Dinner last night had been quite simple consisting of bread, fruit and cheese with hot tea. Sitting at the table on the balcony and looking out over the city as the people below began to go about their lives Shadow chewed slowly. Breakfast was elaborate and made dinner look pathetic by comparison with a large spread of fruits, yogurt, bread, cheeses and other little things she could not identify but they tasted good anyway.

Valkardian was also watching the streets in silence as he ate and Shadow's mind drifted back to last night. It was embarrassing in some ways, after dinner was eaten and done with she had asked about how the single bed would work with the two of them. He had kept a straight face and told her half was hers but had just as quickly given a jab about using him like a "giant teddy-bear" in her sleep. The comment had made her blush but also irritated by his quip but chose to ignore it while silently praying she would remain on her side of the bed. Waking up when the sun had just begun to rise he was already up and sitting on the balcony. Shadow was a little worried about what had happened last night because she had woken sprawled on the wrong side of the bed but Valkardian never brought it up nor showed any signs either.

Shadow ate her bowl of yogurt in silence as Valkardian explained what he was going to do today and where he would be in case she needed to find him before the conversation turned to her.

"Yesterday I visited the city's school of musicians and dancers and had a long talk with the mare who trains the dancers. It took little convincing to get her to agree to having you watch but it was not so easy to get her to set some time aside and teach you. It took less convincing when I showed coin to get one of the musicians to agree to teach you a little while you are there, you will be learning to play a simple flute by the way. Much easier than the other instruments they use here. That sums up your whole day today. Questions?"

She had stopped eating when he dropped the pile of bricks on her about actually learning to dance and play an instrument. As to how she could learn much of anything in just one day left serious doubts but he had already called her down multiple times for doubting herself and what she was capable of. Valkardian had already paid for the services to be rendered so it was up to her to get the most out of it before they moved on day after tomorrow to another city.

"No. No questions. Thank you." She ate another spoonful of yogurt with berries mixed in and looked out over the city. "It's amazing that a city this magnificent exists outside of Equestria."

"Really? Why is that?"

"Well... I dont know... We were always taught Equestria was the best and thanks to Celestia we have had a thousand years of peace. I actually never knew this part of the world existed till now... That it exists at all is just... Wondrous."

"Ponies need to get out more. Then again I am not surprised she does not allow you to know about the world. When one has something to compare their home to it tends to cause doubt. Allow me to surprise you further... This city and the entire region is not governed by any nobles, kings, queens or any kind of royalty."

Shadow was surprised by this. Equestria was a monarchy with a noble controlled parliament and the most a common pony could ever hope or aspire to was mayor or governor if they were extraordinarily lucky.

"So how do they keep the peace then if they have no princess to control the nation? It must be anarchy."

"There is a Council that rules and keeps the peace. It is made up of the high priests or priestesses, ranking military officers, tribal chieftains and representatives from the merchants guild's as well as another that represents the farmers and agricultural interests. There are forty some members to council."

"Must be chaos..."

"Not at all, the constant bickering stops them from interfering with the lives of others as well as a very... Strict set of rules concerning what they can and can not do. The idea is that they will never agree to anything with such varied and opposing ideals unless there truly is a problem. Not that is stops any of the groups involved from personally going and solving a problem on their own and they have. Crops fail so the merchants guild's bring in shiploads of cheap grain from other regions and dump it off to drive prices down so others can afford to eat. Serves to make people happy and that is good for business. Not that it stops the priests from smacking them up side the head if they try and weasel extra out of peoples pockets. All in all the system works very well."

"How does the military factor in? In Equestria have no control at all acting like... Auxiliaries is what you called them? To the Royal Guard."

"The generals have their own concerns, keeping the soldiers armed and fed, frontier safe, peace on the streets, etc. They could care less since getting involved in the writhing bucket of carnivorous worms and stinging hornets that is politics keep's them away for the most part. They are also elected to their post from amongst the soldiers by the public so there is a constant fear of being tossed aside and made a private. Also that none of them can keep their post very long without general consensus helps prevent corruption."

Valkardian paused and took in the city slowly. "Truly of the finest if not the finest city on the surface..."

