Post by Mal on Oct 31, 2014 17:48:05 GMT -5
Lord Sombra shadowy presence languished upon Celestia's throne, gaze upon the heavy (oak?) doors that provided the room's only entrance. To his immediate left and right? Stained glass had surely depicted his defeat. Along with Tirek, and Discord. What baffled Sombra had been a small tree, and a dangling shard of mirror upon a bough. But...rather then contemplate the meaning of the tree overlong, Sombra wait and bided his time, for soon or laterPrincess Luna would hold court in these very halls. It was only a matter of time...
Princess Night walked the castle's halls at a languid pace- she had nowhere she had to be, and it was easier on her body. Although she had mostly healed after having a chandelier dropped on her, she still had a few aches; mostly it was her scarred shoulder that pained her still. The princess tried not to think too much about that night, because it was more than physical pain that had been plaguing her as of late; it helped her keep herself and her troubles under control. Luna, as lost in thought as she'd been, hadn't realized she'd already reached the throne room doors. She strode inside as the guards opened the doors for her, which closed with a heavy, ringing sound once she was inside. As Luna began the walk up the long, red-pink stretch of carpet, it took her a moment to realize that the room wasn't as empty as it usually was. There was a dark figure sitting upon the throne like a black stain. Luna would pause then, tensed, staring. The fight had taken a sure toll on her, but she couldn't possibly be going mad now too?
Lord Sombra eased the door shut too with but a weak exertion of will and magic. The means which Sombra used to lock the door shut though were quite another matter. "Your guards provided me a challenge I must admit." His every word radiated malice and wrath. And yet the lilting charm of the stallions tone carried the subtlest smidge of...apathy? "You must pardon me though. They're quite indisposed of late I hear." Dead? No. But not likely to intrude upon he and Luna for hours more to come. He'd have snapped their necks had he wanted to. And that may have been Sombra's earlier preference. "Lets not tarry overlong though, as I suspect you grow impatient of my errant prattling." Unfortunately, a nearby spider wilted away. A direct result of the bonechilling chuckle that had followed his previous statement. "Or not." However, and without further ado did the Tyrant abandon Celestia's celestial throne, sashaying [ or rather floating] towards the weakened Lunar monarch. The King hadn't however noticed how haggard the mighty princess was, nor could Sombra begin to comprehend the pain which the maiden felt. What troubled Sombra was that he was troubled by what he saw. Briefly though that may have been before being subsumed by his normally smug and arrogant veneer.
Princess Night's eyes widened upon hearing that voice, the low growl that was Sombra's trademark. She knew it well, and if she had gone mad, she was hallucinating pretty hard. It couldn't possibly be the same one who'd tried to kill her, could it? The alicorn drew herself up tall. "I do indeed grow tired of your monologue, Sombra! What do you want? Have you not caused enough damage as it is?" Luna snarled, the anger she'd quelled since that fight- anger against King Sombra, against herself for her failures- gradually beginning to rise with each word. She drew strength from it. Casually, though, as she waited for a response, her eyes sought out the guard that usually occupied the throne room- collapsed, as far as she could see. If they were dead, however, there would probably be hell to pay; she had enough dead on her conscious as it was.
Lord Sombra awareness flickered. And the first of many questions came unbidden to Sombra's mind. What in hell had happened? Though privy overmuch regarding certain Canterlot affairs, Luna's accusation struck Sombra baffled. "You're precious "guards" are perfectly fine." Though likely to wake up with one helluva headache [and/or some bruises]. "And you will not speak to me with such impudence!" Sombra bellowed. Obviously a grasp of the royal canterlot voice had its uses. "Is that understood?" Amazingly though, Sombra could change his tune as easy as he'd belted out the words previous, crooning sweetly to the lunar maiden as gently as a lover's coos. "Perhaps I exult in the opportunity to torment ye?" Sombra nastily hissed. "I imagine though that'd be far too petty. Even for the likes of me! Or perhaps I seek a certain innocuous amulet? The question is...what do you think I search for mon chéri?"
Princess Night lifted her upper lip to bare her teeth at the answer, although the matter of the guards at least was a distant comfort. When he bellowed in an attempt at the Royal Canterlot voice, though flawed, her anger flashed hotly within her. Did he really think he had the right to push her around, especially after what she'd been through? The alicorn merely glared, channeling as much hate into her gaze as she could muster while Sombra changed tact. "You seek the alicorn amulet." Luna did not ask, but stated, her voice cold and hard. "Pray tell, why should I let it fall into the hooves of one such as you? I have had enough trouble without some pitiful shadow slinking into my halls to make such demands of me!"
