Chapter Thirty Four: Moments Of Redemption
~BlackRoseRaven
Months passed in relative peace and quiet, with the main landmarks being not war or violence, but family events that often revolved around young Antares. Things like his first mane-cut – the foal had been pale and scared at first as the hairdresser had tried to be as gentle and quick as possible, then the colt had cried a little afterwards but shortly cheered up when they had taken him over to the toy store – and Antares starting to learn how to read. He was also more and more making complete sentences, struggling a little with bigger words and grammar, but he was getting down the basics better with every passing day.
Odin also returned from where he'd been hiding out in Valhalla, now wearing a leg brace along with using his walking stick more heavily. But his wounds from the Norns had healed, at least, and whether or not he was continuing to age and weaken, he clearly had no intent to let anything slow him down or keep him from continuing to put all his effort into helping maintain Looking Glass World.
Canterlot's reconstruction was also continuing well, and Greece and Illyria had moved to the castle to oversee the continuing rebuilding. Most of the city area had also been fortified and reconstructed, but the Nibelung wanted to ensure the foundation and supports were still stable before they tried to start moving ponies back into the area. There was still the problem of the catacombs beneath Canterlot: the tunnels, the abysses, the hidden passages all had to be checked over, new supports locked into place, and other considerations made: the only advantage was that Greece had the help of the Nightmares and a few demons, who were eager to make it into their new home and thus wanted to help expedite the construction and repair efforts however possible.
Avalon was growing up, and Rainbow Dash was a grinning, proud father, delighted by the fact that his daughter was already buzzing quietly around through the air, a Pegasus foal who took to the skies more naturally than a bird. He would happily hover through the town, flying just a few feet above the street with Avalon buzzing along beside him... although the foal also had a habit of puttering out and dropping to the ground to curl up to go to sleep whenever she started to get tired, and Big Mac was the first to point out how similar to Rainbow that was, too.
Applejack adored her daughter, and adored watching Rainbow with her: they were a wonderful, happy little family, and Sweet Apple Acres was doing booming business. Shipping carriages regularly came by to pick up loads of the fruit and carry them across Equestria, while Big Mac and several Nibelung laborers they had hired on worked the fields, often aided by Apple Bloom... when the young mare wasn't apprenticing for Cowlick, that was. Applejack was proud of her little sister for starting to find her way, even if it was leading her away from the traditional family farmstead... but the hint of melancholy was far outweighed by the joy of watching Apple Bloom blossoming more and more into her own confident, strong person.
Spike and Rarity were comfortably living together in the boutique, planning their wedding and selling both clothing and jewelry that Rarity had begun to make. Spike helped sometimes putting these trinkets together, but more and more he had begun to take an interest in metalworking, to the point he sometimes found himself working with Nibelung at the blacksmith's, learning the trade.
There were other changes, too: the completion of Vinyl Scratch's nightclub, where Sweetie Belle worked sometimes as a singer when they needed live entertainment. News that the Wonderbolts were being put back together by Spitfire, delighting Rainbow Dash, although he confessed he had no plans to rejoin any time soon... for him, flying beside Avalon was more exciting and more of a thrill than the Wonderbolts had ever given him. And Fluttershy was helping set up a nursery on the edge of the Everfree Forest to help raise domesticated animals as well as to better care for Phooka and other entities that weren't quite animal, but weren't pony or anything else, either.
Zecora was visiting both Ponyville and Luna and Scrivener's cottage more frequently, curious to learn about Equestria's plans for the future and about the other layers of reality. She provided her own wisdom and help wherever she could, putting together potions and simply sharing her stories and knowledge. She was still particularly wary of Gymbr, however, and did everything she could to avoid contact with the toy.
Discombobulation, on the other hand, was very happy to poke at Gymbr almost excessively, taking a pronounced interest in the doll and spending far too much time 'listening' to it as he continued to jot down notes. Scrivener could swear that sometimes he thought he actually heard the toy speaking to the Draconequus, but... he was also well-aware it could be a trick of the mischievous chaos entity, or more likely, his own over-imaginative and slightly-damaged mind.
Twilight Sparkle was still living officially at the library, but she frequently spent her nights out at the cottage: her days, however, were usually spent with Celestia, and Luna couldn't help but note the irony despite her amusement and honest happiness at the loyalty of the violet mare. It all felt like a long process of adjustment... but adjusting, growing, and developing, they all were.
And Scrivener and Luna had long made it clear that Celestia was always welcome with them, too: that no matter what happened, they wanted to still spend time with her, they still both saw her as family, as the big sister who helped take care of them all and keep them from ever doing anything too stupid.
It helped: for all her power and prestige, for all her wisdom and knowledge, Celestia did need the reassurance sometimes that they weren't going to simply ship her off to Canterlot and forget about her. She did know it in her mind, but knowing only counted for so much: the mind, after all, could be a treacherous and dangerous thing, warping one thought or belief into something else entirely.
But what had surprised them was when Celestia had asked gently if they would accept her help in placing the anchor in the next layer... and when Luna had looked at her meditatively for a few moments, Celestia had eventually bowed her head and added softly: “And if you let me come along, Luna... I'll follow your lead, your orders. You'll be in charge... even if what you choose to do with your leadership is make mischief.”
And that was why, five months after their return from the third layer of reality, Scrivener Blooms and Luna Brynhild stood looking slowly over Celestia as she emerged from the library, prepared for the journey ahead. Golden, heavy full plate covered her body: the massive armor made her look even more titanic than she already was, tight and flexible silver mesh filling the gaps here and there between enormous, curved plates of enchanted aureate metal. She wore only a simple golden coronet around her head, keeping her mane back from her eyes, marked only with a single etching of the sun crest on its front.
