Sunset Shimmer stepped out of the mirror to Equestria. The first thing she did was take a deep breath as she had done many times before. But unlike past trips, this time she turned back and looked at the rippling surface of the Lunar Lock mirror and shook as she sobbed. Maybe this was a mistake, she thought. It would be so easy, just jump back through and chase Twilight down and say sorry. It would be so, so easy. Thirty moons, two and a half years. Two and a half years without seeing her wife’s face, feeling her warmth and touch. What the hell was she thinking?!
It took several more deep breaths to get her emotions under control. The second thing Sunset Shimmer did was scream, stumble, and light her horn in preparation to defend herself. The bat pony thestral lunar guard had remained where he was at the base of the stairs, silent and unmoving with an almost bored if albeit inquisitive expression. It was difficult to tell with the blued steel helm on.
“Shit! You scared me half to death!”
The thestral blinked his yellow serpent eyes. “My apologies. That was not my intent. Although, I must admit, I am equally as surprised to see you as well,” he took notice of the wings and quickly added, “Your Highness.”
Sunset usually retorted with a reminder that while being Celestia’s daughter she still had no official title of royalty in Equestria. Instead, she moved to the more obvious question. “So, what are you doing here skulking in the corner?”
“I was ordered by my lady, Mistress Luna, to stand watch over this mirror and to not move until the appropriate time. Honestly, I thought I was being pranked or punished for something. I was not made aware that the mirror was in fact a magical gateway… that would have been helpful information considering the security implications. Regardless, I am Lieutenant Gauge of Her Majesty’s Night Guard and I assume with much certainty I was tasked with waiting for your arrival.”
Sunset composed herself to try and gain what little dignity she had left after sobbing in front of the stoic soldier. “My name is Sunset Shimmer. Do you know where Princess Celestia is? She usually is here to meet me when I come to visit.”
“Princess Celestia was asked to handle an emergency involving the Griffonstone ambassador while Princess Twilight spoke with the honored Representative of the Badlands Union. Apparently, some offense had taken place during a luncheon. Beyond that I cannot say.”
Sunset nodded. She removed her saddle bag and retrieved a brush to touch up her mane and tail. Sunset next stretched out her wings to their full impressive extend. With a thought spell, the feathers burst into flame and Sunset smiled in satisfaction to finally get a startled response from the lunar guard. She retracted her wings and they returned to normal feathers. Lastly, she retrieved a necklace with a titanium ring attached and levitated it in place around her neck. Sunset closed her eyes and brought the ring to her lips. Though the ring had no scent and was cold to the touch, her mind filled in the mental image of Twilight’s hand in hers, bringing the lovely lavender appendage to her lips.
“If I may be so bold, are you well, Princess Sunset?”
Sunset opened her eyes, putting on her Canterlot court mask. “I’m not a princess, lieutenant, not officially. You may address me by my name or as ‘Lady’ if you must.” She was in Canterlot now, the lion’s den of Equestrian politics and though she was not as familiar with Luna’s private guard Sunset had little doubt they would gossip just as much as the Solar Guard. It came with having a generally boring job that still required vigilance.
“Understood, Lady Sunset. But again, you seemed quite upset when I first saw you. I know we just met, but I would consider it part of my duty to listen in confidence if you wished to vent.”
“It’s a personal matter, just understand that this mirror is a tightly kept state secret and if I find out that you spoke about it or about my little ‘incident’ that I will know who spoke about it. That would be bad for you and your career, lieutenant, are we clear?” The guard’s body went ridged and he snapped off the finest salute Sunset had ever seen by a guard.
Leaving the room behind, Sunset trotted along the castle halls with Gauge following a respectable two steps behind. If Celestia and Twilight were in negotiations then Sunset could just see to settling herself in. Sunset nodded to a few of the servants she recognized and to any of the guards that saluted as she made her way to the guest wing as she had done many times before.
After a brisk fifteen minute walk in which Gauge had kept pace in dress armor without a single complaint the pair stopped in front of an unassuming wooden door. Sunset had to admit, she appreciated the discipline the soldier had been exemplifying much more than many of the guards she had dealt with in the past. She recalled rumors that the thestrals were both literally as much as figuratively a different breed of soldier and it was wise to not underestimate that.
“I’m going to drop my stuff off and then go see Pasty Cake about getting something to eat. Do you know if she is still the castle head chef?”
Gauge eyed the door a moment then looked back at Sunset. “I’ve run sweeps of the castle more times than I can remember, to my knowledge this door is always locked, magically sealed… and yes, she is still Her Majesty’s head chef.”
Sunset smiled, touching her horn to the door frame, which lit up with a series of hidden runes, Sunset’s cutie mark appearing over the door before the lock clicked and the room opened. “This is my room and I don’t like people... er ponies messing with my stuff while I’m gone.”
“I understand. Mistress Luna, is also often away for months long excursions and values her privacy. Part of the training we go through to become one of her guards is to swear upon pain of death to guard her as well as the secrets she keeps. That same courtesy is extended to any princess, or in your case, 'not official' princess, who is in need of our services.”