Shadow's ears prickled. Had he just said "on the surface?" Did that mean there were other great cities hidden away below in the Underworld? Who lived there and what did they look like if this city was "one of" but not "the." There was no chance to bring this up as Valkardian seemed to catch what he had just said and changed topics before there was a knocking on the door.

He returned carrying two small scrolls and handed one of them to Shadow before sitting down and reading his own slowly. Opening the scroll and reading over the message written in Krethe. It was an invitation tomorrow to attend a ceremony at the temple in celebration of the ancestors. The signature at the bottom was Betu's and rolling it back up Shadow realized that the old stallion was far more observant than her but also slightly off. During their talks he had dropped little hints and questions now and then in Krethe but she had simply taken it as the curiosity of a professor wanting to learn more not as in interrogation.

"Shadow... Shadow!"

"What?"

Valkardian rolled his scroll up and put it on the table "I take it yours is rather interesting as well yes?"

"What is? Oh the message... I have been invited to the temple tomorrow to watch a ceremony. Betu sent it and its written in Krethe..."

"Never underestimate the knowledge or power of the high priests here, they are masters at getting information from many sources both living and dead."

Nodding slowly Shadow asked about his own letter. Apparently he had to make a detour today to visit the temple and have a "chat" with Betu. She asked if this was a bad thing and he said no, long, long ago he had a few dealings with the priesthood and it ended well for all sides concerned, there was no animosity between them. Probably just curiosity but the way Valkardian eyed the scroll told her there was more to it than that but he was also unwilling to elaborate.

After breakfast Valkardian led her off to the colorful building that housed the cities best teachers of dance and music leaving her with a tall, silvery coated and curvy mare named Nata. A quick tour was given showing off the various rooms and adjoining buildings. The dancers stayed on one side while the musicians the other so they would not disturb one another while learning. The sound of off key instruments or singing occasionally drifted through the halls before being cut short and it made sense why they stayed on opposite sides of the building.

The dance hall was mostly bare save for the cushions dancers sat upon. Nata led her off to one side to sit and watch informing her that her own lessons would being later and in private and until then to sit back and just watch.

Shadow watched the display before her in a daze as they bent and twisted in elaborate moves swaying their bodies in an unseen wind for what seemed an eternity. After a while Nata clapped her hands and they changed the dance just as quickly to a faster paced dance that captivated her. How they moved Shadow understood why it was called "belly dancing" now as the small group of mares moved to and fro in perfect sync while Nata stalked around them calling out a name and what they were doing wrong now and then. If these mares were still learning she could only imagine how masterful they would be upon leaving the school.

When they were done they stood off to the side and Nata explained they would be learning a new dance and to pay close attention even glancing over at Shadow for a moment. Nata dropped off her robe revealing the most striking silken and gold embroidered outfit Shadow could hardly comprehend. Tiny gold and silver ornaments wove their way around her waist while a thin silk "cloak" hung around her arms and fastened at the wrists. Nata retrieved a head dress of sorts that dangled with gems and gold while a thin silk sheet hung from her muzzle.

Finished she instructed the students to watch and memorize each movement and step. If the dancers had been memorizing in their simple students outfits seeing Nata dance was something else entirely leaving Shadow awestruck at her slow precise movements. Dancing to completion slowly at first she began again and picked up the pace until by the third dance she was a mesmerizing leaving even the students enraptured.

Coming to a halt Nata clapped her hands and the students rose and took up positions and were instructed to begin the dance on their own. Approaching Shadow she led her out into a hallway where another mare waited quietly. This new mare would be her instructor for the afternoon and would then take her to the music instructor afterwords.

A small empty room awaited them along with a change of cloths. Introducing herself as Aliya and the private instructor Shadow was told to strip and change into the clothes provided so they could begin. Aliya informed her that she every intention of making certain that Shadow left here with at least one dance memorized.

Stripping out of her flowing robes Shadow's ears caught a gasp when her wings were exposed. Aliya had never seen anything like them and had at first though Shadow was a pegasi and was quick to ask what she was. It had been a little embarrassing for her to get dressed while a mare fawned over her with the curiosity of a little foal but her species was incredibly rare after all. Unheard of for the largest part even in Equestria.

