Cadence had a small bruise under her left wing, nothing dangerous for an Alicorn like her. Shining took care of her, Flurry Heart woke up and she was more then surprised to hear what has happened. You could even dare to say, she was bamboozled by everything that Twilight has told her. Even when it wasn’t much.

Flurry Heart didn’t have much time to talk with Twilight as she had to attend school. She didn’t go to normal schools; she had her private lessons with teachers from around the Empire. There was a downside to this, she didn’t have many friends but from time to time she met a pony she became friends with.

An Alicorn learns way faster than a normal pony, Flurry Heart was talented from the beginning. She learned things faster, could use them in different situations even when normally no one would think about it. She was special, but also got a few personality traits from her aunt that tended to be quite isolated when she was in her age.

Flurry Heart really wanted to hear out how he achieved to construct a spell capable of destroying the storm piece by piece. She read a few books from her own will, most of them given by no one other than Rainbow Dash and her aunt, she can proudly say that listening to the one who did something is way more informative than from an observer.

Sauron of course agreed to this, such acts will improve his relations with the heir to the Crystal throne. If Cadence would die, he will have a strong “friend” he can count on that will help him get back to Arda. Of course if Shining Armor will be a problem, mind manipulation and other various brain messing magic will be used in order to achieve his goals.

Sauron also was informed Twilight's friends, given the titles of Elements of Harmony will come to the Crystal Empire for holiday. To see her friend and also to meet him as they already heard a few good and bad things about him. He doesn’t doubt that Rainbow Dash and maybe Fluttershy are the ones who spread bad words.

Talking about the two, he knew Fluttershy departed with Discord, but where and when did Rainbow Dash go? Sauron learned a few things about her, for example, that Rainbow Dash holds the place of the fastest flyer in the known World. He was surprised, how can a pony such as her be the fastest? If they talked about her patience running out, then he would agree she would be the fastest at losing it and snapping.

The pony folk was just thrilled with the events in the past few hours that happened, the “newspapers” wrote only about him. He was the number one non-pony in the past few months to be seen on the top of the page and his name written with bold letters. He got to hold one of those newspapers. He never imagined paper can be used to spread information around the empire for normal citizens to enjoy while eating breakfast or dinner.

The newspaper was grey and contained a lot of pictures that were… drawn? No, it was weird, it was a different kind of paint, he has never seen something like this. The paint was smooth and looked like it became one with the paper. The quality of the pictures was also astonishing, as if artists that were masters at drawing had studied art at the highest of universities and was supported by the wealthiest patronages.

Incredible to say at least, he looked at the newspaper for a moment and begun to read the articles about himself. They were surprisingly matching his tastes; they described him as a magnificent and strong mage, a savior and a hero. It quoted words of the ponies who supported him and even complimented him. He became a celebrity for most unicorns that always wanted to become good at magic.

He even was targeted by music makers that specialized in some sort of Jazz, rappers talked about him too and were eager to use him as an advertising image for their music that would not only give them new sources of income. But also spread good word about him, he didn’t quite like that, but some popularity and renown in this world will come in handy later on.

‘Who is a rapper?’

Everything seemed to be alright, from what he knew there were multiple publications that specialized in different topics. He held a normal newspaper that served the same purpose as an information board in Arda. He was surprised how quickly these ponies could write! Then again they have their cutie marks, perhaps there are ponies responsible for writing beautifully and understanding calligraphy like no other?

Although there was no picture of him in his armor, there were ponies that were afraid of it, and they described well how he looked like. These ponies had too much power when it comes to speaking about things that might offend certain individuals. He was talking about himself of course, a few words too much and he will have a mission for Sahvoz.

Sauron decided to give one day for Sahvoz so that the Pegasus might settle his things down and get a rest. He won’t use him just after he got him. This might affect his loyalty, Sahvoz isn’t a pony that is stupid, he is intelligent enough to know that if he dared to say everything he knows he did with him. His tries to be friendly with the pony’s will drop astronomically.

Sauron put down the newspaper, he doesn’t have time to read about a family having their twenty seventh pet now. He has other things to do, like seek Twilight and ask how does she feel like. Her good opinion will influence her friends to think positively about him. Speaking of her friends, he will gladly know more about them.

All he knows for now is that they are the elements. That’s not much, the elements do sound promising, like a weapon of mass destruction. But he doubts it can be a weapon that can harm, it's more like a powerful sealing artefact, he knows Luna was banished with the help of it to the moon. It must be powerful if a Maiar like being could be banished.

