Post by Virga on Nov 17, 2012 18:52:31 GMT -5
Time: Twilight
Cast: Firefly, Virga, Luna, Eclipse, Nightshade
NPC: Peddiga (Virga owned)
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VIRGA
"No, no NO!" cried Virga. BOOM, crash. Right from the balcony. This sort of thing was becoming more and more common with the Dark One since...a good while ago. Ice crystals glittered so dearly in the twilight in the foyer. Peddiga and Virga sat in the center with each other over a small chalice that frothed icy mist. "That was too much, wasn't it?" Peddiga asked. Virga, whose face was covered in frost, stared right back at her. "I believe it was, but you're learning. You only just gained your Mark." Peddiga, who was a young, but nearly fully grown Pegasus grinned.Her Mark came very late...very late.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade strides into the hall with some sense of purpose, going about her daily rounds of the palace. Apart from an unfortunate incident in which one of the chefs got his head stuck in a rotating dough churner, all has been well so far. She happens to pass by the room where Virga is training his adjutant, peering inside and, subtly, slipping into the room and observing.
FIREFLY
And slowly, then faster, dark clouds begin to form in the Throne room along the ceiling, spiraling slowly, building, growing darker, a quiet wind picking up as the storm cell builds, until it begins to rumble flickers of light and thunder. Then, without warning, a lightning bolt explodes into the floor right beside Peddiga in a searing blast of light heat and flecks of stone, leaving Firefly standing there, wings flared, head low, ears flat back, a dark violet green mist swirling all around her form, her eyes glowing green, slitted and draconic looking, focused fully on the young assistant.
VIRGA
"Maybe one day I can do what you do," Peddiga said. "With the wind and ice--" All poor Peddiga, scared to utter screams by Firefly's entrance. Virga took hadn't expected Firefly to come bolting down, literally, into the foyer and thus defensively shoved his protege behind him. Only then did he realize it was...his dearly beloved. Poor Peddiga whimpered behind the dark pegasus, still. "Fire..." he said gently. He'd seen many sides of the fiery pegasus, but never so abrupt and...disapproving. "...everything's fine."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade steps towards the two pegasi, apparently not at all freaked out by Firefly's entrance. She's seen far more frightening things. "Lord Virga, Lady Firefly...and, ah, Peddiga," she greets, bowing to each of them in turn. "A pleasure to see you all this evening. Is all well?"
FIREFLY
Firefly angles an ear forward, narrowing her eyes, then lifts her wings a bit more, tilting her head down as she lifts her head up fully. She looks...slightly different. A bit stronger, perhaps from all the training she does. Even her wings look slightly longer. She stares past Virga to the hiding young one, then she looks at Virga. And giggles, then she starts laughing. "If thee bring your students here to train, then they MUST learn to expect such things frequently." giving her wings a slow pump before folding them along her sides. "As you can see, Little one, such an entry here is commonplace, as you may notice our most efficient Overseer did not so much as flinch."
VIRGA
Virga's eyes drifted to Nightshade and he moved his ears in acknowledgement of her presence. "Everything is well, Nightshade," he said, but he instinctively sheltered Peddiga. Despite the nature of entry, that it was meant harmless and only for what to expect in the future, Firefly throughly had scarred the crap out of the younger pegasus. She couldn't even whimper a 'hello' to Nightshade. "I...don't think she's ready for that yet..." he said. "We train here because...I leave the palace I'm bombarded by reporters who seem to have gotten the impression I'm the Sun's consort..."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade wonders how Peddiga would react if she demonstrated /her/ magic. That would be a very interesting experiment, but perhaps not particularly prudent or ethical. "Ah, yes, I have heard of those rumours as well. As such, I have establishment a public relations corps for the palace which will handle all messages and statements that are of lesser importance that official government business. I have already begun promulgating statements denouncing the rumours." She looks at Firefly. "Lady Firefly, your new abilities are certainly...fascinating."
FIREFLY
Firefly spreads her wings again, grinning. "Ug...Ponyratzi…that I can fully understand Virga." She dispelled the clouds above readily as she speaks, then with a swish and a flick she folds her wings back along her sides, shifting her eyes back to normal as the mists around her fade away. "Good evening Overseer." Nodding to Nightshade, then smiling to Peddiga. "You are still standing, you are a stong one, yes." winking to her. "You'll do well here." shaking herself off, looking as normal now as she ever does. She walks up the steps to the throne and turns to sit on the top step before the throne. "Welcome to the Court of the Night....Peddiga." grinning. She tilts her head to Nightshade. "Oh, that wasn't a new ability. Any Storm Pegasus can do that...well, not the eye thing, but the rest. I have not yet sorted out my new abilities. They are of the ancient times."
VIRGA
Peddiga managed a smile as she peaked around Virga's wing. It was more startle than Firefly being...Firefly. Still, she shook just a little. "N-nice to know," she said. Virga gently shoved her closer to Firefly for a look-see. Peddiga's mark was a black snowflake on her silver hide. She was of the ice like Virga. "Thank you, Nightshade," Virga said. "The other day I had to frost my entire body amid the Velvet Rope's rubble to camouflage myself from there pursuits." Now there was a technique he hadn't mentioned before. "...there's more I haven't spoken...."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade nods in understanding to Firefly. "I see. Perhaps now I can submit my initial report regarding our present effort to establish embassies between Equestria and the Crystal Empire." She magicks a large folio out of the Shadow and sends it Firefly's direction. "That can be perused by Her Majesty at her convenience." She listens carefully to Virga's story, accounting for the details and taking note of anything she might need to know in the future. "Please let me know how well my public relations efforts are effected," she says.
FIREFLY
Firefly is listening, an eyebrow lifted as a report floats over to her. "Thank you Overseer, I shall ensure she receives this." sweeping a wing to move the folder to the floor beside her. She then shakes her head and grins. "Would you like to see what of the ancients I have learned so far Overseer?" walking down the steps slowly. "Virga tells me it was forbidden in his land...."
LUNA
Luna trots down the stairs in the back of the throne room and over towards the throne. Raising one eyebrow with skeptical, perhaps sardonic curiosity, she looks between the assembled ponies. "Night Court is unusually busy, we see. Firefly..." She sighs, giving her head a shake as she climbs up and then drops heavily onto the throne. "Thou even enter a room as we do, now. We are entirely at a loss for what to think of that."
