Chapter Twenty Eight: The Cardinal
~BlackRoseRaven
Celestia walked quietly through the halls of Castle Enstasis, her hornless head lowered, her eyes closed. She had asked that her crystalline horn be removed, since she had no use for it or magic right now, and so instead there was only a patch over her forehead, hiding the wound... hiding what she had sacrificed.
A chain was wrapped loosely around her neck, worn and heavy and iron, either end slackly hanging down and half-hidden by her weakly-glowing rainbow locks. Her pale body was stained and a little bruised, and she sighed quietly, amethyst eyes dull. Wandering Enstasis, she had come across the dungeons and wrapped herself up in the restraints until one of Luna's Greater Nightmares had found her pretending to be a prisoner. Then Twilight Shadow had arrived and helped bring her back to her quarters, obviously worried that the ivory equine was descending into madness again, but Celestia had muttered quietly without being asked: “Just self-pity, that's all. I want to be back in my chains, Twilight... I want to suffer, because I deserve to after everything that's gone wrong.”
It had been a few days since the failed diplomacy at Ponyville, and the winged unicorn was like a ghost in the halls of the castle. For some reason, she couldn't stop herself from hurting, knowing this was all pointless and yet more depressed than she had ever felt in her life. It was like her life's work had turned on her and tried to rip out her heart... and she sighed a little, looking moodily up as she approached the double doors of the library and pushed them open, calling tiredly: “Scrivener Blooms, you...”
Her eyes roved upwards... and she grimaced in distaste, half-turning her head away from the sight of Scrivener leaning back in chair and Twilight tracing kisses down his body, her eyes half-opening to flick towards Celestia but her movements not stopping as the winged unicorn said disgustedly: “I hope this was not what you called me here to see.”
“No, I apologize, Celestia. But I called you more than an hour ago, too, and Twilight and I were... well, that's not important.” Scrivener reached down,stroking a claw through Twilight's mane as she sat on the floor beside him, and Celestia looked up with pain in her eyes even as the purple mare smiled and closed her own, the stitching across her body stretching slowly with her breathing as she visibly relaxed. “Go attend to Luna, my sweet.”
“Alright, Scrivener.” Twilight said softly, standing up with a smile and a warm look at him, and the male leaned down to trade a short kiss with her before the violet mare strode calmly towards the exit, giving Celestia an almost-cold look as she passed.
Scrivener absently rubbed at his chest, then he slipped out of his seat and gestured for Celestia to approach, and she did so moodily, studying the male: what had once been her horn gleamed from his skull, but it was now undoubtedly his as he smiled at her from behind his glasses before he said quietly: “Those chains are going to rash if you leave them on. You're not a prisoner here, Celestia.”
“I'm not free, either... I have no home to return to, and Enstasis is...” Celestia halted, shaking her head slowly as she murmured quietly: “How can you treat Twilight like a pet...”
“We argue about this too often, Celestia, I'm not going to do it tonight.” Scrivener said dryly, shaking his head briefly before he stepped forwards and reached up for the chains, but Celestia flinched back, and the male sighed and lowered his head, muttering: “Funny. You complain Luna and I abuse Twilight, but you're the one wrapped in chains and restraints.”
The ivory equine only looked at him moodily, and then Scrivener looked up at her and offered an awkward smile, murmuring: “Alright, alright, starting off on a bad hoof. Let's try again. Celestia, Luna and I have decided to give you a position in Enstasis we feel you've well-earned. We've decided to name you as First Concubine, giving you control of our Greater Nightmares, our Ivory Elite, our Moon Blessed and almost everything else in our dark kingdom.”
Celestia looked less-than-thrilled, even if her eyes were surprised and her heart thudded in her chest... but all the same, she managed to say in a contemptible voice: “So I should be honored by the fact you've decided to make me the head of your prostitutes?”
“You know very well our concubines and concubinus are much more than that.” Scrivener replied mildly, and he shook his head a bit, saying softly: “You'll be like our High General. Strong, in charge of managing our forces, in control... but you'll also still be in a position where you listen to orders given by us and things like that. We thought it would be good for you. You get the power you handle so effectively but you also don't have to feel like everything's on your shoulders.”
The ivory winged unicorn only shook her head slowly, saying bitterly: “And I give my body up freely for the use of yourself and my sister as well, right? And Twilight Shadow too, I suppose...”
“Celestia, come on.” Scrivener sounded both frustrated and pleading, and it made the female glance up in awkward surprise: normally when she heard the male these days, his tone was of command, the poet more and more seeming glad to throw around his weight and dominance... but now, he sounded like the old Scrivy, even looked it as he glared at her with frustration, but not with anger or the arrogant righteousness he and Luna sometimes showed. “Please. You're family. You're important to us, and no, we actually don't expect you to do... duties such as that. But we are going to need your help, especially if things deteriorate into civil war.”
Celestia was silent for a few moments, and as she looked down, she forced herself to weigh her feelings. Childish anger, resentment, happiness, sorrow, affection, even pride... part of her wanted to all-but-demand that they hold her to the same standards as the other concubines, part of her wanted to thank him – and through him, Luna – for trusting her with so much, part of her just wanted to be happy that she was being... recognized. And slowly, her eyes roved upwards, studying Scrivener silently before she said quietly: “I think there's more of you left than... I originally thought, Scrivener Blooms.”
Scrivy smiled a little, and then he stepped forwards and reached his claws up to grasp her shoulders gently, meeting her eyes and saying quietly: “And you're still Celestia, don't forget that. We... all have to change and evolve, yeah, but.. we are who we are. That's why Luna makes me wear these dumb glasses still.”
“They look good on you.” Celestia said softly, and Scrivener laughed a bit before the ivory equine gently shrugged his grip off, her rainbow mane stuttering for a moment before she looked up and nodded slowly once. “Alright. I'll accept, Scrivener Blooms. And... thank you.”
“Thank you. By the way, if you want anything for your room... your bed back, better furniture, anything at all, just ask. Hell, you can do it yourself...” Scrivener smiled a bit. “Luna already put the word out that you're to be treated as Twilight is.”