Over her back, three beautiful golden swords gleamed: gladius-shaped blades with straight, darker metal handles. Luna leaned carefully up to grin at the sight of these on her big sister's back as the ponies gathered around the square stared in awe, before Odin's voice said softly: “You've always had a bad habit of burdening yourself, Freya.”
“Not anymore, Odin. Now I can use all my weapons at once.” Celestia replied with a slight smile, turning her eyes towards the once-god. He was leaning on his cane next to the armored carriage, as Twilight Sparkle anxiously checked over the last of the wagon's contents before finally closing it and walking over to join Scarlet Sage and Antares. The younger ponies were smiling warmly, Antares's necklace gleaming as Scrivener studied his son and marveled at how much he had grown, now that he was... just looking.
But then the stallion shook his head hurriedly when Luna gave him a soft look, instead heading over to hook himself up to the wagon as Odin smiled a little in return, before he bowed his head forwards and said softly: “Freya... I'm sorry.”
“You apologized a long time ago, and it wasn't me you owed the apologies to, anyway. It was my sister... Brynhild.” Celestia said softly, glancing towards Luna, who laughed quietly and glanced up. “But you did that. And you've devoted yourself to... fixing past mistakes. I understand how hard that is, and I... truly respect it.”
Odin nodded slowly, the two studying each other for a few moments before they both smiled again, and then the one-eyed once-god chuckled quietly, saying gently: “Then I won't hold you up with an old man's reasons and rambles and excuses.”
Celestia only gave him a soft look, then she turned her eyes towards Twilight, saying gently: “It's going to be fine, Twilight Sparkle, you can handle anything that comes up over the week without me. And just as I've always had you and others to rely on, you have plenty of friends yourself if something does come up. Remember to take care of yourself... and if the Royal Council asks...”
“Diplomatic mission.” Twilight smiled awkwardly after a moment, nodding a few times before she hesitated, then said softly: “Take care of yourself, Celestia. And take care of them, too, Luna and Scrivener are both very good at getting into trouble.”
“Especially in the other layers.” Scarlet Sage added with a small smile, and Luna huffed a little as Scrivener simply shrugged. Then the Pegasus reached down, gently touching Antares and promising: “I'll be good, Mom and Dad. Antares and I are going to have a fun week together, right?”
“Right!” Antares said brightly, then he looked up and smiled at them warmly, saying quietly: “Bye Mom, Dad. I love you.”
“As I love thou, sweet Antares.” Luna said softly, as Scrivener smiled back and nodded slowly. Then Luna swallowed before turning hurriedly ahead, saying firmly: “'Tis time to go!”
She dropped her head forwards as Scrivener hurriedly fumbled at the straps of the harness to make sure they were locked into place, even as he felt his own head lowering as his strength and energy was drawn to Luna. Celestia and Twilight both bowed their horns forwards as well, as Odin simply stood back and watched, wishing them silently well as the sizzling cyclone of golden fire ripped upwards and reality tore apart as the Bifrost formed...
And, a little over a week later, Celestia, Luna, and Scrivener returned, Scrivener once more almost ending up crushed by the wagon when the bridge shattered beneath his hooves. Thankfully, Celestia and Luna were able to catch either side of the armored transport and set it down with only a small thud and a puff of grass and muck before the winged unicorns dropped to either side of Scrivener as he wheezed... then looked lamely back and forth as he realized they were probably an hour from Ponyville, on the road leading towards Canterlot. Probably more than an hour, really, since it was just after winter had come to an end and sludge, mud, and puddles softened the ground.
Celestia smiled despite the distance, and Luna huffed, complaining: “I do not see what thou art so glad about, wicked Celestia! We ended up in the far west of Equestria, sitting around and enjoying the most boring week ever in... pleasant, rolling meadows after thou insisted we hide the anchor in that damnable dark pit we wasted an entire day in because 'oh no, it must be safe!'”
“I had a very enjoyable vacation.” Celestia replied mildly as she began to calmly walk towards Ponyville, her polished armor gleaming brightly over her body. Scrivener and Luna, meanwhile, both looked dirty and less-than-thrilled, as the ivory winged unicorn continued with a smile: “Camping outdoors, away from everyone, just us three after we put the anchor into place... wandering through the open fields beneath the skies. The feel of... something special in the air, and visiting those ponies in the little villages. It was a wonderful escape.”
“Yes, and thou insisted on being a little goody two-hooves and doing chores for them.” Luna said disgustedly. “For two days! Thou... reorganized their library and played politics and did all those useless little clean, nice jobs. And Scrivener and I? We helped upon their farms, chased animals through muck and mire, all this nonsense and more! And thou wouldn't even allow them to pay us!”
“Well, it was good for us, for all of us. And I helped out at the farm, too.” Celestia replied pointedly, leaning towards them. “You'll feel better when you're out of your armor and able to clean up both yourself and your gear.”
“Oh shut up.” Luna grumbled, and Celestia laughed, smiling warmly as she shook her head before Luna complained: “I thought I was supposed to lead! I thought we were to adventure forwards, to fight onwards against evil, not... do silly nonsense for silly ponies!”
“There are other ways to help ponies apart from killing or pummeling things, Luna. Besides... it was only a suggestion I made, that you agreed to. You were even eager to help, and I know you're glad that we did.” Celestia replied softly, gazing towards Luna and giving a slight smile as she tilted her head towards her. “Because it was just like what Sleipnir used to do.”
Luna softened at this, then she dropped her head forwards and mumbled: “Cheater. I knew thou wert going to bring that up.”
There was silence for a few moments except for the rumbling of the wagon as the group headed back towards Ponyville, Scrivener Blooms looking curiously back and forth before Luna finally sighed softly and looked up, saying quietly: “Very well, aye. And Celestia, I am... glad, do not get me wrong. And yes... yes, I do feel good, but... 'twas very boring. That's all. And thou usurped my leadership. Thou art an usurper.”
