Chapter Thirty Five: The Calm Before The Storm
~BlackRoseRaven
The following weeks passed in a state of less-than-comfort for both Ponyville and Enstasis, not to mention most of Equestria: with war officially declared on Luna and the 'Kingdom of the Night,' the Royal Council hurriedly passed a law that any Equestrian caught supporting Luna, harboring a SEAL, or aiding the goals of the Dark Kingdom in any way would be immediately imprisoned.
They deemed Luna a 'rebel faction,' but in reality it was full-out civil war: across Equestria, cities, even entire territories, were siding with Luna. And while publicly all the barons and baronesses were working together 'to build a safe New Equestria, Luna and Scrivener had been surprised when they had received no less than three eager responses to their Gala invitations and one hesitant 'maybe' from members of the Royal Council. Perhaps part of it was politics, perhaps part of it was scared barons and baronesses trying to ensure they would maintain power and survive no matter which side won... but both Scrivy and Luna knew they didn't have the luxury of picking and choosing their allies.
Ponyville was becoming less of a village and more and more a massive military base, soldiers setting up tents and encampments in the fields outside the town and fortifications being built higher and higher as more towers were erected, more pits were dug, more traps were laid. Nibelung and ponies began to cut back the Everfree Forest, and Sleipnir could feel the anger of the living wood, trying to warn the soldiers they were only worsening the situation, but they ignored him and Kvasir had scoffed: “It's a forest. What's the worst it can do?”
The next morning, a single pony strode silently out of the woods, pale and covered in blood, whispering: “We just... they were gone. We were there... and then they were gone.”
Applejack had been horrified when she'd finally heard the details, while Sleipnir had only smiled wryly, looking up from where he had been sitting calmly across the map room of the intelligence building, asking wryly: “Ever tried to fight a tree? It sounds funny, does it not? Until thou realizes 'tis moving freely of its own accord with rather frightening speed, thy swords can do little more than skin the bark from it, its roots are trying to strangle thee from below as the branches swing down with all the force of an ogre's club. Nature is not a mare to be trifled with.”
The Everfree Forest now targeted any soldiers that strode into it, and Sleipnir remarked that while it had passively defended Luna before, now it was likely going to aggressively attack them whenever it had the chance. And the Forest itself seemed to slide closer and closer to Ponyville and the surrounding encampments every day, to the point that a shallow trench had to be dug along the border of the forest and layered with salt, the work done hurriedly by scared Nibelung as tapers and brambles had twisted towards them like snakes over the ground and enormous branches had loomed down, grasping at them slowly like wretched claws.
The salt barrier did have the advantage of repelling Luna's demons and spirits as well, but these were not the only tools in Luna's arsenal, and the winged unicorn and Scrivener Blooms were both more-than-willing to experiment on their often very-willing subjects. Furthermore, ponies had begun to show up at Enstasis, with both objects of tribute and gifts of loyalty, and the formerly mostly-empty halls of the black castle began to fill not only with servants of darkness but ponies of all shape and size.
Some of these just longed for power: Luna made them soldiers, had them trained and disciplined and began to reshape them with promises of rewards for loyalty and extreme punishments for disobedience. A few tested Luna's boundaries... but they quickly learned to obey and listen after Scrivener seized one troublemaker and locked eyes with him. After the pony had been reduced to a screaming, crying mess from a quick but brutal feeding by the Tyrant Wyrm, none of the other soldiers dared to question the authority of their leaders or any command they were given again.
Other ponies, however, believed in Luna for one reason or another, and came to offer their help freely. And others simply wanted to survive, and thought that Luna's side was the most likely to succeed: wisdom that Luna rewarded by putting them to work but giving them a place in or around Enstasis all the same. And all around the castle, a small, dark village was slowly being built, the wood harvested from the Everfree Forest by Ivory Elite and Nightmares that were intimate with the living wood and knew how to ask the trees to offer up their aid without suffering retaliation. Besides, the forest was loyal to its masters, as the trees at the soul of the forest thrummed with the corruption that had come from Scrivener Blooms.
Celestia was hard at work managing Luna's forces across Equestria, keeping track of territories they officially or unofficially owned, routes and highways they were in control of and could safely ship supplies and troops along, and constantly evolving the strategy to battle an enemy that was on every side of them. There had been no major battles so far, only skirmishes as borders were declared over this first month, and much of Celestia's focus always came back to Ponyville: her mind had already assessed that if they destroyed the village, it would derail New Equestria's plans. Yet she was hesitant to turn on this small, beautiful once-utopia, and didn't want to give the order to raze the town unless absolutely necessary.
She knew that the Gala would bring answers, and Luna and Scrivener were more than willing to wait for it while strengthening their forces across the nation and influencing more of the neutral territories to side with them. And she was almost excited, in a way, to be at the helm of such a war, where she not only had to ensure that her little sister won... she had to do it while killing as few ponies as possible, and converting as much of their nation into siding with them as she could.
And in spite of her duties, almost every night Celestia spent with Scrivener Blooms and Luna. She wore adornments of golden bands and pretty flaxen chains around her body, gemstones shaped like stars and moons glinting in the larger loops. Sometimes, Luna called her their most beautiful treasure... other times, their most powerful protector... and Celestia wasn't entirely sure which she enjoyed more, as she reveled in the freedom and yet all the same did her best to look after her little sister and admired friend... her Queen and her King.
Twilight Shadow, too, had many jobs, but did them well: managing materials, keeping track of statistics, requests, and information that was almost-constantly coming in from the rest of Equestria, etcetera. She was only glad that she had Ross and Cowlick as well as two more Moon Blessed Luna and Scrivener had created from a unicorn mare that had caught Luna's eye and an earth pony stallion from the far north Scrivener Blooms had felt a deep sympathy for. They were both more than willing to undergo the procedure: the former-model unicorn to gain the glory of becoming a winged unicorn, and the earth pony to ascend to something better than any pony had ever told him he could become.
They were made loyal, and flawless: the mare statuesque, her now-blonde mane retaining its white streaks and almost shimmering, her frame ivory and eyes glowing lavender; the stallion the same bright ivory, his frame stronger and yet still not as tall as the new mare Moon Blessed, but he was handsome and with shining green eyes that were almost as radiant as his silver mane. Luna and Scrivener had both been eager to add to their Moon Blessed, had taken the chance... and were delighted as more volunteers came forwards for the procedure.
Yet they showed some restraint: first they wanted to see how these new additions, named Fleur and Flint, would adapt to life as Moon Blessed, and how loyal they would be. Ross and Cowlick, after all, had been friends in life... but as Twilight quickly found out, Fleur and Flint quickly lost any rebelliousness after the procedure, the ego charring away from the flames of programmed pleasure and servitude in their minds as memories and former desires faded from their minds in the need to serve their new masters.
