As it was customary in Nightmare’s domain, Nightmare Night was celebrated throughout the City. While at first glance it didn’t look that much different from the most Equestrian cities, this holiday was taken more seriously by a few sworn followers of Nightmare… albeit those who simply moved into the City for the opportunity it provided tended to not share this sentiment.
Either way, the decorations were up - both more traditional pony version of stuffed spiders and carved pumpkins, or more serious ones, usually consisting of the image of Mare-in-the-Moon or reptilian eye watching the passerby. What was less obvious is that not all monstrous and unusual creatures going around on their business were wearing costumes.
Of course, the main party (or more likely a costumed ball) would happen in the Castle proper, hosted by the ebony mare herself…
Zephyr had been invited, as a friend of Sir Vindicar’s, and as he lived not too far away. As the party began, a figure walked in. At first glance, it appeared to be Sir Vindicar, but there was something off.
The truth was, it was Zephyr, wearing a rather convincing replica of the knight’s armor. To those who weren’t familiar with the detailing on the armor, it appeared to be the real deal- and almost functional, despite being made out of intricately painted wood and paper, with aluminum chainmail where required- both for weight’s sake and otherwise. He did wear a helmet as well, also well detailed.
To those who were familiar with the armor and how it was pieced together, as well as how it was detailed and shaped, it was very obviously a fake- pieces which were separate on the actual set were fused on this piece, and other minor inaccuracies and details made it glaringly obvious to a scrutinizing eye that it was merely a costume, and nothing more.
In short, Zephyr was wearing armor that looked realistic enough to be a costume, but not realistic enough to pass convincingly as royal guard armor.
Which was the plan, of course.
Hippogriff actually did a double take as he spotted Zephyr come in… and shot a quizzical glance at Mythic. Whoever, his friend was preoccupied, so Vindicar was left alone with the mystery.
“Okay… how in Tartarus didn’t they stop you at the entrance?” Vin asked in exasperation as he trotted up to Zephyr. “That replica looks close enough to count as impersonation attempt, you know…”
He shook his head a bit. That certainly was something he did not expect.
“That’s damn good work. Did you make it yourself?”
“Yeah! I had a bit of help from Polaris, he takes good notes and helped with the colors, and I had someone else help me with the fabrication and everything. I even found the right color of aluminum chain mail in the Republic- they go all out in some places for Nightmare Night.” Zephyr beamed.
“As for entering, I let them examine my costume. If you know where to look, it’s obviously a fake, and I got a compliment and a stern warning not to go anywhere I shouldn’t, as someone might classify it as an attempted infiltration.” Zephyr nodded.
“So, which way to the food?” Zephyr asked, with a chuckle.
Wanderer was beaming as he entered the ballroom. “I’m not going to lie, I’m kinda glad I let you pick the costumes this year!” Wanderer squeed as he looked up at his husband. A wide toothy smile on his face. “You did remember to send out our plus one invitation right?”
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