Celestia only shook her head and laughed quietly at this, however, giving her younger sibling an entertained look for a few moments before turning her gaze towards the village as she said softly: “Then in that case, Luna, we'll have to do something like this again, yes? Just us.”
“Just us mares.” Luna said agreeably, glancing over with a wink at Scrivener Blooms, and he gave a flat look to the sapphire winged unicorn before she laughed and shook her head. “Oh, be not so sensitive! 'Tis a compliment, really.”
“Yes, yes.” Scrivener said dryly, shaking his head slowly, and then he smiled a little over at Celestia, adding quietly: “It really was... a nice time though, yes. And a relief that for once, we weren't attacked by anything or swallowed up in some nonsense. But I think it probably helped to have you along, since you're... well, the word 'juggernaut' comes to mind.”
“'Juggernaut.'” Celestia looked thoughtfully at the earth pony, even as he cleared his throat embarrassedly and looked ahead as Luna grinned brightly and nodded fervently a few times. Then the white winged unicorn smiled a little, returning her eyes ahead as she said softly: “I'm glad we're able to speak... casually, Scrivener Blooms, and I'm glad you can be so open with me. It's something I've wanted to be able to share with other ponies for a long time, and... both because of your relationship with my sister and what has occurred between us in the past... your friendship and openness means a lot to me.”
Scrivener only smiled a little, looking ahead as he said softly: “Well, you're a Baroness, a heroine to ponies everywhere, Luna's big sister, and... the Valkyrie Queen Freya. To be honest, Celestia, I... I never even really... well...”
“I know. I know.” Celestia shrugged after a moment, saying softly: “But even when I was Princess Celestia of our old Equestria, you never... went to great lengths to impress me or were anyone but yourself with me. Even after I wronged you and left that scar on your face... I think often that you came around and forgave me for it long before my little sister did.”
Scrivener only smiled wider at this, however, looking ahead and replying mildly: “Well, you know, grew up getting my flank kicked around constantly by authority figures, so...”
Luna sighed and bodychecked the wagon, making Scrivener wince a bit as Celestia laughed and shook her head, then she smiled again over at him before looking ahead and adding easily: “Perhaps we never would have been... good friends, if it weren't for my sister's involvement with you. But I wonder sometimes, Scrivener. I think if you'd just open yourself up more, you'd have many more friends.”
“I don't need a lot of friends, Celestia. And hell, in reality, I do have a lot of friends.” Scrivener smiled slightly over at the ivory equine, then he paused meditatively before looking back ahead, adding dryly: “Although yes, it would perhaps be nice to be friends with more than just mares who are capable of killing me with one hoof if the urge took them.”
“'Tis not my fault that is the kind of crowd thou attracts.” Luna said cheerfully, and Scrivener sighed as Celestia laughed again. Then the sapphire mare smiled softly at the stallion, and Scrivener couldn't help but smile once more in return to her, feeling comfortable in the presence of the sisters as they fell into restful quiet on their walk back.
When they returned to Ponyville, they found Odin waiting for them at the gates, his gloved hands in the pockets of his jacket. He smiled at them as they approached through the melted snow, and Luna looked grouchily over him before she asked flatly: “And just where is thy cane, old lecher? Don't tell me thou art once more supping at the poisonous Ambrosia?”
“No, no.” Odin chuckled quietly and shook his head slowly, turning and limping only a little as he headed into Ponyville, falling into pace with the trio of ponies as Scrivener gave a sigh of relief at how much easier it was to move along the maintained roads. “I feel good today, that's all, Brynhild. Perhaps it is because of the spring air... isn't that what the poets say?”
“Is it, Scrivener? Then 'tis thy fault somehow.” Luna grumbled, glowering at him, and Scrivener only shrugged a bit in half-agreement before the sapphire mare huffed and added grumpily: “But 'tis better than the cold winter, I suppose. And I am glad that... thou art not dead, as well. I think. I suppose that depends on just what thou art doing here.”
Odin chuckled a little, then he replied quietly: “Well, I felt the Bifrost open... but it's strange, that it dropped you so far from Ponyville. Again, I fear that something is interfering with the rainbow bridge...”
Luna only grunted, but Celestia looked up, asking after a moment: “But who would do that, and why? Not to mention how: the Bifrost is no foal's toy, after all.”
“Perhaps it has something to do with a child's toy, however.” Odin said pointedly, and Scrivener and Luna both nodded apprehensively. They walked on in silence for a few minutes, and then the falcon-headed being said abruptly, a smile crossing his beak: “I had the delight to sit down for a few minutes with Miss Twilight and discuss some of the old traditions of Equestria. Things like Winter Wrap-Up... I believe some places are still continuing this tradition, of essentially trying to control the seasons, yes?”
“The Royal Council doesn't know whether to encourage or discourage it: after all, it's less attempting to control nature and more... giving the natural order a hand when winter ends, so to speak.” Celestia replied after a moment, looking up with a small smile as Odin nodded a few times. “I suppose that, because of our gifts and our abilities, ponies have a natural tendency to want to control and influence nature. And admittedly, I am in large part at fault for helping that mindset to develop.”
“You leap to blaming yourself far too quickly, Freya. But you've always been that way... you were firm with the Valkyries, but always saw it as your fault if and when something went wrong.” Odin said softly, putting his hands behind his back as they continued forwards, before he smiled a little over at the winged unicorn. “A soldier's behavior does not always reflect upon their commanding officer. Life would be so much simpler if it did, but it does not: there are simply too many other things that can and do influence the decisions that we make.”
Celestia nodded as Luna grumbled a little, before the falcon-headed entity paused and glanced over his shoulder, saying quietly: “But it was more than curiosity that drew me out to see you. A messenger arrived yesterday, from the Norns... as expected, while you were both gone. They desire to meet with you tomorrow; it is very fortunate you've returned today.”
