Stories in Stone
Capricorn's Curse
By TDR
Don't you.
[14 years after the events of Tamberlane. ]
A hushed silence hung over the crowd. There were small murmurers here and there though they were barely loud enough to register over the clack of hooves on the cobblestone road. Silence took over completely as two figures came into sight down the road.
The first was an amber maned unicorn with gray fur. He bore countless scars over his well muscled frame and many of his wounds had scabbed over with orange scales, though he had a number of them predominately around his chest, face, and the base of his horn, marks of a warrior who never let the enemy see his tail to strike at it. His split hooves were also graced with orange scales as was his long serpentine tail that swayed behind him, ending in a tuft of amber hair. His red and green eyes shifted over the gathered crowd as he walked down the cities main road, a harness draped over his shoulders holding a dark double bladed sword with a faint curve to it and a deep blue wrap around the middle of it. Though he was not a proper Kirin there were few of the race who did not accept him as one. There were a few nods of respect for his work and life and a number of salutes from the gathered crowd, though most eyes were on his companion.
Towering over the unicorn, the other figure was taller at horn tip than Princess Celestia. The pure white stallion strode with the same confidence as the Regent of Gallopagos next to him. His jet black mane was pulled back into a neat ponytail that hung over his shoulder, the black scales around his hooves and face glimmering in the sunlight. His blue eyes remained focused straight ahead as the pair walked towards their destination.
The gray unicorn stopped at the edge of the market square watching as the white Kirin advanced towards the center of the road. The young stallion offered a glance back at the older one who had paused getting a nod in return. Turning away, the large Kirin fixed his gaze on what was before him.
The fence had been removed from around it recently, the fresh earth where the fence posts had been barely having the time to dry out before he arrived. Aside from that though it was other wise the same as he recalled it had been from his foal hood. The weapon rested as it had since it's former owners death, embedded in a swath of solidified molten rock. He turned his head slowly looking down the street and out over the bay to the pure white monument that rose up from the water there before looking back at the black spear embedded in the street.
He took a step closer craning his head out and baring his fangs briefly as he clamped his teeth around the haft of the weapon. The large Kirin let out a small breath and drew his head back.
The spear slid out of the stone with a almost musical note as he did so.
The crowd of Kirin gathered around erupted into a volcano of cheering and screaming as the Kirin's magic took the spear and held it aloft for the crowd.
The cheers died down as a booming voice rose over the crowd forcing them to silence as the gray unicorn behind him spoke.
“Kirin of Gallopagos, as your .. now former, regent it is my pleasure to present to you your new Lord. “Jer'rahd bellowed. “ Elusive Lion Heart Reignolds.”
The crowd erupted into a near riot at that point.
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“Oh wow......”
“Lovely isn't it? It reminds me of my old cottage.”
“It was your old cottage ma, I just had it fixed up further.” Dandelion stated. “Given how Doc Brown retired a long while ago, any pony with any issues would have to go up to Canterlot proper to find a vet. When you sold it to move to the farm it was purchased by the Bluebloods and was gonna be leveled to put in some sort of shops or condos or something. With everything that happened the land was never touched and Uncle Jer'rahd gave it to me as a graduation present.”
Fluttershy blinked.”I had no idea he had done that. I saw the construction on it a few months ago but you turned it into your office?”
“Yup, Apple Veterinary Clinic.” Dandelion grinned.” So what do you think cousin?”
The pink mare that had been walking with the pair of them giggled as she looked over the office her wings extended a little as a group of birds fluttered around her out stretched wings a group of bunnies and other small wood land creatures had come out of the forest and was moving around her hooves peering up at her curiously. Her long blue hair flowed around her form, her blue eyes danced in amusement at all the little critters flocking around her.
Her companion was slightly less amused by the swarm of animals. The large blue crystal dragonfly chittered angrily from atop her head fanning it's wings and trying to shoo the birds away from it.
“Galway relax, they are not going to hurt you.” Glimmer Sparkle chuckled.” it looks wonderful Dandelion. I'm glad you managed to get it.
