//------------------------------// // Book 1: Chapter 5 // Story: Kinetics // by Habanc //------------------------------// Tutoring “Listen, there's a few things you should understand about friends.” Twilight organized a disheveled clump of parchments together, stacking them neatly and placing them inside the desk in her room. She yawned, rubbing at her eyes. She had no clue what time it was, but if the Princess of the Night was asleep before her — as she was, curled up under her blanket on the floor — the unicorn knew it had to be late. Sunlight had long since disappeared. She couldn't help it though. Between talking with the Archsage, the King, and with Luna over lunch, the amount of information clotting her brain was enough to fill a small library. She had to get it down, to put it on paper before the knowledge decomposed away, taken off in wisps and slivers by time. It took a fair amount of bargaining and “magic tricks” to procure enough parchment, ink, and quills from the palace's scribes, and then much of the night to write everything down, from the largest concepts to the smallest minutiae. Sitting back, Twilight still felt a sense of accomplishment surviving under the oppressive weight of exhaustion. She had done it. She had written a comprehensive, organized list of all the facts they knew, from Hurrassian history to regional economies. Even more, Luna managed to draw a crude map from her memories with Sir Kazius. It was missing much of the labeling and names, but she had gotten the major kingdoms down. Twilight had asked the scribes earlier for an actual map, but apparently they weren't easy to come by and not about to give one away. Getting up slowly, she glanced over at the pony on the floor. The rest of her body hidden under the blanket, Luna's head poked out, her silent breathing blowing a tuft of hair in and out of her face. I told her again she could use the bed, but of course she refuses, Twilight thought as she shook her head. Clambering up onto the mattress, she wormed her way between the covers, flashed out the candle with her magic, and closed her eyes as her head hit the pillow. -~- Red and purple hues bled across the clouds in the sky as Luna and Twilight wandered through the streets. Their eventual destination: The Grand Shrine for The Synod's Annual Feast. “I think I like Konik,” Luna remarked, after the two mares had been walking side by side in silence for minutes. “Hmm?” Twilight looked over at her. “Why? It's all so plain.” She glanced at the surrounding houses, square, wooden structures with few adornments and cosmetics. They were packed in like jigsaw pieces, not an inch of space wasted. The city seemed to be divided into a myriad of rectangles, made up of crammed, dreary buildings intersected by cobblestone roads. “True, but after years of dealing with Canterlot's limitless splendor, it's nice to admire pure functionality.” Twilight didn't miss the creeping smile on the alicorn's face. “The buildings may be plain and uniform, but they're sturdy and effective.” “Yes, but I miss the absence of any color or flavor.” Twilight shook her head. “It's just wood, dirt, and stone for miles around.” Luna glanced over at the mare, a smile working up on her features. A small jump of the heart told her to take a step outside of her comfort zone, to shed the shackles of her disciplined distancing habits and be more like herself, more like the cheeky young mare she had once been long before Equestria even existed. Pinpricks of anxiety welled in her chest as she felt the excitement and urge to go through with her ambitious feelings. “This,” her voice started out softly and hoarsely, yet quickly grew in strength, “coming from the pony who's known infamously for having her nose in textbooks for days on end,” she snorted in half-laughter and half-mock contempt, hardly glancing at Twilight's gasp. “Oh, spare me the hypocrisy, Twilight Sparkle, if you can't so much as read a piece of fiction or theatre, how are you able to ignore functionality for 'flavor'?” She rolled her eyes and snickered. “I do not read just textbooks!” Twilight huffed, a few surrounding ponies turning to stare at her outburst. She continued on, oblivious, “I've read my fair share of fiction! Personally, I love Cansteed.” She flicked her hair with a “humph,” before continuing her counterattack. “That, and I've read many other books, ranging from Don Quixoof to Brave New Stable.” Luna laughed abruptly. “Brave New Stable? Never heard of it.” “Well, maybe you should pick it up sometime, it's much better than some of the rubbish ponies wrote a thousand years ago. Contemporary literature has come quite a ways, and yes, I've read a lot of it,” Twilight added to compound her point. “From the tragedies to the romances, they've grown immensely in