Celestia nodded hesitantly, and then she and Scrivener studied each other for a few moments before the ivory equine turned and headed for the double doors, saying softly: “Then I think I'll see to that as I familiarize myself with my duties.”
Scrivener only watched her go, and Celestia couldn't help but shudder a bit as she stepped into the hallway, wondering what she had just agreed to... but over the next few days, she found no hidden agendas, detected no secret motives. Life went on almost the same as always, except now Celestia had simple administrative work to attend to.
Almost hesitantly, she asked several Nibelung workers to help her bring her room around more to her liking... and within a week, she had a new, enormous plush bed, the bars removed from the window, tapestries hung over the walls, shelves, and a desk. And one day, almost a week after she had begun her new position, Celestia strode into her room to find Luna waiting for her with a wide grin beside a display rack that held a massive, ornate suit of golden plate mail, Celestia's eyes widening in surprise before Luna strode over and hugged her sister fiercely around the neck, burying her face into her rainbow mane as she murmured: “This is only the beginning, sister. Thou art valued here, thou art loved here. I have many gifts for thee... not because I wish to buy more of thine own affections and loyalties, but because I wish to show thee that yes, thou art loved. That yes, thou has a home here, with us, with me, with Scrivener Blooms... with Twilight Shadow, who cares for thee still, no matter what she might say.”
It was a strange gift... and stranger still that the armor, modeled closely after her old set of full plate mail, was a gift that touched her so deeply. Except as she sat on her bed, silently holding the golden, expressionless mask that came with the armor in her hooves, she realized why. It reminded her that Luna always remembered who she was at her core... and that unlike everypony else in Equestria, who had gazed at her first as shining star of good, and then as a benevolent martyr... she saw her true face. And even with the blood, the guilt, the passion and the clockwork... somehow, Luna still admired her. Respected her. Loved her.
The thoughts made her feel stronger... and stupid for the fact she was still wearing the damned chain around her neck. She had torn this off and cast it aside, and smiled, feeling both literally and figuratively lighter as her rainbow mane glowed and some of the pallor returned to her features. It drove her to going about her duties with renewed vigor, until five days later, when she was going over maps together with Twilight Shadow.
Luna, on Celestia's advice, had sent out messengers and envoys to various towns across Equestria, explaining her side of the story and asking for their support for a peaceful resolution. Of course, the wording Luna had gone with made it sound more like support for an upcoming war... but either way, it was getting interesting results. Several ponies had even suggested Luna make a bid to become the new Queen, with Scrivener as King... and while the idea obviously delighted the two ponies, Celestia had been surprised when they had managed to respond, in a letter both to their growing list of subjects as well as the Royal Council: 'We have no wish to take control of Equestria. We have our own kingdom, a kingdom of the night that all are welcome to join: what we desire is to avoid unnecessary conflict.'
“I'm proud of them.” Celestia said softly, as she studied the maps silently... and Twilight snorted quietly, looking away. The ivory equine had sighed a little at this response, then looked up and asked finally: “What is it, Twilight? Don't tell me this is petty jealousy.”
“You're using them.” And when Twilight looked at Celestia, the ivory equine had been shocked to see the tears in her eyes. “You lecture us all the goddamn time, them about using me, me about self-respect, but where's your self-respect? What about how you abuse them?”
“I... what are you talking about, Twilight? I would never...” Celestia started, and then Twilight snarled, sharp teeth glinting, stitches flexing and almost popping as her form visibly writhed. “Twilight, calm down! You're going to hurt yourself!”
“I don't hurt.” Twilight muttered, but she clenched her eyes shut and took a slow breath, relaxing a little and looking silently at Celestia for a few moments as the ripples steadied through her body. “Are you... Celestia, come on. You're so smart... how can you not see what you're doing? How can you be so stupid?”
Celestia frowned at this, but Twilight only shook her head, continuing in a more-rational voice that all the same ached with disappointment: “They gave you a position of... of power and respect. First Concubine, sure, it sounds like that means you're just at the top of the harem... but I mean, hell, even consider how important the concubines are to Scrivy and Luna, putting aside what the duties of the concubines actually are, and it should be plenty clear just from that how important you are to them.
“Then consider what you're in charge of. The Moon Blessed, the Ivory Elite, the entire army of servants they have... demons, Nibelung, everyone bows their head to you.” Twilight continued sharply, looking silently across at her. “And they asked you for nothing in return. But you barely thanked them, you barely did anything for that first week, you made it very clear you didn't want to have anything to do with the other duties and... and they didn't complain. They gave you everything you wanted. And look at what we're doing, Celestia! Looking at maps! This is a job for one of us, and even that's only because this requires security, not because there needs to be serious brainpower behind it!
“When you want something, they drop what they're doing to get it for you... don't you get how backwards that is? You're the First Concubine. They're the masters of this castle. Yet Luna is bending over backwards for you... she made you that beautiful suit of armor, and she's got something else in the wings, too, that she's gone to great, unbelievable lengths to get for you. And at the same time, they're constantly going out of their way to keep you comfortable.” Twilight breathed hard, shivering a little as she shook her head slowly, saying quietly: “Because when Celestia doesn't get what Celestia wants, what do you do? Argue, mutter, slow down. You've faked madness and suffocated yourself in self-loathing... and I'm... Celestia...”
Twilight shivered a bit, then she dropped her head forwards and whispered: “And now you're... hiding, just like you said I was. In that nice, perfect, beautiful little nook where... everypony does everything else for you, but they also all still seem to look up to you. The nook right under the people who have to be responsible... you get to take credit for the good things that happen, and never take the blame for the bad. You don't have to be totally devoted, you can pretend you're balancing your loyalties... when you're really just being a coward.”
She looked up as Celestia gazed back at her, swallowing slowly, and then Twilight shoved herself away from the desk and turned around, muttering: “But what do I know? I'm not your daughter.”
Celestia dropped her head silently forwards, swallowing painfully at this as the violet mare stormed out of the room. That night, she returned quietly to her quarters and dismissed the Moon Blessed and the Greater Nightmares, wanting to be alone as she stared silently across at the golden armor... and then closed her amethyst eyes, thinking silently of how she'd been acting, how maybe Twilight... was right. How much was she abusing her position, whether she realized it or not?
