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Stormstride arrived in Equestria a week ahead of schedule, much to Blueblood and Psmith's surprise. The word of her arrival made them both fidget, thinking she was coming early to see them for some reason. Blueblood felt it was honestly her coming to see the competition of the event and size them up before things began, while Psmith felt it might be her playing at some gambit he did not yet grasp.

Both gave her the benefit of being shrewd in her planning, allowing herself to arrive in Canterlot the day before the competition as her original date of arrival stated, however she was taking the long route to Canterlot. She left herself plenty of time to work through the train stations, pausing to disembark and speak to inns and shop keepers about selling her product. That was normal business practice well enough. Blueblood understood that as a growing business, Stormstride's wine was the majority of her economy. Her vineyards employed a good many ponies whom lived in her town, as did the winery. Those ponies spent their coins in town, which funded the taxes Stormstride collected from businesses. The cycle of pay and tax was something the prince was familiar with.

Psmith however could not help but feel this was some tactic on the part of the Lady. As if she were purposefully drawing close at intervals to create some sense of panic in some pony. It was now the day before the competition, and her arrival in Canterlot was a bit of a stir. Her first order of business was to donate to charity it seemed, by moving straight to the school of her old home district while the porters unloaded her goods from the train. At the school, she seemed to be having a conversation with one of the teachers, and provided them with a coin purse, which seemed to be rather heavy judging from how the teacher seemed to almost drop it once he had it. Psmith watched through his binoculars, studying her movements and mannerisms. He could no guards with her, just her hired porters and the cart they loaded the supplies on. Blueblood was busying himself with preparing to meet her. Psmith wondered if the reports of her heaving guards were make believe or exaggerations based on the number of porters she had had to hire at the start of her journey. Apparently four wagons of wine, one of which was for the competition and the rest for sales and samples.

Stormstride herself was in her old home district, speaking to an inn keeper about carrying her brand. So far she was hit and miss with sales. Roughly half the ponies she approached agreed to carry a small selection of her bestselling wines, and one spay had purchased a full case of her Reserve after a sample tasting. Though this was not as successful as the mare desired, she was still pleased that she had established some small contracts. She would need to make certain that all orders got to her the same day they were made so that she could ship them out and have them arrive on time.

As she was pondering how to do this, she spotted the old store front she and Caramel used to call home. The windows were burst out, and some pony had scrawled a large red X on the door to mark it as condemned and ready for destruction. While it saddened her to see the building go, it was better to let it fall away into the past. It could only serve as an unhappy reminder of innocence lost in the by gone days of youth at this point. As Stormstride walked away, she moved toward the last inn left before entering the upper class district. There she would have no business other than to win the contest, take her ribbon and be back off to home where she belonged unless Blueblood wanted her to tend another social event.

As much as she enjoyed the company of, and loved her friends, this higher class area was not her place to be and she did not like it here in the least. She had always detested Canterlot nobility. Snobbish prudes which clung to wealth and life far past their usefulness, all for vanity's sake. A pony so old and unable to even speak, let alone share any wisdom they might have was only causing burden to others and themselves at such a point. Stormstride knew that she would let death take her long before she reached that point. Either in honorable combat or simply fading away in her sleep peacefully, she would die before she reached that old of an age. Shaking that thought from her mind she cleared her head for the business at hoof.

As the mare moved up the street, she noticed the inn keeper standing outside their door sweeping the doorstep. She strolled up slowly, smiling as she came closer. The inn keeper looked up at her, almost amazed but also shaking his head in a bit of amusement. This particular inn keeper was an earth pony of good stock and nearly as big as the door was tall. His muscles rippled as she moved, showing the great strength he had earned in his life time of work. Setting his broom aside he brushed his hooves off on his apron and then made to hug her. She returned the hug softly. Psmith continued to observe her as he scrawled notes in his little book, seeing just how she acted now that the ball was out of her court, and into theirs. And it fact it seemed she was a perfect lady. Could it be that their idea that she might have a darker tinge in her was unfounded?

"How are you Boulder? I haven't seen you in some time," Stormstride said happily as he picked her up in one of his trademark bear hugs. She felt him squeeze just enough to stretch her, but not hurt her. As he set her down she kissed his cheek and smiled up at him.

"I am well Stormy. Glad to see you again. My, what a shapely mare you have become. And is that a tail bangle? Married I see. Who's the lucky pony?" He chuckled in a deep bass voice.

"You know Feather Touch that used to own the spa a couple blocks down? Well he and I both were in Maretonia. I went to reclaim my family home. He had gone to repay a family debt. We married. We are Maretonian nobility now. All those dreams of being rich, ours now. CaramelCream is getting a first rate education, as are so many other ponies in our village. We have a castle, my younger brother has his own home in the courtyard that is full of musical things he loves and he travels the world in search of more. Feather Touch trains other ponies in how to be a therapy or spa pony now. All those things we wanted to change, we did." Stormstride was proud in her reply, as one could see it all over her face.

Boulder whistled softly, impressed with her version of the events. He figured there were things she was not comfortable talking about in public, so he did not question her. However he did look toward the cart that was being pulled along by four porters. He wanted to make a joke about her luggage, but it didn't seem proper at the time.

"How long are you staying in Canterlot?" he finally asked. He wondered just how much she would tell him if she had the proper time and privacy. He could tell she was not traveling alone. No visiting pony of interest would come to this quarter at all without reason, let alone without escort; though to her credit, her body guards were well hidden, likely having a parameter around her at all times.

"I should be here for at least two days longer. The wine judging competition at the palace is tomorrow, and I should still need to finalize some distribution matters here in Equestria. I have several shops and inns that are going to carry my particular brand in limited stock now," she replied.

He smiled with a soft nod, and then stepped aside for her to enter his shop. She took the invitation and walked inside, motioning the porters to park the cart and join her inside. They readily did so, knowing she was going to be buying them food and drink, possibly a place to rest for the duration of their stay in Canterlot as well. While they believed she had a quick pace, they all agreed between themselves that she was rather generous in her tending their needs.

As Stormstride and Boulder sat at the bar, he motioned for a barmaid to tend to the porter's orders and get them something. Then his eyes turned to papers that Stormstride laid out, reading over the paperwork slowly as she explained what her proposal was. She offered a variety of wines, from simple table wine with no label up to a very expensive bottle of Reserve that had limited production of 30 bottles per year. She wanted to know if anything on the list interested him, so they could discuss it at length before putting quill to paper.

Boulder for his part was a simple stallion and kept a tidy but clean and well stocked shop. Most of his patrons were males of the upper middle class variety, and traveling merchants looking for some quick sales on a gullible fool or to trade large carts full of fabrics and spices in the upper class district markets. Stormstride however brought her business down here, where it would provide more jobs and generate revenue.

