Canterlot Castle dominated their view as they walked up the steps leading into the castle proper. In front of the doorway, two guards, one on either side, spared a sideways glance at the new arrivals, the waning sunlight reflecting off their highly polished gilded armor. Passing through the open archway, the two mares found themselves in the structure’s massive foyer. It was accentuated with high, arching ceilings that perfectly caught and reflected sunlight to illuminate the entire hall. Silken banners lined the sides of the room, each one a perfect harmonious blend of white and dark blue. In the center of each banner lay a crescent moon resting inside a radiant sun.
Twilight and Rarity entered the throne room, another expansive space within the sprawling castle. Greeting their sight were two ponies, the waning light being filtered through the stained glass mosaics, casting colorful rays over them. Celestia broadly smiled when she saw the two unicorns enter the room. She and Luna began to walk over to meet them halfway.
“Twilight, it is most good to see you again, my friend. And you as well, Rarity. Welcome back to Canterlot.” She met the smaller unicorn halfway, gently nuzzling her left cheek in greeting. How she has grown in such little time...
Twilight leaned into the caress of her longtime mentor, pulling back only to give her reply. “Thank you, Princess. It is always nice to come and visit.” Her attention shifted to the darker mare as she managed to wrap both hooves around her lover’s neck. She felt the alicorn return her embrace, although only briefly, so as to keep up their charade. “It’s nice to see you again, Luna. Have you been well since your last visit?”
“Indeed I have been, Twilight.” A warm smile graced Luna’s features, her white teeth a stark contrast against her dark coat. “Rarity, it is also good to see you once again. It was most entertaining, watching you during my visit so inebriated.” The fashionista’s pale coat flushed with crimson in embarrassment. “I must thank you for making part of the evening so memorable, so I have also decided to have a dress made for the Gala too.”
Rarity’s embarrassment quickly faded as the news flooded her ears, flipping a hidden switch somewhere within the mare as she jumped into her ‘high society mode’. Turning her attention towards both alicorns, she bowed slightly as she greeted them. “I very much appreciate the chance to craft a masterpiece for you, Princess Luna. I thank you for the invitation as well, Princess Celestia. This truly is a most generous opportunity you have given me.”
“It is no problem at all Rarity, out of all the ponies I am familiar with in the fashion world, it seems you are currently the one to go to. Not to mention that you will do it simply because you enjoy it.” The solar alicorn pointed towards a side door leading out of the throne room. “Now, after the ride the two of you had, I am most certain that some appetite can be found. Would you both care to join my sister and I for dinner?”
All four ponies left the expansive throne room and walked through the halls, guards saluting at their posts as they passed by. Deeper they went into the massive structure, until a solid oaken door opened to reveal a simple dining room. Inside, a table was set for dinner, although two occupants were already awaiting them.
"Shiny!" Twilight exclaimed as she bounced over to her brother and tackled him to the ground. Although his time as the steward of the former Crystal Empire hadn't taken his edge, his sister had gotten stronger. A giggling sound was heard as she struggled to get all four hooves around Shining in a massive crushing hug.
As he lay there on the floor gasping for breath, his wife spoke, breaking the laughter floating on the air. "Hi, Twilight! It’s nice to see you again, it really has been too long." The unicorn climbed off her brother who laid there twitching slightly as he began taking in air once again.
"Hi, Cadance!" She embraced her sister-in-law before remembering the three ponies she had entered the room with. Rarity was simply standing there, scandalized. The sisters, however, were laughing quite heartily at her reaction to seeing family. Crimson flooded her cheeks as she shuffled backwards.
"Well, now that you've nearly strangled your brother, shall we take our seats?" Celestia spoke, her words broken by occasional laughter as it subsided. Passing by Shining, she offered him a hoof as they all moved to find a spot. Bowls of salad and pitchers of water already adorned the table, having awaited their arrival.
"So, how are things going in the Crystal Territories? Not being too overworked I hope." Twilight enquired as she levitated some salad onto her plate, the other ponies also beginning to take their share of food as rolls, greens, and dressing all marched in the air towards their doom. Her eyes lingered upon Luna while no one was watching, a ghost of a smile etched upon her face. I can't wait until tomorrow night... I just hope we don't have to keep this secret for too long.
