Chapter Two-
Octavius
Stairs. Oh, how she hated them.
Luna was on her fourth flight now and, having stayed up the past sixteen hours, was in no mood to deal with the following three. She could easily just skip them, spread out her wings and fly through an open window. Hadn’t she passed one just a while back? But she was too tired to try that, it was more taxing than to simply walk. Plus it was freezing outside. Perhaps teleportation? She could blink and appear inside her bedroom, a place that she was drooling to see. But what was the point of having a tower if you weren’t going to see it?
She looked out one of the passing windows. Through it she spied a waking Equestria, bathed in the early orange light of morning. Distant trees, seemingly set ablaze from the rising sun, swaying gently in the cold breeze. Ponies would be feeling that sun soon. Some, the early risers such as her sister, had already felt it.
Below her, she could see the many townhouses and shops that made up her city. From their chimneys, white smoke rose into the sky, a sign of the life that rested within. The market would be opening soon, though the streets were still empty. A sight she was accustomed to. Not many ponies ventured out at night, especially not in winter.
Luna’s hooves clanked off the marble as she came to the top of her last staircase. It emptied out into a small hallway. To her left, and through the stained glass of windows, streamed the light of her sister's sun. In rays, it fell upon the many portraits and tapestries that hung on the adjacent wall. Lighting up her private wing.
Finally, she thought. The carpet was much more forgiving to walk on, even with her metal shoes.
On her journey through the upper northern tower, she passed many a memory. A famous sword here, a glorious painting there. Unbeknown to most of her citizens Luna held an impressive collection. She was a nostalgic being and, having been scared of forgetting, loved to keep tokens of her past. She had almost arrived at her bedroom when something caught her eye. It was a tapestry, recently hug by the castle staff. She stopped to examine it.
It spoke of a long-ago war that she had the displeasure of fighting in. On its faded fabric, and in the very center, sat a depiction of the mare in question. Luna, sporting her silver armor, and wings fully extended. In this particular piece, she seemed to be shooting a griffon down from the sky.
She remembered that day. Scholars wrote it as one of their greatest victories, but they weren’t there. Far too many had died to call it a victory. She could still hear the screaming, and taste the nauseating smell of battle. They were outnumbered ten to one. And, with Celestia injured, the burden of leadership had fallen to Luna. She had killed thousands, ending the battle after striking down their king. An honorable and noble creature, caught up in a war he didn’t want to fight, but she killed him nonetheless.
She cocked her head to the side and looked down to a raised hoof. Luna regretted every minute of that battle. At the time she was consumed with anger. That, coupled with her young age, had lead to many mistakes. From the aching cavern that was her heart, guilt and regret began to swell. To make matters worse, next to the tapestry stood the very armor she had worn.
It was old and unfit for combat, But what an insult to memory. She sighed and drooped her head, the pressure of sadness was building up behind her eyes now, threatening to break into tears. She stuffed the feelings back down into her empty heart with practiced ease.
I am so sorry.
The hall was quite as she sat vigil, taking a moment of her time to remember the past. The dead she wronged deserved that much at least. Once again she wished for a simpler life, as she had once lived. She was about to return to her journey, having remembered her fatigue, when there spoke a voice.
“Luna?”
It was quite. Well below a whisper. And its tone seemed more curious than ghastly. In the still hallway, Luna had no doubts in her mind. Looking up and around her, and with a tone of confusion she simply said, “Hello?”
She looked left, down the hall which ended in an abrupt turn. Then she turned right, where she could spy the familiar dark mahogany of her bedroom doors. The curtains that lined the walls were swaying lightly, somepony had left the windows open. Once again she called, “Hello? Is anypony there?”
The wind blew and at the very edge of her mind, she could have sworn she heard it.
“Always.”
A chill went down her spine. She was about to call out again when the telltale clip-clop of hooves, probably a maid, tickled her ears. It was much louder than her phantom voice, drawing her attention from the strange experience. Picking herself up she turned toward the sound and spoke, “Excuse me?”
Whoever it was stopped, obviously surprised. It wasn't long, however, until around the corner appeared, like she had guessed, one of the castle maids.
