> Daughter of the Night and Darkness > by PrincessLunaSara > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Questions, Answers and a Celebration > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stella was only a baby when she last saw her father, and she wanted to find him. However she never mentioned it in front of her mother. Luna was over run with sadness when she had to banish Sombra, but Stella brought happiness back into her life. As the filly grew she had more questions for her family, and she wanted answers. "Where is father?" Stella asked. Luna fell silent when her little princess asked her that. So, she turned to her aunt and asked her the same question. "Where is father?" she asked Celestia. Not even her aunt would answer her, but every year on her birthday she would asked the same question. Soon, it was her seventeenth birthday and she asked it again. "Where is father?" Stella asked. "My dear, thine father left us along time ago," Luna answered. "Finally, thou answers me," she said. "Is there anything more that thou wants to ask me?" Luna asked. "Why did father leave?" She asked. "He was possessed by a dark magic, and he did not want to harm you and I," Luna replied. "How did he become possessed then?" She asked. "That we do not know," Luna replied. "Canst thou say anything more of him?" She asked. "Indeed I can," Luna replied. Luna began to tell the story of Sombra. Stella listened closely gaining every detail she could. "Mother, that story was romantic, yet dark and complicated," she said. "I know, but we cannot let such times hold us back. It is your birthday celebration this night thou must dress up," Luna said. "Yes, I will go prepare my self for the party," she said. The bells soon rang as the sixth hour came upon Canterlot. Ponies and other creatures from all around the world came to the party, and they had just sat down to have their diner. Soon, Princess Celestia welcomed the guests. "I welcome all of you to the seventeenth birthday of my dear niece, Princess Stella," she announced. All of the guest began applauding as Stella rose up out of her seat and smiled. The music began to play, and everyone began to dance. Stella walked through the crowd talking with the guests. Then, her cousin and friends stopped to talk with her. "Happy birthday!" They exclaimed. "Thank you, I am so glad you are here," she replied. "We would never miss thine birthday," Cyrus said. "Unless something horrible were to happen," Kaytlyn added. "Well, I certainly hope nothing horrible would happen," Brandon added. "I hope not too," she said, "I will see you all on the morrow at the theatre." "Bye," they replied. Soon, a mare stopped her so they could talk. "Happy birthday your highness," the mare said. "Thank you very much," Stella replied. "Thou art welcome dear," she said, " thou art a very pretty young mare, I am sure many colts have their eyes on you this fine evening." "Oh why thank you," Stella said. "How old art thou tonight again?" She asked. "Seventeen," Stella answered. "What doth thou like to do?" She asked. "I mostly sing, it is my favorite activity to do. I also enjoy acting, reading and caring for animals," Stella replied. "That sounds wonderful it was nice meeting you my dear," she said. "And I you," Stella said. To Stella, the part felt like it had been continuing for days as more guests wanted to meet her. She was beginning to get tired and bored. Finally, the part was over. She ran up to her chambers and fell asleep, not knowing that mare was a changeling. Queen Chrysalis wanted to know everything about the young princess, so she sent a spy to learn all she could. The question is, why? > The Queen's Plan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day, Queen Chrysalis sat in her throne room waiting for the spy to return. Then, she learned many things about Stella from the spy. She learned that Stella liked acting, reading, caring for animals and most of all singing. Since Stella's favorite activity was singing, the queen new where she most likely spent her time. "The young princess must spend most of her time in Canterlot's Shirespeare Theatre. Go search for her immediately," she said. At the Shirespeare Theatre many performances occurred. There were plays of course, choir concerts and classes for the Canterlot Performing Arts School. It was also open from 7 am to 10 pm everyday to any pony who wanted to practice or just preform do fun. "I will search as my queen commands," the changeling said. The changeling spy left the throne room, beginning her search for the young mare. Queen Chrysalis was soon caught by surprise as the heir to her throne entered the room. "Sage, thou art up early this morning," she said. "Good morrow mother," he replied. "Good morrow to thou as well. I have a plan to share with thee," she said, "I have sent a spy to find Luna's daughter, so you can foalnap her unexpectedly." "I will wait for your audience, for now I am going to sing," he replied. "Of course," she