I cleansed myself of the mud and dirt that encased my body as quickly as I could, and managed to do so without delaying the procession to Fillydelphia o’ermuch. At least I no longer had to worry about getting sent to the bog, albeit at the cost of my humiliation before a great many ponies. I hoped to quickly put that experience out of my mind.
The trip to Fillydelphia thankfully proceeded without incident. Being able to ride in sky carriages made the trip quick and easy, and I spent much of the trip in Mother’s carriage, either reading or speaking with her with the occasional guest joining us. Mother’s sky-carriage was made for comfort with a hint of opulence; maroon cushioning covered dark wood, and space had been provided for drinks and snacks. To my pleasure, the Great Unkindness accompanied us. Scores upon scores of ravens flew alongside the carriages and pegasi guards of the procession. Pity not everypony seemed to share my sentiments.
“Must they all come with us?” Shadow asked with a frown. The Lady Protector had decided to take a break from flying at the head of the procession, choosing to ride with us at Mother’s invitation.
I tilted my head. “Neigh, ‘tis not strictly necessary, but they wish to.”
“Some might find that unsettling,” Shadow explained. “Ravens are considered an ill omen.”
Mother grunted her agreement as she too frowned at the Great Unkindness through the window. “It makes me feel like a harbinger of doom as we fly to Fillydelphia.”
“I think that an exaggeration, Mother.”
“Death! Death! Death!” the ravens cawed.
Mother’s eyes narrowed. “It is not merely a matter of thine opinion, child. Thou must also consider the opinions of others.”
“Even when they are wrong?”
“Aye.” Mother crossed her forelegs over her chest. “They will hold onto superstitions regardless of their validity, including the belief that ravens are an ill omen.”
“But I like the Great Unkindness and find them useful.” Really, I did not understand why ponies were so wary of ravens. They were hardly a threat to us, and only feasted upon the dead. Especially when hundreds had died of battle or plague, causing unkindnesses to descend upon the corpse grounds to peck out their eyes and tongues. But that was merely their nature, and hardly a malign one.
“I ne'er said to cast them aside, child,” Mother answered, “merely to be mindful of how others view them. Even the most powerful must consider how others will perceive them and their actions. Failing to take precautions just invites trouble.”
“Ah, that is something different entirely.” That point I could understand readily enough. Even Mother had gotten into trouble now and again due to miscalculating how ponies would react to her actions. It had even cost her titles a few times, even if she always managed to regain them.
Mother nodded. “So it is. Thy ravens can be greatly effective, but such a tool should be used carefully.”
Shadow frowned as she looked to Mother. “So she should desire to frighten and unsettle others?”
“Mother does all the time,” I said. “She often sends those that displease her scurrying away.”
“It can be a useful tool.” Mother grinned as she tapped one of Shadow’s wing blades. “And one you have used as well, dear Shadow.”
Shadow’s frown did not falter, but her voice softened slightly. “It has its place, I will grant.”
I put aside my book as I considered the matter in front of me. “I have learned something of intimidating others. Sometimes 'tis necessary to scare someone to accomplish what I desire or to appear strong. 'Tis not as though I am regularly terrorizing anypony, but I have found ponies fearing me by a measure has a place. ‘Tis certainly better than them holding me with nothing but contempt.”
Mother nodded. “Indeed. Know what tools are at thy disposal and use them to thine advantage.” Her gaze turned back to the Great Unkindness. “Considering that the ravens frighten ponies, especially when they are in such great numbers, dost thou wish to frighten others on this occasion?”
If ravens did frighten ponies, however silly that might be, then ‘twould be unwise to have the Great Unkindness around when this was supposed to be an official procession by the Grand Vizier and Lady Protector. While a statement of strength had its place, that could be done without causing panic. “No, probably not. We wish to be greeted by the ponies of Fillydelphia with open arms, not make them quail in terror.”
Mother smiled, looking pleased with herself. “Indeed so. So thou knowest what do?”
I sighed and nodded. “I suppose I could instruct the Great Unkindness to disperse over the countryside. That should prevent them from upsetting everypony while keeping them near enough on hoof should I need them.”
“That is all I can ask,” Shadow said, a note of relief in her words.
I leaned my head out the window and called out to Trinket in the raventongue. The High Marshal of the Great Unkindness landed on the window sill and bowed. “Yes, Raven Queen?”
