> Seasons of the Heart
>  by RoyalBardofCanterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Springtime-Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last rays of moonlight danced through the lace curtains of Celestia's bedroom, cast strange patterns on the floor. Outside, the sky was growing lighter and an insistent tug was pulling on her horn. Her eyes flickered open. A warm presence was cuddled to her side. A smile crossed the sleeping Sun Princess's lips. The moon was nearly done with its journey to the western horizon, her sister's capable magic guiding it to its rest.

She laid back on the bed and drew Twilight to herself. The unicorn mewled and sighed as she cuddled into the embrace of her wing, wrapping her forelegs around Celestia's middle. Celestia nuzzled her. The sun was a distant, thrumming pulse. Energy, warmth, life. The start of a new day and with it ten-thousand promises for renewal.

Celestia loved this moment, she always had. Not quite night, not quite day yet. In a few moments she would have to raise the sun, but that could wait a while longer. She closed her eyes and buried her muzzle into the lavender scented mane of her lover. Twilight burrowed deeper into her chest. Celestia slid her second wing beneath her, held her within them.

Sometimes, she had to make sure this wasn't some sort of dream or trick played by a cruel god. Twilight was truly hers, hers to love and to love her. She almost planted a kiss on the place beneath her horn, only stopping because she worried that it would wake Twilight up. She was so cute when she was sleeping.

The pulse of the sun was becoming unbearable, a warmth building up within her horn. She honestly wondered how in the world Luna had managed to ignore the terrible burden of their duty by not allowing the moon to set. The pressure must have been unimaginable. Sighing, she closed her eyes and drew on her magic.

The sun rose from its place in the east, an orange ball of fire and light, its pink and golden rays filling the sky and coloring the clouds. Celestia yawned and tried to recall her duties for the day. Was there some sort of meeting? Oh, yes. The Parliament was having a special meeting. She couldn't quite remember what it was about.

She laid her head back on the pillow and nuzzled the still sleeping Twilight. With a tug of her magic, she drew up the blankets that had been knocked around when she had lifted up to raise the sun. At the moment, nothing mattered except the other Pony sharing her bed.

Gently, slowly, teasingly she ran an oak hairbrush through Twilight's mane. Twilight was still deep in sleep, a thin line of drool running down her lips. The bristles of the brush massaged Twilight's scalp, drawing moans of pleasure. Celestia fell into a steady rhythm with the brush, caressing each strand, smoothing down the stray hairs that poked out at odd angles. She frowned as the brush caught onto a particularly stubborn tangle.

Twilight yawned and stretched. "G'mornin'."

"Good morning."

Celestia finally got the brush through the tangle and then moved down to Twilight's tail. That was much easier. The brush slid through her tail, taming any strands that popped up.

Twilight's horn flickered to life. "Let me see that brush."

The brush wavered in the air as Twilight took it in her aura. Her teeth grit in a show of frustration as she steadied the brush and her ear erratically twitched. "Heh. I got it."

Celestia kissed her horn, causing Twilight to shiver against the older mare's body. "The doctor's are amazed by your recovery. I knew you could do it."

"I'm just glad the Guild paid for my physical therapy."

"They wouldn't want to lose their best member."

Twilight held the brush in her magic and directed it to move through Celestia's ever-flowing, multihued mane. It was an exercise in futility of course, but Celestia still appreciated the feeling of the brush as it traveled through her mane. "I'm going to have to get up soon."

The brush was now nearly lost in the pink part of her mane, tendrils of ethereal energy wrapping all around it. Twilight pouted. "You don't have to get up yet, do you?"

She nibbled on Twilight's ear. "No, of course not. You know I much prefer being with you."

Twilight nuzzled her cheek. "I'm in the mood for oatmeal. With lots of strawberries."

"I was thinking pancakes myself. I'll call a guard so we can spend more time in bed."

Twilight's face turned crimson. "That sounded suggestive."

"Was not my intention."

Twilight stretched again and rested her head on Celestia's shoulder. "Still, breakfast-in-bed sounds good."

A guard was called and the order was given. Celestia and Twilight nestled into each other, exchanging kisses and nuzzles before a knock on the door interrupted them. Celestia drew her muzzle from Twilight's neck and let the guard in. He carried a tray filled with a bowl of oatmeal, a stack of pancakes and two cups of tea. 

Celestia took the tea in her magic once the guard left. Twilight cautiously took the tea in her hooves, too afraid to spill hot tea on herself if her magic failed. Laying it aside she picked up the bowl of oatmeal and began eating it Earth Pony style, using her hooves to move the spoon instead of her magic.

Celestia followed her lead, grasping a fork in her hoof as she lifted a piece of pancake to her mouth. The sweetness of the bread, butter and syrup tantalized her.

Twilight swallowed a mouthful of oatmeal and strawberries and glanced over at Celestia, but said nothing. Celestia picked up her tea in her hooves, sipping the vitalizing black tea blend.

"You don't have to use your hooves just because I do."

"I want to Twilight."

"Why?"

Celestia laid down the teacup. "Solidarity, I suppose? It just seems the right thing to do."

Twilight returned to her oatmeal, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Today is my day to give a speech at the Mage's Guild. I'm so nervous. I don't want to look silly or say the wrong thing."

Celestia hugged her close with a wing. "I'm sure you'll do great."

Twilight yawned. The oatmeal was fast disappearing."I hope I will, but giving a speech is always nerve-wracking." She rested against Celestia. "Doesn't matter if I'm an archmage or a student."

"Even I get nervous sometimes."

Twilight stared at her."Seriously?"

Celestia nodded. "At least three times in the last millennium I've completely failed at giving a speech."

"What happened?"

The Sun Princess shrugged. "Life went on."

Twilight nibbled on the last bit of oatmeal and drained the teacup before cuddling into Celestia's side. It took Celestia some time to finish up the pancakes as she savored every bite along with extra moments with Twilight. Duty would soon call her away, but at least she could prolong the parting.

It could not be prolonged forever. She called a servant to carry away the tray and then rose. Twilight pouted. "So, this is goodbye for now?"

Celestia kissed her. "I'm sorry, but I have to go. I'll call a chariot for you."

They shared one last kiss, Twilight relishing the sugary taste of Celestia's lips on her own.
...
Only after Celestia saw Twilight off and was trotting down the alabaster halls of the palace did she realize something was wrong. She stopped in the middle of throne room, sunlight reflecting on the stained glass windows reflecting the great heroes and happenings of Equestria's past.

"What troubleth thee, Sister?" Luna asked. She had been walking alongside Celestia on their way to the throne room. Raven, the royal scheduler, was a respectful distance behind them.

Celestia hummed in thought. "I'm not really sure. Raven, what is on the schedule for today? There's something important, something to do with Twilight."

She turned to face her assistant. Raven pulled her notebook from her saddlebag, flipping through it with expert quickness.  "Oh, I see. You were going to set up a date with Lady Twilight after her speech at the Mage's Guild. I believe you promised to take her to her favorite restauraunt. That's not in the schedule, but I remember you very distinctly telling me that." She set aside the notebook. "You already set that up, I assume?"

Celestia froze. A panicked whine nearly came from her lips, but she stopped it at the last possible seconds. Her eyes grew wide as she desperately tried to remember if she had in fact set up that date.

No, no she had not. The Minotaur Union had to behave like the belligerent jerks they were and try to muscle in on Equestria's southern border. Three frantic days had been spent averting war. Luckily, cooler heads had prevailed and she had rescinded the order to invade their lands.

She felt Luna's hoof on her shoulder. "Sister? Sister, I can presume you did not set up the date?"

In the maelstrom of narrowly avoided armed conflict, the date with Twilight had been nearly forgotten. It took at least a week to set up reservations at the Rook and the Raven. There was no way she would have time.

Not unless she hurried.

"Luna can you handle court?"

Luna puffed out her chest as if offended by the implication that she couldn't. "Of course!"

Celestia hugged her. "You're a lifesaver!"

Luna returned the hug. "Farewell, Sister and godspeed!"

Celestia broke into a gallop, her hooves slamming against the alabaster floor as she darted down the hall and toward the wide oak door at the exit of the palace. Bursting through the door, she flared her great, white wings and soared into the azure sky. The wind whipped her mane, sliced against her feathers, the air warping around her as she shot around clouds.

The golden and white towers of Canterlot were far below her, flags snapping in the breeze. She dipped down lower, her wings starting to ache. She slowed her flight as she directed her course towards a small street lined with shops. Ponies milled about, wandering through the stores.

The centerpiece of the street was a cozy looking, wooden building. Smoke rose up from a red brick chimney. It gave the appearance of having been a cottage in another age (indeed, it had been) and decorate, verdant ivy curled around its walls cementing its rustic appearance. One would almost not believe it was a Canterlot restauraunt. It had the feeling of an Earth Pony eatery, but a Unicorn ran it and it featured traditional, Unicorn recipes.

It was very popular despite its rustic nature, entirely because of the food it served. They had the best fried oats in Canterlot, if not Equestria, and Celestia would almost accept a bribe of their roasted daisies. Celestia landed and hurried into it. Ponies hastily bowing to her made it easy to get around them, not that she would cut in line. Wooden Spoon, a tawny Unicorn mare who was the grand daughter of the original owner, smiled to her and bowed. "Good morning, Princess. Lady Twilight isn't here?"

Celestia's wings drooped and she spent a few moments catching her breath. "Twilight...date...reservations..." She wiped away some sweat on her brow. "Tonight I have a date with Twilight. I need reservations for two."

Wooden Spoon frowned and looked through a black notebook. "Princess, I'm sorry. It's completely booked tonight. Saturdays are always booked."

"Not even the private room?"

"Fancy Pants is bringing his wife there."

Celestia released a long sigh.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I-I could cancel some re-"

"Don't even think about it." Celestia rose. "I made a mistake, Miss Spoon. I'll deal with it myself. Have a pleasant morning."

"You too, Your Highness."

Celestia felt her whole body droop as she trudged out of the restauraunt. To her great surprise, Raven was waiting for her. "I assume things didn't go well?"

Celestia shook her head.

Raven laid a hoof on her shoulder. "Look, there are plenty of restaurants in Canterlot. Even Ponyville. You could take her somewhere new."

Celestia sighed again. "She'll know something's up. I promised her a date at her favorite restauraunt. She's going to know I forgot. She already has a low self-image. She'll think she's not important to me. Maybe she won't even want to...to be with me anymore..."

"You can tell her everything was booked. She'll understand. She's the most forgiving Pony I've ever had the privilege of meeting."

Celestia straitened her shoulders. "You're right. I need to find a new restauraunt though. Oh, and I need to be there to see her speech. I also promised moral support."

Raven glanced up at a clock. "We've got two hours."

They hurried down the road. Most of the high quality restaurants one would take their date to required reservations. The White Swan was booked as Celestia suspected it would be. So was the Cultured Oat and Le Fancee Pantaloones. Celestia's gait had begun to slow after an hour of trotting through the city.

Raven remained in high spirits, quickly cantering just ahead of her. They had wandered down a side street filled with more restaurants with fancy titles, many in foreign languages. Ponies in expensive looking dresses and fine suits strolled to and fro on the paved road. Raven glanced towards a Neighponese sushi bar. "Does Twilight like sushi?"

Celestia looked over at it. "She's never expressed any dislike for it. Wait...actually, I do remember her telling me how much she likes tuna. Let's go."

Together, they walked through the doors of the sushi bar. The black stallion at the counter greeted them with a bow. The space was remarkably clean, a red carpet covering the floor. High above on the ceiling was a mural of a dragon. More murals on the walls depicted samurai and other scenes from Neighponese legend and history.

The rich, inviting scent of fried noodles and fresh cooked fish wafted around the room. Celestia cantered up to the counter. "Do you have any tuna dishes?"

The stallion nodded. "We have many, Your Highness."

"Would I need to make reservations here?"

"No."

"Great! I'll be back later!"

With a new spring in her step, she nearly pranced out the door. Raven followed close behind her. Something had been gnawing at her. She suddenly remembered."Um, Princess? You were supposed to meet with the new Saddle Arabian ambassador fifteen minutes ago."

Celestia's blood chilled. The Arabians worshiped the sun and the sun alone. The meeting was a small meet-and-greet. It was to last for half-an-hour. She would then have time to go see Twilight's speech. "Raven, take hold of my side. We're going to teleport."

Raven obeyed. Celestia drew upon the power of the sun and vanished in a flash of light.
...
Twilight stood in front of the mirror. "Magic has often been thought of as merely a tool, but in fact, is so much more than that. My research has uncovered new and exciting revelations about magic's very nature. It seems that..." She began to pace, making a groove in the wood. "Seems? Seems?! No, no passive words! It is or it isn't!" She breathed deeply. "Okay."

Spike kicked his legs as he sat on the edge of the bed. "Sounded fine to me. Can I go read comic books now?"

Twilight groaned. "I'm not finished, Spike! I've got to get this right! It's in an hour!" She looked back to the mirror. "I have discovered that everything has a spark of magic in it, not just sapient races such as Ponies or Dragons. Latent magic exists in all things. Plants have magic. So do non-living things such as rocks and water. A particle I have come to call the Thaumaton is responsible for this. What, then, is the thaumaton?" She paused, groaned. "I sound like I'm talking to a college class! These are fellow mages! These are my equals!"

Spike rolled back on the back. "Eh, not really. You're, like, the greatest archmage ever."

Twilight blushed. "No, I'm not."

"Are too."

"Does thaumaton sound stupid?"

"Why don't you call it a Twilighton?"

"Because I'm not Trixie?"

Spike chuckled. "So, I guess thaumaton's okay."

Twilight looked back at the mirror. Her parents would be there. Her friends would be there. Spike, her son in all but name, would be there.

Most of all Celestia would be there. She gave a happy prance.  "Just get through this, Twilight." She broke into a second prance. "Then Celestia will be taking you out for the best date ever." 
...
Celestia appeared in the throne room. Raven stumbled and Celestia steadied her.

"HOW DARETH THOU INSULT ME!" Luna's wings were spread as she slammed a hoof on the ground.

The grey Arabian stallion looked ready to draw his scimitar, his white tail flicking in annoyance. "The insult is the absence of your sister, Nightmare Moon!"

Luna snorted. "Calleth me that again and your heathen altars will be smeared with the blood of your sultan mixed with your own!"

"Cease that at once, both of you." Celestia flared her own wings and lifted to her full height. "Sir Ambassador, I expect you to give my sister the very same respect you give to me."

The ambassador pointed to Luna. "She-"

"I don't want to hear it." The calmness in her voice chilled everyone in the room. "You shall treat her with respect or you shall no longer be welcome in my domain. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

The ambassador muttered a few, probably uncomplimentary things then prostrated himself. "Perfectly."

Celestia turned to Luna. "Sister, you are relieved for now. Thank you for taking care of court in my absence."

The ambassador lifted up. "She threatened me."

Celestia glared at him. "You insulted my sister on a point where she is highly sensitive. Be grateful I do not have you tossed out on your ear. In her day, insulting the reigning monarch was grounds for war. In fact, apologize to her."

The ambassador stood. "Very well. I'm sorry Ni...Luna. Princess Luna, I apologize to you."

Luna sniffed. "Apology not accepted."

"Luna, don't be a child."

Luna rolled her eyes and muttered something about the Crusades having ended prematurely. "Very well. I accept your feeble attempt at an apology."

Celestia shook her head. "That's the best you'll get out of her, I fear. Let's get down to business. Follow me. You too, Luna. It is high time the Arabians learned to accept you as my equal."

The ambassador followed her as she led him towards the private dining area just atop the balcony. Luna smiled and nearly bounced along as she stood side-by-side with her sister.

The industrious maids had set up a full tea service on the white, stone table. The ambassador, Luna and Celestia sat around it. Celestia poured three cups of jasmine tea. "Now that the unpleasantness has passed, let's get down to business." 
...
Twilight peaked behind the purple curtain and just as quickly ducked back behind it. She had forgotten just how big the auditorium was. A sea of chairs filled the vast space, each chair occupied by a mage or a relative of a mage. Her friends, as Heroes of Equestria, were in the front row along with her family. Even Shining Armor and Cadence were in attendance.

Looking out over the crowd again she spotted several of her former teachers. Her old alchemy professor, a wizened, green stallion with a graying mane was giving a speech. His overly large blue robes swallowed up his frail frame as he droned on about her accomplishments. Twilight hardly cared.

She gave the crowd one more look. One very important face was missing. She adjusted her own blue, rune-covered robe and silver-pentagram necklace. Panicked scenarios played in her head. She said she'd be here. Why isn't she? Where is she? She took a deep breath. The Minotaurs attacked. She's dead. No, no, she's immortal, of course she isn't dead. But she could be hurt. What if she's hurt? She took more deep breaths. I'm being silly. She said she'll be here so she'll be here. I just have to trust her.

A glance at the clock told her that her speech was set to begin in five minutes. Professor Windbag continued his speech. Twilight was beginning to recall why her tenth grade alchemy class had annoyed her so much.

"And, although we are funded by the Crown, generous donations are always appreciated..."

Somepony needs to buy a new boat. Twilight thought to herself.

She tapped her hoof impatiently and ducked her head from behind the curtain once again. Four minutes to go and Celestia still wasn't there. 

"Thanks to your generous support, we are adding a new wing to the school..."

Where is she?



The ambassador, whose name was Akbear Al-Geldiri, slammed down the teacup like it was a tankard of ale and loudly laughed. "By the Jeweled Sword of Moohamed! You rode a dragon into battle?"

Luna nodded and laughed. "Oh yes! Several actually! Zakar was a faithful companion for many centuries."

They were getting on well now that Celestia had forced them to stop fighting. Celestia looked to a clock. She had three minutes before the speech started and honesty was seeming more and more like the best policy. "Mr. Al-Geldiri, it has been a pleasure meeting you, but I must be going. I'm sorry I never explained my absence. There have been some issues this week with the Minotaurs-"

He spat. "Minotaur infidels, bah."

"And I forgot about an important personal engagement. I need to go."

Al-Geldiri nodded. "I understand. So, whatever became of Zakar?"

"She's around. Became a bit reclusive, but we're talking again."

While they laughed and talked, Celestia made her exit.
...

Twilight gulped as Professor Windbag introduced her. She shyly peaked out from behind the curtain. There was a commotion in the back. A broad grin broke out on her face as her beloved, Celestia, rushed up to her seat. Twilight had to stop herself from running onto the stage, but there was still a quickness to her gait as she stepped out and stood at the podium. She took a breath and began her speech. 

It was long and full of technical terms and she noticed some non-mage members of the audience trying not to fall asleep. Rarity surreptitiously kicked Dash when she began to nod off. Dash actually looked grateful, not wanting to be rude and fall asleep during Twilight's moment.

Twilight looked over the audience as she spoke, trying to direct her speech to everypony. Still, her gaze inevitably drifted to Celestia. Celestia smiled at her and Twilight broke into the second half of the speech with renewed energy. A bead of sweat dripped down her face as she realized how many hundreds of eyes were focused on her.

"So, y-you see, while the existence of this particle has been suspected to exist, I-I have or-or I think I have uncovered its existence."

Celestia nodded to her in encouragement to keep going. That gentle smile warmed her heart. It was like Celestia was telling her that she was doing great, that she could do this.

She swallowed back her anxiety and focused solely upon Celestia. "Several experiments I have performed have detected its existence." She gestured to her power point which showed charts and graphs which could only be understood by the mages in the room. They all were taking intense interest, some even taking notes.

Her speech ended with a slide of a hypothetical depiction of what a thaumaton might look like. Everypony clapped in thunderous applause that rocked the auditorium. She tried not to blush and failed. Quickly hurrying from the stage, she was nearly mobbed by her family and friends who hugged her and slapped her on the back in congratulations.

She stood in the center of the herd that had formed around her. "Thanks for the support everypony."

Applejack adjusted her hat. "I can't say I understood all of it, but it seemed everypony else did. I reckon you were spot on."

Rarity patted her back. "It was truly fascinating. I never even thought of magic like that before. Well done, Darling."

Twilight thanked them again before heading off with Celestia. She nuzzled under Celestia's chin. "Thanks for being there. I know you had some royal duties and that's probably why you were nearly late, but the fact that you still made time for me means a lot. It makes me feel special."

Celestia swallowed the lump in her throat as they stepped onto the road that led away from the university. "Twilight, I...I have a confession."

Twilight gazed at her with her beautiful, violet eyes. Celestia gulped. "I couldn't get a reservation for the Rook and the Raven. I'm sorry. The problem with the Minotaurs came up and, well, I forgot. I'm so sorry." Her shoulders sagged. 

To her surprise, Twilight rubbed against her. "I won't say I'm not disappointed. But I know the empire comes first. I always knew that's how it'd be. You have duties."

Celestia nuzzled her ears. "I sometimes wish...no, I'm being selfish."

"It's okay to be selfish every now and then."

"It's nothing. Really. Twilight, do you like sushi?"

"Yes." She playfully swatted Celestia's rump with her tail. "What was it you were going to say?"

"You're not going to let this go, huh?"

Twilight's tone turned very serious. "It's important to you, so it's important to me."

She leaned close to whisper in Twilight's ear. "Sometimes I don't want to be a princess anymore."

"But you're a great princess! Equestria needs you."

"Do they, Twilight? And it's only sometimes. There are rewarding parts of my job. Making a difference in the lives of others, for example. I just wish I had more time to spend with you."

Twilight leaned up to kiss her. "Maybe you need a vacation."

Celestia draped a wing over her. "Perhaps. An intriguing notion. So, you're not angry?"

"Of course not. I don't care where you take me out on a date to, as long as I'm with you."

They shared a kiss, basking in each other's presence.



























> Springtime-Late Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The brown desk Twilight was sitting at was covered in books. This was not an unusual state for the young librarian. All around her were bookshelves, immaculately ordered bookshelves. Not a speck of dust could be found on any of the books upon them. Probably hundreds of books were surrounding her, rising nearly to the ceiling of her home, which was carved from the heart of a living oak. 

She sighed as she tossed another book, a light travel brochure featuring a sandy white island on its cover. Spike sighed, picked up the book and laid it on the neat pile which had developed. Twilight picked up another brochure, this one featuring a step pyramid surrounded by dancers covered in brightly colored scarlet and blue feathers. She opened the brochure up and perused it. There was a picture of a dazzling blue river coursing through a rocky canyon. There was a little blurb informing her that Celestia had visited there in ancient days and a temple was dedicated to where she had slain the last cipactali king, a race of crocodile demons who had once held the Atzlatl people in the bonds of the worst forms of slavery imaginable.

Twilight would love to see it, yet she laid this brochure on the piles with the others.

Spike jumped up on the table. "So what's wrong with Atzlatn?"

Twilight shook her mane. "Nothing's wrong with Atzlatn! I love Atzlatn! The problem is Celestia's already been there! The travel guides always include places where Celestia has gone. Its great for tourism. Celestia...she's been everywhere on Equus. Griffhalla, Prance, Bittania, all over Europa, Neighpon, Saddle Arabia, Dream Valley, Unicornia, she once ruled Donkeya and had her summer home there. Seriously, we'd have to go to another planet just so she could see something new."

Spike scratched his chin. "Hmm...what about the mirror world?"

Twilight looked up to the ceiling. "It is a thought. Huh. And we wouldn't have to pay any travel fare. Of course, she already gets a discount." She slumped in her chair. "No, no, there's too many variables. I'd prefer this dimension."

The sunlight streamed through the sparkling clear windows, creating pools of light on the wooden floor. Twilight trotted over and stood in the warmth. The rays warmed her coat, relaxed a kink in her neck. Spike walked over to join her. She shuffled a hoof. "Spike, I just want to give her the vacation she deserves. This isn't like when I was trying to win her heart. I already have that. She really needs a vacation. To see something new. A place where she can just be herself and rest for a while. Because that's what she deserves and that's what I want to give her."

Spike nodded. He went back to the table, hopping on top of it. He searched through the books and found what Twilight had found. "Well, the Princess has been around for thousands of years. She probably has seen everything. What about the Crystal Empire?"

Twilight's ears perked up. "The Crystal Empire? Actually, I think she had a lover that was Crystallish."

Spike grinned. "Jealous?"

Twilight glared at him. "Don't be ridiculous. Though, it was that book of love poems by a Crystallish poet that brought us together." She lit her horn and levitated a volume of love poetry, translated by her and Celestia into modern Equestrian. Thanks to this work, the lost poetry of the Crystal Empire was regaining popularity, at least among Equestrian academia. Although, Rarity had requested a copy recently. She flipped through the book of poems, coming to one of her favorites. She read it again. It was a poem she had sent to Celestia.

"You are the goddess of my heart, at secret altars I have knelt to you, I long to drink with you the wine of desire..." She hugged the book to her chest as she recalled the caress of Celestia's feathers running down her back, the soft tickle of those lips upon her own.

Spike gagged and Twilight was thrown out of her daydream. She playfully noogied him. "Hey now, I don't gag when you start flirting with Rarity."

Spike blushed and glanced down at the floor. Twilight rubbed his spines, drawing forth a satisfied smile. "I think the Crystal Empire would make a good vacation spot. We'll put that into the good idea category."

She laid the book back onto the shelf and sat back down at her workbench. She took an empty yellow parchment from her drawer and laid it on the table. After dipping her owl feather into a golden inkstand she wrote "vacation ideas" and then "Crystal Empire." She chewed on the feather. 

Her draconic companion jumped on the desk and sat on the edge, swinging his clawed feet back and forth. "Oh, I know! What about Tenochtitlan?"

Twilight glanced at the brochure which featured long stretches of orange mesas and golden sands. "It doesn't mention if she's ever been there."

"Winsome Falls?"

Twilight shook her head. "I don't want anywhere in Equestria though it is a beautiful spot."

Spike scratched his chin. "Twilight?"

"Yes?"

He stared at his adoptive mother. "Have you considered just asking Celestia where she wants to go?"

Twilight growled. "Then it wouldn't be a surprise!" She waved her forelegs. "I want it to be a surprise!" She looked back down at the sheet. "Wait. The Crystal Empire won't work. She doesn't like cold places."

Spike perused the travel books. "Mustangia?"

Twilight took a look at the book. The pictures in the book showed strong, hearty-looking Ponies galloping through wide, flower-carpeted meadows ringed by rugged, snow peaked mountains. One picture showed a circle of white, jagged mountains around a calm, sapphire lake. Other sights were vast forests of oak, birch and willow where a reclusive deer tribe dwelt. They were hospitable to visitors and one picture was of a magnificent, wide horned buck peeking out from between leafy trees.

It was the wildflowers that finally sold her. Wild roses and daffodils and innumerable other kinds covered the whole land. Vibrant purple heather clung to the side of rocky slopes. She imagined herself walking with Celestia among the flowers, plucking them, braiding her hair with violets. Celestia could braid her own hair and they could graze on sweet grass and roll around on the soft floor of the valleys. She could see them frolicking and chasing each other.

She also felt her cheeks heat up as her mind went to other places. She closed the travel book. They were going to Mustangia.
...

Luna trotted down the ivory halls of the palace, a letter held in her magic. She turned a corner and approached her sister's door. Two golden-clad guards moved out of her way as she knocked twice. 

Celestia opened the door. "Good afternoon, Sister. Tea?"

Luna followed her inside, her hooves nearly sinking into the plush violet carpet. All around her were bookshelves. A fire crackled away in the black and gold inlaid fireplace, casting a warm glow in the room. A red cushion was in the center of the room, just across from a mahogany writing desk covered in scrolls. Her sister's phoenix quill pen (donated by Philomena last molting season) laid beside a half-written letter to some dignitary or other. A white teacup laid atop a silver plate next to the cushion.

Celestia settled herself atop the cushion and invited Luna over. Luna laid beside her. "I have a most vexing dilemma, mine sister. I require thine aid in solving this puzzle."

Celestia took the letter in her golden aura. "Let me see it..." She blinked. As she read she sipped from her teacup. Luna took a cup for herself and inhaled the soft scent of chamomile.

"Let's see hear. 'Dearest Princess of the Night...though my holy faith forbids it, last night I gazed upon the moon and...it made me think of your beauty. Sister, this is a love letter. Why are you showing me this?"

Luna shifted and placed the cup back on the platter. "Could it be a trick which the wily Arabians are playing? Getting me to drop my defenses and seducing me in order to get national secrets?"

Celestia put aside the letter. "I understand why you would think that. The Arabians of one-thousand years ago were very different. They had only gotten the first taste of civilization and had just dragged themselves from the depths of barbarism. Moohamed was a brilliant leader, a great tactician and a social reformer par excellence. When he died, the unity he created by the force of his personality alone shattered. They chose to create unity through conquest. Did we not do something similar when we built our own empire?"

Luna picked up the kettle in her magic and poured the steaming tea into her cup. The steam swirled in tendrils from the liquid. She raised it to her lips and drank, the warmth of the beverage soothing her. "Of course. Imperial rule and conquest were necessary for imposing order and peace after the madness of Discord's reign. I do not resent the Arabians for their natural desire to expand."

Celestia stretched. "They have changed, as we have. Our last war with Saddle Arabia concluded eight-hundred years ago. Since then, they have been our allies and have sought the paths of peace."

Luna took the letter back and read over it. "So, I should presume this young stallion is sincere?"

Celestia took a long sip from her cup. "I see no reason to believe otherwise. Also, I seem to recall an agreement that if Twilight successfully wooed me-and she has-then you would seek out a partner for yourself."

Luna drummed a hoof. "It has been so long, though. And he lives all the way in Arabia. Surely I should seek somepony closer to home?"

Celestia stared into her drink. "You and Akbear spoke to each other for four hours did you not? Despite the fact that the meeting was only supposed to be for half-an-hour?"

Luna shuffled her hoof. "Yes."

"And did you not get along rather well?"

"I did enjoy his company."

Celestia refilled her empty cup. "I'm not seeing the problem, Sister."

Luna held out her cup. Celestia filled it. "The problem is I don't know where to start!"

The younger princess smiled at the touch of the elder's wing. "This is where you should start. Take a letter and write what your heart tells you to."

Luna leaned against her. "Thank you."

Celestia frowned. "I too am having troubles in matters of the heart."

"Oh? What's wrong?"

Celestia hung her head. "I think Twilight's mad at me. She said everything was okay, but she was sending me a letter every day and I haven't gotten one in a week since I forgot to make a reservation at her favorite restauraunt."

"Tis only been a week! Mayhap she has gotten caught up in some research. Have you written her a letter?"

"It is what I was doing when you came in my room."

Luna stretched and rose. "I'll let you get back to it."

"Couldn't you stay a bit longer?"

Luna smiled and returned to her previous position. "Oh, alright."
...
Spike was a good and faithful scribe, but his services were less and less needed by Twilight. Ever since she had started dating Celestia, she wanted to use her own magic to write letters to her. It was so much more romantic, she said.

So she sat at her desk, her horn alight as its magic held a brown quill over a piece of parchment. 

To the Princess of my Heart,
I have been spent a great deal of time thinking about our last conversation and have decided that you need a vacation and we need some time together as a couple. So, I ask that you set aside some time for us. I will make all the arrangements. You won't have to worry about anything. I will take care of it all. As for where we will be going, all I will say is that I'm sure you will love it.
With love,
Twilight.

She called Spike away from his task of rearranging the shelves. A jet of green flame from his mouth sent the letter off. 
...
The letter appeared in Celestia's chambers in a burst of magic. Celestia grabbed it up. Luna stood from where she'd been sitting on the cushion as Celestia took it in her magic. The elder sister briefly hugged it to her chest. "It's from Twilight!"

Luna chuckled. "Don't keep me in suspense. What's it say?"

Celestia read over it. "Luna? Can you handle governing the country for a month? Remember to let Parliament handle most things, but don't let them get away with everything. No raising their own salaries. Again."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Certainly, I can. Where art thou going?"

A wide grin spread across her face. "I'm going on vacation."
...
They met at the train station early. The line of black tracks crisscrossed the land, leading off into infinity. Celestia stood among the crowd, searching. Behind her were the towers of Canterlot, its white spires shining in the golden sunlight. The heart flags snapped and waved in a light breeze that washed over her.

The cool of the breeze and droplets of dew against her hooves caused her to shiver. She lit up her horn and caused a warming spell to cover her. Twilight had written her back, telling her that she'd be here. The crowd of Ponies surged around her, ignoring their disguised sovereign. It was mostly Unicorn mares and stallions, though a few Earth Ponies and Pegasii wandered through. Some Pegasii flew into the air, just above the herd. 

One young, blue Pegasus mare had her filly upon her back. The filly had fallen asleep, her forelegs around her neck and her face in her purple mane. Other fillies and colts milled around the station, some scampering and playing with newly found friends or their siblings. Others leaned up against their parents.

Celestia had always loved children. She wondered...then she shook the thought away. It was something to think about later. She saw a flash of purple, but it was an Earth Pony stallion. Her eyes scanned the station and she tapped her hoof impatiently. A whistle shattered the peace of the morning, drowning out the the rhythm of the bird song and chattering of Ponies. The train zoomed by, an explosion of steam shooting from its engine.

The power of the vehicle shook the ground as its wheels drove along the tracks. It kept going and was soon out of sight. Celestia yawned and stretched. She looked around again and then felt something warm nuzzle into her side. She closed her eyes, her beloved's scent wrapping around her. Celestia stretched out a foreleg and laid it over Twilight who leaned into her. 

"Good morning, Tia."

She crossed her horn with Twilight's. "Good morning, Twily."

Twilight blushed crimson at the show of intimacy and Celestia took a few moments to enjoy Twilight's warmth. "So, where are we going?"

Twilight shook her head. "Uh-uh. That's a secret."

Celestia looked to the emerald hills that rolled along to the grassy expanse surrounding Equestria. "Very well."

"You'll love it, I know you will!"

A second train drove up and stopped. Twilight bounced ahead and Celestia followed her to two cushioned seats near a window. Celestia reclined on one cushion, Twilight on the other. The train began to move and the land blurred by in a patchwork of greens and browns. Celestia drew on her knowledge of the landscape.

Humble, brownstone cottages with thatched roofs rose up as if from the soil itself as the train went through the town of Ponyville. Many of the cottages had simple gardens filled with flowers or vegetables. Bumblebees danced among soft blue morning glories who had unfurled their petals to the rising sun. Blackberry vines curled around a fence, mingling with strawberry vines.

The train sped by and the town receded. The soft green hills rose up on both sides of the railway. An oceanic grassland spread out in all directions, waves of green cresting and falling in the strong wind stirred up by the roaring train. This was the Great Grass Sea. Stone ruins peaked out from weeds, vines obscuring ancient inscriptions that praised the glory of a ruler that thought herself great.

Celestia turned away. They played in her sister's day...

"Celestia?" Twilight was staring at her. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, my love. I have a lot of memories in this old head of mine. Sometimes things stir them up."

"Oh?"

"I'm fine."

Twilight stood up and Celestia felt her warmth as she nuzzled her. "Wanna talk about it?"

Celestia smiled.  "A city used to be here."

"Oh, yeah! Heliopolis! It was destroyed in the First Civil War during the Republic Era..."

"I was there, Twilight."

"Did you want to explore it?"

Celestia looked out the window again. "Please tell me this trip isn't about anything from mt past."

Twilight rested her head atop hers. "No."

Celestia pressed her cheek against Twilight's. "Thank you. For the trip and so many other things."

Twilight stayed by her side. The ruins of Heliopolis receded and other ruins appeared from still more ancient cities. Carved pillars that had once been attached to grand palaces. Standing stones that cast strange shadows. Golden pyramids rising up above the plains, remnants of the Dream Valley civilization that had passed by here ten millennia ago and from whom all Ponies claimed cultural descent.

Twilight had laid back down. Celestia felt herself growing sleepy from the rocking of the train. It had been at least four hours and they were still deep in the heart of Equestria's wildland. A few scattered forest popped up in places, thin woodlands made up of pine and oak. The train, which could go at quite the fast speed to thaumurgic engineering, had not left the plains despite having traveled four-thousand miles.

The train could have turned down a different track at any time. It could have gone east to Baltimare, west to the white tail woods. Yet, it had gone south and then west. Not the desert, but forests. Just as she thought this, the train entered into a vast forest. Her sight was obscured by rows and rows of fir trees.

A broad smile broke out on her face. "Ah, I know where we are going."

Twilight's ears perked up. "You do?"

"To Mustangia."

Twilight's jaw dropped. Celestia pranced up from her seat and swept Twilight up into a hug that her stunned marefried returned. The ring of tall, silvery mountains confirmed her suspicions. "Oh, Twilight, thank you! I've been wanting to try their hot springs for decades, but when I go there its always some diplomacy or other and I never get to!"

Twilight beamed as she was set down. She gave a happy jump, her hooves tapping on the wooden train floor. "I knew you'd love it! We can do the hotsprings first thing! Ooh, let's get our itinerary started right now!"

Two mountains stood, like grim, grey guardians at the borders of Mustangia. The train entered through them and was greeted by a symphony of colorful wildflowers. Orange blossoms and yellow butterflies waltzed around each other. Celestia and Twilight plopped down in the middle of the floor, Twilight's notebook opened. Twilight hummed to herself as she held a quill. "Alright, the hot springs first. And I want to walk among the wildflowers."

"You ever been part of a stampede? It's fun."

"I'll put that on the list. Do you sign up?"

Celestia chuckled. "Mustangs have stampedes whenever they feel like it and anypony can join. Anyhorse, really. Mustangs are delightfully primal. That's not an insult. Their primitiveness is deliberately cultivated."

Twilight scribbled on the notebook. "And I want to hear a storyteller!"

"Of course."

The train continued along its course, stopping in the middle of a a settlement composed of tents. The passengers stood and began trotting from the train. Twilight and Celestia walked side by side as they stepped onto the ground of Mustangia.
> Springtime-Noontime
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sank into the depths of the bubbling pool. High above her and her lover was a ceiling of solid stone. Cracks ran across its surface. They were surrounded by grey stone soaring up all around them. Bubbling pools filled the cavern, steam swirling up from the surface and covering the room deep beneath the earth. Other Ponies milled around, resting or frolicking in the pool. Twilight nuzzled into her lover. Celestia's eyes were closed as she relaxed into the waters flowing around her ivory form. Her wings sank into the depths. Twilight gently placed her muzzle into the wing, brushing them.

Celestia sighed in deep contentment and nuzzled her marefriend. "Twilight, I love you."

"I love you too."

Celestia opened her eyes. "It's been a long time since I loved like this." She spread her wing, drew it around Twilight, pulled her close. 

Twilight rested her head on Celestia's shoulder. Celestia rested her head against Twilight. Torches lined the walls, crackling flames casting a soft, orange light over the pool, the light shimmering and shattering as the Ponies in the pools moved and caused small waves in their wake. The light illuminated Twilight and Celestia as they snuggled closer. Waves rolled and crashed around them, the lights dancing on the surface. Twilight planted a kiss on Celestia's neck and Celestia responded in kind, planting a kiss on Twilight's forehead. Twilight giggled as Celestisa's lips grazed the ticklish spot just beneath her horn.

Twilight moved closer, as close as she could get to Celestia and wrapped her forelegs around her middle. Celestia responded in kind, wrapping both wings around the unicorn. Twilight felt safe in the embrace of those alabaster wings and released a content sigh. Feelings sparked in her heart, moved down to her belly, blossomed like the unfolding of a flower between her loins.

Her face heated as she felt familiar longings. Quickly, she broke the embrace. Celestia's wings opened to her squirming as Twilight swam back.  "Twilight? Whatever is the matter?"

Twilight panted and smiled. "I'm fine. Just...I'm fine."

Celestia reached out a hoof and laid it on Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight, are you alright? You look flushed."

Despite the dim light, Celestia could make out Twilight's face. Beads of sweat dripped down her forehead which could be the result of the heat or something else. Her pupils were dilated and her lips were parted. Celestia urged her out of the pool and they stepped onto the rocky floor. "You could be getting overheated. Let's get you outside."

Twilight did not object at Celestia's fussing over her as the alicorn placed a wing over her back and led her into the sunlight. Their hooves sank into the tall, green grass and the yellow heads of dandelions wrapped around their legs. A clear river ran through the great valley just outside the cave that led to the pools.

Twilight stared into the river. Pure, white stones glittered beneath the surface. The water was clearer, purer than any that she'd ever seen with the exception of the rivers she'd seen in the Everfree or the White Tail Woods. She dipped her head. "When in Roan..." Cool liquid tickled her muzzle. She opened her mouth and drank, shivering as the cold water flowed around her teeth and tongue and made its way down her throat. Her breathing returned to normal as the water quenched her thirst and purified the heat in her lower regions. 

Body and soul cooled, she lifted her head from the river. Celestia took several liberal gulps from the water. "So, do you want to go back in?"

Twilight stretched. "Sure."

Celestia flapped her wings several times, water droplets dripping from her feathers. Twilight looked away, wondering why those urges were hitting her so hard lately. She had shared a bed with Celestia multiple times and those urges had never been so strong as they were right now. She looked around her at the rolling, seemingly endless meadows, the broad blue sky arching into eternity and resting upon the snowcapped mountains.

Ponies were all around her, grazing on the fresh grass, running after each other, rearing and playing with wild abandon that one would only see back in Equestria at one of Pinkie's parties or after the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. Perhaps both. It felt so free. Celestia patted her back, stroking her withers. "Let's go."

They trotted back towards the caves. A rush of playfulness came over Twilight and she galloped ahead, swiping her tail across Celestia's muzzle. Celestia laughed, a wondrous, tinkling sound that floated on the air. Rearing up, she took off after Twilight. Their hooves beat upon the rough floor of the cavern as they chased after each other.

Celestia jumped ahead into the lead. Twilight bounced ahead by a few inches and leaped into the air. She came down with a mighty splash, the warm water enveloping her. Celestia guffawed, a thick belly laugh rising from her lips as the water splashed over her. Too big to jump into the pool, she merely slid into it instead.

Twilight splashed her again, the wave crashing into her face. Celestia's horn glowed and a ball of water appeared over Twilight's head. Twilight noticed it too late and it cashed over her, completely soaking her mane. She shook her head. "Thanks Tia! I needed to wash my mane anyway!" She brought both hooves down and Celestia put up a hasty shield that sent the water back into Twilight's face. Twilight pouted. "No fair!"

Celestia snorted at Twilight's adorable expression. "Life's not fair, my faithful marefriend." She squealed as a ball of water landed on her head. Twilight doubled over laughing. Celestia grinned. "Oh, you just asked for it."

Three water bombs, held aloft by golden magic, landed on her head in rapid succession. Twilight ducked under the water and Celestia followed her. They swam after each other, occasionally surfacing. Twilight stuck her tongue out at Celestia and ducked back down. Celestia shot forward and swiped her wings over her sides.

Twilight gasped and rocketed out. Celestia grinned and both breathed heavily. Twilight reclined against the shore, kicking her back hooves. "Alright. You win."

Celestia nibbled her ear. "What did I win?"

Twilight pressed her lips to the alicorn's. "Me."

"The best prize in the world, then."

They snuggled close. Celestia caught a scent. It was sweet, nearly intoxicating, familiar though it had been a long time. "Twilight, this has been delightful. There's wild strawberries near here and I'm getting hungry. Are you?"

"I am."

They rose from the pool and left the cavern, stepping out into the meadow. Twilight let Celestia lead her. She had clearly been here before. An old dirt hoof-path ran deep into the forest. Old, gnarled roots lifted up from the ground. Ancient pines and oaks towered above them, the long, green hair of the pine and sturdy branches of the oak twining together to form a canopy.

The sunlight came in slants through the canopy. Beneath them was a floor carpeted in fallen leaves and orange needles. They were crushed as the two Ponies tread over them and a rich, earthy scent rose up. Hare darted from a hole in a rotting oak and scampered beneath a fallen log. Twilight could almost swear she saw a flash of antlers, but looked again and they were gone.

They veered away from the road. "Go a few more feet and you'll enter into the Deer Kingdom. I had lunch with the Deer King here around fifty years ago. I suggested we meet in the pools, but he never left the forest. Very few of them do."

"How come?"

Celestia shrugged. "They get uncomfortable outside the forest. Too much exposure. Their kinfolk in the north are much more adventurous."

Further ahead, there was a clearing. Vines ran up and down, twisting into each other. Juicy, red strawberries grew from them. Celestia levitated several over, plucking them off. Twilight sat next to her as they laid in the grass. The juice of the fruit exploded on their tongues, tantalizing their taste buds. 

Juice dripped down Twilight's lips, staining them red. Celestia shook her head. "Messy filly." She licked away the juice, running her tongue along Twilight's chin and tasting the sweetness of the fruit.

Twilight returned the favor, slowly lapping at the red juice staining the white fur of Celestia's chin. "You're pretty messy too." 

Celestia lifted up a strawberry, the red flesh poking at Twilight's lips. Twilight nibbled into it, savoring the flavor as she bit into the strawberry. She lit up her horn and offered a strawberry to Celestia. Celestia took it between her teeth, squeezed it so it burst in her mouth. 

She lit her horn and Twilight let her place a strawberry in her mouth. 

They lost count of how many strawberries they ate as they fed each other. Once they were both sated, they lay side by side, the grass cushioning them. Celestia felt her eyes growing heavy. Twilight rested in her forelegs and used her spread wings like a blanket. 

"Twilight?"

"Hmm?"

"...Nothing, Twilight."

Twilight lifted up. "It's something."

"Just a thought I had."

Twilight stroked her mane. "You can tell me anything."

"I know. I can be vulnerable with you. Open. Honest. And you feel that way around me too, right?"

Twilight hugged her, a gesture Celestia returned. "Of course! I..know I used to be so scared of disappointing you. I've gotten over that. I can share anything with you. Like, hmm, that time Ponyville got destroyed by parasprites. I never told you about that, but I want to now."

"I knew, Twilight. I wanted to spare your dignity."

"Thanks."

Celestia stirred. "I'd like to be...intimate with you...in a new way."

Twilight's face heated up. "Oh?"

Celestia looked away, suddenly becoming very interested in a spot in the distance. "We don't have to. If you don't want to, that's fine."

Twilight rested her face in the grass, trying to cool down. "I feel like I'm going to be ready for that very soon. Perhaps, tonight. How about you? I brought it up a while ago and you said you wanted to wait."

Celestia caressed her side. "I did want to wait. But now feels right."

"I just want to make sure you're ready. It's a big step." Twilight lifted up, pressed her horn to Celestia's. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready."

They rested there a few seconds longer, lingering as the afternoon light streamed against the meadow, staring into the azure heavens. Twilight sought Celestia's hoof, grasped it. "I'm a little unsure."

"About what?"

"The mechanics I guess. Like how it works between two mares. I've seen some artistic renderings, but I don't quite get it."

"It's one of those things you have to do yourself." She squeezed Twilight's hoof. "You've never...I was almost certain you had a thing with that one filly."

"Moon Dancer? We kissed. Never got too far. Nice filly."

Celestia rubbed Twilight's hoof. "If you're even a little scared, a little unsure, I won't go through with it. This is something for both of us too enjoy. No pressure. You have to be one-hundred percent certain."

Twilight thought for a few moments. Thought about all the things she'd gone through by Celestia's side. The study sessions late into the night. The conversations and shared kisses over cups of tea. The walks through the garden.

"Celestia? I'm ready too."

Tails entwined, they walked back towards their tent.
...
Twilight laid out on her back, the mattress cushioning her. Celestia swayed her hips as she approached the bed, climbed onto it and brought her lips down to Twilight's throat. Twilight moaned as Celestia suckled at her skin. The alicorn moved further down, tracing her collarbone with her lips, trailing her tongue across her neck, pausing to lightly bite Twilight's throat.

Twilight writhed against the purple bed sheets as sensations ran through her body. Little jolts of pleasure emanated down from her neck, tingled through her flesh. When Celestia paused to bite her throat, she felt her nerves light on fire. The sharp pinch of Celestia's teeth was soothed away by Celestia's kiss. 

The princess's lips left a trail of pleasure from her neck down to her chest. Celestia pressed down on Twilight's barrel, kissing the place where her heart was. For a few moments she let her lips hover over the heartbeat, feeling the vibrations of Twilight's heart pounding against her ribcage. She moved on, ghosting her belly with the lightest of kisses, teasing her bellybutton.

Twilight's marehood was dripping wet now, fluids leaking out onto the bed, filling the room with the scent of her. Celestia slowly, tantalizingly lowered herself, so close that her breath tickled Twilight's lavender pubic hair. 

She ran her tongue on the outer regions of the unicorn's vulva. Twilight jerked and moaned in ecstasy. Ecstasy was filling her body, bliss overcoming her rational mind. There was only her and Celestia and overpowering bliss. Celestia traced the outline of her vulva. Jolts of pleasure shook the unicorn as Celestia kept going, licking Twilight's left thigh. The lick turned into a kiss and Celestia drew her tongue down her inner thigh until she reached Twilight's hoof.

Twilight giggled and drew back as Celestia discovered a ticklish part of her hoof. Celestia grinned and gave an exploratory nuzzle to Twilight's frog. Twilight eeped. Celestia kissed her left hoof then kissed Twilight's right hoof, working her way up Twilight's right thigh. 

For Twilight, the world was slowly fading away as pleasure tingled through her. Then Celestia brushed her muzzle across Twilight's mound and the world simply vanished. There was nothing but pleasure, one-thousand waves of pure joy, joy brought to her by Celestia. Joy she longed to return so they could both share in it.

Twilight squirmed as Celestia's tongue explored unexplored regions, regions that before had only known Twilight's own hoof or magic and what a poor substitute that had been. This was pleasure she had never known before, realms of sublime ecstasy she felt her soul lifting towards. Celestia's tongue crossed her slit and Twilight cried out as delight rolled through her body, leaving her shivering in its wake.

Celestia wrapped her mouth around Twilight's clit and Twilight kicked her legs, squirming and writhing as the orgasm shook her, inflamed every nerve ending, pleasure pushing her soul to soar towards a carnal paradise.

Celestia lifted her head from between Twilight's legs and rolled over onto her back. Twilight pounced onto her, giving a sloppy kiss to her lips, tasting herself on the older Pony. She brushed her muzzle into Celestia's feathers. Celestia jerked as she felt Twilight's hot breath on her wing. Twilight carefully brushed each feather, biting and teasing the sensitive areas of a wing. Celestia bit her lip as the first tingles of pleasure moved through her body.

Twilight buried her muzzle into the white cloud of feathers, pulling out a few broken ones and laying them on the sheets. She brushed her muzzle through, carefully arranging each one. Celestia sank into the bed, lightly moaning at her lover's ministrations.

Twilight surprised her when, after the preening, she moved down. At first, Celestia thought Twilight was going to give her oral directly. But, instead, Twilight began to nuzzle her hooves. The soft, furry sensation was like heaven against the sensitive appendages. The nuzzles turned into languorous licks and soft kisses. There were a few bites that only heightened the sensations. Throwing away all self-restraint, Twilight began lavishing her hooves with kisses.

Celestia jerked up. "Oh!"

Twilight stopped. "Did I hurt you?"

"N-no...quite the opposite."

She laid back down. It had been such a long time since she'd been made love to. It had escaped her mind what it felt like.

Twilight looked up. "Are you...are you enjoying this? Please, I want to make you happy."

"Y-yes, Twilight. I'm very, very-oh-happy!"

A sweet smile spread across the studious Unicorn's face. "I'm glad. Very glad. It makes me happy to make you happy."

She kissed her pasterns, her thighs, inched closer to her vulva. Celestia shivered in anticipation. Twilight went over her vulva, laying a kiss on her belly button, circling her tongue across the skin of her belly. A squeak escaped Celestia's lips. "Are...are you quite sure you've never done this before?"

Twilight looked up at her. "I'm a quick learner and I have a great teacher."

Celestia gasped as Twilight drew her tongue across her nipples. She played with her teats, teasing and gently biting them. Celestia helplessly squirmed, surges of pure pleasure rushing through her. "I'm close, Twilight. S-so close."

Twilight's tongue slipped inside of her slit. Celestia panted and cried out as she was overwhelmed by the sensation. Her juices flowed onto the bed, lapped up by Twilight's tongue. Twilight, almost tortuously slowly, wrapped her tongue around her clitoris before bringing her mouth down on it and sucking.

Celestia arched her back, her great white wings stiffening. Every nerve ending in her body was alive with bliss as she cried out. Her consciousness dissolved in joyful sensations, her whole soul shuddering with delight.

Twilight laid kiss after kiss across every inch of her vulva, taking joy in the joy her mentor was feeling. Celestia, in the throes of her orgasm, was arousing Twilight again. She reached her hoof down and began to stimulate herself.

Celestia, through the orgasm induced haze, noticed what her lover was doing. Her horn lit and her magic explored Twilight's folds, the warmth caressing and pulling open the dripping wet petals of the Unicorn's flower. As a sort of thanks, Twilight redoubled her efforts, crushing her lips against Celestia's vulva.

As Twilight stimulated her, Celestia stroked her innermost parts with the warm glow of her aura. Twilight bucked and moaned as she felt an orgasm building up inside of her. 

As one, both mares reached the heights of sensation, their bodies shaking with happiness. They collapsed in a pile on top of each other, meeting each other in a kiss. They tasted themselves on the other's lips and began to furiously kiss.

Celestia pulled back. "Twilight, you liked orgasming with me, didn't you?"

Twilight nodded. "Y-yes. Being able to share it with you."

Celestia stroked her mane. "Lay on my stomach so your rump is out."

Twilight wasn't quite sure where Celestia was going with this, but she trusted her mentor. So, she laid on the alicorn's chest. Celestia spread her legs. "Can you reach my vulva?"

"No, not really."

"Size difference. Use your horn."

Twilight lit it up and began to rub and massage the folds of Celestia's marehood with her violet magic. Celestia shivered. Twilight nearly toppled as a new wave of delight shook her body when Celestia thrust her tongue inside of Twilight. Twilight's whole body quivered as Celestia's tongue moved in and out of her, the slick wetness of the organ stimulating her.

She sent a wave of energy that washed through Celestia's body, a wave of pure sensation. Celestia's breath came out in quick gasps as she came closer to her peak for the second time that day. She was pushed over the edge just as Twilight was. They collapsed next to each other, Celestia pulling her close with a wing. Twilight embraced her, nuzzling her beneath her chin. "I love you, I love you, I love you so freaking much."

Celestia kissed her atop her nose. "I love you too, Twilight." She kissed her horn. "Every part of you."

Twilight reached up and kissed her horn, lingering on its fluted surface. "I got three orgasms, you got two. That's not fair."

Celestia panted. "Well, that needs to be rectified, doesn't it?"

Twilight's grin turned flat out predatory. Her magic rubbed and massaged the sensitive regions beneath Celestia's wings. Celestia squeaked and writhed again as a tickling sensation spread through her. Twilight increased the pace of the caresses and her senses sang as sensations surged through her.

With several shuddering gasps, the orgasm rocked her. She snuggled into the blankets, cuddling Twilight into her wings. Twilight cuddled into her side, both feeling safe and happy and, most of all, loved. 

 

 



> Springtime-Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sat up in the bed, silvery moonlight casting its glow over the blankets. All was still, noiseless, only the occasional chirp of a cricket or distant notes of a night bird's song to break the silence. Celestia was asleep. Twilight reached down and stroked between her shoulder blades, gently caressing her back. The alicorn groaned slightly and rolled over, nearly knocking Twilight off the bed. Twilight steadied herself and inched closer to her, wrapping her hooves around Celestia's barrel. Celestia nuzzled into her, more groans escaping her lips. Occasionally, a shout in some garbled, half-forgotten tongue would come through. Twilight listened closely, but the words made no sense.

Above all other things, Twilight was a scientist. She made observations and drew conclusions from those observations. Observing her marefriend's fitful sleep, some hypotheses had slowly formed in Twilight's mind. The steps of the scientific method wheedled at Twilight's mind as Celestia's breath came in ragged gasps and the words of a dead dialect of Equestrian came out more rapidly, more frenzied.

Twilight rested her head on Celestia's chest, heard the hard thump of her heart banging against her chest.  Ask a question. Why was Celestia's sleep so troubled? 

Construct a hypothesis. The obvious hypothesis was that she was having a nightmare. She had had nightmares before and had brushed off Twilight's questions about them. I dream of things that happened long ago. She had explained. Long ago. How long? Not even she was really sure of how old she was. In her day, Queen Rarity of Unicornia was considered a young and untried ruler not the builder of an empire that would last for five centuries and only end in an age of fire. 

Queen Rarity's tomb was long forgotten as she had lived four-thousand years ago. From that starting point, Twilight had concluded that Celestia was around four-thousand years old. What horrors had she seen? What evils had she fought against, just how many had she lost?

She nestled against Celestia's chest. Test with an experiment. In this case, that ranged from difficult to impossible. What could she do? Invade the sanctity of the Princess's mind? If Celestia were kind she'd only dump her. If Celestia was truly angry, she'd find herself in a dungeon.

Possibly in the place she was banished to.

And if she did such a thing, she'd deserve worse. She wouldn't dare violate Celestia's soul in such a way. She loved her far too much. Besides, after the Smarty Pants incident she had vowed to never cast a spell on a Pony's mind ever again. 

Celestia called out. Twilight cooed over her as if she were a frightened foal. On the other hoof, Luna went into Ponies' minds when she watched over their dreams. Was it really so different? Luna was a Goddess who could do it without the risk of damaging the Pony's soul. Twilight was a mortal who knew better than to play with fire.

Twilight touched her horn to Celestia's. Twin tear tracks twinkled on Celestia's face in the light of Luna's orb. Twilight could almost hear Luna urging her on. That would be a very good defense to use when she was facing an angry sun goddess. Actually, she almost could hear Luna's voice. 

She shook her head. She was attempting to justify the decision she had already made. Perhaps, she was missing a step of the scientific method. She reviewed it once more in her mind, knowing that it had never steered her wrong before. 

An alternate method would be to simply wake her up. Twilight shook Celestia's shoulder fiercely. Celestia cried out, a shrill shout. Twilight nestled close to her, offering the comfort of her presence. 

Observation: The nightmares had gotten worse. What could have sparked that? Twilight thought back to Celestia's strange behavior on the train when they'd passed Heliopolis. How she'd fallen silent and appeared troubled by something. There had been a battle at Heliopolis. Could Celestia have been remembering it? Celestia did have a hooves on approach to armed conflict, having campaigned alongside her troops before the empire had become so large and centralized that doing so had become impossible.

Celestia suddenly wrapped both wings around Twilight and drew her close. Her heartbeat was slowing, she was growing calmer. That was good. Calm was very good. 

Then, there was a sharp uptake in her heartbeat. Twilight felt a renewed urge to wake her or comfort her or even call up forbidden magic to enter her mind.

The runes she would have to call upon, the powers she would need to invoke were already imprinting themselves in her mind, her magic stirring. She could feel it working its way up, about to spiral up her horn. With an act of pure will she halted the process.

She lifted up and levitated over an oak wood manebrush from the table and ran the bristles through Celestia's mane which was still rather than floating as it did during the day. For a few moments, she brushed the long multicolored strands. Celestia sighed in what sounded like contentment.

The sunrise was yet far off and Twilight yawned, her magic faltering. She laid the hairbrush back in its place and snuggled against Celestia. Celestia nuzzled her and her eyes opened. "Twilight?"

Twilight shifted. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

"Were you brushing my mane?"

"Yeah."

"It felt nice. Why?"

Twilight stretched her forelegs. "You were having a nightmare."

Celestia said nothing. In the distance, a lonely cricket sang a song of longing to its mate who answered though far away. The princess closed her eyes. Twilight knew full well that she wasn't sleeping. She turned her back and tried to ignore it when half-an-hour later the groans began anew. 

She closed her eyes and tried to block it out. Tears welled up in her eyes and fell down her cheeks. Tia...why won't you tell me what's wrong?

Would it be so terrible if she took a quick peak inside her marefriend's head? Celestia had forgiven her for worse. Yet, she didn't want to take advantage of that forgiveness. 

It would not be difficult. Not for her. Over the past few days, her magic had grown. In a few days she would be back to full strength. Even a beta level unicorn (the level she was currently on) could cast this spell. 

She squeezed her eyes shut. The groans were a small background noise that she could ignore. The silence of the night just amplified it. The groans would occasionally taper off, but then they'd start up again. 

Ignore it, ignore it, ignore it. She ordered herself. If she would just trust me. Why doesn't she trust me? I can help her. She's helped me before.

She too had had nightmares and had sought Celestia's comfort. Would Celestia not give her the chance to return the favor? She rolled back around. Celestia was on her side, her wings twitching. Twilight buried her muzzle into the cloud of feathers, caressed the wings with her teeth and tongue, setting straight the crooked feathers and pulling out the broken ones.

Once more, Celestia's groans faded away. Twilight hoped that it would be the last time. Temptation was building. To not know something was a torment to her. To not know what was bothering her beloved, to be forbidden by ignorance from rendering aid, was like walking barehooved over the fiery Plains of Tartarus. 

She finished up the preening and levitated a few broken feathers she'd plucked into a pile on the floor. It would be something to explain to her in the morning. Twilight yawned and rested her head on the pillow. If she feigned sleep long enough eventually sleep would come to her just as it had come to Celestia.

It did not. Instead she rolled over on her back and stared up at the ceiling of the tent. Thoughts ran through her mind. Celestia had at last quieted down, but Twilight's mind was racing. 

Celestia murmured something which sounded like a call for her father. Or for aid. It depended on how the word was pronounced. 

She could be subconsciously asking me to help her. Or simply calling for her father. Maybe she's reliving her foalhood. 

She turned, trying to find a spot on the bed comfortable enough to lull her mind into a restful state. Either no spot existed or her mind was too worked up for any such spot to soothe her. 

Celestia's mumbling subsided, quieting down. There was definitely a rhythm to it.

The first time they had shared a bed as marefriends Twilight had noticed it. Back then, it had only been a few frantic whispers in the middle of the night. Twilight had shrugged it off. Everyone had bad dreams sometimes. Why should Celestia be any different?

It kept happening, that was the problem. It kept happening and Celestia wouldn't tell her why. 

It was pure selfishness on her part, she knew it was. Celestia had opened herself up to Twilight, given both her heart and now even her body. It was greed and only greed that made her want even this part of Celestia. To know her secrets and fears, to defend her from whatever troubled her.

It was part of her warrior heritage perhaps. Or the fact that she was wholly devoted to Celestia. 

To an unhealthy degree, maybe? The part of her brain that never stopped analyzing things asked her. She politely asked that part of her brain to shut up for a second. 

She growled to herself and rose up on the bed. A breathing exercise might subdue her runaway thoughts. First she breathed in, letting her breath cleanse her body of tension. She drew up energy from her root chakra, guided it to her heart chakra and towards her throat chakra where it traveled up to her crown. She breathed out in a long sigh. 

She breathed in once more. The energy spiraled back down at her direction from her crown chakra down to her root. She focused on her root. The chakra of connections, sexuality, the earth. An excess of energy had settled there. Natural enough. She was in love and lust both. She concentrated on that energy, began to transform it, work it into an enchantment.

Before it got too far, she stopped herself. She was about to cast the spell that would allow her entry into Celestia's mind. The enchantment was released, the energy dispersed throughout her chakras.

What is wrong with me? I've finally snapped haven't I? 

Did Celestia's trust mean so little to her? Maybe she was a terrible marefriend. Maybe that's why Celestia wouldn't confide in her.

She returned to her meditations. If she were calm, then sleep would eventually claim her. She wasn't sure how late it was. There was no clock in the tent. Was that another modern convenience Mustangs didn't believe in? Probably. Without the constant reminder of a clock, time seemed to slip away.

If no one was actively observing it and keeping up with it, what meaning did time really have? It was night, late into the night. Her body told her it was time to sleep so she should sleep.

Only her mind, her silly, restless mind objected. A shout escaped Celestia's mouth. Twilight recognized a word in an ancient form of Equestrian. The word meant "help" in the form of a command. An order. 

She could hardly ignore a royal order. Readying her magic, she pressed her horn to Celestia's own. "I'm sorry, Tia. Please forgive me."

The magic weaved itself according to the proper patterns. With a burst, she released it.
...
Falling.

She was falling through an endless abyss. Ten-million pinpoints of silver light swirled around her. She reached out her limbs, trying to grasp onto something. There was nothing to grasp onto.

No down, no up, no here, no there. Just the endless void filled with something that was nothing.

After screaming for one-million times one million years, she felt something unfolding around her. The first noise to shatter the silence was the thunderous roar of combat spells.

Thick columns of ash and smoke billowed up from what had been stone buildings. Everything was grey, obscured by a thick cloud of smoke that rose from a rolling wave of flame and heat. There was not a building that was not burning, flames running up and down stone, devouring wood, roaring down cobblestone roads.

Unicorns dressed in armor shot down spells from the rooftops that only added to the flames. An army of Earth Ponies advanced ever closer. The spells bounced off their armor. Pegasii darted in the sky, indiscriminately shooting down both sides. Arrows whistled through the air, striking down Unicorns, hails of arrows cutting down Earth Ponies.

Twilight felt her stomach heaving. Why? Why would the Three Tribes be warring against each other? She collapsed to her stomach on a rough, granite roof that somehow wasn't burning. Feeling a hoof on her shoulder she looked up to the face of her former mentor.

Celestia looked down at her, her expression unreadable. Twilight shied away. The Sun Princess was dressed in the golden plate armor of another age, blood caked to the iron blades running along her wings. "Why have you not evacuated, Civilian?" Her voice was rough, cold. "Heliopolis is doomed. I do not think General Stone Crusher will give quarter to any Unicorns nor will King Wind Slicer."

An arrows headed straight towards her. Her horn glowed and it was snapped in half. She summoned a shield around herself and Twilight. She turned. "There is no hope left. The Great Peace is dead. Let them do as they wish." She took off her crown, tossed it to the ground. It shattered. Her shoulders sagged. "Tell me, my little unicorn, should I take you with me or will you die with this mausoleum?"

"C-Celestia...can't you stop this?"

Celestia bitterly laughed. "No. No, I tried. I can't. I am very tired."

Twilight rose. "Where will you go?"

"Everfree and plant a forest to hide in for ten-thousand years."

An explosion rocked the city. Celestia stumbled back. "Damned megaspells. Should have thrown every damned warmage in the dungeons and burned their texts."

Twilight had never seen nor felt such magic. Each spell left a conflagration, an explosion of white hot fire that reduced roads to magma and buildings to ash. 

Celestia glanced at her. "Death or escape, my little pony. Choose wisely. Go on. Take your time."

"Get me out of here."

Celestia nodded and her horn lit up. Instead of the pop of a teleportation spell they stayed where they were. A series of explosions turned the remaining roads into paths of flame that licked at the already burning buildings. 

Beads of sweat poured down Twilight's face as she began to orient herself. The Three Tribes were currently being led by zealots who each wanted independence. Celestia had shut herself away while conditions outside Canterlot deteriorated. The Unicorn dominated parliament had grown corrupt, raising taxes to a burdensome level and discriminating against the other tribes.

Celestia had tried to intervene. The Civil War Period was always glossed over in the Crown-approved textbooks. There was no need to reopen the wounds of the past was the official reason. The only thing that came out of it was Celestia had had a severe illness and had not been able to effectively rule.

Of course, that wasn't the true reason. Or, it was true in a manner of speaking.

"Retreat! Retreat!" The shout rang out over the tumult of the battle. The Unicorn Army began to run as a storm of arrows slashed through their ranks and Earth Pony hooves crushed them down. The Pegasii swooped down, their bladed wings crashing against Earth Pony armor.

Twilight looked away. Celestia stood there watching. "Why have you not evacuated Civilian? Nothing more can be done." She took off her crown, somehow mysteriously reappeared, and threw it down. "No matter how hard I try, nothing can be done."

Twilight hazarded a glance, confused as to how the Unicorns seemed ineffective against Earth Pony armor. Anti-magic charms? Spells that can reduce buildings to ash? This is beyond any magitech we have today.

"I burned the books Twilight. All of them."

Twilight looked over at Celestia. "What?"

Celestia continued staring out at the carnage. "I gave the warmages of the Three Tribes two options. Life in the dungeons or turning over their texts. The texts were burned. I'd do it again. Anything to keep this from happening again."

With the smell of blood and ash choking up her nostrils, Twilight felt herself agreeing with her mentor's actions even if the thought of books being burned did make her shudder. "Some magic is too dangerous to be used. I know that better than anypony."

"Yes. Like entering into another Pony's mind."

Twilight winced. "Yeah. Please, try to understand. I was worried about you."

"Must I have no secrets?"

Twilight bit her lip. "Something was bothering you. I was worried." Her ears drooped. "I'm sorry. I'll leave."

Celestia reached out, wrapped a wing around her. "Don't go. Twilight, I have wards around my mind. The only way you could have gotten in here was because some part of me wanted you to be here."

Twilight nuzzled against her. "I'm still sorry. If you wanted to dump me..."

"Oh, Twilight. Never." She nuzzled her ear. 

Down below, the battle went on. What had been a city was now only a plain of ash and smoke. 

"This is the most shameful moment of my life, Twilight. I ran. I secluded myself in the Everfree. Thirty years later, my loyalists had to beg me to retake power. It took a century to rebuild my empire."

Twilight pressed herself against her side. "You've been at the most shameful moment of my life. Several of them actually. Do you want to go inside my mind? It'd only be fair."

"Hmm, I must admit I'm curious as to what's in that cute purple head of yours."

Twilight cast the spell to unlock the wards around her consciousness. "It's open."

Celestia's horn took on a golden glow. 
...
Celestia found herself floating in a void that stretched endlessly around her. Multicolored waves floated through the abyss. Stars shone all around her, violet pulsating stars. Immediately taking control, she flared her wings and floated on the plains of her beloved's mind. The current pulled her and she allowed it.

Twilight's memories, not guarded like her own or faded with the weight of centuries, flashed all around her. An infant unicorn took tentative steps, guided by Twilight Velvet and Night Light. An older Unicorn filly laughed as she rode upon the back of her brother. Her first attempt at levitation. Her first magic surges, powerful bursts of magic that left rooms in tatters. Her tantrums were enough to shatter plates and cups.

Celestia recognized, through Twilight's eyes, the expressions on other's faces at the demonstration of this power. Pure, raw fear. A frightened purple unicorn filly rested in her mother's embrace during a storm. Her father taught her how to direct her magic, how to let it flow through her without controlling her. Her brother defended her from bullies. Her family was a refuge for her. But outside of that, she was scared. Unsure.

What if I hurt someone? What if I can't control my magic? Twilight's frenzied thoughts rushed through her mind.

Kindergarten. She discovered books. For this, bullies swarmed towards her. Books were her friends. She'd read storybooks over and over, shutting out the harsh world and its taunting bullies.

Freak. Loser. Teacher's pet.

The cruel insults were drowned out as she became increasingly absorbed by books.

Then Celestia saw herself and almost didn't recognize herself. The memories came in flashes. She was a Perfect Being, infallible. She stood and raised the sun. Here was power with restraint, force wed to control. Here was what she, Twilight, was looking for.

Celestia sifted through her mind, skipping over lessons in how to use her gifts. Conversations over tea. Delving deeper and deeper into magic's mysteries as they sat by a fire reading over old books. Forbidden whispers from the shadows. She saw Twilight, was Twilight, as she entered into a dark magic bookstore hidden from sight. She was sixteen, reckless. She studied forbidden magic and, horrified at what she was becoming, ran out.

What would Celestia think? What would her family think? 

Celestia sensed that Twilight was leading her somewhere. 

She landed on the floor of a library and saw Twilight as she panicked. She'll send me back to magic kindergarten!

Back to bullies and taunts. Celestia's heart broke. "Oh Twilight, I would never..."

She couldn't look away as Twilight cast the spell. The town broke into chaos. Stallions and mares beat and trampled on each other as a child's toy, a symbol of innocence, floated around them.

Twilight stood beside her as she stood in the sky. Another her appeared like a goddess of fiery vengeance. "Oh, oh Twilight, is that really what you thought of me?"

Twilight looked away. "Back then? It was foolish and I was suffering the side affects of facing Discord, but yeah. I was truly afraid. Your approval was-maybe still is-everything to me."

"That's not healthy."

She chuckled. "Yeah. I know." She looked down at the brawl. "This is the most shameful moment of my life. We're even now."

"I wasn't angry with you."

"I don't believe you."

"No. Really, I wasn't. I was concerned for you." Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder. 

Twilight leaned against her. "We all have moments of our lives we're not proud of."

Celestia was silent for a long time. "Twilight, I turned my back on my duty and a nation was thrust into the flames. No one was really hurt by your spell."

Twilight shook her head. "You were incapacitated by Luna's fall. Depression is as much an illness as any other. Trust me, I know."

They leaned against each other, both seeking support. 

Celestia smiled. "The dawn comes love. It's time to wake up. We have a lot to discuss."

Twilight avoided her gaze."Are you mad at me?"

Celestia captured her lips in a kiss. "No. In fact, I'm glad. I feel better having had shared this with someone."

Twilight returned the kiss. Celestia drew back. "But we should probably discuss this nice little thing called 'boundaries.'"

Twilight nervously chuckled.  














> Springtime Interlude
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The moon was slowly setting, sinking to her rest beneath the western sky. Soon, the sun would also have to rise. The shepherdess of the sun, her royal highness Princess Celestia, wrapped her wings around her marefriend and drew her closer into the embrace. Twilight in turn hugged her and nuzzled into her chest fur. An insistent tug pulled onto Celestia’s horn, a nearly painful ache. The sky was lightening changing from the deep black of night to the soft, dark blue of dawn. The proud evening star surveyed the realm from her eternal throne. Soon, she too would have to make way for the Queen of the Heavens.

Celestia’s eyes fluttered open. The last rays of moonlight danced through the room, bathing it in a silvery glow. Outside, she could hear the shuffling of early risers, whispered conversations and upraised laughter. A tent village was loud as it came awake. Young stallions slumped back to their herd tents, their hooves a hard pounding on the ground. They would face a scolding from their wives or mothers (possibly both, the unlucky bastards) before collapsing to sleep off their drunkenness. The drunken gait of nearly grown fillies was softer, but still contained a clumsiness to Celestia’s well trained ears. Centuries of observation could tell her the relative age, gender and sobriety of a Pony from their hoof steps. While stallions out drinking would be chastised, a filly out drinking was simply being a filly. That was part of Mustangia’s matriarchal culture. On the other hoof, stallions were allowed multiple mates while mares were expected to abide a strict code of chastity. Such attitudes were giving way to egalitarianism under Equestrian influence, but were still ingrained in Mustangian culture.

Older Mustangs slowly made their way to the grazing fields, their steps soft upon the earth. Foals raced each other, their hooves like the beat of a distant drum as they ran to get breakfast. Celestia’s stomach rumbled. Clover and lemongrass sounded quite appealing this early in the morning. Something light and sweet. She nuzzled her sleeping paramour who groaned and ducked under the covers. Maybe, just maybe, they could spend all day in bed. Her horn lit up as she cast the ancient enchantment to call the sun. An explosion of yellow and orange light flooded the tent as the dawn broke over the horizon.

A song to the sun broke out in the camp, a rhythmic, throaty song of joy in a language so old that it was now only remembered in prayer. Celestia closed her eyes and listened. Twilight nestled up against her. “So, are you mad at me?”

She should have been. Twilight had deliberately violated her trust, broken inside her mind and drawn out her deepest secrets. She had shown no regard for her privacy. She should be furious. She should be shouting at the Unicorn in bed with her, breaking up with her, something to show her displeasure.

Twilight laid her head on the pillow and looked up at her. “Tia?”

Celestia nuzzled her and laid her head beside Twilight’s. Their muzzles brushed together. “No, I’m not. You did something wrong and I don’t want you to do it again, but I’m not angry at you. You only did it out of love.”

Twilight burrowed into her chest. “I’m glad you understand and I am sorry. Those memories...they’re going to haunt me for a while.”

Celestia frowned. “You understand why I would be mad if I were?”

“Of course. I shouldn’t have gone inside your mind without your permission.”

Celestia’s hoof lingered on Twilight’s cheek, caressed the lavender fur. “No, you shouldn’t have. Of course, you’re not the only one that did something wrong.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Yes, I did. I worried you and you had a right to be worried. Just like when I hid out in the Everfree after what happened with Luna. I haven’t changed. I close myself off from others so I don’t get hurt.”

Twilight nuzzled her beneath her chin. “You still didn’t do anything wrong. You have a right to your space and your secrets. I was the one that violated that.”

“Alright. Let’s just both promise each other that we’ll find a way to be healthier.”

“Pinkie promise.”

Celestia blinked. “What?”

Twilight went through a strange ritual ending with her placing her eye against her hoof. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“What.”

Twilight giggled. “It’s just something Pinkie Pie came up with.”

Celestia shook her head. “No, it isn’t. It’s one of the most solemn rituals of the ancient Stein Kindred of Earth Ponies. Fly is a euphemism for death and oathbreakers had cupcakes shoved in their eye. Pinkie must be a descendant.”

Twilight blinked. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Of course I am. There’s no logical explanation for anything Pinkie Pie does.”

This set off a round of giggling. Twilight wiped away a tear. “But I still love her.”

Celestia softly smiled. “I’ve had friends just like that.”

“It’s her being psychic I don’t get.”

“Unicorn ancestry probably.”

“Probably. Gods, I was a Tribalist back then. I just couldn’t accept an Earth Pony with Unicorn magic.”

Celestia’s hoof trailed down her chest. “You’ve blossomed since getting friends though you’ve always been a kind, good-hearted Pony which is more than I can say for most other nobles.”

Twilight’s cheeks colored. “I’m not that noble.” She paused. “Hey, maybe we ought to get you some friends. Maybe it’ll help you open up a bit.”

Celestia lightly tickled Twilight’s belly. “I have you and Luna. I’m not so lonely anymore.” The thought worked its way into her head. “I’m not alone anymore.”

She planted a kiss on Twilight’s muzzle which Twilight returned. All around them the insistent chatter and movement of the waking world called to them. They ignored it as they burrowed deeper into their blankets. Soon, sleep claimed them once more. 
...
Only the insistent rumbling of both their stomachs finally roused them. By Twilight’s calculations it was at least mid-morning. Twilight lifted up and knocked the blankets away from her, prancing onto the grassy floor of the tent. Celestia followed a few moments later. 

Twilight stretched. “So, what do you want to do today?”

Celestia gave a few flaps of her wings. “Take a bath?”

“Want to go back to the hot springs?”

“Sounds nice to me.”

They went by the springs and did their morning ablutions before wandering to the meadow from yesterday for breakfast. Twilight buried her muzzle into the good earth and inhaled the scent of lemongrass. It was light, almost airy, and held a tangy sweetness. The taste was just as sweet as she munched onto it.

Celestia beside her dug into the grass with wild abandon. Twilight glanced at her as she chomped onto the patch of lemongrass, her muzzle staining green. It was adorable and she couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up from her throat.

“You look just as funny, y’know.” Celestia shot, lifting up her head.

Twilight innocently whistled and moved onto a patch of zoysia which she held a fondness for. Grass from the root had a different flavor and texture from the cultivated grasses of settled areas. It was richer and almost bitter, but not unpleasantly so. She nibbled on the zoysia while Celestia silently nibbled on her lemongrass. 

Twilight swallowed a clump of zoysia. “You like lemongrass, don’t you?”

“Love it.”

While they had been eating other Ponies had entered into the fields and started grazing. Twilight paid them no mind, keeping her muzzle in the grass. She felt somepony’s eyes on her. She looked up and noticed a large, brown stallion staring at her.

She moved closer to Celestia. Celestia looked up and shot him a look before spreading a protective wing over Twilight. The scent of other Ponies and the musk of estrus hung heavy in the air. It was, after all, heat season a fact that had nearly escaped Twilight until she realized why her desires for Celestia had grown so strong.

The stallion ignored Celestia’s protective gesture and trotted over. Twilight whirled around to face him. He stepped back. Celestia also turned.

He slightly lowered his head, his body relaxed. He knelt to Celestia. “Welcome to our little herd village, Princess and...”

“Twilight Sparkle.”

He pressed his cheek to hers. Twilight stepped back and Celestia stepped forward. “A greeting Twilight, nothing more.”

The stallion frowned. “I don’t intend to make you uncomfortable. Please accept my apologies.”

Celestia pressed her cheek to his for half a second and then both broke away. Twilight, understanding that no offense had been meant, did the same. The frown on the stallion’s face disappeared and he sniffed the air. “Are you two in a herd?”

Celestia nodded. “We form a herd, yes.”  

“Ah, I see. You would not be interested in...right, you Equestrians do not have herds like we do. Two of my wives have a relationship like yours. It keeps harmony in the home when wives love each other like a wife and husband do.”

Twilight made that expression of curiosity that Celestia found so endearing. “How does that work, polygamy? Is there a lot of fighting?”

The stallion chuckled. “Of course. Couples fight, it’s just something that happens. Sometimes, they get jealous or other issues come up. We all sit down and try to discuss things without throttling each other-though that can be hard.”

“I imagine. I’ve read about relationships between polygamous couples. I find it amazing how you can have such a relationship and still have harmony. Maybe we can learn things from your culture.”

The stallion smiled. “I’m certain we can learn from your culture as well. My name is Wildfire.”

Twilight extended a hoof. “A pleasure to meet you, Wildfire.”

He stared at her hoof before pressing his own to hers. “The pleasure is mine. I am sorry about the misunderstanding earlier.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.”

“Perhaps you would like to come to dinner at my tent? My first wife is making roasted barley.”

Twilight felt her mouth water at the thought. There was nothing like roasted barley. “Sounds delicious. Wait, I thought Mustangs solely grazed.”

“We do, mostly. But we also collect grasses and cook them. We do not farm like our brethren do. Our faith forbids us from striking the earth.”

Celestia nodded. “You’d think that you’d have a limited diet, but Mustangia has done amazing things with their food. Their only deficiency is that they have no cake.”

The stallion threw his head back and laughed. “We have no cake, yes, but try our desserts! My first wife will delight you.”

“Do your wives take turns cooking?” Twilight asked.

“No, but First Wife is a professional chef so she doesn’t let anypony else near the hearth. Ran my second wife out with a wooden spoon. They’re the ones that later got involved in a relationship like yours. Hatred and love are both fires are they not?”

“That’s a quote of the great Mustangian poet Golden Voice.”

“Indeed it is, my new unicorn friend. So, I can expect you for dinner?”

Twilight turned to Celestia. “Did you have any other plans?”