“You called, Your Majesty.”
“Yes. I want this moved.” She gestured towards her old armor absentmindedly. “Anywhere within the North tower is fine, just not here.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Good, do it now if you can.”
The maid gave a polite bow.
Satisfied, and content to forget her phantom voice, Luna turned towards her salvation. The doors gave their familiar greetings as they swung open, in the form of a low creaking. Before her, finally, were Luna’s bedchambers. They had a different air about them in the morning sun. The large windows gave ample room for light to pass through. That, coupled with her open balcony door, enriched the entire space with a bright empty glow. Not to mention its lack of keepsakes, she never stored them in private areas.
There were no shadows this time, as Luna made her way forwards. Her hooves almost dragged across the floor, But there was a smile on her face. Hopping onto the soft bed she stared at the ceiling with a quiet sense of joy. She closed her eyes, lost in the warm embrace. It didn't last, however. The light was beginning to irritate her. For her final act of the day Luna, eyes now open, lit up her horn. In a flash the curtains, balcony, and bedroom doors were all shut, leaving the room in familiar darkness.
Finally, she could sleep.
She could see just fine in the dark, and quickly made herself under the sheets. Tense hooves relaxed and her body followed soon after. The blankets were cool and comforting, causing her to shiver with joy. It wasn't long before, In the back of her mind, she could feel that familiar pull. A gentle pressure, as if she was being beckoned. And as her body slowly began to lose sensation, becoming a weightless shackle, Luna could feel herself falling backwards. Her breathing steadied, and her mind was at peace as the sweet embrace of sleep took her under its ageless wings.
That was her favorite part, entering the dream realm. She had spells to emulate the function, she could blink and arrive there just the same. But when she slept, through natural means, it was always a heavenly experience. Like what a feather must feel when it falls from a great height. Cool wind on your shoulders and an eternity to enjoy it. An unconscious interpretation of time, minutes could have been eons for all she cared. In this place, in this transitory state, there was no time.
But that unknowable moment, despite its paradoxical nature, does not last. And all too soon she could feel herself waking up. Her body felt light like she could run it for a thousand miles and keep on running. What she felt, as an immortal, was always difficult to describe to regular ponies. It was like having a seventh sense. A sense that gave her a kind of control. When she moved things with what others would see as magic, it wasn't her horn really doing the work. Though it worked perfectly fine and she certainly could use it for that, it was something else nonetheless. The best way she could describe it was simply that she wanted it to be moved, and so it obeyed. Now, as she began to flutter open her eyes, even that mysterious piece of her soul felt like it had been overcharged.
Around her lay an endless grassy field. To the east, sitting on the horizon, rested the rising sun. To the west, in mimicry of her sister, sat the moon. The sky was alight with the dancing of twinkling stars, its ethereal cloudy shadows streaming down onto the grassy green hills. Standing, Luna smiled a hearty smile and, in a quick flash of magic, blessed the sky with swirling blue and green auroras. She closed her eyes, this world was hers.
Her mane flew around her as if underwater, blending seamlessly with the starscape above. The dark mare took in a deep breath. The air was warm, but kindly so. And a breeze drifted across the land as Luna reopened her eyes. She could feel every blade of grass, every star and cloud and drop of dew. It was a sensation that she adored. She was as much the dreamscape as Celestia was the sun. It was here that she truly belonged.
She gazed into the sky for a while, enjoying the freedom the sleeping world permitted her, before picking out one star in particular. It was a bit brighter than its sisters, standing out against the pitch black backdrop of its canvas.
Take me there. It wasn't even a thought.
In the blink of an eye, Luna was whisked into the sky, a bright streak of light as she flew past clouds and into the stars above. On her travels, through the endless air, she passed the dreams of others. There were fewer than usual, owing to the time of day, But still, they persisted. Some were the dreams of young children, sleeping late into the day as their bodies grew steadily on and into adulthood. Some were of the elderly, past the years of responsibility, and simply enjoying a fading life. Most were ignored by Luna, as she sought out her star.
