But that was to be expected when reality itself was malleable here. This was not a realm of time and space and the physical, but rather one of ideas, of wills and spirits. And those were ever-shifting. Thus, nothing was constant here.
The Gardener knew this.
She knew that her Garden would not last forever, and that even while it existed, it would be ever-changing. The plants she tended to were just extensions of her will, and would bloom or wither as the landscape of her soul shifted.
That was fine. Ponies were inconstant beings, and it seemed only fitting that here, in a realm where souls were imprisoned, all things would reflect these inconstancies.
It was enough for the Gardener that she was surrounded by beautiful plants, and beautiful visitors.
They came and went as they willed, the other souls trapped here. Some came to appreciate the beauty of the garden, to seek out the peace that eluded them elsewhere. Others, mostly friends of the Gardener, desired the company of the one who tended to this place of tranquillity. Eternity was a long time to spend alone, after all.
But even Eternity could end. Ponies came and went from this realm, as the source of their imprisonment was broken in the physical world. The Gardener simply enjoyed the time she had with those who sought out her home here, and didn't think too much about the future. After all, time lacked meaning here anyways.
Still, there was one constant in her life, as inconstant as she was. A visitor whose visits might be moments or eons apart as timelines twisted and shifted in Limbo, but who always came back to her garden seeking out her peace.
The Lost Princess.
There were no names here, where memories of past lives were clouded at best and often lost entirely in the transition between worlds. Even appearances here were more ideas than physical reflections of a past life, so even if she remembered the details of her life before, the Gardener would not be able to recognize anyone on sight.
Still, souls were bared here, and so they were each given a moniker according to the nature of their true self. The Gardener tended to her garden, and to those who wandered into it.
And the Lost Princess wandered without purpose.
"Hello, Gardener," she said as she trotted down a path carved between the rose bushes. "I see the orchids are blooming today."
The Gardener nodded. "Hello, friend. Yes, they matured soon after your last visit, and I've been tending to them since then, as I knew you wanted to see their full beauty."
"Thank you." The Lost Princess smiled as she reached out a hoof to stroke the petals of the delicate flower. "I know how difficult it can be to keep a specific plant alive here, and I appreciate the effort you put into it."
The Gardener shrugged. "I thought of how happy you would be to see it, and the resolve to see your smile kept it alive. How have your wanderings been?"
A familiar sadness crossed the Lost Princess' expression, though her tone stayed cheerful. "I met the Trickster again. We exchanged riddles without solutions for a time, and then he spoke of realms that did not exist until we parted ways."
"He is always good for some entertainment," The Gardener said as she absently pruned an apple tree near the orchid, but every time she cut off one branch, two more grew in its place.
Seeing her struggle, the Lost Princess asked, "Do you need help?"
The Gardener nodded. "Yes, please."
This was not the first time they had worked together, and with two pairs of hooves working to cut away the stray branches, they were able to trim the tree back into something beautiful.
"Thank you," the Gardener said when they were done. "I always appreciate your help."
"And I enjoy being helpful," the Lost Princess replied. "It's quite convenient how that works out, no?" She shot her a cheeky smirk at that.
The Gardener smiled back. "Quite so. Since you're here, would you care to help me with some other chores? The azaleas need watering, and I am thinking of digging out another plot to plant in."
"Of course." The Lost Princess picked up the watering can which had just manifested on the ground. "Where were you thinking of expanding your garden?"
As the Gardener showed her the place she wished to cultivate next, she felt her own heart begin to lighten. It was true that nothing was constant in Limbo, but the Lost Princess was always there to brighten her life whenever she could, and that was enough for now.
The Gardener raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Does he still think he can escape from this realm without help?"
"He's too proud to consider any other possibility." The Lost Princess rolled her eyes as she gently placed a sapling into the small hole she had dug in the soil. They both knew that the Gardener could simply will whatever plants she desired into being, but they also both understood that beauty was as much a journey as it was a destination.
And so, they continued the planting as the Gardener spoke. "What amuses me most is that escape may very well be possible, if only he were willing to work with others. I do not know what happened in their past life, but I have seen him with the Wayward Child and the Deceiver, and if they did not hate each other so, they would be very powerful together, if the strength of their bond is any indication."
The Lost Princess shivered. "I do not understand how you can stand in the presence of the Deceiver. Her very essence is repugnant to me."
"All creatures hold some desire for peace in their heart," the Gardener replied. She willed the next sapling into existence, a cherry blossom that would one day rain lovely pink leaves from its boughs. "Though I will admit that those three hide it a little too well."
