Chapter Twenty Nine: Of Dragons And Maidens
~BlackRoseRaven
Scrivener Blooms smiled as he stood calmly in the throne room of Enstasis: it was floored with a gorgeous pattern of crimson and white tiles, mighty statues of warriors decorating the length of the elongated room and a single pair of double doors at the very front the only way in or out. The thrones themselves were on a raised stage that rested against the back of the room: two royal seats made of onyx and platinum, the high back of one inscribed with the snarling profile of a Tyrant Wyrm and the other the symbol of the crescent moon.
Nibelung were putting up an enormous picture on the stone wall behind the thrones, a painting Luna had done: it showed Scrivener Blooms in the center in his flowing cloak, his forelimbs wrapped around smiling Luna and Celestia as Twilight rested in front of him, half-leaning back against the male. He licked his lips slowly as the Nibelung finished straightening the picture, then they saluted him before hurrying off.
Scrivener only had eyes for this picture at the moment, however, stepping forwards as he looked over it: it was rendered in oil paints, ten feet tall and seven feet wide, every detail almost perfect... Luna had become so good with her art over the last while. He smiled wider behind his glasses as he took in every subtle detail, the way his claws gripped into the sisters, kept them close, the way he was the largest object in the painting, the center... the master...
His eyes gave a faint sapphire shimmer, and he whispered: “Mine. They're all mine... I...” He paused, then grimaced and shook his head quickly, reaching up to grasp his forehead and closing his eyes tightly before he muttered: “Okay, Scrivy, calm down now. Don't be greedy... even if... even if I am like a god...”
He licked his lips slowly, his eyes giving another faint pulse of sapphire before he winced and shook his head hurriedly, turning around and heading down the steps... before glancing up in surprise as the double doors opened and Celestia strode in with a soft smile, her facemask off as she said gently: “You need to feed. It will help quell your thoughts.”
“It's very annoying that everyone seems to know when I'm getting all... bad.” Scrivener said flatly, but Celestia only smiled at him, and the male sighed a little before mumbling: “Oh fine. I'll go find Pinkamena, or Twilight, or-”
“Don't insult me, Scrivener. You can feed off me. I don't blame you for the thoughts or visions you have.” Celestia said softly, and Scrivener mumbled a little as he fidgeted on the spot before the ivory equine strode towards him and gazed down into his eyes softly, fiery mane twisting softly around her features. “I also would like to point out that it's been a little over a week now. I understand that perhaps I'm being... overeager... but all the same...”
“We'll... talk about it tonight.” Scrivener said finally, looking up at her before he sighed a little at the slight frown that Celestia gave him. “Okay, fine. Then let me feed off you and I'll share some of my concerns with you that way.”
Celestia nodded, and then Scrivener reached up and grasped her shoulders tightly, gazing into her irises as his own began to glow faint blue, their eyes locking... and a moment later, Celestia and Scrivener both felt the spark in their minds as their horns glowed in synchronization as well with the link that existed between them. With the trust, the link, and the other bonds between them... it made it all the easier for Scrivener to plunge into Celestia's mind and twist into the buffet of her thoughts and passions and emotions.
And it was exquisite: pleasure and power filled him as he drew out her memories: of pain, and of pleasure, of heartache and love. He had learned how to better manipulate the minds and emotions of his victims after all the times he'd fed, how to lure out the most-savory memories, how to slip into the smallest crack in the mental armor of a person and then rip it wide...
And as he fed, he pushed his thoughts – both vicious and benign – into Celestia's mind, filling it with images terrible and beautiful, logical and insane. Celestia spasmed a bit, shivering a little as he tasted what felt almost like her very soul before he finally drew back with a gasp, his spirit glutted for the moment off the emotions of another before he caught the ivory equine as she stumbled forwards.
She rested against him, breathing slowly as he held her close, his cloak rippling around him and his eyes still faintly glowing before Celestia whispered: “What I care about is being with my family and my friends. Is being of use, and belonging, and knowing that I am helping make a difference... and I am not scared of you, or Luna, or Twilight.”
She shook her head and slowly leaned back, her mane flaring up for a moment before settling as she looked silently down into Scrivener's eyes, saying quietly: “I knew what I was getting into. It's strange, Scrivener... sometimes you try and push me away with these bloody visions, these sights of punishment and frenzy and chains... but if anything I can see how much that proves you care for and respect me. I made my decision, and I won't back down or regret it. And Scrivener...”
Celestia smiled for a moment, then she reached up and stroked his face gently, saying kindly: “Please remember that I was... I am... a Valkyrie. Whatever I may sometimes seem like, just as my sister does, I prefer blood and iron over flowers and chocolate. Please call if you need anything at all, but otherwise, I have a small project to attend to.”
With that, the ivory equine turned and strode out of the throne room, and Scrivener stared stupidly after her for a moment before he snorted in amusement and shook his head out, muttering: “And yet I'm the freak.”
He smiled despite himself, though, closing his eyes, glad that Celestia was there: she was a powerful balancing force for their so-called 'royal family,' soothing and scolding and reasoning with himself, Luna, and even Twilight. But she was looser, relaxed, comfortable... and more willing to indulge than she had ever been in the past.
Scrivener shook his head out a bit as he walked quietly out of the throne room, then smiled as he saw Scarlet Sage quietly sitting in the hall, looking eagerly up towards him. “Hey, Daddy! Can we go out for a little while?”
Scrivener looked at the filly thoughtfully, then nodded as he glanced up and watched Celestia vanish through a set of double-doors past an intersecting corridor. “Did you ask your Aunt if she wanted to come along?”
“She said she had a project.” Scarlet Sage replied with a smile, the Pegasus blushing a little. “So, you know... I didn't wanna push or anything. And I know Mom likes to paint a lot and Twilight is going over those reports and stuff... so... so if you're not busy, I know you're busy a lot...”
“Luna paints a lot these days, yeah... but Scarlet Sage, not Luna, not myself, not Twilight or Celestia are ever, ever too busy for you, okay?” Scrivy stepped forwards, reaching up a claw and gently stroking her face... and Scarlet closed her eyes, pushing her head against the male's digits as he gazed down at her with a smile and a faint blush. “We're not avoiding you on purpose. I promise you that.”
