Chapter Thirty Six: The Lunar Gala
~BlackRoseRaven
Dignitaries arrived over the course of the day from all over Equestria, many of them bearing gifts for Luna and Scrivener that ranged from nice but useless trinkets done only for the sake of politeness, to beautiful and worthwhile tributes that obvious thought and time had gone into. The best and most surprising came from a Baroness, the Pegasus bowing humbly when Scrivener Blooms and Luna had gone to meet her before one of her servants had presented it: a pseudodragon egg inside a stasis cage to prevent it from hatching early.
Scrivener had been shocked and Luna dumbfounded, but the Pegasus had only smiled and kept her head respectfully low before Twilight Shadow had awkwardly taken the Baroness to where she would be staying for the night. Scrivy, meanwhile, took the moment to hurry off with a now seething-with-jealousy Luna and an enthralled Scarlet Sage before he had undone the stasis cage and watched with awe as the egg had cracked, and the pseudodragon baby had emerged with quiet whimpers.
It was a little different from the ones in old Equestria, like Sammy, but its eyes had settled on him, and Scrivener had smiled warmly as he'd helped it out of the egg and murmured to it, Scarlet Sage looking amazed and Luna mumbling that she could have found one too, if she'd had the time. Luna had gone off sulkily to meet other arriving officials and answer the questions of any that were wandering around Castle Enstasis while Scrivener and Scarlet Sage helped their new pet adjust and set up food, water, and other comforts for it in the master bedroom, the poet ordering a Greater Nightmare to stay with it and keep it comfortable when he finally had to leave.
Luna buried her face against his neck and refused to part from him as they'd walked around Enstasis, Scarlet Sage blushing as she ran along at their side. Celestia was helping to silently tend to the guests with Twilight Shadow, as were Greater Nightmares and Moon Blessed: Scrivener and Luna only really needed to greet guests at the door when they could, and otherwise were a little less social than Twilight or Celestia wanted them to be until evening finally came, and the ballroom where the Gala itself was being held was opened, as the last of the dignitaries and nobles began to show up at the gates.
The ballroom was enormous, far larger than even the Garden, the walls decorated with tapestries and streamers. Ice sculptures of Luna, Scrivener, and famous landmarks around Equestria stood along the walls, and enormous banquet tables had been set up, with all manner of food: from classy entrees to enormous cakes to decorative bowls filled with candy and sweets. Even the curved ceiling had been decorated, painted with images of the night sky that stood out starkly amongst the white marble of the immense room.
At the far corner of the room, a band was calmly playing on a slightly-raised stage, and many of the ponies were staring at this with fascination: it was no normal band, after all, but instead composed of calm Nibelung in dark suits and a beautiful, slender demon that could have passed for a pony except for her seaweed mane, sharp teeth, and glowing eyes, green coat shimmering as if wet as she sang in a low, sweet voice that sent chills of longing through those who spent too long staring at her.
Pinkie Pie was happily bouncing around in a red vest, checking on things here and there, running in and out to get to the banquet room across the hall where more food and drinks were being brought to and stored, and half-managing the others. Moon Blessed strode calmly through the crowd, aiding with keeping things in order and talking every now and then with guests, proudly displaying themselves even though Ross shyly stayed by Cowlick the entire time. And Pinkamena was half-helping too, dressed in her own red vest, a cigarette sticking out of her mouth as the demon leaned grouchily back against a pillar by the food table, but leaving her post to do whatever Pinkie Pie asked her to with only a grumble of irritation each time.
Fluttershy smiled as she and Nirvana walked side-by-side, visibly pregnant even in the flowing green dress that spilled around her body. When she could, she lingered close to Twilight Shadow or others that she was familiar with, but held awkward, quiet conversation every now and then with ponies who approached her, whether they were curious nobles or smiling politicians, unashamed of herself or the Phooka that stood close beside her.
At the far side of the room, there was a large bar being tended to by a calm demon, which at first had made ponies wary to approach, but soon the lure of the free bar won out over fear and it became crowded, the blue-tinged, serpentine demon slithering easily back and forth behind the bar on its coiling body-tail, preparing drinks rapidly as its dark eyes roved curiously along the pony officials and it held simple, relaxing conversation with anyone who sat down at the bar.
Scrivener and Luna were the focus of much of the attention, both of them striving to make easy conversation with the officials that approached. Both sides were eager to make a good impression on the other: enough that Luna's outfit went mostly-ignored, to her irritation and Scrivener's relief, as Scarlet Sage mostly stayed shyly, quietly back and looked nervously around at the milling ponies. There had to be hundreds here, from all across Equestria, talking to one-another as well as the citizens and nobles of Enstasis and those who had already allied themselves in one way or another with Luna's cause.
Then Luna, Scrivener and Scarlet Sage all looked up at a booming laugh as Sleipnir shoved his way through the crowd towards them in his polished breastplate, nobles hurriedly parting as a blushing Cheerilee in a simple light-green dress awkwardly hurried out of the way. “Little sister! How good it is to see thee here, and not killing everypony!”
“Yes, Sleipnir, that would not be a good way to make friends though, would it?” Luna asked mildly, turning towards him before he almost crashed into her as they embraced fiercely, gazing warmly into one another's eyes... before Sleipnir winked and tilted his head to the side as a nervous filly awkwardly peered over his shoulder, Luna's breath catching in her throat and Scarlet Sage looking up as bright joy spread over her features. “Brother, y-you-”
“Well, as thou knows, I cannot be satisfied with but one date, but Miss Cheerilee was very strict about whom the other lucky lady should be.” Sleipnir winked playfully at the lavender pony, who blushed awkwardly as she leaned away from him before Sleipnir bucked easily forwards and tossed Apple Bloom over his head, the filly letting out a half-squeak, half-giggle as her dress fanned out around her before he caught her easily in her front hooves. He set her quickly down with a warm smile, and Scarlet Sage rushed forwards, the two fillies hugging tightly and pressing together as Sleipnir looked benevolently up and said kindly: “Applejack refused to come herself, but through coaxing, persuasion, and of course blackmail, I was able to work out this deal with her and Big Mac.”
