Chapter Seventeen: Star-Crossed Lovers
~BlackRoseRaven
Twilight Sparkle awoke the next morning with a quiet yawn, blinking her eyes blearily... and then smiling a little as she realized where she was, curling herself closer against Scrivener's broad chest, still safe in his enormous limbs. Her eyes roved downwards curiously, looking along the Tyrant Wyrm and towards where Luna had been... but now she only saw Scarlet Sage, snuggled safely in the crook of one arm on top of a large claw.
Yet she thought she could hear Luna all the same... and when she rose her head a little and gazed into the woods – noting how all around Scrivener, the land had become a dark and yet not-unwelcoming mire of rich black soil and strange plant life – she saw the mare herself, talking quietly with a shadowy shape that was lurking beneath the shade of a tree. After only a few moments, however, it receded quickly into the woods, and Luna turned... then smiled softly, gazing towards them and calling gently: “Twilight my friend, come here. I have a question for thee.”
Twilight yawned a little, then she carefully slipped her way out of Scrivener's front limbs before glancing up as the Tyrant Wyrm rose his head from where it had been laying, shaking it out briefly before he smiled down at her and leaned down, almost kissing the side of her face before he murmured softly: “Good morning, Twilight.”
“I... had a dream about you two.” Twilight said softly, glancing towards Scrivener, and she smiled as she reached up and silently touched the Tyrant Wyrm's muzzle, murmuring: “Maybe it has to do with your presence. Maybe it just has to do with the fact that... I was... we've...”
“Connected.” Luna suggested gently, and Twilight smiled wider and nodded at this as the dark-coated winged unicorn approached, looking thoughtful. “But 'tis hard to say, of course. We will know more when lazy Scarlet Sage awakens. I am glad, though... the filly slept very comfortably. But how could one not?”
“For once, I agree.” Discombobulation's voice called mildly, and the ponies glanced up as Scrivener smiled wryly, feeling the Draconequus striding casually along his long neck until the chimerical creature stepped up onto Scrivener's skull, looking down at them with his hands behind his back and a benevolent smile on his features. “Your husband makes an appreciable leather couch. It makes me think I should furnish my apartment with one.”
Twilight shook her head at this, looking amused despite herself as she said mildly: “You have an aquarium, not an apartment, Discombobulation. If you were really interested in getting a more-permanent place to stay in Ponyville, though, I'd be glad to help you...”
Discombobulation snorted at this, however, waving his talon distastefully. “It's a portable apartment, Twilight Sparkle. Why would I want to give up a cheap, easily-maintained, tax-exempt home for a too-small box surrounded by annoying, obnoxious ponies with no volume control?”
The purple mare sighed and shook her head, and then she glanced up at Luna as the winged unicorn laughed before leaning forwards, asking curiously: “What would you say to the idea of giving my husband the ability to use magic? He is certainly already a force to be reckoned with... but if he had a horn, the possibilities are almost endless.”
Twilight frowned slightly at this, cocking her head curiously as Discombobulation looked moodily down before raising a talon. “One of those crime shows had an episode about this, you know, during its first season, too. Kidney-theft is supposed to be an urban legend, and while the kidney is more necessary than the horn, I have to say that if you took a unicorn's horn away after a life lived with it, the rest of their life would be bitter, short, and brutal.”
“I don't think she's saying we should go out and steal a horn.” Twilight said flatly, glancing up at the Draconequus, and in response he made a snipping motion with two fingers in response and clicked his teeth together loudly. “You're just trying to cause trouble. What are you thinking, Luna?”
“Well, thou art taking this far better than I expected. Here I thought I would be lectured, recriminated, or we'd get the boring old 'Scrivy is just fine the way he is' speech.” Luna said thoughtfully, glancing towards the Tyrant Wyrm, and Scrivener grunted as he nodded in agreement.
Twilight only looked flatly from one to the other, however, and Luna smiled wryly and held up a hoof, shaking her head. “Very well. Perhaps thou will lecture me then, after I note that the horn must come from a living pony, who already has some talent in magic. And it will work better if given willingly, instead of taken by force.”
“See, now you're trying to get me to lecture you.” Twilight said dryly, and she hesitated a bit as she looked slowly back and forth between the two before frowning slightly, murmuring: “Wait. You're serious... and I don't mean just about the first part, I mean about the last part, too, and what that implies.”
Luna only nodded in response, even as Scrivener rumbled and shifted a bit... and Discombobulation grimaced on top of Scrivener's head, the Draconequus saying quietly as he crossed his arms: “You tread a slippery slope, my friends. Especially you, Twilight Sparkle... because you stand so high without even realizing how far you have to fall.”
Scrivener grumbled a bit, eyes glancing up, and then he flicked his head firmly upwards, sending the Draconequus flying. The chimerical creature bounced down the back of Scrivener's thick neck, and Luna rolled her eyes before looking back at Twilight as the purple mare grimaced a bit, seeming apprehensive. “Oh, worry not, Twilight. The creature is simply being... precocious.”
The Tyrant Wyrm grunted in response, and Twilight nodded slowly after a moment before she glanced awkwardly up and said quietly: “But if it won't even work right if you... you had to take the horn from a pony, I really think you shouldn't. There must be other ways... and if you... you really needed a volunteer, you really wanted this... you can have mine.”
Luna and Scrivener both looked in surprise at the winged unicorn, but Twilight only smiled a little, shaking her head slowly and saying softly: “I'd do anything to see my friends happy. I know how strong I am, but... this world has you and Celestia, and Celestia is so much... better than she was in the past, so much more loving and compassionate and... good. I have a lot more respect for her these days and... well...”
She fell silent, and Scrivener and Luna traded looks before the poet drew quietly back as Scarlet Sage stirred and yawned quietly, and Luna met Twilight's eyes, saying softly: “Thy offer is generous and noble, and also a little stupid, Twilight Sparkle. Thou can do much good with thy horn... thou art strong, stronger perhaps than even myself and my husband, stronger even maybe than Celestia... all thou lacks still is confidence in that, and in thyself.”
Twilight shifted awkwardly, smiling a little, and then she blushed when Luna leaned in and kissed her cheek quietly. “We shall speak more of this, though. I shall share all my secrets with thee, Twilight Sparkle, although I must admit, my husband and I are... growing perhaps a little too fond and overprotective of thee.”
The dark-coated winged unicorn smiled slightly, and the violet mare only laughed a little in response, blushing and fidgeting a bit before she turned around at the sound of a faint rumble. Her eyes settled on the sight of Scarlet Sage first, staring adoringly up at her father... and then they roved to Scrivener as the male's body glowed and he shrank slowly down, steam hissing quietly up from his frame as Discombobulation leapt down off the shrinking being.