“I... I know. But you made me such a beautiful... it's almost a home by itself in the upper tower. And you guys do so much for me, and I know... you're so busy with.... the bad stuff going on.” Scarlet hesitated a bit and then lowered her head, murmuring embarrassedly: “And I know there was that little... mistake I made, too.”
“It was my fault, not yours.” Scrivener said empathetically, and then he gently reached down and picked Scarlet up before hugging her fiercely, rocking her slowly in his arms as he closed his eyes and said quietly: “I never, ever want to hurt you, Scarlet Sage. You're my little girl. I adore you. I love you. And what happened was my fault, not yours.”
Scarlet curled herself closer, and Scrivener gazed down at her softly, smiling faintly and wondering how even such a pure little girl as she was could not blame him... could instead blame herself. A few days ago, after all, Scrivener had been about to feed off Pinkamena in a private room... but Scarlet Sage had come in with a sprained hoof, startling him, and when their eyes had locked... he'd fed off her.
It had lasted only a few seconds before Pinkamena had slapped him hard enough to knock him over, but Scarlet had collapsed completely. Scrivener was left nauseated and in agony, but he thought a good part of the ill feeling had come from feeding off his own adopted daughter... and the fact that he had found her innocent mind almost intoxicating. He'd tried to crawl over to her, to at least cradle her until she woke up... and Luna had shown up only a few minutes later, thankfully able to both heal him and then figure out what they should do with Scarlet.
They had carried her up to her room, and stayed with her until she'd awoken... and it had been awkward, explaining what had happened. Worsened still by what Scarlet had glimpsed... but as she looked up at him quietly, he saw no blame in her eyes as she nuzzled him a little before murmuring: “Maybe just you and me can go today, Daddy.”
“Yeah. Okay. Let's go then, the Everfree Forest is ours now, anyway. It's safe.” Scrivener said softly, and Scarlet Sage smiled a little before the male paused and rose his head, concentrating and sending a message to Luna... and after a moment, he caught a flurry of emotions and images acknowledging him and glad for the time father and daughter would be spending together... and maybe a little jealous, too.
He smiled and put Scarlet down, and she gladly trotted along beside him as they made their way out of Enstasis. As they strode through the courtyard, however, they were greeted with the sight of Fluttershy and Nirvana resting in the shade of the courtyard wall, and Scarlet bounced towards them as Scrivener smiled and followed, the two looking up and the Pegasus's eyes brightening. “Oh, hello... it's so nice to see you both.”
“It's good to see you too, Fluttershy. Are you doing alright?” Scrivener asked gently, and the Pegasus nodded and smiled up at him as Nirvana bowed his head respectfully. The blonde mare was half-curled against him, comfortable and quiet... but out here, there was no need to hide her love for the Phooka, and Scrivy smiled warmly in return before he said softly: “I think you're starting to show a little, if you don't mind me saying. Probably be big, strong foals.”
“I hope so.” Fluttershy blushed a bit, looking honestly happy as she gazed up at him. “Nirvana is going to stay with me, no matter what... and the other Phooka are being so kind to me. I want to thank you again for giving me that spacious quarters next to the stables.... it's so nice to be able to hear the animals.”
“So you're used to all of them, then?” Scrivener asked curiously, as Scarlet gazed up with interest as well. “I know we asked you to deal with some... unpleasant things...”
“No, no. They're animals... all animals, no matter how scary, just... need to be treated right.” Fluttershy replied softly, looking up at him with a nod. “The drakes did worry me a little at first, I'll admit, but that's because I thought they were juvenile dragons. But once they learned who I was and what I was doing there, they started calming down and it became a lot easier to work with them. It was the same for the Hellhounds... although I have to admit it's... odd, working with Hellhounds.”
Scrivener smiled a bit, saying quietly: “We live in an odd world. But thank you, Fluttershy... I really am glad you're doing so much and so well. If you ever need anything...”
“I know. I appreciate it, too, but I'm doing even better than I expected to... especially with Twilight out here, keeping me company when she can, and the Pink Twins, too.” Fluttershy hesitated a little, then said softly: “To be honest, though, I don't think Pinkie is taking things as well as I am. Maybe we should do something to cheer her up a little.”
“I'll talk to Pinkamena about it, she'll have an idea. I know that losing... well... so much, really must be hard for her.” Scrivener said softly, and Fluttershy smiled at him before the male reached out and gently stroked through Scarlet Sage's mane. “But if you'll excuse me, my daughter and I are going to head out into the Forest for a little bit, get out of the Castle... do you want to join us?”
“No, Nirvana and I are fine for now, thank you.” Fluttershy smiled, glancing up at the soft afternoon sky above. “It's a beautiful day, though... I hope you enjoy yourselves. You're a wonderful father.”
Scrivener smiled a little at this, blushing and shrugging a bit as Scarlet Sage gazed up at him warmly, and then he nodded a it before turning and heading for the portcullis, the Pegasus filly falling after him. They crossed fearlessly out into the mire that surrounded Enstasis, and then Scrivener glanced mildly down at Scarlet as she blushed a little and gazed up at him expectantly before the male sighed and rolled his eyes, muttering: “I spoil you.”
Then he turned around, heading back to the steps that led into the castle to take off his glasses and wiggle out of his cloak, tossing both of these things down. Then he smiled as he turned back around, horn and body both glowing as he strode calmly forwards... and as he moved, his form expanded, transformed, grew until he was at full Tyrant Wyrm size, scales tight to a powerful body, huge claws resting comfortably against the dark soil, crown of horns glinting... and the single now-enormous obelisk spire that stood up from his skull shimmering faintly and ominously beneath the sun as his sapphire sockets gleamed, saying mildly: “But I'm not bending over.”