Quick was her journey, and soon was she upon its end. The world below seemed far away now, from her lofty perch. She was in the clouds, surrounded by thousands of little lights. Each one represented a pony. They looked akin to fireflies, Floating lazily through the now cold night sky.
Picking out her target, she touched her horn to the bright light. For a brief moment, her eyes burned white as her wings extended into the air. Before, in a flash, her surroundings changed drastically.
As her eyes adjusted to her new surroundings, Luna blinked wildly. From behind what sounded like a door she could hear the soft sound of what seemed to be a pleasant conversation. Yes, it was a door, she could see that now. She was standing inside a humble little hallway. Its floor was blanketed in a red velvet carpet, almost scarlet, and on the ceiling, there was a modest molding. There were no windows or picture frames hanging here, really the hall looked as if nopony lived there. Luna frowned at that, He’s gotten worse.
An outburst of muffled laughter caught her attention. The door was small, only about six inches taller than her horn, but pleasant to look at nonetheless. For a moment she debated whether or not to enter, intruding on somepony’s dream isn't exactly polite. But present circumstances seemed to warrant such behavior. So, after a brief mental deliberation, she willed the door open.
Behind it sat a small and cozy library. The ground was wooden, a little rug covering most of its area. Books and scrolls were piled on the shelves of the study, adding to what looked to be a large and neglected mess. And a fire was burning in the hearth, acting as a light source. In front of the said fire, both sitting in two large armchairs, rested a pair of ponies.
The one Luna could see had a long white mane, though it sparkled with the gleam of youth. It contrasted wildly with her dark coat which, while certainly not black, might be mistaken as such. In her hoof, she held a glass of dark red liquid, something she occasionally glanced at with her rosy red eyes. The most prominent, or perhaps to some odd, feature were her teeth. When she opened her mouth Luna was clearly able to see fangs. They weren’t particularly long, really only measuring up to large canines. And while most ponies did lack them entirely, it would be forgivable to overlook their existence.
Luna scrunched her face in confusion. The pony looked familiar, but she couldn't place her. She was beautiful. By all standards, hers was a face that shouldn't be forgotten. But then again most batponies possessed some form of beauty. The other pony had their back turned towards Luna, though she already knew who was sitting there. They clearly hadn’t heard her come in. She was still scouring her memories, hoping to identify the dream character when, in a chuckle of leavity, the conversation broke her concentration.
“Your father was such a brute! Don’t deny it.”
“He was… difficult, at times. But a good stallion nonetheless! He approved of you, Carnelian.”
Luna cringed at the name. The mystery mare was his wife, one that had passed into the afterlife a long time ago. And here Luna was, about to ruin his good dream. She drooped her head, if only a little. Something that could have easily been missed. But Carnelian was a batpony, and an attentive one at that. She stopped for a moment, as her sensitive ears searched the air. Then, with a playful grin, she said, “Hello, Princess!”
Behind the back of the armchair, Luna could hear a quiet coughing sound, like somepony was choking on their drink.
“Please come in! I hope you don't mind the clutter but we weren't expecting company.” The mare beamed up towards the old alicorn, and Luna’s breath hitched in her throat. Immortality had its benefits, but not without a price.
“Damn it to tartarus.” The voice was male. It spoke with the gruffness of old age, laced with bitter sadness. He rose his voice a fraction and, clearly speaking to Luna, said, “This is a dream, isn’t it?”
Carnelian looked to her husband, confused she said, “Whatever do you mean, my love?” she reached forward to grab his hoof but stopped. The old stallion had recoiled. A hurt look flashed across Her face and when she spoke the shadow of fear was present, “Octavius?”
A hoof appeared from behind the chair, seemingly waving away his wife he said, “Leave me, sweet phantom.”
The image of Carnelian leaned back into her chair, slowly. And, not before dawning a wan smile, faded into the background.
Octavius stared at the empty chair, for a time. He was a loyal creature, and Carnelian had been his world. It had been half a century, now, since she had died. And five years since he had gone, begging, to Luna to be set free from his immortality. He only wanted to see her again. Without her, the world had grown uninteresting. Food was tasteless, water burned his throat like sand. Even the sight of Luna’s glorious stars, something that he had always been able to find comfort in, were lost on his teary eyes.