"It’s actually been very easy, ever since the populace decided that they wanted to be part of Equestria. Although we’ve been tied up for the last two years, now we're really just left with holding court in lieu of the princesses. Things have actually slowed down enough that we should be able to regularly visit Canterlot more often. It will sure beat staying there for months on end without a break!” Shining beat Cadance to the punch, the words pouring out of his mouth, food momentarily forgotten on a plate.
Cadance chimed in after her husband finished speaking. “You didn’t tell them the best part though! We're thinking of having a foal in the future."
“What?!” Twilight nearly jumped out of her seat, scrambling to process the information. Foal. Shining and Cadance. Me an... aunt? She calmed slightly as the others applauded the couple’s decision. “That could be really great Shiny...” She trailed off as thoughts of the preparation required for being an aunt filled her head.
Temporary silence swallowed the occupants of the room as their appetites routed the numerous salads and rolls laid out before them. Glasses were refilled as new food and pitchers of water were brought in to replace the ravished dishes.
Rarity broke from her meal and set her sights upon Cadance, a glimmer of curiosity lighting her pupils. "Princess Cadance, what sort of fashion is prevalent in the Crystal Territories, if you don't mind my enquiry?"
"Well, if you recall your last visit there, the weather is rather chilly for most of the year, that has influenced fashion recently. The focus has been on the thicker materials that have been dyed with bright colors. Full body dresses with some heavier accoutrements near the mane have been the result."
Rarity closed her eyes and visualized what was being described to her. Oh! I could use that with this year's Winter Line. This could be used for the hem of that dress... Focus Rarity! She forced herself out of her thoughts and back to the dinner, glad to have the ideas flowing in her mind. "Thank you, it has given me a few ideas of my own that I shall have to try."
"Can I have everyponies’ attention please?" Celestia spoke up as she passed out six goblets of wine that had appeared at some point during the dinner, setting each one down in front of a pony. "I want to take a moment and give a toast. She came to me a young filly, full of potential, and so I took her under my wing. Twilight, ever since you moved to Ponyville, you have continued to do as I ask with your friendship reports. As time has passed, you learned a great deal about the magic of friendship. Just recently, you and your friends had to face the hardship of death, yet you managed to find a silver lining despite the tragedy. While nopony can claim to know everything about the magic of friendship, you have reached a point where I no longer call you student. This is to you, Twilight, my friend. May the bounds of friendship bring us even closer together!"
"Hear hear!" They responded as one, accompanied by the gentle clinking of glasses as they were brought together in toast. Wine was sipped by all present in honor of the target of Celestia's impromptu speech. Twilight lowered her goblet to the tabletop as blood rushed to her cheeks and tears gently began to pour from the corner of her eyes. I thought I knew what she meant with her letter, but this... this is so much more!
"T-Thank you very much, Celestia..." Twilight brought a napkin to her face in a futile attempt to stem the joyful flood of water. "I always believed that, well, I would always be your student. I never gave thought to the potential of becoming something... more. It's funny really, growing up I almost saw you as a second mother. But now, I hope to have a long time to get to know you, as a friend." Damn eyes, cooperate with me!
Twilight felt a lone hoof rest upon her shoulder in reassurance, tracing the dark furred leg to its owner, Luna. "I would agree with my sister, you have shown many ponies, myself included, just how powerful friendship is. I have always felt most blessed to call you my first friend after my return." The alicorn had a large grin resting on her face, sending the poor mare further into the throes of crying.
Small conversation consumed the rest of the dinner, the wellsprings in Twilight's eyes eventually drying themselves out. Empty plates adorned the table top, glasses once containing water drained of their contents and long forgotten. With a sigh of content, the solar alicorn came to her hooves, the other occupants following suit.
"Shining, Cadance, thank you for joining us this evening. I was glad that the two of you could return on such short notice. We shall see you in the morning for breakfast I presume?" She paused just long enough to receive an affirmative nod from them before continuing on. "Miss Rarity, there is a guard outside waiting for you, he shall show you to your room. In the morning after breakfast you'll meet the two ponies tasked to aid you during your stay."
