Chapter 7: Answers
The soft clicks of hooves complemented the sound of my own footsteps as I followed the regal form ahead of me. Initially, she just stared at me like a deer caught in a pyroblast. However, she got over the surprise quickly... very quickly in fact. I could really say I was surprised with the mask she put on, I could barely get a read on what she was thinking. There was now no doubt it was a she, because it's not hard to tell from back here... especially considering the almost equal height. The sight of such things has no effect on me however, I am undead after all.
Of course, I was only looking because of what had caught my attention on her flanks... the large marks which adorned each one. I had finally got a good look at the rest of her form, and noticed them right away, the large image of a radiant sun plastered on each one.
'Some kind of ceremonial tattoo or status symbol?' Possibilities raced through my mind, until I noticed I was more or less staring into her rear for an uncomfortable amount of time.
I tore my gaze away quickly, if I was alive I might have even been embarrassed. However, she didn't seem to have noticed, or didn't care, as her eyes were locked straight ahead. The guards who had gathered when I emerged from the forest quickly broke apart before us. Taking a glance back, I saw Silversong was still sitting by the hydra heart, and was cradling the emblems in her hooves.
We entered the village from the nearest entrance, and I immediately noticed the silence. Every street and market stall was devoid of anyone as far as I could see.
'Well they probably either held up in their homes or evacuated, I still think it seems a bit extreme for a library break-in' I thought to myself as we continued through the ghost town.
I didn't bother asking anything... for obvious reasons, as we made our way towards what felt like the center of the village. Crossing over a bridge which spanned a stream, I looked over the edge and saw the small length of water that passed through the village unobstructed. Certainly was a pleasant place I'll give them that, much different than the architecture I was used to from Stormwind.
Memories of large stone brick buildings came to mind, and the many water ways that spanned the great city. It wasn't ugly or anything, but this place just felt more vibrant.
As we crossed the bridge, a larger building came into view which had a bit of a different design than any I'd seen so far.
'Looks like some kind of government building... Town Hall perhaps' I mused to myself as the sound of more hooves approached me from behind.
I took a quick look behind me, tensing a bit, as a guard made his way around me... giving a wide berth. He came up to the white Equine's side, before she lowered her head and they quietly whispered to each other. He was a bit bulkier than most of the ponies I'd seen but about the same height as them... with the exception of Sunshine there. However, the armor he wore was much different than that of the other guards. Rather than the gold or blue I'd seen, his seemed to be a lavender color with gold trim, along with a matching helmet that put his blue mane into a mohawk.
'Wait.' I could feel an uneasy feeling creep up my spine as I looked him over.
As they finished whispering he quickly nodded, and gave me one last glance. I could see a look of barely concealed anger behind his eyes, burning like a fire. On the front of his armor adorned a shield crest, along with a large purple... star...
'You've seriously got to be kidding me'
By now, questions were starting to bubble up in my mind, and I could feel frustration creeping in at not being able to answer any of them. One of the most pressing being... just who's house did I break into?!
His stare only lasted a second, before he broke it off and continued back where he came from at a hurried pace. The sound of a door opening pulled my attention back ahead just in time to see a prismatic tail disappear inside the building, and a few guards watching me cautiously from the door. Kicking into motion, I followed her inside... pausing for a moment as I got to the door and took a quick scan of the interior.
'Definitely a Town Hall'
The inside was about what I expected... large open room, plenty of space for chairs and tables, and even some balconies a floor above us. There were a couple guards in the golden gear I had seen earlier positioned around the room, five total.
The main room was empty of furniture... save for the red carpet that ran down the middle, along with a low table accompanied by two fluffy pillows. I raised an eyebrow at this, but quickly remembered that Equines probably couldn't sit in chairs too well. Well, at least ones of her... size.
Said pony gracefully sat at the table, before motioning to the unoccupied cushion across from her. I let out a small groan, before crossing the room and taking my place upon the cushion, squirming around a bit to try and get comfortable. Sunshine next to me wasted no time as her horn lit up, casting a soft yellow glow. I tensed at the sudden action, but quickly relaxed once I saw what she was doing.
