Lulamoon Hollow. So far, Sumac had mixed feelings about his time in this place, he was in love with the land, he found it enchanting, beautiful, but as for Dandelia, his feelings were even more mixed up about her. He knew, in no small part due to Twilight’s teachings upon the subject, that Dandelia was a pony in need of love and forgiveness. Like Olive, Dandelia was a wounded soul in need of help. It would be easy to hate her and contribute to the problem, doing so might make him feel better, and he was ashamed to admit that he felt this way, but liking her felt like an impossible task.
The cemetery was a fantastic place shrouded in shadow. Some might call it spooky, but Sumac found that it was a calm, peaceful place of rest, it was his sanctuary, and like the dead, he took shelter here. He could hear the soft, muted sound of Lemon Hearts murmuring something to Trixie, but try as he might, he could not make out what was being said.
On the distant edge of the cemetery, a pair of eyes watched them, and Sumac was aware of his observer. A young draconic pegasus, a lunar pegasus, one of Princess Luna’s pegasus ponies, she stood at the edge of the boneyard with a small, bloodied lump between her front hooves. Seeing it gave Sumac the shivers and spooked him far more than the cemetery did, but he understood that the draconic pegasus ponies of the night had to eat.
As he stood there, watching her, she picked up her kill with her teeth, spread her wings, and took off in silent flight. She was big, as far as ponies went, but small, as far as her kind went, and he guessed that she was a foal, but he couldn’t guess her age. She was pretty, he supposed, in her own terrifying way, a creature of teeth and terror.
“Since when did they start living here?” Trixie asked Princess Luna, who walked just a few feet away.
“Caper invited them to stay here, free of rent.” Princess Luna came to a halt and focused her attention upon the mausoleum in the center of the cemetery. “All that he asked of them was that they eat the pests that ravage the gardens, a task that their kind will most joyously do. We of course, will continue Caper’s offer to them, as this is a good sanctuary for them.”
“It really is dark here,” Twilight Sparkle remarked. “The Canterhorn is blocking the sun right now, but I suppose that is no surprise.” In a strange mood, Twilight fell back upon the one thing that always brought comfort, facts and figures. “Of course, we’re located at the base of a mountain that rises over a mile straight up and it acts like a sundial. We’re in the sweet spot where there is always some degree of shadow from the giant sundial, leaving this place in near perpetual darkness.”
“Twilight, does it bother you that your parents are such close friends with Dandelia, and even now, they work to comfort her?” Princess Luna’s head turned away from the mausoleum and she focused a blank but piercing stare upon Twilight.
“I suppose love can make a pony blind,” Twilight replied with an almost non-committal shrug. “Of course it bothers me… that mare is a horrible tribalist, a classist, and she represents everything that is wrong with the old system. I’ll be honest, I can’t even begin to understand how my mother and my father are friends with her. It kind of bothers me that as the Princess of Friendship, I don’t even want to understand how their relationship works, but I think that says a lot about the state of my biases. It leaves me troubled.”
“Your mother, and your father, they have something that We envy and wish that We had more of.” Princess Luna’s wings fluttered against her sides and she turned her gaze down to the short, clipped grass on which she now stood.
“And what’s that?” Twilight asked.
Lifting her head, Princess Luna looked into Twilight Sparkle’s eyes once more. “Compassion.”
Defensive, Twilight let out a snort. “I have compassion to spare!” Twilight shuffled on her hooves, her expression clouded over, and she began to look troubled. “I have compassion… I do… I’m the Princess of Friendship and that implies a certain level of compassion…”
“Nopony accused you of not having compassion.” Princess Luna’s statement hung in the air like an anvil for a few seconds, and then crashed into Twilight Sparkle, who was left stunned from the impact. As the Princess of the Night stood watching, Twilight was almost reduced to a foal-like state, muttering to herself, and trying to make sense of her own behaviour.
“That desk was so offensive and every word that came out of her mouth was insulting and that look of hatred that she gave Sumac and everything about her just irks me and rubs me the wrong way—oh stars, I’m trying to justify my own behaviour, aren’t I?”