“Yesterday?” Celestia asked with a frown as the group halted in front of the library, and Odin nodded, turning a curious look towards her before the winged unicorn shook her head slowly, saying softly: “Then perhaps it isn't luck at all, Odin. This might be exactly what they hoped for: dragging Scrivener Blooms and Luna to see them while they're both low on energy from the recently-completed task. Furthermore, how will we be able to reach the Norns with the Bifrost regenerating?”
“Loathe as I am to do this, I shall take Scrivener Blooms and Brynhild tomorrow to my personal portal to Asgard. From there, I will guide them as far as I can to the Norns.” Odin said quietly, looking meditatively over at the ponies as Luna grinned widely. “This does not mean you are now permitted to go back and forth as you please between this world and Asgard, do you understand?”
“As well as I ever understand any order.” Luna replied blandly, and Odin sighed a little, lowering his head and rubbing slowly at his face with one hand before the sapphire winged unicorn hesitated, then asked in a quieter, more serious voice: “What should I do to prepare?”
Odin looked slowly over the two... and then he shook his head, replying quietly: “We will leave early tomorrow morning. Polish your armor, clean yourselves up, and most of all... rest. The Norns will not treat you pleasantly. But it is important you be as respectful as possible to them. They are not beings anyone of sound mind would desire to have as an enemy.”
“Then 'tis good I am not of sound mind.” Luna muttered, and Scrivener smiled wryly despite the flutter of worry that twisted through his body as Odin sighed and Celestia looked at them apprehensively. “But very well. Then... thou hast my thanks, Odin. Art thou coming inside?”
“If you don't mind my company. I'd like to hear how things went. These last few layers have not treated you pleasantly, after all.” Odin replied with a nod as Scrivener carefully unhooked himself from the harnessing. Luna looked moodily at the once-god, but then she sighed when Celestia nudged her gently, and the sapphire winged unicorn nodded grumpily, earning a smile from the falcon-headed male. “Thank you, Brynhild.”
Luna only grumbled, then she turned towards the library door and booted it firmly open. Twilight Sparkle didn't even look up from where she was hard at work, looking stressed and exhausted, glowing horn guiding a glowing quill rapidly over a sheet of parchment. Headphones were locked tightly over her ears, and Luna snorted in amusement as Scrivener and Celestia both leaned into the doorway behind her before the stallion winced and drew quickly back, covering his ears as Luna leaned forwards and shouted in a booming, powerful voice: “Twilight Sparkle, thy beloved Mistress of the Night hast returned!”
Books rattled in the shelves and the windows vibrated violently as Twilight looked up in shock, then she gave a loud sigh of relief at the sight of Luna, reaching up and yanking the sound-muffling headphones off. “There you are! Did you see Odin, did you hear about-”
“Yes, yes, the old lecher is right here, as a matter of fact.” Luna replied with a smile as she strode into the room, jerking her head over her shoulder, and Twilight nodded and looked warmly past the sapphire mare as Celestia and Scrivener followed her in, followed by the once-god. Then Luna frowned a little, looking grumpily towards Twilight as she asked dryly: “The cyclops did not touch thee, did he?”
“Oh yes, Brynhild. That's exactly why I sent both you and Freya away. Have we not been over this already?” Odin asked tiredly as he slipped in through the doorway, and Luna shrugged, looking a little more cheerful now as she glanced pointedly over her shoulder at him. “Apart from the fact that, again, I do not find your... 'mares' attractive, do you really think I would risk the wrath of both yourself and Freya?”
“Thou ran the risk of thy wife's wrath constantly, as I recall. And she was far scarier than Celestia.” Luna retorted pointedly, and Odin grimaced and nodded moodily as he slowly strode across the room to sit down at the table as the ponies began to climb out of their armor. “Why did thou marry her, again?”
“Oh, the usual reasons a man marries a woman. Blackmail, stupidity, and avarice.” Odin replied dryly, gesturing moodily with one hand before he sighed a little, rubbing grumpily between his eyes. “I think what frustrates me most is how she was always faithful to me, despite the fact that I never was faithful to her. Well, that and her ability to see the future... it made it a little difficult to hide my... wandering... from her.”
“Wandering, oh, aye, wandering just as innocently as a fluffy sheep in the orchard, I am sure.” Luna said distastefully, giving Odin a flat look as she shook off her armor. Celestia, meanwhile, remained oddly quiet, her eyes averted embarrassedly as the sapphire mare continued flatly: “Does thou know what I would do if I ever caught Scrivener Blooms cheating on me? I would string him up by that which dangles!”
Scrivener coughed violently at this, awkwardly shuffling away from the sapphire winged unicorn as Twilight stared at them and Odin snorted in amusement, crossing his arms as he leaned back and replied: “Scrivener Blooms has no reason to cheat on you, Brynhild. Look at the life you lead. Interesting, filled with adventure, more than a little on the sybaritic side. Frigg wanted to me stay home in Valhalla and play board games with her while we drank wine by the fire. I much preferred to be out in the field, battling demons and monsters. The bite of a Hellhound was much less painful than my wife's nagging.”
“Your wife was named Frigg?” Twilight asked dumbly after a moment, and Odin turned his eye to her as she blushed. “Sorry.”
“Yes, she was named Frigg. And it wasn't until after I married her I realized why. Old harpy.” Odin muttered a little to himself, shaking his head before he sighed a bit and sat back grouchily. “Still, she was a better woman than I deserved. I wish that I had done better by her.”