said. Her plan would work perfectly. Sage could easily meet Stella and foalnap her. Stella and Sage both adored singing, and they would do so everyday. Sage had always dreamed of going to the Shirespeare Theatre, and he never stopped talking about it to his mother. Little did he know that was where he would be foalnapping Stella. "This will go just as I have planned," she said with an evil grin. > "Obeying" Orders > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day, Prince Sage traveled to Canterlot, so he could fulfill his mother's plan. Half way, Sage met up with his friend Gareth, Lord Tirek's son. It was after night fall when they arrived and began their search for the Shirespeare Theatre. Finally, they found it. Sage flew up to peak in the upper windows and saw some ponies, so they waited until they left to enter the building. "I will see thee early tomorrow we have to memorize this script perfectly," Stella said. "We know cousin we will be here straight on the morrow," Cyrus said. "Thank you," she replied. "Being a guard comes first," Brandon added. "Yes, and if I get sick I am not attending practice," Kaytlyn added. "I know you two," she said. "Bye," they said. "Bye," she replied. Stella flew up into the balcony, and she laid on the ground studying her script. Then, she heard the door open below her. "I have always dreamed of seeing this place," Sage said. "It is a sight to behold," Gareth added. "Indeed," Sage replied. Then, Stella decided to sneak up on them. She could turn into a shadow to disappear and appear when ever she wanted. Soon, she appeared in front of them. "Whoa!" They said startled. "Who art thou and why art thou here?" She asked. "We just came to practice in this amazing theatre," Sage said. "I have never seen thee before," she said. "We are staying here for a while, and we just wanted to tour Canterlot, see the sights, meet the people and so on," Gareth said. "Really?" She asked. "Now Gareth," Sage said. "What!? Unhand me this instant!" She yelled. "Sorry darling, but we must obey the queen's orders," Gareth said. "I am Prince Sage, heir to the Changeling throne," he said. "And I am Lord Gareth, son of Lord Tirek," he said. "Where art thou taking me?" She asked in fear. "Princess, we are taking thee to my kingdom," Sage said. So, Sage and Gareth raced out of town with Stella. They were heading back to the Changeling Kingdom... or so she thought. "Set her there," Sage said. "This is not where thou said Gareth and thee were taking me," Stella said. "I know," he replied, "we are running away with thee to a place where we can be ourselves." "We long to be free from our parents orders," Gareth added. "Let us reintroduce ourselves," he said, "I am Sage." "And I am Gareth," he said. "Tell us thine name my lady," Sage said. "I am Stella," she said. "Delighted," Gareth and Sage said. "And I you," she replied. "As thou can see, Sage and I are nothing like our parents," Gareth said. "Believe me when I say I am glad," she said, "thank you for not following orders even though the consequences could be awful." "Of course," Sage said. "Thou art welcome," Gareth said. "I would like to have the time to know more about you both, so I will go with thee," she said. "Friends?" Sage and Gareth asked. "Friends," she replied. And so, the three of them journeyed down the path they chose. There adventure together had just begun, but they did not think about what could occur between their parents, family and friends. > Consequences > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The next day, Queen Chrysalis and Lord Tirek stormed into Canterlot Castle, both looking for their sons. "Celestia, Luna, where art our sons!?" Chrysalis asked. "I do not know what thou speaks of," Celestia replied. "Do not play this game with us," Chrysalis said. "We are not playing a game with thee," Luna replied, "we speak the truth." "Thine lies sicken me," Tirek said. "They are not lies, so shut thine mouth," Luna said. "My queen," a changeling guard said. "What is the meaning of this interruption!?" She asked. "Sage has sent a letter to thee," he answered. "Read it then," she said. The guard began to recite the letter, and it said: Mother, Gareth and I have fled thine rule and Tirek's, along with Stella. We are three friends seeking freedom from our parents and longing for adventure. Please inform Princess Luna that her daughter misses her, and she is doing this for her own benefit. She wants to talk with her father, if we find him. Do not worry about us we are capable of taking care of ourselves. Your son, Sage "We will see how long it takes our children to return," Chrysalis said. "But if they do not return in two weeks time we will search for them," Tirek said. Then, Chrysalis and Tirek exited the castle. Leaving Luna and Celestia alone to talk. "Sister did thou knows't about Stella wanting to find Sombra?" Celestia asked. "I did not, but she had asked that question for along time," Luna replied. At the Shirespeare