private Snowed In (1x1 With Raven Rawne)

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The door lock growled as somepony slowly opened the door with a key. Then, a gentle screech of crystal hinges revealed the owner of this house. Crystal Clear came home, four hours later. She took off her cap as soon as she entered, and rubbed her eyes with it. She was tired, mentally. She called out. "I'm home! Not dead, or in jail, yet..." She ascended the stairs to find the changeling.

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling looked at her curiously. "Let me guess. 10 guards will be showing up to execute me or something? What did they say? When do I see the Princess?" Aquarius asked, sounding rather urgent and eager to know. He looked rather fearful of what could happen but he is hoping that they won't be in jail or executed. 

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The mare looked at him with tired eyes, then walked past him to the kitchen. She needed a drink. "The guards ARE downstairs, but you're safe. I guess. And so am I. Being a memnber of the most influential organisation in the Empire has it's perks. A regular citizen would have it way harder."

 

She did something to the stove, and it slid out of the wall, rolling on tiny wheels underneath. The mare reached behind it and produced a bottle and a shot glass, then kicked the stove back into it's place. "Gosh I needed this..." Crystal sat by the table and poured herself one, rubbing her sore eyes. "So they got mad I just let you in, and sheltered you. Even did some weird magic stuff to know I'm me and I'm not influenced by some changeling magic." - She took a swing from the glass, and unbuttonned her overcoat. - But in the end, they let me off the hook and came to get you. I mean, to "escort" you to the Palace, where you'll state your business. Probably not to the Princess at first, but I'm just guessing." Crystal looked really spent as she sipped her Brandy. At least the drink seemed to calm her. "I can't go with you, but you know where to find me. Need anything before you go? Love, fresh clothes, some juice, anything really? I'm too spent to work anyway, so you can have a go at my love..."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling nodded, and he took some love from her, not alot though. "Well, I guess I should get going, I don't want them waiting...." he said as he hugged Crystal Clear and then left the place, noticing the guards downstairs, he walked up to them. "I-I heard you were going to escort me to the palace and stuff. I mean no harm." Aquarius said to the guards, he was undisguised, if they were briefed on what changelings looked like, they would know this one was quite different. He had a mane similar to Luna but not flowing, and he had Chrysalis like eyes.

Edited March 8, 2017 by Moon Dancer.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The mare felt the love drain. Not much, but still. She accepted the hug and remained in her seat for a while as he dressed up and left. Only once the shot glass was empty did she muster the willpower to come down and close the door lock, then come back up and get off the warm clothes. Crystal Clear poked her hear through the drawn curtains and looked out the window. She  saw them walking to the Palace. "I sure hope you'll get lucky in there..." She decided to take a nap.

 

There were ten crystal pegasus guards waiting downstairs. Once the doors opened and the changeling came out, they looked at each other in confusion. One seemed dumber than the rest. "Uhh, Sarge? You sure it's just a changeling? Looks different that the ones we were briefed on." His C.O. gave him a cold stare and apprached Aquarius. "My name is Sargeant Spear Head and I am tasked with escorting you to the Palace for questioning, and ensure your safety. We were issued with some gadgetry should that prove a challenge..." - he pointed to a guard with some chains strapped to his armor - "but I'd rather give you some benefit of the doubt, if you won't mind. So, you're ready? Then keep inside our formation as we walk and heed our instructions, and we'll have a smooth walk."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling nodded, he sighed and seemed rather nervous, but he got inside their formation, Aquarius was rather unsure what they were going to do to him or anything like that so he just did as they asked and hoped they wouldn't get angry, he secretly thought the dumbest one was funny, and they started walking towards the palace.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The Sargeant seemed pleased with the changeling's obedience, and walked next to him as the other guards fanned out. Four were just two steps away, forming a rectangle shape, and others walked further apart in a circle. Allarently, the guard NCO was curious of his newest charge, and started a conversation. "We'll be walking this street all the way to the North Avenue, and then take a turn to the Palace. Now it may seem excessive, but we're putting a show to the populace, you see. We could kindly ask you to wear that heavy apparel and just one guard would suffice, but, after the last city wide panic, we want the ponies that see us to know things are under control." He smirked and continued. "So you're some other sort of changeling than the ones that hit Canterlot? They looked different, you see."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling sighed. "Well, I am from a hive beyond Equestria. Once ruled by my father. My father was a good king, well mostly. But I don't know who my mother is, and I presume that is who gives me my mane. I'll wear heavy apparel, I guess. As I am not in my domain... Can't believe I'm actually in a place beyond the hive, or beyond a cabin and the frozen waste around it."  