Princess Luna, Trixie, and Lemon Hearts all nodded.
Sumac had a sneaking suspicion that both he and Twilight would leave this place as better ponies, if also somewhat more troubled. A change had come over his mother as well, something was different about her, but try as he might, he couldn’t put his hoof upon what it was, only that she was different somehow.
As Trixie approached the mausoleum and the entrance to the below-ground crypts, Sumac felt his magic sense tingle in a manner most alarming. He almost cried out, panicked, worried, for a second he thought they were under attack, and as he stood there, trying to regain his senses, a tall, powerful looking figure appeared near the entrance to the mausoleum.
It was a unicorn, a giant, with a powerful build, a long, brawny, muscular neck, and what had to be the longest horn that Sumac had ever seen upon a unicorn. It took Sumac several panicked moments to realise that he was looking at an illusion that was being projected. He scrambled from where he stood and rushed over to be closer to his mother, or mothers, as the case might be.
“Beatrix… Trixie Lulamoon. At long last, you are great and powerful… you have ceased behaving like the whiny little disappointment that you were and you have at last embraced your true potential. You have walked a long and difficult road, a literal long and difficult road to get where you are right now. And I doubt that you would be where you are right now without me motivating you and goading you into greatness. I offer no apologies for anything I have done, you were worthless and weak, as is common for bastards and foals born out of wedlock.”
The projected image flickered and Trixie stared at it with a hard, flinty look in her eye.
“By standing here now, having come to this place, having endured the reading of my will, for listening to my words right now, you have proven yourself worthy of your inheritance. You are a Lulamoon, but unlike your soft, worthless, and weak mother, you have earned your standing. Earned! Just produce an heir, that is all I ask, and carry on the greatness that is the Lulamoon name.”
Again, the image paused before it continued, “Troubled times are coming. I have seen the face of our enemy, our real enemy. He and I sized each other up, and I found him lacking. Crush him beneath you before he causes an uprising amongst the peasantry. Give a good accounting of yourself, Beatrix Lion Lulamoon, and never once show your back to our enemies, as Equestria has many. Destroy them and make them respect their betters. Show no mercy. Break their backs. If one peasant revolts, they will become emboldened. Smash our enemies and break their will. Make them grovel, it is for their own good. The peasantry, they don’t understand what we protect them from. They’re like willful foals that resist their parents, without ever knowing the danger their parents hold at bay. Save them from themselves, Beatrix, and make me proud.”
Tears were now streaming down Trixie’s cheeks and Twilight moved to comfort her friend, her own troubles forgotten. Sumac brushed up against his mother’s leg, bothered by what he had heard. The little colt wanted to know which enemy Caper had seen face to face.
“Beatrix… Trixie Lulamoon. At long last, you are great and powerful… you have ceased behaving like the whiny little disappointment—”
Trixie took a step backwards, away from the mausoleum, the words went silent and the projection vanished. After a few sniffles, she continued backing away, with Lemon Hearts, Twilight, and Sumac all moving with her. The herd moved as one. Lemon Hearts looked disturbed, her raspberry eyes were glassy with tears that she struggled to hold back, while Twilight was concerned, worried for her friend.
“Caper knew much and protected us from much, We suspect.” Princess Luna pulled the door to the mausoleum shut and it flashed for a second with her magic as she sealed it, protecting it from intrusion. “It is difficult to reconcile such a pony…” Her words trailed off and the Princess of the Night stood silent.
“I have a question,” Sumac asked.
“Go ahead, Sumac.” Trixie’s voice had a noticeable tremble to it, but it was clear that she longed for a distraction.
“So, Caper died a while back, and just about the time that we went to Castle Midnight, you became a lot more powerful.” Sumac felt something niggling the back of his mind. “I’ve felt it, noticed it, and surely you’ve noticed it as well.”
Twilight’s lips pressed together and became a thin, puckered line.
“Magic is a finite resource,” Sumac continued, “and just after Caper’s passing, your own power grows by leaps and bounds. It’s been growing. Do you think there is a connection?”
“I don’t know, Sumac, I just don’t know.” Trixie sat down in the grass, shivered from the cold, and pulled Sumac close.