Theatre, Stella's cousin and friends were beginning to worry. "This is not good... Stella is never late, and she is always here before us!" Brandon said panicking, "I mean... I wonder where she is i am concerned." "Brandon," Kaytlyn said, "when thou art not on guard duty you are very amusing." "Thou must admit he is amusing that way!" Cyrus added laughing. "Yes, but her not being here is strange," she added. "Indeed," Cyrus said. > Arriving In The Frozen North > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stella and Sage spent the night at Gareth's house because his father was not there. "Stella wake up it is time to go," Sage said. "What is all this?" She asked. "The supplies we will need for our journey," Gareth replied. "Well then let us hence," she said. As the friends traveled to The Frozen North, Luna composed a letter to send to her daughter. Soon, it appeared out of the air and fell right in front of Stella. "What is it?" Sage asked. "It is a letter from my mother," Stella replied. "She knows where we are?" Gareth asked. "Yes, but she knows that we will be fine on our own," she replied. "What does it say?" They asked. Then, she began to recite the letter to them; it said: Stella, When you find thine father please tell him that I miss him, and I love him. Yours truly, Mother "I will not forget to tell my father, and I will show him this letter," she said. So, they continued their journey and soon they arrived in The Frozen North. They "It is freezing," Gareth said. "That is why we brought the supplies Gareth," Sage added. "We should break out the tent and stop here for the night," Gareth said. "Alright," Stella said. "Art thou alright with this decision?" Sage asked. "Yes," she replied. "I do not think thou are," he said. "Doth thou want to make something of it?" She asked. "Not quite because thou looks like you want to kill me," he said. "Good choice," she said. So, they set up the tent. It was made to keep them from freezing to death, so was very cramped inside. "I do not like laying this close to thee," she said. "Stella we are not going to touch you, calm down," Gareth said. "We are touching thee now," Sage added. "You know perfectly well that I is not what I meant," she said. "I know," he said. "Why did thou say that then?" She asked. "I like seeing thee mad it is entertaining," he replied. "Shut thy mouth," she said. "I know you do not want us to touch thee, but you do have bery tempting flanks," he said. "Sage, please stop harassing her," Gareth said, "I am laying between you both." "Thou hath ruined my dream of touching her," Sage said. "That is enough!" Stella yelled. Then, Stella tackled Sage. She began to punch and kick him, and Gareth was shaking his head as he watched them quarrel. "Stella get off!" Sage yelled. "Stop harassing me then!" She yelled throwing a punch, hitting him. Then, Sage flipped her on to her back. "If thou stops beating me I will stop!" He yelled. "Alright," she said. "Thank you both for stoping," Gareth said "Thou art welcome," they said. "Good night," Stella said. "Good night," Gareth said. "Good night," Sage said. So, they all drifted off to sleep forgetting about what just occurred. > Journeying On > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As the morning light appeared, the three friends packed up and journeyed on through the bitter cold of The Frozen North. A few days later, they arrived where the Crystal Empire used to stand, before Sombra afflicted the curse upon it. Suddenly the ice below there feet broke, and they fell down the cold dark hole. They landed with aloud thud. Luckily they had brought some torches because it was very dark. "It is good year we were caring these torches," Sage said. "Where are we? Doth any pony know?" Gareth asked. "Who are thee and why art thou here?" A voice said from the darkness. "We are searching for my father, and the ice cracked sending us falling down here," Stella said. "Thou art looking for thy father?" The voice asked. "Yes sir," she answered. "What is thine father's name?" "Sombra sir," she replied. "Walk towards the sound of my voice child," the voice said. "You cannot do this," Gareth said. "We do not know who that is," Sage added. "I will be alright do not worry yourselves," she replied. Stella began to follow the sound of his voice. "That is close enough," the voice said. Then, out of the darkness appears Sombra. "Father?" Stella asked. "Yes Stella," he replied. "I missed thee so very much," she said. "And I you my little princess. I regret not seeing thee grow into the beautiful young mare thou art now," he said. "Mother loves and misses thee father," she said. "You can tell her the same from me," he added, "but thee must hence now I am not safe to be around. "Father I do not believe that. Thou art safe yo be near now," she said. "My mood could change any moment now my dear," he said. "I still do not believe thee," she replied. "Who are they?" He asked. "They are only friends father," she answered. "Have