//------------------------------// // Bonus scene. Drunk ponies // Story: Learning to see Luna, the story of Vivid Colour. // by Hope //------------------------------// It was a grand event, like a graduation ceremony, Vivid imagined. She'd never graduated before, so imagination was all she had. Some musicians were playing in the corner of the ball room, while ponies in dresses and suits milled about. The rest of the Archway mages were present, quite pleased to see the ceremonial position of court mage being filled after so long. None of them wanted the post, for a variety of reasons. But when it had been offered to Vivid, she'd been thrilled. It was an excuse to spend more time with Luna, after all. For the second time that evening, Vivid plucked a glass of champagne from a passing tray, carried by one of the unicorn servants. "Be careful, or you may not remember the ceremony," Clover's calm and persistently genderless voice said from nearby. Vivid turned, smiling, before freezing in shock. Clover was not wearing their robes. Instead, the pony was revealed to be a fairly young unicorn dressed in a suit, though with a dress-like skirt instead of the pants that a suit typically came with. They had the skeletal structure of a stallion, Vivid pondered, but all other markers indicated a mare. "You insist on being perplexing," Vivid commented. "I do not conceal or disguise, Vivid Colour. I simply refrain from hiding who and what I am. But this ceremony is not focused on me. It is quite focused on thee. As I said, be careful with your consumption, or you may not remember the ceremony." "I will refrain from asking for scotch then, until after the ceremony," Vivid said with a cheeky grin. She was surprised to see Clover actually smile a little, before replying. "I believe you won't have to wait much longer." Vivid turns her magical awareness found a source of power that dwarfed all others in the room. She'd come to recognize it as Princess Luna, even without trying to recognize the hue of her magic, or the outline of her shape. Walking next to her was Fine Line, and both wore ceremonial dresses. Large, frilly, with far too many layers. But Vivid couldn't focus on any other pony, so long as Luna was in the room. The music shifted to a softer, more subdued rhythm, and all the ponies present stepped aside so that Luna and Line could walk through the room and onto the small stage at the far end. As they sat, the music stopped completely, and Line spoke. "In days of old, the position of court mage was held by any unicorn who bested the princess in combat." Vivid's blood ran cold and she gulped her champagne before setting the glass aside. "But in this case, and in future appointments to the position, it has been determined that combat is an unnecessary bar to cross, when uniqueness of skill and determination of heart are considered." Vivid relaxed, cheeks a little red as she detected Clover and Luna both smiling in her direction. "In those categories, we have determined that there is only one mare suitable for the job," Line continued. "Please step forward, Vivid Colour," Luna said, her voice so gentle. Vivid did step forward, and walked up to the stage. It was only one step up, but she knew to wait for the command to take her new position next to the princess. "Vivid Colour came to us amidst tragedy," Line recited. "Chased by her past, and accused of horrible crimes. When she joined us here, there were many who doubted her usefulness, and who doubted our judgements in giving her shelter. But in the past eighteen months, she has exceeded every expectation put before her. Refining her own magic so that it will never harm another. Teaching other unicorns how to emulate her skills, and by doing so, granting us a more thorough understanding of magic itself. She has been dedicated in her studies, and passionate in sharing her knowledge when possible. This is the sort of mare that we need advising our princess in matters of magic." "Rise, Vivid, and take your place at our side," Luna said, raising a circlet and a cloak in her magic. Once Vivid took that step, the room erupted into applause, and the clothing that marked her position was placed on her head and back. The music struck up again, and the loud buzz of conversation filled the hall. "Congratulations," Luna whispered into her ear, offering her another glass of champagne, which she happily took. "Thanks only to your kindness," Vivid replied, raising her glass in a small toast before sipping from it. "My kindness? Your tenacity and eagerness to learn have served you just as well, Vivid. Do not assume that this is an assignment without merit." Vivid could hear the slight warning tone, that had a hint of playfulness in it, in Luna's voice. "Very well," Vivid said with a little bow. "Then as your court mage, I say it would be in the best interests of the magical community for you to enjoy yourself." Luna laughed, shaking her head. "Incorrigible, truly. You go off to learn under the Archway for a few months and you feel confident enough to order your princess around," she said while snatching up a glass of champagne for