“Excellent.” Luna smiled warmly, then she gazed at Cheerilee with a grin and a wink, saying kindly: “Thou art a fortunate mare indeed... but in a way, perhaps thy great luck is also a bit of a curse as well. For as thou may shortly see, there is another mare here who has a peculiar fondness for my brother.”
Sleipnir grinned at this as Cheerilee frowned and looked back and forth, and then she winced at the sight of Pinkamena sitting at the bar: she was at least forty feet away, but her teeth were grit, her eyes were all-but-glowing, and even from where she was she emanated frustration as Sleipnir cheerily waved at her and Cheerilee dropped her head in her hoof, mumbling: “Oh, what have I gotten myself into...”
“Nothing yet, but the night is young: I am sure once we are all properly drunk we may yet end up in the storage closet, and not entirely alone.” Sleipnir winked at her, and Cheerilee looked at him morbidly before he glanced up with a bright smile as the band began to play a louder, slightly-faster song. “Come, come, let us dance!”
He winked and nudged Cheerilee firmly, then half-pulled her forwards through the crowd as ponies began to naturally filter backwards as those in front of the stage began to sway in melody to the harmonic tune. Luna laughed at this, then she reached down and firmly patted Apple Bloom on the back, winking at Scarlet Sage as she said kindly: “Come. Celebrate.”
The two foals smiled radiantly as Luna glanced up and grinned at Scrivener, who excused himself from the noble still attempting to talk with him as they headed to join Sleipnir on the dance floor, Luna firmly bodychecking her brother as she passed by and almost knocking him sprawling on top of Cheerilee. She fell backwards with a squeak, but he smoothly reached out and caught her with one foreleg and braced himself against the ground with the other, turning the fall into a low dip as he winked and said kindly: “Fear not, I have thee safe and sound.”
Cheerilee blushed, and then Sleipnir winked as he straightened and lifted her easily back to her hooves before gazing warmly over his shoulder, eyes roving from Scrivener and Luna as they began to dance in easy time and gazes locked only on one-another's, to Scarlet Sage and Apple Bloom, who moved together slower, out-of-sync with the music as they refused to allow their bodies to part. “Oh aye, 'twill be a magical night...”
Others joined them on the dance floor, and occasionally they traded partners: Scrivener danced with Twilight as Sleipnir and Luna laughed and shoved at each other, the two causing trouble for the ponies around them more than actively dancing together until Pinkamena strode in and rudely cut between them, then snagged Sleipnir and yanked him backwards before glaring horribly over her shoulder as the melodious music went from quick beat to slower waltz. The demon only winked playfully at Pinkamena, however, who glowered even as she let Sleipnir pull her closer, muttering: “I'm gonna have seafood later.”
“I would bet thou art.” Sleipnir waggled his eyebrows down at her, and Pinkamena glared at him before swinging her head forwards, but Sleipnir quickly brought his own down, their skulls whacking loudly off one another's before grinding together even as the demon silently slipped herself closer up to the enormous stallion and he smiled tenderly down at her.
The music played on, the dancing continued, and as Luna rolled her eyes but permitted one of the barons to dance with her as he awkwardly complimented her, Scrivener slipped away from the floor to head towards one of the banquet tables, feeling relaxed and comfortable. He poured himself a glass of punch with a smile before glancing towards the end of the hall, where Celestia was calmly standing in her armor, watching over the dance floor... and yet he had the sense that she was smiling all the same before he glanced curiously to the side as a voice said gently: “You're quite a dancer, sir. I don't wish to sound rude, but I didn't expect that.”
Scrivener's eyes flicked curiously to the side, and then he smiled wider as he saw the Pegasus from before: the Baroness who had given him the pseudodragon egg... “Autumn Shine, right? Thank you. And thank you again for that gift...”
“Not at all. A tribute to the rightful King of Equestria, that's all.” Autumn replied kindly, bowing her head, and Scrivener couldn't help but smile before the Pegasus looked up at him, her warm green eyes like emeralds, her coat a pretty blue and her mane a mix of brilliant red and orange, steaming down either shoulder and curling naturally over her breast. An elegant crimson dress covered her body, and a golden necklace gleamed around her neck as she continued easily: “You and Queen Luna have done so much for our nation, after all... I think it's such a shame, a scandal, what's been done to you in return...”
“I enjoy the flattery, Autumn, but what do you want?” Scrivener asked curiously, looking down at her with entertainment, and he liked the way she smiled: not surprised, not denying she was after something, not trying to play innocent.
“Well, you see... I like being a Pegasus, I do.” She paused then flicked her hips, winking as her dress rode up and revealed her cutie mark, of several brightly-colored leaves in the swirling wind. “My talent was always with the weather, particularly fall weather. Winds, storms, thunder and lightning... they make my heart beat and my blood run hot. But now, well... weather is natural, and sure, I'm honored that I was always seen as a strong leader, able to get things done, and who was promoted all the way to Baroness because of her particular talents... but Scrivener Blooms, I wish every day I could make lightning, or wind, or rain again. And do you know what I like apart from the weather?”
Scrivener grinned slightly as he leaned down and the Pegasus leaned up towards him, then whispered in his ear: “I like winning. That's why I was in charge, you know... because I have that old war-spirit from the old days of the Pegasi in me. The need to do better, be better, fight harder each and every day. The need, the strive, the urge to win at everything I do. Now, I think that you're a winner... you're a King, after all. But you need more winners on your side. But me? I'm a Baroness. I rule an entire territory. And I was the one who helped convince the others on the council who are here tonight that we should explore our options... so it's pretty obvious, isn't it? I want to be able to make that weather I love, and you want ponies on your side. Give me what I want... and after the Gala tonight, I guarantee that after I get five minutes alone with the other council slobs, tomorrow morning each and every one of us will pledge our allegiance to you and renounce New Equestria publicly.”
The male looked at her thoughtfully, saying slowly: “You want to make the weather... so you've come here, to make a deal with us. Strange, when I'm sure New Equestria will be glad to instill some of those old Equestrian methods of control and harmony...”
“You didn't hear me, did you? I said I want to make the weather myself. I mean, without needing machines.” The Pegasus winked at him slowly, then glanced to the side... and Scrivener's eyes roved slowly to the elegant, beautiful shape of Fleur, who was talking calmly with another noble as several other ponies stared in awe at the majestic winged unicorn. Then Scrivener grinned slightly, returning his eyes to the Pegasus as she asked mildly: “Deal?”
