//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: A Moon's Tale // by Dark0592 //------------------------------// (A/N amended a slipup in the previous chapter, Luna can’t see out of her scarred eye, at least nothing more than a blur.) Luna had always been an early riser, but she was surprised when she was awoken by the sound of faint bustling and a peculiarly delicious smell. She dressed back into her trousers and tunic, which to her surprised were clean, and made her way downstairs again. She found Twilight sitting at a table, one hand holding a book that her eyes were raking and the other picking strips of crispy bacon and eggs. “The breakfast and the bed are of my hospitality, but the completion of your entrance patents will require a bit of pay. If it was up to me I wouldn’t charge you a penny, but I cannot legally write legal documents for you free of charge.” She said, pointing her fork at a second plate across from her. She seemed rather focused on her book. “Of course, I would have offered to pay anyways.” Luna said, sitting at the table. She saw the cover of the book Twilight was reading. It was in symbols she couldn’t understand. “What are you researching now?” She asked, sampling the food. It was delicious and she ate heartily, she wasn’t one to refuse good food. “More of your heritage. The patterns in the crescent of your crest aren’t just patterns, they’re symbols in an ancient alphabet. I remembered seeing them in this book, but it appears they are only referenced. I’ll have to comb Canterlot’s library next time I am there.” Twilight replied, setting it down and giving her food more attention. “I see. You don’t have to research my heritage, I am content knowing what little I do.” Luna said. Twilight looked at her and giggled. “While I would do so if you asked, I am not researching it for you. I am intrigued by what I do not know, and it’s rare I get to find something that my personal library here has almost nothing on.” She said. Luna smiled and nodded. They quickly finished their meal and Twilight went back upstairs, only to return moments later with a leather-bound roll of parchment. “These are your patents. I believe you know where the tournament grounds are, remember to pick up your gear from Rarity. I have some business to attend to.” Twilight said, handing her the document. “What about pay?” Luna asked. “That is actually part of the business I am attending to. After you get your things from Rarity tell her to find me for her pay, I’ve taken the liberty of retrieving half of your Franks to exchange for Florins at the treasury. Come with her and I’ll give you what is yours, or it can wait until we next see one another.” Twilight explained. Luna nodded and they walked out of the door. She mounted a horse of her own, raised a hand in farewell and rode off. Luna made her way to the Boutique and noted the smoke in the back. She hitched her horse and walked around, hearing the sound of light hammering. She stepped through the wooden doorway and saw Rarity at work. She was hammering away, finishing the shaping of the helmet, while Spike and Belle were polishing the set. It was an obsidian-shaded metal, which interested her greatly. “Oh hello Darling. I hope this visor isn’t a bit too much, Fluttershy told me of your enchantment, tournament grounds have seers watching that will disqualify you if there is an enchantment sensed.” Rarity said, handing the helmet off to Spike and Belle. Luna looked at it and was intrigued by the design. It was an elegantly simple design, no flashy patterns or anything like that. The visor, which was of an angled design, slid upward to reveal the face. When it was closed there were a few slits along it to help the wearer breathe. The eye slits weren’t rectangular like most of that design, instead they were pointed at the sides. Something strange about it, though, was that there was only an eye slit on the right side. “Don’t worry Darling, she only told me about it because I was making your armor. They should be done finishing it up by now, go ahead and try it on.” Rarity said. Belle and Spike motioned for her to come to them, so she walked over and cautiously let them help her into the things. The fingers came to ridged points at the tips and knuckles, the boots were rounded off though. The knees and elbows came to ridged points as well. The entire thing was light and was one of the least restricting Luna had ever seen. “It’ll hold up rather well, I should think. Don’t go getting crushed under a crumbling building or getting stomped on by a war horse or anything, but it’ll bounce a sword and push back a lance.” Rarity said. Luna nodded and put the helmet on over the arming cap, made of black leather, and closed the visor. Visibility wasn’t amazing, but it was