“Good to know. Please, find Princess Celestia and tell her where I’ll be, I’ll wait for her there.” Gauge saluted and went about his assigned task. Sunset stepped into her room and closed the door. The room was a generous private guest room with a lounge section including a fully stocked bar to entertain guest, private bath with a tub large enough for two adult ponies, and bed that could normally sleep three ponies comfortably. Alicorns needed a bit more room since their wings sometimes deployed while sleeping. Sunset and Twilight had found that out when her wings had nearly knocked Twilight off the bed on their first overnight stay in the castle.
Sunset sighed and touched the ring to her chest fur again. Without another thought Sunset exited the room. She would need to find the other journal to write to her wife soon, but it could wait until after lunch.
An hour later, the side door to the primary kitchen opened and in walked Princess Celestia, her sour expression evaporating immediately upon seeing Sunset sitting at the table with a piece of whipped cream covered pound cake floating in a red aura. Celestia sat at the table and used her own magic to carve out a slice of the simple yet delicious treat. Sunset glanced over the alabaster alicorn’s withers to see Gauge standing by the door, staring off into a corner.
“Hi, Mom. Extra security?”
Celestia nodded as her mane that was now mostly gray as well as her tail continued to wave in magical brilliance. “A necessary precaution with visiting dignitaries I'm afraid. We had an incident almost right after you left last time. An assassination attempt on the crown prince of Zebrica. I’m glad you missed it.”
“Damn, I’m sorry I missed it. I could have helped.”
Celestia leaned over and nuzzled her daughter, smiles spreading across both their faces. “Of that I have no doubt. However, the attempt was poorly executed and no creatures were harmed. Luna demanded Twilight take such security risks more seriously and activate the Lunar Guard during the day to ensure that such attempts are never seen let alone close enough to be seen by the free press and nobility. Twilight, bless her heart, often forgets how important saving face is.
A mistake I've made in the past as well.”
“I’m curious and I can’t believe I keep forgetting to ask, but what exactly is your title and position now that Twilight is in charge of most everything? I normally try to avoid talking politics with all of you when I’m here, but obviously that won’t be avoidable this time around.”
Celestia cocked her head slightly, expression flashing through several emotions quickly, categorizing what she wanted to ask first. “Is your wife resting in your suite?”
Sunset glanced over at Gauge. She liked him, but not enough to trust with such personal information yet. She quickly erected a privacy bubble around herself and Celestia. Sunset sighed and took another bite of cake. “Twi stayed on Earth. And will not be joining us before the mirror closes.”
Celestia set down her cake and wrapped Sunset in her forelegs and wings. “I’m so sorry, Sunset. You two have not been apart from one another in decades. I know from experience how difficult it is to go years without seeing the other half of your heart. May I ask why?”
“Thanks, Mom, I appreciate that. Long story short, when I brought up my plan of spending more time here we had a fight. Despite my best efforts to appeal to her sense of logic it was not enough. Twi… it’s her home, we raised our girls there. Ever since we lost Sunna, Twilight has thrown herself into trying to save the world one piece at a time. If I’m not keeping her busy with something we can do together, she is working on science projects that she can access from her old lab. She refuses to accept that the world moved on and doesn’t need us anymore.
“So, after a unfortunately rather heated discussion we decided that maybe some time apart will be healthy for us. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and all that. We still have the journal, which I will be confiscating, obviously. I… I really don’t know what else to say on the matter other than the fact that it makes me sad. But I’ll live and when the portal opens again I will wrap her in the biggest hug that world has ever seen. In the meantime, I’m here so let’s you and I make the most of it. Mother-daughter time, just like you always wanted. Maybe a few projects to keep my mind busy, oh, and music, I will need some instruments so I can keep up when my muse strikes.”
Celestia smiled. “I am sure Princess Twilight will happily provide you with what ever supplies you need during your stay. Speaking of which, I need to head back to day court. Oh, and to answer your earlier question as far as mine and Luna’s titles, we are officially, ‘royal advisors to the queen.’ Not that anypony calls Twilight queen. She handles as much of the workload as she physically can and delegates the rest to myself, Spike, or her personal secretary, Isabella Windsong. You remember Isa, of course? An amazing griffon I’m not ashamed to say.”
“So, Twilight is smoothing things over with dignitaries and you get to babysit the nobility, fun.”
“You are more than welcome to sit in with me.”
Sunset did give the offer serious thought, but shook her head. “Not this time, I just got back, don’t want to regret it on the first day by sending some stuck up plot licker to the emergency room.”
“I understand.” Celestia replied with a knowing smile, pulling her daughter in for one more hug. “It’s wonderful to see you again, my little sun, as always.”
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Sunset had returned to her room after retrieving the other two-way journal and sat down to write. Part of her had hoped to find a sobbing apology from Twilight and telling her that she would be crossing over to join Sunset soon. But nothing new had been added. It was unsurprising, they were both stubborn mules when they were adamant about something. Sunset, however did miss her wife and was not so prideful to try waiting her out to see who would crack first. She took up a ball point pen she had brought with her and let her hornwriting do the work.
