Dusty

North seemed too ponder something a moment, as if she wanted to speak up. But seemed to let the moment pass with the talks about desserts. In truth she wanted to say something, but felt it may be taken as rude. Niil will of course eat it and enjoy it… But as the cooks well know with how, he rather lacked a sweet tooth. In fact, he can’t seem too taste sweetness at all! A rather well known pink mare put that too the test. But North can’t think of a way to bring it up without sounding rude about making something that must mean much to the ponies here. So, she’d play along like she knew her Tyr will. He was used to ponies and sweet food. But it did make her think she’d need too try and change her own tests more… She needed too eat more spicy food, he loved spicy food and she will to. 

“Well, if that wraps up this day’s meeting we can move onto more pleasant and fun matters. Cadance, if you want to have your head of staff meet with me I’m welcome to help plan events, food and so on. I have years worth of time under this belt pandering to my Tyr, I know just how much food…” She trailed off, looking into nothing for a moment. Blinked and focused on Cadance. “You…  Insured that the fruit of their love will be bountiful…” She blinked, thinking deeply for a few moments. “Oh, by the All Mother I need too start preparing. How many will she even have? How much food? Toys fit for a kitten!?” She spins on the spot and trots for the door, her voice booming with command the moment she pushes them open. “WHERE IS QUILL SWIFT? GET HIM!” She barked at the first servant she saw. “YOU! Head too my room, get the log books! You three! You will be on help duty for Quill! And you! Change outfits for long flying and grab a nap. You will head out before sundown with priority mail.” With a herd of servants rushing away she took a breath and looked back at Blueblood. “Prince, do you need me for anything more?” She asked, staying by the doorway with a wary smile on her muzzle. “As I may be… Very busy soon with just two sphinxs to look after. And must prepare for the litter. You know well the logistics of feeding one sphinx. Half dozen…”

North was not shocked by the oncoming storm, she was more shocked at how in the grand scheme of things gentle the winds were. Some deep part of her wanted to see the princess get more enraged and slip the deck. But still, she got some enjoyment knowing she at least flustered the Princess of pony-kind by not rolling over like some trained dog. North may have been trained and lived a life of duty, but she was her own mare now and she’d not slip an inch on that rope. So she let the winds blow over while still sitting tall, that trained smile on her lips and made no movement to show agreement or disagreement. She simply let the other side get it all as she peeked apart the words in her mind what she wanted to hear. 

The mare was not wrong on some things. Things have gone better than reasonably expected by some extremes without counting the changing of Jizara. That alone will be a burden she knows Niil will work well and hard to repay. Along with every other act of generosity given like coins to beggars. The sooner it was repaid the swifter one was free from the favors implied by the act. She did have too choke down a scoff at the remarks of the ‘gift’ for becoming a Sphinx. Becoming one at what cost? Did Twilight forget her own words? ‘My final permission.’ That was not even a dagger in the sheath, but one placed on the table. She had no regrets rejecting the offer and found herself feeling more justified by the moment in doing so. She didn't need Twilight to become one. 

Niil himself told her Jizara was a Sphinx by soul. She will become the same and even if her body stays the same, her heart will not… And then an epiphany struck her. Sharp, strong and like ice under a hoof. What WAS a Hyatrian? Nothing. Not at the moment. Other than herself. She was the first Hyatrian wasn't she? The first given a title. The first to bow at the Tyr. The first to trot into a new court, new kingdom, new culture… It made all the world around her seem to muffle out into the background. She was the first and the one prime of place to lead this new culture. She may not be a Sphinx, but she was a Hyatrian. She didn't even know where to start with such a journey. But it lit a blazing fire in her chest that filled her with new found purposes in life. 

It was euphoric and made the loss of one dream easier to stomach. She was Hyatrian, and proud to be such. Even if it took lifetimes, Hyatria will stand tall and proud. Rising from nothing much like her Tyr, it will open its wings and embrace the sun with its evident place in the world. But everything starts with the first unsteady steps. Even her Tyr nursed and fell about on his perfect paws before he mastered them. His fangs were once dull nubs. Claws harmless tools of a kitten. He had to make do, lay low and weather the storms. So she will as well. For now she was a kitten and lacked the grace she so wished to hold. She overstepped and was given a swift slap on the muzzle. Nothing grave, or lasting. But something to learn from. What if she messed up more? What will her Tyr think? She was the first Hyatrian, she MUST conduct herself in a way befitting his glory. 

As such she found it unfitting to drag out what was done anymore than it has been. The offer was rejected, let the next act start and a new deck snuffled. She nodded over at Blueblood. “I think that is a good idea, most find him rather alarming until they speak with Lord Niilaavin. You must see the lines of foals that cue up on Nightmare Night to ride on his back, or pose around his claws and fangs. If he can win over the trust of a motherly mare to place her foals in his very jaw, well. A speech to your subjects will do wonders, and give him a space to make clear how open he is with how they feel. If they wish to leave he will not stop them. Hearing that from his own muzzle may win much in the way of goodwill and trust.” She added with a soft nod of the head. “And I’d like to add that maybe Cadance will take part in the speech as well. Not before, not after. Together with Lord Niilaavin to help show some unity between both?”

‘At the moment, I do not believe it is wise to change you in full to become a Sphinx.’ North knew well this was going too be the outcome. It hurt regardless to see that such a thing was possible, truly and openly achievable, and outside her reach. To spend years following some dream was one thing. You make peace with a dream and know it to be such. Wanted but intangible… But what came changed the dull pain of knowing something was out of reach into the sharp pain of dagger between the ribs. She stared blankly at the dark purple gemstone and found her teeth grinding and wings fluttering gently, hardly kept in palace by her side. Did Twilight fail to understand how this looked? How this felt? She didn't did she. She was like all the ponies here. Soft, cuddled and born into a world that hands them everything on a silver plate. Blissfully unaware of what the world was like outside the garden walls. 

This. This was not a gift. This was a bribe sitting on a hook. ‘My final permission’ was spoken so softly and kindly, as if the words were not a threat. Did Twilight truly think so low of her? Or maybe Twilight was so blinded by years of being the saver of this land to not think past her own muzzle. So used to being the hero she never ever wondered how her words sound to another that doesn't worship the ground she trots on? Twilight was not even in charge of this land when North first stepped off that old ship, ponies packed together like fish in a hold. Where was Twilight when North felt a whip crack on her back. Where were the ‘elements of harmony’ as her own mother sold her into slavery as a filly. And here she was, sitting across the table from the mare that can with a wave of her horn change her life forever. And the mare did nothing but rub that power into her face. 

She felt enraged, eyes looking across the table at Twilight as her hoof kicked out and slapped the gemstone across the table back to its maker. She felt words swelling into her muzzle to dismiss the offer and flat out retract asking to be changed. But the slamming of hooves on the table knocked her focus and the words out of her muzzle as she looked over at Blueblood. She looked over at him, seeing the glint in his eyes… And felt ashamed at her oncoming outburst. What will Niil think? She let out warm breath and sat down as Blue spoke with more grace than she’d muster in the moment. When he was done speaking she felt more balanced as the outburst passed and she had a moment to gather her thoughts. “With all respect Princess, I can not in good faith take the… Gift.” She forced a smile on her lips. She didn't’ feel anything of the sort. Just bile. “With how it is offered as it will break my own oaths given unto my Lord, soon to be Tyr, and my duty unto him.” She kept it short and sweet. Blue gave all the context needed and spoke it better than she’d be able to in the moment. She hoped Twilight would see the way the wind was blowing and simply retracted the offer and let them all move on.

North nodded her head along as Twilight spoke until it was implied he ruled with only fear. Maybe she was reading too deep into that remark, looking between lines to see something not found. But she still felt herself puff up a little, but kept mind to not display that anger and toned herself down. “I can tell you he will do no such… Unwarranted aggression against the ponies found in the land he so wishes to claim. He merely demands they submit too him as a unifying force with authority over the land within the borders discussed. He will adjust or advance such borders without consultation of his fellow rulers bordering him. As for Leota, the borders discussed do impede on them as far as I’m aware but neither me or my Tyr know in detail what they claim. If you own such maps, we’d make good use of them when we reach out…” She shifted in her seat, wanting to toss in a tangent that he already is a leader worthy of love and respect. But bit her lip on that one. How can one not find him worthy? He was majestic. Powerful. Big…. She snapped her mind back to the moment at hoof and not dreams of fantasy. 

She was glad to see all sides with her own remakes about the river, and the use it can play for the capital. And Blueblood did bring forth some positive aspects she didn't think about. Far as she can recall, no tribe, clan, or whatever other petty power block in the lands claims that spot. The fort was not on any maps and was truly old. The only ones that may fuss about a city being built on it were some archaeologists. It did strike her as odd no one moved in. The land was warm most of the year and even took the winters well. It had a lot of hot springs that fed more heat into the valley… But it did not make it any less wet. Maybe that is why? Or maybe it was just so remote no one bothered. Don’t help how thick the temperate rainforest was. But it's why she felt it will make for good farm land when you cut it back some. 

