//------------------------------// // The Gathering // Story: Shadow Celebration // by Kipakuta //------------------------------// When originally built, Luna's castle was an architectural marvel, compared to Celestias' old Etrotscan palace. Time and technology had advanced to the point where the palace was part of a much larger complex that dwarfed Lunas' castle. Rather than try to compete, Luna embraced this anachronistic feature, and had her city rebuilt in the likeness of 9th century fantasy. A figure could be seen upon a north-facing balcony of one of the towers. She was dressed in a red and black diamond-patterned unitard. The mask over her face was built in the likeness of a hyena with the horns of a giraffe and a musk-ox. Each of her legs were outfitted to resemble the limbs of four different animals: tiger, ostrich, tree frog and rhinoceros. The wing-pieces were constructed to simulate one for a parrot, and the other for a butterfly. Her tail was bound in a truss and styled to resemble a lemurs'. From her vantage point, she could see the entire city laid out below. Ponies lit the silver and brass lamps that lined the streets, creating a slowly spreading covering of light to balance against the evening darkness. Turning to look in the other direction, she could see the approaching plume of smoke from the train heading towards Nocne Mesta. (I shall be greatly joyous when the Zeppelin tower is completed.) The thought caused her to smile. "Auntie Luna!" She turned as a pair of ponies ascended the stairway and stepped out onto the landing. "Princess Cadenza, Prince Shining Armor," Luna greeted the pair. "What cause brings the two of you this way? We were informed that the Crystal Empire does not celebrate Nightmare Night." "The Crystal Ponies don't, but we're working to introduce the idea to them." Cadence said. "Shining and I still recall the good times we had fright or biting." "And besides," Shining Armor held up a pair of ticket stubs. "I thought it would be a show of goodwill if we came to your celebration." Luna hugged her niece and nephew. "And Sister did not send the two of you?" They shook their heads. "Then this is good sooth." She circled around, examining their costumes. "And your impersonations?" Cadance turned and posed, with Shining Armor performed a dance maneuver. Noticing Lunas' puzzled expression. Cadance blushed. "Oh, I forgot, you're not quite familiar with modern cultural trends yet." She used a hoof to fluff her mane. "We're dressed as the 970s." "Ah. How they clothed themselves in that decade," Luna grinned. "I may have seen some of the depictions. And it is the distinctive feature that the sleeves be spread out over your hooves." Shining chuckled. "Well, that created a kind of urban legend, that the flair indicated the size of their-" "Libido." Cadance quickly interrupted. "Feh." Luna waved a hoof. "Prince Armor wields his Zweihoofer with great skill and zest. Tis only those with daggers that would feel the need to bluff and bluster." The pair blushed. After a moment, Shining Armor coughed into his hoof. "Anyways, tell us about your costume, Auntie." "Oh yes." Cadance added. "You look like a Draconequus, but I thought Discord was the only one." Luna smiled. "You have heard of the Lady Fortuna." They nodded. "She who uses subtle chaos to influence the outcome of events. Her domain not only includes what we term as 'Luck,' but Prophecy as well." "Funny, I always thought she was a pony." Shining Armor said. "That's how she's always shown anyways." "She is content to let others think of her as such." Luna said. "Celestia and I know her true nature, and we are content to let her do as she will. Unlike Dissy," Cadance giggled at the nickname. "Fortuna does not seek to spread misery." "Fascinating." Shining Armor stated. "I'm sure we'll see more such costumes as the night goes on." "Indeed." Cadance added. "I've already seen a selection of Canterlot Palace staff dressed as the Power Ponies." "I should very much like to witness that," Luna said. "Come, let us commence this spectacle." She headed down the stairs. Shining Armor and Cadance followed. - - - Gilda and Trixie watched the forest thin out as their train ascended the path up the plateau. "So what should I expect when we arrive?" Gilda asked. Trixie levitated a slightly worn pamphlet, and read through it. "From what I've read, Things are set up to be a mishmash of Pre-9th century styles: Small cafes, independant stores for various goods, gaslamp lit streets, a bazaar, and architectural styles that our grandparents would call 'old-fashioned.'" Gilda lightly raked a talon through the strands of Trixies' tail, "I thought you