“That would imply that magic has a will of its own, which is reasonable I suppose, as something has to determine cutie marks and such.” Twilight’s eyes flashed with keen intelligence. “That would also imply that magic is reserving some of itself for those most capable of using it, holding itself back in reserve for the most worthy, or most capable vessels. Sumac, your hypothesis continues to grow ever more troubling.”
“There are now two Lulamoons.” Lemon Hearts sat down beside Trixie. “That’s it, just two. By all accounts, Dandelia is also a powerful unicorn, but I wouldn’t know. Trixie on the other hoof, Twilight, because of the project, we’ve seen just how much power Trixie has brought to bear. Sumac is right, she’s getting stronger. Just think about it. And, she teleported us onto a moving train and we didn’t end up all scrambled or turned into goo. I’m not the smartest pony around, but I know my magical physics… what Trixie did was exceedingly difficult, even with help from inside the train.”
“So, if this theory holds water, if there was just one Lulamoon, say, Trixie, she would become exponentially more powerful if she, um, ‘inherited’ her mother’s magic and was the last Lulamoon alive.” Twilight gave Trixie an apologetic pat and then fell into awkward silence.
“But then we have to assume that magic has a reason for what it is doing, and if magic has a reason, we can deduce that magic has a plan. It has a will, a goal, an end result that it has in mind.” Lemon Hearts’ eyes focused on some nonexistent point up above her and her lower lip protruded as she slipped into deep thought. “If there is some outside force of will involved, what makes Trixie special? Why her? Why certain unicorns? What makes her different?”
“A direct connection to Our bloodline,” Princess Luna said as she joined the conversation. “There are many within Our bloodline.” The blue alicorn’s eyes focused upon Twilight Sparkle for a time, and then she looked at Trixie. “Clearly that has something to do with it, but what?”
“Caper was one of the most powerful unicorns alive. He was capable of slowing time in a radius around him.” Trixie took a deep breath, held it for a moment, and then let it out as she said, “Once, when I was little, I watched him as he purposely tipped over a glass of water. He did something, the world went all wrong and all of the clocks began chiming throughout the house. The water flowed back into the glass and the glass set itself back upright. To this day, I still don’t know if he used his magic to put on a good show, or if he actually reversed time in a local area.”
“He had an uncanny knack for foresight and planning.” Princess Luna glanced over the mausoleum for a second, and then returned her gaze to the group sitting in the grass. “Mine sister, Celestia, she told me that she suspected that Caper was capable of seeing timelines as they unfolded, that he would peer ahead to see the most likely outcome, and then he would hedge his bets. But Celestia could not prove that he was doing this. She claimed that Caper was as mysterious and as secretive as an oyster.”
“Caper could light the stars,” Trixie said in a wistful voice.
“We are possessed with an idea.” Princess Luna, moving with a swiftness born from inspiration, moved over to where Trixie sat. “Tell Us, Trixie, have you ever lit the stars?”
“I’ve tried,” Trixie confessed.
“Tonight,” Princess Luna said to Trixie, “Tonight all of us will test Sumac’s hypothesis. With Caper gone, we shall see if you can light the stars. It might tell us much.” She lifted her head high and a proud smile spread over Luna’s lips. “Be ready, for tonight, you will prove yourself as one of Our worthy descendants. We have a good feeling about this…”
So, who can tell us why Caper is such a stunning specimen of Unicorn flesh? I'm told the illusion is not just him stroking his own ego.
So where is Trixie's mother at the moment?
7752171
Did you forget already?
Is this the first hint / indication of a connection between Luna and the "Twilight" bloodline?
7752176
The Perilous Romance of Swans was the first. Celestia knows. The stars shall aid in her escape.
7750251
What does that have to do with genetic stock?
7752171
She has been banished to her room by Luna, last chapter...
7752181
Reputable breeding.
It is a medieval concept that criminals will only begat more criminals. This is the reason that criminals were put to death, to prevent them from breeding and making more criminals. So, reputation determines if you are of good breeding.
