It has been three hours since Luna and Celestia departed, Sauron missed them a tiny bit. He liked their presence, so calm and easy to play around with. But now he has time to do some action, of course he still has to ease tensions with Discord, so that Discord would not suspect anything. Sauron was often a calm character, however, he also has anger problems, great anger problems he had and he didn’t like it when someone wishes to see how much he can hold out.

Why such information appeared in his head, as if he wanted to tell everyone about it? He himself didn’t know, there was Twilight Sparkle that was the Princess of “Friendship” Sauron has never laughed harder in his mind. How can one be a princess of “Friendship”? Friendship shows weakness, friendship is a burden, and it is a curse upon the world.

He understands if she was the “diplomat” of Equestria, then maybe for giggles and fun to give her such name. But for serious reasons, if she is the smart one, and if she is a Princess that does something in running the country. She needs to be serious, she needs to sound serious. He felt really weird about this, he is just being tortured in this world.

Since meeting Flurry Heart, he wanted to help those creatures for some reason, maybe because they are such weak and pitiful, such underlings and such a mistake. That he even can’t harm them? It is quite possible, it is a possibility. The golden armor, the silver spears, the ridiculous idea of defending the city with only magic. This is wrong! These ponies will die some day if no one shows them how to properly defend themselves.

This Crystal Empire, what kind of empire is it? It’s not big or not to small, it looks so tired and so bored. And where is this Crystal Heart? He needs to find that ridiculous thing before they reactivate it and he will be thrown away by the magical force. He doesn’t need that and the ponies won’t leave their city open.

Sitting now, on a golden sofa, with very beautiful red outlines. The softens and the perfect size for him, it makes this moment better. He was angry since he lost his ring, he has been angry since Morgoth didn’t listen to him. But he needs to keep those thoughts away. All the things that happened need to stay in his mind nothing can escape into this world.

Golden rims, that were made out of very strange golden material. Before Sauron there was a crystal table, oval, polished and shining. On the table there was a cup made out blue porcelain, with flowers carved on it. Beside the cup, there was a small plate and on it there was a fork. A couple napkins arranged into a swan.

He has been sitting like this for some time, and he felt every move and every breath the guards made in this room. Two guards to be exact, one was tall and was a unicorn, the other a Pegasus. The unicorn was brown and looked very much like a horse, his horn the size of most other guards. Wearing his silver armor with a diamond heart in the center.

The Pegasus, he was different, he had orange fur, and a blue mane that seemed to be up unerotically. How it actually wasn’t falling on him was a mystery. He had his helmet off for some reason, Sauron didn’t mind it. In fact looking at them using the shadows and invisible sources that was magic. Is quite funny.

His flank that hid his Cutie mark, was hid with a cloth that had the same symbol Twilight sparkles cutie mark was. The rest of the armor was familiar to the one that the guards that escorted Luna and Celestia back home. But as a smith, as a very educated and experienced smith. Sauron saw that the metal was actually brass and iron melted together, and left in heat for long enough to have golden look.

“Ehhh…” Sauron sighed from boredom.

For a small amount of time he felt very light and calm, but when he again breathed with his nose. He again felt heavy and very tense. From all times, from all rooms, and from all places. He had to wait in one of the “noble” guest rooms. Not that someone is going to visit him, but to leave the ponies rebuild the palace alone because they fear him.

Not only that, this wasn’t the only reason. He needed to leave Discord alone because he couldn’t work when he was around. This was ridiculous, he can’t even go and walk around the palace because this abomination, this joke of a creature. Said he is uncomfortable with him?! This was to much for one day, he needed rest and he needed to do something like, battle, or torture anyone.

Maybe the guards? They seem to emotionless, they won’t be angry if he played with them. This didn’t sound so bad in his mind, he located a small diamond. The diamond was just there, on the opposite, it was laying there. It was ocean green, nothing special was about it. However if you have a Maia that once served Aulë, and you have an idea, you will have an splendid effect.

With a small smirk, Sauron got more comfy on the soft sofa that was bad for his back. His hands were behind his head, to look more satisfied and more relaxed. He had those guards for protection and to ask for anything he wants. And he want this diamond, so he first needs to ask for permission to have it.

“Guards,” He said, the guards posture changed to more officia, to one with respect as if their own rulers speaking to them.

“Yes my lord?” Asked the unicorn.

“Firstly, tell me your name and rank,” Sauron answered, his voice sounding disappointed and very cold.

The guard surprised with the tone, gulped hard and spoke “Corporal, Midnight Strike my lord.”