Sauron doubts that the artefact would do much if he went full out plus he is stronger. Which is weird because Morgoth's corruption isn’t present in this world, it might be something other that serves as a boost for his powers? Yet the most logical and perhaps the only reason for him being stronger is that, somehow he is connected to this world. Therefore he draws pure energy and magic from the environment and he does it very well without him knowing. An independent process that cannot be stopped when he wills it.

Sauron knew Twilight was slowly trying to again use her magic and she did it with training by picking up a few small objects from the ground, like rocks. She was in her chamber, located near Cadences chamber so that both princesses might meet every now and then on the hallway and chat or unimaginable amount of time like women tend to do.

While here in his room, he might as well respond to Trenderhoof and agree to have an interview with him. Sauron with his will levitated a writing feather and a small ink container. He did the same with a note and begin to write. He didn’t quite know the address or where exactly did that pony live, but it’s a small problem a maid will fix for him.

I do accept your plead to meet and talk, however might I only warn you, that some answers might bring more questions. Although before we do in fact meet and speak, I have to tell you something.

You see, I don’t like when I’m asked about private matters like most ponies or non-ponies do too. However, I really, but really, don’t like when such things happen to me. To avoid such situations I decided to tell what is best for you not to ask me about.

Firstly, don’t ask me about my family or if I’m married or any other things related.

Secondly, don’t ask about my skills or in fact anything that might lead to questions about my magic.

Thirds, don’t ask me about my opinions about the princesses, the events that have happened. Events that might happen. If you wished to talk about minor things, like culture or if I’d like to attend a feast organized by someone, then I do allow you to ask me.

Fourths, don’t assume things, in post-production when we are done, do not use synonyms for words I have spoken. If you don’t get something, then ask me to repeat myself. I don’t want anything to scratch my good name for now. I have a very good memory, I will gladly tell you how good when you come.

And finally fifths, don’t ask about my homeland, where it is, how far away, how I got here. I allow you to ask me to describe it. Of course, asking for cities and geographical regions is something I do allow you to speak about.

You think that I don’t know you can just exclude those questions and not write about them. What’s wrong with keeping things to yourself? I’ll tell you, someone might want to know more, and he or she will access your mind and get the information, later write about it somewhere else. Maybe use it for evil deeds? The chance is small, but things tend to happen in the world. Its full of randomness and Anarchy. You never know what might happen.

I learned that small things can ruin many lives…

Sauron after he was done with writing he put the letter into an envelope, the envelope had a winged heart on it made from a strange purple material. Very elastic and it did in fact look like it was glued to the paper, but so perfectly no one would ever think it was. For some reason, he thought that perhaps it was the same material, those café tables are made from.

He took the envelope with him and proceeded to go to Twilight. When he roamed thru the hallways he saw a guard and he ordered him to send his letter to this Trenderhoof. The guard obliged and went away. Sauron continued to walk slowly trying to maybe spot something he has perhaps missed while walking thru the hallways earlier, but it seemed he saw every inch of the nothing that was in the hallways.

The journey towards Twilight's room was boring, but he had the honor of seeing some pony’s do something to the walls he and Discords managed to destroy. They probably looked if there were any cracks or perhaps if the paint didn’t fall off. Either way, he was just before Twilight's room; he knocked on the door and awaited Twilight’s response.

It came quickly.

“Come in!” Her voice called from behind the doors.

Sauron didn’t bother with opening the doors physically; he used his telekinesis to open them. He peeked inside so that the Princess may see that it’s him. He didn’t see her so he went inside and closed the doors behind. Her room was way better than his. Everything had something Golden added to itself for decoration.

The floor? Wooden planks that sparkled like crystal, her furniture was also made from crystal. Every piece of non-crystal substance glimmered like crystal. The ceiling was the same as in his room, barren and snow white. She had a big round bed with thick sheets that were purple in color, pillows bigger then she was.

Yellow, blue and purple dominated; the sunlight seemed to look more yellowish in her room. Although he wouldn’t say it out loud if he wasn’t sure. Red carpets lay on the floor around her bed, she had one big wardrobe. He saw two additional doors leading towards the restroom and probably a bath.

It was warm, warmer than outside but then again her windows were all closed. Some air would do good, but truly he wasn’t touched by that level of discomfort. She had large armchair in her room and in front of it, a long oval glass table on which a cup stood and a table spoon inside of it. On the opposite side there was a smaller but also quite comfortable looking chair.