Scrivener glanced towards Luna as he sipped slowly at his glass of punch, who had just stepped off the dance floor, and the winged unicorn looked up at him, their eyes locking before her own flashed as knowledge and thoughts entered her mind... and then she grinned slowly and widely before Scrivener smiled kindly and glanced down towards the Pegasus mare, reaching up and stroking her face slowly, feeling the thrum of her excited pulse, tasting her emotions as he said gently: “Very well, Autumn. We'll give you... exactly what you want. But after you make that announcement and those territories part from New Equestria... we don't want the other Barons getting jealous of you until they've pledged their allegiance to us, after all. Then we'll reward you... more than you can imagine.”
Autumn grinned up at him, looking pleased with herself as Scrivener drained the last of his punch before he turned away, then paused and looked over his shoulder with a lick of his lips, adding easily: “Maybe you'll stop in tonight after your talk with the other politicians. I'd be glad to hear how things went... privately.”
“Of course... my King.” Autumn replied quickly, and Scrivener smiled as he looked back towards Luna, approaching her as the Pegasus looked after him with a shake of her head and a wide grin of her own. He could feel her pride, and the taste of contempt, like she felt she'd just manipulated him easily into getting what she desired... and Scrivy smiled again as his eyes roved towards Luna as she looked up at him adoringly.
He reached up and stroked her face gently, then said kindly: “Maybe the Nibelung made a mistake with their leader selection. Or maybe everypony thinks that this war is an excuse to go out on a limb for themselves.”
“It doesn't matter either way. She'll receive exactly what she wants, my handsome husband... she'll get exactly what she deserves, and we will benefit from both.” Luna replied easily, and then she softened as she gazed out onto the dance floor, where Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage were still moving together, as if the fillies hadn't even realized how much time had passed. Sleipnir was still cheerfully dancing as well, and the winged unicorn laughed softly as she shook her head, murmuring: “Oh, beloved husband. There truly are so many good things in this world, so many things that seem made all for our family, and our family alone... we must cherish and protect these things, these treasures... and those that would resist, we must encourage into becoming ours...”
Scrivener only smiled as he wrapped a foreleg around her and squeezed her gently, and for a little while they went back to quietly milling through the crowd before Twilight Shadow finally slipped up to Luna's side and whispered something in her ear. Luna had sighed and nodded, then headed quickly towards the front of the enormous area, tossing only a glance towards the band as Scrivener strode easily beside her.
The demon's song slid to a halt, and the Nibelung behind her didn't have to even look up, their current instrumental smoothly coming to a full halt before they played a clear flourish that garnered the attention of everypony in the room. They all gazed towards the head of the ballroom as Luna and Scrivener turned to face the crowd, and Luna cleared her throat before calling in a proud, echoing voice: “Although it comes perhaps a little late, I welcome all of thee to Castle Enstasis, and the Lunar Gala! More importantly, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of thee for trusting in us, thy King and Queen of the Night, and graciously attending the first of what we hope shall be many celebrations at Castle Enstasis!
“We know that the war has put pressure upon all of us, and that is why we wish to extend sanctuary and generosity to all who wish for it, to all who require our aid.” Luna continued clearly, her powerful voice reaching even those at the very back of the room with ease. “We are all friends, if not more, if not family: we are all one people, be we unicorn or earth pony, Pegasus or Nightmare, demon or mortal. Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish, and together, we can build a future where all are safe, all are protected, and the night will be as glorious and comforting as the most warm of summer days!”
Luna smiled warmly back and forth, her expression benevolent, almost maternal as she looked over the ponies gathered before her. “But the night is young, and our party only begins: all are free here, so I beg thee to indulge in thy freedom and thy safety. Friends, family, kin: welcome to thy first sojourn into my beloved night!”
She reared proudly back, the ballroom reverberating with her shout as she straightened and looked back and forth with glowing eyes as Scrivener smiled and reached up to rest a hoof on her shoulder, and Sleipnir shouted cheerfully as he stomped his hooves: it encouraged others to applaud, even those who looked more unnerved than excited, but soon enough the ponies were all stomping, all cheering.
Luna smiled radiantly as the nobles began to mingle and cluster again, and the band once more started up with a slow, lucid tune. Her eyes flicked to the side as she caught movement and a red mane, and then she smiled as she saw Scarlet Sage and Apple Bloom slipping away, looking affectionately after her little girl before she glanced up in surprise as a voice said mildly: “Interesting words... Brynhild.”
Her eyes narrowed, gaze sharpening as a unicorn approached, dressed in a simple black suit and with the symbol of New Equestria pinned to his lapel as if in defiance of the Gala... but Luna's eyes flashed as they locked on the figure, stepping forwards before she forced an icy smile as she realized other nobles were watching with both curiosity and sharper interest as they gossiped amongst themselves. “You are no pony.”
“And neither are you.” the being retorted, and Scrivener growled a bit as he stepped up beside Luna before the unicorn's eyes narrowed and flicked to the side when Celestia slowly approached, muttering: “Freya. How disgusting. How disappointing. Why don't you take off that silly mask and show everyone here it's you?”
Celestia remained silent as her amethyst eyes glared out from behind the mask, and then the unicorn cracked his neck loudly before he slowly looked towards Scrivener Blooms, saying distastefully. “And you. The worst of all, once a feeble little hornless unicorn and now a true monster, a machine of Valthrudnir's gained sentience. Tell me, does it feel nice to be a parasite? Does it make you feel good to suck up the strength from everything around you?”
“Who are you?” Nightmare Moon's voice asked softly, dangerously, from Luna's jaws as her eyes flashed, becoming reptilian as she leaned down and glared at the unicorn. “We did not expect to see a New Equestrian politician here. Even less did we expect to encounter a creature like... you.”
“Oh, right, manners.” the green unicorn intoned ironically, and then he straightened and said calmly: “I am Kvasir, Valhalla's new lord and master. I would ask you to show me the respect that deserves but I suppose that would be ludicrous to expect from traitorous Valkyries like yourselves, Brynhild and Freya. And well, the Wyrm... he just ticks and tocks according to what you want, isn't that right, Nightmare Moon?”
