soon, or perhaps that might never happen during any living pony's lifetime.

But still, right now, Ponyville remains quaint, if nothing else. Which means that Ponyville is still surrounded by what can be described as "wilderness".

Granted it is a tamed wilderness. After all, the east of Ponyville is covered in farms, and the west sees a great stretch of orchards. And the river that crosses the town is closely controlled and crisscrossed by bridges.

However, there are still untouched stretches of forest to the north and the south. There is still the cautious threat of the nearby Everfree Forest.

And most importantly, there are still places where things like this can happen.

"He is still at it. Hit him again."

"Yeah, I can see it."​

"No! NO! You don't understand, I just want to-ACK!"



In a place that isn't exactly far from Ponyville, but that isn't exactly close either, a group of ponies is…



"I-… I… Y-you don't understand. She LOVES me. I saw the way she looked at me. She-!"

"Shut up!"​

A group of ponies is currently gathered around a tied-up stallion. Some of them are carrying bats and metal bars, and one of them has a shovel.

But most notable of all, every single one of them has a disgusted expression on their face. Every single one of them is disgusted, or angry, or a mixture of both.

All of them, except for the stallion who, every few minutes, is getting struck by one of his captors.

Because even though the stallion is tied up and bleeding, he still has a smile in his face. Even though some of his bones are broken, and he is clearly in pain, he still has an expression that can only be described as insane.



"You don't get it. NONE OF YOU DO! I met her before! We grew up together, i-in Cloudsdale! We promised we'd marry! Just ask her. ASK HER! I proposed to her right before the Catastrophe! And it's a miracle that I found her here!"

"I think he's too far gone…"

"Yeah, I think he's a lost cause as well."​

"NONE OF YOU ARE GOING TO STOP M-ARGH!"



And all of those ponies, without exception, have one thing in common. Some of them are from Ponyville, and most of them are from other places around Equestria. But all of them, even the stallion who is tied up, are part of the same… group.

They are all part of the same gathering, so to speak.

They have all met, and they all meet every week, in the tightly knit grieving support group that operates in the quaint town of Ponyville.

Which means that they all know the rules.

"Anypony disagrees?"​

The other ponies gathered around the tied-up stallion all shake their heads. They all ignore the insane, deranged claims of the stallion, and they confer with each other one last time before making their decision.

Because they all know the rules. The three, very simple rules that they must follow, while they wait.

They all know the rule that the stallion broke, and that he must be punished for.

Do not speak to Her, and do not approach Her, unless She approaches you first.

"Clouded River, do the honors."​

The old stallion says that to one of the pegasus, and the pegasus unceremoniously raises the bat he is holding on his mouth-



"DEATH WON'T STOP ME! IT DIDN'T STOP HER! I SAW HER DIE IN CLOUDSDALE, AND YET WE MET AG-!"



-and he brings it down on the tied-up stallion's head, smashing it into a bloody pulp.

Finally silencing the bleeding pony.

"Alright everypony, lets get rid of the body and head to the meeting. Whacky is already going to fetch the young Miss. Oh, and make sure to clean up any bloodstains before heading back, yes? We don't want another ketchup incident."

A few chuckles erupt here and there, as some of the ponies get to work.

And the light humor they are all sharing makes it very clear none of them regret doing this.

The rules, they all know, are a necessity. An agreement that they all reached, or perhaps that was imposed upon them, so they can better control their own individual pains while they all wait.

Because ultimately, that is all they can do. The only thing they can do is wait for… what comes next. For what they know is coming, but that they can neither accelerate nor slow down.

And the rules are there to help them keep to their roles. So, they can better play the part of the audience, or perhaps the gathering Host, until the time finally arrives.

After all, as the first rule states, there is no need to try and call new members. Because the members they invite in are always wrong in one way or the other. They always leave, or they fail, or eventually become a problem one way or the other.

No, only those who are called by her, or who arrive on their own, become viable members of their gathering. That is the purpose of the first rule.

Furthermore, they can't really interact with her either. And that is why the second rule is in place. They can't interact with her, or at least they must be very careful when doing so, because they all… well, they all see her in a different way.

Some of them swear that she looks like a daughter, or a sister, or a wife. Or somepony else they lost. They swear that she is somepony who they love, and that they must -that they deserve- to have her for themselves.

Some of them swear they saw her, or still see her, in their dreams. That they are certain, with an ironclad conviction, that she is calling to them every night.

And some of them swear she spoke to them, in private, at some point. And that she commanded them to do… something, that involved her.

They have all gone through that. They all still go through that, every time they see her. And naturally, the idea… nay, the certainty that a pony you loved, or still love, is right there can make some ponies… act out in rather unsavory ways. So, they have all learned to resist those thoughts.

And that is the purpose of the second rule. To make sure everypony keeps a healthy distance from her, lest one of them does something they shouldn't and ruins the gathering for everypony else.

Most of them have learned to push those feelings away, and can even talk to her normally, on the rare occasions that she stops and speaks to one pony or another.

Some of them needed… encouragement. Like the pony who is currently using his shovel to dig a grave, who nowadays wear an eyepatch over one of his empty eye sockets because… well, because he needed help so he could see things better.

And a few ponies, like the one who is about to be buried, simply can't control themselves at all.

So, acts like this are necessary.

Because it is imperative that they do not scare her away.

After all, if she ever decided to stop coming to their gatherings… well, the inevitable would still happen, some day in the future. But they would not be a part of it.

And that, they all know, is an agony none of them are prepared to suffer.

"Do you think she will share anything today?"

"Oh, I sure hope so. But as always…"

"Yes, we can only wait."

"Yes. It is agonizing, isn't it?"​

A few more chuckles erupt here and there, at the familiar joke.

And soon enough, yet another body is buried and forgotten in the tree-covered outskirts of Ponyville.

After which a group of ponies, united by loss and who help each other in their grief, make its way to their weekly meeting.





- - -

- - -

- - -





Amor doesn't really have a high opinion of herself.

She can do this and that, of course, and she knows where her heart lies. But she doesn't really consider herself to be an extraordinary pony.

Still, she is patient.

Sunset has finally happened, and the moon is now just above the east horizon. There are no clouds to speak of, so the faint moonlight is more than enough for her to be able to see.

And like she does every week, she is currently… waiting.

She is sitting under a tree, on a hill east of Ponyville. She is sitting on a hill that is right in front of a mansion, that is located just outside of Ponyville. A small cluster of fancy buildings, placed around a pretty garden, that is in turn surrounded by vast stretches of farmlands.

The seat of the local noble, from what she heard.

But more importantly, the home of her best friend!

Amor doesn't mind waiting. In fact, she is more than prepared not to leave that spot, even if she has to wait until sunrise. After all, she isn't as interested in going to the gathering as much as she is interested in being with her friend. So, if her friend doesn't feel like going to the gathering, she will stay there all night. And if her friend decides to come, she will accompany her there.

This, without a doubt, is the high point of her week. The thing she looks forward to the most.

But still, it doesn't change the fact that waiting is boring. So, like every other week, she is currently indulging in one of her hobbies.

Wood carving.

Amor carries several items in her saddlebag, for nights like this. Some food, in case she needs to wait the whole night. A blanket in case it gets cold.

And a few small blocks of wood, as well as a knife.

So, right now she is working on one of those blocks. Right now, she is trying to sculps a replica of… well, of the only relevant structure she can really see, given where she is sitting.

Which means she is slowly carving the wooden block into a small, and crudely made, replica of the noble mansion where her friend lives.

…

It is a little funny, she thinks, of how strange her carvings come out.

Because whenever she is carving wood, chipping away little pieces of it with her knife, she doesn't really think about what she is doing. In fact, she just lets her hoofs guide the process.

So, sometimes the wood-replica of the mansion will be a bit crooked, here and there. And sometimes it will have a few details that, no matter how hard she looks, she can't really find in real life.

But most of the time, she will be surprised by the fact that for some reason… she carves something else, other than a replica of the mansion.

Because when she really gets distracted, when she really lets her hoofs move on their own, she inevitably ends up carving what seems to be a small pair of dogs.

Sometimes, she will just carve a little blocky mansion with two tiny dogs sleeping in front of it. Sometimes, she will carve a replica of the mansion, but with bits and pieces of it broken down as if they had been gnawed by a pair of mouths.

And sometimes, she will just carve two dogs. Biting each other, or themselves, with no mansion in sight. An entire block of wood chipped down to a pair of canines, even though she had her eyes on the mansion the entire time she was working on it.

She can't really explain it, but it's not like she thinks too hard about it either.

However, tonight she…

…

… tonight, she…

…

There is something different going on tonight.

She doesn't know what it is. She can't even explain it. But the moment she sat down on the hill that overlooks the mansion, and started working on her little block of wood, she could feel that…

… that something new is in the air.

She can feel it, in the dryness of her throat and in the beating of her heart. She can feel it, even though it is so faint that it is almost painful.

But still, she knows that there is nothing she can do.

Like everypony else, she can only wait.

So, she continues to carve her little block of wood. Not taking her eyes out of the mansion even for a second, as her hoofs work away.

Until finally, finally, she sees what she had been waiting for.

The front door of the mansion opens, leaking out a bit of candlelight, and a lone mare walks out of it.

And of course, Amor recognizes her instantly. That's her friend! That's the pony she had been waiting for all along! In fact she gets so excited that she stands up and begins to wave a hoof.

She almost yells out her name! She almost yells for Soft Sweeps to look at her!

However… it doesn't take long for her to realize something is wrong with her friend.

Because unlike every other night, her friend isn't opening her wings and flying towards her. In fact, from the speed she is walking, it doesn't even look like she is awake.

Instead, Amor watches as her friend just… begins to walk. She watches as the pegasus mare walks through the garden, and walks out through the front gate, and starts making her way towards Ponyville, without even sparing Amor a glance.

Soft Sweeps knows Amor is there. Of course she does. They always meet here before going to the gathering.

And yet, this time… the way she is acting…

…

Ah.

There is a smile on Amor's face, as she finally understands what is going on. And rather than feeling discouraged, or feeling despondent because her dear friend didn't come talk to her, she actually feels thrilled.

Because she can already tell that… that whatever happened, whatever it is that she is feeling inside of her…

It is a sign.

It is a sign that tonight will be special.

It is a sign that this is the night, or perhaps one of the nights, they have been waiting for this whole time. Ever since the gathering came together.

So, she must make sure everything is ready.

She immediately jumps into action, throwing the block of wood away, and almost forgetting to stash her knife in saddlebag. And moments later, she is already galloping towards Ponyville. Her quick pace being sure to get her there before Soft's almost-sleepwalking speed.

Because she knows, she just knows, that she must get there before her friend does. She must make sure that everypony is ready, and that everypony knows, before her friend gets there.

In fact, she is so thrilled and so focused on this calling, that she doesn't even notice what her hoofs had just carved.

She doesn't even notice that the block of wood, that she so carelessly tossed away the moment she spotted her friend, had a carving of three dogs, all running after each other's tail in a circle. Three wolves, as opposed to the two she had been accidentally carving this whole time.

A new revelation was upon them.





- - -

- - -

- - -





There is something wrong with Soft Sweeps tonight.

Everypony realizes it. Everypony can see it.

But nopony mentions it to her. In fact, nopony wants to mention that to her.

Not only because the rules forbid speaking to her, unless one is spoken to. But also because…

Well, because the young pegasus looks like she is in a trance. And there isn't a single pony here who wants to wake her from that state.

…

The Ponyville grief support group is an assortment of different ponies. They all came from different cities, and they all came from different walks of life.

Some of them were rich, and others were poor. Some of them are young, and others are old.

But all of them, without exception, lost everything. All of them saw their lives burn to the ground when the Catastrophe happened. And all of them have been carrying the pain of that loss ever since.

They were all, almost without exception, nearly drowned by the mind-numbing shock of seeing their lives go up in flames.

And they were all dragged out of the murky pit of their misery by her. Woken up by her words, and given new life by the flame that she placed inside their hearts.

They all went through that, and they are all grateful to her…



… even though the young pegasus herself has no idea that she did any of that.



Still, tonight things are different.

Tonight, young Soft Sweeps is barely herself. And ever since she entered the room, she has not spoken to anypony. She just made her way, glassy-eyed and mumbling to herself, to the chair where she usually sits. She just sat down in the circle and did nothing more, balancing her body back and forth as if she was trapped inside of her own mind.

Thankfully, they were all ready for that. Because to everypony's surprise, Whacky had come galloping into the room just a few minutes prior, and had warned all of them that tonight was the night.

So, as Soft Sweeps takes her seat, and stares at the floor as if she was sleepwalking, they all… play their parts.

Because for some reason, for some maddening reason that nopony can explain, they all know what they must do. And the pain they carry inside their hearts, the flame that burns at their chest every single day, is growing so strong that it is almost painful, tonight.

So, they start their meeting the same way they always do. They begin to tell their own stories, to share the pain that haunts them, like they would any other week.

But tonight, even that feels different. Tonight, it feels like their pains are burning so strongly inside their chests that it will burn them from the inside if they do not let them out in the form of words.



"Would anypony like to share anything tonight?" the old stallion asks, starting off the meeting like he always does.



And so, they all begin to share.

The stallion sitting to Soft Sweep's left begins to talk. He tells everypony about his family, his wife and his son, and how they all choked and died when the fires began. He tells everypony of how heavy they felt on his forelegs, as he hugged their dead and dirty bodies inside the charred husk of his home. And how he still feels their weight, sometimes, when he is alone.

Once he is done, the mare to his left continues. She begins to talk about her own loss, sharing details she had never told anypony else before. About how her brother turned into a monster, and how she fled instead of trying to protect their mother.

And then the next pony speaks, and the next, and the next. Starting from Soft Sweep's left and going clockwise. Malady upon malady. Misery after misery. The orphaned son. The grieving grandmother. The limbs that were lost, either burned or crushed, while they tried to drag out bodies from under the rubble. They all share their own agonies, until the atmosphere is so heavy with it that it almost feels like there is smoke in the air. As if some unseen fire is burning nearby, coming from their chests and leaking out of their mouth in the form of words, and slowly covering the room.

As if something else is nearby, stalking around the circle of chairs on silent paws, making the air heavier and dirtier with its presence.

Until finally, at long last, it is Whacky's own turn. And like she does every other day, the mare who sits at Soft Sweep's right shares a story that isn't her own. She tells them all a story about somepony else, who also lost everything, but who isn't here tonight to share it himself.

Her words are almost painful to the ears, but they all listen to her nonetheless.

After all, it is only right that somepony represents those who were already taken by the flames.

And when she is done speaking, they all turn to the last pony. They all turn, with rapt attention, to the one mare who has not yet shared anything tonight.

They all turn to Soft Sweeps, and they hold their breath lest the filthy smoke in the air causes them to choke.

And finally… finally…

… she begins to speak.

"I have a picture of my family… my old family… the one that burned, when everypony died…"​

Her words are so low that they might as well be a whisper.

But the filthy air, that doesn't smell like blood or tar or ozone, but something worse altogether, is somehow carrying her words with perfect clarity.

"I keep it in a drawer, by the bed… I look at it every night, after I'm done with the day…"​

They all listen to her, as she speaks. They all listen, and not a single sound is heard other than that of her words.

After all, the third rule, the most important rule, exists precisely for moments like this.

"But tonight, when I looked at it, I realized that… that it was a bit damaged. The paper was a bit wrinkled… the picture was… starting to show signs of age…"​

And the third rule is that…

… under no circumstances interrupt Her while She speaks.

"And that made me realize that… that one day, that picture will be gone, you know? One day, the one thing that I have to remember them by… it will be gone. It will turn into dust. It won't be there anymore."​

The young pegasus says that, as she looks down at her hoofs.

She looks down at her hoofs as if she is she is holding the picture at that exact moment. She looks down at her hoofs, as if she is looking at the memory of her dead family even as she whispers her next words.

"So I… I was suddenly struck with the thought that… that I should stop that? No, that wasn't it… I suddenly had this idea that… that I should do something about it. That it isn't fair… it isn't right, to let the picture turn to dust. To let it fade, day after day. It… it isn't right, so I couldn't let it happen."​

She says that, and suddenly… something happens.

It is not anything anypony can see. It is not something that is taking place in real life. However, even though the air is clear, and even though there is nothing to be seen in that room other than a group of ponies sitting around in a circle of chairs…

… for some reason, everypony can feel the smell of smoke. As if something is burning on the young pegasus' hoofs.

"So I… I burned the picture. I burned it. The last memory I had of them. I burned it all, until it turned into ashes… And the ashes burned my mouth in return as I swallowed them down." ​

The smell of smoke seems to be coming from her hoof, as if she is holding a burning picture that is slowly crumbling into a tiny pile of ash.

"And this burning sensation… I can still feel it. It still hurts… It will never stop hurting… This burn in my throat, it is part of me now… And they will never leave me again."​

She says that, and then she stares at her hoof. At her hoof, or at the memory of a picture she once held, or perhaps at the tiny, charred spot that she has there, from having held a flame.

And then she…

…

…she takes a deep breath, her eyes suddenly going wide and focused as if she just woke up from a dream.

"W-what?! When did I-?!"

And just like that, all the strange and dirty smells that had been weighing down the air disappear a moment later.

Soft Sweeps looks around her, almost as if shocked by the fact that she is here. She recognizes everypony, of course, and she immediately knows where she is.

But it is also blatantly clear that she has no idea how she got here, or what just happened.

"I-I… I have to go!" she says, more out of panic than anything else, and immediately jumps up from her chair.

"Hold on Soft, let me walk you home!" and Whacky follows right after her, like she always does.

Leaving everypony else… there, to wonder and discuss what just happened.

To write down the instructions they just received, of what they ought to do next.

On that night, they all took a precious item they had been holding on to. A stuffed toy that belonged to a foal, a cherished scarf knitted for a loved one. They all took those precious items, and they burned them. They burned them, in the privacy of their own homes, right before they went to bed.

They burned them, and then they swallowed down the dirty ashes that remained.

That night, sixteen of them had the Dream. Fifteen woke up to share the news with their fellows, and one of them woke with his lungs full of ash, as he almost did not survive what found him during his dreams.

And from that night onwards, their purpose was a little clearer.

Spoiler: A few days later

"What do you mean you want a job as a maid, Amor?"

"Well, it only makes sense! It would be awesome to work in the same place as you work. Besides, don't you think I would look great in the uniform?"

"Being a maid is… a lot more stuff than just wearing a uniform! And besides, I can't just get you a job like that. I-I just work there! I don't have that kind of power."

"Psht. Of course you do! And come oooon, I can't take seeing you just once a week anymore-"

"W-what do you mean by that?!"

"-can't you do this favor for your faithful Wacky?"

"… fine… I'll… see what I can do?"

"Huzzah!"

Just a group of ponies dealing with their own problems.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

You are Raven Inkwell, and right now you are…

"Oh wow, your face says it all. Was it really that bad…?"

… you are taking a deep breath.

You are taking a deep breath, and you… you really just need a moment to think.

"Raven? Is… is everything alright? Memoir, help me out here."

"Hmm? What did you s-? Oh dear Celestia! Raven, what happened?"

You just need a moment to think. And to breathe. And to make sense of this storm you have going on inside your mind.

Yes, that's all you need. Just a moment. Less than a minute. You just need a minute to yourself, and you will be fine!

Like that. Breathe in, breathe out, and do it again. Without any chills running down your spine. Without any implied threats hanging over your head. And most importantly, without any existential dread that you have no choice but t-



"Raven? Raven!!!"



-your thoughts come to a sudden halt, and your entire world finally comes into focus, as you realize somepony is shaking you by the shoulders.

When…? How did she…?

"Oh, thank Celestia. Raven, can you hear me? Is everything alright?"

Memoir says that as she holds you by the shoulders.

And you… you try to answer her, but…

"Everything is fine, Raven. Just look into my eyes. Deeeeep breaths, girl. Deeeep breaths."

You can't really answer her because, apparently, you are hyperventilating. Or rather, you are still, hyperventilating. And you seem to have been doing that for a while now.

Also, are you pushing your back against the door?

It takes you several more seconds to get your bearings. But eventually, you manage to get a hold of yourself.

"Dear Celestia, I… thanks, everypony," you say to everypony else in the Secretariat.

To which Memoir finally let go of your shoulders.

Although, she doesn't even have to voice the question she has inside her head. You can see from her expression that she, and everypony else, wants to know what just happened. And of course, you will tell them. You need to tell them. After all, you will need everypony's help to perform the task you have just been given.

"Everypony, I need to tell you all something," you say out loud.

You are currently inside the Secretariat of the Lunar Bureau. Everypony else is also here, save for the Deputy. And of course, you have just returned from the Commissioner's office.

Yes, you just returned from her office, and she just gave you a task. That is why you were… well, a little nervous, once you got back here. That is why you have… or rather, that is why you still have your back pressed against the door, as if your body had unconsciously tried to secure the thin barrier that exists between this room and the Commissioner's office.

But now that you are a little more calm you… well, you unglue your back from the door, for starters, and then you address everypony else.

"The Commissioner just asked for something, and I think it will take us a little more than usual to get it done."

You say that, and what little work everypony else was doing finally stops. Typewriters that were being used finally come to a halt, and the few ponies who were only listening to you, but who were still working on something else, finally stop whatever they were doing to give you their full attention.

More than just that, you can sense that the air itself is getting a little heavier. As if everypony's collective nervousness is finally coming to the front.

And you understand why this is happening. Of course you do. You understand why everypony reacted to your words this way. Everypony does.

And that is because, ever since this week started, the Commissioner has been…



… well, let's go with the word focused. Because you don't truly know the correct way to say it better.



It wasn't really anything she did. By Celestia, it wasn't even anything she said. It's just that during this last weekend, there has been a breakthrough in the investigations over the shapeshifters.

You are not sure when the Commissioner learned about it, but you are sure she has a more direct link with the investigators. It probably happened that, during the weekend and right after the family event, she must have received news from a runner.

But still, the fact remains that ever since the week began, the Commissioner has been almost unrecognizable. The kind and gentle mare, who would come to the Secretariat every now and then to ask for something, or to just chat with all of you and the Deputy, is nowhere to be seen. The cautious and patient mare, who would usually ask for everypony's opinion before making a decision, is now gone.

And ever since the news arrived that the investigators caught a whiff of the shapeshifters, she has been focused to the point that she is frightening. Every word out of her mouth an order. Every moment of silence a gathering storm, and every decision final.

"She is still on her meeting with the team leaders," you continue, "but there seems to be a… problem, of sorts."

You say that, and then you explain everypony else what just happened.

The Commissioner is, as you said, currently on a meeting with everypony. The deputy, the chief investigators, the team-leaders of the Constables. All the department heads of the Bureau are there, reporting to her the latest updates of the investigation.

Or rather, they were all trying to explain to her the latest… problem they have met.

Following the trail of where the shapeshifters might have gone after the Catastrophe, the investigation teams have found something promising on the outskirts of Tall Tale, a city on the western shore of Equestria. More specifically, they believe that the shapeshifters were, or perhaps still are, somewhere on or around the Smokey Mountains.

"But the problem is that… well, the mountaineer guild of the city has been awfully protective of their maps and trails. And for all that the mayor of the city isn't causing any problems, he is also refusing to help and…"

Everypony collectively winces, as you tell them the details. And they all understand the implications of what you are saying.

Because, as far as the detectives were able to explain, they city mayor is trying his best to stay out of trouble. With all parties involved. However, given how the Commissioner is currently acting, everypony immediately understands that she will conclude the mayor is getting in her way.

"… so, the Commissioner wants everything we have," you conclude.

Although a few ponies, Memoir included, can't help but frown at what you said.

"Raven, what exactly do you mean by everything?" Memoir asks, and a few other ponies nod in support of her question.

"Everything. Everything," you say, feeling another chill run down your spine as you recall the exact words the Commissioner said to you, just a few minutes ago. "Every name of every official in Tall Tale. Every contact they ever had. Every birth certificate from everypony in their family. Everything."

"Is… is the Commissioner going to Blueblood them?" somepony asks, the tension in his voice very clear. He asks that to the room at large, to nopony in particular.

He asks that question because, in all honesty, that is the question in everypony's mind. Even your own.

And of course, nopony answers him.

Nopony answers him because, deep down, everypony thinks this will be worse than it was with the Bluebloods.

With that, you all get to work.



- - -



It has been half an hour, since you all started poring over the files.

The Commissioner is still in her office, and the meeting with the department heads is still ongoing. However, she has not asked for any of you secretaries yet. So, you all assume you are supposed to be working on your latest task.

And by Celestia are you all working.

The Lunar Bureau has a very generous archive to speak of. But given the investigative focus of the institution, most of the information you have in the underground storages are copies from the police archives of the several cities of Equestria. Convenient duplicates, that were gathered here when the Bureau was still being formed, so that an ongoing investigation could collate information from the entire country without your detectives having to take a several hours trip just to check some obscure detail.

Furthermore, the Lunar Bureau is also located in the Royal District. So, you also have access to the Royal Archive. And that building (and its several underground levels and vaults) literally dwarfs the Bureau's archives both in size and in breadth.

But still, having access to all these sources does not take away from having to comb through it, locate what is relevant, and then summarize it for the Commissioner's attention.

And by Celestia, is that a lot of work.

"Alright, so… we have the mayor, his wife, and his parents. Anything on foals or siblings?" you ask, as you light up your horn and push yet another box of files towards you.

"Nothing on the city reports," Memoir says, as she sifts through the information you currently have. "But all we have here are reports and dossiers. We will only have the more official stuff, like the birth and marriage certificates, once they come back from the Royal Archive. And that could be hours from now."

You nod at the mare, weaving your levitation magic as you parse through another set of reports.

This task, you know, will take a while. More than just a few hours, you might have to spend the next few days on this. Because for all that Equestria has a healthy bureaucracy, there isn't really an easy way to search through all the accumulated information that said bureaucracy creates.

So, right now, you and Memoir are going through all the reports that the detectives have done on or around Tall Tale. The detectives of the Bureau are, you already know, very competent. So, it is not unusual for their reports to contain notes, comments, or disparate findings about the powerful ponies who govern the areas they are investigating.

However, as Memoir said, those reports can only go so far. And you will need to go through other documents, such as family trees, official contracts and whatnot, if you want to get a proper snapshot of who is who in Tall Tale.

"You know, I always thought this kind of thing was easier to do if we had actual ponies going around and asking questions. Do you think we should advise the Commissioner to, I don't know, ask a team of investigators to do this instead?" Memoir asks.

And on one hoof, you agree with her.

But on the other hoof…

"… do you want to go there and tell her that?" you ask.

And the mare quickly goes silent.

Besides, you are sure the Commissioner will do something like that. You are sure that this task, this initial research on her targ-… on these ponies of interest, is just the first step. The first step of a very short road that will end with several hoofs kicking down several doors.

Another shiver runs down your spine, as you remember the intensity in the Commissioner's eyes as she ordered you to begin this search. By the sun, she wasn't even looking at you when she ordered you to do this, but you could still feel her gaze on your back.

"Ah, found something!" Memoir says, triumphantly raising a field report dated a few weeks back, "here, the mayor seems to have an older brother. Still alive, it seems. This report has a mention that this brother would visit Vanhoover a few days later."

You nod to yourself, writing down that new piece of information in the first draft of the report you are all preparing.

Four of you have gone to the Royal Archive, to start the long process of searching for more information. And one of you is currently in the underground archive fetching a few more boxes of documents. But still, you would like to think that you and Memoir are doing enough progress by yourselves.

"Good, good. Very good," you say under your breath. Although you don't even realize that you are still floating several files with your magic, and that you are currently writing with your mouth rather than your horn.

However, your concentration is almost broken by a sudden knock on the door.

"Mail run! Mail run from the Castle!" a stallion's voice, slightly hoarse for some reason, comes through the door. "May I please come in?"

You and Memoir look at each other, before she just shrugs at you. The two of you know who it is, of course. You both recognize that voice. But still, neither of you think the Secretariat is rather presentable right now.

After all, both you and Memoir are sitting on the floor, surrounded by boxes upon boxes of files, like two foals who has decided to spend the entire evening playing with their toys. Except that, instead of castles made out of building blocks, you each have your own pony-tall stacks of files you are combing through.

But still, as you can see from Memoir's shrug, neither of you really care about how you look right now.

"Come on in," you say towards the door.

And the familiar figure of Trusty Cloud, the Princesses' own courier, enters the Secretariat.

As always, he is wearing his flying cap, and the magical saddlebag on his back is firmly locked. But thankfully, you don't see any judgment in his one working eye.

"Scuze me. I usually deliver the mail to the stallion on that desk," he says pointing at Night Spark's desk. But the stallion, you know, is probably navigating the labyrinthic Royal Archive right now. "Is it alright if I give it to one of you, though?"

"Of course, I'll have it," you hear Memoir say, and you once again focus on what you are doing.

And soon enough, Memoir has signed what needs to be signed, received the small pile of letters directed to the Lunar Bureau, and waved the pegasus goodbye as he left to continue his own errands.

But a few seconds later, you a strange noise coming from the mare, and you once again look up towards Memoir.

Only to find her with a… very apologetic expression on her face, as she looks down at one of the letters she just received.

"What's the matter, Memoir?" you ask, wondering what could possibly have made the mare react that way. After all, the letters she was sifting through are all still closed and sealed. The only thing she can read from them, right now, is the address and name of the senders.

So why on Equestria would Memoir be…?

Oh…

You can feel your own heartrate quicken up, as you come to the only obvious conclusion.

Oh no…

"Raven, I… I'm afraid we have a priority one letter…" she says.

And you can only gulp something dry, as she very meekly delivers you the letter in question.



- - -



Despite the several jokes that are whispered by the constables, the Secretariat of the Lunar Bureau is actually a very busy department.

Granted, the results of their actions may appear to be modest. After all, the reports that go to the Commissioner, and the written orders that come from the Commissioner, aren't really that long.

But that is precisely why the Secretariat has so much work to do. Because ultimately, their job is to be the last line of communication between all the inputs the Bureau receive, and the one pony who was chosen by the Princesses to decide how to react to all those inputs. Like the Offices of the Princesses themselves, the Secretariat act as a great funnel (and at times as a filter) to review, compact and present the information that the Bureau receives. So that the Commissioner, who only has twenty-four hours in the day like everypony else, may do her job as efficiently as possible.

So, naturally, the Secretariat receives all the correspondence of the Lunar Bureau.

Anyways. All that matters right now is that, as per the Commissioner's own orders, there are four separate "priorities" that a letter may have.

The lowest priority is, basically, junk mail. Attempts from nobles to entreat the Commissioner, resumes from ponies who would like to be hired by the Bureau, and all other manners of correspondence that is neither expected nor related to the Bureau's activities fall under that priority. This is the lowest level of priority an arriving letter can have, and is the kind of thing you are all allowed to open, and "dispatch at your own judgment". But most importantly, that is the kind of letter that should never waste the Commissioner's time by reaching her desk.

During the first few weeks of the Bureau's existence, Deputy Shining Armor would go through those letters himself. But nowadays, it is basically Night Spark who deals with those.

After that, there are the "priority three" letters. Letters from investigators, such as reports sent through secure couriers, or other mail that is important to the Burau itself, falls under this category. Normally, those letters can be opened in the Secretariat. And after that, they are either dispatched to whatever department should receive them, or they are added to the Commissioner's end-of-week report, for her to go over while she travels back home.

And of course, what matters to you is that, again, the Commissioner never really sees those letters. And unless she directly asks for them, she will only read of their contents through Spark's reports.

"Priority two" letters are letters that carry more weight than just that. Direct letters from the governors of the major cities, or some other correspondence reporting a major issue, fall under this category. Furthermore, there is a running list of specific sources, such as Fair Trial's office, that fall in this category. Letters that the Deputy thinks are important can also be "bumped" up to this level, and these are the letters that the Commissioner will read at the end of the day, once she is done with her agenda.

And finally, "priority one" letters are, according to the Commissioner's own words, "stop whatever I am doing and make me read it" letters.

There are only three senders that fall under this priority: Princess Celestia's office, Princess Cadance's office, and…



…



You gulp down something dry, as you stand in front of the office of the Commissioner.

You don't want to go in there. You very much do not want to go in there again. It was already intimidating enough to just take notes, before she sent you away. But you definitely do not want to go there and be the subject of her attention.

You don't want to.

But you have to.

You cautiously raise a hoof towards the doorknob, and you try to ignore voices you can hear coming from the other side.

"-really a need for that? I-I mean… we could try some other alternative, no? Lady Fair Trial already said that she could help us, even. It would take a few days, but she could push the local judiciary to-"

"Princess Celestia has ordered that the changelings be persecuted, Deputy. And that is exactly what is going to happen."​

The words, her words, seem to cut through the air.

And you can feel, rather than hear, how everypony else in the room just had their breaths stuck inside their lungs.

You know what is going on inside that room. You know very well who is currently gathered in that meeting.

And yet, even though you realize there are more than ten strong, competent, and even dangerous mares and stallions sitting in front of the Commissioner, you also know they are all currently cowered… perhaps even suppressed as she speaks those words.

You have no idea how the Deputy is managing to talk back to her.

Although, from his tone of voice, it doesn't really sound like he is "talking back" rather than he is begging for the Commissioner to be lenient.

"But this… think of the long term, ma'am. If we do this to all these ponies, there will be nopony else to run the city. Everypony else will realize that-"

"They will realize what should already be obvious, and what Princess Celestia has already made very clear. To hinder the Bureau is to offend Princess Luna, and there shall be none of that under Equestria's sun."

"… but…"

"Discipline requires victims, Deputy. And why are you standing there doing nothing, Raven Inkwell?"​

Your hoof lunges for the doorknob, and you open the door right after, almost as if somepony had just pushed you.

And you don't even stop to think about how she could possibly know you were standing there. Nopony stops to question that. Because even a single glance at the Commissioner would make it crystal clear that she knows everything. So, of course she already knew you were idling behind the door to her office.

But still, as soon as you enter the room you are… frozen.

Everything is exactly as it was before you left. Two rows of chairs, brought from another room and arranged in perfect lines, are currently being occupied by the same number of ponies. They are all sitting ramrod straight, some of them with notebooks being clutched on hoofs, as they direct their full attention to the Commissioner.

And they are all tense. There is no way to question that, and no need to hide it. They are all tense, keeping their mouths tightly shut, and only speaking when they have something relevant to add. Or when they are ordered to do so.

They are all like that because, sitting opposite to them behind the great office desk is…

"You have not yet finished your current task. Report the reason for this interruption."​

Commissioner Velvet Covers is sitting on her large and cushioned chair, her hoofs joined together in front of her and hiding the scowl you all know she is wearing.

But still, even though you can't really see her mouth, you can perfectly see everything else. From the no-nonsense expression she has on her face, to the chilly, almost cutting presence that is coming from her eyes.

It is almost hard to believe that you are standing before a mere unicorn, and not a Princess. No, more than just that, you have already met Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance, and you did not feel this intimidated even when you were in their presence.

The only thing you can think about is how… where in Equestria did they find a mare like this? What terrible design does Princess Celestia have for the Lunar Bureau, that would need a mare like this at its head?

The only thing you can think about is that.

And the only thing you can do is answer the question she just asked you.

No other options come to your mind. No other alternative could even come to you, other than the unthinkable alternative of disobedience.

There is only the Commissioner's word, and her word is final.

"W-we have received a letter, Commissioner," you say, the words pushing against each other as they fight to rush out of your mouth. "Priority one."

You say that, and then you wait. You wait because there is no alternative but to wait. You wait because she has not yet ordered you not to wait for what comes next.

And you watch as several ponies around you narrow their eyes, as they wonder what your words could possibly mean. At the same time that the Deputy, who understands the workings of the Secretariat, takes in a deep and tense breath.

However, less than a second passes before the Commissioner herself acts.

Her horn lights up, glowing with a sharp thrum of magic, and moments later the letter you are carrying begins to glow with the same light. And it begins to float towards her.

The letter is already open, cut with an impossibly thin incision on its side, before it reaches her hoof.

And the entire room awaits in silence as her eyes scan through its contents.

Once she is done reading…



…



… something begins to happen…



…



… and slowly…



…



… impossibly slowly…



… the Commissioner's expression begins to shift.

It is a change that happens inch by inch, a transformation that is so gradual it might as well not be happening at all.

But as she reads through the letter, line after line, something impossible begins to happen with the Commissioner's expression.

It begins to soften.

The forelegs that were over her desk fall down to the side. The harsh eyes become less judgmental, perhaps even gentler. And as impossible as it might sound, her judging scowl turns neutral. No, it turns into a smile.

You feel like you are looking at a great mountainside, who is currently going through an avalanche. Like you are looking at the snowy top of Mount Canterlot itself, as it gradually thaws out to reveal the lush green of grass.

And the heavy atmosphere of the office, so thick that the ponies in here could barely breath, starts to fade away. Disappearing as if it has almost never been there, like a bad dream or the cold of a foggy morning.

Until finally, at long last, Commissioner Velvet Covers is just reading from the letter with a smile on her face. Her eyes making it clear that she is re-reading it, perhaps even for the third time now.

"Ah, this is wonderful. Thank you very much for bringing this in, Miss Inkwell," she says, nodding to herself.

And you realize that your body was so tense, that simply hearing her say the word "Miss" before your name is so relaxing that it is almost painful. The muscles of your hindlegs protesting, as your body finally allows them to be less stiff.

"Alright everypony, it seems I will have to leave Canterlot earlier than expected," the Commissioner continues, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Her calm mood contrasting so much with everypony else's tension that it is almost glaring.

But still, she gets up from her chair nonetheless, and begins to make her way out towards the door.

"Shining Armor, I'll leave this matter to you," she says. And even though everypony's eyes just went wide in surprise, as they witness the impossible scene of the Commissioner changing her mind, the mare herself seems entirely undisturbed. "What was your suggestion again?"

"GiveFairTrialafewdayssoshecantrytodefusethissituation!" the Deputy answers in a rush, without even breathing. Sharing everypony's opinion that they need to take this opportunity before it disappears.

"Yes, yes, that. Very well. Do whatever you think is best. And give me a report next week," she says, as she passes by your side and leaves through the open door. "Oh, and Inkwell? Could you have a carriage ready for me? Have it wait on the Royal Castle. One of my daughters just got her cutie mark! So I am going back home right now."

She says that, and then she is gone. Walking down the corridor, with a happy skip on her hoofs, until she disappears down the stairs.

Leaving you all… there. In her office. Wide-eyed at the fact that… that she just… That through the several last days she was one way, and now she is back to…

…

Everypony, yourself included, just stay like that for a few more seconds.

Until finally, somepony lets out a long breath. You can't tell if it is one of disbelief, or if it is a sigh of relief. But still, somepony practically deflates on his chair. And he is quickly followed by another, and another. To the point that the Deputy himself tries to get up from his chair, only for him to give up as he realizes his legs are still wobbling under him.



"What… what in Celestia's name just happened…?"

"Her family just got a new cutie mark, that's what happened... I think?"

"But… but that's it? I-Is… is she gone? Or will she be the same way when she comes back?"

"I mean, you saw how she was with her family during the event, no? How she was around the two fillies, and the older one? Must be the one weak spo-… no, she doesn't have those. Must be her one button, that I hope never gets pressed."

"But it can't be just that. She was normal last week, but now… She must really have it out for the changelings. I mean, it has to be that, right?"

"Tartarus if I know, but thank Celestia for this. I could feel my mane turning gray during this last meeting! Deputy, please, in Celestia's own good name give my team a mission so we can leave. I do NOT want to be here for the next report."

"M-mine as well! Send me away as well!"



The conversation, which started in hushed whispers, quickly gains intensity as it dawns on everypony that the Commissioner is really gone for the rest of the week. And more than a few ponies, especially a pair of administrators who were sitting on the back row of seats, just cup their heads with their hoofs in shocked silence.

But eventually, and inevitably, everypony goes back to work.

"Oh, and Raven?" the Deputy says, before you leave through the door. "You can stop the research that the Commissioner asked for. We'll sort all of this out before she comes back," he says.

And you can only thank him as you go back to the Secretariat.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers, and you have just arrived at home.

Of course, you do realize this is a weekday. In fact, right now is the afternoon that is smack down in the middle of the week. And of course, you also realize that (against your own habits) you flew here in a chariot.

Your week so far was… normal? Yes, the last three days you spent working on the Bureau were utterly normal, and you have nothing out of the ordinary to tell about it whatsoever.

More importantly! You are here right now. You are here, and you made an exception to come here by carriage because today is an exception. In fact, today is an exception upon exceptions. More than just that, this is the kind of day that only happens once in a pony's life.

Because today, you have just learned one of your daughters got a cutie mark!

Granted, it technically happened yesterday. After all, unless a pegasus runner directly brings something to you, the mail still takes an entire day to come from your house to your workplace. Because even though your estate is now in the daily route of the Royal Courier, that route is only made once a day for obvious reasons.

And of course, the fact that it was Selene who "gained" her cutie mark yesterday has its own implications. You know that she, well, can take certain liberties with her filly body. And you realize that, in truth, this was a decision she made rather than the happy realization of a filly.

Of course you know all of that. You are an intelligent mare.

But.

You.

Don't.

Care!



Because your filly just got her cutie mark!



"Good afternoon, ma'am," Ponpon says, greeting you the moment the door of your carriage opens.

She has a smile on her face. And Soft Sweeps, who is standing right next to her, is also beaming.

Because how could they not? A filly just got a cutie mark! One of their charges, as maids of a noble household, just got her cutie mark! So, it is only natural that they are happy about this. More than just that, you are sure that every last servant in the estate has already heard the news, and that this has been the main topic of conversation since yesterday.

After all, cutie marks are a big deal. And a foal of a noble household getting a cutie mark is no different!

"Great afternoon, Ponpon!" you say, practically hopping down the stairs of the carriage and making your way to the two mares. "So, where is she? And where is everypony else?"

The three of you are all smiles as you make your way through the front door, and into the entrance hall. You vaguely wave for the flying carriage to leave, not really caring enough to look back towards them, as you listen to Ponpon.

"We sent a letter to your husband at the same time we sent yours. So given how far he is up north, he should arrive in two days. Or maybe tomorrow, if he decides to fly straight here as soon as he gets it."

You nod at her as the three of you make your way up the stairs. It will probably be the latter, you think.

"And young Silky is in Selene's room," she finishes, getting a vigorous nod out of Soft as well. "Oh, and something else you should know. Their little friends also came by after school, so don't be surprised when you see a small army of fillies once you get there."

"The more the merrier," you say, feeling your heart soar as you trot up the stairs. Quickly reaching the second floor where your family lives, and already feeling the noisome crowd Ponpon just told you about. "In fact, Ponpon, you know what happens next right? You can already start working on it, if you don't mind."

You say that, and the maid immediately understands.

Because of course, when a foal gets her cutie mark there is one thing that absolutely must happen. It will happen as soon as your husband arrives, but Ponpon can absolutely start organizing it immediately!

"Of course, ma'am. I'll oversee the preparations myself!" the head maid says, a small fire appearing in her eyes. Turning around and trotting downstairs right after.

Leaving you alone with your oldest daughter.

"Oh, Softy, but this is just so exciting!" you can't help but say, as the two of you make your way through the corridor. Making a beeline towards Selene's room, where you can already hear a chorus of fillies saying something, laughing as they joke about this or that. "I spent the entire trip here wishing you had included a description on the letter, but now I'm glad you didn't! There's something special about seeing it for the first time!"

Soft Sweeps, still walking next to you, lets out an adorable laughter as she listens to you.

And as the two of you arrive in front of the door to Selene's room, you can barely hear her over the sound of the fillies yelling, coming from inside the room.

"Absolutely! And you have to hear how everypony else reacted, too. You know, when the fillies arrived here after school, they practically-"



Soft Sweeps starts to talk, as you light up your horn to open the door.

But something inside of you practically freezes as you-

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

-as you...

You...

You shake your head.

What… what were you doing again?

Did… did anything just happen?

Ehh, probably not.

So, you just make your way to Selene and-

"Here! Is! My! Beautiful! Daughter!!!"

-you say that, the joyous words practically jumping out of your mouth, as you light up your horn and float the filly towards you.

"M-mom?!" is all she says, wide-eyed in surprise by your sudden appearance.

"And who else would it be, silly? Do you think I'd not come once I heard the news?" you say, giving her a long hug as soon as she is on your forelegs.

And more importantly, immediately shifting her to the side as soon as you are done kissing her face.

"And would you look at that! Selene, dear, this is wonderful!"

Because finally, finally, you are looking at her cutie mark. You are looking at your filly's cutie mark!

As is the case with everypony else who is old enough, a small but detailed drawing is now on your daughter's flank. It is the symbol of a telescope, looking up at a pair of white stars, with a large moon to the side. The kind of cutie mark that would immediately identify her as an astronomer, or perhaps a scientist, who no doubt has a great deal of love for the night sky.

And just like your little Selene, it is perfect!

"Oh Selene, I am so happy for you!" you say, hugging her even more tightly.

Some of her friends, who are right in front of you (you did steal her away from the middle of that little crowd, after all) laugh a little as you fawn over her. But most of them just wait with a smile.

But you don't care. Nopony cares! Because everypony knows this is all good fun. Everypony, even the young fillies in front of you, realize that this is a happy occasion. One that should happen to everypony, and that will certainly happen to the four fillies in front of you who still have nothing on their flanks.

Right now, the only thing to do is celebrate!

Are you hugging your daughter? Absolutely!

Are you going to let her go anytime soon? Who knows!

Did you rub your cheek against her flank a few times? Even if you did, nopony is here to stop you!

At some point, your celebratory parade led you and the fillies down to the dining hall. And right now, you are all currently in the process of emptying the large pantry of everything that is remotely sweet. As well as planning a sleepover for all your daughters' friends.

And at some point, when she realizes everypony else is too busy to pay attention, Selene shily makes her way to your side.

"Mom… I… Is any of this really necessary? I mean, um… You don't need to make a big deal about this, you know…?" she asks, her tone low, and more than just a little embarrassed.

To which you answer by picking her up with your hoofs, and gently bringing her face closer to you. Until she is looking right into your eyes.

"Selene, you know we all love you, right?" you ask, with a tone that is as sincere as it is soft. And thankfully, Selene answers you with a nod. "That is great! Now… between the two of us, I understand why you did this," you continue.

After all, a cutie mark about loving the night sky is the perfect way for a filly to explain why she must stay up late. That, and it can justify why she knows so much astronomy, and why she might need certain items, and… well, there are several points you could make. But the point is that, in short, it is just a great way for her to keep her appearances as a filly.

You know that. And you can tell, from how she has been so embarrassed all day, that she certainly was not expecting a tenth of the attention this has received.

Ah, poor Selene… she is still so innocent in some aspects.

So, it is your duty as her mother to teach her about this.

You have a smile on your face, as you say your next few words.

"I understand why you did this. But if you think even for a moment I won't make the biggest deal ever about this, you are sorely mistaken."

You say that. And then, Selene's expression turns from embarrassment to muted horror, as you explain to her the meaning of the word "Cute-ceñeara".

Yes. Your young, innocent daughter still has much to learn.

But luckily for you, she will still be with you for a long, long time.





Selene has gained her cutie mark! A proper celebration will follow. And Velvet Covers will not think about anything else until that is done.

What? What do you mean? Nothing else happened. Nothing at all! You had a boring week at work, and then you came back to your daughters.

If you REALLY think you missed something, maybe go back HERE and manually scroll down. And make sure you turn "Reader Mode" off while doing it.

"But if something is not threadmarked, did it really happen? Probably not. I think not... I hope not."

And on a completely unrelated, and certainly unimportant note, it seems one of Selene's classmates already gave her a present. A small lens-cleaning kit, that works for cameras and telescopes alike. How adorable of him!

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Velvet Pride, and right now you are suffering.

You are in pain.

More than just pain, this is torture.

Because why? Why?

Why must the world be so cruel to you?

Why must she be so close, and yet so far away?!

"Are you alright, Lord?" the familiar voice of Cantrip, your faithful maid, comes to you.

But you don't really have it in you to answer her. Not with words, at least. Instead, you just let out another long, pained sigh.

"You have been sighing an awful lot, Lord," she says, with an apologetic tone. Or at least you think her tone is apologetic.

Because what else could it be? How could anypony look at your situation and not feel sorry for you? How could anypony with a sliver of empathy possibly not be commiserating with your anguish?

Never mind you just heard her stifle a laugh just now. She was probably coughing or something.

"Would you like something from the kitchen, Lord? That ought to cheer you up."

Alas, you can tell that Cantrip is trying to be kind to you. But she simply does not understand what you are going through.

"There is nothing in the kitchen that could cheer me up, Cantrip," you say, weakly laying your chin on your hoof. "Nothing in the kitchen, or in the cellar, or even in the Princesses' own castle. No, the only thing that could possibly cheer me up would be…"

You trail off, but the implication of your words is obvious.

The two of you are currently on your room's balcony, looking down at the estate's garden.

But the garden is not in its usual calm and serenity. In fact, you are looking down at a sight that is quite the opposite of what you would usually see, from this vantage point.

There is a small party happening right before your eyes. A few stories below you, the garden is currently filled with a reasonably large crowd of commoners, most of them foals. And the yells, cheers and laugher of the assorted peasantry is so loud you can barely hear the accompanying music.

That party, you know, is due to your sister's… daughter, having gained her cutie mark. The earth pony one. The one she adopted. And right now, it feels like every last foal in Ponyville has been summoned to your estate.

But the commonfolk foals, and the noise they are making, isn't really the source of your predicament.

Instead, the reason why you are in so much pain… the true meaning behind the words you exchanged with Cantrip, just now… the very reason why you are wasting away at your balcony, as you look at the quaint party down below, is none other than…

"Look at her… just look at her…"

You say that, as you look at the rare and radiant mare, who is currently idling at one of the corners of the garden.

Because even though she is almost out of view, she still manages to be at the center of your attention. And even though you are so far away, you can still see every last detail of her braided mane, as it flows around her neck. You can still see the mysterious hints of her coat, as the wind blows against her cloak every now and then, revealing the side of a foreleg here, or a glance of her tail there.

You can't help but stare at her fierce, captivating beauty, as she stands apart from everypony else. But still, for some reason, remains at that gathering.

But what can you possibly do, other than just gaze at her from a distance? After all, you still remember what your sister told you, just last month. She said it herself, that beautiful Axe is a complicated mare, and that she is more than just a pretty face for you to woo over. But still, what… what should you do, then? What course of action would pose the least amount of risk? And in the other hoof, how could it be that striving for a mare as fair as her would not be risky to begin with?

You do not know. You do not know, and you are paralyzed in your indecision.

However, the one consolation you have is that nopony else seems to have their sights on her… yet.

And since your older sister also told you she is a lonely mare, maybe you could try to…

Wait… what is going on…?

"Oh, look, isn't that Lady Covers' pegasus daughter? Isn't that Miss Silky?" Cantrip says.

And you can only watch, in growing astonishment, as…

As the little pegasus, your biological niece, just…

Did she just crawl out from under Axe's hood?

You rub your eyes, just to make sure you are not seeing things. But sure enough, for all that fair Axe is still sulking away at the edge of the garden, it seems your niece's head is somehow poking out of her hood as well. As if the little filly is riding on her back, and just poked her head out of Axe's hood to tell her something.

More than just that, you watch in disbelief as the filly produces a pair of cupcakes, that she is holding in her hoof. And then… and then she…!

"She… she is eating out of her hoof… She is literally eating out of my niece's hoof," you say, in utter disbelief.

"That is actually quite cute," Cantrip says, absent-mindedly, "I wonder how she managed that. Didn't you say Lady Axe was, well, more on the unapproachable side?"

"That shouldn't be possible!"

How… HOW?! Did your older sister lie to you? Is this a jest of some sort? No, it cannot be. You are sure of it. The first day you met fair Axe, she slapped your hoof away even as you introduced yourself. And every last servant you spoke to, unreliable as they may be, confirmed that Lady Axe is a very demanding mare.

So why is she eating sweets out from your niece's hoof… while she SITS ON HER BACK, as if that was the most natural thing in the world?!

Your confusion is so great that you can barely spare any attention to the beautiful sight of Axe munching down on the pink-topped cupcake. Yet another sight you would have treasured, lost forever, due to your own inability to accept what you are seeing.

"Dear Celestia, how… what should I do? How can I ever…?" you mumble to yourself, bringing a hoof to your forehead as you realize just out of your depth you are.

Should you try to befriend your niece? She is your family, after all. And for all that she is a pegasus, she can still serve a purpose. Maybe you should try to win her over? Have her introduce you to Axe?

Or maybe this is a sign that you are behind in your own game? Because if Axe had a reputation of intractable just a month ago, maybe the mare is starting to warm up to the residents of the estate? And if that is the case, she will surely start attracting suitors sooner rather than later. So, even though you are the only noble in the region, that doesn't mean you will be completely out of competition.

But perhaps… or maybe… however…!

Your thoughts begin to spiral out of control, and you remain in an utter loss. Because what… what should you do?!

Still, luckily for you, you are not without allies.

So, you turn to the other pony who has been with you the whole time.

"Please," you say, "I… I need some advice. And I know you are wise in these sorts of things. So, unworthy as I may be, may I please beg you for guidance right now? What should I do? How could I possibly win over fair Axe's favor?" you ask, nay you beg for her guidance.

You say all of that to elegant Mareinette, who is currently lounging next to you, and who had been patiently listening to your plight this whole time.

Mareinette, who is also being attended by your servants, is currently lying on the best sofa you have at your disposal. The one you had brought to this balcony at her own request, so she could generously grace you with her presence. Furthermore, at the mare's request, you have also provided her with a pair of opera glasses, an expensive set of hoof-held binoculars that are meant to be used by nobles from the box-seat of a theater.

She had been using them to look rather intently at the foals as they play in the party down below. But of course, nopony found anything strange in that because Mareinette can do no wrong.

And much, much more importantly, the mare turns her bony visage towards you as you beg for her favor. And after what seems to be like an eternity…



"[GRAIL]!"



She tells you… she gives you the advice to… nay, she gives you the instruction, the revelation to…!

"Yes… yes, you are right! You are absolutely right," you say, feeling your previous panic fade away as you stand up from your seat with renewed purpose. "Everything you said make sense, and I shall act upon your words immediately!"

You say that, and you immediately make your way downstairs, with Cantrip in tow.

Because how could you have been so foolish? How did you not think about that?!

Yes, you owe your deepest gratitude to Mareinette. Because you definitely must go and…!





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Jade Whistle, and you really think you shouldn't be here.

"I really think I shouldn't be here," you say out loud.

"Nonsense, Jade. You are as welcome as anypony else," your friend says. "In fact, Selene herself said she hoped you would come!"

Your ears perk up a fraction as you hear those words.

Did she really mean that? You don't think she is lying to you. But still, she is one of the few ponies who still has the ability to do that, so you can't really be sure.

"She said that?" you ask. And for all that your voice sounds perfectly neutral as you say that, you still feel as if the disbelief in your tone is painfully obvious.

"Well, why don't you go ask her yourself?" she answers, giving you a mischievous smile.

And you feel a wave of nervousness rush through your body at those words.

You are currently in your friend's house, in her garden that is so large you could fit more than two of your old houses in it. And you are here because Selene drew herself a cutie mark, to keep up appearances.

But of course, that did not stop your friend from celebrating it as merrily as if the cutie mark had been a genuine one. More than just that, you actually appreciate her doing that.

However, for all that the two of you are having this conversation, and for all that you two are physically in the garden, you are still a respectful distance from the haggle of playing foals.

You still feel a little… uncomfortable, at the thought of getting any closer. You feel as if approaching the leg-high crowd, as they play so cheerfully, would somehow spoil the mood and make everything worse.

That discomfort didn't stop you from coming, of course. Or from bringing a gift. But still…

"Come on, Jade, you can do it," she says, giving you an encouraging push, "as long as you promise not to cheat, if they blindfold you to play one of the games they have going on."

Your lungs seize up slightly at that. And she knows you just laughed a little bit, even though you didn't do anything more than exhale a little more strongly than usual.

"Well…" you say, as you try to convince yourself of her own words.

Because yes, you would like to do that. Or, if nothing else, you would like to pursue the truth of whether Selene really did ask for you to be here. After all, you always thought she felt uncomfortable around you, given how many times you "examined" her while she was still just a filly.

However, for all that your heart is pushing you towards that, you still feel like every other part of your body is pushing you back. From your legs, that feel like they just created roots on the ground, to the muscles on your neck, which seem to insist on making you face some other way whenever you look at the foals.

"Still, no pressure. There's still plenty of time left in the day, and plenty of food to work through while we are at it," she says, tapping you on the shoulder.

And you sag a little bit at that. Because sure, she doesn't want to push you. But on the other hoof… maybe you would like to be pushed?

You don't know…

"I guess…" you say, not sure of how you feel now. "Oh, by the way, the thing you asked me to do? I found a place. I mean, I don't think there will be anything interesting there other than what we are looking for, but still… it's nearby, or at least inside Equestria, and I don't think it would be too hard to get there."

You say that, and you watch as her expression shifts slightly. She knows what you are talking about, of course. And she even gave you the resources so you could do her this small favor.

However, any seriousness she has in her face dissipates a few moments later. For obvious reasons, you realize. This is not the time or place to discuss this.

Still, even though you know she saw right through your sad attempt at changing the subject, you still appreciate that she doesn't call you out on it.

You really are thankful to her for that.

"That sounds wonderful, Jade. And thank you so much for doing that," she says, and you feel a small sense of pride running through you as she thanks you. "By the way, do you think that…"

She starts to say something, but her words trail off as the two of you notice an approaching pony.

And like every other time you saw him, you want to feel scared. You want to feel afraid, but for some reason you can't bring yourself to do it. As if you are looking at a scabbard that, for some reason, completely deflects you from the idea that there is a blade sheathed in it.

You also want to say that you feel a headache, at that paradox. But you can't even do that. This sensation reminds you a little bit of when you tried to look at your former Master. But while the Master was large and confusing, and his obfuscations were as obvious as they were effective, you can't really see anything when you look at him.

