[FWM] Game of Ponies

[Grif]

"You can always let your mane down in mine."

A moment of disappointment crosses over his face, but he quickly and dutifully shifts his demeanor toward a more businesslike bent. "From what sources? Usually 'disappearances' just mean some young roans decided to sneak out of the estate with a rival house's 'liaison'."

Luna did notice the flicker of disappointment, from the corner of her eyes. But as always business intruded. "Various. Canterlot Guards. Noble houses. Concerned citizens who voiced concerns of neighbours not showing up for work. Rumours swirling about amongst socialites. No pattern as far as I can discern, but the sharp spike in the number of cases lately is troubling. Just... keep an eye out, if you will, especially since you're travelling in the night. Above all... keep safe." A note of worry tinged her last words.

[Kelvin360]

Luna did notice the flicker of disappointment, from the corner of her eyes. But as always business intruded. "Various. Canterlot Guards. Noble houses. Concerned citizens who voiced concerns of neighbours not showing up for work. Rumours swirling about amongst socialites. No pattern as far as I can discern, but the sharp spike in the number of cases lately is troubling. Just... keep an eye out, if you will, especially since you're travelling in the night. Above all... keep safe." A note of worry tinged her last words.

The mention of guards being among the disappeared seems to conjure of a storm of fury. "Eclipse should have been sending me letters weeks ago. Not that he'll be able to write after I'm through with him. I'll put more eyes on the rounds, but did they at least increase security in the palace?"

[Grif]

The mention of guards being among the disappeared seems to conjure of a storm of fury. "Eclipse should have been sending me letters weeks ago. Not that he'll be able to write after I'm through with him. I'll put more eyes on the rounds, but did they at least increase security in the palace?"

"Not openly. From what I discern, there were only two disappearances from the Guard, both known to have... issues with discipline. It was assumed they had deserted their post and fled the city." Princess Luna frowned. "But it seems strange one could would just disappear without a trace one day, without any warning of any sort. Even those who were dissatisfied with the Guards shouldn't be so abrupt in their departure."

[Kelvin360]

"Not openly. From what I discern, there were only two disappearances from the Guard, both known to have... issues with discipline. It was assumed they had deserted their post and fled the city." Princess Luna frowned. "But it seems strange one could would just disappear without a trace one day, without any warning of any sort. Even those who were dissatisfied with the Guards shouldn't be so abrupt in their departure."

"Hn. I'm going to need to get my hooves on their records. That connection seems a little tenuous unless they had some kind of personal experience with one another before. I'll be yelling at Eclipse anyway; you want me to bring up why we have discipline issues among the guard? It's not in his job description, but I like watching him twitch."

[Grif]

"Hn. I'm going to need to get my hooves on their records. That connection seems a little tenuous unless they had some kind of personal experience with one another before. I'll be yelling at Eclipse anyway; you want me to bring up why we have discipline issues among the guard? It's not in his job description, but I like watching him twitch."

Princess Luna shook her head, a gentle reproach in her mannerisms. "Perhaps not. As amusing as that can be, there are certain limits we should content ourselves with. After all, he isn't in charge of the Guards, so there's no reason for him to be involved in any case. Just... keep an eye out for now. See if anything strikes your sharp mind. I feel like we're missing a large part of the picture here."

[Kelvin360]

Princess Luna shook her head, a gentle reproach in her mannerisms. "Perhaps not. As amusing as that can be, there are certain limits we should content ourselves with. After all, he isn't in charge of the Guards, so there's no reason for him to be involved in any case. Just... keep an eye out for now. See if anything strikes your sharp mind. I feel like we're missing a large part of the picture here."

"You, too," he says seriously. "I'm safer on the road with your spec ops team than you are in Grabs-For-Power Central. I'm sleeping easier with Rose and Stormshield near to you, but...I'm sorry, I probably sound like a patronizing father. I'll just...focus on tomorrow. To getting back home, and we'll go from there."

[Grif]

"You, too," he says seriously. "I'm safer on the road with your spec ops team than you are in Grabs-For-Power Central. I'm sleeping easier with Rose and Stormshield near to you, but...I'm sorry, I probably sound like a patronizing father. I'll just...focus on tomorrow. To getting back home, and we'll go from there."

"Hah, don't you worry. One does not stay a Princess of the Moon for a thousand years without picking up a few tricks along the way." Luna winked consiprationally, before rising to her hooves. "And you need not apologise for anything; your concern is gratifying to hear, to say the least. Alas, I think our time here is at its end." She stepped in front of Moonlight, and held up his chin with a silver-shod hoof. "Stay safe, and may the moon always light your path." A gentle nuzzle, just the barest touch, before a cloak of shadows wrapped her form and whisked her disappearing form away.

[Kelvin360]

"...It could have been worse, really. He might've walked in on the one with the domineering trumpets."

"I haven't heard of this one."

"The reason being is you...really don't want to."

Morning sunlight, darkened by the window panes of Lunatic's house, (a good deal more contemporary a design than its fellows, owing to its relatively recent construction) illuminates the filled breakfast table, a normally subdued, if not entirely dour, locale this time made a bit brighter by their present company. The higher echelon of the house present would rather have Lord Eclipse remove their tongues than say it aloud, but Feathergrin's infrequent visits tend to put them in higher spirits, and it's usually more a measure of Moonshine's better mood than his influence.

Not that, in this case, she'd have needed the help. Wearing a simple brown-over-cream tunic with her symbolic necklace (from which hangs a crescent moon over a claymore, much like her own Cutie Mark) instead of a more typical platemail assortment of some kind, she looks positively radiant, and doubtless if she served another church, she would actually be glowing. She and her husband sit between Gutter Flame and Firehooves who, along with the rest of the Moon Motes aside from Striker (who elected to accompany Moonlight to the Palace instead of eating), arrived through a series of hidden passageways into the house proper barely an hour after dawn, in good spirits regarding their progress. Due to the sensitivity of their missions, this meal takes place in the upper levels, with the spymasters and investigators most trusted from among the flock. A few of the vampires there in between other tasks squint uncomfortably at the beams of light, but for their sake the construction of the windows prevents the beams from actively harming them so long as they remain inside.