Floating in her magical grasp was a teapot, floating just above the table as it tilted just a bit... steaming hot liquid flowing from it's spout. Filling up a cup, she went to put the pot down before motioning to me. I just shook my head, getting a small shrug from her before the pot disappeared in a flash of white. I blinked a couple times, removing the spot it had left in my vision, when the creaking of a door caught my attention.
The purple guard pony I'd seen talking to sunshine entered with a small box floating by his head, his horn engulfed in a aura the same color as book horse's was. His steps were muffled by the red carpet as he made his way towards us, eyes locked on me the whole time.
Reaching us, he paused for a moment before placing the box down in the center of the table... as the lid cracked open revealing it's contents. Two large jewels... no, two necklaces with a large sapphire inlay in each. Immediately, the left one was engulfed in a gold aura and lifted from the box. I watched as it floated over to sunshine and latched around her neck... a small flash of light pulsing from the chain as it locked in place.
She watched me expectantly, flicking her eyes to the box and the necklace inside. Sighing, I reach for the box... before I freeze.
'Could be cursed...' I peeked over to Sunny, who was watching me intently, 'Better safe than dead, can't afford to take that chance right now'
Deciding to be extra cautious, I slowly pushed the box towards her and pointed at the one on her neck. She blinked in confusion, until I pointed at the one around her neck again and held out my hand. A few seconds of silence ensued, before she lit up her horn and clicked the piece of jewelry off.
Floating it over to me, she let it fall into a pile in my hand as I looked it over. Other than the runes I couldn't read etched finely around the sapphire... I couldn't see any other red flags. Hesitantly putting it on around my neck I clicked it shut eliciting a flash of light from the chain... which surprisingly didn't feel like anything.
Leaning back from the table a bit, I watched as the other necklace is lifted out of the box and fastened around her neck... before I feel a strange warmth surge from where the sapphire lay on my chest. On reflex, my hand shot up to the necklace and griped it with my hand, until a sound froze me in place.
"Please don't do that." A motherly voice spoke in perfect Common, catching me off guard and making me jump.
I locked eyes with the large pony across from me, my eyes wide in surprise as she took a long sip from her floating teacup. Hesitantly, I loosened my grip on the necklace and let my arm relax. I watched the pony in silence as she slowly lowered her cup onto the table, before looking straight at me.
"Clever enchantment, isn't it?" She spoke again, this time I was definitely sure I was hearing things right.
"...yes." I finally answered in my echoing voice, getting the nearby guard to shift his stance a bit. "Apologies for the strange behavior... I had to be sure you weren't trying to curse me."
At this, she tilted her head a bit... brow furrowed in confusion. "Curse you? Why would I do that?"
Answering with a shrug, I sighed. "You wouldn't be the first, and likely wont be the last to try."
There was a moment of silence between us, until she spoke up again. "I must say, you definitely were not what I expected. I don't mean that in a bad way mind you. It's just your way of presenting yourself is a little... intense." She stated flatly.
I raised an eyebrow at her as I crossed my arms over my chest. "I figured if you can help me I might as well show you I'm willing to get along."
"By killing a hydra?" She asked, getting a silent look from me in return. "Tell me, I've been excited to hear about where you come from... I've never seen anything of your kind before."
I let out a slow breath, calming my agitated nerves, growing restless at the feeling of being glared at by a certain nearby guard. "Pardon me, but... I don't think I even know who you are yet." I said matter-o-factly.
She had a look of surprise for a moment, before she gave me a soft smile. "Oh, my apologies. I hadn't realized you didn't know of me." Straightening out her back, she took on a regal a posture as possible from her seat at the table. "I am Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria and Keeper of the Sun." She finished her little spiel with a smile, as the guard who'd been watching idly by had a smug smile plastered on his face.
The whole time he'd been here, his eyes had been locked onto me and I could feel it. Like two icicles boring into me, it didn't unsettle me so much as just straight pissed me off.
I gave a small nod, suppressing any emotions from showing on my face.
