private The Tyranny of Princess Cadence

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

Sanura extended a hoof and shook the hands of the pony that the Princess had introduced to her.

 

"Nice to meet you, Swordpoint," she replied. "In actual fact, I'm half and half; my father was a zebra and my mother was an earth pony. I can assure you that at least on my side, what you have heard about zebras is untrue. I've heard that some ponies consider zebras to be warlike and ready to start trouble, but I assure you, that is not the case with me. I prefer stealth and behind the scenes work, and always am loyal to my Princesses."

[Justin ZW 396]

@@Pripyat Pony

Swordpoint nodded. "I would never assume otherwise. If Princess Celestia trusts you, then I shall, as well."

 

Princess Celestia cleared her throat. "I would like both of you to come with me. There is a matter that I would like to discuss privately. Have you finished for the day, Swordpoint?"

 

Swordpoint shook his head. "I have not, Princess. I must meet with a recruit whose performance has been far under par. Perhaps I could ask for a small delay so I may meet with her?"

 

Celestia nodded. "Of course. Sanura, I would still like for you to come with me. I will entertain until Swordpoint is finished. If you've never tasted the cooking of the royal chefs, you certainly don't know what you're missing!" She winked at Swordpoint, who chuckled.

 

"Please excuse me, then," Swordpoint told Celestia. "I will come to you when I have finished. It was a pleasure to meet you, Sanura." Swordpoint turned and headed in the direction of the barracks.

 

 

Celestia waved her hoof to Sanura. "Please, follow me." She headed inside the castle, where she quickly made her way to her own private quarters. She sat down in front of her fireplace and rang a small bell.

At once, a pony wearing a chef's hat appeared.

 

"My Princess! What would you like this evening?" The pony smiled curteously.

 

Celestia faced Sanura. "I'll let you decide. Order anything you like!"

 

@ 

Swordpoint entered the barracks and heard the sounds of panting at once. He walked slowly past the aisles until he found her. "Fiera," he said calmly. "I must speak with you." Instead of anger, his eyes were filled with curiosity.

[Agent505 661]

(Bodged up my last post, i'll make it something better, sorry) 

 

@@Katella Avenue, @@Shift,

Chaotic Harmony looked out over the city, gruelling at the sight of the amount of ponies below. "Cadence promises me vengeance for my father...but her city walks free and yet shackled at the same time...curious."

 

Turning around just in time to see a green mare, with an all too comforting demeanour walk out onto the balcony, he had to smile. It was more of a toothy grin, but it was what he did. "The games begin soon...we're going to make a statement you know." He narrowed his eyes as he spoke to the mare, he had known Mad Life for too long to know just how deep her pleasantry runs. "I need you to do something for me. We've been cutting off supplies to Appleloosa for a few weeks now, and we've managed to halt any attempt at getting word to Celestia...don't you think it's a little too...easy? It's a small town, yet they manage to keep themselves supplied with food, without word to the princess" He snarled as he ended his sentence, it wasn't something he chose to do, it was more an involuntary spasm when he was becoming annoyed - and it was no secret how his temper was. "I need you to get me some information, take Chip with you and see what you can grab between you. I know you prefer to work alone, and I dont expect her to be happy with the arrangement either, so you can feel free to find her and inform her. She can sneak around easily, and you're the best I know at getting information." He turned and faced out over the city again, leaning on the balcony railing. "You're dismissed, for now. I expect you back in 10 hours." 

Edited June 4, 2013 by Creeping Dusk

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@,

 

Sanura followed Celestia to her private quarters quite happily. The Princess was one that the half zebra trusted, so she was fine to go with her. When the chef arrived, at first Sanura couldn't think what to order, then she said, "Hay fries, with daisy pie will be fine for me." She started to feel a bit excited; this was quite possibly a new job. Sanura at first, after finishing a spying mission, was glad to get back home and relax but after a while was longing for another mission.

[Justin ZW 396]

@@Pripyat Pony

The chef nodded. "Ah, excellent choice, madam! And for you, Princess?"

 

Celestia smiled. "I suppose I will order a hay and lily salad, with extra roses and croutons. And I would like it with that delightful dressing you used yesterday. It was wonderful!"

 

The chef nodded again. "I will bring them at once! Please excuse me." He hurried from the room as quickly as he had entered.

 

Celestia glanced at Sanura. "It is a shame that Swordpoint is always so busy. I always tell him to relax more, yet he insists on performing his duties." She sighed. "Sometimes I wonder if I am taking too much of his time. He has already done much for Equestria. In fact, I was hoping that by knighting him as a royal guardian that he would live his life in peace unless I truly needed him. Instead, he insists on training the guard and bettering the kingdom." She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I'm just rambling. How have you been, Sanura? I trust you're enjoying your free time?"