Nata was a master dancer and Aliya was no exception either as she put Shadow through the steps having her mimic the moves while listening to her explain carefully how to move her body without getting cramps or catches in the joints. Still, a cramp would pop up nearly flooring her and Aliya was quick to remedy the problem with painful bends and twists that made Shadow want to cry at first before the pain went away only to stand her up and continue.

Hours went by with few rests. Standing on her own now while the instructor watched Shadow was now able to perform two basic danced slowly without tripping herself while Aliya only offered criticism now and then. So far things were coming along very well if the smile Aliya had was any hint.

Having her take a seat Aliya told her it would not be long before they would stop and Shadow would have to bathe before going to her next instructor. She had not even realized she was sweating so hard until now. Now she was just to watch as Aliya would demonstrate one last dance for her and to memorize as much as possible before they left.

Shadow had thought Nata was a master dancer and at least double jointed with the moves she had made but Aliya had to be triple jointed to bed and twist like that. Her mouth hung a little at the display before her but before long it ended. Aliya walked over and used a hand to shut Shadows mouth and just laughed and ushered her out.

Bathing was a simple affair with only the two of them present since the students and instructors were taking their lunch. Shadow's was waiting on her but a question had been nagging her the whole time and Valkardian's warning crept to mind but she asked anyway.

"Aliya? I have a question and I mean no offense but..."

Shadow was cut off quickly "You want to know the difference between us dancers and the whores on the other side of the city. How what we do is different. He warned us you would probably ask when curiosity got the better of you."

She only nodded as her instructor explained it. "We do not sell our bodies. We dance, perform and a few even play instruments. But we never sell our bodies nor allow any to touch us. The whores who mimic us use their bodies and dancing to entice buyers while we do it to bring happiness. Yes our audience is mostly stallions but we also perform for ceremonies and celebrations, even the priests come to us for dancers."

Aliya glanced over for a minute and judged Shadow's reaction with a critical stare before standing and beckoning. "Your question made no offense. Now it is time to get your lunch before going to your next instructor."

Entering the small dining area where students of the school at large gathered the two walked in and took a seat at a table while Aliya signaled for food to be brought. The entire room was dead silent and all heads turned gawking at Shadow making her feel incredibly self conscious. Still feeling overheated from all the dancing she had opted to wear only the shirt and pants for now carrying the rest of her garb over her arm revealing her wings and head clearly.

Even Nata was staring for a minute before she exchanged looks with Aliya and they along with a few other instructors clapped their hands loudly snapping everyone in the room out of their stupor. Shadow had even caught a few "ooh" and "aahhs" from them but now the room was wreathed in hushed conversation no doubt focused on her presence.

A scrawny stallion came over and sat with them introducing himself as Jaf and her next instructor. The conversation drifted on as they ate and most left. Shadow had taken the chance to inquire to Aliya about performing for the temple. The response was simple in that whenever a major celebration was held they would hire out the best dancers to perform in honor of the spirit's. A dance offering more or less as she put it. It also turned out that this one school was one of the very few for all of Zebrica and Saddle Arabia.

Before taking her leave Aliya informed Shadow that they had forgotten to tell "him" that the clothes she had borrowed today were in fact hers. It had slipped their minds at first but considering what he had paid for such short notice instruction they had decided that she would be afforded the same treatment as the other students including keeping her cloths since she had paid for them after all.

Jaf piped up and informed her that she would also be leaving with her own instrument today before jabbing at Aliya that unlike the dance instructors the music school was more lax and accepting of new students. All were welcome to come, learn or listen as they perfected their craft. Aliya blew him off scoffing as she left that while anyone could play an instrument only a few were fit enough to dance and dance well. Fewer still who had the body to pull it off. She sashayed her hips a little at him before leaving.

Shadow just watched in silence as Jaf chuckled before turning his attention to her holding his wrist up and explaining they were married and after all these years still very much at odds about the two school's of thought than ran deep here. Her only thought was how the two could look so different and yet be married. One a gorgeous mare build like a goddess the other a lanky stallion who could be blown away with a strong enough breeze who held no unique characteristics what so ever.

