Night's Rook

by Ardite

Night's Rook: Prologue

Night’s Rook
By: Ardite

Prologue

Luna awoke early again. Yet another day where her sleep was cut short by the same memory, another day where the alicorn lay drenched in her own sweat. Another day that the first thing she noticed, were the tears gently rolling down her face and onto her pillow.

The emotions alone brought back memories of Luna’s greatest downfall. That simple slip into a mindset nearly irreversible. The depression, the solitude, the pain that all led to a possession by a malevolent being calling itself Nightmare Moon.
Every day since her return Luna regretted those events. She regretted her selfishness. She regretted her hatred. But most of all she regretted her blindness.

How could she be so foalish as to think the world was against her? How could she have not realized what was lost just to-- A sudden knock came at the door startling Luna and making her jump, but she made no sound save for the soft shift of her sheets.

“Luna?” Celestia’s fluid voice drifted through the wooden door. “I know you’re awake, sister. Please, let me in.” Luna simply sat there, unmoving, before finally opening the door with a wave of her magic.

“Are you alright Luna?”

She knew the answer to that. All she had to do was look at her younger sister. The heap of disheveled hair, the red swollen eyes, the sheets haphazardly tossed around her bed, these weren’t the reasons Luna said nothing. She said nothing because she couldn't. All she could muster was a pleading stare at her loving older sister.

It was the first time Celestia had seen Luna like this since her return several months ago. All the other dusks where she wallowed in self pity had gone, seemingly, unnoticed.

“Would you care to come to breakfast early, sister?” Celestia offered. As tempting as it was to deny the generosity of her older sister, one look in the compassionate eyes of the sun goddess forced Luna to simply nod.

The short walk to their private dining room was kept in utter silence save the soft clop of hooves on rug covered stone.
As Celestia prepared two bowls of hot oats for both of them, Luna couldn't help but wonder what was about to transpire. At the tail-end of the thought a bowl of steaming oats meant for her magically floated downward onto the table just in front of Luna.

“Now Luna,” Celestia began, “You know you can talk to me about anything. Please, tell me what’s been plaguing your mind these past several nights.”

So she did know. She knew all along and did nothing? It’s been weeks since Luna’s memories returned to her and these nightmares began. Why the wait? Did Celestia hope that Luna could somehow conquer this on her own?

“It’s alright if you’re not ready to talk about it yet Luna,” Celestia reassured. “I understand if you need some time.”
Luna watched as her sister took her first bite of her dinner, the worry was still ever present on her face, maybe not to those who only knew Celestia as a powerful leader and goddess, but to her own sibling there was no hiding it.

“I just want... I just want it to not hurt any more Tia,” Luna said wiping yet another tear from her eye.

There was a small silence before Celestia decided how best to approach the situation. “Do you have any ideas on how to accomplish that?”

“If I did, do you think I’d be sitting here like this?”

“No.”

There was no avoiding the awkwardness and pain the conversation brought. All the goddess of the moon could do was face this now, and hope something good would come out of it.

“Maybe you could just try talking about it?” Celestia attempted. “I know it seems simple, sister, but sometimes that’s the best remedy for things such as this.”

Luna’s mind quickly searched for a reason, any reason, to avoid the subject.

“You already know what happened. I don’t need to make you relive it as well,” Luna said almost ashamed.

“If you won’t talk to me about it then who?”

It was a fair point. One all to acidic. It shed light on the fact that, other than her sister, Luna was still alone in this new world. Luna had spent these last months striving to get up to date on modern culture and society. Not only that but she had been spending just as much time trying to recover what was lost of herself.

Aside from the servants and guards at the castle, the only ponies she knew the names of were the six that saved her.
Luna didn’t feel like talking to the stoic guards or the uneasy servants. And just like that, her mind granted her an answer. A compromise.

“Perhaps... I owe Ms. Sparkle a bit of an explanation.” At the mention of her favorite student, Celestia's ears perked up a bit. Then a warm smile spread over her features.

“I think that would be a great idea Luna. But are you sure about this? You may have to stay in Ponyville longer than you think.”

The more Luna thought about it, the better the idea seemed. She had been looking for a reason, an excuse really, to thank her saviors. However between the nervousness and the amnesia, Luna had never steeled herself for what might come.

“Yes I’m sure. This will give me an opportunity to thank the pony who saved my life. And it’s the right thing to do. She deserves to know why she was put in harms way,” Luna stated to affirm for Celestia as much as herself.

“Very well then sister,” the sun goddess stated, the smile on her lips growing ever so slightly. “I will send Twilight a letter notifying her of--”

“If I could Celestia, I think it would be more appropriate for me to send it.”

Almost shocked at her sisters courageous proposal, Celestia only nodded and said “I agree.”

* * *

Dear Ms. Sparkle

I understand if you are apprehensive upon receiving this letter. No doubt you just checked the signature and are... surprised. No I am not you mentor. However, I feel we should talk, face to face. What I have to say cannot be conveyed in mere correspondence.

