In A Better Light: Sc.09


                                            >The sun has long set by the time you make it back inside the palace with Tene.

                                            >Though you give her daily briefings on the essentials during Night Court, tonight is the night of the week Princess Luna requests a more detailed report.

                                            >Something tickled the back of your mind though.

                                            >She wasn’t going to be in her private offices tonight.

                                            “Tene.”

                                            >”Yeah?”

                                            “Where was Her Majesty supposed to be tonight?”

                                            >Tene practically bounces in her stride, her armor clinking against its straps and restraints. “The hangar!”

                                            >Ah, that’s right. Inspecting the newest airship acquisitions of the Guard.

                                            >The Night Watch does not formally possess any, being so recently reintegrated with the Guard, but you’ve heard rumors of plans.

                                            >Perhaps tonight is when Luna will make her decision on the matter.

                                            >You hope she agrees, not out of any particular knowledge of them, but the opposite.

                                            >The thought of ships that sail through the sky makes you giddy in a way you haven’t felt since a child, watching the Royal Navy’s great ships sail off the coast, or anchored in harbor.

                                            >You could see them any time, really; the Hangar is technically part of the cave network that was the Thestral’s home, blasted out of an auxiliary cavern that happened to be close enough to the mountain’s skin to make an opening and given over to the Guard as a gift for accepting them back into Her Majesties’ service.

                                            >But despite Tene’s claims to the contrary – totally absent of any support for your perspective at all, honestly – you still saw the Thestral race and the Night Watch as separate entities, and didn’t wish to intrude where your command didn’t extend.

                                            >To make a report to the Princess obviously overrode this.

                                            >…Part of you wonders if she arranged this intentionally.

                                            >Such subtlety would certainly be her style; a return to old form after her apparent difficulties reintegrating, you’d heard.

                                            “Then there we shall go-”

                                            >A disturbance at the end of the hall

                                            >A pegasus in guard’s armor was addressing one of your ponies.

                                            >Receiving a cool reception, to boot.

                                            >Only to be expected.

                                            >Both the troops notice you at the same time.

                                            >The pegasus quickly takes off, gliding halfway to the hall’s extended ceilings to reach you.

                                            >Ah, it’s Raven’s assistant. “Adjutant Anonymous!”

                                            >You and Tene stop, the joy gone from the latter’s demeanor.

                                            “Yes?”

                                            >”A request from Adjutant Inkwell. One of the liaisons to the draconic mission was seen engaging in suspicious activity. She asks you task some personnel to keep an eye on her.”

                                            >You look down at Tene.

                                            “Send word to the guards in that wing to modify their rotations; one should be able to observe the dragon’s embassy suite at all times.”

                                            >Tene angles her wings in a salute, before giving Alpenglow one last stink-eye and taking off.

                                            >Alpenglow squints at her as she departs. “May I speak freely?”

                                            “You may.”

                                            >He turns back to you. ”All due respect, sir, but while I understand the distance most thestrals keep us – and we are little better – your own assistant could be a little more friendly.”

                                            “While I consider her more relaxed demeanor an asset, I do believe you are correct.”

                                            >Alpenglow looks like he’s about to puff himself up.

                                            “However-”

                                            >He deflates.

                                            “I am confident she will say it’s merely a response to your kind’s treatment of hers.”

                                            >To his credit, he continues to look you in the eye.

                                            >You give him a slight smile.

                                            “Take heart; this is an issue I hope to raise with Ms. Inkwell in the near future. I am no stranger to inter-service rivalries. There is an abominable lack of trust around here, and I hope to eventually fix that.”

                                            >He nods. “Thank you, sir. I must return.”

                                            >You wave him off, and he takes off to glide through the halls once more, undoubtedly back to Raven.

                                            >Unlike most palace staff, you don’t need to exit the palace and use one of their balloons to make your way to the Hangar.

                                            >You can instead go deeper.

                                            >The fastest way to get to anywhere in the Thestral’s cave network is from a secondary hub cavern close to a “wing” of the Palace’s basements.

                                            >As you descend, the interior design becomes less colorful, but the structure itself more ornate.

                                            >This elaborate architecture is not for the benefit of the mostly mundane functions these levels are now assigned to, and have been for some centuries.

                                            >Rather, it is a sign of character of its reigning monarch.

                                            >Or, was.

                                            >Though during her absence, Luna’s sister repurposed much of these spaces to support the growing bureaucratic functions that increasingly occupied the palace’s upper levels, these corridors and rooms initially housed Luna’s half of the mechanisms of state.

                                            >Since her return, everything is run from unified centers topside, just now at all hours of the day; the Night’s functionaries are merely fewer in number.

                                            >All functions now answer to Her Majesties’ equally, rather than being separated.

                                            >Besides storage, maintenance, and other essential but uninteresting departments now quartered down here, there is little need to use these spaces.