He quieted, looking down before slapping a gloved hand against the table and shaking his head as the now-unarmored ponies approached, straightening and continuing mildly: “But it could have been worse, too. Freya, do you remember-”
“Yes, Odin, and let's not share any details in front of Luna.” Celestia said dryly, and Luna looked up and grinned slowly between the two as Odin smiled wryly, before the ivory equine glanced over at him, softening a little. “You were always generous to those you cared about, though. Even when you were being a fool.”
Odin only shook his head, still smiling silently, and Twilight looked between the two before Luna sat down at the table, leaning forwards and saying mildly: “Well, Freya was known for her certain desires, Twilight, and the Valkyries were-”
“Luna, I'll hit you. All I have to do is pretend you're Sleipnir and it becomes very easy.” Celestia warned, and Luna grumbled as she quieted, Scrivener smiling amusedly before rainbow-maned winged unicorn turned her eyes back to Odin, saying calmly: “We have good news, though. The anchor was successfully planted, and we encountered no problems: no monsters, nothing from Clockwork World, and we sealed the exits on our way out to ensure maximum protection. The only thing that didn't go as planned as the fact that we ended up on the western seaboard somehow.”
Luna grunted at this, adding grouchily: “We did encounter a village of ponies, but they did not seem to recognize us outright. We heard plenty of talk of the 'Princesses' of the world but... bah, I do not desire to guess at things.” She paused meditatively, then shook her head a bit. “Then again, they also did not seem quite as... developed, as this world is. They did not know what my camera was, and while they were a peaceful farming community, they did not seem to think it out of place that we were dressed in armor I have heard certain silly ponies of this world refer to as 'old-fashioned.'”
“It's possible. As I believe we've discussed, the layers refract and reflect each other... but all of them are different. I would almost say unique, but... few things in the world are truly unique.” Odin paused for a moment, rubbing moodily at his beak. “Made more complicated still by that which has been replicated in the layers here and there through tampering by one force or another...”
There was silence as the ponies waited for Odin to continue, but instead the once-god fell quiet for a moment as well before he shook his head, glancing up and saying calmly: “But that's not important. It's only a relief to hear that there were no complications this time... considering the way things have gone for you in other layers, Brynhild, perhaps this is a good omen. Better still because it means you won't be arriving in front of the Norns with wounds and injuries...”
“Yes, we'll simply be smelly.” Luna said moodily, then she glanced over at Twilight Sparkle before asking curiously: “How busy is the local spa? I desire to sit in a hot tub.”
“It's at times like this that I realize I married you simply because of the way you talk.” Scrivener Blooms said mildly, and Luna huffed a bit, giving him a flat look as Celestia and Twilight both smiled. Then the charcoal stallion shook his head slowly, glancing towards Odin and shrugging a little as he added quietly: “But it sounds like it doesn't matter if we go to them wounded or healthy. Like they're... too strong for us to fight, anyway.”
Odin, however, smiled at this, shaking his head slowly and replying quietly: “If you're judging their strength by what they did to me, Scrivener Blooms, then remember that I am merely an old man now, tired and burnt-out and fading more and more with every passing year. While I would not recommend fighting the Norns... the Norns choose to work by pitting one force against the other not simply because they consider themselves superior and likely take some cruel pleasure in watching us destroy each other for them, but because in all likelihood they can be destroyed. And if not destroyed, then at least defeated.”
“And defeat is often more humiliating than death.” Celestia said softly, and Odin grunted and nodded as Luna looked moodily down, before the rainbow-maned winged unicorn added quietly: “But that shouldn't be taken as an open suggestion to attack the Fates once you see them, Luna.”
“I know, I know, I am no fool. At least, not always.” Luna retorted, shaking her head briskly and grumbling a little under her breath. Then she sighed a little before asking finally: “Should I bring my spear with me? 'Tis a symbol of my Valkyrie heritage. 'Tis also a large sharp stick that I may use to poke them with should they annoy me.”
“It may not be a bad idea. More for status than anything else, though... like Freya I must remind you this is not encouragement to attack them.” Odin answered, and Luna grunted before she spun on her hooves and headed for the door, the once-god leaning back a bit and starting: “I'll need you to return here to Ponyville after-”
“Oh, shush, we are not leaving Ponyville, we are simply going to get cleaned up.” Luna retorted over her shoulder as her horn glowed, pulling the library door open. Scrivener Blooms grimaced as he slipped out of his seat to follow her after a moment, and Odin looked moodily at the sapphire winged unicorn before Luna added, her eyes roving towards Twilight: “Please send a letter to my daughter informing her that I have returned. Have her bring Antares and my spear here. And thou hast my thanks for this.”
Twilight began to open her mouth, but Luna quickly turned and strode out, and Scrivener simply shrugged, giving an awkward smile before he followed the winged unicorn outside, closing the door behind him. Then he glowered at Luna, who only looked innocently back at him as the stallion said dryly: “You know, everything you do tends to reflect back on me.”
“Well, the same blood flows in our veins, the same heart beats in our chests, the same soul runs through our bodies. We are together in all things.” Luna replied kindly, and Scrivener couldn't help but smile a little before the winged unicorn turned and added cheerfully: “Besides, thou art my sidekick, Scrivener Blooms. 'Tis only right that all think we are cut from the same mold, or at least made of the same plaster.”
“Stop... over-expanding metaphors.” Scrivener said finally, sighing a little as he followed after her grumpily, but Luna only laughed and grinned over her shoulder at him before the stallion added moodily: “You know, I also don't think we can just barge into the spa...”
“Oh, they adore me there. I was a Princess once, now I am a... well... I am still very important. I must be very good for their image.” Luna responded, raising her head proudly before she nodded firmly once to herself. Scrivener only snorted in amusement as they began to stride through the town, however, and the sapphire winged unicorn huffed grumpily, adding flatly: “Do not antagonize me, Scrivener Blooms. Thou knows well that I shall not hesitate to pummel thee into unconsciousness should the urge so take me.”
