Forging Harmony

Chapters

Twilight's Idea
The Response
To Canterlot
The Astrum [pt 1]

Twilight's Idea

The Golden Oaks Library stood sentinel over a calm summer’s day in Ponyville. The afternoon sun shone down brightly, its beams playing with the leaves before slipping inside to glide over the polished wooden floor. At least where it could still be seen under the haphazard piles of books – half-forgotten remnants of the occupant’s latest study spree.

The beams came to rest on top of a crystalline glass case, causing prismatic displays to dance over the bookshelves, book piles and the study table.

The display, while pretty, disrupted the reading of one Twilight Sparkle. The recently crowned Princess of Equestria sighed in annoyance. She had claimed sanctuary inside the library from the endless congratulations and well-wishing of the inhabitants, hoping for a quiet moment to adjust to her new duties and status.

Her eyes slid over to the cause of the dancing lights, and found her irritation dissipating as the contents sparkled under the sunlight. She smiled, as she remembered her friends and the trails they had gone through together. Without them, she wouldn’t have been able to recover the Elements of Harmony, discover the true meaning of friendship and realise what she had been missing out on while absorbed in her studies.

She walked closer, pondering the five necklaces and crown - her crown – that rested on a velvet bed within. She marvelled at how much power that was contained within such simple – and beautiful – artefacts.

Resting a fore hoof on the case, Twilight started to wonder how much was truly known about the Elements. Even with all her reading, she had only seen them mentioned briefly. Once in the story of Nightmare Moon and her return as told in Predictions and Prophesies. The other was in The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.

“Spike, will you find me the copies of Predictions and Prophesies and The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide please?” Twilight asked her dragon assistant.

A grumbling reply came,
“I already promised Rarity I’d help her out this afternoon….”

Twilight muffled a giggle, she knew Spike had a crush on Rarity and was just trying to find an excuse to see her.
“Find those books, and then the rest of the day is yours.”

The young purple and green dragon perked up and found the requested books in record time, despite the mess that was the result of Twilight’s examination of the Equestrian Judicial System.

“Here they are.” Spike passed them into Twilight’s magical grip, eager to get going.

“Thank you, Spike, as promised you’re free to go.” Twilight said, already going into research mode, barely noticing as Spike dashed out the door.

Turning first to Predictions and Prophesies, Twilight read the fateful words that had begun her journey.
‘Elements of Harmony: see Mare in the Moon.’

That isn’t really helpful – it’s only listing a section to reference, Twilight thought as she turned over the pages to reveal the section indicated.
‘Mare in the Moon: Myth from olden Pony times. A powerful pony that wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon.’

It was more than a myth….

‘Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring Night-time Eternal.’

Twilight raised her gaze to the sun-lit room, only part of that came true – Nightmare Moon did escape – but she did not bring eternal night. Thanks to my friends – and the Elements – Princess Luna was redeemed.

There not being any further information on the Elements within Predications and Prophesies, Twilight turned to the second book - The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide.

‘There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery.’

Not to me….. The sixth is Magic. Twilight couldn’t help but observe.

‘When the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed. It is said that the last known location of the five Elements was in the ancient castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It is located in what is known as the Everfree Forest.’

Twilight continued to read and then looked across at the case containing the Elements.

Well that is certainly no longer true, the Elements – after recovery - were held in Canterlot. Then they were transferred to Ponyville – where the Bearers reside. This information is out of date.

Twilight placed the books to one side and paced in front of the case. The lack of information – worse the little there was of it being outdated - irritated Twilight Sparkle to no end.

“The Elements of Harmony are important artefacts. Not just for their historical value, but for the defence of Equestria!” exclaimed Twilight, her pacing getting faster, almost aided by her fluttering wings. “How can the Princess justify such an oversight?”

She took a deep breath, criticising the Princess was a step too far.

“Perhaps only the public version is short of information. That must be it. After all, it wouldn’t do for the wrong hooves, or claws, to know everything about a powerful means of defence.” Twilight stopped pacing, the Elements twinkling in the corner of her eye;

“Although they were effectively lost for a thousand years.... if they are needed in the future, who can tell if those new Bearers can find them with out of date information.” Twilight’s mind started filling with visions of a future where Equestria fell to darkness, due to lack of accurate documentation.

Her mane frizzed as nameless evils laid waste to the cities, unknown legions decimated the crops while unidentifiable laughter haunted the survivors as the remains of pony kind fled into the chaotic, unforgiving borders of former civilisation.

Twilight shook her head vigorously to dislodge the images.

“No. I can’t let that happen. I am going to create The Complete Guide to the Elements of Harmony. It will contain every detail anypony could possibly want to know about the Elements.”

Now eager, with a task in mind, Twilight rushed to clear a spot at the study table. I’ll need parchment, quills and lots of ink.

The instruments gathered Twilight started on the work ahead. Let’s start with what I already know. Quill in her magical grip, Twilight dipped it into an open ink well and began scribing.

‘There are six Elements of Harmony: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty and Magic. Each of these Elements are aspects displayed in a true friendship. To be a Bearer of an Element, one must embody the ideal of that Aspect.’

Twilight paused to refresh the ink on her quill.

‘The first five are self-explanatory and only a brief description will follow.

Kindness: To lend a helping hoof wherever it may be needed, being a gentle source of strength for your companions.

Laughter: To spread good-will and smiles to all that you meet, even when those others are feeling low.

Generosity: The ability to share what you have with those around you, without thought to your own gain.

Honesty: To always be truthful to yourself and to your friends – however much it may hurt.

Loyalty: The ability to stick with your friends, no matter what obstacles or desires are placed in your path.

The sixth Element: Magic, is harder to define. Magic is what grows inside when you have made lasting friendships. It is the most elusive of the six – yet it is always to be found where the other five are present.’

Twilight levitated that piece of parchment to one side. That takes care of the basics…. Another piece of parchment took its place. The quill was again dipped into the ink. Her mane settled into a more ordered style – though a few fly-away strands still existed – as she settled even further into her task.

‘The Elements have been used multiple times in the past with various results.

The first known use of the Elements was against Discord, ending the period known as the Era of Chaos by turning their target into stone. Incidentally, this same effect would be observed when used again on Discord in later years.

The next incidence of use is only speculation – it is unknown for certain whether their power was harnessed in the fall of Shadow King Sombra. He became without true form and was sealed within the northern ice fields of the Crystal Empire. If the Elements were used, it is also the first (and only) case of an adverse side effect on those in the area – the whole Empire disappeared for over one thousand years.

They were later turned against Nightmare Moon – banishing the dark alicorn from Equestria and sealing her within the moon for a thousand years.

Arguably the banishment/imprisonment of Princess Luna, the host vessel for Nightmare Moon, could be considered an adverse side effect of the Elements of Harmony. However it is believed that the bond between the host (Luna) and the symbiote/parasite (Nightmare Moon) was too strong to be broken so soon after its forging. The nature of Nightmare Moon and the other targets will be discussed in more detail in a later section.

A long period passed before the Elements were used again. First against Nightmare Moon- this time releasing Princess Luna from the dark being called Nightmare Moon.

Not long after this, Discord broke out of his stony prison and the Elements were used to return him to stone.’

Parchment was switched for a new piece.

‘At some point between Nightmare Moon’s banishment and the prophesised return, the Elements of Harmony were forgotten and left in the Royal Sisters’ palace. The location had fallen to ruin and had been surrounded by the woods known as the Everfree Forest.

I, Twilight Sparkle, entered the Everfree to find the Elements. Five other residents of Ponyville: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash also joined the search.

As a group, we made our way to the ruined castle, facing obstacles on the way.

On arrival only five Elements were present – the sixth having lost physical form at some point during the period of ‘storage’. The Elements appeared as round stones.

It was at this point that I became separated from my companions.

The first attempt to awaken the sixth Element failed, and their physical forms were shattered by Nightmare Moon’s armoured hooves.

However the arrival of the other ponies that accompanied me provided a second chance – one that was more successful.

The broken shards of the Elements resonated with the spirits of the ponies that would become the Bearers to reform – and allow the sixth to be restored.

The combined power of the Elements purified Nightmare Moon’s darkness, and restored Princess Luna to Princess Celestia after a thousand years apart.

The new forms of the Elements are as follows: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty took the appearance of golden necklaces, with a central pendant that matched the Bearer’s Cutie Mark in shape.

Magic took the form of a gold tiara – the central jewel of which matched the central star of my cutie mark in shape and colour.’

Twilight thought carefully and re-read her work as she collected more ink on her quill and retrieved fourth piece of parchment while placing the third alongside the first two.

‘After retrieval, the Elements were held in the Royal Vault at Canterlot. They were then stolen from there by Discord after his release, recovered again and used to turn Discord back into a statue.