Boulder looked toward the lower end of the list, at wines that he could sell by the bottle and make a short profit to the merchants. A few other selections he noted were a little more expensive, but offered a name and a date to them. Making his selections, he asked if Stormstride had brought samples of the wines. She nodded and moved to fetch them, coming back after no longer than two minutes. Setting the bottles on the counter she let him taste each in turn and decide which he liked the most in this situation. Thinking to himself, the stallion decided a small, but sweet variety would serve best.

Stormstride made notations, and filled the contract out. It was then she paused to ask how often he felt he might need restocking, though what he said shocked her just enough she had to ask him to repeat his response for her.

"I said once per month dear. We need to keep enough on hand that we don't run out unless you discontinue the sale of it. This small variety here will become the signature table wine of the evening meals here in the inn. This can help provide our patrons a relaxing atmosphere, and keep our costs low. Your prices are lower than the regular here, even with the import taxes and transportation fees."

Stormstride giggled softly, nodding and putting him down for a recurring delivery of one case per month, including a variety of his liking and packaged with additional blank labels he could apply later if desired. After that, she sent two porters outside to bring two cases inside to start him off. Boulder showed them where to put the cases, then moved to the kitchen to begin fixing their meals. Stormstride however, stood and moved to the hostess stand, informing the mare at the podium that the four porters would need room and board for at least two days, with any possible extras included. The mare totaled up the estimated cost for her, which Stormstride paid in advance, stating that when she returned, she would cover anything that the estimate did not cover for them.

Making her way outside then, she whistled softly to summon her guards. All eight of them stepped from behind the cart, in full armor. Taking up positions around the cart and their Lady, they began toward the palace at a slow walk. This was to be a display of show to the nobility of Canterlot, that the nobility of Maretonia and Kastrot in particular were nothing to turn their noses up at. These eight guards represented something of a mixed display of her power; Two pegasi in the air over the cart winged along slowly, hovering just out of reach of an Equestrian spear. In the front, leading the parade was Stormstride herself with two unicorn mages. Their armor highly polished to reflect any source of light and blind their foes to the fact they had glowing horns at the ready.

Hitched to the front of the cart, three earth pony guards in full heavy gear pulled the cart as if it were empty; which for them it thankfully had only enough left to take part in this wine competition. The fourth earth pony walked behind the cart bringing up the rear. Their heavy armor made them look more like moving statues, with full shields on one side, a sword and spear latched to their other, and a hooked metal horn attached to their helmets on front. Their armor was the most frightening, adorned with horns and teeth to menace and frighten the on lookers.

And it seemed to work, as when they made their way past, even a few patrolling REA stepped off the street and into alleyways to watch from the shadows. Foals and adults alike stepped back into their homes, watching from windows or through cracked doors as this rather evil looking sight made its way up to the palace gates. They only stopped when the pair of guards at the gate crossed their spears and commanded them to halt. Stormstride waited to be addressed by the gate keeper, already bringing her invitations out. But before she could present them a voice called out to her from the walls.

"My Lady! What possession of the mind has gripped you that you bring an army to a wine tasting and competition?! Have you come to literally muscle out any competitor? Bad form I dare say Lady Stormstride! Bad Form!" The voice of Psmith hailed her from the ramparts of the outer wall, causing her to giggle.

"Psmith! I have valuable cargo here! Do you realize that if CaramelCream's gift to you was lost or damaged I would never get another word from her as long as I live? She sent things for you and Blueblood as treasures. And I do not intent to let them be stolen!" That seemed to get a reaction.

"Treasures you say! I shall be right down! Tally HO!!!" Stormstride could hear the gallop of his hooves as he ran to get to the gate. While he was racing, Stormstride presented her invitations to the wine competition and brought her entourage inside the walls. She spotted Blueblood making his way toward them slowly as he spoke to some pony she did not recognize. Though at the sight of her protection party, both Blueblood and his guest stumbled a bit. It seemed this was one of the judges of the competition tomorrow, given the vest and badge of judge set upon it.

One of the guards brought to Stormstride a small mahogany chest. Taking it she smiled and let him return to his post at the cart. Using her magic to levitate the chest, she opened it by hoof and brought out a scroll. Psmith had, by now reached her and was happy to see such a bright smile on her face as she held the scroll to him. Opening it, he smiled at the artwork of the little filly before his eyes. It was an image drawn without the use of magic, given care and love through the notes of charcoal and ink rather than crayon. The skill was not that of a master, but the level of love was present.

It was an image of Psmith standing very regal, his monocle gleaming in the brilliant light of the sun as he stood triumphantly defying some great odds. His heroic pose told of his power with word alone that could slay what great evil stood before him; at least in his own mind he had that impression. His eyes were only drawn away when Stormy presented Blueblood with what looked like a rather nice lapel pin. It was made of the same black metal as the armor of the guards. However it had the crest of his family house made from what looked like actual Platinum.

He knew this was beyond her skills to make, and her knowledge for if memory served correctly the filly was a baker of sweets, not a caster of precious metals. She must have commissioned it though, and given the unusual design of the pin it looked as though it was made from a drawing she had done. Gently placing it on his vest in the proper alignment with his current lapel, he smiled at how it balanced.

"She also sent a travel set for you both to use when you go about. She saved her allowance and purchased a tea set she thought you both might find appealing," Stormstride said as she turned the chest for them to see. Both Psmith and Blueblood smiled and nodded, and both knew this set would likely never get used, given the number of tea sets that the prince already had access too. This set would like sit as a center piece for view and discussion among peers. Letting Psmith take the chest, she sat and gave a polite bow.

With the formalities out of the way, Stormstride hugged Blueblood softly and carefully so as not to press her metal shoed hoof against him and accidentally do any damage. She knew she was likely still the stronger in physical manners, thus opting for a gentle, but sincere hug and a kiss upon his cheek; then the same for Psmith.

"It has been too long. Come, we have an evening before the competition. I would like to take tea with you both and catch up," she said. Her jovial attitude and lightened air made both relax as the contest judge bowed and retreated from Blueblood to allow the friends some peace for an afternoon tea.

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Thunderbuck watched the window quietly. The only light that could be seen for miles now was the glow of their private carriage window on the ice and snow; as it had been for two days and would be still for at least another day yet. The stops the train had made were few and had departed after just long enough to refuel the coal cars and boiler with water. The guards with Buck had played out their card games, and moved on to a game of chess.

Buck himself had finished his sheet music, and lay it aside. Now that they were forced to slow down because of a blizzard, it was taking longer to reach the Crystal Empire; and that provided the noble stallion time to address a matter with his protection.

"My sister is less herself of late. Have you both noticed?" he asked of them as he stood and approached their table. This was a delicate matter, and he needed to know they were going to help him, or at the least stay neutral in his efforts to stop his sister from becoming some monster in the dark. Both paused to look up at him, before the first spoke.

"Aye. We noticed. She's taken to brooding more. And she recently ordered new maneuvers and training. Very specific things too sir. It got some of us thinking, she might be gearing up for war. Heavyhoof has us listening for any interest in others joining when we take down time in town. If we hear someone mention it, we send them to see him. Recruitment drives like that usually precede expected losses or an insurance to tip the side of a battle in some pony's favor," he said slowly.

