Chapter Thirteen: Learning And Changing
~BlackRoseRaven
Celestia smiled down at Scarlet Sage as she sat with the young filly at the edge of the Everfree Forest, the morning sun shining quietly down through the thin canopy of the gnarled trees that swayed here and there. The tall grass still sparkled with morning dew, and clouds rolled slowly through the faint blue sky as the ivory winged unicorn said quietly: “That's very good, Scarlet Sage. I'm glad your mother allowed us to have this time together... Luna can be very protective of you, after all.”
Scarlet Sage smiled in response to this, nodding awkwardly before she asked awkwardly: “Aunt Celestia... if that's true... that everypony can use the Elements of Harmony, that each and every one of us has one of those special qualities inside of us... then why were those Elements of Harmony, those gemstones, so important?”
“But that's just it: they were not. They... were a misconception on my part, artifacts and tools that I thought would help... but I forgot that tools are only as good as the pony who wields them.” Celestia said quietly, looking softly down at the young filly. “An axe can cut wood or cut heads, but it is the pony who picks up the axe that chooses its purpose. A shield, likewise, we all know is for self-defense and protection... but as I myself demonstrated many years ago in a very foolish fight with my little sister, even that can be used as a weapon, too.
“I should have known that the Elements of Harmony were sealed for a reason. They were hidden because their powers, in the wrong hooves, could have brought disaster to Equestria far worse than could be caused by chaos. Overwhelming order is no better than discordant destruction: we must be wary of those who promise 'absolute peace,' even when they... mean well.” Celestia smiled faintly, then she shook her head slowly, her amethyst eyes soft as she gazed kindly down at Scarlet Sage. “But enough of that. You can learn these lessons better from your mother and Twilight Sparkle. The real reason I wanted to bring you out here was to discuss your powers and what you remember of the past.”
The filly blushed a bit, bowing her head awkwardly, and Celestia reached a hoof up to gently touch her shoulder, saying quietly: “You have nothing to be ashamed of, or afraid of. The only reason that Luna and Scrivener aren't here to start this process is because... of the changes my sister and brother have gone through. The memories and emotions in their blood might harm you at this stage... it's best that we start slow.”
Scarlet Sage nodded and hesitated, and then she glanced up awkwardly and murmured: “Thank you, but... I'd... I still... I'd really like them here. It's not that I don't trust you... you're one of the strongest, bravest, most amazing ponies ever to have lived, but... mom's...”
“I think your mother has me beaten out in all those categories... and either way, I know what Luna means to you by now.” Celestia smiled a bit, then she glanced to the side, saying gently: “Atrus, demon; I know you are there, and you do not need to fear me. But perhaps you can do me a favor and fetch Luna and Scrivener, they should be done their own business by now. Tell them that both I and their daughter wish to see them as soon as possible.”
Scarlet Sage cocked her head curiously, but before she could ask, a large, burly shape appeared in the darker shadows of the thicker trees, the scaly head of Atrus leaning out apprehensively into the daylight: it didn't burn him, but he all the same seemed uncomfortable as he said finally: “I... they were selecting certain demons today...”
“I am aware.” Celestia replied dryly, and Scarlet Sage giggled a bit at her tone as the ivory winged unicorn shook her head a bit and said quietly: “But sister also had a more-serious subject to discuss with the demons she could trust, which I think was her true intent for this morning. I trust you know this as well, Atrus?”
“Yes, of course. Castle Enstasis, and its details.” Atrus replied calmly, and then he bowed his head and said finally: “Very well. I shall hurry to Mistress Luna with your request.”
“We will wait here for you.” Celestia replied quietly, bowing her head politely, and Atrus gave a low grunt in response before he slipped backwards, vanishing from sight into the shadows. For a few moments, Celestia studied the area where the demon had been... and then she shook her head slowly, glancing at Scarlet Sage and asking curiously: “What do you think of your... bodyguard?”
“I like him. He's very quiet, though.” Scarlet Sage replied thoughtfully after a moment, looking up at the ivory winged unicorn with a small smile. “I... I know he's a demon and all, but at the same time he's very nice to me, and I think about... my own powers, the things I've done...”
She glanced down after a moment, shaking her head slowly, but Celestia only nodded slowly before she said gently: “I think that's a good thing though, Scarlet Sage. You're very wise for one so young... I myself have never been exactly... generous... with demons and creatures of darkness, after all, even knowing as much about them as they do. They are not 'evil' by nature, so to speak: they can be compelled to help, or follow a cause, just as ponies can. They are different from us, and possess different emotions and values and ideals... but they are not so alien we cannot find common ground with them.
“I think your mother must be very proud of you for understanding that.” Celestia smiled again, and the filly blushed a little before the enormous mare gazed slowly up at the lightening sky overhead, adding quietly: “It's something I'm still having trouble understanding in entirety myself these days.”
Scarlet Sage nodded a little, stepping a bit closer to the mare and looking up at her for a few moments before she asked finally: “Why are you so hard on yourself, Aunt Celestia? Everything's in the past now, and well... everypony thinks so much of you. And you try so hard and do so much for Equestria... everypony can see that.”
“Yes, but I have allowed that to blind me in the past. To make me arrogant, believing myself superior when I am not.” Celestia smiled a bit, and then she laid herself down in the tall grasses and lowered her head, her irises meeting the curious crimson of the filly's. “Maybe in time you can redeem all your old sins and mistakes, I know not... but what I do know is that I don't deserve as much of the praise as I am given. That I have a lot to do if I want to properly earn this respect I've been blessed with from so many, and that I can't let myself fall into... old habits, and make old mistakes all over again.
“Yes, there is part of me that... knows I am a leader, and almost craves it. That desires once more to take my position as Queen of Equestria, or similar: not simply for myself, but with the honest desire to help everypony around me, to act as guide and figurehead and something they can gather under, united... but that too, is dangerous. Altruism, wanting to do good, can lead to worse designs than setting out to do evil or follow one's own desires... not that that too is not without consequence.” Celestia paused meditatively, and then she added softly: “But when it's balanced... like Luna and Scrivener temper their desires with discipline... then I think a bit of selfishness can be beneficial now and then.”
