Celestia returned to her chambers, the grey Pegasus shrinking back slightly.

"P...princess?"

The regal alicorn looked down at her subject with, thankfully, subdued ire. About eight hours ago, Celestia had left in a flash, not even shouting at Ditzy Doo as she did so. She simply left, her destination being the Hall of the Elders.

And now, she had returned, subdued.

"Well, Drøm Mester wasn't there. However, Metall Kant was more than willing to explain why."

She stood directly above the Dreamer, thoughts joining her others in their stampedes.

"He told me it was so that I wouldn't hurt the new wielder. But I almost did. Because I thought he was a hostile being. If only I had known-"

"You would've taken him in as your own apprentice, trying to prematurely cultivate the Seventh Element of Harmony within him. And then, it would never truly form. He wouldn't have fallen in love so quickly. Because if one doesn't love, why would they Sacrifice?"

Celestia nodded. She remembered how only love had brought the Element of Sacrifice to surface in Gylden Glør all those years ago, namely the love between him and the Dreamer.

"I am sorry. I was going to order you beheaded...thankfully, I was able to keep my own head before..."

Ditzy Doo chuckled lightly, and Celestia narrowed her eyes.

"Still haven't forgiven you, though."

Ditzy Doo let the chuckle die.

"So, you're sure that you can restore that foal to her former state?"

"No. I hope I can, however."

Ditzy Doo nodded.

"Well, at least you're completing three tasks with one stone...cultivating love, restoring Sjø Sus, and helping the New Age Elders realize their purposes..."

Celestia nodded. She knew what she was doing.

"Now, then...somepony, or, rather, some gryffon visited while you were gone...said it was a pity that you were gone, as he was willing to help you weed out a few of the eunuch's spies."

"Please. Where could these spies possibly be that-"

"Everywhere. They're preparing for war."

Metall Kant struck at the post once more, trying time and time again to split through it. His recent...'conversation' with Celestia had shown him something...

Equestria was on the brink of war, Discord was about to kill ponies for chaos....the two went hoof in hoof.

And now, the Elders needed to be as strong as possible.

Even those who had lost friends and siblings.

She was Crimson Daggry's sister...he shall mourn her...and I shall watch...pah...thousands of years, wasted...

He struck at the post once more, knowing full well that, by the end of the month, he would need every ounce of his strength...

And even more.