Chapter Eighteen: Shadow And Memory
~BlackRoseRaven
Scrivener and Luna were curled comfortably up together on their bedding in front of a flickering sapphire fire, Celestia sitting nearby and reading calmly from a leather-bound notebook. Every so often, Scrivy would glance awkwardly towards her, but Luna just grumbled and squeezed him in response to this, sending soothing thoughts his way. It was rare that he shared his personal files with anypony, after all... and even with Celestia, it felt a little strange to have her reading a mix of his thoughts and stories.
The fillies had been put to bed: they were sharing the bed in Scrivener and Luna's room, since it was much larger than the one in Scarlet Sage's. The two had played together for a good while after dinner, then harassed Scrivener – with Luna's help – until he'd finally agreed to take on his full Tyrant Wyrm form, and then the two had awkwardly run all over him until Scrivener had felt strangely exhausted despite being a sixty foot machine of death in trying to keep up with the kids.
They had all gone inside after nightfall: Luna had stayed out for only a moment to confer with Atrus and a few Nightmares, talking quietly and seriously with them while Scrivy had made the girls a snack. Celestia had gone out not long after, and hadn't been surprised when she found out what Luna was talking to the creatures about.
Ponyville was becoming more hostile to the presence of the creatures... and worse yet, several more of the 'citizens of the night,' as Luna called them, had gone missing. Two Phooka and another Nightmare. And all throughout Ponyville, someone was setting up wards, while others had taken to profiting off the misery by selling 'protective charms' that were more often than not bad imitations of popularized arcane objects.
A demon had been chased off by a few angry ponies, and floodlights had been set up here and there in several streets. Ponies were arming themselves, gathering in taverns, expressing both disapproval for the night and happiness that Celestia would be returning to the throne to 'set things right,' and Luna was hurt by this news. But she was also hurt by the fact that out at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Rainbow Dash had both been seen meeting with a group of ponies that included Smith, the earth pony from the tavern.
Luna had also sent a Nightmare to prowl around Zecora's camp, and Celestia had somehow managed to both approve and disapprove of this in the same glance. Luna, however, had only muttered that if Zecora was lying to her, she felt no qualms about lying to the zebra in return... although it seemed that for the most part, Zecora had been telling the truth. All the same, the Nightmare had uneasily reported that there were few wounded in the camp, and the zebras were on unnaturally high alert... like they were preparing for something, or felt something was on the horizon.
Lastly, a Nightmare had checked on Fluttershy since Luna had been unable to make the visit herself, but the Pegasus was doing fine, staying safe at her home... although unnerved by the fact more than one pony had apparently shouted and thrown things at the Phooka. She was a little unhappy... but the Phooka comforted her and took care of her, and she took care of them in return. The Nightmare had noted in a strangely-longing voice that she seemed to honestly care for those she took into her ward... and Luna had only smiled faintly and nodded, then dismissed the creatures of darkness out onto their duties, saying quietly she would call if she required their aid.
Then Luna glanced up from where she laid against Scrivener at the sound of the front door, and she smiled over her shoulder, straightening as her pearl swayed around her neck and she watched Twilight Sparkle enter the den, the violet mare looking tiredly at them, and then over at Celestia, and she gave a faint, small smile. “I'm... glad you gave me the choice, Celestia. But I think we all knew that between baroness and assistant... I'd rather work for you.”
“I know it was... not entirely fair that I've surprised you with this choice, Twilight... but I will need your help, in one form or another.” Celestia said softly, and then she smiled a bit as Luna glowered at her and Scrivener glanced up curiously. “Don't worry, though... I have no plans to try and take you away from Ponyville... in fact, Scrivener, I would like to accept your kind offer of allowing me to join you and sister in Enstasis, while Canterlot is being reconstructed.”
Celestia bowed her head politely, and Luna's jaw dropped as Scrivener looked at the ivory equine dumbly, Twilight looking up in surprise... and then the violet mare blushed a little and shook her head quickly, murmuring: “It was never that, Celestia, I... I just don't know how ready I am for a position of... you know...”
“Thou art ready, Twilight. Thou art more than ready.” Luna said firmly, recovering herself quickly and glancing over her shoulder with a smile, then she returned her gaze to Celestia, saying quietly: “And thou art always welcome to stay with us, sister. Always... my Enstasis, shall be thine home as well. In fact, I shall inform Illyria and order him to build quarters specifically curtailed to thee... and for thee as well, Twilight if thou will... accept my offer of a home there.”
“My... what about Ponyville, though? I mean, I run the library...” Twilight began slowly, and then she glared at Scrivener when he covered his muzzle to hide a grin. “What? What?”
“Like... how often did you actually have ponies in the library, anyway? Apart from your friends, I mean, and fillies like Apple Bloom or other kids you were familiar with?” Scrivener asked, and Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat and glared at him as the male looked pointedly back. “On that note, just how often did you leave the library completely alone and unguarded as well, wandering around Ponyville to-”
“Oh shut up, Scrivener.” Twilight said grouchily, and then she shook her head before softening as she looked towards Luna, saying quietly: “But it's not just that... what about my friends? I... they are very important to me, Luna...”
“And I am not asking thee to abandon them.” Luna said gently, smiling softly before she added quietly: “Besides, either way, there are already quarters for thee in the designs of Enstasis. They will either be thy home... or where thou shalt stay when thou visits us. Enstasis will not be so far away as Canterlot, after all... and 'tis not like I will settle for being without thy presence as often as possible.”
Twilight smiled wider, gazing over at Luna silently for a few moments before she strode quietly onto the bedding to sit down beside Celestia, looking awkwardly at the ivory equine. Celestia, however, only smiled gently back at her before she became a little more serious, asking quietly: “And what about the other business?”
Twilight nodded slowly, then turned her eyes towards Luna and Scrivener, saying quietly: “Apart from... finding out what Celestia assigned me, I was given several lists that are being assembled. A set of names of ponies who are 'missing,' like the Cakes... and a set of those who were... wounded while being revived. The lists are very extensive at this point, Luna... and I'm not blaming you or anything but...”
“I know. I know...” Luna shook her head slowly, sighing softly and lowering her head as she muttered: “Other ponies have not been so generous. We saved so many, Twilight, but it will never be enough... had I missed even one soul, I think sometimes, the ponies would have held it against me...”
The purple mare only smiled faintly, reaching a hoof out to quietly touch Luna's as she said gently: “I know... it's unfair. And I know right now especially things are difficult, that... your treatment hasn't been the best. But they're upset, and scared, and following in the hooves of the few ponies loud and dumb enough to speak out against you... and there's also ponies in the world like me, who care about you unconditionally. Ponies who look up to you both. Ponies who aren't just giving you a chance, but who have honest faith in you and everything you want to do.”
Twilight halted, then shook her head slowly, gazing quietly up into Luna's eyes as the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled softly. “There are all kinds of ponies in the world, Luna. I know the bad ones sometimes make it hard to see the good ones... but believe me when I say there's more than just bad out there.”