A moment later, Scrivener arched his back with a grunt, once more down to his half-pony, half-Wyrm form.. before he wheezed and fell over when Scarlet Sage ran forwards and leapt up to tackle him, knocking him flat with a grunt before she nestled tightly against him as she embraced him firmly for a moment. “I had the strangest dreams, Daddy.”
“As long as they weren't like your mother's dreams.” Scrivener said gently, and Luna blew a loud raspberry at him as Twilight laughed and shook her head, Discombobulation giving a snort of amusement. Then the poet stood, easily hefting Scarlet Sage in one strong claw before he asked kindly: “How would you like to visit Apple Bloom? Or maybe we can ask her to come out here?”
“I'd really like that. As long as we get to spend some time together too. But I wanna tell you about my dream.” Scarlet replied warmly, squeezing her father around the neck before she wormed herself out of his grip to drop back to the ground, looking lovingly over them all before she huffed when Discombobulation turned and began to walk away. “Hey, I listened to your stories last night!”
“Yes, but I usually prefer the sound of my own voice to the sound of others. I can always be sure mine has a measure of intelligence in it; as to everyone else, they always seem rather lacking.” Discombobulation replied kindly as he polished his claws against his chest, and he ignored the glares he received before he added mildly: “Besides, someone has to be responsible and see what's going on in Ponyville. Even more importantly, someone has to go and harass Pinkamena. It won't be long before she's a full-blooded demon at this rate, after all.”
He gave a knowing look to Luna and Scrivener, but Scrivy only looked flatly back and Luna rolled her eyes, grumbling: “Very well, then, creature, go and have thy fun. But please exercise the slightest bit of caution: I do not wish for the ponies to loathe us any more than they already do. 'Twill already be difficult enough regaining their trust.”
Scrivener grimaced a bit as Twilight and Scarlet Sage both looked towards him softly, and Discombobulation gave a wry smile before he simply bowed to the two, saying kindly: “Well, I'm not afraid of chaos and I'm happy talking to strangers. I really love not knowing where I'm going.”
With that, he turned and then clapped his hands together twice before vanishing, and Scrivener shook his head as he muttered: “Now there's a power I'll never have. The ability to be social.”
“'Tis unnecessary.” Luna grumbled, and Twilight gave the mare an amused look before the starry-maned female sighed and looked down at Scarlet Sage, asking gently: “Would thou like to tell thy story now, or shall we leave the mire, head inside, and put on breakfast first?”
Scarlet Sage smiled at this, then glanced down at the dark soil beneath their hooves, testing it gently as she said quietly: “It isn't as soft as it looks. But let's head inside, then. Can I have some muffins and jam?”
“Of course, child.” Luna smiled down at their daughter, nodding as the two fell in step as they headed towards the cottage, and Scrivener followed after a moment with Twilight. The purple pony quietly bumped against him, and he nudged her back, then winked at her as he flicked his long tail lightly against her flank, making her twitch and then blush and glare a little at him as Luna grinned over her shoulder. “Don't make me separate thee, now.”
Thankfully, the mire hadn't spread very far through their yard: a little of it had rolled its way up the mound, and tendrils of the dark infection had spilled here and there through the grasses, but otherwise most of it was still around where Scrivener had laid himself down to rest in the forest. Twilight hesitated as she glanced over her shoulder at this, but Scrivener only shook his head, saying softly: “Don't worry about it. Sooner or later my presence was going to corrupt things to one extent or another here anyway, after all.”
“Corrupt...” Twilight murmured softly, and Scrivener cocked his head curiously, but she only shook her head and smiled, following Luna and Scarlet Sage inside. The breakfast that followed was eaten in comfortable silence, muffins and scones, topped with jam, and milk for Scarlet Sage while the others had coffee.
Then Scarlet Sage looked up as the four rested comfortably on the bedding in front of the fireplace in the den, smiling at her parents as they curled together, Twilight Sparkle sitting beside the filly and gently rubbing along her back before she said softly: “I dreamed of a great black castle... it was so high, with towers that reached right up to the stars. And I dreamed that it was our home... all of our home, I mean. Even the others were there... Pinkamena, and Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, and Apple Bloom... all of them. Everypony was happy. There were demons and dark things everywhere but they were happy, too... they were helping us. And you and mom were in a great, vast field, and Twilight and Aunt Celestia were both with you... but you were... you know, big, and mom, you had this... silvery collar on, and Twilight, you were...”
She frowned a little, looking down as Twilight cocked her head curiously before she shook it slowly. “I dunno how to describe it. But you were really different... except you were really happy, too. And Dad, oh, yeah! You had a horn on your head, too... not I mean, not like your other horns, but a unicorn kind of horn, except it was huge because you were huge so... you know.”
Scarlet Sage blushed a little as she looked up and nodded quickly, and Luna smiled softly, reaching forwards and stroking the filly's cheek quietly. “Perhaps because of thy powers thou saw a glimpse of the future... I would like to think so, anyway. Did thou see thyself, Scarlet Sage?”
“No, but... I knew I had a room in a tower. And it all filled me with a sense of being home, even though it was so strange and deep and dark.” Scarlet Sage replied, nodding again as she smiled up at them. “I liked it, I did. I didn't find it scary at all... I knew that everyone there understood each other, and was happy. The same blood flowed in all of us.”
The others nodded slowly, and Twilight Sparkle smiled a bit over at Scrivener, saying softly: “Not corruption. Evolution... becoming something more than we already are. Maybe that's what it truly is...”
Scrivener looked curiously at the violet mare... and then Luna shook her head slowly and interrupted gently, as Scarlet Sage looked up with interest: “Aye, but such things are not for us to guess at, for it shall reveal its true nature in time. But thou hast my thanks, daughter, for sharing with us thy dream... 'twas beautiful. 'Twas everything that I myself hope for in the future. Well... that, and that our family will be blessed with a child, a younger sibling for thee, Scarlet.”
Luna smiled softly as she reached up and touched her own stomach quietly, then she shook her head and murmured as Scarlet Sage and Twilight both gazed towards her: “But for now, it is better we work on settling Equestria before we attend to such a thing. 'Twould be folly to bring a child into a nation strangled by strife, would it not? We must first ensure that the ruling network is back in place and that the ponies have been settled and tended to as much as possible.”
The others both nodded, and then Scarlet Sage looked up and said softly: “But you're great parents, you and Dad... and... I wouldn't mind having a little brother or sister, honest. Apple Bloom is always talking about how great it is...”
“And speaking of Apple Bloom, how about we send that letter to Applejack? We shall invite her to our home... we shall invite the whole of the Apple family, in fact.” Luna nodded firmly once, and Twilight looked up hesitantly as Scrivener Blooms also gave the oddly-optimistic dark-coated mare a flat look. “Oh, bah on thee both. I am attempting to make nice.”