                                            >It’s a shame, really.

                                            >The cathedral-esque architecture appeals to you much more than the palatial topside.

                                            >A stairwell leads directly to one side of the cavernous great hall that used to serve as the Night Court’s home.

                                            >One of the biggest windows in the palace marks one end, looking out across the foothills of Canterlot’s mountains, illuminated by a full moon.

                                            >The vista is totally free of urban obstruction, carved as it is into the side of the mountain itself, inset into its slope enough that the space outside the window forms a balcony of sorts.

                                            >The location is special to you; the first place Tene escorted you to after the two of you had met.

                                            >So that Luna could offer you the job you presently occupied.

                                            >But tonight, the other side of that hall interests you.

                                            >Behind an ancient stone throne, the hall narrows to a more normal-sized exit.

                                            >And through that exit, you make your way into the cave system these spaces were initially carved from.

                                            >The secondary hub beyond is rather plain; a five-way intersection, one of which you cannot access, for it leads straight up.

                                            >Four guards, each posted in one of the large room’s corners.

                                            >All four of them snap to attention when you enter.

                                            >You give them a casual salute as you take a left.

                                            >The passageway here stays level only for a short time; a notable though not challenging rise takes most of its length.

                                            >It also only stays lit for a short time.

                                            >Your contingent does not need light to navigate, after all.

                                            >Fortunately for you, it’s a fairly straight path, and the thestrals keep their spaces clear of obstructions.

                                            >As you make your way up, now in total darkness, you become aware of your other senses expanding slightly in an attempt to make up for your loss of vision.

                                            >You can feel the cool air on your skin shift as you pass side branches.

                                            >The sound of your footsteps changes in minute ways as your ascent cuts through different bands of rock in the mountain.

                                            >Light only creeps back into the passageway slowly, as your ascent nears its end.

                                            >The passage comes out into a small chamber with two more posted guards, both as responsive to your presence as the last set, despite their back being to you.

                                            >An ability you always found mysterious.

                                            >But they had recently given you the key.

                                            >It must be a result of their unique magic.

                                            >The other side of this chamber finally leads to the cavernous main hangar of the Guard.

                                            >Practically exploding with light, compared to the passage leading you here, it’s also exploding with sound.

                                            >Bustling activity occupies all parts of all three dimensions.

                                            >Work crews move about carrying tools and supplies.

                                            >Night Watchponies traverse the area in all directions as the connecting space it used to be before its conversion

                                            >Shipwrights and fitters work on the newest addition to the small fleet, occupying the ar side of the hall.

                                            >Around that area rings a collection of thestrals, keeping distance but paying rapt attention.

                                            >Which means the Princess is there.

                                            >Unlike the posted Watchmares, these pay you little mind as you approach.

                                            >Their devotion to their sovereign is all-encompassing.

                                            >Even still, they automatically move out of your way as you make your way through them, without looking at you.

                                            >Princess Luna is indeed at the center, standing at a railing on a platform overlooking the work on the new vessel.

                                            >You fall to one knee a respectful distance away.

                                            “Your Majesty.”

                                            >“Adjutant, a pleasure. Please, comest.”

                                            >Her smile bids you straighten again.

                                            >You have a foot on her, which makes things a little awkward.

                                            >You join her side, and the both of you look out at the construction.

                                            >Unlike civilian airships, which have somewhat familiar ship-shaped bulk suspended underneath one or more large balloons, the few Guard airships nestle the balloon right over the hull itself, which is partially built around said balloon at its midsection, supporting and to some extent protecting the balloon, even as it provides structural integrity to the hull proper below.

                                            >This ‘waledeck’ is being assembled even now on this particular vessel, indicating it is near completion.

                                            >Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Luna glance at you, and her smile widens before she returns her attention back to the ship. “Adjutant, we are not so different here.”

                                            “We are surrounded by your admirers, Your Majesty, who hardly pay me any mind.”

                                            >”We mean here, in this spot, looking at such work. When we departed, our little ponies did not have such marvels. We can see it in thy eyes; thou art fascinated by it. As are we. Marvels of ingenuity.”

                                            “I will admit, Your Majesty, to a feeling a personal connection.”

                                            >You gesture at the completed ships, berthed in a line extending to one side of your position.

                                            “So much of your peoples’ magic is foreign to me, but this is just similar enough to what I know to understand. Its wonder puts everything in proper perspective.”

                                            >Around one of the berthed ships, a flying form resolves to familiarity

                                            >Tene has carried out her task and returns to your side, landing gently on the platform, then prostrates herself towards the Princess.

                                            >”Rise, Watchmare. Your commander was about to giveth us his report.”

                                            >Taking the cue, you clear your throat.

                                            “The Night Watch continues to perform to expectation, Your Majesty, with one exception.”

                                            >Luna turns her full attention to you. “Oh?”