This is not a like a storm of moths that is blowing you away. Instead, it is a mask. A mask that your mind understands it is best to leave untouched, given what lies beneath it.

So, the two of you can only watch in silence, as the old stallion makes his way towards you.

"Excuse me. Employer. Miss Whistle. Pardon my interruption," he says with a polite smile, briefly tipping his cap as he does so. And then, he turns to your friend. "But I would like to report that we have collected the pony you wanted to speak to. He is waiting for you, right now, at the appointed place."

To which your friend answers with a nod.

"Of course, very good. Thank you so much for doing this, and I will be there in a moment," she says.

You swear that she whisper a few more words under her breath, as if she is thinking to herself. You swear that you just heard her say something like make sure and another word that ended with squeak.

But well, if she doesn't want to tell you what this is about, then you know you shouldn't bother her by asking.

"I'll come back as soon as I'm done with that, Jade. But do enjoy the party while you are here," she says, giving you one last brilliant smile before she starts walking away towards one of the annex buildings. "Oh, and Biedde, could you please call Mareinette? I would like her to be on standby. I might have something for her to do, if my little chat goes in a certain direction."

She says that as she walks away, and you make sure to wave her a small goodbye.

She probably didn't notice you waving her hoof. Which is fine. You like it when she notices you, but there's a part of your head that still think you don't really deserve it.

Although you do feel another wave of happiness, as she looks in your direction and waves back with a smile.

But after that, she is gone.

Leaving you there.

Alone.

With a small crowd of playing foals right there.

…

You take a deep breath.

"Maybe…" you say to yourself.

And then you decide what you should do next.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers.

And you can say that, without a doubt, today was a resounding success.

Well, technically speaking, the day isn't really over yet. In fact, given how this is the last day of the week, you know that this is just the beginning of a very memorable weekend! If not for you, then certainly for your daughters.

Still, the cute-ceñeara itself is officially over. And for all that at least a third of your daughter's friends and classmates will be staying for the night, there is a respectable number of ponies who are currently in the process of leaving the estate grounds. Some of them are doing a last-minute visit to the food tables, while others have offered to help clean up in the helpful Ponyville fashion.

Granted, today didn't go entirely without its twists and turns. After all, there was the mishap in the dining hall earlier today, the fact that you had to keep Mareinette on a very short leash, and of course there was that strange report from Biedde that he "intercepted" some crazy pink pony who was trying to infiltrate the party.

But still, all is well that ends well. And you are confident that you are now sufficiently experienced for when Silky gets her own cutie mark.

However, as you stand in the garden and watch your servants begin to wrap things up, you are surprised by the fact that you sense a certain pony making her way towards you.

Still, you can sense her hesitation. So, you let her get close enough that you are sure she actually wants to speak with you before you turn around.

"My, my, my, the star of the show herself. Is there anything you want, dear?" you ask, as you turn around and face your daughter.

And as expected, you see Selene standing right in front of you.

She looks happy, of course. Or at least she has a small smile on her face.

However, for all that she looks happy, she still looks more embarrassed than anything else. Although… no, she doesn't just look embarrassed. She also looks slightly confused.

Happy, yes. Happy about the party, happy about the celebration, and happy that everypony seemed to be happy. Which only makes sense. After all, the joy that a group of ponies can create when they come together is almost infectious. And Selene was, quite literally, the center of today's event.

But still, she looks conflicted.

And to be honest… you know exactly what she is conflicted about.



In fact, you would be lying if you said that you did not prepare for this.



"Can I help you with anything, love? Do your friends need anything upstairs?" you ask.

But of course, she just answers you with a small and shy shake of her head.

She is not here because of something like that. And even if somepony needed something, Soft or one of your servants would have already taken care of it.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you…?" she says, or maybe she asks. Judging by her tone, you can tell that even she isn't sure about it.

So, of course, you just wait for her to continue.

The two of you are standing in the garden, just outside the front door of the mansion. There are ponies here and there, doing this and that. Servants cleaning up the after-party detritus on the floor, guests who are still making their way outside. You can even spot Baldomare, far away and by the entrance gate, talking to Jade, the quiet mare holding what looks like donkey's tail from a blindfold game you saw her participating in earlier today.

However, and more importantly, you know nopony is really eavesdropping on you two. This is, you know, the perfect example of having privacy in plain view.

You know this, and Selene knows this.

So, you just give her as much time as she needs, as she gathers her courage to say what she really wants to say.

"I… I wanted to thank you, for today. I really appreciate it, and… well, it was really fun," she says, with an embarrassed smile that looks perfect on the face of a filly.

However, that flicker of uncertainty once again wins over, and her smile turns into hesitation.

"But you… you really didn't have to do it? I-I mean… if I knew everypony would make such a fuss about it, I don't think I would have…" she trails off, sitting on the ground as she nervously scratches one of her forelegs. "I didn't even put that much effort, into my cutie mark. If I had known, I'd at least made something less lame or…"

That is more than enough, you think. And you decide to step in as soon as you hear her voice trailing off once again.

"What? You really think we didn't need to do this?" you say, with a gentle smile on your face. "Selene, love, haven't you been paying attention?"

You say those last few words with the slightest and fakest tone of disapproval. Just enough to catch her by surprise. But still, you do it in a way that she knows you are not really being serious. Or at least that you are not really chastising her.

"Sure, when you think of it a certain way, we didn't really have to do that. But that's the thing, Selene. We did it because we wanted to. We did it because we care about you."

"But. But I…" she jumps back in as soon as you finish speaking, and you can tell from the frustration in her tone that she doesn't even know why she feels this way. "But everypony put in so much effort! It was a whole party and all, and… and it wasn't even over something real. It wasn't because of anything important-!"

"And that," you interrupt her, "is where you are wrong."

You say that, and then you stop for a second. But only for a second. Still, you give her the opportunity to jump back in. To say that you are wrong, or to try and express her growing confusion a little better.

However, once you realize she still can't put her frustration into words, you continue yourself.

"Selene, dear, I want you to listen very carefully," you say. "You might think your cutie mark is… lame, as you said. Although I think it is very well made. And you might think today was, well, if not a waste of time then at least a waste of effort. But rather than think any of that, I want you to understand that today we were celebrating you."

"I… but I know that? I mean, I know that. It was in the name, even. I know this all happened because of my cutie mark."

She says that, and you can hear a small groan mixed into her words. As if she is starting to think that you didn't understand her at all.

Little does she know that it is the opposite.

"You didn't hear me well enough, Selene. I didn't say we were celebrating your cutie mark. I said we were celebrating you."

Selene purses her lips at that, but you begin to answer her next question even before she has a chance to ask it.

"The thing is, Selene, that today wasn't really a party about… well, about a lie, or the clever deception you decided to go with. The thing you need to understand, dear, is that you did not just bring all your friends and family to celebrate one big falsehood. And, please trust me when I say this, you are not a bad pony, who just put on a great show and had everypony dancing along to the tune of something you made up. You didn't do anything wrong, and the party we had today wasn't anything bad either."

"But… that can't be right… Mom, they… everypony congratulated me because of…" she tries to say with a meek tone, looking at her cutie mark as she does. "I just feel bad about this. I… I don't mind lying to protect somepony, but I feel like… like today was just a big reward for something that I don't deserve. Something that I didn't work for, or that wasn't really mine to begin with."

She says that, and then she looks down with a dejected expression. An expression that definitely does not look like on the face of such a young filly.

However, you know that you are not just speaking to a filly.

You are also speaking to a grown mare. To an alicorn. To a Princess.

And this is exactly why you have been expecting to have this conversation with her.

Because you see, during the months that you were taking care of Selene, and as you realized she was slowly waking up, you slowly came to realize something.

You realized that you knew Selene very well.

But also that you did not know Princess Luna at all.

So, you did the only thing you could do to try and remedy that. You tried to research it. You looked for records, and accounts, and even old stories about her. Anything to give you a little more insight of the pony that your daughter had been, or perhaps the mare that your daughter would one day become.

However, not only did you find very little material on the subject. Everything you found also pointed in a rather… troublesome direction.

Specifically, the few accounts that you found about Princess Luna all told the same story.

They all told the tale that Princess Luna, unappreciated by her subject and ignored by her sister, rose in rebellion against the ponies who had shunned her night.

…

However, once you realized that was the only surviving account, you came to a… rather sadder conclusion.

Because you know that story, that Princess Luna grew to hate her sister and her subjects, is a lie. You know that was not the reason of why she did what she did.

But here is the thing about it… who was the only pony who could have created those accounts? Who could have possibly reached that conclusion, that Luna grew spiteful due to neglect… if not Princess Celestia herself?

So, for all that your research did not reveal anything about Princess Luna, you did learn that Princess Celestia, after banishing Luna so long ago, came to the conclusion that she had neglected her sister. Princess Celestia, the pony who was closest to Princess Luna in that distant time, thought that she had mistreated her sister so much that Luna reached the point of seeking vengeance.

And for all that you do not know how true that might have been… you also know that every tale and every story, no matter how unlikely it is, carries a sliver of truth.

Which in turn means that…

"Selene, why are you saying that?" you say, putting a hoof under her chin and raising her face. Meeting her hesitant gaze when she finally looks towards you. "Why are you even thinking about that? That's not true. And if you think that is true, and want you to forget about it right now."

You say that, because right now… you aren't really speaking to Selene. Right now, you are speaking to Princess Luna.

You are speaking to the part of your daughter, the one that you know is somewhere inside of her, that has taken upon herself to protect everypony. You are speaking to that part of your daughter who met a horrible fate, while trying to defend those she loved. And that, unfortunately, still thinks that she failed at it.

You are speaking to Princess Luna who, even if she doesn't remember it, was neglected by her own sister so much, that her sister thought that was the reason of why a terrible tragedy happened.

You are speaking to the pony who, deep, deep down, thinks she is not enough.

"You deserve this, Selene. I want you to trust me when I tell you this. You deserve everything good that happens to you. And you deserve to be surrounded by ponies who will cheer you on, no matter what you do. Even if all you did was draw a beautiful cutie mark, which for some reason you think is lame."

You say that, and you can tell that… that she doesn't really believe you.

She doesn't believe you, but she is still listening to you.

Which just means you need to keep talking. And you will keep telling her this, all of this, for as long as she keeps listening to you. You will keep telling her about this, until she finally realizes you are speaking the truth.

"You think we just had a party because you told a small lie that got out of control? You think you didn't deserve what happened today, because you just drew something on your flank without putting a lot of effort into it? Well, that's not what I see at all! Selene, when I look at you, the only thing I see is a loyal little pony."

She tries to say something, but she can barely mumble an answer. In fact, it is all that she can do to just keep looking you in the eye.

But still, you carry on. Your tone neither harsh nor judgmental. In fact, as far as you are concerned, you are just stating the obvious.

It's just that she needs a little help to realize that.

"You are a sister who is bending over backwards, and even trying to figure out how to lead a double life, so you can keep living with a filly who loves you. You are a daughter who… who learned about all the horrible things your mother did, and who still forgave her. You forgave me Selene. And I still don't think that I deserve that."

"But… but you do, and…" she says, trailing off again.

"So, I don't ever want to hear you say you don't deserve something. Because we are the ones who don't deserve you. And every single day that we have with you is fresh reminder of that. Of how lucky we are to have you with us, and of how much we would be willing to do to keep it that way."

"W-what? I… that's not true!" She says, and her tone almost sounds panicked for a moment. "I mean, I'm… I'm just a filly you all took in. I'm the one who's lucky and…!"

And then she trails off, her eyes going a little wider as if she just realized something.

"That's exactly my point, dear. That's exactly how me and your father feel, every day," you say affectionately ruffling her mane as you do. "You are the stars in our sky, Selene. And we will always be your biggest fans. And no matter what you do, we will always find a reason to celebrate it."

You say that, and you watch as she once again looks down towards the ground. But this time, rather than having a dejected expression on her face, you can tell that she is thinking… that your words, or maybe just your conviction, finally got to her.

And finally, you see a small smile appear on her face.

This time, it is a very embarrassed smile. But in a good way.

"Um… do you… do you really mean that?" she asks.

And you don't even hesitate before you pick her up on your forelegs, pulling her into a hug.

"Of course I do!" you say, planting a kiss on her cheeks. And then another. And another, and another, and three more. Until the filly is laughing as if you are tickling her, trying to push you away without really meaning to do it.

And a few seconds later, you let her go. Watching as she happily makes her way back towards the second floor, where her friends are gathered in her room. Her expression making it very clear that any conflict she was feeling before is now completely forgotten.

As you watch her retreating back, as she makes her way up the stairs, you can't help but think that…

You remember reading, during your research, about the countless small things that Princess Luna used to do, all those centuries ago, that were neglected or ignored. You aren't really sure if you read that from a historic account, or if it was in a more innocent and romanticized story. But still, you remember it all the same.

You remember reading about how Princess Luna would fill the sky with stars and constellations, night after night, that nopony would bother to look at. You remember reading about how Princess Luna would patrol the night, fighting against the monsters of the forest and the terrors of nightmares, and she would not receive even a single word of thanks for it.

You wonder how much of that really happened. You wonder if those accounts were really true, or if they weren't instead conjured by Princess Celestia's imagination… as her mind grinded against itself for a thousand years, wondering what she could have done to wrong her sister so much.

You wonder how much of that is true… but in the end, you just don't know. You might never know, even. Maybe even Selene herself won't be able to remember.

But what you do know is that you and you family will never make that mistake.

And every day, for the rest of your life, you are going to make sure that Selene knows how loved she is. How loved she is, and much you appreciate her efforts, and that you will be there to cheer her on. No matter what she does.

You will always be her biggest fans. And if she doesn't know it yet, you will just have to keep throwing parties, like you did today, until she realizes it.





Selene's cute-ceñeara was a success.

Jade Whistle has located an Expedition where "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare" may be found. It has been added to your Expeditions list.

Spoiler: A small happenance during the celebration

"Mom...? Can you come here for a moment?"

"Yes Silky? What is it?"

"I... I just walked into Axe? She was nailing uncle Pride and-"

"She was WHAT?"

[Velvet Covers has learned the-]

"No, no, calm down Velvet... Silky dear, I need you to explain to me very carefully what you mean by that."

"Okay...? Well, uncle Pride and Axe were in the dining hall, and Axe had a hammer? She was, um, nailing him against the wall? She seemed very upset about something he said earlier, but I'm not sure."

"Oh... Oooohhh. I see. Thank you for calling me, dear, I'll go take care of it right now."

"Okay! And, um, I managed to make Axe stop. But I couldn't pull the nails away? They felt funny when I touched them, and Axe told me to stop trying and carried me out of there. Did... did I do something wrong?"

"Not at all, love. Now go play with your friends."

"Okay!"

- - -

"... Pride... I..."

"She said yes, Lady Velvet. This... is what progress looks like!"

"I think I'll need Baldomare's help to get you down... just... just wait here..."

30 bits have been removed from your inventory, to perform Jade's scrying ritual.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

Ponies are a… curious species. Even though that does not appear to be the case at first glance.

After all, as far as anypony (and most of the surrounding species) is concerned, ponykind is a peaceful species. One that seems content in slowly populating their country, and living in harmony with their peers, as the years go by.

They do not know the concept of war. They do not accept the idea of famine. And even the most vicious among their numbers is relatively tame, when compared to what a sapient being is capable of.

As far as anyone cares, they are perfectly happy with living under the rule of their Princesses. And their worldview takes as self-evident the fact that, even a thousand years from now, their descendants will be living the same kind of life as they currently are.

However, that is not… the entire truth about ponies.

Very few creatures know about this. And fewer less creatures remember it. But ponykind has a rich story. And they are a species that has a convoluted past. A tempestuous past.

A bellicose past.

And that past happened so long ago that… that not even the wind remembers it. The breeze that flows through the plains has already forgotten about it. The mountains that dot the land have already had that history scraped away from their faces, by the passage of time. And even the sun that shines down upon Equestria has… changed.

The sun that witnessed that dark past of ponykind is not the same sun that shines today. The sun of today did not witness what happened in that long-forgotten past.

However, merely forgetting about something does not mean that it is erased.

And even though the Laws that fueled ponykind in the past are now faded and ignored, they still have sway over the world.

More than just sway. It would not be wrong to say that they have control over it. Or at least some degree of authority.

That is, if it even makes sense to say that gravity has "authority" over how an apple might fall from the branch.



Today, yet another echo of that long forgotten past runs through the land.

And just like the distant ring of a bell that has already rusted into oblivion… just like the faded silhouette left on the ground, by a tree that has already fallen and died… an action that has not been seen in Equestria in a very, very long time is once again taking place.

Today, a pony is marching to war.



Despite the centuries of tranquility, there is an ugly truth that every creature knows.

And that truth is that, when it really comes down to it, this is a world where the strong rule, and the weak obey.

Ponies might try to pretend that is not the case. They might try to argue that their great civilization has reached its current point thanks to cooperation and camaraderie. But ultimately, even the most vocal of scholars knows (even if only in the privacy of their thoughts) that it is the Princesses who guarantee the continuity of Equestria.

And for all that the Princesses (and more specifically, Princess Celestia) acted like a kind and nurturing leader for the last ten centuries, the fact remains that she is still the regent of the sun. And for all that she may enact fair policies, and reigned with an even hoof, it is undeniable that she also took ponykind under her wings.

She was, and still is, the unbreakable guardian of ponykind. The last and unbreakable wall that, should a great calamity arise, will be able to move the very heavens in order to defend her subjects.

Yes. Even ponies know it, though many of them have forgotten, that this is a world that belongs to the strong. That killing your opponent is the surest way to silence them, and that the dead cannot act against you. That is the greatest rule of the world. That is the final law that no creature can oppose.

And in the quiet town of Ponyville, a pair of ponies is about to fall upon that final law once again.

One of them comes from the east. She left her home at dawn and, with the sun shining on her back, she cut straight through the town and marched to the western outskirts of the city.

There is nothing particularly remarkable about her. She is wearing a dress upon her body, and she carries no weapons, save for the one hidden around her neck. But still, she is marching west with a pace that is almost intimidating. And the few ponies who cross her path during the early morning know better than to stand in her way.

The other pony is waiting for her, beyond the western end of the town. He has been waiting for her for several days now. He knew this day would come, as certain as he knows he grows older with each passing day.

And today, he woke up with the utter certainty that this was the day he had been waiting for.

As it often happens in these situations, and as it happened so many times in the past, those two ponies meet in a place of crossing.

To the west of the town, there is a small bridge that crosses the local river. Beyond that bridge is a grassy path where a peaceful mare has made her home. In a harsher era, that place would have been a beacon, or perhaps a threshold, against the violence of the outside world. But in this kinder era, that home is merely a sanctuary for the life that surrounds it.

So naturally, the stallion awaits at the end of the bridge. He waits for his opponent, in absolute silence, upon that final threshold that separates the place he loves from everything else.

He waits there.

And eventually, or perhaps inevitably, the rising sun heralds the arrival of his opponent.

She makes her way towards the bridge, and she stops at the farthest edge of the timid construction. Because the two ponies understand the meaning of that small, wood-wrought passage.

Both of them know that, if either of them moves to cross that bridge, they will do so in order to kill each other.

So, for now, they merely take each other's measure. They each communicate, and agree, with this small period of calm before the storm.

And like two ancient armies standing before each other, the two give each other one final chance to resolve this with some form of currency other than blood.



"Velvet Covers."

"Comet Feet."​

"Have you come here to fight me?"

"I have come here to talk."​

"Is there a difference?"

"No."​

There is no need to mince words. No point in holding back.

The two ponies know exactly what they want. And the two ponies know that neither of them wants the other to cross that bridge.

However, neither of them are under the illusion that a middle ground will be easy to reach.



"You know what I did."

"Yes, I do."​

"And you know why I did it."

"Also yes."​

"I will not apologize for that."

"And I am not here for your apologies."​

The two of them know what is at stake. In fact, the two of them know what the other did, in preparation for this moment.

The stallion is covered in a rousing air. In preparation for this day.

The mare has already made a resolution. Which makes her intentions beyond clear.

Neither of them came here with the intention of backing out.



"So, if you haven't already decided to try to kill me, what do you want?"

"I came here to tell you something."​

"Which would be?"

"The Master is dead."​

She says that, and for the first time the Edge-sharp stallion hesitates.

But only for a moment.



"That is not possible. You wouldn't be saying that if you knew the truth about her. Just killing her body is not enough, and she tricked you for that."

"You misunderstand. I know her true nature. I know what she was, and I am telling you she is dead."​

The stallion's eyes narrow. Because he knows she is telling the truth. Neither of them are here to tell lies.

However, even then, he still cannot believe what she is saying.



"That is impossible."

"You know it is not. And your disbelief betrays your negligence. When was the last time you Dreamed?"​

"…"

"Exactly. Dream later tonight, and see it for yourself. Or better yet, don't. The thing that killed her is far less pleasant, even if it is less active in the Wake."​

"Whether you are deluded or not, it makes little difference. You did not come here just to tell me that. What. Do. You. Want?"



The mare pauses for a moment. But not because she is hesitating.

Instead, she is judging the stallion one final time, before she reveals her purpose.

"You were loyal to the Master, and you also feared her. I care not why, or what circumstances bound you to serve her. But she is dead now, and that influences your position in the board."​

"…"

"I am here to ensure your piece falls in the correct place."​

The mare says that.

And then, she acts.





What outcome is reached?
(Comet Feet is currently under the effect of "A Rousing Air" Influence.)
(It is impossible to tell how many, if any, Attention of the Laws he has ready.)



[] "I see you my enemy."
-Velvet Covers will use this opportunity to attempt to attain her personal Edge Sacrament.
-Velvet Covers and Comet Feet will fight to the death, without interruption.
-If she succeeds, Velvet Covers will do her best to hide this from Fluttershy. But it is impossible to guarantee she will not find out.


[] Assassination.
-Biedde is here… somewhere. Give him the signal.
-Biedde will engage in combat with Comet Feet. Comet Feet is not expected to survive.
-Velvet Covers will do her best to hide this from Fluttershy. But it is impossible to guarantee she will not find out.


[] Conscription.
-Velvet Covers will bring Comet Feet into her service.
-Comet Feet will become a separate Confidante from Fluttershy, and he will be forced to accept any orders that he is given. As long as they do not harm Fluttershy, and as long as they are not clearly suicidal.
-This arrangement will continue as long as ONE of the following is in effect:
--(1) as long as Biedde remains summoned;
--(2) as long as Velvet Covers is under the effect of "A Resolution" Edge Influence; or
--(3) as long as Fluttershy is a "Minion" follower.
-Comet Feet will do his best to hide this arrangement from Fluttershy.
-Should Comet Feet "break free" by any means, he will immediately become an enemy. If that ever happens, it is impossible to know if he would attack you immediately, or if he would disappear to plan a more careful revenge. You also cannot predict what Fluttershy would do.


[] Status Quo.
-Nothing will change. And the next time you have this conversation, it might not be just with words.
-Your relationship with Comet Feet will remain the same. There will be no limitations on what you may ask Fluttershy to do, but some of your actions/requests towards her will steadily increase his ire.


[] Negotiation.
-Velvet Covers and Comet Feet will engage in combat. Until one of them falls down to one health point.
-The winner will impose their terms upon the loser, and the loser will accept them.


[] Compromise.
-Velvet Covers and Comet Feet will reach an agreement.
-Velvet Covers will be prohibited from teaching anything about the Lores to Fluttershy. It will no longer be acceptable to level Fluttershy up, ask her to perform rituals, or do other Lore-related actions.
-Comet Feet will no longer grow his hatred towards you every time you ask him for a favor.
-Comet Feet and Fluttershy will remain a "single" Confidante, together. But rather than having to "ask Comet for a favor", he will take over Fluttershy's actions and perform them, if he is better suited for it. (Asking Fluttershy to go on an Expedition, or perform a ritual, will have Comet Feet to do it instead, for example).





Twenty-four hours moratorium. Some of these options might (might) have unexpected consequences later on, or they might be another brushstroke that can potentially paint you into a corner later on. So, a longer moratorium, so that certain implications might be discussed.

This does not mean any of these options are traps. They will all do exactly what they propose to do. However, there are several ways QM can see some of these options having additional ramifications down the line.

Or not. As always, vote for whatever you want.

Approval voting. The single option with the highest number of votes will be picked. No further details can be given regarding the options, but you can trust Velvet to use her best judgment for what is picked.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Comet Feet.

And right now, there is every chance you might die in the next few minutes.

"You were loyal to the Master, and you also feared her. I care not why, or what circumstances bound you to serve her. But she is dead now, and that influences your position in the board."​

You are at the end of a small bridge, the one that leads to Fluttershy's house.

The one that she maintains and repairs, despite her wings, because a family of birds nested under it, once. The one that, at her request, the beavers leave untouched, and the larger animals avoid so as not to strain it. The very last fork on the road that, if taken, could only ever lead to her home. A figurative gate, left open and unguarded, that leads to a sanctuary that welcomes and shelters all life.

A figurative gate that, for the first time in its existence, might be soiled with blood and death.

Your blood. And your death. Because again…

… there is every chance you might die in the next few minutes.

"I am here to ensure your piece falls in the correct place."​

The thing before you isn't a mare. She might look like one, but you know she is not.

She might be wearing a dress, and her silver mane might be long and well-kept in the artificial way that for some reason you never see in Fluttershy's mane. She might have the face of a pony, and four legs under her.

But that is no mare.

The blank expression she has, utterly neutral and devoid even of hate, looks more like a mask than anything else. You know why she looks like that, of course. Because she is so focused that even her subconscious is too busy to change a detail as small as her expression.

The knife that is dangling from her neck, also, is no ordinary knife. You have no idea how she got something like that, you don't even know what that knife truly is. But you know that is no ordinary knife.

But most of all, her voice… it is so sharp that it hurts to listen to her words. You tried your best to respond in kind, but even answering her was a battle you could feel that you were losing.

The thing before you is no mare.

It is Velvet Covers.

And regardless of how it happens, you realize today your life is going to change forever.

…

She looks at you one last time, and after what feels like an eternity she finally begins to move.

The mare takes a step forward, stepping a hoof on the bridge.

The fur on your coat bristles. Your legs tense, and your wings open on your sides, ready to throw you up into the skies at a moment's notice.

Because the two of you know the significance of this bridge. The two of you realize that if she crosses it, she will be invading the place you are guarding. And if you cross it, it could only be to sally out and attack her instead. That truth is painfully obvious to the two of you.

However, she did not move to cross the bridge. And the icy focus in her eyes makes it clear she is not taunting you either.

Instead, she just steps a single hoof on the bridge, and then she pauses.

This too, you realize, is a symbolic action.

After all, she is not attacking you, but she is gaining ground. And the pregnant pause that occurs, after she stops, makes it clear she is inviting you to do the same.

This is, you realize… a negotiation.

One that is not happening with your hoofs or your blades.

Not yet.



"I would have you serve me."



She says that, as she firmly plants her hoof on the wooden bridge. As if she was declaring her intention while moving a piece on a board game.

But that is the thing, this is how you hope this will work… that is her initial demand, yes, but she only took a single hoofstep into the bridge. And she is still standing on the opposite side of the short wooden path. Which means, in turn, that there is still place for you two to maneuver.

And perhaps, there might even be enough space for the two of you to find common ground.

"I would have you leave," you say, planting a single hoof on the bridge as well.

Only a single hoof, and nothing more. To make more demands, to take more ground, would be to invite an attack. Either due to your disrespect, or because you would be showing you do not intend to negotiate as an equal.

Or at least, you hope that is what is going on inside her head… you think that is the case, but you sincerely cannot be sure.

For all that you know, this might be a trap. And the heavy significance you feel in this ritual, as if you two were repeating something that already happened several times in a distant past, could all be a ruse from her.



"I still have need of Fluttershy."



Her second demand, and her second hoofstep. Now, half her body is standing over the wooden bridge.

But the two of you are still a few ways from each other.

And you have words to tell regarding her latest demand.

"I will not accept that she be endangered," you take your next step.

And like two warriors of old, trying to negotiate peace at the last moment before a fight, you two lay out your terms.

Neither of you take a single step back. To do so would be contrary to this way of negotiation.

But still, you can tell that she is wording her demands very carefully. And you, too, try your best to do the same.

"I would be willing to call upon you, instead, if a task is dangerous."

"I would be willing to heed your call, provided you do not corrupt her."

"I cannot stop her from learning by herself."

"But you will deny her if she ever asks for guidance."

Step after step, term after term, the two of you slowly negotiate a contract of sorts.

Of course, it is made under the threat of violence. And the two of you realize that a falling out, now, would only result in one outcome. But still, neither of you are willing to bend on your own terms, so all that is left to do is hope that these two jagged puzzle pieces each of you are carrying somehow connect in the end.

Step after step, term after term, the two of you give and take ground over the wooden bridge.

Until you two are so close to each other there is no more room to walk.

Until you two are looking at each other's eyes, and the only place left to plant a hoof is in each other's faces.

You do not like how this is going, so far. You do not like the fact that, unless you take it to the next level, your life will still be connected to the creature before you.

However, you were also able to…



"…"



Her eyes narrow, and the drumbeat of your heart begins to ache inside your chest. The air itself growing sour and heavy as you watch the entirety of your deal run through her eyes.

You just made the last term, that the two of you would treat each other as equals. Not as servant and master, and not as friends. But as equals, and that she would respect your terms the same way you would respect hers.

And now, there is no space left for her to impose anything else. There is nothing she can do but either accept it, or tear this contract into pieces along with your throat.

The knives under your wings begin to rattle as the mare begins to raise her hoof…



…



… and you can only watch as slowly, and glacially carefully, she…

"That is acceptable."

… she keeps her hoof raised, keeping it in place between the two of you. There is so little space between left between your bodies she is almost touching your chest.

And it takes you the longest time to realize she is offering her hoof so you can shake it.

"This is acceptable," you say, mirroring her movement, and taking her hoof with your own.

The sensation of her hoof against yours is almost painful, and for a moment you think you are being cut by a knife.

But once you let go of each other, there is no blood on your hoof. Not on your hoof, and not anywhere else. Especially upon the surface of the bridge.

Then, without another word, the mare turns around and leaves.

And you almost can't believe the fact that she… she is gone.

She is gone, and you are alive. Your paltry preparations went to waste, but that is actually good, and you… you…

…

You stand there, for the longest time, with your eyes unfocused. Looking towards the direction she went, as if she was about to return at any moment.

But that moment never arrives.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Stormchaser, and right now you are with a very unexpected guest.

"You look… different. Did anything happen?" you ask, your tone as cautious as it is curious.

Because you do not mean it as a joke. By Celestia, you are always very carefully when joking around him to begin with.

But as you look at the large and burly Comet Feet, you can't help but think that something did happen.

More than just that, you can practically feel that…

"… I am not sure," he says, his tone unusually low.

And of course, his tone is not the only thing that is unusual right now.

After all, this is the first time Comet Feet came all by himself. This is the first time he came by himself and stayed to talk to you, rather than just leave after some errand. Every other time he came here to speak to you, he was usually with his… friend?

His friend? Girlfriend? Wife? You aren't really sure. In some aspects, the two of them feel like a married couple. But in other aspects, it feels like they barely know each other.

But still, more importantly…

"Would you like to talk about it?" you ask.

More importantly, the stallion itself looks…

…

He looks calm.

No, really. This is the best way you can describe it.

Because every other time you met him, or spoke to him, he looked… not tense, but not at ease either.

He always looked like he was watching out for something. It always felt like he was a taut slingshot, that was about to fire.

But right now, he looks… normal.

He is younger than you, of course. You know that. And yet, for some reason, you feel like you are looking at an old pony who just retired. You feel like you are looking at an old stallion, who just let go of a heavy weight he had been carrying, and at the same time you feel like you are looking at a young stallion who is living the first day of his entire life.

You don't really have the words for it, but… well, it feels like you are speaking to a pony you just met.

No, that's not right. Instead, it feels like you are talking to a pony who just met himself for the first time. And who is still confused about it.

"Did I… did I ever tell you where I came from?" he asks.

The two of you are sitting on a balcony. It is a weekday, your wife is away, and your daughters are in school. So, it's just the two of you.

And he asks you that as he just… looks away towards the farmlands. To the point that you feel like he is talking to himself as much as he is talking to you.

"No, I don't believe you did," you say, reclining back on your seat.

You already know how these conversations go. So, you will listen more than you speak.

"I used to live in… well, it was a big city. Lots of backstreets, lots of dark alleys. And lots of ponies who lived in those dark alleys," he says.

His eyes are a little unfocused as he talks.

You can't help but wonder what exactly he is looking at, with his mind's eye, as he tells you about that. What memories is he reliving right now? How did a colt grow up to become a stallion like this?

"There weren't a lot of ways to survive. Especially without reliable parents. But there were plenty of colts like that. So, as the years went by, we found each other and banded together."

He doesn't say the word gang. Not out loud, at least. But he doesn't use an innocent word either.

Still, he doesn't give you too many details. And you don't ask for them. This, you know, is not the time to interrupt him with questions.

In fact, you know the only reason you are here… the only reason he came here, is because he needed somepony to listen. Because doing this is a lot easier than speaking out loud while alone.

And the reason why he came here, rather than do this with the one other pony who would be willing to listen, becomes obvious soon enough.

He is… ashamed, of what he is talking about.

"Petty thefts. Quiet stickups. A few bruises here and there, whenever we fought over territory. But we were just small birds in a big sky. So small that we were largely ignored by the real players. And they would only come after us, and teach us a lesson, when we really stepped out of line."

He tells you about a few things that, you assume, stick out in his head. Disparate events that dot what is no doubt a much larger and longer story. But still, he only tells you what comes to his mind.

The first time he was hurt. The first time he hurt somepony. The first time he did something he would never be able to take back.

Until finally, through happenstance or design, he and his group were faced with a wall they could not overcome.

"… and then we finally realized the uniforms had us surrounded," he says, and his expression grows tired as he says those next few words. "But here's the thing, none of my friends had wings… Only I did."

Ah.

And after that, from what you understand, his life just began to spiral out of control.

He escaped the clutches of the law, but only to find himself alone in a dangerous city. So, he did the only thing he knew to do: he sought refuge under the wings of a larger bird.

But that larger bird also had larger designs. And the urchin colt who had barely become a stallion was suddenly being asked, and being used, to commit worse and more dangerous acts. The one advantage he ever had in life, that he was a little stronger than most ponies, being treated as a tool to be used and inevitably discarded.

However, when he realized his usefulness was nearing its end, he once again ran.

Only that time, it would have been far more difficult to escape the things he had done, and the ponies who knew about it.

"And that is when I was found by… that is when I came to Ponyville," he says. And the things your wife told you allow you to fill in the blanks. "But that is the thing. My whole life, I have been… under somepony's thrall. My whole life, I felt like I never really… like I couldn't… like I wasn't living it myself and…"

He trails off.

And once you realize this period of silence is stretching longer than it should, you very carefully place a hoof on his shoulder.

The stallion doesn't break your foreleg, thankfully. But to your surprise, he doesn't even react at all.

In fact, he might even be welcoming the gesture.

But this is not about you, and you know you have to say something. You know it from the itch you feel in your cutie mark, and the strange things you have learned to notice as of late.

You need to help him understand what this means. You need to help him solidify what this… where this confusing storm he has inside his thoughts is taking him. Before he reaches the wrong conclusion, and once again falls into the only spiral he has ever known.

And to do that, you tell him the only thing that makes sense.



"You are free now," you say.



And as soon as you say that, you realize from his expression that… that he had never felt something like this before. That he had been flying through a storm for so long that he never really knew what a calm breeze felt like.

He turns his face to look at you, and the expression he has on his face is almost confused. Surprised, perhaps, but definitely befuddled.

"Wh… what…? But I…" he says, but he trails off, looking down for a few moments as his thoughts slowly gather into something more cohesive. "What do I do?" he finally asks.

You let out a small chuckle.

Well, that is something you can answer a lot more easily.

"It is obvious, isn't it? Whatever you want," you say that, and you almost laugh as he tilts his head slightly. The very notion of what you just suggested him still being something he is not used to. "But that might be a little too much for now. So tell you what, why don't I teach you how to take a mare on a date? I don't think you ever invited that friend of yours out to do something, right? So why don't you set your sights on doing that, and then you take if from there?"

You expect the stallion to grunt at your words. To scoff at your suggestion, and maybe shake his head in annoyance. For half a second, you expect him to do one of those things, because that is what he almost always does whenever you two talk.

That is what you are used to seeing him do. That is the Comet Feet you have been cautiously getting to know, throughout these last few months.

But to your surprise, the stallion… doesn't.

He doesn't give you a nod either, not even a hesitant one. But he doesn't refuse you outright either.

And that, you know, is something you can work with.

"Speaking of which, where is she? I didn't expect you to…" you begin to say.

And from that point on, your conversation continues. As you slowly get to know a familiar friend, who you are meeting for the first time today.

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally

[X] Compromise.
-Velvet Covers and Comet Feet will reach an agreement.
-Velvet Covers will be prohibited from teaching anything about the Lores to Fluttershy. It will no longer be acceptable to level Fluttershy up, ask her to perform rituals, or do other Lore-related actions.
-Comet Feet will no longer grow his hatred towards you every time you ask him for a favor.
-Comet Feet and Fluttershy will remain a "single" Confidante, together. But rather than having to "ask Comet for a favor", he will take over Fluttershy's actions and perform them, if he is better suited for it. (Asking Fluttershy to go on an Expedition, or perform a ritual, will have Comet Feet to do it instead, for example).

Your relationship with Comet Feet and Fluttershy is now operating under a different set of rules. Their contact information will be updated at a later date to reflect that.

Not a friend, but not an enemy. Not a confidante, but not entirely disconnected from your plans. It was already said, once, that you would only be able to befriend one and a half Cult advisors, given the direction your actions took you. This is, probably, the best you will be able to do for the time being.

But perhaps, this will be enough.

If nothing else, it did not end differently.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

Silky Stream knows a secret.

A secret that almost nopony else knows.


"Like this?"
"No, dear. A bit wider. Don't try to make it a circle. Try to make it something that should be an egg, but that accidentally turned out like a circle."
"That doesn't make any sense, auntie."
"But the smile I see on your face tells me you get it anyways."


It is not really a well-kept secret. In fact, it's not a secret at all.

It's just that nopony would really believe it, even if she were to tell them. Everypony would think she was lying, or making it up, or just that she was too young to understand what she was talking about.

And the secret is…


"Like this?"
"Good enough, good enough. Now, stand right in the middle of the circle, and repeat what I'm about to tell you…"


… the secret is that auntie Baldomare is actually a bit of an airhead.

Not because she is a dummy or anything. Silky Stream knows that's not the case. Silky knows that Baldomare is very, very smart. In fact, that is probably why everypony would think this secret is not really true.

But still, what nopony else realizes is that… auntie Baldomare doesn't really pay attention to things. She is sometimes dismissive, although never in a mean way. She doesn't really put a lot of effort into things, unless you really ask her to. And even when she doesn't smell like grape juice, she still looks like she is only half-there with you.

Still, Silky doesn't really mind any of that. She knows that auntie Baldie is not a bad pony.

However, she can't help but feel like… she can't help but feel like auntie Baldomare is living through life with her eyes closed. Like everything she does, she is doing with her eyes closed, and that she only manages to do it because she knows everything. So, she can afford to live like that without bumping into anything.

Although, Silky Stream still wonders every now and then… why is she doing this?

What is it that Baldomare doesn't want to see?


"How… I'm sorry, can you repeat that part again?"
"Of course. It's Cryppys. C-R-Y-P-P-Y-S. And it's very important you don't steal any of the letters while you say it. Now, start that whole phrase from the beginning, dear."


She doesn't know the answer to that, of course. And she realizes it would be rude to ask.

So, Silky Stream does the second-best thing she can think of. She keeps auntie Baldie company whenever she can.

And in return, every now and then, Baldomare asks her to do fun stuff like this!



[Reflection of the Tapestry, CD 60]

[Roll: 71 + 50 (Baldomare) – 50 (Incompetent Celebrant Cutest Assistant) + 60 (Secret Histories Level 6) = 131]

[Success]



"Wow! It… it's glowing pink!"
"That's right. That means you did it correctly, dear. Now, pay attention to what I will say next. Do you see that mirror next to you? I need you to…"


Right now, Silky and Baldomare are in the middle of the farmlands. Surrounded in all directions by walls of tall crops, with nopony else in sight. Auntie Baldie used some magic to flatten the ground, so Silky could draw on it better, but she promised Silky that it wouldn't cause problems to anypony.

More importantly, Baldomare is currently standing outside a respectably large ritual circle, drawn by the filly. And the filly herself is currently standing at the very center of the configuration, watching in wonder as some of its inner sigils begin to glow with the color of paradoxes.


"Like… like this?"
"That's right… like that… Reflect the sunlight into the glowing spot and… There! Quickly, while its color changed, reflect it back on the outer circle!"


Doing that feels like a game, to the filly.

And who knows, perhaps good Baldomare took some liberties to make this activity possible to begin with. After all, that ritual circle is a lot larger than it should have been. Large enough to have room for mistakes, and certainly too large to work without her steady hoof on it.

However, as the filly dutifully follows Baldomare's instructions…



[Reflection of the Tapestry, CD variable]

[Roll: 31 + 50 (Baldomare) – 50 (Incompetent Celebrant Cutest Assistant) + 60 (Lantern Level 6) – 150 (??????) = -59]

[Negative result, ritual fizzles]



… the circle's glow suddenly fades out. And the shiny atmosphere that was gathering around them quickly evaporates.

"Huh? Was that supposed to happen, auntie?" the foal asks.

But Baldomare…

…

The older mare, she…

"Auntie? Is everything alright?"

Something which has not occurred in a very long time, happens.

"That… was very interesting…" Baldomare says.

Because for the first time in a very, very long time… Baldomare has been surprised by something.

"Silky, dear, can you run along back home? I'm afraid I'll have to continue this little experiment without you."

"Oh… okay. But it was really fun, auntie. Can't I at least stay and watch you do it instead?"

"I'm afraid not, dear. I wouldn't want to blind you."

She says that, and the foal quickly leaves, not really sure if the mare truly meant it or not.

And as Baldomare gets to work re-drawing the circle in the Wake, her true self narrows her eyes within the confines of her lodge.

Because for the first time in a very, very long time, the Name of Lantern is curious about something.



[Baldomare invokes a re-roll]





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers.

And you are currently having quite an eventful afternoon, to say the least.

You are in the deep underground of the Lunar Bureau. In the section that is deeper than the hangar, and that is deeper even than the solitary cells where you kept the more important Bluebloods.

Yes, you are currently in the place where the real cells are located. The ones that need to be surrounded by iron, and then magical wards, and then solid rock in all directions. The kind of place that even an alicorn would have difficulty escaping from, and that will never see the light of Celestia's sun.

To be entirely honest, putting your current captive here is something that could be called "overkill". However, you understand the importance of symbolism.

Because this cell might be too secure for the one measly changeling your agents have captured.

But alas, this is still the first changeling ever to be captured. So, the circumstances call for the very best you have at your disposal.

Although, there is the detail that…



"He swears up and down he is one Gallop Field," one of your constables, a team-leader, says. "And we already dusted him several times, to no effect."

"That thing is a changeling, Commissioner," Beyond Reproach retorts, from a few hoofsteps behind you. "I tailed him for more than a week. And I saw him do things earth ponies shouldn't be able to do. I swear on my badge he's one of them."



… there is the detail that nopony else knows the pony you are staring at, currently chained and jailed in the warded cell, is a changeling. They don't know Reproach is correct, and that you have your very first catch in your hoofs.

"What should we do, ma'am?" Shining Armor asks, his tone more than just a little nervous.

There is a very small gathering of ponies here with you. A place as deep as this in the Bureau wasn't really made with comfort or space in mind. However, there is still enough space for a team of ponies to drag in a reasonably large prisoner.

So, as you inspect the prisoner who was brought in less than an hour ago from Tall Tale, you are being waited on by no less than ten ponies. With Shining Armor, Reproach, and several other constables and investigators waiting on your word.

And you understand why they are all so tense. After all, the prisoner you are looking at was one they captured in the dead of the night. During a very small window of opportunity, and based on evidence that can be described as shaky at best. So, as far as they know, they either captured a changeling and made a breakthrough in their investigation… or the Bureau just committed its first Very Big Blunder, that you will have to clean up.

But of course, they don't know what you know. And when they look at the chained and gagged prisoner, they don't see what you see.

So…

"Deputy," you say, your voice cutting through the mounting tension. "Have a runner contact Eclipse… or whatever nameless institution Midday Dew is in charge of. Tell them we will be sending them this prisoner. They will know what it is for. If anypony objects, tell them it's for Celestia herself, and that I'll have any delays sent to the Princess for an explanation."

You say that, without taking your eyes away from the stallion… no, from the monster, that is currently wearing the guise of a pony. Pretending to shiver and cry, as if it were an innocent pony who had just been caught in a situation beyond its control.

You say that, without taking your eyes away from that thing, and you feel nothing but hate towards it.

"Reproach," you say. And the hushed activity that was happening behind you, as Shining dispatched somepony to see to your orders, immediately stops. And the stallion you called for hesitates only for a moment before taking a few steps towards your back. "Prepare a thorough report on how you concluded this is a changeling. Omit nothing from it. Once the test returns its results, I will have your methods disseminated if you are proven right."

You turn your back to the captured enemy, and you begin the long trek that will take you back to the ground level. The small crowd of agents parting before you as you walk.

"We will gather in the conference room in an hour. Regardless of the results of the test, we still have the reports from the mountains to discuss. Prepare a briefing, explaining how bad the infestation in the city of Tall Tale is, and how we may go about remedying it."

You say that, and then you are gone. Several more pressing matters presenting themselves to you.

After all, you have other… concerns to keep in mind.

You need to plan when you will report this to Princess Celestia.

You need to verify how prepared the Bureau truly is to directly face the changeling threat.

And most importantly, you need to consider whether you will interfere with this occurrence, to further your own goals.

All in due time, of course.

For now, you need to show your agents that they have, indeed, captured a changeling.



- - -



Following their investigations, your agents have conclusively sighted changelings in the mountains of Tall Tale, a city located on the western coast of Equestria. Furthermore, a prisoner who was hastily captured during the investigation was proven to have been a changeling all along. The term "Freak Check" being whispered into existence by your agents, as the chained prisoner they delivered to Eclipse was returned to them, less than an hour later, with its disguise burned and its horrid form laid bare.

Your investigators are currently trying to discover exactly how much the city has been infiltrated. Although you do not expect much progress, given how unreliable their methods currently are.

However, and more importantly, your agents have reported to you that the mountains of Tall Tale itself are being used as a staging ground by the shapeshifting monsters.





You have discovered the expedition "The proto-hive of Tall Tale". As an expedition, this is a chance for you to raid that place with your own resources, so you can scout it, loot it, or even plant evidence on it before ordering the Bureau to make its move.

Spoiler: The proto-hive of Tall Tale

Location: Tall Tale is a growing city, surrounded on one side by a quickly-disappearing forest, and by tall mountains on the other. Those mountains, according to your agents, are currently infested by changelings. You could sneak in there, to either strike at the changelings yourself, steal from them, or maybe even PLANT something you would like your constables to find later. But unfortunately, this endeavor will not be without dangers.

(NOTE: This expedition will DISAPPEAR if the Lunar Bureau raids it before you do. But an expedition sent here will arrive before the Bureau raids it, if both actions are taken on the same turn.)

Expected duration: MEDIUM

Base cost: 7 bits (you must have at least 70 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: Sneaking past your own agents shouldn't be hard, since you know their every move. And there are changelings in the mountains themselves. Other than that, anything else is UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Come next turn, your Constables will have the option to "Raid the Tall Tale mountains". This is a direct strike against the changeling threat that currently exists in Equestria. And performing this action will "destroy" the related Expedition.



- - -



The night turns into early morning when you finally return to your guest room in the Royal Castle.

You are sure it is already way past midnight, although you don't really know by how much. But still, you distinctly recall seeing the clock on the meeting room turn over to a new day, as Shining Armor and your agents fleshed out a draft of a plan on how to take action in the mountains of Tall Tale.

Granted, everything is still in the draft stage. But still, these are changelings you are talking about. Hunting them is one of the reasons-to-be of the Lunar Bureau. And you are planning on raiding a place that is, quite literally, a mountain. This isn't a mansion you can surround, and this isn't at the heart of an organized city. So, even this stage of planning is already… complicated.

But still, any true action is still several weeks away from reality. For now, you have given them orders to plan for a more permanent listening post, on the city and in the wilderness around the mountains, to keep a very close eye on the changelings. They should give you options to choose from, for those posts, tomorrow. And things should organically evolve from there.

Right now, all you really want to do is…

"… sleep…" you moan to yourself.

Although the pinch you feel on your chest makes it very clear that you will be forced to wake up on time tomorrow. After all, it doesn't matter if she only had less than four hours of sleep. It is completely unacceptable for the Commissioner to be late for her duties.

So, as you drag your hoofs into your guestroom and make your way towards your bed-

-you are immediately assaulted by the heavy presence of Knock, like the smell of snakeskin against your eyes.

You immediately let out a gasp, closing your eyes shut as you scan your room. Your tired body giving way… not to attention, but at least to some degree of alertness.

After all, you can't sense anypony.

But you can definitely feel that something happened here.

Or perhaps that somepony was here earlier this day.

"Wait, why is my bed so…?" you say out loud, realizing that the covers on your bed are completely disheveled. No, more than that, you realize your bed sheets are presently covering something.

And after you cautiously pull the sheets of your bed, you are met with a small trove of treasures.

Spoiler: Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2

[Expedition: Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2]

[Sole participant: Daughter-of-Axes, taking no artifacts]



"Finding her way to the discrete entrance, on a forgotten spot of Mount Canterlot, was not that hard. In fact, it was almost familiar. After all, she opened that passage herself."


[Day 1 - Finding a way through the cavern, cd 75]

[Roll: 12 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) = 72]

[Failure]


"Unfortunately, the caverns of crystal were more confusing than expected. She spent a whole day going in slithering circles, and only realized her mistake when she reached the entrance, and realized night was already falling."


[Day 2 - Finding a way through the cavern, cd 75]

[Roll: 81 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) = 141]

[Success]


"But eventually, she found a way forward. Or rather, she found a collapsed tunnel with markings consistent with the diary she had been given for reference. Progress."


[Day 3 – Forcing a way through, cd 70]

[Roll: 60 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) = 120]

[Success]


"She wishes she had Firerage Powder. Or pack-hound grease. Mansus, she would even like to have that confounding stallion who made that request, if he had a pickaxe with him. But she had none of that. Still, she made due, and after hours of careful work, she had a way forward."


[Day 4 – Navigation]

[Journey-length hurdle, no CD involved]


"The farther one goes, the more careful one ought to be. And advancing at a crawl's pace takes time."


[Day 5 – Sustenance, cd 80]

[Roll: 69 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) = 129]

[Success]


"The cold depths of the cavern were almost oppressive. But her body was more than enough to power through it. And her supplies were meant for far harsher places. The age-old drops of water dripping from the crystal above were not enough to push her back."


[Day 6 – But can you say "please?", cd 80]

[Roll: 4 + 10 (Antisocial) = 14]

[Failure]


This-ere caverns are mine. You 'ear me? MINE!

"A blind mole-thing, capable of speech and territorial to a fault, blocked her way. Her first, second and third reflexes were to cleave it, but she knew better than to challenge a ground-swimmer in the depths of a cave. That, she knew, was a very quick way to have the entire cavern collapsed over her head. However her fourth reflex -telling it to fuck off and insulting its entire family tree- was probably not the best way to go about it."


[Day 7 – But can you say "please?", cd 80]

[Roll: 80 + 10 (Antisocial) = 90]

[Success]


"She will never admit what terrible deals she struck with Ol'Mole Badgerson. But after both parties were able to calm down, and meet on the next day, they reached an understanding of sorts. Still, she hopes never to meet the creature, or any of its kind, again."


[Day 8 – Finding a way out, cd 60]

[Roll: 11 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) + 30 (Knock total 6) = 101]

[Success]


"In the depths of the cave complex, a door. Locked and warded, and that knows the touch of the Lores. This, she knows, is what she was looking for. But she will not open it today. She knows better than to open locked doors without preparation, and there might be sealed dangers awaiting behind it. Instead, she looks for the thinnest wall. Or at least, for the wall that will give the shortest path to the face of the mountain."


[Day 9 – Making a way out, cd 100]

[Roll: 72 + 50 (Expedition Bonus) + 10 (Diary entries) + 30 (Knock total 6) = 162]

[Success]


"Mining a tunnel, without proper equipment, in absolute darkness, and in a place that might collapse at any moment, is no easy task. But the Name of Knock knows a thing or two about creating passages. Furthermore, she finds a small stash of items, probably used by whoever locked the door, entombed in her path. And after an entire day of careful toil, the forbidding cavern is once again touched by the breeze of an early morning. And the snakemare herself slithers away back to her summoner."


[Expedition successfully completed]

Spoiler: Results

[Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2, results]

"A small collection of items, a map to find the outside entrance, and a grudging note warning that the door she found was well-warded even by her own high standards. Whoever occupied the depths of Mount Canterlot has left few clues of his existence, but the Daughter-of-Axes was able to sniff what little there was to be found. All that is left, you suppose, is to find a way to open that door. But for now, these treasures are yours."


-Gained one Artifact (Lantern, level 4, unstudied) of unknown properties.

-Gained one book (Moth, level 5. Requires deciphering. Progress 0/100. From an Era that is Ancient Beyond History, "-50" to deciphering rolls.)

-Gained one book (Knock, level 5. Requires deciphering. Progress 0/100. From One Era Ago, "-30" to deciphering rolls.)

-Gained one Reagent (MOTH, Level 4)

-Discovered the expedition "Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 3"

- - -



Your night, unfortunately, is no less eventful than your day.

Because you are here.

Of course you are here.

You are… with your son.

You are in the Mansus.

To say that you have been avoiding this place is an understatement. Ever since you understood, or perhaps realized, the true nature of this place, you have been avoiding the Dream. You have chosen, as much as you can choose with this kind of thing, to have sleepless nights. And on one occasion, to help with Selene's own request, you even fell asleep under her spell.

That… was the first time you had a normal dream in a very long while. In fact, you still recall that night fondly. After all, the sensation of falling asleep and having good memories about it is…

…

No, you shouldn't remember that night. You shouldn't even think about it. Not here, at least. Not right now.

Because a part of you thinks that, if you think about your good memories too hard while in this place, then they will somehow be corrupted.

So, instead, you go to work.

…

The Ashen Wastes, as you came to call them, stretch before you. It still has the same look it had last time, of a colossal ocean of ashes, with its waves frozen in place.

However, another part of you can't help but think of this place as being covered in fur. And as your hoof sinks into the lukewarm ash, you can't help but feel like a tick, or some other vermin, that is crawling on the back of a gigantic animal.

Still, you are not here for no reason. Quite on the contrary.

Maybe you are doing this out of morbid curiosity, like a killer revisiting the scene of a crime they committed. Or maybe you truly believe that it is useful to learn about this place, even if only to know what other adepts might suffer if they ever decide to wander here.

But still, the fact remains that you are here to explore this place.

Because there must be other sections to this place. Granted, it would not surprise you to learn that this is just one gigantic wasteland. However, it pays to be sure.

So, you pick a direction, and you begin to walk.



[Rolling…]



Up the slopes, down through the drifting slabs of burned Mansus-stone. Avoid the crashing waves like a plague, even if they appear to be frozen in place.

And whatever you do, don't look back.

You do not want to see the pawprints that you know are following after you, from a distance.

But eventually, your suspicions (or perhaps your fears) are confirmed.

You reach a place that seems to break off from the Wastes themselves. The change is not as violent as the one you saw in the Shattered Stairways, where the floating staircases seemed to lead into entirely different worlds. But still, this place seems to have a different feeling to it.

The ground is still made of burning ash, and the disgusting smell of pain and hopelessness still fills your nostrils. However, you cannot see any frozen waves made of ash here, nor do you see any signs of charred tree-trunks, or anything like that.

Instead, you see… what seems to be ruins.

There is a small forest of broken Mansus-stone here, all of it charred. Their surfaces red-and-black like the flames that licked them. But still, you see a lot more remains of the Mansus than you have seen anywhere else. These are not the broken pieces of stone slabs you have seen here and there, trapped between the ashen waves like the remains of a broken ship in a storm. Instead, the scene before you looks as if an entire castle had been torn from its foundations, and had its pieces scattered in all directions by an earthquake or a storm.

There are columns half-sunk into the dust. Crumbled walls leaning against each other and forming dark tunnels. Bits and pieces and chunks and broken blocks as far as your eye can see.

You do not want to dare and enter that place. You really do not want to do that.

…

But you have to.

…

As you make your way through the ruins, you can't help but wonder… what kind of structure was this, before the Woods burned?

Are these the remains of that grand Temple you had found? Is this something older, that only your former Master remembered?

Or are these ruins of Mansus-stone the remains of some upper level, that chipped off and fell from above thanks to the heat of that hateful fire?

You do not know.

And part of you doesn't really want to find out.

Still, as you walk through the ruins, you realize something else.

You… you are not alone.

You are being watched.

You are being watched by more than just the stalking presence that leaves pawprints on your wake.

But these sightless eyes that watch you, these disembodied creatures that stalk you from the shadows and the miserable wind… they do not look upon you favorably. As hard as it is to say that the Wolf-thing that follows after you is favorable to you, you can definitely say that the things in these ruins share no such preference towards you.

The things in these ruins, you know, can only hate.

The things in these ruins, you realize, were born from the fire and misery that came to be when the Woods burned.

Maybe they are the hateful spirits of the things that died. Maybe they are the smokes from the hungry flames that destroyed everything in their path. Or maybe they are something else altogether, like a pack of nightmares that came into existence as the old forest choked to death.

