Chapter Four: Dark Designs
~BlackRoseRaven
Luna and Scrivener Blooms were resting quietly together in what had once been the rocky meadow, by now which had been transformed into an immense black mire by the Tyrant Wyrm's presence. Boulders, half-dead trees, and other refuse had all been either crushed down or torn up and piled aside for now, and while the forest itself had seemed to writhe and rumble as the marshland mutation had spread through it, it had now settled and seemed to be grudgingly accepting this transformation, if only because strange plant life was beginning to spout along the edges of the muck.
Pinkamena's Pale had vanished to who-knew-where: she had seemed strangely excited, that much was certain, but it was always hard to tell what exactly was going on in the mind of the ever-cryptic half-demon. All the same, if anything had been different, it had been that Pinkamena had treated them with a little more respect, which made Luna feel almost a little disappointed. All the same, Pinkamena had eventually gone back to being her mocking, slightly-mean self, and both Luna and Scrivener had been oddly relieved.
Now, they were relaxing as the sun slowly sank through the sky towards the horizon, enormous monster of destruction and darkness-marked winged unicorn curled up together, Luna held almost gingerly in the strong forelimbs against the male's body. But in their linked mind, they stood side-by-side, Scrivener in his half-pony, half-Wyrm shape and Luna smiling beside him as they gazed towards the shape of Nightmare Moon.
She was an enormous winged unicorn, her coat black as night, her eyes glowing like dark gemstones, filled with both primal passion and cunning intellect. Her ethereal mane and tail flowed and writhed of their own accord, countless constellations glimmering throughout the ephemeral locks: they reflected strangely off the collar around her neck, made of silver-glinting roses and metallic ivy, tightly holding the engraved black pearl in place at the front of her neck. “Yes... all these years spent absorbing the darkness, evolving, developing... and finally, we have become... more. We have power and we have lucidity, we have mixed everything we have learned and experienced with the lessons of blacker natures to form... balance. We are mastering not only ourselves, but an entire world.”
“Yes, Nightmare Moon, but are we worthy to, I wonder... as I also wonder if this is truly the right path for us to travel.” Luna said softly, and Nightmare Moon smiled at her gently, listening with motherly affection. “Yet at the same time, I have much fewer misgivings than before... I feel... confident, and more than that, assured of myself. I do not fret nor worry as much about things... I find that my happiness is fuller, and even sorrow only lends itself to my drive.”
“You are right to worry a little, child: in the past, after all, darkness consumed us. Passion and violence ate us up with the demon's tampering...” Nightmare Moon paused meditatively, then she brought a hoof forwards and gently tapped the dark ground. Ripples traveled outwards from where she touched as if they were standing on water, spreading and spilling through the darkness, and then Nightmare Moon stepped back with a soft expression on her face as the earth become a dirt street and buildings rose up to either side of them. They were distorted, tinged with shadows... but clearly, they were left standing in the center square of Ponyville, as the darkness-kissed winged unicorn continued: “But in the past, we were shoved aside. Celestia forced us to be that which we did not wish to be, and all the ponies of old Equestria looked upon us as her shadow, her subordinate, and defiled the worth of our beautiful night.
“But now, we have Scrivener Blooms... who has become living testament to the fact that the worst of evils can choose their own fate.” Nightmare Moon looked across at him adoringly, and the male smiled despite himself, feeling a shiver of pleasure and a faint stirring of pride. “And this is our Equestria... this is our Looking Glass World. No matter whom we turn the rule over to, no matter what happens in the future, we are the founders and authors of this country, and that can never be stolen from us or taken away. There will always be a testament to what we have done somewhere, whether deep and hidden or blazing in the skies above... and the ponies will be forced to remember that.
“But even with that aside... we look forwards to having our friends and family back, do we not? And while we fear the reactions of many, such as sunlit Celestia... do we also not expect Twilight Sparkle, among others, to understand how fortunate they are, and that we have done all this to prove their importance to us, that we are their worthiest of friends?” Nightmare Moon tilted her head, and both Scrivener Blooms and Luna nodded slowly, eyes locked on the dark winged unicorn. “And we have confidence that given time, they will come to understand that we are here to protect them, and even now, our goal is to help build a strong and glorious utopia. We are merely... taking a more aggressive approach, and no longer hesitating to fulfill our own desires along the path. We have done much to earn a little selfishness, have we not?”
“Not even I can argue with that.” Scrivener said softly, and Nightmare Moon looked at him approvingly before a smile quirked at the poet's mouth. “Or maybe, rather, I don't even want to argue with that. Before I know that... I would have been saying, probably even at least half-believing, we had to continue to give all we could to the world with no expectations in return, but... why should we? We give plenty, and we are the strong who plan to nourish and protect the weak, no matter what happens... but we deserve something ourselves, don't we? And it's not as if we're aiming to make others suffer, to steal from them: we're simply putting our strength to use for ourselves as well.”
