It was Stoneheart and Precipice Spire's turn to stand guard. It was late into the night; not quite early morning yet, but certainly past midnight.
Then, they heard it. A gurgling, mumbled growl.
Pricipice's horn illuminated brightly to try and see what was creeping out in the blighted field.
The two terran guards paced carefully out into the field, Stoneheart brandishing his poleaxe dutifully.
Then, they saw it. Two shimmering hollows staring back at them.
It looked like it could have been a pony at one point, but was now just a vaguely equid mass of material; a visibly wet clod, somewhere between ground meat, mold, and dirt. Its eye sockets were just that; sockets. They sparkled faintly, as if dotted by thousands of tiny crystals.
It gargled as it stared at them, its "mouth" being a small hole poked into the end of its snout.
"What is that?" Precipice asked, shuffling a bit closer to Stoneheart.
"I have no idea," Stoneheart admitted.
Then, the creature screeched, and started running at them.
The two jumped from the sudden noise, and began running in the opposite direction of the creature.
Precipice yelped as a root caught her hoof, and she tumbled to the dirt.
Stoneheart didn't waste any time, he spun around, reeled back on his hind legs, and gripped his poleaxe tightly.
SHWACK!
The noise that emitted from the creature as it was knocked to the ground by Stoneheart's swing was an unpleasant, slimy sound.
Stoneheart helped Precipice to her feet, watching as the creature drew up, stumbling forward.
"What do we do?" Precipice asked, panicked.
"We get to the tree," Stoneheart replied, turning to the Blightsbane tree, which had grown noticeably since it had first been planted. A circle of influence had made itself known around the tree; one free of blight, and faintly illuminated by the tree's glowing seed pods.
The two ponies ran towards the tree, with the creature hissing and gurgling as it disjointedly galloped after them.
Stoneheart spun around as he entered the tree's threshold, reeling in his hind legs and once again clutching his poleaxe.
Precipice stopped beside him. "Stoneheart?" She asked.
"Just get ready to shield," He said, gritting his teeth as the creature sprinted towards him.
The creature frothed and gargled and screeched, its mouth opening into a three-petaled bloom with jagged wooden teeth.
Stoneheart swung his poleaxe, grunting.
SPLATCH!!
The beast crumbled as it was bashed to the side, seemingly dissolving as it landed within the tree's influence. Its body scattered across the purified dirt, blight being washed away as the tree glowed brighter.
Precipice stepped forward and cautiously brushed her hoof across the pile of mud that once comprised the creature, "So it was blight?" She asked.
Stoneheart watched as Precipice smeared the mud across the field, wiping her hoof. "I suppose so… We should go get the princess," He replied.
Precipice nodded, and they quickly trotted back to the house to get Gustopha.
Gustopha stood quietly over the muddy patch on the field, listening to Stoneheart and Precipice's recollection.
"...I see," Gustopha replied, "This is concerning…"
"Do you think there's more like it?" Precipice asked.
"I don't doubt it. The blight isn't a typical disease," Gustopha expressed, "At the very least, the Blightsbane is an effective countermeasure."
Stoneheart nodded, "It crumbled as soon as it entered the tree's light," He replied.
"We'll stay until dawn and then return to the castle in the morning. I'm afraid that, just as we've begun fighting the blight, it's starting to fight back," Gustopha expressed, gritting her teeth.
"Fighting back?" Precipice asked.
Gustopha nodded grimly, "The blight is not a typical disease. It's magical in nature; amalgamated from pieces of various plagues and held together by some sort of self-propagating magic. I think the creature you ran into is what happens when the blight's magic has been stimulated enough," She explained.
"So the more we fight against it, the stronger it will become, right?" Precipice asked, ears drooping.
Gustopha nodded, but gently rested a hoof on Precipice's side. "That's correct, but it's not the end of the world. It will grow stronger, yes, but we're finally developing ways to fight back against it," She expressed, "The fight's far from over."
Stoneheart nodded, "I'm sure you will lead us to victory, Princess," He said.
Gustopha smiled a bit, "Thank you, Stoneheart," She replied, before looking back at the house, "Now, let's head inside and get some rest."
The others nodded and headed inside with the Princess, leaving the tree to shine softly against the darkness.
Gustopha smiled as she looked at the tree in the morning. It had grown a lot; not quite to full size, but it was large enough that its radius of influence spread across the field. It was nowhere near as quick as her own magic, but it hadn't cost her an ounce of her own energy since it was planted.