"Thank you very much, Princess Celestia. Have a pleasant evening, I bid you adieu." Rarity courtsied towards both royal sisters before turning her attention towards Twilight, leaning in so her words could only be heard by one. "And do have a good evening, darling. I shall see you in the morning, try not to have too much fun this night." She left the room in a leisurely manner, trailing right behind Shining and Cadance.
"Twilight, Celestia and I would like to extend an invitation to you tonight to see the changing of the celestial bodies."
The unicorn nearly leaped up in excitement, before her stomach reminded her of the heavy meal she’d just consumed. "I would love that! I've never seen it with both of you at the same time!"
The trio left the private room behind them as they began navigating the corridors of the castle interior. After many turns, they began ascending the tower that housed the sisters, eventually coming to a balcony that gave a magnificent view.
Twilight's attention was forced to the alicorns as their horns flared, the very air becoming pregnant with raw, unbridled energy. She felt electrified with the amount of power surrounding her, and closed her eyes, 'seeing' the event unfold through her magic. Complex patterns took shape from Celestia first, as she began to send the sun below the horizon. A breeze picked up, causing Twilight to shiver slightly as the warming rays of the waning celestial body ceased their caress. It's so beautiful! The patterns, the intricacies, the feeling of life!
Luna was next, as the magic in the air shifted to come under her command. Where Celestia's setting of the sun had required her to forcibly move and push large amounts of energy, the younger sister's approach to the moon was completely opposite. With a grace befitting a ballerina, she deftly weaved and plucked the magic together into a lattice like form, which then seemed to gently coax the moon up into the sky.
The power lingered in the air, slowly dissipating as the alicorns horn's dimmed and then died. Twilight slowly opened her eyes, their gaze unfocused as she was still reeling from what she has just focused. That much raw power... The possibilities are endless, so many possible permutations. She finally blinked numerous times, looking like she had just emerged from a dream.forcing her sight to focus.
"What do you think, Twilight?" Celestia asked quietly, doing her best to not interrupt the moment her friend was experiencing.
"It was indescribable. It’s been so long since I last watched you raise or set the sun. When Luna would take care of the moon at the library, it was impressive, but... I don't think I'll be forgetting this anytime in my life. Celestia, Luna... Thank you." She surged forward and attempted to encompass both sisters in a hug, managing to get a single forehoof around a leg of each sister.
Luna bent down to gently nuzzle Twilight as her sister copied her movements on the unicorn's other side. The three of them stood there in an embrace for some time before finally breaking apart. The now chilled night breeze ruffled their fur and feathers alike, forcing them to retreat to the warm interior of the castle.
They found themselves in a shared sitting room, gathered around a fireplace as the night moved on. Twilight glanced around at the sisters, taking in every detail of what was around her. Wow, that’s odd, they seem... almost naked without their regalia. I've seen this side of Luna before, but never Celestia... It feels... right.
"Twilight... I just want to let you know that the castle will always receive you with open arms. Tomorrow there really isn't anything planned; I figured that we could simply 'wing it' after breakfast. It’s time to call it a night however, so I will take my leave. Goodnight, Luna, Twilight." Celestia picked herself up from in front of the fireplace, and left for her room.
Luna paused for a few moments after her sister left the room before snaking her head over to her lover's, catching her off guard with a quick kiss to her lips. "It is nice to see you again in the waking world, Twilight, the dream one just never quite compares."
She blushed at being caught off guard by Luna, warmth flooding her. This night is one that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. "Same here Luna, I’m looking forward to tomorrow evening so much! I have a surprise for you. I think you'll love it, no, I know you will." She smiled happily at her love before she boldly moved and attempted to equally catch the alicorn off guard with a kiss to the lips.
Both mares held it, closing their eyes and savoring the taste of each other's lips. The salad dressing lingered behind, mingling with their natural 'flavors' as their horn tips barely touched. The moment lasted for an eternity before they broke their kiss, each one looking the other directly into their eyes, firelight flickering over the surfaces.
Luna was the first to move. She rose to her hooves, then offered one to help Twilight up. "Your room is right there, I know you enjoy your old tower, but this way you are really close to us both. Sleep tight love, and may your dreams be good."