Nightmare Moon only smiled at this, however, even as Scrivener looked down in disgust before the starry-maned equine asked mockingly: “Are you a pathetic little god, here to annoy us and then run away to the safety of his broken sandcastle in the sky? Or did you simply forget that Asgard is above Midgard, and found yourself drawn to the glory of Enstasis in envy and spite for what you can't seem to find your way back to?”
Kvasir looked ruffled at this, leaning back and retorting immediately: “Oh please, you don't scare me. I have your brother, Sleipnir, at my beck and call...” With that, Kvasir rose a hoof as he closed his eyes... then he frowned as there was no response before the unicorn looked back and forth, then cursed under his breath as he realized Sleipnir was nowhere in sight, Nightmare moon smiling contemptible down at him as Celestia gave a disdainful snort. “Damned oaf!”
“Yes, that's our brother. We could always count on him, but sadly, the same couldn't be said for politicians and cowards.” Nightmare Moon said calmly, and then she tilted her head, studying him moodily. “What are you doing here, wearing such a disguise? How droll it is that you would hide your true nature from the ponies but reveal yourself to us... we would think it modest and honorable, except you have already made it oh so clear you understand neither of those concepts...”
“You know nothing of them either, creature, so I would watch your words.” Kvasir shot back irritably, and then he snorted in disgust and said coldly: “I have come here to issue a sole warning to you. Surrender peacefully to me, and I will make your suffering short when you are executed for treason in Asgard. Continue to resist, and I shall ensure that you are destroyed, defamed, and dishonored before we torture you and make what we made Loki suffer through look like a blissful spa in comparison to the punishments we shall mete out onto your heads!”
Nightmare Moon only smiled coldly at this, however, saying quietly: “If you truly had the power to do these things to us, Kvasir, you would not have waited so long. You would not be here, making such threats to us... threats you should think twice about. It is an interesting assumption that you think we will not attack you in front of a crowd of ponies, despite declaring us evil, honorless, and all the other things we are all so very sure you have. If we were evil, without honor, without restriction...” She leaned down and grinned slowly. “Do you think the gazes of any pony would stop us from ripping out your entrails and feeding them to you, coil by coil, until we grew tired of your screams and ended our fun with your execution?”
Kvasir paled visibly at this, trembling as he stepped backwards, and Nightmare Moon smiled cordially as she straightened and added: “Thank you, by the way, for showing that you fear us. That you fear we could do these things to you, and likely with ease by the way you stare at us so... it makes us think that you are perhaps nowhere near as powerful as you like to claim. What a shame, a... a child, like yourself, threatening two adults. Two true gods... myself and Scrivener Blooms. Tell me, is that why you really want to destroy us? Is that why you have turned numbers against us, hoping to milk that advantage so that some lucky blow may glance us and kill us? How... entertaining. I would call it cute if I did not rue the fact that many lives will be lost because of your treachery.”
Nightmare Moon closed her eyes... and when they opened, they had returned to normal, Luna smiling coldly as she leaned down and said softly: “But thou shan't find me... as forgiving, as compassionate, as my sister Nightmare Moon is. Or perhaps no, perhaps 'tis only a matter of interpretation... send thy armies to me, Kvasir. Send them to me, and I shall slaughter them... then send them kindly back, as intact as the dead can be. Some, I'm sure, will even be glad to return to thee...they may even seek to give thee a little kiss upon thy return, or perhaps... just a nibble...”
She grinned, nipping at him, and Kvasir stumbled backwards before Scrivener Blooms stepped forwards, leaning down and adding softly: “Get out of here, and go by our good graces. Because you're right. My wife and I can be monsters, and you have strode brazenly into our lair, revealing everything we'll ever need to know about you in your arrogance. But we're not without honor. Without a little bit of dignity... lucky for you. And more importantly... I'm not interested in hunting pathetic, slinking vermin when I have much more interesting prey out there. Isn't that right, dear?”
“Oh yes, most certainly.” Luna agreed, licking her lips and grinning slightly as her eyes flashed and locked on Kvasir. “We look forwards to when the dragons come, Kvasir. We hear thou promised them many things... let us see what is stronger, the legendary greed of their kind, or the terrible fear I am about to fill their hearts and minds with.”
“You'll... you'll see... you'll see what I'm capable of!” Kvasir whispered, raising a hoof and snarling before he looked back and forth, then cursed and spun towards the crowd, shouting over his shoulder: “New Equestria won't be halted by idle threats!”
“Oh, worry not! We do not make threats like New Equestria apparently does after being kindly invited to friendly celebration... rather, we give fair warning.” Luna called back calmly, and then she stomped a hoof forwards and grinned, shouting as Kvasir flushed deeply: “Now get thee hence from Castle Enstasis! This is a Gala, not the place for thy sordid deals and baleful, violent mockery of diplomacy!”
There were a few cheers as Kvasir hurried across the crowded ballroom, cursing and muttering to himself before Luna smiled as she shook her head and glanced towards Scrivener Blooms... but her horn gave a faint glow, speaking not to him but instead to one of the Greater Nightmares standing across the room and keeping an eye on the guests: “Thou should see him out. Ensure he does not get lost.”
The Greater Nightmare vanished as Scrivener reached up and took Luna's face gently in his hands, saying softly: “I'm sure he'll get out just fine... crafty, beautiful little Luna.”
“Little, bah.” Luna laughed, and then she pulled away from Scrivener, but gazed over her shoulder with her eyes half-lidded, saying kindly: “Come. I thirst.”
The two headed through the crowd, chatting a little here and there, smiling at officials and ponies... and then they both looked up in surprise to see not just the serpentine demon behind the bar now, but a Draconequus wearing a pair of dark, curving sunglasses that hid his eyes from sight, and a heavy, thick tan overcoat open over well-worn clothes. A rounded, stainless steel container was held between his hands, the lid held on tight as he shook it firmly back and forth and asked calmly: “You here for business, or pleasure? Either way, I'll hook you up.”
With that, he popped the lid off the shaker, then poured a bright-pink liquid into a tiny martini glass in front of him before reaching down into a jar on the counter and pulling out a cherry. He nodded seriously to the two, then dropped this into the drink before picking up the glass and knocking it back as Scrivener grinned and Luna looked delighted, saying warmly: “Discombobulation! So tell me, does this mean thou hast returned from thy pilgrimage?”