The Pegasus filly only laughed, however, not afraid in the slightest as she gazed warmly up over her father before running towards his tail, and Scrivener smiled slightly as he flicked this away from her, raising it slightly off the ground and making Scarlet Sage huff and glare up at the thirty-foot tall Tyrant Wyrm. He shrugged cheerfully in response, then the Pegasus bit her lip before she hopped into the air, flapping her wings firmly and carrying herself higher as she wheezed a little, limbs kicking as if she was trying to swim up to the sky before she listed unevenly forwards and scrambled wildly at Scrivener's haunch, propelling herself hurriedly up onto his back and then laughing brightly as she ran forwards and up between the pistons of bone on his shoulderblades. “I did it, Daddy! I did it!”
“I knew you could.” Scrivy said softly over his shoulder, gazing at her warmly as he flapped his own powerful wings. “After all, if I can learn to fly, you certainly can, kiddo.”
Scarlet smiled brightly, and then Scrivener started easily through the mire, smiling to himself as he headed towards the forest... the forest that half-twisted out of the way for him, the trees and branches moving of their own accord as the male smiled slightly, asking easily: “So where shall we go? To the soul of the forest? Towards the mountain passes? Or should we just wander until we find a nice spot to relax?”
“Let's go to our old home.” Scarlet said softly, and Scrivener smiled at this thought, nodding slowly as he began to head towards their cabin, the Tyrant Wyrm gazing ahead as the Pegasus rested on his back. But after a few minutes, she fidgeted a little, then eventually began to carefully crawl her way up the back of Scrivener's neck, heading up between the crown of horns and marveling for a few moments as she gazed over the immense, single black unicorn horn that stood still out of the Tyrant Wyrm's forehead.
She slipped forwards, stroking her hooves up this: when he increased in size, the horn increased proportionally as well, towering towards the skies and looking almost as if it was made of black crystal. It felt warm to the touch, thrumming faintly with energy, and Scrivener closed his eyes before smiling as the Pegasus carefully slipped around it to slide down onto his muzzle, curling herself quietly up and gazing out at the forest in front of her as she murmured: “It's all yours, huh?”
“It's all ours, Scarlet Sage. It's all ours.” Scrivener said softly, and the Pegasus blushed a bit as Scrivy hesitated before he continued quietly: “Look. I know that... it must seem sometimes like we're... pushing you away. Locking you out of our lives... but honestly, Luna and I... Luna and I are trying to keep you safe, and our desires aren't the kind of things little fillies should have to know about, should have to experience. We want to protect you from ourselves... that's why we aren't including you in everything, why... you have that safe home up in the tower, why we don't spend as much time together these days.”
Scarlet Sage nodded a little, looking out ahead over the Forest before she said softly: “But I do know about it, Dad. Atrus answers my questions, and Twilight Shadow tries her best to, and you and Mom never lie to me... and I do appreciate the time we get together. Even when we're training... when I'm learning to use my Blood Seer powers, or Mom or Aunt Celestia teach me a little about fighting and stuff. But I miss you both. And I'm not scared of either of you, even now... you're still my Mom and Dad, and I know you wouldn't... hurt me.”
Scarlet fell quiet, looking ahead with a blush, and Scrivener smiled a little as his eyes roved silently downwards, saying softly: “I'm sorry.”
“No, it's okay. I remember the talks we had, and I know it was my fault... I know I'm not supposed to barge in, especially when you're... well...” She blushed a bit. “It's not hard to tell, Dad. You and Mom get a little funny.”
“Thanks.” Scrivener said wryly, and the Pegasus filly blushed deeper before the male shook his head and laughed awkwardly. “Sorry, sorry. I... I know we do. And I know you've very smart and perceptive and have been around us for long enough to know easily when something's up. It's just... it's very awkward. It's like when Luna gave you the talk about the... well, you know.”
“Mom can be a jerk sometimes.” Scarlet Sage mumbled, and Scrivener grunted and nodded in agreement, remembering the unnecessary detail Luna had gone into. “I... I know I'm growing up, though. I'm not really... a filly anymore. I'm almost a teenager, and then I'll be a mare... and... I think I'm a little scared of that.”
She looked out into the distance, closing her eyes, and Scrivener looked at her softly. “I feel sometimes like... like I've got so much to live up to, Daddy. I'm surrounded by such strong mares... Twilight, Celestia... Mom. Mom is so strong, so proud, so amazing... she doesn't let anything or anyone tell her what to do, she's not afraid to be herself no matter what other ponies call her or label her... I... I don't know how I can live up to her. I'm scared of just being a Blood Seer...”
She quietly hammered a hoof against his muzzle, then blushed a bit... but Scrivener only smiled a little, saying softly: “And once upon a time, Scarlet Sage... your Dad, this big Tyrant Wyrm who has been called the King of the Night... was a little, runty foal that got regularly thrown around and was treated as a slave. Look at me, Scarlet Sage. Look what I've become. If I can become this from a child who wasn't even loved by his parents... you, a strong, beautiful, talented young mare... can become anything you set your mind to.”
Scarlet Sage looked over her shoulder, smiling faintly, and Scrivener nodded firmly once as they continued onwards in quiet. The Forest whispered around them with their passage, moving and swaying to form a path for the Tyrant Wyrm. The ground underfoot was rich and comfortable, and he could hear animals hurrying through the trees and birds singing quietly here and there, not panicking with his passage... but this was their home. Their domain. Their territory... secured by the fact the soul of the forest belonged to them.
Celestia had been the one to suggest it, explaining that it would be the greatest defense possible: with the living forest as an ally, and Enstasis safe in the mire in its depths, the enemy would be forced to march down the road if they wanted to attack them or risk losing their army to the jaws of one enormous, sentient trap. The Forest already treated them as wary ally... and to reinforce these feelings, late one night Luna, Scrivener, Twilight, and Celestia had traveled with the Greater Nightmares to Hu and Ỏðr, the soul of the Forest, and Scrivener had warped the earth and the trees themselves with his corrupting influence.
At first the Forest had fought against them, trees lashing down like gigantic claws, the ground ripping around them, nature itself trying to rampage against them... but the group was more than strong enough to hold off the worst of the assault while Scrivener had concentrated on poisoning the ancient, massive trees. And the moment they had been corrupted, the Forest had fallen silent around them... and now it bowed to their whims and desires, just as Celestia had expected it would.
