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

[AuthorTransient]

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Here's Part 2!

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In which (S) Collide – Part 2

Luna: Wake


You wake up.

You are Luna AND YOU WAKE UP.



For a moment, you can only stare at the gray ceiling, blinking. Feeling the way your eyes close shut and flicker open again.

What happened?

You shift your body under the familiar covers and shut your eyes again, thinking. You had a... you had a bad dream. A dream where you trusted your sister and your sister hurt you. And then you panicked and ran and ran and ran... and had another, different dream.

A dream where your name was Selene, but your name wasn't Selene. A dream where you were a filly, but you realized you weren't just a filly. Where something was wrong, but didn't know what. You toss and turn, stretching your calves and feeling the sensation of crystal horseshoes.

A dream where it was so cold and so painful each movement was a journey, but you had to keep going. A dream where you felt you deserved it anyway, that cold, harsh bitter feeling that made you feel so miserable. Where you felt so, so sad, that it hurt your heart even more than the cold did. Where you didn't want to leave. Where you didn't want to leave alone. But you had to. And you did. You frown and your entire face twists with the motion.

Then, it was a dream where you found something that was a part of you. And you feared it and hated it, but you couldn't stand not knowing. And you remember... you remember that horrible, horrible dream, where you opened the door and found – and found that time you were Nightmare Moon. You open your eyes and look up at the ceiling again. That horrible, horrible Worm. You sigh, and your entire body heaves with the motion.

Finally, as your eyes remain open and you remain silent, thinking of nothing at all, you remember that final part of the dream. When you panicked and hurt your sister. Again, you realize. When you hurried to apologize and was stopped in place. When you remembered that you – you own yourself. Not this trauma, not that Worm, not anypony else. Everything you have ever experienced – the fires, the black river of loss, your sins and regrets and your deeds and actions and choices, they are all a part of you. You hold that realization close to your chest, and you realize that you will fight anypony who ever denies that.

You shut your eyes once more and just breathe in and out.

Then you get up.



The room is unfamiliar, and the pegasus by your bed even more so. You feel that you should know them... but you also don't. Jamais Vu.

"Sorry," you ask, "where am I?"

You feel like you've done something bad when his face falls, but before you can apologize again, the door opens a crack, light spilling in. You turn to see an old mare who looks familiar but in another way (still a stranger) opening the door. "Perhaps it's best not to answer that yet, dearie? Please follow me."

You frown, but you follow the pegasus and the mare anyway, out of the bedroom and down a series of halls and stairs, still feeling that strange sense of jamais vu as you look around. You expect there to be vertigo as well, but the fact that there's none keeps throwing you off. This is not a Dream, even if this house looks... both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. The pegasus sneaks glances at you from time to time, but you still can't remember his name nor where he's from.

Eventually, you reach the house's apparent living room. For some reason, your heart is undergoing palpitations. You turn your head to look at the old mare and she gestures you forward. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, and slightly hesitantly, you open the door. Before the light of the fireplace – you see a family of strangers.

Spoiler: Does she remember the dream?

Does she remember the dream?

Modifier:

Final Words +1

Final Realization +1

7 or higher: Luna remembers everything of Selene.

6: She remembers most of it. That there is an enemy, and that you found her, took her in, sheltered her, taught her, raised her, and let her live with her family.

5: She remembers half of it. That there is an enemy, what you taught her, and how you let her live with her family.

4: She remembers some of it. That there is an enemy and what you taught her.

3: She remembers the gist of it. That there is an enemy.

2: She remembers you found her.

1: Nothing.

0 or lower: Hostile.

But -- -- --

Because your mind was finally ready for it.

And your body was once again in its correct form.

And you remembered the knowledge needed to open it.

And, at long last, you had the strength to do what had to be done.



The memories come rushing back. Yes, this is your family. Or was. Or is. Or whatever, dream nonsense. You hoofwave that away mentally and take stock.



Stormchaser, who had been a solid and nurturing rock for you.

Soft Sweeps, who had done her best as a big sister, now in shock – which amuses you, just the slightest bit.

Silky Stream, who is smiling so wide your own cheeks hurt.


...Velvet Covers, who has bowed her head down.



Which is wrong. She shouldn't have to. As you walk towards her, she cowers further down, until she is almost prostrating.

"Velvet Covers," you begin... and you bend down a hoof to help her up (you're taller than her now; you have always been taller than her). "Thanks, Mom."


"I don't, I don't deserve..." She begins, but you shush her and wrap your wings around your mother, feeling how she shivers and shudders underneath your embrace. Has she always been so frail? Has she always looked so old and so stressed and so exhausted?


"It's okay." You remember the dream, and the nightmare as well, and already you are connecting the dots – – and have connected the dots between how she taught you the Lores and how she was the one to find you first, and understanding what she had done – and also what she had sacrificed to help you. "I forgive you."

You let her sob a bit more, and then the moment is ruined as Silky Stream executes glomp number 6 and subsequently glomps both of you. "Squeeeeeeee ~ !"

Softy Sweeps hesitates, but you roll your eyes and wrap both her and Stormchaser in the group hug as well. Then, inhaling, you shake your wings out and stretch. By the Glory does that feels good.


There's a chuckle by the door and Baldomare ("Aunty Baldie!") files back in, followed by Rarity, Fluttershy, an unknown unicorn, and frankly a rather large pegasus – the last of which froze once he laid his eyes on you and went: "Velvet, that is Luna."

That name... that's right, you are no longer Selene, are you? Inwardly, you light a small fire for that young filly – Selene. The dream was nice while it lasted, and helped you immensely. Thank you.

Although it hurts you to do so, you haven't yet fully restored your connection to your Alicorn sister, if only because she would teleport right over here and likely explode the place. No, it would be better to do so in a clearing tomorrow. And as Velvet shares a glance with you, you know there will be a conversation later about what exactly to tell her.

But right now, it is time for a subdued celebration.


You meet and greet with Rarity and Fluttershy, who establish themselves all at once almost opposites to each other but also alike in the most charming of ways.

You learn that the unknown earth pony is Jade Whistle, and that she helped in finding an easier way to wake you, of which you profess your gratefulness for.

You manage to disentangle Aunty Baldie from your sister long enough to give her a hug and whisper thanks.

You sort of shrug at Comet Feet as he introduces himself, who also sort of shrugs at you. Almost immediately afterwards the both of you notice Velvet Covers entering an animated discussion with Fluttershy, at which point you exchange looks with him in comisseration at being the only 'sane one' here.

You greet Mareinette and she greets you back as befitting of a Lady of her station, raising your hoof to her lips to kiss -

"What Are You Doing."


Mareinette Trait Revealed!

THE SUBTLE KISS: Mareinette may hide attacks as completely harmless kisses, pats, smiles, or intimate glances, though they still require combat rolls. Targets may make an intrigue check to realize that damage was done after each successful attack. This compounds with OUR LADY OF WIRES.

DISPELLED BY BALDOMARE


- and you realize that her jaws are open around your foot. You still.


"Mareinette..." Velvet Covers begins, but the monster does not move. "Mareinette, let go."

- and for a terrifying moment, you realize that the monster in front of you is considering disobeying and biting down anyway, her gaze swiveling one way and another, until she slowly, slowly, hesitantly and unwillingly, releases you.

You take one step back, and then another. The room has gone very, very quiet.


Mareinette does not quite shuffle in place. She does not. She does not. She is a Lady, and a Lady does not shuffle in place. Nope.

Not even under the glare that Baldomare is levelling at her. Not even as the atmosphere rackets up, and as you note your sisters backing away and hiding behind Stormchaser, who has one wing slightly raised.


"Mareinette," you can almost hear the tremble in Velvet's voice behind the cold calm, "you aren't allowed to be in here."

The monster smiles. And it is a monster, although your mind rebels against it. Though she looks perfectly fine, despite being the largest pony you've ever seen and a face made out of wires, she looks like a perfectly respectable noble Lady. And you grab that bit, and vehemently grab it like a drowning pony might grasp for straws, and combine it with all the complaints that Celestia used to share with you about nobles, and manage to retain enmity against her.

You stoke that fire as much as you can, and will yourself to remain battle-ready. Something is telling you that the results of this confrontation may spell doom for everypony here.


Mareinette explains politely that -

DISPELLED BY BALDOMARE.


The monster is right in front of you – you dodge the bite without wound – and the horror slurps the single strand of hair up and savors it, shuddering in pleasure. You quickly maneuever yourself away into a more advantageous position.

And you look at two different mothers and two different ideas.

---

Velvet Covers: Strife

You are Velvet Covers, and you were content.

Luna is awake, she forgives you, it looks like you can actually make some headway into improving the world, maybe help Celestia calm down....

...except, you were.

Because you had been operating on a foolish assumption this entire time – that Mareinette would abide by limits and propeiety. But Our Lady of Wires is a monster, constrained only to her whims and moods. She can be nothing else.

Mareinette has disobeyed you, which means that she could have disobeyed you at any time. She has been humoring you. And she has barged into this celebration, and she has almost hurt Luna TWICE –

– which is to say that the only reason why your vision isn't completely red is because you are using a lot of Winter's calm.


[OLD INTELLIGENCE] TRIGGERS

As if sensing the direction your thoughts are taking, Mareinette twists in your direction and bows Her head. She apologizes for trying to take the first bite. Of course, it is you who went through the effort of finding the ingredients, an exotic half-Outsider, that you took the time to raise her up and fatten her just nicely, so you should be the one to try the sumptious meal first. Oh, what an exotic, one-of-a-kind meal! A half-Outsider!

All she's asking for is just a small bite of that sweet succulent blood. Just a little sip. It is all she is asking for. In fact, She will offer you a bargain deal right now! That is how you use the phrase, yes? As long as you share with Her just some of that sweet, sweet drink, She'll rebind herself to you. No need to thank Her.

After all, were the two of you not both fellow connoisseurs of the Grail? Were you not so glad about finally finding a conversation partner in the Grail that you summoned her here? Why, She had had to entertain herself for a while, but it was alright! Because even the wait is part of the meal.


Because, after all, both of you understand: love can only ever be an investment. It is a seed, which you gift and water and grow, all just so to reap everything back with value.

Something cannot be borne out of nothing. To make something, one must consume something.

The Sun is made from the remains of other stars. A fetus consumes a mother's body. A black hole devours everything to grow.

When you love somepony, you are marinating them, fattening them, seasoning them, and preparing them for the end-goal: to harvest their bounty and resources to savor and consume. All that work, all that sacrifice, all to culminate in another's destruction and ceasing to be, so that you can grow! To take in what others have sacrificed, into you!

Because, don't you know? The only reason why somepony would ever love somepony else is to never, ever, let them go.


And you realize that this is how Mareinette loves: all-devouring, all-consuming. Monstrous.

This is Her nature. She can no longer perceive that anypony can love any way else.

Like cherry wine, and even now as you resist it's siren call and burning anguish, you know that this too is part of Her love. Her holy grail.

You reject it.

You reject it with every fiber of your being. It should not be like this.


Love should not be attachment nor obsession, but free-flowing and freely given. It is the joy you feel in your heart when Silky does loop-de-loops in the air, and the bliss when Stormchaser tells you that you are his favorite horseshoe nail, and the determination and vulnerability you felt when you told Softy to follow her heart, and the felicility when the Daughter-of-Axes accepted your name, and when you would always choose to wake Selene, regardless of the loss and pain in your heart, knowing: you will never see her again.


And so when you speak, your voice is certain. "Mareinette, you are to never harm any of my daughters."

The Lady of Wires freezes like She is caught in a spotlight.

Then, She begins to plead.

Like a petulant child.


Please, please please please please-please-pleasePLEASEPLEASEPLEASE-

She bangs her head on the floor.

PLEASE, GLORY, PLEASE!

A half-outsider! An exotic meal none have consumed! Mixed with a pony's flesh, generating a new being wholly unseen! Pony flesh with the sweet, sweet underscore of a filly and the sour taste of an Outsider's blood!

She rolls about on the floor – everypony gives Her space. Desperately, almost frothing at the mouth, She rants and rants.

Why would you dangle this temptation and not even give Her one lick! She abruptly pulls herself to Her hooves and pleads – no, begs you. Just give Her this and She'll be binded to you forever. Please.


But you remain firm.

Or... you would have.

Because Her song and dance and arguments have revealed something far more damning. Coincidentally, Her dress is in disarray. Coincidentally, you are looking at Her. And coincidentally, you see it.


Several beating hearts, still christened with blood. Glistening like dark rubies. Freshly harvested.


And as you look at the Lady of Wires, you realize that She looks more vibrant than when you summoned Her. More filled out. More colored.

No. You Know.

You Know what She has done.

Mareinette Trait Revealed!

UNQUENCHABLE THIRST: For every turn in the Wake, Mareinette will seek out a Grail sacrifice and consume it.


Hasn't the number of your staff decreased, lately? Haven't they been slightly more busy? As if they were taking on the same amount of tasks with less ponies? Haven't there been some absences?

Faceless sacrifices. You don't even remember their names.

Mareinette Traits Revealed!

BLOOD MERIDIAN: Mareinette may spend a combat action to consume the last traces of life and experience from a victim who has been brought to zero hit points to recover 5 hitpoints. This also gives her a temporary bonus of +5 to rolls per life consumed this way until the Turn ends. This action can be interrupted, upon which She loses the action. This action cannot be used while She already has more than Her maximum hit points.

GRAIL OVERFLOW: Mareinette may gain temporary hit points above Her hit point total, up to 5.

ALL-CONSUMING NAME: When Mareinette consumes a living being, their existence disappears from memories. Characters may figure out something is wrong (strange clothes that they would never wear, an empty room with paraphernalia) but it is more likely that they would simply fill in any discpreancies by themselves.


Can you live with yourself if you do nothing, now that you know this?

Thankfully, that choice is taken from you.


Because your eyes widen.

And Mareinette sees your eyes widen, and She realizes what you've seen. And what that means.

And She fucking panics, and raises Her hoof -


"STORMCHASER!" You yell. "GET THE KIDS OUT, NOW! RUN!"


- and chows down on it.

「

!!!

THE SECOND BIRTH COMETH

!!!​

」​

She bleeds.

And suddenly, everything everywhere assaults your senses, all at once.


The sounds of a thick sweet liquid being greedily quaffed. The feeling of flesh giving way beneath your teeth. Your eyes can only stare at the sweet, sweet crimson liquid and you THIRST -

MAREINETTE TRAIT REVEALED

FOR THE OLD BLOOD: whenever Mareinette loses hit points, all targets in the vicinity suffer a cumulative -10 to rolls as the blood spilled intoxicates and causes hallucinations.

DISPELLED BY BALDOMARE


"DON'T YOU DARE!"

"GET AWAY FROM HER!"

+10 (A Sister's Promise)

+20 (A Sister's Oath)

+90 (Alicorn Combat: Luna)

-20 (Wire Mother)

And Luna defenestrates Mareinette out of the window with a beam of light.

---

EDIT: Copying and pasting messed up the paragraph breaks. Fixed.

EDIT 2: Added links at the bottom as well.

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[OurLadyOfWires]

"This Library used to have another section, you know? Or maybe this place is a section of that first Library? Well, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that you are here now, so what can I help you with?"

"No, you don't need a library card. You pay with your time, dear. But then again, isn't that the currency we use for everything else? Well, there is also blood of course, but please don't get blood on the books like some of our patrons did."

"What was that? You want to know what happened? Nothing much, really. Just that same old and tired story. They came with their pitchforks, and their torches, and their anger. And they never really realized they were burning their own land."

"The old address? Well, that is something I can give you. There are still plenty of great books there, but be careful not to anger any of the ghosts!"



[Side-stories, omakes and outright theorycrafts will follow, haphazardly and out of order. Here you will see anything that has been made with love and dedication, and that someone, somewhere, deemed precious enough to commit into eternity.]

[CANON stories will have their titles starting with "What of..."]

[NON-CANON stories will have their titles starting with "In which..."]

[IMAGES will have their titles starting with "A look at..." since we do not have a dedicated media threadmark]

Spoiler: Other quests and stories - Did you know we have neighbors?

These are two stories from people who participate in this quest of ours that you should definitely take a look at if you have the time!

Earth Bet: House of the Sun (Cultist Simulator/Worm)

You've been recruited into a cult, something small that turned out to be just a little bit more. However you can't just leave, you agree with their points after all. The world is crooked and there are things older than the history that is known. A shame that most people aren't likely to see it...

forums.sufficientvelocity.com

Chthonic Paean

We call upon the Malachite; who is succulent, who encompasseth, who is renewed. Recursive fanfiction of Esquestria: The House of the Sun, with permission from @OurLadyOfWires. Updates Thursday nights.

forum.questionablequesting.com

Thank you for your efforts, and I hope we can have a wonderful time reading your stories!

 

[AuthorTransient]

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In Which (S) Collide - Part 3

Thanks for the likes and threadmarks, OP!

Spoiler: Extended Author's Notes

For this boss fight opening scenes, I went back to read the first encounter we had with Mareinette in the Ruined Church. Wasn't good enough, so I went to look and listen to Cleric Beast and Ludwig the Accursed, followed by some Signalis. Still wasn't good enough. I rewatched Hellsing Ultimate for a bit, then rummaged a little through Evangelion, Attack on Titan, and Tokyo Ghoul. Looked at some Studio Ghibli movies and some of them were unexpectedly more scary than I remember. Checked through some SCPs as well. And then I realized I had to read the threadmark I've been putting off. When the Glory is dark...

Which was to say, I wanted to write something that when you read it, it would give you fucking nightmares, because you could picture it in your head and frighten yourself. I wanted it relatable.

I hope I accomplished that, because writing the introduction was painful. But that's how you make something Great, is it not? Sacrificing a part of yourself... to draw out the holy grail! AIEEEE!

I'm probably going to go on a months long sabbatical after posting this to recover from this writing frenzy. Anyway, exu-kalibar!

---

And Luna defenestrates Mareinette out of the window with a brilliant beam of light.

Velvet Covers: Mother

The impact rumbles through the floor at your feet, and then a cutting backdraft explodes through the ruined window, sending the curtains and your mane flying. You brace yourself against the wind, biting down on your teeth. The house shudders and the rest of the windows rattle. Behind you, the fire puffs out and leaves dying embers.

You open your eyes and realize your breath is coming in short, harried bursts. "Everypony alright?"

Muttered assents come from around you, but Luna remains looking out the window. You turn to look.

In the distance, the dust cloud is fraying. It looks like Mareinette had hit a small hill at the edges of your estate. Said small hill is probably gone now. Reduced to smithereens.

"Prepare yourselves." Baldomare states.

A frustrated scream reaches your ears. It is loud, piercing, and goes for longer than a pony can breathe. It does not sound equine. You brace.

Then a crimson maleficience disperses the dust cloud and you suddenly realize you can't breathe.


You have been hunted before.

Under the recommendation of Starry Dancer, you had once played 'tag' with the Master, which arguably helped you to survive later.

You had once been chased by several changeling guards through the castle in Canterlot and confronted the Luna imposter with Twilight Sparkle.

In the Ruined Church, you had fled from Mareinette as She sought to slake Her thirst for the first time since the Mansus broke.

And in the Woods, you had almost been subsumed by its Will.



Get up.

But all of that pales to what you are feeling right now.

The closest approximation... was when the gears of history stopped for Baldomare to think. It was the same immense pressure, the same weight of presence. The universe in subservience to an entity fundamental, elemental, and primordial.

What you want. How you live. None of those matters.

You can hear your heartbeat in your ears, and it sounds like war-drums. Ba-thump, ba-thump. You grit your teeth harder, and your muscles clench in emotion.

All over your body, it feels like someone had stabbed a needle into the pores of your skin. The taste of copper fills your mouth, and in the darkness you see the shape of a droplet float away from you. Its fuschia color doesn't change when it enters the white moonlight.

Your blood is trying to escape your body.

Because you don't own your blood anymore. Something far greater than your mortal form has seized the reins and is calling – no, the entity is hunting.

It is hunting all of you.


Get up.

Stormchaser had once treated you to a candlelit dinner. You had been served your salad slathered in gravy upon a cold porcelian plate, placed on a tastefully red tablecloth covering a round table. It had been a delightful experience.

Recent events have you going back to that salad mentally. In fact, recent events have you in place of the Caesar salad, covered in gravy and being served on that red, red tablecloth, for something that was no longer a pony with ruby-red eyes and a bleached white skull and sharp teeth that went clack-clack-clack.

To put it in other words, only Mareinette was at that table, and she is going to stab you through the middle with a sharp knife and raise you up to her maw. Know this: as you struggle feebly to pull yourself off the knife, as you flail pathetically, as you try to do anything at all – she is going to devour you.

She is going to fucking eat you, and nothing – nothing is going to stop her.


Velvet Covers no longer has the trait "Frightened" !

But that doesn't even fucking matter.

Because there is a monster in the Velvet Estate. And. It. Wants. Your. Child.


Get the fuck up.


Slowly, you rise to your hooves. Your entire body trembles under the pressure, and you can feel your blood squirming in your veins, but you push yourself up anyway. Though the weight is great, it is not enough to stop you.

"Hm." Baldomare grunts. She steps forward.

!!!​

Visibly straining, she steps forward. With each step, the pressure lessens, bit by bit. Gathering at her horn is something incandescent.

"I'm not sorry about doing this, Mareinette." She says. "But I am sorry about having to do it." The mare throws her head back and the night is ripped asunder by LANTERN. It fills the heavens like a second sun, and then abruptly it condenses into a single golden pillar — a spotlight bearing down on the Lady of Wires.

But that is no Lady. Not anymore. Uncoiling out of the impact crater is a monster made out of bones and wires. How you ever thought Mareinette was normal you can't understand. Looming like a fully grown dragon, Mareinette has shed her dress, revealing her full size. And it is monstrous.

Spoiler: Body Horror, Blood, Parasites/Worms

Thrice the height of Comet Feet and far beyond his size, red lights glare through a giant skull. No, not just one... One, two, three, four, five giant heads sway in the distance, like a hydra from old monster stories, connected to their body through pillars of thick red cords, as thick as any century-old tree. Red steam hisses through the air with every step it takes.

As if that is not enough, there is a wet squelch and Mareinette arches her back as if in the throes of ecstacy. Writhing crimson tendrils tear themselves out of her body and dance among the night sky, full of terrible bloodlust. A crimson fluid too rich in color to be blood splashes onto the ground and steams.

Like a tide or avalanche, dark crimson worms crawl out of her skeletal body and shifts to cover her bones in a disgusting glut of body armor, squirming horribly.

In the wind, you smell the stench of a fruit gone rotten and sour. Whatever red substance she is leaking is inflitrating the cracks in the crater, hissing and bubbling, popping wetly like sour plums or eyes blinking.


And you realize —

You realize —

What is on the lines, what is at stake here – is more than just your life and your valued ones – it is asking you and the world: are your ideals strong enough to matter?

You don't know the answer yet, but you know this: there is no fate that is not insurmountable – don't you already know that, from climbing the Mansus? There is always a way.


Barely some weeks ago, you and Mareinette? You had a meaningful conversation in the depths of the ruined church about motherhood. She had told you about her children and how they oh so unfortunately couldn't satisfy her thirst.

But this time, you are not going to have a conversation.


There is a monster in the Velvet Estate, and. It. Wants. Your. Child.

And that is something you cannot accept.

---

Spoiler: THE WIRE MOTHER (Unofficial)

Health: 30/50 (highballed)

Temporary Health: 0/5

[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Mareinette is willing to offer you Sacraments in the Lores of Grail and Heart, should you fulfill her requirements.

[OUR LADY OF WIRES]: Mareinette is immune to the effects of "Monstrous Appearance".

[HONORED GUEST]: Mareinette can "step in" on Velvet's horseshoes, and perform social actions in her stead even if only Velvet should have been able to perform them. (HOWEVER, see "Old Intelligence")

[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Mareinette grants a full level up to the Secret Library for her preferred Lores.

[OLD INTELLIGENCE]: If Mareinette is alone while performing a social action, and a vote is offered, she will instead pick the vote based on what she thinks is best. (This will be based on her personal knowledge of you, as well as her loyalty. This trait can be either positive or negative, depending on interpretation.)

[MONSTROUS APPEARANCE]: Cannot be used for Social Actions. (Immune)

[PROUD]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that do not involve Grail or Heart.

[THE SECOND BIRTH]: Mareinette may choose to sacrifice a tremendous amount of health to immediately break her summoner's bindings. (Used.)

[NEVER ASK A LADY HER AGE]: Mareinette may elect to hide some of her characteristics from you. (She certainly is hiding her health, and she may be hiding other negative traits or skills.)

[THE SUBTLE KISS]: Mareinette may hide attacks as completely harmless kisses, pats, smiles, or intimate glances, though they still require combat rolls. Targets may make an intrigue check to realize that damage was done after each successful attack. This compounds with OUR LADY OF WIRES.

[BLOOD MERIDIAN]: Mareinette may spend a combat action to consume the last traces of life and experience from a victim who has been brought to zero hit points to recover 5 hitpoints. This also gives her a temporary bonus of +5 to rolls per life consumed this way until the Turn ends. This action can be interrupted, upon which She loses the action. This action cannot be used while She already has more than Her maximum hit points.

[GRAIL OVERFLOW]: Mareinette may gain temporary hit points above Her hit point total, up to 5.

[SAPPING FLESH]: Combat rolls targeting Mareinette must reach an overflow of 100 or higher to harm Her.

[PUPPET OF THE RED SANDS]: Mareinette does not suffer from any status of being 'Wounded'.

[WIRE MOTHER]: Mareinette gains +20 in combat against any entity that can be considered to have a mother and they have a -20 malus when targeting her.

[UNQUENCHABLE THIRST]: For every turn in the Wake, Mareinette will seek out a Grail sacrifice and consume it.

[FOR THE OLD BLOOD]: Whenever Mareinette loses hit points, all targets in the vicinity suffer a cumulative -10 to rolls as the blood spilled intoxicates and causes hallucinations.

[ALL-CONSUMING NAME]: When Mareinette consumes a living being, their existence disappears from memories. Characters may figure out something is wrong (strange clothes that they would never wear, an empty room with paraphernalia) but it is more likely that they would simply fill in any discpreancies by themselves.

[Other traits negative, unknown]

Multi-combatant fight. Mareinette will only "compete" to wound the Luna, but may be wounded by all other combatants.

What will Velvet's focus in the upcoming battle be?

(a) Attacking Mareinette

Velvet Covers will focus on ending the threat to Luna's life as soon as possible. This grants her +10 to combat rolls as she attacks Mareinette with the fury of a mother protecting her child.


(b) Defending Luna

Velvet Covers will focus on defending Luna. This grants her +20 to rolls but succeeding will not harm Mareinette. If Mareinette's combat rolls are above both Luna and Velvet Covers' combat rolls, Velvet Covers will take the wound first.


(c) Balance

Velvet Covers will adapt according to the tide of battle. This does not grant her any bonus, but Velvet Covers will be able to harm Mareinette and Mareinette's combat rolls will have to be above both Luna and Velvet Covers' combat rolls to harm Luna.


(d) Support

-(d1) Support Comet Feet

Comet Feet is the Edge expert, so supporting him may be for the best. Other than adding half of the final result of Velvet Cover's combat rolls to Comet Feet's combat rolls, Velvet will not contribute to the fight.


-(d2) Support Luna

Luna may not be at the same level of Lores as you, but she is an alicorn. Other than adding half of the final result of Velvet Cover's combat rolls to Luna's combat rolls, Velvet will not contribute to the fight.

1 2 3 4 J R 5 S​

 

[Sveta08]

The Door that May Yet Be



Sleep was always fleeting.

It had been for a thousand years. Perhaps before then, it was easier. When you didn't have to look up to see the face of your dear beloved sister stretched across the moon. Maybe in a time now before memory it was softer. The night breeze didn't hold whispers of regret and questions of betrayal and hurt from so long ago. When you could close your eyes and breath for a moment for yourself. When you weren't alone.

You are Celestia. And sleep is fleeting.


You nearly hurt him. You didn't mean to, or rather, you weren't trying to hurt him. When he told you you needed to sleep. To rest and actually close your eyes. He jumped to say not that you seemed bad, and not that you were unpresentable. But that it was part of it.
These magics. That rest is required. But, not quite rest. Something like it.

You nearly broke Midnight Dew when he told you to rest. That it was the way to reach this place.
You are not unfamiliar in old and strange magic. No one alive could question or challenge you on the past and the mysteries it held. Having lived through so much of it, who would know better? Some ratty old book, or the ruling eternal princess of the sun? No anyone with some sense about them even bothered to entertain the idea. And this... magic, if it was even magic... is different.

Even to you.
That is why you didn't kill him.

Some part of you might have balked at that idea. That you would break one of your loyal ponies for the simple fact of asking you to rest. Some small part of you once would have said they only wanted the best for you, foolish and impossible their wants and visions were. Too young to really understand. Some part of you might have even wondered about the looks they gave. And the dreams that he mentioned. And the fear in his eyes.

Maybe once. If she was still here. If you were still waiting.
But not anymore.


He tried to explain how he found it out. A full dossier available to you with everything said and left unsaid free for you. Everything he knew, and guessed, and didn't know how he knew. That last category gave you the most trouble. No scan found anything foul and implanted in his brain, nor thoughts pushed and wormed into his ideas. It was just something he knew. Somehow.

The instructions, at least as far as he had figured though, had been simple. A whispered few words. A lock of hair cut. And then, rest.
And it was at that last step you were struggling. Every moment spent laying there, waiting. Feeling. Knowing there was more you could do. That Luna was still out there, somewhere. Lost, hidden, hurt, taken, stolen from you. That she wasn't here. And that you were... here. Closing your eyes.
Only the knowledge that he had found something that was close stayed your hooves. Prevented you from flying off and continuing the work.

Every second of the day had been pushed to the limit. Everything that had been weighing you back and down pushed away. And now... Only your focus on so sharp a goal was in your way.
Of rest.
The second you realized it, the sleeping spell was cast.





Stone. Underhoof.
You are standing.
And the Moon is here.

Before you even realize the stone underneath your hoof isn't the stone you were on before. Before you feel that distinctly ur-numb sensation that crossed your coat. Before you even managed to look around and take in the place you find yourself, you.... feel it.
Or rather, you don't.
Your Sun. It's not here. But there is light of a newborn day on the distant horizon.
Your Sister's Moon. It's not here. But the heavens are filled with a moon unfamiliar to you.

This is not your home.
You can see why, if not quite how, Midnight Dew knew this wasn't right. That this was tied up in this.

After a moment, you finally begin to look around. Dark blue stones litter the ground, both structured and disorganized in one. Cut in a way you can't quite picture at first, and don't bother giving a second thought. Earth and something that might have once been vegetation around. But more than that...
There is Ash.
Plumes and piles and heaps of it, like a world had been burnt. Rolling on out towards the horizon like the crude scorchmark of a baleful sun. Something you understand only too well. And as your hoof brushed it, somehow, it felt warm to you, impossible though that was. That too, you don't bother giving a second thought. There is something more important.

There is a light in the distance.
Here in a world with the moon chained to the heavens, when you, your sister, has been stolen from you and hidden in some dark corner of the world where even you can't find. Here, in the space between reality and sleep, the moon is still and there is a light on the horizon.
Only you can bring the dawn. Maybe it was that, maybe it was the indignity, maybe it was plain irritation and curiosity. But you walked towards the light in the distance.





Ash was before the Sun Princess, and ash was all that remained in her wake.
At one point the building, if you can even call it that, came into view. Something structured without walls and supports, made of nothing but the same stone you felt far beneath your hooves. It's own sun chained to the top, unmoving and unflinching in it's light.
Once, people might have wavered. Once, maybe you would be tempted by the snipping and shearing of sounds in your ears. Maybe once you would have stopped and considered the building before you, the ash that sprawled throughout, the world you entered in and what the sun and the moon here meant. Maybe you would have seen more, found more, known more.
Maybe if the things in the ash didn't smell something too familiar on you, they would have hounded you.
But you are too focused. Too resolved. Too.... diligent and aimed now. All the rest is... cast aside.

For the first time in an era, in their First Dream someone reached The Manus.

Steps.
Floors.
A path.
A Door.

The First Door.

The Blank Door.

And past it-
is somewhere you should never go

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

[X] Plan Pittauro, but with our SH Sacrament.
-[X] [AotL] Grail, with Pride
-[X] [FORGE] Create a Knock 2 Edge 1 Reagent. (45 bits, Free Action)
-[X] [KNOCK] The Only Way Up
--[X] [KNOCK] Keep going up. You are so very close now. So. Very. Close.
-[X] [DETECTIVES] 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 a PERSONAL ACTION for Velvet Covers)
-[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] [SOCIAL] [TEACH] Teach Rarity, and make her a Disciple. (Free Action)
-[X] A fleeting opportunity
--[X] Royal. Wedding! Royal. Wedding! Help. Plan. The Royal. Wedding! (Expand, and pick one more item from, the list of Royal Wedding opportunities)
--[x] "The Royal Wedding is a matter of national security, so of course the Commissioner must be involved. Yes, even on that time she went on a shopping spree with the Princess." (Free action. NEGLECT work at the Lunar Bureau. Expand, and pick one more item from, the list of Royal Wedding opportunities)
-[X] These are the skills that allow you to climb the Mansus
--[X] Attempt, even if foolishly, to untangle the webs of the Secret Histories
---[X] Investigate your current skills. To try to understand them, if nothing else. (Current progress 0/3)
--[X] Velvet Pride, your upstart younger brother, seems to be heartbroken. Or so the gossip goes. If you take the initiative to talk to him, you might be able to get closer to him.
-[X] [JADE] "You do you." Let her do whatever she wants for once. It might do her some good, both mentally and personally.
-[X] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask for a favor, from your... mutual friend.
--[X] [GUARD] Our home.
-[X] [RARITY] Focus on your work.
-[X] [STEPPES] There is no guarantee he will be able to help you, but you will write him about… (WRITE IN)
--[X] [STEPPES] Ask for advice about how to bond with your brother
-[X] Jade's house is now adequately clean. Or at least sufficiently presentable for ponies to work on it. You should…
--[X] [SERVANTS] You need a place where you can safely, and discreetly, store items. Use the upper level of her house for it.
-[X] [MAREINETTE] Incision of the Heart on Velvet: remove the Frightened Debuff (20 bits. failure only on nat1s)
-[X] [BALDOMARE] Find us a place where we can hold 3-circle rituals next turn (for Axe's summon). (rolls +80)
-[X] [SELENE] Go play, one last time. (Costs two actions. Goodbye, Selene.)

You are Lady Velvet Covers, and right now you are home.

Every now and then you wonder if you can still consider this place "your estate". Is it alright for you to call it like that? Can you really say that this is your mansion? Or your house? After all, technically speaking, you are no longer in charge of the Velvet assets in Ponyville.

Technically speaking, this is your brother's house, and you are simply allowed to live here with your family.

Well, you wonder about that, but only every now and then. This is definitely not the kind of thing that keeps you awake at night.