She had a small regal with books hanging on the wall, he spot seven books two from which two stood alone apart from the other. Sauron sat on the chair and awaited Twilight to come, she went somewhere or wasn’t in this part of her chamber. Sauron sat and waited for her, he wanted to magically find her but it wasn’t necessary.

One of the two doors in her chamber opened, and from there the Princess came, with her holding a brush in her magic and doing her hair. Twilight was surprised to see Sauron sitting and looking at her with a small smile.

“Greetings.” He said moving forwards.

“Greetings to you as well.” She responded.

“If you don’t mind I’d like to ask a few things about your friends that will come here today.”

Twilight levitated her brush away towards the bathroom and she sat in the big armchair, it looked familiar to the ones he sat in while he had the honors to attend dinner with the Crystal pair.

“So… What would you like to know?” She said, but then quickly added. “Actually wait, why do you need to ask me things about them?”

Sauron adjusted himself in his chair and supported himself with his arm, while he crossed his legs.

“Well, it would be nice to know who I will meet, to perhaps know a few things and avoid unnecessary questions.” He said simply and innocently.

“Well, in that case, feel free to ask.” Twilight said.

The way she was sitting was uncomfortable for him to look at, she sat like a dog sits on the ground but here she was sitting on something. It was, weird and funny to see this. Then again, seeing someone that is not of Iluvatars children behave like ones, also was weird. He thought she would at least sit normally like men and dwarves do, but here? She sits like she did on the street.

“Does only Fluttershy have children or others do have them too?”

Twilight blinked a few times. “Rainbow does, with Soarin, and that’s about it. Of course maybe I’m wrong and one of them has one on their way.” She said cheerfully.

Twilight’s mood has improved, Cadence was just a few steps away and she could see her any time she wanted. How many times she wanted and how long she wanted. Twilight seemed to also enjoy the conversation. Sauron looked carefully for another question that might bring him as much information as it is possible for Twilight to give him.

“Could be, no one knows.” Sauron agreed, and asked another question. “Is there perhaps anything that I shouldn’t say to one of them?” He made his voice sound a little concerned and sad but it had a small spark of hope inside.

Twilight expression changed a little, to a more Grim and sad one.

“Sadly yes, Applejack lost her parents and she misses them greatly with her younger sister Applebloom.” Twilight stopped to choose her words carefully. “She was left to live with her grandma and she died two years ago.”

Sauron nodded and brought his hand closer, he looked sad, but deep inside he wasn’t it was just something he wanted to know and he succeeded to get it out of Twilight. He decided not to say anything for now, Twilight herself will continue on with the story.

“She was the founder of Ponyville, the small village I met her and where my castle also finds itself.” Twilight said, her voice a little shaky. “Right under Canterlot the village is located, now it more like a small city now. With a great apple field stretching out towards the horizon.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, you must have known her…”

Twilight sighed. “Yes, but you can’t live with you past all the time, you need to move on even when it is really hard for you.”

Sauron didn’t speak for one minute in order to give some respect, but really he didn’t care all he needed was information and that was all. But seeing that Twilight liked the way he reacted, made him double think if he really didn’t care.

Sauron spoke again. “Death,” He gained Twilights attention, “It’s something we all fear, frankly I don’t, as I won’t be touched by it.”

“Me too.” She said, although she was hurt by saying this, he could tell that in her voice she his sorrow and forcefully those words were spoken.

“While at it, may I know what awaits you in the afterlife?”

Twilight expression changed, she looked more concerted and less sad. She brought her hood up to her chin and thought. She tried to bring up something she has read a long time ago, but the truth was that nothing awaited you in the afterlife, it was a mystery what happens after you die. The only thing known to pony’s is that very evil souls go to Tartarus after death.

“We do not know exactly what happens, but it is assumed that you become one with the world, perhaps if you are a very good pony. You could rejoin Faust the Goddess that created our race. In her own dimension that is as giant flat land floating in the skies.”

“What happens when you die as a bad, evil person?”

“From all we know is that truly evil to the core souls go to Tartarus, a hellish place, prison for monsters guided by the three headed Cerberus. They become a part of its walls and flames, consumed by hatred and darkness to forever suffer for their deeds.”

That was something interesting, if you are evil, to the point you’re basically lost you will suffer for eternity. It’s interesting, he never imagined there could be a place that would be able to do such things, then again. It’s a different world and different world means new things. Unimaginable force must have made that place, but he has an additional question he’d like to ask.