To say that this group aren't morning people is an understatement, but they've managed a gathering for the sake of gossip and a cup of coffee if nothing else.


Barely a mile away, three ponies stand in attendance at a predetermined location, exchanging talks in the silence of the meeting room, waiting for their superior to attend. As befits such politically powerful folk, their words are of utmost importance.

"...It's not in the interest of our 'merits of organization' to say if Justified and Coconut are engaged in an active relationship, Lord Eclipse."

"Are they at least being safe? The Moon Motes do not stop at waystations every five miles, I know, but surely plans are-"

"I remember a time when you'd mastered the fine art of brooding silently, Sanctified. What happened to those days?"

[Grif]

"...It could have been worse, really. He might've walked in on the one with the domineering trumpets."

"I haven't heard of this one."

"The reason being is you...really don't want to."

Morning sunlight, darkened by the window panes of Lunatic's house, (a good deal more contemporary a design than its fellows, owing to its relatively recent construction) illuminates the filled breakfast table, a normally subdued, if not entirely dour, locale this time made a bit brighter by their present company. The higher echelon of the house present would rather have Lord Eclipse remove their tongues than say it aloud, but Feathergrin's infrequent visits tend to put them in higher spirits, and it's usually more a measure of Moonshine's better mood than his influence.

Not that, in this case, she'd have needed the help. Wearing a simple brown-over-cream tunic with her symbolic necklace (from which hangs a crescent moon over a claymore, much like her own Cutie Mark) instead of a more typical platemail assortment of some kind, she looks positively radiant, and doubtless if she served another church, she would actually be glowing. She and her husband sit between Gutter Flame and Firehooves who, along with the rest of the Moon Motes aside from Striker (who elected to accompany Moonlight to the Palace instead of eating), arrived through a series of hidden passageways into the house proper barely an hour after dawn, in good spirits regarding their progress. Due to the sensitivity of their missions, this meal takes place in the upper levels, with the spymasters and investigators most trusted from among the flock. A few of the vampires there in between other tasks squint uncomfortably at the beams of light, but for their sake the construction of the windows prevents the beams from actively harming them so long as they remain inside.

To say that this group aren't morning people is an understatement, but they've managed a gathering for the sake of gossip and a cup of coffee if nothing else.


Barely a mile away, three ponies stand in attendance at a predetermined location, exchanging talks in the silence of the meeting room, waiting for their superior to attend. As befits such politically powerful folk, their words are of utmost importance.

"...It's not in the interest of our 'merits of organization' to say if Justified and Coconut are engaged in an active relationship, Lord Eclipse."

"Are they at least being safe? The Moon Motes do not stop at waystations every five miles, I know, but surely plans are-"

"I remember a time when you'd mastered the fine art of brooding silently, Sanctified. What happened to those days?"

Their undoubtedly important conversation was interrupted with the clacking of armoured hooves resounding in the hallway outside. The heavy door opened, allowing a pair of the ever-watchful Night Guard to file in and take up stations on each side of the door, their bat-like visage betraying not a hint of emotion. A moment later, in strode the Princess herself, looking somewhat worse for wear. Her traditionally sparkling mane of softly twinkling stars seemed dulled, a rare strand escaping its place and trailing down the side of her face. Following the Princess was an extra large mug, filled with gently steaming liquid, its pungent aroma combined with the worn look on her face leaving no doubt that this was probably her third or fourth cup of coffee.

Princess Luna was most definitely not a morning person.

"No. No need for formalities. How many times I have to tell you that?" she said with a exasperated sigh as the inevitable bowing commenced. "Sit." The princess took a long draw of her mug, sipping the dark liquid gratefully, before setting it down on the table and looking at each of the participants in turn. "Now, speak. How fares Bridle Shores?"

[Kelvin360]

Their undoubtedly important conversation was interrupted with the clacking of armoured hooves resounding in the hallway outside. The heavy door opened, allowing a pair of the ever-watchful Night Guard to file in and take up stations on each side of the door, their bat-like visage betraying not a hint of emotion. A moment later, in strode the Princess herself, looking somewhat worse for wear. Her traditionally sparkling mane of softly twinkling stars seemed dulled, a rare strand escaping its place and trailing down the side of her face. Following the Princess was an extra large mug, filled with gently steaming liquid, its pungent aroma combined with the worn look on her face leaving no doubt that this was probably her third or fourth cup of coffee.

Princess Luna was most definitely not a morning person.

"No. No need for formalities. How many times I have to tell you that?" she said with a exasperated sigh as the inevitable bowing commenced. "Sit." The princess took a long draw of her mug, sipping the dark liquid gratefully, before setting it down on the table and looking at each of the participants in turn. "Now, speak. How fares Bridle Shores?"

Moonlight almost gets out a chuckle when Striker and Eclipse, Sr. begin to bow, but manages to keep his composure for the task at hand. While the latter two appear a bit shaken at her tone, the lack of deific grace doesn't necessarily cause the batting of any eyelashes; after all, they only just left a house where almost everyone looked exactly as she did now. That is to say, wondering when in Tartarus the sun was going to start going back down, already.

"Holding, ma'am, but not particularly well. They didn't seem ready for the attack, and their response was sloppy when it was rushed or ineffectual when it came too slowly."

Moonlight is quick to defend them. "Which would matter if it was a citadel. It isn't. That it isn't in ashes was the best scenario we could hope for. The opposition knew it, too; they didn't exactly apply overwhelming force, given what we know of their numbers."