quality.” Luna raised an eyebrow. “Ooh, so Twilight is a romance novel lover, is that it?” She chuckled to herself. A rising sense of accomplishment and success prodded her onwards, letting the words flow freely from her mouth. “Humor me, what's your favorite? Now, I might be a little behind on the times, but I've overheard many of the palace maids gossiping over that 'Fifty Shades' novel, or something akin to that. Perhaps you've read-” “No! Certainly not!”Twilight glared at her. The alicorn found it increasingly difficult to subdue her mirth. “Of course.” Luna nodded. “Of course, because a pony of such intellectual heights as you would never find herself reading that. But, you surely peer into harlequins from time to time, don't you? Come now, why the vexed face, Twilight? It's perfectly normal to indulge, to pretend you're the beautiful Charite as the handsome and dashing Bayard fights for your affection.” “You're insufferable!” Twilight groaned, keeping her eyes straight ahead. “Wait!” Luna had to trot to keep up. “Not so far ahead, I am the one with the directions, remember?” “I'm sure I could manage if I had to.” “Oh, don't be so sore, Twilight. It was all merely done in jest. I warned you yesterday, you declared war! And although this is a completely different type of conflict, I have never once been one to retreat.” Luna laughed, trying to cheer the unicorn up. Twilight's head did not budge an inch and she continued her speedy pace, lips pressed into a glower. The two ponies continued to trot down the streets of Konik, silence quickly draping over them like a heavy blanket. Luna felt chills run down her body as she faced the guilt and fear of actually hurting the mare. Stupid! This is what happens when you try to open up to ponies, you just act like a fool! A frown replaced what had been a jovial smile, eyes cast between the cobblestone streets and the indignant, stone-faced Twilight. “I- I am sorry, Twilight Sparkle. I got ahead of myself and didn't think about what was coming out of my mouth.” Luna felt like she was walking around eggshells, and her awkward words had stepped on each one with an echoing crunch. The alicorn noticed as Twilight did glance over for a flash, looking back ahead just as quickly when she saw her stare returned. “It... It was reckless of me to tease you as I did,” Luna continued. Swallowing her pride with an obvious gulp, she added, “Please forgive me.” When she received no response, Luna cast her eyes to the ground. “I see. Well then, I guess informality shan't be a part of this working relationship anymore.” She felt like the words were meant more for herself than anypony, as if revealing her fears out loud. “I rather enjoyed being able to act freely- Stopping mid-step, Twilight let a drawn-out breath evacuate her lungs, turning to the other mare. Closing her eyes and shaking her head, she muttered, “Oh shut up, you.” “Huh?” Luna recoiled, head jerking backwards. Twilight opened her eyes as another long sigh escaped her, as if she were literally trying to vent her annoyance out. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should get out more.” Placing a hoof on Luna's shoulder, she led her over to the side of the road and sat her down. “What? Me?” Luna asked in surprise, slightly offended. A part of her still held a princess' stature, and being treated like a misbehaving filly did not sit well with her. “No! Of course not!” Twilight exclaimed, throwing her hooves up in the air. “Really?” “No! It's sarcasm, stup-” Catching herself, Twilight forced a moment of silence into their heated conversation as she tried to calm down. “Listen, there's a few things you should understand about friends.” “Oh.” Luna shuffled on her hooves. “Yes, I'm annoyed with you,” Twilight admitted, continuing on. “I don't like being teased about certain things, and my slight fascination with romance novels is one of them.” The last bit rattled off in an increasingly quick succession, almost hoping the other pony wouldn't hear. “However, trying my best to see things from your point of view, I guess you probably didn't know that. And finding these potholes and buttons that shouldn't be pushed is a normal part of any friendship.” “Right.” Luna went back to staring at the ground, ashamed of her ignorance and ineptitude. “So, am I a little mad? Sure. Should we just go back to calling each other by titles and full names? Of course not. You're still my friend. The best you can do right now is give me some space, let me calm down, and be damn sure not to make fun of me for reading 'Fifty Shades of Neigh.' Got it?” “Of course.” Luna smiled. “Good. Now, lead the way and keep quiet for awhile. Hopefully I'll be in a decent mood by the time we arrive.” -~- The Grand Shrine was aptly named. Like a boulder of polished gold