The earth pony nodded meditatively after a moment as they continued through Ponyville, bumping into each other every so often, their eyes flicking up to meet one-another's as thoughts and emotions swirled between their minds. Gentle teasing mixed with reassurances and half-hidden anxieties as they headed through the village until they reached the spa, where Luna firmly headbutted the doors open, ponies staring as she strode in with Scrivener Blooms awkwardly following behind her.
Before the sapphire winged unicorn could make too much of a nuisance of herself, however, a familiar voice called out gleefully: “Oh, Luna, darling! What a nice surprise to see you here! Oh ladies, ladies, let me pay for them, too, full-service, and I won't accept no for an answer.”
Luna and Scrivener both looked dumbly towards Rarity as the unicorn strode towards them with a warm smile, her eyes bright before the winged unicorn blushed a bit and said awkwardly: “That is... very generous of thee, Rarity, but my husband and I really only came here in order to bask in one of the tubs and wash the grime of past days off...”
“Oh, please Luna? You'd be doing me a favor, really; I usually meet Fluttershy for this but she hasn't been able to lately, and Spike is working today so he couldn't join me... but you know, you and your handsome husband both could really benefit from a little relaxation.” Rarity winked over at them before hurrying forwards, both Scrivener and Luna looking stupefied as the unicorn slipped between them, then half-pushed them both quickly forwards, continuing positively: “Come, come, just because you're a strong warrior doesn't mean you don't deserve to be pampered now and then!”
Luna obviously didn't know how to respond, trying to ramble out some reply even as she was half-pulled along by Rarity into the spa facilities. Scrivener followed at the other side, half-wondering if he was even really allowed to be here as he looked dumbly back and forth at the mares they passed. Luna, however, glared at him the moment he thought about leaving, and Rarity seemed to catch on to this, reassuring kindly: “No, no, don't worry about a thing! These ponies are very, very good at what they do, and who says a stallion can't relax now and then?”
“Scrivener is much more of a suiting mare for this exercise than I am.” Luna mumbled in response to this, then she winced as a pair of unicorn attendants seemed almost to appear out of nowhere, files and other tools floating around them, and Luna reared back with a visible flinch. “Torture implements!”
Rarity gave a slightly-forced laugh, hurriedly excusing Luna... but ten minutes later, Luna had settled, looking grumpy. She wasn't in a hot tub yet, but they were in a quiet, private sauna, aromatic steam floating around them as they sat back on comfortable, low wooden benches. The winged unicorn's starry mane twisted slowly back and forth, the condensation making it gleam all the brighter as Rarity smiled and rested back, a towel wrapped safely around her mane. Scrivener Blooms, lastly, was already dripping with sweat and panting a little, his sopping mane in his eyes.
He looked lethargic and drained, and Luna couldn't help but smile in wry amusement at him, mumbling: “Serves thee right.”
Rarity opened an eye curiously, glancing towards Luna, but the winged unicorn only smiled in return at her as Scrivener grumbled to himself. The white pony only shrugged after a moment to herself, then she hesitated before saying kindly: “So Luna, dear. Neither Spike nor I have asked, but... we were wondering if yourself or Celestia could officiate the wedding. It would really mean the world to us...”
Luna looked surprised at this, leaning back a bit as she glanced over at Scrivener, but he only looked back at her dumbly and shrugged slowly, too groggy from the humidity and heat to think clearly. Luna grumbled under her breath at this, but then she finally nodded hesitantly, saying awkwardly: “I am not sure thou would desire... myself... to try and run the ceremony, but I am certain that Celestia will be honored to. I shall speak to her about this.”
“Then, if it's not too much to ask, Luna, perhaps you could be one of my bridesmares?” Rarity asked quickly, leaning forwards and smiling warmly, and Luna looked dumbfounded by this question as the unicorn continued embarrassedly: “Fluttershy, Twilight, and Applejack, of course, will all be bridesmares too... and Sweetie Belle is gracing us with her gorgeous singing, and that young filly, Meadowlark, is going to be flower girl. You know her, yes?”
“The fairy princess on Nightmare Night.” Scrivener commented, and then he slumped back a bit, adding tiredly: “If I fall asleep, please don't let Luna draw on me or put me in a compromising position.”
Rarity glanced over at him with a bit of concern, but Luna only huffed and waved a hoof. “Ignore the beetle. He is like an upside-down reptile that thrives in cold and hibernates in heat. It makes me wonder further as to the nature of Tyrant Wyrms.” Luna paused as Scrivener mumbled a weak, senseless retort, then she shook her head, adding awkwardly: “And I am... honored, Rarity, but... I do not know why thou would desire to have me as a bridesmare. I know little about weddings and less about taking part in them...”
“Spike and I feel that... we owe you quite a bit, Luna, you and Scrivener Blooms both. And Twilight thinks just the absolute world of you two, too...” Rarity leaned forwards almost pleadingly, and Luna winced a little at those large, begging blue eyes. “It would really mean ever so much to me, that you be part of the ceremony... and you too, Scrivener, we were hoping that you would be able to put your own talents to use...”
“Serving food?” Scrivener asked lamely, and Rarity gave him a slight smile as Luna gazed over at him with amusement, the earth pony stallion forcing his eyes open tiredly. “What? That seems to be why Luna married me.”
“Oh, thou does more than that.” Luna grinned widely, winking over at Scrivener, but the stallion only grunted in response before the sapphire winged unicorn turned her eyes back to Rarity, saying hesitantly: “'Tis... in a month from now, aye? Thou has...”
The white unicorn nodded quickly, smiling brightly before she glanced up as there was a loud ding, Luna immediately glaring back and forth. Rarity winced at this, then reassured gingerly: “It's perfectly fine, it just means that it's time to move on to the next treatment. Really, friends, relax and enjoy, and I'll tell you all about the wedding plans so far.”
