private A Cultural Exchange 1x1 with Sherem

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Sherem might be stirred from his musings by the thump of a new tome being deposited on his desk. If he looked up he'd find the zebra mare he had spoken to the night before in the courtyard standing across him with a kind smile on her face, "Knight Sherem," she nodded respectfully, "I had hoped to find you. I've spent the time since we last met thinking on what you told me, about the importance of the past. There is something I'd like to share with you, if you would like to hear it?"

The book she had put on his table was an old thick tome, the text on it was in a runic language, most likely it had something to do with the zebra, it was emblazoned with the same mark Zecora had on her flank.

[Sherem 4,807]

He bowed a bit to her as he stood to salute her and as he looked at the book he said "interesting...I have seen this mark before, in the cutie mark of Zecora" he looked at it in detail but dared not to touch it until he had the permission "I'm willing to talk more if you will have me" he then looked at her "tell me, how can I be of service of asistance to you?" he asked

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

The zebra mare nodded, "I sought you out did I not?" she came over to his side of the table, turning the book so that they could both read it, "What ponies call Cutie Marks, we call Guiding Signs. One has their sign manifested once they, consciously or otherwise, dedicate themselves to a path in life. Their sign then can help them to find success on the path they have chosen for themselves." She pointed to the symbol on the book, "This is the sign of the chronicler, or storyteller. It is one of the most respected of the signs among our culture as it typically only manifests in those who have dedicating themselves to preserving and recording our history, and above all understanding it and using it to guide our future towards a brighter day."

She pulled up a seat next to him though she kept her eyes focused on the book, "I have heard much of this Zecora since I arrived at Archback, she is quite the rarity, one bearing the sign of the chronicler has not left their tribe in our recorded history. Nonetheless, I have heard good things of her efforts, her sharing of our histories among the ponies of Ponyville has resulted in a number of the families most affected by the liberation movement to not only not fear her, but accept her as a friend."

She turned her gaze back to Sherem, "I was thinking along these lines after our talk last night. Perhaps, rather than forget and move on, we should share our history with others, teach them the lessons we've learned so they don't need to suffer them as our ancestors have. Grow stronger together rather than fight for dominance."

She pushed the book closer to him as she got up, "This is the account of the first chronicler of Mohotma, perhaps if Equestria could come to understand the consequences of our shared passed, foreswear their repetition, then the divide between our cultures could be mended. Take it, share it with those who would benefit most from understanding. Perhaps then trust could be restored."

[Sherem 4,807]

he then closed his eyes "I can feel this is a precious book for you and for the Zebras here. Are you sure to leave this with me?" he then said "but don't mistake. I accept this proposition. It is indeed need that the version of those that suffered it is to be known. History is scars, history is lessons that that the past left. And also, don't discard the option to move on, we can't never forget I agree with that. But move on is the the sing of those that know how to move on on life. Life that is merciless most of the time" he took the book "I can make a copy so that this treasure is not damaged on the way should anything happen in my way back. I'm not imposing nor demanding answers" he looked at her "I want your opinion"

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

The zebra mare shook her head with a smile, "I'm sure, don't worry about making a copy, it already is one. Even if it weren't, so long as a zebra historian, shaman, or deadspeaker lives, we will not lack for its contents."

She started to leave, but then turned back, "I would ask one thing in return... should you get the chance, we would be most interested in an account, a true account, of the events from the Equestrian viewpoint. Lord or Sir may know some of the families you might ask, I'm told that the earth pony families are similar to zebra in their oral tradition."

[Sherem 4,807]

Sherem nodded at her request "I will make sure that the exchange is made" looking at the book he then said "there is a lot of work to do and there is a long road ahead. But I think there is a sun to the north of it ma'am" he looked at her again holding the book she gave to him inside his mind Sheoreth in his prison his eyes glowed and said to himself "funny that building hope is always so hard only to topple it off becomes so easy latter" he smirked "how long do you think that will last. Ponies, Zebras nobody forgets the past and you are the clear example of it wussy"

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

The zebra nodded, "I'll leave you as you were then, I've got work to do preparing accords for Equestria's newfound cooperation. We've got to lay out trade regulation a system of passports and visas, very exciting stuff I assure you." The latter half said with a heavy note of sarcasm.

With that she would leave, leaving Sherem to his own devices once again.

[Sherem 4,807]

Night passed and Sherem had spent all day on the library studying the new book and the accounts it held about the zebras that managed to get free of the slave chains of the early equestrian regime. 

Meanwhile Celextia was getting ready to depart back to equestria with the new projects and duties to build a new relationship with archback and it's allies so that as always there would be peace, she was being escorted to her airship and but before she left there was perhaps one thing that was missing, something to do with her sister and a certain Knight.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

(I wonder what you plan with Luna and Sherem. We can switch locations whenever you're ready.)