Twilight knew in the past she would have been a little horrified by the procedure: done almost as a whim, with ponies who perhaps hadn't entirely realized what they were getting into... but now, she was only glad that more Moon Blessed meant more servants to help her out, which meant less time she would be spending going through documents and more time she could spend with Luna and Scrivener herself. And now, with Celestia too, as the fiery-maned equine settled into her role and Twilight found herself not just able to move on from the past, but embrace a future with her as part of their special family. Twilight Shadow encouraged Celestia's transformation almost every day... and never understood truly how much of an effect it had on the ivory mare.
But while Scrivener and Luna were working on evolving and managing their forces, Kvasir was scrambling to do the same in Ponyville: with the help of some 'friends' from Valhalla, he had laid down powerful wards all around the city, ensuring that not Luna nor Scrivener Blooms would be able to attack the city themselves. He had also sent a messenger to the Strange Ones and put the Nibelung Artificers that still lived uneasily in Ponyville to work putting together charms that would prevent possession and ward off dark spirits.
His Ambrosia also proved to be mostly a success: strength, stamina, focus all increased sharply, then faded after a few hours but remained permanently markedly-different from before. Pegasi were faster, unicorn magic was more potent, earth ponies grew a little larger; the latter similar to the effects the Ambrosia had on the zebras Kvasir passed additional tonics out to despite Sleipnir's strenuous protests.
The unicorn, however, delighted in the tactics used by the zebra: those that had survived and stayed behind to try and avenge their fallen kin instead of fleeing Equestria were vicious but skilled warriors, all of them well-versed in putting poisons and potions to use and capable in both ranged and melee combat. It didn't take long for Kvasir to master their language and convince them to begin wearing Equestrian armor instead of their traditional battle-outfits, however, especially not once Kvasir had said he would gladly allow them to make any modifications they liked and would not in the slightest interfere with their traditions. In fact, the unicorn ordered a team of Nibelung laborers to aid the zebra in building a camp that would suit their needs and desires, which had sealed their alliance in stone.
It proved that perhaps Kvasir wasn't entirely an idiot, nor entirely unaware of the fact that not everything danced to his tune... but all the same, most of his generosity came from manipulative, tactical standpoints and ideas. He was a firm believer in the idea of quid pro quo... demonstrated clearly when Sleipnir caught the god arguing with a Nightmare that was acting as a spy in Luna's ranks, the creature one of the few entities of shadow that had never taken a loyalty pledge but had slipped its way all the same into Enstasis. Kvasir was willing to give it anything it wanted, up to and including a few helpless prisoners of war, but the Nightmare had grown terrified of being found out after witnessing Scrivener Blooms and Luna slaughter another spy they had found in their ranks.
Finally, Kvasir had simply killed the Nightmare out of hand with a flick of his horn, a blast of holy light irradiating the creature of shadow and making it squeal before it had simply sparked out of existence. The god had turned around, callously shoved his way past a disgusted Sleipnir, and stormed back towards the encampments and Ponyville, muttering: “This is why you can never trust a demon.”
The god was sly, though: after learning of a nearby dragon aerie, he had gone himself to meet the enormous reptile, surprising it out of attempting to eat him when he had easily begun to speak to it in its own language. The dragon had hesitantly listened to Kvasir's offer of an alliance that would benefit them both: the dragons would be rewarded with gemstones, food, treasure, and anything else they desired that he could offer, and in return they would aid New Equestria in battling a particularly-dangerous foe... a foe that threatened the dragons, too.
It was a cunning tactic: there had been no serious dragon attacks on ponies because the dragons had all heard the rumors over the decade before of a strange creature that looked like harmless, easy prey... and then, whenever a dragon attacked it, it proceeded to mercilessly pummel the enormous predator like they were nothing more than sparring practice. Humiliating, at first to the few dragons who had been unlucky enough to come across Luna's path, but soon enough, to the species as a whole as more dragons had incited Luna's wrath. They didn't care that they were the ones who started the conflict, often by attacking Luna herself, Nibelung, or one of the settlements that had been constructed: they only cared about the fact that a ridiculous prey-creature was smacking them around like children, and then making threats and sending even the proudest of dragons out like whipped messengers to flocks and aeries with warnings to not attack her kind.
Many dragons were eager for revenge... and Kvasir promised the dragons first loot when Enstasis finally fell. And this was especially appetizing: Enstasis, after all, was a black castle that a dragon could turn into a comfortable home for itself, perhaps even for an entire brood. It was enough that the dragon promised to take word to other flocks and aeries... but Kvasir already knew the answer as he left with a smile on his face. Greed was the easiest vice to manipulate, and where envoys and messengers had failed, he knew he had succeeded.
It wasn't long before the dragons were allied with New Equestria, pony translators hurriedly working to master the dragon language as the enormous reptiles were left with the much easier task of learning a few simple words like 'food,' 'friend,' and 'fire.' They were not fond of taking orders from the ponies, and worked in uneasy alliances that often required covering up more than a little collateral damage from angry dragons lashing out here and there, but all the same New Equestria had gained allies powerful enough to give even Luna pause.
War was beginning, but both sides were tensely awaiting the Lunar Gala, when borders would be finalized, pledges made, alliances either solidified or shattered. There was a tenseness in the air as the date of the Gala loomed, and New Equestria made only one weak, doomed-to-failure attack on one of Luna's supply caravans before halting all its hostile activities and fumbling out the excuse it was being done as a 'gesture of good faith.'
On the morning of the Lunar Gala, Scrivener Blooms was snoring peacefully in the Garden, his enormous frame flexing with each breath, the light in his sockets flickering in and out gently as a bit of blue mist steamed up from his nostrils with every breath. Twilight Shadow and Luna were curled up comfortably on the Tyrant Wyrm's back between the slowly-moving pistons of bone, and the flowers and grasses swayed quietly around the strangely-peaceful looking group as Celestia smiled wryly beneath her facemask, her polished golden armor already locked securely over her frame as her fiery mane twisted calmly and gently around her.
Then she flicked her horn briskly, and Scrivener's own horn gave a sharp pulse, electricity sparking along it before his eyes glowed brightly and he snapped awake, Luna yelling and flailing and smacking Twilight several times across the face and body, making her shout and shove wildly back at the the dark-coated winged unicorn as Scrivener's eyes locked stupidly on Celestia, and she announced calmly: “Greater Nightmares have reported that guests are already on their way. We expect some dignitaries to arrive quite early, likely so they can meet with Luna and see Enstasis and its workings for themselves. I have already ensured the halls will be kept clear, and the Moon Blessed are working with Pinkie Pie and Pinkamena to clean and decorate the ballroom.”