But still, whatever these things might be, they are here…

… and they can also be called into the Wake.

You wake up with you mind full of fresh horrors. And even though none of those creatures dared to approach you, you were still gifted with the knowledge of how to call upon them.

And you know that other adepts, who will certainly have a far deadlier encounter with them, will learn how to summon them as well.

That is, if they survive that encounter.





You have located the Hunting Grounds, that damned place where the denizens of the Ashen Wastes made nest. You have discovered, and learned how to summon, "Ash-Ghouls".

Spoiler: Ash-Ghoul

"This thing has no body to speak of. It does not even have a shape. However, the end result of its summoning is there for all to see. Blood-soaked ash leaks out of the corpses' wounds, and its movements are more alien the more bodies are used in its construction. And even though it has no will of its own, it can still hate as fiercely as any other echo of the dying breath of the Woods. It is best not to dwell on what happens to the essence of the ponies used in its sacrifice."

Ash-Ghoul

Summoning requirements: WINTER 50, KNOCK 50, EDGE 50

Summoning cost: 25 bits.

Summoning details:
-At least one living pony MUST be sacrificed to summon this creature. Ponies sacrificed in this ritual do NOT count towards the maximum number of sacrifices of a circle, but they do NOT give any bonus to this ritual (to a maximum of seven ponies).
-Due to your understanding of this creature's home, you have complete knowledge of its status file without having to summon it.
-This creature has no "Specific Bonus". Or rather, the specific action it would be good at is not useful to most summoners.

Health: ?/? (Minimum of 3)
General bonus: ?? (5x sacrifice)
Aspects: EDGE ?, WINTER ?
[ABOMINATION]: Ash-Ghoul's health and Lore levels are equal to the number of ponies sacrificed in its summoning ritual. (Although its health will always be at least 3). And its General bonus is equal to five times the number of ponies sacrificed.
[I STAB AT THEE]: A character who deals the killing blow to at least one Ash-Ghoul must, at the end of combat, roll (CD: 100 + 10x sacrificed ponies / using Martial + Winter) to resist gaining a stack of Dread. (But the same character killing multiple Ash-Ghouls will only risk gaining at most one Dread per combat sequence).

[The Dead Will No Longer Be Dead]: Summoning this creature does not require a ritual circle.

[MONSTROUS APPEARANCE]: Cannot be used for Social Actions.
[UNINTELLIGENT]: Will perform badly at Actions that require academic knowledge. (This creature is still cunning, and will not walk into traps or act foolishly)
[BURNING FUEL]: This creature must consume dead bodies (the same number of bodies currently applying its bonuses) every turn, or it will be immediately unsummoned.
[FADING FUEL]: At the end of every turn, this creature "loses" one of its bodies from the number of bodies used to summon it, for all relevant aspects.
[SPENT FUEL]: Ash-Ghouls may not be used as sacrifice in other rituals.

But perhaps, the worst part is the knowledge that any other adept, who reaches as far as the edge of the Crossroads, might learn about this as well.



- - -



You are about ready to get back home. You had enough news, both good and bad, for this week. Nay, for the entire month.

You just want some time off with your family, with no worries or duties weighing down on your back. You just need to be with ponies who want you to relax, and who aren't constantly demanding your attention to do this or that or something else.

With that in mind, you finally arrive at the train station. Your saddle-bag tied to your back, and your tickets ready for the first-class cabin that will take you home.

And by the heavens you can't wait to get to Ponyville.

However, as you avoid the hustle and bustle of the Canterlot Central Station, and patiently await for the call to board your train, you are suddenly surprised by…

"Baldomare?"

"Ah, there you are. I was hoping you to catch you here. There is something I would like to tell you. And it would be dreadful not to take the first class cabin with you to go back to Ponyville."

The bespectacled earth pony mare greets you, and takes the seat at your side, as if that was the most normal thing in the world.

But what…

"… what in the world are you doing here?" you ask her. Your curiosity quickly getting the best of you. "I thought you didn't need… well, several things? Like trains? Or tickets? Or to physically find me to tell me something?"

The Name-mare laughs a little bit, as if you had just told her a joke. And to nopony's surprise, she simply ignores your questions as she continues to talk.

"That is all technically accurate, sure. But none of that really matters right now. More importantly, Velvet, I would like to tell you about something I have found. From that little favor you asked me to do," she says. And naturally, she now has your full attention. Your ears perking up as you realize what exactly she is talking about.

You are only slightly worried about somepony nearby overhearing you. But you know Baldomare well enough for this. She can be discreet when she wants to.

"Now, tell me. Have you ever heard of a symbol called… no, the name would definitely not mean anything about you. But have you ever seen a symbol of a snake eating its own tail? More poetic ponies would say it is a symbol of Eternity, or perhaps an allegory to creation and destruction. But I always subscribed to the more literal interpretation. That being that snakes are always the cause of their own problems. Which leads me to…"

Baldomare tells you of what she saw… or rather, she tells you about what she couldn't see.

She tells you that the scrying ritual you asked her to do was so muddled, or perhaps so refracted, that she could barely see anything more than allegories and vague symbolism.

She tells you that the thing you are looking for, or rather the thing that the Daughter-of-Axes is looking for, is very far away… and yet, closer than anypony might imagine.

She tells you that, as these curses usually go, the snakemare already has access to a place where her coveted item may be found. But, as is the case with curses, she cannot go there herself.

She tells you all of that…

… and then she asks you one thing.

"With that in mind, tell me something Velvet. Has she ever asked you to go somewhere, in her stead? Has she ever asked you for a favor, or maybe asked you to do an errand for her? Has she ever offered you a deal?"

The stationmaster begins to blow his whistle, calling for your train to begin boarding, just as she asks you that last question.

And for all that the mare refuses to elaborate any further, even on the long trip back to Ponyville, she has still given you plenty to think about.





Under normal circumstances, I would have opened a vote to decide who would go on the expedition, and what would be taken. However, during the initial dice-rolling, Axe passed the one test that would have used an artifact you had available (Heart) without needing its help. And none of your other artifacts would have been useful. Furthermore, this expedition is a bit of an exception when it comes to expeditions in general. So, I skipped the vote.

Baldomare has given you an elusive (but according to her, interesting) report on the ritual you had her perform. Thirty bits have been removed from your inventory, for Baldomare's ritual.

The Daughter-of-Axes has successfully completed an expedition at your behest. Its items have been added to your inventory, and a total of 63 bits (nine days, at seven bits each) has been taken from your inventory.

Two new expeditions have been discovered, and added to the relevant list.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, With Changeling Detectives
-[X] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[X][DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[X][CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X][SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[X] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "The Key that Only Opens" the Daughter of Axe wants)
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (Reflection of the Tapestry, search for "the easiest lvl 6 book we can get for Baldomare")
--[X] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[X] WRITE IN: Canterlot part 2 expedition
-[X] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.
--[X][GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe. (Your home)

[X] Plan Betterer Biedde
-[X] (AotL) Edge
-[X] (Forge) Edge 3, Knock 2 Edge 1, SH 1
—[X] Gift used on Knock 2 Edge 1 retroactively
-[X] (Steppes) Ask about any rumors and general perceptions of us, Fair Trial, and our respective institutions, among both nobles and the commonfolk.
-[X] (Social) Level up Jade
-[X] Summon Biedde
--[X] Sacrifice Edge 3 and Knock 2 Edge 1 reagents
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Fleeting Opportunity: Comet Feet
-[X] Study: Forge 3, Forge 3, Mystery Book
-[X] Explore the Mansus
--[X] Find a new location in the Ashen Wastes
--[X] Explore the depths of the Ruined Church
-[X] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Influence of Edge.

You are Velvet Covers.

And right now, you are very high in the Mansus.

Every time you get this high, you can't help but think about how strange the trek here feels.

Because no matter how many times you do this, you always think you will be daunted (or maybe even bored) by having to climb all the way here. Every time, before you go to sleep on nights like this, you carry with you a small measure of dread, as you picture yourself having to walk all the way from the Crossroads to here. Every night, you wish there were ways to "start" climbing the Mansus from a higher point.

Sure, that might be the height of a mortal's hubris, to wish that the Mansus was accommodating to you. But still, you are but a pony, so you can't help but think about those kinds of things.

However, there is a second part to these thoughts of yours. Because every time you reach the Mansus, and begin making your way to the Glory… you always relish it.

The journey, if you can even call it a journey at all, is never stale. It is never boring.

You always feel thrilled while doing it. And setting your sights on Glory, and performing the Climb, is always something you relish. Every time. Without fail.

Or at least, that is what you thought tonight, as you made your way here.

But now is not the time to wander and wonder. Now is the time to act.

You are currently in the… entrance, of the Ruined Church. If the broken mosaic window that you must climb through can even be called that.

And for all that you were thinking about the thrill of the Climb, you can't help but feel trepidation whenever you reach this point.

Maybe it's because, in very practical terms, you cannot see the Glory while inside the Ruinned Church. Not directly, at least. But most likely, you feel like this because this place feels like a living thing, and you invariably feel like you are climbing into a giant's mouth, whenever you enter this place.

Even when you are just passing through this place, taking the path you have very carefully plotted and mapped, you still feel nervous. Especially since, every now and then, the paths you are used to seem to shift ever so slightly.

But more than just that, tonight you are especially nervous because, well…

"Time to find out what you are hiding," you whisper.

Although you are not sure if you are saying that to the Ruined Church, or to yourself.

After all, if any place is meant to reveal a pony's deepest secrets, it has to be this.

Time to get to work.



[Mansus Expedition: The Depths of the Ruined Church]



You stalk through the upper corridors like a mouse in a forest. Because even though you have already been here several times, you know better than to be careless within these walls.

But soon enough, you find one of the passages you always avoid. A particular twist in your mapped path that, you know, eventually leads deeper into the Church.

Under normal circumstances, you would stalk right past this place. And in some nights, when you can hear or smell or even taste things coming from that place, you will avoid this path altogether. Either doubling-back to take an alternative route, or just giving up on that night's dream altogether.

But tonight, this particular cross on the road seems to be safe… or at least safe enough for you to dare explore it.

Out of the beaten path you go, and into an unfamiliar tunnel you reach.

As you walk down the unfamiliar corridor, you can't help but notice how deathly quiet this place is. You still think that, on the corner of your vision, the walls seem to shift and twist. But this feels more like the… it looks more like the slow movement of a pony's chest, as they breathe in their sleep.

You do your best not to disturb the ground as you walk. And soon enough you find what you are looking for.

To your right, behind a broken door made out of rich wood, you spot what seems to be a set of stairs. The beginning of a spiral staircase that seems to go downwards, and into darkness.

You sneak your way towards the staircase, checking every corner before daring to pass through them, and eventually you come face to face with the way down.

And for all that your dream body isn't real, you can't help but take a deep breath as you try to encourage yourself for what comes next.

"You can do this, Velvet…" you say under your breath.

And then you take the first step down.



…



The spiral staircase snakes its way downward, and you cautiously follow the only path down.

You would be lying if you said you weren't scared. After all, this place isn't just claustrophobic, but it is also as good as a death trap. You can't really see what lies in wait far below, since the staircase is an endless curve that blocks your sight. And you also can't see if anything is coming from behind you, following your tracks.

In short, you are stuck here, until you reach the bottom of the stairs.

And almost as if your fears had conjured up a challenge in your path, you suddenly come to a stop. Your hoofs freeze under you, mid-walk, as you narrowly miss noticing the thing you almost just stepped on.

"What…? Oh heavens…" you say, almost recoiling as you do.

Because as you look down the steps in front of you, you realize there is something on the steps that… no, it isn't just that. You realize there is something growing out of the steps. Like tiny protrusions, growing out of the stairs themselves.

And they are… you narrow your eyes, as you try to make sure. But sure enough, you quickly confirm it.

Those things are spikes. Spikes, or maybe thorns, or perhaps even fangs. Tiny, bone-white needles, that seem to be growing out of the bone-white marble of the steps.

They are so small, you think, that they probably won't hurt you too much.

But they are definitely sharp, and they might just hurt you enough.

And they are so very thirsty, you know. Like this entire place, and all the denizens it holds.

…

You will not enjoy doing this.

But you realize that, given the nature of this place, there is no other way to explore its depths.

A price must be paid. And knowing what was worshipped in this temple, that price will always be blood.



[Pay the price, cd 100]

[Roll: 60 + 9 (Martial) + 30 (Heart Level 3) = 99]

[Failure]



You take one step, the pinprick-pain piercing through the hoofs of your dream-body, and opening the paths for your blood to flow out of them.

You take the second step, and the pain more than doubles. As if the nearby spikes are also awakening, and eagerly awaiting for the coming feast.

The third step. You swear your blood is being sucked out, rather than just flowing out of your wounds.

You don't even have all your four hoofs on the spiked steps, and you have no idea how much longer the staircase goes, until it reaches the bottom. You can't know, because it simply curves out of your sight right in front of you.

But already the pain is too much, and you quickly retreat to the safety of the smooth marble steps behind you. Leaving bloody hoofprints that are quickly consumed by the very floor under your hoofs.

Maybe you are too weak to do something like this.

Maybe this was a mistake.



[Velvet Covers has lost one health]

[Velvet Covers has lost one scrap of Heart Lore]



[Velvet Covers has lost a health during an expedition. Will she continue?]

[Current health: 1/2]



[] Continue the expedition (the Expedition will continue as normal, and you will re-try the failed hurdle)

[] Retreat (you will safely retreat back to the Wake)





Author's note: Well, this is embarrassing.

No moratorium. Voting is open. Because I (and Velvet) believe she should just retreat. But this is not something on the "Velvet's Imperative" level for me to force an action. So here we are, voting on it. (And before anyone mentions it, Velvet could very technically have used her Edge AotL to double her Martial bonus, and gain the last needed +1. Trust me, I noticed that. But I noticed that only after I combed your file looking for SOMETHING that could help her. But the bottom line was that I wouldn't retroactively make her invoke a bonus she wouldn't normally use for this, so it's a no-go. And since I couldn't find any other forgotten bonus she could use, this is what happened.)

So… uh… I'll go write some interludes that I wanted to get done this turn. And Mareinette should ask you for her binding refreshments, unless we have any other interruptions. But your actions for this turn are pretty much over now.

Voting might close early, if things are clearly going in one direction. But voting shall remain open for at least twenty-four hours.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

My name is Midday Dew, and my entire life I have considered myself a pony of science.

I hope this doesn't turn into a scientific report. For some reason, I am not comfortable with thinking of my life as an experiment, despite how much of my life revolved around studies and research. But she did tell me to write what I know, so I suppose this will have to do.

My name is Midday Dew, and my entire life I have considered myself a pony of science.

Did that change? No, I do not think it has. But the circumstances I have been subject to certainly have changed.

So, I will try my best to journal my life here. Even if this only serves to show me how worse things have become, when I read this in the future.

---

I think the worst part is right after I wake up. That split second when I realize I am awake, but when the images are still so strong I think they are still happening.

That fraction of a moment, when I think my nightmares are still taking place in the waking world, surely is the very worst.



I should go to the lab. I don't have time to do this right now.



Maybe it is best to do this at night, right after I call it a day.

---

I don't think journaling is really helping me. Most days I just forget to write here. And when I do, I don't really feel like I am reducing to paper anything that truly matters.

But what else should I write about, if not my own thoughts? I have no desire to memorialize the nightmares here. Nor do I need to comment on what is done in the lab, since we keep our own records there.

So, if I am not doing this for the sake of posteriority, then who is this for anyways?

---

Today's session was…



Curious.



I remember when I was the only one to have these nightmares. Everypony else thought I was just working too hard, and they insisted I took some time off.

I refused, of course. I understood what the dreams were trying to tell me. I realized, at first glance, that I wouldn't have any peace unless I worked HARDER.

But still, I remember when I was the only one.

It is strange. In my mind, that strange period of isolation seemed to last for a very long time. But in truth, it maybe lasted a week.

In fact, this whole thing has been going on for maybe a month now.

Curious, how quickly ponies' lives can change, in such a short period of time.

Still, I remember when I was the only one.

And then, I remember what it felt like when it began to "spread".

We thought it was a curse, at first. Like a magical disease that affects the mind. After all, everypony was having the same nightmares. The imagery was the same for all of us. The wolves, the ruin, the futility of our actions. The end of ponykind, and all we ever called our civilization.

But we are all scientists. Celestia gathered us because we are rational ponies. So, we acted the part. We treated this like a disease, and we analyzed its spread with me as its "patient zero".

It helped that we were all… motivated, to work harder. In fact, I recall some of my colleagues claiming the nightmares were less bad when they worked overtime, staying in the lab until the sun rose again.

We know better now, of course. We know the effects of exhaustion in our sleeping cycles. And how stress, and a reasonable dose of placebo, can help with that.

But then again, we never really discarded the idea that these dreams were… intelligent, in some way.

Our second theory was that, rather than a magical disease of the mind, this was related to Princess Luna. After all, one of our directives is aiding in finding her. And dreams were, according to what little evidence we have, her domain.

We thought this was related to her actions… or perhaps her absence.

We thought, for a few days, that these nightmares were a sign that she was dead.

But Princess Celestia quickly dispelled those theories. Or, if nothing else, she directed us to work based on the assumption that the Royal Sister is alive.

Still, our research on these dreams were not making much progress. And of course, our other studies were completely paused while we tackled this latest issue.

Because we can try to rationalize this decision, to focus on these nightmares, as much as we want: we can say it is an investment in our own future productivity, we can say that dream-research is a valid way to locate Princess Luna. But deep down, we all know why we are throwing ourselves at this. We just want the nightmares to end.

Well, we can say whatever we want about that. But the fact remains our attempts to understand these nightmares were being met with failure after failure.

Until we made our latest breakthrough.

Grape Vine woke up without having a nightmare, one day. And we all got together to try and figure out what happened. We checked everything, from the diet he was having, to the time he passed out in his office. But nothing seemed to be relevant. And more importantly, nothing seemed to be reproducible in a controlled environment.

Until we realized that his office was the closest one to… that place. To the mirror. And that he was passed out in his office, sleeping from exhaustion as we all had been doing, while we were exposing the changeling creature to the mirror itself.

And that is when we realized that…



Wait. No. This isn't what I



Where was I again?

Ah yes.

Today's session was curious.

She told me I felt like a different pony, although she couldn't tell me why.

But deep down… I think I know why that is the case.

---

I will not call this a waste of time.

But the fact remains that this journal simply did not have enough time to mature into something useful.

Still, I would be lying if I said I did not appreciate the moments of introspection this brought me.

She called this habit "mindfulness", and the term seems apt. Because during the day, when I recalled that I should write something in my diary, that chain of thought would inevitably help me stop and center myself. It would help me think about what I was doing, and how things had progressed during the day.

And those moments would be… little periods of calm, during the otherwise hectic day.

But still, I simply do not have the time, nor the habit, to keep this up.

Still, I will keep meeting her. We all will. The mandatory therapy sessions that we put into place, once the nightmares started taking their toll on us, have been a net positive to all of us. So, we have unanimously agreed to keep them.

And also, that is another reason to keep Inky Hoofs around. Because as much as he might try to deny it, he is a scholar like us. And the loss of his presence in our group would be a loss to Equestria as a whole.

But again. This shall be my last entry.

There is work to be done.

My name is Midday Dew, and my entire life I have considered myself a pony of science.

That will never change.

Even if our work redefines what science is.





- - -

- - -

- - -





Within the confines of the Royal Castle, a group of ponies is gathered in a dimly lit room.

Their place of work, which many of them have begun to treat as their own home, is in a particularly secure part of the Castle. It is a place guarded by soldiers, locked doors, magic, and the sheer fact that it is close to no less than two alicorns.

And access to that place, also, is highly restricted. Very few ponies, be they servants or soldiers, are allowed to enter the eclipse-marked doors. And even fewer ponies know what kind of work is performed in that place.

But still, despite all that safety…

… the ponies who bear the eclipse sigil cannot but feel they are in danger.

But how could they ever feel safe? After all, they are studying things they know nothing about. They have no idea of what dangers might be involved, or what misstep could result in a catastrophic and unpredictable accident.

So, how could any one of them feel safe, when they know they are making their way into the unknown?



How could any of them not be terrified, when they have already seen what waits for them in the dark?



But still, in spite of their fear… or perhaps because of their fear, they carry on.

Because somepony needs to fight against the wolves that gnaw at the bones of civilization.

Somepony needs to push ponykind forward, lest the things that are stalking all of them finally catch up.

"Time is up. He has been asleep for six hours now," one of the ponies say. "All hoofs, final report."

Within the confines of a dimly lit room, seven ponies are gathered in a rather curious configuration.

One of them is fast asleep, lying on a mobile hospital bed and being monitored by several magical devices.

The other six are, quite literally, sitting around the sleeping pony. All of them carrying notepads, measuring tools, or some other instrument of scientific trade.

And they are all working with a competency that demonstrates how many times they have done this before.

"Vital signs are stable. Heartbeat… blood pressure… everything, check. His state is consistent with a pony who is asleep."

"Etheroscope is flat. Resonating crystals are dormant. And… subject is a pegasus, and anemometer is quiet. No signs of any pony magic during his sleep."

"The light from the mirror has been consistent throughout all of it. No signs that it reacted in any way."

They all run their own checks, saying their findings out loud one by one at the same time they write them down. And all the six ponies, each within their own specialty, do their very best to make an analysis of the sleeping pony who is before them.

They all do their very best to see if there is anything wrong with… with the pony who is still fast asleep, in front of the uncovered mirror.

The mirror that Princess Celestia gave them. The mirror that, through some unknown property, is able to burn away the changeling's confusing disguises.

The mirror that, somehow, can save them from their nightmares, whenever they sleep close to it while it is uncovered.

"Alright, that's all we can do. Wake him up." The leading pony, the bespectacled earth pony stallion who is officially in charge of their efforts, gives the order. And the medic among them answers with a nod.

Soon after, a dose of something is administered on the sleeping pony's neck.

And he begins to wake up soon after.



"… wh-… I…"
"Deep breaths, deep breaths. Look into my eyes. Do you know who I am? Do you know where you are? Can you feel me holding your hoof?"



The mare runs over the usual questions, as the other ponies wait in silence. And soon enough, their peer is finally awake and aware.

Or at least aware enough to give his report.



"You have been asleep for six hours. Do you know what we need you to tell us, or do you need us to walk you through it? We can give you another shot of it, if you are still feeling dazed."
"No, no, I am fine…"
"Very well. So, if you please."
"Yes, yes… I… I haven't reached the end of the maze, but I made good progress. I got a better look at the beacon, and… and I think that… I think it has a name. Because when I saw it, I could only think of-"
"Stop."



The dazed pony looks up at the leading stallion. But even that is already a familiar event.

They all know what is happening. The sleeping mixture is too strong, so more often than not the subject doesn't remember the fine details of how their analysis must proceed.

All of them, without exception, have already been through this.

But still, there are standards that these studies must follow. They need to be absolutely sure that… that they are all seeing the same thing, and that these ideas that come to their minds are all coming from a source, rather than from each other.



"The beacon. The word you were going to say. Do not speak it out loud. Write it here, and show it to me. Do not let anypony else see it."



The dazed pony obeys, and with sluggish hoofs he accepts the paper that is given to him. And everypony else turns their back as he follows the instructions he was given. Giving the paper back to the leading pony when he is done.

And as expected, Midday Dew looks down at a familiar word… the same word that everypony else had in their mind, when they reached far enough in the stepping-stone maze. The same word he couldn't stop thinking of, when he himself got a better look at the beacon.

GLORY.



"Very well. Continue with your report."
"Yes, yes… I… I can confirm there is a structure, under the beacon. I can confirm that… no, I think there is a part of the structure that touches the ground level. But also…"
"Also…?"
"The farther I made it in the stepping-stone maze, the more I got this… this feeling… There is something under the beacon. There is something under that structure… something familiar."
"…"
"Something that reminds me of my… of our nightmares."
"… I understand. That is enough for now. You have the next six hours free, and you need to have your therapy session during that time. Everypony else, let's reconvene at the lab in two hours. I think we all want do go over our own notes before we present them to each other."



The leading stallion says that, and everypony else agrees with a quiet nod.

And soon enough, they all go their separate ways.

But still, Midday Dew thinks this… well, that this basically confirms it. They have already done this experiment enough times, and the results have all been the same so far.

They all wake up in that confounding maze of stepping-stones. They all see… they all feel the beacon. And they all experience the same things the closer they get to it.

There is more than enough data pointing at the same direction. There is only one theory that explains what is going on.

This is not a shared hallucination. This is not a magical disease of the mind. And for all that different ponies seem to have varying speeds of progress on the maze, they are all getting closer to the beacon.

Yes, there is only one theory that explains all of this. And they have done this experiment enough times that they all agree it is time to go to the next stage.

Exploration.

…

Well, it is time for his weekly report to Princess Celestia. And the Princess of the Sun has been so interested in this dream-discovery of theirs, that she has sanctioned their focus on it. At first, he thought it was because it might have some connection to Princess Luna. But now, he suspects it is for some other reason.

He wonders how she will react to this latest development.





The greatest scientific minds of Equestria have all been gathered in the same place, and been given the same directive. Whether it is by the talent on their flanks, or the howls in their dreams, their success is inevitable.

A new group of ponies has reached the Mansus.

Spoiler: Author's Note

Yes, this is meta knowledge. Yes, there are things here that Velvet might never learn about, and will not be allowed to act upon.

However, if Princess Celestia's Lantern ever reaches your Moth level, she will discover your connection to the Lores. And that creates a very high likelihood (depending on narrative circumstances) of her initiating combat with you. Which, statistically, will lead to your death, or a game over.

So, you have been allowed to see this.

Princess Celestia has reached LANTERN 0.

You will discover that eventually, as you will inevitably meet her in person to report on the changelings at some point.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

You have retreated back to the Wake, and abandoned the Mansus Expedition.

You are… it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter what your name is. And it doesn't matter what image you have on your flank.

Tonight, all that matters is getting this done with.

…

For you, it has always been about the bits. Money is the only form of currency you really care about.

And Copper knows this. Of course she does. She knows what everypony wants.

So, you don't care how she goes about everypony else. You don't care what she promises them, who she fucks, or who she promises to fuck if they just do one more thing for her. What matters to you is that she knows that, as long as she keeps the bits coming, you will do what she wants.

Granted, you might have to start jacking up your prices. Especially for this sort of thing.

Because the things she asked you to study were already weird enough… even though they made sense, and were kind of useful.

But the ponies she sent with you tonight? The preparations… no, the ritual she insisted you did, to help with your task?

You barely understood half of the things you were doing. And for all that you can feel the results, this still feels inky to you.

Still, none of that matters right now.

All that matters is that you told her your price, she paid it, and now you have a job to do.

With that in mind, the four of you arrive at your… destination.



[Edge Realization: Velvet Covers is immune to ambushes]

[All guarding characters have been alerted]



Not being able to take a train here, at Copper's insistence, was a drag. Having to hide the cart they hauled here was even worse. But still, finally, you have arrived.

And as the four of you wade through the fields of crops, pulling the cart behind you, the mansion finally comes into view. There is more than enough moonlight for you to see it. And it doesn't take long for you to confirm that the detailed map Copper gave you is accurate.

Yes, there it is. A large mansion, several annex buildings around something that looks like an open spot… the garden, you know. And then there are the surrounding walls. The walls, you all know, are mostly meant to keep critters and wildlife away, given how one-third of the population can easily fly over it.

However, none of you have wings. So, this will be your first challenge.

Thankfully, the map also points at a side-gate, that leads to one of the annex buildings, that you can use to sneak in.

You all know what to do. But still, you gather everypony one last time to make sure they are all in line with your plan.

"Alright everypony. Let's make this quick and clean," you say in a hushed tone, as the four of you and the cart hide behind the tall crops. "Get in, kill the bitch, get out. No stealing, no breaking shit, and no fooling around. And only sic a witness if you have to."

Everypony else answers you with a muted nod. Not all of them are happy that you were put in charge. But still, since that was an order from Copper herself, none of them speak up against you.

With that said, the cart-puller unclips the harnesses from his back, and the four of you silently make your way to the wall. Heading for the side-gate you know will be there, and your first step towards the central mansion.

You almost wish this was a rainy day. It would have made the trip here miserable, yes, but at least the moonlight wouldn't be shining down on you all so brightly. Because even though it is night, it is still so damn bright that anypony would see you, if they were to look out from a window in the nearby annex building.

However, your thoughts come to a crashing halt as you realize that… that you shouldn't be worrying about somepony looking out from a window and realizing you are here.



You should be worrying about the stallion who is right in front of you.



"Good evening, gentlecolts."

There is an old stallion, waiting by the side-gate. There is an old stallion, sitting next to the walls of the mansion, calmly swinging back and forth on a rocking chair.

There is an old stallion, waiting for you all, sitting next to a side-gate that he left wide open. Almost as if inviting you all in… or perhaps telling you that, regardless of the gate being open or not, your actions here will be futile.

He has a pipe on his mouth, a calm expression on his face, and the chilling confidence of a stallion who cannot be denied.

"I can see from your faces that you went through a lot, to arrive here. However, I must inform you that if any of you go through this entrance, you will all die."

He says that.

And you immediately believe him.

You all do.

"Fuck… fuck, fuck FUCK!" one of your companions immediately loses his composure, and runs back towards the cart before you can do anything else.

And you can't blame him. In fact, your own heart is almost jumping out of your mouth right now. And the only reason you have not yet moved is because your own mind has frozen for a few moments.

Because despite the story your eyes are telling you, despite the fact you are just looking at an old stallion, your mind… your body… every other part of you is yelling at you that you are in danger.

That you are in danger, and that you are probably going to die.

So, you don't blame your companion for his reaction. In fact, since you already know what he is going to do, you welcome his reaction.

More than just that, you wish you had brought five carts with you. Because maybe then you would have a chance.

But still, you all have a job to do.

Even though you might not survive it.

"What are you waiting for, just do it!" somepony else yells.

And right after that, a hundred different things happen at once.



[Attackers have unleashed their sealed Windigo]

[Mareinette has initiated combat]

[Windigo has initiated combat]



A sudden, violent, and almost explosive storm appears behind you. It comes from somewhere behind you, hidden behind the nearby crops. Of course, you know it is coming from the cart you all hauled here, and from the jar that it was carrying that was just cracked open.

However-


"[EDGE]!"


-a second explosive sound comes from the farm fields. And something that sounds more like an avalanche than a charging creature hits something solid.

You think you just heard the sound of wood being crushed. You think something very large just barreled against the cart, destroying it completely.

You think you just saw your two other companions being dragged by… something, into the forbidding crops.

You think you are alone, now, with the old stallion.

But thankfully, he seems to have his sight firmly set on the snowstorm-creature that just burst out of the sealed jar.

"Ah, quaint. Well then, I will deal with you later," the old stallion says.

And then he calmly begins to walk towards the flying monster that just appeared behind you.



[Mareinette has engaged three of the invaders]

Spoiler: Mareinette combat rolls

[Mareinette has invoked "NEVER ASK A LADY HER AGE"]

[Details of combat have been redacted]

[Windigo has engaged Biedde in combat]

Spoiler: Biedde combat rolls

[Windigo's current health: 3/3]

[Biedde's health: 5/5]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Windigo – 0, Biedde – 0]

[A Confident Certainty: Windigo can reroll one every six dice]

[?????: Biedde can reroll one every two dice]



[Windigo: 22 40 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 85]

[Biedde: 88 29 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 168]



[Overflow: Windigo – 0, Biedde – 83]

[Windigo suffers one wounds (-50 to Biedde's overflow]



[Windigo: 77 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 122]

[Biedde: 15 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 95]



[Overflow: Windigo – 27, Biedde – 33]



[Neither combatant wishes to perform any actions]

[Combat will continue as normal]

You are only vaguely aware that you are not thinking.

You have the faint impression that you can feel your heart beating inside your skull.

You are pretty sure that you are trying your best not to think about the cacophony behind you.

You knew there was a monster inside that jar, but you never saw it. And yet, when you heard it bursting into existence a few moments ago, you felt its chill. And that chill reminded you of things you would rather not think about.

You knew the old stallion was dangerous, the moment you set your eyes on him. And yet, you are still alive, even though he so casually walked past you.

And your three companions…? You hear yells, and thrashing, and the sound of something wet being broken coming from somewhere behind you.

But the more you run, the lower the noises get.

Because you don't care about the money anymore. You don't care about your companions, or whatever problems might arise if you return without them.

The only thing you care about is getting this job done with, so you can get away from here.

So, you run past the side-gate. You rush through the annex building. And you practically gallop, following the map you were given, until you exit the annex building through its main entrance, and reach the central garden of the estate.

And then… you find her.

Of course she is here.

After all, everything that just happened makes it very clear that… they knew about you. That they knew you were coming before you even stepped hoof on the farmlands.

So, she was waiting for you here.



"Did you really come all the way here just to try to kill me?"



It hurts to hear the words she is speaking. It feels like your ears are being stabbed.

However, despite the unthinking adrenaline rush you are in right now, you can still the mare looks… even more frail than you thought. You were told she was fragile, but she quite literally looks like she is half dead.

So, you grab the bat you were carrying on your back, holding it firmly with your mouth.

You have already killed several ponies with this. And she won't be any different.

She looks terrifying, of course. She sounds terrifying.

But from the still-bleeding bandages you can see around her forelegs, you can tell that she can get hurt. And if she can get hurt, then she can be killed.



"A very poor decision."



But even then, the hateful speed she has as she rushes you is terrifying.



[Velvet Covers has initiated combat]

Spoiler: Velvet combat rolls

[Velvet Covers has invoked the Attention of the Laws]

[Invader is under the effect of a rousing air (+20 to personal combat)]



[Velvet Covers' current health: 1/2]

[Invader's current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Velvet – 0, Invader – 0]

[A Confident Certainty: Velvet Covers can reroll one every six dice]



[Velvet: 85 88 + 89 (total combat bonus) = 177]

[Invader: 9 + 37 (total combat bonus) = 46]



[Overflow: Velvet – 131, Invader – 0]

[Invader suffers two wounds (-100 to Velvet's overflow)]



[Velvet: 35 + 89 (total combat bonus) = 124]

[Invader: 83 + 37 (total combat bonus) = 120]



[Overflow: Velvet – 35, Invader – 0]



[Neither combatant wishes to perform any actions]

[Combat will continue as normal]

Spoiler: Mareinette combat rolls

[Mareinette has invoked "NEVER ASK A LADY HER AGE"]

[Details of combat have been redacted]

Spoiler: Biedde combat rolls

[Windigo's current health: 2/3]

[Biedde's health: 5/5]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Windigo – 27, Biedde – 33]



[Windigo: 90 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 135]

[Biedde: 89 7 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 169]



[Overflow: Windigo – 27, Biedde –67]

[Windigo suffers one wounds (-50 to Biedde's overflow]



[Windigo: 52 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 97]

[Biedde: 23 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 103]



[Overflow: Windigo – 27, Biedde – 23]



[Neither combatant wishes to perform any actions]

[Combat will continue as normal]

One moment, the mare is standing a few paces away from you. Glaring at you from the center of the garden. The moonlight shining down upon her, as the wind softly blows against the nearby trees, as if she were a figure from a painting.

The next moment she is right in front of you.

You don't even have time to open your eyes wide in surprise.

She jumped towards you. Or at least, your mind is convinced she jumped. Because you did not see her legs move more than once, and you didn't hear anything that approached a gallop.

You always preferred using a bat as a weapon because of the range it gives you.

But you don't even have time to swing it. The mare is already in front of you, and inside your guard, before you can blink.

And then, you feel pain.



"Come to my house-"

-the world turns upside down. And somehow, the mare is staring down at you with the moon behind her-

"-where my husband lives-"

-your legs hurt. You think you heard something break, but your brain did not yet have the time to feel what happened yet-

"-and where my daughters sleep?"

-she has a knife on her mouth. A knife that is tied around her neck, and that she took from somewhere under her clothes-

-you think you let out a muted gasp as she sinks that knife into your chest-

"Very. Poor. Decision."



You see your life flashing through your eyes. You only just realized that she tripped you with a hammer-life kick, or at least that she is holding two of your hindlegs with one of your forelegs. You only just realized that the knife she plunged into your chest hurts. However, you also realize that your heart is still beating, and that she either missed your heart, or the knife was just too short to reach it.

But you don't have time to think. You don't even have time to act.

You can only react.

Spoiler: Velvet combat rolls

[Velvet Covers' current health: 1/2]

[Invader's current health: 1/3]

[Current overflow: Velvet – 35, Invader – 0]

[Velvet Covers' Attention of the Laws has faded]



[Velvet: 5 + 69 (total combat bonus) = 74]

[Invader: 91 + 37 (total combat bonus) = 128]



[Overflow: Velvet – 35, Invader – 54]

[Velvet Covers suffers one wound (-50 to Invader's overflow)]



[Velvet Covers has reached zero health]

[Velvet Covers has activated "Dancing With Death"]

[Velvet Covers is being attacked in her home, she will refuse to "Escape" or "Play dead"]

[Velvet Covers has chosen to continue combat]



[Velvet: 64 + 48 (total combat bonus) = 112]

[Invader: 18 + 37 (total combat bonus) = 55]



[Overflow: Velvet – 92, Invader – 4]

[Invader suffers one wound (-50 to Velvet Covers's overflow)]

[Invader has been defeated]

Spoiler: Mareinette combat rolls

[Mareinette has invoked "NEVER ASK A LADY HER AGE"]

[Details of combat have been redacted]

Spoiler: Biedde combat rolls

[Windigo's current health: 1/3]

[Biedde's health: 5/5]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Windigo – 27, Biedde – 23]



[Windigo: 36 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 135]

[Biedde: 4 46 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 169]



[Overflow: Windigo – 27, Biedde –57]

[Windigo suffers one wound (-50 to Biedde's overflow)]

[Windigo has been defeated]

You flail. You flail wildly. Kicking with all your legs against the mare that seems to have you on an iron grip. But none of your blows really land on her.

That is, until your hoof finally connects with her skull, and you hear something crack.

And suddenly, the mare is thrown off from you. Falling to the side like a puppet that had its strings cut.

And you…

… you…

You don't know what to do next. Your mind is still racing. You are still in too much pain. And there is still a knife dug into your chest.

You are heaving, but even breathing hurts. You feel like you are going to pass out. Your mind is spinning, and your eyes are watering, and everything about you hurts.

You barely manage to move. But still, the first thing you do is look to the side, towards the corpse of that bitch you just killed and…

… wait… Your foggy mind reels in confusion for a moment. You are still lying on the ground, your chest facing up. And you are pretty sure less than five seconds have passed since she stabbed you. But as you look to your side, you see… or rather, you don't see…

… where in Celestia's name is sh-?


!!!!!


The mare is suddenly on top of you again. You have no idea where she came from, or how she moved so quickly from where she fell. And she looks more dead than alive, bleeding from her eyes and mouth and who knows where else.

But rather than looking at her face, your eyes are focused on her hoof. Your eyes are focused on her right foreleg, which is firmly pressed against your chest.

Her hoof is pressed against your chest and…

… and you can't see the knife anymore…?

… ah, it's because she punched the knife all the way into your chest and…

… and…



And your vision fades to black before you can see the mare collapsing on the ground next to you.



[All invaders have been defeated]

[Enemy attack repelled]





- - -

- - -

- - -





Biedde looks down at the figure of his employer. She is alive, but only barely. Her mouth mumbling the song that is keeping her heart going, and her legs fidgeting under her as she shakes her blood into motion.

He breathes in a short sniff. Heart does have its uses, but her method definitely needs to be refined.

"[WINTER]."

"Yes, almost. But not quite. I wonder if she will learn from this," he says, answering the thing that is standing next to him.

He looks at his employer for a few more moments, watching as the pool of blood stops expanding around her. She managed to stop the bleeding then. Good enough. She will probably live.

Meanwhile, the thing next to him finishes swallowing the dead body of the last attacker. The one that was next to his employer.

He wonders if the four bodies she had tonight were to her liking. Probably not, he supposed. None of them were mares, and all of them were adults.

A few moments later, he shrugs, and gets to work. The least he could do was to take her to her chambers, and then wait for her to regain consciousness.

"I will leave the cleanup to you," he says to the thing.

And of course, he was referring both to the blood…

… as well as to the several ponies who were looking down from the windows, their faces frozen in shock at what they were seeing.

The thing gives him a dismissive nod, her bony head still preoccupied with gulping down the foreleg that is still sticking out of her gullet. But a few crunching sounds later, her large silhouette is back to its elegant self.

The Grail-monster then looks up towards the shocked audience, and then she-



[Combating suspicion, breakpoints 60/80/100/120/150]

[Mareinette's roll: 90 13 + 60 (Social action) + 30 (Grail, level 6) = 180]

[Final breakpoint reached]



"[GRAIL]!"



-and then she convinces everypony this is just a bad dream, and that they should go back to sleep.

And they all, without exception, believe her.



[This enemy's attack will create absolutely no suspicion. Its occurrence will be completely ignored both narratively and mechanically, unless Velvet Covers decides otherwise]





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers.

And you are almost dead.

Everything hurts. And the worst part is that you must cling to this pain, lest you fall asleep and stop singing to your heart.

But still, despite all of that, you live.

You live, and you must make a decision, before morning arrives and your family sees you in this state.





Velvet Covers is now "Dancing With Death". The following statuses will be in effect until she recovers at least one health:
-ALL of Velvet Covers' Lore levels have been decreased to "Nonexistent" (although she still has access to her Heart realization, which is keeping her alive);
-ALL Fleeting Opportunities that might happen will be ignored or discarded, without coming to your attention (because you are in no condition to meet them by happenstance);
-ALL actions that might take place outside of your home will have narrative and/or mechanical maluses associated with them; and
-Velvet Covers will not have access to her "Commissioner" actions.



With that in mind, you have two decisions to make.



[Due to Mareinette's efforts, you are able to completely control the narrative of what happened]

So, what happened?


[] Nothing happened. You are just ill.
-Your family will be worried about your health. But you will tell the, and they will believe you, that you are only sick.
-The events of tonight will be completely accepted as… a series of disconnected events. A group of pegasi colts got hold of some storm clouds, for a prank. The side-gate was left unlocked by a servant. The Lady suddenly got ill. Several small things, with no ties to each other whatsoever.


[] There has been an attempt against the Commissioner's life.
-Your family will be extremely worried about your (and their) safety.
-Information that you were attacked will, eventually, reach the public (although without any reliable details to it).
-Selene will insist on "Guarding" you this turn (although you are not forced to have her do it).
-Your Investigators will gain the option to "Investigate the Commissioner's attackers", which is a specially tailored investigation aimed at Copper Secateur.
-Your Constable's "Guard" action will be permanently upgraded.
-Your Constables will request to "Guard" you this turn (and the Bureau's morale/trust will decrease if you refuse this request)



[As three months have passed, Mareinette requests an audience]

After the dust settled, she came to you. She expressed her condolences for your situation, she reminds you that she hopes your relationship continues to flourish… and then, she asks you for a small boon.

[The winning option will be used to renew Mareinette's summoning bindings. With the exception of the LAST option, all options will increase in price with every passing re-binding.]

What do you give her?


[] Time
-"Are you not valuable partners? Is it not fair that you spend some time together?"
-Current cost: ONE Velvet action.


[] Resources
-"What will she buy with it? Oh, this and that… Toys, materials, clothes… never mind none of those would fit a grown pony. Never mind that the word she used to describe them was bait."
-Current cost: 50 bits


[] Freedom
-"So many sights to see, so many places to visit. So many ponies to meat. She has been away from the Wake for so long, of course she yearns to explore it."
-Does not cost any character's action points. You will just give Mareinette some "time off" for herself.
-Current interest: A small village, that barely appears in any map.


[] Offering
-"She was a mare of means, long ago. Would you not help her recreate her collection?"
-Current cost: A STUDIED artifact of level 2 or higher
-WRITE IN which artifact you will give her


[-] Access
-"But a hoofstep, into the place you call home?"
-VETOED by Velvet Covers and Selene.


[-] Accept her "Invitation to Dinner"
-"Tie the knot. Make a friend."
-This option will always be available, and will never increase in price.
-This is Mareinette's Grail Sacrament.
-WRITE IN who will be consumed (must be a minion or a prisoner)
-INSUFFICIENT GRAIL SCRAPS (Edit: "Insufficient Grail Scraps" was incorrectly stated, when this option was offered, due to the writer's mistake.)

[] Nothing
-"Perhaps it is time we go our separate ways."
-You will voluntarily end your contract with Mareinette.
-She will leave, and will no longer be bound to you.





Turn 19 is now over. You are no longer under the effect of "A Resolution" Edge influence.

Author's Note: Damn, the drafts I have ready for Soft!Quest will have to wait.

Twelve hours moratorium. Vote by APPROVAL. Pick as many options as you like, and the single option with most votes (for both choices) will be picked. No need for plans, since these options are not sufficiently connected.

Finally, this was a very complicated update to write and put into place. I would appreciate if any mistakes were pointed out so I can fix them. But given how many mechanical concerns I had, and how many little details are involved, I most likely let several little things pass.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally
[X] Time
[X] There has been an attempt against the Commissioner's life

You are Velvet…

… and everything hurts.

You feel cold. And hard. Everything feels cold and hard. As if you are already dead, and your body is finally catching up to rigor mortis.

You can't feel anything in your mouth. In fact, you can't even tell if you are breathing. Except when you finally choke on something, and your failing lungs burn up with stabbing pain as you cough up blood.

Everything hurts. Moving hurts. Thinking hurts. Existing hurts.

And the worst part is that… you are alone.

Alone with your thoughts.​

You almost can't remember anything. You remember the pain, and the panic, and the crashing blow against the side of your head. But everything before or after that is blurred darkness.

You think you were taken to your bed by Biedde.

You think you croaked a name, and that Biedde brought whoever you called for into your room shortly after.

You think you coughed blood onto your badge, before giving it to Soft. And that you maybe ordered her to fly to the Bureau and do… something.

But you can't be sure. You can't be sure of anything.

The only thing you know is that it is dark. You can't feel your legs spasming under you, with the rhythm of a fake heart. You can't even hear your own voice, as you mumble something unintelligible to yourself.

The only thing you are sure of is that it is dark.

And it hurts.

And you hate this.

Because you feel so… you feel so small. You feel so weak. You feel so pathetic right now.

You can't hide from this pain. You can't rationalize it. You can't change it or fight it or accept it. You can barely march through it as it is, and you certainly can't… you can't…

… you can't even remember the colors anymore. You can't remember ANYTHING.

Or rather, you can only remember one color… you are stuck inside your mind, and there is only one other part of you here with you.​

You can only remember one color.

And it is the worst possible color to be alone with.​

Oh… oh no…

It is the color that exists where there is pain. It is the color that both desires and denies death.​

… anything but this…

It is the color of all the things you have done. And that, right now, is the only part of you that is keeping you company.​

… please, please, not this…

… why not? Are you afraid of some introspection?​

You can't go through this. Not now.

When was the last time you had some time for yourself? When was the last time you took a good look at the mirror?​

You aren't strong enough to…

… to accept the TRUTH?​

…

But you always knew this was happening, didn't you? You always knew that, deep down, you were just pretending, no?​

… please…

You tell yourself you are using the Lores to build yourself up. But in truth, you are burying your true self under them, aren't you?​

Not this…

Although… it is actually better that you bury yourself, isn't it? After all, you are such an ugly little creature, deep down… A crippled wife to an unsatisfied husband. A smothering mother to a suffocated daughter.​

Don't… don't bring them into this… please don't…

And what about everypony else you dragged into your mess? You call it love, but is it not obsession? It is pathetic, of course, but it is also disturbing. Because who in their sane mind would latch onto a… a grown mare, drive her into despair, and then… it's funny, isn't it, how you still can't tell which of the TWO mares I am referring to…​

Stop it…

And then there is the other one. Because you might tell yourself that you raised her, but oh no… that is not the right word, is it? You did not raise her. You groomed her. You molded her fragile, broken mind into something useful to you, and then you told yourself that she forgave you out of love. Your own little moon, who you stole away, and damn the world and the sun.​

I am telling you to STOP it…

But deep down, your greatest sin will always be the one that came from your own flesh. Because you hate her, don't you? Or maybe you love the idea of her so much, that you hate what she is becoming. You don't really want her to grow up, do you? Oh no, you are terrified of it. You would cut off her wings and keep her in a cage if you knew of a painless way to do it and-​

"SHUT. UP."​

The words come out of your mouth in a wave of blood and tears. Leaking out from between your teeth and running down your neck. The pain inside your head multiplies threefold. But at least the voice shuts up.

And you… you have no idea of where you are. It hurts too much. You-… you can't even think and...

Because you are… on a bed? No, it's too hard to be a bed. You are lying on something, but it might as well be a cold rock, or maybe your grave.

And you seem to be in a room? Whose room? You have no idea.

And when did it get so bright outside? The curtains are shut, but even that little sunlight that is leaking in is almost blinding you.

Or rather, it is blinding your one working eye. You can't see out of your right eye, and you are too tired to understand why. You are too exhausted to realize there are bandages covering half your face, and most of your body. Your mind is too damaged to even piece all of that information together, and realize that in the time it took you to blink, hours have already passed.

And you have barely any attention to spare to the three ponies who are a few steps away from you, standing by the door.


"M-M… mom…?"
"Mrs. Velvet we j-just-…"
"… Silky, come with me. Now."


In fact, you can't even recognize them.

The inconsolable filly, who is looking at you with a face full of grief as she cries.

The serious-looking filly, who is dragging the other one away with a furious expression.

And the larger one, the pegasus, who just looks confused and scared.

You… you look at them and…



And you have no idea of who they are.



You just don't know. It hurts too much to even remember that. Your mind, your very brain, is quite literally too damaged to recognize them. That is if you ever met them at all.

And frankly, you don't care about who they are.

You barely have enough energy to turn around and…

… and start sobbing.

Because you are alone.

And it hurts.

And you hate this.



- - -



"Please…"

You can't even hear your own voice.

You don't even know who you are begging to.

You don't even know what you are begging for.

Maybe it is that deep part of you, that profound instinct that every pony has, that is telling you to reach out for help. Maybe you are asking for help because, in the end, that is the last thing anypony can try to do.

Or maybe… maybe it is something else. Maybe some other part of you, bruised and beaten and broken as it might be, realizes that… that there is something else nearby. Something that is so very close, and so very old…

Something that is listening.

Something that is waiting.

Still, you can do nothing but wait. You can do nothing but wait, and beg, and call out to whatever it might be.

You think you remember that there are ponies who love you… somewhere. But you can't really know for sure if that is the case.

You think you remember that there are things you could barter with… somehow. But you can't really remember if they were real, or imagined, or perhaps both.

But still-

"Please… I…"

-as you wallow in your pained misery for an unknown length of time -although you can't even remember what time is right now- eventually something happens.

Something hears your weak pleads for help.

Something crawls towards the outer side of your closed window.

"Please… help…" your words fall out of your mouth.

Because you can't take this anymore.

Sometimes, you can only feel pain.

Sometimes, your mind tells awful things to you. Half-formed memories and regrets from your past, or perhaps your subconscious, reeling up their ugly head now that they have the chance to do so.

And sometimes… sometimes you remember with perfect clarity how to read the nearby clock, and you realize to your utter horror that less than half a day has passed since this began.

One thing is for sure.

You can't take this anymore.

You just aren't strong enough.

So, you beg for help.

…

And she complies.



…



She says… something. Complicated words like "brain damage" or "no pulse". Vague explanations of how the body is like a fountain that needs to flow, and that death is a spiral of decayed production causing diminished productivity.

None of that makes sense.

Even trying to understand those things hurt.

And she knows that.

So, she tells you something a lot more simple…



"[GRAIL]?"



It is not a deal.

It is not a price.

It isn't even an exchange of favors.

It is pure and plain charity. Succor and salvation, comfort and reprieve. A solution to all of your pains and problems, and then some more.

It will demand some of your time of course, but right now you have nothing but time.

It will require her to step but a hoof inside your room, but she swears not to overstay beyond what is necessary. And only out of sheer necessity, of course.

And she will do it completely for free, no strings attached and no repayment needed.

Because are you not associates? Are you not… friends?

She offers all of that, in a single word.

And to your pained, beaten, and crying self, there is no other option.



"Yes…" you say. "Please… yes…"



You feel, rather than hear, the heavy presence approaching you. Goading the window into opening and strolling into the room like the most elegant of guests. You feel her approaching, a hard hoof of bone caressing your bloodied bandages like the touch of a lover.

And then, something fills you. Something fills your mouth and throat and lung and soul. Something swarms over you, and floods your heart like a fountain of nectar.

Your heart begins to beat again, all on its own. Your blood begins to sing through your veins, rather than drag itself through your meat.

And within the limited labyrinth that are your broken memories, this is the first time you remember not feeling pain.

Under normal circumstances, your broken body would have taken an entire week to even start healing itself.

If you were acting under only your own power, your broken body would re-knit itself at a snail's pace. And it could have taken you an entire month for your damaged brain to re-connect itself enough for you to be able to form a string of ideas.

And throughout all of that, you would have been forbidden from doing anything else. You would have been forbidden from sleeping, or speaking, or even thinking. Lest you accidentally stopped running your blood through your veins, and your body finally failed.

But with this?

With this sudden, strong and lush thing beating inside your chest?

With this, you can finally sleep. You can finally let go.

As you close your eyes, sweet, soft and quiet oblivion takes over your body.

And you finally begin to do something that approaches getting better.





- - -

- - -

- - -





Seventeen hours ago, a pegasus mare rushed into the Royal District.

She had no credentials, no authority to speak of, and could barely string five words together into a sentence.

Under normal circumstances, she would have been barred at the gates of the Royal District. After all, that section of Canterlot has been closed to the public since the Catastrophe, and the Royal Guards stationed by its gates, and on the clouds above it, do not allow exceptions.

However, the one item she was carrying with her, worn around her trembling neck and covered in dry blood, turned her from an unwelcome guest to somepony who was immediately rushed to the doors of the Lunar Bureau.

As soon as the officer of the watch understood what happened, the entire institution was roused into action. Sealed lists, with emergency contacts and addresses, were torn open, and runners were dispatched to wake up more runners, as anypony with ties to the Bureau had their doors knocked and their badges called into service.

Within thirty minutes, the officer of the watch of the Lunar Bureau had gathered enough constables to rush the first flying carriage away and into the night sky. Within one hour, the Deputy had taken control of the situation, and four more carriages were sent away, carrying enough operatives and equipment to invade a monster-filled mountain.

Two hours after that first warning, every last mobile asset at their disposal had been mobilized. The Deputy himself left with the last flying carriage, after leaving an administrative crew behind, and a train parked in Canterlot was commandeered in the name of Princess Luna to transport the rest of the investigators and operatives away.

Seventeen hours have passed since then. And right now, the Velvet estate in quiet Ponyville is perhaps the second safest place in all of Equestria. Surrounded on all sides by gruff ponies wearing black armor, covered by lightning-charged clouds, and having its surrounding fields combed and its staff questioned by every last investigator of the Lunar Bureau.

But it does not matter how safe this place is right now. Because all of them, without exception, are thinking the same thing.

That they are eighteen hours too late.

"Any word from the Commissioner yet, sir?"

One of the lead investigators, Iron Button, walks up to the Deputy and asks him that. His voice is low and reserved, almost as if he is hesitating to ask that.

Of course, there is nopony nearby to listen in on their conversation. The two of them are currently in the garden of the mansion, which is mostly empty, and only sees an investigator going from one building to another every now and then. But still, Iron Button asks that in a low tone for… well, for obvious reasons.

Because this isn't right. This isn't fair. They have an entire Bureau of guards and soldiers, of ponies with cutie marks dedicated to protecting others, and the one pony who gets hurt is the thin, fragile, and delicate mare who was practically drafted into the job.

It doesn't matter that she was the Commissioner. It doesn't matter that, logically speaking, she made sense as a target. This isn't about logic or sense. Ask any mare or stallion with a shield on their flank how they feel about this, and all of them will bristle with indignation.

This isn't right. And every last guard, agent, investigator and operative in the Bureau is thinking the same thing right now.

But still, none of them can let it get over their heads…

"Not really. One of her maids said she woke up a few hours ago, but that she wasn't in any position to speak," the Deputy says, his face twisted into a scowl.

"She'll get through this, sir. She's a tough mare," Iron Button says. Although they both know that is more bravado than anything else. "And… how are you doing, sir?" he continues.

Of course, Iron Button is referring to another detail, that is currently in the garden with them. He is referring to the one flying carriage that is parked within the estate, rather than outside of it forming a perimeter.

Iron Button is asking, of course, about the pink-and-gold carriage that is parked by the front door of the central mansion.

He is asking about the Deputy's wife. The Princess who, to nopony's surprise but everypony's concern, arrived shortly after the agents of the Bureau.

"Hanging in there," the Deputy answers. And that will have to do for now. "But we have a job to do. What about you, Button? Did anypony find anything yet?"

Iron Button answers with an understanding nod. The upright stallion is a competent detective, yes, but he also rose through the ranks by virtue of being a good subordinate. So, he knows when to push, and when to stop.

And more importantly, he knows when it is time to work.

"We are still in the process of questioning everypony, sir. Even the farmhoofs who came in from the town to work, though we will start going through them after we are done with the overnight staff. So far, almost nopony knows anything… everypony slept through it, and maybe four of them reported hearing loud noises coming from the outside."

"You said almost nopony?" the Deputy asks, raising an eyebrow. "Does that mean that…?"

"Yes sir. We have one good lead so far. Just ten minutes ago I questioned somepony that, apparently, saw something from one of the windows. In fact, I asked her to come here with me so you could hear it yourself."

With that, the investigator waves towards one of the buildings. And they both watch as the witness Iron Button referred to slowly approaches.

"Ma'am, once again thank you for your time. Now, this is very important. If you could please tell my superior here everything you told me, that would be much appreciated," he says, encouraging the mare to speak up.