Fluttershy giggled at the mares predicament as a host of the wild animals flocked around her excitedly, while not as many as those that had gathered around Fluttershy it was more than Dandelion had attracted, thought he colt was currently running a hoof over a bear cubs back while the mother watched close by. Like Fluttershy, Glimmer seemed to understand what the animals were saying instinctively, Dandelion could as well to a degree, though he had issue with field mouse and bunny still. Growing up the pair of them hadn't interacted much though once they both showed interest in veterinary medicine the pair became closer, real cousins or not. The Apple/ Pelt/ Kaisur/ Blueblood line was rather thinly plotted out, though with Jer'rahd related in some way to the Bluebloods and the Apples and with Cadence being of Blueblood decent as well it was easier just to call all the little ones cousins.
“It's wonderful Dandelion. Let me know if you need any help with anything. I'm still going through the classes but the Crystal Empire has a bit more exotic set of fauna than mainland Equestria.” Glimmer giggled reaching up a hoof to scratch the Crystal Dragonfly on her head under it's chin.
Fluttershy smiled running a hoof though her mane, noting a much larger gathering of gray hairs mixed in with the pink and sighed happily. Despite her being Princess, Glimmer had a strong interest in veterinary medicine though she worked primarily with exotic creatures, or what some would consider exotic. She had started studying to help out a Tapir she had met and it snowballed from there. The pink princess took to veterinary medicine almost as well as Dandelion did and the two of them were often exchanging notes. While Glimmer could only take a few classes here and there between her royal duties, Dandelion had graduated and become an assistant in the Canterlot district for a year or two before opening his own clinic here in the Ponyville district.
Still while she was playing with the animals around her Fluttershy couldn't help but notice a dark blueish gray feather with a few flecks of white on it tied into Glimmer's mane just above her ear. While many would think it was a bird feather, Fluttershy knew better, there was a certain Hippogryph with that coloration she knew that the feather had to belonged to.
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He rather wanted to strangle his parents. The moment he came of age to take over they had flown the proverbial coup shirking all their duties to him. Despite everyone, including him, knowing it was going to happen, it still irked him that the pair had retired dumped their work load on him then fled for the beaches in southern Equestria. His advisers admitted they were surprised the pair kept up with their duties this long.
Talon Strike Mist the Third was a rather imposing figure. His dark blue gray feathers were spotted with white, the underlying down beneath them was a pure white coloration giving the impression of a roiling storm cloud when he ruffled them. His black colored rear hooves were counter pointed by greyish silver Griffon claws in the front and a matching beak. He was a wall of muscle sired from equine and Griffon parents. While not as uncommon as it had once been the fact that he had been born a Hippogryph and a god confused a great many. That he was the only god the Griffon race had right now only made his situation even more confusing and irksome to the few hidebound birds that remained.
He had been trained by some of the best to take over, the ones who helped advise his parents when they were forced to lead the last of the Griffons to safety. Ten years later the new homeland was secure, the Harpies were no longer the great enemies of the Griffons, and relations with the Ponys were the best they had been in centuries.
He had been given the reigns of the burgeoning nation at a time of peace with few if little challenges left aside from maintaining the nations new postion on Equss. His parents had done better than many had ever hoped they would as regents.
Granted that basicly translated to more paper work than the dark blue gray Hippogryph had ever seen in his life.
Talon sighed pushing the stack of paperwork away from him, despite his intellect he felt it hard to focus most days. He knew why as well.
Pulling open the desk drawer he reached into it withdrawing a long box. Slowly opening it he reached in gently removing a single bright pink feather with a small blue lock of hair bound in a white ribbon at the base of the pinion. He let out a small sigh looking over the feather his tail swishing lightly behind him as he did his best to plan ahead to clear time to see her again as soon as he could.
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The young stallion swallowed as the door swung open. The interior of the house was rather dark though he was certain this was the correct address.
“Hello?” The forest green Unicorn called out taking a careful step into the house his hooves thudding lightly on the wood.
About ten years ago this place had been a vacant lot in the middle of Ponyville owned by the Blueblood's, well Kaisur's now. A few years ago there had been a flurry of construction and a two story home had been built in the spot. The style of it was the same as a number of the older homes in Ponyville, at least the ones that survived the towns constant monster attacks.
The Unicorn wasn't concerned with that at the moment, he was more concerned with the fact this was the place his date had told her to come by to pick her up. A few of his friends had warned him that the attractive Kirin mare had a over protective father, but he doubted it was anything that he couldn't handle. There had been a few other mares he dated with the same issue and he had no trouble, why would this one be any different?