Criminals? No. Not of good breeding. You wouldn't want to pollute the bloodlines.
It's an outdated, archaic concept, so I get that it is difficult for people to understand.
Heck, people used to think that good manners was inherited, and that the lower social classes were incapable of even understanding higher concepts of etiquette. It was like trying to explain to a chimp the difference between a black tie affair and a white tie affair. We laugh about this now, because anybody can learn anything, but way back in the day, a very different set of beliefs were held.
your
7752179 I assume Twilight doesn't know. Wouldn't surprise me if Velvet did though.
Well, looks like Caper shows the ugly side of classism. Luna's part of it being hard to reconcile is right.
I have no doubt whomever he looked into the eyes of, whomever he considers a threat is in fact a huge threat. A ridiculously evil person. But he also extends this to "and if he gets a foothold, all those worthless peasants might think they're not worthless. The horror."
A mix of valid worries and bigotry and arrogance.
That's the worst.
Curiouser and curiouser.
7752210
Because, Luna too, is still stuck in the past from a thousand years ago, and she understands the rules that the Court of Lions lives by.
Celestia might, but she is far more modern. Luna though, Luna understands. She hasn't had a thousand years to adjust to new ideas and thinking.
7752195
I don´t entirely understand Caper´ speech. Who is the "enemy" he found lacking? I assumed he was talking about Grogar, but then Arcturus began associating him with the peasantry.
Also, can we assume grandpa had a hoof with Trixie´s misfortune, purposely sabotaging her career and driving her to become stronger?
7752227
Might I suggest reading The Perilous Romance of Swans?
7752227
You would be correct in assuming this.
7752221
Caper, if one looked at him through an emotionless lense and examined him as part of history, would be seen as being a good pony. He's like Charlemagne, or King Richard, or Thomas Jefferson.
These were men that did immense good, measureable good, but as human beings, they were reprehensible individuals.
We're better off remembering the deeds of these men, what they accomplished, and ignoring their personal lives.
7752227
7752221
The one he considers the enemy may either be Gosling because he is a "Peasant" Elevated to Royalty and is with Twilight and Cadence shake the entire system to it's very core, Mister Mariner for what he has done, or the leaders of the Equalists. Though Equilists are probably the most dangerous with Sumac's Horrendous Hypothesis being what it is now that I think about it.
7752285
Some background, as the author. Caper had no strong feelings about Gosling, but was aware of his existence.
As for Mister Mariner, Caper's former business partner, well, Caper wasn't too fond of Mister Mariner's crazy ideas...
7752291
WELL! Looks like the third option it is... Well at least he has his priorities straight on who is an actual threat.
7752233
Gosling? The true enemy of Equestria is Gosling?
7752221
Now I understand. Boy, Imagine the look of his face may he have found found out Gosling almost ascended into alicornhood (something no Lulamoon ever archieved)...
...unless he actually knew and somehow sabotaged the accidental ascension using his time abilities, which what would explain why he became so obsessed with Trixie´s having a proper heir, in his last days.
7752304
Mister Mariner.
7752305
Dang. and here I thought the leaving out the Equalists was the giveaway. Oh well. Fuck Mister Mariner, Caper STILL has his priorities straight when it comes to identifying who is a threat.
"To be Lawful or Good" is the phrase that comes to mind...
Or having to choose between peace and righteousness.
Caper was a bastard to his family, but hearing his own reasons for why certainly checkers my view of him.
He reminds me a bit of The Illusive Man from Mass Effect.
Caper was an OP and a Gary Stu.
7752256
Not sure if it´s a personal question, but do you think the first justifies the later? as "yeah, he was a bastard and ruined a lot of innocent lives but he actually made the world a better place, so I would say the balance pays off...".
I have heard that argument before in one way or another, and not sure how comfortable I am about it, praising the "hero"´s archievements and ignoring the victims crushed in his walk. Does greatness excuse evil?
7752192 for how long?
7752403
I am speaking of course about maintaining a scholarly aspect. Take the whole post in context.
As human beings, we should be outraged.
As students of history, we should try to remove our own biases.
7752166 external beauty doesn't imply internal beauty..
