The Light of a Candle

by Scarheart


Thirteen.

Displays

June awoke to the sounds of Father snoring. Not one to linger in bed, once she was awake she threw her covers off. Padding on bare feet, she ran outside onto the balcony. It was just before dawn, and she had read the stories and heard the gossip from her friends in Berryville. The moon was still high in the air, the stars glittered in the sky. The girl looked and looked, searching. Her eyes followed up the largest of the spires, one not too far from her room. There was a very large balcony at the highest point of the main keep. June could see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna standing together, facing the moon.

Upon seeing them, she grinned widely and waved at the pair. The alicorns noticed and returned her wave with little waves of their wings in turn. Celestia indicated with her nose towards the moon and offered a knowing smile.

Luna stepped forward, her horn glowing. June fixated her attention on the moon and watched as it fell towards the horizon in a steady descent. The younger princess maintained her magic as the elder stepped forward with a gilded hoof. Her horn erupted in soft light, Celestia dipped her horn even as her sister was bringing hers down. When the horns were even with each other, the lightening horizon erupted with rays of light as the sun rose. The moon touched the edge of the world and sank as its counterpart pushed upwards. Head now bowed, Luna let go of her charge once it disappeared and took a step back, her mane reversing its flow. The sun continued up, following the lead of Celestia’s horn until it was high in the sky. The glow of the white alicorn’s horn faded away. Celestia, satisfied, turned to nuzzle her sister. Luna returned the gesture and together the pair turned to go inside. 

They paused long enough to look at June and wave again.

It was the most magical thing June had ever seen. Her unblinking eyes were round with amazed astonishment.

The next logical thing to do was to wake Father. Turning, June dashed inside, a grin exploding over her face as she leapt onto his bed. Shaking his shoulders, the excited girl practically shouted, “Father, I saw the most amazing thing ever!”


The group had breakfast in the private dining room of the alicorn sisters. There were fruits and muffins, as well as eggs cooked to order. Orange juice was served to Celestia and June while Jakob asked for a carafe of coffee. Luna opted for tea. There was also some fried fish and steamed vegetables with buttermilk biscuits.

Pleasantries were exchanged, save for Jakob who seemed to be saving his words for a rainy day. There was a lot on his mind and the alicorns did not press him. Instead, they focused on June, who gushed over seeing the setting of the moon and the raising of the sun.

“You should see us when the moon rises and the sun sets,” Celestia said to the girl. “Lulu loves to put variety in her stars. If you ask nicely, she might even do something special for you, June.”

“Mayhap I will,” Luna arched a brow, adding a mystic’s smile.

Cadence had not yet arrived. Instead, she sent a letter ahead. It popped in the air in front of the white alicorn. Unfurling it, Celestia gave it a read, then frowned. The letter was floated over to Luna, who imitated her sister. Then, it was given over to Jakob, who was already frowning.

“Well,” she said as she selected a slice of melon, “my niece appears to be needed where she is at the moment.”

“What’s happening?” June asked, curious. “Is something wrong?”

“It would seem those bandits were not as random as we were led to believe,” Luna told her. “Nopony is in danger. The good ponies of the barony are protected.”

“Queen Cassandra has been busy,” Celestia smiled. “Her changelings found the intruders and were able to guide the guards. Unfortunately, it would seem as though there is at least one magic user among them with common sense enough to put up detection spells. The raid was on an almost empty camp. Nopony was hurt and three prisoners were taken.”

“It is far from Berryville,” Jakob assured his daughter as he tugged at his sling.

“Do not do that,” Luna chided him, plucking his hand away with her magic.

“Didn’t they catch them?” June asked, curious.

“They retreated into griffon territory,” Celestia said with a shake of her head. “We would need to ask for permission to cross the border. I know for a fact the griffons will refuse, but I will need to have our ambassador ask.”

“Politics,” Jakob grunted.

“Indeed,” Luna agreed. “An evil necessity. My own grasp on modern statecraft flags far behind my sister. My methods are considered barbaric by today’s standards.”

Celestia inflated her barrel, then let out a sigh, “You know I have ponies to deal with that for us, sister.” Her attention shifted towards Jakob, “I am fully versed and immersed in it, but there is too much going on all at once. I try to focus on the more imminent issues and let others handle the little things. A nudge here and a suggestion there is all it takes to herd policy in the direction I would like to take Equestria. It takes years to master and Luna is coming along nicely, if I do say so myself.”

Luna leaned towards Jakob, “You would do well to learn a few things during your stay here.”

“An attaché, perhaps?” Celestia suggested. “There is no rush, mind you. You will have the final say, Jakob.” She wore a charming smile. “You’ve done a wonderful job with your home. I wish I had the acumen you’ve shown when Luna and I were rebuilding Equestria so very long ago. You deserve all the praise.”