“I think it'd be good.” Scarlet Sage said softly, and Scrivener smiled a little, visibly relenting as Twilight Sparkle nodded hesitantly, which made the filly brighten as Luna grinned widely, then watched as the filly pranced down the hall towards her parents' room. “I'm gonna borrow some of your art stuff, mom!”
“Go right ahead.” Luna said softly, even though Scarlet Sage was already gone, and then she laughed quietly and shook her head slowly murmuring quietly: “You see, my friends, my special ones... aye, the withdrawal from Ponyville last night was strategic, but this... this is not strategy. This is me, attempting to be the mother whom I wish to be, to a daughter I think oft deserves better than us fumbling excuses for parents, right Scrivy? This is me, trying to extend a hoof to the ponies I... I understand well are not fond of me or my husband, may even now fear us, for reasons I cannot entirely dismiss.”
She glanced towards Twilight, smiling a little and asking quietly: “Will thou write the letter for us? It may come across better penned by thee than by myself or my husband. I... if Scarlet Sage does care for Apple Bloom, I dare not interfere, dare not even joke until it comes out in the open by my filly's choice. My husband and I may be evil, but only monsters assault the first love of any child, whoever or whatever it may be.”
Twilight smiled in return, blushing a bit as she nodded slowly and murmured: “Then... I will. So she really... cares for her, huh?” She stopped, then glanced down the hall and smiled a little wider as Scarlet Sage bustled out, a sketchbook and some art supplies tucked under one wing, the Pegasus looking absolutely thrilled as she bounced back towards them. “Okay. I think I know what to say.”
Twilight only took a few minutes to write the letter, keeping it short and simple before she tossed it to Luna, who caught it with telekinesis and glanced over it, then rolled up the parchment with a grunt before flicking her horn, and it burst into blue flames that quickly vanished from sight.
Within a few minutes, they received a reply on paper that was a little crisped: out at Sweet Apple Acres they had a letter-sending device, but apparently Applejack had sent the letter to Spike first. The dragon, however, had then forwarded the letter with his own enchanted breath, sending it onwards to Twilight. Luna, of course, had snatched the letter out of the air in front of the violet pony to quickly read the reply, then she nodded firmly and declared: “Scrivener Blooms, don thy frilly apron and take to the kitchen! We shall have company after lunch and for dinner, and I wish for them to be impressed!”
“I hate you.” Scrivener grumbled even as Scarlet Sage looked up brightly... and for the next hour, Scrivener spent his time between setting up for dinner and cleaning around the house, while Luna and Twilight both worked outside to mend the corrupted earth. Scarlet Sage, meanwhile, happily bounced around, helping where she could but mostly working on a picture for Apple Bloom... a cute little project that kept her busy and made the adults smile between one-another knowingly.
Applejack and Big Mac showed up with Apple Bloom not long after noon: the path through the forest had been clearly marked for them, they both noted, and Luna had just smiled and carefully slid past the subject. Instead, the dark-coated winged unicorn had offered them lunch, and the siblings had gladly accepted while Apple Bloom had instead bounced off with Scarlet Sage.
They ate on the rear patio, Applejack looking thoughtfully out at the small reflecting pool in their backyard, Scrivener serving a few simple sandwiches and cola. Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage had run off into the woods, but none of the ponies were worried as Twilight smiled awkwardly over at the two, before Applejack turned her eyes towards Luna and Scrivener and said quietly: “Ponyville's in a bit of a tizzy right now. Admittedly I didn't know if I should bring my little sister out here but... I appreciate you going through all this trouble for us. Scoot and Sweetie are going to wonder why Apple Bloom ain't in school, though.”
“Nah. Doubt a lot of foals are in class today.” Big Mac said softly, and he gave a small but honest smile as he looked up with a slight nod as Luna cocked her head curiously. “Too much adjustment goin' on, still. And every time something happens in Ponyville, well... parents don't like it when the foals are out of sight. 'Til things are back up and running as they once were, I think it's better the foals concentrate on feeling happy rather than book-learnin', anyway.”
“School's important too.” Twilight began, looking up, but when all four of the others only gave her an amused look, she grumbled and crossed her forelegs, saying finally: “Alright, alright. I know... I learned myself... there's a lot of things even more important than what books and classes can teach you. At least in this kind of world...”
“And no better world to live in there is.” Luna said firmly, and Twilight smiled despite herself as Big Mac sipped at his cola and Scrivener Blooms laughed a little and shook his head slowly, giving the dark-coated winged unicorn an entertained look.
For a few moments, there was quiet between the five, as they sipped their drinks and nibbled at their food... and then finally, Applejack looked up and said awkwardly: “Listen, I really wanna... clear the air here, if I could, and be honest with you three. I know... Twilight, I ain't been all that kind to you. And Luna and Scrivener, I keep sayin' I'm gonna give you a chance, then turnin' on you like a badly-trained dog. I keep saying I'm worried about you two, but then I keep acting more like it ain't worry, but fear and disrespect.
“Big Mac and I talked about it a lot on the way here, and especially... 'cause of Apple Bloom and your good little girl Scarlet Sage, I don't want to jeopardize things between us. You were good friends... y'are good friends. And when I stop and remember all those times we shared as the Starlit Knights and before, when I remember how you risked your life and Scrivener's to save Fluttershy, how you always put yourself into danger first to keep the rest of us safe, I feel downright ashamed of myself... but I gotta be honest.” Applejack shook her head slowly, looking steadily across at Luna and Scrivener. “You guys... scare me more than a little. And I don't agree with what you've been doing... it seems... dangerous. It seems like a slippery slope, leadin' way down into the darkness.”
Scrivener smiled a bit as he glanced at Luna, who nodded slowly as she gazed across at Applejack with a small smile of her own, making the goldenrod mare frown slightly. “Believe me, Applejack, I know... and as always, thy honesty... 'tis admired and appreciated, more than I can say. I know that the path my husband and I tread is a dangerous one, and I do not expect all ponies to understand. Nor do I ask for thy trust... all I ask is that thou examines my results, not my methods. Aye, I will be doing unpleasant things in the near future, and some of them will be selfish... I will be using dark, old magic to further move my plans forwards and I shall stand in allegiance with things not of this world nor any other. But I do not mind what this will make others think of me... so long as all of thee are kept safe.”
Applejack nodded slowly, looking hesitant as Big Mac reached up and rubbed her shoulder gently with a hoof, before she quietly asked: “Well, what sort of plans you got goin' on for the future? Maybe I'd feel better knowing a little about things.”