The next day offered a distraction from her heavy thoughts in the form of bad news: a supply wagon had been heading for Enstasis from Manehattan, filled with goods Luna and Scrivener had been running low on, had been intercepted and confiscated. Whether or not they were well-liked in Equestria, they were also ponies who could pay suppliers handsomely, and this had made several enterprising ponies eager to get their business... but apparently, the first act of New Equestria in open hostility was going to be shutting down their trade.
Luna had grouchily wanted to exact revenge by simply having her servants raid every major trade route in open, childish retaliation, figuring they could bring her back their spoils and she could sort through the garbage for the few things that interested her. Scrivener called her a pirate, and the two had argued for a little while like children... and Celestia had smiled. It was a reminder of who they were, why she cared for them... and after a bit of gentle cajoling, Celestia had finally convinced both Scrivener and Luna to not retaliate, but send a letter of warning to New Equestria, demanding an explanation and recompense. It would burden the Royal Council with the decision of starting the war, and would let Luna look sympathetic and merciful as well as make it clear she was the offended party and had done nothing wrong.
What bothered Celestia more were rumors that there was a legendary hero helping out in Ponyville, building fortifications and defenses and training them to fight demons and other beings of the night. Celestia sometimes thought about asking spies to pursue the rumors, but she was also concerned that it was a trap of some kind, to attempt to make them look like they had tried to stage an attack and propel the nation into war... and she also knew full-well that if the only pony that fit the description of the hero was really there, Sleipnir would make himself clearly known to them long before he tried to outright attack Luna or anyone important to her.
But now, preparations for war had to begin taking place. It was obvious that there would be no peaceful solution, and now it was only a question of waiting for the Royal Council to trigger the conflict between New Equestria and what the Equestrians had taken to calling the Kingdom of the Night. Celestia cautioned Luna again and again that she could not start the conflict: it was exactly what the Royal Council wanted, and Luna grumbled that she was aware of this... and her eyes had gleamed as she murmured she wanted to ensure that every pony possible was brought into the fold of her beautiful night.
As the sun set, Scrivener Blooms wandered up to the library; he was in the habit of taking some time to himself for an hour or so, although his link with Luna was so strong that it was like they were never outside of one-another's presence anymore. Tonight, however, he found Celestia already waiting calmly for him at his usual spot at the table, and he smiled despite himself as he approached, saying quietly: “This is a surprise. A nice one, though. What are you doing here, Celestia?”
“I'm here to do my duties as First Concubine.” Celestia replied quietly, glancing across at him, and Scrivener looked back at her curiously before she rose her head and met his eyes, dignified and calm: “I've... understood that maybe I've taken advantage of things. I'm excused from certain obligations while given more power than I... have earned or deserve. I'm... I would like to try and set that right.”
Scrivener looked at her blankly for a few moments... and then his eyes widened behind his glasses before he leaned back in his chair, clearing his throat and rubbing awkwardly through his mane with one claw. “Oh, wait, you... you mean... oh...”
Celestia frowned slightly at this, and the male cleared his throat again and tugged at the collar of his cloak, looking flustered before the ivory equine glared at him, saying dryly: “I am no untried virgin, Scrivener Blooms. Furthermore, it's... I want to live up to my responsibilities. That's all.”
Celestia's eyes flickered a bit as she spoke, but she managed to keep her gaze otherwise steady as she took a breath before Scrivener smiled awkwardly across at her, saying embarrassedly: “That's... thank you, Celestia. We do want you to be free, too, and... you know, you... are very pretty but...”
Scrivener hesitated, and then he shook his head slowly and sighed a little, saying quietly: “You don't have to do this just to impress us, or because you feel... you have to. You don't have to. I'm... sorry, Celestia, but... why don't you just go for now? You've been acting like you've had heavy thoughts these last few days, and... maybe you need a little more time to think.”
“So you made me First Concubine, but...” Celestia halted, then she snorted in bitter amusement, shaking her head as she shoved herself away from the table and shook her head, storming towards the door as she muttered: “I'm just trying to get fair treatment.”
“Are you? Or are you trying to impress us some more, and Twilight?” Scrivener asked sharply, and Celestia froze in front of the double doors before the male sighed a little, saying quietly: “You already have... the love of Luna and myself and even Twilight. We give you these things, we treat you the way we do, because we care about you. We want you better. To be free. To be strong. And not to feel like you have to pay us back with your body or your soul. Believe me, Celestia, I would take both those things from you gladly, but only if you gave it freely.”
“My soul is worth less than my body, Scrivener Blooms.” Celestia murmured, shaking her head slowly before she headed out of the room, and Scrivener sighed and dropped his head to the table with a quiet thunk as she vanished from sight.
The next few days were awkward, Celestia working hard, feeling upset... more with herself than anyone else. Why was she being so childish? Why was she finding it so hard to be happy? She grimaced as she worked silently through letters and log files, recording names, locations, and other information about their growing list of support into one master file before she glanced up quietly as Luna sat down beside her with a small smile.
“Trying to steal my husband away. Wicked Celestia.” Luna said softly, then she hugged her gently and bowed her head against her neck as Celestia only blushed and sighed in exasperation, amethyst eyes half-ashamed, half-confused. “Come. I have something for thee. Something that I think will help thee.”
“Sister... sister, I know you mean well, but... please stop giving me things. I know you're not attempting to buy me over but all the same it... I don't feel I deserve them. I'm... it's so hard to know what I'm doing, where I belong anymore, do you understand that?” Celestia looked up almost desperately, and Luna met her eyes with silent sympathy as the ivory winged unicorn gritted her teeth. “I no longer... am the Queen of Equestria, I have been forsaken by my own people, the ponies I protected for a thousand and more years... and I... I am like a fire in your dark world. An ill fire, doing nothing more than providing a beacon for catapults to shoot at...”