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

"Actually, Princess," Sanura replied, "I'm getting a little bored now of having free time. That mission you sent me in the griffon kingdom was very complex, and I would have thought that I would be glad of a rest afterwards, but that was true for only a short while. Now, I'm longing for more excitement."

[Justin ZW 396]

@@Pripyat Pony

Celestia smiled. "You always were so restless. Well, I do have an assignment for you. However, I would prefer to wait for Swordpoint before we discuss it."

 

The door was suddenly thrust open as two ponies entered the room with elegant dining trays. "Your dinner is served, Princess! We are certain that you and your guest will enjoy it!"

 

Celestia nodded to the ponies. "Thank you both! I always do enjoy your cooking." Celestia lifted the silver cover from her tray, revealing an exquisite salad. She gently lifted her fork with magic and began to eat. 

[Discorded Bluenote 126]

@@Super Derpy, 

 

Her continuing thoughts were interrupted as she got knocked down. 'Ah, crap! Its the-', she thought frantically before hearing the voice that accompanied it. "I'm sorry about that,' the voice said, and Bluenote saw a hoof outstretched. She used it to get back up, dusted herself off, and said, "Thanks. The name is Bluenote."

Edited June 4, 2013 by Bluenote~

[Concord Discord 35]

Curse of Shadows waited impatiently for ages now. How could Cadence do this? She promised to leave her alone... Now, he wasn't sure what to think. Surely she did it with the right intentions?

You can't trust her. Trust no-one. Just do your job and get paid, he thought.

Still, he couldn't just accept it and suffer silently. He had to speak to her.

Eventually, he gave in and blurted out:

"I must have audience with the princess immediately!"

"No can do, I'm afraid. She's busy." said the guard.

"With what?"

"Business."

"I must see her IMMEDIATELY."

"Is that a threat, sir?"

"Oh, yes."

"We do not tolerate--"

SNAP!

The guard dropped to the floor. Curse flung open the doors.

[THE WILD HUNT 213]

(@Creeping Dusk: I'm going to go ahead and finish up the whole scenario with the controlled guards, but after that I won't use the whole possession powers. In addition, the knowledge Acheron gained from them will be from searching their minds with a spell, but that doesn't mean he's going to know EVERYTHING he needs to know since he didn't do much to break them first. As for seeing through their eyes, only bits and pieces, like a fragmented memory.)

 

Acheron felt that the guards were now failing to yield anything important, irritating him.

"Damn it... you two are no longer needed, continue with your previous actions, but... write this message with your own blood on the walls of Cadenza's palace: "You are damned above all who live in this wretched place, death will come swiftly."

The guards did as they were told, soon dying afterwards as Acheron released his spell over them. He got up and continued to pace around the marketplace, irritated that he hadn't gotten much of what he had hoped for. He knew a bit more than before though, so it was a start.

[The Original 571]

Swordpoint entered the barracks and heard the sounds of panting at once. He walked slowly past the aisles until he found her. "Fiera," he said calmly. "I must speak with you." Instead of anger, his eyes were filled with curiosity.

 

Fiera looked over at Swordpoint. He didn't look angry, but it could just be a trick to try and get her not to worry. She quickly stood up and saluted, drops of sweat flying off of her. "Yes sir, in a moment" she said and picked up a small towel and attempted to dry most of her coat. Once she finished she threw the towel back on the bench and walked over to him. She hung her head slightly but still kept eye contact in respect. "What is it sir?" she asked with a hint of worry in her eye, hoping that she wasn't being dropped out of the military. 

Edited June 4, 2013 by The Original PWD

[Shift 4,275]

@, 

 

Chip Away was walking up to the balcony when he heard what Chaotic said. Of course Chip didn't like what she heard...Chip trotted up behind them with an annoyed face. "Pardon, but I couldn't help overhear what you said. Since I assume we're heading out now, and i'm already in my armor, I am ready to go...despite that we have to work together.

 

Chippy flicked her tail.

 

"Also, i'd prefer you call me 'Chippy'."

Edited June 4, 2013 by Shift

[Ano170 162]

@, @Katella Avenue, @Shift,

 

 

Arrow nodded to the two guards at the palace doors as they let him in. "Tell me," he turned to one of the guards. "I'm looking for Chaotic Harmony - where is he?"

 

"He's up on the balcony." The guard on the right grunted. Arrow frowned slightly at the lack of a "sir", but did not say anything, reasoning that perhaps "sirs" were not as commonplace anymore. It was strange that the idea should upset him; he had never appreciated the formalities in the...past, but losing them now just felt like another nail in the board that seemed to hang over his head constantly, saying: "This isn't home. You don't belong here."