“Not at all. We’d be delighted to come.”

He took his leave, wandering back to a group of four mares who shot a few suspicious glances at Twilight and Celestia. Twilight had eaten her fill, though Celestia stayed a few minutes longer to nibble on a patch of sweetgrass. They wandered from the grazing grounds into a expanse of rolling hills where other Mustangs ran and lept. 

Foals darted around, dancing and chasing each other, their little hooves kicking up dust. Adult stallions and mares chased each other, sweat glistening off their bodies as they exulted in the thrill of the race. From somewhere in the distance came what sounded like the pounding of ten-thousand drums.

The sound was like thunder as the wave of Mustangs rushed down the hillside. The unicorn and alicorn watched in awe at the sight as the Ponies streamed over the verdant hillside, dirt and grass thrown up in a storm that erupted from the land and enveloped the herds.

The participants in the stampede must have numbered in the hundreds. The pastel colors of the participants blended due to the speeds at which they were running so it resembled a rainbow river.

Celestia nudged Twilight’s shoulder. “They’re stampeding from old grazing grounds. There’s must have worn out. They may be shown hospitality or driven out as invaders. Or, perhaps they’ll pass through to find grounds that aren’t inhabited. Want to join in?”

Twilight stared. “How?”

“I’ll show you.”

Celestia darted forward and nudged her way into the middle section of the stampede. They made way for her. Twilight hesitated before jumping in herself. The Ponies nudged and jostled her, streaming all around her. Twilight felt dizzy as the other Ponies crowded ahead of her and behind her and to the side of her.

She ducked and weaved, feeling the herds as they accepted her presence, until she found Celestia who drew her close with a wing. They ran together in order to keep up. Slowly, Twilight began to feel the rhythm to the cascade of bodies. Her hooves joined with the thousands of hooves around her as she fell into step with the others.

The bodies surged around her and she found herself part of it. She was part of the gathering of herds, her rhythm in tune with the rhythm of the others, her heartbeat forming part of the heartbeat of the herds. With each stamp of her hooves, with each beat of her heart, with each breath she took, there was a sense of joining. There was a loss of herself, but a sudden sense of a greater self.

She understood why the herds were moving, why the herds had come together to form a great herd. She saw the worn away lands upon which they had once grazed, felt hunger even though her belly was full, accessed the memories of thousands, felt it going back, further back, even to the beginning of her race and the tender green fields of creation.

She felt the determination of warriors to take a new land by force if necessary, cruel necessities, the skill of the peacemakers that led the herds and the sweet words they may use to find a new home, felt the love and trepidation of parents for their foals, the playfulness of the foals themselves as they joyfully followed the elders they trusted without reservation, the passion of young lovers, the exhaustion of the old that had done this far too many times and longed for rest, felt, knew, loved, belonged.

Belonged.

Celestia pulled her with her wing and the vision passed. She felt a return to her smaller self as they left the herd. Celestia drew back her wing and they watched as the herds rushed past and then slowed before stopping altogether. By mutual agreement the herds split for a moment and began to graze. They had found an acceptable new home.

Twilight could feel the palpable relief of the other Ponies. She breathed, returning to the center of her self. “What...what was that?”

“The kal’arah-the herd consciousness.”

“I...I know what the kal’arah is. The Elements of Harmony are powered by it. I’ve felt it with my family and the girls. It’s like, I’ll suddenly know what Rarity or Pinkie is thinking or if Dash is secretly scared or sad and only pretending to be okay. I’ve felt it, but nothing like that. I was remembering things that had occurred thousands of years ago.”

“Ancestral memories are liable to crop up during a stampede. The kal’arah is intensified by about one-thousand during a stampede and the ancestor’s memories form part of the herd’s memories.”

Twilight’s face broke into a broad grin. “That was incredible!” She bounced up and down. “I can’t wait to write an article about it!”

“I’m certain it will be a lovely article. I can’t wait to read it.”

Twilight stretched out on the grass and Celestia joined her. “So, what do you want to do now, Twi?”

“Hmm...just rest here a bit? Kind of winded.”

“So am I.”

Twilight looked up at her surroundings. Tall grasses waved in the wind and a ribbon of blue water coursed through the meadow. “How far did we go?”

“We were running for two hours and have probably gone about one-hundred miles.”

Twilight blinked. “One-hundred miles?”

“Yes. Time stops during the kel’arah. Past, present and future blend together.”

“It’ll take a while to get back.”

Celestia helpfully flapped her wings. “I’ll take you for a fly. One of these days, I’m going to have to give you a pair of wings.”

Twilight snorted at the thought. “I’d have a midair anxiety attack.”

Celestia nibbled her ear making Twilight squirm. “Hmmm...I’ll have to calm you down somehow.”

“You’ve been working on that project for over a decade...ohhhhh....” Twilight melted as Celestia massaged her shoulders, exploring the most sensitive regions. She relaxed and surrendered to her lover’s caresses as Celesta's hooves rubbed her back, moving down to slowly stroke her rump.

Twilight squeaked from the attention. Celestia cooed over her and kneaded the purple Pony’s posterior. “What you need is a solid hour of affection a day.” 

Twilight pouted. “Only an hour?”

“Alright, alright. As much as you need.” She nibbled the nape of Twilight’s neck, lovingly grooming her fur. 

Twilight squirmed. “Hold on a minute.”

Celestia paused in her ministrations and waited as Twilight turned to face her and buried her muzzle into her neck, licking and nipping at it. Celestia returned the gesture, licking Twilight’s throat. They groomed each other for a long time, delighting in the sensations and closeness of the mutual grooming session.

Once they were finished they broke apart and their eyes met. Their lips met in a deep kiss as they drank each other in. Celestia tasted of the sun. Twilight wasn’t sure how that made sense, but that was her taste. Light and warmth and an inviting heat. 

Celestia was the first to break the kiss, albeit reluctantly. “We should probably be heading back.”

“Yeah.” 

Twilight climbed onto Celestia’s back and rested her face in her mane. Celestia spread her alabaster wings. This wasn’t Twilight’s first time going for a fly, but she still felt the exhilaration as the air whipped her face and tore through her mane. She whooped and held on tightly to Celestia’s neck as they soared over the landscape.

Celestia grinned and picked up speed. Her rainbow mane and tail flowed and lifted, caught up in the wind whipped up by her flight. The endless hills curled and rose up, rushing rivers coursing down them to nourish the land. More jagged, rugged hills stabbed up at the sky. 

Oaks and pines waved their leafy arms as they passed by the deep and dark forests. Twilight realized Celestia was taking the scenic route. This was a land that was astonishingly green where one could wander for days and see only grass and leaves.

“Tia, how will we know where Wildfire’s tent is?”

“You’ll see."
...
Celestia landed at last, having flown further than she really should have. She couldn't help it. Twilight had just been so fascinated by the way Mustangia looked from the sky. The smoke of hearth fires lifted into the air, carrying the scents of oats, barleys and other smells that would bring thoughts of home to anypony's mind.

The smoke of the crackling fires cast a grey sheen over the village at dusk. The sky was darkening, the rays of the sun turning reddish gold and purple shadows joining the smoke. Listening closely, Twilight could make out the pop of dancing flames.

The tent flaps were open which allowed the flames to go out rather than filling the tent. Twilight and Celestia could see the herds gathering over their meals. Wildfire's tent was in the middle of the village. Little blue and white flowers popped up around the dwelling and wild patches of blackberries curled around a fence. 

Wildfire stepped out of the tent, accompanied by one of his wives and two small, brown foals. The foals hopped over and crowded around the new Ponies. One of the colts jumped up and bopped Twilight's horn. "What's that? Why you have a stick in your head? Did you run into a tree branch?"

The parents of the foals blushed. Wildfire rushed over and herded the colts away. "My apologies. My sons have never seen unicorns before, nonetheless alicorns. This is Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia. These two knuckleheads are Wild Heart and Stone Will."

"Hi!" Both colts shouted. Wildfire toussled their manes.

Twilight bit back her laughter. "Hello, Wild Heart and Stone Will."

Wild Heart was younger and had a black mane like the mare that stood at the entrance of the tent. Stone Will's mane was silver. Wildfire ushered his guests into the tent which was full of foals bouncing around. Wild Heart and Stone Will joined the others around the fire. A pan filled with barley was set over the hearth fire. 

Celestia and Twilight joined the circle as the black-maned mare that was clearly the leader in the family urged everypony to sit.  Her coat was a beautiful chestnut brown. A blonde and white mare sat next to her. Two other mares, one with a red mane and coat and another with a silver coat and violet mane. In turn they introduced themselves as Alydar, Dawn Run,Red Rum, and Silver Beauty. Wildfire sat in the center. The foals sat between their parents. 

Twilight could guess which foal belonged to which mare by the way the foals chose who they sat next to or leaned against. Alydar stood, collected several plates from a freestanding cabinet and placed them first for Wildfire, then the foals, then her co-wives, paused and then placed plates before Twilight and Celestia. She also laid out a tea tray.

She nuzzled the two in greeting, which they returned. "Welcome to our home."

Celestia knelt her head. "Thank you for your hospitality, Herd Mother."

After Alydar accepted their presence the other members of the herd, foals included, nuzzled Twilight and Celestia. They then all sat down to eat.

Dawn Run, sitting rather closely to Alydar, smiled at the newcomers. "So, what brings the Princess of Equestria and her friend to our humble village?"

Celestia nibbled on the oats. "Twilight decided I needed a vacation and brought me here."

Alydar swallowed some of the oats. "That was sweet of her. I hope you're enjoying your stay."

Celestia lifted the tea cup in her hooves and sipped it. "It's lovely."

Twilight sipped some of her own tea, detecting the subtle hints of jasmine. "I love your hot springs."

"Can you show me a magic trick?"

The question had come from a small pink filly so closely tucked to Red Rum's side that Twilight had barely even noticed her. Red Rum drew her close with a hoof. "That's not polite, Sweetie. This here is Rosemary. She's just curious."

The filly hid her head in her mother's mane. Twilight set down her teacup. "I'd be delighted to show you a magic trick."

Celestia had been using her hooves to handle the cup so as to not startle the foals with a display of her power. Twilight had followed her lead. Now free of any restraints she lifted up the tea tray in her aura. The foals oohed and ahhed and clapped their hooves in amazement.

Twilight set the tray back down.

"Do you know any spells to blow something up?" Wild Heart asked.

Twilight smirked. "I don't think your parents would like that." She took hold of the fire with a flick of her horn and increased the temperature just slightly. The dancing flames took on a blue shade. Even the adults seemed amazed. The meal passed quickly and soon the delicious roasted oats Alydar had prepared were all gone as did the fruit dessert Celestia relished.

Through the meal, Twilight continued to amuse the foals with little tricks. She caused miniature (well-contained) fireworks to spark out of the fire. She lifted everypony's plates and teacups. She teleported around the room and even had an impromptu game of hide-and-go-seek (the foals won).

After the goodbyes were said, Twilight and Celestia left the tent. The cool, evening grass tickled Celestia's pasterns. She noticed that Twilight's shoulders were slightly slumped. At first Celestia assumed it was just tiredness. She nudged against her. "Are you feeling alright?"

"Y...yeah, I'm fine."

Silence descended until they reached their own tent.  Twilight stretched out on the bed. 

Celestia joined her. "We had a good time, I think. You didn't use too much magic did you?"

Twilight rubbed her horn. "Hmm, maybe a little. But I'm getting over that. That magical therapy was expensive, but worth it. I'm just glad the Guild paid for it."

"Well, they wouldn't want to lose their best mage." Celestia embraced her with a wing. 

Twilight snuggled into her side. "Celestia? You know I love you, right?"

Ceestia pressed her lips to Twilight's ear. "I still like to hear it every now and then. Come now. Tell me what's wrong."

Silence. "Okay Twi, I'm getting worried."

"I'm sorry. It's just, I was really having fun playing with those foals. If I'm with you..." She sniffled. "We'll never have foals of our own."

Celestia paused and ran a hoof through Twilight's mane. "You're really planning for the long term, aren't you? Twilight, we aren't even married yet."

"There's nopony else I'd want to be with."

"Twilight, we can adopt."

That brought something of a smile to Twilight's face. "Yeah, yeah we could. But what if we don't love them as much as if they were our own? What if they don't love us?"

Celestia continued running her hoof through her mane. "What about Spike?"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh my Goddess! Spike! I need to write him a letter to make sure he's okay! I'm sure he'll be okay, I asked Rarity to check up on him, but-"

"Twilight. Breathe."

Twilight stopped and took a deep breath. Celestia held her close. "You love Spike don't you? Like he was your son?"

"Of course I do."

"If-when we adopt, I'm sure we'll love the foal as much as we love Spike. We could formally adopt Spike of course."

"Hmm...ya know that's something we could talk about." She yawned.

"We can talk about it in the morning."

They kissed one more time and then let sleep take them.
> Springtime-Late Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The blindfold around her eyes cut off her sight, but not her other senses. Her sensitive ears twitched at the sharp chirping of the robins and bluejays which nested in the branches all around her. Wind whistled through what she guessed were pines. Something rough scratched against her hooves, a sudden transition from the soft grass that had been gently cradling her pasterns. 

A road, she guessed. The rocks lifted and fell unevenly, the hallmark of cobblestone. Their was the distinctive scent of roasting carrots and other vegetables. Spices tickled her nostrils. The scents were a mixture of savory and sweet that made her stomach growl. The sun shone its warmth upon her back, suddenly stronger now that the wing across her back had been removed. They'd suddenly stopped as if her guide was trying to decide which path they should go on. 

Something, tugged at her horn. There was a nexus of spiritual power a few miles from here. Twilight wondered if that was their destination. The scent of roasted carrots and peppers had also come closer. The wing once more gently fell upon her withers and her beloved urged her to continue walking. Twilight's hooves crushed the leaves in her way. For the hundredth time, she felt the urge to lift the blindfold. She didn't, unwilling to break her promise to her lover. As she trotted, she heard the unmistakable clop of other Ponies as they trotted around her and heard the nearly universal call of merchants hawking their wares. A blush spread across her face. "Tia, can I take the blindfold off? This is getting embarrassing."

Celestia stroked her shoulders. "Can you keep it on a bit longer? I want this to be a surprise."

"Is anypony staring?"

"Not at all. They probably think you're blind and I'm your guide. Staring would be rude."

Twilight snuggled into Celestia. "Alright, then."

A cool blast of mountain air from the north washed over them. Twilight shivered and could feel Celestia shivering as the wind lifted their manes. The calls of the merchants vanished behind her. The road stretched out and rough stone scratched against the surface of her hooves. She felt the leaves crunch as she stepped over them. Leaves were strewn over the path. Her ears detected the rustling of summer leaves and she nearly stumbled over an old, gnarled root. Celestia also nearly lost her balance and only one, large white wing steadying them prevented them from falling to the ground.

The root must have grown from a tree near the road and broken up the cobblestones. The air felt cooler now than when they had begun their trek. It was evening. "Can you tell me more about this surprise?"

She felt a boop on her nose. "It wouldn't be a surprise then, now would it?"

Twilight giggled. "No, I guess not."

Water rushed over rocks. A river was near by. Twilight felt rough cobblestone replaced by smooth, cool wood. They crossed the bridge. "Does the surprise have anything to do with the nexus of power I feel?"

"Perhaps."

Forest. A river. A bridge. The grounds of a shrine, perhaps? "Are you taking me to meet some relatives?"

"No, but Grandma Loki says he'd be thrilled to meet you."

"Don't you mean she?"

"No."

"...Huh. You have an interesting family. Can't wait to meet them."

"Father and Great Uncle Odin keep asking."

The ground was soggy and she struggled to lift her hooves. "You've already met my family. Maybe we can discuss it when we get back."

"We're going to have a lot to discuss when we get back."

The ground was soggy and she struggled to lift her hooves. Celestia guided her over the thick roots that crisscrossed the land.Twilight guessed that they were in a grove. A sweet scene wafted through the air and something light landed atop her nose. Celestia giggled and licked it off. "Yummy, cherry."

So, we're in a grove of cherry trees.

Light burst against her blindfold as they left the cool and darkness of the grove. The land was less soggy and the grass was low as if it'd been mown, grazed or harvested.

Something hard brushed up against her leg. Celestia lit up her horn and lifted the blindfold. Twilight gasped as she took in what she saw. They were engulfed by twin seas of wild, golden wheat, the wind cresting and tossing waves through them. Directly in front of them was the most ornate building that she'd ever seen in Mustangia though it would have been humble for a palace by Equestrian standards. 

It was two stories of solid alabaster, trimmed by silver, two rectangles stacked atop each other with the top rectangle shorter than the bottom one which gave the building the look of a two-tiered cake. Atop the castle was two towers. The right tower bore the proud standard of the Confederation of Mustangia, a golden fire upon a blue background. The left tower bore the standard of Diadara, the region that they were in, three hills and a rising sun also upon a blue background. 

After a few moments, Twilight again found her voice. "It's beautiful."

Celestia pushed her forward. "I have a standing invitation from the Grand Matriarch of Diadara to attend any banquet with a guest."

"The Grand Matriarch? Is there anything I should do?"

Celestia thought for a moment. "Bow your head, once. But not too low. Don't grovel. Mustangs consider pride and dignity important even in the presence of one of a higher social station."

Twilight looked like she wanted to take notes. "Wait. I don't grovel. Do I grovel?"

Celestia shrugged. "Only to me."

"I do not. Anymore."

Celestia squeezed her with a wing and Twilight nuzzled her. "Don't fret my love. The Grand Matriarch is very hospitable and friendly. Her name is Wildgrass. I know you wanted to hear a storyteller and the finest in all the realm is in her employ."

Twilight pranced and wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's neck. "Oh, thank you!"

Their lips met in a kiss and together they strode towards the entrance. 

What struck Twilight was that there were no guards. The stone hall led straight to a simple, wooden chair covered in arcane carvings. A young mare with silver fur and a green mane sat on the chair. She was deep in conversation with a white stallion, but looked up upon their approach. Her face broke into a broad grin and she lept from the chair and galloped to Celestia, giving her a hug. Celestia wrapped a wing around her.

Wildgrass stood back. "Welcome, Celestia! I didn't know you were in Diadara!"

"I'm on vacation with my marefriend and decided to drop by."

Wildgrass smiled at Twilight. "Welcome, Royal Consort. Might I have your name?"

Twilight blushed and bowed her head, though not too low as she had been instructed. "Twilight Sparkle. A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."

Wildgrass chuckled. "I have enough titles, Miss Sparkle. Please do not add to them. In any case, the pleasure is mine. Any friend of Celestia's is a friend of mine. Come, let's speak."

They fell into step alongside each other, as they went from the throne room into another vast hall covered in tapestries depicting what Twilight assumed were Wildgrass's predecessors.

Celestia nudged Wildgrass. "We didn't interrupt anything, did we?"

"No, I was just finishing up some last minute trade deal discussions and telling the minister to open negotiations with Oxsara. The lunch banquet is about to begin. You have impeccable timing."

Celestia smiled softly. "I have a sixth sense about these things."

"So, how have you been?"

"Busy. So busy Twilight decided that I needed a vacation. I decided she was right. Luna's running things."

"Ah, that'll be good for her. She needs to get out of her shell."

"She's much less shy than when you met her at the meet and greet at the Equine Union."

Twilight chose to remain nearly glued to Celestia's side and cuddled beneath her wing as the two leaders spoke. Wildgrass glanced at her. "Is this one shy too?"

"Yep. Her and Luna are almost best friends."

Wildgrass poked her side. "There's no need to be shy. I think I might be younger than you."

Twilight perked up. "How old are you?"

"Nineteen."

Twilight blinked. "What'd you do to become grand matriarch?"

"When I was sixteen I helped put an end to a long-standing feud between two clans. I've been running Diadara ever since. Will of the herds and all that. My term's going to end in two more years. You wouldn't believe how proud my parents are, especially since I gave them a room at the palace. Hey, are you the same Twilight Sparkle that defeated Nightmare Moon and the Unmentionable One and Queen Chrysalis?"

Twilight's cheeks colored. "Well, I didn't do it all by myself. My friends helped. Without their friendship, I never could have done it."

"Such is the power of friendship. Let me tell you, when you get rich or powerful you find out who your real friends are real fast. The ones who don't want to just use you, who will stand by you. I have some friends whom I can honestly credit with helping me keep my sanity-and keeping my ego down to acceptable levels."

They turned a corner into a hall filled with yet more tapestries. "If you don't mind me asking, why won't you say Discord's name?"

Wildgrass shuddered. "He is the enemy of my people."

"Why don't you have Strummer recite for us the first part of the Earth Shaker cycle? That should explain it for her."

Wildgrass jumped ahead. "That's a wonderful idea!"

Celestia and Twilight struggled to keep up with the bouncing head of state and followed her into a dining room. A golden chandelier hung from the ceiling and a river of crystals spilled from it. The sunlight streamed in from tall, high windows. Each window was covered in a rainbow of stained glass and colored light played all across the room. Ten benches sat, filled with the nobles of Diadara. 

Wildgrass led them over to a table and they sat next to her. Across from them was a silver mare with a purple mane and a silver stallion with a green mane. 

Wildgrass gestured to them. "These are my parents, my mom Amethyst and my dad, Zoysia. Mom, Dad, you know Princess Celestia and this is her consort Twilight Sparkle."

Her parents cordially greeted Twilight. Now that the Grand Matriarch had arrived, the chefs began to bring out the food. Twilight's stomach rumbled at the smell of roasted grains piled high in silver bowls. For refreshments, the cooks set out mugs of ale. Twilight noticed five kegs at the edge of the room and couldn't help but think that she should invite Rainbow Dash next time they came. On the other hoof, maybe she shouldn't enable the party-loving Pegasus.

Wildgrass called out to a sky blue mare with a pink mane who had a hap slung over her shoulder. "Strummer, come and sing for us a song of times gone by!"

The bard came over and knelt her head. "And what song shall I sing, Keeper of Peace?"

"Sing for us the deeds of Earth Shaker, his wanderings and how he encountered the deceiver."

Strummer swayed over to a raised platform and stood before the assembled Ponies. She took her harp in her hooves and swept the strings. A somber tune in the minor key lilted from the instrument. "Lo, do I begin a tale of things that happened long ago, after the Moochick sang the universe into being and quarreled with his brother Grogar and Megan wandered the world slaying the evils that once stalked the land, a most unusual thing happened in the village by the river Poseidona. 

At that time, we Mustangs lived by that river and each day a certain mare would come and wash herself there. There was a rock by that river and each day this mare would weep for she had neither stallion nor child. One day, when she went to wash, she saw a little foal by that rock."

The minor scale shifted to a happier tune. "She rejoiced, for she knew that the Moochick had answered her prayers. She took the foal home and he grew strong. His mane and coat were as grey as the rock from whence he had come and, when in rage or play, he trampled the ground the whole earth would shake. For this reason, he was called-"

"Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker!"

The whole hall reverberated with the chant as the Mustangs pounded the tables with their hooves. Even Celestia pounded the table and took a liberal swig from her mug. Twilight wasn't sure what she should do so she lightly tapped the table's surface and sipped the ale, which was so strong it made her head spin.

The bard's hooves danced upon the strings in a racing melody. "A calamity struck Earth Shaker's village. The Tyrant ruled in those days-"

Jeers and hisses lifted up from the audience. Twilight only hesitated a few moments before joining in. 

"The Tyrant proclaimed that all should give him tribute, but Mustangs are free folk and we would not give to the Tyrant half the yield of our crops so he caused all in the village to turn into stone."

The ale was working its way through Twilight's system. A general sense of ease and happiness filled her as the bard continued and she leaned into her lover. "So, the Elements did tit-for-tat?"

"Oh, yes. The Elements have a sense of justice all their own."

The harp tingled like rain. "Great was Earthshaker's sorrow! Great was his anger! So he strode out into the wide world to find a way to break the wicked enchantment!"

"Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker!"

This time Twilight joined in with gusto, giving the table a fierce pounding, her hoof coming down with Celestia's and the others.

The melody went quicker and quicker, to the rhythm of the drumming hooves. "First he met a bard by the river by the name of Happy Harp. This was the tune he played that lifted the heart of Earth Shaker." 

The tune was light and airy and all the Ponies swayed to it. "Joy filled Earth Shaker's heart at the tune Happy Heart played and he asked him to come with him on his way."

Twilight's mind worked its way through the haze of alcohol. Wait...Laughter.

"So, Earth Shaker and Happy Heart wandered through the forest and they encountered a pack of wolves sent by the Tyrant. Earth Shaker drove them all away, but he was wounded even unto death. Happy Heart held him up upon his own shoulders as Earth Shaker bled."

Twilight felt the tension in the room, even though this story must have been told thousands of times, even though the ending must have been known. The melody was now one long, tight note held out to seemingly eternity. "A healer that lived in the woods by the name of Caring Hooves came out and saw Earth Shaker. He bandaged him up and patched up his wounds, comforting him with herbs and salves. Earth Shaker asked him to come along his way."

Kindness.

"So, Earth Shaker, Happy Harp and Caring Hooves wandered through the young plains of the untamed world. How long did they wander? For a year, for a decade? This was before the cycling of night and day so no one can say. In their travels they encountered a stallion, Apple Root, who could see through all lies and Earth Shaker asked him to come along his way. Together, they wandered through a false wood the Tyrant caused to come into being. Apple Root's sight saw through it and he guided them out."

Honesty.

The melody flowed onward. "In one town they came to, they had no money for lodging. Each innkeeper rejected them in turn except for one who took mercy upon their plight. Earth Shaker asked him to come along his way."

Generosity.

"By this time, Earth Shaker had nearly given into despair. How was he to find a way to break the enchantment? The Tyrant's magic was far stronger than any Pony mage. His four friends comforted him and encouraged him. They traveled at last to the gates of a kingdom ruined by the tyrant. One solemn knight, Gallant Soul, yet stood there. Earth Shaker asked him why he had not moved like the rest of his people. The knight answered that it was his duty to guard the gates and he would do so until he died. Earth Shaker told him that they were going to break an enchantment of the Tyrant and asked him to come along his way."

Loyalty...and Earth Shaker was apparently born from magic.

"Gallant Soul said they should go back to the village, for he knew a deep magic, magic older than the universe, the magic of friendship. So, they returned to the village of Earth Shaker's birth. And they sang together, a deep heart song, a song of longing fulfilled, a song full of laughter and kindness, honesty and generosity, loyalty and the deep magic that courses through the universe. And lo, the enchantment was broken. 

Great was the joy that filled Earth Shaker's heart! Great was the joy that coursed through the village! The villagers prepared a feast. Earth Shaker, his companions and the villagers ate together. Great was the Tyrants wrath! He summoned all the magic of vile hatred and from it formed a beast of wood and vine, in the shape of a great wolf. The beast rampaged towards the village, but Earth Shaker stood and wound not quake in fear, nor would he turn. He grasped the beast by its head and ripped it apart! Yet, it formed again! Earth Shaker smashed it with his hooves, trampled it to splinters!"

"Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker! Earth Shaker!"

The pounding and the fast rhythm of the harp reached a crescendo. "Yet the Beast came again! At last, Apple Root saw the truth and revealed to Earth Shaker where the beast's black heart was! Earth Shaker ripped it out and the beast fell dead! Great were the feasts and great was the celebration that followed! And the Tyrant trembled in fear for nothing can withstand friends united."

The last notes of the harp floated away. The last light of the sun was fading away as well and Twilight watched as Celestia set it. The orb seemed to bob a bit unsteadily as Celestia floated it to its rest and the moon rose.

Twilight's had long since devoured her bowl of grains and her mug of ale had been similarly depleted. She frowned at the empty vessel and lifted it up in her magic before standing up.

Celestia's eyes were half-lidded as she watched the purple posterior. Suddenly, she reached out and grabbed it causing Twilight to turn around and gasp. 

Celestia laughed. "You have a cute bootie, I couldn't help it."

Twilight's face turned the same red as wine and her breath came out in quick, jerking spurts. "Do not grab my ass in public!" She finally roared.

Celestia's ears folded back. "T-Twi..." She looked around. "Not so loud, don't make a scene."

Twilight grit her teeth. "I'm sorry, are you more concerned about how everypony else views you than your marefriend's feelings?!"

The ale was swimming through her head, muddying her thoughts. It was strong alcohol, stronger than any she'd ever tasted, like a fire running through her veins.

Celestia stood. "Twilight, please, I'm sorry, alright?"

Wildgrass nervously spoke up. "Um, if you two are going to fight, I'll have to ask you to take it out of the dining hall."

Twilight glared at Celestia and Celestia nearly withered at her gaze. "Fine, fine." She stumbled away, grumbling to herself. She kept looking around, not sure if anypony was staring at her. They weren't doing it directly, yet she could feel the weight of the eyes in the room.

She steadied her mug beneath the keg's spigot and turned it on. The golden brown liquid poured out and spilled into the cup. Up on the platform, Strummer had begun a wordless, joyful tune. Twilight took a gulp of the ale. She was getting used to the feeling of it. Carefully, trying to walk straight, she went back to the table. "I can't believe you nearly got us kicked out."

Celestia hissed through clenched teeth. "I nearly got us kicked out? You were the one that was yelling!"

"Seriously guys..." Wildgrass's plea bordered on desperation. 

Twilight glared at her and then returned to her ire to Celestia. "I was yelling because you grabbed my ass like I'm some kind of cheap whore! You of all Ponies..."

Celestia spoke in a low, measured tone as she digested those words. "Me of all Ponies? I'm a Princess so I can never just relax and have fun?" She swung the mug like it was a weapon.

Twilight sipped from her mug and tried to keep her voice down. "Sure you can have fun, as long as that fun doesn't involve grabbing my ass in public."

Celestia also tried to maintain her low, composed tone. "Alright, I'm sorry. Just let it go."

"Do you even understand why I'm mad?"

"Because I did...I'm sorry, that was stupid and I'm sorry. I should have realized...I'm an affectionate mare, alright?"

"I don't mind affection! I like affection!" 

A glance from Wildgrass made her give a quick apology. Twilight sighed. "Although, you were more concerned about what everypony else thought than how I felt."

"That's ridiculous! I did not!"

Twilight sulked as she nursed the mug of ale. "The first...okay, second, thing you said was don't make a scene. Not, I'm sorry, but don't make a scene."

Celestia's shoulders slumped and then a swig of ale gave her some courage. "I didn't...didn't want everypony to stare. Well, maybe you're right. Maybe it's hard to relax and have fun for me. And maybe that's because I get yelled at when I do!"

Celestia rose and smiled at Wildgrass. "Thank you for...for the hospitality Wildgrass...I'm going out...I need fresh air."

She then stormed out of the hall. Twilight watched her go then stared into her mug as if the liquid inside had the answer to her predicament. I'm a bitch...I'm a crazy bitch and she's going to dump me because I'm a crazy bitch.

She lifted the ale to her lips only for Wildgrass to snatch it out of her aura. "I think you and the Princess have had quite enough of that."

Twilight sniffled and laid her head on the table. "Sh-she's goings to dump me. I totally over reacted and n-now she hates me!" Her vision was clouded by a mist of tears.

Wildgrass patted her back. "Oh, come now, she does not."

Twilight looked up and wiped her eyes. "H-how do you know?"

Wildgrass shrugged. "I don't know really. She could be halfway back to Equestria by now."

Twilight's jaw dropped. "Is that shupposhed to make me feel betters?"

"Not really." Wildgrass nearly shoved her off the bench. "You need to go talk to her. She couldn't have gone far, not after having drank a mug of this stuff." The Grand Matriarch frowned. "Come to think of it, we should probably warn foreigners about how strong these drinks are for non-Mustangs."

Twilight got up on legs that threatened to buckle beneath her. Slowly, but steadily, she shuffled forward, carefully placing one hoof in front of the other. The twanging of the harp mixed with the chattering of the Ponies in the room. The world swam before her eyes, spun around her. At last, her arduous journey to the tall, wooden door was complete. She rested against it. Her legs had turned to rock.

She couldn't take another step knowing her angry lover was on the other side of the door-or hopefully was.
...
Celestia leaned against the wall, her wings wrapped around herself like a blanket, her feathers drooping on the ground. She cursed herself beneath her breath. She had been so stupid, so very, incredibly stupid. She knew Twilight got shy in public-and even if she didn't, what had possessed her to do do something so inappropriate?

She'd gotten caught up in the moment, the music, the alcohol inflaming passions she normally took great pains to control. Twin tear tracks traveled down her face. Twilight would probably dump her. She deserved it. 

She clenched her jaw. On the other hoof, hadn't she forgiven Twilight for violating her mind? All she'd done was be a little over-affectionate. 

Yes, Celestia. Try to justify it. Also, bring up past offenses. That'll be a great way to sabotage the best relationship you've had in millennia.

The doors opened and Twilight stumbled out. The lovers stared at each other. Twilight finally looked away. "I'll apolo...apolo..magishe...I'll say sorry if you will."

Celestia blinked. "I have a sobering up spell. Do you wish for me to cast it on you?"

"...Please."

A golden wave of energy washed over Twilight. The Unicorn shook her head a few times. "Wow. What do they put in that stuff?"

"Fifteen percent alcohol."

"Wow."

Celestia shuffled a hoof. "I just want to say I'm sorry. I was drunk and you make me feel things I haven't felt in ages. You make me feel like a teenager again. Young and a little vulnerable and, to be honest, I'm a little scared right now." Her voice cracked. "I don't want to lose you. I'm so sorry I was stupid."

The flood of self-recriminations was cut off by the taste of Twilight's lips against her own. Celestia kissed back and drank her in. 

"I forgive you, Tia. On one condition."

Celestia drew Twilight close with a wing and Twilight held her. "Forgive me too. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"I kind of deserved it."

"You didn't yell at me even after I broke into your head."

"True. Twilight, you know what I said before? You really do make me feel things I haven't felt in a long time. I don't know what to do with these feelings and sometimes, I'll probably do stupid stuff. I'm not the perfect princess everypony seems to think I am."

Twilight just leaned against her, held her tighter. "That's alright. I'll probably do stupid stuff too."

They held each other, neither willing to let go. After what felt like an eternity, Celestia finally pulled away. "Did you want to go listen to the bard some more?"

Twilight touched her horn to Celestia's. "Sure."

Still leaning against each other, they went back inside.
> A Change of Seasons
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Spike,
I am glad to hear that you are doing well. Me and Celestia are having so much fun in Mustangia. I am curious as to the latest schemes by the Cutie Mark Crusaders. While I'm glad you're making friends, don't let those girls push you into any closets anymore. Bottles are for drinks not spinning. Everything worked out, of course, but they still should have asked permission. Kissing cutie marks, who ever heard of such a thing? Silly fillies. I am also glad to hear about your hoofball team winning. You, Rumble and Featherweight must be so proud! I'll be sure to check out your trophy when I get back.
Me and Celestia have spent the last few weeks just wandering through the mountains and the forests. We have gotten so much closer to each other in so many ways.
All good things must end, of course. Celestia must return to her duties in Canterlot. Hopefully, I will soon be able to meet her family. She said something about needing permission. I really hope her family likes me!,
Love, Twilight

Dear Twilight,
The spin the bottle thing was just one huge misunderstanding, don't worry about it. I'm afraid I have a confession. I've spent the past week giving all my chores to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and trying to convince them they can get Library Cleaning Cutie Marks. That wasn't too naughty of me was it? Anyway, I just found this fantastic issue of Supermare from your old filly collection in the archives. You had the best comics! How come you stopped collecting?,
Your Number One Assistant,
Spike

Dear Spike,
It wasn't naughty, my little hatchling. We all need a break, sometimes. Just as long as the library gets clean, that's all. Have we had many patrons? (I'm so proud of you volunteering to run the library all by yourself!),
Love, Twilight 

Dear Twilight,
The traffic has been about as much as it always had. Fluttershy keeps checking out books about the care of giant reptiles, so we should probably all be concerned. So, seriously, when were you such a comic book junkie? Was it when I was really little?Your Curious Assistant,
Spike

Dear Spike,
I'm very concerned. Will be talking to Fluttershy about that. As for my comic book phase I was around seven, before your time. I lost interest in comics around the same time the Young Starswirl novels came out.
Love, Twilight.

Dear Twilight,
The reptile situation has been resolved. Fluttershy just had to get the eggs back to the mother. Anyway, hope to see you soon,
Your Number One Assistant,
Spike

Dear Celestia,
Precious Sister, my heart is near torn in twain two. This gallant Akbear! Who doth does he think he is, making me feel things I do not wish to feel? Oh, Sister, I fear I require thine assistance. Also, the empire has not collapsed in your absence and Parliament continues their endless debates. What is this healthcare debate? What happened to simply going to the village wise mare? She ne'er charged more than two or three apples. Tis how I fixed my sprained wing when I first ascended. Ah, halcyon days of yore.
Your Loving Sister,
Princess Luna, Noctis Imperiatrix 

Sweet Sister,
Don't you worry. I will help you with this affair of the heart. Me and Twilight have had a wonderful time in Mustangia. We heard a bard and took a soak in the hot springs. Twilight is so romantic, she even fed me strawberries. We had a minor tiff, but it only brought us closer and taught us to fear Mustangian ale. I would write more, but the train will be leaving soon.
Hugs and Kisses,
Princess Celestia, Sol Imperiatrix. 

Dear Uncle Odin,
How have you been? I'm sorry that I haven't written in a long time. I have been busy running things in Equestria. I hope everyone in Asgard is doing well and there haven't been any more problems with keeping the wall intact. Equestria had a problem with a chaos jotun a few millennia back and it took FOREVER to repair the walls between realities. The reason I'm writing is because I've met a mortal. I know, I know. I've had mortal lovers before, but this mare's just different. She's smart and nice and sweet. You'd have to meet her to understand. Might I please get permission to bring her over the rainbow bridge?
Your Loving Niece,
Celestia

Dear Celestia,
It is good to hear from you, my niece. Your grandmother, father, other uncles as well as cousins as well as all permutations thereof send greetings. It is wonderful to hear that your domain is doing well. Those jotun are a serious problem, I'm glad you were able to deal with them. I also understand that your sister is back from exile. Your father sends word that he desires to see her and that she should come along with your beloved. I know of your beloved, one Twilight Sparkle. She is a devoted student of the runes as well as seidr-craft. She is, indeed, a very special mare and I understand what you see in her. Naturally, she is welcome enough in Asgard as well as any other Celestial Realm. I look forward to seeing you, in truth it has been far too long,
Your Loving Uncle,
Odin Allfather.  
> Summer-Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight looked out the train window as it chugged along the rails. She leaned against Celestia who was similarly staring out at the hills going along in a blur of green.  Little wisps of clouds floated upon the blue abyss of the sky, some grey clouds hinting at rain to come. Celestia yawned and closed her eyes. Their last night in Mustangia had been one spent vigorously exploring though they had barely left their tent. Twilight had a similarly sleepy-but-blissful look on her face.

Twilight looked away from the window. "So how do you suppose Spike and Luna are doing?"

"Oh, I'm certain they're fine Twi. Although, I am a bit worried about my sister. She sounded very distressed about Akbear. I hope he's a good stallion." She narrowed her eyes. "He had better be a good stallion."

Twilight nervously giggled. "We're not going to war with Saddle Arabia are we?"

"What? Oh, no, of course. I'm just going to be looking for some gelding irons, that's all. I'm certain I won't need them, but one can never be sure. I don't care how old she is, Luna's always going to be my baby sister and if some dirty stallion so much as...whoops! Sorry, Twi."

Twilight grunted as the suddenly, violently extended wing pushed her up against the cold glass. "That's alright."

Celestia blushed. "I'm sorry. I'm just very protective of her."

Twilight laid a hoof on her hoof, squeezed it. "Yeah, I could tell. You should have seen Shining when I first started dating."

"I did. You know he followed you on your first date? Claimed he was just taking the guard out on an impromptu run through the city. Just cardio training, he claimed."

Twilight's cheeks colored like Celestia's had and she sunk down into the seat. "Oh, my lord. Poor Thunder Cloud. He even gave Moon Dancer that treatment and she was a filly!"

"Yeah, I'm surprised he didn't get the Crystal Guard to go on a diplomatic trip to Mustangia."

"Cadence probably put her hoof down."

They burst out giggling. Celestia breathed and brought her wings back down to her sides. Outside, the landscape had changed. They had long passed the stone ruins of Heliopolis and the ruins of the Dream Valley civilization. Celestia hadn't even glanced at them. 

They were now travelling through a small village with thatched roof houses, reminiscent of Ponyville. The houses were brightly painted in pastel shades of greens and pinks. The Unicorn inhabitants of the town sat out on their porches and some small foals gazed in wonder as the great, metal behemoth passed. 

Twilight hmmed in thought. "If I'm not mistaken, we're in a town just outside of Canterlot."

"I believe so."

The train continued to trudge along, leaving the little village behind and coursing through other villages with small, thatched roof hamlets where tens of little Ponies went about their lives. Many did stop to stare at the train, perhaps longing to get aboard and let it take them away to other places. 

Between the villages and townships was the wide expanse of grasslands which Ponies sometimes grazed upon. Even Equestrian Ponies occasionally found that option relaxing even as civilized Griffons would go out hunting like their wild kin. For her own part, Twilight was eager to get back to civilization and cupcakes. It had been far too long since she'd had one of Pinkie Pie's cupcakes.

Visions of the delectable treats danced in her mind as the train rumbled along. She realized that the rumbling was not coming from the train, but rather from her tummy. Celestia chuckled and poked her side. "I told you you needed to get a bigger breakfast!"

Twilight mock pouted. "It's not my fault somepony kept me up all night and we almost missed our train!"

"I didn't hear many complaints last night."

That comment brought a dopey grin to Twilight's face. More settlements rolled by and the gilded city of Canterlot came closer. Twilight sighed and snuggled to Celestia. "Is it weird that I'm kind of sad that our vacation's over? Don't get me wrong. I'm glad I'm going to see Spike and my friends again, and the first thing I'm going to do after seeing Spike is getting breakfast at Sugarcube Corner, but I'm sad that we won't be spending all day together anymore."

Celestia spread a wing over her back. "Same here. I was beginning to miss my sister, but I'll miss this closeness we've come to enjoy."

They nestled against each other. Outside, a range of hills rose up before shifting into high, rocky mountains that scraped against the heavens.

"Um, Tia?"

"Yes?"

"I wasn't kidding about adopting. Maybe even...you know, what comes before having children. The ceremony, I mean."

"Twilight Sparkle! Are you proposing to me?"

"Yes? No? I don't know?"

The wing trailed over her back and Celestia's feathers teased her cheek. She shivered. "Twi, there's a lot to think about. Obviously, I could hold court wherever I please and that includes your library tree. Luna would have to come to, of course."

"You could spruce up the old castle. We could live there."

Celestia scratched her chin. "It is a thought. There are a lot of good and bad memories there. And we could renovate it. Cleaning up might take a while and we'd have to remove a few of the less savory inhabitants that have probably moved in."

"Spike would love it. Plenty of room for his gems and comic books."

"Before we start sending out wedding invitations, there is one other considerations."

"What?"

Celestia avoided Twilight's gaze and stared out at the stone cottages of the Earth Pony farming community that had taken up residence in the shadow of Canterlot. Thunder rolled and rain burst from the grey clouds to bless the tilled fields of the community they were traveling through. 

Twilight nudged her. "Tia?"

The patter of rain drummed on the window. "Twilight, this is not a no and I don't want you to act like it is."

Nonetheless, Twilight's ears dropped just a bit. "Go on."

"I am very old. I know we've discussed that before. I am ancient, yet young. It's a strange dichotomy. Biologically, I am roughly twenty-three years old. You're actually older than me, biologically speaking. Yet, I have watched centuries go by."

Twilight placed a hoof to her lips. "Celestia? I'm not going to be hurt if you just say you want to wait a while."

"I want to wait a while. Just to see where the journey takes us."

Twilight nuzzled her neck. "That's perfectly alright. It was only a suggestion."

Celestia nuzzled her ear. The train approached the vast city of Canterlot. Even in the grey light of the storm, the alabaster spires shone. The grey only emphasized their majesty, the white and gold popping against the dark sky. 

"I was rambling there wasn't I?"

"Just a bit."

They rose as the train pulled into the station and joined the crowd. The other passengers kept a respectful distance from the Princess and her consort, allowing them to pass through on their way to the exit. Twilight jumped slightly as the torrent of rain fell down on her and Celestia. Celestia extended a wing over her and then summoned a golden shield of energy.

Celestia leaned into her. "So, this will be goodbye for a while. I'll be busy, but we still have that date planned for Saturday, right?"

Twilight pressed her lips to Celestia's. "Of course."

They held each other for a time. Twilight pulled away with great reluctance. "I'm sorry. I have to get back on the train."

Celestia gave her another squeeze with her wing. "I understand."

Celestia brushed her lips against Twilight's. Then, with a flap of her wings, she sailed into the sky and was off. Twilight went back onto the train. In a few minutes it was off towards Ponyville.
...
Twilight smiled as Ponyville came into view through the train window. The crowd surged around her as she rose. This time, there was no deferential treatment and she was lost in the crowd of jostling Ponies as they trailed out of the train and into town. 

She had only taken a few steps off of the station when a blur of pink attached itself to her. Twilight patted her friend on the back while Pinkie nuzzled into her, finally hopping off to give her some breathing space. "Hi, Twilight! Welcome back! I missed you so much! Want a cupcake? I woke up this morning with my left hoof twitching and my ear flicking and then my right eye twitched and that means a friend whose been away for a while wants a cupcake."

It took Twilight a moment to process the stream of words coming out of Pinkie's mouth. They began to walk along the streets. Little wooden cottages lined the sidewalks around them. A few Ponies were outside, planting or tending to their gardens. Fruits and flowers trailed up white fences. Some Ponies' entire yards were covered in the fruits of their labors, be them a riot of colorful flowers or fruits and vegetables literally running over into the sidewalk. 

The hard stone her hooves clopped on was a strange contrast to the grass which she had spent so much of her time standing on. Pinkie poked her side. "Equus to Twilight? Want a cupcake?"

Twilight nodded. "I would love a cupcake! You have no idea. Mustangia has no cupcakes. Their fruitcakes are to die for though."

Pinkie gasped as of she'd just been told the Mustangs all suffered from congenital heart failure. "No cupcakes? That's awful!"

Twilight shrugged. "It's their way."

The deep, rich smells of plowed earth rose up from the ground. It was a smell Twilight had gotten used to while living in the little farming community. She followed Pinkie as they crossed onto another road. Pinkie bounced along beside her and Twilight tried to keep up. 

Pinkie hopped all the way to Sugarcube Corner. Twilight followed her inside and stopped for a moment. She stood in the center of the bakery and took in the aroma of baking bread, chocolates, vanillas, sweet fruits and pastries. Aromas as rich as the good earth and coming forth from that same soil. 

The aroma wrapped around her, as warm as a blanket. Pinkie shoved a strawberry cupcake under her nose. The cupcake was topped with pink frosting. "Thank you, Pinkie." 

They went and sat down at a seat. Twilight ran her tongue along the frosting and let the flavors waltz along her tongue. A deeply satisfied hmmm arose from her lips. "I enjoyed Mustangia, but it's good to be home."

Pinkie clapped her hooves together. "Yay! I'm glad you like it!"

Twilight bit into the bread. It was soft and melted away the minute her teeth clamped down onto it. The cupcake was all gone within seconds. "No, seriously, this is so good."

"Wanna another one?" Pinkie pulled a cupcake from her hair.

Twilight floated it over and inspected it. Somehow, it had no signs of hair being on it. She shrugged and popped it in her mouth. She had learned long ago never to question Pinkie Pie or anything she could do. She gobbled down this cupcake to. Pinkie tossed her  third one which she nibbled down a bit more slowly. By the time Pinkie tossed her the fourth one, Twilight held up a hoof. "No more. That's enough."

Pinkie gobbled it down herself. "So, what all did you and the Princess do in Mustangia? I bet you both kissed a lot!"

Twilight choked. Pinkie popped up, slapped her back and quickly got her a glass of water that Twilight drained in a single gulp. Pinkie sat back down and grinned. "So, you did kiss a lot?"

Twilight finally caught her breath. "Yes, Pinkie. We definitely kissed a lot. We went to the hot springs and heard a bard. I met the grand matriarch. I have a feeling you two would get along."

"Hmm...maybe I could get Dashie to take me."

"Oh, you would love it."

A light brown Earth Pony mare came through the door. Pinkie hopped up. "Sorry, Twi! Duty calls!"
...
Celestia floated upon the wind, allowing the breeze to carry her to the balcony. She strode out of her bedroom and the guards outside bowed to her as she trailed along the blindingly white halls. She meandered slowly along the castle paths and saw that nothing in particular had changed during her absence.

She strode into the throne room where her sister sat. Luna perked up from listening to some black maned, blue-furred noble prattle on. Something about a dispute over an orange tree. Luna nearly bowled him over in her haste to get off the throne. Celestia threw her forelegs open wide and embraced her sister. 

Luna looked sheepish and stepped away from her. "Ahem. Welcome back from your trip, Sister. I hope you found it relaxing."

"I certainly did. It was a most soothing vacation."

Luna raised an eyebrow. A smirk crossed her lips. "Oh? I bet it was."

She knows. How in the world does she know? "Now, how about this Akbear fellow? You sounded most distressed about it."

"I am. He keeps sending me poetry, chocolates and flowers."

"Oh my. Sounds horrible. Blasted infidels."

Luna pouted. "It is! I have no idea what to do with all this attention! I mean, I am a mare, I do have needs, but yesterday he sent me a box filled with one-hundred chocolates! I'm flattered, but I had to share them with my Batpony guard. I can't eat one-hundred chocolates all by myself!"

The noble finally spoke up. "Um, your highnesses..." 

Luna gasped and whirled around. "Apologies! I was about to render judgement. The orange tree isn't technically yours, but if a fruit falls in your yard, it belongs to you as he should cut his tree's branches so it doesn't grow over your fence."

"Thank you, Your Highness!" The noble trotted at a quick gait away from the throne room. 

Luna turned back to Celestia. "So, what should I do?"

"Simply tell him to back off a bit. Perhaps, you can spend some time together. That's what me and Twilight did. Now, if you excuse me, I'm off to get some cake."

"Don't you mean a proper lunch?"

"That too."
...
Twilight stuffed the fourth hayburger down her mouth with gusto. She should get home and check on Spike. She knew she should, but the hayburger was just so good! The grease dribbled down her chin as she messily munched on the delectable treat. 

She yawned and stretched, leaning back in her chair. After waiting a few moments, just to let her food digest, she stood up from the table and left the restauraunt. The market stalls all around her were filled with produce. An array of bright colors welcomed her home as she trekked through the market. There was the green of celery and broccoli, the bright oranges of carrots, the yellow of squash and the red of strawberries.

The scents of the marketplace called to mind all her memories she'd made since moving to Ponyville. She had grown so much. This place had truly become home to her.

Home. The word lodged in her mind and she paused. Ponyville had become home to her just as much as Canterlot had once been. No, Canterlot was still home. She still loved it just as much as she ever had. It was where her family was, where her ancestors had lived and died for generations.

But she had truly grown up in Ponyville. Surrounding the town was the Everfree Forest. Even standing in the marketplace she could see the high firs of the forest. It had been there that she had faced the mad goddess Nightmare Moon alongside her friends.

That was where she'd truly grown to maturity. That single event had opened up her heart to friendship. How many more memories of Canterlot did Celestia hold in her own heart? Was that the reason she was being hesitant about the prospect of marriage? Like she'd told her, the Everfree Forest held memories. Yet, they were not good memories. They were memories of a lost age of glory which had ended in madness, fire and death.

Twilight hadn't asked Celestia to marry her. She had asked her to leave her home. Twilight chewed on her lip. Twilight wouldn't want to leave Ponyville. Celestia wouldn't want to leave Canterlot.

"Twilight! Howdy Twilight!"

Twilight looked up. Applejack ran from her apple stand and the two friends nuzzled and briefly hugged. 

"How ya been, Sugarcube? You were lookin' all thoughtful. You alright?"

"I'm fine, Applejack. Just thinking about some things. You know, I really love this old town."

Applejack looked around. "Well, there's a lot to love about it."

"How have you and the girls been?"

Applejack moved back to her stall and Twilight went with her. "Well, Fluttershy found some big eggs laid by some kind of giant snake critter."

"Yeah, Spike told me about that." She moved under the awning as it began to drizzle. 

"It weren't no big thing. Apparently, the mama got separated from the eggs durin' a fight. She was real appreciative that Fluttershy watched'em. Least that's what Fluttershy said."

"Did it come into town?"

"Well, it was lookin' for it's young'n's."

By the time they finished talking about all the happenings that had gone on in Twilight's absence the rain had stopped and a line of increasingly agitated customers had gotten behind Twilight. The unicorn bade her friend good-bye and headed on towards home. 

She paused and gazed at the spreading, leafy arms of the oak and pressed a hoof against the door. The wood felt sturdy as always. She was right to trust Spike with the library. He was growing up into such a good, responsible young dragon. She tried to open the door and found it locked.

She frantically looked for her key in her saddlebag and pushed the door open. Spike looked up from a book. There were piles of books stacked everywhere and the shelves were bare. Spike's lips trembled, but he quickly controlled it. "H-hi, Twilight. Back from vacation, I see?"

She picked up a few books. "Spike...what's going on?"

Spike looked down at the floor and then burst into tears. "I'm sorry! It was too much work for me! I know I said I could do it, but I couldn't! So I tried to get the Crusaders to help and I explained the Dewey Decimal System, but they just didn't get it!"

He quickly found himself enveloped in Twilight's embrace. "Shh, shh, it's alright. I'm not mad."

He sniffled and leaned into her shoulder. She patted his back and she grinned as she regarded the mess. "Don't you worry! We'll get this done in a few hours! It'll be fun!" She let him go and pranced on the wooden floors. "You take fiction, I'll take non-fiction!"

She levitated up several books. Spike chuckled. "I've really missed you, Twilight."

She patted his spines. "I have to."

As fast as they could, they began reshelving and fixing the mess the Crusaders had made. Spike gathered up several copies of old classics and began carefully placing them on the right shelf. Twilight began correcting the order of the Encyclopedia Equestriannica. 
...
They worked long into the night, only taking a break to get something to eat. When they were done, Twilight decided it was time to get a shower. Spike decided it was time for a nap down in his hoard he kept down in the basement (courtesy of Rarity).

She stepped into the white tub and froze as something wrapped around her. Whatever it was, it was soft. A white muzzle nuzzled into her neck. Twilight moaned. The water came on and rushed over the two Ponies in a warm stream. Twilight almost couldn't believe the tub could hold both of them. She nuzzled up against the warm chest rising over her. "Invisibility spell?"

"Invisibility spell. Also, a size spell."

"Wonderful."

With a flick of Twilight's magic, the shower became a bath. Water roared from the faucet and they reclined into the gathering pool of water. Steam obscured their bodies as Twilight rested on Celestia's tummy and rubbed her head against her neck. 

Celestia held her securely in her wings."I just couldn't wait to see you again."

Twilight snuggled into her and noticed the pink strands floating in the water. She was probably among the few Ponies ever privileged enough to see the princess like this. That made her feel just as warm as the wings around her did. "I couldn't either. I was thinking of sending you a letter. Me and Spike had to re-shelve the library together. He took on too much responsibility and got the Crusaders to help him, but they weren't much help."

"Ah, well at least he was willing to reach out and get help."

Twilight relaxed in contentment on her paramour. "I've been thinking..."

"That's nothing new."

Twilight splashed her. "Oh hush you. I was thinking about how much I love Ponyville and how it's become my home. That's probably how you feel about Canterlot, huh?"

She was silent for a time. "In many ways? Yes. Canterlot is my home. It's a city I helped to shape in a lot of ways and it shaped me in turn."

"If we got married, I could move back to Canterlot. My family's there. And I could always visit the girls."

"No, Twilight. Your friends are here. You shouldn't do that just for me."

"I wouldn't want you to leave your home just for me. That'd make me feel awful."

"It's something to talk about later. I meant to tell you that I received a message from my great uncle. You are welcome in Asgard."

Twilight lifted up. "Really? So, I finally get to meet your parents?"

"Yep. Well, my dad, cousins and other kin. My mom is...no longer with us."

"Oh. Oh." She tightly hugged Celestia.

Celestia lightly tickled her back with her feathers. "It's alright, love. She was an ascended mortal and she died defending Equestria. It was...it was a very long time ago."

Twilight reclined on Celestia. "Do you think they'll like me?"

"I'm certain they will."

The waters floated around them. Twilight snuggled into Celestia's loving embrace. "When will we go?"

"It will take about two weeks for them to prepare. Opening the gates is complicated."

"I'll look forward to it. I want you to tell me everything about Asgard."

"Well, first you cross a rainbow bridge from which you'll see an ash tree holding all worlds in its branches..."
> Aubade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Faithful Heart had only entered the Royal Day Guard one year ago. For five years, from the time he was fourteen and violent stallion urges had driven him to choose the Guard as an outlet, he had trained and he had grown. Under the guidance of older stallions he had learned to channel rather than suppress his aggressive nature. He would train with the Guard and return home to eat supper with his folks until the day he truly became a stallion and old enough to live in the barracks. The Guard had become his second family, defending Celestia and the Empire his purpose. The Guard was his herd and he would spill every drop of blood in his veins to defend it. He would spill every drop in his veins to defend her.

He had mastered the spear only after hundreds of spars. He had sharpened his Earth Pony instincts to the peak of perfection, spending hours smashing through stones and trees. He had awed his superiors with his mastery of the bow. His discipline and self-mastery was an example for his comrades. His commander had told him so. For his dedication he had been chosen as one of the two guards stationed directly at Celestia's sleeping quarters. No intruder would enter her chambers, not with him standing there with his sharpened spear and fierce scowl.

Dawn had arisen some time ago, but the Princess herself had not yet arisen. He had been standing for two hours. Dawn had been thirty minutes ago. The Princess usually exited her bedchambers immediately after raising the sun. He glanced over at his identical Earth Pony companion Noble Shield. Noble Shield's face was in that strict Guard expression. Stern. Intimidating. No one could tell what was behind his eyes.

It certainly wasn't worry. Absolutely not. Although, it wasn't as if anyone had gone into the Princess's bedchambers to make sure she was actually there between the changing of the guard. Going into the Princess's bedchambers without permission was punishable by having to face an awakened, grumpy Princess.

There were those who would choose wrestling a manticore over such a fate. It was well-known that Princess Celestia was a morning Pony, perhaps the definition of a morning Pony. The later it got, the grumpier she got.

Faithful shifted uneasily and gave another glance at Noble Heart. Noble continued staring out. Faithful looked down the long, white hallway. Celestia was not one to be easily taken. Although there was that one time with Chrysalis. But surely, Celestia would have cried out for assistance.

Unless, some being of legend had managed to silence her. Nightmare Moon, Discord...his childhood stories were coming to life right before his eyes. Who was next? Grogar? Lavan? Catrina? He quickly reviewed his distant memories of childhood tales. Was there any demon or haunt that could attack you while you slept?

Wait. What about the Nightmare? What if Princess Luna had again given into...no, Celestia trusted Luna. If the Day Princess trusted the Night Princess then so did he.

The minutes crawled along as he allowed himself to drift into a trance like state which was indispensable for a guard. Another thirty minutes passed as he counted. 

Even Noble began to look concerned, a slight crack in his stern facade appearing. Neither guard said what was on their mind, however. Speaking while on duty was discouraged except for when it was absolutely necessary.

He debated within himself. It was an hour past sunrise. The Princess should have already pranced out with that adorable-

He blinked. Wait. Had he just thought of the Princess as adorable? No, the Princess was not adorable. His three year old niece was adorable. Not the Princess. The Princess should have already hopped out with her majestic expression. She was majestic. Not adorable.

She was behind schedule. That counted as an anomaly, right? Surely, he'd be forgiven for just knocking. There was no law against knocking at least he didn't think there was a law against knocking.

Noble glanced at the door and then quickly glanced away.

Faithful finally broke the silence. "Should we knock?"

Noble, with some clear sign of inner struggle, regained his professional composure. "Let's wait for a few minutes. The Princess may be indisposed in some way."

"Could she be sick?"

"Could be. Or only tired or with a companion."

"You mean her marefriend?"

"Yes. If so, we may cause her undue embarrassment most unbecoming of the royal dignity. So, we wait. Remember, she rose the sun. She must be alright."

Faithful nodded. "Of course. It's not like the Nightmare got a hold of her in her sleep and any minute she's going to march out the door, screech that the day will last forever and set everything on fire."

"The Guard must prepare for everything, but Protocol 4689 is unlikely to come into play this morning."

"4689?"

"A royal has been taken over by a hostile, otherworldly entity. Did you study that protocol book?"

"Of course. Just forgot that one."

"A good Guard knows his protocols just as much as he knows how to thrust a spear."

Faithful shrunk back. Noble rolled his eyes. Both regained their rigid composure. The minutes dragged by. Faithful tapped his back hoof and immediately got that under control. Noble shifted his spear from his right hoof to his left. Faithful began to review the Protocols in his mind. He did know them, all the way up to the three-thousands. It was after 3556 that it all began to get foggy.

He didn't want to ask Noble. That it would only confirm Noble's opinion that he was more concerned with physical training than he was with the more cerebral aspects of guard training. That wasn't true at all. He just wasn't all that into book learning. 

Noble shifted the spear back to his right hoof. "Perhaps, we should knock. Our Lady might require aid." He lightly tapped the door. There was no response. He tapped the door a bit more firmly. Still no response. "Your Highness? Are you in there?"

Raven strolled up the hall. "I'll tell you where she's not. The breakfast hall, Parliament or the throne room. The Night Princess opened this session of Parliament, but we are all very concerned."

Faithful banged on the door. "I told you we should have knocked earlier!"

"You told me no such thing!" Noble began thumping away at the door. Then he jimmied at the lock. 

Raven slid a key out of her saddlebag and opened the door, pushing it open. The Princess was gone.
...
The Princess held her beloved close to her heartbeat. Twilight had fallen asleep on her wing. She could easily slide the wing away without awakening her. She just didn't want to. She gazed down at Twilight's face. A thin line of drool was hanging from her lips.

The insistent sun pulled at her, tugged her towards duty. There were things to be done. Duty called. A growl came from her stomach. Her hunger called her too. 

She traced Twilight's face and placed a kiss on her cheek. Twilight stirred, but did not awake. She could send a letter to Luna. She could spend all day with Twilight. 

Rays of sunlight filtered through the windows and shone down on them. Celestia drew the blanket over their heads. 
...
Raven sighed. "No need to sound the alarm. The last time she did this, she was out frolicking with Lady Twilight. I ought to give her a curfew."

Faithful blinked. "You can give the Princess a curfew-ow!"

Noble put his hoof back down. Faithful glared at him. "When should we start worrying?"

"If it's noon and we haven't heard from her we should send out someone. She'll probably sail on that balcony any moment now."

They waited.
...
Celestia and Twilight slept tangled up together. The heat of the sun beat against the blanket and provided a warm spot to nap in. Celestia had found Twilight's closeness and the comfort of her presence far too tempting and had been lulled back to sleep.

Insistent thoughts pounded against her mind. She was the Princess. There were petitions to review and Parliament to attend. She'd just gotten back from vacation. She should go.

Twilight nuzzled against her neck. Her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning, Princess."

"Good morning."

"You wanna know reason 353 that I love you?"

"What?"

"You're always there in the morning when I wake up after snuggling you all night."

Celestia pressed her muzzle against Twilight's. "I really do have to go."

"I know." She brushed a hoof through Celestia's mane. 

Celestia buried her muzzle in Twilight's neck, inhaled her scent. "Really, I should leave. I've probably worried half the castle to death."

"Um-hmm." Twilight levitated over a hairbrush and began lightly running it through Celestia's strands which had returned to their full array of colors. "But first, you do want your mane to look presentable."

Celestia purred in contentment. Twilight laid the brush aside once she was done. "There! Now you look like your regal self."

Celestia raised the hairbrush and ran it through Twilight's purple locks. Twilight laid on her tummy and enjoyed the sensation of the bristles tingling her scalp. "There, now you look presentable."

Twilight stretched her front legs and then her back legs and yawned. "I suppose it's time to start the day."

"I suppose so."

Celestia put the brush on the bedside table and stood. 

Twilight bounced off the bed. She sashayed over to Celestia and flicked her nose with her tail. "Actually, you know what? You simply don't look presentable. You need a shower."

Celestia pulled her close with her wing. "Yes, I suppose you're right. An unwashed princess simply wouldn't do now would it?"

"And you're always talking about how everypony needs to conserve water."

"I suppose I need to be a good example and take a shower with a friend."

They exchanged a glance and then raced towards the bathroom.
...
The warm water spilled over the two Ponies, one of which had removed her glamour so she could fit in the tub. Pink strands hung to her back. Twilight used her hooves to scrub the soap into her fur and deep into her skin. Celestia, in turn, soaked shampoo into Twilight's mane.

Twilight trailed Celestia's cheek with a soapy hoof. They moved beneath the water and shared a kiss.

Celestia groaned as the soap being held by Twilight's magic teased intimate places. She nuzzled Twilight's ear and picked a second bar of soap up with her magic. She slid the soap beneath Twilight and watched as Twilight squirmed, jerking around, squeaks escaping her lips.
...
Celestia sailed upon the breeze, exulting in the fresh morning air. Finally, she landed on her balcony and paraded out the door. "Good morning, Everypony. I hope I didn't worry you."

"Yep. Didn't I tell you?" Raven asked the two guards who promptly saluted upon seeing their princess. 

Raven glanced down at her clipboard and then back at the Princess. "Might I assume you spent the evening with Lady Twilight?"

Celestia grinned. The guards tried not to stare. "Yes, I did."

Raven glanced back down at her clipboard. "In any case, you didn't miss much. Just the opening of the Parliament. Your presence shouldn't be required there today in any case. There's nothing more controversial scheduled than debates about public library funding."

"Oh my. If that doesn't get through, I'm going to be in trouble. Maybe I'd better just make a royal order on that one."

She began walking in step with Raven who smirked at her. "Might I say, you're absolutely glowing?"

"Am I now?"

It was true. The majestic Princess of the Sun did indeed look positively radiant this morning as the sun shone down on her flowing, multi-colored pastel mane which eternally floated in the breeze. A few water droplets yet clung to her mane and fur which was sparkling clean.

Raven smirk softened into a smile. "She really makes you happy, doesn't she?"

"Yes she does, Raven. Yes, she does."

Raven lapsed into silence, a pensive expression on her face. Celestia tapped her shoulder. "Raven? Is everything well?"

Raven bit her lip. "Princess, may I speak freely?"

"Always, Raven. You know that."

"No matter how happy Lady Twilight makes you, you can't neglect your duty. Your disappearing act caused some distress among the castle staff and guard."

Then Raven saw something she rarely saw. Celestia hung her head. "I know Raven and I do apologize. It's just these feelings for her overwhelm me at times."

"I understand. You held them back for so long and now it's all coming out as one big rush."

Celestia raised her head back up and put what Raven called her princess mask back on. "Yes, that's it exactly. If I hadn't suppressed it, allowed my heart to fall in love every few centuries...in any case, you're right. Next time, I will inform everypony."

"Good. Otherwise, I really would have to give you a curfew."

They both burst out laughing. Celestia turned a corner and Raven followed. "Anyway to breakfast and I'll be just in time to see the petitioners."
> Summer-Late Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No matter how many times she would later try to describe the experience of journeying to Asgard, Twilight never felt as if she were describing it right. There was always something missing, some shade of the experience that she felt as if she were leaving out. Maybe her language had no word for it. Maybe no language did or ever would.

Celestia and Twilight had met in the castle courtyard. A pentagram made of salt had been constructed on the old, grey stones. 

"Are you ready?" Celestia had asked as Twilight had stepped into the circle. Within the pentagram, strange runes she didn't know-maybe that no mortal knew or ever could know-had been inscribed. There were other symbols too, including planetary symbols and what looked like astrological signs. A flash of insight told her that they were directional runes, pathways that would direct their soul essences across the vastness of time and space.

Celestia and Twilight both knelt their heads and crossed their horns. "I'm ready, Tia."

Celestia's horn began to glow. Twilight felt as the vibrations rushed against her own horn. Twilight channeled magic into her own horn, calling up the familiar, old teleportation spell. Energies flowed through her and her knees shook at the sheer power she felt radiating from her marefriend.

And in an instant, they were gone. All around Twilight was inky blackness, an abyss spreading out in all directions. There was no up or down or to the side, no right, no left. Only the nightlike tendrils of darkness swirling all around her. Only the assurance that Celestia was with her in the void kept her from completely panicking. Currents of deep magic soared through the void, pushing them forward.

Twilight gave in and allowed herself to be tugged. She had never felt anything like this before. Normally, when she teleported she closed her eyes, cast the spell and was immediately at her destination. She didn't know what this void was. Celestia grasped her hoof. "Twilight, can you hear me?"

Twilight inched closer to her as they floated upon the waves of blackness. "I hear you."

"Good. Don't fight it, Twilight. We will arrive in Asgard soon."

As Twilight stared ahead, she saw flashes of light in the gloom. Were they stars, she wondered. The darkness would ripple and a pinprick of light would reveal itself. Some were blue, others red or green. Small clusters of them twinkled in the midnight blanket. 

"Celestia...where are we?"

"This is the space between worlds."

"What are those points of light?"

"Those are worlds, Twilight."

Twilight's jaw dropped. In the light of the worlds she made out Celestia's silhouette. The princess was holding tight to her hoof, as if afraid that letting go of her might cause her to drift away. 

"How many of them are there?"

The pinpricks of light pierced through the darkness, infinite and uncountable. As the pair traveled the lights became more numerous.

"There is no number to them, Twilight. They stretch on forever."

The infinite lights glowed like jewels sewn on a jacket. Sometimes, a new one would suddenly appear while an old one faded away. Celestia paused as a red light burned out. "Farewell, old friend."

There was a deep sorrow in her voice. Twilight nuzzled her side. "Tia?"

"It was a world I knew long ago. The civilization that lived there has been gone for centuries."

A new world blazed into being, a whirling spiral of emerald light. Twilight realized that the young worlds were green and as they aged, they took on a blue color and then the oldest ones turned red. She wondered what color Equus was. After an internal debate, she decided she didn't want to know.

Celestia still answered as if she had read her thoughts. "Equus is only seven-billion years old. It's an infant." 

"Where is Equus?"

Celestia gestured behind her with a wing. "You wouldn't be able to see it."

The cycle played out all around them. Old universes aging and dying and new ones rushing into being to take their place, unfolding in the furnace of creation's fires. So many questions filled her mind. What was each world like? Were the laws of physics exactly alike? What species had arisen on those other worlds? Were there other versions of herself and her friends? If Celestia knew the answers to these questions, she wasn't talking.

Twilight felt herself being pushed by the flow of energy coursing through the void, tugged along by some unseen force put into motion by the spell. Celestia stayed by her side as they glided. They were turning, heading towards another pinpoint of light. This one was a deep, crimson red. Sweat broke out on Twilight's forehead and trailed down her face at the heat from the ancient world. 

"Is that Asgard?" She asked.

Celestia shook her head. "No, it isn't. Asgard is one of the realms perched atop the world tree."

"The world tree? The world tree is real?"

"It is indeed. Those are the realms where the Gods live."

"Your family."

"I belong to one such family, yes. In fact, I belong to the Jotun, but Nana Loki is blood brother to Odin so I'm only an Aesir by that relationship."

"Do you think your family will like me?"

"Remember what I said Twilight. It is very important to be upfront with my kin. Better a braggart than one too humble. Only slaves are humble and they do not put up with willing slaves."

Twilight listened carefully and wished she had a notebook to write all this down in. "So, what?"

"Just be your wonderful self."

"Neurotic and bashful?"

"Yep."

Twilight would have given her a playful swat, but her hoof only grazed against the abyss. They floated for a while in silence. Suddenly, Celestia pulled her to her side with a wing. The world they had been floating by exploded. A great ring of energy burst from it and the very air around them seemed to twist with the sheer outpouring of fire as the world collapsed outward.

Celestia sighed. "Not all worlds die peacefully. Some choose the path of war and violence until it consumes them. Some say the Gods of Asgard are violent, but it is not so. Odin chooses warriors that he might fight the powers of entropy. My kin fight only so that there will be order and peace."

Twilight's eyes widened as the last of the doomed world burned away. "What in the world was that?"

"If I had to guess? A weapon which tore apart the very substance out of which worlds are made."

"How is that possible?"

"Pray you never know."

Twilight shivered. No new world came to replace it and the place where it had been stood strangely empty. Then, as she watched, a tiny emerald spark flared to life. 

Celestia flew towards it. "It will take eons, but it will grow into a new world. It will just take a while. Now, onward to Asgard!"

Twilight followed after her. Eerie, red lights sprinkled on the abyss shown down on them, casting everything in scarlet hues. "Where are we?" She asked as she slid up to Celestia.

"This is where the oldest of the worlds are." She continued flying. "We're almost in Asgard."

Twilight gasped as a rainbow of light spread out before her. The colors flowed and stretched on forever and illuminated high, leafy branches all around them. The branches were thick, wider than herself or Celestia and spread onward to where she could not tell. They landed on the rainbow. Twilight spent a few moments gazing up at the tree. A limitless number of branches grew from it, intertwining and connecting. 

Down below, she heard the rush of waters, but as she stood on the bridge that was somehow connecting one enormous branch to another she found she could not see the source of the water. All she could see were branches that completely surrounded herself and Celestia.

"That is the world tree, Yggdrasil. Everything that is or ever will be is contained within its branches. Down below is the Well of Urd."

Twilight placed a hoof against the bark. "This is where Odin hung when he obtained the runes."

Celestia's hoof joined hers. "If you go farther up, you can still see the blood from the spear wound."

Twilight shivered. "I thought it was a metaphor. A tree holding all the worlds together."

"It's not a metaphor. None of the old tales are metaphors."

The shivering got worse. "I'm not sure I can do this."

"You've been dating a demi-goddess for months and you've known me for much of your life." Celestia stroked Twilight's back and the shivering abated somewhat. "There's nothing to fear. They want to meet you. Odin most of all if only to talk about magic with a fellow seeker of wisdom."

"I prayed to him once. I was nervous before an exam on the runes. Gave him a wine offering."

"See? You've already spoken."

"He didn't talk back. Well, I did feel him, in a way, but he wasn't standing in front of me."

Celestia walked around so she was looking Twilight in the eye. She lifted her face and pressed her lips to hers. Twilight melted into the kiss. 

Celestia pulled away, but kept her chin lifted. "Twilight, these are my folk. They're who I come from. If you don't fear me, don't fear them."

Twilight leaned into her. "Alright."

"But if you don't want to do this, you don't have to. We can go back right now. What do you want to do?"

Twilight hesitated a few moments. "We've come this far haven't we?" She gave Celestia's muzzle a peck. "Alright. Let's go meet your family."

Leaning into each other, they trailed the rainbow bridge. It felt warm against her hooves. Twilight could still hear the whoosh of the waters flowing from somewhere at the base of the great tree. It felt cool up here, but not too cold. The air was crisp like a day in autumn. Smoke rose from one of the branches just below them. At first she thought it was on fire, but then she heard the merry ring of hammers.

Grey frosty mountains rose on either side of them. Snow blanketed the branches and Twilight shivered as the snow was kicked up by a harsh wind that splashed the frigid substance against her pasterns and onto her back. Celestia cast a spell and a bubble of warmth covered them.

The rainbow bride slanted upwards and Twilight had to adjust her balance. Grey mountains gave way to verdant planes that almost reminded her of Mustangia. The green of this grass was far brighter, far more verdant than any she had ever seen. Her hooves were cradled by the ground and the sweet scent wafting up from it made her wonder what the grass would taste like. 

She thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye, but when she turned whatever it was had vanished. Tinkling laughter split the air.

Celestia motioned to a rock jutting up from the plane. "Elves, beloved. They're shy towards strangers."

Twilight closed her eyes and traced the laughter. Something was laughing in the rock. A grove of thin birch trees bent in the wind, but there was no wind. The slender trees shook their green branches as if in sport. "They live in trees and the rocks, don't they?"

"Yes. They are mischievous, but goodhearted folk."

The rainbow bridge connected the plains growing on the tree limb to another plain. Rather than grass, this was a courtyard made of stone. The rainbow bridge led from the courtyard to another part of the tree.  A golden city was somehow, miraculously, seated atop one massive branch. High proud towers lifted towards the heaven and a shimmering wall of pure light ringed around it. Coming closer, Twilight saw that the wall was not composed of light. It was some sort of golden substance that flowed together. She couldn't see any bricks or cracks that would tell her how the wall had been built.

She froze at a hiss behind her. Something rose up, so tall it cast a shadow that covered her, Celestia and even the city. She whirled around and saw one writhing, scaled body curled over them. Reddish scales undulated as the creature slithered on the ground.

It's head was hooded, like a cobra. A forked tongue slinked out of its mouth as it regarded her with a look too close to a predator looking at prey. Its eyes were pools of glowing red. It looked down at her. Twilight wanted to run, scream,anything. Instead, she only stood, completely rooted to the spot. Her legs refused to obey her. Her breath was caught in her throat. Celestia snapped open a wing that separated Twilight from the serpentine creature. A low growl came from its lips. It opened its mouth and flashed rows upon rows of fangs. Greenish poison dripped down from its teeth. 

It spoke, a sound like mountains crumbling. "I have a complaint against you, Twilight Sparkle."

All the hairs on the back of Twilight's neck stood up and generations of instinct told her that she was in danger and the smart thing to do would be to run. She couldn't. Her muscles were locked up and no matter how hard she tried to will them into action, she couldn't budge.

Celestia narrowed her eyes. "Tell me this complaint, Jormugandr."

The serpent stood to its full height and Twilight was no longer able to see his face, only the long, sinuous body. It hurtled downward and suddenly his face was next to Twilight's. His hot breath was sticky against her.

"Jormugandr! Cease this at once! Is this how you treat a guest?"

He rose back up and slithered to Celestia. He wrapped his tail around himself in intricate loops and knots. "She is a criminal, a thief."

"Tell me why I shouldn't cut out your tongue, slanderer."

It laughed and the world tree shook. Tremoring broke out all along Twilight's body. Her ears splayed back along her head to block out the obscene sound. Nausea filled her gut.

"One of my subjects has petitioned me about this one. A certain necklace which she took from him. The price is death, Slepnir's Daughter. Move aside so that I may enact justice."

Twilight forced herself to stop tremoring and knocked Celestia's wing aside. Celestia shot her a surprised glance. "I stole nothing. That necklace was taken from Celestia by force and the owner had no claim to it. I only corrected a wrong."

The serpent shook. "You dare speak to me that way?"

It shot towards her. Celestia summoned a shield which it slammed against. "Go tell your subject that she is under my protection and if he wants his precious necklace he can come and take it from me himself!"

The serpent slammed his body again and again against her shield. Celestia kept her face in an expression of iron, staring Jormugadr down while he howled in frustration. Twilight placed her horn to the shield and added her power to it. She wasn't sure how much it'd help, but she wasn't going to let Celestia do all the work.

Changing tactics, the great serpent turned and crashed his body against the solid orb of magic. Tiny little cracks appeared in its surface. Celestia grunted."Do you remember the wedding? Had I used my full power against Chrysalis, there wouldn't have been a city left-possibly not a continent. Here however?"

The shield vanished and streams of flames roared from the tip of Celestia's horn. The air warped and twisted around her. Twilight was sent crashing back, but so was Jormugandr. With a sickening crunch, he crashed into the bark of Yggdrasil. Flames broke out along his body and he screeched. Twilight covered her ears as the sound temporarily deafened her.

Jormungandr twisted and the flames vanished. He snarled and rocketed out, straight into an inferno that lashed outwards towards him and consumed him. He cried out in pain as whips of fire crackled and licked his flesh. Celestia's mane flared and, for a moment, Twilight saw her transformed into a being of living fire.

Twilight covered her eyes against the dazzling display as jets of flame beat against Jormungandr. The blazing fires beat him back. Jormugandr pushed himself through and struck. Celestia vanished and when she reappeared she was riding atop the serpent.

It wiggled on the ground, howling in outrage. "I'll kill you!"

"Only if you can catch me!"

She summoned a spear of flames and drove it straight into its back. Greenish blood spurted from the wound and Jormugandr broke free from her hold. Twilight cried out as a stray spark seared against her fur. The wooden floor they were standing on was burning away. Ashes and yellow sparks floated in the air.

"Twilight!" Celestia rushed towards her. Jormungadr lifted up and caught part of her side. Celestia screamed as its teeth grazed her flank. She teleported again and urged Twilight onto her back. "I'm sorry! I still find it difficult to control my magic!"

"Ho now! What is all this?"

A voice boomed over the field of combat. Twilight blinked. An eight-legged, chestnut stallion stood. His mane was the color of ripe grain. What Twilight thought was a solid wall was now open.

Celestia closed her eyes and the flames vanished, leaving a field of ash. Slepnir cast a cold look at the serpent. "I am going to assume that my daughter did not just attack you for no reason."

"She harbors a thief, Slepnir!"

Slepnir stalked over with a deliberate, dangerous slowness and then pulled Celestia into an embrace which she returned. He let her go. "Luna didn't come?"

"She says she's not ready."

"Still so much guilt with that one. So much self-inflicted pain."

"She says she'll send you a letter."

Slepnir smiled. "I'll look forward to it. Tell her I send her my love." Then he addressed Jormugandr. "If you so much as disturb a hair on my daughter's mane, I will kill you, brother or not."

They're brothers? Twilight thought. She didn't see the resemblance, but she knew there were realms where the normal rules of reality tended to break down. She must have been standing in one such realm.

A being looking like it belonged to Megan's race, but older and somehow certainly male, stepped from the opened wall. He was wearing a long, blue cloak and a grey beard hung from his face. A patch was over his right eye. He strode along, carrying a spear in his hand and his face broke into a kind grin. "Celestia, daughter of my brother's son, it has been far too long."

They exchanged a hug and Odin kissed her forehead. He regarded Twilight who was panting as she tried to recover from the battle she had witnesses. "Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight looked up and wiped away a sheen of sweat. She briefly prostrated and then stood again. "Odin Allfather...I...I don't know what to say. I'm a really big fan of your work?"