Eclipse gives both of the other stallions a scowl. "Your unit hardly deserves shining praise, Colonel. Three injuries, you said, and two severe?"

Striker's eye twitches. "One severe, one crippling. We...don't know what to do about Boon-"

Eclipse shakes his head. "Against a force intended to sabotage, not to sack, by your own admission. And, if I read your report correctly, you had to be dragged out of the loss of two objectives by a retired Shadowbolt of all things. Is this really what we're training the Moon Motes to do?"

"You would do well to leash your vitriol, Sanctified," Moonlight growls, softly, before Striker hauls of and smacks him (an act he looks more than willing to perform). "By absolute rank, I was acting commander of the force. Casualties are on my shoulders. Of which there were exactly ONE. An enemy held prisoner. The objective wasn't to route them; I elected to hold the town instead of pressing an offense, because in case you've forgotten, the Moon Motes are supposed to protect Equestrian citizens, not carry out on-the-spot vendettas. The Shadowbolt in question took that upon himself as he was trained to do."

Eclipse holds up a hoof. "Be careful what you take credit for, "Moonbringer". This shows a clear lack of-"

This causes Moonlight to snap, "just shut the buck up already, Eclipse. Colonel, continue your report before the Princess runs out of coffee and I run out of patience."

Striker shifts uncomfortably. "Yes...ahem. The population is stable. I believe a...doctor of some repute-"

The mention of his friend brings a certain light to Moonlight's eyes. "You can call him a Morninglord, Colonel. His status is known to and allowed by the Crown."

"...Right. A Morninglord in charge of treatments, including on our members. He noted that he would take it upon himself to escort them back to Canterlot when they were ambulatory, which should be less than a week's time."

Eclipse starts in shock. "A week?? How 'injured' were these ponies, exactly?"

"Lieutenant Coconut suffered from multiple crushed ribs, a punctured lung, perforated large intestines, a cranial fracture, shattered hind legs, a chipped forehoof, and various internal bleeding. Private First Class Boon lost half his liver and both wings...I think he was to be discharged from intensive care the day after we left."

Eclipse scoffs harshly. "Preposterous. You're exaggerating. Those injuries can't be cured in a week."

Moonlight speaks through gritted teeth, but with surety. "It's Doctor Sunshine. Yes they can. Continue, Colonel."

"A POW on our side was killed in action before he could be utilized for the purposes of information. A rescued captive from what used to be a neighboring village but is not apparently an enemy stronghold was also targeted, but remains intact. The area suffered moderate infrastructural damage by our standards. The rebuilding process should take several months, during which time they'll be vulnerable to another strike.

But...if I may speak plainly, ma'am, the issue doesn't sit well with me. Why launch an attack of any kind on, frankly, a nowhere-spot just to assassinate two ponies? And they used highly-trained agents of espionage, an attack from within, and what some of us are fairly certain was a magical bomb. They sustained heavy losses, and for what? If they try again, I'm not sure what's left could stand in their way."

[Grif]

Meeting Room, Royal Palace

Princess Luna continued to sip her coffee as they started the briefing, nodding at all the right places, but electing to hold her comments until it was clear Striker was done. A few times, she seemed to perk: during the mention of the Shadowbolt, and again when the casualties are brought up. Both times, she subsided after some thought, but it was quite clear she had her own thoughts on the matter.

"A POW on our side was killed in action before he could be utilized for the purposes of information. A rescued captive from what used to be a neighboring village but is not apparently an enemy stronghold was also targeted, but remains intact. The area suffered moderate infrastructural damage by our standards. The rebuilding process should take several months, during which time they'll be vulnerable to another strike.

But...if I may speak plainly, ma'am, the issue doesn't sit well with me. Why launch an attack of any kind on, frankly, a nowhere-spot just to assassinate two ponies? And they used highly-trained agents of espionage, an attack from within, and what some of us are fairly certain was a magical bomb. They sustained heavy losses, and for what? If they try again, I'm not sure what's left could stand in their way."

"Doth was never one to do things without purpose, if previous reports of him did not deceive." Luna hummed, her cyan eyes coming to rest on Moonlight. "It could be just an attempt to probe the town's defenses. In which case, by your own words, they were wildly successful and found them to be quite lacking. But I suspect things are not that simple." Another sip. "These POWs are also clearly important to him. Possibly they know something he doesn't want us to know. The kind that even the mere possibility of leakage might derail whatever that he was planning." She glanced at Striker. "I certainly hope all precautions are made to protect the other survivor. It wouldn't do if she falls as well."

"Still, she's not the only concern at this point. The town still needs to be held, if only to maintain our tenous hold on that region. I'll have a word with Blueblood, but with our bulk of our forces tied up in securing the borders against the Moose and escalating tensions between both Solace and Stoutheart threatening the fracture the nation again, I'm not optimistic we can spare any ponies of any meaningful number. Perhaps we can..." Her words trailed off, apparently derailed by another line of thought. "Yes, that might work. In any case..." She tapped her hoof on the table thoughtfully. "That Shadowbolt... was it the one who loved poetry by any chance? I always felt it was a shame that he decided to retire." The two Moon Motes might not recognise Prose, but Eclipse would definitely know of the infamous rep this particular Shadowbolt gathered amongst the nobility.

[Kelvin360]

Meeting Room, Royal Palace

"Doth was never one to do things without purpose, if previous reports of him did not deceive." Luna hummed, her cyan eyes coming to rest on Moonlight. "It could be just an attempt to probe the town's defenses. In which case, by your own words, they were wildly successful and found them to be quite lacking. But I suspect things are not that simple." Another sip. "These POWs are also clearly important to him. Possibly they know something he doesn't want us to know. The kind that even the mere possibility of leakage might derail whatever that he was planning." She glanced at Striker. "I certainly hope all precautions are made to protect the other survivor. It wouldn't do if she falls as well."

