A Moon's Tale

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Equestria has recently adopted an ancient tradition, and also an ancient malady. Tournaments, tournaments and war. The latter may be very minor, but it was enough to destroy a lot of minor villages, creating crowded cities and large slums. Canterlot had even been split to form a cheapside.

That was when Princess Celestia was born, and she grew into a figure of power and light. WHen she ascended to the throne she ended nearly all war, at least in Equestria. There were still many a country bordering Equestria that she could only simmer down, but either way she was seen as an enigma to the Equestrian people.

What very few know, though, is that there was a second princess born. The seers saw a bright radiance in Celestia, but with this child they saw a shroud of darkness. They mistook it for evil and sent her away with an old knight to live in another country so as to not cause even more internal war in Equestria.

Not even Celestia knew of her sister, who stood on the border of Equestria.

And with the old knight dead of old age, Luna finds her way back into Equestria, Her father’s last words never leaving her heart.

“The crest inked on your flesh and the scar are proof enough of your Noble birth, child… Go, make your name known. You deserve it.” He had said. She looked at her right shoulder, where under her black tunic there was a tattoo of dark blue sky with a white crescent moon. The scar he spoke of was a trophy of both luck and hate.

The Queen’s Seer had tried to kill her, or so her father had told her, but her mother the Queen had demanded she be spared. Luna found it hard to believe that she was a princess, she lived in a small celtic village on the celtic/germanic border. Her father was a knight from Equestria, but that was all she knew until he died.

He was content with being a farmer, but Luna wanted more. She would always practice with homemade bows and wooden swords when she finished her duties, practice riding one of the many horses they had for working and riding. She had even fought off a few bandits at one point or another, but there was something her father told her about when she was a child filled with wanderlust.

Tournaments, filled with riches and glory that could turn a peasant into a lord if he could afford to enter. Since she was nine, she had been practicing. Among the events were Jousting, Archery, Sword and the likes. She didn’t have a blacksmith, or a suit of armor, but she could find those in Equestria.

At least that’s what she thought as she entered a decently sized village near the border, just inside Equestria.

Luna noticed two things when she entered the city. The first was a large market in the center. The second was a small, but well kept, plot of tournament grounds with blacksmiths’ gallows nearby. Her cloak’s hood was up, so when someone spoke it startled her ever so slightly.

“You must be new to the village, Miss.” She heard. She looked and saw what looked like a farmer’s daughter on a stallion.

“I am, what is this place called?” Luna asked, her accent a mix of the celtic and germanic she grew up around.

“Ponyville, the only village to have official tournaments regularly. By your accent, I guess you’re new to the country as well.” The girl said, riding up next to her. Luna nodded. “Well, My name is Applejack and I run the apple farm, the bread and butter of this village. In my family it’s rude not to invite newcomers to dine, so if you would follow me I’ve just got to pick up a thing or two from the market.” The girl continued.

Luna had no idea what to think, so she just followed the strange farmer, interested.

“I noticed you have a bow and a few swords, are you a mercenary?” Applejack asked as she hopped off of her horse when they stopped in front of a food stand.

“I… guess you could say that. My father was a knight, though.” Luna responded.

“A knight? from which country?” The girl at the stand, who had oddly bright pink hair, exclaimed rather loudly.

“Eh… Equestrian Knight… He never told me much about it.” Luna replied.

“Wait, your father was a Knight from here? Legally that makes you nobility…” Applejack said, quickly buying a massive sack of flour from the baked goods merchant.

“You should compete in the tournament!” The vendor exclaimed.

“I would like to, but I’m not exactly properly equipped…” Luna said, patting the small pack of what little belongings she owned. There was a coinpurse with a sizable amount, though she didn’t know her conversion of franks to Equestrian coins.

“Hm, if it’s armor you’re needing I know a place.” Applejack said, mounting her horse and motioning for Luna to follow. “Got a place to stay?” She continued as they rode.

“I was hoping to find an inn or something of the sort.” Luna replied.

“While we don’t have inns, we do have camping grounds, though since there’s tournaments for the next week right now they’re all reserved for participants.” Applejack explained.

“I see…” Luna said simply. If she couldn’t get her hands on proper gear then she’d have to sleep in the woods.

“Don’t mind the name, she’s just as good a smith as she is clothier.” Applejack said after a minute or two of riding. Luna looked up and saw what looked like a clothing show for lords and ladies, but she spotting the smoke of bellows coming from the rear. the name was ‘Carousel Boutique’.

“Certainly an interesting place to find a smith…” Luna mumbled. Applejack chuckled as they dismounted and entered the building.

“Hello, welcome to the Carousel Boutique! Oh, hello Applejack. Who’s your friend?” The assumed proprietor said from the middle of the elegantly simple room. She had a very elegant style of hair with a royal purple coloration.

“Hello Rarity. This here is… um…” Applejack started, Luna never actually gave her name.

“Luna.” She said.

“Luna, nice name. Anyways, Luna here needs some tournament gear.” Applejack continued, patting Luna on the back.

“Oh? well come on this way. I keep all of that in the back.” Rarity said. As she led them to a curtained door she pulled off her elegant tunic, revealing a thick and simple undershirt, and pulled on leather gloves that were hanging on a hook right before the door.

“I can tell by your accent and just by looking at you you’re new to the country, or at least haven’t been here long. I except Florins, Franks, dinars and pretty much any type of coin. I also trade if you have nothing.” Rarity explained, throwing the curtain aside to reveal a torch lit room, just as large as the previous, with racks of assorted armor, weapons and other products of a smith. They had an elegant touch to them, which wasn’t too surprising all things considered.

“If you plan to be in the tournament, which starts tomorrow morning, then I could make you armor but that’s about it. It’d dent your pockets considerably due to rush fees, but i’m fine with opening up a tab, you seem like a trustworthy girl.” Rarity said. Luna was looking around at everything, it was almost enchanting. She barely heard the smith.

“I have Franks, they’re um… They’re in my bag here… What is this?” She asked, stopping in front of an armor rack with a rather peculiar set of armor displayed.

“That would be one of my more unique pieces, It’s not nearly your size but if you’d like I can forge yours similarly. That particular set is one that I thought up when Zecora made that prophecy.” Rarity said, leaning on the counter.

“Prophecy?” Luna asked.

“It wasn’t a prophecy, Rarity. It was something she heard when she went to the Seers’ court in Canterlot. Zecora is our local Seer and Alchemist, and she said that one day there was going to be a moon shrouded in Darkness that was going to come and take the throne.” Applejack explained.

“Zecora thought it was horse shite, the taking the throne part, but a Seer’s word is almost law.” Rarity said. Applejack snorted at her vulgarity, but Luna was greatly interested.

“That’s very interesting…” Luna said.

“Anyways, come on over to the fitting room and strip to your undergarments and I’ll get your sizes and measurements.” Rarity said, pointing to another curtained doorway, though the curtain was of striped leather.

“I’ll be going then. Send her over my way when you’re done, you know my tradition with newcomers.” Applejack said. Rarity waved her hand in response and Applejack left. Luna did as she was asked, though she felt rather uncomfortable in nothing but her cloth garments with no trousers or tunic.

“My, you’ve a very solid and attractive figure Darling. That is an interesting marking, where’d you get it?” Rarity asked, entering with yarn with lines along it and looking the girl over. “How old are you, by the way? Let’s me know if you’ll have any sudden growth spurts in your bosom and such.” She continued.

“I am recently nineteen, and my father marked it when I was of age.” Luna replied, of age being the age of 13, the age of a teenager.

“Interesting. Alright, feet shoulder width apart and arms spread out like a tree please, this will be but a moment.” Rarity said. Luna did so and barely restrained flinching and twitches as she felt Rarity’s hands and the yarn go across her body, taking many measurements.

“So what class of armor would you like? If you plan to fight in tournament you’re going to need plate, there’s light and slim ways to do it and bulky and heavy ways to do it. It all depends on preference, mobility and protection being the variables.” Rarity asked as she worked.

“U-Um, I liked that unique piece.” Luna said.

“Oh I know Darling, but it can be done many different ways. I’m going to assume you want a light setup, correct?” She asked quickly, talking nearly as fast as she worked. Luna nodded. “Magnificent, and I assume this will be your only set of armor for a while so It shall be practical enough to compete with, yet elegant enough to go to show with.” Rarity went on. Luna simply nodded.

“And done. Do me a favor and knock on the locked door next to the stairs and tell my little sister it’s time to work, also ask her to point you to Applejacks. You pay me if you’re satisfied with the final product, pleasure doing business with you.” Rarity said, picking up a shovel back in the main smithing room and shoveling a pile of coal into the forge and started laying out tools.

Luna carefully walked back to the boutique and knocked on said door. A girl with a faded pink and blue hairstyle answered and Luna did as Rarity asked.

“Just follow the main cobblestone road until you see the apple orchards, then follow the dirt road up to the big house.” The girl, named Sweetie Belle, told her. Luna thanked her and the girl rushed into the back.

Luna looked around again. Her body still felt a little odd from the rather close measurements, but she had a feeling that would be the worst thing to happen to her today.

Author's Note

So this is a thing that I've been wanting to write for ages, I just had no idea how I'd write a tournament focused story, but a knight's tale is one of my favorite movies of all time and I just rewatched it and I decided "fuck it, i'm getting nowhere with updates so might as well get this idea down" and bam here it is.
your guess is as good as mine to where this goes.
as always, if you're going to criticize do it properly and suggestions are read and considered.
still haven't decided whether or not I want to make this Dark or not, I'll leave that up to the random story generator that is my mind when the time comes

Chapter 2

She was terribly wrong.

She woke up with a splitting headache, unable to move. She looked around and found her hands bound. Her belongings were piled up in front of her. There were two men going through it, one of them with a bloody stick next to him. At that moment warm crimson dripped into her eye and she blinked frantically to clear it, shaking her head.

So she had been blindsided when she passed an alleyway. She calmed down and looked closely at the men. They hadn’t noticed her regain consciousness, and they looked little more than poor muggers. They had no weapons, and probably wouldn’t know how to use one if they had it. It explains why they clubbed her with a stick instead of stabbing her in the back.

“The hell are these?” One of them asked, holding up a silver Frank.

“Uh, foreign money I think… We can get something out of it hopefully.” The other answered, squinting at it. Luna glared at them and silently began working her wrists to try and loosen the bindings.

After a few seconds she thanked the heavens she wore leather bracers her father had given her, they granted just enough space to squeeze her hands through and undo her bindings. She was lucky these robbers were so grungy, they might have known how to actually tie someone up otherwise.

She slowly inched her way towards the pile. Her sword was on the other side, where they were examining a leather wrapped book of hers, but her bow was within reach. She slid an arrow out of the quiver and, in an instant, grabbed her bow and rolled over. Before the two could react one had an arrow in the back and the other was begging for his life. She kicked him with her hard leather boots as she stood, right in the temple, knocking him unconscious. She collected her loot and leaned against a wall. The blow to the head was stiff affecting her.

She staggered out of the alleyway and fell over, her adrenaline rush fading away. She heard a surprised gasp as she lost consciousness again. Who knew a twig of a thief could hit so hard.

When she awoke again she didn’t even have a chance to examine her surroundings before she vomited in a bucket that was next to her.