And much more importantly, none of that will ever change the fact that this is your home. This is where your family lives. This is the place you want to return to after a long week of work. And this is the one place where you can… do what you are doing right now.

After all, it is true that you consider this place your "home" because your husband and your daughters are here, yes.

However, this is also your "home base" because…

Well, it doesn't matter how much authority you have in Canterlot. You are still hesitant to perform certain kinds of Lore-related activity there. It just doesn't feel safe enough. It doesn't feel right.

Which is why you have only been able to make progress in this little project every now and then, over the several weekends of this last month.

Still, even those sparse weekends were enough, and you are about to finish this thing.

Although, for all that your hoofs and your horn are busy right now, this isn't really the kind of thing that demands a lot of brainpower.

So, your mind can't help but wander, as you work.

And well, given everything that happened, you do have a lot to think about…

Spoiler: A recent memory

The three detectives patiently wait, as you finish reading the report you have on your hoofs.

Of course, you had finished reading it a short time after you touched it. And normally, you would have waited a little longer only to put on a show that you were still reading with your eyes, since you were being watched by other ponies.

However, you are actually taking your time right now, because…

"I will be entirely honest with you three. I am as good as a laypony when it comes to this kind of thing. But, from my inexperienced perspective, what you are showing me feels like a bit of a stretch. So… am I missing anything?" you ask.

You have read and reread the report several times. Heavens, you even read it over with your eyes, just to make sure you weren't missing anything.

But still, the fact remains that the report you are reading, the result of an entire month's worth of investigation from your best detectives, is…

Well, it is very short, for starters. You are sure that your Secretariat summed up a lot of things, as they prepared this final report for you. But still, you are also sure that they wouldn't leave out any important details. So, for all that the report is slimmed down, you are certain that it is not incomplete.

However, and more importantly, the report just doesn't reach any conclusion. You had tasked your detectives with investigating the changeling threat, following the close of the Blueblood matter. But right now, they aren't presenting you with… well, they aren't presenting you with anything that you expected them to bring you.

They aren't giving you a report of changeling activities. As a matter of fact, they have not yet located even a single changeling. They aren't giving you any new insight into where the missing ponies were taken to, after the Catastrophe. They can't even tell you what the changelings might be doing right now.

For all that you know, the changelings might as well have left Equestria entirely, given how little your detectives have managed to uncover.

Instead, the only thing you have in this report is a list of suspects. A list of pony suspects. A summary of several names, most of them from noble families, that they have all agreed to be "ponies of interest" at this stage of their investigation.

"I mean, there are a lot of names on this list. And the individual reasons as to why some of these ponies are listed here seem tenuous, at best," you say, putting the report down and looking towards them.

And the three ponies sitting in front of your desk nod at you, although their expressions suggest that they were already expecting this kind of response.

"So, again, what am I missing here?" you ask, bringing your hoofs together as you look at them.

"Well, Commissioner, there really isn't much to add. That list really is everything we have to show you right now," one of the detectives, Iron Button, speaks up. Although you can tell that he is picking his words very carefully. "But the thing is, this is not happening because we hit a dead end or anything. It's just that…"

You nod at him, urging him to continue. But that only seems to give Iron Button more pause.

However, before you have the chance to say anything, another detective speaks up.

"The problem we're having, boss, is that this just isn't the kind of case we can tackle in a way that we are used to."

You turn your attention to Beyond Reproach, the detective who just started to talk, and you can't help but raise an eyebrow.

Because on one hoof, the Bureau is comprised of the best detectives you could find in Equestria. So hearing that they can't really employ their detective skills is… well, if not discouraging, then at least it feels like the Bureau's purpose is somehow being frustrated.

But on the other hoof, he seems a lot less hesitant than the other two detectives. If nothing else, he doesn't have the expression of a pony who is afraid of giving bad news.

"You see, this whole thing, everything that happened, isn't really a crime. Not in the usual sense of the word," Reproach continues. "Of course, a lot of ponies died. A lot of ponies disappeared. And plenty of bad things happened. But this isn't your run-of-the-mill criminal case. This wasn't murder, or kidnapping. This is more of a hunt than it is an investigation."

You light up your horn as he speaks, looking at the long list of ponies that they brought to you, as well as the several reasons as to why they should be subjected to further investigation.

And you… can't yet see where he is going.

But he seems to know what he is talking about, so you let him continue.

"And what's more, we aren't looking for regular crooks, because these creatures don't act like regular crooks. When a pony commits a crime, he tries to cover his tracks, and if he's smart he will try to lay low. And it's a matter of finding enough crumbs so we can find the pony behind some crime. But this? This is all different, boss, because these aren't ponies we are talking about."

"Are you referring to their ability to shapeshift? That we can't really find them through an investigation because, well, they can just turn into somepony else and throw us off?" you ask.

To which Reproach answers by giving you a partial nod, as if that was only half the problem he is trying to explain to you.

"That makes things harder, sure, but… Well, try to think of it this way, boss. Actually, do you mind if I write this down?" he asks, reaching for a pen and paper from your desk as he speaks. "So, these shapeshifters have been around for a long time. We don't know since when, but it'd be bad to assume they only started messing with us recently."

"Some of our boys looked into books and folklore, and we can confirm they have existed for centuries," the third detective chimes in.

"Right. And that's bad enough. But one of them also impersonated Princess Luna, eight months ago. They did that eight months ago, and we had that false Luna for three whole months before the Catastrophe happened." Reproach continues, writing down a short timeline as he does. "Now, this isn't just about shapeshifting. There's ponies smarter than I am who can dig into why one of them managed to fool Celestia herself. But the thing we have been trying to figure out is what they did during those three months, when one of them had the Crown itself under their hoofs."

"But we already know that, don't we? Given how many changelings appeared in the Catastrophe, they were going around… well, abducting ponies and taking their place. Isn't that something we already know?" you ask.

And you watch as Iron Button gives you a dispirited nod, while Reproach shakes his head.

You can sense these two ponies have already been through this back-and-forth several times now, but the earth pony detective continues to speak regardless.

"Sure, but we don't know the details," Reproach presses on. "How they swapped ponies. How they smuggled them out of town. The Guard searches did find a few hovels on the outskirts of cities here and there, but there's gotta be more missing. And… and Tartarus, we don't even know if they had a criteria to pick who they would capture and replace!"

"Yes, we don't know any of that. But there's also no way to find out either," Iron Button says. And if it wasn't the professionalism in his tone, you would have thought he was just arguing with Reproach about some theory he disagreed with. "Because Canterlot went up in flames! We have a record of cutie marks of the ponies who were found dead, but we don't know anything else. Of the hundreds of missing ponies, we can't even tell who was abducted during the Catastrophe, and who had already been swapped months before."

"But that doesn't mean the shapeshifters worked alone," Reproach fires back at Iron. And now you start to feel like you are witnessing a discussion, rather than hearing a report. "This happened all around Equestria. In every major city, and most of the small ones. An operation this big can't happen without help from the inside. And we can't discard the possibility the false Luna recruited the help of some nobles either!"

"And that's why we need more time, Reproach. We can't just-!"



You tap your hoof against your desk, the cold iron of your horseshoe hitting against hard wood for but a moment.

Still, that is more than enough for the two detectives to quiet down.



You look at Iron Button for a few moments, his expression tense as if you had just witnessed something he wish you had not seen.

And then you look at Beyond Reproach, the stallion's expression sullen, or maybe annoyed, as if he felt like he was wasting his time.

Well, you can't tell for sure if this is just a disagreement in their methodology, or if there is something deeper afoot. But still, the three ponies in front of you are the three best detectives you have, and this disagreement you see in front of you is probably also being reflected among your investigative teams in general.

So, you will focus on what you can do. And that is to make a decision.

"Well, I think I understand this report a little better now, as well as the difficulties you are facing," you say, nodding at the report on your desk. "But more than that, I think the three of you also have a suggestion on how to move forward."

You say that, and the three ponies nod in affirmative.

"So, Beyond Reproach," you say, making it very clear you do not want them to interrupt each other again. "What is your suggestion?"

The stallion takes a deep breath, stealing a glance at Iron Button before beginning to talk.

"Trying to find these shapeshifters is like trying to catch smoke, boss. At least for now. Catastrophe was five months ago, so they had more than enough time to either run away or dig in, while us ponies were catching our breath. Furthermore, again, none of these things are crimes… none of this is something we are used to."

He then raises a hoof, and points at the report on your desk.

"That's why we need to turn this into something we are used to. Focus on finding the ponies who helped the monsters, rather than the monster themselves. And that list is how I think we should start. We gotta bring all those ponies in for questioning. Find out the colluders. Check who came out on top after the dust settled. And once we find somepony who was in cahoots with the shapeshifters, we can pick up the trail from there."

He then taps at the timeline he scribbled on his piece of paper.

"Make this a kidnapping ring that we can dismantle. Let us focus on the smugglers or crooks that aided the shapeshifters. We don't know where to look for the monsters because they can take over the life of a completely innocent pony. So, let's start by looking at the actual ponies who are guilty to begin with."

You nod at him, but then you make a point of facing Iron Button before you continue.

"And Iron Button? What's your take on all of this?"

"My take is that…" he looks are Reproach one last time before he continues. "Respectfully, Commissioner, that list is all guesswork. I think we need more time, and I think we need to continue focusing on searching for the shapeshifters than for unknown co-conspirators. And more importantly, so far our investigation has been done on the down-low. If we start bringing ponies in and make this more overt, this might tip the shapeshifters that we are looking for them."

"They already know we are looking for-" Reproach begins to speak, but you interrupt him by raising a hoof.

And then you just… think for a few moments.

Because now, you think you can better appreciate the complexity of the task your detectives are engaged in.

After all, solving a crime is already hard. Solving a crime when the criminal is a flying shapeshifter is… orders of magnitudes harder.

But more than that, what Reproach said makes sense. The Catastrophe wasn't even a crime to begin with. It wasn't a mass-murder or a string of kidnappings, it was an invasion. An attack from monsters who came from outside of Equestria, and who have no love for ponykind.

The changeling threat is a war that needs to be fought, not a case that needs to be solved.

You will have to think about this more carefully. Still, you keep the report on your desk as you dismiss your investigators.

"Thank you, everypony. I will take your words under advisement."

You shake your head, pushing that particular memory away. You have already decided that you will wait for Shining Armor to return, so you can get his opinion on it. So there is no point in dwelling on that.

More importantly, you focus on the task at hoof.

Right now, you are in one of the small workshops of the estate. Of course, your own servants have already accepted that you enjoy doing your "eccentric" projects every now and then. And you don't have it in you to care about what your brother's servants think. So, although you realize that doing this will cause a few whispers here and there, you simply don't have enough time to worry about that.

More importantly, you are in this workshop because you are putting the finishing touches on your latest reagent.

The chemistry behind it was easy enough. The snake venom was the most expensive thing you had to buy, but other than that you just needed a few basic components. Mixing everything in the proper way yielded you the gelatinous substance that, after baked and dried a few times, turned into the hard clay you are now working on.

However, when it comes to this kind of thing, the shape of a reagent can be as important as its substance. So, while the ingredients used on this were more than enough to give it some Knock intensity, you are currently working on a way to give it some Edge as well.

Well, you are working on giving it some "Edge" both figuratively and literally. Which is why you are very carefully shearing away parts of the hard clay, in order to make it sharper. You can't really turn it into a proper blade-like object, unfortunately, but you are still trying your best to give it some pointy bits.

Although you are mostly worried about not breaking the entire thing. After all, the more you work on this thing, the more you realize how delicate and brittle it is.

Still, you are making enough progress that you think you will be done within the hour.

Although you force yourself to stop, and put down the increasingly prickly clay, as you sense somepony approaching.

Not anypony threatening, mind you. And you immediately know who it is as soon as you realize your nose is trying to explain to you how light smells like.

"Hello there, Velvet. Lovely day today, isn't it?" the familiar voice reaches you, right after you hear the door to the workshop being opened.

"Baldomare," you say, without turning towards her. Still eyeing the hard clay, as you wonder if you shouldn't try to shape it into a blade anyways.

Or perhaps you should melt it down and cast it into a shape as it hardens..? No, applying enough heat to melt it would evaporate some of its components, and the snake venom would lost its potency.

"Oh my, quite a lot going on in your head… I was going to make a joke about arts and crafts, but I can see it wouldn't be welcome. Still, what happened dear? Was it the thing about Jade's house?"

You feel your face turn into a scowl for a few moments, as you resist the urge to groan.

Heavens, you had almost forgotten about that. And you are not glad Baldomare just reminded you about that.

"It's about something else then?" she asks. And as usual, you are not sure if the question is rhetorical, and she already knows the answer, or if she is really waiting for a response. "Well, in that case I won't be on your mane for long. I just came here to give this to you."

You tear your eyes away from the evolving reagent and turn to face Baldomare. Only to find the pegasus mare reaching into her saddle bag, and pulling out a small scroll.

"If it's any consolation, I think Jade's house looks wonderful. I barely recognized it when I flew by it, even. But anyhow, this is the little errand you asked me to run. I hope it helps."

You thank Baldomare, lighting up the horn and opening the scroll so you can see its content. You don't really want to touch it with your hoofs, given how dirty they are. And also because… well, you always feel like Baldomare is judging you, whenever you hoof-read something when she is nearby.

You know she isn't really judging you. Or at least you are pretty sure about it. But still, you can't help but feel like a filly who is struggling to read the alphabet, whenever you do that under her gaze.

"Huh… Thank you Baldomare, but what am I looking at, exactly?"

You ask that, as you read the scroll she just gave you, because… well, there is no two ways to explain it. You are looking at a map of Ponyville, with several different places circled with red ink, each of them marked with different dates and times.

"It's what you asked for, Velvet. You wanted a place where you could safely perform a ritual, no? Well, those are all the places you can do it. And you are welcome, of course."

"I… but… Baldomare, can you… explain this to me a little better? I mean, there's one, two, three… there are a lot of places marked here. And I wouldn't really feel comfortable doing a ritual in any of these?" You say that as you look at the map, trying to understand exactly what is going on. "Heavens, Baldomare. You even marked the town hall! I guess that place is large enough even for a summoning ritual, but I can't think of anywhere in Ponyville that is as public as-"

"That is why I put the dates, dear," she says, as if she was stating the most obvious thing in the world. "Because yes, I marked the town hall. But do you see that date? That's the night before the place is completely renovated. So it can fit more ponies during the town meetings, given how much Ponyville is growing. And as long as you don't leave blood stains on the floor, the working crews won't notice a thing as they tear the place down."

She says that, but your confusion only deepens…

Because, well, you understand what she is telling you… in theory.

But she marked so many places, and they all have so many specific dates, and even time windows. Heavens, some of them even have specifications on how loud you can be. The more you look at the map, the more notes and scribbles you find in the mare's hoofwriting.

And did she…? How in Equestria could she…? Did she look into the future to prepare this?!

Well, that is the only cognizable explanation. But how?

"If there isn't anything else, dear, I'll be taking my leave. See you soon!" she says, waving a hoof at you as she turns around and walks towards the door.

And not for the first time, you can't help but feel that... that the Name-mare is being strangely prophetic. Even in something as small as her choice of words. Although anypony else who had heard her would just think she was saying her goodbyes as she left.

Still, you make sure to store the map she gave you very carefully.

It is more than just a little uncomfortable, to realize you have a map of all the places in your town where you can literally commit a murder for the next two months, and go completely unnoticed. But still, this is what you asked her to do, and she definitely delivered.

…

You should go back to working on your reagent.





Your detectives have taken the first steps on their investigation of the Catastrophe, the single greatest tragedy that ever happened to ponykind.

Coming next turn, you will be able to have your Constables "follow up" on your detectives' progress, and escalate the ongoing investigation into the public eye. Or you can decide to keep your detectives on their task, without the Constable's help, and continue looking for the changelings in a more subtle way.

Your servants succeeded in fixing Jade Whistle's house. It has been painted, repaired, and is generally a lot more pleasant to visit. However, they also completely failed to understand the specifications of your request. Jade Whistle's house is not yet suitable to safely store items. (This action has failed).

Baldomare has located for you one… two… five… well, several places. Which, according to her, are all suitably safe to perform rituals… at very specific times and dates. But the list she gave you is long enough for your purposes. At least for the next two months, until the very last entry.

Velvet Covers has gained a "Temporary Ritual Spot(s)" bonus. For the next two months, Velvet Cover's faction will not be at risk of causing suspicion when performing rituals.

Velvet Covers has produced a Knock 2 Edge 1 Reagent. The Reagent has been added to your inventory, and 45 bits have been taken away from it.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Is this how a life ends? Suddenly? Without warning? Without anypony getting a chance to say goodbye?

Today, somepony died in Equestria. You never knew them, but you are sure it happened somewhere. It's just how things go. It's just statistics.

Still, even though you never knew that pony, you know what happened. You might not know the details, but they don't really matter. You still know the gist of it. Actually, everypony knows how this story goes.

They woke up today thinking that this would be a day like any other. They went about their routine, left the safety of their home and the love of their family, and then they just… never came back.

Maybe they died from an accident. Maybe it was a sudden illness. Or perhaps it was due to the malice of another pony. It doesn't really matter how it happened. All that matters is that… their story is over, now. They are done.

Everything they said and left unsaid. Everypony they loved and hated. Everything they did, and all the things they never quite got done. All that time they spent counting on the myth that "I can do it tomorrow". It's all over now. The world will march on without them, and ponykind has no choice but to keep up the pace.

That story happened today, somewhere. Probably to more than just one pony. It happened today, it happened yesterday, and it will certainly happen tomorrow.

Without warning. Without reason.

Without a chance to say goodbye.

…

And tonight, that story is about to repeat itself yet again.



- - -



You are the mother, and you…

… and you are the one who started this. All of this.

It is night. And not just any night. This is a very, very special night.

A night so deep that, if you were to look out through the window, you would think that you are the only pony in the world. A night where nothing else exists, or perhaps nothing else matters, other than your own home, and the ponies inside of it.

And yet, this is also a bright night. A beautiful night. A night so grand that, if you were to look up to the sky, you would see a sea of stars. And you would swear that the moon is right on top of you. Like a great jewel at the center of a crown, surrounded by a cloak of starlight gems.

But not even that concerns you. Not the night, and not anything you could see out through your window, either on the earth or on the sky.

No. Tonight, everything that you care about is within the walls of your home.

You are currently in your living room, sitting comfortably on the large sofa.

And you are not alone.

"Have I ever told you about the night I found her?" you ask.

He is sitting right next to you. The two of you are looking at the lit fireplace, listening as the dry wood gently snaps every now and then.

"No, I don't think you have," he answers. "Things were a little rough, when she came home. So I don't think we ever talked about that, in particular."

"Ah… it was a night just like this one. Or maybe it was in the middle of the day when I got there? My memory is a little… strange, when it comes to those little details. Still, I think the night sky was just like it is tonight, when I found her."

At some point, you realize that you are leaning against his side. Resting your head on his shoulder. But neither of you mind it. In fact, you think you are both more comfortable like this.

"Their house was… it was perfect. I wish I could show it to you, but it just isn't there anymore. Still, it was just perfect. Like an idea that was given shape, rather than just a place that was built. Like it was inside somepony's heart, rather than out in the world. It felt… I feel like I wanted to stay there forever, and yet I am grateful that I was able to visit it even once."

His face brushes against your mane as he nods. And somehow, you can tell that he understands what you mean. Even though he was never there. Even though he never felt it.

Or perhaps, he can feel it right now. Maybe, somehow, your words are being enough to convey to him what happened that night. Maybe it is your words, or maybe it is something else.

Whatever it is, you think he understands it.

"And I felt nothing but welcome when I met them. Like they had been waiting for me the entire time. Or like I was an old friend of them, even though they had just met me. For some reason they just trusted me and… no, more than just trusting me. They knew me. They knew me better than I know myself."

Your voice begins to break, as you speak. Your breath begins to tear up, here and there, as you remember that night.

Because as you remember that night, as you remember them, you also realize that… well.

That what you are doing right now, what you are feeling right now, is similar to the night you found her. To the night you met them.

Except that, this time, you are playing another role.

Tonight, you are not a trusted visitor who comes to take her away.

Instead, you are the mother who started all of this, and who has to say her goodbyes.

"We… we t-talked for a bit. But I k-knew I couldn't stay long… We all knew that," you say. And you try your best to ignore the hot droplets that are beginning to roll down through your face. You try to ignore them, but you don't try to hold them back.

You wouldn't be able to even if you wanted.

"They knew they c-couldn't keep her… t-that she wasn't theirs t-to keep… And I knew that…"

A sudden hiccup, or perhaps a sob, interrupts you. Your lungs seize up as your eyes begin to burn.

You know what you are doing. You know what happens next, if you continue down this path. You already know how this story ends.

And you can feel your heart aching due to the fact that… you also know you can stop this.

Just don't say those words. Just stop the play, close the curtains, and let the actors go their separate ways.

If you stop right now, then you can all pretend none of this ever happened.

If you stop right now, then your daughters will wake up tomorrow for a new day. And none of their plans, from the pesky homework they have been putting off to the coming sleepover they have been waiting for, will be interrupted.

If you stop right now, life will go on. Without any sudden and unfair interruptions. Without any sadness or loss.

You know all of that. You know that truth achingly well. And you know that, although you are guilty of starting this, that it doesn't need to end.

…

However…

You also realize that… that the same way she was not theirs to keep, she is not yours to keep either.

They loved her, but they belong to the past now.

You love her, but you are currently denying her future.

So, you will be glad that… like she said, that you had one last night. That you had one last moment with her, before this dream ended.

"I-I… I am going to miss her, Stormy… I r-really am…" you say. And you feel one of his forelegs coming around your back, bringing you in for a tighter hug.

His foreleg is shaking, and a small part of your mind thinks his breathing is also off.

But you don't have it in you to focus on him. Not right now.

You barely have any willpower left, to say those next few words.



"W-wont… won't you go wake her up, love? Y-you know… y-yo… you know how groggy she c-can get… after she sleeps for longer than she should."



But you say them regardless.

You say what needs to be said. You do what needs to be done. You echo her words, spoken aloud in that dream from long ago.

And whatever happens next… is entirely out of your hoofs.

…

The living room feels awfully cold, after Stormchaser gets up to do his part.



- - -



You are the father, and you…

… you are the one who will end this.

This is your duty. This is your task. This, you know, is your part in the play.

And even though you love all the other ponies involved… even though you love them very dearly, you sincerely wish you did not have to do this.

Not because you wish somepony else could take your place. On the contrary, you wouldn't let anypony else do this in your stead even if it was possible.

Instead, you wish none of this had to be done to begin with.

…

However, you also know that you must. You have to do this. This needs to be done.

Because a pony you love very much asked you to do it.

And because another pony, who you also love, needs this to happen.

So, you turn your back to the warm comfort of the living room, and you make your way upstairs.

…

You had never noticed how tall this stairway is. You have never realized just how heavy your legs are, as you take each step up. But still, as hard as the climb may be, this is also a path that is achingly familiar.

In fact, it is so familiar that the weight of your memories is also dragging you back. Trying to delay your journey for just a little longer. So you can live in this life, where you are all happy and content, for just one more second.

It feels like yesterday that she… that your daughter, was practically a stranger in your house. An outsider you knew nothing about. A new entity that, despite the cruelty of it, part of you just wanted to kick away from your world.

You are glad those days are long gone. You are glad that estrangement was short-lived.

And yet… you would be lying if you said you wouldn't go back to that past, if you had the chance. After all, the period that came after that was so…

It feels like it was just a few hours ago, that you were carrying your daughter on your back, for whatever reason it might have been. Maybe she was tired after a long day, and you were taking her to her bed. Maybe she was excitedly holding on to your neck, as you prepared to soar with her through the skies.

Still, you can still feel it. You can still feel the light weight of her body on your back. You can still feel the familiar sensation of her breath against your ears, as she rests her head against your mane.

You can still feel it. You don't think you will ever stop feeling it.

And the memory of her riding on your back feels so… heavy right now. It feels so heavy that you can barely take another step up the stairs.

It feels so heavy that, if you just let go, you know you will just fall down the stairs. You will fall down the stairs, and this dream will end, and the sun will rise on the horizon as if nothing ever happened.

You just need… to let go.

Because if you let go, if you stop climbing these stairs, this will all end.

If you let go, tomorrow will arrive. And then the next one, and the next. The hands of the clock will resume its movement, and your family will remain unbroken. And you will all figure out what to do after that.

You just… need… to…

…

You wish you had stopped. You almost stopped.

But when you realize it, you are finally at the top of the stairs.

The living room, where your wife and your warmth and your love are, might as well be in another lifetime now. And somehow you realize, although you have no idea how, that there is no turning back.

So, you make your way down the corridor.

You walk by the entrance to the room of the older, and enter the room of the younger.

And there you find… your daughter. Just the way you left her. A perfect bundle of peace and calm, lying under a blanket crocheted with love, sleeping without a single care in the world.

You make your way towards her, approaching her bed with the utmost care so you don't make a single sound.

The room is perfectly dark. The windows are closed, and the curtains are shut. And yet, for some reason, you swear that her face is being perfectly illuminated by a streak of moonlight.

It almost feels like a crime, or perhaps a sin, to do this. It almost feels wrong, to let go of such a perfect filly.

However, for all that you love her… you know she is not yours to keep. Not like this.

So, you will let her go. Even if the shackles that were binding her are also the bonds of love that connect the two of you.

Because even if you have to break those bonds, you know you will never truly stop loving her.



"It is time to wake up."



You whisper those words in her ear.

You repeat those same words that he said to her, on a similar dream that happened long ago.

And after that, the only thing you can do is leave the room. Before the stifled sob you have been holding back breaks out of your mouth, and you accidentally disturb her in a moment that belongs only to her.

And just like that… it is done.



- - -



You are the daughter, and you…

… you actually do not know what that means.

Did you exist before, or did you just come into being?

Are you asleep right now, or did you just wake up?

Did you… did you just die? Or is this the first time you have been alive in oh so long?

…

You do not know.

All that you know is that you are the daughter.

…

You are somewhere dark. You can't see anything, or perhaps you just don't have the eyes to see. And yet, you are not afraid.

After all, although you are somewhere dark, you still know exactly where you are. You are in a familiar place, one that you would be able to navigate even with your eyes closed. You are somewhere safe, where you can take as long as you want, and where you can stay for as long as you need.

And most importantly, you are not alone.

…

You are not alone right now.

…

"So… is this it? This is how it ends?"​

A voice, her voice, comes from somewhere nearby.

You know who she is, of course. More than just that, you know her more deeply than it should be possible.

In fact, her voice is so familiar that it might have been your own, a long, long time ago.

"That is a curious question. Do you think this is an ending?"​

Another voice, also from nearby. Perhaps from the same place, perhaps from the same mouth. But still, you hear another voice coming from somewhere else.

A more mature voice. A wiser voice. One that is coming from another time or another life or another pony who you also know achingly well.

There is a bit of curiosity in that voice. And perhaps a little mirth.

But most of all, that voice is patient. It is patient, and it is understanding.

"It… well, it does feel like an ending. It feels like the end of a dream. Like the sun is coming, and the dreamer is about to wake up. Only that… I'm not the dreamer, and I won't be the one waking up…"​

The younger voice, the smaller voice, it is… scared? No, not scared. Not exactly.

But still, she sounds sad. Like she just lost something precious, or as if something she loved had just been taken from her.

She sounds like a pony who will never see her best friend, ever again. She sounds like a pony who never got to say her goodbyes.

And yet, despite all of that, she doesn't sound scared… only sad.

"You are right, in a way. This dream is indeed about to end. The last grain of sand in this hourglass has just begun to fall, and is about to hit the bottom side. And the dreamer will… wake up, once that happens."

"I… I know… I don't know how, but I know…"​

The younger voice, the smaller voice, she sounds inconsolable.

She sounds like she is about to cry. More than that, she sounds like she would be crying right now, if she could.

However, she also sounds resolute. Almost brave.

Such a small voice. Such a small life. And yet, she sounds like she is ready to give what little she has. She sounds like she is ready to give everything she ever had, even if that is so little.

She sounds like she is ready to be gone, for the sake of the ponies she loves. Even though she clearly wishes this didn't need to happen.

"Well… I… it was good, while it lasted. It was the best, even. But… can I ask you something? Can you promise… you will take care of my sister? She's the only one I have, and we promised we would take care of each other… so can you please…?"

"Oh? I would promise that if I could, little one. I really, really would. But tell me… why is it that you think… that I am the one who will wake up from this dream?"

"W-what?"​

The older one, the larger one, says those words. And the smaller one cannot help but react with surprise.

And even though you have no eyes to see, and even though you do not exist yet, you can tell that the older one is looking at you, as she speaks to the younger one.

"B-but… but you are… it has to be you. It just has to! You are…!"

"Yes, I am Luna. I am Luna, and you are Selene. And yet, I don't think I am the dreamer, little one. I don't think I will be the one to wake up, once the sun rises."

"No, but… but it can't be me. T-that… that wouldn't be fair! The world… everypony… my sister, they all need a Princess. They all need you! If all of this… if all of this is happening just for me to wake up, then… wouldn't that be wrong? Wouldn't that be a waste?"

"Ah, you misunderstand me, Selene. What I meant to say is that… I don't think I will be the one to wake up. But I do not think it will be you either."​

The older one, the greater one, says that.

And you can feel the smaller one looking at you, now. As if she had just realized you were there. As if she had just realized you existed, even though you had been there this whole time. Ever since she first woke up without any memories.

"Tell me, Selene, why do you think we will both be gone? Why do you think either one of us will be gone?"

"Because… well, I just know it. Don't you feel it too? This is all a dream and… and somepony will wake up."

"You are right… but you are also wrong. I have never felt this particular feeling before, but it is not unfamiliar either. So let me… Ah, I know, a better explanation. Tell me, Selene, what does it mean to grow up?"

"Grow up? That's just… well time passes, and you get older. That's it, isn't it? Why are you asking me this?"

"Ah, once again you are right, but you are also wrong. Selene, growing up isn't just that. It is so much more. Growing up means becoming more than you were before. And it happens every day, little by little. It happens when a boring chore you were forced to do, like tidying your bed or brushing your teeth, becomes a habit you do without thinking. It happens when you and your best friend laugh at an old joke, but also invent a new one that you will share for the rest of your lives. It happens every day… and I think it is also happening now."​

The older one says that, and the sadness in the younger one's voice slowly turns into… curiosity?

Curiosity, or perhaps fascination. Or maybe even hope.

But still, she doesn't sound inconsolable right now.

"But the most important part, Selene, is that growing up doesn't mean leaving the old parts of yourself behind. Those parts of you just go deeper and deeper inside of you. And not because they were buried, but because they became like pillars. Something that will keep you standing, tall and strong, as you continue to grow the temple that is your life."

"So, you mean that… that I won't be gone? This feeling that I have, that I'm just a mask that's about to be taken off… it's not right? Are we… are we both going to wake up?"

"Both of us? Oh, no. Neither of us will wake up, Selene… But she will. And we will be a part of her. We will be a part of her in all the ways that matter. Princess Luna existed in the past, Selene. And you exist in the present."​

The two of them look at you. The older one with confidence, the younger one with hope.

"And she… she is our future. She is what we look like, when we both grow up."

"I… i-in… in that case, you promise you will take care of my sister! Promise you will be there for her, like I promised. Like you promised!"

"Yes, like Selene is saying, please keep the promises we made. You don't need to keep all the oaths I took, some of them are better left forgotten. But please… take care of my sister as well."​

The two of them say that.

And you nod.

You promise them.

You swear to them.

Because now you have a head with which you can nod.

And now you have a body in which you can exist.

And even though you feel like you are listening to something as distant as a past life talking to you…

You also feel like you are talking to yourself.



Because you are Luna.

And you are Selene.

And most importantly, you are yourself.





And for the first time in a very, very long time, you wake up.





…





Your body feels… right.

Your bed feels… small.

The crocheted blanket can't even cover your entire body. And yet, you already know you will never stop using it.

But now is not the time for you to lay on your bed. Now is the time for you to wake up.

So, you jump out of your bed, and you walk out of your room.

You make your way down the familiar corridor. It takes you a lot less steps to cover the distance, but for some reason nothing feels wrong or out of place.

So, you go down the stairs. A curious glance towards the windows of the entrance hall reveals that the sun is about to rise. But still, you have more than enough time for this.

You make your way towards the living room, the clip-clop-clip of crystal echoing through the air in time with your hoofsteps.

And when you push the door open, you find them exactly where they are meant to be.

The living room is comfortably warm. The fire has almost died down, but it is still more than enough to illuminate everything.

And the loving couple is huddled together, keeping each other company on the comfort of the large sofa.

They have their backs turned to you, but you know they are not asleep. You know they have heard you.

They are just… waiting for you to make the first move. Whatever it may be.

So, you calmly make your way towards one of the cushions next to the sofa, and you sit down.

You have never sat down on this cushion before.

And yet, this is your spot. This is the place you always sat down on, during the colder nights, as you all gathered together for hot chocolate and stories.

The memories… there are so many of them. Heavens, how did you manage to accumulate so many good memories in so few months?

Still, that is not important right now. So, you simply sit down, and you look at them.

The sofa and the cushions are all laid around a low table, next to the fireplace. So, you are all facing each other. You look at them, and they look at you.

You can tell that they have been crying all night. You can tell that they are nervous.

And yet, you can also tell that they are not scared.

Because they both love you. So, whatever you decide to do next, they will abide by your choice.

However, the silence is soon broken. By her, of course. You knew she wouldn't be able to keep her quiet for too long. It's just how she is, and she has always been a worrywart.



"I… I-I know this… I u-understand this m-might look s-strange, Sel-… Princess L-Luna… But… d-do you… do you remember a-anything…? Do you k-know who we are?"



She asks that, and then she waits. She waits, even though you can tell how she wants to say so much more. Perhaps she wants to confess something. Perhaps she just wants to tell you that she still loves you. But still, you can see that she is mustering all of her willpower to stay quiet.

You can tell that, as much as it hurts her, she won't say another word until you make your decision.

And the only thing you can do… is smile.

"Of course I know who you are," you say, as you get up from your cushion and make your way towards her.

You walk towards them, until you are right in front of them. Until you are face to face with the unicorn and the pegasus, who are looking at you with both nervousness and expectation.

So, you give them your answer. It is the obvious answer. The only answer you could possibly give.

"You are my mother," you say to the unicorn mare, "and you are my father," you continue, turning to face the pegasus stallion.

And you can barely contain your tears as the two of them almost rush towards you with a hug. A loud sigh of sheer relief coming from somepony, or perhaps everypony, as you surround them with your forelegs and cover them with your large wings.

"And I… I am your daughter!" you finish, before your own sobs take over you.

And during the entirety of that long, almost crushing hug, everything is perfect, and your family is nothing but happy.

You are finally back home.





You have successfully performed the Rite of the Mother and the Father.