There was suddenly light in the dark room, though it was little more than a soft glow of blue. Blinking the stallion saw what looked to be some sort of pale blue flame flickering in the air in a crescent shape from the other side of the dark room. He blinked curiously his eyes opening wide as a glowing red eye opened above the smile like crescent shape, looking all the world like a ghostly grin.
“Hello colt....” a deep voice spoke, the sort of voice that spoke of terrible things to come.
The young stallion shrieked out at the sight of the ghostly apparition and took off like a shot, galloping out the door and screaming his fool head off.
As the colt rushed off the lights in the room came on showing a gray furred Kirin with orange scales sitting back in a chair on the far side of the room from the door. Laying across his lap was a curved blade of dark colored metal with a blue grip in the center.
Luna blinked wondering why the lights were off before noticing her husband sitting in his chair and sighed glaring at him.
“Jer'rahd?!? Did you scare off another one of Dawn's dates?” Luna chided from where she had turned on the lights..
“He seemed nice.” Jer'rahd grinned. “ He even closed the door behind him.”
“Honestly she's going to wind up an old maid if you keep running off her suitors like this.” Luna fussed yanking the Waning Moon from his lap with her magic and putting it back over the fireplace on the stand for it.
“I'm okay with that. Any way all I said was 'hello'.” Jer'rahd stated not able to hide his smile.
“DAWN YOUR FATHER SCARED OFF ANOTHER DATE!” Luna called out looking back as the mare in question came down the stairs.
Dawn had filled out rather nicely. She was nearly as tall as her mother now, her wings much larger now and fully capable of flight. Her form was still rather long and serpent like her legs still ending in fairly sharp claws more like a dragons than a ponies. Her fur was a shimmering gray, much like her fathers, but glossy rather than matte. Her hair was a bluish platinum coloration and was currently braided into two long tails that ran down over either shoulder. Her joints and around her muzzle were speckled with orange scales, again not unlike her fathers, though like her hair, her clear aqua eyes were almost an exact match for her mothers.
“Ehh.” Dawn shrugged.
“Ehh?” Luna asked. “ What do you mean ehh?”
“If they can't deal with daddy I’m not interested in them any way.” Dawn explained. “ I mean this one didn't even last four seconds before turning tail. Not interested in anyone that weak.”
Luna frowned as Jer'rahd cackled from his spot in the chair and even Dawn snickered.
“By the stars, please stop encouraging each other........” Luna sighed.
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The heavy sound of armored hooves filled the sterile hallway. A few Zebras poked their heads out to see what was going on and causing all the noise their eyed widening at the sight.
Advancing down the corridor was a pair of massive scared Kirin, a male and a female, the purple, silver, and black armor they wore marking them as the Gallopagos Lunar Guard, one of the most feared and respected groups in Equestria. Every one of them was hoof picked by Lord Jer'rahd to serve as bodyguards for his foals. Even this far into the Zebralands everyone had heard of them each one of them was a PDR of at least three on their own.
Following behind the pair was another pair of red robed figures. Both of these were pony in shape, though covered with black carapace where their flesh was visible. The one on the left had a red mane and the one on the right had a blond mane and the pair were talking somewhat loudly with each other. Most knew the Changelings to be ambassadors by the red robes of office they wore, though a few with a bit more information were a little more frightened at this pair than the pair of Guards at the front. Both of them were dressed neck to hoof in the ambassador’s red, but both of them had their front left leg wrapped in black.
Even with the quartet before them it was the trio in the middle that drew the most attention.
Despite his age, King Kiongozi cut a imposing figure. The Zebra stallion's stripes and black mane had more gray in them now than before, though most of that was hidden by the rich purple robes he wore. He was in his eighth and what he claimed was his final term as King of the Zebralands. Despite a plethora of others running against him, everything he had done in the last thirty two years had been towards the betterment of the Zebralands. He ruled well through two wars and three invasions, managing to bolster and cement favorable relations with Equestia, The Diamond Warrens, Gallopagos, Neighlantis, The Crystal Empire, the Whitetail Elk and numerous others. He had put an end to centuries of persecution of those known as the Oryx, or the horned Zebras. He also set up a preserve and offered aid to the last tribe of the creatures known as Shadow Walkers that had been found. In short, unless the next election had some one rather impressive running Kiongozi might very well be written in the ballots to win a second time.
