//------------------------------// // When the Fox hears the Rabbit scream he comes // Story: The Collective History of Asgard as Salvaged from All-Father Erik the Mad’s Burning of Archives by Luna Odinmaden // by Phoenix Avalon //------------------------------// “Does the cheering sound closer?” Cadence asked. “I think so,” Celestia said, craning her neck to gaze down the path to the palace gate. All along the path stood the palace servants and guards, dressed in their finest clothing, awaiting the arrival of the All-Father and his heir. Even from their place on the threshold of the palace's front entrance, the princesses and Frigga could hear the cheers of the ponies who had gathered throughout the palace property to greet Odin and Sunset. Luna couldn't decide what to be anxious about, having to face her father after her conversation with Majere earlier that day, seeing Sunset again or attending the welcome feast in three hours. And after spending an hour dressing up, she thought. I'll have to change and do my mane again for the feast. Why, no pony has seen me but the servants and I'm only going to sit in my room until it starts so there's no risk of dirtying my outfit. Waste of time. Truthfully, Luna didn't even mind dressing up--well, she would mind it less if Celestia wasn't always overshadowing her with her fashion choices. Sometimes Luna thought if she showed up in a sack no pony would notice with Celestia in the room. But pretty clothes and pretty hair always meant hosting and that she couldn't abide. Speaking with strangers were too unpredictable, or at least the way Luna spoke never turned out well. She liked to discuss opinions and thoughts she had gathered from history or stories, but no pony wanted to hear dull old tales they'd been told one thousand times before or little bedtimes stories their children demanded of them. They wanted to speak about politics which Luna found only instigated vicious arguments, comment on fashion which Luna found was used as a covert way to criticize others, or subtly extract favors and promises from her as a princess of the blood. Luna never knew how to respond to any of them; she couldn't challenge or disagree with a pony's opinion to their face, so all her part in the conversations amounted to was yes, no and I'm not certain. It was so tedious and she couldn't change it for fear of offending any pony, after all it was her job as a princess to act as a representation of her family as much as an ambassador to a foreign realm. Also, what was she supposed to do if she insulted or contradicted a guest? Royal guests were powerful in their own right and could spread rumors or discontent amongst each other if displeased and they were never forthright if they were displeased so there was no knowing and therefore no rectifying the situation, it was all guesswork. "There they are!" Celestia and Cadence squealed, almost causing Luna to jump out of her skin. The gates had swung open and a massive golden chariot pulled by eight stocky black stallions donned in royal armor rolled onto the path. In it sat Papa and Sunset, both clothed in their royal colors, their manes and tails streaming behind them like banners. The servants flanking either side of the path all bowed low and Papa and Sunset in turn inclined their heads to them as they passed by. "Mama, it's Papa look it's Papa!" Cadence was shrieking, bouncing up and down with the largest grin Luna had ever seen on her face. "I see," Mama said calmly but she was smiling brightly as well. To Luna, her mother's smile was the loveliest thing in the whole universe and she felt, for the first time since they had come out to stand and greet Papa, actual happiness spread through her. If Mama was content with Papa's return then all would be well. As the chariot grew closer, Celestia leaned over and said in Luna's ear, "Sunset looks so different!" It was true, Sunset was vastly changed since the last they had seen her. She was taller now, growing close to Mama's height, and her stance was one of pristine elegance and confidence. But what truly was different was her smile. Luna had recalled Sunset's smile more like the baring of fangs than anything else but now it was replaced with a wide, almost cat-like grin, as if she were holding a canary behind her teeth and looking into the face of the bewildered owner. Luna wasn't sure if it was an improvement. I wonder what we look like to her. Luna was still rather short for her age and while Celestia was tall she still had a very youthful face, and of course Cadence was still very much a filly. Papa hadn't changed, at least there was no outward sign of transformation. He did look weary, but Luna attributed that to the long journey. The chariot had stopped before the steps of the palace entrance and Papa and Sunset stepped out of it. There were ten stone steps leading up to the door and before any pony could stop her, Cadence went rushing down them shouting, "Papa! Papa!" Luna tensed; she recalled that Celestia had done something similar when they were younger than Cadence. Papa had come back from some journey--she could not recall what the purpose was--and when he was coming up the steps Celestia had tried to run to greet him. But Grandpapa had caught sight of her and grabbed her by the tail, yanking her back. "When your father was your age," he had admonished her (halting the entire proceedings), "He stood and waited until ceremony allowed him greeting. He was separated from his mother for seven months when he was yet younger than you and he still did not go barreling like a fiend to her when she arrived." Luna had been so afraid of transgressing ceremony after that her mother had to tell her to go hug her father after they had re-entered the palace. But no pony stopped Cadence, in fact Papa waited at the bottom of the steps for her to come down and even lowered his neck for her to embrace, all the while she kept crying, "Papa, Papa, Papa!" Papa stroked Cadence's head with his wing and when she released him he smiled at her and kissed her forehead before starting up the steps with her at his side and Sunset following behind. When he reached the top Mama inclined her head and Celestia and Luna bowed, all three reciting the proper greeting: "Blessed are our hearts upon your return." "Blessed are we to once again behold your faces," Papa and Sunset gave the customary reply. Then Papa turned back towards the host of servants watching and spoke with a magically amplified voice: "The Master has returned to his house, may you all enter in and find peace." "May all your further journeys be fruitful and all your returns happy," the servants answered him in unison and bowed to him again. Papa inclined his head to them respectfully then turned and lead the way into the palace. When the double doors shut behind them all the family noticeably relaxed. Papa smiled and gave Mama a kiss. "Are you well?" "Yes," she said. "How was the journey?" His stance noticeably slumped and he shut his eyes. "Tiring." "Well, you'll have time enough to rest. Three years was enough time for me to set the household in order." "They've not given you trouble?" "I'm married to you. I was quite prepared." Papa raised his eyebrow but he was smiling. He then turned to Luna and Celestia, regarding them both for a moment before saying in a soft tone, "You both are quite grown-up." "Thank you, Papa," Celestia and Luna said together. "I always wondered if you were both meant to be twins," he said thoughtfully. "There's always been something harmonious about you." Luna had to actively resist the impulse to glance incredulously at her sister. "But Celestia shall be taller. You will be taller than Sunset." Celestia looked very pleased with herself, as if her height had been a concept of her own invention, and said brightly, "Thank you, Papa." "It certainly wasn't my idea, but you're welcome. Luna, you've grown quite lovely." Luna blushed and looked down at her