Lord Sombra would reason that another Sombra gallivanted 'round these parts. And had caused the havok which Luna had only alluded too. A villain was surely afoot though! A who which Sombra planned to investigate. "I seek..." Sombra obviously sought something!? Right? "...exactly that..." It'd have fit the bill too! It'd have perfectly fit Sombra's megalomania if only Sombra hadn't suddenly sounded unsure, his countenance, however ephemeral stabilizing in quite the peculiar way. "Am I really that predictable?" Sombra crooned mockingly, batting those lashes for added effect. There was something less then genuine though regarding his oft rancorous gestures. As if Sombra too hid something, wary of prying eyes.
Princess Night tilted her head at the unicorn king, her eyes narrowing at his strange response. Even stranger was the crooning and eye-fluttering. She didn't take him for the 'charming' type. The moonbringer snorted, ruffling her wings. "You, and every other who has ever threatened Equestria's peace. They have all followed predictable paths.. to take over, to become more powerful, to torment the citizens!" Luna spat. "I would know." The princess added sullenly before fixing Sombra with a skeptical eye. "I had thought you done for after your defeat at the Crystal Empire, yet like an insect you persist. So with the alicorn amulet beyond you, what is there for you here? Did you think a rise back to power would be so easy?"
Lord Sombra retorted. "You would know wouldn't you..?" For a moment Sombra couldn't meet Luna's gaze. Something strange went on in Sombra's head, something which Sombra couldn't quite explain. But then that gaze fixed itself upon Luna again, baleful and severe. "That does put us at a impasse doesn't it?" Gave time and resources, Sombra might have found the Amulet, damning Equestria by proxy. But Sombra had none and neither available in much abundance, and was but an inch from the precipice. One foot in the grave would be an adequate enough analogy, describing the circumstances Sombra was in. "What do you know about me!? Did you ever.." The outburst rancorous as it may be, exhibited something unusual beneath the surface. An anomaly which Sombra quickly tried to mask. "Perhaps then there is an alternative.. Did you not say I persist much as an insect would?"
Princess Night lifted an eyebrow in response as Sombra seemed to struggle, for once lowering his eyes from hers. That was odd of him, not what she knew of King Sombra. "It does." She answered flatly as she watched him closely, curious. Her anger still remained, a sharp blade poised to strike, but she didn't yet use it. The situation had changed. Sombra had held the power when he chose to take command of the throne room, but now that he was no longer at the top of things, the power had changed hooves. Luna drew her head up, eyeing the shadowy king, appraising, as he actually seemed to fumble. "I did." The princess replied shortly and made to walk around him for the throne. "So what will you do now?" Luna would ask. "I could have you thrown into the dungeons to fester for a while.. I daresay I am not feeling particularly fond of you lately, not that I have ever been."
Lord Sombra head felt like splitting apart. And that perhaps may have been a good thing. "Yeah... How very.."harmonious" of you." The king spat, the sharp retort providing Sombra some semblance of his formal majesty. That along with the customary smirk did wonders to Sombra's kingly mug! "I'd love to see you try." Sombra menacingly growled. Imprisoned, he'd not only likely blow the door to his cell down, but the walls along with it. That assuming Sombra didn't simply skip that altogether with some crafty magic work. Tricky was afterall Sombra's forte. That and stairs...many many many stairs. "I presume I shall depart then." Sombra crooned, midst a overdramatic curtsy. But perhaps best considering current affairs. "I'd entertain your company, but I grow weary. Until next time." A next time likely not very far off.
Princess Night lifted both of her eyebrows this time, questioning. "If it means keeping Equestria at peace while they enjoy their Nightmare Night festival, so be it." The princess replied coolly. "I have imprisoned worse than you, I daresay I can handle a mere shadow such as yourself." The princess snorted as she finally seated herself upon the throne, but her body was still tensed. Why should she allow King Sombra to leave? This one at least seemed to be the one she knew, the one of this world. The one with the wings.. he was a different one, and a different problem. Luna couldn't let two Sombras run amok. Her nostrils flared in her frustration. "I cannot allow you to simply leave this place, especially when I have questions. Such as that little trick you pulled with your crown."