Next to him was a Oryx mare far younger than he was and much less richly dressed. She wore a simple doctors coat with a pair of old saddlebags covered with patches and decorations denoting various races symbols for 'doctor' and 'healer'. Her clear blue eyes danced over those present as she walked a red crystal horn poking up from her curly black mane that fell to her shoulders.
The mare was pushing a pony in a wheelchair before her, the Zebra mare was old enough to have been many of those watching the groups grandmother's grandmother. The small group advanced on though it seemed their ruler was arguing with the mare as the group made it's way towards the foals ward.
[“Honestly why not? I cannot get either of your brothers into the position. Wolf just laughs and Fox refuses to speak in anything more than a drawl of yeah or nope.”]
[“You have his uncle to thank for that. Fox rather idolizes Big Mac despite the fact he is now bigger than his uncle. If they pair of them told you no then what makes you think I would accept?” ] the mare snorted.
[“But you're the heir, the first Princess of the Zebralands.....”]
[“That was my aunt Sunshine, and she wants nothing to do with it either.”] The mare sighed.[“ You are doing quite a proper job here, why would you want me to come in?” ]
[“I'm not going to live forever Rynthia, unlike you. If you chose you could continue to make the nation better like the Princesses do.”] Kiongozi sighed. [“You could be the Queen Velkorn was, leading the Zebralands to boundless prosperity.”]
[“While I understand what you seek is for the good of all Zebra Kiongozi, I AM being the sort of Queen my mother wished me to be. The Specter of Life was not just a name she was given. She cared nothing for politics nor for ruling, her only love aside from my father was saving lives. Particularly those that most had given up on or were certain could not be saved. I can do that as well and I find it a far better use of my time than arguing with nobles about taxes and land grants. If you want a successor I would suggest speaking with the Princesses to see if their school has put out any prodigal politicians. Neither the Pelt, Apple, nor Kaisur family’s will be taking over the Zebralands any time soon.”] Rynthia snapped not fond of the way he brought her birth mother into the conversation. Ignoring the King she leaned over the wheel chair speaking rather loudly into the elder mares ear. [“ Miss Malaika are you ready?” ]
[“Certainly dear. I know my times short as it is so I’m happy to help in any way I can.”] the elder Zebra chuckled her smile showing only a few good teeth left.
[“I am glad you were willing to help Miss Malaika. There are not many who would be willing to do this.”] Rynthia smiled.
[“Pfft selfish lot they are then, just hope I’m good for more than one or two before I go.”] the mare smiled.
[“There are twenty three in the ward Miss Malaika. Your decision shall help all of them have a future.”] Rynthia nodded as the pair of them moved into the Foals ward.
[“Well now that's delightful, it's a perfect day for it too. Plus I got to meet the King.“] the old mare chuckled. [“ And even at his age he still has a nice flank.”]
The Guards and Ambassadors pulled up short at the door stopping Kiongozi as well from entering the room much to his annoyance.
[“Best not to go in there. It's a bit of a sad sight.”] The blonde Changeling Ambassador stated pointing up at the sign over the door.
Kiongozi blinked looking up as he read the sign over the door his eyes widening as he read the word 'Kifo' in the tag.
[“What....?”] the stallion stuttered.[“ This ward is for those that cannot be cured... what is she doing here?”]
[“It is Dr. Kaisur's power sire.”] The red maned Changeling stated. [“ She is able to heal any wound, any sickness, any injury. But there's a catch.”]
[“What do you mean a catch?”] Kiongozi asked.
[“When it comes to normal injuries and illnesses. Things that can be cured and treated by normal means she can do it with a touch. When it comes to incurable diseases, birth defects, deadly injuries ….. it's more of an exchange. “] The red haired changeling continued. [“ She can't take the sickness into herself, it has to go to some one else soon after it's drawn out of the patient and she cannot hold it long before it returns to where it was drawn from often much worse. That is what Miss Malaika volunteered for. There are twenty three foals in this ward who would be lucky to live to their next birthday for various reasons. Be it complications of their birth, sicknesses they have gained, or accidents. Miss Malaika is giving up what years she might have left to make sure those foals have a chance to live as long a life as she did.”]