Rarity smiled as she slipped quickly off the seat and headed to the door, and Luna followed as Scrivener slouched behind them, wheezing a little and looking bedraggled and exhausted as he dragged himself out of the sauna. As the white unicorn began to cheerfully lead them around the spa, letting the attendants take care of her and pamper her in every possible way, Luna and Scrivener did their best to listen to her wedding plans while Luna continuously shoved other attendants away and occasionally interrupted Rarity with incredulous half-vulgarities she shouted at the spa staff trying to get her to put on mud packs or other things.
Scrivener, meanwhile, was only half-paying attention: he didn't know what to do apart from go along with things, so by the time they were standing back at the spa lobby, he was sparkling clean, his mane neatly combed and styled instead of hanging in a rugged mess, his hooves glinting and his coat gleaming. Luna kept giggling at him childishly, looking only a little cleaner than she usually did, and Scrivener glared at her as a sparkling, thrilled Rarity asked delightedly: “So you'll both do it?”
“Yes.” Luna and Scrivener both said awkwardly, neither wanting to confess they hadn't made out every detail of the wedding with Rarity's fast, excited talking and Luna's childish flailing at the staff. Rarity looked thrilled, however, bouncing on her hooves before Luna added hurriedly: “And thou hast our deepest thanks for this, Rarity, but Scrivener Blooms and I must both return now to the library, where Odin awaits us.”
The unicorn nodded, saying warmly in return: “Oh, no problem at all! I'll make sure to stop in later tonight to go over things in more detail and to get your sizes, but Twilight's been such a help in planning and scheduling everything, too, so she can probably tell you just as much as I can.”
The two nodded awkwardly, and then Luna paused dumbly for a moment before frowning and cocking her head curiously: “Of what sizes does thou speak?”
“You know, for your outfits!” Rarity smiled warmly, her eyes bright. “I'll make a lovely dress for you, Luna, and a handsome suit for your handsome husband; honestly, being able to design my own clothes for my own wedding, I swear it's the only thing that's really helped keep me sane amongst all the stress of scheduling and working and everything else...”
Scrivener and Luna both stared for a moment, and then Luna simply nodded hurriedly before turning and bulling Scrivener towards the door, calling lamely over her shoulder: “Grand, 'tis... grand! I... we must go now!”
Rarity watched dumbly as Luna firmly shoved Scrivener through the doors, the stallion wincing and staggering before the winged unicorn hurried out after him, then shoved the doors closed behind her and leaned back against them for a moment with a wheeze, groaning and throwing her head back as she mumbled: “A dress now! A damnable dress, Scrivener Blooms... Celestia will not have to wear a dress, why must I?”
Scrivener only looked at her mildly, and Luna huffed before leaning in, studying him meditatively before she added dryly: “Thou does not look like thyself, either. Thou art all... pretty. Not in thy usual mare's way, either.”
The stallion sighed a bit at this, then he turned to head towards the library, and Luna huffed as she followed after him as the charcoal earth pony began: “Well, Luna, it's a wedding. And it's very sweet of her to want to include us and have us play any kind of role in things... I mean, honestly, do we really deserve that?”
“Well... probably not.” Luna agreed after a moment, studying the male moodily before she suddenly leapt forwards and hip-checked him firmly, knocking the stallion staggering before he tripped and fell into a puddle of muck with a loud splash, Luna grinning cheerfully as Scrivener gave a groan of disgust and frustration. “Much better!”
“Luna...” Scrivener mumbled, turning his face away, and the winged unicorn frowned a little as she walked awkwardly over to him, looking down lamely... before Scrivener lunged up and seized her by the neck, yanking her down with a splash into the mud face-first, and Luna cursed in frustration before she immediately bulled forwards to half-tackle, half-fall on him.
They rolled back and forth like foals in the murky mire as ponies and Nibelung both stared, then a dwarf cheered loudly and was soon joined by several others as Luna and Scrivener shouted at each other and struggled in the sludge. They wrestled for a few minutes, but then both slowly came to a halt at the sound of someone clearing their throat, both ponies looking lamely up to see Celestia looking flatly down at the two.
Luna grinned awkwardly as Scrivener blushed through the muck dripping off his features, and then the ivory winged unicorn sighed and shook her head, saying dryly: “I don't want to know. Alright, siblings, please get up before someone comes along and tries to arrest you for this ruckus.”
“Oh, as if they would be foolish enough to attempt to arrest me!” Luna scoffed, shaking her head before she reached down and scooped up a bit of mud, lobbing it lightly at her older sister, and Celestia winced as she quickly stepped out of the way, the sapphire winged unicorn saying cheerfully: “Come, 'tis fun! Besides, the spas use mud. I see not how this is any different.”
Celestia only gave them a look for a moment before her horn glowed brightly, and both Scrivener and Luna winced as the mud rapidly heated, steam hissing up from around them as waves of intense warmth passed over the two before the dried goo simply crumbled away to gray dust. Luna huffed a bit, but then nodded and climbed up to her hooves as the glow died out from around Celestia's horn. “Thou brings ruin to all things fun, Celestia.”
The older sibling only sighed and shook her head a bit as Scrivener stood awkwardly and began to brush himself quickly off, and the rainbow-maned mare surveyed them for a few moments before she said softly: “I was coming to find you because it's been quite some time. Scarlet Sage and Antares are waiting for you at the library... your son seems very excited to see you both.”
Luna smiled at this before Celestia gestured for them to follow as she turned around, and both of the dirt-smeared ponies followed after the ivory winged unicorn before Luna suddenly rose her head and said quickly: “Before I forget, Celestia, I have something to ask of thee.”