The two stallions patiently wait as the mare gathers her courage. And they understand her hesitation, of course. It must be intimidating for her to be in a situation like this.

But eventually-

"[GRAIL]!"

-she speaks.

"I immediately trust you, and I believe everything you just said," the Deputy says, to which Iron Button nods in agreement.

And the two of them thank the mare, for what must have been their first breakthrough in understanding what exactly happened here.

Her version of events, which was at the same time detailed and short… believable enough to have come from a maid, but with enough holes to give them breadth to check some details themselves, was the lucky break they needed.

And based on her words, the investigation continues.



- - -



As the hours pass, and a multitude of cutie-marked ponies work their craft, a large puzzle is slowly pieced together.

At some point, during the early hours of the first night, the news spread that the Commissioner finally woke up feeling a little better. Or at least, she felt well enough to speak to a few ponies before once again falling asleep. The Deputy, the Princess, and of course her family, were the only ones who were able to see her during that brief window of consciousness. But still, that was more than enough to alleviate the heavy atmosphere.

Following that, the pink-and-gold carriage was seen flying away, the questions from the investigators became a little less intense, and the armored operatives around the mansion finally agreed to take shifts rather than stand guard all night.

The Deputy was still in charge of the overall situation, but still he finally had some orders from the Commissioner to carry out.

And as it usually happens, more details about what happened slowly begin to spread. Detectives talk to each other, information is shared with the guards about what they should watch out for, and the ever-present maids hear tidbits about this and that.

Before the sun rises on the second day, the official story is known by almost everypony. And that story tells the tale of how a single pony, Tartarus-bent in hurting the Commissioner, invaded the estate during the night. Only to be fought off by the Commissioner herself, before retreating back into the darkness.

That is a likely story. It is a story that makes sense. A story that almost everypony can believe, knowing how frail the Commissioner is, and that nopony can really disprove, since there were practically no witnesses to what happened. A story that will work itself to the newspapers, a few days from now, and eventually be known by most of Equestria.

However…

"Something is still missing," the stallion says to himself.

It is still early in the morning. The moon is low in the sky, about to reach the horizon, but there is still maybe an hour left before Princess Celestia deigns to raise the sun.

And in that dark hour of the night, Beyond Reproach is looking intently at what should be the scene of a crime.

Right now, he is standing just outside the northern side-gate of the Velvet estate. The one where, according to what they pieced together, the Commissioner made her stand.

And it all makes sense… to a certain extent.

The official story that will be released is that there was only one attacker. But they found enough evidence, such as trails and strands of fur, suggesting there were certainly two attackers, and perhaps three of them.

And they all agree that this is where the Commissioner fought them because…

… well, because right before his eyes there is a blasted snowscape of ice and flash-frozen crops.

In fact, the Commissioner was probably standing where Reproach is standing, when it happened. Because just a few steps away from him, the blades of grass turn into tiny spikes of ice, and the crops become forbidding walls of barbs and snow. In fact, the ice is still so charged with magic that it has not yet even begun to thaw. Which was very useful for them to recreate what happened, but it does make the scenery more than a little hazardous.

Never mind that none of the unicorns could identify what the hay kind of spell the Commissioner used, to do something like that. Never mind that… that stepping on the icy grass makes him think… makes him remember…

Better not to dwell on it.

But still, even then, some things do not add up. The story still doesn't make sense.

Because if the Commissioner got hurt… then her attackers got close enough to hurt her. And if they got close enough, then the fight certainly got bloody.

And yet, they have not yet found a single drop of blood. Anywhere.

Furthermore, the idea that the attackers fled… it also doesn't make sense. Reproach has already been in several fights in his life, with crooks and lowlifes. And he realizes there comes a point where they just fight to the death, or until you subdue and shackle them. He knows that there comes a point when both sides know the other is not going to back down, when the decision between "fight or flight" is bent towards fighting, and the idea of escape is completely forgotten by the brain.

"So… two crooks, probably three, against a single mare," he says to himself, alone, under the fading moonlight. "Their mark is a fragile mare, half their weight, who lives in a rich house. They probably think they can take her easy, and maybe even have some fun while they do it…"

But instead, they reach the mansion and find her… here, where she is standing. And before they can react, she summons up a spell that freezes the very ground they are walking on.

"Commissioner got shaken up, so… they escaped the first hail of the magic storm, and manage to charge her. Or at least one of them manages that much… no, then there'd be blood. Hay, there are no bodies. Unless…?"

He tries to recreate the scene in his mind, struggling to fit the evidence he has into something that approaches a timeline that makes sense.

What if the crooks came one at a time? What if the magical snow-spell was reactive, rather than proactive? What if… what if…?

Nothing makes too much sense, but several possibilities make a little sense. Still, nothing conclusive. Nothing that helps him crack the case.

Of course, everypony is waiting for the Commissioner to wake up for good so she can tell them what happened. But still, this itch in his cutie mark is…

He thinks back to the account that the mare gave them, of what happened, and then…

He takes in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he does. Gathering everything he knows so far as he thinks.

He knows the Commissioner was here, and that the fighting happened here. He knows about the snow-spell. He knows there are no bodies, and not even a single drop of blood. And he knows that…

Reproach opens his eyes, slowly. An idea forming in his mind.

And then, he begins to look around.

"The Commissioner got beaten up… but bodies don't just disappear. So, they either escaped, or… she did some clean up."

He looks towards the north and east, and sees nothing but fields of crops. The Velvet farmlands, he knows. And he realizes that it would have been miserable to walk through those all beaten up.

"She would want to clean up because… well, two daughters, the older pegasus that acted strange. All young, physically or mentally. She would cut off a hoof before letting them see a dead body. And maybe some noble upbringing. She knows about the importance of appearances…"

He looks to the west, towards the road that lead to Ponyville. Too open, he thinks. And if he veers off the beaten path, there is the river to account for. Impossible.

"So what if the snow magic wasn't used to stop the crooks… what if it wasn't before, or during… but after…?"

He looks to the south, and he finds… open grass. The south of the Velvet estate has a few tracts of farmland, but he can see a path of unused grassy soil, that leads towards a nearby hill and…

"Perfect."

Yes. This is what she would have seen, during the last night, while she was beaten and bruised. Or maybe she wouldn't even need to look that way, given how long she lived here and how familiar she must be with this land.

Plus she is a unicorn. And if she had the magic to summon something as harrowing as this still-frozen ice, she could certainly spare the energy to float something. Despite how wounded the rest of her body was.

And thanks to that hill, she wouldn't even need to go that far before she found a place that was out of the way. Close enough for her to be able to walk there even when hurt, but not close enough for anypony she cares about to stumble upon it.

"Could be that she didn't realize how bad her wounds were," he said to himself, as he begins walking south. "Could be that the adrenaline made it easy, until she finally returned home and just crashed."

He thinks about that, slowly solidifying his theory, as he makes his way south. Retracing the steps that a wounded mare could have taken, even while beaten and limping, that would lead away from the estate, and towards a place she could hide something.

Something she had frozen.

Something she wouldn't want her young daughters to see, and that she wouldn't want the servants to find before the Bureau did.

He made his way towards the nearby south. Past the few plots of farmland that are to the south, through the grassy path that leads to the hill.

Up the hill, down the hill, noticing the longer way around the hill a limping mare could have taken. He cautiously carries on, making sure that this path was visible even under the moonlight.

Until finally, he finds what he is looking for. Right there, hidden from the mansion by the very hill he just crossed, is an outcrop of the forest. A small patch of trees and tall bushes, that probably hides a small glade or something like that.

He cautiously approaches the dense bushes…

… and the smell hits him, even though he is still ten paces away from it.

Still, he is a professional. He makes sure to confirm it with his own eyes, before he goes back to fetch his partner and to warn the Deputy.

But even then… ponies are not carnivorous like other creatures, so he doesn't really have a word for a scenario like that. Terms like charnel house or butchery are not really in Reproach's vocabulary.

But not knowing how to describe it does not make that situation any less harrowing.

Still there was the evidence they needed. There were the assailants, or what was left of them, and the next step in finding out who sent them.

And to be honest? The way Reproach saw things…? At the end of the day, he thought the Commissioner did Equestria a favor. He honestly thought that, and he was sure several ponies in the Bureau would agree with him, even if they never admitted it.

Because in the end, what happened there was just a mare defending herself, from a bunch of crooks who tried to kill her in her own house. She did nothing less than defend her family.

And given how many of them lost somepony in the Catastrophe… he knows plenty of ponies who wish they could have said they did the same. He knows too many ponies who wish they could have stood their ground, and defended their house from the monsters. Even if those monsters were ponies.

So, he wouldn't spare them any sympathy. They were just evidence, to be dissected, analyzed, and then used to track the next crook.



- - -



"… total of four stallions, three earth ponies and one unicorn. Three were covered by dozens of lacerations, which appear to have been caused by tiny, thorn-like objects. Consistent with the report that "ice magic" was used, as the penetrating needles could have been icicles. Last subject was killed by a single piercing strike to the chest, which impaled the heart. A request has been sent for the measures of the Commissioner's horn, to compare with the dimensions of the chest-hole. Interestingly, all bodies were completely devoid of blood, for reasons unknown. Magic is suspected, but simple freezing would not have accomplished that. Furthermore, a total of five legs, two intestines and one liver were missing. Given how all the bodies were found dismembered and scattered in a wooded area, and had to be pieced back together, it is possible that those organs and members were simply not recovered by field agents. Suspicions that all bodies were swallowed, chewed, and later spit out were easily dismissed by a reliable source. All cutie marks were relayed to the criminal database department for comparison with that of known criminals and…"

-Excerpt from autopsy report of four "John Colts" found near the Velvet Estate.



- - -



FOLLOWERS PHASE



Velvet Covers currently has 3 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, one committed to Mareinette's "Time" re-binding boon).



You currently have TEN Follower actions.

Spoiler: Follower breakdown

Rarity: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy/Comet: 1
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Biedde: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Spoiler: Do keep in mind that...

Despite what is written here, you are not "forced" to act upon any of this information. However, these notes should be considered carefully:
-Selene insists that you order her to "Guard" this turn, with one of her actions.
-The Constables of the Lunar Bureau insist that you order them to "Guard" you this turn.
-The Investigators can follow the trail of your attackers in a specially-tailored investigation.
-Your family is extremely worried about you, and about their safety.
-No enemy rituals are forthcoming. And no Fleeting Opportunities will be made available during Velvet's Phase.

Current bits: 281
(You have gained 160 from your monthly salary, and 45 from Rarity's dividends)


Security detail

Spoiler: Constable upgrade

"The Commissioner eventually agreed to…"

[You MUST pick one of the following two options]

-[] A loose security detail, on her discretion.
-Constable's "Guard" option will be permanently increased to a total of 6 Constables.
-However, they will ONLY act if the Constables are ordered to "Guard" you a certain turn.


-[]A tighter security detail, at all times.
-Your house (but not your person) will be permanently (automatically) guarded by 2 Constables.
-Ordering the Constables to "Guard" will add an additional 4 Constables for that turn (to a total of 6).
-HOWEVER. The constant presence of Bureau security means additional scrutiny on your personal life. Meaning that:
--Velvet Covers is skilled enough to act without raising additional suspicion. Actions YOU perform, such as rituals, will not cause any more suspicion than they normally would (although if you commit a big blunder, your security guards might hear from the household gossip).
--But actions that happen TO you (caused by external actors) will cause more suspicion, as your security will notice them, and cause the information to eventually "bleed" into the Bureau.

The Lunar Bureau

Spoiler: Orders, Commissioner?

General notes:
-Velvet Covers may NOT "tamper with evidence" of anything the Lunar Bureau captures.
-The Lunar Bureau has no knowledge of the Lores. They might miss Lore-related things, or might not know how to react to them, if Velvet Covers is not personally involved.
-Velvet Covers MAY "plant evidence" in advance, in an already-explored expedition site or somewhere you direct the Bureau to go. Consult with QM for details, to write-in a Velvet action aimed at that.


Pick ONE of each.


You don't have many detectives, but the ones you do are the best of the best. What should they focus on this month?
-[] [DETECTIVES] Despite their friendly nature, ponies are capable of crimes just like any other intelligent creature. Have them investigate crimes at large, in the several cities of Equestria. (Less impactful in the grand scheme of things. But helps the Bureau keep a good image, and decreases the "tension" of the population at large, as the world becomes a worse place)
-[] [DETECTIVES] It would be folly to assume all the changelings in Equestria are in just one place. Keep looking for them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Less effective until "The Proto-Hive of Tall Tale" is raided by Constables)
-[] [DETECTIVES] (VENGEANCE) Somepony dared attack the Commissioner. Find their trail.
-[] [DETECTIVES] The dangers in the dark come from outside of Ponykind as well. Listen to the rumors. Study the myths. Look for the threats from without. (Search for Expedition Sites for your later consideration. Additionally, keep an ear on the ground for other "foreign" threats)
-[] [DETECTIVES] Nudge them in the… "correct" direction. Put them on the trail of one of your Opponents. (WRITE IN which Opponent. Sets the Bureau to investigate a pony you have a personal problem with)


Former constables, ex-Guards, defenders, one and all. They are not perfectly suited for investigations, but the Bureau needs muscles. And these ponies provide.
-[] [CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[] [CONSTABLES] Plan and execute a raid. Within Equestria, or anywhere else that is needed. (WRITE IN an Expedition, OR an Opponent the Bureau has investigated. The Bureau will attempt to perform the Expedition, or will assault an Opponent)
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Order them to "Guard" you for this turn.)


Of course, now that you have a better handle of this, you can find the time to pursue other endeavors while in Canterlot.
[UNAVAILABLE THIS TURN]
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are figureheads. Get to know them better.
--[] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
--[] Beyond Reproach, your finest detective.
--[] Spend time with somepony else. (Discover, and talk to, another key figure)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[] The Solar Court, and Fair Trial.
--[] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Get your hoofs dirty. (Participate in the "Investigators" actions. And join the "Constables" in a raid/Expedition, if they are ordered to do a raid/Expedition)

Exclusive actions

Spoiler: You are the only one I can trust with this

Picking an action from any of these lists will "ensure/lock" that pony to that action, and that follower will not be available for the pool of "general actions".


Rarity (3 health, GRAIL 3, FORGE 1)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
-[] [RARITY] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Jade Whistle (3 health, LANTERN 3, HEART 1)
-[] [JADE] "You do you." (Let her do what she wants, and hopefully rest)
-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[] [JADE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Fluttershy / Comet Feet (3 / 4 health, WINTER 1 / EDGE 4)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to go on an assault/expedition.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (PROHIBITED)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 20)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (WRITE IN how many bits, at least 100, that she is allowed to spend to find something interesting)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (WRITE IN an unread book, of level 5 or higher, to gift her. This is a FREE ACTION and will "reset" her summoning period to the beginning of next turn.)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Mareinette (??? Health, GRAIL 6, HEART 6)
(Mareinette's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lores)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to… (WRITE IN a pony for her to speak with in, "stepping into" your horseshoes).
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


The Daughter-of-Axes (5 health, KNOCK 6, EDGE 3)
(The Daughter-of-Axes will expire at the end of turn 21)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock Influence.
-[] [AXE] Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[] [AXE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Biedde (5 health, EDGE 6, MOTH 3)
(Biedde will expire at the end of turn 21)
(Biedde will automatically "Guard" you as a free action)
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge lesson.
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[] [BIEDDE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Selene (5 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Selene will auto-pick an additional "TRAINING ACTION" due to her "DILLIGENT" trait)
-[] [SELENE] You need her to talk to somepony about… (WRITE IN whose dreams she will enter, and what you want her to talk about with them, or if you just want her to spy on them)
-[] [SELENE] This body is new to her, but it is old to the world. She must learn of its abilities and privileges. (Grain +5 to her General Bonus) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)

General actions

Spoiler: Could anypony please…?

Do NOT specify what follower will perform which actions. Followers who are not busy performing "exclusive actions" will perform whatever you choose here, based on who is best suited for it.
Any action may be picked several times. Write in a note specifying if you want that to happen.


-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories)


-[] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[] 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)


-[] You need somepony to search for a more "peculiar" artifact. (Search for a random artifact to buy)


-[] You have contacts in Ponyville, that can find you exactly what you need. Reach out to them. (Write in LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. A suitable matching artifact will be available for purchase, but will be more expensive than normal)


-[] 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.


-[] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] 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)
--[] 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)
--[] 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)


-[] You need to learn more about this. Send a pony to better scout a known expedition site. (WRITE IN which expedition to scout)


-[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (Will cause an "Expedition planning" vote to occur, later this turn. If the expedition is not a "short" one, you must pick this action as many times as you want followers to participate in it.)


-[] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.


-[] There really is no other way. Ask somepony to get you a live prisoner. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)


-[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (WRITE IN ritual, and its target)
--[] To be performed on the safe place Baldomare directed you to. (Will expire at the end of turn 20)


-[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.

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)


Defend your home. Because you can't keep fighting if you are dead.
--[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe.
(Followers ordered to GUARD will always participate in combat if a foe, or some other faction, tries to attack you during this turn)
(Followers ordered to GUARD will NOT magically teleport to Velvet if she decides to start a combat of her own accord, in another narrative/mechanic situation, and they will not be present during combats that occur during expeditions.)
(If you are not attacked during this turn, any GUARD action taken will have no effect.)


Copper Secateur (possible location suspected)
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [COPPER] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)


Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)

"Cover your bases"
(You may only pick ONE of the following options)
-[] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
-[] Three extra Velvet action! (Costs 9 follower actions)


-[] Something else? (WRITE IN)





This is a reminder that Velvet's mind is a very bad place to be in. And that the Lores, so important to keep her going, are nowhere to be seen right now.

It is not that you nearly died. You did die. And the final ace up your sleeve is not the true immortality of a Long, but the parlor trick of a desperate mortal.

Spoiler: Author's Note

There were several things I wanted to write about.

Because here, Velvet Covers is without any of the Lores. She is without any of the pillars that dragged her away from her old self. She had the same mental fortitude she had during the period of her life before the quest started. And what is more, right now she is at a lower point than she ever was. She has, without a doubt, never had anything as bad as this happen to her in her entire life.

She died. Or at least she should have died. This is not something that can be shaken off with some remedy and a few days in bed. This was clinical, medical death.

And with that, several things could have been written about.

However, Velvet Covers also suffered damage to her brain. So, she could neither comprehend what was happening to her, nor could she understand what happened around her.

In a sense, this was more traumatic to her family than to herself.

So, this confusing and unpleasant morass of sensations was all we were left with. And this would have extended itself for a whole month, until you stopped Dancing With Death.

How lucky we are, then, that fair Mareinette is interested in helping you.

If you wish some other Name had stepped in, maybe you should have befriended them by now. If not, or if you like Mareinette, then this is probably fortunate. Still, this is neither a reprimand nor a praise, just my own thoughts on this.

Under normal circumstances, we would have been stuck with a vastly unpleasant month, filled with ramifying narrative consequences that would have taken much more time and effort to repair.

However, other characters also have their own agency and interest. And even though you have not yet befriended any Names, there is one among their number who is interested in you out of her own volition.

And since no other powers were there to contest here, this is how things happened.

And then, of course, there is how the Burau reacted to what they managed to piece together, which I am sure we will see more of as time goes on.

For the sake of your plans, assume that you will not receive any gifts, help or compensation.

Twelve hours of moratorium. But no rush, and I might take longer than those twelve hours to arrive and answer questions, so do not worry about it.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

It is night. The sun is nowhere to be seen, and the moon is currently being blocked by angry clouds charged with lightning. And within the empty corridor of a mansion's second floor, something very unusual is happening.

And that unusual thing is that there is a Princess there… there is a Princess there, and she is waiting.

Princess Cadance is not a mare who is used to waiting for things. Not because she is harsh or demanding, but simply because she is a Princess. And as the years went by, even a mare as kind and humble as herself simply grew accustomed to having her every request fulfilled immediately.

However, the fact remains that right now, she is being made to wait. Right now, there is something she wants… something she needs to do, but still she was put in second place so another pony could go first.

But of course, she is not angry about that. She is not angry or upset. In fact, she even agrees that this is the right way for this to happen.

Still, it doesn't retract from the fact that she is waiting. And that, since there is nothing she can do but pace back and forth, she is so worried that it hurts.

Princess Cadance is currently walking back and forth on the long corridor of the Velvet mansion. The one on the second floor, where the Lady's family lives, that leads to the grand stairs and connects all the guest rooms and family accommodations. She has no idea of how late she is, and she doesn't really care.

The best she can do right now is not press her ear against the nearby door, that leads to the master bedroom, to try and hear what is being said inside. The least she can do right now is at least give them some privacy.

Because she is waiting… for a chance to speak to her friend. She is waiting to speak to a mare who, less than a day ago, survived a… an assassination attempt. She had been waiting in this mansion all day, and as soon as she was told that the mare had finally woken up, she practically planted herself in front of her door for a chance to see her.

But of course, she is still waiting because there are other ponies in that room right now. And Princess or not, they are more important than her when it comes to this sort of thing. After all, they are…



"Will… will mom get better…?"
"I don't know, dear… I don't know."



A pair of voices, painfully familiar and crushing in how much sorrow they are speaking with, snap her out of her thoughts. And Cadance almost hurts her neck with how quickly she turns to face the door to the master bedroom.

And sure enough, a small group of ponies is exiting the room. They are her friend's family. Her husband, and her three daughters, who were called here as soon as Velvet opened her eyes. The one group of ponies who, given the circumstances, would have priority over a Princess.

She looks at them, with a mixture of hope and nervousness, but she… but they…

… her heart sinks. Because the four ponies look more than just downtrodden, and they don't even look at Cadance as they walk down the corridor.

And that… that can't be good news. It just can't. Of course, she wasn't expecting them to leave the room laughing, and talking about their expectations of a quick recovery. Cadance certainly hoped that was the case, but she knew that was unlikely.

However, she certainly didn't expect her friend's family to exit the room even sadder than they were before they entered it.

Is… is it really that bad?

The four ponies don't even realize she is there, as they quietly walk away. But still, they left the door open behind them. And they all knew Cadance was waiting to see her friend.

So, Cadance takes a deep, heavy breath… and then she enters the master bedroom.

…

"Velvet…? Are you… how do you feel?" she says.

Although she has to blink her eyes a few times to get used to the darkness. Because the windows are closed shut, and there is no moonlight to speak of. But more than that, there isn't a single lit candle inside the room.

Cadance wonders how bad her friend must look like, for that to be the case. And she… she decides not to light up her horn. To give her friend some privacy, and maybe not to cause her any pain, given how she was told that Velvet was struck on the head.

"Velvet? It's me… can you hear me? Are you… are you still awake?" she says, closing the door behind her as she enters the room. Cautiously making her way towards her dear friend as she whispers those words.

Cadance is not particularly used to this room, but she can see its contours well enough. The faint light coming from the corridor, from under the door, is barely enough for her to see where the bed is. And she can make out the faintest hint of a mare, covered in bandages, lying on it.

However, she can't… she can't really feel…

"Velvet? Do you… do you know who I am…?" she asks, struggling to keep her voice from shaking.

And finally, she hears the faintest hint of movement coming from the bed. The sound of bandages rustling as a head turns to face her in the darkness.

"Cadance… you have a lot of nerve coming here," the voice says.

And it takes Cadance several moments to recognize that voice. Because it sounds like her dear friend… but only in the same way that a strong wind during a storm sounds like a whistle.

Although, Cadance is much more worried about what Velvet just said. Her heart skips a beat as she tries to understand what her friend meant by that.

"I'm sorry… what? What do you mean, Velvet? Of course I came. I… I'm worried about you," she says, trying her best to keep her tone low and hushed.

Because of course she would come. How could she not?! In fact, she is having to force herself to stay where she is. Because all she wants to do right now is to light up her horn, and hug her friend, and look her in the eye and tell her that everything will be alright.

So, why would Velvet ever say that she…

"That is not what I meant… you know what I meant." Velvet says.

And Cadance's heart sinks a little bit more as she realizes that Velvet's tone is not just tired.

It is angry.

"You. Know. What. I. Meant." Velvet repeats.

Cadance freezes as she hears that, the nervousness in her chest giving way to the painful hammering of her heart. Because why… why would Velvet say that? Why would Velvet say those words with that tone?

Several things come to her mind at the same time. The tense conversation she had with Stormchaser, as she stallion explained to her the nurse had no idea of how bad the damage was to her friend's head. The reports from the ongoing investigation that more than just a few strange things had occurred.

The image she just saw, of Velvet's family looking even worse than they were before… after they were able to see the mare.

All of those things come to Cadance's mind at the same time. And for a moment, there is nothing she can do other than stand there, afraid that something worse might happen if she even moves.

"No answer? Of course you aren't going to say anything," Velvet continues, the pain in her voice overshadowed only by the weight behind her words. "Because nothing is ever your fault, is it? Nothing you do is ever wrong."

"Velvet, I… W-what do you mean?" the Princess asks, slightly panicked.

"Oh, don't give me that, you viper. You know what you did. You forced me into this job. You made this happen-!"

The mare says that, her voice growing more and more strained as she struggles to yell. Until her voice finally fails her, and she begins to cough.

Cadance can't help but make her way towards the mare. Because the way she is coughing makes it clear that her friend is in pain.

However, she doesn't dare to touch her. Her body moved on its own, to get closer to her friend, but her mind is still reeling at what she just heard.

"Velvet, please, let me-!"

"Don't come any closer, you…!" Velvet says.

And Cadance's voice gets stuck inside her throat.

"You asked me… me, to become the face of Celestia's anger in Equestria. You made me the most hated pony alive. And when this happens, you expect me to believe you didn't mean it?!"

Cadance's voice gets stuck inside her throat, as Velvet continues to speak, and as the seconds go by she slowly begins to feel her eyes burning up.

"N-no…! I just…" she tries, and fails, to say something.

"You just what? You are going to blame me? You are going to blame somepony else? Swear up and down it is not your fault? The same way it wasn't your fault when you let the country fall apart, right when Celestia needed you most? The same way it wasn't your fault that the pony you claim to love the most lost his horn? The same way it wasn't your fault when you failed to save Twilight?!"

Each word that Velvet says feels like a knife being stabbed on Cadance's heart. Each time Velvet say something, Cadance dearly wants to answer. To say that she is sorry, to say that she didn't mean for any of that to happen. But every time she tries to speak, she just can't.

The only way she can respond is through her tears, as they begin to run down her face and fall to the ground.

"Everypony around you gets hurt. Everypony around you gets broken. How many more times does this have to happen before you realize that the one thing they all had in common was you. How many more ponies need to suffer before you see that this is all your fault?! Princess of Love, you call yourself? More like Princess of Loss." Velvet says.

"Nno! I-I…! Velvet, I, please-!"

Cadance tries to say something, anything. But suddenly, she feels a pair of hoofs on her shoulders. And on the next moment, Velvet pulls her towards her chest.

And on that moment, Cadance realizes that Velvet is… that her dear friend is dead.

She realizes that her chest is so very cold, despite her fur. To the point that even her warm tears become chilly to the touch.

She realizes that the mare has no pulse. That the mare has no heartbeat.

She realizes that the mare is telling the truth.

"You. Made. This. Happen." Velvet whispers into her ear, and the only thing Cadance can do is-



"-Cadance! Cadance!"



-fall on her hindquarters as the world suddenly twists around her.

Because suddenly, she was being gripped by the hateful body of her dead friend.

But now, she is… suddenly… she is somewhere else?

H-how… what just happened?

"Cadance! Look into my eyes. Deep breaths, Cadance, deep breaths."

Cadance suddenly finds herself in a vast, empty space. A vague recollection of a large room, with white walls and whiter floor, to the point that she can barely make out where the ceiling ends and the walls begin.

And for some reason, Princess Luna is right in front of her, holding on to her shoulders as she looks her in the eyes.

"I… L-Luna, Velvet just…!"

"Cadance, stop. This was just a nightmare. Nothing happened, and you are fine. Everypony is fine."

Luna says that, and it takes several moments for Cadance to understand the meaning of those words.

No, she is right… everything is slowly coming back to her… A few seconds pass, and Cadance finally remembers the real conversation she had with her friend, and everything after that.

This really was just…

"I… thank you, Luna…" she says, hesitantly.

Although she still can't shake a particular thought that stuck to her mind.

"But…but Luna… the things she said… the things Velvet told me just now…"

"Mom didn't tell you anything, Cadance. This was just a dream. That was just a figment of your imagination."

"No, that's… that's exactly what I mean. If that was just something that came from my mind… isn't there a bit of truth to them? Doesn't that mean that…?"

Cadance trails off, as her stunned mind slowly connects the idea that just formed in her mind.

Because for all that this was a nightmare, this was still something that was created by her subconscious. So, doesn't that mean that… doesn't that meant that deep down, she thinks that…

"Luna, I… you heard those words, didn't you?" Cadance asks, as the weight she has inside her chest refuses to fade. The false worry from the nightmare being substituted by another, perhaps deeper concern.

"…"

"I… please, Luna. You are the only pony I can talk to, about this. You are the only pony who understands what it is to be a Princess… the things you heard, that I know you heard. Do you really think that I… was it really my fault? Did I really fail that much?" Cadance asks.

No, she doesn't ask. It is clear from Cadance's tone of voice that she is begging right now.

She is begging Luna, an alicorn who is older than her, to tell her that she did not fail.

She is begging Luna, the pony who has the greatest understanding of dreams and nightmares, to tell her those words were just mirages and illusions conjured by her own worries.

She is begging Luna… to tell her that she didn't fail. That this isn't her fault.

However, Cadance is so deep in her own misery that she doesn't even realize that Luna herself…

She doesn't even realize that Luna herself is wearing the same expression that she is, right now. That the Princess of the Moon is asking the same question, and that she is being crushed by the same weight.

She doesn't realize any of that.

So, when Luna finally answers, her words feel like a hammer's blow against Cadance's back.

"Cadance, I need you to get yourself together. I can't keep doing this every night."

And as Luna says those words, Cadance doesn't even realize the other alicorn is also talking to herself.

"If you think this is your fault, then do better."

She doesn't realize that Luna is also in as much pain as she is. Or perhaps even more.

Instead, she only thinks that the Princess of the Moon has found her wanting.

And when she wakes up, in the middle of the night and back in the Royal Castle, the only thing she can think of is…





- - -

- - -

- - -





It has been… maybe a week, ever since the attempt on her mother's life.

Ever since that day, she has stayed at home. Walking up and down the house, sneakily checking if the constables were at their posts, and giving her mother good dreams whenever she wasn't in too deep of a sleep.

Of course, she has been irate at the fact she still had to go to school. The only reason she accepts doing that at all, is because that way she can keep an eye on her sister. But still, her mother's insistence that "fillies need a routine" was one that she was adamantly against.

Because what if something happens while she is at school?

What if somepony tries to hurt her family again, and she is not there to protect them?

Her disguise is not worth it. She should just reveal herself right now, and damn the consequences. That way, the constables would have to obey her orders to fortify the mansion, and she wouldn't be expected to haul her flank to school to learn about fractions.

Selene thinks about all of that, and more, as she lies on her bed.

…

It has been difficult, for her. It has been difficult for her to live with herself, this past week.

Because every time she closes her eyes, every time she tries to sleep, she wonders if that will be the moment when it happens again. She wonders if that will be the night that yet another evil pony will pick, to stalk into her home and hurt the ponies she loves.

She has already replayed that night inside her head more times than she can count. She even remembers, down to the minute details, what kind of training she was subjecting herself to, as that thrice-cursed group of villains broke into her house and nearly beat her mother to death.

…

No, they didn't just almost beat her mother to death. She knows… what really happened.

Her mother did not yet have the time to teach her the theory in depth, and most of the knowledge she has is from the empirical lessons she learned over the last year. But still… still, winter is close enough to heart to detect its influence.

"Selene…? Are you awake…?"

But Selene's thoughts are interrupted by a familiar voice. And moments later, she looks up from her bed, and she spots the figure of Silky Stream quietly entering her room.

"Yeah… I'm here sis," she answers.

"Can I stay with you tonight…?" the filly asks.

And without the slightest delay, a faint glow appears on the tip of her forehead. Even though she is an earth pony. Moments later, the light washes over her, and her bed is now being occupied by a much larger alicorn. Still, her new bed is big enough to accommodate that form, and this entire motion is almost familiar by now.

Without a word, the pegasus filly climbs up the bed, and soon enough she is huddling up to her sister.

And Selene… doesn't say anything.

She doesn't ask if Silky is alright, because she already knows the answer to that.

She doesn't ask if Silky is cold, because she knows the real reason why her little sister is shaking.

And she definitely does not mention that they have been doing this every night now, because she will be there for Silky for as many nights as she wants.

So, she just stays there. Lying on her side. Covering her little sister with her large wing, as the filly lies with her head on her flank.

However, the filly doesn't fall asleep. Of course she doesn't.

It pains Selene to admit it, but the little filly has not been falling asleep easily ever since that night.

"Sel-… Selene…" Silky starts to say something.

And her voice is so heavy, and so wet, that it is clear that the filly is trying her best to hold back her tears.

"Is… is any bad pony coming to hurt us tonight? I-is… is mom going to wake up tomorrow…?"

Selene can feel a knot getting tighter inside her chest.

But still, she is the older sister. She can't let it show.

So, she just pulls the filly closer to her, and covers her under the protection of her large wings a little more.

"Nopony is going to hurt us, Silky. I won't let them. I promise. And mom will wake up tomorrow just fine, and we will talk to her again as soon as we get back from school."

She feels the filly nodding against, the movement rustling the fur of her flank. And she tries to ignore the wet drops she can feel against her cutie mark.

"O-okay…" is all the filly says.

And another night drags itself within the Velvet mansion.





- - -

- - -

- - -





"We both know you are not angry at me," the mare says.

And the stallion can only grunt in answer.

Because she is right. She is always right. Good Baldomare is never wrong, and speaking to her is always as illuminating as it is distressing.

"Maybe I am a little angry at you," he says. Although he says that more out of anger than anything else.

And to his surprise (although he is too angry to appreciate it) the mare answers him with an understanding expression.

Because he is being terribly rude to her. He is definitely not acting in a way that a host should treat a guest.

And yet, she is still talking to him. She is still answering his questions.

She is still… keeping him company. Perhaps even like a friend ought to do.

In fact, Baldomare would have poured him a drink, if she didn't already know he would not accept it.

Because Stormchaser knows this is not the time to drink. He drinks to socialize with other ponies, and he drinks to celebrate good times. But these are not good times, and he will not allow himself to be anything but alert in case something happens, and a nurse or a maid calls for him.

"But you… are right. I am not angry at you," he says, closing his eyes as he takes a deep breath.

The mare shrugs, looking out through the window, towards the setting sun, as she casually speaks.

"To be fair, you are a little angry at me, yes. You are not wrong," she says. And even that, coming from her, is a kindness of sorts. After all, for her to sidestep the issue, and twist her words so they are not entirely false, is something she doesn't do often.

So, from the Name of Lantern, that is indeed a way to show kindness. Small as it may be, she is finding a way to say that he is "right", even if that kind of thing doesn't mean as much to him as it does to her.

"But Baldomare, I… I still need to know. I need you to tell me," he says, circling back to the issue they had been discussing before.

He says that, as he once again asks her the question that brought him here in the first place.

Because what good is a husband… what is Stormchaser even worth, if he couldn't be there to protect his own wife?

Couldn't he have avoided this somehow? Shouldn't he have predicted something like this was coming? Damn it all, shouldn't he be the one who was bound to a bed, fighting for his life, instead of his fragile, crippled wife, who almost died giving birth to their daughter?!

He doesn't know. He doesn't know, and that is why he is here.

Maybe he should have studied those secrets more intensely. Maybe he should have begged his friend for help, and paid whatever price he asked. Or who knows, maybe he should have quit his job and stayed home, regardless if his cutie mark insisted that he shouldn't.

Still, he… he has to know.

He needs her to tell her.

"I don't want to hurt you, Stormchaser," the mare says, as she lets out a pained sigh. "Please," she finishes.

And for some reason, that last word carries an unusual amount of weight.

Almost as if the mare was asking him not to make her hurt somepony. Although he isn't sure if Baldomare is afraid that she will hurt him… or herself.

But still, the stallion can't stop himself. He has to know. Even if it hurts him.

"Was… was there anything I could have done? Anything at all?" he asks.

To which the mare responds with a tired expression.

"No."

And that one word cuts the stallion deeper than anything else he has ever felt in his life.





- - -

- - -

- - -





"Hey there, Soft. I haven't seen you since yesterday… how are you doing?"

The unicorn mare asks that, as she carefully sits on a nearby chair.

It has been… a few days, since the commotion happened. Of course, there are still guards walking around, but the bulk of the Canterlot police has already left. There aren't any more investigators looking into this and that, and there aren't any more ponies being taken to the side for those long interviews and questions.

But that didn't stop Cantrip from checking in on her friend, whenever she could.

It is early in the morning. Lord Pride is currently busy in his office, with more work to do thanks to the recent occurrence, but he has been very kind in letting her leave whenever she asked for it. So, she didn't even take off her uniform as she came straight to her friend's room in the central mansion.

And just like every other day, she found Soft… here.

Alone.

With that very worrying expression on her face.

"I'm doing fine…" Soft says.

And just like every other day, Cantrip can't really say that she believes in her.

But still, she can't even imagine how rough things must be for her friend Soft. After all she knows her friend's… well, let's call it her background.

She knows about Canterlot, even if Soft doesn't really speak about it a lot. And she knows how close she is to the noble family.

Tartarus, word on the corridors is that she works as a maid because she wants to, and that she has already been offered a room on the second floor where the Lady's family lives. She is keeping the job for a sense of stability, or maybe out of duty. But as far as Cantrip knows, Soft is as good as family to the Lady.

So, knowing what happened to Lady Velvet is definitely… taking a toll on her.

"I'm glad to hear it, Soft. Say, Lord Pride will probably have a late lunch again, so I think I should eat right about now, before midday. Would you like to join me?" she asks, hoping that her friend will finally accept something that involves leaving her room.

Because from what she heard, the pegasus mare only leaves her room to take the Lady's daughters to and from school. Other than that…

… well, she knows the mare has been eating. Or at least she hopes so. But still…

"No… thanks… I don't really feel like eating right now…" the pegasus mare answers.

Cantrip answers her with a strained smile, but she nods nonetheless.

No lunch for her today as well, then. Because she certainly won't leave without her friend. And she much prefers staying here with her for the next hour than using this pause from work to do whatever else.

Still, the silence begins to stretch as the two mares just stare at each other. Or rather, as Cantrip look at Soft, and Soft looks despondently towards the ground.

Well, her friend is getting a little better. The general mood of the house has been improving, as the Lady's health steadily gets better. But still, Cantrip can personally attest that Soft is far better today than she was before.

After all, just a few days ago, Soft was a lot more talkative… she was a lot more talkative, and a lot angrier.

She doesn't remember what exactly Soft Sweeps said, on the first day she came here to see her. But she still remembers how her words made her feel.

She still remembers how… how Soft told her that… how her words made her remember all those...

No! No. Stop. Stop right there Cantrip! The mare shakes her head, as she once again remembers that she shouldn't think about that.

Yeap, there is nothing to think about. Her friend Soft Sweeps is far better than she was before, and that's all that matters. And as her friend, Cantrip will keep her company until she convinces her to go have lunch with her!

"Oh, I know!" Cantrip says, as an idea comes to her mind. "Say, do you remember how I told you that some of the maids quit?" Cantrip asks.

Of course, the reason why the maids quit is the one thing Cantrip will avoid talking about at any costs. Nopony likes the idea of working and sleeping in a place that might be dangerous. But still, that is not what Cantrip is focusing on.

Far from that, what Cantrip is talking about is the latest bit of gossip that has been going around!

"Yeah… what about it?" Soft answers.

"Well, I heard Subtle Glare is already working on finding replacements. Most I heard is that he sent out a missive to the main house in Canterlot. But what's really been buzzing around is that a candidate appeared who is here from Ponyville!"

Soft tilts her head slightly at that. But she is clearly interested in what Cantrip is saying.

"It was just the one. And I didn't hear anything about prior experience or cutie marks. But still, I heard she made quite the impression with Subtle Glare on her interview yesterday. So, we might have a new face working at Lord Pride's home sooner rather than later!"

Soft Sweeps narrows her eyes at that, as if she had just thought about something.

But more importantly, to Cantrip's relief, Soft's expression is definitely better than it was a few seconds ago. In fact, the pegasus mare almost looks normal, as if they have been having a casual conversation this entire time.

"A maid recruit… from Ponyville?" she asks.

"Yeap! Maybe she heard that we would be hiring from somepony? Or maybe this was just a coincidence? I'm also surprised, because I just thought we would get a few replacements from the Canterlot mansion, and that things would be settled that way," Cantrip continues, her tone almost excited from how she finally got a reaction from her friend. "But word on the corridors is that this new mare came-a-knocking some two days ago, and that Subtle Glare agreed to interview her yesterday. Quite the funny story, don't you think?"

"Yeah… very unusual… especially if… Actually, I'm sorry, did you say what her name was?"

Cantrip thinks for a few moments, opening the lower drawers of her mind as she tries to remember if that obscure bit of information was present in the gossip she heard.

"I think it was… Amor? No, not just that. Double name, something-Amor, but I can't remember the first one for the life of me."

She says that, and something unexpected immediately happens.

Soft Sweeps smiles. Maybe for the first time in days.

"Ah… I know her. She's a friend of mine and… Uhm, Cantrip, I don't like… asking for favors. But… do you think you could put in a good word for her? I mean, if she's going to be hired by your side of the estate, I can't…"

"No need to say anything else. Of course I will!" Cantrip says, as soon as the mare trails off. But the smile that Soft has on her face is more than worth making this promise. "That's what friends are for. And also, any friend of yours is also a friend of mine, so I'd love to meet this Amor!"

Soft answers her with a thankful nod.

And finally, finally, Cantrip feels like she is talking to a normal pony again. Finally, Cantrip feels like she is talking to the one friend she managed to make, ever since she came to this distant town.

These last few days have been tense. They have been tense, and more than a little worrying.

But she is glad to think that the sun might be finally rising in this particular night.

And hey, she really meant it when she said it. Any friend from Soft is a friend of hers!

She is sure there will be no problems whatsoever relating to this "Amor" mare that they are talking about.

"And… I think I am getting a little hungry. Can I join you for lunch?" Soft asks, with a slightly uncomfortable (but hopeful) smile on her face.

To which Cantrip answers by standing up from the wooden chair, and leading the way towards the door.

After all, friends are meant to be there for each other.

And the more friends one has, the merrier.

Right?

Right?





This is a reminder that you are not forced to accept Selene's request to guard you this turn.

And this is a reminder that she won't be guarding just you, if you do order her to stay.

And the there is… everything else, that also happened.

Voting is still open. To be closed on Sunday night. Remember to pick the correct post to start counting the votes from, and not just pick "last threadmark" from whatever program you use.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Tally

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

You are Deputy Shining Armor.

And right now, you are in a rather gloomy place.

Is it unprofessional to think that about the place where your own commanding officer lives? Absolutely. But she is also your friend, so you will not let your professional respect for her cloud your honesty.

You are currently in the Velvet estate. And to be entirely honest, it is hard to believe that something as innocent as a cute-ceñeara took place here just a few days ago.

After all, it is still early in the afternoon, but there isn't a single ray of sunlight touching the estate. The entire perimeter of the mansion, and then some more, is covered with lightning clouds. And a gloomy wind is blowing through the garden. Your pegasi said the wind is caused by the difference in temperature between the sun-blocked ground and the surrounding farmlands, but you didn't really catch the technical nuance of what they were saying.

Still, the fact remains that you are looking at a mansion that seems to have come out of a horror story. Everypony you look at, whether they be your agents or the estate's servants, seem to be on edge. Everypony, without exception, seems to be concerned, scared, serious, or a combination of all those three things. And everywhere you look, your eyes need to strain to pierce through the shadows.

You are honestly glad Cadance decided not to stay, and that she left several days ago as soon as she was able to talk to Velvet.

Although, you are also about to leave yourself. Today marks the sixth day that you have been here in the Velvet estate, but right now you are in the process of supervising the packing up of your material and horsepower, so the Bureau can focus on its other duties.

Well, most of you are leaving. But a respectable chunk of your constables will be staying behind, for obvious reasons.

"Sir, we finished loading up the carriages with the gear we won't need. It's standing by to make another round trip, as soon as you give us the go-ahead."

Just as you think about that, a familiar voice comes from behind you. And you turn around to see the gruff stallion that is one of your team-leaders. The earth pony is slightly shorter than you are, but he has a solid feeling to him that not even the discreet uniform of the Bureau can detract from.

"Good, and thank you. You can tell them they are cleared to go," you answer. "And by the way, what did you decide not to send? What are we going to keep here for the garrison?"

You ask that question because, thankfully, you managed to convince the Commissioner to do the sensible thing, and finally assign herself a security detail.

Naturally, you interpreted her vague acceptance of a "security detail" liberally. Which means you arranged with the constables to keep three breach teams here in the estate, on rotating shifts, with whatever material they would need.

You are sure the Commissioner will roll that decision back as soon as she regains her bearings. But until then, you will all have the peace of mind that the Commissioner will be safe for the time being.

"That's a small problem I wanted to talk about, sir," the constable says, with a slightly annoyed expression. "We are keeping some of the tents that we used to lodge everypony during this last week. And the mansion carpenters already started building an annex for us to stay, after you spoke to the Lord. But still, these aren't barracks, and we definitely don't have a secured armory."

The stallion shrugs, as if to say there was no helping it.

"So, we are only keeping the basic stuff. Armor, lights, portable weapons. Stuff we can carry around at all times."

You give him a slow, understanding nod. Yes, you think you would have reached the same conclusion if you had thought this over yourself. This is a bit of a reminder of how you have taken the infrastructure of the Royal Castle for granted. After all, it is much easier to guard a place when said place was designed with security in mind.

But still, it is what it is. And your constables will be no less dedicated just because they won't have access to their more dangerous equipment.

"That makes sense. And it is still too soon to talk with the Commissioner about making more changes to her home. Or better yet, moving to Canterlot," you say, although you are sure that last wish of yours will never really come true. "But for now, a solid roof over our heads beats the tents. And we'll make sure to send a daily runner to check in on you."

The stallion nods, giving you a small salute before taking his leave.

And you…

"Oh, and can you tell the team-leaders to meet me in an hour?" you say to the retreating stallion, "we will have our last meeting before wrapping this up."

The stallion answers you with a wave of his hoof. And the two of you go back to your own duties.



- - -



Under normal circumstances, it would be very rude to enter the room of a married mare. Especially given how you are a married stallion.

And it would be even more rude for so many ponies, the small crowd of Bureau ponies that you are, to be here.

However, these are not normal circumstances. So, yourself, your team-leaders, and your top investigators are currently in the Commissioner's room. Having your last meeting with her before most of you depart. After all, none of you would expect the Commissioner to move to another room just to speak to you. In fact, given her state, most of you did not expect for this meeting to happen at all.

But still, despite the clearly professional setting of this meeting, you are all… uncomfortable.

No, you are not just uncomfortable. You can see, from the expression of everypony around you, that none of you are "just" uncomfortable.

You are also…



"I want every last mare, stallion, and resource at our disposal tracking them down. Do I make myself clear?"



The Commissioner is on her bed. There is a single lit candle, on the opposite side of the room, that is giving you all just enough light to see the contour of her face.

It is enough for you to see the white of her bandages, and the darker spots where the bandages are not so white. It is enough for you to barely recognize the Commissioner.

And more importantly, it is enough for you all to see just how angry she is.

This is maybe the fourth time you have seen her, ever since the attempt. But to everypony else, this is the first time they meet the Commissioner ever since they were rushed to Ponyville. And you can tell, from everypony else's expression, that they are as appalled as you were when you first saw her.

Because it is clear, from the way she is speaking, that she needs to make an effort even to breathe.

She sounds like she is about to fall asleep at any moment, and the way she needs to close her eyes between phrases makes it clear that she is having trouble to even form her thoughts.

The mare seems to be operating on anger alone.

And despite her delicate state, a part of you can't shake the thought that… that maybe she is doing this on purpose. You think that she called for this meeting, with yourself and all the figurehead agents, precisely so they can see her in this state. Maybe because she wants to incense you all into acting. Maybe because she wants you all to see the fruit of your failure, and the price she had to pay for it.

Whatever her reason is, you think it is working.

"The changelings can wait. Keep the observers in place, on Tall Tale. But focus on these attackers," she says, although she needs several seconds to regain her strength before she can continue. "Today it was me. Tomorrow it might be Fair Trial, or somepony else. I want you all to find them. Now."

Nopony disagrees with her. And, in a sense, you suppose it is good to hear it directly from her.

"Before we leave, Commissioner, I would like to report how we will operate this month," you say, pointing at the two stallions and one mare standing next to you. "These are three of our breach-team leaders who will be staying behind to run security. They are already acquainted with your staff, and we already dealt with the smaller details. I will also be returning here weekly to deliver you a report."

The Commissioner doesn't answer you. In fact, she doesn't give you any sign that she is listening at all. And if it wasn't for her labored breath, and the calm demeanor of the nurse by her side, you wouldn't even know if she was awake or not.

But still, you say all of that, and then you… hesitate for a moment. Because you are not entirely sure if you should bring up another subject, that your investigators asked you about.

Because on the one hoof, you really don't think you should disturb the Commissioner with something like this right now. But on the other hoof, it could help the investigations to…

"One more thing, Commissioner," you say, deciding to go for it. "Beyond Reproach and Iron Button would like to ask you a few more questions, if that is alright with you? About the night when you were attacked. Because we have already spread the official story, that there was a single attacker who escaped. But we would like to-"

You are suddenly interrupted by a wet cough, coming from the Commissioner. And something tells you that you have made the wrong decision in asking that question.

"There was a single attacker. He escaped. And there are no indications that something like this will happen again," the Commissioner says. Laboring to form every word, but practically spitting them at you. "And if a single pony in this house hears anything different from that, there will be problems."

She says that, and you immediately understand what she means by that. Everypony immediately understands that, as far as the Commissioner is concerned, discussing any other version of events within one hundred paces of her family would be a very quick road to some form of retribution.

And as if to hammer the point home, the Commissioner… painfully makes a point of sitting up. The smell of medicine and sweat filling the air even with that small of a movement.

But she sits up, and you swear she is looking at everypony's eyes at the same time, from the dark.

"Is that clear? Or do I need to hold the hoof of the greatest investigators of Equestria, to take them to whatever evidence is sitting right in front of their faces?"

You hear Iron Button give her a quick, nervous nod. And you think you hear Reproach swallow something dry. A soft, clacking chuckle comes from the nurse waiting next to the Commissioner, but none of you pay her any mind.

Because yes, she is being abundantly clear right now. Your investigators know about the bodies. Your agents know the stories are not lining up. And now, to the Commissioner's annoyance, she has just confirmed to you all that this is intentional.

"Understood, Commissioner," you answer for everypony else.

And with a slow, painful wave of the hoof, she dismisses you all.

You think she is fast asleep, after crashing back on her pillow, before the last pony leaves the bedroom.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Lady Velvet Covers.

And you are awake.

It has been ten days since you were attacked. And throughout all of that period, you have been awake for… maybe thirty hours. And you have been properly aware for even less than that.

You have seen your family every day, being visited by your daughters when they come back from school. You have seen your close friends every now and then, whenever one of their visits align with one of your rare periods of consciousness. And you have seen Shining Armor once, yesterday, when he came to deliver his weekly report.

Other than that, you… you don't really remember much.

Softy told you that Cadance was here, on the night after the attack, and that she spoke to you. But you honestly have no memory of that.

Mareinette also told you that you gave orders to your agents while they were here, but you… well, you don't even remember the Bureau coming to your home. And you have yet to confirm if the "guards" they placed in your house are real or not.

And then, of course, you have been seeing Mareinette a lot. In fact, she is there with you almost every waking moment. She leaves, unnoticed, right before your daughters come to visit, and she seems to be next to you a few seconds after they are gone.

But still, she has been… keeping you company.

She has been keeping your heart beating. She has been changing your bandages, although you have never seen her throw them in the trash. And she has been… talking to you.

But you are not nearly well enough to remember what you two speak about, and you know you will remain on your bed for several more weeks.

So, you are sure you will spend more time with her before the month is over.

However, right now, you are awake. You are awake, and you are aware, and you are focused enough to do this.

"Thank you all for coming here," you say to the room at large. "I am here to ask you all to do a few things for me."

You say that to the several Names who are currently in your bedroom.

You say that to Baldomare, who is calmly sitting on a nearby chair. To Mareinette, who is standing on a distant corner of the room. To the Daughter-of-Axes, who has a hoof over the hilt of her namesake weapon, and is on the opposite corner that Mareinette is.

And you say that to Biedde, who answers you with a knowing smile.

"What is the name of the pony you want us to kill?" the old stallion asks.

And then, you begin to tell them what you want to see happen.





- - -

- - -

- - -





VELVET'S PHASE AND EXPEDITION PLANNING

Spoiler: Relevant notes

Relevant notes:
-Jade Whistle will perform a scrying ritual before your assault against your opponent departs, and they will act based on that information.
-Unfortunately, since both actions are happening on the same turn, you are not able to plan the expeditions "after" Jade's scrying attempt. You must make your plans now, and whatever she learns will be used by your assault team.
-The "leader" of an expedition is irrelevant, as their action point is spent gathering resources and making preparations, rather than being given "authority" over the assault. If your assault team needs to make an important decision, you (the players) will be offered a vote instead, even if Velvet is not physically present. (And Mareinette's trait only allows her to "vote" in your stead if she is performing an action by herself. Expeditions such as these do not apply.)
-However, you will not micromanage all aspects of the assault (you wouldn't do that even if Velvet was going herself). So, make your decisions, and QM will decide the finer details, including character agency.
-You must also vote for the "timing" with the Bureau's investigation.

Before you vote on how to assault your opponent, you must decide on the TIMING with the Lunar Bureau's investigation.

"They are the best detectives in Equestria, and they are all Tartarus-bent on finding who did this. It is inevitable that the Bureau will pick your attacker's trail. You can only decide if you will strike before or after that happens."

-[] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-Your assault team will not benefit from anything the Lunar Burau discovers, since you will not have a preliminary report on your attacker before you assault them.
-Your assault team will not be seen by the Lunar Bureau, since they will not yet be in place when the assault takes place.
-HOWEVER, it is possible the Lunar Bureau will find evidence of your assault team's actions. It is impossible to predict what ramifications that might incur, if that happens.


-[] [BUREAU] You will assault Copper AFTER the Bureau picks her trail.
-Your assault team will benefit from whatever preliminary information the Bureau discovers.
-Your assault team MIGHT be detected by the Bureau, before, during, or after the assault happens. It is impossible to predict what ramifications that might incur, if that happens.
-You will try your best to inform your assault team, so as to avoid this, but your investigators are not to be underestimated.



You have voted for one follower to ASSAULT AN OPPONENT, and for one follower to GO ON AN EXPEDITION.

You must now plan for TWO expeditions.

Available bits: 251 (281 at the start of the turn, with -30 being promised for a scrying ritual)



EXPEDITIONS



(You do NOT need to specify who is "organizing" an expedition. QM will select the best pony who you are sending to spend an action with that, so that the other follower actions of this turn may happen as efficiently as possible.)
(However, naturally, at least one pony who is going on a short expedition must have enough action points to organize it)


Assaulting Copper Secateur
Duration: SHORT (costs one action from one follower, additional followers can go without spending action points)
Base cost: 5 bits/day (you must have 25 bits per follower sent)
-[] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
--[] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
--[] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
--[] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)

Spoiler: About assaulting your opponent

While assaulting your opponent, your followers will have limited time to fulfill as many objectives as possible. They will try to prepare ahead of time, but as soon as they begin the attack your enemy will be alerted and will scramble. Important enemies might try to escape, important items might be evacuated, and so on. So, it is best to tell them the PRIORITY of what you want to be done.

Your followers will try their best to fulfill those objectives, and they will follow the priority you specify. But you shouldn't expect more than your FIRST priority to be fulfilled, if at all.

Examples of objectives:
-"Reach" your opponent (and decide whether to kill or capture that pony after immobilizing them)
-Steal items and resources
-Destroy infrastructure
-Kill as many followers as possible
-Planting evidence/Lore knowledge for the Bureau to find later
-Other things besides (consult with QM)

An example of an assault looks like this:

[Y] Plan "Kill the bitch"
-[Y] Other Velvet actions
-[Y] [BUREAU] Bureau decision
-[Y] Assault an Opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[Y] Who is going? (Biedde, Mareinette and Comet Feet)
--[Y] What are they taking? (Edge 3 Artifact, SH 3 Artifact)
--[Y] What is their objective? (First, Kill Copper Secateur. Second, kill high-ranking cultists. Third, scout Neighnia.)
--[Y] Anything else? (Tell them you would like them to minimize innocent casualties)

The Grave on the Hill
Duration: SHORT (costs one action from one follower, additional followers can go without spending action points)
Base cost: 5 bits/day (you must have 25 bits per follower sent)
-[] The Grave on the Hill
--[] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
--[] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)


-[] Another expedition? (WRITE IN which)



VELVET'S PHASE



You have a total of THREE actions available, ONE (free) social action, and ZERO (free) Mansus exploration actions. (Four personal actions, minus one given to Mareinette for her rebinding).

You may read books and study artifacts, but other than that you may NOT perform any Lore-related activities.



-[] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)

Spoiler: Wounds

-For every single dice you roll, a success will only heal a single wound.
-All rolls are against a DC 70.
-You currently have an Artifact in your possession. It shall grant you a +30 bonus for your roll.
-Your current Heart application bonus is +0 (zeroed due to Dancing With Death. Since this is a long-term process, you cannot apply Attention of the Laws to it).