"I wish I could help the Wayward Child, but she is so full of malice that it has poisoned her soul." The Lost Princess sighed as she dug the next hole. "Perhaps I will manage it eventually. After all, we have Eternity here."
"Oh? Do you not believe that escape is possible for you?" The Gardener asked, curiosity piqued.
The Lost Princess let out a resigned sigh. "No," she said. "I can sense that my tether to the other world is shattered. However I was imprisoned, the key is now lost, and so I shall wander this place forever. I wonder if it was done on purpose, sometimes."
The Gardener nodded. She knew the Lost Princess recalled even less of her old life than was usual. "I'm sorry," she said simply.
A shrug from the Lost Princess. "It's not so bad when there is good company to be had," she said, smiling at the Gardener. "How about you? Will some hero or heroine one day spirit you away from your garden?"
Shaking her head, the Gardener returned to her planting as she explained. "I think... I think that would be very bad. As you can sense your tether to the world, so can I sense mine to the Pony of Shadows who haunts this realm, and I know my imprisonment is the key to his lock, somehow, so I cannot be rescued. I sometimes wonder if I gave myself willingly, or if I was sacrificed for a greater good."
"You're a good person," the Lost Princess said. "I like to think that you were valiant in your final moments."
"It's a pleasant thought," the Gardener replied.
"Pleasant thoughts for pleasant company." The Lost Princess hummed to herself as she helped cover the roots of the sapling in soil. "The Conqueror would do well to spend some time here."
"He is too ambitious to simply dwell in this garden." Dig, plant, cover. Dig, plant, cover. They were moving in a soothing rhythm now. "Such a shame. I sometimes wonder if I was that restless in life. I think I was an adventurer, before."
"And I was a leader of some sort," The Lost Princess replied. "Both positions which are prone to desires of grandeur. Perhaps I was struck down for my hubris, and that is why I am here to help you with this garden now. I could think of worse fates."
"I do appreciate having the time to tend to my plants now," the Gardener said, touching a hoof to one of the dahlias to make it bloom. "Let others have their ambition. I will take my peace instead."
"And I am happy to partake in your peace when I can." Glancing at her for permissions, The Lost Princess plucked the dahlia from the ground after the Gardener nodded in assent. She stared at its beauty for some time before releasing it and allowing it to fade away, returning to the Aether from which it came. "It is a good distraction from my endless search. Perhaps that is the curse of my own ambition, to believe that I could find the truth of my past in this realm beyond time."
"The fog of ignorance is difficult to accept," the Gardener said, touching her hoof to the ground to grow a new flower in place of the old one. In time, it would blossom into a rose, with bright red petals that would glisten in the light of the ethereal sun. "I cannot blame you for wishing to glimpse beyond it."
"At least my ambition is tempered with the peace of this garden." The Lost Princess stroked the leaves of a fern as she smiled softly. "Thank you for that, Gardener. I would not want to end up like some of the others who wander here."
"It is my pleasure," the Gardener replied with her own smile. "You bring joy to my contentment, and that is all I desire for now."
With that, they returned to the simple joy of tending the land, satisfied with what they had as they waited to see what the next change would bring.
"And then this lout says to her 'Well could ya at least fix my shovel before you blast us out of here?'" The Legionnaire smirked as he patted his companion on the back. "Anyways, that's how we found out that the Nightmare's Fortress isn't actually impenetrable and won the bet against the Sorcerer."
"Aye, but that fella won't ever admit it," the Mighty Helm replied. "You know he'll find some way to talk himself out of giving us our victory."
"But we'll know, and that's what matters." The Legionnaire chuckled jovially. "And besides, it's been forever since I've had to make a daring escape. It's good for the soul."
"For you maybe, you daft fool." Despite the words, the Mighty Helm smiled back, and the Gardener grinned at them both.
"I've missed you two, and your insanity," she said, trimming away at a hedge while her visitors told their tale. It was simple, mindless work that kept her hooves busy while still leaving her mind open to enjoy the antics of her old friends.
How old, she didn't know, only that they were tied to the Pony of Shadows as well by the same tether, along with some old sense of camaraderie that implied they'd worked together before. Regardless of their past, the Gardener could always count on some liveliness when these two chose to visit her garden.
"We've missed you as well, Gardener," the Legionnaire said warmly. "It's always good to know that no matter how far we roam, there will be a place waiting for us to rest in."
"Not too much rest," the Gardener replied with a smirk. "After all, there's work to be done." She shot a glance at the Mighty Helm. "There's still a few plots left to be dug for the new expansion. Would you be so kind as to help a lady with your trusty shovel, my friend?"
Snapping her a quick salute, the Might Helm grinned. "It'd be my honour, Gardener."
"And I'd be honoured to take over taming that hedge for you," the Legionnaire offered.