“Exactly, Scrivener Blooms. I could not have phrased it better in mine own words... see, sometimes thou art a poet, just like we always say.” Luna smiled over at him, and Scrivener laughed and shook his head slowly before the winged unicorn gazed towards Nightmare Moon with a firm nod. “We have lived by the rules and laws of others long enough. Let us live by our own now, and do whatever we please. 'Twill be strange at first, but... I look forwards to fulfilling all the desires I have had to hold back in the past.”
Scrivener smiled slightly at this, cocking his head towards her, and Luna rolled her eyes before she said with amusement: “Oh, stop it, Scrivy. Thou art no pure-hearted angel, much as thou likes to pretend. Besides, if one thing we both have learned... 'tis that we both always come first to the other. As thou would never do anything to harm me, I would never hurt thee... but likewise, I know that for one-another, we would cross from Helheim to Valhalla, would we not?”
“And all the way back. Although that journey would likely be more pleasant.” Scrivener replied softly, and Luna laughed quietly, the two stepping forwards and nuzzling one-another gently before they turned their eyes towards Nightmare Moon, and the male bowed his head towards her as he added quietly: “And I want to thank you, for... your help. Without you, Nightmare Moon... I may never have become this, or worse, I may never have understood that I can... control this, instead of letting the power control me. You and Luna are my guides... without you in my life, I would never have... discovered the things I have. I love you both... or rather, I love both flawless sides of you.”
“You delight us, Scrivener Blooms.” Nightmare Moon said kindly, stepping towards him, and she leaned forwards to share a slow, firm kiss with the male before she let out a sigh of relief as their mouths parted, looking towards Luna as the dark-sapphire winged unicorn blushed a bit in pleasure. “Remember that as important as we are to you... you are the same to us, perhaps even more so. Our fate would not have been so pleasant without you there, always beside us, giving us the support and affection we desired... and now, you have become powerful, and we are glad to see it. We are glad to help you achieve what we feel you have more than rightfully-earned... we are happy to see you so strong, and would trust no one else in possession of such abilities as you have developed.”
“I won't forget it, ever again.” Scrivener replied softly, meeting Nightmare Moon's eyes with a smile and a slow nod, and then he laughed a bit and reached up to touch his own chest with one claw, whispering: “I understand what's truly important now, like how only together, side-by-side, we can continue to survive and thrive like this. And that resisting our desires is both futile and foolish, is a waste of good experiences that we could otherwise share in together.”
“Thou just wants monster concubines. 'Tis sick, thou should know.” Luna informed, leaning towards him with a wink, and Scrivener laughed despite himself, shaking his head and looking back at the winged unicorn with entertainment as even Nightmare Moon gave a soft, relaxed laugh. “But yes. Yes, there is no more reason to be sad. There is excitement in the air now, tingling in our bodies... perhaps, Nightmare Moon, 'tis time to move forwards with our plans.”
“Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. And I relish that I am not forgotten by either of you... that you treat me with such respect and thanks.” Nightmare Moon bowed slowly towards the two, and Scrivener and Luna bowed deeply in return before the three figures rose at the same time, and enormous, darkness-infused winged unicorn smiled lovingly over the two smaller figures. “Excellent. Go now, my children. Save the world with our darkness.”
Luna and Scrivener both smiled as their eyes closed... and when they opened them again, they were back in reality, Luna sighing in relaxation from where she was curled up against the front of the Tyrant Wyrm's enormous breast in his strong front limbs, looking up at him with entertainment as he gazed down towards her before she murmured: “'Tis a nice change of pace to be held, Scrivy, even if I also feel much like a doll in thy oversized limbs.”
Scrivener snorted at this, then he leaned down and firmly, sloppily licked up the side of Luna's face, and the winged unicorn gave a yell and flailed her hooves at him grouchily. “Great and undignified beast, I shall pummel thee wretchedly!”
“Okay, okay, okay. You're like one of those dangerous little dogs or something.” Scrivener said mildly, and then he winced when Luna huffed and slammed a hoof into his chest, sending a surprising amount of pain radiating through his body. “Point taken, you can still beat me up.”
“I shall always be able to beat thee up. But do not transform back, Scrivener, I am feeling lazy. We may as well put thine enormous size to good use and thou can carry me back to Ponyville.” Luna retorted, and then she sat back on her haunches even as Scrivener climbed to his claws, looking down at her moodily. “Well, steed, place me upon thy back.”
Scrivener looked at her for a few more moments... then he leaned down and opened his mouth wide, breath washing out over Luna as she stared up at him with surprise before he firmly clamped his jaws over most of her body, making her squawk as he easily hefted the winged unicorn into the air. Her hind legs kicked at the air as her front hooves mashed against his gums and thick tongue as she cursed in frustration, and then the Tyrant Wyrm gently dropped her onto his upper back between his pistons of bone, wings flapping absently once before the male turned his eyes back ahead with a wide, pleased grin. “There you go. Safe and sound.”