She flicked her ears as Blueblood spoke of Clan Breen and let out a short nayying chuckle. “That is planned, yes. Niil has been trying to hire a caribou without much luck to help him do just that. And before you worry Cadance,” She flashed the mar a warm smile. She found it increasingly easy to chat with all of them. “The trade preference is still here. Your traders will get first dibs on things coming out, and will be favored when practical when buying. Niil told me such when discussing reaching out to Whitescar. He just views them as worthy friends to be, something I don't think anyone here will find fault in. Friendship is magic after all.” She smiled at everyone around the table, chuffed with herself on such a charming remark. This really was not that much different from speaking to her staff. What took her out of that thinking was being asked something simple. ‘What should I do with you and why should I do it?’ 

It took her a moment to even understand what was being asked of her. As it can only be one thing. What her Tyr asked of Twilight. Too change her into something so glorious. So… Perfect. She’d have magic! Sit on a horn and spin dad… Well, if she got changed. Even when he told her so long ago about the deal… It was a long shot. A dream in reality. She heard it in his voice. He did not believe it was possible. But he hoped. So did she. Some filly dream of not being… This. She loved cats. She even liked drawing herself as one for bucking sake. She even owned an outfit to… “I want it. More than anything. I hate what I am. I hate my hooves. My blunt teeth. My clunky movement. When I look at him, I see something so perfect and prideful. When I first saw him when blueblood came back from that trip I was the first to offer up to help! Blue can say so. Well most were scared I was the first to greet Niil. Even slept outside to keep him company and help teach him words. Well Prince Blueblood may be a brother, Jizare his love, I’m his friend and will stay by his side.” Maybe just a friend was underselling the bond, plenty of maids will speak in shadow of other things she’s done for the cat. But she was a trusted friend to him and she knew more about him than most, maybe even more than Blueblood. “I can not, will not beg. I can not offer some deal or under the table pact. My mind and heart follow him foremost.” She added, feeling as if fired a bolt into her own wings doing so. But so be it. She’d take no deal that may betray what she had.

North has seen some stuff in her time on this muddy orb. Some of it rather haunting yet somehow, this felt worse. She was too used to paperwork. She did plenty and took pride in the detailed loggers inked by her own quill. Still. This must be some level of tartarus as Twilight assaulted her with more details about geography than North even knew existed. When it reached the topic of mineralogical record she pulled out the liquor flask and gulped down a hefty swig. What sin did she- Never mind, she can name plenty. But by the powers that be this was unfair! And yet it just kept going. It felt like a lifetime of keeping her head up, eyes focused as her mind screamed in some odd mix of rage and despair. 

So when Blueblood jested for her flask she passed it over without fuss, he'd find it was full of spicy rum. Both of them were in this war together it seemed. “The west’s only problem is the birds. Cut the line up to where they don't scream too much, we will deal with the rest.” She put in after Blues comments. She felt selfish for speaking up but she was the huntsmarshal now. She had a title! Even if she did not fully know what he implied with that. Was she the head of the army now? Hunting? His games? Still, she knew marshal was a flashy title and meant she had some swing in her words. Maybe. She'd be more giddy about that power if she was not being mentally attacked by the single most boring meeting she’s ever been in. 

“As for the tribes, he’s going to make them bow and call him Tyr. Outside of that they go about more or less unchanged. I don’t think he is planning too tax them until he can even take a real register of what they can even offer. Despite his worries the infrastructure help is needed. The land has as many roads that are usable as I got legs, and these legs will rather fly than walk them. The fact you get gems in at all from that mine is a saint's blessing in the works. Don’t start me on the north coast he wants. That fort is a rotting husk, don’t know what reports you have but it can’t stop a calf with a rusted spoon from breaking in. Southwest is an older fort in better shape run by bandits than that joke. Don’t worry, we cleared them out all ready. One of the more fun outings we had together. And do any of you know where he wants his capital? It has no roads at all leading too it. Not a hard trot in summer but come winter that valley will be cut off without some proper road work.” She added, finding herself going on a tangent longer than she was planning. 

“Most easy fix is a proper network down south linking the river. It's a good river, you can move river boats up and down it all the way to here. Making logistics for the new capital much easier than if you hoofed it all the way over land.” She added, learning her head to the side with a flick of the ears. “Come think of it, a town by the river will be a good trade hub. Maybe sit my flank down on that one. Get them docks up, push a road north. Not shabby. Anyways.” She gestured at a map with her hoof, marking where the castle will be. “Safe from the worst of the winter. But a long walk for every pony not blessed with wings if you live on the other side of them peaks. Clear the woods and I bet it makes good farmland. Better than the tundra to the east.” With that she looked over at them. Did she say too much? She felt like she did. But no one stopped her so it must be ok. And hay, spoke on his behalf plenty of times and he did not say she can't here so why not?

North Wind was not the sort of pony that first comes too mind as a ‘servant’ given she cut the look of a pegasus officer, not some cute maid cleaning a home. Yet that look and personality did wonders for the job, her staff were a well oiled machine thanks to her. And she did enjoy her work… More so she enjoyed working for her Lord. More so than most know or needed too know. And not for the reasons many may think. They were platonic, simple as that, even if some maids did not think so. Or maybe Jizara… Oh she’d need to talk to Niil about that one… And Jizara as well to clear some things up. She understood the look in the cat's eyes. Yes she wanted to be a sphinx as well! But not whatever Jizara feared. 

She flicked her Dapple gray ears, doing her best to keep a clean unflinching smile as the two big cats left the room. Then let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It was still shocking. His freedom. Jizara… All in short order. She knew her lord would be overjoyed and so was she. She knew the bite of iron around the neck and the song of chains. Nothing in life compares too losing them. She looked over at the others in the room, and noticed she was being addressed. It took a moment longer to really think about it. She was being asked to sit… Why? She had no part in this. But she was not one to snub the mare her Lord will have to deal with so often now. “As you wish.” She replayed and walked over and took a seat next to Blueblood. 

“Plenty to eat and drink' on the table Princess Cadance.” She says back in an accent, if one was sharp, hailing from Maretonia. If the ears were even more sharp one can tell she was form Hippostion. Eyeing the table up before nudging a plate of fish over. She eyed it for a moment. Long ago she’d gag at eating meat. Oh, how times change. She leaned in and bit off some of the tender flesh and swallowed. She liked too pretend she was big as her Lord, hunting down a meal. At least when she was alone. She liked to pretend even more to help him get his meal. Was she insane? Maybe. What pony enjoys helping hunters? Speaking of the others, her muzzle slipped under a gray and white wing before coming back out with a liquor flask before Blue was even done speaking. Of course this left her blinking a few times mid-pass as he added that he was not in fact drinking. She slipped it back under a wing with a nervous chuckle.

Sphinxian mental granite was a fitting term for the unflinching self belief found within the species. Rare is it to see a species so self assured and unflinching in its unfaltering ego then the sphinx mindset. But such stones can not flex. And when they did it lacked the flex and rebounding of steel or iron, only shattering. Niilaavin came close many times in his life, all of it after his capture. The strain cracking and breaking the granite in places. But never shattered it. And in time the cracks and gaps were filled in with something new. He simply did not think as his siblings, his mother, father or himself once did. The strain of his life demanded change and where most of his kind may have shattered like a wall of stone. He served. He prospered. And now he was free. Free. Such a simple remark made all the more funny given how ‘trapped’ he was under Blue. He was in all ways free long before this. But how free is one when they know anything can touch one item and cast him back into that pits of slavery? None of that mattered now. 

Nore did his fears of being alone. He was not truly alone, no. But he was the end of something. End of the sphinx story and the last call of his kind. That was its own misery atop others. Laying in the sun knowing you very well may be the last to do so. It pulled him to breaking point a few times just to be pulled out by founding kinship in the ponies. He’d never forget that or go back on it. They were family. Part of his pride and saw them as such. But kinship no matter how strong will not, can not, save him from being the last. And just as simply as the golden bonds being removed that was over as well. He still can’t believe it, much as the magic chains of slavery. It seemed silly and just preposterous in how unbelievable it was. Two things that seemed as permanent as the coming and going of the rains, rise and fall of the sun. It simply WAS, until it was not. It made him feel… He did not know. He found himself awash and adrift on a raging river of feelings and confusion. Yet in the roar of this river one sound sang over all. Happiness. He was happy. A roaring youthful happiness that took him back to days long lost. A kitten rushing out to his mother with a fresh kill. Her warmth, her love. How big she was compared to him and yet how that made him feel nothing but hopeful. 

Anything was possible. He found himself more aware of himself after that. He pulled his muzzle away from a thick mane of fur and blinked water from his eyes and looked at the wet fur. He found his breath as his heart slowed and relaxed as he gained his paws back under himself. That sphinxian mind pulled itself back together with the grace only cats may know as he looked around the room with a firm, yet hopeful smile to his face that can not be kept contained. Thankfully it seemed Twilight was willing to contain herself until he was more alert, a fact he was thankful for as he still strangled his emotions back into palace. A task more easily hoped for then achieved but he was managing. He was unsure what to even say, how to thank her. Them… All of it. How does one even do so? How does one express how monumentally… Life changing this all was. He wanted to fly. To roar into the skies and tell the world all was not yet lost… More so he wanted something else. Something putting and cuffing so sweetly under his big frame. 