The Draconequus only sniffed, however, putting the glass down and pouring another shot of the mixture into the glass before he looked at it meditatively, then he reached down and slid it over the counter towards them, replying kindly: “Just here for the party, I'm afraid... I never was one for parties, but oddly enough, I was even less of one for missing them. Call it the Ginnungagap effect... no matter what you really want, you end up going to where all the energy and madness is being concentrated into the smallest possible space.”
He smiled, then Luna and Scrivener both slipped forwards, sitting down on the bench as the Draconequus leaned down on the counter and knitted his fingers together, dropping his chin across them with a wry smile as Luna picked up the drink curiously between her hooves and sniffed at it, as Discombobulation said mildly: “I suppose that I should say something here about witches of shadow being careful to watch out for angels hunting them, but I suppose your response would be every bit as unconcerned and teasing as the character you're cosplaying as. Do you like mine, by the way? I tried my best to match outfits.”
The two only looked up at the Draconequus blankly, and Discombobulation nodded seriously after a moment, saying dryly: “Of course, of course. Silly me, thinking that Scrivener Blooms in a body-tight leather outfit at a formal Gala event was anything less than normal. But I'm curious, then, why are all of you in costume when every other silly pony here is simply in formal attire? We have a gun-slinging witch – thankfully without her guns, because I am imagining you with any sort of firearm would quickly result in much pain for us all – a... whatever the hell you are Luna, perhaps you're... James Potter before he became James Bond, or Tuxedo Mask sans mask... and I saw Celestia was dressed up as a blinged-out transformer and Twilight Sparkle looks like she'd make a great nemesis in a zombie game. Except I'm unsure to who would play the stars opposite her role.”
Scrivener Blooms looked amusedly at the chimerical creature, then he asked easily: “You really missed having people to bounce all these lame references of yours off of, didn't you?”
“Shut up, Luna.” Discombobulation said mildly, then he reached out and poked the poet's horn thoughtfully, making him wince a bit at the spark of static that traveled along it. “I do have to say, though, that is quite an interesting accessory you've drilled into your brain. I'm not sure if I can say whether or not I approve but it is rather fashionable.”
Luna smiled at this, and then she slowly tilted the drink back as Scrivener Blooms glanced over at her with surprise, the winged unicorn sipping it slowly down before she put the glass down on the counter, and Discombobulation looked at them silently for a few moments before he murmured softly: “It seems you two have changed quite a bit in the time I've been gone, though.”
Scrivener felt a worm twist inside him as Luna glanced towards him softly, reassuring him with her eyes, and then she returned her eyes to the Draconequus and said gently: “We have simply... grown, my friend.”
“So I see. So I see indeed.” Discombobulation said softly, and then he shook his head and said kindly: “Well, it's not my place to judge in any event, I suppose. That is best left for those who are much-less-eligible to than myself.” He paused, then reached up and pulled his sunglasses down, looking over them calmly as his ivory pupils glinted in the depths of his black eyes. “But a word of advice, Scrivener Blooms. Every pony knows the story that if you fly too close to the sun with wax wings, you'll fall and die. Few ponies remember that even if you have real wings and you fly too close to the sun, you'll still die. But in one of those scenarios, death is much more painful and much more certain.”
“Not if one can move the sun.” Luna replied softly, and she smiled a bit as she said quietly: “The concern is touching, Bob... but fear not. My husband and I know what we are doing.”
“Oh, I'd never doubt that for one moment. The problem lies in the fact that the question was never about what you've been doing; it's always been 'where are you going?'” Discombobulation replied gently, and then he smiled slightly as he reached up to pull his sunglasses off, looking down at these and saying quietly: “But I suppose it's true... all great and beautiful work has come of first gazing without shrinking into darkness.”
Luna and Scrivener both looked up at the chimerical creature, and then he easily rose his hand and snapped his fingers, vanishing a moment later in a burst of sparks. For a moment, the two ponies watched as the lights slowly faded from thin air before Luna shook her head slowly, murmuring quietly: “I feel a churning inside me, my beloved. The creature has always... known things, after all, even though he so often speaks as if he knows nothing...”
“Chaos.” Scrivener murmured, and then he shook his head slowly before glancing up as the serpentine bartender approached, the male holding up a claw and saying quietly: “Just two colas, thanks. Ice in mine, none in hers.”
The winged unicorn smiled a little, glancing over at him before her eyes flicked to the tiny martini glass and she picked up the lonely cherry sitting in it before popping this into her mouth. Scrivener gazed at her, watching as she chewed thoughtfully, then spat the core out into the glass... with the stem knotted neatly around it.
It made Scrivener smile at her despite himself as she looked back at him almost challengingly, and then the poet nodded politely to the bartender as he slid a glass of cola in front of each of them before his eyes returned to Luna, asking finally: “Why'd you drink it?”
“Because I was thirsty.” Luna shrugged awkwardly, then she shook her head and glanced at him, smiling a little as he gave her an amused look and picked up his glass, swirling the ice quietly in it. “ Because... I missed the sharp sting of strong alcohol, I suppose. Because I... do not fear that either thy or myself can be conquered by such a simple and silly thing.”
Scrivener nodded a little, looking down into his glass at the dark contents inside, and then he sipped it slowly and murmured quietly: “I know, Luna. And it's not as if I don't ever have the urge myself... don't ever think I'm... better than I used to be. Stronger. I mean, physically, mentally, emotionally, I am far tougher than I used to be. And my will is combined with yours and... well...”
Scrivy hesitated a bit, then he sipped slowly at his cola before he put it gently down on the counter, saying softly: “And yet I wonder...”
Luna smiled at him faintly, and then she sighed a little as a hoof touched her shoulder before a pony leaned on the bar next to her, saying embarrassedly: “Queen Luna? I'm sorry, but I just had to talk to you...”
She glanced towards Scrivener, but he only smiled reassuringly, and Luna sighed before nodding grudgingly and turning her eyes towards the tan pony that had addressed her, asking mildly: “Yes, and what can I do for thee?”