Twilight wordlessly embraced Luna once more before ambling off to her room. She flopped on top of the bed, magic moving the covers aside without her even thinking about it. The exhaustion of the day caught up to her in one fell swoop as she quickly succumbed to the inevitable call of sleep.
~{B}~{O}~{W}~{T}~{N}~
Celestia flew under the cover of her sister's new moon, no light illuminated the sky on this night. She revelled at the feeling of the air flowing through her feathers, ruffling her mane, whistling past her ears. She saw the lights of Canterlot with a glance behind her, rapidly receding as she left it behind. Ahead, the small town where Twilight had spent the last five years at lay in the distance, and she corrected her course. Veering off to the side of town, she began her flight over the Everfree Forest.
The forest was eerily quiet, as usual, even with all of the predators that claimed it as their home. Hmm, I really need to do something about that. It’s been too long, I can’t keep letting the past hold me back. Countless trees passed below as she slowly descended, her hooves barely clearing the canopy.
Her destination coming into focus broke her from the past as she was forced to the present by its state. The once majestic structure lay in ruins, the spells keeping it together and safe having long since been destroyed. A spire adorned the earth, claimed by numerous vines. The forest itself was dangerously close to reclaiming the whole castle, trees coming up to the edge of what walls were left standing.
Coming to a gentle landing in a courtyard that was mostly intact, she stood silently as yet more memories flooded her, visions of a childhood long since forgotten by history coming back.
Two fillies pranced about in an open courtyard, the warm sun shining down on them. "Tia..." One of them whined to the other, waiting on the slower pony to catch up to them. "If you don't hurry, we'll be late!"
A stream of tears travelled down the side of her face as she walked inside the structure, taking in what little bit was left undamaged. Time has been harsh... She listlessly wandered through random rooms until she found herself standing in a room adorned with a large mosaic in the floor. Time had done little to dull its beauty in her eyes. Topaz gems created a wide circle, their inner cores still holding a faint glimmer of the sun's energy and color even now. They were only broken up by the lustrous diamonds that nested inside the sphere, forming a crescent moon shape.
Walking back outside, she glanced back at the entrance once more before taking to the air to return before she was missed. Her thoughts turned towards the rest of the weekend and her mood brightened. Hovering over the castle ruins, she looked at the structure.
Soon...
~{B}~{O}~{W}~{T}~{N}~
Space, as much as I love to see an emotional side to Celestia, and Faust forgive me for this, my head canon has always viewed her as the right sister. You know, the one to make the tough decisions even if it hurts those around her. I really can't see her crying at all, just saying. Just a tiny quirk from me, and rambling. Nice chapter as always. I really expected a threesome, but oh well.
1956292
Who said exactly why she is crying though? This is left open to interpretation at this time, however it appears that you have set your mind on something. I will neither confirm not deny the reason behind the tears though.
EDIT - plus, you are assuming that a female cannot cry. Preposterous! xD Welp, that's not sexist in the slightest...
Well, this is odd. I read this chapter as I'm writing a chapter containing those very same ruins. TIS A SIGN.
Excellent chapter, as always. :]
DAT FORESHADOWING.
1956321 It's not the reasoning I'm interested in, it's the fact that she is crying. She doesn't show any emotional reaction to anything unless it's really traumatizing or she is burdened by guilt or inner moral. It doesn't take a Sherlock Holmes to fill in the missing holes, and considering Celestia is my second favorite princess, I'd like to think I know her.
1956344
A sign of greatness?
And I think word count is taken into effect when looking at the feature box. Not five minutes later, a story with less views and votes ends up in the box. /facepalm. I shall never understand this system, I swear.
And thanks for the kind words, going to try and knock out the next chapter in one day. Dunno if I am capable of pulling it off, but it's my goal. And I love my foreshadowing, expect more.
1956402 According tot he FAQ, "Featured stories are completely automated. They are calculated on a mix of a few things. The number of likes a story has received, the proportion of likes to dislikes, the total number of ratings, how frequently it's being viewed and the time since it was approved are all factored into the equation." Whatever the buttered fuck-toast that means.
And a chapter a day isn't impossible, just drink lots of caffeine!
1956382
All I can really say for now, is, well... Deal with it? I am attempting to write towards something, however if I were to tell you why it would include some massive spoilers, so I cannot do such a thing at this time. However, my own personal view of her differs, one of those lovely features of fan fiction when a character is left so open to interpretation. For now, we shall simply agree to disagree.