“Oh! You startled me, miss!” She heard. Luna quickly turned towards the voice and tensed up. There was a girl with soft pink hair, wearing a simple yellow gown. She coughed a few times and resisted the urge to vomit again. She felt sickly and her head hadn’t stopped pounding, her vision blurred in and out of focus.

“You have a concussion, so you should rest. Here, drink this.” The girl continued, holding out a nice smelling cup of steaming liquid. “It’s an herbal tea that should help.” She said when Luna gave it an untrusting look.

With some hesitation, Luna accepted it and took a sip. It was oddly sweet with a bitter aftertaste, but it went down well and settled her stomach. She sat up and leaned against the wall she was against and looked around. It seemed like she was in a cozy little hut.

“W-Where… ugh…” Luna started, but could barely speak clearly.

“Oh, this is my home. My name is Fluttershy, an herbalist and a bit of a doctor when it’s needed. The wound on your head missed your temple, so it shouldn’t bother you too much, you heal quickly.” The girl said, standing up from her place kneeling and picking up the bucket with Luna’s bile in it. She tossed the liquid out of a window and proceeded to walk out of the house. Luna looked out of another window to see her kneeling at a tiny creek a few feet from the house, scrubbing the thing with a brush.

Luna stood, though a wave of dizziness came. When it passed she slowly walked outside.

“Up already? You heal much faster than I thought you would, though I’d prefer it if you rested more.” Fluttershy said, turning. Luna put her hand up in front of her and smiled slightly.

“I’ve always been an incredibly fast healer, my father made sure of that. I thank you wholeheartedly for caring for me and your hospitality, but I was on my way to the apple farm.” She said. Fluttershy perked up a bit at that.

“Oh you’re dining with Applejack? That’s so strange, she invited me and a few of our other friends over today too. I was going to sip out to make sure you were ok, but if you’re invited as well then I can look after you there.” The girl said happily. Luna smiled and nodded. “Your things are on the table in the house, we have time though. You should rest some more.” The girl continued.

“I am rested enough, thank you. I must repay you, though. I have germanic Franks I could pay you with, or I could help out around here later and work it off.” Luna said. The girl seemed surprised.

“Pay? Oh no no no, I don’t charge people for helping them. Especially someone who just got here, what kind of a person would I be if I topped off getting mugged with cleaning them out because I helped them? That would just be wrong.” The girl explained firmly. Luna was silent for a moment before speaking.

“I was brought up to never take kindness for granted and to leave as little debts unpaid as possible. There must be something I can do.” Luna said. Fluttershy put her hands on her hips and gave her a look before smiling and clapping her hands together.

“Well I wouldn’t dream of putting you to work so soon after regaining consciousness and with a concussion, but you’re welcome here any time. The company is always nice and I suppose four hands are better than two.” She said.

“Then I look forward to it. For now, though, might I have a bit more of that tea? It was amazing.” Luna said, grinning sheepishly.

Luna looked up at the large house. It was the biggest house she had ever seen, the barn next to it even bigger.

“The Apple family founded this village, their house is so big because they have a huge family.” Fluttershy said from beside her. They were surrounded by acres of apple trees. Definitely an apple farm. She still felt ill but good company and better food would have her right as rain.

“By the way, I saw the tattoo on your shoulder and the scar on your face that’s not there anymore… I don’t really know why you hide it but I’m not one to pry.” Fluttershy said as they walked along the long dirt road. Luna stopped and put a hand over her left eye.

“Don’t worry, The enchantment you have is working again. I don’t know how they work, but when you were about to wake up the scar just suddenly disappeared so I think it’s an enchantment at least.” Fluttershy assured her.

“Aye, it is an enchantment. One my father taught me as soon as I was able to perform it…” Luna said. Fluttershy nodded and indeed pried no further. They continued walking.

The scar Fluttershy was referring to wasn’t just a normal scar around the eye. It was the one she received as a baby. When uncovered, it looked like somebody had poured acid onto her face. The eye was next to useless to see out of, from it she could only make out things like colors and outlines.

“Don’t worry about all the strange new people you’re meeting, we’re all not bad at all. You just got here and you’ve already gone through a lot of misfortune, but we always try to make new friends here, so don’t be afraid to be part of the group.” Fluttershy said softly before they reached the front door. Luna just nodded and Fluttershy knocked. The door opened almost instantly to reveal Applejack.

“There you two are! Everyone else is already here… Hey, Luna? What’s with the bandages?” She said. Fluttershy had bandaged Luna’s head under her deep blue hair, they showed on her forehead.

“She was mugged earlier and I found her collapsed in the street, I don’t know the specifics but she told me she managed to fight them and get away.” Fluttershy answered for her. Luna nodded.

“Are you serious? I ought to find the ones who did it and show them a blade…” Applejack growled.

“I gave one of them an arrow…” Luna said softly. The two looked at her before Applejack clapped her on the shoulder.

“Good you did, should have done the same to however many more of them there were. I know you’re tough, so if they were swinging hard enough to knock you out they were aiming to kill you.” The girl said. “Now come on in, the table is big and stuffed with food. Help yourself to anything and everything!” She continued, leading the two inside.

Luna had never seen so much good food in her life. Fluttershy had to gently lead her to a seat. Once there, though, she found that the bustling of a massive family wasn’t unpleasant at all. Almost instantly she was assaulted with questions and just random conversation. An older man on the other side of an empty chair next to her piled a hearty amount of food on a plate and plopped it in front of her, saying something about hospitality. She noticed Rarity next to Fluttershy and struck up a conversation with the two.

She was slowly dragged into a ring of them and their other friends. She met Rainbow Dash, a girl who had a secret dye formula to turn her hair into rainbow colors, who was a horse racer. She got to know the three she knew a bit more and was utterly surprised when a Draconian, half person half dragon, boy took a seat next to Rarity.

“Spike? Where’s Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.

“She’ll be here, apparently they found a couple of thieves in an alleyway and she wanted to ask around a bit. One was dead and the other knocked out.” The draconic boy answered. Nearly the entire table looked at Luna. At that moment, though, just as she felt all of the curious eyes on her the door opened again and a girl walked in. They all looked at her instead.

“Why do you all always look at me like that…” The girl mumbled with a smile. She wore an elegant gown of lavender, which matched her beautiful hair. It reminded her of the beautiful ladies her father told her resided in Canterlot.

“That’s Twilight Sparkle, one of our friends. She’s of noble birth, and was even a student of the Princess, but she lives here and is friends with us. It’s so nice of her to disregard her blood and choose us as friends.” Fluttershy said softly into Luna’s ears.

“She’s absolutely stunning…” Luna said.

“Thank you.” The girl in question said with a giggle. Luna didn’t realize the table had quieted down a bit to eat again and the newcomer had taken the empty seat next to her. Luna’s face went red and she glared at her food in embarrassment. The girl laughed and poked her shoulder.

“No need to be bashful. You’re stunning yourself, I rarely see people with hair and eyes so beautiful.” Twilight said.

“Thank you.” Luna replied with a stutter and a smile.

“Now, do any of you know about what happened? I assume Spike told you.” Twilight asked the others.

“Uhm, you might want to ask our new friend here. Luna?” Applejack said. Luna nodded. Twilight gave her a rather curious look and nodded to her.

“Well…” She started and explained what happened. Twilight looked frustrated and concerned at the same time.

“Your first day here and you were almost killed, that’s just lovely… I’m terribly sorry that it was your first experience, I hope you can give the village another chance.” She said, almost pleading.

“It was not my first, my first was Applejack’s kindness and Rarity’s fine company. Afterwards it was Fluttershy’s hospitality and now this. I think all of that outweighs my misfortune, and I thank all of you for that.” Luna said happily, looking around at all of the faces that had stopped to listen to her small tale. That caused a great many nods and laughter and the meal to start back up again.

“So, Luna, is there anything specific you want to do here or are you just passing through?” Twilight asked.

“I noticed your tournament grounds. I had actually spoken to Applejack about it and acquired Rarity’s services to help me along. I don’t yet know how to apply to it, though, and I have been told it starts tomorrow.” Luna answered.

“Oh? It doesn’t start tomorrow, it starts the day after. Tomorrow is the last day open for entrance. There is a fee, or an official crest of nobility may be used to waive the fee. I don’t believe you have an Equestrian crest of nobility, or the Florins to pay for it… If you plan to stay in Equestria for a while I could help you exchange your Franks for Florins.” Twilight explained. Luna thought for a moment.

“Um, I think I have a crest actually… My father told me, before he died, to show it if I needed to.” Luna said, pulling the sleeve of her tunic back to show her shoulder. Twilight quickly took Lunas arm and examined the ink.

“Interesting. I’ve seen this before, but I can’t remember where. The tradition of branding the crest on the person has fallen out of practice, if you’d like I can transcribe it onto the entrance patents you’ll be needing for you. You’ll have to come to my home when we are finished here, though.” Twilight offered.

“Thank you, I see nothing wrong with that.” Luna said, rolling the sleeve back down.

“Speaking of the Tournament Darling, stop by in the morning to fit and finalize your gear. The boutique will be closed but as long as you see the smoke it means I’m open in the back.” Rarity said. Luna nodded to her with a smile.

“What’s the matter?” Twilight asked a few minutes later. Luna had barely moved at all, and was just staring at the table.

“Huh? oh… um… I think I’m a little overwhelmed… I’ve lived my entire life alone with my father, sometimes going into town… I’m not used to such good people, and you treat me as if we’ve been friends for life.” Luna replied softly. She was surprised when Fluttershy and Twilight both squished into her in an embrace.

“You’ve become our friends, and it’s pointless to judge a friendship by its length.” Twilight said.

“Yeah! And besides, anybody who can take a log to the head and wake up kicking is ok in my books.” Dash exclaimed, only a little drunk as she held up a mug of apple mead.

“You shouldn’t be drinking so much, you race tomorrow.” Applejack said, snatching the cup away from the girl and downing it herself. Dash huffed and pouted, earning a laugh from the group.

“Enjoy this while it lasts, lass. If you’re entering the tournament, especially if you’re not from around here, then expect a lot of foul treatment. Most people of noble blood aren’t like the Lady next to you. They’ll treat you like stallion with a broken ankle.” An old lady, Luna remembered someone saying it was Applejack’s grandmother, said. Luna nodded and suddenly remembered something.

“Fluttershy, do you know what happened to my horse?” She asked. Fluttershy gasped and put her hands to her mouth.

“Oh my lord I am so sorry I forgot to tell you, she’s just fine. She’s back at my house, in the stables with the other knights’ and farmers’ horses I look after. She is such a fine horse, when I found you it was because she was making such a racket, she was trying to get help for you. She was sticking her head through the window when you were unconscious.” Fluttershy explained. Luna chuckled and sat back in her chair a bit.

“That horse is just barely in her prime years right now, I raised her from a foal. Brynhildur is her name, even though the name is an old nordic one. Father gave it to her.” Luna said.

“Why nordic? I thought you hail from the Celtic and Germanic lands?” Twilight asked.

“Father told me I have nordic roots that date back to the Celts.” Luna replied.

“Very interesting. If only there was a way to research your history, perhaps something he left behind?” Twilight asked. Luna shook her head, there was nothing like that he left behind.

“Well, Dash has the race tomorrow and I’ve got to get up early tomorrow in the morning as well so we’ll be heading off to bed now. Goodnight everybody, pleasure having you here Luna.” Applejack said, standing up and practically dragging Dash out of her chair. The girl was already half asleep.