Scrivener Blooms only blinked owlishly, and then he yawned slowly even as Luna scrambled irritably up the back of the male's neck, shouting grouchily: “Celestia 'tis... 'tis too early in the damned morning and I am not awake and have not had my coffee and demand coffee before I attend to... this nonsense!”
“Well, little sister, welcome to monarchy.” Although her face was hidden by the mask, her eyes clearly displayed her amusement and smile, and Scrivener Blooms smacked his lips slowly as he wondered moodily how much her armor would interfere if he tried to eat her. The feeling of Celestia's amusement only grew as she picked up on this, however, saying gently: “It's just for today and tomorrow you'll need to make a good impression, Luna. I'll go and get your coffee and let you and Scrivener Blooms wake up.”
“And what about Twilight Shadow?” Luna complained, glaring over her shoulder at where the Lich was curled up again peacefully on Scrivener's back, obviously doing her best to ignore everything around her. Celestia only shrugged, and Luna huffed a bit before she leapt off Scrivener's muzzle, gliding down to the ground and yawning loudly before landing awkwardly on her hooves with a mumble of discontent before she flopped forwards and said moodily: “Wake me up, Scrivener Blooms.”
Scrivener replied to this by leaning down and licking her firmly, and Luna flinched before glaring over her shoulder at him, her starry mane sparking as she snapped: “Thou art no great slobbering beast, however thou might think and act like one!”
Scrivy only rumbled and leaned down to nuzzle her, then firmly press her down into the ground with his large muzzle, and Luna wheezed a little before huffing as the Tyrant Wyrm dropped his head beside her, pawing at his face with her hooves as she flopped on her side and mumbled: “Very well, act like nothing more than a giant animal, thou great lout. But know that tonight we shall both have to be... pretty and nice and act civilized instead of like beasts or... even our usual selves. What do we usually act like, Scrivener?”
“Perverted foals.” Scrivener finally mumbled, and Luna nodded at this before she rolled onto her stomach with a sigh and slapped lightly at a flower, the Tyrant Wyrm's eyes flicking towards her as he continued moodily: “I don't look forwards to entertaining guests all day. The Gala I'm alright with, I can at least appreciate that it'll be an excellent way for us to secure our grip on Equestria...”
“And a fine grip it is, isn't it?” Luna smiled slightly, glancing over at him as her eyes half-lidded, and the male couldn't help but rumble after a moment in agreement with a smile of his own. “I had thought ourselves much worse off, after all. But perhaps ponies are not as bad as I feared... perhaps it was only the betrayal from Ponyville that made me think so low of them.”
Scrivener grunted quietly, and then he glanced up at the feeling of hooves striding along his neck, Twilight Shadow gazing down at them affectionately as she said gently: “Either way, this is the chance for you both to share your side of things with very powerful ponies... a few of which seem to agree that you should be in power here anyway. I'm sure the Barons and Baronesses attending will want to instead say, have you replace what Celestia used to be on the council... and we all know the Celestia issue is going to come up, too.”
“Aye, but there is no more Celestia, as far as the world knows. There is instead Dusk, our silent, ever-watchful bodyguard.” Luna smiled slightly at the name the ponies of Enstasis and Equestria had settled on for the ivory winged unicorn: none of them had caught on yet that it was no creation of Luna and Scrivener's, but Celestia herself, willingly working for them. They instead preferred to believe Celestia had truly sacrificed herself to save Ponyville... and that she was now truly gone, either into seclusion or killed. “Strange, that I have so many supporters in spite of the many rumors and whispers that I also destroyed my own big sister...”
“But she failed Equestria. Or rather, that's what I'm sure some of them think, however unfair it is.” Twilight said quietly, nodding slowly once and gazing affectionately at Luna before she spread her black-edged wings and easily glided off Scrivener's neck to land beside the starry-maned mare, who rolled on her back and smiled almost childishly up at the Lich. “ It's cruel, but it also works to our advantage... Celestia's too, despite the fact I know it will be hard for her to keep quiet tonight.”
Luna nodded slowly, gazing softly in the direction her big sister had left before she smiled warmly up at Twilight. “But there are good things, too. Sleipnir has vowed to come no matter what, even if Applejack and Rainbow Dash rejected our generous invitation. There is some leader from Ponyville who shall also be in attendance Sleipnir has hinted we must meet for some reason or another, and there will be a full third of the Royal Council at this event, perhaps even ready to pledge their support.”
She smiled wider as Twilight reached down and stroked gently along her breast with a hoof, and Scrivener rumbled softly as Luna continued in a warm voice: “Aye. There is much to look forwards to. Tonight, we shall be able to show off all we have done, as well, our most loyal and loved servants, our most beautiful creations. Friends, family, and so much else... I look eagerly forwards to it.”
She smiled again, raising a hoof and gently grasping Twilight as she leaned down, pulling her in a soft kiss for a moment and making the Lich flush with pleasure as Scrivener licked his lips slowly... and then the Tyrant Wyrm snorted in amusement as the two pulled apart and Luna firmly smacked his muzzle, saying easily: “Thou shall get thine own kisses in time, silly beast. But come, come. Thou cannot go to the Gala like that.”
“I wish I could.” Scrivener mumbled, and then he nodded and leaned forwards, horn glowing faintly as the same aura surrounded his body before he shrank steadily down, taking on his hybrid, smaller shape as he grimaced a little and shook his white mane out, saying finally: “Weird how it's harder to size down these days but easier to maintain the form...”
“Not at all, my beloved.” Luna smiled softly, and she rolled her head on her shoulders as she climbed to her hooves. “Thou art simply reluctant to hide thy shape... my handsome monster, my mighty god-king.”
Scrivener walked forwards, then closed his eyes with a smile and a soft growl as she stroked gently along his face, half-lidding her eyes. Then, slowly, his own irises opened... chestnut, backed clearly by a faint blue swirl. Luna's own dark cyan irises locked with his, glowing faintly with their own preternatural light before they both glanced to Twilight Shadow as she said softly: “With your permission, I'll go and run a bath for you both, then lay out your clothes.”
“I don't wish to wear fancy clothes!” Luna complained, and Twilight gave her an amused look before the dark-coated winged unicorn huffed. “Celestia gets to wear her armor. I am Queen of the Kingdom of the Night now, according to those fools of Equestria... I demand to wear my armor too. And to carry my spear so I may poke things.”