The Zebra stallion paled pushing past the guards who let him through this time.
The room was deathly quiet, not even the sounds of the usual monitoring devices could be heard, though given the chances of them being little more than a constant hum, no one really wished to hear that noise.
Rows of beds lined the walls with faintly glowing boxes next to them flickering in time to heartbeats. Some of them were erratic, some of them were barely flickering at all. Kiongozi swallowed as he approached the wheelchair bound mare in the rooms center. Rynthia was looking over the first bed in the row, a very small bed.
[“Miss Malaikia?”] the stallion spoke quietly as he approached, the older mare. The Zebra matron turned to look up at him with a small smile.
[“Ahh you did follow. Do be a dear and stop bothering her about taking over. She's chosen her own path.”] Malaikia stated.
[“I didn't come to talk to her this time. I came to talk to you...” ] the King swallowed.
[“Oh ? Heard what's happening have you? Well don't bother to try and talk me out of it. My family’s had a nice little burial plot ready for me for years now, be a shame to let it go to waste. Besides, I've got three husbands and more than a few children and friends waiting for me when I go, kept them waiting long enough I suppose. Besides.” The elder mare looked at the beds her smile faltering. “It's too soon for them to be going. Most haven’t even lived yet. The little filly on the end there is six. Golden Rod. She was playing with some friends in a old building when it collapsed. Severed her spine just over her shoulders. She can't move anything at all.”]
The mare pointed to another bed, this one a crib with more medical devices around it than any others.
[“That little one hasn't even been named yet. His mother died in foal birth due to complications and no one knows who the father is. He's got a genetic thing... oh what did she say...”]
[“Degenerative bone disease, malformed lungs and a digestive track. The only thing strong in him is his heart. If he didn't have that he would not have been alive this long.”] Rynthia added. [“ Cloverfield Gospel was born with little brain activity and due to malformed spinal connection her brain can't tell her body to work properly. Whispering Pine was bitten by a spider while in her crib and half her chest had necropsied, far to much to heal normally at her young age. And that is just the tip of the iceberg Kiongozi. There are far worse than this.”]
[“But if she accepts all this she will die, you will be killing some one. Your mother would never do that!”]
A flash of light surrounds Rynthia as she touches the exposed limb of one of the foals, a glance to the monitor showed a marked improvement though the stasis spell on the bed kept the foal asleep. She moved to the next and repeated the process.
[“I am not my mother. If she had been able to do what I do her belief of no killing may well have been changed. She has also killed before several times, extenuating circumstances this is true, but she has still killed, thus violating the rule everyone thought she held most dear. There have been a few of use that have even speculated that had she lived to see me born I may have been killed by her as well. She was a traditionalist in that sense. The memories of the time when Zebra Gods enslaved everyone was not far off from her mind. She may have even seen no fault in the group my parents shut down not that long ago as she has been recorded as killing a infant Zebra god in the past. While I respect what she and my birth father have done, I am not so attached to ones I have never met to overlook their glaring faults.”]
Three more foals were bathed in light before she continued.
[“I was raised by the Kaisur family. Jer'rahd and Luna are my mother and father. From her I learned determination to do what is right regardless of what is thought and from him I have learned the stubbornness to stand against those who would stand before me. “] Rynthia touched another and moved to do the same for another five. [“ Miss Malaikia volunteered for this. I have not forced her, in fact I have tried to dissuade her several times, but I did make the offer. In my travels I have met many like her. Creatures willing to give up their own lives to save others. I refused many however I will not take a grieving mothers life for her child, that would leave the child with no one. But I have found ways.”]
Eight more were bathed in light before the mare continued.
[“You have met my Guards. I did not choose them, nor did my father. They all four volunteered to accompany me. Out of uniform, out of their robes they are all heavily scared, all of them damaged, yet none have seen combat. They all have in the past offered themselves to save the lives of others. Bastion has taken a weak heart from his sister. At his age he is better able to deal with it, though it may cut his life short in the long run, it will give her a chance to live. Fern has one lung and one kidney, the other is a atrophied slab of useless meat in her body. She had also given up any hope of having a foal of her own so that another may. The Changelings have given far more than that even, though with their unique bodies Boris and Natasha can heal most of the damage done to them by me, but even they are showing signs of wear. I cannot accept any of this pain and suffering into myself. I cannot, it is not how my magic works.”]