“I should actually be going too. Luna, you can have Spike lead you to our home.” Twilight said, standing up as well as the two headed for a set of stairs. She proceeded to walk over to the Draconian, kiss him on the head and leave.

“He is her little brother.” Rarity said, noticing her curious look.

“She found me a long time ago as an egg and raised me.” Spike said, leaning into Rarity, yawning.

“Do you want to spend the night with me love? I could certainly use your help finishing Luna’s armor in the morning.” Rarity asked the boy. He seemed hesitant, looking at Luna.

“I need to return her horse to her anyways, I’ll show her. You go and sleep, Spike.” Fluttershy said, gently rubbing behind one of the spines on his head. He grinned and nodded. Rarity helped him up and out, waving to all of them goodbye.

“My, has it gotten so late?” Luna asked, looking out of the window to see the moon high in the sky. She looked around and found most of the young and old had left already.

“Time flies when you’re with pleasant company.” One of the remaining men said. He had a somber expression on his face. “I used to be a Knight, lass. Watch yourself... there are three things most people don’t take too kindly to in a tournament, that’s a foreigner competing, newcomers and a Knight woman. The only accepted Knight woman is the Princess…” He continued.

“Thank you for the warning, I’ll be sure to prepare myself accordingly.” Luna said, nodding her head in appreciation.

“This is one of the more important Tournaments our village has, the Princess herself will be here to watch… Expect the scum of the scum.” Applejack’s Grandmother, who was called Granny Smith, warned. Luna nodded.

“Let’s go get your horse, you’re looking a bit drowsy and if you’re going to be writing entrance patents then you’ll need to be up for a while.” Fluttershy suggested softly. Luna had noticed her eyes getting heavier, so she nodded and they left with many a farewell to the few who remained to drink their ale.

Luna tied Brynhildur to a hitching post in front of the place Fluttershy showed her. It was a massive tree in the center of town painstakingly carved out to create a library and a home, where Twilight lived and worked. She knocked and Twilight answered.

“Is Spike not with you?” She asked, looking around Luna.

“He went with Rarity, Fluttershy showed me the way.” Luna replied. Twilight nodded and let Luna in.

“I prepared a spare bed for you, assuming you’ve nowhere to stay tonight. It’s next to mine just there, you can put your things there.” She started, pointing to two beds next to each other when they ascended the stairs into the living area. The spare wasn’t nearly as lavish as the other, but Luna wouldn’t dream of complaining.

“I’ll have to ask you to strip your tunic so I can see the marked brand on your shoulder better, and to sit over here next to the lantern.” Twilight continued, sitting at a small table with a chair in front of it. Luna nodded and pulled the wool tunic off once more today and laid it with her things on the spare bed. She sat on the chair and Twilight took out utensils and started carefully recreating the crest.

“So I looked into all of my book on lost or dead family crests and I could only find one thing on yours. It’s legitimate and very ancient, if your Father marked you with it then he must have been from a very old family. There are no records of it in more than a few centuries, at least in the books that I have. I wanted to transcribe it to the patents before knowing this because I trusted you, though if I could find nothing then it would have been for naught.” Twilight explained as she worked.

“I am relieved, then. I am also just as curious as you are to the roots of this crest.” Luna said. Twilight smiled and continued her work for a while. She had just started on the intricate patterns inside of the crescent when Luna remembered something.

“I was told you were a student of the Princess?” Luna asked. Twilight nodded.

“We are very close, not so much since I moved here but we exchange letters by dragonfire whenever we are free. I’m the one who invited her to the tournament, since it’s the anniversary of the village the day it starts.” Twilight replied. Luna nodded. She had no idea what she would think seeing her sister.

“I’m nearly done, once I am you can bathe if you wish.” Twilight said, looking up and examining Luna’s shoulder closely once more. Luna nodded. In five minutes the girl said she was done.

“There we are. There’s a room at the end of a hall with a big hole in the floor made of stone. just pull the rope and let it flow to your heart’s content, it’s connected to an underground hotspring.” Twilight said, pointing down a hallway. Luna nodded and found her way there.

It took a little while for Luna to fall asleep, despite the incredibly comfortable bed. Perhaps it was the fact that she’d never slept in a bed besides her own, or one she’d set up or paid for, let alone in the same room as somebody. She couldn’t get the entire day out of her mind, though. Her head was still a little sore, but take the good with the bad she thought. It was one of the better days she’s ever had regardless.

She fell asleep with a smile.

Author's Note

extra long chapter here, nearly 10 pages.
Feedback is always nice, criticism with explanations suggestions yadda yadda
still not sure whether to go down a darker path with this, jousting and tournaments aren't always the glorified things they are in the movies.
fun fact, listening to Faun while I write. epic ass band
*EDIT amended the bit about her scar, it was never supposed to leave her eye usable.

Chapter 3

(A/N amended a slipup in the previous chapter, Luna can’t see out of her scarred eye, at least nothing more than a blur.)

Luna had always been an early riser, but she was surprised when she was awoken by the sound of faint bustling and a peculiarly delicious smell. She dressed back into her trousers and tunic, which to her surprised were clean, and made her way downstairs again. She found Twilight sitting at a table, one hand holding a book that her eyes were raking and the other picking strips of crispy bacon and eggs.

“The breakfast and the bed are of my hospitality, but the completion of your entrance patents will require a bit of pay. If it was up to me I wouldn’t charge you a penny, but I cannot legally write legal documents for you free of charge.” She said, pointing her fork at a second plate across from her. She seemed rather focused on her book.

“Of course, I would have offered to pay anyways.” Luna said, sitting at the table. She saw the cover of the book Twilight was reading. It was in symbols she couldn’t understand.

“What are you researching now?” She asked, sampling the food. It was delicious and she ate heartily, she wasn’t one to refuse good food.

“More of your heritage. The patterns in the crescent of your crest aren’t just patterns, they’re symbols in an ancient alphabet. I remembered seeing them in this book, but it appears they are only referenced. I’ll have to comb Canterlot’s library next time I am there.” Twilight replied, setting it down and giving her food more attention.

“I see. You don’t have to research my heritage, I am content knowing what little I do.” Luna said. Twilight looked at her and giggled.

“While I would do so if you asked, I am not researching it for you. I am intrigued by what I do not know, and it’s rare I get to find something that my personal library here has almost nothing on.” She said. Luna smiled and nodded. They quickly finished their meal and Twilight went back upstairs, only to return moments later with a leather-bound roll of parchment.

“These are your patents. I believe you know where the tournament grounds are, remember to pick up your gear from Rarity. I have some business to attend to.” Twilight said, handing her the document.

“What about pay?” Luna asked.

“That is actually part of the business I am attending to. After you get your things from Rarity tell her to find me for her pay, I’ve taken the liberty of retrieving half of your Franks to exchange for Florins at the treasury. Come with her and I’ll give you what is yours, or it can wait until we next see one another.” Twilight explained. Luna nodded and they walked out of the door. She mounted a horse of her own, raised a hand in farewell and rode off.

Luna made her way to the Boutique and noted the smoke in the back. She hitched her horse and walked around, hearing the sound of light hammering. She stepped through the wooden doorway and saw Rarity at work. She was hammering away, finishing the shaping of the helmet, while Spike and Belle were polishing the set. It was an obsidian-shaded metal, which interested her greatly.

“Oh hello Darling. I hope this visor isn’t a bit too much, Fluttershy told me of your enchantment, tournament grounds have seers watching that will disqualify you if there is an enchantment sensed.” Rarity said, handing the helmet off to Spike and Belle. Luna looked at it and was intrigued by the design.

It was an elegantly simple design, no flashy patterns or anything like that. The visor, which was of an angled design, slid upward to reveal the face. When it was closed there were a few slits along it to help the wearer breathe. The eye slits weren’t rectangular like most of that design, instead they were pointed at the sides. Something strange about it, though, was that there was only an eye slit on the right side.

“Don’t worry Darling, she only told me about it because I was making your armor. They should be done finishing it up by now, go ahead and try it on.” Rarity said. Belle and Spike motioned for her to come to them, so she walked over and cautiously let them help her into the things. The fingers came to ridged points at the tips and knuckles, the boots were rounded off though. The knees and elbows came to ridged points as well. The entire thing was light and was one of the least restricting Luna had ever seen.

“It’ll hold up rather well, I should think. Don’t go getting crushed under a crumbling building or getting stomped on by a war horse or anything, but it’ll bounce a sword and push back a lance.” Rarity said. Luna nodded and put the helmet on over the arming cap, made of black leather, and closed the visor. Visibility wasn’t amazing, but it was good enough. Only one word came to mind when she thought of the set as a whole. Elegantly Wicked. She loved it.

“Thank you, it’s perfect. I would pay you now, but Twilight said that she is exchanging half of my Franks to Florins at the treasury and for us to find her there.” Luna said. Rarity sighed with relief, pulled her gloves off, wiped her face and stretched.

“Well that’s good. Spike, Belle, clean up for me and I’ll bring back breakfast.” Rarity said, looking at the two. They gave an affirmative and started clearing away the tools they were using. “Right, we’ll be off then. I’ll meet you up front, my horse is further in the back.” She continued. Luna nodded and they walked out. She turned towards the front and Rarity continued towards a small wooden structure.

Rarity rode up next to Luna in front of the Boutique riding a beautiful mare. They nodded to each other and Rarity led the way. They passed the tournament grounds on the way and they noticed that a tiny line had appeared.

“Darling you had better get in line there before it gets long. I’ll return with your coin if you’d like.” Rarity said as they stopped.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll run into her eventually. Take care.” Luna said, putting a hand up in farewell and turning towards the listing station.

“Wait, Darling. You say it like we won’t see each other for a while. You’ll have to stop by the Boutique later today so we can get you something other than a tunic, not to mention you’ll be needing a nice gown for the banquet at the end of the Tournament.” Rarity said.

“Banquet?... Well, I do grow bored of this thing…” Luna said, looking down at her worn tunic with a chuckle.

“Now you can’t expect a clothier to sit idle when she has your measurements and you’re in need of new clothes now can you? I’ve already got a few things designed for you Darling.” Rarity said, continuing on her way. Luna laughed and shook her head.

“I was raised by a Knight you know, nothing too flashy!” She called. Rarity raised a hand in acknowledgement and Luna turned back toward the lists. She still couldn’t understand why the people in this village were so good to her, but she wasn’t going to complain.

That outlook changed when she reached the line.

“What’s this then? Has someone lost their wife?” The knight in front of her said, earning a bout of laughter from the few down the line. Luna just ignored him.

“Come on then, you shouldn’t be covering up a lady’s body with steel, only silk or nothing at all!” Another said, earning a stronger bout of laughter. Luna was starting to get a little aggravated, but just ignored them. She noticed a robed figure next to the group of men in charge of listing Knights and remembered what Rarity said about enchantments. That figure was a seer. She took the opportunity to try and shut these knights up.

“Hey hey, come on, maybe she just wants to catch… our… eye…” One started, but trailed off as Luna let the enchantment fall.

“Good lord, what the hell?” One of them said. Luna just ignored them and moved up the line. She dismounted and, since the other knights were too busy staring at her, moved up to the station.

“Patents and Fee.” The man said, not even giving her a second look. She held out the document she got from Twilight and he took it.

“Is this crest valid?” He asked.

“Transcribed and appraised by Twilight Sparkle.” Luna replied. The man looked down at it again and noticed Twilight had signed the bottom of it.

