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Chapter 17-The New Arrival
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Twilight sighed as she walked along the hallway, leading her to the lobby where she could get her papers signed. They wanted them all to return in the morning for a more thorough check up on everypony. That was understandable, there were still many questions left unanswered, questions she was curious to have answered.
But for now it was all up in the air, and she wasn’t going to allow it to spoil an otherwise joyous occasion. She continued to roll it over in her mind, wondering if it was really true. Her brother’s first child, she could hardly believe it. Cadance would no doubt be looking worse for wear for tonight and the coming days, but that was to be expected. But Twilight, she was absolutely excited. She was an aunt now, something that made her somewhat prideful, though she remained mindful not to focus on herself. This was after all their night, and she would make sure not to detract from that.
Nyx, on the other hand, seemed unusually quiet on her part as they both walked down the hall. Twilight wondered about this, questioning in her mind about what could possibly be going through her daughter’s head. She was hoping that she wasn’t possibly jealous of the prospect of a change of attention on her part. She really doubted that, but still…
“Twilight?”
Twilight turned her head, both of them looking back as Novis moved down the hall behind them, carrying a small decorative wooden box with him. He hurried as he closed the distance, handing her the box as he gave a smile, “Please, if you would I’d like you to take this with you and give it to the baby’s parents.”
“You're not coming?” Twilight asked, both surprised and a little disappointed.
“I’m afraid not. I’ve been made aware that I am required in the Courting Hall. It seems that your Princesses wish for an audience.” he paused, looking at her, “Besides, I would never dream of imposing on this moment. You should all be together as a family, alone.”
Twilight was about to say something, but held it in as she nodded, looking down at the box, “What is this exactly?”
“A gift. It was a tradition in my time to give these to the firstborn of rulers and kings.” he looked up at her, “And now I give one again.”
“While I’m thinking about it, I wish to see Nyx in the morning. It is the end of the week after all and I wish to retire, and I was thinking it would be an adequate time to work on her studies. Wouldn’t you agree?” Novis asked Nyx, watching as her face lit up
“I’ll be there, I promise.” the filly said, smiling ear to ear.
“And I expect you to be there. I take my leave now, so I wish you a pleasant visit.” With that Novis bowed, leaving the two to themselves as he moved away down the opposing hall. Twilight looked down at the box, putting it away in her bag as she turned, calling to Nyx as she led her to the desk.
Everything was settled, papers signed and schedules made. Twilight thanked the nurse at the desk, making her way to the upper levels, Nyx close behind. They both walked in silence once more, their hoofsteps echoing throughout the hall. Twilight glanced down at Nyx, her cheerful smile long since faded, now left with only thoughts and a pondering frown. Twilight felt troubled by this, fearing that perhaps jealousy was stirring inside her daughter.
She pondered on that thought for a moment. Was that really how her Nyx was? No, certainly not. It was true that she was somewhat sensitive, and on occasion could lose her temper, but she was also a level-headed foal. Nyx holding some discontent for her newborn cousin seemed both beneath her and utterly ridiculous. But still, children were unpredictable…
“Mom?” Nyx suddenly spoke, drawing Twilight’s attention.
“Yes, Nyx?” Twilight asked eagerly, wanting to break the silence and her bitter train of thought.
“Do you think Uncle Shining’s baby will like me?”
Twilight stopped in the middle of the hallway, looking down at Nyx in surprise, “Of course she’ll like you. Why would such a silly thought cross your mind?”
“I-I just...” Nyx frowned, staring at her hooves, “I was just thinking maybe I shouldn’t see the baby.”
Twilight knelt down, looking her daughter in the eyes, “Nyx, what’s bothering you?” She asked, her voice open and soft, free for Nyx to say anything she wanted.
“I’m...scared.” the filly’s ear hung back against her head, “What if the baby doesn’t like me?”
Twilight stared at her for a moment, trying to understand where she was coming from, “Why would you think that Nyx?” she asked, only for Nyx to look away, mumbling her words, finding it hard to speak up.
“Nyx, you can talk to me, you know that.” Twilight sighed, resting her hoof on Nyx’s shoulder, “You can tell me anything.”