might know, since you know, this is your-our, homeland." "I've never been here before, so I'm just as in the dark as you, but we will learn together." Trixie leaned back into the griffons' side. "Even the trees in the forest back there, are new." "Yeah, I noticed that they're not very tall. I thought that was weird. Shouldn't there be big ol' trees that are over a thousand years old?" Gilda peered out the window, scanning the grassy hills that the train chugged among. "They might have chopped those down for lumber," Trixie said. "But when the trees have finished growing, our grandfoals will play beneath the shady canopy that this land was known for." Gilda warbled softly. "Yeah, once we get the money together, and get a donor, we'll set up a homestead out here. I think the City might be expensive, but a nice little place out in the country will do." "Wouldn't you miss the Schwarzwald?" "Nah, It's a nice place, but I don't feel like it's my home. Y'know? It was just a place to hang out." Gilda pointed a claw at the distant mountains. "But that, that reminds me of the Kingdom. Maybe we can make an aerie there." "What, in the Clopathians?" Trixie thought for a moment. "Maybe at the base, or within easy reach of one of the villages. I don't particularly relish climbing up and down every time I want to wander." "Good point," Gilda replied. "I'll keep that in mind." She combed her talons through Trixies' mane, eliciting a nicker of contentment. - - - A short time later, the train came to a stop at the 5th terrace depot of Nocne Mesta. The first class passengers were debarked first, then some were transfered onto a tram driven by a smaller scale steam engine. Business class passengers were next, and a few hailed passing pulled carriages. Gilda and Trixie exited along with the rest of the Coach class passengers, after a short wait. As the crowd dispersed, one of the first class passengers re-boarded the train and headed to the one remaining closed door of the first class car. "My Queen, the ponies have cleared enough for your safety." The door slid open slowly, revealing a frail changeling reclining in a wheelchair. "Thank you, Lamella." She said in a raspy whisper. "I must feed soon." Lamella helped the queen disembark, then guided her into one of the depot restrooms. After locking the door, she dropped her disguise. The swell of her abdomen hinted at the amount of emotional energy that she held in reserve. Carefully flexing certain internal muscles, she was able to draw some of the energy-laden fluid from her gut to her mouth. Once her mouth was full, Lamella pressed her lips to the queens,' who then swallowed it. Repeating the process twice more, Lamella drew back, her belly having shrunk down noticeably. "How do you feel, my queen?" "I'm not shaking like a startled spider, anymore." She replied, her voice louder and deeper. "But I think I still need this chair." She said, checking her reflection in the mirror. "And the Moon Princess will at least recognize me now." She swept aside a few strands of her teal mane. Lamella slurped back the amaranth-pink honey that had dribbled out during the feeding. "Do you have enough for a disguise?" "I don't need one." Chrysalis said with a smirk. "The ponies will be wearing disguises, and expecting that everyone they meet will be disguised as well." "A brilliant plan, my Queen," Lamella bowed. "Hiding in plain sight." Chrysalis chuckled. "I've seen the idea used in some pony literature." She gestured. "But enough talk. This chair won't push itself." With a flash of faefire, Lamella resumed her disguise, unlocked the door and pushed the chair out into the lobby where they mingled with the rest of the crowds. - - - Other visitors arrived via a riverboat that docked a short distance from the city gate, or through the portal that linked the city with Canterlot. Ponies, donkeys, griffs, dogs and others mingled as they meandered through the city, checking out the various shops that were open that night. Some were getting last-minute costumes, others were browsing some of the local wares. The majority were getting organized into the line for the castle gate, with patrolling solders keeping things in order. "It's wonderful to see so many kin walking freely, proud of who they are," Clear Thought remarked to the cabaret that trotted alongside her.. "It must be a wonderful feeling to be back in your native land," Pretz added. "I know I enjoyed it whenever the Cabaret passed through Kleinpferd." "I just wish Blank could share in my enthusiasm." Clear Thought said with a sigh. "C.T., just because I don't get all squealy about it, doesn't mean I don't love it," Blank protested. "Love