Carefully, she picked the mature golden pods from the branches, leaving a few more on the tree to grow. She smiled as she brought them inside, laying them on the table.
"There we are," Gustopha said, "Eight Blightsbane seed pods, with as much magic as the tree that they came from," She explained.
The terran guards, who were mostly awake by now, nodded, looking at the golden seed pods with hope.
The farmhouse mare stared in amazement, "Goodness… That tree's already producing in just two days?" She asks.
Gustopha nodded. "That's correct," She replied, "Thank you for permitting us to use your land; you may use the tree and its fruit however you wish," She expressed, nodding to the farm mare.
The farm mare nodded, "Well, it was my pleasure, Princess. Take care on the way home," She expressed.
Gustopha nodded, gathering up her guards, and leading the way back to the castle.
"Think they'll take good care of it?" Aerated asked.
"They'd be foolish not to; a gift from the Princess shouldn't be taken lightly," Fjord snorted.
"What happens to the tree is up to them, now," Gustopha hummed, "I do hope they'll propagate the seeds to drive the blight back further, but I'm not enforcing that desire… That's why we have the other seeds," She explained.
Stoneheart nodded, "Where will you plant the other seeds?" He asked.
"I'd like to spread them far and wide," Gustopha hummed, "We'll plant a couple in the castle courtyard, of course, but from there, they should be spread across Equestria so we can start making an appreciable dent in the blight."
Stoneheart nodded, “I’m sure there are many pegasi who’d be willing to help you, Princess,” He expressed.
Gustopha smiled, “I hope so,” She replied.
As the group returned to the castle, Gustopha instructed them to plant two of the Blightsbane pods in the castle courtyard; the rest were then dismissed, and Gustopha walked up to the throne with the small bounty of fruit.
Celesta and Gustopha embraced as Gustopha reached the throne. “I’m glad to see you back safe and sound, Gustopha,” She expressed softly.
Gustopha smiled a little, “It’s a bit hard to not be safe, what with the personal entourage I have now,” She commented softly, pulling away, “Are you hungry, sister?” She asked.
Celestia tilted her head, “I suppose I could eat,” She replied softly.
Gustopha nodded, magicking one of the pods over and breaking it open using her magic and the tip of her horn.
Celestia gagged slightly as the slimy white fruit was exposed to the elements; unappetizing did not begin to describe its looks, at least in Celestia’s opinion.
She watched Gustopha pluck one of the beans from the husk, slurping it down with an audible gulp.
“A little tart, still…” Gustopha murmured, wincing slightly.
Celestia’s horn illuminated, and she plucked one of the slightly less slimy-looking beans. She grimaced slightly, but then forced herself to eat it. Despite the damp, juicy texture, the bean itself tasted fairly pleasant; like a semi-sweet chocolate, with more fruity notes. She chewed a few times, then gulped.
“...So this is the fruit of the tree you planted?” Celestia asked, gagging slightly from the lingering texture on the back of her throat.
Gustopha smiled and nodded, “That’s correct,” She replied, “Not only is it edible, and even somewhat nutritious, but the magic from the tree means that it should also stop blight from making anypony who eats it sick.”
Celestia paused. “It cures blight?” She asked.
Gustopha nodded and smiled. “That’s the hope, at least,” She expressed.
Celestia chuckled, “You surprise me every time you make a breakthrough, you know that?” She asked.
Gustopha shrugged, “Well, if you keep having ideas, one of them’ll be good eventually,” She supposed humbly.
Celestia smiled, “Speaking of ideas, sister… I’ve written up the final draft for your coronation,” She explained, pulling a large sheet from under her wing.
Gustopha took the large piece of parchment, running over it quickly.
“You want me to give a coronation speech?” She asked, eyes widening a little.
“Of course; you need to address the public somehow,” Celestia replied.
“What should it be about?” Gustopha asked, “I doubt they’ll find my studies interesting.”
Celestia’s smile softened, “Well… Usually it’s about your plans for the future, and what you want to bring to the country you’re now ruling,” Celestia explained, “But it can be more personal, as well… There’s many ways it can be taken.”
Gustopha sat for a long moment, before nodding a bit, “Does it have to be a long speech?” She asked.
Celestia shook her head, “Only if you have a lot to say,” She replied.
Gustopha nodded a bit, “Did you decide on a date?” She asked.