“What...what if the baby’s scared of me? What if it's just like the Cakes?” Nyx asked sadly, shaking a little.
Twilight sighed. She hadn’t thought of that. Because of her appearance, Nyx wasn’t exactly...inviting. She would no doubt grow up to be a beautiful young mare, it was a shame that such beauty had to be marred with a harsh and dismal memory. Twilight knew this upset Nyx a lot, especially after the incident with the Cake twins, she was terrified to show her eyes among those who didn’t know her. Twilight stared at her daughter, staring into her eyes, serpentine and turquoise, smiling softly as she wiped her little filly’s cheek.
“Nyx, I’m sure it’ll be fine. The baby can barely open its eyes yet, so I can’t think of anything that might happen” she then leaned Nyx’s chin up, making her look up at her, “And even if the baby would be scared at first, I’m sure it will grow to love its new cousin.”
Nyx looked at her mother for a moment, almost trying to decide whether or not what she was being told was true or not, before smiling, giving a slow nod.
“Good, now we should hurry, it's getting late, and I’m not gonna wait until morning.” Twilight booped Nyx’s nose earning a giggle, raising up as the continued down the hall, the town clock stroking at one.
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Novis walked silently up the stairway as he made his way to the Court admiring the beauty of the architecture, mindfully comparing it to that of Equestria’s. The crystal shimmered in magnificent sapphire, ruby, and quartz, reflecting softly in the pale moonlight. It was calming, almost enchanting, guiding his way in light and color.
He felt somewhat...eager to meet more ponies close to his own kind. He wondered what they were like? He could only get a glimpse from what Twilight had described them, but she couldn’t fully understand one who has lived for a thousand years, at least not completely. Two Princesses, both the embodiments of the celestial orbs. Perhaps they would be youthful, perhaps they would be wise.
He stopped at the end of the hall, standing in front of the two massive doors that led into the court. Standing tall and gaining his composer, he opened the door, walking into the dark of the room within.
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Twilight sat both eager and impatient as a nurse brought her a glass of water, her brother sitting next to her as he looked on anxiously. Nyx sat opposite of them, a pile of books by her side as she eagerly dug through their pages. Shing had been pushed out of the delivery room by the nurses so they could have room to work, which was probably for the best, considering how nervous he was.
“This is taking too long,” he said, growing increasingly nervous each passing moment.
“Be a little patient. These things take time.” Twilight said, sipping from her cup as the nurse brought him some coffee.
“Well it shouldn’t, it should be over and done with. Why can’t they just use magic?” he asked despairingly, his cup shaking in his grasp. Twilight reached over and rubbed his back with her hoof, while far off in the delivery room Cadance’s labored cries perked at their ears.
“You know why. Just have a little faith, the doctors know what they're doing,” she said, smiling confidently as he rose his coffee for a drink, just as his wife cried out louder than before, painful as it entered their ears.
“Sweet Celestia!” Shining exclaimed, rising up out of his chair, Twilight quickly grabbing his shoulder.
“Calm down, would you?” she said firmly, lowering him back down in his chair, “I know this is hard, but just try to have a little faith, okay?”
He looked at her, opening his mouth to say something, but was silenced. A new sound entering the room, a high pitched, longing cry of a new life that had entered the world. The three looked to the doors, listening as the cry continued, before one of the nurses came out, smiling softly as she peered at the group.
“Shining Armor?” she asked, looking at him as he slowly nodded, “Your wife is waiting for you.”
Shining stared, unsure what to do in his daze as he turned to Twilight, his sister smiling from ear to ear, “Go on, we’ll be in in a few minutes.”
Shining Armor smiled, moving eagerly towards the doors as the nurse moved out of his way, letting him through. The delivery room was an open area made of pristine pearl, ordained with gemstones of many colors. In the middle of the room, Cadance lay resting completely worn down, a bundle in her arms. Interments and towels were left on the operating table next to the bed, the doctor cleaning each and every one. The nurses tended to Cadance with great love and care, drying her and giving her water, all while Shining stood in the dark, watching.