“Very well. Which events will you be participating it?” He asked.

“The Sword, Bow and Lance.” She replied. He nodded and wrote a few things down.

“Very well then. Be on your way then Sir… uh… Luna Rose.” He said. Luna couldn’t help but smile at his flub.

“You may call me Sir Rose (row-suh).” Luna said. He inclined his head and she turned and walked a few steps.

“Not often we get foreign knights in our tournaments, let alone Ladies. You have my Respect, Sir Rose.” She heard. She looked over and was surprised to see a strangely familiar face. Twilight was standing next to a woman who looked nearly her own twin. She had a more delicate complexion, though, and her hair was of multiple colors. Her attire could only be described as royal, though.

“Luna, this is Princess Celestia. Our ruler, and my teacher.” Twilight said.

“A friend of yours? Oh now I must get to know you.” The Princess said happily, clapping her hands together. Luna’s mouth twitched in a smile.

“If you are ruler then why are you not called Queen, if I may ask, your highness?” Luna asked, putting a hand over her chest and bowing.

“Oh I hate it when people call me that. And a Queen needs a King. I’d rather not.” Celestia replied with a giggle. Luna nodded her head.

“Here you are, I’ve subtracted Rarity’s and my own pay from it but you still have a decent amount.” Twilight said, handing over a bag of coins. Luna nodded in thanks and put the pouch with her coinpurse.

“A peculiar choice of armor, Twilight tells me it was custom made by the local smith.” Celestia said walking up and examining her armor closely. “And also your eye, I can only imagine you are tougher than you look.” She continued.

“Aye, thank you.” Luna said, not sure how to react to the situation.

“Ah, I see I’m making you a little uncomfortable. I will take my leave then, you have preparing to do. I see a sword and a bow, but no lances. You may wish to rectify that so you are not empty handed in the joust.” Celestia said with a smile. Luna nearly facepalmed, but resisted the urge. Celestia giggled and turned. Twilight waved to her and left with her Princess. Luna exhaled heavily and decided to go see Rarity.

“Oh perfect timing Darling, I just finished the last of the designs. I know you don’t want flashy but I couldn’t help myself so I thought up a whole bunch of them for you to look at.” Rarity called when Luna entered the boutique. Luna smiled, though she had a feeling this was going to be a bit painful.

It took nearly an hour for Luna to look at and give her opinion on all of the designs, and it exhausted her. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been exhausted by looking at things like that. She had finally decided on a compromise between an elegant dress and a simple gown and she was able to bring up the topic that brought her here.

“So Rarity, do you make lances?” She asked as the clothier gathered up rolls of fabric.

“Oh finally, I’ve been waiting for you to ask about lances since we agreed on the armor. Spike and Belle are working on them in the back.” Rarity said, motioning to the curtained doorway with her head. Luna nodded and went to the smithing room. She found the draconian and the girl painting long shafts of black wood.

“I can’t say I’ve ever seen a black wood lance before…” Luna said. Spike looked up and grinned.

“The Everfree is a dangerous place for people, but not for me. I can bring in this stuff by the cartload in an hour. Besides, it matches your armor. Do you like the paint?” He said, pointing at large racks of finished lances. They looked like standard lances, but black. They had what looked like individual stars painted on them and a swirling mist of blue. The tips were blunted, and there was a design carved into the end. It was a crescent moon, which had white paint over it so it could be seen.

“So much work just to make something made to be shattered…” Luna said to herself.

“We like the work. And if you really don’t want to destroy them you could always just win every single joust with a single lance.” Spike said, earning a giggle from Belle.

“I suppose you are right.” Luna agreed with a laugh. She watched them work for a little while before she remembered something as she watched Spike.

“By the way, Spike… At dinner I remember Rarity calling you ‘love’. Assuming it’s not just something she calls you, aren’t you a bit young for a lady like her?” Luna asked, leaning against a post. Spike finished the part of the lance he was working on and blew on it, his mouth glowing green ever so slightly. The heated breath dried the paint instantly.

“Dragons can sleep in the shell for many years, once they are able to hatch they start learning and maturing their minds in the shell. Draconians aren’t much different, I’m older than granny smith all things considered.” The draconic boy said, looking up at her with a grin.

“Damned be the day you act like it.” Belle said. Luna chuckled and Spiked poked at her with a talon, glaring at her, but he smiled afterwards and stood up.

“The armor suits you, by the way. I noticed that your blade isn’t just a standard one, though…” He started, wiping dried paint from his talons with a wet rag. Luna smiled and pulled the thing in question from its sheath. It had no special inscriptions of patterns, yet it was unique in its own way. It could only be seen, not described.

“My father had it made for me when I was of age. Hand and a half sword made with folding the steel and implemented the expertise of four different master blacksmiths. He knew many people.” Luna explained, turning the blade over and holding the hilt out to him.

“Magnificent craftsmanship, I can definitely see many styles conflicting harmoniously. Dragons have a vast knowledge and love for things that are of the ground, like gems and metal. I have a particular fascination with blades.” Spike said, swinging it around a bit and feeling it around. He handed it back to her and she returned it to its sheath.

“It’s one of the few material things my father left to me.” Luna said.

“I wish I had a father like yours. I don’t really remember my parents, Rarity knows more about them but she doesn’t like to talk about it.” Belle said softly. Luna looked to her and gave her a somber smile.

“Believe me, It’s really not all that bad. I never knew my mother or birth father.” She said, putting a hand on the girl’s shoulder. Belle smiled up at her.

“Don’t worry, I came to terms with it already. It just makes me a little sad when people speak of how good their parents are…” Belle said. Spike rustled her hair and put a talon under her chin.

“Hey, you’ve got me and your big sister here. We should probably get back to work if we’re going to supply Luna for the tournament now, right?” He said. She giggled and nodded. “It’s fine, Luna. Tell Rarity we’ll be done soon.” Spike said, the two of them taking clean lances and their brushes once more. Luna nodded and turned back towards the Boutique.

Luna ran into Twilight and Celestia again a while after the sun had set. They had decided to have a late dinner and had coincidentally decided on the same place.

“Hm, this is a bit of a problem.” Twilight said halfway through their meal.

“Oh? What is?” Celestia asked.

“Well, I hadn’t thought of it but I have Luna on the spare bed since she hasn’t anywhere else to stay. You normally stay with me when you visit, and I have a feeling it would be quite odd if the two of you shared a bed.” Twilight answered.

“It’s quite alright, I can sleep on one of the library’s cushions.” Luna said.

“Oh nonsense, I may be the Princess but I’m not above sharing a bed to accomodate a friend in need.” Celestia said.

“Well that’s nonsense, it’s improper to a Princess to need to share a bed. I’d rather not have you on the cushions, though, Luna. I suppose my bed was made for two, you can share mine tonight.” Twilight said. She seemed to just shrug the idea off like it was nothing, perhaps it wasn’t the first time she had slept in the same bed with a friend. It was something Luna had never done, though, and she didn’t know why but the thought embarrassed her more than it should have.

“W-Well I…” Luna started.

“Oh you’re going to make me jealous, Luna.” Celestia said with a giggle. “You get to have a snuggle buddy tonight.” She continued, giggling like a child. Luna couldn’t help but blush at the thought and stare intently at her half-eaten meal.

“Oh stop it Princess, you’re embarrassing her. It’s fine, Luna. It’s not much different than sleeping in the same room as somebody, the bed is big enough to where it is not crowded.” Twilight said. Luna just nodded and tried to get her embarrassment under control.

“Well now that that’s all taken care of, I have to ask you Luna; why are you hiding that scar of yours again? Surely you are not ashamed of it?” Celestia asked after a moment of silence, clapping her hands together. Luna looked up at her and half-smiled.

“Well even on a man a scar like it scares people. When a woman bears it, though, it draws so much attention. The jagged outline makes it look like the flesh was torn from my face, though I don’t know how I received it. My father said it happened just after I was born.” She explained.

“I do admit it was a little unsettling the first time I saw you, I hadn’t noticed you were hiding it until I saw you sleeping.” Twilight said, taking a drink of her wine. Luna gave her a questioning look.

“Hm? Oh, um, I’m no Seer but I can see through enchantments like that with much ease. It’s become second nature to me, actually.” Twilight explained.

“This one, can’t hide anything from her. Not in that way at least. There’s a reason I chose her as my student.” Celestia said with a laugh. Twilight grinned at her teacher and they finished their meal.

They returned to Twilight’s home to find Spike asleep in what looked like a woven nest of cushions and blankets in the main room. Apparently it was his prefered method of sleep. They chatted for a little bit in Twilight’s chambers before they retired. It took a while for Luna to get over the awkwardness she was feeling sharing a bed with another.

She didn’t know why, she had shared a bed with her father many times when they stayed outside of their home, it never felt like this. She found herself staring at the back of Twilight, she hadn’t even noticed for a while. She looked around to the spare bed to find Celestia fast asleep. She looked back at Twilight, who was now facing her in her slumber. She smiled and watched her for a little more before finally falling asleep as well.

She had a strange dream that night, one she couldn’t make sense of. She saw the splintered pieces of a black wood lance painted with a brilliant night sky lying strewn about in front of her, the roar of a crowd cheering and an overwhelming sense of happiness and satisfaction.

It was a big day tomorrow, she would soon find out.

Author's Note

as stated above chapter 2 had a tiny part changed a bit.
feedback is always appreciated, but for future reference please don't write me a book.
I felt that this chapter was a bit jumpy towards the end but I started it in the day and finished it sometimes past midnight so it wasn't a continuous train of thought.
I tell you guys what, I'm really enjoying writing this and I haven't even gotten to the tournaments yet.

Chapter 5

Luna found Dash missing when she returned to the lists, but she noticed a multicolored stream of hair flowing in the distance. Horse races just outside of the tournament grounds, Dash was in front. She smiled as she lowered her visor. Her opponent was a knight by the name of Sir Steel, he hadn’t stopped to boast at her and his eyes were focused as they waited for the flag to drop. Luna took her Lance from Applejack and readied herself.

“This one will be tough.” AJ said. Luna nodded and watched her opponent. The flag dropped and they reached the fence at around the same time.

The sound of wood shattering on metal, the jarring of her arm and the pain in her chest nearly unseating her. He hit a hell of a lot harder than Blueblood, and he stayed on his horse.

“Tie game to one lance!” The announcer called as white flags were put into their places on either side of the stands.

“Damn, I think I’d be dead if this armor was any weaker.” Luna wheezed, handing her shattered lance off for a fresh one.

“There’s no way he’s going to miss you, but his helmet is flat and his visor thick. Aim for the head lest it come to a draw.” Rarity said, walking over and inspecting the impact point. Luna caught her breath and nodded, turning back towards her opponent and waiting for the flag to drop.

“He’s aiming for your left side, he won’t miss but if you twist your body right you can make his lance bounce without breaking. It’ll be difficult since you can’t exactly see much of it, but that’s probably what he’s counting on.” Spike said, petting Brynhildur. Luna nodded again and the flag dropped.

The sound of two lances shattering and the pain returned, this time enhanced by the previous blow’s pain. They had struck each other dead in the center again to the same effect.

“Two lances even!” The announcer called and they were ready again.

“It would appear he’s content to draw.” Rarity said, tossing a lance to Applejack from the cart to be handed off to Luna.

