Finally, we meet at last for the first time.
I have never seen such a cute human before in my life. Of course, perhaps that’s just because I haven’t seen many human children before. At least, not up close. This Tilda was certainly a bright, young girl. I could see it in her eyes. The yearning. The dreams. Oh she was just so precious. I wasn’t going to hug her. Not now, but I made a mental note to give her a ride later on. Smaug wouldn’t like it, but I could talk with him about it later.
The elder siblings were nervous. That was plain to see. Which struck me as odd. If there father had brought them here, I would believe that they would be a bit more at ease. Then I noticed something in their eyes. The father’s especially, with how he gave them, when I wasn’t paying much ‘attention’, reprimanding looks. It would appear human children can be just as misbehaving as foals.
“I was of the belief that you wished to see me again,” Bard quickly answered. There was something in the way he talked that told me otherwise. It was hardly noticeable. He was a skilled liar, but I’ve seen every lie known to mortals up close. I know a lie when I see one.
“That much is true,” I inclined my head in agreement. “But I believe there is another reason. As well, I can understand being a tad nervous when around me. Alicorns are creatures few have seen in most lands.”
“I am not nervous,” Bard stated.
“I know ‘you’ aren’t nervous for yourself,” I nodded towards the children. “But you are for them. Tell me, when did you discover that they had snuck into the woods after you?”
Bard sighed. “Not long ago. My son, Bain, is almost as quick witted and stealthy as I am.”
“And we wouldn’t have been caught if Sigrid hadn’t of tripped,” Bain muttered, earning a slap upside the head from Sigrid, the eldest daughter.
“Someone had to keep an eye on you two,” Sigrid scolded. “And the woods are no place for a lady.”
“But there aren’t any ladies he-OW!” Bain rubbed the back of his head after his sister swatted him again.
“I do believe your sister has the advantage here, Bain.” I said, with a warm smile on my face. Bain just folded his arms and grumbled. It was honestly a rather cute display. It reminded me a lot of Luna when she got in trouble.
I frowned at the thought. For a thousand year, I lived without my sister. For a thousand years, I grieved for every moment with her I lost. For a thousand years! Would I go another thousand before I could see her again? Could I ever leave this world? Was the connection shattered? In the back of my mind, I can see my subjects mourning my loss. I can see Twilight wracked with grief Luna….No. I don’t want to see her cry. Never will I let a single tear fall from my sister’s cheek. Yet, what could I do?
“Um, Princess?” I felt Tilda speak, laying a small hand on my chest. I looked down at her and a small droplet of water dripped down into her face. Was I crying? No. I couldn’t be crying, but...Seeing this happy family was a bit much for me. “Are you okay?”
I rubbed my eyes with my wings to clear them. I chided myself for letting myself cry in front of them. Diplomacy always called for a cool head. A ruler wasn’t supposed to break down into tears in front of others. Yet, I just did. I couldn’t help myself. For weeks, months, I haven’t tried to think about home. It would just kill me slowly and now that I did...I could see all their faces haunting me right now. I closed my eyes and did my best to block them out. I would remember them, but I wasn’t going to dwell on them. I’d see them again one day. “Yes and no, young one. I am alright. I just miss my own family is all.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Bard spoke up. His gaze was one of sympathy, but his eyes spoke of something more. He had lost someone. His wife most likely, given the hurt that lingered and how the children were here without her. Perhaps I was wrong. I hoped I was, for his sake. The man started to get up. “Perhaps we should converse another time.”
I smirked. “But you haven’t answered my question.”
“You’re hurting,” Bard stated. “I will not trouble you in your grief.”
Before I could speak, a raven flew onto his shoulder. “It’s impolite to leave without answering a lady’s question.” The raven’s deep voice could only fit one being. Dragons were curious creatures when it came to magic. They were experts and at the same time barbarians in the art. Transformation magic was one of their strong points. At least, for a select few. Most can’t use it, or at least that well.
Bard just stared at the raven for a moment. “And the raven talks as well. I should be surprised.”
“But you’re not,” the raven smirked. “And that’s what I’m curious about. Why aren’t you curious?”
“These past few days have proven anything is possible,” Bard responded. “A talking raven isn’t exactly as outlandish as a winged talking unicorn from a far off land.”
“I would agree with you in that regard, human.” The raven nodded. “You still haven’t answered the question.”
Bard pursed his lips in thought. I could see him flicker his eyes over the forest. He believed they had a chance to escape, or at least distract us long enough for the children to. It was admirable. Admirable and foolish. I’m glad he rested his eyes on me and sighed. Not that I wanted him to feel like he was in a hopeless situation. I just didn’t want him to do something stupid with Smaug nearby. “A wizard asked me to scout the woods.”