If he was not a sphinx he may have felt abashed being in a room with others staring down at Jizara the way he did. She was perfect. Her ears, her fangs and claws. He almost forgot what it felt like seeing his own kind. Her voice struck him, along with the sharpness of her eyes. She always reminded him of mother as a pony but now… All she missed was the proper fur color of his mother. It took him a moment to register he was being spoken to. “Jnk-ḥsj’ laudi, ṯmt ḫmtw-” He stopped speaking, blinking a few times then let out a short and genuine crack of laughter before nuzzling Jizara for a moment to relax. “I sing the praises of glory onto you there, for you have done more than I can say. I lack the words and mind to thank you properly at this moment. But thank you, truly, with all the glory the All Mother can give onto her cubs. I accept the potions too help deal with the wounds, and I humbly ask that later I be presented with a pony able to work my claws. I wish for silver gilding… I also wish to meet with a silversmith able to produce new jewelry fitting me. I will pay them in… Gold.” He says flicking his ears, one claw poking at a giant golden earring. 

He then looked down at Jizara and in reflex, bit down at the back of her neck again and let out a deep and strong purring rumble, before letting go and licking the back of her head a few times. “Be warned, that fresh hide will not stay so. You sing of fang and claw and shall know both.” His tone was playful, bordering on romantic even. At least to sphinx ears as he pulled himself up and off her… Even if he hesitated a moment. Looking over at Blue he paced over and leaned his head down, his nose almost alone looming larger than the pony as he smiled… Then he looked over at North Wing. His servant was standing proper, but he can tell she was… Upset. And he knew why. If something was found, no matter how slim… She was to test it. An oath he made long before befriending a town mayor. And one given to a pony that Blue can vouch for with her unfaltering duty and loyalty onto himself. His tail swings once then he turns too face Twilight. “I stand on no ground to ask for anything. You have given me… More than I can truly begin to make tally of at this moment. But I ask this. And do ask in all that it means for you to change North Wind. She has severed me fully. Unflinching in duty and needs. And… A few years ago… By the All Mother has it been so long already? I told her her faith in me will be repaid as she’d test first anyway that may bless a pony to be as grand as my, or Jizaras, self. I can not offer you anything fair for such a pierce. Just me and my litters will never forget such. You saved not me. But my kind. And gave Jizara the body befitting her soul. I ask the same for North Wind, and know well you may not do so. I will not hold it against you.” 

With that he looked down at North Wing. “You will be repaid, one way or another, for all you have done… HuntsMarshal North Wind.” That got something out of her, wings fluttered as she looked up at him with a thankful smile. But that is all he can do for now. Looking back at the others he bowed his head gently. “I shall take leave and spend the evening unless asked otherwise, alone with Jizara. She has much to learn about herself. And well I know her soul is where it belonged all along I think she’d enjoy some help… Exploring it.” He fluttered his wings up, making himself look bigger as he eyed the female up with a hunter's gaze before taking his leave. “North Wing, that goes for you as well and all staff. You will be called for if needed.” He added, moving swiftly for the large doors and pushing them open on his own and swiftly departing view from the grand hall.

As Niil and his soon be mate shared their moment, North Wind glanced over at Cadance and was a little startled the princess was even speaking too her. But she held herself and spoke matter of factually, standing stiff as a guard on show. “I am, as in all things, happy for my lord and lady Jizara.” She replayed, it was not her place to discuss things outside of that. She knew her lord would make up for this in some way. He’s never failed her on his word yet. And this was out of his paws anyways so she can’t feel mad, just envy that Spilled got blessed first. But the blessing was real, that pipe dream of her lord… And herself was real. He’d see it happen… Her eyes went wide with shock as the first golden band fell off a leg. “Wha-wha-”

Niilaavin was overwhelmed, truly. His mind was a train rushing down a hill still shoveling coal. Words failed as mumbled, purred and chuffed like some feral cat as he nuzzled and groomed Jizara. This seemed impassable. Did he dream of such? Yes! But deep down he knew it was folly, the hopes and dreams of one sitting at the end of some story wishing it would go on. He made peace with that fact. He’d live his life as best he can and when the time came he’d go into history with respect and his kind known, not forgotten. It took him well over a year of struggling to come to terms with this fact, and a few more years of coming to terms. And all of that was just… Ripped out from under his paws in the best way possible. Yet it seems unbelievable but here it was regardless of his own mind's struggles. Another of his kind born from the soul he knew fitted it. 

The rest chatted, talked and spoke as if nothing much happened. Yet he found himself just staring down at her, gripped in his paws as if she’d just slip away as some figment of his mind. But she was real. This was no spell, no trick on his own mind. She was as real as he. And for what? Nothing? How can one do something this grand and want nothing. Speaking of nation-builders as nothing changed. As if they did change the very story of life and remove the last footnote for books to be. Niilaavin, endling of his kind. It was just so much… And yet it was not the last world changing event. He did not even notice at first his mind was so hyper focused on Jizara.

But notice he did as a leg was moved to remove a band. He stared, unblinking at that leg. Where the band once snuggle gripped his leg was patches of missing fur and skin tender to the feeling of air. He stared at it and timidly moved a paw to touch the tender flesh and patchy fur only to stop as the largest band, the one around his neck, slipped open and was removed. A ring of patchy fur and tender skin was opened to the world. Wounds born from wearing what can not be removed for so very long. He almost choked on his own breath as a paw reached up and brushed his neck, eyes following the golden bands as were placed on the table with a heavy thump. His neck band alone made the table bow under his mass. Each one was heavy but the neck alone was almost a ton of enchanted gold. It’s placement on the table let out a thundering thump that echoed in the room. 

Niilaavin just stayed frozen for a time, one paw on his neck. Feeling the tender skin. Feeling the missing fur. Then he let out a choked gasp as water welled up under his eyes. He was shaking, paw wavering as kept feeling his own neck. Then his legs. Slavery was never painless for any race. But for a sphinx it was unimaginable. So hard wired to see themselves Infallible to be ‘owned’ by another was almost mind shattering. It was worse than death and was the only saving grace for Niil and his loneliness. His own mother will have killed him, same for his siblings, before seeing him a slave for a moment. And he’d welcome it. At least, back with his first master. But maybe in a way, the chains did something for him. With a mind taken too place unknown to his kind he was forced to think and see the world in new ways. It changed him in ways he’d never fully understand. 

His eyes fell on the table, looking at the gold. He hated gold. He hated it so much. But he used gold earrings, and had his claws done in gold. All to blend the bands in with the rest to hide them. Hide the chains of his slavery. He wanted it all off. Every last scrap of that demand gold. He’d never wear gold again. He never wanted it in his room. His den. He was shaking, breaths short as water ripped down his muzzle from the spring underneath his eyes. He wanted to speak but only choked out a yowling cry as he plunged into Jizara’s mane and sobbed. It was all too much at once and the giant truly was overwhelmed. For the first time in all Blue has known the cat, as well Jizara, He was truly sobbing with rampant emotions and lacked any words to speak. He was truly free and that was worth more then anything.

Niilaavin gave Cadance a perplexed look, only to have any remakes cut short as took in a breath and shut his eyes preparing for the teleport. North Wind dashed over, flinging herself atop a paw as the count down hit… Now. He felt his insides move in ways most unpleasing as his body struggled to work out where it was for a moment. At least he felt less sick this time. He kept his eyes shut, pulling in a breath as he relaxed… Just to pick up a new scent. No, not new. But… 

The giant almost hit the ceiling of the grand hall as he leapt up and back, lips pulled up into a snarling display of fang as claws screeched over the floor. Both wings shut out, wide and open to make himself look even bigger as a deep hissing sound left his muzzle only to choke out moments later. He froze in place, eyes going wide as looking across the room at the other sphinx. His snarling lips dropped as he just stared with a look of raw confused bewilderment. Soon after his claws sheathed and he took a timid step closer. Then others as he stalked up to the other sphinx and sniffed at her. His eyes dated over to Twilight, staring with focused will for a few passing moments. But he did not say anything, he did not need to. It was easy to tell he’d be enraged if this was some trick. 

Soon he broke that look and looked at Jizara. Head to tail his eyes moved as he crept closer, wings still held out. When they reached each other he leaned his nose close to her own and sniffed some more. “Jizara?” He asked, his tone confused as his eyes. Yet full of something deeper. Despite her new found size she was still smaller than him, leaner and more elegant than his bulky frame. He cuffed three times in a row and soon as she spoke he rushed her in tackle as jaws found themselves along the back of her neck. Yet, Jizara will find the act painless. Oddly, it made her body relaxed to the point where standing was hard. Even speaking seemed too fizzler out as Niilaavin held her scruff, paws held onto her, nose flaring as he kept firm grip around her. He held her like for some time, not responding to anything or anyone. Just, staring down at her. Finly whatever was going on with his mind settled down as he let go of her scruff and began to lick her, gently and warmly as he purred. “How… And what pierce.” He asked, to Jizara or Twilight. Maybe both. 