Lord Sombra had lost the throne. Not the intellectual advantage that he and Luna likely shared. "You're haggard, and you're tired. Pardons me if I say you're speaking out "thy royal plot." In other words, out her arse. "Immaculate though her majesty may be." Now of course, there was a place for flattery too. It wouldn't probably get him far tonight, or anytime soon. That was the best part of the brazenness though! Sombra could compliment Luna and Luna could still be insulted! Or otherwise rebuke the King as she was wont and permitted to do. Sombra hadn't however lost his poise. "I am not sure you have any choice. Alas I shall entertain your inquiries." Sombra wasn't a pleasant cookie to crack. And truthfully Sombra would have left had Luna not sought further redress. Thus, just a smidge of irritation crossed his visage before it was snuffed out. "My little trick was but that. A better question? Why? And to that I answer, because I could." Which wasn't the full truth. "To that I ask...when was the last time you checked the treasury?" That assuming Canterlot had one. A distinct possibility given the importance of Canterlot, among other things. In all honesty, Sombra expected there'd be a vault somewhere in Canterlot, choked full of relics from ages bygone and near. A repository for things best behind shut doors.
Princess Night's eyes widened, but otherwise her expression grew stony as she tried to hide her surprise. She didn't think her strain had showed so much now.. but apparently it did, and King Sombra had a sharp eye for weakness. The only positive point was that she had him. The princess snorted again, more so at his attempt at flattery. "I would be a fool to believe that to be a truth, coming from a pony such as yourself, Sombra." Luna replied bluntly, but she knew he wouldn't tell her exactly why he'd sent his crown. Oh well, she tried at least. "I have explored the treasury in depth, cataloging everything it holds since our last visitor, the one responsible for the roaming undead and long nights. There is nothing missing. If you think the alicorn amulet is there, you are sadly mistaken. It has never existed within these walls."
Lord Sombra at least knew that the Alicorn amulet wasn't in Canterlot. By Luna's own admission no less! That at least narrowed down the selection of places where the amulet could be. Assuming Luna hadn't lied to Sombra of course! "And you'd be a fool to believe me." Sombra more then casually mused aloud. Why' would Sombra lie though bout something so fundamentally true as his dishonesty? And then admit it? "I know." Sombra hadn't been anywhere near the treasury. Besides the obvious adversity and obstacles between the treasury and him, Sombra's crown had been but an indirect volley of fear, an epidemic of fear that'd increase the guard around Canterlot. And leave Sombra somewhat free'er to roam. That and keep things pristine for moments such as now. That said, Sombra felt again weary, as if stretched out upon a rack one too many times. Sombra did errantly wonder how long it'd take Princess Luna to realize how badly she'd just blabbed. Small though the blab may superficially seem.
Princess Night quirked an eyebrow at the unicorn king as he blatantly admitted he was a liar. She wasn't sure if this whole.. thing of his was just an act, a strange change in his character, or weakness. He played everything well enough that she couldn't get a proper read on what his motive was. Other than getting the amulet of course. The lunar princess sighed and put a hoof to her temple to rub it, as though in frustration or weariness from the conversation, it was hard to tell. "I have little else to ask about, since you seem set on remaining so mysterious.. and I am tiring of it to be sure." Luna started, "If you have any set morals, would you at least hold off on starting trouble until after Nightmare Night?" Luna asked, although it was an odd question for her to be asking; why should she expect such a villain to play along at all? "I suppose I cannot stop you from leaving either, which leaves me with one other option even though I loathe to offer it: a place to stay, at least for a time." The princess finished; this, at least, would grant her the advantage of monitoring King Sombra. If he started trouble at least she would know right away and deal with him quickly- then she'd only have one other to deal with.
Lord Sombra would have called himself crazy as a loon a century ago. Then again, Sombra's secret flight of stairs must have been the work of a mad tyrant. Who else built such a insanely long flight of stairs? In Sombra's eyes though did he smolder, ablaze with what seemed to be malevolent purpose. And but for a second, Sombra seemed poised but an hairsbreadth from detonating some sort of nastiness in the throne room. Causing the exact sort of trouble which Luna loathed and hoped to avoid. Something Luna may have thought as Sombra drew yet closer to the alicorn diarch. He'd shortly stop however, rendered silent by circumstance and the provocation of thought before he spoke his piece. "I..shall consider it." Tantamount to saying yes if Sombra's unsteady tone were any indication of what war went on in Sombra's head.
