//------------------------------//
// CH45: Epilogue 
// Story: A Dubious Welcome 
// by Maonyman 
//------------------------------//

* * * THREE DAYS LATER * * *
"Well, Princess," Serenity said, "I think it's fair to say you've really come into your own, now."
Luna raised an eyebrow at her as they walked slowly down the hall, "Oh?"
"Well, you've handled the last three hearings with ease, parliament is still chattering about how you caught the Guild of Lotus red-hoofed mid-procession yesterday, you've straightened up the guards when I didn't even think they could be more straight, and even the royals seem content with your decision to marry Prince Bastion."
The Princess allowed herself a small self-satisfied grin.
"Yes, well... I have my sister to thank, in part."
"Right. Her guidance has been invaluable. The two of you make a formidable pair now, with your duties shared as they are, even if the nobles have had to shift their schedules later in the day to work with you."
"Indeed. She handles the squabbling rabble while I stay here and do all the real work!"
There was a beat of silence, followed by an awkward cough from Serenity. Luna lowered her gaze to the little unicorn.
"It was a joke, dear Serenity."
"O-Oh! Ha! Hahaha!"
Luna rolled her eyes and flapped a puff of wind at the mare, ruffling her already unkempt mane.
"Do not worry yourself. I have naught but the utmost respect for my sister and her duties. Indeed, I am consistently impressed by the skill and cleverness with which she handles herself around such a varied crowd. At least when I am with the nobles, they are somewhat predictable!"
Now Serenity did giggle, "Yes, well, a little birdie told me she's just as impressed with you. I think you two would do well to share more stories about what goes on in your day to day."
Luna eyed the mare coolly, "I think I can handle my sister quite well enough, but thank you, Serenity."
The unicorn bowed her head at the subtle rebuke, "Very well. We are all done, so if I may be excused?"
"Of course, Serenity. Tomorrow when you are done with Celestia, meet me in the dining hall before parliament, please."
"Yes, Princess. Good night." 
The mare trotted happily off toward her bedchambers and Luna turned toward her own bedchambers where Bastion was waiting for her.
"Evening," he said calmly, his decorative royal helm gleaming as he approached. 
She raised a hoof in mock pain, "Alas, you dazzle me with thy armor! Begone with this wretched regalia!"
He laughed and tossed his helm casually to the ground as he trotted up to give her a nuzzle. She nickered happily at the now familiar contact and they turned to exit her room and walk slowly down the hall.
"So," he began, "Captain Pride is doing well in his new position."
"Oh good. I was worried his ego would get the better of him after his promotion from officer."
"As was I, but I made sure he understood the significant responsibility his position holds, and that he would show it the respect it deserves. He was a good officer, and makes for a good captain too. You chose well."
"I am glad. It was a tough call between him and Officer Order, but as you commented in your report, Pride is simply more understanding of his subordinate's needs."
"Indeed," Bastion said, nodding happily. "Officer Joust, on the other hoof, has not taken well to his new position."
"Oh?"
Bastion quirked his muzzle, "I mean, he performs his duties and commands his platoon well enough, but he just seems... unsatisfied."
"Why is that?"
"I am not sure. That is why I mention it--perhaps you could talk to him? You do have a way of stirring up the guards' fervor for their position. Maybe he will have a little more self-respect if you help him feel he deserves it."
"And does he deserve it?" Luna asked with a smirk.
"Oh, absolutely. He is a fantastic officer when he puts his mind to it, and I suspect would even make a suitable replacement for Captain Spear when he decides to retire."
"Oh ho ho! You would have him skip Officers Order, Candy, and Swear?"
"I would indeed," Bastion said firmly, "He is a stalwart soldier and has the utmost respect for his position. He reminds me a lot of myself, to tell you the truth. He is just... inexplicably unhappy. So--"
"Never fear, my Bastion, I will have a chat with him."
"Thank you, mistress."
She nipped his ear playfully, "I told you to stop calling me that! You are a Prince now, my Bastion. Behave!"
He laughed, then suddenly stopped in the middle of the hallway. She turned back to him, but he nudged her onward.
"Go on, Princess. Your sister awaits, and I will not intrude."
She smiled, gave him a little nuzzle, then turned and stepped through the door into the private dining hall. Princess Celestia was having a quiet conversation with Captain Spear, but as soon as she entered, he grinned at her and gave her a casual salute before trotting out of the room without a word. Princess Luna approached the broad table and slid into the seat beside Celestia, who greeted her warmly.
"Ah, my dear sister! How did the princes take the news?"
"Well enough. Goldenheart is a trifle annoyed, I suspect, but he will recover soon enough."	
"That old curmudgeon," Celestia rolled her eyes, "The slightest change and he's grumpy for days. Nevermind him."
"I suppose you're right, of course. You usually are."
Celestia accepted the compliment with a bow of her head.
"And how is our newest subject?" Luna asked.
"You mean our resident human? Oh, he is behaving himself quite well after our little... chat. And he is still conducting experiments with Twilight. I must admit they are a match made in haven if ever there was one."
"That they are. And no word of the missing human?"
"The one Twilight said leapt through her portal?" Celestia shook her head sadly, "No, nothing. He could be anywhere, dead or alive. We may never know."
Luna bobbled her head, "I am not so sure... I have this niggling feeling he shall turn up eventually."
At that moment, Luna's stomach let out an audible grumble and she smiled sheepishly, "Ah, it appears my body is upset I skipped lunch. Do you know how much longer for the food?"
Celestia's lips quivered in her telltale way when she is suppressing a smile, "Oh, well... I believe it will arrive any... second!"
As she said the last word, her horn twitched and the illusion spell dissolved, revealing two small plates of rainbow colored pastries.
Luna gasped, "You didn't!"
"I did," Celestia replied smugly.
She eagerly lifted her Zap Apple Eclair to Celestia's muzzle, who likewise did the same for Luna.
"In memory and celebration!" Celestia cried.
"And may we--" Luna began.
A burst of green flame interrupted her and she groaned loudly.
"Oh fie! Not now, surely!?"
Celestia giggled at Luna's reaction as she set the pastry down and unfolded the letter.
Her smile faded slowly as she read, and her expression had turned dark indeed by the time she passed the letter to Luna, who lifted it with some trepidation.
"Dear Princess Celestia... I have good news and bad news. The good news is we have finally succeeded! Yes, that's right, Anon successfully cast a spell, real magic of his own! The bad news... um, well, he can only seem to cast magic like... like what King Sombra had. Black and green and crystals and all that. We're not sure why yet, but... well, I thought you should know. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
Luna gently set the letter down and frowned at Celestia.
"So... the human has dark magic."
Celestia nodded somberly, "I wondered how it would manifest. This could have serious repercussions."
"Very serious. We will have to watch him closely."
"Indeed."
They sat in silence for a brief moment. Then Luna straightened in her chair.
"But I believe those repercussions can wait a moment, yes?"
She lifted her eclair again, and Celestia grinned as she lifted her own to Luna's muzzle.
"Yes, dear sister, I believe they can."
Then, finally, they each took a delicate bite of Zap Apple Eclair.
It was even better than they had remembered.