About a year and a half passed, and the Elements were rehoused once again – this time in Ponyville. Princess Celestia decreed that the Elements should be with the Bearers, while they performed another task – reforming Discord.

The reformation was not brought about by use of the Elements, but by Fluttershy extending her friendship to Discord. The Elements were only a fall-back should Discord’s reformation not go to plan.

Since then the Elements have been stored in Ponyville Library – aka Golden Oaks Library – contained within an enchanted theft-proof crystal case.’

New parchment floated over. Now to detail the targets of the Elements…

‘Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony:

A natural opposite of the Elements, Discord was the first to meet the Elements. A draconequus by race, Discord is a chimera of a lot of animals: including – but not limited to - pony, dragon, eagle and snake.
Discord as the Spirit of Chaos, is often mischievous and likes to spoil order out of boredom. Although recently, since Fluttershy extended her friendship to him, Discord has managed to quell his more extreme tricks of magic. Only time will tell if he can continue that way though….

Sombra, the Shadow King of the Frozen North:

Sombra was a powerful unicorn who enslaved an entire kingdom and caused it to disappear on his defeat. It is unknown how Sombra came to power, as records of that time were hidden and are still being uncovered.
It is known that Sombra disabled the Crystal Empire’s defences by removing the Crystal Heart – the focus for the main shield’s power – and hiding it during his rule.
His shadow form was broken and scattered when the Crystal Heart was restored to its rightful position. It is unknown if he survived in any shape or form.

Nightmare Moon:

Nightmare Moon’s nature is a troubling one. This being was created from Princess Luna’s jealousy and feelings of inadequacy.
From what I have learned from my mentor and Luna herself, Nightmare Moon is a both a separate entity and part of the Princess.
The separate entity had no real power on its own and required a host to function fully. It seemed that Luna’s feelings and thoughts attracted it – and it bound itself to her. It fed off her and then took over completely once it had gained enough strength to do so.
As such, Luna became the entity. While Nightmare Moon was dominant, the bond couldn’t be broken. However, the same process used by the parasite/symbiote could also be used by the host.
The thousand year banishment allowed Luna to restore her power sufficiently to cast Nightmare Moon out of dominance. It is hoped the Elements of Harmony removed all trace of this being, however due to the mind melding involved – it is uncertain whether it has gone or whether it is resting.’

Twilight frowned and placed the quill to one side. Four and a half pages….. That really isn’t a Complete Guide. I need more information, perhaps the previous Bearers- the Princesses would know more…

More parchment was called for, this time for a letter to Princess Celestia requesting further information on the Elements. Twilight took a deep breath – remembering that she could now write as an equal not just as a student. The calming breath didn’t help. Focus Twilight – all you’re doing is asking for information. Information that could be a State Secret…. That you’re intending to publish…

Twilight’s mind recalled the section of the Judicial System that dealt with state secrets and the secrecy act. As well as the punishment for breaking that act.

Publishing State Secrets is treason. Treason is punishable by various sentences based on the severity of the action deemed treasonous. The sentence could be: lifetime imprisonment, banishment, undergoing a complete memory wipe and starting over from scratch – schooling, everything.

Twilight tried to reassure herself that she wouldn’t be sent back to Magic Kindergarten, with little success. Her mane re-frizzed, making her look like she’d been dragged through the Everfree by a forested feline. Forested felines being distant relations of the Timberwolves, despite that similarity both were natural rivals for territory.

The Princesses make the law - therefore cannot be tried for Treason. I’m a Princess now…though that didn't stop Celestia banishing her own sister. What if I get stripped of the title so I can be tried?

What if I lose my alicorn wings in the process? What if I lose the horn?
What if Celestia believes I'm no longer a worthy Bearer for the Element of Magic?

Twilight’s gaze was drawn to the Element case, the jewelled artefacts gleaming with an inner light.

No, as a Bearer and as a Princess of Equestria I am entitled to know about them. But that doesn’t mean I can commit that knowledge into writing that anypony can read… that would break the State Secrecy act. My title may not be enough to protect me from the consequences.
Twilight’s circular thoughts would have overwhelmed her – if Spike had not chosen that moment to return. His angry slam of the door forced her out of her reverie by making her jump.

“Spike, I thought you were helping Rarity?” Twilight queried, the last time Spike slammed a door was when I refused to show up Trixie…..

“Rarity didn’t need my help.” Spike groused, “In fact, I was only ‘getting in the way’ while she was finishing up an ‘important’ order.”

“Oh Spike! I’m sure Rarity didn’t mean that and was only stressed about work.” Twilight tried to comfort the dragon. “You remember how I used to be – before coming to Ponyville? I got irritable at anything that wasn’t conductive to my work. Even your reminders to me that I should eat something met with hostility.”

“Yeah, you were a real pain in the scales back then.” Spike agreed, though still visibly upset at Rarity’s dismissal of him. He turned big puppy dog eyes on Twilight, wanting to feel needed by at least one other – even if it meant work. “Please tell me there’s something you need me to do?”

Twilight couldn’t resist Spike’s adorable gaze, and swept him up in a hug.
“You’ve already done so much for me, Spike. Although, there is one thing you could do for me?”

“What’s that?” Spike pulled back from Twilight’s hug to look up at her.

“Would you take a letter for Princess Celestia? And send it – like old times?” Twilight asked, still not used to her elevated status.

“Certainly,” Spike said, sliding out of Twilight’s grip to pick up an inked quill and some blank parchment from the desk. It looks like Twilight has been very busy while I was out.

Seeing Spike ready, Twilight took a deep breath and started to dictate her letter. Spike scribbled away, experience allowing him to keep up.

With a final flourish, Spike signed the last line and rolled it into a sealed scroll. Spike sent the letter on its way to Canterlot. Green wisps of magical dragon flame faded into the distance.

“Done and done.” Spike commented and prepared himself for the reply. Replies always felt like indigestion. We really need to stock up on some ant-acid for magical heartburn.

The Response

The palace at Canterlot was a hive of activity, guards going through drills, messengers darting from one office to another – some flying away on errands to other parts of Equestria and beyond. The kitchens were on high alert, dignitaries would be visiting in the next week – if rumours were to be believed – and elaborate menus would need to be refined and perfected.

Even the throne room wasn’t a haven, Day Court was in full session and Princess Celestia played gracious hostess to complainants and petitions of minor significance – though the nobles making those motions would have said they were of utmost gravity and needed an immediate solution.

Most were mollified by Celestia’s assurance that matters would be looked into.

Though there were a small group that weren’t so easy to convince of her sincerity – those few were told to write a detailed proposition to present to Princess Luna’s Night Court, if they felt that Princess Celestia’s words were not sufficient guarantee.

The white alicorn of the Sun doubted that any such paperwork would be submitted, as the nobles would not have the backbone to undertake an action that would indicate they doubted her in any way. After all, such an admission would be close to treason – and even though those laws governing punishment of traitors hadn’t been used in centuries, they hadn’t been repealed either.

Not that I’d use the law in such a way, Celestia smiled internally, they don’t know that for certain about my sister though…

Now the Canterlot throne room was empty, apart from the Sun Princess and a stack of paperwork in front of the dual thrones, one of gold and the other of obsidian. A third throne was soon to be added to this room – once the material and design was picked by the new Princess of Equestria.

Sitting upon her golden throne, Princess Celestia was pondering the multiple requests from Equestrian cities to host this year’s Summer Sun Celebration. She couldn’t understand why some cities still sent them; in spite of her Royal Proclamation that Summer Sun hosting was done on a rotation system. Then again, that proclamation was at least thirteen hundred years old. Perhaps I should make a new one.

As Celestia pondered the need for a new Summer Sun Proclamation, green flame swirled from her horn before coalescing into a scroll. Her golden aura caught it as gravity tried to reassert its authority over the airborne roll of parchment. Oh, a letter from Twilight. Though unexpected, a letter from her former student and fellow Princess was a welcome distraction from the usual paperwork.

Celestia unrolled the scroll, eager to read what Twilight had to report. The eagerness didn’t last long upon seeing the contents however. In Spike’s angled script, the fateful words were recorded and she could almost hear Twilight’s voice dictating them as she read:

‘Dear Princess Celestia,

It has come to my attention that what knowledge exists of the Elements of Harmony is now out of date.
In an attempt to remedy this, I have come across another problem. There is very little to update and I would be most grateful if you could assist in my endeavours to create a Complete Guide on the Elements themselves. Including the historical use and nature of the artefacts known as the Elements of Harmony.

I await your response,

Your faithful student,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.’

The title attached to the signature was evidently an addition by the dragon scribe. A soft smile graced Celestia’s face before the implications of Twilight’s request sank in.