“Then I’ll have to strike his head, he’s not hitting the ground.” Luna said, calming her breathing and accepting the lance. The flag dropped and she concentrated hard. He was aiming for her left side yet again, and she aimed for the dead center of his chest. Right before they reached each other though, she twisted her body and thrust forward with the lance. She was jarred by his lanced hitting her side but it glanced off the sloped metal and she had adjusted her aim to his head.

The moon at the tip left a slight indent on the visor of his helmet, the lance shattering against it. The crowd cheered wildly and he recovered as she came around. He put his hand up, signaling he wished to speak, as they passed the fence.

“Sir Rose, I am impressed.” He said, spitting blood as he reached her. Apparently his lip had cracked open on a tooth due to the impact. “An interesting choice in helmet, I assume you are blind in one eye?” He asked.

“Aye.” Luna answered, lifting her visor up. He seemed surprised at the scar, but bowed his head in respect.

“Well you beat me even though I was attempting to play your handicap, for that you have my respect. Shall we meet again I hope it is not on the other side of your lance once more.” He said, putting a fist to his chest and bowing. Luna did the same in response and they returned to their respective places.

“Good show Luna, a good sport is always an even better friend.” Applejack said, helping Luna off Brynhildur. Luna pulled her helmet off, arming cap and all, and tossed it to Pinkie, who was already happily bouncing ahead of her to the sword ring. Applejack stayed to watch the competition again while Rarity trailed behind her with her sword. Dash rode up on Tank with a first place prize when they reached the sword ring and Luna donned her helmet again. She pulled her blade from the scabbard Rarity held and the match started with Pinkie finishing.

“Sir Rose is the winner with ten blows to seven!” The announcer called a few minutes later. Without much time to bask in the crowd’s cheering, Luna rushed to the Archery range. She managed to get her breastplate and pauldrons off, but she was stuck with the leggings and gauntlets to take her turn.

Her and the nine other knights, each with a narrow strip of different colored paint on the shaft, took aim and fired a volley and the four who hit the center stayed while the rest were disqualified.

“Sir Rose, Sir Hunter, Sir Arrow and Sir Henry remain, take your shots!” The announcer called. They fired in the opposite order in which they were called. Henry missed the center, cursing the wind. Arrow hit the border of the center. Hunter almost dead center and Luna as well. Henry and Arrow left and Luna nad Hunter took another shot. Again they hit in nearly the same spot. Again they were given another shot to the same outcome.

“Oh come on, this is just going to come out a draw or it’ll never end.” Luna groaned, loosening the gauntlet over her firing hand. The announcer called to shoot, though she was still taking the armor off. Sir Hunter drew his bow back, but refrained from firing. As Luna drew her string back she nodded to him in thanks and he nodded back. They both let their arrows loose at the same time and Luna’s hit dead center.

“Winner, Sir Rose!” The announcer called. Hunter raised his bow to her and she raised hers back as their runners collected the arrows. The next two matches went similarly, Luna as the winner. The matches weren’t necessarily close, but at the same time Luna wasn’t winning by miles.

At that point the day became a blur of pain, relief, satisfaction and everything inbetween. She eventually came second with the bow, her arms too sore from the joust and the sword to aim properly. She won the final match of the sword ten blows to ten, the last blow was at the same time as her opponent’s but her blow struck his head while his her shoulder and therefore she was called the winner. Her final joust was won by two consecutive broken lances to the head, knocking the knight unconscious. He stayed on his horse but, including Blueblood, she had unseated four throughout the day. She had lost two jousts by only a lance or two, but either way she didn’t even know if she would keep conscious long enough to attend banquet with how exhausted she was.

“Winner of the Sword, Sir Rose! Winner of the Joust and Tournament Champion, Sir Rose! I present your Champion!” The announcer called off the winners of the different event.

“I feel sour about my victory, you weren’t anywhere near able to properly fire a bow.” The winner of the Bow, a woman by the name of Spitfire, said when they received their prizes of gold ornaments or statues.

“Awesome job Luna, but I have to admit I was rooting for this one.” Dash said, walking up to Luna and putting a hand on Spitfire’s shoulder. Luna raised an eyebrow.

“We’re sisters.” Spitfire said, hugging Dash. “And I had no idea you became a Runner, let alone for a knight like this.” She continued.

“Hey she’s pretty awesome.” Dash said.

“Were you not watching us? She made second place.” Spitfire said, pointing a thumb back at the range.

“I know, I was just saying.” Dash said, putting her hands up. “I just didn’t know what you meant when you said ‘knight like this’” she continued.

“Well you’re incredibly loyal to your friends and your home, I wasn’t expecting you to work with a foreign born knight.” Spitfire said.

“My blood is from Equestria, and my father told me that I was indeed born here…” Luna said softly. Spitfire adopted a curious expression.

“Well that’s interesting.” She said with a smirk, putting a hand to her chin.

“Well done Darling, tournament champion and winner of the sword, not many knights could accomplish just one, let alone the both of them.” Rarity said, coming up with the cart.

“Twilight said she’ll see you at Banquet, assumed you’d be going to Rarity’s to get ready.” Spike said. Luna looked at him and them Rarity.

“Well of course you’re coming to me to get ready, you have to look absolutely stunning and I absolutely must make it happen.” The clothier exclaimed.

“We’ve already got your armor put away, for the most part at least.” Belle said, who was in the process of wrapping the gauntlets in cloth to put them in their bag.

“Actually, if you wouldn’t mind, I do like wearing those gauntlets. They’re not half bad looking either.” Luna said. Belle shrugged and tossed them to her. Rarity had a look that said she was in deep thought.

“I can make that work, I can make that work rather nicely. You can use my place to bathe and then we’ll get you all nice and fancied up.” Rarity said, practically launching onto her horse. Luna quickly followed and they were off.

“Um… what are we going to do?” Belle asked.

“Wanna earn a bit of silver? Applebloom is always asking for help and Granny’d give you some coin for it.” Applejack suggested.

“I’ve gotta get back to Twilight and help her get ready.” Spike said, hopping off of the cart.

“I guess I’ll go with you then Applejack.” Belle shrugged. The farmer grinned and hopped back into the cart, Winona already walking towards the farm.

Luna had to say, Rarity was even better with clothing than she was with armor. It was a simple black gown, yet at the same time it was elegantly wicked. A familiar description, she thought. The hem came to an end just in the middle of her shins, the edges with expertly placed holes and slits to give it a sinister look. It came to something of a turtle neck, though not quite. It fit closely to her body, a like like some of the formal oriental wear Luna had seen once or twice.

The sleeves went all the way to her wrists, though her hands and forearms were covered by the gauntlets. Rarity had done her hair up in a simple and slightly rugged tail, but it completed the look marvelously.

“Well Darling, night has fallen and you best not be late. I’d join you but I’ve a date with a particularly scaley individual. Good luck, and just a heads up: Twilight loves to learn. Anything she doesn’t know makes excellent conversation.” Rarity said, practically pushing Luna out of the door.

“W-Wait, you don’t expect me not to pay you for all this…” Luna said, turning around and holding the door open. Rarity just laughed and put her hands on her hips.

“Trust me, this was as much a pleasure to make as it is for you to wear. And anyways, you’re a good friend of mine now even though we’ve just met. I give discounts to friends, and that armor was a lot. Let’s call it covered.” She said. Luna smiled and hugged the girl.

“Thank you, really.” Luna said. Rarity made a shooing motion and Luna nodded. The Clotheir closed the door and Luna mounted Brynhildur.

A few minutes’ ride saw her to the massive pavillion in the middle of the town that was where the banquet was held. She refused the servant that offered to take her horse and hitched her herself, adjusting her gauntlets to be more comfortable.

“Ah, Sir Rose, glad to see you could make it.” The mayor of the village said, shaking her hand. She was a bit wary of the armor but smiled anyways. Luna inclined her head and moved on, eyeing the massive table practically overflowing with good food. She saw Celestia at the end of it speaking to Twilight and made her way over there.

“-research and… Oh hello there Sir Rose, you look magnificent.” Celestia said, Luna catching a bit of their conversation. Twilight was standing by the time she finished with the name.

“Wow, you really do. Rarity’s outdone herself with you, I like those.” Twilight said, poking a gauntlet. Luna grinned and Twilight offered the seat next to hers. Luna sat down and Celestia refrained from continuing their conversation.

“I caught the end of that, what was it you were researching?” Luna asked curiously, loosening her gauntlets and pulling them off to eat. She set them on the floor between her feet and folded her hands on her lap.

“One researches many things, Sir Rose.” Celestia said with a smile. Luna was suddenly filled with a suspicion that it had something to do with her, but she chose to trust that there was nothing sinister behind it.

“Indeed, Princess. If it isn’t too much to ask, though, I answer to Luna just as well as Sir Rose.” She said. Celestia laughed lightly and grinned at her.

“Well, Luna, if you wish to be called by your name then I wish to be called by mine. At least when it’s just pleasant company like this, nothing official.” She retorted. Luna nodded with a smile and looked at the Mayor made a speech and the feast started. One thing became apparent, though. The apple mead flowed like water at the table.

“So, Luna, tell me. Where did you learn to do so well in the tournament?” Celestia asked partly through.

“Well, My father taught me the basics of the lance, bow and sword. He taught me more on the lance and I learned the other two myself. Living on a farm on a border, one needs to know how to defend oneself.” Luna replied.

“Bandits?” Twilight asked. Luna nodded.

“Bandits, Brigands, Mercenaries, Thieves, the whole lot. They started leaving us alone after a while when most of them never went back to where they came from… I honed my archery skills on… moving targets.” She explained.

“No wonder you dealt with those muggers so easily.” Celestia said. Luna nodded.

“Well, what about your home life? You always speak highly of your father.” Twilight asked.

“Aye, he was a good man. I was not his by birth, but he treated me like so. Even when I thought he was wrong and tried to defy him, he made sure I figured it out on my own. I learned the hard way how life works, but even when I would turn my back on him he would be there for me when it came to stab me in the back.” Luna said, a mixture of sadness and happy memories in her tone.

“Sounds a lot like somebody I know.” Twilight said, bumping Celestia with her elbow. Celestia giggled and took a sip of her mead. Luna smiled as well. Her smile turned to surprise as Twilight laid her head on her shoulder, leaning into her.

“Nothing like good food and even better drink to weigh down one’s mind.” The scholar said with a giggle. Luna smiled and put an arm around her. She had had a sight more than Twilight, but she was raised on a farm. It would take more than that to inebriate her.

“Not to mention good company.” Luna added. Twilight gave a tired giggle and snuggled into Luna’s shoulder.

“My, it seems you’ll be carrying her home if she has any more to drink.” Celestia said, winking. Luna giggled and looked to see Twilight tiredly looking back. Luna winked to her, earning a half-giggle, and turned to Celestia.

“So, would you be willing to tell me about what you were researching?” Luna asked the Princess. Celestia smiled and finished her cup.

“Sorry for being so secretive but I was afraid you’d take it the wrong way. I too recognize you family crest and I was telling Twilight that I would look into it.” She explained.

“Ah, I would be grateful then.” Luna said. Celestia smiled and stretched out a bit.

“Well, it seems the only ones left here are the ones who drank too much or those who haven’t had enough to drink. I’ll be taking my leave then.” She said.

“Of course, I think I’ll stay a while more. I fall into the latter you described.” Luna said, raising the half-empty pitcher and pouring herself another cup.