“Well…” Celestia trailed off in thought for a moment, “The start of autumn is scheduled for next month. Would you like to have it then?” She inquired.
Gustopha thought for a long moment, “That sounds good,” She replied, “It will give me a bit more time to settle into things… Plus, you requested I be fitted before my coronation, so that should give us spare time for that as well,” She hummed.
Celestia nodded thoughtfully in agreement, “We’ll set that up sometime soon… I’ll let the planners know of our chosen date.”
Gustopha smiled, “Thank you, Celestia,” She replied, briefly hugging her fellow princess before scrambling off to start writing her speech.
Celestia looked at the broken apart seed pod on the floor next to her throne. “...I must have a word with her about cleaning up,” She murmured softly.
Stoneheart, April and May Showers, and Aerated Turf stared at the Gustopha, who was now pacing back and forth in the dawn of the new day.
“You requested us four, Princess?” Stoneheart asked.
“Yes,” Gustopha replied simply.
The first four members of the terran guard recognized the signs that Gustopha was deep in thought about something; admittedly, the pacing was new, but the consternated look and short, choppy replies told them everything they needed to know.
“What’s the big problem?” Aerated asked, “Did you hear of more blight creatures? Did the Blightsbane tree die?”
“My coronation is at the end of this month, and I need a speech,” Gustopha expressed, turning to face them, “I need your help.”
April blinked, “You need our help with writing? Princess, I think you’re the most suited to that here,” She commented.
“I can write technical notes and documentation. I’m not good at things other ponies are supposed to understand,” Gustopha corrected, “So, I would like your help… When you see me before you, as a ruler, what do I represent?” She asked.
The terran guard shared a few looks.
“Well…” May began, “You work hard,” She supposed curtly.
April nodded, “You’re always approachable, too,” She added.
Aerated hummed for a moment, “It seems like you’ve got a plan for everything,” She commented.
Stoneheart sat quietly for a moment.
“C’mon, Stone, say something,” Aerated huffed, lightly punching him in the shoulder.
Stoneheart nodded, briefly breathing in, “When I look at you, Princess Gustopha, I see a princess who, despite all of her inexperience, has a great love for the land and people she’s sworn to,” He explained, “You work yourself and your magic to the bone, exhaust yourself with your studies, and fight every waking moment for the health of the land and the ponies who live from it. If I were to write a speech for you, I’d profess how, even though you are a princess, you still wish to be loved as though you’re just a commoner, fighting for her place in this world like anypony else.
The other four ponies in the room stared at him for a long moment.
Gustopha eventually nodded. “That’s… That’s all very true,” She supposed, “I don’t want to be the sort of ruler that everyone feels indebted to; I want them to feel free to relax in my presence, and just enjoy the world for what it is,” She expressed.
Then, her eyes lit up in realization. That was her speech. She turned to her table and began fervently writing away, tail swishing lightly.
The terran guards quietly looked between each other.
After some time, Gustopha turned around, magicking the written speech to them so they could look over it.
The terran guard read it over, and then nodded in approval.
The next month went by like a flash for Gustopha. It was a lot of preparing for her coronation, mixed in with her royal duties of ensuring the the steadily increasing supply of Blightsbane seeds were being distributed. She did, however, find a very grave problem; though the pods could be distributed fairly comfortably, they quickly lost their magic if not planted; their arcane “shelf life” was only about two days; a timespan in which most couriers couldn’t travel very far, save for a few well-trained pegasi. So, even as her coronation drew near, and she was fitted for boots and a breastplate, in addition to a dress, the earth princess would do what she always did when a problem reared its ugly head: She studied.
Celestia walked into Gustopha’s room. It was the morning of Gustopha’s coronation. Celestia had scheduled it a bit later in the day, as per Gustopha’s request, but she still wanted her adopted sister to be prepared. Celestia’s eyes widened as she saw Gustopha not up and going about her usual routine. Gustopha was fast asleep, her mane a mess.
Celestia was about to shake her awake, but decided she first wanted to see why Gustopha was so “non-punctual” this morning. Celestia walked quietly through the room, and into Gustopha’s private study. Celestia froze.
The study table was covered in books about medicine and operational procedures. An old textbook that had been sealed away in the forbidden chambers of the royal library laid placidly on a lectern. Most importantly, the blackboard was scrawled with numerous diagrams and plans… The last time Celestia had seen such a ferociously filled board of notes, it was when Gustopha had cured her of the blight.