Five more were touched before the mare approached the older Zebra. [“ My father has suggested using criminals already sentenced and while I will not discount the possibility and I have done so when the healing will benefit their victims I do not use my power on the health of those who are not willing to offer it. Jer'rahd and the other gods cannot be touched by this side of my magic, though I can heal them if they are injured.“]
She looked down at the older mare who simply nodded.
[“Thank you Malaikia.”] Rynthia smiled leaning down to lightly kiss the mare on the forehead. A bright flash of light filled the room blinding Kiongozi briefly. When his eyes cleared all the monitors in the room were blinking steadily though the rise and fall of the old mares chest had ceased. Rynthia reached up placing her hoof over the mares eyes, closing them.
[“I am not a Specter of Life Kiogozi. I am the Daughter of Darkness and a Demon. I am the Bearer of the Element of Magic.”] Rynthia explained walking past him to the door to alert the nurses and the families that the foals were recovered enough to awaken, and to prepare Malaikia for burial. She paused looking back at him. [“If anything I am the scales that balance life and death. Without one the other cannot exist. I have no use for a kingdom. My calling is far more important than simple matters of state.”]
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“Prince are you sure this is a good idea?”
“I must agree Princess, what you are trying to do might not be possible.”
“Shush I didn't ask for your opinions on my plans I asked for them on how I look.” Shin grinned looking himself over in the large mirrors before her.
The Changeling colt ironically hadn't changed much as she grew older. He was still rather small particularly when compared to Queen Luna. Her wavy jade green hair flowed over his shoulders nearly reaching the floor, a crimson unicorn horn poking out of her temple parting the mane away from his face. Her amber eyes practically glowed as they regarded his image in the mirrors, her body twisting this way and that as he looked herself over. His frame was rather thin and androgynous, and she was quite certain he had a cute flank, burning crown cutiemark aside.
“Yes but both of them? At the same time? This is what sitcoms are made of!” One of her changeling retainers protested. Orb Weaver was a fairly bulky brown maned Changeling mare that had accidentally befriended the prince, now Queen. It was a long story that involved far more tree sap and glitter than any one not involved had a right to know about.
“And not a good sitcom either, more like a end of the show run where a secondary character jumps over a shark on skies or something.” the male retainer sighed. Kevin was what everyone thought of when they thought of a Changeling. A bug like pony covered with carapace with fangs and no mane or tail. The fact that he had been around a good while and had made enough friends to even be invited to the wedding of a pair of Donkeys in Ponyville right after the War of Gods was usually forgotten some how. Also they would both deny it but the pair were into each other enough that Shin could taste the love without trying.
“Pfft of course it would be if I wanted to keep each of them a secret from the other, but nope I want them both in on it too.” Shin chuckled.
“Really..... would Elusive go for that? I didn't think he was gay....” Kevin voiced.
“He's not. “ Shin practically purred, her voice much higher and her form considerably more feminine with traces of Kirin ancestry showing.
“So Rynthia's into mares?” Orb Weaver asked.
“Nope.” Shin commented with a much deeper voice, the Kirin aspects he had taken having faded and he had filled out considerably looking a more burly than feminine though his body had a few faded stripes around his limbs as if he was mimicking a Zebra ancestry now.
“I think I am lost then.” Kevin admitted.
“Look it's simple.” Shin explained with a chuckle, her form reverting to what he had been to start.
“I'm in love with both of them and I'm gonna woo and marry both of them and they're gonna marry each other....”
“Is that legal?” Orb Weaver asked.
“I'm a Princess of the Crystal Empire, and God King of the Changeling Race. Rynthia's in line for the Zebra throne and she's Princess of the former Changeling Queen and the former Regent of Gallopagos. Elusive's God King of the Kirin and a Prince of Equestria. If it's illegal we can easily change the law.”
“Are they even that into you?” Kevin asked.
“Err....... there's the sticky part. I know they like each other and I know they both like me, but both of them are so damned serious all the time they would never go after each other for being too damn busy. Which is why they need me to be the middle mare and middle stallion. It's the old herd thing. And I know that's legal because Elder Applebloom's got like eight husbands and nine wives or something.