“Don’t come home too late then, I’m a bit of a banshee if woken up after a night of drink.” Celestia warned. Luna laughed and raised her cup.

“You’re comfy.” Twilight mumbled into her shoulder. Luna smiled and looked down at her.

“Apparently so, try not to fall asleep though. We’ll go back when I’m properly drunk and Brynhildur is a tall horse, hoisting you up onto her would be a bit difficult.” Luna said softly. She received a hum of acknowledgement in return. Luna had a feeling it wasn’t going to be much of a choice.

It was easier than she thought to get home with a sleeping Twilight, though the girl woke back up as Luna carried her off Brynhildur.

“Wow… you’re so strong.” Twilight said with a giggle, stretching out her o’s. Luna grinned down at her.

“Yeah, well you’re so light.” She retorted. They both giggled as Luna carried her into the house. They found Celestia reading in the spare bed, looking up as Luna plopped Twilight and herself down onto the main bed.

“Perfect timing, I was just about to call it a night.” Celestia said tiredly. Twilight giggled and pulled off her gown, leaving her down to her undergarments. Luna did the same, carefully placing her gauntlets on a table and the three of them settled down to sleep. Luna was about to drift off to sleep when she felt a poke on her back. She turned around to find a grinning twilight.

“Hey, come here!” She whispered. Luna grinned back and scooted over to her. “You’re comfy.” She continued, grabbing Luna and snuggling into her chest. Luna laughed softly and snuggled back. They looked at each other and started giggling. Luna didn’t remember starting it, only that they were kissing. One thing was for sure, though… it wasn’t just a peck on the lips.

Author's Note

hey look, twiluna
who didn't see that coming?

Chapter 6

Luna woke up rather comfortably. She had a headache, but she had a feeling it wasn’t nearly as bad as it could have been. She became acutely aware that she was entangled with another person. She opened her eyes to find Twilight snuggled into her. She smiled and thought back to last night. She remembered coming home, both of them drunk, and getting back into the house. After that it was hazy.

“About time you woke up. I was worried you suffocated each other.” Celestia’s voice came. Luna looked over to find the woman watching her. Luna looked down and found the state of her attire, then at Twilight, and looked back.

“Don’t worry, you didn’t. Just sucked on each other’s faces for a while. Though I imagine if you were a bit more drunk it might have gone that far. And if I was a bit more drunk I may have joined in.” Celestia said, winking. Luna raised an eyebrow and laughed.

“Come on then, get dressed and let’s make her breakfast. She’s normally up early but after a night of drink she sleeps very late.” Celestia suggested. Luna nodded and tried to get up, but found the sleeping girl’s arms still wrapped around her.

“On second thought I think I can handle it.” Celestia said with a laugh. Luna gave her a sheepish grin and nodded. “Besides, now that I think of it, might as well treat the tournament champion.” Celestia continued. She proceeded to stretch, get up and go downstairs. Luna just looked back down at Twilight and smiled, enjoying the embrace.

It was about ten minutes, when Luna had nearly fallen back to sleep, when Twilight started to stir. She opened her eyes slowly, yawned, looked at Luna, smiled and pulled her closer.

“Morning…” She said tiredly.

“Morning back.” Luna replied with a giggle. They locked gazes for a few moments before Twilight grinned.

“Do you remember what happened last night?” She asked, leaning forward centimeters from Luna’s face.

“Not really, but Celestia filled me in.” Luna replied with a grin, closing the cap and kissing Twilight. It quickly turned into a whole session, they hadn’t even noticed Celestia trying to hold in giggles at the doorway. It wasn’t until the Princess unceremoniously plopped down next to them and held out two plates with one hand.

“Come on then, you’re making me feel left out. I hope you like bacon and cinnamon toast.” She said. The two had nearly flown apart when Celestia sat down and they laughed awkwardly as they accepted their plates.

“Being served breakfast in bed by the Princess. I’ve a feeling not a single soul would believe me if I told them.” Luna said as she ate, laughing.

“Quite a few actually. I’m not here on formal business so I’m not going to act formal or even like a Princess. Twilight feeds me when I visit so I return the favor, and you’re the champion. Plus I imagine you’d do the same.” Celestia explained.

“She once helped AJ and her family make enough apple focused food to feed the entire town, and then helped them sell it in Canterlot.” Twilight said.

“Well hello miss fancy pants.” Luna said with a grin. The other two laughed and they finished eating. Twilight finished first and proceeded into the bathroom to bathe. Luna and Celestia finished shortly after and they piled the dishes on the nightstand.

“Well, Sir Rose, I’m impressed. Twilight never gets this close to people so quickly. You have to know that she really cares about you. I have to ask, what do you plan to do about it?” Celestia asked, getting rather serious. Luna looked towards the bathroom and smiled.

“I plan to let things run their course. I’m new to this whole social interaction thing, let alone relationships… I’m afraid that’s all I can say without worry of becoming a liar in the end.” She answered. Celestia smiled and nodded.

“Good answer. That girl is like a little sister to me, a daughter almost. I’ve had more than enough experience with knights trying to take her hand, or rather something other than her hand. I trust you, Luna, and I have no idea why but I know I can. My instincts tend to be spot on. They say there’s a first time for everything, let’s not have it be for this.” Celestia said. Luna nodded slowly. The mood then shifted back to the previous lighthearted rather than serious.

“Why do you know you can trust me? I mean I’ll definitely do all that I can to maintain that trust, but I’m curious.” Luna asked. Celestia put a finger to her chin in thought.

“I can’t quite put my finger on it, I’ve no idea… I just… I don’t know, feel unusually close to you. Almost like your presence is familiar. I imagine Twilight feels similarly, lest she wouldn’t have even brought up banquet.” She answered.

“I see. I’m glad that I have such a positive effect then, I’m certainly not complaining.” Luna said. Celestia laughed at that. Twilight finished her bath and took the dirty dishes downstairs. Celestia said she didn’t need to bathe so Luna did. When she finished and joined the other two downstairs she found them talking quietly, Luna had a feeling it had somewhat to do with her.

“Well I should be off then. Write to you tonight, Twilight. And Luna, if you are ever in Canterlot I should hope to have you as company.” Celestia said, ready to leave. Luna nodded and Celestia kissed Twilight on the forehead before winking at Luna and leaving the place. Twilight stretched and got up from the chair she was sitting in and walked over to Luna at the doorway.

“Well I’m afraid it’s going to get rather boring around here for you, I am a scholar after all. Scholar’s work isn’t exactly as exciting as a Knight’s.” Twilight said, putting her hands on her hips and smiling at Luna.

“Well I plan on visiting our friends a little bit and exploring the village some more, but for now I think I can handle a little uneventfulness.” Luna said. Twilight giggled and pulled her into an embrace.

“You know, I always thought a Knight would finally catch my eye. I would never have thought that the Knight of my fancy would be anything like you.” Twilight said. Luna returned the embrace and looked at Twilight.

“I’ll take that as a complement.” She said with a laugh. Twilight nodded and turned towards the desk at the side of the room. “So what exactly are you working on?” Luna continued. She walked over and saw a bunch of words and numbers on a long scroll of parchment combined with symbols.

“I’m the lead authority when it comes to glyphs and enchantments. Glyphs are remnants of an old and lost practice of magic. Enchantments are a type of magic that is very limited and only the most proficient in their use can even think of surpassing that limit. Speaking of that, where’d you learn the one you use?” Twilight asked.

“Well my father taught it me when I was old enough to do so.” Luna replied. Twilight put a finger to her chin in thought.

“And you said he was an old Equestrian Knight? Interesting… Did he ever mention where he learned it?” Twilight continued questioning.

“He always said ‘you’ll find out someday’ and left it at that. He never really talked much about Equestria, at least nothing like that. I always heard old stories from him but that was about it.” Luna explained.

“Do you know if they were more than just stories?” Twilight continued.

“He never believed in telling false stories, all of them were his adventures and battles he fought. The last he told me of was the great battle of Discord, where the Queen and her army fought off the chaos loving Discordian Order and wiped them out. He was a general, the Queen’s best he said.” Luna answered. Twilight’s expression turned from interest to something Luna had never seen before. It seemed like she had a lust for knowledge, and she just found a jackpot.

“The Queen’s.. in the… hang on I have to get something!” Twilight exclaimed and shot off towards the shelves. In moments she returned with a massive tome and opened it, flipping through the pages.

“Battle of Discord- The Queen and her generals. Do you recognize any of these, it was rendered by the best artist in the country.” Twilight asked, pointing to a picture on the page. Luna looked closely. The Queen looked remarkably like Celestia, though with flaming red hair instead of the celestial hue of colors. Then she looked at the line of men around her.

“Are there names labelled?” Luna asked. Twilight nodded and began reading off.

“From the Queen’s left to right: Sir Bright Steel, Sir Marc Arrow, Sir Christopher Blade, Queen Solaire, Sir Vincent… Vincent Rose…” She stopped at the Queen’s right and looked up at Rose. Luna was staring at that man. “Is it…?” Twilight started.

“Get rid of a little bit of the tone and add a lot of white hair and I can see it… That’s the man that was my Father.” Luna said softly. She smiled at him, triumphantly yelling a war cry as his Queen rallied her men. “I guess he really was quite a Knight.” Luna continued.

“I don’t have anything more than this here, but I’ll write to the Princess tonight and we can see what she finds. She’s already looking into your family crest.” Twilight said. Luna looked up and smiled.

“I’d like that.” She said. Twilight laughed and sat down next to Luna again, pulling her close and snuggling into her. “I definitely like that.” Luna continued, wrapping her arms around the girl. Twilight giggled and they looked at each other.

“Well, I think that’s a sufficient discovery to last a little while before I feel guilty for neglecting my Glyph transcribing.” Twilight said softly. Luna smiled and they kissed. Until then, Luna was fine right there.

Luna wasn’t used to almost everyone she came across greeting her yet, even more so now that they all knew her name.

“Hail, Sir Rose. How are you today? It’s such a nice day today and now that you’re here it’s even better I mean not to be weird or anything it’s just that friends make anything better.” Pinkie called from her baked goods stall when Luna entered the market.

“Pinkie, Hail. I already had breakfast, but I don’t think I can resist one of those pastries… Or maybe two… Yes, two is a good number.” Luna said, raising a hand in greeting and getting off Brynhildur.

“That’ll be two pence.” Pinkie said. Luna gave her a confused look.

“Pence? I um… I only have gold Florins and Franks.” Luna said. Pinkie waved her hand and shook her head.

“Oh I forgot you don’t know the money here. Well, Pence is the lowest value in coin. 24 Pence makes a Shilling and two shillings makes a bit or silver florin. Six shillings, or three bits or silver florins, makes a gold florin. If all you have is gold then I could just take one gold florin and then you get free goods from me until we’re even.” Pinkie explained quickly, Luna barely able to follow.

“Wouldn’t I technically be paying for it all anyways?” Luna asked. Pinkie thought for a moment and laughed.

“I guess you are! Maybe I can call it a tab or something. I dunno.” Pinkie shrugged. Luna smiled and handed over a gold coin.

“And on second thought, make it a whole dozen of those and keep one for yourself.” She said. Pinkie saluted and bagged eleven of the delicious looking things, already chewing on one.

“Thanks, you’re my first sale of the day so I didn’t really have anything to buy something from myself!” She exclaimed. Luna laughed and decided not to question the girl, put a hand u in farewell and rode off on Brynhildur.