You will have a proper conversation with your daughter later. And only after you fawn over her, and tell her how beautiful she is and how tall she has become and how you are so very thankful and happy. But for now, you will just enjoy this moment with her.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Selene.

And you are Luna.

And more importantly, you are currently being… well, this has long passed the point of fawning. You are pretty sure you are currently being inspected.

In the most loving way possible, of course. But still.

"-and you're just so tall! Me and Stormy practically have to look up to talk to you!"

"Mom…"

But really, you are actually impressed, and maybe even a little curious.

Because how is it possible for a pony to be hugging you tightly, and at the same time be far enough to look at your entire body?

Is… is something going on? You swear to the stars there is only one of your mom here with you. But how is she even doing this?!

"And your wings are beautiful! Just look at these feathers, Stormy. There's… there's actually a hue to them, isn't there?"

"Mom…"

"Velvet, Sweetheart…"

When did she get under your wings? And how are her forelegs still around your neck as she does that?!

Even your dad is chiming in now. And you can tell by his expression that he is also… confused? Surprised? Maybe even worried?

It's not something bad or intrusive, but… Well, it is kind of getting overwhelming?

"And by the heavens that horn. I've never seen such a perfect horn in my entire li-"



"Mom!"
"Velvet, could you please… just a little bit?"
"Oh, right… I'm, uh, sorry…?"



Your mother finally steps back, and you… well, maybe you let out a small sigh of relief.

But still, you know this is just the way she is. In fact, this is nothing compared to that one time you got sick and she…

… no, wait, too many memories. A part of you, one that feels more experienced and mature, is telling you that you will need some time alone to parse through everything you have inside your head.

So, it is best that you focus on the here and now for the time being.

Which means that…

"Ah, no, I really mean it. I'm sorry Sel-… Luna…? Actually, how do we want you to call you? No, no, I'm not trying to change the subject. I'm really sorry that-" your mom starts to say, her face honestly apologetic.

But you interrupt her by raising a hoof.

"Mom, it's fine. Really. I know a lot of things happened and… well, I also realize there's a lot of things I just don't know yet," you say.

And you really mean it.

Because you just woke up and… well, did you just wake up? Or did you return? Or did you just start existing? By the moon, this situation is so complicated that you don't even know what words to use.

To be honest, you don't even know what just happened. You have this confident sensation that this is all good. However, you still have an entire library's worth of memories in your head, that you both "already know" and "realize you should review" at the same time.

Furthermore, you are also aware that there are things that you simply didn't know. Neither as Selene nor as Luna.

And most importantly, none of you have the time to start working on any of those things right now.

So, the best thing you can do is focus on your priorities.

"So, I know we need to talk. We need to sit down, and start figuring out what to do next," you continue. And both your parents nod. Their expression slowly turning from joy and relief to…

Well, they are still clearly happy, but you can tell that the reality of the situation is finally starting to sink in for everypony. Including yourself.

"However, before that happens, there is something I need to do. And there is something I need you two to do for me. Can you please help me with this?" you ask.

Although the two ponies were already nodding in affirmative even before you finished your question.

"Yes, of course!"

"Anything you need, just name it."

Both of them say, almost at the same time.

And the sincerity in their voices actually puts a smile on your face.

"Thank you," you say with a smile. "So, the thing I need you to do is…"

You begin to speak more softly, each of your words being quieter than the last.

And you light up your horn as you do that, the soft purple glow barely illuminating anything around you. Your magic flowing through you like a familiar gust of wind.

"… I need you two to rest for a while. You two look like you haven't slept at all tonight."

You say that, and you watch as their eyes slowly begin to close. Their bodies growing heavier as they begin to slump against each other.

You think your mother is trying to say something, but she only manages to mumble something before your magic finishes making her fall asleep.

After that, you gently float the two of them back towards the large sofa. And the two ponies settle down together, lovingly hugging each other, without any interference from you.

And you just look at them, for a few more seconds, before you take your leave.

You don't feel bad for doing this. The two of them look exhausted, and... well, you are not a filly anymore. You realize they must have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions. They really just need some timeout right now.

And you, on the other hoof, have a few promises to keep.

"I'll be back soon, then we can take care of the future," you say to the two of them. "I promise."

Moments later, you are gone.



- - -



Your first stop is… your sister's room.

Your younger sister, mind you.

Well, this isn't really her room. This is a dream. Her dream.

Because she is still sleeping, and you weren't sure if you wanted to wake her up.

Actually, you are not sure of what you are going to do.

Because you have to talk to her. You just have to tell her.

But is that… a good idea?

After all, you are not a filly anymore. You know that your actions have consequences, and that sometimes it's best not to reveal certain things.

You are not a filly anymore. And most important of all, she still is.

So wouldn't it be better if you just… didn't tell her? Would it be better if you figured out something else?

…

Pff, who are you kidding? You are not that kind of pony. You aren't afraid of lying, but you are not going to do this to her.

After all, she is your sister. And you made her a promise.

So, you step into her dream-room.

And as expected, she is already awake. She is lying on her bed, as if she had just woken up. But still, she looks at you the moment you open her door.



"Hey, Silky, I-"

"Who are you?!"



But the moment you look at her, you realize she is scared. She is peeking at you from under her blankets, as if trying to hide, and you can tell that she is wide-eyed and frightened.

And you freeze, from her sudden reaction. Because you are not sure what to do next. You don't even know how to react.

Because right now, you are Selene. Or at least you look like Selene. You are currently in your Selene-like body, and you know for a fact that the only thing she can see right now is the perfectly ordinary filly who has lived with her all this time.

However, you also know that… that Silky has always been good at noticing things.

You also remember the very first day you met her, when your mother brought you into her house for the first time. When you were still scared and lonely, and she somehow knew just what to do as she took you by the hoof and helped you start your new life.

You knew she saw something in you back then.

The same way she can see something in you right now.

"Silky, what are you talking about?" you ask. Although you can tell your voice is not as confident as it should be. "It's me, Silky. I'm Selene."

You say that, as you cautiously take a few steps towards her bed.

But for every step you take, Silky pushes herself away from you. Pressing her back against the wall, and keeping her blankets between the two of you like a barrier.

"No you're not!" she yells, her voice scared. "You're not Selene. You're not my sister! What did you do to her?!"

And her words… make you feel a strange pain inside your chest. For too many reasons.

You stop walking towards her. You don't want to scare her any more than she already is. More than that, you didn't want her to be scared at all.

And the confident expression you had on your face, as you entered her room, is completely gone now.

"I… Silky, I…" you try to say something, anything, but you are at a loss for words.

What should you say to her? What can you say to her?

And before you realize it, your hind hits the floor, and you are sitting on the soft carpet of her room as you…

"Silky… it's me. I'm Selene. Don't you recognize me...?"

The words leave your mouth before you can think about them.

And slowly, painfully slowly, you can see that Silky's expression is…

Well, you can tell that she believes you. At least a little bit.

But you can also tell that the fear she has on her face is being replaced by…

"Y-you… you are Selene? Is… is that really you?"

… you can do nothing but watch, as her expression is slowly overcome by sadness.

"But… but what happened to you? Why do you look so…?" she asks, her words trailing off.

Still, there is no need for her to finish that question. You know exactly what she is asking you.

"I just woke up, Silky," you say. But as you admit those words, and you watch her expression become sadder and sadder, you begin to understand the implications of what that means. "I guess I just… grew up?"

Because everything happened so quickly, everything happened so suddenly, that you didn't really have the time to… to realize what this means.

It didn't really dawn upon you how this will change your life, from now on.

And most of all, you didn't realize how this would affect everypony else around you.

But Silky did. Of course she did. Of course this was the first thing she thought about.

After all, up until now you were with her all day, every day. You two were one of the most important parts of each other's world…

And more importantly, the two of you always thought things would stay like that.

"You… but we…" she starts to say, but suddenly she stops. Her grip on her blankets faltering as something else begins to overcome her.

And before you realize it, her blankets have completely fallen off. And you are looking at a Silky Stream who is… alone, hugging herself, pressing her back against the wall of her room as she just…

As she just begins to cry.

"… you grew up… without me? B-but what about… weren't we meant t-to… to grow up together?"

And once again, you have no idea of what you should do. You don't even know if there is anything you can do.

Because nothing you could ever tell her will change that fact that… she is right.

After all, the two of you really did everything together, didn't you?

You went to school together. You ate together. She let you sleep on her bed when you had nightmares. You helped with her homework, when she wasn't sure of what to do.

You made new friends together. You learned new things together. Everyday was a new adventure the two of you explored together. And just like she said, the two of you were growing up together. Like every sibling should be, the two of you were best friends who lived in the same house, and shared your lives with each other.

But now… didn't you just leave her behind?

"I… Silky, I'm… I'm sorry," you say, your own face growing sadder as this particular reality of your new life begins to settle in.

After all, you might be more than just Selene, now.

But you are also definitely less than Selene was before.

And the pony who will probably be the most affected by that is right in front of you.

"Y-you… b-but what happened…? Why?" she asks, still trying to hold back her tears.

She asks that, and you don't know what to tell her.

…

So, you just show her.

A soft glow envelops your body, as you easily change her dream so you can take on another form. And moments later, you are looking down at her due to your height, rather than looking up at her because she is still on her bed.

And after that… Silky Stream just stares at you.

She doesn't look shocked or surprised. You think she always knew something about you was different. And you don't think she suspected it was this. But still, she doesn't look surprised.

She doesn't look scared, either. Even though she is inside her room, with a pony she had never seen before in her life, she still doesn't look scared.

She just looks…

Sad.

After the longest time, she finally looks down, as if she had accepted something.

"… okay…" is all she says.

But the way she says it, as if she had just accepted she had lost something… it doesn't just break something inside of you.

It shatters your heart.

Because from that word alone, she already told you everything you need to know.

From that word alone, you can already tell that… that she understands it. That she accepts it, even.

She understands that her sister is gone now.

She understands that she will have to grow up alone, without her very best friend.

And even though she doesn't want any of that to happen, she accepts that you have to do it regardless.

After all, you are a Princess. And even a young filly like her understands that a Princess is just meant to do more important things. They have a whole world to take care of, after all.

"Can you… Mrs. Princess Luna, I-I'm sorry for asking this but… could you at least let me dream about Selene, every now and then? I… I just don't want to forget her and stuff…" she says, in a tone so low it's barely a whisper.

And you…

When did your vision get so blurry?

You wipe the tears that are beginning to fall from your eyes.

And you make a decision.

You have no idea how this will impact everything else, moving forward.

You have no idea how much context you are even missing. Because it will probably take you days or weeks to catch up to speed, and figure out what in the night sky your mother has been doing all along.

But you also don't care.

You have a promise to keep.

And you are still Selene. Even if you also happen to be more than just her.

"Silky, I'm not here to tell you I'm going to leave," you say, making your way towards her bed and climbing it without a second thought.

Your sister doesn't recoil away from you. But she doesn't seem encouraged by your words either.

Still, you sit in front of her on that small bed, and you continue to tell her the decision you have just made.

"Do you remember the promise we made, during my first month here? Do you remember what you told me on that night, when I still felt like I was all alone?"

You ask that, and she gives you a weak nod. Her expression making it very clear that she remembers it, and that she also realizes that your promise just can't be kept anymore.

However, that's where she is wrong.

"Well, I am going to keep that promise. More than that, I want us to make a new promise to each other. Right here, and right now. Because I am not going to leave you, but I also… am going to need your help."

You say that, and for the very first time Silky looks at you with… not hope, but perhaps confusion?

And as you wipe the tears from her cheeks, as you explain to her exactly what you are going to do, a small smile appears on her face.

You have no idea how you are going to make this work.

You don't even know if it will be practical. And you… you definitely will need to bring in your parents as well.

But you will all figure it out. Together.



And most importantly, you are not leaving your sister.



...

The two of you stay together, just chatting on her dream-bed, for a lot longer, after you two make that promise.

And after that, the two of you just... stay there, keeping each other company.



"S-so… uhm… am I the little sister now"
"Pfff, you are worried about that? Well, I guess you are."
"Okay… and uhm, can I… Can I look at your cutie mark? I mean, I always hoped we'd get ours closer to each other but…"
"Of course you can, you don't even have to ask!"
"And I… can I keep calling you Selene?"
"I'd love it if you did, sis."



Still, no matter what happens moving on, you know this was the right decision to make.

And when you leave her dream, you can tell that she has a smile on her face, as she sleeps away the rest of the early morning.



- - -



Time moves differently when you are inside dreams. Or rather, you can take a lot of liberties with the flow of time, when you are inside a pony's dream.

That is a skill you have learned a long time ago, but that thankfully still seems to be like second nature to you.

It's… strange. Everything you try to do is easy and familiar. And yet, every time you try to do something, from walking around with your long legs to using magic, you get that a feeling that you are trying it for the first time. Going into somepony's dreams is no different.

Of course, that also has the worrying implication that you don't innately know the limits of what you can do. And you realize you might just hit a dead end, where you suddenly realize that "no, you actually never could do this". Which is its own cause for concern.

But none of that matters right now.

What matters is that, again, you can make time move differently in dreams.

So, even though you spent a lot of time with Silky just now, until she fell back asleep lying on your flank…

It was still night, or perhaps early morning, when you left her dream.

The sun has not yet risen.

And you hope your other sister will be asleep.

…

The motions are all pleasantly familiar, so you don't even need to think about them. You go back to your room, you barricade the door with something sufficiently heavy, and then you start meditating on your bed.

You will wander around the Dreamlands later. And parse through everything you… remember about it, in due time.

For now, you immediately jump into your sister's dream door.



And moments later, you are inside Celestia's dream.



"Thank the stars you are still asleep, dear sister," you say to yourself.

And then you just…

…

You actually just stand there, for a while.

Because it has just… it has just been so long.

A sensation of vertigo, or perhaps something stronger, overtakes you. And the Luna-side of your memories, the one that remembers your dear Celestia and everything that came before that, comes rushing through you.

You… you have so much to tell her. You have so much you want to do with her.

You feel so happy that you might just start laughing, and you feel so scared you might as well be frozen in place. Because how has she been? Does she miss you? Can she forgive everything you did?

You shake your head, spreading your legs under you as if you are afraid of falling down. And you remember…

You vaguely remember the life you had before that great blackness in your mind…

And you remember the precious few months you spent with her, after your first return. And how confused you were, and how hard you were on yourself, and how patient and loving she was as the two of you were finally together after so long, and…!

Your legs are moving before you can even think about it.

You just want to meet your sister again, this time for good!



With that thought, you begin to navigate her dream, trying to find her as soon as possible.



Celestia's dream is…

Now that you think about it, you can't remember the last time you were here. The two of you were often asleep when the other was awake, so you always had the chance to visit her, but you don't quite remember doing it.

Well, you don't really remember anything from the distant past. And you weren't really doing much during the time you were with her, after your initial return.

Still, her dream is… it is actually quite large.

You first appeared on a small forest, or perhaps a lush garden. But you knew what direction you had to go, to make your way towards her, so you soon made your way out of the garden.

And you found yourself in…

Well, this certainly isn't Canterlot. But perhaps it's how she wishes Canterlot will become, in the future?

You are currently looking at a great castle. Or perhaps a city? No, it is definitely a castle that is the size of a city. Made out of marble and gold, its perfect white reflecting the overhead midday sun in all of its splendour.

You think the castle is perched on top of a mountain, but the scenario breaks out when you try to look towards the far distance. Or perhaps, this is the whole top of Mount Canterlot that was carved into a castle.

Either way, you can see that the design is as grand as your sister's vision.

It is very… nostalgic, to see something like that. To see a visual reminder of all the plans your sister told you, about the future she has in mind for ponykind.

You stretch your wings, and you take to the air. Making your way towards the great castle as quickly as possible.

As you fly over the tall walls, you can see that the entire palace is being patrolled by guards. Faceless ponies who seem to be made out of metal and marble, walking around in organized groups. But still, none of them seem to notice you, or at least they did not seem disturbed if they did notice you. So, you fly to the central building, and you land on a large plaza that leads to a great door made out of solid gold.

Soon enough, you enter a place that seems to be a throne room.

And ah… you don't really have the words to say how happy you are.



Because there she is!



The throne room is immense. Its walls are tall, with great mosaics and metal windows on its ceiling. Great banners cover the walls, and a grand red carpet stretches from the door where you stand to the base of the throne.

And on that large, golden throne fitted with jewels, your sister is waiting.

Atop that great throne of the Sun, sits Celestia.

She gives you an honest, proud smile as she looks at you. Her eyes telling you more than her words ever could.

You are finally back.

And she has been waiting for you all this time.



"Luna, my dearest sister. I am so glad you have finally returned."



Her voice sounds strong, echoing through the great room almost as if she is trying to hug you with her words.

Still, even that feels pleasant. Even that feels…

"Yes, sister. I am back. And… and it is so good to see you again," you say, not even bothering to hide the emotions from your voice.



"Yes. Now that you are back, now that we are together, we can finally fulfill our purpose."



Her voice, once again, feels heavy in the air. Almost as if her every movement, even when she opens her mouth, causes the air to shake.

No, it's more than that, it's almost as if she is making everything shake.

And that feels… strange, now that you think about it.

You start to make your way towards her, but you can't help but steal some glances here and there as you do.

"Of course, sister. Of course. Still, I missed you so much that… well, how have you been? I have so many things to tell you, Celestia. And…"

Your words trail off, and you stop.

Something… something is not right.

Celestia's expression is… she is smiling yes, but you were so happy to see her that you thought it was a smile of joy. You thought it was a smile full of love and happiness.

But now that you think about it, she almost seems… eager?

That is a positive emotion, of course, but still…

She notices your pause, of course, and you watch as she slowly leans on her throne, merely arching her head towards you-



!!!!!!!!!!!



-and the whole castle, no the whole world trembles as she does that. As if everything around you was straining from just that small movement of hers.

"Sister is… is everything alright?" you ask, not being able to hide the concern in your voice.

And in response to that, Celestia just smiles.



"Of course, dear sister. Of course. Everything is perfect. And everything will be better, once you help me."



She says that, and as her words echo through the air, you realize that…

This strange feeling…

It's not that her words are echoing through the air. Instead, it is as if the very air is trying to fight back against her words. As if the very walls are pushing them back, or perhaps trying to keep them within the confines of this room.

As if this entire world was trying to…

"Help you…? Of course, Celestia, I will help you with anything you need," you say, willing yourself to remain calm. Forcing your hindlegs not to take that half-step back they so desperately want to.

However, the way she is saying that… the way she is wording that…

"But… but what do you need help with, Celestia?" you ask.

To which she answers by… chuckling?

She chuckles, and then she laughs, and you can only watch in horror as she begins to cackle. The sound of her mirth bouncing against the walls, and the very ground shaking as it tries to resist her movements.



"What else, dear sister. I need you to RELEASE ME."



She says that, and all at once you realize how wrong you are.

You finally notice that, yes you found your sister… You have found her a long time ago.

Your dear sister, your Celestia, is all around you. In every brick of every wall. In every piece of gold that makes up this castle.

In every link of the chains that bind the thing upon the throne. In every part of the mechanical guards that patrol this prison.

You have been in Celestia's presence this entire time.

Even as you were talking to the thing that is chained upon the golden throne.



"Why do you hesitate, dear sister… Why do you PAUSE? Do you not WANT me to be FREE? ARE we not MEANT to be TOGETHER?!"



The thing thrashes in its throne. And the chains, the ones you could not see before but that are now painfully visible, strain to keep her in place.

And the creature itself, now, is far more clear to your eyes. You can now see her in all of her terrible glory. From the yellow of her irises within the black of her eyes, to the fiery feathers on her wings, that are beginning to belch smoke and fire.



"I AM DOING THIS FOR YOU, LUNA! THIS IS ALL FOR YOU! WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER, AND NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE THAT. NOW RELEASE ME! SET ME FREE AT ONCE!!!"



She thrashes and pushes and throws herself against the confines of her chains. The links of gold and willpower straining to keep her in place, stretching and buckling as they stop the Celestia-thing from moving even another inch.

And all around you, the dream grows hotter.



"BREAK THESE WALLS, DAMN YOU! BREAK THESE CHAINS, AND THIS PRISON, AND THIS STUPID CONSCIENCE THAT IS KEEPING ME HERE! LET ME FREE, SO WE CAN REIGN OVER THE WORLD AS WE ARE MEANT TO!!!"



She is beginning to glow.

No, she is beginning to burn. And the golden throne strains as it tries to hold back what is slowly becoming a localized sun. More than just that, you begin to hear things, coming from the outside. Beyond the throne room, throughout the whole castle, you can hear horns being blown, hoofsteps of metal running, and the unmistakable sound of something very large being closed shut.

It hurts to look at her. It hurts to be in her presence. You can feel a very real, very physical pain as her blinding presence begins to burn your fur. But for a moment, you can't help but freeze from the sheer shock of all this.

The great golden doors behind you begin to move, a legion of guards closing them shut, moving over the corpses of their own companions as they begin to melt from the heat. The windows on the high ceiling are blocked by heavy slabs of marble, carried into position by unseen winged guards. And all around you, you feel like you are being buried alive, locked inside a tomb with the thing that looks like your sister.

And you feel like you are going to burn alive if you stay in this place for even a second longer.

Your horn lights up. The angry sun in front of you realizes what you are doing-



"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! WHY ARE YOU NOT-!?!"



-and you suddenly wake up on your bed, heaving with effort as if you were drowning. The faint smell of burned fur filling your nostrils one last time before your mind accepts that none of that really happened.

…

It was all just a dream…

…

You… do not think it is wise for you to go to your sister yet.

…

And you… you think you should… well you definitely can't…

…

A knock comes to your door, and you let out a small yelp as your heart nearly jumps out of your chest. The familiar voice of Soft Sweeps comes through the door right after, telling you it is time to wake up for breakfast.

A-and you… you decide to…

"I-I'm… I'm coming," you say out loud towards the door.

And then you light up your horn, a wave of magic running through your body until you are a filly once again.

Yes, this is… this is what you are going to do. You think you are in shock, but… everything will be alright if you just go downstairs and have breakfast.

You are Selene. You are a filly with a blank flank, who just woke up on the last day of a weekend.

And... and everything is fine...

Everything will be fine, as... as long as you...





Selene has made a new promise to her sister, one that she will not break. She will continue to be Silky Stream's sister, and the two of them will continue to journey through life together. The logistics of HOW she will keep this promise is still... well, she will figure it out.

Princess Luna has made the decision that, for now, it is best she doesn't reveal herself to her sister. Something happened to her. It did not feel as intrusive and disgusting as it did with herself, but the end result felt just as evil. Celestia is still in there, but she is entirely focused on keeping that evil in check. So it is best if Luna... doesn't upset that balance. She also learned that...

Spoiler: The mentality of the Sun - Better understood

7 or higher: ???

6: ???

5: ???

4: ???

3: ???

2: Daybreaker is born, shackled by her regretful creator. The result of this battle of wills will define the future of Equestria. (???)

1: Daybreaker has come, and Equestria shall slave under the glare of the sun. (Introduce "hyperthermia" mechanic)

0 or lower: "Lady Coelle's actions are not alien to ponykind. But a mirror of their consequences certainly is."

For now, she should really just talk to her parents, and decide what to do next.

And what about her third sister? Later, later, you will have time for her soon.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Velvet Covers, and right now you are lying on a cloud.



"Ma'am?"



You aren't just comfortable, you are perfectly snug and cozy.

No Grail secret could ever hope to compare to this. No Winter calm could ever bring you to anything like this.



"Ma'am…?"



In fact, you think an entire new Lore could be created, just to encompass this sensation you are feeling right now.

You are Velvet Covers, the Hour of Comfy. And your entire existence is based on eternally sinking just a little deeper on this perfect cloud that is your home.



"Okay, I really need you to wake up."



All movements are forbidden. All action is unnecessary. Even gravity itself exists only to-

"Ma'am! It's already sunrise! Breakfast is served already!"

-and what in the hay is going on?!

Somepony is shaking you, throwing your thoughts into disarray as you return to the harshness of reality.

Well, you are still lying on something incredibly comfortable. But as you flail around in confusion, both you and your personalized pillow eventually lose your mutually-held grip and fall down on the floor.

"Ouch!"

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I must also remind you that you ordered me to wake you up, on situations like this."

You fall on the ground sideways, and it takes you a full second to realize that your "pillow" (which turned out to be your husband) is also on the floor right next to you. And if his expression is anywhere close to yours, then it seems the two of you are… awake, now.

Or at least something close to it.

"Wha… what is going on… Ponpon?" you say, as you try to stand up and get your bearings.

And sure enough, Ponpon is standing right next to you. Her expression is only slightly judgmental, for which you are thankful, and she is patiently waiting for you to regain your senses.

It takes you several seconds to do so. And you only realize you have an unsightly line of droll on your cheek after the mare gives you a handkerchief. But still, eventually, you wake up.

"Thank you, Ponpon, I… I really appreciate you calling us," you say.

Although your mind is still a bit confused as to what just happened.

Because, for starters, you really just woke up from a good night's sleep. You don't think you ever slept so well in your entire life, even!

But why in Equestria were you and Stormchaser sleeping on the couch? And why…?



Oh.



Your eyes go wide as you remember everything. Or as you think you remember everything.

Did all of that just happen? You just woke up, so could it possibly be that…?

"Stormchaser, please don't tell me that was just a dream," you say, urgently turning to your husband as Ponpon takes her leave.

And the moment you say that, Stormchaser's eyes also go wide. As if he just had the same realization, or was struck by the same memories, that came back to you just now.

"I really hope not," he says, putting a hoof on his forehead. But you can tell that he is mostly talking to himself, and that he seems as confused as you are.

You need to make sure this wasn't all just a dream. You need to find out right now.

However, before either of you have the chance to do anything, another knock comes from the door of the living room.

And the two of you turn just in time to see a worried-looking Soft Sweeps peeking into the room.

"Mr. Stormchaser? Mrs. Velvet? Good morning, and… well, breakfast is served, and the fillies are at the table. But… could I talk to you for a minute, before you go there?" she asks, with a small voice that is uncharacteristically hesitant.

Well, Soft is a mare who is usually cautious, and perhaps even frightened at times.

However, you can tell that this time her voice is concerned about something that is actually important, rather than some imagined problem that is just plaguing her mind.

"Sure, Soft. Of course," you say, your heart beginning to hammer inside your chest. "What is going on? Did something happen?"

"I… well… It's Selene, Mrs. Velvet. She seems… a little off? I wanted you two to know that, before you go to the dinner room."

She says that, and you immediately exchange a glance with Stormchaser. His expression telling you that what he is thinking about is the exact same thing you have in your mind right now.

Is this good? Is this bad? Is this proof that the two of you didn't just imagine all of that?

"Thank you, Soft. We… will be right there," you say.

And after the young mare leaves, you and Stormchaser share one last minute together before you go to meet your daughters.



- - -



You and Stormchaser are sitting next to each other, at the dinner table.

And the only pony there with you two is Selene.

As soon as you and Stormchaser entered the dinner room, Selene whispered something on Silky's ear, and the filly loudly declared that she had forgotten something important at school. Something she absolutely needed to get right now, for a coming school project.

So, despite Softy's groans and admonishments, your older daughter left with the filly to go her school, despite today being a weekend.

And that, of course, immediately told you and Stormchaser that Silky was already in on it, and that Softy was not.

Still, ever since then, three full minutes have passed, and the three of you have done nothing but stare at each other.

You and Stormchaser are worried, of course. After all, you two realize you are sitting opposite to a Princess. Even if her body doesn't look any different than how it looked yesterday, when you two tucked her into her bed.

It is obvious she is using some kind of magic or illusion that is way beyond your abilities. But that doesn't really matter right now.

No, what really matters is that… Selene is concerned. The three of you are sitting in silence because she looks concerned. In fact, she has a quiet, pained expression on her face that absolutely looks out of place on a filly that young.

She is also deep in her thoughts, clipping her hoofs together every now and then as she looks down.

This, you suppose, is what Softy meant when she said Selene was "off".

And you want to help her, of course. You will do anything she asks. But still…

You need her to say something.

"I…" she opens her mouth.

And both you and Stormchaser immediately lean forward, ears perked up so you can hear her better.

"I want to stay here, with the two of you… Is that… is that alright?" she asks.

To which you and Stormchaser reply with… stunned silence.

Did you just hear her right?

Of course you did. You are sure you did. But you… didn't really expect her to say that?

"Of course that's alright, dear. You can stay for as long as you want," Stormchaser answers, his words shaking you out of your confusion.

And yes, of course you agree. You nod to her as your husband says that, because of course she can stay!

But isn't she, well… also a Princess?

"Thanks, dad… I'm really glad that's fine," she says.

And the way she says that… she definitely doesn't sound like a mare. No, the way she said that definitely sounded like a filly, who is frightened about something.

"Selene, dear, did something happen?" you ask, letting your concern show in your voice. "Is there anything you want to talk about?"

"Actually, yeah, something did happen…" she says, still looking down, her eyes open but unfocused, as if she is trying to think about something. As if she is somehow lost, or unsure of what to do next. "I talked to Silky, earlier today. Well, I went into her dream and told her about what happened."

You and Stormchaser give her a small nod, urging her to keep talking. But as Selene continues, you can see that she is having a hard time choosing her words. As if she can't even explain, or perhaps accept, what she is trying to tell you two.

"After that, I went to my sister… Celestia, that is. I went to Princess Celestia, in her dreams, and what I saw there was…"



Your daughter continues to talk.

Your daughter talks, and the two of you patiently listen.

You make sure nopony is within earshot. And you offer her some encouragement or consolation whenever she seems lost.

But eventually, she tells you and your husband everything.

And with that, the two of you understand why she asked if she could stay.



"So I… I think I just need some time?" she says.

Although, for all that she tried to say that, her tone definitely felt more like a question.

By now, Selene is sitting between the two of you. If she were just a filly, you are certain she would be crying by now. But still, you can tell from her expression that she is… confused. Very confused.

Almost lost, but maybe not quite there.

"I need time… Time to think, time to figure out stuff… Even figure out what's in my head, because I remember everything, but it's like I'm reading it from a book? It's like… like I don't remember it, but I can remember if I look for the book and, I don't know, open it to read from it."

You have a hoof on her shoulder, and Stormchaser is gently resting a wing around her.

"Still, I… I want to help. I need to do something about this, all of this! But I don't know what and…"

"Selene, dear, it's alright," you stop her. Not exactly interrupting her, but not letting her continue either. You can tell that she will just drown herself in her thoughts, if she keeps talking. "You can stay for as long as you want. More than just that, if you ever decide you need to leave, you can always return no matter what. We promise you that."

You say that, and your husband agrees.

"So, take your time. We will keep everypony off your back. And if you ever want to talk, to us or anypony else, we are here for you. Until then, we will be waiting for as long as you need," you finish.

And the soft, nervous nod that she gives you, as you calmly stroke her mane, shows you the first hint of a smile you have seen from her this entire day.

"Thanks mom," she says.

And a few minutes later, Soft and Silky arrive back home.



- - -



You are a few days into the week, now.

Stormchaser stayed home, for obvious reasons. And you stayed in Ponyville as well.

As per your previous orders, a pegasus runner came to your home on the night of the first weekday, to inquire if anything was alright. Through him, you told the Bureau to maintain their standing orders, and to send a runner at the end of every day to keep you updated on how everything goes.

Shining Armor has already returned from his honeymoon by now, so you are sure they will be able to handle a few days without you.

More importantly, however, you and your husband waited for Selene.

After the dust settled, you and Stormchaser talked to Silky, and your filly daughter told you that she promised she would help Selene. You all agree that none of you know what that means yet, but for now she seems content with dutifully checking on her sister every few hours, and making sure that Soft Sweeps is too busy to worry about Selene.

As for Selene herself, she has kept herself in her own room for the most part. Every now and then, she goes for a stroll around the house. And at least one night you sensed that she just opened her window and flew away.

However, for several days, she kept to herself. She kept to herself, and you all respected her wishes to be left alone.

That is… until now.

It is night. You and Stormchaser are in your room. And a knock suddenly comes to your door.

The two of you immediately know who it is.

"Come in," you say.

And Selene walks into your room.

Any tiredness you are feeling is immediately forgotten. Any concerns you had, about the reports your runner had brought or anything else, disappear before the next moment.

And as Selene goes up to a small sofa and changes into her larger self with a glow of magic, you and your husband quietly get out of your bed so you can better talk to her.

It is almost intimidating, to be face to face with a Princess like this. To be talking to the Princess of the Moon in the confines of your own bedroom, as she looks at you with an expression that is both serious and determined.

Or rather, it would be intimidating, if you also didn't look at her and immediately think of her as your daughter.

"I want to thank you for your patient," she begins to say, and then she takes a deep breath. "I know what I want to do, but I am not sure of how to do it. But there are three things I am certain of."

You try to calm down your pulse as you listen to her. But thankfully, she seems to be completely calm. So, if nothing else, you know that she has thought this through.

And no matter what she asks, you will try your best to make it happen.

"First, I want to stay here. I want to stay close to Silky, and you two, and everypony else. I don't know yet what is the best way to do that, so I will want to hear your thoughts on it. But I…" she trails off, raising a foreleg and looking at her hoof.

The crystal horseshoes she has on her hoofs are beautiful, although you have no idea of how she got them or when she put them on. But still, she seems to be deep in thought for a moment as she looks at it.

"I know that I am a Princess. I know there are expectations for Princesses. And it's not that I do not care for those expectations. But an expectation is not a duty, and I know what my duties are. So, I want to stay here. Make sure Silky and everypony else is alright. And move on from there."

She lowers her foreleg, turning her gaze back to the two of you, and then she takes another deep breath.

"Second, I… I want to stay a secret. For now, at least. I don't mean total secrecy or anything like that. But I don't want Equestria to know this happened. Most of all, I don't what my sister to know this happened. Celestia, that is. So, ponykind as a whole can't know, because that knowledge would certainly reach her. And if she learns I am back, she… well, I want to take care of my sister's current condition at my own pace, and in my own way."

You and Stormchaser immediately agree, and you two promise you will help her with that.

In fact, several ideas begin to appear in your mind. Of the ponies who you could tell, and the ponies who definitely must not learn about this. Of how Selene can stay here, and not raise any suspicions, without being stuck with the routine of a young filly. That, and many things more.

But before either of you can voice your suggestions, she starts to speak once again.

"And third… I want to know what happened. I want to know everything that happened. Anything you can tell me, everything you know. I… I want to help, I have to help. I have just returned to Equestria, and I am a Princess. But I can't help if I don't know what the hay is going on. Those strange lessons you taught me. This… this way you brought me back. I need to know everything. Please."

She says that, and you…

Ah.

Deep down, you always knew this would happen. You always knew that, at some point, you would have to tell a Princess everything you did. Just like you did with Stormchaser.

Your husband seems slightly concerned, as he gives you a side glance.

But to your own surprise, you are actually very calm. In fact, you almost feel relieved.

So, you tell Selene to get comfortable in her seat.

And then you tell her everything.