Sauron nodded, so they send him almost inexperienced soldiers to guard him? Is this a attempt to assassinate him? It can be, his orcs did once something similar. They send easy and inexperienced orcs to be killed, so that the chieftain can be replaced. A smart move, if the ponies think he will give up easily they are mistaken.

‘What am I thinking about?’ Sauron groaned to himself.

“And the other one?” He asked now more happily.

The almost completely orange, but yellow in some way Pegasus took a step forward. He took a deep breath and look at his companion. He then opened his mouth and sweat was pouring from him. But his stress wasn’t as great as his courage, and with taping his hoof on the floor, and getting his head up he spoke magnificently.

“Second Lieutenant, Flash Sentry”

Now this is something he can understand, a second lieutenant that can at least command someone. Power and responsibility was in this Pegasus hooves. And experienced soldier was guarding him, at least someone worthy being in his Kingly presence. This means that this the chief of the one unicorn next to him.

“Second lieutenant you say? How much do you command?”

Flash didn’t know what to say, in fact he just from time to time could command the garrison in Twilight castle and check on the barracks in Ponyville to report to the head captain what is going on. Besides that he also reported what is the state of the military in this village. He didn’t actually do much to earn this rank, he just had to be friend with Twilight, and have some times together. But eventually it didn’t work out.

“I am responsible for commanding the castle… Palace of Twilight Sparkles garrison from time to time.” He said.

“Go on.”

“I do report the state of the military in the barracks in Ponyville. Earlier when my rank was senior staff ensign, I had my own small squad of royal guards patrolling and escorting Princess Twilight.” Flash said.

“Something else?” Sauron asked.

“No my lord, that’s all.”

Pretty poor Sauron had to admit, if he was in Arda he would have action and action the whole time until he would die by his hands or by the hands of some orc captains. This life of a military commander had to be pretty boring here in Equestria. Maybe he could spark a war between the ponies and other countries when he has enough influence?

“Tell me, can I take that diamond there?”

Flash sentry looked at where Sauron pointed, the diamond, it was just an diamond. A nice diamond that looked pricey. He never understood why there some diamonds just laying like this, this isn’t even looking cool. Maybe if to put an golden grail with other gems that would be filled with gold or flowers would spin around it. Then it would look better than just a gem laying there for no reason.

About taking the diamond, he didn’t know what he should say, he was ordered to bring him most things. And that’s just all, he also knew that Twilight did something and that this guy is angry at her, this of course didn’t help Flash’s opinion of Sauron to improve. Not that it as good at the beginning, but if he had to reply now, then yes he can take the diamond.

‘What wrong can happened?’ He thought.

“Yesssss…” He extended the word.

Sauron happy with the repose levitated the diamond to himself, he didn’t move his hand. He just looked at it, thought about it and with his will brought it to him. The diamond was floating in front of him, he grabbed the diamond that now he held in his palm. He with another smirk asked the blue maned Pegasus.

“Tell me, what do you see in this diamond.”

Flash looked at the diamond, and taken back by this strange question. Tried to find something to response to Sauron. Why? He had experience with Shining Armor and to this day he has. If you don’t respond in the way the royalty, the very mad royalty wants you too, then you are very, very beaten and in some deep shit. As he liked to call it.

“It looks nice, I would give it to someone if it was up to me.” He responded.

“What do you think, you could with it?” Sauron asked and stood up.

He turned to flash that was standing still by the door, one step closer to Sauron. Flash didn’t know what Sauron meant right now, however he didn’t like where this was going. Flash thought about I, this guy was known to have the ability to cast magic, and to shapeshift into a pony. Maybe something with magic? This can be it.

“Enchant it? So that it would do something or be more valuable?” He guessed.

Sauron Looked at him, the diamond in his hand. Interesting idea just appeared in Sauron mind. What if he did enchant this diamond into something valuable, something useful. This wasn’t a bad idea to play around with those guards, if he has to spend time in this room. Then he will have some fun and the ponies will never again leave him alone.

“Indeed.” He said with a deep and calm tone.

Sauron’s hand started to glow, his hand was at first engulfed with smoke particles that were sparking and had small lights erupting from it. Then the color changed to the same ocean blue the diamond was, Sauron showed to them what was happening and energy was swirling around the diamond. Flash and his Unicorn companion looked at each other.

The first thought was to run but then, but then everything changed. The diamond was lifted into the air, and Sauron brought his hand behind him. The diamond emitted shadow energy. Flash got into some sort of offensive position while Midnight Strike’s horn was glowing. Both in a position to attack. Then there was a eruption of light, white light that blinded them.