Princess Night watched the unicorn king closely as, silently, he began to approach her throne. The alicorn tensed, prepared to summon her magic should she need it.. but she didn't. Whatever Sombra might have been planning, unless he was just fooling her, seemed to have passed. "I am glad to hear that much, at least." The dark lady admitted, though she frowned slightly. She was still troubled by how oddly he seemed to act, but no matter. Maybe she'll figure it out in time. "Is there anything you desire to say or will this be all? I believe I have a couple of my guard to tend to, and preparations for tomorrow."
Lord Sombra unpredictable morphic nature for the forseeable future would probably have alarmed Sombra in his hayday. Unpredictable implied a lack of control. And the lack of control implied many numerous things, few of which were actually good. Especially in the crystal tyrants case. "No...there is not." *Please just go* "... Good evening, and good night." Sombra brusquely stated, troubled too by things which seemed outside his own control. Things such as himself! What Sombra needed, or wanted was his own counsel. More time to consult with himself, yet fearing the answer that it'd give him.
Princess Night peered down at Sombra curiously, wondering what other surprises there would be. Apparently none, other than being a little polite in his goodbyes. She would have expected taunting or evil laughter, if Sombra wasn't behaving so strangely tonight. "Very well. Good night." The princess of the night would reply, rising from her seat. Granted that Sombra had already moved off, she would descend to kneel by each guard, touching her horn to their foreheads to help wake them. From there Luna'd probably send them to the infirmary and retreat to her chambers, providing Sombra didn't get in the way or cause any trouble before then. She'd have a lot of thinking do in that time, and wonder why she was being so lenient in the face of the evil unicorn king himself.
Lord Sombra there was the potent possibility that that all had been one elaborate act. An attempt to make Luna lower her already weakened guard. That conclusion made absolutely perfect sense! And yet tonight that conclusion might have been less clear or concise. Or certain. One magical vestige of seething frustration beneathe the surface whooshed out from Sombra though. And that may have been petty perhaps, but better then the alternative considering Sombra only blew out hundreds of candles. Destroying the stained glass would have probably been a messy affair, no doubt involving the use of torches and pitchforks. The artisan most surely the head of that little mob. "Goodnight.."
Princess Night walked the castle's halls at a languid pace- she had nowhere she had to be, and it was easier on her body. Although she had mostly healed after having a chandelier dropped on her, she still had a few aches; mostly it was her scarred shoulder that pained her still. The princess tried not to think too much about that night, because it was more than physical pain that had been plaguing her as of late; it helped her keep herself and her troubles under control. Luna, as lost in thought as she'd been, hadn't realized she'd already reached the throne room doors. She strode inside as the guards opened the doors for her, which closed with a heavy, ringing sound once she was inside. As Luna began the walk up the long, red-pink stretch of carpet, it took her a moment to realize that the room wasn't as empty as it usually was. There was a dark figure sitting upon the throne like a black stain. Luna would pause then, tensed, staring. The fight had taken a sure toll on her, but she couldn't possibly be going mad now too?
Lord Sombra eased the door shut too with but a weak exertion of will and magic. The means which Sombra used to lock the door shut though were quite another matter. "Your guards provided me a challenge I must admit." His every word radiated malice and wrath. And yet the lilting charm of the stallions tone carried the subtlest smidge of...apathy? "You must pardon me though. They're quite indisposed of late I hear." Dead? No. But not likely to intrude upon he and Luna for hours more to come. He'd have snapped their necks had he wanted to. And that may have been Sombra's earlier preference. "Lets not tarry overlong though, as I suspect you grow impatient of my errant prattling." Unfortunately, a nearby spider wilted away. A direct result of the bonechilling chuckle that had followed his previous statement. "Or not." However, and without further ado did the Tyrant abandon Celestia's celestial throne, sashaying [ or rather floating] towards the weakened Lunar monarch. The King hadn't however noticed how haggard the mighty princess was, nor could Sombra begin to comprehend the pain which the maiden felt. What troubled Sombra was that he was troubled by what he saw. Briefly though that may have been before being subsumed by his normally smug and arrogant veneer.