“May I sit down?”
There was a shifting of fabric and, ever so quietly, he replied, “Leave me... please.”
“Octavius....” She was met with silence.
Luna eyed the back of his armchair with sorrow. She knew what he felt like, she knew the exact feeling. When a mortal pony loses a loved one, it’s a hard experience. But even in their sadness, there is hope. Hope in the afterlife and hope of seeing their loved ones again. It’s the thing that many cling to in the wake of death. But for an immortal creature such as Octavius, that hope doesn't exist. He would never know the restful sleep of death, as would Luna. His beloved Carnelian was forever out of his reach, now.
“I’m going to sit down, Octavius.” It was more of a question, really. She loved her friend, more than he knew. Octavius and Carnelian had been a constant, these past five hundred years. She had attended their wedding. She was there to watch them grow old together. And she was the one who had, upon their deathbeds, gifted them immortal life. Octavius was the oldest living batpony in existence. And to Luna’s torment, he was wasting away in his castle like a corpse. She walked around the plush armchair and was met with a tired gaze.
“What do you want, Luna?” he queried.
She sat down. Giving him a smile she said, “Is it so wrong to want to see a friend that I need a reason to drop in?”
He returned his gaze to the flickering fire. It reflected off his scarlet eyes, a sight that could entrance a pony as easily as the flames themselves. Lithe and muscular, he looked like a soldier. His light grey coat and long blue mane framed his snout perfectly. He really didn't look too different from his original self, aside from being larger than most ponies, a side effect of immortality. The only real changes were the retractable fangs and leathery wings. All these features, once gleaming with immortal youth, were dulled and unkempt.
It had been a long time since Luna had seen him happy, but she could wait. Time has a funny way of healing things, something she had learned from experience. These feeling would not go away, but his heart would grow, just like hers had. And she would be there to fight off the bite of insanity, standing by his side.
“It was not my intention to interrupt your dream. I was about to leave when she spotted me.”
For a moment the ends of his lips twitched, almost as if to smile. “Yes. She was always very attentive.” Swirling the glass of wine in his hoof he looked away from the fire and back towards Luna, “It’s probably good you’re here. It’s good to see you.” He took a sip from his glass, delicately, like he wasn't interested in it. “Been too long, three years now? And where is Asteria? You two are usually inseparable.”
“I think she slept in. And it’s four. Though I’ll admit to keeping tabs on you. ”
“Oh?”
She gave him a sad smile, “You wanted to die, Octavius, I was worried.”
The stallion looked hurt, he pulled himself back into his chair and, now sitting at his full height, was almost eye level with Luna. “I wanted to be mortal, I’m not the suicide type.”
She rolled her eyes in response, “Give it a few thousand years, the idea grows on you.”
Surprisingly, and much to her delight, he chuckled at that, “Yes, I imagine it does.” He stared at her for a while. Luna truly was a sight to behold. He had loved that mare, almost as much as had loved Carnelian. Having joined the Nightguard at the age of sixteen, the poor stallion had suffered much bloodshed in her name. But he never complained.
The months had turned into years and the years into decades. Before he knew it Octavius was sitting at the head of the guard he loved. He had accomplished much under her banner and, at the time, only wished to stay with the mare he called friend for as long as possible. But the days had rolled ever on, all to soon the dark stallions steps had grown weak and his mane grey. The allure of immortality was tempting back then.
“Does it ever stop?” His voice was deep and rich as it rang, uncontested, in the silent room.
“What?” she queried.
“The heartache.” The fire popped.
Luna looked away from him. This question. She thought he would have asked it sooner. “Not really, no. More like your heart grows to make space for more.”
“I don’t know if I can suffer any more of this.”
“I didn’t either.” She bit her lip for a moment, before she said, “I feel I should apologize.” Octavius was always able to bring out the filly in her, he was a true friend, and too see him suffer hurt her heart.
“Whatever for?”
She looked almost shocked at this, “I’ve given you eternal life… What else?”