What I will say in this letter is that I owe you much. My life, my sanity, and my well being are all thanks to you. However, my sister and I feel that the latter two may not be as sound as they seem. I am having... flashbacks, and my sister suggested I find a pony to confide in. I also particularly felt I owed you an explanation of why your life was put at risk.

We, being my sister and I, would appreciate it if you were to allow me to stay in your home for the duration of this... recuperation. There is no indication as to how long it may take.

I understand if you do not wish for me to be so forward, but I feel you may want the knowledge I plan on sharing with you. Please feel in no way obliged to do as you are asked and open your home to a virtual stranger. Only accept this offer on your own accord. If need be, I can more than afford a hotel in a small town like Ponyville.

And please if we could avoid any sort of publicity, it would be preferable. Both for you and myself. I would rather keep this a casual visit that is long since overdue.

Sincerely

Luna, Goddess of the Moon

* * *

It wasn’t at all how Luna wanted it to sound but it was the best she could do without breaking into a novel of apologies and thanks. As she looked around her room from the desk in the corner, she noticed just how many letters she had thrown to the floor. This one would have to do.

“Jeeves, could you please send a letter for me?” she called to the room across from hers.

* * *

Dear Princess Luna

I’m touched that of all ponies you would choose me. Princess Celestia has told me a little of the Nightmare Moon incident but only in vague letters to explain that you weren’t yourself and therefore shouldn’t be blamed. Spike and I would be more than happy to help you in any way we can.

Please understand, however, that some of my friends may not be as accepting as I am. I will do everything in my power to ensure a comfortable stay at The Library. However I must ask that you wait at least three days for me to prepare.

And if you wish to keep your visit discreet then I would recommend simply flying here on your own. The entourage Celestia normally brings tends to draw attention.

Sincerely

Twilight Sparkle

* * *

Three days after Luna had received Twilight’s response, just before dusk, she appeared on the library's balcony, loaded down by large and heavy saddle bags, yet nothing more.

As she rapped on the door leading inside a knot became present in her stomach. This was the first time she would truly get to speak with the pony that saved her life. It was no wonder why Luna would be nervous.

“One second I’m on my way,” came an oddly familiar voice. Luna knew it instantly to belong to Twilight. Yet she had only briefly heard it while incapacitated by Nightmare Moon, and then afterwards at the celebration of her freedom, where she had been less than willing to talk to Luna. Memory can be a finicky thing.

Luna quickly cut the train of thought off as she heard the lock on the slender door unlatch.

“Princess Luna.” Twilight bowed while somehow managing to open the door at the same time. “It’s an honor.”

“Please, Ms. Sparkle there’s no need for such formalities. I’m not exactly my sister’s image of a princess. I could never stand the bowing. And I think you’ve deserved the right to just call me Luna.”

“Well, if that would make you more comfortable, then I’m more than happy to oblige. But in which case I’ll ask you to just call me Twilight. Can I take your bags for you?” She asked, a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

Luna was so nervous that in all honesty, she had completely forgotten the added weight.

“Oh, no. That’s fine. Thank you though. They hold some... personal belongings, that I’ll share with you in due time,” Luna added with a sheepish smile.

“Oh, alright. Well come on in. I’ll show you to the guest room. And don’t worry about Spike,” she added with a nod in the direction of a basket as they began walking through the library. “He can sleep through just about anything except a kick.”

Along the way, Luna noticed a few intricacies of the library. The wood seemed to have a grain with no explanation. Instead of moving along a singular pattern throughout the tree, each room had it’s separate current. The numerous shelves weren’t inserted or applied, but rather just popped out of the walls they were placed on.

“You have a very lovely home.”

“Thanks. But I’m still not sure how it was made. I’ve been trying to figure it out the last few weeks and it’s like,” Twilight caught herself mid rant. “Sorry I don’t want to bore you with a lecture about my own curiosity,” Twilight said with a nervous laugh.

“No, it’s fine,” Luna responded. “I was actually curious as soon as I saw it. It’s one thing to see a home in a tree or even built around one, but a home that is a tree is... unique.”

Twilight suddenly stopped. “Here we are.”

Luna was so busy taking in the oddities of the library that she hadn’t even noticed the room they were headed straight for.

“Is there anything I can get you?” Twilight asked.

“No thank you. I ate before I left Canterlot.”

“Okay. Well, I guess, go ahead and get settled in. If you need me I’ll be down stairs.”

As Twilight left, Luna couldn't help but feel like she was intruding. Twilight was a student, of coarse she’d be studding. And now Luna had to interrupt that for her own needs.

No. Tia told her not to think like that and she was right. Luna just had to focus on getting better. Then she could worry about others.

She started to slip the saddlebags onto the floor only to catch herself. She would need the contents to push herself into talking to Twilight. Maybe it would just be best to get this started.