Scarlet Sage nodded slowly as Celestia looked down thoughtfully for a few moments, then gazed back up with a smile, asking quietly: “Forgive me for asking this, Scarlet Sage, but how much do you know about Twilight Sparkle and her... special friendship with your parents?”
“I'm not dumb, and it's not like mom hides much. I know she keeps it quiet just so I don't feel weird but it's pretty hard to ignore.” Scarlet Sage smiled despite herself, blushing and awkwardly pawing at the grass. “But it's okay. It's weird... but it's okay. It's like having another mom, almost. Twilight's always so nice and gentle with me, and I know they really care about each other. But... you know, isn't that... you know...”
“Wrong?” Celestia supplied with a cocked eyebrow, and Scarlet Sage shrugged embarrassedly before the ivory winged unicorn laughed a little and shook her head slowly. “I used to be the one to set moral boundaries on everypony else, Scarlet Sage... and I understand far too late how wrong that was of me and how far I overstepped my bounds... not to mention I now understand how hypocritical it was with the society I myself come from. Let me ask you this, Scarlet Sage, does it upset you, hurt you, or make you worry for your parents?”
“Nah, not really. It's just weird, and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo kinda like to poke fun at it now and then. It's kinda funny how everypony knows but everypony also tries to pretend they don't in front of Mom and Dad. Well, except for Pinkamena, but she's... you know. Pinkamena.” Scarlet Sage smiled up at Celestia, nodding a bit. “And I know Mom and Dad aren't really... normal pony folk either. They've always been different. Special.”
“So special ponies deserve special privileges?” Celestia asked curiously, tilting her head, and this time Scarlet Sage laughed and shook her head before the ivory equine prodded gently, honestly interested in what the filly had to say: “Well, then what do you mean?”
“I mean they see things other ponies don't. They do things other ponies don't, 'cause they... understand things not everypony does. They're brave, and they never let other ponies tell them what to do... well, okay, that part's not entirely true.” Scarlet smiled a little, glancing shyly up at Celestia. “They do listen sometimes to other ponies. But I admire that they... they still don't let anyone else, pony or otherwise, judge them or boss them around if they don't agree with something. They're real strong, but they know they gotta use their strength right and... I guess... what makes 'em special is that they know sometimes you gotta be responsible, and other times you need to break the rules. They're like heroes.”
“They are heroes. And that is why I have such faith in my sister, why even though she's my little sister... I still look up to her.” Celestia replied softly, gazing kindly down at the young filly, and it made Scarlet beam brightly in return to her aunt as she nodded a few times. “I was curious, Scarlet, because you seem very open-minded, and very mature. I wanted to know whether or not you had been... told about their lifestyle. Sister loves you very much, after all, and I know she does try, in her way, to protect you even from herself.”
Scarlet Sage smiled a little at this, laying quietly down in front of Celestia to gaze ardently back into the eyes of the ivory winged unicorn as she replied softly: “Mom told me that my life is my own; I choose how to live, and not even she can make decisions for me. She says she wants to help me, and support me, and guide me, but not... control things for me. She says she and Dad are always going to be there for me, but I have to remember to always take responsibility for myself and my own life, too.”
“A lot for a young foal to keep in mind.” Celestia said gently, and then she smiled a little beneath her swaying rainbow locks before she asked softly: “And may I ask what you think of your father, and his changes? I know both of your parents are a little different, but Scrivener's... are a little more pronounced. At least physically-speaking.”
Scarlet Sage hesitated at this, rubbing embarrassedly at her face, and Celestia cocked her head curiously before the foal said softly: “It was a little scary at first... seeing both of them like that. Mom looks more like Nightmare Moon... Dad looks like... is... a Tyrant Wyrm, and I didn't experience what those things were capable of myself, but... but I still kind of saw it. And I know it's because of what he's become that Mom and him and probably you too are all worried about what would happen if we did practice and I... touched his blood, or his mind.”
Celestia nodded, knowing it was pointless to lie to the filly, especially at this point. “That's right, Scarlet Sage. If you connected to Scrivener, your mind could be filled with the corruption of the Tyrant Wyrm... you haven't yet been trained enough to be able to filter through something as powerful and consuming as that. And you could be badly injured, no matter how Scrivener tried to hold back.”
Scarlet Sage nodded, and Celestia smiled faintly even as her mind roved to a memory of the night before, when the winged unicorn had been speaking with Twilight Sparkle. How she had revealed awkwardly that she had allowed Scrivener to feed off her... how Twilight had brought up all her emotions, and Celestia had been both concerned... and jealous.
Not for the physical aspects, perhaps, but rather... the fact that Twilight Sparkle shared a bond with Luna and Scrivener that Celestia never could herself. Twilight would do anything for them without hesitation, loved them unconditionally, and wanted to be a part of their world, even when that meant turning away from the world that had once been the most important thing in her life. Celestia had almost had that same bond with Twilight once... but she had broken it through folly and selfishness, and knew that even if she and the violet mare she so adored were friends, were almost like mother and daughter... they could never share the same link that Twilight had with Luna.
And it worried her, hard as she tried not to, as much as she reminded herself that her sister might not be a good pony, but she would never, ever hurt Twilight Sparkle or those she cared for. Scrivener Blooms, too, would die before letting himself lose control, even if he was now a Tyrant Wyrm... but part of the problem, Celestia knew, was that as a Tyrant Wyrm Scrivener would feed off emotions and agony, that pain had become his pleasure... especially when caused to others. And she wondered if he knew that this was beginning to show... when Rainbow Dash had been injured last night by Pinkamena, for example, Scrivener's eyes had locked on the Pegasus, and he had licked his lips almost hungrily, excitement seeming to flare up for a moment in the eyes of the poet before he had calmed as quickly as it had come...
But now Scarlet Sage was looking up at her almost worriedly, and Celestia shook her head, murmuring: “You'll have to excuse me, I let myself get lost in my own thoughts. There's still much to sort through, after all, and I have my own worries, like every other pony.”
“Do you wanna talk about them?” Scarlet Sage asked curiously, and Celestia looked up in surprise, rearing her head back slightly as the filly smiled up at her, saying quietly: “You're always real nice to me, Aunt Celestia. The least I can do is listen to you if you wanna talk. I know I'm just a little filly but sometimes just having somepony to share things with helps, right?”