“Oh, sister of mine… What are you plotting now?” She asked herself quietly, before walking back towards Gustopha’s bed. Today was Gustopha’s big day, after all; the raving writings could wait a night or two.
Celestia carefully nudged Gustopha awake, “Gustopha, it is time for you to get ready… Your coronation is today,” She said as she roused Gustopha from her slumber.
Gustopha squirmed a bit, but her eyes opened, “Yes… Of course,” She replied groggily, yawning as she stood up.
Celestia chuckled, “You’re always aspiring to be busy, hm?” Celestia asked.
Gustopha nodded, “Yes… It was a late night last night,” She conceded, stepping out of bed, magicking a large brush to straighten out her mane.
“It’s always the most important nights that you get most wrapped up in your own matters,” Celestia recalled, chuckling a bit more as she magicked over Gustopha’s boots and breastplate.
Gustopha nodded absentmindedly, carefully multitasking donning her vestments and brushing her mane.
“You should be proud of yourself, you know,” Celestia commented, “You’re already a very capable ruler… You’ve done so much for Equestria,” She expressed.
Gustopha gave a sly smile, “I seem to recall a certain somepony telling me it’s not all about capability,” She commented, “But I am proud, Celestia. If you had told me two months ago that I would be ready for my coronation, I would have responded by calling you a liar.”
“What changed?” Celestia asked softly, helping Gustopha settle her breastplate straight.
Gustopha wiggled a bit in the bronze armor, still unused to the feeling of metal on her hooves and chest. Her boots and breastplate matched; her boots were adorned with small teardrops of lapis lazuli, and her breastplate was adorned with a rendition of her cutie mark; the pink sky replaced with the deep blue lapis hue that adorned her boots.
“In two months, I have learned a lot about the world. I’ve met many ponies, and learned to lead my own affairs,” Gustopha expressed, before looking away a bit, “I still don’t entirely agree I’ve earned my wings or my crown, but if you and the rest of Equestria believes I am ready,” She turned back to Celestia, smiling, “Then I am ready to take on the responsibility.”
Celestia pulled Gustopha into a tight hug, “I’m very proud of you, Gustopha; I’m honored to call you my sister, regardless of bloodline.”
Gustopha leaned into Celestia’s embrace. “Thank you, Celestia… I aim to keep making you proud.”
“You always have, Gustopha; and I’m sure you always will,” Celestia expressed.
Celestia and Gustopha left the room, heading towards the dressing room so Gustopha could receive her dress.
Gustopha sat still as several hoofmaidens, including Heartful Surrogate, carefully helped the dress over the princess’ back, straightening it so it would be even.
It was a fairly ornate affair; snow-white fur made up the undercoat, beneath a royal blue felt top, adorned with a vine-themed pattern. Several shimmering gold renditions of the glowing Blightsbane pods detailed the pattern, reflecting Gustopha’s accomplishments.
Then, her crown was neatly set in a velvet box in front of her; a bronze crown studded with lapis and jade; an “earth and sea” sort of pattern. A particularly astute observer would notice that the jade portions were carved to Equestria’s shape.
“You look stunning, Gustopha,” Heartful said gently.
The other handmaidens had left the room, leaving only Heartful Surrogate, Gustopha, and Celestia in the room.
“I still remember the first time I saw you open your eyes… Back when you had no idea what the world had in store for you,” Heartful continued, “Just a scrappy little filly, doing what she was told.” A tear rolled down her cheek.
Gustopha blushed softly, “Thank you, Heartful… I owe it to you,” She expressed, pulling the mare into a hug, “My faithful caretaker.”
Heartful hugged back briefly, before pulling away and wiping her eyes, “Goodness… You’ve really grown up fast, you know that? And not just on the outside,” She expressed.
Celestia smiled, “You really have,” She concurred.
Gustopha took a deep breath, feeling a swelling in her chest. “Thank you both,” She expressed softly, before turning to Heartful, “I know I’m not a young filly any more, so this comes a bit late… But I would be honored, if you allowed me to consider you my mother.”
Heartful gasped, “Oh, but Princess!... You have a mother, do you not?” She asked, “Surely, you didn’t forget her.”
Gustopha turned away, “Of course I do; I remember her fondly. But she was Plantation’s mother,” She expressed, a small smile on her face, “Gustopha was raised by two mares: Heartful Surrogate and Rolling Simmer. They were her mothers.”