Luna accented this by swinging her horn back and forth, making Scrivener wince backwards before he reached up and grabbed Luna by the head when she lightly stabbed her horn towards him, making her grumble before he glanced towards Twilight and added moodily: “If she gets to wear her armor, I get to wear whatever I want too. It probably won't be what you lay out for me.”
“You're not wearing your armor and you're not wearing whatever you think looks cool.” Twilight said firmly, and both Luna and Scrivener grumbled before the Lich smiled and said mildly: “Behave until the nobles are gone and then the concubines and I will give you a day of relaxation, how does that sound?”
“We can already demand that whenever we want! I could order thee right now to lick my hooves and thou would have to do it.” Luna argued, and then she paused and grinned slowly, but then winced at the sour look Twilight shot her. “Oh very well. But it had best be a day of worship, not just relaxation. I expect to be treated like the goddess I am.”
Luna struck a pose, raising her horn in the air, and Twilight Shadow smiled slightly at this, an adoring look filling her eyes as they roved along the almost-black, gleaming coat of the winged unicorn before she murmured: “You should feel that way every day, Luna. Because it's what you are.”
The starry-maned mare blushed a bit at this, looking almost humbled for a moment before Scrivener smiled and reached up to stroke a claw gently through her starry locks, saying gently: “Well, perhaps 'goddess' is too feminine a word for you...”
“Oh shut up.” Luna swung her horn at him lightly, and Scrivener only laughed as he swung his own down, parrying hers with a hail of sparks, and the stars in Luna's mane pulsed with light as her eyes glowed and she grinned widely, pressing forwards with a sudden swing of almost-vicious strikes, but Scrivener only grinned in return, easily meeting her horn with his each and every time, every clash sending out a short flash of light and electricity.
Then their horns firmly struck one final time, releasing a burst of sound that made Twilight Shadow smile slightly and tilt her head as a shiver of pleasure sparked through her body, feeling the warmth, the love, the affection as Scrivener and Luna staggered backwards with loud laughter before they gazed brightly into one-another's eyes. They were like foals sometimes, their inexhaustible love keeping them young and happy and free... and Twilight felt so lucky to be a part of that, as their eyes roved towards her before Luna grinned and swung her horn forwards, calling easily: “Come, come, we should spar! Thou hast been ignoring the physical side of thy combat training... play with me a little, Twilight Shadow, thou could use the exercise instead of working on thy filthy magic!”
“Luna, you use magic more abusively than I do.” Twilight pointed out, and then she winced when Luna huffed and leapt forwards, barely avoiding a swing of the starry-maned winged unicorn's horn. “And I really don't have time to fix my stitches or my body today!”
“Well, I'm glad to see you on your hooves at least, little sister.” Celestia's voice called mildly, and Luna glanced up, distracted away from Twilight, who sighed in relief as the armored ivory equine approached. Her amethyst eyes were gentle, her horn glowing faintly and carrying a large tray loaded with several mugs of coffee and a stack of biscuits. “But Twilight is right. We have a lot to accomplish today.”
Luna grumbled but nodded, then she glanced moodily at Twilight as the black pearl glinted in her melded collar, saying dryly: “Very well then. Twilight, thou may attend to the business thou spoke of before. I shall trust thy mare's judgment in choosing what to wear for me. I suppose a mare's judgment will also do very well for Scrivener Blooms.”
Scrivy snorted blue smoke through his nostrils at Luna, but she only tilted her head upwards with a huff of her own. Twilight gave them both an amused look, then she traded a smile and nod with Celestia as she turned to head out of the garden, the ivory equine laying the tray down as Scrivener Blooms and Luna both dropped gladly to the grasses and picked their mugs up, and the fiery-maned mare looked softly down at them before reaching up to push her mask back, asking gently: “How much do you both remember about etiquette when dealing with the royal courts?”
“Oh, but tonight, Celestia, they are guests in my kingdom. In my Castle, this is not dubiously-owned Canterlot.” Luna replied easily, grinning slightly as she looked up with a pleased gleam in her eye. “This is my Enstasis, and they shall have to kowtow to my rules and regulations for a pleasant change of pace.”
“Sister...” Celestia looked tiredly down at Luna, as Scrivener Blooms simply shrugged awkwardly. “You do understand that's not how things work, correct? These are visiting dignitaries. You need to make a good impression because you need to convince them you are not their enemy... to bring them over to our side in this war.”
“I know, I know.” Luna grumbled after a moment, shaking her head briefly before she looked meditatively upwards. “But I am not going to follow all the nonsense of old Canterlot's rules all the same. I shall show them a relaxed, friendly, persuasive, and very pretty Queen of the Night. Is that what thou wishes to hear?”
Celestia smiled a little at this, saying quietly: “That reminds me oddly of the old me, you know. The Princess of the Sun who acted like the friend of every pony in Equestria.”
“Oh how I hate thee.” Luna grumbled, and Celestia laughed as Scrivener smiled slightly before the dark-coated winged unicorn sipped slowly at her coffee, then looked up and said finally: “I shall... strive to make a good impression, this I promise. I will show them the gifts of the night, and offer them what I can, be they friend or enemy. I will manipulate them, aye, and emulate all the grace and guile that thou possesses, my big sister, but... more than that, I shall simply show them what I have to offer. Who I and Scrivener Blooms are. And whether they adore, respect, or fear me... I know that by tomorrow, many ponies will have sided with us.”
Scrivener Blooms glanced up, nodding slowly as Celestia looked apprehensively from one to the other before she sighed a bit, saying finally: “Alright. Perhaps it's just anxiety and paranoia playing off one-another... that, and I'm not very eager to listen to all the gossip and rumors I'm sure I'll be forced to hear concerning all of us.”
Luna smiled wryly at this, looking amusedly up at her older sibling and replying in an entertained voice: “How funny, Celestia. That is one of the few things about this little upcoming exercise I actually look forwards to myself.”
The fiery-maned equine only smiled in response, shaking her head slowly as she said softly: “Eternally the troublemaker, aren't you, little sister?”
“Well, somepony around here has to be. And who doesn't love a proper trickster?” Luna winked, flicking her ephemeral mane before her eyes roved towards Scrivener, asking easily: “And what about thee, my handsome Scrivy, what part of tonight does thou look most forwards to?”
“Probably the fact that I get to show up to the Gala with three beautiful mares and even Sleipnir only gets to be plus-one.” Scrivener replied mildly, and Celestia and Luna both looked at him with entertainment before the male cleared his throat, looking awkward. “What can I say? I feel a strange need to compete with your very annoying, very charismatic brother.”