“I...” Celestia looked hesitant as she looked down at the child, who smiled back at her, and then she asked slowly: “You'd do that for me, Scarlet Sage? You already have a lot on your mind as it is...”
“Yeah, but this is important, Aunt Celestia. And you do a lot for me, so I should help you, too... besides, I'd feel better being there for you to talk to than leaving you with all those problems running around in your head. You don't deserve that.” Scarlet Sage said softly, looking up at Celestia with her trusting crimson eyes, and Celestia smiled faintly as she shook her own head slowly.
“Scarlet Sage, I am not who you think I am...” Celestia said softly, and then she laughed faintly and lowered her head forwards, closing her eyes and murmuring: “I'm not who anypony thinks I am. I was Freya in the long past, and I came to this world with all of Freya's anger and passion... feeling thrown away by forces I couldn't remember, abandoned by everything and everyone. I came to this world a whirlwind of rage that hurt many, many people: ponies, dragons, minotaur, Nibelung, and countless others, benign and maleficent.
“And even after I tempered myself, I only ended up at the other extreme: like clockwork, moving according to complex plans without... ever considering that emotion has good qualities as well as bad. Qualities like mercy, which I did not even consider... and even though I did instill order... at what cost did I bring 'peace' to Equestria? How free were the ponies, and how much of their utopia was simply a gilded cage that looked so much like a paradise they didn't realize until far too late how much I had actually stolen from them, how little they actually knew how to take care of themselves...
“Even after I... I began to understand, to change, I still found myself regressing now and then into old habits, I still held myself so far above everypony, and... I was no victim of Valthrudnir's tampering, whatever role the Jötnar played in manipulating me.” Celestia closed her eyes, lowering her head forwards into the soft grasses with a quiet sigh. “I almost killed my sister for the sake of order and peace and harmony. What does that say about me? What kind of justice did I used to believe in? And how can I ever atone for what I've done, even if every pony still thinks that my smile and my eyes are genuine, not a mask behind which lays so much fire and so many gears and so much...”
She fell silent... and then opened her eyes in surprise when Scarlet Sage stepped forwards and hugged her features quietly, pressing her forehead against Celestia's own as a hoof rubbed up through her ephemeral rainbow mane as she murmured: “The past is the past, Aunt Celestia. This is a brand new world, and a brand new start for all of us. You're a new pony now... a better pony now. Mom and Dad both care about you very much, and so do I... and if no one will let me blame myself for Fluttershy's death, then you're not allowed to blame yourself for what happened in the past either.”
Celestia smiled faintly, closing her eyes as the filly clung against her features, and she whispered: “I wish it were that simple-”
“But it is.” Scarlet Sage said firmly, nuzzling silently against Celestia's forehead, and the ivory equine laughed a little before the filly finally drew back, the eyes of the two ponies locking. “Come on, Aunt Celestia. Mom always says you're the smart one.”
The ivory winged unicorn smiled warmly at this, then sat up and embraced the filly firmly, pulling her tightly up against her body, and Scarlet Sage hugged her tightly back, pressing herself close and closing her eyes. They rested together for a few moments in silence, and then Scarlet Sage pulled back and gazed affectionately up at the winged unicorn as Celestia rested a hoof on her shoulder, saying quietly: “I truly am so very fortunate to have a niece and friend in you, Scarlet Sage. You're wiser than most adults I've met, and you handle yourself with more compassion and dignity than most of the ponies I've seen over the course of my long, long life.”
“I just wanna help, Aunt Celestia. That's all... I just wanna help.” Scarlet Sage said quietly, smiling up at the mare. “And I'm learning more and more that even if you have all the powers in the world... sometimes just talking and listening is all you ever need.”
Celestia nodded slowly at this, smiling approvingly in return before her eyes flicked up in surprise as a swirl of blue mist spilled out from the trees, twisting and become a whirling maelstrom of sapphire fog for a few moments that steadily grew outwards and swirled upwards before bursting apart to reveal Luna and Scrivener, the poet looking ruffled but Luna grinning widely as she rolled her head on her shoulders and said delightedly: “'Tis like being invited to my daughter's first recital, except that she is going to demonstrate useful powers instead of hopping foolishly around to badly-played music!”
“Oh, Luna.” Celestia said tiredly, and Scarlet Sage laughed before she happily ran over to her mother, and the dark-coated winged unicorn swept her up for a quick, tight hug before tossing her lightly to Scrivener. The Pegasus filly giggled as she sailed through the air, only to be safely caught in Scrivener's gentle claws, the male smiling as he hugged her against his broad body for a moment before setting her gently down as Luna grinned over at her older sister.
Celestia shook her head with another laugh, and then Luna winked as she leaned forwards, saying kindly: “And I have to say that in the air I smell the distinct lemony scent of awkward discussions. Sister, daughter, have thou been gossiping about us?”
“Sister, please. I know you're not psychic, but also not adverse to having Atrus or other minions of yours listen in on our conversations as well.” Celestia replied mildly, and Luna cleared her throat awkwardly as Scarlet Sage blushed a little and looked up at her father, who only smiled wryly and shrugged. “And you say I don't respect pony's privacy enough.”
“Only because thou does not have thine damnable scrying mirror in easy access, and nay, I shan't tell thee where I have hidden the accursed thing either, for I did of course bring it across the Bifrost. But thou shall only get it back after I have deemed thee worthy enough to have it.” Luna said pompously, stomping a hoof, and Celestia sighed a little and gave her sister an imploring look: not for the mirror, obviously, but rather to behave herself a little, even as Scarlet Sage giggled. Then the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled, saying quietly: “And Celestia... thou hast my thanks, big sister, for being so good to my daughter... and for not judging myself nor Scrivener Blooms despite our... our strangeness.”
“It's not that I don't judge either of you... it's that I always see such good in you both, no matter what.” Celestia replied quietly, and Scrivener laughed a little as Scarlet Sage smiled warmly up at the ivory winged unicorn, and Luna blushed a bit, looking almost shy before the rainbow-maned mare smiled down at the filly. “Scarlet Sage, now that your parents are here... would you like to work a little on your powers?”