Luna nodded slowly, then she hesitated before glancing towards Celestia, asking quietly: “Thy first task must be to fix those injured. I shall send my servants through the night to search for any of those missing... perhaps we shall be fortunate, and some of the names upon that list will be found in other places.”
The violet mare nodded in agreement, adding: “I thought of that myself and already sent a letter to Babylon asking him to crosscheck the missing list against the current registry. Most of the towns across Equestria have submitted one, even Ponyville. I was surprised to find Mayor Mare already working hard... well, you know. Working hard, with the occasional... break.”
“I wonder if she has a drinking problem, or if the problem stems from being the only pony in office for so many years now.” Luna said meditatively, and then she shook her head quickly and muttered: “Perhaps I shall actually thank her at some point, then, if she's doing half as well as thou says, though. 'Twould be nice to know she is more dependable than she appears.”
“You're too hard on ponies, Luna.” Celestia said softly, but Luna only sniffed disdainfully before the ivory equine shook her head and returned her eyes to Twilight, asking quietly: “And what about the maps?”
Luna glanced up curiously at this, but Twilight only shook her head as she glanced towards the dark-coated winged unicorn and Scrivener Blooms, explaining: “Celestia left me a set of maps and coordinates, to see if there was any discernible pattern, any... similarities at all in the regions where ponies had been... wounded. But there wasn't, not that I could see at least, even after I marked everything out and evaluated the land and populace in every possible way I could think of.” She fell quiet, shaking her head slowly and murmuring: “I wish there was. I wish... I could show everyone how certain I am this wasn't your fault...”
“Well, perhaps I shall take a look at these maps on the morrow, then.” Luna said finally, nodding slowly before she and Scrivener Blooms traded a look, and the two smiled a little at each other before they both looked towards Celestia, younger sister bowing her head and asking quietly: “So what did thou discover?”
For a moment, Celestia was silent, her eyes compassionate even as she became almost solemn, and Twilight looked at her worriedly before the ivory equine said softly: “I journeyed to meet the Strange Ones. They knew me as Valkyrie Freya... and they also knew why I was there, Luna. They were more than willing to help... and the answers I discovered are not pleasant.”
Luna looked quietly at Celestia as Scrivener Blooms sat hesitantly up, Twilight looking nervously as well up at the ivory equine. Celestia closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts – and perhaps her courage – before she finally opened them, her amethyst irises concerned, compassionate, scared, as she said quietly: “The elixir you drank by itself was dangerous. An amplifier... increasing your powers, yes, but also sharpening your instincts, bolstering confidence towards arrogance... feeding your primal, darker side. You can see how this could be... unpleasant by itself.”
“But there is something worse.” Luna said quietly, and Celestia nodded silently once before the winged unicorn grimaced, asking softly: “What is it, sister?”
“I can see why Odin would hesitate to drink the elixir. Its effects are not immediate, you see... they grow more potent over time, making a person... gradually more self-focused, even as it continues to increase their strength over perhaps days, perhaps weeks. Odin would have been afraid of becoming his old self... prideful, prone to violence first and questions second.” Celestia said quietly, leaning forwards towards her sister as Luna grimaced a bit. “But you didn't just drink the elixir. You drank Odin's blood.”
Twilight's eyes widened as Luna stared up at her sister for a moment, and then she reared back, whispering: “I... I thought so little of it at the time. 'Twas just the blood of the enemy that spilled along the pedestal, and...”
“And I know that Scrivener Blooms ate...” Celestia grimaced a bit, glancing towards him as Scrivy looked hurriedly away, even as Twilight looked for a moment at the male, then shivered a bit as she shook her head slowly. “But what matters is the blood. The blood amplified an amplifier, sister. The blood contained only a trace of Odin's power, but it was enough to make the drink far more potent and far more dangerous. Yes, it will make you stronger... but at the same time it will also make you-”
“It will not make me anything! I am in control! My desires are my own, I... I am choosing to live this way!” Luna snapped suddenly, leaping up to her hooves as her mane and tail writhed backwards, electricity sparking through them as she gritted her teeth. Then she cursed under her breath as Scrivener Blooms winced and looked at the winged unicorn, but Luna only shook her head briskly and closed her eyes, muttering: “I... I am in control, sister, do not speak as if you think I will... become Nightmare Moon again, insane with power and ego. I... I am not Nightmare Moon. I am Luna.”
She opened her eyes, looking pleadingly between the two winged unicorns across from her, and Twilight stared back, wanting to believe, as Celestia gazed calmly across at Luna, more guarded but also more worried as the rainbow-maned mare said softly: “But look at what's happening. I will speak simply: you've been more greedy. More lustful. More violent. More... cruel, and willing to resort to tactics we agreed in the past were... not in our best interests for you to utilize.”
Luna growled at her older sister, favoring her with an irritated look, but then she muttered under her breath before taking a calming breath and muttering: “So what of it? It's not like the ponies like me anyway, sister. Aye, I shall have my sanctuary Enstasis, and aye, Scrivener Blooms and I are... are like gods, there is obviously no point in being modest because I am apparently a primal beast because of some fancy juice I drank now, and I have an army of nasty monsters at my disposal... but what of it? The night shall protect the ponies, the night shall be my domain, but so what? Apparently it will go ignored as always, I will be relegated to the backwater shadows, and I am sure in time some idiot do-gooder of the day will attempt to burn down my giant castle of stone that rests in the middle of a mire!”
Luna turned and half-dropped against Scrivener, mashing her face into the side of his neck almost painfully, and the poet awkwardly wrapped a foreleg around her as Celestia said dryly: “Childishness is not a symptom of the elixir, sister.”
“Scrivener Blooms, eat Celestia's face.” Luna muttered, and Scrivy sighed and stroked soothingly through Luna's mane as she curled up tighter against him, her eyes tightly closed. “'Tis not fair.”
“That is why we have to strive to treat each other well.” Celestia said gently, and then Twilight glanced up in surprise as the ivory equine slipped forwards and laid herself back down beside her sister, half-embracing her around the neck and closing her eyes as she bowed her head against Luna's, murmuring softly: “I am sorry.”
Luna only remained silent, trembling a little as Scrivener gazed at her quietly... and then he looked up with a faint smile as Twilight slid forwards as well, curling herself up against the male's other side and quietly resting her head on his shoulder. She snuggled a little closer, and the poet smiled a little in return as he wrapped his other forelimb around her, pulling her tighter up against his side as Luna gave a sigh and mumbled: “Well, wonderful. What is the difference between foals and adults, Celestia?”
“Most adults are afraid of close contact with others like this because of social conditioning... something even I fell prey to myself, or perhaps even hand a hoof in starting.” Celestia replied gently, and Luna opened an eye with a small smile as the ivory equine shook her head slowly, murmuring: “But I am beginning to understand that... normalcy is overrated. At least in the privacy of one's own home.”