Princess Night's eyes widened upon hearing that voice, the low growl that was Sombra's trademark. She knew it well, and if she had gone mad, she was hallucinating pretty hard. It couldn't possibly be the same one who'd tried to kill her, could it? The alicorn drew herself up tall. "I do indeed grow tired of your monologue, Sombra! What do you want? Have you not caused enough damage as it is?" Luna snarled, the anger she'd quelled since that fight- anger against King Sombra, against herself for her failures- gradually beginning to rise with each word. She drew strength from it. Casually, though, as she waited for a response, her eyes sought out the guard that usually occupied the throne room- collapsed, as far as she could see. If they were dead, however, there would probably be hell to pay; she had enough dead on her conscious as it was.
Lord Sombra awareness flickered. And the first of many questions came unbidden to Sombra's mind. What in hell had happened? Though privy overmuch regarding certain Canterlot affairs, Luna's accusation struck Sombra baffled. "You're precious "guards" are perfectly fine." Though likely to wake up with one helluva headache [and/or some bruises]. "And you will not speak to me with such impudence!" Sombra bellowed. Obviously a grasp of the royal canterlot voice had its uses. "Is that understood?" Amazingly though, Sombra could change his tune as easy as he'd belted out the words previous, crooning sweetly to the lunar maiden as gently as a lover's coos. "Perhaps I exult in the opportunity to torment ye?" Sombra nastily hissed. "I imagine though that'd be far too petty. Even for the likes of me! Or perhaps I seek a certain innocuous amulet? The question is...what do you think I search for mon chéri?"
Princess Night lifted her upper lip to bare her teeth at the answer, although the matter of the guards at least was a distant comfort. When he bellowed in an attempt at the Royal Canterlot voice, though flawed, her anger flashed hotly within her. Did he really think he had the right to push her around, especially after what she'd been through? The alicorn merely glared, channeling as much hate into her gaze as she could muster while Sombra changed tact. "You seek the alicorn amulet." Luna did not ask, but stated, her voice cold and hard. "Pray tell, why should I let it fall into the hooves of one such as you? I have had enough trouble without some pitiful shadow slinking into my halls to make such demands of me!"
Lord Sombra would reason that another Sombra gallivanted 'round these parts. And had caused the havok which Luna had only alluded too. A villain was surely afoot though! A who which Sombra planned to investigate. "I seek..." Sombra obviously sought something!? Right? "...exactly that..." It'd have fit the bill too! It'd have perfectly fit Sombra's megalomania if only Sombra hadn't suddenly sounded unsure, his countenance, however ephemeral stabilizing in quite the peculiar way. "Am I really that predictable?" Sombra crooned mockingly, batting those lashes for added effect. There was something less then genuine though regarding his oft rancorous gestures. As if Sombra too hid something, wary of prying eyes.
Princess Night tilted her head at the unicorn king, her eyes narrowing at his strange response. Even stranger was the crooning and eye-fluttering. She didn't take him for the 'charming' type. The moonbringer snorted, ruffling her wings. "You, and every other who has ever threatened Equestria's peace. They have all followed predictable paths.. to take over, to become more powerful, to torment the citizens!" Luna spat. "I would know." The princess added sullenly before fixing Sombra with a skeptical eye. "I had thought you done for after your defeat at the Crystal Empire, yet like an insect you persist. So with the alicorn amulet beyond you, what is there for you here? Did you think a rise back to power would be so easy?"
Lord Sombra retorted. "You would know wouldn't you..?" For a moment Sombra couldn't meet Luna's gaze. Something strange went on in Sombra's head, something which Sombra couldn't quite explain. But then that gaze fixed itself upon Luna again, baleful and severe. "That does put us at a impasse doesn't it?" Gave time and resources, Sombra might have found the Amulet, damning Equestria by proxy. But Sombra had none and neither available in much abundance, and was but an inch from the precipice. One foot in the grave would be an adequate enough analogy, describing the circumstances Sombra was in. "What do you know about me!? Did you ever.." The outburst rancorous as it may be, exhibited something unusual beneath the surface. An anomaly which Sombra quickly tried to mask. "Perhaps then there is an alternative.. Did you not say I persist much as an insect would?"