VIRGA
Virga mumbled a few things to Peddiga, something about having nice tea and pastries. His protege smiled at him and set off. It would do well to calm her down. The mention of embassies to the Crystal Empire gained his ear, almost immediate attention. He didn't Luna at first; focus on that ideal relation between Equestria and his home Empire. "Oh yes, the Crystal Press is something you might want to mention in that," Virga said. "Ever since the Canterlot Press's article, it's been scroll after scroll." He plunged his wings forward, then against his back, his voice straining to imitate the most annoying talking scroll in the world. "Oh, we heard you live!" he cried, rolling his eyes. "The last Crystalbolt who fought King Sombra and lived!" And then he pranced up to Firefly, staring into her eyes, the same tone. "You hold every record of any Pegasi in the Empire, unbroken for a thousand years!" And then...flatline. The dark pegasus trotted over to the balcony, gazed the moon, and then turned to face the them all. Nothing annoying him more than that kind of...brown-nosing. In fact, it incensed him. "The pegasus I was then died. He's dead...dead...and DEAD." Upon that last word, an essence of pure anger, hate and the inevitable feeling of one's demise literally inflamed Virga. In that instant he burned the intense blue his physical body barely concealed: his inner Windigo soul. He flamed only on that word, just that one word. Yes, there was something in this world Virga hated. Himself. "No interviews..." he said, trailing off as Luna appeared. "Princess..."
NIGHTSHADE
"That would be a most fascinating exercise," Nightshade tells Firefly, her eyes bright with eagerness despite her solemn expression. When Luna appears she bows reverently. "Your Majesty, welcome," she says. "We are only discussing our understanding of-" And then Virga does that...thing. Nightshade stares at him, stares at him for a long time. Even when he opened his memory to her, she never saw anything about /this/. "Is there...something you want to tell us, Virga?"
FIREFLY
Firefly flares her wings and takes a stance when Virga does the Ponyratzi impersonation. Just that was irking her something fierce. She really did not like them. She starts to move as Virga shows a touch of his other heritage. The Storm Pegasus then moves out of the way and stands at the right side of the Throne, beside it, as Luna makes herself known. She just watches, wings partially lifted...waiting. After a moment she gets the report from the floor, more properly placing it on the hoofrest of the throne. "The Overseer's report My Princess. Something about establishing embassies betwixt Equestria and the Crystal Empire. She would like feedback on her efforts." then grins. "I do represent thee in thy stead, no? Though if you prefer I were to not ride my lightning to return to the Palace, I shan't." but has not moved from launch position, as it were.
LUNA
Luna for herself is not particularly jarred by Virga's little tantrum. She does notice it, at least, but it's with casual amicability that she reaches out one wing and pats Virga's shoulder with the tip. "Calm thyself, Heart of Ice. Part of letting go of what is a thousand years gone is letting go of our anger for that life's death. Turn thy mind instead to explaining to us who this pony is and why she thinks we need a report, or embassies for that matter. We have but to send a scroll to Cadence, if we can endure a fifty page reply about how dreamy Shining Armor is with another twenty pages about how much she loves tiny ewes." Smirking distinctly, Luna leans sideways on the throne and props her foreforelegs on one of its arms, staring down at Nightshade.
VIRGA
Was there something he wanted to tell them? Yes, yes there was. Virga hated himself for living when his fellow fliers died, and further hated himself for the predicament he now lived. It was not a sulking hate, or 'emo' as the young ponies said type of hate. Rather, it was guilt. Guilt was a form of hate, after all. The wing pat from Luna distracted him from this. She spoke the truth. Yet there was something deeper. He softly gazed at the Night Princess--yes, there was something wrong with Virga. He shouldn't have crystalline eyes, yet it was the same Virga and not an impostor. "They've…forgotten that a Captain is sworn to his team as strongly as I am sworn to our Princesses, Sun and Moon." He felt he had to say that, though he was Celestia's his service was quite open for Luna. "One for all. The philosophy among us was that if one survived the team and who the Captain was died. Our existence as Crystalbolts were defined by that union." But he didn't answer what 'that' was, that had Nightshade so…perplexed?
ECLIPSE
Another figure steps through the doorway. It's a smaller one, but moves pasts the guards like he doesn't expect to get stopped at all, which he doesn't. Eclipse looks about the hall and smiles, though tries to figure out what all is being talked about. His head tilts some and his ears perk up.
NIGHTSHADE
Whatever pressure Nightshade would have put upon Virga is immediately relieved when she realizes that Luna doesn't recognize her own official. "I...well," she utters, totally flummoxed by this development. It's at this point that Nightshade becomes dangerously animate. She looks at Luna with obvious indignation. "Your Majesty, I have been the Overseer of the Royal Palace for several months now. I assumed that you would be able to recognize me." Come to think of it, she doesn't recall actually speaking to Luna directly before this, but no matter. A monarch must be attentive to who her most important servants are. "I compiled this report because the Embassy requires the involvement of multiple officials, multiple parties...and not just the monarchs involved."
FIREFLY
Firefly says "My Aplogies My Princess, and Nightshade." realizing the error she had let slip by her. "My Princess Luna, this is Nightshade, the one I had appointed as Overseer of the palace some moons ago." looking over to Luna. "Her work is exquisite and efficient. I see her often, and failed to realize you have not actually met her yet." then steps sideways and looks to Luna. "My Princess, this is Nightshade, Palace Overseer. The report is hers." then looks to Nightshade, "Overseer Nightshade, I present the Princess of the Night, Luna." bowing and stepping back, casting an eye to see how Virga was doing at the moment."
LUNA
Luna's wing gives Virga another light pat, then withdraws. Her bluegreen eyes are on Nightshade, who she stares down at with skeptical distaste. One foreleg is extended, the silver shod hoof pointed at Nightshade's muzzle as Luna greets, "So be it, thou work for us. We have seen thy face among the servants. Why came thou to serve the Court of the Day and Night, and what qualifies thee to such a lofty position?"
ECLIPSE
Solar_Eclipse makes his way further in. He gives a cheerful sort of wave to Firefly and Virga before watching his grandmother chatting with the other pony. He scoots closer and sits quietly, polite and well mannered for the moment. He's not seen his Grandmother in a bit so seems to just be paying a visit.
VIRGA
And how was Virga, from what Firefly saw? Broken. The stress of reporters was getting to him in a very bad way. He went quiet and listened to the conversation, staring at his hooves. The wraps he kept on them to hide his malady burned off when his inner self flamed. Up to the ergot, the thin fur had removed clean and the bare skin glimmered like crystal. He slowly spread his wings around himself, looking up at Eclipse for whom he presented a content smile. Little Prince shouldn't need to worry.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade mellows back to her usual, stoic demeanour as Firefly introduces them to each other. She knew who Luna was, of course, but such formalities serve to defuse an awkward situation. "You should ask Lady Firefly. After all...she appointed me to this position. You are also familiar with my...research project, also ongoing, are you not? I know that Her Majesty, the Princess of the Sun, is." She glances at Solar Eclipse, noticing him at last, but it's Virga who takes her attention next. "Well," she says, taking careful note of his crystalline skin. "That's...not quite normal."
FIREFLY
Firefly remains off to the side, with Virga until needed. "Do you want more wraps Virga?" she asks quietly as the Overseer and Princess discuss the dull side of Palace life.
