Chapter Fourteen: Parakaleo
After the prank she and Celestia pulled on Lord Heartstrings things got both better and worse for Night Glider. The entire court now gave her respect, but it was also laced with fear and hesitance. Nopony knew exactly what had happened to Lord Heartstrings, but they all knew why it had happened. After a few more days of this treatment Night was thoroughly fed up with unicorns. Celestia picked up on this and came up with a solution. “Earth ponies! We’ll go visit the earth ponies and have ourselves a good old time there. It’s been decades since I visited them. They’re good solid folk that won’t treat you any different than anypony else, long as you pull your weight. Besides, the food’s richer and the wine’s sweeter out there in the country. What say you?”
Night, slumped on the dining table, gave a non-committal grunt and went back to moping.
“I will take that as a yes. Let’s away!” In a flash of solar magic, Night suddenly found herself a good thousand feet in the air. She flailed about briefly before getting herself into a safe glide. Celestia’s hearty laughter at her antics both frustrated and amused the dark alicorn.
“Are we just leaving like that? No warning to anypony?” Night asked.
“Certainly. They are no more my masters than a gaggle of chickens is. It has been far too long since I left the palace anyway. Any longer in there and I might start gathering cobwebs.”
Night frowned at this. “How can you just lose a decade like that? You’ve spent half my natural life sitting around drinking and contemplating your hooves and you laugh it off like an afternoon spent napping.”
Celestia took a moment to respond. “Yes, it’s quite disgusting really… It’s easier than getting up and trying to deal with things. The races of ponies are so divided and petty these days. It depresses me, and I don’t like being depressed.”
Below them lay the burgeoning fields of the earth ponies, and ahead of them lay one of their villages. Celestia and Night swung low and came to rest not far from the central longhouse of the village. Celestia flashed Night a winning grin and knocked on the door of the lodge. From inside came a fierce, but squeaky female voice, “Who goes there?”
“A visitor! Who else? Is Chancellor Waffle still rattling around these parts or has he trotted off to greener pastures?”
“Oh, uh, he’s been dead these four years. Died happy though. Just after breakfast it was. The maple syrup was a mess to clean up, let me tell you.”
“Who is chancellor now?”
“That would be me. Chancellor Puddinghead…” There was a pause from both parties. “Oh! How rude of me. Come in! And know me better, mare.”
Night Glider squinted skeptically at this, but Celestia’s unfaltering smile got her to withhold her doubts. Ducking as she entered the longhouse she was greeted by the delicious scent of baking bread. Busily working away at a stone oven in the center of the room was a fairly portly mare wearing a rather ridiculous hat. She was in process of removing a couple of finished loaves and replacing them with new dough. Finally satisfied, she set down her bread paddle and turned to her guests. As soon as she caught sight of them, she shrieked and jumped into the rafters. This at last earned a frown from Celestia.
“What now chancellor? Thy forbearers were not so skittish as thee. Come down from there and greet a guest in the name of a guest as is meet. Our form should not affright thee so sorely. Twas a familiar sight in years not long past that We should grace thee with our presence.”
“No! I shall not greet thee in the name of a guest since thou hast become our enemy. I know thee Celestia. These past years thou hast consorted with the unicorns to rob us of hearth and home. Thy withholding of the sun when we resisted the levy of the unicorn tribute is proof enough of thy treachery! Thou wouldst doom the world to death in ice and hunger for thy trinkets of gold and thine own full belly. I have heard tell of thy power, but what is it to stand against power when one’s only other courses are death and slow death?”
Celestia scowled openly now. “I spit upon thy proof! Thee and me have been betrayed both, but if thou desirest ice and hunger, perhaps those kin of thine in lies and slander can give it thee. We shall go where ponies know how to treat a stranger under their roofs.”
Night was absolutely bewildered by the exchange and offered no resistance when Celestia shooed her out with a wing. The look on the elder goddess’s face was pure iron and hatred. She glanced at Night with a look that could burn stone. “I have been sorely betrayed by the very ponies with whom I shared a roof and meal. They have turned old friends to enemies and broken ancient alliances for filthy gain. Come. I go to confront the villain in this scheme.”
Night nodded mutely. Without another word, the Sun took to the skies while the Moon followed close after.
***
“Wait. She held back the sun fer tha unicorns? Ah thought she wasn’t taking sides?”