'Not just a Princess... but the Co-Ruler? And what does Keeper of the Sun even mean?' I thought as questions piled up in my mind. 'Well now that I think about it... a lot of what I've seen has been day and night themed. I can only imagine what Sunshine's opposite looks like, or I guess I should call her Celestia'
Breaking my train of thought, I met eyes with the Princess again as I set my hands on my knees. Trying to ignore the anger rising in my chest at the eyes which still hadn't moved themselves from me.
'If this guy doesn't stare somewhere else I'm gonna gouge his fuckin' eyes out' My hands slowly clenched around my knees until my knuckles started turning white.
"And I suppose you already know my name?" I asked through grit teeth, already knowing the answer.
Giving a short nod, she motioned to the door leading outside. "Yes, one of my guards had mentioned you called yourself Dalandor. I just wanted to ask-" I quickly slammed my hand into the table as I could feel my blood pressure peaking, getting everyone nearby to jump a bit.
"Sorry don't mean to be rude, but is this guy gonna be here the whole time. If so could you tell him to get his damn eyes off me before I take them off him?" I growled out, flicking my eyes back to the source of my frustration.
Recovering quickly from the noise, the purple guard quickly got into a stance like he was preparing to leap over the table to me. Many of the other troops in the room look like they were ready to jump in as well... until Celestia raised her hoof.
"Please, settle down. Shining armor... could you please wait for me outside? The other guards shall stay here." At this request, he began to say something back to her I couldn't understand... until she shook her head, quieting him instantly. "But you're not Captain anymore, correct?"
Silence hung in the air for a few moments, until the pony apparently named Shining Armor turned to glare at me one last time... before giving a snort and heading back outside.
'Definitely a friend of Twilight, and already on his shit list...' I thought as I watched him leave, the door clicking shut behind him and leaving me alone with Celestia. 'This is already starting to feel like Stormwind all over again'
I rapped my fingers on the table, before looking back to Celestia and pointing to my necklace.
"So, how exactly does this work?" I asked tapping a finger on the sapphire hanging from my neck.
Motioning to the two necklaces, she began her explanation. "The enchantments imprinted on the gems inside allow communication between linked users. It's not telepathy... but more so that it bridges the meaning between similar words of different languages, to one you can comprehend." She finished with another sip of her tea, then a quick refill before leaving the pot on the table this time.
"What exactly did you use it for?" The question more or less slipped out, my curiosity of something new winning out over other possible questions.
Lifting her cup again, she answered almost immediately. "We use them to talk with ambassadors from other kingdoms." She stated simply, almost brushing it off.
Then I felt it, the small shiver that ran up my back whenever someone tried to deceive me... before gnawing at the back of my neck.
'Seems you're not as innocent as you let on' I thought as my mouth curled up into a half smile.
"Something like this, surely you've made use of it in… other applications?" I said with a low chuckle, causing her to freeze mid sip.
The expression on her face shifted quickly, from serene perfection to surprise as she set the cup down... a look of suspicion pointed right at me. "...how did you-"
"Call it a hunch." I interrupted with a shrug as the pleasant smell of citrus and cinnamon reached my nose.
'Has been a long time since I had some warm tea...' Hesitating for a moment, I reached forward and grasped the teapot... before filling a cup of my own.
I brought it up to my lips, carefully blowing cool air at the scalding liquid before flicking my gaze back to the inquisitive pony. "So now I'm really curious... what are they used for?" I asked as I took a tentative sip of the tea.
Scanning me with her eyes, she slowly put the cup onto the table and cleared her throat. "...we used to use them to interrogate prisoners of war." She finally admitted after a moment of pause.
"War?" I asked with a raised brow, "I suppose I had assumed wrong about you ponies. And to answer your question, I came from Azeroth." I quickly answered, watching for her reaction.
To my disappointment, her confusion only grew. "Azeroth... I can't say I've heard of that kingdom." She paused, tapping her hoof on her chin, "And what had you assumed about us ponies exactly?" Celestia hummed with a questioning look.
Shrugging, I took another sip of the tea. "Almost every pony I've met so far has been petrified of just the sight of me. I just assumed you weren't very used to conflict in general, however your recent actions had me questioning that theory."