Luna nodded with a grunt, and then she closed her eyes and snuggled herself comfortably between sister and husband, pawing her hooves against the bedding before she murmured softly: “This is all I want, Celestia. This, here, and now. Us to be together... us to not be afraid of sharing things between us. Us to have a home, and a place in the world with one-another. My sister, my sweet and tender mare, and my... Scrivener Blooms.” She smiled slightly. “Whom I can no longer call such a mare these days.”
“Yes, but don't worry, you still make me look effeminate compared to you.” Scrivener replied gently, and Luna laughed and headbutted the side of his neck gently before she kissed it quietly, and Scrivy smiled warmly at this before he kissed her cheek softly in return. “Celestia... I know you're worried about us and what you found out. I know there's probably other things on your mind, and Twilight's, too... but... with you two here, helping keep an eye on us...”
“Yes. Yes, and I... do not want to judge too harshly, much as part of me wishes to err on the side of caution, but knows that risks doing nothing but hurting you.” Celestia said softly, starting to straighten a bit... and then she winced when Luna wrapped a foreleg around her and yanked her back down grouchily. “I... sister, this is awkward now.”
“Coward.” Luna grumbled, and then she nodded a bit and said in a quieter voice: “Well... let us leave the rest to figure out another day, then. We have much to contend with as it is... zebras, asserting the place of my citizens and servants of the night, the ponies of Ponyville and I expect much of Equestria.”
“There is at least one bit of good news.” Twilight said finally, looking up a bit, and Luna cocked her head before the violet mare smiled, saying softly: “Cowlick and Ross are in Manehattan, both of them. But they're going to come to help with Enstasis and looking forwards to moving back to Ponyville... that's good, right?”
“I do hope so, anyway. Cowlick... was always a good friend of Rainbow Dash.” Luna said quietly, glancing up with a bit of a grimace. This made Twilight blush and shift a bit, but then the winged unicorn shook her head and murmured softly: “But so art thou. And I know that poor Rainbow Dash is torn... loyalties to AJ, loyalties to us, loyalties to Ponyville... and the choice is difficult but obvious. I do not blame him for what he must do. I will, however, blame and pummel him if he speaks ill of my husband.”
Scrivener only smiled a little, however, and then he shook his head slowly... and for a little while, the four only rested in quiet together, Twilight and Luna curled tightly to either side of Scrivy as Celestia rested with her little sister, trying to push her misgivings aside for now even as worries tangled themselves through the mind of the ivory unicorn.
In the morning, Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage were awake early: Scrivener Blooms went about the process of making them breakfast while Twilight and Celestia talked and Luna grumbled and half-hid under the pillows until her adopted daughter wandered over and hugged her head gently, making her sigh and finally resign herself to getting up. She decided to sketch another picture of the fillies, making them pose together after breakfast while she asked them awkward questions until they were both blushing deeply, but thankfully halted before she could wander into territory that was a little too personal.
The fillies spent the morning playing together inside as a light rain fell: by noon, the shower had halted, and Luna had smiled over the others before saying that they should all head into town together. Scrivener Blooms had grumbled at this and Celestia had fixed her younger sister with a pleading look, likely already knowing what was on her little sibling's mind, but she had only grinned and then cheerfully bullied Scrivener Blooms into heading outside and taking on his Tyrant Wyrm form so she and the others could ride on his back.
On the one hand, Scrivener was irritated at being used as a steed and thought that Luna was once more displaying a spectacular lack of judgment in making him walk to Ponyville in the light of day in the shape of a full-fledged Tyrant Wyrm after everything that had happened. On the other, however, the fillies were utterly delighted with the ride and even Celestia smiled at the excitement of the girls, and Scrivener couldn't help but relax as well with the happiness of the ponies on his back.
Scrivener halted just outside Ponyville, Nibelung guards staring up at him as he extended one enormous wing and let the fillies slide down it to the wet grasses below... and then he rolled his eyes when Luna cheerfully followed, while Celestia and Twilight gracefully glided to the ground. Then the Tyrant Wyrm rolled his head on his shoulders, gritting his teeth as his body glowed before sizing slowly down... only to immediately be knocked on his back by Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage both tackling him once he was small enough. “Thank you, Scrivener!”
“I. You're welcome?” Scrivy said lamely, and then he cleared his throat as the fillies bounced away, Twilight laughing as the poet sat up and rubbed at his face. “They. They caught me off guard, shut up.”
“Oh aye, great and terrible monster thou art.” Luna said drolly, and Scrivener gave her a flat look before she smiled over at the others, saying kindly: “I shall find thee as I can. For now, I wish to head out to Fluttershy's cabin. 'Twould be remiss if I did not make up for not visiting yesterday.”
Scrivener nodded, and Twilight gazed down at the fillies, saying gently: “Well, let's head to your school, then, I'm sure Cheerilee...”
Her words pattered out at the flat look both girls gave her, followed by Luna and Scrivener, and Twilight winced and looked over her shoulder at Celestia... but the ivory equine simply shrugged a little, and so finally the violet mare sighed and said grumpily: “Fine, fine. Let's find Rarity, she'll know where Sweetie Belle is.”
The fillies cheered at this, and Twilight shook her head, wincing and following the fillies as they dashed towards the open gates and calling awkwardly: “But education is important, and...”
“That was thee once, Celestia. That was thee, lecturing Sleipnir and I on books, and numbers, and mathematics. Thou wert the nerd. A dangerous nerd, aye, but a nerd all the same.” Luna said with relish, and Celestia gave her younger sister a moody look. “I enjoy words like this. Nerd. There wert not enough good words to describe thee in the old days, but this one... 'tis fitting.”
Celestia shook her head slowly, then she said finally: “I'm going to head to the library-”
“Nerd.” Luna interrupted immediately, and then she cleared her throat and smiled innocently when Celestia glared at her and Scrivener covered his mouth to repress his laughter. “I coughed. Do continue.”
“As I was saying. I am going to head to the library...” Celestia paused for a moment, eying Luna moodily, but the dark-coated winged unicorn only nodded seriously and continued to look as innocent as she could. “And review the work Twilight has done... I sense there must be some kind of connection, but perhaps it will take us both to see it. I also plan to review the list of political candidates for the territories that Babylon sent me... the Architect works hard.”
“The scholar is a workaholic.” Luna replied wryly, shaking her head with a grimace. “But thou hast my thanks for taking this so seriously, Celestia, when... I realize perhaps I should have acted with greater haste...”
“We both should have. I was the one who was so hesitant to take back my throne when... it is unfortunately necessary. I am the figurehead they know and want...” Celestia smiled a little, but her eyes were clouded as she shook her head slowly before turning and saying quietly over her shoulder: “I do plan to return to your cottage tonight, if you'll allow my company, but it will be late, sister.”
“Of course, thou art always welcome. But if thou hears all sorts of terrible noises within do not blame me for what thou sees if thou opens the door. Especially if thou hears Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said mildly, and Celestia only sighed and shook her head, turning her eyes forwards before Luna called easily: “But worry not, we shall always make room for thee, too!”