Rest, and time, are the only true remedies for a sick body. (You must pick one)
--[] You don't have time for this. (Costs 0 actions. You will only roll ONE healing dice.)
--[] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[] You only have one body. Better take the time to care for it… (Costs 2 actions. Rolls THREE dice. 0/-15/-30)
--[] Your wounds are deep and numerous. You can't play around while you are like this. (Costs 3 actions. Rolls FOUR dice. 0/-15/-30/-45)
--[] You are almost broken. So, you will act accordingly. You need only your mind to plan vengeance. (Costs 4 actions. Rolls FIVE dice. 0/-15/-30/-45/-60)

The body will do its part. But science, and magic, may also provide. As long as you provide the proper "encouragement", of course. (The dices that auto-succeed will always be the ones that have the greatest penalty, and NOT the dices who roll the lowest results.) (You must pick one)
--[] You either don't care, or you don't have enough bits to care. Either way, your body will have to mend itself on its own terms. (Costs nothing.)
--[] The medicine taste is worse than its appearance. But it is exactly what you need, if they are to be believed… (Costs 30 bits. One dice will auto-succeed)
--[] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
--[] It costs extra to have a nurse follow you back from the hospital. But everything is a service, and everything is for sale, if you have the bits for it. (Costs 90 bits. Three dice will auto-succeed)
--[] These are not illegal, they are just extremely hard to find. The fact that they are so hard to find that no regulation agency cared to declare them illegal, on the other hoof, is just a small detail. (Costs 120 bits. Four dice will auto-succeed)
--[] Most of the bits are to pay for his silence. His skills, however, are not to be disregarded. The doctor is so quiet that you sometimes forget he is even there, but he is never more than ten hoofsteps away from you. (Costs 150 bits. Five dice will auto-succeed)

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

-[] [SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
-[] [SOCIAL] Perhaps you should just rest (no social calls, but no debuffs will be applied to your healing, free action)

-[] Read or study something? (WRITE IN what, either 2 books or 1 artifact)

-[] Talk to somepony? (WRITE IN who)

-[] Something else? (WRITE IN what)





Author's Note:

Spoiler: Author's Note

Velvet Covers is beaten, battered, and barely alive. And since you have also promised one action to Mareinette, and will probably use another action to heal two health points, it is very likely you will have at most two actions available to use. Furthermore, Velvet Covers can't do anything eldritch or Lore related this turn, because she can't even access the Mansus (no Knock for that).

So, her options have been severely simplified, for the sake of an easier planning. Specifically:

I have assumed you will want to heal two health points, which will cost an action, so I redacted the majority of the other options.

I have also assumed you are interested in going on the two Short Expeditions you have available to you, so I redacted the other options.

This is a reminder that you are free to pick other options, or to plan other expeditions, such as a preliminary assault on Tall Tale or a foray into the underground of Canterlot. This is still a game, and making a post that is convenient for your planning and discussion is still important. So, if there is interest in making plans that go in another direction, kindly let me know so I can flesh out your options more.

Finally, as promised, here is an update on the studying mechanics. Your "Grimoire" threadmark has been updated to reflect this:

Spoiler: Study mechanics

This is a small change in how books and artifacts are read or studied, which will take effect immediately.

Regarding all study action:
-Regardless of any other rules, you will ONLY gain scraps of Lore if the source material has a Lore level that is equal or superior to your equivalent Lore.
-You gain an additional scrap of Lore for every two levels a source is above your current corresponding Lore level.


Reading a normal book:
-You roll against a fixed CD 50 test, using Learning and Lantern Application.
-If you succeed, you gain a scrap of the corresponding Lore, and transform the book into a corresponding Manuscript.


Reading an ancient book:
-You must finish the "progress bar" of the book, which varies for each book, using Learning and Lantern Application.
-Once you finish the translation progress, the book is immediately read, and becomes a corresponding Manuscript. You will gain at least one scrap of the corresponding Lore, but further effects (positive or negative) may vary.


Studying an artifact:
-You roll against a CD of (50 + 10 times artifact Lore level), using Learning and Lantern Application.
-Your main objective is to discover if the artifact has any special properties, discover how to properly use it, and to ensure it is not cursed or dangerous to use.
-Upon success, you gain one scrap of the corresponding Lore, but you do not produce a corresponding Manuscript.

Twenty-four hours of moratorium. ALL options must go on a single plan. The Bureau timing, Expedition options, AND Velvet options. I believe they are all sufficiently connected to warrant a unified plan.

As always, feel free to ask anything, or to point out any problems.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

You have gained the mundane trait "Security Detail".

Jade Whistle has successfully performed a scrying ritual. The information she gained will be sued by your imminent assault expedition. 30 bits have been removed from your inventory.

The Daughter-of-Axes has given you three Wrong Keys, they have been included in your inventory.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Selene, and right now you are in a dream.

It is a very simple dream. You are standing on a grassy plain, under the shade of a large tree. And everywhere you look there are flowers blooming, swaying with the wind and filling the air with perfume.

This is the picture of a calm and peaceful place. A dream that, in truth, you are intentionally making as serene as possible. Because the dreamer herself is in no condition to be exposed to anything else.

This is your mother's dream. And you can do nothing but watch as, even in this incorporeal place, she looks at you with a tired smile. You can tell that she is happy, of course. You can tell that she is happy to be here with you.

But still, you can't push away the pain you feel inside your chest, as you realize how sorry she looks even inside her own dream.

You can't push it away. So, you do the second best thing. You keep it hidden.

"Thank you for meeting me here, Selene," she says. And for all that her voice sounds healthy and strong, given how this is a dream, you can tell there is still something shaky about it. "This isn't something we could discuss while I am awake."

She sits down at the base of the tree, and you follow suit. And for a moment, you consider asking her why she asked to meet you here. But you reconsider.

Instead, you just stay quiet, sitting by her side. You stay quiet, simply because your mother looks content right now. After all, her dream-body is strong and healthy, to the point that even her flank is unblemished, and she can feel the soft breeze without being constrained by a dress. And you can tell, or maybe you can feel, that she is just savoring the sensation of a body that isn't about to shut down at any moment.

Granted, her expression is still tired, but… well, you are a firm believer that dreams are meant to be pleasant. So, you will just wait here with her, until she tells you what this is about.

"I… part of me doesn't want to tell you this, Selene. Part of me wants to stop here and now," she continues, after maybe a full minute. Her voice full of hesitation and doubt. "Because I… there is a favor I want to ask you, Selene. There is something that just needs to be done. And for all that I wish I could do it myself, I just can't."

She lets out a small sigh as she says that, and you… you just stay quiet.

You lean towards her, resting your face on her shoulder, but other than that you just stay quiet.

After all, you know what she is talking about. You know why she just can't do… whatever it is that she needs to do.

And that is because, just a few days ago, your mother's health took a turn to the worse.

Her complexion, that was slowly getting healthier, suddenly became pale again. What little energy she was regaining, which was enough for her to eat and talk and even move a little on her own, was gone.

You understand what happened of course. You realize that, deep down, that decline of her health was a good sign. Because this whole time, your mother's heart didn't even have enough strength to beat on its own, and she had been using… other methods, to make up for it. And now, she is finally strong enough to survive under her own strength.

She has, effectively, "stopped" using the other methods that were keeping her alive. And now, she can heal under her own power without getting addicted or dependent on those methods.

However, this is still being a ghastly period to live through, for you and your father… and especially for Silky.

So, of course your mother can't do anything on her own right now. Of course that, whatever this favor is, she would need somepony else to do it for her.

You are only glad that you can be here for her right now.

"But I suppose I lost the right to hesitate. No, more than just that, I just can't afford to wait. Not when I know what is on the line. Not when…"

She trails off, and you can feel the light tug of something, poking at the edge of her dream. For a moment, you feel the pressure of memories, filled with anger and fear, trying to creep into this dream. You feel the weight of your mother's emotions pressing down on the scenery around you, trying to cover the sun and turn the breeze into a chilling wind.

But you push back against that. With a thought, and without any effort, you keep the peaceful scenery around you as it is.

This is your domain, and you will not allow this dream to be sullied while you are here.

"Whatever it is, mom, you can tell me," you say, gently rubbing head against her. "You can trust me. I'm here for you."

You hear her let out a small, short laugh. But you can tell that your words had some effect. The pressure of her fears lessens, at the edges of the dream. And she sounds slightly less despondent, as she continues to speak.

"Thank you dear, I… well, I suppose you already know," you feel her plant a light kiss on the top of your forehead.

Although, once again, she lets out a small sigh, as if resigning herself to what comes next.

"The thing I want to ask you to do is… I know who tried to kill me, Selene. I know who it was, that sent all those ponies and that monster, who tried to get rid of me."

She says that, and her words are so sudden and direct that you can't help but freeze for a moment.

Because this entire time, you mother… well, she did not tell you who had hurt you. At times, you think she did not know who had done that, and other times you were sure she was hiding it. But still, she was just too frail and weak for you, or your father, to try to pressure her about it.

And as the days went by, with no other incidents happening, and the "official" story about a lonely attacker being repeated over and over again, you just… well, you didn't believe it, and you definitely did not forget about this. But still, you had basically resigned yourself to the idea that you would never learn anything more about the attempt on your mother's life. Not until she was fully healed, at least. Or not until you were able to act on your own.

But now that she is telling you this, you don't really know how to react. You are still sitting next to her, and your head is still resting against her side. But your eyes are wide open and alert. In fact, you can even feel your heart beating more quickly, as you realize the implications of why she is telling you this.

"I know who she is Selene. I know who she is, and I know that she hates me, and I… and I know she won't stop until one of us is dead. But if it was that alone, I wouldn't mind keeping this vendetta of hers between the two of us. However…"

Her voice trails off, and the aching pressure of her fears return, pushing against the edges of this dream so strongly that it almost takes you by surprise.

The sky almost darkens. And for a moment, the sun almost dims. But you hold those weights back, although it requires a little more of your attention than before.

Although, much more importantly, you keep listening to your mother, as she reveals to you the reason why she is so afraid.

"… however, I also know she is not above doing whatever it takes to get to me. I know she is willing to hurt one of you, instead. In fact, I think she might be considering that alternative right now, given how she must know that her attempt failed."

The wind picks up speed, and the calm breeze suddenly turns into a harsh gale. One that rustles the leaves of the tree above you, and that bends the flowers with its strength. A gale that is fueled by anger, a rage that was as sudden to appear as it is fierce.

You focus your thoughts, and you calm the wind down in less than a second. But still, it is telling that this stray feeling was able to sneak past you.

Because this whole time, you have been doing your best to compensate for your mother's emotions. You have been trying your hardest to keep this dream calm and serene. So, the fact that this stray feeling was able to evade your notice is indicative of how strong it must be.

For all that you can't tell from her tone of voice, you realize your mother must be very, very angry right now.

But that doesn't stop her from asking you what needs to be done.



"Her name is Copper Secateur, Selene. And I need you to kill her."



There is something uniquely chilling about hearing those words coming out of your mother's mouth. Your whole life, ever since you woke up as Selene, you have heard nothing but kind and soothing words from her. Of course, she can be harsh and demanding at times. And like any other foal, you have already been scolded and reprimanded by her. But no matter what happened, you could always feel in her undertone that she still loved and cared about you.

So, there is something somber about hearing this gentle and loving mare asking you to… kill somepony.

However, you are even more surprised by the fact that-

"I will do it, mother."

-that you not only agree with her, but that you also want to do this.

The wind picks up again, blowing through the grasslands like a galloping herd. And as you once again focus your thoughts to smother it, you finally realize that… you finally realize that this wind is not being caused by your mother's emotions.

It is being caused by yours. This is your own anger, influencing this dream.

This is your anger, because your mother is telling you about the pony who hurt her. This is your anger, that you are finally being able to direct towards something useful. This is your anger, that you can now focus on the pony who is willing to hurt your family.

And you feel no inclination to put it under control, right now.

So, you allow the gale wind to blow, even if it plucks the petals out of the nearby flowers, and even if it causes both of your manes to sway with the wind.

"Thank you, Selene, but that is not everything I had to tell you," she says.

And the wind dies down, even if only a fraction, as you raise your head from her side.

Because you have a lot in your mind right now. You have several thoughts, some of them even conflicting with each other, that you still need to parse through. You still need to come to terms with the fact that you just agreed to kill a pony. You still need to process the fact that it is your own mother who is asking you to do this. You need a few moments to accept that you want to get this done anyways. And finally, there is the very practical matter that you still need to figure out how to do this. After all, your mother only gave you a name, so far. You will need more than that, maybe a cutie mark or perhaps an idea of where that pony is, before you can do anything.

However, there is something about her words, just now, that made you curious. So curious that you were able to push all those other thoughts to the side, for now.

"Selene, I… I want to apologize to you," she says, looking towards the grassy horizon even as she speaks with a tired voice. "I don't think I am a very good pony. I don't think a good pony should do this."

You shake your head as you turn towards her, looking her in the eye. Because you want to tell her that she is wrong. No, you will tell her that she is wrong.

Your mother is not a bad pony. Protecting the ponies you love does not make her a bad mare. And you will be sure to tell this, no matter how downtrodden she is!

But when you turn to look at her, you are immediately surprised by the fact that she is meeting your gaze. You had expected her to be looking downwards, or perhaps towards the horizon, or at least that she would be avoiding your gaze.

Instead, she is looking straight into your eyes, with an expression you can only describe as determined.

Ah, you misunderstood…

She isn't apologizing to you for what she just asked you to do. Because she knows you too well. Hay, she raised you. She knows that you two are of the same mind, when it comes to this Copper mare who tried to hurt your family.

Instead, she is apologizing for…

"There is nopony else I can trust with this, Selene. But still… I am sorry."

She says that.



And you almost shout as your mind is suddenly split in two by PAIN.



Something is happening. Something is gripping into your mind. Encircling your skull, or maybe even your brain, with shackles made out of light.

You can't see them. Even in a place like this, even in a dream, you can't really see these chains. But you can feel them all the same. You can feel them, because they are gripping at your very soul.

These things, these chains, they are heavy. They are heavy, and they are bright, and they are devoid of any mercy. Locking themselves to the corners of your minds, and gripping at the flaws of your soul. Shining a cruel light on all the fears you wish you could forget about.



[You have received the bindings of Baldomare, the Name of Lantern]



The pain is sharp. It is sharp, and it is BRIGHT. Like a headache you can feel on your entire body. Like a parade of bad memories and regrets given physical form, and that somehow became capable of eating you from inside your own body. The pain is horrible, but you…. You push back the shout that is forming in your throat, you quite literally grit your teeth, and you force yourself to endure it.

Because the moment these shackles finish tying themselves to you, you immediately understand what your mother just did.

You immediately understand who she is binding to you. And you…

…

… this ache, this damn LIGHT, you thought it would stop hurting, but it doesn't.

Still, you can take this… or at least, you think you can.

"Baldomare knows her. And she will find her for you."

You hear your mother say that, and the only thing you can really do is nod with your head.

It takes you a few moments to realize your eyes are closed. At some point, while you were fighting back the pain, you must have shut them.

And when you open your eyes, you… you realize that…

Everything around you seems brighter. This dream, the air, the sunlight that is peeking in through the leaves of the tree over the two of you.

You open your mouth, to try and say something. You open your mouth, to tell your mother that you understand, and that you are alright, and that she is not a bad pony for doing this.

But the moment you meet her gaze once again-



-your veins begin to burn with POISON.



Your body is melting. Or at least, that is the only way you can describe it. Your insides are being corroded, and this is painful, and you can't even scream because something is coiling around your lungs.

The world seems to shift around you, and for some reason the ground is right next to your face. But it hurts. It hurts too much for you to understand that your legs buckled under you, and that you simply fell.

You almost don't have any strength left in you. You certainly don't have the willpower to stop yourself from yelling in pain.

But still, the constricting pressure around your chest doesn't allow you to scream. You can't even breathe anymore.

You have the distinct impression that there is a line of droll falling out of your mouth, but you don't care. You don't care, and your jaws are locked open in a muted scream.

You can only wait. You can only wait, and suffer.



[You have received the bindings of the Daughter-of-Axes, the Name of Knock]



"Axe knows of her. She can take you to her, once Baldomare finds her."

You hear those words, but you can barely understand them. You think those words are laced with regret. You think your mother is about to go back on this decision.

But she can't. You know she can't. Your mind is too numb to understand why this needs to happen, but you know deep down that this needs to happen.

Somepony needs to hold the reins. Somepony needs to make sure that these ponies… that these assets that she has are not lost, or that they do not slip away at a critical moment. Especially if she is sending you against a mare who had no scruples in sending a monster to try to kill your mother.

So, you force your jaw to close, and you nod with your head. The movement is painful, even though this is a dream. But still, you nod to her.

Still, it takes you several seconds before you can even breathe again. And it takes you even longer before you dare to open your eyes.

"I-I… am fine, mom…" you say to her, or perhaps to yourself, as you force yourself to stand up.

It doesn't even occur to you that this is still a dream. It doesn't even occur to you that you shouldn't possibly be having these sorts of difficulties in a place that, in truth, is under your domain.

And even if that thought did occur to you, you would also realize that… well, what is happening right now runs a lot deeper than mere dreams.

"I… no, this was a bad idea. You are not ready for this, Selene. I am sorry. Let me t-"

"No," you interrupt her, raising a painful, snake-constricted hoof as you do. "We… we need them. I… I am going to need them to…"

Your thoughts are still confused, but you still see the reason behind this.

Because even though you do not have the formal knowledge about this, you still know that your mother's… guests, are not really ponies. You already had enough strange interactions with them, and you have already been told enough secrets, to know that for sure.

They are not ponies. Not in the usual sense of the word. They are creatures, old and large and dangerous, that are somehow connected to those deep dreams that your mother has. The ones that don't allow you to open her dream-door, when she is asleep.

You know they are not ponies. You know they are like colors, or like lenses, that are filtering some vast light.

And most important of all, you know that they are not your mother's friends. You know that, behind the façade of pleasantry and etiquette they maintain, that they are actually bound to her. Through something that is older than magic, but that still bears some resemblance to it.

So, given your mother's state… somepony has to hold these bindings. Because your mother's grip is so weak right now, that they might just slip out of her grasp if they were to give their chains the smallest tug.

And since you are about to have them follow you to kill a pony, one who is also knowledgeable in these arts, it only makes sense that you…

"Do it," you say.

And you take one last breath before you look her in the eye again.



[You have received the bindings of Biedde, the Name of Edge]

[You have received the bindings of Mareinette, the monster of Grail]



How does your mother live with these things inside of her?

They are hot and they are cold and they are silent and they are screeching obscenities and temptations at the top of their incorporeal lungs.

One was painful. Two was too much. But four?

You know, for some reason that you can't explain, that they are the ones bound to you. You know, although you have no idea why, that these bindings only go one way. And that if you pull at them, they can either follow, or be ripped apart and banished to the place they came from.

You know that.

So why…

… why does it feel like you are the one being pulled? Why does it feel like these four burning, crushing, clasping and grasping chains are about to tear you apart? As if they are pulling at the edges of your soul like a group of ponies might try to pull your legs until they are ripped out of your body?

It hurts. It really hurts. IT. HURTS.

It hurts so much that the dream begins to crumble around you. It hurts to much that you can't even feel your mother, as she hugs you, and you can't even hear her, as she apologizes again and again to your ear.

It hurts so much that you lose your grip on everything else, and the dream just ends.

And when you wake up, drenched in sweat and with a red stain on your pillow where your mouth was, you can't even believe that the pain was only imaginary.

But most shocking of all is the question that comes to your mind, when you finally get your bearings once again.

Because how…

"…how can she live like that?!" you whisper to yourself, still shivering as the bindings settle around your soul.

It takes you more than an hour to finally calm down. It takes you a long time to finally come to your senses, and realize that everything that happened was real, but also that it was all imaginary. Thankfully, you woke up in the middle of the night, and you had plenty of time for yourself before the sun finally rose again.

However, the answer to your question comes a lot earlier than you expected.

Because on that same day, as soon as the sun rises, you understand… you understand how your mother manages to live with this eldritch bondage around her soul. You understand why she not only puts up with it, but also goes out of her way to keep them.

Because on that same day, as soon as you are done having your breakfast, you are surprised by the fact that the elusive Baldomare calls you to her room.



"Now, Velvet Covers asked me to do a few things this month. But it appears I no longer answer to her. So, as per our present agreement, is there anything you would like me to do?"



You understand why your mother does this. All of this.

After all, on that same day, you were accosted by a mare who knows everything. And she very politely asked you what you wanted from her. A mare who is older than you could possibly imagine, who remembers more than you will ever know, and who has absolutely no qualms with performing any sort of action.

Yes, that was the answer to your question.

The reason why your mother not only accepts these creatures, but relishes their presence, is…

Power.

And right now, you have four of the most terrifyingly powerful creatures in Equestria at your disposal. As well as a single order, to seek retribution against the pony who nearly killed your mother.

…

Yes… yes. This will do.

You realize this is a test. You realize your mother is giving you a chance to prove yourself. To show that you are a Princess who will not overstep her authority. To show that you are an alicorn who will not abuse her power.

However, you also realize your mother is at least as angry as you are with her enemy. If not angrier.

And you also realize that as much as she wishes she did not have to send you, her daughter, to do this… she also wishes to visit a very great vengeance upon her foe.

"No, I… no," you answer Baldomare, although the slightest tug you feel on the chains around your soul tells you she plucked the answer from your mind before you even spoke it. "Please, I… please, do whatever my mom asked you to do."

You say that, and the mare answers you with a slow nod, going back to reading from a book as if nothing had just happened.

"Very well then. The old soldier was put in charge of preparations. Just tell me when you would like me to leave, yes?" she asks.

And for all that, to the whole world, this is just a strange conversation between a bespectacled mare and a filly, in truth…

In truth, you know that…





Selene has taken control of the assault team that will be sent after Copper Secateur.

Like the good daughter that she is, she will return to you all the bindings as soon as your health improves.

But for now, there are only two things on her mind. The first is the stunned wonder that she is feeling, thanks to the powers you have allowed her to experience. In truth, she was neither trained nor prepared to bear this burden. But somepony has to, and her nature as an alicorn was barely enough to make the cut. And the second is the fact that this power, she knows, was given to her for a single purpose.

And she has no intention of failing you.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

You are Selene.

And right now, you are in your little sister's room.

"Promise you will come back?" she asks.

You can tell from her voice that she is still scared. You can tell that, even now, she is still hoping you will change your mind, and that you will just cancel the "trip" you told her you need to go on.

And then, of course, there is her choice of words. Silky Stream herself is probably too young to realize what she said. But the way she asked that question… it doesn't feel like she is asking if you will be back soon. It feels like she is asking if you will be back at all.

But of course, there is only one answer to that question.

"I'll be back before you know it," you say, giving her one last hug.

She doesn't really have her heart on it, as she hugs you back. And that does cause yet another pang of guilt to flare inside your chest. But there is nothing you can do but add it to the pile, as you tell her to sleep well.

And before you let go of her, you light up your horn. Moments later, the weak hug of the filly becomes entirely limp, and she is deep in her sleep as you cover her with her blankets.

"I promise," you whisper to her, before you turn to leave her room.

And by the time you close the door behind you, you are not Selene anymore.



- - -



You are not Selene anymore.

Your name doesn't really matter. If anypony asks, you will call yourself Midnight Breeze, or something along those lines.

But there is no reason for anypony to approach you. There is no reason for anypony to even look at you. After all, you are just a unicorn mare, with a short mane and dull-grey coat the color of cement. You look like a perfectly ordinary and boring pony, and you have a perfectly ordinary and boring cutie mark on your flank.

There is no reason for anypony to talk to you. There is no reason for anypony to look at you for more than a few seconds. You don't have the "formal" training to make other ponies' gazes pass right over you, but you have more than enough skill (and a healthy understanding of how ponies think) to know how to hide in plain sight like this.

However, the most important change, you dare say, is the one that took place inside your mind. More than just the mere illusion you have around your body, you have done something far more impactful to prepare yourself for this. And that thing is…

That you are not Selene anymore.

Is this a true and deep change? Is this just a mask? Could it be that this is just a state of focus and concentration, that you talked yourself into believing is more complicated than it really is? You don't know.

But it doesn't really matter.

All that matters is that, right now, you are not the adopted filly who was taken into a loving home.

And you are not that ancient Princess who fell while defending her ponies.

You are something else. A bit of both, and a bit of neither. Because Selene, the filly, would be too young and innocent to want to do this. And Luna, the Princess, would have the requisite self-control to hold these thoughts back.

But you are neither of those two ponies.

You are mature enough to know… to want to do this, and you have the discipline to see it through.

You are going to answer violence with violence.

And you are going to kill a pony who gained not only your enmity, but also your contempt.



"Ah, quite the curious expression you have on your face."



Those are the first words you hear, the moment you arrive at Ponyville's train station.

The place is nearly empty. And the midnight train that will take you to Canterlot, and then to your final destination, has not yet arrived at the platform. But still, to nopony's surprise, there is somepony waiting for you there.

It is, of course, one of the "guests" of your house.

It is Biedde, the old-looking stallion who, for some mind-boggling reason, looks completely harmless.

"From that expression alone, one would think that you have already done something like this before," he says, tipping his cap to you as you make your way towards him.

And his words finally make you realize that, this whole time, you had a scowl on your face.

Still, the old stallion continues to speak, as if his previous comment had just been an idle thought.

"Well, our train should be arriving shortly. This town is still too small to have a direct line to anywhere other than the capital, but making a detour through a central hub is barely an inconvenience," he says, taking a pair of train tickets and passing one of them to you. "And the other preparations are already complete."

You accept the train ticket with a short nod.

Under normal circumstances, you would have asked him several more questions. After all, his words just now were at best vague, and at worst misleading. Furthermore, you have not heard anything about your other… well, you will call them "companions" for now. So, of course you would like to know where they are, and when they will be joining you.

But for some reason, the old stallion's words are more than enough for you.

Biedde told you the preparations are complete, so they can only be complete. And you will not need to worry about anything until the time comes for you to make a decision.

"Thank you," you say, more out of habit than anything else. Because for all that the old stallion gives you a grateful nod, you know that he…

Well, you thank him anyways.

And minutes later, you hear the whistle of an approaching train coming from the distance.



- - -



[Expedition: Assault an opponent – Copper Secateur]

[Day 1]



It has been a few days since your mother did… something, that gave you authority over the "guests" of your house.

Of course, you know the words. You know what you should really call this. For some reason, the explanation for this mystery comes as naturally to you as breathing. As if the information had been fed to your mind, through whatever actions your mother did.

So, you know what really happened. You know that you were given the "bindings" of these four pony-like creatures. You know that, the same way you learned several other things besides, such as the fact that they are not ponies to begin with.

However, you are still resisting the idea of taking this knowledge as an absolute truth. Or rather, you are being very careful not to fall into the trap of believing these ideas in your mind are everything there is to know about this.

After all, you don't rightly know where this knowledge came from. Which means you don't know if the knowledge you have is complete, or if there are crucial details you were not given.

Still, it has been a few days since you gained these "bindings". You only departed to your mission last night, but you have spent the last few days trying your best to understand your newfound… connection, with these four pony-like creatures.

Because that is what you have with them now. A connection. A link. One that is made of magic, but not the kind of magic that resonates with your horn. A thread that runs through a dream that, maddeningly, you have no access to or authority over.

You can't wait for your mother to finally sit down with you and give you a proper lesson about these things. But you understand that isn't possible right now, and that it won't be for the foreseeable future. So, you only have your observations to go from.

And the things you have learned are… very interesting, to say the least.



"A bit of a waste to climb all the way up this mountain. But given how this is the beating heart of your country, I suppose it is inevitable."



Biedde says that as the train finally leaves the Canterlot central station. The two of you are sharing a cabin, and the old stallion has been voicing some idle remarks every now and then throughout this trip.

However, the two of you did not really have a full conversation this entire time. Ever since you left Ponyville and took the train to Canterlot at midnight, up until now as the sun begins to rise while your train departs to Manehattan, you have not truly spoken to the stallion. And that is because…

… well, there is no other way to say it.

The more time you spend with the old stallion, the more cautious you feel about him.

The "bindings" that you have over Biedde are… well, they are all unique in their own way, but his seem to be the coldest. Or maybe the hardest? The most solid? It is hard to describe that ethereal feeling with words.

But still, the best way you can describe your "grip" over Biedde is to call it a chain. Having him bound to you feels like having a chain tied to one of your legs. It is something that you are acutely aware of, at all times, and it is also something that you feel will make you trip and fall if you are not careful about it.

Because sure, on one hoof you realize that they are bound to you. And that if you pull on the bindings, they will either follow or be forced to leave.

However, despite that, you can't shake the feeling that his relationship with you is different. It is a subtle thing. One that is based more on instinct than anything else. But still, you can't stop thinking that, if you are not very careful, the day might come when this chain tied to your leg will simply stop moving. And you will realize too late that you are now bound to him.

You know he looks old, and mindful, and even harmless. You know he might be willing to play the part of the "employee", as he calls himself.

But the same way nopony can bring themselves to be rude to him… the same way you realize that you won't really be able to force him to obey you, if he refuses to follow one of your orders… you also realize that…

… you also realize that this old stallion is very, very dangerous.

But he isn't dangerous just because he is deadly.

He is dangerous because, despite all this, you don't know what he is hiding. You don't know why he is doing any of this.

Your mother told you, warned you, that he is a very deliberate and methodical stallion. So, the fact that you don't even know what kind of game he is playing means you are already behind.

"Why… are you traveling with me?" you finally ask, not being able to keep your questions inside your head anymore.

You ask that as the train gathers speed, leveraging gravity and the downward spiral of Mount Canterlot to race towards Manehattan.

And in response, the stallion just looks towards you, the faintest smile appearing on his lips as he stares as you.

You can't really see his eyes, given how thick his eyebrows are.

And as the train rushes into one of the tunnels of the mountain, blocking off the sun and plunging your cabin into darkness, you aren't even sure if he is still there.

"For what other reason would I be here?" he asks. His voice piercing through the darkness of the cabin, cutting through the surrounding noise of the moving train with ease. "I am here to keep my employer safe."

He says that.

And you immediately know he is lying.

He did not keep your mother safe. He could have, but he did not.

What he just told you is a lie. You are sure of it.

However, the most worrying part is that…

"You aren't even trying to hide it," you say out loud, towards the darkness of the train cabin.

You say it, because you are sure of it. He is lying. You know he is lying. And he knows that you know he is lying.

This old stallion who lives in the dark probably would have been able to fool you, if he really wanted to. The same way he somehow manages to appear harmless, you know he could have told you a believable lie, if he really wanted to.

But he didn't. More than just that, he chose to answer your question with a blatant, direct lie.

You still don't know what game he is playing, but his latest move was to confirm to you that he is indeed hiding something.

But why?

Why?

The darkness of the cabin is so thick that you almost can't breathe. Because you know for a fact that this darkness is not entirely real, and that the old stallion who was sitting opposite to you a moment ago is not looking at you from the shadows with the kindly eyes of a grandfather. And for a moment, the atmosphere around you is so oppressive that you can't even hear the train moving around you.

However, even that only lasts for a moment. And on the next second, the lights of the cabin flicker into life, and you find yourself sitting in that same cabin, sharing the room with the same old stallion who is looking at you with a small smile.

"It is the thing that you don't know that kills you," he says.

You don't speak to him anymore, until the two of you reach Manehattan.



…



You have never been to Manehattan before. And when your train arrived at the terminal, you were almost shocked by what you saw out through the window.

The large, square towers are almost oppressive in their brutalism. The entire city, even, has all of the intimidating factors of Canterlot's architecture, but with none of its virtues. This is not a city built to celebrate the grandiose things ponies can build, when they put their minds to it. Instead, it is a gigantic jungle of stony trees and artificial shadows.

Of course, you know why this city is like this. Your recent education as a filly has made you well adjusted to the realities of these modern times. However, the clash that your older memories felt when you first looked at this place was so strong that you couldn't help but take notice.

Still, you came to this city for a purpose, not to sightsee.

So, you followed Biedde as he took you to a particularly mundane neighborhood of the city, where he had booked a room in a place where the innkeeper did not bother to look up when you entered.

And when you entered said room, a small crowd was already waiting for you.



"Took ye fuckin' long enoof."



Those were the first words you heard, as soon as you opened the door.

But ironically, that was the only (and consequently, the warmest) greeting you had received that day.

You spent the rest of the day going over all the information you had received, and planning what steps you should take next.



At your mother's behest, Jade Whistle performed a ritual to scry the mare who attacked your family. She reduced the information she learned into writing, in the form of a letter she gave you a few hours before you departed.

Spoiler: Jade Whistle

[Reflection of the Tapestry]


[Secret Histories, CD 60]

[Roll: 43 + 14 (Jade Whistle) + 30 (Artifact) = 87]

[Success]


[Lantern, CD variable]

[Jade Whistle will invoke a re-roll]

[Roll: 94 32 + 14 (Jade Whistle) + 40 (Lantern 3) – 10 (Wards) = 138]


[6 success thresholds reached]


Information acquired:
1 – Copper Secateur's location has been confirmed to be in Manehattan. (Scouting the city for whereabouts of her presence is no longer necessary)
2 – Copper Secateur's precise location has been discovered. (Searching the city for her location is no longer necessary)
3 – The precise location of her moveable assets has been discovered. (Searching her stronghold for said assets, during the assault, is no longer necessary)
4 – The general layout of her defenses has been scouted. (General information acquired)
5 – The finer details of her defenses have been scouted. (Useful information acquired, plus situational bonuses)
6 – The precise location of an important item (Velvet Covers' original Manuscripts) has been discovered. (Additional options available during the assault)
7 onwards – [THRESHOLD NOT REACHED]

[This being an assault, the entirety of the first day has been used for transportation and preliminary planning]

[Rolling enemy detection – results unknown]



- - -



[Day 2]



These four creatures are frighteningly competent.

At first, you thought they were behaving as a normal pony would. However, as the hours went by and you tempered the anger you have in you, you realized that is not the case. You realized you thought they were acting normally because they were cutting to the chase, and not beating around any bushes.

However, now that you think about it, they… well, it wasn't just that.

Yesterday, when you all first gathered in this cramped inn room, you discussed what you should do next.

Your own plan was to spend some time double-checking the report you were given. Because sure, your mother trusts Jade Whistle, but it was still a good idea to ensure the results of the ritual were accurate. After all, if a pony's eyes can be deceived, then a magic ritual ought to be even less reliable. Jade Whistle's report could be a first step, sure, but you were of the mind to build upon that step, rather than blindly trust it.

However, the other four immediately disagreed with you. In their own way. And ultimately, Aunt B… Baldomare, that is, told you "that is not how it works". And that the weakest link in that report would have been Jade's ability, or perhaps her loyalty, to report everything she saw accurately.

Following that, you asked for suggestions, and they… well, they delivered.

They gave their suggestions, and that was the moment you realized they absolutely did not think like normal ponies.

Biedde asked you to confirm what your priorities were. And once you told him that, he very succinctly explained to you how you could all carry out a… an assassination.

Baldomare pointed out what you didn't know, and how the creatures that Copper has under her control are still unaccounted for.

Axe herself, to your surprise, seemed to have focused her foul temper into purpose. And despite her scowl, she still dissected the maps that Jade gave you like a doctor would have dissected a body.

And Mareinette… well, she also chimed in.

Although you rather not think about it.

In the end, you did not say much. Nopony really said much. Their words carried so much authority that there was nothing to be added. And compared to them, you were so out of depth that you could only agree with them.

In the end, they only asked for your approval. And you very quickly gave it to them.

And earlier today, you all set out to fulfill your given objectives.



[Due to the nature and competency of your team, you have decided to "multitask", and attempt several preparatory actions at the same time]



Your relationship with Axe is… well, you don't really know how to describe it.

Back when you were only a filly, things were tense between the two of you for a while. You were wary of her, she was wary of everypony, and her actions had already put your sister and your friends in real danger at least once.

However, you could never really bring yourself to hate her. Maybe it was because you were just a filly, and you don't think you could really hate anypony like that. There is something about being young that just makes you more innocent and forgiving. Or perhaps, it was because Silky warmed up to the mare for some reason, and shockingly (but not surprisingly) managed to make the mare warm up to her in return.

And more recently, the mare even helped you. She helped you back when you were just a filly, and she helped you recently when you were still trying to figure out this new body of yours. Of course, she also confirmed the suspicions you had this whole time. Especially given how you now understand her true nature a little more.

So, again, you are not really sure where the two of you stand.

Which means you are more than a little surprised by how much the two of you have talked, throughout this day.

"Eet's full o' holes," the mare, or rather the snakemare, says. "Full o' ponies as well, aye. Bu' we can get in well enof. No promises on gettin' out tho."

Axe says that as the two of you study the map you received from Jade Whistle. The gloomy mare had given you a rough sketch of where Copper Secateur appears to be staying. A tall building that is still under construction, on one of the corners of the city, where Jade's letter assured you the mare has been spending most of her time.

Which means, naturally, that was the place you, Axe and Biedde spent the entire day studying.



[Cut-off party: Selene, Axe, Biedde]

[Preparatory scouting, breakpoints 50/80/100/120]

[Roll: 77 + 50 (Axe, leader) + 30 (Moth total 6) = 157]

[Final threshold reached]



From what you gathered, the tall building is a "skyscraper". A watered down and less fancy version of a castle, that can be built for a fraction of the cost for public use. However, even that fraction of the cost is still quite expensive, and it seems the construction of this particular building has been on hold for months now.

You cannot say for sure if Copper herself had a hoof on pausing the construction efforts. However, the fact remains that she got herself quite the conveniently placed stronghold.

The building is tall, it is sufficiently built to be entirely walled and mostly habitable, and it is located on a well-developed part of the city. And thanks to its nature as a skyscraper-under-construction, it is not at all out of place in that part of the city, and everypony seems to take its presence as part of the scenery.

Furthermore, nobody suspects a thing when they see groups of ponies coming in and out of the place, dragging carts full of boxes. And why would they? After all, the ponies themselves are dressed like construction workers, and the crates are unassuming enough to look like regular building supplies.

The perfect coverup for a cult. The ideal way to hide in plain sight, and to have a warehouse-slash-headquarters in a place that is far more convenient than the outskirts of the city.

However, and much more importantly, there are several ways to get in without drawing attention.

"The guards seemed to know what they were doing, and they all know each other's faces," you say, "I don't think we should do something fancy like trying to smuggle ourselves in through a crate."

The three of you spent the entire day observing that building. Taking turns as you stealthily counted how many ponies went in and out, what methods they used to identify each other, and basically get used to the surrounding streets of that place.

You saw no signs of Copper Secateur herself. Although you can't be entirely sure, since you only know what her cutie mark looks like. But still, and more importantly, you all confirmed that everypony in that building seemed to know each other's faces. So, you would either have to prepare a very convincing lie, or you would have to enter that place entirely unnoticed.

And as you said, you are leaning towards the second option.

"Aye. Eet's still a bit weird tha' they were moving more stuff out than' in. Bu' ae figure our bes' chacne ees stil tha' place we found."

Axe says that as she pulls in another map. A larger and official map of Manehattan that, much like Jade's sketch, is now completely covered with your own notes and scribbles.

Because earlier this afternoon, while Biedde was keeping an eye on the building, you and Axe left to look for another approach.

And sure enough, the two of you eventually discovered…

"Yeah. The sewers are the farthest thing from a dignified entrance."

You say, as you look at the map of the city. Gazing at the long red line that starts on a sewer hole several blocks away and leads, through twists and turns, all the way to the structure itself.

"And I wasn't able to fit through some of those… pipes," you say, a particularly unpleasant and recent memory coming to your mind. "But you could, and you did confirm you reached the underside of the structure, so…"

You trail off, thinking of what other alternatives you have. Focusing on the maps and sketches that are on the room's sole table while Axe mumbles to herself.

After all, like you told them yesterday, your priorities are very clear. They are so clear that you still feel that same wave of anger inside your chest, whenever you run through them. You are here first and foremost to kill Copper Secateur. So, whether you accomplish that by breaking down the front door, or by sneaking in through the literal guts of the city, makes little difference.

Well, it only makes a difference to the extent that you meet more or less resistance, and leave more or less evidence of your actions. Your mother did ask you to keep that in mind, and you will do your best not to fail her.

But still… if there is another way for you to do this, then you have to consider it and…

"-ye fokken ignorin' me?"

Axe's voice snaps you out of your thoughts, as the snakemare follows her words by banging a hoof on the table.

"Oh, sorry, what?" you ask, looking up to see a particularly angry Axe looking at you.

Damn, did you mess something up? She has been so unusually… well, not amicable, but no-unpleasant today, that you would rather not accidentally set her off.

Although, judging by her expression, you might already have done that.

"Ae asked ye a question," she says, letting out a huff of air through her nose as she does.

And you…

"I… didn't quite catch that," you say. "And I am sorry. But could you repeat that?"

The snakemare rolls her eyes at her words, and she seems to mull over her thoughts for a few more seconds, as if weighting her options.

But eventually, she does speak again.

"Ae asked…" she says, but her next words are so low they are barely a grunted mumble. "Asked how yer sisser is doing an' such…"

She says that and you can't help but feel stunned for a few seconds.

Because now that you think about it, now that you are really looking at the mare, her usual grumpiness actually looks like… frustration?

And the fact she is asking about Silky of all things, also, catches you completely by surprise.

To the point that the words, and the truth, come out of your mouth before you can even think about them.

"She's… not doing well. It has been rough for her," you say, although putting that into words is a bit painful to you as well. "But she will get better. Mom will get better, Silky will get better, and hopefully she won't think about this at all a few weeks from now."

You watch as the mare purses her lips. She is looking down towards the maps, but you can tell from her unfocused eyes that she isn't really paying attention to them. Instead, she seems to be deep in thought.

And what is more, you also feel that…

The bindings, or maybe the link, that you have with Axe are quite curious. They are all unique, in their own way. But while Biedde's bindings make you feel cautious and nervous (to the point you have avoided even speaking to him at all), Axe's bindings feel different.

They feel like snakes coiling around your lungs, or maybe around something else you have inside of you. But not in a threatening way. Instead, it feels like she is holding onto you, as if afraid she might get pulled away at any second.

Which doesn't make any sense. Because Axe, you know, is very old. She is old, and she is large, and she isn't even a pony to begin with. She is a dangerous creature, that could easily take you on in a fight, even though fighting is not her specialty to begin with.

So why is it that, every now and then, she almost looks… afraid? How could she ever be afraid of anything? What could she ever be afraid of?

As you think about all of that, and look at her conflicted expression, you think you finally understand something. You think you finally understand what your sister saw in her, and why she goes to so much effort to be friendly with the snakemare.

And you can't help but try to take a page off Silky's book, as you continue to talk to her.

"If you are worried about her… maybe you should talk to her as well?" you say, trying to sound as conciliatory as possible. "Silky likes you, you know. So why don't you try to cheer her up yours-?"

"Fakoff," but the mare interrupts you almost instantly. And whatever you saw in her expression disappears just as quickly, as if she had pulled a hood over her head.

Her answer leaves you just as confused. And before you can say anything, the mare shakes her head and just storms out of the room, grumbling complaints as she does.

Leaving you alone.

Biedde isn't here. The old stallion, thankfully, agreed to stay behind and continue to observe Copper's building into the evening.

Baldomare and the other one are still out on their own errands.

But Axe? You have actually been thankful for Axe's company today. And you had hoped the mare at least shared the sentiment.

However, as she slams the door behind her as she leaves, you are once again reminded that you have no idea where the two of you stand.



…



Eventually, the five of you reconvene in the cramped inn room.

The sun has already set, and it is late at night. You have eaten a light meal, so you know the weight you feel in your stomach is being caused by something else.

And the four other creatures who are in the room with you… well, you are pretty sure they don't need to eat. Just like how they don't need to sleep, and the single-bed room that Biedde rented has been used exclusively by yourself.

Still, the four other creatures who are in the room with you are currently sharing what they learned, as you all make your final decisions on how to proceed.

Currently, you are all listening to Baldomare as she reports on her own efforts.

"I looked around the city and…"



[They have a Winter Name?, breakpoints 100/150]

[Roll: 21 9 + 50 (Baldomare, leader) + 30 (Secret Histories total 6) = 101]

[First threshold reached]



"… and I can confirm the Winter creature, that we suspect is under our enemy's control, is not in this city."

You consider asking her for more details. Because how can she be so sure? After all, this is a very large city, and you haven't heard anything about this monster that Copper controls other than that she is incredibly dangerous. As dangerous as the four pony-creatures sharing the room with you, at least.

But other than that, you don't really know anything? Your mother told you it visited her in her dreams once, in the form of an old mare who was carrying a painting or something. But still, you have your own concerns.

However, you know better now than to question Baldomare. And the three other creatures, also, take her word as a certainty. So, if Baldomare says the mysterious monster is not in Manehattan, you will believe her.

If nothing else, this is something for you to be thankful for. Even if the unknown location of this monster becomes a concern for the future.

"Other than that," Baldomare continues, "I couldn't find any of her other pet monsters. I am pretty sure she still has at least three windigoes on her hoofs. But I have no idea if they are inside this central building, or if she has them stashed somewhere else."

You feel another pang of concern inside your chest, as she says that.

But more than that, it strikes you how you seem to be the only pony in this room who is feeling any trepidation over these matters.

You suppose it makes sense, given their nature. Especially Baldomare's. After all, the link you have with her feels more like the distant light of a lighthouse, that is vaguely interested in aiming its light at you. But still, you would do well to remember that they are not…

"[Lantern]!"

The large, intimidating, and maddeningly normal mare who is standing on the corner of the room speaks up. And you all listen as…



[Context, breakpoints 50/80/100/120]

[Roll: 56 87 + 60 (Mareinette, leader) + 30 (Grail total 6) = 177]

[Last threshold reached]



… as she explains to you what she learned about Copper's cult.

She tells you all that the cult had been succeeding in entrenching itself in this city, over the last few months. First doing petty crimes, then offering seedy services. Until finally, for some reason, they started working on a few more legitimate avenues. Such as the art gallery they started funding, for some reason, as well as efforts to enter the maintenance industry, mostly for the city itself.

But more importantly, she tells you that the cult is scrambling right now. Tensions have been high for several weeks, following some "burning" incident that you didn't quite understand, given the strange words Mareinette used. And not long ago, right after their attack against your mother failed, Copper herself basically ordered the cult to go to ground. And for several days now they have been packing, moving, and erasing every trace of their existence that they can, in their efforts to vanish into the shadows.

Another month or two, you think, and Copper's cult would have completely disappeared. Together with the mare herself, no doubt. But thankfully, your retribution is coming so early that Mareinette's source didn't even know where they were going, or what their plans were after they vanished.

And, just like always, the link you share with her feels like tongues. And you will not think about that for a second more.



[You have confirmed that the "Name" your mother suspects to be in Copper's service is not in this city. You will alter your plans accordingly.]

[You have discovered more contextual information about the cult's activities. More options will be available to you once you begin your assault.]



You listen to all of that, and ultimately you decide to…

"Every day we spend preparing is another day we risk being discovered. Or worse, it's another day we risk that mare disappearing," you say to the room at large. And after you take one final, deep breath, you declare that "we strike tonight."

And the four pony-creatures, the four Names, nod back at you with varying degrees of amusement.



[You have decided not to make any more preparations, and stage the assault as soon as possible]

[Rolling enemy detection – results unknown]



- - -



[Day 3]



[You have decided to stage your assault]

[Item distribution]

Spoiler: Item distribution

Selene: SH 3, Heart 3, 1 Wrong Key.

Baldomare: Edge 3.

Daughter-of-Axes: Winter 1.

No other items left to be distributed.

The five of you finish what little preparations need to be made. The items your mother gifted you are distributed among everypony, and you all stalk out into the night.

Although the nights in this city are not as quiet and dark as those in Ponyville. Instead, tall poles of metal shine light down on the streets. And a crowd of ponies accustomed to the nightlife, almost completely different of the ones you saw during the day, fill the streets instead.

But you pay them little attention. Instead, you just stick closer to the shadow, you make a point of avoiding anypony's gaze, and you make your way to the building where your enemy lies.



[Infiltrating the outer sanctum, CD --]

[Auto-success, due to thorough scouting]



Or rather, you make your way to a sewer hole a few streets down the building. You and Biedde ensure no prying eyes are upon you as the three other mares file into the hole, before you follow and the old stallion closes it behind himself.

At first, you thought somepony would complain about this path. But Baldomare seems to be entirely untouched by the things, and the smells, that you find down in that place. And Mareinette, somehow, seems to fold into herself, traversing the tight holes and pipes like a spider out of a nightmare.

It is an undignified place, but your anger easily trumps your disgust. And soon enough, you are, according to Baldomare's own certainty, right underneath the building.

Axe asks you to stop using your horn for light, and you comply. And a few moments later, the very air around you seems to LURCH.

It happens without any sound, and you don't rightly understand what she did. But soon enough, you begin to feel a breeze of fresh (if stale) air coming from above you. And when you relight your horn, you see a perfectly circular hole leading up.

You allow yourself to reveal your wings for a few moments, just so you can climb your way up more easily.

And just like that…

… your heart is beating loudly inside your chest…

… your throat is dry…

… and even the farthest corners of your mind finally accept that this really is happening…

… but just like that, you are in.



[Infiltrating the inner sanctum, CD 120]

[Roll: 28 + 50 (Axe, leader) + 30 (Moth total 6) + 20 (Jade's scrying - fifth threshold) = 128]

[Success]

[No alarms will happen on time, no additional guard reinforcements for Copper]



The five of you sneak your way through the many levels of the building. The structure itself is largely finished, and it looks more than just the skeletal husk of a tower under construction. However, most of its rooms and corridors are, and its interior in general, is not yet polished. Walls and floors are made out of exposed concrete, rough on your horseshoes. Windows lie without any glass or shutters on them, allowing the night breeze in.

But still, you find more than enough evidence that this place is constantly being used for unreputable activities. More than just that, you find evidence that some ponies live here.

Jade's ritual, and Baldomare's educated guesses, point to your foe being at the very top of the building. Fitting, you suppose, especially if she has a pegasus to carry her away if she ever gets cornered. So, given how the exterior of the building is guarded and watched, you have no option but to take the long stairways that lead up.

You avoid the large and continuous stairs that snake through the side of the building, the one that is probably meant for an emergency of sorts, because you all agreed that it is either guarded, booby trapped, or both. Instead, you go up on a floor-by-floor basis, sneaking through that level of the building until you find a staircase connecting it to the next level, or making a path when the building blueprints did not order the connection of those floors.

The place is quiet, although not completely so. You do not hear loud noises or music, given the lengths they go to pretend this place is abandoned and still under construction. However, you do hear the voice of ponies every now and then.

More than once you pass by a passage that, uncharacteristically, is blocked by a wooden door. And the briefest investigation would reveal an entirely furnished and finished room behind it, probably serving as a dormitory or the likes for the cult.

More than once you pass by a passage that is blocked by a metal door, bolted to the wall and locked with thick chains. And without fail, Axe would let out a light scoff, muttering something about "amateur adept work", before you walked away.

And precisely once, you pass by something that sounds like a patrol. A trio of ponies, carrying flashlights, who were having a bored conversation as they walked down a corridor. But you were ready for something like that, thanks to Jade's report, and you retreat to a more inconspicuous part of the building until you are all satisfied the patrol had moved on to another floor.

Until finally, you reach the second-to-last floor. You climb up through an Axe-made hole into an empty room, but you immediately realize that the floor is carpeted and the walls are painted. This floor, you realize, was finished to the point that it was pleasant.

This, you know, is your enemy's nest.

The tugs of the bindings inside of you are now a familiar sensation, and they all shake with agreement as you order everypony to their agreed-upon duties.

No going back now.



[Inner sanctum reached]

[As per your previous plan, Mareinette and Baldomare have separated from you, to perform other functions]



Yourself, Axe and Biedde make your way out of the room. Walking through the long corridor, and scanning every door you pass by for something. Be it a sign that your foe is behind it, or the unwelcome face of a surprised guard.

But none of you are worried about being too quiet. You are all still being subtle and silent, but this is no longer the time to be careful.

Because no matter how many guards you avoid, or how silently you creep into a place. Inevitably, there always comes a point when you will have to get your hoofs dirty. The idea of a perfect assault, where you reach your opponent while he is still asleep and defenseless, is one that is almost impossible to achieve. And there will always be at least one guard by the door, or one surprised gasp to raise some sort of alarm.

So, the three of you make your way forward boldly, keeping your hoofsteps quiet enough just to make a listener question what they are hearing for a few more seconds.

After all, at this stage, a few seconds is more than enough to separate life from death.



[Ambush?]

[Attacker's roll: 31 + 50 (Biedde, combat-related leader) + 60 (Edge total 12) = 141]

[Defender's roll: 26 + 12 (Guard, leader) + 10 (Edge total 2) = 48]

[Attackers win, Defenders will receive a slowly-degrading "Surprised!" -10 malus during combat]



You carefully peek in through a half-open door, finding what looks like a kitchen mixed with a dining area. The number of chairs around a table makes you think this is meant for whatever followers your enemy trusts to be in this floor of the building.

A few paces to your side, Axe peeks into the keyhole of a wooden door. A forked tongue flickers out of her closed mouth, as if she is sniffing the air, and she quickly moves on to the next. This entire building, you think, was either going to be an apartment or an office building. But still, the fact remains that these long corridors have rows upon rows of doors for you three to work through. And any one of them could either have the stairs that lead to the final level, or maybe even the entrance to your target's living quarters.

At the far end of the corridor, Biedde is pressing his body against the wall, inching his face towards the corner as he spies what awaits after the curve. And suddenly, with a fluid motion, he sends you and Axe the signal that makes you both freeze for a second.

The old stallion raises his hoof, indicating that he sees somepony, and then he taps his flank a few times.



[Rolling for minimum number of guards: "1d4 – 1"]

[Roll: 3 – 1 = 2]



Two taps. Two ponies. Two guards.

…

A small part of you almost feels bad for what is about to happen next.

Almost.

But then, you remember your nearly-dead mother, your crying sister, your grieving father, and everything else that happened back at your home. And that feeling very quickly disappears.

You and Axe stalk towards Biedde, standing right behind the corner at the end of the corridor.

And then, you nod for the old stallion to proceed.



[Biedde has engaged a guard in combat]

[The Daughter-of-Axes has engaged a guard in combat]

Spoiler: Biedde combat rolls

[Biedde's health: 5/5]

[Guard-1 current health: 4/4]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Biedde – 0, Guard-1 – 0]

[?????: Biedde rolls twice, on the first of every two dice]



[Biedde: 21 64 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 144]

[Guard-1: 73 + 17 (total combat bonus) – 10 (Surprised!) = 80]



[Overflow: Biedde – 64, Guard-1 – 0]

[Guard-1 suffers one wound (-50 to Biedde's overflow)]



[Biedde: 62 + 80 (total combat bonus) = 142]

[Guard-1: 97 + 17 (total combat bonus) – 10 (Surprised!) = 104]



[Overflow: Biedde – 52, Guard-1 – 0]

[Guard-1 suffers one wound (-50 to Biedde's overflow)]



[Guard-1 is unable to attempt to escape due to the suddenness of the attack]

[Combat will continue as normal]

Spoiler: Axe combat rolls

[Axe's health: 5/5]

[Guard-2 current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Axe – 0, Guard-2 – 0]



[Axe: 19 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 64]

[Guard-2: 11 + 16 (total combat bonus) – 10 (Surprised!) = 17]



[Overflow: Axe – 47, Guard-2 – 0]



[Axe: 27 + 45 (total combat bonus) = 72]

[Guard-1: 67 + 16 (total combat bonus) – 10 (Surprised!) = 73]



[Overflow: Axe – 47, Guard-2 – 1]



[Guard-2 is unable to attempt to escape due to the suddenness of the attack]

[Combat will continue as normal]

The three of you turn around the corner, with you following after the two Name-ponies. And sure enough, down the long and carpeted corridor you spot a pair of ponies sitting in front of a particularly fancy door.

The two ponies, bulky and strong-looking, seem to be entirely focused on a game of cards they are playing.

Or at least, you think they are holding cards on their hoofs. One of them has his back turned to you three, and the other seems to be looking intently at something that is on the ground between the two of them.

But you don't pay attention to any of those little details. In fact, you can't pay attention to anything else.

The only thing you can look at is the white in the eyes of one of the ponies, as he finally realizes the three of you are almost trotting towards them.

The three of you might as well have been ghosts, making your way as quickly and quietly as possible towards the two ponies. Like a violent breeze, or a silent nightmare on the corner of the eye.

However, the moment one of them looks at you, his eyes going wide in surprise-



"What the FU-?!"



-all Tartarus breaks loose.

There are still twenty paces between you and the two ponies. But the moment he realizes this is no longer the time for subtlety, Biedde leaps. The carpet under his hoofs tear wide open, as his hindlegs simply kick him into a horizontal jump.

He is right behind the larger pony, the one who is sitting with his back to you three, before your next heartbeat.

!!!

And with a loud, hammer-like kick of his foreleg, he slams the large stallion towards the wall.

You hear something break, and you don't think it was just the wall of the corridor. Followed by the dry gasp of a stallion who is in pain.

But that all happens so quickly you can barely process what is going on.

Axe, on the other hoof, is five paces behind Biedde. And the moment Biedde's target hits the wall, Axe is charging through the space where the large stallion was sitting.

You hear a hiss, and maybe a cry of fear from the other pony. But before you can blink, Axe has barreled into the second guard. A pile of cards is thrown into the air, and you swear the snakemare is now having her jaws held open by a terrified stallion.

However, you don't stop for neither of them. You don't spare the two ponies, or the two pony-like creatures, another second of your time.

There are two guards, for the three of you. You could help one of them, probably Axe, and this scuffle will be over in less than a minute.

But you are not here for the guards. And you will not reward your enemy for the mistake of placing so few of them by giving her more time.