Scrivener smiled slightly as he stepped though the trees and into the clearing around their home: their beautiful little cottage, which sat quietly, rarely visited these days. Scarlet Sage smiled warmly at the sight of it as Scrivy leaned easily down, however, and then the Pegasus leapt off his muzzle before looking ardently over her shoulder as the male flexed and shrank slowly down, his frame shimmering with sapphire light before he sighed in relief as he returned to half-pony, half-wyrm form, claws flexing easily against the ground as he winked at the filly. “We can't stay too long, though. Even if I hurry back at full size, it'll take at least an hour or so to go back home.”
“That's okay.” Scarlet nodded and headed for the door, looking strangely entranced as she pushed it gently open, and Scrivener laughed a little before he followed her into the house; the memories that came back as they walked through the mostly-empty cottage filled him with warmth and a sense of odd longing before he finally ended up on the back patio with Scarlet Sage, sitting quietly and gazing out at the pond and the small well side-by-side.
Then, finally, the filly looked up at him quietly, and Scrivener gazed back at her before she smiled a little and asked hesitantly: “What's it like, Daddy? Being able to do all this, being so strong and... a... a Tyrant Wyrm now?”
“It's... good.” Scrivener said softly, looking almost embarrassed... and then he nodded slowly, firmly once before returning his eyes to her with a small smile. “I'm probably not supposed to admit that, but I'd rather not lie to you... and yeah, it feels good. I like it, Scarlet. I like being so powerful, I like having control, I like... sating my desires. And I don't think there's anything wrong with any of that... especially because, with the people I have in my life, I don't have to go out and hurt people to... to find these pleasures.”
Scarlet Sage nodded slowly, and then she asked quietly: “Even the... the feeding?”
For a moment, Scrivener was silent... and then he reached a claw up and stroked slowly through her mane, murmuring softly: “Yes, Scarlet Sage. Even the feeding. I'm very, very fortunate I have friends and family who trust me enough to let me feed off them, because otherwise, I know I could hurt people. Even as it is, I hurt them a little... but I give back to them, too. And after the pain, there's pleasure... it's... its very hard for me to think of a metaphor fitting for a little girl's ears to describe it.”
The Pegasus laughed a little, blushing as she dropped her head forwards before her eyes roved back upwards, crimson irises trusting and naïve as she asked curiously: “Would... would I have felt that if didn't stop that one time?”
“I... yeah. You would have. I... try and make the experience... comfortable for my friends and family.” Scrivener said awkwardly, glancing down and rubbing at the back of his head embarrassedly. It was difficult to talk about... but at the same time, with what had happened before, he knew he had no right to keep anything the filly wanted to know from her. He was her father, and he had to be honest with her, especially about himself, no matter how much he always wanted to be a hero in her eyes.
Scarlet Sage studied him quietly, and then she walked quietly up to him and leaned up, gazing at him silently before she asked softly: “Do you trust me, Daddy?”
Scrivener looked down in surprise at the question, and then he nodded slowly before Scarlet smiled and sat back, spreading her forelimbs, asking silently for a hug, to be lifted up. And Scrivener laughed before he gently grasped her, pulling her up against his body, nestling her against him, and she buried her face against his neck as she whispered: “I love you. You feed off people, but... in a way, I do too, with my powers. I'm not afraid of you and you're not afraid of me, and we're... the same in a lot of ways, Daddy, no matter how different we look.”
Scrivener smiled a little at this, feeling a shiver run through him before he quietly put her down, and Scarlet Sage looked up at him softly before she asked quietly: “If I wanted some of your blood, would you give it to me? If I thought I was ready for that level of training... of experience, would you share it with me?”
The poet fell silent as he looked down at her, not knowing what to say, how to respond. She looked back up at him silently, a faint, scared tremble running through her body, eyes compassion and afraid and adoring... and he thought of what he'd said to her. He thought of everything he promised, and wanted to be, and how much he said he'd believe in her no matter what... and slowly, Scrivener closed his eyes before he murmured softly: “Yeah. I would. But only because I know... you need to see what a thin line it can be between the right and wrong path. How complex and yet meaningless the concepts of good and evil are. And all the other things that a filly like you shouldn't have to learn, and yet because of who you are, because of what you are, and because of us, your family... you'll have to know all the same.”
Scarlet Sage gazed up at him quietly, nodding slowly, and then Scrivener smiled a little, asking softly: “Luna and Celestia have both told me you're very strong. That you have a special talent when it comes to scrying the future, but you're also very good at pulling thoughts and memories out of people's minds. And they both tell me you're very hesitant to hurt anyone or learn any offensive techniques.”
The Pegasus filly nodded awkwardly, and Scrivener reached up to stroke quietly through her mane, murmuring: “That's a good thing, Scarlet Sage. That hesitance means you remember they're another living thing, another person, with their own thoughts and feelings, no matter who they are, no matter if they're your enemy. Sometimes I find myself... forgetting a little bit about the value of other people. I think it's admirable to value your enemy, to hurt for them even as you fight them. But I also feed off pain, so... you know.”
He smiled despite himself, and Scarlet sage laughed a little before she smiled a bit as she said quietly: “I am getting good with healing wounds, though... and with my control, too. I can let a little bit of blood touch me and I don't go into a trance anymore... and the sight of blood and everything doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used to. I get a little squeamish but it doesn't... it doesn't get into my head, you know?'
“Far too well.” Scrivy smiled down at her, and they gazed at one another for a few moments before the male finally said softly: “I am proud of you, every day. You're growing up strong, don't ever doubt that.”
Scarlet Sage smiled and fidgeted, and then Scrivener shook his head before he gestured at her gently, saying softly: “Let's go, though, head back to Enstasis-”
“Wait!” the Pegasus interrupted, and she swallowed a bit before asking hesitantly: “Just... can I... can I have just a touch of your blood, Daddy? Just a little... to get a glimpse of the future, maybe... a glimpse of your mind. It feels important.”
For a moment, Scrivener hesitated... and then he sighed softly, remembering his words only a few minutes ago and unable to say no to his daughter, smiling faintly. “Well, since every other pony always gives me what I want when I ask for it, and I'm out here trying to spoil you... this is a weird gift, though, Scarlet Sage so... you know.”