Cadance slowly opened her eyes, looking directly at him as she smiled, weak as she was. Shining Armor stepped forward, slowly at first, but quickly making his way to her, standing over her as their eyes locked.
“Hey,” she said, her voice tired and frail.
“Hey.” he said, gently rubbing his hoof over her head, “How are you holding up?”
“Tired. Really tired.” Cadance sighed, rubbing her head against his chest, starting to cry a little, “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Shining looked down at her, smiling softly as she lifted up the bundle, unveiling the top as short, downed fluff popped out, colors of naval blue and yellow, a little horn protruding out. Cadance nudged the little foal, the little one whimpering and fusing, but otherwise remaining quiet. They both smiled, looking down at this new life.
“Can I?” Shining asked, wanting to hold the baby. Cadance looked up at him, hesitant at first to give up her new foal. She finally conceded however, Cadance slowly gave it over to Shining to hold.
Shining looked down at the foal, his foal, giving a disbelieving laugh, “Wow, he’s...wow.” Shining found it hard to form his words, overwhelmed by emotion, “Hey there, little guy.” he said softly, his hoof running through the colt’s ruffled hair. The baby gave a half-hearted cry as it stuck its tongue out, its eyes still unopened.
“Can I have him back?” Cadance asked, not wanting to be separated for too long.
Shining smiled and handed the foal back to its mother, cradled with loving care. Shining laid his head on hers, Cadance gently returning the gesture as she rubbed up against his neck, closing her eyes and sighing.
“Oh.” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth, smiling as she watched the two from across the room, Nyx watching from between her legs.
“Twilight…” Cadance looked at her sister-in-law and friend, smiling as she gestured them both to come closer.
“Cady, oh he’s so beautiful.” Twilight’s eyes started to get a little watery, but she held them back as she looked at the baby, “Have you named him yet?”
“No, we haven’t decided yet.” Cadance looked at Twilight, smiling warmly, “I’m so happy that you came.”
“And miss this? Not for the world.” Twilight looked at Shining, then back to Cadance, “Nyx, you want to see your cousin?”
“I...” Nyx hesitated for a moment but nodded when she saw the gentle happiness among the adults. Twilight smiled, lifting Nyx up, letting her look down at the foal. Nyx stared, wondering if this was such a good idea, only growing nervous as the baby began to steer, whimpering as she drew near, her hoof resting on the blanket it was wrapped in.
Then the baby gurgled, its little hoof extending, grabbing onto Nyx’s, feeling her making out this new world. Nyx began to smile, giggling as the baby cooed and squirmed, happy that they could get along. Twilight grinned, looking at them both as her mind wondered, trying to remember something. But she pushed it to the side, for now, focusing on her family as the sat together, in the waning hours of the night.
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“Come, I’ve been expecting you.”
Novis stepped forward, walking into the middle of the court staring up into the seat of justice, looking at the mare sitting before him. She was larger than the rest, eyes narrow and sharp, dazzling to look upon. At first glance her coat and his were identical, but on closer inspection, the difference was obvious. Whereas hers was pure and shined like pearl, his gave of a natural shine, complimented by the faintest blue. She looked down at him, her hair flowing smooth and gentle as a forest stream, glowing in its own radiance colors of blue and violet, and underlaid with green.
“So your Novis. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said, rising from her chair as she walked down the steps, majestic in her steps as she came forward to greet him.
“I am. Twilight has spoken very highly of you, and I only hear admiration from the subjects of this kingdom. Truly impressive,” Novis said, smiling as he stepped forward, “and now that I’m here, I would like to know you better myself.”
“Oh but I’m more interested to learn about you,” Celestia said, leaning forward in her chair, looking at the element in his chest.
Novis stared for a moment, reading her body language before looking around, “I heard there was two of you. Where is the other princess?”
“Luna? Oh, she’s...around. The night time is her domain, and her duties come first and foremost.”
“I’ve been so looking forward to our meeting. I’ve heard so many things, both the good and the bad.” Celestia smiled, laying back on the pedestal, “But mostly good.”
“That’s comforting to know.”