When flash and Midnight Strike opened their eyes, there diamond didn’t emit anything now, it just was glowing. It was glowing ocean green color. With sweat coming down their cheeks and foreheads they looked at Sauron that was smiling. He then looked at the ground and with an opened mouth looked back at them.

“I’m not an pony anatomy specialist.” He begin.

The diamond then swirled with ocean green mist that from a head formed, the head was the head of a wolf. Then it created the paws and the front of the torso, the creature was as big and tall like Sauron. Only on four legs, the diamond was on the wolfs foreheads, the eyes were glowing orange just like his, like a fire, like a Volcanic pit filled with fire only waiting for a sacrifice.

“But you need to burn some fat.”

The wolf was now complete standing in front of Sauron, with a white mist resembling saliva driving from it mouth. Then the wolf got happy? It smiled and it stuck its tongue out, it was ready to jump and play with them and wagged its tail. Of course Sauron wasn’t hit by the tail, somehow. The two ponies smiled weirdly and Flash asked.

“And this means?”

Twilight Sparkle the Princess of Friendship, was about to form a new kind of friendship. Maybe a successful one with Lord Sauron by apologizing to him. She stood in front of the door to one of the “noble” guest rooms. Why were they called noble? Delegations and rich merchant families did business with other Crystal Empire ponies in such rooms. The palace is in a way also a public place, and a place where rich and the high class have meetings about the Empire.

Twilight sat in front of the door for some time now, and she not only noticed a small flash of light but also worried voices behind those doors. Maybe he was angry now for some reason? Or not in good mood? Sooner or later she would have to apologize and then what? Now she has an opportunity to maybe even start a small and comfortable peaceful conversation and get to know more things about him.

Flash was in there, her ex-boyfriend. He was ordered to defend Sauron with one of the few crystal unicorn ponies. To this day she doesn’t know how did manage the minister of defense make her construct her own royal guard segment? Military is now unneeded, wasn’t used for a thousand years. So much peace and Harmony was seen that military is only a mean word or militia or police in some cities.

But then maybe she should think of knowing him better, being a princess of Friendship and all. She is tied in family bonds with Cadence and her brother and little FH. They have him here as a guest that saved her niece. She won’t forget that, since Flurry Heart told her with detail looking her in the eyes that he saved her. She is forever in debt just like the Crystal Empire that will help him get home back to his world, back to his Mordor and to his Arda.

Twilight reached out with her hoof to open the door. The white door had golden handles and were polished beautifully, so that they shined with grace and the light coming from them looked familiar to Celestia sun. The door handles had the shape of leaves, and in the middle there was a small gap that was made out of glass.

Twilight put her hoof on the handle, she was about to open the door, and then she heard a familiar voice on the other side, and again some light was to be seen on the other side, she didn’t know what was happening. Midnight Strike probably used magic for something, but the green ocean color, that was familiar to deep mint color. Wasn’t his color, his color was the same as hers, thanks to his lavender eyes.

She got closer and overheard what was happening on the other side thanks to the slot in the door. She didn’t do such things often but now she was curious what was going on. She hoped nobody would see her, she quickly looked around to see if no one was there. She was lone in the hallways, that’s good, now back to business.

“You need to burn some fat.” She heard Sauron’s male and adult voice.

About his voice, he was very interesting to listen to, she was always forgetting to do notes on what he said and only from time to time she asked to repeat what he said. It sounded to interesting, she would listen to him if he read her a book. She was sometimes very sleepy and she only heard his voice and his voice in her head, the world and the physical matter didn’t exist in some moments.

Then Twilight was hit by something, the something was the door that launched her away. Her muzzle hurt and she grabbed her nose, she thought it was broken but she was just hurt a little bit. She was on her back, defenseless ready to be attacked with a sadden and shocked looked she looked.

Then she saw…

Midnight Strike and Flash Sentry run for their lives, or rather one of them flied for his life while the other galloped as hard as he could. At first Twilight didn’t understand what happened, but then it was clear as day, a transparent ocean green wolf with glowing predatory hungry eyes wolf jumped and chased them both.

Twilight wanted to cast a shield at herself. But she didn’t have to as the wolf chased the two male ponies down the castle. Twilight got back on her hooves and then she heard a small and happy chuckle next to her. She looked at her right and located Sauron, that was smiling and then he put his hand over his mouth and looked shocked himself.

“I didn’t think that the royal guardsmen are scared of a small illusion,” He said and looked at Princess Twilight, “I would advise two days of very hard training and maybe two weeks for very strict house arrest to remind them of their job.” He said seriously.