Scarlet only blushed, and Scrivener rose a front claw against his forelimb, taking a breath before slashing firmly through mottled but thick scales, ripping a narrow set of slashes. A trickle of dark blood spilled out of one, and the male held this up as Scarlet Sage hesitantly rose a hoof... then instead grasped his foreleg and leaned forwards.
Scrivener stared, and yet he made no move to stop her as she quietly licked up the blood instead of simply touching it before dropping back on her haunches... and then whimpering, bending forwards as her eyes clenched shut before snapping open, glowing crimson as she breathed hard and then whispered: “The future is dark... night will fall, night must fall, and cover the world and make everything... yours. Everything in the world... but first there will be a f-f-fire... and when the tower grows too high it will all crash down because power begets power begets self-destruction...”
She gasped, then arched her back, saliva flying from her jaws before Scrivener reached forwards and grasped her, wincing in shock... and then Scarlet Sage shivered before her eyes flashed, bowing forwards, staring up at his, and Scrivener felt something whisper through his mind before it withdrew just as quickly, an invisible grip snatching something from his thoughts as it left.
Then there was silence as she slowly bowed her head forwards, the glow fading from her eyes as she breathed hard... before trembling a little, grabbing at her father, half-crawling up his limbs to bury her face into his neck and clutch against him as tears flowed down her cheeks, and he hugged her firmly, tightly close as she whispered: “D-D-Daddy...”
“I'm sorry...” Scrivener whispered, rocking her slowly, but she shook her head violently and clutched him closer and the male smiled faintly as he felt Luna's worries whisper into his mind for what she had felt. He closed his eyes, concentrating, letting her know what was happening as Scarlet Sage calmed little-by-little in his grip.
Finally, she was quiet, curled against him and breathing hard, and Scrivener was looking down into her eyes softly as Luna's anxieties twisted through his mind. He felt everything from recrimination to simple curiosity murmuring through his thoughts, and finally, the filly smiled a little at him before she whispered: “I understand better now. Together forever, right?”
“Together forever.” Scrivener said softly, and Scarlet Sage nodded silently before she grimaced a little and shivered once, and he studied her curiously before asking finally: “What did you see?”
“I saw our family.” Scarlet Sage smiled after a moment, and then she shook her head quickly when he began to put her down, murmuring: “No. I feel safer... like this, Daddy. Can you... can you carry me? The vision... hit hard. It was of... so much beauty, and so many terrible things, and yet it felt good. It felt good, because we were happy... and after they had been covered in darkness, they were all happy too... what does it mean, Daddy? We're not supposed to force things on people, but when we let them live how they like, they end up unhappy and hurting each other and so prejudiced and cruel... and yet if this was true... this vision was real...”
“You can't force ponies to be happy, to love each other, to be good to each other... but you can start taking away the things that you know are bad for them, and you can start trying to teach them. Eventually, they'll learn... at least that's what I believe and hope.” Scrivener said finally, nodding slowly as he carefully shifted Scarlet Sage around his neck to his back, and she clung down against him, her eyes closed, face buried now against his mane, feeling her breathing and her thudding heartbeat. “It's... hard to explain...”
“I trust you.” Scarlet Sage said simply, and Scrivener smiled a little as he headed away from the house and back towards the forest, the trees seeming to murmur around him as the male headed in the direction of Castle Enstasis. “I... I worry sometimes so much of what I learned was wrong, but... I trust you, Daddy, I do. I'll always trust you and Mom first... and I'll always look up to you as good ponies, strong ponies, who protect ponies who can't... even if that means protecting them from themselves. I know... there's a lot of mean things said about you, but... but I know no matter what... you and Mom are special... are heroes.”
Scrivener laughed quietly at this, bowing his head forwards and closing his eyes, deeply touched by his daughter's sentiments... but at the same time, he wondered silently how true that really was. After all, he and Luna pursued their own desires first and foremost... and he had just given his blood, Tyrant Wyrm blood, to a little filly because she'd asked, not considering how dire the consequences could be... not even caring. He had wanted to make her happy, he had wanted to give her what she wanted, and he admittedly had been curious... curious enough to risk her health for a glimpse into his future.
And what she had said... Scrivener couldn't help but lick his lips at the thought. A fire, and destruction, he knew those must be metaphors for war... but she had said everything he'd ever desired. And in his mind, he felt Luna's attention intensify from where she was, felt the sensations of her going through his memories, listening to what he had heard... before he felt her recriminations for him vanish into interest and excitement.
The poet hesitated as he snuck a glance back at his daughter, but she was quiet now, calmed down but still awake, and he decided to test the waters as he asked slowly: “The vision... was it... hard on you?”
“It was... intense.” Scarlet Sage murmured finally, looking up and smiling a bit before she said quietly: “It was a true prophecy, I think. It wasn't uncertain at all, not until the end, when... I saw a tower, and... and bodies, all falling down, with you and Mom at the very top and...”
She shivered a little, shaking her head slowly as she murmured: “But then it got blurry. And your blood is... is very strong, Daddy, and even though the middle of the vision, with... the ponies covered in darkness and you and Mom being revered... was the shortest, I think... I think it was the longest too.”
“All things fall eventually, Scarlet Sage, I'm not scared of that, especially uncertain... but maybe...” Scrivener shook his head quickly, trying to shove away the thoughts now rising through his mind, the interest flaring up in him as the filly rose her head a bit before he murmured: “It's alright. I just... am letting myself get distracted by things I shouldn't. Are you sure you're okay?”
“Yeah, Daddy. Thank you for asking.” Scarlet Sage gazed up at him almost reverently, then she kissed the back of his neck quietly, and Scrivener smiled warmly as he felt a flutter through his system.
They continued on in quiet for a little while, and then the Pegasus took a slow breath, and Scrivener glanced over his shoulder curiously before Scarlet Sage asked quietly: “The concubines aren't just normal servants, are they?”
“I... no.” Scrivener said awkwardly, but Scarlet Sage only nodded a little before the male blushed as he kept his gaze pointedly ahead, saying finally: “I really... really want to pawn this conversation off onto your mother, but I'm also kind of afraid of how she'd explain it. So... I'm... I mean...”