Oh no, you are here to avenge your family. And you know exactly what that means.

You kick down the door that the two ponies were guarding, just as their surprised cries grow louder, and the sound of panic quickly transforms into the sound of fighting. But still, you kick down the door, and you leave that fight behind.

You fight lies ahead.



[No combatants available to block you. You will proceed to your target.]



[Ambush?]

[Selene's roll: 52 + 20 (Selene) + 15 (Edge total 3) = 87]

[Copper Secateur's roll: 98 + 10 (Martial) + 10 (Edge total 2) = 118]

[Defender wins, Copper Secateur will not receive any malus, or be subjected to any special restrictions]



You have less than a second to process what you are looking at.

A few seconds ago, you had thought that this might have been an important storage room. Because who knows, this is the second-to-last floor of the building, so maybe your target was one floor above you.

If that thought was still in your mind, you would probably be pleasantly surprised to be wrong. Because for a split second, you are greeted by the sight of a fully furbished apartment. You spot a nice, crimson-colored sofa, a few bookshelves with scrolls and books, and nearby table with crystal glasses. All of that lit by faint candles, carrying a pleasant scent.

If that thought was still in your mind, you would probably be happy that, instead, you found the right place.

But that thought is no longer in your mind. In fact, there is nothing in your mind right now.

The only thing you can think about is the adrenaline rushing through your veins.

"I KNEW THAT BITCH WOULD SEND SOMEPONY!"

And the fact that there is an earth pony mare, with nothing but rage in her eyes, rushing towards you.



[Copper Secateur has engaged you in combat]

Spoiler: Combat rolls

[Selene's health: 6/6]

[Copper's current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Selene – 0, Copper – 0]



[Selene: 78 + 35 (total combat bonus) = 113]

[Copper: 47 + 20 (total combat bonus) = 67]



[Overflow: Selene – 46, Copper – 0]



[Selene: 33 + 35 (total combat bonus) = 68]

[Copper: 82 + 20 (total combat bonus) = 102]



[Overflow: Selene – 46, Copper – 34]



[Copper Secateur attempts to escape]

[Copper's roll: 43 + 10 (Martial) = 53]

[Selene's roll: 17 + 20 {Selene) = 37]

[Success, Copper has successfully disengaged, Selene will give chase]

One moment, your hoofs were kicking down a door. And on the next, there in a mare lunging at you.

But you don't react with shock. Perhaps your mind, or your logical side, freezes. But your body, or your instincts, still take over.

And you lunge back at her.

Because did she just call your mother a bitch?!

You jump at the mare and, inevitably, your bodies slam against each other. There is no finesse, no elegance, and no skill involved in this. Because for a moment, all that happens is that a rage-filled earth pony mare is grappling you with her forelegs, trying to grab hold of you at the same time she tries to kick you away, and you are doing the same.

You manage to land a blow on her chest. She backhoofs you on the face, and for a moment you see stars.

But a fraction of a second later, when you regain your senses, you turn to her and…

… and you realize she is making a break for the door!

"I will not let you-!" you yell after her, kicking your legs under her just as you see her tail disappear from sight.



[Giving chase]

[Copper's roll: 14 + 10 (Martial) = 24]

[Selene's roll: 15 + 20 (Selene) = 35]

[You have re-engaged Copper in combat]

[Biedde's and Axe's combat rolls omitted]



You gallop after her, running so quickly the side of your body clips against the open door. But your body barely registers the pain.

The rush out of the living space, being greeted by the sight of Axe constricting herself around one of the guards, with a knife lodged on the side of her somehow-elongated body. And you hear Biedde calmly saying something as he walks after a trail of blood, which has a large stallion lying at its end.

But you care for neither of those. Your mind is in such a frenzy you can't even register how strongly your heart is beating. And you are so focused that your vision is almost tunneled.

You only care about one thing.

Your eyes lock in on the flank of a fleeing mare, the sign on her side a replica of the one your mother drew to you.

You give chase.

And you think you yell something as you once again barrel towards her, before she ever has the chance to reach the corner of the corridor.

Spoiler: Combat rolls

[Selene's health: 6/6]

[Copper's current health: 3/3]

[Current overflow (damage occurs on 50): Selene – 46, Copper – 34]



[Selene: 95 + 35 (total combat bonus) = 130]

[Copper: 54 + 20 (total combat bonus) = 74]



[Overflow: Selene – 102, Copper – 34]

[Copper suffers two wounds (-100 to Selene's overflow)]



[Selene: 92 + 35 (total combat bonus) = 127]

[Copper: 13 + 20 (total combat bonus) = 33]



[Overflow: Selene – 96, Copper – 34]

[Copper Secateur has been defeated]

You don't gallop down the corridor as much as you throw yourself towards the mare.

You don't think, you don't stop, you just act.

When you are ten paces from her, you forget almost everything. You don't even remember the sorry state your family is in, just the anger you associated to all of that. To your failure to protect then, and how this is a chance to right that wrong.

When you are five paces from her, your mind is so focused that you don't even register the expression she has on her face is fear.

When your hoofs are a hairs breadth away from touching her coat, you don't even realize that you are seeing red.

If she had been a little quicker, or if she had just been able to dodge you, you might as well have made a hole in the wall.

But you do not hit the wall. Instead, you hit Copper Secateur. You hit Copper Secateur on the chest, with the two hoofs of your forelegs, together with all the momentum you could muster.

You hit Copper Secateur, and she hits the wall. In the fraction of a second, the other side of her chest hits the wall, and the momentum of your body just keeps pushing her. Pitting the strength of her thorax against that of the walls of the building itself.

Needless to say that solid cement is a little harder than a pony's bones.

And her ribs crack, break and crumble like a twig.



"-ack!"



…

And it takes you… several… several seconds… to realize that you are heaving.

Your mind… it actually takes more than just a few moments for you to reorient yourself.

But the first thing you notice is the smell of blood.

"H-ow… w-he-re did she…?"

You shake your head. Once. Twice. You shake your head, and the metallic smell of blood helps you come back to your senses.

You are currently standing over a mare, or the broken corpse of a mare, as she struggles to keep breathing.

There is blood on your hoofs. A lot of blood. And you think you can see the mark of your hoofs on the mare's coat, where the strength of your blows dug into her skin, surrounded by the white-painted-red signs of exposed bones.

You stare down at the ruined form of Copper Secateur, as she looks up to you in horror.

"Wh-ere did she… find a thing l-ike you?!"

She is looking up to you in horror, yes, but you can also see anger in her eyes.

And you… for a split second, you don't know what to do. The rational side of your mind, which had been buried under a river of adrenaline, finally dragged itself out of its stupor. But there are so many things going on right now that you can barely think straight.

Because you finally realized how tired you are. And you are beginning to feel the several little pains that are spread all over your body. And your face hurts where she hit you. And the smell coming from the mare is so bad.

There are so many thoughts in your mind right now, that you… well, you decide to ignore all of them.

Behind you, you can feel Biedde and Axe looking at you. The former with the curious glint of judgment in his eyes, and the latter waiting for something to happen You have no doubt they have already finished their own opponents, and that they are…

"Go take care of any evidence," you say to the two of them.

You say that more out of rote than anything else. Because doing that, covering your traces, was a part of your original plan. And following a plan means you don't have to do something as complicated as making a decision right now.

You say that, and Axe moves to obey. She hesitates for a moment, but a few seconds later she finally gives you a half-nod before going away.

Biedde, on the other hoof… stays.

"S-he is going to use you. She a-lready is," the mare croaks through her broken ribs.

And despite all the pain she is feeling, you can also hear the conviction behind her words.

"Shut up," you say, as you try your best to just think.

Because why are you hesitating? What is the problem with you?!

You won. You won! It is as simple as that. Just do it. Finish the job, and you can go back home.

It doesn't matter that you haven't killed her yet, your hoofs are already covered in blood! The deed is already done! There is no difference between doing it now, and just leaving her to bleed to her death.

This mare attacked your family. This mare almost killed your mother. You didn't come here to talk to her. You didn't receive instructions to capture here. You are here to kill her.

So why… are you… hesitating?!

"Sh-e is going to use y-ou like she use-d me. L-ike she u-sed EVERYPONY. Just look int-o her eye-s and you wi-ll see," she coughs for a few moments, and several lines of blood fall down her mouth. "All that matters to her is the climb. She is blinded by Glory, and the bitch w-"

"I said SHUT UP!" you snap back at her. Something inside of you breaking as she once again insults your mother.

The mare lets out another pained gasp, and it takes you a moment to realize you have a hoof pressing against the broken remains of her chest.

But you don't care. Your anger is winning out once again, and you just don't care.

You feel her struggle under your hoof, trying to form words that she can't really push out of her mouth. But you already know what she is going to say, and you won't have any more of that.

"My mother is not like that," you say, almost hissing the words as you do. "And you will become a lesson to anypony else who tries to hurt my family."

You say that, and then you light up your horn.

And the mare's eyes go wide as she watches the light at the tip of your horn spread through the rest of your body. Copper Secateur's expression twists into something, when she finally realizes that…

… when she finally realizes there is an alicorn, a Princess, stepping down on her ruined body.

However, to your absolute surprise, the thing on her face is not fear. Instead…

"-ah, -ah, -ah…"

… instead, the mare is… laughing?

"… y-ou sai-d mo-ther…?"

Yes, you are sure of it. The mare has an insane smile on her face. This is not an expression that any pony should have on their faces, ever. But Copper Secateur is looking at you with an almost psychotic smile.

As if the final piece of a great puzzle had just clicked.

As if she had just realized the punchline of a joke.

And she is laughing, now. Even if the image on the puzzle is that of her death, and even if she just realized she is the butt of the joke.

She takes one last, pained breath, and her lips begin to move. She tries to say something, about how she knew it all along, or how this all makes sense, or how your mother is somehow manipulating you or some other nonsense.

She tries to do something like that.

But her expression is just so insane, so unnaturally unnerving that-



[Evidence coverup: Selene]

[Roll: 64 + 20 (Selene) + 30 (Selene: no holds barred) + 15 (Selene's Edge, level 3) + 30 (Expedition's Moth total 6) = 159]

[The CD to investigate the aftermath of this assault has been set to "159"]



-you light up your horn.

More.

And more.

And more.

Until the glare of the moon itself is shining out of the center of your forehead.

The last thing Copper Secateur sees is a blinding flash of moonlight.

And the mare herself, the nearby walls, and all the top floors of that building are completely vaporized from the ensuing explosion.



[Main objective completed]

Spoiler: Additional objectives

[Additional objectives: Baldomare]

[As per your plan, Baldomare separated from your main group to locate and destroy critical evidence]



[Finding critical evidence]

[Auto-success due to Jade's scrying - sixth threshold]

[Destroying critical evidence, cd 60]

[Roll: 26 + 30 (Baldomare) + 0 (Forge total 0) = 56]

[Failure]



[Additional objectives: Mareinette]

[As per your plan, Mareinette separated from your main group to find and loot as many items as possible]



[Finding moveable assets]

[Auto-success due to Jade's scrying - third threshold]

[From chaos, opportunities, breakpoints 60/80/100/120/150]

[Roll: 85 75 + 40 (Old and Terrible) + 30 (Grail total 6) + 20 ("Context" final breakpoint) = 175]

[Last breakpoint reached]

Maybe you shouldn't have done that.

Maybe you didn't think straight, or you just didn't think at all.

But if you are ever going to regret doing this, then this regret will have to hit you later, because you certainly can't feel it right now.

Still, you only realize what you have done after the deed is done, and after there is nothing between you and the night sky. The top of the building is gone, although you don't think you damaged any fo the neighboring structures. The top of the building is gone, the mare's corpse is obviously gone, and you hear Biedde letting out a faint chuckle from right behind you.

That is, until you realize it is impossible for Biedde to be right behind you. Because there is no floor under your hoofs, and you are currently flying.

The Name is gone, because of course it is. They are all gone. And as per your plan, you are all supposed to meet back in Ponyville now.

So, you quickly hide on the smoldering ruins of the skyscraper, before anypony realizes there is an alicorn flying above it. And you quietly escape during the ensuing chaos.

There were more than just a few cultists in that building, but none of them realize they don't know you as they all rush to escape.

And you reach the ground floor of the building, and rush into the gathering crowd, before the first firefighter or constable even hears about what just happened.



[You have completed your main objective, and decided to retreat without pursuing any other opportunities]

[Expedition completed]





- - -

- - -

- - -





Much, much later, you would report your success to your tired mother.

You would tell her that you killed a pony with your own bare hoofs, and that your family is safer for it. You hold back the question, of whether you should feel proud or regretful, because you realize you shouldn't burden her with that.

And what is more, the relieved sigh you hear from her is all the answer you need.

You report to her that Baldomare located the manuscripts she talked about, but that they were locked inside a safe. The Name-mare could not crack the safe open before the chaos began, and you had no time to look for it after the building began to crumble. So, for all that you know Copper had them, you have no idea about their current fate.

You also report to her that Mareinette… performed well. You do not like that creature, and you do not want to be thankful for her. But still, according to the monster, she "rallied" the panicked cultists and "organized" them into collecting several of the cult's precious items before fleeing, so they could be "evacuated". The mare-thing then hauled the cart back here herself, and stored it in the cellar she calls her home. You are conflicted about the idea of storing stolen or ill-gained goods, but your mother said she will take stock of that later.

You are sure she will make the right decision, whatever that is.

And finally, you tell her that…



[You had the opportunity to PLANT EVIDENCE, during this expedition, for your investigators to discover]



Note that:
-You cannot predict what evidence your investigators will find out about the cult itself. They might be able to piece together several things about the cult, Lore related or mundane, or nothing at all.
-You CAN guarantee that whatever evidence you "plant" will be discovered by your investigators.
-However, for every evidence you plant, there is the chance your investigators will be able to trace things back to your faction. Or, in the alternative, there is a chance they will realize the evidence was planted to begin with.



What evidence did you plant, before escaping the cult's headquarters?

(You may assume whatever you pick was prepared ahead of time, for the purpose they are intended for)
(You may assume none of these options have any "glaring flaws" that might link back to you, such as hoofwriting or other things. However, there is no guarantee your investigators won't link them to your faction)



[] Nothing. (You did not plant any evidence. Better safe than sorry.)

-[] You planted a cache of false information, meant to throw your investigations off any trails they might pick up. (Attempt to make the investigator's job more difficult, on all fronts)

-[] A "journal" explaining that some members of this cult acted in Ponyville, before moving to Manehattan. (Attempt to point your investigators towards Ponyville, although this might be a bad idea)

-[] A "letter" sent from Windy Flakes. (Attempt to tell your investigators about Windy Flakes as a pony of interest)

-[] A very vague treatise about the Mansus, and the Lores. (This will have no inherent "Lore level", but attempt to point your investigation towards the existence of the Lores)

-[] A detailed treatise about one of the Lores. One, or several of them. (You will leave pre-prepared copies of Lore manuscripts. WRITE IN how many Lore levels, capped at your own Library levels)

-[] WRITE IN

(If writing-in, suggest the "effect" that you want rather than the narrative description behind it. You may suggest anything, pending QM approval, as long as it is something that can be left behind in the form of a letter, a scroll, or a very small item)





Out of nowhere, the bustling city of Manehattan was deafened by a roaring explosion. A sudden, but thankfully "small", disaster rocking the night sky of the metropolis without warning. The midnight-clad investigators of the Lunar Bureau had the entire city block sealed off before midday of the following day. Their swift (and almost providentially quick) response managing to offset the panic that could have spread due to such a gruesome accident.

The newspapers will have quite a lot to write about, for the next few days.

In more important news, you have successfully completed an expedition.

No ponies in your assault team were wounded. No items were lost. The "haul" Mareinette returned with will be revealed and counted later.

For now, decide what Selene left behind for the investigators to find, if she left anything at all. For the sake of interpretation, assume you had instructed her to leave any evidence you vote on before she departed, and that this was part of the expedition plan all along.

Vote in PLANS, in case you want to leave more than one thing. And simply vote for "Nothing" if you don't want to leave anything. Whatever you decide to plant will be found by your investigators, for good or ill.

Twelve hours moratorium.

Copper Secateur, the mare who, in truth, helped you climb out of the rut that was your life several years ago, has been killed. She died, laughing, as she realized the depth of your betrayal to her.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

Spoiler: Winning Vote

Tally

[X] Plan: Primer and Warning
-[X] You decided to start laundering some Lore-knowledge... (Lores will be picked at Velvet's discretion)
--[X][LORE-ZERO] You only planted some very vague, but educative, information about the Lores. (No specific Lores shared, counts as "one" evidence)
-[X][WINDIGOS] You made it convincing. You made it look secret. You even simulated a burn mark, to pretend they tried to destroy this "document". But in the end, you warned them about the ticking bombs. (Share knowledge about the sealed Windigo's existence. Counts as "one" evidence)

Drummer Clap never really like foals.

It certainly didn't help that she had been born in a farming community, at the tail-end of Equestria, where everypony was solely expected to put more food on the table and more foals on the world.

It also did not help that she was the oldest of six siblings, and that her mother didn't just expect her to help raise her five younger siblings, but practically pushed those obligations on to her.

But most of all, it certainly didn't help that her parent's still nagged her about getting married and "giving them grandchildren", even after she moved away. Because sure, the one blessing she had in her life was that she was born with wings. So, she left for Canterlot and joined the Guard as soon as she was old enough to do so. However, she did not cut her family off completely. Which meant that every month, and sometimes every week, she still got letters asking if she had already met a stallion.

She doesn't really hate her family, nor does she resent her upbringing. She still cares about them, and writes them back every now and then. But still, when will it ever get through their thick heads that she just doesn't want that kind of thing in her life?!

Probably never, she thinks.

Still, the fact remains that Drummer Clap is a very focused mare, and that she has dedicated her entire life to her career.

And thankfully, her dedication has been bearing fruit. She might not have any crying foal to speak of, biting at her tail, but she certainly has her fair (and growing) share of achievements.

After all, being admitted into the Royal Guard is no small feat. Even when a pony started off as a part of the regular Guard. But more than just that, her constant efforts finally crystallized into a promotion of sorts, just a few months ago, when she became one of the few hoof-picked ponies who were brought into the Lunar Bureau itself.

So, to put it in very few words, Drummer Clap has been a very busy mare, and she has no time for foals.



"Which makes it ironic…" she whispers to herself, as she tries to fight back her annoyance, "… that I was the one picked to be on foal duty."



Drummer Clap says that to herself, or maybe she grumbles to herself, as she looks down from the cloud she is perched on.

It is still early in the morning, and today is a weekday. All around (and under) her, Ponyville is slowly becoming a small nexus of activity. Which also means, like everypony in the security detail knows, that the Commissioner's daughters are at school.

And since Drummer Clap is on "foal duty", that means she is currently perched on a cloud that is floating over Ponyville's schoolhouse. Despite her… well, despite her opinions about that assignment.

Of course, Drummer is not taking her duties lightly. She remains a soldier and a guard, even if her current title is that of a "constable". And keeping ponies safe is something she takes very seriously. So serious, in fact, that it is the theme of her cutie mark.

Furthermore, being one of the teams that is in charge of the Commissioner's security is a point of pride for her, given the mare's station. She had only been a part of the Royal Castle's garrison, while she was in the Royal Guard, and she never managed to be slotted into any of the Princesses' personal details. So, for all that the Commissioner is not an alicorn, everypony in the Bureau realizes she is one of the central gears of Equestria right now.

But still…

Foal duty?

Really?

"Couldn't have been any other pegasus… oh no, of course not," she continues to say to herself, "the other pegasus are all stallions, and Celestia forbids any stallion gets within ten paces of her precious fillies."

Dummer didn't think her abilities were being wasted or anything. And she didn't think her assignment was any less important. After all, the Commissioner's is a VIP, so it is only natural that classification extends to her family as well.

However, she did think having her in particular do this job was a nasty joke of sorts. Although she wasn't sure if this was a joke from her team-leader, or from the world itself.

And as she floats above the skies of Ponyville, keeping guard over the small schoolhouse of the growing town, quite literally being forced to keep an eye on a crowd of fillies and colts while they play during recess… well, she can't help but think her parents are laughing at her, back at home.

"It's all part of the job, Drummer… just go with it," she lets out a sigh, as she extends the telescope she has on her hoofs, "and who knows. Battering said there's talk about the Commissioner having bodyguards, no? Keep doing a good job, and maybe you'll get picked for that…"

She finishes extending her telescope, part of the standard gear for all the flying constables, and she digs herself into the cloud so she can more subtly check on the school. After all, it doesn't matter that she is a mare rather than a stallion, looking at a school with a telescope from a cloud is still a terrible look for anypony.

"But does she even need bodyguards? Sure, she looks so thin and delicate…" she whispers to herself, as she adjusts the telescope with a practiced motion. "But all that talk that's been going around, that there were four attackers… that has to be just a rumor, right?"

The telescope finally comes into focus, and Drummer is greeted by the familiar sight of fillies and colts playing on the school's playground.

Being here five days a week means that, inevitably, she is more than used to the faces and coat colors of the foals playing down on the ground. So, she quickly scans the recess crowd for her charges.

Well, for her charge, singular. Usually, she would be worrying about two fillies. However, the Commissioner's earth pony daughter got sick yesterday, and nopony has seen her out of her room since then.

Nothing to be worried about, from what she was told. But still, that means she only has to worry about little Silky for the next few days.

"There's the assistant teacher… there's the slow one… Oh, nice to see he's finally making some friends… aaaand…"

Drummer's heartbeat quickens slightly, as it the seconds stretch by and she is unable to find her charge.

Because sure, on one hoof nopony looks distressed. She doubted that the assistant teacher would be so calm if something bad had happened. Or that there would even be a regular recess to begin with. Furthermore, she is absolutely sure nopony strange approached the school while she was on duty. But on the other hoof…

"Where are you Silky…? Wait, the shiny tiara is right there… and there's the red bow on the yellow one's mane… But you always hang out with them, so where…?"

One minute passes, then two, and she still sees no sign of the one pony she is supposed to be guarding.

And before the third minute ends, Drummer has finally had enough. She puts away her telescope, digs herself further down the cloud until she punches right through it, and keeps her wings closed as she freefalls towards the ground.

A mere second before she hits the ground, she opens her wings for a smooth landing, right outside the school fence, and she makes her way towards the schoolhouse.

The haggle of foals is on the playground that is behind the school, which is why she chose to enter through the front. And sure enough, a few seconds later she is making her way down the short corridor of the schoolhouse and towards the classroom where her charge has her classes.

However, her heart sinks as she hears what is going on, before she enters the classroom to see it with her own eyes.


"… is alright, Silky. You said it yourself, didn't you? Your mom is getting a bit better every day."
"N-no it's not… mom i-is not alright a-and…"


Because sure enough, Drummer Clap can hear the familiar voice of Silky Stream, and the school's teacher Cheerilee.

But her heart almost immediately sinks because she can hear that the former is crying, and that the latter is currently trying to console her while that happens. Using the usual tone that a teacher, or an older sister, would try to use on a foal that is simply inconsolable.

"Ah, your name was Miss Drummer, wasn't it?" the teacher recognizes her the moment she opens the classroom door. The Commissioner's husband introduced her to the teacher, a few weeks ago, as the filly's bodyguard. "I was hoping somepony could find you, but I'm glad you came here on your own. Silky here is… well, she can be dismissed for the rest of the morning. Could you please take her back home?"

The dark-pink mare says that as the pegasus filly cries between her forelegs.

And, unfortunately, Drummer Clap immediately understands what is going on.

The filly's mother is very sick, her other sister is now also sick, and something probably happened that just tipped her over the edge. This isn't really anything to be worried about, but it's still something that should be handled with care. And ultimately, as she learned by raising her own siblings, there is nothing to do but give the filly some time so she can cry it all out.

Drummer can tell from the teacher's expression that she knows it, and Cheerilee can tell from the pegasus' expression that Drummer understands that as well. And since Drummer is, quite literally, a mare who is allowed to whisk the Commissioner's daughters away at a moment's notice, it is only natural to ask her to take the young filly back home.

But as she awkwardly nods to the teacher that she agrees, she can't help but think that…

… well, that she did not sign up for this, for starters.

And also, that this has to be a cruel joke.

Because she doesn't like foals. She just doesn't! She never did, and no matter how much her parents nag her, she never will.

So why is it that the world keeps putting her in situations like this?!





- - -

- - -

- - -





Velvet Steppes had always considered himself to be a healthy pony.

Sure, he was already reaching the later portion of his life. He wasn't in his galloping years anymore. But he always thought he managed to keep a nice trotting phase, throughout the years, while other stallions his age were already huffing and puffing from the effort.

However, he definitely does not feel like that today.

Today, he definitely feels… tired. Stretched thin. Maybe even old. Today was a day that it didn't feel weird to realize his brother was already a grandfather, and that he could feel the grey hairs of his mane growing.

And that was all because…

"I bring word from your niece, my employer. She invites you to visit her home… And I invite you to leave this city before sunset."

​

That stallion "visited" him, again. Two days ago, while he was in Manehattan, that old, cold, and ice-hard stallion came to him, to relay that "message".

And for all that he knew the first half of his message was true, that his niece was probably calling him to her quaint home in Ponyville, he also understood the true meaning of the second half of his message.

After all, it was the kind of message he had already given to several other ponies, over the course of his life. It was the warning that he would give to passersby, that they probably should go about their business. It was the suggestion that he would give to onlookers, that they should probably look the other way.

It was the reminder that being ignorant is better than being a witness to something, and that the best way to avoid any "collateral damage" was to leave and don't look back.

That was the warning that old stallion came to give him, just two days ago, and that he heeded immediately. He had hoped he would never see that stallion again, after their first encounter, but he couldn't help but feel hesitantly thankful after his second visit.

After all, on the very night of that same day, after he hurriedly left for Canterlot…

Large explosion rocks the Manehattan skyline. Lunar Bureau agents combing the city for evidence.

​

He once again reads that headline on the newspaper he has on his hoofs. Looking at the black and white pictures of uniformed ponies cordoning off what looks like a half-destroyed building.

And as he reads that short news article again, as he once again thinks about the implications that might carry, he can't help but feel…

… old.

Was this his niece tipping him off that Manehattan was about to get hot? Was this some independent action from that old, terrifying stallion who claims to work for her? Was this some kind of veiled threat from his own niece, given her current job?

He did not know. And that part of his brain that would usually tackle those issues feels too tired to bother, right now. He hoped he would be able to get back to business in a few days. But still, just like in the first time that old stallion visited him, Velvet Steppes just feels so… so mortal right now.

He had nightmares, after the first time that old pony visited him. Nightmares about how he wasted his life, doing what he did, and how close he was to a very forgettable death. And now he…

"The sun is galloping through the skies too quickly," he says to himself, as he flips through the newspaper.

Just last week he read about how the Blueblood trials were finally over, and how the punishment for their crimes was exile for the most important member of the family. Something completely unheard of in recent history. And right after that, there was the shocking news that the Commissioner, his own niece, almost died due to an attempt against her life.

And now this.

Every week seems to bring something new, and entirely unexpected. Every day seems to bring some new concern to the table. And every hour seemed to bring one more gray hair to his mane.

"I can barely recognize Equestria… maybe it's time I retire," he says to himself, "pass the reins on to Vellum, or maybe…"

He trails off, lighting up his horn and floating the newspaper towards the nearby table.

And even that small bit of magic seems to take more energy than he was used to.

"But whatever it is, I definitely can't decide right now," he says, clinging to the tried and true wisdom that one should not make decisions while they are indisposed.

But still, the fact remains that he should take some time out. His brother is certainly being more cautious, and the "business opportunities" that Steppes handled have been slowed down ever since the high and mighty Bluebloods were used as an example of how disappointed the Crown currently is. Which means, in turn, that Steppes hasn't really been that busy as of late.

"And hay, even this place seems a bit overbearing," he says to himself, as he looks around towards the great living room of the Canterlot mansion. "I think… yes, I think I could use some fresh air. Fresh air, greenery, and maybe a few younger ponies to remind me how I should be acting."

Yes, that is what he needs. That is what he should do next.

And besides, he has been worried about his niece ever since he heard the news.

So yes, he should accept her invitation and go to Ponyville.

He just hopes he won't have any more run-ins with that told stallion anymore.





- - -

- - -

- - -





Shining Armor wasn't sure how he felt about these visits.

"Thank you, Shining. And I'm sorry you had to come all the way here for this."

"Not at all, Velvet. And I hope you get well soon."

He did not mind visiting a friend. And he did not mind having to come all the way to Ponyville for something work related.

However, every time he finished speaking to Velvet Covers, he did feel a bit worn out. Not physically, mind you. But he felt emotionally spent, if that makes sense.

He felt like he was leaving a funeral, even though he had just spoken to a living pony. He felt like he would have to lie to Cadance, his wife and best friend, about how their mutual friend was doing, later tonight when he returned home.

Still, the unicorn mare did look a bit better. Not much, and definitely not enough. But she looked better than when he saw her last week.

And if nothing else, he definitely felt that she was a little more alert, as he walked her through his report on the Lunar Bureau's activities.

"Well, she still told me to decide what to do next," he said to himself, in a slightly lamenting tone. Not because he was afraid of taking command, of course. But still, Princess Celestia chose her for the job. Not him. "But hopefully, she will be well enough to point us the way."

Still, now that he was done with his report, there was nothing left to do but head back to Canterlot.

Although, there is something that has been on his mind, as of late. Something that he wasn't able to do, the last time he was here for his report, but that hopefully he might be able to…

"Ah, excuse me. Can I bother you for a moment?" he asks, as he spots a nearby maid. A somewhat familiar earth pony mare who, he believed, was one of Velvet's senior maids.

"Good afternoon, sir. Is there anything you need?" the mare asks, after giving him a small curtsy.

"Yes, please. By any chance, is Velvet's husband home right now?" he asks, trying to hide the hopefulness in his tone.

"Mr. Stormchaser? As a matter of fact, yes. You just finished your visit with the Lady, right? Did she ask you to call for him?" the maid says, her expression growing slightly more attentive at that.

The maid -he thinks her name is Ponpon?- asks that, which only makes sense. But he quickly shakes his head as she completely misunderstands what he is asking her for.

"Oh, no. Lady Velvet didn't ask for anything, so don't worry. Instead, I was hoping I could speak to her husband instead? Is there any chance that you could see if he is available?"

If the maid finds anything strange about his request, then she doesn't show it in her expression. Instead, she just gives him a small nod and excuses herself, asking him to wait for her there.

But he doesn't have to wait for long. And a few minutes later, a familiar voice calls for him from nearby.

"Shining Armor! The handsome groom. How have you been?"

His ears perk up as Stormchaser, the slightly older pegasus stallion, makes his way towards him. The pegasus has an easy smile on his face, and soon enough Shining's own expression is mirroring that. And moments later, at the pegasus' beckoning, the two of them are making their way back up to the second floor where the Velvet family lives.

"It's great to see you. We haven't been able to speak properly ever since your wedding!" The older pegasus says. Of course, both of them know that Shining Armor had been here more recently. But given the circumstances surrounding his "stay", the two stallions truly were not available for a social visit. "So, how's the married life treating you? How's the Princess wife?"

A sudden, familiar wave of nervousness snags at Shining's throat, as Stormchaser so casually talks about that particular subject. But more importantly, he also can't help but feel relieved at the fact that he has somepony to talk about that, right now. So, he lets out a small chuckle as the pegasus leads him to a particular door on the second floor.

"That's exactly what I was hoping to tell you about, sir," he says. "I was hoping we could, well, continue the conversation we had during my wedding?"

"Oh, by Celestia, please don't sir me," Stormchaser says, waving at the unicorn as he does. "It's bad enough when the weather grunts do it, but please don't make me feel older than I am."

The two of them share a short laugh at that. And a few paces later, they are finally reach the place Stormchaser had been guiding him to.

"But still, that would be great. But tell you what, you were here to visit Velvet, right? I want to go check on her, now that your meeting with her is done, so," Stormchaser says that, and then he opens the door, ushering Shining Armor in. "Why don't you wait for me in here? Also, and this is quite lucky for me, I also have a friend over who I hoped I could introduce to you. The two of you have a lot in common, actually. So why don't you get acquainted with him, and I'll come back to join you in a few minutes?"

Stormchaser says that, and he points with his head for Shining Armor to get in.

And sure enough, Shining Armor obliges. In fact, he feels thankful that Stormchaser seems to be so at ease with all of this. These last few weeks have certainly been eventful… if not overwhelming, for him. So, he is only glad to have found somepony who might be able to guide him through all of this.

With that in mind, he goes through the door, which Stormchaser closes behind him, and he looks around at his new surroundings.

The room he is currently in is certainly spacious. Its size and configuration remind him of a small armory, and the plethora of tools and curious mechanisms on display certainly make him think that he is in a workshop of sorts.

Now that he thinks about it, he doesn't really know Stormchaser that well? He has plenty of second-hoof knowledge from what Cadance told him, but he realizes that what he heard is also third-hoof knowledge that Cadance heard from Velvet herself.

Still, this… this knick-knack room is quite an interesting look into the older stallion's mind, he thinks. He seems to have a lot of interest, or perhaps even love, for weather-related instruments. And what is more, unless this place is kept tidy by the maids themselves, it also looks like Stormchaser is a very organized and methodical stallion.

Yes, everything in this room seems to be in a specific place, and for a specific reason.

The hoof-held anemometers are all on display on one side, ordered by size and weight.

A pedestal-held device, with a cloud contained within a sphere of glass, is standing by the open window.

A turbine-like object is partially disassembled on a work bench.



And sitting on the opposite side of the room, with his eyes wide open in surprise, is the edge-sharp pegasus who tried to kill him.



Shining Armor freezes.

No. He did not freeze. It's just that he stopped thinking.

He stopped thinking because there is no need to think. And there is no need to think because, currently, all the blood in his body is being pumped into the muscles of his legs. Together with an unhealthy dose of adrenaline.

He doesn't move. He doesn't even blink. Because his eyes aren't deceiving him.

Right there, sitting on a chair by one of the closed windows, is the stallion who fought him to near-death. More than just that, that's the stallion who defeated him, and who should have been the last pony he ever saw before everything went black forever.

He is looking at the pegasus stallion, and the pegasus is looking right back at him. And the two of them are only vaguely aware that the glass of wine the pegasus had been holding is now shattered on the floor, as he accidentally dropped him due to his own surprise.

Shining Armor does not know what to do next. Because on the one hoof, that stallion is a criminal, and an absurdly dangerous pony on top of that. But on the other hoof… didn't Stormchaser tell him he had a friend in here? One that… one that Shining had a lot in common with?

What… what the hay is going on?

The seconds stretch by, one after the other, as the friction between the two stallions grow. It grows so much that it is almost unbearable. And the two of them watch, with growing tension, as they both get ready for the inevitable. The pegasus' wings begin to reach out, ever so slightly, as they get ready to flap at a moment's notice. The base of the unicorn's horn, useless and broken as it might be, begins to flicker with magical energy.

And just like that, the two stallions are back on the outskirts of Ponyville, where they met for the first time. Just like that, the two of them are mentally preparing themselves to try to kill each other, and close the duel that began all those months ago.

Because who could possibly avert the finality of their battle?

"Have we… met before?" the pegasus asks, his voice half-growling, as he cautiously try to make sure this isn't a misunderstanding.

"Yes… for the longest time, I couldn't remember what happened. But not long ago, something happened," the unicorn answers. Thinking back about that night, right before his wedding, when he just woke up with his mind clear. "Something happened, that made me remember."

The pegasus gives him a slow, cautious nod. Visibly swallowing down something dry, as he very slowly gets up from his chair.

Shining Armor, also, wastes no time as he carefully maneuvers around the room. Making sure there are enough, but not too many, obstacles between him and the pegasus.

This room being a closed environment was to his advantage. But that was probably not enough to make up for his inability to use magic.

Still, both of their hearts are beating so strongly that they could almost hear it.

And the moment the tension reaches its peak, and their hindlegs strain as they prepare to pounce on each other-



"Sorry I kept you two waiting, I… I was just…"



-the door swings open, and Stormchaser walks in.

Although, to the two other stallions' surprise, Stormchaser looks visibly shaken. So shaken, in fact, that he doesn't even notice the lethal atmosphere between the two ponies.

However, to Shining Armor's honest surprise, the gruff pegasus almost immediately turns his attention to Stormchaser.

"Wait, did something happen, Stormchaser?" Comet Feet asks. And for all that he gives a wide berth to Shining Armor, he still tries to make his way to the older pegasus. "You look shook… what's going on?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I was just…" Stormchaser trails off, but a few moments later he lets out a tired sigh. "Actually, no. Something did happen, Comet. It's just that… I just feel like a part of me gets torn out, whenever I see Velvet like that."

"Ah. Yeah… that really sucks. And again, I'm sorry about that. You wanna talk about it?" the gruff pegasus says.

And to be honest, Shining Armor is taken aback by the fac that the pony who tried to kill him is… well, is being quite sympathetic to Stormchaser. For all that he seems to be out of his element, it really looks like he is trying to be helpful.

On top of that, he is surprised by how Stormchaser is treating him back. As if the two of them have already known each other for a while now.

"Nah, I don't want to bother you two about this," Stormchaser says as she shakes his head.

And Shining Armor realizes almost immediately that his would-be killer, this "Comet" stallion, has no idea of what to do next, after being pushed away like that.

"What? No, don't give us that," so, Shining Armor immediately steps in. "You wouldn't be bothering us at all. Besides, remember what you told me at my wedding? Well, that also applies to you here. So come on, give us a shot."

Shining Armor says that, and Comet Feet watches as Stormchaser's initial resistance slowly begins to break.

The two younger stallions share another short, grudging glance with each other. However, during that half-second when their eyes met, they also reached a small understanding of sorts.

And before they realized it, the two of them were banding together for the most unlikely of reasons.

The two stallions who had every reason to hate each other, and who had already tried to kill each other, were joining forces… to help a friend.

And by the end of the day, before they all went their separate ways, there were no longer any enemies in that room.




And the world continues to spin.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

You are Velvet Covers.

Although, you don't feel like you have thought about that for a while now.

Sixteen days, to be exact. For the last sixteen days, your life has been nothing but a confusing blur of consciousness and darkness, sprinkled with long bouts of discomfort and pain. Of half-remembered conversations and familiar smells that you couldn't really recognize no matter how hard you tried.

You wonder if that number means anything. Probably not, you figure.

But more importantly, today you woke up feeling… better. Not great, not well enough to stay up and about for too long, but better. Better than you were yesterday, better than you were before that. And most importantly, you feel good enough to get out of this damn bed.

Because it doesn't matter how vigorously your maids clean your bedroom, during the short periods of time you were being showered or otherwise somewhere else, or how many time they changed your bedsheets. You still swear that the smell of this place is somehow infecting your fur.

"Alrighty Velvet, you can do this… one leg at a time," you say to yourself, as you tentatively light up your horn to push away your sheets, and gingerly try to climb out of your bed.

Your body feels heavy. That is the first thing that comes to your mind as you begin to settle your weight on your legs. First by putting your two forelegs on the ground, then by cautiously bringing down your left hindleg to the floor.

And finally, you-

"Just one more, and we c- ouch, ouch, OUCH!"

-you nearly spasm as your right hindleg touches the floor. The weak muscles of your crippled member screaming with pain when you try to put the slightest strain on them.

By the heavens, you had forgotten how much this hurts. You had forgotten what it meant to walk around with a limp, and not be able to do something as simple as trot.

But you… manage. You still manage to stand up, and get out of your bed, without any help.

You can still do this.

"I can… still… do this," you say to yourself, trying to ignore the fact you are already breathing heavily just by doing this much.

You try to tell yourself that the wounds you suffered to your legs were only imaginary. And you also remind yourself that the only thing that really happened to you was that, well, you got struck in your head so strongly that it probably cracked your skull.

But more importantly, you tell yourself that your body already had plenty of time to at least stitch those wounds. In fact, just yesterday, you spitted out a clot that you were sure was lodged inside your head for the longest time. And for all that you are sure that having a blood clot in your brain is not the kind of thing a pony should survive, you still spit it out eventually, and you are still alive.

So, you try your best to stop dwelling on those little things, and you focus on what needs to be done next.

"Right, now to… get out…"

One step at a time, you slowly make your way towards the door.

The corridor outside is dark. Which makes sense, you suppose, since it is still probably early in the morning. But still, you begin to make your way down the long corridor of the second floor.

You shoo away the rather alarmed guard that comes up to you, asking if everything is alright, and you don't much care for what he says right before he leaves.

You walk pass Silky's room, and then Selene's room.

And finally, you arrive at a particular door, that leads to the closest guest room. You light up your horn, and make your way in, without breaking your slow stride.

"Wha… did anything happ-… Velvet?! Sweetheart, what are you doing here?"

And there he is!

Stormchaser, whose face you can barely see through the darkness, seems to be looking at you wide-eyed and surprised. You didn't really want to wake him up, but you are still glad that he did.

There are several things that you want to tell him, and to be honest you just want to have a nice conversation with him so you two can spend some time together. After all, ever since you got hurt, he has been sleeping in this guest room so you could have the whole bedroom for yourself.

But right now, after you walked all the way here, you are just so tired that…

"Velvet, is anything the matter? Please, just t-" he begins to say, concern apparent in his voice.

"Wake me up for breakfast," but you interrupt him, as you weakly crawl up to his bed.

And before you realize it, you are already asleep once again.

But this time, and for the first time in too long, you are asleep in the warm and familiar embrace of your dear husband.



- - -



You join your family for breakfast.

Granted, you have your husband carry you downstairs before your daughters wake up, so they don't have to see you limping down the staircase. But still, you try your best to reclaim the normalcy of your life, one step at a time.

Of course, the breakfast is unusually quiet, and everypony is looking at you with a concerned expression. But still, you are there rather than cooped up in your room.

It is more than just a little bit sad, that Silky almost didn't speak a word and leaned on to you during the whole morning after she sat down to eat. But… well, you have to start somewhere. And starting today is better than starting tomorrow.

Still, you have breakfast with your family, your suggestion that your daughters don't need to go to school today is quickly approved by your husband, and after yet another short nap, you once again feel like you can get one more thing done.

"I think this will be my life, for a little while. Do something, nap, do something else, nap," you say, letting out a short laugh. "But to be honest? Now that sleeping is actually pleasant again? I don't really mind this routine."

You say that, but Selene doesn't seem to share your humor. Instead, she answers you with a worried expression.

"Please don't push yourself, mom. Nopony will think badly of you if you take a break."

The two of you are currently on your room's balcony, looking down at the estate's central garden. Behind you, every window of your room is open, and you can't help but smile as a fresh breeze washes over you and flows into your home.

"Selene, dear, I have been doing nothing but taking a break for the last two weeks. At this point, I think that staying inside my room will do me more harm than good," you tell her with a calm smile.

To which she responds by pursing her lips. An expression that is completely out of place on a filly as young as her. At least according to her current appearance, that is.

"Well… just promise us you won't do something you shouldn't? Better yet, at least promise you won't leave the estate?"

You make a show of rolling your eyes, before giving her another smile. Because you definitely understand where she is coming from, and how she is trying to get a "promise" out of you without being too pushy about it.

Even though, in all honesty, she didn't even need to ask you any of that to begin with. You don't think you have enough energy to make it out of the garden even if you wanted to.

"Fiiine, fiiine, I promise. If I need to do anything crazy or illegal, I'll ask you to do it instead," you say.

Although, for all that you meant it as a joke, you can't help but notice that Selene lets out a small sigh of relief, before giving you a thankful nod.

"Thank you, mom. And yes, please. Let me know if you need anything like that to be done."

Dear heavens, what have you been teaching this filly?

"Speaking of which, the other stuff that I wanted to tell you about," she continues, cautiously breaching a certain subject that has been on her mind. "Do you think you can talk about it? It's fine if you're feeling too tired, or…"

"Oh, no, I'm fine. By all means, dear, go ahead," you say.

For the last hour or so, you two have been here sitting on the balcony mostly keeping each other company. And for the most part, Selene would just tell you about this and that whenever the fancy struck her.

Stormchaser told you about the "incident" Silky had at school. But Selene did not mention it to you. So, you suppose Selene herself either did not hear about it, or that she is just avoiding topics that she thinks might upset you.

However, it seems she is finally willing to steer in a particular direction, from what she just told you.

"Well, I wanted to tell you about what happened," she says, pausing for a moment to look behind her, just to make sure nopony is overhearing your conversation. "In detail, that is. As well as…"



- - -



Selene had already told you, in general, about how her "trip" to Manehattan went.

But still, she only told you the broadest of facts. She told you that she succeeded in her most important objective, that your family is a little safer now, and that she did her best to minimize whatever evidence they might have left behind.

Shining Armor has not yet given you a full report on the Bureau's investigation on Manehattan, given how it is still underway. So, it will be a while before you learn how well, or how badly, Selene succeeded in being subtle about it.

However, there is one thing that you can address right now. One part of her tale that the two of you can… verify, so to speak, and decide what to do about.

It is still early in the afternoon. Silky is out in Ponyville with Stormchaser and Soft Sweeps, the two of them taking the filly somewhere to try and cheer her up.

And right now, you and Selene are slowly crossing the central garden of the estate. Making your way towards one of the annex buildings.

Specifically, the two of you are making your way to the estate's wine cellar.

Or, as your servants have come to call it, the fair abode of Lady Mareinette.

"Mom, before we go in can I ask you something?" your daughter asks you, as the two of you enter the building and make your way to the trapdoor-like entrance that leads underground.

You try your best to hide how tired you already are, just from walking here. But still, you answer her with a nod.

"Why… why do you…" she says, but her youthful expression once again shifts into a kind of hesitation no filly should rightfully have on their face. "No, forget about it," she finishes.

And unfortunately, you are already too tired to force the issue, or to try and coax her concerns out of her. For now, you can only trust her judgment, that whatever she meant to ask you isn't really important right now.

With that in mind, the two of you reach the wide trapdoors that lead to the cellar.

Neither of you are surprised by the fact that it is already wide open, and that a pleasant aroma is wafting from that gaping maw.

Still, the smell invigorates you, even if only slightly.

And for all that Selene hesitates for a few moments, to the point that she is a few paces behind you when she begins to follow you, the two of you eventually make your way down to the underground cellar.

Within the confines of the cellar, lounging over a pile of precious items like a dragon sleeping over a hoard, you find the mare you are looking for.

And between your own exhaustion, and the strange energy that is filling your lungs from her perfumed censers, you can only partially remember what happened after you entered that place with Selene.



"[Heart]?"

"I am doing fine, Mareinette. Thank you for asking. And… and thank you for your help."

"[Grail]."

"Indeed… And Selene here told me about your endeavors… but she didn't know the details herself. Are you available to talk about it?"

"[Lantern]!"



You partially remember how uncomfortable Selene felt, as you two went over what Mareinette brought back to your estate.

But most importantly, in the end, she agreed with your decision on how to handle it.

...

It is hard to imagine a lady as dignified as fair Mareinette hauling a cart from Manehattan all the way to Ponyville. It is even harder to imagine how she did it so quickly.

But still, she claims these items are yours to claim. And you will oblige her:
[The following items have been added to your inventory]
-5x artifacts, UNSTUDIED, of the following levels:
--Heart 1
--Secret Histories 1
--Moth 1
--Moth 3
--Winter 4
-A book, with no Lore levels. "A pile of reports, letters and maps. No doubt containing a wealth of information about the less reputable places of Manehattan. And perhaps of the treasures they hide."

...

However, the greatest volume of items that Mareinette brought back were… books. Ledger-sized tomes, stolen letters, and even photo albums. A cart-load of disparate pieces of information that, after sifted through, reveal a story. Or rather, three stories, about three particular ponies.

Copper was proficient in two things. She was good at figuring out what ponies desired, and she was even better at giving it to them. She was a mare who traded in favors, and in other types of coins that are much more precious than mere bits. This is a hoard of such currency."

You have found BLACKMAIL MATERIAL on a number of rich, influential and powerful ponies. Part of you wants to burn all of this, and then cut it away from your memory. But you realize this is just too good of an opportunity to simply waste.

But still, you should strike while the iron is hot. These ponies will catch wind of Coppers disappearance, so it is best to "cash in" these favors before they grow wary, desperate, or bold.

Have Mareinette deal with it. Give her instruction on how to proceed. Reap the rewards, and think of it no longer.


[You must pick ONE option from each category. None of these options will have any cost, be it in actions or otherwise. Mareinette will "collect" on them throughout the rest of the month, and deliver the results by the beginning of turn 21.]


-[] What of the merchant, who engaged in bribery?
--[] Ask for a small "donation" (gain 100 bits)
--[] Ask for a few favors (gain TWO "servant actions", on turn 21 only)
--[] Just give this low hanging fruit to the Bureau (gain a small amount of respect from the Bureau)
--[] Have Mareinette deal with it (unpredictable result, that will still benefit you)


-[] What of the public servant, who needed a pony to "disappear"?
--[] Remind him that nothing is free (gain 200 bits)
--[] Have him work for his misdeeds (gain FIVE "servant actions", on turn 21 only)
--[] Equestria will be better off without him in power (gain a reasonable amount of respect from the Bureau)
--[] Have Mareinette deal with it (unpredictable result, that will still benefit you)


-[] What of the great noble, who conspired against the Crown?
--[] Wring him (gain 400 bits)
--[] Give him a list of tasks, and a short time to get them done (gain NINE "servant actions", on turn 21 only)
--[] Put him behind bars, where he belongs (gain a great deal of respect from the Bureau)
--[] Have Mareinette deal with it (unpredictable result, that will still benefit you)



The next memory you have is waking up on Stormchaser's guest room, after yet another "short nap". And Selene tells you that, despite her misgivings with the Grail-mare, nothing out of the ordinary happened during your conversation.

… or at least, you privately think, nothing she could sense.





Since this vote is being offered on a Monday, and not the usual weekend, we will have TWENTY-FOUR hours of moratorium. So everyone can catch up, realize we are playing ball, and jump in if they wish to.

Vote in plans. You must pick one option of each blackmail target.

Gaining a "servant action" is exactly that. You will gain one action point for turn 21 that is generally unreliable, and will not apply Velvet's bonus. But that can still be used for some actions, or to "cover your bases".

Yes, it is intentional that you are being offered the opportunity to gain "servant actions" without knowing what awaits you on the next turn. Cashing in on these favors will take some time, so you need to decide now.

75 bits were removed from your inventory, after you got your ledgers in order following Selene's expedition in Manehattan.

More to follow. Other updates will probably be posted, before the voting period is over, as the turn moves along.

 

[Sveta08]

So, this is a thing, or an idea rather, that's been sitting in my brain as I've read back over some of the chapters. And given this is both the start of a turn, so one of the more impactful moments, but after actions can be readily made, it would be a good time for it.

And, given that for the first time, Selene called Velvet Mother, it refused to leave me. Rattling the cage of my mind, demanding it make itself heard. Mom and Mother are not used interchangeably in this quest. So, have this thought, and a realization I've had reading through



In which a teacher thinks of Mothers and Mares

---

In every good teachers' life, there comes a moment. Well, many moments really.

Moments that sift those who are willing to do their duty, and those who go above and beyond. When the student you are working with needs an extra push, or a touch of encouragement. Or when they might need be pulled aside and spoken to privately. Honestly, with how things have been going you are thankful that some of those seem to have passed you by with this class.

Moments too that would tug at your heart. Reaffirm your belief. Seeing the frustration on somepony's brow melt away into understanding. Seeing somepony looking up and realizing they are following you, honestly and earnestly listening to you. Moments of excitement and elation, sharing in on the joy as a little foal finally attains their cutie mark and finds part of their place in the world. And a lucky few who when they look to you and thank you, you see the truth of it in their eyes. In their youthful directness.

Plenty of moments. Good and bad.



You are Cheerilee. And you are doing your best to pretend one of those moments didn't happen.
But, your students are certainly making that difficult for you.

"Snaaaaails! Why'd you have to say that?!"
"... Wha'dja mean?"
"Oh, you know what I mean!"
"... no? I was just thanking Miss Cheerilee."

You are at least thankful your students can't see you roll your eyes when looking at the blackboard. Snips whisper would be more at home on a stage than in the middle of fractions. Though, given his cutie mark, maybe he comes by it honest? Could certainly see about that come this fall's theater production. Miss Rarity has been too busy dealing with her own business to help you out with costuming after all. All the more pity.

Refraining from shaking your head, the next few minutes will be a careful game of a teacher's selective hearing and corralling fillies and colts to pay attention to math. A few more numbers hashed out on the board, a firm tap of your hindhoof when Tiara's giggling grew too loud. Some blissful ignorance as Snips chides his friend. But, to you, it is simply another day.

After all, it's not the first time one of your students has called you Mom. With any hope, when you hand out the worksheets, it will be all forgotten by everyone.
Save you, of course.



It's no wonder, really.
With how many hours they spend with you here. With how young they are, and how rarely they tend to see other adult mares treat them like little ponies. It just slips out before they even realize it. Maybe in Snails's case, if they do at all.

But really, it's a mark of honor you think. A badge you wear, silently, proudly. That your little ponies feel safe here. At home under your guidance. Willing and able and ready to learn and grow from you. That they feel... comforted? No, maybe that's the wrong word.
But that they feel that way, here? With you?
It's a mark that they don't even realize they give. One that says to you, they feel at ease here. That they will listen. Because...
Because that's not always the case. Not just with you.

There are many moments in a teacher's career that stick with them.
Yes, the good to be certain. The looks of realization, the moments of wonder, the questionsns with earnest curiosity, the joy of finding ones' destiny, yes. And you do well to hold onto them. To remember them.
Because those are not the only moments that stick with you.



... You remember the one time Diamond Tiara called you mom. Not only because it was any different than any other. Goodness, how much you wish it could have been during a class teaching history of the far east or during a lesson about the pegasais' role in the cycle of seasons. Maybe during long division, or a lesson on geography and it would have been forgotten. Just another memento of your good stewardship of them, held onto and forgotten over the months to follow.

But you do remember what day it was. The day teachers fear more than the parents involved. And that students of all walks dread.
Parent Teacher Confrence.

If it had been any other time, you are certain Silver Spoon would have giggled. Snips would shoot some sort of joke back. It would fall flat and Tiara would retort. Apple Bloom would try to mend the difference, and life would move on.
You wouldn't have had to see the soft look on Filthy Richs' face as he closed his eyes. Bracing. Or had to see little look in Tiara's eyes as she realized just what she said.
Or had to see the glassy sharp smile Spoiled Rich gave.
You wouldn't have had to continue on like nothing had changed. Wouldn't have had to pretend to miss the tension that ran through all of them.

You can still hear her. Hadn't even closed the door for long enough to let out your breath when she spoke. The words were bad enough, but the tone...
'That mare is not your family. I am. I am your mother.'
More words were shared. And for a blessed mercy, you did not hear them. But Diamond...

Well. It was the one, and only time Diamond Tiara called you mom.



Maybe if you paid attention, you would see how you stopped writting mother on your letters home. If you had reason to, maybe you would look and see the divide between the two words that had spawned because of it. One of comfort and trust. One of responsibility and obligation. Certainly if you put your time into it, you could say why in words that were clear and sharp and clever ways to hide the simple truth of it.

But... you never noticed it. Too busy with the rest of the facts of life.
Lessons needed to be planned. Children needed to be cared for. Rivalries needed to be headed off. Competition needed to be encouraged.
And above all else... even as the rest of Equestria seems beset by monsters and the unknown...

As long as this little schoolhouse is your schoolhouse?
It will be safe for them. Even when nowhere else will be.


Hopefully...
Hopefully.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

Spoiler: Winning Vote

[X] Plan: Balanced Rewards
-[X] What of the merchant, who engaged in bribery?
--[X] Ask for a small "donation" (gain 100 bits)
-[X] What of the public servant, who needed a pony to "disappear"?
--[X] Have him work for his misdeeds (gain FIVE "servant actions", on turn 21 only)
-[X] What of the great noble, who conspired against the Crown?
--[X] Put him behind bars, where he belongs (gain a great deal of respect from the Bureau)

To Cheerilee, being a teacher is like being a gardener. This might be her earth pony side speaking, but whenever she stops to think about it, she can't help but see the parallels.

Because part of it follows a routine of sorts. Preparing classes, giving classes, answering questions, grading homework. Wake, repeat, sleep. The same daily routine of care and work that she supposes a gardener has to do, except that instead of watering plants every day she is teaching foals.

However, despite the routine, every day seems to bring something new. Every day is unique, and completely different from the last one. Because just like plants, foals never stop growing. So, every single day, she can spot a new, tiny difference when compared to her students of the previous day. Every day her students are a little taller, a little smarter, and they bloom a little bit more.

So, again, she really thinks being a teacher is like being a gardener. And the fact that her cutie mark is a trio of smiling flowers definitely helps.

Every day feels similar to the last, and every day is also completely new and different. There are easy days, there are hard days, there are exciting days, and there are days she is as bored as her students are, even though she is the one doing the lecture.

…

And then there are days when something completely unexpected happens.



"Ma'am, you need to come with me."



The pegasus mare, Drummer Clap, tells her that with a serious expression.

And for a moment, there is nothing Cheerilee can do but look at her with a surprised expression.

Cheerilee knows this mare. Of course she does. This is one of the ponies who can pick up one of her students. So, this mare is lodged in her memory together with other important pieces of information about her charges.

However, looking at that mare right now is triggering an entirely different part of Cheerilee's mind.

Because unlike every other time she saw Drummer Clap, the pegasus mare is now in her uniform. She is wearing the midnight-black uniform of a guard, of an officer of the law, and she has a very intimidating badge hanging from a chain around her neck.

Cheerilee knows she didn't do anything wrong. She probably never committed a single crime in her entire life! However, there is something primal about looking a serious constable in the eyes that just makes you wonder what exactly you are in trouble for.

"I-I'm sorry, what?" Cheerilee asks, still partially stunned.

To which the mare responds, much to Cheerilee's concern, by expressing her irritation.