"I agree. Her manners have become far more aggressive of late. A lot of our training in recent months has been specific to REA counter measures, and how to disarm REA guards without hurting them. It feel like she is training us to start taking over Equestria one inch at a time without causing any pony serious harm. Add to that the new weapons and armor upgrades over the last few months, new training and formations, and her rapid drive to increase productivity in all her business aspects; it seems to me she is planning to finance an invasion force. We were a few over 100 just a couple months ago. Now with the new recruits we just broke 300. That's far more than one town needs. Even with the parameter around the vineyard. We are placed in the fire break. Well within sight of each other. There is no escaping detection unless you are a ghost moving a mile underground at the speed of a snail." The second one said, which made Buck feel even more uneasy.

"Then I must tell you why I chose to come here. I came to seek the advice and help of Princess Cadence, in restoring the love and compassion to my sister," Buck paused to take a deep breath, and continue. "And I hope you will help me. I do not want to see her march off to war and take others with her. Her tenacity is too much once she starts. We have to stop her before then, to prevent needless death and destruction."

The guards looked at each other, realizing now that this was bordering on treason, and yet understanding the sense in it all as they took a few moments to process this request. Buck was trying to save lives, and that included their own. A normal soldier with their loyalty would have pinned and arrested him then and there. However, their loyalty was also strong enough to make them realize that this current method and course of action could get their lady killed by any enemies she made. In fact it could get the entire family killed, which would mean they failed to protect them properly. Logically speaking, this forced them or agree that they had to take steps to ensure that Lady Stormstride and all of House Cloud were protected, even from themselves.

"What do you need us to do sir?" the second one asked suddenly. This gave Thunderbuck the few moments he needed to let out that breath he had been holding in anticipation of their reaction. Buck sat to the table with them, asking them to provide as honest an answer to any questions Cadence might ask them as possible. He understood that there were some secrets they could not share; secrets such as tactics, maneuvers and troop counts. However they could tell what they saw of her emotional states and how she reacted toward certain names, namely Celestia and specific REA generals.

This provided Thunderbuck the encouragement he needed to go through with this plan, and seek help before it was too late. Their plan came together slowly and quietly, discussing how they were to present themselves. As much as they wanted to leave the armor in their private car, they could not. They needed to wear it simply because there was no real idea how the crystal ponies would react to the notion of a pony sliding toward the darkness like this, and given the history of the place when it concerned dark magic, it was safer to err on the side of caution than to forgo it and pay the price in blood.

Thunderbuck understood this facet of negotiation tactics, and agreed with sadness in his eyes. With the train drawing closer each moment, he moved to set out his clothing and the breast plate in preparation for their arrival. He knew that he had to leave the mask off for this. He had to be seen and heard by the Princess on this matter, no matter how much it might terrify him, the thought of losing his sister scared him even more.

It was as the train pulled into the station that he realized just how different these ponies were from himself and his family. Everything about this city looked like it was made of a crystalline glass, even the armor of the guards looked like it would shatter at the slightest touch. Then Thunder saw three of them coming over, though one looked more like an REA captain by his uniform and armor.

"Looks like Shining Armor himself is coming to meet us," One of Buck's guards was looking out the window as well, then moved to the other side of the car, "And here we got four more coming up. They know something is up with us. No way can we get a normal audience with the Princess like this. I recommend we stow weapons and try to resolve this issue peacefully first sir."

Thunderbuck nodded softly as he moved to the door. His guards stood to either side of him as they waited for the knock. Buck took a deep breath, and when he heard the hoof beat on the door, he used his magic to swing it open slowly. Shining Armor slowly removed his helmet, staring at the actual face of the pony instead of the mask. That threw him off some, as he had been expecting that mask, and for both guards to have their helmets on; yet here he stood looking at their actual faces. Composing himself, the stallion cleared his throat a bit before speaking.

"May I come in and speak to you sir?" He asked, though after he had a moment of silence as Thunderbuck seemed to be thinking and that gave the guard pony time to think himself. Shining Armor had heard that a Kastrotian minor noble was traveling their way with an armed escort, rumors hinted toward a musician or a silent masked pony that did not speak. Other reports indicated two guards in strange and frightening armor, unique symbols on the breastplates indicating a specific house, and strange weapons that seemed intimidating as well as magical in nature. It did not take him more than an hour to piece together a handful of scattered reports that it was Thunderbuck. He and Cadence had caught one of his performances in Canterlot one day, and knew that he was the only masked musician that was from Kastrot and part of a noble family of some kind. However everything he had come across pointed toward Buck never being in public without his mask, which caused Shining Armor to ask himself why now of all times would he be without it.

Buck stepped back and motioned Shining in. The crystal guards lowered their posture as Shining entered, and then followed him inside. This left the odds even now, as two guards to two guards left Shining himself to handle Buck, should something happen. It was not that Shining felt or wanted something to happen, it was that Maretonian nobility, even minor nobility were known to have particular views on races unlike themselves. The unicorns of that land were known for being cruel in most ways. Pegasus lords of other parts would withhold weather, and in the farthest reaches of Maretonia where neither would tread the Earth ponies were supreme. This rift caused racism to run deep, and Shining wondered how these three felt about Crystal ponies.

Though that thought sank away as a new one took its place and Shining looked at Buck most curiously. He had expected a musician of his renown and caliber to be much older, and have a permanent scowl glued to his face from frowning at ponies he didn't like. But this was a young pony before him, likely even younger than himself and smaller in stature. He was dressed moderately for one of his House's reputed wealth, save for the breastplate of armor on display, he could pass for any well to do common pony. The wildly frazzled mane that was brushed back into a somewhat acceptable shape and smoothness matched the hastily curled and smoothed tail. The mottled coloring of grays and silvers looked gentle on his timid face. Thunderbuck could easily pass himself off as a student at a university almost anywhere, and with his talent have easily gotten into the Musical Universities across Equestria.

"We had... received a few sparse reports you were arriving. Several REA commanders are familiar with your family name and inquired at the train office of your passage. We managed to piece it together that you were coming here and that it was in fact you, Thunderbuck Cloud." Shining said the words carefully and politely, with as much respect as if he were speaking to any council member in Canterlot chamber of commerce. Thunderbuck nodded, but said nothing as of yet. "May we know the reason for your visit?" Shining asked, hoping to coax something out of this young stallion, at least get an idea of his reasons for coming here.

"Our presence is to petition an audience with Princess Cadence, and to seek her advice on matters of importance to House Cloud," one of Buck's guards said. Shining looked to him, rather annoyed he answered for Buck. However he was unfamiliar with Maretonian customs, and wondered if the nobility had someone speak for them until they deemed it the proper time to speak. His question was answered when Buck himself gently put a hoof on his guard and then spoke.

