-Interlude-

Deep in the catacombs under canterlot laid tunnels vast beyond all imagination, here was held meetings deemed to all but those 'in the know' mere blasphemous lies, and conspiracy theories. They, of course, were all high rankings official, the most trusted of the crown, they were in effect, the royal consultants and advisers.

Suddenly the door in the cavernous meeting room opened, the guests began filing into it and sitting down at a single table made of white marble the group somehow had transported down here. In flocked twelve hooded ponies, all wore robes of pure white, some however changed their outfits slightly to suit their tastes. A sash on one, some flared ends on others et cetra.

As they filed in to sit on the ornate chairs for the first meeting they had convened for for several years the, before nervously awaiting their host, the only person with enough power to order, and call them to convene. Not much was known about him or her, just that she seemed to have a new voice every meeting, and that they had a magic aura of the purest white, an unheard of rarity, and one they heard about only in myths of legendary seers and wizards. Ones that no one would ever believe if not for the evidence.

Suddenly, they all broke out of their thought when the pony who brought them here cleared their throat in a clear gesture that they should get started and stop the conversations that had sprung up as they sat waiting.

The leader spoke in a tongue that no doubt would've been gilt were it's words given substance, and were as honeyed as could be, "Ah gentlecolts and Lovely mares, truly it is a pleasure to see you all again after a space of time with little to no activity."

As the voice ended he took the time to nodded to each pony in turn and stated their names, acknowledging them so they felt welcome, a small gesture but one not missed.

After fnishing introductions up stood one of the taller ponies, who proceeded to throw up his hood revealing his face with strange blue highlights around the upper eyes and a blue maned head. Causing the figure at the tables head to briefly flash an generally unseen smile, "Grimm... as usual you're the first one up! Now what is on your mind brother?"

"When do we get to the point 'ya jackass? I'm missing things to be here 'ya know. And I goddamn want to know why you interrupted us all. It better be important old man" The most vocal, not to mention vulgar pony clearly stated. The addressed pony simply chuckled at the rather abrasive words, knowing that this was just how this particular pony acted.

"I assure you Grimm I was ready to get to the point before you stood up" He reprimanded, although in a tone that was more of a worried friend giving advice then a father punishing. The nonplussed Grimm sat down, unabashed at his behavior.

"As I was saying, welcome, all, to a discussion on a matter of great importance, you all know Nightmare Moon has recently...shall i simply put it...'REFORMED', I myself can believe her if only given the benefit of the doubt and the words of a princess, so i ask you my friends, what are thine thoughts?"

They all stared silently up at him, nopony bothering to hide the worry in their eyes, except the single pony who held not hatred nor contemp for the recently returned princess, but empathy... maybe even sadness. The speaker noticed this quickly and asked for his input.

"Any thoughts, Cifer?" he asked?

The addressed pony stood up and pulled away his hood to clearly show his messy black hair and deep, almost soullessly apathetic green eyes. "I merely think we should see how she behaves herself. She has just returned and needs to get into the swing of things as it were. I think we all agree we've done something that deserved a re-do in the past. Only the mistakes of immortals are much deeper and longer lasting than mortals' mistakes" He slowly said in a monotonous tone that were it not for the obvious thought he put into those worlds, would've come out uninspired.

The assembler of this group chuckled softly, he expected as much, this normally silent pony was quite expressive despite his tone and general stance. But he had to agree with him on this. "Yes, I quite agree, but it wouldn't be fair to go with the opinions of only two ponies, unless we can all agree we won't act. Anybody else in favor of letting things fall as they may?"

No hooves shot up besides Cifer's. The Leader sighs softly, he expected this after all, nopony here ever agreed and they all had personal agendas despite owing a spot of leadership to him. Oh well they had a lot more time...

"Well anypony else have any suggestions?"

Only one hand shot up... Grimm's, "I suggest we shoot the Bitch now, Celestia gave him." he motions to the leader "the royal adviser's place didn't she? He's sanctioned in any acts, he can do what he wants and only Celestia herself can refuse unless you have a good enough reason"

Quite a few members, save the more stoic ones like Cifer, show similar thoughts by either nodding or slightly smirking.

Grimm smirks slightly. "Besides I know people who can do it covertly, I can call any of them right now."

"Well...all in favor?" A few hooves shoot up, mostly the more renegade members.

"not unanimous, not going through"

Suddenly a splintering sound is heard as Grimm somehow chips the table as he slams his hoof down before standing up abruptly and swingin his hood up to leave the room.

This was never a rare occurance so nopony in particular was suprised he left, but not before screaming, "You people need to grow some balls, you all know she's a threat and I know ways to exterminate such pests, and i shall-"

He was cut off as a aura of snow white surrounded him, "No you shan't" That was all Grimm needed to deflate slightly before being dropped. It took him a moment but he then ran out the door.

Everpony just stared sadly at him as he left. The meeting ended as usual, with Grimm leaving.

The only sounds heard from that room then are the scuffling of furniture being moved to stand up and the swishing of the cloaks as the ponies inside move out. Until only Cifer and the leader stand in the room. Slowly the leader lifts the hood. And Cifer nods mysteriously to the pony underneath, who only showed their true voice and colors to Cifer, whom was trusted with their life.

"They'll come around, but we may need to step up security." Cifer calmy stated. To which she was responded with a slow nod, before walking through a personal door that lead directly to the Princess' rooms. She sighed, knowing she had to get back to work. She emerged into the Princess' room to find the Lunar mare shocked at her appearance.

She knew she held enough respect from the Lunar princess that she wouldn't have inquiries about what she was doing. From the chambers she just left she slowly plodded to the throne room, knowing she had buisness there to attend to...

Nopony seemed suprised when she walked into the throne room, as she was universally known. It was kind of hard to be this high up in the heirarchy and not be known after all...