Celestia ignored them as she walked through the gates and down the street, and Luna smiled at her big sister's back before she turned her eyes to Scrivener Blooms, saying quietly: “A short stroll through the town should do us good and tell us much.”
Scrivener nodded in agreement, and the two started forwards, the Nibelung awkwardly bowing to them, and Luna nodded in return as the poet gave a small smile to the guards. It was the nicest part of their journey into Ponyville, however: ponies pointedly ignored them, avoided them, and stared and muttered as they passed, Luna's smile gradually turning into a dark frown as they made their way slowly through the village.
Scrivener could feel their emotions: anger, hatred, and fear chief amongst what he felt. It made his features twist with a dark, almost-cruel smile as he felt himself tasting their negativity, inciting his hungers further as he looked back and forth, each and every pony beginning to look more and more... hostile in his eyes, and less and less like beings worthy of their respect and consideration with how they were treating them.
“Like cattle for the slaughter.” Luna muttered, and then she shook her head and grimaced at Scrivener, asking quietly: “Art thou alright?”
“I... sorry. Yeah, yeah I am.” Scrivener said finally, shaking his head as well and looking almost embarrassed after a moment as he realized how deep and dark his thoughts had been sinking, before he grimaced and looked up as a knot of ponies hurried out of their way. “My instincts... maybe Celestia was right.”
“Celestia is always right but that does not mean she is always right, if thou understands what I am saying.” Luna muttered, and Scrivener cocked his head as he looked at her mildly, but the winged unicorn only shook her own, saying bitterly: “Besides, why should we give them respect after we saved them and now they turn on us like stupid animals? They are the stupid ones here. Not us. They are stupid. Stupid ponies.”
“It's alright, Luna.” Scrivener said quietly, bumping against her gently, and Luna mumbled before she dropped her face against the side of his neck, closing her eyes as they continued quietly onwards through town. It didn't take them long to emerge from another set of gates, and a faint drizzle began to fall around them as they walked silently down the dirt highway together, looking out at fields and farmsteads as the anger and bitterness faded into lethargy and sorrow in both of the beings.
They found several Nibelung outside Fluttershy's cottage, cleaning smeared graffiti off the large walls that half-enclosed it: it left the path leading up to Fluttershy's cottage clear, but enclosed most of the yard and surrounding area. As Scrivener and Luna stepped onto this, they noted troughs had been built and tarp roofs set up as well, and at least five Phooka were resting together, glancing up at the two as they entered but bowing their heads respectfully.
Luna knocked gently on the door, and Fluttershy nervously peered out the window, but then smiled at them and drew back before opening the door for them, saying quietly: “It's so nice to see you both... come inside, come on in.”
Scrivy and Luna both smiled at the Pegasus as she gazed at them warmly, and Scrivener could feel she was honestly happy as they followed her into her den... before looking in surprise at the sight of a Phooka curled in front of her fireplace. It rose its head slightly, but then only nodded to them before settling comfortably again on the blanket, and Fluttershy blushed a bit before she headed for the kitchen, asking kindly: “Would you like some tea? I was just putting some on...”
“'Twould be splendid, Fluttershy, thou hast my thanks.” Luna said kindly, bowing her head politely, and she and Scrivener both strode towards the couch, settling themselves down as Luna glanced at the Phooka and asked curiously: “And what of thy friend here?”
“Oh, that's...” Fluttershy paused and blushed, then leaned in and glanced towards the Phooka, and the Phooka turned its head towards her and nodded once with a rumble of consent. The Pegasus immediately smiled at this, turning back towards the kitchen as she continued warmly: “That's Nirvana. I'm not supposed to say their names normally, but it's okay because you two are... special. He's a very close friend of mine. He was one of the first Phooka I really got to know, and he's done a lot to help me. He keeps me calm even when...”
She quieted, and Luna went from half-grinning to concerned, leaning over the couch and gazing back into the kitchen... but Fluttershy only shook her head as she strode calmly into the living room with a tray balanced on one wing. She began to stride towards a table, but Luna flicked her horn quickly, and the furnishing glowed before floating quickly over in front of the couch, and Fluttershy gave them a smile as she slipped the tray onto this. “It's not important.”
“It is.” Luna said firmly, then her horn glowed as she raised it slightly, an armchair glowing brightly and floating over as well to settle across the table, and Fluttershy blushed before she sat back in this and glanced down at the mugs of steaming tea on the tray. “What happened?”
“Well...” Fluttershy reached down, picking up her tea and hesitating for a moment before Luna leaned forwards, and the Pegasus sighed a little, shaking her head and saying softly: “Last night, Applejack stopped in quite late. She was very... businesslike. Different from usual. She said most of the farmers in the area were having trouble with the Phooka in their fields, among other things, and wanted me to keep them away.
“I tried to tell her that I don't control them... that they're my friends. I can ask them to do things but they're not animals I can order around.” Fluttershy said quietly, looking over her shoulder at Nirvana. “And I tried to tell her they aren't nuisances... they feed off... things that disturbed me a little at first, too, but they don't eat ponies. They're scavengers, but they also do like berries and milk and things like that.
“She... was angry, though. But more than that, I think she was afraid.” Fluttershy said softly, looking down and shaking her head slowly. “She said the other ponies living in the countryside and the borders around Ponyville shouldn't have to be afraid of losing their foals and... other things like that. She said they were going to start setting traps... iron jaws, chains, nasty things. Scary things... she said the Phooka and the Nightmares and everything else had to stay away from their homes, because they threatened the foals and damaged the crops and scared the animals.”
Luna gritted her teeth at this, shaking her head in disgust as she muttered: “Superstition and nonsense. That is all this is... I'll show them what true 'damage' is if they harm even one of my precious servants of the night.”
Fluttershy winced a bit as she sipped nervously at her tea, and Scrivener rose a claw awkwardly, saying quietly: “It's alright, it's just... been a long day. Ponyville hasn't been treating us exactly well either. And Applejack... we had a pretty nasty disagreement the other day.”
The Pegasus nodded slowly, looking across at the two worriedly. “Oh, I see... then maybe she's not thinking right. Because... not long after she left, I guess she told the ponies what I said and... they came by. They were angry, yelling a lot, made... a mess outside.” Fluttershy shook her head a bit, closing her eyes as she murmured: “They called me... names. They only stayed away from the cottage because they were afraid of the Phooka.”
The winged unicorn scowled at this, and then Fluttershy looked up with a faint smile, saying quietly: “They're afraid, though, Luna... they're very, very afraid. I think that's why they're lashing out, at everything that's different. The world we're in now... it's so changed, too. It doesn't help matters much, that they're all trying to adjust to the new while retaining as much of the old as possible... but not all ponies are bad. Some ponies are learning that... different can be good.”
Fluttershy looked softly over her shoulder at Nirvana, a small smile on her face, and Scrivener and Luna both smiled awkwardly at her before the winged unicorn nodded slowly and murmured: “Then thou hast my thanks, Fluttershy. I only do not know... how much longer I can hold back my own anger. It grows... more difficult with each passing day, and each trespass I see against those I consider... my people now. Ponies, after all... continue to reject my gifts.”