“A wizard?” The raven’s claws sunk into Bard’s shoulder, making him wince. Smaug’s tone was harsh and I could sense hatred pouring out from him. Even the children could sense it, since they started to back away.
I glared at the bird. “A civilized being doesn’t hurt another in anger.”
“I can do what I please, Celestia.” Smaug the raven answered. “I am Smaug, King Under the Mountain.”
Bard stared at the bird in surprise. “You’re Smaug, chiefest of all calamities?”
“I go by many names,” Smaug answered. “Some of which you couldn’t possibly pronounce.”
“And what if I don’t believe you?” Bard asked with a quirk of a brow. “You could be a trick upon my eyes and ears by Celestia herself in order to scare me.”
“You are certainly clever for a human,” Smaug narrowed his eyes. I don’t think he liked Bard making the assumption I was tricking them. That or he didn’t take kindly to being scoffed at. Given how long I’ve known him, I would go with both.
“Y-you’re Smaug the dragon?” Bain gulped in fear. I could see his hands twitching, nearing his bow. No one was going to die today, but I knew Bain wasn’t going to go that far. A simple spell could still him, or a harsh word to Smaug.
“Guilty,” Smaug the raven bowed. He flew over to my own shoulder.
“A dragon and a winged unicorn?” Tilda squealed in happiness. “Best day ever.”
Smaug frowned. “Why aren’t you scared of me, child? I laid waste to Dale? Destroyed the dwarves that lived in the mountain. I am the greatest of the fire drakes!” He spread his birdy wings out to show off his magnificence. A raven, however, didn’t have the awe inspiring presence of that of a dragon.
“Well, you’re not a fire drake now.” Tilda pointed out. “And I wasn’t alive back then, so I didn’t see you kill anyone.”
Sigrid grinned. “She’s got you there, oh Smaug the greatest raven of our land.” She had a teasing lilt to her voice.
Smaug would have clenched his claws on me as he had on Bard if but one reason. He liked my coat. I was his prize after all. He wouldn't hurt me. I just hoped that these children wouldn’t push him too far. “The mouse mocks the bear. How it squeaks from the grass only for the bear to smash it into oblivion. I am not so merciful as the bear. You won’t die in an instant. You will burn in my flames.”
“Don’t listen to him,” I rolled my eyes. “He won’t harm you.”
“Why ever not?” Smaug questioned.
“Think of them as a part of a set,” I responded, swaying my hoof over at the humans. “A set that includes me. If you so much as burn one hair on their bodies, I will leave.”
“And I will find you,” Smaug growled.
“Perhaps,” I noted. “My magic is growing stronger. I could return home soon enough and you’d never find me.” Which was true in a way. Given how strong I was, perhaps a few years from now I could try the spell again. Sooner if I found a source of magic from which to draw power from. Of course, then comes the tricky part about finding the right world. Smaug didn’t have to know any of the technical stuff.
Smaug the raven growled. “Fine. I won’t kill the humans.”
“Why?” Bard glared at Smaug with such hate. “Why should I believe you? It was you who destroyed Dale. You killed hundreds, thousands that day. My family’s name dragged through the mud till this day. My family has never known a peaceful night’s rest. Why should I believe a murderous dragon?”
“Because I can kill you right now and there is nothing you can do about it,” Smaug answered. “In the form of a raven, a swallow, a man, a drake. It matters not the the form. I am who I am. I am the living embodiment of fire and death. You are but a mere being of the race of man. I fear you as I fear a fly. You are harmless.”
“Gentlemen,” I gave the both of them reproachful looks. “Now isn’t the time for arguments.”
Smaug snorted. “Perhaps not.”
“You’re right,” Bard nodded.
“He started it,” Smaug added.
“Do you wish to test your raven form’s endurance?” Bard questioned, his fingers inching towards his bow.
“Father,” Sigrid spoke up, glaring at him. “Stop this at once. Antagonizing him won’t help us.”
“No one is antagonizing anyone,” I said, sighing. This was falling apart faster than I would have liked. “Please, let us converse as civilized beings. For that to happen, let us take a moment to calm ourselves.” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Letting it go, I repeated the process. I heard the others shuffle about. Tilda was even copying me, which was adorable. “Now, is everyone settled?” With some nods of answer, I smiled. “Good, then let’s get back on track.” I narrowed my eyes at Bard. “Who is this wizard you spoke of?”
_____________________________________________________________________
How could a being as perfect as I be brought down to this? My plan was perfect. I am perfect! The dark has no flaws and yet here I am. Stuck in the back of a ‘sun’ goddess’ mind. This was humiliating. This was torturous. I was the goddess of the night. The TRUE goddess of the night. Not a figment that treacherous Luna created. No. I was the real thing. She was the copy, not me. I was the beautiful heir to the Equestrian throne. It belonged to me. The world belonged to me! Why couldn’t anyone see that?