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The guards had a brisk pace - they wanted to be off the streets as soon as possible. Ponies around took notice of them, and either hid or stared, sometimes calling out something. So far it was mostly calm around, and they were nearing the turn into North Avenue.

 

"Hmm, seems you're far away from home then. You're from further North? I thought changelings would freeze in there, to be honest, until we found out Thorax was hiding outside the Barrier..." He pulled his scarf tighter with a wing, it was chilly today. Winter in the Empire, after all. "Alright, now we turn into the North Avenue and straight to the Palace. Need to get you off the streets."

 

Since it was late morning, North Avenue was already alive with activity, with ponies shopping, working, and lugging goods. They gave a wide berth of space to the Guards.

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

"Dunno which direction, probably. Thats probably what blocks off Equestria from my lands, and the lands beyond in general, theres few ponies beyond Equestria, there are small towns like Lumsfield and Oasisplace on the bringes the Atterask Desert. Whos Thorax? I've heard alot about him. " he followed the guards as they turned, and ignored the other ponies.
 

Edited March 9, 2017 by Moon Dancer.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

Spear Head raised an eyebrow - or at least it seemed so, hard to tell with the helmet on - on the news. "Well the Court will sure want to know if there's something in, or on the other side, the Frozen North.... Thorax if the Changeling King, as far as I can tell. He came to the Empire after Canterlot attack, he was in the Queen's bunch back then. Eventually he was accepted to stay in the city, and apparently played a pivotal role in dethroning Queen Chrysalis. Can't say more really."

 

The guard collumn was walking in the middle of the Avenue and was nearing the Palace. "We go in through the barracks, there's somepony waiting there to question you. Just keep close to me, easy to get lost in the corridors, and I don't want to chase you around the lower levels. "

 

They reached one of the massive supports of the Palace spire. Each guard threw a salute to the Heart as they went near it, and then made a bottleneck to lead the changeling and the guard sargeant up the stairs. They followed with just four other guards, two up front, and two on the back, snaking the narrow corridors till they reached the jail. Spear Head motioned Aquarius inside, and into an interrogation room. "Extra safety measures. May look like we're jailing you up or something, but we just don't have much options when it comes to safely talking with... you know, unknown creatures. I'll be just outside. Good luck."

 

He stepped aside and motioned the changeling into a small room with several glow-crystal lamps. There was just a small table and two chairs, and a unicorn pony was waiting as the doors closed shut.

 

"Well well, a real changeling..." - the stallion had a screechy voice and looked like the sort who thought way too much about himself.

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling nodded at Spear Head's remarks, upon seeing the stallion he simply sighed and sat down infront of him, looking at him curiously, the stallion was rather off putting in his mind, but he did his best to seem respectful. "Yea.... I'm sure you have alot that you want to know and stuff....." he said, sounding rather afraid.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The stallion's eyes narrowed as he inspected the changeling in front of him. "You could say so..." He took a seat on the opposite side of the table and prepared his writing equipment - a scroll, feathered quill and an ink pot, all held in pink telekinetic grip. The stallion himself was rather... well fed, had immaculate salmon coat and ruby red mane, combed back and perfectly trimmed. "I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Ruby Shine, and I am the Court Chronicler. My task here is to write your... testimony for further evaluation." The stallion dipped his quill and held it above the scroll. "So, what's your name and where you come from?"