“Oh that, I should have known…” There was a pause, as the stallion pondered her words. He didn’t flinch when he said, “Consider yourself forgiven.”
“What?” She was the immortal steward of the night. A governing force of the universe of whose beauty poems had been written. And now she was speechless.
“I know I've never said it ought right before, but I hold nothing against you. Really, there isn’t anything to forgive.” A small smile ghosted his face.
“How?” She had been expecting anger, maybe even tears.
“Luna I've known you for five hundred and seventy years. In all that time have I ever held a grudge?”
“I think this is a bit more impactful than a misdeed! I’ve cursed you. You will never die, not until the last star burns out and this reality fades away... How can you just forgive so easily?”
He took a moment to respond, swirling his drink around as he thought. After a while, though, he did speak. “When you created that spell, you meant no harm. I won't blame you for the decisions I made, Luna, they are my own.” He downed the last of his wine and threw the cup into the fire. The flames jumped and hissed at the intrusion, “Look at the night guard, for example. They aren't true immortals, are they? I was a trial run, I understand that. It was untested and unsafe. And in the wake of your mistakes you’ve since corrected things. Luna, you have done no wrong.” His chair creaked as her turned towards her, “So stop apologizing for it.”
She was dumbstruck. “I… thank you,” she leaned back into her chair, “We hadn’t spoken in so long… and after your last trip south, I thought…”
“I’ve got to spend an eternity with you. Might as well be on good terms...” The next words to come out of his mouth were tempered, as if they stung his lips, “And I’ve been busy.”
Luna shook her head and sighed, “Octavius…”
“No.” He fumed. “She shouldn’t have been able to die in the first place.” He leaned forward, staring into fire, “I’ll find the urchin, if it’s the last thing I do.” The hearth seemed to burn a little brighter with his anger. “It had to be discord.”
Luna frowned at his name, “No, I’ve made very sure it wasn’t discord.”
“Ask again.”
“Well… why not ask him yourself.” Her face grew hopeful, “Come to the capitol.”
He sighed, “Luna that's a five-day journey.”
“Oh, am I that unpleasant?”
He scoffed and rolled his eyes, and the fire died back down, “Please, spare me the puzzles. You’re my only friend. Can’t be that bad if I’m keeping you around.”
“Well I’m not the only pony you seem to care about,” She said, raising her eyebrows.
“What?”
“I think her name was Noctis. How is it you manage to attract mares like that?”
“Luna! That was a dream! Sweet Sun, when did you become a stalker.” It was difficult to see, in the dancing firelight, but Luna could swear he was blushing. Chuckling she replied, “It’s my job, what can I say.”
“It’s invasion of privacy is what it is,” He mused.
She tsked, “You sound like my sister.”
“Yes,” he mumbled, “That’s a first.” He slouched back into his chair, sighing he said, “One more reason not to visit the castle. Celestia.”
“She misses you too, you know.”
“Really?” He was skeptical. “I thought she disapproved of me.”
Diverting her gaze Luna said, “Well, I wouldn’t say she agreed with my decision, but that was half an eon ago. I think she's finally warmed up to you. It’s not often you find something constant when you live like us. She’s gotten better.”
“Last time I saw her she set me on fire.”
Luna huffed, “That was only because you asked her too.”
“I’m not coming, Luna. I’m perfectly fine where I am.”
“Oh Don’t be foalish.”
“No.”
“You have done nothing but sit in your fortress and rot for the better part of fifteen years! I understand more than most what that feels like, so trust me when I say that you aren't doing yourself any good. If you’re not careful you might make things worse, so please,” she nudged his leg with her forehoof, drawing his attention towards her eyes and in a softer tone, she said, “please, do me this favor. For me if not yourself.”
He looked towards the far wall and let loose a long breath. “Why now?”
She looked away for a moment, contemplating. “I’ve run into some problems, recently. I want ponies I can trust in the capitol.”
“I knew you came here for a reason.” His eyes hardened.
Luna rolled her eyes, “Alright, yes. But you needed this.”
He seemed to think for a moment, as he stroked his chin. The fire crackled away while she patiently waited for his response. “You say that you’ve been watching my dreams?”
