In the time it had taken for all the ponies to recover from their spell working, teams of pegasi messengers, medical orderlies and stretcher-bearers had arrived at the Castle of the Two Sisters. Those with medical expertise were directed pick up the fallen from the aerial battle over the Everfree, whether they were from friendly or hostile forces; there was to be no discrimination.
Luna leant in close to whisper something in her sister’s ear and Celestia nodded.
“Twilight Sparkle” requested Luna “Prithee willst thou attend us?”
The young unicorn trotted over, now no longer overawed at being in the presence of Royalty.
“Thou hast demonstrated great knowledge of magic and its applications” Luna began “And we are most impressed.”
Twilight blushed bright pink at the compliment.
“We have the ability to direct magic inaccessible to any other in Equestria” Luna continued “Thou hast shown a rare gift with magic and we believe that thou, above any other of our subjects, should be given the opportunity to explore these realms under our tutelage.”
“What she means” said Celesta, translating “Is that she wants to take you as her private student. I suggest you might want to say ‘yes’.”
“Oh, thankyou thankyou thankyou!” Twilight stumbled over her words and rushed to give Luna a big hug.
Initially a little alarmed, Luna wrapped a foreleg tenderly around the neck of the young mare as she nuzzled in close.
“I think that’s a ‘yes’” said Celestia.
Once the medical teams had confirmed they had done all that could be done, Celestia led the six mares and the surviving guards out to the two remaining chariots.
“Mares and Gentlecolts” she began “I have received word that parties are breaking out across Equestria, and I believe that you have earned your share. Let us not dwell here, but head for Canterlot to join in the celebrations.”
Of the 54 guards that had begun the adventure, there were now only three of Celestia’s guard and five of Luna’s Bat Ponies.
As a mark of respect to Celestia’s charioteers that had been lost in the battle, she requested that two of her remaining guards may be allowed to pull Luna’s second chariot. Her sister accepted of course, and two stallions of the Royal Guard and two Bat Ponies were harnessed to the chariots ready for their passengers.
The six mares walked out to the chariots, three in each, Rainbow Dash not putting a hoof out of line this time.
“Rainbow Dash” said Celestia, summoning Rainbow to her at the front of the convoy.
“Would you like to fly alongside with the guards?” she enquired.
At this, all the guards stood to attention and saluted the cyan pegasus who returned their salute smartly whilst inside she was screaming “Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh!”
She took up position on the right hand side next to a white coated stallion of the Royal Guard, a big smile spreading right across her face.
Celestia and Luna took off first and flew in perfect formation with two chariots behind them, two Bat Ponies on their left side, a Royal Guardspony on the right along with Rainbow Dash and a Bat Pony at the rear.
When they arrived over Canterlot, they could all hear the cheers and the applause rising up from below. The chariots and the guards peeled off to land and Celestia turned to her sister:
“Time for some grandstanding I think” she said.
“Verily Sister, thou hast read our mind again” replied Luna, and then added with a smile “Art thou certain thou hast not mastered magic of which thou should be telling us?”
They banked and soared gracefully over the city, perfectly synchronised in all their movements, providing a most wonderful display for the inhabitants, who were now finally freed from the yoke of oppression and cheering the victorious Royal Sisters.
At a reception later, Twilight approached Luna to talk about the future echoes of friendship that had powered the Elements of Harmony.
“Each of the bearers hath a special attribute of which thou may or may not yet be aware” said Luna “Thou willst be aware of the loyalty shown by Rainbow Dash in battle and Pinkamena Pie’s ability to make her laugh. What thou dost not know is that our agents have reported traits of honesty, generosity and kindness demonstrated by the others. The Elements of Harmony have chosen their bearers and we have chosen thee to enhance thy magical skills; this is how Equestria will be remade.”