Luna only smiled a bit, though, stroking along her back and saying quietly: “No, thou art better than that. Thou art still the brightest of stars... 'tis only that now thou shines in the dark night amongst all the other motes of the sky instead of alone in the vapid day, a blinding circle. Now thou art... thou art adjusting, art thou not? Look at thee, more comfortable, stronger, happier... even without thy horn. Please, sister. Come with me... I think this will help. I think this will... reassure the worries and fears thou still has.”
Celestia grumbled a little, but then nodded and sighed a little, climbing to her hooves and lowering her head forwards as she mumbled: “I feel rejected. But worse, I do feel like I'm almost fitting in... but malformed as I am, I cannot properly lock into place... leaving me eternally alone, disfigured in soul more than body, clinging to the vestiges of friends and family I continue to push away for their own good...”
“Then we'll take a hammer to thee and bludgeon thee until thou fits, now shut thy miserable mouth before I slap thee. By Yggdrasil, Celestia, can thou be any more horrible?” Luna asked grouchily, and Celestia only grumbled again as the two strode out of the library and through the dark stone halls of Enstasis.
Celestia was surprised when they ended up in the Garden, looking curiously towards a group composed of Cowlick, Ross, Pinkamena, Twilight Shadow, and Scrivener Blooms, standing near a silver chest. They were all smiling, including the dull-gray pony demon, who tipped her a wink as she asked teasingly: “So, Princess Sunshine, how's that hole in your head feel?”
“Only a little worse than you probably felt after you lost your home.” Celestia replied before she could stop herself, and Luna cleared her throat as Pinkamena looked stunned, the ivory winged unicorn wincing visibly. “I... I apologize Pinkamena, that was very cruel of me. I have no excuse.”
“I'm just surprised to see you actually have guts.” Pinkamena said after a moment, and then she grinned widely and shook her head, raising a hoof airily. “Who the hell needs Ponyville anyway, right? Pinkie Pie's settling in around here, she can bake and have tea parties and everything, and Fluttershy is apparently doing real nice too, right?”
“She's taking care of Phooka and drakes for now, but one of the demons wants to introduce her to Hellhounds.” Twilight said softly, looking up with an almost-maternal pride in her eyes before she smiled a little, rubbing silently at the stitching over her face. “I'm only glad she's... not scared of me.”
“Who could be scared of you, Sparkles, all you got was uglier.” Pinkamena said mildly, and Twilight gave her a horrible look as her stitches pulsed, making the demon grin before Luna firmly stomped a hoof, drawing everyone's attention as Pinkamena muttered sourly: “Well, it's true.”
Luna shook her head slowly, and then Scrivener reached out and gently picked up the chest in his front claws, holding it out and saying quietly: “Because you deserve to have this. A demon broke into the Temple of the Sun and stole it out of the shrine, and sure, it was obviously us... but they can't pin it on us at the same time. It could have been anyone, or anypony... but... here.”
Celestia cocked her head curiously, frowning slightly as she reached forwards and pushed the lid up... and then her eyes widened in shock at the sight of her horn. She began to open her mouth, wondering how it could be possible... and then her eyes locked on the bit of skull still attached to the horn, and she whispered: “My... from my last life. I'd almost forgotten, you gave this to me one day, and I brought it to the Temple of the Sun to serve as a symbol of our rebirth, and... I... Luna...”
“It is thy horn. It may not be as strong as the horn this body was born with... but it should remember thee. Respond to thee. Thou art the only unicorn this horn will be of use to, since thou never gave this horn up, thou died its master, it died loyal to thee.” Luna looked quietly up at Celestia, as the ponies around her smiled at her, gazing up at her silently as well. “When thou art... ready. When thou desires it... we shall right... what we did wrong in taking away.”
Scrivener Blooms nodded firmly, and Celestia looked silently back and forth between them. Three people that stood close to her, Luna and Twilight Sparkle, both smiling, gazing up at her... and Scrivener Blooms, holding up the chest, letting her gaze down at their gift. And beyond them, the circle of her family, were Pinkamena, Cowlick, Ross... her friends. Family who loved her... friends who supported her.
“Then there's no reason to delay.” Celestia said quietly, looking up and nodding firmly once, and Luna and Scrivener both looked surprised as Twilight cocked her head, a small smile spreading over her features as Celestia gazed around at them quietly. “Sister, brother and... beloved Twilight... thank you all. And... my friends. My thanks to you, too.”
“You wish.” Pinkamena muttered, huffing and blowing her straight mane back, but the others only laughed, and Celestia smiled radiantly around at them as she felt a strange sensation. Like something inside her clicked as it turned: like instead of the pain of being just outside, struggling to claw her way in... she had naturally, smoothly, and gently begun to find her place.
Celestia closed her eyes, still smiling... and it was like a strange, magnificent dream as they began the process immediately. Greater Nightmares came in and out, bringing them tools and implements of all shape and size, and Scrivener Blooms numbed her with his breath as Twilight and Luna discussed the magic necessary and Cowlick rubbed her hooves together as she mumbled over the physical aspects of the surgery. It would be much like attaching Scrivener's horn had been, except Celestia could be completely numbed for the process... and as the white winged unicorn laid herself silently down in the flowers and the grasses of the Garden, she thought about how fortunate she was. They had told her any time... she had said now... and they had gone ahead, thrown their schedules aside for her, and done it. How many ponies in the past had done that before? In old Equestria, every event had always been scheduled, and even as the leader of Equestria, she didn't make the dates herself... it was the ponies who decided to see her, the ponies who decided when and where she could be housed, and even as an honored guest everywhere she went... she was like a bird being changed from cage-to-cage...
She fell asleep with these thoughts in mind as Scrivener breathed softly over her face... and in her sleep, she dreamed of a beautiful bird. It was red and gorgeous, but lived inside an enormous cage that was filled with pretty objects, mirrors, and perches. But as wonderful as it was, as nice to look at as things were... the bird could barely fly inside the cage. There were too many things... and in the light that shone down from above, all these objects glinted and reflected, blinding the bird, making it unable to do anything but stand on its perch.