Luna smiled and nodded back, all too glad to answer... and as the adults talked, Scarlet Sage and Apple Bloom circled through the front yard, running up to the top of the mound, laughing and bumping against one-another before they both fell over and rolled onto their backs, smiling up at the sky overhead and watching the clouds roll by before Apple Bloom reached out and nudged the Pegasus filly firmly, saying amiably: “You ain't nearly as fast as Scoot or nothing, but you do alright. You know, one day I'm gonna be the best athlete in Ponyville and all... just like my uncle and my big sister.”
Scarlet Sage laughed and smiled at this, gazing at her warmly. “I know you are, Apple Bloom. You're already real strong, after all... when you grow up, though, what do you wanna do with your life?”
Apple Bloom shrugged a bit, then glanced down at her cutie mark of white, blossomed flowers, shifting a bit as she murmured softly: “Well... I got this after I realized just how good I was at... you know, fixing and designing things. Especially stuff for all around the farm, but... any kind of stuff, really. I guess it's going to be something to do with that.”
“Yeah, but... Mom always says that what you put your mind to, you can do. Our emblems show our special talent, but that doesn't mean it's our only talent, or that we gotta be stuck doing that one thing for all our lives.” Scarlet Sage replied earnestly, nodding a bit as she looked down and rubbed quietly at the black-edged mirror on her own flank. “I mean... if it was, that means I'd just be... you know...”
“It means you'd be the most special Pegasus in all of Equestria, 'cause I don't know any other not-unicorns that can do magic.” Apple Bloom said firmly, rolling onto her side to face towards Scarlet Sage, and the Pegasus filly blushed as she rolled to face the other girl, their hooves quietly touching as crimson eyes gazed affectionately into warm amber-orange. “But then what do you wanna be, Scarlet Sage?”
The Pegasus filly looked down thoughtfully, and then she smiled a bit, glancing up and saying quietly: “I wanna help other ponies, I think. And if I gotta use my powers I wanna use them to fix people, not to hurt 'em.”
Apple Bloom nodded slowly, then she sat up and smiled at the other filly, nodding once before she said softly: “Best thing in the world's helping other ponies, right? 'Specially the ponies you care about. Big sister and big brother were talking a lot about that kinda stuff on the way out here, I knew they was worried and all... but they seemed to be getting along, and they seemed happy once we were out here. I was real glad, Scarlet Sage, 'cause... you know... I really like spending time with you.”
She fidgeted a bit, and Scarlet Sage blushed as she sat up, looking ardently back at the filly as she said softly: “Remember when you saved me from those bullies?”
“Oh shucks, ain't nothing.” Apple Bloom smiled warmly, brightening all the same as she nodded. “Was years ago, anyway... you still remember that?”
“Of course I do.” Scarlet Sage smiled back, nodding a few times. “I was the new filly in town, living out with Fluttershy, and it was before we even really knew each other. But when those colts were picking on me you came in and stopped 'em. Then your friends showed up... and when you saw I didn't have my cutie mark yet, you all kind of took me in. It really meant so much to me, Apple Bloom... it really does mean so much to me even now. I know I can always count on you. I know... we'll always be friends.”
Apple Bloom smiled wider at this, nodding a few times... and then she leaned forwards, saying suddenly: “Then let's make a promise. To always be there for each other... and uh... wait, I know.”
The earth pony filly ran quickly down the side of the hill, Scarlet Sage cocking her head curiously and watching as Apple Bloom headed down to the piles of dark soil and other mire debris beneath the canopy of the trees, and then a moment later the filly came back with a piece of shale. She spat this out between them, and the Pegasus looked down at this with surprise before Apple Bloom said firmly: “Let's make a blood vow.”
“Whoa, hey, Apple Bloom, my... my powers...” Scarlet Sage began nervously, holding up her hooves and fluttering her wings apprehensively. “Even the smell of blood... even being close to somepony for too long, and things can go... weird. I... I'm scared of...”
“Well I ain't afraid. 'Cause I know you'd never hurt me. 'Cause I trust you, Scarlet Sage.” Apple Bloom replied quietly, smiling a little across at the filly before she picked up the sharp piece of shale, then winced as she drew a quick cut across her forelimb before tossing the sharp, thin stone to Scarlet Sage. The Pegasus filly caught it, hugging it against her chest and looking quietly down at the cut on the earth pony's limb... and Apple Bloom met Scarlet Sage's eyes, saying softly: “I ain't afraid of you. You're my friend. My best friend.”
Scarlet Sage blushed deeply at this, reddening almost as much as her eyes... and then she swallowed thickly before cutting her own forelimb open with a wince. For a moment, she looked down at this, studying the way the blood dribbled from the thin wound... and then she took a slow breath before extending her forelimb out.
Apple Bloom held her own out, the cuts lining up almost perfectly before they pressed them together, hooves grasping one-another's arms and holding them in place... and then both filly's winced as Scarlet Sage's eyes flashed, gritting their teeth and bowing their heads forwards in surprise as a feeling of intense heat raced up their limbs and into their bodies. For a moment, they could feel one-another's heartbeat, Apple Bloom gasping and Scarlet Sage whimpering through grit teeth even as her eyes glowed, both fillies shivering before the Pegasus arched her back as thoughts, emotions, intangible knowledge flowed into her mind, her eyes flaring with red light as she whispered: “I see you...”
“S-Scarlet Sage...” Apple Bloom trembled as she dropped her head forwards, gasping, tears leaking from her eyes... and yet she could feel thoughts spinning through her mind she realized weren't her own, warmth, affection, kindness... and as she felt their limbs beginning to loosen, she brought her other foreleg up, almost hugging Scarlet's limb against her own as she curled forwards a bit, clenching her eyes tighter shut. “I ain't made my promise yet...”
“You promised me everything already... and I promise you all the same.” Scarlet Sage murmured as she dropped her own head forwards, her eyes glowing sightlessly... but in her mind, she could see Apple Bloom, for that moment of connection she understood everything about the filly, every last detail-
Apple Bloom looked up in surprise as a set of strong hooves seized her and yanked her backwards, tearing her away from Scarlet Sage as the Pegasus filly was knocked sprawling on her back, gasping stupidly as she shivered on the ground, and Apple Bloom looked blearily up to see Applejack leaning over her with a curse, the earth pony gritting her teeth and shaking her little sister firmly by the shoulders as she asked worriedly: “Oh god, little sister, are you okay? Answer me, Apple Bloom!”