LUNA
Luna's thoughtful frown becomes an irritated scowl. She withdraws her foreleg, rolling up to sit on her haunches straight like Celestia does. With the extra height of the throne, it makes her tower over Nightshade, who she addresses with a colder, more emphatic voice. "We did not ask her. We asked thee. We forgive thee this once because thou are clearly used to our sister's casual mein. The Night herself addresses thee, cleric. Cease disrespecting the Heart of Ice and tell us why thou serve, and why thou should serve, and of thy specialty. No pony wields our authority unless we know how and why she does so."
VIRGA
Oh no. Firefly took notice, so too had Nightshade. He wasn't ready yet for that. "Y-yes," he said, "please..." He spoke calmly, almost a whisper as if he didn't want the world to know. The press used 'anything' at their disposal and this was one last part of him they didn't have regardless of how negative it was. Peddiga had been seen about the palace with stacks of writings in ancient pony Virga had written..maths, formulas for potions. They were not on Twilight's level of understanding, but they were 'different'. When Luna spoke to Nightshade, he wanted to mention, speak up that it was no disrespect that she pointed out the abnormal skin...but he was not going to interrupt one of his Princesses.
ECLIPSE
( The prince smiles, even as Virga seems to shift a bit. He smiles back, seeming not afraid. His life at the palace leaves him with little to be truly terrified of. As his Grandmother seems to grow more annoyed, Eclipse looks back to that conversation. He decides it hasn't hit the limit yet, no royal canterloaning used. )
NIGHSHADE
Nightshade looks up at Luna, feels her looming shadow upon her, but she doesn't look the least bit intimidated. She is a Shadow, too. "I will be frank: I had no formal experience in government before I received this position. Rather, what I do have is a stringent education conducted in the traditional style. I am a Honoured Fellow of the Equestrian Metaphysical Society and have published papers in several journals. I have more knowledge and expertise than half the nobility of Equestria, and to top that I have excellent organization skills. And I never succumb to stress." She looks at Virga, peering at the crystalline skin once more, pursing her lips a little in concern. But Luna still speaks.
FIREFLY
Firefly nods to Virga and glides off for a moment. She had come a feather's breath from commenting to the Overseer directly about Virga not being her concern, but had held her tongue. Duty over life. Though she DID grin slightly when the Princess caught it. Making sure she was out of sight first of course. She returns shortly with all the stuff to help Virga re-wrap his hooves. Oddly, she doesn't seem to be surprised by his condition. At least, she has not shown any surprise in it so far.
LUNA
Luna's scowl softens to a merely thoughtful frown, to match the speculative tone in her voice as she acknowledges Nightshade's reply with, "Interesting." Aaaand that lasts for maybe three seconds. Then her bluegreen eyes are hidden by a sudden blaze of white. Blue light bathes Nightshade as a gentle grip takes hold of the front half of her body. Gentle, but as strong as iron as it turns her face away from Virga and back to Luna. Staring - or perhaps beaming - down into Nightshade's eyes, Luna tells her with a calmly flat tone, "We appreciate thy bravery, nor mind we thy pride. We value a strong mind. However, we expect obedience, particularly when we ask thee to respect the feelings of others."
VIRGA
"Thank you, love," Virga whispered to Firefly. It was a good thing he wore the wraps Dash gave him only when he slept, or in private where he wouldn't be stressed. To have those go up in flames would be a great shame. They were among the best wraps a flier could have, and though he hadn't seen Dash in a while her presence during his recovery was appreciated. The dark pegasus nosed Firefly's muzzle and leg his wings relax. "Just like when we met, isn't it?" he whispered. "Me all broken." Awwww...every pony say 'awwwww'.
ECLIPSE
( Oh, so close, Eclipse was figuring there was going to be some booming. Still, his grandmother doesn't seem in the mood currently to accept visitors. Looks alittle busy and all. He moves over toward Virga and Firefly, giving a gentle smile and a nod of his head, "Is everything alright with you two?" he wonders. )
FIREFLY
Firefly grins and helps Virga re-wrap, "You are Virga, no matter the state of thy body. As I am Firefly, in this or any form." speaking in soft tones in respect of the Court. She smiles to the Prince and nods. "Some tea would be nice, Prince Solar, if you could." then turns to sit with her wings partially open, allowing Virga to finish his dressing behind her, out of sight. It also lets her watch Luna and Nightshade.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade doesn't flinch. She looks up at Luna in silence for a few moments. "...Understood," she says, knowing that this fight is not worth it. She will have to speak with Virga later.
VIRGA
Virga pulled on the wraps as Firefly gave him cover, her words turning his ears a brilliant pink. Once he finished wrapping his hooves he sat a little stronger. Yes, what was the justification of an embassy in the Crystal Empire when it was run by Princess Cadance? On that note, he had something to add to Luna's observation. "And she makes for a decent projectile."
NIGHTSHADE
"The Crystal Empire is hardly that small," Nightshade reiterates. "And the Embassy clearly has a functional purpose; we cannot overburden Your Majesties with mundane issues such as the sale of flugelhorns between the two realms, so appointed diplomats can handle such affairs on your behalf."
FIREFLY
Firefly steps aside when Virga gets himself oriented, and has to fight not to laugh at his comment. She closes her wings and just awaits, curious what an embassy even was or why anypony would want a flugelhorn. Well, aside of the Element of Laughter anyhoof.
LUNA
Luna gives a brief, snorting laugh of amused contempt. "It is tiny. However, they do love their flugelhorns. And the tiny ewes. We must make certain they are not imported, lest they begin to breed wild." Luna gives a little shudder of disgust, then lifts a hoof and gives a dismissive wave. "So be it. We had supposed merchants would handle those things on their own, but it is a passable idea. Cadence shall certainly not regulate trade, or see that the railroad is extended to the barrier. Go ahead with thy embassy."
VIRGA
And that was precisely why Virga preferred his own imperial province of Equephel, or did. It was ruin now. They had not of the flugelhorning, or much in the way of mysteriously reproducing cotton candy ewes. He sat next to Firefly, watching Luna, and watching Nightshade. He had a temptation to say that Cadance may regulate trade if Shining Armor aimed her in that direction, but he kept quiet.
NIGHTSHADE
"At once, Your Majesty," says Nightshade, bowing deeply. "Also, Princess, I have completed my survey of the Realm's defences, and the news is not...optimal." Her brow hardens. "But that is a matter which will require a full meeting of the Privy Council to discuss."
FIREFLY
Firefly listens quietly, feeling a lot more relaxed. For some reason she felt a bit more energetic that usual. Perhaps last night's training or the Roc a few nights past and her worked up.
VIRGA
Virga leaned close to Firefly, his nose barely on the edge of her ear for the moment. He was thinking, and generally when Virga thought about something it was generally not advised for anyone, except fliers like himself and Firefly. Of course, that is what a pony normally would think, but here it was contemplative, or perhaps just a gesture of closeness. "What is the nature of 'not optimal'?" he asked, at last breaking silence. "Does it require our inspection under regal order?"