This is met with a sharp nod. "The barracks, jails, and hospitals took some damage, but she was relocated to an unobtrusive location and placed under the protection of the Guard Captain, Commander Eclipse, a paladin I can't recall the name of, and a...court wizard, if I remember correctly."

"Those last two names are Dawnstrider and Starbeam. Knight-Commander Blueshield of the - how many does Saddle Arabia have now, one hundred thousand? - knights also claimed partial custody, since she found the informant. A surprising number of independents also noted that they would join the task force."

Eclipse narrows his eyes. "So, only one of our own."

"Half of our own, actually. St-"

"Ah, yes, I remember now." Eclipse's eyes flash dangerously. "The...'Lightbringers' you place so much of your faith in. This Starbeam has crossed my desk. Wasn't she removed from the Academy of Gifted Unicorns on account of magical instability? Dawnstrider sounds like a member of the Sun Orders, although the name isn't familiar to me. In either case, they are proxies of Celestia at worst and House Solace at best, making them by very definition not 'one of ours'."

"Dawnstrider's name hasn't crossed your desk because he's above your pay grade." Moonlight flashes a quick glance at Luna to check if she remembers the moniker. "And anyone working for the interests of Equestria is 'one of ours', whether or not they look good in black. If that was a prerequisite, you'd have been kicked out years ago."

Eclipse rolls his eyes. "Cute. If this is a matter of national security, I want a dozen Shadesteppers at their back, NOT a few of your old friends from the country club."

Seemingly unsure how best to respond, Striker addresses Luna again. "We believe that Doth's forces are using the informant's hometown as a primary base of operations. She knows where it is, thus her importance."

"Still, she's not the only concern at this point. The town still needs to be held, if only to maintain our tenous hold on that region. I'll have a word with Blueblood, but with our bulk of our forces tied up in securing the borders against the Moose and escalating tensions between both Solace and Stoutheart threatening the fracture the nation again, I'm not optimistic we can spare any ponies of any meaningful number. Perhaps we can..." Her words trailed off, apparently derailed by another line of thought. "Yes, that might work. In any case..." She tapped her hoof on the table thoughtfully. "That Shadowbolt... was it the one who loved poetry by any chance? I always felt it was a shame that he decided to retire." The two Moon Motes might not recognise Prose, but Eclipse would definitely know of the infamous rep this particular Shadowbolt gathered amongst the nobility.

Moonlight nods. "Inquisitor Purple Prose, yes. I didn't-"

"Oh, Luna's Feathers, not him." Eclipse takes a moment to realize that the subject of his oath is actually standing right there, and a faint blush tinges his features before he continues. "When I was told he'd been retired, I assumed that word had quotation marks around it. What is a walking security breach doing in Bridle Shores, of all places?"

Moonlight's lips twitch. "Searching for the perfect adverb, presumably."

"I'd as soon shove a vampire up his plot and kick him into the nearest Changeling warren."

"So you still haven't gotten that limerick out of your favorite suit, then?"

"Oh, shut the buck up, Moonlight."

This draws an honest-to-moonness chuckle out of the priest. "That does remind me, though. You remember the Cirrus? Apparently they ran a purge of a vampire den in Bridle Shores, and they kept the released thralls on their vessel. Most of them are citizenry, and while I reached out, most of them are still too deep in post-release trauma stages to consider relocating. Worse yet, someone leaked the knowledge to the other townsfolk, and it's...making waves."

"Is this the same Cirrus with a history of no concept regarding subtlety or safety? I'm surprised they didn't post a massive 'Adopt-a-vampire' sign on their ship."

"...Actually..."

[Grif]

This is met with a sharp nod. "The barracks, jails, and hospitals took some damage, but she was relocated to an unobtrusive location and placed under the protection of the Guard Captain, Commander Eclipse, a paladin I can't recall the name of, and a...court wizard, if I remember correctly."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather eclectic bunch."

"Dawnstrider's name hasn't crossed your desk because he's above your pay grade." Moonlight flashes a quick glance at Luna to check if she remembers the moniker. "And anyone working for the interests of Equestria is 'one of ours', whether or not they look good in black. If that was a prerequisite, you'd have been kicked out years ago."

Only a very slight nod to Moonlight. But Luna otherwise refrained from comment.

Seemingly unsure how best to respond, Striker addresses Luna again. "We believe that Doth's forces are using the informant's hometown as a primary base of operations. She knows where it is, thus her importance."

Princess Luna seemed content to ignore the bickering going on right in front of her. It wasn't the first time these two butted heads, and it wouldn't be the last. Nor was it even the most fractious she encountered in her long rule. All in all, this was pretty mild by her admittedly low standards. She sipped her coffee again. "I'm willing to wager she knows more than just the location of her hometown. Rusty Falls isn't exactly unknown before this."

Moonlight nods. "Inquisitor Purple Prose, yes. I didn't-"

"Oh, Luna's Feathers, not him." Eclipse takes a moment to realize that the subject of his oath is actually standing right there, and a faint blush tinges his features before he continues. "When I was told he'd been retired, I assumed that word had quotation marks around it. What is a walking security breach doing in Bridle Shores, of all places?"

Moonlight's lips twitch. "Searching for the perfect adverb, presumably."

"I'd as soon shove a vampire up his plot and kick him into the nearest Changeling warren."

"So you still haven't gotten that limerick out of your favorite suit, then?"

"Oh, shut the buck up, Moonlight."

"Well, while we're on the topic, consider the Inquisitor redrafted for the purpose of defending that town so long Doth remains a threat. I'd imagine he won't be happy, but one must make do with what we have."