“Oh, aye, wonderful. Now I merely am covered in Wyrm slobber and smell like thy fetid breath.” Luna retorted with a grumble, shaking herself briskly as her mane sparked and she gave a disdainful sniff. “Foul monster. 'Tis like... 'tis like meat and spices. Thou art disgusting.”
Scrivener only grunted in response, and Luna grumbled a bit before she glanced towards the edge of the clearing, eyes settling on where she had left the satchel bags on a large log. Her horn glowed as this lifted up and floated over to her, settling easily into place over her back.
Then she stomped a hoof lightly down, signaling she was ready, and Scrivener Blooms snorted in amusement before he began to make his way easily back towards Ponyville, carefully stepping into the forest and worried at first about the denseness of the bush, but he soon found himself unable to resist a bit of a grin as he easily pushed his way through the trees, plowing down what he couldn't step over. “Maybe a little, but all the same, Luna, it's admittedly rather nice to be... well... you know.”
“I think thou art enjoying thy size and strength far too much.” Luna retorted, but she smiled a bit all the same, then sighed in exasperation when Scrivener gave her a half-imploring look over his shoulder. “Alright, alright. 'Tis impressive, yes. And I can see how such power would make a twisted creature like thee happy. Satisfied?”
“Relatively.” Scrivener smiled slightly despite himself as he continued easily through the forest, hearing whispers through the trees as they seemed to lean and bend to get out of his way, and the Tyrant Wyrm admittedly felt a thrill of power at the way the very world seemed to fear him now... to respect what he was capable of as his eyes glowed beneath the waning sunlight.
Luna laughed quietly on the reptile's back as she stretched slowly, sitting up on his spine and smiling softly to herself, in a position she'd never imagined in her wildest dreams she would once be as she leaned forwards and whispered softly: “Good, Scrivener Blooms. Thou should be proud of thyself, of who thou art and what thou can accomplish. Thou should revel in thy strength... for 'tis truly incredible that thou can control the abilities of the Tyrant Wyrm, and with such finesse at that. And admittedly, I am curious if thou will be able to bring back the dead... and if thou can, what those resurrected so would be like.”
“Do you think that's the ultimate power, Luna? Being able to restore those who have died, to breathe new life into them?” Scrivener asked softly, and Luna rubbed gently along his spine with her front hooves as she looked thoughtfully down, before glancing up as the Wyrm continued quietly: “I think it could be... but only if they were made stronger for the experience. Only if they weren't transformed into thralls or constructs or false-selves... but they still retained their mortal minds, their hearts, their souls.”
The winged unicorn nodded thoughtfully at this, then she strode easily forwards as Scrivener lowered his head a bit with a slight smile, feeling her striding up the slope of the back of his neck to stand between his crown of horns as she said firmly: “Then we shall investigate this when the opportunity presents itself, beloved Scrivy. We shall see if thy breath possesses that power... and if it does, we shall learn to harness it so that nothing and no one can ever be stolen away from us again...”
“Yes. I like that.” Scrivener said quietly, gazing outwards as he felt their thoughts and emotions mixing together, dark and beautiful imaginings playing through their minds. The thoughts held a strange glory to them, after all... and what made them all the greater was the knowledge that it was no impossible dream, but attainable ambition. It was enough to make both Luna and Scrivener understand in a way they hadn't before how everything was possible for them... everything was within reach, and there was nothing that could stand in their way.
They made their way onwards towards Ponyville, and the journey was short due to both Scrivener's great strides and the thoughts that energized them and gave them focus. It was an enjoyable journey, the Tyrant Wyrm breathing slowly and easily, tasting the air and feeling like he was gleaning strength from both the living earth and even the dusky sunlight streaming over his scales.
Luna rested on top of Scrivener's head, smiling and relaxing as she gazed slowly back and forth, enjoying both the feeling of raw power emanating from her husband as well as the sense of awe she felt the world around them studying them with. Even as they began to approach Ponyville, at first the Nibelung only stared in shock, one of the guards at the gates dropping his weapons... and then Luna laughed and stood up, flicking her horn as it gave a distinct sapphire sizzle to draw their attention as she shouted cheerfully: “Worry not, 'tis only us!”
Scrivener rumbled and lowered his head forwards, Luna stroking a hoof gently against his scalp as she added in a murmur that only he could hear: “I like it when they gaze upon us so, Scrivy... I know that I should not, but I cannot help myself. If anything, I want them to fully comprehend what we are capable of, to quake in awe at the magnificence of our presence alone... yes, all shall know us. And either they shall adore us or be in terror of us, and that is not so bad a way for the world to be.”