LUNA
Luna smiles suddenly. It's not a pleasant smile. It is downright ghoulish. Blue eyes widen with malicious glee as Luna steps forward off of the throne, standing in front of Nightshade. She lowers her face down almost to the Overseer's level, grinning to show off every tooth. "I *AM* the Realm's defenses. The Royal Guard are glorified ushers." Turning away, she walks back towards the staircase to the Royal Quarters. One wing lifts, and waves in an airy circle. "Credit where it is due, however. Virga and Firefly are the first line of defense. If thou think them 'not optimal', we urge thee to find a military threat they cannot dispose of. Celestia's peaceful Equestria must be boring them to madness.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade is tempted to call Luna out on her grandiosity, but she holds back. Better to do so in full view of the Privy Council. "If you say so, Princess," she says politely, bowing again. "Is there anything else you wish to have of me?"
FIREFLY
Firefly replies directly, in her soft voice. "Not optimal, it means an undesirable effect, or one less than the desired efficient level of operation or condition relative to whatever is being related to. For example, allowing a Changeling to walk among the palace is not optimal because it could choose to be any one of us and we have no known means of detection, aside of memory and knowing the one another beyond sight." giving a grin at Luna's statements. "In this case, it means she thinks you and I, or perhaps the Royals in general, are not up to the task of regional defense." shifting a wing. "It is an opinion, and all are allowed to have them. This whole Science and Knowledge era happened in my homeland...it failed on its own, though had many very useful aspects, so should not be cast aside without thought."
VIRGA
High words from Luna? He had to admit that was a first, given their history. Yet, they did have that one talk among the old dragons layer's armor. The pegasus also spoke up regarding optimal defense. "If you wished for near flawless watch ponies, then I suggest the route taken by King Sombra in my Equephel. His subordinates mystified the populace; hear all, see all, read all, feel all. But this would be enslavement. If, however, you feel there is something to which we may not be aware, then please speak it and do not delay for a congressional hearing." That was the most un-Virga statement Virga had made. He was more than just what he presented himself as, perhaps. Or maybe his own mentor's hammering shown through right there.
LUNA
Luna chuckles lightly. Well, darkly, but in a lazy sort of way. "Be gentle with her, Heart of Ice. Only time and experience can make her understand. Until then, we believe her sense of order can serve our ponies well. She may think us charlatans and stage magicians if she likes, so long as the Crystal Ponies have their flugelhorns and our ponies can bathe in the loving, innocent beauty of Cadence's little world for the cost of a train ticket. For now, there are no petitioners and we wish to spend some time one with the turn of the heavens. Our thoughts are still far too tainted." With that, not waiting for a reply, she disappears up the stairs.
FIREFLY
Firefly lifts an ear slightly and looks aside to Virga, then grins and returns her attention to the pair before her. Specifically, her Princess and the Overseer, moving to retake her place, sitting before the Throne after LUna leaves. "Overseer, I am a weapon, a tool, a warrior. Serving to protect ponies is my task, I have no thoughts or care for political....stuff." making a face. "To be honest, I lack much knowledge in such areas."
VIRGA
Gentle. Of course. Virga's eyes fell on Nightshade quite evenly. He had no doubt of her experience. The manner in which he looked at her said that, yet there was also his function. Most things that came before Celestia were not of the defense kind. "No disrespect, but I gather the only 'advice' Cadance has received has been from Shining Armor." Dear lord, it continued. And yet he also spoke truth in that. Shining Armor had been at her side all that time, yet his remark so easily referred to the new Crystal Pony Pasttime of: hey, let us throw our wives so they make fine crystal berry pastries at home while we play our flugelhorns. "I was involved in Equephelian politics since my first job...flying courier regal mail. I can't understate how many times I was yelled at when my regent announced a shortage of gems here and there. Large flight team saw me eventually, invited me to join. Thought my life in politics was over--not. one. bit." Sad.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade nods lightly as the Squires speak, hearing more than what they said. "Just as well. Politics is a bothersome thing at times. Just as well; they won't get in the way of her plans to reform the Realm's governance. "Yet we do have the need for the advice of warriors in matters of war. I may come to depend upon your perspective in the future." That should start the ball rolling. "Now, I must depart; there are several matters that require my attention. Good night." She bows to each of them and then turns around, walking right out the throne room.
VIRGA
Virga slowly got to his hooves and followed after nosing Firefly's cheek. He was, after all, Sun Guard and eventually would need his sleep. "Wait," he said. As soon as he left the throne room his front left hoof gave out, nearly felling him. A small splinter of crystal slid across the floor. "Despite what Princess Luna said, your eye on me was not offending. I believe she has recently taken a liking to me. When we first met, it was ugly."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade pauses, turning about to look at Virga, noticing the shard of crystal that comes out of him. "I see, yes... The Princess does seem to be a very demanding companion, but that is not my main concern at the moment." She magicks the crystal of the ground and hovers it in from of Virga. "I saw you...change earlier. I saw your feet. What is happening to you? ...What are you?" He was definitely not just a Crystal pony; even they did not suffer from such bizarre maladies as this.
VIRGA
Virga had just righted himself when she magicked the crystal splinter. Even now the slightest essence of that fiery change briefly flourished in his mane when he saw it. He then backed away from the unicorn and tightened his wings. "I can't say," he said, "what is happening to me, at least. The Presses would enjoy running with that."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade decides to back down; this seems like a sensitive personal issue. Besides, she would likely find out anyway after a few hours of research. "I see," she says. "Well...if you wish to discuss anything with me, you know where to find me."
VIRGA
Virga looked away from her, though he closed the distance between them. "Please...don't speak a word. Not yet...I'll do it when I'm ready," he said. The tone in his voice wavered. This was more than just a simple affliction. "You've no idea, correct you are that our defense may not be optimal in the future." He slowly pulled from her and turned to walk off down the hall to his chambers. "I train Peddiga," he said, not looking over his shoulder. "For that very reason."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade purses her lips tightly. "You are indeed a unique fighter," she says. "But to keep this Realm safe we will need an army of such fighters." And with that she slinks away, back to her plans and proceedings.
VIRGA
When Virga reached his chambers he spent a moment inside slumped against his door. Everything he'd found insofar in a search for a cure resulted in dead ends. The more he used his talent the quicker it grew, and teaching Peddiga had accelerated the crystallization from his hooves to the ergot in just a few sessions. He came to the future; Aquelene's intention was to save him from execution. She died for nothing and only staved off the inevitable. The pegasus reached a wing over to a table and pulled close a framed picture. It was an exceptional, small painting a pony had done of himself, Aquelene, their son Tundar, and the Crystalbolts. They were all there, smiling at him forever. He slept that night with the picture on his bed stand.