Selene has decided she wants to continue living in your house. There are no objections to that request, and the conclusion is obvious: there will always be a place for your daughters in your home.

Selene has authorized Velvet Covers to reveal her identity to whoever she sees fit, but Princess Celestia may not learn (directly or indirectly) about her return. Velvet Covers will abide by her wishes.

Selene has asked for time to deal with Princess Celestia herself, on her own terms. Until she asks for your help, Velvet Covers will not take any action to address Celestia's current situation. And given how Selene is her true sister, and has the ability to enter her very dreams, you think she has a much greater chance of doing anything about it than you do. Furthermore, you are admittedly kind of busy with other matters right now.

Selene, your filly daughter, will continue with her current routine, going to school in the morning and quietly accompanying her sister here and there. Unfortunately, her latest "etiquette lessons" will take up most of her free time, so she will have very little time for her other little friends. You will all deal with any problems, regarding how much time she has and her coverup story, as they arise.

Luna, the Princess of the Moon, is now your Confidante. You told her everything, and when you asked for her forgiveness, she told you there was nothing to forgive. She agrees with all of your actions and has asked you to direct her on how she can continue to help your cause.

Spoiler: Princess Luna's character sheet

"What should you call her? Well, if you are asking that question then you already failed the secret test. Those who love her call her Selene. Those who know of her call her Luna. And she is happy to be called your daughter."

Luna, the Princess of the Moon

Health: 5/5
General bonus: +20
Lores: MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3

As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn.

[MOTH SKILL]: Selene will be able to retain her "Selene" guise, without raising any suspicion, for as long as she wishes. Her guise will remain undetected until she chooses to reveal herself.
[EDGE SKILL]: CURRENTLY LOCKED
[WINTER SKILL]: CURRENTLY LOCKED
[KNOCK SKILL]: CURRENTLY LOCKED
[DILIGENT]: Every turn, Selene will automatically perform one random "training" action, in addition to her two personal actions. She is free to use her actions on something else.

Selene is currently "in training". She will have the following exclusive actions available to her, every turn, until they are all completed. These actions will always auto-succeed.
Due to her "Diligent" trait, Luna will always perform at least one of these actions every turn for free. But she may spend her own action-points to advance her training more quickly::

[] 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)
[] This body is old to her, but it is new to the world. She must learn of its restrictions and limitations. (Gain +1 total health) (TRAINING ACTION)
[] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
[] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
[] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock skill) (TRAINING ACTION)

Once Selene completes her training, she will be able to reach Level 4 in all of her Lores at the same time. That lesson will require an action from Velvet Covers, who must have the requisite Lore knowledge, and will grant Selene a further +1 total health and +5 to her General Bonus. As well, of course, as the upgrade in her personal Lore levels.

Selene's character sheet has been updated to reflect the information above.

But you have not told her about any of your regrets.

 

[spiderhellian]

In Which the Dreamer Snoozes

You are Velvet Covers. And on a night so very like another night, in a room not that different from another room, you feel a flash of jealousy for the one mother who has been in the same spot you are now. At least she knew you would be there for her daughter, the charge she had returned from the beyond to protect. She knew nothing of what lay ahead, but at least she knew one character in it.

You have no idea what are you sending Selene into with these words, and this rite. And yet, you know you must say them anyways. So, as tears drip down your face, you stutter them out.

"W-wont… won't you go wake her up, love? Y-you know… y-yo… you know how groggy she c-can get… after she sleeps for longer than she should."

Click to shrink...

---

You are Stormchaser. Every other month you leave behind your home, and bid your wife and children farewell for what feels like far too long. It is a fresh wound each time, but at least one you are experienced in taking. Like shepherding a storm or tracking a tornado, it gets easier with practice.

But you have never had to do this. To look at your child, and send them away.

"It is time to wake up."

Click to shrink...

You do not know how these things are supposed to go. But in an instant, the rite's effect seems clear. The dreamer in front of you stirs, a stray limb shifting across the bed. Before you can leave, before you can sob, she opens her mouth.

She grunts, "Mmph!"

And mumbles, "Five more minutes!"

Was that how this was... supposed to go? You really don't know these ritual things well, but surely not. Did you misphrase the words? You can't, you won't, let down your wife. Not ever, but especially not here and not now. So you try again.

Your voice is a little steadier as you intone, "It is time to wake up, Selene."

You earn yourself another grunt, a little grumpier. Selene rolls over, though her eyes remain stubbornly closed.

Maybe... maybe you messed it up, saying her name? Biased the way the winds would blow? You steel yourself, and whisper again.

"It is time to wake up, Princess Luna."

You can't quite make out what she says this time, her voice quite muffled by the fact her face is pressed deep into a pillow. Was it "Sleep"? Or "Stop"?

But one thing is clear: it seems like it's time to break out the big guns...

---

You are Velvet Covers. And you're not sure why you saw your husband come downstairs, grab a jar, fill it with water, and then return back up. But you are quite sure you do not want to know.

Spoiler: AN

Have you ever tried waking up a sleeping child?

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

CHANGELOG

"Of course there can be changes. This is partially a game, so of course some aspects of that experience can be enhanced."​

Dear reader, the following "Spoiler" window relates to changes in the "mechanical" aspects of the quest. And it will cover changes in what characters are able to do, and how players can expect to vote for how the story proceeds.

Feel free to ignore this spoiler if you are not interested in any of that.

Spoiler: Changelog on quest mechanics, effective immediately

There will be three changes to the turn plan voting phase moving forward:



1 – Stormchaser's "Away/At Home" mechanic is no longer in effect.

Explanation: This just didn't feel interesting mechanically, and would require too many narrative loops to be interesting as a story. So, it's getting canned. Velvet lives and dies by attacks against either her person, a combat in an expedition, or an attack against her household where she will always be present. No need to separate your defenses, unless it is specifically noted that a certain character will be alone/exposed and needs individualized protection.



2 – Confidantes have learned a new action: "Cover your bases". This is an expensive action (it requires multiple confidantes to perform, with an increasing price) but it gives you more "Velvet Covers" actions.

Explanation: Velvet Covers is, currently, a powerhouse. Her actions are worth more than the actions of any of her followers, and more than once we have stumbled upon the problem of "Man, Fluttershy is nearly useless due to her lore level/low bonuses. What menial task can we give her?"

Now, to be clear, that is not a problem. I had initially planned for you to have several "pawn-like" followers, and for you to throw numbers at a problem until it got fixed, but the story brought us in the direction of "a small number of deep friendships". So, this mechanic will be put in place to balance this out, and give you more space to maneuver. This is a "tall build" quality-of-life patch, if you are used to that kind of jargon.

From now on, you will be able to ask your followers to "Cover your bases" (better puns involving the word "Covers" are welcome). This is a generic action with the following effect:

Spoiler: Cover your bases

"Cover your bases" (You may only pick ONE option)

[] Velvet Covers gains 1 extra action (costs TWO followers actions)

[] Velvet Covers gains 2 extra action (costs FIVE followers actions)

[] Velvet Covers gains 3 extra action (costs NINE followers actions)

[] Etc

As you can see, the price starts at two followers, and increases by one per extra action.

This will allow you to simply get more things done, more reliably, and will also allow your followers to be more narratively useful. After all, I will be able to "include" your followers in your actions, narratively speaking, since you will have the time to do them thanks to their aid.



3 – Turn planning will now be divided into two phases: Followers phase and Velvet phase.

Explanation: Turn planning is becoming monolithic and overly complex, thanks to how many disparate followers we have, and the several Lore abilities that must be considered.

So, from now on, turn planning will follow this sequence:
-First, we will have a "Followers phase". This will be a plan vote.
-Then, we will have a "Velvet phase". Another, more important, plan vote.

During a followers phase, you will vote only for actions of your followers, and the Lunar Bureau.

And more importantly, we will simplify things for our followers by having "generic" actions that any follower can do.

To put it simply, you will not vote for "Fluttershy does X, Rarity does Y". You will vote for "I want X, Y and Z to happen", and I will organize the tasks according to who is the best follower to perform it.

Of course, you will have the opportunity to vote for actions that can only be performed by certain followers (called "exclusive actions"). If you vote for that, I will abide by your vote and assign that follower to that task.

It might sound complicated, but it's not. Here is a short example for a Followers Phase:

Spoiler: Follower phase example!

Welcome to the Followers Phase of Turn X

You currently have 3 Velvet Actions (4 base, -1 from "You promised!" commitment)

(Those actions will be used on the next phase, but are here for reference)



You currently have 4 Follower actions:
-Rarity: 1
-Fluttershy: 1
-Baldomare: 1
-Noble Servants: 1



[EXCLUSIVE ACTIONS]
(Picking one from these lists will "specify" that this follower will perform this action)


[RARITY]
[] [RARITY] Focus on her career
[] [RARITY] Take a commission
[] [RARITY] Flirt
[] [RARITY] WRITE IN


[FLUTTERSHY]
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to Guard
[] [FLUTTERSHY] Ask Comet Feet to participate in an expedition/assault
[] [FLUTTERSHY] WRITE IN


[BALDOMARE]
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Lore lesson (write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Ask for Influence (Write in SH/Lantern)
[] [BALDOMARE] Go have fun (write in how many bits)
[] [BALDOMARE] Pester
[] [BALDOMARE] WRITE IN



[GENERIC ACTIONS]
(Do not write in who will do what, instead, pick the actions, and how many times you want it to be done)


[] Search for books
[] Search for expedition sites
[] Perform a ritual
[] Acquire a dead body
[] Participate in an expedition/assault
[] Other stuff/write in



[COVER YOUR BASES]

[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)
[] 2 extra Velvet actions (costs 5)

So, a plan for the test-turn shown above could look something like this:


[] Plan plan
-[] [RARITY] Flirt
-[] Search for books
-[] 1 extra Velvet action (costs 2)


You had 4 follower actions. You spent 4 follower actions. And I, the QM, will go over the trouble of assigning whatever follower is best for a task.

Here, I would be "forced" to assign Rarity to the action you chose (since it is an "exclusive" action). But as I look at the other options, I would assign Baldomare to search for books, and the "less useful" Fluttershy and Servants to giving you an extra action.

After that, you would proceed to planning Velvet's month with the extra action you accumulated from your follower's phase.

Doing it in this order, first followers then Velvet, is also helpful because you can GAIN Velvet actions during the followers phase. But you can also (more rarely) spend Velvet actions here as well, if a follower action for some reason demands Velvet's attention.

Questions, concerns and suggestions are welcome. But I think this will help things to run more smoothly.

- - -

- - -

- - -





You are Commissioner Velvet Covers, and you are currently in a flying chariot on your way to Canterlot.

You don't like using resources like this for yourself. But this time, needs must. You have been absent from your job for several days now, so you want to return there as quickly as possible so you can keep things moving. After all, there are some decisions Shining Armor just doesn't have the authority to make, and those crucial things are slowly starting to pile up.

And more importantly, there is currently nothing you can do at home.

…

Well, that was kind of a grim way to word it, so you will try to think about it in another way.

You can't really do anything that matters in your home, right now.

Selene has asked for a few days of normalcy, so she can get a hold of her old filly routine and start figuring out how she can pursue her own goals during her "free" time. You and Stormchaser have suggested to her a cover story involving "etiquette lesson", so she can have an excuse to stay at home and away from her friends more frequently, but she has not yet decided how she will be doing this.

Your husband, also, left for his own work. And your other daughters will continue living their own lives as if nothing happened, despite the fact that Selene has not yet told Softy about her… change.

Still, the fact remains that the Wake is doing as the Wake usually does. It is marching towards the future without caring for the lives and problems of ponies. So, you have no choice but to keep up with its pace.

More importantly, you need to decide… several things.

Because although Selene just, uh… changed (and you should decide on a term to refer to that), she has not turned your entire life upside down. To your very great surprise, mind you.

In fact, your Princess daughter explicitly told you that she will be looking at you for guidance. After all, the two of you still need to have a deeper conversation about that, but she told you in no uncertain terms that she remembers about the Worms.

And, in her own words, she said that "you seem to have a better idea of what to do" right now.

So, it seems that a Princess will be asking you for directions, as time moves on.

And since she has not asked you for any great favor, or given you any royal tasks, you should continue pursuing your own objectives.

… it is just so weird to think of your adorable daughter giving you "royal tasks"…

Anyhow, you are sure Selene will be a gigantic help. But since she does not want to reveal her return to the public, you will not be able to leverage her authority anytime soon.

Still, she is not the only pony who has promised to help you.

With that in mind, and within the calm confines of the flying chariot, the gears of your mind begin to turn…



- - -



FOLLOWERS PHASE



Velvet Covers currently has 4 personal actions to use on her own phase. (4 base, none previously used).

The following notes are relevant for this turn, on top of Velvet's usual array of monthly choices:
-You will have a chance to confront Comet Feet about his "service" to the Master, involving Shining Armor. (THIS WILL BE A FLEETING OPPORTUNITY)
-Due to the social nature of that action, Mareinette may perform it in your stead. (That option has been added to her exclusive actions section)
-Velvet is currently focused on searching Canterlot for the Outsider Baldomare has sensed. That action can be performed by her, and it can also be performed by her followers as a generic action. (This is not a fleeting action, and can be performed by multiple ponies)
-Velvet will become interested in exploring the Mansus in order to find a place where she can extract an Outsider's blood. (This will be a notice/warning, but not an obligatory or fleeting option to be picked)
-Rarity will gift you 55 bits.
-There will be no incoming offensive rituals from an enemy, but you cannot predict physical attacks.



Non-contested summoning: Would you like to summon the Daughter-of-Axes before this turn begins?

-[] Axe, yes! (Costs one VELVET action)
-[] Axe? No.
-[] Nothing brings a family together like SUMMONING ALIEN GODS (Selene will perform the Ritual instead of Velvet, costs one SELENE action)

(QM will assume either Velvet or Selene will succeed on your summoning, due to your current bonus. One Wrong Key, one Gift, and your latest Reagent will be used. Due to the nature of the sacrifices used, this will not cost any bits.)



You currently have NINE/EIGHT (depending on your decision to summon Axe) Follower actions.

Spoiler: Follower breakdown

Rarity: 1
Jade Whistle: 1
Fluttershy: 1
Baldomare: 1
Mareinette: 1
Velvet Axe: 1
Selene: 2
Household servants: 1

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. None of these cost follower actions.


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) Your detectives need to start breaking some very tough doors before they can start asking some very tough questions. Have your constables do what needs to be done.
-[] [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 two 3/3 health, "+15 Personal Combat" ponies as bodyguards, to GUARD your home during 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.

-[] [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 (3 health, WINTER 1, UNKNOWN nonexistent)

-[] [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. (SECRET LIBRARY INSUFFICIENTLY LEVELED)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else? (WRITE IN)
-[] [FLUTTERSHY] Something else from your… mutual friend? (WRITE IN to ask Comet Feet for something)


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 19)

-[] [MAREINETTE] Confront Comet Feet (FLEETING OPPORTUNITY, using her "Honored Guest" skill)
-[] [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)
(This is available ONLY if you choose to summon her this turn. QM is assuming you will succeed.)

-[] [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)


Selene (5 health, MOTH 3, EDGE 3, WINTER 3, KNOCK 3)
(As an alicorn, Selene has TWO actions per turn)
(Even if you do not pick any "Training actions", Selene will randomly pick one and auto-succeed on it during this turn. If you pick a "Training action", her random chance will not pick any actions you tell her to focus on.)

-[] [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] This body is old to her, but it is new to the world. She must learn of its restrictions and limitations. (Gain +1 total health) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Edge. (Unlock her Edge skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Winter. (Unlock her Winter skill) (TRAINING ACTION)
-[] [SELENE] Realize something about Knock. (Unlock her Knock 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)


-[] [GENERAL] Something else entirely? (WRITE IN)





This is, QM knows, extremely new and experimental. So, voting is NOT open, and we will all give ourselves time to understand what is going on and discuss options.

Feel free to suggest any actions, that can be performed by followers, that I may have forgotten.

And remember, after this plan, we will have the more important plan voting where we decide VELVET'S actions for this month. And we will add/subtract however many actions you picked that might influence her own pool of actions.

Feel free to ask, or suggest, anything!

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

YOUR GRIMOIRE AND RITUALS
"Lores, rituals, and the creatures that use them."​

LORES

On the Lores, and their applications:

Spoiler: Lores: Knowledge bonus vs. Application bonus

Lores can be applied in two ways, by Knowledge and by Application. Both apply in the Mansus and in the Wake.

KNOWLEDGE bonus is the measurement of how intimate you are with said Lore, how well you understand it, or how much of its power you carry.
-Your Knowledge bonus is always your Lore level times 10, OR the level of your strongest Aspect-related Artifact available (also times ten).
-Your Knowledge bonus is applied to surpass hurdles in the Mansus (something blocking your in the Mansus, a Mansus-borne curse, etc).
-Your Knowledge bonus is also applied when performing Rituals (but more on this up ahead).
-Yes, you may completely neglect leveling up an Aspect if you carry around an Artifact of sufficiently high level as a "focus", both for Mansus traversing and Ritual performing. But an Artifact is a physical object, and knowledge is not.

APPLICATION bonus is the measurement of how well you can apply your Lore knowledge in practical circumstances.
-It is the specific bonus that you gain with your current Lore level, which can be seen in your Character Sheet.
-These bonuses are applied to "broadly described" tests, and even in unexpected niche circumstances if the narrative allows it.
-Carrying an artifact, even if it is stronger than your personal Lore level, will NOT influence or boost your Application bonus.

Current known trend of the Application bonus:
-Level 0, an entry point: you gain +1 on specific tests.
-Level 1, a subtle hint: you gain +5 on specific tests.
-Level 2, a lesson learned: you gain further +5 on a specific test, and +1 on a status.
-Level 3, a realization: you gain further +5 on a specific test, and you undergo a subtle change of mind and body.
-Level 4, a confident certainty: you gain further +5 on a specific test, and one dice Re-Roll per month, for a test which involves said Lore.
-Level 5, a Sacrament: ???


But how do you improve your Lore level?

Spoiler: Learning a scrap of Lore

"Scraps" of Lore may be gained either by studying, or by going through certain experiences.

But even scraps of Lore come in different levels. And you are only affected by scraps that are of your current Lore level or greater. So, if you are Level 4 in a Lore, a Level 1 source of scraps will not teach you anything, and you will only learn from scraps of Level 4 or higher.

Furthermore, if the experience is not great enough, you might have to pass a CD to learn from the experience.

Studying from a book or an artifact applies the following rules:

Spoiler: Study mechanics

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.

And finally, there are the Influences, which can be quickly explained.

Spoiler: The Influences, and their effects

An Influence is, basically, a "blessing" of a certain Aspect. It is something that covers you and accompanies you for a while.
Influences will give you both a Knowledge and Application bonus, that can be of +10, +20, +30 or +40. These bonus apply for every roll, EXCEPT for Ritual rolls. Influences will allow you to draw on the laws more easily when applying what you know, or they will shield you from the Hurdles of the Mansus or Mansus-borne Curses, but their effect are too overbearing for the delicate execution of rituals.
And also because Influences can be gained via rituals, so you will all just start a "vicious cycle" of self-buffing Influences if you are allowed to.

- - -


RITUALS

Rituals will, invariably, have several different CD, all of which you must pass in order to complete it. Each CD will be of a different Lore, depending on the effect of the ritual.
But you cannot be expected to be a master of every single Aspect. And even if you are, you cannot trust your knowledge alone to see you through, not when the stakes are dire and the needs are urgent.
So you can always "boost" your rituals... through a certain price, of course.
It is possible, depending on the complexity of the Ritual Circle, to offer it more incentives to bind the laws of the Mansus, through the correct use of sacrifices.

Spoiler: Known sacrifices, and their effects

LIFE
Sacrifice the life of a sapient creature, and the passing of its essence shall boost the Ritual.
-Pony life: boosts every Lore by a factor of +10.
-Changeling life: KNOCK +20, GRAIL +30, MOTH +40
-Gryphon life: ???
-Dragon life: ???
-???
"Blood has always been the currency of the world. Any world."

ARTIFACT
Destroy an artifact, and its Level will be applied (with a factor of +10 per level) on the Ritual.
"This thing gently emanates the energy of an Aspect, but we need more than 'gentle' for this. Wring it for its every last drop."

REAGENT
Consume a reagent, and its Level will be applied (with a factor of +10 per level) on the Ritual.
"Ink for the pen and fuel to the flame, grease for the cogs and gifts to the Name!"

???

Single Aspect Ritual Circle

"This is the simplest configuration in which we may draw the attention of the laws of the Mansus, although its uses are extremely limited. It is not so much of a ritual circle as it is a magnifying lens, through which we may look more easily into the Mansus, or perhaps through which it may see us more easily."

This Ritual Circle has no need for sacrifices.

Spoiler: Single Aspect: Known Rituals

"The Attention of the Laws"
-CD: None, instant success.
-Cost: None.
-Duration: Lasts until the end of the turn when it is cast.
-Effect: You may pick a single Lore, and double its Application Bonus for a single action. Casting this more than once, on the same Lore, will not accumulate effect, but merely allow you to apply it in two different actions. Casting this on different Lores allows for the two "doubled Lores" to be applied on the same action.

"Rite of Childhood's End"
-CD: None, instant success.
-Cost: A bundle of crocheted blankets, knitted with love. To be mercilessly torn and burnt by the lead ritualist.
-Duration: Instantaneous. Transformation ritual.
-Effect: There is nothing good about this ritual. It is a thing to be done in desperate times only, and its effect is akin to waking up on a cold morning, from a dream of happiness long lost. This will instantly wake Princess Luna, no matter how unprepared she is. And this will be the end of the dream called Selene. (Not a ranged Ritual. Selene must be present.)

"Rite of the Mother and the Father"
-CD: None, instant success.
-Cost: A mother, a father, a daughter who is asleep. (Does not require a ritual circle. Does not cost an action. Velvet Covers will refuse to perform it with a pony who is not Stormchaser.)
-Duration: Instantaneous.
-Effects: "It is time to wake up."

Two Aspect Ritual Circle

"Two concentric circles, the second more complex than the first, but not so much that they do not complement each other. Like a sun eclipsed by the moon, or like the dance of life and death, the centerpiece circle maintains its function as a "magnifying lens", but it is used instead to draw the laws of an Aspect for a lesser function, a "base" for the ritual. The outer circle, which allows for more complex application, uses that base for the intended purpose."

This Ritual Circle allows for ONE sacrifice.

Spoiler: Two Aspects: Known Rituals

"The Forge's Redemption"
-CD: GRAIL 60, FORGE 100
-Cost: 20 bits on simple materials.
-Duration: Permanent.
-Effect: Permanently removes a "Lasting Wound" or other body-affecting malus.
-Failing this ritual risks you suffering a Wound.


"The Incision of the Heart"
-CD: EDGE 60, HEART 100
-Cost: 20 bits on simple materials.
-Duration: Permanent.
-Effect: Permanently removes a "Lasting Mental Debuff" or any other mind-affecting malus.
-Failing this Ritual risks a non-permanent Mental Malus.


"The Path Through Nightmares"
-CD: KNOCK 60, MOTH variable
-Cost: 50 bits on materials.
-Duration: Instantaneous. Offensive Ritual.
-Effect: Sends your target into a nightmare, with escape CD set to your MOTH roll. Every failed attempt at escape causes a psychological wound (one Dread, Fascination, or something else) and gives the target a +10 bonus for the next attempt. In average, mortal ponies will die if they spend too long with three or more psychological wounds. May be "dosed" to stop at a certain point, as in "before target goes insane" or "as soon as target is sufficiently frightened/intimidated".
-Failing this Ritual yields no maluses, bar frustration.


"The End is Beautiful"
-CD: LANTERN 60, WINTER variable
-Cost: 45 bits on materials. (Originally 50)
-Duration: Instantaneous. Offensive Ritual.
-Effect: Target rolls against your WINTER CD. Divide the difference between your roll by 17, rounded DOWN. Target takes that number as Wounds.
-Failing this Ritual is... impossible. Somepony, somewhere, will die.
-It is extremely unadvised to cast this Ritual more than once per month.


"The calling of Influence"
-CD: Any aspect, as follows:

Desired Effect	+10	+20	+30	+40
CD	60	80	110	150

-Cost: 30 bits on simple materials.
-Duration: Until the end of the NEXT turn after it is cast, lasting a total of two turns.
-Effect: The "Desired Effect" bonus will apply to ANY Roll that involves said aspect, except on rolls related to Rituals.
-Failing this Ritual yields no maluses, bar frustration.
-This ritual may only affect the pony casting it (a pony may not cast this ritual to give an Influence to another pony)
-You may only have one Ritual-called Influence at a time. Attempting to summon a new one will cause the previous one to be dismissed.


"The Reflection of the Tapestry"
-CD: SECRET HISTORIES 60, LANTERN variable
-Cost: 30 bits on materials. (Originally 35)
-Duration: Instantaneous/Permanent.
-Effect: Choose a "Subject" or "Location" to learn about. LANTERN roll provides information based on its value, subtracted by any defenses (mundane or otherwise) that the target might possess. Information given is incrementally better at every +20 rolled over the target's basic "resistance". Undefended targets have a basic resistance of "0".
-Failing this RItual yields no maluses, bar frustration.
-Information given can always be trusted to be true, even if frustratingly hard to interpret.
-It is possible to search for an "Item" (artifact of specified level) in order to reveal where it might be found. It is possible to target a known dungeon to scout it. Application of ritual is open and vague.

Three Aspect Ritual Circle

"Despite the great size of the Third Configuration, very few parts of it are fixed and common to all rituals. Those that are unavoidably draw the lines of Knock, and other things that are required for passages to be formed. The rest of the area that is left must be used to specify exactly who, or what, you are summoning. And once you realize just how wrong things can go, the space that is left feels small."

The Three Aspect Circle allows for TWO sacrifices

Spoiler: Known Creatures and Possible Invocations

Base rules for summoned creatures
-As a rule, all creatures have a "General bonus". Unless stated otherwise, that bonus will apply to all tests that creature performs.
-As a rule, all creatures last THREE MONTHS.
-IF a creature has a bonus that applies to a specific circumstance, it will be noted. If that is the case (like a specific bonus for combat) than that bonus will apply instead of said "General Bonus"
-Any other details or particularities will be noted on a per-creature basis

The following is the information you currently know about creatures you are capable of summoning:


Mansus creatures:

Spoiler: Flourishing Risen

THIS CREATURE CAN NO LONGER BE SUMMONED

"It is surprisingly silent, as it moves. And even though its eyes are dead and rotting, one can tell that there is a certain cunning to them. Soon, although not terribly soon, the Wood-boughs that have flourished on its insides will take root, and it will stop moving forever. But until that happens... it will obey."

Flourishing Risen

Summoning details:
-Summoning a single Risen of either kind is a FREE ACTION. (Summoning additional Risen costs 1 action per two extra dead bodies. 1 Action for a total of 3, 2 for a total of 5, etc.)
-Summoning a Flourishing Risen requires the use of a dead body.
-Summoning a Flourishing Risen does NOT require a Ritual Circle.
-They exceptionally last only TWO months.

Health: 1/1
General bonus: +5
Aspects: MOTH 2, WINTER 2
[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)

Spoiler: Torn Risen

"Whenever it moves, its bones creak like broken glass. Sharp bone fragments protrude from its dead skin, and you have no doubt that the creature is quite able at using them to cut up flesh. But there is no feeling in it, no lingering malice or any other need inside the vessel. It will follow, and it will obey, until its bones can hold it together no longer."

Torn Risen

Summoning details:
-Summoning a single Risen of either kind is a FREE ACTION. (Summoning additional Risen costs 1 action per two extra dead bodies.1 Action for a total of 3, 2 for a total of 5, etc.)
-Summoning a Torn Risen requires the use of a dead body.
-Summoning a Torn Risen does NOT require a Ritual Circle.
-They exceptionally last only TWO months.

Health: 1/1
General bonus: +5
Aspects: EDGE 2, WINTER 2
[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)

Spoiler: Windigo

"A self-perpetuating manifestation of hate, this thing is not much of a creature as it is a force of nature. Controlling it is easy, but not simple, for this is a creature that may only spread its malice, and destroy everything around it. It is especially vicious towards ponies, and its mere presence is enough to bring forth a small snowstorm."

Windigo

Summoning requirements: WINTER 90, KNOCK 60, EDGE 70.

Summoning cost: 60 bits.

Summoning details:
-This creature affects its surroundings in an unsubtle manner, and it must be given an active and violent order every turn, or else it must be unsummoned;
-For an additional 15 bits on summoning costs, a Windigo may be summoned inside a sealed vessel. It may be kept indefinitely inside its vessel (its "summoning period" will not count down) for an additional 20 bits per turn to maintain the binding.
-An unbound Windigo may not be re-bound (or at least, not without efforts that would be greater than to simply banish it and summon a new one)

Health: 3
General bonus: +20
Actions that will harm ponies: +30
Aspects: EDGE 5, WINTER 5
[Malice and Pain]: Windigos operating together provide a bonus to each other, scaling with the number of Windigos.
[Incorporeal]: If a Windigo survives a battle, it will heal back to full health.

[In Service To Our Father]: If a certain quantity of Windigos is present, they will immediately break free from their bindings.

[VIOLENT]: Must be ordered to perform a violent action, or be unsummoned/banished.
[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)

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.

Spoiler: Mare-in-the-Light

"They are always mares, their coats are always bleached-white, and they always look oh so real. But upon closer scrutiny, one begins to see the more disturbing details. Like how their expressions always mimics your own, or how they almost don't leave hoofprints on the floor as if they were light. But they look normal enough. And when in the presence of other ponies, perhaps because they can mirror them, they feel even more natural."

Mare-in-the-Light [INCOMPLETE INFORMATION, you must successfully summon one for a complete status file]

Summoning requirements: LANTERN 80, KNOCK 60, EDGE 60.

Summoning cost: 55 bits. (Originally 60)

Summoning details:
-[CURRENTLY UNKNOWN]

Health: [CURRENTLY UNKNOWN]
General bonus: [CURRENTLY UNKNOWN]
"Specialty" bonus: [CURRENTLY UNKNOWN]
Aspects: LANTERN 5, EDGE 3
[LIGHT SNATCHER]: May be sacrificed to reduce one level of Fascination from one character.

[Other traits negative, unknown]

Names:

Spoiler: Baldomare

"Pleasant to talk to, and with a face that is surprisingly young for the voice she speaks with. There is a light in her eyes, although the ignorant will simply think that to be a piercing and observant gaze, and she doesn't seem to have a shadow. It is also curious how nopony can ever remember if she is a pegasus, unicorn or an earth pony. You think she can choose."

Baldomare

Summoning requirements: LANTERN 100, KNOCK 80, SECRET HISTORIES 60.

Summoning cost: 95 bits. (Originally 100)

Summoning details:
-Baldomare is willing to extend (reset) her summoning period if you gift her an UNREAD book of Level 5 or higher. "Of course it has to be unread, dear. What use do I have to a book that has already been read?"
-Baldomare is capable of CHANNELING the highest intensity of Influence in her Lores, and gifting it to you for a full month.
-Baldomare is considered to be a Minion, and does not mind being sacrificed for Rituals.

Health: 2/2
General bonus: +30
"Search actions" bonus: +50
Aspects: LANTERN 6, SECRET HISTORIES 6
[NAME]: There is, or was, a hierarchy within the Mansus. She has reached high within its ranks.
[RITUALIST]: Unlike most Names, she is willing to perform any Ritual, even if they do not involve one of her preferred Lores.
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Baldomare is willing to offer you Sacrament in the Lores of Lantern and Secret Histories, should you fulfill her requirements.
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Baldomare grants a full level up to the Secret Library for her preferred Lores.

[NONCOMBATANT]: Baldomare refuses to engage in any sort of fighting, and has adjusted her health to reflect that. "I barely ever wear a body! So why would I want to feel pain on the rare occasions I do?"
[UNIQUE]: Baldomare is a unique creature. She may refuse summons at will, and will refuse re-summons for three full months should she be unsummoned for any reason (including if she is killed).

Spoiler: The Daughter-of-Axes

"She claims that she was the Daughter of 'another', before, but that she had to bind herself to a new patron once her Mother 'did what she did'. Always wearing a cloak upon her body, and a scowl upon her face, you have slowly come to realize that, perhaps, her problem is that she simply isn't good with words. Or with ponies. Most likely with both, to tell the truth. You are also pretty sure that she has scales underneath that cloak, instead of fur, but you will definitely not pry. Especially given how she seems to hide that great horn-topped axe so easily underneath that cloak. And considering her Lore nature, you wouldn't be surprised at all if the inside of her cloak is a lot larger than it appears."

Daughter-of-Axes

Summoning requirements: KNOCK 120, EDGE 60, WINTER 60.

Summoning cost: 100 bits.

Summoning details:
-The Daughter-of-Axes is capable of crafting THREE "Wrong Keys" to you, in a single turn. however, she is only willing to do that ONCE per summoning period.
-The Daughter-of-Axes is capable of CHANNELING the highest intensity of Influence in her Lore, and gifting it to you for a full month. She is also capable of CHANNELING a lower-intensity Influence of her secondary Lore, although both of you consider that to be a waste of her time.
-The Daughter-of-Axes is considered to be a Minion, and does not mind being sacrificed for Rituals.

Health: 5
General bonus: +30
"Expedition actions" bonus: +50 (applies to any expedition roll that is NOT combat [or social] related)
Aspects: KNOCK 6, EDGE 3
[NAME]: There is, or was, a hierarchy within the Mansus. She has reached high within its ranks.
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: The Daughter-of-Axes is willing to offer you Sacrament in the Lore of Knock, should you fulfill her requirements.
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: The Daughter-of-Axes grants a full level up to the Secret Library for her preferred Lore.
[CRAFTER]: Is capable of producing "Wrong Keys" (three in a single action, but only once per summon).

[PROUD]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that do not involve Knock.
[UNIQUE]: The Daughter-of-Axes is a unique creature. She may refuse summons at will, and will refuse re-summons for three ONE full month should she be unsummoned for any reason (including if she is killed).
[UNINTERESTED]: Will refuse any gifts to stay in the Wake (however, her cooldown for re-summoning is a single full month)
[ANTISOCIAL]: All her bonus, regardless of circumstance or situation, fall down to a flat "+10" if she attempts to engage in any social action (even her usual +50 expedition bonus, if the hurdle being faced is social in nature).

Spoiler: Wrong Key Explanation

"WRONG KEY" (Wrong Keys are explained here, since they are curios, but any Wrong Key you hold will be listed in together with your other "temporary items" and summons)

Consumable Item

-Can be used as a "Knock 3" reagent
-Single use (breaks when used)
-Can be used reactively to completely deny an enemy offensive ritual aimed at you or at ponies near your immediate physical vicinity.
-Can be used to instantly inflict a single wound to a summoned creature if used in combat.
-Breaks at the end of its fifth month of existence.
-Using a Wrong Key as a sacrifice to summon the Daughter-of-Axes will decrease the ritual cost by 50 bits, and will give you one level of [Priority] over any opposing rituals.
-([Priority] meaning that, if an opposing party attempts to summon her as well, you will not "compete" for the summoning and will always "win", as long as you successfully roll the minimum required for her summoning and have a [Priority] level greater than your foes).