Moondancer looked surprised to find Sherem inside the archives when she came in, "The guard says you haven't left all day, is that true?" She shook her head with a chuckle, "I know better than most how enthralling these books can be, but you mustn't starve yourself. Can I get you anything from the chefs? A drink maybe?"

[Sherem 4,807]

(oh no, I was talking about Midnight and Luna)

"I am a Shut in my lady, and I'm also a Soldier of the empire, hunger is the least of my worries when I'm on duty. And that duty is not only making rounds or doing drills, is also studying. I know I'm still lacking a lot of work in that department right now" he said as he kept reading books and writing down

Celestia then looked at Magpie and gave her a letter "I wanted to give this to Lord Midnight...but...I could not find the courage to do it..." it was a letter with the seal of Luna on it

Edited January 22, 2021 by Sherem

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Magpie was surprised at Celestia's statement, "You? Lacking Courage?" Her eyes widened as she saw the seal on the letter, touching it with an aura of reverence before taking it and nodding, "I'll ensure our mother's letter reaches him immediately. You have a safe trip, we look forward to receiving your representatives for future meetings of the Council."

She would immediately take the letter to Midnight's study, "Sir, there's a letter for you."

Midnight froze when he saw the letter, then took it from Magpie, "Thank you Magpie, as you were."

He would set the letter down on his desk, his previous work forgotten as he wondered what exactly she could have written to him.

Eventually, he would open it.

 

Moondancer didn't look convinced, "Come now, even Princess Sparkle has her limits, can I at least get you some water?"

[Sherem 4,807]

that last statement caught his attention "oh? you are familiar with Princess Twilight Sparkle's daily routine?" he asked as he raised an eyebrow with a smirk with no offense intended at her. He stopped for a moment as he looked at her.

Celestia could feel that maybe giving Midnight that letter would be a mistake, but also that was not her place to judge. She pondered for a while the mixed feelings that her beloved sister might have written there and the mixed feelings that Midnight might have when he reads that. As a sing of respect of course she never opened it or never even wondered what could she have written there, but one thing was certain that the topic of their relationship was to be touched there.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Moondancer sighed, "Not personally no, but I've read the reports. It often pays to keep tabs on the rulers of other nations, hence why we had Princess Celestia's favorite tea in stock for her visit. Good hospitality goes a long way to preventing conflicts altogether."

She turned to the door, "Ill bring you some of what I enjoy snacking on when I'm in a long study session. Trust me, things make much more sense when you're not hungry."

Moondancer would return a few minutes later with some water and a bowl of almonds, which she would set in front of Sherem.

[Sherem 4,807]

He sighed and said "thank you. You shouldn't have to be honest" he still gave a slight smile and said "If by the end I starve or something, everypony and everybody would know it was my choice, and if I did It just goes to show that I was not good enough in the end" he took the almonds and floated them to eat them and then drink some of the water.

The letter of Luna could be resumed to this: there was encountered feelings knowing that after all this time they got separated, a bit of anger, but at the same time relief. Unsaid things that were left when they were together, but mostly she wanted to know if the recent incident would make them see each other again. Giving him her best blessings, and if he didn't felt the same he could use the letter as kindle for fire.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Midnight let out a deep sigh as he read and re-read Luna's letter to him. While the events of their final night together were still as fresh in his mind as when they first occurred over a thousand years prior, he had also forgiven her in his heart so long ago as well. Now it seemed like she too had, to some extent, forgiven him as well. There was so much he wished to express to her, such emotions and regret that simply couldn't be put into words. He took out a fresh sheet and wrote simply: Our foals have waited these many centuries to see their dam and sire reunited. We would be remiss to deny them any longer. Not a day goes by that I do not regret with all my being those words I said to thee. It is my hope that we can finally put our past to rest, and look forward to a future together, like we never could have had before.

He hesitated, hoping it would be enough, before carefully rolling it and sealing it with the old seal, one he hadn't used since they last spoke, but one she would no doubt recognize as his. He set off to find Fly-By-Night, he would ensure the letter was delivered to Princess Luna directly.

 

Moondancer looked worried, "That's... not a healthy mindset to have. Have you ever spoken to someone about that? You have value, you don't need to prove it to anyone." She looked down, "I'm, um, not exactly a psychologist or anything, but there are good ones here who might be able to help you with that if you'd like?"

[Sherem 4,807]

"now that Sheoreth is sealed inside me, One would think that I could do stuff I could not do before. But the Reality is that he still inside me. That value you mention, I just don't see it. And thank you for the offer but I have tried talking it out with professionals, but it has never worked. Is just how it is for me" he still kept his slight smile.

