Zophio snorts at Midnight's openness and says,
"Perhaps a better plan would be
to step indoors before we speak..." He looks intently at the clergyman expecting to be let inside.
Moonstar looks questioningly, and slightly disbelieving, "So you never told any stories about our illustrious heritage? Never mentioned being born of noble blood?"
Chandni briefly considers fibbing, but while getting caught by Leshanna would probably only earn her a severe talking to nowadays, getting caught by a Princess might be more dangerous.
"I, uh...I might've made up a thing or two, uh, your Majesty. About a wandering griffon Bey..." She scratches unhappily at the carpet, kneading it with her taloned forefeet...Apparently completely ignorant of the fact that her father had servants who outranked simple Beys.
"It's not, you know...All the other foals had pare..." Her ears prick up suddenly and she finally looks up at Moonstar's face in disbelief.
"Wai...What in the moon's secret name do you mean by 'our illustrious heritage'?"
Moonstar looks contemplative,and not entirely convinced, for a moment before answering, "It seems your minor 'fib' grew, and unfortunately is entirely too close to the truth, which can be bad for many, including you. And by 'our' I meant yours and mine. Though not so lowly as mere bey."
"I'm Father Zeal," the pale pink pony says, assessing you at a glance. "If you wish to h old a moonrise ceremony, Madam Midnight, the notice is rather short," he continues, "naturally the chapel is prepared at all times, but I fear many of the villagers would tarry to attend. Their devotion is perhaps not what it should be," he continues with a disapproving frown, "they have not been long under my ministry," he says, by way of explanation.
"We are here to receive a relic from Father Crimson Zeal," Midnight Dove says.
"Oh, excellent," Father Zeal replies, "the Archbishop is finished with it already," he continues, "and has taken appropriate consideration of the dangers of the road in its return - and so promptly!" His brow furrows just slightly. "Though, it must've been of little use in his research for him to spare it so swiftly - as I wrote in my letter. And whilst it may have been of little use to the Lunar church, it is of some importance in my own researches, which have been quite disrupted."
"Perhaps a better plan would be to step indoors before we speak..." Zophio breaks in.
"Yesh, of courshe," Crimson Zeal replies, stepping back, the doorknob held firmly in his mouth, tugging the door open before you...
Midnight Dove walked through the opened door.
"Thanks."
She looked briefly around the room, and then turned to Father Zeal again.
"So, Father, could you tell us more about this relic, please? What are your researches about?"
"And what do you mean, pray tell,
to say they were interrupted as well?" Zophio adds from his guard-like position by the door.
The room within - some kind of lounge - was at one point comfortably furnished, but the plush rug and ornate tables have been pushed aside, leaving a plainer, less ornate feel. A writing desk sits to one side, the only candle within the room flickering upon it.
"Les Chroniques de la Pomme de la Lune et du Soleil is hardly a religious relic," Crimson Zeal says. "A rare religious work, certainly, but hardly a divine one." He smiles, taking the handle of the candle in his mouth, carrying it across the room to kindle another. In their warm light, the room begins to take on a homely feel. "I'm debunking various legends and stories of divine solar intervention beyond the good works of the Solar church." He waves a hoof. "Naturally, whilst one can find well-verified examples from hundreds of years ago, when the divine sun was willing the formation of our holy church, and the well-known chaotic bent of the lunar divinity perhaps undermines the formality of the lunar church, I've already debunked several heretical rumours. Presently, I'm investigating a local legend that sun-golden midsummer apples can miraculously heal - and recently uncovered from Les Chroniques de la Pomme that moon-silver midwinter apples are intensely poisonous." He pauses, momentarily uncomfortable speaking so to a lunar oracle. "Naturally, doctrine tells that both sun and moon share the aspect of death - as they do life, most famously in the sign beneath which each pony is born-" he colours again, pink becoming red. "But naturally you're well aware of that, as theologically-educated ponies."
It's quite clear that he doesn't get much opportunity to discuss his research, and could and would go on for hours... indeed, in doing so, he's talked over and apparently quite forgotten about Zophio's question...
Midnight Dove stayed thoughtful, wondering why the divine star would sent her night visions about the fruits Father Zeal was talking about. Of course, you just couldn't question a divine prophecy, but still... Were these apples truly powerful? And what sort of magic could they contain?
It is up to us to discover it, I suppose.
"Indeed. So... Why was your work disturbed?
"Because Archbishop Poetic Star requested St Charlyle's copy of the book," Crimson Zeal says, a flash of irritation showing at your obtuseness. "But you've brought it back now, and I'll be able to get on with my work," he pauses, "of course you're welcome guests in my home, and theologically educated to boot," he brightens, "so I'm sure our discussions will be both interesting and enlightening."
"Thank you. I'm looking forward to it."
Oh no... There we are.