The two barely had time to finish their cola before they were pulled back into mingling, and Scrivener could tell Luna was beginning to get a little irritated now with making nice, especially as the nobles and officials started asking more serious questions about things she either hadn't thought much about or didn't consider important. She was saved, thankfully, by Sleipnir eventually barging cheerfully in with a frazzled-looking Cheerilee, leaning down and saying kindly: “Little sister, I do so hate to interrupt, but thy daughter is looking for thee. I believe she is just down the hall.”
“Then thou must excuse me, my friends, but I must attend to her immediately. I am not fit to look after a nation if I am unfit to look after mine own beloved daughter.” Luna said quickly, and a few ponies looked disappointed, but many of them nodded with smiles; kind or false, they agreed all the same, and it made Luna feel a roil of loathing at how she was learning to use every little thing to play these political games with her subjects.
Scrivener valiantly stayed behind with Twilight Shadow to draw the interest of the nobles, as Luna made her way out into the hall and down the corridor, heading quietly towards an ajar door and smiling softly at the sight of Atrus, who was standing silent guard. The demon nodded to her, and she paused long enough to lean forwards and embrace him, saying quietly: “I am thankful for thy loyalty.”
“It is my honor.” Atrus replied softly, bowing his head towards her with the faintest hint of awkwardness, and Luna smiled slightly before she slipped past him and pushed the door open, striding into a dressing room. The walls were lined with mirrors and makeup tables, but it left most of the floor open and comfortable... and in the center of this, on some bedding scrounged up likely by Atrus or a Nightmare, Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage were sitting together quietly.
They both glanced up as Luna approached, smiling a little, and Apple Bloom bowed her head before she said softly: “Thank you for... for letting me and Scarlet... spend time together, Luna. And I wanna say that... I'm real sorry about what's happening. About Ponyville and about... about my sister...”
“Apple Bloom, that is nothing thou hast to apologize for...” Luna shook her head slowly, gazing down at the foal benevolently before she said quietly: “I would like to apologize myself though, poor filly, for the fact that this struggle keeps thee apart. That it escalates so, and that in the future I fear for what will happen with... all concerned.”
Apple Bloom nodded quietly, and then she laughed a little, glancing up and murmuring: “I like that you don't talk down to me none, nor Scarlet Sage or... anyone, really, unless they upset you. Applejack still tries to keep me in the dark about everything... I don't quite know how Sleipnir convinced her to let me come out here tonight, although I was supposed to be home an hour ago, but... well...”
“Sleipnir has never been one for following rules, aye.” Luna smiled slightly despite herself, then she added with quiet entertainment: “And nor I, I suppose My only concern is that thou will be unfairly punished...”
“It doesn't matter...” Apple Bloom only shook her head slowly, Scarlet Sage reaching out and silently rubbing down the fellow filly's back as the earth pony murmured: “I'm already grounded for months... and even if I wasn't, there's nothing for anypony to do in Ponyville anymore anyway. There's... if you're a foal, you're either at home, or in the babysitting house. And if you're an adult, you're working for the army. And everypony's so short-tempered and angry ever since that Verdant Vintage guy got there... ordering everypony around, handing out these weird drinks, saying he's from New Equestria... but anypony who ain't blinded by hate and fear looks at him and knows... there's something wrong with him.”
“Kvasir.” Luna muttered, and the fillies looked up at her before she shook her head slowly, saying quietly: “Apple Bloom, stay away from that unicorn. He is dangerous, and worse than that, he is a craven coward who will do anything to try and get his way.”
“I... hey, how... how did you know he was a unicorn?” Apple Bloom asked curiously, looking up at her with a frown, and Luna smiled a little in response.
“Sharp, like thy brother is. Like thy sister was...” Luna said softly, and then she reached up and quietly patted the filly on the head as she blushed a little. “Because I had the displeasure of meeting him tonight. Fear not, we quickly sent him away and home, but... I am concerned what he will do now.”
Apple Bloom nodded quietly, and Scarlet Sage looked up, asking softly: “Can... can Apple Bloom stay with us?”
Luna smiled faintly as Apple Bloom looked up embarrassedly, but before the winged unicorn could respond, the filly trembled and then said finally: “Scarlet Sage... I wanna be with you, I do, but... I can't just up and abandon Applejack and Big Mac either. And I can't leave Scoot and Sweetie Belle there... you remember how upset Sweetie was after Rarity just up and left with Spike. I couldn't do that to her again.”
Scarlet Sage bowed her head forwards silently, and Luna gazed quietly at the fillies before she said softly: “That is a very mature decision, Apple Bloom... and 'tis not likely one I would have made so decisively myself. But know this... thou art always welcomed here. We shall always leave our door open to thee, and thy friends and family. Tell Big Mac this. Tell even thy sister, if she is not so blinded with fury she cannot see through even Kvasir's treachery.”
Apple Bloom nodded silently, and then she returned her eyes almost shamefully to Scarlet Sage, who trembled a little even as the filly reached forwards and took one of her hooves quietly. “I'm... I'm sorry. I really am, Scarlet Sage...”
“I... I know. I just wish we could...” The Pegasus filly trembled, then she closed her eyes tightly before pulling away and running past Luna, the winged unicorn gazing silently after her daughter as Apple Bloom cried out her name and leapt to her hooves, but Scarlet was already gone.
The earth pony filly trembled a little, dropping back on her haunches, and Luna shook her head before she returned her eyes to Apple Bloom, saying softly: “Do not fear. It has been a long day for her... besides, the only place she could be going is the tower. We shall wait a few minutes, and then I shall have a Nightmare take thee to her.”
Apple Bloom nodded a little, and then she looked up silently at Luna. Luna looked back down, and then the filly smiled weakly before asking finally: “Why does... you aren't... evil at all, right? This... is like Nightmare Night was, right?”
“Yes and no.” Luna smiled faintly, leaning down and saying softly: “Apple Bloom, thou art a filly, who is important to my daughter, who has always treated me with kindness and respect. Therefore, I wish for thee to know that I shall always treat thee with affection and compassion. But that does not mean I am... without sin, without guilt, without evil. And why do I tell thee this? Because thou art growing up, and thou and my daughter... wish to be together; if thou art to be with Scarlet Sage, thou must be prepared to accept certain things. To understand certain concepts.”