A now worried Celestia reread the letter to be sure that she hadn’t mistaken Twilight’s intent. No, I haven’t. Twilight is indirectly asking for the full story of the Elements. The scroll drifted to one side in her grip as Celestia’s eyes changed focus and gained a faraway look. Can I tell it? Do I dare tell it after all this time?

A small grimace crossed her face before she smoothed it away with practised ease. If it only concerned me – I know what the answer would be. But I’m not the only one it affects. Her gaze drifted to look out the window at the dark tower that contained her sister’s quarters. I cannot – I will not - make this decision alone.

Her mind made up, she crossed to the door from the throne room. She opened the door a crack and the armoured unicorn guards outside immediately saluted.

“Would one of you be so kind as to wake my sister? There is something she needs to see.” Celestia then closed the door, knowing her request would be carried out. Though she did feel a small pang of pity for the guard, Luna didn’t like her sleep being disturbed.

The guards exchanged looks, silently challenging the other to take the message. The younger and newest of the two guards supressed a sigh, he knew he’d lose the challenge and run the errand. His hoof steps faded as he made his way to the Night Princess’ domain.

The section of the palace that Luna called her own was considered an oddity by many. A few thought it was an eyesore, but never dared to call it such. The reason for these opinions was a simple matter of aesthetics. While most of Canterlot was built from a white marble that reflected the sunlight to form a beacon on the mountainside, Luna’s tower was made of obsidian. A material so pure in its darkness that no amount of light could escape its surface.

Only those that graced the night knew the secret of the stones. They were laced with powdered fragments of a rare material; stellite. Stellite, or more commonly called star metal, is only found in the heart of a fallen star. This powdered stellite; this star dust; had a particularly special meaning to both the princesses.

After Luna’s fall and subsequent banishment of Nightmare Moon, many of the original stars of the night lost their glow. Some of them fell to Equestria. Celestia gathered the star metal cores of those fallen stars and – when the new palace at Canterlot was constructed – imprinted the obsidian stones intended for Luna’s tower with the star dust from those cores.

While in the day; the dark tower seemed out of place and absorb light, at night; the star dust took on a glow of its own. Luna’s tower became a mirror for the night sky – the obsidian became the background of midnight for the stars born from the heart of long-lost siblings.

The approach to Luna’s tower was quiet; very few of the palace staff went near it. A left-over fear of Nightmare Moon being the cause, as well as Luna’s awkward adjustment to the intervening years since her ‘departure’.

The only ones that seemed to enjoy the shadowy corridors of Luna’s personal floors were the bat-winged pegasi that served in the Night Guards. They were also fond of springing surprises on their Solar counterparts – which didn’t help Celestia’s efforts to reassure ponies of Princess Luna’s reformed nature. Luna was aware of her guards’ antics – and as long as they caused no harm, turned a blind eye. After all, it could be considered good training for both sets – in tactics and as a vigilance exercise.

Today was no different; the bat-winged Night Guards took note of the approaching unicorn bearing the armour of the day and planned their welcoming committee. It took the form of a pair of pegasi moving in the shadows close to the unicorn and dropping down in front of him, before issuing a standard challenge – after all they still had a duty to perform. A duty that included the safety of the ruler of the Night.

In spite of the cautionary tales he’d been told about the guards of the younger Princess – they still caught him unawares. Though, once he’d got over the initial shock and was able to state his reasons for being there, they proved to be very sympathetic. They even provided an escort to Luna’s chamber, their visible presence discouraging further surprises from the other guards. Perhaps because they knew what awaited him, Luna was not an easy pony to deal with when her rest was ended prematurely.

The door to Luna’s room was indicated, the escorting pair taking up flanking positions overlooking the entrance. The unicorn announced his presence with a knock, before entering Luna’s sleeping quarters to be met with the Royal Canterlot voice issuing from the still sleepy, but awakened Princess.

Celestia knew the precise moment her sister woke up. As did the rest of the palace, if not the whole of the city of Canterlot.

Luna’s loud cry of ‘Why dost thou disturb our slumber?’ was the first give-away.

Well, the palace at least – Canterlot would be a slight exaggeration. Celestia considered, while she prepared for the inevitable, a confrontation with an irritable Luna.

The second was the throne room doors being thrown open. These doors were closed quietly and promptly by the guard that had stayed behind. He wasn’t about to get in Luna’s way – that would have been a very bad tactical decision, based on the earlier vocal reaction and the look on the dark alicorn.

Luna stalked into the room, now knowing that her sister was the cause of her early awakening. Her eyes narrowed as she located Celestia, surely she knows better than to wake me? An internal snort, of course she did – that’s why the guard did it instead. Luna felt a moment of remorse for nearly bursting the poor unicorn’s eardrums, then decided it was Tia’s fault and not hers.

Giving her elder sister a cold stare, Luna spoke in a carefully controlled voice. Her annoyance apparent only in the use of the stilted, archaic form of address used in her speech. Luna had been taking coaching to lose the old verbal phrases of a thousand years ago and was making progress. The occasional slip-up was still made however, mainly when sleepy, annoyed or both.

“What is important enough for me to be awoken early to see, but not important enough for mine own sister to do the waking?”

Wordlessly, Celestia extended Twilight’s letter towards Luna. Inwardly she cringed from Luna’s verbal stab. Luna may have spoken harshly – but there was truth to it. Celestia couldn’t offer a valid reply to that barb.

Luna took the offered scroll slowly, curiosity temporarily replacing her anger. Midnight blue magic replacing the golden glow of her sister’s telekinetic grip. Her frozen gaze transferred from Tia’s face to the written word.

The colour drained from her as she read Twilight’s request, her normal coat of navy blue gaining a steel-like tint. Shock flooded her system, holding the younger alicorn in place. This can’t mean……

Her questioning eyes met Celestia’s, finding the confirmation she didn’t wish to find.

The scroll was rolled back up, and then thrown across the room by a dark blue aura. Luna’s eyes flashed. Her wings spread to their full extension and the room became perceptively darker.

Celestia sighed inwardly, catching the scroll and placing a sound-proof spell on the room. She recognised the signs that indicated Luna was about to scream in anger and frustration. It would hurt her ears, but the yelling was infinitely better than the cold emptiness that accompanied Luna’s change into Nightmare Moon. I would have gladly gone deaf rather than face the frozen void that Nightmare Moon created in my sister.

“How dare she ask this? Doesn’t she know the hurt this will reawaken?!?” Luna stomped her hoof, expressing physically what she couldn’t do effectively in words. “Does she not realise the consequences of reliving those moments? It took me one thousand years to recover the first time!”

As Luna took a breather, Celestia answered the questions her sister’s rant posed – even though she was sure Luna meant them rhetorically. As she spoke, she placed Twilight’s letter between the two thrones.

“She doesn’t know or realise what she’s truly asking of us. No pony knows that – except the two of us.” She looked away from Luna and murmured sadly, “Perhaps that is the problem. Perhaps it was always the problem….”

Luna’s anger deflated fast upon seeing her sister looking so desolate. Her wings flattened against her torso. Shouting would not change things, but perhaps she could take some of her sister’s burden in this matter. Though her outburst had made her feel better – a sort of catharsis of the spirit and mind. Now it was out, her thoughts wouldn’t be ruled by emotions – at least not the destructive ones.

Spotting the scroll, Luna wrapped it in her magic and brought it closer. Stepping forward, she settled down on to her haunches so she could look up at Celestia.

“Perhaps it was the problem, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay one. If the story is to be told – then I will tell it with you.” Luna settled further on to the carpeted floor, stretching out in a more comfortable laying position. The letter was placed between her fore hooves, unrolling as it was lowered.

Celestia turned her soft gaze to meet Luna’s, grateful for the silent support she was offering to whatever decision she would make.
“I would not wish to reopen such old wounds, sister. Are you certain that they can be faced again?”

Luna nodded; confident in herself and her sister’s ability to provide a stable support should the pain be too great to handle alone.
“In this I am certain. The old wounds must be reopened so that they can heal without corrupting poison festering within. I will not make the same mistake of shutting everypony out when I need aid.”

Celestia gave a soft smile, knowing the past was as much her fault for not being there as it was Luna’s for turning away at the end. Leaning forward, Tia nuzzled her sister;
“And I will ensure that I’m never too busy to be there for you.”

Luna stood back up, and leaned into her sister – returning the affectionate gesture before turning back to the letter. Raising it again to eye level, Luna speculated on the next course of action:
“What reply will you send to her, sister?”

Celestia eyed the letter and replied:
“I believe I shall indicate that Twilight should travel to Canterlot – bringing the Elements with her – if she wishes to hear the tale.”

