//------------------------------// // Chapter 25: Major life events // Story: Shield and Shadow Part 1: Rise and Fall // by LucidReverie //------------------------------// Cold. Spring Mist stood in the small room. A slight chill ran down his spine. Odd, because Princess Celestia was there, sitting right across from him, radiating her usual warm glow. Or maybe not so odd. She sat serenely at a small table. A small tea set was placed out, steam issuing from the spout of the teapot. Mist stood without saying a word. “Please, sit,” said Princess Celestia pleasantly, “Have a cup of tea.” Mist was broken from his stunned reverie by Princess Celestia’s voice. It was sweet and pleasant. Comforting. Mist felt less worried, more relaxed as she spoke. “Thank you, Princess” was all he could muster. “So, how did your evening with my sister go? Did you have an enlightening conversation?” Princess Celestia asked with a smile. Mist spoke slowly, “Yes, Princess. I think it went… well. She asked to study the night sky together.” “Oh?” “Yes. She, uh… wanted to share her knowledge of the night sky, and also learn what we, the astronomers, know about it.” “How wonderful!” Princess Celestia chirped, “I’m glad to see that she is taking an interest in engaging more directly with the public. I’m sure Caramel Tart will be glad to accommodate her, and the other scholars should be very interested in her knowledge. No pony knows the night better than Princess Luna.” Mist flinched a bit, “Ah, yes. I’m sure they would all love it, but… she asked to study with… me…” “Indeed?” Princess Celestia cocked an eyebrow. “You specifically?” “If you would think it best that the other scholars work with her, then please, let nothing I say stop you.” “No, no. While I think it would be wise to share knowledge with the entire tower, I think that as liaison, you have every right to the position. Just keep it to yourself as much as possible. We wouldn’t want jealousy to sneak its way into the hearts of your colleagues.” “Oh, of course, Princess. I understand the value of silence,” Mist reassured, “I just-” Mist trailed off. “What?” “Oh, it’s nothing Princess.” Mist shook his head. “It is indeed something,” Princess Celestia countered, “What is on your mind, Spring Mist?” “I— I don’t know how comfortable I am with the idea.” “How do you mean?” “I’ve only been at the tower a few days. Not last week I was just a city guard. I have only just met Your Majesties. I’m nopony special, and by no means the most qualified in my field. Surely somepony else would be much better suited for the job?” Princess Celestia nodded ponderously, “Perhaps there are ‘more qualified’ ponies, but for what ever reason it is, fate has provided you with opportunity. My sister chose you to work with her. I want you to do so. Things happen for a reason Spring Mist. There are no coincidences. Never let anypony get in the way of the road that has been laid out for you.” “But why me, Princess?” “That is something I cannot answer. Because it is something that cannot be answered. One can never know the why of life. Only that we must live it to our potential. Somewhat unfair, since a pony can never know their true potential…” “So what do I do?” “Do what you feel is right, Mist. That is all you can hope to do,” Princess Celestia said softly, “You accepted my sister’s offer?” “I did.” “And you did so for a reason?” “It just felt… right.” “And there it is. It seems you need no help anyway.” Mist groaned, “Fine. You win, Princess.” Princess Celestia laughed, “Only you can win or lose, Spring Mist. You are the only one with a stake in the game.” “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you and Caramel Tart were the same pony.” “I’ll take that as a compliment. She is a wonderful mare. Worthy of respect. And wiser than most her age.” Princess Celestia smiled, “Now tell me, what else happened?” Mist cringed. He could try to avoid the topic of Luna’s… episode… and the kiss, but he knew that Princess Celestia would find him out. “May I speak candidly, Princess?” “I should hope you would.” “I mean, completely candidly.” “Of course. We are friends here, I should think. Why? What is matter?” “Luna… Luna is… volatile at best. She is a little terrifying.” Mist flinched, afraid of the punishment for such a slanderous comment. Princess Celestia however, remained still and serene. “I know she can be a bit gloomy. But terrifying? What makes you say this?” “Well… I hesitated when giving my initial answer to her request. And she… exploded. Thunder, lightning, clouds, the ‘Royal Canterlot Voice’. And so much anger. Nearly destroyed the room. Then it subsided and all of that anger was replaced with sorrow. She was exhausted. Passed out for a couple of hours while I cleaned up the mess…” Princess Celestia’s eyes were only just wider than normal. “Spring Mist, I find this most troubling. And had it come from another pony, I would be disinclined to believe them, but I know there is no malice in your heart. And you withstood her… outburst?” “For the most part. Believe me, it pains me to tell you this, Princess.” “I believe you. News like this is troubling. But I thank you for your honesty. It is a rare thing when speaking to royalty. But I fear that she may be even worse than I initially thought.” “Worse? Worse than what?” “She has been unhappy for years. She has been quiet, reserved. Easy to anger and irritable. But never violent. Yet at the same time, she can be the same Luna she has always been, joyful, kind, concerned