among a sea of coal, it was everything the rest of the city wasn't. Whereas most buildings were unpainted, left in a depressing grayish-brown color, the shrine was crafted from white stone and trimmed along the edges with silvery granite. Most of the houses and shops in Konik were small and compact, yet the Grand Shrine was spacious and grand, tucked away in its own portion of the city where its full size could fit, enough to fit dozens of common structures. Even from the outside of the city, it rose above its walls and commanded the skyline, like a mountain among hills. The main portion of the Grand Shrine was a rough square, jutted and shaped as a result of intricate masonry in the form of designs, sculptures, and borders. A trio of spires raced up into the air, bulbed at the end; two were situated on the back corners of the construct and the third rose in the middle of the front wall. Long, pointed windows dwelled under arcs that swathed the sides of the building, except for three ovular panes that dominated the front spire. Buttresses dragged the bottom of the walls outwards, contributing to its massive size. Surrounded by a web of white walkways and neat grass, at last a wide, stone wall cut it off from the general populace of the city, only opened publicly during times of congregation. The interior was designed to match its outer splendor. Burgundy carpets lined the floors, walls were decorated with display cases of relics, silver-framed portraits, exquisite tapestries, and even a hooffull of marble sculptures. Dark, rich mahogany doors were arranged throughout the Grand Shrine, contrasting sharply to the pale, white walls. Before a set of these barring hunks of sculpted wood, which were completely flat and without handles, Luna and Twilight found themselves waiting. “Moonguider, Starpainter,” a robed stallion stood nearby, his garments nearly blending in with the stone behind him, “it's a pleasure to have you both here tonight.” “Thank you,” Luna smiled, dipping her head politely. “It took some time getting around the city, but I hope we are not late.” Twilight, just behind the alicorn, found herself grinning. What a curious pony Luna is! She had been completely quiet all the way up until now, probably scared of annoying her friend. To Twilight, who glanced over at her a few times, she seemed to have an apprehensive, wondering look on her face throughout the entire journey. Not exactly scared, but anxious about whatever thoughts were forming in her head. And then, on a dime, she jumps to the confident, assured, tactful diarch that ruled a nation for millennia. Seamlessly, smoothly, and effortlessly she pivots from one pony to the other. A perk of being Princess, I guess. You never know when the Griffon Ambassador will come knocking. But more than that, was the sheer difference between the two. The diarch was cunning, polite, and charismatic. She never backed down from a challenge, as memories of their first meeting with King Leszek proved, and her very presence seemed to emanate a distinct type of assertiveness and swagger. The pony, the mare, was the complete opposite. She was awkward and unsure at times, quick to over-analyze and jumps to conclusions. On top of that, as she had just proved, her teasing spared nothing, no weakness left unexploited. Gone were the diarch's polite words and manners, and in their place were jokes and jeers. “Oh no, you are right on time,” the stallion before the door replied. “Most guests are already inside, but the feast won't start for a few minutes.” Luna smiled. “Good, good. Now, may we go inside?” The robed pony appeared to blush slightly, fighting with his words. “W-well, if you don't me asking, Moonguider, but where is your affero?” “Affero?” Luna looked at him questioningly. “What is that?” “Oh... I see you aren't yet accustomed to our culture, Moonguider.” He kept his eyes mostly to the ground, whether from intimidation or embarrassment Twilight did not know. “In- in Hurras, as with most of the continent, it is proper etiquette to bring another pony with you. Often it is a wife or husband, but younger guests usually bring ponies they are currently attempting to court.” Luna's face lowered with disappointment and annoyance. “I see. Do you think we could still go in anyways?” “Well... I guess you could. But- but I don't think that's the best idea, if you don't mind me saying, Moonguider. Many see bringing an affero as a way of allowing others to meet the ponies important to you, to show that you consider them equals. It's an ancient tradition spanning back many years, some say Svetovid himself started it, but it's still a respected custom in our kingdom. I think a lot of ponies would be offended if you, the guests of honor, do not bring ones of your own.” “Hmm, this is quite the