hooves. "Thank you Papa." "You shouldn't look down like that, your eyes are your best feature. They're like my mother's." Grandmama's eyes had been fair if Luna remembered correctly but perhaps he meant the shape or perhaps the expression. Either way, Luna felt bubbly with happiness and lifted her face to smile gratefully at her father. "Papa, haven't I grown?" Cadence said, rearing up to make herself appear taller. "Yes, indeed!" Papa said fondly. "What am I to do? Soon you will be a mare, some stallion will take you from me and you will be too busy to give me anymore hugs. I will be destitute." "Oh Papa, I will always have time to hug you! And you are silly to say I will be too busy, you are All-Father and always busy yourself but you find time to hug me!" Papa laughed. "Sunset, you look very well," Mama said. Sunset smiled. "So do you, Mama," she said. Her voice had gotten deeper and smoother. "You've become quite a mare. Your father has told me how skilled you've become in diplomacy and mediation. I'm very proud of your progress." "I am glad to be of use to our family." "We can go into more detail later," Papa said. "Right now we have to prepare for the feast. Be ready at least half an hour before we must attend, understand?" "Yes Papa," all four daughters said together. Papa nodded and then started down the hall that lead to his and Mama's chambers. Sunset herself started down the hallway towards the princess' chambers almost the instant Papa started for his and her sisters followed behind. Luna thought it was awkward how she, Celestia and Cadence hung behind but she still had the strong sense that she did not want to be close to Sunset. Old habits I suppose. Celestia leaned close to Luna and whispered in her ear, “She’s different.” “Yes, you said so.” “No, all I said was she looked different. I mean now that she is different.” “She’s only been back a few moments.” Celestia pulled back, shaking her head. “You’ll see. I can tell.” *** Luna usually was the last to be ready for an event because she tended to slave over the smallest detail of her dress. But this time she was done with her gown and her hair and had also finished helping Cadence with hers when Celestia stuck her head through the door, saying: “Lulu, come help me with this infernal dress.” Luna left Cadence sitting on her bed playing with Richard, warning over her shoulder, “Be careful not to winkle it, Cadence.” “I won’t,” Cadence said. Luna came into Celestia's and Sunset’s shared room, shutting the door behind her. Celestia was wrestling with the lacing at the back of her dress, which was a brilliant and gossamer pink and blue gown that was very flattering to her shape. Well, at least it’s modest. Luna came up to her side and began untying the tangled lacing, which even with magic took her a moment. “What did you do to these?” “I keep trying to tie it magically,” Celestia said exasperatedly. “But it’s never tight enough, it’s going to fall off in the middle of dancing I just know it.” “Oh and would that be so bad?” came a mocking, chiming voice right in Luna’s ear. Luna felt every hair in her coat stand on end and her skin crawl like ten thousand spiders scuttling over her body. She jumped back so suddenly that she yanked Celestia’s laces so that her sister let out a shriek and nearly fell back on top of her. Luna whirled around and there was nothing there. “Luna! What was that for?” Celestia cried, now desperately trying to loosen her laces. “Did you hear that?” Luna said, her eyes darting around the room. Twin beds, two vanities, two glory chests, two desks, the closet, the bathroom door and the window. No pony could come in except through the door from my room or from the one in the hallway… “Hear what?” Celestia demanded. “That voice!” “What voice?” Luna turned back to her sister who was looking at her in bafflement. “You didn’t hear it? It was so loud, you couldn’t have missed it!” “I didn’t hear anything…” Celestia said. Oh Faust am I going mad? Didn’t Sha’ula hear voices before she went-- “That had better not be you whispering in my ear right now!” Celestia shouted suddenly and so loudly it almost propelled Luna’s heart out by way of her mouth. “What?” Luna gasped. “If you speak one more perverted word in my ear I’ll tear yours off you filthy dog!” Celestia stamped her foot violently. Well, at least we’re going mad together. “Tia, who are you talking to?” “Now see my sister is looking at me like I’m mad. Get out here right now or you’re never coming back in this room again!” There was a thunderous sucking noise, what Luna imaged a tornado must sound like, and then an almost comical pop! and a creature appeared floating in the space between the sisters. “Well if you’re going to be so impolite maybe I won’t come back,” the creature pouted. Luna gawked as a pair of bright red and luscious lips appeared on it’s long maw and it pressed them together until they turned blue, the color crawling up it’s snout to it’s head and down it’s long neck. Then it’s head and neck began to shrivel and shrink and Luna thought it would disappear completely before it came bobbing gelatinously into its proper (Does the word proper fit this creature? She thought) shape and its colors returned. “You were going to let me suffocate myself?” the creature said in a shrill and horrified voice. “Don’t you care about me at all?” “You faker,” Celestia said flatly. The creature slapped it’s left lion paw over the right side of his breast and it’s right bird leg over the left side. “I am desolated, Celestia, truly.” “What are you doing here?” “Do I need a reason to drop in and say salutations?” “I told you not to come in when my sisters were here! Look, you’ve scared Luna out of her senses!” The creature turned on Luna and stretched it’s neck like rubber so its face was shoved against hers. “I don’t know, there doesn’t seem to be much there to lose.” Celestia drove her horn into the creature’s middle and it yelped, shooting to the roof and clinging to it with all its extensions, including it’s long scaled tail. Luna wasn’t sure how this was achieved since the tip of the tail had a tuft of fur. “Mock my sister again and out you go!” The creature rolled it’s eyes literally out of it’s sockets, down it’s spine between it’s one blue bird wing and black bat wing, where each separated and spiraled down it’s hind legs, one clawed and the other cloven. Luna thought she should be nauseous but the sight was so caricature-like that she almost felt compelled to laugh. Almost. “Celestia, is this that Discord you’re always whispering to get out when I come into your room?” Luna said. The creature dropped from the ceiling and landed flat on the floor, its body flattened like paper. Then it inhaled deeply so its body swelled up like a balloon and then after snapping itself like a whip, the creature stood on it’s hind legs and held out its paw to Luna. “Discord, Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony, prepare for trouble and make double, double toil and trouble!” “What are you?" Luna said, staring up at his head where protruded two horns, one goat-like and knobby and the other a simple antler. “He just said--” Celestia began but Luna cut her off, saying to Discord, “You aren’t a true spirit. True spirits have no blood or flesh.” “Clever one, this,” Discord said and his lips curled back like a curtain to reveal a fanged grin. “The technical term for my sort is draconequus.” As if on cue, his body warped into an accordion shape which went bounding about the room, releasing a screechy but vaguely rhythmic tune. “The wonderful thing about draconequus Is draconequus are wonderful things! Their tops are made out of rubber Their bottoms are made out of springs! They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! But the most wonderful thing about draconequus is I'm the only one!” “Not this again,” Celestia groaned. “I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Luna said. Discord’s body popped back into its...preferred form and stalked over to Luna, flicking the index claw of it’s bird leg against her forehead. “Well perhaps you don’t know everything, hmmmmmm?” “Or perhaps you made it up.” Discord gasped, a literal mask of shock materializing over his face. “Insinuating I would lie to a proper young mare such as yourself!” He grabbed the mask and tossed it aside, where it vanished like smoke. “How astute of you. But you are not quite correct, my mother made it up.” “Who is your mother?” Discord abruptly pressed his forehead against Luna’s, his eyes widening until they took up his whole face. “Why are you so underwhelmed by my presence? Most folk run away screaming when I show myself.” He stroked the wisp of hair sprouting out of his chin. “And your sister assured me you were of a nervous disposition. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to pop in to say salutations, but she expressly forbid me for fear of driving you madder than The Hatter.” Luna felt a suddenly sense of outrage and lifting her head proudly, declaring: “Celestia draws pictures of you in her schoolbooks.” “Luna!” Celestia shrieked. Discord’s whole body blushed a brilliant pink. “How nauseatingly romantic.” “So,” Luna continued pointedly. “Your form isn’t so foreign to me. Besides, I’ve read of more fearsome creatures than you.” “Discord,” Celestia interjected. “Oh? Like what?” Discord said to Luna, ignoring her sister. “Do not answer that,” Celestia commanded, pushing Luna aside so she was standing directly before Discord. “Listen to me--” Discord zagged his spine to the side and swung it around Celestia so he was facing Luna again. “I’m a creature of chaos and disharmony, I go against the laws of nature, who can you claim to know more terrifying than me, you pompous little mouse?” "DISCORD!" Celestia cried, taking hold of the cropped mane along his neck with her magic and dragging his head back to face her. "Oh what?" Discord’s lower jaw drooped down to the floor and his tongue rolled out like a carpet. Celestia stamped her hoof on it and his whole body jerked into a Z formation. “What are you doing here?” “When have I needed a reason to see you?” he said, his voice warped from his obstructed tongue. Celestia rolled her eyes but lifted her hoof and his tongue snapped back in his maw and his eyes slithered back into their sockets. “I have a banquet to attend, you can’t be here now.” “Ohhhh, you didn’t invite me?” Discord said with exaggerated woefulness. “My father will be there.” “At last I get to meet the whole family! How will you introduce me? An ambassador from Chaosville? Perhaps I can bring a gift of chocolate rain or do my Chilly Down dance--” Celestia magically grasped one of Discord’s ears and pulled him close so she could glare directly into his eyes. “Discord, I’m serious. I want you to leave.” His body suddenly vanished and appeared floating above her, twisted into an impossible tangle of knots hung with dozens upon dozens of locks of all shapes and sizes. “No.” Celestia turned her back on him. “Well, I suppose you don’t want your present later,” she said disdainfully. Discord’s ears shot up. “Present? What sort of present?” Celestia shrugged. “A sweet one.” The locks disappeared and Discord rushed up beside Celestia. “Why can’t I have it now?” He whined. Celestia pretended to inspect her manicured hoof and said flippantly,“No, you have to wait till later.” Discord huffed, turning his back on her and crossing his arms--all the way down his body to his hind legs. “I’m not leaving until I get my present.” “Then you won’t get it at all!” Celestia snapped. “She can just call our papa in here to banish you,” Luna said. Discord glared at her, his eyes emitting actually black smoke. “Your precious papa can’t make me do anything! I am a being of pure illogic, what can your All-Father do?” Luna was going to say cast out, the All had the magical authority to throw any living being out of the realm of Asgard; he or she could even strip them of certain abilities and powers, reduce lifespans, remove unicorn horns or pegasus wings, stunt magical power, and the like. But Celestia spoke first, saying darkly, “He can turn you to stone.” Discord’s whole body blanched, every drop of color in his whole being from his fur to his scales went snow-white. His form then melted like wax and became a puddle on the floor, leaving only his blinking eyeballs. “I’ll be back for my present later,” his voice emanated from the mouthless puddle in a squeak. Then the puddle shrank until only his eyeballs were left behind and they both bounced across the room towards the window where they phased through and fell out of sight. Celestia sighed heavily. “He can be impossible sometimes.” “You thought I’d be scared of him?” Luna said. “He’s like a jester.” "When he's in a pleasant mood. You don't want to see him in one of his bad ways." "Why? What happens?" "I said you don't want to know. Now finish lacing this up before Sunset comes out and asks why I'm not dressed yet." "How did Sunset not hear the commotion?" "Probably one of Discord's tricks. He can make sure only we heard and saw what happened here." That must be useful, Luna thought but didn't say anything as she returned to tying her sister's laces. *** The banquet was less troublesome than Luna had anticipated. Most of the guests were taken up with greeting the returning All-Father and his heir, so she was for the most part ignored. This was ironically one of Luna's favorite rooms in palace. She once read a story about a court that dwelt on the moon and she always imaged it as the ballroom. The floor was white marble, the walls and pillars were alabaster and the ceiling was hung with crystal chandeliers. Golden tables were laid out with heaps of the richest foods and musicians were positioned in each of the four corners so that melodies came wafting in from every side. The silver curtains had been folded back so that the sunset came streaming in and colored the room lush reds and oranges. Luna sometimes frequented the room at night when she couldn't sleep and would open a window to let the moonlight in. She usually just brought a book to read, but sometimes she would dance, though she had no music or partner. Waltzes mostly, those were her favorites. Celestia was waltzing right now with a very handsome young stallion, Luna thought it was an aristocrat's son. She was doing quite a job of looking happy considering she despised waltzes. Just before Celestia had gone out on the floor with the stallion, she had whispered to Luna, "Not one of Death's dances, I'm certain I'll perish from boredom this time." "You know there was a story where Death played a violin at a party and danced every pony to death," Luna had said and gave Celestia a wicked smile. "Perhaps that will happen here and spare you further distress." Celestia had given her a withering look and then ran off with the stallion. Luna was now standing by one of the window's curtains, drinking a glass of red wine. This was the first year she was permitted to drink any; she had only been given little sips at special occasions previously. So far the it was pleasant but Luna had promised herself not to have more than one since she did not want to risk getting either nauseous or tipsy. She couldn't fathom how Celestia could even stand, much less dance, she'd had at least seven glasses already. But Celestia had been drinking behind their parents' backs for years. She preferred stronger stuff, drinks that almost made Luna choke when she so much as sniffed it. "Appreciating the wine?" Luna almost dropped her glass from her magical hold at the sound of Sunset's voice. "Umm, yes," Luna said. She couldn't think of anything else to say so she pretended to look at Celestia. Sunset walked up and stood besides Luna, looking absolutely stunning in a smoldering orange gown with gold trim. "This is your first time drinking, am I right?" she asked, giving Luna a friendly