Celestia stretched out on the wonderfully soft cushions as the crackling fire warmed her body. It had been a long day and Celestia was looking forward to reading one of her favorite books with a nice glass of good wine. She had just poured the wine and pulled the book off of the shelf when she felt an almost imperceptible breeze pass over her, along with a slight chill. A hint of a smile played across her lips as she calmly put the book and glass on the table next to her before turning her head so that she was staring at a corner of darkness far from the fire.
“Hello.” Celestia’s voice was even and almost warm as she addressed the shadow.
Hello Celestia. The response was a strange whisper that seemed to come from Celestia’s own mind and sounded like an echo of her voice.
Celestia’s smile grew slightly “I know you can’t show yourself but you can at least use your own voice.”
As you wish. The voice changed to a slightly more ethereal feminine tone and sounded as though it was coming from the patch of shadow, even if the hint of echo remained.
“It’s been a long time, how have you been?”
I have been well. Equestria flourishes under your rule.
Celestia chuckled “Thank you, but it isn’t all under my rule anymore. Not only do I have my dear sister Luna back, my faithful, well, former student Twilight Sparkle and her sister-in-law Princess Cadence have taken some responsibility as well.” Her voice was not as regal as it normally was and her demeanor was more relaxed.
I know. Your mind is troubled, would you care to talk about it? The voice was sincere and Celestia smiled for a moment but her face quickly fell.
“Do you remember Jinx?”
Of course I do. I remember all that happens in this world.
“I spoke to her yesterday. She is alive, well, and still absolutely mad.” Celestia turned towards the fire as the shadow moved to cover a chair near Celestia’s desk. “How? How could I have let such an atrocity happen in my own capital?”
It was not your fault, Celestia. You saved hundreds of lives when you imprisoned her.
“After hundreds had already been slaughtered.” Celestia sighed “I was there when she was introduced to the Court, and I did nothing. I gawked at her just like the rest of them when Starswirl told us how she came to be.”
There was no way you could have known what she would do. And after that you attended every one of the funerals for those killed by her.
“But what justice did I give them? I locked her in a mountain and left her alone, how is that right?” Celestia’s voice was tired and pained.
What other choice did you have? Starswirl could not undo his spell, you could not unravel her magic, and every conventional and unconventional means of execution failed.
“I know, I know. I don’t know why I keep going back down to her, in my heart I know she won’t change.”
When was the last time you visited her before this?
“Twenty years after I imprisoned her.” Celestia sighed again and took a sip of wine.
That is a very long time ago, and you have seen the lord of Chaos himself change his ways. Your hope is neither unfounded nor something to regret. The voice was gentle and warm with kindness, and Celestia couldn’t help but smile a little.
“Perhaps, but it still pains me that I can’t bring an end to it. I have carried this burden for almost as long as the burden of banishing my own sister to the moon.” Celestia looked at the shadow “I only want closure.”
I know. But you are not alone, Celestia. Your sister loves you very much, and the princesses Twilight Sparkle and Cadence view you almost as a mother. Celestia smiled and weakly nodded. There is also me. I may not be able to offer a tender hoof or a physical shoulder to cry on, but I can offer some guidance and a willing ear.
Celestia chuckled “That is true; you’ve always been there when I needed advice, even if I don’t know what or who you are.” Celestia raised an eyebrow mischievously “Speaking of which, don’t you think it might be time to tell me your real name?”
A whisper echoed through the room that sounded almost like a laugh. I have told you before, Princess of the Sun, I have no name other than what ponies and other creatures have called me. The Conscience, the Voice of Reason, the nagging thought at the back of your mind. Although I have to say my personal favorite as far as accuracy is concerned is the Moral Compass.
Celestia laughed “Very well, my shadowy friend. I can’t remember whether or not you like wine, I have plenty if you would care for some.”
I would enjoy that, thank you. The shadow shifted towards the bottle and the wine seemed to drain for a moment before stopping at a slightly lower level. This vintage is excellent, but of course I expect no less from the sovereign of Equestria. The voice had a lightness to it that made it sound like it was smiling.
Celestia raised her glass before taking a sip “Thank you. You know, I have always found it strange that you can interact with physical objects and even consume them without a body.”
The echo of a laugh returned. I never said that I have no physical form.
Celestia raised an eyebrow “Do you?”
No. Both voices laughed at this for a moment and the shadow continued while Celestia drank more wine. I myself am not quite sure how I can drink wine and sit in chairs, but I have learned to accept it as a part of my purpose.
“And what is your purpose?” Celestia felt the faintest hint of alcohol in her brain as she spoke.
What is any creature’s purpose?
Celestia rolled her eyes and sighed “It depends on the creature.” She had forgotten how annoying her friend’s love of stalling really was.
To be fair, I have to speak to every other creature through riddles and hints, using their own words to help them see the right path. You are the only being in the world I have ever shared my own thoughts and voice with.
Celestia shook her head slightly with a smile; there really were no secrets of emotion with the shadowy counselor she had known for centuries. “My apologies. About your purpose?” Her wine glass was empty and she debated refilling it.
My purpose is to give guidance where it is needed. You should feel free to have another glass; it has been a trying few days.
Celestia smiled and poured herself more wine “Well, if my conscience thinks so, I would be remiss if I didn’t.” Another breeze passed through the room and the shadow started to recede, causing Celestia’s face to fall. “So soon?”
Yes. I am sorry, Celestia, but I am needed elsewhere. Until we meet again. The shadow faded and Celestia sighed, draining her glass. She smiled and picked up her book, curling up in the warmth of the fire before opening the cover and starting to read. She barely picked up a final whisper as it passed through the room and faded into silence.
Beware, Celestia…All chains can weaken…