“I saw enough in your mind, Daddy. Besides, I'm growing up.” the Pegasus filly smiled a little as she curled up on him, and Scrivener frowned a bit at this before the filly asked in a half-asleep voice: “Did I get liking mares from Mom?”
Scrivener stumbled and plowed face-first into a tree, jarring the Pegasus back into wakefulness as she looked up, then giggled a bit when her father carefully stepped backwards and rubbed dumbly at his features with a claw, mumbling: “Okay, you are never allowed to look into my mind or your mother's ever again. They are not safe places.”
Scarlet Sage only smiled in response, settling herself comfortably down on her father's back as Scrivener blushed a little and hurried back through the Everfree Forest, irritated at Luna's laughter as it echoed in his mind, but sharing in her relief that her daughter was alright.
Luna had greeted them warmly in the courtyard... and whatever frustrations she'd had were long gone, instead looking oddly proud of her husband her daughter. Twilight and Celestia both looked a little more irritated, but when they saw Scarlet Sage was alright, they both calmed grudgingly. Twilight relaxed faster than Celestia, but even the ivory equine didn't have much of a lecture for the male, which he was admittedly glad for.
He thought a large part of that, though, was because of the prophecy that Scarlet had made... that, and the fact the Blood Seer wasn't having any severe reactions from his Tyrant Wyrm blood. She was still a little tired, but it could easily be simply from the intensity of the vision: for now, there was nothing wrong with her worth panicking over, although Luna still insisted on seeing Scarlet Sage up to her room to rest.
Now, late at night, with Scarlet long asleep, Scrivener Blooms rested in the Garden at full Tyrant Wyrm size, smiling at how comfortable the large room was around him as Twilight and Luna both sat in front of him. Celestia sat across from them, a heavy silver chalice covered with runes in her armored front hooves, its crystalline contents steaming faintly.
They gazed at one-another, and then Luna smiled softly, saying softly: “'Tis not an elixir so grand as what I drank, but it will do for this. Empowerment, Celestia... but at what price, thou asks? Thou recognizes the runes upon the chalice, does thou not? Aye, honor, fealty, and obeisance. I do not need silly magic for thee, Celestia, do I? All I need is to make thee pledge these things to me by drinking from that cup... thy mind and heart and soul grip their meaning. And I believe that if thou ever did move against me... thy heart and soul would tear thy mind apart.”
“It's foolish, sister. Giving me more power, making me stronger, asking only my word in return. I could turn on you. I would be a dangerous enemy.” Celestia said softly, and Luna only smiled warmly in return... which made Celestia smile back before she fearlessly tilted the chalice upwards, drinking down its contents before closing her eyes and tossing the grail away with a soft gasp as her mane flared upwards and glowed brighter for a moment, making the armor covering her strong form glimmer with its shine.
Then her eyes opened, amethyst irises flickering as she looked across at them, saying quietly: “But I know you're not stupid. That sometimes a ribbon works better than the strongest of chains and cells... so instead, let me thank you. For trusting in me. For giving me this place that I will cherish all the more because of how precarious my position is... bound to you, and yet not. Tied forever with your fates, and yet at the same time... free to make my own path. Able to leave your side any time I pleased... but knowing that I never could, all the same.”
With that, Celestia smiled softly as she flicked her horn upwards, her mane twisting back as the armor over her body shuddered before clicking loudly as it metal plates snapped out of place and hidden hinges popped open, mesh drawing away until she was able to smile as she rose her head proudly. Over the right side of her breast, she had tattooed Luna Brynhild and Scrivener Bloom's names in bold black runes, and when they looked up at her, Celestia only closed her eyes before saying softly: “I never wish to hide my allegiances again.”
Then she flicked her horn easily upwards, and her armor snapped quickly back into place as it glowed faintly, the female saying softly: “I wish I could come up with something more suiting, but it was difficult enough as it was to get Cowlick to follow my instructions. She did very well in enchanting my armor, but she's less-capable when it comes to artistry, as I learned.”
“Sister...” Luna trembled a bit, swallowing thickly and staring with adoration at Celestia, but the ivory equine only shrugged and smiled as the last of her armor locked back into place, and then Luna ran forwards and hugged her firmly as Scrivener Blooms smiled warmly, and even Twilight shadow nodded slowly, looking impressed despite herself. “Oh, what a blessing thou art...”
“I... have something for you, Celestia.” Twilight Shadow said quietly, as Luna drew back from her sibling, and Celestia looked up curiously before Twilight glanced up at Scrivener, who shrugged and nodded before the the violet mare quietly strode forwards... and then smiled a little, saying finally: “I... well... didn't know if you'd wear it or not at first. But... I feel both more confident and less confident about giving it to you now.”
Twilight glanced over her shoulder, her horn glowing... and then she gave Scrivy a flat look when nothing happened, and the male grumbled as he rose one foreleg and rolled a little to one side, a small chest popping free into the air from where it had been stuck beneath him. The slightly-dented, simple metal box floated quietly over to Twilight, then opened with a click before Celestia's eyes widened in surprise as a golden collar floated out, made of hardened, segmented leather and bands of metal, and with a topaz clasp in the shape of the harvest moon. It was large and solid, and Celestia reached up to touch it before her eyes widened as she looked up at Scrivener, who smiled awkwardly and rubbed absently at one shoulder. “Twilight's idea. Stung like hell, though.”
“You used your own scales...” Celestia murmured softly, and then she smiled a little as her amethyst eyes roved over the ivory underside of the collar. And stitched carefully into the back of this softer, leather underside of was the illustration of a flying bird in red thread. “How did you...”
“Celestia I... I do pay attention to you.” Twilight replied quietly, smiling a little, and when Celestia rose her eyes the purple mare straightened and said in a soft, honest voice: “Welcome... truly, welcome... to our family. I... I missed you.”
“I missed you too, Twilight.” Celestia gazed at her warmly, and then she smiled as the violet mare leaned forwards and gently took the collar, slipping it carefully around Celestia's neck before tightening the clasp, and then the two mares embraced fiercely, pressing against one-another as Scrivener and Luna both gazed affectionately down at them.