smile. Luna had the sense that Sunset was trying to put her at ease, which only had the effect of unsettling her further. So she only nodded again and went back to her drink. "How many have you had?" Sunset asked. "This is my first." "You should try the white, it might suit you better." White was softer, Luna knew. "I quite like the red," she said, feeling somewhat offended. First that creature assumes I would be afraid of it, now my sister thinks I can't take a glass of red wine. "Good!" Sunset said brightly. "I've always prefered it myself. If you're going to drink, drink hearty in my opinion." "Celestia shares your opinion," Luna said. Sunset rolled her eyes. "Celestia drinks to excuse her antics. Nothing gets a colt's attention like a filly mincing, 'Oh I'm tipsy, allow me lean on you a moment.'" Luna almost choked on her wine--Sunset could mimic Celestia's voice exactly, the tone and the rhythm, and she even tilted her head to the side and batted her lashes just as Tia did. Luna had to cover her mouth with her hoof to muffle her laughter. Sunset bared her teeth in that new cat-like grin of hers. "It's the perfect excuse! Then later everything you said and did is claimed to be nothing more than drunken foolery." "Don't tell me you've tried it." Sunset had never seemed much interested in stallions in their youth, but neither had Luna truthfully. Sunset scoffed. "I never need to work so hard for a stallions attention. And I'd never need an excuse for any actions because no stallion would dare overstep his bounds with me." That was true, Luna couldn't think of a stallion who found so little value in life that he would act indiscreetly with Sunset. Celestia on the other hoof... That Discord creature was certainly forward, even for Tia's tastes. "Luna?" "What?" "I said your glass is almost empty would you like a refill? I need to get a fresh glass for myself." After a brief hesitation Luna said, "Very well," and Sunset flagged down one of the waiters and had him bring two glasses filled to the brim with fresh wine. For about an hour and a half the scene remained, Sunset and Luna standing in a corner and speaking in muffled, humorous exchanges with one another, interrupted only by waiters summoned to offer more wine. Luna hadn't realized how much she missed conversing. When she considered it, she had gone three years without much companionship; Mama was consumed with the household, Celestia with her affairs, and Cadence was still too young to be of much company. And time had worked quite a change in her sister. Three years ago, hardly a word came out of her mouth that wasn't steeped in venom; now a whole new spirit had taken hold of her. Her conversation was genial and attentive, she encouraged Luna to do most of the speaking, wanting to know how every pony had gotten on in the years she had missed. She laughed heartily at all of Luna's jokes, she sympathized when Luna described the changing of the old servants, and appeared concerned when Luna mentioned Celestia's worsening behavior. Admittedly, Celestia was quite a focus in the conversation, somehow it always linked back to her. As all things seemed to. Luna had forgotten how many glasses of wine she had drunk and was starting to feel unusually relaxed (Perhaps parties aren't so bad after all, she thought, I feel practically giddy now and I haven't even danced all night!) when she finally let slip about Celestia's argument with Mama earlier that day. Sunset was appropriately stunned. "Mama stuck her? Our Mama?" "And how!" Luna said, taking a gulp of her wine. "My, but it has such a wonderful influence this wine. It makes everything seem and sound so much sweeter!" "It's a very good year," Sunset assented. "But tell me, does Mama not take measure to keep this creature she complains of from entering the palace?" "Well you see, that's the thing, the whole palace is so guarded already what with all the, well, guards--" Here Luna giggled, she wasn't sure way, the redundancy just seemed amusing. "And all the spells dear Majere--goodness that rhymed!--puts about it. But this fellow just cuts through it all--zip!--like a hot knife through butter! I don't think zip is the correct sound for that, what sound would a hot knife through butter make? Squish? I don't recall it having a sound to be perfectly frank--" "Is Mama not disturbed having such a creature who can go in and out unchecked into the heirs' rooms?" "Oh, he never comes into mine and Cadenceses, I mean Cadanceses--why out of all of us has she no nickname? Wait, you have none either, that's strange your name was quite difficult for me to pronounce when I was little." "How can you be so sure he has not come in your room?" "Tia wouldn't let him, he is quite tame with her. Well, when he's bribed." "Bribed? With jewels?" "Goodness no! I don't think he'd know what to do with jewels if he were given any, he's something of a strange sort. No, she gives him..." Luna abruptly leaned into her sister, so suddenly she actually stumbled over her hooves and had to take a moment to steady herself, before whispering the word: "Presents." "Jewels can be presents," Sunset said. "Come now, this is Celestia we're speaking of! With a creature of the male persuasion! And she called it a sweet present." "She's told you all this?" "No, no, no, no! She's tried to keep him hidden from us. No, I found out quite by accident, when she called me in to help dress her for the party." "While I was bathing?" "Yes! And he just appeared out of nowhere, pop! And he wouldn't leave even when she offered him a present, not until she said Papa could turn him to stone. I suppose that means something to him, I'm not sure what. I mean, being turned to stone sounds unpleasant, but there are worse things that can happen to a body. Buried alive, eyes gouged out with sticks, having your innards eaten out by birds--do you see the waiter, I'd like a little more wine." "He was in my room?" "Yes, I just told you that!" "And he's been there before?" "Oh many times, I'm certain. He and Celestia are quite intimate, it seems to me. Good Borr, I can't get a colt to look at me much less sneak into my room while I'm dressing! Though it's not so scandalizing, I mean I'm not always technically dressed anyway so I don't see the illicitness--" "Would you excuse me, Luna?" "Certainly, but before you go can you call the waiter over? I'm almost dry." Sunset did call the waiter and was gone before he had filled Luna's cup. After he departed, Luna felt her corner was lonely and so started making her way towards the more crowded end of the room. The dancing had now switched to the reel, one of Celestia's more favored styles, and even Luna had to admit the dancing felt far more energized than before. Actually, everything seemed energized, the colors and movements and sounds all seemed to whirl and blur together in a dizzying wave that crashed and washed over her. Luna felt as if she were seeing everything but all was somehow obscured, like seeing the scene through a wall of water, yet she was joyful about it. She had approached the dancers and was smiling at how the mares' dresses frothed like sea foam of many colors, when she spotted Mama standing on the opposite end of the room, her neck craned as if searching for a face amongst the crowd. "Hi Mama!" Luna cried, waving her hoof above her head. Some heads turned but Mama didn't seem to hear her, the music was loud in this part of the room. Just then Mama herself lifted her hoof and beckoned to some pony, Luna thought it was herself and had just stepped forward, nearly spilling her wine when a dancing couple almost crashed into her. But she stopped when she saw Celestia walking up to Mama, looking baffled. Mama motioned for Celestia to follow her and they disappeared into the crowd together. Luna wandered away from the dancers, not wanting to spill her wine, and observing the ponies around her. They all looked very flushed, even those who hadn't been dancing, in fact everything had a rosy tint about it. Maybe it's like how the moon reflects the sun's light once the other has set. How clever that would be! Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw a familiar wizard's cap peeking above the sea of manes. "Majere!" She exclaimed and rushed through the tangle of bodies, while still carefully attempting to keep hold of her glass. She found the mage conversing with two other ponies she didn't recognize but he immediately turned to her when she cried his name again. "Highness?" He said, raising his eyebrows. They made Luna think of two quizzical caterpillars and she was seized by a fit of laughter that took a moment to subside. "I'm pleased to see you are enjoying yourself," Majere said and now his eyebrows were lowered. "You know I told you--I think I did, didn't I?--that this whole affair would be the death of my soul, with all the blathering of these witless flatterers--who are your friends, I don't believe I recognize them, are you mages as well? "Majere is the best you know, my Papa wouldn't have kept him on if he didn't think so, he fired our old accountant the week after my Grandpapa's funeral and he'd been serving since my great-grandpapa was All! Have you tried the wine, it is heavenly there isn't any finer in all the kingdom, Papa doesn't stand for anything less than the best! "Oh! But what I meant to say, Majere, was that you know how the moon reflects the sunlight, is there some sort of stone that does that? Because I was thinking I must get my whole room done up in it if there is, so at night everything would be warm and rosy like it is here now! "Speaking of rosy, have you spoken with Sunset? She is wholly changed, she's barely the same creature! We spent all this time conversing and she was the most charming companion I've had in ages, excluding yourself of course, no pony could ever replace you. But I'm so relieved she's decent now, she was such a beast before Tia used to say she'd leave Asgard when she ascended!" Luna paused to take a sip from her glass. Majere suddenly stepped forward, saying, "Would you walk with me, Highness?" Before Luna could respond he swept her away through the crowd to a less packed area in a corner. "Do be careful, Majere, I think I spilled my wine all over the floor. Some pony might slip." "Look at my eyes," Majere said in an usually commanding tone. Luna obeyed and he frowned. "How many glasses have you had?" "Only three--no, more than that...I'm not certain. It's very good, have you tried it yet?" "Did Sunset give you this wine?" "Yes I asked her to call the waiter for me because I was running--" "How many did you have before Sunset came to speak with you?" "One." "Where is Sunset now?" "She ran off, I don't know where. We has a nice talk, I told you, we spoke of you a bit and of Celestia's creature, oh! I didn't tell you I met him, Tia's new beau, you would find him fas--" "Luna, I think you should come sit outside with me. The fresh air will do you good." "But I'm having fun!" "Just for a little while, you need air." "No, I don't want to go." "Your Highness, please--" "What is it you all want from me? First Celestia called me a diffident doll and then you tell me my magic doesn't work because I am a black hole, but when I'm happy and outgoing you try to hide me away! I will not go outside I will stay in here, I am a princess and I will do as I please!" With that she spun on her heels, almost tipping over with the force of the movement, and stalked off. She felt heat building up in her eyes and quickly blinked the threat of tears back. The rosiness had gone out of everything and now the room and all its occupants had a dull, watery appearance. Her stomach felt strange as well, very sloshy and slightly queasy. And I was having such a fine evening too, the best I've ever had at one of these. Why is it when I'm enjoying myself it's wrong? She went to sip her wine but found her glass empty, so she called over the closest waiter. He had just departed and Luna was about to take a sip, when Celestia suddenly appeared before her, so suddenly and unexpectedly Luna actually shrieked in surprise. "You told Sunset about Discord?" She snapped. Her voice sounded like the clang of a cymbal in Luna's head and she winced. "Lower your voice," she hissed, touching her forehead daintly. They were standing directly beneath one of the chandeliers and Luna was suddenly acutely aware of the light beating down, as palpably as a hammer on her temples. "Why?" Celestia insisted. "How could you tell her, of all the ponies in all of Asgard, why would you tell her?" "Why shouldn't I, she's my sister!" "She's a treacherous serpent, and she just went and told Papa that I was having intimate relations with him!" "Well, aren't you?" "Of course not!" Celestia almost shrieked. "Do you think I'm mad, do you know what Papa would do if I risked our family's honor like that?" "You could have fooled me with all that talk of sweet presents," Luna said. "I was promising him sweets, actual sweets like from the kitchen! He has a terrible sweet tooth, it's that big one that sticks out of his lip! He'll do anything for a pastry!" “Well maybe if you didn’t keep him such a secret like you were ashamed of him and let him in your room only when you’re alone I wouldn’t assume you’ve been playing the harlot!” Celestia gaped at her in astonishment, Luna might have even laughed at her if she wasn't so angry. After an uncomfortable stretch of stunned silence, Celestia spoke: “Are you drunk?” “What? No! I tell you the truth and you say I’m drunk?” “You are drunk. That nag got you drunk.” Luna stepped forward so her face was only inches away from her sister's. “She is not a nag, you’re the nag! And if you think you’re fooling me with that 'risking our family’s honor' speech you’re the fool because every pony in the whole of Asgard knows you’re a hussy who doesn’t give a damn about her own honor, much less her family’s!” As the words left her mouth, Luna felt her whole body seize, like a gear within herself had suddenly been jammed and all her functions had ground to a halt. Except her stomach. Her stomach surged up through her throat and she felt it crawling out of her mouth. Before Luna even realized what was happening, her body seized again and she vomited. She hadn’t even drawn breath when she retched again. Her throat was burned and tears were dribbling down her eyes, but all Luna felt was panic. She couldn’t stop or even resist the sensation, her body simply went taut and then turned inside out. She couldn’t breath, she couldn’t move, she couldn’t think, she felt like all her organs were trying to force themselves out through her gullet. “Calm down,” Celestia’s voice came in her ear, strained but concerned. “Just relax and it’ll pass in a moment.” Celestia was now standing beside her, magically drawing Luna’s mane and the skirt of her dress back so they wouldn’t be soiled. Luna could also feel that she was casting soothing spells which relaxed her muscles and lowered her heartbeat. The panic subsided and this time when she retched her body seized less and only a cool watery substance came up instead of the acidic gruel from before. It almost felt...well not good but cleansing perhaps, her stomach wasn't bothering her anymore and she felt more stable on her hooves. "Can you stand up straight?" Celestia had just asked her when Majere suddenly appeared, leading Mama to their side. “Are you alright?” Mama asked Luna, her voice filled with concern. “She drank too much,” Celestia said. Majere had cleaned up the vomit with a quick flash and the smell of burning. He took a punch bowl from the table they were standing next to and levitated it beneath Luna’s face. “Celestia give her a glass of punch to rinse her mouth out. Luna, spit in the bowl.” Luna shook her head but Mama said firmly, “Do as Majere says.” Luna reluctantly took the glass of punch Celestia had swiped from the table and