they caused thee any harm?" He asked. "No. I did start a fight with Sage, and Gareth is like an older brother to me," she said. "I did not harm thee, but you harmed me," Sage added. "That is true father," she said. "Gareth and Sage, do you know how much I despise thine parents?" Sombra asked. "No sir," they replied. "Stella, taking thine friends and leave my presence," he said. "But father," she replied. "Now!" He yelled. "Yes father," she replied. So, they left him. Sombra used his magic to make stairs to help them out of the hole, and he ordered Stella to seal the crack. He could still use magic, but he could not use his dark magic anymore. Stella did not like leaving her father all alone, but she knew they could not take him home. He was trapped by the royal sisters magic, and even she could not break the spell. She could not set him free even if she could because he was trapped in the ice for a reason that we all know. > Returning Home > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Returning home took longer, like going back up a river is longer than traveling down a river. They had already been gone for a weeks time, but they did not realize in another week Queen Crysalis and Lord Tirek would search for them. Because they thought they had a lot of time to visit other places, a week later the queen and lord began to search for their sons and Stella. "We must out our sons and the princess immediately," Tirek said. "Of course we must their actions were unacceptable, and it was all that princess's fault they left to find Sombra," she added. "Indeed my lady," he said. "She must be punished for this," she said. "Indeed," he replied. The last stop Stella, Sage and Gareth made was Seahorse Cove in Western Equestria. The water was crystal blue, and it was a beautiful place full of marine life. "This place is amazing," Stella said. "Indeed," Gareth said. "Yes soooo amazing," Sage said sarcastically. "Thou doth not sound excited to be here," Gareth said. "I am sorry for being exhausted from this journey," he replied in a moody tone. "We are all exhausted Sage, but thou art the only one who is not enjoying this stop," Stella said. "I do not need thine comment princess," he replied. "Enough you two," Gareth said. "That is find with me," Sage said. "And I," Stella said. "Is it foggy all of a sudden or is it just me?" Gareth asked. "It is foggy, and it is not just thee," Sage said. "It is strange how quickly the fog appeared," Stella added. Then, Gareth saw something moving in the water. "Curiouser and curiouser," he said. "What?" Sage asked. "I saw something moving just now," he replied. "What is that sound?" Stella asked. "Singing," Gareth answered. "We should hence away now," Sage added. Then, something swam up to the shore and appeared before them. "Hello," she said,"I am Melody Dazzle." "Art thou a siren?" Gareth asked. "I am sir," she replied. "Thou art very pretty... I mean your voice is very pretty," he said blushing. "Thank you. What are thine names?" She asked. "This is Stella and Sage, and I am Gareth," he replied. "It is nice to meet your acquaintances," she said. "And I you," he said. "Like wise," Stella said. "Of course," Sage said. "Is there anyway thou couldst come on land?" Stella asked. "Yes just let me change into my land form," she answered. "Great!" Stella said. After Melody changed into her land form the four of them talked. They told Melody of the journey, and she decide to travel with them when morning came. Soon, the sun rose causing the cove's water to sparkle like crystals. So, the group journeyed on towards Canterlot. The trip back took them about two weeks time, and Chrysalis and Tirek spotted them. "There they are," Chrysalis said," it is time for our surprise visit." "Yes it is," Tirek said. They snuck up on the group, and the queen directed her magic straight towards Stella, since she was the one to blame. But, Gareth turned his head saw the bolt of magic. He ran to Stella and knocked her down pushing her out of harm's way. Stella quickly turned her head not knowing what had happened, but then it hit her. "Gareth no!" She screamed. "Gareth canst thou hear me?" Sage asked. "Oh no," Melody said. Then, Lord Tirek realized what had happened, and he was extremely angry. "What hast thou done to my son?!" He yelled. "I am not at fault; he ran in front of my magic like the stupid centaur he is!" Chrysalis yelled. "Shut thy mouth!" He yelled. Mean while... "Gareth please do not leave me thine art the older brother I never had," Stella cried. "Stella I am glad my son made friends with thee," Tirek said,"I have to help him now; stand aside." "Stella come here," Sage said. "No I am not leaving him like this!" She yelled while more tears began to flow down her face like a river. Sage grabbed her around her waisted and pulled her away from Gareth. "Unhand me Sage!" She yelled crying. "No! I hate seeing thee cry!" Sage yelled. "Let go of me now!" She yelled. "No Stella! I love thee, and I hate seeing