“It was the ‘solar schedule.’ Under the guise of experimentation they were using her to threaten the other races while keeping her blind to the whole affair.”
***
Celestia landed on the roof of the unicorn palace, her head cocked and ears listening for some unknown signal. Glancing at Night, she said, “Wait up here. Ye shall hear the exchange fine from this vantage.”
With a flash of her horn, the wrathful goddess tore a hole through the copper, wood and stone of the roof into the throne room below. Landing like a star from heaven she regally stood over the ponies who cowered before her. Only one dared remain standing. Queen Argent strode angrily to the edge of her dais and stomped a silver-shod hoof. “What is the meaning of this, Celestia? Is thy mead not properly warmed? Has some waif not turned thy mattress properly? What gives thee the right to intrude on Our court in such a manner, where proper business is conducted!?”
Celestia stared across at the indignant queen, her mane curling at the edges with wisps of multi-hued flame and radiation. “THOU DAREST SPEAK TO US SO? THOU LIAR OF THE INFERNAL PIT, THOU WILT KNEEL IN TEARS AND EXCREMENT AS PAIN EATS THEE ALIVE BEFORE ME SHOULD I BUT FLICK MY HORN. THOU ART LOWER THAN A WHELP OF DOGS AND AN EATER OF CARRION FLESH, FOR THOU HAST SET THINE OWN GAIN HIGHER THAN THY NEIGHBOR AND TREATED TRECHEROUSLY WITH THOSE WHO ONCE COUNTED THEE FRIEND. THERE IS NO LIGHT LEFT IN PONY KIND AND WE SEE NO NEED TO SHARE OURS WITH THOSE WHO WOULD ABUSE IT AS A WEAPON. THOU HAST COVETED THE VERY SUN, NOW LET THY MAGES AND WIZARDS SUFFER UNDER ITS BURDEN!” Her final statement was punctuated by a resounding stomp that shattered the stone beneath her and launched her into the air and out of the castle.
Night Glider leapt into the air after her, struggling to keep up. “Wh-Where are we going?”
Celestia never turned her gaze, her eyes watering slightly. “Away.”
***
Luna sat back with a sigh. Applejack glanced over at her. A slight smile graced the dark goddess’s face. “What followed were the best years of my life, I’m not ashamed to say. Celestia and I wandered the earth, sometimes in humble disguise, sometimes in burning glory. We ranged from the steppes of Mongrelgolia to the burning Liongeti to the savage woods of the Hartland. We conquered demons and built cities. I remember the day I gained my starry mane as we tamed the wild Ursae. Meanwhile, the days and nights grew longer and colder as the Unicorns slowly lost control of the sun’s orbit. Celestia had pity on the rest of the world, and made the sun shine unusually bright on those parts that were innocent of wrong, but she would not light her horn to move it an inch to the right or left. I’m told that many unicorns lost their lives trying to keep the sun on its course. Queen Argent herself died years later from the strain of trying to lift the sun. Really, though, it was her pride that did her in. Her daughter, Princess Platinum, finally realized the folly of trying to stay in old Unicornia.”
“Ah think Ah know tha rest a this story. It’s tha Hearthswarming Eve play isn’t it? Ah thought it was wendigoes that brought tha winter.” said Applejack.
“Ah, no, though dangerous, they are just parasites, following the cold in the air and the cold in ponies’ hearts. Celestia holds that play as a reminder to herself as much as to her ponies. She was part of the cause of their suffering. I think she still feels guilty for the innocent lives lost because of her grudge. Starswirl the Bearded herself died in that unnatural winter.”
“Wait. Starswirl? Tha guy Twilight’s always on about was a she? With a beard?”
“Yes, Celestia told me that she never understood her fashion choices, but the facial hair spell she devised was always her proudest accomplishment, no matter what other wonders she achieved during her long life. Hence the epithet. It was weird enough to be worth mentioning.”
“So, anyway, when tha Fire a Friendship was made, was that real?”
“Very. It was, in fact, the seed from whence sprang the Elements of Harmony. Its magic restored the frozen wastelands and grabbed our attention from a continent away. Celestia’s own heart was melted by it, I think. It was what convinced her to return to what was now Equestria. She realized that they had overcome their prejudices to a degree.”
“Was that when y’all became the rulers of Equestria?”