"Thank you," the Gardener gave the shears over to her friend, and he quickly got to work as she supervised, though she knew that all would be well. The work would also give them time to think and process their latest adventure, which was why the Gardener ensured that there was always something for them to do when they came to visit her.
She sensed another presence approaching her garden, and turned to see the Lost Princess trot through the pearly gates that marked the entrance.
"Hello, Gardener," the Lost Princess said, giving her a polite nod. "I see you have visitors." She nodded towards them as well. "Legionnaire, Mighty Helm."
"Well met, your majesty," the Legionnaire replied with a bow.
The Mighty Helm trotted over and reached out to take the Lost Princess' hoof, giving it a quick kiss. "It's good to see you again, lass. The Legionnaire and I were just helpin' out with the planting while we're here. The Gardener can be quite the taskmistress."
A smile played across the Lost Princess' lips. "It takes work to create such beauty."
"Aye, that's true," the Mighty Helm replied. "Feels good to be able to just dig."
"There's peace in simplicity," the Lost Princess said. She turned to the Legionnaire. "And even more in working together. It would be faster if you planted while your companion dug, I think."
For a moment, the Gardener nearly protested. This was her garden, and she knew what was best for those in her care. But then the Lost Princess shot her a pleading glance that froze her heart, and the determination burning within was something she'd never seen before from the wandering mare.
So instead, she simply smiled at the other two. "That sounds like a lovely idea." She took the shears back from the Legionnaire and returned to pruning the shrubs as he moved to help the Mighty Helm in the other corner of the garden.
A moment later, the Lost Princess was by her side. "My apologies for being presumptuous." she murmured, quiet enough that the others would not be able to hear.
"It's quite alright," the Gardener replied diplomatically. "But I do wonder why you decided that such a thing was necessary."
"Watch," the Lost Princess simply said, and watch they did.
As was to be expected, the Mighty Helm and the Legionnaire worked perfectly well as a team. Their movements were synchronised and efficient as they fell into the rhythm of digging and planting, each helping the other out whenever there was a free moment with one task.
They were talking too, and while the details were lost from this distance, it was clear that they were exchanging instructions and suggestions in between gentle ribbing and banter. The Gardener was confused. "They have always worked well together," she said to the Lost Princess.
"They have also lived a life of excitement, creating new trials to face when there were none left to conquer," the Lost Princess replied. "Only here do they allow themselves peace, and that is in your presence. But now, they are alone, in a moment of quiet, where they can finally speak their feelings."
"What feeli—" the Gardener's words cut off as she felt the shift in the two souls she was observing.
She wasn't sure what words had been said, but they looked very serious now, and after some murmuring, the Legionnaire reached out a hoof to caress the cheek of the Mighty Helm.
And then they kissed.
"Oh," the Gardener whispered, smiling. "That's wonderful."
"They were almost there," the Lost Princess said. "All that was needed was the right set of circumstances to make them realize. And once they did, when they saw their love reflected in each other's souls, all that was left was the confession."
"I never saw it." The Gardener shook her head. "Two of my closest friends, and I never knew they harboured such feelings for each other." The first kiss had finally ended, and after a few more tender words, the second one began in earnest.
"Neither did they." The Lost Princess smirked.
"How did you, then?" the Gardener asked, giving the two lovers some privacy as she turned her full attention on this new mystery.
"I..." The Lost Princess paused, looking unsure. "I just sensed it. I've always been able to sense love, and I think... I think this might have been a part of who I was before." As she said the words, her eyes widened. "Yes, I think I used to tend to hearts, as you tend to your garden!"
They were both grinning now. "I can think of no greater purpose," the Gardener said, overjoyed at seeing both two of her friends finding love, and her other close friend rediscovering a facet of her past.
The Lost Princess spared a glance at the Mighty Helm and Legionnaire. "Their souls are so beautiful," she whispered.
"So is yours." The Gardener could see how bright the Lost Princess' soul was now, and how it dazzled her to see it! Truly, she must have been someone very special in her past life, to have cultivated such a captivating spirit.
Awash in the joy of the previous few moments, the Lost Princess barely reacted to the comment except for a vague "thank you" as she allowed herself to stare unabashedly at the new couple.
Eventually, the Gardener gave up her own attempts at discretion. She could sense that they were standing at the precipice of something new and exciting, and that thought warmed her heart as she sat down by the side of the Lost Princess and enjoyed the fruits of their labours.
The Lost Princess was happier than the Gardener had ever seen her before.
"Perhaps it was foolhardy to consult the Sorcerer first," she recounted with a smile as they watered the roses.