“Four Husbands one wife.” Orb Weaver corrected. “ And she's not that old.”
“Whatever, it's her title. The point is it can be done.” Shin stated.
“Who would even wear the pants in that relationship?” Kevin pondered.
“Hopefully no one.” Shin practically purred getting an eye roll from Orb Weaver and a slight flush from Kevin.
“You are missing the biggest issue here Shin. Their parents. Jer'rahd and Princess Celestia specificity. One has been plotting for years, waiting for a mare to take interest in Elusive and the other has a leagues long track record of terrifying his daughters dates.” Orb Weaver pointed out.
“Oh no, I have that figured out already.” Shin chuckled.
“Oh this I have got to hear.” Kevin chuckled.
“It's simple really. I tell Jer'rahd that Celestia was against me dating either of them it and he'll agree out of spite. I tell Celestia the same thing about Jer'rahd and she'll agree out of spite. Both of them are quite attached to both Rynthia and Elusive that they both act like their the real parents of them.”
“That could work.... but what about Princess Twilight?” Kevin questioned.
“Bribery, I filled a few dozen scrolls of hive mind memories of lost times and spells that we hadn't shared with her yet. She'll be too distracted to protest.”
“And Queen Luna?” Orb weaver asked finally a smirk on her face.
Shin grinned wide at that.”Who do you think gave me this idea in the first place? I was only going to choose one at first, but then thinking on it I decided, to heck with it. I'm immortal, they're immortal. I can take as much time as I need to to win them over. I am the bearer of Generosity after all, there's plenty of me to share.......”
“You've been reading Mr. Pelts notes again haven't you?” Kevin sighed.
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[ another time]
“Princess? Princess Twilight?!” a voice called out.
Twilight blinked her ears perking up but she made no other move for a moment aside to stare down the guard that stood before her.
Steel Horn stared back, completely unphased by the stare down.
Twilight rolled her eyes, of course she couldn't glare him away, he was one of the last batch trained by Kaisur. She could set herself on fire and this latest batch would simply ask her if she needed water.
“I am fine Sergeant. I simply zoned out for a moment there. “ Twilight responded.
“Happier memories or just more interesting ones?” The Guard smirked before moving back to his position at the side of the throne.
“Both, though the latter doesn't take much.” Twilight responded.
Steel Horn and his fellow Guard on duty, Crimson Petal, both chuckled a little. The noble who was proposing new tax laws was not however amused and seemed to be about to speak her annoyance when Twilight cut her off.
“Mrs. Pincher.... Can I call you Penny? I'm going to call you Penny, you've been granted audience enough times that we should well be on a first name basis at this point. “Twilight started. “ Exactly at what point in the last six thousand years......”
“Five thousand nine hundred and ninety nine Princess.”Steel Horn corrected.
Twilight turned to stare at him a moment before flattening her ears. “ You will not let me forget this upcoming celebration will you?” Twilight asked and was greeted by a chorus of ' No's ' from the other Guards around the chamber, a few nobles waiting their turn, and a couple of servants passing by.
“Fiiiiiiiiine” Twilight sighed burying her face in her hooves for a moment.” At what point in the last five thousand nine hundred and ninety nine years have you ever heard about my agreeing to a tax break for the wealthy? Your proposal has some merit simply based on the upswing in revenue it would provide, but as I have told you the last six times you have gained an audience with me I will not accept the bill as you proposed it. Rewriting it to mean the same thing with different words is not going to fool me. I used to write spreadsheets for fun and early in my reign I was known as the Princess of Books......Ink Well please do not record that.....”
“Sorry Princess.” The court recorder called back. “It's preserved for prosperity as well as likely going to be added to the celebration information pack.”
“Stars...” Twilight sighed rising from the throne and walking down to the noble mare lifting the thick stack of paperwork up from the side table she had next to her throne offering it to the mare. “I have taken the liberty to completely revise what you suggested myself. The overall effect will only raise the overall tax rate by two bits a year and will cover the small deficit we have with enough bits left to spare to add more into the education and Government aid programs. I've already sent it to be run by our advisers and my sister but I doubt they will find any issue. Please do not come back again with the same thing Mrs. Penny Pincher. And don't send your husband here in your stead either, the result will be the same waste of time.”