Her next stop was Rarity’s, Luna found her in the back finishing up repairing her armor.

“Hello Rarity, you know you really didn’t need to do much. I didn’t take too many lances yesterday.” Luna said. Rarity almost scoffed.

“Of course I need to, I put my blood and sweat into this and if there’s any imperfections I would be ashamed to have you don it.” The smith said. Luna chuckled and walked over to the table, pulling one of the pastries out of the bag.

“Hungry?” Luna said. Rarity grinned and accepted the thing.

“Pinkie’s i’m guessing. Smells like it. Well I’ve just finished it so it’s yours to take if you wish, otherwise I’ll hold it for you. Spike and Bell are still asleep.” Rarity said, examining the thing before practically eating it in one bite. Luna laughed and pulled two more out of their wrapping..

“Then these are for them.” She said, handing them over. Rarity took them and put them on one of the few clean surfaces and got back to work, saluting to Luna. Luna chuckled and nodded to her in response and left for Fluttershy’s.

She arrived to find the girl caring for the horses in her care.

“Hello Fluttershy, I don’t recall seeing you at the tournament.” Luna said when the girl turned and smiled to her.

“Oh I’m so terribly sorry, I was supposed to be your surgeon and all but… well… Angel hurt his ankle and if I were to have gone, even for a second, he would get so anxious and scared and mean with the others. I’m as much his as he is mine.” Fluttershy explained, ending with a weak laugh as she patted the horse next to her. Luna noticed he wasn’t putting much pressure on his front left leg. The horse snorted at her, but Brynhildur made a noise and when Angel looked at the mare he seemed less hostile.

“Oh my, it seems Angel is a little afraid of your horse.” Fluttershy giggled. Angel flicked his tail. Luna laughed.

“Well, Brynhildur is bred as a warhorse even though she isn’t a stallion. Do you need an extra pair of hands today, by the way?” Luna said. Fluttershy thought for a moment.

“Well, not really… You did win the tournament so I won’t even think of asking you to do dirty work, even if I had any that I hadn’t already done. I have been meaning to go into town for some breakfast, but I haven’t wanted to leave Angel alone… Do you think you could keep him company for a little while?” Fluttershy asked.

“You saved my life, I’d wade through a pond of shite if you asked me to… but I’d rather you didn’t ask.” Luna started, ending with a half-joking-half-serious laugh. “And no need.” She finished, pulling one of the pastries out and presenting it to Fluttershy.

“For me? Oh, I don’t know… That looks like one of Pinkie’s and while she’s not exactly expensive she is the best baker in the village…” Fluttershy said, though her expression conflicted with her statement. Luna laughed and practically shoved it into the girl’s hands.

“Take it, I got a lot for a reason.” Luna retorted. Fluttershy thanked her and started to nibble on it. After a moment or so Angel tried to snatch it from her hand. Fluttershy made to split it in half, but Luna put a hand up and tossed one to the pampered steed.

“She deserves a whole one, have it you beast.” She said. Fluttershy giggled.

“Thank you Luna, you’re a good friend.” The girl said as Angel caught the pastry and nearly swallowed it whole.

“I try, it wouldn’t be proper if I were to be a terrible friend when you are so good to me.” Luna said.

“Well I don’t see the point in not trying to be a good friend. Even if someone isn’t kind to you, you should still be kind in return. Two people being mean to each other doesn’t make a good situation, but one of them being kind balances it out at least.” Fluttershy said rather philosophically. Luna blinked and thought on the words before nodding.

“That… actually makes a lot of sense. Well I’ve yet to go and see Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Speaking of Dash, do you know where she lives?” Luna asked.

“Oh, she lives there, you can probably just see it from here.” Fluttershy replied, pointing to the side of a small mountain just past the edge of town. Luna looked hard and made out a thin stream of smoke coming from the trees.

“She’s an outdoorsman too? Interesting. Well, I’ll be off then. Good seeing you again.” Luna said, getting back on Brynhildur.

“Oh same to you, Luna. Take care.” Fluttershy said, waving as Luna turned. Luna waved back and turned Brynhildur towards her runner’s house, it would be easier to get back home from Applejack’s than there.

Luna had found a well traveled path up the cliffside and was astonished to find a massive horse racing track, complete with a sort of obstacle course and everything, not far from the house itself. The house looked like it was put together carefully, made out of stone and wood, and Luna could only imagine how long it had taken to build it. She knocked the knocker on the thick wooden door and waited until the door opened.

“Oh hey Luna, something up?” The rainbow haired girl asked as she answered the door.

“Nothing in particular, Fluttershy told me where you lived and I decided to go and visit my new friends this morning. Hungry?” Luna said, offering a Pastry.

“Ooh, Pinkie’s!” Dash exclaimed, accepting it and devouring half of it in one bite. Luna laughed and looked around.

“This place is really cool, though a bit inconvenient to go into town it seems.” She said. Dash shrugged.

“Eh, not really. This place has been in my family for a while, each generation adds something to it. Mine and Spitfire’s is the racing track and the archery range out back. And she lives in Canterlot half the time, I work at Applejack’s when I’m not racing so I tend to stay there most of the time.” She explained.

“I see. I wish I had a home with such history.” Luna said, looking at the place again.

“You wanna see the whole thing? It’s practically a castle by now.” Dash offered. Luna really considered it.

“Another time, definitely, but I still need to go and visit Applejack.” She answered.

“Shame. I’m gonna take Tank down to the track and do our morning routine so we’ll walk you down until there.” Dash said before whistling. The stallion trotted around the house and Dash hopped onto his back. Not long after they parted ways, and Luna was off of the mountain, Brynhildur started nipping at Luna’s bag. Luna almost facepalmed, she had to feed the mare her breakfast yet. She improvised and gave her one of the remaining pastries and made a mental note to buy some good high quality feed.

Applejack’s visit was uneventful, though Luna did get to see the unorthodox apple harvesting method of kicking the trees with enough force to shake the leaves and drop the apples into baskets carefully placed. Luna vowed never to piss off a member of the family as she left, lest they cave in her armor with a simple kick, and continued home.

Author's Note

looking at it now, the end kind of went to shit here but I kind of needed to power through it to get to the next chapter so I'm not losing any sleep over it.
plus I started this chapter before thanksgiving break :/

Chapter 7

Luna and Twilight finished off the bag of pastries and settled down, Luna finding a lot of the recent history tomes Twilight had interesting. Twilight was back to her Glyphs and Runes and they silently read or worked for a while.

“So how do you like Ponyville?” Twilight asked a few hours after her return. Luna looked up at her, back down to the book and back up with a questioning expression. “I mean when you walked around.” Twilight clarified.

“Oh, I very much like the place. There’s certainly much less filth than I’m used to, in the streets and in people’s hearts.” Luna answered. Twilight smiled and got up from her study to sit next to Luna.

“Well, we try. Being in a small village like this founded off of the Apple Farm, there aren’t many here that can’t fend for themselves. The scum of the world that prey on the helpless find this place much harder to live in. And since it’s a small town and everybody knows everybody, nobody is all too keen on mucking up a friend’s property.” Twilight explained.

“Can you fend for yourself?” Luna asked. Twilight nudged her side and laughed.

“I’m no knight, but yes I can.” She said. Luna’s expression went good heartedly serious.

“Show me, then.” She said. Twilight gave her a determined look and stood up, beckoning for Luna to follow.

Luna had no idea the place had a basement, and that basement looked like it was renovated for the sole purpose of fighting. Training posts, dummies, weapons and the likes were everywhere.

“Shall we start with something simple or do you have more than basic knowledge?” Luna asked, very curious, as they retrieved some padding and wooden swords.

“The latter.” Twilight replied. They took their stances, Luna noted that Twilight’s was more than basic. It looked like a soldier’s stance. Luna prodded Twilight’s defenses with a quick succession of strikes and found her weapon ripped from her hands. She blinked and laughed. Twilight gave her a look that said ‘bring it on’ and Luna retrieved her weapon.

“So you’ve actually had training, let’s see how well.” Luna said and got a little more serious. Luna prodded Twilight’s defenses much more carefully this time and noticed that it was indeed a soldier’s stance, though only part of one.

“Your defense is superb, but how’s your offense?” Luna asked.

“My brother, who is a Knight and Captain in Canterlot, taught me to have my defense as my offense. Deflect, parry, wait for them to give you openings and strike.” Twilight explained. Luna smiled and took a defensive stance.

“But what if your opponent goes on the defensive? It would be a permanent stalemate. You need to create their own openings yourself too.” Luna said. Twilight looked a bit unsure of herself but she went on the offensive nonetheless. She kept her defensive stance, but she prodded Luna’s defenses similarly to how Luna tested her.

“Just poking at me isn’t going to open anything up.” Luna said, suddenly switching to the offense to strike at her. She intentionally gave Twilight openings to take advantage of, and the girl did not disappoint.

“The advantage of going on the offensive is you can give your opponent the openings that you want and take advantage of that.” Luna said when Twilight made to strike at her exposed shins and Luna expertly deflected it and twisted the blade from the girl’s hands with an elegant flourish of her own.

“You need to know your strengths and weaknesses better than your opponent, or else you become predictable and easy to defeat.” Luna continued as Twilight retrieved her blade.

“Then why not hand to hand? I’m better with smaller blades or my own hands.” Twilight suggested. Luna smiled and agreed and they took hand to hand stances. They were rather similar, actually.

“Don’t worry about hitting me, when your brother’s a soldier you learn to take hits.” Twilight said. Luna grinned and nodded, starting the spar. The two of them traded hits for a little while, testing each other’s speed and reaction time, before Twilight exploded into action. A series of strikes at a quick speed struck Luna in an attempt to overwhelm her, but Luna managed to block and counter them, landing a solid hit on the girl’s abdomen. It knocked the wind out of her and she caught her breath.

“You know that style better than I.” Twilight admitted and switched to a different stance. “But, being a scholar who’s interested in things like that, there’s a lot you can learn from scrolls and tomes.” She continued. Luna vaguely recognized the stance as a martial arts one and grinned.

“Where I lived before father died, There were not just celts and germanic people. I learned from many as well.” Luna said, adopting a stance Twilight didn’t recognize. It was her own creation, her own fighting style. They started their fight again, this time it was more fast paced and much more intricate.

Twilight tried to flip Luna over her head, but Luna stopped it halfway and nearly crashed down on Twilight’s head with her feet, twisting out of her grip. Twilight snaked around Luna and tried to sweep her feet out from under her, but Luna did an odd twist and caught the girl’s leg with her feet and nearly shattered the bone as she twisted around again and nearly threw the girl with just her feet.

Twilight was back up and more cautious in an instant and Luna went on the offensive. She quickly broke through the girl’s defenses with brute strength alone and overpowered her, deflecting the attempts to counter and twisting out of more than one grapple. In the end, Luna had Twilight in an inescapable hold that didn’t hurt the one being held.

“Well… I guess I need improvement.” Twilight said, panting heavily.

“I can help with that if you wish, but I have been raised to be a Knight since I could remember.” Luna replied, releasing the hold. They returned to the main floor, Twilight getting them large glasses of water, and they returned to sitting on the couch.

“I normally have a morning routine that I do for an hour or so when I’m not hungover.” Twilight said.

“I normally do something similar, though some days I dedicate to training myself and go for the entire day.” Luna said.