The Gardener laughed. "Oh dear. I take it that his insight was not illuminating?"
The Lost Princess shook her head fondly. "I believe he is under the impression that love is a source of mechanical power, like the Sun. The answer I received was quite technical on the effects of a loving bond on the thaumic output of a spell, which would likely have been more useful if I also had spent eons poring over thaumaturgy texts as he has."
"I'm afraid that is the Sorcerer's nature," the Gardener said, snipping off a few thorns that might accidentally have pricked someone. "His knowledge of lore is unparalleled, but his understanding of that which drives the soul can be... questionable at times."
"So I gathered," the Lost Princess replied dryly.
"Perhaps you should speak to the Faithful Student instead," the Gardener suggested. "She possesses both wisdom and knowledge in great abundance."
"The Faithful Student has departed from this realm," the Lost Princess said. "She was too beloved to be trapped here for long, I feel, and her time finally came."
The Gardener watched as the Lost Princess carefully distributed the water in her can among the plants, so that none were left wanting or drowning. "I'm glad for her, and for you. Your study of Love has brought you much joy, I see."
"The more I learn, the more I am convinced that it was once a crucial part of who I was," the Lost Princess replied, pausing in her watering to smile at the Gardener. "It is a joyous endeavour, to grow wiser in this way."
The Gardener smiled back. "You speak truth. To know oneself is the wisdom that brings joy."
"Once again, I am grateful for this place for allowing me to reflect on what I've learned from my travels." Eyes lighting up in inspiration, the Lost Princess' smile grew wider. "You should accompany me sometime, Gardener. There is much to be gained from leaving the boundaries of your garden, and many sights to see in this realm of wonders."
The Gardener shook her head. "I am needed here to tend to my plants. And as I have said before, It is enough to hear the stories that others bring back about their travels."
The Lost Princess pouted. "One day I shall convince you."
"All things are possible here. However, I—"
The Gardener was not able to finish her sentence, as a wave of fear and anguish washed over her, thousands of souls whose cries echoed through all of Limbo. For a moment, she could do nothing but feel the helplessness in the face of uncertainty and destruction as her soul was caught up in the flood of emotion that had crashed into her.
And then, it was over, washed through her and moving outwards to the rest of the realm. The Gardener took a breath to steady herself, and anchored her mind on her garden and the Lost Princess standing beside her, similarly wide-eyed and shaking.
"I fear something terrible has happened," the Gardener said gravely when her voice returned to her. "I have never felt so many souls entering this realm at once, and in such a violent fashion as well."
The Lost Princess's eyes snapped towards hers, and in them the Gardener saw a different fear. "I must go," she whispered. "The souls who just arrived, they are connected to me somehow. I have to learn why."
The Gardener nodded. "Farewell, my friend. May you find the wisdom you seek, and please be careful. Remember that we are not invincible here."
"I shall. Goodbye, Gardener." With a haunted look in her expression, the Lost Princess trotted off, leaving behind a miasma of dread in her wake.
The Gardener tried to return to her watering, but her mind was fixed on the Lost Princess, and she eventually settled for meditating by the pond in the centre of the garden. She hoped that all would be well. Her Lost Princess was strong, and she would have to have faith in her ability to weather this new storm.
And the Garden would always be there for her when she needed it.
The Fallen Princess stared aimlessly out into the infinite vastness of Limbo as she skipped another stone across the pond.
"I failed," she said to herself as she watched it sink beneath the water.
"I failed, and now all those souls are lost because of me." Another rock. This one didn't make it as far before succumbing to the pond.
The Gardener watched as the Fallen Princess continued to berate herself. In truth, she hadn't known what to do when her dearest friend had returned transformed for the worse, and had simply stood by and watched as the pond was slowly filled up with rocks.
"I was a fool," the Fallen Princess' tirade against herself continued. "Knowing oneself is not the wisdom that brings joy. If I had been a better person, then perhaps that would have been true, but I see now that I was happiest when I was ignorant of my Fall."
Eventually, the pain was too much for the Gardener. It hurt so much to see such a strong soul brought so low by circumstances, and she had to do something.
The simple tranquillity of her garden wouldn't be enough this time.
"There is still a chance for them," she said, stepping forwards. "I spoke with the Sorcerer before your arrival. The Tyrant who appeared with those souls might have been the source of their banishment, but he does not have dominion over them yet. The others are gathering for the defence, but only you have the connection with the lost souls."
The Fallen Princess let out a bitter laugh. "Better that I stay here while the worthy fight. I know I was no warrior, and for all I know, that was why I was banished here. Perhaps I was a coward who abandoned my people, and was rightfully punished for it."