of ones' homeland is just as important as love between ponies, right? It's just a different feeling." "True, though sometimes it can cloud ones' judgement." Bad Apple nodded. He looked to one of the nearby cafes. "I like what she's done with the place. I wonder what the specials are?" "Let's go in and see." Gray Pearls suggested. "Hopefully it won't be too pricey." "We could always schedule a performance," Argent stated. "Maybe a special aerial challenge wih the pegasi." The others chuckled. "I'm serious." The open air cafe was lit by a rim of firefly lanterns, and filled with the smell of fresh-ground coffee mingling with chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pastries. Several tables were already taken by groups, who were busy discussing their evening plans. "Looks like the place is packed." Locks commented. "Must be good for business." Bad Apple scanned the seating area. "Maybe we could grab a couple of empty tables and-well now." "Is something the matter, Kako?" Clear Thought noticed his odd behavior. She followed the line of his gaze, and spotted a trio of ponies seated at one of the tables. "You know them?" Bad Apple looked to Clear Thought. "You remember me mentioning my family? I'd like to introduce you all." - - - While her companions were discussing some performer named 'Merry Shadow,' Toola Roola was savoring her espresso. Because of the higher concentration, the flavors tended to be pronounced. While the beans had a characteristic Zebrican feel, the water was from the river that had been dug from the sea to the Capital, and still had traces of salt. She had had to balance this with a few scoops of sugar. (And matched with a cherry turnover.) She mused, reaching to pick up the pastry. The hum of conversation from other tables, along with the arrangement of lights gave her a feeling of peace and contentment. The flavors of tart cherries, sweet syrup, and baked dough mingled together in a delightful way as she chewed. (Now if there was a spinet and viola duet, this would be perfect.) "Yo, P.D." She heard Starsong hiss. She looked to her friend. "We got company." The pegasus gestured to an approaching group. "Having a pleasant evening?" A familiar-looking stallion asked with a grin. Toola swallowed the bite of pastry, then extended a leg. "It has been lovely so far, Dear Uncle." Bad Apple moved in for a light embrace, then they touched cheeks. "Come, sit, and tell us of your travels." She and Starsong moved closer to Cheerilee, making room at the table. Bad Apple smiled, seating himself opposite from the earth pony mare. "It's good to see you again," Cheerilee said. "To what do we owe the pleasure?" "I've mentioned you to my companions here," He gestured to the rest of the cabaret. "And they were interested in meeting you." "Oh yes." Pretz added. "He's told us how much he's missed you." The group filled in the available space. "First off, this is my niece Cheerilee, currently one of the Matrons of the LaRoulette family," Bad Apple began. "And her wife, Toola Roola." He pointed out the unicorn. "And the pegasus is Concierge Starsong." Bad Apple then pointed out each member of the cabaret. "Ladies, these are my associates. Gray Pearls, Sixteen Tons, Pretzel Braids, Oiled Locks, Argentium, Clear Thought, and Blank Slate." After the exchange of hoof and talon shakes, Clear Thought spoke. "It would be an honor if you were to dance with me, cousins." While Toola was eager to participate, Cheerilee blushed. "I suppose I could, but it feels silly without the right music." "I gotcha covered." Starsong offered. "Just go out there and cut loose." Toola and Clear coaxed Cheerilee over to an open space, while the rest of the group moved to a better viewing position. "This should be interesting," Argentium said. With Starsong providing a lively tune on her harmonica, the three began their dance. Clear Thought displayed the traditional dance that her clan had taught her, but Cheerilees' performance was more suited for nightclubs. Toola Roola allowed the music to inspire her movements, improvising and refining her dance. After a few minutes, Starsong finished the tune, then the three returned to their seats. "You are indeed skilled," Clear Thought stated. "I had a hard time keeping up." Toola used a napkin to wipe her brow. "Merci. And you have heart as well." Cheerilee grinned. "I bet you regret challenging an earth pony to dance." "Not at all." Clear Thought replied. "But now, I need a drink." "Allow me to cover you all." Toola Roola took a few bills from her bitbag. "And while we eat, let's get to know each-other." "A great idea." Bad Apple said. "Then afterwards, we can go to the Castle."