“Could you spread the Great Unkindness out across the countryside around Fillydelphia?” I inquired. “That should make it easier to forage for fodder since I doubt the city itself will have much for you.”
Trinket’s head bobbed. “Of course, Raven Queen. I will see that it is done.” He bowed and flew off to give my command to the Great Unkindness.
Mother watched on with interest. “I really must learn that spell at some point.”
“I can teach you how to communicate with the ravens,” I told her, “though I am not sure if they will listen to any command you give like they do for myself.” Corva had been the one to taught me raventongue, though I had been mildly surprised to find them always willing to follow mine instructions. My spirit benefactor assured me this was normal, even if she had been brief on the details for why this was so. She was always evasive when given questions she did not wish to answer.
Mother cupped her chin in her hoof. “They did seem particularly interested in thee e'en before thou didst learn to speak with them.”
I nodded. “Aye, they even call me their raven queen, though I am not sure why. Still, they do as I say.”
“So they do.” Mother’s gaze became more intense as it focused on me. “I admit, I am curious as to why they follow thee so keenly. I have a few theories.”
This immediately perked mine interest. “Oh?”
“I would like to hear thine own thoughts first, child.” Mother smiled in a self satisfied manner. “Sharing my theories might color thy thoughts.”
I scratched the side of my muzzle, considering mine answer. This was often Mother’s way with inquiries. “It might be a magical anomaly specific to myself. 'Tis far from unknown, if rare, for ponies to have unique magical abilities and talents. For example, many amongst the animal handlers can speak with a great variety of beasts, so ‘tis not so much a stretch that I have a similar link with ravens.”
Shadow tapped her cheek in thought. “Aye, that is indeed so.”
I crossed my legs over my chest as I pondered my relationship with the ravens. “And there does seem to be a bond here. Something ... real. Like an oath or sacred sworn promise 'tween us.”
Mother’s eyes narrowed and her tone turned harsh. “Didst thou make such a bargain?”
I tilted my head in surprise at such a reaction. “Neigh, I have made no bargains.”
Mother’s scowl grew as she gave me the scrutinizing look she used whenever trying to pick out a flasehood. Corva’s whispers came to my mind. “She is suspicious of our relationship, my friend.”
“Not without reason,” I replied, communicating as fast as my mind could think the words. “Making deals with many spirits is dangerous.”
“No doubt,” Corva agreed. “Thus why I argued against making a bargain with that fey back in Honeyfield, or any other spirit.”
“Yet you still make your own offer for a deal.” Corva’s deal was intriguing, but I was not sure if ‘twas wise yet. I had been taking my time to think it over and see if there might be some manner by which I was being tricked. Thus far I had not thought of any trickery with her offer, but there was no reason to rush into a deal quite yet either.
“So I have, but that is because I wish to help my friend and student. I wish to see thee avoid harm and succeed in thine aims. Power will aid thee in that.”
“And that is it?” The lack of gain on Corva’s part was what made me so suspicious. The number of purely benevolent spirits were exceedly rare in the world.
Corva took a couple moments to reply. “If I am to be honest, I have come to value thy company. ‘Tis rare when I can converse with anyone, and thy lessons have come to be the highlights of my nights. The idea that something might happen to thee ... disquiets me.”
Could that be the truth, even in part? ‘Twas strange to think of a spirit as a being capable of being lonely, but such was certainly possible. Many spirits were sociable, relatively speaking, so ‘twas not impossible that Corva would truly miss me. Indeed, her bargain might very well be intended to make sure that I could not abandon her.
“I do not like the idea that anything might happen to me either,” I said.
“That is why thou shouldst accept my power to better protect thyself.” There was a momentary pause, and then Corva spoke more cautiously. “Though I fear thy mother does not trust thy judgment enough to make thine own choices, especially where this is concerned.”
It was a struggle not to frown in reaction to Corva’s silent words. “Mother is always rational. I am sure she could be convinced the bargain is sound if need be.”
“Then why not ask her how she would feel if thou didst make a bargain?” Corva prompted. “See how she reacts.”
I decided to do exactly that and addressed Mother. “Would it be so bad if I had made a bargain?”
“Idiot child!” Mother snarled. “What hast thou done?!”
“Sunbeam!” Shadow rebuked in a harsh tone. I myself recoiled from her harsh reaction. It felt as though she was going to leap at me.