North Wind, for her part, was staring as well with a mix of wonder and barely controlled envy.

He followed what she was saying as he kept looking around the mine. It was modest and he’s seen much bigger. But it seemed to have a rich vein with steady flow output. Why it was not expanded he can’t fathom, but he’d see to that. It was no gold mine but gemstones never made you poor. Looking over at the pink mare he pounded her magic some. “That is powerful, when I walk unseen I… Make it so one wishes to simply not see me. An overriding need too just ‘not see it’ as it were. For most it works well, only very well trained guards can overcome that trick. But for most… I can walk down a street, every pony in it moves out of my way and never reacts, or remember even seeing me move out of the way. But this is much more grand than my school of magic… But, your kind were blessed with flexibility in such.” He remarked.

The topic moved onto his own, and watched her keenly as she spoke. It was, as ponies tend to be, a charming reply and maybe too good willed. But he’d lie if did not enjoy it. “I hope it is just so, and I am all her heart can want all ready. Yet I know I can do more and will do so. Some things come less easy, some even more so. It takes some care too not just roll her about with a nuzzle. Or soak her with a single lick. But such troubles are worth feeling less alone in this world. Not to be dramatic, but I think your kind can never grasp what it is to be alone. Friends? Oh yes. Blue has been nothing but good. But to sit down grasp in claws the fact you it. The end song. The fact she helps me push that away and feel as if something understands me, truly, as another of my kind. No pierce can put on that feeling.” He says, eyes wandering around the mine to take in the glitter of gemstones. The shiny was distracting. 

He flicked his ears when told it may be time too head back. “So soon? I feel like we only just started. Or is the magic drain of such a spell? If so, no need to drain it on this trip. Your city is grand and pretty, I’d be content walking its streets with you and seeing all it has too offer.” He replayed with a respectful bow of his head. Well she was an odd mare, he found her pleasant. A good thing as with the deals being offered he’d have to keep in contact with her.

“I… Never teleported before, and heard it is no less easy on others the first time.” Niilaavin says back, if nothing else than to cover for his own reenactment to being teleported. He still felt rather queasy but swallowed it down. “A first time for everyone, after all.” He added and followed her into the mine. North Wind just grunted some, doing her best to wipe her muzzle clean and look presentable again before dashing after them to stay behind her master. He looked around the mine, getting low, almost on his belly, to follow the mare without fuss. His eyes danced around the place, looking at the working ponies… Then waved a pay next to a few. “Ah, no wonder they are not reacting. They can’t see us can they? Or are we even truly here? I’d notice something… Large as myself, cloaked or not.” He hummed in thought before moving deeper with the pink mare. 

He was putting together where they must be, seeing as she did not feel like telling him. “Are we at… Or well, now in the Crystal Caverns?” He asked, lowering his muzzle down to watch the filly work for a moment. Then he flicked his ears when asked what mark he may give Jizara. That was… Not easy to answer, he felt. He did not think of it at all in fact until now. They wanted him to do that? By the bells, Jizara wanted him too didn't she. He glazed down at a paw and popped one claw staring at it a moment. He’d… Need to practice inking fur on a pony. He’d hate to make a mess of her fur. He looked over at Cadance. “Something… Related to the moon I think. A crescent… Yes, that will fit. A time of change, the end of one and the start of another. I think it's thematic for her to leave her old life and join mine.” He chuckled softly, almost sober thinking about that. 

“I can’t believe it sometimes. I don’t know what she can see in me. I can offer her so little, yet she looks at me…” He cuffed, shaking his head. “I feel so much shame speaking of this, yet you are the princesses of love. So you must enjoy hearing such. For my kind it's… We do not have love like you do. Mates come and go and a male is judged by the size of his land and the number of females kept. He hardly spends much time with them. They court, he wins them to his land. Mate… And then his duty is to keep the land safe from others. That’s it. I saw my father once, flying overhead. That was it. And mother hardly spoke about him. He was a far lord and had good land. That is all I know about him. Then he was killed and a new pride-king came. That was that. She liked the new one less and was going to leave when all departed… All of this is to say, this is all uncharted for me. Her, This kingdom, everything. I’m walking a new trail for my kind. And I’m so thankful she is here to help me. I don’t feel so alone with her by my side. And I hope I can repay that. I truly do. I hope to be whatever she views in me.” He spoke, rambling in a way about this. But he felt Cadance may be his best outlet for this. At least he hoped she’d keep all this just between rulers. They were soon to be neighbors after all, so maybe it was good to open up and let her see his more soft side.

Niilaavin waved back and forth on unsteady legs, a moment looking dazed. That was the first time he’s ever been teleported and it took his mind a few moments to even register what happened as he looked around himself in soft daze and his stomach did a flip. Oh that was unpleasant. Not painful, just… unpleasantly disorienting. He shook his head a few times and made rather crude sounds as shook it off and looked around with more focused eyes. “Next time please offer me a warning, oh that was… Something.” He mutters, his mind clearing as his body settles down. He took in his surroundings swiftly and noted he was no longer in the city… And honestly he had no clue where he even was now. The sound of a pony losing her lunch pulled his gaze down to North Wind. The poor mare was retching. With respect he looked away and acted as if saw nothing and looked at Cadance. 

“Oh, that’s new.” He says leaning his head down to inspect the now very shiny pony. She looked… Well, not very real. Like some work of art, not a thing of flesh and blood. He then pawed her to see if she felt as hard as she looked now. As soon as he did it, he scolded himself mentally, but some things were very hard to repress. She was just so… Shiny! He wanted to bap her. “Ah, sorry. You are just… Hrm, you are shiny. It's hard to stop myself sometimes with such.“ He admitted with a passing smile before he waved a paw at the land around them. Thick woods, towering mountain peaks. He knew vaguely where they were by that alone. “Where are we?” He asked before remembering what was asked of him before the teleport. 

“And keep this between us, but it has no symbolism. Few do, we just make up something that looks cool. I came up with this in… Oh, a few moments with mud and a shiny pool of water with the help of Jizara." He paused for a moment, he regretted adding the last part. "But I say it means I am born to rise above others, such that the long line rises over the dots.” He added after a moment to move on. “But it just looks cool. But for us, it does matter without symbolism. Every single one of us has markings found just on us. In a way, that is the symbolism. Areself. We will mark land with it, clawing it onto things alongside scent.” He added, giving more context for it.

He felt a bit of hesitation to leave the meeting so soon. But everyone seemed fine with the meeting winding down in such a way for now. And good will come of him peeking over heads and staring at tiny text on papers? He can’t read most of it, it was just too small for him. Just markings on a tiny page, on a tiny book. He can’t even read his own fan mail without help from a servant! And so it was evident nothing good will come of him haunting the place asking for every detail to be broken down into something he can understand. Blue hammered it well into his head a good leader knows when to just trust on court. He may not have that yet, but he did trust his friends. “Oh very well, what is a meeting of royalty without tours.” He says with a roll of his eyes, then pulls himself up after with the last parting purring nuzzle at Jizara. “And black is much more easy to make than other colors were back then, my list of colors was limited. Black. Or Red. Blue was truly out of my reach at the time and purple? Oh, a kitten can dream of rivers of milk with more truth than my hopes of seeing such. But maybe it's worth revisiting such now, color is so easy to get… And I am told, less deadly.” He says with a chuffing purr. 

He  took one last look at the big world map, then waved his paw. And like that it faded into mist revealing the big table and its food again. He leaned down and snapped up the last of the roasted hog, downing it in one bite and crunch of his jaws. “Lead away.” He gestured for Cadance and followed her, for all his size he moved almost silently after her other than his speech. “The markings, GriffLaudi, are in a way like their own… Markings that you sport on the rump. Just we don’t get them by magic. Or that they mean what we do… So less like what you have. But still a personal thing. It marks you as an adult. I got mine the day before I departed my den.” He spoke, looking down at the tall alicorn as if she was some foal, his story fading down the hallway with a departing flick of his lion's tail. North Wind, his head servant, left soon after following him out in a fast trot to keep peace with the giant.

Niilaavin for his part was impressed that Cadance can pop claws after all. Even if they were the claws of a kitten, it sat well with him all the same. Maybe she was not a rug for Twilight after all. But his approval of her flashing claws did not help him make head or tails of heart of this… Problem at paw. Why was, of all things, roads the first real thorny bush in this meeting? They are just… Paths. If you get fancy you put down stones. And if you got real ahead it had a train line. Now that was a marvel of this age he saw some real use in. You’d need a wagon train of some size, and so many more workers to match such a thing and they’d still be slower. But they are just making a road, not a train line. So what was making this so much of a pain in the tail for them? More perplexing was Blueblood and Jizara seemed more keen on it, than dismissing it. What was with ponies and roads? 

