The pillars were exhausted. The last several days were packed with tours through the city of Canterlot and all its historic places. While it was all marvelous and the ponies perfectly charming the city, the city was overflowing with extravagance. Everypony they had met attempted to bequeath upon them clothes, jewels, trinkets, and bits. Despite this, they had managed to learn much about the city. Both their experiences in Canterlot and their Journey to subjugate the Pony of Shadows had allowed them to see small bits of how the formerly nascent country had grown.
However, all things must come to an end. The pillars had begun to feel a terrible aching in their chests. In the back of their minds, their thoughts were consumed by an urge to leave the city and find the answers to the questions they were to afraid to ask. These questions became particularly pressing when they found themselves alone.
It had already been a week since Stygian had been released from the darkness. Celestia had decided to host a small feast for the pillars to conclude their tours about Canterlot. The table was set with a plain white linen cloth. Droves of food that the pillars recognized they had expressed interest in were stacked in tall piles along the center of the table. The ponies sat along the table
“Are you sure we can’t convince you to remain here in Canterlot?” Celestia implored. While her offer was clearly aimed at all of them, her eyes were fixed upon Star Swirl. They didn’t blame her though, considering he had acted like a second father and mentor to them.
“Your offer is quite generous Princess.” replied Meadow Brook “and the accommodations you’ve made for us are quite lovely…” her voice trailed off as the mare seemed uncertain on how to continue.
“But we have many questions about this world. When we departed we dared not hope to ever see it again. We made that peace with ourselves but now that we are back there are things we must learn for ourselves.” Sonambula concluded. Meadowbrook flashed her a thankful smile.
“What we once knew may no longer be, we wish to see our homes and learn what happened to those whom came after us.” Rockhoof took another bite of cake.
“I definitely want to see how the Pegasoplian army has fared in my absence” Flash Magnus chimed in.
“I would like to go out and see how much of Equestria’s topography has evolved in our absence… I’m not certain my place is here in Canterlot any longer.” Starswirl also acknowledged.
“Do you all feel this way?” Luna asked curiously.
“I think I may stay and teach if you have use of me,” Stygian replied “While my magical capacity is quite limited I do have quite an adept knowledge of magical theory and ancient history,” Stygian tapped his hoof to his chin “Although I may need to do a bit brushing up to expand my knowledge to account for the 1,000 years that we were… absent.”
“I may return to teach in time, I am well versed in eastern magic and know my way around an herb or two,” Mistmane spoke in her calm slow voice. “I wish to return home, to pay respects to both my ancestors and those who also came after. I can’t help but wonder how the gardens have come along.” She must out loud.
“Of course,” Luna dipped her head “When you return I have a school that may be in great need of your knowledge. Please, take your time though and I hope you find what you’re looking for.” The Princess of the night said with a kind smile.
“Have you all made arrangements then?” Celestia asked.
“No,” Stygian answered “I was waiting to speak with you and Luna a bit later to see if you had any places you felt I might best… put my skills to use.” the pale grey unicorn answered quietly.
“Then let us speak after this, in your dreams perhaps?” Luna replied happily. She looked quite elated and Celestia had a small smile forming on her lips enjoying her sister's elation.
“That would be fine with me Princess,” Stygian replied, nodding his head in her direction.
“We reached out to Princess Twilight and her other element bearers. We conveyed our wishes to them and they’ve been most kind in offering us assistance in visiting these places.” Mistmane spoke again.
“Yes, I believe some of us will be leaving in just a day or two.” Rock Hoof noted.
“We’re glad to hear it,” Celestia replied with a smile. “I want to thank all of you. For both the sacrifices you’ve made now and the one you were willing to make in the past.”
“We recognize that those choices came at a heavy price,” Luna continued “But without you, Equestria as we know it may have become a very different place. Both good and bad, they have served to help banish a great foe from within our land and made it impossible for it to return.”
“To thank you for all that you’ve done we wish to provide you with several gifts,” As if on an unspoken cue, several guards trotted forward with packages wrapped in bright and shimmering paper, secured with brilliantly colored ribbons and bows.
“Princesses, you’ve already done so much for us. We couldn’t possibly accept anything more from you.” Sonambula said quickly.
“Please we insist, they aren’t extravagant…” Luna added quickly, trying to put her guests at ease. She knew that the ponies before her were modest and weren’t particularly comfortable in the lavish palace or city of Canterlot.
“But we feel that they will serve you well on your journeys.” Celestia finished as the presents were dispersed. Uncertainly the six ponies unwrapped the packages and were stunned at what they found. A satchel with a clasp emblazoned with their cutie mark, a journal with a cover, a carved tree with their cutie marks circling its trunk, and what appeared to be a wax seal kit. The seal clearly bore their cutie marks, but the wax seemed unusual.
“For each of you we have given an enchanted satchel, it has been enchanted to carry all that you need it to and to not be so easily worn down by weathering or heavy use. The journals are magically linked, When you write it in the others shall be able to see it appear in their own journals and you can keep in touch wherever you go. If you need to write to someone specifically simple address it to them and the letter will only appear in their journal.” Celestia noted as the ponies curiously poked at their presents, gingerly touching holding them as they were examined more closely.
“If you make note of that wax kit,” Luna began to add “It’s enchanted so that when you seal a letter with that wax it will be sent directly to us. Please don’t hesitate to request anything of us. We owe you much and would be more than happy to help you should you need it.” She ended with a small smile.
“Thank you Princesses,” the pillars replied, moved by the generous gesture, yet all of them felt as if they were undeserving of it.
“We feel this is the least we can do,” Celestia continued without missing a beat. Like Luna, she had not failed to make note of her guest's more modest natures. They sat in silence staring at the gifts, Is it uncertainty or apprehension that caused them to hold the gifts so lightly? The sun Princess wondered Perhaps they just need to rest… “The moon has risen, I shall let you go. May you find nothing but rest in the days leading to your departures.” Bows and passing blessings for a good night's rest. It would be the last time that they would be gathered in one place for many moons.