Mother closed her eyes and took a long breath. Stock-still, I barely dared to breathe before she finally spoke. “My words were harsher than intended, Midnight, but bargains are very dangerous. I would not have thee make any without my prior approval ... and I would not grant that lightly.”
“As I feared, thy mother does not trust thee.” Corva tsked within my mind. “How would she react if she knew of our relationship, do you think? Especially when you have hid it from her for so long?”
My body stiffened at the thought. Based on how Mother had snapped at the mere suggestion I might have made a deal, I could not see her being happy with my lessons with Corva no matter how useful those lessons might have been. Still, I felt wounded that Mother could not trust me. “I am aware of the dangers,” I told her levelly. “I am no fool.”
“I am sure thy mother knows that.” Shadow gave Mother a pointed stare. “Is that not so, Sunbeam?”
Mother shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “Yes. Yes of course.”
“She doubts thee,” Corva said. “Hypocritical of her.”
“Hypocritical? What do you mean?”
“Discover for thyself,” Corva prompted. “Ask her if she ever made a deal with a spirit.”
My frown deepened. “Have you ever made such a bargain?”
“I have,” Mother admitted. “My duties as an archmagus require much of me, including contacting and making deals with spirits. But I am much older, wiser, and most importantly, far more experienced than thee.”
Corva spoke once again. “One must wonder if she was as old and experienced as she is now when she first made those deals. I doubt she was any less headstrong in her youth, and she has always been confident in her abilities.”
“Aye, but there is still the fact that she is more experienced now,” I insisted, though the excuse sounded lame even to myself.
“And how dost thou think she gained the power she now possesses?” Corva asked. “She is quite possibly the mightiest unicorn in the world. Always she overpowers thee despite all thy progress. Dost thou think that can merely be explained as raw talent?”
Was that true? Had Mother made some sort of bargain that gave her the power she now possessed? That would explain much. For all mine efforts, I could never quite close the gap ‘tween Mother and myself. Mayhaps ‘twas because she had aid that I was not aware of. She certainly kept secrets from me, both out of necessity and habit. Was this one of those secrets?
“I see,” I said, half to Corva and half to Mother. “I will keep that in mind.”
“Very good.”
Shadow cleared her throat. “Thy mother is merely concerned for thy wellbeing, Midnight. As we all are.”
I let out a long sigh. “I can understand that, but I am hardly a child anymore.”
Mother blinked. “Excuse me?”
I felt my back stiffen and my throat dried as I became the focus of Mother’s attention. “I said that I am in my majority, and should be treated as such.”
“And what precisely dost thou mean by that, my child?” Mother asked archly.
I felt my choler rise. Was Mother dismissing me out of hoof yet again? “I mean that mine opinion should matter concerning the direction of my life, and I worry that it does not much of the time.”
Mother opened her mouth to reply, but Shadow placed a restraining hoof on her shoulder. “And it does, Midnight. Has thy mother ever given thee cause to doubt that?”
I leaned back against my seat, carefully considering my words. “I worry that she thinks herself so right that anytime I disagree with her she will dismiss me as instantly being wrong.”
Mother snorted with clear annoyance. “I am not unreasonable, child. Didst thou not just persuade me to change my mind regarding the matter of thy patronage?”
I frowned. “I convinced you not to send me to the bog with great effort, aye.”
Mother waved dismissively. “And there you have it.”
Mother’s tone irritated me, and I crossed my legs over my chest as I looked out the window. “Then I suppose I am merely wrong about this as well.”
Mother’s jaw squared. “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“That you are always right in any conversation we have, and I always wrong,” I groused. “As it always has been, so it always will be.”
Mother let out an exasperated sigh and rubbed her temple. “If thou art going to be unreasonable and sullen, I shan't bother continuing this conversation.”
I didn’t look at her. “And I cannot force you to. Besides, I am wrong in any event, so there is little reason to.”
Silence descended over the interior of the carriage. I would not face Mother as she glared at me in annoyance. Shadow’s gaze shifted between us and the door, looking unsure as to what to do.
Soon the quiet became too much for me. “Mayhaps I should remove myself for a time?” The problem with that idea quickly made itself apparent. “Assuming I can receive assistance with that. I would not wish to plummet from this carriage and strike the ground at such speed to shatter all my bones and splatter my flesh about as my body is obliterated in a shower of viscera and gore.”
Shadow moved next to me. “I will aid thee.”
I sighed and nodded. “My thanks, assuming I am not too difficult to carry.”