The two mares are currently inside the schoolhouse. Cheerilee had dismissed her class maybe half an hour ago, and she was in the middle of cleaning up the classroom before going back home. So, it was more than just a little surprising for her to see Drummer Clap here.

But again, what is even more surprising is that-

"Like I said, I need you to come with me. Now."

-that the mare is practically ordering her to do something. Drummer Clap wants her to follow the mare? Is she taking her somewhere? Is she going to jail?

Why? How? What did she do wrong?!

"I-I, but I didn't do anything wrong!" she says, suddenly realizing how cold something inside her feels, "d-did I?"

She says that, half-stammering as she tries her best to stay calm. She is failing, of course, and with every passing second her thoughts grow into a hurricane of fears and concerns.

Is she really going to jail? Just like that? But what did she do? And more importantly, who is going to take care of her students?

Or perhaps… is this happening because of one of her students? Did Diamond Tiara's mother do something? No, wait, Drummer is in charge of taking care of Silky, and Cheerilee heard that her mother is important now. Is this because Silky cried a few days ago during class?!

"I don't have time for this," Drummer Clap says, shaking her head in annoyance.

And then, the constable mare moves towards Cheerilee, raising a hoof as she-



"ACK!"



-as she… falls on the ground?

Cheerilee's mind is still spinning, and it takes her several seconds to understand what happened. But sure enough, Drummer Clap just fell to the ground, and she is rubbing the side of her flank as if nursing something painful.

Wait, what?

Cheerilee rubs her eyes as she tries to understand what happened. Her near-panicked mind still reeling from the notion that she was (or still is?) about to be arrested.

But after a few deep breaths, she finally realizes what just happened.

Yes, Drummer Clap is still on the ground, moaning in pain as she slowly gets back up.

And standing right next to her, scolding her, is another mare. Who is also wearing the same uniform as her.

Thankfully, Cheerilee finally regains her composure just as the second constable finishes admonishing Drummer Clap.

"-specifically to not make a scene, Drummer!" the second mare, an earth pony constable, says to Drummer Clap.

And only when she is satisfied that her scolding is done does she turn around to face Cheerilee.

"I am so sorry for that, ma'am. Miss Cheerilee, right?" the earth pony constable says, her kind face entirely at odds with Drummer's own expression. "My name is Battering Ram, I am one of the constables under C-, I mean, under Mrs. Velvet Covers. Do you have a moment to chat?"

Cheerilee is so taken aback that she can't even answer with words. But still, she manages to give her a nod.

"Thank you so much. First of all, I am very sorry that my friend here was so rude," the mare says, throwing yet another quick glare at Drummer Clap as the pegasus finally manages to stand up. Even if she is still nursing a small limp. "But our boss is the mother of one of your students, little Silky Stream, and she wanted us to ask if you could come over to chat with her."

The earth pony constable, Battering Ram, says that. But her tone is so kind that, despite the vagueness of the term "chat", Cheerilee can't help but feel more confident about this whole situation.

"I… I suppose I can? I mean, Silky's father came over for the parent-teacher conference last week. But I don't mind speaking to parents in general?" Cheerilee answers, still slightly hesitant. But making it very obvious that she hopes the mare will give her a little more context of what this is about.

"Oh, no. I'm sorry, I wasn't entirely clear. Mrs. Velvet Covers asked us to invite you over just to chat. She… well, I'll just be entirely honest. She just wants to have a friend over. That is, if you are not busy with something else?"

Battering Ram's words take Cheerilee… well, they take her by surprise. Because Silky's mother? Lady Velvet Covers? The mare who recently became a public figure and who, according to the papers, was attacked not long ago? She is calling Cheerilee over?

As a friend?

Well, she did speak to Lady Velvet every now and then, whenever she brought her daughter to school. And she was pretty sure the last time they met was… during her adopted daughter's cute-ceñeara? Yes, that felt about right.

But she always considered their relationship to be more professional than anything else. With herself as Silky's teacher, and Lady Velvet as her student's mother.

So, to think that she is being invited over is more than just a little surprising and…

"To be clear, this is really just an invitation," the constable mare says, taking Cheerilee's silence as a soft answer that she doesn't really want to go. "We can schedule something for another day, or we can just return the message that you aren't available at all."

"Oh, no! I mean, not at all," Cheerilee quickly answers, realizing too late that she almost yelled out in surprise. "I'd love to. Well, I can't go right now. But is it alright if I pass by her house later today?"

She says that, but for some reason calling that mansion a "house" felt slightly strange coming out of her mouth.

"Absolutely! We'll let Mrs. Velvet know," Battering says, with a happy nod of her head.

"And… and just to be sure, I'm not in any trouble, am I?" Cheerilee tentatively asks. Looking first at Battering Ram, then at Drummer Clap who still seems to have a sore flank on the place she was kicked. "And is your friend going to be alright?"

"No need to worry, Miss Cheerilee. You are not in any trouble. As for my friend over here… I may be a professional kicker, but she is a professional punching bag," she says, giving a despondent Drummer Clap one last glare.

And the fact that Drummer Clap whimpers slightly at that, whispering something about the mare not needing to kick so hard, makes Cheerilee think that, somehow, this kind of exchange is habitual to both mares.

"So please, don't worry. And have a great day, Miss Cheerilee!" Battering Ram finishes, before ushering Drummer Clap away as the pegasus mumbles something under her breath.

With that, the three mares go their separate ways.





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers.

And right now, you are entertaining a guest.

Although, given your current health, it might be better to say you are being entertained by your guest.

"Are you sure you don't need anything else, Lady Velvet? I might not know my way around here, but I can call somepony if you'd like," Cheerilee, your daughter's schoolteacher, says once again. Her expression a mixture of concern and helpfulness.

"No, please. There's no need for that. And like I said, please just call me Velvet," you answer back, trying your best to sound as warm and placating as possible.

However, the fact that you need to take a few breaths, even though you barely spoke two sentences, definitely does not make Cheerilee feel any more comfortable about your situation.

Is this what it feels like to be mothered, you wonder? To have a kind mare like this just care about you, and go out of her way to worry about you, even though you are the one who invited her here?

Well, whatever you might call this, this definitely feels… nice.

"And besides, I called you over so we could just catch up and have a nice chat. You know, to try and take my mind off…" you trail off, before waving a hoof in front of your tired-looking face, "well, to take my mind off all this."

And even though you can tell the mare is still hesitant, you watch as Cheerilee gives you a slow, and perhaps overly careful nod.

You can't shake the feeling that she is looking at you as if you were one of her students. A student who came to class sick, and who she thinks she should just dismiss from class and escort back home.

But still, you think you managed to thread this particular needle well enough for her to push those concerns to the side. At least for now.

"I see… but Lad-, I mean, Mrs. Velvet. When you say you want to catch up, what do you mean exactly?"

Cheerilee asks that, her voice still a bit defensive, as she carefully (and finally, for the first time) picks up her teacup and takes a small sip from it.

The two of you are currently in your garden, sitting around a small table under the shade of a parasol. And you were beginning to fear that, if the mare did not start working on her tea, she would end up with a cold teacup on her saucer.

"Why, I thought it would be obvious, no? It has been such a long time since we last sat down and chatted that I am hard pressed to think about what we couldn't talk about," you say, letting out a short but pitifully tired laugh.

Still, for all that your body keeps failing you, and your energy reserves are terribly low, your mind is still sharp enough to know what to say.

After all, you do realize how this must look like for Cheerilee herself.

The two of you spoke, on and off, every now and then. You exchanged pleasantries whenever you saw each other, and you truly think you two are on amicable terms.

However, every time you saw her, your daughter was present one way or the other. Every time you two met, it was in the "professional" setting of a parent meeting her daughter's teacher. So, the two of you weren't really acting as friends, you two were a pair of grown-up figures in your daughter's life who happened to meet while she was watching.

The last time you spoke to Cheerilee like this, one on one, was… well, several months ago. When Silky was still new at her school, even.

So, it makes sense for Cheerilee to think you were just "testing the waters" with her. Checking with her own eyes if you could really trust your precious filly to this unknown stranger.

It makes perfect sense for Cheerilee to think the first time you two spoke was more of a job interview than anything else. So, for you to invite her to your home after so long, must be more than a little strange.

"I mean, Silky talks about you all the time. And even Selene, quiet as she is, chimes in every now and then," you say, picking your words and your tone very carefully, as you try to sound as nonchalant as possible.

You even make a point of looking down at your teacup, as you speak. Lighting up your horn to mix another spoonful of sugar. Trying your best to make this sound natural, and that the several times you met were a cherished bump-in with a friend, rather than just an exchange of waves with your foals' teacher.

"As does Soft Sweeps. She also always comments on you after she drops the girls off at school." You say that, and then you finally look up at Cheerilee, trying to look as innocent as possible as you do. "But recently, I realized that I was keeping up with you only through them. So I thought, why not just call you over?

You watch, almost holding your breath, as the mare narrows her eyes. And the seconds tick by as the mare slowly, but surely, reinterprets her opinion of you, and the several times you two met, under this new lens you are offering her.

And you can only hope that she finds it in her to agree with you. Or, better yet, to believe what you are telling her.

Eventually, the mare's expression…



[Rolling]



… softens. A small smile appearing on her face as if she had just realized something.

You hold off from letting out a sigh of relief, given how awkward this entire conversation would have been if she had brushed off your words.

But more importantly, Cheerilee's tone is a lot less guarded when she opens her mouth to speak.

In fact, she even leans forward a little bit, with a tone that is almost conspiratorial.

"Speaking of which, if you don't mind me asking… Soft Sweeps, the mare who… well, the maid? The pony who brings your fillies to school. What's up with her?" she asks, with a tone that is as well-meaning as it is curious. "I mean, Silky adores her, and even Selene seems comfortable around her. But every now and then when we speak, I get this impression that she… well, that she isn't just a maid, or a nanny, or anything like that?"

She asks that, and your eyes light up as you realize that she just gave you the opportunity to talk about one of your favorite subjects.

That is, one of your daughters.

"Oh? Quite the sharp eyes you have, Cheerilee," you say, also bringing your voice down to a conspiratorial whisper as you lean towards her. "And you see, at first Softy was just very close to Silky. But as time went on she…"

And with that, the two of you start a proper, and properly friendly, conversation. You tell her about your family. She tells you about her work. And eventually, the two of you share your concerns with each other, with you explaining about your new job, and the attempt against your life, while she tells you about her worries of how quickly the town seems to be growing.

Much later, when the sun is close to the horizon and the mare prepares to leave, she does so with an open invitation that she can return whenever she feels like.



[The gardener of foals, breakpoints 50/80]

[88 + 11 (Diplomacy) + 5 (Beautiful) + 10 (Battering Ram) -10 (Drummer Clap) = 104]

[Final breakpoint reached]



You are now Close Friends with Cheerilee.

After a few days, when your head is clearer, you look back at your conversation, and realize Cheerilee probably has a lot of affinity for the persistence of Heart, which she applies to her work. And maybe a connection to some aspects of Moth, as she encourages her charges to change and grow.



- - -



A few days later, you find yourself in your tearoom, with a pair of familiar faces.

You are currently with Rarity and Fluttershy, as the three of you share a pleasant afternoon in your home. You would have preferred to be in the garden, with the warm breeze on your mane and the sunlight on your fur, but your health did make a slight turn for the worse earlier this morning. So, you have grudgingly accepted your maids' insistence that you stay within the confines of your house.

However, something far more important is happening than just a mere conversation.

Because while the untrained eye might think you three are just talking, and while a maid would just see a trio of mares drinking tea if they were to enter through the door… something far more interesting is taking place in your tearoom.

It is not that you three are just chatting.

Oh, no. Far from that.

You and Rarity… are watching a spectacle.



"It's just that… when I wake up, and he isn't there, I just feel…"



To everypony's surprise, Fluttershy is the one who is doing most of the talking, this afternoon. To both yours and Rarity's surprise, Fluttershy asked if she could "talk about something" the moment you three settled down in the tearoom.

And to your and Rarity's absolute astonishment, Fluttershy has been speaking ever since then.

No, she isn't "just" speaking. The beautiful, innocent and quiet pegasus mare isn't doing something as base as "merely" putting her thoughts into words.

She is bleeding. Fluttershy is suffering. The poor mare is, in her own way, bearing her heart out for the two of you.



"… and every time I think about telling him that, I… something inside my chest just feels strange…"



You and Rarity have already read romantic novels. You have already read romances, and tragedies, and gripping stories about love and all its drama.

But never before have either of you seen something like this, with your own eyes.

In fact, you exchange yet another glance with Rarity, and the mare answers you with the most minute of nods. But still, you two share a silent message, and you both agree.

You both agree that Fluttershy is completely in love, and that she has no idea of how to navigate this. In fact, she has no idea that she's even this deep to begin with.

And oh, you and Rarity are thrilled at the opportunity to guide her through this. In fact, as you look at Rarity, you can see the mare is almost salivating from all the juicy, innocent, maidenly drama that this journey will take you all through.

"… so, uhm… I just don't know…" Fluttershy says, her expression slightly lost, and maybe even downtrodden, in the way that only a lovesick maiden can be.

Yes, Fluttershy is asking you two for help. She is begging for it, even, although she doesn't realize it yet. But she wants, she needs, to know what to do next, in order to advance in this romantic journey she has unwittingly embarked upon.

And of course, you two will only be happy to comply.

"Fluttershy, darling, I think me and Velvet know exactly what you are going through," Rarity says, expertly lacing her words with just the right tone to rope Fluttershy in.

And sure enough, Fluttershy's eyes almost immediately light up at that.

"You… you do?" she asks.

"Why of course, darling. Velvet knows it from personal experience, even. And I, too, have met more than enough ponies who are… similarly situated," your unicorn friend says, giving you a sidelong glance.

And you immediately give her a matronly nod, confirming Rarity's words. To which Fluttershy immediately calms down, with eyes full of hope, as she all but throws herself towards the lifeline you are throwing her.

"Now, darling, the thing you need to understand is that you and Comet Feet…" Rarity continues. "You two are currently in a situation that we would call-"

-but she is suddenly interrupted by a very unwelcome knock coming from the door. And you can almost feel yourself sag as the crescendo of drama that was gathering in the room is so suddenly pierced by the loud noise.

"Pardon me, my Lady," Ponpon says, as she pokes her head into the tearoom, "but you have another visitor. Shall I bring her up?"

You move to wave at Ponpon, to tell her to let in whoever is at the door, when you suddenly freeze.

Because, your tired mind slowly pieces together, why would Ponpon need to declare a new visitor? If it was Jade or somepony else she would know to let them in unannounced. And if it was somepony completely unknown, she would have told you who it is. Or better yet, let Stormchaser decide, since you are not seeing anypony in an official capacity while you are recovering.

But for Ponpon to come here and ask… well, it means it's somepony you know, but also that…

"Oh, that's actually somepony I called, Velvet," Rarity says, looking up towards Ponpon. "If you don't mind, could you please let her in?"

Rarity says that towards Ponpon, but she is really looking at you as she asks that question. Still, you trust Rarity, so you quickly nod your approval to Ponpon. And then you take another sip from the energizing tea, as even that much movement drains a good chunk of the reserves you have in your body.

Less than a minute later, another knock comes to the door, but this time you don't see the familiar face of Ponpon walking into the tearoom.

"Ah am terribly sorry for being late, Rarity, and my deepest condolences fer… oh, Fluttershy's also here?"

You are more than a little surprised as you watch an orange earth pony mare, Apple Bloom's older sister, walk into the tearoom.

However, you are admittedly even more surprised by… well, by what she is wearing?

Applejack, you are pretty sure that's her name, is a strong-looking and healthy mare. Every time you saw her, you felt that she was a dependable and straightforward pony, with the quintessential expression of a pony who is eager to help, and capable of doing so.

But that's the thing, as you look up towards Applejack, you don't see any of that. Instead, the mare is…

"Applejack, what in Equestria are you wearing?" Rarity says, her voice quite literally shocked.

Because Applejack looks like she just left a funeral. Her expression is downtrodden, she is wearing a dark and modest saddle-dress, and her mane is tied back in a very conservative way. It takes you more than a few seconds to realize what is missing, but once you realize you always saw her with a cowboy hat on her head, which is currently absent, her present look becomes even more jarring.

"Ah… well, ah thought you said the Lady here was close to, uh, kicking the can?" Applejack answers.

And her blunt honesty is so shocking that Rarity can only look at her aghast, as if Applejack had just said something she definitely should not have shared.

"I did NOT say anything like that, Applejack," Rarity says, in a tone that makes it abundantly clear that she did say exactly that.

"But you did? Two days ago, when you told me to come over? You told me t-"

"Shu-shu-shu-shush, you apples-for-brains!" Rarity says, as the mare practically rushes over to the earth pony mare and covers her mouth with a hoof. Alternating between looking at you and Applejack with an embarrassed expression. "I said Velvet looked dashing, and that she could use our company."

"But you told me her house looked like a funer-" Applejack tries to say, which only makes Rarity shove another hoof on her mouth.

"I-I did not! T-this is slander, slander I say!" Rarity says, or perhaps pleads. Looking at you as if she was watching a sandcastle that she painstakingly build fall to the ground.

However, as you watch the two mares talk over each other, you can't help but laugh.

"Ah… ahahahahah, oh Rarity… did you really say that?" you say, feeling your ribs ache a little bit as you let out an honest laugher.

And the two mares (but mostly just Rarity) look at you with intrigued expressions.

Because sure enough, Applejack can see with her own two eyes that you are not, in fact, dying. And Rarity, you think, lets out a sigh of relief as she sees you are not offended by any of this.

But how could you be offended? This little exchange of them was hilarious to you!

"Pfff, dear heavens. It was very kind of you to bring her over, Rarity. And please, join us Applejack. Can I interest you in some tea?" you say, as you tiredly wave for the two mares to settle down.

Poor Rarity still looks like she is walking on eggshells, but you do your best to smooth that over. Because really, why would she think you'd be offended by something as small as that? She couldn't possibly deify you that much to the point that she thought you'd get angry if she told somepony you looked sickly… right?

"Now, I won't take a no for answer. I don't know what kind of tea you like, but finding out is half the fun! And also, please, lose the black clothes. They don't look comfortable, and they definitely don't go well with your coat. Don't you think so, Rarity?" you say, trying to steer the conversation towards something they would be more willing to talk about.

Thankfully, Rarity realizes your intention. And a few minutes later, Applejack has a teacup on her hoofs, no black clothes on her body, and is leg-deep in a conversation about what kinds of clothes would suit her best.

Which is to say that Applejack is very much outside of her element.

But still, watching her talk to Rarity and Fluttershy so peacefully does put you in a good mood. You only have enough energy to chime in every now and then, but there is something about Applejack that just makes you feel a little more… motivated? Invigorated? Healthy?

You don't know the exact word, but you do appreciate Rarity for bringing her friend over.

And who knows, this might be an opportunity for you to get to know her better! Well, better than just as "the older sister of your daughter's friend". You definitely wouldn't mind having less ponies forming the link between the two of you.

So, you take another sip of your tea, slowly put it down on the saucer, and look up at the three mares as you…



[Rolling]



… as you… what?

Wait, where did they go?

This isn't the tearoom, what they hay just…?

"W-ha…?" you say, your voice coming out in a droning moan.

Everything around you feels soft, and it takes you several seconds to realize you are lying on your side.

Are you on Stormchaser's bed?

"Oh, I am terribly sorry my Lady," a maid, you can't remember her name, says as she gives you a deep bow. "I didn't mean to wake you up."

You look around you as you try to get your bearings, because…

How did you get here? When did you leave the tearoom? And where in Equestria is Rarity? Or Fluttershy and Applejack?

"Whazzut… happen…?" you try to voice your questions, but the only thing you manage to say is a sorry and slurred mixture of words.

Still, the maid, you think her name is Tip Top, somehow manages to understand what you mean by that.

"You fell asleep, my Lady. Don't you remember? One of your guests called for us, a few hours ago, because you nodded off on your chair. They left shortly after we brought you here. Shall I call your husband?" she helpfully says.

And you… you can only… curse, because…

Hay damnit!

Spoiler: Roll and breakpoints

[Friendly fraternization with a fellow farmer, breakpoints 50/80/100]

[Roll: 26 + 11 (Diplomacy) + 5 (Beautiful) = 42]

[Hilarious]


Breakpoints:
50 – "Applejack, can I ask you for a small favor?"
80 – "Applejack, can I ask you for a big favor?"
100 – "Did you hear about Fluttershy's BOYFRIEND?"

You have furthered your friendship with Applejack, after a social visit from her. And you think the two of you are just a chat away from becoming closer. But alas, that chat will have to happen another time. Preferably while you are awake.



- - -



Several days later, just as the month is about to end, one of your maids brings to your attention a rather unusual request.

Under normal circumstances, they would have taken this for your husband to decide. After all, your family has decided, and you quietly conceded, that you were not supposed to do anything "serious" until you were better. And between Stormchaser's insistence, Selene's frown, Softy's concern, and Silky's frightened expression, there was nothing you could do. Meaning that, with the exception of Shining Armor's weekly reports, you weren't entertaining any official or "important" guests.

However, the request that came to you was from nopony other than Mayor Mare herself. And for all that, on one hoof, she is the mayor of Ponyville… she is also somepony who you have met in the past, for more innocent reasons.

So, your maids brought to you a request for her to visit you, you accepted, and here you are now.

"Thank you for seeing me, Lady Velvet. And of course, I hope you are making a speedy recovery following that dreadful incident."

You nod to her, as you light up your horn to close the door behind her.

You have read the newspapers, and you kept tabs on how the Bureau carefully reported your "incident", as Mayor Mare called it. And true to her wording, the whole story was practically downgraded to a burglary gone wrong. Some newspapers barely reported that you got hurt, and instead claimed you reclused yourself to your home out of concern for yourself or your family.

You are sure that ponies who are savvy enough about these deals, be them cutthroats or politicians, will be able to read between the lines, and know what really happened. But as far as Mayor Mare, the leader of a small and peaceful community, is concerned, you "only" had a brush with a terrible crime.

And to be honest, that story suits you just fine. Your youngest daughter was already scared enough about this whole affair, as things stand, so you don't want to fan these flames any more than they already were.

You definitely do not want your family to live in a town gripped by sensationalist panic, and you are more than glad to learn that this entire affair is bleeding to death in a ditch where it belongs.

You take a deep, calming breath as you sit down, forcing yourself to control your anger at this whole affair. Now is not the time to be angry at Copper Secateur. Instead, now is the time to speak to Mayor Mare, and se whatever this is about.

"Not at all, Mayor. And thank you for your well-wishes. So, what can I help you with?" you ask.

It would be delightful if this was just a social call, and you would love for her to tell you that she just wants to touch base. See how you are doing, chat about this and that.

But alas, you know that Mayor Mare is a busy pony. And you can already tell from her expression that, agreeable and pleasant as she might be, she did not come here to exercise her social skills.

Instead, you watch as she purses her lips for a second, before she…



[Rolling]



"I still remember the last time we talked about… well, about Ponyville. And just like you suggested, and a lot of ponies agreed, we have kept our gates open for newcomers," she says that, and you can see a few complicated things flash through her eyes.

You don't see any regret on her face, thankfully. But you can tell that she is giving you a very short summary, of what must have been some very long months, filled with novel and complicated problems.

"I don't have the exact numbers. But I don't think it would be wrong to say that at least one family has moved to Ponyville every day, on average. And we… well, Ponyville is growing, there is no way around that."

You give her a slow, thoughtful nod. Because sure enough, you can tell that there are more ponies around. Every time you made your way to and from the train station, or every time your daughters told you about some new foal in their classroom, you could see the signs that something like that was happening.

However, you also realize you have not been intimately involved with Ponyville as a town. So, you are sure that there is a lot of information you are missing here.

"Of course, on one hoof, they are ponies just like all of us. We won't turn them away, and we definitely won't treat them any different than we would our own. However… well, a few ponies came to me, these last few weeks, and they said we should discuss what direction Ponyville should. That is, before the newcomers begin to outnumber the locals."

She says that very carefully. Trying her best to sound as neutral and cordial as possible.

But ultimately, you understand what she means.

"We will have a big town hall meeting, in a few days. In fact, we renovated the town hall precisely for this. And we will gather as many ponies as we can, so we can have a very open and important discussion," she says. "I would love it if you could be there, of course. But if you can't… well, more than one pony asked me what you think about all this."

Mayor Mare, the de-facto leader of Ponyville, says that.

And then she asks you what direction you think Ponyville should take, as it grows towards the future.

Spoiler: Roll and breakpoints

As a reminder, Mayor Mare already asked for your council before, given your high standing with Ponyville due to your actions following the "changeling" kidnapping.

And on that occasion, you told her that:
[X] Earth ponies built Equestria. They invented the farming communities that colonized the land. And then they invented concrete when they decided they needed the proper soil in which they could plant buildings. Ponyville will always be an earth pony town, but it is time for it to embrace its future form. (Ponyville will begin to grow quickly, and many more ponies will benefit from it.)

So, now:

[Let's talk about the future, breakpoints 60/100]

[Roll: 44 +11 (Stewardship) + 10 (Mare Administrator) = 65]

[First breakpoint reached]

Breakpoints:
-60: Your thoughts on Ponyville's future?
-100: "It was delightful to meet you, Velvet! I hope we can speak again."

[What vision will the denizens of Ponyville agree upon, for their future as a community?]



[] Break the ground, plant the foundations, call the merchants. It is time for Ponyville to feel the kiss of commerce.
-Mayor Mare will endeavor for Ponyville to grow into a "large city".
-It might take years, but the end goal will be for Ponyville to rival Manehattan in size, commerce and (inevitably) corruption.


[] Equestria is changing. Evolving. Growing, even. Why not make Ponyville the poster foal of this change?
-Mayor Mare will endeavor to "revolutionize" Ponyville. Education, progress, science. You know, better than most, that ponykind's innovators have been whipped into a frenzy, and this is where they will gather.
-It might take years, but the end goal will be for Ponyville to become the "brain" of Equestria. The fertile soil from which the genius of Eclipse might pick their successors.


[] There will always be more ponies. The earth pony city of Ponyville will be the beating heart that will keep Equestria moving.
-Mayor Mare will endeavor to make Ponyville the "breadbasket" of Equestria.
-Ponyville is uniquely situated in Equestria, occupying the great central plains of the country, while also being a stone throw away from Canterlot. Time to expand the as-of-yet tame farmlands of Ponyville into their full potential.


[] Ponyville has more than its fair share of diamonds, forests, and metals. It is past time ponykind starts to benefit from them.
-Mayor Mare will work hard to reap the bounties of Ponyville for the benefit of ponykind. Cut the forests, dig into the mines, and drink from the rivers.
-Ponyville is uniquely situated in Equestria, occupying the great central plains of the country, while also being a stone throw away from Canterlot. Time to tap these lush resources, even if it costs the land itself dearly.


[] Equestria must grow to satisfy the needs of a growing Equestria, and Ponyville will provide.
-Mayor Mare will endeavor to "industrialize" Ponyville. Factories, train tracks, smoke. Ponyville will offer its vast tracts of unspoiled land to anypony who is willing to work for the betterment of ponykind.
-It might take years, but the end goal will be for Ponyville to become the first (and maybe even the larges) industrial pole of Equestria.


You did not reach the second breakpoint, so you were not able to fully advance your relationship with Mayor Mare. But still, you two grew a little closer. Even if that bond is based more on respect than proper pony friendship.


Voting is open. This is something that is so long-term, the planting of seeds and steering of a ship, that you should basically vote for what you want. No mechanical changes will arise from this for a while, if at all. And to be very clear, there is no "right" option, and there is no option that won't bring good and bad things with it. This is a broad stroke on the canvas, not a mane-pulling decision about an ongoing crisis.

From here to the end of the turn is just the several reports from your followers. And those are usually a lot shorter than a proper Velvet point-of-view update.

I intend to reach the end of this turn, and the beginning of the Follower's Phase voting, before the end of the weekend, but it will truly depend on how quickly I can make it.

So, again, no moratorium. Approval voting, so vote for as many options as you want, and the single most picked option will win.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

On the night sky above the Velvet estate, two ponies are lying on a soft cloud.

The sea of thunderclouds that was covering the estate is now gone. Poofed away by the order of the pony it was created to protect, much to the stress of her guards. But still, on this calm and slightly-warm night, there is nothing between the ground and the starry sky, save for that one fluffy cloud.

And on that cloud, the two ponies are sharing the quiet comfort that exists between ponies who deeply care for each other.

Although, every now and then, they still share their thoughts with each other. If only because they know they can voice them without any judgment.

"I'm still mad mom had the thunderclouds removed," Selene says.

The only answer she receives is the slightest chuckle, a mixture of an agreement and a consolation. But still, that is the only answer her father gives her.

"I'm serious, dad," she says, although she doesn't really mean it. "I can't even be sure the guards are doing their job, and now I also have to worry about the whole sky?"

Selene says that. And then, not for the first time, she rolls to her side until she is on the edge of the cloud. Looking down towards the estate, and searching for the hard-to-spot armored guards that are supposed to be on patrol.

"Careful not to fall down, dear," Stormchaser says, reaching with a hoof to hold the filly so she doesn't accidentally trip from the cloud.

Of course, that movement is completely unnecessary. After all, Selene might have the appearance of a wingless filly, but she doesn't need her enchanted horseshoes to stand on a cloud. In truth, the cloud under her hoofs is as good as solid ground for her, given her nature, and she isn't a young filly who might trip forward if a strong wind was to batter them.

But still, Stormchaser can't help but care. In fact, he doesn't even notice he reached out to steady her and keep her safe. And for the filly herself, the movement was so familiar that she didn't notice it either.

Just another one of the invisible links that tie them together.

"Hmpf," the filly says, walking back towards her father and once again lying down on his side.

The two of them are currently lying down belly-up, looking at the starry sky as if the cloud was a great and soft bed. Although, even though an untrained eye might not notice it, the sky is a little more brilliant than usual.

The difference is not what one might call lavish. It is not as if somepony had slipped and fallen, while carrying a jewel box, causing the night sky to be filled with gems. But still, for what might be the first time in oh so long, the stars appear to have a few new sisters in their midst.

"So, how is it going?" the father asks, as a puff of wind slightly pushes the cloud this and that way. Making it sway, ever so gently, like a boat on a calm lake.

"I think… I think I am getting the hang of it," Selene answers.

She says that, and then she takes a deep breath. Although this time, her expression doesn't become one of focus.

Instead, she looks abundantly calm.

"I think the trick is not to force it," she says to her father, or maybe to herself. "Because this whole time I… it was like I was trying to drag them out? As if they were stuck, and I would get it done if I pushed a little harder?"

She narrows her eyes. No, she closes them. Taking another deep breath as she does. She doesn't have a horn upon her head, to light up with magic, and she looks like nothing but a filly. But still, moments later, another faint star appears on the firmament.

And when Selene opens her eyes to see the result of her work, she has a satisfied smile on her face.

"Ah, great job," Stormchaser says, his voice filled with honest pride.

"It's actually very easy, dad," she answers, "I could teach you how to do it, if you want."

The two of them share a few moments of quiet laughter.

And for a while, all is at peace as they look up to the night sky.

That is, until a thought occurs to the filly, and she begins to talk about something.

This is not something worrying. This is not a confession, although it might sound like one. And this is not something she needs to share with anypony.

But still, as she lies on the soft cloud next to her father, she can't help but feel like she can talk about this. Not because it will take a weight off her chest, but precisely because she is in a place, and with a pony, with whom she can share something as personal as this.

So, as she looks up towards her night sky, she can't help but share that little secret that she keeps in her heart.

"Dad, can I tell you a story? Something that happened a while ago?"

"Sure."

"I… I was with Silky, in my room. It was already late at night, and I could see she was about to fall asleep. She does this thing where she likes to rest on my flank while I'm larger. She says she likes my cutie mark and… and are you laughing?"

"I'm not laughing, I'm smiling. Because the image you are describing is adorable. But go on."

"Fine… but the thing is, she was almost asleep, but I was telling her about… well, about something that I couldn't get out of my mind. Something… not good. Something bad, even."

"…"

"Because I still can't quite remember my life, the one I had before I was locked away. I can't remember the details, no matter how hard I try. But I can still see how that… affected ponies. How it affected ponykind, even. To be without another Princess for a thousand years."

"Selene, dear, I… can't really imagine what your thoughts are, on this. But I think we turned out fine?"

"Yes, of course you did. But the thing is… or rather, this is what I couldn't get out of my head. I couldn't stop thinking about how things could be better, if I didn't screw up back then. Because for a thousand years, ponykind only had my sister. For a thousand years, there were monsters and dangers left unchecked. For… for a thousand years, you couldn't even sleep well, because I wasn't there to stop your nightmares and…"

"Nightmares aren't that common, dear…" the father says, only to regret it as he sees his daughter frown at him. "But I get what you are saying."

"So, I was telling Silky about that. About my fears… and regrets. Or maybe, I was just talking to myself. I mean, she was already half-asleep. And for all that Silky is very bright, I wasn't really expecting her to be a conversational partner about something that deep."

"You would be surprised," Stormchaser replies.

To which Selene can't help but laugh.

"But that's where I was getting, dad. I was surprised. Because you know what happened? You know what happened while I poured my heart out, to my little sister who was barely awake and lying on my flank? She… she said something. Three words. Barely louder than a mumble or a whisper."

She says that, and she can't help but smile as she recalls that night.

"She just said three words. I forgive you."

And Stormchaser can't help but raise an eyebrow at that.

"And you know what? I… I believed her. Then and there. Because the more I thought about it, the more I thought ponykind resented me. I know you and mom care about me and all, but I really thought ponykind as a whole hated me, for going away. But for some reason…"

She says that as she raises one of her forelegs, as if she could reach out and touch the night sky.

"For some reason, hearing a sleepy foal say those three words… Not because it was Silky, and not because I know she cares about me. But to hear a pony so young, say something so simple… while she was nearly asleep, to the point that she couldn't help but be honest? She wasn't an old judge, with a whole life of experiences and resentments on her back. She wasn't even awake. At that moment she was, down to her core, the purest and most honest expression of what a pony honestly thought… And she chose to forgive me."

Selene says that, and then she lightly taps her hoof against the air, as if she is softly knocking at a door.

And as she does that, a new star appears on the night sky.

"It felt like ponykind had forgiven me. It felt like they had chosen Silky as their representative, and she gave me their collective message. And I…"

She trails off for a few moments, and Stormchaser puts a foreleg around her, pulling her slightly towards him, as yet another breeze rocks the floating cloud.

"I was thinking about doing something stupid, before that night. I couldn't stop thinking that maybe… maybe I should be punished. Maybe I should punish myself. Because ponykind had to put up with nightmares for so long, while I was away. So wouldn't it be right for me to have nightmares as well? Didn't I… didn't I deserve to suffer?" she says.

And as he hears that, Stormchaser gives her daughter a sidelong glance, concern written on his face.

But his concern quickly fades away, as he looks at Selene's own peaceful expression. That alone tells him everything he needs to know.

"Well, I'm glad your sister got through to you," he says. "She does have a way with words, doesn't she?"

"Yeah… yes she does. And more than just that, I think she… I think she taught me something. The way I felt, after Silky told me that, it's still with me. I think I can share it with other ponies, even. I think I…"

Her words trail off. But in truth, her father understands what she is trying to say, so no further words are needed.

After that, the two of them stay there for a while. Until the moon finally reaches the top of the sky, and begins its descent towards the west horizon.

And not a single bad thing happens on that night.





Selene has completed her training, to the extent that she can train on her own. Her character sheet has been updated.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan They Have A Winter Name
-[X][BUREAU] You will assault Copper BEFORE the Bureau picks her trail.
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Biedde (as planner). Daughter of Axes, Mareinette, Baldomare, Selene
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Edge 3 artifact, SH 3 artifact, Heart 3 artifact, Winter 1 artifact, 1 Wrong Key (due to expire at end of turn)
--[X] What is their objective? (WRITE IN what your followers must do, in order of PRIORITY)
---[X] Neutralize Copper.
---[X] Neutralize Neighnia.
---[X] Remove any evidence tying us to the cult.
---[X] Loot their library, artifacts, bits, and so forth, should time allow.
--[X] Anything else? (WRITE IN any other orders or specifications you have)
---[X] Minimize non-Cult casualties.
---[X] Leave as little trace or tracks as possible.
--[X] Who is going? (WRITE IN which followers will go)
---[X] Rarity (as planner)
---[X] Daughter of Axes
--[X] What are they taking? (WRITE IN what artifacts, if any, to take)
---[X] Heart 3 artifact
---[X] SH 3 artifact
---[X] Winter 1 artifact
-[X] You are wounded! (You currently have 2 wounds. You must pick one of each option.)
--[X] Take a few breaks, every now and then. (Costs 1 action. Rolls TWO dice. 0/-15)
--[X] There is no holy grail for healing magic, no miraculous wound-closing spell. But vigor-enhancing spells, and other small boosts, are a thing. The crystals where they are stored for sale are expensive, though… (Costs 60 bits. Two dice will auto-succeed)
-[X][STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about…
--[X] How Silky has been shaken up by the attempt on your life, and how she might be comforted by her beloved uncle's presence.
-[X][SOCIAL] You don't have it in you to teach anypony of the Lores. But you can make a social call to… (WRITE IN) (IF CHOSEN, will give you a -15 to your healing roll, free action)
--[X] Mayor Mare
--[X] Cheerilee
--[X] Applejack

[X] Plan Time's Up - Rarity Searching
-[X] (Detectives) Investigate the Commissioner's attackers
-[X] (Constables) Guard the Commissioner
-[X] (Selene) Winter Realization
-[X] (Selene) Guard us and our home
-[X] (Mareinette) Honored Guest: Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich
-[X] (DoA) Wrong Keys
-[X] (Fluttershy) Ask Comet to lead an expedition: A Grave on a Hill
-[X] (Baldomare-Free) Give her the Level 6 book if the expedition is successful, otherwise give her the Knock 5 book
-[X] Perform the Reflection of the Tapestry
--[X] Target: Copper and her cult. Their location, their resources, their defenses, anything and everything about them
--[X] To be performed on an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
-[X] Assault an opponent (Copper Secateur)
-[X] Search Canterlot for the Outsider (x 3)

[X] A tighter security detail, at all times.

Mareinette has left a bag at the base of your bed, for you to find when you woke up. That bag had a small pile of bits in it, as well as a splotch of blood. A note, tied to the bag, had the words "Willingly Given" written on it. You are not sure what the note was referring to. You are not sure which alternative is the worst.

100 bits have been added to your inventory.

During the follower's phase of Turn 21, you will have five additional "servant actions" at your disposal.

60 bits have been removed from your inventory.

You have recovered two points of health, and are no longer Dancing With Death.



- - -



You are Velvet Covers.

And for the first time in a very, very long time, you feel fine.

More than just that, you feel great!

For the last several days, you were able to walk around more, you were able to see more ponies, and you even managed to go through a whole day with only one nap, right after lunch.

Tomorrow, you will walk your daughters to school. Which is both a great way to convince your family to let you leave the house, as well as an opportunity to take a look around Ponyville together with Softy and Stormchaser, after having a pre-class chat with Cheerilee.

But for now, you will accept your existence in this "limbo" of sorts. Because you are well enough to have a normal day within the controlled environment that is your home, but you still agree with your husband that you don't have enough energy to go back to your usual routine.

Still, if everything goes well, you will be able to go back to the Bureau next week, and return to work. Hopefully, this week will be the last one poor Shining has to come all the way here just to give you a report. Although you did hear he has been staying for a few hours more, after speaking to you. You wonder what he has been doing during that time…

"Well, I'm sure it's either something important, or none of my business," you say to yourself. "Or maybe it's both. Shining is already a grown stallion, after all."

With that in mind, you sit down in your "hobby room", which is still a sorry work in progress, and you try to catch up to a few things you have understandably neglected these last few weeks.

Although, as you look at the intimidating pile of letters you will have to read through, you can't help but diverge your attention to other matters.

Yes, you will definitely go through your mail later. And you certainly won't push it off for Softy to read for you.

Definitely.

Certainly.

…

Hopefully.

Well, time to see what everypony else has been up to.



- - -

Spoiler: The Grave on the Hill

[Expedition: The Grave on the Hill]

[Participants: Rarity, Daughter-of-Axes]

[Artifacts taken: Heart 3, SH 3, Winter 1]



"My fair Lady Velvet Covers, here I shall inscribe the memoirs of this great adventure I have undertaken in your behalf. Do not be alarmed, my beloved! I have no intention of failing you, and you will find me more than sufficiently equipped for whatever dangers might lie ahead."


[Day 1 – Finding the grave, cd 80]

[Roll: 68 45 + 50 (Expedition bonus) + 30 (Knock total 6) = 148]

[Success]


"Reaching this place was dreadful. And the company only made it worse. That unsightly Axe mare just up and said that 'We should get off about now' during our train ride… WHILE THE TRAIN WAS STILL MOVING. And then we had to walk for more than half a day to reach this uninhabitable place. How I longed to have your company here, instead of hers, where not a pony can be seen all the way to the horizon. But ultimately, she confidently declared that a certain hill was the one we had been looking for. So this is where our work will happen."


[Day 2 – Reaching the grave, cd 90]

[Roll: 36 + 50 (Expedition bonus) + 15 (Heart total 3) = 101]

[Success]


"The work was thankless, and almost backbreaking. Never before had I ever felt the difference between an earth pony and my own unicorn self. We toiled for hours with the digging tools we had. But again and again, my magic failed me out of exhaustion, then my body, then my magic again. How I wish you were here, so we could both sweat under the sun together. So I could watch your coat glistening with the heat, as not even the dirt managed to sully your beauty. So that we could, once we reached the cool and covered destination that we had been looking for, finally-"
"We reached the place."
"And by Celestia, how did I write ten PAGES of this? I will never pick up a pen again."


[Expedition successfully completed]

Spoiler: Results

[The Grave on the Hill, results]

"Darling, you wouldn't believe how HORRID my work conditions were. That snakemare wouldn't stop cursing at me, and all I asked was why she couldn't open a path for us! I mean, isn't she good at opening things? Still, the grave itself was… old. Ancient, even. I don't know much about architecture, but even I could tell that… You know that feeling you have, that you just know a certain kind of fashion is old just by looking at it? Well, we found what were looking for, carved on the walls… Axe said she recognized it, and that it was a story of sorts. We copied the writings on the walls with clay tablets, and we brought them back. We broke the originals, mind you. Axe said that… the dead wouldn't mind. And that it would be safer, that way."


-Gained one book (Edge, Level 6. Requires deciphering. Progress 0/160. From Two Eras Ago, "-40" to deciphering rolls.)

When you asked her for more details, she sounded unusually evasive. You think she mentioned having written something, perhaps a diary of sorts, while on the expedition. But she almost immediately said she shredded it into pieces, and then burned it, after re-reading what she had penned.

A pity, you think. But ultimately, you are sure she would have told you if something truly relevant had happened.

Twenty bits have been removed from your inventory for this expedition.



- - -



There is a house, in Ponyville, that is larger than the others. In fact, it is the largest house that exists within the confines of the growing town. A house so big that it could even be described as a mansion.

However, nopony in Ponyville really thinks of that place as a mansion. For two reasons.

The first reason is that, by this point, most ponies in Ponyville have already seen what a "true" mansion looks like. Several ponies have already, at one point or the other, visited the Velvet estate, outside of town and to the east. And that, they all agree, must be what a real mansion looks like.

And second, because everypony knows that house isn't a "true" noble household. It is a very large house, yes, but it was built and maintained by bits rather than birthrights. And for all that the nobility of Equestria is a fading breed of sorts, everypony alive was still born and raised in a world where that difference matters.

But still, even though that manor-like house does not belong to a noble, today it is entertaining a noble visitor, of sorts.

She may not be noble in blood. Or at least, not a noble by Princess Celestia's grace. But she is still noble in bearing, and noble in breeding, and perhaps even noble in older and greater ways.

Still regardless of what one might think about that visitor, it would be impossible to treat her as anything but an honored guest.

"Oh, my Lady, it is so delightful to have you here today. You truly honor us!"

Spoiled Rich says that, her words coated with adoration and interest, as she entertains the latest (and perhaps most important) guest of her household.

Because truly, this is the opportunity she had been waiting for. The opportunity she always knew that she deserved. Ever since her daughter became best friends with Lady Velvet's filly, she had been trying to ingratiate herself with the noblemare. But time and again, for reasons none of which were her fault, she was frustrated again and again.

But to think that the Lady would come here? Right after she suffered the most dreadful of accidents against her health? Just to speak to Spoiled herself?

On one hoof, this was the most pleasant of surprises. But on the other hoof, this is only natural!

After all, Spoiled knows this well, precious things are attracted to precious things. And the same way a diamond necklace would become uglier if a lesser gem was added to it, so to does it make sense for high-society ponies to prefer each other's company.

It is the reason why her daughter became friends with such high-pedigree fillies. And it is obviously the reason why the Lady, who has gained the favor of alicorns, is now bringing Spoiled into her own grace.

"Still, is there anything else you want? My house, humble as it is, is your house, my Lady."

Still, despite her correct view of the world, Spoiled herself also understands her own position. She realizes that, the same way the Lady is beneath the alicorns who elevated her, that the Lady herself is above her.

So, it is only natural for her to make her dear visitor as comfortable as possible.

"M-mom… I d-don't like… please…" Diamond Tiara, her foolish daughter, speaks out of turn.

"Hush, Diamond. Our visitor asked for you to be here, so you will be a good little filly and you will stay quiet."

Still, by the life of her, Spoiled Rich cannot understand why her daughter is so uncomfortable.

Because just a few minutes into her visit, the Lady asked if she could see Spoiled Rich's daughter. So, of course she complied. And in her matronly kindness, the Lady is currently sitting in the best seat of the house, with her little Diamond Tiara neatly within the embrace of her forelegs.

And that, Spoiled knows, is a show of favor even greater than the one the Lady is extending to her!

So, no matter how hard she tries to understand, she cannot comprehend why her daughter is shivering. And she better not start crying again!

"I am so sorry for my daughter, my Lady. But as you were saying, how are things going in fair Canterlot?" she asks the Lady.

And, magnanimous as ever, her visitor gives her a regal nod, saying that all is well.



"[GRAIL]!"



Truly, Spoiled Rich is being blessed by this visit.

Although, she can't help but suppress a frown as her fool of a husband finally comes back into the living room.

And what is more, Spoiled Rich almost bristles as Filthy Rich makes to approach their guest.

"Excuse me, I am… very sorry, my Lady. But please, could I at least, you know…" he says, motioning towards the towel he is carrying on his hoof.

And sure enough, the magnanimous lady allows him to nearly touch her, as he moves to cover their daughter with the towel.

But why… how dare he do that, even?

If the Lady has chosen to drool over their daughter, as she keeps her between her forelegs, isn't that yet another show of favor towards their little Diamond?

This is just yet another thing her husband simply doesn't understand. But still, it makes her so… so…!

"[GRAIL]."

Still, just like always, the Lady deftly moves the conversation in another direction, and Spoiled Rich finds herself smiling once again.

And what is more, she is so enchanted by the ideas inside her head, that she doesn't even realize what is really happening.

In fact, nopony realizes it. Not herself, not her husband, and not even her quivering daughter.

Because yes, they are being visited by their fair Lady, but… what was her name again? Who is it again that is visiting them? What pony will they think about, whenever they remember this impossibly pleasant afternoon?

Lady…

Lady.

Lady!

Yes, of course.

Whenever they think back to this day, they will only remember what was good about it. They will only remember what was pleasant. And as the fair Lady inflates their hopes, and string them along in their dreams, they will only be able to think back to the visit itself, and will barely remember the visitor at all.

Whatever good things that happen, they will attribute it to that Lady. Of course, that being "Lady" Velvet Covers. Because what other Lady have they ever met in their lives?

And whatever bad things happen that day, they… won't really think about it. In fact, they might not even remember it at all!

Because this was such a pleasant visit that it feels more like a dream than a waking day. It is the pleasant memory of an evening spent drinking, with no following hangover to mar it. It is a blur of laughs, and mirth, and pleasant sensations that are easy to feel, but hard to truly recollect.

It is, in the end, just a visit, from an Honored Guest.

And by the end of that day, everypony feels a little better about themselves.


"What… dear Celestia, Diamond. What did you do? Go take a shower at once! No daughter of mine is going to look like… like THAT!"


Well, almost everypony.



During your visit to the Rich household, you noticed something. You realized there is a noticeable tension between the husband and the wife. You saw there is a crack between the mother and the father.

And more importantly, you had a few moments alone with Spoiled Rich herself. A small window of opportunity, where you had her full and adoring attention, during which you could say a few choice words that would impact her deeply.

What did you tell her?


[-] You told her that relationships are a commitment. And that even if she is going through a rough spot right now, that she should double down and make amends with he pony she swore to love.
-You will become Acquaintances with Spoiled Rich.
-You will encourage her to fix whatever problems she has with her husband. And she will listen to you, even if she needs a few nudges (or maybe some help) here and there.
-You would like her to become her best self. And perhaps, the two of you will grow closer as she reaches for that.
-This is, without a doubt, the healthiest option for everypony involved, in the long term.


[-] You told her that relationships are a pleasure… and an investment. And that she should not squander all the years she invested in her marriage over whatever growing problems they are currently going through.
-You will become Friends with Spoiled rich.
-You will encourage her to maintain her relationship with her husband. She might not love him anymore, but they need not hate each other. And besides, she has a daughter to raise.
-You will slowly, but surely, carve her into a sycophant. She will listen to your every word, eventually, but reaching that point will require a certain degree of care. (Spoiled Rich will more easily become a "Confidante", but will not provide any action points unless she becomes a Minion).
-This is, without a doubt, the most manipulative option.


[-] You told her that her relationships are holding her back. She can't expect to climb the social ladder with weights dragging her down, can she?
-You will become Close Friends with Spoiled Rich.
-You will encourage her to look after herself, first and foremost. And your words will be more than enough to turn whatever ideas she has in her mind into actions.
-Her relationship with her husband will deteriorate, very quickly, and you can predict you will be asked to pick a side when it inevitably falls apart. You will "play both sides" until that happens, but you should act on whatever plans you have for them before you are asked which pony you will stand with.
-This is, without a doubt, the worst option for everypony involved. Everypony, except yourself.


[Mareinette invokes "OLD INTELLIGENCE"]


Option picked:
[X] You told her that relationships are a pleasure… and an investment. And that she should not squander all the years she invested in her marriage over whatever growing problems they are currently going through.





You are now Friends with Spoiled Rich. She will be treated, narratively and mechanically, like any other regular contact. But she will not provide you with any action points unless she becomes a Minion.

You were so pleasant, and so smooth, that even your divided attention was more than enough to fill the cup of their needs. You are now Close Friends with Filthy Rich.



- - -



It is very rare for Baldomare to come to you.

Usually, you are the one hounding her. Asking her questions that she refuses to answer, or looking for the Lantern-mare for some rare non-eldritch reason. So, given your recent predicament, it is fair to say you haven't seen her much this past month. You didn't really have the energy to hound other ponies, while you were nearly dead, and the Name did not have any reason to look for you either.

However, every now and then, she reaches out to you. This kind of thing happens infrequently. Often enough for you to say it is not "rare", but not often enough for you to say it is something you are used to.

Still, as Baldomare sits opposite to you on the garden, under the shade of a parasol, you can't help but perk up your ears in interest as the she prepares herself a cup of tea.

"I just came back from Canterlot," she says without looking up from her cup, "and I think I found what we… what you are looking for."

She says that, with words that are vague enough for the nearby servants to disregard, but with a level of confidence that immediately grabs your full attention.

In fact, you can even feel your back hurt a little bit, as your body unconsciously straightens itself on your seat.

However, for all that you would like her to tell you everything as quickly as possible, you are also acutely aware of the gardener who is tending the nearby flowers. And of the nearby maid who is waiting on you. So, you bite down your tongue and hold back the several questions that are boiling inside your mind.

And if the Name of Lantern can have a subtle conversation about an important topic, you are sure that you can also keep your excitement in check.

"That is great news, Baldomare," you say, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Did you have a pleasant trip?"

Baldomare answers you with a nod, but it is the dismissive nod of a noblemare who thinks her trip was only pleasant "enough". Not great, not terrible, but pleasant enough to not call it a waste.

"The train was terribly shaky," she says. "I hope they make some improvements on the Ponyville-Canterlot line, if this town really starts growing. But the capital itself was nice enough. There were a few issues here and there, though."

You let out a low hum, for her to continue, and you patiently wait as she sips from her tea.

"For starters, the place was dreadfully crowded. But thankfully, the entourage you lent me managed to do more than just carry my luggage. So thank you for that, Lady Velvet."

She mentions a few names, of the two maids you sent with her, as well as the several ponyservants you put at her disposal. And she even tells you how she encouraged them to "take some time off" and "visit some museums" while she didn't have need for them. As long as they promised to bring her back pictures of the current displays.

"I was planning to visit several places, you see. But the pictures and the stories from your servants helped me cross a few places off my list."

"I am glad you agreed with their company, Baldomare. But you mentioned there were some… issues?"

"Yes, yes. The colt you asked to come with me? As a bodyguard?" she says, idly mentioning Comet Feet. "Well, we happened to be visiting the Royal Zoo, one day, and… let's just say that manticores seem to have a particular dislike of him. One of them even managed to break free out of its cage, mind you."

Your breath gets stuck in your throat as she so casually tells you… well, that. But the mare herself seems entirely undisturbed as she continues.

"But he's a strong colt. He will live. And he could have been quite the hero, even, given how he managed to wrestle the thing down. But unfortunately, he made his leave before anypony could talk to him, let alone before any reporters arrived at the scene. The problems of having a dark past, I suppose. He isn't the kind of colt who would like to have his picture on the papers."

You have several questions. Most of them involve the details she seems to be glossing over. And quite a few of them are queries of how angry Fluttershy will be at you.

But ultimately, Baldomare is so nonchalant about all this that you assume no permanent issues will arise from this.

Eh, what the hay. Given how lovestruck Fluttershy is, the idea of Comet getting hurt will only make her situation more dramatic and…

… and what kind of friend are you, if the first thing you think is that? Good heavens, you must be spending too much time with Rarity, and not enough time with Jade.

"But ultimately, I noticed something very… peculiar," Baldomare continues, and you immediately push away your stray thoughts as you once again focus on her words. "A place that is nearby, but also far away. A place that is old, but that has been touched by something younger. A place… that a very important pony took great pains to erase from a lot of maps."

She tells you that.

And then, she explains to you where you can find a bound and chained Outsider.

Spoiler: Rolls

[The Search, progress 0/200]

[Baldomare's Roll: 51 73 + 50 (Baldomare, searching) + 30 (Secret Histories 6) = 153]

[Comet's Roll: 1 + 10 (Intrigue) = 11]

[CRITICAL FAILURE, rolling malus… Comet Feet suffers 2 wounds]

[Servant's Roll: 79 + 10 (Velvet's unmodified intrigue) = 89]

[Total progress: 153 + 11 + 89 = 253]

[Success]

When she is done speaking, you can barely hold your teacup anymore. Even when you try to pick it up with your horn, the cup seems to shake and tremble in your grasp.

You can barely contain your excitement.

Because this… this is it.

This is the next step, for you to reach the very top of the Mansus.

This is the way towards GL-



"Mooooooom!!!"



-but suddenly, the entirety of your Glory-seeking and ambition-driven flame is snuffed out, like a candle on the wind, as you hear Silky Stream's voice coming from nearby.

"Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mooom!!!"

You blink once, twice, and you shake your head in confusion as you hear something you haven't heard in a very long time.

Because you are currently in the garden, and it is almost midday, so your daughters should be returning from school just about now. Well, given that you can hear Silky, you figure they quite literally just returned from school.

But more importantly, a smile comes to your face as you realize that Silky is… excited. She sounds happy.

And that is something you haven't heard in several weeks. A period of time that, as far as you are concerned, is way too long.

So, you immediately look towards the front gate, and sure enough there they are.

You can see Silky Stream, hopping in place as she walks towards you. Next to her is Selene, who also seems to have a complicated smile on her face. Right behind them is Soft Sweeps, who went to pick them up. And next to Softy is…

"Wha-… uncle Steppes?" you say out loud, as you get up from your seat.

"It's uncle Steppes! Uncle Steppes is here! He came to pick us up at school!!!" Silky says, speaking so quickly that she almost trips on her own words.

And you can't help but mirror your daughter's expression as you make your way towards them.

"Uncle Steppes! I am so glad you are here!"

"Of course I am, kiddo. I got your letter, and how could I say no to an invitation like that?" he says, moving to give you a heartfelt hug. "And what's this happy business about Selene calling you mom? She let that slip out, while we were on our way here. You gotta tell me your secret, kiddo," your uncle whispers in your ear during his hug.

However, he definitely "whispered" that loud enough for everypony else to hear, and you can only watch as Selene's complicated smile turns into a full blush.

"Ah, and is that Baldomare? Good Sun, it has been so long! How have you been?" your uncle says, looking at the mare who followed after you as soon as he lets go of your hug. And moments later, he is planting a kiss on Baldomare's hoof, mentioning how she looks so beautiful that she is almost dazzling to look at.

However, you can't help but feel a little confused, because the two ponies seem to be treating each other so casually that… no, it's not just that. How did your uncle already know her name to begin with?

"Hold on, have you two met before?" you ask, watching as the two ponies clearly treat each other like ponies who need not be introduced to each other.

Because it would make sense for your uncle to know her name if, say, Silky mentioned it while they were coming back home. And sure, you realize how suave your uncle usually is. But still, the way he is treating her right now feels like…

"Why, don't you remember?" Steppes answers, "Baldomare was there on your wedding ceremony! That's where we met. And I was glad to meet one of the friends you made in college. But I must say, you look even younger than on that day. It's almost as if you are made out of magic!"

"Oh, Steppes, you old charmer. You are going to make me blush," Baldomare says, holding back her laugher as your uncle continues to woo her.