Tossing the bags back to a comfortable position on her back, Luna walked out the door of her new room only to find stairs leading downward just to her right. She took in a long breath, and exhaled.

“Twilight?” she probed as she started descending the stairs.

“I’m down here,” came the response.

As Luna rounded the corner of the last step she could see Twilight resting on a couch with a book floating in front of her, horn aglow.

“I think it would be best if I just... start.”

Twilight sat and blinked for a moment before setting the book down and indicated a seat across from her.

“Please Princ-- Luna have a seat. I don’t know much about psychology but I’ve been studying a little since I got your letter,” Twilight said, indicating the Egghead’s Guide to Another’s Mind now resting next to her.

“Thank you.” Luna couldn't think of anything else to say, so she magically lifted the saddlebags off her back, set them in front of her chair, and took a seat.

“So where would you like to begin?” Twilight asked.

Feeling pressured into saying something Luna started where it hurt least.

“You know of Celestia’s guard, the white and blue pegasi in gold armor?”

“Yes.”

“Well, few know that I have my own guard. They both strive for the same goal, to protect both my sister and I. But they do it in very different ways.” Luna looked up to see how Twilight was reacting and noted that, she seemed interested. Encouraged by the display, she continued on.

“Celestia’s guard focuses on being ever present, always being ready to deter any trouble that may come about. This has led them to be more... well, deterring. Even their name, simply the Royal Guard, was meant to draw attention away from the Night’s Guard. Should they be named the Sun’s Guard or the Day’s Guard, ponies would question if there was a counterpart to them.
My guard however is just the opposite. They are dedicated to never being seen until they are absolutely needed.”

“But isn't that counterproductive of guarding something? Or somepony in this case,” Twilight said, already curious for more knowledge.

“I’m sorry. I gave you he wrong impression. My guard focuses on never being seen until they’re needed. That much is accurate. They don’t get their coats dyed like Celestia’s, this way they can blend in with the populace should they need to. They are always there though. Always ready. Always watching and working to keep order with as little impact on daily life as possible. Similar to the stars that watch over us, unseen during the day, outshone by the sun.

“They’re almost like,” Luna drifted off trying to find the right word, “Spies. Almost but not exactly. Instead of being untrustworthy and always working outside the country, they are the epitome of loyalty and are always working inside our borders.”

“So they’re more like secret agents?” Twilight attempted to aid Luna.

“Yes! That’s exactly what they are.” Luna opened one saddlebag and pulled out, to Twilight’s surprise, a shield. It was burned and corroded from what looked like an insidious conflagration. But it was no doubt a shield.

“This is the seal of the Night’s Guard. Each member is given one to remind them of what they have accomplished, and what their goals are. This one... holds a very dear place in my heart. It used to belong to the commander of the Night’s Guard. And a very, very close friend of mine and Celestia’s.”

As Luna indicated the tattered aegis Twilight became aware of the excellent craftsmanship that it was made with. Each curve of the kite shaped metal was precise and smooth. The trim was sterling silver that almost glowed in the spots that weren’t burned. Toward the center it was a dark, almost black, shade of blue. The crest on the center was that of a purple waxing moon, beautiful in it’s simplicity. The crest itself wasn’t painted on or carved into the steel. It seemed that the metal simply changed color where it lay. There was even a vine like design flowing behind the moon, almost unseen, but still there.

“Twilight?” Luna said snapping her out of the trance the scorched shield provided for her. “What I’m about to tell you is in no way a secret. Not any more. However Celestia and I tend to have a soft spot for it. I would appreciate it if you keep that in mind and don’t speak of it too openly. We have kept it out of any official logs for a reason but... I feel it’s time he gets the credit he deserves.”

Confused by this Twilight leaned in. Curious to learn more she nodded letting the princess of the moon know she understood.

“There weren’t always just two immortals in Equesrtia.” As soon as Luna finished the statement she felt a pain in her chest.

“Wait... What?” Twilight exclaimed.

“It’s true. There were in fact three of us. None of us could remember the earlier part of our lives but we all remembered each other somehow. Our first memory was that of us waking in a field alone. Celestia and I were disturbed by a pulling sensation that we later discovered was the sun and moon. The third however, discovered his calling was to protect us.”

“Why didn’t Celestia ever tell me about a third alicorn?”

“As I said, it’s a painful memory for both of us. And Bastion wasn’t like us. He was a unicorn. An extremely powerful unicorn.”

(Author's note: Feel free to comment on any errors you noticed or even just a suggestion you have. All I ask is that you not upload or recommend this to any other sites.
Here's the link to the original Google.doc:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DTitZeDM9L70HLaNYXotDqXxJLMxfoq95e71zyQ7Uv8/edit?hl=en_US )

Comments

[Ardite]

Still working on this one. It's actually My first fanfic. I have up to chapter 4 done and I need more edits/feedback. Please if any one could help, I'd be more than grateful.