“You really shouldn't, Scrivener Blooms. Our brother is our brother, after all... you're the one who we belong to.” Celestia said kindly, and Scrivener blushed slightly as he grinned awkwardly up at her, which made the ivory equine smile slightly. “It's so easy to make you blush.”
“And it's so weird to have you joking around and showing a bit of mischief. I think Luna's rubbed off on you way too much.” Scrivener replied mildly, but he was still looking up at her with entertainment as he sipped at his coffee, before laughing when she reached up and brushed his mane gently back out of his eyes. “Hey now. You're going to make Luna jealous.”
“As is only fair, with how often I'm jealous of her.” Celestia said softly, their eyes meeting before their horns reverberated in synchronicity with one-another's, and Celestia smiled quietly, closing her eyes as she felt Scrivener's mental embrace surround her, murmuring: “I wonder what it would have been like in the past, if I had known then what I know now...”
She shook her head slowly, and Scrivener laughed quietly as Luna gazed adoringly between the two, nodding approvingly. Every day, Scrivener and Celestia grew closer... and although she knew that in the back of Scrivy's mind, the male feared that some worse-than-animal, manipulative part of him was picking through pony-after-pony like they were pretty possessions he was trying to make all his own, Luna and Twilight both encouraged it... encouraged both of them. And for some reason, it gave Luna a thrill to see Celestia's link tightening with Scrivener: maybe because it gave her a sense of control over her big sister, or maybe because some nasty part of her relished the fact that no matter what Celestia did, no matter what she shared with Scrivener or how close they became, it would never, ever be as close as Luna was to her husband, and vice-versa.
Or maybe it was just that she enjoyed honestly seeing him happy, and liked to see her sister being free to explore this part of herself... and knew that both of these ponies could trust one-another with their secrets and with their strangeness. It didn't matter what the reason was at the end of the day, though: all that really mattered was that it brought her pleasure, and that it brought her husband pleasure.
Then Scrivener reached up and stroked under Celestia's muzzle gently, saying softly: “But who knows what would have happened then? I was just a little lousy poet back then, too... not a Tyrant Wyrm, with your horn on my body, tied to Luna and Twilight and so much else in this world, possessing all the power that... I have now.”
Scrivener licked his lips slowly, his eyes giving a faint glow, and Celestia smiled slightly before she asked gently: “Would you like to feed, Scrivener Blooms? You should probably do it before the Gala guests begin to arrive, after all...”
Scrivy hesitated, however, glancing up at the ivory equine and saying softly: “Thank you, Celestia, it's very generous of you... but I've fed off you a few times recently, and heavily. And as we've found out, when I feed off things too often, too deep... it starts to have effects on that pony's mind.”
“Yes, but that's why you immunized me with a bit more of your blood, giving us that link... helping our horns to work in tandem, too, which was a nice bonus.” Celestia pointed out, her amethyst eyes gentle as she bowed her head politely forwards. “I'm here to serve you, Scrivener... you and my little sister both, don't forget that. To take care of you. And I would much prefer you fed off me or another willing candidate today than one of the prisoners in the dungeon. Not because of any personal likes or dislikes on my part about using them as food, but... because when you feed so much, so deeply off a prisoner, their thoughts seem to echo in your mind for longer, you become a little more...”
“Animal?” Scrivener supplied after a moment, and Celestia nodded before the male glanced towards Luna questioningly, but she only shrugged after a moment with a small smile. Memories and images kissed through his mind without their eyes even having to meet, and Scrivener finally sighed a little and nodded, turning his eyes back towards Celestia before he smiled slightly and reached a claw up to stroke her face gently, saying quietly: “Very well. But I think you're being a little greedy too. I mean, if I didn't know better, I might think you actually enjoy it when I feed off you.”
“Is there any shame in admitting that I like feeling our minds linking together? I don't think so.” Celestia replied softly, meeting the male's eyes and smiling slightly, and Scrivener rumbled and nodded as their irises locked, their horns both giving a faint glow before Celestia murmured softly, as she always did these days before he fed off her: “Thank you for trusting me, Scrivener Blooms.”
The poet's eyes flashed, and a moment later, Celestia was free-falling through darkness, smiling warmly, her fiery mane and tail blazing around her. There was no fear, no pain, nothing except a sense of freedom, a sense of pleasure, a sense of safety... a sensation that only increased as she felt herself landing gently on her back on the scaled chest of an enormous beast, felt its strong forelegs wrap around her, protecting her, comforting her as Scrivener's voice whispered through her mind: “Forever ours. Forever free. Forever burning in the eternal night...”
“Yes...” Celestia whispered, smiling softly as she rested back, darkness all around her, cloaking her, comforting her, embracing her, making her light shine all the brighter. She felt him slipping through her mind, an open book to the Tyrant Wyrm now, all her memories and emotions open to him, letting him sample each and every one he liked before she sighed softly, shuddering almost in regret as the darkness around her faded, and a moment later, she found herself standing once more on her hooves, staring down into Scrivener's eyes as she breathed slowly and weakly.
Scrivener leaned forwards and kissed her for a gentle moment, and she returned it with a faint smile, her eyes fluttering before the Tyrant Wyrm drew back and gazed at her with soft affection, saying quietly: “Thank you, Celestia. I stayed to the positive emotions, and the nicer memories... I figured I would try and play off that echo effect, as you call it, and help keep myself... a little more pleasant.”
Celestia only nodded slowly, gazing at him almost raptly, and Scrivener smiled slightly before he drew back and let his claws slide away from her as Luna drank the last of her coffee with a smile, saying kindly: “Our thanks to thee, beloved big sister. We all enjoy the fact that thou art so... loyal. Dependable. It makes thou so much more precious and treasured to us.”
The ivory mare smiled at this, still looking a little dazed as she nodded slowly, breathing quietly before Luna stood up and leaned forwards, hugging her tightly around the neck for a moment and saying lovingly: “We shall do something special for thee tonight, Celestia. Aye, thou well deserves a gift of sorts, and Scrivy and I shall endeavor to come up with something suiting for thee, our beloved First Concubine, our protector, the master of our forces.”
The fiery-maned mare laughed at this as she finally shook herself out of her dreamy reverie, bowing her head and saying quietly: “You already do too much as it is, sister, brother. Here, I'll clean up and then...”
“Nay, thou shall have thy coffee, eat a few biscuits perhaps, and rest here.” Luna said firmly as she and Scrivener started across the Garden, and Celestia smiled warmly after them as the starry-maned winged unicorn called easily: “'Twill not be any fun if thou art too tired or ill to be present at the Lunar Gala, Celestia: then it will make all the nasty stories about thee far less-entertaining to listen to without thee standing right there in front of all those politicians and diplomats!”