“No, first came the reign of the Triumvirate and the Shattering, but that is a story for another time. We did, eventually, ascend to the throne. I had learned, by that point, that fear is a useful tool to get one’s way. I was careful, at first, to ensure that they also knew I could be benevolent. As the centuries passed, I did indeed grow jealous of my sister’s easy popularity and winning ways, but old wounds ran deep. As much as I desired their fellowship, I was unwilling to mingle with the common ponies and suspicious of the nobility. There was one pony that I did keep in contact with, though, with whom I shared my secrets and insecurities…”
“Who was that?”
“Viceroy Sombra.”
Applejack reared back a bit at that. “Really? That evil black smog feller? Couldn’t string two words together? Duller’n a drunk pig? That Sombra?”
Luna chuckled morosely. “Yes, that Sombra. I suppose that’s my fault as well. A thousand years sealed on the moon and a thousand years trapped under the arctic ice are two very different things. It’s no wonder his mind broke. He was fascinated by me, and perhaps a bit in love. I returned his friendship, but I never saw his infatuation until too late. As the years went by he grew desperate for a way to catch my eye, to be ‘worthy’ of me. He sought a means of immortality and did much research into spells that preserved and sustained life, of that at least, much good came. Some of his methods still survive in our hospitals today. He finally reasoned that to live, a pony must consume, taint and destroy. After all, what is the act of eating or drinking? He found a way to break down things of order and beauty and consume their energy. He kept his horn blazing day and night, red-hot with superequine strain. However, the same spell that burned him sustained his life and magic in a twisted loop.”
“Was that when y’all realized he was no good?” said Applejack.
“No, not hardly. I was impressed with him. He extended his life for decades, just by burning slowly through his own sizeable estate, but I never gave him the one thing he desired more than my friendship. Mad with frustration, he hatched a plan to make himself not only immortal, but as powerful as a god. He supposed that then I might love him. He experimented with ever darker magicks, ways to burn hotter and faster. In a day he burnt his whole house to the ground, and all his treasure. On a wave of tainted smoke he flew into the palace and evicted the emperor. Nowhere in the entire empire was safe from his all-consuming taint. He believed himself invincible, and he spent a few years consolidating his power. He enslaved his own subjects, forcing them to mine the crystal that sustained him. Our envoys would have their minds warped so they could not give report of what happened behind the shields of the Crystal City.
“I wondered what happened to his letters though. I missed their flattering words and kind sentiments. Worried, I went there myself. When he saw me approach, he was delighted. He drew me in, casting a glamour about my eyes so that I could only see him. I cannot remember much of what happened next. I believe that the Elements purged those memories from me when you rescued me. What I do know is that he preyed upon my fears and insecurities, warping my mind as best he could. His hubris was too great, thinking he could hold a goddess. I finally broke free of his spell while I dreamed one night, but the damage was done. The realization of his betrayal did what his dark magicks could not. My heart broke that night. My only friend, the one pony I had trusted, had turned on me. I fled to Celestia’s side, and we flew out to meet him, armed with the Elements. When we tried to purify him, their magic failed. I was far too sick at heart to wield them.”
Luna stopped for a moment. Her head hung low, and tears hovered in her eyes. “So we killed him. We were forced to strike with the roaring violence of the Sun and the bitter hatred of the Void. His magic sustained him, though his body was reduced to a roiling miasma. His specter lashed out at us and the Empire with strange magicks that have rarely been seen since the foundation of the world. Finally, my sister managed to tear a hole in the very bones of the earth while I drew him under and sealed him away. I… I never recovered from the mad pain of that duty. I blamed my own sister for forcing me to seal away my only friend. I blamed Harmony itself. I turned on the entire world. If only I had let my sister in. Let her hold me and tell me it would be alright. Let her speak peace to my wounded soul like she so deeply desired.”
Luna paused again and looked up at Applejack, her eyes deeper than the endless void. She seemed truly ancient then. More than the eons she had already seen, her eyes sang of a burden older than the stars, older than light, older than joy. She finally spoke again. “Don’t tune us out, Applejack. The whole world will fail you. To live is to know pain. To live forever is to suffer endlessly. You, Celestia, and I are meant to be the strength that keeps each other whole, to remind each other that friendship and peace are also eternal.”
Applejack sat for a minute in silence, humbled and somber. “Ah won’t… Ah won’t.” She shook her head, unsure what to say.