Cast: Firefly, Virga, Luna, Eclipse, Nightshade
NPC: Peddiga (Virga owned)
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VIRGA
"No, no NO!" cried Virga. BOOM, crash. Right from the balcony. This sort of thing was becoming more and more common with the Dark One since...a good while ago. Ice crystals glittered so dearly in the twilight in the foyer. Peddiga and Virga sat in the center with each other over a small chalice that frothed icy mist. "That was too much, wasn't it?" Peddiga asked. Virga, whose face was covered in frost, stared right back at her. "I believe it was, but you're learning. You only just gained your Mark." Peddiga, who was a young, but nearly fully grown Pegasus grinned.Her Mark came very late...very late.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade strides into the hall with some sense of purpose, going about her daily rounds of the palace. Apart from an unfortunate incident in which one of the chefs got his head stuck in a rotating dough churner, all has been well so far. She happens to pass by the room where Virga is training his adjutant, peering inside and, subtly, slipping into the room and observing.
FIREFLY
And slowly, then faster, dark clouds begin to form in the Throne room along the ceiling, spiraling slowly, building, growing darker, a quiet wind picking up as the storm cell builds, until it begins to rumble flickers of light and thunder. Then, without warning, a lightning bolt explodes into the floor right beside Peddiga in a searing blast of light heat and flecks of stone, leaving Firefly standing there, wings flared, head low, ears flat back, a dark violet green mist swirling all around her form, her eyes glowing green, slitted and draconic looking, focused fully on the young assistant.
VIRGA
"Maybe one day I can do what you do," Peddiga said. "With the wind and ice--" All poor Peddiga, scared to utter screams by Firefly's entrance. Virga took hadn't expected Firefly to come bolting down, literally, into the foyer and thus defensively shoved his protege behind him. Only then did he realize it was...his dearly beloved. Poor Peddiga whimpered behind the dark pegasus, still. "Fire..." he said gently. He'd seen many sides of the fiery pegasus, but never so abrupt and...disapproving. "...everything's fine."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade steps towards the two pegasi, apparently not at all freaked out by Firefly's entrance. She's seen far more frightening things. "Lord Virga, Lady Firefly...and, ah, Peddiga," she greets, bowing to each of them in turn. "A pleasure to see you all this evening. Is all well?"
FIREFLY
Firefly angles an ear forward, narrowing her eyes, then lifts her wings a bit more, tilting her head down as she lifts her head up fully. She looks...slightly different. A bit stronger, perhaps from all the training she does. Even her wings look slightly longer. She stares past Virga to the hiding young one, then she looks at Virga. And giggles, then she starts laughing. "If thee bring your students here to train, then they MUST learn to expect such things frequently." giving her wings a slow pump before folding them along her sides. "As you can see, Little one, such an entry here is commonplace, as you may notice our most efficient Overseer did not so much as flinch."
VIRGA
Virga's eyes drifted to Nightshade and he moved his ears in acknowledgement of her presence. "Everything is well, Nightshade," he said, but he instinctively sheltered Peddiga. Despite the nature of entry, that it was meant harmless and only for what to expect in the future, Firefly throughly had scarred the crap out of the younger pegasus. She couldn't even whimper a 'hello' to Nightshade. "I...don't think she's ready for that yet..." he said. "We train here because...I leave the palace I'm bombarded by reporters who seem to have gotten the impression I'm the Sun's consort..."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade wonders how Peddiga would react if she demonstrated /her/ magic. That would be a very interesting experiment, but perhaps not particularly prudent or ethical. "Ah, yes, I have heard of those rumours as well. As such, I have establishment a public relations corps for the palace which will handle all messages and statements that are of lesser importance that official government business. I have already begun promulgating statements denouncing the rumours." She looks at Firefly. "Lady Firefly, your new abilities are certainly...fascinating."
FIREFLY
Firefly spreads her wings again, grinning. "Ug...Ponyratzi…that I can fully understand Virga." She dispelled the clouds above readily as she speaks, then with a swish and a flick she folds her wings back along her sides, shifting her eyes back to normal as the mists around her fade away. "Good evening Overseer." Nodding to Nightshade, then smiling to Peddiga. "You are still standing, you are a stong one, yes." winking to her. "You'll do well here." shaking herself off, looking as normal now as she ever does. She walks up the steps to the throne and turns to sit on the top step before the throne. "Welcome to the Court of the Night....Peddiga." grinning. She tilts her head to Nightshade. "Oh, that wasn't a new ability. Any Storm Pegasus can do that...well, not the eye thing, but the rest. I have not yet sorted out my new abilities. They are of the ancient times."
VIRGA
Peddiga managed a smile as she peaked around Virga's wing. It was more startle than Firefly being...Firefly. Still, she shook just a little. "N-nice to know," she said. Virga gently shoved her closer to Firefly for a look-see. Peddiga's mark was a black snowflake on her silver hide. She was of the ice like Virga. "Thank you, Nightshade," Virga said. "The other day I had to frost my entire body amid the Velvet Rope's rubble to camouflage myself from there pursuits." Now there was a technique he hadn't mentioned before. "...there's more I haven't spoken...."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade nods in understanding to Firefly. "I see. Perhaps now I can submit my initial report regarding our present effort to establish embassies between Equestria and the Crystal Empire." She magicks a large folio out of the Shadow and sends it Firefly's direction. "That can be perused by Her Majesty at her convenience." She listens carefully to Virga's story, accounting for the details and taking note of anything she might need to know in the future. "Please let me know how well my public relations efforts are effected," she says.
FIREFLY
Firefly is listening, an eyebrow lifted as a report floats over to her. "Thank you Overseer, I shall ensure she receives this." sweeping a wing to move the folder to the floor beside her. She then shakes her head and grins. "Would you like to see what of the ancients I have learned so far Overseer?" walking down the steps slowly. "Virga tells me it was forbidden in his land...."
LUNA
Luna trots down the stairs in the back of the throne room and over towards the throne. Raising one eyebrow with skeptical, perhaps sardonic curiosity, she looks between the assembled ponies. "Night Court is unusually busy, we see. Firefly..." She sighs, giving her head a shake as she climbs up and then drops heavily onto the throne. "Thou even enter a room as we do, now. We are entirely at a loss for what to think of that."