“Not all of us.” Fluttershy smiled wider, then she leaned back as Nirvana slipped up to his hooves and the Phooka approached, the Pegasus reaching out without needing to look and stroking quietly through the smoky mane of the shadowy equine, the green fires burning in its eyes low and comfortable as it almost purred at her touch. “Big Mac stopped by earlier too, you know, to apologize for how the others treated me.”
Scrivener smiled at this and Luna looked up with a grunt, murmuring: “Aye, but Big Mac is as loyal to his family as Rainbow Dash, although I cannot hold it against him. He is like Sleipnir, if... Sleipnir had been wise, quiet, dignified, and respectful. So I suppose he is not really like my brother at all but that is all the same to whom him I would compare.”
Fluttershy laughed quietly and nodded, and Scrivener and Luna shared comfortable, gentle conversation with the Pegasus for the next half hour or so before they set out, deciding to return to Ponyville. As the two walked down the dirt road back towards the town, the clouds above darker but only a few drips of water falling from the skies every so often, Luna finally looked thoughtfully at Scrivener and asked seriously: “So does thou think she's sleeping with the Phooka?”
“Luna, you're very dirty. You see, I know it's a very hard concept for you to understand, but sometimes when a pony and another pony – or in this case, magical entity – like each other, they actually don't sleep together.” Scrivener said seriously, glancing at Luna with a slight smile, and the winged unicorn gave him a flat glare in response before the male added mildly, glancing ahead: “Also, what's worse? She sleeps with a Phooka but you and Twilight sleep with a Tyrant Wyrm. Also each other.”
“Yes, and thou would be surprised which is more satisfying.” Luna retorted, and Scrivener shot her a dour look before the winged unicorn grinned widely. “Fear not, Scrivy. I shall always have a use for thee. Twilight Sparkle makes not the best steed nor the greatest homemaker, after all.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Scrivener muttered, and Luna laughed and shook her head as they approached the gates leading back into Ponyville, the Nibelung guards saluting them and Luna grinning cheerfully in return. “Well, thank you, Luna, you're so good at providing me reasons to continue to live.”
“'Tis a talent.” Luna said kindly, and then she grimaced a little as they headed down the street and two ponies almost fell over in their rush to get out of their way, adding grouchily: “And if things were not so serious, I would find our current predicament most amusing. To the library, though, perhaps Celestia will have discovered something. I also must speak to Atrus or another of our demons on the subject of the bones I asked them to gather.”
“Have you even told Greece what your plans are for the Velites?” Scrivener asked mildly, and Luna mumbled and fidgeted awkwardly, the male rolling his eyes before he said dryly: “Well, maybe we should do that, then.”
Luna huffed a bit, but nodded after a moment as they continued down the street. “Well, very well, oh bossy husband. Does thou remember where the dwarf is supposed to be, then? 'Tis such a pain to keep track of the Architects.”
Scrivener smiled a bit, then he glanced towards a nearby Nibelung and approached him fearlessly, Luna smiling despite herself as well at her husband. The dwarf glanced towards him and winced a bit at sight of the poet, but Scrivener only nodded to him before asking calmly: “Do you know where Greece is, or at least where the Architects tend to hang out?”
“Uh... well, scary-pony, we think Boss Greece is out with Boss Illyria.” the dwarf said nervously, nodding a few times as the other Nibelung shifted nervously, and then the pig-wolf brightened and held up a hand. “Hey, I fetch?”
“Thou shall fetch.” Luna smiled despite herself, saying kindly: “Tell him that we shall await at Sugar Cube Corners.” When the Nibelung only looked at her dumbly, she sighed and rolled her eyes, saying flatly: “The candy store. The... where the half-demon and her crazed twin sister work.”
“Oh!” The dwarf nodded rapidly, then he turned and bolted down the street, calling quickly over his shoulder: “I tell him, fancy-corn!”
“Thou would almost think they wanted to impress me.” Luna remarked, and then she shook her head slowly and jerked her head at Scrivener Blooms, starting down the road again and saying mildly: “But it saves us a trip and gives me an excuse to visit Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena... I wonder if Discombobulation is still there too. Does thou think we should also try and find Rarity, too, and visit all our... our friends?”
She quieted a little, and Scrivener smiled faintly as he stepped forwards, kissing her cheek softly and saying gently: “It's alright, Luna. I know neither of us feels... optimistic about it, but AJ and Rainbow Dash might yet come around. And even if they don't we... do have a lot of friends. When Celestia is back in power, I'm sure things will stabilize more as well, and... when we have Enstasis and are able to move all our things together there...”
“Oh, aye, wonderful.” Luna muttered, shaking her head slowly. “'Tis a long time to wait for that, though, Scrivener, even if Illyria is beginning operations already... and I am not good at waiting. And I... I worry, too, about what Celestia said...”
“We have Twilight and Celestia also helping... keep an eye on us, though, and we... we feel strong, right? We enjoy what we're doing...” Scrivener said softly, leaning in towards her as they strode down the street, the male smiling a bit. “I'm... sorry I made you drink the potion.”
Luna, however, only gave him a wry look, saying softly: “And what if it had enhanced thy strength and thine Tyrant Wyrm instincts? Nay, Scrivy. 'Tis good that it is in me and not thee, even if undoubtedly the effects are shared in spirit...” She softened, adding quietly: “I feel thy need to feed.”
Scrivener only shrugged a bit though as they continued down the road until they reached the candy shoppe, and Luna smiled a little as they approached and pushed inside, a few ponies looking at them apprehensively from the tables before they both winced as Pinkie Pie laughed from the other side of the counter and called cheerfully: “Hey guys! Been a quiet day, except for a few foals... and oh yeah, Twilight was by too!”
“Shut up, Pinkie.” Pinkamena muttered, and Scrivener glanced over to the corner with surprise to see her washing down a table, looking disgusted. She looked up at him, then spat in the bucket beside her and said grouchily: “You want a job, housewife? Because I'm sick of cleaning up puke and sugar. I don't know which I hate more.”
Luna snorted in amusement as she headed for a table, and Scrivener shook his head as he approached the counter, Pinkie beaming at him as he looked thoughtfully over the treats. “I need something that will take even Luna a little while to eat.”
“Easy, funnel cake!” Pinkie winked and bounced back into the kitchen, humming to herself, and Scrivener smiled after the bright twin before he winced when a hoof punched his shoulder firmly, looking mildly over at Pinkamena.
She scowled up at him, and he glowered back before the half-demon grinned widely, her eyes flashing. “Ooh, I see. You're hungry, and it ain't for sweet treats, is it? Well keep your evil eyes off my sister and give me two minutes to finish cleanup. Then I'll scare the rest of the customers out of the store and let you have a nibble or two... it's only fair, after all. You did the same for me for all those years... and I'm kinda itchy to see what it feels like.”
She began to turn away, then paused and looked over her shoulder with a wink as Pinkie came back in, the dull-gray twin adding kindly: “Use lots of tongue, huh?”
