>>30236
At the top of the stairs, our little demon princess passed the entryway guards. Here, thought Luna, is the first test of her disguise. She took a breath and readied herself for a great performance.
>"Greetings fellow demon ponies! I the great demon of the moon have returned from spreading evil in the land whithersoever I will! Mwah! Ha! Ha!" Luna made her laugh as sinister as she could. "I have performed my labor of turning orchards into swamps, making candy bitter, and turning hats inside out with my abominable magic!"
Even though, the two guardsmares had been participants in Luna's games before, they nearly burst into laughter. Nevertheless, they were able to keep it together and the one answered with a dignified bow.
>"We commend your wicked deeds, your eminence!"
The other added.
>Oh yes! A sterling example for all of us!"
Luna bowed in return. Then she raised her cloak to cover her face as she had practiced shortly before.
>"And what despicable acts have thee accomplished as late?"
The second guardsman nodded to the other indicating she knew how to respond.
>"Eh, we have been on watch, your eminence. But if you please, when we are relieved we plan to turn all the apples, carrots, and cabbages round about into saw dust and ash!"
Luna gasped in horror at the depravity of it.
>"A deed most foul! Well, I wish thee luck!...And now I must be away on my dark and mysterious business! Adieu!" said Luna as she continued into the castle.
The guards watched her go, barely able to contain their giggles. But, the first could not fully contain it and her laugh caught the ear of Luna, who stopped and turned.
>"What? What?...What? What""
The guardsmares were quick to stand straight and look serious.
>"Nothing ma'am. Sorry ma'am!"
Luna looked satisfied with the deference these demons gave her, so she decided to forgive them and not send them back to Tartarus.
>"Very well. Carry on! Carry on!" said Luna as she continued into the keep
The guards waited until Luna was out of earshot and burst out laughing.