“Scarlet Sage!” Luna ran up the hill, followed closely by Scrivener as the Pegasus filly felt herself being gently helped to sit up by another set of hooves, and as she blinked slowly and the red light faded from her eyes, she looked foolishly up and wondered for a moment if her mind was still being overtaken by her Blood Seer powers. But when Luna leaned into her vision a moment later, she smiled weakly as she realized it was Big Mac supporting her gently, as the winged unicorn hurriedly checked her daughter over and murmured: “Oh, foolish little filly, what were thou doing? Look at thee! Thou art exhausted and hurt!”
“She's hurt, look at my little sister!” Applejack snapped, glaring over her shoulder as Apple Bloom blinked dumbly, shaking her head out and shivering once: she was covered in sweat, breathing a little hard... but strangely, the wound on her foreleg had healed, even as Applejack rounded towards Twilight as she stepped forwards: “Oh no, we don't need any more help from you, thanks.”
“Applejack...” Twilight murmured, rearing back slightly and looking hurt, and then she shook her head and said quietly: “Listen, let's bring the fillies inside and-”
“I wanna know what the hell went on here, first... what did Scarlet Sage do to her? Why the hell did Apple Bloom look like she was trying to yank away, what kinda... grip did your filly have on her?” Applejack asked sharply, and Big Mac grimaced a bit, looking up as Luna's eyes flashed and she looked icily towards the earth pony. “Yeah, well, you explain it then, Luna, 'cause from what I saw-”
“I asked her to, I made her!” Apple Bloom cried, sitting suddenly up, and then she half-staggered away from Applejack to sprawl against Scarlet Sage, hugging the filly tightly around the body and falling against her as Applejack looked shocked, Twilight staring towards the fillies; even Big Mac looked surprised, as Luna frowned deeply as Scrivener reached up and gently grasped his wife's shoulder. “It ain't her fault... it's mine. Don't blame her...”
Scarlet Sage only shook her head slowly, though, sitting up as Big Mac helped her by one shoulder, and then the Pegasus filly hugged Apple Bloom and murmured: “No, I knew better, but... I did anyway. I didn't hurt you, did I, Apple Bloom? I was scared I hurt you...”
“You'd never hurt me. I know that, you know better than that.” Apple Bloom replied quietly, laughing a little as she looked up, then gazed over her shoulder at Applejack, shaking her head with a tremble. “Just don't blame her, please, big sister...”
Applejack sighed softly, deflating visibly as she looked silently towards the group... and then she both winced and scowled at the small smile on Luna's face before the earth pony said moodily: “We should go.”
“Apple Bloom is in no fit shape to travel. Let us bring the fillies inside... we can save our scolding and reprimands for later.” Luna said calmly, glancing towards Scrivener, and he nodded. Big Mac lifted Scarlet Sage and carefully put her on his shoulders as Scrivener lifted Apple Bloom to carry her across his own broad back, and Applejack gave a visible grimace at this as the two males carried the children towards the cottage.
Luna and Twilight began to turn as well, and then Applejack asked shortly: “Luna, can I have a word?” She paused as Twilight looked up, and then settled a flat, dark look on the violet mare. “Privately. Without anypony trying to referee for a change.”
Twilight winced at this, opening her mouth, and then Luna glanced towards her and said calmly: “Do not worry, my friend... 'twill only be a conversation. A short conversation, I expect.”
The violet mare winced at this, but then nodded slowly as she carefully turned to head back towards the cottage, leaving Applejack and Luna standing silently on top of the storage mound together. For a few moments, then only looked at one-another, and then Applejack shook her head quickly before she glared out from beneath the brim of her cowboy hat at the winged unicorn, saying quietly: “This is exactly what I was getting at before. Doing whatever pleases you, encouraging all this kinda nonsense... what the hell is wrong with you, Luna? This ain't right. This ain't good. Heaping blame on my little sister for your adopted daughter's powers, like she ain't got things hard enough as it is.”
Luna frowned at this, leaning forwards and saying moodily: “Only because certain ponies insist upon making it so difficult, treating her more like she has a disease than a gift. A gift that can be used for good or evil, like all talents... furthermore, what harm was done? They are tired but the fillies did a stupid thing because they care for one another. I have done many stupid things for those I care for, and I should not need to remind thee that thou hast also had thine own share of idiotic ventures.”
Applejack gritted her teeth, glaring challengingly at Luna, but the winged unicorn only shook her head and said quietly: “And 'tis in the past, so what of it? I have more respect for those who make mistakes for the right reasons and are forced to make the long, hard climb back up that dark tunnel than I do for those who faultless fly through life without risk or danger or knowing how difficult it is to... redeem one's self. Not merely in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of one's own self. Perhaps, Applejack, thou art not simply fearful for what I am becoming, of my methods and my darkness. Perhaps thou art envious that whilst I can embrace myself, thou still cannot.”
With that, Luna turned and strode down the hill, flicking her mane as Applejack cursed under her breath, striding after her and calling sharply: “We ain't done yet-”
“Yes, we are.” Luna said coldly, halting but not looking back as her mane and tail sparked with electricity, twisting like a serpent. Her eyes almost glowed as they flicked back over her shoulder, and Applejack winced a bit, staggering to a halt as she felt the cold forcefulness emanating from the winged unicorn. “We can be friends, or we can be enemies, Applejack, and I would rather not lose a friend in thee. Thou art strong and noble and generous, a heroine to much of Ponyville, whom they turn to in times of need. But when that meets thy hardheaded nature and pride... it can make thee unpleasant.”
Applejack snorted at this, shaking her head slowly before she said quietly: “I ain't the only one here who's unpleasant, Luna. You get the idea in your head you're right about something, and you don't let it go until you've forced it down our throats. Do you think you're in power or something here? Do you think you got some right to boss us around, build this nation for us, and live by your own damn rules while making everypony else follow your own laws? Why the hell are you so eager to excuse everything bad you and your friends do while at the same time saying again and again how you're trying to 'help' us, when all I've seen is a lot of scared ponies and you playing around in your damn sandbox.”
Slowly, Luna turned around, her mane sparking and eyes glowing as Applejack stepped forwards, shivering once before she straightened and said quietly: “Maybe every other pony is scared to say it, but I ain't. I won't be, not anymore, and I'm saying this because goddammit, I don't wanna be your enemy, either, and I don't wanna see you turn into all that stuff you say you always fought against. If you really wanna help, why have you left the nation to fend for itself without leaders or any kind of government? Why have you sat around, instead of finding out more about those supposedly-hurt ponies? Why the hell are you spending your time hiding from your problems and playing with your shadow-puppets and screwing with Twilight's head?”
Luna began to step forwards, her mane swirling behind her like fire, her eyes glowing as she gritted her sharp teeth, and Applejack swallowed even as she glared back, holding her ground... before a voice interrupted quickly and sharply: “Enough.”