good enough. Only one word came to mind when she thought of the set as a whole. Elegantly Wicked. She loved it. “Thank you, it’s perfect. I would pay you now, but Twilight said that she is exchanging half of my Franks to Florins at the treasury and for us to find her there.” Luna said. Rarity sighed with relief, pulled her gloves off, wiped her face and stretched. “Well that’s good. Spike, Belle, clean up for me and I’ll bring back breakfast.” Rarity said, looking at the two. They gave an affirmative and started clearing away the tools they were using. “Right, we’ll be off then. I’ll meet you up front, my horse is further in the back.” She continued. Luna nodded and they walked out. She turned towards the front and Rarity continued towards a small wooden structure. Rarity rode up next to Luna in front of the Boutique riding a beautiful mare. They nodded to each other and Rarity led the way. They passed the tournament grounds on the way and they noticed that a tiny line had appeared. “Darling you had better get in line there before it gets long. I’ll return with your coin if you’d like.” Rarity said as they stopped. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll run into her eventually. Take care.” Luna said, putting a hand up in farewell and turning towards the listing station. “Wait, Darling. You say it like we won’t see each other for a while. You’ll have to stop by the Boutique later today so we can get you something other than a tunic, not to mention you’ll be needing a nice gown for the banquet at the end of the Tournament.” Rarity said. “Banquet?... Well, I do grow bored of this thing…” Luna said, looking down at her worn tunic with a chuckle. “Now you can’t expect a clothier to sit idle when she has your measurements and you’re in need of new clothes now can you? I’ve already got a few things designed for you Darling.” Rarity said, continuing on her way. Luna laughed and shook her head. “I was raised by a Knight you know, nothing too flashy!” She called. Rarity raised a hand in acknowledgement and Luna turned back toward the lists. She still couldn’t understand why the people in this village were so good to her, but she wasn’t going to complain. That outlook changed when she reached the line. “What’s this then? Has someone lost their wife?” The knight in front of her said, earning a bout of laughter from the few down the line. Luna just ignored him. “Come on then, you shouldn’t be covering up a lady’s body with steel, only silk or nothing at all!” Another said, earning a stronger bout of laughter. Luna was starting to get a little aggravated, but just ignored them. She noticed a robed figure next to the group of men in charge of listing Knights and remembered what Rarity said about enchantments. That figure was a seer. She took the opportunity to try and shut these knights up. “Hey hey, come on, maybe she just wants to catch… our… eye…” One started, but trailed off as Luna let the enchantment fall. “Good lord, what the hell?” One of them said. Luna just ignored them and moved up the line. She dismounted and, since the other knights were too busy staring at her, moved up to the station. “Patents and Fee.” The man said, not even giving her a second look. She held out the document she got from Twilight and he took it. “Is this crest valid?” He asked. “Transcribed and appraised by Twilight Sparkle.” Luna replied. The man looked down at it again and noticed Twilight had signed the bottom of it. “Very well. Which events will you be participating it?” He asked. “The Sword, Bow and Lance.” She replied. He nodded and wrote a few things down. “Very well then. Be on your way then Sir… uh… Luna Rose.” He said. Luna couldn’t help but smile at his flub. “You may call me Sir Rose (row-suh).” Luna said. He inclined his head and she turned and walked a few steps. “Not often we get foreign knights in our tournaments, let alone Ladies. You have my Respect, Sir Rose.” She heard. She looked over and was surprised to see a strangely familiar face. Twilight was standing next to a woman who looked nearly her own twin. She had a more delicate complexion, though, and her hair was of multiple colors. Her attire could only be described as royal, though. “Luna, this is Princess Celestia. Our ruler, and my teacher.” Twilight said. “A friend of yours? Oh now I must get to know you.” The Princess said happily, clapping her hands together. Luna’s mouth twitched in a smile. “If you are ruler then why are you not called Queen, if I may ask, your highness?” Luna asked, putting a hand over her chest and bowing. “Oh I hate it when people call me that. And a Queen needs a King. I’d rather not.” Celestia replied with a giggle. Luna nodded her head. “Here you are, I’ve subtracted Rarity’s and my own pay from it but you still have a