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne, 

 

Aquarius states his name and the location of the hive. He didn't really have much of an opinion on the stallion that was across from him. The stallion then asked other questions like if he had anything to do with Chrysalis, which Aquarius had denied, the stallion asked more questions about his life, and he described his father and how he was somewhat abusive and strict but he had cared about the Hive more than any previous King, his mother was rumoured to be a Princess of Stars and thats how he has his mane the way it is, The Hive was not as large as the Chrysalis hive and certainly not as violent, they were somewhat isolationist until Aquarius had left The Hive and found a village, and in the Village he had found a new friend which called himself Lord Senvious, he described how he was a passionate and somewhat mischievous alicorn who was unlike the ones in Equestria, his cutie mark was a blue-white Tornado, he was able to cause storms, but usually did it to show off.

 

The changeling also answered several other Questions, which related to his plans for the future, which were just to live in the Empire and attempt to make friends, there were some other basic Questions about him which he answered. Aquarius had also stated that he would like to meet with Princess Cadence and live in the palace if he would be allowed to do so. The meeting came to a close after a few hours. 

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

 Ruby Shine re-read theentire testimony one last ime, and nodded to himself, folding it back. "Seels we had it all down. Thank you for your... cooperation. Now I am sure this will land on the Pricess's desk before nightfall, but it's anypony's guess how long, if ever, will it take for her to ask for a meeting.  In the meantime, would you like to return to, uhh, Master Clear? Or perhaps stay here in the palace? Although I'm afraid we lack proper rooms for guests like you... we could upcycle one of the cells, and leave it open, of course, if you wish. So?"

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling had thought for a few seconds, staying in the palace would give him ample time to think things over, he does like Crystal Clear but he would rather be alone for awhile. "I'd like to stay in the palace, I wouldn't mind." he said as he got up out of a chair, that he was sitting in a for a few hours and stretched his back with a crack of the bone.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The stallion nodded, and also stood up. "So be it. Although do keep in mind that the Princess is cery busy, so it may take time before the wheels of the Court turn and she expresses a wish to see you. Util then, I suppose..." - the stallion  approached the door and knocked, holding his papers and writing utensils in telekinetic grip. The heavy slab opened, revealing Spear point. "Our guest wishes to stay in the palace till his presence is requested by the Princess. sargeant, please, organise some manner of accomodation in a secure location. I must attend to his testimony."

 

Ruby shine departed, and the bored sargeant looked into the room. "gues you need some kind of reward, first to go to our jail by their own request, heheh. Comeon, I'll show you what we ave available."

 

The guard led Aquarius down the hallway. Some cells were occupied, and one was outright sealed shut, but the pegasus pointed the changeling to an empty one, in the far end of the block. "Not a five star hotel, I know. There's always a guard nearby, so if you need anything, just ask. Within reason, of course. You're not under arrest or anything but you can't just wander around the palace, okay? Take a look and tell me if you ned something right now. Maybe something to eat? Or drink? Took a while in that room."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling had waved goodbye to the Stallion as he left, he looked at the empty one. Seemed rather fitting, a part of him believes he shouldn't even be alive right now, and another part simply wants to meet Princess Cadence. "Yes Sir. Just get me a water, and I'll be off to sleep, wake me when the Princess requests my Presence." he said, rather obediently, he felt like he was being commanded, and he acted accordingly. 

Edited March 10, 2017 by Moon Dancer.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

 Spear Head nodded. "Alright, water it is. Any food? I'm not sure if your kind even eats, to be honest...Oh and, don't hold your breath for that meeting. The Court is notoriously slow for passing information up to the Princess. I swear those unicorns must have invented some comvulsed game to determine who gets the honor of bringing scrolls in their teeth or something." - The stallion was clearly not fond of the Court politics, and wasn't afraid to tell just that.

 

He loked to the side, then back atthe changeling inside the cell. "Oh and, sorry for the housing conditions. Just to make things clear, you're free to leave whenever you wish, but, seems you kind of fell into a legal grey zone. We can't let you roam fee, because you're a changeling from a new hive, but at the same time, you did nothing wrong, so there's no reason for us to even pay attention to you being here. I hope you understand our problem here... Wouldn't want you to think you're a prosiner or something. I'll get the stuff you asked for, and be back soon."