Odin chuckled and then burst into laughter. Much to Twilight's surprise he swept her in a hug. "I like this one, Celestia!" He released his hold on her. "Come, a banquet is prepared. Jormugandr, behave or I shall cast you once more into the sea or get Thor to give you a few whacks with his hammer. See if any good sense seeps in."

Jormugandr, subdued in Odin's presence, followed the mismatched group into Asgard. "A matter of law and complaint I have."

"Aye, so I've heard. Hugin and Mugin have spoken to me of this matter." He patted two giant wolves that came and nuzzled against his legs like puppies. He scratched their ears and they joined the group. "Tis a matter of law. Let us therefore ask Tyr and he shall make a ruling."

"Her blood I demand. All thieves are mine to torment."

"Nidhoggr would debate you on that. A thief is she? Hmm, I withhold judgement. That is Tyr's domain not mine."

The entire city was made of the same gold as the wall. Odin led them into a palace. Alabaster pillars held up the roof and lined the golden room. There was upraised shouting and laughter, the clash of metal and the sharp scent of iron. Twilight glanced into one room to the side. Armored men were slashing and hacking at each other and blood covered the walls and floors. Twilight quickly looked away.

Odin frowned. "Tis necessity. They train for Ragnarok, but over time, they come to enjoy it. They can not die and are free to spend eternity in the sport. Such peaceful ones as you would no doubt be disturbed by it."

"We have war in Equestria."

"Yes, I know. Those are only a fraction of my forces. Some of your ancestors also dwell here."

They passed the room where the warriors fought and into a circular, alabaster chamber. A banquet table was in the center of the room and probably hundreds were seated around it. Twilight took a seat between Celestia and Slepnir. Across from her were two of the Gods who were so beautiful she was temporarily rendered speechless.

Both had blonde hair (she believed that was the correct term), crystal blue eyes and curving, angular features. Both were thin, yet muscular. The male had a head dress of antlers and a green jacket. The female was wrapped in a white, linen robe. Twilight looked away.

The male of the pair reached out his hand. "I am Freyr. This is my sister, Freyja."

Twilight took his hand and then the hands of his sister. "It's nice to meet you."

Another being whose gender Twilight could not determine came over to them. In fact, Twilight could not get a good lock on what he looked like, as if he were constantly shifting. From what she could tell, his hair was dark (she thought). He was tall, muscular (from what she could tell) and his face was...she couldn't tell.

He (or she?) wrapped an arm around Celestia. Celestia returned the affection. "It's good to see you again, Nana."

So, he was a she.

"Blood Brother, come and sit at my right hand." Odin took his own place at the head of the table.

So, she was a he.

"As soon as I catch up with my grand daughter. How has life been treating you?"

"Everything's the same in Equestria. Peace and harmony and such. Luna's back."

"So I heard! I'm glad she's doing well. And I understand you had an encounter with that fraud Discord. Tell him if he wishes, I will show him chaos such as he has never seen."

Celestia nervously chuckled. "That, um, won't be necessary."

Loki merely motioned with his hand and the carrots jumped up and began singing while leaping. It was the polka, Twilight thought, but she was't a musicologist.

A redhaired man who had a hammer at his side frowned as he tried to catch his jumping carrot. "Ymir's Blood, Uncle! Turn them back!"

"Try to catch them, dear Thor. It's good for the reflexes."

Thor muttered something and grabbed the carrot, chomping it fiercely. Loki clenched his fist and the carrots fell still and then he went and joined Odin. For the  first time, Twilight noticed the contents of the meal. Several dead, roasted pigs were the centerpiece and the Gods enthusiastically scooped the meat onto their plates. Plates of vegetables and fruits lined the table. She took an empty plate and filled it with porridge, blueberries and strawberries. 

She took one bite and stopped. The sweetness of the oats was just right, the fruits so tangy and juicy it was if they had just come from the vine. She gobbled down the porridge while trying to keep some dignity, but the juices dripped down her chin. Celestia gobbled down her porridge with wild abandon while Jormungandr sulked and ate from a plate of rats.

Twilight cast a wary glance at him. Celestia didn't seem distressed. In fact, she was engrossed in a conversation with Freya about the goings on in Asgard. If Celestia wasn't distressed, then she shouldn't be distressed. Celestia, taking advantage of a lull in the conversation, whispered in her ear. "Jormungandr would not dare to spill blood in Asgard. Such a thing hasn't been done since the war between the Aesir and Vanir and he would face severe consequences."

"And outside of Asgard?"

"I will have Father, Great Uncle Odin and Thor accompany us. Nana too. Jormugandr would not go against his father."

"Also, why is Loki your nana, but Odin's blood brother?"

Celestia smirked. "Tis a long tale. While your ancestors knew of the Old Gods, they never did receive the full mythology like humans were blessed with."

Freya put down a goblet filled with wine. "Might I tell the tale, Celestia?"

"Certainly."

"It happened one day that a builder came to Asgard-a giant as it turned out-and said he'd build us a wall if he could have me, the sun and moon as payment. I would have killed him where he stood, but Freyr here convinced me not to. It was sort of our fault the wall was damaged. Well, by we I mean the Vanir. Well, if the Aesir hadn't...long story, long story. Anyway, Loki suggested that they should give him what he wanted as long as he finished in a single winter with only help from his horse. Who would have thought? Smart horse. I'd almost be convinced he was from Equus to tell the truth. We were all ready to kill Loki when the wall was nearly complete so Loki turned himself into a mare and seduced the horse. Then Slepnir was born. The wall wasn't built in time as that horse spent months with Loki."

"That's fascinating! So, how did Slepnir meet your mom, Tia?"

Celestia's eyes took on a misty quality. "Father spent millennia believing he was alone. A horse that was more than a beast of burden, that could think and speak and reason. One day, while wandering the worlds he found Equus. He explored and met a warrior-queen by the name of Faust. My mother. He left the world of the Gods and spent decades with her. He only left when we were adults."

"That's so romantic, like a storybook."

"Yes, it was."

Slepnir nibbled on a carrot. "She was a beautiful mare, your mother. Kind and faithful."

"I remember."

Slepnir raised a goblet and drank from it. "But enough reminiscing. You can drown in sorrow of what you've lost or be happy that you had the opportunity to love."

Celestia clinked her goblet. "Well said, Father."

Slepnir smiled happily. "And I have enough memories of love to last me all my days."

Jormungandr had been glaring at the others. A male, blonde like many of the others, as well powerfully built glanced up as he slithered over to him. Twilight noticed he only had one hand. "Yes, Jormungandr?"

"Tell me, Tyr, God of Law that you be, do you think it right that a thief should sit in Asgard? That a thief should be lovers with our kin?"

"I see no thief here today, Loki's Son."

A hooded woman chuckled. Twilight shuddered as the woman's hood came down and held back a scream. Half the woman's face was normal, surrounded by blue hair. The other half was a skull. "Of course. We are outcasts, Brother, even when invited to this table."

Tyr bristled. "Be at peace, Hel. Do you call me biased?"

"I call you that indeed. As if you would ever side with Jormungandr's folk!"

"I would. Many a time I have sided with dragons. Justice is blind."

"Is it? You deceived our brother in order to bind him."

Almost unconsciously, Tyr rubbed his stump where a hand should be. "Your brother was a danger to us all!"

"Perhaps. But I call a thief a thief."

She leered at Twilight and that familiar nausea churned in her gut.

"I do as well and I tell you, she is no thief." Tyr banged his goblet on the table. "Thor, do you agree with me?"

"I agree, Brother."

"And have I not sided with dragons before? Did I not make Harald give compensation to Rufus Firebreath for the theft of his hoard?"

Jormungandr nodded. "I do recall that. Which is why I thought you would side with me! Is it because I brought the case and you despise my blood?"

"It has nothing to do with that. Present the facts of your case and I will show you where you erred."

Jormugandr lifted up. "This Twilight Sparkle broke into my subject's hoard and seized a necklace by force."

Twilight sipped at her wine. "I told him it had been stolen and offered him a peaceful resolution."

Jormugandr flicked his tongue at her. "The necklace in question was given to the Dragon Lord as a spoil of war. He later sold it to his vassal Grakul. Then, this thief took it by force!"

Tyr nodded. "I remember that war. The Draconic Empire, in its mad lust for spoil, launched an unprovoked attack upon the young Equestian Empire.The necklace was taken by coercion, the international equivalent of armed robbery. You know all this. You knew it when you presented your case to me. What is your real complaint?"

Jormugandr's face twisted. "A mortal with a Jotun! A mortal thief with a Jotun! And thief she is, she took the necklace through violence-"

Tyr slammed his fist against the table. "I have made my decision. Take your bigotry out of this hall."

Jormugandr slithered towards Twilight, his eyes boring into her. "It is against nature that a member of one of the lesser races should sup with us nonetheless take one of us as a lover!"

Odin raised an eyebrow. "I have taken mortal lovers, indeed a mortal race sprang up from my seed. Do you have a complaint against me, son of my brother?"

Jormungandr whirled around to face him. "Indeed I do! Mortals were meant to serve us!"

"They are our kin not our slaves."

"They are our slaves!"

Odin rose. Jormungandr shrank back. Thor grasped his hammer. Odin gestured to Twilight. "Her magic was given to her race by our cousin Rhiannon of the Tuatha De Danaan. If you insult her, you have insulted the Gods who shaped her. Stand down, Loki's son."

Jormugandr hissed and slid away towards a corner. "If my niece insists on holding onto the necklace let her return the land her empire gained during the war."

Celestia shielded Twilight with her wing. "I would, but the Draconic Empire no longer exists. To which of its numerous successor states should I give it? In truth, the land is unsuitable for agriculture and the Dragons mined it out before they clawed it over to us."

A voluptuous blonde woman at Odin's side who was clothed in green robes laid down her wine glass. "I will have peace in this hall. Tyr has made his decision. Let us accept it and move on to other subjects."

Odin stamped his spear and wrapped an arm around her. "Well said, Frigg."

The effect in the hall was immediate silence. To Twilight the goddess's voice was as soothing as her own mother's voice, yet as stern as any reprimand she'd ever received from her. Freyr asked Thor if he'd had any good fishing trips lately. Thor launched into a tale about how he'd caught one hundred salmon with a golden net Loki had loaned him. The net had caught the fish, but been impossible to open so Thor had threatened Loki until Loki opened it.

Both Hel and Jormungadr continued to glare at Twilight, but didn't dare to say anything to her. Celestia kept her wing tightly wrapped around her. 

Odin nodded to Twilight. "Tell me, Twilight Sparkle, what progress have you made in studying the deep mysteries?"

Twilight swallowed the rest of the carrot she'd been nibbling on. "I'm searching for a single mystic language to bring together all the mysteries."

Freya spoke over her goblet. "Oh? Have you looked at the Tantras? It's been so oft neglected."

"No, not yet. I've mostly been looking at correspondences between the runes and kabbalah."

Odin nodded. "Methinks the runes have much in common with kabbalah for the adept who looks deeply as you do. But Freya speaks truth. Look to the Tantras if you seek to tie it altogether. Many have tried. Mayhap you shall succeed."

"Thank you for saying so. I'll definitely give the Tantras a look." She had a feeling the Gods knew something that they weren't telling her. They wanted her to feel the thrill of discovery. She appreciated that. "Say, Allfather..." She hesitated.

"Yes, Dagda's Kin?"

"The Hanged Man in Tarot...that was you, wasn't it?"

Odin smiled. "I was very young then. A seeker like you. I sacrificed much for the knowledge I obtained, I even left a young maid weeping upon the shore."

For some reason, Freya stared into her glass, her lips turned downwards into a frown. "Later, the maid understood why it was so, why the sacrifice was made so that knowledge might banish ignorance and hold back Ragnarok."

"But was it truly just?" Odin murmured.

Frigg grasped his hand. He squeezed hers. Freya touched the golden necklace ringing her neck. "But well I know the sacrifice of necessity. For the cost of my dignity, the light of all worlds was not extinguished. We are not dissimilar, you and I."

They clinked their goblets together. "To knowledge."

"To love."

They chuckled as if sharing a private joke. Loki snapped his fingers and a harp by one of the God's sides began to play itself. The blonde man frowned. "Really, Loki, if you wanted a song..."

"A song I desire, Bragi! So, play lest I leave for this seriousness bores me."

A happy melody broke forth from the strings, a short, staccato dance. Bragi closed his eyes, listening to it. He grabbed the harp up and started to play the same tune though adding flourishes and trills, holding out some notes and slurring out others. Frigg took Odin's hand and dragged him from his chair. They held onto each other as they swayed around the room.

Thor took the hand of the woman at his side and they similarly began to dance. Celestia smiled at Twilight and they stood up, leaning into each other and swaying across the floor to the rhythm of the song. 

Celestia dipped Twilight, stabilizing herself with her wings and kissed her deeply. Twilight kissed back, drinking in the taste of ale and oats still clinging to her lover's lips. She wasn't sure how long they danced and didn't notice as Hel and Jormugandr slipped out of the room.

Bragi brought the last notes of the song to a close. Twilight wondered how long they had been dancing. For the first time, she realized she hadn't been feeling the flow of time here. She and Celestia sat back down at the the table. "How long were we dancing?" She whispered into Celestia's ear.

"I don't know. Time doesn't exist here."

Twilight leaned onto Celestia's shoulder. "That's...hard to comprehend."

"The multiverse is full of wonders, my dear Twilight."

The food had been eaten and the Gods lounged in their chairs. It was Thor that first rose. "A delightful meal, Father, but their are things that must be done."

"Of course, Son. Go in peace."

"Cousin Thor, a word?"

Thor turned towards Celestia. "Yes?"

"I do not believe Jormungandr and his sister will let this go. Will you accompany us?"

"Of course."

Odin gripped his spear. "No harm shall befall you."

Slepnir nodded. "Indeed it shall not. Come, daughters."

Twilight and Celestia trailed after their escorts, through the marbled hall and the golden road that led to Asgard's wall. Loki had followed along, standing beside his blood brother. "I must apologize for my children's behavior. I didn't raise them that way, I assure you."

They hadn't taken three steps out of Asgard when skeletons erupted from the earth. Jormungandr towered over them, Hel striding atop his back. "Stand down, Allfather! The sinner's soul is mine!"

Odin charged, Thor following close by. Odin thrust and jabbed at the walking corpses, each unholy abomination falling at the touch of his spear. Thor whirled his hammer and bashed the skeletons away. Several of the skeletons gripped at his arms, but he knocked them away as he swung his hammer in a wide arc.

Twilight pawed at the ground and focused on her magic. A great, swirling blizzard jetted out from her horn, heading straight toward Jormugandr. Jormungandr weaved out of the way, but Hel was knocked off of his back. Losing control of her magic, the corpses fell away into dust.

Loki clenched his fist. "Cease this at once! This is what you get for behaving like children!"

A wave of white energy washed over them both. Hel shrieked. Well, a much smaller version of Hel. She still was half-skeleton, but she appeared to be no older than three. She stamped her feet. "I can not rule the Underworld like this! Turn me back!"

A small snake hissed and slithered on the ground. "Father! How dare you betray us?"

"You shame me, children. Apologize and I will turn you back."

The apologies came out through gritted teeth. Loki snapped his fingers and they were normal once more. Odin glanced at Twilight. "That strike meant for Jormungandr? Ice as reptiles are cold-blooded. A good battle mind you have."

Twilight bowed her head. "Thank you, Allfather."

Hel and Jormungandr slunk away, Hel throwing a backward glance at her. "All mortals come to my realm eventually."

Celestia murmured something Twilight couldn't hear that sounded like, "yes, mortals do."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Love. Nothing at all."

Loki, Thor and Odin walked alongside them till they reached Yggdrasil. Celestia bid her kin farwell, embracing each one in turn. Then, they were off, sailing once more through the void. Celestia nudged Twilight who had fallen into silence. "So, I hope you enjoyed yourself. I'm sorry about my uncle and aunt."

Twilight snorted. "My uncle once shot the Hearth's Warming Tree." She pulled Celestia into a hug and Celestia snuggled her with her wing. "Trust me, every family has a crazy uncle. It's a universal constant. Thank you for introducing me to them. What Odin and Freya told me might push me ahead years in my research. Tantra is nearly a lost art. I'll need to do some research."

"I'm glad you liked them. I'm really glad they liked you. And they truly did like you. Now, I'd like to meet your crazy uncle."

"I'll introduce you to him next time the clan gets together."

They shared one more kiss as they waltzed in the void and headed on towards home.
> Summer-Interlude
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No sunlight pierced the darkness of the basement in which the scholar sat, hunched over a weighty tome written in a language long forgotten by all but the Hinnydu priests, chanting while surrounded by golden idols in their temples. The scholar paused at a particular difficult word and used her magic to lift a white glass filled with water to her lips. The cool liquid tickled as she opened her mouth and the liquid traveled down her throat and quenched her thirst. She set it back down and returned to the tome.

Depictions of Ponies in varying intimate positions filled the pages, surrounded by the intricate, flowing scrawl of the language of the Hinnydo priests. Four blue candles sat on the corners of her mahogany brown desk and illuminated the book. A lantern also hung from the ceiling, sending its light down to fill the room. She would take the tome up to the library, but it was so ancient she feared that any air contact would cause it to disintegrate. She turned a page and coughed as a cloud of dust sprung up. She shook her violet mane, banishing the dust. The book had divested to her the last of its useful information. Her cheeks burned scarlet at one particular image. She knew at this point that they were only symbolic representations of sacred union, but still they were rather racy.

There was more to tantra than just sex magic, though. She slid the book into a plastic bag and picked up another book, floating it off the stacks of book. She carefully slid it out of a plastic bag. The binder was flaking and parts of it had dissolved altogether. She opened the book and found an inscription praising the "eternal rule" of a "world-honored king" she had never heard of. After staring at the inscription, she realized that this was written in the time of Ramahara I, who had lived seven centuries before and had expanded Hinnydia all throughout the Southern Sea, bringing in the peoples of the islands.

She immediately saw the island influence. On the first page, a necklace of skulls greeted her. She bit her lip. The whole goal of this exercise was  to find the common link. She glanced at her notes on the runes, Kabbalah and tarot. Where did Tantra fit in? It was an odd, even grotesque, system. A dark-skinned goddess danced upon the body of a prone god. Shiva, she recognized. The goddess held a necklace of decapitated heads, blood dripping down the disembodied head's lips. There was something she was missing. What was she missing?

Her hoof found her forehead, rubbing a circle beneath her horn. The symbols made no sense to her. The symbolism made less sense. Decapitation. The loss of ego in the all-consuming unity of Brahman. Yet, every other magical system she knew of spoke of deification of self, the sacrifice of self to...a...higher self.

Oh. Oh!

Of course. Different symbols. Odin had offered himself to himself upon Yggdrasil's branches. The Creator of Kabbalah had poured Itself into the act of creation. Bhraman had done the same. The cutting off of the head meant not the loss of the self, but that same sacrifice. The loss of self to the higher self.

She leaned back in her chair. That was just theory though. There was something else going on. She felt as if she were on the trail of the source of all magic. What source of power was she about to stumble upon? She eagerly scanned the pages, flipping through them with her magic. The symbols were different, the meaning the same.

For some strange reason, her stomach hurt. She touched it and an audible grumble sounded. She ignored it and returned to scanning the volume of knowledge before her.The grumbling from her stomach was insistent. She picked up her cup of water and drank deeply from it. The coolness soothed the emptiness inside of her gut if it did not make it go away entirely. She glanced up at her candles and realized one of them had burned out. 

How long had she been down here? It didn't matter. She snuffed out the candle with a stray spell, pushed it aside and lifted up a new candle from a basket next to her desk. The flame flared into existence, casting an extra light onto the page she was reading. Her stomach growled, continuing to remind her of that most bothersome bodily function. She groaned. She was so close to a breakthrough!

The text described ancient sages who could fly though they were neither Pegasii nor Unicorns. They could levitate and transform objects, bind the elements and turn their bodies into steel or other substances. One sage lived for nine-hundred years. They could have been just fanciful legends, but Twilight wasn't sure.

Her tribe's legends spoke often of Unicorn sages who had powers far beyond any Unicorn who lived today. Unicorns whose abilities sounded suspiciously similar to the abilities of the Hinnydu sages. It had long been speculated that the universe was pervaded by an energy field from which all magical beings drew their power.

Others dismissed these ideas entirely. The most common theory now was that magic existed in DNA, a gene that allowed magical creatures to interact with the quantum level of reality. Her discovery of thaumatons had rapidly changed that idea and now the pendulum was swinging back to talk of magical fields.

What was the nature of that magical field? That was the question. Where did it come from? How did some beings manage to access it?

Could these books have the answer that ten-thousand generations of scholars sought? Twilight picked up a notebook and began to scribble, drawing a line between correspondences which the runes shared with Kabbalah and Kabbalah shared with the Tantras.

Common ideas. Shared symbols seen through a veil of cultural differences. Tales of power which the sages of old had wielded. A dull ache pounded against the inside of her head. Her now empty stomach made known its complaint against her. She rose from the table. "Oh fine. I guess I'll take a break then."

She rose from the chair, stretching out her stiff legs and rolling her back. A satisfied sigh escaped her lips and she trotted up the stairs. She blinked when she got to the entrance out of the basement, the sunlight hurting her eyes.  Spike was standing on a stool, wiping a shelf on the bookcase with a purple cloth. He hopped down when he saw Twilight and rushed to her side. "Supper is on the table."

She patted his spines. "You're a good assistant, Spike." 

Just as Spike had told her, there was a daisy sandwich on the table, set on a white plate. She lifted it up in her magic and, holding it aloft, trotted back down to the gloom of the basement. That out of the way, she set the sandwich aside and returned to her book. Her stomach reminded her of why she had gone upstairs in the first place and she took a bite out of the sandwich. The daisies were fresh, probably freshly plucked. They were sweet, enticing her taste buds. A few crumbs spilled onto the table. She brushed them aside and gobbled down the treat. After a few bites, it was all gone.

At last, she could study entirely in peace without any troublesome bodily functions. She washed down the meal with the last of her water. This was the part of studying she loved, when all the clues and pieces came together. It was like putting together a puzzle, another activity she enjoyed. In her mind, she could see the information weaving together, disparate strands of data weaving together into a coherent whole. And she alone would be the one to put the great puzzle together.

A cough broke from her lips. Unfortunately, she had run out of water. Sighing again, she stood up and once more trekked back into the main room of the library. Spike didn't even look up from his task. "The water's on the table. You might want to take it with you next time."

"Thanks, Spike." She grabbed the water and hurried down to the basement.

"I'm billing the sandwich and water as separate items!" Spike called after her.

Twilight paused at the entrance of the stairs. "I'll buy you a new comic book."

"Supermare?"

"Sure."

"Deal."

Pesky dragon assistants and her bodily functions cared for, Twilight returned to her studies. The tome beckoned, calling to her with promises of ancient mysteries unknown for centuries. The lure of lost knowledge pushed her to carefully examine each page, whispering the strange syllables of the pleasant, sensuous tongue.

The vowels and consonants of the half-forgotten foreign language did not easily roll off her tongue, starting and stopping with strange, unnatural pauses. She pushed through, teasing out the meanings and writing down words she didn't know the meaning of, but seemed important nonetheless.

The scratching of her quill against paper and the crackling of the candles were the only sounds that could be heard as the scholar continued pouring over the pages. The farther into the book she got, the more notes she took. More words that she couldn't discern the meaning of. Some of the words seemed to have been borrowed from other languages altogether.

With a frustrated sigh, she put the book aside and wrapped it up in the plastic bag she had gotten it from and reached for another book. Her ears flickered and she turned around. Nopony else was in the room with her.

She shrugged. "Huh. Could have sworn I heard something."

She reached for another book. A fine layer of dust had settled over this one which flew up in a cloud around her head and sparked a coughing fit. A swish of water dealt with that problem and allowed her to get back to reading. 

The stairs creaked as she read. She ignored it. Turning from her book to her notes, she noticed more of those mysterious words. There was a pattern to the words. Often, the words came in pairs. Clearly, they had meaning in conjunction with each other. The headache she'd been trying to ignore was only getting stronger, transforming from a dull ache into a feeling similar to Applejack doing apple bucking inside of her skull.

She raised both of her forelegs to her head, rubbing circles in her temples and softly groaning. Even the soft light of the candles was unbearably bright. She shut her eyes against the flames, taking refuge in the darkness. The soft scent of feverfew tea tickled her nostrils. Her eyes widened.

A pink teacup seated on a silver plate was set on her table. Spike must have brought it in when she had her eyes closed. Making a note to raise his allowance, she lifted the cup to her lips. The calming aroma gently enticed her senses and started the work of loosening the knots throbbing in her head.

She set the cup down after taking a few gentle sips. At this point, she felt she had enough information to start a decent thesis. She set the book and its confusing-if strangely sensual sounding-lexicon aside. The taste of the tea which lingered on her lips was well-brewed. The flavors were balanced just right.

She took another sip. Feverfew.  There was something familiar about this particular flavor of tea. It brought to mind memories of late night study sessions when the Princess would slip into her room and give her a cup of tea to ward off her all too frequent migraines.

Twilight whirled around and two white wings softly enfolded her. Each feather caressed her withers and Twilight wondered how she had missed the tall, elegant alicorn in the room. She stood and greeted her with a kiss. Celestia kissed back, pressing into her lips, crushing them against hers like she was hungry for the taste of her. 

Twilight responded in turn, leaning deep into the kiss, exploring the roof of Celestia's mouth even as Celestia explored her own. Finally they broke apart, both panting and short of breath.

Celestia pouted. "I've been missing you."

Twilight frowned. "I've missed you too. How long have you been standing there?"

"About ten minutes. Wonder what would have happened if I'd been a dangerous assassin?"

Twilight shivered. She was the bearer of the Element of Magic and royal consort. That wasn't a merely hypothetical scenario. "Huh. I need to be more careful." She embraced Celestia and cuddled into her chest. "Do you think Jormugandr or Hel would try to hurt me?"

Celestia's wing was like a shield as she tightened her grip over Twilight. Her mouth was set into a thin line. "They wouldn't dare attempt to come into my domain and harm the one that I love."

Twilight soaked in the warmth of Celestia's presence. "I'll take your word for it." 

"Trust me. I will protect you." Celestia ran a hoof through Twilight's mane. "So, what were you working on?"

Twilight broke away, reluctantly, from Celestia's embrace. "I'm studying the Tantras." She took another sip of the tea and sat down. Celestia sat beside her. 

Twilight showed her her notebook. "Say, you wouldn't happen to know what language this is, would you?"

Celestia examined it. "It has been a very long time since I've seen this language."

Twilight clapped her forehooves together. "Yay! So, you can read it?"

"Of course."

"You'll help me with it?"

"Beloved, you only need to ask. How did you get all this anyway?"

"I've been saving from my guild stipend. I need to publish something soon, though."

Celestia scanned Twilight's notes. "I see."

Twilight imbibed from the hot beverage she held aloft in her magic. "By the way, thanks for the tea."

"You are very welcome."

Celestia scooted closer to her as they looked over the text. Celestia mumbled to herself as she deciphered the terms Twilight had jotted down. "Lila, love play of the Gods who maintain the universe through their sacred union."

"I see." Twilight inched closer to Celestia. Their fur brushed together. "That's a fairly common theme throughout these books."

"Noticed that, hmm? Yes, but there's a deeper meaning."

"What is it?"

"I'll tell you. But, there's a price for knowledge."

Twilight nuzzled underneath her chin. "I'll give you anything you want. Anything."

Celestia brushed her muzzle against Twilight's horn. "Isn't it obvious? What I want is you...and me to go out. We haven't been on a date in a month."

Twilight's shoulders slouched. "Yeah, I know. You've probably been real busy with running everything, though."

"I wasn't the only one that was busy-and I do understand. A great scholar like you is bound to get caught up in her work."

"You get caught up in your work too, though. Starting to become jealous of the nobles."

Celestia laughed, a mirthless, bitter sound. "Dearest, I assure you, I would much prefer your company to any of them. I, however, have become jealous of books."

"Wasn't it books that brought us together? Remember Solid Shield's work?"

Celestia's hoof was gentle as it ran through Twilight's mane. "I remember. That book has a place of honor on my shelf."

"It's been a long time since we've read it. You want to?"

"I can teleport you, there."

"Please."

There was a flash of magic and they were off.
...
Twilight stumbled as they landed in Celestia's bedroom. It took a few seconds for her to find her hooving as the appendages sank into the thick, red carpet. Celestia steadied her with a wing and Twilight nestled against her side as they went to the bed. Celestia's magic guided the book of poems to rest on the covers between them.

Twilight stroked the cover which was free of cracks or dust. The title gleamed in golden letters. "How did you restore it like this?" Her magic flipped through the pages until she was certain that it was indeed the book she'd found in the Crystal Empire's library all those months ago (it felt like a lifetime.)

"A powerful enchantment using time magic."

Twilight traced the book's perfect, pristine pages. "I've never known of any time magic that could do this."

"It's too complex for ordinary mages."

Twilight shot her a glance. "Is that a challenge?"

"No. No it most certainly is not."

"Hmm...wish I'd brought the tea with me."

Celestia's horn glowed and it appeared on the bedside table.

Twilight picked it up and took a sip."Still warm. How far does your magic extend?"

"I can manipulate a celestial orb from 149.6 billion meters away."

"Huh. So pretty far."

Celestia noogied her. "You could say that, yes."

"So, what? Could you teleport all Canterlot?"

"I've never tried it, but probably."

"All the planets?"

"Now a planet is a different matter. I'm not sure."

"What's different?"

"The movement of a planet is guided by another being whom I would not want to test myself against."

"I see."

Twilight settled into Celestia's side and Celestia blanketed her with her wing. The warmth of the tea filled her even as the affection of the princess did. Celestia opened a page of the book. "This poem reminds me of you. I think you'll see why."

Moonlight filled the room joining with the soft light of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling as Celestia lifted her voice in song.

"You are my special flower,
unfurling your petals to the sun,
giving the gift of your beauty to all who pass by.
Your laughter is the dew
that nourishes my soul,
your touch
the sweet scent of the rose,
lifting my heart." 

As she sang, she trailed Twilight's face with a feather. 

Twilight kissed her cheek. "This one reminds me of you." She flipped through the pages of the books and sang in Crystallish, knowing that Celestia would understand it.

"Come oh Beloved,
come like the Sun,
I long for you,
like the earth
longs for the warmth of
the sun.
Touch me
and your warmth
brings me at once to life,
like the sun
revives all things
after the long winter."

Celestia looked to the side and sniffled. Twilight jolted up from the book. "Tia? Did you not like it? Tia?"

The princess was trying to hold back tears, but they ended up escaping. "That...that one was written about me."

Twilight pulled a tissue from a box and wiped away Celestia's tears. "You and Solid Shield?"

"There was a time when we were lovers. I never told you..."

"You thought I'd be jealous?" She wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's barrel and held her as sobs shook her barrel. They tapered off after a while. 

"Thank you, Twilight. The reason I value this book so much is not because of Solid Shield having been my lover before he went back to Bella-she was the better choice for him-it's because you brought me the book."

"I suspected you were lovers. Some of those poems remind me of you."

"That was a different me."

"Not so different." Twilight stroked her cheek. "I read them and recognize you in them." She paused. "I've learned a lot about you, lately. Is there anything you want to know about me? Anything embarrassing or secret, I'll tell you."

"Who was your first kiss?"

Twilight snuggled her. "His name was Blazing Star."

"Lieutenant Blazing Star?"

"He joined the guard thinking it'd impress me. And then there was Moondancer. Things didn't end well there."

"I have long suspected that. It was at that Hearth's Warming party, wasn't it?"

Twilight's jaw dropped. "How did you know?"

"Your grades started dropping and so did hers. That means one of two things. A student is dealing with a crisis or they're in love."

"Yep. We broke up because I didn't want to sacrifice my grades." She sighed. "Now I look back and wonder if it was the right choice."

"Perhaps. Perhaps not."

A worrisome thought wormed itself into her brain. "What if...what if that happens again? I got so wrapped up in studying I haven't seen you in a month."

"Nor have I. Sometimes, Ponies get busy. Nothing to worry about."

Twilight lifted up.  "But it is!" She hopped off the bed and started pacing.

"Twi."

Twilight didn't respond. "It's just like with Moondancer. I got into researching something and neglected you." She glared accusingly at Celestia. "Although, you could have sent me a letter."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Nothing stopped you from sending me a letter."

"What if we're drifting apart? What if we drift apart?"

"Twilight."

"I mean, it could happen. I don't want that to happen!"

"Twilight Sparkle!"

Twilight stopped. Celestia sauntered over to her and grasped her hoof. "I understand your worry. Why don't we schedule a weekly date night? And nothing short of an outbreak of war or the collapse of the economy will stop us from going on a date that night? Lots of couples do that. Shining and Cadence do that."

Twilight nodded. She liked scheduling. "Alright. Every Friday sound good?"

"Sure."

"Why didn't we do this before?"

"I don't know."

They returned to the bed and the room was filled with the chanting of love poems as they read to each other.
> Summer-Noon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sashayed into the restauraunt. Her blue, star-spangled, dress flowed around her as she set her hooves on the plush, red carpet. Candles lined the walls and round, wooden seats were set all around the room. The waiter at the front acknowledged her with a nod. He was a grey stallion with a black suit. He nodded at Twilight's approach. "Good evening, Lady Twilight. The Princess has already checked in."

"Thank you, Sir."

He led her around the seats till they came to a red booth. Celestia smiled at her as she sat across the table and then just stared, a slow blush spreading across her face. The princess was dressed in a simple, linen robe. "Twilight, that dress is gorgeous."

Twilight giggled. "Oh, you like it? I'm glad."

It was the first date since their decision to have a weekly date, come Tartarus or parasprites. Twilight leaned across the booth and caught Celestia's lips with her own. Celestia kissed back. "So, how has your week been?" She laid back in the booth.

A waiter laid down a basket of steaming bread rolls. Twilight popped one in her mouth. "I'm very close to making a breakthrough. I found a book of ancient incantations. Getting towards the practical side of things."

Celestia rubbed butter on one of her breadsticks. "Hmm, careful with those ancient spells. There were some very dangerous spells from all those centuries ago."

"Oh, I know! By the way, last week, you were going to tell me a secret about magic. But then we got, um, distracted."

A waiter interrupted them. Celestia ordered an arugula and dandelion salad. Twilight ordered a hay casserole. 

Celestia beckoned to Twilight. "Come closer, my faithful lover."

Twilight moved over the table. Celestia's breath tickled her ear. "This is the great secret, Twilight."

Twilight drew closer. Their breath mingled together. "The great secret is love."

Twilight blinked. "Love."

Celestia gently nipped her ear causing her to shiver. "Yes, love. Love is the source of all magic. In fact, love is the source of everything that is."

"Alright, but what does that mean? How did the ancients manage to have such power?"

"Because they understood love and friendship. You know, friendship is a form of love."

Twilight leaned back in her own seat, but not before giving a soft love bite to Celestia's own ear. "I know. That kind of love is philia. What we have is a healthy mixture of agape, philia and eros."

"That's what the best kind of relationships are based on."

"Agape is selfless love..." Twilight mused, trying to piece together what her lover had told her.

Celestia scratched her chin. "Hmm, I think there's a bit of ludos among us-playful love."

"Well, yeah."

Celestia booped Twilight's nose making her face scrunch up. They giggled.

"Alright, so there are many kinds of love, including friendship. And I know how powerful friendship is, but why?"

Celestia chewed her lip as she puzzled on how to explain it to Twilight. "Twilight, imagine a field surrounding the cosmos. This field is love. Everything that loves feeds into this field and the field itself loves all. Everything is united by it. The ancients, emblazoned by love of their kin and nation, could do remarkable things. Some were even able to join the ranks of the Gods."

"Like Starswirl?"

"Yes, like Starswirl. I was at his ascension."

Twilight's ears perked up. "You have got to tell me more about that!"

Celestia smiled. "I will one day."

Twilight frowned. "So, do Ponies not love each other as much as they used to? Is that why magic has grown weaker?" 

Celestia idly munched on a breadstick. A waiter slid their orders on the table and went on her way. Twilight dug into the casserole and waited.

Finally, Celestia spoke. "The sovereign and the land are one. When me and Luna...parted, it broke the harmony in Equestria, weakened our connection to that field. The unfortunate events that occurred afterwards weakened it even further. But, with the reactivation of the Elements and my sister's return those wounds have finished healing. Most of it thanks to you."

"And my friends. And you keeping the empire together."

Celestia stroked Twilight's cheek. "Let's just say everypony played their part."

Twilight held Celestia's hoof and then released it. "So, if our connection to this power has healed, does that mean we'll be able to access the old magic again?"

"Almost certainly. A suspicious number of prodigies have been born over the past few decades. Look at you, Rainbow Dash who is the fastest Pegasus to be born since Ponies started keeping track and Applejack who is to Earth Pony magic what you are to Unicorn magic."

"So, what are you saying?" Her fork clinked against her plate. "That one day I might be able to ascend?"

"Perhaps. Who know, really? If anypony could do it, it'd be you Twilight."

Twilight mulled that over in her mind. "We could be forever together."

"Forever is a long time. It would also mean saying goodbye to your friends and family."

Twilight gulped and stared down at her casserole.

Celestia lifted her chin. "Twilight...if I offered it to you...immortality...my eternal companionship...what would you say?"

Twilight stared into her eyes. "I'm not sure yet. The thought of being with you forever makes me happy." She kissed her. Celestia savored the taste of her lips which the savory, spiced hay clung to. "And mortals already live with death. Even if I go on living a mortal life, it's possible at least some of my friends will d-die before I will. Mortals have to accept that."

Celestia stroked Twilight's mane. "You can think about it. This is all theoretical of course."

"Of course."

They lapsed into silence for the rest of the meal. When it came time to go, Twilight and Celestia leaned into each other as they strode out into the Canterlot streets. The moonshine and stars illuminated the elegant buildings as they wandered with no real destination in mind.

Twilight trotted beside her as they went up the path to the castle."I had a lovely time."

"I did as well, Twilight. Won't you come in for some tea and cake?"

Twilight followed her. Celestia wrapped her tail around hers.
...
Celestia skipped down the halls and then looked around, forcing herself to slow down to a more dignified trot. It had been one of those days, but it was over now. She was off to see Twilight. Frenzied clopping behind her made her turn around. Raven was behind her, nearly panting she was so out of breath. Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Raven? What's wrong?"

Raven spent a few moments catching her breath. "Lord Yellowtail and Lord Orange Grass are still quarreling."

Celestia went through her handy mental list of nobles. "Wait, weren't they the ones arguing over the lemon tree?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"And did not my sister come up with an amicable solution for them?"

"Orange Grass shot Yellowtail. In court, just now. Your sister is struggling to maintain order."

"I...I..." Celestia's jaw worked up and down. There were no words. "Have Orange Grass sent to the dungeon and fine him the appropriate amount for assault."

A loud boom rocked the castle. Celestia brought a hoof to the bridge of her nose. A contingent of guards marched by as the crash of magic fire grew louder. The ancient walls of the palace shook. Celestia grit her teeth and a loud shout from Luna brought a temporary halt to the hostilities.

Celestia cursed beneath her breath, flared her wings and soared down the hallway. She knocked open the doors and landed amid a scene of chaos. The two nobles were shouting and firing lasers at each other, harmlessly bouncing off the magifire-proof walls and ceilings. Guards held them back and Luna was crying invectives against both of them in a language unheard in court since her first reign.

At the sight of Celestia, both of them stopped. Luna shot her a glare. Celestia sighed. She didn't know why the nobles paid more respect to her. It just was.

"Guards. Remove Yellowtail from court. Orange Grass can spend tonight in a dungeon. Release him in the morning, if I feel like it."

The orange stallion struggled against the guard holding him. "He stole my prize lemons he did!"

Celestia whirled around. "Your behavior is unacceptable!"

Orange Grass snickered. "You're only angry because you're missing a date with your consort right now, is that it?"

The yellow stallion being held by a brawny Pegasus guard tried to break free. "Hey! Don't speak to the Princess that way!"

"The Princess." Luna rolled her eyes. "As if there were only one."

Celestia stomped her hoof and inched closer to Orange Grass. He gulped as Celestia touched her muzzle to his. "What you just said. How did you know about that?"

Orange Grass snorted. "Oh, for Goddess' sake. Everypony knows. Nobles see you and they talk and they recognize patterns."

Celestia breathed heavily. "I am not angry because you're holding me back from my date. I'm angry because of the destruction you wreaked in my court. And Yellow Tail, if it mean so much to him, stop taking his lemons. Yes, Luna. I know what you ruled. That was a suggestion, not an order."

Luna adopted a neutral expression. "Of course. Guards, remove both of these stallions."

The guards hastened to obey. Luna slumped. "I can't even maintain order in the court. Ponies used to fear me."

Celestia nuzzled her. "You didn't like being feared. You wanted to be loved, remember?"

"I remember, Sister. I can't forget." Luna patted her cheek. "Go on to your date. I will hold down the fort-and perhaps bring back the stocks."

"It wouldn't hurt."

They shared a quick laugh and Celestia tried to maintain a dignified trot as she rocketed down the halls. She burst into the night air and took to the sky. Her white wings cut the air as she ascended high into the sky. The high towers which strove to scrape the heavens looked so small down from here.

The moon's silvery light danced and played upon the gilded streets. She scanned the roads. It was quiet this time of night. A few Ponies were strolling around, beginning their night. The young stallions and guards headed towards the bars. A few brave young fillies joined them, giggling on the sides of strong stallions. 

Lively music filtered up to Celestia, although it sounded like a whisper. She drifted among the fields of stars and rolling clouds which glowed white like mountains in the sky. She raced so fast that wind slashed against her face and cut through her mane.

She dived low, continuing along a northerly path. The Rook and the Raven should be nearby. She dodged and twirled around billows of smoke coming up from the chimneys. A cloud dissipated into water vapor and mist which clang to her fur and mane as she barreled through it.

At last, she landed on the street and hurried towards the restauraunt. A line was coming out the door, but they made way for her. For once, she took advantage of the deference her little Ponies showed to her and rushed inside, her hooves clopping on the wooden floor.

Desperate, she looked around for where Twilight might be. She literally jumped as she felt a hoof on her withers.

Wooden Spoon gave a brief bow. "Right this way, Your Highness."

Celestia followed her until they stopped at a booth situated far in the back. Twilight had her head on the table, looking away from her. She perked up. "Celestia!"

Celestia opened her wings wide as Twilight bounced against her, throwing her forelegs around her. Celestia buried her muzzle into Twilight's mane, savoring the smell of lavender shampoo. Twilight nestled against her and nuzzled her chin. Celestia nuzzled the top of her head and their lips met in a kiss.

Twilight pulled back. "You're thirty minutes late. What happened?"

Celestia slid into a booth and rubbed her temples. 

Twilight reached over and placed a hoof on hers. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Celestia squeezed Twilight's hoof. "It's been a long day, Twilight."

"Tell me what's wrong?"

"Alright. Two nobles had a fight in court today. I don't mean they were just yelling at each other. I mean they were actually having an honest to goodness hornfight."

"Wow."

"I had to break it up and send one of the nobles straight to the dungeons."

"Sounds fair."

"He accused me of only being angry because he was holding me back from going on a date with you."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "How did he know?"

Celestia slammed the table. "That's not the only reason I was angry!"

"Only?"

Celestia bit her lip. "Alright. It was a reason. I was angry. They interrupted me just as I was getting ready. But they were firing lasers in the palace. Children. That's what they are. Spoiled, rotten children. Not all of them, of course. I'm rather fond of the Sparkle Clan."

Twilight grinned. "I noticed."

Celestia leaned back. "But I'm here now. And so are you. And I feel better now."

"I'm glad."

They held hooves on the table. Celestia smiled and felt her cares slide away as her lips met Twilight's again and again.

At last, with a great deal of hesitation, Celestia broke away from the enchantment Twilight's soft lips held over her. "What worries me, Twilight, is the machinations the nobles might try to play."

Twilight snorted. "I am a noble, minor house or not. If they want to make war against my clan, let them. They will lose just as they always have and will."

"You do not wish to invite it."

Twilight sat up straighter. "Alright. What are you scared might happen?"

"They might use my relationship to undermine my authority to rule. I'm almost certain that's what Lord Orange Grass was implying. Also, they might go after you too."

Twilight sipped a glass of water and called a waiter over. They ordered two plates of spaghetti and oatballs. 

"I know what you mean. That I'm only using you. That my love for you isn't real. That I only want to get close to you because I want power."

"If we get married, those rumors will only get worse." Celestia stroked Twilight's mane. "I know the truth, but they do not. And there are those so unscrupulous they have no regard for truth."

Twilight nodded. "Yes, I know. So what can we do?"

Celestia hesitated for a moment. "Who says we have to do anything?"

"Hmm? Just continue things exactly as they are?"

"Exactly. I haven't given you any special privileges. No titles even if you deserve one-thousand of them. It seems, from the nobles' perspective, you've gained nothing."

"Save your heart."

"Other than that. We'll take each threat as they come. Orange Grass will be difficult to deal with. He'll claim I tossed him in a dungeon because he was in my way to getting to you. It's not true, but truth never stood in the way of a good story."

Twilight took in this information, mulled it around in her mind. "Orange Grass is not a popular noble. He's known for being cantankerous and he's alienated too many to be believed. So, let's just cross him off as a threat."

"Careful, there. Never underestimate a Pony with a grudge."

"Let's just cross him off for now."

"Alright." Celestia smirked. "I'm sorely tempted to march with you into the throne room and declare you Earl of Ponyville."

Twilight laughed. "That'd give them a collective aneurysm."

"Exactly. Get rid of the problem." Celestia stretched. "This will require some thought. So, how was your day?"

"I went to Pinkie's party. Don't know what it was for. I think she just wanted to throw a party."

"Such a dear, that one. I must get an invitation next time."
...
Only the light of the candles illuminated the depths of the library basement. An earthy, musky smell dominated the small space. The smell of earth and dirt and a slightly wet smell that Twilight was never able to identify. The walls were solid oak, but there was something slightly moist about this space and there always had been.

Wooden floorboards separated her hooves from the dirt beneath, but occasionally little plants would pop up from the cracks. Twilight's hooves would occasionally crush these nascent plants. Others would curl up into vines so that she and Spike would have to spend an entire afternoon reclaiming it from nature and claiming it for scholarly pursuits.

Twilight's desk was not covered in books today. All the books had been stacked into perfect, orderly rows onto the shelves. There were only three books on the shelf and two scrolls. Twilight kept casting glances at the books and scrolls. The scratching of her pen was amplified and echoed throughout the room.

Twilight paused in her writing and spent a few seconds contemplating just how she wanted to phrase what she had to say next. The idea of a well from which all magic users drew was an archaic idea. Even her sworn word that Celestia herself had told her so might not carry enough weight. Scholars claimed divine revelation all the time. Celestia refused to comment, preferring that her subjects learned for themselves. 

The mage world depended on the principle of "publish or perish" They didn't give her a stipend to sit around looking cute. (Celestia had once commented that if they did, Twilight would be the richest mare in Equestria.) Twilight giggled at the stray thought. In two days, they would have their third weekly date night and no cataclysm had yet arisen that had prevented them from getting together.

She shook her mane and returned to her task. Every word was important. She read through what she had already written. Everything made sense, or at least it made sense to her. She'd let Celestia look over it before submitting.

Spike waddled down the stairs. "Hey, Twilight?"

Twilight turned around. "Yes?"

"We've got a visitor. He wants to see you."

Twilight looked from her work then back to Spike. "Ask him how important it is."

Spike hurried back up the stairs. Twilight scribbled some more, paused, and re-read it. She held her quill above the paper, chewing her lip as she debated her next word. Spike waddled back down the stairs. "He says it's important. Of the utmost importance. It's Duke Green Feather."

Twilight stood. "It's a duke? Ask him what he wants. Tell him to be as specific as possible."

Spike sighed and ran up the stairs again. Twilight sat down, hesitated, and then stood back up. She raced up the stairs and bounded into the living room. Spike was speaking to the tall, green, Pegasus stallion whose mane and tail were a fiery red. Duke Feather wasn't even making eye contact with him. "Tell her, I must see her immediately. It is of the utmost importance."

Twilight strode forward. "Duke. How are you this fine evening?"

The duke pushed Spike aside. Spike grumbled and Twilight frowned. She placed a protective foreleg around Spike. 

Duke Feather cleared his throat. "Thank you for meeting with me. I know it's sudden and I believe your young drake-servant was about to send me home."

For some reason, the way he said servant made her stiffen. Spike was her servant, but he was closer to a brother or a son and his service was out of love not bondage. 

"Is there anything you need, Your Grace?"

"My daughter is in need of a mage. She has come under a curse."

"A curse? What kind of curse?"

Duke Feather took the liberty of sitting on her couch. "It is most serious. Her body is becoming like stone. I know of your great skill and came to see you. You're one of my daughter's heroes."

"I didn't know my fame had spread to Las Pegasus."

"Indeed it has. It would mean so much to her if you would come and see her."

"Why didn't you bring her here?"

Duke Feather blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Why didn't you bring her here?" Twilight stared at him. "I know for a fact that there is a hospital in Las Pegasus that specializes in magical maladies."

Duke Feather sputtered. "Well, I, umm...well, she is in the hospital, of course, but I thought she might like to see you."

"Alright. I'll come first thing in the morning. I'll have to cast the cloudwalking spell on myself."

"For a mage of your talent that surely won't take long."

The hairs on the back of Twilight's neck stood up. "Why are you really here?"

Duke Feather stood. "What do you mean?"

"You don't have a daughter. You're not even married. Last year, you attempted to court Princess Celestia. I've been studying up on all the nobility. I studied anypony who courted Celestia first. Also, no malady I know of turns the body to stone except cockatrices and the cure for that is well-known and readily accessible."

Duke Feather stood. Spike pushed closer to Twilight's side. Duke Feather flared his wings, snapping out his hidden blades. "You aren't going to make this easy are y-oof!"

Twilight slammed a small table into his head. It splintered against his skull and he stumbled back. Twilight followed through with the attack with a blast of solid air that sent him sprawling against the wall. She stalked towards him and pinned both his wings with telekinetic strikes.

He was like a bug stuck to a piece of paper. He glared at her. "Dike filth. Trying to rob noble stallions of what truly belongs to them!"

Twilight narrowed her eyes. "The Princess does not belong to anyone."

"She will be mine-as soon as I get you out of the way!"

Twilight grunted in pain as he tore away from his telekinetic hold and dived right towards her. Twilight teleported. He seemed to anticipate the move and turned in midair, aiming a strike right towards her throat. Twilight teleported again and knocked aside several strikes with her horn.

Spike charged, letting out a wild battle cry. The dragon bit down hard on the Pegasus' tail and yanked. He cursed and bucked Spike. Twilight shouted and then her world turned red. She didn't hear his screech, was barely conscious of his howls as a localized tornado swept him up and slammed him against the ceiling.

Books and furniture spun around in the maelstrom. Twilight's element was the air, the element of thought. He cried out as the wild winds whipping around him grinded him against the ceiling. He collapsed in a bloody heap.

She raced to Spike and held him tight. Spike returned the embrace. "Spike, send a letter to Celestia. Please. Ask her to come here."

Spike scurried off to his task.

Duke Feather groaned. Twilight jerked up his head with her magic. "So, what was the plan? Come to my library, to my home, and murder me? Murder Spike?"

Duke Feather panted. "Lead you away and throw you out of the hot air balloon I rented. It'd have looked like an accident." He struggled to stand. A flash of her magic and chains wrapped around him. 

It took around an hour for Celestia and the guards to arrive. Upon Celestia crossing the threshold, Twilight rushed to her and wrapped her up in her forelegs. Celestia wrapped both her wings and forelegs around her, drawing her as close as she could.

The solar guards quickly detained Duke Feather and dragged him away.

Celestia carried Twilight over to the couch. Twilight curled into her, rested her head on her shoulder, and wept. Spike nestled into Celestia's other side and Celestia placed a wing around him. "Tell me what happened." Her voice was shaking. Twilight realized that Celestia was trembling.

"He claimed his daughter was sick and he wanted me to come see her. Claimed she was under a curse. I confronted him because I know he doesn't have a daughter and he attacked me."

Celestia squeezed her so tight Twilight could barely breathe. Twilight snuggled into her side. Her fur was warm and soft, drying away her tears. "Hel, Jormugandr, Duke Green Feather...why is everypony trying to kill me? It's like no one wants me to be with you."

Celestia wiped away the last of her tears with a stray wing. "Is that why he attacked you? He didn't want us to be together?"

Twilight sniffled. "Yeah. He said he was going to get me out of the way so that he could court you." 

Celestia held her in the shelter of one great, white wing. "Listen, Twilight. There's going to be trouble. Duke Green Feather will be banished for this, but he's got allies and I don't know what they're planning."

Twilight snuggled closer to her warmth. "He attacked Spike too."

Celestia kissed Spike's head. Spike was laying against her side, also nestled in her wing. "I will protect the both of you. I promise you that."

They stayed snuggled together for a very long time.
> Summer-Afternoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight awoke with the light of the sun flooding her room. She raised her forelegs and yawned, blinked a few times. Spike was at the foot of her bed, snuggled up as close as he could to her hooves. Memories returned to her. Spike had made a meal for them, cooking being something of a stress reliever for him. She patted her stomach. She hadn't wanted to waste all that spaghetti, but it had been a lot. Thankfully, Celestia had been there to share it with her. Twilight laid her head back on the pillow. All night, she had rested in Celestia's embrace.

Spike stirred, yawned, wiggled into a more comfortable position and went back to sleep. Twilight stared up at the ceiling and wondered where her marefriend had gotten off to. It wasn't like her to leave Twilight's side before their morning cuddle. It was one of her more endearing traits.

She wrapped the blankets around herself. Spike grumbled in protest and grabbed some of the sheets back in order to wrap them around himself. A family of bluebirds who nestled in the branches of her library oak sang a symphony of chirps. Twilight examined the sunbeams floating through her room. 

From the angle of the sunlight, it was most likely late morning. It was odd that Spike was in here. Normally, he'd have breakfast started. She turned over onto her side. A book of love poems was on her night stand along with two empty wine glasses. She had needed that wine after the events of yesterday.

More memories cut through the haze that swam over her mind. She rubbed the center of her forehead. It had only been one glass of wine, she shouldn't have a hangover. This was clearly a stress headache and perhaps a little bit of a result of staying in bed long after she normally did.

Her alarm clock cheerfully informed her that it was 10:30. Twilight stretched her half-awake back legs, unintentionally knocking Spike away. The little dragon opened his bleary eyes. "Sleep well?"

She stretched her forelegs and then stretched her back. "Yeah, yeah I did." She took in a deep, cleansing breath of the morning air. Now fully stretched out, she swished her tail, tickling her forelegs to get some blood circulation flowing. Spike had slept on them all night, but she wasn't about to tell him that.

Spike nudged up closer to her. "Twi?"

"Yes, Spike?"

Spike chewed on his lip. "It's nothing."

Twilight rubbed his spines. "Come on, what is it?"

"I was really scared. When that guy hurt you and...I was just scared."

Twilight hugged him. "It's alright to be scared."

Spike nestled into the hug. Twilight laid back down. "Hmm, we're going to have to get up at some point, ya know."

"I know."

Neither made a move to get out of the bed. Twilight sniffed the air. "Spike, did you make pancakes?"

"No, Celestia did."

Twilight sat up in the bed, leaning back against the pillow. Spike settled in beside her. "She's been working on them for about two hours."

"Huh. I wonder if she needs any help?"

Spike put a hand on her leg. "It sounds like she just wanted to do this herself."

Twilight relaxed. "Alright."

A few moments later, a batter stained Celestia knocked open the door. She was wearing a red apron and pancake batter was smeared all over her fur and her mane. The apron was similarly spattered. Twilight and Spike gaped at her. Atop the messy princess's back was a silver tray stacked with pancakes. Little brown rivers of syrup ran down the stack and they were topped with butter.

Celestia took them in her magic, deftly stacked three on a plate for Twilight, three on a plate for Spike and three on a plate for herself. After laying the tray on a table, she settled down on the bed, softly so as to not even make a ripple on the sheets, and slid a wing behind Twilight. Twilight nuzzled her. "Thank you. I had no idea you could cook."

"It took me several tries, believe me."

Twilight dug in to the pancakes, making appreciative moans of pleasure. "These are delicious."

Spike scarfed his down and even licked the syrup on his plate. Twilight gobbled down her pancakes at a slower rate, slowly savoring every bite of the delectable treats. Her knife and fork dinged on the plate. The pancakes were warm and flaky, practically falling apart in her mouth.

Celestia took delicate, dainty bites of hers. She hadn't said anything since beginning the meal, only holding Twilight tightly in her wing. Twilight relished the warmth of her lover's touch and the sweet taste of the pancakes. Celestia held her fork over the last few pieces and paused.

Twilight glanced over at her and swallowed the piece of pancake she was eating. Celestia shook her mane and some of the strands tickled Twilight's cheek. She giggled and continued to munch on her breakfast. 

"Twilight."

Twilight looked up. "Yeas, Tia?"

"There's something I'd like to talk to you about."

Twilight stroked Celestia's shoulder and then looked back at Spike who was studiously staring at his plate. "What is it? Spike also acted like he wanted to tell me something. What's going on?"

There were a few more moments of hesitation. "I realize how happy you are in Ponyville. It's a nice, safe little town. I've never once worried about your safety here. I mean, with the exception of the odd eldritch abomination or two. Much safer than Manehattan gangs or even the seedier parts of Canterlot."

"I am happy here."

"Were you happy in Canterlot?"

Twilight thought back to those days, which seemed to be so distant now. "I had you and my family. But I spent a lot of time shutting myself away from others. Celestia, what are you getting at?"

The princess sighed. "You always were clever. I've already discussed this with Spike."

"What have you discussed with Spike?"

"I think you should come back to Canterlot. If only for a while."

Spike scratched the bed sheets. "I, um, I kind of think so too."

Twilight grit her teeth. "No. I'm not going to let them run me out of my home."

Celestia stroked her mane. "Twilight, I can protect you. Canterlot Castle is a fortress. Nopony I don't trust gets in."

"Canterlot is also where the nobles are."

"I could have a contingent of royal guards be your escort."

"No." Twilight set aside her now empty plate, placing it on the night stand. "I'm sorry, but that's not happening. If I run now, I'll be running forever. I won't do it."

She rose from the bed. Celestia stood and strode next to her. Both stared out the window at the little town that was still in the process of waking up. Blue and purple morning glories unfurled their petals to the soft light amidst emerald tendrils. The gardens of the town were filled with fresh red strawberries or juicy blackberries. Golden Harvest plucked up carrots to take to market. 

The waters of a stone fountain glimmered like crystals. A statue of a rearing mare, one of the great heroes of Ponyville history later deified after discovering a cure for an epidemic, stood at the end of the road. A herd of stallions strolled by it, laughing about something. Twilight recognized them. Davenport, Big Mac and Filthy Rich. She had spoken with them, knew their families, and they had grown to know her. "This is my home now."

Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder. "I understand. Believe me when I say I do. It won't have to be forever. Just think about it, please?"

"I will."

Spike waddled up and leaned against her. "I still say we should do it. I'll miss Rarity and everypony else, but like Celestia said it won't be forever. Just for a little while. I don't like seeing you get hurt."

Twilight avoided looking at him, fearing she'd crumble from his pleading. "I know you don't. But I'm not going to run. If I do, it's like they've won. They'll think I'm scared."

Celestia patted her withers. "Twilight, there are times when fear is a gift. The duke tried to kill you. Had you been a little less skilled, I could be planning your funeral right now."

Twilight pawed at the ground. "Maybe...maybe getting away wouldn't be such a bad idea. I could stay with Zecora for a while, like I did when Trixie drove me out of town. It just doesn't feel right."

"Perhaps, your friend Rainbow Dash is rubbing off on you. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from a Pony who once charged a hydra and raided a dragon's hoard."

Twilight chuckled. After the hydra incident, Celestia had sent her a sternly worded letter about not charging directly into a predator's mouth. A feathery blanket was laid over her withers. "Twilight, believe it or not, there are unicorns far stronger than you. Not many and I could count them on my hooves, but they are out there. Some may resent our relationship."

Twilight stiffened, but relaxed at the trail of caresses Celestia's hooves left on her back. "I guess...running isn't in my nature. Running towards, yes, but not running away."

"It's called a tactical retreat, my love." She nuzzled Twilight's neck. "I know how brave you are. Everypony knows that. Nopony will think less of you if you retreat."

Twilight leaned into Celestia's side. "I need to think."

"I understand." Celestia tugged her with a wing. "I think you need a bath by the way."

Twilight grinned. "Do I now? I bet you need a bath too."

"Hmm, I have an idea. Let's save water."

Twilight's grin took on a devilish quality. Spike gagged and Twilight pranced away, sticking her tongue out at Celestia. Celestia took chase after her, her hooves pounding on the carpeted, hardwood floor. Twilight rushed towards the bathroom door and flung it open, Celestia only a few inches behind her.  

Twilight used her magic to turn the knob and warm water flowed into the tub. Steam lifted up and the clear water invited the two Ponies inside as they stepped into it. Twilight sighed in satisfaction as the warm current moved around her fetlocks. Celestia sank into the waters and Twilight relaxed onto her chest.
...
Celestia's mood had markedly improved by the time she returned to Canterlot Castle. She sailed through an open window and happily trotted down the marble halls. The sun streamed through multicolored fragments of the stained glass windows casting a rainbow of pastel colors against the normally pale white walls.

The two Pegasus guards, Valiant Shield and Straight Edge, saluted to her as she entered her throne room. Raven greeted her. She smiled at her advisor and even hugged her with a wing. Raven gave her a quizzical glance, but didn't resist the sudden affection. "Life is beautiful, is it not, Raven?"

Raven shuffled her papers. "It is indeed, Princess."

Celestia ascended the red carpeted path that led up to her golden throne and settled herself against the red cushion. "And precious. And all too fleeting. It must be protected."

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Is something on your mind, Princess?"

"You could...you could certainly say that, dear Raven. What's on the agenda for today? Also, where is my sister?"

Raven looked down at her clipboard, flipped through a few pages. "Luna is out with the Arabian diplomat discussing...oh for Celestia's sake...'the socio-economic condition of Equestria's businesses, specifically their eateries.' She's not a teenager. If she wants to go on a date, she can go on a date."

Celestia listened to her, but couldn't help but gaze around her throne room. Stained glass depicted the heroes of old. A few even included Twilight and her friends. One smoky blue pane depicted the world. Another was a sheer wall of magenta. A purple pane swirled with the waves of the sea. A yellow one reflected the blazing majesty of the sun. Blue curtains decorated with wave patterns hung over pink curtains. There was a pink curtain behind her.

The curtains served no purpose other than to be beautiful. She had built her empire upon beauty, she realized. There were those who wanted ugliness-death and chaos as of old.

They would not prosper. Oh no, they would not.

Her beautiful world was precious. She would and must protect it.

"P-Princess?"

Celestia looked away from the stained glass depicting solar dominion. "Yes, my friend?"

Raven sputtered. "Um, are you alright?"

"Never better. Oh, right. Duke Green Feather is to be tried for attempted murder. Move the trial up to as quickly as possible."

Raven's expression soured. "I heard what happened. Some are saying that Green Feather should be dealt with harshly. A royal order of execution."

Celestia paused. "In my millennia of ruling, I've only done that twice. The first time to Grogar the Mad and the second time to the Bloody Baron for genocide. Both of them killed distant family members so I enacted my personal right of kinship revenge. I've never passed a legal execution."

"Yes, I know. But, some say he deserves the rope."

"It's been over one-thousand years since I last did that. I stripped myself of that power. To pass a death sentence would require a change to the constitution."

Raven pursed her lips into a hard line. "I knew Twilight when she was a filly. I would help her find books in the library. She would cry on my shoulder when she was bullied. If I had a rope, Green Feather would be hanging from it by now. I know your opinion on the sanctity of life. I agree. But..."

Celestia touched her lips. "I understand, Raven. Believe me, if I gave in to my baser instincts, Green Feather would be burned to ashes. But I can not give in to anger for reasons that I can not adequately explain. If it's harmful for a mortal to seek vengeance, it's even worse for one of my kind." For a single second, her mane burned like fire and living flames shot from her eyes.

Raven jumped back. Celestia closed her eyes. "I can not give in."

"It would be just."

"Yes. It would be. But so would removing his title and banishing him. And perpetual disgrace will provide a far deeper deterrent. Believe me, Raven, many who don't fear death fear a loss of honor."

Raven knelt her head. "I bow to your wisdom."

Celestia rustled her wings and preened an errant feather. "Please send in the petitioners."

The grey, Braytorian guards, opened up the doors. Celestia gaped as a veritable herd of nobles filled the chambers. Celestia counted and found that all of the thirteen major houses were represented and seven of the minor houses, including House Sparkle. She waved to Twilight Velvet. Velvet waved back.

An old, grey Unicorn mare with a cotton white mane strode forward. "We, the Great Council of Nobles, have need of redress with Your Highness, Imperial Mother Celestia, Princess of Equestria, Queen of Canterlot, Protectrix of Coudsdale, High Chieftain..."

Celestia tuned out for a while while her numerous titles were recounted. "What is the cause of this great convocation? I have not seen a gathering of this magnitude since the last border skirmish with Donkeya. And Lady Velvet, I have never seen you here in your capacity as a duchess. Where is your husband?"

"Politics bores him, he says, so he's gone to visit Twilight along with my son. And somepony needs to defend my daughter while schemers plot behind her back when she isn't here to protect herself."

"I see. Please, Lady Earl Grey, continue."

The baron cleared her throat. "It is about the wounded honor of Lord Orange Grass."

"Does he have a complaint against me? I have a complaint against him. The custodial staff had to repair all the holes in the wall of this very throne room."

"Lord Orange Grass is recovering from the shock of being thrown in a dungeon."

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "My dungeons have better accommodations than some hotels."

"Still, it was quite a shock for him."

All the nobles began to murmur and grunt in agreement although Celestia heard a few grumbles against Orange Grass. She examined the crowd more closely. There was a clear division. Several of the nobles had clustered around Velvet. Some were related to House Sparkle. Others were traditional allies. 

Many of the nobles were standing apart or whispering to each other. Some clustered around Orange Tree, the head of House Orange, who had the orange coat of his son and a yellow mane. 

Celestia lifted to her full height and spread her wings. Some of the nobles who had impertinently neared the throne stepped several paces back. "Have you all come in support of Lord Orange Grass? While touching, he has been released. Why are you here?"

Earl Grey held up a scroll. "This is a petition for you to end your improper relationship with Lady Twilight Sparkle."

Celestia snatched it from her grasp. "There's only six names on this." Six names which would be closely examined from here on out. "Improper relationship? Excuse me? I didn't realize I was required to not have a relationship."

Earl Grey scuffed the floor with a hoof. "It is not that. There have been rumors of you leaving your post and arriving at the castle late. You took a long vacation. You never took vacations before."

"And the nation did not go to ruins because of it!"

Fancy Pants stamped a hoof. "Quite right, Princess! Everypony needs a break. You have done an admirable job of ruling and if you wish to spend time with your consort you have every right! Earl Grey is the one being improper!"

The nobles clustered around him shouted in agreement. A few nobles on the side of Orange Tree shouted back. Several stomped their hooves and many lowered their horns or flared their wings. 

Celestia brought down her hoof. "Peace! We will discuss this as civilized adults."

Her words brought peace to the confusion and the aggressors lifted up their heads and put their wings back against their sides. A smirk crossed the lips of Earl Grey. "Tell me, Princess, what you just did. Bringing peace to a potential fight. Bringing harmony to chaos. You are rather good at it, are you not?"

"I would like to think so, yes."

"Why couldn't you do that when the dispute broke out between Orange Grass and Yellowtail? You almost never sentence Ponies to the dungeon. I looked it up. It last occurred five years ago."

Celestia fell silent, thinking carefully about how she wanted to respond to that. Earl Grey had a point. Had she lost her temper? Had she simply been angry that he was holding her up from a date? In so many similar situations, she had sat down and discussed things with her subjects, spent hours working out a solution.

Earl Grey looked like a shark going in for the kill. "Well, Princess? Tell us. What was different? Was is the fact you were hurrying for a meeting with your beloved? Ah, I recall the heady days when I first met my husband-before he ran off-I would have knocked down anypony standing between us."

Celestia kept her voice as level as she possibly could. "Lady Grey, perhaps you are right. But, Orange Grass needs to take responsibility for his actions. He used lasers in the palace."

"The concern we all have is the hold Lady Twilight has over you."

Velvet glared at Earl Grey. "You're making my daughter sound like some kind of master seductress. What hold?"

"She has lured you off to Mustangia where she may have whispered who knows what into your head."

Celestia's jaw dropped.

Earl Grey continued. "She has lured you into her bed."

Celestia's cheeks colored.

"Always away from Canterlot. Away from your duties. Before, you never came late to the Day Court."

Velvet whirled around and stamped towards Earl Grey. "You stop it right there! I will not have my daughter's name publicly besmirched!"

Twilight's relatives formed a protective herd around Velvet. 

Earl Grey remained serene. "What is this, Lady Velvet? There is no cause for such an outburst."

"The hell there isn't! Twilight loves Celestia! I didn't approve at first, but she is free to make her own choices and so is the Princess!"

"I am not saying they're not." Earl Grey spoke as calmly as if they were discussing the weather. "But I do not trust her. She has a record of emotional instability. She used dark magic on the denizens of Ponyville."

"Once." Celestia rose. "And that only because she was suffering the psychological effects of facing Discord."

"She is a seeker of power."

"Every being seeks power in some form or another. You have come to my court and offered idle speculations and delusional conspiracies. If you have nothing of importance to say, leave. Immediately."

"I will not."

Celestia's breath hitched. "You're on thin ice."

"Will you throw me in the dungeon too?"

"Perhaps and you would enjoy finding plots and sinister schemes in every nook, cranny and shadow!"

Lord Clover, a green unicorn with a white mane, snorted. "That she would. I'm sure this has nothing to do with her own daughter's failed courting of you."

"Indeed, it does not." The earl's voice was so cool that Celestia was certain that it brought down the temperature in the room. "My daughter has met a lovely young mare. Her infatuation with the princess was a mere crush, nothing more."

"She told me that you made her court me."

A momentary flicker of irritation crossed her face, indicated by a brief curling of her lips. 

Lady Clover shook her purple mane. Unlike her husband, her fur was red and she belonged to House Amethyst, a traditional enemy of House Grey. "Pathetic. You talk of Lady Twilight seeking power? You have made a living out of it, former Duchess Grey."

The earl snarled. "I loved my husband."

"You loved his wealth and his title."

Earl Grey stalked towards her, horn aimed at the other Unicorn's throat. "How dare you!"

Velvet quickly put herself between the two and faced the earl. "How dare you slander my daughter before all the houses!"

The impact of Celestia's hoof meeting the stone turned everypony's attention back to her. "Perhaps we should stay on topic."

Lady Clover knocked aside Earl Grey's horn. "That's why he left, isn't it? He knew."

"I'll kill you!" The earl lunged, her horn darting forward in a quick arc. Lord Clover jumped between them and blocked her horn with his own. The guards were quick to rush forward and restrain the warring parties. 

Early Grey steadied herself. "I won't kill her. I promise."

The guards exchanged a glance and set free the combatants. Lady Clover set back her mane. "My apologies. I realize my former lover and your former husband is a sore spot."

Earl Grey regained her composure with a visible act of will. "Yes, well...yes. My apologies as well. I shouldn't have attacked you in the castle."

Celestia brought a hoof to her face. "I feel we've moved off topic. Lady Clover, Lord Clover, are you still going to that marriage counselor?"

"Stop trying to change the subject!" Earl Grey lifted up her head and shook her mane. "You have yet to respond to the concerns of the Houses."

Celestia stood from her throne and spread her wings to their fullest extent. The light in the palace illuminated each feather and pinion and her ethereal mane shimmered. "Twilight is a kind and virtuous Pony. She is a hero of Equestria. More importantly, she is my beloved. One day, perhaps, she will sit beside me as my wife. Either get used to it or get out."

There were gasps from several of the nobles.

Earl Grey frowned. "I knew it. I knew it! Don't you see, Princess? She only desires a place by your throne! It was in Mustangia she proposed wasn't it?"

"Will you shut up?" Velvet snapped. "You've said what you wanted to say, now get out of here!"

Earl Grey snorted. "You're behind this aren't you?"

Velvet stood her ground as the earl advanced on her, pressing her muzzle to Velvet's. Velvet wouldn't budge. "Are you accusing me of something?"

"You put the idea into your daughter's head didn't you? This is some sort of plot by House Sparkle to regain its prestige, isn't it?"

"Considering that my son is Emperor of the Crystal Ponies and my daughter is an Element of Harmony, I don't think we need Twilight to marry the Princess to get that back."

The earl stood back. "Funny that. Your son with one princess and your daughter with one another."

A few of the nobles began to murmur. Baron Fire Heart, a red unicorn with a golden mane, looked up to the princess. "Your Highness, you must admit it is an oddity."

Celestia glared at him. "Shining and Cadence's love for each other is pure and strong. Enough of this. The court is closed. Guards, remove the petitioners."

They didn't need to. The nobles quickly exited, all except Velvet. Velvet approached the throne. "Did she, Celestia?"

"Did who what?"

"Did Twilight propose?"

"I didn't say yes. I haven't said yes yet."

"I see."

"Do you disapprove, Velvet?"

Velvet was silent for a moment. Then, she laid a hoof on Celestia's hoof. "You make her happy. Yes, I approve."

"Thank you, Velvet. That...means a lot to me." She patted Velvet's offered hoof. "And to be completely sure. You didn't set Shining and Cadence up, right? And me and Twilight?"

Velvet sighed. "Do I strike you as that kind of Pony?"

Celestia rubbed her forehead. "No. I'm very sorry. There are some who can not see love as pure, who must seek for power plays. I've been among them for too long. Velvet, to be frank, I'd almost consider making you an earl and raising Sparkle to a major house if only to scorn Earl Grey."

Velvet knelt her head. "Oh, Princess, I beseech thee, please do not. I enjoy my simple life."

"If only there were ten-thousand nobles like you!"

"There are. The bad ones are simply louder."

"You're right."

They nuzzled each other and Velvet left. Celestia rubbed her temples. "Raven? Get Razor Edge in here."

"At once, Your Highness."

She hurried from the room.
...
Twilight jumped up from the couch, causing the book she was holding to drop on the floor. Grumbling, she picked it up and settled it down on the cushion. The knocking continued. Spike jumped off the chair he'd been sitting on and quickly swallowed his amethyst.

They both headed towards the door. Spike reached it first. Twilight felt herself growing rigid as Spike reached for the doorknob and she reviewed every combat spell she knew of. Spike reached the doorknob and turned it, stepping back as the door opened. "Grandpa! Shining! Cadence!"

Both Shining Armor, Cadence and Night Light hugged the little dragon who returned the affection.

"Dad! BBBFF! Cadence!" Twilight ran into their waiting forelegs. "Where's Mom?"

"Mom's at court. There's been a convocation and all houses were invited. I decided not to go."

Twilight peaked over her brother's shoulder. Her jaw worked up and down. "I...um...see you've brought...friends?"

There was a circle of golden-clad soldiers forming around the library, holding out their spears.

Shining observed them. "Fifty-seventh regiment, I'd guess. I just assumed you know why they were here."

Night Light shrugged. "I've been out of the Guard too long and everypony looks so young at this age so they all look like colts playing dress-up to me."

Twilight marched out of the library, followed by Cadence, Night Light, and Shining Armor.

Night Light saluted. "Yep, Fifty-seventh. Hi Razor. Lieutenant? Good job, son."

Razor Edge saluted. "Thank you, Sir!"

Twilight nodded her head in greeting. "Lieutenant."

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"Might I ask what you're doing here?"

"The Princess has ordered us to guard you and your home. Do not fear. No assassin will come in under our watch!"

Twilight ground the dirt beneath her hoof. "Nopony will come in! This is a library!"

"Patrons will be allowed in, Ma'am."

"How do you intend to distinguish between patrons and assassins? Weapons check?" Shining asked.

"Yes, Captain. I mean, Your Imperial Majesty."

"You're not a Crystal Pony, captain is fine."

"Yes, Sir."

Shining scratched his chin. "What about an anti-magic field?"

"We would need to ask Lady Sparkle's permission, which we were about to do."

Twilight's hoof dug a deep pit into the earth. "This is too far. I need to talk to Celestia about this."

She became aware of her brother's hoof on her shoulder. "I agree with the Princess. You need protection."

"Did you have a guard escort when dating Cadence?"

"Yes. They maintained their distance and I didn't even know about it until later, but yes we did."

Cadence stroked Twilight's mane. "I think it's sweet. It's just because she cares, Ladybug."

"Alright. Fine. I'm still going to talk to Celestia, but first I'd like to spend the day with my family."

Shining smiled. "Great, that's why we came. Why don't you show us around?"

With Shining, Cadence and Night Light flanking her and Spike atop her back they went into town.
> Summer-Dusk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight marched towards the train station. Two guards followed behind her, making her feel like a prisoner being escorted to the dungeon. The frown etched on her face was making her jaw hurt and each stomp of her hoof on the ground swept up a cloud of dust and rocks. It was a rare treat for her to spend time with her dad, big brother and foalsitter. That had calmed her down, but now they were gone and there remained a contingent of armed guards surrounding her library.

That was a problem that would have to be dealt with. Her march ended at the iron train tracks. She stopped and mingled with the crowd of other Ponies waiting for the train to Canterlot. The sunlight was fading away, the last crimson rays flickering against the darkening sky. Twilight gazed at the sight and took a deep breath. A few moments passed and the town was bathed in deep, purple shadows. The crowd of Ponies kept their distance while Razor Wing and Valiant Heart flanked her right and left side.

Her companions were clearly not much for conversation, not that Twilight had attempted to engage them. "You don't have to follow me, you know."

Razor flapped his wing, sending the dust away from him. Valiant Heart did the same. Razor returned his attention to Twilight once the dust cloud had dissipated. "The Princess has ordered us to accompany you at all times. We felt you would be safe with the captain and ex-general, in addition to Princess Cadence, but that does not apply to a train ride."

Twilight brought a hoof to her face. Everypony had formed a wide berth around her. "Alright. I get that. But do you really believe an assassin would target me on a train ride?"

"That is beside the point, Lady Twilight. We must carry out our orders."

Twilight held back a groan. It wasn't their fault. They were only doing their job. She would have to wait here for the train to come, with everypony staring at her, maybe wondering what she'd done wrong to bring down the attention of the authorities. One golden coated mare kept sneaking glances at her, her expression one of perverse curiosity.

Twilight kept her gaze straight ahead and avoided the gazes she could feel burning into her. She shuffled forward a few inches to show that she was at liberty to move. She shuffled up a few more inches till she was a foot away from the guards. The guards, sensing that their charge was about to make a break for it, shuffled back up to her sides.

This time, Twilight did groan and looked around. Nopony was looking at her, but she could feel their eyes. Their eyes felt like shame, even if Twilight was fairly sure that didn't make any sense. When she got back from Canterlot, she was going to have tea with Fluttershy. Fluttershy would understand in a way none of her other friends ever could.

After what felt like an eternity, the train chugged into the station, its tops belching smoke into the air. The earth trembled at its approach until the metallic behemoth stopped. The passengers trudged onto the platform and into the vehicle. Twilight found a red seat near the window and settled into it. The guards dutifully took their place just ahead of the seat. 

Twilight hid her face in her hooves. The train took off with a lurch and the hamlets of Ponyville sped by. In the darkness, the hills and mountains of Equestria sloped and lifted, rolling across the landscape. The train turned with the curve of the landscape, going ever east towards the royal city. The hills lifted up, massive shapes looming in the shadows.

The hills were crowned with woodlands and ancient forests. Twilight could only just make out the trees. She couldn't make out individual trees in the moonlight, only clumps of tall oaks and wide armed beeches. Occasionally, a river of moonlight would spill over the forests and illuminate the thick trunks of the ancient denizens of the forest, sparkle on the verdant leaves.

The train sped on by, passing the hills and the forests. The meadows were bathed in silver light, a lone hill occasionally jutting up from the soil of Equus before tapering away. Twilight fell into steady, rhythmic breaths, thinking about what she was going to say when she saw Celestia.

Was she angry? She had been angry. Yet, as she came closer to her destination, anger was melting away. She silenced her mind with an act of will and focused solely on her surroundings. Whispered conversations (none of which were about what crime the purple Unicorn surrounded by guards probably committed), the steady roar of the train, the golden inlay covering the silver roof of her car, the sweet, savory smells of roasting hay.

The tap of a hoof on her shoulder which knocked her out of her meditations. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Just Razor, please."

"Yes, Razor? Also, you can just call me Twilight."

The train chugged steadily forward. Razor hesitated as if to collect his thoughts. "What are you going to say to the Princess?"

Twilight chewed on her lip. "We're just going to have a talk."

"Ah." He shuffled a hoof. "I have been in relationships where I just wanted to have a talk with a marefriend and it sometimes ended in crying and screaming. I don't know if I was the problem or they were. I figure a relationship between two mares would be particularly volatile."

Twilight smirked. "It's possible you've just had spectacularly manipulative marefriends. That crying stuff works on stallions, but we don't dare try it on other mares. Sometimes works on our mothers if we happen to be below the age of five."

Razor's downcast expression didn't change. "Still, I hope you don't do anything to upset the Princess. You make her happy. In my years of service, I have not seen her so alive before you began your relationship. Don't hurt her."

The last part came out as a clipped command that made the fur on the back of Twilight's neck stand on end. "Look Razor, I promise you, I will not hurt her. I would never do that."

"Not on purpose."

"I won't, I swear it."

The train traveled forward, through villages very much like Ponyville. Tendrils of smoke from chimney stacks curled into the evening air. Twilight leaned back into her seat. The train ride was smooth, the rocking of the wheels over tracks oddly soothing in its own way.

Her thoughts turned to Celestia. What was she going to say to her? Twilight hoped that they would not be harsh words spoken in anger, as Razor feared. Her anger had rolled away somewhere past the hills. Outside her window, the familiar sight of Canterlot was coming into view. The high alabaster towers gleamed even at night, even if it was the silver light of the moon rather than the golden light of the sun that currently illuminated them.