Shadow smiled wryly. “Thou art somewhat larger now than when thou wert a young filly, but I can manage.”
“Aye, I am still and forever shall be quite small,” I grumbled, though I did not reject her help. I wished to be out of the carriage and Mother’s presence for a time, and Shadow’s aid was my best chance to do so.
Mother said nothing as we departed into the sky. Shadow’s wings flapped as she stabilized herself and matched speed with the rest of the procession. Despite her age, she bore my weight and keep up with the other pegasi, no mean feat while carrying me on her back. “Didst thou have a particular destination in mind?”
I shook my head. “No, I did not.” My flight from Mother had not been well planned, something that further irritated me. I was not some emotional child who made decisions on a whim with no thought for the future.
”Mayhaps just a scenic flight, then?” Shadow suggested. “I would not object to the chance to stretch my wings.”
“That would be fine.” I shifted so as to make myself and Shadow more comfortable. “Mayhaps we can find Morning later. I could travel with her for a time.” ‘Twas a pity Gale was not here, as I would dearly have liked to speak with her. She was usually willing to listen to me whenever I had trouble with Mother. Though I supposed Shadow was also good for such discussions.
“Very good then.” Shadow straightened her wings to glide for a time. “I was thinking to stop at the next village we flew over in any event. Our pegasi could use the break, and ‘twould be good to have a meal if possible.”
“That sounds reasonable.” It sometimes surprised me how exhausting traveling could be, even when I was merely a passenger. But waiting and being occasionally bumped around took its toll over time and I would not mind an opportunity to stretch my legs.
At least it was a fine day for travel. The weather, while cloudy, was calm and the temperature was pleasant. The hilly country below us was dotted by the odd farm, small forests, and bodies of rivers. ‘Twas a pleasing sight, but it did little to comfort my soul from what weighed down on it.
I sighed. “Shadow, may I ask you something?”
“Aye.”
I saw no other way to address the matter. “Am I wrong in wanting mine independence from Mother?”
“It is a natural thing for any child to want.”
I let out a huff, not finding the platitude particularly helpful. “But am I right? I do not wish to be under Mother's hoof forever, but I do not think she will respect me if I do not stand up for myself.” I grimaced thinking over my last argument with Mother. “But neither do I wish to hurt her ... or face her wrath.”
Shadow took a moment to answer. “I think that thou must find thine own place in this world, as all ponies do. Thy mother ... wants what she feels is best for thee.”
I grumbled under my breath. “That is good advice, but much easier to say than to act upon.”
“So it is,” Shadow acknowledged. “What is best for a pony is very difficult to determine. And for all that Sunbeam likes to believe she sees the world perfectly clearly, she has her own ... misjudgements.”
I murmured in agreement. “And she does not like to have those misjudgments laid before her.”
“Dost thou enjoy lingering upon thine own errors?”
I shook my head. “No.” Indeed that was part of mine issue with Mother: always she poked and prodded endlessly at every perceived misstep. ‘Twas infuriating, at times.
Shadow flapped her wings to make way to the head of the procession. “Neither does she.”
I signed and squeezed Shadow. It felt good to be this near to her once again and flying on her back. It reminded me of when I was a filly. “I am not quite sure how to proceed, other than to charge forward, probably making Mother even more wroth with me. We cannot seem to agree on many things.”
“That will happen, at times,” Shadow answered. “More than once I have disagreed with Gale, and I suspect ‘twill be the same with Ash when he is older, but I still love them both with all my heart. Explaining thyself will help a great deal, but with family some discord is inevitable.”
“I feared as much.” I exhaled. “Nothing to do but proceed, then.”
“Indeed. But ne'er forget that she seeks what she feels is truly best for thee.” Shadow craned her neck to give me a pointed stare. “And also do not forget that just as she can be mistaken, so can thou.”
“I am aware,” I grumbled.
“I would not see discord ‘tween thee.” Shadow turned her gaze away from me. “It can be all too easy for a parent and child to quarrel, until ‘tis too late. I caution thee not to err in such a way.”
I frowned but nodded. “I will keep that in mind.” I laid my head against the back of her neck, now tired of this conversation. “At least I have convinced Mother not to send me to the bog, even if I still must decide who to pick as my patron.”
“Hast thou further thoughts?” Shadow sounded curious.