VIRGA
Virga mumbled a few things to Peddiga, something about having nice tea and pastries. His protege smiled at him and set off. It would do well to calm her down. The mention of embassies to the Crystal Empire gained his ear, almost immediate attention. He didn't Luna at first; focus on that ideal relation between Equestria and his home Empire. "Oh yes, the Crystal Press is something you might want to mention in that," Virga said. "Ever since the Canterlot Press's article, it's been scroll after scroll." He plunged his wings forward, then against his back, his voice straining to imitate the most annoying talking scroll in the world. "Oh, we heard you live!" he cried, rolling his eyes. "The last Crystalbolt who fought King Sombra and lived!" And then he pranced up to Firefly, staring into her eyes, the same tone. "You hold every record of any Pegasi in the Empire, unbroken for a thousand years!" And then...flatline. The dark pegasus trotted over to the balcony, gazed the moon, and then turned to face the them all. Nothing annoying him more than that kind of...brown-nosing. In fact, it incensed him. "The pegasus I was then died. He's dead...dead...and DEAD." Upon that last word, an essence of pure anger, hate and the inevitable feeling of one's demise literally inflamed Virga. In that instant he burned the intense blue his physical body barely concealed: his inner Windigo soul. He flamed only on that word, just that one word. Yes, there was something in this world Virga hated. Himself. "No interviews..." he said, trailing off as Luna appeared. "Princess..."
NIGHTSHADE
"That would be a most fascinating exercise," Nightshade tells Firefly, her eyes bright with eagerness despite her solemn expression. When Luna appears she bows reverently. "Your Majesty, welcome," she says. "We are only discussing our understanding of-" And then Virga does that...thing. Nightshade stares at him, stares at him for a long time. Even when he opened his memory to her, she never saw anything about /this/. "Is there...something you want to tell us, Virga?"
FIREFLY
Firefly flares her wings and takes a stance when Virga does the Ponyratzi impersonation. Just that was irking her something fierce. She really did not like them. She starts to move as Virga shows a touch of his other heritage. The Storm Pegasus then moves out of the way and stands at the right side of the Throne, beside it, as Luna makes herself known. She just watches, wings partially lifted...waiting. After a moment she gets the report from the floor, more properly placing it on the hoofrest of the throne. "The Overseer's report My Princess. Something about establishing embassies betwixt Equestria and the Crystal Empire. She would like feedback on her efforts." then grins. "I do represent thee in thy stead, no? Though if you prefer I were to not ride my lightning to return to the Palace, I shan't." but has not moved from launch position, as it were.
LUNA
Luna for herself is not particularly jarred by Virga's little tantrum. She does notice it, at least, but it's with casual amicability that she reaches out one wing and pats Virga's shoulder with the tip. "Calm thyself, Heart of Ice. Part of letting go of what is a thousand years gone is letting go of our anger for that life's death. Turn thy mind instead to explaining to us who this pony is and why she thinks we need a report, or embassies for that matter. We have but to send a scroll to Cadence, if we can endure a fifty page reply about how dreamy Shining Armor is with another twenty pages about how much she loves tiny ewes." Smirking distinctly, Luna leans sideways on the throne and props her foreforelegs on one of its arms, staring down at Nightshade.
VIRGA
Was there something he wanted to tell them? Yes, yes there was. Virga hated himself for living when his fellow fliers died, and further hated himself for the predicament he now lived. It was not a sulking hate, or 'emo' as the young ponies said type of hate. Rather, it was guilt. Guilt was a form of hate, after all. The wing pat from Luna distracted him from this. She spoke the truth. Yet there was something deeper. He softly gazed at the Night Princess--yes, there was something wrong with Virga. He shouldn't have crystalline eyes, yet it was the same Virga and not an impostor. "They've…forgotten that a Captain is sworn to his team as strongly as I am sworn to our Princesses, Sun and Moon." He felt he had to say that, though he was Celestia's his service was quite open for Luna. "One for all. The philosophy among us was that if one survived the team and who the Captain was died. Our existence as Crystalbolts were defined by that union." But he didn't answer what 'that' was, that had Nightshade so…perplexed?
ECLIPSE
Another figure steps through the doorway. It's a smaller one, but moves pasts the guards like he doesn't expect to get stopped at all, which he doesn't. Eclipse looks about the hall and smiles, though tries to figure out what all is being talked about. His head tilts some and his ears perk up.
NIGHTSHADE
Whatever pressure Nightshade would have put upon Virga is immediately relieved when she realizes that Luna doesn't recognize her own official. "I...well," she utters, totally flummoxed by this development. It's at this point that Nightshade becomes dangerously animate. She looks at Luna with obvious indignation. "Your Majesty, I have been the Overseer of the Royal Palace for several months now. I assumed that you would be able to recognize me." Come to think of it, she doesn't recall actually speaking to Luna directly before this, but no matter. A monarch must be attentive to who her most important servants are. "I compiled this report because the Embassy requires the involvement of multiple officials, multiple parties...and not just the monarchs involved."
FIREFLY
Firefly says "My Aplogies My Princess, and Nightshade." realizing the error she had let slip by her. "My Princess Luna, this is Nightshade, the one I had appointed as Overseer of the palace some moons ago." looking over to Luna. "Her work is exquisite and efficient. I see her often, and failed to realize you have not actually met her yet." then steps sideways and looks to Luna. "My Princess, this is Nightshade, Palace Overseer. The report is hers." then looks to Nightshade, "Overseer Nightshade, I present the Princess of the Night, Luna." bowing and stepping back, casting an eye to see how Virga was doing at the moment."
LUNA
Luna's wing gives Virga another light pat, then withdraws. Her bluegreen eyes are on Nightshade, who she stares down at with skeptical distaste. One foreleg is extended, the silver shod hoof pointed at Nightshade's muzzle as Luna greets, "So be it, thou work for us. We have seen thy face among the servants. Why came thou to serve the Court of the Day and Night, and what qualifies thee to such a lofty position?"
ECLIPSE
Solar_Eclipse makes his way further in. He gives a cheerful sort of wave to Firefly and Virga before watching his grandmother chatting with the other pony. He scoots closer and sits quietly, polite and well mannered for the moment. He's not seen his Grandmother in a bit so seems to just be paying a visit.
VIRGA
And how was Virga, from what Firefly saw? Broken. The stress of reporters was getting to him in a very bad way. He went quiet and listened to the conversation, staring at his hooves. The wraps he kept on them to hide his malady burned off when his inner self flamed. Up to the ergot, the thin fur had removed clean and the bare skin glimmered like crystal. He slowly spread his wings around himself, looking up at Eclipse for whom he presented a content smile. Little Prince shouldn't need to worry.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade mellows back to her usual, stoic demeanour as Firefly introduces them to each other. She knew who Luna was, of course, but such formalities serve to defuse an awkward situation. "You should ask Lady Firefly. After all...she appointed me to this position. You are also familiar with my...research project, also ongoing, are you not? I know that Her Majesty, the Princess of the Sun, is." She glances at Solar Eclipse, noticing him at last, but it's Virga who takes her attention next. "Well," she says, taking careful note of his crystalline skin. "That's...not quite normal."
FIREFLY
Firefly remains off to the side, with Virga until needed. "Do you want more wraps Virga?" she asks quietly as the Overseer and Princess discuss the dull side of Palace life.