They drew apart after a few moments, and Luna strode up to look back and forth between the mares with a smile as Scrivener leaned forwards with a rumble of soft pleasure. He could feel their emotions, their attachments to him and to one-another... and more than that, as he gazed down at them, he felt like they were his.
He thought of what Scarlet Sage had said: everything in the world could and would be his, and he licked his lips slowly at this thought as Luna twitched a bit... then slowly looked up with a smile, her own eyes lighting up as she gazed back and forth between Celestia and Twilight. They both looked towards her, tilting her heads, and then Luna leaned forwards and said in a warm voice: “Worry not, my family... 'tis only... a moment of indulgence. Yes, indulgence... and dreaming. Dreaming of the world we will one day all have together, when all of this nonsense is over, when we all lock into place.”
Celestia looked a little hesitant, but Twilight Shadow only smiled softly, gazing towards Luna and replying quietly: “I don't care about what we do or don't have, Luna... only that I'm with you and Scrivener. And now... Celestia, too.”
She gazed affectionately towards the ivory equine, and Celestia smiled a little in return before the violet mare said softly: “And it's okay. I understand being worried... I was upset at first and concerned myself, after all. I mean... look at me, I'm stitched together, and when I get angry, well...” Twilight smiled despite herself, patting her own chest gently. “But you... you only really just opened your eyes to our world, Celestia. Just wait. Just watch for now. I promise, you'll feel yourself more and more naturally... enjoying things.”
The ivory equine nodded slowly, and Luna laughed quietly as she shook her head, adding quietly: “And worry not, sister, I did not mean the world we will go out and conquer. Nay, I and my husband were only thinking of Scarlet Sage's prophecy... and how pretty thou looks in a collar, as ours, First Concubine.”
Celestia blushed at this, reaching up to touch it awkwardly as Luna's own metallic, welded-on collar gleamed around her neck, and for a moment, Celestia looked at it, feeling almost envious. Luna caught this, and she smiled slowly as she drew her eyes along Celestia, grinning slightly as she said easily: “Worry not, beloved sister. Thou wears our names upon thy body, and that is something not even Twilight Shadow has... truly, thou hast impressed us. Shown us loyalty and love, and we will never, ever doubt in thee again.”
Celestia smiled a little at this, bowing her head forwards silently as Twilight laughed quietly and shook her own. “Sounds like you're trying to get me jealous, Luna. Besides, it's not like tattoos would exactly work for me.”
“Bah, 'tis always a way.” Luna scoffed, then she shook her head and turned to head towards Scrivener Blooms, crawling up into the forelimbs of the Tyrant Wyrm before calling easily as he cradled her with a rumble: “Come, though. 'Tis no greater comfort than to be held in the arms of a monster.”
Twilight laughed as Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes, but both ponies followed, making themselves comfortable as Luna looked lovingly over them before Scrivener said softly: “This is one of my favorite things about being this size. Holding you all... feeling like I could even stand a chance of protecting you all if something happened. Not that any of you need protection...”
“Aye, but is a nice thought, beloved. And I would gladly play the damsel in distress for thee, as well.” Luna said softly, gazing up at him with warmth glowing in her eyes. Scrivener looked back down at her, and their eyes locked, trading affection, thoughts, emotions back and forth... and then the Tyrant Wyrm's eyes slid closed as he raised his head with a soft, warm sigh, and Luna gave a small, content sound of her own.
Twilight gazed between the two, then awkwardly up at Celestia... but the ivory equine only smiled as well before she said quietly: “Thankful as I am for everything, though... glad as I am that Scarlet Sage's prediction was for the most part, positive, she did mention a fire, a war... and that after the long period of peace, everything would collapse...”
“All civilizations fall.” Scrivener said softly, and then he shook his head slowly as he settled a bit against the ponies, looking meditative. “Besides, she seemed... confused about the last part of the prophecy. And I can't think of many things that would be capable of actually bringing down myself and Luna... with you and Twilight Shadow protecting us on top of that, I think it's safe to say we're next-to-unstoppable.”
“Exactly, next to.” Celestia said quietly, raising a hoof, and Scrivener and Luna both frowned a bit as Twilight looked up curiously. “I, for one, am not bound to anyone here. I can die. Secondly, Twilight Shadow is still vulnerable to having her spirit bound down, or worse, her physical body could be imprisoned or sealed somewhere.”
“I'm learning how to 'abandon' my physical body, though... and... well, I don't want to do it right now, it'll start rotting pretty much immediately.” Twilight said awkwardly, and Celestia smiled at her kindly as she nodded and gave her a look, for a moment again teacher and student, and Twilight couldn't help but smile in return as she murmured: “But that would be useless if I was in an iron cell or another prison built specifically to impede spirits.”
“Precisely.” Celestia's eyes roved towards Luna and Scrivener, continuing gently: “And it won't be long before our enemies realize – if they have not already, that is – that Valhalla's blessed oil and certain are materials are devastating to both of you. No matter how wide or small our vulnerabilities, we must not be arrogant. We must not assume that we are invulnerable, that our enemies are no threat to us. The enemy is always a threat, no matter how strong or weak they are or we are. Countless generals have lost battles simply because they decided victory was 'guaranteed' and they sent their troops marching cockily forwards, thinking that there was no way they could lose, leaving them unprepared for a resurgence, an ambush, a trap.”
“Yes, yes, yes.” Luna muttered, huffing a bit before she grumbled: “Don't make me take thy collar away, sister. Or better yet, use thee as fodder for Scrivener Blooms.”
Celestia only sighed a little, then Twilight leaned up and asked quietly: “But the further ahead in time, the less accurate the prophecy, right? Either way... should we really focus on this now? We do have another serious problem...”
“The coming war, yes.” Celestia said softly, and she looked meditatively down for a moment before nodding slowly once, unconsciously curling herself closer against Scrivener, settling more comfortably despite her heavy armor as she murmured: “The Royal Council is playing a game of delays, but it won't last much longer. I did not expect them to be cunning enough to blame 'raiders' for the loss of our supply caravans, nor that they would use the same excuse as to why caravans with 'gifts' they sent us never arrived. I also did not expect that while our emissaries have spoken to Equestria, spoken to ponies, and contacted both Nibelung and Strange Ones, they would go one step further and attempt to establish relations with the dragons.”
