not finished*

"Just what the hell is that?"

"That's the point - I know nothing except what they've told themselves."

"They? Oh great. Two mages with powers that exceed yours. Wait... What... Ponies? You're kidding me. Where did you find them?"

"Actually they've found me."

"Geez, maybe we should talk about them while they're inside, not trying to eavesdrop our conversation?"

"Huh, you're right. Girls, come in. Meriss won't bite you."

Door opened revealing three bright red faces.

"Sorry, we didn't mean to be impolite."

"Come on. We have some things to talk about."

"Interesting."

Meriss was already near them, touching them with magic and examining their bodies, trying to find something interesting as if horns and wings were not something unusual. That was actually a bit humiliating but alicorns was scared a bit by this creature - Meriss was not a human being, she was demoness. Before the Great Banishment she was Nereek's student and follower, later she worked with human council and gained highest military rank due to her skills and views. But even working for human empire she never gave up on her real look - she remained being demon not only in mind, but with her body too.

"Uhm, lady Meriss. Can you stop please?"

"Oh, sorry, fellows. Sometimes I forget about decorum."

She took a step back, still keeping an eye on Luna and Celestia.

"Nereek, why didn't you tell me about them as soon as you found them?"

"Was busy. And I'm not sure I want everyone knowing about them."

"Mhm... Guess you are right. Their powers felt as they are on a potential peak, but still not developed to the maximum."

"Yes, some people may target them, I don't want them in danger."

"So you've decided to teach them so they can defend themselves."

"Almost, some things still left, but they are already mages."

"Wow. That's something. Then we have six alive."

"No. We have only three alive."

"My bad. Of course we have only three... Wait, them too?"

"Yes."

"