with the welfare of other ponies. But now, I fear that she is slipping further into depression.” “Why though?” “I could not tell you. She says nothing to me, despite my pleas.” “What can I do to help, Princess?” “I have asked too much. Now I fear that you may be in danger. I only asked you to help because I thought she needed a friend. But I now see she needs far more than mere company. I cannot ask you for anything more. I am sorry you have been dragged into this.” Mist, despite his conviction to help, was overwhelmed. He was seeing a side of both Princesses that he had never known existed. And Princess Celestia was being so honest, so clear. And she had regrets. She can’t have regrets. She’s Princess Celestia. She is greater than any normal pony. Regrets are… beneath her. Yet she still has them. She is still a pony, after all. A very powerful pony, but still just a pony. So what do I do? Whatever is needed. Like she said, do what you feel is right. Mist was still reeling from the openness of the conversation, learning far more than he ever wanted to. But he stood firm, resolved to help. They were his Princesses. He was a servant of the kingdom. It was his duty - guard, scholar, or laypony – to provide whatever was asked of him. “Princess, I want to help. Luna seems to listen to me. At least sometimes. Tell me what I can do.” Princess Celestia looked at Mist, “Spring Mist, I could not ask you to put yourself in harm’s way.” “I don’t believe that Luna is dangerous. Terrifying, but not harmful. I don’t think she could ever actually harm another pony -” “Perhaps not intentionally, but –” “But nothing. She is not malicious. Just in pain, for whatever reason it is.” Mist shocked himself with his behavior. Princess Celestia smiled. “You know, if it were any other pony, they would be punished for speaking to royalty in such a way.” Mist shrank only slightly. “However, I feel compelled to allow it. It is good to be reminded that we are all just ponies. Sometimes I wish we could forgo formality. But tell me, why is she no longer ‘Princess’ Luna?” Mist smiled sheepishly. “Apologies, Princess. She asked me to call her Luna. I forget that others either do not have the privilege or are unused to hearing it. I shan’t make the mistake again.” “No, no. It was just a matter of interest. Though, keep it to conversations between we three. I fear others’ opinions may become colored. Unfortunately we must maintain some decorum.” “Of course, Princess. I will be mindful.” “Could you offer me the same? Just Celestia could suffice in our conversation.” “Of course, Prin- Celestia.” Mist chuckled nervously. “Mist, you have become closer to the royal family than most ponies could even imagine. And in a short time too. It makes me wonder what is in store for you.” “I wonder that every day.” “Now, are you certain that you wish to help me and, more importantly, Luna?” “Of course. My duty is to you, and it would be my honor to help where I can.” “Again, you amaze. You fearlessly disregard decorum, yet are endlessly loyal.” “It surprises nopony more than me.” “Such is the nature of love. It transcends all else and gives us immeasurable power and strength. As such, I would have you begin your work with Luna. Tread carefully, and inform me of any notable problems.” “I will not deceive her. I will only help.” “Of course. I would expect no deceit.” “And what about my job at the tower?” “You will of course continue working there under Caramel Tart. But I will be honest, I thought you would have refused to help, considering your dream of being a scholar is so close to you.” “It’s funny. It was my dream. Is my dream, but I find that I am happiest when of service. I love studying the night sky, but I also love being of service to the kingdom and Your Majesties. If I can do both, then I will be the happiest stallion alive. That, and I have found that contentedness is subjective. Find it wherever you go, in whatever you do. I was contented in my life as a guard. I had dreams, but I never let the idea of not achieving them stand my way.” “Now it is you who sounds like Caramel Tart,” Princess Celestia grinned. Mist half-smiled. “Thank you. But it is true, all of it.” “A good personal philosophy to follow.” “And I will follow it for as long as I can. I’m glad to help and be of service. Especially considering Luna’s… predicament…” “I am glad to hear it.” “Though I have to ask – why me? Why an astronomy scholar? Why not a counselor pony?” “As I said, Luna needs a friend. She needs somepony to listen to her, somepony to share her company. Somepony with more interest in her than just as a case study or source of bits. Somepony who cares. And you genuinely care, for whatever your reasons. You have no spiteful bone in your body.” Mist exhaled, “Well, quite a challenge I have here. But, like before, don’t expect miracles.” “All I expect is that you will try sincerely.” “That I can guarantee, at least.” “Good. Now, tea?” “Please.” Celestia’s horn glowed and enveloped the teapot, warming its now cool contents. Soon steaming drink was pouring from the spout, and Mist and Celestia enjoyed lighter conversation over their tea. The visit was longer than Mist had expected, and he learned a multitude of things about Celestia and Luna’s leadership over Equestria, how the renovations of Canterlot were moving along, frustrations with the lesser royals and officials. Mist was eventually dismissed to search for Luna, to begin his new quest. Quite the change, quite the challenge.