“You, Gale, and Morning would all make for fine patrons, I admit.” After thinking it over, I added, “Though picking you would probably be to my greatest advantage. And likely I would get to work with Gale as well if 'twere so. Mother should approve, as long as she does not need to secure another alliance elsewhere.”
“Doubtless,” Shadow agreed. “And I am flattered thou wouldst select me as thy patron.”
“Mayhaps we should speak with Mother about it?” I suggested. “At least, once her choler has had time to cool.”
Shadow nodded. “I think that a fine idea. There should be plenty of time in Fillydelphia to discuss the matter. And should thy mother wish another patron for thee, we can discuss it.”
“That sounds as good a solution as any.”
It seemed that my fate was to be decided in Fillydelphia.
The next day of travel went by uneventfully. At Shadow’s request, I spent the morning tutoring her son on a couple of topics he was having trouble with in his studies. I suspected she was mostly seeking to separate me and Mother until tempers could cool. Placing the two of us together in a carriage right now would be akin to putting a lid on a boiling cauldron; ‘twas not as though I did not wish to reconcile with Mother, but ... such would be difficult. Especially when she would no doubt demand I admit to the sins she convinced herself I had committed.
‘Twas late in the day when we at last reached Fillydelphia. The city itself was dominated by the surrounding geography: a river ran through it, creating the valley the city rested in as hills stretched over each side, sturdy earth pony buildings filled the walls, and smoke billowed into the sky as the industry city worked. Fillydelphia was an bustling city with a long history, great monuments and places of business visible even from the sky.
Though what occupied our attention was one of the structures on the outskirts of the city. Castle Arcana had great walls that merged with the city’s own, and a central keep whose Unicornian-style architecture stood out from the simple utilitarianism of the earth pony efforts surrounding it. Unlike most castles, nearly the entire courtyard was filled with yet more buildings. The limited clear space within was a garden and a long runway intended to allow pegasi an easy place to land.
The Castle Arcana was the heart of the Magi Order in Eastmarch, and within its walls were the various offices, research labs, storage rooms, and all the other needs of the ponies who lived and worked within. (1)
1. The Castle Arcana was in fact established between Unicornia and the Earth Pony Government in 272 BCR as a joint venture between the two nations. The EPG didn’t desire such a structure within their capital city of Manehattan, but there was still need of a base for Unicornian agents within Eastmarch. With the growing unicorn population in Fillydelphia, it was decided to build the castle to help service the needs of the unicorn population both within the city and the surrounding region. Over time the Magi Order took over the castle as their numbers in the city swelled, and it eventually became their home base in Eastmarch. Indeed, it was in no small part due to the influence and cooperation between the unicorns and earth ponies within it that Fillydelphia sided with Celestia during the Lunar Rebellion.
Our procession descended towards the landing strip, and soon we were back on the ground. Once within the castle, I sought out Mother with Ash at my side. It seemed best to take my place at Mother’s side quietly without making issue of it. She would desire for me to be at her side as she proceeded, and I was not about to make a show of the discord ‘tween us. Such would embarrass Mother publically, and that was not something I would readily do. Arguing in private was one thing; ‘twas quite another for us to quarrel where all could see and seek to exploit the rift.
“Mother,” I said to her as serenely as I could manage.
“Midnight,” Mother said with equal detachment. “I trust thou art ready to meet with everypony?”
I nodded. “I am.”
“Good, now be at thy best behavior,” Mother told me. “‘Tis important to make a good impression on Archmagus Tempus.”
I let out a huff and tried to suppress mine irritation over being lectured once again. “I am aware.”
Before Mother could saying anything else, a small collection of ponies emerged from the keep. At their head was an elderly unicorn stallion who walked with the measured steps of somepony in their later years. His coat was a faded yellow, his mane a short-cropped trio of of brown stripes, and an orange magus cloak covered what I knew to be an hourglass cutie mark. Archmagus Tempus Fugit’s wrinkled old face was warm as he smiled at us. “Archmagus Sunbeam and Lady Protector Shadow, so good to see you again.”
Mother smiled back at her fellow archmagus. “Tempus.”
Shadow inclined her head. “And you as well.”
“I trust your journey was not too difficult?” the Archmagus of Eastmarch asked.
Mother shook her head. “Not at all. How are the Conclave preparations?”
“Progressing well,” Tempus informed her. “Nearly everypony has arrived in Fillydelphia, and everything else is in order.”