Luna dropped her gaze, a few tears escaping. A wan smile curled her lips. “Well said… Sister.” Her ears perked up at some inaudible signal. She looked back at Applejack. “Thy body is much recovered. Mine is repairing the larger strain, and will sleep a while longer. The dreamtime has never matched well with the passing of reality. I shall see thee soon. Though I have not known thee long, Celestia and I well know thy burden. Remember that we love thee, sister.”
Fitting ending music:
THIS IS THE END OF THE SAD BIT SO YOU DON'T NEED TO ASK... Um... If that's okay with you...
I spent some serious time over the holiday editing and revising this so that it would portray what I wanted without breaking the serial format I use. I really like using these short chapters because it fits most naturally with how I think, but I think it leaves some of you frustrated and lacking closure, as well as the foresight I have the benefit of (being the author and all). To avoid Tethercat Syndrome, the next chapter will be up tomorrow at roughly the same time. I do
it allmuch of it for you, my dear readers!Also of note, Celestia is such a force of nature, that to hurt millions, all she has to do is not be there.
As always, I you guys. With your comments, you are my Viceroy Sombra in a world of Argent Spiras...
Wonderful! I always look forward to when your story arrives in my mail box. And as always I'm around if you ever want a prereader.
When other writers don't update it's always good to have someone whom does.
"Yes" here is an interjection, so it should probably have a comma after it: "Yes, it's quite disgusting really..."
So Chancellor Puddinghead is the Ghost of Christmas Present? Makes sense to medl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra_dealwithit.png
1670479 Thanks! That means a lot to me.
1670566 I live to serve.
1670570 Fixed!
1670576 Also thematically appropriate considering the point in her progression. I think about my throwaway gags!
And in other news, this continues to get more and more complicated.
My poor brain is starting to hurt. When can we get back to dealing with Applejack as a alicorn and leave this depressing and overly-complicated history of Equestria?
1670610 Lemme know if you ever need a friendly grammar nazi ;p
1670619 And that is why I'm updating tomorrow.
1670629 Tsk tsk, how forward! I heard your offer, but I do these things privately.
1670631 Pinkie you say? Required reading.
1670648 Oh thank god. This was driving me crazy. No offense.
... Okay, so Luna has successfully illustrated why isolating yourself from your friends is a bad thing.
Now, where does she start explaining the wrongness of isolating yourself from trespassers, stalkers, and rabid fans?
Because that was a very nice story, but I still sort of expect Applejack to tell her to sod off when she wakes up. A heartbreaking/warming origin story is all well and good, but, quite simply, that does not excuse deliberately and repeatedly ignoring someone else's repeated requests to leave them be, nor does it excuse attempting to force someone else to take up responsibilities, especially when one of the major events of that story involve abdicating those selfsame responsibilities in a bout of petty revenge.
So any time a Goddess hasn't intervened everything seems to eventually but completely fall apart?
What an unfortunate dependency ponies have.
Very well done! I can barely wait for the next chapter.
This chapter was amazing.
Love the explanations behind Hearth's Warming Eve and Sombra.
This may be the best chapter yet!
Loving the backstory! Still eager to see when the full effect of immortality will hit AJ.
1646278
Try Hands, Arrow 18 Mission Logs...well, just look in my favorites and sort them by the human tag.
1670676 It's maybe not quite the story that Applejack needs, but it's the one that Luna would give. Also, the key when consoling others is not always being able to empathize exactly, but rather being able to show them that they are not the only ones to ever suffer, and that they don't have to go it alone.
1670689 I find myself quite dependent on the sun, thank you very much. Also, read any mythology/religious text ever. It's a common theme.
1670721 Thanks! It's certainly got a split opinion.
1670734 It's still gonna be a process.
Hmmm.... So they refer to AJ as 'Sister', now.
...
Then this means that Applebloom is also sister to Celestia and Luna?
...
GOOD! :D Maybe they can do something about those utterly destructive CMCs :P
I'm guessing this "Shattering" Luna mentioned had something to do with Discord's reign? If not, his reign should probably be mentioned around that point, too. I find it hard to believe Luna would leave out something like that.
That ends the exposition, that was fun.
1670662 You would be correct sir.
1670848
Triumvirate's rule would be the leaders of the three tribes of survivors, either their original leaders or their attendants... then the Shattering, that would likely apply to the destruction of the order and unity created between said three races. Which, of course, points the finger at Discord's Reign of the Mad Tyrant.