7752195 I have no problems with the concept. Its part of the classic nature VS nurture. Though studies have shown some rudimentary parts of personality could be inhertied
7752370 I don't think you understand what a Gary Stu is...
Caper brings to mind a line from Sherlock: Sherlock Holmes is a great man, and I think one day—if we're very, very lucky—he might even be a good one.
Caper was great. But I don't think many would call him a good pony.
Also, a bit like Steve Jobs. He was a brilliant and great man in many ways. But he was not a particularly nice or good person.
7752256
Oh yeah, absolutely.
Although, I think it might be, well, folly to exclude from remembering their personal lives, or to compare them with the same contexts as now... But it is quite a bit of study to not just understand the events of the past, but the prevailing attitudes at the time, and how those movers and shakers interacted with them.
Someone may be horrendous by our standards, but progressive by past standards, and there may be a lot to be gleaned with why they thought the way they did and what it was they thought.
The reason why Caper is so shocking is that he seems to be an anachronism even in their time. They have nobility and royalty in Equestria, but it looks like most of the world had moved on from believing that peasants should know their place, even as there are still structures that support it.
7752723
And yet, Caper's peasants were very well off, well cared for, and loved their master.
magic is a finite resource..........
if a tree could raise its eyebrows, it would be doing so :P
7752733 It's odd to think that nobility such as Caper, who in fact saw it as their duty to care for the peasantry, probably extended the lifetime of the entire social system. It's easy to revolt against nobility who are just paying lip service to the concept of "I'm better than you". But nobility who actually live up to that social framework, no matter how reprehensible we find that framework today, are the ones who provided it with its enduring stability.
I'm not certain what my point is.
7752815
There is only so much of it available at a given moment. More magic will continue to be emanated from the ley lines, but the current available magic, there is only so much of it.
7752827
If you told Caper's peasants that you were taking their lord away from them, they would have revolted.
7752723
I think is the comparation with Princess Luna what hurts Caper´s portrayal the most. Unlike him, she is an actual temporal fish out of water, and yet for her several flaws the Alicorn of the Night is not bigoted against "lesser" or even non ponies. For the reader point of view if Luna, an actual living (demigoddess) can be so approachable... what excuse does a mere (if powerful) descendant like Caper have for his arrogance?
Well, yes, because although he hated them and considered them to be lesser beings, his take-away from that was that it was his responsibility to take care of them. It's an infuriating, paternalistic attitude, but it does lessen the likelihood that your foals will starve to death.
7752166
Magic steroids.
7752370
I think the "Being a supremacist douche" and "Being dead" parts disqualify him.
7753079 We're looking for a basic socioeconomic cause for Caper to be such a 'stunning' masculine specimen.
7752412 Until she can honestly and sincerely apologize.
7753154 Well i can't speak on the social aspect of it but being a direct decedent of an Alicorn has to have some nice benefits pop up from time to time. My best guess is he just won the genetic lotto.
Either that or he used magic to enhance himself.
7753274
Or he ate well, never missed a meal, and took full advantage of his social class.
7753274 I am positive that she will eventually.
7752195
This is not a defense, this is a thesis on the matter.
Reputable breeding is a ritualized check and balance created by society of those days for the fact that bad parenting will produce children that will grow to be incomplete humans who will use the same bad parenting they were raised by on their own children in a cycle of self-perpetuating generational abuse.
Our ancestors knew this full truth but the oversimplified ritualized fact came into being because of many people not willing or able to understand a fact beyond the surface meme, and so the surface meme of "reputable breeding" found its use everywhere whenever the average mal-educated human of any age asked "why are things the way the are".
This common surface meme became encrusted fact through overuse without understanding until the means of production and the means of education shifted the societal paradigm.
This is not a defense, this is a thesis on the matter.
7753647
I find myself in agreement.
7753675
*fist pump* Yes!!!
7753758
I learned about this in sociology. There is a name for it, but I'll be damned if I can remember it.
7753781
I'm just excited because i kinda see you like the elderly no nonsense old school variety university prof so getting an answer "right" feels pretty awesome!