In fact, Midnight Dove hated great, long, philosophical conversations. She was a pony of action, and not a talkative one. She liked to prove her faith to the Church by accomplishing the night star's wishes, not by enduring hours of discussion.
Particularly if the person she was speaking to was an old and (possibly) a very, VERY lonely pony. However, perhaps Zophio could-
Or not.
Well. At this very moment, as Midnight Dove could almost perfectly imagine Gimpy Leg smirking, as he always did when the young unicorn was almost at the edge of despair.
At least, maybe he won't start complaining about his backache for hours, while feeding us with strawberry pie in order to make us stay, like the previous old priest I had to visit...
for Shub...
You learn that Sapphire Treats and Treasured Heart passed through here. They'd hoped that Father Summer Octave would marry them... but the kindly old pony had ceded his position to Crimson Zeal not two months before. Whether Crimson Zeal did or not the village-ponies don't know. They're not close with their zealous, bombastic preacher - he's given more the proselyting than the quiet, community work that had defined Summer Octave earlier, more active years. In either case, they left the village soon thereafter...
for Midnight and Zophio
"Oh, excellent," Crimson Zeal beams. "Well, the particular apocryphal local legend as detailed in Les Chroniques de la Pomme de la Lune et du Soleil," he pauses for breath, "details the budding of a golden apple - the 'solar fruit' - that may be plucked from the trees at noon upon midsommers day, which grants long life and good health," he smiles. "Such misunderstandings being perhaps natural, although true scholars with the knowledge of this modern era easily recognise the moon's role in cultivation through the means of rain, the domain of water lying clearly within the lunar sphere." He shakes his head, recovering from his digression. "Thus far the story is not uncommon - a fairly straightforward elaboration upon the harvest festival, though erroneously focussed upon midsummer rather than the autumnal equinox; however," he continues, "de la Pomme also references a 'lunar fruit' harvested upon midwinter's eve - the silver fruit of the dead. It's this feature that most fascinates me, tantalising us as it does with the obvious connection to the after-world of the Shadowfell, and how it came to be associated with the moon alone," he shakes his head. "But look at me standing here talking about it!" He blurts. "Since you have the book, we can actually see it! Some of the illuminations are quite astonishing, given the privations of the period it was produced," he continues, smiling and tilting his head towards your saddlebags.
"Sure."
Midnight Dove took her saddlebags in her jaws, and pulled the book out of it. She layed it softly on a table, and carefully opened it. She then stepped aside, letting Father Crimson Zeal reading it as he pleases.
She had barely looked at it herself: because of her bad sight, reading for too long usually gave her massive headaches, and she had difficulties to focus on it. She made efforts when it was really important, but it was usually Gimpy Leg who told her what was inside a book, mainly because it was easier that way.
When Father Zeal asks to see the book, Zophio replies,
"What do you mean? We don't have it,
we were sent to retrieve it
from you, since you told the Archbishop
you couldn't simply ship it."
A shadow slides across Crimson Zeal's face. "Eheh," he chuckles. "Of course, it is the nature of the Lunar Church to trick in jest," he smiles. "A fine rhyme, my zebran friend. But our discussions surely would profit from having the book to hoof."
His tone suggests a undercurrent of fear in his words...
Midnight Dove didn't laugh: she had a very bad sense of humour.
"I am in complete agreement," she said rather curtly. "Let's go and get it, then. Your help will be precious, as you could explain a lot of things to us while examining it."
"But I don't have it," he blurts, horror written all over his face. If he's lying, he's a good liar. "I gave it into the safekeeping of Knight-Paladin-Solar Summer Breeze, who was bound for Canterlot, to deliver into the hooves of Archbishop Poetic Star, as I was charged to do." He brightens, momentarily. "I'm sure your trip has been a long one. You must've missed him upon the road. Or perhaps you came by river?
Even a cursory knowledge of geography suggests that eventuality is unlikely in the extreme... and that Crimson Zeal knows it. He's clutching at straws...
Zophio raises an eyebrow,
"Forgive me, Father, but it seems some crook
has lied to the archbishop about the book.
And if you gave it to this...Breeze, is it?
I think I know who we'll next visit"
He is lying to us. Midnight Dove realised, outraged.
"Father Zeal."
The unicorn's voice is now as sharp as a knife.
"Your charge was precisely to give the book to the Church of the Moon, and not to a Solar Paladin (especially when you are fearing yourself the "dangers of the road"), who doesn't even receive any order from the Archbishop! Moreover, we went in your village by the main road, so we couldn't have missed him! So, either you did the wrong thing (which, of course, shall be reported to the Church), or, which I find more credible, you are not telling the truth. And I suspect it is because of your "important" researches that you are hindering our departure: you could have told us about Summer Breeze in the first place, right at this door! What are you hiding?"