It was a short trip to a private studio where various instruments had been laid out on silk cloths for her to look over. Jaf informed her that though she would learn to play one of the various kinds of flute today that he would also instruct on the vast variety of instruments students learned here as well and even give demonstrations.

Names for every instrument were given before Jaf asked her to pick one that stuck out to her. Picking one that resembled a guitar of sorts back in Equestria he lifted it and took a seat before playing.

Nata and Aliya were masters of dance but Jaf was the god of music. One at a time he went through the instruments as she picked them out and played a short song for her on each that filled the air with either a happy flowing or mysterious tune that made the fur on her spine stand on end a little. He was doing it very much on purpose too as he watched her expression change with each tune making her go from happy, sad or mesmerized.

After the last instrument had been played he brought out two long wooden flutes and gave her the one that looked brand new. This was her flute he explained and she would leave here today knowing how to make up her own little tune as she went. A book was provided as well detailing the different notes and even had music sheets inside, he had asked if reading it would be a problem since it was in another language. Shadow told him it was fine that she was learning and would translate it later.

Smiling at her response he gave her a slow lilting demonstration of the different notes that flowed easily and with a mysterious tune. His playing soon turned into a small song that was very eerie and mysterious that left her feeling every note.

Her own attempt not long after had a very rough start with screeching and other sounds that hurt the ears but Jaf sat patiently with her and showed her how to correct things and adjust her posture so the air from her lungs could flow more easily resulting in longer, clearer notes.

Jaf was a wonderful instructor like his wife though while she was more severe he was far calmer and quiet preferring to encourage her to just keep trying till she got the note right. Sometimes he would play a note and have her match it testing her knowledge of the various holes that lined the flute. Apparently she was a fast learner.

When the day had wore on he had changed tactics and would play a simple melody quietly and have her play over it with whatever she thought would go best with while never once challenging her choice of notes even when they came out poorly. Jaf would just keep playing that same flowing tune while Shadow struggled to come up with a simple tune of her own.

By the time they finished he was quite happy with her progress and reminded her that if she just kept practicing it would not be long before Shadow would have her flute mastered. A wooden box with silk lining was presented to her for storage and reminded not to forget her "dancing cloths" when the day ended.

In the meantime Jaf allowed her to question him till she was blue in the face about anything that came to mind while answering everything with a smile.

It was almost time to go when a student arrived bearing a package for Shadow that contained three sets of clothes including the one that had to be cleaned. Before she could leave Shadow just had to know something though. "How did you ever marry Aliya?"

Jaf burst out laughing at her question for a minute. "Nata and a few others tease us about that now and then. We met here when students from both parts of the school were put together for practice. One group plays the other dances to the music. After seeing her dance as a student I made it a point to win her heart and did it with the instruments around you. Music is a powerful force when used correctly. It can make a crowd rise in anger, joy or woo a savage heart. Took me years but I won her heart eventually and her friend Nata was left floored."

Chuckling to himself he shook his head slowly before continuing. "I use my marriage as an example to my students before they graduate as an example of what music can do. Now Aliya on the other hand will tell you its the other way around, she stole my heart with her dancing." He shrugged. "I guess you could say we fell deeply in love after seeing past our physical appearance, I am no stunning example of stallion-hood, farthest from it... Though she did steal my heart at first with her looks it grew beyond that the more we talked."

"It is almost time for you to go and I was told your escort would be here waiting on you. Shall we go and see if he has arrived or do you have more questions?"

"No but would you thank Aliya and Nata for me?"

"Certainly!"

They rose up and left Shadow quickly dawning her street garb while Jaf waited patiently at the door for her. He led her to the main gate where Valkardian was waiting staring off into the distance lost in his own thoughts. Jaf waved goodbye and bid her a safe journey before going back into the school.

"What did you learn today?"

"I learned how to dance, play the flute and got to know what the goddess of dance and the god of music look like."

He laughed a bit before waving her on. "This is the finest school on this side of the world so I imagine so. What are the extra packages there?"

"Oh, they forgot to tell you that because of whatever you bribed them with to get me in for a day it included a flute and dancers clothes."

"The flute part I was aware of but not the other... Oh well. Did you enjoy it?"