Both ponies glanced to the side as Celestia approached from the forest, a frown on her face and a saddlebag hanging on one side of her body as she looked back and forth between the two before shaking her head slowly, and Luna grumbled under her breath before the ivory winged unicorn glanced at Applejack, saying quietly: “Please go inside, Applejack. I think we all need time to think and set things straight. But let me say that this is partly my own fault... I was the one who refused to take the throne again immediately, after all. But I have already announced that I will be resuming my old office, and that I have selected thirteen candidates on a grand council to rule different territories of Equestria in order to better divide up the work. It was part of my business last night, as I recall we had spoken of it before, sister.”
Luna looked up with surprise, but then nodded slowly... but Applejack only shook her head with a sigh before turning towards the woods, looking over her shoulder with contempt in her eyes. “I never thought I'd see the day... but Celestia, all it sounds like is you're kowtowing to your little sister too, like every other pony. I think I'm going to head back to the farm. Maybe Big Mac can give you another chance, Luna, but... I've had it.”
The dark-coated winged unicorn glared furiously at the earth pony, beginning to open her mouth... but Celestia quickly rose a hoof and shook her head shortly, and Luna muttered under her breath instead before she said disgustedly, as Applejack vanished into the forest: “Let me send a demon after her. Not a big one. Just enough to break one of her precious legs.”
“Sister, please.” Celestia said tiredly, looking pleadingly down at Luna, and the younger sibling muttered and dropped her head before she simply flopped to the ground, and Celestia sighed a bit, but sat down in front of her and asked quietly: “What happened? The last time Applejack was so upset was after... she lost Rainbow Dash.”
“Scarlet Sage and Apple Bloom shared blood. Probably a childish blood pact, made real by Scarlet Sage's powers.” Luna muttered, covering her face with her hooves, and Celestia stared in shock down at her sister before the dark-coated equine rose one of her hooves away from her eye, adding grouchily: “What? One has a crush upon the other. Or 'tis puppy love. Or perhaps true love, oh, I do not know and do not care.”
With that, Luna covered her face with her hooves again, her starry locks settling slowly over her body like a blanket, and Celestia sighed a little before she leaned down and asked quietly: “Would you like me to save the lecture for later, Luna?”
“Yes please.” Luna said moodily, and Celestia nodded and sat back up, gazing down at her sister compassionately. “I am evil, am I not? Why do I still feel bad when I lose a friend?”
Inside, Scrivener could feel Luna's pain as he worked quietly in the kitchen, Big Mac lounging out of the way with a cola in his hooves. The two ponies had shared a much-calmer conversation about what had happened, as Twilight tended to the fillies in the living room... fillies that were now curled a little together under a blanket, the violet mare smiling at their dozing state as she sat beside them.
Scrivener carefully poured several mugs of tea, then he glanced towards Big Mac as he said quietly: “Applejack's gone, by the way. She seemed real pissed off.”
“Yup.” Big Mac nodded slowly, sipping at his cola before he shook his head and said quietly: “Ain't entirely her fault. You know that, right?”
“I... guess I kind of do. My emotions are mixed up with Luna's right now, though... and Luna's both upset and angry right now.” Scrivener said quietly, sliding the mugs onto a tray before he ducked down to dig through the cupboards, muttering: “Besides, aren't they supposed to be the rational ones and we're supposed to be slugging it out?”
Big Mac snorted in amusement at this, shaking his head as Twilight called mildly from the den room: “Scrivener, you don't know anything about mares, do you?”
“Look at who I live with.” Scrivener replied dryly, and Twilight mumbled in agreement as Big Mac grunted. Then the poet rose back up with a jar in his claws, opening this and tossing several handfuls of candy out onto the tray: it was only one of several stashes Luna kept throughout the cottage. “Anyway, what's most important is making sure the fillies are okay. We can yell at everypony else later.”
“Yup.” Big Mac nodded in agreement as Scrivener picked up the tray and headed towards the den, the crimson stallion following calmly. As the poet sat the mugs carefully down on the floor in front of the bedding, the red earth pony sat down by Twilight and smiled at her, nodding briefly to the winged unicorn before he gazed quietly over Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage.
Soon, however, Apple Bloom stirred, shaking her head and sitting up, and she smiled a little as she saw Scarlet Sage first before her eyes roved upwards... and it turned to a blush as she saw the adults, shaking her head quickly. Before she could speak, however, Scrivener said softly: “I made some tea for you and Scarlet, and got you some candy. You'll feel better after you eat a little. The sugar will help.”
“Thanks, Scrivener.” Apple Bloom said softly, sitting up and gazing quietly over the three, and then she shook her head and asked quietly, glancing towards Big Mac: “Where's sis?”
“She went back to the farm.” Big Mac said gently, and Apple Bloom lowered her eyes, shrinking a bit before the earth pony soothed softly: “Don't you worry 'bout that now.”
Apple Bloom nodded hesitantly... then glanced down as Scarlet Sage stirred, her eyes fluttering open before she smiled a little, gazing quietly up at her friend. Apple Bloom looked back, and then the two blushed again before Scrivener cleared his throat and said mildly: “Well, I'm going to the kitchen to put on coffee.”
“Yup.” Big Mac nodded as Scrivener walked past, the earth pony following... and then both males looked pointedly over their shoulders at Twilight, who was smiling kindly at the two fillies. The violet mare looked up after a moment, then blushed a bit and mumbled something before she hurried after them, but Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage barely noticed.
The fillies glanced towards the kitchen, but the adults were busying themselves now, and the girls smiled before they both turned their eyes to the tea and candy. As Scarlet Sage sat up, she reached down and quietly brushed several out of the pile towards the other side of the tray, and Apple Bloom looked surprised as she asked curiously: “How'd you know I like the sour ones?”
“I saw into your mind.” Scarlet Sage lowered her head embarrassedly, and Apple Bloom looked at her curiously as the Pegasus shifted a bit, saying finally: “I'm sorry, Apple Bloom. I didn't mean to hurt you, or damage anything between us especially... I didn't mean to upset your sister or scare your big brother, either.”
“No, it... it really was my fault. I didn't think about how serious it was and I'm sorry, Scarlet Sage. You... you ain't hurt at all, right?” The Pegasus filly glanced up quickly... and then she closed her eyes and smiled when Apple Bloom only hugged her fiercely around the neck in response, closing her eyes and then hugging her quietly back.
In the kitchen, Big Mac smiled a little as he glanced towards this... then he turned his eyes to Scrivener, saying gently: “Thanks kindly for the hospitality.”
“Wait, you're going?” Scrivener Blooms asked dumbly, and when the red stallion only nodded in response, the poet glanced towards Apple Bloom, asking finally: “Well, what about your little sister? And... your big sister?”