The younger sister laughed as she walked with her husband towards the doors leading out of the Garden, tossing a glance over her shoulder to see Celestia smiling after them, giving a slow nod as she rested by the tray... and then Luna turned her attention back forwards, gazing radiantly towards Scrivener Blooms as they began down the corridor and she said softly: “Everything in the world I have ever desired is becoming mine, beloved. Everything I have ever dreamed about, be they in the darkest of imaginings or the brightest of daydreams... soon, Equestria will be ours. Celestia bows to us, Twilight belongs to us, we have our Moon Blessed, our Greater Nightmares, our loyal harem... and I am a goddess, and thou art a god. Everything will soon become mine... yours... ours.”
Scrivener smiled slightly as he glanced over at Luna, tilting his head forwards as he said softly: “Funny, Luna. And here I thought we were trying to show a little bit of restraint, particularly tonight... it sounds like instead we're just going to be encouraging our desires all the more. And the thoughts running through your head...”
“Well, does thou really disagree it would hurt to give a pony or two a helping hoof in understanding that we are here for their benefit, not simply their torment?” Luna asked with a wink, and the poet snorted in entertainment before she licked her lips slowly. “And what can I say? Thy beautiful mare's eyes... just a look from them can be very persuasive these days.”
“I suppose they really are my greatest asset right now.” Scrivener remarked, glancing towards Luna as his eyes gave a brief sapphire flash, and the winged unicorn laughed and nodded before the male rolled his head on his shoulders musingly, adding thoughtfully: “And well, I don't suppose I see the harm as long as it's not too obvious I'm taking little snacks here and there. But we do need to be good hosts, Luna: let's try and make a good impression through means other than mind control at first, alright?”
“Oh, very well, if thou insists.” Luna rolled her eyes and nodded grudgingly, then she smiled slightly despite herself, saying wryly: “I think that Celestia has rubbed off too much on thee, however. Although it is endlessly amusing that if anything, it makes thou seem more masculine and commanding. Not that Celestia is any symbol of effeminacy to begin with... and certainly not now that she spends all her time parading proudly around in her heavy armor with a head and flank of burning flames.”
“I would make some pun about her being hot in her armor, but I would much rather prefer to point out that when she is out of her armor these days, draped in gold and decoration, well... then she's really hot.” Scrivener said mildly, and Luna rolled her eyes and checked him lightly, making him snort in amusement as he half-staggered before gazing at her with entertainment. “Well, it's true. And on a few different levels, which is why it's funny.”
“Do not explain the joke, Scrivener Blooms, it only makes me want to hurt thee more.” Luna replied dryly, and the poet cleared his throat at this as he glanced awkwardly away before the winged unicorn leaned over and kissed the side of his neck, adding meditatively: “Besides, 'tis less funny because thou art so much harder to make jealous these days. Whom am I to compare thee too, Flint? Ross? Atrus?”
Scrivener only smiled at this, however, saying softly: “You shouldn't feel threatened by Celestia, beloved. You're far more beautiful than her in my eyes... and far stronger, too.”
“My thanks to thee, beloved Scrivener Blooms.” Luna said softly, gazing at him warmly after a moment before she slipped closer and buried her face against the side of his neck as her mane swirled to the side and stroked along his strong frame, and the poet smiled softly as they continued through Enstasis together.
They met Twilight outside the large bathing room, the Lich glancing up warmly at the two as they approached. “There you are. I just finished filling the tub... your things are laid out in your quarters, and I'm going to go ahead and get Scarlet Sage ready. Or do you want me to have her stay in the tower today?”
“No, no, I am very proud of my daughter.” Luna said firmly, nodding once before Scrivener gave her a thoughtful look, and the dark-coated winged unicorn glanced back at him before she nodded slowly and said quietly: “But my husband makes a good point. We shall let Scarlet Sage choose for herself. If she desires to be present, then so be it. If she desires instead to stay in the tower until the Gala, that is fine as well. Let her know it is her choice.”
Twilight Shadow smiled and nodded, bowing her head politely before she glanced up and said softly: “You're good parents. Both of you.”
Luna smiled back at this softly, and Scrivener Blooms gazed warmly across at the violet mare before saying quietly: “We're just doing the best we can, Twilight. In pretty much everything else these days, Luna and I may be... confident... about being the best of the best. But when it comes to parenting, we... both try to keep in mind both what's best for our daughter. And that she has her own wants and needs and desires, even if she does seem to try and... push them aside for us.”
Scrivener lowered his head thoughtfully, but he remained quiet, and Twilight only nodded before glancing into the bathing room and saying softly: “I'll let you wash up. Call if you need anything, as always.”
“Of course, Twilight Shadow. Just remember, thou art always needed and desired.” Luna said gently, and Twilight smiled warmly before she bowed her head respectfully, then turned and headed away. Luna and Scrivener both watched as she walked down the corridor, and then the winged unicorn grinned roguishly and playfully nudged Scrivy, saying mildly: “I like the way she walks. Her flank flicks so nicely with that confident strut she has adopted.”
“Twilight doesn't strut, Luna. You strut. You're another word that rhymes with that, too.” Scrivener said mildly, and Luna huffed as the male walked past and into the bathing room before the winged unicorn charged at him and tackled him into the pool-sized tub, sending up a massive splash of water, foam and bubbles.
Scrivener surfaced with a splutter, blinking rapidly and flailing at the water, and Luna shoved her head out of the water and laughed a moment later, grinning brightly across at him as she said cheerfully: “Thou art so adorable, Scrivener Blooms, and so messy!”
“Oh yes, this is obviously all my fault.” Scrivener splashed at her with a grumble, and then he rolled his eyes when she splashed back at him before the male mumbled: “We're really going to make a great impression on those visiting dignitaries at this rate.”
“When I rule Equestria, Scrivener, they shan't be called dignitaries and they shan't all act like their horns are firmly placed into one another's rear-ends.” Luna declared, leaning back through the water with a wink. “Our ambassadors shall be young and spry instead of old and pompous, our justice system swift and sharp, our politicians punished the moment they overstep their authority, our foals shall be kept safe above all else and our soldiers made strong with the old ways, the old concepts of honor and integrity. Aye, Scrivener... we shall rule a beautiful Equestria, and that is but what I plan to do with the ponies.”