 

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Moondancer looked concerned for Sherem, but didn't push the issue. "There's not much you can do for someone that doesn't want your help. I'll leave you to it then, I just hope you know that we do care, and we'd be more than happy to help you with anything you might need, don't hesitate to ask."

With that she'd go off to her own area of the library to resume her studies, leaving Sherem to do as he pleased.

[Sherem 4,807]

Sherem just made a bow with his head in signal of thanks and respect and then again worked in his studies, silent as a mouse. He still feel he hadn't done anything to ask anything of anyone in the kingdom of archback. He still felt that there was a long way before he could be part of them. Thinking back, not even in equestria he felt like he could ask anything of anyone, he thought. AS he kept his studies he just kept pushing himself to memorize, and study whatever lore and story he was missing, if he needed a new book he got up and without bothering anybody else he took it and went back to study, it was clear that his attitude had made this situation an awkward one, but then again this was him: awkward, hard working dumb perhaps, but he knew his value was not more than that.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

(It sounds like Sherem is inclined to just study until he's learned everything, if you want you could have Luna arrive and we leave Sherem alone for a bit, or we could switch to Sherem and Midnight in Equestria, thus entering the second half.)

The archives didn't have any windows or clocks, so it would be difficult to judge the passage of time. Some time later Moondancer would pass by Sherem again on her way out and look surprised, "Still here I see. Well, I hope you learned something interesting at least. You have any plans for when you take Sir back with you to Equestria?"

[Sherem 4,807]

"I do have some promises to keep and projects to start for the good of Archback and equestria" he said, he intended to stay there studying until the library closed

Some weeks passed and it was always the same with Sherem, either studying or touring around Archback, not to be far of the castle but always on his own, rarely speaking to anybody or anypony. He kept to himself, he went to learn about the clans and the other heads that formed the council and the allies of arcback always more observing than anything. Sometimes he would be passed as a bit of a stalker.

Then Winter was over and it was time to take Midnight to equestria and Sir as well, there was much work to do, but first he had to fulfill the second part of the exchange, showing Midnight around Equestria.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem (I hope you're ready for this.)

The morning of the second half of the exchange began with Midnight joining Sherem for breakfast, which he had done as often as their schedules would allow. "I had hoped this day would come much sooner, but I'm sure you've been aware of the grand changes that have had to take place since Equestria agreed to join the accords. Many committees had to be reorganized and emergency meetings held, but I think the Equestrian delegates have settled into their positions nicely. If this all pans out war may yet be postponed another several years or mitigated entirely."

He continued, "It has been so long since I was last in Equestria for any extended length of time, and never have I been when my life weren't endangered. It will be nice to see it in a new light."

[Sherem 4,807]

(me too)

I would like for you to be keep the positive attiude more than I My lord. Is all for the cause of making the relationship between Archback and their allies more friendly with Equestria and such is a monumental task. And Also  I have to Show you on the crystal empire to fufill my own end of the exhchange. so Yeah you could say we are gonna see things in a new light from now on, I just pray you will find it to your liking" he said as he sighed but with a smile.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

Midnight shook his head with a smile, "Nonsense, the bringing together of Archback and Equestria was a welcome, but wholly unexpected surprise to this exchange. The purpose of the exchange was always to make friends, to show creatures the value of other cultures and inclusion. In that vein, I hope that politics is the least of our concerns while we are in Equestria and the Crystal Empire. Hopefully we can relax and see what the common culture is, not just what the nobility surrounds themselves with!"

He thought a moment before continuing, "I don't think I've ever been to the Crystal Empire personally, it didn't exist when I arrived though I had heard stories from the few refugees who escaped before it disappeared. I haven't had the chance to go there in the few years since it returned. It will be nice to see it in person, and not just read or hear about it."

[Sherem 4,807]

Sherem with a slight smile said "oh don't expect a lot of the empire though" he chuckled "compared to archback I fear you will find the empire dull" he got his things ready and soon the airship baloon was ready to take them to Equestria, and formaly enough as Midnight left there was a line of servants and other ponies and creatures of the castle ready to bid a good journey to their lord. Sherem could not help but chuckle a bit more seeing how they made this hole number for Midnight alone and Followed behind.

[Illiad Easle 2,968]

@Sherem

(Midnight going on trips is nothing new to the citizens of Archback, while the Order might wish him well, the others will hardly notice his departure as he much prefers to move quietly.)

Midnight shook his head, "I doubt that very much, I find very few things in this world to be dull, and the Empire is one of the very few nations I have yet to visit personally. I'm sure it will be an enlightening experience."