Twilight turned heading back to her throne. The purple and silver throne towered before her at the top of the dais. The rich material of that chair could have paid the bills for Applejacks farm for two seasons. That her cutiemark graced the tall back of it gave the Princess of the Night pause.
Twilight let out a small sigh.” Court is in recess. Please return before the eleven o clock hour to continue.”
With the general mutters from the other nobles and the sputtering whine of Mrs Pincher behind her Twilight walked off and exited the chambers, her Guards following behind her.
She didn't go far from the throne room, simply out to the balcony that overlooked the Garden. Settling down with a thump as she pulled off the crown and other jewelry with a small curse as she looked up at her night.
“Shouldn't you have a pole to be stripping with Princess.” Steel Horn questioned getting a blush from Twilight and a small chuckle from Crimson Petal.
“I sometimes regret allowing every pony to be informal with me.” Twilight chuckled. “ Though I suppose it is nice to know I have another option if my Princess job doesn't pan out.”
“Id toss you some bits...” Steel Horn admitted.
“Yeah right , she'd get your entire paycheck...” Crimson Petal laughed.
Twilight smiled. Really she shouldn't expect much else from some one with Steel Horn's blood line. He was after all Celestia's great grand foal about a hundred times down the line. Still it had been a while, perhaps she might be able to coax him into being something more than a Guard. He was smart, well build and despite his snarkiness he had a sharp mind and was rather well read. She set that aside in her mind for later flirting and stared up at the moon.
Almost every one that she once knew was gone. Princess Geranium was the successor to the princess that took over for Celestia. She rather missed the arguments she had with her former student turned Princess, but Sundown had retired nearly four hundred years ago. Geranium was in the same phase of her immortality that Twilight and Sundown had gone through.
She was short tempered, morose and had thrown herself into her work hard enough that Twilight barely had anything to do most nights. The only reason the Night Court was often packed was that many preferred Princess Twilight's analytical observations and overall skill at dealing with ponies over Germanium’s brisk business like manner or doing everything as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Admittedly it had taken Twilight nearly a thousand years to finally relax from that same state, so she simply did what she could to help her sister out. After Celestia there had not been another god that interested her, though there had been a few wonderful, if short lived by her standards, relationships with others. When Celestia retired Twilight had taken over her room of memories and it was getting more and more filled as her life progressed. She expected at some point Steel Horns image would be there with her other memories, though she quickly shook that out of her mind, she had to make a few memories with the young stallion first.
Still she was not the only one still around. Though she did expect sooner or later there would come a time when they decided to stop as well. They had far more waiting for them when they passed than she did.
Thanks to them and her own efforts Equestria had grown. The Crystal Empire, Changelings and Gallopagos had all joined into Equestria long ago, through marriages, and in the case of the Zebralands had been annexed after a particularly conflicted series of nation wide votes.
The Diamond Dogs were still their own nation, but just barely, and the Griffons had been part of the Crystal Empire almost since the fall of Tirek. The Harpies and Rams had actually been forced to surrender to Equestria after a number of attacks from their nations around three thousand years ago.
The Dragon Nation had grown large, but it had remained peaceful though her own actions and negotiations. Given how she herself had bested the last ruler of the Dragons in single combat, none of the older Dragons would so much as speak ill of her under their breath
It wasn't just the ones on the continent either. Lands across and under the seas now flew Equestria's flag, all because of the actions of a traveling pair who had set out to tour the world.
Twilight's ears perked up as the door to the balcony opened and a pony poked his head in whispering something to Steel Horn.
“Something wrong?” Princess Twilight asked.
“There may be Princess. A massive.... growling, crate has been carried in and dropped in the center of the throne room.” His ears perked as the servant on the other side of the door kept talking.
Twilight smiled as she saw Steel Horn pale, and impressive feat for an already white unicorn. She already knew who was here as only one creature could do that to the normally unflappable unicorn.
“Princess... it seems Drill Sergeant Kaisur and the former Queen Luna have returned.” Steel Horn flinched as Crimson Petal whimpered.
“Oh good. They must have brought the specimens of snap dragon I asked for.” Twilight chuckled rising to head out to meet them. “I've been needing one for my research for a while now.”