"Please. Forgive him. He is charged with my protection, and that does include against interrogations I feel uncomfortable answering. But he is correct, the nature of our visit is to derive help from Princess Cadence in a matter deeply important to myself, and my family. It could be the very end of my family if things go as feared." Thunderbuck spoke softly and very articulately, as if he had rehearsed this speech a few dozen times.

Shining nodded, and looked to his guards a moment, before ordering one of them, "Go tell Cadence we have company, and that it is important. This is a private matter for her attention only and that they would not have traveled all this way for something foolish. Once you inform her, order extra guards to post and then return here to guard this train car and keep it secure for their departure. I will take these Gentlestallions with me through the back entrance to avoid unwarranted attention."

The guard nodded and moved off to carry out the orders. After a moment, Shining Armor put his helmet back on and motioned to Buck's own guards to do the same. They did as bade and set their posture to be exact. Thunderbuck put his mask on quietly, well aware that this was likely to make many of the crystal ponies nervous, remembering King Sombra's visage that towered over them from the Crystal Tower. To help counter this, Buck pulled his cloak over his head, keeping the mask hidden and whispered for his guards to wear their cloaks as well. This would, at the very least, keep their armor and face coverings out of view for the time being.

Shining appreciated that Buck was making an attempt to not frighten the residents of the empire, and once the three were ready he led them out and round the back of the train station. Taking the stairs up the outer wall to the ramparts, they went at a trot toward the nearest crosswalk. Four large crosswalks connected the outer wall to the main tower, allowing guards and regular ponies full access to walk around the city as they pleased. It was late in the afternoon, almost into evening enough that most ponies would be at home having dinner which left the sun dipping low and the smells of cooking rising high. The group crossed across the overhead walkway toward the central tower, quickly drawing inside before any pony could see them. Safely inside the tower, the three slowly lifted their hoods and opened their cloaks while Shining walked to the end of the short entry way and watched the halls. The relatively warm interior of the tower felt nice, like a warm hearth that welcomed a tired pony home from a long day at work. Thunderbuck was no Sombra, however he was close enough in appearance like that to cause panic in the common ponies if they were to spot him without some context. Several common ponies would have no doubt been drawn to the guards looking over the private train car, but with no ponies in it to look at, they would lose interest and go about their business.

The sound of soft, fast gasps got Shining's attention though. He turned to look back at the three and saw one of Thunderbuck's guards had him by the hoof, trying to calm him down. Buck took a moment to breathe a few times, which drew a concerned look from Shining. He watched as Thunderbuck slowly slid his mask up and then took it off, hooking it on his breastplate quietly. The guards both turned to him, attempting to ascertain if he was well enough to continue; to which he assured them he was but that he needed a moment to compose himself to meet Princess Cadence without his mask upon his face. He did not want to offend her by hiding his face.

Shining turned back to the hall, watching a few ponies head off on their way and one guard trailing after them silently. Most of the ponies of the empire were headed home for the day, leaving the Crystal Tower quiet again. The stallion pondered if this was really a good idea to meet in secret like this, but before he could offer an objection, Buck pat his shoulder.

"We should go, before I lose my nerve," came the low but firm whisper. Shining nodded and turned the corner now, leading the three to the meeting room where Cadence should be waiting by now. Arriving, they found her pacing the floor silently; the worry evident enough on her face that when she turned and saw Shining leading the armored ponies she almost panicked. Her horn glowed, and the guards ducked between her and Thunderbuck quickly, their own horn's flaring in response.

"Wait! Cadence, my love. This is Thunderbuck. He came to get an audience with you. He and his guards have left their weapons on the train. They came here in good faith. We should show them the same and at least hear them out properly," Shining said, getting between them all. Cadence looked from her husband to the three and back a few times before nodding and lowering her spell. The guards on Buck relaxed. Buck gulped softly and breathed a soft sigh of relief that had not escalated.

"My Apologies sirs. Being told that you wish to have private conversations is worrisome, and seeing your armored appearance startled me," Cadence said as she moved to a table with several chairs for them to sit in. As they entered the room, Shining Armor shut and locked the door so to prevent them being disturbed. Cadence took a seat and offered the remaining chairs to the others with her magic. As they sat, she looked each over. The guards removed their helmets slowly and set them on the table with soft thuds. These three were here for a purpose that was more desperate than their desire to leave. Adding to that fact, Cadence could see the anxiety on Thunderbuck's face without his mask on; meaning his need for it was more than just part of his musical performances. He likely had a social issue and could not properly function in full society with every pony able to see him. A small crutch like the mask helped him live out his life in public and perform.

"What is it that you need my audience to speak of? I assume it must be a dire request for my council specifically when you passed through both Canterlot and Ponyville on your way here with no indication of stopping to speak to any of the other princesses. So please, speak," Cadence said as gently and politely as she could. Buck took a deep breath and began slowly. He related how his sister came into her position as a minor noble, and how slowly she began to display cruel and unusually targeted tendencies. Her twisting of words and curt replies seemed normal for a bitter pony, and did wane with time.

At first it could be brushed off as a grudge or the like, and began to fade at first. Then she began again, this time luring the distant ponies her grudges were focused on to her lands; however the longer it ran the more creative she became in exacting her justice. Other ponies she lured in were once her friends, and likely still were as both guards with Buck were once former guard mates in the same training class. Neither had tormented her about anything, and had tried to get the others to stop harassment of the smaller candidates.

Then Buck began to speak about the spells she used, and how her magic had gone from a pale bluish gray, to producing tinges of violet that leaked from the crack in her horn and sparked from the large gemstone in the center of her own breastplate of her armor. He described the armor in detail to her at her request, and then further the injuries to her body, her ego, and her heart as best as he could. Cadence was beginning to feel something was terribly amiss and she feared she already knew what it was.

Cadence passed other questions to the guards with Buck, interrogating the pair as deeply as she could get them both to answer without making them feel trapped in the room with her. Finally she took a deep sigh as she listed to Buck begging her for advice on how to fix this, for some spell or other such thing she could impart to him to save his sister. She held up a hoof and then spoke softly.

"My sweet little pony, I can teach you a thousand spells to heal her horn, and remove the physical scars on her body. But I cannot show you how to heal the pain her heart now. She has tapped into dark magic, the same type of magic that nearly destroyed this empire before. I cannot leave to openly confront her about this, and you cannot bring her here. I am sorry but..." she said sadly. Thunderbuck stared down at his hooves on the table. He nodded softly and stood slowly. Cadence stopped speaking mid-sentence now, wondering why he was leaving so suddenly. She was not dismissing him, just stating that this matter was beyond her hooves alone and would require help.