"I have no need to explain myself to you," Crimson Zeal replies, affronted. "Since you represent the archbishop - to whom I'll be writing of your rudeness - I'll observe that he requested that I package the book and consign it to the mailbag. A solar knight-paladin makes a far superior and safer courier." He pauses, a troubled expression sliding across his face. "Should have made."
"We can hope that you've merely made some error," Crimson Zeal continues, "but I concede its unlikely. We should consider our response. I suggest-" he continues, "-we begin with prayer. You'll join me, of course?" He asks, though it's hardly a question, and he's already turning to enter the church proper.
Zophio, wanting to avoid further offense follows Crimson into the church.
Once the prayer concludes, he suggests,
"I suggest that the next thing to do
is to find the solar knight and make sure he was true."
During the prayer, Midnight Dove thought a lot, and finally managed to force herself to calm down. She tried to remember Father Zeal's words, and still couldn't trust him. Why was he nervous? She didn't know, but she'll discover it. Maybe she was wrong, accusing him of being a liar... However, his explanations were clumsy. She recalled their meeting, and tried to determine, objectively, why she found him suspicious. Was there something incorrect in his behaviour? Or in his explanations?
When they go out, she stayed silent for a few seconds, before speaking once more:
"Good idea. My apologies for my unforgivable rudeness, Father," she said, sighing. "It was a long way from Canterlot, and I think I was just as enthusiastic as you about la Chronique... But don't worry, I'm still determined to find it! First, do you know where we could begin our researches?"
Crimson Zeal
"This situation is troubling for us all," Crimson Zeal replies, nuzzling you briefly. "Of course you are forgiven. As far as I know, Summer Breeze was headed directly for Canterlot, headed south along the Kingsroad, but one does not waylay a solar knight as a mere courier. I can well-imagine him being diverted by some other need - though I would not investigate at night," he warns, "but then, my calling has always been towards the Sun."
After the discussion, Moonstar snacked on some food her steward retrieved while reviewing her notes on other issues in the area. With the her primary reason for traveling here taken care of, she thought she might look into some other things, she recalled there was a noble runaway supposedly around these parts. Now where did the note about that go...
The zebra turns to his companion,
"In the youth of this night,
We could track down his knight
And see what trouble he's in,
Whether sorrow or sin."
Crimson Zeal
"None understands your zeal more than I," Crimson Zeal agrees. "If you insist upon going now, then, you may be able to recruit some assistance at the Fallen Apple. My divine power lies in education and learning, not daring and danger, and beneath the moon..." he sighs. "It breaks my heart to have to advise you to enter such a den on inequity."
Epic Spin
"Is your meal to your satisfaction, Milady Dove," Epic Spin asks, approaching. Indeed, it is very fine, and cooked with love. Apple Cordial is clearly not merely a fine cook, but one who adores the mere act of doing so...
Midnight Dove sighed. She had hoped that she would be able to see her childhood friend...
"You're right. Let's go to the Fallen Apple. Thanks again, Father."
She wasn't really grateful, because of this last minute problem, but prefered being diplomatic. It may not be his fault, after all...
Let's give him the benefit of the doubt, as long as we don't know what happened exactly.
It's not far, from the Solar Church to the Fallen Apple, and beneath the cool light of the moon you swiftly enough find the path back to the heart of the village.
As you past a track leading west - once a wider road now reduced by the decades-long encroachment of the forest - you spot a silver-golden gleam half-trodden into the hoof-marked mud... a small buckle, worked into the solar design...
"It seems someone of the solar persuasion has passed this way,
and there has been a struggle, one could say.
I'll wait here, so we don't lose the trail,
you proceed to the house of cider and ale."
Zophio sniffs the ground and licks the buckle to try to assess how it came to be there, and find any clues as to what happened.
There's a small amount of frayed, torn fabric attached to the buckle. It could well have been detached as the result of a struggle.
Moonstar finished reviewing her notes and left her room and is now sitting in the main room listening to the din around her for anything interesting while pretending to work on a crossword puzzle.
Midnight Dove nodded.
"Alright. I won't be long."
She passed the Fallen Apple's door, for the second time in a day. She didn't really know how to "recruit" people, so she ran her eye around the room, looking for someone...
Interesting.
Maybe.
Well, someone who seemed a bit different. Who could be interested in a quest. Someone who, right now, seemed really worth to talk to. Yes, that was it. Someone that you wanted to work with.
Pretty vague. But I guess it's a start. I'll use words later.
It was forgetting her curse. Her sight was so blurred, she was seeing large spots of colour instead of ponies, and couldn't even recognize Epic Spin among them.
Rectification: it IS a pretty BAD start.
"Excuse me. Where is Epic Spin," she asked, embarassed.
"Is there anything I can do for you, Milady Eclipse?" Epic Spin asks, with a quiet cough. "Oh," he looks up, as pretty female unicorn enters. "Excuse me. Lady Dove of the Lunar Church returns. We are doubly blessed this night," he smiles as he bows, backs, and trots away.