My beloved Twilight Sparkle,
I know it has not even been 24 hours yet, but I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m already missing you. I hope you are well. I settled back into our room without any trouble, but apparently security has been increased due to an incident that occurred while we were away. I have this thestral named Gauge following me around. He seems like a good pony, good at his job, not bad to look at. The fangs are actually kind of sexy. (weak attempt at trying to make you jealous)
Anyhow, I’m having dinner soon with Princess Twilight and Mom. Apparently, Luna left yesterday for an adventure. Such interesting timing considering she left just before both the griffon and rep from the union of badlands arrived. Coincidence? I think not!
Just… just take care of yourself, okay? Neither of us are helpless, but it has been a long time since we have been on our own and I have a whole castle at my disposal. Goddess, I love you and miss you. Talk to you again soon.
Your Sunset.
Sunset closed the journal and donned a velvety black cloak trimmed in gold thread that perfectly covered her wings, but did not drag across the floor. Princess Twilight had told her it was made by pony Rarity years ago so Twilight could have something that would cover her completely on a cold night on the Canterlot balcony. Twilight had unfortunately outgrown it as her magical power influx upon taking on the responsibility of controlling the celestial bodies. Still, it had been made by Rarity and could not be discarded for that reason alone.
Sunset, since her ascension had also grown taller than your average pony, standing slightly taller than Luna, but still shorter than her mother and Twilight. Since the cloak had been made for Twilight while she had still been growing, it fit Sunset perfectly and had been bequeathed to her with love and kindness.
The goldenrod alicorn relocked her door and turned to find Gauge standing where she had left him. She caught his glances and for the first time, a small smile that revealed the tip of one of his fangs.
“See something you like?”
His expression returned to neutral. “You look good in black. That’s all I dare to say.” Sunset nodded and began making her way to the main dining hall. Once at the door, Gauge nodded to the other guards who opened it for Sunset, but he did not follow.
“Have a good night, Lady Sunset, my shift is over.”
“I’ll be around, I’ll see you again.” He nodded and departed while the doors closed behind Sunset. When she looked forward again the small grin on her face fell. Ah, crap. The room was not empty. Mom set me up. I am so hiding the tiny cakes from her tomorrow for this.
At the table already were a portly brown and blonde griffon wearing a necktie, gold chains, and a gold trimmed monocle. Across from him sat an abyssinian dressed in a loose, silken shirt that exposed copious amounts of black chest hair. Next to the griffon ambassador sat Celestia, her legendary court mask a full strength. That left three empty chairs. The clearing of a throat drew Sunset’s attention to a stout mare unicorn that was nearly as tall as she was.
The guard officer clad in gold and purple trimmed armor gestured with her green eyes to the chair next to the badlands rep. That made sense, the head of the table was obviously for Twilight while the other seat was reserved for someone of equal measure like a prince or sultan, or even Spike, who held political status in both Equestria and the Dragon Lands. Since Celestia had chosen not to take it for diplomatic reasons it would have been quite the breach, if briefly hilarious, if Sunset had sat herself direct across from Princess Twilight.
Sunset nodded to Captain of the Guard, Tempest Fury, who returned to her efforts of imitating a statue. As Sunset approached a gold aura slid the chair back for her. However, before she took her seat, Sunset noticed the suspicious and questioning, scrutinizing glances from both representatives. The looks, while coming from two entirely different species, both said the same thing: Who is this mare and why does she get to sit next to us at this formal dinner?
Fine. If I’m staying in Equestria for thirty moons then I might as well play the game. Ugh! Thanks, Mom. With that thought in mind Sunset straighten her back and glanced at one of the servants who had been waiting near the kitchen door for the food trolley to arrive.
“Do me a favor and hang this until we are done, the designer’s ghost would haunt me until the end of time if I got a stain on it.” Sunset removed her cloak, levitating it to one the servant and stretched her wings to their full extent. They ignited like torches for just a moment causing both representatives to jump before she tucked them back in and sat. When no one else was looking Celestia flashed her daughter a quick smile.
“Representative Arrobar, Ambassador Grindstone,” Celestia said with a gesture, “please allow me to introduce to you my wayward and well traveled daughter, Lady Sunset Shimmer.”
“So,” Grindstone began, readjusting his monocle, “it appears we do have something interesting to talk about over dinner.”
The far door opened and on instinct, the other three at the table stood. Sunset was a bit slower, but got to her hooves. A moment later, standing as tall as Celestia with her indigo and violet streaked mane and tail waving in ethereal magic breeze stood Princess Twilight Sparkle, former Princess of Friendship, now high sovereign, ruler of Equestria and guardian of the sun and moon. Her golden regalia glinted in the magic glowing lights as she approached the table, but Sunset could tell she was walking on autopilot and had not noticed her yet.
“I hope everycreature is hungry, I asked my team of chefs to craft local favorites from…” Twilight paused when her eyes refocused on the red and yellow maned alicorn to the right of her chair. Sunset Shimmer could not have kept the grin off her face for all the gold in the vaults below.
“Good evening, Your Highness.”