herself from a tray halfway across the room. Judging by Line's expression, she'd likely hoped to keep Luna away from things that would fall under "enjoying herself." "So... What sorts of things will I actually be doing? I know you said advising... Magical subjects, but... You haven't had a court mage for a while, what role will I fill?" Vivid asked as she sat, watching the party roll on, seeming quite relaxed. "Well, what do you think that a court mage should do?" Luna asked, quite amused. Vivid paused to ponder the question for a few moments before sighing. "See, all I can think of are things like sit in a closet studying, running experiments, and fighting any evildoers that attack Equestria." "While stereotypical, I think those would all be helpful uses of a court mage," Luna agreed. "There are also times when a princess is forced to cope with situations of great importance, which she may not reveal outside of the court," she said with a somber tone as she looked into her glass at the fizzing golden drink. "In those cases, a princess would do well to have ponies she respects and wishes to confer with in her court." "Oh," Vivid whispered, realizing she'd just become a confidant for the princess. "Well, at least I'm not so ordinary that our talks are uninteresting." Luna laughed, a light and airy chuckle as Vivid sipped her drink and grinned. Luna seemed to enjoy talking to her, even when Vivid was somewhat silly. It made her feel like maybe she wasn't so bad after all, if she could bring joy to the princess. "We have barely had time to speak in the last few months. What sort of training have you been taking at the Archway?" "Well, efficiency is important to them, and I suppose to our work as a whole," Vivid explained, falling into the comfortable work banter that she'd grown used to with the other mages. At some point during her long explanation, she acquired a glass of scotch as she'd hoped, and settled into a more comfortable cushion on the stage. "You enjoy drinking?" Luna asked curiously, getting a laugh out of Vivid. "I didn't drink at all until I came here. Alcohol was expensive where I lived, and I did not want to be helpless. But here, where I'm safer..." She trailed off but smiled, shrugging and expanding her magic in rippling waves, so she could admire Luna's form, her sleek wings, the way her crown seemed so delicately balanced, but firm. She also admitted to herself that Luna's other features were quite attractive, in ways that she would not feel comfortable describing. "I am quite glad you feel safe here in Canterlot," Luna said earnestly. "More than anything, I pride myself in my pony's safety and well being." "Well that sounds rehearsed," Vivid mumbled, before realizing she'd spoken out loud and flinching, cheeks red. Luna was staring at her, as well as a horrified Line, but after a moment Luna erupted into laughter, her sides shaking as she set down her glass and wiped tears from her eyes. "It is!" she crowed. "By the stars it is! Nonetheless, shame on you, Vivid. You gave poor line a heart attack," Luna said, still grinning. "I will endeavor not to do it again," Vivid mumbled around her drink, looking mostly at the floor. "Oh please, Vivid," Luna whispered as she moved closer, putting a hoof on her back. "Do not retreat back within that shell so quickly. It is rare I have a pony who can be honest with me, much less forthright. To have a friend who will be open with me would make me very happy." "Well... If it will make you happy, I suppose I will have to," Vivid said with a small smile. "After all, one must serve their princess." "Serve your princess," Luna chuckled. "I hear that phrase too often, if I'm honest. It feels as though every pony is looking to me to fix their lives, when my own life is still unbalanced, consisting largely of work." Vivid tilted her head to the side, looking at Luna in surprise. "You don't have any hobbies? Things you do besides work?" Luna laughed as she shook her head, clutching her drink and taking a deep drink. "I rule a nation, Vivid Colour. If I am not addressing urgent issues across the land, I am dealing with the daily anxieties of nobility and such. It would be exhausting if not for the joy I feel at caring for my little ponies." "Do you really?" Vivid blurted, and Luna sighed. "I do. It took many years... and for a long time I did not feel that I deserved to lead, but yes. I do truly feel joy when I care for others." "I suppose it's a prerequisite for being a princess," Vivid sighed. "No, actually!" Luna said, suddenly very chipper and almost making Vivid drop her drink as she took a large sip and coughed. "All it takes is creating or embodying a new type of magic." "Wh...what?!" Vivid squawked. "That's it? I thought... you were granted wings by the nobility of your heart!" "No, no, no," Luna laughed. "I was a Pegasus. I gained a horn when I connected my soul to the moon so I could raise and lower it, after Discord stopped nature from functioning properly." Vivid just stared, mouth gaping. She was quite happy to see that Line was just as shocked. "Create new... so, I've made new magic, the solid