"Nay. This is not fair. He came all this way to see you! He could have gone to any other princess and had his sister arrested. Line of succession puts him as the next in line for the seat. He'd take her place, run things any way he likes! But he came here because he thought you might help him save his sister!" One of the guards burst out. The other reached a hoof over and pushed him back into the chair, but he still called out, "Nay! This was why we left Equestria for Stormstride's lands in the first place. She at least offered us a chance to be equals. You and I were both living in squalor in them barracks. And did them high and mighty princesses care? Nay. This is what we get for trying to reach for help. Come Sir. Let's go home. We have better things to do. I bet we can find a better answer in the dusty tomes of the library at home. Some spell we can use to... to..." Thunderbuck raised a hoof

The guard instantly fell silent, much to the relief of Cadence and Shining Armor. They were worried he might have gotten physical, however the pair were deeply loyal and well trained enough a simple motion of a hoof could set them into the motion desired by their commander. Buck stood fully and pulled his mask over his face. He gave a short, curt nod to Cadence, then to Shining. Both Guards stood quickly and placed their helmets on. Their weapons summoned to their sides near instantly as they stood to either side of him. Buck spoke in a low, but respectful tone of voice.

"It seems we have wasted both your time, and our own. We will take our leave now and return home to our own lands. From there we will take care of our own. I am certain my guard is correct, and that there is some avenue open to us that may yet be revealed with some research into the matter more deeply. Now I bid you good day, and good life." Turning on hoof, he made for the door. Shining rose to object but Cadence put a hoof on his chest.

"Let them leave my love. They came in peace, and they are leaving in peace, albeit angry," Thunderbuck heard her but ignored it. However his guards did not and one muttered just loud enough for his companion and Thunderbuck to hear.

"Piece of work eh? Maybe Stormy has the right idea about how to deal with these ponies. Selfish as they are, I'd say a quick spell would set them back on track. Give them something to think about long and proper before they put on the fancy crowns again." The second guard snickered at that, and glanced back at Cadence and Shining Armor, casting a fairly dirty look at them both before turning to follow Thunderbuck more closely. The pair stuck close to him, knowing that at any moment the Crystal Guards could attempt to stop them. At which point, the pair would spring into action and lay any opposition low on the ground.

"Young Thunderbuck. Please, I bid you to wait. It is true I judged in haste, but I had not finished speaking. Please hear me out and let me finish, you will know what I mean to suggest. I see in you a deep love of your family, and you are trying to cling to that love to save them. But you must understand, I cannot subject the ponies of the Crystal Empire to a battle in their city to satisfy you, nor can I abandon them here to help your cause. This is a matter for more than just one pony with sound advice."

Buck stopped his walk and stood there, but his back was too her. He said nothing, and remained still as he waited for her to continue, however the silence hung in the air. As he went to take another step she called out again, asking him to say something. Slowly he turned toward her and lifted is mask. His eyes were damp now, as he held the tears in the best he could.

"I did not ask you to fight for me, I asked you to help me learn a way. To teach me something so that I can help my sister myself. I already know she would never take help from you. That's why I asked you to tell the secret to me and let me do it in your place," he said. His guards both had hooves on his chest, turning him away but not before Thunderbuck said something that made even his own guards twitch in nervousness, "You dismissed my concerns, and dishonor my name. May your halls never know proper music again." That was as strong a curse as Buck could ever muster, and denying some pony music was a serious matter to him. Both of his guards could now tell just how angry he was inside even if his voice was soft.

Cadence was a gasp, as she was very unused to any pony disrespecting her. She understood him the first time, however she had no such spell or secret to offer. She thought he would have understood that fact when she spoke. She was trying to tell him that he would need help from other ponies and their knowledge to help his sister fend off the darkness now attempting to take her over. Apparently she was wrong, as he seemed to think she was dismissing him totally off hoof without any consideration. A pony succumbing to dark magic was a dangerous thing to be around in the first place, but for that pony to have a full target list of other ponies to direct that anger toward made things much more complex.

She sat down slowly and watched him walking away, now more slowly as he rubbed his eyes and drew the attention of the crystal guards. Shining moved to follow, keeping himself a short distance away from the three, and having his own guards form a circle around them to keep them away from any of the ponies of the Empire. Outside they headed straight for the train, and boarded without a single word except to tell the conductor it was time to leave. He informed them the locomotive would be ready for departure in one hour. They didn't even acknowledge him, just shut themselves inside the private care and lit the lamps so that they could see in the evening light.

Shining Armor and his guards stayed to watch and make certain things would not devolve further than they had. Thunderbuck was a quiet stallion, but quiet stallions could do mighty things when they felt cornered. Shining did not want that mighty thing to be something destructive. As the train blew its horn to signal a departure, Shining Armor watched them rolling by slowly. He could still see inside the window. And what he saw made him pause and think. Thunderbuck was bent over a table sobbing into his hooves as the guards tried to console him. When one of them noticed him staring at them, his horn flickered and all the blinds were drawn shut at the same instant. Shining looked down and took a deep breath, pausing to think about if there was anything he knew, that might help.

The source of the darkness was obviously internal to Stormstride, and had cracked her horn from the inside out after it was damaged to vent the suppressed darkness building up. Now given a means to vent, it could spread like a cancer and engulf her mind and body easily. One time to dabble into dark magic was all it would have taken to trigger this. One small spell for little more than academic purposes, just to study the effects and make notes for science and learning of future generations had likely damned this pony's soul to torment, and her family's along with it. Turning to the Crystal Tower, Shining Armor walked slowly back home.

Upon returning to his wife's side, he found her leaning over the crib of their own daughter, gently singing to her. But the voice was cracked a little, indicating to him she was crying softly. It made him angry, and worried. Nothing got under Cadence skin like that, and yet with those words the stallion in the mask had stuck her in the heart with a pick. The tender foal was slumbering away, lulled by the sweet song of its mother. As Shining put a hoof on her shoulder she turned to him, a few tears running down her face and knowing that she was hurting now.

It was not the disrespect nor the curse that had hurt her. It was that a pony had called her out as a coward for lacking the ability to stand up to what may be a threat, and not helping to prevent it from growing before it became a greater danger. Though born of ignorance and fear of their own, such comments carried a greater weight than any compliment, and left lasting marks on those that they were aimed at.

"We should inform Twilight, Celestia, and Luna about this. They need to know Cadence," Shining whispered. Cadence nodded as she pressed her face against his neck softly and sighed. She would draft a letter in the morning and send it via Spike. After that he could pass along the same message to Celestia and Luna.

Unknown to her however, Thunderbuck was laying his plans into place. Discussing with his guards the best way to prevent his sister from using her tainted spells any further. The obvious solution, was to remove her horn. Cutting it off would prevent her from casting magic, at the least until she found a way to have it reattached if it could be done at all. The second option was to heal her horn, and help her keep tighter control of her magic. They believed that if she could be infected by practicing dark magic, they she could be cured by healing and light magic just the same.

Then came the third option, which they did not like and one which Thunderbuck refused to accept was ever needed. They would kill her if all else failed. Thunderbuck insisted there would be no need for that idea to ever be brought up, but all the same both guards said that it might have to be done. Buck ordered them not to discuss it in front of him at the least, and to plan it only if all else failed totally. Agreeing, the pair prepared for a chance to bed down for the night, allowing Buck to go to bed as well, though none of the three of them slept particularly well.