It certainly seemed like the castle was full. All about us ponies bustled about, and multiple servants came out of the keep to clear the runway of our procession and get everypony where they needed to go. The pressing need to do so became obvious when another sky carriage appeared on the horizon. I doubted there was a single inn in the city that would not be full this night thanks to the conclave. Thankfully Mother and I were distinguished enough guests to get a room within the keep itself.
“No problems?” Shadow asked.
“None worth mentioning.” Tempus waved dismissively. “You have your usual hundred and one problems that come up with something like this. You know how it is. There is all the food preparations, Count Sand Dune does not wish to have a room near Magus Change Forge, and everypony’s running about trying to get instructions on what to do and find what they need. So the usual.”
Shadow’s ears perked slightly. “Food does sound quite appealing.”
Mother shot Shadow a sly grin. “It seems our Lady Protector is hungry.”
“We have been on the road for quite some time,” Shadow replied with an even tone. “And some of us had to fly to get here.”
Ash smiled brightly up at Shadow. “I am hungry as well, Mother.”
Tempus smiled and gestured for us to follow him. “Come then, I have refreshments arranged for you.” We all started following him towards the keep as he continued speaking. “Though I suggest leaving room for dinner; there is a banquet tonight for everyone in the main hall. Your rooms have already been prepared, and your luggage will be carried there as well, and I can arrange for baths to be drawn for those who want them. No doubt you want to remove the dirt from the road.”
“Aye, that will certainly be a consideration.” Mother glanced back at me, an amused twinkle in her eye.
“I doubt you would wish for me to appear anything less than my best for a conclave,” I replied, though in truth I had managed to avoid becoming too dirty during the journey. Nowhere near as dirty as I had made myself just before setting forth. Though I could not help but notice the clouds being gathered that night. It seemed the weather pegasi planned on a rainstorm despite the conclave taking place. Or mayhaps ‘twas because of the conclave; I would not put it past some vindictive pegasus or hater of politics to literally rain on our meetings out of spite. Thankfully anything I needed to attend would be inside and away from the rain and mud.
Tempus’ gaze shifted to me. “My my, is that little Midnight? It feels like ages since I last saw thee.” He smiled at Mother. “I hear she is becoming something of an accomplished magus. Tales have even reached this old stallion’s ears.”
Mother smiled as she puffed out her chest. “More than something of one. She is quite the up-and-comer. Expect to hear more stories of her success before long, mark my words.”
My cheeks flushed at Archmagus Fugit’s praise and the rare compliment from Mother. “You are too kind.”
“Nothing not earned if what I hear is correct, but we can speak of thine accomplishments later,” Tempus assured me before turning his attention to my companion. “And I believe this is your son, Lady Protector?”
“Aye, this is Ash.” Shadow smiled slightly and patted her son’s back, causing his chest to swell. “A fine young lad.”
“No doubt,” Tempus said. “‘Tis just good to see that my prestigious guests felt they could bring their children with them to my home.” Tempus stopped in one of the keep chambers where tables had been set up with drink, fruit, and some cooked vegetables. ‘Twas nothing elaborate, but perfectly serviceable to ponies fresh from the road.
The feast instantly caught Ash’s full attention. “Mother, can I get something to eat? I am hungry.”
Shadow nodded. “Certainly. I trust you can help with that, Archmagus?”
“Naturally.” Tempus waved to one of his retainers. “Tick Tock, retrieve some snacks and drinks for our guests. They require refreshments from their travels.”
A quick look showed that Tick Tock was a youth just entering adulthood. His face sprouted whiskers that still failed to come close to forming the prestigious beard of his master, and his body was rail-thin without any of the thickness that came with maturity or a vigorous lifestyle. He stepped without assurance as he moved to the concession tables. “O-of course, Archmagus!”
He scooped up refreshments for us as quickly as he could manage while under the gaze of some of the most powerful ponies in Equestria. Soon the silver tray was full and he trotted over to us, but just short of us he stepped on the hem of his cloak, falling forward as everything came tumbling out of his grip. The next thing I saw was a silver tray flying at my face.
I cried out as the tray stuck me along with a dozen other projectiles, and I rubbed my muzzle as I took stock of the damage: Mother, Shadow, and Ash had all also been hit by items on the tray. Mother was dripping with wine and had several leafs of cabbage hanging off of her, and Shadow was similarly covered in fruit and vegetables, narrowing her eyes at the hapless apprentice.