“I agree, Luna. Thinking back on how things used to be... maybe this is the better choice.” Scrivener said softly, and the winged unicorn smiled warmly at this, stroking her hooves lovingly against the Tyrant Wyrm's scalp and making him close his eyes in relaxation at the feeling of the affections, and moreover her loving, happy thoughts. “We won't demand worship... but there's no point in turning it away.”
Luna laughed quietly... and then both pony and Tyrant Wyrm glanced down as Greece came hurrying out of the gates of Ponyville, and Scrivener dropped to a sitting position as he leaned his head down, the Nibelung gaping up at them with shock as the winged unicorn calmly strode over Scrivener's head and down to the end of his muzzle, saying courteously: “I believe thou desired to ask questions, and learn answers. Many of these answers now stand in front of thee, however, Greece, but I shall say it all the same to make it perfectly clear: Scrivener Blooms, my husband, is a Tyrant Wyrm. But he is also in full possession of his faculties, and while he and I are both unsure as of yet how strong the Wyrm's instinctive urges are... so far, Scrivy and I have not had any trouble with controlling ourselves.”
She paused, then smiled over her shoulder as Scrivener closed his eyes and bowed his head forwards, body flexing as he began to rapidly shrink down, a faint blue aura shimmering around his frame for a few moments before it died out as he straightened... now roughly the same height as Luna, back in his half-pony, half-Wyrm state as his clawed limbs strode easily along the ground to walk up beside her and nuzzle her affectionately.
She sighed in soft relaxation at this, arching her back, and then she smiled across at Greece as the Nibelung only continued to stare in shock, a little pale, his eyes disbelieving before Luna said kindly: “'Tis alright, my friend. We are not so different, honestly. And no more will we have to fear outside attack... from the demons that reject our compassionate offer of peace to the mightiest dragons, Scrivener Blooms and I are both more than a match for any of them.”
“I... so this is why...” Greece grimaced a bit as he looked back and forth between the two, and then he shook his head slowly as he rubbed at a nub of tusk, murmuring: “Fancy-corn, and... Scrivener Blooms... I'm not even sure what I should think or say. Aren't the Tyrant Wyrms parasites? We extensively studied what they were capable of in the ancient texts in Niflheim, and... Odin would have...”
“Odin would have killed us both.” Luna replied quietly, shaking her head slowly before she gazed at Scrivener, who looked softly back at the winged unicorn. “And my husband is different because he is conscious. Valthrudnir's pets were more like machine than living thing... guided by his choices, his decisions, his actions, his demands, programmed from the beginning of their unholy life. They were made from pieces of the dead, constructs with a consciousness composed of only hatred and rage... 'tis nothing like my beloved. He still has heart, mind... and most important of all, a soul.”
The two smiled at one another, and then Scrivener stepped forwards, bowing his head to Greece as the Nibelung looked at him uncertainly before the poet said softly: “Give me a chance, that's all I ask. You've been very good to us, and we don't want to lose you as friend or ally... so give us both a chance and watch what we do, the actions we take. After all, as a Nibelung Architect yourself, you should understand what snap judgments are like.”
The Nibelung sighed a little at this, rubbing at his face as he muttered: “I shouldn't have needed that reminder. Alright, alright... you win. I'll... keep my reservations to myself for now, and see if... well...” He halted, looking back and forth between the two as Scrivener and Luna both smiled and straightened. “You two are different, though. And I don't mean just physically, there's... something about you that...”
“We are, aye. I admitted that already though, did I not?” Luna quirked an eyebrow at this, looking entertained as her mane and tail swirled slowly backwards. “We are less and less afraid of embracing ourselves and our desires, that is the easiest way to say it... but worry not, Greece. For our friends and family and Equestria are still very high upon the list of things that we value... there is precious little that I would not do for this world, and less still that I would fear to do for the sake of those important to me.”
Greece nodded slowly, looking unnerved all the same still as he rubbed at his face quietly, then he said apprehensively: “And now... you want to bring all the ponies back, isn't that right?”
“Aye, I do, come tonight. Gather Illyria and the other Architects, Greece, and we shall discuss my plans and how best to go about this process as soon as possible, now that the amplifiers shan't be needed.” Luna said kindly, and the Nibelung nodded awkwardly after a moment before Luna quickly held up a hoof and asked curiously: “Does thou know where I could acquire some paper and quills? We will require penning a message to Pollen... I assume she lives still in our cottage, of course.”
“Why don't you head to the library, then? I'm sure it'll take me some time to gather the others, and Illyria always has plenty of parchment and ink to spare.” Greece said after a moment of thought, and Scrivener and Luna both nodded before the dwarf bowed his head and said quietly: “Then if you'll excuse me, Luna, I shall hurry on my way.”