Scarlet Sage fidgeted a bit on the spot, but then she nodded a little. Celestia's eyes were tender as she studied the filly, and both Luna and Scrivener smiled supportively to their daughter when the Pegasus glanced awkwardly back over her shoulder before Celestia said gently: “Then we'll begin with a simple exercise I know you were taught a long time ago, to let you view my memories and see some of my past.”
The filly nodded slowly, closing her eyes and bowing her head forwards for a moment before she glanced up and smiled a little as Scrivy reached down and stroked slowly through the crimson mane of the Pegasus and Luna looked with surprise and sharpened interest at Celestia. Then, Scarlet Sage spoke, saying quietly: “I'm a Blood Seer. I can manipulate the blood, the vital force, and the emotions of others... I can change destiny, because some distant ancestor of mine traded their soul for demon's blood, and demon's powers. I know my powers come from darkness... are used most often for evil... but...”
She looked slowly over her shoulder at Luna, smiling faintly to her as her eyes roved between her adopted mother and father before turning back to Celestia the filly nodding firmly once as she murmured: “But it's okay. I'm not afraid, and I know that I get to choose my own destiny, my own fate. I have to be responsible about it, but I do get to decide things for myself, and I don't have to be afraid. I have... two very good role models to show me how even things everypony says are evil can be good, can be heroes... a wonderful and affectionate teacher who's always there for me... and a guide I can trust to show me the way through even the worst of times and always be honest, always be there to protect me, and always make me wish I could be half as strong and a quarter as humble as her.”
She looked warmly up at Celestia, who almost blushed at this compliment as she gazed radiantly down at the filly, her mane almost glowing with her happiness... and then Luna grinned slightly as she stepped forwards, nudging Scarlet Sage playfully and saying kindly: “Now, be careful, beloved daughter. Thou does not want to be quite so modest as Celestia... otherwise, like her, thou will end up turning away all of life's risk and adventure, and where is the fun in that?”
“Well, sister, she is your daughter... I'm sure you'll both teach her well. I'm only here to help temper her a little... so she doesn't end up dragging her friends along on drinking games that somehow always end up turning into bar brawls.” Celestia replied gently, and Luna huffed a bit at this, giving her sister a look that was both entertained and a little embarrassed. “Then again, she also doesn't have a Sleipnir to encourage her mischief... but I think that's more a tragedy than it is a saving grace.”
“And for once, I agree with thee, sister.” Luna said softly, then she grinned down at Scarlet Sage and winked at the Pegasus. “But worry not. I may be her mother but I also aim to be her very good friend. And very good friends ensure they encourage bad things from time-to-time to keep things interesting, do they not?”
“You're an awkward mother.” Scrivener remarked, and Luna gave him a flat look as Scarlet Sage giggled a bit and looked over her shoulder at them affectionately. “I think I would have turned out even worse if my parents had been super-clingy instead of... you know. Bad.”
“Scrivener Blooms, truly thou art deplorable.” Luna grumbled and punched his shoulder lightly, and the male winced back a bit, rubbing awkwardly at this with one claw before the dark-coated winged unicorn turned her eyes to her sister, smiling slightly. “But enough. If thou wishes to begin... I shall sit back and watch, and try not to encourage her overmuch.”
“Thanks Mom.” Scarlet Sage said softly over her shoulder, and Luna gazed lovingly down at the filly as Scrivy smiled slightly as well. Then the young girl turned her eyes towards Celestia as the ivory equine rose a forelimb, her horn glowing for a moment before a thin, golden whip of fire lashed across this, cutting a neat, shallow wound in her leg.
She only grimaced a bit before holding the limb out towards Scarlet Sage, who gazed hesitantly at the wound as blood ebbed from it... before Celestia leaned her head down and said quietly: “Go with what your instincts compel you to do. Do not be afraid. Your parents and I are all here to catch you if things go awry.”
Scarlet Sage nodded slowly, then she reached silently up, touching the wound with her hoof... and the filly shivered a bit before her eyes began to glow with red light, stepping backwards and breathing heavily as she whispered: “Tempered dawn's light... you've come so far... but can you hold the course? I see a future... a future where the sun is caged in shadow but burns like all-consuming hellfire...”
“Do not look at possible futures, Scarlet Sage. The future is always uncertain, even for Blood Seers. Look at the past that was, concentrate on the memories that exist inside the blood... not the consequences of possible actions of the spirit.” Celestia replied calmly, and Luna smiled faintly: the winged unicorn did an admirable job of acting as if the prophecy didn't faze her despite the minute trembles that ran through the enormous equine. “Nothing is guaranteed, Scarlet... do not look at what may be. Look at what has been: look at what is.”
Scarlet Sage shivered and nodded even through the haze obscuring her eyes, and the filly trembled, breathing hard in and out before she whispered: “I see... feel... pain. So much longing and heartache. A leader and a creator who cannot be part of what she leads and what she creates, always forced to assume the role of guardianship, lonely protector. Mighty as a goddess, shackled by duty and reason and responsibility to her people; look at how they pray to and adore her! All she desires is friendship and companionship but they insist she is better, she is superior, they are not worthy... but better or worse, where is the difference when they force her to stand apart so they can always idolize her, regale her, revile her...”
She twitched as Celestia closed her eyes slowly, and Luna and Scrivener looked ahead silently as Scarlet Sage breathed hard, the filly trembling again before she whispered: “But the loneliness was the worst... the lack of connection... the lack of meaning. So necessary you became unnecessary... so... so...”
Scarlet Sage shivered, then she slowly slumped forwards, breathing hard as tears spilled down her cheeks, and both Scrivener Blooms and Luna hurried to their daughter's side, the male rubbing a claw along her back soothingly as Celestia closed her eyes, then silently rose her cut limb in front of herself as her horn glowed. The wound shimmered for a moment before visibly healing... then she looked up in surprise as Luna reached up and touched the side of her face, saying quietly: “Sister... thou never has to be alone again. Thou knows this, right? That no matter what... we are going to be there for thee.”
“You're our friend... right, sister?” Scrivener added softly, smiling up at Celestia as he carefully hugged Scarlet Sage close, cradling the filly as the glow began to fade from her dazed eyes, and Celestia smiled faintly in return to the two, looking back and forth slowly before she nodded silently.