As the train rode towards the royal city, it struggled up the rocky terrain. To get into Canterlot, the train had to ascend up the steep slopes of the mountain. Canterlot perched on the edge of a cliff, a white silhouette against the darkness of the star spangled night.

What had dissuaded several generations of would be conquerors also challenged the conductor of the vehicle. Twilight could feel the pressure as the train accelerated up the slopes, the towers coming ever closer. Gray, rocky mountains surrounded her on all sides. The towers appeared to grow steadily larger as the train got ever closer.

Twilight closed her eyes and prepared herself. This was not going to be an argument or a confrontation. She was going to express her views and then Celestia would express hers.

It was going to be a conversation, that was all. With a mighty push, the train entered into Canterlot and pulled into the station. The other passengers kept their distance from Twilight while everypony surged out into the city. The guards returned to their flanking position. Twilight started towards what she knew was the quickest route to the palace, the neighborhoods where the nobles lived.

Valiant Heart touched her shoulder, shook his head. "Let's go through the lower class's quarters. I grew up there, I'll show you the way."

"It'll take longer to get to the palace."

"Right now, the nobles are out for you. It'd be best to avoid them."

Twilight couldn't help but concede the point so they began their trek towards the poorer neighborhoods. While they were not the grand opulence of the noble quarters, the residents did try to keep things clean. There wasn't a scrap of trash anywhere. The buildings were mostly made of stone, which was abundant due to Canterlot being nestled in the mountains.

She couldn't make out individual houses in the dark of the night, only indistinct shapes of one story buildings. Low fences surrounded many of the homes. Sometimes, an upraised shout of anger or happiness would echo through the streets making Twilight jump. Her companions didn't even flinch.

They came finally to the palace that dominated Canterlot, went through the gates and continued onward through the halls. Twilight assumed her escorts would leave her as she ascended the stairs leading up to the higher levels, but they didn't leave her side. When she got to the royal bedroom, she was going to put her hoof down.

The stairs led to a wide, white hall. During the day, the lights of the stained glass windows played and danced on the floor. This night, the images within the glass could not be made out. Twilight trotted down the hall that she had played in as a filly. Her faithful guards followed after. Celestia's room was on the highest level, up one more set of stairs. This was where the highest ranking nobles had their quarters at.

Twilight quickly strode through the room, the clop of her hooves echoing. The room was cold, the stone floor chilly, especially against her horse shoes. She shivered slightly, feeling a sudden longing for Celestia's chambers which were always incredibly warm.

"Lady Twilight Sparkle? Is that you?"

Twilight whirled around, Razor and Valiant turning with her. They kept their spears in a neutral position, but Twilight could see that they were ready to use them at any minute.

Twilight instantly recognized the mare who had spoken. Earl Sunrise Shimmer's red, curly mane spilled across her orange fur. A curved horn spiraled from her forehead, a rare mutation that made her particularly desirable and attractive. She smiled a honey sweet smile as she approached Twilight and knelt her horn. "I was wanting to speak to you and tuned my horn to your magical signature. Peace, let's put aside our clan's differences."

Twilight returned the gesture, very lightly tapping Shimmer's horn. "Peace, let us hold palaver."

They separated. "An escort? I see the Princess is fretting about your safety. That Duke Green Feather...simply dreadful. But what can one expect from such a rough and tumble house? Hardly nobles at all if you ask me. But, me and you? We're the true nobles aren't we? By blood and nature."

Twilight inwardly cringed. "I suppose."

Shimmer patted her cheek. "Work on that self-confidence, Sweetie. Too much humility is not becoming."

Twilight resisted the urge to stand back. "Of course. I have been."

"Excellent! Also, let me apologize for my nephew attacking your cousin in the market place. This feud our stallions carry on is dreadful, simply dreadful, wouldn't you agree?"

Twilight sighed. "It is. Also, I would like to apologize for my cousin leading a raid on your husband's apple orchard. Did he send that apology letter we made him write?"

"Yes, yes. All is forgiven...mostly."

She began to walk like she couldn't manage to keep still. Twilight trailed beside her, the guards following behind. Shimmer flashed a withering glance at the guards. "Might you give us some privacy?"

Razor shook his head. "No can do, Ma'am."

"Ridiculous." She returned her attention to Twilight. "There is a way to end this feud."

"I have thought about that myself and I've drawn up plans."

Shimmer's ears perked up. "Truly? Let me hear them."

"A meeting between our two clans and the exchange of compensation for any actual or perceived insults. It'll take a while, but-"

Shimmer lifted her hoof. "My younger son has a quicker solution."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"

"A peace marriage. And he has indicated a desire for you."

Twilight choked. "Wow. Have you told him I'm taken? My cousin, Dawn, is single."

"He will not be satisfied with anypony else."

"I must refuse. But like I said, Dawn is available-"

Shimmer narrowed her eyes. "You are the most eligible member of your clan. Are you trying to insult me? Dawn Sparkle is almost as worthless as my own foolish daughter."

"Now, wait just one minute-"

"She didn't even finish college, barely finished high school! Almost no magical talent!"

Twilight stomped her hoof. "She is kind and goodhearted!"

Razor stood between the two. "Perhaps it would be for the best if we continued onward to the princess's chambers."

Shimmer shoved him aside. "We're not done. You have a duty to your clan, child. The princess will understand."

Twilight spoke through gritted teeth. "I have no duty to enter into a loveless marriage in order to end a clan feud that would have ended long ago with the application of common sense by both parties!"

Shimmer stood back. And then she began to laugh. It was a cold, bitter sound utterly devoid of joy or good humor. "My goddess, you're...you're actually in love with the princess! That's so cute!"

A scarlet hue crept up Twilight's cheeks. "I am very much in love with her."

"Love is nothing. Power is everything. Princess Celestia does not love you."

"Watch your tongue!" Twilight almost struck forward with her horn. Razor and Valiant interposed themselves between the two.

Shimmer had the good sense to step back a few paces. "I am only telling you the truth, Child. Listen to your elders. The princess, how old do you think she is? Older than I am, I know that. Older possibly than my oldest named ancestor and yours as well. What could you possibly mean to her? You are a plaything, a lovely, precious plaything, maybe, but in the end a plaything. You will die, little filly, and she will go on and she will forget that you ever were."

Twilight trembled, the words echoing the doubts and fears she kept inside of her own heart.

Shimmer grinned as she moved in for the kill. "But what will last? Legacy. You can help our clans join together, obtain new heights of glory. All you have to do is break it off with the princess and marry my son."

Twilight blinked back the tears. "No. No, Celestia loves me."

"You, and I bet she's loved one-thousand others."

"So what? She loves me now!"

Shimmer shook her head. "Poor child, so naive."

A flash of information scraped its way to Twilight's conscious mind. "Wait, your eldest son courted Celestia."

"So he did."

Twilight's teeth clenched so tight her jaw hurt. "So, that's what this is about." She pushed past Razor and Valiant who had moved their spears into a guard position. "With me out of the way, he can court her again. You presume she would be emotionally vulnerable and then your son would have more luck."

"And if I did? What of it?"

"You conniving, manipulative, bitch!"

Shimmer gasped. "Such language! Unfit for your cultivated tongue!"

Twilights's chest heaved as she tried to hold back the wrath boiling inside of her. "You want cultivated? Manger de la merde!"

The Prench swear made Earl Shimmer gasp. 

Razor patted her shoulder. "Let's go, Twilight. She wants a fight, don't give her one."

Twilight raised her hoof to her chest and let out a breath of air. "You're right." She didn't even stop to acknowledge Shimmer as they walked away. 

Shimmer cleared her throat and Twilight hesitated before turning around. Shimmer took a few cautious steps forward before Razor and Valiant's spears dissuaded her from coming closer. "It's very simple, my dear. For a long time, courting the Princess was a rite of passage. Everypony wanted the prestige, nopony thought she'd actually consent to a relationship. That was before you came along and did what nopony else had been capable of. Bit of a habit with you isn't it? Now, it's been shown that it can be done, the princess loves like any other being of flesh and blood. A place at her side belongs to my son. All you have to do is butt out."

Twilight strode forward, ignoring the uneasy looks of the guards, and pressed her muzzle to Shimmer's. "I'm not going anywhere."

"How unfortunate for you." She turned, swatting Twilight's face with her tail, and sauntered away. Twilight touched her stinging cheek.

Razor and Valiant returned their spears to a very hesitant neutral position, but Twilight could see that one wrong move would make them return to a more aggressive stance. They strode alongside her. 

"What do you think she meant by that?" Razor asked, coming to a stop. "How unfortunate for you. That sounded like a threat to me."

Twilight said nothing as they reached Princess Celestia's door. She didn't knock, only pushing the door open. The guards didn't follow her, taking up positions outside on either side of the door. Celestia was lounging on her white sheets and looked up from a book. Her face broke into a wide grin upon seeing Twilight and she cast aside the book, lept up from the bed and raced across the red carpet to sweep Twilight into a hug.

Any vestigal trace of anger in Twilight's heart faded at the two white forelegs drawing her close to the princess's chest. She rested her head against Celestia and listened to the rhythm of her heart beat which had lulled her to sleep countless times. Lifting up, she pressed her face against Celestia's cheek. Celestia returned the nuzzle. "On such short notice, Twilight? While I love surprise visits it's not like you. Is something wrong?"

"Hmm, yeah. We need to talk."

"Oh. Oh, dear. It isn't about the Guard Ponies I ordered stationed around your library is it?"

Twilight gave her a flat look. Celestia shrunk back. "I admit, an entire regiment might have been a tad much."

"Yes, just a tad." She hugged Celestia's neck. "I'm not mad, I'm not even disappointed. Also, you give the best hugs, you know that?"

"I know." She nuzzled Twilight's ear.

"Hmm, I was going to be mad, but I can't seem to remember why."

"The guard regiment surrounding your library?"

"Ah, right." She pulled away from Celestia's embrace. "I know you were worried, Tia."

"I was more than worried." Her voice shook. "The thought of you being hurt might have driven me a little insane. I actually drew up the paperwork I'd need to authorize Duke Feather's execution. They're unsigned, sitting on my desk. I know I shouldn't violate thousands of years of precedent, but Raven almost convinced me. I. Want. Him. Dead." She closed her eyes and took a deep, rattling breath. "You have no idea, Twilight. I've lost too many. I won't let you be hurt."

Twilight touched her cheek. "No, Tia, don't. I won't let you violate something you believe so deeply in."

Celestia patted Twilight's hoof. "Don't fret. It was more of a stress relief exercise. Duke Feather was banished this afternoon so he is beyond my power."

Twilight nestled beneath Celestia's chin. "I'm glad. I met Earl Shimmer. She tried to convince me to break up with you."

"And what'd you say?"

"Something in Prench that my mom would wash my mouth out with soap for saying."

"Good for you. I know her son, who was a gold digger only interested in advancement. I knew her daughter too...so much lost potential, that one."

The note of sadness did not go unnoticed by Twilight who stroked her face. "Is something wrong?"

"In the past. A failure."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later." Celestia spread her wings, laid them against Twilight's withers. Twilight shivered at the caress of the feathers.

Twilight smirked. "Stop trying to distract me with snuggles. I know you were worried, but I can't have a regiment around the library, it scares the patrons away."

Celestia looked away and Twilight couldn't tell if she was only playing at the shame on her face or not. "Very well. I'll downsize it to a single unit."

"Maybe just Razor and Valiant? I like those two."

A tentative smile graced Celestia's face. "I trust them, they are two of my finest guards. Very well." She moved away and sashayed towards the bed, resting her stomach onto the satin sheets. Twilight didn't hesitate to join her. Celestia's wing enveloped her and she in turn nuzzled into Celestia's side.

Celestia floated a book in front of them. "I was looking through a book of old Pony's tales from Megan's time. Have you ever heard the story of the Stolen Shadow?"

Twilight cuddled closer and glanced at the elegant script of the book. "No, I never have. I've never gotten around to studying Vallisian either...which I have a suspicion you know."

"Hmm? Are you saying I chose this book to distract you with the lure of knowledge in case you were angry about my barricading your home?"

Twilight kissed her. "As peace offerings go, it's a good one."

Celestia began the chant, her sweet voice rising and falling in the lilting tongue of the Ancients. Twilight listened, enraptured by her voice. Slowly, Celestia started to translate. They spent the rest of the evening studying and exchanging kisses.
> Summer-Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cosmos rolled out before Twilight, expanding infinitely in all directions, as far as she could see. The stars shimmered and ceaselessly moved over the face of the abyss she found herself in. She was not aware of any up or down, only floating along with the river of stars. The stars glittered and gleamed like rubies and sapphires, specks of gold and emerald, the deep velvet behind them causing them to pop with luster.

Twilight didn't know where she was, but she did not feel afraid. The blackness wrapped around her like a blanket. The stars that shone down on her with infinite hues of light were guiding her towards someplace. She went along with it, not resisting the current that drew her along the universe. Great, swirling clouds of novas spun in an endless turning. Quasars and pulsars burst and exploded, filling the void with thousands of shards of energy raining down throughout the emptiness of space.

A figure coalesced, a Pony with dark blue wings and a spiraling horn. Her wings flared out and a floating star-covered mane flowed down her back.

Twilight rushed to her, though she wasn't sure how she managed it in this strange, ethereal place. Luna rushed to meet her and pulled her into a rib crushing hug. Twilight gasped and patted Luna's back. "Nice to see you too, Princess."

Luna eased up, but kept the embrace tightly around Twilight's middle and pecked her cheek. "Oh, Twilight, my first friend in a millennium! I don't know what I would have done if you had been harmed!"

A slow blush crept up Twilight's cheeks. "Aw, Luna, I'm glad you're happy."

Luna blushed herself and drew back. "A-apologies, Twilight. That was a kiss of friendship, common in my age, which is, of course, not your age. I do not love you as my sister loves you, but I do love you-"

Twilight pressed a hoof to Luna's lips. "It's alright. It's alright, I understand."

"I'm heterosexual."

"I get it Luna."

They exchanged a friendly nuzzle. Luna started to pace. "These nobles have fallen so far from their ancestors, seeking power in such wicked, underhanded ways! Their ancestors must be rioting in the Otherworld!"

Twilight laid a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "They're not all like that. I'm a noble too, y'know, as I keep reminding Ponies lately. My house hasn't fallen, not in virtue anyway. Well, most of us. And there are good houses. The House of Fancy, most of the House of Clover, most of the De Lis."

Luna nodded. "I understand and did not mean to insult your honor."

"You didn't."

"But it is difficult to see such plots and schemes. Naturally, it happened in my own day, but usually not with an attempted assassination!"

"It doesn't normally happen in this time, either."

"Still, Twilight, I would be cautious. I have ordered three of my Night Guards whom I would trust with my own foal, if I had one, to guard your library."

"I understand."

"Be cautious, Twilight. If they can not take your life, they will target your reputation."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "There's nothing I have in my past I would want to hide."

Luna smirked. "When has truth ever gotten in the way of a good story?"

Something about the way Luna said that made her shiver. "What do you think they might do?"

"I can't say for sure. I only ask that you exercise the utmost caution." She kissed Twilight's cheek again. "My duties call, friend. Till tomorrow."

Twilight returned the kiss. "Until tomorrow."

Luna vanished. The world around Twilight flickered out of existence. Vertigo washed over her and she found herself in Celestia's bed, curled up in the center of a large white wing. Celestia murmured in her sleep, some cheerful babbling about cake. Twilight snuggled close to her and soon fell back to sleep, into a dream about roaming in some primitive meadow, wandering stone-strewn valleys, with Celestia at her side.
...
The gentle rays tickled Twilight's eyes. She buried her face in softness and felt a blanket of feathers press her deeper into a cuddle. A moan of contentment escaped Twilight's lips, the strands of a hairbrush running through her locks and taming the split ends and general mess that was her mane in the morning.

Twilight melted, relaxing into the ministrations. The brush went down lower, tickling the fur of her back and soothing the hair of her tail. Celestia placed the brush aside. "Time to wake up, Love."

Twilight sleepily protested. The bristles of the brush pulled and tugged at the strands of her mane, slow, gentle, caresses, lulling Twilight back into dreamworld. "If you're trying to get me to sleep, it's working."

Celestia hummed to herself and continued the brushing, drawing out each stroke of the brush, running through her mane with a tantalizing slowness, the bristles tickling and soothing at the same time, leaving Twilight's scalp feeling tingly. "Hey, Tia?"

"Hmm?"

Twilight buried her face in her chest and mumbled something to Celestia's rib cage. 

Celestia lifted her chin, forcing Twilight to look her in the eyes. "Darling, I'm sure we've gone past the stage in our relationship where we need to mumble and be afraid to share our feelings."

Twilight steeled herself. "Last night, Luna came to me and, um, was happy to see me, so she kissed my cheek. And I kissed her back-on the cheek!"

Celestia smoothed the fur on Twilight's back, the brush guided by her golden magic. "And?"

"You're not mad?"

"Not for a friendship kiss. Ponies don't kiss their friends anymore?"

"Uh-uh."

"Huh. I should get out more."

Twilight focused her magic and brushed Celestia's wings. A purr of pleasure emanated from her parted lips as Twilight's magic played with her feathers, softly plucking out any broken ones and rustling misaligned feathers back into their proper place from where they had gotten jostled during the night.

The preening calmed Celestia, her lover's warm magic seeping into her primaries and enveloping her wings. The energy ran through her feathers, cradling them and caressing them. Celestia, in turn, brushed Twilight's fur. Twilight nestled close. "You know, some cultures claim mutual grooming is the height of love?"

"Do you agree, my beloved?"

Twilight lifted up and kissed her chin. "I do."

"Come closer."

Twilight obeyed and her reward was the feeling of Celestia's lips enveloping her horn. The pleasure exploding was enough to shut down her mind. Celestia slid along her horn. "Among ancient members of your tribe-"

"Horn sucking was-is-an act of supreme trust. Taking somepony's weapon into your mouth, trusting that they won't stab it through your skull." Twilight opened her mouth and fit the appendage into her lips. The fluted ridges tickled along the ridges of the roof of her mouth.

She suckled on it and was pleased with the squirming of her princess. Releasing it, she settled back onto Celestia's chest. For a few moments, they just laid there, curled into each other as if they dwelt in a world of their own which had been specially made for them.

Celestia's wings trailed along her sides, lingering against her cutie marks. "Unfortunately, I do have duties. I need to get up, Beloved."

Twilight remained solidly on her chest, like a stubborn cat. "I know. We should both get a bath though."

"Oh, certainly."

There was a knock on the door. 

Celestia smiled and lifted up, planting all of her hooves on the floor. Twilight hopped off the bed. 

"Raven? Is that you?" Celestia asked.

Raven entered. "Good morning, Princess, Lady Twilight. Breakfast will be ready in half-an-hour. Will I tell the chefs to prepare a meal for three?"

Celestia glanced over at Twilight. Twilight nodded. "Sure. Just need to send a letter to Spike."
...
Spike paced back and forth over the wooden floor, the tapping of his clawed feet a cadence throughout the otherwise silent room. He traveled to the kitchen, jumped onto the oak counter and opened a cabinet. He pulled out a box of batter. Purists might decry it, but batter was just easier. So, that's all there was to that.

He grabbed a skillet and jumped down onto the floor. He carefully directed his thoughts towards his task while he turned the stove on and placed the skillet on the blazing red burner. He opened the box of batter and poured the white substance into the black surface of the skillet.

Twilight was fine, he told himself. Twilight was fine and was going to walk through the door any minute and when she did, she was going to want her breakfast.

He shook the skillet, not needing to wear gloves as his scales were impervious to heat. He didn't know why the skillet was shaking so he put it down. The batter was turning golden-brown. The spatula he picked up  trembled in his grasp. His face twisted into a scowl. Why was everything he touched trembling today? 

Twilight was fine. Twilight was with Celestia and was going to come back any second now.

Spike sneaked a glance out of the kitchen, slid the spatula under the browning pancake and flipped it. It soared into the air and he cursed as it landed on the floor. The spatula was trembling so hard he almost lost his grip on it. Twilight was going to be so disappointed if he didn't have her breakfast ready.

He scurried over to the fallen pancake, took it in his claws and ran over to the trash bin where he had to lift up on his tiptoes in order to toss it into the trash. It landed with a satisfying whump. Spike hurried back over to the stove, leaping back up on to the counter and took back up the spatula. Now even the box of pancake batter was trembling in his claws. He cursed. What was going on today? Was there an enchantment?

He wasn't afraid. Twilight was fine. Why couldn't he catch his breath?

His eyes kept roaming over to the clock. It was only half past eight. Why wouldn't Twilight linger with Celestia? If he was with Rarity, he'd never leave.

The white batter splashed onto the pan and sizzled on touching it. He eyed the pancake batter carefully, watching as the heat of the burner slowly transformed it into a golden-brown color. Finally stilling the spatula, he placed it under the pancake and flipped it onto the side. Satisfied, he sat down and watched breakfast cook. 

A familiar churning started in his gut. He opened his mouth and emerald flames shot out. He eagerly grabbed at the scroll, cut through the ribbon and unfurled it so quickly he was afraid he would cut it to ribbons. He sighed in relief (although, he hadn't been scared!) when he read that Twilight was fine and having breakfast with Celestia.

He grinned at the pancake and set the missive aside. "It looks like it's just you and me, pancake." He jumped up and opened the cabinet right above the stove, pulling out a crystal bowel full of crushed amethyst which he liberally sprinkled into the pancake batter.

He turned down the heat and went back down to the floor, taking a stroll into the living room which also functioned as a library. A happy, morning tune broke from his lips and he pushed the door open. Twilight liked to read the newspaper and he liked the funny pages so he would just bring it in.

The Ponyville Times was seated outside their door just like it always was. He picked it up, the front page story immediately catching his eyes. He took several shuddering breaths as he read through the story. He could no longer deny the way his claws were trembling. With each word, the desire to burn, rip, destroy beat within him, his rational mind warring with his instincts.

As he reached the last paragraph, instinct beat his rational mind into submission and his fire raged within him in a burst of flames that reduced the paper to ashes.

He marched inside, slamming the door.
...
Twilight hummed happily as she strolled through town. The little village had woken up completely now. Her two stalwart guards were at her side and that, she presumed, was the reason for the strange looks she was getting. She strolled through the market place, the stalls flowing with vegetables and fruits. 

That wasn't her destination this morning, however. She turned a corner and headed towards the wide gingerbread house known as Sugarcube Corner. The second she stepped through, a pink blur threw her arms around her neck. Twilight returned the hug. "Um, Pinkie? What's up?"

Pinkie broke away. "Twilight, I just want you to know..." She held Twilight's hoof in her own, her expression strangely serious. "I don't believe a word of that hooey! I know you're a good Unicorn and a good Pony! You're not a warlock!"

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Of course I'm not a warlock. Who's saying otherwise?"

She noticed for the first time that everypony in the shop was staring at her, including Cup Cake and Carrot Cake. Her friends were circled around a table on which was an open newspaper.  Applejack's face was screwed up in disgust like she'd bitten into a lemon, Dash was pounding one hoof into another, Fluttershy's mouth was hanging open and Rarity's mouth was a tight line. Spike was sitting in her lap and she was rubbing his spines comfortingly.

On seeing Twilight, Spike hopped out of Rarity's lap and rushed over to Twilight, throwing his arms around her leg. She hugged him. "Twilight, it isn't true! Nopony will believe it!"

Twilight spoke through gritted teeth, reminded of what Luna had told her. "What isn't true? What won't anypony believe?"

Rarity stalked over to her. "You might want to take a look at the paper, Darling."

Twilight sat down next to Fluttershy who gave her a pat on the shoulder. "I just want you to know, Twilight, that everypony makes mistakes. Nopony is going to judge you, not after everything you've done for us."

Twilight grasped the paper in her magic and her teeth clamped together. On the front page was a picture of herself as a teenager. She was dressed in black robes, an upside down pentagram hanging from her neck. It had been from a Nightmare Night party. She didn't dress like that normally as anyone who spent more than five seconds around her would know. Her mage robes were blue, not black, not the robes of those who worshiped demons with obscene rites under cover of darkness. 

Black eyeliner and blue lipstick completed the image of her teenage self. It was just her in her goth phase. The table filled with punch would clearly tell anyone reading that this was just a party. Just pretend. No one would seriously believe...the headline proclaimed "Twilight Sparkle: Rise of a Warlock."

The libel continued. 

Twilight Sparkle's interest in power began as an adolescent. Already blessed with magnificent power and yoked to a familiar known for corrupting influences-

Twilight stopped reading, closed her eyes, counted to three, and continued. She was drawn first to mind control magic. A proprietor of a Canterlot bookstore specializing in dark magic, who would prefer to remain anonymous for obvious reasons,
said that Twilight would come in every evening and read books on mind control magic as well as other forbidden arts. It is unknown if she used these powers while a student, but her fellow students report that she exhibited odd behaviors.

"Yeah, Twilight was always off to herself. Never wanted to hang out, never wanted to have fun," Stated Lemon Drops, former alumni from Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns. It should be noted that warlocks are often lovers of solitude as they fear their perverse desires and experiments will be discovered. Just what was Twilight studying?

"Twilight was brilliant and she knew all the branches of magic, even the dark arts," reported Mr. Wiseman. 

Rarity rubbed circles in her forehead. "For the non-Unicorns in the audience, some knowledge of the dark arts are essential to graduating any magic school."

Twilight looked up. "It's about balancing the polarities within oneself. Kiss the flame and it is yours."

Of course, student Unicorns are expected to study all branches, but did Twilight's research go beyond mere academic interest?  Dusty Pages, Canterlot librarian, reports that Twilight would spend hours in the restricted sections of the library.
Was she perfecting her deviant knowledge? This reporter says yes. Twilight, after graduation, was sent to Ponyville for reasons that remain unclear. She happened to "redeem" Nightmare Moon and become the Element of Magic. It is well known that the Elements of Harmony tap into the Rainbow Magic and no mortal can bear the power of creation without their minds being twisted towards madness. Princess Luna was a bearer and she was driven into madness.

Twilight, as far as this reporter can tell, first used her dark magic when she cast the forbidden want it-need it spell over Ponyville for murky reasons revolving around a late assignment. This led to the entire town battling over a single doll. One wonders what corrupted mind would use a symbol of foalhood innocence as a conduit for demonic energies. Celestia herself pardoned her for this crime raising suspicions about their relationship.

It is also known that Twilight's familiar is Spike the Dragon. Warlocks almost always have reptile familiars. Now, Twilight is in a relationship with Princess Celestia, her former teacher. She lured the Princess off to Mustangia, an uncivilized nation, where she apparently proposed. Will a warlock be our next ruler? What is Twilight Sparkle planning? 

Twilight laid her head down on the table. Her friends crowded around her, pulling her into a hug. She pushed them away, tears welling up in her eyes and splashing down onto the paper. "It's all true. Every word. I did have an interest in dark magic. I...I did want power. I was on the path to becoming a warlock."

Rarity pushed her chin up. "Darling, listen to me. Every Unicorn struggles. What matters is that you didn't give in." She wiped away Twilight's tears. 

Applejack gave Rarity a flat look. "Every Unicorn, Rarity? Try every being that has ever walked the face of Equus. Good and evil, it's in all of us. And when you're that age, you're trying to figure out who you are. Hell, I'm glad this article ain't about me."

"I'm glad it's not about me either, Darling."

Dash punched the table. "I know Ponies. You want me to call'em up, Twi? Some of them are actually out of jail."

Twilight shook her mane. "Thanks, but no. I just need to figure out who got all this information. This has some noble's hoofprints all over it."

Rarity examined the article, chewing her lip. "That reporter, Ink Letters. House Letters is a subordinate house to-"

"House Shimmer." Twilight growled. "Earl Shimmer told me her son will marry Celestia and it would be unfortunate if I didn't get out of the way."

"Maybe Earl Shimmer needs her face bucked in."

Twilight placed a hoof on Applejack's shoulder. "No, Applejack. You'll end up in jail or hurt by her private security forces."

"What are you going to do then, Sugarcube? You gotta do something."

Twilight laid her face back on the table. "I just don't know."
...
Celestia strolled into her throne room and was stopped by a mob of noble Ponies who were all shouting at each other. The upraised shouts and clopping of hooves filled the chamber, shook the very walls.

Celestia stomped her hoof, but the discord didn't end. If anything, the shouting got louder. 

Raven decided to join in, crashing her leg onto the ground. Luna flared her wings and marched directly into the room. "CEASE THIS AT ONCE!"

The shouting was replaced by dead silence. Earl Grey marched to the Princess. "Princess, we are owed an explanation."

Celestia stepped back, but then went forward, pushed her muzzle against Earl Grey's. "An explanation for what?" She pushed past her, ascended the dais and sat down on her throne. Luna joined her. Celestia flared out her wings and lifted herself to her full height.

The sun shining through the windows sent streams of pastel light over the floor and highlighted her rainbow mane. "I believe I am the one owed an explanation. I do not come to your places of business and riot. I am owed the same courtesy."

"There is something to riot about!" Earl Grey threw a paper at her hooves. Celestia lifted it up and quickly scanned it, her lips curling. 

Luna was the first to regain her composure. "This is libel, Earl Grey. Plain and simple."

Earl Grey approached the throne, but had the good sense to keep a few inches back. "Is it? Or does it all make sense? The Canterlot Times is a reputable paper. They do not report libel. By this time, that story will be on every front page on every newspaper in Equestria. Lady Twilight has exhibited a pattern of behavior. Of solitude, control, manipulation. She's manipulating you, using you."

"Get out."

"You know my words are true."

Celestia rose. "Get out."

The earl came closer. "The House of Lords is going to take a vote. If your mind has been compromised-"

Luna darted to her sister's side. "Her mind has not been compromised! You don't know what you're talking about, you traitor!"

"Treason is a serious offense. Don't bandy the word about. It is not treason to be concerned with the destiny of the empire. Indeed, perhaps you have committed treason, Princess Celestia."

"How dare you-"

"Now that this is known about Lady Twilight-"

"Twilight is not a warlock!"

"Do you deny she cast forbidden magic on the minds of her fellow citizens?"

"She was suffering psychological effects from facing Discord!"

"Ah, I see. Yes. She is not just a warlock, she is a mentally imbalanced warlock. Much better."

Luna trampled the ground and stared down Earl Grey who didn't budge. "In my day, I would have challenged you to a duel on my friend and sister's behalf. I would have killed you and decorated the throne with your head."

"Thank the Gods such dark days are behind us."

"They can always come back."

Earl Grey still wouldn't budge though Luna looked ready to kill her where she stood. She smirked. "This is how you run your domain now, Princess? With medieval threats of barbarism? With implications of returning to the dark days of duels and ridiculous bloodshed to avenge archaic notions of honor?"

"Oh is honor archaic now? Well then, now I certainly understand this degenerate age!" Luna roared. "You are making a mockery of your ancestors! I do not understand how you let this happen, Sister!"

Celestia turned away. "Nor do I."

Velvet strode through the herd of nobles. She was surrounded by representatives of her own house, House Clover, House Pants, House De Lis and House Glitter. "Earl Grey, I will have you know I am submitting an official complaint against you for slandering my house."

Earl Grey's faction crowded around her. "Are you now?" She asked. "It isn't slander when it's true."

"It isn't true."

Celestia cleared her throat. "If anypony has an actual petition, they can stay. Lady Velvet, I highly encourage you to do so. We can get the slander charge filed right now. Everypony else can leave. Earl Grey, I order you to leave the throne room immediately."

Most of the nobles filed out. The representatives of House Grey, House Shimmer, House Blue and House Prancer stayed where they were, crowding around Earl Grey. Velvet remained standing far to the side of them, surrounded by her relatives and allies.

Celestia once more cleared her throat. "Are you losing your hearing in your old age, Earl Grey?"

Earl Grey bowed stiffly and quickly straightened up. "Today, the House of Lords will convene. All house representatives will be required to be there. If your mind has been compromised, we will pass an edict stripping you of your title and returning power to us."

Celestia took in a sharp intake of breath. "This  is treason, Earl Grey."

"No, it isn't." Earl Grey levitated a book out of her saddle bag, flipped it open and started to read. "'In the event of mental incompetence by the Princess, her authority is to be returned to the House of Lords.' This is all perfectly legal, Your Highness."

Celestia rubbed the spot below her horn. Luna flapped her wings. "Earl Grey, that seems to have been written after my banishment without me in mind and without the House of Commons in mind either. Power would go to me and I would return it to my sister."

"Perhaps. I'd best be going. The convocation is set to begin shortly."

She trotted out, followed closely by her allies. The room was wreathed in silence. Velvet shuffled up to the throne and tentatively rested a hoof on Celestia's shoulder. "She can't do this. You have too much support and she'd need a unanimous vote."

"I know." Celestia patted Velvet's hoof. "Come, let's get the paperwork for  slander complaint filed away and then you can join your peers." She lifted up from the throne and headed towards the door. Then she paused. "Luna, if anyone comes, you can handle things, right?"

"Of course. I believe I'm actually beginning to understand this modern, constitutional monarchy idea."

"Great."

Together, she and Velvet entered into the hall.
...
It was closely approaching evening, the sun nearly completely its westward journey. The sun's light streamed down orange rays on the hills and fruitful valleys of Equestria. Celestia soared over it all, her wings lifted wide against the azure sky. Everything looked so small from down here. 

Her own guards were nowhere to be seen. She had dismissed them. She turned to the left, floating on a thermal. Golden grain rustled in small, farming villages that popped up between valleys and within deep, untamed forests where industrious Ponies had carved out a civilization for themselves.

Her Ponies. Her civilization. The civilization she had guided for millennia. The towns vanished in a haze of greens and brown. The Everfree Forest, the last untamed place in Equestria. Rough howls and snarls lifted up from the thick, tangled branches, endlessly intertwining in verdant and mahogany knots.

Celestia soared past them. Deep in the heart of those woods, the ruins of a city stood. That city was long lost and Celestia did not want to recall it. She angled her wings and prepared for a landing in Ponyville, directing her flight pattern towards a library carved into the heart of a living oak.

She landed and opened the door after a brief nod to her guards. Twilight looked up from the couch she was sitting on, put aside her book and rushed to her.

They held each other. 

Only after several minutes had passed did they part. Celestia wrapped her neck around Twilight's and Twilight returned the gesture. "Rough day, Tia?"

"I bet it wasn't as rough as yours."

"Ponies here love me. I had several patrons show up just to tell me they don't believe that story."

Celestia sighed. "I wish Ponies in Canterlot were as kind. Earl Grey is holding a convocation to have me impeached for being mentally incompetent. She's accused you of being a warlock and me of being under your influence. I can't even be there to defend myself because that would be seen as an act of intimidation."

Twilight ground her hoof into the wood. "She can't do that."

"No, she can. The motion will fail, though. It would need to be unanimous and the houses unanimously support me. Ponies fear change and this would be a huge change. Still, it's a direct challenge to my authority. I never thought she'd take her grudge this far."

Twilight pressed her muzzle against Celestia. "You're really hurt by this."

Celestia nuzzled Twilight. "I am. I don't always enjoy being princess, but it does feed one's ego. If I ever leave it, it'll be of my own free will. To be threatened with the equivalent of being fired...that hurts. Truly, it does."

Twilight rubbed her mane, the rainbow strands warm to the touch. "If you do get kicked out, you can always live here with me."

"Tempting, tempting. Also, your mother is suing Earl Grey."

Twilight smirked. "Remind me to get her a good Mother's Day gift this year. A really good one. Expensive."

"I'll chip in."

They sought comfort in each other's forelegs. "Do you want to stay here tonight?"

"I'd like to, but that would only raise further suspicion wouldn't it?"

Twilight bit her lip. "Tia, I never meant to cause you all this trouble. If this relationship is hurting your work, hurting the empire, maybe we should just..." She sniffled. "Just end things. I don't want you to be hurt."

Celestia pushed her lips to hers and Twilight's senses were filled with the tang of mint and sweetness of tea. Twilight kissed back.

"No, Twilight, never. We are not going to give them what they want."

Twilight reclined against her. "Want to go out? I think we could both use it. Spike is over at Rarity's, I'll leave  note for him."

"That sounds lovely, Twilight."

Twilight floated over a notebook, ripped out a page and wrote a message to Spike which she tacked to the front door. She set aside the notebook and quill, pressed herself to Celestia's side and they went out into town.
> Summer-Trials
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There were times when Celestia hated politics. Then, there were times when she loved them. She stood on the podium in the center of the large, marble room. It was elevated over the hundreds of concentric rings. Everypony could see her above them. They all knew who was in charge. She kept her wings from instinctively flaring out. The walls of the room were covered in windows which allowed in streams of golden, noontime light and caused the marble to glow white like her coat.

The ceiling was wide, held up by a circle of pillars. Written in every language of the subject races of the empire was the Articles of Union, which bound the tribes together beneath her reign. Her gaze wandered to those pillars. The first article, written in Old Equish, Donkeyan, Minotauran and Griffhalan clearly laid out the requirements of her rule in the intricate scrawl with which the ancients infused their calligraphy.

Article One made her reign dependent on the will of the tribes, a concession to the democratic traditions of the Earth Ponies. Her crown, her throne, the seat on which she sat, all of it, depended on the good pleasure of the senators who surrounded her.

For two solid days, they had debated. Voices had been raised, alliances made, insults tossed, even a few incidences of physical violence. Many of the senators were slouched in their seats. Others were struggling to keep their eyes open. A few yawned. 

Lord Greywing, an ancient silver Pegasus, rose from his seat. "This body has reached a decision on the fitness of Her Majesty Princess Celestia, by the will of the tribes  queen of the Unicorns, Supreme Commander of the Pegasi, Grand Matriarch of the Earth Ponies, Unifier of the Minotaurs, Protectress of the Griffons."

Celestia listened. Lord Greywing took a breath. "This is the decision. It has been determined by this body that Princess Celestia is fit for the duties of her office."

Celestia did not react, mainly because it was not surprising to her. It was like she told Twilight. Ponies preferred stability. Her forced abdication would throw everything into chaos. The Ponies, Griffons, Donkeys  and Minotaurs loyal to her would not accept it. It would mean civil war. The nationalist Minotaurs and Griffons would want to reunify with the Minotaur Union and Griffon Kingdoms. Those nations would intervene. Her niece, Goddess bless her, was not the meek pacifist everyone thought she was and she would not put up with her beloved aunt's unwilling retirement so the Crystal Empire's army would participate. Cadence marching on Canterlot was not out of the question if she thought it was under siege by hostile powers. And she would consider Earl Grey's actions both treasonous and hostile. 

The loyalists, nationalists and every other conceivable faction would join in the fray. Nopony wanted that.

Earl Shimmer roused herself. "Point of order, Ladies and Gentlestallion."

Lord Greywing suppressed a sigh. Celestia wondered if he would choose to run for re-election. She doubted it. "Yes, Earl Shimmer?"

"There is another question, that of Lady Twilight's status as a warlock."

Lord Greywing brought a hoof to his head. Commander Bucephalus, of the House of Soldiers, brought his brown hoof to his forehead and shook his golden mane. His feathers were standing on end, probably in need of a good preening. "The House of Nobles-all Unicorns, experts in the subject, I presume-have debated the subject and not found an answer. The House of Soldiers have determined she is not a threat due to her commendable service to Equestria. What more do you want, Your Grace?"

Earl Shimmer pounded her podium with a hoof. "Maleficent of the Black Tongue did commendable service to Equestria."

"It is sheer insanity to compare Maleficent to Lady Twilight!"

"Is it, Commander? Chieftain Green Branch, could you answer a question for me?"

The emerald green Earth Pony looked up. Her mane and a tail were a deep shade of yellow that sparkled in the light filling the chamber. "Yes, Earl Shimmer?"

"Do not the Earth Ponies have a way of determining warlocks? It was used during the last Warlock Wars."

Green Branch blinked, did a cursory review of the long and storied customs of her ancestors, answered. "The Warlock Wars were eight centuries ago. There are about three mages who can make that potion and it will kill a warlock instantly. Or, I suppose it will. The last known warlock died eight hundred years ago and the ones today keep quiet, if they're still around."

"They may still be around. Ah, so your tribe still has this knowledge."

"Barely."

Earl Shimmer's lips curled. "But you still have it?"

"Yes."

"Then, we will contact one of these three venerable mages."

"Another point of order, Earl Shimmer." This time the princess did unfurl her wings as if they were a battlefield banner. She lifted her chin. "We do not try those that have not been accused of an actual crime."

"Lady Twilight has been accused of a crime! Stop protecting her!"

Celestia growled and her wings twitched as she restrained the urge to scream. "Enough of this! You have no reason to question my authority so now you go after Twilight! My job is to protect the innocent! Put an end to this ridiculous vendetta!"

Earl Shimmer threw back her head. "You deny that Twilight cast a dark spell, for which you pardoned her?"

"Twilight..." Celestia very carefully weighed her words. "Twilight has a few issues with anxiety for which she sought treatment. That was the cause of her casting that spell."

"Mental instability has caused many to seek after the dark arts, has it not?"

Celestia wanted to deny that, but she could not. 

"What do you fear, Princess? Do you fear that I'm right?"

A trembling broke out over Celestia's body. Her legs shook. Her wings shook. Earl Shimmer continued. "Do you fear the loss of her? That she will fail the trial?"

Celestia tasted blood in her mouth from how hard she bit down on her lip.

"Are you afraid that the trial will kill her? That her soul truly has been corrupted by evil powers?"

Obscenities unspoken in thousands of years, obscenities which no one in this room would even recognize as an obscenity and only the most educated might even know the meaning of, flashed in her mind. It took serious effort not to say them, not to let a stream of profanity spew out of her lips.

She put on her smile and calmed her racing heart. "Twilight will take the test. And I assure you, Earl Shimmer, she will pass."

If she passed, Earl Shimmer's political career was dead. She had falsely accused a Hero of Equestria. She would maintain her title, but the heads of her clan would see to it that she was replaced on the Council.

"Is all business adjourned?" Celestia asked in a voice so peaceful, so devoid of the turmoil clawing at her soul, it struck even her as fake.

Chieftain Orange Bud cleared his throat. "The House of Commons petitions the throne on the matter of the value added tax."

"The throne declares the debate open."

She tuned out, she always did on debates she had heard hundreds of times before. It was not a particularly spirited debate  even the proponents of the idea did not seem particularly enthused by it. Tax debates were boring, twas a fact of life.

At last, it came to an end. The motion failed to pass (due to many-most-of the members not quite knowing just what a value added tax actually was. Celestia vowed to look it up. Eventually). 

Celestia raised her gavel. The marble burned orange as it was touched by the fire of the sun and the whole hall was washed in shades of peach and rose. It was nearly time for her to set the sun. Had the debate lasted that long? She needed to be careful about zoning out like that. "Does the Parliament have any further business?"

The three leaders of the House of Nobles, House of Soldiers and House of Commons all answered "neigh."

"Very well. I hereby declare this session of the Parliament closed. All in favor of going home, taking a long bath and reading a good book?"

"Seconded."

"Aye." 

"Very well." She banged the gavel. "Goodnight, everypony."

She stretched her back as the members of the legislative assembly all started to trot out the doors. She dismounted the podium, stepped onto the cool floor. The sun hung suspended in the sky, preparing for its rest on the western horizon. 

Celestia joined the crowd of officials as they all exited the room. She was greeted with a hug by her sister and a surprise hug from Twilight. She wrapped her wings around both of them. "Hello, Twilight."

Twilight planted a kiss on her lips. "How'd it go?"

"Yes, Sister. Am I now the sole princess in Equestria?"

Celestia chuckled. "Now don't be disappointed, but we're still a diarchy."

They started to walk down the hall, Twilight cuddled into her side, Celestia keeping a wing wrapped around her in addition to a wing around Luna. Among her favorite mares. Cadence being here would have made things perfect. She nudged Luna's side. "You could have come too, Luna."

"Someone had to respond to petitions. Besides, I would have had difficulty controlling my anger."

Twilight grit her teeth. "I would have too."

Celestia released the both of them, strode onto the balcony, looked over at Canterlot. Luna joined her. Twilight chose to remain at a respectful distance behind them. Celestia lit her horn, reached out with her magic. Invisible tendrils flared out from the golden magic enveloping her horn, reached out, touched the sun. The sun's presence was like an old, familiar friend, responding, yielding to her touch.

She guided the sun towards the west and it wheeled its way across the sky, finally disappearing, leaving the ivory towers of Canterlot shrouded in shadows until Luna lit her own horn. The moon was different from the sun. The moon was cool where the sun was hot, yet it embraced Luna like a lover. Luna's magic curled around the silver orb, pulled it up. It floated into the sky, poured its silvery light over the narrow lanes and alleys of the capital. Luna closed her eyes, breathed out, cut the connection. "The moon is stronger than the sun, I will always believe that."

"Why is that?"

"I struggle to maintain the connection and then I struggle to close it. She does not want to let me go."

"Perhaps, she's lonely."

Luna shrugged. "I am not lonely, certainly."

Celestia patted her shoulder. "I am glad to hear that."

Luna shuffled a hoof. "Though, I could still use some advice with Akbear."

Twilight trotted forward. "What kind of advice?"

Luna looked up to the sky. "W-we can talk about it later."

Celestia's foreleg held her in place. "Luna, remember that nice conversation we had about sharing our problems?"

"Of course I do, Sister. Akbear is a gallant stallion and I-I think I might be ready to say the L-word."

"Truly, Sister? A big step."

"I haven't said it to a stallion since I can't remember when."

Twilight cleared her throat. The royal sisters turned to look at her. "May I say something?"

Celestia ushered her closer. "Of course, Twilight. You're practically part of our family now."

"When I started to court Celestia, I just went right up and told her I loved her." She paused. "Alcohol helped. Actually, I wouldn't advise that with you."

"If it works, I suppose..." Luna gulped. "Would you two mind coming on a double date with us this Friday? I might need some support."

Both of them laid their hooves on Luna's withers. "Of course we will, Princess...I mean, Luna."

"Thank you." She pulled away. "It is time for night court to begin."

"Good luck!" Celestia called after her. She left, leaving only Twilight and Celestia on the balcony. Celestia nuzzled her, a gesture of affection Twilight gleefully returned, rubbing her cheek against the cheek of her lover.

They stared out over the streets of Canterlot. Celestia drew Twilight tightly to herself, Twilight laying her head against Celestia's ribcage, feeling the frenzied beating of her heart. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong, my love. Everything will be fine."

"Liar. I know you too well for that."

Celestia gently nibbled her ear. "Perhaps I can distract you?"

Twilight shuffled away from the warmth of her wing, faced her. "C'mon, Tia. What was that mini-lecture you just gave Princess Luna on sharing your feelings?"

Celestia studied the grey stone beneath her feet. "Some on the Council-well, Earl Shimmer specifically-still believe you may be a warlock and thus a threat. In a moment of pride, I might have suggested you could pass a warlock test. In retrospect, she was deliberately goading me."

Twilight took in a deep breath, stretched out her foreleg in the calming exercise she had been taught long ago. "I understand. If I don't take the test, I would look bad."

"If you do take the test, they could poison you."

"How worried should I be about that?"

"Worried."

"The test entails drinking the truth potion?"

"Exactly. If your soul has been used as a conduit for demonic energies then..." She trailed off.

Twilight set her mouth in a thin line. "Celestia, you know I don't use dark magic."

"Not anymore."

Twilight drew back as if she'd been slapped. Celestia pressed her horn to Twilight's. "I'm sorry, this has just stressed me out."

Twilight responded by wrapping her forelegs around Celestia's neck, leaning into her. "Alright, I get it, and that was fair. But it's been years and there's a huge difference between a warlock and a dark mage."

"I know, Twilight. I was at the battle against the last warlock." Images flashed into her mind. Cities ravaged by balefire. Horrific abominations stalking the land. A trail of blood and death all centered around a Unicorn who had descended into complete madness. The Bloody Baron. Raven Ebonyhorn. 

His experiments had rampaged across Equus, until she stalked him, tracked him down to his tower in a land which had been so corrupted it was literally rotting and there, on the top of his obsidian tower, she had dueled him, plunged her horn into his throat, she hadn't even realized ponies could bleed that much...

A stroke on her face transported her eight centuries back into the present where Twilight was staring up at her, her hoof against Celestia's cheek. She pressed her own hoof to Twilight's. "All is well. I was simply remembering things that happened long ago."

For a moment, she had felt the slickness of crimson liquid trailing down her horn's tip, but she was here, not there. Why had Earl Grey and Earl Shimmer brought all this up? It was strange. Warlocks were no longer a threat and hadn't been in some time.

So, why...?

Twilight was apparently going along the same trail of thought. "Why didn't she simply accuse me of being a dark mage?"

It all clicked. Like thousands of times before, Celestia placed all the pieces together and found herself ten steps ahead of her enemy. A grin spread across her face.

She was in control again, drew herself up. "For the same reason she brought up the test. It's very simple, my dear. She intends to poison you."

Twilight gulped. "And why are you grinning about that?"

Celestia caressed Twilight's mane, long, calming strokes. Twilight's tail lashed behind her. "You're going to do the test. You're going to survive. I have a plan, trust me."

Twilight's hoofsteps pounded on the stone of the balcony. She walked back and forth, circling around Celestia, her ears flicking, her tail madly swishing through the air.

Celestia listened to Twilight take in several deep breaths of air, breaths that soon turned into pants. She whirled around. "I'm going to risk my life if I go through with this!" 

Back to pacing. Each hoofstep came down with increasing force, making Celestia worry that the stone itself was going to break.

Her ear flicked. Her tail was like a whip as it cut and struck at the air. "How can you be so calm? If I take the test I might die! If I don't take the test, they'll use it as proof I really am a warlock! What if some crazy witch hunter comes after me? What do I do then?"

More ear flicks. More pacing. 

"Please calm down, Twilight."

Twilight spun in a perfect circle, her teeth clenched together, her ears laid flat on her head. "I will not calm down!"

Celestia reached out for her with her foreleg only for Twilight to jump back. "If you would just listen-"

"How can you always do that? Always be so calm about everything?!"

"I am not. I am simply controlling myself."

"How?!" She smashed the stone, winced when the force of the blow went up her leg. 

Celestia touched the leg. "Are you alright?"

"No! No I am not! I might be marching to my death and my marefriend, former mentor and love of my life is acting like she doesn't care!"

"I do care." Celestia covered Twilight in a blanket made of her feathers. She was stiff, but her muscles slowly relaxed as Celestia drew the tips of her wings across her sides. Twilight reluctantly gave in, inching close to her. "Alright. How do I prepare for this?"

"Leave that to me."

"Uh-uh. I'm not sixteen anymore. No more wise and mysterious mentor."

"But it's so fun."

Twilight gave her a flat look.

"There is an antidote to any poison. It is guarded by cave trolls."

"If the poison doesn't kill me instantly?"

"You take it before you do the test."

Twilight nodded. "Alright, alright. I understand your plan. Where is it?"

"On the north side of the world, where mortals can not go. I'll take Luna. You'll have to sit this one out."

Twilight had heard of the north side of the world, where there was nought but ice and snow, mountains so high they towered over the clouds. The only beings that lived there were trolls.

"I will take my battle axe, Luna and I shall head out on the morrow."

"And when you come back with the antidote I can take the test."

"Precisely. I'll set it up, don't worry about a thing."

Twilight nuzzled Celestia's chest. "I might need a drink."

Celestia released her, beckoned her to follow. "I have just the thing."

Twilight trailed at her side through the halls, beyond them, turned a few corners, deeper into the maze of the castle, past guards and servants going to and through on their duties, down several flights of stairs, deeper into the very bowels of the palace, Twilight coughing at the dust, Celestia frowning at the signs of neglect, giving an order to a maid that seemed to be hiding while smoking a cigarette.

The maid scurried off, they took another flight of stairs, Twilight's legs starting to burn, but she followed Celestia who seemed to know where they were going. Celestia nudged open a large, brown door inscribed with her cutie mark, revealing another flight of stairs.

Twilight kept going after her. A row of torches lit the way through stone corridors. At the bottom of the stairs was yet one more door. Celestia pressed her horn into the lock, turned and the door opened with a scrape of wood against granite. Twilight entered the room, her jaw dropping at what she saw. It was covered top to bottom with wine bottles on shelves. A single desk was in the center of the room. "Welcome to my personal office, Twilight. Nopony ,not even my sister, comes down here or even knows it exists. I was last here during the Minotaur War."

That had been one-hundred years ago.

Celestia's golden magic wrapped around a bottle and pulled it off the shelf, setting it on the desk. Celestia laid down on a cushion and Twilight sat down beside her. The princess pulled two glasses off a shelf and laid them on a table. Her golden magic lifted up the bottle and crimson liquid filled both glasses.

Twilight noticed glowing gems embedded in the ceiling that cast shimmering, rainbow light over the room. "So, this is your personal stash?"

"Yep. I rarely drink, but it does take the edge off on occasion. Now, Cousin Thor..." She chuckled and raised the glass to her lips, taking a demure sip.

The rim of the glass was cool against Twilight's lips. The wine had a strong, sweet odor. She took one small sip, the taste that of spices, sweetness, filling her with warmth that trickled down her throat. A few more sips, her worries seemed distant, far away.

"So, you've never shared this place with anypony?"

Celestia placed down the glass. "No, I never have."

"Thank you." She lifted her glass. "To you."

She clinked the glass. "To us."

Both sipped the wine. One glass turned into a second. Then, a third.
...
Drunk Twilight was fun. Drunk Twilight had jumped on her back and demanded a fly. Drunk Celestia thought that a fine idea. Upraised, drunken laughter broke the stillness of the evening air. Celestia flew wildly, weaving through clouds. Twilight giggled as they plowed through a cumulus and clung tightly to her neck. 

The silver moon cascaded silvery light over the clouds, a sea of mists which Celestia sailed through. The wet clouds drenched her passenger, but she did not hear a bit of a complaint. Celestia flew about several miles slower than she could have and kept adjusting herself.

She didn't try any loop-de-loops or fancy tricks which her inebriated mind was itching to do. Instead, she floated on a thermal over the ocean of stratus and cumuluses, her silhouette crossing the moon, wings spread to their fullest extent. 

She felt Twilight lower her head, bury her face in her mane. Her eternally floating, rainbow mane was soft, warm, comfortable. Celestia's floating in the sky was lulling her into a relaxed state, the mane rubbing onto her face so comfortable. 

Celestia heard the light snoring, changed her course back to the castle. Tomorrow would be a long day, it would be best to get some rest.
> Summer-Arctic Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The roof of the world lived up to its name. All Celestia saw as she soared in the frozen, sapphire sky were snow drenched mountain peaks crisscrossing plains of ice and snow. The mountains truly scraped the sky. Some of the highest mountains were ringed by huge puffy clouds. Had she not been covered in golden bardin and a helmet, items enchanted to provide warmth, the temperature would have been unbearable. A mortal would have been killed instantly. A layer of frost dusted the tips of her wing blades. A gust of wind sliced through the armor, sinking through her fur and into her skin. Her companion's teeth were shivering. 

Princess Cadence was similarly covered in silver barding and a helmet. A quiver of arrows was slung over her back along with a wooden bow. As a filly, Celestia had insisted that she learn archery as a way of keeping some connection to her Crystal Pony heritage. Cadence had fallen in love with the art and could now hit the dead center of a target from three-hundred yards away. Princess Luna had pointed out that it would be wise if at least one princess stayed behind in Canterlot to keep an eye on any mischief the nobles might try. Celestia had agreed, but she knew one Pony that was always up for an adventure. 

Princess Cadence darted forward, doing barrel rolls in midair and letting out excited whoops. She zoomed upwards, then came back down again, fluttering her wings and sending snow everywhere. Celestia caught up with her and they flew once more in alignment. Cadence flipped over, her helmet, quiver and arrows all having been enchanted to not fall off her back. Still, she rushed quicker than Celestia. The icy wind raked its claws along her, but she didn't seem to care. "Thanks for inviting me, Auntie! I don't normally like leaving the Crystal Ponies-they're like foals with a bad case of separation anxiety-but this is for Twilight!"

Celestia smiled, flapping her wings, then returning to a glide. "I'm glad you could come. I understand from your letters that life in the Crystal Empire has become somewhat predictable?"

Cadence snorted. "Try it's become boring! The Crystal Ponies are so compliant! I have one senator, bless her, that will occasionally argue with me, but most of them are terrified all the time that I'll have'em whipped if they breathe funny! There's no crime or it's really minor crime. Our neighbors are friendly and we mopped up the last of Sombra's shadow beasts a month ago."

Celestia sighed. "Want to trade? What I wouldn't give for a nice, peaceful domain."

Cadence frowned. "Don't get me wrong, Auntie. I love my domain and all my subjects. I guess I just like the occasional bit of action. I'm really glad things are going so well."

"Nor would I ever give up Equestria, for all its problems."

There was only silence here in the roof of the world, silence broken only by the eternal cry of the wind whose claws shredded through the mare's armor. 

"Actually, it's kind of sad. Shining said he stopped a Pony who was publicly intoxicated and the guy started uncontrollably sobbing. Shining didn't even give him a ticket."

Celestia grimaced. "It will be a long time before your nation is cleansed of the shadow of Sombra's evil."

Cadence nodded. "I've had a small army of therapists imported."

"That should help. Simply have patience."

Celestia and Cadence both scanned for movement, for some sign of life. There was none. No sane animal called this place home. Birds would occasionally get lost and meet their end on the rocks. A wall of grey storm clouds lifted up before them. They shared a glance and plowed through them. For several minutes, Celestia could only see grey. The wall of clouds closed in on her, squeezed her from all sides. The clouds had been frozen into position and were filled with ice. The ice pricked into her armor, tore into the fur beneath.

She pushed out her wings, using the force to rip through the clouds with her blades. The clouds felt solid as she slammed into them. She had lost sight of Cadence, had no idea where she was, that is until she saw a heated laser of pink energy bursting in the cloud.

"Cadence, no!"

It was too late. An explosion rippled through the cloud, turning it into superheated slush. The fires burned and licked against her metal covering, sending her flying uncontrollably through the air. A sudden gale hurled her straight towards a mountain. Only a forced adjustment of her altitude prevented her from crashing into it. 

She whirled around, frantic to find Cadence. Cadence stood in the center of what remained of the monolith of fog and swirling vapors which were now only atoms. She panted, her wings bristling, her heart pounding and sweat dripping down her brow. She lifted her foreleg to her chest, breathed. "I am really sorry, Auntie."

Celestia flew over, patted her back with her wing. "It's alright. Let's keep going and next time, why don't we focus on more subtle solutions?"

Cadence nodded, looking to the ground far below her. "Right. Simple solutions. Not everything needs to be blown to smithereens."

Celestia suddenly wondered what would happen if Cadence and Rainbow Dash had to face down a villain together. She very much doubted Equestria would survive. Together, they glided on a pocket of cool air that in southern climates would be a thermal. There were no thermals here, nothing that would count as remotely warm.

Still the pocket did its work, allowing them to rest their wings and simply coast along the currents, sailing through the sky. The mountains only got higher to the point that Celestia and Cadence had to fly around them. If this was the roof of the world, these mountains were the pillars that held up that roof. 

Their granite peaks were alabaster white, blanketed by the snow of distant ages. 

Cadence fluttered her wings, breaking the crystals that were beginning to form on her wings. "So, what exactly are we looking for?"

Celestia scanned the ground. Grey storm clouds were marching in, an advancing army which would soon bring more snow and frost onto this already cold-wasted land. She closed her eyes, felt the warmth of the sun blazing deep inside of her, called it to fill her. 

She sensed Cadence doing the same, calling upon her own powers to summon the fires of love to warm and protect her. The pink glow covered her body. A golden glow enveloped Celestia. "We're looking for an opening. Let's go lower."

They dipped down, avoiding the mountains that rushed upward to meet them. They split apart to avoid a jagged peak and met again once they were on the ground. The mountains spiked upwards like rows of teeth, like an ancient, long extinct animal who roamed in an age of blood-soaked savagery.

Celestia shivered. It had nothing to do with the weather. The mountains surrounded them, so high that it made them dizzy to look up at them. They were unable to even see the sky. Cadence gasped, her wings snapping to her sides. The clouds had now covered the sky entirely, the grey clouds merging with the mountain peaks to create a seamless grey cage that had trapped the Princesses.

Cadence bit her lip, put her foreleg to her chest, breathed.

Celestia patted her back. "Glad to see you remember your training."

Cadence's wings shook. "I feel trapped. Not a good feeling for a Pegasus. I know I'm an Alicorn now, don't know why this is coming up on me so strong."

"This place does strange things to the mind."

A gale sliced through, bit at their manes and face. Celestia kicked at the snow coming up to her pasterns, lifted each hoof, placed them on the ground, only for them to sink again. She flared out her wings, shards of ice crackling. 

Cadence did the same. "I used to think the Crystal Empire was cold."

Celestia lifted into the air, then fell back down the earth. Cadence rushed to her, helped her to get back up. 

Celestia thrust out her wings once more. "Let's try that again." She closed her eyes, cutting out the sensation of directionless brought on by the uniform grayness.  She lifted into the air, desperately trying to avoid opening her eyes. All she was aware of was the biting, all pervasive sensations that the eternally blowing wind brought. It screeched and clawed at her, trying to push her down.

She pushed forward against it. Behind her, Cadence had floated into the air and was following her lead. Celestia thought of Twilight and felt warmth flood her heart. She was doing this for Twilight, so that Twilight would be safe, so that she could pass the test and this chapter in their relationship could be over and maybe...

The first drip of liquid on her back was a shock and her eyes sprang open. Both Alicorns immediately called up shields, Celestia's golden and Cadence's pink. The sheets of rain bounced off the shields, struck the earth. The water fell in torrents, crystallizing the minute they left the atmosphere and shattering the very moment they landed on the ground. 

"Cadence, whatever happens, do not lower your shield until we get to a cave!"

Cadence didn't respond, perhaps not hearing her over the rush of rain or maybe deciding not to respond to the needless, ridiculous order because why would she drop her shields? Thunder crashed through the sky, bolts of lightning arcing and curving down onto the snow.

There should have been a cave somewhere around, somewhere to seek shelter from the downpour. She drove wildly through the storm, beating her wings both to stay aloft in the air and to prevent the waters from freezing her wings and dragging her down to the ground. Every few seconds she flapped her wings. She wasn't sure if Cadence was doing the same, couldn't even see Cadence through the deep darkness that had drenched the Northern world, wasn't even sure where she was flying or how, her awareness completely cut off.

She retreated deep inside herself, ignoring the wind that was battering her limbs, knocking her to and fro. There was a wellspring of power deep inside of herself, she just had to focus in order to find it, call it to herself, just hope that Cadence would do the same.

The tempo of the thunderstorm increased, beat down against her shields, threw her like she was a toy. For Twilight, for Twilight, for Twilight...

The wind that raked over her, that pierced through her shields reminded her that for all her pomp, she was part mortal, she could die, and that thought suddenly struck her as terrifying. She did not want to die, did not know what would happen if she did die, did not know if she would remember this incarnation of herself just as she only had vague memories of prior incarnations.

She might forget Twilight. The thought seized her like panic. It was Twilight she was doing this for, the repeated thought pounded into her mind and her power glowed incandescent inside of her, started from her horn, flowed throughout her body. A particularly strong burst of wind broke her focus and she felt herself briefly cut off from her power.

She could only barely feel her link to the sun, only the most tenuous strand. Nonetheless, she called upon it, summoned it, felt as it flowed throughout her body. Strands of flame knit inside of her soul, leapt through her armor, her tail and mane blazed as living fire washed over her.

The power surged suddenly in a wave of light and flame bursting forth from her horn as she dropped her shield. The wave of fire plowed through the snow which melted away at the touch of her Power, shook the very mountains, wreathed and danced over frost covered ground which, for the first time in millions of years, felt the touch of true warmth.

Celestia plunged down to the ground, this time stepping onto fresh, green grass. The fields of grass extended for thousands of miles. Dormant seeds, experiencing the fire of life for the first time in eons, sprang up, white daffodils, pink zinnias, red and yellow roses, happy orange marigolds all springing forward at the summer which had come upon their land. The rain sizzled as it fell on her back and the sun broke through the clouds, the sky turning a bright, crisp blue.

Cadence stared, her jaw hanging slack. "...At the wedding. You could have killed Chrysalis, couldn't you have?"

"Hmm? Oh, yes, of course. And millions of citizens with her. My powers are not for use in ordinary combat."

The air still shimmered with heat. Cadence wiped away a sheen of sweat. Celestia strode into the newly formed valley. Lush grass covered mountains that had been barren just a few moments ago. 

Cadence lifted a hoof to herself. "Could I have...?"

"Maybe you will in a few thousand years."

"I hope I'm just like you when I grow up."

"I'm flattered. By the way, why don't you use your cosmic form? It would help bear this cold."

"It takes a lot out of me to use that. I prefer this form."

Celestia nodded. "The more you use it, the easier it becomes."

It was easier to move this time without the weather to slow them down. They took to the air, leisurely soaring on a warm thermal. Down below, melting snow revealed ruins of a civilization that hadn't seen the light of day since before the Great Migration. Swirling designs were carved over ten pillars that were normally hidden by snow from all but the most observant. 

The designs were now revealed in all their complexity. Swirling, interconnected loops that no one yet living would know was actually a language. Celestia couldn't read it, but knew from conversations with ancient beings that an unfortunate race had lived here and it was they who had cast the megaspell that had turned the roof of the world into this current state.

Cadence sailed up on her side. She struggled to match Celestia's speed, but finally managed to. "I've been worrying that I'm not quite living up to my potential."

"Oh?"

"I want to know more about the power of love. I feel like there are mysteries I haven't even scratched the surface of. When I was a teenager, I was pretty stupid about it. Now I realize love can't be forced by casting a spell."

"A very mature realization. I knew you'd realize that on your own eventually. I didn't stop you because I knew your love spells were temporary and cast with the best of intentions."

Cadence banked left after Celestia. Celestia paused and came down outside of a cave mouth that yawned deep into the earth. Heat emanated from it. Cadence and Celestia entered the darkness, Cadence instinctively inching closer to Celestia. 

"Cadence, Twilight is also studying the deep mysteries. Perhaps, you can help each other."

Cadence clapped the ground. "Of course! I'd love studying with her." She paused. "By the way, what happened to not blowing up everything?"

"Hmm, I suppose you're right, but it is tempting. In this place, there's not many other options. When we get to the trolls, use extreme prejudice."

They moved further into the pitch blackness of the cavern, lighting it up with their magic. Twin lights beamed through, revealing rough stone walls and more carvings in that looping style of the previous civilization that had dwelt here. Cadence noticed something the deeper into the bowels of the earth they went. It was getting hot.

It started as a gentle warmth that soothed her chilly primary feathers. Soon, water dripped from the appendages and splashed onto the floor. Celestia's wings were similarly dripping. A glowing light played on the walls bringing with it a sweltering heat that emanated from somewhere back in the cavern.

Celestia didn't seem bothered by the heat. If anything, she quickened her pace, almost cantering towards the source of heat. Beads of sweat broke out on Cadence's forehead, rolled down her withers and back. The air rippled and shimmered just as it had when Celestia had released her spell during the thunderstorm.

This heat was just as strong, just as powerful. It nearly knocked Cadence down. She stopped. Celestia stopped a few moments later. "Hurry up, Cadence. We're almost there."

"Why is it so hot?"

"The lava flows."

"What?"

"Let's go."

Cadence called on her Pegasus magic, let a thin sheen of ice dust her wings and body. It melted away immediately. In order to maintain it, she had to have total focus. She closed her eyes, breathed out, concentrated her power into a point inside of herself, managed to cover herself in the ice.

The irony struck her. Outside, she had needed heat. Inside, she needed the cold. Steam belched out from some unseen source. Celestia released a satisfied sigh as the steam bathed her. She stood there for a few minutes, letting the steam seep into her fur, her feathers, her mane, roll along her neck.

"That...feels so wonderful."

Cadence wanted to agree. She reinforced her spell and trailed after her aunt into puffs of steam that threatened to singe her right down to her skin. As unbearably cold as it had been up above, now it was nearly unbearably hot. She couldn't see anything through the steam, not even her aunt.

"Auntie? Auntie!"

A touch of an armored wing on her withers reassured her. "Try to stay by my side."

"Auntie, what is this place doing to my head?"

"The extreme weather conditions are confusing your Pegasus magic and your magical core is striving to keep up and maintain your body's equilibrium."

The puffs of steam were starting to dissipate. An orange glow was cutting right through them. Celestia steadied Cadence with her wing so that she wouldn't trip where the floor suddenly gave way. Rivers of boiling lava coursed through the solid stone, steam billowing up from the crimson liquid. 

The ground had crumbled away completely. Waves of magma struck the rock, dissolving what little remained of the cave wall. The lava flowed from some even deeper source, ceaselessly moving and churning. Pops and hisses sounded from the rivers, filling the chamber with a crackling sound.

Celestia examined the chamber, calling up on her most distant memories. "Nopony had disturbed this place in a millennium...nor any other sort of being either. Not that I know of in any case. The antidote should be beyond this lava."

They launched into the air. Celestia gripped her axe in her aura. Cadence strung an arrow, but couldn't see any cause for alarm. No one else even seemed to be in the chamber and what being could even endure this place? 

Her answer came in the form of a rock hurtling through the air. Cadence dodged and then let her arrow wildly fly, not sure where she was sending it, only shooting on pure instinct. She whirled around. The arrow had hit true, her instinct having been to fire in the direction the boulder had come from.

The creature standing on the ledge grasped the arrow plunged into its chest, ripped it out. An obscene sound broke from its lips. Cadence thought it might have been laughter. The creature tossed the arrow. Cadence didn't give him a chance to strike again, firing a second arrow. The creature sidestepped it with a speed belying its size.

Rock trolls. Celestia had told her that they had no intelligence. They were animated by dark magic and only existed to carry out a pre-programmed purpose.

This troll stood at eight feet tall and its entire body was made from grey stone. Celestia charged him, pulling back her axe for a single blow that chopped through his arm. It howled in outrage, drew back its fist, struck out at Celestia who flew out of range. 

The creature stumbled and screamed as he splashed into the lava. Cadence summoned a shield which the lava splashed off of. A barrage of boulders crashed down towards them from every angle as more and more of the trolls ran out from hidden crevices within the cave walls, hidden tunnels where they had made their dens.

Celestia and Cadence shielded themselves.

"Remember Cadence!" Celestia shouted, as she pulled down her shield and charged again and again, swinging her enchanted axe while simultaneously flying out of range of every boulder. "These creatures are impervious to magic!"

Cadence surged forward, not hesitating as her aura strung and released arrows in rapid succession. The arrows whistled through the air, knocking down an advancing troll. Cadence calmly counted the number of arrows needed to knock down even one.

Three strikes, she decided, stringing her bow again. One arrow pierced a troll's neck, the second its chest, the third its navel. The troll fell, tumbling into the boiling liquid below like its brethren. Celestia spun and slashed, slicing through the trolls. One troll brought down his giant fist. She hacked through it and then used the momentum of the swing to come up on its neck, gravity doing the rest of the work of yanking the troll's head from its body. Head and arm wildly rushed into the air.

Cadence's arrows sailed over the battlefield, keeping the trolls at bay while Celestia threw herself into the melee, her war axe slicing a swathe of limbs hacked away and flying off into the air and coming to a final resting place within the rivers down below.

The trolls kept coming till they filled the chamber, some of them standing in the bubbling lava. 

Celestia switched tactics, soaring back to Cadence while using her wing blades to the same affect as her war axe. The trolls avoided the edges of her wings, but couldn't avoid slamming into each other. When one smashed into the other, they immediately forgot who they were fighting, starting to shove each other.

Celestia surrounded Cadence and herself with a shimmering shield. The trolls all converged as one, pounding onto the shield. Celestia panted. "Relentless bastards. We don't have time to fight them all."

Cracks appeared in the shield as the trolls beat on it. 

Cadence prepared another arrow, just in case. "How many of them are there?" She added her own magic to Celestia's shield, repairing the cracks.

"I don't know. I don't even know where they're all coming from!"

Even as she spoke, more of the trolls poured out from cracks and hidden passageways.

Celestia shook her head. "Forget it. I'm going in!"

Her eyes blazed with fire, her mane and tail suddenly whips of living flame. With a bloodcurdling war cry, she propelled herself into the center of the trolls, hacking, slicing and slashing away at the tangled mass of limbs that all tried to knock her down or crush her down.  

Cadence reached for an arrow,realized she was out. She darted towards the trolls, rocketing into them. One troll lunged to grab her, she slashed at its neck with her bladed feathers. The thing fell back into another one of the unholy beasts. Cadence deftly blocked a swing from a troll's stone sword.

Her steel scales clashed against the troll's blade. This troll looked different from the others. A necklace of Pony skulls was around its neck, a sight which turned Cadence's stomach. He swung the blade again, Cadence just barely catching it. She struggled to break her wing free from the blade, feeling the strain deep inside of her shoulders.

The troll pulled back the sword, yanking her along with it. Cadence broke free, surging back, then forward, whirling her blades in an arc that ended with both her blades slicing along the troll's head. It howled in outrage, but didn't go down. Cadence was forced to dodge again.

He crashed into the ground. Celestia stood where he had been, her war axe drawn back. She swung it again, just in time to slam into the chest of a troll that had lunged towards her. "Cadence, do you see the crevice there?"

Cadence parried a blow from another troll. "I see it!"

"Let's go!"

They thrust towards the crevice, Celestia reaching it first. It was just barely large enough to fit in through, sparks splitting the darkness where Celestia's blades struck the sides of the cavern. The darkness enshrouded Cadence. She grit her teeth, lit her horn so she could see through it.

Celestia lit her own horn. The trolls continued to roar only a few feet behind them. One troll, smaller than the others, burrowed into the space and chased after them. They zoomed up and the troll stumbled. Cadence twisted in midair, bringing her wing blades down through his chest. He fell, the cavern trembled.

A golden shield covered her, the roof beginning to cave in, stone and debris raining down on her, bouncing off Celestia's shield. They picked up speed, at last breaking out of the cavern and into the light of another chamber. The chamber opened outward into a wide room, wider than the one they had just left.

The room shone with the light of thousands of jewels embedded in the walls. There were rubies, emeralds, sapphires, opals, jewels in every shade of color that could be imagined casting a rainbow all across the ceiling and floors. A pedestal of rock jutted upwards on which sat a golden chalice studded with an emerald.

Celestia snapped open her wing, preventing Cadence from going forward. 

"Where are the booby traps?" Cadence asked.

Celestia searched her memories, a long ago quest, an ancient adventure shared with her sister and another who was still around, but beyond twisted with eldritch energies.

She shook the thought from her mind. Cadence pawed at the ground. "Auntie?"

"I'm trying to remember. I don't. I wish Luna was here...or Chrysi.."

"Chrysi?"

Celestia shook her mane. "It's been twelve centuries. They may no longer be active. Tread carefully."

Cadence nodded and took her first step on the unusually smooth stone which suddenly shifted beneath her hooves. She launched into the air.

"Look out!"

Celestia shot down the spear that had lashed out from the ceiling. It split and crashed onto the ground. 

"How in the world did I forget that?"

"Stress can affect memory."

"Stress. Well, I've had enough of that in the past millennium." She joined Cadence. They scanned the room, looking for any other traps.

"I remember now. That used to be a hail of-"

She cast a blast of pure flame towards the arrows that suddenly bore down on them. Instantly incinerated, they came down as a flood of ash.

Cadence fluttered her wings and shook her mane. "I'm going to need a bath after this."

"As am I."

Cadence chewed her lip. "Who was Chryssi?"

"A friend. She's dead now. Long dead."

"It was Chrysalis wasn't it? She told me that you two were once friends."

"Chryssi is dead. I don't know what that thing that kidnapped you was. Now, pay attention! There might be more traps."

As slowly as they could, they floated towards the chalice, their wing beats just barely disturbing the currents of the air. They had been flying for seconds, then minutes, but the closer they got, the farther away the chalice got. For a moment, Celestia thought she could reach out and touch it, but her hooves landed on empty space.

The chalice now appeared to be even further away.

"If it was Chrysalis, and Luna too, and both were corrupted, does this place have some corrupting power?"

Celestia jerked up. "No, there were many evil powers in those days. Luna and I had not yet established our full sovereignty. Darkness and corruption still lurked. You needn't worry."

"Alright. What's that noise?"

"What noise?"

"Don't you hear it?"

The walls were whispering. Was that chanting? Yes, it was chanting. The words were full of undertones, so low she could just barely hear it, but the Princess of Love did hear it, why couldn't Celestia? The chanting was picking up pace, growing louder and louder.

Cadence put her hooves to her ears. "Stop! Stop!"

"Cadence?!" Celestia whirled around. Cadence was covering her ears. The chanting was no longer a whisper, it was a shouting, blades ripping flesh, pained cries, the clash of iron and steel, mad laughter, rats crawling up and down.

"Stop! Stop!"

Celestia shook Cadence. "Snap out if it! What's going on?"

Cadence's eyes glowed a sickly green.

"No, no! Not you! I can't lose you!"

The hissing of vipers emanated from the walls which blood was running up and down. She couldn't see the blood, but it was there, oh, it was there. 

Something else was there. Another chanting, a melody that played against the first. This was the melody of a first kiss, the first kiss, the kiss of Earth and Sky,  the kiss of energy and matter, the first love that ever was. Love flowed through her and she heard the sweet song whose melody played throughout the universe.

She heard the heartbeat of her distant husband, she heard the low thrum of the Crystal Heart, energized as it was by the love and light of her subjects, she felt her subjects, their love and well-wishes, she felt the love of her aunt.

With a burst of magic, the curse was broken. Love triumphed, as it always did.

Cadence knelt her head, let her magic run through this place, a cleansing, purifying rosy light that filled the cavern for one, blinding instant.

Celestia looked away. "Amor vincit omnia." Love conquers all.

Cadence panted as the last of her magic left her, then returned. "Alright. What was that?"

"Some sort of dark curse. There are magics in this place even I know nothing of."

"It's filled with rainbow magic. Rainbow magic's good, isn't it?"

"Most magic can be corrupted."

Celestia blinked. The gems had been glowing before, but now the light was as bright as the day, a spark within each gem, banishing any shadows that had remained, giving the illusion of standing within a rainbow.

"I understand now." Celestia touched down and strode forward. "That ancient race corrupted the energy of creation. The magic festered and created a wild curse. Luna, Chrysalis, nearly you, were corrupted. I...don't understand why I was protected. Even solar power can be corrupted."

"Something protected you."

"When we first went through this tunnel network, Luna and Chrysalis showed no reaction till later, much later. The curse got stronger. The power of love is incorruptible. True love, I mean, which empowers you."

"Maybe...you were corrupted in a different way? What was your retreat into the Everfree about?"

"Huh. I had never...the dark magic manifest as despair for me, despair the opposite of cheerful solar magic...envy for Luna, the opposite of the moon's selfless nature, giving light through darkness...lust for Chrysalis, who once only hungered for love...the three roots of dark magic. Of course."

Cadence set one trembling hoof onto the chalice. It didn't vanish as she was half-expecting. Clear liquid was in it. "Do you think it's still potent after all this time?"

"Yes."

Celestia scooped the water up in a vial, stepped away from the rock and opened a door in the back. "Let's get out of here."
...
It was evening when they got to Ponyville, Celestia setting the sun as they sailed towards the library. They alighted on the library balcony. Twilight looked up from the book she was reading and galloped to her mentor, giving her a long, loving embrace.

Celestia greeted her with a kiss. 

"Brr, you're freezing." Twilight grinned. "I made you some soup, but I can think of other ways to warm you up."

Cadence cleared her throat. Twilight blushed. "Oh, Cadence! I saw Celestia and, well, she sort of blotted you out cause you're behind her and, not that I'm saying Celestia's big, Celestia, you're beautiful."

The panicked spiel came to an end with Cadence putting a hoof to her lips. Celestia disguised a chuckle behind a cough. "Dear Twilight, never change."

Twilight crouched down, Cadence mirrored her.

"Sunshine, sunshine,
Ladybugs awake!"

They covered and uncovered their eyes.

"Clap your hooves and
do a little shake!"

They clapped their hooves, wiggled their rumps and bumped them together before collapsing into giggles.

"So, what's this I hear about tomato soup?" Cadence asked.

"Come in, come in. I think I have enough, can always make more."

Celestia drew the vial out of her saddle bag, Twilight took it into her aura, settled it in a solid steel container atop a bookshelf where it couldn't break or be lost. The sweet aroma of the soup filled the house. Twilight filled three bowls, set them down on the mahogany table. The trial would come soon. Now was the time for food and friendship. Celestia and Cadence set aside their barding, Twilight pulled up a chair and soon they began to talk, forgetting any troubles they were facing.
> Summer-Midnight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight peered at the ancient text before her whose pages were nearly crumbling. She applied the barest hint of magical force to the page, turned it. Cadence was sitting in the chair beside her. Books were stacked in neat rows over the desk and the shelves surrounding them were filled with even more books. The crystal ceilings radiated rosette light throughout the room. This was the very bottom of the library, deep within the bowels of the castle, but even here the material of the roof was that same crystal which glowed with a mystic light.

These books were ancient. Many of them were not books at all, but scrolls. Cadence perused one such scroll, trying to decipher the language of her most remote Istallian ancestors.  A low ground sounded from her lips. "I have no idea what this means."

Twilight glanced over at it. "It has the same reference to the Great Field which is somehow connected to the Crystal Heart and binds together the subjects of the Crystal empire."

Cadence patted her back. "Twilight, I am so proud of you."

"Aw, thanks." She blushed.

"So how many languages do you speak?"

"Fluently? Twelve, seven of which are archaic. Most really powerful spells are written in ancient texts." She turned the page. "Ponies suffered some sort of throwback around two-thousand years ago."

"Discord's time."

Twilight shrugged. "Maybe? Nopony knows when that was, not even the Princesses. Time is measured by the movement of the sun and moon. Discord reduced our history to Swiss cheese."

Cadence chewed her lip. "Speaking of ancient history..." She trailed off.

Twilight looked up from the book. "Yes, Cadence?"

Cadence drummed her hoof on the floor.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Twilight turned to look at her. 

"I'm not sure I should tell you."

"What do you mean?" Twilight's attention was now on her fully. 

"It's Celestia, something she told me. She knew Chrysalis when they were younger. Sounds like...like they used to be friends."

Twilight blinked. "What?"