rinsed out her mouth, spitting it out into the punch bowl. Majere set the bowl down and waved his hoof over it, causing it to vanish. He then held the same hoof out in front of Luna. “Tell me do you see trails?” he said, waving it slowly back and forth in front of her face. “No,” she answered. "How does your head feel?" "Heavy and throbbing. The lights hurt and the noise too." "What about your stomach?" "I feels better than before." "Can you straighten up for me?" Luna did so and though it made her head pound and she had to lean a little on Celestia to steady herself she did manage. "Hmmmm, just a little tipsy," Majere said. "Your body seems to have ejected the offending substance." "How did you get so sick, beloved?" Mama asked, looking genuinely stunned. "How much did you drink?" Before Luna could answer, the worst possible thing that could happen (on top of drinking until she purged in the middle of a party) did. Papa came striding up to them. And he looked angry. The other three must not have noticed because when Luna said, "Oh Faust," they all looked around in unison just as he came up between Mama and Majere. "What is going in here?" he said in a tight voice. He was looking down at Luna and Celestia with a face so stiff with suppressed anger Luna thought it would start to splinter like flint. "Luna is ill," Mama said quickly, clearly attempting to stem whatever furious tide was incoming. "Ill? Is there something wrong in the food or drink?" "No no, nothing wrong." "Then why is she ill?" He demanded, in a much harsher voice than Luna had ever heard him use with Mama. "She drank a little too much," Mama admitted. Papa looked at Mama in astonishment. "Luna? Drinking?" "She's old enough now, this was the first celebration where she was allowed to take any wine." Papa's jaw flexed and he gave a loud snort. He muttered something under his breath that Luna couldn’t hear, but Mama replied to it, “Odin, that’s not-” Papa’s face suddenly whipped towards Celestia. “Did you do this?” “W-what?” Celestia stuttered. "No! I didn't I swear!" Papa looked unconvinced but all he said was, "Your sister isn't fit to be seen. I want you to take her to her room." "I'll go mix up something for the princess' stomach," Majere said but Papa stopped him sternly, "No. Celestis will get her whatever she needs. Not a servant--" Here Papa looked directly at Celestia and spoke in a slow, deliberate voice, "You. And when you're done serving your sister you will remain in your chambers until this banquet is over. Understood?" Celestia nodded slowly. "Take your sister out," Papa said and then walked away without another word. Luna thought the wine really hadn't left her system because only now did she realize that almost all the noise in the room had stopped. When she glanced around she saw every face in view was turned towards them. Luna felt like she was shriveling under their stares. How much had they all seen and heard? Did they hear me call Tia a hussy? Did they see me vomit? Oh Faust, I wish I was dead. "Let's go Lulu," Celestia whispered and nudged Luna forward. Luna couldn't move. She felt like the butterflies Majere had on display in his chambers, impaled with needles. She kept imagining the ground cracking open and the floor beneath her falling away into an endless chasm. How much better than this that would be, to have cool and quiet darkness envelop me. It is so much safer and easier to act when nothing can see you. "Luna come now," Mama said. She moved so she was on the opposite side of Luna as Celestia and using her wing gave her a little push. Luna would have leapt off a cliff for her mother and so found herself automatically moving, one hoof in front of the other. But it was like walking through water or through sand, it seemed to take so much effort. She felt as if every set of eyes were casting a needle into her form, trying to pin her in place, and she had to drag her bone and flesh through the impediment, leaving shreds of herself behind, torn and exposed for their greedy selves to gather up. When they finally reached the door Luna thought she might shatter into a thousand pieces. Majere opened the door and Celestia and Luna stepped out alone, the door swinging shut behind them. The relief was so palpable, to be free from those horrid eyes, that Luna's legs almost buckled. Only Celestia's support kept her from falling over. "Can you walk, Lulu?" Celestia said. "Can you walk at all? Because I'll go and ask Papa to permit me to get help from the servants--" Luna shook her head furiously. "No," she said. Her voice came out raspy and at first she thought it was from vomiting but now she realized it was from holding back tears. "Don't go back in there. I can walk," she insisted. Celestia nodded. "I think you're just a little tipsy," she said gently. "You should be alright soon." Luna nodded, she was afraid if she opened her mouth she would start crying. That would be a way to add to the glories of this night: get drunk, vomit and weep. "Come, let's get you to bed and I'll bring you something to settle your stomach," Celestia said. It took a long time to get to the bedroom, or at least it felt long to Luna. Perhaps the hidden passages had gotten her used to a quicker pace or perhaps it was because of the wine, but it seemed to take ages before they finally arrived at her door. Celestia magically unlocked it and pushed it open. "Can you walk in yourself?" She asked. Luna answered by slowly staggering inside her room. She had a bad throbbing in her temples and her head felt so heavy she wondered if that was why she felt so unbalanced. "You stay right here I'm going to run to the kitchen. Are you certain you're okay?" Celestia asked. Luna glanced over her shoulder and saw her sister's face was pale with concern. It automatically induced her to smile reassuringly. "I'm fine now." Celestia nodded and turned to leave, then hesitated. "Lulu," she said softly. Luna suddenly saw tears streaming down Celestia's cheeks. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." "It's alright," Luna said. "I'm sorry you got in trouble." Celestia shook her head. "That was my own fault. Don't be sorry." Celestia rubbed her eyes with the back of her hooves. "I'll be right back," she said and this time she walked away, shutting the door behind her. It was my fault. Luna stared at the door, feeling tears starting to slide down her own cheeks. It was all my fault. She turned and shuffled over to her bed. How could I be so foolish? To think Sunset had changed, to think she wanted to be my friend, to think it was safe to tell her anything. She winced and shut her eyes, the memory itself pained her. And then you got drunk. Damnit it, Luna, how could have so little self-control? And why tonight, on all nights, in front of Papa and the whole court did you have to make every mistake, say every wrong thing, make every wrong move? From a diffident and joyless doll to a drunken jester...how is it I can never stumble into the right role? Even once?! A sob finally burst from her lips and like a dam split asunder more came pouring out until her whole frame was wracked with them. All my sisters have their place--Sunset is the heir, Celestia is the host, and Cadence is beloved, but what is my place? There is no inheritance leftover for me! I cannot command like Sunset, cannot charm like Celestia, cannot love like Cadence, what will become of me now? Luna stamped her hoof, half in wrath and half in sorrow, but she was still a little unbalanced and ended up tilting to the side, so she ended up falling against the wall besides her bed. This caused one of her dolls, seated on the shelf, to tumble off and onto the bed. It was one with a golden mane, clothed in white and blue with a golden crown. Luna suddenly felt the most intense hatred seize her. That doll, even strewn on her bed, with it's perfect mane, it's perfect dress, and perfect smile, possessed every aspect she lacked. It only