“Even I forget things sometimes.” Celestia said quietly, looking back and forth as she laughed a bit. “Or maybe I should say... I'd gotten so used to the way things have always been, I forget things have changed... and I will be honest. The way I've felt guided towards my lonely throne already, and the fact that you are both set to build your own special little world... I was concerned that...”
“Oh, sister, do not be a child.” Luna scolded gently, and then she stepped forwards and lightly headbutted Celestia, making the ivory equine wince in surprise. “We shan't abandon you to the lonely world of light and day. Thou shall always have a place with us, even in the darkest recesses... thou art family and friend. I do not abandon either.”
Celestia smiled to her little sister, and Luna smiled back after a moment before she grinned playfully, half-lidding her eyes and leaning forwards. “Of course, thou may have to do certain things for me so I can ensure thou art truthful about wanting to be part of my world, and not just invading my night with thine light...”
“Luna, please.” Celestia sighed and gently pushed her sister backwards with a grimace, and Luna threw her head back and laughed before she turned around and strode calmly over to Scarlet Sage, reaching down and gently brushing the filly's mane tenderly back as the child began to come around. Celestia looked at them softly for a few moments, and then she couldn't help but ask: “Your business this morning...”
“Went very, very well.” Luna answered, looking pleased with herself as she straightened and nodded once, and from her smile Celestia knew she had attended to more than simple personal desire. This was confirmed a moment later, as the dark-coated winged unicorn explained quietly: “We have enlisted some forty citizens of the night to aid the construction efforts of Enstasis. Although they can work only in the darkness, their efforts will greatly speed up the work. As will the surviving Velites, although within the week I will be helping them construct more-suitable bodies, not cursed bones that are remnants of Veliuona's madness.
“We have more creatures interested in joining my cause, and I have garnered quite a reputation among those denizens of the night.” Luna smiled slightly, nodding slowly before she added musingly: “And 'tis a delight they listen to me so well. Aye, perhaps for now 'tis more because of fear than respect, but there is respect there as well... enough that we had several willing Nightmares among others come forwards for my other purposes.”
Scrivener Blooms cleared his throat awkwardly, blushing a little as Celestia gave them both a look, but Luna only grinned and laughed, shaking her head and saying easily: “Oh, hush! Besides, Celestia, why does thou look so jealous? If thou truly wants a job placement alongside the Nightmares instead of as Queen, I am sure we can work something out...”
“Sister, it's at times like this I honestly wonder how we spent so many years together without ever killing each other.” Celestia said tiredly, and Luna nodded agreeably before the ivory winged unicorn strode forwards and gently reached out to stroke Scarlet Sage's mane back, even as she added in a murmur: “Besides, it's not like Scrivener Blooms could keep up with me.”
Luna stared as Scrivener turned scarlet, and then the dark-coated winged unicorn spluttered for a response before she said flatly: “Thou insults my husband's dignity and mine own! Why, Celestia, I shall challenge thee to a duel myself, and oh, 'twill be no duel upon the field but-”
“I think I hate you both.” Scrivener interrupted flatly, and then he carefully shifted the drowsily-blinking Scarlet Sage onto his back as he stood, hurrying away as he called awkwardly over his shoulder to the two siblings: “I'm going to take Scarlet into Ponyville now!”
“Coward.” Luna grumbled, and then she gave a moody look to Celestia as the ivory equine smiled slightly. “And what does thou look so pleased about? Harlot.”
“It's nice to be relaxed.” Celestia replied quietly, and then she shrugged a bit as she smiled wider and turned, striding calmly after the poet as she added easily to her sister: “Besides. Don't think I'm without my own desires, sister. You know very well that I am no pure saint, however I might act and be treated.”
“Oh, aye, but compared to Freya thou art nothing but a tame kitten.” Luna grumbled in return, and Celestia shrugged a bit as the two siblings fell into pace with one-another, the winged unicorn smiling despite herself. “Besides, 'tis a disturbing thought. Thou art supposed to be good and kind and pure Celestia. I am the filthy evil one, not thee. Thou art not allowed to flirt and have sexual desires, 'tis gross.”
Celestia slowly turned a flat look on her younger sister, and Luna grinned and shrugged amiably before the ivory equine pointed out: “Less than five minutes ago, you asked me if I wanted to be a concubine to yourself and your husband. Or at least inferred it.”
“Well, does thou? It might be a role very suited to thee.” Luna said blandly, and Celestia rolled her eyes as she looked back forwards, rainbow mane twisting backwards as Luna's own pulsed brightly, stars twinkling mischievously as she gave a wide grin. “And I am permitted to be so indulgent and awkward! I am evil and darkness and all things hedonistic in the eyes of the ponies, I must keep up my appearances, must I not?”
“Your definition of hedonism is flawed.” Celestia said after a moment, and the dark-coated winged unicorn gave her sister a grumpy look. “Besides, from the sounds of it you've already taken on plenty. And I have an awkward question, if I may be permitted, about Scrivener Blooms.”
“Big.” Luna said with relish, and Celestia sighed and gave an exasperated look to Luna, who pretended to look innocent in return. “Oh, that is not what thou meant?”
“What are his feelings on the concubines you obviously picked out for him? Are you trying to temper sadomasochism and destructive impulse with pleasure and desire?” Celestia asked quietly, and Luna skidded to a halt, the older sibling pausing in her own steps a moment later to study her sister as Luna lowered her head a bit, before she grimaced when Celestia said gently: “Pursuit of pleasure can be as dangerous as anything else, sister, if not more.”
“Aye, I know, I am not entirely stupid.” Luna said finally, shaking her head a bit as she gave a wry smile to Celestia. “It truly is irritating that thou art so brainy, sister. Go weave thine own crazed designs and leave me to mine own half-baked plans.”
“I wouldn't be a good big sister if I didn't interfere now and then.” the ivory equine replied softly, and Luna grunted in response before the two began to walk slowly forwards again, striding through the thinning cover of the trees before Celestia continued softly: “You're trying to temper primal with primal, fighting fire with fire of a different nature... and as it is, don't think I and the others haven't noticed certain... changes.”
Luna grinned at this, looking amusedly over at her sister. “Oh, whatever could thou be speaking of? Surely it isn't the fact that my husband is a Tyrant Wyrm and capable of assuming the size and shape of such?”