Luna couldn’t help but give a smothered chuckle that sounded like a snort.
“If she wishes? Elder sister, you really should know your former student better than that.” A mischievous gleam appeared in her eye as she finished her comment, “Twilight Sparkle would not let anything get in the way of learning new things.”

Celestia shook her head at her sister’s mirth, and hid a smile;
“That is completely true, apart from one small thing. If I asked her to direct her attentions to a different area of study, then I have no doubt that she would do so. Even if her curiosity on the original matter remained unsatisfied.”

“You would not do that to your student,” Luna replied, faking a scandalised gasp at Tia’s assertion.

“I would – if the nature of her enquiry would cause harm to those I care about. That is why I sent the guard to you; I wanted your opinion on the matter.”

“My opinion? Then my opinion is this – the truth has been hidden for a long time. Too long. It is time that it came out. Time that our subjects know the real history behind the power that saved them all those years ago.” Luna stated, “Concealment of the truth was what caused the pain. It is time to remedy that – even if the consequences cannot be truly conceived.”

When did my little sister get so wise? Celestia considered Luna’s words carefully, before speaking aloud her own thoughts on the matter;

“The unknown consequences are what caused me to hesitate in revealing the true tale in ages past. They are also what held me to the decision to continue the lie once it was begun. That decision had its own cost to pay. And it is not a cost I would wish to be charged again.” A thousand years alone was a very steep price.

Her soft purple eyes rested on Luna as she made a confession:
“I was wrong when I made that choice. You were wiser than I was – I just couldn’t see that.”

Luna was stunned at that, her elder sister never freely admitted to a mistake. Luna had a confession of her own to make that concerned the same past.

“I was also wrong, sister. My choices were made with a selfish heart and not with the level-headed logic that a fledgling nation needed. That led to worse strife than the silent lie would have done on its own. I also had to face the price for my path.” A thousand years of regret and banishment – not just from Equestria, but also being a prisoner inside a cage of emotions created by my own mind.

Celestia hadn’t thought her sister still blamed herself, especially given the fact she’d already been forgiven. Not wanting to push the issue, Luna could be very stubborn and clam up if she didn’t want to continue the subject, Celestia compromised:
“I think we can agree that mistakes were made, without any blame being attached to such a statement.”

Luna nodded in agreement,
“And your student has presented a means to correct those mistakes. What say you to taking that chance together?”

Celestia smiled,
“I’d say that was a brilliant idea, sister. How shall we go about it?”

Luna produced a quill and parchment – teleporting them from her study to present them to Celestia.
“First, you need to reply to your student. Then transportation to or from Canterlot needs to be arranged.” Celestia took the offered items, as Luna continued: “We will also have to decide who tells what part of the story before meeting Twilight."

"If both of us are to tell the tale, Canterlot is the best venue. Though for both Courts to run uninterrupted alongside – we would need to sacrifice our sleep.” Celestia pointed out.

Luna snorted, almost derisively,

“That is not really a sacrifice, dear sister. We do not really need to sleep – we can draw strength from our respective spheres of power to refresh ourselves.” Realising this was somewhat contradictory to her usual hostile reaction to being awoken early, Luna added, with a rueful smile: “I just enjoy the luxury of sleep and that enjoyment interrupted causes my irritability.”

“Then let us put our action plan into motion.” Celestia put quill to paper, calling over her own ink well to provide the missing needed implement.

Dictating the reply, so that Luna could make suggested changes was a deviation from her normal routine, Celestia crafted a return letter:

‘My faithful student: Princess Twilight Sparkle,

The history behind the Elements of Harmony is known to very few ponies, and told to even less.
Pack the Elements, as well as whatever else you deem necessary, to bring to Canterlot.

A chariot will be sent to pick you up from your current residence in Ponyville.
Be prepared for a prompt and swift journey.

Princess Celestia.’

“Do you not think that last statement may cause concern in your student?” Luna asked as Celestia dried the ink. “Prompt and swift journeys are almost exclusively the province of emergencies.”

Celestia considered this, posing a question of her own,
“What words would you use in their stead?”

Luna tilted her head sideways, as she tried alternate phrasings within the context of the rest of the letter. Finally she admitted;
“I cannot think of an appropriate substitution that would not sound like a Royal Summons.”

“Then perhaps we should make preparations to deal with the potential concerns of Twilight.” Celestia proposed, wondering what solution Luna would come up with.

“That would be wise – perhaps one of us should travel with the chariot, so that personal assurances can be given?” Luna suggested.

“That would certainly suffice,” Celestia observed, rolling up her letter and preparing the spell that would send it via dragon mail. “Although, there is a lot of paperwork from the Day Court left to do.” A flash of magic encompassed the reply, fading the parchment to nothing. “Could I prevail upon you to meet Twilight?”

“You can count on me for that, sister.” Luna nodded, “Which chariot should be taken?”

Celestia considered the available chariots, before selecting one:
“My personal chariot, I believe would be the best option.” Celestia knew the guards on her own chariot wouldn’t ask questions, but she also knew they wouldn’t allow Luna on board. Mainly as Luna had her own chariot – and the fact they took their security duties seriously.

With this in mind, Celestia quickly wrote another note, folded it over and sealed it with the Solar Signet.

“Give this to the Guard captain.” Celestia extended the sealed parchment to Luna, “That will speed things up.”

Luna took the note within her magic, started to leave then turned back to her sister:
“I do not believe she would have wanted us to suffer as we have done. We owe it to her to tell the story.”

Then she walked out of the throne room, and closed the doors softly behind her, tucking the sealed note between her wing feathers for safe keeping.

How can my sister see that which I cannot? A stunned Celestia stared at the doors closing behind her sister. I can only hope that all of us are strong enough for the inevitable pain of the re-awakening memories in this tale-telling. She returned to the pile of paperwork by the thrones with a soft sigh. Now to clear this before Twilight arrives.

Outside the throne room, Luna noted that the unfortunate guard had returned to his post by the doors as she left. Both guards gave a professional salute to her, though the one she’d met earlier couldn’t quite hide the nervous flicking of his ears.

Luna paused, wanting to make amends for her earlier outburst. Yet, she wasn’t sure what would be considered an appropriate apology. I will have to ask the tutor Tia hired about the proper etiquette when making restitutions. For now – the old ways will have to suffice.

Luna lowered her horn in a formal bow to the younger guard, her head and eyes ending on the same level as the guards. Even in apologies, a Princess should not lower herself below her subjects – at least, that was the case before her banishment. Luna could only hope that tradition hadn’t changed.

“We apologize for the aural discomfort caused by our Royal Voice at our awakening. Is there something we can do to make amends for this?”

The guard, taken aback by the Princess’s apology, could only stammer out a reply to the hidden amusement of his colleague. Although the other was also surprised by the formal apology offered.

“There is … no need … to apologise … Princess.”

Keeping her lowered position, Luna enquired, somewhat confused;

“Then there is nothing you would wish in compensation?”

The guard had recovered from his surprise, so this time he was able to answer without hesitation.

“That is correct, Princess.”

Straightening up, Princess Luna accepted the guard’s words to mean that she had been forgiven.

“We thank you for your forgiveness.”

Returning to the task at hoof, namely requisitioning Celestia’s chariot to collect Princess Twilight, Luna couldn’t help but marvel at how much ponies had changed. Once there was a time no pony would refuse the chance to gain something from a royal boon offered in recompense. Perhaps that humility should be rewarded in some manner. I shall consult with Tia about this – after the immediate situation is dealt with.

The chariot keepers didn’t challenge Princess Luna as she entered the maintenance building. The chariots were stored there when not in use and it wasn’t unusual for one of the Princesses to directly requisition one for personal use. Though the chariots were meant for state use only, the guards didn’t dare raise that point to their leaders’ faces.

Princess Luna paused by her chariot, admiring the polished metalwork. Then her gaze drifted across to Celestia’s state chariot.

The golden chariot that bore her sister’s mark was larger than hers – though that was understandable, after all it was Tia that greeted the other race’s Ambassadors. The chariot had to be comfortable for the diplomatic visits, since multiple passengers were often expected on such trips.

Luna slowly approached it, remembering the first time she’d seen it in a thousand years. I rode alongside my sister, through Ponyville to the accompaniment of a parade….

The memories came flooding back with each step taken,

It was during the Summer Sun Celebration, Ponyville was the host venue on this fated date. Twilight Sparkle and her friends had just freed me from Nightmare Moon’s influence. Celestia’s golden chariot collected us, taking the group to the outskirts of the Everfree.

There the Element Bearers alighted to re-join their Ponyville kin for the festivities. The two of us rode behind. Upon entry to the town we were greeted by pegasi fillies and flower necklaces.