you crying like this!" He yelled. "Sage... I... I," She said blushing, stopping her tears. Then, he leaned in and deeply kissed her. "I love thee too," she said. "How lovely, but Gareth is still unconscious," Melody said. "Is he going to be alright?" Stella asked. "I am sure he will," Tirek replied. "Uhhhhh. What did I miss?" Gareth asked groaning in pain. "Gareth!" His friends exclaimed. "Thank goodness," Tirek said. "Oh yes, this is such a sentimental moment," Chrysalis said annoyed. "Mother," Sage said with hatered. "Son," she replied with hatered. They stared at each other with hate in their eyes for a few minutes then... "So thou hath fallen for this princess?" She asked. "Yes mother I have," he replied. "Then you have betrayed thine mother and changelings," she said. "What is wrong with him loving me?" Stella asked. "I have always despised your family, so I despise thee too," she answered. "Enough!" Sage yelled. "How dare you! I am a shamed to be thine mother!" Chrysalis yelled. "I do not give a damn mother! Leave now!" He yelled. "Fine, but I will have my revenge!" She yelled as she flew away. After the queen left, it was time for Gareth to leave. "I hope to see thee soon," Gareth said. "I will miss thee so," Stella said. "And I you. Sage take care of her," he said. "Of course," Sage said. "Melody will thou come home with me?" He asked. "I would love to," she replied. "Let us know when the wedding is," Sage said. "As long as you let us know when thine wedding is," he replied. "Of course we will," Stella said. As soon as Melody and Gareth left, Tirek looked at Sage and Stella with hatred, but they could not understand why. "Stella," he said. "Y- Yes?" She asked. "Tell thine mother that I still deeply hate her," he said. "Y- Yes sir I will," she replied. Stella looked up at Sage with a concerned look, but he looked at her the same way. There was something she had to ask her mother when the returned to Canterlot. > Somepony Has Some Explaining To Do > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Luna was in the castle library when Stella and Sage returned home and soon they appeared before her. "Mother," Stella said,"I have a question for thee." "Yes my dear, what is it?" She asked. "Why does Lord Tirek hate thee?" Stella asked. The room fell silent. Princess Luna walked to the huge window over looking Canterlot. It was a very rainy and dreary day outside. No sunlight to be found anywhere. "Well," she said,"Lord Tirek was a dear friend of mine, but I did not know..." "Know what?" Stella interrupted. "I did not know he felt that highly of me," she answered. "He loved you did he not?," Sage asked. "Yes, but I did not love him in turn. When he told me I felt awful. I still feel awful, and he hates me now. He was like the elder brother I never had, but now...," she said. "Now that he hates thee that relationship is no longer present between the," Sage said. "So he became a villain then?" Stella asked. "Yes. First, Chrysalis changed, then Discord, and when he became a villain I could not believe what had happened, but then it happened to Sombra too. After that, I began to think about myself," she answered. "What art thou saying?" Stella asked. "Darkness has corrupted most of my dearest friends and my love, but it has not done so to me... yet," she replied. "Mother do not say it will corrupt thee," Stella said. "Stella, I will never know if the darkness will or not; I must allow fate to decide for me," she said. "I see," Stella said. "Hopefully it will not happen your highness," Sage added. "I also hope for the same," Luna replied, "Now, how about us three have some tea," As Luna began to walk down the hall to the tea room, Stella turned to stare out the huge window to think about everything her mother had told her for the past few months. Sage watched her curiously. He wanted to ask her what was wrong, but he knew there would be no response. "Stella," he said, "I am going for tea now if thou wouldst like to walk with me to the tea room." "I come anon," she replied. Soon, they arrived to have tea, finding many types of cookies and scones along with Melody and Gareth. "Gareth! Melody!" Stella exclaimed. "It seems that we have surprise guests today," Luna said. "I am so happy to see thee," Stella said. "And I you," Gareth said. "So how is the wedding coming along?" Sage asked. "It is going very well. I believe it will be in about three months," Melody replied. "Wonderful!" Luna said,"Gareth, I hope thine father would let me attend." "I am certain he will, and if he does not I have already invited you," he said. Then, they all sat down beginning to drink tea and devour the tastes treats as well. After the party was over, Melody and Gareth had to return home. "We will see thee at the wedding," Safe said. "I would also love to see thee sometime before then," Stella added. "We will do not worry," Melody replied. "I will see thee soon, younger sister," Gareth said to Stella. "And I you, elder brother," she replied.