Celestia gave a smile in return to this, shaking her head and replying mildly: “I think we have all noticed that in particular, Luna, and you know it's not what I'm speaking of. Rather, it's the changes between yourself and your husband... and the fact that hard as he tries, his desires and need to feed are both becoming more visible. And something about you, little sister... has also changed.”
The dark-coated winged unicorn was quiet, and Celestia let the silence spiral out, the only sound their hooves crunching gently through the grass before the finally emerged from the edge of the forest and into the field outside Ponyville. Here, Luna halted, looking quietly towards her sister as Celestia gazed back, and then the dark-coated winged unicorn closed her eyes and bowed her head forwards.
Her mane swirled softly backwards as her horn took on a faint blue shimmer, and Celestia smiled a little as she bowed her own head towards her younger sister, her own horn pulsing with its beautiful golden radiance. A hum rose between the two as they faced one-another, leaning forwards so their glowing horns crossed... and then a moment later, they both took a sharp breath as thoughts and images traded back and forth between them in a single monumental whirl.
Celestia's eyes flickered open and Luna winced a bit, grumbling under her breath as she muttered: “Not nearly as clear as with Scrivener, but enough to get the point across to thee, and thine across to me. 'Tis so much easier to cheat and trade thoughts than it is to speak.”
“Thank you for trusting me enough to share that... although it's probably that very same link with Scrivener that added the interference to our temporary trade.” Celestia pointed out gently, and Luna grunted before the two looked at one-another as the glow faded from around their horns, sisters of night and day studying each other beneath the morning sky.
Finally, Luna sighed and dropped her gaze, mumbling: “I will concede to thy wish, Celestia, and permit thee and Twilight Sparkle to... assess me, so to speak. Only because I felt thy honest concern and thy reasoning was as eloquent in my mind as thou ever spoke. But know that I am not happy about it and I do not believe anything is wrong with me.”
“Yes, that came across clearly.” Celestia smiled despite herself, and then she said gently: “But all the same, I'm glad you understand. That elixir you drank... why would Odin have kept it as a last resort? It must have some negative effect-”
“I agreed already, did I not?” Luna asked grouchily, and Celestia smiled again and nodded before the dark-coated winged unicorn grumbled, then hesitated before adding quietly: “And yes. I shall have Scrivener Blooms feed more regularly, and will accept both... thine and Twilight Sparkle's assistance in this endeavor as well. Pinkamena also offered her... 'help,' but I think 'tis less because she cares and more because she takes a perverse pleasure in such things.”
“She is a good friend, all the same.” Celestia said softly, and Luna grunted in agreement, then looked imploringly at her older sister. The rainbow-maned equine hesitated with a grimace, but then she sighed a little when Luna leaned pointedly forwards. “Alright, alright. I will... announce my intention to resume my position as Queen of Equestria in time, ruling over a council formed of leaders from the established territories. Of course, for that to happen-”
“The formation of said territories must be announced, aye. Baronies, like the old days... only much broader, and hopefully far more just.” Luna replied with a slight smile, and she shook her head before adding mildly: “And that is not my main concern.”
Celestia looked surprised for a moment... but then she nodded and smiled back, saying softly: “Very well, Luna. Shall we head into Ponyville, then?”
“Aye, to harass Greece, if we can find him.” replied Luna warmly, and Celestia shook her head before the two fell into pace with one another, heading for the gates of the village as the dark-coated winged unicorn added in a softer voice: “Thou hast my thanks, big sister.”
The ivory equine only smiled, however... and as they strode into the village, side-by-side, she felt a strange sense of peace. Ponies and dwarves both looked at them, greeted them amiably beneath the warm morning sun, and it made both siblings feel content as they headed through the village and found Scrivener in the square in front of the library with Fluttershy and Spike.
The Pegasus had come into town looking for Twilight, but found the dragon instead cleaning the library; Twilight had already left with Applejack and Rainbow Dash for Zecora's, to help out the zebras, as it turned out. Rarity, meanwhile, had to spend the day getting her boutique back in order... meaning that Spike was left to do little but try and take care of the library by himself, although the only occupant at the moment was moody Illyria.
Fluttershy gave a small smile, gazing reverently up at the approaching winged unicorns, and she bowed her head politely to the two before saying quietly: “Thank you for telling the Phooka to help me out, Luna. I really appreciate their company these nights.”
“'Tis no problem at all, fair Fluttershy, they are very fond of thee and listen well... I only reassured them that they are doing me a great favor in helping thee, not overstepping their bounds.” Luna replied kindly, and then she glanced towards Scarlet Sage, who was happily sitting up on Scrivener's broad back. “And how art thou, my child?”
“I'm good. I feel a lot better.” Scarlet Sage replied after a moment, blushing a little and nodding as she glanced towards Celestia. “Aunt, I...”
“No, there's no need, Scarlet. Besides, you did a good job... you kept yourself in control and were able to guide yourself away from prophecy and towards reading memory. It's a small but important first step.” Celestia interrupted gently, and the filly nodded with a blush. “I am very proud of you... you take after Luna well.”
Luna shifted at this with a pleased smile as Scarlet Sage looked up affectionately, and then Scrivener glanced over at Fluttershy, asking: “What are your plans for today?”
“Well, I was going to find out what Twilight was doing and see if she wanted to... just spend some time together. I don't have a lot to do, you see... no animals to really take care of at the moment, and since school is starting again tomorrow no fillies and colts to help look after.” Fluttershy replied softly, shaking her head a bit with a smile. “I suppose I'll have more to do when things get back to normal, but... my talent was always looking after animals, and the animals of this world seem to be able to look after themselves without all my help. And I really don't know how good I'll be at helping to domesticate them all over again...”
“Thy destiny is decided by thyself, Fluttershy, and thou art talented in many ways.” Luna replied kindly, nodding firmly once to the Pegasus before she added: “And there will always be foals to take care of, and always ponies to help. Thou art very good at helping others... and perhaps, then, thou would not mind spending the day with Scarlet Sage. I am sure Scrivener Blooms and I shall catch up with thee at some point but we also have a bevy of other tasks to attend to, and not all are entirely suitable for the eyes of a young daughter.”