1956476
Lol, yeah. It's a fucking mess in my opinion.
Yeah, I've got the events I want to have occur, and between the fact that I'm working a night shift coupled with a fair amount of free time leading into it, really hoping to have at least up to the date with Luna written by the time I get off.
Commence read.
Soon...alright.
Edit:The entire dinner was made up of Unicorns and Alicorns. Three of each. They all had magic. Not sure where this is going but something there...
1956528 If you want to get featured, it isn't that hard. If it's a new fanfic, have at least 200 people viewing and liking it in the first hour or so. If it's a new chapter, you need around 300 views at once. Science, yea! Seriously, just make a blog about the new chapter, and you should be good.
One thing I didn't get was why Rarity got angry with Twilight's over enthusiastic greeting with Shining and Cadence. Aside from that, an enjoyable chapter
1956988
Livid may not have been the best adj to use, however, Rarity's mindset is still that of a 'high-class pony'. Twilight basically tackled her brother to the ground who, through marriage, is a prince. And oh, don't forget every other occupant of the room is a princess as well. It might've been a tad over the top, but it is Rarity, ya know?
1956596
I like my foreshadowing. : )
1956640
lol, I think word count comes into play at some point too, but eventually it'll happen. Can't really complain with how the story has been received thus far though to be honest.
1957087
yeah, livid probably wasn't the correct word then.
Well I hope you get featured because this is great
1957087
I believe "scandalized" is the word you're looking for.
Why do I get the feeling that there's more going on between Twilight and Celestia than we know of? Or, rather, with Celestia speifically... Somehow, it sounds like she and Twilight aren't on the same page as to where their relationship is going.
Celestia foreshadowing the big reveal ...
Celestia went back to the old castle of the pony sisters to look at a painting with her, Luna and a secret child hidden since the whole NMM incident...
Twilight gets raised to alicornication just to find out that she is the daughter of Discord and Luna! after they got whammied with a love curse initiated by Chrysalis!
that or ...
Celestia already knows about Twilight and Luna's relationship and wants to renovate the old castle of the pony sisters to be their new home away from home so that Luna can have her own court (and not have to live quietly under Celestia's shadow).
that or ...
Lady Twilight, Duchess of the Everfree
1957099>>1958583
Yeah, that sounds much better indeed, went ahead and made the change. Thanks!
Sus, I'd love to talk further on this subject, but.... Spoilers! I might drive some of y'all crazy in the near future with heaps of foreshadowing and no clear answers, but there will be a point where everything clicks, I promise you that. Right now, it is seeming like it will come in once this story hits the six digits for word count, at least according to my latest estimate. Still, I'll be leaving bream crumbs all over, so keep your eyes peeled and you might catch it beforehand.
1959109
That line right there just made me laugh so hard, I thank you for that! At least it is finally someone who isn't going 'Discord and Tia'. Gah! Discord may make an appearance of sorts, but not how y'all would expect. Keep on speculating if you so desire however, I'm curious as to what you come up with!
1958233
Thank you kindly!
>>Spacecowboy (I fucked up the reply >.<)
awesome.
1959225
Lol, yeah. I first started out thinking that maybe it would hit 40,000-60,000 before I hit the 'end of arc' point. However, I am now sitting on ~27,300 words in the body (not to mention another ~5,000 words in supporting documents) already, and, well... Still got a long way to go. After I hit that point, it'll either be a sequel, or just some sort of intermission in this story before it continues on.
1959198
Thank you, speculating is one of my favorite pastimes.
Someday i may even fill in the holes in my theory that Celestia is actually a time traveling Pinkie who went back to the past to invent Pie and Cupcakes!
1959260
I cannot agree more! It is always fun when there are bread crumbs and open trails for you to observe and try to piece together with what has been given at hand, and what is inside our brain. I will admit sometimes it leads me to sending PMs asking for potential spoilers, but... So much fun to do!
And uuuh, I think the universe is fine without that theory... *thinks on it... *head explodes*. Yeah.
Soon...
img.izismile.com/img/img5/20120224/640/soon_meme_collection_640_03.jpg
Why must chapters end?
