"Glisten well"

The words of House Belle. Simple they may be, but they nevertheless underline a key point about this noble family. For they have always strived for great things in every generation. Much like the Sparkles and Apples, their lineage stretched back to the days of the first war against the Gryffs. However unlike those aforementioned families, the Belles never took part in the famed Battle of the Border. Their deeds never became immortalised in stories and song, and yet, their actions undoubtedly helped the realm to survive and prosper after those dark times.

It was the height of the war, and Solaris, along with many a King of the Green Lands, were marching north to meet with their foes. While the good King sought to recruit volunteers to their cause, he had sent one of his most trusted aides, a young man by the name of Elusive Belle, with an important task. He, along with whatever companions he sought to bring, were to slip behind enemy lines, gather intelligence and, if possible, to disrupt the enemy army before the battle began. Elusive took this instruction and obeyed it to the letter, for he already had a plan to do serious damage to the Gryffs.

Making his way behind the outposts and scouts of their enemies, the man and his comrades managed to find their way to the main camp of the Gryff army. There, in the dead of night, they set fire to food-stores, as well as numerous other supplies that the army desperately needed. In the chaos, Elusive and the others managed to find their way back to friendly territory, all while the Gryffs were still collecting themselves after this surprise raid. In addition, Elusive managed to inform Solaris of their location, allowing the king to finally gather his forces and head straight for the border between the Gryffs and the Greenlanders.

As mentioned before, Elusive never took part in the battle itself, and yet, his actions days before had unquestionably crippled the Gryff invasion force. Much of the army was now starving during their march away from their homeland, thus resulting in them having to fight the Greenlanders in a weaker state than before. Given that the Gryffs outnumbered the Greenlanders two-to-one, this was surely a plus in our people's favour. As recounted elsewhere, the battle was won for our side, and the Gryffs driven off. And, much like the forebears of the Sparkles and Apples, Elusive Belle was then ennobled.

Along with Solaris, the man returned to the keep of Brightblaze, ready to continue his work as the King's aide. But, given his effectiveness in the days leading up to the battle, Solaris suddenly had more intricate work for him to accomplish. For the remainder of his days, Elusive served as an unofficial spymaster for the King, reporting on the various goings on in the fledgling city of Canterlot and beyond. Barely a thing occurred within that city that Elusive did not know about, leading to Solaris relying heavily on his information when making his new decrees as King of the united Green Lands.

Such has been the case with many of Elusive's descendants, as most, if not all of them, have, like the Sparkles, been closely tied with House Solaris. However, while the Sparkles' connection was more one of friendship, the Belle's were a link born of a sense of duty. They have put the realm first and foremost, but, through it all, have always had the ear of the throne. Spies, agents and, if rumours are to be believed, assassins, the Belles have ever been a shadowy force in the realm of Greenlander politics. So much so that few would ever dare to plot against the throne, lest they find themselves silently watched from the darkness.

But, for all this cloak and dagger talk, the Belles have remained staunch allies of House Solaris and the realm as a whole. Never once have their talents been turned to anything less than reputable actions, and while many can be seen as aloof or uncaring, this has, more often than not, proved to be a mere mask they show for the sake of appearances. However, it should be noted that the Belles do not merely live for the sake of politics, as there have been numerous other endeavours for which they devote themselves. Over the centuries, they have expanded their reach in Canterlot, supporting many a small business to stand tall, to the point where many members of their family now sit on the boards of some of the more prestigious organisations of the city.

Many Houses are respected for many reasons. The Apples for their strength, the Sparkles for their duty and so on. For House Belle, they have always been admired, and will continue to be admired, because of their skills, both subtle and overt. And while some may enjoy the occasional bit of gossip surrounding their supposed "disreputable" actions, it is doubtful that such things will ever be more than simple hearsay, and nothing to be concerned about.