“Thou hast my thanks, Greece. Worry not, I am sure after the initial shock wears off... things will quickly return to as they once were.” Luna said gently, and Greece nodded hesitantly before he turned and hurried into Ponyville, tossing a nervous look over his shoulder at the two. Luna only smiled back, however, then glanced towards Scrivy and reached a hoof up to gently touch his shoulder, saying softly as the dwarf disappeared down the dirt path: “He distrusts us, Scrivy, and it hurts my heart to see.”
“I know, Luna. I know. But soon, our friends will be revived... and like this entire world, we can rebuild everything that's lost. We can repair and mend everything, tangible and not.” Scrivener said gently, reaching a claw up to stroke slowly through Luna's ethereal locks, and she sighed softly in pleasure, closing her eyes with a smile before the male nudged her gently with his shoulder. “Come on, warrior princess. You and your noble steed had better make their way to that library.”
Luna smiled slightly at this, giving an entertained look to her husband, and the two fell into step with one another as they strode forwards and through the gates of Ponyville, walking along the dusty road and gazing back and forth almost reverently at their surroundings before the winged unicorn said abruptly: “The Valkyries of old fought on horseback, thou should know. 'Tis strange. I am now the very thing I once rode into battle. Memories of those days... they are alien to the times of now, though, and I do not mind that they have lost some of their color... for the present holds so much more reward, especially as I get to spend this time alongside thee.”
Scrivener Blooms smiled warmly to the winged unicorn, the two sliding closer and almost nestling together as they strode easily through the village, passing both Nibelung and a few Velites that whispered almost anxiously between themselves at the sight of the pony and her husband.
The trip to the library didn't take long, and the two found the door already open and Illyria waiting for them, looking almost eager as the robed Nibelung gestured for the two to head inside. They did, and as they stepped into the wide, comfortable main room with its few shelves of books, they both smiled around at the memories this replica of the old Ponyville library brought back.
There had been more books, of course... but books of any kind were a rarer resource in this world, since ponies hadn't existed to write them. Most of these books came from the Nibelung's sources, a few from the Strange Ones written in odd dialects, and the rest from the now-collapsed layer of reality. But otherwise, it all rang with such a strong sense of familiarity... aided, of course, by the large table in the middle of the room that was covered in scrolls, maps, and papers of all kind.
Illyria returned to one of several chairs sitting around this, dropping down in the seat and gesturing absently towards a quill resting in an inkwell at one side of the table as he said absently: “I have a few calculations to finish, but you are free to write your letter. There's plenty of scrap parchment.”
“Thou hast my thanks, Illyria. 'Tis nice to not have to threaten thee to get my way. I could grow used to this.” Luna said softly, and the dwarf glanced over his shoulder at her with a dry smile. As he began to turn back around, Luna leaned forwards, and asked impulsively: “Why does thou suddenly seem to be so... amiable, if I may ask? Is it because of fear?”
“I am no more or less afraid of you now than I ever was, fancy-corn.” Illyria scoffed, shaking his head as he turned his eyes back to the map, and he lowered his head in thought for a moment before finally answering calmly: “It is because I can finally respect you both a little more, for being what you are instead of defining yourself as 'not-Valkyrie,' 'not-Nightmare Moon,' 'not-Princess,' or 'just a warrior.' That, and in settling in to yourselves, you both seem to be finally acknowledging my skills and have given me a suitably-challenging task.”
“Good.” Luna said softly, and then she watched as Scrivener slipped past her to nudge a chair loose from the table, pulling up a blank sheet of parchment and smiling over at Luna as he swept up the quill in a claw. “Thou looks far too complacent, poet.”
“No more hooves.” Scrivener wiggled his claws and looked pleased with himself, and Luna laughed and shook her head before the male carefully took the quill into the grip of one claw, mumbling: “Except I think I'll have to get used to holding things all over again all the same. Still, should be easier now.”
“The things that give thee such joys, Scrivener Blooms. I swear thou exists solely to frustrate me and fill me with joy at the same time. Thou art a paradox, and I hate to admit how fond I am of that.” Luna replied kindly, and Scrivy smiled amusedly over his shoulder to her before he returned his eyes to the parchment, and the winged unicorn tilted her head back and closed her eyes as she said easily: “Now, pay attention, my handsome scribe, and write as I speak.”
Scrivener nodded, and Luna cleared her throat before she began: “To Pollen, Discombobulation, and whatever other odd residents may have taken up home in my cabin whilst I and Scrivener Blooms have been away. I ask thee to leave immediately for Ponyville, for tonight marks the dawning of our new age, and our new Equestria. Many changes have been accomplished, and there is much yet to be discussed... but I intend to keep my word. Pollen, if thou does not wish to remain a Velite for all eternity, it is time for thy physical body to be destroyed... but rest assured, thy spirit, along with all the other Pales tonight, shall once more be vested with living flesh.