Luna’s musing was interrupted by a not-so-subtle cough. Looking towards the direction of the sound, Luna could see a stern looking Solar guard with purple shoulder patches. The colour of the patch indicated the rank of a Captain. He had moved from his post to intercept her path to Celestia’s chariot.

“Can I be of assistance, Princess?” The question was formal, and held a trace of irritation for the disruption of his routine.

“You can be of assistance to me Captain. I require the use of this chariot. It is to be made available as soon as possible.” Princess Luna indicated the golden state chariot as she spoke.

The Guard Captain straightened up almost imperceptibly at Luna’s statements.

“That might be a little difficult, Princess. The state carriage is kept for diplomatic functions and is indirectly Princess Celestia’s property. I would be remiss in my duties if I just allowed any pony to use it.”

Luna mentally sighed, why do all the Solar guards put so much importance on ceremony? The Lunar Guard at least know how to have fun while performing their duties – although, Luna allowed, their appearance does discourage any approach that isn't necessary.

Remembering the note Tia gave her, Luna brought it out and presented it to the Captain.

“I trust this is sufficient to ease your concerns on that matter?”

The Guard took the presented parchment, saw Princess Celestia’s seal and quickly scanned the words. His facial expression slowly changed from the trained rigid, unresponsive look to one of wide-eyed shock. He then saluted;

“I will personally ensure the Chariot’s readiness as well as the drivers.”

With a quick about-turn, and a hasty march away, he organised the other guards to get the Chariot ready for flight in record time. Luna watched the preparations with some amusement. I don’t think I have ever seen a Guard Captain so rattled before – I wonder what Tia actually wrote to cause that? For a brief moment, Luna wished that she’d thought to pre-read it before passing it over – though that would have broken the seal.A broken seal would have raised more questions.

Almost as soon as the logical contradictory thought to the wish crossed her mind, the Guard Captain reported the Chariot’s readiness.

“My thanks, Captain.” Luna acknowledged as she climbed on board. Settling into the padded interior, Luna gave the order to proceed.

The four pegasi drivers, each bearing the armour of the Solar Guard, made a running take off. Their wing beats in perfect synchronisation.

Once air-borne, Princess Luna soon found out why the Captain had looked so flustered. One of the guards turned his head to ask:

“Our destination, Princess?”

“Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville.” Luna stated, then as a confused frown crossed her face; “Surely this information has already been provided to you by the Captain?”

“Negative, Princess. All he could say was that this mission was of the utmost importance to Equestria’s future and not to speak of it afterwards.”

Luna thought on that answer as the adjusted their flight path to head for Ponyville, Oh Tia…. Couldn’t you have just written me a permission slip rather than imply a vital secret mission?

“Then it seems we have a choice to make.” Luna murmured, though a permission slip is rather foal-like in nature. So perhaps I should be glad of her more extravagant words this time round.

“Princess?” The guard queried, uncertain if she had been addressing him or not with that last statement.

“The choice is this,” Luna clarified, “Whether we land outside Ponyville to avoid undue attention, or land outside Golden Oaks and use a cloaking spell to avoid the aforementioned attention”

“Your call, Princess,” was the formal reply, though he kept silent on his thought that a Princess going into town on her own would attract more attention than the chariot would.

Luna must have had a similar thought. Actually why even bother with the cloak? After all, Twilight is a Princess now too– so a chariot wouldn’t be too out of place outside her residence.

“To Golden Oaks then, with as much haste as you can muster.”

The drivers’ wings beat faster pulling the chariot through the sky towards the small town that had seen so much in recent years.

Luna became silent, her thoughts drawn inward. A small sad smile rested on her face. Soon the truth will be told. I have – no we have – she corrected her thoughts to include Celestia – never forgotten and perhaps, in time, we can also forgive ourselves for what happened.

To Canterlot

After the letter had been sent, Twilight had started pacing. Spike could only take so much of her nerves before he finally interrupted.

“Twilight,” He searched a nearby book pile for a suitable candidate, studying normally calms her down “Pacing isn’t going to make the reply arrive earlier, but I know what will make the time go faster.”

Twilight just looked at him curiously while continuing to pace:

“The Princess usually replies promptly, Spike. The fact she hasn’t yet means there’s something wrong.”

“It could be there’s nothing wrong – and that Day Court is still in session. Meaning that Princess Celestia needs to finish her Royal duties before she can properly form a reply to your request.”

Twilight stopped and stared at the dragon.

Spike finally found what he was looking for.

“Here you go Twilight,” he extended the book towards her.

“Spike! The Day Court should have ended five minutes before you sent my letter.” Twilight sighed in exasperation and worry, ignoring the offered book, “That is if my memory is correct – which it is – of the years I spent in Canterlot as her personal student. I know her timetable like I know the back of my hoof!”

Twilight returned to her pacing, the book still extended out wards in Spike’s claws.

“Something is wrong, I just know it.”

When it became clear that Spike couldn’t distract her with a simple study session, he slowly lowered the book to return it to the pile. Well, it usually works… His stomach cramped up and he could feel the churning sensation that heralded an incoming letter. Turning his head quickly to the side, Spike let out a burp accompanied by a small stream of green flame. A scroll materialised out from the fading fire.

The noise of arrival caught Twilight’s attention straight away, and hastily grabbed the scroll with her magenta magic. Unravelling the scroll, Twilight speedily scanned the words eager to see what aid Celestia had sent in her reply. Whether it was a book recommendation, or perhaps a trip to the Crystal Empire Archives, Twilight Sparkle couldn’t wait to see what it was.

Her eyes rested on the last sentence. I wasn’t expecting that…

“What’s it say, Twilight?”

“It says that I should be ready to travel to Canterlot as soon as a chariot arrives.” As the words were vocalised, a different sort of panic set in. Dashing over to the case that contained the Elements of Harmony, Twilight ordered:

“Get my saddle-bags, Spike. I need to be packed and ready.”

“Right.” The dragon turned himself into a purple and green blur as he ran upstairs to retrieve the requested item. By the time he’d come back down, Twilight had retrieved the Elements from their case and placed them within their jewelled box. All except the Crown of Magic – which in addition to being one of the Elements of Harmony, also served as her ‘badge of office’. Twilight chose to wear the crown to save on baggage space.

“I got them, Twilight.”

“Thanks, Spike.” Twilight levitated the Elements’ case over towards Spike, where he held the flaps of her bags open. That box filled the one saddle-bag, without overloading. The opposite side would have to be sufficient for the rest of the necessary items. If only there was time to make a checklist… a verbal one will have to suffice.

Closing her eyes briefly, Twilight concentrated on the items she’d need. The parts of the Complete Guide already written, blank parchment, quill and ink. Better not forget the replacement quills and spare ink bottles. A pale magenta aura surrounded the items as she thought of them.

Opening her eyes, Twilight lifted all the items within her magical grasp. Arranging them into a line, she packed the bag one itemised list at a time.

“Partial project.”
“Check.”
“Blank parchment.”
“Check.”
“Quill.”
“Check.”
“Ink.”
“Check.”
“Replacement quills.”
“Check.”
“Spare ink bottles.”
“Check.”

Spike ensured everything was settled and in place before closing the flaps. Twilight reread Celestia’s letter while mentally checking that she had everything the Princess had requested.

“I’m not certain how long I will be in Canterlot, Spike. Will you look after the library while I’m away? I’m sure Owlicious will be more than happy to assist.”

“Sure thing, Twilight.” Spike replied as a sound of a chariot landing and braking drifted into the library. Spike hefted the saddlebags, and helped Twilight secure them, her alicorn wings getting in the way for any solo loading attempt, “Looks like the chariot arrived very quickly…”

“Princess Celestia indicated that I should be ready for a swift journey.” Twilight observed, moving towards the door and placing Celestia’s letter alongside the Element’s case. Her magic flipping the bag open and closed in one smooth movement. I really hope I’ve got everything...

Not wanting to delay, Twilight rushed out the door to meet the chariot. Her mind registered the golden glow of the Sun Princess’ state transportation. It really must be important for that to be sent. Then her mind registered the occupant that was in the process of disembarking – Princess Luna, the younger Royal sister, who oversaw the Night. She skidded to a stop beside the dark alicorn, her fears rising again. The reassurance of the reply’s signature temporarily forgotten as Twilight tried to reconcile the image of the Night Princess riding the Chariot of the Day.

“Princess Luna. Has something happened to Princess Celestia? Do we need the Bearers to come as well?” Twilight’s questions tumbled out one after another. If it wasn’t for the seriousness of the situation as well as the worry evident in her tone of voice, she could have been mistaken for an over-enthusiastic Pinkie Pie.

Luna held up a hoof to forestall any more questions. In a calm tone, she answered Twilight’s fears.