He mulled it over in his head and found it… Just bothersome and almost petty. Uniquely challenging environment? He already took up a Den for his hunts out there! He found water, food and spent almost two years flying the land and learning what it had too offer. It was challenging but he was taking his claim on land he saw almost abandoned just to fussed at about how ‘close and loved’ it was. He found himself understanding why meetings like this took weeks, maybe even months to sort out. At first he found such claims silly before sitting down and being in one. Oh he got it now. This was going to be long, painful and very tiresome. They traded pain of body for pain of mind with this conflict for land. He’d take pain of body any day. Just as he was about to speak a soft tapping of hoof on wood grabbed his attention as Blueblood spoke up first. "Think of this kingdom as your firstborn.  No matter how proud a sphinx may be relative to others, we come into this world helpless without the care of our parents.  You are one parent, and the Crystal Empire the other.  If anything, the Empire is the mother, for it is from their den that Hyatria shall emerge from.  But in its infancy, the Kingdom must be nursed, and the father support them in their nursing, if they wish their kitten to grow strong and wise." The unicorn explained in terms Niilaavin had to take a moment to grasp.

Not that this was hard to understand, it was very easy for him and made much more logic than whatever the two princesses have going off about with roads. What took a moment to grasp was the fact Blue was speaking about what the princesses were trying too convey. That left his mind reeling for a moment. If that is what they meant, why did they make this so damn confusing and rant about roads? What is up with ponies and their love of paths? Jizara piped up, speaking with all the fire of a sphinxess as she joined in on the topic some more.  "It would indeed be a challenge to match that offer, Princess Cadence.  My concern is that it may be excessive in expenditure; development ahead of usability just leads to rotting capital goods.  But... as a gesture of friendship, if nothing else, I would accept.  Just... do keep in mind that I would prefer the work done at the local level if at all possible.  It is important that those who live here take ownership and pride in the work of their hooves, and not see themselves as dependents.  The child must grow up, and... eventually, move beyond the ability of their mother... to give...."

He was going to make a remark about feeling ganged up on. But the words died in his muzzle as saw the mare lose her voice and almost shut out the world. He looked at her, eyes wondering for a moment. And then he felt horrible. He treated her like a fellow sphinx and she’d never want him to act otherwise. But she was not a sphinx. She was a pony that has seen many winters already. He loved her for that, he truly did. But her time was… From his view… So short. He’d not have her very long and that was dreadfully painful. And here he was tossing about plans that will take dozens of years and the turning of decides to see done. He’d spend years working his paws to see something done his way… And what? Will he come home and find his Den empty? Will he waste so much of her time? It left him taken back and speechless as he just looked at her. A soul so big in a body so small and short lived. He found himself unworthy honestly. Young, foolish and with what? Nothing to offer other then years in caves and on the hunt? He can’t even give her a litter. 

He laid down, moving closer to almost wrap around her, he did not care what the others felt or saw in this. Or if she fussed at him about dignity. What good was dignity and his head held up if she may pass his paws unhappy? He can’t give her one thing, but he can offer others. He let out an almost growling chuff of air before looking over at Blueblood. “I will… Entrust Prince Blueblood to speak on my behalf regarding this matter, but any final verdict shall be done only on my voice alone. And all changes of borders must be asked of me first Blue, before you make any changes.” He huffed and gave the mare held in his paws a gentle lick using just the tip of his tongue. She was never a fan of this but it was just one thing she’d have to keep dealing with. This was sphinx love, she wanted it and so she must deal with what comes along with that. Being groomed was just not up for debate. With the matter of this topic settled for now he took golden hook offered by Twilight change the pace of things. 

Far as he can tell this really was just a nice way to ‘end’ the meeting for now. Things were getting heated and it was best every one took a moment to clear the palate as it were. “If you are asking about how we’d do a wedding I hate to bring ill news. We had no custom of the sort. But we did have a way to conduct courting. When a male took a female into his den, we had some duty and so did she in how it was done. In a way that can be seen as a wedding. After a female approved of the male he’d take her to his den, if he had other mates he’d greet her to them. If he had none, he’d skip such. They’d share in the first hunt and meal together first. Then come sunset they’d give each other a new marking.” He pulled a paw up to his face, then ran a claw along the marking under his eye. “This, she’d add to it or give me a new marking somewhere. And I’d do the same, adding too or giving her a new one. That is a mark of bounding and we’d refresh them whenever they fade. I’d touch up hers, she’d do the same to mine. It's as close as we have to such a ceremony as marriage.” He explained, happy for the change of pace with things.

Niilaavin was disappointed too learn that the plot of land was so conflicted with claims, he personally only wanted it for hunting ground. It was rich in game come spring and summer. But it was not worth fussing over here. Maybe he can work out a deal with the Yaks? He’d rather them own it then the hide-changers… Even thinking of them running some… ‘breeding program’ made him feel sick and distressed. A buffer between his lands and them will be a good thing. He shifted uneasily, doing his best to relax before he worked himself up over that detail and focused his mind on the offer with Cadance. Yet again she turned it down and backed something weaker. Some Empire. Was she really just a doormat for Twilight? Maybe some years from now he’d need too reach out to her more when his own land was more developed and strong. Maybe together they’d claw more independence from the south. But that was a passing dream for another time. 

“If you so wish, they shall be seen and known as subjects whenever we all come too an agreement. But for one year they do what they must, be taking all home and hearth so wished, to leave for your lands without worry.” He says back, giving her a soft bow of the head in understanding. The talks moved with the help of Blueblood and even Jizara. He was happy she took up some documents and even seemed interested in it. Not that she believed she lacked the skill, she did. Just she was under no pressure to help with this at all. She was invited to watch anything past that was up to her. And so a tail curled to gently brush at her in thanks as he did his best to follow the topic. Infrastructure, roads, operations and other terms tossed about like kittens playing with a fresh kill. And then a new price was dropped onto his paws like some bolder. 

“TWO SEVEN!?” His voice boomed, rattling the room with its force as he snapped a glare at the two mares. He pulled in a breath. “No. Two is all I will go. I will take the gesture of good and take the plans, maps I take? Of the paths. I will not take on this ‘corp of engineers’ to help if it will just bleed me dry. I’d sooner spend a decade to rip the trees out of the land myself then bleed my funds more. I was born into a cave. I lived on the meat of hunts. I drank from rivers that came and went with the rains. I knew no roads, no town, no city and slept under the stars with a bed of sand, rock or grass.” He thumped his tail on the floor, taking a moment to gather himself. “You say I need not fear economic hardship, I have strong powers next to me. I do, but at what cost?” He glanced at Cadance for a moment with a harder glare before focusing more on Twilight. “I do not care if I live in a cave as I work alongside my subjects to make this land ARE land. I will house Jizara inside of the Crystal City every winter if that is what it takes as I make a den with my own paws. So yes, I find issues with this. The land is self sufficient is it not? The towns are content to live as they have, without help? They will live years yet as we grow together, me and them, and make this land our own. Not indebted to outsiders, not bowing to another.” 

The large cat let out a deep, rumbling breath as he rubbed a paw on his muzzle. “Let us step back to the last offering. One five for the acre, preference of trade and military alliance. I am content with the terms of such. Oh, and Tartarus being owned by myself, and Princess Twilight Sparkle together in guardianship.” With that he lays down, reaching out with a paw to gently lay it over Jizara’s back for his own comfort. This was all so very taxing on his mind, as if his own soul and mind were in conflict. All of this was not… What his soul wanted him to do. But it is what his mind knew he must. He must play by the ways of this land and this age. As confounding as they were. When he had his own land. Then he can make his own blasted books and codes. And that gave him some comfort, almost as much as Jizara relaxed his loneliness in this strange world.

Niilaavin was many things and in many ways can boast power and skills better than the lesser ones. But in one aspect he fully admits full defeat. Accounting. He struggled following math and numbers used in this day and age and often found it all just flowing together into one big mess within his head. It made his head spin and even with the help of servants found himself hopelessly lost. But that is what a chancellor was for, a task Blue was helpful in partly filling but a seat he will need a more proper filling in soon… Or, as it felt, now. He blinked at the mass of papers being waved at him in magic, before letting them fall onto an open paw… He gently put them down next to Jizara and hoped it would not seem rude. He was not discarding them, just putting them to the side. He licked a fang and did his best to refocus on the ongoing diplomatic work. It seems the monetary aspect was not going too move, a shame as the cost did make him wince some. Regardless of how ‘self-sufficient’ his new subjects will be he’d need income to fond work in a remote, hard land. All of that will cost some hefty gold. Let alone pay for his own needs. Even if lives as minimalist as he can… He was a Spinx and his food costs were jaw-dropping to most. He’d have to make full use of the land and wild game to cut that down. 

Despite his hopes it seems he’d be living rather… Wild for a time. That was acceptable. About 8 years ago from his view of time, he was living in the wild even. Before he was enslaved by that mage. He did worry about Jizara and her needs. She had no skills in such and was just a pony. He’d need to work hard to provide her a safe den in such wild lands. Even if he put her up in a town… She’d be a stranger. It made him fret. But she seems willing to see this to the end with him. He just hoped that fire lasted when it found its first winter in whatever housing he got her. He focused himself onto Cadance and her reply to his officer. He was somewhat taken back by her dismissing the use of overseers to keep an eye on her subjects under his care. But she did seem to want some safety for them. “Very well, we shall scrap the use of overseers on your behalf. But I will keep three decades for all your subjects to integrate, or leave. We can meet half-way and have them seen you as your subjects, and mine, for that time. And leave it up to them when the time runs out where they wish to be. When that time's over they will swear oaths onto my claws or depart. Three decades is a very long time for them to decide such and I hope it makes you feel at peace for them. If they wish to leave, they may take all they have down to the very house if they so want and have all that time to do so.” He was happy to have full command of the towns he admitted to himself.