“This Tartarus,” Sauron started, “Can you access it from here, from the world of the living, or do you need special magic perhaps objects?”

“Yes you can, but you’d need to get past Cerberus and he is a powerful being.”

“Can you escape it?” He asked quickly.

“There were countless situations somepony escaped Tartarus, one of them was Tirek. A Minotaur that could steal one’s magic. The best opportunity to escape, is when the Cerber sleeps, and when you have regenerated most of your strength inside of Tartarus that constantly tries to take it away to strengthen itself.”

Sauron moved slightly forwards. “Interesting… Your world is filled with surprises Princess Twilight.”

Twilight looked surprised. “How can this be a surprise?”

Sauron broke the eye contact. “I am very old, I may look young, like a twenty six year old. Inside I’m very old, you know I’ve been created Princess Twilight. Life has hardened me to the point I barely see a reason to be horrified of something.”

There was a moment of Silence in between them, but eventually Sauron again broke the silence.

“What are the names of your friends?”

“Wouldn’t it be better if you asked them when they’ll arrive?”

“It would,” He agreed, “It won’t do much harm if you tell me, of course you don’t have to.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Alright, You know Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I already told you about Applejack but there also is Rarity, and Pinkie Pie.”

Sauron nodded in response. “Thank you very much.”

Again silence met with the two, there really wasn’t much to talk about, it was still quite early and Twilight didn’t need much sleep after all she is a Alicorn, her needs for sleep and something to eat and drink are not as a big problem when she was a unicorn. Twilight looked down and smiled, Sauron could see that her fur became a little red on her cheeks…

“Back there, when you said I was a smart pony…” She started with a lowered and soft voice.

“Yes?” He asked, he didn’t quite like the direction where this was heading.

“Did you mean it? Did you say it honestly?”

Sauron had to think about his response carefully, he of course will say yes, but what after that? She can start asking questions, she can say something random perhaps even something moving. She is embarrassed, he also a little but he meant it truthfully she is the smartest of the princesses. She thinks differently she acts differently, he knows it.

He can’t allow his words to become a bridge to unnecessary outcomes. He can’t allow her to think more about what these words meant. He needs to stay neutral, become cold and maybe make himself look less emotional. But he will speak the truth, isn’t this surprising? He the great deceiver speaking truth?

“Yes I did.” He said firmly. “I was only stating something I observed and nothing more.”

Twilight felt so weird, his voice was emotionless he said it blankly. It felt as if she was hit with something, it did feel good to know he meant it and didn’t just say it to mess with her mind. She doesn’t need more, she knows he spoke the truth, because it also hurt her a little, he said it was a fact from an observation.

“If I somehow got you to think that my words and a deeper meaning, I’m sorry to say this… But they didn’t. These are just facts and nothing more.” He spoke.

Twilight only nodded carefully, she looked away and then back at him, she couldn’t look him into his eyes, it hurt too much. He said it only to state something, without emotion, he used it to make her feel better and he succeeded. She thought he said those words in order to show that he is a friend, somepony she could count on if she needed help and he would gladly help if he had time.

She let herself be carried by imagination, there was no way anyway. Some stupid childish ideas and fantasies came to her mind and ruined everything! She shouldn’t have asked him this, she wouldn’t have known the truth that he just stated facts and nothing more. Sauron just knew what to say in that situation, he used his observation in order to think she may help and think she in fact will help him because she is smart.

“What about the time you said it inside of the medical wing?” Her voice, hurt, broken and similarly emotionless to his.

Sauron again had to choose his words carefully in order to not make Twilight think much and not break her. His words were harsh but he said the truth, now he might again but this would require him to admit he didn’t do it from his will it just happened because he wanted to see her happier. Which even now bothers him!

Perhaps it would be wise to tell her the truth? It would reassure her, it would also make her happy again, for some reason he wants to see that but he knows it’s not wise especially for him to do it. It’s so infuriating! It angers him he wants to do something yet he knows it will bring bad outcomes. This world is getting into his mind and it’s not even a week he is here!

“I-I don’t know.” He started to speak, not because he wanted, he just had to .“You were sad, and I saw your mood improve that time.” He spoke about the previous situation. “After all, telling anyone he or she is smart always serves as a complement in hard situations.”

Twilight nodded, it was stupid to just go away without any other words when you’re done helping a pony or non-pony in a difficult situation. These words held no purpose then to make her feel well, at least he wanted to see her happy… this was something she liked. It was warming, after all the cold he has thrown at her.