dilemma,” Luna mused, rubbing her hooves together slowly. “If only...” Twilight yawned, stifling it the best she could. The hard work of compilation and organization the night before had cut deeply into her time for sleep, and now it was coming back to haunt her. Yet, as she went to put her foreleg back down, she was startled to find it hooked by another. “Here, Twilight,” Luna said brightly, “I shall be your affero for the night, and you shall be mine.” “Huh?” Twilight looked from the dark blue leg wrapped around her own to the grinning face of the alicorn. “You can't be serious.” “I am quite serious,” she replied, “and I think I am rather smart too. I cleared two trees with one buck, did I not? Now, neither of us need to find somepony to bring.” “I guess so-” “Great.” Luna released Twilight's foreleg. “Now, may we go inside, sir?” “O- of course.” Stumbling, the robed stallion pulled the doors open. “Thank you,” Luna said, flashing another smile. “Erm, yeah, thanks.” Twilight added in. The Great Shrine's feast hall had its tables in a “T” formation, one long, vertical table stretching down nearly the length of the rectangular room, supplemented by dozens of chairs. Towards the far end, another, shorter table went perpendicular from the other, it's chairs with higher backs that extended a foot above any normal pony's head. If Twilight had to guess, that's where the important ponies sat. “Ah! Luna, Twilight Sparkle, welcome!” the Archsage called from the other side of the elongated room. All eyes locked on to the two mares, the room turning silently save for a few brave whispers. “Come, sit down, we have four seats reserved for you-” he stopped and thought for a brief second, before his face flashed back to life again, “Ah, forgive me for being so insensitive, sigilbearers. I shouldn't have expected you to bring somepony else, seeing as you're not from around here-” “But I have indeed brought somepony,” Luna cut him off. “You have? Where?” The Archsage glanced around the room. “My affero – that is how you say it, correct? Yes, my affero for the night is Twilight.” Luna replied matter-of-factly. Mutterings and gasps exploded throughout the hall, even the Archsage himself looking surprised. “Well then, come sit down.” Chairs creaked and cried as ponies turned around to get a glimpse of the sigilbearers. Twilight felt the pinpricks of stares and gazes threatening to cut a hole into her. Worse yet, the room was incredibly long, forcing a painful, awkward trek to their seats at the far table. “Luna, they're all staring at us,” she whispered. “Yes, ponies have been doing that for the past few days,” Luna replied with a whisper of her own, her eyes studying the various guests of the feast. “Honestly, I would've thought you'd be used to it by now.” “Ha! Me? The most awkward pony to ever live?” The quiet words rattled off Twilight's tongue. “I don't think so.” Luna managed a chuckle of her own. “I believe I could challenge you for that title.” With a turn, they made their way for their seats, the four vacant spots being cut to two as a pair of servingmares carried the chairs away. Seated beside the Archsage, Luna sat in the chair farthest from the head deacon. Clearing his throat and nodding to the mares that took their seat beside him, the Archsage shook off his hood and propped himself up by planting his forehooves on the table. A slick, receded mane of mostly gray hair started at the top of his scalp, working its way down his neck and back in a ponytail. His age seemed indiscernible, his face's skin taut, his blue eyes glimmered like sapphires, yet his mane held sprouting strands of white. “Now that we are all here,” he announced, “I'd like to formally welcome you all to this year's feast.” -~- Much of the attendants at the Tempestry's annual feast were wealthy, adorned in linen, silk, and wool cloth, dyed and tailored in the cities of Erhanos. Gold and silver jewelry hung from necks and ears, the ores brought in from Psuchros and smithed in Gerhille. Servers brought out platters of fine food, grown and harvested in the fertile soil of Hurras, set down on polished, hardwood tables that were crafted from the cheap imported lumber of Tegrana. Across Arkhanos the same formula replicated itself from the most refined and elegant Erhani banquet, to the roughest, loudest Gerhillian mead hall. And yet, to all but an enlightened few, this series of positive, constructive interdependence went unrecognized. In its stead, the five prominent kingdoms of the continent mistrusted each other, where generals convened regularly for war games and scenarios, where calculations and preparations went into the logistics of possible invasions and counterattacks, where the young colt was taught to be wary of his neighbors. In the name of wanting to