Even if he ‘shared’ them as subjects, that held small meaning if the land and town was his. At most it just means if one commits a crime he’d have to tell her about it before punishment. A small detail and one that does not hinder him. But the next part of the topic from Twilight made him ponder for a moment as he looked back at the map. The Tenochtitlan Basin was a place he did consider making a claim on as well before thinking from a more pony view. He can fly over all the land easily. Not all can do that and mass movement of goods will be limited to land, mostly wagons, until he can get rail going. The Tenochtitlan Basin was just too remote from where he wanted his capital. And it seemed that restraint had some use as they viewed them as a regional power to conduct himself with. Noted. But looking at it did make his brain wonder. And a playful idea popped into his mind. He pulled the map north, popped a claw then drew along the land. As he did it left a glowing trail to mark out a border, as he did this he spoke. “What country claims the land east of the Sea of Ruin? South belongs to the Tenochtitlan, west… Was held by the hide-changers. But they largely gone now, outside of some new nest? I must admit I have not followed the developments of the hide-changers all too much. Just that some of them are…” He licked a fang, words failing him a moment. “Trust-able. But that does not matter. The eastern Sea of Ruin, Crystal Caves sits very close. Do you own the land all the way up to that inland sea Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?” He asked, looking over at her, then at Twilight. “The summarizing feels just and accurate to the matters so far.” He added.

A deep, rolling snort came from Niilaavin at the remarks on the griffin aspect. But it opened a door for him he found intriguing as he looked west deeper into the Great Leota. Maybe he can push his borders more west? Well the deep woods of the forest will be hard to tame and take long years… It was a land much warmer than most around it. Some clearing and land management… And it can be his bread basket. Something too consider and keep close to paw as the talks go then. Such was his draw to more land he almost blanked out on what Cadance was saying. He shifted his gaze to her. He almost scoffed that she took note of Fort Trottderdale, he was planning on founding a new port city and believed that fort was all but ruins home to bandits. It was a small blessing he did clear them out like he did some other bandit dens. The more shocking news was this ‘Crystal Caverns’ mining settlement. He pawed at the living map underneath them and with a flick of his paw, made the land rush north until it overlooked the spot. 

He leaned his head down, staring at the spot as he raked his mind… And found nothing. Just valleys, woods and tundra. He never saw the town with his overhead passes of the land. He’s not been this far north much, he must admit. He licked a fang. He wished he could just bite down on her… He let out a breath. “My kingdom will be poor already for some time and the steeper the opening payment, the worse it will be for some decades.” He remarked, sitting up as he looked over at Cadance and away from the missing mining town from his map. “But I was aware we’d need counter offers to help us both, and your subjects. So I give you this with any officer. Friendship between realms, in trade and arms, for so long as I draw breath. So long as I live we will come to your aid with whatever we have. The stronger my realm becomes, the stronger a friend you have on your western border. My army will head any call, or need, you ask. Be it helping rebuild from disaster, or marching side by side to toss off threats that wish to harm what you so love. That is a gift born in time. We both know it will take long years before I uphold it with any worth. Before will come trade. Your traders will have priority on purchasing goods and selling within my lands. Not hegemony, just priority. And along with that, I know the love you hold for your subjects and the wish to see them treated well in my kingdom as it takes claws to land. For such, I offer this. Four three decades you may appoint three overseers.”

“Fairflanks, Crystal Caverns and Fort Trottderdale will be under the overseers and anything I do within the boundaries of their ownership will need the blessing of the overseers. Without their blessing, I will not act within the limits of the settlements. That will give them time to warm up to the change and feel safe. And give me time to better learn the needs and wants of your subjects underneath my care. When the three decades pass, and only then, will I ask them to bow to me and officially know me as their Tyr and them as my subjects. This gives them time as well, to leave and move into your lands if they so wish. All of this is tied into my officer with no demands given for them. It is, as it is. I hope this makes the burden of entrusting me with your subjects less heavy.” He smiled, doing his best to not flash too much fang in it. He hoped she knew he was being honest and truthful in his wants. He wanted to be loved, as much as her subjects loved her. He wanted to be worshiped out of real love, not fear. A Tyr they all saw fly overhead and felt warmth for. That is one thing he learned well from pony leadership. A land that truly loves you, will do so much to keep you in charge. 

He then moved his gaze onto Twilight before shifting it back to the Great Leota. He flicked his paw and moved the map to look down over the vast woodlands, that at the heart even held a jungle of all things. Magic? Or some other force? He did not know. He’s seen the tribes and even spoke with a few of them… Some even worshiped some… Cat-like thing. He hated that thing with every fiber of his soul. How dare anything claim god-hood with such a cursed body? It was disgusting and he was going to crush every last scrap of that thing from his lands. The All-Mother made the world and her children perfect. He licked his fangs again and looked back at Twilight, snapping himself out of his thinking. “I am more used to dealing with tribes than his modern life. Five years ago from my view, I lived in a time when… ‘tribes’ as you call them were how all your kind lived outside a few cities. Cities were the odd ones out, now it is the other way.” He remarked with a cuffing sound. “I will demand they bow. I will be truthful. But bow in the way my kind did in old times. They know me as Tyr and give me tithes, and they go about as they see fit. I will not move them… Or ‘permit’ them to live on only selected land as if it's some gift. The woods they call home are deep, unmapped and full of danger. It will be a long time before I can even think of really settling it in a meaningful way. So it is wise to use that time to build deeper links and with small steps lead them closer to being fully part of my realm. My kind is long lived, I can let them grow used to changes over decades without fuss.” He added, moving onto the next topic. 

He let out a mused huff as Twilight took command of his magic map, moving it to show Tartarus. “I am glad you speak of it. I was planning to bring it up as well as a joint overship. I know it holds many dangers to us all, and all can stand to keep it sealed. It seems you were one step ahead. Still I speak my mind. The lands around it will be off limits, and owned by all three of us. A joint ownership to keep it guarded and sealed. Safer as it seems now, I am not one to rest on my hunches with such. I feel it helps us all, for all to keep a paw and hoof aware of it together. Three sets of eyes, ears and power to keep it as is… Sealed, forever. I hope none of you will object to such an idea.” 

With that out of the way he mused on the next topic. “My title will be Tyr, in pony speech it… It means ‘Lord of all dens, master of all under wing.’ or something along the line. My speech does not translate easily at times. A more blunt translation is ‘Emperor’, it was a title given to leaders of my kind's past. Even when I walked, none held it. A sphinx that did not just bite, claw and kill for some scraps of land. But a sphinx that led many dens and even had other males fly under wing. It is a title from a lost age, when the world was given to us. A time we lost, by our own blinded egos. I wish to use it to mark a new age. One where my kind put aside are faults and learn so the realm of the Tyr may unite us once again. Such as the den of the All-Mother, may it nurse us back from nothingness.” He smiled, eyes looking into nothing as he dreamed of such a time. Dens, kittens and taking wing with a dozen of his kind following. The All-Mother may return and purr her blessing seeing her children learn from their mistakes. But he pulled his eyes back to focus on Twilight. 

“But I know you asked for more than just that. It will be an absolute monarchy that is not open to be discussed. I have seen how some places go about things and find it lacking. I will not have my lands waste years bickering over pretty pointless drivel. My word will be final and absolute. I will bring back the teaching of the All-mother as well. It will be the faith of my land, but it will not be forced onto my subjects. How they pray in their den is up to them… Speaking of den, I will place sphinx views of family and kinship, on how the social system works. Den, Clutter, territory and the Tyr atop all. A Den is the smallest unit. Dens make up a clutter and clutters make a territory.  A den is family, all united onto one. All the den works together and there is no shame in keeping to the den. A kitten may grow, and stay, helping the den grow without leaving to start his own. The needless removal of males… Even females at times. It doomed us. We must work together, and my subjects will do the same. I see so much…Individuality that hurts more than helps. The apple clan is a marvel of unity and kinship… But I am off topic. I ask that my ponies bow to me, and know me as Tyr. I will lead them. I will bleed for them. I will lend claws and fangs to defend them. And I ask that bow and give unto me the means to run the kingdom. I will not sit on some throne, hoping problems will fix themselves. They will see my fly overhead. They will see me first into the fires. And we will rise, or fall, as one grand den. That is how I will learn from the past.” With that done he sat down, he did not even notice in the moment he got up and flared his wings. He cuffed gently and looked down at Jizara. He felt tired from this. All this talking. Speaking. Thinking about his words. His eyes begged her to take the lead for a moment.