“Twilight Sparkle, my sister awaits us in Canterlot – there is no need for the other Bearers.”

Glancing at the slightly winded pegasi, Luna decided that their departure could be delayed for a short time – to allow the drivers a breather before the return. That and she’d seen the pile of paperwork Tia had to deal with.

“I believe I have also asked you in the past to call me Luna. Princess sounds too formal now that we both share that title.”

“Yes, Princess.” Twilight began, before correcting herself at Luna’s stern glare, “I mean, Luna. Force of habit, I guess.”

“Understandable.” Luna said softening her gaze, she knew how hard habits were to break. “We should depart for Canterlot, I will explain what I can on the way.”

Luna settled back on board the chariot, joined swiftly by Twilight. The awkward saddle bags were placed securely in between the pair.

“To Canterlot, please guards.” Luna gave the word, temporarily struck at the mirrored déjà vu she was experiencing. If it weren’t for the bags, this is exactly like my first public appearance after Nightmare Moon’s defeat.

As the drivers took off, Luna glanced sideways at Twilight.Our relative sizes are approximately correct as well… only I’m in Tia’s place and Twilight is in mine.

Spike waved from the library doorway as the chariot rose into the skies above. He only turned away when the chariot was obscured by the clouds. He was startled as a pink hoof stopped the door from closing behind him.

“Hi Spike. My Pinkie sense told me there was going to be visit from an important sad pony and I’m here to cheer them up.” The bright pink party pony and Element of Laughter looked around the library.

Spike looked confused for a moment, before saying:
“I think you just missed them. Twilight left with Princess Luna, though she didn’t seem sad from where I was standing.”

“Awwwwww…” Pinkie looked crest-fallen for a moment, then she perked up, “If Princess Luna wasn’t sad then I’m early for the next sad pony to show up. That means I have time to set up my special turn that-frown-upside-down party.”

Spike faceclawed as Pinkie bounced around making party preparations.

Twilight Sparkle’s mind swirled with all the questions she had and could ask as the chariot pulled away from the ground. Absent-mindedly she waved back to Spike, while organising the most logical order to ask her series of questions.

Reaching its optimal altitude for travel, the chariot turned towards the mountain peak that held the city of Canterlot.

Finally Twilight Sparkle broke Luna’s reverie with her first question barrage, Well, these are related questions. Twilight mentally justified them.

“Not that I don’t appreciate the company, but why did you make the journey to Ponyville when the chariot was sent to pick me up? And in Princess Celestia’s chariot? For that matter, why are you awake – I understood that you were in charge of the Night Court and therefore rested in the day?”

Luna almost smiled at the barrage, having been told of Celestia’s student endless curiosity by her sister. I think Tia likened Twilight’s hunger for knowledge to that of a foal eager to please. It certainly served her well in the past.

“To answer the questions in the order presented, I had thought that – perhaps mistakenly – Tia’s wording would lead to panic on your behalf and that my presence would ease those concerns. While I could have used my chariot, Celestia’s chariot is more suited to multiple passengers and therefore more comfortable.”

Luna paused, this is probably not going to go down well… let’s see if I can avoid giving a direct answer.

“As for why I’m awake, the short answer is Tia woke me up. The longer answer is you are correct in your understanding that I normally rest in the day due to my duties in the Night Court, however when a decision is faced that my elder sister wishes a second opinion on then she wakes me to consult with me on the matter.”

Twilight absorbed Luna’s answers, but wasn’t completely satisfied with them. She was right about the panicked response.

“Considering the thought process behind your presence – wouldn’t it have made more sense for Princess Celestia to be the one travelling? Why wasn’t she the one to travel? And how often do you get woken for a consultation?”

I should have realised Twilight would see through the evasion. Luna ruefully conceded.

“Looking back, yes, it would have been more sensible for Celestia to take her chariot. As to why she didn’t travel? One word: Paperwork.” Luna raised her hoof to the side of her face while she pondered the answer to the next question.
“It is very rarely I get consulted by Tia. I believe she got used to her solo rule during my banishment, I cannot blame her. I was unavailable for consultation for a long time.”

Twilight winced as she realised she’d touched on a period of time that Luna didn’t wish to remember with her questions. Embarrassed, she stuttered out an apology:

“I’m sorry, Princess. I didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“Do not fret, Twilight. In fact, I must extend my gratitude to you once again.” Luna replied, overlooking Twilight’s slip back into the formal use of titles.

Twilight’s expression conveyed her confusion, She’s thanking me?!? But I just brought up a painful part of her history.

This time, Luna did smile at Twilight. No avoiding it. Twilight would make the connections between my presence and recent actions eventually. Wonder how long the spark of realisation will take?

“Indeed. Your request triggered one of those rare consultations.”

As Twilight took in that clarification, Luna watched with hidden amusement as Sparkle’s face underwent a series of changing expressions. The initial confusion melting into one of rapt attention, then morphing into understanding of her earlier words. Worry crept into the picture as Twilight grasped the implications of the statement.

“My letter was the trigger for your early wakening?!?” Twilight gasped; horrified to think she was responsible for the disruption of Luna’s usual schedule.

“Indeed it was Twilight.” Luna confirmed, before attempting to reassure Twilight that she wasn’t in any sort of trouble for the incident. Hopefully Tia will not tell Twilight of my initial outburst…

“My sister was weighing the potential benefits of sharing the requested information with the potential consequences.”

Twilight perked up at this, having an idea on the nature of Celestia’s dilemma – the same thing that had caused her consternation about asking.

“Oh, was it to do with the State Secrets Act? That would explain the wording in the letter...” Twilight’s magic opened up her bag to extract the parchment in question. She had no real need to consult it, Twilight could remember the exact wording, but it could serve as a visual aid. “‘The history behind the Elements of Harmony is known to very few ponies, and told to even less.’ It would also explain the limited information, those that know or have been told the tale had signed a formal declaration of confidentiality.”

Princess Luna didn’t want to disprove Twilight’s theory, considering the enthusiasm evident behind it, but as she had told her sister, the truth had been hidden for too long... time that it came out. The honesty had to start somewhere.

“Not exactly, Twilight.”

Twilight lowered the letter to better see Princess Luna, her expression showing disbelief and curiosity.

“If it wasn’t the State Secrets Act, then what was it? And why is there so little information?”

“When my sister wrote that line, she meant it very literally. There are currently only three beings in Equestria that know the history. And she specified ‘ponies’ in her letter, with that restriction in place that number drops to two; those being myself and Celestia.”

“Who’s the third?” Twilight quietly asked, though she had a glimmer of a suspicion.

“Discord.” Luna said shortly, then immediately switched to the explanation for the second part of Tia’s line. She couldn’t quite keep out the tone of disgust out of the further mention of Discord’s involvement;

“Assuming he hasn’t told the tale, then this will be the first time it has been told to anypony.” She turned her gaze to meet Twilight’s, fully aware of the impact of her words:

“You will be the first one to hear the history of the Elements.”

Twilight’s eyes went even wider, as the full force of Luna’s last statement sank in, the first one…Oh My Gosh! That means I’ll be the first one to know the whole story – and not just second hoof either! I’ll be hearing it from those who witnessed events unfold. Her internal glee at being granted the limited knowledge gave way to a sort of reverence, The Princesses trust me with this knowledge, and I cannot let them down. Even if I have to promise never to tell the story – then I will make and keep that vow.

“Twilight?” Luna asked, as her younger companion seemed to stare into space. “Are you feeling alright?” Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that she was the first… at least til our hooves were on the ground in Canterlot….

No answer was forthcoming. Luna waved a hoof in front of Twilight’s eyes,

“Any pony in there?”

Still no response from the lavender alicorn. Ooops…. I think I broke Twilight’s mind. One last try… Luna’s hoof crept forward and poked Twilight’s shoulder.

Twilight hadn’t realised that she hadn’t responded to Luna for a long while, at least til Luna’s hoof poked her in the side.
“Oh! Sorry Princess, I was in my own little world for a moment. Did you say something?”

Luna hid a sigh of relief, at least she’s responsive again.

“I was wondering if there were any other questions I could answer before we landed.” Luna indicated the approaching palace spires – the first glimpse of Canterlot.

Twilight glanced in the direction Luna pointed in and realised the chariot journey had gone faster than she’d thought. Quickly trying to organise her mental list of questions, Twilight finally settled on one:

“With the….” Twilight tried to find a different phrasing, but finally settled on her original wording, “…secrecy behind the history, why tell it now? I mean, not that I’m not grateful to be told it but what changed?”

Princess Luna looked towards Canterlot, answering the second part of Twilight’s enquiry first.