magic I used to use to touch things!" "Zebras use a form of it," Luna said sympathetically, patting Vivid on the shoulder. "That's why I knew how to absorb it. But you are the only pony I've seen use it!" "Well, at least something is unique about me," Vivid growled. "Oh there are many things unique about you, Vivid. Your bravery and strength, your innovative mind. The way that you turn towards me when I use my magic, as though I'm a shining light. The way that you never seem to know or care about that mess of a mane you have..." "You sound as though you admire me," Vivid whispered, her muzzle practically buried in her glass. "I do." "Why?" Vivid asked, trying to feel angry. "Why would you admire me in any way? I've done evil, I've hurt others. I have no redeeming qualities." "Then you know different Vivid Colour than I do," Luna insisted. "The Vivid I know mourns those she's hurt, which shows a good heart. She is determined to help others, and to do a good job. There's that bit of pride, but also humility. She never claims to be the most powerful, or most wise. But always offers her wisdom. She has no idea how she appears to others, and yet she seems more graceful and full of strength than mares who spend hours looking after their own appearance. I smile whenever you enter the room." Vivid's cheeks felt like they were burning, as she looked up at Luna. "Every time I see you, I feel joy that I felt like I've been missing for so long," she admitted. "Princess, Vivid," Fine Line mumbled nervously. "Perhaps this conversation..." "Ah yes, my precious public image," Luna said with an almost scathing tone as she drained her glass and stood. "Goodday everypony! Sleep well, and I shall see you all again upon the dusk court!" The crowd was sparse and had barely been paying attention, the remaining ponies having broken into smaller groups to talk. There was a scattered cheer before Vivid felt Luna's magic wrap around her. It was curious, a sort of spell that pulled her closer as though she was trying to swim through fast moving water. Then, quite rapidly, Luna constructed a spell that Vivid had never seen before. If it had been any pony else, they would have been baffled, but Vivid had been studying magic passionately for several months without pause, and was able to track how the spell specified another location. It then condensed both ponies inside of the spell down until they were almost raw magical energy. Finally, they were sucked out of the room and deposited into Luna's bedroom with a pop and the smell of ozone swirling around them. "What was that?!" Vivid squealed, as Luna pulled off Vivid's circlet and cloak. "I don't know what you mean," Luna said as she began to remove her own dress and regalia. "We've... relocated! Transpositioned! We moved!" "How remarkable," Luna murmured as she unceremoniously picked up and deposited Vivid upon the wide plush bed in the corner of the room. Vivid hesitated as she became uncertain as to whether Luna was referring to the spell, her ability to notice it, or Vivid herself. "Why are we in your bedroom, your highness?" Vivid asked as she realized her glass was empty and her head was all warm and unfocused. "What an excellent question," Luna agreed. "Except, a moment ago you were calling me Luna. I prefer that." "Very well, why are we in your bedroom, Luna?" Vivid asked, reluctant to disobey such an innocent request. "Well, Fine Line suggested we should seek some privacy if we were to continue admitting our love for eachother." "Th... That... I... That is what we were doing?" Vivid asked, a bit dazed as Luna got onto the bed and pushed Vivid gently onto her side so they could lay, nose to nose. "I believe it was," Luna whispered, smiling. An impulse raced through Vivid's heart, and thanks to the loss of control due to the alcohol, Vivid did not resist the impulse as strongly as she might have. She leaned closer, and touched her lips to Luna's. It was not a spark or shock, it didn't make everything in the world alright, or solve world hunger. It didn't even sate the hunger in Vivid's own heart, but it did grant her a moment. A heartbeat's worth of peace in a life full of turmoil. Her vision spell faded out with the distraction, and she felt only hot breath on her cheek and silky bedsheets. Until Luna's hoof graced Vivid's side, making her shiver as a tingle ran across her ribs and down to her groin, her legs twitching slightly. Her fur was standing on end, and she felt warmth deep inside her stomach, as though she'd swallowed a bowl of steaming soup. Luna's hoof then went around to Vivid's rump and pulled her yet closer, so that the smaller pony was pressed against Luna's chest and belly. "Not... worthy," Vivid whispered, getting only a soft laugh out of Luna as the princess held her close, kissing her forehead and then very gently biting on her ear. It had been laid back in fear, but the nibble prompted them to spring back up, a bit shocked at the sensation, a bit embarrassed. "No need to hide, Vivid. I want you," Luna said, her breath rippling across Vivid's ear. Vivid embraced Luna, and the night became theirs together.