LUNA
Luna's thoughtful frown becomes an irritated scowl. She withdraws her foreleg, rolling up to sit on her haunches straight like Celestia does. With the extra height of the throne, it makes her tower over Nightshade, who she addresses with a colder, more emphatic voice. "We did not ask her. We asked thee. We forgive thee this once because thou are clearly used to our sister's casual mein. The Night herself addresses thee, cleric. Cease disrespecting the Heart of Ice and tell us why thou serve, and why thou should serve, and of thy specialty. No pony wields our authority unless we know how and why she does so."
VIRGA
Oh no. Firefly took notice, so too had Nightshade. He wasn't ready yet for that. "Y-yes," he said, "please..." He spoke calmly, almost a whisper as if he didn't want the world to know. The press used 'anything' at their disposal and this was one last part of him they didn't have regardless of how negative it was. Peddiga had been seen about the palace with stacks of writings in ancient pony Virga had written..maths, formulas for potions. They were not on Twilight's level of understanding, but they were 'different'. When Luna spoke to Nightshade, he wanted to mention, speak up that it was no disrespect that she pointed out the abnormal skin...but he was not going to interrupt one of his Princesses.
ECLIPSE
( The prince smiles, even as Virga seems to shift a bit. He smiles back, seeming not afraid. His life at the palace leaves him with little to be truly terrified of. As his Grandmother seems to grow more annoyed, Eclipse looks back to that conversation. He decides it hasn't hit the limit yet, no royal canterloaning used. )
NIGHSHADE
Nightshade looks up at Luna, feels her looming shadow upon her, but she doesn't look the least bit intimidated. She is a Shadow, too. "I will be frank: I had no formal experience in government before I received this position. Rather, what I do have is a stringent education conducted in the traditional style. I am a Honoured Fellow of the Equestrian Metaphysical Society and have published papers in several journals. I have more knowledge and expertise than half the nobility of Equestria, and to top that I have excellent organization skills. And I never succumb to stress." She looks at Virga, peering at the crystalline skin once more, pursing her lips a little in concern. But Luna still speaks.
FIREFLY
Firefly nods to Virga and glides off for a moment. She had come a feather's breath from commenting to the Overseer directly about Virga not being her concern, but had held her tongue. Duty over life. Though she DID grin slightly when the Princess caught it. Making sure she was out of sight first of course. She returns shortly with all the stuff to help Virga re-wrap his hooves. Oddly, she doesn't seem to be surprised by his condition. At least, she has not shown any surprise in it so far.
LUNA
Luna's scowl softens to a merely thoughtful frown, to match the speculative tone in her voice as she acknowledges Nightshade's reply with, "Interesting." Aaaand that lasts for maybe three seconds. Then her bluegreen eyes are hidden by a sudden blaze of white. Blue light bathes Nightshade as a gentle grip takes hold of the front half of her body. Gentle, but as strong as iron as it turns her face away from Virga and back to Luna. Staring - or perhaps beaming - down into Nightshade's eyes, Luna tells her with a calmly flat tone, "We appreciate thy bravery, nor mind we thy pride. We value a strong mind. However, we expect obedience, particularly when we ask thee to respect the feelings of others."
VIRGA
"Thank you, love," Virga whispered to Firefly. It was a good thing he wore the wraps Dash gave him only when he slept, or in private where he wouldn't be stressed. To have those go up in flames would be a great shame. They were among the best wraps a flier could have, and though he hadn't seen Dash in a while her presence during his recovery was appreciated. The dark pegasus nosed Firefly's muzzle and leg his wings relax. "Just like when we met, isn't it?" he whispered. "Me all broken." Awwww...every pony say 'awwwww'.
ECLIPSE
( Oh, so close, Eclipse was figuring there was going to be some booming. Still, his grandmother doesn't seem in the mood currently to accept visitors. Looks alittle busy and all. He moves over toward Virga and Firefly, giving a gentle smile and a nod of his head, "Is everything alright with you two?" he wonders. )
FIREFLY
Firefly grins and helps Virga re-wrap, "You are Virga, no matter the state of thy body. As I am Firefly, in this or any form." speaking in soft tones in respect of the Court. She smiles to the Prince and nods. "Some tea would be nice, Prince Solar, if you could." then turns to sit with her wings partially open, allowing Virga to finish his dressing behind her, out of sight. It also lets her watch Luna and Nightshade.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade doesn't flinch. She looks up at Luna in silence for a few moments. "...Understood," she says, knowing that this fight is not worth it. She will have to speak with Virga later.
VIRGA
Virga pulled on the wraps as Firefly gave him cover, her words turning his ears a brilliant pink. Once he finished wrapping his hooves he sat a little stronger. Yes, what was the justification of an embassy in the Crystal Empire when it was run by Princess Cadance? On that note, he had something to add to Luna's observation. "And she makes for a decent projectile."
NIGHTSHADE
"The Crystal Empire is hardly that small," Nightshade reiterates. "And the Embassy clearly has a functional purpose; we cannot overburden Your Majesties with mundane issues such as the sale of flugelhorns between the two realms, so appointed diplomats can handle such affairs on your behalf."
FIREFLY
Firefly steps aside when Virga gets himself oriented, and has to fight not to laugh at his comment. She closes her wings and just awaits, curious what an embassy even was or why anypony would want a flugelhorn. Well, aside of the Element of Laughter anyhoof.
LUNA
Luna gives a brief, snorting laugh of amused contempt. "It is tiny. However, they do love their flugelhorns. And the tiny ewes. We must make certain they are not imported, lest they begin to breed wild." Luna gives a little shudder of disgust, then lifts a hoof and gives a dismissive wave. "So be it. We had supposed merchants would handle those things on their own, but it is a passable idea. Cadence shall certainly not regulate trade, or see that the railroad is extended to the barrier. Go ahead with thy embassy."
VIRGA
And that was precisely why Virga preferred his own imperial province of Equephel, or did. It was ruin now. They had not of the flugelhorning, or much in the way of mysteriously reproducing cotton candy ewes. He sat next to Firefly, watching Luna, and watching Nightshade. He had a temptation to say that Cadance may regulate trade if Shining Armor aimed her in that direction, but he kept quiet.
NIGHTSHADE
"At once, Your Majesty," says Nightshade, bowing deeply. "Also, Princess, I have completed my survey of the Realm's defences, and the news is not...optimal." Her brow hardens. "But that is a matter which will require a full meeting of the Privy Council to discuss."
FIREFLY
Firefly listens quietly, feeling a lot more relaxed. For some reason she felt a bit more energetic that usual. Perhaps last night's training or the Roc a few nights past and her worked up.
VIRGA
Virga leaned close to Firefly, his nose barely on the edge of her ear for the moment. He was thinking, and generally when Virga thought about something it was generally not advised for anyone, except fliers like himself and Firefly. Of course, that is what a pony normally would think, but here it was contemplative, or perhaps just a gesture of closeness. "What is the nature of 'not optimal'?" he asked, at last breaking silence. "Does it require our inspection under regal order?"