And then, suddenly, the light above flickered out, leaving the bird in darkness. It was scared, and its fear only grew when something sliced by before the top of the cage shattered like glass. As pieces fell down around the bird, they struck the objects around it in a glittering hail, all the weight of the trinkets and mirrors and perches and pedestals tipping inwards, as if the cage were going to implode upon the bird... and terrified, it leapt up, spreading its ways, flying into the dark and the unknown.
The cage collapsed behind it... but it was already gone from sight, and soon gone from mind, as the bird flew on. And soon the darkness became less menacing, as the bird realized that it could feel the air, and its eyes were adjusting to the shadows, letting it see faint flickers above, and faint shapes below. But the skies around it were clear for miles... and the bird realized that without the cage binding it, or the light blinding it... it could fly forever.
Celestia smiled to herself as her eyes flickered quietly... and then her amethyst irises opened slowly as she sat up and rolled her head on her shoulders, looking around in surprise. She was in bed, covers falling from around her body... and she couldn't help but smile a little before her eyes roved towards the table at the side of her bed. A folded note and a mirror sat on it... and the ivory equine couldn't resist concentrating...
The mirror glowed gold and lifted into the air, and Celestia's smile widened before she gazed into it... and let out a soft breath at the sight of the white, spiraled horn that stood from her head. There was a circular scar around it, and a few visible stitches... but otherwise, it was like it had never been removed. It was glowing faintly, feeling as natural, as easy to channel magic into as her old horn... but then again, she supposed this too was her old horn, and she laughed a little before flicking it with a warm smile, tossing the mirror aside before reaching out and picking up the note.
She opened it, and read softly: “'Dear sister... I apologize for not waiting longer by your bedside, but it has been a full day since the operation and you still insist on sleeping. Therefore, Scrivener Blooms and I are going to leave you to your lengthy nap, and expect you to stay off your hooves once you awaken. Please have a servant inform us the moment you wake up. And sister... don't forget. You belong here. I love you. Your little sister, Luna.'”
Celestia quieted... and then she silently brought the letter up to touch her horn before smiling to herself as she whispered: “Yes. Yes, no wonder I've felt both so out of touch and so stupid... because the answer was right here all along, but I kept convincing myself I didn't see it. Because I've been telling so many ponies the answer without ever looking at what it meant for myself... to be myself. To accept myself for who I am. I almost fell off that path when I was rejected, but... no longer.”
Celestia's eyes slowly roved to the golden full plate mail, and then she smiled softly, murmuring: “Luna Brynhild... it's too bad Celestia Freya does not have the same ring to it. But it's not the name that matters, is it? It's who we are beneath that. It's what we do.”
Celestia slid slowly out of bed, her hooves shaking only once beneath her before she firmly shook her head and straightened... and thirty minutes later, Scrivener Blooms, Twilight Shadow, and Luna looked up as a figure stepped out onto the balcony they were calmly sharing lunch on, before all three stared in amazement and Luna spluttered: “S-Sister?”
Golden armor covered the behemoth figure of the ivory winged unicorn, only adding to her imposing frame: stacked, ridged plates covered her upper limbs, ending in heavy metallic boots. Spiked pauldrons locked over both shoulders, and thick, heavy banded plating shielded her body and neck, with shaped slots sliced into the sides of the armor for her wings to safely stand through. Even her hindquarters and rear legs were covered by ridged plates, kite-shaped shields over her flank and stacked, interlocked plates protecting the front and outside of her legs. Silver chain mesh was strung neatly in the exposed joints, adding another layer of secure defense.
But what stood out most of all was the mask she wore: the main covering was made from a single thick, solid piece of gold that covered her face and muzzle completely, with curved arcs jutting down on either side of the golden plating like fangs from the bottom of the muzzle. It locked securely into a golden shell-like helm that locked completely around Celestia's skull and partly down the back of her neck. Her amethyst eyes looked through ridged sockets, and her horn stood tall and proud through a semicircle of space along the top of the mask, making her featureless, imposing, and all the more terrifying as Scrivener dropped his cup of tea.
Then Celestia reached up and pulled off her facemask, smiling confidently, proudly, as she said clearly: “I am the First Concubine, Celestia. I am a Valkyrie... and I can be passion and logic. I can do both, sister, because I know where I belong now, if you will still have me... if I can be the brightest star in your shining night.”
Luna leapt to her hooves with a wide grin, charging over to her sister, and big sister and younger sibling hugged fiercely as Scrivener grinned and even Twilight smiled a little, the trio gazing across at Celestia before Luna laughed and shook her head, nuzzling her sibling lovingly before grasping her shoulders and saying warmly: “Finally! I knew thou would understand eventually... but what is all this? Thou should be in bed, thou must rest-”
“No, sister, I feel... stronger, happier, than I have in years. It's not just having a horn back... it's... knowing my place. I had a dream, an epiphany, and... I understand now.” Celestia said softly, smiling quietly as she nodded firmly once, looking down at the mask and saying quietly: “I can belong in the night, I can find my freedom, with you... and by accepting who I am. A Valkyrie at heart still... and I am ready to experience your world. Ready to join your world, in fact... ready to be both a leader again, as well as to follow others. To help bring balance I know is necessary, but also share in the freedom you offer.”
She halted, then looked down and shook her head slowly, saying quietly: “And I know that I cannot... abandon my people. But I also know, Luna, that I have had my time ruling a sunlit kingdom, in a world I did nothing to earn or deserve. You deserve your time as ruler, too, if that is what you desire... and I would rather see you rule, than a Council that turned on me and used me as a martyr. I desire retribution... Valkyrie justice, passion tempered by the knowledge that if we do let the Council do as they please... they will destroy us. And that if we did allow ourselves to be destroyed, then who would they have left to defend Equestria should a true threat arise?”
Luna smiled warmly at this, nodding as she sat back a bit, and Twilight hesitated a little before stepping forwards, asking quietly: “And how far are you willing to go to prove your loyalty, Celestia? To prove this isn't just... another bout of madness, or some wild phase?”