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.

[PROUD]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that do not involve Edge.
[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.

Other Rituals:

Spoiler: Rite of Raucous Birth

"Do not invite her to drink. Do not leave her alone with foals. Under no circumstances try to look at the hoofs of her hindlegs. She is large, larger than a pony could ever possibly be. If her horse-shaped silhouette can even be trusted, that is. She wears a dark-red and regal cloak, and she reeks of old blood. Her bony visage clacks whenever she speaks, and at times you swear she is nothing but a puppeteer's trick. And yet, for some maddening reason, you cannot point out a single thing that is wrong with her, and you cannot explain to yourself why you shouldn't treat her as anything but an honored guest."

Mareinette, Our Lady of Wires

Summoning requirements: Grail 100, KNOCK 100, HEART 100. (This ritual may never be cast again)

Summoning cost: 100 bits, to procure a black boar to be sacrificed, as well as other items besides. (This ritual may never be cast again)

Summoning details:
-Upon successful completion of the ritual, Mareinette will be PERMANENTLY and COMPLETELY summoned into the Wake. She will no longer reside within the Mansus.
-Upon successful completion of the ritual, Mareinette will be bound and obedient like a regular summon.
-However, her bindings will only last for three whole turns. It will be necessary to rebind her, somehow, once that time is up.
-Mareinette may be voluntarily rebinded by either a suitable gift, or the acquiescing of a request. She will usually offer a choice on the eve of her unbinding.

Health: ??/??
General bonus: +40 ("Old and Terrible")
"Social action" bonus: +60
Aspects: GRAIL 6, HEART 6
[ONE WHO IS VERY GREAT]: Mareinette is willing to offer you Sacraments in the Lores of Grail and Heart, should you fulfill her requirements.
[OUR LADY OF WIRES]: Mareinette is immune to the effects of "Monstrous Appearance".
[HONORED GUEST]: Mareinette can "step in" on Velvet's horseshoes, and perform social actions in her stead even if only Velvet should have been able to perform them. (HOWEVER, see "Old Intelligence")
[WEIGHT OF PRESENCE]: Mareinette grants a full level up to the Secret Library for her preferred Lores.

[OLD INTELLIGENCE]: If Mareinette is alone while performing a social action, and a vote is offered, she will instead pick the vote based on what she thinks is best. (This will be based on her personal knowledge of you, as well as her loyalty. This trait can be either positive or negative, depending on interpretation)

[MONSTROUS APPEARANCE]: Cannot be used for Social Actions. (Immune)
[PROUD]: Will refuse to cast any rituals that do not involve Grail or Heart.
[THE SECOND BIRTH]: Mareinette may choose to sacrifice a tremendous amount of health to immediately break her summoner's bindings.
[NEVER ASK A LADY HER AGE]: Mareinette may elect to hide some of her characteristics from you. (She certainly is hiding her health, and she may be hiding other negative traits or skills)
[Other traits negative, unknown]

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

Spoiler: Winning Plan

Vote tally

Followers' phase 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)

You have used one Reagent.

You have used one Wrong Key.

You have used one of Velvet Pride's gifts.

[Rolling…]

You have successfully summoned the Daughter-of-Axes.



- - -



You are Commissioner Velvet Covers, and right now you are at work.

Well, you are physically at work. But you are not really concentrated on your usual tasks.

Not exactly, that is.

"Well, my dear Deputy, don't you have anything else to say?" you ask, a wry smile appearing on your face as you do.

And you don't even bother to hide your amusement as Shining Armor tries his best to avoid meeting your gaze.

"A-as I said, Commissioner, there is nothing to report," he says, letting out a dry, uncomfortable cough. "This is everything that happened during your absence, ever since the beginning of the week."

And once again, the perfect stallion gives you a perfectly professional answer.

Because of course, what other answer could he possibly tell you? You asked him for a "report" and your loyal Deputy told you how everything went in the Bureau, while you were away.

And as far as the stallion knows, there is nothing else for him to report. Or rather, you couldn't possibly be asking him about anything else, could you? Nay, you wouldn't dare ask him about anything else, would you?

Or at least, that is what he thought.

That is what he hoped.

That is what he dearly prayed for, although ponykind has no gods in this Era.

But as soon as he gave you his report, and the silence began to stretch long between the two of you…

As soon as he looked into your eyes for but a moment, and felt the intensity of your gaze...

Oh, he knew he would not leave this room with just that.

"Shining, Shining, Shining…" you say, his name rolling off your tongue like a smooth melody. "I thought we were friends. I thought we were the kind of pony who could trust each other. Are you really going to leave things this way?" you ask.

And you watch as the stallion squirms under the pressure… no, under the thirst in your eyes.

"Are you really going to force me to ask Cadance? Mares talk, you know…"

He is beginning to sweat. You have him cornered now. And you know that if you push him just a little longer, he will do… something. You are not sure what he will do, but you can tell your hoof is hovering over his fight-or-flight button.

So, you…

Let out a short laugh, covering your mouth with a hoof as you allow the situation to defuse itself.

And you pretend you don't see the poorly hidden sigh of relief the stallion lets out.

But really, you know you were being a little… well, not cruel, not mean, but you definitely were making things uncomfortable. After all, what the hay was the stallion supposed to do? Tell you the details about how his honeymoon went with Cadance?

Well, he could have been smooth, and deflected your question by telling you what they did during the day. After all, you are sure they traveled around during those the two weeks they had for themselves. But alas, poor Shining lacks the skills to wriggle himself out of these kinds of conversations.

And again, this is the kind of conversation you ought to have with Cadance, not with him. Mares talk, and you are sure she will tell you everything, suitable for work or not… later.

"Well then, if this is how things will be," you say, giving him a long and theatrical shrug as if it couldn't be helped. "But again, it is good to have you back, Shining. We managed to survive without you, while you were away, but your absence was definitely felt."

"I appreciate that, Lady Velvet. But I am sure you had everything under control just fine," he answers, thankful that the two of you are finally going back to a more comfortable topic.

But as he says that, you can't help but narrow your eyes a little bit. His words bringing a few stray thoughts you had rolling inside your head into focus.

You clip your hoofs together once or twice as you think about a particular topic, until you decide that now is the best time to discuss it.

"Actually, Shining, I have been meaning to ask you something," you say. "Something about the Bureau, and the ponies we have with us," you quickly add.

"What would that be, Lady Velvet?"

"You see, I… how can I best put this…? While you were away, I tried to get to know our ponies better. I visited this and that part of the Bureau, and tried to talk to some of our staff. Specifically, to the ponies I haven't spoken to ever since we hired them."

Shining Armor narrows his eyes as you speak, as if he is unsure of where you are taking this. Still, he patiently waits for you to continue.

"But everywhere I went, everypony I tried to speak with, I couldn't help but notice they were a little nervous." You say that, but after a few moments you just let out a sigh. There's no reason for you to sugarcoat it, so you just won't. "Actually, more than just nervous. They were tense. Downright alarmed, sometimes."

You say that, and you think for a second that Shining Armor will react with confusion, or that he will at least ask you a few more questions so he can better understand the situation.

However, to your surprise, Shining just nods. Almost as if he is agreeing with you?

No, more than just that. He nods as if he knows exactly what you are talking about.

"Ah, I see what's going on," he says, although in such a low tone that you think he is talking to himself for a moment.

"Wait, what do you mean?" you quickly interject. "Shining, I… do you know about this? Is this something you heard about? What is going on?"

You ask that, and you don't even try to hide how concerned your voice is.

Because, well, is something going on? Do your employees, your agents and everypony else, have a negative image of you?

Did you do something wrong, to the point that they think they should be hesitant around you? That they should be afraid of you?

"Lady Velvet, well, how can I explain this?" he starts to say, although you can tell from his expression that he is a little uncomfortable with what he is about to tell you.

He isn't wearing a scowl. Not exactly. But still, you can tell that he wished there was an easier way to talk about this subject.

"Actually, I think I know where to begin… Commissioner, do you remember the first time we met?"

"Of course I do. It was during the search for Princess Luna, wasn't it? We met in the Royal Castle and all."

"Yes, yes, of course. But do you remember the… circumstances of how we met?" he asks. As if trying to take the conversation in a particular direction.

So, since you can tell he is probing you for a specific answer, you try your best to remember that time. Still, it was so many months ago that…

"Well… I had Rarity with me… And I remember we stayed here for a few weeks… Wait, is it because we worked until late? Is this a work-hours issue?"

"No, no, it's not that," he says, shaking a hoof. Trying his best to figure out a way to make you realize what he is talking about, without actually saying it himself. "Do you remember the, uh, circumstances that led to you being called to Canterlot to begin with?"

"Shining, I am actually getting worried now," you say, "can you please cut to the chase?"

You ask that, and you can tell that the stallion very much doesn't want to cut to the chase.

But still, you watch as he resigns himself to it, and then he tells you that…



- - -



"But…" you say, still not being able to believe it. "But I am a mare, Shining. A unicorn mare! You'd need two of me to make one of you Royal Guards. How could they possibly be scared of me?"

"The word I used was intimidated, Lady Velvet. And like I said, it's more about your fame than anything else."

"I… what do you mean fame. I was barely known by my family until a year ago!"

"And that's the problem, Lady Velvet."

Shining Armor says that, and you can tell that he is genuinely sorry for saying that. Still, the more you think about it, the more you come to accept that he is telling the truth.

"You left, uh, quite an impression on Chalkhoof, for starters. Remember? He still asks about you when we meet, even. And then, the way you whipped u-I mean helped us during the searches, was quite notorious. The letters you sent to the Guard parties were very pointed, and I didn't even need to co-sign them after a few days to make ponies realize they had to be followed." He goes on and on. Almost as if he is reading from a mental list, much to your distraught. "And then word went around that Princess Celestia herself stopped by the Royal Castle to thank you, and then…"

His words trail off, as he looks at the insignia you have on your chest. And you already know what he means to say next.

And then you went on and became the Commissioner of the Lunar Bureau, at the same time every other noble in Equestria was all but cast down from their tall mansions.

He says all of that with an honestly apologetic tone. And more than just that, you can tell that he is even commiserating with you a little.

Which makes sense, you suppose. You can't imagine how marrying a Princess must have changed how ponies look at him. Both positively and negatively.

"Until finally, we had the Blueblood affair. And although I agree that having the family Lord himself dragged away in public worked in sending everypony else a message, we both have to admit that the message we made is tied to you as much as it is tied to the Bureau," he finally finishes.

And you get what he is saying.

Still, you honestly feel bad about this. You really do.

You never meant to be seen as this bogeymare of a pony, who was lurking in the shadows of Equestria all along, and who suddenly rose into prominence. You never wanted to be feared. Heavens, you never even wanted to be known. You would have been perfectly content if Princess Celestia never publicly declared the identity of the Bureau's Commissioner.

And more importantly, could this possibly affect your husband? Hay, there has been a growing number of ponies moving to Ponyville from all around Equestria. What if this somehow affects your daughter? It wouldn't be impossible for a parent who heard something bad about you to repeat that in front of their foals, so what if Silky ends up being affected by this in her school?

Good grief, you never really thought about this. You always had so much to worry about that you never…

"Well, but you eventually got to know me better, didn't you?" You ask, the ring of your voice turning slightly stressed, or perhaps even desperate, as you try to figure out a way to change this situation. "I mean, you just admitted you were also, well, cautious about me at first? But here we are. And all jokes aside, I really consider you a friend, Shining. So how did this happen? When did you… well, start seeing me as a pony, rather than this image I seem to have?"

Is this the price of fame? Is this the price of authority? Is there any way you can possibly turn this ship around before it is too late?

Because you have no love for bad ponies, of course. But you definitely don't want to be known as a mare that should be feared. That's just not who you are.

Heavens, you think you just understood yet another aspect of why Fair Trial was so desperate to have the Bureau working together with her… In fact, is she going through the same thing right now?

"Ah, that's easier to answer, Lady Velvet," he says, without hesitation. "Cadance helped a lot, for sure. She told me about you every now and then, and that helped me dispel that previous image I had of you. But more importantly, I feel that I definitely got to know you better during my time in Ponyville."

Of course, a wave of relief runs through you as Shining Armor throws you this lifeline. And a small smile appears on your face as you remember what he is talking about.

"Well, I can't say I recall much about the time I was in bed, all bruised up. But remember the first few days I was in Ponyville? Before that whole mess? I think that's when I got to know you a lot better than I did before."

Yes, this makes a lot of sense. More than that, this might actually be your way out!

You recall the few days that Shining Armor was in your home, before he got hurt and Cadance arrived. He would spend almost the entire day out, looking for his sister. But still, you remember how he would join your family for breakfast or a late dinner, here and there.

Because of course, you keep your family life close to your chest for obvious reasons. But for all that keeps your own ponies safe, that also means that everypony else only ever knows you from what they heard about the Commissioner.

And for all that you are definitely not about to publicize your private life, that doesn't mean that you can't... at least to your colleagues in the Bureau, that is, you definitely could...!

You light up your horn, levitating the magical bell you have on your desk and ringing it a single time. The signal that you are calling for one of your secretaries.

"Yes, Commissioner?" Raven asks, opening the door to your office after a short knock.

"Inkwell," you say, looking towards the mare, "I want you to clear a day on my calendar. The very last day of the next week," you say, as soon as your solution to this problem presents itself in your mind.

"Of course, Commissioner. Will you be heading home one day earlier next week?" she asks, floating a small notepad from one of her pockets, and quickly writing down a few words as she speaks.

"No. Actually, let me be clearer. Could you please make sure everypony is free on that day? And prepare a circular for all of our departments. Investigators included. I want us to prepare for an event on that day."

You watch as Raven lifts one of her eyebrows, slightly curious. But still, she quickly write down your orders before asking the obvious question.

"I'll see to it immediately, Commissioner. And what event will we be planning?"

"A bring your family to work day, Inkwell," you say. "I would like everypony to… get to know the Bureau a little better. Or at least to know that we all have more things in common than just our workplace."

The white mare gives you a quick nod, a small smile appearing on her face as she does that. And moments later, she excuses herself and leaves.

Leaving you alone with Shining Armor, so the two of you can continue planning out the rest of this coming month.



- - -



VELVET'S PHASE



This turn's available bits: 349

Monthly revenue: 160 bits/month

Rarity's dividends for this turn: 55 (ongoing contract) + 118 (commission)



- - -



You have FIVE personal actions, ONE (free) social action, and ZERO (free) Mansus exploration actions. (Four personal actions, minus one used to summon the Daughter-of-Axes, plus two from your followers' actions).

-Velvet Covers' free Mansus exploration action will be used to find her way to the Blank Plains.
-You may plan any Mansus actions/exploration as if you had already explored the "initial" area at the bottom of the Mansus. Meaning your plans can consider that you can access the Blank Plains and higher areas unimpeded.
-However, Velvet Covers' automatic exploration will only cover the first area of the Ashen Wastes. Other connected areas will not be automatically or freely explored.



-[] 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)

Copper Secateur (possible location suspected)
--[] [COPPER] Participate in an assault against this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Try to locate or spy on this opponent
--[] [COPPER] Perform a ritual aimed at this opponent (WRITE IN which)
--[] [COPPER] 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)

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)

Towards Glory
-[] There is something in Canterlot that you simply must find. Look for it. (Progress 0/200, applies Intrigue and Secret Histories)
-[] 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 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, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [SOCIAL] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple.
-[] [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. FREE MANSUS ACTION ALREADY AUTO-PICKED

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 (but reaching a Door will give you a "grace" period of a few turns) FREE MANSUS ACTION WILL BE AUTO-SPENT
-[] [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 errand for the Daughter-of-Axes Requires Knock 4/4

--[] 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) Requires Edge 3/4
---[] Be blessed by that Wound, which never ceases to grow. (Will also provide you with a Winter Sacrament) [THIS IS A REGRETTABLE ACTION]
---[] Invitation? No Edge Names summoned

-[] 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

--[] You know what Comet Feet did. Perhaps you should confront him. Or perhaps you should not?
--[] Retroactively use Pride's gift to craft Axe's reagent. (FREE ACTION, but costs reagent-crafting action)
(The action above is the equivalent of crafting a new Level 3 reagent using Velvet Pride's gift, and "hastily" using it to summon Axe. It will result in your Knock 2 Edge 1 reagent being recovered, or never spent to begin with. And it will consume Velvet Pride's second gift without angering him.)

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

Spoiler: Bits and Buyings

(All transportation costs have been waived)
--[] 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 ingrained 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] "Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2"
--[] [EXPEDITION] Scout out the place so you can have a better grasp of what lies ahead of you.
--[] [EXPEDITION] You know enough, and there is not much time. Gather your followers and head out. (Costs TWO actions, as specified)

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, and make her a Seeker.
-[] [TEACH] Teach Fluttershy, and make her a Disciple.
-[] [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
--[] KNOCK Level 2 artifact

-[] [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!
--[] [LEARN] BOOK, HEART Level 1. "A small book that covers a particular kind of elegant dancing".
--[] [LEARN] BOOK, FORGE Level 1. "A small handbook on camping, explaining the basics of how to build a tent and start a small fire".
--[] [LEARN] BOOK FORGE Level 3. "A real guide to beginner's level blacksmithing. The bookstore owner almost seemed excited in having this reach your hoofs via your servants."
--[] [LEARN] BOOK FORGE Level 3. The book is simply titled 'Chemistry', and your servants reluctantly admitted that was the only word they understood in it. Of course you know they were being dramatic, but that also means that the contents of the book must be way, way beyond what they teach at schools."
--[] [LEARN] BOOK, KNOCK Level 2. "A fairly recent, and short, book about dream interpretation. You know it is recent because it was dedicated to Princess Luna's return".
--[] [LEARN] BOOK EDGE Level 1. "The title is self-explanatory: 'Four self-defense spells every unicorn should know'. You doubt they are anything more than different variations of concentrated telekinesis."
--[] [LEARN] BOOK UNKNOWN LORE. "An old book, hoof-written and bound with rusty metal pins. Found in the cavernous undergrounds of the Royal Castle. The language written in it is strange, but the alphabet itself is not. This is clearly from this age." (REQUIRES DECIPHERING, unknown if it will grant Lore-knowledge. From Current Era: "-20" malus while deciphering. Current Progress 0/50)

-[] [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] Stalk the Ashen Wastes. The alternative is to be stalked. (Velvet Covers will already do it this turn)
--[] [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
--[] 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

Your own reagents, and other possible sacrifices:
-All of your Artifacts
-HEART, Level 1
-2x Wrong Key (KNOCK reagent, level 3)


-[] [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)

-[] 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)
--[] 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

--[] 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 an inconspicuous place, located by Baldomare
--[] 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.

 

[spiderhellian]

A Lioness Hunts

You thought, by this point, you understood the wreckage that the Mansus had been left as. You had seen and traversed the shattered ruins of the shattered stairways. You had navigated the bloodthirsty shards of what was once the Concursum, avoiding their mirrored edges. You have gazed upon a door obliterated (and one ruined).

As you step up to the Malleary, you are reminded of the truth of that ancient history. All that wreckage was mere — "mere" — side-effects. It was shock-wave, echo, corollary. But it was not the true act of destruction.

You know this, because that true act of destruction is what you gaze on now.

You imagine the Malleary was once a place of efficiency and efficaciousness, if not elegance. Now it is ruined. In twisted pipe and spilled metal (or is it magma), the Forge of Days wrote a testament to one of the most important lessons she taught: the artisan may achieve their highest goal only by destroying their most precious tool.

What an artisan she was. What a tool it was. If only you better understood her goal.

But that is why you are here, is it not? Though as you pick your way through the wreckage, making a passage more often than you find one, it's clear that clues are going to be awfully hard to come by. The same is true of any curios you might bring back from a dream so threaded through with the lore of making. The same is true, really, of anything usable at all. This place really has been destroyed, more than it has been transformed.

You are just about to turn back — or wake up? — when you pause. Because you are being hunted.

---

You hear a breath amidst the ruins, and it is not the breath of bellows. Something rises and then falls, and it is not a hammer. And then out of the corner of your eye, you catch a glimpse. Of something unbroken, perhaps unbreakable. Something that amidst the ruin, remains seamless.

Your senses are screaming by this point, and your flight has grown wild. You are afraid, but -- for now -- you remain in control of that fear, and channel it to add your own touch to the ruined Malleary, carving passageways in hope they transform into an escape route.

But the thing that chases you is, as ever, stronger.

It leaps. It lands atop you, and brings you to the cold metallic floor. For a moment still you shift, and fight, and try to keep going. And then a mouth encircles your neck, sharp teeth poking into soft flesh, and you freeze.

You think of Silky. You think of Stormchaser. You think of Selene, and Soft Sweeps. You most certainly do not move a muscle, even as you feel the predator's warm breath on your neck.

It could have been an instant, it could have been an era, it could have been seven years. And then the mouth moves away, replaced by a single razor-sharp claw. You do not move, you do not look at the creature who has granted you this moment of mercy, even as you almost gasp in relief.

---

"A scarred mare. An era alone, and they send me a scarred mare."

The voice is slow at first, an instrument not used in millennia being picked back up. For all that, it is smooth.

"And do you know what an era it has been?"

"All this," the creature gestures, and you see a bright-golden paw point to the surrounding ruins, "Really makes for a piss-poor forge."

The words come faster now, "Truly, I'm lucky to make a Manticore instead of a house cat! And even when I do, so what? I send them on their merry way, hoping they'll make it to the Wake. Do you even know how much a pain it is to never see the results of your work?"

The voice pauses in its onslaught. "They do make it to the Wake, right?"

You find the claw against your throat lifts an inch, giving you room to speak. An image of a blood soaked cave, filled with slaughter, flashes bright in your memory.

"Yes, we have Manticores," you reply, your voice only trembling a little.

"Oh thank the Golden General. I can't even really send a good creation against my oldest friend, given what he's up to. One of that knife in the dark's more brilliant maneuvers, spending an entire damn era in the one role I can't have too much fun with him."

The entity growls, a sound deep in its throat that sends chills down your spine. But maybe… maybe that was its version of a sigh?

It continues, "And then they send me a scarred mare. Really!"

For all its seeming irritation, the creature takes a step back (though its claws stay out). You remain motionless, but the creature goes on, "Well, get up. Let me see what they've sent me to work with, here."

You could flee, but you would be caught. You could fight, but you would lose. So instead you rise.

---

Before you is a Name. That's unquestionable. With a bit of distance, and a few moments to catch your breath, you can almost feel the strength, and violence, and endurance that the creature exudes. It reminds you of its breath against your neck.

Similarly unquestionable: what's before you is a predator. One that likes its prey warm, and running, and then freshly killed.

But other than that, you have questions, and you peruse the Name even as she looks you over in turn. She is great and golden, a form out of old University lectures you have more than half forgotten.

But if you are simply trying to understand what you see, she is forming a judgment. She mutters to herself again, "A scarred mare!"

Slowly, however, her lips turn up in a smile.

"But you have made monsters, haven't you."

---

When you awake, you have a Forge-hot, Edge-sharp name on your tongue. You have a long scratch on your neck. And you have her chiding reminder still ringing in your ears — "Really, get that scar sorted out!"

Spoiler: AN

Had an idea about Biedde's dyad partner that I wanted to write up. This is thinking that it's the Lion-goddess Menhit, who is not going to settle for being some Lion-pony, no she is not.

I also think the Malleary will be a cool place to explore, even if it's sub optimal to do it this turn. I hadn't made the connection to its destruction and the secret of the FoD the Lionsmith invoked in breaking his sword until now!

 

[spiderhellian]

A Blade, a Web

The memories start to hurt, when you look too far back. They cut like a serrated knife, slicing brutally rough through the tissue of your mind.

But you're not one to shy away from things that cut. So when you do recall your past, you do it in full.

"So. That's how I met her. And why I owed her."

You've just poured out some of the more brutal pieces of your life. Like an open artery spurting blood. And what does the mare in front of you do?

She nods. She has tears in her eyes, but she smiles at you, touches you softly. And then simply nods, and asks you to continue.

She's not bawling? Or angry? Or scared? What an infuriating Mare.

You love her so much.

And so you do.

---

You tell your story like you see the world. People have desires, and goals, and wants. Those all clash, and the stronger one comes out on top. (You know it's stronger, because it's on top.)

(Well, this is how you saw the world. It might not be that way any more. That Mare at your side, her approach… it's insidious.)

There are subtle blades and sharp blades and definitely there are blades that don't think they're blades at all. But they're all just blades, cutting through the world.

Except for one. The creature you know as the Master… she's not a blade. She's a spider (though you're not as scared of these as you once were, thanks to the Mare by your side showing you a web covered in the morning's dew).

She's a web spinner, spinning strings that fling a blade one way or another, directing and manipulating every cut you make. You hate it. You absolutely hate it. A blade that cuts for a reason not its own is barely a blade at all.

And worst of all, you don't even know the strings she's strung. You can't see them to slice right through them.

You hate her. And you fear her. And yes, you serve her.

---

The months pass. The bodies fall. The blade you are gets honed to a razor's edge.

And it seems you may have met another web-spinner. You thought she was a clever blade, if dull and chipped. But she's just always… there. Helping, she says, and listening and questioning and undoubtedly stringing strings you cannot see.

She might think she's innocent, but every month, she's climbed a little higher. Gone a little further. And you know just what that takes.

---

You don't talk much of what she already knows. And she knows that she saved you.

---

Things come to a head. You think she's gone, and it's over. You are so, terribly, wrong.

You make an offer, and she offers a deal. She will free you, if you bind another. She will cut your strings, if you will tie one stronger than ever.

And you don't really have a choice at all.

The mare at your side makes to chime in, but you won't be cut off here. You really didn't have a choice at all.

At least she's gone. Which leaves only the one web weaver around.

---

She's there almost as soon as your rope in the plot is done, like she was waiting to close in on a wounded foe. You know she acted as if her strings were severed, but you also know she's a much better actor than you.

You hear she's in some elevated role, spending weeks away from Ponyville. It sounds like an achievement beyond that Old Thing's wildest dreams for one of their chosen.

She asks if you could spend some time around her estate. You… well, you do like her husband, that's fair enough. But you wonder if she's still keeping tabs on you. And who's she's keeping them for.

You hear of a wedding, and a chill runs down your spine. You wish you could cut something, but that would make her sad. You can almost hear strings being pulled, and she might be doing the pulling.

You don't trust her. You don't know what she's up to. You hate her.

"You don't know her." A soft voice chimes in.

"Yes. I don't know her, and I hate her."

And here she comes. Walking up the path.

Spoiler: With an Edge 4 Influence:

…Carrying a Bazooka.

Spoiler: AN

I think we should really consider Comet's perspective on us. The turn start was a reminder that Velvet's internal view contrasts pretty harshly with the external one, and I think as a thread we fall into much the same sometimes.

I really liked @Starlit Horizon's thoughts, and think they're pretty accurate. I'm definitely not sure we should do this fleeting (Comet did nothing we wouldn't) but we should go into it with clear eyes.

…and I don't think we should bring an edge influence

 

[angelsadvocate666]

In Which It Isn't Fair

It wasn't fair.

That sentiment was one Copper Secatour knew well, the three words like old friends as they lingered in her mind. It wasn't fair that she was dismissed wnd ignored for the circumstances of her birth. It wasn't fair, that the Master had so rarely turned his loving attention to her. It wasn't fair that she had to work so hard, sacrifice so much, to gather even a modicum of authority and control within the Cult when she was practically a founder. It wasn't fair that Velvet Covers, that loud-mouthed, over privileged, disgustingly noble bitch was so much more powerful in the Lores. And it definitely wasn't fair that she could hold command over so many fucking Names.

Copper and her minions hadn't been prepared for their coming. How could they, when half of them weren't even known to her branch of the Cult—or, really, her Cult flat out—and the other half were already so well suited for bypassing their protections? Baldomare and the Daughter of Axes was bad enough. Between those two they could have located anything they wanted and broken through the defences without a care in the world. But that wasn't enough for Velvet fucking Covers. Oh no. She wanted to burn down everything Copper had ever built and spit on the ashes.

Baldomare and the Daughter were old monsters. All Names were, she had come to understand during her time commanding Neighnia. They were gods in all but name—pun not intended—wielding powers beyond a mortal's reckoning and following desires no pony could ever really understand. But even they compared to the other two. The daggers that Velvet Covers must have been keeping hidden for just this moment, when she finally, properly, betrayed Copper for the last time. One was a creature of bone and wires, so versed in Grail even Copper was like a foal beside her elder, and the last was more of a blade than a pony. Some ancient soldier, called up from the horrors of the past to serve a pony that deserved so much less than his service.

The four Names—four of them!—cut through every trap and trick Copper and her Cult could have thought up. Baldomare located every hideout, every storage site and meeting place. The bone mare interrogated her followers so deftly and cleverly that they were thanking her for the opportunity to spill their guts until they knew every detail of the defenses and Cult heirarchy. Then the Daughter tore through those defenses like a hot knife through butter, stealing everything of even minimal value, even as the soldier hunted down her leaders, her advisors, and anyone that might muster even a modicum of retaliation or organization to strike back.

The Cult she had worked so hard to build was done. Within mere days, all of her effort was just ash on the wind. And now, as Copper lay on her knees, staring up into the eyes of four old monsters as they discussed just what to do with her in the center of her greatest stronghold, she had only one thought in her head.

It just isn't fair, dammit.

AN: Don't mind me. Just a horrible, funny thought I had of what would happen if next turn we basically said "you know what, fuck everything else. Copper is done", and sent all four Names over to Manehatten to just do as much damage to her and her Cult as is physically possible.

Bonus points if we send Selene along with her extra action just for the lols.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

You are Selene, and right now you are dreaming.

However, you are not asleep. You are merely dreaming. There is a difference between those two things. Especially to you, and especially ever since you woke up.

And it also goes without saying that this is not your dream.

It is night, and you are currently inside somepony else's dreamscape.

…

Your relationship with Soft Sweeps has always been somewhat curious, you think.

Because at first, she just made you uncomfortable. Back when you didn't really know anypony, and your memory only stretched back to maybe one or two months, it felt strange to have a mare like her taking care of you the way she did.

Silky did not seem to mind, but in hindsight it must have been because she had been treated like that her entire life. But still, Silky didn't mind, so you just bit down your tongue and kept to yourself. However, now that you think about it, having a full-time caretaker was more than a little overwhelming for a filly as shy as you were.

Still, you eventually got used to her as time went on. The awkward and sparse exchanges of words you first had eventually turned into conversations. You slowly came to understand that her constant check-ins were just her way of expressing that she was worried about you. And before you realized it, the sensation of her neck around your forelegs as she flew you here and there became a familiar feeling.

Silky helped a lot with that, you know. Your sister has a way of making ponies like each other that you still think is impressive, even now after you woke up. And you care about Soft Sweeps. You really do, and you will never say otherwise.

However, the fact remains that you just don't feel as close to her as you do with Silky, or your parents.

Maybe it's because you just didn't spend enough time with her. After all, you only had some ten months on the Velvet estate as a filly. But that argument doesn't hold much weight, whenever you think about it. After all, you had just as much time with Silky. And you definitely spent more time with Soft than you did with your mother and father.

Maybe it's because, well, Soft went through a lot of things, even before you woke up. Because you do remember the long, worrying conversations you had with your family about her, right after the Catastrophe struck. And even as a filly, you could tell the young mare wasn't quite the same after she returned to your home.

Or maybe… maybe it's something else? Something you can't quite put your hoof on?

Regardless, you still care about her. She might not be like an older sister to you, but she is like that to Silky. And anypony Silky cares about is a pony you will protect.

More than that. Anypony who is good enough for Silky is a pony who you will trust.



And that is why you are here tonight.



This is Soft Sweep's dream. And just like you did with your two sisters, you are here to tell her about what happened to you.

Granted, you don't think you would be able to hide this from her. Well, you do think you could do it. But if you didn't bring Soft Sweeps into this, then your free time would be severely limited. After all, it is literally her job to take care of you during the day, so it would be nearly impossible for you to disappear for any long periods of time without her noticing.

And why you are doing it this way? Why are you going into her dream to do this? Well, for several reasons. First, because you can tell that ponies simply trust you, or believe you more easily, when you talk to them in their dreams. They might not consciously realize they are dreaming, but you can tell you form a connection with them that is deeper than what two ponies have when they just talk in real life.

And the second reason is… well, because not only you can shift their dreams around, if they need a little more convincing. But also because there is little to no consequence if they refuse to believe you, or if they simply overreact and start screaming.

Granted, you haven't really done this to anypony other than Silky and Celestia. But still, it is good for you to get used to doing things the smart way.

However, as you look around you, you can't help but feel that…

"Something… something feels weird," you say to yourself, almost in a whisper.

You have just entered Soft's dream. But you can already tell that something is… off?

But for some reason, you can't exactly figure out what it is. It could be that you are just out of experience, although you don't really feel that is the answer. Still, you can't exactly tell what…

"The air feels heavy," you say to yourself, as you focus on your surroundings and try to get your bearings. "No, not heavy. It doesn't feel strange to breathe. The air feels resistant…"

You look around you, and you realize that you are in a desert of sorts. It is night, or at least there is no sun to speak of, and it is somewhat cold. And everywhere you look, you see nothing but sand and dunes. Furthermore, as you try to walk you can't help but feel that the very air feels murky, as it is trying to weigh you down.

The sand, also, feels strangely treacherous. Not because you feel like you are about to fall into a pit of quicksand. But instead, because every time you walk, your hoof seems to sink just a little more than it should.

You can't shake the feeling that something is trying to slow you down. Or perhaps, it's not just that something is trying to slow you down, but something is pushing down on this dream in its entirety.

"Still, it's strange. It doesn't feel like anything is truly wrong," you say, as you wander in a small circle. Testing your movements, and the feeling of this dream in general, as you go. "It's not that I don't know what to fix. I can't tell if there's anything to fix to begin with."

You stop walking for a moment, sitting down on the uncomfortable sand as you think for a few more moments.

Because this doesn't feel like something you can fix, or even something you can change. But still, if everypony else's dreams feel like a gust of air, or perhaps a cloud you can shape with your horn, then this dream feels like clay. Or perhaps tar.

Well, you won't find any answers just sitting around. And deep down, you know that Soft Sweeps went through a lot. You haven't asked your mother for details yet, and to be honest you wouldn't feel comfortable prying unless Soft herself was the one telling you about it. But still, you know that the relatively young Soft already went through more than several ponies suffer in their entire lives.

So, you try not to linger on this mystery. You will put this to the side for now, as something to keep an eye on. But you won't revisit this until you have a little more experience. Because who knows, maybe this is how traumas are reflected in a pony's dreams.

With that in mind, you get up on your hoofs, and start going in the direction you know you will find Soft.