Niilaavin watched things settle in and looked down at the food on offer. Most of it was pony fair, but they had meat on offer for him thankfully. Even a full hog. He leaned a paw over and popped a claw, slipping it under the pig and lifted. It hooked the roasted hog and lifted it up, dangling from the claw as he moved it over his plate and retracted his claw. He then picked up a tray of more pony-fitted food stuff and moved it over to where Jizara sat. About that time Cadance spoke up. “The room you gave me had ample space, I know it must have been hard to think of a room for me. But the refuted hall worked fine and I felt very comfortable. The bed made out of the assorted pillows was perfectly fine and comfortable. The cooks have treated me well and followed the help of my own staff.” He replied with a nod then leaned his head down and bit at the hog. Half of it disappeared behind teeth with a crunching of bone and rending of meat. He was not trying to be gross with the act and did lift a paw to help cover his muzzle. Doing that helped some ponies feel less… Disturbed. 

After swallowing down his bite he spoke some more. “Well spiced and cooked. also, speaking of the young. I hear you have your own litter of one? It seems many a litter are babbling about and leaves me thankful my den-mother is not here to haunt me about a lack of my own. It seems that is a constant between species… We all have that one mother asking where her next litter is.” He cuffed and chuckled at the joke for a moment. With everyone settling in it seemed the meeting was picking up to the matter at paw. He was thankful for it, he did not know how long he’d play along with the pleasantry. His ears twitch at the rush of magic and watched everything move about. “We may start, thank you Princess Twilight. I shall use some of my own magic, it shall be used to help show you details and not alter your thinking. You may test for such as often as you wish. I will not be upset.” He says looking over them with a cat's smile.

With that he reared up and clapped his front paws together, it was a booming sound that was hard to not focus on. And that was his trick as his magic sank claws into perception and dug. Then he slammed a paw down… not on a table. But the north tundra. All of them sat akin too god-like giants looking down over the sky view of the lands. Built up from his own memories flying over the north. He cuffed, smiling at his own work. Clouds moved, rivers flowed and trees moved in the winds. He aimed a claw at the Webwing mountains, then down south to The Knightheads. And last he aimed a claw east, where they can see the glimmer of the city in the horizon this far up. “This is the northern plains and the north-eastern Great Leota. We are sitting about in the middle of it all.” He aimed his paw down and tapped a claw on a river down the plains and into the forest. "This will mark my eastern most border. I can’t find documents about the name, but it is well marked on the maps and can be seen by air. It is a major river that flows south from ice-melt in the far north. It flows down into the planes. North-words, it forks with one river flowing back north and into the north sea. Another river, this one I believe to be the origin point of the Corusca river flows out of the Great Leota and east on-wards to your wonderful city Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.” He tapped a claw and pulled it along the length of that river within the old woods and stopped before it left into planes. “This will be my southern border at its smallest. I wish to have them pushed more south onto the Knightheads.”

He looked up from the world under paw and inspected the onlooking ponies. “Part of this land is owned by Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, as you well know. Westwords the land is officially under Equestria ownership, but that is not enforced. The Great Leota has no real enforcement of law, or even falls under the mail system. Let alone taxing. With the Western most half of the woods being owned by Aquella… That acts as a hard border stop for me, at least for now. Some giffins are willing to sell me the land. At least, willing to tell me they will. Rather or not the… government will is another story. So my focus rests in your hooves. This land is largely ungoverned and breeds crime, danger and hides threats to both of you. Having a government seated in the north will help unite and make it safer for all of us.” He swished his tail side to side for a moment, then looked over at Blueblood. “Prince Blueblood, may you bring forth offers of payment for the land from Princess Mi Amore Cadenza?” He sat down, just glad to let other talk. He was not the most diplomatic of sorts and all this was just... Well, he wished he can just pop claws and go at it. That was more easy to understand disputed borders.

Lord Niilaavin of House Platinum. The lord title was one of raw formality with him being adopted into House Platinum. The later part mattered more. He was adopted into it some time ago, but only lately did he leverage that aspect more. He was, in a way, related to old royalty at least in name. And that did account for something with the nobles even if it was not by blood. And so he put everything on display for this trip. It's been months of work, and well over a year of flying and scouting lands so he prepared to strike his claim with detail and merit. He was after all taking territory from another… With paper and words. The idea was still strange to him but much was in this world now. Even with the passing of years plenty still struck him as strange with how things were done at times. 

But he adapted and still was. Still learning. Still growing. Both in his mind and in body. The years of steady food, work and moving has done him well. So well Lord Niilaavin of House Platnom can not fit inside a train. And so he was laying on a flat cart. One dressed up well for one of his titles, but a flat cart all the same. He’d fly to the north under any other trip. But this time he had a passenger that was determined to bring… Well, just about everything. And thanks to her his own servants felt the need to bring just about everything as well. And so here he was, laying on a padded flat cart watching the countryside pass by on a train loaded up with some small towns worth of servants and cargo. At least it was not boring. It was relaxing in all honesty and a welcome break from the week's worth of paperwork. 

-----

He arrived a few days early to prepare with Jizara and Blueblood. Along with his staff all put up housing he found most pleasing, even if some rooms were on the small side for his kind. But changing some grand hall into a bedroom for him was clever. And in that room he peaces, eyes looking at a map on a wall as his servants held makers and kept notes. He did not hope for much, yet his heart screamed for more. Anything to sink his claws into and scream his name to the sky. He needed land. He dreamed of it awake and in sleep. Some deep part of his soul demands he claim something. He had too. And this was the opening. Not some duel with fang and claw. But words, ink and a map… He wished it was fang and claw. This felt more intimidating.

----

Horns bellowed, three long drawn out blows with a sharp tone. He was walking down the hallway, his cape tailing behind as he walked. His gold earrings clacked together, his golden claws peeking out of the pad. He walked with a focused pace. His size makes his servants have to trot to keep peace with his strides. When he was found he was taller than Celestia. In the passing years that gap grew and grew. He was reaching his prime, his mane thick and body built. He had to duck his head down to inter the archway welcoming him to the grand Hall the meeting was to be held in. A pegasus mare with gray stormcloud like fur moved ahead of him to the side. Her voice echoed in the hall. “LORD NIILAAVIN OF HOUSE PLATINUM!” She stomped a back hoof three times, all his servants saying outside the hall did the same and echoed his name.  He did not train them to do that, North Wind did that all on her own as his staff's head-master.

As the sound died down he walked in and eyed up the table and where Twilight was seated. Then at Cadance. Some Empress. With one glance he knew the Princess held more power in this talk and would be the main target, Cadance second. North Wind shouted again. “LADY JIZARA!” Once again the three stomps sounded, each thundering of hooves followed her name as it was repeated just as many times. It male him swell with pride to hear that as much as his own name. That was his own request for them to treat her name with the same respect of his own. He gave a soft bow for Twilight and Cadance. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and Princess of Friendship. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Empress of the Crystal Empire, Princess of Love.” With that he moved and took his seat atop a truly large pillow. He was pleased to sit atop something clearly made for something of his size. He was more pleased to see the just as big pillow next to him. It was almost comically large for Jizara but he knew she’d do just fine. 

North Wing spoke up again. “PRINCE BLUEBLOOD OF HOUSE PLATINUM, PRIMUS INTER PARES!” Once again the echoing thunder of three hoof strikes sounded alongside the name being echoed three times. Niil looked over to watch Blueblood enter the hall and take his seat. By paper work, they are legally siblings in a way. And as blood brothers by word go, he was pleased with blueblood. He’d spend a day retailing all the things that pony did to get him where he was now. He was kin, by name as much as niils own feeling of family. He looked back down the table, sitting pride in place at the other end of it looking head on to Twilight. He licked a fang, a nervous tick of his and felt a hoof jab his side and stopped. It was time for the game too began.

He let out a long chuckling purr at what she asked, glancing back at her atop his back. “Very well Jizara. I shall do my best to explain how we are… And why you… Well, you remind me of.” She let out a breath of air and looked on ahead as he fly's. “Your wits. You are cunning, scheming and nimble with thoughts. I see how you navigate around problems and seek ways to sit atop the order. Ponies view such traits poorly I am told. We do not not see them as such. To our kind they are esteemed traits to have and I see such in you. That sharp cunning to out move your target and place yourself where you need to be. You have come far, have you not? And you will go further. But I see more as well. More than a cat's cunning you have a cat's confidence. You do not meek away. Not even to me when we first crossed paths. You looked at me as if I was every inch your size. You spoke to me as if you were every part my equal. You walked with grace, spoke with assurity and power. Some ponies may do one, but falter on the others. Even ones that dislike me and speak such still back away, look down or at others. They show fear when they speak with none. You never did. Not once did you ever act for a moment as if you were not every part my equal in every way.” 

He looked down at the passing land. A deep and old forest that seemed to go on until the very end. But in that sea of trees sometimes she can spot small clearings. Sometimes she can see smoke rising from them and shapes that may be buildings. Niil spoke more. “It pulled me in. That personality had a feeling to it. Some call it ego. I call it a birthright. It is a fire that will not be snuffed out. Even when it is just an ember it is ready to roar back into life with kindle. And I offered that fuel. And the ember took it. You took it. No hesitating. Even now that small flame is growing into a fire. And it is beautiful, warm and gives the warmth of a den I lost so long ago. Your body is a pony, but that soul sings of so much more. And the longer I hear the song the more confident I am in what I do. Even now. I do not feel so alone when I walk… or well, fly, alongside you. For once I feel as if I am speaking with my own and not something less.” He moved his head to look back at her with one eye, pulling his cat-muzzle into a smile. “Jizara fits you more than whatever it was. When I look a you… I see more than some prey. You are a fellow hunter at heart. The world is a gift for us and we are made to rule. Do you feel it? You were born to rule, such as I. I know not your bloodline but you must feel that truth. We are not made to bow.”