Celestia only smiled in response, however, and then she glanced towards Scrivener Blooms and Luna, saying quietly: “I am willing to make a blood oath to you both, if that will help assuage any concerns. I understand why you would ask, Twilight Shadow...” Celestia halted, and Twilight glanced up at the use of her new name, smiling a little. “I understand why you pushed me. I think I'm beginning to see clearly now, though.”
“I have an idea.” Luna said thoughtfully, and Scrivener traded a look with her before the male smiled slowly as their eyes both roved to Celestia, who looked curiously at them. “As we took something from thee and gave it to Scrivener... let us take something from Scrivener and give it to thee. His blood, and a taste of his Tyrant Wyrm essence. We shan't bind thou to us, Celestia... we shall instead... challenge thee with proving thy word over time, instead of the quick and easy route. We shall challenge thee by giving thee this gift.”
For a few moments, the ivory equine was silent, a slight frown creasing her features... and then she closed her eyes and smiled slightly, the vision of the beautiful bird sailing through her mind before she said softly: “Then perhaps I should ask for some of your blood as well, little sister, if you want me to be the strongest I can be.”
“Greedy, wicked Celestia!” Luna laughed and grinned widely, however, her eyes glinting as Twilight looked up in surprise. “Very well, Celestia... and when thy loyalty is proven even to doubting Twilight Shadow... we shall tie us four as closer-than-family forever.”
“I'll take that as a promise then, little sister.” Celestia smiled wider, her amethyst eyes opening to lock with the dark-coated winged unicorn's, and Luna nodded firmly once before the older said softly: “But no rush. Little sister or not... you are the Queen of the Night now, and I am your First Concubine. You decide when we do things, not me.”
“This is a truly spectacular turn of events.” Luna said softly, and then she shook her head with a quiet laugh before glancing towards Twilight Shadow as she rested back, simply looking amazed. “I hope it alleviates some of thy bitterness, dear beloved. 'Tis cute to see thee so grouchy, but at the same time... 'tis Scrivy's job, not thine.”
“Oh, thanks.” Scrivener mumbled, and then he gestured lightly at the open side of the table, saying in a kinder voice: “Come and join us then, Celestia. Don't be so formal, you're First Concubine, and we certainly appreciate you listening to us... but we still value you as big sister. And expect that you'll order us back into shape when you need to and we start getting a little too stupid or greedy.”
He looked pointedly at Luna, who huffed in response, and Celestia laughed as she strode forwards, replying easily: “I expect there may be some conflict between my duties as big sister and my duties as First Concubine, but I do hope to balance them well...”
“Just remember that thy duties as my sibling override thy duties as my servant. Always.” Luna said quietly but firmly, and Celestia gazed across at her affectionately, happily, feeling a burst of warmth, of love, of trust inside of her as Luna looked at her with honesty, with affection, with happiness. “Oh, big sister...”
The servants came to bring them more tea and lunch, then brought a simple silver chalice once the table had been cleared. Twilight Shadow, still quiet and a little awkward, had sat back and watched as Luna had held her foreleg over this chalice first, murmuring softly: “Blood is the river of the spirit and the soul... 'tis the symbol of connection...”
She made a slow but deep cut over her foreleg with her own horn, and Scrivener held his own forelimb up as the same mark formed, smiling slightly as he studied the darker blood that spilled along his scales as Luna's spilled into the chalice... then she pushed the grail towards him, and the male held his bleeding limb out over this, letting his own blood drip into it as he said quietly: “The weight of magic light or dark is judged by the symbolism of what we do... sacrifice of the greater or lesser. A little drink, Celestia, of what represents pieces of ourselves given willingly to you...”
Celestia was quiet as Scrivener gently slid the simple chalice across the table... and then both he and Luna bowed their heads forwards, the silver glowing dark blue for a moment as their horns lit up with the same aura, the blood swirling inside the goblet and darkening as it bubbled quietly before they both looked up with calm smiles. “Blood of a Valkyrie. Blood of a Tyrant Wyrm. A gift of power.”
Twilight Shadow watched in quiet as Celestia gently picked up the chalice with her hooves, looking down into it, at the boiling, shimmering blood... and she thought of the bird again. The flying, free bird, living in the darkness... and she smiled before leaning back and tilting the goblet upwards, drinking its contents slowly, not missing a single drop. It was hot, tasting of spices and metal, yet the aftertaste – like its smell – was sweet, and almost gentle... and then Celestia lowered the chalice and gazed calmly across at the three, saying softly: “Thank you for trusting me.”
“It is not just that I trust thee, Celestia... 'tis that I love thee, and adore thee, and want to see thee strong and happy.” Luna replied gently, smiling softly. “And even more than that, I want to see thee comfortable. But thou should head to rest, my beloved sister... let the old magic work its way into thee. Let us see what happens.”
Celestia smiled back at this, and then she nodded once before picking up her facemask from the table, beginning to bring it up before Twilight looked up and said suddenly: “Celestia... I'm sorry I doubted you.”
The ivory winged unicorn only smiled, however, her renewed horn giving a faint pulse before she glanced towards the violet mare, saying softly: “You don't have to apologize, Twilight... because I understand why you doubted me. In fact, you had every right to doubt me, and I should be thanking you. For helping me understand what I had to do.” She paused for a moment, then hesitated before bowing her head and saying quietly: “And I won't say now, but perhaps after you trust me again... we can... be like family again. Friends, even. I'd like to... mend old wounds and start over, if you'll let me. If I can prove myself.”
Twilight Shadow only smiled faintly, silently, the stitching over her face pulsing a bit before she nodded slowly, and Celestia gave a radiant smile before fitting her facemask firmly back into place. She half-bowed to them, and Luna and Scrivener smiled and bowed their heads in return before the enormous, golden-armored mare turned and headed back into Enstasis.
It wasn't hard for her to find her way back to her room, but she was surprised to find the Moon Blessed outside her quarters, both looking up eagerly as she approached before Ross and Cowlick both dropped low... but Celestia only laughed and shook her head, saying kindly beneath the featureless mask: “No, no, stop that. I am First Concubine, not your Queen...”