She closed her eyes and sighed in relaxation, slowly sinking into the water until only the top half of her head was visible, her mane shimmering as it settled through the liquid around her, and Scrivy gazed at her with adoration and love as he nodded in slow agreement. Above all else, after all, he trusted her; to know what was best, to lead with her sharp instincts, to make sure that things worked out as well as possible for everypony involved, even if at the end of the day he was also aware that Luna cared most for those around her, and those who would cherish her gifts of darkness.
They didn't spend too long in the water: they splashed each other a little more, then properly washed one-another off before climbing out of the tub. With only a thought and a faint pulse from her horn, a Greater Nightmare was summoned to first help dry them both off, then clean up the bathing room while Scrivener and Luna headed to their quarters to find the clothing Twilight had laid out for them and sulk over her choices.
Luna put hers on first, looking disgruntled as she glared down at the sparkling black dress. Scrivener managed to keep a straight face for all of five seconds before he burst into laughter at the sight, and the winged unicorn had shouted a volley of profanities at him before ripping the dress off and storming across their expansive bedroom to their walk-in closet as Scrivener grinned after her and went about putting on his own clothes.
He was surprised to find that Twilight hadn't gone with the worst possible outfit for him: instead, it was a simple dark suit jacket over a pressed silk shirt and black-platinum cufflinks. The outfit was completed by a black cape with a simple silver chain left slack over his breast, and last but not least, an elegant platinum collar that hid the scarring around his neck and was inset with black and white gemstones carefully carved into the symbol of Luna's crescent moon.
As he adjusted this last around his neck, he turned to glance up as Luna strode out of the closet, and then simply stared at her as Luna looked back for a moment before grinning widely, saying mildly: “There. There is the reaction I wanted. See, I can be perfectly beautiful at times. I just cannot do it in a tawdry dress.”
Luna had dressed herself in a tight black leather corset that was laced tightly up along her front and bordered along the breast with black flowers: her forelegs were covered by polished leather leggings that went from hoof to upper limb, secured by a series of dark belts. Smaller leggings done in the same style covered the lower portion of her rear limbs, leaving her stronger upper leg and haunch bare as Scrivener only gaped before Luna half-lidded her eyes and leaned forwards: “Thou likes, no?”
“Luna! Y-You can't wear that! That's... you... that...” Scrivener grabbed at his mane, looking horrified as Luna simply smiled cheerfully before she walked over to the table beside their enormous, comfortable circular bed, flicking her horn to lift a pair of glasses off them as Scrivener continued to splutter. “Y-You... that...”
“Oh, what's the point of having these outfits put together if one cannot show them off?” Luna asked reasonably, and Scrivener stared at her disbelievingly even as she reached up and gently brushed his still-damp white mane back before slipping the glasses on and gazing at him adoringly. “Thou art very handsome. And I am very beautiful. We make a gorgeous couple.”
“Except you're planning on wearing lingerie to a Gala!” Scrivener said flatly, and Luna nodded seriously after a moment before the male groaned and dropped his head forwards, mumbling: “This is why I always regret when we do something 'fun,' Luna you have to go and pervert it into something public and far less amusing. You're an exhibitionist, you know that, right?”
“Aye, I do.” Luna winked and leaned forwards, grinning widely as her mane and tail swirled behind her before settling slightly around her. “Stop being so stuffy, Scrivener Blooms! I look perfectly elegant and stylish. It could be far worse, after all, we have far-nastier things in our closet than this.”
Scrivener slowly made a face at her, and Luna's horn glowed, neatening the male's clothes as she continued soothingly: “Besides, we must make the proper impression, correct? I am no pony of the elegant era like dauntless Celestia, and all present know this. I believe there is wisdom in making ourselves look all the more exotic and daring to these ponies... they wish to see things of the hidden night, well, let us give them exactly what they desire.”
She reached up, grasping his collar gently and pulling him in closer, and Scrivener smiled despite himself as their lips met and they kissed for a slow moment before Luna pulled back with half-lidded eyes. “And besides. What matters most is that I am pleasant to thy gaze... and oh, I see that I am most pleasant in thine eyes indeed in this cute little outfit...”
“Luna, stop it now. We need to be a good colt and filly for the moment, we have guests arriving soon.” Scrivener said gently, and Luna grumbled, nodding once before she smiled when he reached up and stroked through her mane, murmuring: “I like it when other ponies look at you. I like it more when they realize that you are mine, and even if we were to... share... a little with them, all the same you will never be theirs, you will always belong to me... I like it when they get jealous.”
“Good. I do too.” Luna grinned at him, half-lidding her eyes before she strode past and rose her head, saying easily: “Come though. Let us go and make Twilight Shadow herniate. We shall send thee in first so she makes the mistake of thinking we actually listened to her for once and then I shall strut proudly in. 'Twill be funny to see how many of her stitches pop.”
“You're evil.” Scrivener remarked mildly, and Luna nodded with a wink, the male laughing and shaking his head before he followed the winged unicorn out.
It didn't go exactly to plan, as they ran into Twilight with Scarlet Sage in a hallway... but all the same, the violet mare first smiled at them when she looked up and saw them, then gaped and staggered before falling flat on her face. Luna grinned immediately as she bounced forwards and then posed, her mane and tail both pulsing with bright light for a moment, and then Twilight had glared at her and scrambled to her hooves, shouting in a horrified voice: “You can't wear that! Scarlet Sage, don't... don't look!”
“Why not?” Scarlet asked curiously, studying her mother with a warm smile as Twilight threw her head back and ground her teeth together loudly. “You look very pretty, Mom.”
“Don't... don't encourage your mother, dear. She's already bad enough as it is.” the violet mare mumbled to the filly and Scarlet Sage blushed even as Luna smiled radiantly down at the filly, who was dressed in a much-simpler blue-and-white dress, a ribbon decorated with a red rose tying her mane back in a loose ponytail.
“And thou looks very pretty as well, daughter.” Luna paused, glancing meditatively up at Twilight, who was dressed only in her brown cloak. “Thou, however, does not.”
Twilight's eye twitched, and then there was a loud pop before she gave Luna a sulky look as the dark-coated winged unicorn grinned widely, the Lich asking flatly: “There, happy? Now I have to repair my side as well as try to look nice somehow...”
Luna only smiled softly, however, leaning forwards to kiss Twilight's cheek gently and making her settle a little even as she glanced sulkily away before the starry-maned mare said kindly: “Thou art already pretty enough, Twilight Shadow, and 'tis the loss for other ponies if they cannot see it. Do not go to great lengths, my beloved, be proud of who thou art, as I am. My husband and I shall gladly take Scarlet Sage.”
“Alright, Luna.” Twilight settled a bit, then she smiled a little as she hesitantly looked up, saying quietly: “You do look... very pretty.”