Even as dawn approached, all three were already up and waiting impatiently for the junction at Fet Loch where they would be attached to a full train again. However that was still several days away. They watched the ice and snow outside the windows blowing past, wondering how they were supposed to perform their duty to Lady Stormstride now, when Thunderbuck himself suddenly and softly spoke.

"All the fruit is gone. I ate the last of it last night. We will need to keep me secured so I do not attempt to leave the train in search of more." His words were hollow, almost resentful of the situation. Both guards were familiar with his nightly transformations. His curse to become a Bat-pony after the sun had set. It was a curse that no pony had yet lifted, and so Thunderbuck had learned to cope. He could usually control the urges to fly and travel away from his resting place, provided there was fruit available to keep him fed.

However with no fruit available for several days, the guards with him would need to devise an idea to handle his transformations. One suggested an immobilize spell, while another suggested a sleeping spell to keep him out until they were in Fet Loch and could get more fruit. Buck himself did not like either idea, however as tired as he was could find no better alternatives himself. He had barely kept himself in check the previous night upon consuming the last of the fruit available. There was, in fact plenty of food remaining though none of it contained fruit.

"Can you safely perform the sleeping spell and the appropriate counter spell?" he asked with a gentle sigh as he began to get himself more comfortable. Sliding his breastplate off and then his usual clothing, he opted to sleep bare as he always had since he was young. The guard nodded and stood, walking to him as his horn lit up. Thunderbuck lay back and pulled the covers up around himself softly, taking a deep breath before he closed his eyes fully.

"We'll wake you the moment we get the food on hoof, I swear it sir," he said. The musician nodded and lay still as he felt the magic gripping him softly, gently pulling him deeper into a warmer and more peaceful place. Once he was fully asleep, the guard that had cast the spell slowly pulled the covers up around him more. Fluffing an extra pillow and laying it under his head gently. "Rest well sir."

Thunderbuck well deep into his slumber, unaware of the care his guards took to protect and make him comfortable, even in his dream state. Here the spell acted to help his mind find a happy place to prevent nightmares that he could not be easily woken from. In his mind, he found himself in the simple courtyard gardens, sitting by the fountain playing his flute as a few other instruments levitated beside him and played.

The dream state was wonderfully detailed, and he soon found he saw his sister lounging in her usual place by the ivy walls. He could see from his place that her lips were curled into a beautiful smile, her eyes closed as she let butterflies dance around her. The soft giggle of a foal turned his head toward CaramelCream as she chased a dragon fly to and fro across the thick grass. Feather Touch was strolling the roses casually, smelling some, pausing to nibble the flower of another.

Everything was peaceful, serene, and as loving as Buck could ever wish it to me. He left his instruments to continue playing to wander quietly through the scene. The gate to the town was shut, which did not surprise Buck at all. He knew that he spent so little time in town, he had no real knowledge of how it really looked. He knew the inside of the castle was pleasant however, and would have the staff inside. He turned toward it and moved to head inside for a bit of time in the castle halls.

Passing by his sister he paused to lean down and nuzzle her cheek affectionately. Seeing her so peacefully asleep in this warm soft weather made him happy. Her horn showing no signs of the damage now that it was fully healed, the scars on her cheek and neck gone as well. Even the permanent shoes removed and the scar of the screw that held them on was healed. She was even several years younger, matching her husband evenly in age now.

Continuing on his way, the stallion came inside and was met with one of the staff. They took his coat and led him to the dining hall where there were books on musical research waiting for him. He smiled as he entered, hearing another servant come from the side with a cart full of sweet fruit treats to devour as he wanted. Knowing it was a dream did little to make it any less real for Thunderbuck. Until he felt the creeping feeling in his mind that something about his sister was very off.

Walking back out to see her, he leaned over her slumbering form as he puzzled why he knew something was off. At first he did not understand, but then his mind began to dawn on it. How would he know what she looked like without those scars and the damage to her horn? How would he know her look from years ago? They had no images of her from that time. Stormstride intentionally made certain they were not available for anyone to find.

Adding to the list of unknowns was why she had not woken right up the moment he touched her. She was a cautious creature, and the lightest touch could wake her if not anticipated. She was careful to plan who and when she was to awaken, so as to not accidentally attack her husband or a servant in the dark early morning hours. That left very few actual things that made sense.

Buck knew the spell pulled on his own knowledge of the world, and found the happiest setting for him possible. There would always be things that differed from the real world, but never had it strayed this far in any noted uses of the spell that he could remember. Taking the time to sit by the fountain he brought one of his instruments over and looked at it. His violin, though much newer in appearance it was indeed his violin. Appearing as if he had freshly varnished the wood and placed a decorative lacquer on the neck of it, the violin displayed beautifully crafted new pegs, brand new string, and the bow was restrung with a fresh bee's wax resin on the bowstring.

This was not his work, but the original way the violin would have looked the day after it was crafted. He had seen new ones in the shops windows before, so that made since. His life's work was to restore these beautiful instruments to that moment of first glory, and often enough had he dreamed of achieving that goal that this being part of his happy place was more than reasonable. It did not however explain why Feather Touch was lounging out here instead of being with Caramel. The Pegasus never left his step-daughter's side unless he was bathing or taking time to work on his own craft. At which point she would be with either Stormstride or Thunderbuck himself.

They were separated, but happy and continuing to frolic. That meant something to Buck but he couldn't understand what. He had to figure it out or he would never get any restful slumber. On and on he worked at the puzzle of his mind before something dawned on him; perhaps separating all of them would open up a new window into making them happy. He had to get them alone to talk to them. Unlike at dinner, if he caught them doing what they enjoyed most then he could understand what was going on, and they were more likely to reveal feelings that they kept secret from other ponies. For Feather Touch it was the scent of flowers he sought for use in his oils, and he often was more relaxed about his inner feelings when working. Caramel loved to run and play like any foal, and when she was playing she shared her secrets with her playmates. Buck knew that known was half the work of understanding, and if he could understand, he might yet save his sister from whatever dark fate may harm her.

He moved back to his sister, still uncertain of why she was different, and how he knew it was wrong. He knew she wished she was younger for her husband and daughter, prettier without the scars and damage from previous battles, and that her horn wasn't cracked wide open like a busted coconut. All the things she wanted were now hers in this dreamscape, and yet they were most unsettling and unbecoming. Buck knew he had no idea if this is what she would look like, he could not even imagine her like this, or even imagine is this was a correct version of her without those events that plagued her. So why was she like this in his mind? He had to understand the why first.