“Exactly. We respect you, though, Celestia... not simply because of your position, because... look at you.” Cowlick rose up with a wide grin, her eyes almost glowing. “Look at you! It gives me hope for all of Equestria, if you don't mind me saying... you, the Queen of the Sun, finding her place here, finding how beautiful the darkness is, that Luna and Scrivener's plans will benefit everypony...”
Celestia only laughed and shook her head, however, blushing a little beneath the facemask before Ross added softly, straightening and looking at her adoringly: “And we are Moon Blessed, but you... well, you are First Concubine, and a member of the Royal Family. The four of you... yourself, Twilight Shadow, Scrivener Blooms, and Luna Brynhild... you are our benevolent rulers. Our respected leaders. But also our cherished friends. The head of this great family of the night...”
“We know that in the past you were segregated and separated, we saw you... used and hurt, but part of the reason we're here is to make sure that doesn't happen again. Anything you need, you tell us... and we will protect you with our lives, we will honor and respect you... but we'll treat you the way you want to be treated, too. Not shoved away, but welcomed in.” Cowlick said kindly, then she and Ross approached and both embraced the enormous, golden-armored equine tightly, and Celestia gazed down at them with a smile before Cowlick leaned back and winked. “Might want to work on your wardrobe, though, if you don't mind me saying. Say, can I polish this up for you, and maybe do some improvements on it? I've been itching for a project, and ever since Ross and I started picking up more about enchantments and things, I've had a few things I wanna try out.”
“Of course, Cowlick.” Celestia nodded once, looking softly back and forth between the two Moon Blessed. They both looked up at her ardently, but it was different from how she had always been treated in old Equestria: they stood close, not distant, they didn't hesitate to share their feelings or thoughts, they looked at her with affection but didn't stare up at her with worship as if they expected her to fix all their problems. They gazed at her as a beloved mentor... not as an impossible-to-reach leader.
They also were glad to help Celestia out of her armor, and Cowlick grumbled at the weight of the gear. Between herself and Ross, she managed to lift most of it with telekinesis, while Celestia slipped the armor she didn't take back onto the display rack: helm and mask and heavy boots. Then, as Celestia rolled her head on her shoulders and strode towards her bed, Cowlick paused and glanced over her shoulder from the doorway, winking a bit. “You should maybe think about some decoration. Scrivener and Luna go wild over that, you know. Just saying.”
Celestia only looked up with amusement even as she began to slip into bed, asking mildly: “And what makes you think I would go to such lengths to impress them?”
“Just a thought. The body is a temple, so what better way to dedicate that temple to someone else that with a few symbols of your loyalty to them?” Cowlick reasoned as Ross walked past, and then the Moon Blessed mare winked. “I'll leave you to your rest. Sweet dreams, Celestia.”
The Moon Blessed left, leaving the rainbow-maned mare looking thoughtful as she pulled the covers up around herself... but finally, she only shrugged a little. Yet all the same, the thought remained in her head, and it was an interesting one that danced through her mind as she slept and dreamed once more of the beautiful red bird... but now, she could see more of the world around it. The world of darkness that was beautiful, that the bird was exploring, and there were others joining it in its flight now, shimmering in the air with their own colors and strangeness, never having to fear being caged...
Celestia awoke in the evening, sitting slowly up in bed to find moonlight streaming in through her window, and she smiled softly as she slipped carefully out of bed. Then she looked down curiously as she realized there was a faint light glowing around her, before half-turning her head, eyes locking on the mirror at her bedside table.
She flicked her horn, and the mirror floated up and over to her, letting her gaze into it... and then stagger backwards in surprise as her now alternating gold-and-white streaked mane sparked: not with electricity, but instead with flares of flame. She let out a breath of shock as the mirror trembled violently in the air before catching it as she grit her teeth... but when she stared into her reflection, she couldn't help but gape slightly, eyes locking on these next.
Her teeth were larger, sharper as well, and she opened her jaws wide, studying these before making a few faces and almost wincing at her own crocodilian grin. A small change, compared to the mane of flowing gold-and-white fire that matched her tail... her rainbow locks lost, and burning radiance in its place.
She breathed slowly... then finally put down the mirror and closed her eyes as she let her mind process what had happened, the changes that had been made. Yet slowly, surely, she felt herself calming down now, adjusting, reminding herself she knew something would give... and that in the long run, this was nothing major. She was different, yes... but she could still think clearly, still remembered her promise, still was the same Celestia... and she smiled slowly as she nodded firmly once to herself, murmuring: “I'll... find my family. I'm sure that will help.”
She shook her head a bit, heading quietly across the room and flicking her horn to open her bedroom door before she looked curiously down the steps into the long corridor, where a Greater Nightmare was sitting. It glanced up at her, then bowed low with a warm smile, saying kindly: “Greetings, First Concubine. We see you have accepted the gifts of our master... would you like something?”
Celestia opened her mouth... and then she closed it slowly before cocking her head as she stepped down onto the steps, her mane flowing back around her as she asked softly: “Don't I worry you, Nightmare? I am no servant of the darkness, but was once feared and hated by your kind. And even I was surprised to gaze upon myself: it's like the darkness of Luna and Scrivener has only fueled my light, brought about this resurgence of... radiance. I look like the person I was when I made a terrible mistake...”
“But you are not that person. You look different, but we heard of your devotion to our master and mistress, we have accepted you as one of our own. You put too much weight on physical changes: what we see that is more important is that you have changed inside. Once, you were beautiful outside, Celestia, but broken inside... now, when we look upon you, we see that you are beautiful outside... but truly gorgeous inside, if you do not mind me saying so.” the Greater Nightmare said lovingly, raising her head and smiling up at Celestia. “It is my honor to serve such a divine being. We envy your position and power, oh yes: but we are glad for you all the same, because there is no better being to safeguard our most-beloved masters.”
Celestia was silent at this, gazing down at the Greater Nightmare... and then she smiled slowly, saying quietly: “Please ask Scrivener Blooms to come to my chambers when he can afford the time.”
“As you command.” the Greater Nightmare replied courteously, and it stood up and smiled knowingly at Celestia, saying gently: “We look forwards to serving you... sister.”