Big Mac shrugged and looked over at Twilight, asking gently: “You be comin' in to town tomorrow?”
“Well, I mean, I'm going to go into town today, but I do... like to spend my nights out here and... I'll be in Ponyville tomorrow at some point.” Twilight said awkwardly, blushing a little, and when Big Mac only smiled a bit at her, the violet mare sighed and lowered her head, reaching up to touch a hoof to her forehead. “This is awkward. This is really awkward that everypony apparently knows about this and is not going to pretend I'm normal anymore.”
“You were never normal, Twilight.” Scrivener said kindly, and he only winked when Twilight favored him with a flat look. “Just being helpful. And honest.”
“You're neither.” Twilight said flatly, and then she turned her eyes to Big Mac and nodded, saying finally: “I'll be in town tomorrow. So I guess you're suggesting that Apple Bloom spends the night here and I bring her back, right?”
“Luna and I would be delighted, Big Mac.” Scrivener said quietly, glancing towards the earth pony, and the stallion smiled before the poet leaned towards him with entertainment. “Although you already knew that, didn't you?”
“Yup.” Big Mac replied easily, and then he cleared his throat before striding into the den room, both fillies looking up with smiles at the large male. “Apple Bloom, how'd you like to spend the night here? Might be your last chance to have a sleepover here for a while.”
“Really?” Apple Bloom looked up with shining eyes, and then she nodded rapidly, smiling warmly up at her brother. “Yeah, I'd love to!”
“Good. Twilight will bring you back into Ponyville tomorrow, we'll meet up there or at the farm.” Big Mac said gently, and then he winked at the fillies before heading towards the front door, and Scrivener followed him with a smile as Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage both called warm goodbyes to the stallion.
He opened the door... only to almost walk right into Luna, who looked down at him imperiously, making the earth pony stare a little up at her. Then she nodded firmly once before reaching up and patting him on the head, making the earth pony wince as Celestia sighed tiredly behind her sister. “I like thee, Big Mac. 'Tis a shame that I and thine sister are at such odds. Well, all the same, if thou ever likes...”
Luna leaned down with a wide grin, and Scrivener cleared his throat loudly behind the red earth pony, looking flatly past him. Trapped between the two for the moment, Big Mac only stayed quiet and looked awkwardly back and forth before Twilight pushed her way past Scrivener and lowered her head to bull into Luna, making the dark-coated winged unicorn mumble as she was forced a few steps out of the way. “Insolent child.”
“Oh, quiet, Luna.” Twilight chided gently, and then she smiled over her shoulder to Big Mac, saying quietly: “I'll go into town with you. I need to take care of a few things anyway... and Celestia, oh, I... almost...”
She blushed a bit, but Celestia only nodded, replying gently: “We can catch up later, Twilight, it's alright. But when you get to town, please contact a Nibelung Architect named Assyria. He has some important information for you, and a few tasks that... I would like to entrust to your capable hooves.”
Twilight looked up hesitantly at the ivory winged unicorn for a moment, then she nodded slowly before glancing at Big Mac, who nodded once in return. Twilight paused only a moment longer, then turned and quickly traded a hug with both Scrivener and Luna, smiling when the dark-coated winged unicorn kissed her forehead gently and said kindly: “Good luck, my sweet Twilight. We shall see thee tonight.”
The violet mare blushed a little but nodded again, and she and Big Mac left as Celestia gazed after them for a moment, then turned her eyes to Scrivener and Luna, saying softly: “Before we go inside, may we take a moment to discuss what I found?”
“No.” Luna said staunchly, and Celestia gave her sister an irritated look before Luna smiled slightly and leaned up, saying kindly: “Celestia, inside are two young fillies whom are now connected by an accidental blood pact, and whom have strong feelings for one another. Their love is innocent and pure and romantic without all the evil and vileness that is oft attached with romance. Can we not enjoy this sight instead today? Is thy news so awful and terrible that thou must befoul the atmosphere with it?”
“I... suppose it can wait.” Celestia shook her head slowly, and then she grimaced a bit and rubbed at her face with one hoof. “Yes, let's go inside, then.”
“Perhaps I should inform them of the birds and the bees. Perhaps I should go into gruesome detail.” Luna said with relish, and then she winced when Scrivener smacked her as Celestia only moodily glowered down at her sister. “What? Thou cannot both be against me! 'Tis a horrible thought!”
“You're the one who said this was innocent puppy love. Leave it at that. They're fillies, Luna, they're just little girls.” Scrivener replied flatly, and then he strode into the house and down the hall, gazing into the den with a smile as Celestia followed after him and Luna came last, grumbling under her breath.
For the most part, though, Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage didn't require much guardianship: they spent much of their time talking, a little time playing simple board games and coloring, and they stayed still long enough for Luna to sketch them both, which pleased the dark-coated winged unicorn immensely. And she and Scrivener Blooms were glad to play with the foals as well, eventually setting up the dinner they had planned outside even with only Celestia and Apple Bloom as guests.
Scrivener prepared several other delicacies as well, however, with the absence of Applejack and Big Mac: venison dumplings, and a few choice cuts of meat. They ate dinner on the back porch, and as Scrivener and Luna dug into their own preferred foods, Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage stared before Apple Bloom said finally: “I ain't never seen anypony but Pinkamena eating meat before. And Pinkamena's kinda... weird.”
“Kinda really weird.” Scrivener agreed, glancing up with a slight smile, and Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage both giggled a little as Celestia only shook her head a bit. “Well, it's true. But... well, as you know, Apple Bloom, I'm not... exactly a pony anymore.”
“Can you turn into a giant monster later?” Apple Bloom asked quickly, and then she blushed and covered her mouth as Scrivener looked at her mildly and Luna giggled, Celestia half-covering her own muzzle to hide a small smile. “Sorry. Sis says I'm starting to take after Uncle Dash, and I don't think she always means that in a good way.”
Scrivener only smiled wryly, and then he glanced towards Luna as she picked up a dumpling and tossed it to Apple Bloom, saying easily: “'Tis an acquired taste but not so bad. Try it, and see what thou thinks.”
Apple Bloom hesitated at this, blushing deeply as she looked down at the dumpling sitting on the plate next to her salad, and Scarlet Sage fidgeted a bit before Celestia glanced over at her sister and said slowly: “Sister... I think you might want to reconsider giving foals meat...”
“Why, because of the old legend? Tell them the old legend, Scrivener Blooms. Also, Celestia, I command thee to lighten up. What Applejack doesn't know shan't hurt her, and the child is curious. It's not like I'm pouring whiskey down her throat.” Luna paused consideringly, then looked over at Scrivener Blooms, asking curiously: “Do we have any liquor, on that note?”