"'Recent actions?' Like what?" She asked curiously.
I motioned to the door, "The forest search. I have to say that was kind of overkill." I stated getting her to nod a bit.
"While I agree it was perhaps a little drastic, we couldn't take any chances." She answered quickly, leaning her head back a bit as her eyes locked with mine. "After all, somepony had threatened a Princess of Equestria in her own home... speaking of home could you tell me more about this 'Azeroth' you mentioned?"
Her question, however, went unanswered as I stared back at her... dumbstruck by what I'd heard. "...sorry could you run that by me again?"
A moment of silence reined between us until she finally started back up. "Azeroth, where you-"
Raising my hand, I cut her off quickly. "No. About Twilight. Did you say she's a Princess?"
Suddenly, I started putting things together. The only ponies I've seen so far with both a horn and wings had been Twilight and Celestia... everyone else had one or the other, or neither.
"...yes. She's a recently titled Princess of Equestria and was my personal pupil-" I cut her off again, this time my voice raising in intensity.
"Are you insane?" I blurted out, my eyes wide.
This caught her off guard, as she recoiled a bit in her cushion. "I... I beg your pardon?"
Placing a hand on my forehead, my eyes scanned back and forth as I ran the scenarios through my mind. "This has to be a joke... It would have been so easy to-"
Cutting me off, Celestia spoke up in a volume equaling mine. "If this is some kind of attempt at a joke I don't find it very humorous." She finished, a hint of anger breaking through her motherly tone.
Narrowing my eyes at her, I leaned forward on the table as my blood pressure skyrocketed. "You're telling me that a Princess... a brand new Princess at that, was left on her own unguarded? In a small village living inside a public library no less?!" I finished, the volume in my voice steadily rising as I spoke.
Shaking her head, she matched my volume. "While I appreciate your worries I can assure you she is more than safe here, Equestria has enjoyed it's longest era of peace since-"
"Era of peace? You're kidding me? You hedged the safety of one of your Princesses on the bet that 'nothing bad usually happens anyway'? That's just asking to be assassinated." I spat, getting a look of displeasure from the Princess as her eyes narrowed at me.
"Twilight has very few enemies, and even fewer than that who could do her harm. I'm not sure where you come from, but Equestria's values are, and always will be, maintaining trust and friendship between our allies. Whoever they may be." She pulled her head back a bit at the end of her explanation, a small smile reappearing on her face.
I let out another short laugh, causing her expression to drop again. "So you're telling me, that even you don't have enemies of your own?"
A quick shake of her head, she placed her hoof on her chest. "I hardly see how that's related-"
"Enough," I cut her off, "let me tell you exactly why it's related." An edge to my voice which silenced her but elicited a hard glare.
I was probably going to regret what I was about to say, but the sound of my heart pounding in my ears deafened me to reason at this point.
I placed both my fists on the table slowly, clenching them tightly as I leaned forward. "Do you know how easy it would have been?" I hissed, my tone quiet with a dangerous edge. "I could smell her from half a mile away just by her perfume, even her windows were unlocked. Imagine it Celestia, if someone was desperate enough to hurt you they would be willing to attack someone close to you. And how highly you speak of Twilight and mentioned she was your pupil... that puts her pretty high up on the hit list." I paused for a moment, and I could see her going through a variety of emotions as I spoke... the most prominent still being anger.
"So if for any reason you ever paint a target on your back, poor Twilight might be the one who gets hurt. Did you consider that?" I asked coldly, matching her hard stare.
Over the next moments, I watched her face closely. It was hard to tell, the emotionless mask she puts on being quite impressive, however I did see it for a moment.
Realization.
Giving a small smirk, I lifted two fingers and continued, "Twice I had the opportunity, first in the forest... then in her own home. Obviously... I didn't do it, but if that had been my intention that night... It would have been a breeze. Not so much as a single person would have ever known I was there, and no one would know what had befallen their Princess until the smell of rot carried itself down the road." I finished as I spat out those last couple words, my anger having finally hit it's peak and starting to recede.