"That was my reaction too. They used to go on adventures together. There's a place at the roof of the world, a chamber where the antidote is stored. A curse is on the place." Cadence shuddered. "It twists the mind. I even felt it happen to me."

"The curse corrupted Chrysalis?"

"Luna too."

Twilight pursed her lips. "That's awful. What kind of curse was it?"

"I'm not even sure. It made me...hear things." Cadence shuddered. "I'd rather not talk about it."

"I understand."

Twilight examined the scrawling script of the text before her. Cadence lapsed into silence. Twilight closed her eyes for a few moments, tried to return her focus back to the text in front of her. "How close do you think they were?"

"I'm not sure. She wouldn't talk about it with me."

Twilight closed her eyes again, tried to imagine her friends. Tried to imagine one of them descending into madness, slowly tainted by dark powers, then losing them to the forces of evil. What would that be like, having to fight one of them? Knowing that you would never be able to get them back?

"Ladybug? You okay?"

Twilight shook her head. "Just thinking."

Cadence laid a hoof on her withers. "I know what you're thinking. Not everypony can be saved."

"I used to think that. But now the monster that warped my brain has tea with one of my best friends. And, to be honest, I sort of like him now. Luna was Nightmare Moon and look at her now."

Cadence chuckled. "What are you going to do? Blast her with the Elements?"

"Would it be such a bad idea?"

"How would you find her?"

Twilight started to pace, each clap of her hoof on the glistening floors like a gunshot in the normally silent place. "The Guard has been looking for the Changelings for years. Actually, I might not need to find her. All I'd need to do is invite her."

Cadence sidestepped so she was right in front of Twilight. "Alright, so you invite the Bug Queen and...ambush her? Can we all say 'declaration of war?'"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Cadence, I know I've come up with some mane-brained schemes, but that's not what I was thinking."

"What then?"

"Maybe...I don't know, get them in the same room? Maybe if they'd just talk."

"They might kill each other." She placed both her hooves on Twilight's shoulders. "Look, Ladybug, this is one of those things that can't be fixed. If it could be fixed, it would have been fixed a long time ago."

"To be fair, you're hardly objective."

Cadence's face twisted. Twilight stepped back, let Cadence regain composure. "I know what you're saying."

"I'm sorry, that was uncalled for."

Cadence hugged her. "It's okay."

Twilight patted her back. "Celestia feels so much pain from what happened to her during her past. If I can just, return a friend to her, maybe I can help soothe some of that pain."

"Don't you think you've done enough for her?"

"I don't think the Princess of Love needs to be told that you never tire of doing things for your beloved."

Cadence's face broke into a broad smile. "No, she doesn't. If it was Shining Armor, there's nowhere I wouldn't go for him. But, this might be something best left in the past."

"You're afraid I'm going to be hurt, aren't you?"

"Chrysalis is a dangerous opponent. I don't know what she was like one-thousand years ago, but she's not someone I'd trust these days."

"What if she just needs a friend?"

Cadence shook her head. "Promise me you'll be careful."

Twilight placed her hoof on Cadence's. "I vow it."

"Good."

"So, where do you think Chrysalis would be?"

They returned to the desk.

"I'll ask Shining, okay?"

Twilight set aside the book she'd been reading and started looking through a scroll. 

"Hey, Twilight?"

Twillight glanced up from the scroll. "Yes?"

"Are you worried about the test?"

"I'm trying not to think about it. I gave Celestia the vial. It's safer with her."

"I agree."

"I'm not even sure why I thought I could keep it. Maybe, I was trying not to think about it?" Her back legs trembled a bit. "So many variables, that's the problem. There's just too many variables." She stretched. "If I don't think, I don't panic. If I think, I panic. Get it?"

"Keep your mind clear as the empty sky?"

"Exactly." The proverb was an ancient one, one all mages knew. "But I am worried. When this fails-if this fails-"

"It will fail."

"What's next? How far will Earl Grey take this? And Earl Shimmer as well?"

"When this fails, she will be completely discredited."

"And the other nobles?" Her breath hitched.

Cadence rubbed what she hoped were soothing circles in the fur of Twilight's back. "Listen, Twilight, I've learned a lot ruling the Crystal Ponies. One of those things is, one crisis at a time. Now, why don't we get back to studying?"

Twilight fidgeted with a scroll at random, unwrapped it. "Alright, alright."

Cadence looked over her shoulder. "This one looks interesting."

Twilight tried to lose herself, ignoring the panic fighting to control her, listening to Cadence as she talked about love magic, talked about the way Crystal Ponies understood the art, what she herself had learned about the element she was connected to.

Cadence could take one look at her and tell her heart and her mind just wasn't it. "Hey, Twilight?"

Twilight jumped, broken out of some internal reverie.

"Do you want a tour of the city?"

"No, we can keep studying."

Cadence raised an eyebrow. "What was I talking about?"

Twilight scratched the ground with her hoof. "Magic?" She offered.

"Look, it's alright. You're scared for your life and you should be. Why don't we just go somewhere and relax? I have a hankering for roasted crystal corn."

Twilight's stomach rumbled. "You know what? That sounds fun."
...
It was late when Twilight got back to Ponyville, the silver moon now peaking over the horizon as the sun sank to her rest. The silver moonlight illuminated the narrow lanes and cottages. Only a few Ponies were still out this late. Twilight waved to Carrot Top who was humming while pulling up carrots.

"Twilight!" A pink blur rushed down the lane and grabbed her hoof, materializing just long enough to reveal itself to be Pinkie Pie. The Earth Pony dragged Twilight down the road, Twilight struggling to keep up.

"Pinkie, where are we going?"

"To your party, Silly!"

Twilight just let herself be tugged along by Pinkie, the cottages zooming by as they rushed towards Sugarcube Corner. Asking why Pinkie had thrown her a party wouldn't get her a straight answer. Pinkie was throwing her a party for reasons unknown and that wasn't really a bad thing.

Twilight, still holding Pinkie's hoof, started to gallop, doing a good attempt at keeping up with Pinkie. Pinkie, seeing what she was doing, let go of her hoof and bumped her flank. Twilight bumped back, stuck out her tongue. Pinkie darted ahead, Twilight zooming ahead so they were galloping side-by-side.

The herd consciousness, which Twilight had slowly grown more attuned to, took over. She could feel Pinkie's exhilaration as clearly as she could her own. Pinkie making Twilight happy made her happy and Twilight was awash in that happy. It bubbled out from Pinkie's heart, flooded outward to cover the world.

That was Pinkie Pie. She really, truly did want to make others happy. Without being told, she knew Twilight was feeling scared. A party was Pinkie's solution-to everything really.

They picked up speed, their hooves crashing onto the dirt road, their hearts beating against their rib cages, sweat covering their bodies, their legs starting to burn, but neither cared about that. They rushed through town, Twilight feeling like she was outrunning her fear.

With every pounding of their hooves, their was an explosion of dirt that covered their coats, a beating of wind that cleaned their coats just as quickly as they were soiled. A giggle built up in her belly, the same building up in Pinkie's belly. Their race led them towards the gingerbread house that was Pinkie's place of employment.

They broke through the doors at the same time, the race now forgotten, and their laughter burst out of them. Twilight fell onto the floor in a fit of giggles, Pinkie right beside her. They both rolled around for a few seconds, until the fit of joy wore off.

The rest of Twilight's friends just watched, their lips twitching. The bakery had been decked out in purple streamers. Purple balloons floated around the ceiling. Purple banners arched around the ceiling and the table had been filled with daisy sandwiches, daffodil sandwiches, rose sandwiches and in the center one large, chocolate cake.

All of Twilight's friends were there, Dash sipping a bottle of cider. Celestia and Luna towered over the other assembled guests. Twilight, recovering from her earlier excitement, lifted up. "Everypony, thank you. A party is just what I needed."

Pinkie gave a friendly slap to her withers. "Silly, Twilight, a party is just what everypony needs!"

Twilight bounded up to Celestia and they shared a nuzzle. Not wanting to leave out Luna or her friends, she shared a group nuzzle with all of them. "Celestia, Luna, you came to?"

"Of course, Twilight." Celestia levitated a plate with a daisy sandwich on it. She cut half of it with a concentrated blast of magic. "Hungry?"

Twilight levitated over half of it. "Well, it has been a while and I barely ate with Cadence."

"Oh, I know. She sent me a letter before the party to tell us whether we'd need anything for a real meal for you. She regrets she can't come. Duty calls and all that."

Twilight nibbled on the sandwich. "I understand. At least we got some time to study together. I missed that." She watched as Luna and Fluttershy started a conversation. Both had learned to shed their shyness, but there were still a lot of awkward pauses.

Dash and Applejack started a sandwich eating contest which Rarity grumbled about, but couldn't seem to look away from. Pinkie was roped into judging it before joining it herself. Twilight brushed her side against Celestia. "The test is tomorrow."

"Worried?"

"Not so much anymore."

The sandwich eating contest came to an abrupt end with Applejack coughing. Dash patted her back.

"Who wants to play pin the tail on the pony?" Pinkie brandished the tail. "Twilight goes first!"

Twilight trotted over and took the offered tail in her magic.
...
Celestia hadn't left with the others. Instead, she decided to do everything in her power to make Twilight forget the trials, to make sure all Twilight felt were feather soft touches, hot breath everywhere on her, skin against her skin. The night was lost in sensations, lips, hooves, wings, all caressing intimate places.

The night guards stationed outside her window had to turn away as the lovers retreated into the shelter of each other's embraces. Twilight closed the windows and the blinds, cutting out the cool night air she normally delighted in. She had deeper comforts in her bed.

Celestia's lips trailed kisses down her neck. Twilight arched her back, pressed her lips to Celestia's own neck. Celestia drew upon all the arts of love she knew and Twilight, enthusiastic student that she was, reciprocated so that both knew pleasure, only pleasure that started in their hooves, tingled up their spines, filled their secret places with nought but bliss.

Twilight and Celestia laid side by side, exploring each other, breathing in each other's breath, pressing hooves to their most sensitive places, places that brought joy. Sleep caught up with them after they reached their peak, collapsing into each other, melding as they sought union.

Twilight's dreams were full again of those same primitive valleys she sometimes dreamed of, had dreamed of for years. It was not Mustangia, these valleys were older, these forests deeper and more dangerous, but there was peace there. She snuggled closer to Celestia, Celestia pulling her into herself, her horn laying atop Twilight's.

In the dreams, there was Celestia, but younger, another incarnation in primeval ages. They sought each other, made love on the moon-bathed floor of forests and everything felt right. Twilight slept all through the night, no nightmare of the coming trial disturbing her dreams.

The wings guarding her banished all fears. Everything was alright and always would be. 
...
The morning came perhaps sooner than either Twilight or Celestia would have liked. Twilight laid on the wing stretched out for her and stared up at the ceiling. Celestia's horn glowed as she lifted the sun from its place in the west. Twilight magically lifted the blinds so she could watch.

It began with a pinkish hue that trickled across the sky before the sun blazed forth in a crimson and orange burst of flames that lit the heavens. The flames faded away leaving only a cloudless blue sky. No rain had been scheduled for today. Maybe they could go on a picnic. 

They had already agreed to a double date with Luna and Akbear. They could move that up to today. 

There was just one hurdle they had to cross. Just one. 

The smell of pancakes wafted through the window. Spike was up early, not too tired from last night's festivities.

Celestia turned around so that she was facing Twilight. "I could just tell the nobles to go put a carrot in their ear."

Twilight sought Celestia's hooves, grasped them. "I suppose you could."

"Strip Earl Grey of her title."

"You could."

"It'd be an abuse of power, but I could do it." Her muzzle brushed against Twilight's. "Do you want me to?"

"Absolutely not."

"So, you're going through with this?"

"Against all my better judgement, yes I am."

"No going back, my love. We must be at the castle by noon. They have either found-or used necromancy to resurrect-an Earth Pony sage who knows how to administer the truth potion which will reveal that you are innocent of the taint of demonic magic."

Twilight rested her head beneath Celestia's chin, wished time would stop, longed to be in that place forever. "Noon huh? So we have time for a picnic when it's all over."

"Of course, love."

Twilight peeled back the covers, Celestia pulled them back over herself. "My dear, we don't have to be there right now."

"You know how I feel about punctuality. We have to get showered, have breakfast, prepare."

Celestia's golden aura took hold of her as she tried to rise from bed. "Can we not spend a few moments listening to the birds?"

"I'd rather get up."

"Just listen."

The morning chorus started with a few bluejay's chirps greeting the sun. The melody was a rising rhythm, reaching a crescendo as the robins and cardinals joined. The crow's harsh squawk contrasted with the lilting softness of the other bird's tunes. The crow's screech was a drum beat, keeping time with the other birds, all the voices blending to form one seamless song.

Each bird brought their own song, their own unique message, sweet strains of love to their mates, gentle lullabies to awaken their young, the hard cry of males arguing, each unique yet fitting together perfectly. And always, at regular intervals, the crow would shout.

Twilight rested into her mattress and just rested. "Good idea."

"I thought it would be."

A sharp knock at the door broke them from their reverie. "The pancakes are done you two!"

Now, it was Celestia who knocked aside the sheets. Her magic lingered on the hairbrush on the night stand.

Twilight stood. "There's no more postponing it. We've done that long enough."

Celestia disentangled her aura from around the wooden tool. "Very well." She stretched out her wings and rolled out of bed. They strolled to the door. Twilight opened it for her and they stood on the cool wood of the hallway. If Twilight stood and felt with her magic, the heart of the great oak thrummed with life.

Life was a wonderful thing, Twilight concluded. They didn't talk much during breakfast. Twilight helped Spike with the dishes, going so slowly that Spike got annoyed, ushered them out, then gave Twilight a rib crushing hug which she returned. 

Twilight stood at the doorway. The night guards yawned while they prepared the chariot, hitching themselves to it. Celestia and Twilight stepped inside and they were off. The night guards tugged the chariot after them, ascending into the sky, soaring along at a leisurely pace.

The journey passed in silence just as the breakfast had and Ponyville was soon behind them. Celestia held Twilight's hoof. Twilight moved closer to her warmth. The wind whipped through their manes, snapping against the wooden vehicle. Twilight kept her eyes straight ahead, watching for the high spires of Canterlot.

The mountains were glistening today, the summer sun having finally reached the highest peaks. It was a testament to how warm it was here that the snow and ice which were nearly permanently frozen this high up melted down the mountain slopes, a clear stream of water pouring down to the rivers below.

The rivers glinted in the sunlight, winding through the grasslands that led towards the capital. Every flap of the night guard's wings brought them closer. Celestia observed them closely. Their wing patterns were sluggish, each beat of their wings getting slower and at the same time slowing down the chariot.

"Please land." The order was soft, but it might as well have been shouted. The night guards angled their wings downward, bringing the chariot to the ground. It slid and came to a stop as the Night Guards planted their hooves on the ground.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

Celestia exited the chariot. "Gentlestallions, I believe we've had a discussion about not piloting a vehicle under fatigue."

The first Batpony, Morpheus, stared at the ground. "My apologies, Princess. We didn't realize how tired we were."

"Of course. Martial training normally does require ignoring the body's complaints. A double edged sword. I should have had the day guards do this, but it seemed more efficient to have you do it. I thought you would nap in shifts."

Morpheus yawned again. "We tried, but...Nyxius kept thinking he heard something."

"I did!" The grey-furred Batpony exclaimed. "Also, Lady Twilight, we would have appreciated being told about the owl."

Celestia succeeded in not facehoofing. "Very well. I will pilot it myself."

"Ma'am, please, we can-"

"Morpheus, rest. I assure you, my sister will not eat you for being fatigued."

They all shared uncomfortable looks.

"Despite your tribe's mythology."

They all knelt their heads and piled in next to Twilight. Celestia hitched herself to the chariot and took off. The ride was smooth, Celestia not even flapping, simply allowing a thermal to whistle through her pinions. She sailed around the hills and mountains.

Morpheus and Nyxius attempted to keep their eyes open and keep alert, but soon both were snoring, their nocturnal instincts reacting to the light of the day. The third Batpony, an older one by the name of Erebus, held off for a little longer before sleep also claimed him.

The spires of Canterlot came into view. Celestia spun around them, flapping her wings a few times, sliding onto the palace landing pad. Razor Wing and Valiant Heart were waiting for them, saluting as the chariot came forward. Razor Wing strode forward, spear in hoof. "What happened to the guards?"

Celestia unhitched herself. "Peace. They were fatigued. They are not designed for daytime."

"Indeed, they are not, but they should have been able to stay up till morning light. Only after noon does the Batpony find continued waking intolerable." Luna touched down. "I will need to talk to them-all the Night Guard-about the importance of resting between shifts if they are required for morning duties. They are more zealous than even your guard."

Razor Wing flared his wings. "We are indeed devoted to our Solar Regent."

"That was not an insult to you. Zeal must be mixed with rationality and that might be something we need to work on."

Razor Wing couldn't find an argument to that. Valiant Heart nudged him. "Perhaps, we should get going. I'm certain my colleague meant no offense, Princess Luna."

"None taken. Nor did I mean offense nor slander towards the valor of the Day Guards."

Razor Wing lightly bowed. "None taken, Princess."

Twilight jostled the night guards awake. All three got out and saluted Princess Luna who ushered them to follow her. Twilight and Celestia, escorted by Razor Wing and Valiant Heart, entered into the main hall of the palace. They all paused outside the door to Celestia's room. The guards took their stations outside the door.  

Celestia placed a wing on Twilight's back , guided her inside. She strode over the crimson carpet, opened her closet. Inside of the closet was a secret compartment. She blasted it open with her magic, drew out a silver chest. 

There were five locks on the chest. She flipped them one by one, in a particular sequence. The chest flipped open. The vial laid on a plush, violet surface. Over the surface was a crystal shield. Twilight stood by the bed. "You were worried."

Celestia's head snapped up. "Did I give the impression that I wasn't?"

"You're hard to read sometimes, even for me."

Celestia brushed Twilight's face with a feather. "Listen, Twilight, I never intended to give you that impression. You know how hard it is for me to express myself."

Twilight pressed her lips to Celestia's. "I know and it's alright."

Celestia removed the shield, raised the vial, unscrewed its cap. It trembled slightly in her magic.

Twilight took it in her own violet magic, pressed it to her lips, sipped it. It was as tasteless as water, refreshing and cool, making its way down her throat. It felt clean, extraordinarily pure. "How long will it last?"

"Six hours, let's go."
...
Twilight and Celestia stood before the wide, solid mahogany doors. Celestia pushed them open and they came into the room side by side. The room was wide, an atrium designed to hold hundreds of Ponies. Twilight was dwarfed by the space as were all the others in the room. The four walls were a solid, blinding white that rose, lifted to form a circle that towered above everyone. 

Two rows of pillars supported the roof. One wide window let in the noon light which caused the pillars to shine like gold. Her accusers, Ear Grey, Earl Shimmer and an Earth Pony who looked older than Granny Smith sat in three thrones. This was the Hall of Judgement. A table sat before the thrones which were normally reserved for the triumvirate of judges who were responsible for trying cases of treason and other high crimes.

Twilight controlled the shudder that passed through her body. It stopped at a touch of Celestia's forehoof. 

Earl Grey stood. Suddenly, the doors swung open and a herd of Ponies stormed in. At the head of the herd were Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Fancy Pants, Fleur De Lis, and a motley crew of other allies of House Sparkle.

They said nothing. Nothing needed to be said. 

The air was tense with the threat of violence. More Ponies streamed in, the Shimmers, the Greys, other allies and enemies of House Sparkle. Celestia scanned the crowd. If anypony made the slightest wrong move...she activated the anti-magic field.

Earl Grey took a moment to control her features. "We are here to resolve the question of Twilight Sparkle's status as a warlock. In order to do so, we have contracted the help of a venerable Earth Pony sorcerer who retains knowledge of a potion designed to determine warlocks. Lady Sparkle, please come forward."

Twilight did so, then approached the throne, held out her hoof. "Earl Grey, Earl Shimmer. This test will most assuredly prove to all the assembled nobles and, indeed, the whole of this nation that I am not a warlock."

"We shall see."

Earl Grey ignored the offered hoof. Twilight didn't withdraw it though it was difficult to balance on three legs. "I hope that this puts an end to enmity between us. You too, Earl Shimmer. I hope this puts an end to this foolish quarrel between our clans. Our clans' struggle only causes Equestria to suffer-"

"We are not in a temple my dear, I do not require a sermon."

Earl Shimmer snorted. "The Sparkles can not help but pontificate."

"This is what I'm talking about." She rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I am ready for the test."

The sorcerer picked up a silver chalice filled with amber liquid. Twilight nearly retched from the smell.

Earl Shimmer smirked. "Is something wrong, Your Grace?"

"No, I'm fine." 

The sorcerer placed the chalice on the table. The liquid bubbled and roiled. It would be foal's play to scan it, to find the poison, but then it'd look like she was altering the potion. Asking somepony else to do it would make it look like she was hesitant to take it and the old sage would say the poison was a necessary ingredient or he had erred.

Grey and Shimmer had skillfully set their trap.

Earl Grey cleared her throat. "Go on or call it off...though there will be consequences for that."

Twilight lit her horn, discovered she couldn't access her magic. She glanced at Celestia, realized what she had done in order to prevent any mystic violence. She reached out her hooves, placed them on the chalice, picked it up. It was heavy, almost spilling. She quickly put it to her lips, threw back her head.

It tasted disgusting-a mixture of rotten fruit and something certainly metallic-and it burned going down her throat. Only her learned mastery over her nerves and muscles prevented her from spitting the vile brew onto the floor. Her eyes stung with tears, her nostrils ached from the stench.

It tasted like fire, a heat that exploded in her body. She almost threw the empty chalice back down, grit her teeth. The chalice clinked against the table. The fire of the liquid ignited every cell, set her muscles trembling.

Then, a second feeling took over. This was ice, changing her blood to frost. Ice traveled through her veins, slowed the beating of her heart with tendrils of cold reaching through every part of her body. The chill started in her stomach, deep inside of her magic core, soon spread throughout all her limbs. It brushed inside of her hooves.

Tremors shook her body, put her fur to standing on end. Beads of sweat popped on her forehead, heat and coolness contrasting. Earl Shimmer, Earl Grey and the sorcerer watched.

The cold traveled through her chakras, extinguishing the flames which the potion had stoked. The flames and cold warred inside of her, nausea churned in her gut and for a moment she was afraid she was going to vomit. She forced herself not to collapse onto the hard, alabaster floor. 

The cold twisted like a serpent uncoiling, sliding towards her root chakra. The flames ceased. The cold ceased, released as a puff of air. 

The judges frowned. Twilight straightened up. "Well? Are we done here?"

Earl Grey's teeth clamped together. "How did you..." She winced in pain as Earl Shimmer kicked her.

Twilight cocked her head. "How did I what? I already told you, I'm not a warlock."

The sorcerer reclined. "We are sorry to have troubled you. It has been proven conclusively that you are innocent of the charges. Go in peace."

Twilight turned, hoofbumped her mom and dad, then left as the herd streamed out, many of House Sparkle's enemies grumbling among themselves. Celestia patted her back when they went into the hallway. "You could very easily be a politician, Twilight."

Twilight pouted. "Words hurt, ya know."

Then, stars appeared before her eyes. Celestia grabbed her as her knees gave out from under her and the digested remnants of the poison spewed from her lips. A maid saw it and grabbed a mop from a nearby closet. Celestia hurried Twilight away and ran to her room. She slammed open the door and laid Twilight on the bed. Twilight struggled against the hold. "I'm fine, I'm fine!"

"You are not." Celestia levitated a cloth from the washroom, wet it and started patting Twilight's face. "I'm going to make you some mint tea and you are going to take a nap."

Twilight did not protest. "Do you think it's really over?"

Celestia gaped. "You really have no idea what you did, do you?"

"What? What did I do?"

"Twilight, everypony saw you extend friendship to Earl Grey and Earl Shimmer. If they continue the vendetta, they'll look vindictive and insane."

"Huh." She pressed her head into the pillow. "I really didn't intend that. I just...I really just wanted all this to stop."

Celestia kissed her cheek. "And that is why I love you."
> Autumn-Dawn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight groaned, sank deeper into the mattress. Her body was still shaking. The doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong. The only time Celestia had left her side had been to fetch her personal medics who had been sworn to secrecy about her condition. If it got out that she'd gotten sick after taking the warlock potion, then that would make it look as if the earls had been right in their accusations.

Celestia patted her head with a wet cloth. Twilight adjusted her head on the pillow. When she could think, when her mind wasn't awash in awareness of her body's pains, she contemplated the idea that maybe the earls had been right. She had experimented with dark magic, her soul had been a conduit for demonic energies.Otherwise, the potion wouldn't be having this effect. Sweat pooled on the skin beneath her fur, her fur was matted and clumped together, her mane a disaster that would have sent Rarity into a fit. The shivering had been going on for she knew not how long. Time was slipping away from her. It could have been minutes since the test had been taken, or hours or centuries.

The room swam before her, refusing to stay still. Her stomach churned like the depths of a storm-lashed sea. It wasn't entirely the potion's fault. She was unworthy, that was the truth of the matter, that's why she was feeling this. When? When had this sense of unworthiness first struck her? Was it when she saw the fear in her parent's eyes after her foalhood tantrums had nearly destroyed rooms so they'd had to put an inhibitor ring on her horn?

And they hadn't meant to, bless them. They'd wanted to be safe. They'd wanted to keep her safe from the nearly boundless wellspring of mystic powers she could draw on, powers no other Unicorn seemed to possess, at least not to the degree she did.

One half of her horn was blazing like fire, the other was frozen like ice. Celestia touched her cheek. Twilight coughed. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

Twilight tried to lift up, found that she couldn't. "It was all for nothing...you went to the edge of the world for me...and it was all for nothing...I'm afraid I'm going to die. The potion's killed me."

Her body was divided between dancing flames and shards of frost. Celestia grabbed her face between her forehooves. "Don't say that. You are not going to die, Twilight. I have the best doctors in the world, I can bring in doctors from other worlds. I will save you."

She planted a kiss on Twilight's forehead.

"Am I a warlock?" A series of rattling coughs shook Twilight's body. "Is that why this potion is doing this to me?"

Celestia rubbed circles in her chest. The tang of menthol stung Twilight's nostrils and suddenly she could breathe again, the powerful herb clearing her nasal passages. "Do you wish to cause massive harm and destruction? To bind living things to your will, enslave nations?"

Twilight choked back a sob of agony. "What about the want it need it spell? That was Cadence's love spell and I twisted it."

Celestia lathered Twilight's chest with the lotion, white splashed against purple. Her hooves worked deep into the skin beneath. "Your own mind was twisted by that demon Discord. Did not your friend Fluttershy give in to cruelty?"

"Y-yes."

"Your friend Pinkie suffered from nightmares and depression after the attack so my sister told me. One incident does not erase a lifetime of devotion to the Light. You saved my realm more than once from the powers of Darkness. You are an enemy of Darkness, not its servant."

"Wasn't it Neightsche who said he who fights monsters must take care less he become a monster?"

Celestia's feathers caressed Twilight's side's. "Neightsche died in a mental institution. Why don't you take what he said with a grain of salt?"

Twilight giggled. "Alright, alright. His epistemology was suspect."

Celestia tickled her wings along Twilight's rib cage, delighted in the squeaks such affection evoked. "Listen, dear Twilight, you are not evil. You can not give in to despair. Take it from someone who knows."

Twilight lifted up, traced Celestia's lips with her own.  "Why is it affecting me like this?" She asked once she put her head on the pillow.

"I don't know and we won't know till the doctor's come back." She settled herself next to Twilight. "I can tell you it's not because you are a warlock. Something decidedly odd is going on. The doctors did an ordinary scan and couldn't detect what the poison was."

"A poison that couldn't be detected by a scan?" She forced herself up, doubling over from a renewed fit of trembling. "It must have...must have dissolved." She tried to access her magic, found her core inaccessible. "Only explanation."

Celestia saw her trying to get the pillow with her hooves, took it in her aura and pulled it up for her. "If it's dissolving inside of you, that is most serious. You would already be dead."

"The potion you gave me must be counteracting it."

Celestia swept her wings around Twilight, tugged her down onto the sheets. "You must rest. Do not strain yourself."

Twilight nodded against Celestia's fur. "This is nice. Can we stay like this?"

"For as long as you wish."

Twilight closed the remaining distance between them. Celestia started to sing a sweet tune into Twilight's ear, a lullabye at the volume of a whisper. Twilight sighed in contentment. With each note, she felt herself relax. Her body was still racked with pain, but the music put her at ease.

Celestia closed the song with a brush of lips against Twilight's ear. Twilight turned to reciprocate and it was at this moment that Raven walked in on them. She hurried to shuffle out, but Celestia broke away from the kiss. "Yes, Raven?"

"A petitioner is here, Your Highness."

Celestia glanced down at Twilight. Twilight pressed her hooves against her chest. "You should go."

"I know."

Celestia lingered. Twilight stroked her ever-flowing mane. "Really, Celestia. I'll be fine."

Celestia kissed her horn. "I'll be back shortly."
...
Dr. Unsicker stared at the chart he had spread out before him on the white table. He was in his office which was austerely decorated. Only a picture of his wife and two sons brought a hint that the healer had a life outside of being the castle physician. The brown Earth Pony rolled his shoulders, stood from the chair in the hope that a change in position would knock his mind into gear.

He sat back down in the brown chair, cast a disdainful glance at the degree on his wall. Canterlot University, first in his class. He had cured everything from the Guard's broken hooves to Alicorn Flu, a particularly virulent ailment that had lain dormant for one-thousand years until Luna had returned and unintentionally revived the ancient pathogen. He considered his actions in developing a vaccine which he'd administered to Celestia and Cadence to have gone a long way to preserving the stability of the empire.

Perhaps, it'd given him an inflated ego. He lifted the chart up. He didn't understand. In his twenty years there was not an illness he had not at least encountered, not a poison he didn't have at least a cursory understanding of. When Celestia had come to him with the alarming news that Twilight (a former patient of his) was ill, the first thing he had done was order a toxicology report. They'd had to go to the Princess's chambers to do it. No one could know she was ill, Celestia insisted. The toxocology report had been analyzed.

Dr. Unsicker was not an expert in magic, but he had his tribe's affinity for the plants of the earth. The warlock potion was a thing of brilliance, a masterful example of Earth Pony magic. It was made up of plants whose affinity was for the Light. A normal Pony would not be affected. A dark mage would grow ill. A warlock would be killed instantly.

He refused to believe that the Bearer of Magic, the Element of Friendship itself, was a dark mage. It was inconsistent with everything he knew about Twilight. One who stumbled was not lost forever. A dark mage was one who fell and was forever lost, not one who returned to Light and fought for it against all the powers of the Darkness.

The potion itself contained an oddity. He picked up a tack and drove it through the chart, nailing it to a wooden board. He found that one often had to look at things from a different angle, literally in some cases.

"Alright. Alright. What do we have here? Dittany, Tirek's snare, mandrake root...everything looks good so far...what is that? Wait...that's not a plant."

He approached the board. It was a strand of DNA, a double helix pattern, unmistakable as the matrix of life. The diagnostic chart broke down the chemical structure of each element of the potion. Like all Equestrian doctors, he had been trained to recognize chemical structures.

His first thought was that it was Alicorn DNA. That wouldn't make sense. He stared at. It held some resemblance to the DNA of a snake, but no snake he had ever encountered. It had some similarity to an Alicorn's DNA, but it was different on a molecular level.

Alicorn DNA was like no other known DNA pattern. This was almost like Celestia's. A relative, same species. Born Alicorn, not an ascended one. A common ancestor. The story of a race unfolded before him as he studied the pattern. Haplogroups spoke of common descent, a starborn species, children of the Cosmos.

He placed his hoof to the chart. What was this DNA, unmistakably serpentine, unmistakably Alicorn, unmistakably one of Celestia's kin, doing in a potion intended to find warlock's? Ingesting this would have all kinds of unknown effects. It would make a Pony incredibly sick. A Pony's body would reject it.

The fact that Twilight wasn't dead could only be attributed to the antidote. He had taken one look at that chemical analysis and decided that looking at it any further would require him to either descend into utter madness or renounce every field of science and start from the beginning.

Working with Alicorns made every day feel like that in fact. He started to pace. "This warlock potion was poisoned. That is what I can start with. The earls didn't intend to test her for guilt or innocence. They intended to kill her."

"Would you go on a witness stand and testify as such?" 

Dr. Unsicker looked up. Princess Luna had strode into the room, took one glance at the baffling chart and understood in a way that he could never hope to do. Her lips twisted in rage. Dr. Unsicker took several steps back. "I would do so, Your Highness."

"Legally, of course, it would be impossible to determine who specifically poisoned it. Both earls will blame the sorcerer and bribery will do the rest."

"Are you really so cynical, Your Highness?"

"Yes. However, there is one who shall pay. Jormungandr, what game is this?"

The name made him shudder although he knew not why. It was familiar. "Jormungandr? The Great Serpent, God of the Dragons?"

"The very same. He has a strong dislike for mortals, Twilight specifically, considering her a thief. He must be bound, for her safety. I must...inform my sister that she might go to the Celestial Realms to bring the charges."

Dr. Unsicker almost asked why she didn't go herself, but decided not to. "So, this is Jormungandr's DNA?"

"Indeed. It is his blood which is dangerously acidic. It is a wonder that Twilight's organs aren't burning from the inside."

"She was complaining about feeling an extreme heat."

"That would do it. Cold too I imagine, from the antidote."

"She was indeed, Princess."

"I once studied the healing arts myself, but I grew more interested in ailments of the mind. I must be off. Here's a hint, Doctor. Anti-venom, such as appropriate for fighting the effects of the cobra."

Dr. Unsicker nodded, dipping his head. "We always keep stocked up on that. Thank you."

"Such is not needed. Twilight Sparkle is my friend."

With that, Luna turned and left. Dr. Unsicker rushed out behind her.
...
Twilight stared up at the ceiling, shivering with cold, sweating with heat, fire coursing through her blood. She turned on her side, wishing Celestia was here. 

No. Celestia had a duty. She couldn't always be there. No matter how much Twilight wished for that to be true. Her vision was too blurry to let her read. The blurriness bothered her. She had been going over different poisons in her head, there being precious little else to do. There were plenty of poisons that affected the eyes. None of them were good.

That thought made her laugh. Poisons were not good by definition. She groaned, pulled the sheets over herself. The door slid open, the sound of it scraping over the stone of the floor. Twilight adjusted herself on the bed. Vision blurry or not, she recognized Celestia. The solar princess laid next to her. A glimmer of light caught the amethyst, stylized sun necklace. "Are you feeling better, Twilight?"

Twilight played with the necklace. "You almost never wear this. It matches your eyes."

Celestia nuzzled her. "Yes, I decided to wear it to court today, just to give me strength. When I wear it, it's like I feel my mother is with me. I know that sounds foalish, but..."

Twilight interlaced her foreleg with Celestia's. "It's not foalish. It's sweet."

"Thank you, Twilight." Celestia's lifted Twilight's hoof to her lips, gave it a soft kiss. "Twilight, there's something we need to talk about."

"What?"

The door slammed open, Luna marched in, the picture of imperial power one-thousand years ago, a vision from a bygone age with her wings spread wide and chest puffed out. A far more modern doctor followed in her wake. "Sister, Twilight! We hath found the cure."

Celestia stood up from off the bed. "Then, by all means, administer it at once."

Dr. Unsicker hastened to obey the order, pulling out a vial. He placed it to Twilight's lips and Twilight drank it. Her eyes widened as memories of a family camping trip gone wrong came back to her. "This is antivenom." She sat up on the bed. "What's going on?"

"Anti-venom?" For a flicker of a second, Twilight could have sworn Celestia's eyes glowed red like the deepest flames of Tartarus. The vision passed. "Please tell me that what I think's going on isn't going on."

"That depends. What do you think is going on?"

Celestia whirled around to face Luna. "If it's true, I'm going to kill him."

Twilight wasn't imagining it. Her eyes were glowing and her voice had deepened. Luna reached up one trembling hoof and pressed it to Celestia's face. "Peace."

There was no peace. Celestia's mane blazed like fire. "It's Jormungandr, isn't it? That bastard did this?"

"I'm afraid so."

Celestia struck the ground. The floor cracked. 

"Please, calm yourself."

Black tendrils of shadow shot out from Celestia's wings, covered them.

"Celestia!" Luna shouted. "Come back to me!"

There was a brief struggle on Celestia's face. The tendrils receded. Her eyes and mane returned to normal and her legs gave out from under her. Luna caught her before Twilight could. "Please leave, Doctor. Twilight, return to your sick bed. You are not strong enough yet to move."

"What just happened to Celestia?"

"A fit of temper, nothing more."

"That looked like Nightma-"

"I know what it looked like. What you saw shall not leave this room."

Twilight hesitantly agreed before rushing to Celestia and helping her up.

"I'm fine, both of you."

"You don't look fine."

"Return to your bed, Twilight Sparkle."

"I'm fine."

"I've met Donkeys who were less stubborn. You two are perfect for each other."

"We know," both responded, grinning at the Night Princess who murmured a curse in a long-lost Equestrian dialect.

"Luna! Say that again and I'll wash your mouth out!"

Luna rolled her eyes. "May I just say you have never defeated me in combat? Indeed, it was Jormungandr's poison. Our enemies have joined together."

She lifted Twilight in her magic and deposited her in the bed. Twilight protested until Celestia placed the blankets over her in her own golden magic. "I will open an investigation into Earl Grey and Earl Shimmer, but it might be difficult to build a case."

Luna sat on the edge of the bed. Celestia reclined by Twilight's side. "Nopony saw the earls poison the potion and it is very difficult-by design-to prove a felony."

"Of course and that design makes sense. Too many innocents were exiled before we designed the current system."

"However, a case against Jormungandr will be much easier to build. We shall go-"

"You shall go."

"We shall go and bring the case against him."

Luna shuffled her leg. "I'm not ready."

"Yes, you are. The case will be stronger if we put up a united front."

"I understand."

Celestia touched Luna's shoulder. "Let us discuss it in more detail later."

"Very well."

"How did you and the good doctor discover the cure anyway?"

"He ran a chemical analysis and I recognized the blood pattern-DNA mortals call it-as Jormungandr."

"I see. I still want to kill him."

Luna pressed her withers. "As do I, but I also know where such things lead."

Twilight's ear flicked. "The Nightmare almost took you, didn't it? Just then?"

Luna and Celestia shared a look, a private conversation taking place between them.

Luna shook her head. "Some thing our subjects should not know, but you have figured it out I see."

Celestia said something lightning quick in what sounded like first century Unicornian. Luna said something back. Celestia nipped Twilight's ear. "You're very clever, Twilight. You've never been an ordinary Unicorn, you know that?"

"If you don't want to tell me..."

"No, Twilight, I do. I need to. Good and evil lives in all of us, including Alicorns. When destructive emotions overtake an Alicorn, a Nightmare can be born. Seeing you in the position you were in made me almost give in. That would have been very bad."

"That's why you act so calm sometimes isn't it? And I thought you didn't care. I'm sorry."

Celestia soothed her with a kiss. "It's alright."

Twilight returned the kiss. Luna politely excused herself. Twilight drew back. "There was something you were going to ask me wasn't there?"

Celestia stammered. "Well, yes." She raised Twilight's hoof to her lips, pressed her lips to it. "Twilight, I love you. More than words can express. There are going to be a lot of things we'll have to work out. But, will you do me the honor of making me your wife?"
> Autumn-Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was not a busy day at Carosel Boutique. Rarity was at her sewing machine, horn aglow, holding a thread and needle. She was working hard on a blue dress for Derpy who wanted one "so she could feel pretty." Derpy was not a rich customer, but Rarity was putting all her effort into the ruffles and folds of the garment. After all, she lived to make others beautiful. A jar of sapphires was by her side which she intended to attach to the dress as soon as it was done. She would see to it that the Pegasus felt as pretty as a Princess.

She looked up, her creativity induced trance broken by the jingling of bells and the swish of a door opening. Rarity jumped up from her sewing machine. "Welcome to Carosel Boutique where everything is chic, unique and-oh, Twilight! Princess!" She hastily bowed. 

"Please rise, My Little Pony."

Rarity did so, observing the two. Twilight and Celestia were standing right next to each other, Celestia's wing over Twilight's withers. It had been two days since the trial and Twilight had sent word that she was resting, the trial having apparently been an arduous event. Rarity rushed up to Twilight and they exchanged a quick nuzzle. "I knew you'd pass the test! How are you?"

"I'm doing great! Better than great, in fact."

Celestia cleared her throat. "Everything is indeed very great. I have an order for you."

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "As in a royal command or a dress order?"

"A dress order. Two dresses. Gowns, actually."

Rarity telekinetically lifted a notepad and pencil. "I see. Gowns, right. Tell me more, Darling. Oh! I mean Your Highness, Darling! Oh dear!"

Celestia touched Rarity's lips. "It's alright."

Gears had started turning in Rarity's mind. "Two...gowns?" She looked from Celestia to Twilight who were standing very close to each other. They looked as if they could barely keep their hooves off of each other. "White gowns?" She asked on a hunch.

The regal diarch and noted scholar shared a glance and then burst into giggles. Twilight recovered first. "Yes, white gowns, please."

Rarity put down her notepad. "Darlings. Are you asking me to make you wedding dresses?"

They both nodded. Rarity clapped her hooves together and squealed before grabbing both of them in a tight hug. They hugged her back, patting her shoulders. Rarity broke away. "I am so, so, sooo happy for you two! Come here! Twilight, I already have your measurements, but I'm going to need to measure you, Princess!"

Rarity dragged Twilight and Celestia into her fitting room and grabbed a measuring tape, examining Celestia with an intensity that almost aroused jealousy in Twilight. 

Celestia adjusted herself on the podium that Rarity had ushered her onto, "Miss Belle, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but did you not already have another dress you were working on?"

"I'll get back to it as soon as we get you measured." She wrapped the tape around Celestia's barrel. "You're quite a bit larger than the average Pony aren't y-" Her hoof flew to her mouth. "Oh Dear! Not that you're fat! You're lovely and majestic!"

Celestia shook her head. "Please Miss Belle, there's no need to be frightened of me. I realize that I am very much larger than the average Pony."

Rarity moved the tape up several inches. "You have thick, strong muscles like an Earth Pony. Your wings are stronger than that of the average Pegasus and that's saying something. I'll put gold trim on your gown, unless you're in love with traditional pure white."

"A golden trim would be wonderful."

"And purple trim for Twilight."

Celestia re-positioned herself. The tape was poking and prodding places she wasn't normally poked or prodded. "How much should this cost? You will be reimbursed from the royal treasury."

Rarity jotted down some notes on the pad she had floating beside her while levitating the tape at the same time. "I do not charge my friends nor do I charge royalty."

"But, surely, you should be reimbursed for your hard work."

Twilight tapped Celestia on her shoulder. "Don't even argue with her."

"Listen, Your Highness." Rarity snapped the measuring tape closed. "It is a privilege to make a beautiful dress for a dear friend's wedding and it is my duty, honor and privilege to serve my liege. With all due respect, I can not accept money from you."

"That simply will not do. I've spent my reign instilling the idea that hard work should be rewarded. Why do you think I banned unpaid internships?"

Rarity levitated some silk. "I quite agree with that, Darl-Your Highness. But this is a reward in and of itself, you understand?"

"I suppose that I do."

"Would you please remove your peytrayl? It would give me a more accurate measurement."

Celestia complied, taking off the golden symbol of her office and setting it aside next to the stand she was on. "You really are sincere in that, aren't you?"

"Absolutely. I do not love you the way Twilight loves you, but I do love you and I love Twilight. I'd go so far as to call her my horn sister, especially after she used the last bit of her magic to heal me."

Twilight blushed. "Rarity, I had no idea you felt that way." 

"I do, Darling."

Celestia pursed her lips. "I feel I owe you an apology."

"Whatever for?"

"I misjudged you. When Twilight told me about the way you acted at her birthday party, I assumed you were like other Unicorns who seek to emulate the so-called nobles. Power-seeking. Self-centered."

Rarity stared down at the floor. "I behaved dreadfully, truly I did." She gulped. "It was a long time ago. But, may I ask you pardon? I need it."

Celestia crossed her horn with Rarity's. "I hereby pardon thine offense. Know Twilight forgave you long ago."

Rarity closed her eyes. "Thank you. Since that incident I have had so many doubts about myself."

Celestia drew back. "Often, forgiveness must be sought within. Even I can't fully grant it."

Rarity listened intently, drank in the wisdom. "Thank you, Princess. Consider this gown an offering."

"Very well. You have helped me to come to a decision. I have been toying with it for a long time, but now I know."

"A decision?"

"Yes, something I must discuss with Twilight."
...
There were many reasons Earl Grey and Earl Shimmer disliked meeting with their co-conspirator. For one, it was where he insisted on meeting. They had to travel deep into the mountains surrounding Canterlot, then enter into a damp, dark cave. The cave mouth yawned before them, like a primordial beast aiming to devour them.

They entered into the cave and the second they did, they were enshrouded by darkness. 

The second reason they disliked meeting their co-conspirator was his insistence on reminding them of their place on the food chain. Ponies were prey animals. They had driven out all their predators long ago, but their ancestors had been prey and so they remained. 

Jormungandr took up the entirety of the cave. His mouth was open, though there was no real reason for that to be true. Venom dripped down his fangs. Where the venom dropped, the rock melted away. They kept several feet between themselves and the great serpent.

It still didn't feel close enough. Steam lifted up from holes where the stone had dissolved. The steam obscured much of his face. He closed his mouth. "You have failed again, mortals."

Would it kill him to address me by my title? Earl Grey thought this. She did not say it.

Jormungandr flicked his tongue. They jumped back. Some abominable sound that could have been called a laugh emanated from his throat. "I was only taking a breath. Such frightened creatures you equines are. So soft. So much...flesh."

Earl Shimmer backed farther away. Earl Grey stood her ground, but couldn't keep from trembling. Jormungandr's lips curled back, revealing rows upon rows of teeth, all shining with poison. 

Earl Grey took a few, faltering steps forward. "We must merely change our approach."

He shot forward, his face touching hers. Coils flowed around her. She felt her lunch nearing her throat. "Change your approach? When I came to you, I assumed you had as much reason to wish for Twilight Sparkle's death as I do."

"We most certainly do, Lord of Serpents." Earl Shimmer warily eyed the coils squeezing her ally. Earl Grey was trembling. 

"Do you? It does not seem it." His fangs suddenly ripped into Earl Grey's neck. The scream that broke from her throat deafened Shimmer who nearly ran from the cavern, but her legs locked up when she tried. Jormungandr drew away. "You have a week. Kill Twilight Sparkle or the venom will kill you. How's that for incentive?"

He dropped her on the ground, sank into the shadows. Earl Grey writhed on the rock. Earl Shimmer rushed to her, helped her up off the hard floor. "Are you alright, Grey?"

Grey didn't respond. Her skin felt cold to the touch and she hadn't stopped shaking. 

Shimmer lit her horn. "What did you do to her?"

He drew back, towered over her. "Speak very carefully right now, lest you wish to join her."

"What did you do? Tell me!"

Grey leaned against her. "Stop it. Just stop it, he'll kill you."

Jormungandr lashed his head. Shimmer tried to summon a shield, but his fangs pierced it. The long, blade-like teeth plunged into her flesh. She screamed and jerked back. Blood spurted from the wound and her veins filled with fire. A horrible sound filled the cave. It took her several minutes to realize that the screaming was her own voice.

She didn't remember falling onto the ground, only the pain of the rock crashing against her knees. Jormungandr bent down low. "I do not tolerate failure nor insolence. Is that clear?"

Her throat was ragged and raw. She opened her mouth, nothing came out. 

His head struck hers so she could feel the slime that clung to his scales. "Answer me, Mortal. Take all the time you need." Another obscene laugh. 

Shimmer coughed. "It's clear."

"Good. There will be...harmony...between us then."

Shimmer bristled. She might have been a traitor to country and crown, but she didn't like this aberration mocking the philosophy she had been raised on. "I don't know how much harmony we'll have if we die before we can kill Sparkle."

"Do you not realize you are but tools to me, Ponies? I can find new tools whenever I wish. If Twilight is not dead within a month, you will be. Come back here when she is dead and I will cure you."

He slithered back into the farthest reaches of the cave. Earl Shimmer and Earl Grey propped each other up as they stumbled from the cave mouth. A ring of tall mountains enclosed them. The ground was rough to their hooves.

Earl Grey stopped. "What are we going to do?" 

Earl Shimmer stared up at the rushing rivers pounding upon the earth below, filling up the rivers which would bring life to the surrounding countryside. "I always told my children it is better to admit a mistake. We took a risk allying ourselves with him." She shuddered, nearly fell, as the poison rippled through her limbs. "Princess Celestia is merciful. What do you think we'll get? Twenty years in the Everfree?"

Earl Grey whirled around to face her so quickly a cloud of dust burst up. "No! We can't go to Celestia! Jormungandr will kill us!"

"He's already done that. She might have the cure!"

Earl Grey pawed at the ground. "I've worked too hard to get where I am today! I'm not going into exile!"

"Exile is better than death."

"Maybe for a mare like you who doesn't give a buck about honor!"

Earl Shimmer's ears pinned back. "Excuse me? I don't care about honor? If I go down, you're coming with me if you don't recall!"

"We are not going down!"

"I don't see any other way!"

Earl Grey shook her head. "Pathetic! Pathetic! Your first instinct is to run?"

Earl Shimmer stalked forward, lowered her horn. "My first instinct is to survive!"

Earl Grey lifted up, deliberately holding her horn in a neutral position. "Now, now. There is a problem, but I know Ponies who can solve problems."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Simply follow me and I will introduce you to one such Pony who knows how to solve problems."

Shimmer followed in step with Grey. "Is this the same Pony who solved your former lover?"

"The very same, my dear earl."
...
The Everfree Forest loomed before Twilight and Celestia. The Pegasi had planned a rainstorm. Grey clouds were marching in. Twilight took her familiar shelter beneath Celestia's wing and they entered into the tangled mass of tree limbs and leaves. The old gnarled trees of the forest intertwined into each other.

Their hooves sunk into the soggy earth, grasses coming up to their pasterns. The trees rose high above them, a cloud of green blotting out the sky. The leaves and needles of the trees formed a solid roof and when the wind blew, a rain of leaves gently fell down to the forest floor.

The air was starting to feel wet, but the first rain drops hadn't begun to fall. Twilight still took this as an excuse to rub closer to Celestia while struggling to move her hooves through the muck that the ground was composed of. "Celestia, where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, trust me, you'll love it."

Twilight mock pouted. "You just love surprising me, don't you?"

"Yep."

"I'm going to surprise you one of these days."

They passed through a grove of flowering trees. Blue petals swirled through the air, tossed by a sudden gale, released a strange scent.

"How would it be a surprise if you tell me?"

"I won't tell you before I do it."

The rain started to fall, first with little taps of water on the broad leaves, then increased in tempo, falling faster and faster, bending the leaves, pouring down onto the forest floor. Celestia summoned a shield, which the rain tapped against. Wind whooshed, knocking around the rain.

The torrent crashed through the emerald canopy. Celestia and Twilight both broke into a gallop, Celestia keeping the shield up. The ground grew wetter beneath the beating of the rain upon the earth, making it harder for the two to run. Twilight grunted as she attempted to tug her hoof free.

Suddenly, Celestia pulled Twilight up in her magic and set her on her back. Twilight held tight. Celestia rocketed into the air. The rain cracked against Celestia's shield, but she flew straight. Steam sizzled where the rain fell down against the heat radiating from the bubble of pure energy.

Celestia soared high above the grasses below them, the shield scraping against the tree limbs. Twigs snapped at her passing and clattered all around them. Twilight wondered where their destination was. Celestia whirled around the arms of a maple tree.

The rain danced on the leaves, droplets splattering on the hard wood. The farther along they went, the older the trees became. Gnarled oaks, covered in knots, birches who were now dying, rotting maples and pines whose trunks were as thick as a Pony was round. 

Young saplings had sprung up where the old trees had laid down their seeds. To Twilight, there was something very familiar about the trees, the vines wrapping around them like serpents. She could barely see through the mist that the water vapor had created throughout the forest, but she knew those trees.

It brought her back to a night years ago, when her life had forever changed after facing a mad goddess alongside five others who would become her first-and best-friends.

While the mist obscured it, there were faces carved into the trunks. Frightening faces, faces inscribed by a long-vanished race which had once inhabited these woods before they were woods.

Pinkie had taught her not to be afraid of them, not to be afraid of this disturbing remnant of a society that had destroyed itself through its own depravity.

Twilight nestled into Celestia's mane. Warm tendrils curled around her chin. The ground broke away so suddenly that if you were not prepared for it you would slip into the abyss. What had been solid grassland shifted into jagged cliffs. Celestia soared over them.

The thought came into her mind that one day, Ponies too might be a vanished race. There had been so many times where their very existence had been threatened. Tirek, Grogar, Discord, Nightmare Moon...

Celestia shifted position. "How you doing back there?"

"Contemplating Pony hubris and the ephemeral nature of civilization."

"That's my Twilight."

They surged further within the forest. Fur stood up on Twilight's neck. It always did. Memories played inside of her mind. The demonic visage of the corrupted Princess Luna, even though Nightmare Moon wasn't Luna, just a manifestation of the darkness she'd tried and failed to suppress.

"Are you alright?" Celestia gave her wings a solid flap, puffing them out so the water wouldn't stick to them. "You're shivering."

They flew over the rope bridge that still connected the two cliffs, the rope bride Dash had connected so that they could get across. Down below them was a fathomless, bottomless darkness. Twilight supposed that if one were to fall down them, there would eventually be a bottom, probably one where sharp spikes lay.

"I'm fine."

"You're not. You're scared of this place aren't you?"

Twilight bit her lip. "A little bit. It still feels evil."

"Do you believe love can redeem evil? That light can reclaim darkness?"

Twilight nodded. "I've seen it."

"Do you think our love could redeem an evil place? That the light of it could turn an evil place into a place of joy and gladness?"

Twilight settled herself up Celestia's back, sitting up slightly. "That's not a rhetorical question is it?"

"This wasn't always an evil place." Celestia stared straight ahead, let down the shield as the rain tapered away. "There was a city here. Festivals and great assemblies, shops and schools, temples and libraries...you'd have loved it."

Twilight nuzzled her ear."The fight with Nightmare Moon destroyed it?"

"Yes. It was a great battle and at the end I tracked her down and...begged her to see reason. You know the rest. The civilians had already evacuated, fled to the settlement at Canterhorn which was a fortress for certain Noble Unicorn families. With the civilians gone, I felt comfortable fully unleashing my power. I don't know how the castle survived."  

The castle appeared out of the mist and with it the sound of hammers. Twilight's jerked her head up. The clang of hammers joined the grunts of stallions carrying lumber. The castle was yet in ruins, but the work of a few hours had begun to undo the entropy brought about by the steady march of time. 

Wooden planks filled gaps in the wall. Masons busied themselves with laying stones where no stones had laid in thousands of years. The castle was completely surrounded with a flood of workers.

"Celestia? What is this?"

Celestia landed. The workers knelt, then returned to their task. "I know how important Ponyville is to you and I tire of the prattling herd of idiots in Canterlot that make a mockery of their noble ancestors. Still, this halfway point would mean I would be close to Donut Joe's, should the urge for one of his creations overwhelm me."

Twilight leaned, almost collapsed, into her. "You'd do this for me?"

"Yes. For myself as well. It's a halfway point. We could live together, both close to the places we love. This was once a place of joy." She lifted a hoof, raised Twilight's face. "It could be so again. You could help me to do so. Will you?"

Twilight nuzzled underneath Celestia's chin, delighted in the sensations of Celestia's chin rubbing against the top of her head. It fit so perfectly, made everything feel so wonderfully right. 

"Is that your answer?"

"Wherever you go, I will go."

Celestia pawed at the ground. "Twilight, I don't want you to say that or do something just because I want you to do it. We're beyond that stage of our relationship-or so I hope."

"I know. I want to be with you and I want to be in Ponyville with my friends. This way I can do both. Thank you."

Twilight captured Celestia's lips in a kiss. They stayed that way for a while until they had to break apart in order to breathe. Celestia flared her wings, marched in the direction of the castle. She pushed open the door with a flick of her magic and strode into the great halls.

Light streamed through broken, multicolored windows that had once been stained glass images. Twilight couldn't make out what those images had been. Pegasus workers swooped in the air, taking down the broken windows. Unicorns and Earth Ponies ran brooms down the floors, blowing up a cloud of dust. Twilight coughed. Celestia rubbed her withers.

"It's hard to tell now, but this hall was beautiful once."

Twilight attempted to imagine the dark, ruined space as it must have once been. The frayed, faded carpet once a royal, rich red. Shattered panes that had once been beautiful images. Holes in solid stone, record of betrayal and a battle that had brought an end to an age of glory.

Celestia stopped. "Do you know this is the first time in one-thousand years I've walked through these halls and it hasn't been for fighting a battle?"

Pegasus wings cut through the air, the Pegasus workers carrying the broken windows out of the castle. The shadows were banished by the light of the sun and stones that had been immersed in darkness for generations felt the touch of warmth. They could put in new windows, a new carpet. 

One day, perhaps, their adopted foals would run through here. They would blend their lives together here. These grim halls would be filled with love and laughter.

They reached the end of the corridor. Celestia grinned and then vanished.

Twilight gaped. A trapdoor opened where Celestia had been. Twilight jumped down it, screaming Celestia's name. She landed on something warm and soft. Celestia wrapped her up in her wings and booped her nose.

"Gotcha."

Celestia was laying on a cushion that was somehow untouched by the march of centuries. Twilight was spread out on her warm belly. She lept up and frowned at the Princess. "Don't scare me like that!"

"Sorry, I was simply reliving my prank-filled youth."

Twilight sighed and laid down on the cushion. The rest of the room was shrouded in shadow. Only a few shafts of light brought the barest hints of illumination. She touched her horn to Celestia's. "Forgiven. So, were those trapdoors designed for escaping enemy armies?"

Celestia snorted. "They were for pranking dignitaries we didn't like. That's what happens when you put what are barely adolescents by the standards of their species in charge of a country. Me and Luna would prank each other too."

Twilight relaxed into her. "I get the feeling you and Rainbow Dash would have gotten along."

"I adore Rainbow Dash. A bit too fillyish for my tastes, but I could see us getting along."

"I'm going to have to think of a way to prank you. So, does this castle have any more surprises I should know about?"

Celestia grinned. "Pranking the mistress? I look forward to it. There are more traps. Can't remember all of them."

Twilight chewed her lip. "We should let Spike know if we're going to be moving. He should have a say in the decision though I'm sure he'll be fine with it."

"Of course. Would you still like a tour of this old place?"

Twilight hopped up. "Sure."

Celestia trotted down the hall. "Follow me."

Twilight strode alongside her. "It'd be my honor to help in planning the rebuilding."

"You don't need to."

"I want to. You know how much I love to plan. You want to restore the entire city?"

Celestia turned a corner. "If possible. It'll take a while. I'm not worried about any exiles wandering in as the part they're in is enchanted to prevent them from wandering into Equestrian territory before their sentence is up. We can create more enchantments against wild animals."

"Wild storms as well." She swished her tail, excited. "This is going to be fun."

"The seat of government will have to be moved, won't be too hard."

Twilight clapped her hooves. "It'll take some coordination, but we can do it."
...
Earl Shimmer groaned as she trudged up to the iron, painted silver gates which led to her mansion. The white edifice was pillared, carved from orange sandstone. Her family crest, a red sun, was emblazoned on top. She stumbled up to the walkway and immediately noticed the two, golden-clad guards, their coats died grey. 

The first one strode forward. "Earl Shimmer?"

Earl Shimmer tried not to gulp. She tried to pretend it was the heat of the day that caused the beads of sweat on her forehead. "Yes, Gentlestallions?"

"I am Chief Investigator Nova Star. This is my colleague Onyx."

Onyx just barely acknowledged her presence with a curt nod. 

"What is all this about?" She glanced around. "Am I being detained?" Her voice broke off in a coughing fit.

"Are you alright?" Nova Star asked.

She straightened up. "A cold, that is all." 

An attempt to brush past them was met with them blocking her way, their expressions stern. Shimmer stepped back.

Nova Star cleared his throat. "Ma'am, you are under criminal investigation."

She stiffened. "For what? This is about Sparkle isn't it?"

"Yes. We need you to come with us. Afterwards, you are under orders not to leave Canterlot until the investigation is concluded."

"When will that be?"

Nova Star shrugged. "Most investigations are concluded within under a year, though that isn't always the case. You are being asked to remain in Canterlot as we have strong reason to believe you are behind Twilight Sparkle's attempted assassination."

She brought down her hoof. "Preposterous! Utterly preposterous! If she grew sick it is only because of her propensity for dark magic!"

"Our investigation has revealed otherwise. Please, come with us."

"If I refuse?"

"You will be put under arrest for resisting an officer."

Her hooves twitched, begging for her to run. The confession sprung up on her lips.

The guards stared her down. "Are you coming?"

Earl Shimmer grit her teeth. "Very well."
...
Earl Grey rushed into her home and slammed the door shut. Her servants looked up in alarm. She doubled over, coughing ripping through her body. He had only injected a small amount of poison. It would take a long time to flow through her bloodstream. 

A month, he'd told them. If he could be relied on. She didn't know if the guards had gone after her or Shimmer first. They wouldn't go after them at the same time, wouldn't allow them to get their stories straight.

The questions had been clear. Where were you at the time the potion was being brewed? There had been other questions, she couldn't remember through the haze of pain and panic. 

The old sorcerer would be interrogated too. They all needed to get their stories straight. She grabbed up a letter and sat at her living room table. First, something very important needed to be taken care of. After a few minutes, she'd finished writing the letter to Shimmer which she handed to a new servant whose name she couldn't remember. 

Fleeing was an admission of guilt and a death sentence if they couldn't kill Twilight and convince Jormungandr to cure them. She rubbed her forehead. There had to be a way out, just had to be.

Antivenom? She had got some at the store on her way home. It'd made her vomit immediately and she was still sick. Of course, he'd make the venom resistant to such measures.

He didn't do that to Twilight as he'd assumed Twilight was going to die immediately. What had protected her? She levitated over the book she'd found on the Lord of Serpents. He could change the degree and power of his poisons. For them, he must have picked a slow acting one.

She set the book aside. The words were swimming around too much. Stretching, she gave a sharp order to the servants to prepare the special sort of tea. Her daughter was nowhere to be found. Only the servants going about their daily tasks. She stalked into the back yard which was a dominated by a tall, knotted oak that reached out wide, brown arms over a white table.

The servants had set up a silver tea tray, a pink tea pot and a bottle of vodka. The chair was more comfortable than the one at her desk. She poured the tea into a blue tea cup, added the vodka and threw it down her throat. The sting of vodka reminded her that she was still alive, at least for now.

Earl Shimmer arrived nearly an hour later. Earl Grey reclined in the chair, watched her approach, shocked that her peer could still walk considering how badly she was trembling.

Earl Grey offered her the vodka, holding it up in her mystic aura. "Well, Sunrise, just how much did you spill?"

Earl Shimmer grabbed up the bottle and swigged from it before slamming it down. "Nothing. They interrogated me for two hours, Agnes. I revealed nothing."

Earl Grey sipped the tea. "I'm impressed."

Earl Shimmer scowled. Her tea cup trembled in her aura. "This is too much."

Earl Grey frowned. She was about to crack. Earl Shimmer's previous schemes had merely involved spreading malicious rumors or revealing Pony's secrets. It was as if adolescence had never ended for her. 

"We confess, get the cure, take our punishment. Celestia is kind, understanding."

Earl Grey snorted. "The sun is warm and can reduce forests to deserts. Do not speak where treacherous ears may hear." You idiot. 

"This is your estate. We're safe here, aren't we?"

"Servants are only loyal to a paycheck."

She lit her horn, scanned the grounds. No one else was near. No one could have heard what Earl Shimmer had just said. This was her sanctuary. Servants weren't even allowed back here without prior permission and then only to carry out maintenance of the grounds.

The knife whipped out from under the table and was held at Earl Shimmer's throat before she had time to react. 

"Secrets are to be kept. Understand?"

Earl Shimmer tried to snatch control of the knife, but Earl Grey batted her magic aside. "I have enjoyed our association. I'd hate to have to end it on unfriendly terms."

Earl Shimmer could only stare at the blade poking at her jugular. 

"Your magic is weak. A small child could have torn through your shield. Your curved horn is a thing of beauty, a unique marker. You've never realized that it's a weapon, have you?"

The knife traced her throat.

"I've never had cause too."

"That's the problem with the High Nobles. Life's too easy. Breeds complacency. On the middle, you have to scrap. Never developed your gift. Shameful, when Curved Horns are known for their power. Vow to keep the secret."

"I vow."

Power built as the words were spoken. "May your bones break if you break your word."

The energy of the words seeped into Earl Shimmer. "May my bones break if I break my word."

She returned the knife to its hiding place. Earl Shimmer gulped down her tea. "Why do you have that?"

"It encourages the keeping of secrets."

Earl Shimmer gulped. "Have you ever used it?"

"There's a first time for everything."

The other Noble stood. "I...I need to go."

Earl Grey sipped her tea. "Have a pleasant afternoon."
> Autumn-Noon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna and Celestia stood in the courtyard, touching hooves. The day was warm, a cool wind rustling through the maples whose branches snaked over the castle walls. The gardens of Canterlot Castle surrounded this place and the scents of flowers wafted through. Celestia motioned to the symbols scrawled onto the stone. "Are you sure you want to do this? You're completely ready?"

Luna shook her head. "No, but if I wait I'll never do it." She raised her chin. "Jormungandr's offenses must be revealed."

"Alright. Let's do this."

Luna paused. "Yes. Let's."

The spell was cast. The energy of the enchantment washed over them, transported them through the boundaries of time and space. For a time, they floated through the void. The twinkling, multicolored lights of worlds ceaselessly blooming into existence or fading away lit their path. Luna flew up to Celestia's side, her sister's stride far longer than her own. "Sister, it's date night. I was thinking about the Rook and the Raven. Akbear's quite fond of their fried carrots."

"That would be nice. I think it's the most popular restauraunt in Canterlot. How is your relationship with him?"

Luna fluttered her wings. "He's so gallant! Like the noble knights of old! He can play guitar and he wrote me a song! Me! No one's written me a song in one-thousand years!"

Celestia hummed. "I'd love to hear it."

Luna stuck out her tongue. "It is my song, you can go ask Twilight to make you one for yourself."

Celestia extended her wing and patted her back. "Alright, alright. I presume you two are taking it slow."

Luna huffed. "Why of course! He disapproves of certain behaviors before the bonds of matrimony."

"Have you two discussed matrimony?"

Luna blushed, though it wasn't visible with the interplay of light playing on her face. "Not yet."

"I suppose it is a bit early, isn't it?"

The conversation tapered away. There was no temperature in this place, not truly. It could not be called cold or hot, it just was. This was the space between worlds. Cosmic energies flowed through the void, energies of creation, of destruction, of rebirth and renewal. It was like the phases of her own moon. 

She knew this place. It was not awe at the universe's dance she was feeling. It was...it was...

Nostalgia? 

Two little Ponies, a white Unicorn and a blue Pegasus, frolicking in verdant, rolling meadows, playing with mischievous elves, sheltered by their strong, Divine father and their beautiful, mortal mother. 

Before the dark days came. 

Beings such as themselves were too young for their powers so that part of themselves had been sealed away until Discord's coming had made their ascension necessary. 

Before that, there had been the time of innocent, joyful play. Before that, they'd only know palace gardens and Heavenly realms. Memories of that time, before the dark days, before the sticky corruption of the Nightmare had settled into her soul, flooded her mind.

Moisture wet her cheeks. Running alongside Sister beneath a sun more glorious than the earthly one. Teasing Sister to come along as they secretly explored forbidden caverns by the light of the silver moon. What did they know of politics, of power?

The tears trickled down her face, glinted in the light of the abyss. 

Joy. Love. Sister's embrace. Father and Mother's embrace. Flying, the sheer joy of it, laughing high above Sister while Sister attempted to tickle her with her magic.

Hundreds of moments of childhood play. She closed her eyes against the barrage of remembrances. One-thousand cuts ripped open, invisible scars overflowing with blood. The tears wouldn't stop coming no matter how deeply she tried to hang onto her royal dignity.

Dignity? There was a time she did not even suspect such a concept existed. They had splashed in mud puddles after gentle, soft rains had turned dirt to slush. Their had been other foals then, hadn't there? When they'd gone into the village? Yes, she remembered now.

She could smell the sweet tang of grass buried in her muzzle, the way it felt when she and Sister had rolled in it. A bewildering array of relatives, some of whom didn't quite look like the other's did. But what did they care? As long as they were loved, nothing else mattered.

It rushed to her all at once and her wings locked up. She could fly no further. 

Celestia stopped. "Luna? Are you alright?"

Luna gasped for breath, forced her wings to move. "I am fine." She started to sail on the cosmic currents. A white wing blocked her path.

"It is very clear that you are not fine. Tell me what's wrong."

Luna shook her head. Celestia wavered in front of her, suddenly a pink Unicorn filly. Her heart sped up and she was wondering how they'd gotten here. Father would be displeased, they weren't supposed to-

No, no, they were supposed to. Discord! They had been sent to defeat the demon Discord!

She whirled around. Equus was...no, they were going to Nana's house. Nana liked playing tricks. Nana was fun, but where was Mother and Father, they always came with them-

No, no, that wasn't right.

They were at war! Her eyes narrowed and she slashed at the air with her horn. "I know not why thou hast brought me here, but-"

She blinked. Memories swirled inside of her head. Celestia placed her hooves on her shoulder. "Luna. Come back to me."

Luna crumpled into Celestia's chest. "I...memories...so many..."

Celestia stroked her mane. "Let's keep going, alright?"

Luna backed away. "What was that? Hast I gone mad?"

"Nothing of the sort."

They were now in sight of Yggdrasil, the axis from whence all the multiverses sprung. The branches of the great tree shadowed them. Luna landed on one of the branches. "Asgard is near."

Celestia nested on the branch beside her. "I'm proud of you for getting this far."

Luna danced off the branch. "We have farther to go!"

Celestia smiled and followed her. The memories still played in her mind, like one of those modern movies, flashing beneath her eyelids. 

"It happened to me once."

Luna glanced back. Celestia continued. "It was after I returned from my self-imposed exile. From speaking to other demigods, it seems to be something that occurs when the amount of data overwhelms the still mortal mind. It's strange that it takes as long as it does. I started calling my assistant by the name of her grandmother, Inkwell-yes, the ancestor of my current assistant."

"How long has that family served you?"

"Five generations."

Luna whistled. "All my servants had to go as insane as I did and start worshiping the Nightmare."

"Not all of them. Are you still sore that your cultus died out?"

"Very."

"Ah, Luna, some Ponies still pray to you."

Luna only grumbled. Celestia sighed, then a grin spread over her face. "I bet Akbear would get on his knees in front of you if you asked him to."

The Night Princess gasped at the obscene implication. Celestia rocketed away, her wings spread to their fullest extent and beating up a wind that knocked Luna back.

"You get back here!" Luna roared, slamming against the wind and almost within biting distance of her sister's tail. Celestia swatted her face and accelerated. Luna could only stare at her retreating back and attempt to match her stride. They surged over the rainbow bridge, dashing through the air, sky marching upward. Snow slapped against her face and dusted her wings. High grey mountains lifted like spears to stab her and she zigzagged around them. 

The wind was like shards of ice raking across her face. Still she flew onward. Celestia turned and stuck out her tongue before darting away once more. Sometimes she would slow down just long enough for Luna to almost reach out and grab her, but at that moment, Celestia would charge farther away from her.

Luna whooshed forward, the tips of her wings slicing through the freezing wind. Celestia had retreated about a foot away from her. Luna fiercely flapped her wings and closed the distance only for Celestia to spin into the air in a complicated arc which Luna copied.

Steam and smoke from the forge of the Dwarves hammering far below billowed into the air. Their wings fluttered through it, dispelled it into molecules of mist. Luna grinned as she closed in on her target, but Celestia adopted a sudden zigzag pattern Luna recalled from long ago battles. She adopted the opposite pattern and nearly caught her this time. Celestia arced her wings, angling them downward.

Luna followed like a heat seeking magimissile, diving through the aether. Wind roared in her ears, knocked her mane to and fro as she dropped towards her sibling who suddenly twisted and once more escaped the clutches of the younger Princess. The chase continued, Celestia still in the lead, occasionally allowing Luna the illusion of thinking she could gain victory.

The excitement made her tail swish madly through the air. She zoomed upwards and then zoomed back down. Luna narrowed her eyes, keeping her flight path steady and studying the path her rival was taking. As Celestia banked a hard right, Luna banked a hard left. They met in the middle, Luna thrusting out her wing in an attempt to swat at her. Celestia narrowly dodged the extended appendage and zipped away. Luna growled and her ears flattened back. Celestia flew wildly, changing direction at random intervals.

She seemed to be flying straight, but would then rush upwards, then downward again just as Luna thought she knew where she was headed. Suddenly she swung to the side and Luna pounced, striking only empty air. She jerked her head up as her sister's shadow crossed over her. Luna shot upward, Celestia downward, even sweeping her wings to throw Luna off balance.

Luna swerved to avoid the wing and pursued the elder princess over the peak of a mountain. The clang of the Dwarves' hammers was a drumbeat rocking the mountains. All Luna or Celestia could hear was the wind whistling through their wings, completely absorbed in the chase. Gentle flurries of snow dusted their coats, a sudden spray of the cold, wet substance splashing Luna's muzzle. She sneezed.

Celestia turned around. "You alright, Sis?"

"I am, but you're about to not be!"

"Oh, what ya going to do?"

"I'll think of it when I catch you!"

Celestia's magic gathered up some snow, shaped it into a ball and threw it. Luna just narrowly avoided it, moving a scant few inches away. Luna's magic scooped up snow, balling them up and shooting them at Celestia. Two of them smacked her straight in the face. She coughed and teleported away.

The younger Alicorn scanned the field of battle. Had her quarry vanished? Only mountains were visible, cresting like grey ocean waves over an eternally rippling surface which gave the illusion of movement from the swirling clouds and mists, the dark smoke rising upwards.

From here, she could make out the very tops of birch forests growing from a  fruitful, green field, slender arms blowing in an eternally warm summer. Light danced against thick tree limbs. Had her sister made an escape into Alfheim? That had to be it. A scan with her magic senses revealed no invisibility charm.

The snow melted from her fur the second she entered the brightness of the fields where the Elves made their dwelling. This was a soft land, the contrast shocking. Looking back were the mountains. Here, there was an overwhelming green. Grass came up to her pasterns, caressed her nostrils with the sweet scent.

Celestia landed from the branch of a birch. "Shall we keep going?"

Luna shook her head. "No. Honestly, Celestia, what did you mean by such a vulgar comment? Such bawdy talk is fit for a barmaid not one such as us!"

Celestia hung her head, mostly to hide her grin. "It stopped you from crying, didn't it?"

Luna's mouth hung open. Celestia strode through the grass. "I don't like seeing you cry, but I probably went too far-I've been told quite vocally that I have boundary issues. "

Luna's shoulders slumped. "You're a silly Pony, but I can't stay mad at you."

They shared a nuzzle. 

Celestia pulled away. "Forgiven?"

"Forgiven." Luna scraped the ground, pleasant sensations running through her hoof. "This place is familiar. We spent time here as foals."

"It was our playground. Y'know, Luna, you still have Ponies who admire you. The foals of Ponyville. Bat Ponies."

"Do you know what they call me in their mythology? The Vengeful One. On the other hoof, at least they remember me as me, not as Nightmare Moon."

"They haven't seen you in one-thousand years. The longer they know you, the more those legends will change. One day, you will be known as the Kind One once more."

Luna followed her through the tall grass which swished around her legs and revived in her the scents of a long ago foalhood. They kept a slow pace through the meadow. Luna trailed somewhat behind, stepping softly on the grass below her hooves. She stopped, dug her hooves deep into the dirt. 

Celestia paused when she saw she that Luna was no longer following her. "Coming Luna?"

Luna pranced over. "Coming."

The emerald branches of the birches spread over their heads and cast cool shadows over this normally warm part of the Otherworld. Celestia suddenly lept ahead. "Race you to Asgard!"

Luna stared for a few seconds while Celestia darted ahead. Before she knew it, she too was galloping over the field, laughter breaking from her lips. Soon, she was at Celestia's side. The wind beat up by their galloping blew through their manes and tails. Luna charged ahead only for Celestia's longer stride to overcome hers.

With a burst of speed, Luna jumped, her four hooves leaving the ground and she triumphantly claimed the lead over her sister. There were miles of meadow over which to go, but Asgard's golden towers were already coming into view. Celestia's wings sliced through the air as she ascended, zooming over Luna's head. Luna snapped open her wings and floated up in the air.

Down below, the greenery of Alfland flowed forever. If one looked very closely, one could see the elves frolicking. They would scamper away the moment a stranger saw them. Luna coasted on a thermal which buoyed up her feathers. She kept her wings straight, not even flapping them once. Celestia followed her lead, floating next to her.

They floated all the way to Asgard's dazzling towers and landed at the road that led to the massive gates. The massive gates creaked open and Odin stepped out, nodding at them. Celestia nuzzled him in greeting. Luna kept back until Odin gestured to her. She hesitated and took the smallest steps possible without staying completely still.

Odin's stone face cracked a grin. "Come, Luna. It has been too long."

Luna heaved a sigh. "Too long. Where is Father?"

"Looking for Jormungandr."

Both Alicorn's eyes widened at that statement.

"Yes, we know what he has done. Hugin and Mugin told me days ago."

The ravens in questions perched on the Allfather's shoulder from where they had been resting on the gates. Luna brought down her hoof on the ground. It shook in response. "Excuse me? Why didn't you tell us?"

Odin shook his head. "You know I can see the destinies of all worlds. Had I told you, Celestia, you would not have held back your wrath."

"She almost didn't."

"Indeed, dear Luna. Had you not been there, her wrath would have consumed her completely. That would have affected the destinies of entire worlds. Futures would have been changed and Ragnarok itself would have come closer."

Celestia glanced over at Luna. "Be honest, Lulu. Am I that annoying when I start making plans based entirely on prescience?"

Luna didn't even hesitate. "Yes."

"Something I'll keep in mind."

Odin threw back his head and roared in laughter. Then he reached out and grabbed Luna by her withers, yanking her with him as he crossed into Asgard. Luna squirmed in protest, but Odin effortlessly kept one arm around him, dragging her through the halls of the Aesir's city. 

They passed by alabaster pillars holding up the golden roof. In countless rooms, the clang of swords striking shields echoed and the halls quivered at the sound. Luna's nose caught the iron tang of blood. This too revived memories. They were not the good kind.

Odin absently stroked her fur before letting her go and they entered into the great hall. Familiar faces were missing from the assembly of the Gods. The Vanir sat around the table, exchanging whispered conversations. The great warriors of the Aesir were all absent. Thor, Tyr, even Bragi were gone. Frigga had her usual place. Even Freyr was gone. Freyja stared into her goblet.

Luna and Celestia took their places at the table and Odin sat beside his wife.  Celestia levitated up a carrot and gave it a fierce chomp. "How long have you known?"

Odin fell into silence. "I am not sure how to explain it. I always knew he would do something like this and in time the shape of it became clearer yet I could not interfere."

Celestia swigged down some wine. "You knew we were coming."

"Yes, I did." He lapsed into silence. The hall, normally reverberating with shouts, was empty of every sound except the crunch of carrots, the whispers of the Vanir and the murmuring speculations of the Aesir, the ripping of pig flesh from bone which Celestia's relatives still gleefully gorged themselves on.

Luna looked around. "Where is Nana Loki?"

Odin glanced towards the door. "Quarreling with Hel last I saw him."

As if he had heard his name (and he no doubt had) Loki appeared. To Luna and Celestia, their grandmother had the form of a white Alicorn mare with a golden mane though everygod here would see him as a dark-haired male homo sapien-the race which they had shaped.

He scoffed and then his face broke into an expression of pure delight at the sight of the visitors. He rushed to them and covered them in his wings. "My fillies! It's been too long!"

They first reeled back from the smell of alcohol on her breath and then relaxed. Loki lightly kissed Luna's cheek. "And where have you been, my dear?"

"It's been hard for me."

"I know, I know." He drew back and glided over to Freya. 

He lifted her chin. "Be not troubled, Cousin. Freyr sends word. He is well."

She chanced a smile. "Tell him he'd better be." 

Loki turned his attention back to his nieces. "Why is everyone so somber? A song! As for my son, send him to me Odin my brother! I'll bind him myself!" He slammed his fist on the table. "Do not kill him." His voice was suddenly small. He bit his lip and shook his head. "Don't know where I went wrong."

Odin pulled out a chair for him. He sat down and swung out his arm.  "Enough sorrow and may sadness be forever banished!"

With a snap of his fingers, the pigs came back to life and started doing a jig on the table. The revived boars stamped upon the wood, dancing all along. The Vanir burst into laughter that spread to the Aesir. Celestia's face crimsoned. Music had flowed from where no one knew. 

It was an ancient wedding song. Celestia rolled her eyes. Was there no way she could surprise her kin? Odin had started humming along. At the start of the music, the Gods started leaving their seats, interlocking their arms and swaying along. Odin kept time, beating his spear. "Is there any other news you wish to share, nieces?"

"I am marrying as you already know."

"I'm glad." He reached out and laid a hand on her withers. "May joy follow you and Twilight all your days." He then took hold of Frigg's hand, rose and his blue robes fluttered as he twirled around the hall with Frigg whose hands clasped his hips. 

Celestia lifted from the chair and danced along herself, Luna doing the same. Odin passed her and Frigg leaned down to her ear. "Before you take her as your bride, shall you share a gift with her?"

"Perhaps. It will be her choice."

"Tarry not too long. Time is precious for mortals."

Celestia knelt her head. "I bow to your wisdom, All Mother."
...
A row of oaks towered over the earls as they followed the leaf strewn trail that led up to the assassin's home. It had taken a while to get an appointment with him. His hut was deep in the forest. It was a simple building at the end of the dirt road. Earl Grey pushed open the curtain. A brown stallion was sitting on a chair, reading a book. A low bookshelf was in the corner of the room. A wall of swords, shields, axes and spears was behind him. 