"I cannot speak to the past, only what I see now." The Gardener placed a firm hoof upon the Fallen Princess' shoulder. "I see a mare filled with love, who found her purpose in helping others, one who has wandered this realm despite its dangers and spoken with those far more dangerous than the Tyrant. I do not think that a coward would have produced such a bright soul, and I do not think you would simply stand by while innocents are threatened."
"Then why am I here?" the Fallen Princess snapped, her lips almost curling into a snarl. "Why am I sitting here, useless, while the others prepare to fight for my people?
"This garden is a place of peace, of reflection," the Gardener replied gently. "It is not weakness to need what is offered here— in fact, it is strength to be able to take the time to collect one's thoughts. What matters is what you do once those thoughts have been collected."
Tears began to well up in the Fallen Princess' eyes. "I'm scared," she whispered. "I can feel my connection with those souls, and I cannot bear to see them lost again."
"You are strong," the Gardener said, "and you are not alone. As I said, the others are beginning to gather as well. The Sorcerer will fight alongside the Mighty Helm and the Legionnaire. Even the Healer and the Beacon of Hope will be there. With your wills combined, the Tyrant does not stand a chance, and with your connection to your people, you will surely be able to save them."
For a moment, the Fallen Princess simply stared at her, eyes widening. "You believe that," she said in wonder. "You truly believe in me."
The Gardener smiled. "I do. My soul is bared to you, and you can see its conviction. Draw your strength from that, if you need to." She focused her mind, her very spirit, on the faith she held in this incredible mare to do what was needed to safeguard her people. There was no chance for failure, and the Gardener radiated this confidence from her very being.
Steely determination filled the Fallen Princess' expression. "Come with me, then," she demanded. "Stop hiding in your garden, and fight with me, if you are so sure of victory."
"I—" the Gardener hadn't left her garden in an eternity, not since she had begun to cultivate. Her plants needed her, and she needed to be here to tend to the souls who sought her solace. And yet...
She knew she was scared of stepping out there, into a realm of chaos shaped by battles of will. Here, in this garden, she controlled all who stepped in her domain. But out there, she would be at the whims of the strongest wills.
She looked into the eyes of the Fallen Princess once again. They would triumph, and there was no need to worry what would happen afterwards, for she was a pure and good soul.
The Gardener nodded. "Let us make haste. The battle begins soon."
"Thank you," the Fallen Princess whispered as she stood up. "Thank you for being my strength and my friend."
The Gardener smiled as she prepared her mind for battle. "Always."
The Garden had always been a place of peace and tranquillity, home to only a small handful of visitors at a time. It wasn't meant to be a venue for a loud, cacophonous celebration attended by over a dozen souls.
But nothing in Limbo was fixed, and the Gardener felt that current events warranted an exception.
"Here here!" The Legionnaire raised his glass as well. "It's been an honour fighting with you all."
"Aye," the Mighty Helm chimed in. "I've not had a fight like that in far too long." He wrapped a foreleg around his lover and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I couldn't have picked a better set of warriors for it, too. Especially you, my love."
The crowd cheered as the two of them kissed, their spirits still drunk on the high of their achievements.
"Well, that was good for some entertainment at least," the Commander said as she finished her drink. "Does this sort of thing happen all the time around here?"
"I don't think we've had anything that exciting since the Frozen Founders managed to bring a whole swarm of Windigo spirits into this realm, bless their hearts," the Healer said, chuckling. "That was a real fine mess to sort out."
"I'm just happy to be able to help," the Mailmare chipped in cheerily.
"We all fought with valour," the Beacon of Hope said, though her gaze was fixed on the Fallen Princess. "And I thank you, your majesty, for uniting the souls of the lost to our side. We would not have won without their help."
The Fallen Princess nodded. "I just did my part, like the rest of us. Each of us is responsible for driving the Tyrant back."
"By my calculations, he should be forced to recover his strength for quite some time," the Sorcerer said. "And those souls were only placed in a temporary stasis, so they should all be pulled back to the other realm before he can marshall another offensive."
"Good," the Legionnaire said. "And we'll keep watch to make sure he doesn't try anything sneaky in the meantime. But that's a worry for later. Now, we drink!"
There was another cheer as the festivities continued, and the Gardener allowed herself to enjoy the revelry, though a part of her noted that the Fallen Princess remained relatively quiet, and had eventually retreated back to the pond. Of course, the Garden was still a place of peace, so she let her be, and focused her attentions on her other friends, new and old, until it was time for them to take their leave. Promises were exchanged to meet again, and then it was just one familiar soul left for the Gardener to tend to.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, sitting down beside the Fallen Princess. "This victory would not have been so decisive without you."