Princess Night lifted an eyebrow in response as Sombra seemed to struggle, for once lowering his eyes from hers. That was odd of him, not what she knew of King Sombra. "It does." She answered flatly as she watched him closely, curious. Her anger still remained, a sharp blade poised to strike, but she didn't yet use it. The situation had changed. Sombra had held the power when he chose to take command of the throne room, but now that he was no longer at the top of things, the power had changed hooves. Luna drew her head up, eyeing the shadowy king, appraising, as he actually seemed to fumble. "I did." The princess replied shortly and made to walk around him for the throne. "So what will you do now?" Luna would ask. "I could have you thrown into the dungeons to fester for a while.. I daresay I am not feeling particularly fond of you lately, not that I have ever been."
Lord Sombra head felt like splitting apart. And that perhaps may have been a good thing. "Yeah... How very.."harmonious" of you." The king spat, the sharp retort providing Sombra some semblance of his formal majesty. That along with the customary smirk did wonders to Sombra's kingly mug! "I'd love to see you try." Sombra menacingly growled. Imprisoned, he'd not only likely blow the door to his cell down, but the walls along with it. That assuming Sombra didn't simply skip that altogether with some crafty magic work. Tricky was afterall Sombra's forte. That and stairs...many many many stairs. "I presume I shall depart then." Sombra crooned, midst a overdramatic curtsy. But perhaps best considering current affairs. "I'd entertain your company, but I grow weary. Until next time." A next time likely not very far off.
Princess Night lifted both of her eyebrows this time, questioning. "If it means keeping Equestria at peace while they enjoy their Nightmare Night festival, so be it." The princess replied coolly. "I have imprisoned worse than you, I daresay I can handle a mere shadow such as yourself." The princess snorted as she finally seated herself upon the throne, but her body was still tensed. Why should she allow King Sombra to leave? This one at least seemed to be the one she knew, the one of this world. The one with the wings.. he was a different one, and a different problem. Luna couldn't let two Sombras run amok. Her nostrils flared in her frustration. "I cannot allow you to simply leave this place, especially when I have questions. Such as that little trick you pulled with your crown."
Lord Sombra had lost the throne. Not the intellectual advantage that he and Luna likely shared. "You're haggard, and you're tired. Pardons me if I say you're speaking out "thy royal plot." In other words, out her arse. "Immaculate though her majesty may be." Now of course, there was a place for flattery too. It wouldn't probably get him far tonight, or anytime soon. That was the best part of the brazenness though! Sombra could compliment Luna and Luna could still be insulted! Or otherwise rebuke the King as she was wont and permitted to do. Sombra hadn't however lost his poise. "I am not sure you have any choice. Alas I shall entertain your inquiries." Sombra wasn't a pleasant cookie to crack. And truthfully Sombra would have left had Luna not sought further redress. Thus, just a smidge of irritation crossed his visage before it was snuffed out. "My little trick was but that. A better question? Why? And to that I answer, because I could." Which wasn't the full truth. "To that I ask...when was the last time you checked the treasury?" That assuming Canterlot had one. A distinct possibility given the importance of Canterlot, among other things. In all honesty, Sombra expected there'd be a vault somewhere in Canterlot, choked full of relics from ages bygone and near. A repository for things best behind shut doors.
Princess Night's eyes widened, but otherwise her expression grew stony as she tried to hide her surprise. She didn't think her strain had showed so much now.. but apparently it did, and King Sombra had a sharp eye for weakness. The only positive point was that she had him. The princess snorted again, more so at his attempt at flattery. "I would be a fool to believe that to be a truth, coming from a pony such as yourself, Sombra." Luna replied bluntly, but she knew he wouldn't tell her exactly why he'd sent his crown. Oh well, she tried at least. "I have explored the treasury in depth, cataloging everything it holds since our last visitor, the one responsible for the roaming undead and long nights. There is nothing missing. If you think the alicorn amulet is there, you are sadly mistaken. It has never existed within these walls."
Lord Sombra at least knew that the Alicorn amulet wasn't in Canterlot. By Luna's own admission no less! That at least narrowed down the selection of places where the amulet could be. Assuming Luna hadn't lied to Sombra of course! "And you'd be a fool to believe me." Sombra more then casually mused aloud. Why' would Sombra lie though bout something so fundamentally true as his dishonesty? And then admit it? "I know." Sombra hadn't been anywhere near the treasury. Besides the obvious adversity and obstacles between the treasury and him, Sombra's crown had been but an indirect volley of fear, an epidemic of fear that'd increase the guard around Canterlot. And leave Sombra somewhat free'er to roam. That and keep things pristine for moments such as now. That said, Sombra felt again weary, as if stretched out upon a rack one too many times. Sombra did errantly wonder how long it'd take Princess Luna to realize how badly she'd just blabbed. Small though the blab may superficially seem.