“We changed, Twilight. A lot more than you know, perhaps you’ll understand once the story’s been told.” Her gaze switched back to Twilight, “In fact, it was the ‘secrecy issue’ that Tia wished my council on.” If she asks I won’t lie, but I hope she doesn’t ask who made the decision to tell the tale. The truthful answer may shake her faith in my sister.

Twilight watched Luna’s demeanour change to one of contemplation and sadness as the reply was given, to be swiftly replaced by a more neutral expression when Luna’s attention returned to her. The last time I saw Princess Luna sad was during her first Nightmare Night…. And even then she waited until she thought she was alone before allowing her feelings to show.

“Why did the secrecy start?” Twilight asked, curious and slightly afraid of the answer.

Luna took her time in replying, mainly as she wasn’t too sure herself on the reasoning behind it.

“Equestria needed to be rebuilt after Discord’s rule, there was little time for storytelling. Then once the work had been done – the consequences of revealing the tale to the fledgling nation became feared.”

“Feared? By whom?”

“Mainly by my sister – I … had other concerns at the time.” Luna answered, choosing her words carefully.

Another spark of realisation crossed Twilight’s eyes. To confirm the theory, another question was posed.

“Then it was Princess Celestia that chose to keep the tale of the Elements secret?”

Luna looked down as she confirmed this. Now to witness the results of shattered faith…

“That is correct, Twilight.”

Lost in her thoughts, Luna was caught unawares by Twilight’s reaction. Instead of the recriminations that she expected to be voiced against her sister’s decision of the past, she found herself caught up in an impromptu hug from the newest Princess.

Surprised and slightly bewildered by the occurrence, it took even longer for Twilight’s words to register in Luna’s mind. It seemed that Twilight Sparkle was repeating ‘Thank you, thank you,’ as some sort of mantra.

Now it was Luna’s turn to ask for clarification on the expressed gratitude.
“Twilight, why are you thanking me?”

It seemed that, by speaking, Luna had disrupted the moment. Twilight Sparkle pulled back from the hug, embarrassed by her behaviour. At least, Princess Luna doesn’t seem mad... just understandably confused.

“For trusting me and convincing Princess Celestia to tell the story after remaining silent for – however long it has been.”

Luna blinked once, trying to find appropriate words, then finally settled on saying,

“You are most welcome, Twilight Sparkle.”

Any further conversation was delayed as the Royal Chariot glided to a halt in the palace’s inner courtyard.

The Astrum [pt 1]

Having thanked and dismissed the chariot drivers, Luna led Twilight towards the throne room where Celestia should have finished the paperwork.

The saddlebags had been re-adjusted to Twilight’s new frame, courtesy of Luna’s transformation magic, since Twilight had politely refused the aid of a guard in carrying her bags. Now the straps - instead of getting in the way of, or trapping, Twilight’s wings – had been altered to include slots which allowed the wings to slip through comfortably and would, in theory, allow the bags to remain secure in flight. I’ll have to ask Rarity to see if she can duplicate the alterations, so I can use a smaller bag to test the feasibility of carrying them in flight. Of course, I’ll have to get used to the idea of flight first.

Twilight managed to contain her questions, knowing now that the history of the Elements was extremely limited knowledge, but only barely. Her curiosity still prodded at the back of her mind.

Both Princesses were intercepted on route by one of the Solar Guards. The guard bowed low to both of them,

“Princess Luna, Princess Twilight. I bear a message from Princess Celestia.”

Seeing Twilight was uncomfortable with the deference shown her title, she’s still not used to her elevated status, perhaps I should offer some guidance to Twilight on expected protocol?, Luna spoke to the guard. Taking note of the insignia of rank as she did so;

“Rise and speak my sister’s message, Lieutenant.”

“Princess Celestia extends her apologies that her paperwork is such that she could not greet you on arrival as she wished. She also asks that Princess Luna begins enlightening Princess Twilight on the matter at a location of choice and that she’ll join you as soon as she is available.”

“Very well, please convey to my sister that we’ll be found within the Astrum.”

The guard bowed once more and left. Luna turned to Twilight, slightly curious as to her reaction to another delay in seeing Celestia and to her choice of location.

“Have you ever been in the Astrum during your time as my sister’s student, Twilight?”

Twilight had a thoughtful look on her face as Luna turned to her. Paperwork delaying Princess Celestia? There must be some sort of problem facing Equestria. Her thoughts were derailed by Luna’s enquiry.

“No, the Astrum was a restricted area to students of the School for Gifted Unicorns.” Twilight shook her head.

“Even to Celestia’s personal protégé?” Luna asked amused as she started to lead the way.

“It was.” Twilight confirmed, following Luna.

“In one way that’s a shame. In another, it is a blessing.”

“Princess?”

“Please, Twilight. Call me Luna.” The Night Princess corrected gently and then explained her earlier comment. “It’s a shame as the Astrum is a very peaceful location for private study. A blessing as I’m able to show you its glory.”

“I used the Solarium for private study.” Twilight observed, picking up her pace to draw alongside Luna, now even more eager to see the restricted area for the first time.

“Like the Solarium is Celestia’s retreat from the political pressures of ruling, the Astrum is my retreat.” Luna explained, though she couldn’t resist adding, “Officially at least.”

Twilight was intrigued by Luna’s cryptic comment.

“Officially your retreat? What else could it be that wouldn’t be noticed by the castle staff?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” was all Luna would say and refused to be drawn on the topic no matter what Twilight tried.

Their one-sided guessing game lasted til the pair got to the door. Just outside the Astrum, Luna paused and turned to Twilight.

“You want to do the honours or shall I?”

Twilight looked between Luna and the Astrum’s door. Now she was close up, she had time to study the details.

The door was engraved with Luna’s Cutie Mark positioned in the exact centre, around it were Arcane Runes. Some Twilight recognised as those of protection, identical to those on the Solarium. Those would represent the nature of the room as a retreat, Twilight supposed. The other Runes seemed to be an amalgam of illusion and enchantment, which she could only guess at the effects they would hint at – combined Runes were very finicky things to get right.

Twilight would have loved to study those combined Runes further, but she was fully aware of the company she was in, so she tore her gaze away and looked for the opening mechanism.

“Princess Luna, there doesn’t appear to be a method to open this door.”

“Now you know how the secrets of the Astrum are hidden from the staff.” Luna smiled mysteriously and lit her horn up.

As Twilight turned to face Luna with a quizzical expression, a matching glow of magic came from the engraved moon. In quick succession, the glow leapt from the moon to the Runes of Protection and an internal click signalled the unlocking of the door. Again the magic glow jumped Runes – this time to the outer most of the combined sets.

Luna entered first, followed closely by Twilight. The door closed softly behind them. Then the glow faded.

“Welcome to the Astrum, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna watched the youngest Princess take careful steps from the doorway.

“This is…absolutely unbelievable…. the magic necessary to maintain this place…..” Twilight murmured as she tried to take it all in.

The floor had been tiled in two different colours: gold and silver. The walls appeared to be non-existent, having been painted to look like drifting clouds. In fact, the clouds did move around, some of them even fading into the distant simulation of a horizon.

Above, where the ceiling should be was a perfect replica of the sky. Though it wasn’t the night sky that could be seen, it was a reflection of the late summer afternoon. The Astrum was lit by a replica of the sun – casting long shadows from the two Princesses.

“I trust the suspense I put you through was worth it?” Luna enquired, if it is, my modifications on my return would not have gone to waste. The Astrum door had only born her Mark and the Runes of Protection. Princess Luna had placed the other Runes herself while she was recovering her energies. The floor was the only part left unaltered by the changes.

“More than worth it, Princess,” Twilight answered, “The views were certainly unexpected.”

Luna smiled, “Those were my additions and different settings can be conjured through different combinations of the Rune blends. I noticed your interest in them.” Moving to the centre of the room, Luna settled into a forward reclining position.
“Considering Tia asked me to start, shall we begin?”

Twilight walked towards Luna, eager to begin;

“Yes, I brought the parts of the history of the Elements that I was capable of updating from the already published works.”

Her magic delved into the bag to withdraw her writing. Five sheets of parchment were held suspended in a purple aura between the two alicorns.

“Let’s start with reviewing those then.” Luna suggested, glad to have an easy starting point. She gestured for Twilight to join her so that they could both read the beginnings of Twilight’s project.

The page dealing with basic descriptions of the Elements was skimmed over, there was no real need to expand on or correct any of that. The same could be said of the section about the retrieval and recent history of the Elements.

The usage of the Elements proved a more interesting section – in particular the part about King Sombra. Luna pointed this part out,

“The Elements were indeed used on King Sombra. However the disappearance of the Empire was not directly due to their usage.”

Twilight brought out quill and ink so she could make side notes as Luna spoke. First she crossed out, ‘only speculation – it is unknown whether’.