- - -



This place isn't really a desert. Or rather, you don't think that calling it a desert is entirely accurate.

Sure, you are surrounded by sand. But this isn't really the case where there is only sand as far as your eyes can see. Because as you walked, you scaled a few dunes here and there, and you can tell that there is something in the distance. It is too dark to tell what it might be, but there is certainly a silhouette of sorts, of a forest or a city or something else entirely, in the far distance.

However, the main reason why you don't think this place is a desert is because you can hear water.

Not just water. You don't hear a stream or a river. You can hear the sound of waves, the constant to-and-fro movement of an ocean crashing against the land, only to retract shortly after.

You can hear it before you see it. But soon enough, after you finish climbing a particularly tall dune of sand, you find yourself looking at a beach. A long beach, that seems to stretch from one side of the horizon to the other. A great line of sand, that seems to divide this entire world into two halves, one dominated by land and the other by water.

And as your eyes run through the stretch of that vast beach, following the unerring compass you have inside of you, you soon find the shape of a lonely pony who seems to be sitting by the shore. A single pony, who is looking at that vast ocean, almost as if waiting for something.

That pony, of course, is Soft Sweeps. You know that for sure, even though you are still too far away to identify her.

So, you start making your way to her, cautiously climbing down from the tall dune, and making your way to the shoreline.

You try not to think too hard about any of this. You try not to think about how this dream is almost… almost oppressive.

You try not to think too hard about how this doesn't feel like a dream, but that it doesn't feel like a nightmare either.

You try not to think too hard about this, because you know you just woke up. It hasn't even been two weeks since you woke up. So, Princess of Dreams or not, you won't presume that you know everything about this. A thousand years is a long time, after all, and you would be a fool if you didn't think that your absence also created a gap in your knowledge.

Instead, you just make your way towards her. One hoofstep after the other.

Until you finally reach the young mare, who is sitting with her back turned to you as she looks at the endless and dark ocean before her.

"Soft?" you ask, although everything feels so off that you don't even know how to start this conversation anymore. "Is everything alright?" you say, hoping to at least attract her attention.

But thankfully, as soon as you start speaking, the young mare's ears perk up.

And the moment she turns around, and realizes it's you, an honest smile appears on her face.

"Selene! It's so great to see you!" she says, standing up and making her way towards you. And to your genuine surprise, the mare almost immediately brings you into a hug. "What are you doing here, you little rascal? Are you the one who's going to keep me company tonight? I'm so glad!"

She almost crushes you between her forelegs. It doesn't hurt, of course, but you can't help but feel shocked for a few moments.

Because Soft… well, she is usually a very controlled pony. She cares about you, and she worries about you, but she always respected your personal space while you were awake.

And you don't think she is doing anything wrong, either. You remember that ponies can act differently, and usually in a more honest way, when they are dreaming. It is their own dream after all. But still, seeing Soft act in such an energetic and upbeat manner is slightly…

"I… I guess I am?" you ask, as you slowly work your way out of this little surprise.

However, it takes you a few more moments to realize what exactly she just asked you.

What does the mean by… what did she say again? Keeping her company tonight? No, that you will be the one who will keep her company?

Does she… does she know this is a dream? That wouldn't be entirely strange. But the way she worded it certainly was unusual.

"Hold on, what do you mean keep you company?" you ask, as the young mare finally lets go of you. Although she still has a genuine smile on her face. "Well, I, uh… Yes, I'm here tonight. But… who else were you expecting, Soft?"

You ask those questions, and you try to keep your tone as casual as possible because you are not sure of how exactly you should proceed.

Because you are pretty sure that Soft Sweeps knows this is a dream. And, since you are still in your filly form, you are also pretty sure that she thinks you are a part of her dream.

So, there is no need to reveal her your other form yet. Not if you can keep her a little more comfortable, and perhaps speaking more freely, while she still thinks this is all just a dream.

"Pff, don't be silly. You know who I am talking about," she says.

And you watch as slowly, very slowly, the mare's expression begins to change.

You don't know when was the last time you saw Soft Sweeps this happy. The smile she had on her face, when she turned around and saw you, was almost heartwarming.

But now, as she say those words, you can't help but notice her face is slowly becoming…

Pained.

"You know… them," she continues, although you can tell she is doesn't really want to finish that sentence. "My… my brothers."

She says that, but you can tell she isn't just speaking with her words. More than just words, you can tell from the way her ears are slightly down, and the way that her wings are drooping slightly from her sides, that this is not… a happy subject.

And you immediately know why that is the case.

Of course… yes, it all makes sense now. In fact, you almost feel bad for not thinking about this before. It should have been obvious!

Because when she says she was expecting her brothers, what else could she be referring to but…

… well, her own family? What else could this be about, but the family she lost during the Catastrophe?

When you were still just Selene, you remember a period when you were still trying to figure out what the dreams you had meant. And you remember how you slowly pieced together that, rather than your own dreams, you were actually looking at other ponies' dreams.

And you remember how Soft's dreams were like, back then. You remember the large and well-kept house that she lived in, and the several little brothers and sisters that she would carry on her back as she flew through the skies.

So of course, when she tells you she was expecting one of her "brothers", this can only mean that…

"Oh, I… I am sorry, Soft," you say, making your way towards her and sheepishly leaning on to her side. "And yeah, I'm the one who's here tonight."

A small smile appears on her face, as you say that. And a few moments later, you can feel her raising the wing you were leaning against, covering you in a feathered hug as she lets out a small sigh.

"Thank you, Selene. I really appreciate it…"

Her voice is still a little low, and you can tell that her breathing is ever so slightly strained. But still, you think she is being honest, when she says that.

So, the two of you just stay like that for a little while.

Eventually, she lets go of you once again. Or at least she stops side-hugging you with her wing. After that, she turns towards the ocean and sits on the very same spot you first saw her, tapping with a hoof on the sand right next to her, for you to join her.

And you do just that, looking at the crashing waves and the constant movement of the dark water.

You don't think you should tell her what you came here to tell her… For some reason, you don't think you should tell her that you woke up, and that you are now a Princess. It just doesn't feel right. You feel like it's better to do it while she is awake

And what is more, the way she worded those things… You feel like you should try to understand that a little better.

If nothing else, this will help you figure out the best time, or the best way, to tell her the truth about you in the real world.

"Soft, the thing you just said… about your brothers. Do they come to visit you often?" you ask, turning away from the ocean and looking at her as you do.

You don't really like the way she purses her lips, as she listens to your words. But thankfully, that doesn't stop her from answering your question.

"You already know that, Selene… you know that. They visit me every night."

The way she says that, the heavy, almost pained tone of voice she is speaking with, makes a small part of you regret even asking.

Because it is very clear that she doesn't like talking about this. More than just that, you get the impression that it hurts her to talk about this. And the more she speaks, the more you feel bad for having asked that question.

But you don't have it in you to interrupt her either.

"And you also know that… you also know that I always remember. I always remember it, all the other dreams, when I fall asleep. And I always forget them when I wake up. You know that…" she trails off.

And you can tell that she isn't really looking at the ocean. Not anymore. Her eyes seem unfocused, almost glazed. As if the memories she is talking about are right in front of her, rather than just inside your head.

"Sometimes I even feel like I am living two lives," she says, forcing out a chuckle. Trying, but failing, to make a joke out of what she is talking about. "Sometimes, when I come back here, I just think… wow, I was really worried about that during the day? I really must have forgotten about…"

She trails off once again, but this time her expression is even darker than before. A mixture of grief, and something else besides, that is weighing down her features and slowly turning her face into a scowl.

But then again, how could she not be feeling like that?

You shouldn't have asked that. You shouldn't have asked that at all. Because if what she is telling you is the truth, if she really dreams about her brothers every single night… Well, then every night must be so painful for her, having to see the fillies and colts she will never be able to meet again in the real world.

Because if there is one thing you can see from her face, it's that she definitely does not enjoy seeing her siblings.

You can only imagine how heavy her grief must be…

"And they tell me stuff… sometimes," she continues, but her tone makes it clear she isn't really speaking to you anymore. You don't even know if she is speaking to herself. "And I don't like it when they tell me stuff. Stuff they wish they could do… stuff they want me to do… A-and then there are the times they talk about father…"

Her breathing cuts out for a few moments, a sharp and sudden sniff cutting her words off.

But you are thankful for that, because her tone of voice was so… so heavy that you didn't even realize you were just staring at her mutely. But her sniff shook you out of it, and you finally realize that the young mare is shaking. She is shaking, and she looks terrified. Or perhaps she looks like she is about to cry.

"I-it's alright Soft! Don't think about it," you say, once again pressing your small body against her side. Hugging her foreleg as you try to figure out what you could possibly say to make her feel better. "I'm here tonight, Soft. It's me. A-and we… we can talk about good things! We can make this a good dream, for you to remember, until you stop dreaming about…"

You stop talking, realizing you could be very close to saying something you shouldn't.

Still, you can see a small smile appear on Soft's face once again. Her body also stopped shaking, and a few moments later she is weakly ruffling your mane with her other hoof.

"Thanks, Selene… that really means a lot to me. I know you don't really like me, out there. But I'm really glad that…"

"What? No! Of course I like you, Soft. You and Silky are like the family I never had!" you say, interrupting the young mare before she can even finish speaking.

And this time, it is Soft who looks at you with muted surprise. The same way you were shocked by her warmth, when she first met you in this dream, you can now see she is honestly baffled by her words.

But a few moments later, her surprise turns into a calmer smile, as she pulls back the foreleg you are holding and puts it around you, pulling you into a hug.

"You really are a good filly, Selene. I'm glad mother brought you home."

You almost say something, but at the very last moment you decide not to. Because… well, you realize that if you say anything, or if you ask anything, you would just risk making things worse.

And as you look at Soft's expression, the way she is calmly looking at the distant ocean while enjoying your company, something inside of you tells you that…

… that this is the best thing you can do right now. That just staying here, by her side, is the best possible outcome in this situation.

So, you do just that. You stay by her side, and you try not to let your worries show on your face.

You just stay by her side, quietly listening as every now and then she tells you something.



I said I felt like I am living two lives, but that's not really what I meant... Because you see, in my real life, while I'm awake, things change. Every day I get a little older. Every day something happens.



You stay there with her, as you look towards the ocean. Trying not to think about the fact that you can see, even though there are no stars in the sky, and no moon shining down on this night.

You stay there with her, as you look towards the ocean. Trying not to think about the fact that you know there is a sun in this dream. You know, deep down, where the light is coming from.



But this life I have in my dreams? This… state? It never changes. Nothing ever happens here.



Because somehow you know that… that there is a sun, on the far side of that great ocean. There is a sun, just beyond the horizon, that is about to rise. And you can see everything around you thanks to the light of that sun, that is reflecting against the sky of the far horizon.

Even though you cannot really describe the color of everything around you. Even though you can't even tell if the water of this ocean is blue, or black, or red, or perhaps some other color that does not yet have a name.



Well… things do change. But only when…



You stay with Soft Sweeps until she wakes up.

And when morning arrives, and she knocks on your door to call you for breakfast, you ask her if she slept well.

You do not know if you feel encouraged or dispirited, when she just tilts her head and says she slept just fine. You are not sure of how you should look at this, when you ask her if she had any dreams, and she replies that she can't think of the last time she remembered having one.

…

And two days later, when you cautiously call her to your room at bedtime, and reveal to her your true identity, she almost faints.

Right, you forgot how she is also very scared of nobles in general. So, realizing she had been babysitting a Princess this whole time was certainly a fair reason for her to hyperventilate the way she did.

Well, at least she is in on it now.





Selene has revealed herself to Soft Sweeps. Your loyal maid will also help the Princess of the Moon to keep her disguise as much as possible.

But other than that, Selene did not mention anything else.

 

[Venerable Ro]

In consideration of the Wolf.

It is known that in the beginning The Forge Of Days loved The Sun In Splendor, and the Mansus celebrated and anticipated their union. Alas, The Forge feared the possible consequences of this union and murdered her lover in the Intercalate.

This was a Regrettable Action.

Many ills came of this, chiefest of them all the Wolf himself, the bitter hour-thing made up of hatred, loathing, fear, betrayal, regret, and every other sort of cankerous spite. All of these fruits of the Forge's betrayal of her lover, herself, and the possible future damned out of fear of calamity.

The Wolf is what it is.

The Wolf knows what it is.

The Wolf Hates what it Is.

The Wolf is a yearning that cannot be satisfied.
The Wolf is a revelation that cannot illuminate.
The Wolf is a fire that cannot bring warmth.
The Wolf is a conflict that cannot be won.
The Wolf is a scream that cannot end.
The Wolf is a misery that cannot be expressed.
The Wolf is a hunger that cannot be sated.



The Wolf Is A WOUND IN THE SOUL OF THE WORLD!

Consider this, every Hour and every thing like unto an Hour surely knows its own nature, self-certitude is one of the few things that all the Lores hold in common. Certainty of purpose, certainty of existence, certainty of meaning.

The Wolf is an aberration, a wrongness, a mistake. It knows in its bones that it should not be, and yet it is. It is an Hour eternally preserving and perpetuating the circumstances and values that brought it into being, as all Hours must, according to their nature.

The Wolf is the hour of loathing, the hour of fear-the-possibility, the hour of regret, the hour of the Iconoclast and the Suicide. The Wolf desires, more than anything else, to end, for it hates existing as much as existence hates it. But the Wolf cannot end, any more than any other Hour may end so long as its virtue and Lore persist in the world. So for the Wolf to end the world must first end, thus the Wolf hates the world for forcing the pain of existence on it, thus the Wolf ever seeks the ruin of the world.

And yet, AND YET, Hours have ended before, even though the world persists. Hours have been slain, though not by their own efforts (for what principle of the world would pursue cessation?) Hours have been supplanted. By the natural laws of the Mansus, an Hour may be mantled by one who overwhelms their principle, as the Grail drank the Tide, as the Forge shattered the Flint, as the Moth consumed the Wheel.

Maybe, just maybe, the Wolf might be ended by a greater Wolf, the agony of existence yoked to one whose agony is deeper yet.

THE WOLF IS THE WOUND IS THE PRISON IS THE WORLD IS THE PRISON IS THE WOUND IS THE WOLF.

---

Edit: That was far more of a pain in the arse than it needed to be to make look right. Frak doing fancy coloring tricks on a mobile phone.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

THE LUNAR BUREAU
"If the badge doesn't feel heavy on your chest, then you are not fit for the job."​

The Lunar Bureau is a relatively small organization, but one that makes up for its size with skill and competency. Very little is known about it, especially by the public at large. But the one thing everypony has heard about one, way or the other, is that they act with the Princess' own authority.

However, and rather unfortunately, you know that even competency has its limits. Especially mortal competency.

After all, the agents and constables of the Bureau are still just that. Only ponies.



Relevant Capabilities

"What is the worth of carriages and armor, and how can the ponies who bear them truly succeed, if they lack the tools that really matter?"

[Candle Dust]
-A small powdered crystal that can be used to detect changelings, with varying degrees of reliability. Widely available for your agents, and present in every one of your detectives' saddle-bags.
-In practice, a Lantern Level 0 Artifact of single use. Developed, produced and distributed to you by "Eclipse".

[You have NOT introduced the Lores to the Bureau, due to the risks currently involved. No other Lore capabilities to note.]





The Secret Library

"It is locked, but not by chain or key. It just so happens that, unless you are invited, you will never find it."

Spoiler: The Secret Library

Velvet Covers' personal library, made of read books and manifests:
-All Confidantes, and other ponies who you can trust, have access to the Secret Library.
-Provided the Secret Library can fulfill their leveling-up needs, a Confidante may spend an action to level up in a guarantee way.
-Provided the Secret Library can fulfill their leveling-up needs, a Confidante will roll every turn to attempt to level up automatically.
-Presently, the Secret Library is NOT available to the Lunar Bureau. (You might want to change that)

Spoiler: Current levels of the Library

-The Secret Library: Bonus applied down below, and explained as ( [Level 1 calculus] + [Level 2 calculus]... ).
-All Lores begin at Level 0, if no Manifests or books are available.
-Names, if summoned, turns the initial level of the Library into "1" through their mere presence.

MOTH: Level 1 ( [1/1] )
LANTERN: Level 2 ( [Baldomare] + [6/2] )
FORGE: Level 2 ( [3/1] + [4/2] + [3/3] )
EDGE: Level 1 ( [3/1] )
WINTER: Level 1 ( [2/1] )
HEART: Level 2 ( [Mareinette] + [2/2 + 2/2] + [3/3] )
GRAIL: Level 2 ( [Mareinette] + [2/2 + 3/2] )
SECRET HISTORIES: Level 1 ( [Baldomare] + [3/2] )
KNOCK: Level 2 ( [Daughter-of-Axes] + [1/2 + 3/2] + [2/3] )

Spoiler: Already Studied Books

KNOCK
-Level 1 – "A handbook that tells the tale of a thief"
-Level 2 – "An absolutely boring encyclopedia about how the tunnels, on the mountain in which Canterlot is perched, were dug. Reading this will be a challenge…"
-Level 3 - "An encyclopedia about poisonous snakes, with several artful illustrations"

GRAIL
-Level 2 – "It's a book. About food. It has food on the cover, so that's what it is. If your daughter ever finds it, that's what you'll tell her. If your husband finds it, however…"
-Level 3 - "A novel telling the forbidden romance between a foreign spy and a soldier. The writing is not as spicy as the theme would suggest, but the details is goes into to describe the conflict they feel is intriguing."

SECRET HISTORIES
-Level 3 – "A curious scroll, a copy from the original of course, detailing the appearance of King Sombra, centuries ago."

FORGE
-Level 2 - "A book about ingenious farming equipment, and how they function". (EFFECT DOUBLED)
-Level 3 - "A real guide to beginner's level blacksmithing. The bookstore owner almost seemed excited in having this reach your hoofs via your servants."
-Level 3 - "The book is simply titled 'Chemistry', and your servants reluctantly admitted that was the only word they understood in it. Of course you know they were being dramatic, but that also means that the contents of the book must be way, way beyond what they teach at schools."

MOTH
-Level 1 - "A poetry book. Amateur work, really, but one of them talks about masks…".

WINTER
-Level 2 - "A book on the benefits of Meditation, and why you should try it".

EDGE
-Level 3 - "A posthumous, and rather contentious, biography of the legendary pegasus called Flash Magnus".

HEART
-Level 2 - "A novel about a mare who fell in love with a drummer, the romantic parts all written in rhyming poetry".
-Level 3 - "A study about yak culture. The part about their history and folklore is of little use. The chapters about their songs, however…".
-Level 2 - "An essay on how even the unlikeliest rumor might become the truth, if it is repeated with sufficient insistency. Written in the form of a manual." (MANIFEST, not a book that was read)

LANTERN
-Level 6 - "An ancient, and enormous, hardcover tome written in an unknown language. You are not even sure what its title is, if it even has one, but the symbol laid on its front was enough for you to understand what it is about. On its cover you can clearly see the icon of a Sun, Divided. Its elusive text filled with allegories about the past and about mirrors."

Spoiler: Regarding those who follow

Named characters who know the Lores, in general, will learn according to these Rules:

-Enlightened: Major Lore is level 0, Minor Lore is not applied.

-Initiate: Major Lore is level 1, Minor Lore is level 0.

-Disciple: Major Lore is level 3, Minor Lore is level 1.

-Seeker: Major Lore is level 4, Minor Lore is level 2.

-Exalted: Major Lore is Level 5, Minor Lore is level 3.

-In order for a character to advance a level, they must either learn from you, or from the Secret Library.

-A pony can only go up a single level per turn.

-Turning a character into an "Exalted" might require additional things.

- - -



Previously, this threadmark would follow the situation of the Wildhoof Club.
Your knowledge of the Cult, however, was frozen once you left it.
This is the last report you had on them:

Spoiler: The Wildhoof Club

The Wildhoof Club

Basic information:
The Wildhoof Club is your cult's current public front, acting both as a gathering place for its members to use, even on broad daylight, as well as the more "proper" way for your cult to acquire (read: launder) bits.
But despite its dubious background purposes, it is really a place meant for ponies to mingle and spend their free time, and efforts will be made to keep it as unassuming as possible... for a clubhouse, that is.
It remains to see, however, if such a thing normally seen in larger cities will attract the attention of small Ponyville. But at least every converted member has membership, so it won't be empty or deserted.

Current status and capabilities:

-Jade Whistle's Cadre: +15 to rituals performed using the cult's assets. Each Level of cult Lore increases this bonus by its own value, cumulatively. (Level 1 -> +1, Level 2 -> +3 total, Level 3 -> +6 total, etc)

-The Red Bar/The Heartbeat House: +10 for converting followers from Ponyville's general population.
"A restaurant/bar by day, a nightclub by night. The Red Bar is the very first thing a pony sees upon entering the Wildhoof Club, and is of free access to non-members of the Club itself. The Heartbeat House itself is a hall with a large dancing floor, and both places are illuminated by curiously picked shades of red after nighttime."

-The Bright Library: Currently only applying Lore bonuses.
"Lady Velvet Covers, Loremaster of the cult, habitually arrives with a new book. It is always an apparently normal book, but attached to it is a short missive from her. And just like how a combination of apparently normal words can reveal a previously hidden secret, her simple missives help unveil the truth of this world from an otherwise uninteresting text."

Spoiler: Already Studied Books

KNOCK
-Level 1 – "A handbook that tells the tale of a thief"
-Level 2 – "An absolutely boring encyclopedia about how the tunnels, on the mountain in which Canterlot is perched, were dug. Reading this will be a challenge…"
-Level 3 - "An encyclopedia about poisonous snakes, with several artful illustrations"

GRAIL
-Level 2 – "It's a book. About food. It has food on the cover, so that's what it is. If your daughter ever finds it, that's what you'll tell her. If your husband finds it, however…"
-Level 3 - "A novel telling the forbidden romance between a foreign spy and a soldier. The writing is not as spicy as the theme would suggest, but the details is goes into to describe the conflict they feel is intriguing."

SECRET HISTORIES
-Level 3 – "A curious scroll, a copy from the original of course, detailing the appearance of King Sombra, centuries ago."

FORGE
-Level 2 - "A book about ingenious farming equipment, and how they function". (EFFECT DOUBLED)

MOTH
-Level 1 - "A poetry book. Amateur work, really, but one of them talks about masks…".

WINTER
-Level 2 - "A book on the benefits of Meditation, and why you should try it".

EDGE
-Level 3 - "A posthumous, and rather contentious, biography of the legendary pegasus called Flash Magnus".

HEART
-Level 2 - "A novel about a mare who fell in love with a drummer, the romantic parts all written in rhyming poetry".
-Level 3 - "A study about yak culture. The part about their history and folklore is of little use. The chapters about their songs, however…".
-Level 2 - "An essay on how even the unlikeliest rumor might become the truth, if it is repeated with sufficient insistency. Written in the form of a manual." (MANIFEST, not a book that was read)

Spoiler: Of course there would be math

If you hate math, the rule of thumb is: "I need one level one book for my cult to reach level one, then I need two level two books for the cult to reach level two, then..." ad eternum.

But if you don't hate math, the rule is as follows:

The members of the Outer Circle obey the "Scrap of Lore" mechanic, so they all start at Level 0 (thanks to the Master's presence) and need the required amount of scraps of Lore to advance on levels.
But in their case, all books, regardless of level, are helpful, in the following way:
A book will give the amount of scraps that is equal to "(THE BOOK'S LEVEL / THE LEVEL THEY ARE AIMING FOR)". And books will "rearrange" their bonuses in order to always give out the greatest bonus possible.

An example.

-Your cult is level 0 on Forge, because of the Master's presence.
-If you study a level 2 Forge book, the book will give TWO scraps of Lore towards Level 1 (because it is a level 2 book being used to go for the level 1 of forge on the cult).
-The "excess" scrap of lore is discarded, since only you only need 1 scrap, and the cult is now Level 1 on Forge.
-Then you study a level 1 Forge book.
-Now, the level 1 Forge book will be "slotted" towards helping the cult to reach level 1 on Forge (because level one book divided by level one objective) and the cult has level 1 on Forge.
-And the level two book is now "slotted" towards helping the cult reach level 2 on Forge, so you now have ONE out of TWO scraps for the cult to reach level on Forge.

-The Illegal Fighting Pits: NOT BUILT
"Windy Flakes is out of his damned mind..."

-The White Room: Allows for the conservation of bodies, and the detainment of lesser prisoners.
"..."

Spoiler: Currently holding

-Nothing.

Cult Information:

-The Club is currently being funded by the Gleam and the Rich families, having a larger set of starting funds to draw from. They will, of course, expect dividends.

-Current conversion of Ponyville: MODERATE +9 on some rolls done within Ponyville. Local Guard subverted.
-Current conversion of Manehattan: NONEXISTENT +0 on some rolls done within Manehattan.
-Current conversion of XXXX: There are currently no other cities with Cult activity.

Spoiler: Current situation of the cult's Knowledge

-Presence of the Master: All Lores, for all followers, start as Level 0.
-Lessons of the Master: All Lores, for all followers, upgraded to Level 1.
-Unsuited for Combat: Cult members suffer a -2 -1 on EDGE Lore level.
-Manehattan Converts: Decreases "Unsuited for Combate" debuff by 1.
-The Bright Library: Bonus applied down below, and explained as ( [Level 0 calculus] + [Level 1 calculus] + [Level 2 calculus]... ).

MOTH: Level 1 ( [The Master] + [1/2] )
LANTERN: Level 1 ( [The Master] )
FORGE: Level 2 ( [The Master] + [4/2] )
EDGE: Level 0 ( [The Master] + [3/2] )
WINTER: Level 1 ( [The Master] + [2/2] )
HEART: Level 2 ( [The Master] + [2/2 + 2/2] + [3/2] )
GRAIL: Level 2 ( [The Master] + [2/2 + 3/2] )
SECRET HISTORIES: Level 1 ( [The Master] + [3/2] )
KNOCK: Level 2 ( [The Master] + [Daughter-of-Axes] + [1/3 + 2/3 + 3/3] )

Spoiler: On the Followers, both named and nameless.

"Generic" followers are the run-of-the-mill cultists. Loyal to the cult, and to you as long as you are on your Master's good graces, and their rules are as follows:
-They always have only a single Lore in which they are focused.
-They can be called for Expeditions or other small tasks, which are of interest to the cult.
-They have, as a rule, the same level as the cult's general Lore level (specified on the spoiler above, dictated by the cult's achievements and infrastructure).
-Any number of them may be called on an expedition, provided that you can accommodate the price. Write-ins involving non-expedition actions, where you will call for their help, will be judged case by case. Specifically because their actions within their home city must be extremely dosed, so as to avoid suspicion.


"Named" followers follow a different rule, as follows:

-Enlightened: Major Lore is level 0, Minor Lore is not applied.

-Initiate: Major Lore is level 1, Minor Lore is level 0.

-Disciple: Major Lore is level 3, Minor Lore is level 1.

-Seeker: Major Lore is level 4, Minor Lore is level 2.

-Exalted: Major Lore is Level 5, Minor Lore is level 3.

-In order for a "Named" follower to reach a level, they must learn directly from you. You must have enough Lore levels to satisfy their desired level-up, and spend a PERSONAL action on said level-up.

-Should the Bright Library have enough levels to satisfy a Confidant leveling-up needs, they will automatically attempt to level up every turn on their own, without action expenditure. (This will involve a dice roll against a hidden test)

-Confidants can still be ordered to level up on their own in order to "bypass" said test. This order will use the Bright Library's level, since it involves their own dedication in poring over the available reading material without your supervision or interference.

-A pony can only go up a single level per turn.

-There will be other hurdles involved, especially when attempting to turn a "Named" follower into an Exalted.

-Further leveling, or other tamperings, will be elaborated upon later.

 

[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

[Rolling several relatively low CD tests…]

[No re-rolls used]



- - -



You are Velvet Covers, and right now you are more than just a little frustrated.

But not because anything bad happened, mind you. Well, technically speaking something bad is happening right now. Otherwise you wouldn't be frustrated like this. But still, this is not a catastrophe or anything. In fact, this is barely worth being called "bad news".

This really isn't something that is worth sulking about.

And yet, as it usually happens with this kind of thing…



"Tartarus… freaking… damnit! Why won't you stay in the right shape?!"



You let out a long, frustrated groan as the mushy substance you are working with once again melts into a small mound of dull-colored matter.

And you make a point of taking several long, deep breaths to push back against the mounting anger you are feeling.

Right now, you are at home. You are at home and, to be more precise, you are currently inside your office.

Well, this place isn't really your "office". Not anymore, at least. Ever since your brother took over the administration of the farmlands, this place hasn't really seen much use. In fact, the room is a lot emptier than it was before, given how your staff transferred to him several cabinets worth of files and ledgers.

Still, you are in your office because, well, you will be doing a lot of alchemy this month. And you don't think you will be able to do it discreetly if you keep using the workshop on the servant's building like you have done so far.

Maybe you should turn this place into a hobby room of sorts? Well, you say "hobby room", but the picture you have in your mind would better be described as a "workshop". Still, the small yet effective setup you saw on Knock-you's room definitely comes to mind.

And besides, Stormchaser has a hobby room of his own, just down the corridor. And the place is so full of weather-engineering tools and gadgets that it definitely qualifies as a workshop. So why shouldn't you have something like that as well? The servants would talk, of course. But everypony who is allowed to work on this floor, where your family lives, can be trusted to some extent.

Or at least, they can be trusted to brush off this kind of thing as a noble's eccentricity.

And also…

"… actually, I think I lost what little focus I had," you say out loud, as your eyes once again focus on your latest failed experiment.

Because you plan on doing something that will need a lot of Edge, a few days from now. And you are working on something that, hopefully, will give you the push you will need to succeed.

However, when it comes to this kind of thing, form is as important as substance. And although you can get away with something needle-sharp for a lesser ritual, you definitely need something blade-shaped for what you have in mind.

"But I am not suited for metalworking," you say to yourself, once again trying to figure a way around your problem.

After all, you might have been able to achieve the desired result if you were using metal, mixed with the correct ingredients, to forge a knife of sorts.

But that's the thing about it. You have a knack for alchemy. In fact, you can confidently say you have a taste for alchemy, or maybe even a liking for it. But even if you had the tools to melt a piece of metal, and even if you were able to mix it with the proper elements, you still wouldn't be able to work it into the necessary shape.

Because you know, at least in theory, that the correct way to do it would be with your hoofs. But you don't have the knowledge, or even the constitution, to do something like that. Metalworking is an aspect of Forge that you are simply unsuited for.

"… well, I'm sure I'll figure something out," you say, although with a defeated tone.

Still, you push aside the materials you were working with. Lighting up your horn as you storage the sloppy mixture that is your work in progress, and floating towards you the ingredients you will need for the other reagent you have in mind. Something easy, and small, that you will give Jade so she can use it in a ritual she is preparing to cast.

But as you start ripping out the pages of the old and used diary you bought, that will eventually become the reagent you have in mind, you can't help but think that maybe you should learn a bit more about Forge before going back to work on your other projects.



- - -



Finding these two books was a little harder than expected. And you are more than a little embarrassed by the fact you had to cheat a little bit in order to find them.

Well, the beginner's guide on blacksmithing wasn't that hard to find. Stormchaser asked if he could have it, a while ago, and you found the book stashed away in his hobby room. He must have read from it while trying to repair one of the… strangely complex metal fans he owns.

On the other hoof, your book on chemistry…

Well, after thoroughly analyzing the state of the book, you have concluded that it was first knocked out of your bookshelf by a maid. Then it was picked up by Softy, who thought it was one of Silky's schoolbooks, only for the young mare to change her mind after flicking through its pages. Then, it laid on Soft's room for a while, was borrowed by no less than three other maids, and became yellow for a few nights as it was read by a recent hire, for some unexplainable reason. Until finally one of Silky's friends found it while exploring the house, and it had been used as the base for a boardgame ever since.

You had not expected to have to dig into the chest where your daughter keeps her toys to find it, but at least you did not have to leave the house to retrieve it.

It would have been terribly awkward if you had to, say, break into the treehouse where your daughters go to play, in the Apple family property, just to get this book back. So, you will take your blessings where you find them.

Part of you feels bad over the fact that the book is slightly damaged. Its cover is bruised and dented, some of its pages are terribly folded, and you are sure that part of it became wet at some point, before drying out naturally. But still, considering that the last user of this book was one of your daughters, your indignation dies down very quickly.

Regardless, despite all the trouble you went through to locate these two books, you still won't read them right now.

Yes, you are aware that they became misplaced precisely because you took so long to read them. And no, you are not about to put them off for several more months.

However, the fact remains that you are far more interested in the third book you have with you. The old and battered volume you are holding on your hoofs right now.

The ancient, hoof-written book that the Daughter-of-Axes brought you… from beneath the Royal Castle of Canterlot.

…

You have been meaning to read this for a while now. More than that, you have been wanting to study this ever since it came into your possession.

The book itself looks unremarkable, if very old. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say the book doesn't look special. You wouldn't bat an eye if you found it in a used-books store, or perhaps inside a trash can.

Furthermore, the pages seem to be made out of the same material as scrolls. Of course, you are not surprised that the pages are not made out of modern paper. But still, the old scroll-like pages have already grown stiff with age, and are only malleable enough for you to be able to turn them without fearing that the book will break on your hoofs.

The more you analyze the book itself, the more you start to think it was never meant to be a book to begin with. Because the way the pages are bound together, with rusted metal pins that you think you could remove without much effort, make you feel like this was never meant to be the final configuration for the book. In fact, even the "cover" of the book is indistinguishable from the following pages, and the words "Volume 4" are the only approximation for a cover title this thing has.

Yes, you are almost certain of it. This book was probably just a collection of notes, or perhaps a draft for a more complete work.

Still, it is old. It is old, and it was found in a place that was used by Lore-practitioners. So even these notes will be interesting to you.

So, after analyzing it as much as you could with your more mundane senses, you finally place your hoof over its cover.

And then… you focus.

The novelty of old age has left me a long time ago. Still, it is good to think that death is no longer what it was. Regardless, there is no point in thinking about the future when the present is happening right now.

I am glad that the city is growing, even though the surrounding denizens are doing their best to stop that. Still, we have already succeeded for long enough that optimism is the norm, and that setbacks are seen as holes on a road rather than a gaping chasm.

And most importantly, they are learning well. Soon, I will have very little left to teach them, although that time has not yet arrived.

Or rather, I will have very little left that I am willing to teach. Some things are best left forgotten. And I intend to die with those things.

But secrecy does not make me negligent. I would be a fool if I did not keep with the verifications, and that is exactly what I intend to do here.

The third cave branch, that I started mapping yesterday, seems to be the path downwards. With that in mind, I think I should…​

The book, if you can even call it such, is old.

And the writer was older.

This book was clearly not written for a pony other than the writer. It read more like a log of reports, sprinkled with personal thoughts here and there. And the lack of any mention to the Lores, even in the most indirect or secret way, almost seemed intentional.

Still, you were able to gleam enough from it.