                                            “To give it proper context, I shall address some other events first. Earlier in the week, Adjutant Inkwell and I made a most discomforting. I suspect some group is deceiving our foreign observation. This impairs our work on the Gryphon border problem; with little else we could do until that issue is resolved, I bid Ms. Inkwell to retire for the night.”

                                            >”A curious thing to ask of that one.”

                                            “She returned in a less than dignified state, which revealed the problem I hope to address. A deliberate security violation was perpetuated to cover her return in the night. After inquiring into the practice, I was informed of a long list of exceptions to normal protocol.”

                                            >”Hm. We believe we know of what thou speakest.”

                                            “I hope to amend, or perhaps even abolish, most or all of the practices.”

                                            >She looks at you a moment, before nodding. “Thou hast our blessing.”

                                            “Thank you. As for the information problem, Ms. Inkwell and I are tapping what resources we can to get to the bottom of it. One obstacle is a lack of collegiality between the Air Patrol and the Night Watch.”

                                            >Remember the encounter in your office, earlier in the evening.

                                            >They don’t trust you enough for you to ask for any broad reform of their behavior.

                                            >You may need help.

                                            “If I may make a request; might you speak with Her Majesty about this?”

                                            >Luna’s eyes narrow, and she turns to survey those around her.

                                            >Her gaze sweeps over them like a gale; some step back, others brace and mutter to neighbors.

                                            >Perhaps they could listen in even from where they stood.

                                            >But these reactions only spoke to their deference; many even took the opportunity to lower their bodies in obsequience.

                                            >”Perhaps we shall.”

                                            >She turns back to you. “We must caution thee, however; centuries of resentment changeth only with great effort.”

                                            >You bow your head.

                                            “I understand, Your Majesty,”

                                            >You glance back at the crowd.

                                            >It’s not just Watchmares; even younger thestrals turned out to see their sovereign.

                                            >You hope hearing such judgments on them doesn’t hurt their opinion.

                                            >Perhaps it may even help.

                                            >As a new generation comes up the ranks, they may prove better able to work with those who shunned their parents.

                                            >Speaking of young coming up through the ranks…

                                            “Tene.”

                                            >Your guard goes ramrod straight.

                                            >Even she discovers some formality around the Princess.

                                            >”Yes, sir?”

                                            “Go find the young recruit named Sextia and take her here.”

                                            >She spreads her wings to comply, but you hold out a hand.

                                            “When you return, make sure she cannot see Her Majesty.”

                                            >Tene glances at Luna, then bows her head in the Princess’ direction and lifts off.

                                            >”Why dost thou summon her?”

                                            “She has a most remarkable talent; I wish to demonstrate it. We shall see how long it takes her to identify you. Or, more precisely, at what distance.”

                                            >”Intriguing.”

                                            “Ah, one last piece of my report, before we move on to other matters.”

                                            >You dig the spent magical gem out of your pocket, and show it to the Princess.

                                            “I had an encounter with the dragon ambassador. We exchanged some unkind words; he threatened me, but escaped through some sort of portal. He left this behind. I was hoping you may know someone who could tell me more about where he went, if not to his quarters.”

                                            >Luna eyes the gem, then levitates it from your grasp.

                                            >“We know just the pony.”

                                            >It disappears with a pop of collapsing air.

                                            >”And we shall direct her to giveth thee a report.”

                                            “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

                                            >She returns her attention to the under-construction airship. “This matter with the Gryphons concerns us greatly, Adjutant. Our sister’s thoughts on the matter are obscured by centuries of peace in the area. But we, like the hippogryphs, find ourselves returning to the present with little context of those centuries, and memories full of bloody strife over those lands. We must do our best as a nation to keep the peace our sister is so familiar with.”

                                            “I will admit to some concern myself, Your Majesty. It reminds me of a dire war from home, starting shortly after my birth.”

                                            >She turns her gaze back to you. “Speakest more of this conflict.”

                                            “It started from such a little thing; some skirmishing between colonies half a world away. Of great importance to them, surely,  but back home it was a nuisance like that which we’ve been dealing with for some time. But even skirmishes inflame tensions, and people make designs on far greater conflict in its wake. Closer to home, alliances shifted, raising fears in some quarters about threats to certain holdings. And on the other side, once-friends envious of new allies’ recent acquisitions. Minor clashes escalate, and mere rumors of war can spark real ones. Soon the whole world was in flames. A great and terrible war.”

                                            >She studies you silently for some time before replying. “We recall thou comest to us from a moment of strife, as well. Were no lessons learned?”

                                            “We fought the same powers as the war decades before, and its spark came from the same colonies abroad, but this time, from our own. Unrest developed, partially due to the consequences of the prior battles. We attempted to prevent their revolt, but we failed. Old enemies pounced on us, siding with our rebellious subjects.”