“Yes, I have. That's one more reason to travel south, I can help.” Her tone was almost pleading.
“One in particular has been bothering me.”
“Which one? They’re all terrible if you ask me.”
“This one was… troublesome.”
“How so?” She cocked her head to the side. Octavius’ dreams were horrific. Some were violent, a repercussion of his days as a footsoldier no doubt. Filled with screams and the stink of warfare. But they didn't compare to the dreams he had about Carnelian. Luna shivered a bit, His pain ran deep.
The grey stallion raised himself from the chair. It was silent as he moved, not a creak of spring or groan of wood. Luna had guessed the dream would be ending soon. He walked towards the far wall, of which was a bookshelf. The tomes were wildly different, some colorful, others old and bound in nothing but wooden slabs. He scoured them for a moment before he found his mark. It was a scroll. The parchment was white and fresh, unlike its brothers, and it was bound with the deep blue ribbon and crest of the nightguard.
He examined it for a moment, before giving it to Luna. “See for yourself.”
All traces of mirth had gone from her face, as the starry mare stared at the scroll. More riddles.
He returned to his chair, as he leaned back into the old beast it groaned. “I’m not going to the castle, Luna.”
“No.”
“No?”
“I want you nearby so I can keep you safe. Come home, and let me help you.”
He seemed a bit insulted, “I’ll remind you I am no longer under your command. I’m perfectly capable of handling myself.”
“But you are injured.”
He fumed at that, “Not physically. I don’t need yo-.”
“Look at the fire, Octavius.”
He paused for a moment, “What?”
“Look at the fire and tell me what you see.”
He gave her a skeptical expression, before slowly turning his head towards the flames. “I see a fireplace, what else?”
“What would happen if you touched it?”
“Excuse me?” He turned towards his friend.
Luna merely looked at him, a knowing smile on her lips. “You would get burned, right?”
“Of course. Where is this going?”
Luna’s smile grew and she replied, “You aren’t unlike these flames. They look and feel strong, and if you aren’t careful something might get hurt.” Shifting her gaze towards the fireplace, she lit her horn, forming a dome around the hearth. Ever so slowly the streaks of light began to shrink, losing their intensity as they were deprived of precious oxygen. “But in reality they are fragile.” Right before the flames passed into smoke, she let her magic fade. “Come home, Octavius.”
He shook his head, and after a long moment of silence he replied. “You get one month.”
Luna giggled a bit, “Thank you, old friend. I’ll see you soon.”
She turned, the dream was already beginning to fade. Walls that were once sharp and clear, now blurred away into the background. And the heat coming off the fire began to feel strange, as if it were more of a thought than a sensation. If she wasn’t careful Luna might be woken up here and now. She walked to the door and opened it, revealing vast darkness. Before exiting, however, she looked behind her. Octavius was gone, as was expected, and the whole room was had gotten much brighter.
It was daylight, pouring in from behind the stallions presumably sleeping eyes. Based off of its intensity, Luna guessed it was mid-afternoon, at least. Tucking the scroll close to her chest, she walked out the door and into the darkness beyond. There was still much to be done in the way of reading tonight, and she didn’t want to waste time. Octavius would be joining her soon. That was the first step, secure your weak points. Something was happening and she wasn’t about to lose another friend
He was a fine captain, perhaps the best she had seen, and certainly the best living. But he was broken. The poor creature didn’t even realize what had happened to him.
The door closed behind her, and with it went the light. All around her was the darkness, an empty dreamscape. Her breathing echoed around the cavernous place as she floated aimlessly. She could read the dream here, but it would be an uncomfortable affair. The door, she thought, where is the exit?. But she couldn’t see it. It wasn’t above her, below her, the damn thing was nowhere to be found. She was just beginning to get confused, something that rarely happens to Luna, when out echoed a horrible sound. It was malicious, evil in every form. The voice echoed off invisible walls, seemingly amplified. So much so that Luna could feel the vibrations on her fur. A deep baritone sound that shook her down to the core. It said only one word, more than enough to terrify the would be warden. It simply said,
“BOO!”