They couldn’t see that now. My brilliant plan to take control of this body was foiled. By what? A dragon? They are weak and pitiful and yet this one had enough magic within him to block me? He’s a dragon! He should have writhed in agony upon touching my grandiose presence. No. He still stands. He still flies. He still protects this wretched body. Why does he care?
Wait. He cares doesn’t he? Oh, I see how he cares for her. This body interests him. He wants it. He craves it? Is it because of his dragon greed, or is Celestia working her magic? EIther way, he will come to serve me in my ‘new’ much better plan. It was foolproof! If not, he’d die. I’d prefer the death route myself. I would kill him and control my new form. Then, I will plunge this world into beautiful darkness. World after world will fall before their true ruler. The monarch of the night.
I was the greatest of all the gods! Yet, I needed to work quickly. I needed to reign in this new body. There was something out there. Something dark. Not as dark as I, of course. None can match my power of the night. It held something else. A fire that burned in the dark, but there was no light. There was no heat. It...unsettled me. I was not scared. Of course not. Nothing could ever scare Nightmare Moon, the sole deserving monarch of the Equestrian throne.
I just didn’t want to be near it, that’s all. I just wanted more power so I could swat whatever it was away. I wanted it away from me. I couldn’t stand it when it looked at me. Why couldn’t they feel it? The dark! It was weak. Ha! It was too weak for them to feel. No. It wasn’t there element. It was neither fire nor light. They couldn’t see it. It belonged in my realm. I hated it for it. That was my realm! I will consume Celestia’s heart and then destroy this thing. I will gouge out its eye so never again will it look upon me with its hatred.
Stop hating me! Stop it. Stop it. Stop it! I am Nightmare Moon! I am to be loved by all. If you do not love me, then crawl into the hole that spawned you and die! Just stop looking at me.
I had to focus. I needed to focus. I needed this body. My plan was perfect. Almost as perfect as I, but nothing could match that of the dark. I just needed more time. Perhaps these humans could help. Yes, this could work out nicely.
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I hope this NMM stuff works out because if I'm honest it sounds like it could just complicate what seemed to be quite a interesting story without really adding to it. I've read far too many stories that have lost the plot so you'll have to excuse my cynical nature.
6120184 Well, I introduced Nightmare Moon several chapters ago so I had to follow up. As well, it isn't going to clutter up the story. To be truthful, most of the story is still being planned out in my head, with Nightmare Moon's subplot being the most 'polished' of the few subplots.
I don't have much to say, but what there is remains positive. In short, much enjoyment has been had, looking forward to more.
~Dollars.
Next chapter is going to be fun, especially if Gandalf is involved.
… Oh god NMM is inside of Celestia oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit
Okay, calm now. Although, to be frank, there wasn't much foreshadowing. To be frank, the hints were too subtle, in my opinion. Of course, I'm also something of a dumbass. I don't see things unless it's slapped in front of me. Seriously.
And anyways, the whole idea of Smaug shapeshifting is… intriguing. My inner dragon-lover is saying 'OH GOD THIS IS SO BADASS!' But my inner critic is saying 'That's kinda contrived'. And my inner CinemaSins is saying 'Coulda used this in the movies to save his scaly ass'. Ding, another sin. Ah, well. The sands of time do not flow back up the hourglass. All we can do is watch them fall, and hope that this dragon doesn't break his own glass.
How did the Nightmare get into Celestia without her agreement? Nightmare needs to get permission from the host to be able to posses.
A shapeshifting dragon?
AWESOME!
Well, this is interesting, although I am very much with 6120184 on the subject of Nightmare Moon. The world of Lord of the Rings is more than complex enough to provide everything this story needs without help so there is no need to add another antagonist. This is even more problematic because Nightmare Moon is the polar opposite of Celestia's power and identity so there is no logical way for it to fit in with her the way there was with Luna.
6120210 No, you really don't. Nightmare Moon's bit was tiny and is easily removed or written off as something else so you can just go delete it and dump the unnecessary plot thread to focus on how Celestia's presence and relationship with Smaug affects the Lord of the Rings timeline. There are tons of major changes that are going to flow out of this and could easily alter the events of the Lord of the Rings to the point where they are no longer recognizable.
Also, I noticed a little error here where you forgot to capitalize an "I".
Find it hard to believe Smaug would take a form of something beneath him.(even if he did have the power.) And Nightmare Moon's personality is just like Smaugs, I wonder, would they get along or try to kill each other?
Nightmare is no match for the dark that is Sauron.
6120359
6120381
6120409 I do believe, in chapter 5, I brought up Nightmare Moon and explicitly stated that she was in Celestia's mind and she's the reason Celestia's spell went wrong and is why Celestia was so weak when she arrived. I don't see why the concept wasn't hated then, but is now.