Tick Tock pulled himself from the floor, his eyes wide as he saw his handiwork. “A th-th-thousand apologies! Here, let me help.” He looked around desperately to find something with which to clean the mess he had created, and with nothing readily available, pulled on the hem of his cloak and raised it.
Mother swiftly rebuffed him by pushing him away with a firm hoof. “Clumsy oaf! Do not touch me, I will attend to myself.” She cast a spell to clean the mess from the two of us. She saw that I was rubbing my muzzle from where the tray had struck me and cupped my chin with her hoof that she might better examine my face. “Art thou well, child?”
“I am,” I said. “None of my bones have fractured, causing me to fall the ground in immense pain in response to my skull being fractured. Nor my skin broken, giving me a crimson mask of mine own blood as it bleeds forth.”
“Good.” Mother’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Tick Tock out of the corner of her eyes. “For his sake.”
Tick Tock gulped and took a couple steps back to hide behind his master.
Ash glowered as wine dripped off of him. “Mother, may I fetch mine own food and drink?”
Shadow nodded. “Certainly.”
Tempus sighed and his shoulders slumped as Ash went to feed himself. “Tick, go and make sure the rooms for our guests are ready. And perhaps have some baths drawn for them, no doubt they would like to freshen up after a long trip on the road.”
Tick Tock’s mouth worked silently for a few moments before his ears wilted. “Yes master...” He slipped out to carry off his master's orders, his tail all but between his legs.
Tempus turned his attention back to us. “My deepest apologies. Mine apprentice means well.”
“Such accidents happen,” Shadow assured him. “Think no more of it.”
I rubbed my muzzle to relieve the pain. “Aye, I am sure the rest of the conclave will fare better.”
Servants escorted us to our rooms within the keep, and soon we were making preparations for the upcoming banquet. ‘Twas after I finished my bath that a page came with a message from Morning, informing me that she wished to see me at mine earliest convenience. Curious, I made myself presentable and headed to her room. Morning had been given a two-bedroom suite—far from the most luxurious accomodations within the keep, but sufficient for a guest who needed a few nights of rest.
As I entered the room, I found Morning going at Nova’s mane with a brush, much to the obvious irritation of her daughter. Morning sighed with exasperation as she attacked the tangles within Nova’s wild mane. “How do you make such a mess of this in such a short time?”
“My mane is fine,” Nova grumbled, the brush pulling her head to the side.
“Thou wouldst say otherwise if thou couldst but see it,” her mother chided.
I considered Morning to be in the right; Nova’s mane was a untamed thing whose resistance had not been quelled by brush or scissors. It had been as such for as long as I had known her, and had been a regular source of complaint for Morning.
Nova glowered as she suffered the attentions of her mother. “Why do I even need to attend the conclave? Politics bore me so, and there is far more productive work to be done in my lab.”
“Because thou art a magus, and my daughter besides,” Morning explained as she laid siege to the forest before her. “This is part of thy duties and, need I remind thee, politics is how thou wilt fund thine experiments. The stipends for thy lab must come from somewhere, and gaining the favor of other influential magi will allow it to remain soluble.”
Nova groaned unhappily, unable to counter her mother’s argument.
“I do not understand why ponies do not like politics,” I said in order to announce my presence. “I find them quite interesting.”
“‘Tis the lifeblood of the magi.” Morning gave me a warm smile. “Hello, Midnight.”
“Greetings Morning, Nova.”
“HellOW!” Nova grimaced as another tangle was worked out of her mane. “And ponies call me touched in the head. I think anypony who likes to stand around talking about taxes and what Lord High-and-Mighty said about Lady Importance at the last ball suffers from their own sort of madness.”
Morning shook her head as she continued brushing. “Perhaps, but in a mad world one must endure and accomodate the madness of others.”
Nova sighed and rolled her eyes. “Very well, Mother.”
“Good then. With that discussion is out of the way, I would like to address thee, Midnight.” Morning frowned as she looked me over. “I heard thou hadst a bit of a disagreement with thy mother. Is all well?”
I grimaced. It seemed that mine argument with Mother had gotten around, or at the very least Shadow had told Morning what had transpired. “Mother and I ... have been quarreling, aye.”
“What about?”
I sighed, not particularly enjoying the idea of talking about this, but there was no escaping it without offending Morning. “Because she is always disapproving of everything I do. I try and please her, but always I seem to fall short of her expectations. Furthermore, I do not wish to be a mere minion to her for the rest of our days together, but she becomes angered anytime I even hint I disagree with her. ‘Tis extremely vexing.”