“Thou hast my thanks, Twilight, I am glad thou realizes this.” Luna winked, then she calmly glanced down at Scarlet Sage as the filly looked adoringly up at her mother. “Daughter darling, I wish for thee to know now that if at any time thou wishes to leave and head back to thy safe haven or any other part of the castle, only let me know. As thou hast likely seen, we have asked our soldiers to remain in the barracks and garrison and many of our other servants are in the growing village around our beautiful home. But as always, Atrus shall be by thy side, and there are always the Greater Nightmares and the Moon Blessed and others here to aid thee if we are not around. Thy welfare is most important to me.”
The filly nodded shyly, and then Scrivener smiled, stepping forwards and reaching down to gently grasp the girl's shoulder as he added softly: “Not that we don't want you there. But it may be tedious and boring and I'm sure Luna's going to misbehave now and then. So we both understand if you want to leave because things are going slow or you're starting to feel embarrassed from your mother's antics.”
Luna huffed and headbutted Scrivener lightly, and Twilight rolled her eyes before Scarlet Sage looked up and asked hesitantly: “No, it's okay but... is... is Sleipnir going to be here? I... I haven't heard anything from Apple Bloom for a while...”
The winged unicorn softened at this, saying softly: “Aye, and we shall ensure thou gets to spend time with my beloved brother. Just as I am sure he will be glad to take any messages thou may have back with him for thy special friend.”
Scarlet Sage smiled at this, blushing a little still and nodding awkwardly before Luna reached up and gently stroked her face, smiling warmly. “I am a very proud mother, Scarlet. Very proud of thee, to say the least: thou art growing up so fast, so well, and such romance gladdens my heart to see. I only hope that it proves as strong and ardent as my own love with Scrivener Blooms.”
The filly gazed warmly up at them, and Twilight Shadow quietly excused herself with a compassionate look at the trio before Scrivener, Luna, and Scarlet Sage started down the corridor themselves, Luna saying thoughtfully: “I have been thinking, daughter, and have decided that it is also time for us to intensify thy training. Thou can fly well, after all, and thou has gained a strong grasp of thy powers as a Blood Seer. Thou art strong, especially for a filly so young, but thou needs to better learn to put that strength to use.”
The Pegasus glanced awkwardly up at this, blushing a little as she said quietly: “I know, Mom, and I do my best with training... well... I sort of do...”
“Either thou does or thou does not, my darling, 'tis no middle ground when it comes to giving thy best or not.” Luna was smiling, however, her tone gentle as the child nodded shyly before the winged unicorn continued softly: “I know thou does not enjoy the thought of bringing pain to another living being... but perhaps thou should not be thinking of this training in that sense. It is not simply to hurt others we have been training thee, beloved... it is also so that thou may defend thyself, and when thou art strong enough, defend others as well.”
Scarlet Sage nodded silently at this, and Scrivener Blooms added softly: “Violence is not the best solution, no, and it's not always a good solution... but if a rampaging dragon is coming at you, you're not going to be able to reason with it. Sometimes you have to fight, for one reason or another: sometimes there's no running away or situations where to run away would be worse... think about it, Scarlet Sage. If one of your friends was hurt and you had a choice between running away and stepping in to fight off whatever did it, what do you do?”
“Fight.” Scarlet Sage glanced up with a blush, even though there was no hesitation in her voice as she said quietly: “That's what you and Mom taught me. To stand up for ponies who need help, especially friends and family. To not let other ponies push people around, especially when those victims aren't as strong as me and can't protect themselves. That's why you and Mom are doing what you're doing now... why we have to fight this war. Because New Equestria will hurt us, otherwise... because New Equestria could hurt many other people, too. Ponies and night-people both.”
Scrivener smiled softly and nodded as Luna gazed warmly down at her daughter, saying firmly: “Exactly, my daughter. I am proud of thee, and that thou art learning well what we teach thee...” Luna leaned down, nuzzling the Pegasus filly gently, making her blush and smile before her eyes flicked towards Scrivener Blooms as she said softly: “Our daughter has a glorious future ahead of her...”
The male met Luna's eyes, images and emotions trading and twisting between them, and he nodded slowly, feeling warmth strengthening through his body as he rose his head and grinned slightly. Scarlet Sage only smiled as she walked between them, but from the way her eyes roved back and forth, she wasn't completely oblivious to the thoughts of her parents as they strode calmly onwards down the corridor.
Slowly, her crimson eyes began to rise, a question to form in her mouth... but before she could ask, the trio gazed upwards as Celestia stepped up to the top of the stairs ahead, took one look at them from behind her golden mask, and then simply sighed and said tiredly: “Several delegates from the far northern territories have arrived, little sister, and I have to ask you to do two things: one, not flaunt what you've apparently decided to wear too much, and two: be kind to them despite the fact they are... unicorns.”
This made Scrivener frown slightly before he asked slowly: “Why exactly would superiority-preaching unicorns show up here? I'm sure we all recall what North Neigh was like, after all... and considering their traditions and beliefs...”
“Consider it from another angle, Scrivener Blooms; they believe in racial superiority and make little effort to hide their disdain for others, but they also are cowards.” Celestia said gently, leaning towards him with a slight smile. “Furthermore, they have seen two things: the power that my little sister and you both possessed... and the terrible, awful strength of a Tyrant Wyrm. Now, those things are combined together in you, not to mention the symbolism of you gaining a unicorn's horn... if I may be so immodest, a particularly-powerful winged unicorn's horn.”
Scrivener smiled a little at this, and Luna grinned slightly as she rose her head, licking her lips slowly before she glanced down at Scarlet Sage and winked. “I believe it is time for a little harmless mischief, Scarlet Sage. There is nothing wrong with humbling a pony or two from time-to-time, after all. Come, let us greet these unicorns. Let us see how they treat us. Let us see if they can earn their way into our favor despite the long list of atrocities they have committed against us in the past.”
Scarlet Sage smiled trustingly, and Celestia's eyes darkened for a moment behind her mask... but when Luna looked up, she thought she saw for a moment not the new Luna, but a flash of her old little sister as she gave a wide grin that was playful instead of vicious despite the eagerness in her eyes. “Come, Scrivener. Just the sight of us might be enough to make them wet themselves! What a delight, it's like having foals begging to be scared walking right into my castle!”
And with that, Luna hurried forwards past Celestia, and the ivory equine sighed as Scrivener shrugged and followed, Scarlet Sage giggling a little as the fiery-maned mare murmured: “Sometimes, Luna, I honestly don't know what to think anymore.”