 

But then, had Arrow ever had a home? Even with his wife, Emerald Star, and their foal...

 

Deep in thought, Arrow hadn't even noticed that his hooves had carried him up to the balcony until he heard  a mare talking, asking to be called "Chippy." Looking up, Arrow saw another mare with her.

 

Fillies in the army... Arrow shook his head. True, he had himself learnt on his many travels not to underestimate mares, but he had never imagined the alpha-male army dogs of his time learning the same lesson. Perhaps the future has changed for the better in some ways...

 

Seeing Chaotic Harmony on the balcony, Arrow saluted to the other stallion - a strange one, Arrow had decided, though he had met and even befriended stranger ponies; Chaotic had clearly suffered hard times.  "Sir." 

[Agent505 661]

@@Ano170,@@Shift,  

 

"Excellent! Then you wont need a briefing will you?" he replied to Chippy as she turned up on the balcony "I knew you wouldn't like working with her, but you have skills nopony here can match and it doesn't make sense to waste them...Chippy" He wasn't comfortable calling ponies by nicknames, despite the fact he would only be addressed by his own. Still, he decided calling her what she wanted would avoid unnecessary conflict. 

 

Giving a skeptical look to Arrow as he arrived and saluted, Harmonic simply commented on the time of his arrival. "You're late, Arrow." he shook his head and walked to the side of the stallion, looking at him face to face for a moment before continuing into the tower. "No matter, it's nothing urgent. Just a briefing about the most dangerous and crucial assignment so far. Speaking of which, why are you two mares still here?"

 

"Arrow...watch this" he stood on the hallway at the top of the tower, leaning on the railing and pointing at the main tower doors with one hoof, making a circular motion with the other.

 

@,

As if on queue, the door burst open and a rather frustrated stallion came bursting in, demanding an audience with the princess.

Before he could have chance to take more than 3 steps into the tower, at least two dozen armed guards charged through two side doors and immediately surrounded the stallion with halberds and shields, heavily armored from head to hoof with black armour, laced with gold. Unicorns took aim with their horns glowing from the balconies inside, and pegasi hovered above him with spears at the ready. "My own, personal division." Harmonic grinned at Arrow, before he began walking down the stairs to meet the newcomer.

Edited June 4, 2013 by Creeping Dusk

[Concord Discord 35]

@Creeping Dusk,

 

Curse was suddenly shrouded by shadows, which soon disintegrated, leaving an empty space where he used to be.

"Personal divisions are overrated." said Curse from the other side of the room. "That's why I work alone. Or I do now, since the princess killed Anarchy. Fortunately for your 'own personal division', my magic is limited to playing with shadows. It's a shame really, I enjoy breaking ponies."

He teleported right up to Dusk.

"Especially when I'm angry."

He teleported back.

"Right now, I have nothing to threaten you with... so I'll ask you nicely. Please, I seek audience with the Princess."

[Super Derpy 535]

@Bluenote~,

"My name is Crystal Dusk and it is a pleasure to meet you! I'm sorry for my appearance times are tough these days and I lost my job and... my house. All because of Cadence! I'm surprised she even let me keep my things!!

Crystal sits seething in rage for a few seconds.

"Oh I'm sorry for screaming I have just been holding that in for weeks. So tell me about yourself?"

Edited June 4, 2013 by Super Derpy

[Katella Avenue 28]

Mad Life smiled the same serene smile she never stopped smiling at 'Chippy' as she entered. "Forgive me, I will attempt to make our business together as painless to you as is possible." Famous last words from she who slept with chains (not that anybody was actually sure what Mad Life slept with, as nobody would dare ask). "Forgive me sir, I am not the fastest to action." Really it had only been a few seconds since the orders had been issued in the first place, but tempers seemed to run hot in most trusted members of Cadence's officer corps. Mad Life just politely regarded the hasty words as she would any other words. "I will be on my way, and my partner hopefully will as well..."

 

She watched the display with the interloping stallion without a shift in her placid expression. "Follow me, darling." That was addressed to Chippy. "This event does not concern us." Mad Life trotted down the towers stairs, trotted through the standoff in the tower's lobby without so much as a sideways glance as she left to take care of her assignment. She was careful to allow Chippy to keep up, or otherwise wait for the mare if something held her up like a personal vendetta. 

[Ano170 162]

@Creeping Dusk

@MinecraftBronyFTW,

(OOC:this will be last post for tonight Unfortunately, possibly until late tomorrow afternoon.)