Heartful sat in silence for a moment. “Goodness, Gustopha… I don’t know what to say,” She expressed, “Of course you may call me mother; and I’m sure Rolling Simmer will be just as happy to hear that.”
Gustopha smiled and hugged her again, “Thank you,” She said gently.
Celestia bit her lip as she looked at the time, “Gustopha… It is about time we get you to the front of the castle for your introduction,” She expressed gently.
Heartful smiled up at Gustopha, “Keep your chin up, Gustopha. We’ll have plenty of time to talk after you’ve been formally coronated.”
Celestia’s horn illuminated, taking the carefully boxed crown, and she walked Gustopha out to the front of the castle. The warm afternoon sun beamed down on them; a heavenly glow cascaded across the hall as they walked up the stairs, standing before the castle’s main balcony.
“You remember the rehearsal, yes? I will finish my speech, then you will enter and give yours. Then, you will be crowned, and we will return to the dining hall so you may mingle with some of the others,” Celestia recounted.
Gustopha nodded slowly, “Did… Did you receive word as to whether the Groves were invited or not?” She asked.
Celestia smiled, “In full. They even managed to get the foals out of school for a few days,” She said.
Gustopha smiled and nodded, jumping slightly as the horns blared from outside.
“That’s my cue,” Celestia said, “I’ll see you outside, Princess.” She flashed a smile as she left, walking out onto the balcony.
Celestia’s posture swelled as she stepped out onto the red carpet on the balcony. It was the first addressal that she had given since her announcement of banishing Luna and her army to the moon. She stood before the banister, looking out at the large crowd that had gathered.
“Citizens of Equestria,” She greeted, her voice booming in the full strength of the royal tongue, “The times since the war have been grueling for us all. We have faced blight, starvation, and the loss of those we love. Even now, our land heals only slowly, still marred from the aftermath of a fight which should have never began. But, over the course of the past couple months, we have seen light pop up; hints of hope, of new life, and of a fresh start for our great country. I have gathered you all here today to introduce you to the cause of this uptick in fresh life. Mares and gentlestallions, I present to you,” She stepped to the side, “Princess Gustopha, Princess of the Earth’s Plenty!” She bellows, to a loud cheer of the crowd.
Gustopha took a deep breath, stepping out onto the balcony and into the warm sun. The uproarious sound of the crowd made her tense, but she just kept walking one hoof in front of the other.
She forced a bashful smile as she got to the banister, waving to all those below. There were a lot of attendants; hundreds, at least. Most of them seemed to be in decent-or-better health, no less; a fact that pleased the earth princess.
The crowd hushed as Celestia began to speak again, “For the past two months, Gustopha has been working her hooves and horn to the bone to provide our land with the energy it needs to carry on,” She expressed, “Today we gather to honor her contributions to Equestria and its future. With this crown,” Her horn ignited, lifting the blue and green crown from its enclosure, “I proudly coronate before you our new Princess!”
Gustopha flinched slightly as the crown was settled neatly on her head, just beneath her horn. The precision that Celestia employed to nestle it there was second to none.
The crowd went wild again, cheering wildly for a few more moments, before quieting again.
This was it. Now or never. Now all Gustopha had to do was read her…
Her speech.
She’d forgotten it on her nightstand. Panic briefly gripped her, and she felt her body tense.
Gustopha closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Maybe it was poetic, that she’d forgotten her preparations (quite literally) on her greatest day. But she couldn’t back down now.
“Hello, everypony!” Gustopha greeted, her voice somewhat squeaky as she forced the panic back, “I am Princess Gustopha. When I was first told I’d be a crowned princess, I was scared more than anything; even with Celestia to help guide me through assisting and ruling a country, I didn’t think I had it in me to take command of something like this. But, as I had time to come into my own as both a princess and a mare, I learned things about myself; I became more comfortable in me, and what I represented,” She spoke, attempting to match her sister’s loud tone, only to some success, “So, when you look upon me today, I don’t want you to see a ruler who expects to be treated as a participant of Equestria’s high society. I want you to see me as a servant of the land and the ponies who live off it, giving every gift I can to heal our great country. I wish for all of you to feel welcome in my presence, whether you’re a noble, a farmer, a miner, or anything else!” She concluded.
The crowd immediately burst into loud cheering for the new princess. It seemed her speech had gone over quite well indeed; and she beamed with pride as she began to walk back towards the castle.
Celestia followed after her quietly, leaving the crowd to mingle.
“That was beautiful, Gustopha… How long did you spend writing it?” Celestia asked.