"I know," the Fallen Princess replied, idly plucking at the grass beneath her.
"Then what is it that troubles you?" the Gardener asked, plucking a dandelion from the floor and twirling it in her hooves.
"They spoke to me afterwards." There was a pause as the Fallen Princess collected herself, before speaking slowly. "I was asked to be their leader, now that the Tyrant has been banished."
"I see." The Gardener did not wish to presume to know all, though she could see much, and so she asked, "How do you feel about it?"
"Scared," the Fallen Princess replied. "I won't bore you with the details of the potential failures should I accept this position. Surely you understand the magnitude of what I have been asked to do."
The Gardener nodded solemnly. "That I do. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and it is not something to be considered lightly."
Her friend's lips curled up into a small smirk. "No words about how you believe I am beyond failure, Gardener?"
The Gardener chuckled lightly. "Would that I could say those words, but such outcomes are beyond the control of any one soul. Instead, I will simply ask if you believe you can rule justly, from the heart, and if you can put your people's needs above your own, as all rulers should."
Another silence. "I believe I can try my best," the Fallen Princess replied. "But I do not know if it will be enough."
"That you are so hesitant speaks greatly of your character," the Gardener said. "And it may come to pass that you will have to give all you can give and more. If it comes to that, will you do so?"
"Without question." There was no hesitation in that answer.
The Gardener smiled. "Then I believe you have your answer."
The Princess Triumphant stood up, eyes ablaze with love and might. "I do. There may come a time when someone more worthy comes to take my place, but until then, I shall guide my people as best I can, and follow my heart until the end."
"Then go, and greet your people, your majesty." With a flick of her hoof, the Gardener commanded the gates of her domain to open.
The Princess Triumphant looked towards the exit, then turned back to extend a hoof out to the Gardener. "Come with me, my friend," she said.
The Gardener glanced back at her garden. "But..."
"If you have tended to your charges well, they will flourish even without your constant care," the Princess Triumphant said. "And there are so many more sights for you to see. Come, and let me show you the wonders this realm has to offer, starting with the city my souls are building for themselves."
The Gardener could not deny the Princess Triumphant's will, not when she yearned for what was offered. "Very well," she said, taking her hoof.
And so, the two souls strode off with renewed purpose, ready to embrace their new future.
The Gardener marvelled at her garden upon their return. "They've grown," she whispered in wonder as she beheld the new flowers that had blossomed in her absence. "That's never happened before when I wasn't there to will it so."
The Princess Triumphant grinned. "I told you, Gardener. You have cultivated a place where all manner of things can grow, and that is exactly what they have done."
"You're not just speaking of plants, are you?" The rose bushes had never looked healthier, and the Gardener felt both pride and shame at the sight of what they were capable of when she wasn't carefully guiding every moment of their lives.
"Of course not," the Princess Triumphant replied with a grin. "The peace I found in this place of contemplation allowed me to flourish into the princess I now am, just as it allowed the Mighty Helm and the Legionnaire to confess their love. You create beauty here, Gardener, but the true breadth of your creation lies beyond these walls."
"I see that now." The Gardener couldn't keep her eyes off the tapestry of colours that had grown in patterns she hadn't dictated. It was mesmerising.
"There is much I had hoped you would see." There was something odd in the Princess Triumphant's voice, some mix of emotion that was powerful enough to draw the Gardener's attention away from her garden and towards her friend. "In time, as I have changed, so have you, in ways I did not notice until now. Look at me, Gardener, and see my soul bared to you."
The Gardener looked, and her breath caught in her throat at what she saw.
The Princess Triumphant shone with love, radiating it from every fibre of her being. The Gardener was transfixed by her beauty, so enraptured by the purity of her heart that she almost missed the subtle currents of affection swirling through her soul. The same currents that she had seen before, in the Mighty Helm and the Legionnaire.
With a startled gasp, the Gardener whispered, "Princess Triumphant, do you...?"
"I have always held a strong affection for you," her companion said warmly, reaching out a hoof to stroke her cheek. "You who have given me the tools to become the Princess Triumphant, and have supported me at my highest and lowest. Your beauty is an inspiration, and when we returned from our travels, I knew I wanted to give my heart to you, and I sense within your soul the budding desire to do the same."
"I..." The Gardener trailed off, unable to answer at first. And then, finally, she smiled. "You are the only soul who has ever been able to pull me out of my garden, and have shown me the true breadth of my achievements. You are a light that shines even in the darkest hour, and I..."
She felt it, in her heart, and from the way the Princess Triumphant smirked, she knew the change was obvious to her second sight. What once had been friendship had slowly transformed into something more, and faced with the touch of one so lovely, the Gardener felt the final shift in her soul as desire filled her. Without another thought, she acted on that desire.