decent amount.” Twilight said, handing over a bag of coins. Luna nodded in thanks and put the pouch with her coinpurse. “A peculiar choice of armor, Twilight tells me it was custom made by the local smith.” Celestia said walking up and examining her armor closely. “And also your eye, I can only imagine you are tougher than you look.” She continued. “Aye, thank you.” Luna said, not sure how to react to the situation. “Ah, I see I’m making you a little uncomfortable. I will take my leave then, you have preparing to do. I see a sword and a bow, but no lances. You may wish to rectify that so you are not empty handed in the joust.” Celestia said with a smile. Luna nearly facepalmed, but resisted the urge. Celestia giggled and turned. Twilight waved to her and left with her Princess. Luna exhaled heavily and decided to go see Rarity. --- “Oh perfect timing Darling, I just finished the last of the designs. I know you don’t want flashy but I couldn’t help myself so I thought up a whole bunch of them for you to look at.” Rarity called when Luna entered the boutique. Luna smiled, though she had a feeling this was going to be a bit painful. It took nearly an hour for Luna to look at and give her opinion on all of the designs, and it exhausted her. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been exhausted by looking at things like that. She had finally decided on a compromise between an elegant dress and a simple gown and she was able to bring up the topic that brought her here. “So Rarity, do you make lances?” She asked as the clothier gathered up rolls of fabric. “Oh finally, I’ve been waiting for you to ask about lances since we agreed on the armor. Spike and Belle are working on them in the back.” Rarity said, motioning to the curtained doorway with her head. Luna nodded and went to the smithing room. She found the draconian and the girl painting long shafts of black wood. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen a black wood lance before…” Luna said. Spike looked up and grinned. “The Everfree is a dangerous place for people, but not for me. I can bring in this stuff by the cartload in an hour. Besides, it matches your armor. Do you like the paint?” He said, pointing at large racks of finished lances. They looked like standard lances, but black. They had what looked like individual stars painted on them and a swirling mist of blue. The tips were blunted, and there was a design carved into the end. It was a crescent moon, which had white paint over it so it could be seen. “So much work just to make something made to be shattered…” Luna said to herself. “We like the work. And if you really don’t want to destroy them you could always just win every single joust with a single lance.” Spike said, earning a giggle from Belle. “I suppose you are right.” Luna agreed with a laugh. She watched them work for a little while before she remembered something as she watched Spike. “By the way, Spike… At dinner I remember Rarity calling you ‘love’. Assuming it’s not just something she calls you, aren’t you a bit young for a lady like her?” Luna asked, leaning against a post. Spike finished the part of the lance he was working on and blew on it, his mouth glowing green ever so slightly. The heated breath dried the paint instantly. “Dragons can sleep in the shell for many years, once they are able to hatch they start learning and maturing their minds in the shell. Draconians aren’t much different, I’m older than granny smith all things considered.” The draconic boy said, looking up at her with a grin. “Damned be the day you act like it.” Belle said. Luna chuckled and Spiked poked at her with a talon, glaring at her, but he smiled afterwards and stood up. “The armor suits you, by the way. I noticed that your blade isn’t just a standard one, though…” He started, wiping dried paint from his talons with a wet rag. Luna smiled and pulled the thing in question from its sheath. It had no special inscriptions of patterns, yet it was unique in its own way. It could only be seen, not described. “My father had it made for me when I was of age. Hand and a half sword made with folding the steel and implemented the expertise of four different master blacksmiths. He knew many people.” Luna explained, turning the blade over and holding the hilt out to him. “Magnificent craftsmanship, I can definitely see many styles conflicting harmoniously. Dragons have a vast knowledge and love for things that are of the ground, like gems and metal. I have a particular fascination with blades.” Spike said, swinging it around a bit and feeling it around. He handed it back to her and she returned it to its sheath. “It’s one of the few material things my father left to me.” Luna said. “I wish I had a father like yours. I don’t really remember my