"Yes, Aliya and Jaf were wonderful instructors. I still can not believe they are married."

"Some do not allow the flesh to dictate their feelings or matters of the soul." It was a very true statement when she thought about it.

"How did your day go? What happened at the meeting you went to?"

"It was illuminating..."

"Cryptic. Does it concern me?"

"Indeed. But not right now, we will speak of it when we get back to the hotel and have dinner."

Valkardian had just seen Shadow off at the school and left to make his secret rendezvous when he caught a glimpse of a mare weaving her way through the crowd. The sight of her made him pick up his pace in an attempt to reach the temple faster. If she was here that meant another had her hands in the pot and whatever the high priest wanted to talk about was serious indeed.

Hustling towards the temple and entering the spacious interior with its tall pillars Valkardian was immediately greeted by an acolyte who ushered him off quickly to a side room and through a maze of corridors. Arriving in the inner sanctum of the priests two were present and waiting seated around a table.

They rose and greetings were exchanged before the old high priest motioned for them to be seated. Valkardian however simply leaned on his staff and eyed the old man quietly for a long minute.

"The last time I was here things got a little... Heated... However your message said all is forgiven and you need all the help you can get even... Mine."

"Yes indeed Valkardian. I think three centuries "exiled" from here though I suspect you have been among us plenty of times since then..." He looked him up and down slowly before smiling. "Still. You upheld your end of the agreement to the letter. It was my great, great predecessor who changed her mind at the last minute."

"Trying to kill me can hardly be considered "changing ones mind" Betu."

"True. Very true. What she did was wrong but I hope it will not tarnish our image though you did have your revenge on her. Bygones are bygones. I asked you to join us today because of some complications we are having and since you are by far the expert on such matters... If our archival records are anything to go by that is..."

"Spit it out."

The mare rose and went to say something but Betu silenced her quickly. "It is alright Rasia, have a seat. If you would have read up on him like I instructed you would know Master Valkardian has an... Intense? Distrust of us "surface dwellers." And rightly so I am afraid."

Valkardian tapped his hoof impatiently and shifted.

"Let us begone with formalities then. An artifact has popped up and I think we will all be in agreement it should REMAIN buried so it does not cause problems."

"And that is?" His voice was bored.

Betu just smiled and gestured for him to have a seat. "Please sit though, this might take some time. Oh and feel free to drop your... Illusion while we talk. I warned my assistant here not to jump with fright at the sight of you. I must say the curiosity at seeing YOU and not just an ancient picture has be burning this curiosity!"

The spell was dispelled quickly and Betu's eyes lit up with childlike curiosity while Rasia shuddered and tried to scoot back. Valkardian just sneered at her before waving his hand and taking a seat.

"Simple precaution against prying eyes and ears assuming what you want discuss in genuine."

"Understandable and wise. Now the last time you were here officially you were discovered quite by accident if I remember! Five parties all seeking the same artifact some to use its power against the world while the priesthood and yourself agreed to sealing it away."

"Yes, Celestia being one who wanted it for her own ends of "harmony" or some nonsense..."

"Hmm! Now it was sealed away quite well... I do believe dropping something into a volcano tends to do that... What has surfaced recently has us a little worried... A certain spear head has been found and we suspect it might not be a fake."

"Your worlds equivalent of the "spear of destiny" correct?"

Betu nodded and looked at Rasia who quickly passed a scroll over which in turn was given to Valkardian. Glancing over the contents he set it down with and furrowed his brow.

"Our conclusion exactly Valkardian. Such events would be impossible were it anything BUT the real one. Fortunately it is only one part of the whole and the others are still lost to time and the shifting sands as it should be."

"So that's why one of Celestia's spies is in your city..."

"Very observant." Betu's smile grew. "We have been aware of her presence now for the past two days. So far she has been unable to find any further leads but we suspect she has her means and ways. A course of actions have already taken place to make certain she does not find any further leads. There is only so much we can do though."

"So why not go and get it yourself or are you expecting her to watch you in anticipation of such a move? A race to see who gets it first."