“I should return home,” he started to say.

“Please trust our guards to do their duties,” Celestia consoled. “Cassandra has things under control. Cadence is there and she will not be idle. There is much for you to do here. I’m afraid this visit will require you to get acquainted with some of the nobility. Take this opportunity to solidify your position and get a feel for the political climate here. You will need it. Quite a few have taken notice of your success and are angling to take advantage of you behind your back.”

“Why would they do this?” Jakob queried as he reached for his coffee.

“Some ponies are not content with what they have,” Luna sniffed with a shake of her head. “I intend to help you, if you allow it.”

Celestia smiled, “Hence my suggestion for an attaché. Or at least a pony who is versed in Equestrian law. You need a pony that can keep on top of that.” She sipped her orange juice.

The man drank his coffee thoughtfully, sipping as he regarded the dark blue mare. His eyes flicked to Celestia. “June has surged,” he said, indicating with his mug.

Both mares raised their heads and perked their ears, their attention shifting to the girl. “Are you sure?” Celestia asked with a gleam in her eye.

“I did not witness it,” the man said, giving June a speculative look, “but Cadence was adamant. I would like June to be tested.”

“Really?” June asked mid chew.

“June? Did you surge?” Celestia leaned towards the girl, a small smile forming on her lips.

“I don’t know,” lamented the girl, “I don’t remember much. The candle lit and I fainted.”

“Could the candle have triggered it?” wondered Luna.

“I would write—”

“No Twilight!” Jakob interrupted Celestia sharply, stabbing a finger at her snout. Her ears flattened as she blinked owlishly at him. “She can get too...enthusiastic.” He then booped her.

“Can she at least observe?” Celestia pulled back with a giggle. “Twilight would go head over hooves at the opportunity to stud— er, help June, but I assure you, she has become far more considerate since ascending.”

Jakob deadpanned at Celestia.

“Sister, stop teasing our dear Jakob,” Luna shook her head with a smile. To the man she said, “Twilight would indeed love to observe, so I would second my sister in the suggestion.”

“Do you have a list of names?”

“I can have it sent to your room to look at, if you like.”

Jakob gave her suggestion a thought, then nodded. “Fine. But enough about politics,” he gestured to June. “My daughter has questions about her mother. I think it is a good time to give her answers.”

Luna opened her mouth as to say something, but she shifted her thoughts, “I think that would be fair. June, what do you think?”

The girl was bouncing in her seat. “Yes! Yes! Please, yes!”

Celestia stood. “Very well then, we shall go to the Royal Gallery. It is a private collection.”

“It is where we keep things of historical significance but have not decided if they should be open to public viewing,” Luna said, also rising to her hooves.

Jakob finished his coffee, saying nothing. He gave a curious stare to Celestia, who returned it with a ghost of a smile.

June downed what was left of her orange juice and was up from the table. “Father! Let’s go!”

“I have asked Raven to clear my schedule for the day,” Celestia told the pair. “We can spend it together, and June?”

“Yes, Princess Celestia?”

“I hope you get some of the answers you were looking for.”


The Royal Gallery was a museum of sorts and was nestled deep within the bowels of the castle. Jakob spent much of the trip lost in his own reflection in the polished floors as he was deep in thought. He was nervous as he trailed behind the alicorns. Luna gave him a reassuring smile over her shoulder at one point, but left him to his own musings. Somehow, June had managed to wrangle a ride on Celestia’s back and was telling the two mares about what it was like living in the barony. Celestia was quite pleased to hear the girl had friends to play with. She asked about the girl’s schooling, which was a blend of homeschooling through a private tutor and classes with the local school on the days when her tutor was unavailable.

Celestia gave Jakob an arched look when June told her the school had been without a formal teacher for the past three months since the old one retired. 

He looked up when she cleared her throat. “The ponies can choose their own teacher without my help,” Jakob told her flatly. “I will approve whomever they choose.”

“You have no involvement whatsoever?” Luna interjected, mirroring her own sister’s look of disappointment.

“I have the final say and I trust the ponies will know what they want in a teacher.”

Both mares appeared unsatisfied with his answer, but added nothing more.

“Miss Neighson was nice,” June piped in, “she went to go live with her daughter and be a good grandma. She was kinda weirded out when I did show up for her classes, but my tutor would send a note with me for the stuff I had to do with other foals.” A frown sneaked its way across her lips, “My friends are going to be okay, right?”

“We will take every measure to ensure the safety of your friends and their families,” Celestia promised. “But, let those tasked with protecting them perform their duties.” Lifting her horn, it lit up and the doors opened. Carrying the girl, she gave a motherly smile as she went through.