1670802
That's... not entirely what I meant. Whilst, yes, the story was inappropriate, I was also having a dig at Luna for apparently failing to realise that, as the cause of this particular problem, perhaps she may not be in the best position to fix it. At least, not immediately. As for making a person realise they 'don't have to go it alone' - that isn't exactly applicable here, as AJ isn't rejecting _everyone_, she is only rejecting those who would impose change on her life. Of whom Luna is one.
Effectively, the message I was trying to convey was 'Yes, Luna, your time of change was hard. Now where do you get off making AJ's change harder?'
If you're still building up to the bit where she actually says something to justify her actions, fair enough, but as of yet, I don't believe she has given AJ any reason to forgive her. Yes, she deserves pity, but as she said, it happened thousands of years ago, and when not reliving it, she is unaffected by it - therefore her actions remain unexcused.
1670835 That is a development... For the fuUuUtuUure! As in, sequel.
1670848>>1670974 I cut a LOT from the backstory I developed. I have enough for a plethora of fics.
1670699>>1670929 Thanks!
1670999 Valid, but AJ's a fairly forgiving pony once she has a chance to calm down, even when somepony's seriously messed things up. Luna's at least showing willing.
Well, it seems that Luna finally finished her life story and 'broke the ice'. Hopefully, Applejack will be able to understand the full weight of Luna's words regarding the life of an immortal. It would seem to be in Applejack's best interest to accept the 'sisterhood' after all.....
..... Of course, there's still the fact that her destiny as the new goddes is still unclear. Celestia and Luna mainly control the cosmos, apart from having supreme magical and physical strenght, but what will become of Applejack? How will she influence the land and the lives of those in it?..... Hopefully Celestia, the oldest and most experienced of the three, will aid in a helpful but lenghtly tutoring. It doesn't NEED to be a crash course though; Equestria wasn't built in one day.
In the end, this is all up to Blue Print. Once again, the readers wonder how the story will further develop.
Why can't i five more likes!?
1670999
It was a misunderstanding to begin with. She's justified in that she's worried AJ, like the other gods before her, is slowly giving way to corruption. Trying to reach AJ and get her to realize that's not the right path to take, even if she didn't realize she was on it, ended up in this fashion.
Sure, Luna was headstrong about it, but that's also because AJ refused to listen - further bolstering the fear that AJ was becoming lost. Also, if anything it's AJ who needs to be sorry. She did pretty much flip off her rulers... she holds no royal title until she accepts it, so she's no more important or free from society's rules and laws than anypony else.
In short, Luna, who has more experience than Applejack... along with Celestia, who has more experience than all of them - feared the worst, and AJ's stubborn stance on everything (denial of issues and refusal to accept aid being one of the first signs) only seemed to confirm that scenario. If anything, given she's likely acting exactly the same as the other fallen gods before her, they would have been justified to take more drastic measures immediately for the safety of the world - leaving nothing to chance. Instead, Luna went after AJ just as stubbornly in an attempt to share her feelings and thoughts with her, to extend a hoof in order to show her that not only is she not alone, she has more family just waiting to be accepted into her life.
AJ, obviously, wasn't consciously becoming sinister, though honestly if nothing changed then over time all that negativity would have made it easier for her to do more and more negative things until it eventually came to pass that she fell to corruption. So she didn't understand why Luna wouldn't leave her alone. Pushing further to get away from Luna, Luna saw that she needed to push harder to try and reach her before it was too late - because sitting and doing nothing would (possibly, and at least in the Sisters' eyes) lead to another evil deity joining the rogues' gallery.
You just have to understand the thought processes at work, and probably have dealt with the sort of issue yourself, in order to stop this from bothering you. Neither party is at fault, just both are being rather rude trying to do what they think is best, for the right reasons.
1671133 Oh HELL yes!
While I like your interpretation of Luna, I've got to say that AJ did not get her say in this. She wasn't doing what Luna did and hasn't had a chance to tell people (ponies. Damnit.) that. While I understand her being overwhelmed in this instance, I do have to say that the lack of communication here is frustrating to me. Otherwise, a very good story, nothing else jumped out at me as frustrating or bad
Am I the only one who thinks of freakin' star wars with the word "Viceroy"?
1671336
...
AJ was stubborn? No - Luna was the one trying to force the issue. Certain things require a touch of finesse. Going into someone's _home_ and trying to lecture them about responsibilities that they never, explicitly or implicitly, accepted is about as crass as one can get. Failing to realise the blunt and straightforward tactic is not working is just stupidity.
