//------------------------------// // 4 Bonds of Friendship // Story: On a Blood Red Moon // by Bronyxy //------------------------------// Once the stream of light blue magic had ended and the moon returned to its proper appearance, Twilight turned to the Princess, a look of awe written clearly across her face. “Wow!” she said, all other words failing her. “I am sorry I was unable to answer all of your questions during my spellcasting” said Luna, “But it does demand a certain amount of concentration. Now I should like to take a seat for a short time whilst I recuperate. Would you care to join me?” Luna turned and walked the few steps to the glass balcony doors, opening them in her magic to reveal a darkened study within. She led the way, a few sparks emanating from her horn finding their way to candles that eagerly sputtered to life to please her. A small table with two chairs awaited them, making it clear that she had been expecting company. Another thoughtful touch was the presence of a rather delicious looking cake, flanked by two plates and a pair of silver goblets. “Please, take a seat” Luna offered, gesturing to one of the wooden chairs, ornately carved with mythical creatures. Twilight did as she was bidden, taking in the interesting curios on display along with the shelves of ancient looking books and manuscripts. She knew the Princess was one of the two most powerful alicorns in all of Equestria, and realised very quickly that everything in this room was the exclusive preserve of the highest level magic. She was in the same instant both immediately curious to learn from this unique collection, yet at the same time slightly scared about the sheer power of the spells at hoof. “It is unusual to have a cake sent up to me, as the Royal pâtissier is generally employed full time satisfying the needs of my Sister” said Luna, shooting her guest a mischievous smile, “Please allow me to cut you a slice.” Twilight was so taken aback that Princess Luna had demonstrated she had a sense of humour, that she snapped her attention away from making a mental inventory of the contents of this mysterious room, and looked into the face of her hostess. The midnight blue muzzle was decorated with a smile, a beautiful smile that really suited her; so did the sparkle in her striking teal eyes. This was not the aloof and humourless Princess Luna that so many ponies judged her to be, but a kind and beautiful pony reaching out to a friend. Twilight could not help but smile in return; a warm and genuine smile. “Thank you” she said, “You were so kind to invite me to see all of … this.” “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle; were it not for you, I should still be trapped inside the shell of Nightmare Moon, and Equestria would most likely be under the suffocating umbrella of eternal darkness. Not only that, but you were my only friend at Nightmare Night.” said the Princess, “No, I had a debt to repay.” “It was wonderful” bubbled Twilight enthusiastically, “Can you explain how you did it? Working at such distance must require enormous amounts of power and concentration.” “It does take some effort” Luna acknowledged, understating the issue magnificently, “But, I believe you have a penchant for magic; my Sister speaks fondly of your progress.” “I do enjoy a challenge” Twilight shot back. “I considered as much” said Luna thoughtfully, weighing up how much to say next, then continued, “I am the guardian of the dark realm, so in addition to preparing the night sky, I have a duty to protect Equestria during the hours of darkness. This is a role that requires a good working knowledge of high level magic, especially dark magic. Unfortunately, I am the only one who can perform these duties currently, which means if anything happens to me, Equestria would be vulnerable. As you have demonstrated a talent for magic way beyond your years, I would be prepared to train you for this role if you wish to become my apprentice. Would you be interested?” Twilight was speechless. “I … I would have to think about it” she struggled, “For a start, I don’t know what Princess Celestia would say; there’s her lessons to consider and I don’t know what plans she has for me …” “I understand. Please take your time; I would want you to be happy in your choice.” Luna levitated a flagon and poured two draughts into the empty goblets on the table. “Elderflower” she said, advancing one towards her guest. Twilight suddenly recognised that her mouth was dry, reached out for the silver goblet and tried a sip. “Wow! This is beautiful” she complimented. “It is of my own creation” said Luna, placing the other goblet to her lips and taking a sip herself. Twilight continued with hers, appreciatively savouring each drop. “I’m sure my friend Pinkie Pie would love to know how to make this” she quipped. “I could teach you that too” smiled Luna, “All mysteries here and on other planes of existence to which I have access would be opened up to you.” Twilight tipped the goblet back at such an angle that Luna could tell it was empty, and had the flagon ready for when she placed it back on the table. The Princess raised an eyebrow, in silent invitation and Twilight nodded her thanks as her goblet was refilled. She stared at it, looking at the way its curvature seemed to attract reflections from all of the candles in the room, each shining like little stars in a microcosm of the night sky. She felt her mouth open as her chest drew downwards involuntarily, and she quickly raised a forehoof to cover the yawn she was unable to stop. Embarrassed at how unappreciative this made her seem, she felt a rush of blood to her face and shot a look at Luna to see if she had noticed. The midnight blue face opposite her just smiled benignly. “It has been a busy evening” the Princess observed, “The chariot stands ready to return you to Ponyville, should you wish, but a room has also been prepared for you within the castle, should you wish to stay tonight.” Twilight thought about Spike and how he would worry if she did not return, but realised he was probably sound asleep by now. “It would be great to stay over if that’s OK with you” she decided, “But would you please send Spike a message first thing in the morning so he doesn’t worry?” “Of course” smiled the Princess warmly, “Now would you like me to fly you down to the castle? The long spiral stairs can be quite treacherous, especially if one is tired.” They both rose and walked out onto the balcony. Twilight noticed the air had become much crisper since they had last stood outside, and gave a little shudder as the cold hit her lungs. She took in one last view of the panorama unfolded before her, before turning to look at her Princess, who squatted down once more onto her haunches inviting her to climb up. Twilight skimmed through the night sky on Luna’s back, the chill in the air now no match for the warmth that grew between them, as she no longer held on just for safety, but now used the opportunity to give a heartfelt hug of thanks for sharing so much with her tonight. Whatever course she decided for her future, Twilight knew that the two of them had now forged a strong personal bond of friendship that would last a lifetime. With a contented smile spreading over her face, she leaned forward so she could embrace more of her new friend’s neck and gave another warm squeeze. Luna pretended not to notice, lest it break the moment, but couldn’t help a broad smile breaking out on her face and a few tears of happiness welling up in her eyes.