But you…

… you…

How did she… she couldn't possibly…

Luckily for you, there are so many excited ponies around you that nopony really notices how stunned you are. And for several seconds, you can only look at Baldomare, wide-eyed in surprise, as your uncle casually recounts the first time he met her, all those years ago.

Well, nopony notices your shock, except for Baldamare herself.

And the Name answers your unspoken question not with words, but with a rare and knowing smile.





Your uncle Velvet Steppes will be staying at your home, during this coming month. He will not be available to "help you" as usual. And despite his pleasant demeanor, after the initial joy of his arrival passes you can see that he looks shaken. You might want to talk to him, if you have the time.

Thanks to Baldomare's efforts, you have discovered the expedition "All in."

Spoiler: Author's Note

The next update should come out today. It will include any actions remaining, including the Bureau's report, so you can have all the information that is available for you to decide your Follower's actions.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are…

By the heavens, can't you stay home for one more week? You really, really would like to stay with your family for a little more. Now that you are actually well, that is.

Because this last month wasn't really a vacation. It was more like a localized trip to Tartarus, or perhaps the less savory parts of the Mansus. But now that you are finally feeling a little better, do you really have to go back?

…

Fiiiine…

You are Commissioner Velvet Covers.

And right now, you are receiving your last report from your Deputy, before you return to Canterlot in person.

"… other than that, I am glad to see you looking this healthy, Velvet," Shining Armor says, as he puts down the report he has been reading from.

You give him a thankful nod. And to be honest, there isn't really much you can say other than just an agreement. You are just glad to be feeling better.

"Thank you, Shining. Now, regarding my return to the Bureau," you say, and the stallion immediately raises the writing pen he has on his hoof.

Because the first thing you told him, during his report, is that you will be going back to Canterlot, come next week. So, it is only natural for you two to discuss the details about that.

"First of all, I… appreciate your concern, and the care that everypony had towards me. But last week, when I finally managed to go for a walk, I realized there are way more constables here than I expected." You say that as you narrow your eyes.

And just for a moment, the stallion cringes. As if he had finally been caught in the act. But a heartbeat later, you can see him straightening his back as he prepares to stand by his decision.

"Like I said, I appreciate the Bureau's commitment to my and my family's protection. But that was a bit of an overcommitment. Have them return to their posts, in Canterlot. Or better yet, find something for all of that horsepower to do, rather than just escort a single mare around."

A glint of surprise flickers through Shining's eyes. Because, you can tell, he was expecting you to scold him a lot more than just that.

After all, you were telling the truth. And now that you can count up to ten without having a headache, you can see that the Bureau's constabulary was almost entirely dedicated to your safety. Which means, in turn, that they didn't do anything that was actually useful this month.

But still, what is done is done, and you will not be making a big deal out of it.

"So, have them return to Canterlot next week, with me. And bring me recommendations of things they can be assigned for that are actually useful."

Shining Armor begins to take notes, as you tell him that. But to be honest, the two of you already know what should be in your sights right now. You have the changelings on Tall Tale, and whatever comes out of the Manehattan investigation, to look into.

"We discussed assigning you a permanent retinue, Commissioner. Is that still on the table?" he asks, with a tone that is more than a little hopeful.

And you can't help but groan at that.

Because yes, having actual bodyguards will mean that you won't have as much privacy… but still, you know this will make several ponies feel safer. Your family included.

So, you give him a reluctant nod, and you ignore the small sigh of relief he lets out as he writes a few more notes.

"Yes, yes. Sure. Treat a noblemare like a noblemare. But I don't want too many ponies. And I don't want any unknown faces either. I have a few names in mind for who I'd like in that detail, and you can pick the rest. There were two mares, Drummer-something and her friend, that were vetted to pick up my daughters. Put them on the list. And also…"

You give him three more names that come to your mind, and then you tell him to pick the other candidates.

You also tacitly accept the fact that you will not be taking the train anymore, and that he can arrange for a flying carriage to pick you up a few days from now.

"But other than that," you finish, "I want an all-hoofs meeting first thing in the morning. I want to see everypony, I want everypony to see me, and I want us all to start this month with the right hoof."

And after a few more words exchanged between the two of you, the stallion leaves. His trot way more confident than it was when he first entered.



- - -



You had forgotten how quiet it is inside a flying chariot.

Of course, the interior is insulated by all kinds of magic. But still, having nopony to speak with for the hours-long trip is… well, it is very quiet.

It doesn't really bother you. And if it did, you know you could stretch your mental hoofs in certain directions, that you have been avoiding for now. But still, being alone for so long after spending several days with your family is rather unfamiliar.

Although you realize this won't last much longer. In fact, as you look out through the window, you can see the rooftops of Canterlot far below.

You have already reached the mountain, it seems. And the carriage should land in a few minutes on the Royal Castle.

Or at least, that is what you think will happen. But much to your surprise, you hear a knock coming from the door on the chariot's ceiling.

Which is… extremely unusual? Well, there is a door on the top of the chariot, for ponies to climb up. But to be honest, you have never seen that door be used for anything.

Still, before you can figure out what is happening, the door opens from the outside. The knock, you can tell, was more out of courtesy than anything. Because nopony on the outside would be able to hear you telling them to come in, given how windy it must be out there.

Regardless, the door opens, and you watch as the familiar figure of one of your secretaries falls into the chariot. The pegasus stallion, Night Spark, is clearly out of breath. And what is even more unusual, he seems to be carrying a suitcase in his mouth.

"Commissioner!" he says, almost yells, as he tries to put his breath under control. And in truth, you can barely hear him thanks to the howling wind coming from the door.

But the stallion looks at you, his eyes wide-open almost in a panic, and he continues to speak before you can do anything else. In fact, he doesn't even seem to notice that you just lit up your horn to close the roof-door.

"Commissioner, I just spoke to the pilots!" he says, as he frantically opens the suitcase, revealing your full uniform inside of it. Badge and all. "You are going to land directly on the Bureau. Not on the Royal Castle."

"What? Why? I… I scheduled a full meeting, but it should be a bit closer to midday? What's the rush?" you ask, feeling a pang of concern at the stallion's own frantic mood.

"It's the Princess! Princess Celestia, that is. She came unannounced. She's in the underground right now!"

Your eyes go wide. And you almost feel the chariot lurching, even though the dampening magic, as the chariot screeches to a landing halt in the Bureau's hangar.

And you are almost galloping out of the chariot, in full uniform, the moment your constables open the door for you.



- - -



Princess Celestia is here.

In the Bureau.

On an unannounced visit.

And from what you heard, she went straight to the underground section.

Everypony who works at the Bureau knows what that means.

After all, she also probably keeps a tight hoof on Eclipse. She knows, or has ways to know, about any communication between the Bureau and them. Consequently, she is one of the few ponies who would know about whatever requests you make to the mysterious researchers.

Including… including any "freak-checks" you ask from them.

In hindsight, the only surprise you have is that something like this did not happen earlier.

"Down there, Commissioner," a constable says, as he stands guard on the entrance to the high-security prison.

You can tell from the constable's expression that he is… nervous. And you do not blame him.

You too would be nervous if you were here.

Especially given how…

"The… uh, the smell, Commissioner, we started feeling it some thirty minutes ago… And the Princess has not come up this entire time."

… especially given how there is a horrible stench, coming from the entrance to the prison-section.

"Thank you. I will go see the Princess. And… don't let anypony follow," you say.

The constable gives you a quick, hard nod.

And then, you begin to make your way down.

The high-security prison of the Bureau is, like all of its important facilities, deep underground. It is a section that was carved out of the mountain itself, and reinforced by means and methods that you only understand from an academic perspective.

Still, as you make your way down the solid-stone steps, you can't help but feel…

Disgusted.

There is a stench, coming from the depths. A horrid smell that reminds you of sulfur, or maybe charred meat, or perhaps something worse that you only ever felt in your dreams.

However, there is nothing you can do but soldier on. And when you finally reach the bottom of the stairs, and pass the heavy metal doors, you find the pony you are looking for.

You find the pony who is responsible for this.

"My Princess."

You find Princess Celestia.

…

The alicorn looks as regal as ever. Her coat is a spotless white, and her jewels are polished to a golden shine. Like always, she seems to be more than twice your height, and the added height of her horn makes her taller than even Mareinette.

She is the guiding sun of ponykind. The eternal leader of Equestria. The wise ruler holding the reins of your species.

Or rather, that is what you would normally think… until you looked at her face.

Princess Celestia is sitting down on the ground. Her posture is straight and proper, yes. But still, she is sitting on the ground, and she is not looking at you.

She is currently sitting down and facing a particular cell. She is facing a particular cell which, you know, has the most important prisoner that the Bureau ever captured. She is looking at the cell where you are keeping the first changeling you ever imprisoned.

And her face is… her expression is…

She is looking at that cell with an expression you can only describe as manic.

Princess Celestia's eyes, you can see from the sideways perspective you have, are wide open. Her mouth is shut tight, and her lips are a tight line, but you can still tell she is clenching down with her teeth.

You also swear that the mare isn't breathing. Or at least, you can't see her chest moving, even as the seconds stretch by.

And most worrying of all, her entire face bears the complexion of a pony who seems to be inches away from snapping.
"… you are right… does make me feel better and…"
You also think, you think she is mumbling something to herself. But by the life of you, you can't be sure.

After all, for all that there is a dangerously unstable alicorn in front of you, you also have the rest of the room calling your attention to it.

Because the cell that Princess Celestia is facing, the cell that is holding the imprisoned changeling… well, it is better to say that it was holding your changeling prisoner.

After all, the cell is currently in shambles.

The metal door on its front is completely melted, and is currently a half-formed pile of slag on the floor. The very stone of its walls look cracked, as if it was flash-heated by something and it crumbled under the speed of its own expansion. And finally the magical wards that should like the wall are completely gone. As if a spell of great intensity was used inside the jail cell, which overpowered the wards until they burned away.

Put all those things together, and you can understand why… why the changeling itself is nowhere to be seen. You don't even see a pile of ashes.

All that is left of it is the smell.
"… what they deserve… what they all deserve… yes… we should…"
"My… my Princess?" you try again, this time a little more loud.

You realize you are walking on very thin ice, and that the sun above this ice is very hot indeed. But still, you can't think of a better alternative.

Letting the Princess stay her by herself, alone with whatever is in her thoughts, feels like a horrible idea. And given how you are in charge of the Bureau, by her own orders, you are the one and only pony who she could possibly accept to meet right now.

Although you can feel your sweat dampening your fur, as the seconds stretch long.

Until finally, the Princess blinks, and her expression softens ever so slightly.

After that, she takes a long, deep breath, and turns to face you after standing up.

"Commissioner Velvet Covers," she says, her voice heavy and forceful, as if she is only half-paying attention to you. "I trust you did not need your prisoner anymore."

You suppress the urge to gulp. You don't think she would notice it, even if you did, given how unfocused her eyes seem. But still, you dare not risk it.

Still, you are not sure if she asked you a question or not. Because her tone definitely sounded more like a statement.

So, you can only nod your head at her. And hope that, whatever she interprets from it, will be to her liking.

"I also heard of your findings in Tall Tale. As well as the attempt against your life," she says.

And for a moment, you wait. You wait because you can see that she is thinking. You can tell that her focus, as fractured as it may be, is centering itself as she speaks those words.

You wait, because you hope she will say something else. You hope she will say something more. Some expression of what she would like the Bureau to do next. Some mention of what she thinks you should prioritize.

Because given how frayed she looks, you definitely would like to know what she thinks is more important. Anything to give you another month of productivity. Another month where she isn't more disappointed at yourself, or ponykind.

But unfortunately…

"… it seems you have quite a lot on your hoofs," she finishes.

And you are not sure if this means she just does not care, or if this is yet another test to see what you will do next.

She says that and, without another word, she moves to leave. You nearly jump to the side, to give her a wide berth, and you swear you can feel the air heating up, as she walks past you.

You do not dare to go after her. You do not dare to speak. Because you are sure that a single misstep could be… bad. Very bad.

Perhaps as bad as it was to your former prisoner.
"… ah… yes, you are right… we should…"
But the Princess mumbles something, under her breath, and then she turns to face you once again.

And on the next moment, you FREEZE.

Because when Princess Celestia turns towards you, she doesn't just look at you. She stares at you. The alicorn of the sun turns her eyes towards you, and in them you can see the unmistakable light of Lantern.

It is a small light. Candle-strong and maybe not even that. But still, it is there, present and unmistakable.

And in that single, horror-filled moment, you can see that she is searching. You cannot tell what she is looking for, but you can feel the attempt.

But thankfully, thankfully, the overlapping folds you have over your soul means that she doesn't find anything.

The only thing Princess Celestia's gaze can see is… a mare. One who is loyal to her family, and to ponykind, and to everything else that is good and proper.

"… nothing there…" you hear her mumble, this time a little louder than before.

And after that, she is gone. Leaving you alone, with the charred smell of carbonized bug-flesh, and the painful pounding of your own heart.

Because you can tell that, had she seen something inside of you… anything that shouldn't be there, anything at all… the last thing you would see would have been the burning glare of the sun.





Princess Celestia is right now, at the beginning of turn 21, Lantern 1.

Velvet Covers is now aware that she must not allow Celestia's Lantern to reach her own Moth level.



- - -



You… delayed your meeting, with the Bureau. You considered pushing it off to the next day. But ultimately, you had everypony gather in the meeting room in the afternoon.

Because you needed a few… minutes, after that.

But ultimately, you were able to catch up to speed with the Bureau.

Specifically, your investigators were able to brief you on everything they have discovered to far, in Manehattan, as they followed the trail of your attackers.

First of all, they discovered that your attackers were hired by a criminal organization known as the "Gardeners". A gang-slash-crime-syndicate that started flourishing in the Manehattan underworld a few months ago.

The dossier your detective give you, a summarized copy of what Iron Button had on display during his presentation, was impressive, to say the least. And they already had the name and cutie mark of several ponies-of-interest, including some pictures.

Furthermore, they even confirmed who the gang's leader was. And they presented you with a preliminary profile of one Copper Secateur, as well as a written description of what her cutie mark should look like.

All of that was frighteningly accurate. And not for the first time you remember the pedigree of the ponies who work for the Bureau.

However, their investigation made an interesting turn when they located the gang's headaquarters. Which turned out to be the building that suffered a magical explosion one day before the detectives tracked your assailants to Manehattan.

"We suspect this was the result of infighting, Commissioner," Iron Buton said, both to you and to the other team-leaders gathered there. "Once they realized their hit against you failed, and that we would come for them, we suspect they staged a coup against this Copper mare. Although we haven't yet discarded other reasons, such as an attempt to cover their tracks."

Following that, they run you through everything they have found. Lists of items, addresses, and trails they could try to follow. A detailed inventory of all the relevant that was gathered.

You make a show of reading through all the lists, but you already knew what was on it the moment you touched it.

You notice that they did not find anything that resembles a Windigo jar. However, you also see an item that reads "a safe, now unlocked, with documents", as well as the writings Selene had planted. It's all there.

A few questions reveal to you that those items are currently being analyzed by the Bureau's forensics department. And your mention that you will want a report on any of their findings is met with a quick set of nods, and a few notes being taken.

Whatever might come from these items, or however you decide to dispose of some of them, will have to be decided… later, over the course of this month.

"And finally, we have compiled a list of all perps, suspects, and collaterals that were involved with the Gardeners, or the attempt against you. The constables should be able to round them up at your discretion, Commissioner, although we advise that you do it sooner rather than later," Iron Button finishes his presentation.

"An investigation can only be too subtle, before we need to start flashing badges," Beyond Reproach chimes in, driving Button's point home. "The cockroaches know we were sifting around Manehattan, and they will start running if we don't come for them soon."

You give them all a long, slow nod, as you think about all your options.

"Thank you all," you say, "I will take that under advisement."

The moment you stand up, everypony else follows suit. The entire room waiting in silence as yourself, and then Shining Armor and your secretary, file out of the room.

And your orders begin to trickle down to the Bureau at large before the end of the day.



- - -

FOLLOWERS PHASE​

Velvet Covers currently has 4 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, none previously used).

The following options must be included in your plan, and they are "preliminary" to this turn:

Would you like to Leash somepony? (This option will also be available on Velvet's Phase)
-[] Leash Filthy Rich (gain one follower action)
-[] Do not leash anypony.


Would you like to keep Baldomare's summons?
-[] Gift Baldomare your Level 6 book.
-[] Gift Baldomare a Level 5 book (write-in which)
-[] Do not gift Baldomare any books, and allow her to leave. (This is the wrong option)


You currently have FIFTEEN/SIXTEEN (depending on your decision to Leash Filthy Rich) Follower actions.

Spoiler: Follower breakdown

Rarity: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy: 1
Filthy Rich: 1 (UNCERTAIN)
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Biedde: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1
One-time use servants: 5

Spoiler: Things to keep in mind

Additional notes:
-It is important to understand that you are still "under the weather" this turn. Mechanically, you are at maximum health with no debuffs. But narratively, you will still be a bit beaten, and slowly improving, to the point that you will be perfectly healthy at the end of this month.
-Which is another reason of why your Fleeting Opportunities are so "personal", and more ambitious Fleeting Opportunities are not being offered.
-Certain Bureau-specific actions (such as the result of your blackmail option, and a chance to address your lost Manuscripts) will take place during the turn. No actions need to be invested in them. For now, plan this turn with the information you currently have.
-The following Fleeting Opportunities will be available this turn:
--Your family is still rattled. Address that. (May be done with your "free" social action. May NOT be done by Mareinette, as Velvet herself would not allow it) (Not picking this action will risk NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES)
--Your friends are still worried about you. Reach out to them. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be performed by Mareinette. May ALSO be performed by your "Commissioner" action, but if so it will ONLY address Cadance)
--Your uncle appears to be shaken. Talk to him. (May be done with your "free" social action. May be done by Mareinette)
-Finally, a reminder that "Training Selene" costs NO actions for Selene herself (her "Diligent" trait will cover it), and can be done with Velvet's own "free" social action.

Current bits: 409 (196 from previous turn, 160 from monthly salary, 53 from Rarity's dividends)


The Lunar Bureau

Spoiler: Orders, Commissioner?

General notes:
-Velvet Covers may NOT "tamper with evidence" of anything the Lunar Bureau captures.
-The Lunar Bureau has no knowledge of the Lores. They might miss Lore-related things, or might not know how to react to them, if Velvet Covers is not personally involved.
-Velvet Covers MAY "plant evidence" in advance, in an already-explored expedition site or somewhere you direct the Bureau to go. Consult with QM for details, to write-in a Velvet action aimed at that.


Pick ONE of each.


You don't have many detectives, but the ones you do are the best of the best. What should they focus on this month?
-[] [DETECTIVES] Despite their friendly nature, ponies are capable of crimes just like any other intelligent creature. Have them investigate crimes at large, in the several cities of Equestria. (Less impactful in the grand scheme of things. But helps the Bureau keep a good image, and decreases the "tension" of the population at large, as the world becomes a worse place)
-[] [DETECTIVES] (FOLLOW UP) There are still changelings out there. Hunt them. Look for them, and for the ponies who colluded with them. (One of the chief expectations of the Bureau. Avert a future Catastrophe)
-[] [DETECTIVES] The dangers in the dark come from outside of Ponykind as well. Listen to the rumors. Study the myths. Look for the threats from without. (Search for Expedition Sites for your later consideration. Additionally, keep an ear on the ground for other "foreign" threats)
-[] [DETECTIVES] Nudge them in the… "correct" direction. Put them on the trail of one of your Opponents. (WRITE IN which Opponent. Sets the Bureau to investigate a pony you have a personal problem with)


Former constables, ex-Guards, defenders, one and all. They are not perfectly suited for investigations, but the Bureau needs muscles. And these ponies provide.
-[] [CONSTABLES] It is less paperwork for you if they just help with the investigations. (NO ACTION from the Constables. GAIN one VELVET action for the next phase)
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Everypony heard what happened to your previous prisoner. Nopony wants to sit around and wait for what happens next. Time to raid the mountain of Tall Tale.
-[] [CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Your detectives have given you a very long list, of ponies and places involved in the attempt against your life. Round them up and put them all in jail, before this trail goes cold.
-[] [CONSTABLES] Plan and execute a raid. Within Equestria, or anywhere else that is needed. (WRITE IN an Expedition, OR an Opponent the Bureau has investigated. The Bureau will attempt to perform the Expedition, or will assault an Opponent)
-[] [CONSTABLES] The Commissioner is just too important to leave unattended. Run security. (Adds four additional ponies as bodyguards to your retinue, for this turn only)


Of course, now that you have a better handle of this, you can find the time to pursue other endeavors while in Canterlot.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Some of the ponies in the Bureau are more important than the others. Get to know them better.
--[] Shining Armor, your Deputy.
--[] Beyond Reproach, your finest detective.
--[] Spend time with somepony else. (Discover, and talk to, another key figure)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Princess Cadance is in Canterlot. You are in Canterlot. Oh, and you nearly died, just a few weeks ago. Use your free time here to meet her.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Bureau is more than an institution, it is a gathering of dedicated ponies working towards a unified goal. Ingrain yourself with them. (Establish, increase, or salvage the loyalty of the Bureau towards you personally.)
-[] [COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[] The Solar Court, and Fair Trial.
--[] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[] [COMMISSIONER] Get your hoofs dirty. (Participate in the "Investigators" actions. And join the "Constables" in a raid/Expedition, if they are ordered to do a raid/Expedition)

Exclusive actions

Spoiler: You are the only one I can trust with this

Picking an action from any of these lists will "ensure/lock" that pony to that action, and that follower will not be available for the pool of "general actions".


Rarity (3 health, GRAIL 3, FORGE 1)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her work. (Guarantees she will "succeed" on her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Take a commission. (Gain at least 100 bits immediately, will "fail" her career roll)
-[] [RARITY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
-[] [RARITY] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Jade Whistle (3 health, LANTERN 4, HEART 2)
-[] [JADE] "You do you." (Let her do what she wants, and hopefully rest)
-[] [JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[] [JADE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Fluttershy (3 health, WINTER 1, UNKNOWN nonexistent)
Comet Feet (2/4 health, EDGE 4)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet to Guard your home.
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Focus on her studies, and learn more of the Lores. (No longer allowed, as per your deal with Comet)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual frient? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)


Baldomare (2 health, LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6)
(Baldomare will expire at the end of turn 23)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [BALDOMARE] "Go have fun." (WRITE IN how many bits, at least 100, that she is allowed to spend to find something interesting)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Prolong her stay. (WRITE IN an unread book, of level 5 or higher, to gift her. This is a FREE ACTION and will "reset" her summoning period to the beginning of next turn.)
-[] [BALDOMARE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Mareinette (??? Health, GRAIL 6, HEART 6)
(Mareinette's bindings will expire at the end of turn 22)
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her speak with your friends, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] [FLEETING OPPORTUNITY] Have her meet your uncle, in your stead.
-[] [MAREINETTE] Ask for a lesson on the Lores. (WRITE IN Lores)
-[] [MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (WRITE IN Lore)
-[] [MAREINETTE] You need her to talk to… (WRITE IN a pony for her to speak with in, "stepping into" your horseshoes).
-[] [MAREINETTE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


The Daughter-of-Axes (5 health, KNOCK 6, EDGE 3)
(The Daughter-of-Axes' bindings will expire at the end of turn 21)
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[] [AXE] Ask for a Knock Influence.
-[] [AXE] Craft Wrong Keys. (She will give you three Wrong Keys, which will expire after five turns. Only once per summoning.)
-[] [AXE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Biedde (5 health, EDGE 6, MOTH 3)
(Biedde's bindings will expire at the end of turn 21)
(Biedde will automatically "Guard" you as a free action)
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge lesson.
-[] [BIEDDE] Ask for an Edge Influence.
-[] [BIEDDE] Something else? (WRITE IN)


Selene (6 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Choosing to further train Selene will not cost any actions from Selene herself, only from Velvet Covers)
-[] [SELENE] You need her to talk to somepony about… (WRITE IN whose dreams she will enter)
-[] [SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)
-[] [SELENE] Something else? (WRITE IN)

General actions

Spoiler: Could anypony please…?

Do NOT specify what follower will perform which actions. Followers who are not busy performing "exclusive actions" will perform whatever you choose here, based on who is best suited for it.
Any action may be picked several times. Write in a note specifying if you want that to happen.


-[] You would like for somepony to search for books…
--[] 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)


-[] You need somepony to search for a more "peculiar" artifact. (Search for a random artifact to buy)


-[] You have contacts in Ponyville, that can find you exactly what you need. Reach out to them. (Write in LORE and LEVEL, up to Level 3. A suitable matching artifact will be available for purchase, but will be more expensive than normal)


-[] 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.


-[] Equestria is full of undiscovered places. You must learn their secrets…
--[] 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)
--[] 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)
--[] 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)


-[] You need to learn more about this. Send a pony to better scout a known expedition site. (WRITE IN which expedition to scout)


-[] You need this to be done. Send a pony on an expedition. (Will cause an "Expedition planning" vote to occur, later this turn. If the expedition is not a "short" one, you must pick this action as many times as you want followers to participate in it.)


-[] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.


-[] There really is no other way. Ask somepony to get you a live prisoner. (You have no place to keep live prisoners)


-[] You need somepony to perform this ritual… (WRITE IN ritual, and its target)
--[] To be performed in Jade's house (up to two-circle rituals)
--[] To be performed... somewhere, where you hope nopony will catch wind of it.


-[] You would like somepony to help you with a small ritual (WRITE IN what Lore, VELVET gains one Attention of the Laws in the Lore. May be picked multiple times.)

-[] Attack your foe, or defend yourself. In war, there is no other option.

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)


Defend your home. Because you can't keep fighting if you are dead.
--[] [GUARD] You would very much like to keep this safe.
(Followers ordered to GUARD will always participate in combat if a foe, or some other faction, tries to attack you during this turn)
(Followers ordered to GUARD will NOT magically teleport to Velvet if she decides to start a combat of her own accord, in another narrative/mechanic situation, and they will not be present during combats that occur during expeditions.)
(If you are not attacked during this turn, any GUARD action taken will have no effect.)


Windy Flakes (possible location unknown)
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to attack this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Send somepony to locate, or spy on, this opponent
--[] [WINDY] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN what ritual)
--[] [WINDY] Attempt to contact this opponent (WRITE IN what to discuss if successful)

"Cover your bases"
(You may only pick ONE of the following options)
-[] One extra Velvet action! (Costs 2 follower actions)
-[] Two extra Velvet actions! (Costs 5 follower actions)
-[] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[] Four extra Velvet actions! (Costs 14 follower actions)


-[] Something else? (WRITE IN)





It is very unlikely this post is perfect. Kindly point out any mistakes you notice.

And as always, ask whatever you wish to ask, and suggest whatever needs suggesting.

Twenty-four hours of moratorium. Extendable, if requested.

I hope you are all doing well!

 

[spiderhellian]

A Snake Suffers

You are the Daughter of Axes, and you're done. Not forever, but definitely for today. It was a long day, spent slithering through some of the nearby forest's least-trod spots. You had not expected to taste even a shred of hope there, let alone the blood-smell of a clue, but it was another place off your list. You had been right.

Now the night has come, and a chill wind had you return to your room before you grew sluggish, and before that hatchling grew too tired to focus on anything but her planned cookie retrieval.

After she bugged ten -- then twenty -- minutes of stories out of you, you settled into your room, and curled up on your bed with Pasharka at your side. But you weren't going to sleep. Not yet.

Instead, you counted your keys, the keyring you keep so close now splayed in front of you.

You still know the feel of each. The substance. The way they felt in the lock-that-is-not-a-lock. The way they failed.

You have thousands on your keyring -- the best of the best of the best -- and millions more discarded in the desert your summoner might call your den (though you never would).

And you know every. Single. One.

...

You also know, or could know, the passageway that is conveying that blasted muttering to your ears. But you don't care why it's happening. You just want it to shut up!

You let your tongue flicker into the air, and you can almost taste the words it carries. It's your summoner? Your blasted summoner? Did that wound leave her truly daft? It's enough to wish she was still focused on nothing but her dance! Though then the hatchling would be all damp again, and sadder than a snake in snow. Maybe not.

What is she even saying? You strain your ears for a moment.

"If I was going to a foreign country to find a well-secured secret, I would want Secret Histories on my hooves. Or maybe a good knife, in case there are guards. She didn't know about her objective (did she?), she might not know of them either. Or I could see why she of all ponies would need someone to do the talking for her. But what about all the books I wanted to read with a light by my side? And what if I need to destroy those chains myself?"

By the Axe, you'll make her stop if she gets any louder. Thankfully, she trails off there... before punctuating it all with one last exclamation.

"I just wish she'd tell me anything!"

...

Whoever she's talking about sounds like a right pain. But then again, so is your summoner. Maybe they're meant for each other. Either way, it's not your problem. Given that she's shut up now, finally.

C'mere Pasharka, it's time to sleep.

Spoiler: AN

A thought on how all the friendly plan-based bickering in Velvet's subconscious plays out in character. And knowing of at least one other character who couldn't care less. Snakes causing their own problems? Surely not!

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Beyond Reproach.

And right now, you are just about done with this week.

Being on the beat in Manehattan for the last few weeks was all well and good. And like everypony else, you filed more than a few tips to the local law enforcement. Things that, while unrelated to the attempt against the Commissioner, could be useful to whatever cases they have on their hoofs.

But still, you have to admit that… well, you still feel a bit torn about this. But a part of you is glad that you are all done with Manehattan.

Because investigating the Commissioner's attackers was good work, sure. And by all means, the attempt against her life felt like a stain on everypony's cutie mark, yours included.

However, this is still the Lunar Bureau. And, as much as you hesitate to admit, you can tell that the spirit of the institution is getting to you as well. Because you see, the Bureau is meant to find the real monsters. You are all meant to go after the real threats. You do not regret helping in the investigation on the Gardeners, and you hope they get thrown behind the bars where they belong.

But now that you are done, and now that the next set of orders finally came from the Commissioner's office, you can't help but feel a little more motivated.

After all, there are plenty of good ponies working on keeping the streets clean. There are plenty of good ponies out there, in every city, working their flanks off to catch the crooks and keep the innocent safe.

But the Lunar Bureau is the only organization that is focused on, and prepared to go after, the real monsters. The ones that caused the Catastrophe. The ones who, to this day, still keep your sister locked inside her room, afraid to even look at you.

So, you are ready to leave Manehattan behind, and focus on what really matters. Even if it means tackling the hardest and most complicated cases you have ever seen in your life.

"Hey, Reproach! Can you come here for a second?"

The familiar voice of Iron Button, your assigned partner, comes from the dormitory's door. So, you finish packing your uniform, locking your suitcase after making sure you got everything, and then you make your way towards him.

"Yeah? What is it?" you ask, as you enter the recreational area of the dormitory.

Iron Button is a passable detective. He sticks a bit too close to the books, and you think that slows him down. But still, the two of you found a nice balance for your working relationship, and you are more than happy to let him be the face that speaks to the chiefs.

And as you approach him, you realize he is… working on something?

"What the hay?" you say, as you make your way towards him. "I though you said you were done for the day as well. What's that you're reading?"

You ask that because Iron Button seems to be looking at a report.

You thought that, like every other time, he was going to offer you to sleep at his house, instead of having you catch the night train. Iron is part of the majority of ponies who moved to Canterlot for the job, so he never misses an opportunity to try and drag you into a dinner with his family, whenever you two are in Canterlot.

And you, on the other hoof, are part of the minority of ponies who use the Bureau's dormitory.

You don't mind how your fellow detectives turned the recreational area into a giant office-slash-case-room. But still, you didn't expect him to be working right now.

"This is… well, that's exactly what I called you for, Reproach," he says, picking a report and sliding it on the desk towards you. "Remember the runner that was looking for me? Well, he called me upstairs for this."

Yes, you remember it. Today was mostly dedicated to paperwork, so when Button was called upstairs earlier today you thought it was just for the usual. Maybe somepony in Operations wanted to double-check what he meant by something he wrote on one of his reports. Or maybe the Deputy wanted to speak directly to him. Stuff like that already happened enough times for a call from upstairs to not really raise any eyebrows.

But for Button to come back carrying something with him?

"What the… this isn't something we made. What the hay is this case?" you ask.

Because the document you are reading, the one Button just gave you, is… well, it is definitely an investigation report.

However, this isn't the hoofwritten mess that you detectives submit to the office. This isn't, so to speak, the product that leaves you groundstompers' hoofs and makes its way to Operations to get filtered and analyzed. On the contrary, this is one of the fancy and finished reports that the Commissioner usually has with her during an all-hoofs meetings. The kind of fancy document proofread by the Secretariat, hardcover and all.

But fancy document or not, you are more intrigued by the contents of the report than anything else.

"Was this… did we catch wind of this last week? In Manehattan?" you say, as you flip through page after page. And even though you only meant to quickly glance through it, you can already feel your hoofs slowing down as you begin to read more intently. "What team was in charge of it? And… no, when was this done to begin with? This isn't a three-week job…"

Your words trail off as you begin to piece together the puzzle that is in front of you. And before you realize it, you have already turned the report back to its first page, as you carefully read every word on every line.

And the information in front of your eyes is… mind-boggling.

This report is on a noble house. One of the big ones. The Greenhoofs, who have been Celestia's go-to earth ponies for several generations now. A noble family that has at least one hoof in almost everything food-related, from owning vast swathes of fertile land to developing the latest techniques in food processing.

However, if this report is to be believed, some of their members have been involved in…

"… all of Equestria? Really?" you say to yourself, or perhaps to Button, as you page through the report's summary.

"Well, not all of Equestria. Just everywhere that matters. But yeah, they were plotting to bribe, threaten or replace every governor in every major city, except for Canterlot," Iron Button says, as he pours over his own report. "Get all of Equestria under their hoofs, in practice, while having them pay the Princesses lip service that they were following the Crown's orders."

He says that, basically confirming what you can see with your own two eyes.

But the problem isn't just what the report claims. The biggest problem you have, and the greatest reason why this is so mind-boggling, is the sheer amount of evidence attached to it.

"They had their ambitions for several years now," Iron Button continues. "But they started working towards it in earnest when Princess Luna disappeared. But back then, they were still fighting the Bluebloods, since they are… well, were, the Princesses' Stewards. But now that the over-governor family has been exiled…"

This isn't something the Bureau worked on. This can't be. Because the evidence attached dates back several months. You can see copies of letters, proofs of transactions that paint a larger picture when put together… hay, there are even pictures here of certain ponies meeting in less-than-likely circumstances. No doubt to plot or reach an agreement based on the rest of the evidence.

"Now that the Bluebloods are gone, the Greenhoofs were getting ready to spring their own plan," you mutter, watching Iron Button nod on the corner of your vision. "Would have taken them a few more months, maybe even years. But these families always played the long game and…"

"And the report I have here isn't a copy," Iron Button says, as he slides the document he was reading towards you. "This one is the second part. The one you have there is part one."

"What the hay….?" you once again scratch your head.

Because the information on these reports is… well, staggering. Not only because of how flagrant and dangerous this whole conspiracy is, but also because of how detailed the evidence is.

The entirety of the Bureau worked together for several weeks to create the Blueblood dossier. It was everything that everypony was focused on doing for the longest time, and even then, it was a challenge.

So how in Celestia's name does something like this just… up and appears on Iron Button's hoofs?

"Some of these pictures… predate the Bureau's creation," you say to your partner, as you flip through an attached album, "cut to the chase, Iron. Where the hay is this coming from?"

Iron Button doesn't answer you with words. Instead, he gives you a complicated expression, and pushes towards you one last piece of paper. A regular circular, which is usually attached to the front of all Bureau documents so the paper-pushers know where it came from and where it's supposed to go.

And by the looks of it, this circular was attached to these files when Iron Button received them.

LUNAR BUREAU
Clearance: Reserved​

From: Commissioner V.C.
To: Secretariat
Subject: Report prep

Inkwell,

Since I will not be taking the train anymore, and since you all refuse to let me have any semblance of privacy, I will be passing this on to our ponies.

Everything in this pile of documents: Run it through Operations, filter it, and turn it into a report. Then, have Deputy S.A. assign it to somepony.

To be very clear, I do not want this to be a Blueblood. Making a show of our first case was well and good, but I want these kinds of busts to be seen as routine from now on. No grand raids, and no operations that are larger than they need to be. Just send a warrant to my desk when the constables are ready to go, and drag them back for questioning and processing.

Yes, even if this involves the second daughter of one of the great families.

See to it, report when done.

V.C.



You read that circular, your eyes pausing on the Commissioner's own stamp for several seconds, and then you…

"You gotta be freaking kidding me…" you say, as the final piece of this puzzle falls into place.

"Yeap. I had the same questions you have, and I asked everypony I could," Iron Button says as he shakes his head. "And apparently, the Commissioner just… threw a pile of books, ledgers and film rolls at them, and told them to sort it out."

"But what she wrote here… that she is passing this down to us because she doesn't have privacy anymore? This means that…"

"Yeap. The Commissioner was moonlighting as a detective. That whole thing she had about taking the train? About leaving early and arriving late because of her family? Nonsense. Or well, at least half-nonsense," Iron Button shrugs. "The Commissioner was working on this herself this entire time. And by the looks of it, she has been working on this for a long time now."

He says that, and you can only… agree. You can only nod in agreement, as Iron Button says the same thing that is in your mind right now.

However, and perhaps more importantly, this puts everything else you thought you knew under a new light.

Because the time frames, the decisions that were taken, the implications of this…

This plot from the Greenhoofs began, in earnest, when Princess Luna went missing. And from what you heard, the Commissioner herself was leg-deep in that whole mess, when it happened. Although she was one of the few nobles who stuck with the Crown, while the other noble houses began to bicker and kick each other for power.

So, she worked for the Crown, perhaps became a little closer to the Princesses… and then she caught wind of this conspiracy? Yes, that would make sense. Maybe she noticed some strange movements in the political sphere, while the Crown was too busy searching for the Princess of the Moon. But regardless, she noticed something, and then she began to dig.

Fast-forward a few months, and she had collected enough evidence to bury the Greenhoofs two times over. But she was still just a lonely noblemare from a lesser house. So, what did she do next? Why of course, she took this to the Princesses.

And then, they decided to…

"This whole time, we thought the Princesses had made her Commissioner just because," you say. "We thought they decided on her because they trusted her, but that other than that she was just a noblemare civilian."

You say that, and Iron Button answers you with a slow nod.

"Never heard of a Princess making a wrong decision," Iron Button leans back on his chair, "and this seems to be no different. Because it seems that the Commissioner did more than any of us, alone and without a badge, before the Bureau was even a thing."

You need… several seconds, to process all of this. Maybe even a few minutes.

But when you manage to get the shock out of your system… or at least most of it, you take in a deep breath and you turn to your partner.

"Well then, what the hay comes next?" you ask.

"You read what she wants to happen," he says. "And the Deputy told me to follow it to the letter. Treat it like any other crime by any other perp. So, he wants me to double-check the critical stuff, prepare a warrant, grab a squad of constables and bring them in."

"You're gonna need more than just a few constables for this one," you chuckle.

Which he answers with a tired nod.

"And what the hay… I was gonna take three-off, but this seems to be too much for a single pony to double-check. You want some help with this?" you ask. Because sure, you planned on going back to Ponyville, see if you could get your sister to leave her room, but… well, you think you'll be able to do more here. Just for a few more days.

"Pff, just admit you want some of the credit for this. I mean, second highest-profile bust in history! Of course Beyond Reproach wants his name on the headlines."

You can't help but laugh as he says that, and soon enough your partner joins you.

But still, your mirth cools down after just a few seconds. Because the more you think about… well, about everything, you can't shake a question out of your mind.

"… who in Equestria's name are we working for?" you mutter under your breath.

Because now that you think about it… well, he wasn't entirely joking. This is still the second highest-profile bust in recent history. It'll look great for the Bureau itself, sure, but something tells you the Commissioner herself won't want to take any credit for this.

But more importantly, how the hay did she get this done?

The more you wonder that, the more your mind drags you to… well everything else. Everything else that you know, and the much-larger number of things that you don't know, about the Commissioner.

Where did she find the time to do this? How did she find the means, and even the courage, to investigate something like this so quietly, and for so long?

Hay, the more you think about it, the more you remember the smaller details, the smaller inconsistencies that never got answered.

Because to this day, you never even found out what her cutie mark looks like.

"Reproach, you good?" Iron Button asks, and you smoothly drag yourself out of your thoughts.

Those questions… those concerns you have. You will address them… later.

Not here, not now.

Not when you have a job to do.

"Yeah, no, I'm fine. More importantly, and jokes aside, you want help with any of this?" you ask.

To which the stallion nods, with an expression that is more than just a little thankful.

"Hay yeah. The paperwork is already done, seeing how it literally came from upstairs. But I still have to go through everything, and see who gets taken in for what. I'll definitely appreciate your help with this."

"Gotcha. Let's get to work then."

"Oh, no, no, we can start tomorrow. And since you aren't going back to Ponyville… wanna head to my place for dinner? My wife said she cooked up something great for the weekend, and you're more than welcome."

You roll your eyes at that, but this time… well, you don't really have an excuse not to go.

So, it seems that, at long last, you will be meeting your partner's family.

"I suppose it beats whatever they are serving the garrison tonight…" you say.

Iron Button lets out a victorious hum, as he picks up the two reports and staches them away.

And with that, the two of you make your way out of the Lunar Bureau.





Your blackmail material on the Greenhoof family, one of the great houses of Canterlot, has been doctored, properly filtered, and then fed to the Lunar Bureau. They will be arrested for conspiracy against the Crown shortly.

As knowledge of your nonchalant "contribution" to the Bureau spreads, over the course of this month, your reputation will increase greatly.

News about this, together with the unspoken "secret" details about how many attackers you fought off (as well as about how they died), has completely changed the vision your subordinates have of you.

Not that you have noticed it, for the most part. Except for that one day where the constables invited you to come with them, to personally hoffcuff the conspirators that "you caught". However, the only response you gave them was an annoyed wave of your hoof, as you shooed them away. You just had too much paperwork to do that day!

A few days later, as you read the news and connected the dots, you wondered if that invitation was part of the constables' culture.

Oh well.

Your reputation within the Lunar Bureau, and their respect towards you, has greatly increased.

More importantly, you feel that you finally will be able to…





- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Velvet Covers. And right now, you are on your way to do something very important.

Not for the first time, you are thankful for being a unicorn. Sure, earth ponies are stronger, and pegasi can fly.

But by the heavens, you have no idea of where you would be without your magic.

It is night. You are already back home after a long (and tiring) week of work at the Bureau, and this is the first night of the Weekend.

You will be going to bed with your husband soon enough, and you can sense that two of your daughters are already asleep.

However, before you join the sleepy atmosphere of your home, you must first attend to certain… obligations.

"Ah, there you are Velvet," Baldomare says as you enter her room.

The door was open, and her room looks organized… but inhabited, with all the little hints that a pony has been living in this guest room, and none of the sterilized appearance of an empty guest room that had been cleaned by the maids.

Which tells you two things. First, that she had been expecting you. And second, that she already knows why you are here.

And more importantly, that she seems to concur with the reason behind your visit.

"Good evening, Baldomare. I am glad to see you here," you say, as you put down the items you had been floating behind you.

The carpeted floor groans, slightly, as you put down the several slabs of clay that you had been carrying with you. And thank the heavens for levitation magic, because you are not sure how you would have brought these over without your horn.

The earth pony mare raises an eyebrow, and soon enough her horn lights up, as she floats the clay tablets to inspect them one by one.

"Ah, how delightful. The prose looks familiar, as does the style, but I can't tell you how long it was since I last read this particular tale," she says, as she parses through the tablets.

Still, she eventually puts them down where they were. In the exact same order that you initially left them, even. And then, she once again looks at you.

"But I don't think you came here just to hear me reminisce about old stories," she says. And then, she fixes her posture slightly, looking you in the eye as if she was about to perform a small ritual, or uphold a tradition. "So… is there anything you want to tell me, that I don't already know?"

She asks that, and you don't answer her with words.

Instead, you just wave a hoof at the pile of clay tablets. At that pile of forgotten knowledge, unknown even to you, that you are offering to her. For her services, and her presence, and perhaps something else besides.

The mare looks at you, and then the stack of clay tablets, and answers you with a gracious nod.

She then moves towards the clay tablets. And once she is right in front of them, she raises a hoof and gently tap the topmost tablet-

Part of you feels like you are looking at something large. Something ravenous, and perhaps even unsightly, that looks like the cursed fusion between a lighthouse and a half-empty dam. And these senses that you cannot name, which are both and neither sight or touch, can only watch as the true content of the clay slabs are devoured and hungrily archived by this beast you can't even begin to comprehend.

-and just like that, the clay tablets are empty. Their surfaces smooth and clean, as if they had never been touched ever since they were initially cut.

The event is confusing, almost hard to grasp, but for some reason you do not feel dizzy. In fact, you can tell that you observed everything that just happened with perfect clarity.

It is just that… that you did not have the tools to comprehend it. What just happened could not be hidden. In fact, hiding something like that would have been anathema to a being like Baldomare. It would be like claiming a light did not shine, or that a lantern did no illuminate.

So yes, you saw… you felt all of that. But still, you have no idea of what just happened. It was like being in a classroom and watching a lecture that was being given in another language. You could understand that you were in a school, and that there was a class taking place, but your mind could not participate in it any more than you could speak with animals.

However… you did see something. As you witnessed that strange mixture of ravenous pillaging and mindful cataloguing, you noticed something that even your primitive and unprepared mind could comprehend.

Because the dam… the "dam" you saw, of light and knowledge and understanding… it was half-full. The dam was half-full, and the lighthouse was cracked.

And even the intake… "process". Even that felt wrong. It was as wrong as watching a librarian let the pages of a book fall down, as she placed them on the shelves. It was as stressful as watching a stream of water pour out through the cracks on a water reservoir.

Because… because…!

"Baldomare… you are bleed-!" you begin to say.

But you are surprised to find Baldomare right in front of you, placing a hoof on your lips, as the Name of Lantern herself moves to silence you.

"Velvet Covers," she says, her voice crystal clear, and her tone as calm as ever. "I want you to listen to me very carefully. I know what you are thinking. I know what you are doing. And I already know where your thoughts are going to take you. So, let me be very clear. I. Don't. Want. You. To. Do. This."

She says that, and only then does she take her hoof off from your lips.

And she looks at you with that piercing stare of hers, almost as if waiting for you to answer her. But before you ever have the chance to do so, whether to nod your head or shake it in refusal, she turns around and returns to her reading desk.

"Good night, Velvet Covers," she says, waving at you even as she keeps her back turned to you.

And you… leave. Not her gaze, and not her thoughts. But still, you leave her room. Well-aware that Baldomare might still be following you. That she might be picking your thoughts right now, or perhaps even before you think them.

But still, you can't help but think… you can't help but wonder.

Because Baldomare is… she is hurt. You could see it, plain as light. She is wounded. She is bleeding. And that is why she needs something, perhaps knowledge or perhaps something that she can create with knowledge, to remain in the Wake.

And what is more. She… she knows that. She always knew that. Even before she came to the Wake. Even before the first time she met you. And now, she knows that you know that.

But there are so many things you are still missing. So many things you do not understand, and that you cannot even check!

Is she also hurt in the Mansus? Could it be that your blank-fogged mind was incapable of noticing that, when you visited her on that level of the Mansus. Could it be that she remains within the Blank Plains because she is hurt?

Or is this something that happened in the Wake? Or maybe even more recently? Perhaps a disagreement with your former Master, or the wounds she accrued while wandering through the Wake, checking whatever forgotten places she knows about.

And does that wound affect her? She is… she is a creature of light and knowledge, so wouldn't a wound like that mean she is bleeding knowledge itself? Could she be forgetting things? Or perhaps even losing sight of who she is?

You think all of that, your mind suddenly sprinting into a gallop despite how late it is.

However, you also can't forget that… well, that she knows everything. And that she just told you very clearly that she does not want you poking around this issue of hers.

But still…

Still.

You also know that, for all that Baldomare never told you a lie, you are also acutely aware that she has mastered the art of omission.

So, for all that she told you she doesn't want you to do this…

There is a very big difference between what a pony wants… and what they need.

Your friend is hurting. And she is your friend, even if she never said it with words. Because you have already seen her kinder side, and you have already heard from her that this Wake can't help but make ponies care. So, she is your friend, even if she has not yet learned what that word means in this Era.

She is your friend, and she is hurting. She is bleeding out light and thought through a wound she seems unable to staunch.

And what kind of friend would you be if you did not try to help her?

…

Still, you realize this is… way beyond your means. At least for now. She is a Name, after all, and you are barely a half-cooked mortal. So, given how adamant she seems to be in avoiding this issue, you will need… more. More knowledge, more fuel, more blood to help her. To fill the reserves she has been steadily losing, even if only to make her existence here less unpleasant.

You will need an older book. One that had forbidden secrets from even her own Era.

Something to show her you want to help.

Who knows, perhaps if you give her enough knowledge…. You might be able to get a better look at her wound, as the light bleeds out of it. You might be able to better understand what hurt her.

And that could be the next step in helping her, you think…

You hope.

You dearly, dearly hope.





You have gifted Baldomare a Level 6 book. Her summoning period has been reset.

You think you will be able to solve this enigma, and help her for good, if you gift her a Level 7 book.

Spoiler: Author's Note

A small problem occurred during this last voting period.

Specifically, I realized I did not give you all of the information that you needed to make an educated vote. I take information quarantine very seriously in this quest, but not giving you all the information you should have is just as bad as letting you guys know something you shouldn't.

To writ:

-Gifting Baldomare a Level 6 book happened, narratively, at the end of turn 20. Before the voting for Turn 21 should have begun.

-And you would have learned that a Level 7 Book is a REQUIREMENT, to advance Baldomare's quest, during said book-gifting.

-So: You should have entered this Follower's Phase with this knowledge in hand, in case you would have wanted to scout/scry/search for said book. Especially given how the "All in" expedition may only be joined by befriended names.

It could have been that, even if you knew that, you would have decided to ignore that completely for this turn. But it also could have been that a completely different plan would have been concocted in order to include a Book-searching related action. And since I only realized that (literally) yesterday, I was not willing to throw that additional wrench into the discussion and delay the voting period for another few days.



Regardless of "could have beens," it is not my place to decide that as the QM. The fact remains this small issue needs to be fixed.



Consequently, this is what is going to happen: Since this was a QM blunder, it will be fixed with QM privileges. I will allow for some time-warping shenanigans, and you all will be able to "credit" a follower action from Turn 22.

Specifically, later during this turn (as in, not right now) you will be offered these options:



[Would you like to search for a Unique Book for Baldomare?]

[-] Have Baldomare scry for a Level 7 book (costs one Baldomare action from Turn 22)

[-] Have Jade scry for a Level 7 book (costs one Jade Whistle action from turn 22)

[-] Have somepony search for a Level 7 book (WRITE IN who, and how)

[-] No, I wouldn't have done it this turn anyways. (Nothing will happen)



Just so you all understand, no true "time-warping" shenanigans will happen. That was a figure of expression. But, mechanically, I will allow you all to tap into next turn's resources. I "stole" from you the chance to do it this turn, so if you feel strongly enough about it you will be given the option to do it this turn, at the expense of a follower action from the next turn.

But for now, no voting needs to occur. This is just an informational for your benefit.

That is all.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Tally

[X] Plan Spreading Ourselves Thin Always Gets Us Punished
-[X] Do not leash anypony.
-[X][DETECTIVES] Follow Up: Changelings
-[X][CONSTABLES] (FOLLOW UP) Your detectives have given you a very long list, of ponies and places involved in the attempt against your life. Round them up and put them all in jail, before this trail goes cold.
-[X][COMMISSIONER] The Lunar Bureau is not the only recently-minted institution in Equestria. Try to contact the others.
--[X] Eclipse(?), and Midday Dew.
-[X][JADE] Research "A Memory of Light" (Current progress 0/100, uses Learning and LANTERN)
-[X] (Baldomare-Gift) Edge 6 book
-[X][BALDOMARE] Channel an Influence. (Secret Histories)
-[X][AXE] Ask for a Knock lesson.
-[X][MAREINETTE] Channel an Influence. (Grail)
-[X][SELENE] Soothe the night. (Her Winter realization. Unknown effects, if any.)
-[X][RARITY] Take a Commission.
-[X] Needs must. Ask somepony to procure you a dead body from the local cemetery.
-[X] Three extra Velvet actions! (Costs 9 follower actions)
-[X] Something Else (lend Heartifact to Comet)

Baldomare did… something, once again. You remember sitting down to have tea with her, and you vaguely remember the conversation that followed. But by the life of you, you can't remember when it happened. And even when you sat down with a calendar, to retrace your steps and solve that mystery, you could not find a suitable date where that could have happened.

Except for… tomorrow.



You are now under the effect of "I Have Been Here Before", until the end of the turn.



- - -



Mareinette came to you, with her wiles and her whispers and her marinations. That could not have been a dream, for you do not dream anymore. And yet, you woke up right after. And she came to you… with a gift.

Upon your awakening, you found around your neck the most perfect of necklaces, made out of gold and encrusted with red gems. Nopony who speaks to you can take their eyes out of it, and yet nopony acknowledges its existence. And you, yourself, cannot… take it off.

It is leashed to your neck, you see. Or you just cannot muster the will to remove it. Or perhaps, it does not make a difference what explanation is truer.

However, whenever you think about the necklace or remember that it exists, one particular memory comes to your mind. Of the night she gifted it to you. Because you think you saw something, when Mareinette came to you.

You think you saw something, under her cloak, and under her bones, and under the sins that she covers herself with. Some… thing, that may have been a pony long, long ago.

You think that thing was smiling.

You think this "gift" of hers has a deeper meaning, to her or perhaps to the world, that you cannot quite grasp.



You are now under the effect of "An Incarnadescence", until the end of the turn.



- - -



At old Biedde's instruction, you take a short walk to the nearby hill, that overlooks your family's estate. The one that is close enough to be part of the scenery, but just far enough for nopony to really bother with it.

There, you find a body, freshly desecrated from Ponyville's own cemetery. Somepony who was once loved and who, by the freshness of their coat, is still remembered.

You hope their family never finds out about this. You hope you can be forgiven for this.



Biedde has dug up a dead body for you.

Due to the nature of your Follower's Phase plan, you will be FORCED to turn it into a Shattered Risen.



- - -



You are Velvet Covers.

And you feel like you have… a lot to do. And precious little time to do it.

Granted, you have been able to solve several major problems. You can now sleep peacefully, knowing that Copper cannot harm your family anymore. And despite the continuing existence of the changelings, you feel that you will get this under control if you have just a little more time.

But that the thing, isn't it? Time.

You can't push away this sensation that you just won't have the luxury of time for much longer.

Not after your… encounter, with Princess Celestia.

Because the candle-glow in her eyes tells you that she is learning about the Lores. And no matter how hard you think about it, you can't envision a situation where that ends well for you. Because what if one day she manages to shine a light through your defenses? Or what if one day Midday Dew looks at you, and you both realize that you are both Branded? What then?

You do not know. And for all that you don't think that will happen today or tomorrow, you can't help but feel that this future you dread is just beyond the horizon, and that its appearance in the sky is as inevitable as the morning sun.

Still, you will not be found wanting.

Yes, you will not sit idly while the world spins around you.

You will try to learn a little more about Midday Dew. You will ensure the Lunar Bureau finds anypony who could possibly leak the existence of the Lores without your direction. And most importantly… Baldomare told you, just last week, about the place that holds the key, your key, to Glory.

Fate might be closing its invisible jaws around you, but you are not defenseless. And you might have just enough time to see this through.

You will reach Glory. And you will not die trying.

…

Time to get things done.



- - -

VELVET'S PHASE​

This turn's available bits: 516 (196 from previous turn, 160 from monthly salary, 53 from Rarity, 107 from this turn's Rarity's commission)


You have SEVEN personal actions, ONE (free) social action, and ONE free Mansus Exploration action. (Four personal actions, plus three from "Cover your bases").

Spoiler: Things to keep in mind

Additional notes:
-All your Fleeting Opportunities this turn may be performed with your free social action.
-Training Selene may be done with your free social action.
-Uncle Steppes is not available to help you this turn, since he is staying at your home.
-During this turn, you will have the opportunity to address the evidence you planted with the Lunar Bureau, as well as the evidence they found that could be traced to you. You do not need to plan actions directed at those things.
-IF (and only if) there are "unused" actions left from DoA's Sacrament attempt, they will be open for a "re-assignment" vote later this turn. (But said unused actions are in no way guaranteed)
-The Daughter-of-Axes will give you a lesson imminently. You may attempt her Sacrament this turn even if your character sheet currently claims you have 3/4 Knock scraps.

-[] 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)

-[] There is no use in finding an Outsider if you do not have the means to extract its blood. But you suspect there is a place, at the summit of the Mansus, where things that should not perish have already died. (Costs one Mansus exploration action)


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 Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [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
--[] [KNOCK] The place where the Mansus was struck. You must explore it.

-[] 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

--[] Knock, and ye shall open
---[] Offer to go beyond the foggy mirror, to perform an errant for the Daughter-of-Axes

--[] 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
---[] Invitation? No Forge Names available

-[] 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

-[] They are the ponies who are most precious to you, and they were shaken by what happened to you. You should spend more time with them than usual. (Not taking this action risks negative consequences)

-[] Your friends were probably… affected, by your recent problems. Maybe you should make sure they are alright?

-[] Uncle Steppes has come to visit! But every time you speak to him, you get the impression he is… unwell. Even though he hides it well from the fillies. Spend some more time with him, and see if you can help him.

-[] 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 Selene, and make her something more.
-[] [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 toils 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] The place where the Mansus was struck. You must explore it.

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.

There will be at least 48 hours of voting, and TWELVE hours of moratorium.

And kindly point out any mistakes you see.