As for AJ apologising to Luna - I reiterate, you do not dress down someone whilst you are a guest in their home, and you most certainly do not do it publicly, and especially not in front of their friends and family. Luna earned the harshness of her rebuke in full.
As for the whole 'denying the wishes of your lord' thing - what would be worse, AJ flat out refusing to ascend the throne, or having her very publicly abdicate immediately upon being crowned? I know which one _I_ think is a worse 'screw you'.
Next, I should point out Celestia didn't seem all that concerned until the giant shield-bush went up. And even then, her action were to a) try and prevent Luna from doing something rash, followed by b) head home to wait for one of them to inevitably bring it to her attention. Hardly the actions of someone fearing the creation of a new dark god. Luna, on the other hand, is quite heavily projecting her own fears onto the situation. This makes her actions understandable. It does not justify them in any way, shape or form.
Now, how are AJ's actions sinister? What's she done that's evil? Demand her privacy? Request to be treated as a normal pony? The worst thing she has done so far is throw that stalker of hers off her property, and grow a massive hedge so she can have some peace Even taken out of context, these things, whilst perhaps not strictly normal behaviour, are certainly well within her rights to do.
And remind me, where was Luna getting the information that led her to believe AJ was falling? _She listened to gossip_. Not even that she _overheard_ gossip. She didn't verify her information, she skipped straight to 'take action', basing her response on scattered statements of fact with absolutely no context. And what _was_ that action? Did she ask AJ's friends or family, the people who actually know her, how they felt she was doing? Did she sit down and have a friendly chat with AJ? No, she teleported _inside AJ's house_, not just inside the hedge, but actually into the _house itself_, something she has been warned about and requested not to do _already_, and, in full view of her friends and family, made a very ominous accusation, followed by _demanding_ she listen to what likely would have been _another_ lecture.
Her actions are unjustifiable, seeing as how they are rather inflammatory, and even if they were justified, her belief, being based on very little evidence of incredibly poor quality, is not.
As for 'it bothering me -, it doesn't really. My original comment was intended more as a snide remark than an actual complaint. What you replied to was my explanation of that when the full meaning of it failed to communicate through text.
1671956
Right, well I can see you're of biased mind about this so I'll stop here. No sense talking sense into someone who wants to see it one way. o-o I recommend a more truly neutral stance when looking at an issue, as a suggestion. My point stands, neither party is in the wrong, just both being rude trying to do what they think is right, for the right reasons.
Very nice to see an author get Luna's grammar correct for once.
Headcanons Accepted.
The whole chapter was amazing.
1672303
...
Uhm - since when does defending your views count as closed mindedness?
Also, if you would kindly read my response carefully, you would notice that at no point do I say AJ _isn't__ rude to the Princess, or that they are _not_ attempting to do what they perceive to be the right thing. What we differ in opinion on appears to be whether or not there _is_ blame in this situation, how that blame should be apportioned, if they have good reason, and how that reason entitles them to behave.
And, whilst we're making suggestions, might I recommend _against_ the not-so-subtle insults. I do not need sense talking into me, nor do I appreciate the implication. Nor do I need to be told to be 'more truly neutral'. The proponent of a position is _supposed_ to defend it. If their opposition fails to engage them in reasoned debate, how then can they be blamed for refusing to change their view?
a truly sad tale from Luna... Now could AppleJack get a chance to explain that she wants to be with her family (as it stands) until their death? It's all she really wanted to do and then she was going to take the reigns right?
1671956 in total agreement with you there. can't wait to see next few chapters and have Luna feel like an ass. She both deserves it and doesn't at the same time (a no-win situation really)
Best chapter yet
I love the lore you've created, it fits perfectly!
I eagerly await the next chapter
Yay, no more dream crap! No offence, but the dream world stuff was kinda boring if you ask me.
1672303 This is why I don't like reading comments...Gotta side with Dozy on this, read the story and pay attention to how the Ponyvillians treat AJ and then how they describe it afterwards; the feather is a perfect example. And when Luna busts in to "save" AJ, Applejack doesn't buck her in the teeth like I would have, she says just leave me be!
1674448
Your personal feelings on the issue aren't important. This is why I stop responding to people when they make it clear they aren't going to discuss things properly. It's a nasty little thing called 'bias'.
1671219 Because the MAN is keepin' ya down. Fight the powah! I will like what I want as many times as I want! You with me brah?