Gustopha smiled awkwardly, “The ten seconds it took me to get up to the front of the balcony, give or take,” She admitted.
Celestia’s eyes widened.
“I forgot my speech in my room,” Gustopha said, starting to giggle.
Celestia chuckled as she walked alongside Gustopha, “Well, they say that the best speeches come from the heart,” She commented softly.
Gustopha smiled, “The crowd seemed to like it, at least,” She said softly.
“They did indeed,” Celestia replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such unanimous praise to any speech.”
“I just hope I’ll be able to live up to that expectation…” Gustopha replied softly.
Celesta gently pressed her muzzle to Gustopha’s, “You will, Gustopha. That much I know for sure,” She expressed.
Gustopha looked around at the congregation of mares and stallions in the dining hall, which was now laid out for a small ball, rather than just a dinner between the two sisters. Gustopha had requested the gathering not too large; this was, of course, still Gustopha.
Gustopha yipped as she was suddenly hugged from the side, “Hi, Miss Gustopha!” Greeted a familiar colt’s voice.
Gustopha smiled, “Hello, Dogwood,” She greeted, smiling as she hugged the colt back.
Willow, Sequoia, and Oak would gather around her.
“Goodness me, Princess,” Oak chuckled, “You’re quite the looker in regalia,” He complimented.
Sequoia lightly elbowed him in the side, “Oak!” She scolded quietly.
Gustopha looked over the family; they were all dressed nicely. Oak and Dogwood wore suits, and Sequoia and Willow wore dressed; none as fancy as the princess’ attire, but that didn’t matter. Gustopha just appreciated that they were there.
“Thank you, Oak,” Gustopha replied, bowing her head gently, “You all look wonderful.”
Sequoia chuckled, “Well, Dogwood didn’t make it easy to wrestle him into that suit, let me tell you,” She snorted.
Dogwood huffed, “Mom, not in front of the princesses,” He whined.
Gustopha laughed a little. “Tex was never much for dress-up either,” She thought to herself, smile flickering slightly.
“I must say, we were mighty surprised you invited the four of us to your coronation ball,” Sequoia expressed.
“How could I not?” Gustopha asked incredulously, “When I was the most lost in my new life, you took me in… The way I rule is in part because of the kindness you showed me,” She expressed.
Willow gave a small smile, “You’re just sayin’ that,” She murmured softly.
Gustopha shook her head, “I mean every word,” She promised.
“Ah, speaking of every word,” Sequoia hummed, fiddling with a fold of her dress, and pulling out a neatly folded piece of parchment, “This came a couple weeks back… We didn’t want to bother you, but now’s a good opportunity.”
Gustopha’s horn illuminated as she took the letter, and she sat down and read it.
“To Princess Gustopha, Oak, Sequoia, Willow, and Dogwood,
We receive thine offer of diplomacy (and your care package) with the greatest of honor. To be reached out to in such a sincere, honorable manner is not an act of kindness we take lightly. Though the moon has been a difficult environment to settle, we have made do due to Princess Luna’s power, grace, and wisdom (all things that have allowed us the privilege of returning your letter).
Though for now we return only your letter, we wish to extend a far greater display of diplomatic intent in the coming months. When the seasons turn to winter and the moon’s connection to the earth strengthens, we intend to send you a very special gift.
From the moon with the sincerest of respect,
Signed, Distant Embassy, Head of the Lunar Outreach Committee, and Princess Luna”
Gustopha smiled a hard smile, “They did write back…” She commented softly.
Celestia blinked, “They did?” She asked.
Gustopha turned the note so Celestia could see. Celestia’s eyes widened as she read the note, and then began to fill with tears.
“K-Keep that note close,” Celestia said softly, “I’m going to go mingle with the other guests,” She expressed abruptly.
Gustopha watched as Celestia left into the depths of the dining hall, going to speak with some of the others.
“Well, now, I thought it was a nice letter,” Sequoia huffed softly.
“It was… And I think that’s what did it,” Gustopha said, “I haven’t asked about Luna much, but I do know that Celestia regrets the way her and Luna’s argument ended,” She explained, “I have a feeling that seeing it signed by Luna herself opened some wounds Celestia wasn’t prepared to dress.”
Oak nodded slowly, “I see…” He replied, “Well… Hopefully reconciling some will help her come to terms with it.”
Gustopha nodded, “I’ll speak with her tonight,” She expressed.
