//------------------------------// // 5 Final Preparations // Story: Return Visit // by Bronyxy //------------------------------// Conversation around the table became an excited chatter until Solaris had to make his excuses to go and prepare for Day Court, leaving Artemis and Dusk alone. “I really am most impressed by the promise you have shown; you have exceeded my expectations” Artemis declared, then added with a smile, “Just please try to refrain from destroying Equestria in my absence.” A wave of tiredness swept over Dusk as the adrenaline he had been living off came to an end, and the effort he had put into the night’s activities suddenly caught up to him. “If I’m going to be fit for the task, I’m going to have to hit the hay” he conceded, doing his best to stifle a yawn, “Thanks for everything Arty; see you this evening?” “Yes, you are right” Artemis agreed, “There are things that I desire to prepare for myself, and I too should like to be rested.” Saying their farewells, they set off along different corridors for their respective rooms, each of their minds whirling as they embarked on making long mental to-do lists. Day Court dragged for Solaris; he treated each of his petitioners with the same dignity and respect for which he was renowned, but pretty much everything he had to listen to had been repeated by ponies of different colours, some with horns, some with wings, over countless centuries beforehand. The repetitive nature of their requests meant that he needed to have something else going on in the background of his mind or he would go mad, and so it was that fond memories of Princess Celestia kept prodding his consciousness. They both struggled with the same unrelenting pressures and she was his intellectual equal; but not only that, he had to admit that he did find her easy on the eye as well. Finally the evening arrived and Solaris strode slowly out onto the Royal balcony, heading towards the balustrade that stood as the final barrier between him and nightfall. He took deliberate steps one hoof at a time, drinking in the subtle palate of sunset being painted across the sky. Coming to a stop immediately before the ornate stonework, he marvelled at the dying colours of the day, while the lengthening shadows chiselled their artistry across the distant vista. He welcomed this opportunity for private reflection, away from the daily clamour of competing voices that vied for his attention. This was his chance to see the splendour that the sunshine created; the subtle drama of evening descending rather than the powerful bleaching of the sun at midday. A mischievous breeze came out of nowhere to tease his feathers before dissipating as quickly as it had arrived, its playful purpose happily fulfilled. He smiled at the sensation, but did not break eye contact with the waning diorama being played out before him, its most appreciative audience. The gentle thud of hooves landing on the flagstones of the balcony informed him that he was no longer alone. He knew instinctively that the visitors would be the two ponies closest to his own heart, and tore himself away from the poetry of the landscape to turn and greet them, lest he keep them waiting. Before him, exactly as he expected, stood Artemis; the dying rays of sun shining off his glossy midnight blue coat, while behind him, in his shadow stood Dusk, holding back to give the brothers a little privacy. “Are you well prepared, little Brother?” Solaris asked. “We have been blessed with a period of tranquillity over the last few nights, with the alignment of the stars pointing to continued stability for at least another week before we should prepare for change” he replied with dutiful solemnity, “You are aware I should not entertain this visit if it were otherwise?” “Of course, of course” the elder brother replied dismissively, before returning the conversation toward to his student with eager attentiveness, “And Dusk; how well prepared is he?” “He has established a sound working knowledge.” “Of everything?” “Dream walking remains a challenge, so I cut further tuition in this area to reinforce his knowledge across other disciplines. Although that remains a gap in his capability, I believe I have made the right choice; he is worthy of wearing the crescent moon livery collar.” “Praise indeed” Solaris nodded appreciatively, raising a solitary eyebrow in respect, “It is reassuring to know that you have found somepony who can finally stand in for you; give you a break every now and then, eh?” “Dusk Shine” said Artemis turning his head back to summon the young magician, “Come and join us.” The Element Bearer’s ears pricked up and he trotted over to join the brothers. “Yes, Arty?” he enquired. Solaris couldn’t conceal a cringing smirk at the use of that nickname again, but let it pass without further comment. “How do you feel about taking charge of the night?” asked Artemis. “I’ve done a little last minute reading up on moonbeam magic today …” “I thought you were resting?” chastised his tutor gently. “Yes, but I didn’t handle that particular magic to my satisfaction last night” Dusk justified. “That was to be expected” Artemis commented with a wry smile, “Tis difficult for even a seasoned practitioner to master that class of magic upon a waning crescent, as there is so much less power in the moonbeams. Do not judge thyself harshly.” Dusk was about to object, when Solaris cut in with a jovial smile; “I can see you have taken your preparation very seriously; I’m sure we’ll be in good hooves until my brother returns.” “I concur” interjected Artemis with a confident nod of his head, the starfield in his mane rippling with the motion. Dusk’s mouth worked a few silent protestations, but his voice had somehow chosen not to engage at the same time, the brothers taking his silence as affirmation. He thought briefly about pushing his reluctant voice into life and making a mild protest, but dismissed the thought with a shake of his head; he was ready and he knew it. Having dismissed his self-doubt, he turned to follow the two brothers as they led the way towards the throne room and the mirror that waited for them. They all knew that in another universe that very closely paralleled their own, a party of three female alicorns was making exactly the same journey. The guards by the large wooden doors snapped smartly to attention as three of the four alicorns from the ruling quadrature filed in, the rhythmic clicking of their hooves suddenly drowned out by a rousing cheer. Inside, an excitable pink party pony had suddenly been unable to contain himself any longer, supported in cheerful chorus by four more eager looking stallions, three colts and a baby dragoness, all suddenly finding an outlet for their pent up enthusiasm. Dusk found his friends’ enthusiasm infectious, and despite concerns about who was minding the library now that his Number One Assistant had come to Canterlot, felt a broad smile lift his face, mirroring the eager expressions surrounding him. With his spirits immediately lifted, he cast his head around and noticed that the room no longer radiated austere formality of Day Court, but instead was festooned with balloons and streamers just like it was Hearths Warming Eve. Tables had also been brought in, and a sumptuous looking banquet with the finest treats had been carefully arranged by the serving staff. Close to Berry Bubble, a pair of piñatas hung suspended, guarding a variety of games set out lovingly around them, including spin the bottle, twister and even Pin the Tail on the Pony! Dusk noticed that while the Crusaders stayed together in their happy little group, Spines had somehow persuaded Elusive to carry her, and was dreamily losing herself in the moment, hugging him a little more tightly than the situation truly merited. The two deities climbed up onto the raised dais and quiet descended across the ponies present, all except for the Crusaders who were chattering animatedly about the prospect of meeting their filly selves. Blitz was nearest to the excitable group and shot an apologetic glance towards Solaris before giving Scooteroll a tactful nudge on his flank, causing the colt to look up and see all eyes on him and his friends. Their conversation died mid-sentence, and a tide of crimson embarrassment crept across their faces as they all looked around apologetically before returning to face the white alicorn Prince. Solaris looked down at them with a fatherly smile, clearly not intending to spoil the evident happiness simmering expectantly within the room. He gave a very short address about all ponies needing to be on their best behaviour and tempting them with the prospect of further meetings if things went well, then turned to touch his horn to the mirror. All present watched in anticipation as the surface began to ripple, and then there was a flash!