Crossing my arms, my breathing slowly began to steady itself as I watched the Princess match my stare with a blank expression. Once my anger had subsided enough to think clearly again, I began to realize what I had just said... and more importantly who I said it to.
'I don't think scolding royalty was a good first impression' Reasoning finally broke through my thoughts as I watched the Princess take in a slow breath.
"You're right." She said simply.
I didn't show it, but this caught me off guard. I really expected to hear an execution order for that, especially from someone who doesn't know about my... anger problems.
"It could have been easy... and it shouldn't of, that I agree. However, that doesn't excuse you talking to royalty like that, and I shall remind you to watch your tongue going forward." She stated coldly as she leveled her gaze to mine.
I returned her look with silence for a few moments, before sighing. "...apologies, I meant no offence. I have a famously short temper."
She gave a small nod, as her horn lit up and magic enveloped her teacup, the liquid quickly starting to let off steam again.
"It is fine, I have a famously strong patience." She paused, sipping the tea, "However, be careful how you speak to the crown from now on. Especially around the guards... they can be a bit proud." At this, I took a peek at the guards around the room.
Many of them were looking at me disapprovingly. They couldn't understand what I was saying but even an idiot could deduce I was being disrespectful.
"Now... back to my other question." She added, motioning for me to continue.
Clearing my throat, I gave a small stretch. "Well, if you're wondering where Azeroth is... it wont be on any of your maps. Nor will you find one with it either." I explained, pulling my enchanted pouch from my waist and placing it on the table.
The princess watched me as I untied the string around the end of the bag, before reaching inside. I could see a look of curiosity on her face as my arm continued to go into the pouch, until it found it's target. Pulling my arm out, a long piece of parchment came out in my grasp.
I delicately placed the map on the table, before rolling it open. In an instant, her eyes lit up in wonder as she pulled herself closer. Scanning everything she could, I watched as her eyes darted all around the parchment.
"This, is 'Azeroth'?" She asked, looking to me only for a second as I gave a short nod. "...but there's so much. How is this possible... it cant be. Unless...?" Her breath hitched as she locked eyes with me again, suddenly standing from her pillow. "How did you get here?" She snapped, her tone shifting quickly.
"Unstable portal, collapsed mid conjuring." I stated flatly, raising an eyebrow at her change in demeanor. "And I'm assuming you figured this out, yes... I'm not of this planet. I'm surprised your purple friend didn't tell you that part as I'd already shown her the map."
Slowly, she lowered herself back onto her pillow. Her gaze however didn't release from me, a new level of seriousness about her.
"No, she didn't. When I arrived she was too shaken up to tell me exactly what happened. That's when I gave the order to search the forest, after all it's not every day something has the element of magic terrified into submission." She finished that sentence with a bit of edge.
I wasn't sure why, but something about me being from another world had shifted the tone of the whole conversation. There was something else she wasn't telling me, but this time I felt best to not pry further.
"So," She started, having returned back to her calm demeanor, "Exactly what are you anyway?"
I knew this question was coming, and I hadn't quite thought out how much I should tell her. Of course, I had to mention my worgen form as they probably already know about it by now.
I gave a small sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm a human. Mostly. The rest is worgen."
'Though some would argue the opposite...' The thought whispered in the back of my mind, but I kept it to myself.
Watching her eyes drift up and down my body, she gestured a hoof towards me. "And this form is the... human one correct?" She asked eliciting a nod from me, "And your other body, worgen? What's that?"
Sighing, I rapped my fingers against the table. "That's a… hard subject. Lets just call it a curse which burdens only myself." I assured with a nod.
I let her ponder my words in silence, until I brought up a question of my own that's been on my mind. "So, you seemed quite surprised when I told you I wasn't from this world... why shouldn't it be possible?"
The question went unanswered for a while, as I could see the gears turning in her head.
'She's deciding how much to tell me... definitely not getting in her good books any time soon.'
"The veil." She stated, getting me to raise an eyebrow. "It's a cloak of energy that covers the planet, and provides magic to all life on Equis." Pausing for a moment, she takes in a steady breath. "Nothing should be able to journey through the veil. In or out, portal or not. It has always been that way, and yet here you are." She finishes motioning to me.