“Huh?” Pinkie looked up dumbly, and then she cleared her throat as Pinkamena laughed and headed back towards the table. “She's such a dirty birdy. Unless she was talking about the cake and not other things but even then that's kind of gross. You don't want tongue all over your cake, do you?”
“I. No.” Scrivener said lamely, then he tilted his head curiously as Pinkie easily flicked her hindquarters upwards and bucked a plate off her back, sending it flying over her head to clatter loudly on the counter. “It...”
“Oh, it gets better.” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, ducking beneath the counter as Scrivener examined the thick pastry, and then she bounced back to her hooves with a large container, beginning to cover it in a more-than-healthy amount of powdered sugar. Scrivener stared at this process, watching as light dusting became thick blanket before he awkwardly rose a claw, but then Pinkie Pie tossed the container aside and ducked again, this time popping up with a large plastic bottle.
She giggled as she squeezed a thick stream of pink syrup over it, saying delightedly: “Raspberry is the best, and I only give you guys the best!”
Scrivener stared at this, and Pinkamena grumbled as she walked by carrying the dirty bucket, muttering around the handle in her jaws: “See why so many kids get sick in here?”
“No, they get sick because of your awful treats.” Pinkie Pie retorted without looking up, and then she nodded once to herself and put the syrup bottle down on the counter, meeting her sister's eyes with a huff as Pinkamena glowered at her. “Well it's true! Besides, even when they do eat too much of my food, it's because it's just that delicious... I bet everypony would rather be happily throwing up my sugary snacks than sadly throwing up your treats.”
“If you don't shut up I'm going to make you throw up.” Pinkamena threatened, raising a hoof, and Pinkie Pie winced and ducked back before the half-demon sniffed disdainfully. “Anyway, my treats still sell better than yours.”
“You charge more.” Pinkie Pie complained, and then she added flatly: “And you can't take credit for the muffins or the bunt cake or the angel food cake or any of the actual baked goods, we made those together!”
Pinkamena's retort was to make mocking whining noises as she strode back into the kitchen, and Pinkie Pie grumbled a bit before she pushed the funnel cake towards Scrivener, and he looked dumbly down at this as he realized just how big it was. He began to open his mouth, and then Pinkie Pie looked up with a smile at him, saying warmly: “I know what'd go great with this! You take it over to the table and I'll be right there with forks and everything else... don't wanna get sticky claws now.”
Scrivener began to raise a claw, but Pinkie Pie was already bouncing back into the kitchen, and instead he only looked mildly after her before sighing and picking up the platter, shrugging a bit as he headed for the table. A few other ponies had filtered out, but Luna was ignoring them as she greedily licked her lips at the sight of the food. “What magnificence! Scrivener Blooms, look at this delicacy!”
“Luna, it looks like a heart attack. Even with your... psychotic metabolism, immortal vitality and everything else, this is going to make you fat if you gorge yourself on it.” Scrivener said flatly as he put the platter down, and Luna huffed at him before her horn glowed and ripped a large chunk of the baked good free, sugar and syrup dripping from it before she shoved it into her jaws and chewed greedily, making Scrivener wince as he slid into the seat opposite. “That's gross.”
“Oh, who art thou to complain? Thou will eat... trees and meat and everything else but not this? Thou art stuffy. And dull. Thou art... stupid.” Luna said huffily, and Scrivener looked at her dryly as he crossed his claws. She only blew a raspberry at him, however, then her horn glowed and ripped another large piece of the funnel cake free, lifting it to her jaws so she could greedily eat.
A few moments later, Pinkie Pie bounced up beside them, easily tossing two sets of utensils wrapped in napkins to them both and looking warmly from one to the other before Pinkamena grumbled and joined them as well, a large tray balanced on her back filled with a box of chocolate balls and two cups filled with cola. “Lots for you two! And as always, I'll put it on your tab.”
“It's free.” Pinkamena said flatly, and Pinkie Pie gave her a grumpy look as she slipped the box onto the table and then slid a drink to Luna and Scrivener each. “Well, it is. You won't charge foals but you will charge our friends? What the hell kind of pony are you, Pinkie Pie?”
Pinkie Pie began to open her mouth, and then Pinkamena leaned forwards and firmly headbutted Scrivener as he picked up his fork, making the male wince as he was almost knocked sprawling in the bench seat and instead hurriedly slipped to the side. Pinkamena grunted as she slipped in beside him, and Pinkie Pie winced and motioned at the store. “Pinkamena! Come on, we still have to clean up everything and there's customers coming in and-”
“I'm on break.” Pinkamena declared loudly, and then she grinned challengingly across at her brighter sister, leaning forwards and adding seriously: “Now if you don't go away you're going to have to watch your sister make out with Scrivener.”
Luna began to giggle, then she choked a bit on a piece of funnel cake, pounding on her chest and leaning forwards before she seized her cup of cola and guzzled it back, but Pinkie Pie was only staring at Pinkamena, her eyes going wide before she pointed at her accusingly and said flatly: “No. No, no, no. No. He's married and his wife is right here!”
“Yes, and I was choking to death, thanks to all of thee for thy help in the matter.” Luna muttered as she dropped the cup, rubbing slowly at her throat with one hoof and glaring at the others. The Pink Twins ignored her and Scrivener only shrugged cheerfully, however, and the winged unicorn grumbled again before picking up a fork and scooping up a smaller piece of funnel cake as she grumbled moodily.
Pinkamena and Pinkie Pie glared at each other... and then Pinkamena turned towards Scrivener, reached up and seized him by the face, and yanked him down towards her, and Pinkie Pie squeaked and covered her eyes immediately. Scrivener winced, held only an inch or so away from the half-demon's face and glowing eyes as she grinned widely up at him, and then she slowly let her tongue slide out of her mouth as she licked up along his muzzle, Scrivener's eyes going wide as Luna's jaw dropped and her fork fell from her hoof, and Pinkie Pie spun away, declaring grumpily: “Okay, okay, five minutes! Nopony wants to see stuff like that, Pinkamena, but I especially don't want to see my big sister kissing somepony!”
“I'm your twin!” Pinkamena shouted irritably, shoving Scrivener backwards and making him wheeze with surprise at her strength, the half-demon leaning out of the seat as Pinkie Pie kept her eyes tightly shut as she headed towards the kitchen, swaying a bit from side-to-side. “You... oh, forget it. That got rid of her. She's such a goddamn child.”
“From the mouths of immature half-demons. Do that to my husband in front of me again without my permission and I swear I will send thee to the moon. Except unlike what Celestia did to me, I shall send thee on thy way with my hoof.” Luna threatened, raising a foreleg, but Pinkamena only grinned widely. “Do not be so cocky yet, creature. Thou are neither full demon nor concubine.”
“Great. Save the licking until after I'm dubbed official whore, whatever, got it.” Pinkamena said distastefully, raising a hoof and flicking it grouchily. “So goddamn touchy, Luna. Makes me wonder how you manage to share Scrivy at all with your control issues.”