Buck stopped short, and his mouth hung open slightly. Those events had turned her into what she was, and the stain on her memory left a bitter taste in her mouth and a deep blot of anger in her heart. That was the why, because in this dreamscape she had no memory of those events; they simply never happened to this version of her. If this was her that had never suffered like his sister in the waking world, then perhaps there was an answer here after all. Thunderbuck pondered the use of memory spells, for removing painful memories and allowing a pony to continue along without the burden of something traumatic; after all if he could remove her memory of the events, and he could technically give her a second chance. Healing magic and a few beauty enchantments could make her look and feel younger, if no spell could actually do that for her physically by reducing her age a little bit. He knew her knowledge of magic outclassed his own, so she may very well have such spells available and just be unable to cast them with the dark magic inside her. He was pondering so much he failed to hear the distant call of his name, and the dull aching feeling of his hooves coming back to the waking world.

The vision faded and Buck sat up slowly, rubbing his face to clear the sleep as he muttered about the strange dreams. But the heavy scent of fruit got his full attention as his guards gently guided him toward the table. They had waited until it would be night to wake up and let the transformation happen. Once the beast part of himself gorged on this much fruit it would be controllable, and docile from a full tummy. He filed his fading memories of the dream away for another day as he felt the first tinges of the change coming over him. Before he knew it, he was fully transformed and devouring the stack of fruit.

Now full, the batpony moved back to its bed and nested down for slumber to digest the food. Buck would not awake until almost dawn the next morning. His guards already up and preparing for the day. They were shaved, one was cutting the other's mane some, and both had their armor on.

"Good morning sir. Pleasure to see you up and about again. We have a bit of a day ahead of us. This private coach ends in Ponyville. From there we have to travel by normal rail back to Manehattan, and secure passage on a ship back to Kastrot," the one getting his mane clipped said.

Thunderbuck nodded, taking a deep breath. "If you gentlecolts would permit, I would like to take a day in Ponyville. They have a library here, and it may have a book I would like to research a bit." Both nodded, having no objection to a day or two delay. After all, it would give the pair a proper chance to get fully groomed and shine their armor back up. They had not taken proper care of the armor the last few days for lack of supplies, and stopping in a town with several stores would give them the chance to do so. Thunderbuck seemed familiar with the small town after all, and likely could direct them where to get the things they needed.

As they finished preparing for arrival, Thunderbuck continued to think to himself about such a strange dreamscape. He was in the midst of getting his breastplate on when one of the guards stated that they were approaching the Ponyville station. Buck moved to the window, looking out and nodding softly before speaking.

"We should try to be polite, however I doubt that the ponies here will care for conversing with us much. Have you any need to buy things? If you do, I have the coin for you to trade with," he pulled his coin purse from his travel case and held if out to them.

"Thank you sir, but we have enough for what we need. However if you could tell us where to get metal polish and possibly some light tools for the cleaning of our armor, we would be grateful," said one as he tugged the straps of his armor to tight it back into proper place. Nodding, Buck tucked his coins away and motioned with a hoof.

"Off the platform to the right. Head about two blocks and you should spot a jewelry store. It isn't much, however they should have the tools you can buy and certainly they have polish for cleaning rare metals," he said softly as the whistle of the train signaled their arrival. Finishing getting ready, the three decided to slip out the back of the car this time, hoping to avoid most of the crowd. Thunderbuck slid his mask on, and opened the back door.

Unfortunately they stepped right off into a group of guards already waiting on them. Thunderbuck was thankful for his mask at this point. Uncertain of what to do, he motioned his own guards to stand down. The odds were at least three to one given the that there were ten REA around them now, with Princess Twilight herself standing not far away watching. Thunderbuck's eyes met hers for a moment, before he turned back to the guards around him and his protectors.

"Please escort our guests to the Inn. The likely are very tired, and could use some sleep," Twilight said. There was no malice in her voice, but a bit of anger was hinted there. However, as the REA troops stepped close, they suddenly noticed that the Train locomotive was lifted over them. One of the guards had a glowing horn and the other spoke softly.

"Touch our sire with so much as a breath, and that train will get hurled through town like a battering ram. We are here peacefully, but will not tolerate unlawful detention of ourselves and certainly not Sir Thunderbuck," the one speaking said as he brandished his short spear. The REA took several steps back leveling their own spears at the group. However Twilight ordered them to stop.

"Sergeant, you will have you troops resume their patrol. This is a matter I should likely best handle myself. Thank you for your efforts and time, but this matter is beyond the REA's abilities to handle. We underestimated the abilities of just two bodyguards. How well would we fair if the stallion himself began to cast his own magic? Or a force was sent to liberate him. No I think I will speak to him on this misunderstanding." Twilight's voice was calm, even, almost amused by this. But her eyes were firm, and the sergeant took his troops away.

As the Locomotive settled gently back on the tracks, Twilight walked right up to Thunderbuck. She stood before him, his guards stepping back at his hoof motion. Buck himself was terrified now, visibly shaking and wide eyed behind that mask. But Twilight whispered to him, and he seemed to relax.

"Please follow me Gentlecolts," she said softly as she began to move toward the inn. Tunderbuck moved slowly, his guards moving to match his pace. It was a short walk to the inn, but given the pace they were walking at it took some time. Twilight smiled and nodded or waved to ponies that called and smiled to her. Arriving at the inn finally, she spoke to the clerk at the desk about how many rooms were available to host the three stallions.

"We will only need one room, two beds. One of us will be on watch at all times, thank you," one of the guards spoke in a polite, but firm tone. Twilight nodded and turned to the clerk, asking him to check for rooms with two beds. There was an availability, and so Twilight asked for it to be given to them if it was not reserved. The clerk put down that the room was now taken and produced the keys. Returning to the group, Twilight levitated the key over to the guard that spoke. He took it gently enough, but was wary. As she led them to the room, she noticed that the girls were already at the end of the hall.

Thunderbuck saw that and stopped short. His guards tensed up before he said a word and Twilight had taken a full six paces away before she realized they were not walking behind her anymore. Turning slowly she looked at them curiously. Thunderbuck had always actively avoided speaking to any pony when he had passed through Ponyville before. Intentionally staying where he could part his cart with little notice from the citizens of town. Now the princess and her close friends were staring at him.

"We are not here to harm you Sir. Just to talk. That is all." Twilight assured him. She went to step closer and found the end of a spear pointed at her face. Rainbow Dash went to protest but was silenced by Applejack. The other guard had his spear leveled right at Dash's chest from their distance. The blade of it glinted, almost like it were about to hurl. Rainbow Dash took that into consideration and let AJ pull her back down.

Thunderbuck glanced at the group, then at Twilight before speaking, "You, only you." That was all he said and Twilight understood everything he meant to say with that. Nodding she turned to the door and stood there. The guard with the key unlocked it and let the door swing open. Twilight entered, followed by Thunderbuck. But his guards remained outside at a hoof motion from him. They took up positions on either side of the door, one locking it, the other putting a barrier spell up over both sides of it to prevent any pony going through the door.

Twilight sat at the table in the room with Thunderbuck, quietly removing her crown and setting it on the table before folding her wings and setting her hooves on the edge gently. Thunderbuck removed his mask slowly, setting it on the table across from her crown, and his horn flickered as he took a deep breath. Twilight nodded softly and spoke first.