“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”

Her voice was cheerful, but she acted, he could tell, he chose poorly but he couldn’t just be quiet, maybe he could tell her something but it feels weird to make a pony, a horse that is intelligent feel Better! She means literally nothing, yes he may lie it would be the best solution for now, yet looking at Twilight makes him rethink his decision. He is lost in a circle he can’t leave for now.

It angers him that a simple life form such as her can bring so much doubt into his mind. Not only she, Celestia and Luna too! It’s annoying to the point he might start using his will and his status as a Maiar to influence Twilights mind, step by step. Slowly bend her soul to his liking so that she may become in a few hundred years his puppet for Eru’s sake!

“Yes, It would be nice to know how, Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie look like.”

Twilight took a deep breath and begun. “Applejack has a light orange coat and blond mane, almost like yours but slightly darker. Her cutie mark are three apples. Pinkie Pie is all pink and she has a long curly mane. Her cutie mark are three balloons. Rarity is has a white coat and deep dark violet mane, her cutie mark are three diamonds.”

Twilight didn’t want to describe all the details, she said enough for Sauron to recognize them. After all she doesn’t want him to already know everything. He should have some fun from the fact her best friends come here for a few days to also spend time with her. There wasn’t much going on in the past years so she focused strongly on economics and the development of Ponyville. It would be nice if something sent them on a new adventure.

“Thank you for your time, your friends don’t know that I’m not of this world?”

“No, aside from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, but knowing Rainbow she already told them.”

“In that case, in return for your time you wasted with me I’ll gladly take questions from you and your friends when the time comes.” He said and stood up.

Twilight protested. “No! I didn’t waste time talking with you, why do you think like that?”

Sauron was about to go but he stayed in order to respond. “As I told… I have a low self-esteem.” He smiled. “Farewell.”

He exited her chamber, while closing the doors he could see that she stopped smiling back and she turned sad. He could have chosen better words when she asked about him telling her she is smart. Yet he can’t allow himself to just say things that might turn out bad in the future. The same with Celestia and Luna, he said too much sweet words towards them, he has to fix that.

As he walked out of Twilight's room, and closed the doors, the doors towards the Crystal pairs chamber opened and Shining Armor walked out of there. Sauron and Shining eyed themselves; Sauron took a friendly posture and with a douche smirk greeted the prince or whoever Shining is in the empire.

It was a perfect moment to maybe exchange a few words with him, after all even when this jackass hates him for unknown reasons. He might be able to spot the source of hatred. Who knows maybe this conversation will prove beneficial for him? Could be, firstly however he will ask about the plans featuring them thinking how to bring him back to Arda.

“Oh, hey there.” Shining started rather friendly.

“Greetings, how’s your wife?”

“She rests, but she will be fine in a day or two, maybe more.”

“I know it’s not the perfect time to ask, but might I know when will you start your cooperation with Equestrian scholars in order to help me?” Sauron crossed his arms.

Shining looked to the side and scratched his head. “It all depends really when they’re ready, we could start but our libraries or not as wealthy in portals and such anomalies as Equestrian libraries. As a matter of fact, Equestrian scholars would be the main force behind the research.”

“How long until Celestia sends them?”

“Knowing her, I’d say in a week or earlier, but it’s always up to the smart flanks and their time they move with around Equestria.”

“A week? Can’t she just order them?”

“No, you misunderstood me, a week will pass until she sends them, because they need to be ready. Celestia probably already ordered letters to be sent to scientists.”

Sauron nodded. “Well if that’s the case I have nothing more to ask…Well actually if I may know, where are you heading?”

“To the military camp in the forest where Flurry Heart trains her fighting skills with other recruits, I have to take care of the newbies” Shining said “You can come too If you’re interested to see how we train our soldiers.”

“In fact I have nothing better to do!”

This was perfect, not only will he see how these ponies train their soldiers, he might also see how good these soldiers are in action. While on the way he might also start a discussion about tactics and the military with Shining Armor and improve his relations that will as most things, come in handy in certain situations.

“Alright then, it will be a long march. We’ll take the chariots.”

Romance can be Romance, but Sauron still has to fight himself in order to be good. And have some of that lavender booty.

Don't worry, three more chapters and we will have non stop action, to the point you all will beg me to stop it! And yes, we are almost finished with one fourths of the story.

Comment and share, remember that I love you and visit the editor. Raistlin Phantom.