Luna only grumbled at this, her fork glowing as it was lifted by telekinesis before spearing into the funnel cake, and Scrivener gave Pinkamena a dry look as he said mildly: “You do understand there's more to being a concubine than-”
“Pretty sure you said this to me before, pretty sure I still don't care. What I do care about, however, is tasting some of that pleasure-pain like I know Twilight got a piece of, and making sure that you two are going to hold up your end of the goddamn deal and make me a full-blooded demon when the time's right.” Pinkamena replied brusquely, looking moodily from Scrivener to Luna and back. “I ain't turning yellow, so you better not wuss out on me either, you both hear me?”
“Gee, Pinkamena, I can't think of any reasons I wouldn't be excited to have you as part of our little family.” Scrivener answered dryly, and the half-demon favored him with a sour glare. “But you should know that Luna and I-”
“Yeah, yeah, keeping moving forwards, windbag.” Pinkamena grumbled, reaching up and grabbing Scrivener by the face again, and he winced as he was forcefully turned so the dull-pink demon could lock eyes with him, tilting her head back and forth as she shook his head firmly and asked moodily: “Now how the hell does this work... do you got an on switch I'm supposed to hit or something, or do we have to make out or do you need to bite me like the vampire I guess you sort of are?”
Scrivener glared down at her, his eyes giving a flash as he ground his teeth together in irritation, then he reached up and firmly grasped Pinkamena's shoulders before Luna looked up with a small, grim smile. “No, by all means, Scrivy. I think thou should feed. The half-demon can handle it... and if she is going to be our concubine, our guardian, our property anyway, she might as well find out just what thou can do.”
“Oh, trying to piss me off Nightmare M-” Pinkamena began to turn towards her with a grin, and then her eyes widened in surprise as Scrivener seized her firmly by the head and twisted her forcefully to glare down into her eyes, his own glowing with preternatural sapphire light and making the half-demon's jaw fall agape as she stared in shock up at the male, feeling the malice, the hunger, the force for a moment before something popped in her mind.
Pinkamena arched her back, hissing through her teeth as pain and agony and pleasure filled her body in a maddening maelstrom, and then a moment later she was sitting on her haunches in the middle of a black swamp, staring stupidly back and forth before shale and rock erupted all around her. They formed tombstone teeth that she stared at, shivering, before a voice echoed through her mind coldly: “We don't need any freaks around here.”
“Are these my memories or yours, Scrivy?” Pinkamena muttered, glaring back and forth... and then she twitched before leaning forwards, hissing quietly as she caught visions of Helheim, of demons dancing and cavorting, remember roasting flesh and charring ice and screaming and singing and laughing insanely among the wreckage of the world, never able to cry enough tears for all she had lost, never able to feel enough pain and punishment for everything she had done wrong.
But amidst them, she also saw flashes of Scrivener as a foal, being kicked around, shouted at, locked up and crying in a crate in a back alley, and Pinkamena grinned widely at this, licking her teeth slowly as she whispered: “Poor baby. Should we compare cages? Sometimes they would lock me out at night and I'd sleep in the hayloft... when they knew that I was out, when they knew that I was having a 'bad day,' but at the same time it wasn't bad. They were protecting themselves... oh, I can't hold that against them. And the silos and the loft were comfortable, comfortable, comfortable, especially on those long, long dark nights, when the stars shone in the sky... I always knew I belonged in the darkness... I never knew before you and Luna came along that I belonged to the night...”
And then she glanced to the side as Scrivener slowly lumbered out of the darkness at full size, the earth pony shivering once at the sight of him; his eyes still glowed and drool fell from panting jaws as the Tyrant Wyrm's claws raked over the ground, enormous, terrible, terrifying, and yet somehow soothing to her as the monster leaned down and whispered hungrily: “Your mind is different. Not just because you're a half-demon... because while the others wandered the world as Pales, while their memories are terrible... you experienced Helheim's punishments. You're delicious, Pinkamena. And you can take the pain: I can bite in deep, rend into your mind, and you're still conscious...”
“I'm not like weak little Twilight, Scrivy...” Pinkamena grinned widely up at him, challengingly, her red-rimmed eyes flashing even as pain radiated through her frame... and then she cursed in shock as Scrivener leaned forwards and slammed a claw into her, pinning her down on her back with ease as he leaned over her and growled slowly in his throat, blue mist hissing up from his jaws even as the half-demon laughed. “Real sweet on her, I almost forgot... you want her, don't you?”
“I don't just want her. I have her. She's mine.” Scrivener hissed softly, and Pinkamena licked her lips slowly in delight despite the pain pulsing through her body and mind as the Tyrant Wyrm leaned down and said softly: “And you are mine now. Now and forever. Isn't that right?”
“So this is what's under the hood and all the masks... under all the polite smiles and sarcasm and those mysterious eyes of yours, I knew it... just another monster like me. Like everypony. Like everything, all that's beneath any mask – iron or porcelain, plate or glass or wood or bone – is shadow and fire and thorns and blood.” Pinkamena whispered, and then she fluttered her eyes at him, asking almost mockingly: “What if I turned around and tried to back out?”
Scrivener only grinned at this, however, leaning back and lifting his claw off her body, and Pinkamena frowned, looking strangely disappointed before the Tyrant Wyrm leaned down to press almost nose-to-nose with her as he said softly: “You see beneath the masks, I know what that's like, but this is different... this is understanding, and it works both ways. You back out... you lose your cellmate in the madhouse. You keep going... me, you, Luna, Twilight, and maybe even Celestia... we'll all be together. We'll all understand each other. And maybe others will join our deranged tea party in time, with a little... effort and consideration.”
Pinkamena looked up thoughtfully at this, then she smiled slowly and said quietly: “Beneath everything, you're a monster, just like you're being forced to wear on the outside these days, too. But I see you aren't entirely stupid, either, whatever I'd like to believe about a big, brutish animal like you. Have you fed enough?”
“You can handle a little more.” Scrivener replied with a slight smile, leaning down over her as he closed his eyes... and then Pinkamena arched her back with a curse, spasming on the ground as the Tyrant Wyrm blew away like smoke, the world around her twisting and distorting as she saw a pair of faces in the silence, her eyes widening before Scrivener murmured: “Yet you're afraid of them, too...”
“Bastard...” hissed Pinkamena, and then she spasmed once before she blinked rapidly, staring stupidly up at Scrivener as bloody tears rolled down her cheeks as reality filtered in around them, feeling the claws of the male slowly slide down to grasp her shoulders gently as she snarled at him, dazed but recovering quickly... before freezing up as he leaned forwards, hugging her gently close as he slowly licked up one trail of tears.
“Who knows? Maybe they were among the Pales that came across the Bifrost. But either way, you didn't fail your sisters. You hurt them, scared them, but you were the one shoved away by your parents... you were forced to leave them. And they were forced to leave you.” Scrivener said softly, and then he only smiled when Pinkamena shoved herself backwards and rubbed at her cheek, snarling up at him like an animal. “You're not the center of the universe, just like Luna isn't.”