1671146 Thank you. You seem to be the only one here that remembers that I'm the one writing the story.
1671336>>1671956>>1672303>>1672563>>1672819>>1674448>>1674486 Hay, hay guise...
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Seriously. It's a silly little piece of fantasy about flying unicorns and friendship. I'm flattered that my story merits literary analysis, just remember that I write the chapters in advance. What you say will have minimal impact on the story, if any. Also, for all that I won't stop talking in the comments, I'm a huge believer in the Death of The Author. This story means exactly what the individual reader thinks it means. Yes, there is a specific meaning for me, but that shouldn't stop other opinions.
1671556 I'd say thanks, but apparently the only word now is Epic... So... Epic!
1671565 I don't really know that much about the original series, but I do love nerdy continuity callbacks.
1671688 Luna isn't the best at this sort of thing, obviously.
1671911 Now dere are three of dem!
1672378 It's a side effect of being mormon.
1672548 Yeah, Beardswirl is the only logical conclusion when the original toy was female.
1673588 Thanks!
1673737 My writing seems to be very polarizing.
1674282
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1674430 The flower sisters definitely. Has there ever been another case of Moron Merry May?
1674768 Aristrotle was totally right about everything and totally didn't hold back science by thousands of years!
In all seriousness though it's magic ponies. I kinda imagined he found a way to feed on raw entropy.
"Starswirl the Bearded herself " well thats icing on the cake, my one magus opus so to speak of representation and you swapped it's gender. :P eck
1677263 I never did. Starswirl was always a mare!
Seriously. I gave you the link to look it up. It's hilarious.
Loved the line.
So, Discord came somewhere between the founding of Equestria and the Sombra business? How long did they let him rule before they took the elements and kicked his ass? Or were there some technical issues with learning how to use them?
I always thought King Sombra was related to Nightmare Moon in a way. Their dark magics are similiar in the aspect that they're based on shadows.
What of Luna and her mother though? I hope she saw her one last time...
1675045
Well, not the only logical conclusion. The general consensus I've seen is that the G1 toy is Starswirl, and pony-Merlin is Star Swirl; they're two different ponies.
An interesting alternate look at the two major past events of Equestria's history that have been discussed in the show to date. I like the idea that it was, in some ways, Celestia's fault that the original lands of the ponies were abandoned, through a combination of naivete and greed for luxury that led her to be an unwitting pawn in the power-plays of the pre-unification days. Even more interesting that it was Sombra... possibly the only pony that Luna has ever loved (although she hadn't ever allowed herself to admit it to herself)...? That it was Sombra who was responsible for Luna's fall to become Nightmare Moon.
Many bitter lessons have been learnt by the alicorn sisters over the millennia and I think that is why Luna told Applejack this story. She wanted her to realise the limitations, dread burdens and responsibility of the power she has gained. There are no 'simple' mistakes. There is no easy laying down of responsibilities. Everything that you do has consequences and, when you are a goddess, those consequences can echo through the ages like a dread drumbeat that will haunt you forever.
Nice bit of historical fiction there! Oh well, back to the main story!
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It's more of a case of choosing the wrong moment to intervene, not intervene or intervene in the wrong ways or in the wrong intensity. Luna was illustrating that omnipotence =/= perfect wisdom and judgement. When an alicorn screws up, the consequences often verge on the apocalyptic. I think she's also reminding her that, when you're a goddess, you don't get to do 'personal feelings' on the biggest things. There's duty and duty alone; even if you love them, the millions or even billions of other lives dependent on you have to come first.
What Luna has basically been telling Applejack is not to have too much trust in her own judgement because the higher the personal power, the greater the consequences of mistakes.
THAT WAS VERY WELL DONE, not enough to become head-canon, but very good. My head-canon deems that Celestia was there since the beginning of time! I hath enjoyed these godsleep chapters fully!
1677375 Starswirl was a Stallion... but he was not called "Starswirl the Bearded", he was called "Starswirl the Gay".
LOL Radical Prescott LOL SO MANY LOLZ.
Is Chancellor Waffle still rattling around these parts or has he trotted off to greener pastures?”
“Oh, uh, he’s been dead these four years. Died happy though. Just after breakfast it was. The maple syrup was a mess to clean up, let me tell you.”
Haha I got waffles for my birthday last week, reminds me, I haven't eaten them yet, now where's the maple... ?