“Could I...just look at you? What you really look like, only for a moment?” she asked, the male sparking her curiosity.
Novis paused, looking at her, before nodding. Celestia got up and came forward, standing in front of him as he changed, growing taller, soon standing above even her.
“Wow, you really are large, aren’t you?” she said impressed, examining his body as she moved behind him, taking in his strong muscles and powerful wings.
“Is there any reason why you're so interested in how I look?” Novis asked, set back a little by her reaction.
“Just curious.” Celestia said satisfied, returning to her serious mode, “I wanted to thank you for what you did. If that beast had succeeded, there’s no telling the lives that would have been lost. I only wish it could have been prevented altogether.”
“Some things can’t be avoided, only dealt with.” he sighed, wishing the same as well.
Celestia took note of him sighing, looking up at the ceiling, “Hmm. I only find solace in knowing that it was not the act of the horde. When the Dragon Lord heard what had happened he was furious.”
“So the dragon was acting for himself?”
“He was a criminal among his own kind, a thief and murderer,” Celestia frowned, detested of such a creature, “The dragons had been looking for him for a long time. If only me and my sister had been there. He wouldn’t have dared come near our borders, and the dragon may have been able to deal with him themselves.”
“Boring our guest with political trivially?”
Both alicorns looked up quickly as two glowing teal eyes stared down upon them, observant and sharp in their gaze. Shadows swirled into her being as her body formed from the vapor, returning from the dream world into the physical realm. She stood watching them, her body tense as her mane swirled, wrapping around her as stars sparkled and galaxies swirled in and out of existence, all in an endless cycle of creation and death.
“Oh! Luna, I didn’t see you come in.” Celestia exclaimed with a forced laugh, embarrassed that she had been startled a little.
“I was busy. There is comfort that needs to be given, in light of tonight’s events,” she said, stretching like a cat as she walked along the beam, perching herself above their heads.
“Yes I didn’t forget, you just surprised me that’s all,” Celestia said, a little annoyed.
“So, this is the great Novis I’ve heard so much about.” Luna looked down at him, her mane hanging low over the beam, “You’re shorter than I expected.”
“Luna! Don’t be rude!” Celestia turned beet red, scolding her sister.
Novis smiled, raising a hoof, “It's alright. Besides her pictures are misleading, she’s thinner then I expected.”
Luna ruffled her nose, huffing as she looked away, returning his gaze after a few moments, “What of the changelings? Can you tell us anything about what they were planning?”
“Yes, that is one of the reasons I asked you here. The boldness of the attack is...disturbing. I don’t want to be caught off guard again.”
“I...huh,” Novis said, taking a stance, “I really don’t know. It was a machine, but…” Novis tried to think, starting to feel a throbbing in his skull, “you’ll have to forgive me, I don’t know much about this kind of thing.”
“It's quite alright, I wouldn’t expect you to know what it was.” Celestia said, raising an eyebrow, “Is there any more you would like to say?”
“No, and if I may, I would like to get some rest. This really has been a long night.” Novis asked, rubbing his temples, “Perhaps we could continue this tomorrow night?”
Celestia nodded, both exchanging bows before he left, leaving the two sisters alone. Luna made her way to the floor, looking towards the doors he had gone through and pondered, mulling over her observations. Celestia looked at her sister, noticing her pondering, deciding to break the silence.
Celestia shrugged, “Not much of a talker. Hopefully, we can get more out of him the next we met.”
“Hmm,” Luna mumbled, talking to herself.
“Is there something on your mind?” Celestia asked, tilting her head at her sister.
“Just curious. I need to check something. Pleasant dreams, sister.” Luna said, her body fading out of existence as she phased into shadow, leaving Celestia alone again. She sighed, laying back in the chair. She wondered what his existence meant for her and her sister. Was there something more to them than she had thought? Some higher calling she had missed? Or was there more of their kind, lost to the pages of history? Alicorns who had traveled the ends of the earth, questioned the stars, and traversed the secrets of the ocean depths?
Perhaps...even an answer of who they really were? Why they were here, and why they lived so long?
So many questions, so little time.
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