Luna, seeing Twilight was ready to transcribe the new information, continued;

“King Sombra was confronted by my sister, she wanted to try and sway him from his path. She failed, but Sombra having tasted part of her power – realised that he wouldn’t be able to face the both of us in combat. He created and cast a spell – we could sense its power, but not its purpose until it was too late.”

“As you’ve already noted – the Elements converted him to shadow, scattered and sealed him under ice. It was then we realised the spell’s purpose. The Crystal Empire sank beneath the snows as the last vestiges of Sombra’s power dissipated.”

“The spell tied the Empire’s Fate to his. It took all of his magic to cast – and only worked once. Though to retain that link for a thousand years, which showed how much power he had at his command at the height of his rule.”

Twilight frantically scribbled the tale down while Luna spoke. The quill was finally laid down, and Luna read over the rest of Twilight’s work. With a decisive nod, Luna turned her attention to Twilight.

“Now for the ancient history, I believe Tia asked you to bring the Elements?”

Twilight nodded and brought out the container that held them.

“They’re in here. Apart from the Element of Magic, which I’m wearing.”

“Take the Six Elements and place them in a circle in front of us. You’ll need to see them for this part.”

Twilight began as Luna asked, her crown joining the necklaces to be placed in a ring.

Princess Luna considered her next words carefully as Twilight organised the items.

“You’re aware of the concept of magic resonance, are you not?”

Twilight nodded, what does that have to do with the Elements? The words of response were given by rote, Twilight Sparkle having reverted to the familiar role of student.

“Magic resonance is based on the principle that no two casters have the same colour of magical aura and that the signature of their casting imprints itself on the target area or item.”

Luna nodded, recognising the shift within Twilight, not particularly liking the role of teacher. It has been a long time since I was last in that position. So instead of giving Twilight a direct confirmation, she prompted her to continue with:
“And how does one detect residual signatures?”

Twilight considered the question, searching her mind for anything relevant and how it could link into her request.

“Residual signatures can be read by another caster by a variation of the arcane perception spell; however this has the drawback of potentially contaminating the reading with the caster’s own aura.”

Luna wasn’t surprised that Twilight knew the answer; she was surprised that Twilight hadn’t mentioned the method of overcoming the limitation of the spell.

“Theoretically, how can the risk of contamination be removed from the equation?”

“In theory, a magic filter could be applied to the spell at the time of casting. However blending two spells is not recommended due to uncertain side effects.”

“While that is recommendation is true for untrained casters, wouldn’t trained casters be able to control the effects of a spell-merge?” Luna was now wondering if Twilight had ever tried such a merge under surpervision.

“Yes, if under the guidance of another that has already mastered the spell-merge in question.” Twilight answered carefully, then posed a question of her own, “Are you proposing that I attempt to use the combined filter-perception on the Elements?”

“Yes. Have you cast either component before?”

“Only the arcane perception and I have never performed that blend.” Twilight looked nervously at the Elements, “What if I mess up?”

“I will guide the shaping,” Luna said, I’m guessing Tia wasn’t fond of the blending aspect of magic , then offered, “Or you could link into my magic as I cast the combined spells. Of course, that would mean you’d see double for the duration – what your eyes see and what my magic sees.” And link casting is uncomfortable…. for both parties. The dual vision for the one and for the caster it was a matter of personal space and trust. The caster was extremely vulnerable to the other while the link was active, the two effectively sharing the arcana-space produced by the connection.

Twilight knew the theory behind linking magic. The few books that had mentioned it had recommended against such a process unless there was complete trust between all participants.

“You’d really do that, the link casting I mean?” Twilight asked in mild disbelief and wonder. “And how would you guide magic shaping without a link being made.”

“I would Twilight. As for guiding magic without a link, think of my magic forming the walls of a corridor for your magic to flow through. A mild resistance would be encountered, and would gently press the flow back into the right place, should the woven magic try to deviate off course. I would, of course, apply a filter to my own magic so that it would not interfere with the arcane perception.”

Luna paused as she eyed the circle of Elements, Twilight was the one that thanked me for trusting her with the story – so I guess I should show it in other ways too.

“The choice is yours.”

Twilight didn’t take long to consider the options. The practical aspect of blending spells was not part of my education, though I did manage to combine more than two spells during that Ursa Minor incident. So I could do it, though I am curious about link casting. How would that actually feel? That was what decided it for Twilight Sparkle.

“Could we use the link method please, Luna?”

Luna smiled as Twilight finally remembered to drop the title, though perhaps that was due to her blatant enthusiasm for experimentation and learning new things.

“Indeed we can. Please settle in a comfortable position before we begin.”

Twilight moved her saddlebags to one side, before stretching out alongside Luna. Now, if only these wings weren’t so unwieldy….. She had mostly got used to having them, but her regular relaxing positions had to be adjusted each time.

Fidgeting done, Twilight nodded at Luna;

“Ready.”

“To start the link, bring your horn close to mine and let a small charge flow from its tip to complete the magical circuit.” Luna instructed, lowering her own head to make it easy for Twilight.

So that’s what happened at the Wedding, when Cadence shared her strength with Shining Armor. Now I know what the link looks like from the outside – or at least a combined large range species-specific repelling shield one looks like… Twilight followed Luna’s instructions; a small arc of lavender lightning flying across the small gap.

As soon as Luna felt the tingle of ‘foreign’ magic on her horn, she supressed the natural instinct to repel and concentrated on the combined spell.

Twilight could feel the spells taking shape, and committed their flows to memory. Just in case the need to cast it again arose outside the link. Luna’s own pool of magic was within touching distance of her own, only a small gossamer-like veil keeping them apart. The slightest push of power from Twilight and she could tear it apart. Now I know why complete trust was a strongly recommended requirement.

Luna released the spell, the Six Elements temporarily bathed in a dark blue aura. This quickly faded to reveal the Elements surrounded by a silver glow that seemed to pulse with each breath.

Twilight’s vision was very disorientating to say the least; her open eyes could see the Elements – resting normally in position as if Luna’s magic had not affected them in any shape or form. However, super-imposed was another image, that of Elements pulsing silver light. If Twilight closed her eyes, the second image remained while the normal vision disappeared.

After a few blinks, to be sure that both her eyes and mind were seeing truly, Twilight softly spoke – not wanting to break Luna’s concentration – or her own.

“They’re silver…. All of them glow silver.”

“Is that all you see, Twilight?” Luna enquired, her eyes closed as she maintained the spells.

Twilight looked closer, noting the pulses – she had missed them before with her blinking - and timing them, feeling that they were important somehow:

“The Elements are all linked by a thin thread of the same colour as the magical signature. And the signature seems to vary in strength based on a regular cycle.”

Princess Celestia sighed as the last piece of paperwork was filed away. Her messenger had delivered her messenger and informed her that her sister and Princess Twilight had moved to the Astrum. Interesting choice of location. Though I can see her reasoning behind it.

Celestia swiftly moved to the room in question.

Seeing the door closed, Tia hesitated. Can I intrude on my sister’s private rooms? Then again, Lulu does know I’ll be joining them – so can it even be considered intruding?

Glancing at the door Runes, Tia first lit up her horn. A soft golden glow surrounded it. It is my sister’s retreat so it’s keyed to her magic… so all I need to do is replicate it.

Her eyes closed, as she concentrated on calling up the memories of raising the Moon in her sister’s absence. The first decade had been the hardest; the Moon didn’t want to respond to her calls. She had forced its obedience through raw power, but had eventually learned of an easier way. If she mimicked Luna’s magic – the Moon responded a lot more readily.

It was still difficult to copy another’s signature, even after centuries of practice. Tia’s glow darkened slowly and traversed the spectrum into the midnight blue of her younger sister’s magic. With that done, Tia could unlock and enter the Astrum.

As quietly as she could, she released her copied magic and watched it follow the path of least resistance. That is, her sister’s last destination pattern.

Luna had always been very creative with her magic – and the Astrum’s door was no exception. The door had a number of destinations equal to the number of combinations of the rune amalgams. Tia was just glad she didn’t have to try all of them to find her sister.

The door clicked open, and Celestia stepped through. The door closed behind her and she stopped to take in the sight.

The Six Elements sat in a circle and next to them were Luna and Twilight. That wasn’t what gave her pause however.

Both alicorns were under a dome of Luna’s magic. It was translucent enough for Celestia to see their horns linked by an arc of magic. Is that arc purple? . As well as take in their relative positions.

Luna had one of her wings extended over Twilight, almost protectively, as the newest addition to the Royal family leaned into Luna’s torso.

Celestia blinked, Perhaps I should suggest Luna takes a student of her own. That image seems so familiar…