The monologue is interesting. Wouldn't it be funny if NMM went and killed Sauron, to be hailed as a hero?
Nitpicks:
I
I have seen "for a select few", and "for a selection", but I'm not aware that "for a select" is a known variant, and it doesn't make sense to me.
6120967 Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.
Also, thanks for the support.
Ooh, so it looks like Sauron and Nightmare Woon are gonna get in a slapfight of 'No, I'M the more evil one!'.
This story is so much fun.
6120210 Looking forward to it still! I've been really enjoying the story so far. Polished is certainly a good sign!
Nightmare, you are the dumb. I do not see you causing any significant problems whatsoever. Bard's kids could take you. Gollum could take you. The Master of Laketown could take you. Um…quick, who's more weak and helpless than that?
Awesome story! I really love how developed all the characters are. It also shows your skill as a writer that Smaug is in character for the story. I always viewed the fire drake as an alpha predator/wildfire. He is like a wildfire destroying everything in his path but anything he considers his territory will be protected and defended viciously. I am seeing an excellent balance of that here and I also really like the gradual evolution of the relationship between the Celestia and Smaug. Overall this is very well written and I can't wait to see the next chapter. Keep up the amazing work.
I know that eastern dragons (and Fafnir) can shapeshift, but not western dragons.
6121812 Well, I've heard and read a few western style dragons having this ability.
6121830 Like who?
6121843 Can't remember the names and books. I just remember reading about it all the time as a kid.
6121537 me
6120856 I'm not hating it… Wait… Oh, yeah! Now I remember! Silly me! Well, I really don't hate the concept. I apologize for my lack of good memory skills. Truly, though, I think this is a unique twist, and anticipate its conclusion.
6121843 read any Dragonlance novels. The red, silver and gold dragons could shapeshift.
Great chapter. I was wondering how Smaug would talk to Bard and family without the kids crapping their pants and running off, this solves that problem, as well as future problems with.... "romance" if Smaug can shapeshift. The raven is actually a traditional form for a dragon to take, I believe. I remember in Fable comics, a dragon was transformed into a raven, but he still kept his fire breath. I'm guessing Smaug still has fire breath, and probably much greater speed and endurance than an ordinary raven, Bard was smart to back down from a fight he couldn't win.
Interesting look at how incredibly delusional the Nightmare is. Sombra would say "wow, even I think you're taking this megalomania thing a bit far." It'll be interesting to see how Sauron and the Nightmare interact. I would worry about them allying, but neither of those creatures could possibly entire an alliance of equals.
6122562 Well, there's a reason why she's delusional. Nightmare Moon is a fragment. She's a piece of Luna that was created through her jealousy and hatred. That's all the Nightmare knows. That's all she can do in her current state. Sombra was his own being. Yes, he was 'changed' by the Umbran, but he still had a complete self. Nightmare doesn't, so she's doing the only thing she knows. She's basically a program that can't reset itself. Perhaps she could change, but that would take something like the Elements or something else.
As for an alliance, we'll see. {Villain team ups never work out anyways.}
6122307 Ah yes. I remember those books. Thanks for reminding me.
I hope you're enjoying the story so far.
6122658 this is a very good story.
6120856 Well, I didn't come in until chapter 6 and had the entire rest of the story to chew over so I was probably focused more on the rest of the story and the consequences of inserting Celestia than the issues associated with one little detail that didn't have much bearing on the story at that point.
Heh, the chapter title reminds me of Dark Helmet's line from "Spaceballs", "So Lonestar! At last we meet, and for the first and for the last time... *whispers to himself* First time for last time... yeah!"
6126408 Yeah, I had that scene in mind when I named the chapter. Thought it fit.
I for one love this story unconditionally so far :)
Do carry on.
I finally broke down and read this today... and I'm kicking myself for not doing so sooner. This is a fantastic read, and I look forward to seeing it continue. At this rate, the entire end of the Third Age of Middle Earth could change dramatically.
So wait celestial has nightmare inside?nwhat?
6160346 Explained earlier in the story. Nightmare tried to attach itself to Celestia, since she's the stronger sister. When Celestia tried to use the 'universe' spell, Nightmare's presence screwed it up and pretty much drained Celestia of her magic. {To which she needs to recharge.}
NMM... is odd. very. I like how she hints to the fact that Celestia has a dark spot just as Smaug has a light one. yin and yang, and the fact that none seem to recognize it even the bearers themselves. but she is so utterly manic and distracting from the current line. perhaps placing her earlier in the story, when you mentioned Smaug's active interference, would be better than tagging her here feeling like an afterthought.
Can't wait for the inevitable Sauron-Nightmare discussion!
Nightmare has been reduced to petulant, child villainess that keeps screaming out in a tantrum. It's adorable, and don't lie Nightmare, you're afraid, you're like a mini Smaug, prideful in the face of insecurities.