Scrivener slapped his forehead as Luna winked towards the fillies, Celestia giving her sister another sour look before she went back to her own meal, and Apple Bloom hesitantly picked up the dumpling... then blinked when Luna tilted her horn and it floated upwards before tearing neatly in half. For a moment, the halves hovered, and then either filly reached out and grasped a piece before Apple Bloom looked down at hers and said finally: “Well, I ain't scared.”
“And I'm not scared either. Mom and Dad eat it all the time.” Scarlet Sage said quickly, and the two fillies looked awkwardly down at the dumpling halves again before they both closed their eyes and hurriedly shoved the small halves into their mouths, Luna smiling affectionately at the girls as Celestia glanced up with a slight, apprehensive wince.
Both fillies chewed slowly, then swallowed, Scarlet Sage a bit faster than Apple Bloom, who grimaced a bit and shook her head quickly... then she rubbed slowly at her face, looking a little pale as she mumbled: “You ponies sure are a little strange, if you don't mind me saying.”
“Not at all, we know we are. Now, Scrivener Blooms, tell them the old legend. The good one, not the bad one, we're all sick of the bad legends...” Luna said insistently, and Scrivener rolled his eyes as he picked up a dumpling before eating it slowly as he gathered his thoughts, both fillies looking towards him curiously now.
“Alright, alright.” Scrivener said finally, and then he smiled a bit as he swallowed the last of his dumpling, then rested his claws on the table, saying quietly: “Now, most old legends say that a pony who eats meat... a lot of meat, usually... becomes a monster, and usually it's a Phooka, sometimes a vampire. But another old legend I'm familiar with talks about how a long time ago, ponies were once great warriors who lived off the land. They were able to eat meat, and capable of great feats of strength. You know, patriotic story time stuff.”
He smiled slightly to himself, leaning forwards and continuing quietly: “But the story goes that the ponies grew so strong, so fast, that the other peoples all across the world got scared. They pleaded to nature and the gods to do something, to make it more fair, because the tribes were simply too strong. So the ponies were cursed by the forces above: their bodies weakened so they couldn't fight as well, their instincts changed so they would be more peaceful.
“The ponies blamed one-another for this, losing their true strength: unity. But the plan backfired, because then all the forces the presence of the powerful ponies had been holding back descended on the once-jealous peoples of the world and resulted in their defeat, demise, and enslavement.” Scrivener paused. “But some ponies remembered the old ways, and stayed true to it. Continued to live by the old traditions, and stayed strong and powerful. And it's said that any pony who honors the old ways will be blessed in turn by the old powers that still linger and regret their mistake in taking away the powers of the ponies in the first place.”
Scrivener leaned back in his seat, lacing his claws together with a smile. “But it's a silly old story, mostly about pony-pride, hubris, and jealousy. All I know for sure is that if you eat too much meat you'll get pretty damn sick.”
The fillies nodded, gazing at Scrivener, then at one another as Celestia looked mildly towards Luna and the poet... and then she gave the two other adults a flat look when Apple Bloom asked hesitantly: “Well... maybe one more wouldn't hurt...”
“You're both bad influences.” Celestia said tiredly, as Luna grinned and picked up two dumplings, tossing one to Apple Bloom and the other to Scarlet Sage. For a moment, the ivory winged unicorn looked at the two fillies, and then she shook her head and returned to her salad, muttering: “There's a reason most of the stories are not about salvation, but transformation, however. Look at Sol Seraph: she believed she was growing stronger, but all she did was twist herself into a monster.”
Apple Bloom winced and halted with the dumpling half-raised to her mouth, and Scarlet Sage looked awkwardly down at her plate before Luna said quietly: “Aye, but much as I am loathe to admit it, Celestia, Sol Seraph was strong. And thou and I both know that 'twas not meat that twisted the creature's mind so. If monsters like that could be so easily-explained away, none would be given the chance to exist in the world.”
Celestia nodded slowly at this, and the fillies both looked quietly at their food before they glanced at one another and smiled hesitantly. But they ate the dumplings, as Luna and Scrivener finished their own meal in quiet and Celestia picked at her salad before excusing herself. Surprisingly, however, she came back outside with a pot of tea not long afterwards and one of Luna's jars of candy, and the dark-coated winged unicorn first looked delighted, then utterly disgusted as she muttered: “Is there no place my delights are safe?”
“Share, Luna.” Scrivener said gently, and Luna grumbled and crossed her forelegs as the fillies giggled a bit, and the poet patted her gently before he went about cleaning up the plates from dinner.
Dessert wasn't long: the fillies shared some candy between themselves, then ran off to play as the adults lounged on the patio and shared tea and a few chocolates, although Luna glared at both her sister and her husband every time one of them reached for her candy. The three settled into comfortable conversation together all the same, and Scrivener smiled, feeling honestly like an equal with Celestia as she relaxed little-by-little until the male excused himself to take the dishes inside.
He was surprised when Celestia followed him in and flicked her horn absently, one of the taps spinning and filling the sink with water, and Scrivener couldn't help but smile a bit as he glanced over at her and said softly: “Now you're just trying to make Luna jealous.”
“Not at all.” The ivory equine smiled all the same as she tilted her head, however, saying softly: “Do you know how long it's been since I've actually helped with such a simple task as this? The last I recall was... when Sleipnir, Luna, and I had stopped and set up camp for several nights. I remember washing the dishes in the stream, while Sleipnir and Luna pulled down camp and then wasted their time acting like children until I came back and found them, wrestling in the dirt. They loved each other dearly... they had a funny way of showing their affection for things, though.”
Scrivener nodded a bit as poured soap into the sink, and they worked side-by-side: Scrivy washed, then Celestia dried and put them away, the ivory equine looking serene and peaceful as her rainbow mane flowed slowly around her, before she glanced towards Scrivy quietly, and he looked back, cocking his head curiously. Celestia smiled at him, then glanced towards the dish floating in front of her, dishtowel floating up and wiping it dry as she said quietly: “I feel very envious of my sister at times like this. When Canterlot is rebuilt, I know I'll have to move back there... that things... will return to as they were in many ways. But I hope you'll visit.”
“And that's in the future, too. For now, you can say that you're staying in Ponyville because it's so close to home, and comfortable, between whatever meetings you'll have to attend... and I think Luna and I would both like it if, after Enstasis is complete, you stay there with us. We have plans to ask Twilight to move to the castle, too.” Scrivener said after a moment, glancing towards Celestia.
The ivory equine looked surprised at his honesty, but she smiled after a moment, not replying as she returned her attention to the task at hoof... but she did slip a little closer towards Scrivener, and the male smiled warmly as well as he continued to calmly work beside his sister-in-law in comfortable silence.