Luna paused meditatively, and then she shook her head slowly before continuing quietly: “I would do anything for my family, my friends. Anything. In pursuit of their happiness, I sometimes lose perspective, or do not realize my undertakings are less-than-savory... or do not care. Apple Bloom, what thy sister hates about me, and fears in me... some of those things are true. Likewise, she is blinded to the big picture, to all of me, willingly does not see that I act often in the benefit of all around me, not just my own selfish desires... but I can be selfish. And ultimately, I want the best for my family and myself.”
Apple Bloom looked apprehensively up at Luna, and Luna smiled back down at her. “Yet thou art not wooing me. Thou art wooing my daughter. The reason I tell thee this is because if thou art involved with my daughter, thou shall be part of my family. I may become... protective of thee, among other things. And thou may be privy to witness things that could make thee less than comfortable.”
The filly nodded awkwardly, and Luna looked down at her compassionately before Apple Bloom said finally: “I... I really just... want to be with Scarlet Sage. She's who I care about. I...” She halted, glancing away, then smiled a little as her eyes returned to Luna, saying softly: “I love her. I do, and I ain't... never been able to say to a lot of ponies, for a lot of reasons. I think if I'm comfortable enough to tell you I... I love her, and it ain't just some silly phase, and trust you and all... I think then I'm comfortable enough with you and Scrivy and... everything else, Luna.”
Luna looked at the filly thoughtfully for a few moments... then she nodded slowly and smiled slightly, stepping forwards and leaning down to kiss Apple Bloom's forehead gently as she said softly: “Then welcome to my family, Apple Bloom. But let me ask thee one last thing... what about the blood pact between thee and my daughter? Does thou think that has had anything to do with these feelings?”
“Of course. I ain't stupid, you know.” Apple Bloom smiled slightly, looking a little embarrassed before she glanced down at her foreleg before saying softly: “I know that we're connected by... by something I don't entirely understand. Sleipnir tried to explain it to me once, but I got so amazed by him being so serious that... well... I kinda forgot to pay attention to what he was saying.”
“I know this feeling well.” Luna replied mildly, nodding a few times, and Apple Bloom laughed a little before the winged unicorn winked and said gently: “It means thou may sense each other's emotions. Dream each other's dreams. Are... bonded.”
“Yeah, I guess that's the gist of it, huh?” Apple Bloom smiled faintly, looking up and touching her chest as she said quietly: “So maybe if we never did it, we never would feel... so connected like we do. But Luna, every time I wonder about that, every time I get scared that maybe... this is all... you know, really is just a phase or something... I think of how we made that blood pact in the first place. 'Cause I asked her to. 'Cause even knowing it could end up bad... I trusted her to the bottom of my heart.”
Luna nodded firmly, looking down at Apple Bloom and saying softly: “For one so young to be so lucky in love. I shall wish thee the best, Apple Bloom, even though I shall also be jealous indeed if thou art so fortunate to have found thy true love at such a young age. But I shall also be thankful that 'twas my daughter.”
The filly smiled warmly, and then Luna flicked her horn as it gave a bright pulse, saying clearly: “I require an escort to take this filly up to-”
“I shall do it!” Sleipnir's voice shouted cheerfully, and Luna winced as her horn sparked, losing concentration as Sleipnir cheerfully strolled inside, then wrapped a foreleg around Luna and squeezed her in a bone-crushing hug around the neck against his body, making her curse and flail wildly as Apple Bloom grinned widely. “Sister, 'tis a grand Gala! And Celestia is ravishing even wearing all that armor!”
Apple Bloom's eyes widened at this, and Luna shoved her brother backwards and flailed at him, snapping: “Quiet thy booming voice, idiot! No one can know that is Celestia, thou shall call her Dusk like every other pony or I shall have her bash thee horribly!”
“Dusk... is it because she... sets around thee and Scrivener? And if I call her so will she set around me?” Sleipnir leaned forwards, waggling his eyebrows, and Apple Bloom looked at him with a mix of horror and entertainment before the stallion huffed at her, adding pointedly: “I would not look at me with such disdain. Why, thou likes foals! That is truly disgusting.”
“We're almost exactly the same age!” Apple Bloom retorted, and then Luna reached out and smacked Sleipnir firmly across the face with a hoof, making him yelp. “Thanks, Luna.”
“The pleasure is mine.” Luna grumbled, and then she sighed and added flatly: “Very well, but thou knows thou shall receive a righteous beating from Applejack when thou returns to Ponyville, and I shall be sitting here, laughing at thy pain... as touched and honored and deep as it gladdens my heart to see not only thee, but Apple Bloom here.” Luna softened, gazing for a moment towards the foal as Sleipnir smiled... then quailed when she glared at him again and added flatly: “And what of this 'Kvasir?'”
“Oh, as if thou has any right to be mad at me for that! I was forced to give the enemy information, but look at what I fetched for thee in return!” Sleipnir snorted in disgust as Apple Bloom frowned a bit, and the earth pony glanced at her and informed: “Kvasir is Verdant Vintage. He is a god. Well, in all likelihood, only a demigod I imagine: his greatest power seems to be the ability to annoy everypony around him.”
“Yes, Sleipnir, okay. Tell the young foal everything.” Luna said dryly, as Apple Bloom stared in amazed disbelief. “And now she is going to tell Scarlet Sage, and then Scarlet Sage is going to ask me questions and be worried! Thou art insufferable!”
Sleipnir huffed at this, rearing back and asking flatly: “And what would thou have me do? Lie to my best friend in Ponyville?” He paused, then grinned slightly and winked at the filly as Apple Bloom looked up at him warmly, then winced when he added easily: “Well, second to thy handsome brother...”
“Sleipnir. Focus. Thou can go back to traumatizing fillies later.” Luna said flatly, and Sleipnir mumbled and nodded as he shifted a bit before becoming more serious as the winged unicorn said quietly: “And even if he is not powerful, a god of any sort is not to be underestimated. Not after what we have experienced. Not after what we have seen of their cruelty.”
“Aye, but he is no Jötnar, even if the odious wretch fancies himself as one.” Sleipnir said distastefully, and Luna looked moody at this before Sleipnir hesitated, then sighed a little. “But I am honor-bound to him all the same. I cannot turn against him, and I cannot even speak too badly of him... although that does not mean I must say kind things, either. Sadly, the truth of the creature is that he is cruel and child-like.”