"I tried making a portal home, but it wouldn't even activate so I guess that's probably that Veil doing that?" I asked, getting a nod from her. "...well. I guess that settles that." I growled, slumping in place.
"...I am sorry. Truly. It cannot be easy to lose one's home, at least it will live on in your memories." She finished with a gentle smile, not knowing the irony behind that statement. "I appreciate your honesty today. Respect like that goes a long way with me, just... work on that temper of yours."
I didn't answer, and instead just sat in silence. This lasted for a while, until Sunshine's horn illuminated again, dragging the box that had contained the necklaces over to me.
"I know it's not much, but I want you to take this... think of it as a welcome to Equis present. It isn't a lot considering what you're going through... but it will help you get started." She finished as I took the box, her magic fading.
Before I could answer, a knock sounded off at the door grabbing both our attention. The same pony I'd seen before peeked inside, giving me a quick glare before looking to the princess and saying something I couldn't understand.
"Oh, pardon me. It seems we're out of time." She states as she began stretching from her spot. "So, what will you do now? I must ask that you refrain from... killing any more hydras. Or, anything for that matter."
Rolling my eyes, I stood to my full height, my back popping as I did. "If something threatens me I'm not gonna hesitate to put it down. If you're worried about me hurting any of your ponies... it shouldn't be a problem unless one of them pick a fight with me. I prefer to be alone anyway so I won't bother them much."
Letting out a small sigh, she shook her head a bit causing her ethereal mane to let out a quick ripple. "I had a feeling you were going to say that. However, perhaps what you need right now is a friend? I'm sure-"
Raising my hand up, I spoke up. "No friends." I cut in quickly. "...sorry. I've seen too many lose friends and family alike, I'm far better off away from all that."
Looking taken back by my answer, she shook her head while furrowing her eyebrows in worry. "That's a... depressing mentality Dalandor. Everypony could always use more friends."
Ignoring her comment, I continued. "As to where I'm going... I'm not sure yet. I need some time to process this on my own, I didn't think when I left the bank that day I'd end up here... but I was planning on starting over that day anyway." This got a nod from Celestia, as her horn lit up and engulfed the jewelry around her neck.
"Oh, and if you plan on staying around Ponyville I suggest you make up with Twilight. The townsponies will be informed you're not a threat, so please keep it that way." She finished with a small nod, which I returned.
With a small click the chain came off her neck and the warmth in my chest faded quickly. Following her lead, I unhooked the chain and pulled it off, setting it inside the box next to it's twin Celestia had firmly slotted into place. Putting the box away into my pouch, I slung it back over my waist before following the Princess out. Stepping out into the daylight, I reflexively shield my eyes from the bright assault, before taking in the area around the town hall.
It seems ponies had started filtering inside the town once again, as I took in all the colors straining my eyes. It seems, even before the guards have given the green light, these equines are still too curious for their own good. It looked like the whole town had showed up, being kept at a comfortable distance by the guards who were still left over in the area.
I could feel every pair of eyes on me, scanning me up and down and soaking in every detail they could. I tried to keep the scowl from appearing on my face, and made a straight walk for the way out and back to the forest. The sooner I was alone to think the better.
'I'll handle Twilight... later' I growled in thought as I made my way to the nearest exit as quickly as possible.
Perspective: Celestia
I let out a long, drawn out sigh as my head drooped down a bit... the tiredness finally catching up with me. My eyes lazily scanned the rolling fields that passed outside my carriage window, as Canterlot mountain slowly edged closer. Memories of the soft bed which beckoned my name whispered in my mind. However, I knew getting any sleep was only wishful thinking on my part.
The last few days had been a nightmare, and I hadn't slept a wink during any of it. Contrary to popular belief about Alicorns, I did in fact need my beauty sleep! I had been hoping to have fixed this problem by now but during my conversation with that creature something had come up, something that couldn't wait.
Prince Shining had kindly reminded me that day court was coming up, which had allowed me to quickly break off my conversation with Dalandor... even if I was going to cancel court anyway.