ensure security and peace, they prepared for war. And in preparing for war, they caused a perpetuation of bluffs and displays of strength, increasingly more flashy and brilliant chess moves that gained no ground and took no pieces. But, when the kings, queens, dukes, and barons of Anarkhos found a moment to themselves, even they knew the delicate beam of peace could not hold forever. Under the growing load of hostility, accusations, and distrust, soon it would snap and crumble to the ground below, leaving a red trail in its wake. For those rulers, the true question was, who would place the final stone? Who would send this land back into the fiery hell it had been for the past millennia and a half? -~- A pony with a lyre played and sang in the corner, yet was drowned out by the clattering of bowls, cups, and knives. Raucous shouting and loud conversations echoed in the hall. A few were already unconscious, most having had too much wine. One, however, was walloped by the stallion next to him, as his stance in their conversation was too much of an outrage for the other to stand. The scene was greeted with applause and uproarious laughter as the assaulted pony slumped to the ground. Oh, how Luna had missed feudal gatherings. Unfortunately, there was nopony to revel in her delight with. The nice mare to her left had been amiable enough, but she seemed scared and frightened by the alicorn, politely deflecting her attempts at conversation. To her right, Twilight had been locked in conversation with the Archsage, practically from the very second the feast had begun. And so, she sat, ate, and drank alone, staring dully at the scene before her, moving onto her third glass. “Hey, Luna.” Whipping her head around, she arrived nose-to-nose with Twilight. “Yes? What is it?” she asked quickly, trying to hide her newfound excitement. “Oh, umm,” Twilight recoiled, her head moving back, “I just wanted to see what you're up to.” Luna shrugged, now aware of her obvious outburst, looking to her glass. “Drinking. Watching. I believe that's it.” “Well that's... interesting.” “Very.” Luna snorted, taking another draft of her glass. “And the fact that this wine is wretched only makes it that much more enjoyable.” “Oh.” Twilight glanced to her own drink, which was still full. “I haven't touched mine yet.” “I've noticed. Please, don't feel the need to now either, it's essentially rotgut. The only reason I'm indulging in it is because it reminds me of the past and I have nothing better to do.” Twilight looked at her, puzzled. “But I looked over a few minutes ago and you were talking to the pony next to you.” “She?” Luna glanced over for a moment. “Yes, I tried conversing with her perhaps two hours ago, but apparently I am too different and odd for some to stomach.” “Is that what you really think?” “Think?” Luna threw her hooves into the air. “Twilight, I know! I've seen the looks ponies give me. Not just here, but in Equestria as well. They are all so polite, but their intent is clear; they just want to get away from me as quickly as possible.” Unorthodoxly swigging her wine, she gulped and grimaced, squeezing her eyes shut until the disgusting taste passed. “Well,” Twilight shifted on her seat to face the alicorn directly, “I think you just need to know when to stop acting like a princess and more like a regular mare. Most ponies aren't designed to survive under your staring and big, tough words.” She grinned, relishing the small opportunity to strike back. “Me?” Luna gasped. “I do my best to be kind and friendly to anypony I meet. I am no bully!” “I know, you're not.” Twilight let her voice recede to something much more sincere. “But even though you try to be nice, you still act like you're discussing politics and treaties. Here, let me show you. Pretend I am somepony you've never met before.” “But-” “Just pretend,” Twilight cut her off. “Strike up the same conversation as you did with the mare to your left.” Sighing, Luna sat up straight and cleared her throat. Her voice came out steady and strong, threatening to push Twilight straight off her chair. “Good evening, my fellow mare. May I ask where your duties and allegiances lie in this fanatical congregation?” Her eyes waited patiently on the other pony, never breaking eye contact with so much as a blink. Twilight shook and giggled as she placed a hoof over her mouth. Unable to contain her laughter, it burst free, barely over the din of the feasting. A few ponies looked over and whispered. Paying no attention to them, the unicorn calmed down moments later. “Wow, that was quite, umm...” “Friendly, is it not?” “Well, maybe, I guess.” Twilight's voice breathed skepticism. “But you're making it way too formal and haughty for anypony to talk with.” “I am?” “Yes. Think about what you just said. 