This draws an honest-to-moonness chuckle out of the priest. "That does remind me, though. You remember the Cirrus? Apparently they ran a purge of a vampire den in Bridle Shores, and they kept the released thralls on their vessel. Most of them are citizenry, and while I reached out, most of them are still too deep in post-release trauma stages to consider relocating. Worse yet, someone leaked the knowledge to the other townsfolk, and it's...making waves."

"Is this the same Cirrus with a history of no concept regarding subtlety or safety? I'm surprised they didn't post a massive 'Adopt-a-vampire' sign on their ship."

"...Actually..."

"Do tell, Moonlight." Princess Luna appeared curious, if a little weary.

[Kelvin360]

Luna raised an eyebrow. "That's a rather eclectic bunch."

"I agree, m'lady." Perhaps because his organization can be summed up rather nicely by those words, Striker treats the comment as a compliment.

"Well, while we're on the topic, consider the Inquisitor redrafted for the purpose of defending that town so long Doth remains a threat. I'd imagine he won't be happy, but one must make do with what we have."

Both Eclipse and Moonlight reply with "I advise against that." simultaneously, but with wildly different inflections.

Moonlight is the first to recover. "He's already serving their interests of his own volition. Personal investment is more powerful than acting under orders, and in this case one might cancel out the other. You don't need to blackmail somepony if they're already sending you bits."

"He's also an arrogant, disrespectful prig."

"...And we won't have to hear Eclipse complain about him for the next four years."

"Do tell, Moonlight." Princess Luna appeared curious, if a little weary.

"They've moved them to a supposedly 'secure' warehouse inside the town's borders, under a guard that I would describe more as a courtesy. And there were talks of re-integrating some of them. From the standpoint of an experienced hoof, they're treating the vampires like novelties, even pets. The only sensible ones are those against, but they want to burn the warehouse to the ground. It's a clusterbuck, ma'am."

[Grif]

"I agree, m'lady." Perhaps because his organization can be summed up rather nicely by those words, Striker treats the comment as a compliment.

Both Eclipse and Moonlight reply with "I advise against that." simultaneously, but with wildly different inflections.

Moonlight is the first to recover. "He's already serving their interests of his own volition. Personal investment is more powerful than acting under orders, and in this case one might cancel out the other. You don't need to blackmail somepony if they're already sending you bits."

"He's also an arrogant, disrespectful prig."

"...And we won't have to hear Eclipse complain about him for the next four years."

Luna seemed a little disappointed. "As you will. Though I would think a little royal acknowledgement of his efforts wouldn't go amiss."

"They've moved them to a supposedly 'secure' warehouse inside the town's borders, under a guard that I would describe more as a courtesy. And there were talks of re-integrating some of them. From the standpoint of an experienced hoof, they're treating the vampires like novelties, even pets. The only sensible ones are those against, but they want to burn the warehouse to the ground. It's a clusterbuck, ma'am."

"Mmm... while not exactly encouraging, at least they are taking steps to ensure the safety of the vamponies. A courtesy not many else would extend," Luna said with a sigh, and draining the last of her cup. She looked at it forlornly for a moment, before setting it aside. "I trust we have someone advising them on at least how to proceed?"

[Kelvin360]

Luna seemed a little disappointed. "As you will. Though I would think a little royal acknowledgement of his efforts wouldn't go amiss."

Moonlight is the quickest to catch on to her implication. "Privately, yes. But not publicly. He isn't an outcast looking for redemption; he retired by his own choice. Giving him laurels might look like we were trying to rope him back into service, and I can tell you that ex-shadow operatives in particular hate that."

"Mmm... while not exactly encouraging, at least they are taking steps to ensure the safety of the vamponies. A courtesy not many else would extend," Luna said with a sigh, and draining the last of her cup. She looked at it forlornly for a moment, before setting it aside. "I trust we have someone advising them on at least how to proceed?"

Moonlight nods. "I left a dossier for the Captain of the guard and a shadow beacon outside his office if he needs to contact us. I also reached out to a novice local shadowcaster who's willing to act as a diplomat between the groups. Prose knows about these kinds of situations from his training. I don't think we could expect very much more even if we had a battalion stationed there...in fact, that might make it worse."

[Grif]

Moonlight is the quickest to catch on to her implication. "Privately, yes. But not publicly. He isn't an outcast looking for redemption; he retired by his own choice. Giving him laurels might look like we were trying to rope him back into service, and I can tell you that ex-shadow operatives in particular hate that."

Luna chuckled a little. "Believe me, I know as well as he that he isn't quite welcome back into service. Not after the stunt he pulled. But I suppose you're right."

Moonlight nods. "I left a dossier for the Captain of the guard and a shadow beacon outside his office if he needs to contact us. I also reached out to a novice local shadowcaster who's willing to act as a diplomat between the groups. Prose knows about these kinds of situations from his training. I don't think we could expect very much more even if we had a battalion stationed there...in fact, that might make it worse."

"Very good. That sounds perfectly adequate. Now..." she pressed her hooves together. "Anything else that should be brought to my attention for the day?"

[Grif]

[Canterlot]
The capitol city of Equestria woke up this morning to disturbing news. Well, more like a series of disturbing news.

The first is that the latest victim of what the press dubbed the "Bloody Jack" was found in the house of an well-regarded blacksmith home. The poor blacksmith was found dead in his living room, his front door unlocked and unbarred for all to see. Already, the Royal Guard had sealed the crime scene and called for their forensic team to help deal with the latest crime spree.

The second was the news that a griffon delegation was on the way here, which sent the rumour mill into overdrive. Why the sudden visit? What were they hoping to achieve? Who would they meet?