Princess Night quirked an eyebrow at the unicorn king as he blatantly admitted he was a liar. She wasn't sure if this whole.. thing of his was just an act, a strange change in his character, or weakness. He played everything well enough that she couldn't get a proper read on what his motive was. Other than getting the amulet of course. The lunar princess sighed and put a hoof to her temple to rub it, as though in frustration or weariness from the conversation, it was hard to tell. "I have little else to ask about, since you seem set on remaining so mysterious.. and I am tiring of it to be sure." Luna started, "If you have any set morals, would you at least hold off on starting trouble until after Nightmare Night?" Luna asked, although it was an odd question for her to be asking; why should she expect such a villain to play along at all? "I suppose I cannot stop you from leaving either, which leaves me with one other option even though I loathe to offer it: a place to stay, at least for a time." The princess finished; this, at least, would grant her the advantage of monitoring King Sombra. If he started trouble at least she would know right away and deal with him quickly- then she'd only have one other to deal with.
Lord Sombra would have called himself crazy as a loon a century ago. Then again, Sombra's secret flight of stairs must have been the work of a mad tyrant. Who else built such a insanely long flight of stairs? In Sombra's eyes though did he smolder, ablaze with what seemed to be malevolent purpose. And but for a second, Sombra seemed poised but an hairsbreadth from detonating some sort of nastiness in the throne room. Causing the exact sort of trouble which Luna loathed and hoped to avoid. Something Luna may have thought as Sombra drew yet closer to the alicorn diarch. He'd shortly stop however, rendered silent by circumstance and the provocation of thought before he spoke his piece. "I..shall consider it." Tantamount to saying yes if Sombra's unsteady tone were any indication of what war went on in Sombra's head.
Princess Night watched the unicorn king closely as, silently, he began to approach her throne. The alicorn tensed, prepared to summon her magic should she need it.. but she didn't. Whatever Sombra might have been planning, unless he was just fooling her, seemed to have passed. "I am glad to hear that much, at least." The dark lady admitted, though she frowned slightly. She was still troubled by how oddly he seemed to act, but no matter. Maybe she'll figure it out in time. "Is there anything you desire to say or will this be all? I believe I have a couple of my guard to tend to, and preparations for tomorrow."
Lord Sombra unpredictable morphic nature for the forseeable future would probably have alarmed Sombra in his hayday. Unpredictable implied a lack of control. And the lack of control implied many numerous things, few of which were actually good. Especially in the crystal tyrants case. "No...there is not." *Please just go* "... Good evening, and good night." Sombra brusquely stated, troubled too by things which seemed outside his own control. Things such as himself! What Sombra needed, or wanted was his own counsel. More time to consult with himself, yet fearing the answer that it'd give him.
Princess Night peered down at Sombra curiously, wondering what other surprises there would be. Apparently none, other than being a little polite in his goodbyes. She would have expected taunting or evil laughter, if Sombra wasn't behaving so strangely tonight. "Very well. Good night." The princess of the night would reply, rising from her seat. Granted that Sombra had already moved off, she would descend to kneel by each guard, touching her horn to their foreheads to help wake them. From there Luna'd probably send them to the infirmary and retreat to her chambers, providing Sombra didn't get in the way or cause any trouble before then. She'd have a lot of thinking do in that time, and wonder why she was being so lenient in the face of the evil unicorn king himself.
Lord Sombra there was the potent possibility that that all had been one elaborate act. An attempt to make Luna lower her already weakened guard. That conclusion made absolutely perfect sense! And yet tonight that conclusion might have been less clear or concise. Or certain. One magical vestige of seething frustration beneathe the surface whooshed out from Sombra though. And that may have been petty perhaps, but better then the alternative considering Sombra only blew out hundreds of candles. Destroying the stained glass would have probably been a messy affair, no doubt involving the use of torches and pitchforks. The artisan most surely the head of that little mob. "Goodnight.."
End.