His head snapped up. "Earl Grey. There is something called politeness. It dictates that one should knock before entering another's home."

Earl Shimmer lightly roared as her ears flailed. "Is this a joke? He's an Earth Pony!"

The assassin casually tapped the ground. Vines shot up and trapped Shimmer's legs.

"Let me go!"

The assassin put aside his book. "What do you think of it?"

She struggled with the network of vines which writhed over her body.

"I cultivated it myself." His lips turned upward. "Fascinating process. Earth Pony magic is poorly understood. I do all I can to further my tribe's knowledge." He made a gesture with his hoof. The vines tightened. "Do not underestimate me, Hornhead."

Earl Grey grit her teeth. "Stop it!"

He ignored them. "It drains magic."

Even as he spoke, she felt a wave of tiredness, a pounding ache on her horn. He stamped his hoof again and the vines vanished. "I suggest a bridle for your companion, Grey. A stallion's home is sacred. Do not storm in here and insult me. What do you want?"

Shimmer panted. "You could have killed me."

"Yes, I could have. State your business or leave."

Earl Grey straightened herself up as if trying to be as tall as the stallion. "Look here, Silverhoof. I have an assignment for you. Lady Sparkle has attempted to supplant my daughter's rightful place at the side of the throne. She must be removed."

The stallion nodded. "Lady Sparkle, you say? Get out."

Earl Grey's ears wilted. "What?"

"I presume you mean one Twilight Aurora Sparkle, Element of Magic, consort of Princess Celestia, highly regarded scholar. Defeated Nightmare Moon. Chrysalis. Sombra. Discord. Took on a dragon and won. I read an interesting paper written by her. She has an excellent grasp on combat magic-which she studies in her spare time. It's not even her main field of study."

"So what? Are you afraid?"

"No, I'm not afraid. I simply know when I'm outmatched. Also, she is surrounded by guards. I couldn't access her."

"Coward!"

He snorted. "I am a living coward. If you have any petty little soft bodied nobles for me, send me a letter."

Earl Shimmer thought she heard her peer's tooth snap. A grimace of pain flashed across Earl Grey's face. "I'll pay you triple."

"Will it cover my funeral expenses?" There was no humor in his tone. 

"Her guards should be easy for you to take down-"

He shook his head. "There's been a basic misunderstanding about the Equestrian military since the One Day War with the Changelings. Consider that Queen Chrysalis had to spend months infiltrating the Guard and compromising a high ranking member as well as replacing a government official. She was still defeated. Consider that we have never lost a war. Likely, we never will."

"So?"

"Nothing in nature is fiercer than a stallion defending its territory or a mare he feels is under his protection. The Invasion of Canterlot was unfortunate. Given time, the Guard would have rallied and driven out the invader."

Earl Shimmer finally caught her breath. "Then use your vines."

"A combat trained Unicorn would slice through them. A Pegasus guard would fly out of range. I would love to test myself against an Earth Pony guard, but I have a feeling I would be defeated. They know magic which is inaccessible to ordinary civilians."

He plopped down in his chair. "Leave. I won't ask again."

Earl Grey lashed the air with her tail in quick, sharp snaps. "This is unacceptable."

The assassin picked up his book, said nothing in reply. Earl Shimmer touched her shoulder. Earl Grey pushed her hoof away. "I will never hire you again."

He shrugged. "There isn't a member of my profession who will tell you different."

Earl Shimmer tugged at Earl Grey. "Let's just go."

This time, Earl Grey jerked away so quickly that the other noble was nearly thrown to the ground. "Very well. Very well. Goodbye."

They marched out of the hut. Earl Shimmer studied the sunlight dappling the leaves. Sunlight was warm, gentle. A mother's embrace.

Sunlight could become fire. Fire burned. Fire destroyed forests, raged out of control on the wild plains. The shivering she'd been suppressing broke out all over her body. She couldn't figure out if it was the poison flowing through her veins or...something else.

Her legs trembled so much she could barely take another step though she forced herself to follow Earl Grey.

Could the sun hear her thoughts? What madness was it to go against the sun?

"That's it. That's it then. There's truly no hope left."

The sun still warmed her back. Was that phantom wings she felt on her withers? "Ave vestra misericordiae." The words of pleading, 'hail your mercy', came  unbidden to her lips from some storehouse of fillyhood memories.

It wasn't true that there was no hope. "No hope but your grace, no hope but your grace, no hope but your grace..." Shimmer muttered, the shivering intensifying. She would have to run and make it quick. A monastery wasn't far from here. Earl Grey was staring at her.

"Blind is the sinner..."

"Shut up! What is this? What's wrong with you?"

She would shave her locks like the penitent she was, bear ash upon her forehead, escape the wrath of the sun. 

The sun wasn't warm anymore. Her skin was burning. Heat bloomed inside of her, the solar light penetrating her, penetrating her muscles and her bone. 

Earl Grey grabbed her, shook her firmly. "Stop that immediately!" 

Her peer could feel the way her forelegs were shaking. Earl Shimmer slashed her horn through the air, stopped it at Earl Grey's throat. "You stop it! You led me to this place! I hate you!"

Earl Grey's face twisted in a snarl. "This is not a popularity contest! We are in this together." Her voice lowered. "Once we kill Sparkle and get the cure-"

"Are you stupid?" Earl Shimmer reared up and Earl Grey lost her grip on her. She stumbled then regained her posture. "Listen, Grey, the Princess will not spare us. She will find us. She will cast us into the deepest dungeon she has. We will never be free again-in this life nor in the next."

Earl Shimmer didn't wait to hear a retort. With a focus of her magic, she teleported and stumbled when she found herself at the golden gates of the Order of the Crimson Heart. Teleportation had always come naturally to her, but she'd never teleported one-hundred miles. The building beyond the gates was small, surrounded by two rings of birch trees as was common with such structures. The trees waved light green, leaf covered arms as if welcoming her.

The building was made of solid gold, pillars holding up the prism shaped roof, in the Pegasan style which had been adopted by the other Pony tribes. Each gargantuan pillar was inscribed with symbols. The roof itself was inscribed with a stylized sun. She stepped through the gates. The shivering stopped. The day was late and the metal shone like orange flames.

Warm, though, not hot. A warm, inviting hearth. She took a few steps and collapsed.
...
Celestia re-positioned herself at her oak wood desk. A stack of papers was piled neatly on the left side of her desk. A plate to her right held the remains of a piece of strawberry cake. Starlight and moonlight's rays played with the orange glow of candlelight, playing on the plain, wooden walls. Her office had once been completely barren. Then she'd added a photograph of Cadence and herself sharing an ice cream cone. The picture was nestled in a silver frame.

There was a picture of Luna, soon after her return. She was sheltered in Celestia's wing, shy and unfamiliar with the strange, picture taking device. That picture found a home in a silver picture frame. 

The third and final photograph that ornamented her office was a picture of herself and Twilight sharing a kiss. She paused in her work, glanced at the photograph of her family before returning to forms in front of her. She was almost done and two hours were left before it was time for her date. 

She threw Lady Blueblood's petition to have her son crowned "king of the Unicorns" into the trash and made a note to remind her that such a position had not existed in nine-hundred years. Fancypant's petition to raise more money for cancer research (what was that about?) went into the approved pile. She remembered that Fleur de Lis had had quite the health scare a year ago.

Her door creaked open. Probably a servant come to check up on her. Her newer servants were particularly dedicated. She didn't look up from a petition about more autonomy for the Outer Provinces. It wasn't such a bad idea. Perhaps, Parliament could debate the suggestion. She separated it into the maybe pile, moaned as a kiss was laid on her nape. The kisser was skilled, practiced. The lips brushed lightly over her neck. Two forelegs wrapped around her, a purple muzzle nuzzled the space below her ear.

"Y'know what's wonderful?"

Celestia turned, greeted Twilight with a kiss. "Being cuddled by the prettiest, smartest, sweetest Pony in Equestria?"

"Yes." Twilight whispered into her ear. "And I'd like it if you cuddled me very much. What I was talking about was the wonderful feeling of somepony not trying to kill me every five minutes. Simply great."

Celestia almost retorted that it was too soon to reach that conclusion, but she didn't want to chase away that eager smile so instead she stroked her cheek with a trickle of magic. Twilight contentedly sighed at the Unicornish way of expressing affection.

"My dear, as much as I'd like to drag you to bed and make furious love to you, I really need to get this paperwork done."

Twilight inched away and stood at the desk, grinning. "Paperwork? Have you met me?"

Celestia's head shot up and she yanked Twilight into her lap, tracing her lips with her own, like she was trying to drink her in. Twilight responded in kind, only pausing to reposition herself so she could wrap her forelegs around Celestia's neck. Celestia pulled away after a few seconds, panting and breathless. "Marry me."

Twilight caught her own breath before melding her lips against Celestia's. The solar princess shivered at the tingling sensations of Twilight's tongue trailing the roof of her mouth. She only pulled away with great reluctance. "I'm going to."

"No, right now. Luna's holding court. Let's just go and get married."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "So, I didn't really need to go fight a dragon. I just needed to offer to help you with your paperwork."

"Yep."

"Would've been nice to know."

Celestia snorted into her hoof. Twilight hopped from her lap and sat down on the wide cushion which Celestia was also sitting in. "So, do you have a copy of the royal seal?"

Celestia levitated it over. "Look over them carefully." Twilight nuzzled her ear. Celestia nuzzled back. "Somepony hasn't been getting enough attention lately."

"Let's play a game." Twilight's breath washed over her ears. "Whoever finishes first gets a kiss."

"Sounds like we both win."

"The best kind of game."

Celestia separated the paperwork into two piles with a flash of her magic. They both hunched over their own parchment. Twilight examined the scroll carefully, pursing her lips. Celestia scribbled a few notes, then brought down her stamp which slapped down on the paper like a drum. Twilight jumped.

"I win." Celestia grinned. Twilight pressed her lips to Celestia's.

"Next time, I will. I have no idea what any of this says." She magiced it over to Celestia who stared at it blankly before shrugging, crumpling it and tossing it into a wastebasket. "I understood it. Wouldn't want to damage your innocent mind by telling you what it meant."

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Innocent? Really?"

"You are yet uninitiated in the ways of true political conniving."

"It gets worse than assassinations?" Her eyes narrowed. "What was that saying?"

"In brief? It would have removed all worker safety regulations-though the drafter spent a long time getting to his point."

Twilight's jaw dropped. "Why would anyone want to do that?"

Celestia shrugged. "Greed, mostly. You didn't understand it as it was written using references to law codes I doubt even you have read."

Twilight picked up another one, Celestia took one of her own. They fell into a rhythm with each other, the pounding of the stamps against the wood of the table a cadence. Every time one of them finished, they'd claim their prize-a kiss. Celestia smiled as she looked over one very boring draft then signed it. Twilight signed it a few seconds too late. Celestia captured her lips. Twilight pressed against her. 

Celestia glanced over at the stack, which was growing smaller by the second. While still keeping her lips locked with Twilight, she picked up one such piece of paper, read over it, signed it before laying it down. "I win again."

She drank in the taste of Twilight, that peculiar blend of daisies and dandelions, tea and her own natural scent. Twilight pulled away. "Cheater."

She grabbed one parchment just as Celestia did. They both spent some time examining the parchments. Twilight signed it first just before Celestia tossed hers away. Twilight pounced on her with the kiss. Only three more parchments remained. Celestia swooped one up, examined it, signed it. This time, Twilight kissed her then blinked. "You know what? I think I forgot how this game was supposed to go."

"Game? What game?" Celestia pecked her horn, eliciting a shiver down the Unicorn's spine. Twilight touched her lips to Celestia's throat, suckled.

"Sister!"

Both jumped up when Luna pranced into the room. "Sister, I thought you were doing paperwork! Mine court came to a close ten minutes ago! What are you two doing?"

A blush crept up both their faces.

"Paperwork?" Celestia offered.

Luna swept up the two remaining parchments, brought them over to herself. Grumbling, she signed them with the seal before placing all three items down. "Now, let's get going!"

Luna nearly dragged them along with her magic and they followed after her.
> Autumn-Afternoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crystal chandelier spilled candlelight over the mahogany chairs and tables which were arranged in orderly rows around the red carpet of the restauraunt. Celestia, Luna and Twilight trotted through the door, the cool of the night air giving way to warmth. Luna bounded ahead. "Twilight, you've never met Akbear, have you? He is such a gentlecolt!"

"No, I never have." Twilight trailed after her, hurrying to keep up with Luna's longer stride. Celestia took a few steps and was instantly next to Luna. Twilight stopped to take in several breaths so Celestia paused. Luna kept her regal march towards the seat where her coltfriend sat.

A jet black mane ran down his white shoulders. A formal, purple bridal covered his face in a network of leather straps, though there was no bit to inhibit him from speaking. Wearing the bridle was an old Arabian custom whose origins were long lost and had been explained as a sign of humility or a remnant of a time when Arabians had been slaves. The bridle had been only for slaves in Ancient Equestria and the foreigner did get some strange looks. He was tall, nearly towering over the small table. Rather than sit, he stood. Unlike their Pony cousins, the Arabian Horse had never developed bipedalism, save for occasionally rearing as a display of excitement. 

He smiled at Luna and she dipped under his chin for a long nuzzle. It was so long in fact that Celestia and Twilight had already sat down and ordered bread sticks by the time Luna and Akbear stopped nuzzling. Luna's cheeks colored and she sat down across from him. Akbear remained standing. Twilight took the seat next to Luna. "So, how has Equestria been treating you, Ustaaz Akbear?"

Akbear nodded. "Ah, you know my language. Just call me Akbear, please."

"Of course, Akbear."

Akbear knelt to Celestia. "It is nice of you to join us this lovely night."

"The pleasure is all ours."

The waitress, a scurrying little grey Unicorn adolescent filly, skittered over to them, holding a silver plate of bread sticks on her back. She took them in her magic and deposited them on the green-checkered patterned table cloth. Akbear picked one up and hoofed it to Luna who took it in her blue aura and nibbled on it. "Thank you." She picked one up herself and poked at Akbear's lips. Akbear gratefully took the offered morsel. "Equestria is a fine place. I wasn't sure about it at first. So different from my own land. How strange to actually miss blistering heat and sand rivers. Homesickness is a strange thing, yes? Strange is the word? There are giant scorpions in my country. They jump out at unweary travelers and, well, such things are improper to talk about at dinner time. I even missed them at my worst."

Luna shifted in her seat. "I've been homesick in my own country. So much changes in one-thousand years. I was astonished to find such beautiful, new music when I went to a concert hall. Imagine my shock when I discovered that such music was three centuries old."

Akbear stroked her mane. "But I find your Equestria has much to offer and not just your pleasant weather. You have such varied diet. So many cultures joined as one. An example for us. And I find this Unicorn seafood to be delightful. I had never tasted fish up until now. The sea is far from my country."

"The stallion loves his crab."

Twilight nibbled on a bread stick. "They have the best crab cakes here. And as far as sand scorpions, we have ursa minors, ursa majors,  manticores, hyrdras, rocs, gremlins and I probably missed a few."

Luna sighed. "Ursas are not so bad. They are misunderstood creatures, my star bears."

Twilight looked over at her. "You made them?"

"Indeed I did."

"I had no idea, I didn't mean to insult them."

Luna waved her hoof. "It's alright. I understand your less than good experience with them."

Akbear, relaxing, lowered onto his belly to sit across from his lady. "I misunderstood much before coming here. Luna has taught me so many things. We have gazed at the night sky together and I have learned that the stars are just as lovely as the sun."

"Just as lovely? You told me they were lovelier."

He rose to kiss her. "I was referring to your eyes."

Luna returned the kiss, the scent of him intoxicating to her, washing over her senses.

"Ahem."

Luna broke away for air. "Sister?"

"The waitress would like to know what you're ordering."

The waitress almost pranced on the floor. "Y-Yes, Your Highness, Ma'am."

"Grilled oatcakes." 

The waitress wrote it down. Akbear ordered crab cakes, Twilight fried hay casserole and Celestia ordered a carrot pate. She wandered away to bring the orders to the kitchen. Celestia settled in her chair. "I understand you wrote a song for my sister? I'd love to hear it."

Luna glared. "It is the sort of song a stallion sings for his mare and no one else."

"Right, right. Boundaries."

Akbear frowned. "Would it bother you so much if I sang it to another?"

"Yes."

"I understand." He sipped some of the water on the table. "What about the poetry I send to you?"

Twilight's ears perked up. "You're a poet?"

"Yes, yes I am."

Luna shuffled her hoof. "Well, if you wanted to publish them, that'd be alright. Yes, he is a poet."

"I love poetry!" Twilight clapped her hooves together. "Would it be alright, I mean, if it was okay with Luna, maybe you could share some?"

A most peculiar thing suddenly happened. Akbear's ears drooped downward. "Do you like Arabian poetry?"

"It's not my preferred genre, but I have read some of it."

"Al-Saddleari? Have you read him?"

"I love him."

Akbear chewed on his lip. "I need to go to the bathroom."

Luna watched him as he went. "Strange. He is not normally so shy."

Celestia and Twilight shared a glance. A few moments passed before Akbear returned. He wiped away what looked like sweat before returning to the table.

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Beloved. Where are those crab cakes?"

"We haven't ordered that long ago. Patience."

"Of course, of course."

Akbear shuffled. "You like poetry, Twilight?"

"Yes. I thought you were going to share some with us?"

Luna poked his side. "Honestly, I don't mind."

"But sharing the song bothers you? I do not want to bother you."

Luna's poke turned into a caress. "So modest this one."

Akbear chuckled. "Yes, yes. Modest. Twilight, might I speak with you outside? In private?"

Luna narrowed her eyes. "Akbear, what do you have to say to Twilight that can not be said to me?"

Celestia paused, bread roll halfway to her lips. "I would also like to know."

At this point, the stallion was sweating. "It's important."

"I'm not sure I like you going off with other mares and not telling me why."

"Princess...Luna, I would not be comfortable doing that either. Nor would I do anything that would even give the illusion of impropriety." Twilight spoke while staring directly at Akbear.

Akbear ran a hoof through his mane. "I would never...Luna, we should work on our relationship if that makes you suspicious."

"I didn't think my jealousy issues were a secret." She ripped into a bread stick, chomping on it.

All the air went out of him, his gaze drifting to his hooves. "My apologies. I mean that."

"What is it you need to talk to me about?" Twilight leaned across the table. "There's no reason that it can't be said in front of Luna, is there?"

Akbear ruffled his mane so hard Twilight wondered if he was going to give himself a bald spot."There is a reason and I wish I could explain."

"Then explain it."

Luna and Celestia silently watched the exchange between their lovers.

Akbear chewed on his lip. Twilight stared. Luna tweaked Celestia's ear. "Tia, perhaps we should talk while Akbear and Twilight discuss whatever it is they're discussing."

Celestia was just nearly dragged from her seat by a firm application of Luna's magic. She struggled to keep up with the smaller mare who had, mercifully, cut off the flow of magic which had pulled Celestia beside her. She soon caught up with Luna's stride. Luna knocked the gold inlaid wooden door open and whirled around to face her sister.

Cool night air wafted over both. Celestia stepped forward. "If we are going to do this, let's not do it in the middle of the street."

Luna snorted. "What do you think we're going to do? Engage in hooficuffs?"

"I assume it might involve raised voices."

"The last time we fought-truly fought-a city died. Let's try to be calm." She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. Then she looked around. Crowds were swarming the street, but nopony had noticed them specifically. She cast a spell and a blue Pegasus stood in her face.

A pink-maned, white Unicorn stood across from her. They strode away from the facade of the restaurant, stopping near a ring of juniper bushes that were only a mass in the darkness, parts dappled by the silvery moonlight. For all intents and purposes, a Pegasus was quarreling with her Unicorn companion. Nopony would see that it was, in fact, two Princesses of Equestria.

Celestia sighed. "Alright, lay into me. I've heard it all before."

"What is wrong with you?"

"Even I don't know."

Luna stomped her hoof. "Why did you even bring this up? I told you that song is special to me."

Celestia studied the cobblestone. It was rather uneven. Somepony could do something about that. She scratched it. Yes, this was good, solid stone. 

"I'm talking to you!" A second, louder clop on the stone brought Celestia out of her reverie. Curls of steam emanated from Luna's nostrils. "You're making him uncomfortable. Twilight just likes poetry, although if they share more than poetry-" She stiffened, stopped that train of though with what was apparently an act of will. "Why? Sister, just tell me why!"

"Because I'm worried about you." Celestia took a cautious step towards her. "I don't want to fight."

Luna stepped back. "Why are you worried about me? Akbear is a good stallion-and I'm certain your spies have verified that."

"They have."

"I can't even feign surprise."

Celestia's shoulder's slumped. "Can you trust me? Just trust me?"

"You have to give me a reason to." She shot a glance back at the restauraunt. "What could they be talking about?"

"I'm not sure, but he's hiding something. He's going too fast."

Luna broke into a laugh. "Forgive me if me and Akbear don't dance around each other to the point that one of us is nearly dead before we admit our feelings."

Celestia's glare could have melted steel. Luna shrunk back. "Alright. That was too far."

"I hate to go back to that place again and again..." Celestia steadied herself. "And I shouldn't have asked about that song. I shouldn't have. It was none of my business."

"Don't. Don't go back to that place." Luna shook her head. "We have to put that event behind us. Move forward."

"I won't then. Just understand, I haven't had you back that long. I won't let someone break your heart."

Luna growled. "What makes you think he's going to break my heart?"

"Luna, remember that love letter you showed me? I didn't know how to tell you, but..." She trailed off.

"But what? What are you trying to tell me?"
...
"What do you mean, you've been sending her quotes from Al-Saddleri and telling her that you wrote them?" Twilight slammed her hooves down on the table so hard that Akbear was nearly thrown back from the sheer force. He trotted away a few paces. "That sort of dishonesty has no place in a relationship! Also, have you ever heard of plagiarism?"

Akbear hung his head. "It was an accident at first."

Twilight sat back in her chair, calmed herself. "Explain."

Akbear looked up. "It is a custom in my country to send poetry. Everypony knows you didn't really write it. But Luna came back with a letter about what a brilliant poet I was. I meant to tell her, but that sort of thing really feeds the ego."

Twilight softly clapped her hoof against her head. "How long were you expecting to keep this up?"

"Yes, Akbear, how long?" 

Akbear's head snapped up. Luna's march was slow, controlled. Tension rippled over every part of her body from her shivering tail to her rod straight ears. Her back was like steel. "How long did you intend to keep lying to me?" Her wings were the most alarming part. They were jutted straight out, feathers trembling with suppressed tension.

Akbear gulped. "Some of it was mine."

Luna's legs tensed up. She refrained from reducing the floor beneath her hooves to pieces. "How can I trust that that isn't also a lie?"

Akbear reached out, touched her cheek. "Please, listen. I never meant to hurt you."

She didn't move away, only grasped his hoof. "What did you intend?"

"Remember when you first met me? I was angry, tempestuous. That's who I really am." He closed his eyes. "Who I am isn't the best stallion. So, I put on a mask when I negotiate. I really am good at it."

Luna waited for him to go on, saying nothing. The touch on her cheek turned to a caress. The tension still hadn't left her body, but she forced her wings to go back to her sides. 

"Please don't be angry with me."

He could feel her hoof trembling in his grip, the vibration of it running down his foreleg. 

"I'm not angry. Disappointed. Hurt. Scared. But I'm not angry."

Little by little, the tension left her body. Her legs slowly stopped trembling before becoming still. She released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding, a cloud of steam exhaling from her nostrils. A sharp pain in her chest entered her awareness and she realized just how tight her barrel felt. Her tail still slashed at the air behind her, but she stopped.

He kneaded her face, the warm keratin of his hooves soothing against her fur. "What scares you, my oasis?"

She leaned into him, breathed against him, taking in that scent of sweat and sand that clung to him no matter how many baths he took. "That you might not have meant those things you told me. Those beautiful things you told me. Even if they were the words of another, did you at least mean them?"

The shy waitress tip-hooved over, deposited the silver platters and cantered off. Steam wafted from the freshly prepared meal.

"Of course I meant them." He brushed away a lock of her hair.

Celestia put a wing over Twilight's shoulder and led her away, towards the bathroom. Luna looked up at Akbear. "Then tell me why you would lie to me. Why not simply tell me the truth?"

"I was afraid, my oasis."

Luna cocked her head. "Afraid of what?"

Akbear finally looked into her eyes. "You are beautiful and unique. How could I possibly express myself to you? Express all the words I wanted to say to you?"

She lifted her hoof from the floor, pressed it to his heart, felt how it fluttered and trembled against his powerful rib cage. Then she placed her hoof down. "Akbear..."
...

Celestia lit her horn and thrust the door open. Twilight nearly stumbled in after her and Celestia caught her before she could fall. Twilight could only watch, and try not to get knocked down, as Celestia paced back and forth before finally resting her face in her forelegs. 

Twilight patted her shoulders. "Hey, are you alright?"

Celestia looked up at her face. "Twilight, I just did a very stupid and selfish thing."

"I don't understand. You just asked about that song."

"I wanted to know...needed to know..." She stopped, took in one shuddering breath.

Twilight rubbed circles in her back. "What did you need to know?"

"I knew he was sending Al-Saddleri's poetry. I thought if I brought up the song, you'd want to hear it."

"And I did." She narrowed her eyes. "I took the bait."

"Twilight, please, Luna's going to yell at me enough as is."

The younger mare rolled her eyes. "I'm not going to yell at you." She'd never voice it, but privately she wondered how much stress Celestia could really take. The more she knew her, the more fragile she seemed. The battering misfortunes of centuries had struck against her, wearing away her endurance like a rock eroded by sea salt and wind. 

Yet, she stood, the rock on which an empire supported itself, on which her loved ones could always find comfort and understanding no matter how much suffering she was going through. Twilight continued her own efforts at giving Celestia comfort. "Why did you bring it up? I know you. You don't do anything without a good reason."

Celestia shuffled towards Twilight's warmth, laid her great head against Twilight's neck. "I'm a mess, aren't I?"

Twilight nuzzled against her cheek. "No, you aren't. Besides, I have no room to talk. Two words, Smarty Pants."

Celestia cracked a grin. "Alright, alright. You're not the best judge of sanity."

Twilight tried to look stern, but then burst out laughing. "That's fair enough."

"You know what happened with you and the earls? Imagine having to deal with those sorts of plots and schemes day in and day out, all alone, for one-thousand years."

Twilight closed her eyes and tried. She couldn't. One-thousand years was longer than she could even comprehend, longer than her family line could even be traced. What was that like? How would one not descend into madness? "I can't imagine. I really can't."

"The Saddle Arabians were not always our friends, Twilight. I was there when Coltstantinople burned, when the Arabian armies pillaged their way through the jewel of Equestria's eastern shore-well, what was our shore." She closed her eyes as if she could hear the clash of swords that had since stopped ringing several lifetimes ago. "I tried not to let my fear rule, but I was suspicious of Akbear. 'Never turn you back on an Arabian', the saying goes."

"If he could lie about the poetry, what else could he be lying about?"

"Exactly. I have to be sure, Twilight." She lifted her chin. "Even if Luna ends up hating me, I have to be sure this isn't a plot. My sister's heart is not a pawn to be played with."

Twilight broke away from Celestia. "I understand. If it helps, I don't think you did anything wrong."
...

Luna stepped away from Akbear. "There is something I need to know."

Akbear inched closer, but Luna held out her hoof, keeping him at a distance. "No, you will not distract me with affection. I am no weak-willed houri to be coddled and appeased. I am a strong mare, Akbear. I will be spoken to honestly or not at all."

He nodded. "Ask me whatever is on your heart. Tell me if there is any way to soothe your fears."

"That song you wrote me, which I hold dear to my soul, it was about me, was it not?"

"You know it was. What Arabian before me has praised the moon or compared their lover's beauty to the beauty of the stars?"

She turned away. "I want to believe you."

He reached for her, she pushed against his broad shoulder. He was surprised to find himself held in place by her, though she didn't seem to be using even a fraction of her strength. "I'll test you."

"Anything to prove myself to you." Struggling against her was futile. She placed her foreleg back on the ground, trotted away towards the bathroom. Celestia and Twilight jerked up from where they had been sharing a nuzzle when they heard the bathroom door creak open. Celestia was first to go to her. "How is everything?"

Luna shook her head. "Twilight, I want you to listen to Akbear's song. Tell me if he really wrote it."

Celestia flinched at being ignored by her, as if she'd been physically struck. Twilight scratched her chin. "There's a lot of Arabian poets I've never read."

Luna snorted. "Could you please just listen?"

"Alright."

They followed her back into the restauraunt, seated themselves around the table. Celestia levitated up her carrot pate, took a few light nibbles. Twilight dug into her fried hay with her usual abandon, Luna going more slowly and taking small bites from her oat cakes. Akbear sliced apart his crab cakes. The steam rising from the freshly cooked meal rose in little puffs of mist.

Twilight put down her fork. "Luna says she wants you to sing that song."

Akbear glanced at Luna for confirmation. Luna wiped at her mouth with a tablecloth. "I need to know."

"I don't have my guitar."

"Your voice is lovely, with or without instrumental accompaniment. Sing for us."

Akbear closed his eyes, hummed to himself. Then, a song broke from his lips. It was a raspy song, filled with the softly undulating syllables of his native accent, a deep song with a slow melody that fell as gently as rain on the plains of the desert and filled with as much tender longing. 

"You are my moon
to guide my way on darkest nights,
splitting through the clouds
of my once bitter loneliness.

Stir my soul,
awaken my senses,
with the light of your love,
the light in the darkness.

You are the stars,
whose beauty is incomprehensible,
delighting my soul
with just one touch.

Stir my soul,
awaken my senses,
with the light of your love,
the light in the darkness.

I long for you, my moon,
oh, how I desire you my stars,
you inflame me with passion,
fill me with such bitter desire.

Stir my soul,
awaken my senses
with the light of your love,
the light in the darkness.

Your beauty is as the full moon
ringed by the diamond stars of heaven,
your love as the water of the oasis
is to the weary traveler.

Stir my soul,
awaken my sensesm
with the light of your love,
the light in the darkness.

Twilight listened closely throughout Akbear's rendition of the song. Luna looked over at her when the song came to an end. "Well?"

Twilight stared at Akbear. "That was beautiful."

The stallion's cheeks colored. "Thank you."

Luna looked from Twilight, then to Akbear. "He wrote it then?"

"Absolutely. I've never heard any Arabian poetry using night based imagery."

Akbear nosed her ear. "I told you, Beloved. Though I lied about many things before, I did not lie about that."

She curled into him, planted a firm kiss onto his lips. He embraced her lips with his own and, only after several seconds, did she part from him to take a gulp of air before wrapping her forelegs around his neck. "When you can write such beautiful things, why lie and claim another's work?"

He shrugged. "That was the only poem I've ever written in my entire life. Before I met you, I never even thought of writing poetry."

She stroked his cheek. "You should try to write more. But, you know it is not a requirement. You don't need to woo me. My heart already belongs to you."

He leaned so close to her muzzle that they were sharing their breath. "I want to keep it."

"Can we not go back to the way we were? Remember when we first met and we spoke so freely to each other?"

With each exhalation from his nostrils, she breathed in his breath as he breathed in hers. "Do you want to go back to the way it was?"

"Yes. When it was easy. Don't you dare stop sending me chocolates though!"

His loud laugh rang out through the eatery. "I promise, beloved."
...
Ebony and ivory wings cut through the velvet curtain of the night. Celestia and Luna came within sight of the palace, the flags of the empire flapping in a cool breeze that aided the flight of the diarchs. They landed with their customary grace. Luna strode ahead, but stopped at a touch from her sister's feathers which grazed her side.

Luna turned. "Goodnight, Tia."

"Wait." Celestia lowered her wing. "Is everything alright between us?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Because I put my muzzle where it didn't belong."

She jerked when Luna reached for her, then relaxed when Luna brought her in against her chest. Celestia embraced her. Luna drew back. "Actually, I should be thanking you."

Celestia cocked her head. "Why?"

"Thanks to you, my relationship to Akbear is far stronger. Had I, by chance, come across those lines of verse in some book and learned thusly that he had deceived me..." She shuddered. "The results would not have been good for anyone."

"And now?"

"Now, honesty has deepened our relationship. And I have you to be grateful for. He is an insecure stallion, but they all are to some degree."

"Perhaps not, to ordinary mares. I've accepted the fact that we are simply intimidating."

"Yes, very much. But, he did not intend to hurt me so I have forgiven him and this hurdle in our courting has gone over much more smoothly with your help."

"You're sure you're not mad?"

Luna shrugged. "In truth, I am not. Perhaps I've grown up?"

"I'm proud of you."

"As I am of you. Now, I need attend to my duties." 

They embraced once more before they parted, Celestia off to pleasant dreams and Luna to prepare those dreams.
> Autumn-Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia hummed a happy tune to herself while she held the pieces of bread in her magic. She placed the slices on the plate and picked up some daisies from a grey, stone bowl that was placed next to her. The clattering of knives striking cutting boards filled the room as the chefs in the kitchen went about their work. Comradely chattering bubbled up from the assortment of kitchen workers. A hiss of water surged from the faucet and the clinking of plates sounded from behind her. Celestia ignored them all, liberally sprinkling the flowers on the slices.

She put the two slices of bread together, laid the sandwich aside in a brown, woven picnic basket. A rather heavyset, brown stallion with a white apron on rushed past her and grabbed a bunch of apricots from an orange bowl that was on the same counter that the Princess was working at. From behind her, what sounded like little more than a filly cursed and her sensitive ears twitched at the sound of a plate falling and displacing the air.

There was no sound of a plate shattering. Celestia glanced behind herself. The poor dear-a completely pink Pegasus who was wearing yellow ribbons and pigtails of all things-looked like she thought she was going to get yelled at for a mere accident. From the way the gruff, brown stallion was glaring at her Celestia wouldn't have been surprised if he hadn't done exactly that.

She stopped him with a look. The stallion started and then busied himself with slicing up apricots. The incessant tapping of his knife joined with the other noises in the room. Trembling slightly, the filly (for she truly was a filly-probably an adolescent apprentice to one of the maids) returned to her tasks and put up the plate. 

Celestia opened the cabinet door above her and pulled out a white bowl full of gems which had been set aside for visiting dragon dignitaries. She browsed through the gems, the golden light of her horn shifting the multicolored stones. Her remembrances told her that Spike liked amethysts. She wasn't sure if his tastes had changed over the years so she selected some amethysts and tossed them into the basket next to Twilight's sandwich. 

That done, she raised two more slices of bread in the air, set them on the counter and sprinkled them with the yellow heads of dandelions-her favorite flower and not just because they were the same color as her sun, regardless of what Luna had to say on the matter.

Now, it was time to make dessert. She unconsciously licked her lips and then gathered up sugar, cornstarch, salt, ground cinnamon and butter. She tossed every ingredient except the blueberries into the bowl, and picked up one of those automatic mixers. It came to life with a press of the button, whirring around, vivified by electromagical forces. Luna had thought it possessed when she'd first encountered it and even she was astounded by it. Her Ponies were so clever at times. She plunged the device into the mix and it stirred it until all the ingredients were blended together. Once she was satisfied that everything was good she sprinkled them over the blueberries in the pan.

She could have put them in the oven, but there was something about infusing this with a personal touch so she lit up her horn, concentrated her power at the tip and sent the slightest burst. Everypony jumped at the sizzling hiss of her magic inundating the pie. The golden light bathed the pastry, transforming it into a golden brown. Within a few minutes it was done. When she dug into into it with a knife, gusts of steam wafted from it, carrying with it the sweet scent of blueberries and sugar. 

It was perfect so it joined the sandwiches and the gems. She stretched out her limbs and trotted out of the kitchen with the picnic basket placed on her withers before pausing and trotting back into the kitchen. Several cooks looked up at her approach. The teenager had moved on to putting the dishes back into the cabinet and jumped when Celestia tapped her shoulder.

"Is something wrong Your Highness?" She held a plate between them.

Celestia held back a sigh. "What's your name, Dear?"

"My name is Sugar Heart."

Of course it is. You are so cute I could just eat you up! She looked at the head cook, the one that had been glaring at her.

Sugar Heart held the plate tighter. "I'm really sorry about nearly dropping the plate!"

Upon a closer inspection, Celestia realized that the filly was an at least nineteen year old mare who had held onto some of the physical features of fillyhood. Her attitude did little to convince one that she was not a kindergartner that had somehow wandered into the castle from a school field trip.

Or maybe I'm just old. Grown senators are going to start looking like foals. Doesn't help that they ACT like foals.  "Listen, Sugar Heart. Accidents happen. There's no need to be too stressed about them. Understand?"

Sugar Heart nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

She motioned again to the head cook. "And if Mr. Wooden Spoon starts being mean, you come right to me, understand?" She asked this fully aware that she sounded more like a mother than a princess. Refrain from hugging her, you'll give the poor dear a heart attack.

Sugar Heart put aside the plate, setting it atop the stack in the cabinet before she closed the door. "Mr. Wooden Spoon isn't that bad. He's just very, um, grumpy."

The stallion in question grunted. "I can hear you two, ya know. I wouldn't be so grumpy, Your Highness, if this one didn't break so many things."

Sugar Heart shuffled her hoof. "I wouldn't be so clumsy if he didn't make me so nervous."

Celestia cleared her throat. "Fear has no place in my palace. Mr. Wooden Spoon, we've talked before about your leadership style. You shout too much, even for minor offenses and mishaps. That's not how Ponies-or any sapient-learns."

Sugar Heart looked down at the stone floor. "Th-there's no need to get angry on my account."

"I'm not getting angry little one...I mean, Miss Heart. I am only saying that you are free to complain to me if you have a grievance or even if you just need to talk."

"Yes, Your Highness." She bowed. Celestia couldn't resist patting her on the shoulder.
...
Twilight was surrounded by books scattered all around the floor. The books had been in boxes, but she had never found boxes to be particularly helpful to the sorting and organizational process. She needed to see the books, feel them, maybe read them for a bit. There was a reason the library was closed indefinitely on re-shelving day. The new books had arrived today. Spike had taken the children's book section and was quickly and efficiently settling the books in their proper location.

Twilight sneaked a peek at the newest Daring Do book and when she looked up, the minute hand on the clock had moved significantly. Spike had plopped down and was flipping through a copy of the Ronaldo the Noble Dragon series. She slid the Daring Do book on the shelf, sighing and wondering if she could claim librarian's privilege and keep it for herself.

But that wouldn't be right and Dash might cry. Nopony wanted to either see or hear that. Especially if Fluttershy wasn't around to calm her down. She lifted all the books in her field, spinning them around, carefully scanning each title. Spike came to the end of his book, hopped up and placed the Noble Dragon book with the rest of the series.

Twilight turned her attention to the science section which was looking rather bare. Farmers were scientists, first and foremost, who needed to know a lot about biology, botany, animal behavior and meteorology. Pinkie Pie had checked out her book on etymology (which she apparently had a degree in, who knew?), Applejack had checked out her botany book, Carrot Top had checked out the book on biology and thus the section had been slowly diminished to its current state. 

She wiped away a layer of dust, which made Spike look a bit sheepish. The science books in her field were separated into one, floating clump of literary tomes while the rest of the books were gently set on the floor which Spike attended to. Holding the books in her field while simultaneously sliding them onto the shelf took a great deal of concentration. 

The tapping of a claw poking her thigh brought her out of her trance yet she maintained her hold on the books. "Twilight? There's somepony at the door."

Twilight slid the last few books into their proper places, smiling at how full the shelf now looked. A full bookshelf always looked so happy. After a few moments of appreciating her work, she looked over to Spike. "Is it one of the guards, you think? Or did we forget to put the closed sign on?"

Spike waddled over to the door, hopped on a window ledge, peeked out the window. A pink princess waved to him and he jumped off his makeshift perch. "It's Cadence!"

Twilight didn't need any further encouragement to bounce over to the door and fling it open. "Cadence!"

"Twilight!" Cadence swept her former charge into a big hug. Twilight hugged her back and then they parted to do their greeting dance. They bumped their bums together and fell on their side, giggling. Twilight recovered first and stood up. "So, what brings you to my library? Just visiting?" Her eyes widened. "It's not an emergency is it?"

Cadence pressed a hoof to Twilight's chest. "No, it's no emergency. I just wanted to talk." She looked around. "Book re-shelving? You mind if I help?"

Twilight shrugged. "The more the merrier."

They both lit their horns and picked up separate stacks of books. Cadence glanced at them. They were mostly fiction and she looked around, trying to figure out exactly where to put them. Twilight slid all of her books on a barren shelf in an orderly row then directed Cadence to slide all of the books she held on the shelf below where Twilight had put hers. "So, something on your mind?"

Cadence floated up a hardcover encyclopedia, set it next to the other encyclopedias. "How do you know something's wrong, Ladybug?"

Twilight raised a pile of softcover mysteries, slid them in place on a shelf to the far right wall. "Do you see my fantasy novels?"

Cadence's pink magic sifted through the rapidly diminishing pile of books, located them and separated them from the rest. Twilight took them in her own magic and put them on the right shelf. "Something's wrong."

"Maybe I just wanted to stop by?"

Twilight shook her head. "I read a very interesting book on Pegasus wings and emotions. Each movement of a Pegasus' wings reveals something about their emotional state."

Cadence cocked her head and glanced back at her wings. "Huh. Thought I had more control over that."

Twilight frowned. "It's not Shining, is it?"

"No, no it isn't."

"So, it's something." Twilight put down the pile of books. "Let's take a break. We can talk."

"Sure?"

"Friends are more important than books." She sat down on the couch. "Do you want some tea?"

"Sure."

"Good, because Spike always makes tea for guests. I don't know why. He just got into his scaly head somehow. Not a bad thing."

Spike hurried back into the living room with a silver tray on which was a white teapot and three white teacups. He placed it on the table and hopped up on the foreleg rest after grabbing a teacup for himself (though his preferred beverage was root beer.)

Twilight sipped some of the expertly brewed green tea. "So, spill."

Cadence gave a wistful smile. "This is familiar, but last time you were smaller and I was asking that."

Twilight swallowed her tea. "I learned from the best, ya know."

"Thank you." Cadence settled into the couch cushions. A few moments passed by in companionable silence. It was Cadence who first broke the moment. "Have you ever heard of sympathy for Tirek?"

Twilight rubbed her chin. "The sci-fi novel or the concept?"

"The concept."

Twilight lifted the teacup to her lips, wisps of steam tickling her muzzle. "I've heard of it. Tirek's story was quite sad-a prince banished from his kingdom because he fell in love with a commoner who later betrayed him. The bitterness in his soul corrupted him."

"It is a sad story."

"So, the idea came to include those who felt sympathy for legendary or historical villains. Why do you ask?"

Cadence shifted, fluttering her wings slightly before returning them to her sides. "I'm the avatar of Love in this reality. Hatred is...hatred is damned near impossible for me."

Twilight listened, nodding for her to continue.

"I hated Sombra because he was devoid of love." She shuddered. "I felt his...unsoul? I can't describe it. Hatred like that can cause me physical pain. I don't like feeling it. I hate Chrysalis too. I was prepared to kill her at the wedding. Snap her neck with my wings."

Twilight smirked. "But watching her fly out the window was so much more fun."

Cadence couldn't help but giggle at the image. "Granted."

Twilight's magic returned the teacup to the silver platter. "So, what does Chrysalis have to do with this?"

Cadence paused, placed her teacup back on the table. "When me and Auntie went to the Roof of the World..."

Twilight reached out her hoof, pressed it against Cadence's chest. "What?"

"I learned something. About Auntie. About Chrysalis. I just don't know if I should share it."

"Do you think Celestia wouldn't want you to share it?"

Cadence studiously avoided Twilight's gaze. "I'm not sure she would."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Why did you come all the way here to tell us if you aren't going to tell us?"

Twilight shot a look at her assistant. "Spike, why don't you go dust?"

Spike guzzled his root beer. "Done that."

"Dishes?"

"Yep. Books still need to be stacked."

Twilight floated over her coin purse. "Here's an advance on your paycheck."

Spike greedily transferred the offered gold to his claws and hopped off the couch.

"Be back in an hour!" She called after him. "Also, the next issue of X-Mares just came out!"

Spike zoomed out the door. Twilight giggled. "That'll give us some time."

Cadence raised an eyebrow. "You offer him money every time he annoys you?"

Twilight stopped with the glass raised halfway to her lips as realization struck her. "Huh."

"Bribes always backfire."

Twilight took a sip. "So, what did you want to tell me? Something about Chrysalis?"

Cadence sat up straighter. "What if I told you Chrysalis and Celestia used to be friends?"

Twilight's ears twitched. She thought about Celestia. She was like the sun itself-warm, kind, giving warmth to everyone without regards to who they were. The name Chrysalis conjured an image of a dark warrior queen-dark not just in color, but deeply in her dark heart.

A deceiver.

A cruel conqueror who had hurt her brother (she would never know how much she had hurt him, but she suspected horrible things), who had captured a mare who was her sister in every way but blood. An evil creature who had turned her friends against her.

A thing who had left scars that had yet to fully heal, who had overthrown the nation she loved, her very city, the place of her birth, who had wounded her family and her friends.

The teacup held in her magic cracked. "Did Chrysalis hurt Celestia?"

"Twilight. Breathe."

Cadence guided her former charge in a breathing exercise, both extending their forelegs. "Good. Calm?"

"Yeah. Don't worry, I haven't surged in years."

"Great. If you ever need a meditation session we can schedule one."

Twilight concentrated, repairing the crack on the teacup. "Next Saturday work?"

"How about three o'clock?"

"Sure."

"Great."

Twilight's magic seeped into the crack that marred the teacup. Within seconds it had vanished. "So, did she?"

"You look ready to march into the Hive and murder her if I said yes."

Twilight didn't respond to that. She only stared into the diminishing brown liquid in her cup. She lifted the pot and poured some more. Cadence hoofed her cup over and Twilight filled it too. 

"I know where the Hive is. I wouldn't go in alone. Shining gave me a book on Changeling warfare. I'd be in and out within three hours. My strategy has a thirty-three percent chance of success, a forty percent chance of partial success in that I would be able to set off the magibomb which would ensure Chrysalis's untimely demise." Twilight's tone of voice was chillingly calm. "I would then be captured and killed. As would my friends. Not worth it."

"Revenge is never worth it. No, Chrysalis didn't intentionally hurt Celestia."

"Define intentionally."

"When we are at the Roof of the World, I felt evil." She shuddered. "It was just pure evil. Worse than Sombra. I had visions of a race that had lived on this plane before our first ancestors had come into being. They destroyed themselves, Twilight, by twisting the energy of creation."

Twilight felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "They have relics in the Everfree Forest. You can feel the lingering presence."

"So, you know what I'm talking about. That evil, it's alive. I felt that corrupting magic infiltrating my mind. It felt just as evil as Sombra."

Twilight adjusted herself on the couch. "I'm confused. What does this all have to do with Chrysalis?"

Cadence took a rattling breath, brought the rustling of her wings under control. "I  don't know why, but Auntie, Luna and Chrysalis all traveled to the Roof of the World together. All three were infected by its evil. Auntie gave into despair, Luna into envy, Chrysalis into lust."

Twilight went silent for a long time, digesting this new information. "So, you're saying Chrysalis was corrupted? A victim of evil? She was once...she was once Celestia's friend?"

She closed her eyes and randomly picked one of her friends-Rarity for some reason-and imagined witnessing her fall to darkness. Tears pricked at her eyelids. "I can't even imagine how much that must have hurt her."

"I can't either. I get the feeling they had been close at one time."

Twilight drained the last of her tea. "Do you think she could ever be purified? Luna was."

Cadence sighed. "I don't know. What would you do, strap her to a chair and blast her with the Elements?"

"I'd do it for Celestia if I thought it'd make her happy. But capturing Chrysalis would be next to impossible."

Cadence floated her now empty teacup onto the platter before lifting the pot and filling her cup. "She looked so sad, but at that age I guess you just learn to deal with things."

Twilight hid a grin behind her cup which she levitated in front of her lips. "Maybe I'll just invite her to our wedding."

Cadence's jaw dropped. "Wedding?"

Twilight held her teacup in her magic while Cadence swept her up in her wings, actually twirling her around like she was a little filly again. Laughter bubbled up from Twilight's lips as she held onto Cadence's neck. When Cadence finally released her, she took a few seconds to catch her breath. "Glad you're happy for me!"

"You have no idea!" She flapped her wings in excited, little bursts. "I've wanted Celestia to find her special somepony for so long and she found you-which is fantastic-and you two getting married is wonderful!" The Princess of Love clapped her hooves. "Just wait till I tell Shining! Have you told your parents?"

"Not yet. We're going to tell Spike today."

Both settled back down on the cushions, Cadence practically bouncing in her seat. "So, where are you going to live? Are you moving back to Canterlot?"

"We're going to live in the old castle so we can both be close to the places we love. She's thinking about rebuilding the old city."

Cadence nodded. "Good compromise. Wait, Auntie's moving the location of the capital? That's huge."

Twilight nonchalantly blew away some steam that curled up from her drink. "It is and it's going to tick off the old nobility, but I don't care about that."

"You've grown, Ladybug."

"You're right, I have." She lowered her cup, revealing her broad smile." "It's because of her. Ever since we've started dating I've felt more confident."

"Love buoys up the spirit."

"She goes out of her way to make me feel special. My self-doubt isn't all gone, but there's less everyday."

Cadence patted her cheek. "You two are good for each other. Will you let me perform the wedding?"

"If you do that, how will you be my best mare?"

The resulting squee could probably have been heard in Canterlot.
...
The broad-leafed oak towered over the grassy hill, shrouding it in shadow. The knotted roots of the tree ripped out of the earth, looking like veins as they crisscrossed the land. An Alicorn, a Unicorn and a baby dragon were sheltered beneath its branches. 

A picnic blanket was beneath them, between two roots. Spike chomped on an amethyst and rested beneath Celestia's wing. Twilight gobbled down a daisy sandwich with her usual enthusiasm. Celestia took more delicate bites of her own sandwich. "You look so cute with your cheeks bulging out. Like a chipmunk."

Twilight blushed. "I do not."

Celestia tickled her side with a feather. "Do too."

Twilight jumped and snorted, her lips twitching upward. "You look just as cute when your mouth is stuffed with cake."

"Oh, I know."

Spike swallowed the last bit of his amethyst. "So, why did you ask me along?"

Twilight draped a foreleg over him. "As you know, me and Celestia are in love."

"I've noticed."

"So, we've decided to cement our relationship and get married."

Spike perked up. "Hey, that's cool." He frowned. "Does that mean we're moving back to Canterlot?"

Celestia shook her head. "Actually, I've ordered the rebuilding of the old castle and the old city. I'd like to tour it today in fact."

Spike stretched out from his seated position. "So, living with you two again. Just like old times. It won't just be us, will it? N-not that I'd be scared, but I bet an empty castle could get lonely."

"I've already reached out to overcrowded cities which might be interested in a new settlement program. The first wave of settlers will come within a month."

Spike cast a glance at the looming Everfree Forest. Memories of fire and fang reopened old wounds. His teeth started chattering.

"Spike? Hey, what's wrong?"

The caress from Twilight's hoof brought him back to the present. "There's a mean dragon that lives in a cave in the Everfree. He doesn't like me."

"Oh, you told me about him.. He's the one who who attacked you when you ran away."

Celestia narrowed her eyes. "Windfang. A k'rish'tar-a dishonored one exiled from Dragon society. A sane dragon would not attack a whelp. Nor would he approach our city due to his distaste for Ponies. He's lived in Equestria for centuries and never interacted with Ponies."

Spike gulped. "Alright. Cool."

Celestia nudged him with a wing. "So, did you want to take the tour of the city with us?"

Spike hopped up, puffed out his chest. "Of course! I've gotta protect you two from the big, scary dragon!"

Twilight bit her lip to keep from giggling. "Oh, I'm sure we'll feel very safe with you."

Celestia stood and patted his back with a wing. "Come along then, Sir Spike."

Twilight strode up next to him. "There's something else. We've discussed it and well, we'd like to adopt you."

Spike paused, then shrugged. "But you already hatched me, raised me and been with me every day."

"We'd just like to make it official."

Spike tried to shrug, but she could see the smile spreading across his face. "Alright. That's cool...Mommy." He hadn't said it since he was a hatchling and realized she was a Unicorn and he was a Dragon and she'd tried to pretend that hadn't broken her heart, but she felt a familiar warmth spreading in her chest. She pulled him into a quick hug which he returned and then let him go before he got embarrassed. 

Side by side, the family walked into the forest which they would soon call home.
> Equinox
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The aged priest marched through the stone halls at a steady clip before pausing before two rows of stained glass windows depicting the great heroes of Equestria. There was Starswirl the Bearded and the Two Princesses, there was the Six Founders, a panel for each one. One panel showed Discord's first defeat, yet another was devoted to Megan's slaying of Tirek. Her blonde hair flowed in an eternal wind, the rainbow of light streaming in many colors towards the centaur. At this time of day, the holy light of the sun made the colors flash in vibrant shades of reds and yellows, greens and blues. 

The Holy Father Slepnir's mane glinted as he stood next to his bride, Holy Mother Star Kicker whose elder daughter had her white coat and whose younger daughter had her blue mane. Two foals curled up, surrounded by roses. The priest stared at the images, caught up in a feeling of pure wonder at the artistry and sense of history.

The memory of the missive he was to bring shook him from his trance. A Pony was counting on him. She was not a pious Pony and her manners needed much improvement, but did not the Sun shine down on all? Besides, her life was just as precious as any other Pony's. With these thoughts to encourage himself, he wrapped the orange robes of his office tighter around himself and hurried towards the throne room. The colorful images captured in glass continued for what felt like miles in the vastness of the hall. He had heard that the Princess was moving into a new castle and a new city was to be built. Perhaps, this place could be turned into a museum so that all the Ponies like him who loved history could appreciate it. He paused at another window, this one depicting the very moment a young and untried Celestia raised the sun. A panel next to it depicted Luna raising the moon. The two panels were striking, a contrast of cool blues and silvers with fiery yellows, whites, pinks and oranges that looked as if they would burn to the touch.

Out of coltish curiosity (though it had been many decades since anypony would call him a colt!) he placed his hoof to the glass. It was cold, unlike the warm colors. 

He had never met Celestia in person, never spoke to her, only seen her in passing as a very young colt and it was her beauty that had pushed him into his vocation. He fingered the silver, stylized sun dangling from the band around his neck. The symbol of his order, the Eternal Church of the Solar Light. 

What was she like? Kind, merciful and good of course. Shepherd of the Sun.

What was one to say to the Shepherd of the Sun, exactly? Comment on the weather? Part of him envied her consort. He would never have that much courage. The long hallway stretched onward. Maids and other servants bustled about. A maid dusted a purple vase and he sneezed at the dust. That would make his asthma flare up. Dust motes floated in the air, each one a little spark of light.

Even dust had majesty in this place.

The doors of the throne room were guarded by two Unicorn stallions dressed in armor and holding up spears which they crossed at his approach.

His age and rank accorded him no instant access. That was as it should have been. He knelt. "Good Sirs, I have come to petition the Princess and to intercede on behalf of one of her subjects."

The guard on the right cleared his throat. "All petitions are scheduled in advance."

"It is a serious matter. A life hangs in the balance."

The guards exchanged a look before one of the guards returned his spear. "I will speak to the Princess."

He pushed open the door, the large slab of metal grating across the floor and walked inside, pulling the door closed behind him. Celestia looked up from a scroll she was perusing. The guard knelt.

Celestia nodded her head. "What's wrong, Steel Horn?"

Steel Horn stood. "A priest is here to see you. I believe he's a high priest, but I'm not up on all the Orders."

Celestia set the scroll aside. "A priest? I don't remember having a priest on the schedule. What does he need?"

"He says he is here to bring a petition and a life is at risk."

"Send him in."

Steel Horn turned and pushed the door open. "The princess says you may come in, Your Holiness."

"You may just call me Clear Brook." He waited for the guard to stand out of the way and tread onto the carpet. The stained glass in this room nearly brought him to his knees. Towers of glass fit the window frames, a sun bursting in fiery glory, a cooler moon like in the hall earlier, the Elements of Harmony banishing Discord. The globe of the world spun in serene harmony and leading up to it Her Imperial Majesty.

She was more beautiful than he remembered, her river of rainbow curls floating in its cosmic breeze. Her mane spilled down on alabaster fur. Her eyes were violet pools of wisdom and her mouth was set in the gentlest of frowns. His knees trembled and he bowed low onto the crimson carpet. "Your Highness, I have come to intercede on behalf of another."

"I have been told. Why could this Pony not come themselves?"

He lifted up just slightly, still keeping his head lowered. "Her sins bind her to her sickbed."

Celestia blinked at that statement. She had spent a significant amount of time discouraging such ideas that immoral behavior led to illness, encouraging a spirit of rational inquiry and scientific progress. He wouldn't say that unless the absent petitioner had done something to egregiously destroy themselves. A drug addict hoping for absolution or miracles she kept insisting she couldn't perform? "What sins would these be?"

"She had consorted with a demon who struck her down when she displeased him."

Celestia refrained from rolling her eyes. Despite the amount of money spent on the "think before you cast" campaign there was still the one mage who thought they could bind a demon to their will. A stallion, it was invariably a power crazed stallion looking to bolster his sense of low self-esteem and insecurities, a tragic result of Equestria's matriarchal culture and unrealistic standard's for stallions to always be virile and strong.

"What demon did he consort with?"

"She, Your Highness."

Well. Didn't she feel like a horses's ass? "Which demon did she consort with?"

"Jormungandr."

A chill went through her, the fur on the back of her neck bristling. "Is this Pony's name..." She paused. Sunrise Shimmer was like another member of the Shimmer clan. One who was far more vulnerable than she let on. Earl Grey was the least likely choice. "Is it Earl Sunrise Shimmer?"

"The moment one enters the gates of the temple, they leave worldly titles behind. Yes, it is Sister Sunrise Shimmer."

Sister? "She's become a monk?"

"She will take vows when she is healed."

A monk. Of course. Juries loved the redemption angle, a result of Ponies' softhearted and incredibly forgiving nature. There were many who knew how to take advantage of that. She glanced over at Raven whose jaw was tightly clenched while she stared straight ahead. "Raven? Clear my schedule for the day. I will be at the Order of the Crimson Heart."

"I don't recall mentioning my order."

"I familiarize myself with the names of all the high priests of the orders,Elder Brother Clear Brook."

He blushed. "I am not your brother, but your servant."

"I will honor your title as you honor mine."

She stepped off the throne and followed Clear Brook out of the room. Steel Horn and Bright Shadow followed her, deciding by unspoken agreement to be her escort.
...
Sweat had long stained the sheets on which the former earl, now Sister, rested. The bell rang to signal the afternoon prayers. Soon, the sound of chanting filled the whole temple. It started off slow, like the sun cresting the horizon, increasing in speed and tempo until it was bursting in a joyful aria of triumph and victory.

The victorious chant gave way to slowness once more, more and more of the monks coming to join in. Each monk added their own strain to the chorus. The bells rang along, a tinkling beat to keep time, light breaking along water. This was the great Canticle of the Sun.

Every monk was now joining in the song-prayer. The song crested like the waves of the sea, rising to a feverish pitch of ecstasy before breaking off into a calmer, contemplative melody.

The sun reigns triumphant,
let all proclaim it,
Her light shines on all,
Her grace lights the way
of sinner and saint.

Shimmer lifted her own voice in an attempt to join in. As before, she was always a few beats off. The high priest told her that it didn't matter. All sang in their own way. She touched her locks. Apparently, only two or three orders still shaved their manes and only penitents. Brother Clear Brook told her she didn't need to so she hadn't.

She had still marked her forehead with the ash. It still lingered there, in the form of a circle around a cross, the wheel of the sun.

For a few seconds, her voice followed the melody of the chants and in her excitement she jumped ahead. Once more, the ocean of music swelled and drowned her own small voice. Giving up, she levitated a book over to herself. It was a book of poems. She'd never read much poetry before.

The chanting flowed onward, an endless tapestry of notes and chords reverberating through the stone halls. In the evening, they would chant hymns to the moon. Shimmer did better with those hymns as those were the only ones she still chanted every night before bed. It helped her to meditate and clear her mind before bed as Unicorns as powerful as herself needed to.

She twisted in her bed. The doctor had been called in and examined her fully. A cough ripped from her throat. The poison shouldn't have been affecting her this intensely. 

Stress, the doctor had told her. Years of anxiety had taken its toll. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw that horrible mouth, those fangs dripping with venom. For the first night, she'd woken up screaming. The monks had guarded her bed, convinced demons were tormenting her from the night terrors.

It had been the last straw, the doctor had told her. The noble families' power plays which she'd taken center stage in. Her daughter's disgracing of the family. Consorting with Jormungandr. All of it had worn away her immune system.

So, here she was, shivering on her bed, searching desperately for someone to blame. 

For some reason, she was glad there were no mirrors in this place. The ceiling above her had a beautiful mural of the rising and setting sun emblazoned against a blue background. The orb changed from the orange of the dawn, a splash of pink behind it, all the way to the setting sun in a bright shade of orange.

Sunset...

A disgrace. That's all she was. No need to even shed tears over that one. She touched a hoof to her face, feeling wetness. Her eyes were watering? That was a new symptom, perhaps she was getting a cold.

The former earl found herself unable to look away from the golden orb of noontime. There wasn't much else to look at. The reason she didn't read much poetry was because poetry bored her and she didn't want to admit to the monks-her fellow monks, she supposed-that she actually liked "blood and guts" style adventure novels. 

Maybe, she could leave this bed and go join her fellow monks. The hint of a smile crossed her face. Her fellow monks. She struggled off the bed, rolling over and planting her hooves on the hard stone ground. Vertigo washed over her and she swayed, but she did not fall. 

The chanting had leveled out to a serene pace. The floating wisps of incense tickled her nostrils, a sweet scent brushing against her senses. She touched the orange robes with her magic, hesitated.

Her robes. She belonged. She belonged. They didn't care about her past. The minute one stepped through these gates, one's past no longer mattered. One could have been a murderer or a thief. These robes would erase her past.

They felt soft against her fur. She pulled up the hood, her horn going through the hole designed for it. Then she trudged towards the door to join her fellows, each step a struggle against this blasted fatigue.

Her past was on the other side of the door, glowering at her. She hurried back. "Your Highness."

Celestia crossed the threshold into her room. "I understand you are ill, Sister Shimmer."

She went down on her face so quickly that blood rushed to her head and she feared she would fall.

"Rise."

At her word, Sunrise lifted herself, but dared not gaze at that face. Celestia stretched out a hoof and Sunrise jumped. Celestisa's pressed her hoof against Shimmer's forehead and winced. "You've got a fever." She examined her now sweat covered hoof. "Were you shivering before I walked into the room?"

Shimmer wordlessly nodded.

"I'm not going to kill you. Lie down."

Shimmer obeyed. 

Celestia circled the bed. "I realize I can be intimidating, but despite our...differences, I have come to heal you. Not hurt you. I realize if the situation were reversed, you would not be as merciful."

Shimmer said nothing to this. Celestia lit up her horn and frowned. "The poison's progressing slowly...and your immune system is shot. You have a heart condition."

"What?"

"So did the progenitor of your line. It's skipped quite a few generations. I can do nothing about the poison."

Shimmer closed her eyes. "What did you do for Sparkle?"

"Many things I would not even consider doing for you."

"I am to die then. Very well."

"Cut the dramatics. There are ways around this current difficulty. The poison can be stopped if never removed. Then, we will discuss your crimes."

Shimmer gulped. Celestia vanished behind the door and then she leaned back against it and sighed. There were times she regretted cultivating an image as a paradigm of forgiveness.

There was no reason not to let her suffer and yet...she motioned to a monk who stopped immediately. "Brother, bring me some gold from the offering repository."

His mouth worked up and down. "It is forbidden!"

"All those offerings belong to the Empire. I am the embodiment of the Empire. Bring them here."

He hurried off to his task, returning a few minutes later with an ingot. She took it in her magic and marched back into the room. Shimmer was still lying on her bed, eyes closed as if in sleep. She looked up at Celestia's approach. Celestia held the ingot and lit her horn. Strands of her magic melted the gold to liquid and the liquid reformed into a single loop. Effortlessly, Celestia carved a sigil of a serpent into it and wrapped it around Shimmer's neck.

The tiredness that had been seeping into her lips felt like it was draining away. She lifted her foreleg, finding it as light as a feather. "How?"

"So long as you never take that off, the poison will not progress." She steeled her heart as she always did to pass sentence. "I hope you realize I can not ignore your crimes. When you nearly killed Twilight, you didn't just affect her. Twilight is part of a weapon that keeps not just this country, but this world safe. Her death would have had ripple effects you can not even conceive of."

Shimmer turned her head. "So, you know."

"I am not an idiot! Of course I know! Everypony knows! Were I to drag you to trial right now you would be convicted in seconds!"

Shimmer stared straight ahead. "I wanted to confess. Earl Grey wouldn't let me."

"I didn't realize House Shimmer was a vassal to House Grey! Your ancestors knelt to no one! Is not the motto of your house, 'We rise?' How sad to see the heir of such a great house fall into such lowly subservience!"

"You...you don't understand."

"What did she do?"

"She put a curse on me. If I told my bones would have broken. There's more. I think she's killed before. She keeps a hit stallion on retainer."

"You have proof of this?"

Shimmer turned to face her. "I do. I was planning on bringing her down after we got Sparkle out of the way. I recorded all of our conversations on crystal orbs. I can cast without using my aura so she didn't notice." She chuckled. "I'm not as weak as she thinks."

"Where are these crystals?"

"My mansion in a cardboard box beneath my bed. You'll have to disarm the spells guarding my bedroom."

Celestia's grin was downright predatory. "I see. You've done a great service yet that does not erase your crimes. Not entirely." She paused. "Wait. Wouldn't your part in the conspiracy also be revealed?"

"That's where editing comes in."

Damn it! "If you edited them, a defense attorney will say they're inadmissible. However, your testimony could still prove invaluable. You will have leave to come to court to testify."

Shimmer caught that caveat. "Have leave?"

"Since you come to me as a penitent, let's test this new spirit of repentance. You will serve out your fifteen year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder in this very temple. You will be confined to the grounds. Your personal property is to be seized. Since Twilight has waived her right to the blood price it will be given to charity. The only time you will be allowed to leave is at the summons of a court or to accompany the monks on charitable activities."

Shimmer did not respond as Celestia announced the sentence. "If you object to this, you may petition for the right to a trial. But I fear that would lead to a much harsher punishment. I'm not the only one who adores Twilight."

"No, Princess. I accept this sentence."

"Very well." She turned her back. "I hope this is all sincere. I hope you learn to be a better Pony."

She marched out of the room. Sunrise Shimmer stood, crossed the stone floor and walked into the hallway, her voice lifting to join the others. She blended into the other orange-robed clergy travelling through the temple.
...
Earl Grey sat on her porch, calmly sipping her tea as the contingent of guards marched down the street, obviously in the direction of her mansion. Her private security forces encircled the building, the tips of their spears, shields and silver armor flashing. Loyalty to their lady even unto death.

It was nice to see the old virtues in this degenerate age.

It was all for nought when one guard shot out a spell that reduced the chief of her forces' shield to iron splinters. They very quickly opened a way for the imperial forces.

Sol Invictus. She thought. The tea was lukewarm. An application of her magic warmed it up. That was nice. The guard leading the others knocked open the gates.

"Please gentlestallions, let me finish my tea."

Razor Wing produced two pair of legcuffs. Valiant Heart produced a magic neutralizer. Earl Grey finished her tea. The cup fell and shattered against the table when Valiant pushed the neutralizer onto her horn. She shook her head. "Is this really necessary? Let's go out the back way so nopony sees."

Razor raised an eyebrow. "The back way? Where your security forces have set up an ambush?"

Earl Grey snarled and reared up, knocking back the guard. Valiant tackled her to the ground. She rolled and bucked him in his well-defined abs, screaming when her legs struck the hard surface. 

He pressed his foreleg against her neck. "I would highly advise you against this course of action. Even if you managed to get away, how far do you think you could run?"

Flecks of spittle ran down her lips. "I am an earl!" She choked out when Valiant decreased the pressure. "I will be treated as such! You shall not dishonor me!"

"Shut up."

They dragged her up and the guards flanked her. A raw scream broke from her throat. "I am a noble! I am a noble! I am a noble! I will not be treated as such!"

She was still screaming when they processed her at the jail.
...
Twilight settled into the couch cushions, deeply engrossed over the book she was reading. With a flick of her magic, she turned the page and gasped, unable to believe what she was reading, even rereading it before moving on. Her ear twitched at the sound of a knock on the door. She looked up and pranced off the couch.

Celestia crossed the threshold when Twilight opened the door and Twilight greeted her with a tight embrace which Celestia returned. 

Twilight broke away from the hug. "This is a pleasant surprise!"

"Yes, I have good news. I hope you weren't busy? I wanted to stay a while."

Twilight grinned. "You know you can stay as long as you like." She wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's neck and Celestia leaned into the touch. 

Celestia glanced over at the couch. "Is that the newest book in the Heart and Soul series?"

Twilight nodded against her chest. "It sure is!" She led her fiance over to the couch and they spent a few moments trying to adjust themselves on the piece of furniture until Twilight was laying back against Celestia's stomach. Celestia levitated up the book. "I haven't read it yet! Is it good?"

"As good as any of the others!" Twilight found herself enveloped by the soft sensations of Celestia's feathers blanketing her chest. "Seriously, you wouldn't believe what Prism did!"

"Well, now I just have to read it." Celestia opened the book which was being held in her magic, scanning the first page. 

Twilight snuggled into her. "We can read it together. I don't mind re-reading the first part."

The amorous monarch suckled the fur of Twilight's neck, pleased by the moans emanating from her lips. Twilight only mumbled satisfied murmurs while Celestia started to read out loud. Twilight relaxed, listening to the familiar, sweet tones of her lover who read the novel out like it was some epic poem of yore, somehow even putting a certain music into the words.

She forced herself out of her love-induced haze. "Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?"

Celestia paused in reading the book. "Oh right. Earl Shimmer confessed to her crimes and is to serve out her sentence in Crimson Heart Monastery. She implicated Earl Grey who was arrested."

"Wait, what? She became a monk?"

"I won't question the motives of her heart. The word coward, however, comes to mind. We'll see how long her new vocation lasts."

Twilight released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding and went back to laying her head against Celestia's heartbeat. "I'm glad. So, that's it then. This really is all over. For real this time."

"Sure is." She planted a kiss on Twilight's horn. "I now have you all to myself."

Twilight jerked and giggled while Celestia ran her hooves down her sensitive sides. "Ticklish, are you? We'll have to explore that later."

Twilight turned over onto her stomach. "Can we finish the book first?"

The wings over her tightened into a comfortable hug. "Of course, my dear."

Twilight reached up and kissed her lips. Celestia positioned the book back up so they could both look at it when Twilight turned over on her side.
...
Darkness suited the Queen of the Changelings. She sat upon her obsidian throne, overlooking her kingdom deep beneath the mountain. The only illumination here came from glowing gems. 

That was enough. More than enough.

The letter had no sender. Somehow, it had just appeared, wreathed in green flames. She stared at it, wondering how it had gotten there. There was a mechanism designed for sending letters to the throne room yet this was not from another Hive nor from her own Changelings.

If her enemies had somehow discovered how to send messages to the hive...she lifted it up in her magic and rolled open the scroll. 

"A wedding invitation. You are cordially invited to the wedding of...Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle? My, my. Of course I'll be there." 

Her laughter echoed throughout the hive.
> Winter-Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A sweet smell wafted up from where the long grasses of the Everfree had been cut away. A city was coming back to life. A few weeks ago, stone ruins had been strewn across the soggy land, hidden by weeds which had long ago reclaimed the ancient city. High, proud towers carved from alabaster had long surrendered to the forces of entropy and decay. All that remained of them was white dust mixed with the soil which would be revealed when some lumbering beast pawed at the ground or-more recently-when a work Pony dug it up.

The trees blotted out the sun with their many twisting arms, still surrounding the ruins of the city. The clanging of hammers had joined the melodies of the birds and growls of the beasts. Foundation stones replaced the older ruins. Work Ponies laid the first stones of the city, first one layer and then another. Wooden frames stabilized the young structures. The workers carried heavy stones on their backs, depositing them into the furrows the other workers had dug. More workers plunged shovels into the ground, throwing up dirt into high piles behind them. Once the foundations were laid, masons busied themselves with smearing plaster onto the stones and laying more stones atop the layer.

One building stood in the center of the activity. By design, it was clearly a castle, created in the old style from grey rock, with turrets to deter invading armies. The powerful looking edifice arose from the forests, a monument to another age. Two high, purple spear like points stabbed at the sky from twin towers. The roof had caved in during the tribulations of another age. Trees and vegetation spilled over what was left, vines clinging to the walls and probably being the only thing keeping it together.

Deep within, the wreck was shrouded in shadow. An Earth Pony guard, Strong Hoof and his Pegasus companion, Bladed Edge walked into the darkness. Their golden helmets and armor were a glow in the darkness. Princess Luna trailed behind them. "So, you say there's a strong hint of evil magic in this place?"

Strong Hoof nodded. "A few of the workers brought it to our attention. Something moving in here. Strange noises. One or two were attacked."

Luna paused. That aura...impossible! "What sort of injuries did the attacked bear?" With a single spell, hundreds of sconces along the wall flared into life. The orange flames flickered, casting light all along the hallway.

Bladed Edge strode along her left flank. "Claw marks and they were drained of magic."

Luna took in a sharp inhale. "I see."

With the guards following along after her, Luna stalked into the hallway. While the torchlight had chased away the shadows, there were places the shadows lingered. Flickering flames danced over gossamer threads that tarantulas had built. The builders of those threads scurried away from the hooved ones that had invaded their home.

Luna called on her power and her eyes became slitted as they switched to night vision. She scanned the darkness seeking for what she could not believe she would find. The clink of metal shoes striking stone echoed behind her, broke the stillness that had reigned here for one-thousand years. The guards were surrounding her in a standard formation, though perhaps they were closer to her than what standard procedure would normally call for.

Their ears flicked at every sound, their tails snapped the air behind them. Luna turned a corner, they hastened to keep up with her. The hall was lined with rusted suits of armor, some of them having fallen onto their side. Others had dissolved into rust long ago, only a few scraps of metal to hint at the proud uniforms ancient warriors had once worn in service to their Princesses.

In service to her.

Luna righted them with a burst of her magic. She touched one, even slipping off her shoe in order to feel the chill of the cold iron beneath her hooves. The guards, stopped, uncertain. Her touch lingered on the relic of the world only she and her sister could recall. Even the descendants of these warriors would have been long dead, some of their lines having vanished from the face of Equus long, long ago. 

The armor had been well-forged to have survived these long centuries. She closed her eyes and heard the clang of hammers, the explosion of crackling fires in the forge, the heat. Those noble blacksmiths had made this bardin for those warriors who had borne the banner of empire-yes, empire for expansion was the way of the world in those days-to distant lands, even to the sea itself. 

Not to profit on the backs of starving laborers, but to bring about a nation united and at peace. Her sister's vision, but she had led the armies. Most surrendered when they'd seen her coming. They had put an end to the ceaseless blood letting of tribal warfare, stopped the strange cults of Pony sacrifice, brought civilization and glory.

And they had fought for her. When enemies came, other empires excited by envy, they had spilled blood for their land. No, not just their land. For the Sisters. For her.

And what had she given them in exchange? "I'm sorry." It came out as the quietest of whispers. It hardly seemed adequate for the enormity of what she'd done. She knew they would forgive her. Such a thought did not ease her heart.

"Your Highness?" Strong Hoof asked. 

She lifted her head. "Come."

Slants of murky light struggled through shattered windows. Clouds of dust sprang up at their approach and the guards were crowding her in a way she thought reminiscent of frightened foals. Herding instincts were taking over and they were being drawn to the dominant female. In battle, that could be an advantage or a disadvantage. The power of the herd continued to provide protection, but rationality was also important. Their breathing was coming in quick spurts. Luna recognized it. They were trying not to spook and bolt out the door. What had frightened them so?

She stopped and they stopped with her. The roots of a tree had jerked up the stone of the floor. Shattered rock lay all around it and the knotted branches of the oak jutted out the hole in the roof. The shadow of the oak covered them. For just the flash of a second she could have sworn she saw yellow eyes staring at her. The vision passed, but her front legs still twitched. She flared her wings and Bladed Edge did the same. Strong Hoof raised his chin. Hallways turned and twisted into caverns that had not seen the sun in more than a millennium. Luna lit her horn for the benefit of her guards. The guards, after much struggle, had gained control of their breathing and followed her in the silence that marked their profession.

The only sounds were the drumming of ironclad shoes and labored, deliberately controlled, breathing. Luna's spell found no sconces along the wall. She stopped and stared, at first thinking her mind was tricking her. The destroyed wrecks of the torch holders were scattered around the floor in twisted ruins.

Luna gaped. Something had ripped the sconces from where they had been for one-thousand years, reducing the walls to a wreck of spider web cracks. Bladed Edge's wings twitched. "Your Highness, what could have...?"

She shushed him and they turned a corner. There were sconces littered here and Strong Hoof tripped over one, letting out a loud curse. She steadied him with an outstretched wing.  Although her enchantment cut through the darkness, the darkness still squeezed them in that tight space. It was unnatural, darker even than her night. It was almost a physical thing in the way that it bore down on them. She almost thought she felt the darkness pulsating, quivering, hungering. Her own light could barely pierce and it bore down on them as if to crush them.

Without realizing it, she had slipped further into her nightmare form. Blue armor, black fur and long fangs. A helmet protected her head. Why is my magic reacting this way? She felt neither anger nor envy. That was good, yet she needed to get out of this form very quickly. Negotiation was needed.

You may inhabit me until we leave this castle.

I agree to these terms. But you know I always inhabit you

Yes, and I have come to terms with you as an aspect of Myself. But you shall not inhabit me for longer than I wish. Is this clear?

Perfectly.

Luna briefly wondered if it was possible for an Aspect of the Self to lie to the primary Aspect. She'd need to discuss that with her sister later.  She looked around at the destruction, carefully sidestepping sconces. What creature could have ripped metal from stone? She suspected, but she could not say it to herself. The sconces had been ripped, rather than being victims of time. It appeared rather recent. Nature had built an empire here. Tree roots grew into floors and the long limbs of beech trees intertwined with stone walls, fusing with it in a strange mixture of nature and art. The massive treetop burst through what had been the roof, flooding down light. Luna quickly reverted from her nightmare form and screwed her eyes shut against the bright onslaught.

Her guards blinked in an attempt to adjust to the light, recovering far more quickly than she did. Bladed Edge shouted out and she looked up too late, only catching the fluttering of a tattered robe and something with red skin.

It was him.

It was him.

Why hadn't they checked after Cerberus had gotten loose? Had they grown so over-confident, so arrogant? The nation she had helped to build had long rested on its laurels, ignoring the barbarians outside its gates. It had happened when Twilight's warnings had been ignored-and that had led to an argument with her sister that had nearly shook the roofs of the castle though it had mostly been the younger tearing into the elder-and now it had happened again.

Her lips twisted. It would not happen again.

She flared her wings and shot after him, barely giving the guards enough time to keep up with her. Catch up they did, dashing into the inky blackness of the halls after her. She catapulted down the passage and the guards struggled to keep up with her, galloping down the hallway leaping over more sconces. Bladed Edge took to the air, leaping over a knotted tree branch. The only shadows here were those cast by the branches of the trees which surrounded the castle and crisscrossed the empty space that had once been a roof. 

Luna sailed through the air, high above them. They struggled to chase after her.

"Your Highness, do you know what that was?" Strong Hoof shouted. 

She rocketed around the corner, plunging straight into shadows. Tendrils of shadow lashed at her. She dodged, but they surrounded her, grabbing at her legs, pulling at her horn. A furious battle cry ripped from her lips and she ripped away her horn, blasting out a wave of energy that bathed the halls in a flash of cerulean light.

The light revealed him for a single second, that red, scowling face, his curved horns.

Tirek. The centaur darted away and Luna propelled herself further, down twisting hallways, deep into the bowels of the castle. She turned a corner into darkness. The shadows clawed at her wings as if they were physical things. She flapped and sliced through the tendrils holding her down. 

The guards shouted behind her and she spun. The shadows covered them. Bladed Edge madly beat at the shadows with his wings and tried to drive them back, but each time they managed to drive them back, the shadows would crawl back over them. Strong Hoof pounded at the ground and jabbed at the shadows with his spear, but they slid under his armor. He screamed, but the shadows stuffed his mouth. 

Bladed Edge grabbed him in an attempt to pull him away, but instead the shadows washed over him. Luna rushed towards the darkness, desperately scrambling for an idea on how to retrieve them. An energy blast might vaporize her guards. She closed her eyes, reached for her connection with the moon.

This late in the day, the moon was nought but a distant pulse. The sun was overpowering and she didn't want to raise her moon and disrupt the balance of the world. She grit her teeth. The longer the guards were trapped, the more danger they were in.

At last, she latched onto the moon. Silvery light spiraled from her horn and flooded the room. The shadows writhed and twisted before dissolving away in the waves of light. Strong Hoof and Bladed Edge collapsed to the floor, both of them shivering. Luna landed and spread her wings over them and Bladed Edge curled against her, responding on Pegasus instincts. Strong Hoof panted. "Prin...Princess...I'm...s-so cold." He shook against her. "So cold."

Luna shook her head, nuzzling them and damning protocol. "This is above your pay grade, Gentlecolts. Return to the castle and report to my sister."

Both stood as one, edging away from her. Bladed Edge stamped his spear. "We can not do that."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you disobeying an order?"

"With all due respect, our charge is to serve Equestria. That thing is a threat. We can't let you meet it alone."

"That was Tirek."

Both flinched. Bladed Edge continued. "You may punish us later. We will follow you."

Luna laid her wings back by her sides. "You are pardoned. But you must understand this. In doing this, you are putting your life at risk and not in the way you are prepared for. Tirek may steal your soul, rob you of your essence."

Bladed Edge knelt. "We hereby offer our magic and our lives in the service of Equestria. That was the vow we took."

Strong Hood knelt beside his fellow. "It is a vow we shall keep."