'Good evening, my fellow mare.'” Twilight shook her head. “Who even says that? A simple 'hello' or 'good evening' will do just fine. Also, 'may I ask where you lie in the fanatical organization?' Really?” “It was 'may I ask where your duties and allegiances lie in this fanatical congregation,” Luna corrected. “Whatever, fine.” Twilight chuckled to herself, muttering under her breath, “I really can't believe I'm the one having to teach her this.” “What was that?” “Nothing. What I'm trying to tell you is that when you're talking with somepony other than a foreign dignitary, it's best to use common speech.” “Such as?” “Well, perhaps a bit like you're talking now,” Twilight proposed with a shrug. “You seem to be less uptight and more relaxed, and ponies like that.” Her eyes widened with remembrance. “Speaking of relaxing, that brings me to my next point.” Luna sighed. The shame was increasing on her shoulders, wearing through her visage. How could she be so stupid? She felt like a young foal, being taught how to walk all over again. It was embarrassing and degrading, and she wanted it to be over. “Just relax when you talk to the other pony,” Twilight continued. “You can use your natural voice, which I personally think is much nicer than your diplomatic speech. Also, don't stare at them so much. Nod your head, blink, smile.” The unicorn emphasized the last point by stretching her lips upwards, dimples forming in her cheeks. Luna pouted. She didn't like being led by the hoof, and this time it was the second occurrence that day. But, she still held a conscience about her, and she wasn't about to go off on the mare for helping, because deep down she knew she needed the social guidance badly. “Thank you.” Luna nodded. Switching gears, she asked quietly, “So, do you really think I could do it?” “Huh? Do what?” “Interacting with ponies better at an informal level. It is...glaringly apparent it is not my strong point, is it not?” “Oh.” Twilight looked to the ground, choosing her words carefully. “Yes, you're right. But also yes, I think you can.” Her gaze rose back up. “I mean, you already do fine enough around me. If you can just get like that with other ponies, you should be good.” “Hmm, so I must believe everypony is Twilight Sparkle,” Luna mused aloud. “I wouldn't go that far,” Twilight put in with a chuckle. Laughing quietly, a sudden thought smacked the back of her mind. “What about you?” “What?” Twilight cocked her head, confused. “What about you?” Luna repeated. “You seemed to be rather wary of me for the first day or so here. And yet here you are, lecturing who was your princess not so long ago.” Twilight stammered, sobering up. “W- well, umm, I think you're putting that harshly. I'm merely giving you advice, nothing more,” she explained anxiously. “Oh, I know.” Luna giggled. “I am quite thankful for your help and guidance.” The unicorn sighed. “Well, that's a relief.” “I am still puzzled, though,” Luna continued. “You have become much more talkative and bold, why is that?” “Oh. Well, it's because you're interesting,” Twilight answered. “I'm interesting?” “Yes, that would explain it,” she affirmed. “It happens with everything, books, places, ideas, and definitely ponies. You should ask Pinkie Pie sometime. I- I've been told I do it a lot.” Her ears folded back sheepishly. “I like to figure out things, and if it's interesting enough, I do what I can to learn.” “If I understand correctly, you are simply curious about me?” Luna could not hide the disappointment in her voice. Twilight held her hooves out hopelessly. “Well, yes...but-but no. I mean, subconsciously, that seems to have been my initial motivation, but you're my friend now. It's not like I'm going to find out all I can about you and then push you to the curb.” “Really?” “Of course,” Twilight's expression softened, “because under all the intimidating gestures and mysticism, there's a funny, kind, likable pony in there. In fact, I'd even say-” “Hi!” Huh? Luna thought. Why would she want to say that- Whipping around, Luna wanted to crush their conversational intruder with a vise of telekinetic power. How dare somepony interrupt her in the middle of being complimented! Unfortunately for her and oppositely so for the nosy pony, her annoyance only resulted in a small fizz and a pop from her horn. “Ooh, do it again!” Standing behind Twilight and Luna was a young mare, donned in the white cloak of the Tempestry. She kept her hood down, revealing a pretty charcoal coat and a long, ruby mane. Her eyes were of the same color, a luminous red that skipped happily between the unicorn and alicorn. Rubbing her temples to soothe her headache, Luna growled, “Do you mind? We were having a perfectly fine conversation until you barged in and ruined it.” “Oh, sorry,” she whispered, flashing eyes still