“As to this subject, I must ask that thee also brings the cards of Valthrudnir, which are still secreted inside of Pinkamena's marionette head. They are crucial for what must be done, so make all haste.” Luna paused, glancing over at Scrivener as he turned his eyes to her curiously, and then she nodded firmly once. “I shall be awaiting all of thee eagerly. Thy friend, Luna Brynhild.”
“And Scrivener Blooms.” the male added with a flourish of the quill, and then he smiled slightly as he put this back aside and rolled the paper tightly up before tossing it towards Luna, and with only a flick of her horn, the letter burst into blue flames in midair, a stream of ashes twisting towards the window before Scrivener rubbed at his maw and said musingly: “I wonder if I could do that breath thing one day like Spike could. Granted, mine's a little different, but it's just learning an enchantment or something, right?”
“Thou art such an oddity. Thou can breathe misty death and now thou wants to be able to use it to send letters. There is so much wrong with thee, Scrivener Blooms... thou doesn't even have any friends to send letters to!” Luna replied playfully, stepping towards him and poking at him with her, and Scrivener laughed and shoved at her with one claw.
“Yes, but there's always editors, publishers, other writers, and all the people in Canterlot I never liked. And I could always drown Twilight Sparkle in paper to mess up her filing system.” Scrivener replied with entertainment, and then he laughed and slipped out of the chair when Luna swung at him again, hopping out of range before he leaned forwards and caught her by the shoulders as she stepped towards him, looking down into her eyes affectionately. “Are you ready for tonight?”
“What? How dare thee, 'tis I that should be asking thee such a question!” Luna retorted, poking at him with a hoof, and Scrivener snorted in amusement before he winced when she bopped the end of his muzzle with her horn. “But I am, aye. I know that it shall perhaps be awkward at first, that the shock of their return combined with the shock of seeing us as we are now, well...” She halted, quieting a bit and looking down thoughtfully as Scrivy gently squeezed his dexterous claws against her shoulders. “They may not react as well as one would hope. They may be scared, or upset... but I have faith in our friends and allies. I believe that they will understand... if not now, then after spending time with us, being reminded of all we have fought for, all we have sacrificed... together.”
Scrivy nodded slowly, and Luna smiled up to him after a moment before they nuzzled one-another gently, and she murmured: “But either way, all shall be well. We have one-another, always... and that is all that truly matters.”
The two smiled at one-another, then Scrivener's claws slipped away from her shoulders as Illyria cleared his throat, the two looking towards him before the dwarf said mildly: “Not to interrupt your little romance, fancy-corn, but I think I've located the best possible place for you to use your magic, where the signal will be spread throughout Equestria and beyond.”
Luna tilted her head, and the Nibelung smiled wryly before he stood up from the chair, putting his hands behind his back as he explained calmly: “According to the maps and the research the various Architects have done, the thickest population of Pales is in a... sort of ring, formed by many of the major metropolises around the country. Interestingly, however, Canterlot is mostly empty... the Pales avoid it for the most part. Perhaps it is because of the damages to it, but I do not feign to guess at the motivations of spirits.
“Our amplifier towers were to be set up in a network across Equestria, and the master amplifier, from where your so-called 'magical broadcast' would have begun, fancy-corn, was to be set up in the center of Equestria.” Illyria paused, then rubbed slowly at the underside of his muzzle. “But I now believe that instead... you should send the signal out from Canterlot. It is roughly in the center of the circle of greatest population and should ensure that your so-called 'wish' is granted at least over all those ponies in this country.”
“Nay. It will cover the entire world... I am confident in this.” Luna replied quietly, glancing towards Illyria with a slight smile as Scrivener nodded slowly. “My husband is a Tyrant Wyrm, and I am... I do not know entirely what I am anymore, to be honest. I am still me, yet well...”
She laughed and shook her head slowly, the winged unicorn flapping her wings before she grinned slightly at the dwarf. “'Tis amusing, though and I do not think my changes are at an end. And I both delight and revel in this...”
“You are a strange creature, fancy-corn.” Illyria remarked, and Luna laughed and nodded before the dwarf turned around and sat back at the table, beckoning absently to them without looking as he pulled a large sheet of paper in front of himself. “Come here, while Greece is still busy getting ready. Tell me what you want your castle to look like.”
“I am perfectly capable of sketching the plans myself, Illyria.” Luna pointed out, but when the dwarf gave her a flat look, she rolled her eyes and sighed, saying distastefully: “Because thou art so-called 'learned' in the process does not make thee a better artist than me.”
“No, but it does make me a better Architect. Artists often draw buildings impossibly and distorted without ever realizing it. Do you want your castle to crumble within a few weeks because you accidentally designed it with all the weight on one side of the structure?” He glared over his shoulder at her, and Luna grumbled under her breath before the dwarf nodded with a grunt. “Exactly. So let me do my job, fancy-corn. I don't tell you how to kill people, after all.”