Morning considered that for a moment. “And I am sure she would say thou art being vexing and willful. Is that not so, my child?”
“That is so.” I started pacing as much as the room allowed. “It raises her choler when I disagree, and she does not readily tolerate us differing in any opinion.”
She worked out a particularly stubborn knot out of Nova’s mane. “Ow, Mother!” Nova glowered and rubbed the top of her head vigorously.
Morning blinked. “Sorry, Nova.” She returned to her brushing, moving with more care. “Anyways, it is ... not unheard of for mother and child to disagree. Thou doubtlessly heard mine own debate with my daughter a few moments ago. However, there are degrees of disagreement.”
Thinking that over, I could not form a counter argument. “That might be so, though with Mother everything tends to be her being right and everypony else wrong. She does it even with Her Highness, even going so far as to insult Princess Celestia. I have seen it with mine own eyes.”
“That is true.” A slight grin showed itself on Morning’s features. “She can be every bit as stubborn as her daughter.”
I blinked slowly, not understanding her words. “I am not stubborn. In fact, I am very logical and reasonable.”
Morning’s grin grew. “And is that not what thy mother says as well?”
I thought of all the times Mother had been declared stubborn to her face, and how many times she had used a similar defense as I had just done. “Aye…”
Nova snorted softly as her mother put the final touches to her mane. “Midnight, I mean this as a friend, but you can be one of the most stubborn ponies I have ever met. Remember how insistent you were in organizing my work station?”
“Because ‘twas messy,” I reminded her. “I brought order to the chaos of your life.”
“I had a system!” Nova argued. “Everything had its place.”
I tilted my head, wondering how the mess Nova had made of her work area when we had been apprentices could possibly be any kind of system. “But ‘twas messy.”
Morning cleared her throat to interrupt our brewing feud. “My point is that few ponies are more stubborn than the ones convinced they are completely reasonable and all others are not. Something Midnight inherited from her mother.”
My head tilted further. “I did?”
Morning chuckled. “Oh yes, you are very much your mother's daughter.”
Nova nodded. “Undoubtedly.”
“Oh.” I was not sure how to take that information if ‘twas true. I had never thought of myself as stubborn, but Morning would not lie to me, and if she was right...
Morning smiled maternally as she finished combing Nova’s mane. “Did that help, Midnight?”
I frowned. “No, I am very confused now. That is irritating.”
“What confuses thee?” Morning asked.
“I do not know what to do with this information.” I sighed. “Talking with Mother is ... difficult.”
“As it often is when both of you are firmly convinced that you are right and the other wrong.” Morning idly inspected Nova’s mane. “Perhaps thou and she both need to learn to bend.”
“Mayhaps.” I stopped pacing and shook my head to clear my thoughts. “I will try and talk with her later. The banquet is to take place soon, and there might not be time to say everything in full before then.” And ‘twould probably help to take some time to calm my thoughts and think about something else for a time.
“Remember her perspective and be willing to compromise,” Morning advised me. “She will be unlikely to bend if thou art not willing to do the same in turn.”
“Mayhaps I should treat this as a negotiation then? That sounds like it might be wise.” That sounded logical; treating Mother as something of an equal to be negotiated with should work much better than acting purely as a subordinate daughter. “I thank you for your wisdom in this.”
“I do have some experience in motherhood.” Morning kissed the top of her daughter’s newly tamed head.
Nova let out a huff. “Are we done now?”
Morning tidied up her mane just a bit more before nodding in satisfaction. “Yes, dear.”
“Thank you!” Nova shook out her mane, ruining much of her mother’s work as she returned her mane to its natural disheveled state. She grinned and ran off before her mother could stop her and make a second attempt at taming her mane. Morning sighed and rolled her eyes to the heavens.
“I suppose I better get to the banquet hall myself,” I said. “Mother will be expecting me.”
Morning looked me over and her brush twitched as her eyes settled on my mane. “Indeed she will. But first...” She tsked and started brushing my mane.
I blinked. “Morning, what are you doing?”
“While I have the brush in hoof...” Morning went about combing my mane to bring it in line.
Knowing the futility of escaping this fate, I sighed and let her do as she wished. The thing about having a mare you saw as another mother is that she sometimes treated you as another daughter, with all that entails.