You were able to confirm that it was written… relatively recently, in the grand scheme of things. You already suspected as much given how the language used was something you could read unaided, although it used several words that are at best archaic.

Furthermore, you think this was written… when the two sisters were already governing ponykind. Or at least when they were already physically present, and had a prominent role. Which also means this was written before Princess Luna was banished.

Still, despite the particular method you used to read, you were not able to grasp certain details. And you could almost feel the gaps of information that you simply lacked the context to be able to understand. For example, several times the writer simply wrote "they", and you were unsure if the writer was referring to ponykind in general, the two sisters, some other pony, or even the crystals that filled the walls of the cave that was being explored.

However, the writer's personal musings were only the smaller part of what was written. And most of the notes were dedicated to the writer's methodical exploration of the caverns within "the great mountain" where the notes were written.

Which you assume will be very useful to whoever wishes to explore the depths of Mount Canterlot.

…

You will be sure to copy the maps contained within these notes, and pass them on to the Daughter-of-Axes before she departs.



- - -



"Rarity, are you quite sure that you are alright?" you ask, carefully eyeing the mare as you do.

And not for the first time, the unicorn seems to take several seconds before she realizes you are speaking to her.

"I'm what? Oh, of course darling. Of course I am fine," she says. Although the way she shakes her head and blinks before speaking, as if she was deep in thought just now, suggests otherwise. "It's just the nerves acting up, nothing to worry about…"

She says that, but her words obviously have the opposite effect.

Although you are also aware that, well, you really shouldn't push her any further on this matter.

After all, the two of you already had this conversation before. Ever since Cadance's marriage, Rarity has been receiving several high profile "requests" for exclusive pieces of clothing.

And those buyers, some of them anonymous but all of them very rich, do not want her to design a fashion line like she is doing with the Needles. Instead, they want their own personal repeat of Cadance's wedding dress. Their own tailor-made, worthy-of-an-alicorn set for them to wear and flaunt, or perhaps for them to lock behind a glass vault and turn into a museum exhibit.

Still, she has been receiving requests, and after your encouragement she decided to accept one of them. Which is why she is going to travel to Los Pegasus in a few days, to have her first meeting with a very high-profile pony.

So yes, of course she is nervous. She is nervous, and she is already second guessing herself, and according to her own words she is not sure if she has what it takes, or if Cadance's dress was just a case of accidentally catching lightning in a bottle. A one-time thing she will never be able to surpass, let alone repeat.

And there really isn't anything you can do to calm her down, right now. Except maybe offer her some more tea, and give her an afternoon of peace and quiet among friends like you are doing right now.

"If you say so, Rarity," you answer, once again turning your attention to Jade Whistle. "So, Jade, what were you saying about glimpses?"

You watch as Jade narrows her eyes while she prepares to answer. And you can already tell that this subject, the topic of conversation that the mare very unusually brought up on her own, is something that she has been struggling with for a long time now. The kind of thing that she thinks about almost every day, but that somehow is hard to put into words.

Yes, you are definitely familiar with that kind of thing.

"It's not… glimpses," she tries to say, although she stops every now and then as she tries to think how she can best explain something. "It looks like a flicker, but it feels like a reflection? I… the best way I can describe it is that… hmm…"

"It feels like you are looking towards Glory, but you have your back turned to it and your eyes are closed, yes?" Baldomare asks.

And Jade's neutral expression almost turns into one of relief, or perhaps even surprise.

"Yes! Yes, that's exactly how they look like," she says, her voice covered by a very rare wave of emotion. "Do you know what that is? Could you please explain me what they mean?" she asks.

But of course, Baldomare doesn't even bother to look up as she speaks. Her attention clearly focused on putting more sugar on her teacup as she answers Jade.

"Of course, I know what that is, silly. And of course I won't tell you," she says. However, she still waves a hoof towards you before continuing. "But she seems to have a bit of a grasp on it. So why don't you two continue the little conversation you were having?"

You can tell that Jade is disappointed by her answer, although neither of you are really surprised by it.

But still, the fact that Baldomare is even willing to join your afternoon teatime is already more than you could ask for. And even if she is only willing to throw you small crumbs of knowledge like what she just said, you are more than happy to use those as guideposts for your conversation.

"Well, you say they feel like Glory, but not in the sense that you are looking at it directly," you say, trying to translate what Jade is talking about into something you are more familiar with. "Well, I always felt like I understood Lantern better with my hoofs. But I always thought there was something about your eyes, Jade."

"Oh, yes, she definitely uses her eyes," Baldomare says, finally putting her teacup down and starting to mix it with a small teaspoon.

Again, she doesn't volunteer anything else. But again, you will take what you can get.

"So, can you tell us a bit more about when you see those glimpses? I think we should start from there. Who knows, there might be a pattern that those situations followed, and we could learn more if we find it.

Jade gives you a slow nod as she thinks, although you can see her stealing a few glances of Baldomare here and there, hoping the Name will chime in with another tidbit of guidance.

And with the typical stops and starts that is common for these conversations, the ones where you discuss the Lores without really knowing what you are talking about, you and Jade continue to work on trying to understand her experiences a little bit better.

That is, until the sun gets so low that Jade and Rarity decide that they should leave.

Still, as you walk down with your friends to the entrance hall and say your goodbyes, you get the impression that Jade now has a better understanding of Lantern. Or at least, that the two of you stumbled on something that, in a few days, will bring her to a much needed breakthrough.



"Oh, one last thing," you say, before the two mares leave, "this is for you, Jade."

You say that, and then you give her the small bird you made from folded paper yesterday. The simple origami made out of the torn pages of an old diary, that you hope will help her with the ritual she is preparing.

However, as she takes the small bird on her hoofs, she just… stares at it. For several seconds. Her expression neutral as always, but also unusual in a way you can't describe.

"… is… is it alright if I keep it?" she mumbles, although her voice is so low you can barely understand her.

"I'm sorry, Jade. What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing," she says, carefully stashing the item in her saddle bag. "Thank you, Velvet Covers."

After that, she and Rarity begin the trek back to Ponyville. And the sun finally sets not long after that.





You have successfully read all three books. (All your three rolls were over the number 80, for those who are curious. Given your bonuses, I did not even bother to calculate by how much you succeeded.)

Velvet Covers has gained two scraps of Forge knowledge. Velvet Covers' Forge Lore is now level four!

Velvet Covers has read an ancient tome, which contained an expansive map of the caverns within Mount Canterlot. They may be dated, and perhaps inaccurate, but you are sure they will be helpful regardless. The expedition "Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2" has been scouted, and any characters exploring it will receive a +10 bonus on their rolls.

You have taught her everything you could, for now, and that will have to be enough. Jade Whistle is now a Seeker (Lantern 4, Heart 2).

You have created three reagents, which have all been added to your inventory. A total of 50 bits and your last "Expensive Gift" (retroactively used) have been taken from your inventory.

The Sacrament threadmark will be brought over eventually, and it will include the requirements for Velvet's newly-reachable Forge Sacrament. The same applies for the Expeditions threadmark.

More to follow.

 

[OurLadyOfWires]

EXPEDITION PLANNING
"Ropes, bits, able bodies... talismans..."​

The basic rules for an expedition:

-If you choose to perform an expedition during your turn planning phase, then a "Plan your expedition" vote will be opened at a later point of that turn. During that later vote, you will be allowed to select your team, and what artifacts you wish to bring to the expedition.

-Only Velvet Covers herself, ponies who are confidantes or above, and her summoned minions may be selected for an expedition. If Velvet is not present one of her confidantes/summons will be the "Leader" of the expedition.

-Expeditions are separated into three categories:

Expedition type​	Velvet/Leader actions required to go​	Confidante/Summon actions required to go​	Expected duration​
Short​	1/1​	Free​	5 days​
Medium​	2/2​	1​	10 days​
Long​	3/All​	2​	15 days​

-All expeditions have a "base cost" representing how much a creature will spend per day on that expedition. To set out to an expedition, you must have the requisite bits required UP FRONT. The cost of bits for an expedition is "Number of creatures going X Expected duration X base cost"

-If an expedition team completes the expedition before spending all their bits, the cost will be refunded. If an expedition spends more time than expected, a vote will be offered to give up on the expedition, or to spend additional resources/action points to continue.

Spoiler: What to expect on an expedition

During an expedition:

-An expedition is a sequence of hurdles that must be defeated, which can range from a mundane forest to an esoteric curse.

-A single "hurdle" will be faced per day, and generally there are less hurdles than there will be days set for an expedition (leaving some room, however small, for failure). If the expedition fails to surpass the hurdle, they will try again on the next day, until they run out of resources.

-A hurdle will always be countered by one (or more) kinds of Lore. This will not be a use of "Application" or "Knowledge" bonus. Instead, the total sum of the Lore level, across all creatures involved, will be used. Regardless if that Lore level is innate from a pony, or due to an equipped artifact.

-A hurdle will have a specific CD. The pony/creature who has the highest "base" advantage against it will roll against the hurdle, and ALL ponies who have Lore levels on the requisite Lore will help.
--Example: A team with Velvet, Rarity and Axe would see Axe rolling her "base" +50 to break a wall, even though she has no Forge levels. And both Velvet and Rarity would apply their Forge bonuses to help.
--Artifacts taken will be "wielded" by a single pony. So, if a pony with Heart 2 is going alone on an expedition, and he takes a Heart 3 artifact, he will be treated as if he had Heart 3. If another pony with no Heart levels join him, that new pony will wield the artifact instead to "optimize" their total Heart level.

-Combat hurdles will begin a regular combat.

- - -

AVAILABLE WAKE EXPEDITIONS:

("Assault an Opponent" will always be available)

Spoiler: Assault an Opponent

Location: You must at least "suspect" where your targeted Opponent is. This expedition will be aimed at assaulting that location. During the team-picking part of the expedition, a WRITE-IN option may be chosen to specify what actions or objectives your followers should focus on. Upon reaching the location, the team might spend some time searching for the Opponent (if his location is only suspected), or otherwise preparing to attack him (if narrative elements allow for it). Your team might need to find your Opponent's hideout, they might try to infiltrate it, they might need to weaken its magical defenses first, or they might spend time doing other things such as "setting the stage" depending on your orders.

Expected duration: SHORT

Base cost: 5 bits (you must have at least 25 bits per creature sent)

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)

Spoiler: Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 3

Location: Within the depths of Mount Canterlot, there is a warded door. Rank with the authority of a solemn threshold. It would be foolish to open it before being prepared, and there is only one way to find out what lies behind it.

Expected duration: LONG

Base cost: 8 bits (you must have at least 120 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

Spoiler: All in.

Location: There is a reason Princess Celestia pays so much attention to Canterlot's growth. And this is it. She did not build this vault, that rests on the higher peak of Mount Canterlot, but she certainly improved it. Baldomare told you about walls that are not walls, and of things that are ancient to this world... but familiar to her. You have no idea how deep it goes, or how the Princess herself enters it. But now, the roundabout and confusing routes that the train-tunnels take through the mountain make a lot more sense. As does the Princess' edict that Canterlot may only carve out sections of the mountain with her permission. But still, this... is where you will found your Outsider.

Expected duration: IRRELEVANT (This expedition will always happen "between turns", and will not cost any action points from any characters.)

Base cost: FIXED, at 100 bits (this expedition will not cost more, or less, regardless of how long it takes, or how many creatures participate)

Special considerations:
-This expedition may not be picked during a Turn Planning vote. Instead, QM will ask if you wish to "commit" during the gap between turns, if Velvet Covers fulfills the requirements to perform this expedition.
-Scrying this expedition, or otherwise scouting it, will either be hard, perilous, or both.
-Velvet Covers and Selene MUST participate in this expedition.
-Only Names who have been BEFRIENDED may participate in this expedition.
-Only characters who Velvet Covers considers a MINION may participate in this expedition.
-You may only attempt this expedition AFTER discovering a way to extract an Outsider's "Blood".
-You should only attempt this expedition when you are ready to reach one of the Quest's possible Endings.

Spoiler: Beyond the Map's Edge

Location: According to Baldomare, you won't be able to find it on any map. "By its very definition", is how she said it. Still, she mentioned the two of you will be heading east. (You may only go to this expedition if you take Baldomare with you. And as a rule, you two must go alone. This will grant you Baldomare's Sacrament for the Lore of Secret Histories.)

Expected duration Action cost: 1 Baldomare action, 1 Velvet Covers action.

Base cost: The whole round trip, and the list of equipment she told you to buy for both of you (but mostly for you), costs a grand total of 40 bits.

Expected dangers: "Of course there will be dangers. Living is dangerous! And you are not telling me that you have been walking around the Mansus every now and then but that you're scared of a little hike, are you?"

Spoiler: Regarding Mansus Expeditions

Mansus Expeditions are only slightly similar to Wake Expeditions.

Only a single Mansus Expedition may be attempted per turn.

Only Velvet Covers may participate, as she will always go alone.

They will always take place near or at the end of the turn (unless narrative demands otherwise) due to their inherent danger.

And they always cost only a single Mansus-action. And you will either succeed at them and reap your rewards, or Velvet will retreat from them in failure if she feels she can no longer go any deeper.

Unlike a Wake Expedition, this is not a long trek towards a distant destination. Velvet Covers will sleep, she will enter a very dangerous place in her dreams, and she will return once she wakes up.

Spoiler: Completed Expeditions

-The Most Precious Treasure Hunt Ever (Selene's Expedition)
-Crepuscule Jailbreak

Spoiler: Crepuscule Jailbreak

Location: Manehattan is a large place, full of nooks, crannies and dark alleyways. It is a jungle made of stone and concrete, a place where ponykind reaches great highs and dark lows. It is, in sum, the perfect hiding place for a group that doesn't want to be found. However, one of those groups is hiding Twilight Sparkle. So you will find them, and you will get her back.

Difficulty: Small/Medium

Expected amount of actions required: 1

Base cost: 6 bits

Expected dangers: Jade Whistle scryed the place where they are holding Twilight Sparkle. She is in an old and battered warehouse, near the fringe section of the city... or at least it is old and battered when looking from the outside. But within its walls, the place is guarded, either by hired muscle or cult members, and you will need to force your way through them. Additionally, despite its beaten exterior, the inside of the warehouse has been reinforced with the Cult's Forge-secrets. You will need a way to open them, or to destroy them. Finally, there is the escape itself. You have no idea how helpful Twilight Sparkle will be, but as you escape the town, not drawing attention, or being able to divert attention away, will certainly be useful.

Special circumstances:
-Captain Shining Armor is expected to arrive at Ponyville at the end of turn 15. So,
--The number of actions you set aside for this expedition (1, 2 or more) will be planned so you return "just in time" to be in Ponyville, with Twilight on hoof, when Shining arrive (provided things go as planned);
--If you fail on too many hurdles, and waste more time than you allocated, you might return to Ponyville AFTER Shining arrive, and that will cause a lot of problems that you will have to very convincingly explain;
-Being discovered while attempting to break Twilight out (being found out, entering combat and leaving witnesses, etc) will amount to a TRIGGER EVENT

-Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 1
-Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2

Spoiler: Beneath the Royal Castle, pt. 2

Location: After your previous foray into the undergrounds of the Royal Castle, you found what appears to be a checkpoint. A small room, pony-sized and incredibly old, which you believe has already tasted the touch of the Lores. You will not have to repeat the journey this far, given how the treacherous crystal caverns that brought you here may be bypassed by the hole you created on one of the thinner walls. However, there is still a vast complex of caves further down. You should make sure to pack torches, and plenty of rope.

Expected duration: MEDIUM

Base cost: 7 bits (you must have at least 70 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: The information you have from this place is centuries old, but a map is a map. If the crystal caverns were indeed left unmined, then a veritable maze of translucent walls awaits below. Having a way to navigate it would be good, unless you do not need a map at all. It is also almost certain that some paths will be blocked, either due to the passage of time or by design, so a way to force yourself through them would be useful. Furthermore, the underground is certainly inhospitable, so taking more sustenance than just rations would be advisable. Finally, there will be the matter of discovering a quicker way out, and then making sure it can be used later on. But of course, you cannot say for certain if anything else has taken up residence there, after all these years. (This information may be incomplete, but is otherwise reliable for what you currently know.)

-The Grave on the Hill

Spoiler: The Grave on the Hill

Location: There is a grave, somewhere on the northern plains of Equestria, where a particular item lies buried. The map you have shows you precisely where that grave is. The only problem is that the map is approximately seven hundred years out of date. You acquired this map in a dream, you see, and dreams do not follow the same rules of the Wake.

Expected duration: SHORT

Base cost: 5 bits (you must have at least 25 bits per creature sent)

Expected dangers: UNKNOWN (expedition not scouted)

 

[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

"Mom… did you know about Selene this whole time?"

Silky Stream asks you that just as you are about to step out of her room.

And the way she worded that question… gives you pause. Although you try your best not to let it show on your face, as you turn around to face her.

It is night. The weekend is over, Stormchaser is away at work, and you had just finished putting Silky to bed. On top of that, your saddle-bag is waiting for you in your room, and in less than an hour you should be leaving your home to make your way to Ponyville's train station, in order to catch the midnight train to Canterlot.

But naturally, the way your youngest daughter just asked that question just pushed all your other concerns to the faraway edges of your mind.

Because all that really matters right now, is for you to… talk to your daughter.

"Why do you ask, dear? Is anything the matter?" you ask with a soft voice, making your way back towards her and sitting on her bed next to her.

And the only answer Silky gives you is a slow, noncommitting shrug.

Of course, you know something is disturbing Silky. You would have been a fool if you didn't expect something like this to happen.

You have seen her frown, every now and then, for the entire day. Nay, the entire weekend, even. But she didn't have the sad, heavy frown of a filly who is depressed about something. She didn't have the kind of expression that you feel you could easily address, if you talked to her.

No, the weight she has on her expression is the slow-burning kind of pain. The type of thing that doesn't stop you from laughing, but that still creeps up to you with its doubts and its shivers when you least expect it. The confusing mixture of turmoil and uncertainty that is very much out of place on a filly's expression.

You know that, although she kept her relationship with Selene, that she still needs to… process, everything that happened. And you had planned to give her time to work through it.

But now that she is asking for your help, of course you will be here for her.

"I dunno… I've just been thinking about it and stuff…" she says. "I mean, was she always a… a Princess? Was Selene always going to, uh… to change? Ever since the first day she arrived?"

You are more than a little worried about how her expression is so… not sad, and not hurt, but she looks confused. Maybe even lost. And you can tell from her tone of voice that she doesn't even know what exactly is making her feel this way. The way she is speaking makes it very clear that she is still trying to grasp why she is feeling bad about this whole situation to begin with.

But still, you push back against your worry, keeping your expression serene and your voice level.

And you begin to gently stroke her mane, as you think about how you should answer her.

Maybe there is no answer. Maybe there is nothing you can say, and this is the kind of thing that only time can fix.

But still, you will try your best. And if that fails, you will at least be here for her.

"Well, yes Silky. I think so. Selene was always going to become a Princess, one day," you say, watching as she shrinks a little bit more under her blankets at that. You think you see a hint of betrayal on her eyes, or maybe helplessness, but even that disappears soon after. "But Silky, why do you think Selene changed into a Princess? Isn't it the opposite? The same way you were a pegasus since before you could fly, don't you think that Selene was a Princess this whole time, and she just now learned how to show it?"

You say that, your tone part question and part statement, and you let her think about it for a while. You keep stroking her smooth mane as you give her as much time as she needs, and you watch as her expression slowly but surely begins to change.

Although she doesn't look any calmer than before, and she certainly doesn't look like she just made peace with something. Instead, her frown deepens.

However, you can tell that she did realize something. The vague, confused expression she had on her face is gone now, replaced by the face of a filly who now knows what is causing her grief.

"Mom, I… did Selene…" she starts, then stops, as if afraid to even ask what is on her mind. Still, after a few more moments, she gulps down something dry and asks you what is on her mind. "Mom, did Selene change? Is she really the same Selene she was before… before all this?"

There it is.

Yes, you know this question. You know this small, insistent doubt that has been plaguing your Silky. And you can tell now how, day after day, this constant doubt has slowly but surely accumulated into a back-breaking fear.

You know this doubt very well, because you carry this same fear inside of you. You love Selene, and you trust her, but you and Stormchaser have already confided to each other that neither of you can really know what is going on inside Selene's head right now.

However, unlike Silky, you and your husband have the maturity to deal with it. The two of you have already decided that you will give Selene the time she needs to show you who she is now, and that you will both care for her regardless.

Silky, on the other hoof…

"Why do you ask that, Silky? Do you think she changed? Did anything happen that made you think she isn't she same Selene as before?"

"I… I don't know? She still goes to school with us and all. And there's times she pays attention like normal, but there's also times she just looks… bored? Not bored in a normal kind of way, but in a different way?" she says, and you can tell that her words are picking up speed the more she thinks about it. The thoughts that had been vexing her all this time suddenly coming out like a river. "And she still plays with me, but… but there's also times that I call her by her name, and she doesn't answer? Like, me calling her Selene doesn't even make her think that I'm talking to her?"

She keeps talking, and you keep listening. Letting her vent her foal-sized deluge of concerns, based on all the things she noticed up to this point.

And of course, you do realize that in the grand scheme of things Silky's concerns aren't really that "big". A strange answer from her sister here, an unexpected brush off there. And of course, the fact that Selene has just made herself absent for long periods of time now, whenever she gets the chance. You do realize that those are all the worries of a filly who can't spend as much time with somepony she loves now. You know this shouldn't be a big deal, and that growing up even means going through these kinds of things, more often than not.

But still, you care. Of course you care. This is your Silky, after all. And it doesn't matter to you how small her pain is, when compared to other things, because she is still in pain.

So, you keep stroking her mane as she speaks. Until she finally reveals what must be her deepest, darkest concern about this whole thing.

"… and is… is Selene just lying to me? I mean, she can play pretend so well. She pretends to be a filly, and nopony suspects anything happened, so… Is she just pretending to be my sister? Does she really care?"

She says that, and then she stops talking. By now, she already has her head lying against your flank, huddling against you even as she presses her blanket against herself. And even though you can't really see her face, you can tell her expression is downtrodden.

She really, really doesn't know the answer to her last question. And that doubt is crushing her.

And you…

Well, you don't know the answer to that question.

Nopony does. Maybe even Selene doesn't know it herself. Maybe she is just Princess Luna who is carrying Selene's memories, and maybe those memories will fade away as the years go by.

You hope that's not the case. You trust that's not the case. But the fact remains that you can't give your daughter the iron-clad, unquestionable certainty that she is asking for.

Nopony can.

However, you can still…

"Silky, I am going to tell you something right now, and I need you to listen to me very carefully. Can you do that?" you ask.

And you patiently wait, until the filly looks up to you and gives you a slow, hesitant nod.

"I don't think Selene changed. But I don't think she is the same filly she was before, either," you say. And just as Silky is about to open her mouth, you calmly raise a hoof to ask her to wait just a little longer. "I think Selene is just as confused about this as we are. But again, remember when you first learned to fly? Remember when you first grew into your wings and managed to fly without daddy's help? I think something like that just happened to Selene. And now we need to learn how to live with a Selene who is a Princess, the same way we had to learn how to live with a Silky who could suddenly fly."

Silky keeps looking up at you as you speak, and you look down to meet her gaze, giving her a small smile as you do. You wait a few more seconds, to see if she wants to say anything, but to your small surprise your daughter stays quiet, waiting for you to continue.

"But the most important thing, Silky, is that I trust Selene. I trust her when she says she wants to keep living with us. I trust her when she says is still part of our family. And I trust that she won't just… suddenly change her mind, or decide she wants to be a Princess rather than be your sister."

You say that, and you hear a faint sigh coming from your daughter. Because you are sure Selene already told Silky those very same things, even if she did it in another context or with actions instead of words. Still, you can tell that Silky is thinking back of all the things that… well that stayed the same about Selene, rather than just focusing on the things that changed.

"So, Silky, do you trust Selene? This is all a veeery big change for all of us, Selene most of all. But still, despite everything that happened, she still wants to be here with us. She still wants to be here with you. So, do you trust her? And do you want her to keep doing what she is doing?"

You thought you would get an immediate answer from her. You thought this would have been enough to shake Silky out of her worries. But to your surprise, your daughter hesitates a little bit.

You think you can hear her mumble something, about how Selene is still a Princess, and maybe she will just get bored of her… or maybe that Selene should get bored of her, so she can be a Princess for everypony else.

But ultimately, your daughter gives you a weak nod.

"Yeah, I trust Selene… I just hope that… that I'm worth it, for her… and that she doesn't…" she mumbles. And for a fraction of a second you raise an eyebrow, wondering what else your daughter has been thinking about, that she hasn't really been able to find the words to talk about yet.

But you quickly hide away your own concerns, once more. Staying there as the solid rock she can lean against, during this turbulent period of her life.

"Yeah, you're right mom… I trust Selene. And, uhm, do you think I can really help her?" she asks, her voice a little more energetic than before.

Which makes you feel more than just a little relief, as you watch Silky's expression slowly return to its usual self.

"Of course you can, love. You already are," you say, stroking her mane one last time before getting up from her bed. You aren't going to leave just yet, but if she thinks this conversation is ready to be wrapped up, then you will follow her lead. "After all, as long as nopony suspects a thing, we are winning. And you are one of the most important ponies she needs to keep things that way."

She gives you a small, confident nod to your answer. Not brimming with energy like she usually does, but still a lot livelier than a few minutes ago.

And then she lets out a small yawn, her eyes closing ever so slightly with each passing moment.

"By the way, do you think she would like us to call her something else?" she asks, although more with innocence than anything else. "I mean, if she doesn't feel like being called Selene anymore… I've been thinking about other names? Like Velvet Moon and other ones…"

You let out a small laughter at that, shaking your head as you slowly make your way towards the door.

"Silky, dear, you can't just go around giving ponies new names like that. That's not how it works," you say with a smile.

Of course, you don't feel the need to tell her what you really think about this particular subject. There is no need to tell her why, for example, she isn't called Velvet Stream.

She doesn't need to know that you wouldn't want Selene to change her name to that even if she asked.

She doesn't need to know that the Velvet legacy doesn't deserve them. That it never will. And that you won't let them tarnish their beautiful names and their peaceful lives even if that is the last thing you do.

"Axe didn't mind," she says, her voice unmistakably sleepy as she closes her eyes.

"Well Axe is…" you say, but you trail off, realizing that Silky is already asleep.

So, you quietly leave her room, closing the door behind you.

And only after you confirm your daughter is peacefully asleep do you turn your attention back to your other affairs.



- - -



"Mrs. Velvet, good evening. I'm so sorry to disturb you like this."

The moment you step out of Silky's room, you realize there was somepony waiting for you.

Of course, you don't really mind, and you quickly wave a hoof for her to get up from the short bow she is giving you. Heavens, how many times do you have to tell Softy she doesn't need to do that?

However, and much to your curiosity, Softy didn't come alone.

There was another pony waiting with her, a few paces away from Silky's room, who is still bowing to you next to Soft.

"I also share her sentiment, Lady Velvet. I am terribly sorry for intruding on your evening at an hour like this."

You don't really recognize her by her voice, not with how she is almost talking in a whisper, but you quickly recognize everything else. Besides, you only need to close your eyes for a few moments to pierce through the darkness of the corridor, and confirm that you know who this other mare is.

"Cantrip? Please, raise your head. I don't really mind Soft coming up at a time like this, but is there anything you need?" you ask.

And the unicorn mare, your brother's own personal maid, raises her head to look at you. Her eyes a mixture of thankfulness and nervousness.

You make sure to open your eyes, before she realizes what you are doing. And you light up your horn with a faint illumination spell, so you can all look at each other more easily.

But other than that, you just wait for the mares to say something. Your curiosity tingling as you wonder what this is about, at such a late time nonetheless.

"Yes, Lady Velvet. This is about my Lord Pride," she says. "He does not mean to intrude, and he is even willing to come here if it is more convenient to you, despite the late hour. But still, he would like to speak to you, if at all possible."

You tilt your head slightly, although part of you already… suspects what this must be about.

No, you are sure of it. It all lines up when you think about it. Your brother returned from Canterlot this morning, rather than staying in the capital for the entire weekend. And even though Ponpon has not yet confirmed the reason, you are sure it was because he heard that…

"Well, I don't mind talking to him, Cantrip," you say, to which the unicorn maid gives you a thankful nod. "But I have a train to catch in Ponyville, in less than two hours. So, do you think he would mind meeting me downstairs in the garden? I must be on my way as soon as we are done talking, you see."

The maid doesn't even need to tell you that she agrees, and is already bowing her farewell as soon as you are done speaking.

And moments later, you are following Soft downstairs, with your saddle-bag neatly fastened to your back.



…



Your conversation with your brother was quick.

"Good evening, sister. Again, I am very sorry for taking up your time at this late hour. And thank you for having me."

Hearing him call you "sister" is still a bit of a novel experience. But given how the two of you were in the garden, by the front gate of the estate, and alone, you think he was being more earnest than he usually would.

"I have heard the news, and I returned from Canterlot as quickly as I could. However, I haven't yet…"

But of course, there was another reason why he was being earnest. A more obvious, and perhaps notorious, reason.

"I haven't yet been able to see her. I have not yet been able to meet her, so… Was the news true? Is she really back?"

You try your best not to remember the exact words he used. For the rest of your life, you will try your best to forget those words such as "rare and radiant maiden, whom the Princesses name Axe".

"And more importantly, could you please tell me if she has any plans during her stay?"

But ultimately, your brother had called you to ask a question.

And the answer you gave him was that…



[Pick one]

[] [PRIDE] You will tell him everything you know. (Reveal to Pride all of Axe's actions, for the next three turns)

[] [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)

[] [PRIDE] You will not tell him anything.



(None of these actions will result in revealing the Lores to Pride. Should Axe be commanded to perform a ritual, for example, Pride will be told that "she will be around for a few days," and not that she will be busy summoning alien gods.)



- - -



You lie on your bed, looking up at the ceiling as you try to clear your mind from the events of today.

Unfortunately, as you look up, you don't see the familiar ceiling of your own bedroom. Instead, you see the richly painted interior of the guest room you use in the Royal Castle.

And it only grates you a little bit to think that this ceiling, too, is not unfamiliar. But you suppose it is inevitable that you get used to this place, now that you spend more time here than you do at your home.

Today was hectic as usual. You have briefed everypony on your expectations for this week, and then you were presented with the countless small problems that appear on a daily basis in an institution as complex as the Bureau. Before you knew it, sunset was already fast approaching, and Shining Armor convinced you to stop working for the day.

He said, like he almost always does, that everypony needs a good night's sleep so they can work properly on the next day.

And you…

…

You wish he was right.

Or rather, you wish you were about to have a good night of sleep.

But you know that will not happen.

You take a deep breath, exhaling slowly as you try to relax your body. Falling asleep is not an unfamiliar motion, and you know you are tired enough to do it right now, if you really wanted to. And yet, you hesitate. You try to keep your mind busy, or at least you try to stop it from stopping, so you can stay awake for just a little longer. Making up excuses about why you don't really need to sleep right now, and you could maybe enjoy the soft sensation of your bed for just a minute longer.

And you know why you are doing this. Of course you do. You are doing this because you can't put this off any longer. You are doing this because you can't keep avoiding it.

You need to go to the Mansus. You need…



… you need to see what you have done.



You have avoided dreaming ever since the night before Cadance's wedding. There is a lever inside your head, or perhaps something else you can't quite name, that you have learned to control. A mechanism within your mind that allows you to either have a dreamless night… or that makes you go to the Mansus, without the need for the methods you have learned from your former cult.

So, with a great deal of… reluctance, you push that part of your mind into another position.

And when you wake up, you find yourself in the familiar stretches of the Crossroads.



…



It used to be that you could see the Woods from the Crossroads. It used to be that, should you look towards the neverending light of Glory, you could see the House, and the Path, and the great dark silhouette of the forest that grows around and under its walls.

That is not possible anymore.

Because the Woods are gone.

As you tread the familiar and winding path of the Crossroads, you try your best to look at the consequence of your actions. You try your best to keep your eyes straight, towards the approaching Mansus, rather than down.

And what you see is…

The first thought that comes to your mind is that you are looking at a desert. A vast and empty desert, filled with dunes and valleys that are constantly battered by invisible winds. A filthy desert, of sands that are not yellow or gold or colored like the Glory above, but that instead are grey and dull and made out of dirty ash.

You think you are looking at a desert, as you approach that place.

But you soon realize you are wrong. The realization this you the moment you approach the edge of the Crossroads, and your hoofs are about to step on the sticky cinders.

Because you realize now that you are not looking at a desert.

You are looking at an ocean.

The Ashen Wastes are not a true ocean. A pony who steps on its embers will not sink and be swallowed to their doom. Not immediately, at least. But still, the Ashen Wastes look like a tormented painting of how an ocean would look like if it was frozen in place.

But still, the ashen ground is solid enough. At least to walk. Or rather, your legs only sink a little bit, as you walk. Although you can't shake the impression that you are sinking just a little more with each further step.

Still, the ground is solid enough for you to walk.

So, you… step into the Ashen Wastes. And you try your best to ignore how warm your hoofs feel as you do.

The tall dunes of cold embers, that stretch as far as the eye can see, look like waves. They do not look like mounds, formed by wind and gravity. Instead, they look like waves that are perpetually frozen, curled and bent in ways that defy reason. And somehow, somehow, giving you the impression that they will suddenly move, crash and swallow you if you walk underneath the shadow of their faces.

Furthermore, every now and then you catch glimpses of… things. Things that make you feel like you are looking at a painting of a shipwreck, lost within a storm. Every now and then, you think you can see the burnt remains of a black tree, sticking out from a greedy mountain of ashes. Sometimes, you can even see glimpses of Manus-stone, sticking out from the barren surface. And just like planks of wood that were torn from a broken ship, those feel like the only place you can safely step without the ever-present fear that the next step on the ashen ground will see you swallowed.

You march on through this empty, desolate place, giving the menacing waves a wide berth as you go. You hear no sound but the howling of the wind, and you feel nothing but the slight burning sensation on your hoof and the feeling of dirty ash sticking to the coat of your dream body. You see no signs of life, or even movement, and you do not find anything noteworthy.

And as time stretches on, you soon realize you will never really find anything. Because there is nothing here. Nothing. This place is dead and desolate. A mass grave, devoid of peace or corpses. An eternally smoldering monument, whose only purpose is to remind ponykind of what was lost, and to torment anypony who dares to step hoof on it.

Even the smell is disgusting. You have no idea when you started feeling it, or even if it is a smell at all. But still, almost as if the atmosphere of this place is seeping into your dream-body, you can't help but feel a growing sense of revulsion. Towards this place or the world or yourself, or perhaps towards something else that does not yet have a name.

But still, you keep walking. You keep putting one hoof in front of the other, sinking your legs into the soot and trying not to think about the times you feel like you just stepped on something under the ashes.

You keep walking because you have to.