“I think the clean brake is an amusing idea, and you are not the first to say it to me. Yet I found no such thing to be true. No matter the ‘unbridgeable gulf’ as you put it… The past follows you. I am better than I was the first year. But still some days I wake up and feel completely out of place. Maybe it's because I was not ready for it. Did not ask for it. Maybe if one wants too cut rope it feels different. Maybe not. No matter how far you fly, the land and sea is still here and the stars out of reach.” He found his reply longer than he was thinking it may, yet… It felt proper. He was speaking too himself in a way. No matter how far he may go. His past will still be there. He can’t change it. But he was making peace with it and in a way this was part of that. He was moving on and shedding more what was. 

Speaking of moving on… He chuckled out a deep purr at her remarks. “I am glad you love the name. It is pretty, is it not? Much for fitting a name. Even if I do enjoy spoiling.” He chuckled more, his mood glowing with her own. It was hard to linger in darker places when she was around. And such things only reinforced his wish to court her. Even if she was a pony, she gave him a feeling he was missing. One that drove him onwards to courtship in his own way. He may not be a pony and she may not be a sphinx. Yet… He felt relaxed as if she was. And maybe one day she can be. “If. Such a word for this. Yet I wonder if it can be done. Can one be raised to the body of a sphinx? What will it do? Will you gain wings? Magic? Not that it matters, even without wings you’d make for a fine sphinx.” He purred at that, enjoying the idea of her being more his size. As much as he did see her as a fellow sphinx… She was a pony. And that made some things a hint difficult. 

He flicked his ears, chuckling as he looked ahead. They had a ways to go yet and some hours of flying. Still he had ways to pass the time. “Jizara, would you like to talk about something? My home, are ways. My dreams for this land? We have much sun left in the sky before I reach the old fort and camp. And I know you enjoy hearing me talk about such things… And if you do become a sphinx I can stand too teach you some more sphinx ways.”

“Jizara it is.” He says pulling a more earnest smile to his lips, even if what she asked clearly tugged on him. “I am very far from home. And Not just distance… I willingly keep the distance in truth. I do not wish to cross that sea again and see a land… I do not recognize. I must be honest. I still don’t fully know how long it's been, it’s been that long from my time. I can only piece together details by a few names and places. But even then narrowing it down has been hard. But I think the stone spell was cast on me… Over three thousand years ago. Give or take a hundred or so years. Even too my kind, that is a staggering amount of time.” He flicked his ears down, looking away from her at his path ahead. “Everything I know is gone. Even if some places kept a name, it's not the same. It's not easy to think about and it felt… It was only a few years ago too me. I still remember it all vividly. The places. The faces.” His voice trailed off, resting on the wind and the beating of his big wings. 

He didn't know what more to say. He did not want to destroy the happy moment of her joy with his burden. So he was left in a limbo of thought as his mind struggled with memories he didn't want to deal with at the moment. “I’m glad to call you Jizara, know that. I don’t want you to think it hurts me. You can use that name well, and use it with all my blessing. So keep it with pride RaSha-Jizara.” He took in a breath and looked back at her, a warm glint in his eyes of happiness and contentment. “The sands ever change, one must learn to walk the new dunes. As do I learn to walk new times. I have my pride. My den. And maybe… A mate someday. Such is the change the winds bring. One just has to embrace it.”

He was rather surprised too be asked such. Naming her in his own language? That was no easy task too do, let alone when one was flying. But seeing her open up more and openly flirt back? That almost took his wings out of the sky. Such a smile, such remarks! It made his titanic ego swell even more with the pride she not only liked having him around, but was fully aware and wanting of his courting. It made that loneliness slip deeper away into nothingness and the purring throb of Laudi-Prrum vibrated his body. “Oh, my RaSha.” He purred. Spoiled can easily change in the word. No longer Rasha, but RaSha. A small shift in the pronunciation with much meaning for his kind. “You bring my heart laudi, do you feel it? It is song with my prrum. And one day I hope to hear yours as well.” He says looking back at her, his feline smile flashing teeth longer than her own legs. Yet not one hint of danger can be seen behind his crescent eyes. He looked at her as one looks on the thing they hold most loved and close. It was affected, simply and honestly. 

“Nilrasha…” He murred the word, playing with in his muzzle a moment. “Deeply cute but maybe too on the nose. Halaflora? No.” His eyes moved away from her, looking on ahead as he flys. His mind fully took too the task of naming her. He muttered more names, softly and rumbling. After a moment his ears perked up and he swung his head around. “Jizara, if you will have it. It's… It was the name of a sister. I loved her deeply and wanted… Well. She was incredible. Smart. Cunning. Claws sharper the blade, yet paws so caring to the touch. You are every bit as smart as she was. And just as pretty. If any can carry her name into this worrisome age, you can.” He smiled, more somber this time as his mind danced with memories that seem not so distant, yet happened so impossibly long ago.

His emerald eye stayed focused on her for a moment with that half turned head, then he made soft yarlling of a sound. “Why don’t you take another name?” He asked after a moment, looking ahead at his path with a glance. Then turning his head all the way back as best he can to look at the mare between his wings. “I wanted to ask some time ago. But felt it wrong to bring up such. Maybe you liked the name. But it seems you do not. So why keep it?” He asked, his tone full of honesty and open hearts. “I hope I can ask such a question. Names hold power, but names are not carved in stone. A name is our voice when we do not speak. It is our eyes when we do not see. Our ears when we hear not. It stands for us when spoken, this you must know. So why let your name be one easily scoffed? I do not think it is out of blood, you dislike your den-mother.” He flicked his ears, doing his best to focus on her as he fly's. 

Time to time as he spoke he glanced ahead and adjusted back on course. “But I am glad you feel safe my Rasha, I just hope such safety passes onto your mind as well. You can speak freely, you know this. Yet you bite it back. I can see it on the lips. But I will not push such. Just know you never old milk in my eyes. You are the sweetest and freshest I know. And look just as delicious.” He cuffed at the end, a sound she’s learned means 'happiness, enjoyment and fondness’ all rolled into one sound.

A deep rumbling chuckle rolled out of niils muzzle when she made her remarks on the oddity of the land being ‘unoccupied’. “The planes have a few remote homes. Hoof-to-muzzle farms out there to live on their own. But they are how I found the land takes seed well, if one can deal with the winters. As for bandits there was a small camp of such. I believe it was a fallback camp, some place to hide out if they pulled too much heat as you are not wrong, hardly much worth stealing that way. No trade paths too speak of, or other movements of good worth the risk… But they have been dealt with. Other than that the land is mostly unoccupied, like much of the ‘empires’ lands not close to its capital…” He mureed in thought for a moment. “Yes, I do think the Crystal Empire will be willing to sell, or strike some deal, for the land just to have someone on the northern borders friendly to them and keeping the land managed.”

He felt like he picked everything well. The land was worth claiming, even if it was harsh… But his paws were tied in many ways. Much of the land more suited to him was claimed a dozen times over. And he can’t take on the powers that be now… No petty kingdoms where one can take a bite out of them easily. Open land like this was rare, more rare for it to be so loosely claimed as to have a hope of removing it from something without steep costs. It was remote, but not so remote as to make trade not happen. Most of all as he can reach the Crystal Empire’s seat of power in about a day's hard flying if needed, so keeping in contact will be reasonable to help lay down the paths of trade. With luck the webwing mountains will hold some riches. If not, the planes of the north had other bounties. All in all… Not perfect. Far from it. But it was something. Something he can set his claws into. Hold. Shape. His land. His kingdom. A Pirdeking in the making. A Pirdeking with no queen or clutter…

No, that was a lie. He had a clutter in his own way. His ponies. His little ponies. He can’t see them as tools. They were more than just a means to an end. They were his bedrock and the backs that will hold the kingdom and enforce his will. That is one thing he learned well from Blue. Times changed and he had to adapt. And adapt he will. Too cold in the north. To this land and its long summers of sun, long winters of darkness. Too his little ponies. And… New love. He need not be alone. It's why he was doing this. It’s why he keeps trying to impress her. Deep down he’s already adapted and changed. And so when she praised him again a deep purring vibrated his body under her hooves. “I will warn you, the fort needs much work. But it is safe and I cleaned out rooms with some help. But much of it is still untouched. But I hope you will see what I can in that valley and old fortress. You have eyes for such and your remarks and judgment will help me deeply… But let’s not forget what this trip is for. Getting you relaxed. Even if it's just for a day or two.” He leaned his head to the side so one eye can look back at her, its crescent shape aimed at the mare as soft smile pulled at his loose cat-lips. “I do wish to make the Spoiled of your name about being indulgently looked after, and not the unfitting other term for you.”