sat and stared in silence and still it had more akin to a true princess than herself. All her breeding, all her lessons, all her books, they couldn't make her like that damn doll. They couldn't make her a real princess. Before she even knew what she was about, Luna snatched up the doll with her magic and hurled it across the room. It hit the wall with a loud thump and fell to the floor, and there was something deeply satisfying about the way her body twisted limply on the floor. Good, that's where you belong. She didn't even know if she meant the doll or herself but either way it felt fitting. Luna took hold of the next doll, this one clothed in white and orange, and hurled it at the same wall. And she did the same for each of the eight others but it no longer had the same sating effect as the first. So then she went over to where they lay, sat down and proceeded to tear off their gaudy dresses and break their crowns and scepters in half before ripping their bodies open so their stuffing fell out. And the entire time tears streamed down her face and the pounding in her head drummed at her brain. For Sunset the mind, for Celestia the manners, for Cadence the heart, and for Luna none. For Sunset the mind, for Celestia the manners, for Cadence the heart, and for Luna none. When she had finished every doll had been stripped and gutted and she felt oddly numb, as if all their pieces scattered around her were her nerves, shredded and snapped. She stared down at her work and thought, Grandmama would be so sad, and she wondered why everything she did linked back to her grandparents or her parents or her sisters, why nothing was just of herself and for herself. At those thoughts, her eyes looked towards her desk where one of her burned tomes was laid out, as she had been trying to copy it's undamaged contents onto new parchment. She had hit a snag recently, that page had been about a very complex spell that she had no reference for. She had meant to ask Majere about it earlier that day, before they had that talk about her magic and how it only showed itself through its absence, and how its absence was only known in comparison to her sister's magic. Everything I have is only in my relation to others. Nothing is my own. I can only reflect others' glory and then only dimly. She suddenly felt very alone, not even that she was presently left alone, but if the whole court flooded into her room she would still be isolated, like a great trench had been cleaved between her and the whole world and every creature in it. She wanted now to hold something, a very primal and infantile impulse for comfort, and she regretted that she had destroyed her dolls. She levitated one, the very first she had thrown now nothing more than an empty fabric skin, and pressed it against her breast. She wasn't even angry anymore, she wasn't even sure if she was sorrowful, she felt hollow and weak. Just like her doll. ...I'll always just be a dull doll like Tia said... She barely registered standing up, still clutching her doll, walking over to the desk and tearing the paper in half. It didn't seem to mean much either way, it wasn't as if she could finish it. I should give it to the Royal Scribe, it really was his duty to begin with. I have enough duties of my own that I'm failing at. She turned away from her desk and dragged herself over to her bed, collapsing on the covers, still magically holding her doll close. I'll have to get up in the morning and face Papa, Mama and Majere and every pony in the palace. No matter what they actually saw all they'll be thinking is: "Here's that filly who couldn't hold her liquor and had to be all but carried out of the feast." That's all the history books will write about me: Luna Erika Odinmaden, made a spectale of herself at her father's return from establishing his kingdom. Nothing else is known about her life. My mad grandfather will have pages devoted to him. My father and sisters will too. I'll just be a footnote in this world. Then she fell into the embrace of sleep. *** Note from Luna Odinmaden: The Second War of Alicorns is also called the Years of Tribulation today; firstly to distinguish itself from the First War of Alicorns, which was between Faust and her brother Penumbrus, and secondly to impose on future generations the destruction such crises, more specifically those of succession. Because of the disaster such conflicts caused a law was passed in Asgard under All-Father Augustinian that only the eldest legitimate child may inherit the throne of Asgard, only in the event of their death may the right be passed onto the next legitimate child. Also for this reason talk of overthrowing or scheming against an heir is tantamount to treason and is punishable with death. The Fate of Jeshurun and Midian As stated before in this history, after Faust's death her wicked daughter Midian stirred up her siblings to war with one another for the throne. And the war lasted many years and Asgard was much afflicted, for all Faust's children held great power as their parents had, and it was in their ability to blight the land with all manner of magically tribulation. So the inhabitants of the land, the pegasuses, the unicorns and the earth ponies, hid themselves or fled all across the whole of Asgard to escape the conflict of Faust's children. Some, seeing there was no true reprieve from their abuse, sought to beg them to make peace with one another but to no avail. Therefore Asgard grew weak and ill with war and disaster, and its inhabitants cried out for deliverance. And after forty years it came and with great recompense, and here is the manner in which it happened: Throughout the warfare, Midian claimed to play the part of peacemaker and offer to mediate between her brothers and sisters. But rather than placate her family she used her words to provoke them to violence. She would claim to bring words of warning to each, that the other sibling had sent her with words of peace but in their hearts were planning betrayal, and therefore she out of the compassion in her heart revealed this to her poor brother or sister. Therefore the words of her mouth consumed and devoured more than the edge of the sword. After she had infected her brothers and sisters with her lies she would suggest that as reward they offer one of their sons or daughter to marry one of her own. Thus her power increased and stretched out like a spider’s web over the land so that all were strangled by her slightest whim. There was only one of her siblings who perceived her wickedness and who sought to undo her works, Jeshurun the Upright, as he is now called. He was from his youth devoted to holiness and righteousness out of all his brothers and sisters and had refused to engage in any battle for or against any of them, for the thought of shedding the blood of his family was repulsive to him. As Midian’s power grew, Jeshurun took it upon himself to attempt to expose her to his siblings, reasoning with each the falseness and exploitation of her words and encouraging them to resist her influence. Most did not heed him, for they were more concerned with the might Midian’s manipulation could offer them (never considering how, as it is said, the one who thinks he masters evil shall be the first to fall by it) but some heeded his warning and withdrew from Midian’s control. Though she still retained most of her siblings in her thrall, as the fire and the leech is never satisfied so it was with Midian. She could not endure the loss of her authority over a single one and her heart was inflamed with wrath for Jeshurun. She at first sought to cloak her hate in honey words, saying to her brother: “Why do you seek to undermine me, my most precious brother? I seek only as you do, to unite our family once again through the bonds of love and marriage, what harm have I brought unto you that you desire my destruction so?” And Jeshurun answered her simply saying, “When the rabbit cries out, the fox rushes but not to help. So it has always been with you since your youth and shall be until the moment you repent, the Four Ones are loosed, or the coming of the Kingdom that Stands.” Midian was wroth at his words but restrained herself and day after day she beset her brother with her lies, professing and swearing her innocence and pleading for him to make peace with her, even offering one of her own daughters to marry one of his sons. But Jeshurun would accept none of her overtures and continued to uncover her evil intentions to all, despite many dismissing him. Even his own wife pleaded with him, “Why stir up trouble for yourself and your children? Leave your sister to her ways, if the other children of your mother are so blind they cannot see the destruction in her, leave them to their foolishness.” But Jeshurun said, “What shall I say to my mother when I pass on to the next world and see her face again? 