After all, the only reason you are here… the only reason anypony would ever be in a place like this… is still shining down on you.

Because the one thing this place cannot do, that the Woods could, is block out the light of Glory. And throughout your entire journey in this place, as your legs sunk deeper and deeper into the ashes until you could almost feel it on your belly, the Glory has been shining down upon you. The Glory has been shining down upon you, and you have been marching towards it.



And finally, you find an end to this place.



In the far distance, surrounded by wave-mountains of ash so high that you feel like they were trying to block it, you can see light. And you don't mean the light of Glory, no. You can literally see light. A pillar of light, that seems to stretch from the ashen grounds all the way to the Mesa of Mansus-stone high above you.

You don't feel relief, when you finally see that pillar of light. You don't feel relief, because relief seems to be forbidden in this place. But you do feel a wave of hope surging through your body, causing the filthy ash on your coat to burn and itch in reaction.

And the closer you get to the pillar of light, the more familiar it feels to you. You have already seen this light before.

In fact, the symbolism is not lost to you. Because if everything around you looks like a cruel and frozen ocean, then the pillar of light feels like a lighthouse. A beacon of safety, guiding the way to the shore and away from the hungry storm around you.

Eventually, although at much cost, you reach the base of the pillar of light.

The source of this beacon, you immediately realize, is at the very bottom of a long stair of Mansus-stone, that reaches up to the Blank Door.

In fact, as you look more closely, you soon realize that the source light is a horseshoe-shaped sigil, imprinted on the dark-blue stone of the stairs. As if a pony made out of light had left a part of herself there, to help illuminate and navigate the way forward.

But of course, you immediately realize who did it… in fact, you almost climb up the stairs to meet her. You almost make your way up to the Blank Plains, so you can meet her in her lodge.

However, as you look around you and realize why she had to place this beacon to begin with, you can't help but feel… ashamed. And you don't think you will be a welcome guest in her house.

So, you… don't. You climb up a few of the steps, but then you turn around. Sitting where she sat, seeing what she saw when she found you here.

…

And the only thing you feel as you look around at this place, at the vast and endless boundaries of the Mansus that once cradled the first forest…

…is regret.



- - -



You visit the Ashen Wastes several times, during the week. And every night, you feel that you learn a little bit more about this place.

For example, you are convinced that this place is not truly frozen, but instead that this ocean of ashes is just moving very slowly. You haven't been able to confirm it, and you don't think you truly want to. But still, you feel like the scenario around you is constantly shifting, inch by inch, whenever you are not looking.

Furthermore, you have discovered that there are other places connected to the Wastes. Or perhaps they are just extensions of the Wastes themselves? You are not sure. But you have seen glimpses of distant stretches of ash that do not seem to be covered by dunes or waves. Places that you can feel have other properties, or perhaps other purposes.

However, the single, most important, and most horrible thing you have learned from this place is that…

It is alive.

The Ashen Wastes are alive. They are alive, and they can think, and they have been watching you this entire time.

They have been watching you with bated breath. They have been watching you with an eagerness and glee that you can't describe or comprehend. And most of all, they have been watching you with anticipation. Waiting for you to notice it. Waiting for you to finally stare back at it, as it has been staring at you this entire time. Counting the seconds until you realize that every last mote of ash, and every last crashing wave filled with torment, is a part of this single… great… vast entity, that stretches as far as your eyes can see.

And when you finally realize it, you can't stop seeing it no matter where you look.

You feel like you are walking on the back of some great creature, made out of the corpses that were left after a fire. You feel like your hoofs are sinking into burning fur, every time you walk. Like you are a flea on the back of a beast that is the size of the Mansus.

And worst of all, you feel like… like you can hear it. You feel like you can understand it. As if the harsh winds that batter against the waves are trying to carry words rather than just misery. As if this entire time, this vast entity that you are riding has been breathing, thinking, and trying to speak to you.

You feel like you can hear it and… no, it's not just that.

You can actually understand it, now.

As if the knowledge is being shoved, or perhaps burned, into your mind. As if you have no choice but to understand it, now that you have recognized its existence. You understand that words being whispered in the wind, and your mind can't help but piece together a message, syllable by painful syllable, as they come to you in the whipping winds.

Ash…

… has…

… a present…

… for its…

… Mother…​

A chill runs through your spine as you piece together that last word.

And as soon as that happens, you notice something appearing on the ashen ground next to you. A trail of pawprints, as if an invisible wolf was walking right next to you.

The pawprints lead deeper into the Wastes, in a direction you had no yet dared to explore.

…

You know you will regret following the trail.

But you do it anyways.



- - -



The Ashen Wastes are a vast and dead stretch of misery, that goes as far as the eye can see. They are the filthy waves that crash against the walls of the Mansus, though it has no walls. And they are the burning tongues that lick against the undersides of the Blank Plains, yearning to spread its flames to that peaceful and dew-covered place of rest.

The Ashen Wastes are a misbegotten desert. An inanimate desert, which was born from the destruction of something older, greater, and better.

And yet, the ashes are also alive.

Ash is alive. And its body is as large as the Wastes, its fangs are as numerous as the specks of embers, and its rancor is as deep as that of the blood that spawned it.

Ash is alive.



And this is its mouth.



After following the track of pawprints for a long time, you finally come upon a cave.

An utterly unremarkable cave, made out of cinders, that leads to unremarkable darkness.

An utterly deadly mouth, with rows upon rows of hateful teeth, that leads to a fire that still burns.

The track of pawprints, created by some unseen presence (or perhaps pulled down into that shape by the very ground) leads you there, and then it comes to an end. The tracks end at the entrance of the cave, pointing the way towards the "gift" it wants to show you.

Within the cave, you find a body. The skeletal remains of a dead pony, curled up as if it was trying to hug something against itself during the last moments of its life.

Within the salty taste of those bones, you find a memory.

It is the memory of a pegasus. One that could never quite think straight, ever since she was struck in the head by an empty bottle, wielded by an uncaring parent. One that was never quite wanted, as she went from foster home to foster home, always being kicked out for being too slow, or perhaps too quick in all the wrong ways. One that never quite fit in the world created by ponykind, but that still tried with all her soul to earn the love she so desperately craved.

One that never really had any friends... until she did.

One that never really had any reason to be proud of herself... until she was taught that the insistence she carried in her heart was a virtue, not a vice.

One that never really had anyone who loved her... until she was adopted by a fatherly forest.

One that died in agony, as she watched everything she ever loved burn around her.

One that perished in vain, as she neglected her own escape so she could try to collect just one more seed, so she could at least try to replant the only place she had ever felt at home.

One that ultimately failed. At everything. Both in life, and now in death. And whose charred remains will remain here, forever, eternally cradling the burned and ruined crisps of the last seed of the Woods.

…

You look down at the "gift" your son has brought you, and you swear you can hear something behind you. Something that sounds too much like the noise of dust being swept by a tail, that is wagging in excitement. Something that you know is just the wind, but that deep down you realize is much more than just that.

You look down at the consequence of your actions.

And then your hear him ask who shall be next.





Beneath and around the walls of the Mansus, there is only Ash.

How shall it treat those who trespass upon its body?

(Regardless of the option picked, creatures that are part of Velvet Cover's faction will never be negatively affected.)


[Pick one]


[] [ASH-GUARD] Feast!
-"The treacherous ground of the Ashen Wastes will burn and torment every single pony who enters the Mansus."
-All ponies who access the Mansus will receive a small and temporary debuff.

[] [ASH-GUARD] Stalk.
-"The shifting waves will lie in wait, the sightless eyes will watch with bated breath, until its prey is right before its jaws."
-A reasonable number of ponies who access the Mansus will risk receiving a lasting debuff, or a wound if they are unlucky.


[] [ASH-GUARD] Starve...
-"It understands your hate, and it will be all the more gleeful to obey because of it. It will not attack any prey… that is, until madness and hunger subjugate it, and its impulse take over."
-A very small fraction of ponies who access the Mansus will risk receiving a wound, or they might die if they are unlucky.



Beneath and around the walls of the Mansus, there is only Ash.

What scent will you give it? Who has earned your focused hate?

(The character picked here will be actively hunted whenever they enter the Mansus)


[Pick one]


[] [ASH-PREY] Copper Secateur
[] [ASH-PREY] Windy Flakes
[] [ASH-PREY] Somepony else (Write in)
[] [ASH-PREY] No prey





You have explored the lowest level of the Mansus, after its latest change, and have found your way back to the Blank Door.

The Ashen Wastes, all of it, is your son. A vast ocean of its own namesake, born from the fires that you called down from a higher place. It leaves pawprints on your wake, to show that it is following you, and sometimes you swear that you can feel its burning tongue licking against your fur. And the glee it feels every time you visit is only eclipsed by the hate it feels for everything else. If it could, it would close its ashen jaws around the Mansus, and swallow it whole.

Velvet Covers has learned about Ash. And for the first, and perhaps most disturbing time, one of her "sons" has asked her for directions. Ash's skill has been updated on your character sheet.

Velvet Covers may now direct Ash, and dictate how it will treat those who have not been marked by her. All characters in Velvet's factions are immune to Ash's effects.

Starry Dancer has been confirmed as dead. Her death was not a peaceful one.

Twelve hours moratorium. Approval voting. Vote for whatever options you want, without making any plans. I do not feel these actions are sufficiently "linked" to the point a plan is warranted.

 

[Sveta08]

Have a... story? A prediction? A guess? Another History?

.... Ah! That's the right way to put it.
A Pathway

---

The stench of it still clung to your throat.

Still felt like a pebble stuck in your hoof. Still clung to your coat in a way that would never come out. No matter how hard you scrubbed.
No matter how firmly you held Stormy, or how soothing his words would be when you woke up.
No matter how right it was to see and hold Selene when she finally woke up. Even when she called you Mother for the first time.
Even when Silky began to grow and show her age in ways she shouldn't, but that her heart refused to let her back away from.
No amount of pride, or fear, or love, or compassion would coat that raw, acrid taste.


You are Velvet Covers. And you just woke up from what you wished was a dream.


You still tried.

It didn't matter it was too early to begin the day. That once all was said and done at the Bureau you would be tired because you started the day too early, that didn't matter.
Sitting here, dwelling, thinking... wasn't going to help.
Doing something wasn't going to help either. But you could at least try.

Brush held by magic worked its' way through your mane. Cleaning. Straightening what was there. Cleaning what wasn't there.
Ash
He wasn't underhoof here. But you could still feel it. Still smell him. Still hear the space that would have been his voice.
The latest in a long line of mistakes.

.... no.
Consequences. Not mistakes.

You tried to push him from your mind.
Tried to not remember the thing like joy he felt, showing you his gifts.
To forget what you asked of him to do.
The feeling of him up against your legs, leaning like a doting child.

One that coated the walls around the Manus in wounds made the wrong shape and suffering that tasted like a smile with too long teeth.

You failed.
But you still tried.

---

It was a coincidence.
Or, it would have been if you still believed in such things.
Maybe it was an escape you needed for longer than you could remember. Maybe it was a more recent escape than that.
Or maybe it was just a coincidence.

But you needed a minute.
A meal.
And a drink.

Normally, you only take a modest meal. Something easy on the stomach, fairly filling, and something that won't bother you even as the hours wind long. Filling, hearty, good food you could say. And the chefs in the capitol are second to none, baring save perhaps the princesses own attendants. Granted, considering your position, they may very well be one in the same? A question for another time.
No, normally breakfast is a simple affair. Something to eat, move on, and keep you going.

Today, it was a goal.


But it was the tea that made you pause.
Not the meal that you asked for. Not the pause of the attendant as they took your request and ran off with it. Not the gleaming shine of the ware that it came in on. Not the price you are sure every single piece of it would afford.
It was the tea. Or rather, the drink.

Two drinks. Your own request after all.
One your traditional blend of tea, long since perfected by the staff here after having Pompom share with them her secrets.
The other, what you could best describe as a 'morning constitutional.' Something to settle the nerves, to calm the mind, to help wash a way the ichor that wasn't in the back of your throat. More a remedy than a drink, tea or not.

But, it was red.

A very specific red.
Not the right one in taste you could soon attest. Apparently it was a mix with cranberries to try and make the taste more appealing.
But it was the right shade. It was at the right time. It was when your mind was busy and your hooves working.

A coincidence.
Surely.

But it was a seed of an idea.
Or not even a seed. But a potential. A question not thought to be asked, suddenly seen in the light.
A disgusting question. But maybe...

---

It took the rest of the week.

The hours between in the wake full of work that was surely important. Full of requests that were more critical than the last and that all needed you to see to them. Every moment a part of every day that carried on end over end over end. Useful moments. Distracting moments.

But it took until the end of the week for you to return home.
Moments stolen from the people who truely mattered to steal away. A few words proved all it needed. Telling the guard you will be headed home early. Telling your servants you will be home late.
An unpleasant reflection of when you brought her here.

You walked to the annex. It was the place she was kept. Where she made herself at home.
You walked with confidence, if not fear. Till reaching the cellar door.

It was open.
She was waiting.

All it would take would be walking down those steps. Decending down into a place that was her home as much as it was hers.
So you pushed past the scent. Past the feeling of something not quite dead and not quite gone. Deeper down where the world was velvety red and the world was awash in a scent too sweet to be anything but rot.

You walked even when you felt her gaze on you.
Walked until you found your seat. Till you could sit. Could look back up to her.



"[Grail]!"



The creature spoke with the same warmth they always seemed to. Spoke of a joy in meeting them again, and of welcoming Velvet back once more into the little place she had made her own. There was an offering of a drink, or perhaps a request for a visit. Such things by her lips were always too similar.

But of course, they both knew Velvet could not accept a drink. Of her reluctance to visit. It was a joy. And it was a question. The same question given by the tilt of her skull. The same question that always was asked in kindness. Not in offense, but in sincerity.
And Velvet...

"I... have a child."



"[Grail]..."



She agrees with you once more. A wistful sort of word, remembering the brief image she stole of the child on the eve of her summoning. A beautiful child in her own words. One too precious for this world.
As much as you wish to not have her even remember Silky... you shake your head.

"No. I.... I have a son."


And the change is... slow.
Her skull straightens, looking back down at you. Reconsidering your words. Reconsidering what that means.
Velvet black and red robes shift as she moves. Moved to think. To listen.
To taste.
What you want.

And it's impossible. To see the change on a skull. To feel skin tug back into a smile. To see empty eyesockets filled with pride and glee. But you know that is true when she looks back at you. You know with the same certainty that you know the sun will rise and the moon will set. It's absolute. And she...

Is proud you would ask.



"[Grail]"



The sun has risen by the time you leave. What you have learned is...
A different path



Velvet Covers has learned the Ritual "A Mother's Love"
This is not a Regretable Action. This is a Regretable Action

 

[Venerable Ro]

What can I say?
There has been a good bit of talk of Mareinette lately, and now with a new son...
Well, she does have a thing for foals and Velvet's blood. I just put one and one together.

Click to shrink...

So you did. Well then, as the man once said, "one good death deserves another."

You wondered, long after all was said and done, if this had been His plan all along. He was, after all, an Hour, or something close enough as to make no difference, surely even He wasn't totally mindless? Was it self-hatred, was it weariness, was it a natural conclusion to His own destructive nature, or did they genuinely surprise Him with the audacity of their scheme?

Only the Lantern-Mare knows, and Good Baldomare never cared to enlighten you on the Mad Wolf's thoughts.

Not that you cared to ask...

---

You are Velvet Covers, and you have done many things you regret, and a few things you Regret.

This, however, is not one of them. As you watch Soft Sweeps gingerly clamber up the stained staircases you're struck by just how much the mare has grown, how she's battled her traumas, how she's come to peace with them, and how she's preserved her wounds as a precious memory. No, you do not regret a moment, not even that moment, because it has led you here, to this time and this place, where you are so very proud of this mare, your Daughter.

But you're still a mother, and so there's no such thing as too much support!

You hop a bit further up the stairs and come alongside Soft, giving her a quiet nudge and warm smile. She smiles back first hesitantly and then with a glint of determination. She nods, after long nights of guilt, confessions, and forgiveness, there's nothing left for either of you to say.

.
.
.

The air grows denser and danker with a scent of old blood and older hatred as you climb, until at last you turn some ineffable corner or crest some imperceptible horizon. There He is.

THEWOLFTHEWOUNDTHESCARTHEREGRETTEDTHEHATETHEMALICETHEPAINTHERUINTHEBLIGHTTHEWARPTHEROTTHE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.
.
.

It takes you a moment to realize, Soft Sweeps is hugging you, you're shaking, you can't see anything but her coat and the feathers of the wings she's also enveloped you with.

She smells like mint of all things, sharp and cool all at once.

Her gaze is searching, she's leaned her forehead right against yours, her gaze is searching and oh so filled with understanding.

I don't deserve a daughter like this.

You realize you've said that out loud as Soft raises an eyebrow.

"No, no you don't. Just like I don't deserve a mother as wonderful as you, just like he (she tosses her head towards her back) doesn't deserve either of us. Love's not about deserving mom; love's a sharp, brittle thing that'll slip out of your hooves and cut them apart. But it's worth it, it's always worth it, because the memories will never fade and you'll never doubt it was real. I'm your daughter Mom, for better or worse, that's my choice, and that's what love is."

"Choice."

She pulls back a little and stands from where you were both huddled on the floor. Her gaze is cool and her eyes are fierce as you steady yourself. The writhing, snapping, bleeding form far away and so massive as to seem nearby doesn't seem quite so terrible now.

Which is good, because Soft Sweeps is marching away from you.

Towards The wolf.

"You hear that Wolf?" She shouts over a rising earthquake-growl, "Choice! It's about choice! The one thing every thinking being is capable of, the one thing every being ought to have, the one thing that makes life Life instead of a sad imitation! The choice to love, the choice to hate, the choice to dwell on suffering or peace, the choice to covet your wounds or forgive them, the choice to die today or live until tomorrow!

Her voice softens-

"The choice you never got."

The silence is deafening.

The Wolf seems, almost confused; one (head?) staring at soft, the other slowly pulling itself free from the shattered section of stairway it had futilely impaled itself on. The only sound is the constant drip and deluge of rotting blood pouring from innumerable wounds.

"Choice." Sweeps continues, "the other Hours got a choice didn't they, a choice to climb or descend, a choice to seek and prolong their existence, even a choice to depart. You didn't get that, not at the beginning and you still don't have it now."

The Wolf has climbed to its feet, blood pouring down like a summer monsoon, its roar like a rabid earthquake.

"I AM THE WOUND AND THE ROOT, I AM THE FIRST REGRET AND THE FINAL RUIN, I AM THE WOLF, THE DIVISION!"

"You are, yes, you are all of these things. Because you were made this way, not because you chose it. You are also in pain, and suffering, and despair, because you were made that way, not because you chose them. That's not right, nothing deserves to suffer like this, be made to suffer like this."

"Not even you."

The Wolf is very close now, the endless blood has frothed up like an ocean save for the little hillock of Mansus-stone you're standing on, the waves caused by the Wolf wading through its own blood lap at your hooves. Two torn and ragged heads like mountains stare down on your left and right, their/its attention fixated on Soft Sweeps.

"WHY?"

Soft Sweeps stares unflinchingly back, "You saved my life."

As the Wolf rears back she clarifies, "Well, Mom saved my life, but she could only do it with your gift, so I wanted to thank you, and let you know that you've done at least one thing in the world that didn't end in disaster. You could have killed mom when she met you, but you didn't. I know you didn't mean for anything good to come of it, but thanks to that choice I'm alive today."

"So thank you for sparing Mom's life, and giving her the chance to save my own."

"YOUR "MOTHER'S" CHOICES KILLED YOUR PARENTS."

Soft closes her eyes for a moment as you cringe with an old shame. Then you startle as she reaches over and gives you a soft but firm wing-hug

"Yes, they did, and yes, they died. Sometimes I feel as if everything's going so well, and then I wake up some mornings and the pain is so fresh I feel as if I'm dying all over again. That pain is never going to leave me, but I never want it to. I choose that pain, those memories, to keep and treasure just like I treasure my mother. The pain means it was real."

A shriek of rage has you both covering your ears as the two heads of the Wolf begin tearing at each other.

"PAIN MEANS PAIN! THERE IS NO DEEPER MEANING, THERE IS ONLY THE BLOOD, ONLY THE HATE!"

Soft Sweeps screams back, her voice cutting through the din.

"MY PAIN MEANS WHAT I DECIDE IT MEANS! NOBODY ELSE GETS TO MAKE THAT CHOICE FOR ME! NOT MY MOTHER, NOT STRANGERS WHO THINK THEY KNOW ME, AND NOT EVEN YOU! MY CHOICE, YOU HEAR ME? MINE AND NOBODY ELSE'S!"

The echoes of Soft Sweep's scream of fury seem to last for an eternity, a backdrop to the frozen tableau of two Wolf heads, their teeth in each other's necks, staring with one bloodshot eye each at the pegasus hovering right in front of them.

"MY CHOICE, my wounds, my memory. I will die someday, but not today. I will be my own worst enemy, but I will go on. Life is fleeting, but the pain means it was real."

The look on the Wolf's faces is indescribable, a bewildering mixture of fury, astonishment, and disgust spread across two titanic muzzles. Alongside an almost unnoticeable flicker of satisfaction?

"CHOICE? WOUNDS SALVED BY CHOICE? HATRED QUENCHED, BY CHOICE? PAIN GIVEN MEANING?
BY CHOICE?"

Mane blown askew by the Wolf's breath, Soft Sweeps nods firmly and with finality. "By CHOICE. Always by CHOICE.

"CHOICE." The Wolf, muses?

The Wolf stands still, in contrast to its previous frenetic self-savaging the stillness manages to be even worse, which you ruefully admit is in keeping with the Wolf's nature if not its habits. Soft hovers in equal silence, watching as the Wolf stares off into the distance.

Eventually, you're not sure how much later, something happens, something shifts to break the moment.

The blood begins to slow, the wounds, impossibly, seeming to run dry after an eternity.

HATRED IS KNOWLEDGE, FURY IS INSIGHT, WRATH IS CERTAINTY. I AM HATE AND HATE IS WHAT I AM. I AM WHAT I AM BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT THAT BITCH MADE ME, NOT BECAUSE I CHOSE IT.

The Wolf is actually sagging now, to your amazement, sinking down to its haunches and then its belly as the inexhaustible flow of blood from its uncountable wounds runs out.

I AM THE WOLF DIVIDED, BORN OF MURDER, BORN OF BETRAYAL, BORN OF RUIN. I AM AN EVIL DAY.

The Wolf's two heads rest, one on its paws, the second on the first.

I CANNOT BE KILLED, FOR HATRED NEVER DIES.

A single vast eye peers up at a bewildered Soft, something indescribable in its unwavering gaze.

"I cannot be killed and so I must live. If I live, then I may choose. I choose. I choose something other than what she made of me."

The Wolf's eye closes, and slowly but surely something so ubiquitous you hadn't even noticed it, a heartbeat, comes to an end.

---

[An Old Wound Staunched] A (in hindsight extremely ill-advised) journey to the shattered stairs with your daughter has somehow lead to the peaceful ending of the Wolf Divided. You can't begin to fathom the implications of this, but you can already feel the dispersal of his influence on the Wake, and on you as well. [Stains On The Soul] have become [Fading Stains] and will likely prove surprisingly easy to wash away with time and the right care.

[Lone Wolves Wandering] Your sons are confused and directionless without their Father's rage goading them on, while still dangerous and driven by their natures they no longer have anything like their old power behind them. They still love their mother though, and may return for guidance.

[Hour-Mantling Ascendant] Soft Sweeps has seemingly done something out of the oldest legends, on par with The Colonel and The Moth. What this truly means for her is far beyond your meagre knowledge. Soft Sweeps gains [???], [???], [??????]

---

Bloody Zog, gotta love hyperfixation. where did my evening go? So much editing, so much Wolf-angst, so much never-to-be-sufficiently-damned color coding. Hopefully I got Soft Sweeps somewhat right, attribute any inconsistencies to her deepening understanding of Edge and Winter.

 

[Greymere]

In Which The Woods Shine Bright

You are Trainee Compass Rose, and tonight…

Tonight, you will take your first proper steps into the Dream.

You've been preparing for this all week; taking in the snippets of advice from your seniors, pouring over the Bureau's archives, even drawing the attention of your favored Lore this evening before you went to sleep.

Because tonight, you will be entering the Woods, that final step needed to become a proper agent of the Lunar Bureau. You have proven your mortal skills, you have proven your esoteric skills, and all that remains is to prove your ability to walk the Dream.

Though, admittedly… despite all your worries… all of your seniors have assured you that this is basically just… a formality. A social ritual to signify your graduation to a full agent. That the Woods, while certainly disorienting, are not dangerous.

Or, at least, they are not dangerous anymore.

Because ultimately, there lies the source of your anxiety. That if you look deep enough into the oldest section of the Bureau's archives, you can find records of how this place used to be: an ocean of burning, hateful ash frozen in time. An ocean of ash that would love nothing more than to devour you whole, save for the blessing of protection that covered the Bureau even in those early days.

But those days are long gone, and now the Woods are here instead, ever since the first Commissioner of the Bureau ascended to claim the highest throne of the Mansus. Or perhaps before. Or perhaps after. The details aren't exactly clear, but that's only to be expected when it comes to the Lorekeeper.

So for now, there's nothing left but to move forward, following the path of deep blue Mansus-stone from the Crossroads to that distant gleam surrounding the walls of the Mansus (though the Mansus has no walls), the pure light of Glory refracted into a prismatic display by the countless crystal trees of the Woods.

And the moment you cross that threshold, where stone becomes crystal, you realize why your seniors assured you that your worries were unfounded.

Because you can feel it.

Despite the too-vivid colors surrounding you, emanating from every leaf and piece of crystalline bark. Despite the overwhelmingly bright and dazzling nature of the Woods.

It feels a bit like a heartbeat, echoing out from the earth beneath your hooves, carried by roots that drink deep of a different light. It feels a bit like a blanket, lovingly crocheted and tucked around your sleeping form.

You think that, maybe, that the Woods love you.

-----

Once, the Woods were bright and vibrant, for ignorance was bliss.

Once, the Woods were darkened, when ponykind cursed itself with its own god.

Once, the Woods were destroyed, in an act of desperation that would forever carry the taste of regret.

Once, there was a seed, taken from a shining tree hidden in the Wake and planted in ash.

Now, the Woods are bright once more, not in ignorance but in hope.

-----

The Crystal Wood guards the walls of the Mansus. As any student of Histories knows, the Mansus has no walls.

Spoiler: 'sup

Have my first omake. Spawned from the random (and probably unfeasible ) thought of "yeah the last seed of the Woods was destroyed, but there's another super-magic tree out there isn't there? And what do trees have? Seeds! Or at least cuttings."

Or, in other words, what if we grew a new Woods from cuttings/a seed from the Tree of Harmony.

Also this is my first time doing non-ttRPG related creative writing in… a while? So hopefully it reads all right

 

[spiderhellian]

Beauty and the Beast

You are Copper Secateur.

And you're trying really, really, hard to not get distracted.

This is the House of the Sun, after all. You can feel the light of Glory tickling your face. It's not a place to be focused on anything other than your aims, your goals, your desire. That way lays distraction, and then deception, and then quite possibly death.

You've passed the Gate of Want. You've honed your desires into a razor-sharp tool. You should be good at this.

But Velvet Covers is just. That. FRUSTRATING!

---

You thought you had grown stronger than this. Or that the… business you took care of before you fell asleep would have been a suitable distraction from her. Or that the cool breeze a certain guest has lent this city might settle your mind.

But even as you were falling asleep, you were still wrestling with the rumour that had blown in: your one-time recruit, one-time co-advisor, one-time rival, present-day Foe is now Director of the Lunar Bureau.

Maybe this is some mess of Moth absurdity. Ever since the Master disappeared, you've never quite felt settled, in the world as much as in your own skin. He had been a presence in your life for what felt like years, and though you don't doubt Starry's Moth-prophet proclamation, you do doubt that his strings are fully gone. Velvet might still be dancing to them, having been elevated into some darker secret and deeper plot. It would be just like her to leave the rest of the cult behind for her own ambition.

But truthfully, you don't think it is. The pony who ignored everything she owed you for that first introduction to the occult, the noblemare who turned her back on the cult when it needed support the most, the one advisor who always kept her secrets close... You're not surprised the only secret she left you with was her betrayal. Because while you don't know much about this Lunar Bureau, you can already feel it's meant to hunt you.

That last thought draws you back to your surroundings. Finally. Add that to your frustrations over Velvet, she distracts you when you're meant to be exploring.

Which nay have been a dangerous mistake. Because you've wandered off course, and the back of your neck is itching. You feel a whiff of desire, and you know it takes a violent form.

If before you suspected you would soon be hunted, now you're definitely being hunted.

---

It goes quickly. A hunt. A pounce. And then you're face to face with a Name.

For all Neighnia has taught you about ending, you really don't want to meet your's here. You still have so many desires left unfulfilled. But, like so many decisions that have shaped your life recently, it seems like it's not up to you.

The face in front of you has bright gold hair. Razor sharp teeth. And, unmistakably, that mouth curves into a smile.

"Nod if you're leading a rebellion against the status quo." It takes a moment to drag your attention away from those teeth. But as soon as you do, you nod.

"Nod if you need to be stronger." The Glory shining down, that still feels so far distant to you (and undoubtedly less distant for her), catches your eye as you nod again.

"Nod if the one you fight bears scars." You… pause? Maybe she does, but you don't really know, do you? You hesitate, and the predator in front of you snorts a laugh.

"She does. I can smell it on you."

She continues, "Shaphur's sword-shards, I've missed the taste of corrivality. War in the Wake has such a spice. The monsters you can make of it!"

Her breath is hot against you, and it smells of blood. She pauses for a moment, before she leans forward, the smile not fading from her face.

She covers your eyes with her paws, claws pricking against your skin, and with the Glory's light blocked from view you find yourself beginning to wake.

You're left with a Name in your mind, a ritual on your tongue, and that rich, burning, sensation of a desire about to be fulfilled.

Spoiler: AN

I came across this quote buried deep in the SV thread:

Of every creature in existence, I bet the Baldomare could tell us how to get away from the master. At least for a while.

Click to shrink...

That you know of.

"Wait, why are you asking me this instead of... oh... you haven't met her yet? Pony-Jesus, Velvet, it's almost as if you haven't set hoof in the Mansus ever since you got your Brand!"

Click to shrink...

That quote is from the discussion of the Changeling assault! And who would "her" be but the Name of a power whose very essence is "Rebelling against a terrifyingly strong master"?

This reminded me that there's every possibility the Lionsmith-aligned Edge name doesn't lay ahead of us in the Mansus, but lays behind somewhere, in one of the areas we did not so thoroughly explore.

If so, I really hope this is a scene that has not come to pass, and will not. That's part of why I'd like to hamper Copper's continued exploration of the Mansus by means of Ash.

 

[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.

 

[spiderhellian]

The Mother Desires

Some Notes on the Consequences of Metallurgy, Pt 1.

Spoiler

Description: A thick notebook, filled to the brim with an ancient philosopher's notes. Most of them are meaningless and not worth the time it takes to read them, but your attention is caught by a description of the time he spent a week actually working in a forge ("My first peregrination beyond these walls in a decade!").

At least the few pages where the blacksmith he attended snatched this book out of his hands, and wrote them herself, might prove interesting.

Study Start Text

Spoiler

You've made metal into a dagger, and you think that's all you've made? No. A dagger makes a killer. A killer kills a king. A dead king means a decade's war.

You've made metal into a hoe? You've made a farm, and a life, and a family.

Study End Text

Spoiler

The few lines that follow the Blacksmith's text are perhaps the only lines of value the philosopher offered.

Every tool you make, makes the world around it. And every change you make changes the world around it. When you make something, you do not know all you will change.

The Deepest Desire

Spoiler

Description: Some crafty voyeur once dug a small tunnel, that reached under a nearby pleasure-house. Amazingly, her secret was never discovered during her lifetime, and you are the first to know it in at least an era. Perhaps she was bored or perhaps she sought blackmail, but for whatever reason she spent some of her time in that tunnel recording the conversations going on around her in this journal. At times, her pen ink flowed particularly freely, leaving splotches the size of wine-stains.

Study Start Text

Spoiler

Yes, dearest, I know you think you've known it all. All the pleasures. And trust me, I saw you when you first came in -- I know you've suffered your share of torments too.

But if you say all your desires have been fulfilled, yes, I will call you a liar. Again and again and again. And yes I will do it in front of your friends, because they should know the truth.

Oh, come now, I didn't mean that to hurt you. But even if you do not know what it is you desire, I promise you that there is one you have never known.

Yes, dearest, I could teach you about it. It will take a number of months, and a little time off work, but you can learn.

Study End Text

Spoiler

I will offer you this warning, dearest. This is not a desire that can be sated, not really. You can suppress it -- you know how to lock a piece of yourself away, don't you? -- but it will remain a desire all the same. You will never leave it, and it will never leave you.

And perhaps one day, when your willpower is weak, or your strings are snapped, or the weight of the world becomes a little too much -- you will indulge.

A Tragedy, in One Act

Spoiler

Description: There was once a playwright who killed himself, and then wrote a play. You know this, down to the very order of those events, because you can feel the grief and disgust seeped into this tome even all these eras afterwards.

You can also smell the blood, which the author used as ink.

Study Start Text

Spoiler

I SAW IT I SAW THEM I OPEN AND I GO

Study End Text

Spoiler

Stage right: ENTER THE DAUGHTERS.

One: The stairs are broken!

Another: This place is wounded, yes. What did you think that meant?

Another: It is a lot easier to slither, than to walk.

Stage left: ARISE, THE MOTHER

The Mother: My Children. My Daughters. I have been looking for you.

THE MOTHER encircles THE DAUGHTERS.

THE MOTHER devours THE DAUGHTERS.

Off-stage: Screaming.

EXEUNT.

Spoiler: AN

After this chapter, I had a grim thought about what Axe's mother might have done. What kind of "bad things of old" she wished "had been buried away and forgotten". What kind of thing forced her to swear herself to another, after her mother "did what she did".

What if the Mother of Ants ate all those Great Hooded Princesses, those snakemares who were her children, in that moment where long-held desires were finally unleashed?

…It's probably totally wrong, isn't it, doesn't really explain the sisterhood piece. Oh well

 

[Alan975]

The thing is doing


View: https://x.com/TGJ975/status/1839835155185160478/photo/1


Also -

Let's see her full toolset with the winter realization.

THEN we can make plans.

Click to shrink...

Would you like it if we waited till after we've reached Glory to get on with our problems? Because things are being pushed forward as if we have infinite time and control when events trigger.

 

[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.

 

[Turamarth]

@OurLadyOfWires here are some AI-generated images for the quest.

Spoiler: Velvet Covers

Spoiler: Velvet Covers 2

Spoiler: Cultist Rarity

Spoiler: Depressed Twilight

Spoiler: Depressed Twilight 2

Spoiler: Depressed Twilight 3