Luna turned. "Very well." She stalked into the dark hallway and shouted as the floor gave way. A curse unheard in ten centuries burst from her lips and she just barely regained her hoofing. Her guards dived in after her. Suddenly, the trapdoors and other tools of merriment which had so pleased her and Celestia long ago took on a sinister look. She whirled around, searching for some flash of red or a tattered robe. "I should have told you about the trapdoors, built when Celestia and I were young...and foolish to an extent."

The guards said nothing and trailed after her in silence. It was possible Tirek was on the upper level, but her intuition told her otherwise. If she were going to hide, this was the place she would choose. Yet, no doubt, that's what Tirek would expect her to expect. 

They needed to get back up to the surface. She flared her wings and spun upwards through the door, Bladed Edge following her. Strong Hood lept, relying on powerful Earth Pony back legs. He landed beside his companion. Luna scanned the long hallway. It branched into two corridors.

An abnormal darkness cloaked the halls. It was Tirek's presence and it was everywhere, drenching the very stones. The fur on Luna's neck bristled. This had been her home once and how dare he?

"Where do you think he is?" Strong Hoof's voice might as well have been a magiblast in the silence. His voice was distorted, strangely low. Luna increased her luminescence spell. Even Nightmare Moon had trouble seeing in darkness this deep. Part of her wanted to let loose, level the whole damned castle and explain that to Celestia.

The sheer pervasiveness of Tirek's presence clouded her senses, but the aura emanating from the left corridor was stronger. She turned and tread through the hall. Yellow eyes suddenly flashed and she let a blast of energy fly. Stone exploded where it struck and her guards charged in the direction they had seen him. Bladed Edge took to the air and struck out blindly. The spear struck and Tirek screamed. 

Bladed Edge had a few seconds to enjoy his victory before Tirek grabbed his spear, yanked it from his shoulder and tossed the Pegasus through the air. Strong Hoof slammed into Tirek's side and Tirek raked his horn against Strong Hoof. Strong Hoof drew back, blood dripping down his forehead. It splattered into his eyes, blinding him as Tirek charged. Luna joined the fray, barreling towards Tirek just as Bladed Edge lunged at him. 

Tirek batted aside Bladed Edge's spear and slammed into Luna who spun out of control and slammed into the wall. She heard the sickening crunch of a wing-and it took her a second to realize it wasn't her wing. Bladed Edge screamed. Tirek grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up.

Luna fired a shot of light that struck Tirek's arm and he shouted in pain, dropping Bladed Edge. Strong Hoof thrust out and struck home against Tirek's neck. The blade of his spear snapped off when Tirek turned his head and snorted. "Equines. Pathetic."

He jerked out his arm and grabbed Strong Hoof who trembled in his grasp, energy flowing into Tirek.

"No!" Luna screamed, bolting from the wall and slamming into Tirek who fell. They crashed to the ground in a tangle of limbs.

No mercy! Kill him! Kill him! Kill him! Luna plunged her electrified horn deep into his throat and Tirek thrashed beneath her, bucking her into the air. Luna steadied her flight. Her guards fell onto him, trampling him into the ground. "Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!" She didn't recognize her own voice, twisted by rage. Tirek knocked both of the guards off of him and jumped to his hooves, bucking behind him. Strong Hoof dodged to the side and landed a hoof into the centaur's face while Bladed Edge slashed his unbroken wing against Tirek's leg. The force of the blow unbalanced Tirek long enough for Strong Hoof to sweep his backleg. Tirek fell over and Luna pounced onto him. "Know this. The blood that flows in my veins is greater than you can conceive."

He spat in her face and she brought her hoof down on his chest, only to find that he had vanished. "Damn it."

She screamed in outrage as she felt a hoof slam into her helmet. Both guards tackled him. He spun and threw them off himself. She caught them in her magic and set them down. They jumped in front of her, their spears aimed at Tirek's chest. Tirek panted. Luna cast a glance at Bladed Edge's wing which he was holding at an odd angle. Dislocated.

How was he still standing?

Tirek stampeded towards the battle herd. Bladed Edge and Strong Hoof dived out of the way, Bladed Edge spinning his spear and twisting it towards Tirek. Tirek had to jump out of the way of the blade. Luna charged again, releasing a stream of energy that Tirek caught in his hand. She cut off the stream immediately, cursing her stupidity now that the much larger Tirek barreled towards her.

Strong Hoof jumped up and threw his hooves around Tirek's neck. Tirek bucked and thrashed. Luna drove forward, horn alive with arcane energy and pierced Tirek's heart. Blood spurted down his chest, erupted in a geyser. Tirek gasped, gurgled, fell.

The deed was done.

Strong Hoof let go of him. Luna knelt her head to the two. "I swear to you, I will personally pay for your medical treatments and you are both hereby promoted."

Both warriors bowed to her. Bladed Edge glanced up. "We have done our duty."

Strong Hood cracked a grin. "The promotion sounds nice though."

Luna chuckled. The chuckle turned into a belly laugh which the guards shared in. Strong Hoof wiped at his eyes. "So, what do we do with him now?"

Luna summoned enchanted chains to wrap around the fallen enemy. "Drag him to Tartarus before he recovers."

Strong Hoof blinked. "You mean he's not dead?"

"Megan and her companions would not have needed the Rainbow of Light if he could be taken down by mundane means nor would We have required the elements. Be grateful he is in his weakened state."

She stamped her hoof and chains sprang up from the ground and wrapped around the fallen foe. The floor gave way to a swirling vortex of crackling dark energy and Tirek vanished. 

Luna nodded. "The deed is done. Let us return. I have a report for my sister."
...
Celestia jerked when she felt the flow of time shift. Potentialities and carefully crafted plans shattered and dissolved as the universes split, righted itself upon a new path.

The petitioner, Bronze Buckler, a blonde Pegasus guard raised an eyebrow. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"

"I...I'm fine. Your petition is granted. I hadn't realized how out of date our military technology was."

He smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness." He saluted, bowed and left the room. Celestia rose and strode towards the window. The blue light of the window enveloped her. The sun was linked to time, was a physical manifestation of it in a way.

Time had changed just then. Time had been altering itself since her and Twilight's courtship began. She fully expected it when Luna-when Nightmare Moon-marched into the room. Luna transformed back into her base form. "Shadow alters can be quite annoying."

"Indeed."

"You have experience with one?"

Celestia turned. "We all do. Nightmare Moon didn't want to let go?"

"Nope. I put her back in her place though."

"Good." 

Luna joined her at the window. "You already know, don't you?"

"Yes. Tirek is defeated and back in Tartarus where he belongs." A shudder ran through her. "I wish I had known sooner. My visions do not always aid me when they are most needed. I need to contact Twilight."

Luna's eyes widened. "Then..."

"I am ready. To offer the gift in perfect freedom, not cruel necessity."

Luna patted Celestia's shoulder with her wing. "She may reject the gift if she considers the full ramifications."

Celestia cast a glance at her. "Indeed she might. Tis her own choice. That's what I want to give her. Choice. Love-love such as we immortals can give-is something which must be given in freedom."

"I agree. Good luck, Sister."
...
Twilight hurried up the hill. The letter had told her to meet Celestia here. The day was warm, a cool breeze coming from the north and stirring the grass. Celestia was sitting atop the hill and rose at Twilight's approach. Twilight nuzzled her in greeting, enjoying the soft feel of her fur against her cheek.

"What's all this about? You said you had something to talk to me about?"

Celestia lingered against her, breathed her in, keeping her muzzle buried in Twilight's neck. "Twilight, I..." She gulped. Her throat felt dry. She wrapped Twilight up in her wings and Twilight nestled close to the embrace. It was alright this way wasn't it? They could stay like this forever. She drew back, lifted her chin. "Twilight, I have a surprise for you."

Twilight's face broke into a smile. "A surprise? I always love those from you."

"Yes, but here's the thing. You don't have to accept this gift. That's important." She clasped Twilight's face. "It's alright to say no."

Twilight stared at her. "Alright. I trust you."

"Good."

Celestia wrapped a wing around her and they started their trek towards the brown and green gates that led into the vast Everfree. They stepped onto the soggy grass, drenched from the wild rains of centuries past. Twilight huddled close to Celestia, safe beneath her wing.

Speckles of sunlight glittered on the wide canopy of trees that surrounded them. Vines twisted around oaks which towered over the two. All the trees dwarfed the ponies with wide trunks and massive branches that nearly blotted out her sun. Spears of light, like the arrows of an invading army, spilled over the tops of the trees, reached the ground in pools of warmth that illuminated dried, long dead leaves and pine needles.

They crunched the needles and leaves beneath their hooves and kept a slow pace through the woods. A manticore howled in the distance and a rival howled back. Celestia and Twilight inched closer to each other. 

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

The clang of hammers from the new city sounded through the forest and joined with the symphony of birds and growls of predators. Twilight shied away from the approach of a black-and-yellow serpent. Celestia frowned at waves of tall grass and took several steps around it. The fur on the back of Twilight's neck stood straight up. Celestia kissed her neck. "You're not running. There's improvement."

Twilight snorted. "I once helped take down the God of Chaos. A snake's got nothing on tha-ah!" She jumped back. Celestia tightened her grip on her. The cobra's neck flared out. Celestia stared it down. It made way for them, darting into a burrow. Twilight brushed against Celestia. "Then there's the fact that I feel perfectly safe right here."

Celestia scanned the wilderness. "I don't think we need to worry about any predators if we take this path."

Twilight shook her head and gestured with her horn. "Manticore droppings. Let's take another path to...wherever it is we're going."

Celestia blinked. "How do you know?"

"Fluttershy taught me."

Celestia stared at a section of the forest and built a spell which cascaded from her horn and revealed a path of broken stones. "I thought I remembered where it was."

She cast a second spell and a golden shield flared up along the stones. They stepped onto the path. "Twilight, how has your magic been? Test it for me."

Twilight lit up her horn and lifted a pine cone on the road. With a flare of violet energy it transformed into a daisy that she threaded into Celestia's mane.

Celestia grinned. "Show-off. I am quite impressed though. Perhaps I could have a second one?"

"Of course, my lady."

Twilight lifted another pine cone and just as effortlessly changed it into a daisy which went on the other side of her mane. She grinned and levitated up several cones, changing each one. The daisies formed a crown on the sun goddess's head. 

"Lovely. You've fully recovered haven't you?"

"The doctor's say it's a miracle."

"It's not."

"What do you mean?"

A blue jay sang a cheerful tune overhead. Thick branches leaned over them, covered in dark leaves, leaving them in a comfortingly cool shadow. The sun's light guided their steps over the cracked cobblestone.

"Where are we going?"

Moss stretched along the broken stone. Grass forced its way through the marble time had worn away. 

"Celestia?"

"Lost in another age, love. Happens at my age. Twilight, we are walking the first road."

"The first road?"

"The Moochik himself built it, First Son of the Creator."

Twilight stopped and took another look at the road. She was still for a few minutes. Looking again with her magical senses, she saw the currents of mystical energy, powerful and strong, resplendent as starlight. "How has it lasted this long?"

"The Moochik maintains it. He lives in these woods, somewhere."

Twilight started walking again. The branches of the towering oaks embraced one another, forming a canopy. Ancientness emanated from the knotted trunks. 

"He built it during the morning of the world, to lead all creatures from the creation place."

Twilight, hoof trembling, touched one of the oaks. "Here. It was here in this place...I should just start putting my books of fairy tales in the history section."

Celestia chuckled and brushed her back along her withers. "Perhaps. Those stories have been somewhat exaggerated. Unicorns, for example, did not lead the other tribes. Changelings were not a result of Grogar's magic and Donkeys were not Earth Ponies that were cursed."

Twilight leaned into her. "Thank you for showing this to me." She suddenly affected a parody of a noble's accent. "So, how did our most noble tribe become leader of the Pony race?"

Celestia snorted. "Never did. The other tribes just let you think you are."

"I've always suspected as such." 

The overgrowth had gotten to the point that hedges covered in pink and purple flowers completely blocked their passage. Celestia lowered herself and Twilight scrambled aboard. Celestia soared over the hedges. "He really doesn't like visitors coming this way."

"Is there some reason for that?" Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's neck. 

"There is a power in this place. Something many have sought. Some might say it is the fulfillment of all mortal desires. Others, a terrible curse."

The hedges continued onward for many miles, obscuring the road entirely. Marble shone where the hedges disappeared, marble that looked so fresh that it could have been laid the day before. No cracks covered it. For a single instant, she thought she saw a strange, bearded creature hobbling along, carrying a stick. He looked up, smiled at her, vanished.

She rested her head in Celestia's mane. "What is it?"

Celestia struggled with her words before lapsing into silence. "We won't be together forever, you know. W-what if we could be?"

Having gotten it out she seemed to not know what to say next. 

Twilight dismounted from her when she landed. "You know I'd love that."

They were standing at a grove of flowering almond trees that formed a perfect ring. At Celestia's urging, Twilight entered. The wind stirred a wave of pink blossoms. The blossoms dropped into a clear pool, fell onto them. One dropped on Twilight's nose. 

The pool was glowing. At first, Twilight thought it was the sun, but the pool had its own light. She would have loved to study it. It was warm to her touch. Celestia gently patted her hoof with her wing, like she had when Twilight was a filly and touched something dangerous. Twilight looked up at her. Celestia lifted her hoof, kissed it. 

That was something Celestia never did when she was a filly.

"This pool can be dangerous to mortals. Even a touch if you let your hoof linger too long...."

Twilight turned to face her. "Celestia, what is this place?"

"This is the Pool of Potential. Anyone who drinks from it achieves their potential. A musician might find themselves writing songs far above what they were once able to. A blank flank would obtain their cutie mark. But, for some, they would join the ranks of the immortals."

She touched Twilight's chest. "Ponies like you. There is one like you in every generation. Nine out of ten never reach the goal. But, due to the way your soul has evolved through your many lifetimes, you have the potential. One day...perhaps not this lifetime, but one day...you will be an alicorn."

Twilight turned back to look at the pool. "So, if I drink from that pool...."

"We will have an eternity." She shook her mane. "No. I promised myself I wouldn't sugarcoat it. Death hurts, Twilight. I've lived longer than most. Trust me on that."

"I'm a necromancer. I've contemplated death and...I've spoken to the souls of the dead. The soul lives on."

Celestia took Twilight's hooves in her own. "Not the same, my love. You know how dangerous necromancy is, how seductive it is. Because no one likes letting go when they find a way around death. Because watching it hurts. So many have sought a cure for it. And down that path lies madness."

Twilight nestled against her. "Every time you lose somepony...I don't want to leave you Celestia."

Celestia cupped Twilight's chin. "I'm not sure if that level of selflessness is healthy."

Twilight pressed her lips against hers in a deep kiss. "Alright. I can't bear the thought of being a memory to you. Having a...a successor in your affections."

Celestia laid both wings on her shoulders. Their muzzles met and they shared breath. "Your friends. Your family..."

Twilight hesitated. "You said it was inevitable, didn't you? One day, I will be an immortal."

"Yes." She looked away. "I need to ask your pardon for something."

"What?"

"I sensed a threat coming. Tirek. In order to counter it, I would have pushed you onto the path of ascension. Robbed you of choice. Please forgive me."

Twilight pecked her nose. "I don't know if giving someone godhood is cause to ask forgiveness."

"I believe in choice, Twilight. The freedom of each soul to live their own path. This is your choice, Twilight."

"As you said, it is inevitable. And I'm happy here. With my life as it is."

Celestia tapped her chest, caressed it. "Make this decision with your heart, not your mind."

"The two are surprisingly close." 

She took a step towards the pool.

"Are you sure?"

Twilight knelt her head. "I am sure."

And then she drank.
> Apotheosis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The water was warm. For a few moments after she drank it, nothing happened. The world was the same. She was the same. Celestia blanketed her in her the familiar comfort of her wings and she leaned against her. "Celestia?"

Celestia laid her chin on her head. 

That's when the universe unfolded like a flower. Everything shimmered and the world was suffused with light. The ground and sky vanished, no that wasn't right, the ground and sky revealed themselves as they truly were, Mother Earth and Father Sky, and the trees and river that were her brothers and sisters.

Oneness. In an instant, she was one with them all. Magic spiraled out from her horn, her chakras opened one by one, from the root at the end of her spine, coursed through her all the way to her horn and then she was there, there at the beginning of all things when Rhiannon descended from a golden cloud and gifted her race with magic.

Then she saw what magic truly was, the flow of the river of the spirit that traveled in channels throughout the cosmos and those same channels flowed throughout her very soul-self and the soul-self of all things.

And then she heard the voice of the Moochik singing Dream Valley into being and she saw another incarnation of herself and the mare whom she had loved, their first kiss, frolicking in valleys bathed by the moon and she saw the cataclysms that brought that age to an end.

Alone. For thousands of ages, countless eons, her soul wandered seeking anew that one whom she had loved all those ages ago. 

She had been twisted along the way, corrupted by evil. Her obsidian armor glinted in the heat of the Saddle Arabian sun, behind her an army clad in darkness.

The Empress of Saddle Arabia-the Arabian bowed to the Sun and to her alone. 

Her soul shuddered with memories of the one she had been, the things she had done. Before her had been Celestia-enemy, lover, mother, friend, daughter, sister-the lifetimes flashed before her in confusing array, the strange shapes that had borne   her ego throughout the rolling ages. 

The spear borne by Celestia pierced her heart and killed, liberated her.

Then, as if her mind was protecting her, a veil fell behind her and the memories of those other lifetimes. Fire burned within her and she shivered as her mortality sloughed off, like a cocoon falling away from a butterfly. Her mind expanded and her body struggled to keep up with it, the synapses in her brain unable to keep up with the rapid influx of information as the universe itself began to speak to her, laid bare its secrets.

Spinning galaxies, newborn nebulae and stars that had burned out long before her species had crawled out of the primordial ooze flashed before her. Past, present and future intertwined and then she surrendered, overcome by the torrent of the eternal, ageless flow of the ages, of the Cosmos that had always been, the Cosmos of which she had always been one with though she had never realized how deeply her own essence was already united with the Soul of the All.

Cosmic fire flooded her senses, her biology rewritten as the Divine within her blossomed and her soul contemplated the totality of existence. Evolution itself beat within the rhythm of her soul and ancestral forms met with the potentiality of her biological self.

The strength of the Earth Pony, bred into the race from the endless combat with now extinct predators strengthened her muscles, rewrote her DNA to allow muscles that could rip down trees, but were gentle enough to cradle a foal. Strong but lithe. A longing for the good earth, for the rich, dark soil, to till the fertile fields. Life, life, joyful and abundant! The spirits of the plants spoke to her, knew her as their caretaker. The bones of her progenitors called to her.

Her Unicorn magic, the inheritance of her tribe, empowered her, it was the light of the sun and moon and all the stars. The secrets of magic were laid bare to her, the equations underwriting the programming of the Universe which the Creator had used to order the stars and arrange the planets upon their axes. She understood it all suddenly as she understood the way to breathe. She was magic, magic itself, the wild force that created and destroyed and bound all things.

Her bones hollowed, a network of tendons and muscles and feathers erupting from her sides and she felt giddy. Free. Light and airy as if she wished to travel the wide world, to never again be still. The sky called to her. Currents of air buoyed beneath her wings and a laugh bubbled up from her core. Giddiness, she felt pure giddiness as if she were there at the Morning of the World when the Pegasus rose high above the predators that stalked the less fortunate tribes. 

And then she saw the future, what her species could one day become, what evolution had been pushing them towards. She saw her very own self, strong and powerful, brimming with ethereal might, wings flared out to carry her through the land and protect the weak. Her power spilled over and flowed into her mane, a mist of ever flowing purple.

She saw that potential, the potential which really laid in the heart of every Pony, what the soul of every Pony would one day flower into even as the caterpillar became the butterfly and the acorn became the towering oak. Her soul had been upon this path since the Creator had sang her into being.

Her consciousness expanded throughout all the worlds, saw every potentiality as if she were gazing upon a multifaceted jewel. She saw all her selves, all the ones she had been, all the ones she could have been. She saw a path where alicornhood came from completing a spell, where it had come from desperation, in order to save Equestria, where it had never come at all.

For a second she saw how she could have died, the flare could have killed her as a filly, or Nightmare Moon could have or Sombra or Tirek or Grogar.

The potentialities were endless. Worlds where she was a poet, an explorer, worlds where she put her intellect towards seeking those who had committed evil, worlds where she had been corrupted. Too many of those. Tears streamed down her face at sins she had never committed, a sharp pang of loss at friends she had never known, lovers she had never kissed. 

She understood in a flash of insight the network of causes and effects, the flow of time, both forward and backwards, running off in infinite channels of potentialities. Her horn flared and she laughed in freedom as she let the control she had so tightly held onto let go. Waves of magic flashed in every direction and she saw in her mind the blueprint to create a new world-if not a new universe.

For a moment, she understood the mind of the Creator. She gazed upon Her, dwelling in perfect splendor at the heart of the Multiverse and she saw the thread of her own existence woven into the multiverse, saw her own existence threaded throughout the ten-trillion worlds, all of them existing within the Creator's mind, she was but a thought in the mind of the Creator and in that thought was her selfsame existence-

She longed to dwell here forever, to never return to embodied existence. Why had she chosen to leave this place? For she knew she was an Eternal Thought that had once dwelt here in perfect joy. What had she lacked? Why had she chosen the descent of incarnation, she who was Magic?

Recollections more ancient than the first of her embodied existences returned to her. There had been something lacking, one who had lived alongside her, but had left her. One who had been Fire and Warmth, with whom she had been joined in the bliss of Union.

She had left the glories of Heaven behind her, the One Who Was Fire to guide the evolution of a remarkable species of Equines. 

And Magic would follow. For love called her and what was Heaven's glories without the one she loved?

And now, she stood again at the threshold of paradise. The choice was again before her.

All the joys of incarnation or celestial ecstasy?

How easy it would be to shed the clothes of flesh, to reclaim her true Spirit form?

Her friends? Their souls would come here. As would her family. As would Love, the one her mortal self knew as Cadence. She could wander forever the endless multiverse, learn and study mysteries her mortal mind could not even begin to fathom.

The fire of the Creator drew her ever closer. She closed her eyes, let her body be washed by ethereal strands. Love and wholeness she had never known called to her and why had she left this wonderful place?

No limitations. She could conceive of time on the level of cosmic measurements. One-million years was but a moment in the ocean of time and she was older than every ocean on every world.

She was ageless, she was Magic Itself, the force that bound every atom in the Multiverse.

She had left this place and had there been a reason even if she couldn't remember it. There must have been a reason that she had dwelt as a mortal for four ages-from the Young Age when Megan and her Companions had wandered Dream Valley to now, the time of the Restored Diarchy. At the end of each life, she could have reclaimed this state.

Why hadn't she?

She whirled around at the approach of Fire and Warmth. Celestia stood before her as she had been in the Distant Time. Wings of flame swirled out from a blindingly white coat and her mane and tail were streams of cosmic fire.

Celestia stood, the soul of the Sun, not just its shepherd. 

"I will not stop you." She shook her head. "I love you too much."

"You must have seen this potentiality." Twilight approached her, floating through the aether. "I know you won't stop me. Like you said, you respect choice."

"Every sentient being has that right." She wouldn't meet Twilight's gaze. "Even if that means the right to walk through those gates."

"And leave you alone."

Celestia didn't respond for a while. "Yes. I'm not going to beg you to stay."

"Have you been incarnate so long you don't remember I can read your mind?" She reached out a hoof, pressed it to Celestia's face. "Come with me."

"Perhaps you are the one who has been mortal for far too long." She wrapped her foreleg around Twilight's. The expanse of the space between worlds, a greenish-blue mist, surrounded them. Sparks of light floated, souls yet to be born. Twilight looked and saw scenes from the present life she was living. Redeeming Luna with the power of the Elements. Later offering Luna friendship that Nightmare Night. Helping Applejack. Her breakdown over a late report. Small moments with her friends.

Celestia nuzzled her and Twilight responded in kind. A heart song burst from her lips.

You've come such a long, long way
and I've loved you since that very first day.
I've seen how you would grow,
I've seen the amazing things you do,
and all the ways you've made me fall in love with you.

Now a new change has come,
a choice before you,
I hope you stay,
but I'll say goodbye
so you can go where you will go,
see where you will go

For it's time now
to fulfill your destiny.

Twilight drew close to her and a heart song of her own came from the depths of her soul.

You've been here for me for such a long, long time
and I've loved you since that first day.
You've seen me grow and the things I might do,
now I ask of you,
will you join me?

So we can see what we might see,
go where we might go,
together forever,
fulfilling our destiny?

Celestia drew away. "You know that I can not."

"Equestria can survive without you."

"There are still things that need to be done. It'll be many generations before my mission is complete."

The words reopened old scars. "You didn't have to accept that mission." She added in a quieter voice, "Why did you? Why did you...leave me?"

"You know why. Equestria stands at the center of the multiverse. If it was lost to darkness...the light of all worlds would be extinguished. You could have come."

"I did come. I followed you."

"Indeed. And I know how painful it was." She ran her hoof through the strands of Twilight's mane."To limit yourself."

"It was easier for you, you're good at ordering and limiting things."

"That's why the Creator did not give the mission to you."

Twilight pawed at a ground that did not exist. "It was painful for my soul to enter into flesh. I am limitless."

"And I am the Sun, which orders all things."

Twilight chanced a smile. "One day, perhaps, the mortals will learn to order things for themselves."

"They already are. In a few centuries, they will take to other lands."

She stepped closer to Celestia. "And will you guide them to other lands?"

"They will no longer need me then. I will hand over power and...in truth, I do not know what will come after that."

Twilight looked into Celestia's eyes, realized they were the same height in this form of herself that was the evolutionary completion of her mortal avatar's race. It was strange to not have to look up at her. If she so wanted, she could press her lips to hers, they could let a millennium pass between them in the starry ecstasies that Gods could bestow upon one another. 

Celestia's fiery wings were warm against her withers, each feather a wisp of flame. "I promised myself I would not try to persuade you. But please, we have found each other again after so long. Please stay with me."

Even now, the humming of the cosmic currents were calling to her to return to the Totality, to bathe her mind forever in knowledge. But, there was also Celestia, begging her to stay. 

If only she could retreat in contemplation, weigh the pros and cons, examine in detail each potentiality and the intersecting rivers of casualty that each choice led to. How long would it take? One-million years? Perhaps less. Not longer.

In Heaven, she had been the Creator's Thought, her destiny to eternally contemplate. So, she had stayed and contemplated all things. Why hadn't she been happy?

For it was in her nature-in the nature of all sapient things-to share. She had longed to share her knowledge or find one to share it with. 

Then, she had found one to share her contemplations with and they had walked together in Paradise, deep in fellowship more pleasant than any mortal flesh could give-not that she knew of the joys of the flesh in that as yet pre-incarnate state. 

If she returned to Paradise, she would be yet again alone with her contemplations.

"I wish to share with you my thoughts. I wish to work with you in guiding the Pony's evolution."

Celestia's smile was the dawn after the darkest night. "There is yet more work to be done, my companion from of old."

They interlocked their forelegs, dancing to the music of the spheres. Twilight crossed her horn with Celestia's. "When my avatar approached you, you rejected her at first...rejected me at first. Why?"

Their bodies swayed to the rhythm as they danced throughout the universe. Dancing beyond the space between worlds, they waltzed around spiraling galaxies and pulsing quasars that beat like a heart. Radiant colors streamed from the light of the stars in every shade of the rainbow. 

Celestia kissed her forehead. "I was afraid, Beloved. I had lost so many...I was unwilling to open my heart."

"Afraid of losing me." She avoided Celestia's gaze. "And here I was about to leave you."

Celestia put her hoof beneath her chin and lifted her head. "Do not apologize for that. The one thing that has always attracted me to you is your curiosity about the universe. I understand that you would want to explore all the worlds and that's not something you could do as a mortal. I never wanted a beautiful bird I could put in a cage."

Their dancing brought them to a field of stars, each star an impossibly large ball of pure light hanging in the darkness of the void. The constant explosions at the heart of the stars made them shimmer and cast warmth over the pair. 

"One day, after you complete this mission on Equus, will we wander together this wide Cosmos?"

Celestia's answer was a kiss. "Of course. I'll look forward to it."

Light shattered in the void, scattered all around them as they continued their dance, not speaking any more, moving to that place beyond the necessity of words where things between them could simply be understood. They wrapped their necks around each other, nuzzled each other's cheeks. The energy that composed this semi-physical form crackled and Twilight couldn't help but think of the level of intimacy they'd once had when their souls had melded together.

She suddenly longed to meld with her. Celestia felt her desire and leaned forward to caress Twilight's lips with her own. They ran their horns together and let the current of their magic flow into each other. 

"Shall we go home, Beloved?"

For a single second Twilight thought she meant the Celestial Gardens, where they had wandered in Paradise. But that was not home anymore. Memories of her friends and her family flooded her. Her mother helping her to walk, her father's embrace, riding her big brother's back. Standing with her friends against so many evils, the Deep Magic of the Elements, Pinkie's parties and Dash's flying tricks, Rarity's inspiring passion and Fluttershy's kindness.

Her avatar reawakened inside of her and she re-oriented herself. She stroked Celestia's cheek. "Let's go home."
...
The world returned to how it had been, the vision passing. She stumbled slightly and Celestia steadied her. Strange, disjointed images flooded her mind. Her body felt different. Stronger. She pranced away from Celestia and was assaulted by a cacophony of voices. It only took a few seconds before she began to understand what they were saying.

The trees were speaking to her. The grasses, the flowers. Seedlings deep beneath the earth whispering. The gnarled almond trees, planted probably at the dawn of creation, greeted her in their gravelly tones. She was their guardian, their caretaker. She was Earth Pony.

Her muscular system had changed. Vaguely, slowly, her wings entered her awareness. They flared out at the barest hint of her command. She stared at them, flapped them. Each feather in her wing astonished her. The airs circled all around her, a constant circulation of currents riding beneath her wing. 

Laughter bubbled up from deep inside her, but she didn't laugh. It was just a general sense of buoyancy. 

Celestia touched her wing. "The Pegasus spirit is wild. Uninhibited. Civilized Pegasi teach their children to control their impulses so they don't throw themselves off a cloud before they can really fly."

Twilight smirked. "Wonder where Dash's parents went wrong?"

Celestia choked back a laugh. "In truth, Pegasi impulses are quite strong. Fluttershy's spooking impulse, for example, is perhaps too highly developed."

Twilight gave her wings a few more flaps. "Dash can teach me to fly. Fluttershy too, but Dash will enjoy it more."

Celestia spread her own wings. "As would I."

Twilight blushed. "Oh! I didn't mean to leave you out! Of course, I can take flying lessons from you!" Suddenly, she felt the urge to prance and obeyed it, prancing in circles around her mentor. Then, she lept into the air. "It'll be just like old times!"

Celestia caught her just as she tumbled and Twilight made no attempt to leave her hold. "So, this means I'm a Princess now." 

"Only if you wish to be."

Twilight stepped out from Celestia. "One one hoof, I can help so many Ponies. I already have ideas."

Celestia pressed a hoof to her lips. "Helping others? In government? Unthinkable. I assure you, they will try to break you. They will slander you. They will go after your family. Earl Grey and Earl Shimmer were extreme examples, but many politicians are parasites who want to live off the treasury."

"Are you really so cynical?"

"Yes." She sighed. "Then, somepony like you comes along and renews my hope. We can talk about your ideas later-in fact, I believe you've shared some with me already."

A frown marred her features. "But I don't want anypony to treat me different. I only want to use my new powers to better the lives of others-I...I don't want to rule over anyone."

"I never set out to be worshiped. Never blessed a single priest or commissioned a single temple-if you do it right, you won't need to. They will come to love you even as they love me. Love and your love will fill this land and lead us into a new era."  Then, she bowed. "Princess."

Twilight's face was crimson and she ushered Celestia to rise. "I'll have to get used to that, won't I?"

"Yep. I will be with you on this new journey, every step of the way."

They leaned into each other. "Wonder what my friends will think?"

"Let's go into town and find out."

Hoof-in-hoof, they left the grove and headed back towards town.
> Winter-Late Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia nudged Twilight as they crossed onto the road that led into Ponyville, Celestia having taken on what she called her civilian form. "Twilight, just how much do you remember of our talk before your ascension?"

Twilight blinked. "We talked? I remember drinking the water and then I had wings."

"I see." 

She turned to Celestia. "What'd we talk about?"

"Many things. Whether you wished to stay on Equus or not. Then we danced among the cosmos."

"Sounds fun. I'm sorry I don't remember it."

"It will return to you in time. Many things will."

That's when Derpy flew by, a satchel filled with letters in her pack. "Hi, Twilight! Great costume!" Then she stopped and flew down for a closer look. "Wait! Those are real!" Reaching out a trembling hoof, she touched them. Twilight jumped back, shocked by a burst of sensation. 

Derpy, misinterpreting the gesture, went down on her face. "I'm sorry!"

Twilight panted, stunned by how sensitive her wings were. No wonder Pegasi are so selective about who touches their wings. Then she patted Derpy's shoulder. "Derpy, please get up. Don't bow to me."

Derpy did as Twilight told her though she didn't look Twilight in the eyes. "How did you get to be a princess?" Her voice was filled with wonder.

"It's a...it's a really long story. But I'd like it if you and everyone would treat me just like you always have."

Derpy nodded and saluted. "I gotta go deliver these letters! Oh!" She paused just after she jumped into the air and returned to the ground. "Oh! Here's a letter for you!"

Twilight took the letter in her aura. "It's from Shining."

Derpy saluted again, this time straight at Celestia and was off once more. Celestia sighed. "Should I even disguise at all?"

Twilight patted her withers and carefully opened the envelope, sliding it open. Celestia peaked over her shoulder. "What does it say?"

Twilight blushed and hid it. "Um, it says, 'Hi LSBFF, What's this about you getting married? Why weren't me and dad told?' Wait, what does he mean? Mom didn't know either."

Celestia scratched at the ground with her hoof. "I, um, might have announced our coming nuptials in court."

"Why would you do that? I thought we agreed to tell Ponies together."

"I was going to! But I fear I let the Nobles get me upset. Your mother was present."

Twilight shrugged. "It's not a big deal. There's um, actually something about the guest list I need to discuss with you."

"Oh?"

They started walking towards town again, treading through the market place. It was getting toward evening time. The merchants were busy taking down the white tents which they had put over their stalls. As they walked through, many gasped. Roseluck pointed a hoof and jabbered excitedly. Applejack was whistling to herself while she took down her own stall and placed the apples she hadn't sold into a brown bag. That bag dropped from her grip and Applebloom scrambled to push the apples back into the bag.

Applejack turned on her hooves and nearly galloped to her friend, slightly bowing to Celestia. "Alright, is this one of them here situations that call for us gettin' the Elements?"

Twilight shook her head. "Nope."

"So you just...um, are you a Princess now?"

Celestia spoke up. "Alicorn, not Princess. I would need to coronate her first and there's a lot of paperwork involved." 

Applejack took off her hat, a nervous habit that meant she was deep in thought. "How did you manage this one? Why?"

Twilight stepped beside her and walked with her back to the stall. "It has to do with the wedding. I...I made a decision to stay with her. Forever."

Applejack sighed and took the bag of apples from her sister. "Sugarcube, I hope this ain't gonna be a decision you'll regret later."

Twilight nuzzled her. "I thought of that. Thought of it a lot."

"Fancy wings or not, we'll always be friends, right?" She flipped the hat back on her head.

"Of course." They bumped hooves. 

"You know Pinkie's going to throw you a party, right?"

"Wouldn't surprise me if she'd already ordered the cake."

Applejack chuckled. "It'd surprise me more if she hadn't."

The merchants of Ponyville, used to such oddities since the scholarly Unicorn had moved to their town, continued their tasks. In a few minutes all the tents had been taken down and the market closed. Applejack slung the sack of apples over her shoulder. The sun went to its rest behind a bed of clouds painted crimson and violet by its dying light. Celestia, having hung back to let the old friends talk, trotted up to them as they left the marketplace and strode up to Twilight.

Applejack nodded to her. "Princess-both of ye-you're coming to supper."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to impose."

"No imposn' about it, Yer Highness. Twilight always has a place at my table and so do you. The harvest has been good this year and we've got plenty."

Celestia smiled. "Well, I never turn down apples."

"Danged straight."

They left the marketplace behind, turning onto the dusty road leading to Applejack's ancestral lands. The rolling hills were shrouded in shadows, the waves of apple trees dark shapes in the gloom of evening time. The grass was soft, swirling around the pasterns of the three. Applebloom trotted by her sister's side and bounced up to Twilight. "Now that you got wings, can you take me flying?"

"Applebloom!"

Twilight giggled and patted her head. "When I figure out how to fly."

The fence surrounding the farmhouse came into view. Applejack unlatched it and they crossed onto the farmland. She knocked open the door and the others followed her inside. "Granny we got company!"

The scent of baking apple fritters and roasting grains wafted in from the kitchen. Twilight's stomach growled in response. Granny Smith shuffled into the living room and gaped. "Twilight Sparkle?"

The new alicorn nervously ruffled her wings. "That's me."

"Now, how in the world...? Come into the kitchen, Child. Applejack come in here and help me with supper."

Twilight hadn't realized how hungry she was until she caught whiff of the scents of suppertime. Her head swam with the delectable smells, the steam rising from the bowls full of roasted grains with apples cut up into them. Applejack and Granny Smith moved in tandem, transitioning them from the unadorned, wooden counter top to the equally plain table.

"A princess!" Granny Smith muttered to herself. "Two of'em! I ain't never...wish I'd made somethin' fancier..."

Twilight shared a glance with Celestia and then crossed the floor, picking up a plate of apple fritters which she laid on the table. Applejack smiled at her. Celestia picked up the last bowl of grains and laid it next to the fritters. Granny Smith sat and the others did as well. That's when Big Mac trotted inside, the door squeaking when he opened it. He stared at the guest, nodded in greeting and sat down. "So, um..."

He tried not to, but he stared at the wings. 

Twilight flapped her wings, self-conscious and then forced them back down. "You want to hear the story."

He scooped up some grains, chewed. "Eyep."

"I chose to become an Alicorn-fulfilling my soul's destiny-in order to be with Celestia."

He nodded. "Huh."

Twilight chomped down on the apple fritter, almost fell from her chair when the explosion of sweetness covered her taste buds.

"So, you're an Alicorn now." Granny Smith scratched her chin. "I honestly liked havin' you help on the farm."

Twilight's ears drooped ever so slightly. "I'm still going to do that."

Granny Smith made a noise halfway between a scoff and a laugh. "Ain't you gonna be too busy?"

"I've always made time. I'm always going to."

Granny Smith stirred her grains. "Strange times I'm livin' in. In my time, a Princess-well only the one in those days when Dinosaurs roamed Equestria-"

Celestia interrupted. "I'm not that old."

"Well, excuse me Princess. But in those days, a princess stayed in the castle. Times are changin',  times are changin.' How long's it been, Princess? Since we bought this land from ye?"

Celestia shook her head. "You mean since I recognized your claim to the wild land? The Crown never has and never will claim land."

Granny waved her hoof. "Technicalities. First time I ever did see a Princess. I'm pretty sure you shaved a few years off my husband's life that first time you visited to see how things were goin' in the new settlement."

Celestia blushed, ever so slightly. "Just from looking. Glad I never gave him..." She trailed off.

"Primae Noctis?"

Celestia and Twilight looked at her. Granny rolled her eyes. "I got some learnin'. Right of First Night, though it was beyond our first night ta be sure."

Twilight and Applejack simply looked between the two matriarchs, speechless. Applebloom continued eating, unaware and uncaring of adult discussions.

Celestia rolled her eyes. "That bit of propaganda against the Griffons was the best lie my spies ever came up with. If there's anything I regret from my youth...well, I have much to choose from."

The silence descended like a shroud.

"You ever miss him?" Celestia muttered into her glass of (mercilessly non-alcoholic) cider.

"Every day. You?"

Celestia eyed Twilight. Granny chuckled. "Don't be jealous of the dead, Child."

Applejack's jaw was nearly hanging loose. So was Twilight's. Big Mac was watching them intently and even Applebloom was starting to take interest.

"It's been seventy years. Happy 101st."

"Thank ye kindly, Yer Highness. More fritters?"

"Please."

She slid one over. Twilight leaned into Celestia who wrapped a foreleg around her. If Celestia could choose one word for the look on Twilight's face it would be troubled. 

She straightened up. "I don't know what Alicorns were like back then. But I'm always going to be there for my friends."

Applejack raised her glass and Twilight tapped it with her own. Granny and Celestia did the same. 

Twilight put it back down. "And, wings or no, crown or not, I'm still me. I'm always going to be."

"Hopefully not!" 

Twilight looked over at Celestia. Celestia swallowed a bite of her fritter. "You will change, Twilight even as I have. You will look back at some things you did and shudder in horror. Hate the Pony in the mirror."

"You talkin' from experience?"

Celestia sighed. "You know I am."

Granny sipped her own cider. "I think we all have. I ain't the Pony I was fifty years ago. Not ten years ago. We all got our regrets, got our sins."

"We get better, though, don't we?"

"Some of us do."

Twilight was once again silent in the conversation.

"I think we all do."

"Once again, some of us do."

Celestia narrowed her eyes. Granny offered her a cheeky grin. "Don't be lookin' like yer about to throw me in a dungeon."

Her shoulder slumped. "You know I'd never-"

"He didn't get better. He bedded one mare after one another. Weren't just us. But I do miss him. Old bastard."

"Miss Smith, you know me and your husband never...we just..."

"Shared a few kisses by moonlight?"

If Celestia could have crawled under the table, it looked like she would have.

Twilight flared out a wing before she knew what she was doing, running it down Celestia's back like Celestia had done to her so often. "Granny Smith, maybe you should let this conversation go?"

"Alright. Fine. Me and your husband...if you hadn't caught us there exists the distinct possibility..."

There was no triumph in Granny Smith's face. Only a long, sad sigh. "The only mare in Equestria my husband never mounted-"

"Granny!"

"Oh, hush Applejack. Applebloom here knows the facts of life."

Applebloom nonchalantly shrugged and returned to her fritter. Adults were strange and she had nothing to add to the discussion she only half-understood. 

Celestia stood, the meal hurriedly finished. "I thank you for your hospitality. I need to get some fresh night air."

Twilight only hesitated a few moments before she ran after her.
...
Celestia wasn't sure how she could remember her way around the Apple's farm. It had been a very long time since...since...her chest heaved. Her sister's moon danced silvery light on each leaf on the long stretches of Apple trees. There was not another Pony around. The trees enveloped her on all sides and the stillness was only broken by the call of a night bird to its mate.

She nestled into the soft grass. The moonlight conjured memories of a strong stallion's touch, exploring her, their lips meeting, a bond breaking, a vow shattered.

Upraised shouts. A threat. Get out of here before I find out if Alicorns can bleed. The knife she was pointing at their faces. 

Sailing away in disgrace. The branches of the trees embraced each other and obscured the lights of the stars. The moonlight illuminated a winged figure who was clearly struggling with some great emotion, seeing as how she was trying to force her wings down. Twilight strode through the trees, managed to make her wings go back to her sides and sat beside her, so close that their fur was touching.

"You don't have to tell me."

"Alright. I won't."

Twilight shifted. "I was hoping you would though."

"What's the use of calling up ghosts?"

"I can tell it still hurts you. You must have loved him."

A hollow, bitter sound akin to a laugh rang from her throat. "It hurts me because I didn't love him. It was crass and cheap and awful."

Twilight shook her head. "I don't believe that. How could you-"

"How could I?" She jumped to her hooves and her wings flared out. "How dare you!"

Twilight stumbled back in surprise.

"How could you be so judgmental!"

"I wasn't-"

"You don't think I know about the things you've gotten up to? The want it-need it spell? You drove Ponyville into chaos!"

Twilight grit her teeth. "I'm choosing to ignore that because you're angry!"

Celestia stamped her hoof. "I have a right to be! It happened a damned long time ago! How could I what, Twilight? How could I be such a trollop? What are they calling it these days? How could the dignified ruler of Equestria be a skank? Well, guess what, I was!"

"That's not what I meant! This is your problem! You don't listen!" Twilight's own wings flared and stiffened and she lowered her head in an instinctive threat display.

Celestia stalked towards her. "Well, what did you mean? What were you going to say? Just finish that sentence!"

Twilight took in a deep breath. "How could you be with somepony and not love them? I know you. The heart gets involved."

"You didn't know me back then. You might not have-you wouldn't have-liked me back then."

"You weren't a tyrant. The personal records of that era show you were known for kindness and fairness, just like you are now."

"It was all fake." Celestia's mane and tail snapped in their eternal, ethereal wind. Twilight could have sworn she saw a few lashing tongues of fire in the normally dawn-colored strands. She forced a smile. "It was the past, My Little Pony. I understand how such revelations could make you unsettled, but we all make mistakes."

"I preferred it when you were yelling at me."

"Nopony's ever said that before. Well, Luna did. Once." She kept the smile plastered on, the tone of her voice perfectly even.  "When you put on the mask, Twilight, it gets very difficult to take it off."

Twilight reached up, touched her face. "Take it off. Yell at me. Something."

Celestia drew away, turned. "You don't want me too. Not really. You don't understand how I could give into lust? After not being touched for longer than you've existed in your present state? I was lonely."

"I know that." Twilight walked around her so she was facing her. "I'm sorry. I messed up. I came out here to comfort you and I made you feel worse. I'm so sorry. I'll go."

Twilight expected for Celestia to stop her as she crossed the grass, her hooves crunching fallen apple leaves and branches. Her heart felt heavier with each step across the land. Just as she got to the two ancient trees that stood sentinel to this grove, Celestia spoke up. "Don't go. Please."

Twilight turned. 

Celestia walked towards her. "My past keeps getting in the way, doesn't it? I think you should know by this point that my public face is false. I have to be strong for my subjects. Inside...inside..."

Twilight stared at the ground. "I hurt you. I can't forgive myself for that."

Celestia lifted her head. "I'm still on that damned pedestal, aren't I? "

"Maybe."

"This isn't going to work unless I fall off of it in your eyes. Never think I'm perfect. It'll lead you to having expectations for me that I can't fulfill."

Twilight crossed her forelegs with Celestia's own, lifting them. "Can you forgive me?"

"Only if you can forgive me."

"For what?"

"I lied. I did love him. I was so vulnerable that I nearly threw myself at the first one to come along and be bold enough to ask. He was handsome, Twilight. Brave. He could have been a guard had he not been a farmer and more dedicated to his crops than to the wife who loved him."

"Is that why you were so closed off? When I first tried to court you?"

"Yes. I realize that now. Keep everypony at a distance. That's what I learned."

Twilight sighed. "Nothing to forgive. If I hadn't tried to pry..." She grumbled. "Dear Princess Celestia, today I learned the same lesson I learned in Mustangia about respecting boundaries. I do not learn lessons."

Celestia couldn't help but laugh. "Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, neither do I. Let's get married so we can have the same fight for the next several thousand years. The lesson should stick eventually."

Both of them laughed, a deep belly laugh. They fell to the ground in the sudden mirth, rolling around on the grass. Twilight pounced onto Celestia's belly and Celestia cloaked her with her wing. Twilight nuzzled beneath Celestia's chin and Celestia nuzzled her back. "Um, Twilight, during that tiff I brought up some things I shouldn't have brought up. I apologize for that."

"You thought I was about to call you a slut. Which I would never do, by the way!"

Celestia stroked her soothingly, running her wing down Twilight's most sensitive spots. "Let's not go back to arguing."

"Still, how could you even...oh. N-no. No distractions." She lifted herself up. "Think I would say that?"

"Your tone of voice? The fact that I have no defense if you did? Twilight, I almost slept with a married stallion. What would you call it?"

Twilight sighed. "Someone who was hurt. Who'd lost their way. Who was lonely."

"You have a way with words."

Twilight laid her head back against Celestia's chest. "I was more surprised than anything else. And it did hurt when you brought up the want it-need it spell."

"I promise I won't do it again." Celestia turned her eyes away, unable to look at the mare on her chest. "So, now you really have heard my darkest secret-well, there are probably some others I don't remember. Still want to be with this neurotic mess?"

Twilight snorted. "Still want to be with this neurotic mess?"

Her answer was the press of Celestia's lips to her own. Twilight enthusiastically returned the affection. She broke apart. "I should say good-bye to Applejack."

"Of course, but first there is something I'd like to discuss."

"What?"

"That was a rather serious argument. Pegasi have a custom I've always found charming regarding arguments. After reconciling, they preen each other to show their renewed trust." As she said it, she leaned down and took Twilight's right wing in her mouth, brushing through it. 

Years of preening experience told her that Twilight had no broken feathers. Twilight was still as Celestia continued the brushing. She leaned up and took Celestia's wing in her mouth, kissing it. "I forgive you for bringing it up. I know you were hurt, lashing out."

Celestia pulled her lips from Twilight's immaculate wing. "I forgive you for prying into my past. I know you had good intentions."

Twilight buried her muzzle into Celestia's wing as she often had before, nudging and nosing each feather, the ticklish sensation familiar to the sun princess. One feather was bent. She flicked it with her tongue and gently put it back in place while Celestia started brushing her muzzle through Twilight's left wing. Twilight moved onto Celestia's other wing, teasing out a broken feather.

Celestia buried her muzzle into the cloud of purple feathers. Though each one was straight, she still ran her mouth over each one. Twilight, in turn, softly took a twisted feather in her mouth and righted it, nosing a feather that was broken right next to it. She moved her mouth over it, delighting in the squeak of pleasure that came from her beloved's parted lips. Twilight sighed in similar rapture as she took the feather in her mouth and slid it out as gently as she could, placing a kiss on the now empty socket. "If this is how we're going to make up, we should fight more."

Celestia snorted. "I know a Pegasus couple who fought like cats and dogs, but stayed married for fifty years. I know why."

Twilight giggled. Both Ponies' sensitive ears perked up at the sound of approaching hoof falls. Twilight blushed and very reluctantly got up from Celestia who stood, her flowing mane like a beacon in the dark night. That beacon had guided Applejack and Granny Smith to this clearing on their land.

Applejack looked down at the ground, studiously avoiding her friend and sovereign's gazes. "Uh, did we just interrupt somethin'?"

Granny Smith held back a laugh she knew would make the situation more embarrassing. "Princess, I got ta say that...I'm awful sorry about what happened inside tonight. I was reminiscin' and I didn't mean no offense, but I said some things that weren't proper especially not in front of Applebloom or Twilight. My own grand daughter had to remind me of that."

Celestia released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. "I couldn't help reminiscing myself. Don't worry about it. And I understand if you're still angry. I deserve it."

Granny Smith shook her head. "I ain't angry at you no more. I was, at first. I thought you were tryin' to steal my stallion! But then I realized he had no self-control. He was never mine except in those last years of his life. He got to be so helpless at the end there. Relied on me." She looked up to Celestia's face for the first time since she'd come out here to make things right. "He was truly mine right up until he died. Was that...was it wrong of me to feel that way?"

Applejack shuffled her hoof. "Uh, I think I'm gonna tuck in Applebloom."

"You do that, Child. Goodnight."

"Goodnight. I love you."

"Love you too, Child."

Applejack walked off. Celestia approached Granny Smith. "Was it wrong of you to expect fidelity? Absolutely not."

"That ain't what I meant. That illness, it took away his independence. And I was happy. For the first damned time, he was mine and I didn't have to share him."

Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder. "It wasn't wrong to feel that way."

"Wish I could convince myself of that."

"I think we can be far more severe to ourselves than we can be to others."

"Maybe you're right, Princess. Are we still on for tea Friday?"

"Of course."

To Twilight's surprise, the two nuzzled like old friends. Granny Smith parted from her. "I'll let you get back to your fiance."

"Do you want me to help you back to the farm?"

"Not an invalid. I can get back. Been walkin' this land so long, it knows me and will guide me home if it comes to it. Thanks for askin' though."

Celestia nodded and Granny Smith faded into the darkness. 

"You two are friends?" Twilight asked.

"Many time I've had an enemy become a friend. Me and Granny reconnected a while ago."

"I see." Twilight pawed at the ground. A leaf poked her frog and she grimaced in discomfort. "Celestia, we need to talk."

"I've lived many centuries and no conversation starting with those words has ever ended well."

"Just listen to me straight through."

"Oh, dear. Last time you said those words, there was a large hole in the chemistry lab."

"And hopefully, this won't end with me getting yelled at." She paused, unsure of how to proceed. 

Celestia lifted her chin. "I want you to be honest with me. Also, I don't remember yelling at you."

"You know that thing you do where you yell without raising your voice?"

"I do? I never realized that. But I feel we're getting off topic."

Twilight steadied herself. "I invited Chrysalis to the wedding."

Celestia closed her eyes. "Why did you do that?"

"Cadence told me you two used to be friends."

"I never gave her permission to do so. She had no right-"

Twilight touched a trembling hoof to Celestia's chest. "Please don't be angry with her. She told me how sad you looked when you told her about it. If we can get her to the wedding, maybe you two could just talk?"

Celestia bit her lip and weighed her words. "Twilight, I have tried to talk with her. I have gone to her and begged her-practically on my belly-to renew our friendship. After being rejected so many times even I gave up. Chrysalis can not be reached."

"I once thought the same of Discord."

"You raise a point, but Discord is different. He is amoral, a force of nature. Chrysalis is actively malevolent."

"I could uninvite her."

"Such would risk her ire. She'll plot something, but if she feels slighted, it'll be much worse. We must simply prepare."

Twilight lowered her hoof. "The guard will be on high alert. Shining and Cadence will be there and my friends."

"Dainn will be coming and I can ask him to bring along a few members of his guard."

Twilight's ears wilted. "I hope this doesn't ruin our wedding day."

Celestia nuzzled her. "Nothing can ruin that. You had good intentions-"

"That's what they'll put on my headstone. She had good intentions."

Celestia didn't respond to that. "Perhaps we should get to the library. It's getting late."

"Yeah, it is." She leaned against Celestia and yawned. Celestia spread her wings and Twilight spread her own and both lifted into the air, two silhouettes crossing past a moonlit field of clouds.
> Winter-Noon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight breathed in.

She was actually doing this.

Twilight breathed out. Rarity hummed to herself, roses floating in her field. They were standing in a dressing room of the castle, surrounded by marble walls decorated with shields and banners inscribed with the various symbols of the Houses, most of which were solar or heavenly themed. The room was wide. Twilight's eyes shot back and forth, her throat constricting.

This was really happening. Rarity threaded the roses in her mane. The soon-to-be bride's form was covered in a white gown, the hem covered in crystals that sparkled and refracted in the light. Rarity hummed to herself, delicately placing each red flower in a crown to encircle the new princess's head. She didn't sing the words, but Twilight recognized that absolutely ridiculous coronation anthem.

A princess is before us? What sort of vapid, insipid silliness was that about? They'd re-purposed a temple hymn for the music. Her face had been on fire. To re-purpose a hymn just for her! A bead of sweat dripped down into her eyes.

She breathed again to still the beating of her heart.

"Darling, there's no need to be so nervous. This is only the reception You'll do fine, Your Highness."

Twilight's wings instinctively flared in annoyance. "Don't call me that, Rarity."

"Certainly, Your Highness."

Twilight saw Rarity's grin in the mirror and cracked one of her own. "One million years tickle dungeon."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "It's quite good you're panicking. It means your limbs have locked up in a fit of anxiety and you won't be squirming so much. Applejack is always so squirmy. Care to tell me what's on your mind?"

Twilight pawed at the purple hem of her dress. Rarity frowned. "You're going to ruin the hemline."

That was apparently the exact wrong thing to say. Twilight froze. "I'm sorry! I'm just...nervous, okay?"

"That's completely understandable. You told me about that dreadful Chrysalis. If she shows her face-"

Twilight shook her head. "I'd prefer it if she didn't cause trouble. If they could just talk. The more I think about it the more stupid it sounds."

Rarity circled her, examining her work from every angle, searching for any possible flaws. "You are the sort of Pony who believes everypony-every being-has a spark of goodness in them. That they can be redeemed. Everything in your life experience has taught you to believe exactly that."

Twilight turned and faced her friend. "What if I'm wrong? What if I made a big mistake and ruined everything?"

Rarity placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "We beat her once and after what she did to Celestia?" Her lips curled. "I'm looking forward to a rematch."

Twilight patted Rarity's hoof. "We'll face her together."

Rarity returned her hoof to the plush red carpet. "And we will win. But, I do think what you're doing is admirable for what it's worth. And if we do need to persuade Miss Chrysalis to behave we have the Elements." She levitated the golden, sapphire-adorned tiara that bore the amethyst Element of Magic, carved into the shape of a six pointed star and laid it on Twilight's head. She clapped her hooves in delight. "Wonderful! It fits with the flower crown."

Rarity's own Element was clasped around her neck. "Are you ready?"

Twilight's heart was pounding against her rib cage. "I need more time." She whirled back to the mirror. "Everything's alright, isn't it? My dress is good."

"Your dress is not good. It is magnificent. Among one of my finest creations."

The garment composing of flowing, ruffled layers of purest white silk and lace no doubt earned those accolades.

"Darling, Pinkie Pie is outside the door with a song prepared about wedding stress. Shall I invite her inside?"

The pink Pony popped her head through the now open door. "Did I hear my name?"

Rarity shooed her away. "Not yet."

Pinkie made a disappointed huff and vanished again after closing the door. Rarity smiled at Twilight and intertwined her forelegs with Twilight's, lifting them up slightly-a sign of friendship and deep trust. "Do you want to hear an embarrassing story about myself?"

Twilight cocked her head. "Do you think it'll get my mind off the stress?"

"I'm quite certain-though it may make you a tad jealous."

"Alright. You've made me curious."

"Do you remember when I was invited to stay in the palace during your birthday?"

Twilight nodded. "You were so excited!"

"Have I ever mentioned that upon Celestia telling me, I went down on my face and slobbered her hooves?"

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "I can see how you'd think this story would make me jealous."

Rarity nodded. "I want to make this perfectly clear-I intended to give her hoof a single kiss as a sign of gratitude and fealty to my sovereign-and my sovereign is all she is to me and all she ever will be. I got carried away in the moment. Her presence can be overwhelming. She is grace and beauty personified."

Twilight ushered her along with a single, "Uh-huh."

Rarity blushed. "Oh, Dear. I've done it again. I reiterate. My love for Celestia is that of a subject for her wise and benevolent ruler."

"I get it, Rarity."

"Afterwards, I was mortified with utter embarrassment! I had made a fool out of myself before the Princess! The ruler of this land! It was the worst! Possible! Thing!" She made a fake swoon, pressing her foreleg to her forehead and pretending to nearly faint. "The Princess must think I'm some sort of...of hoof obsessed Saphist deviant!" She straightened up. Twilight snorted at the display before bursting into giggles.

"You know Celestia herself is of the Sapphist persuasion."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "The fact that she's marrying a mare confirmed that suspicion. Do you know what happened after I humiliated myself before the Solar Empress like a defeated warlord of old?"

"What?"

Rarity shrugged. "Nothing. The earth did not swallow me up. The Princess did not cast me out. I am not presently wandering all Equestria in disgrace carrying a bindle on my withers. I was embarrassed for a while and then I got over it." She grasped Twilight's forelegs again. "Tell me, if you do somehow embarrass yourself do you think Celestia will love you any less?"

Twilight sighed. "Of course she won't." 

"Then get out there and go to the mare you love."
...
Celestia's hooves trod firmly on the deep, plush purple carpet. Luna watched her sister while she paced from one side of the room to the other, abruptly whirled around and sent the train of her white dress flying before repeating the process.  Gold fabric covered the bottom of her dress complementing her alabaster fur. Gold and white. It suited her, Luna decided. Her own gown was silver like her moon. 

"Sister, what troubles you?"

Celestia stopped. "It's unfair."

"What's unfair?"

"I told Twilight it didn't bother me, but it does bother me."

Luna crossed the room so she was facing Celestia. "Why have you not brought this up with her, whatever it may be?"

"I don't want to upset her."

"That strategy has not worked well in the past with either of us. What is this issue of concern?"

Celestia pawed at the floor. "I don't like the fact that she invited Chrysalis to the wedding. She could have consulted me on the guest list."

"I see. This is something you should bring up with her."

"What can be done about it? Uninviting her would make her offended and you know how Chryssy acts when she's-" She pressed her hooves to her mouth. "...I just called her Chryssy."

Luna pressed her hoof to Celestia's chest. "You do miss her."

Celestia closed her eyes. "Just like I missed you."

"Is it possible she can be rescued from the darkness? I was."

"She does not wish to be. Our cousin is gone, Luna. It's as simple as that. Only Twilight could imagine that she could be reformed through sitting down and having a friendly conversation." She paused. "That's part of why I fell in love with her in the first place though."

"I believe the reason you fell in love with her is because she could reform someone with a friendly conversation. But I witnessed Aurora's transformation into Chrysalis. It was the most frightening moment of my life." She shuddered as memory overtook her.

Wrong, wrong, it was all wrong. Black tendrils of cosmic filth wrapped around her and she was not fighting it, she was embracing it, clothing herself in the wretched oil of the Great Abyss. Wild, cackling laughter-mad laughter-split from her lips. "You will give me your love! You will give me your love or YOU WILL DIE!"

The corruption had infected her like it had infected Luna. Like it had infected Celestia. Spoiling a pure maiden's desire for love into basest lust. Luna had watched while she had drained her ex-lover of his love, his very soul, taking by force what had been denied to her. The stallion had died, withered to a husk.

"Luna? Luna?"

Luna blinked. "I was caught in a memory."

"I thought as much."

Celestia looked back over to the mirror, examining herself. "This is our wedding." The smile that broke upon her face could only be described as beaming. "No matter what happens this day will be perfect. I will see to it even if I have to personally blast her out of a window."

Luna chewed on her lip. "Celestia, there is something I have wanted to ask you. The last time you two fought-"

Celestia stiffened. "What about it?" Her wingtips were shaking.

"You held back didn't you?"

Celestia didn't respond at first. "Luna, Chrysalis and I were once close as you and I."

Luna walked around her, looked up into Celestia's eyes, conscious suddenly that Celestia was both her older sister and her bigger sister. "So were we."

"I could not strike her down."

"Next time?"

"There will be no such hesitation. I've waited too long for this moment. I've waited too many lifetimes." She brushed past Luna. "If she thinks she's going to ruin this for me?" Celestia grit her teeth. "She's wrong." She flung open the door and headed towards the room where the wedding was to take place.

Luna kept up with her longer stride and they turned down the hall. The guards stationed at the various rooms saluted them as they trotted by. Streams of golden, afternoon light billowed through the colorful stained glass windows and reflected fragments of pastel light on the alabaster walls.

It was obviously a special occasion at Canterlot Castle. Bouquets of violets and lilies lined the walls, sending up a sweet scent. Golden banners with an insignia combing Twilight's cutie mark in the center of Celestia's mark were flung from the ceiling.  

Celestia stopped just in front of the door's to the grand dining hall. Twenty guards on each side lifted up their spears in a salute to her. Luna walked inside while Celestia stopped to wait for her bride. In same gendered weddings, it was custom for the brides (or grooms) to walk together to the altar.

Twilight was, without a doubt, in her room panicking. She'd be here any moment now. A swish of fabric reached her sensitive ears and then she gasped. Twilight was being escorted by her friends and Cadence-her maids-of-honor and her best mare.

All were dressed in Rarity's designs, elegant and elaborate gowns that nearly floated around them. Applejack was dressed in a ravishing red, Pinkie Pie in blue that accentuated her eyes, Rarity herself in purple and gold ruffles, Fluttershy had been dressed in a green number that made her rival the princesses for elegance, Rainbow Dash was outfitted in a dress colored in rainbows with clouds floating on the bottom. How Rarity had done it and not made it look garish was knowledge that would eternally elude Celestia.

But none of it could compare to the majesty of Equestria's newest Princess. Her purest silk dress was lined with purple and crystals that sparkled and refracted. She smiled shyly at Celestia. Celestia realized she was gawking. Twilight came up to her side and they shared a brief nuzzle before they strode through the door. Twilight's friends took their seats and Cadence stood at the left of the altar,  leaving Twilight and Celestia alone, standing on the red carpet.

"That's my cue." Luna left her sister's side and approached the altar. It had been one-thousand years since she had been called upon to perform this most wondrous of all her duties-outside of blessing foals (and, happily, one often followed the other though the order frequently varied!)

Twilight's family and her friends filled most of the seats to the left. On the right were the foreign dignitaries one would expect during such an occasion. There was High King Dainn Peacefulheart, his powerful antlers covered in silver rings and who was engaged in a discussion with the queen of the Ibex on the obvious superiority of gender equality. The queen, a leader of a matriarchal nation, was clearly becoming annoyed yet tolerated it well.

Luna rolled her eyes. Dainn meant well, but he could be pushy when he thought he was right and those two had been on a collision course for some time. The nobles not of House Sparkle or House Orion were also congregated with the foreign dignitaries. Luna searched for Earl Shimmer's husband, a pale yellow stallion with an orange mane. His son was not with him, strangely enough. If he was upset by his wife's incarceration, he showed no sign of it. 

The lad, a male version of his mother, was speaking with Dawn Sparkle who was blushing furiously in an imitation of her cousin and softly talking to him, her braces occasionally showing. If she was trying to out-nerd her cousin in some sort of strange contest, she was winning. She was a shade darker than Twilight and her hair was pink, wrapped in two long braids. 

Meridian Shimmer had apparently decided that if he couldn't have Twilight, Dawn would do. 

Twilight had noticed and was boring holes into his head.  Celestia brushed her back with a wing and then a powerful fanfare lifted up from the trumpet players. It was time.

They began a stately march down the carpet and approached the Lunar Princess. Luna read the vows. Spike, dressed in a dapper little suit, waddled across the room, a pillow with the ring in his claws. The Crusaders ran ahead of him, tossing daisy petals.

Everything was perfect. Celestia and Twilight faced each other. It wasn't the real thing, not yet. But everything was going perfect.

Nothing could ruin this.

Nothing.
...

Pinkie had outdone herself for her friend's wedding-and this was only the reception. The tables were laden down with cakes and pastries of every conceivable description, including a crystal cake made just for Spike who pounced on it the second the wedding party crossed into the kitchen. The chefs at Canterlot Castle had collaborated with the baker and the uneasy alliance could be seen in fancy treats like eclairs alongside apple fritters and strawberry shortcake. 

Muffins filled one silver plate and a second plate was filled with pound cake. The nobles, dignitaries and Twilight's family members crowded around the room. Twilight and Celestia sat down next to Luna and Cadence, Shining Armor and Twilight's parents. Twilight's friends were across from her, Pinkie already chomping on a piece of pound cake. 

Velvet smiled at her daughter. "Princess Luna-or should I say, my soon-to-be niece-in-law, that was a beautiful ceremony. I know we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but I have to say that. I really can't..." She teared up. "I can't wait for the wedding ceremony."

Shining glanced at her. "Mom? You okay there?"

Night Light patted her withers while she sniffled. "My little filly's grown up!"

"Oh, Mom..." Twilight reached over to nuzzle her. "I'm always going to be your little filly."

Velvet sniffled and returned the nuzzle. "You don't understand." She wiped away the tears. "I'm crying because I'm happy. I've watched you two grow and I'm proud of both of you. I just can't wait till I start getting grandfoals-adopted or otherwise." This was said with a deliberate glance at Shining who shared a look with Cadence. Cadence self-consciously put a hoof to her stomach and poured herself a glass of water.

Celestia gasped and covered it with a sip of wine. Cadence shook her head and Celestia nodded.  Luna lifted a glass. "Thank you for your kind words, my aunt-in-law."

They clinked their glasses together. Applejack tossed some shortcake in her mouth. "I think I speak for everypony here when I say we're real happy for the both of ya."

There were murmurs of agreement from all her gathered friends.  Pinkie bounced in her seat. "Want to play the who's next wedding game?"

Dash groaned. "Pinkie, we've talked about this."

Pinkie lightly popped her shoulder. "I didn't say anything about us."

Dash looked away. "I mean, it's not like I'd mind and I'd never marry anypony but you, but I'm not ready."

"Dashie? Maybe you should stop talking now?" Pinkie suggested, patting the panicking Pegasus's head.

Dash threw back her wine like it was whiskey. "Do they have anything stronger?"

Rarity rolled her eyes. "On a completely unrelated note, I have a feeling I'm going to be making two more wedding dresses...and probably a christening gown." She mumbled that last part into her glass.

Fluttershy smiled. "I do love weddings." She nibbled on a piece of fritter. "How do you play the who's next game?"

Pinkie was about to explain when Earl Lucifer Shimmer strode over, tapping Twilight's shoulder. She stood up and faced him, giving him a courteous nod. For a moment, the royals and nobles at the table along with Rarity stopped breathing.

"Earl Lucifer."

"Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight shifted her weight from hoof to hoof. "I am sorry for what happened to your wife."

"She made her choices. I see my son being quite friendly with your cousin."

Twilight looked around. Meridian was deep in conversation with Dawn. Twilight turned back to the aristocratic stallion.  Lucifer extended his hoof. "My clan is known for its ambition, but me and my son are earnest in our desire to seek peace. Sunrise may have not liked Dawn, but she is of your clan. This feud needs to end."

Twilight accepted the extended hoof. "Yes, it does. If Dawn will have him I have no objection."

"Nor do I." Velvet chimed in. "But you should speak with my brother."

"Of course." He kissed Twilight's hoof. "I only wished to be certain that all was well with my clan and our newest princess."

Dash rolled her eyes and Rarity kicked her lightly under the the table, to which the Pegasus glowered in response. Twilight squirmed slightly at the brush of Lucifer's lips against her hoof. "All is well. I would never abuse my position to continue this feud and I will do everything in my power to stop it."

He knelt his head. "Your Majesty."

"Highness. I'm not a queen."

"Of course."

There was no way he hadn't known that-nobles were taught titles along with their abc's. Lucifer gave her one more soft smile. "I must go now and see that my son does not make your cousin more uncomfortable than he already has."

Twilight sat back down. Dash had the decency to wait until Lucifer was out of earshot before she muttered, "How brown is that guy's muzzle?"

"Rainbow Dash!" Despite her scolding tone, she couldn't help but snicker. "Despite the extravagant compliment and comparing me to one of the Unicorn Queens with that title, he is just as interested in I am in ending the feud. In the long run, it does him no benefit. He only wants to make certain that I will not use my position to take revenge for Earl Sunrise's actions."

"You'd never-"

"We know that, Rarity. He doesn't."

Pinkie impatiently bounced in her seat. "So, does anyone want to play the who's next wedding game? We're going to need a barrel full of water and apples."

Luna placed down her glass. "Is this the same as that peasant game, bobbing for apples?"

"Yep!"

Applejack looked around the room. "I can go look for apples in the kitchen. I can sense them around."

"I'll look for a barrel!" Pinkie zoomed out of the table.

A grin tugged at Celestia's lips. "Go, Sister. It'll probably come down to you or Dash, if Lady Fortune has anything to say about it."

Dash and Luna's eyes met across the table, electricity seeming to crackle between them.

Applejack scratched her chin."I'll toss my hat in the ring." 

Pinkie returned carrying a barrel from who knew where and she set it up next to their table. Many of the nobles and guests were now taking interest. Pinkie jumped on the table and announced the rules of the game and several of the younger nobles and a few of the dignitaries' children, started to gather.

Applejack left to go to the kitchens, returning a few minutes later with a sack of apples and a bucket of water. Both were poured into the barrel.

Dash, Applejack and Luna circled the now full barrel, going first due to their proximity and Luna's seniority in rank and sheer age. Dash was the first to go, aggressively plunging her face into the floating apples and holding back a shout when the stem of an apple poked her forehead. Applejack was right behind her, almost plunging her face in at the same instant Dash did and knocked her head against hers. Her long blonde strands mixed in the water with Dash's multicolored locks. 

Luna tried to knock them both aside and they both jumped back when her horn speared the water and struck an apple. "Huzzah!" She cried, pulling it out, the apple stuck to her horn.

Dash pouted and launched into the air. "That's cheating!"

Twilight cleared her throat. "She's right. You have to use your mouth."

"Oh very well." She popped the apple in her mouth. "Let's go another round!"

They circled the barrel, muscles taut. Luna jerked her head forward, Dash bumped her side and while they struggled, batting their muzzles together, Applejack took her chance and grabbed an apple in her teeth.

"Clever!" Luna complimented, using a stray wing to knock aside Dash who regained her footing very quickly.

"So, who're you gonna marry, AJ?"

Applejack chewed on the apple. "I'll rope Caramel if'n I can catch him."

"So, wanna go round three?"

"Let's give somepony else a chance."

Dash still swiped an apple with a self-satisfied smug expression. "So, I guess I'll get married after you two do."

"So she says." Pinkie jumped up next. "My turn!"

A black coated noble stallion trotted up. "I suppose I'll go a round."

"If we need three for this sport, I'll take a turn as well." The Zebra king's son, Mufasa, cantered up. 

The participants circled the barrel. Mufasa, with a speed that belied his large size, struck towards the barrel. Somehow, Pinkie was already there, her teeth clamped tight to an apple. She plucked it out of her mouth and chomped down on it. Round and round the contest went, even after Pinkie got bored and went off with Dash.

The normally reserved aristocracy warmed up to the game, Luna's participation being a sort of green light for them. Around an hour after the contest began, Twilight yawned and laid her head against Celestia's side. Spike had already fallen asleep on a plate that had once contained a gem cake. Twilight gently floated him onto her back, bid farewell to her friends and family and left the great hall alongside her soon-to-be bride and son.
...
Twilight leaned into Celestia, humming happily. Celestia sheltered her with a wing. Spike held on uneasily to the neck of his stumbling mount while trying to make a comfortable pillow out of her mane. 

"That was fun." Twilight swayed slightly,.

Celestia herded her towards the bedroom. "Pinkie's wedding game was a stroke of genius."

"She throws the best parties! I'm going to have her knighted! Lady Duchess Pinkie of Parties!" She madly giggled and threw up her forelegs, rearing. Spike clung on and muttered something about buying a bridle. 

"Technically, you and your friends were knighted after you defeated Discord."

"Oh, that's right. Can I make her like double-knighted?"

"No, Twilight. You could make her a low-ranked baron though."

"Cool."

"But I believe Pinkie is happy with her lot in her life and such titles would needlessly complicate it."

Twilight frowned. "Probably. Maybe I'll ask her."

"That'd be a splendid idea."

Celestia nudged the door to her room open. Spike's basket was at the foot of the bed and he quickly bounced into it, curling up into a ball. Celestia trotted over to the bed and laid down on it, her belly resting on the cool sheets. Twilight was soon at her side. Celestia shuffled away from her. "Twilight, a Haybrew sage once said it's not good to let the sun set on one's anger."

Twilight jerked up from her half-asleep state. "Are you angry?"

"No? Yes? Maybe? I don't know. Annoyed is the word I'd choose."

Twilight studied a spot on the floor that a silver moonbeam illuminated in the darkness. "It's because of Chrysalis, isn't it?"

"Yes, Twilight." She reached over a wing, stopped. "Luna said it might be best if I...if I clearly communicated this."

"I'm sorry." She teared up. "I'm always doing this. I just want you to be happy."

Celestia ran her wing down Twilight's back. "Twilight, please don't get upset."

"Don't do that mask thing." She sniffled. "You're right, I screwed up. I invited your worst enemy to our wedding! You should be furious with me!"

Celestia shook her head. "I'm annoyed with you, not furious. It's hard to be angry at somepony who only seeks your best interest-and maybe that's the problem."

Twilight frowned. "I don't understand. How could wanting your loved one's best interest be a problem?"

The sigh Celestia made in response to that was long and heavy. "Ever since you were a filly, you thrived on having a project. Read all the books in the library. Write a list of the spells you want to learn. Master every transmogrification spell. This is simply part of who you are." She shifted again, this time towards Twilight. "A part of you I love."

Twilight inched away from her and then moved around so she was facing Celestia. "I still don't understand."

Celestia noted that she was visibly upset-her voice was shaking- but she hadn't burst into tears. Not like during those distant days when the slightest sign of her disapproval was enough to send her into a breakdown. "Have I become your project? It's like you think I'm broken and you want to fix me."

Twilight shook her head. "That's not it at all! I just see you carrying all these burdens and sometimes it's like maybe you will break and, look, I love you so much, I want to help you!"

"Maybe I don't need to be helped. Maybe all I need is somepony to love me-and I have that." She reached out a hoof, laid it on Twilight's cheek. "Stop trying to fix me. Just be with me. That's enough. Chrysalis is my past-a long and painful past. You are my future."

They kissed and fell down onto the mattress, hooves touching. Twilight embraced her, using her new wings and Celestia nuzzled the top of her forehead as she had so many times before, burying her muzzle into her lilac-scented mane. Twilight slid closer to her, till she was close as one mare could be to another. They cocooned one another within the lovely prison of each other's feathers.

Soon, sleep claimed them.
> Eternity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight twirled once in front of the mirror and the long train of the purple-trimmed gown swirled around her pasterns. A crown of roses was intertwined within her mane and wrapped around the sapphire Element of Magic. Rarity gave one last appraisal to the garment. "Lovely, Darling! You look just like a Princess!"

Twilight smirked and held up her chin. Rarity hummed to herself, deep in thought, studying every inch of Twilight. The intense scrutiny made Twilight cringe somewhat as if she were scared Rarity might detect some secret flaw. At last, she levitated up a golden chain which was decorated with rubies and opals. "There's a traditional Pegasus custom which I rather like. Let's see how it looks on you. Lift your wings."

Twilight unfurled her wings and Rarity twisted the golden strand through the Alicorn's purple feathers. The crimson and white popped against the lavender, the chains looping in ornate strands. Rarity clapped her hooves. "Wonderful! Now all I need is to get you in some make-up."

Twilight shook her head. "I don't wear make-up."

Rarity lifted up some mascara. "But you'd look so pretty!"

"Uh-uh! I tried make-up once when I was twelve and never since."

"Did your mother help you put it on?"

"She helped me take it off and then she helped me stop sobbing."

Rarity frowned. "Not a good experience, I wager?"

"The whole school laughed at me."

"I do hope you mean only your fellow classmates."

"No, I said the whole school. Except Celestia."

"That's simply awful!" Rarity waved the mascara brush like it was a weapon. "Twilight, I am a professional. My destiny, my talent, my reason for being is to bring out the beauty in others."

Twilight shuffled a hoof, glanced downward. "Are you saying I'm not as pretty right now?"

Rarity brought her hoof up to her forehead and growled. "That is not what I meant and you full well know it." The scolding tone did not quite erase the smile on her face. "But, this is your wedding day. It's only going to happen once. Don't you want to look extra pretty just for Celestia?"

Twilight pawed at the carpet. "Alright. Let's start with some mascara."

Rarity squealed and brought out a brush.
...
Celestia trotted along the gardens. The almond trees were in bloom, bursting pink from among the green canopy. She floated a few down and threaded them inside of her hair, glancing down at her reflection in the lake. She was beautiful. The splash of pink complemented her multi-hued strands, reminded her of the color of her hair when she was young.

She wondered...with an application of her magic, her ever-floating locks stilled and shifted, turning pink. She couldn't help but laugh just slightly and do a little twirl. She was so pretty! She wondered what had made her change her colors, why she had slowly started using this form more and more often.

It was no matter. With another spell, she turned it back. Her mane flowed in its eternal wind, green, pink and blue, like a banner. This was going to be a very good day indeed. 

She stared at herself in the lake, internally debating. She really did like the pink mane look. After a few minutes of indecision, she just shook her head. She was being nothing but silly.  

"Sister?"

The royal whirled around. Luna strode into view. "Are you not preparing for the wedding?"

Celestia was silent for a few minutes and then she smiled. "Of course I am, Luna. I just needed a breather." She ruffled her wings. "What are you doing out here?"

Luna laid on the cool grass. "Nervous."

Celestia remained standing, towering over the smaller Alicorn. "Nervous? About what, Lu?"

Luna's ears twitched. "What did you just call me?"

Celestia bit down hard on her lip. "Lulu."

Luna stared at her. "Strange. I could have sworn...you haven't called me that since I was a filly."

Celestia shrugged. "I've been reminiscing. Do you think I should go back to a pink mane?" She demonstrated.

Luna glanced up at the mane and then shook her head. "This wedding has made you flat out giddy hasn't it?"

"Yes, yes it has." She pranced just slightly and then winced. What was she doing? She sat down next to Luna. "Please, Lulu. Tell me what troubles you."

Luna nervously played with the grass. "Our family's coming to the wedding. I haven't seen Father in so long. What if he's still angry with me?"

"When was Father angry with you?"

Luna gave her a sideways glance. "I mean, over the Nightmare Moon incident."

Celestia stared at the lake. Golden light broke over its surface, rippling into thousands of diamonds. "I see. It has been so long ago and it's not as if you did anything to personally offend him. I imagine him being more disappointed than angry, but honestly, even for a god one-thousand years is an awfully long time, wouldn't you say?"

Luna nodded. "I understand, Sister. But to be honest, it was difficult to even face you or our subjects after our fall. To face him..."

"You were always his favorite anyway. Daddy's little princess."

Luna glanced at her. "Do you really think so?"

"It always seemed that way to me."

Luna patted her shoulder. "He loves you too, you know."

"Oh, I know. Listen, I'm certain he was never angry with you. You just need to buck up and face him."

Luna sighed deeply, studying the ground beneath her forelegs. "You're right. Of course you're right. Good talk. I need to return to preparing for my duties." She stood and trotted off. Celestia rose to her forelegs and gave one last glance at her reflection.

After all, this was a very important occasion. She had to look just right. At last, she was satisfied and began to walk back to the castle. The guards saluted to her, opened the door and she strode onto the marble hall.
...
Luna floated up the silver dress she was to wear and faced the mirror. She wrapped the garment around herself, neatly sliding her wings through the cutouts. Then, she started to pace, from one side of the room to the other. When she reached the far wall, she turned and started her trek again.

The wedding would be in three hours. Celestia was absolutely right. She needed to just face her father. A frown marred her features. Celestia usually wasn't one for tough love. Telling her to buck up, or even using the vulgarism, was strange. Her shoulders slumped. Had she been that moody lately? The thought occurred to her that perhaps her moodiness had started to get on Celestia's nerves.