'All your children slew one another while I stood by?' May more so be done to me and mine if I do not end this bloodshed even by my own death.” By these words he prophesied his own end, for Midian’s anger had utterly devoured her heart and mind so she could not sleep nor eat for it, and she finally determined that unless her brother was dead she would know no peace nor victory. So she called two worthless and bloodthirsty stallions to her side and told them, “Go and slay my brother Jeshurun, do not be terrified but of good courage. For if you serve me well in this one thing I shall love you and honor you as my own children, you and yours will have a place at my table forever. I swear all this on the ascension of my mother’s soul.” The stallions answered her, “We are your servants, you are our queen, we shall fulfill your every word with our every deed.” Now Jeshurun had made a pilgrimage to the Temple of the Honey Stone, the temple Faust’s husband built around the stone that he struck and honey came pouring out to revive him and his wife when they were fleeing her brother Penumbras. Today this is the temple that the Holy Seer dwells in. The murderers sent by Midian came to the door of the temple, telling the priests they were travellers seeking blessing for their journey and were therefore allowed entrance. They went to the center of the temple where the stone is and upon finding Jeshurun standing before it in prayer, they struck him and killed him there before the monument set by his father. And his blood fell upon the stone and soaked into the floor, so that to this very day the ground directly before the stone is called the Blameless Threshold and none may tread upon it. The murderers then fled, intending to hide in the hills for a month as Midian had instructed them to do before returning to her castle. But before they were even in sight of the hills, they were slain by Midian’s own soldiers, so she would seem like the avenger of her innocent brother rather than his murderess. So Jeshurun was buried in the same tomb with his father and mother and the whole land mourned Jeshurun, for he was loved by all the common folk and all his siblings other than Midian had love for him, even those who had ignored his warnings. Now all knew who the true murderer was but half the kingdom was under her hoof and the other half had no proof, so Midian believed judgement had passed over her. But Jeshurun’s wife went to the temple where her husband had died and knelt down before the stone for three days and three nights and cried out to the Maker with a loud voice: “Will the shedding of my husband’s blood and the defilement of this holy ground be unavenged?” And the Voice came to her on the third night and said: "Take your sons and daughters and stand before the mountain where Midian dwells and set your face against it every day for fourteen days. "Then on the forteenth day turn away and you and all your children shake off the dust off from your hooves and depart to your house. "For I Myself shall besiege her and all she possesses and make her name and house less than the dust. For I have heard your prayer and I beheld the blood of your husband upon My dwelling place.” So Jeshurun’s wife did all that she was told. And Midian was told that her sister-in-law and her nephews and nieces stood at the base of her mountain where her palace stood. But Midian laughed and mocked her saying, “What do I care what she does, her own husband would not strike out against a fly while he lived, will he now that he is dead come against me?” On the fourteenth day Jeshurun’s wife and his children returned to their own house and on the very hour of their departure Midian’s eldest son, a stallion of great beauty and strength, and his entire household all fell down where they stood and died, as if Palest of the Four Ones had walked through. And so Midian’s house was beset from that very day forth with torment and tribulation; her sons and daughters and their children were overcome with sickness of the body and mind, their servants arose and struck them down in their own homes, the earth shook and swallowed up their houses and the rain, flood and fire razed their crops. There was no deliverance and no salvation, the Maker’s heart was turned away from their suffering, and they all died so there was none of Midian’s heirs left in the whole of Asgard. And when Midian’s husband saw the destruction of his children and grandchildren his mind was sundered. He tore the feathers from his wings and broke his horn off his head and then threw himself from the summit of their mountain so he was broken in pieces on the rocks and died. At last only Midian was left, alone in her castle, for all her servants had deserted her in fear of the judgment visited upon her. Her own body had been ravaged by sickness so she was gaut like a skeleton. The hair on her body had fallen off, her eyes leaked blood rather than tears, her mouth and lips were coated in lesions, and her flesh broken out in boils. When she slept the same dream came to her every night, she beheld the yawning mouth of a cave with rotten flesh and broken bones strewn before it and a voice came from within saying: “Step forth, child of strife, your reward and your children await you.” On her final day, Midian climbed down her mountain to seek water for there was none in her house and none to bring her some. When she had descended she walked towards the river that ran a mile from the mountain's base but she was weak in body and in soul, and the sun was high in the sky. The heat that day was so great that some claimed the sun itself did not move from the moment she started down the mountain to the moment she collapsed on the earth, only a meter from the riverbed. To this day it is called the Mocking River and it is said the wicked who attempt to drink there taste Midian’s own blood rather than water. And the mountain where Midian’s castle was is now called the Mount of Madness and has never been dwelt in since. It is believed by those who live within sight of it that standing in its shadow will drive you mad, and that at night Midian’s ghost descends from it’s peak, crying for water, but the sun always rises and dispels her before she can reach it. Thus was the manner in which Midian the daughter of Faust was destroyed on account of her evil and her bloodline cut off, and Jeshurun’s death and the defilement of the temple was avenged. Upon seeing this destruction of their sister, fear was put in the hearts of all of Faust’s children and drove them all to seek reconciliation with one another, giving the title of All-Father to Haroun, Faust’s firstborn. Therefore there was peace between Faust’s children for as long as they lived for they feared to share their sister’s fate. But a foundation of fear is like that of sand, it shifts with the rain and storms, and once Faust’s sons and daughters were dead their children forgot the fate of Midian and they returned to the sins of their fathers and mothers and there was war again in Asgard.