//------------------------------// // 4 Remember the Orchestra // Story: Return Visit // by Bronyxy //------------------------------// The last few nights with Artemis sped past, Dusk taking in study and coffee in equal amounts, until finally the last session was over. Down below them, Solaris stood on the flagstones of the Royal balcony in the pre-dawn darkness, feeling the chill breeze teasing at his fur and rippling across his feathers. He turned his head to look up at the crescent moon, then around the canopy of the sky, where the stars were shining brighter than normal now there was less of the moon’s glow to compete with. Not only that, but some stars that usually appeared to be bleached white were tonight showing off richer natural hues, counterpointing the diamanté sparkles that glittered all around them. Looking up in the direction of the tallest white tower, he noticed two winged forms spill off its balcony, and stood back to ensure there would be sufficient room for his guests. First to land was a midnight blue pony who furled his wings with a shake and nodded his head in respect as he advanced the few steps and extended his horn in greeting. His brother reciprocated and they touched horns, each wishing the other a good morning. Dusk touched down and stayed back allowing time for the two brothers to bond, after all, the day was young and there was no urgency. Only once Solaris beckoned him did he move forward to share the customary unicorn greeting of touching horns himself. “And good morning to you” said Solaris warmly to his former personal student, “How have your studies gone?” “Very well, thank you” he replied, “It always takes time when you’re learning something completely new. It’s challenging, for sure, but I’ve got a good teacher and I’m getting there. However, I haven’t got the hang of dream walking quite yet.” “In fact we have something of a test this morning” announced Artemis, punctuating a silence that had landed immediately after Dusk had voiced his self-doubt, “If you will permit?” “Please, go ahead” Solaris concurred standing back respectfully. Dusk moved to the fore, taking up a position at the front of the balcony, watched intently by two expectant pairs of eyes. His horn glowed magenta, standing out starkly against the prevailing darkness. Behind him, Solaris threw a quizzical look to his brother, who simply raised an eyebrow in acknowledgement before turning to lend unspoken moral support to his protégé. A few stray sparks fizzed off the end of Dusk’s horn as his aura reached up to the sky, an air of anticipation hovering over the two ponies who were watching his every move so intently that he could feel their eyes boring into him. It was a test, and all three of them knew exactly what was expected. He had done it before, of course, but that was during the attack by Lady Vorek when he had found himself unexpectedly being the vessel for all the alicorn magic in Equestria, but now he needed to prove he could do it by himself. He strained, but could feel that the connection was not strong enough and gritted his teeth, starting to sweat with the prospect of failure; letting down not only himself, but Artemis too. “Remember the orchestra” came floating into his mind, not through his ears, but on a subliminal wavelength, and he knew his tutor was coming to his aid. In response, Dusk leaned back against the supreme concentration of his magic, raising his forelegs like he was conducting an orchestra, just as he had seen Artemis do. After a pause, the moon shuddered imperceptibly then began a smooth downward trajectory, just as it was supposed to. Solaris glanced towards his brother, whom he could see was in deep concentration, but a quick look at his horn showed that he was not using any magic; Dusk was doing this all by himself. Once the moon had sunk from sight to begin its day long rest, Solaris reached over the horizon to find the sun and welcome it with practiced ease into the new day. Dusk was drained, and having completed his task, sagged as he let out a large breath he had been unaware that he had been holding. During the few breaths he needed to refresh his tired body, he felt a reassuring pat on the shoulder and looked up to see Artemis smiling down genially at him. “Thanks …” Dusk began, but found himself cut off. “You did well” Artemis confirmed, “We are very proud of you.” The three alicorns sat at table, two of them apparently in a competition to see who could drain the coffee pot first, whilst the third took his time to gently steep the tea brewing silently in an elegant pot in front of him. “So, Dusk” said Solaris respectfully, as the lilac pony put down his empty mug for another refill, “That was a most impressive feat just now. Very smooth; I remember the first time I tried, the moon bounced and wobbled all over the place. Fortunately there’s nopony alive who can remember, so I’ll deny it all if the story ever gets out!” Solaris laughed jovially and the others followed suit. “But, seriously” he added, tone changing noticeably, “How ready do you feel to cover for the time my brother will be away?” Dusk looked pensive, then turned to Artemis, “I don’t think I’m the one who should be answering that question.” “Dusk Shine has shown himself to be remarkably adept in working the magic of the night” confirmed the younger of the two brothers, “While lacking the depth of knowledge that can only come with experience, he has demonstrated more than a basic competence of all the key areas except for one.” “Dream walking” advanced Solaris knowingly, then adding with a deep chuckle, “I never could manage it myself either.” “In fact, dear Brother, I do believe he has shown the aptitude to surpass even you in this regard given time.” “It had to happen sometime” conceded Solaris with a playful sigh, then turning to his former student he beamed, “You really are the brightest pony of your age!” Dusk blushed deeply at the compliment and reached to top off his coffee, not so much because he wanted it, but moreover because it focused the attention away from his growing embarrassment. “Tell me Artemis” said Solaris, “How advanced are your plans for travelling through the mirror tonight?” “I believe we are able to consider ourselves ready, if such sojourn still remains acceptable to you?” he enquired, “Equestria will be safe over the next few nights if Dusk Shine should like to accept the task. Remember that since our two worlds are paralleled, if a problem arises here, it will be mirrored in theirs. In the event of such happenstance, then I shall return immediately so neither Dusk Shine nor Equestria is imperilled.” “Dusk?” asked Solaris, “There is honestly no pressure, but how do you feel …” “Do I get access to the whole of your library?” Dusk asked, a spark of good natured opportunism flashing into his eager eyes. The Prince of the Night put down his coffee and rested his chin on his hooves, fixing the student in a stare that would impress even Butterscotch, Dusk’s animal loving pegasus friend back in Ponyville. Now Dusk was immortal, Artemis knew that such knowledge would not stay secret forever, and the student had shown tremendous promise over the last few nights. However, even though the request had been delivered with warm levity rather than cold ambition, it was, inescapably, an ultimatum. The fact that he would be prepared to permit privileged access was never in doubt, but he paused as the full impact of the request struck home. When he spoke, all humour had dropped from his face as he cautioned in utmost seriousness, “Very well, but certain conditions shall apply. Whilst I may be prepared to place my library at your disposal, spells from books and scrolls on my ‘dark’ bookshelves shall not be attempted until we have first discussed them and I am present to assist. Further, this privileged access relates only to books and scrolls; artefacts in cabinets and boxes are not to be touched as most have enchantments; some have magical wards protecting them, whilst others of a more personal nature are charged with my essence, and the mere act of touching them would dissipate their power.” “OK” Dusk summarised carefully, picking up on the gravitas of the moment, “I can read what I like, but don’t touch anything and don’t try dark spells.” “Huzzah!” exclaimed Artemis triumphantly, “We have an accord!”