Luna smiled slightly at this, Pinkamena breathing hard as she glared up at Scrivy, and he only looked back with infuriating calm... and then, finally, the dull-gray pony snorted in disgust and dropped her head forwards, punching him firmly in the chest and making him wince backwards as she muttered: “Save your worthless platitudes. I'm not interested. But thanks for the fun little torture session. Maybe next time you'll do a better job.”
She began to turn, but Scrivener reached up and grasped her shoulder tightly, holding her in place, and Pinkamena gave him an irritable look as she shrugged off his claw, but didn't move as Scrivener leaned in and said quietly: “I want you to come by the cottage tonight.”
Luna looked up, cocking her head curiously, and then grinning slightly at the two as the half-demon frowned at Scrivener... then snorted in amusement, reaching a hoof up and stroking along his chest as she said mildly: “Well, only because I'm enjoying this intense vibe from you, and because I don't have any other plans. Fine, I'll be there. You're lucky I have no self-esteem and plenty of sins already on my shoulders.”
“They're among my favorite things about you. I'll put on a steak for you.” Scrivener replied with a slight smile, and Pinkamena grinned wider before she nodded and slid out of the seat, looking oddly cheerful now as she sauntered towards the counter. The male watched this with a sigh of relief as he leaned back in his seat... then he glanced mildly over at Luna, rubbing slowly at a patch of scales that had spread over his face, asking flatly: “What?”
“Just... thou.” Luna said simply, gesturing at him with her glowing fork, and then she licked her lips slowly and half-lidded her eyes. “'Tis horribly wrong, but it does delight me so to see thee... taking charge, forcing thyself on others, and now acting like the masculine king of the pride in ordering Pinkamena to our home tonight for dark delights. I should not like it so much... and yet I do. Why? I could reason, but I do not care enough to. All I care for is that thou enjoys thy strength, thy position... and I do as well.”
Scrivener smiled awkwardly over at Luna, shifting a little as he laughed a bit and blushed, and Luna snorted in amusement as she scooped up a bit of her funnel cake, saying wryly: “Not that it ever seems to last long anyway. Now thou reminds me of the same old mare thou hast always been.”
That made the poet sigh and roll his eyes, then he finally picked up his fork in one claw, spinning it absently between his dexterous digits as he said grouchily: “And apparently you'll always be my stallion then, Luna. Now be a good husband and share some of that disgusting whatever-it-is with me.”
Luna snorted in amusement as she pushed the plate towards him, and the two ate from the large platter in silence, the mare still eating generously and looking delighted at how much was left all the same as Scrivener Blooms ate much slower, sipping at his cola and looking intrigued despite himself by how good the odd pastry tasted.
Pinkie Pie bounced by and refilled their cups at some point, the bright pink twin looking hurriedly back and forth before she leaned in close to the two ponies and whispered: “Big twin sister didn't want me to say anything, but she's really happy about... whatever it is you two are doing for her. I know it's probably something that I'd find icky or horrible or scary because she won't tell me what, but she says it makes her happy. Well, actually what she says are a whole bunch of things I really can't, shouldn't, and won't repeat but you get the idea.”
“Pinkie Pie, dammit, I can hear you!” Pinkamena snapped from the kitchens, and Pinkie squeaked before she quickly picked up the bottle of cola and hurried into the back, the sounds of the two arguing filling the air. Luna, however, only smiled over her shoulder as Scrivener shook his head and sat back, sipping at his cola and feeling a pang inside him, wondering quietly if he really was doing the right thing... or if he really was just a monster, like Pinkamena had seen, like he had felt like while feeding... powerful, but animal... intelligent, but driven by desire.
Luna only gazed across at him softly, and Scrivener smiled at her as they continued to eat in silence for a few minutes, finishing off the pastry. Luna looked meditatively down at the plate once it was done, licking her lips slowly... and then she finally picked up the platter before Scrivener could stop her, loudly slurping the syrup, crumbs, and powered sugar.
Scrivy leaned forwards and swiped at the tray, but Luna hurriedly turned and leaned out of his reach, making the male glare at her as he said flatly: “You are absolutely disgusting, Luna. Put... put that down. What you're doing is kind of horrifying.”
The winged unicorn only huffed a little in response, however, continuing to loudly slurp up the last of the syrup and sugar from the platter before she tossed it to the table, grinning widely at Scrivener. “Don't be jealous, husband. I-”
Scrivener immediately rose a claw with a grimace, however, saying irritably: “You've already got me acting worse than I ever was in my teenage years, please stop trying to turn our lives into a dirty movie.”
“Is this a bad time?” asked a wry voice, and both Luna and Scrivener glanced with surprise towards Greece as he approached their table hesitantly, a thick burlap sack in one hand. Luna brightened immediately at his approach and Scrivener gave a sigh of relief, and the Nibelung looked less reluctant as he strode up to the side of their table, bowing his head politely. “Fancy-corn and scary-pony, as the laborers have taken to calling you. I understand you wanted to see me?”
“Wait, first, show me what is in the sack.” Luna leaned forwards, looking excited as she rubbed her hooves together eagerly, and Scrivy couldn't help but smile himself as he felt that same odd tingling, his and Luna's instincts mixing as she asked quickly: “Did they complete the design so quickly, truly? Is this the real thing? Show me, show us!”
“Okay, okay, Luna!” Greece laughed in spite of himself, smiling warmer, seeming more relieved than anything else by Luna's childish, antsy behavior before he opened the sack and reached in, saying kindly: “And well, the hardest part was gathering the proper materials... the Strange Ones dealt with the enchantments and putting the meat of it together and I dealt with the etching and the fine details. Not that I'm trying to take the lion's share of the work... I freely admit that the Strange Ones did most of it.”
As he spoke, he lifted the object free and held it out... and Luna gazed wonderingly at the thick platinum-silver collar, made of a series of large, rounded plates covered in intricate designs of roses and brambles. The clasp was hidden, making it look like one solid circlet of metal, and at the front there was a lifted, perfectly-round hollow... the perfect size for Luna's black pearl to fit inside.
The winged unicorn smiled softly as she reached up, stroking this slowly as it swayed around her neck, and Scrivener Blooms gazed warmly over the collar before he looked slowly up at Greece and murmured: “It's beautiful. You did a spectacular job.”
“It was mostly the Strange Ones.” Greece shrugged a bit, laughing awkwardly as he rubbed at the back of his head, and then he slipped the collar gently back into the sack before holding this out to Luna. The winged unicorn took it with a flick of her horn, setting it down beside her with a warm, thankful look up at the Nibelung as he gazed at her, smiling a little. “It should last you a long time. Centuries, easy. It's got all the enchantments you asked for and more, too... although a few of 'em were kinda weird.”
“Yes, well, I am kind of weird.” Luna replied with a slight smile, and then she tilted her head towards him with a wink, saying kindly: “But sit down, my good, trusted friend Greece. We have much to discuss... and I only hope thou shall continue to be so generous and accommodating with my requests.”