In the past, it would have made the ivory winged unicorn twitch, but now, it sent gladness through her that even these creatures of shadow looked so highly, so kindly upon her. She let these thoughts run through her head as she headed back into her room, lighting the lamps upon the wall and that hung from the ceiling, studying herself curiously for any other changes as she neatened her room a little.
Twenty minutes later, Scrivener Blooms knocked politely once at the door before he pushed it open, walking inside as his cloak flowed around him, glancing through his glasses towards her... and then leaning back in surprise as Celestia turned towards him with a smile, saying quietly: “Thank you for coming, Scrivener. I thought it was important that I speak to you first, because... I understand now a little about what you went through About how you can change on the outside, but remain the same person. How you can open yourself up to new things and take pleasure in new things and gain new values and perspectives, but remain... who you are at the core.”
“Thank you, Celestia, but... wow, look at you. You're shining.” Scrivener whistled a little as he stepped forwards, and then he hesitantly began to reach a claw up before asking awkwardly: “May I? I. Have a bad habit. I like to touch things.”
“You don't have to ask.” Celestia smiled at him, tilting her head to the side, and Scrivener gently ran his claws into her mane before smiling back: her ephemeral, fiery locks felt warm as they flowed around his digits and white-gold fire licked gently along his arm, but they didn't burn... they felt almost like liquid instead of the semisolid of Luna's. “I was very surprised at how I was... intensified, and I look forwards to exploring what other traits I've gained. I feel very strong. I feel very good.”
“You look good.” Scrivener said softly, drawing his claw lightly back, and he smiled across at her before saying quietly: “Luna will be ecstatic to see this. I think even Twilight will be, Celestia...”
The ivory winged unicorn only smiled at this, however, then she stepped forwards and gently bowed her head towards him. Scrivener looked at her curiously, then dropped his own forwards as Celestia leaned towards him before their horns gently touched... and the poet winced in surprise at the bolt that went through his body as Celestia flinched, then closed her eyes and smiled slightly as their horns glowed in synchronicity.
They rose their heads at the same time, and Celestia said quietly: “I was curious, and it seems I was right. Because both our horns are... well, in a way, very much the same... they're linked. They respond to each other... we'll have to explore this in the future.”
Scrivener blushed a bit, smiling awkwardly at her before he started to turn... and then Celestia said calmly: “Wait, Scrivener Blooms. I still have one more subject to touch upon, if you have the time.”
Scrivy looked over his shoulder at her curiously, and then he stared as Celestia stepped forwards and smiled slightly, her amethyst eyes giving a slight glow as she said gently: “I would like to do my duties as First Concubine. Mainly because I am curious to see if everything sister likes to brag about is true. But also because I have no more shame in being who I am... and that includes needs that I have spent many years ignoring.”
Scrivener only grinned awkwardly as his glasses fell askew, saying lamely: “Celestia, honestly, you really don't need to-”
“Did I say I needed to? Or did I say I wanted to, Scrivener, now stop treating me like some untouchable priestess or untested filly.” Celestia replied almost crossly, and Scrivener cleared his throat before he winced at the glare she gave him. “I have no desire to miss out on the pleasures that come with being alive any longer. I regret enough as it is I have spent so long pretending to be so much that I never was.”
Scrivener mumbled a little as he rubbed at his head before striding past her and looking dumbly down at the neatly-made bed, his eyes roving over it before he said finally: “It's just awkward, Celestia, I mean... you were-”
Before he could finish, however, Celestia stepped forwards and firmly half-shoved, half-threw him backwards, and Scrivener winced as he landed on the bed and his glasses flew off his muzzle before he rolled onto his back... and stared as the ivory equine leapt forwards and pounced on him, pinning him back as she leaned down and her mane flared around her features, meeting his eyes as she said calmly: “I was, and now, I am. I am here, Scrivener Blooms. I am here, in this moment and time... are you?”
Scrivener grinned a little as he stared up at her before she leaned down, and he closed his eyes as their mouths met... and across the castle, Luna halted in mid-conversation with Twilight Shadow before her eyes fluttered, and then she blushed deep red before giggling gleefully and clapping her hooves childishly together, the Lich staring at her blankly. “Oh excellent, excellent indeed!”
“What about what is excellent?” Twilight frowned a bit, looking dumbly around the comfortable den they were sitting in before Luna half-crawled across the couch and shoved her easily back, the violet mare staring up at her with a wince. “Oh don't tell me, Scrivener is toying with some concubine and now you're feeling all the pleasure from that, right?”
“Scrivener is indulging the First Concubine, as a matter of fact.” Luna replied with a wide grin, and Twilight's jaw dropped before the dark-coated winged unicorn threw her head back and laughed. “Excellent, this is excellent, it is better than I hoped! Oh, welcome back, beloved passionate sister Valkyrie!”
Then Luna laughed before leaning down and kissing Twilight Sparkle firmly, the violet mare blushing deeply even as she returned the affection without hesitation, her eyes slipping closed as Scrivener felt Luna's pleasure and excitement, and Luna felt his own even from across Castle Enstasis, sharing every sensation...
Scrivener lost track of the time before he finally found himself laying in bed next to Celestia, staring dumbly up at the ceiling as the ivory equine sat beside him, looking pleased with herself as she rested back against the headboard and said kindly: “I apologize for being a little rusty, Scrivener, but it's been years since I've truly indulged. I'd almost forgotten the experience... I'd like to thank you, and sister, for trusting in me so much. I may never be as... open... as my sister is, but all the same... I am very comfortable with you and enjoy that now I have someone with which I can... free these urges.”
“Holy crap, that was rusty?” Scrivener asked dumbly, and Celestia laughed and shook her head with a warm smile down at him before the male sat slowly up and gave her an awkward smile in return. “I should... thank you, though. For trusting me. For... joining us, Celestia, and not judging us... for becoming part of this world that Luna and I are building.”
And Celestia only smiled softly in response as she saw the red bird in her mind, strong and happy, doing whatever it pleased, always with friends and family beside it as it flew through the beautiful night. Guiltless, blameless... and free.