The room was not vast, but it was large enough to sport a sizable display. There were framed photographs and paintings of various sizes on the walls, which appeared as the lights flared to life. Along the center of the room were display cases bearing various items lined up in neat rows. There were ponyquins sporting ancient armor. Weapons of all shapes and sizes were lined up in separate cases. They ranged from great spears two pony lengths long to a simple dagger. 

June had to ask, “What’s all this stuff?”

“Mementos from ponies who have long passed,” Celestia told her, a sad, nostalgic smile gracing her muzzle. It morphed into one of cheer, “but you don’t want to hear about them, do you? You want to know about your mother. This is why I’ve brought you here. It’s at the back.”

Jakob had passing interest, his eyes lingering over the tools of violence with a critical eye. Trained in the art of killing, he had his preferences in weapons, but could adapt to almost anything presented to him. His attention was drawn to one particular spear, one with a broken haft. The weapon was standard issue. It was battered, its edges nicked. It might have been the imagination, but there seemed to be dried flecks of...something on the blade and shattered wooden shaft.

“Yes, it is the very one you are thinking of,” Luna told him. She had noticed his distracted gaze.

“It was never cleaned,” he remarked, leaning closer to the case.

“No,” she agreed, “it was not. Come. That which has pained you to speak of lies ahead. Are you all right with this?”

Jakob worked his jaw, chewing the inside of his cheek, “I will have to be.” He straightened, let out a little sigh, and let himself be led by Luna’s gentle wing.

Celestia had stopped, her body turned so June could see. Her mane and tail shifted on the ethereal winds. The girl steadied herself with one hand firmly pressed against the alicorn’s neck as she looked at the singular and large display case. There were not a lot of things, but what lay behind the glass had the girl staring.

There was a mannequin inside the display. It was tall and slender, though not as tall as Celestia. It wore a soft smile, its gold and emerald eyes seeming to sparkle with life. The smile was coy, as if a secret was on the tip of the tongue, waiting to be revealed. The hair was two tones of gold and white. The lifeless figure wore an outfit patterned after the color of the eyes. The blouse seemed to be a mix of leather and silk, with the arms laid bare and the chest opened to a V cut revealing the valley between the breasts. Strips of leather in a crisscross pattern held the front of the blouse in place. A simple ruby pendant hung from the neck. At the waist was a thick leather belt. There were pouches on both sides, hanging over the hips. The legs were parted, adding to the visual display of confidence. A skirt hung just above the knees and was parted along both hips. Beneath it was a pair of black pantaloons. The feet were boots of soft leather, worn from travel but well maintained.

“Is that?” June faltered as she stared at the figure.

“Luna and I stressed the importance of recreating her likeness as accurately as possible,” Celestia told her in a soft, respectful voice. “To do anything less would have been unacceptable.”

“It does look like the picture at home,” June gave the figure a more scrutinizing look. “Why is her hair like that? Mother’s hair was one color.”

Jakob cleared his throat, “Your mother became very strong in her magic. As it grew within her, part of her hair turned white. It is also the reason why there is gold in her eyes. If she were still with us, I would think she would have white hair and golden eyes.” There was a strange quality to his voice. “Celestia, you did not use…”

“No!” Celestia shook her head, “It is not, I swear. The only things genuine of her are the clothing she used to adventure in.”

The man drew closer to the display, emotions morphing over his rough features. “It is beautiful. Thank you.”

“Her staff,” Luna pointed out to June, “was made by me. It allowed your mother to have a light whenever she needed one.”

“It was also good for bashing heads,” Jakob had a hitch in his words, a rare and fond smile for something other than his daughter appearing.

“I am glad I ensured it was of sturdy make,” Luna added with a shake of her head.

“There are also her spellbook, the notebooks of her travels,” Celestia said, her magenta eyes falling upon the items, “her personal journals.”

Jakob snapped his head up and to the alicorn and inquired, “Kaga had a personal journal?”

“The thief was caught and most of them were returned,” Celestia said, her smile faltering. “I added them to the collection. I still have eyes searching for the last three volumes.” Giving the man an apologetic grin, she amended, “They were discovered a couple of years after you left Canterlot. I tried to contact you, but you were not exactly in the right frame of mind at the time. They are yours to do with as you wish, but at least allow June a chance to read them. They are quite insightful.”

“You read them?” Jakob’s voice rose.

“Before you erupt,” Celestia said coolly, “you should know there was a note with them asking they be read. Kaga intended for them to be printed, like the Daring Do novels. She wanted to share her exploits and insights with everypony, especially her daughter. I would be more than happy to provide the note to you if you wish.”

“Where is it?”

Celestia pointed a wing at a picture frame. Lifting it with her magic, she brought it to the glass where Jakob could read it. He blinked, staring at the flowing script of his wife’s handwriting. His anger faded, ending with a grunt. “My apologies. The past two days have been...trying.”