"Did Father Zeal have what you needed, Milady Dove?" Epic Spin approaches at a trot. "We've had some excitement our good selves here, too. A Royal visit, or as good as, to my own humble establishment, at that," he beams, "and now you, too, see fit to bless us with your presence this night. I can't say I blame you for not staying with Father Zeal. The man can be quite wearing. Far less restful than our prior pastor." He pauses, suddenly aware of to whom he's speaking to. "Ahem," he pauses. "That is, I'm afraid our finest room is no longer available, but I can offer very comfortable accommodation to you and your companion this night."
Shub eyes the newcomer with interest. Another traveler, one from the Lunar Church. Interesting.
Content to observe for now, he continues eating his meal and listening to rumors.
"Thank you for your kindness," Midnight Dove replied, trying not to show that she was feeling uncomfortable because of Spin's compliments. "Of course, if my companion and I need to rest, it will be our pleasure to honour your rooms. Unluckily, the meeting with Father Zeal... Didn't went well, and we are back on the road for a while. In search of what we've been looking for."
She hesitated a bit.
"Besides, Father Zeal suggested that we might need help. Do you know someone who could be interested in a quest?"
Moreover, did he talked about a "Royal visit"?
"The Griffish scout there," Epic Spin tilts his pony head towards Shubshi, "may be for hire, should the church's purse run deep enough." Epic Spin lowers his voice. "Milady Moonstar Eclipse might also be willing, to join your divine quest, whatever it may be. Doubtless her sense of noblesse oblige is strong." He pauses. "Heroic blood flows through her line."
"Thank you so much for your help, Epic Spin."
Midnight Dove looked around the room, searching for a Griffon. She approached Shubshi, while thinking about what to say to him:
"Greetings. My name is Midnight Dove. I'm working for the Church of the Moon: I heard that you might be interested in a job, and I currently need someone who knows how to track, and who can deal with a couple of fights."
The doors to the inn swing open, admitting a tired-looking pegasus pony.
She looks around the room, eyes adjusting to the gloom inside, before moving to the bar. She nods and smiles at Midnight Dove, who vaguely recalls the pegasus from a religious celebration some time ago.
I hope I'm not intruding, do forgive me if I am but I find myself in dire need of assistance. I was wondering whether you might know a pony called 'Summer Breeze'? I came to the village to meet him but cannot seem to find the scoundrel anywhere!
Shubshi gives Midnight Dove a measured gaze, seemingly contemplating her offer as he notices the new arrival approach their table.
The corner of his beak curls up in a smile. "Looks like a night where everyone's looking for someone.
"Problem is I'm in the middle of another job right now, but I think we can all help each other out. I heard you"—he points at Midnight Dove—"talked to Father Zeal. I also need to talk to him. For you, how 'bout this: get him to talk to me and I'll help you out until I leave this place. If we're going the same way, we'll see if I can take the job."
He leans forward, sensing more ponies take interest in their conversation, especially with a new pony joining in. "But perhaps we should take this somewhere more private?"
Zophio looks up at the stars, "What's keeping Midnight so long? I hope nothing has gone wrong..." he says to himself. He decides to make his way to the inn. Peering in the window from outside, he sees that she's speaking with a griffin and...Virtuous Heart of all ponies...that sun-pony wannabe, teacher's pet, self-righ...the zebra sighs audibly and calms himself. He continues to look on, knowing that his presence in the conversation will more than likely slow things down further.
He does, however, stay in Midnight's field of view so that she can see he's there for her.
Summer Breeze passed through the village a little more than a week ago. He visited Father Crimson Zeal, and left shortly before Sapphire Treats and Treasured Heart.
"We are also looking for him. Apparently, he had some problems," Midnight Dove replied to Virtuous Heart. "It seems like he was attacked... As for Father Zeal," she added for Shub. "I'll see what I can do -but I'm afraid we do not have much time."
Alas, she didn't seem to have noticed Zophio, waiting outside the inn.
Shubshi sees the zebra outside the window but doesn't comment on it. "I'll give you a free one: Solar Breeze did meet Father Zeal little more than a week ago and left shortly after. I'll be in the inn if you want me along, tonight or tomorrow morning."
Attacked!? the mare seems taken aback momentarily
Forgive me for asking but how do you know? Are you seeking him too?
she shakes her head
Well I offer my hooves to your efforts to find him, I'll help wherever I can!
she cocks her head
and do forgive my manners, in my haste I appear to have neglected to introduce myself, I'm Virtuous Heart of the Lunar Church
she bows her head
and whom do I have the honour of conversing with?
she smiles, apparently eager to get to know you better.
Seeing that he's gone unnoticed by his compatriot, Zophio decides to brave the inn, in spite of it's other occupants.