Their lips met, a conflagration of passion erupting between them.
"I love you," the Princess Triumphant said when they finally parted, though they both still felt the new tether that joined their hearts.
"I love you too," the Gardener said in wonder, this new revelation shocking her to her core.
All around them, the budding flowers burst into bloom, and cherry blossom leaves rained down on the couple, as if the garden itself was celebrating their confession. By her hoof, a single rose grew from the ground next to the Gardener.
She plucked it and offered the gift to the Princess Triumphant. "A token of my affection."
The Princess Triumphant giggled. "Thank you, Gardener. I will treasure it forever." And then, there were no more words that needed to be said, as they stared into each other's eyes and basked in their shared love.
Eternity passed, a lovely Eternity, and then the Gardener spoke once more. "So, what happens now?" She asked. "You have your duties, and I have my garden."
"It's certainly more complicated now, but I think that's for the best," the Princess Triumphant replied. "I will tend to my people as you tend to your garden, but I think we've both learned that there is time aplenty for adventures and contemplation with one another, and now we can explore our love in that time."
"That sounds wonderful." The Gardener laughed. "When I first arrived here, I lamented that I would be trapped forever, but now that I am with you, I think perhaps this might be the greatest blessing I've ever received."
The Princess Triumphant reached out to hug her tightly. "I was thinking the exact same thing."
The Princess Triumphant nodded. "You once said that all souls desired peace. I do not know how we are connected, but perhaps our shared link with my people can be of help. And if I can help the Tyrant, we will not have to worry about another attack once he regains his strength."
"If anyone can do it, it would be you." The Gardener leaned in to press a quick kiss against the Princess Triumphant's lips. They were lying on the grass next to one another, enjoying the serenity of the garden after finishing the planting of another row of cherry blossoms. "Your loving heart never ceases to amaze me."
"And your patience is ever an inspiration to me," the Princess Triumphant replied.
"When will you reach out?" the Gardener asked, gently stroking her lover's mane with a hoof. She'd never known how relaxing such a simple gesture could be, had never appreciated the tranquillity that such small acts of intimacy could provide until she'd stumbled into this relationship. It was wonderful, and she took every opportunity to indulge herself.
"I'm not sure." A moment of silence passed as they both basked in each other's presence. Then, the Princess Triumphant continued speaking. "We have time, I think, and I'm not yet ready to face him again." She rolled to the side to smirk at the Gardener. "Besides, I'd much rather be continuing my practical studies on love."
The Gardener smiled back. "I would love nothing more than to explore the many facets of love with you. For now, shall we—?"
She never got to finish her sentence, as she suddenly felt herself being pulled away from Limbo. Looking down, she could see her physical form fading away, and stared up at her lover in shock.
The Princess Triumphant immediately reached out towards her, her own expression filled with panic as her hoof went through the Gardener. "W-What's happening?"
"Something is drawing me back to the other realm," the Gardener said as her vision began to fill with light. "The pull is great, and I cannot fight it." She tried to hug the Princess Triumphant, and despair wracked her heart as she failed to make contact.
"Don't leave me, please," the Princess Triumphant begged, tears welling in her eyes. "Not once I finally have all of you."
The world was vanishing before her eyes, and she could sense the void that was about to swallow her. "I— I will find you in the other realm," the Gardener promised. "Somehow, we will be reunited. I will not rest until this is so, my love. Stay strong, and serve your people until then."
"Gardener, I—"
The Gardener never heard the end of that sentence, as the spell around her completed and she sucked into the light, her very self rendered into energy as her consciousness faded and she passed through the Veil into the other world.
The last thought she managed to conceive was of the great love she held for the Princess Triumphant. No matter what, she would remember that love.
The light consumed her...
...and in the skies above Ponehenge, Mistmane fell.
Mistmane braced herself for disappointment. She knew that if she didn't accept the possibility that she was wrong, then failure would break her. It might still, because after this, she didn't know what else she could do.
After they had freed Stygian from the clutches of the Pony of Shadows, Mistmane had searched desperately for the mare she had fallen in love with. Her memories were already faded, details lost to the mists of Limbo, but she remembered the love she felt for the princess who was trapped there still.
She knew the odds were astronomical that they'd both exist in the same time period, and even if she did find her, Mistmane didn't even know what she would do. If the Princess Triumphant hadn't been banished to Limbo yet, then could she even save her? And if she did, what would that mean for their love?
She'd spoken to Starswirl about her concerns, but even he could not give her an answer, and so Mistmane was left with only hope. Hope that the Fates would not be so cruel as to separate her from her love forever.