The rainbow-maned equine cocked her head curiously as she glanced over her shoulder, and the sapphire winged unicorn continued: “Scrivener Blooms and I ran into Rarity at the spa, and she insisted upon paying for a full... treatment, I think it was, although neither of us were wounded and nor were any injuries taken care of. I did not like it, nor did I like how pretty Scrivener Blooms looked by the end of this so-called 'treatment,' which was why thou found us fighting in the mud. But I digress; Rarity has asked if thou would consider officiating the ceremony for herself and Spike. I said I would gladly ask thee, and force thee to if necessary.”
“Well, I'm honored, certainly.” Celestia smiled slightly as she looked ahead. “And as a matter of fact, Twilight Sparkle already talked to me about this. You know she's always been good at putting the pieces into place.”
Scrivener snorted in amusement as Luna huffed a bit, complaining: “So I was not just used as a messenger, I was used as a messenger for a message already sent? Ridiculous, Celestia! I demand recompense from thee!”
“For one, I had nothing to do with any of this. For another, Twilight has just been trying to cover as many bases as possible. She knows her friends very well, after all, but she's trying to balance taking things into her own hooves with not overstepping her bounds...” Celestia paused, then sighed a little at the flat look Luna had fixed her with. “I think you just like to hold things over my head and make me do things for you, little sister.”
“Can thou truly blame me?” Luna asked kindly, and the older sibling looked thoughtfully ahead before Luna paused, then added in a grumble: “And thou had best wear a damned dress. I have been asked to be bridesmare and Rarity desires Scrivener Blooms to do a reading.”
“Yeah, that's going to be fun to prepare for. I'm going to have to write a happy poem.” Scrivener said mildly, and he and Luna traded a look before they both laughed as Celestia sighed, but smiled even as she shook her head. “Glad that Rainbow Dash is best stallion, though. Means that I can just sit back in the audience and admire you in your dress.”
“Oh, I shall bludgeon thee.” Luna threatened, and Scrivener shrugged amiably before the sapphire winged unicorn turned her eyes forwards, adding moodily: “Why can't I provide security detail or some nonsense such as this? And wear armor. Armor is ceremonial!”
Celestia paused thoughtfully for a moment, then she suddenly stopped, and Scrivener and Luna both winced and staggered to a halt as well before the ivory equine turned around and asked curiously: “How long have you and Scrivener Blooms been married, little sister?”
Scrivener and Luna traded dumb looks at this, their eyes locking before thoughts began to hurriedly spill back and forth, and Celestia frowned a bit before she leaned forwards, asking in surprise: “Do you... not know?”
“I... I know!” Luna said hurriedly, looking embarrassedly up at Celestia as Scrivener winced a bit at the feeling of her thoughts suddenly breaking away from his, and then she finally dropped her head with a blush, mumbling: “It has just been... so strange, Celestia, time has been so... difficult to keep track of. We have been through so much... but it has been... oh...”
“Eighteen years?” Scrivener guessed, and Luna looked at him meditatively before nodding thoughtfully, and the stallion smiled a little after a moment before saying finally: “We could just make it twenty if you wanted.”
“Twenty years. Very good. We have been married for twenty years, Celestia.” Luna nodded firmly again, looking at Celestia as the ivory winged unicorn simply looked from one to the other... then, surprisingly, she laughed. “What? Thou mocks us!”
“I'm not mocking you, little sister, I'm just...” Celestia smiled a little, shaking her head slowly. “You've been married about sixteen years.”
Luna and Scrivener looked lamely up at Celestia, and then the sapphire winged unicorn glared at her, snapping: “And why would thou ask us if thou already knew the answer? Thou art a... that is a... a... Scrivener Blooms, I require an insult!”
Scrivener cleared his throat awkwardly, then he winced when Luna reached over and smacked him, saying hurriedly: “Buttocks!”
“A buttocks thing to do!” Luna said seriously, and then she paused, realized what she had just said, and slowly turned a horrible look on Scrivener as Celestia slowly lowered her head forwards, smiling despite her exasperation. “Scrivener. I am going to beat thee later.”
The stallion grumbled a little, and then he reached out and gently touched the black pearl hanging around Luna's neck, the sapphire mare blushing as she immediately calmed a little before Celestia studied the two and said softly: “What I was getting at is that I think... Scrivener and Luna... perhaps it's time for you to make a renewal of vows. Especially because your relationship has... greatly evolved since then, and... honestly... you deserve something more than... me, sitting there and giving a hurried ceremony, with only Twilight as a witness.”
Scrivener and Luna both looked up in surprise at this suggestion, and then Luna blushed deeply and shook her head violently as Scrivener smiled awkwardly and glanced down. Before either could protest, however, Celestia held up a hoof and smiled to them, saying quietly: “Think about it. Maybe it's just the upcoming wedding that has me thinking about this, but... take your time and think about it, both of you. Maybe a little while down the road, once this business with the layers is said and done, it might just be a good idea to... find a reason to celebrate, amidst all this darkness. And you deserve a proper wedding... you never even had a honeymoon, did you?”
“We... well. No. 'Twas a little difficult, being Nightmare Moon in exile and all.” Luna said blandly, and Scrivener smiled a bit as Celestia gazed softly from sister to brother-in-law. “But... very well. We shall consider it at least, big sister. 'Tis... funny, coming from thee, though. Thou art much less a mare than Scrivener Blooms and he has never suggested it.”
Scrivener only sighed at this, but Celestia only smiled and shrugged before calmly turning around to head back towards the library, and Luna looked thoughtfully at her sister as she and her husband followed, finding the idea lodging in her thoughts. It was like a blossoming seed, a blooming rose amongst the garden of brambles and worries and fears, and Luna smiled silently at her big sister, more thankful than she could say for this moment of peace before the strife that would undoubtedly shortly follow.