“If it is your desire they not be published,” Luna gave him a nuzzle, “it will be done. However, my sister and I do think your daughter would benefit from them. It is a very detailed look into how Kaga thought and who she was.”

“Father?” June was looking at him.

“It is fine,” he relented. “Do as you will. I wish to be alone. Stay with the princesses. I am sure you will have more questions.”

“Jakob,” Luna held his hand fast with her telekinesis, “are you all right?”

“I am coming to terms with some things. It still hurts.”

“I will go with you. There is much to discuss, even if nothing needs be spoken.”

Jakob gave Luna a hard look. “If your highness wishes.”

“My highness does!” she replied with a cheeky grin.

“Fine.”


June and Celestia spent a good amount of time looking at the display. More of her stares were directed at the mannequin. It was quite a feeling being alone with one of the most powerful beings in the world. The girl could feel the aura of the princess. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling, like being out in the sun on a perfect day. The Princess of the Sun clucked over June, but was not overbearing. The alicorn was being very nice and everything she did seemed genuine to the girl. If a guess could be made, it was that Princess Celestia was enjoying herself and wanted June to get the most out of this experience.

June asked, “How was she made?”

“It is a wax sculpture,” Celestia explained. “It is a complex process that starts with a clay figure built around a steel inner frame. I’m not well versed on the whole process, but I did watch some of the work when it was in its early stages. When the clay model was done, a mold was made around it. Once the mold is finished, they peel it off the clay figure, clean it out, and then put it back together. They then pour hot wax into the mold. Once it is cooled, the real work begins. It took the pony who made this six months. There were a lot of delays, mostly for silly little things.”

“Why did you have her made?” June then queried.

Celestia smiled, “I wanted you to know what your mother looked like and how I remember her. You’ll see a few statues out in Canterlot that glorify her in a way that really does not catch the character behind the heroism. They’re nice and flattering, but not entirely honest.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well,” Celestia looked at June with a smile, “all of us have faults. We all make mistakes. I’ve made my share, that is for certain!” She giggled and shook her head. “I’ve lived for a very long time, June. I loved your mother as a daughter. She had a twisted sense of humor. Kaga was very kind and gentle with foals. She hated snobs and was not afraid to vocalize her disdain of those who looked down upon others. Kaga took that rather personally.”

June tapped her finger to her chin thoughtfully, “Why is that? Is it because of Father?”

“Very perceptive, my little po—,” Celestia caught herself and giggled. “I have an old habit of saying ‘my little pony’, June. I apologize.”

“That’s okay, Princess Celestia,” the girl said with a shrug. She did not mind, really. Since she lived in a land of ponies, there were a lot of times she considered herself like one. 

“June?”

The girl tilted her head to one side. “Yes?”

“Call me Celestia. Your mother was not one for titles. I would like to extend that to you, if you would allow me.”

“On one condition!” June said after a moment, her eyes bright.

“Oh?” Celestia hummed, arching a brow, “Making conditions now, are we?”

June ignored the comment, “Can I read one of my mother’s journals tonight?”

“Dear,” Celestia nuzzled June, “they are yours. Of course you can!”

June’s smile faded as she thought of Father. “Celestia?”

“Something worries you? Your father?”

“Is he going to be okay?”

Celestia gave another nuzzle, “It has been eight years. During that time, Jakob put a shell up around himself. It took raising you for him to slowly begin to lower it. He reached a certain plateau and sort of sat on it. He is healing, June, but most of it has to do with wanting to heal. I had hoped a change of scenery would help. Hopefully it works. Give him lots of love and a little bit of faith. He just needs a bit more time.”

June nodded, assuming a very serious face. “Well, the sooner he does that, the better.”

Celestia canted her face to one side, “Why is that?”

“I want to find him a special somepony.” It sounded weirder coming out of her mouth than it did in her head. Maybe a griffon? A changeling? No, no, Father would not want a changeling for his special somepony. 

Cassandra had ruined that.

“Oh, dear,” Celestia fought to stave off the belly laugh threatening to erupt. She did manage to hide her smile behind a hoof, “You want to find him what?”

“A filly friend?” June tried. A look of consternation formed, “You know what I’m talking about! I tried telling Cadence, but she got this really weird look in her eye.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Celestia said, mirthful, “but these are things that cannot be forced. You’d be doing exactly what Cadence was trying to do. You really need to let your father decide when he’s ready to move on to that stage. Truthfully,” she added, becoming serious, “it may never happen, June. You need to understand that.”

“But he’s lonely,” stressed the girl.

“Maybe he is, maybe he isn’t. June, it’s his choice.”

“Okay,” June sighed. Not if I have anything to do with it!