Twilight surprised by all this, sat down and looked into the distance where the two ponies were screaming while the wolf was barking. The echo of this event was heard by almost all of the staff members on the second and third floor. Sauron sat with a smirk as he watched, and heard as the chaos was spreading throughout the palace as the two ponies run from the illusion he has created.

Twilight looked nervously at Sauron, her first question was to ask why he did do that. But she probably wouldn’t understand, it seems he is a just like the princesses from time to time, playing jokes. However this one can cause some serious damage. Either way, she isn’t here to do speeches and lectures she is here for business.

She did a few circles with her hoof, she didn’t know what to say, she bit her lip. Looking at the floor many things came to her mind, she could start with a small hello, or just already say that she is sorry for earlier, and explain that she didn’t want to insult him. She looked up, bad luck wanted that Sauron also looked at her

They gaze met, as if two sparks, met the same thing and together formed a bigger one. This look caused a fire to burn in each one of their souls, a thing appeared in them when they met their looks. Sauron’s cold but with much pleasure look met with Twilight worried and sad one. The mixture of emotions from each other added more adrenaline to the situation.

Twilight lavender eyes were in his orange ones, not reflected perfectly as if in a mirror to represent back the beauty of this smart look. But still the orange and her eyes reflection seemed as if his eyes were magical, as if a energy of lavender color was in his eyes. That was Twilight saw, and it made her blush a tiny bit to see that someone is concentrated on her only.

What Sauron saw was different, he saw fire, he saw inferno that destroyed the sky that was her eyes. He saw his predatory lion eyes in hers. He saw anger and he saw darkness with destruction deep inside this gaze. Deep inside he knew that knowledge means destruction, and that deep inside her there is a dark Twilight with bad intentions waiting to be released. Just like he was from the false belief that he can’t control and have power.

It made him mad, it remind him that even pure things get corrupted and need to polished again to look perfect. Jus like he, he was perfect as Eru created him, then he was corrupted to believe that the Valar are good and that the power he wants is a bad thing to wish for. But he was polished back by Melkor just like the Silmarillion's were by Fëanor.

The awkward moment needed to end but either side wanted it to end. Sauron didn’t want it to end because it was keeping him, calm and in Harmony without anger and he felt connected to the world. Even the air, and wind that he felt on his face and hair, because of the opened windows were like the most sweet compliments he could ever hear.

Twilight didn’t want to look back, she saw something in the form of sorrow hidden there, as if those eyes were a volcano that needed to be put out and to dig inside of it to find the thing that keep it sad, that keeps it evil or very dangerous. It also interested Twilight that she felt familiar in this situation, as she once felt but she can’t remember when.

“P-Princess Twilight.” Sauron started.

Twilight blinked a couple times before responding “Yes?”

“It is pleasure to see you again, is there something you wish to discuss? Or were you simply randomly passing by?” Sauron asked.

Twilight felt heavy as if gravity just pulled her towards the ground with triple effort, and with tripled strength while Celestia and Luna both wither their magic wanted to crush her. Sweat was forming on her face, her heartbeat was now as fast as Rainbow Dash speed record. This was very unbelievable, and it was very unrealistic that something was faster than Rainbow Dash, but this was the reality.

“Y-Yes,” She said very shyly again doing two circles with her right hoof, “I came to… apologize.”

Sauron wasn’t to surprised at this, indeed she did in a way insult him. Not too much, but he can play merciful. He needs to show that he doesn’t want to talk about the ring and also show much mercy to her. He can’t play harsh but harsh enough not to get this question ever asked again. He needs to find the balance.

“I think I know about what you want to apologize.” He said with no longer having a smile, he looked at her from above and he looked tall and serious.

Twilight was stressed about the situation. Sauron broke the eye connection that lifted from Twilight very much almost all of the pressure she felt, but it also was like a connection lost to something every pony needs, or at least every crystal pony needs. She somehow still managed to have friends, and still managed to talk with the griffons. Talking with another monarch can’t be that bad.

“Please, come inside.” He said, stepping aside for her.

Twilight with grace came inside the room. She was nervous not so much when she first came here and wanted to open the door. Her muzzle wasn’t hurt badly but it still hurt her, Sauron while Twilight got past him, saw that a small part of her muzzle had her fur cut away. He eyes the small injury, then he connected it with the doors opening.

‘She’s hurt’

Twilight came inside, she sat on the sofa where Sauron was sting earlier, she got herself comfortable, she didn’t know he was sitting there at first so she took all the place for herself. She heard the door closing, she heard his footsteps. She looked as he was moving towards her with a small smile that seemed to friendly, as if he also tried to get along with her.