LUNA
Luna smiles suddenly. It's not a pleasant smile. It is downright ghoulish. Blue eyes widen with malicious glee as Luna steps forward off of the throne, standing in front of Nightshade. She lowers her face down almost to the Overseer's level, grinning to show off every tooth. "I *AM* the Realm's defenses. The Royal Guard are glorified ushers." Turning away, she walks back towards the staircase to the Royal Quarters. One wing lifts, and waves in an airy circle. "Credit where it is due, however. Virga and Firefly are the first line of defense. If thou think them 'not optimal', we urge thee to find a military threat they cannot dispose of. Celestia's peaceful Equestria must be boring them to madness.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade is tempted to call Luna out on her grandiosity, but she holds back. Better to do so in full view of the Privy Council. "If you say so, Princess," she says politely, bowing again. "Is there anything else you wish to have of me?"
FIREFLY
Firefly replies directly, in her soft voice. "Not optimal, it means an undesirable effect, or one less than the desired efficient level of operation or condition relative to whatever is being related to. For example, allowing a Changeling to walk among the palace is not optimal because it could choose to be any one of us and we have no known means of detection, aside of memory and knowing the one another beyond sight." giving a grin at Luna's statements. "In this case, it means she thinks you and I, or perhaps the Royals in general, are not up to the task of regional defense." shifting a wing. "It is an opinion, and all are allowed to have them. This whole Science and Knowledge era happened in my homeland...it failed on its own, though had many very useful aspects, so should not be cast aside without thought."
VIRGA
High words from Luna? He had to admit that was a first, given their history. Yet, they did have that one talk among the old dragons layer's armor. The pegasus also spoke up regarding optimal defense. "If you wished for near flawless watch ponies, then I suggest the route taken by King Sombra in my Equephel. His subordinates mystified the populace; hear all, see all, read all, feel all. But this would be enslavement. If, however, you feel there is something to which we may not be aware, then please speak it and do not delay for a congressional hearing." That was the most un-Virga statement Virga had made. He was more than just what he presented himself as, perhaps. Or maybe his own mentor's hammering shown through right there.
LUNA
Luna chuckles lightly. Well, darkly, but in a lazy sort of way. "Be gentle with her, Heart of Ice. Only time and experience can make her understand. Until then, we believe her sense of order can serve our ponies well. She may think us charlatans and stage magicians if she likes, so long as the Crystal Ponies have their flugelhorns and our ponies can bathe in the loving, innocent beauty of Cadence's little world for the cost of a train ticket. For now, there are no petitioners and we wish to spend some time one with the turn of the heavens. Our thoughts are still far too tainted." With that, not waiting for a reply, she disappears up the stairs.
FIREFLY
Firefly lifts an ear slightly and looks aside to Virga, then grins and returns her attention to the pair before her. Specifically, her Princess and the Overseer, moving to retake her place, sitting before the Throne after LUna leaves. "Overseer, I am a weapon, a tool, a warrior. Serving to protect ponies is my task, I have no thoughts or care for political....stuff." making a face. "To be honest, I lack much knowledge in such areas."
VIRGA
Gentle. Of course. Virga's eyes fell on Nightshade quite evenly. He had no doubt of her experience. The manner in which he looked at her said that, yet there was also his function. Most things that came before Celestia were not of the defense kind. "No disrespect, but I gather the only 'advice' Cadance has received has been from Shining Armor." Dear lord, it continued. And yet he also spoke truth in that. Shining Armor had been at her side all that time, yet his remark so easily referred to the new Crystal Pony Pasttime of: hey, let us throw our wives so they make fine crystal berry pastries at home while we play our flugelhorns. "I was involved in Equephelian politics since my first job...flying courier regal mail. I can't understate how many times I was yelled at when my regent announced a shortage of gems here and there. Large flight team saw me eventually, invited me to join. Thought my life in politics was over--not. one. bit." Sad.
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade nods lightly as the Squires speak, hearing more than what they said. "Just as well. Politics is a bothersome thing at times. Just as well; they won't get in the way of her plans to reform the Realm's governance. "Yet we do have the need for the advice of warriors in matters of war. I may come to depend upon your perspective in the future." That should start the ball rolling. "Now, I must depart; there are several matters that require my attention. Good night." She bows to each of them and then turns around, walking right out the throne room.
VIRGA
Virga slowly got to his hooves and followed after nosing Firefly's cheek. He was, after all, Sun Guard and eventually would need his sleep. "Wait," he said. As soon as he left the throne room his front left hoof gave out, nearly felling him. A small splinter of crystal slid across the floor. "Despite what Princess Luna said, your eye on me was not offending. I believe she has recently taken a liking to me. When we first met, it was ugly."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade pauses, turning about to look at Virga, noticing the shard of crystal that comes out of him. "I see, yes... The Princess does seem to be a very demanding companion, but that is not my main concern at the moment." She magicks the crystal of the ground and hovers it in from of Virga. "I saw you...change earlier. I saw your feet. What is happening to you? ...What are you?" He was definitely not just a Crystal pony; even they did not suffer from such bizarre maladies as this.
VIRGA
Virga had just righted himself when she magicked the crystal splinter. Even now the slightest essence of that fiery change briefly flourished in his mane when he saw it. He then backed away from the unicorn and tightened his wings. "I can't say," he said, "what is happening to me, at least. The Presses would enjoy running with that."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade decides to back down; this seems like a sensitive personal issue. Besides, she would likely find out anyway after a few hours of research. "I see," she says. "Well...if you wish to discuss anything with me, you know where to find me."
VIRGA
Virga looked away from her, though he closed the distance between them. "Please...don't speak a word. Not yet...I'll do it when I'm ready," he said. The tone in his voice wavered. This was more than just a simple affliction. "You've no idea, correct you are that our defense may not be optimal in the future." He slowly pulled from her and turned to walk off down the hall to his chambers. "I train Peddiga," he said, not looking over his shoulder. "For that very reason."
NIGHTSHADE
Nightshade purses her lips tightly. "You are indeed a unique fighter," she says. "But to keep this Realm safe we will need an army of such fighters." And with that she slinks away, back to her plans and proceedings.
VIRGA
When Virga reached his chambers he spent a moment inside slumped against his door. Everything he'd found insofar in a search for a cure resulted in dead ends. The more he used his talent the quicker it grew, and teaching Peddiga had accelerated the crystallization from his hooves to the ergot in just a few sessions. He came to the future; Aquelene's intention was to save him from execution. She died for nothing and only staved off the inevitable. The pegasus reached a wing over to a table and pulled close a framed picture. It was an exceptional, small painting a pony had done of himself, Aquelene, their son Tundar, and the Crystalbolts. They were all there, smiling at him forever. He slept that night with the picture on his bed stand.