The third was the shocking defeat of the Canterlot Coursers against the Baltimare Breakers, a veritable minnow in the National League. The newspapers were already mourning the fall of the giants, and as the Canterlot Tribune put it "the disgrace of the decade".

[Kelvin360]

The morning brings with it feelings most unanticipated and guests most unexpected. If those gathered found the milling investigators and grim-faced police to be an unwelcome sight, given the circumstances, then it was nothing compared to the impression of leftover darkness and the smell of copper on the air. Dimly, the realization spreads that such a nightmarish thing, such a tragedy, should not be possible in the center of the world, the capital of civilization. This feels wrong. This isn't supposed to happen.

But then, the mists part, and some semblance of sanity returns to the world.

Lady Moonshine has decided to forego the plates of her ceremonial armor that covered her belly, which is now beginning to show a good deal more of her pregnancy as she enters her second quarter, but she has lost none of the quiet strength that made her an impressive figure before. She stops at the police line, looking unflinchingly at the scene before her, taking in the open door, the smell of blood, and the silence of shattered peace.

She glances at the primary investigator on duty, no doubt bearing a cup of coffee, some sort of mustache and an 'I'm too old for this' expression. "What can you tell us?" She speaks with a reserved tone, indicating herself and the Royal Guard accompanying her.

[MCerberus]

Canterlot

Riposte is currently being shoved out the door to smooth things over and ensure there's no big scandal before the delegation gets to Canterlot. Essentially making the questionable parts of town quiet for a while. It being early in the morning, she's not quite in the best mood. At least the cubs get off to school without much input at this point. Of course, since she's acting officially at this point, the hippogriff is armed and in full regalia. If they weren't all going to bed, some of the Shadowbolts are going to be joking about going on the street in dress for a while.

Another fun wrinkle, she's supposed to get this done, but is not acting with any law enforcement authority. Good for bashing some heads if need be, but for now Riposte is sort of just there, being conspicuous. It seems the royal detachment is here already, so the Oathguard's mouth is shut to listen in on the report.

Manehatten

The good news is that the investigation has at least some time to get a handle on things. Manehatten being a major port, the Duchess' party is going to need to take some time to Schmooze. Meet with the harbormaster, the mayor, and of course there may be some obligated visits to fine art establishments. The griffon delegation is officially under protection of city PD and whatever royal guards are there, since it's somewhat traditional for them to go unarmed in the mainland.

Their usual guards are then busy keeping an eye on the luggage moving to the train station. In particular there's some valuable gifts.

Spoiler

Show

In some cases are top-of-the-line rifled pistols with expensive and new breech-loading mechanisms. Nickel plated and shiny.

[Grif]

The morning brings with it feelings most unanticipated and guests most unexpected. If those gathered found the milling investigators and grim-faced police to be an unwelcome sight, given the circumstances, then it was nothing compared to the impression of leftover darkness and the smell of copper on the air. Dimly, the realization spreads that such a nightmarish thing, such a tragedy, should not be possible in the center of the world, the capital of civilization. This feels wrong. This isn't supposed to happen.

But then, the mists part, and some semblance of sanity returns to the world.

Lady Moonshine has decided to forego the plates of her ceremonial armor that covered her belly, which is now beginning to show a good deal more of her pregnancy as she enters her second quarter, but she has lost none of the quiet strength that made her an impressive figure before. She stops at the police line, looking unflinchingly at the scene before her, taking in the open door, the smell of blood, and the silence of shattered peace.

She glances at the primary investigator on duty, no doubt bearing a cup of coffee, some sort of mustache and an 'I'm too old for this' expression. "What can you tell us?" She speaks with a reserved tone, indicating herself and the Royal Guard accompanying her.

Canterlot

Riposte is currently being shoved out the door to smooth things over and ensure there's no big scandal before the delegation gets to Canterlot. Essentially making the questionable parts of town quiet for a while. It being early in the morning, she's not quite in the best mood. At least the cubs get off to school without much input at this point. Of course, since she's acting officially at this point, the hippogriff is armed and in full regalia. If they weren't all going to bed, some of the Shadowbolts are going to be joking about going on the street in dress for a while.

Another fun wrinkle, she's supposed to get this done, but is not acting with any law enforcement authority. Good for bashing some heads if need be, but for now Riposte is sort of just there, being conspicuous. It seems the royal detachment is here already, so the Oathguard's mouth is shut to listen in on the report.

Contrary to popular belief, detectives do not come prepackaged with a world-weary face, fedora, and a perpetual cup of coffee. In fact, this one seemed to strive to buck the trend as far as he could.

For one thing, the sandy-coated unicorn seemed exceptionally young for a detective. For another, he seemed to be vibrating with almost maniacal intensity, pacing back and forth and occasionally stopping to bark orders or scribble furiously in a worn notebook. On Moonshine's greeting, he looked up with a slightly quizzical look.

"Who are you?" he demanded brusquely, his sharp sky-grey eyes gazing at Moonshine with suspicion. A fellow officer quickly leaned into his ear and whispered urgently. The stallion listened, his expression softening, then waved the officer away. "Apologies ma'am. Too many times I had to deal with outsiders disturbing the delicate crime scene. Often without warning." He gestured at the door. "At least the civvies had the courtesy of leaving the crime scene intact."

"Anyway, you wanted to know what we know right? Well, we know it seems to be the same killer that had been working around Canterlot. I'm sure you know the details by now: no forced entry, potential eyewitnesses murdered with surprisingly precision, and the victim seemingly the target of a grusome blood ritual." The officer spoke loudly enough that Riposte probably would be able to hear almost all the juicy details.

[MCerberus]

Contrary to popular belief, detectives do not come prepackaged with a world-weary face, fedora, and a perpetual cup of coffee. In fact, this one seemed to strive to buck the trend as far as he could.