Fluttershy smiled at this as Scarlet Sage looked up from Scrivener's back, as the older Pegasus said kindly: “Well, if she would like, I'm always very glad to have her company. Spike, would you like to come along too?”
“Thanks, Fluttershy, but I should really spend my time here at the library. I gotta clean things up and make sure that Illyria doesn't wreck the place... for a smart guy, he's really hard on books.” Spike replied with a grimace, gesturing absently over his shoulder at the door. “Twilight's going to have a hernia when she gets back and sees the mess he's made if I don't keep on top of it.”
Luna grunted at this, shaking her head and muttering: “Wicked dwarf. But very well. Scarlet Sage, Fluttershy, we shall catch up to thee later, perhaps for late lunch or early dinner. Is this acceptable?”
“I'd be honored.” Fluttershy replied gently, bowing her head as Scarlet Sage hopped carefully off Scrivener's back to land beside the Pegasus mare, stumbling a bit before Fluttershy caught her quickly by the shoulder with a smile. “It'll be good to spend time with my niece.”
“Yeah. I'll be good, I promise.” Scarlet Sage said warmly, then she followed as the golden-coated Pegasus nodded and turned, hurrying after her and calling easily over her shoulder: “Bye Mom, bye Dad, bye Aunt Celestia!”
“I didn't get a goodbye.” Spike mumbled, and then he wheezed when Luna punched him lightly in the side and laughed, rubbing at this with a wince. “Ouch. You hit a lot harder than Twilight does. But I better head back inside and take care of Illyria.”
“I have a better use for thy time, Spike, which is to go to Sugar Cube Corners and get another order of food for us, and whatever treats thou likes for thyself.” Luna said kindly, and Spike perked up immediately at this before the winged unicorn winked. “Just tell whichever of the Pink Twins is there 'tis for me, and the store will be as open as a mausoleum on Nightmare Night.”
Scrivener couldn't help but give the starry-maned mare an amused look at her metaphor, but Spike only grinned and rubbed his claws together, but then hesitated as he looked at the library, and Luna winked, saying easily: “Oh, worry not. I have business with Illyria. And he shall be vacating the premises very shortly after this.”
“Oh, good!” Spike looked relieved, then he waved as he turned around and hurried off, calling easily over his shoulder. “Then I'll be back with all the treats I can carry!”
“Good.” Luna approved, and she nodded after the dragon before glancing at the door of the library and flicking her horn, sending it flying open before winking at Celestia. “After thee, sister. Let me show thee my diplomatic skills.”
Celestia gave her sister a mild look before she headed through the doorway, followed by Scrivener Blooms, and Illyria looked dumbly up from the cluttered table, books and papers laying around him in disarray before he grimaced when Luna strode in last, the winged unicorn grinning across at him as she said kindly: “Hello, dwarf. Thou art not Greece, but thou can at least take a message to him once I am done with thee.”
“Oh wonderful.” Illyria muttered, reaching up and rubbing slowly at his forehead before he sighed and closed the book in front of him, saying irritably: “Look. I've already begun constructing a work camp in the Everfree Forest, but you and Scrivener need to level the land for me and I also have to wait for Babylon to tell me how many workers I'm going to have available...”
“Well, Illyria, worry not. Part of the reason I need to speak to thee is to inform thee that I have a number of Nightmares, demons, and other entity who wish to offer their aid when it is viable.” Luna replied kindly, and Illyria looked less-than-thrilled with this before the winged unicorn added: “Furthermore, I have a change to the designs that I wish to put forwards.”
Luna paused, then she glanced over her shoulder at the library door, shutting it firmly, and Celestia frowned a bit as her little sister became more serious, striding towards the table as the dwarf looked up and sensed the change in the air as Luna's smile calmed and intensified at the same time. “I wish for thee to modify one of the towers. I wish for thee to drag the master amplifier from the center of Equestria and build it into this tower. And for the other amplifiers to be modified slightly to better act to receive energies, not amplify them.”
“What do you have in mind, fancy-corn?” Illyria asked slowly, and Celestia frowned as well at Luna's back as Scrivener shifted awkwardly. For a few moments, however, there was only silence as Luna looked steadily, calmly, at the dwarf... and then Illyria gritted his teeth before the dwarf bowed his head forwards and muttered: “Fine, keep your secrets for now. I will... make a request. I suppose you also want me to construct some sort of pen for the monsters while I'm at it, too, like I'm setting up tents for my workers?”
“Thou art doing little apart from giving orders, but aye. Set up a comfortable home-away-from-home for the citizens of the night... and do be kind to them. They are not monsters, after all... they are members of our... growing organization.” Luna finished after a moment with a slight smile, her eyes glinting before she shook her head and added mildly: “Thou may want to consult Ten upon this subject as well, engineer as he is, and have him write the request to Babylon. I would also appreciate thee vacating the library for now and finding Greece to send him here... I have a request for him, too.”
“I am not a messenger, I am an Architect. But very well, since it's noisy here anyway, I'll leave for a better climate.” Illyria grumbled, grabbing up an armload of books and papers before he looked moodily over at Luna. “I don't suppose your task for Greece is a special one, is it?”
“It is and is not. I require Greece's aid because he is an Artificer, and because he has better relations with the Strange Ones than I do, and I wish for them to make me something special.” Luna said softly, and then she reached up and gently stroked along her black pearl, gazing down affectionately at this before she rubbed slowly along the frayed vine rope that held it in place, murmuring: “I am entering a new phase of my life, and I wish to commemorate this. The old is breaking down... I plan to replace it with something better. Something stronger. Something new. Now go, Illyria, and know thou hast my thanks.”
Illyria only grunted and nodded hesitantly, the Nibelung heading quickly for the door and grumbling as he shoved his way through this, and Luna smiled as she looked over her shoulder and flicked her horn to gently close it behind him. Then her eyes roved to Celestia's concerned amethyst irises, but she only winked and said kindly: “Trust me. Besides, we have another matter thou wanted to attend to, didn't thou?”
For a moment, Celestia remained silent, studying her sister... and then she finally nodded and looked towards Scrivener Blooms, but the male only smiled awkwardly at her, bowing his head and saying quietly: “I'd tell you it wasn't necessary, but... then Luna would hit me and I know you'll easily out-argue me. And I think you... you're curious, aren't you?”