"That was quite the illusion spell you cast back at the train station. I must say, targeting it to only be seen by specific ponies was a good idea; unfortunately that also ruined it when I noticed that passengers were still boarding the train as if nothing had happened. As well, there was no echo of your guard's voice as he spoke, meaning that he was not actually talking. They were just holding a barrier up, weren't they? You were casting multiple illusions at once, while targeting only specific individuals in an effort to make us run away." Her voice was calm, more intellectual than others Thunderbuck had spoken too in the past. It made him less wary of her to talk of magic spells than of matters that were actually important. He nodded to her and she smiled.

"There was never any actual danger to the ponies of Ponyville, merely clever illusions meant to frighten away anyone that seemed to threaten you. I understand you have important matters you want to attend to, but I need to ask you some questions before you do. First, why is it that you left before Cadence could finish explaining that she alone had no answer to give, but that it would take the efforts of other ponies as well to help save your sister?" Her question was a bit lengthy, but she needed to get it out in its full breadth to make certain he got all of it in his head before he decided to leave again.

"Because she dismissed the idea that it was as serious an issue as I tried to convince her it was," He replied, though slower and in an almost whisper tone. Twilight nodded tapping a hoof to her chin. It was important to not countermand his assumptions. Negotiations were not her strong suit, but she understood that he felt this issue was serious enough to go to the literal end of the map for help. Therefore she had to not tell him he was wrong, but try to look at it as if he were correct and that this was the most important issue in the world.

"Would you care to explain it to me? In the event her correspondence left something out?" She asked him. He nodded softly and began from the beginning, giving as much detail as he could. The stallion made every effort to include the words his protectors had given to Cadence as well, and gave his impressions of their opinions on the matter. Twilight took this all in, though with a grain of salt. She felt he was honest, and believed in his words. He was deeply loyal to his sister, and wanted to protect her; which was why he avoided going to Canterlot and did not seek her help here in Ponyville the first time they passed through.

"And now you were leaving the train? Is there a reason for that?" She asked him. Buck fell silent and looked away. Here she realized something rather odd about him. He could have called for his guards at any time and yet he had not, or cast and illusion to confuse her, but yet again he had not. He was discussing the matter with her in a civil manner, though his quiet manner made her think perhaps Fluttershy was better suited to this task than herself. One of her eyebrows slowly arched up as that thought rolled in her head a bit, however he spoke before she could take it any further.

"I had an idea I wanted to try. I was going to stop at the library to make notes and perform a little research before continuing on home. Since I could get no help from Princess Cadence, I thought it best to find a solution on my own. My protectors were going to take some time to relax and get food and proper rest while I studied. We have been moving since we left Castle Cloud in Maretonia," he said softly. Twilight pressed her lips and nodded, standing slowly. She knew being tired, he likely would not take any advice or help she would offer into consideration, and she had a letter of her own to send.

"I believe then I should leave you and your guards to rest then. I must tend to my own council and seek their advice on other matters. Please, enjoy your stay for a while. My treat to you as Princess of Friendship." She moved to the door and slowly knocked on it. The door unlocked as the barriers dropped to allow her to exit the room. The guards ducked inside and closed the door. The moment they did, Twilight saw the barrier go right back into place. She pressed her lips and thought to herself about how to handle this situation.

Coming to the girls, she motioned them to follow her as she spoke, "I believe this matter is more than just a need for respect between ruling groups. I seriously think he believes his claim and that there may be a threat to Equestria in some shape if it isn't handled. Applejack, take Rainbow Dash and go inform the guards to stay out of their way. Let them go about their business as long as they remain peaceful. It is likely we can get them to understand our view, and provide better help to them if they feel we are not hindering their efforts. Rarity, you know more about high culture than I do. If you know anything about Maretonia I would like to get better understanding of his situation. Anything that might be offensive to him is something I would like to avoid if possible. Any special attire I should wear, any titles he might hold that I should address him by. I need all of that. Pinkie Pie, see if you can get something for them to eat. Nothing too sweet alright? They look tired and hungry. Keep it simple. And Fluttershy," the princess turned to her yellow Pegasus friend. "Try to observe Thunderbuck. I have a feeling you might be able to speak to him better than any pony. He seems rather shy and timid." Fluttershy nodded meekly, but knew she needed to try and help. And if he was as timid as Twilight said, maybe she could speak to him more plainly than most could.

As the girls dispersed to their tasks, Twilight went right to the castle and found Spike. He was organizing some books when she walked in. Calling him over, Twilight began to detail a letter she needed drawn up. Asking him to get a particular kind of parchment she rarely used except for serious, official princess matters between herself and the other princesses. Spike went to fetch the items as Twilight stood at the window and looked out. Looking at the inn she thought to herself calmly, about his nature and what she had seen of him before. He had passed through before, but without the guards and he had traveled by cart those times before. She knew he was a traveling musician, and had performed for the ponies of her town a few times before. He had traded for food and supplies along his way, meaning he had travel money and made long trips across Equestria. Thinking back further, she felt his name sounded very familiar to her. The feeling in the back of her mind was that he was possibly the most quiet traveling show pony she had ever known. Though in honest retrospect, comparing him to Trixie was like comparing a professional orchestra player to a banjo player in the woods. Then there were other factors to consider. That he would take guards and a train made her believe him more; adding to that she knew from what reports she had gathered on him that he had not stopped to play for ponies along the way as he normally would have, but traveled straight to the Empire. Unfortunately, only time would tell if he was right, or if he was delusional; and until then it was all guess work and research.

As Spike returned with the materials she sat and began to dictate a letter to him.

_ "To all Princesses of Equestria: I have met with the traveling stallion and his protection. My first impression is that they are peaceful in nature and that Thunderbuck believes himself to be speaking the truth in regards to his sister's plight. He states that she has made no physical harm happen to any pony, but that she has taken actions to enact her own version of justice against ponies she feels owe her a debt. Once she has what she wants, she offers them a place in her own estate. Given the description of the play by Thunderbuck himself, it is a minor fortress surrounded by a small town and sprawling farmlands. She has a small compliment of professional soldiers numbering roughly 200. This would mean she has the ability to wage a small war against any incursion. Added to this fact, She herself is the head of the house, i can not stress enough that this does pose some threat to the ponies of Equestria should she feel the need to deploy her forces. We are ill equipped to handle the combat in the streets of the port cities, and smaller towns such as Ponyville do not possess the guards to protect the citizens from such an attack, let alone drive the force back. I hereby request that we look into this matter with discretion and secrecy in an effort to guide this matter to a peaceful and hopefully friendly solution. _

_ With Regards, _

_ Twilight Sparkle _

_ Princess of Friendship." _

Setting Spike to make multiple copies of that to be sent to all princesses, Twilight thought it might be best to take time now to have a meal and think over what she knew for a fact at that moment. Stepping out into the sunshine, she made for a local restaurant to get food. She could see the ponies of her town, smiling and carrying on with their daily lives. They had no idea anything dark might actually be looming over them.