 

The guard left, but didn;t close the cell doors. Like he said, the changeling was not a prisoner. More like an uncomfortable guest.

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Aquarius understood everything that was going on. "Well, I guess I can understand what the court is going through, I never liked politics either. I'll just stay here I guess. I'll fall asleep and hopefully be woken up to the Princess requesting a meeting or something, just set my stuff next to me, Ok?" he saidto the guard as he left. The changeling curled up into a ball and began to fall asleep. 

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.

 

A hoof gently shook the changeling back to the waking world. Sargent Spear Head stood over him with a slight smile.  "Seems it's your lucky day. The Prince caught wind of you here through the guard reports and demanded to see you. The Princess should be there too, I guess. So no more waiting till the unicorns sort it out, heheh."

 

He walked back a couple of steps to allow Aquarius to get off the bunk bed. "So do you need anything before the meeting? Some more water, a bathroom break, whatever? It can take a while,  you know.  Oh, and by the way, it's just oast seven PM if you're curious. Still the same day."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

The changeling righted himself and blinked a few times. "Good to hear that, I don't really need any of that Sir, I'm fine as is" Aquarius then got out of the bunk bed and made the sheets and took a few steps outside, this was his 'big' day afterall. He took a few sips from the water the guards gave him earlier, he was ready to go see the Prince and Princess.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

The guardpony looked the changeling up and down, then nodded. "Alright, this way."

 

He led Aquarius out of the jail, through the barracks, and into the upper levels. They met guardponies and servants along the way, and once they emerged from the lower levels, contaning barracks, kitchens and other sercive areas, the interiors immediately became roomier, more decorated. Tapestries hung off the walls, and there were carpets snaking through the corridors like guiding lines. There were also defferent ponies apssing by - more ervants, of course, and occasional guard too, but they passed court officials, citizens doing businesses or appealing the Palace on some matter. Eventually, they reached a pair of tall, richly decorated doors. The guard pony stopped right before them and faced the changeling.

 

"Now before we enter the Throne Room, I need to make sure you're not going to embarass yourself. There will be both His and Her Highness in attendance, possobly some Court members and, no doubt, guards. Approach along the red carpet and stop where it ends in a circle. That's where you're supposed to stand. Any closer and my colleagues won't like it. In case you were unfamilliar with the terminology, you are expected to call the Royal "Their Highnesses", and you can call the Princess "the Crystal Princess". Other than that, you're on your own. Either way, good luck. I'll open the door when you're ready."

[Starforce 26,587]

@@Raven Rawne,

 

Aquarius was rather happy that he was out of the jail and the guardpony could see that. He was rather blown away by the interior of the place and the guardpony could see that also. He hesitated for a moment and then he turned to the guardpony. "Alright, I'm ready sir." he said as he prepared himself mentally for what was about to happen, one of the largest and most important moments in his life.

[Raven Rawne 1,381]

@@Moon Dancer.,

 

Spear Head nodded and pushed the doors open, seemingly with ease. Strange, since the doors could easily weight more than ten ponies per wing. A voice from inside announced: "Aquarius, the Changeling!" At least the Herald didn't miss a beat.

 

Sargent Had reamined outside, ready to close the doors to the Throne Room. It was rather apparent that Aquarius was summonned outside normal hours, since the hall was empty, save for several guards standing on attention and for once observing what was going around them, aforementioned Herald, who now held a scroll and a quill in his magic grip, and of course, the ruling couple. Princess Cadence was seated on the Crystal Throne, and her husband was standing next to her. Technically she was the ruler of this kingdom, after all.

 

The prince seemed rather weary of the newcomer, as if unsire what will come of this encounter. The Princess seemed more open, holding a practiced, but still rather warm, smile. She spoke when the changeling approached the spot he was instructed to take.

 

"Good evening, fellow changeling. We were informed that you wanted to speak with us, and the report I was given proved... most interesting. So you have our attention, please, present us your case."