Gustopha would spend some more time talking with the Grove family, catching them up on all she’d been doing over the past couple months, and even calling her small troop of guards over so the two groups could meet. They got along fairly well, which made the earth princess happy.
Gustopha did find her eyes drifting over to Celestia every now and again to check on her, keeping the letter tucked tightly beneath her wing. She couldn’t help but feel a bit worried.
Celestia would leave the room as the hours grew long; it would be time for her to set the sun, and raise the moon.
As the moon came out, Gustopha looked back to the Groves.
“Before the party concludes… Would you like to send a letter back to the moon?” Gustopha asked, “We can do it from the castle courtyard before you’re sent back to your lodging.”
Dogwood’s eyes shimmered, “Really, Princess?” He asked excitedly.
Gustopha nodded, “Of course,” She replied, “So long as your parents are alright with it.”
Oak and Sequoia nodded, “I think that’s a lovely idea,” Sequoia agreed.
Willow also nodded, “I’d like that,” She said softly.
Gustopha smiled, ordering one of her guards to fetch them a pencil and paper, before leading the family out into the well-grown courtyard of the castle.
“Hah… The first time I was brought here, this courtyard was blighted and completely barren,” Gustopha explained, “It was the first time I ever displayed my magic to Celestia…”
Oak looked around, “You’ve got a proper jungle in here,” He chuckled, “No wonder you’re so well-fed.”
Gustopha blushed slightly, but nodded as she sat in the middle of the field.
“Well… What should we put in our letter?” She asked, “Of course, we should make sure they know we accept their letter of diplomacy, but is there anything else you want to say?”
The family all thought for a moment.
“Well, you should let ‘em know there’s an open homestead door waitin’ for ‘em,” Sequoia said, “We’d love to have ‘em over.” It was wishful thinking, of course, but Gustopha did agree that it was a nice sentiment.
A few of the other family members pitched ideas, and Gustopha nodded, eventually writing out the letter.
“Dear Moon Ponies,
We hope this letter finds its way to the desk of Distant Embassy, and hope it finds all of you well. We’re sending this letter to say we excitedly anticipate future diplomatic contact, and that, despite the bad blood our cultures have shared in the past, we’d like you all to know that there’s a homestead down here that would love to host some of you sometime.
Each time our Princess sends a letter, the process seems to get a bit easier. If you feel the need to keep in touch, please do not be hesitant. We await further letters with bated breath,
Sincerely yours, Oak, Sequoia, Willow, Dogwood, and Princess Gustopha”
“A lovely letter as always, Princess,” Sequoia said gently. Oak and Willow nodded in agreement.
“Why didn’t you sign it with Celestia’s name?” Dogwood asked, looking up at her.
“I believe it is best if we leave Celestia out of our letters for now,” Gustopha replied, gently stroking his mane, “There’s some complexities at work here.”
Dogwood frowned a little, “Well, okay,” He replied softly.
“One day, I’ll ask Celestia to write a letter with me,” Gustopha promised, rolling the scroll up in her magic as the familiar orange sheath encapsulated it.
Dogwood nodded, and the family began to pray aloud as Gustopha sent the letter skyward.
Sure enough, the spell did come easier this time. Her horn still ignited and bathed the courtyard in pure white light, but it came easier this time.
Eventually, the lurch came, and Gustopha’s eyes opened. She panted lightly, “There we go; it’s sent,” She said softly.
A few guards had entered the clearing, “The party has concluded,” One said, “All guests should be vacating the castle.”
Gustopha nodded and stood up, hugging each member of the Grove family. “Thank you so very much for your support, everyone. I hope to make you proud,” She expresses.
The family said their goodbyes, before allowing themselves to be escorted out.
Gustopha walked through the now relatively empty castle, heading towards Celestia’s room.
She looked at the solar guards posted before Celestia’s door, “Is she inside?” Gustopha asked.
They nodded and Gustopha headed inside.
Celesta was curled tightly into herself, sobbing into her pillow.
“Celestia…” Gustopha said gently, walking over to the alicorn’s bed.
Celestia rolled over, her eyes bloodshot with tears.
“Can… Can we talk?” Gustopha asked.
Celestia sniffled, “About what?” She asked.
Gustopha carefully removed her dress and crown, sitting next to Celestia on the bed. “Whatever’s on your mind,” Gustopha replied, “I think I know what it’s about, but…” She trailed off.