 

Arrow grimaced as he watched the unicorn intruder teleport around the room. Teleporters were... tricky.

 

Arrow crouched into a fighting stance instinctively, taking aim before he remembered he wasn't wearing a battlesaddle. He didn't even have one of those ridiculous spears...

 

Instead of engaging the intruder directly, Arrow cantered down the stairs to flank Chaotic.

 

"Do you know this buck? " He asked, then, quieter so that only Chaotic could hear, "Shall I attempt to apprehend him"

[Agent505 661]

@,@@Ano170,

 

"I don't know him, but I like him, stand down." Harmonic laughed as he trotted down the stairs, ignoring the stallions taunts. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, Mad Life trotted past him and out the door casually. He hit the ground once with his hoof, and the formation of soldiers lined up three rows thick behind him. All but the unicorns who kept their aim firmly on the stallion, re-targeting him the instant he reappeared. "If he moves again, vaporize him would you?" He called out to the unicorns. "You there, intruder, come down here" 

[Justin ZW 396]

@

"We must discuss your performance," Swordpoint told Fiera calmly. He held out his hoof toward a nearby bench, "Please sit." Swordpoint sat down and fixed his gaze on Fiera. "Your training scores are very low, Fiera. Why is this? Is it perhaps that you are nervous? Is there something holding you back? I want to know, so that I may help you."

Edited June 4, 2013 by Justin_ZW

[The Original 571]

@,

 

Fiera nodded and sat down on the bench. "Sir, if i may speak freely... I'm afraid that i'm going to be kicked out. I know that i can be helpful to the military and i know i can improve, you just have to give me time" she requested desperately. She knew it was useless to try and convince him. She was doing poorly and she knew it. "Its my responsibility to make sure i am fit and ready for anything, so don't take it the wrong way if i refuse your help"

Edited June 4, 2013 by The Original PWD

[Justin ZW 396]

@

Swordpoint shook his head. "I am afraid that is not an option. The captain is ordering your discharge as we speak. I have used my pull to delay it until I had the chance to speak with you, however." He stood and produced a small piece of parchment. "You have only two options. One, you train with me. If I put my word in with Celestia, I promise you that you will not be discharged. However, if you refuse my help, you'll be going home today." He handed her the discharge form. "If that is what you wish, you need only sign that form." He gazed at her without moving. "What is your decision?" 

[Pripyat Pony 2,608]

@@Pripyat Pony

Celestia smiled. "You always were so restless. Well, I do have an assignment for you. However, I would prefer to wait for Swordpoint before we discuss it."

 

The door was suddenly thrust open as two ponies entered the room with elegant dining trays. "Your dinner is served, Princess! We are certain that you and your guest will enjoy it!"

 

Celestia nodded to the ponies. "Thank you both! I always do enjoy your cooking." Celestia lifted the silver cover from her tray, revealing an exquisite salad. She gently lifted her fork with magic and began to eat. 

"Thank you," Sanura replied to the chefs, remembering the manners her mother had taught her. She was dying to know just what the assignment was, but reluctantly decided that she would have to be patient and wait for Swordpoint's return. Sanura lifted the cover from her own dining tray with her teeth, sniffing appreciatively the delicious meal below.

 

She ate as politely as she could, seeing as she didn't have magic to lift utensils but instead had to use the ones that were designed for hooves. Sanura often wondered what it would be like to have magic to do such tasks with, but was happy with her lot. After all, not having magic meant that as a half zebra, half earth pony, she had to be more resourceful and that came in very handy in her job as a spy.

[THE WILD HUNT 213]

As Acheron walked through the marketplace, he overheard a faint outburst regarding Princess Cadence. Surprisingly nopony else seemed to notice this, and Acheron was grateful. He certainly didn't expect to find somebody else who shared a strong distaste for Cadence, someone who was open about it... he began to walk in the direction he had heard the comment...

 

(I might have missed something important, like Crystal Dusk being somewhere else now...)

[RAGESTAR 479]

Crimson whistled a happy tune as he walked through the marketplace with his hat pulled low over his face, "well now that I'm done with my espionage today, I guess I'll just listen for rumors, that shouldn't be so hard with so many ponies around, let's see..." thought crimson before stopping and closing his eyes. Crimson concentrated and listened closly for any suspicious conversations, all of a sudden, crimson caught the voice of a mare yelling somthing about cadence, crimson smiled triumphantly, "bingo!" Said crimson exitedly before walking towards the mare who had yelled. Once he was infront of her and her friend, crimson bowed politely and smiled, "hello, nice day isn't it? Do you mind telling me why your yelling that's tyrants name so freely in public?" Asked crimson in almost a whisper.