“That could be difficult.” Luna muttered, but Celestia only smiled coldly, and the dark-coated winged unicorn looked moodily at her older sister before she said grumpily: “Somewhere, Celestia, a baby dragon just died. Every time you smile like that, a baby dragon dies horribly. That expression scares me, do not use it. It makes me feel less like I am becoming evil and more like I should be hiding beneath Scrivener Blooms. And for the sake of Yggdrasil, take off thy damnable armor.”
Celestia rolled her eyes, but then she closed her eyes and flicked her horn as it gave a soft golden pulse, and Scrivener blinked and looked up in surprise as his own horn glowed slightly as well, feeling a bit of his own energies being pulled towards the spell as Celestia's armor glowed before rapidly disassembling itself from her body and neatly piling itself some twenty feet away at the edge of the Garden. Luna, however, looked curiously towards Celestia, her gaze somewhere between interested and intent as Twilight frowned a bit before the ivory equine looked up and said softly: “Think of it as an interesting side effect, sister... but it should please you. In a way both of us now share a connection to Scrivener Blooms. It's part of the reason I'm not afraid even if they send the most monstrous dragon after us. Not only is Scrivener Blooms a Tyrant Wyrm, all three of us share a bond, a connection, that would let us push energy and magic into him... and with his size and shape and strength...”
Luna's eyes slowly widened and Scrivener looked down in surprise, and Twilight looked up sharply at Celestia. “Wait, as it is, Luna and Scrivener are able to increase the power of their magic incredibly by concentrating off one another... if what you're saying is true, we could...”
“Yes. The effects would be reality-shattering.” Celestia paused for a moment, then glanced towards Scrivener, asking mildly: “Does that feed your ego enough, my friend?”
Scrivener blushed a bit, but the tone was playful more than venomous, and he couldn't help but smile awkwardly down at Celestia, squeezing the ponies closer against his titanic frame as he said finally: “A little. Especially since Luna and I have a few other cards up our sleeves as well...”
“I know. Things like the amplifiers spread across Equestria that so many ponies think are now useless... but with that master amplifier at the top of the central spire of this castle...” Celestia hesitated, shaking her head slowly. “But think of the imagery, Scrivener Blooms, in what Scarlet Sage envisioned. You and Luna, falling from a tower after accumulating everything, and with what I've just said... how combining our powers through you, using you as a conduit, could amplify magic to truly incredible amounts... too much power is a path to self-destruction, not perfection. Fighting to attain more and more... what's the point of it?”
“So we can bring about peace. So we can make our dreams reality... because... because we can.” Scrivener said finally, lamely, and then he winced and dropped his head at the almost-contemptible look Celestia gave him as Luna sighed a little. “I know, I know. That's... not what I meant, that last part. It's... you have to believe me, it's so much more than that, but it's so hard to explain. I... I want more. I desire more, almost need more...”
Scrivener halted, then he shivered a bit and shook his head slowly as Luna looked up and said gently: “Let me answer thy question with another question, Celestia: would thou prefer to see the power in our hooves or in the hooves of another? Nay, even clearer: if thou could take our powers away... would thou?”
This made Celestia shift awkwardly, and then Luna smiled a bit and nodded, saying quietly: “Exactly. But let us... move on from this subject perhaps, there is no point in discussing what is possible when 'tis so far in the future and may never occur, just like there is no point in discussing our... desires when they are... they are not even coherently-formed. Besides, we drift away from what we must discuss: the subject of the trade caravans.”
Celestia looked down quietly, and then she glanced up at Scrivener Blooms and said softly: “No, wait. I have one more thing to say, before we move on... and it's that I have no right to judge. With your power, after all, you have done great things, and you have given gifts, gifts that those whom received them have considered 'blessings.' And whatever my own personal viewpoints, it doesn't matter how I feel if they bring the person they're meant for happiness and pride without bringing harm to them in body or mind. Then it is a blessing, no matter what I think or feel or rationalize.
“And likewise, you've given me gifts. Of power and more... so I'm sorry that for a moment I almost slipped into old habits and old ways.” Celestia smiled a bit, saying quietly: “I can lecture you at a later date on why these things are wrong or right. You're right, sister, for now we do have a war to think about, and it is a far-more-pressing matter and with the enemy we will face, it is important that we are all as strong as possible to deal with what lays ahead... even if I admit that part of me is eager to fight these new dragons and test just how strong they are.”
Luna snorted in amusement, and Scrivener smiled at her, locking gazes for a moment with the ivory equine and feeling honestly thankful, but Celestia only smiled back and shrugged a bit before Twilight asked curiously: “But then what do we do, Celestia? We can't get supplies to Enstasis anymore... at least, not by normal transportation. Even guarded, any wagon is attacked and destroyed and our demons killed. And we do have civilians here who require some of those supplies, which we're now beginning to run very low on... Nightmares and Phooka can't keep carrying small supply loads forever, especially since sometimes even they end up going missing.”
“And likely dead. And 'tis all but confirmed that Sleipnir is there, but it is not like him to kill so callously, and we have not heard a single word from him.” Luna muttered, shaking her head moodily. “I fear that Odin's friends must have some stake in all this. Must be pulling our poor brother's strings somehow.”
“I do as well, sister. And they must be either very intelligent or remarkably ruthless to keep Sleipnir in line...” Celestia rubbed thoughtfully under her muzzle, and then she smiled slightly, glancing over at Luna. “But there's only one thing to do, in any event. Since it's obvious these 'raiders' are likely Knights of New Equestria from Ponyville, we should send them a challenge they won't be able to refuse.”
And Luna grinned slightly at this, her eyes lighting up as Scrivener Blooms rumbled in agreement and Twilight Shadow looked up with a calm smile of her own, the ponies sliding themselves closer to one-another in the forelimbs of the enormous Tyrant Wyrm as flowers rustled in the windless Garden of the dark Castle Enstasis.