For one thing, the sandy-coated unicorn seemed exceptionally young for a detective. For another, he seemed to be vibrating with almost maniacal intensity, pacing back and forth and occasionally stopping to bark orders or scribble furiously in a worn notebook. On Moonshine's greeting, he looked up with a slightly quizzical look.

"Who are you?" he demanded brusquely, his sharp sky-grey eyes gazing at Moonshine with suspicion. A fellow officer quickly leaned into his ear and whispered urgently. The stallion listened, his expression softening, then waved the officer away. "Apologies ma'am. Too many times I had to deal with outsiders disturbing the delicate crime scene. Often without warning." He gestured at the door. "At least the civvies had the courtesy of leaving the crime scene intact."

"Anyway, you wanted to know what we know right? Well, we know it seems to be the same killer that had been working around Canterlot. I'm sure you know the details by now: no forced entry, potential eyewitnesses murdered with surprisingly precision, and the victim seemingly the target of a grusome blood ritual." The officer spoke loudly enough that Riposte probably would be able to hear almost all the juicy details.

Well that seems like a natural in-point for Riposte to make herself known. Of course what she's about to say isn't helped by being in full uniform.

"And to make things worse, the royals have started a countdown to get this settled."

Riposte steps forward, careful to not overtly cross any tape lines or step on anything. Whether the officers have herd of the delegation or not, there's now added pressure. They may not like it, Luna knows Riposte doesn't.

"I'm here to keep an eye on things and potentially act extra-judiciously to get things settled faster. Act as a liaison to the guard corps, get whichever forces involved that can settle this matter quietly."

[Kelvin360]

"Regardless of how important the pony is who asks, one cannot clap their hooves together and wish something resolved because they establish a time limit," Moonshine says, her voice a gentle reprimand, but not necessarily directed at anyone in particular. "Indeed, that rarely leads to anything more than ill regard and simmering enmity. We all agree that this has gone on too long, and justice must be served. Thus, I would say that we are here to aid you in your progress, detective, not to put gray in your mane and pain in your flanks." She takes a moment to internally recite a piece of the Code of the Shrouded Eclipse; 'The good of the ponies before the good of the throne.'

[Grif]

Well that seems like a natural in-point for Riposte to make herself known. Of course what she's about to say isn't helped by being in full uniform.

"And to make things worse, the royals have started a countdown to get this settled."

Riposte steps forward, careful to not overtly cross any tape lines or step on anything. Whether the officers have herd of the delegation or not, there's now added pressure. They may not like it, Luna knows Riposte doesn't.

"I'm here to keep an eye on things and potentially act extra-judiciously to get things settled faster. Act as a liaison to the guard corps, get whichever forces involved that can settle this matter quietly."

"Regardless of how important the pony is who asks, one cannot clap their hooves together and wish something resolved because they establish a time limit," Moonshine says, her voice a gentle reprimand, but not necessarily directed at anyone in particular. "Indeed, that rarely leads to anything more than ill regard and simmering enmity. We all agree that this has gone on too long, and justice must be served. Thus, I would say that we are here to aid you in your progress, detective, not to put gray in your mane and pain in your flanks." She takes a moment to internally recite a piece of the Code of the Shrouded Eclipse; 'The good of the ponies before the good of the throne.'

The detective eyed the both of them. Then shook his head and turned again to face the crime scene. "Let's hope we don't step into each others' hooves then. Anyway, we're still gathering evide—"

One of the officers shouted from inside the house. "Sir! We found something!"

"Huh, talk about timing. Let's see what it is." Without waiting for the pair to acknowledge, the detective turned and disappeared into the house.

Should the pair and their entourage choose to enter the house, they'd find a nice cosy house that exemplified the typical middle-class Canterlot artisan home. Most of that cosy feeling was marred by the blood stains across the wall and the covered corpse that lay in a side room.

When the pair finally caught up, they'd see the detective holding up and staring quizzically at what seemed to be scraps of burnt paper stored carefully in a clear plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, some writing is still barely visible on the paper. It wasn't in standard Equestrian, that was for certain, but more akin to classical Equestrian that was more typical found in ancient tomes. "Well, never seen this before. Where'd you find it?"

"Near the primary victim, sir. Seems like the killer tried to burn it but the flames went out before the job was done."

The detective glanced at the two when they wandered in. "So what do you make of this?"


[Royal Library]
Dusty Covers normally wouldn't venture into this section of the library in this time of the day. It is, after all, usually deserted even during the library's opening hours, save for the few regulars he knew by first name. Since they were regulars, he trusted them enough to not need his supervision, unlike the rowdies that often populated the young adult fiction section. But the royal guard that showed up earlier was remarkably insistent that he deliver this message personally to one of the aforementioned regulars. So insistent, in fact, that he somehow managed to find his way into his personal sanctum and politely glared at him until he reluctantly acquiesced. Of all the job description of being a head librarian, passing messages like a lowly aspirant wasn't one of them.

Yet here he was, standing behind the off-white unicorn who was presumably engrossed in yet another impressively thick tome of Equestrian history. He cleared his throat politely. "Miss, you have a message."

[MCerberus]

Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

[TheAmishPirate]

[Royal Library]
Dusty Covers normally wouldn't venture into this section of the library in this time of the day. It is, after all, usually deserted even during the library's opening hours, save for the few regulars he knew by first name. Since they were regulars, he trusted them enough to not need his supervision, unlike the rowdies that often populated the young adult fiction section. But the royal guard that showed up earlier was remarkably insistent that he deliver this message personally to one of the aforementioned regulars. So insistent, in fact, that he somehow managed to find his way into his personal sanctum and politely glared at him until he reluctantly acquiesced. Of all the job description of being a head librarian, passing messages like a lowly aspirant wasn't one of them.