1959431
Why, to make the readers pull out their hair because of cliffhangers and frustration!
Bout to sit down and start up the next chapter, so long as one of a few thousand other interruptions don't get in the way.
1956596
Simply re-quoting for the edit you put in, it definitely made it much easier to write out the actions between dialogue. That is one thing for sure. Beyond that though, there really is no hidden meaning or anything, twas just a dinner. Plenty of hidden meanings elsewhere though... (Wish they had a trolluna icon, would be 10x better!)
Emotional + Good story + good plot(s) = This fic
I always seem to find myself hanging on a cliff. My upper body strength must be amazing.
1960621
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad I've been able to deliver a proper story that has thoroughly captured your attention.
And to me, cliffhangers are typically much more effective than any other method of ending a chapter (not that there are many ways to end one). Of course, this was more of a foreshadowing event, so the answer isn't going to be answered immediately in the next chapter like a conventional cliffhanger. So, doubly more effective!
1960621 This
1963359
Glad to know that I am delivering a solid story to you folks! And developing your muscles in the process!
The cliff from this chapter with the foreshadowing gets some more explanation come not next, but the chapter after. I've eeked out ~2,000 words so far today and am staring down another 2 hours of so of writing time at work, so I'll try to get it out to y'all as quickly as I can manage to. Of course, not all of it is towards the next chapter though, I've written up the next foreshadow event and part of a potential clop scene. And I kinda rambled, huh. Oh well.
I love it.
Starting out, you did a nice job with describing the setting of the castle. It wasn't overly detailed, and left a good amount to imagination. Also, I LOVE stained glass windows, so bonus point to you for mentioning them. Another nice thing that I've enjoyed is your perspective switches among the different characters I.e:
It's nice to be inside the head of someone other than Twi once in awhile. Um...let's see, more compliments? I think you did a good job handling the dialogue during the dinner, except for one thing (completely rambling and not to be taken seriously).
I think there could have been a little more lines of dialogue added after Cadence announced the thought of having a foal with Shining. The Twi's reaction part was nice and believe able, but I dont know, I think I was expecting a little more of a reaction. Now if it had been something like "Hey everypony, guess what! I'm pregnant!" *insert initial freakout followed by a period of silence* "And Shining isn't the father!" oh gosh, I need to stop....
Anyways, this chapter had a nice flow to it. Everything from the initial greetings, to the dinner, to the magical moment of seeing both sisters raise/set the moon/sun (really enjoyed the descriptions in that part). However, that last part with Tia flying to the ruins caught me a little off guard (I was expecting the chapter to end with Twi falling asleep). But oh do I love me some suspense, and there has been plenty of it so far.
Also, a quick little guess as to why she's crying? I think it has to deal with a past lover of hers.
1959304
Waaaait a minute...
You brought Shining and Cadence into this...
Shining is Twilight's brother.
Cadence is married to Shining.
Cadence is Luna's niece.
If Twilight marries Luna, then Cadence would be her niece.
If Cadence is Twilight's niece, then Shining is her nephew...
Fridge logic strikes again.
3081298
That's some "Be your own Grandpa" logic, there. I wonder, how would this sort of arrangement effect the family tree?
Just in case you don't know how to be your own grandpa, I feel compelled to put it here. You marry someone with a kid of their own, while one of your parents marries the child of your significant other. Now you're your own grandpa.
Canon Equestrian Flag
Or were the banners not the Equestrian flag, but some random design?
__________
had
saw / envisioned / witnessed
[any of those three word choices are proper. Saying she was "unfocused from what she had just focused," is improper.]
_____________
delete pereiod, space after dream
__________
Now things are getting interesting. Although I find it very strange. Cadance is a Princess. Yet her title is utterly ignored over Celestia an Luna's. Calling them the princesses, as if she has no title in any way shape or form other than as lip service. So why is that? And what is her role as Princess? I not the ruler of the Crystal Empire, with a strong alliance with Equestria? Or an Exarch of the Crystal Empire?
Nice Majora`s Mask reference at the end there. I really enjoyed that more than I should have....
DAMN IT YOU MISSED THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF WHEN TWILIGHT GREETS CADENCE
7098964
That's what I was saying!