Celestia sighed a little, “I’m sorry,” Celestia heaved, “I didn’t mean to ruin your special day,” She expressed.
Gustopha shook her head, “You didn’t do that at all, Celestia,” She dismissed.
Celestia froze as Gustopha sat back against the headboard, pulling Celestia against her front.
“You don’t need to worry about it,” Celestia huffed, wiping her eyes.
“Perhaps not, but I need to worry about you, don’t I?” Gustopha asked, “We’re sisters, even if not by blood…”
Celestia sighed a bit, resting her head on Gustopha’s chest.
“It’s just that… I tried so hard to reconcile with Luna, before the war,” Celestia expressed, “But There was always something between us. Jealousy, resentment, whatever you want to call it… Luna hated me for the fact that ponies loved the day and slept through the night.”
Gustopha nodded slowly.
“As things grew more tense, I started saying things I regretted. I called her childish, unworthy… A burden,” Celestia listed off, curling up a bit, as if trying to protect her underbelly from some unknown assailant.
Gustopha blinked, “And you think that was the last straw, right?” She asked softly.
Celestia nodded, “That’s when things went from personal tension to… To war,” She expressed, “Because I couldn’t make peace with Luna. I didn’t want to. And now, seeing you put the effort I never bothered to try putting in, even though Luna was my own family…” Tears once again ran down Celestia’s cheeks, “It’s like I’m being waived of accountability.”
“It’s not fair, Gustopha. It’s not fair to you, or to her,” Celestia continued, “It’s not fair that you’re having to clean up my mess.”
Gustopha rubbed Celestia’s side gently. “And you truly don’t believe she’d forgive you?” Gustopha asked.
Celestia sat for a long moment, “If I were her, I wouldn’t. The fact that I constantly dismissed her concerns, insulted her, and than banished her for her anger, it was-” Her voice caught in her throat, “Would you forgive me?”
“Not right away,” Gustopha supposed, “But it’s been a long time since you last saw each other… Don’t you think you’d be able to reconcile with so much time to think?” She asked.
Celestia laughed a choked laugh, “Ruling a country doesn’t give one much time to think, Gustopha; at least not by oneself,” She dismissed.
Gustopha bit her lip, “Well… You’re not ruling a country alone anymore,” Gustopha said, “So… You can think about why you and Luna couldn’t see eye to eye, and try to make it better.”
Celestia’s eyes closed, “I’d like that, Gustopha. I really would,” She expressed, “I want to, when the time comes, face her down and apologize, properly. I want to tell her how I regret every single thing I said, how every night when I raise the moon I think about her.”
Gustopha smiled, “Then, start thinking about it,” She said, “I can’t replace you, but I can be an extra pair of hooves,” She said softly.
Celestia smiled a bit, slumping against her sister some. “Thank you, Gustopha,” She replied softly.
Gustopha simply nodded, even though Celestia’s eyes were closed. Her hoof gently stroked Celestia’s side, and in time, the elder alicorn fell asleep.
Gustopha thought for a long moment. This wasn’t a problem she could solve; the feud between Celestia and Luna was something they needed to agree to fix.
Gustopha simply hoped, as she fell asleep, that she’d be able to at least pave the way for reconciliation.
“...Tex?” Plantation asked softly.
The pegasus huffed a little and crept away from her.
“Tex, what’s wrong?” Plantation asked again.
“...Nothing,” Texas grumbled.
“Why are you mad?” Plantation asked, stepping closer to him.
“I just had a spat with my older brother; you wouldn’t get it,” He snorted.
“What happened?” Plantation asked sitting next to him.
“We got into a fight over me playing with you in the field; he keeps calling you my fillyfriend,” Texas huffed, “So, I yelled at him to stop, and then we started roughhousing…”
Plantation sidled closer to Texas and hugged him. He didn’t hug back, but he also didn’t try wriggling out of her grasp.
“And mom broke us up, so he’s probably just laughing at me,” Texas complained.
“Why can’t you go talk to him?” Plantation asked.
“Because he’s my brother! He’ll just think I’m whining,” Texas huffed.
“Well… Think about what you want to say to him,” Plantation supposed, “That way, you won’t sound like you’re whining.”
Texas blinked, “You think so?” He asked.
Plantation nodded, “It’s worth a shot,” She said softly.
“I guess you’re right,” Texas replied softly, “Besides, you’d be a cute fillyfriend, anyways.”
“Huh?” Plantation asked, face going a bit red.
“Nothing!” Texas yipped.