"Precisely why we have made no move yet and she continues to wander aimlessly. The other day I visited the gardens to try and think of a solution in peace when I met your... Friend? Protege? Servant?... Slave? Shadow. I am impressed with the schooling you have given her. If only some closer to me would take to theirs with such eagerness..." Betu glanced at Rasia.

"At any rate! As we talked she let your name slip along with many other little hints to your presence in the city. I could not pass up such and opportunity! An outside force that is unknown to all but myself and Rasia that can act freely without being spied upon to solve our common problem."

"You assume it is my problem but with one of Celestia's agents in the city and her best at that... I have little choice but to agree with you."

"I believed you would see it my way. Now as to the artifact itself. I assume we are both in agreement it MUST be made to disappear once more?" Valkardian nodded. "Splendid. I will tell you everything we know but I leave it up to you on making certain that it is never found again."

"Assuming I will not take it for myself?"

Betu raised an eyebrow "If there is one thing that the archives have you marked down for consistently is that you may be an... How do I put this delicately without offending you..."

"An evil bastard that clawed its way from the bowels of the earth and hell itself."

"Yes. But you are honorable and have a strong noble streak. Like us you do what you believe is right and just. While we disagree on the means employed you have never betrayed anyone and worked to keep things as they are. Peaceful. Quiet. Boring. We want this as well and right now you are the only one with the means to beat the competition out and make certain the peace and balance is maintained."

"Everyone gets to keep their little corner of the world for themselves without outside involvement."

Betu nodded and turned to Rasai who began to speak slowly as if afraid of backlash from Valkardian. "A bandit far to the Southwest was being hunted down. Apparently he found the spearhead and since then has scored a series of victories and his little band is growing. While not enough to gain much attention the magical outpouring drew the spirits attention and we assume Celestia's scrying."

"Luckily his little bandit revolt is so small it lacks enough attention to draw any foreign agents to them and our own attempts to keep this knowledge from spreading has been largely successful but not for much longer. It is imperative that someone get to him... Kill him... Retrieve the artifact and hide it before the chance of it being taken by these outside forces increases."

Betu chose this as the best time to chime in "We also know that Sultan Raefal and his queen are now seeking an alliance with Celestia so they can be counted as enemies in this matter. His lands are dangerously close to where these events are unfolding. Should the bandits cross the border or word of their actions reach his ears..."

"It would be a matter of days before Celestia's agents made her aware and narrowed their search." Valkardian finished Betu's trail of thought for him and he nodded.

"Alright Betu. We have a deal. I will make it dissapear again as I do not care to see Celestia get her greasy palms on it no more than you do. There is just one little problem now."

"And that is Master Valkardian?"

"By bringing me here and sending me a message whatever spies have been watching you are now watching me as well."

Betu just laughed.

"Oh please... You who can wear a million faces at will worried about a spy? It would be doubtful they could track you beyond a hundred meters if you so desired it."

"Do not stroke my ego Betu..."

"I am not! I am well aware of what you are capable of doing! What you did to the High Priestess Vyla so long ago lives on even now in tales told to scare children!" Betu's tone had taken on a deadly serious tone.

"As such I know without a doubt you are more than capable of dealing with them with the utmost efficiency. However. I ask that you do not leave a bloodbath behind you when dealing with the spies. The bandits we could care less about. Wipe them out to the last for their crimes against the people. While we want this matter resolved we do not want a major diplomatic incident on our hands... Like say the mass death of every spy from Equestria in our nation. You can imagine the uproar that would cause when Celestia came demanding restitution."

A smile wormed its way across Valkardians face. "I can only imagine. You have my word though I will try to avoid a bloodbath if I can help it. The bandits however will die. The fewer witnesses the better."

"It is agreed then." Betu rose bowed.

"So you have taken a liking to Shadow then?" Valkardian poked the question at Betu as he rose and nodded back.

"She is a bright one and not like the ponies... Not that I have met any but only read about them and their ways."

"Indeed she is different now. More than even she could imagine. I do believe she is coming to your ceremony tomorrow."

"Good! It would be a pleasure to have her behold our little public spectacle! It is only twice a year we summon the spirits and give our thanks in such a fashion. Until we meet again Master Valkardian but I hope we never see each other ever again."

Both parties faked a smile and went their separate ways.