parents, Rarity knows more about them but she doesn’t like to talk about it.” Belle said softly. Luna looked to her and gave her a somber smile. “Believe me, It’s really not all that bad. I never knew my mother or birth father.” She said, putting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. Belle smiled up at her. “Don’t worry, I came to terms with it already. It just makes me a little sad when people speak of how good their parents are…” Belle said. Spike rustled her hair and put a talon under her chin. “Hey, you’ve got me and your big sister here. We should probably get back to work if we’re going to supply Luna for the tournament now, right?” He said. She giggled and nodded. “It’s fine, Luna. Tell Rarity we’ll be done soon.” Spike said, the two of them taking clean lances and their brushes once more. Luna nodded and turned back towards the Boutique. --- Luna ran into Twilight and Celestia again a while after the sun had set. They had decided to have a late dinner and had coincidentally decided on the same place. “Hm, this is a bit of a problem.” Twilight said halfway through their meal. “Oh? What is?” Celestia asked. “Well, I hadn’t thought of it but I have Luna on the spare bed since she hasn’t anywhere else to stay. You normally stay with me when you visit, and I have a feeling it would be quite odd if the two of you shared a bed.” Twilight answered. “It’s quite alright, I can sleep on one of the library’s cushions.” Luna said. “Oh nonsense, I may be the Princess but I’m not above sharing a bed to accomodate a friend in need.” Celestia said. “Well that’s nonsense, it’s improper to a Princess to need to share a bed. I’d rather not have you on the cushions, though, Luna. I suppose my bed was made for two, you can share mine tonight.” Twilight said. She seemed to just shrug the idea off like it was nothing, perhaps it wasn’t the first time she had slept in the same bed with a friend. It was something Luna had never done, though, and she didn’t know why but the thought embarrassed her more than it should have. “W-Well I…” Luna started. “Oh you’re going to make me jealous, Luna.” Celestia said with a giggle. “You get to have a snuggle buddy tonight.” She continued, giggling like a child. Luna couldn’t help but blush at the thought and stare intently at her half-eaten meal. “Oh stop it Princess, you’re embarrassing her. It’s fine, Luna. It’s not much different than sleeping in the same room as somebody, the bed is big enough to where it is not crowded.” Twilight said. Luna just nodded and tried to get her embarrassment under control. “Well now that that’s all taken care of, I have to ask you Luna; why are you hiding that scar of yours again? Surely you are not ashamed of it?” Celestia asked after a moment of silence, clapping her hands together. Luna looked up at her and half-smiled. “Well even on a man a scar like it scares people. When a woman bears it, though, it draws so much attention. The jagged outline makes it look like the flesh was torn from my face, though I don’t know how I received it. My father said it happened just after I was born.” She explained. “I do admit it was a little unsettling the first time I saw you, I hadn’t noticed you were hiding it until I saw you sleeping.” Twilight said, taking a drink of her wine. Luna gave her a questioning look. “Hm? Oh, um, I’m no Seer but I can see through enchantments like that with much ease. It’s become second nature to me, actually.” Twilight explained. “This one, can’t hide anything from her. Not in that way at least. There’s a reason I chose her as my student.” Celestia said with a laugh. Twilight grinned at her teacher and they finished their meal. They returned to Twilight’s home to find Spike asleep in what looked like a woven nest of cushions and blankets in the main room. Apparently it was his prefered method of sleep. They chatted for a little bit in Twilight’s chambers before they retired. It took a while for Luna to get over the awkwardness she was feeling sharing a bed with another. She didn’t know why, she had shared a bed with her father many times when they stayed outside of their home, it never felt like this. She found herself staring at the back of Twilight, she hadn’t even noticed for a while. She looked around to the spare bed to find Celestia fast asleep. She looked back at Twilight, who was now facing her in her slumber. She smiled and watched her for a little more before finally falling asleep as well. She had a strange dream that night, one she couldn’t make sense of. She saw the splintered pieces of a black wood lance painted with a brilliant night sky lying strewn about in front of her, the roar of a crowd cheering and an overwhelming sense of happiness and satisfaction. It was a big day tomorrow, she would soon find out.