“Oh, glorious. Like the other gods we have been unfortunate enough to meet.” Luna said wryly, shaking her head slowly as Sleipnir smiled a bit, then Luna smiled a little as her eyes roved to Apple Bloom. “But I suppose thou art eager to see Scarlet Sage. Sleipnir, go ahead, thou knows where her tower is... aid Apple Bloom in cheering my poor daughter up. And I swear that if thou makes one of thine dirty little jokes...”
“Sister, I am not that deplorable. Very close, perhaps, but all the same.” Sleipnir said grouchily, and Apple Bloom smiled a little before the enormous stallion reached out and picked her up, easily tossing her onto her back: something Apple Bloom was apparently quite used to by the way she barely reacted, easily landing in a comfortable position with a bit of a laugh as Luna gazed fondly towards her brother, before he leaned forwards and they shared a nuzzle and a quick, tight hug. “Be well, little sister. And... congratulations to thee, upon the success of this event. But do me a favor... do not stoop to the lows of these politicians, aye?”
“Never, Sleipnir. I have my own style of lows to stoop too, after all.” Luna replied quietly, and the two traded a smile, and one last, tight hug before Sleipnir turned and headed away. The winged unicorn rose a hoof to Apple Bloom as she waved and glanced awkwardly over her shoulder, and then, as they disappeared through the door, Luna sighed a little before looking up at the ceiling and murmuring: “Norns... why art thou so cruel? Why do thee take such pleasures in weaving our lives together in the most complex of ways? Why cannot the three of thee simply settle upon something... fairer?”
She continued to look at the ceiling for a few moments, then finally sighed a little and shook her head before closing her eyes and concentrating... and in the ballroom, Scrivener Blooms and Twilight Shadow both glanced up from where they were talking with a group of nobles, before the male smiled slightly and said gently: “Pardon me. I need to attend to another guest. Keep talking, Twilight, you know this better than I do anyway.”
With that, Scrivener carefully slipped away, heading through the ballroom and nodding politely here and there to nobles before he reached the doors and slipped out into the corridor to find Luna there waiting for him. They smiled at one-another, and then Scrivener leaned forwards and said softly: “Celestia will be mad at us.”
“I only need a short walk, we will not be missed for long.” Luna replied softly, and Scrivener nodded slowly as their eyes locked, trading images and memories back and forth before both smiled at one another as she said quietly: “Look at thee. Handsome Scrivener Blooms, King of the Night. Abusing his privilege to draw in pretty mares.”
“None as pretty as you.” Scrivener replied quietly, and Luna laughed and looked up at him affectionately before he asked curiously: “You truly believe that Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage...”
Luna nodded firmly once, and then she smiled slightly and said softly: “And I plan to work to ensure that they are not kept apart forever, my beloved... by whatever means necessary. 'Tis already enough of an insult as it is that they have been kept from one-another, that they cannot explore this bond the two have... I will not have my daughter or her lover suffer so.”
“They're only fillies, Luna... well, after Scarlet's birthday next month, I suppose she'll... that'll be the first landmark birthday, huh?” Scrivener said thoughtfully, looking down musingly, and Luna nodded, looking up at her husband softly before he smiled a little and glanced up. “She was so small and... vulnerable once. Remember when we saved her from that Phooka?”
“Aye, I will never forget. Great sadness for child and her parents... but it became our fortune.” Luna gave her own small smile back, nodding slowly before she looked up and said quietly: “And that is exactly why I wish to protect her so. To see her happy. In the old days, she would have been considered an adult at her next birthday, in fact, if not already one now... and she is growing up. Every day I see it, but refuse to acknowledge it... it seems so much the better if I think forever of her as my little filly, but... as she grows older, she shall lose her innocence, which is tragedy... but she will gain other things. Things we will nourish and encourage, we shall help her grow, we shall make her strong.”
“She'll always be our daughter, Luna.” Scrivener soothed gently, and Luna smiled faintly at him before he leaned forwards and kissed her forehead quietly, saying finally: “Let's go and take some air outside Enstasis. I think it'll make us both feel better. We can think more about this later, but... we do have to remember to consider Apple Bloom's feelings too.”
Luna huffed at this even as they turned and strode down the corridor, retorting: “I am so! I permitted the child make her own decision, for example, even though I thought myself Scarlet Sage's idea was a good one, to have the child simply remain here. I do not press the subject because Apple Bloom wishes to return home... and because while Applejack may be going mad with power and hate for us, I know that she must still put her family first. And there is always Big Mac, too, and I suppose even Rainbow Dash... although I wonder if his so-called 'loyalty' to Applejack has not made of him a coward.”
She snorted grouchily, but Scrivener only smiled at her soothingly, knowing she was just speaking out of anger as they headed down the hall. Then Luna glanced at him quietly, studying the male silently for a few moments as he looked curiously back at her, before she smiled a little and leaned over, nudging him silently with her muzzle. “I am glad thou art there to understand me. To know when to reprimand me and when to simply smile. To control me when I need it and to follow when I know better. It... thou soothes me. Every inch of me... down to the depths of my soul...”
She laughed quietly as they turned a corner, then suddenly turned and pushed him firmly back against the wall, pinning him there as she gazed ardently up at him and said quietly: “My handsome monster, today I renew a promise... one day, and soon, we shall have a foal. Oh, much goes on in the world perhaps now... but I have never forgotten. I have never stopped wanting. And whether 'tis war or peace, cloudy days or crystalline nights... soon, I swear to thee, I shall give thee a child. A handsome son.”
“I know, Luna. For now, though, let's be patient. Let's be careful.” Scrivener reached up and grasped her shoulders gently, and then he half-lidded his eyes as he leaned down, bumping their noses together gently and making her grin. “Not that I'm saying we shouldn't practice... only that... we should wait until after Equestria is ours. Then our first gift to our new nation will be its Prince... and our first gift to our son can be a country to inherit and rule.”
Luna smiled warmly at this, then leaned up and kissed him firmly, and Scrivener kissed her slowly in return, embracing her close as thoughts of the nation that would soon be theirs swirled through their minds, confident in their eventual triumph.