                                            >You shake your head.

                                            “I cannot help but think the rumors of strife surrounding this issue may prove just as disasterous.”

                                            >Despite all this, Luna smiles. “Adjutant, we believe this maketh you all the more driven and capable of resolving said issue. Raven is equally up to the task; with her determination and thy knowledge, thou may avoidest that disaster, for the good of our realm.

                                            “I will do my utmost, Your Majesty.”

                                            >She returns her attention to the ships once more, but the mention of Raven reminds you.

                                            >The night brings counsel.

                                            “Ah, Your Majesty, how familiar are you with Ms. Inkwell anyway?”

                                            >”Our sister knoweth her much better, of course, but we are acquainted. Why dost thou ask?”

                                            “I fear she may be working herself too hard. The determination you mention is admirable, but after last night’s events, I fear she may not be handling the burden with grace.”

                                            >Luna sighs. “Anonymous, we cannot give thee the contents of her dreams. Those are a private matter of utmost confidence.”

                                            >You chuckle.

                                            “I’m surprised she dreams at all.”

                                            >She laughs with you before continuing. “Indeed, but she doth dream. We will say this; work shapeth her world, so perhaps thou best approachest her on those terms. Use thy connection in that manner to nudgest her away, bit by bit.”

                                            >She hums to herself in thought before continuing. “In truth, thou lackest many qualities attendant to the fairer sex. I mean no offense, Anonymous, but most mares would findeth thee a bore. In this case, however, that may proveth an advantage of thine. Raven would not respondeth to typical male overtures.

                                            >She laughs again. “We do not imply anything untoward or impugn thy motivations, of course. Overwork should concerneth friends, and we are glad thou lookest after your colleagues.”

                                            >A thestral flaps her wings from a distant walkway; Tene has returned with a teen filly in tow. Sextia wears the same blindfold that you’ve seen thestrals train while wearing before.

                                            >Instead of flying, Tene leads her down the stairs the work crews use to navigate the space, and the pair make their way over on hooves.

                                            >Tene keeps her pace slow, and seems to be keeping Sextia back with conversation, but about what you cannot make out at this distance.

                                            >At least your height allows you to see over the ring of thestrals fixated on Luna.

                                            >The cavern is very wide; half a dozen ships berth here, and there are still empty spaces for more in the future.

                                            >Even still, Tene and Sextia are barely halfway across it before Sextia goes rigid and still, her blindfolded head snapping to your position.

                                            >Or, more likely, Luna’s.

                                            “Remarkable.”

                                            >”Hm?” Luna turns to see where you’re looking.

                                            “The filly I wished you to see. There.”

                                            >You point at the once-again approaching pair.

                                            “Even from that distance, she noticed you.”

                                            >Luna responds with a wordless exclamation of surprise.

                                            >Tene escorts Sextia through the throng, once again prostrating herself before Luna when she reaches your side.

                                            >Sextia quickly copies the gesture, even while blindfolded.

                                            >You reach down and remove it from her eyes but beneath it she has them closed.

                                            >Luna beams down at her. “Rise, little one.”

                                            >Both she and Tene comply.

                                            >Sextia’s eyes are as big as dinnerplates, sparkling with awe looking at Luna.

                                            >”We witnessed thy remarkable talent,” Luna continued, “and are pleased to meet thee.”

                                            >”Th-thank you!” Sextia stammered out. “And thank you f-for before!”

                                            >”Before?”

                                            >”Yes! A long time ago you came when I was sleeping, and chased away a nightmare.”

                                            >Luna glaces at you and Tene with an amused tilt of her head. “We cherish such subjects, so faithful they remembereth old interventions so well.”

                                            >”Mother said I had to remember,” Sextia continues, apparently finding some reserve of courage to conquer her nervous stutter. “’Cause she said it was proof you were still here with us, even when you weren’t.”

                                            >Luna’s smile broadens, and she lowers her heard to be eye-level with the filly. “We are very happy to be here with thee now.”

                                            >Sextia trots in place for a few beats,  before remembering herself and throwing herself to the floor once again, prompting a laugh from Luna.

                                            >She straightens once more, and looks to you. “Adjutant, we thank thee. Our littlest subjects make us the happiest, and those we were able to help even moreso. We are glad thou bringest such remarkable fillies to our attention.”

                                            >Tene nudges Sextia back to a standing position and towards the rest of the thestrals surrounding you.

                                            >Sextia complies, but only after one long look back at Luna, who answers it smiling with a nod.

                                            >When she reaches the other ponies, they all take great interest in her, talking to her and each other.

                                            >Luna turns her attention back to the ships. “Tellest us what thou can, Adjutant, about how thy kind buildeth thy vessels.”

                                            >You look at the marvels of Equestrian engineering before you, wondering how human techniques could compare.

                                            “I’ll try my best, Your Majesty.”