None of the living princesses was the one she sought. When she'd first heard of Cadance, part of her thought that perhaps she might have found the end to her quest, as she was the Princess of Love. But when she'd seen her, and felt nothing of her connection to the Princess Triumphant, her heart had sunk, and she'd retreated into her old garden for a month to collect herself again.
It was likely that the lost souls who had appeared in Limbo were from the Crystal Empire, but their royal line was dead, and stretched out far into the past. It seemed that Mistmane was doomed to be alone for the rest of her days.
And then, while investigating the old ruins around the Empire, she had run into Sombra.
His memories of his time in Limbo were even more fractured than hers, but they were reasonably certain that he was the Tyrant who had menaced those lost souls. And if that was true, then it was likely that the princess who had fought with them was Princess Amore.
And so, she had helped him find the pieces of her statue, and now, standing in the centre of the Crystal Empire, she watched as Radiant Hope restored her to life.
This had to work. Mistmane had nothing left to hold on to.
A bright flash of light filled the plaza as the spell completed.
Princess Amore collapsed to the ground, Radiant Hope barely able to catch her in her arms. "Your majesty," she murmured gently. "You're safe now."
"I— Hope?" The voice wasn't familiar, nor the face.
But she recognized the soul, and the tether between them that transcended this world.
"I've reversed the petrification spell," Hope said. "You'll feel weak for a short while, but you should still be healthy."
"Thank you," the princess said as Mistmane stared in wonder, her heart leaping with joy.
Unable to hold back any longer, she stepped forward. "Hello, my Princess Triumphant."
Princess Amore's eyes widened as she beheld Mistmane. "Gardener?" she whispered, hope and longing tinging her voice and making Mistmane want to weep for the pain she must have felt when they were parted.
"I promised I would find you," Mistmane said, rushing forward to hug her. It felt different, and yet the same love flowed between them, and that was what mattered.
"I'll admit, there were times when I lost hope." Princess Amore hugged her back tightly. "But I knew you wanted me to stay strong, and I wanted to prove to you that those you tended to could still flourish in your absence. Your garden still serves as a bastion of beauty and peace in Limbo."
"I'm glad." Even with the two of them free, there were other souls still trapped in there, and Mistmane hoped they could still use her creation to reflect on their lives and grow.
Princess Amore's gaze shifted towards Sombra. "Tyrant," she said, her voice guarded.
"Princess." Sombra cleared his throat, looking awkward. "I apologize for all I have done, and I thank you for the comfort you brought me in Limbo."
Mistmane grinned. "You did it, then," she said to her princess. "You saved him."
Princess Amore snorted. "I tried, but I couldn't get through to him in the end before he was returned to this world."
"You planted the seed that allowed Radiant Hope to save me," Sombra said. "Otherwise we would not be standing here now, any of us."
"Well, all's well that ends well," Princess Amore said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I need to rest before I can tend to my people again." She winked at Mistmane. "Will you join me, Gardener?"
There was still a lot to discuss and to work out. The Crystal Empire had two princesses now, and that would need to be resolved somehow. And Mistmane and Princess Amore were no longer in Limbo, would need to see what of their relationship in that realm remained, and what needed to be rebuilt.
But for now, all she wanted to do was spend time with her Princess Triumphant. The rest would sort itself out in time.
"This was a lot easier when you could just will the plants to grow," Princess Amore grumbled, panting at the exertion of digging. "And when we didn't have true physical forms that could get tired when we didn't want them to be."
"It's much more rewarding, though," Mistmane replied. "We could always wait for Rockhoof to arrive tomorrow, if you wish. He would be more than happy to help."
"I may take you up on that offer." Princess Amore let out a sigh as she sat down. "It has been a tiring day already. Do the plants need to be watered again?"
"The orchids, yes." Mistmane glanced over towards the watering can. "If you don't mind."
With a shrug, Princess Amore trotted over towards the shed and grabbed it. "It's good to keep busy, as long as I don't have to exert myself too much."
"How have the meetings with Princess Cadance been going?" Mistmane asked as they continued their work.
"We're still determining how to divide power between the two of us smoothly," Princess Amore replied. "She is eager for the ability to take a vacation, and I am eager to resume my rulership of my people."
"I'm happy for both of you," Mistmane replied. "And I am certain the Empire will flourish under your joint rulership."
"Only if I have a place to rest and reflect," Princess Amore replied, sidling up to her to press a quick kiss on her lover's cheek.
"This garden will always be here for you, my love," Mistmane replied, raising a hoof to tenderly caress Princess Amore's cheek. "As will I. For so long as you visit me, this place shall continue to be Paradise, as it was in Limbo."