'What a strange... human he called himself? He was certainly brave with how he spoke to me that's for sure.' I let out an annoyed snort, remembering when he had lectured me about how to protect my subjects.
'I think the part I hated most was how he was right' Which is probably the only reason I didn't feel the need to silence him when he spoke out of line like that.
There was one more thing that interested me about this human though... and it was his incredibly unique aura. Back at the edge of the Everfree when he approached me I saw his aura and it... confused me.
Alicorns have the special ability so see a beings unique aura that changes with their intensions or power. Whether it's due to our much stronger connection to the veil, or simply an ability only Alicorn species possessed, isn't entirely known. Due to the fact that this was a strict crown secret, no studies have ever been conducted to gleam it's true source.
And yet when I saw him coming towards me, and every muscle in my body wanted to give the order to arrest... I couldn't. His aura had caught me off guard... it was like nothing I'd ever seen. Emanating out from him was dark strands of blue energy, flowing away from him violently. However, just under that dark surface I could see it... even through everything that tried to obscure it.
A small shimmer of light, almost completely snuffed out by the surrounding darkness but defiantly pushing through anyway. That's when I realized, this creature had been the bearer of a terrible guilt... I had never seen the core of a being so utterly desecrated and couldn't help but pity him a bit.
My train of thought came to an end as the sound of wheels touching stone jostled me from my thoughts. A quick glance at the window confirmed I had landed in Canterlot at last. Straightening my neck once more, I gave a small stretch before getting to my hooves. As I did, the door next to me clicked open to reveal my guard escort.
Lifting his hoof up towards me, I lightly took it and stepped out of the carriage. I don't know when they started feeling like they had to do it... but if I didn't take their hoof I'd feel awful.
I blinked once at that thought, before sighing. 'Wow... I have gotten soft'
"Something the matter, Princess?" The guard asked me with a hint of worry in his voice.
"No, I'm alright." I answered with a small nod, "I'm just thinking is all. Could you please inform the ponies waiting at the throne that day court today has been 'Canceled Due To Unforeseen Circumstances'?"
The guard looked at me for a second, before nodding and giving a quick salute. Then he was gone, off to inform the soon to be angry nobles of their sudden cancellations.
I cringed a bit at the thought of tomorrow's day court, but pushed that out of my mind quickly. For now I had a very certain goal in mind, and it had everything to do with that 'Human' down in Ponyville. More specifically... how he said he'd arrived here.
My hooves clicked on the carpet covered marble flooring as I made a quick pace through the castle halls. Obviously I knew the layout of the castle by heart, I was there when it was built after all. Before long, I made it to my destination... the ornate blue door quickly coming into view.
She'd only just gone to bed a couple hours ago after lowering the moon... but this couldn't wait. Gently, I pushed open the heavy door, casting a ray of light into the dark room. Across the darkened carpet I could see the slumbering form of Luna messily sprawled across her bed.
'Graceful' I chuckled to myself at her sleeping form.
As quietly as I could, I slipped through the opening before closing the door behind me with a soft click. Turning around, I gave a small snort of annoyance at the state of her room. Seems she once again just threw everything off and headed to bed, some things never change.
Shaking my head a bit with a small smile reaching my lips, I lit my horn up and focused on the scattered regalia on the floor. One by one, they all lift off the floor and stacked neatly on the dresser in her room, her small crown jeweled with midnight diamonds placed in the very center.
Cutting off my magic, I turned and made my way to her sleeping form. As carefully as I could, I climbed onto the bed and lay myself next to her... my hooves tucking in under me. Gently, I extended my right wing and brushed her awake.
"Sister." I whispered, getting her to stir and let out a groan of displeasure. "I'm sorry for the early wakeup... but this couldn't wait."
Luna flicked her eye open for a second, before snapping it shut and burying her head in the soft moon shaped pillow.
Luna let out a slow, quiet grumble into her pillow... before lifting her head up to me. "Yes. Sister?" She asked through grit teeth and sleepy eyes.
"I'm afraid this is complicated... you might want to get ready." I said sheepishly, eliciting another groan from Luna.