“I am.” Celestia admitted with a slight smile, and Scrivener nodded slowly as they looked at one another before the two carefully walked past Luna to sit in the center of the library across from one another, as the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled and gazed ardently over the two ponies. “It's strange, perhaps... but this teaches me more about you in a matter of moments than I could learn from months of interaction. And it helps you balance yourself as well, doesn't it?”
“It... it does. But I worry that if I feed too much, my hunger will grow... if I feed too little...” Scrivener shook his head a bit, and Celestia looked at him thoughtfully for a few moments before the winged unicorn held up her leg, where a scratch was still visible from earlier.
Scrivener looked down at this for a moment, shifting awkwardly... and then Celestia said quietly: “Your hungers may also be growing because you've been avoiding feeding them at all. Yes, balance will be required... but either extreme, too much or too little, leads to you falling prey to your own desires. Feed once a day, Scrivener Blooms. It should be enough to keep the worst at bay.”
“Like a vampire.” Scrivener muttered, but he nodded slowly before looking up awkwardly as Celestia drew his eyes to lock with her own by only giving him a firm look, her amethyst irises both serious and compassionate.
“No. Vampires give nothing in return to their victims. You share your memories, your thoughts, your emotions, even if you do so in order to better feed... but all the same, it is still a gift when you share such a deep piece of yourself with someone like me or... Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia replied quietly, and the ivory winged unicorn smiled before she said quietly: “Feed.”
Scrivener Blooms swallowed a bit, and then he nodded as he carefully slipped closer towards her, reaching up and grasping the shoulders of the enormous ivory equine, raising himself so he was eye-to-eye with her as her rainbow mane glowed faintly and swayed backwards, only the faintest twitch betraying a glimmer of anxiety... anxiety that this close, Scrivener could feel, could drink down as he locked irises with her before his own eyes glowed, and a moment later, Celestia felt that spark, that hook, tear into her mind, wincing in pain but not looking away as Scrivener hissed quietly before everything else was gone.
It wasn't like last time, as Celestia gritted her teeth and Scrivener leaned forwards, the ivory equine struggling not to resist as she felt mental claws digging through her mind, her body flexing as she grunted in shock before her eyes widened as the pain was suddenly gone, and instead, she had a vision of a beautiful bright day, the sun in the cloudless sky above green grasses in which she and a Luna who had yet to be tainted with shadows stood as Sleipnir lay grinning in front of them, the male calling in half-dream, half-memory: “See? 'Tis fine to relax now and then!”
And then there was a spark, and a moment later, Twilight was on Celestia's other side, and Scrivener Blooms was in the grasses, writing in a journal, and Luna almost glowed compared to the darkness of her black coat as Scarlet Sage leaned against her with a smile. Younger sister gazed affectionately towards older sibling after a moment, and then Luna said kindly: “Things change, but that doesn't mean we'll never be a family again.”
Then her vision swirled, and Celestia gritted her teeth as her mind was rent with a wild array of images, of thoughts and not-memories and whisperings from Scrivener's mind before her eyes widened as she heard his voice murmur: “You see, don't you?”
Celestia opened her eyes, and yet it was not in reality she stared into: it was at a vision of the night sky, the moon looming and enormous, stars burning like candles through the tapestry of the darkness. It seemed almost close enough to touch as she looked down... and realized she was standing on the ramparts of an enormous, magnificent black fortress... a fortress etched with stories and imagery and metaphor that made her grit her teeth before she closed her eyes tightly, feeling another twist roll through her mind, too hard to keep up as she whispered: “Wait...”
There was another spark... and then Celestia slumped forwards, but was caught by a pair of strong claws as she fell against Scrivener Blooms, breathing hard as she stared past him senselessly at the floor. A bloody tear spilled slowly from one eye as her rainbow mane sparked, swirling against his body as she breathed roughly in and out, her body quivering for a moment... and even as her mind felt numb, and a strange, alien pleasure twisted through her, she felt like the images in her mind were becoming clearer, like she was more aware of the thoughts and memories she'd seen and the meaning behind them, as well as what Scrivener had tasted and sampled, as she murmured: “You're... stronger than I expected.”
Scrivener smiled awkwardly at her as Luna stepped forwards, rubbing soothingly along her sister's back, and Celestia slowly sat up, straightening and regaining her own balance as she gently pushed Scrivy back and looked down at him for a moment. Then she blushed a bit when Luna leaned forwards and licked quietly up her cheek, clearing away the blood before the ivory equine gave her sister a moody look, but Luna only smiled wryly and murmured: “'Tis thine own fault. Thou invited him to feed, then resisted it.”
“Instinct, perhaps. Or a little bit of arrogance...” Celestia said softly, and then she shook her head and looked quietly into Scrivener's eyes as he gazed back embarrassedly, even as he licked his lips slowly, before she smiled wryly. “I forgot you're a Tyrant Wyrm as much as you are... other things.”
She paused, lowering her head thoughtfully, then finally drew her eyes back up and stated more than asked: “You saw my past again. Deeper this time... and you found your way into my dreams, my hopes, my desires. Just as I saw a little bit more about you... what you wish to be a part of. And things... best left unspoken.”
“The darkness is deep, and it does compel... pleasure's guttering flame leads me onwards towards hell.” Scrivener murmured, and Celestia smiled a little despite herself. “I didn't write that. I wish that I did. 'Patience' sold fifty thousand copies in three days, my books sold maybe half of that in total.”
“Yes, and now thou art a world-destroying monster, so who wins?” Luna asked mildly, and Scrivener shrugged meditatively before the dark-coated winged unicorn sighed and glanced towards Celestia, who smiled wider and looked strangely relieved as she sat back a bit. “But, thou hast our thanks for this. I... feel my husband's hungers settling.”
“Yeah, she's right. I feel... better now.” Scrivener glanced awkwardly towards Celestia, and then he nodded and murmured softly: “Thank you. And you always will be a part of our family.”
“I intend to stay that way as well.” Celestia said softly, and even as she smiled, even as she felt warmth roll through her body... part of her mind questioned just what she would do and how far she would go in order to maintain that bond with her cherished sister and brother.