Yet here he was, standing behind the off-white unicorn who was presumably engrossed in yet another impressively thick tome of Equestrian history. He cleared his throat politely. "Miss, you have a message."

Solar Eclipse's ear twitched; just about the only sign she'd even heard the frustrated librarian. Her horn lit up as she flipped through the tome's pages with impressive speed and care. "This book states unequivocally that the war with the griffons was started when the griffons - under cover of night and cloud - invaded the Hippogriff March and put the town of Engorged Gorge to the torch."

She turned, book and all, beholding the pony with the same soft, gentle expression she always seemed to wear. "Sir, what do you think? How did the War of the Griffons start?" she asked demurely.

[Grif]

Solar Eclipse's ear twitched; just about the only sign she'd even heard the frustrated librarian. Her horn lit up as she flipped through the tome's pages with impressive speed and care. "This book states unequivocally that the war with the griffons was started when the griffons - under cover of night and cloud - invaded the Hippogriff March and put the town of Engorged Gorge to the torch."

She turned, book and all, beholding the pony with the same soft, gentle expression she always seemed to wear. "Sir, what do you think? How did the War of the Griffons start?" she asked demurely.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I had to read up to ensure that I didn't miss any details. Kudos for reminding me that that section of history remained unfilled as of yet. I actually found a lengthy draft in my old folders as well. Some of that may appear here.

Dusty Covers blinked; he hadn't expected that question. He suddenly felt like he was being tested. "Ah, miss, that's not quite my purview, but from what I remember of my studies, there was some sort of turmoil in the Griffon Empire. The Last King had accused Equestria of poisoning his predecessor, and the griffons were being increasingly anti-Equestrian. They even sent a list of ridiculous demands. I believed that war was inevitable at that stage."

"At any rate, I believe I have a message. Princess Luna requests your presence at her court at your leisure."

[Kelvin360]

The detective eyed the both of them. Then shook his head and turned again to face the crime scene. "Let's hope we don't step into each others' hooves then. Anyway, we're still gathering evide—"

One of the officers shouted from inside the house. "Sir! We found something!"

"Huh, talk about timing. Let's see what it is." Without waiting for the pair to acknowledge, the detective turned and disappeared into the house.

Should the pair and their entourage choose to enter the house, they'd find a nice cosy house that exemplified the typical middle-class Canterlot artisan home. Most of that cosy feeling was marred by the blood stains across the wall and the covered corpse that lay in a side room.

When the pair finally caught up, they'd see the detective holding up and staring quizzically at what seemed to be scraps of burnt paper stored carefully in a clear plastic bag. Upon closer inspection, some writing is still barely visible on the paper. It wasn't in standard Equestrian, that was for certain, but more akin to classical Equestrian that was more typical found in ancient tomes. "Well, never seen this before. Where'd you find it?"

"Near the primary victim, sir. Seems like the killer tried to burn it but the flames went out before the job was done."

The detective glanced at the two when they wandered in. "So what do you make of this?"

Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

A light comes on behind Moonshine's eyes, pulling her expression into a very Lunatic-esque visage of calculation. "I advise making several photos. Hiding that it exists is less important than making sure we have access to it right now. There may be some court mages who could repair the original. I simply don't know if the ones I could call on are trustworthy enough for this, but there could be more among the royal guard." This precedes a knowing look cast in Riposte's direction. "As for rattling cages, I'd like the opportunity to speak with those who knew the deceased more intimately. Involving the crown could frighten innocent leads and warn malevolent ones."

[Grif]

A light comes on behind Moonshine's eyes, pulling her expression into a very Lunatic-esque visage of calculation. "I advise making several photos. Hiding that it exists is less important than making sure we have access to it right now. There may be some court mages who could repair the original. I simply don't know if the ones I could call on are trustworthy enough for this, but there could be more among the royal guard." This precedes a knowing look cast in Riposte's direction. "As for rattling cages, I'd like the opportunity to speak with those who knew the deceased more intimately. Involving the crown could frighten innocent leads and warn malevolent ones."

Canterlot Crime Scene

Riposte only knows Equestrian and Old Griffon, and the later only so much as one can for a mostly dead language only used for ceremony. Unless the paper uses the same script she's going to simply not going to be of any help here. "Whatever it was, the murderer wanted it destroyed. If you can make a photo of it, I can bring it to the castle for translation."

The hippogriff takes a look around. Not knowing anything about the victim means that there isn't much to go on, and the actual police are probably going to be better at finding out the connections. "I can also rattle some cages in the houses if the victim has any connections."

The detective gestured at a nearby officer. "You. Get this photographed. I want a dozen copies ready on my desk by noon." The officer saluted and quickly hurried off.

"If you're looking for family, ma'am, I'm afraid you just passed by them on your way here. Killer was thorough, if nothing else." The detective sighed heavily. "And the victim himself... well, I could read you his file: he has none. He's been a good upstanding citizen as far as Canterlot's concerned. Let's see..." He turned and hooked a file off the other officer that had brought the evidence earlier. "Name, Iron Worth. Married to one Green Stalk. Owner of a small smithy shop down in the Cliffsides. Nothing very notable, aside from the occasional vacation to Baltimare. Both parents are deceased. Brother is in Manehattan, and we're still trying to get in touch." The detective looked up. "As ya can see, there's practically no motive. Nothing to suggest why he has been targetted."

[Kelvin360]

Her eyebrows rise, not in shock, but in concern. "His lack of connection makes a perfect motive. If the killer simply wanted a pony, or ponies, dead for reasons we cannot surmise, then targeting those with few contacts makes for a smaller trail to follow. A celebrity would have followers that saw something. A recluse has no one except us. That he was a shopkeeper gives both us and the killer an advantage - it increases the range of suspects, but I might hazard a guess that his assailant was a former customer. Otherwise somepony else would be dead."