Quickly, and angrily, she crawled out of bed and stomped straight for the bathroom. "Five minutes." She stated coldly, before closing the door shut hard.
I felt a pang of guilt at that. I'd promised her I'd handle the situation myself so she could get some rest... we'd both been overworked the last few days and have gotten barely any time to relax. As much as it pained me, it was necessary. If this being, Dalandor, came through the veil... others can too.
Which means we're no longer safe from... them.
As my mind receded back to the stories my parents had told me, the bathroom door opened quickly and startled me back to reality. Standing in the doorway, was the slightly less disheveled form of Luna. Her mane was a bit wrinkled, and if you looked close enough you could plainly see the tiredness in her eyes. However, her coat was pristine and the feathers of her wings straight, albeit drooping slightly.
"Well, what is so important it couldn't wait?" She asked annoyed while crossing the room to the bed.
I paused for a moment as she got back onto the bed, tucking her legs under herself like I had as she let out a sigh.
"I met with the creature. The one in Ponyville." I started, getting a glance from Luna. "He called himself Dalandor."
"Strange name. What did you think of this creature?" She questioned, letting out a small yawn.
Tapping a hoof on my chin, I shook my head. "I... am not sure exactly. But I feel no evil coming from him... in a way. It was hard to explain how I felt, but that's not what I wanted to tell you." I paused, taking in a shaky breath. "Luna... do you remember what mother and father told us? About the veil?"
As soon as I mentioned them, her demeanor shifted quickly. All hints of tiredness gone, she lift her head up to full height and locked eyes with me.
"Of course, how could I forget?" She answered back quickly, her voice having taken on a new seriousness. "Did something change?"
I nodded slowly, eliciting a nervous flutter of Luna's wings. "This Dalandor... states he's from another world."
Luna just stared back at me with wide eyes, her mouth hanging slightly... until she blinked rapidly. "...do you believe him?"
"Yes." I stated quickly. "I could feel no deception in his aura, however it was quite unique. I can't help but feel we shouldn't be worried about him... something is telling me we should get him on our side."
Luna pondered what I said, looking deep in thought. "And the veil? Do you think somethings wrong with it? Maybe the heart?"
Sighing, I lowered my head. "I don't know Luna. Our parents didn't leave us much to go on... only some strange prophecy. Sometimes I wish they didn't have to go." I could feel my eyes water a bit as I said that.
I could feel a wing embrace me, before pulling me close. "I know. I do too... but it's up to us to make sure those stories they told us stay in the past."
Nodding slightly, I let out a shaky breath. "Remember how father explained them? The red skin and the burning green eyes?" I asked, getting a nod from Luna.
"He didn't speak of them much... but yes I remember."
"He looked nothing like that, his skin was very pale yes... but nothing like how father explained it. And his eyes were... normal, if a bit small." I recalled what he had looked like, keeping out details of his bloodstained platemail.
Suddenly, Luna rose from her spot and got off the bed as her horn began to glow. All her regalia I'd set on the dresser floated over to her body, as she expertly placed everything on at once.
"We should go and check the heart. Make sure nothings happened. After all, it's been a couple thousand years since we've been there." Luna stated nervously, walking towards the balcony of her room.
Pulling them open, she grimaced at the sunlight as it flooded the dark room. Following her into the archway, I brushed up against her side and nuzzled under her neck.
"I'm sorry Luna, I know I promised you I'd handle-" Before I could fully apologize, she cut me off with a lift of her hoof.
"If you want to make it up to me, stay quiet for the whole trip. This sun of yours is already giving me a horn-splitting headache." She grumbled out, as her wings spread and gave a mighty flap.
I watched her take off, before a small smirk appeared on my face as I was about to take off after her. However, I hesitated for a moment as a thought quickly resurfaced from my conversation earlier with Dalandor.
'A personal guard for Twilight...' I pondered for a couple seconds, until a certain guard came to mind.
Lighting up my horn, I materialized a small scroll and a quill. Jotting down a quick message, I gave a smile as it coiled up and disappeared in a flash. Giving a quick nod to no one in particular, I unfurled my wings and took off to where Luna was headed...
The Heart of Eternity...