studying the two mares. “Sky, you aren't supposed to be in here,” a fourth voice entered the scene. Looking to her left, Luna saw the Archsage get up from his seat and move towards the new mare. “I know...” the mare frowned. “I just wanted to say hello since I'll be traveling with them for a while.” “What?” Luna cried. The Archsage cleared his throat. “Sigilbearers, meet your personal recorder, Spotted Sky. She's an acolyte within the Tempestry and one of our finest aspiring archivers.” The earth pony mare glowed with praise, smiling even brighter. Twilight stuck out a hoof. “It's nice to meet you, Spotted Sky.” “I prefer just 'Sky,' if you don't mind,” she replied, shaking Twilight's hoof. “Not at all-” “Wait!” Luna erupted, waving her hooves above her head. “May I ask what is happening? I have not been informed of any of this.” “You haven't?” Archsage Gale glanced at her, and then to Twilight. Twilight shrunk back, embarrassed. “I might not have gotten around to telling Luna about it... We were discussing something else before I could get to it.” “Get to what?” Luna turned her head to Twilight, gunning her down under a stare. “What is it?” “Well...” Twilight squirmed under Luna's leer. “Archsage Gale asked if we could bring a recorder along with us, on our way to Lobos. I heard him out and thought it was a great idea, I didn't think it'd make much of a difference. I mean, it's just a trip to another city and back, that's it. So, I agreed.” “Without consulting me?” Luna fired back. “I didn't want to be a bother. I looked over to ask you and you were talking to the mare beside you, so instead I kept quiet.” Luna put a hoof up to her forehead. Sighing, she said, “I'm not sure I can allow this.” Turning to the Archsage, she sat up straight and let her hoof fall to her side. “I have some questions. Foremost, what is your motive for us bringing her?” The Archsage nodded. “We are not just religious ponies, Moonguider. We are also historians, keepers of the texts of the past. Your coming is a monumental part of our time, something that we pray will bring peace to our lands. Ponies are moving, ponies are gathering, they have hope. We cannot simply stand by and let this era go unrecorded. As such, we are only asking you to bring along a pony of the Tempestry so she can put down on paper the direct, honest deeds you do. Rumors are lies at best, and so we wish to hear and see straight from the source.” Luna remained quiet. It... made sense, even if she didn't like it. Being revered and trusted for no reason besides an annoying gust of wind felt wrong to her. But at the same time, she didn't have the ability to say no. Even if it was hysteria, ponies dedicated themselves to their beliefs. To quash them and spit in their face wasn't something she could stomach. She did not want to be the pony she once was. Mares and stallions had, a long time ago, prayed to her as well in Equestria. There, she had pushed aside her negative opinions to play the part. Although there, her motives varied drastically. Back then, she craved attention, praise, and more attention. She wanted ponies to see her in the night and watch. She played and squeezed her cultists like putty-dough so she could wring out every last, delicious drop, sipping it all from a chalice of greed, laced with poison. Now, all she wanted was a clear conscience. She knew she wasn't as glaringly kind and nice as her sister, she knew she held many more cracks and fissures in her personality than Celestia did, but she still felt she could be good. Perhaps not the outpouring of light and kindness as if from the sun, but instead the calm, subtle glow of the moon. If she had to ignore her qualms so hundreds of thousands would be inspired, would have hope, then reluctantly she would. Besides, like Twilight said, it is only a small diplomatic mission between cities. “I see,” the alicorn responded just as an uncomfortable level of silence had settled in. “Well, as much as I would have liked to be conferred with beforehoof, I cannot find any fault in this. As long as she does as I say and doesn't get in the way, I'll agree to this plan.” “Good.” The Archsage smiled. Turning to Spotted Sky, he said, “Now go. You'll join up with them tomorrow morning, when they're to depart. Six in the morning, outside the main gates.” “Okay, got it!” Sky nodded her head quickly, almost bouncing on her hooves. Waving to the two, she made her way out of the room. “Bye Moonguider, bye Starpainter!” “Bye!” Twilight called back. Luna stayed quiet. Turning to look at her affero, she asked, “Hey, are you alright? You're not mad, are you?” “No,” she responded a moment later, not peeling her eyes off from the gaze that ran over each and every one of the feaster's faces. “Tell me, Twilight, how is somepony a good pony?”