This of course got Twilight some hope that maybe she isn’t doomed to be enemies with him, since Spike left. She didn’t have anyone to talk to, she didn’t have anyone else then Starlight to heave eating dinner and breakfast or supper. It was so depressing, but she was happy and she was proud she raised him, that she was his mom. He got along with Ember and who knows, maybe they even have an egg in the line?

Sauron now looking for a place to sit, just noticed Twilight had all of the sofa for herself, she looked like a duck on the water, the only difference is that her back hooves were straight rather than under her or beside her. Her front hooves crossed, she had her head rested on them. She looked nervous, this was a good thing for him.

The more the subject is nervous, the more he can get for himself out of it, he needs information and maybe he can make a deal or two with Twilight if she really wants to get along. Now, there was only one sofa and no chair, because most were used for other things after he with Discord destroyed most of this place.

But he wasn’t left with nothing, the sofa wasn’t completely taken by Twilight. There was a small gap between her and the arm layer of the sofa. Before Twilight noticed he had no place to sit and she wanted to change her position, she was met with him intron’s of him. Looking at her with his arm under his chin.

So philosophic, so serious, without mercy or any soul. The arua of a cold business stallion was coming from him. Blond hair, and those eyes, waiting to get as much as possible pain and sorrow from her for whatever she has done. She still wanted to move to give him more space to have, however when she tried to over, a strange feeling of powerlessness hit her.

“I insist on staying how you are Princess Twilight.”

She again felt strong and the hard rock that was placed on her back, it disappeared the feeling of nothingness and despair vanished as if it was nothing. It was destroyed completely after he said it, he was like a mentor like a spirit of power that could do much with words if he wanted to. The excitement to also know more things about his world and about him. It swallowed her sanity slowly, but still she needed to apologize.

Twilight opened her mouth, she wanted to speak and she got something out of her “I-I wanted to…” She stopped, she was uncomfortable for some reason.

Chuckling he smiled, and clappin his hand he said “Maybe I’ll start?”

Twilight was now confused, it is hard to imagine but she was. Why would he apologize? And most importantly for what would he like to apologize? He has done nothing harmful towards her, he didn’t insult her like she did, and he didn’t go on about personal things like she did, and he didn’t hurt her like she did him. Now that she thought, she really did wrong.

“I’m sorry for the door, It is because of me your muzzle hurts. If you’d like to, I would gladly fix this problem.” He said innocently and she could tell that he was sorry indeed.

But now she knows for what he wanted to apologize for, she didn’t think it was his fault. It was no ponies fault actually. When they jumped out of the room, she was hit by the door indeed. However he wasn’t the one to blame only, they could also watch out if they run, and now that she again says in her mind what she just thought. It sounds stupid! Be careful while running for their lives?

“So, can I have the pleasure?”

Twilight got her attention back at him, she looked at the floor and then at the sofa and again at the floor. She rolled her eyes and she felt weirdly in her chest, while thinking how he would want to fix her pain problem that wasn’t serious, but did hurt her still. But with a sigh, she gave up, maybe this will be a good feeling.

“If you really want to...” She said loud enough for Sauron to hear.

He nodded and placed carefully his hand on the small injury, Twilight lightly flinched from the sudden physical contact and her wings got up slightly. Her tail swished from side to side in anticipation, she looked with her eyes at his finger that flickered with yellow light that was almost white. Surprisingly it didn’t blind her in any case it even hurt her like light does sometimes.

She gave up, and rested her head on his hand, he changed his hands and on his left hand he had her head laying. While with his right hand with his thumb he run across the injury and it also flickered in this light. He has done it very carefully, and very softly and slowly specially for her only since many thousand years. He didn’t expect he would do something slowly and carefully anymore to anyone. He expected to do rough and violent things.

‘Especially to opposite sex.’ For some unknown reason, this appeared in his mind

For Twilight it was a paradise, his hands, his hands were so good, so warm and she even tried to smell them! She didn’t regret that, the weird scent of something not so much burned and fresh grass invaded her nose. His hands were so soft and he held her with them. She almost felt as if she had a pillow under her muzzle.

His skin, touched her fur, and when he run his thumb over the injury she didn’t notice, she felt wonderful. She felt as if her mom was hugging her, a spark of emotions rushed through her body. More sweat came from her body as he felt heat and temperature rise I her. The pain? She didn’t feel anything anymore, she felt good, she felt as so light and so safe…

HAHAHAH!

Finally some minor action and magic appearing and not just the plot! You happy? Of course you all are

Remember to write a coment, and remeber to always go and give love to the editor Raistlin Phantom