“But I am sure thou would if thou had taken a class in it.” Luna retorted dryly, and the Nibelung sighed and rolled his eyes even as the winged unicorn stepped up beside him, looking down at the paper with a grunt. “Very well. It must be able to stand in what is... marsh-like land.”
“The foundation will need to be strong then, and we may need to strengthen the soil... I will need to check the viability of the ground, although I suspect that no matter what I say you're going to want the castle built there.” The Nibelung glanced at them moodily, and Luna nodded firmly once, the dwarf grumbling a bit before he picked up a drafting pencil and rapidly began to sketch, muttering: “The foundation will need to be large-”
“And I wish for a central room, a.... a garden, a covered courtyard of sorts, large enough to accommodate my husband in his full size, at the heart of the building.” Luna added abruptly, and the Nibelung glanced over his shoulder at her curiously before she smiled as Scrivener glanced towards her affectionately. “The castle should be immense, Illyria. Once thou has the footage... Scrivener Blooms and I shall clear the land for it. The forest will not fight us... the forest will remember us soon enough.”
The dwarf only grunted in response, turning his attention back to the paper, continuing to sketch as Luna listed out ideas and thoughts, Scrivener Blooms occasionally adding his own as Illyria's pencil worked rapidly over the page. By the time the other Nibelung arrived some twenty minutes later, he had already finished a rough outline and had a series of shorthand notes scribbled all along the top and sides of the paper.
Luna pulled herself away from the table to glance over her shoulder at the arriving Nibelung, smiling wryly: Greece, Roma, Babylon, and Tenochtitlan. All of them Nibelung Architects with different specialties: artificer, enchanter, scholar, and engineer.
Greece smiled awkwardly at them as sallow Roma fidgeted a bit and looked warily over the two, while the other Architects merely bowed politely: Scrivener and Luna nodded in return, and then the winged unicorn allowed her eyes to draw over them before turning her attention to Greece, asking quietly: “Are there any others on the way?”
“No, these are the only Architects in Ponyville... quite a cluster, really, considering how many places have only one or two between them.” Greece replied with a hesitant smile, and then he gestured towards the table, where Illyria was pointedly ignoring them as he continued to work away. “Perhaps we can all sit down, if friend Illyria will allow us to move his papers aside.”
“Just be careful with them.” Illyria grumbled after a moment, not looking up, and Roma childishly rose his hands and mimed talking with them as the group approached, arranging themselves with a subtle order around the table. Roma next to Illyria, Babylon at the foot, Tenochtitlan and Greece on the other side but closer towards the head... where Scrivener Blooms and Luna both approached and stood, gazing down the length of the table over the group.
There was silence for a few moments, and then the gray-furred Babylon rose a hand as he turned his dark eyes towards Luna, saying in cordial tones that matched his sharp, serious features: “I would like to start off by requesting that you permit me send out an announcement to every Nibelung Architect several hours before you perform your magic, fancy-corn. I also have the creature registry available, and it would be a matter of moments to select messengers from an appropriate listing to further spread the message.”
“The creatures of darkness already have some idea of my plans. They will arrive tonight in great number, I expect, to pledge loyalty or at least their allegiance. Worry not, they too shall be dispatched tonight as both messenger and guardian, to ensure nothing goes awry.” Luna replied with a calm smile, seeming to appreciate the directness. “We shall use every resource available, fear not.”
“Then why aren't we waiting?” Roma asked shortly, and he fidgeted a bit on the spot, the Nibelung rubbing moodily at his pale features as Luna turned her eyes to him with a flicker of irritation. “We already have the groundwork for the amplifiers done and some of them are in the process of construction as we speak. Are we just going to throw those away?”
Luna lowered her head thoughtfully... and then Illyria looked up from his sketching, glancing towards the winged unicorn and shrugging as he suggested: “We could repurpose them. They could have many uses, after all... signal amplification is only one of the possibilities. I say we continue to build them. They'll have their use.”
“I agree with Illyria.” Tenochtitlan added, crossing his muscular arms over a broad chest covered only by an open rawhide vest. He smiled, revealing not even the nubs of tusks: unlike the others, his had long been completely removed instead of simply cut down. “The designs make them easy enough to modify, in any event. These amplifiers could be turned into communication towers, to let us speak over long distances... or perhaps serve some other purpose, maybe act as alarm towers or security systems. There are many possibilities.”
“Excellent, Ten, I am glad to hear such suggestions from thee.” Luna said courteously, and the engineer nodded to her before the winged unicorn glanced towards Roma as the fidgeting Nibelung grimaced. “I know that it may seem as if I am being too hasty. But believe me when I say that I am not. There is simply no longer further need to wait, further need to delay: my husband and I are more than powerful enough now to bring the Pales back to physical life. Why should we wait for that which we no longer need? Besides, I am eager to see my friends and family again.”