That line of thought brought a long sigh from her lips and she slumped down. Well, she was rather moody wasn't she? Perhaps, Celestia was just getting tired of it. Several millennia of a whiny little sister would probably get on anypony's nerves at some point.

Maybe that's why she'd called her Lu? Because she felt that Luna was behaving in a foalish manner. Yet, that didn't seem quite right, not for Celestia.

Luna shook her head, sending her dark blue mane spilling in all directions. There was no need to think too much on it. She floated over the black, leather-bound Book of Rites, flipped it open to the section on wedding ceremonies and blew away a layer of dust.

The conversation with Celestia continued playing in her head, a niggling intrusion of memory that just would not go away. The ceremony was in three hours.

Three hours.

I just needed a breather.

Celestia did love the garden. It was a place of calm and meditation for her. Nothing was unusual about that. But why hadn't she been wearing her dress?

Because she wouldn't want to get it dirty, idiot.

The explanation made sense and she settled back down into her chair. After a few moments of attempting to read the book, she placed it back down on the desk, closing it with a sharp clap. The words would not arrange themselves into orderly sentences.

Perhaps her eyes were tired. Yes, that was the explanation. There was no reason she kept replaying that conversation with Celestia over and over again in her mind. Her mind was screaming at her, trying to tell her something. She stood and then sat back down on the chair, closed her eyes and tried to think it through. Why were her thoughts so muddied up?

She reviewed the conversation for about the one-hundredth time. Everything had seemed right at the time. There had been nothing strange about how Celestia had been acting. 

Though what was that about me being Daddy's favorite? Does she really feel that way? And then she told me to just buck up.

Was Celestia jealous of the relationship she had with their father? That made no sense although it might have been true when they were adolescents or children. Surely, time had erased such feelings. Celestia would have had one-thousand years with Slepnir all to herself. 

Memory tugged at her heart strings. A familiar male voice, speaking to her through layers of darkness and shadow, a sudden embrace, a feeling of safety and love. Loved even in exile.

Luna shook the memory away, wiped away her tears and filed that one for later.

The obvious solution presented itself to her. She circled her desk and floated up a white cup, sipping the coffee within. Celestia's strange behavior was because she had not been speaking to Celestia at all, but rather Chrysalis.

She shot out of the room and slammed open the door. It clattered as it closed behind her. Even calling her Lu was a tell-only two Ponies remembered that nickname and one of them was Chrysalis. A guard, startled from his position, saluted her. "Princess! Is everything alright?"

Luna returned her wings to her sides and held herself rigid, mirroring guard discipline. "I believe Chrysalis has taken on my sister's form."

The guard tightened his grip on his spear lifting it in his wing. "I will alert all the guards! She will be captured!"

Luna pushed his shoulder. "Stop. You do not want to run the risk of capturing my sister nor do we want to spread panic. Remember, I could be wrong."

The guard returned the spear to a neutral position by his side. "So, what do we do?"

Luna rustled her wings, a habit she developed when she was deep in thought. "I will look for her myself. That is the safest way. Alert all guards to be on standby."

"Why are the guards on standby?"

Luna whirled around as did the guard who jutted out his spear towards Celestia who stood in the hallway. Celestia raised an eyebrow. "What's going on?"

The spear trembled in the guard's grip and he glanced back at Luna, awaiting confirmation. 

Celestia took a few paces forward and the guard interposed himself. "Stand Down, Red Badge."

The spear's shaking picked up pace as the guard simply stood there, trembling. 

Luna lit up her horn and shot out a spell which Celestia deflected with a bubble of golden energy. "What is the meaning of this?"

The guard stepped back when Luna nodded to indicate that it was alright and then she took a few more steps towards what may or may not have been her sister. Then she noticed the almond blossoms in her hair.

That tells me nothing. So, this is the Celestia I met in the garden, but is it Celestia?

Celestia took the spear in her magic and returned it to the guard who placed it beneath his wing though it was still at the ready.

Luna cleared her throat and snapped out her wings, standing between Celestia-if it was Celestia-and the guard. "I need to cast the Changeling detection spell on you."

"Why?"

"I need to."

"You saw my magic. Why would you think I was a Changeling?" Celestia took several steps so that she was nearly muzzle-to-muzzle with Luna.

"Please, Sister. I need to be sure."

"Alright." Her shoulders slouched and Luna cast the spell. Nothing happened. Luna blinked. The guard visibly relaxed and returned his spear to its resting position.

Luna blushed. "Si-sister, I..." I am a paranoid idiot.

Celestia pointed a wing in the direction of Luna's office and Luna trailed behind her. The elder alicorn pushed open the door and they stepped inside. Luna stared at anything except Celestia and stiffened when Celestia patted her with a wing. Luna nuzzled her. "I'm sorry."

"I always did think you were Father's favorite. You were so small and weak."

"I'd be offended by you saying that if it weren't true."

"I even think that's why you took up martial arts and became so...militaristic. Too make up for your childhood frailty."

"Don't try to psychoanalyze me, that's what several therapists get paid to do."

Celestia drew away. "I sounded too harsh when I told you to buck up. Even to my own ears."

Luna mumbled something. 

"But you did the right thing. Better an abundance of caution than a lack of it." Celestia gave her another quick squeeze. "Now, I want you to see me in my wedding gown."

Luna chanced a soft smile. "I'd like that."

Celestia trotted out and Luna followed.
...
Twilight stared at herself in the mirror, touching a hoof to the glass. She had never thought much about her physical beauty-too focused on the development of her mind. Eye shadow the same color as her fur accentuated the color of her eyes, brought it out. The softest brushing of foundation from Rarity's skillful magic brought out the range of her violets that made up the color of her fur.

Her face had been transformed, yet Rarity's skill had merely revealed what was already there rather than creating something entirely new. The dress, the tiara, the crown of roses completed the transformation from scholarly princess to royal bride. "I'm beautiful. Rarity, thank you."

Rarity had Twilight's mane in her magic, braiding it into two long strands. "You've always been beautiful, Darling. This is only ornamentation."

"Don't demean your craft like that!"

"I'm not. My craft is ornamentation. I believe everyone has beauty." She twisted the strands of Twilight's main so that two long braids ran down her back. "Perfect. Ornamentation can accentuate and draw attention to what's already there."

Both looked around at the rap of a knock on the door. Rarity used her magic to grasp the handle and open it. Princess Celestia stood in the doorway. Rarity clapped her hooves before dipping into a quick bow. "Your Highness, Darling! I absolute love the new accessory!"

Celestia shyly poked at the almond flowers. "I'm glad. I was hoping my soon-to-be-wife would like them."

Twilight just stared. "It's beautiful."

Celestia strode forward. "As are you." The long hem of her gown swished around her as she stepped inside of the dressing room. She reached out and grazed Twilight's cheek. "Lovely. I could almost eat you."

Twilight giggled. Rarity cleared her throat. "It's bad luck for the bride to be seen before the blessed occasion by the way."

Celestia blinked. "Truly?"

Rarity cocked her head. "An ancient custom, Your Highness."

"Huh. Must be younger than I am."

Twilight spoke up. "It cropped up around six centuries ago."

Celestia moved her hoof downward, kneading into her neck. "Miss Rarity, could you leave us?"

Rarity nodded. "Of course. However, I must ask that you do not ruffle your dresses."

Twilight's face turned crimson and Rarity scampered out. When Twilight looked back at Celestia, she caught her glaring at the door Rarity had just exited. Twilight touched Celestia's cheek. "She didn't mean any offense. In fact, she was probably serious. This wedding has her giddy."

The flash of anger that had twisted Celestia's features melted away. Celestia brushed her forehead with a kiss. "Twilight, my anamchara, you know I can take a joke at my expense."

Twilight stepped back. "What did you call me?"

"My anam...my soul friend. Only a pet name I thought of. Do you like it?"

Her voice had taken on a strange quality when she'd said it. Almost like she'd slipped into an accent. Twilight stepped closer. "Soul friend. I like it."

Her breath tickled Twilight's air and then she crushed her lips so fiercely that Twilight's breath was cut off. Celestia deepened the kiss, grabbing her neck with her forelegs. Twilight tried to reciprocate, but Celestia used her greater size to knock her to the floor.

Twilight struggled out of the kiss. "Celestia! What are you doing!"

Celestia drew back. "What's wrong beloved?" She drew her lips onto Twilight's neck and sucked. "I was thinking we could have some fun before the wedding."

Twilight squirmed beneath her. "C-could you be more gentle?"

She was pinned, effectively trapped beneath the larger Pony. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. Her heart was a drum against her chest and she squirmed, but not in play. Their love play could get rough-very rough. Sometimes, Twilight wouldn't be able to sit down after particularly rough sessions and she frequently used a spell to cure rope burn.

But nothing like this. The larger Pony had her helpless against the ground, bearing down on her, pressing her forelegs down against her chest and a knee on her stomach.

"Gentle? Why, of course, Beloved." Then, her lips were on Twilight's again, suckling her bottom lip before pressing down her teeth.

Twilight screamed as she tasted her own blood in her mouth. Celestia drew away and stared down at her and then licked her bloodied lip. 

The young alicorn tried to push her away. Rarity burst inside. "I heard a scream! What's going on?"

Celestia fixed her with a gaze and her eyes glowed a sickly green. So did Rarity's. "Nothing is wrong. All is well."

"Nothing is wrong." Rarity repeated this and then turned to walk out of the room.

Twilight stared up at the ceiling, tendrils of magic wrapping around her brain. Everything was alright, everything was going to be alright.

Celestia stood up and floated Twilight onto her back. She pressed down on the floor and a chasm opened in the ground, a secret tunnel only three living Ponies knew about.

And one of those three was not a Pony.
...
All was well. Indeed, all was well. What could be wrong on a day like this? Her best friend and sovereign were getting married. Oh, there was her dear friend Applejack. Applejack was carrying a platter of some sort of Earth Pony confectionery on her back.

"Hello, Applejack."

Applejack paused. "Rarity. You alright?"

"All is well, Applejack."

Her orange, apple-shaped element glinted in the sun. Goodness, the windows in this place were wide enough to let in the entire glory of the sun-and the moon at night as well.

The Element sure was pretty. It was glowing. Wait, that wasn't the sun.

The Spirit of Truth rose up suddenly, moving in the soul of her Bearer. The Spirit of Generosity reached out from the place beyond all space and time and spoke in a voice that was not a voice.

"Something is wrong with my Bearer, hear me Oh, Truth, my companion from of old."

Applejack stopped in her tracks and really examined Rarity. She was almost swaying, like she'd gotten a mite too much into the drink. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused. "Rarity, you ain't had anything to drink, have you?"

"Oh, certainly not! I have a duty to perform!"

"Yeah. I'm helpin' the chefs. Twi wanted some Earth Pony food, she's gotten a taste for it. I was just about to set out the food. You want to help?"

Rarity nearly stumbled when she wordlessly turned to follow Applejack. 

"Alright. Somethin' ain't right here." She stopped Rarity with a hard jerk on her withers. She dropped to the floor as her legs gave out. Applejack gasped and scooped her up, keeping the platter balanced on her tail.

She looked down at her glowing Element. In a surge of intuition, she laid Rarity down and focused on the gem pulsating against her chest.

The Spirit of Truth rose up within her bearer, filling her with its eternal power. Cosmic energies flowed through her and the mortal vessel lifted into the air, her eyes turning white and then a blaze of fire shot forth from the gemstone, enveloping the bearer of Generosity, burning away the deception that had covered her mind.

Rarity blinked and lifted up just as Applejack touched back down. She held her head. "What happened?"

"I don't know. You walked in here all confused, swayin' and glassy-eyed. I used my element on ya. How ya feelin'?"

Rarity rubbed the spot just below her horn. "Still confused. I last remember helping Twilight put on make-up."

Applejack crouched down next to her. "And then what do ya remember?"

"The Princess came in."

"Which one?"

"Celestia."

The air was sliced by the stirring of wings and Dash soared into the hallway. She was followed by the clap of galloping hooves and Pinkie rushed in from the direction of the kitchen. Fluttershy was next, coming from the opposite direction. The Pegasi touched down. All three of their Elements were glowing.

Dash sprinted in front of Applejack. "Okay, what's going on? Me and Pinkie were in the kitchen when our Elements lit up like Hearthswarming."

Applejack placed the plate of fritters down. "I don't rightly know. Rarity says she was helpin' Twilight put on her make-up and then she came in here all woozy."

A shiver passed through Fluttershy's feathers. "Do you think it's Chrysalis? I've read that Changeling mind control can cause disorientation. Read up on it after Cadence and Shining's wedding."

Applejack adjusted her hat which had gone askance when she'd activated her Element. "I reckon that's the most likely possibility. But where's Twilight?"

"I'll find her!" Dash nearly zoomed down the hall, only pulled back by Applejack's teeth. 

"Hold it, RD. If this is Chrysalis's doin' then we need a plan."

Dash landed on her hooves and punched at the air. "I have a plan! Knock her lights out!"

Applejack sighed. "I'm as worried about Twilight as you are, but just rushin' in ain't gonna help her. One of us needs ta find a guard and one of us needs to look for Princess Celestia."

The others nodded in agreement.

"I'll look for a guard!" Dash took off, a blur of rainbow. Pinkie chased after her along with Fluttershy.

"Alright. Rarity, let's find Celestia."
...
Dash soared along the castle hall at almost enough speed to shatter the sound barrier as well as the windows and several walls.

"Dashie! Please slow down!" Fluttershy sailed in front of her and Dash stopped just before slamming into her. She reached out and touched Dash's shoulder. "I know you're scared-"

"I'm not scared!"

Pinkie mulled on that from below them. "You look pretty scared to me."

Dash sighed. "I am, I guess. For Twilight. And the Princess too."

Fluttershy patted her shoulder. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Just don't rush in, 'kay?"

"Okay." 

Two guards stood at the door several paces away from them and were coming over to investigate the clearly anxious herd. 

The guard cleared his throat. "Is everything alright?"

Dash saluted, like a year of training at the Wonderbolt's academy had ingrained in her. "No, Sir, it isn't. Twilight's missing."

The guard returned the salute."Missing? What do you mean she's missing?"

"What I said, Sir! Applejack found Rarity stumbling around and then our Elements all lit up and we all met up because we knew something was wrong, but Twilight didn't come."

"I see. We will look for her."

"Can we come with you?"

"Of course."

The guards marched down the hall and the Bearers crowded around them.
...
Rarity and Applejack stood at the door to Celestia's room. Before them were two stone faced guards.

Applejack stomped her hoof. "Look, we gotta talk to the Princess."

The guard's face remained expressionless. "The Princess has ordered that nopony be allowed in."

"Our Elements are glowin' and Twilight ain't showed up! We think somethin's wrong!"

The guard ground his teeth. "The Princess's orders were clear."

Rarity batted her eyes. "Gentlestallions, do you think the Princess would wish to be told that her fiance was kidnapped by a Changeling Queen while her guards kept her out of the loop? Is that really what you want on your record?"

The guards exchanged a glance and one of the guards slipped inside the room before hurrying out. "The Princess says you may come inside."

Rarity and Applejack pushed the door open and stopped, Rarity holding back a gasp. Clothes were strewn all over the carpeted floor, robes and dresses flung around without care, tossed on the bed and over tables. Celestia stood in the center of the chaos, throwing dresses from her closet.

"Princess!" Rarity galloped into the room before Applejack. "What are you doing? What happened?!"

Celestia whirled around. "The gown you made me! I can't find it!"

Applejack stepped further into the room."Well, we can't find Twilight."

Celestia stopped. "What do you mean you can't find Twilight?" Her voice had taken on a strangely calm quality.

"Applejack found me wandering the halls. I...you came inside. You wanted to see Twilight."

"Rarity...I...I haven't seen Twilight since last night." She continued, her voice shaking. "It can be presumed that Chrysalis has her." She glanced at Rarity's chest. "Your Element's glowing."

"I had to use mine on her. She was under some sort of spell. After I used it on her, all the Elements started glowin' and we all got together-except Twi."

A shiver passed through Celestia's body, making her feathers tremble before her wings snapped out to their full length. "Where are the other Bearers?"

"They went to tell the Guards."

Celestia forced her wings back down to her sides. "That was a wise idea, Applejack. But unnecessary. You all have your Elements. I want you to go find the others and bring them here. I'll show you how to find Twilight."

They raced from the room.
...
A few moments later, the Bearers were assembled. Two guards joined them. They had been sent to find Luna. The Solar Princess was playing with the amethyst necklace that adorned her throat, the very one that Twilight had retrieved for her. 

One of the guards avoided Celestia's gaze. "We couldn't find her. I'm sorry."

Celestia's jaw tightened. "I see. So, Chrysalis got her as well. Took my form and gained her trust. Luna is like Twilight. She'd follow me anywhere." She winced and rubbed her chin. "To take advantage of their trust in me...no mercy. Not this time. No second chances."

Dash darted into the air. "So, how do we find'em?"

Celestia cast a glance at her. "As difficult as it is, cool the war-fire burning in your breast. Chrysalis is mine. You shall lead me to Twilight-and therefore, to her. Then I will face her. Alone."

Applejack shook her head. "No can do, Princess."

"You will do it!" The glass shattered and the stone walls cracked from the roar of her voice. Fluttershy yelped and cowered. The others cringed as well, even Dash landing. Fluttershy and Pinkie hid behind her. Only Applejack stood her ground. 

"Listen here, Yer Highness. Twilight's gonna be yer wife, but she's our friend. Yer our Princess. We ain't gonna let ya face Chrysalis by yerself."

Celestia's mane and tail had become liquid fire, lashing behind her. "Applejack. Chrysalis once defeated me in battle-granted I was holding back. She'd slaughter you."

Applejack tilted her hat. "We're all gonna die sometime."

The guards stamped their spears. "Same here."

Celestia knelt her head. "This is what I get for creating a culture of loyalty and self-sacrifice. Very well. I will approach her first. If I need back up, I will call for you. Is this acceptable?"

They all nodded in agreement. Fluttershy peaked out from behind Dash. "So, um, how do we find Twilight?"

"Gather in a circle."

They did so.

"Focus on your Elements, then think of Twilight."

They reached their hooves out to each other, drawn by some deep instinct. The glow emanating from the Elements intensified and energy blasted out of the gems, swirling lines of blue, red, pink, white and orange forming a perfect circle that interconnected and flowed together.

They closed their eyes as the power surged through them, the ancient energy of creation itself binding them and seeking the missing link. They saw a flash and then a vision of dark tunnels. The energy faded and the circle vanished. 

Celestia stepped through the circle. "What did you see?"

Applejack shook her mane out to clear her head. "We saw tunnels, Princess."

"I see. Chrysalis is keeping Twilight exactly where she kept Cadence. Let's go."

She rushed from the room, nearly slamming the door from its hinges. The others rushed to follow her as she marched down the halls. Her pace was hurried, a fevered pitch as she broke into a run down the stairs, the others struggling to follow her. Dash and Fluttershy took to the air. Even Applejack and the guards were gasping for breath, Celestia not even sweating.

Ignoring the others, she flared her wings and soared down another flight of stairs. The air warped around her, her wings burning, her feathers changing into blades of fire, her mane and tail transforming into long lashes of ever-moving flames. The Element Bearers were thrown back when she banked a hard right. Dash and Fluttershy barely had enough time to catch the others.

"Hold up, Princess!"

Celestia's only indication that she had heard that was to slightly slow her descent as she took several more flights of stairs, a roar building up around her and a wind that blew back the mere mortals attempting to follow her.

When she landed on the bottom floor of the palace, the floor shook and the stone exploded. The Bearers and the Guards still had several more flights of stairs to go. Celestia strode to a hidden panel on the wall and silently asked them to forgive her. This was her fight and hers alone.

She lit her horn and her magic slammed down the panel. Ancient mechanisms older than even she knew creaked and grinded. The palace itself trembled and the wall was drawn up. A yawning maw, like the awaiting mouth of some long extinct predator, was now before her.

The Bearers and Guards arrived just in time to watch her melt away into the shadows. The wall closed down after her.
...
The darkness threatened to drown her at first, but then she snapped her wings open and the darkness was thrown aside. She stalked down the tunnel. The light of her blazing body illuminated the stone tunnels that bore down on her. A well-timed blast broke away a stalactite. The ancient rock formation shattered to bits as she strode forward.

The tunnel split into several passages that curved and coursed deep into the earth. Twilight was in the tunnels, but which one? She took another look at them. Obsidian stone gave way to gleaming crystals, the same diamond-like material from which the engineers of the Crystal Empire had built their city long, long ago. 

Had locking Cadence in here been some sort of cruel joke, a taunting reminder of everything the orphaned princess had lost?

The solid crystal crackled from the next stomp of her hooves. The crystals were jagged, zigzagging into hundreds of shapes cut by the slow march of centuries. They glowed in shades of reds and oranges as she passed by.

She glanced at her reflection. Her eyes were glowing red.

There was not a single creature who had seen this form and lived to tell the tale. Celestia the Kind? Celestia the Just?

A war axe made of living fire materialized above her head. She held it in her grasp.

She had another name. Sol Ulcisens.-The Avenging Sun.

Too much had been taken from her already.

Her grip on the axe shook.

Luna and Twilight would not be taken from her.

"Hold on Twilight, Luna, just hold on."

The caverns opened up just enough for her to shoot into the air and the caverns zipped by in a blur. Her flight left ashes on the crystal walls and the floor beneath her warped and cracked, the air itself shimmering with heat. 

She closed her eyes and focused. More tunnels opened up, leading deeper into the heart of the mountain. The caves snaked and winded, twisting away into many channels as if they were following the course of some long dried up waterway.

The ground melted away when she touched down, the solid stone reduced to an ashen sludge. Three tunnels were before her. Crooked, edged gemstones dropped down in a perpetual suspension, like teeth around the jaw of a beast. They melted away when she came close. 

Her senses reached out, searching for her sister and her beloved, a hoof moving to the amethyst around her neck. Her tears burned against her cheeks. "Twilight, Luna, one of you, please answer me."

The voice that answered hers was faint, a whisper in her mind. 

...Tia?

"Twilight?!" She shouted out.

"Tia! I'm here!" Twilight galloped out of one of the tunnels. "I escaped the Queen!"

Celestia stood frozen to the spot. "Nice try. Twilight has wings now."

The Changeling screamed as a jet of flame struck him, knocking him to the side. He twitched and returned to his form. She lifted him up. "Where. Is. Twilight?"

The Changeling spat out some thick green goop that dissolved the moment it got within a few inches of the Sun Princess who slammed him against the wall so hard she heard his exoskeleton crack. The blade was put to his neck. "Where is Twilight?"

Don't you hear me, Princess? My Princess, My Beloved! I'm calling to you!

Celestia put a hoof to her head. That certainly sounded like Twilight.

Tia! Tia! Please! She's hurting me!

"I don't have time for you!"

She flung the injured Changeling aside and rushed to where she thought the voice was calling her, dashing down one of the tunnels into complete darkness. This darkness was so deep that even her fiery form failed to illuminate it. She paused and turned around.

Slashes of green and blue light lit up in the darkness and hundreds of wings buzzed. Celestia shielded herself as bolts of magic rained down on her. Energy built up inside of her and a gout of flame rushed from her horn, the crystals of the walls dissolving into liquid.

The flames rolled down the tunnel and the Changelings screamed as the flames licked at their exoskeltons. They zoomed farther down the cavern, but the flames followed them. An explosion of yellow, reds and oranges rocked the narrow space and what had been rock became rivers of slag.

The screaming of the Changelings ricocheted off the walls for a few seconds. The tunnels trembled and the fires roared onward. Celestia continued her frenzied pace, the flames having no effect on her as she ran further down the cavern. Smoke stung her eyes and she closed them. The screaming Changelings and the crackling of the fires filled her ears just as the raging inferno filled up what had been a tunnel.
...
Twilight was very happy, lying where she was in the grassy meadow. Puffy, white clouds dotted the sky above her. She nestled deeper into Celestia's white fur. Everything was perfect. A yellow butterfly waltzed on a gentle breeze, fluttering over the tall grass.

Celestia's wings held her in a secure, feathery embrace. She squirmed. "Celestia? Weren't we going to do something today?"

"No, Beloved. Only spend time together."

She laid her head back down on the Princess's fur. "Alright. I just thought...something."

Celestia nibbled on her neck, making Twilight giggle. "Oh? Ticklish, I see."

"Meanie." She adjusted herself so she was laying belly-to-belly with her lover. No, not lover. Wife. Her wife.

They'd gotten married, but why couldn't she...? A sharp pain shot through her skull. 

Celestia nuzzled her neck and Twilight rested back down on her stomach. A little blue Alicorn filly rushed up, her purple mane flowing in that gentle breeze. Spike was following her. "Mommy, we lost our ball in the woods!"

Twilight nodded. "I see. I'll get that for you."  She tried to rise up, but found herself in a prison made of two strong, white wings. 

"Hold it. I believe I told you two not to play near the woods."

The blue Alicorn filly's features suddenly contorted. "Bitch."

Twilight gasped. "Young filly! You do not...you do not..." What was the little filly's name? 

The little blue Alicorn filly suddenly didn't look so little anymore. "Come, Mommy, come. To the woods. With me. We'll play a game."

Twilight rested on Celestia. "No, we shouldn't go in the woods. Come, rest with us."

The filly suddenly seemed more insistent. "No, Twi-Mommy. No, we must go. Now."

"Dear, why do you suddenly want to leave?" She struggled against the comforting wings which had suddenly become a prison. "Celestia, let me go! I think something might be wrong with...with..." She stared at the little blue Alicorn. "With our daughter."

No matter how hard she stared at her, she just couldn't remember her name. The filly knelt her head. "Very well. I tried the subtle way. Forgive me, Twilight. This will not be pleasant."

Her coat darkened, and she grew taller. Her mane and tail altered, morphing into ethereal mist that curled around her head. 

Twilight blinked. "Luna? What are you...aah!" The onslaught of pain drove her onto her stomach. Her muscles spasmed and something inside of her head felt like it was about to break. The illusions of Celestia and Spike floated away like mist. She lifted up on her forelegs. "What's going on?"

"We have been captured by Chrysalis. This is a dream she's conjured up for you. She was not able to subdue my mind and she did not wish to do battle with the Dream Weaver in her own domain." Luna stroked her back. "Art thou well?"

Twilight trembled. "I'm fine. Where's Celestia?"

"She is quite literally tearing the earth apart looking for you."

Twilight rose to all four of her legs. "This is all my fault. I'm so stupid. Shouldn't have invited her."

Luna placed a hoof to her lips. "You might as well blame my sister for putting the idea into your head that everyone deserves a second chance."

Twilight shook her head. "That's not important right now. What's important is getting out of here."

Luna frowned. "I'm sorry, but we're going to have to wait. How good are you at telepathy?"

"I graduated top of my class."

"Of course you did. Celestia is calling out to you. Let her know you're alright. I'll be contacting her as well."

Twilight nodded and focused all of her magic in a center point in the middle of her forehead.
...
Celestia stalked down the tunnel. Steam arose from every crack left by her hoof falls. The voices now came from every direction. She ignored them. Chrysalis should know she would not be so easily deceived. 

Tia! Tia, it's me!

I am here as well!

Celestia lifted a hoof to her forehead, gritting her teeth. Is it...is it really you?

Their voices lifted up over the cacophonous din of Chrysalis's falsehoods. 

It is us. Sister, I can feel what you are doing up above. You must cease at once. Return to your base form lest you topple the castle on yourself-along with several hundred staff members, nobles, and foreign dignitaries.

I can control it.

I said the same words to you once!

Twilight's voice cut in. Let me try! Listen, Tia, I know you're angry. But a lot of people are in the castle. You won't help me by going on a rampage.

As hard as she tried to hold on to it, she felt the rage slipping from her mind. Twilight's voice was a balm, soothing the troubled seas of her heart. Alright. Alright.

The flames died down and streaks of dawn-like color appeared in her mane and tail. Her wings cooled next, the individual fires extinguishing one by one till her wings were as they had been. She let out a breath. I think I went a little crazy there. Should have brought the Bearers and my Guard. There was a Changeling army. Was. Elite assassins. She really wanted to kill me, lured me down here.

Why does that make you sound surprised?

There should have been more assassins.

She underestimated you, perhaps?

Celestia paused at the entrance to another tumble. This is getting me nowhere. Where are you two?

By your side.

Celestia glanced around. Luna's astral form shimmered into existence. "A neat trick I learned. I can't use magic in this form, but I know where my physical body is. You brought no guards? Nor the Bearers?"

Celestia sighed. "Not my brightest idea."

"I'll say."

Luna pointed with her horn to the tunnel to the left. "Let's go through here."

Celestia stepped a hoof down and then drew back at a blast of energy. She growled. "I don't have time for this!" A golden flash lit up the cavern and she hurtled through the space between worlds. Luna rushed to keep up with her. Celestia galloped through the tunnel network as Luna quickly shouted out where she should go. Changelings attempted to strike her, but each blast bounced off her shield.

Luna's spectral form slided with her, keeping up no matter how quickly she ran. The cavern roof this far in was too low for her too fly. Suddenly, it spread out into a wide opening.  Solid blue crystal surrounded them. The crystal glowed and pulsed like a heart beat. In the center of the room, Chrysalis stood. 

The Dark Queen grinned, revealing a mouth full of fangs. "Welcome, Old Friends!" She spread her forelegs wide. "Congratulations on your nuptials, Celly! Now, die!"

Celestia jumped out of the way of a bolt of magic, noticing the two cocoons hanging from the roof by green ooze. The blast fractured the crystal it struck. Celestia's mane and tail ignited, flames lighting up her wings and her eyes glowed red. She flung her axe and Chrysalis barely made it out of the way before the axe struck the cocoons, sliding along them. 

Chrysalis whirled around and gasped. Celestia slammed into her and threw her against the wall. The queen cried out in pain and she bucked into Celestia's stomach, sending her down onto the floor. She called her axe back to her and Chrysalis knocked it aside with a sword made of solid shadow. Celestia took hold of it and the combatants circled each other.

Chrysalis lunged and Celestia batted aside the sword like it was a toy and swung at Chrysalis's legs. Chrysalis lept into the air and shot at Celestia who blocked the zap with the flat of her axe. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Luna and Twilight struggling within the cocoons.

Using the momentary distraction, Chrysalis thrust out with her black rapier. Celestia tried to parry it, but the rapier slid over the blade of her axe and grazed her shoulder. She screamed in anger, whirling on her side and slamming Chrysalis with her wing. Chrysalis was sent sprawling backwards and just barely regained her hoofing.

Celestia stalked forward, fiery axe in front of her in a guarding position. "I'll give you a chance to surrender with grace."

Chrysalis sneered. Green blood gushed from cracks in her chitin. "Surrender? Why, the fun has just started."

Celestia grinned. "If Twilight and Luna were not in this room-if there were not hundreds of civilians and guards above us-, you would be ashes right now."

Then, she charged, the axe whistled as it sliced through the air and slashed Chrysalis's side. More blood poured from the cracks. She shot into the air, letting loose a barrage of bolts which Celestia swatted away before rushing into the air herself. 

Emerald lightning crackled at the tip of Chrysalis's horn and she unleashed it in a burst of power. Celestia teleported out of the way, rematerializing just above her and bringing down her weapon. Chrysalis summoned a shield which shattered to pieces at the swing of Celestia's axe.

The axe landed on empty space and a green flash. Celestia spun around and Chrysalis's back legs slammed into her face.  She recovered quickly and landed so hard that the ground shook. Chrysalis hurtled forward and crashed into her shield which held firm against the assault. Celestia lowered the shield and spun on her front hooves, swept Chrysalis's legs from under her.

Chrysalis regained her hoofing and shot out a bolt of magic that struck Celestia in the chest. The Sun Princess was slung backwards. Chrysalis's sneer had turned into a grin and she lifted the sword high above her, drove it down. Celestia flew out of the way and shot out a bolt of her own that Chrysalis deflected with her shield. "You'll find I've learned a few things. That Changeling detection spell? Absolutely pathetic-oof!"

Celestia's shoulder slammed into Chrysalis's chest, cutting her off and she collapsed to the ground, the sword dissipating. Before she could get up again, Celestia's hoof came down on her like a hammer and then she was dragged up so she was face-to-face with her. "Know this, Chrysalis. I once called you friend. That and that alone has spared your life thus far." She was thrown backwards and there was a crunch as her exoskeleton shattered. 

She found herself pinned, trapped against the hard stone. The fires in Celestia's mane and tail, along with her wings, had turned a blue that made everything in the room shimmer and warp with heat. "Very few have ever seen me in this form. Congratulations on pushing me this far. I killed the Minotaur Emperor in this state."

Chrysalis gasped as Celestia plunged her hoof into her stomach. "You always did push me to be my best."

"Y-your friend is dead. I-I am the Dark Queen."

"And yet, I allow you to live."

Chrysalis felt beads of perspiration on the skin inside of her shell. "Stop, please stop..."

Her opponent raised an eyebrow. "Stop what?"

"Y-you'll boil me alive!"

Celestia's eyes widened and she dropped Chrysalis. The flames enveloping her cooled, the axe vanished and her shoulders sagged. Twilight and Luna ran to her, supporting her before she could fall. She spread her wings over both of them, drawing them into a tight embrace. She nodded to Luna. "Luna, go calm everyone up above. Let them know I'm alright and make sure my actions did not damage the castle."

Luna pressed her cheek to hers and Celestia did as well. "Of course. Will you be alright with her?"

Celestia glanced at the broken body of the Changeling Queen. "I think Chrysalis isn't going to be in fighting shape any time soon."

Luna nodded and teleported. Celestia fixed Chrysalis with a withering look while Twilight curled into her side. "Strange. You come to what would have to be a feast for one of your kind and attempt to ruin it."

Chrysalis groaned. "I wanted...wanted to kill you...you humiliated me."

"You kidnapped my niece. You hurt my nephew-in-law. You tried to seize control of my empire and enslave the subjects under my care."

"I only do what I must to survive!"

Celestia rubbed her temples and sighed as if this conversation had been replayed time and time again. "You need to heal. Come to the ceremony."

Chrysalis stared at her. "Is that a trap?"

"No, Chrysalis, it is not. When will you learn that love is something that must be freely given? The love generated by the ceremony would heal you."

That silenced her. "Another time, perhaps."

Celestia was speechless for a few moments. "Do you mean that?"

"There's so much love here, love you hoard and refuse to share-"

"We would share it if you let us in!"

She slumped against the wall. "I would come, but these injuries are too severe."

"You need a doctor."

"Yes."

"I'll invite you to the next diplomatic meeting. Come as a friend next time."

Chrysalis's look had grown glassy. "Please. A doctor."

Celestia scooped her up, resting her atop her back.
...
The Element Bearers stared at the wall that led to the caverns. Dash growled. "What do you think she's doing? Luna's already out."

Rarity looked over from where she was helping a maid sweep up pieces of broken vases. "Making sure Twilight's alright, I'd suppose." She levitated up the vases. "Darling, I think I can repair these. Might I take them with me?"

The maid shrugged. "Suit yourself."

She slipped the pieces into her saddlebag.

They all looked around as the wall creaked open and lifted up. A battered, bruised and bloodied Celestia stepped out, a knocked out Changeling Queen slung over her back and Twilight still attached to her side, beneath the shelter of her wing. Celestia helped Chrysalis off of her back. "Guards? Escort her to the medic."

The guards saluted and took hold of her. She grumbled about the rough handling, but let them. Twilight was enveloped in a group hug from all sides. She smiled and attempted to hug all her friends. "Okay. I think we all have a wedding to get to."

They let her go. "Are you two alright?" Applejack asked.

"We're fine." She glanced at Celestia. "Or I think we are. Could you give us some alone time?"

"Of course, Sugarcube."

The others trailed out of the room, Pinkie happily pronking ahead. Twilight turned to face Celestia. "Are you okay? Are we okay?"

Celestia threaded her hoof through Twilight's mane and Twilight leaned into the touch. "I do not like to fight. I do not like war or violence and I was quite serious when I suggested Chrysalis come to the ceremony. Most of all, I do not like the rage state I had to go in to save you." She trembled. "I'm sorry you had to see it."

Twilight crushed her lips against Celestia's and Celestia pressed against her as if she were afraid Twilight was going to vanish. Her wings covered her, drew her close. "Do not apologize for that. You saved me. You saved Luna. She told me not too help you during the fight, that it'd be too dangerous. But I know you wouldn't hurt me."

Celestia held her. "Do you mean that? You weren't afraid?"

Twilight burrowed into her. "No. I love you too much."

Celestia intertwined her forelegs with Twilight's. "Can you love that side of me? The angry, powerful, vengeance-crazed protectress?"

"I love every side of you."

Celestia's eyes watered with tears and they kissed once more. "Thank you, Twilight. I love every side of you too."

They wrapped their hooves around each other, breaking apart only when they heard somepony clear their throat. Luna grinned. "My, well this is heartwarming, but I believe you have a wedding dress to show me."

Celestia, very reluctantly, broke away from Twilight, appraised her own dress. "I see your gown is fine."

"Magically reinforced. Rarity thought ahead."

"Clever girl. You should make her your royal seamstress in your court."

"Already done. I just need to tell her."

Celestia turned to face Luna. "Do you know where my dress is?"

"The guards found it discarded in the hallway and returned it to your room."

"What about the castle?"

"Shining Armor organized the Unicorn Guard in casting a megaspell to repair the damage."

Celestia sighed and shook her head.  "I'd promote him, but I'm not sure where you go from emperor." She gave Twilight one more peck on the cheek, then trotted after her sister. Luna led Celestia to her room and Celestia pushed open the door. Luna followed her inside.  Celestia grasped the gown from off the bed and quickly put it on. "How do I look?"

Luna smiled and wiped away a tear before laying a crown of roses on her head. "You look marvelous, Tia. There is something I wanted to ask you."

"Is something the matter?"

Luna avoided Celestia's gaze. "Father will be here. I don't know how I'm going to face him."

Celestia placed a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "Father wants to see you. He still loves you and that's never stopped."

Luna sniffled. "I know. He visited me in exile."

"I did too. Do you remember? You were in such an awful state. Neither of us could stand it."

"I barely remember, but it's becoming clearer."

"Listen, Lulu. I know you have the strength within you to see him. He's forgiven you. It's time you forgave yourself."

Luna beamed and threw her forelegs around Celestia. "There's my big cuddly plushy of a sister!"

Celestia patted her back with her wing. "Um...you're welcome? I'm going to go get a shower...and a few bandages."
...
The doors opened and the guests streamed in. Luna took a deep breath when she saw the absolute giant of a golden, eight-legged stallion trail in beside an extraordinarily ancient-yet obviously vital-grey stallion with a patch over his eye. From one side of the door, the Gods of Asgard (in a form acceptable to the denizens of Equus) came in and took their seats. From the other side came the guests and dignitaries from around Equestria and beyond.

Luna walked in at the head of the train of nobles and Twilight's assorted family members. She glanced at Slepnir who was attempting to adjust himself on a bench. The wedding was to begin in ten minutes. Why was she, who had led armies into battle and slain demons, afraid to have this talk?

The other guests took their seats and Luna shuffled towards Slepnir. Slepnir looked up, stood and did not even hesitate to pull her into an embrace. Luna stood, rooted to the spot. Her father's warmth was familiar. Calming. She felt tension she didn't know she'd been holding onto melt away and she melted into him.

"It's been a long time." His voice hadn't changed.

"Too long."

"Come visit me."

"I will. I promise."

"Stop hurting yourself. You know what I mean."

She gulped. "Yes, Sir. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that."

They lingered in the embrace. "Sorry. I-I have to go perform the wedding."

He was holding so tight she was afraid he wouldn't let go. "Alright. Alright. Your mother wants to see you too."

She felt a knife twist in her heart. "I'll visit her."

"Good."

He let her go. She whispered a few incantations and a shadow construct faded away. He nodded and then she began her march up the red carpet, taking her place at the altar.

The trumpets lifted up as one, singing a sweet song of triumph unto the very heavens themselves. The massive doors opened wide and the Crusaders rushed inside, scattering white rose petals onto the crimson carpet, leaving a trail before the two Princesses who paraded inside, Cadence and the Bearers trailing after them. Luna held back the tears about to well up in her eyes. 

Cadence took her place at the left side of the altar and the bearers took their seats as Twilight and Celestia stood before Luna, facing each other. 

Luna choked back the deep emotions springing up in her heart, trying to speak clearly. "Ladies and gentlecolts, beloved family and friends, esteemed guests. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Celestia Sol Invictus and Princess Twilight Aurora Sparkle. Do you, Princess Celestia Sol Invictus, take Princess Twilight Sparkle as your wife? Do you vow to care for her and stand by her through every joy and trial as long as love endures?"

Celestia's mind conjured visions of a burning city, a dream-no, a nightmare-she'd borne for centuries. She thought of a brave purple Unicorn who had braved the darkness of her mind to rescue her from her fears where others had turned back. She thought of mistakes and confessions and Twilight who had loved her through it all.

"I do."

Luna turned to Twilight. "And do you, Princess Twilight Aurora Sparkle, take Princess Celestia Sol Invictus as your wife? Do you vow to care for her and stand by her through every joy and trial as long as love endures?"

Twilight thought of the fears and insecurities that had once gnawed at her heart and how they had subsided at the loving touches of Celestia, she thought of being held and weeping into her side when she was scared that she was facing her death from assassins, she remembered studying together over ancient books by candlelight, the beautiful voice singing to her, sharing with her stories of a world only a few recalled.

"I do."

"Then I declare you wed in the sight of the Gods and the Holy Empire of the Equestrian Nation."

They levitated up two golden bands, which they would wear until after the honeymoon, and slid them onto one another's horns. Then they pressed their lips together, sharing their first kiss as a wedded couple. The watching audience broke into cheers. Even Cadence and Luna clapped their hooves onto the wood of the podium they were standing on.

Celestia and Twilight lost themselves in the sweet taste of the other only breaking apart when the clapping tapered off. Then they walked away from the altar and towards their waiting loved ones.
> Winter-Afternoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

She had been burned by mercy.

The thought replayed over and over in Chrysalis's mind. The images replayed over and over in Chrysalis's mind. Those blazing wings. That strength and power far greater than her own, slamming her, crushing her, a power that could have killed her.

How powerful was she?

The dark queen laid on her hospital bed, her body covered in bandages. She stared at the severely white ceiling. The bed she was laying on was white as were the walls. A terrible, blinding white. She groaned and rolled over onto her side. The doctors had treated her like a fun experiment, all of them sharing ideas on how best to heal her. Now the doctors had moved onto other things.

A groan escaped her parted lips. A white, blue-maned Unicorn nurse looked up from the chart she was reading and stepped inside the maddeningly white room. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"

Chrysalis snarled. "Your Majesty. The proper term of address for one of my rank is your majesty."

The nurse didn't change her expression. "My apologies. Equestria has no queens."

"Because you are an underdeveloped society."

The nurse's lips twitched ever so slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"Is something wrong?" Chrysalis repeated, astonished. "One-hundred of my best warriors are dead." Her voice choked. "They are dead because of your blessed princess."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Don't give me that crap! That's not what I'm upset about!"

The nurse trotted over to her bedside. "Then, what is bothering you?"

The queen turned away. "How is it your concern?"

"I'm a nurse. Healing is my business."

"It is my body that requires healing."

"If you say so."

"I do say so!" She slammed the bed and screamed so loud that the nurse jumped back. The nurse rushed over and lifted her hoof in a cerulean glow. "Dr. Unsicker! We have a problem!"

The stallion darted into the room. "What's wrong?"

"She's bleeding through her bandages. I think she needs an IV drip, but she doesn't, um, she doesn't have veins."

The doctor quickly exited the room and returned with a glass of some sort of clear liquid levitating beside him. He lifted it to Chrysalis's lips and she drank from it. As the liquid flowed down her throat, she felt herself growing drowsy. Then, oblivion took her.

When she woke up, it was night. Her door was closed and a hush had fallen over the ward. A few beams of moonlight streamed through the windows. There was the click of a door unlocking and then her door swept open. Chrysalis blinked a few times and sat up. Nopony would sneak up on her sleeping. 

Luna tread into the room. "Still awake, Chrysalis?"

"Would it kill you Ponies to call me by my title?"

Luna stepped closer. "I am your peer. How are you feeling?"

Chrysalis blinked away the last bit of sleep. "What's it any of your concern?"

Luna shrugged. "You are no longer an enemy combatant. You are now a guest and under our care. As soon as your subjects ransom you, you may go home."

Chrysalis grit her teeth. "Rank extortion!"

"Tis the law of nations, even in my time."

Chrysalis struggled in an attempt to get off the bed. Every movement brought jolts of pain so she eventually gave up. "Why didn't she kill me? That custom you mentioned just now. I disagree with it. We Changelings do not humiliate our foes in such a way. How could she do this to me? Shame me before my subjects? How...how can I face them now? Why couldn't she have just killed me, granted me an honorable death?"

"She could have killed me." Luna levitated over a chair, sat. "I fell as hard as you did-no, I fell further. Lost my very sanity. In a way, we are both victims of her mercy."

Chrysalis turned away from her. Luna lifted a hoof, almost placed it on her shoulder, then placed it back down. 

"She believes deep inside that no being is truly lost forever. I have tried to show her the error of her ways multiple times. But she's almost always right."

"Is that how she sees me?" Chrysalis growled. "Lost?"

"You are lost. Lost like I was."

"Shut up!" 

A table flew across the room. Luna caught it and set it down. Chrysalis bit her lip and groaned, rubbing her head.

"Do not exert yourself so soon."

"What do you care?"

Luna rested a hoof on Chrysalis's foreleg. Chrysalis drew it back.

"I know you see us as enemies, but we were once friends. Can you remember?" She grabbed Chrysalis's hoof. "Can you? Do you hear me in there, Chryssy?"

Chrysalis didn't pull away. Luna tightened her grip. "I overcame the darkness. So did Celestia from what she tells me. You can return to us. You can fight it."

"I'm...very confused right now. I don't understand."

"It's alright to be confused."

Chrysalis curled onto her side. "What's happening to me?"

"Perhaps, the same thing that happened to me. I asked Celestia not to let the Bearers use the Elements on you-they may decide a sentence in stone or beneath the earth would give you fitting time to reflect. I believe you can overcome the darkness without such harsh methods."

"Reflection...yes, I need to reflect. Leave me."

Luna walked around so that they were face to face. "Do you need to feed?"

Chrysalis muttered something into her pillow.

"Speak up."

Chrysalis lifted her head. "Yes. I'm so hungry."

Luna touched her horn to Chrysalis. At first, she stiffened as if expecting a shock of pain. Then, warm waves of love flowed into her body. She relaxed, lulled by the wondrous feeling of it. 

Luna pulled away. "Are you sated?"

Chrysalis struggled to keep her eyes open. "Never. Never sated. Always hungry. Please, more."

Once again, Luna pressed her horn to Chrysalis's, opening a link and letting the love flow. "That sounds like a terrible burden to bear."

"You have no idea."

"Oh, I think I do."

Chrysalis forced herself up on her shoulder, winced slightly. "You really don't. How could you?"

The love energy kept flowing through her. For just a second, a fleeting moment gone as soon as she breathed, she felt full. Then, the dull ache returned.

"I don't exactly understand. My curse was different. It was envy. I couldn't get enough praise. Couldn't get enough adoration. No matter how many parades they threw me after my victories, it was never enough."

"Never enough, never enough."

"Yes. They played in my sister's day and slept through my beautiful night. So, I do understand."

Chrysalis fell silent, contemplating Luna's words. Luna drew away her horn. Chrysalis squirmed. "Not enough. Not yet."

Luna panted. "Just, let me get my breath back. Why haven't you tried obtaining citizenship in the Crystal Empire? Surely, the Crystal Heart would sustain your kind."

"The Changeling Hive Empire will never bow to another!"

"You don't need to. Just ask Cadence for permission to decamp there. I know full well that your subjects are nomadic."

Chrysalis turned her back to Luna. "Cadence would never allow it. She hates my kind."

"Ah, I see. Deep down, it's a fear of rejection. You won't ask because you're afraid the answer will be no."

"Shut up! I fear nothing!"

"If you weren't afraid, you'd ask."

Chrysalis drew away. "That's enough. I must rest."

Luna stood back. "Pleasant dreams."

"That'll be up to you."

Luna chuckled. "I have missed that dry wit." She walked to the door.

Chrysalis sat back up. "I suppose the polite thing to do would be to say thank you."

Luna stopped. "And the polite thing for me to do would be to say you're welcome."

"Good night, Luna."

"Good night, Chryssy."

Chrysalis rested her head on the pillow. It cradled her with its softness, but it was nothing like the luxury waiting for her in her palace. Blazing wings of fire followed her into her dreams.
...
Something was different. Chrysalis's eyes sprang open at the intrusion of dawn light into her room. The white walls glowed in shades of pink and orange, painted by the early sun. The clop of hoofsteps came from down the hall, the nurses and doctors preparing the clinic. The stink of coffee stung her nostrils. It was a barbarous drink from across the sea-another sign of Equestrian degeneracy. The softer, more civilized smell of tea floated along as well.

Not that she needed either, but tea was a sign that Equestrian civilization had not entirely fallen since she had sojourned among them. 

Maybe she'd indulge a bit. She yawned and stretched, then stopped, lifted her right hoof up. She couldn't see through it. That's when something began to tickle at the very edges of her consciousness. She was...not hungry. There was no dull ache, no gnawing in her stomach driving her to feed.

The holes that had lacerated her foreleg for ten centuries were gone. The other foreleg was as covered in holes as ever. She stared at the foreleg, unable to draw her eyes away.

Just how much had she fed off of Luna?

There was a knock on the door. Chrysalis laid back down on the bed. "Enter."

Celestia stepped inside. "Good morning."

Chrysalis drew her gaze from her altered foreleg to the Sun Princess. A bandage covered her side as remnant of their battle.   "Good morning? Are you serious? Is that all you have to say?"

Celestia crossed over to her bed. "There's so much to say that I don't know where to start."

"Shouldn't you be attending court? Or tending to your wife?"

"I wanted to come see you."

"Why?"

Celestia opened her mouth to answer, then stopped. "What happened to your foreleg?"

Chrysalis jammed it under the sheets, but Celestia tossed the sheet aside then marched over to the side of the bed. Chrysalis snarled, but Celestia only rolled her eyes at the display. "Are you transforming part of your body?"

"No. I woke up like that. No idea why."

"Luna told me she fed you. Have you ever fed from a willing participant?"

"Define willing."

Celestia glared at her and Chrysalis shuddered. "No, never. Only by force and deceit. It is our nature."

"It is not. You were a Flutterpony once and such cruelties are not innate to your race."

Her horn lit up and she threw the chair at Celestia."Do I look like a damned Flutterpony to you?" 

Celestia caught the chair. "You were once."

"Once! Once! One-thousand years ago!"

Celestia returned the chair to the floor. "Are you hungry?"

"What?"

"Are you hungry?"

There was a long pause. "No. I am not."

"Then, perhaps love given willingly is more filling than that taken by force."

Chrysalis stared at the wall, refused to meet Celestia's gaze. "Have you heard anything from the Imperial Council?"

"Nothing. We've sent them word of your capture, but the messengers we've sent probably haven't even gotten there yet."

"It'll take them a while to collect the funds. We don't have money back at the Hive. Everyone produces for the good of the Hive and everyone takes what they need."

"What a lovely system. I doubt it'd work in Equestria though. We're quite attached to our current system."

Chrysalis grumbled. "You're a lot of savages compared to us."

Celestia shook her head. "I'm trying to pay you a compliment. Why can't you just take it?"

"How much have you set my ransom?"

Celestia groaned. "Five-thousand bits, based upon damages and emotional distress. Standard."

Chrysalis choked. "I'm going to be here for a while. We get our money from agents who send us money from their jobs. They don't care about money so they don't care how much I tax them."

"So, why don't you have many funds?"

"Our military budget is extraordinarily high."

"You said the Hive produces everything that it needs."

Her eyes cut to the side. "Stagnation. Your technology is superior to ours. As is the technology of the Minotaurs and, hell, even the Diamond Dogs. My subjects do not think, Celestia. They can not innovate. The few that can leave the Hive when they realize..." She trailed off. "Why am I telling you national secrets?"

Celestia extended a wing and Chrysalis shied away. "Perhaps, it feels good to have someone you can tell these things too? You know, a friend?"

Chrysalis chuckled. "You are insane. First, you beat me to a pulp then you offer me friendship."

"You'd be surprised how often that occurs. And you attacked me."

"We are at war. Do you still possess some holdover fondness for who I once was? Is that why you invited me?"

Celestia sat down on the chair. "Twilight invited you."

Chrysalis's jaw dropped. "The same Twilight whose brother I seduced?"

"The very same."

She slammed her head on the pillow."You Ponies make no sense. Is this some sort of interrogation technique? Confuse me till I start spilling secrets?"

Celestia attempted to pat her shoulder, but Chrysalis knocked her wing away. "No. Don't. Let's get one thing straight. We aren't friends anymore."

Celestia resisted the urge to lower her head, keeping her chin up like the proud and strong ruler she was. "Alright. We're not friends. I get it. But can we at least be colleagues?"

"How do you mean?"

"It occurs to me that this war is benefiting neither side. What if we tried an arrangement?"

Chrysalis sat up straighter on the bed, rolling over onto her stomach and winced. "Of what sort?"

"I find Ponies who are lonely. You'd be surprised how many there are. You set up feeding centers and willingly take the love they give you, giving them affection in return. Of course, this will be regulated in order to ensure neither side is being taken advantage of."

"Brothels, then?"

"If that's what it takes."

Chrysalis muttered to herself, then shook her head. "No, it'd never work. We are demons to your Ponies. They would never willingly give us sustenance."

"How do you know if you've never tried?"

Chrysalis struggled off the bed and Celestia caught her. "You don't think we've tried? Do you know how many times...we've been driven out! Beaten! Slain!"

Chrysalis stopped. Two white wings wrapped around her. She remained perfectly still, rooted to the ground. "I'm sorry, Chryssy. Sorry that your subjects suffered. Sorry that you suffered. Sorry that in one-thousand years I was never able to reach you. But give it another chance. I'll be by your side this time."

Chrysalis slowly reached out her hooves and then held them out, not quite returning the embrace. Then she pulled away and whirled around. "Leave me. I must think."

Celestia sighed. "You know where to find me." She pushed open the door. Chrysalis looked down at her arm-her healthy arm, her whole arm. Minutes passed while she stared at it like it didn't belong to her. Finally, she set it down and trailed over to the bathroom, opening it and stepping into an expansive room which was just as white as the room outside.

She stepped into the tub, turned on the water and let it run over her carapace. Turning her head, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The bandages would be waterlogged, but what did she care? It'd give the nurses something to do. With a flick of her magic, green fire enveloped her. When the flames died down, a sky blue Flutterpony with a green mane and tail stood across from her in the mirror.

She grunted and returned to her base form. The water soaked into her emerald locks. 
...
Celestia stepped out of the room. Twilight was standing guard outside and leaned into her the minute she closed the door. "How was she?"

Celestia nuzzled her. "As well as can be expected. Her injuries were severe, but she received care very quickly. She's up and moving around."

"And emotionally?"

"Do you want to know if she's a threat?"

Twilight tried to lay a wing on her withers. Celestia lowered down to accept the comfort. The soft, violet feathers soothed the knotted muscles in her back. They sat down on the floor and Celestia drew Twilight close to her side with her own wing. 

"On some level, yes. On another level, I want to know how receptive she is to at least...at least not being our enemy anymore."

"I'm not sure. I told her about the arrangement we discussed and she told me she had to think."

"So, she's considering it?"

"Possibly. I have hope."

Twilight nestled against her. "This must be painful for you."

"It is, but don't apologize again. You may have brought her back to me."

"I hope I have." She stretched. "Not to change the subject, but where do you want to go on our Honeymoon? You can choose this vacation."

"Perhaps, Everfree City? We could work on rebuilding the library, decorating the castle."

"You had me at library. And I am sort of interested in going to the Everfree. Zecora's showed me several interesting plants and I'm curious about experimenting."

Celestia giggled. "Experimenting? How so? Me and Luna tried a few interesting plants in our youth."

"Oh, you know. Cooking, magical formula, medicinal plants-though hopefully we won't need those. What else can you do with plants?"

Celestia's smile threatened to turn into a full grin. "Never change, Twilight. There are some psychedelic plants in the Everfree-or there were over one-thousand years ago. I'm afraid me and Luna made fools of ourselves when we stumbled upon some mushrooms of a non-culinary nature."

"Ohhhh. If there still are, Zecora's never mentioned them. I don't think she does that kind of thing."

"Have you? I know a lot of mages are tempted."

"The only drug I do is the occasional cider."

Ah, yes. Cider." She nosed Twilight's wing, straightening an errant feather. "That's what started all of this."

Twilight snickered. "And my Grandma said nothing good would ever come of the drink. So, what were you and Luna doing in the Everfree?"

"Actually, we were just there to explore. We did that a lot, before we were rulers. Just wander the world. Sometimes, Chrysalis would come along. That's why we went to the Roof of the World then. Because it was there."

"Do you think we could do that? Have a few adventures? I've gotten a taste for them."

"Maybe, one day, when Equestria doesn't need me as much."

"Exploring the Everfree will be fun. Do you think the architects will let me look at their schematics?"

"Of course. I didn't know you were interested in architecture."

"I'm not, I just love geometry."

"You're going to love our honeymoon."

"I think I will. It'll be something to see a city come back to life."

Celestia rose and Twilight rose with her. "Why don't we go get some breakfast?"

"Sounds good to me."

Celestia paused at the doors to the dining hall. "You know something, Twilight? I think I really would like going on a few adventures with you."

Twilight clapped her hooves and used her magic to open the door. "I've already planned a few things! Ever heard of the Lost City of Minos?"

"Used to just be called Minos." She followed Twilight through the door. "My goodness, have they found it?"

"Not yet, but we could look for it."

"Sounds like a plan."
> Winter-Evening
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis stood directly under the nozzle and the water cascaded over her carapace, plastered her mane to her skull, her neck, whistled through the holes in her shell with the exception of her foreleg. She picked up the soap in her magic. It wavered in the air until she gave up and hurled it against the wall. It slid down to the floor and she grumbled as she picked it up in her hoof, sliding it over her stomach and front legs. 

She balanced herself on her back legs to scrub her lower body. Her wings flapped in the water, splashing droplets against the shower curtain. The bandages wrapped around her thorax peeled away from the force of the heated waters bearing down on them. A white hot flash of pain drove her down to her knees and blood gushed from the re-opened wound. 

The bathroom door clattered open and the nurse charged inside, tossing the shower curtain and yanking Chrysalis up in her aura which dried off her body upon contact with the mystical energy. "What do you think you're doing?! Heat makes wounds open right back up!" She winced and cut off the flow. Steam had completely filled the room. Beads of sweat coursed down the nurse's forehead. "Why is it so damned hot in here?"

She grumbled and carried Chrysalis out of the room, laying her on the bed. "You stay right here or I will have the guards shackle you to the bed."

Chrysalis bared her fangs.

"Don't you dare, Little Missy. I swear, the foals in pediatrics have more sense." She snatched up new bandages, pulling away the water logged ones. "I'd have given you a sponge bath if you'd asked for one."

Chrysalis didn't respond, only letting her wrap fresh bandages around the deep gash in her side. "Why do you care?"

"You are my patient."

"Duty, then."

"Duty, yes." She paused. "No. More than duty. I always wanted to be a doctor." She motioned to her Cutie Mark, a red heart. "I always wanted to care for others."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "Do you care for me then?"

"I don't know you that well, Your Majesty. But, in an abstract sense?" She tightened the bandages. "Sure I do."

"Why? I am an enemy of your nation. If any of my Changelings gave aid to even an injured enemy...they never would though. The thought would not occur to them." She relaxed onto the bed. "You called me by my title."

The nurse shrugged. "I try to honor reasonable requests. You are a queen."

Broken and battered, but yes, I am a queen. She sat up a little straighter. "If you gave me a little love, I would heal faster."

The nurse stared at her hard. "Really? Well, it is how you eat and food helps you heal. Would it hurt me?"

"You'd feel a little sluggish afterwards."

"I'm a nurse. I always feel a little sluggish. My name is Kind Soul, by the way."

"A pleasure, Miss Soul."

The nurse lit up her horn and ran a scan, blue light tickling her carapace. "I want you to take it easy, alright?"

"Very well." She rested her head back on the pillow. 

"So, if you were to take my love how would you do it?"

"Come closer."

The nurse inched forward and Chrysalis tapped her horn with her own, reached out with tendrils of her magic. Her own horn glowed and the glow enveloped the nurse's horn. Chrysalis at first used her magic to seize the stores of love, trying to feast upon memories-such rich memories!-a first date with a black stallion, a kiss, holding a small, white foal with a black mane, memories of love flowing into her and she suddenly snapped away, panting.

The nurse touched her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"T-too much. That was too much. I...I think that's enough for now."

Kind Soul glanced out the door. "I need to tend to some other patients. Is there anything else you need?"

"Perhaps some tea? Mint, if you have it."

"Of course." The nurse trotted out of the room. Chrysalis glanced out the window then turned away from the sound of a knock on the door. "Come in." She had a feeling she knew who it was. 

And she was right. Celestia strode inside. Chrysalis snorted. "Your wife is going to get jealous."

Celestia pulled up a chair and placed a table between them. "She suggested this actually. We're leaving for our honeymoon soon and she thought that I should see you before we leave. I happened to agree." 

The nurse shuffled inside and bowed at the sight of Celestia. Celestia slid the tray from her back and laid it on the table. "Thank you, Nurse."

The nurse bowed once more. "Your Highness, Your Majesty." She ducked back out of the room.

Chrysalis smirked. "She called me Your Majesty."

"She addressed me first." Celestia floated up a white teacup and poured from the rose decorated pot, offering a cup to Chrysalis before pouring one for herself. Chrysalis sipped the drink. 

Celestia placed the cup back onto the tray. "Have you given any more thought to my offer?"

Chrysalis closed her eyes, sighed. "I am full."

"What?"

"I was hungry for one-thousand years. Now, I am full. I don't know how long that'll last. It may overtake me again, that great hunger. Can you imagine what it feels like, Celestia?" She stood up off the bed and faced her peer. "The great gnawing, never to be satisfied, which can only be satisfied from the love you must take from others?" Her laugh was a bitter, hollow thing.

"No, Chrysalis. I can't understand. But I think I can give you a way out."

Chrysalis turned her back. "They will see it as capitulation. Cowardice."

Celestia came to stand beside her. "It is not cowardice. It is merely an exchange of services. Trade. I've always said it was the road to peace."

Chrysalis snarled. "Are you truly that...that...ugh!" She spun around, horn lowered at Celestia's throat. "Babbling idealistic, insipid claptrap about trade and peace. Why don't you just stand up on your damned pedestal and lecture me all day?"

Celestia tried not to change her expression. "Lecturing you was not my intent. I really believe in those ideals."

Chrysalis rubbed her forehead. "How is that possible?"

"How is what possible?"

Chrysalis snatched up her teacup and chugged it like she wished it was something stronger. "How can you live as long as you have and still cling to those beliefs? Act as if words like justice or peace have any meaning at all?"

"Because I have to. And if I didn't, I'd have broken long ago." She gestured to Chrysalis's whole foreleg. "It seems your cynicism was not serving you as well as you thought."

Chrysalis's gaze was drawn to her foreleg. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but then closed it again. Celestia inched forwards as if she were approaching a dangerous animal. Chrysalis stood back. "I need to bathe."

Celestia stopped. "Your mane is still wet. Didn't you just leave the bath?"

"The water was too hot and re-opened my wounds. Took a cool bath yesterday, I enjoy them sometimes. If I bathe in cool water, that should work. I need to wash." Her voice trembled. "I need to think. Too much going on."

"Alright. I'll leave the tea for you."

"Do as you like!"

Celestia didn't flinch at the upraised shout. "Good-bye Chrysalis. I'll visit you again this evening."

"Very well." 

Chrysalis marched towards the bathroom and slammed open the door. The floor lifted up against her knees and she stifled the shout of pain. The proud queen of the Changelings, the mother of a race, did not cry out in pain.

She pressed her hooves onto the ground, lifted up and trudged to the bath, slamming open the curtains. She ripped her bandages off. The ugly slashes hadn't yet had time to heal properly, leaving a network of scar tissue on her carapace. She didn't want to disturb them. 

But she needed to feel cleansing water over her body. 

She turned on the nozzle and torrents of water blazed from the device. She winced at how cold it was and quickly transformed, not caring very much over what form she'd chosen. Glancing in the mirror, she saw that same sky blue Flutterpony from yesterday, green mane flowing over her withers.

She had been beautiful once.

She had been whole once.

Three fillies, when Equestria was young, prancing through the meadows of their homeland. When the world had been full of monsters to slay and a very young Celestia had binded her up.

"Chryssy, what were you thinking?"

"I was trying to protect you from that goblin!"

There were other times, peaceful times. A raft sailing down a river in a forest that was now a city, Celestia with her spyglass, Luna with her cutlass and Chrysalis with the map. 

Chrysalis rubbed her head. The memories had always been there, but now they were flooding her mind just like the waters in the shower were covering her body.

Her knees trembled, but she did not fall. She stood straighter, raising her head and lifting her face into the freezing waters. Water enveloped her and soaked deep into her fur, deep into the chitin beneath. 

The current rained down on her and she let it. She stood there, shivering overtaking her limbs. The memories kept flooding her mind, despite her attempts to block them out. She snatched up the soap and changed back to her base form. The water struck her wounds and a hiss escaped her parted lips.

She scrubbed the wounds, scrubbed her carapace, her back while struggling up on her sore back legs. Her muscles screamed at her, but she ignored them, lathering up until her entire body was covered in white lather. Bubbles floated, surrounded her hooves, carried into the air by invisible air currents.

The streaming current carried away the soap and it pooled to the bottom till she was surrounded by foam. She grit her teeth against the pain and memories.

She grabbed up a bottle of shampoo and squeezed it into her mane before setting it aside and scrubbing it into her scalp.

There was one solution. Sighing, she opened her mind and thousands of voices filtered into her consciousness. There was some crying, some laughing, some Changelings drinking with companions, others eating the slime they used in lieu of love, a few fighting, others celebrating personal milestones. Thousands of individual lives within the common life of the Hive. All greeted her when she opened her mind. 

In an instant, she revealed what was in her thoughts. The next second, the chaotic chittering assaulted her awareness. While she'd been members of two species with hive minds, this still caught her off guard. Blind, roiling panic surged through the Hive. Insults and disordered shouting rang off the rocky halls as the Changelings debated the very future of their race, suddenly placed into their hooves.

My Changelings! My Changelings! Cease this at once!

The silence was immediate, but murmuring voices broke through. Factions developed and broke off. While the quietness reigned for a few moments, whispers broke out. She listened.

No surrender. This chant was taken up by a number of the soldier class, then the other classes till it was an overpowering roar.

No, not surrender. We shall have much. No more starving. Whoever said this was drowned out by the cacophony of clashing shouts, a storm of thoughts each vying to be heard. No surrender, no starving. The two concepts drove the Hive apart till there wasn't a Changeling who wasn't taking part in shouting at one of his fellows.

Chrysalis reached out. Some were missing. Her heart sped up. My Changelings... She didn't ask the question she didn't want to know the answer too. 

Tears welled up in her eyes, spilled down her face.

You weep, My Queen?

In their language that was a question implying ability.

They hadn't even known she could cry.

She hadn't known either.

Then, the mighty Empress of One-Hundred Nations, the Mother and Queen of the Changelings, dropped to her knees and wept.
...
Celestia settled onto her throne,Raven at the side of the seat with her notebook and quill. "So, who's on the schedule for today?"

The doors opened up with a clatter, Chrysalis striding inside. She was limping, wincing every few minutes as she made her way up to the dais. Crimson blood seeped into her bandages, hastily applied once again by the long suffering nurse. She bit her lips, her legs shaking, but she did not falter until she reached the throne and managed to disguise her near collapse as a bow.

She rose quickly, biting her lips as her legs quivered. Celestia jumped from the throne and propped her up with her wing. "I understand you wanted to speak with me, but you mustn't risk your health! How did you manage to get in here?"

"Teleport." The queen rubbed the area just beneath her horn. 

Raven slid a chair into the room. Chrysalis only nodded and sat down.

Celestia raised an eyebrow. "You could say thank you."

"I don't thank servants."

Raven shot her a glare. 

"Raven here is not just a servant." Celestia settled down into her throne. "She is my Right Hoof."

"Your regent?"

"Yes she is. I would appreciate it if you spoke to her with respect."

Raven hid her beaming expression with her clipboard. Chrysalis glanced at her. "Thank you for the chair."

"Your welcome." Raven took her usual place. "Do you bring a petition?"

Chrysalis grit her teeth.

"She is merely asking a question." Celestia stood and sat directly across from Chrysalis. 

Chrysalis tried to stand to face her, found that she could not. "I have given more thought to your proposal."

"And?"

Chrysalis released a long, heavy sigh and knelt her head. "I don't see that I have another choice. I have been going down the wrong path for centuries." Her voice choked. "I see that now." Tears glimmered in her eyes. "It will be hard to convince them to take a new path. Hard to undo the damage that I have done."

Celestia reached over and took Chrysalis's hoof in her own. "As I said before, I will be by your side."

Chrysalis squeezed her hoof. "They're suffering. Starving. And I've found a new way to feed them so let's get down to business."

"Do you need to return to them?"

Chrysalis tapped the side of her head. "I'm connected to them. I can guide them if they need it."

"If a crisis strikes, I'm willing to forget the ransom."

Chrysalis leaned back in the chair, nodded. "If it comes to that...part of me wonders if you're insistence on a ransom comes from wanting me here."

"Am I so transparent?"

"As you seem so keen on reminding me, there was a time I counted you a friend."

Celestia frowned. "Could it ever be that way again?"

Chrysalis drummed her hoof on the chair. "Perhaps, we should discuss other things."
...
Twilight and Celestia were completely surrounded by leafy branches. Wild wisteria curved in an arc of purple blossoms from  tangled green vines on either side of them. Spike darted ahead onto the soggy ground, occasionally running back to them when he thought he'd gotten too far away. 

The clang of hammers and the grunts of workstallions sounded closer as they trotted towards a clearing. Grey spires and rounded towers rose above the treetops like spears holding up the Heavens. They trotted into the clearing and stopped to gaze at the ancient city coming back to life. Unicorns and Pegasii carried heavy stones and other building materials. Earth Ponies collected the heavy loads and set to work piling them atop each other.

The smell of paint stung their nostrils. Painters of all the tribes busied themselves covering many of the buildings in splashes of blue and gold. Tall, stately trees, moss falling down their branches, still ringed the young yet old settlement. 

Twilight scratched the bare earth, kicking away a stone that had gotten into her frog during the journey. "So, how are you and Chrysalis?"

"Surprisingly, very well. There's still some tension, but after a week we've drawn up a satisfactory plan." She started to trot onto a paved road that suddenly stopped a few feet away. "She's still at the castle, but in a state of deep meditation in communion with the hive mind attempting to reteach them."

"I hope everything turns out okay."

"It will. Thanks to you."

Twilight blushed slightly. "Things still could have turned out badly."

Celestia nuzzled her. "But they didn't. And I'm happy they didn't. In fact," She bent low to whisper into Twilight's ear. "When we get to the nearest bedchamber I'm going to show you just how pleased I am with you, my faithful pet."

Twilight shivered and rubbed her cheek against Celestia's warm coat. "Looking forward to it."

"Yep. I already renovated a bedchamber and when I get you up there I'm going to take you in my lap and...read to you from this extremely rare book of poems I found."

Twilight paused, shrugged. "Still looking forward to it."

"I am as well. Haven't read through this one yet."

"Where'd you find it?"

"In a vault beneath the castle which the forestallion discovered."

Twilight bounced ahead. "Can we explore the castle first? I wonder what other kinds of historical artifacts we could find."

"Certainly." Celestia cantered after her. Twilight, suddenly feeling mischievous, darted into the air and rocketed towards the heart of the city, signalling her desire to be chased with a wiggle of her hips. Celestia took off after her in a blur. Twilight ascended into the air while Spike ran beneath them. Celestia's wing grazed her side and Twilight giggled, curving away from the ticklish appendage.

Celestia smirked. "You're it."

Twilight raced towards her and Celestia zigzagged over the tops of the trees. Noticing the young drake's distress, the younger Alicorn shot downward and Spike clambered onto her back. Celestia had paused in their chase, but the second Twilight went back into the air, Celestia took off like a magic blast. Twilight grinned and propelled herself forward, shouting in glee at the still strange and exhilarating feeling of the wind pushing her wings forward.

A stray gust of wind knocked her to the side. With a hard flap of her left wing she righted herself. A second gust, as strong as the first, pummeled her flank. Celestia looked back and saw her wife being tossed and turned, spinning like a top. Twilight screamed, the wind throwing her towards a tree.

Celestia zoomed forward and caught her in a feathery embrace. Twilight relaxed into the hold and lifted up to nuzzle Celestia's chin. Celestia held her close and they glided onward. Trees down below passed them by in a solid carpet of green though a few had been touched by the flames of encroaching autumn. Maples blazed in fires of red and gold. Twilight squirmed slightly. Spike scrambled up onto Celestia's back and soon Twilight climbed up to join him, flapping her wings to give her leverage. She wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's neck.

"Comfortable back there?"

Twilight answered by resting her head on Celestia's mane. The rainbow strands brushed against the fur of her chin. "I am."

The towers peaked through the tops of the surrounding woods. The late afternoon sun shone onto the rounded points, painting them a deep orange. They landed before the castle. The two parts of the city had been separated over the centuries by many groves, but cutting them down would disturb many animal species so the architects were trying to incorporate them into the city's new design.

Twilight dismounted from Celestia's back. The builders bowed before them as they trailed over the new, alabaster road and entered the castle. Shattered windows had been replaced and clear glass filled the niches. Celestia frowned. "We're going to change that out for the stained glass in Canterlot Castle, but it works for now."

"You love stained glass don't you? I'll keep that in mind for an anniversary present."

Celestia rubbed her necklace. "Well, I certainly liked the last gift you got for me. Just don't get a lost piece of stained glass from a chimera."

Twilight snorted. Pillars of sunlight bursting in through the windows lit their path. The cracks in the stone were gone, replaced by fresher blocks cut from new quarries. Celestia just stood in the center of the room. Twilight reached for her hoof and squeezed it.

"It's been a long time since I've been here. They've done a good job." Celestia trekked forward, Twilight and Spike following. "Last time I was here, it was the sight of a battle."

A long crack spiraled along a brick. "I see those signs are not entirely erased. No, that's from Luna's more recent battle with Tirek, I suppose."

Twilight looked around. "What happened to the tapestries?"

"They're being restored."

"Good. I like them."

"They are rather fetching. I need to have one made with your Cutie Mark since that will be your royal seal."

Twilight blushed and Celestia draped a cloak of her feathers over her back. "Come now, this is your castle too."

The bashful expression on Twilight's face was replaced with a dopey grin. "This is my home now. Our home."

"That's right." Celestia drew her forward, paused at the doors to the throne room, then they trotted past it. Twilight looked back, but Celestia only shook her head. "I have too many bad memories there. I think I'll have it completely renovated."

"We can make some good memories there."

Celestia chuckled. "That was cheesy."

"I learned from the best."

Both of them burst into giggles and collapsed into each other, laughing so hard they had to hold each other up with their wings. Even Spike giggled. Celestia stopped and held up Twilight's forelegs. "But, yes, we will make good memories there. We will make good memories everywhere in this castle."

Their lips met in a kiss, lingered for a few seconds before Spike made a sound of disgust. "Come on you two, can't you keep your hooves off of each other?"

They rolled their eyes and Celestia shot a stray burst of magic that tickled Spike's belly. The helpless dragon squirmed and laughed. 

Twilight pranced ahead. "So, how many rooms are in this castle?"

Celestia strode up to her. "I'm not sure. It's been a long time since I've really explored here."

Twilight hopped onto a stairway. "Then let's go exploring."

Celestia followed her up the stairs. A hallway expanded out before them, stone doors lining the cracked walls. Stallions wearing hard hats wandered along the space, trying to seal up the cracks. They acknowledged Celestia and went back to their work. Twilight pressed a hoof to one of the doors and tried to push it open. Celestia offered her help, sliding the door open with a push of her magic.

Milky white sunlight filtered through dusty windows. Dust covered every inch of the room. Spike sneezed and an explosion of dust burst up from the floors. What may have been a bed one-thousand years ago laid in a heal of wood and fabric on the floor.

Tapestries with incomprehensible, brightly colored symbols hung from the walls. Twilight trailed across the room and touched one of them. A firebird, muted by the slow deterioration of centuries, was emblazoned on a blue background.

"This was the quarters of one of the Nobles who lived here." Celestia came to stand next to her. "The crest of the Sunhearts."

"Who?"

"That's the way it is, isn't it? They are gone, the last of their line died out two-hundred years ago."

"I bet Rarity could restore it. It looks like it was beautiful."

"It was. We could have them all restored, hang them in the main hall." Her ears perked up. "Hmm, come to think of it, if memory serves..." She started to mutter to herself, bounding out and trotting at a quick pace down the hall. Twilight and Spike could barely keep up. 

She slammed open a door. The room stank of rot and decay. The remnants of benches had decayed long ago into stumps, but it was clear that they had, in happier days, ringed a stage. Celestia smiled and floated onto the platform. "Could it be?" She levitated a rusted piece of iron from behind a moth eaten curtain. "No way. The stage props are all still here."

Twilight walked between the benches, each clop of her hoof like a drumbeat in this silent place. She hopped onto the stage. "The castle had a theater?" 

"Then as now, theater was a popular art." She stabbed the air with what had once been a blunt sword. "I even wrote a few plays-anonymously of course so I could get honest feedback."

Twilight's eyes widened. "You wrote? I had no idea! You have to show them to me!"

"You've already read them."

Twilight bounced on her hooves then jumped up as the termite-eaten wood collapsed beneath her. "Which ones?"

"Guess."

Twilight thought for a few moments. "The Two Sisters?"

"Yep. It was autobiographical."

Twilight cocked her head. "How about The Tale of Lone Flower?"

"I was in a...somber mood. How did you know?"

"Scholars have thought those two works have had the same author for centuries. Those two and Little Mares."

"Yep. I decided to write a comedy."

"One of my favorites."

Celestia swung the blade a few times. "I patronized the arts once. After the loss of Luna and the civil war, more work fell on my head. Ruling became more about politics, less time to patronize-and I quote-'useless arts projects.'" She growled. "Perhaps it's time to get back to that."

Twilight's magic searched through the props behind the curtain, pulling out a second former prop sword. She clanged it lightly against Celestia. "So, I have found thee. Didst thou thinketh that thee could hide?"

Celestia stepped back, positioning the blade like a scorpion about to sting. "Dost thou believeth that thee could strike me down? Twas I who slew your father, that mighty warrior of great note."

"And for that, thou shalt die!" She lunged. 

Celestia playfully swatted aside the blade. "Even for that age the dialogue was overwrought."

"I loved it! Our modern plays lack that zest!"

They clashed their swords again and again.

"You have a point there." She sidestepped Twilight and pulled her into a cuddle with her wing. "All in all, I think I wrote some good ones in the day. If I ever write again, you'll be the first to know."

Twilight pressed her face into her chest fluff. "The evil duchess and the humble village girl put aside their differences and make furious love. Exit."

Celestia kissed her mane. "Interesting alternative ending. I think I like it."

Twilight looked up. "Hey, where's Spike?"

Celestia looked around. "I know he followed you inside."

A little groan echoed from below them. Twilight scrambled off the stage, Celestia close behind. Spike lay on his back, clutching his belly. Twilight scooped him up in her magic and held him to her chest. "Spike? What's wrong?"

Spike nestled into Twilight's embrace. "I ate some gems. I don't feel good." He groaned again.

"Gems?" Celestia's golden glow lifted up some half eaten jewels. "Oh, dear. I can't believe the enchantment is still active."

Twilight levitated him up and cast a simple diagnostic spell on him. The magic floated over him. "You'll be fine. Just an upset stomach." She settled him onto her back. "Those weren't gems were they?"

Celestia shook her head. "Costume jewelry, enchanted to look like the real thing. Let's get him up to bed."

"Where's our bedroom?"

Celestia headed for the door and Twilight trotted after her.
...
Twilight stepped through the door of the bedroom after Celestia opened it. A gasp escaped her lips. One would not have thought that the preceding centuries had touched this room. Not a speck of dust could be found. The walls were decorated with oval picture frames. In each frame was a picture they had taken together. One was from the time Celestia had visited Ponyville, others from Mustangia, pictures where they were kissing or embracing, a picture of their wedding day.

A high bookshelf held many of their favorite volumes and a stand was next to the luxurious bed, just as large as its counterpart in Canterlot, a red blanket draped over the mattress. Pink lace draped from the four corners of the canopy. Spike's basket was at the foot of the bed-Draconic instincts making it more comfortable for him to bundle up in a dark, confined space. The moment he saw the basket, that's exactly what he did.

Twilight and Celestia both laid a kiss on his head and then curled up side-by-side on the bed. "What a beautiful room."

"I fixed it up myself."

Twilight rested against her side. "You did a great job."

Spike squirmed. Twilight lifted him up and laid him down, rubbing his belly.

He frowned in protest. "I'm fine."

"You are not." She rubbed his stomach and then focused. Healing energy, in the same shade as her normal magic enveloped him. "There. You'll feel better in a few minutes."

He smiled despite himself and let her place him back in his basket. Twilight leaned back against her."Tomorrow, we'll sign the paperwork. Should've done it years ago."

"He'll be our son in truth then." A smile graced her features. "And we'll be a family." She tugged her close with her wing. 

Twilight pressed her head on Celestia's shoulder and she leaned onto her back, pulling the smaller Alicorn into her lap. 

"I believe I was promised a new book."

"And so you shall have."

She brought over a book from the shelf and floated it before them. Flakes dropped from the leather binding, but Twilight could sense the faint hum of a binding spell.

Celestia cleared her throat, opened the book and began to sing.

"This is no ending, 
Beloved Flower,
not evening,
but dawn,
though
our courtship has long been over,
you still ignite in me
the passion I felt
when first ignited in my breast
the pangs of love for you.
Now I bring you into
the house of my fathers,
the house of my mothers,
and many more moments
shall we share
as we go throughout every season,
every season of the heart."