“The idea that your strength has increased so much is difficult to comprehend for us, I think that's all that Roma's getting at.” Greece said quickly, looking sharply over at Roma as he began to open his mouth, and the sallow dwarf grumbled before closing his jaws moodily. “We just want to make sure that... nothing goes wrong.”
Luna nodded and smiled, saying gently: “And this is appreciated, fear not. I take no insult from thine concerns. And should something go wrong, the full responsibility of the burden will be upon mine own self, instead of any of thee, worry not.”
The wolf-pigs nodded and Greece chuckled a bit, saying quietly: “Well, that was less my concern than making sure the ponies are alright when they are... made physical. But... since I guess I'm the senior Architect here and need to speak on behalf of everyone... fancy-corn Luna, what about the process itself?”
“Illyria has noted that Canterlot should be a suitable location for the magic... I shall trust in his advice on this matter.” Luna answered calmly, and the dwarf grunted in approval, not looking up from the sketching he had gone back to work on. “The magic I have in mind will be based around an old spell to make the intangible physical... using the cards, Scrivener Blooms and I shall perform it on a much-larger scale than usual. It should be enough to reach all the Pales of Equestria... and hopefully even the zebras of Zecora's tribe, wherever they den.” She paused, then added quietly: “But Equestria is and must be my first concern. The ponies are my first concern.”
Greece winced a bit at this, and Tenochtitlan looked a little unsettled as well as Illyria only grunted and Roma mumbled to himself, lowering his head. Babylon looked unfazed as well, eyes roving upwards before he asked calmly: “And what about us? Our obligations expire with the return of the ponies to Equestria. Will we be free to pursue our own lives if we choose?”
“Thou shall. Thou art all free to leave after tonight's events, although I have many tasks in mind and am in need of good workers.” Luna replied courteously, nodding towards him as she smiled slightly. “I intend to keep my word and play fairly with all of thee, worry not. Our deal remains unchanged, even if other things have.”
There was quiet for a few moments, and then Babylon nodded, looking towards her thoughtfully as he knitted his fingers together. “Then I will inform my brethren of this as well in the announcement I'll be sending out. Are there any specific needs you foresee requiring immediate workers?”
“Illyria has already signed on to aid me in my endeavor to construct a fitting castle for my new sanctuary.” Luna smiled slightly, glancing over the table as she said softly: “Scrivener Blooms and I will aid in this construction as well, and I am sure we shall have more than a few ponies and others whom shall lend their aid. But I will all the same require many workers, artisans, engineers, and others... I wish for this project to be accomplished rapidly, and it is a truly vast project.”
“I am sure it will glean the interest of more than a few of my colleagues. I myself will be glad to continue rendering my services so long as you agree to allow me to move to a more-suitable location... somewhere such as Manehattan, or another metropolis with a proper library.” Babylon said calmly, gesturing around at the interior, and Luna grimaced a bit as she looked back and forth but nodded slowly at the lack of books. “Very good. I am sure we can work out the details later.”
“What do we do if we choose to leave, though? Set up with the Strange Ones, live in the wild with the savage Nibelung, or just wait for enslavement?” Roma grumbled, and he flicked irritably at the papers in front of him, scattering a few maps and quills and making Illyria glare at him. “What use is freedom when you have nothing else?”
Luna sighed a little at this, then she traded a look with Scrivener Blooms, who shrugged a bit before the winged unicorn said quietly: “Very well then, Roma: then what if I send thee on thy way with a bag of supplies, of whatever thou needs? Within reason, of course... I shan't be giving thee the keys to the kingdom, enchanter, but thou has earned at least a few morsels and bits for all thy services rendered.”
“Fairer, I suppose. I'll probably take you up on that offer.” Roma said moodily, crossing his arms and dropping flat as Greece sighed a bit and Illyria looked with distaste towards the sallow dwarf. “I am glad this contract is at an end.”
“Do not worry, Roma, I am glad thy contract is at an end as well.” Luna said distastefully, and the enchanter scowled at her before the winged unicorn shook her head and looked back and forth, asking calmly: “Are there any other concerns that should be brought to my attention, or questions that require answering?”
Most of the Architects looked towards Greece, who sighed and grabbed at his face in vexation before he grumbled and nodded, turning his eyes towards the winged unicorn as he said dryly: “I'm guessing there's a good few, fancy-corn. Hopefully we'll finish before tonight.”
Luna, however, only smiled wryly, replying quietly: “Worry not, I would rather have too many questions than too few. Let us get this discussion underway, then... I wish to see the faces of my friends before the morning sun rises.”
The dwarves nodded as Scrivener Blooms reached up and gently rested a claw on her shoulder, and the winged unicorn smiled wider, her eyes almost glowing as she gazed over the Nibelung before her... and enjoyed the thrill of power and control she held over them all, and even more the thought that soon enough, her family, her friends would once more live... and it would be in the world she had gone to such lengths to rebuild for them.