“And you were trained by one of the greatest knights in a century, for him to be Solaire’s top general.” Twilight said, lying her head on Luna’s shoulder.

“I guess.” Luna assented and they were silent for a while. Luna looked out of the window, at the sun, and saw that it was an hour or so past noon.

“So, I can’t imagine you’ll be staying here for much longer. There won’t be another tournament here for some time.” Twilight said a little sadly. Luna looked at her and smiled.

“I suppose that for a while I’ll follow where the closest Tournaments lead me, but I think for now I’ll still call this village home. Everyone else said that they might follow to continue their duties with me, what’s one more?” She asked, giving Twilight a knowing glance. Twilight smiled and snuggled into Luna.

“I do have my own duties here as well. Applejack has her family to run the Farm, Rarity and Belle can work wherever they are, Fluttershy the same and Dash has nothing really keeping her here. Spike would go with Rarity so I’d be alone to run the Library.” Twilight explained.

“Oh I’m sure someone could take it.” Luna said. Twilight hummed in agreement.

“Perhaps, but I’d need to know where we’re going so I can notify Celestia of where I am, my research I can conduct wherever.” Twilight said.

“Of course. But, enough of what’s to come. I’m content sharing the present with you right now.” Luns said, ending the conversation. Twilight giggled and pulled Luna into an embrace.

This feeling was very strange to Luna. She had read all about love and had it explained by many, but she just had no idea what to expect. On the outside, it might seem that Luna has adapted to everything. If one were to peek into her mind, though…

It was in these long silent moments where she could really delve into her thoughts. She was confused, happy, but above all else terrified. Terrified of what a relationship would be, terrified of losing whatever it was that she had, absolutely horrified. It hadn’t even been a week and she’d already made friends she felt were close and entered into a bit of a wobbly relationship.

Father always told her that if a man tried to kiss her when they first met then she was to beat him. Guess that doesn’t apply to a woman.

“What are you thinking?” Twilight suddenly asked. Luna tried to put it into words.

“This way of living, it’s completely new to me. I never had friends, let alone someone like you. I lived alone with an old knight who raised me as a knight, but I feel like a child in a pile of fine snow when I’m here.” Luna explained. Twilight laughed and stood up.

“Well hopefully it turns out for the better. I was like you, not too long ago. Until I was sent here I was the isolated princess’ student. It takes some getting used to, but other people can be a boon.” She said.

“I’ve begun to notice that.” Luna said, standing as well.

“Well I should probably get back to work. Let me know where you’re heading next and I’ll see what I can do.” Twilight said, walking back over to her study.

“Of course. I suppose I should go talk to the others about it as well, see if they really are willing to follow me.” Luna said. Twilight kissed her on the cheek and sat down. Luna smiled and turned to leave. She stopped, though, looking back at Twilight.

Jarring and alien as it is, Luna was beginning to enjoy this new lifestyle.

Author's Note

I need to get back into this story, been doing a few non pony related stories so the end of this one may bea bit disjointed, finished it like two weeks after I started it

Chapter 8

“So where are we going again?” Dash asked as they walked alongside their horses, Winona pulling the cart. They had left that morning, having discussed the trip for a few days now. Luna was in Ponyville for a total of two weeks before she had caught word of the next tournament she felt was worth leaving her new home for. They were on their way to Trottingham for a qualifying tournament which would eventually lead to the Equestria Championships in Canterlot.

“Trottingham, we’ve told you this four times.” Spitfire said, She had tagged along to participate in archery again.

“I’m so restless though! We’ve been walking all morning.” The runner complained.

“If you’re so eager to do something then do something useful.” Spitfire retorted. Dash was about to retort when she caught a little bag of coins Luna had tossed to her.

“Why don’t the two of you go on ahead and start restocking for us.” She said. Dash and Spitfire both saluted, mounted their horses and sped forward.

“I suppose we should go with them, it takes a smith and a clothier to know good material when they see it.” Rarity said, her and Belle mounting Opal while Spike mounted his own horse.

“Shame Twilight couldn’t come along.” Applejack said.

“Oh I know, she loves Trottingham.” Fluttershy agreed.

“She’s gonna miss out on all the fun!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Well when she needs to deliver her research and present them to the college in Canterlot in person there really isn’t much we can do about it.” Luna said. The others agreed.

“So Trottingham. Pretty sure Pinkie here has a couple of friends there.” Applejack said, nudging the pink clad baker.

“Oh yeah, they like to work at the taverns and music halls playing music and making everyone have tons of fun!” Pinkie exclaimed. Luna laughed and looked up at the sky. It would be another couple hours until they reached Trottingham walking. After spending two weeks in Ponyville she felt empty now that she was leaving, even for just a little while. Most of her friends were with her, but she knew that without Twilight she would still feel the way she did. She wanted all of her friends to be with her.

“Well we’ve got to get there first.” Fluttershy said. They all agreed on that and sparked up a random conversation to pass the time.

Trottingham was very different from Ponyville. Roads paved with cobblestone, buildings towering over head and even the peasants looked somewhat well dressed.

“You had better be glad that I’m your smith, the only ones worth hiring here ask for far too much for the quality they pump out.” Rarity said, placing a much lighter bag of coins in Luna’s hand as they met on the outskirts. Dash put a few sacks into the back of the cart.

“We’ve got a plot of land we can pitch up on too, We’ll set up while you go and register.” Dash said, hopping off Tank and leading Winona towards said grounds. Luna was wearing her tunic and trousers so when she did as her runner suggested she received looks even from the peasants.

“I didn’t know they let bums become knights, let alone a wench like yourself.” Luna heard when she stepped up to the lists. She looked over to find a man in fine clothes looking her over.

“And I didn’t know they let people who don’t know respect become knights.” She said.

“Please, A wench like you wouldn’t know what being a knight is if it struck you with a lance.” The man retorted. She turned towards him in full, he gave her scar a look.

“Hold your tongue sir, if you can even be called that. Save your judgements until we meet on the field.” She said, nearly slamming her leather wrapped patents on the table.

“Transcribed by Twilight Sparkle, I see. Very rare of her to transcribe an unknown family crest, it’s not in our books.” The noble in charge of listing Knights said.

“Now what would such a lady as prestigious as her be doing with the likes of you? If the crest does not exist then this wench shouldn’t be able to compete.” The man sneered.

“Twilight Sparkle is my lady, and check the signature beneath.” Luna said. The noble’s eyes widened.

“Approved by the Princess, I see. Which events do you wish to compete?” The Noble said, albeit with a much more polite tone.

“The Sword and the Lance.” Luna said. The Noble nodded and handed her patents back. She turned to the bewildered knight and nearly got in his face.

“Tell me your name.” She said.

“I am Sir Steine. Second in command of the royal army.” The man said with a cocksure attitude. Luna smirked.

“Well then, Sir Steine. I am Sir Rose, I hope we cross on the field so I can show you what a foreign wench can do to a man with a head bigger than his helmet.” She said and started to walk off, but turned around. “And, for future reference, you report to my Lady’s brother. Continue your unknightly behavior and he will know.” She continued and left.

Night fell quicker than Luna would have thought, though she was still a little agitated from that morning. She was surprised when a familiar royal voice called her name and entered her tent.

“Hail, Princess. I should have known you’d attend the National preliminaries.” Luna said, bowing her head as she got up from her chair she was sitting in to read.

“Hail, Sir Rose. I’m here on both official and unofficial business.” Celestia said with a smile. They clasped hands and Celestia took out a roll of parchment from a pocket.

“The official business is of your father. We found a last will and testament, as well as references to more information about you. Sir Vincent Rose had a daughter, and on the Queen’s request he left the country with her. That means that he is, in fact, your birth father. The will’s seal hasn’t been touched.” Celestia explained, holding the parchment out to her. Luna’s eyes widened and it took her a moment to take the parchment.

“He was…?” She started. Celestia nodded and Luna opened the will. Her eyes widened even further, turning it over so that Celestia could read.

“It would seem everything he wanted to leave to you he already had, explaining the blood relation between you… According to this, information on your mother is in the Queen’s Archives?” Celestia read.

“I had no idea… I wonder if she’s still alive.” Luna said softly.

“I’m the only one that has access to the old Queen’s archives, I’ll get back to you on that. My work is done here, and nice seeing you again. I must take my leave, though. Farewell.” The Princess said, turning to leave.

“Wait, what was the unofficial business?” Luna asked. Celestia winked at her and kept walking. Luna made to follow, but was immediately stopped by a body crashing into her, nearly tackling her in a hug.

“Even if there was more than just one person who’d want to do that, I’d always recognize that head of hair.” Luna laughed, kissing the head of lavender hair.

“Three days hut more than I thought.” Twilight said, looking up with a tiny laugh. Their eyes met and they kissed.

“Now if you’ll excuse me I think I’ll have to take your bed, A straight trip from Canterlot to Trottingham is pretty exhausting.” Twilight said when they separated. Luna laughed and put her hands on her hips.

“Take? I don’t think you’ll be taking my bed, though I guess if you really want we could share.” Luna said, pulling her tunic off and plopping down on said bed.

“Gladly.” Twilight replied, not bothering to take off her gown as she crawled up next to Luna. They held each other for a while before Twilight fell asleep, Luna was a bit restless. She quickly looked up to see Dash entering.

“Good, she made it here. Some ass of a knight heard she was here and has been loitering around.” She said.

“If it’s Sir Steine tell him to kindly leave, and if he goes near the stables then my horse will kick him harder than any lance.” Luna said.

“Right, I’ll kick him out myself if I have to. He tried to bribe me to take him to her, by the way, so watch out. He’s not very Knightly.” Dash replied.

“Definitely Steine then…” Luna sighed. Dash saluted and left. Luna pulled the sleeping Twilight closer and settled down. She heard a bit of commotion, a man’s voice raising. It got closer and she was able to hear it.

“Hey, listen. You go any closer and that’s grounds to pull a blade on you.” Dash’s voice said.

“Get out of my way, Runner. I saw you go into that tent, that’s where the Lady Twilight is, isn’t it?” He demanded. Luna groaned and slipped away from Twilight reluctantly. She didn’t particularly care that she had nothing but her trousers and loose nightshirt on as she grabbed her blade that was leaning on a corner and walked towards the entrance.

“Stay your blade, Knight!” Dash said as the sound of two swords drawing sounded. Luna rushed out to find the two pointing blades at each other.

“A Wench like you can’t talk to me like that! A peasant with a tongue like that will lose it!” The man exclaimed.

“Tell me, how do you think a blade will hold up against a Smith’s hammer?” Rarity’s voice sounded, stepping out of the tent next to him. He turned, pointing his blade at her instead as he eyed the large hammer she hefted. He was surprised as his blade was flung from his hand by Dash’s, Rarity’s distraction giving her a safe chance to do so.

“Boy, Knight or not, if you think you can come on in here and threaten us in our own camp you’re sorely mistaken.” Applejack said, exiting the tent on his other side with her arms crossed, her arms enough of a weapon. He quickly turned to Luna when she drew her blade.

“Leave, Steine. With this kind of behavior you don’t even deserve being called Sir.” Luna said. She was surprised when someone behind her brushed past her, Lavender hair swishing past her vision. She was heading right for him. He seemed to grin, some ridiculous thought going through his head. She slapped him, hard, when she reached him and resisted the urge to kick him in the gut.

“You moronic piece of Shite. How many times have I told you, I am not yours. Stop following me everytime we’re in the same damned city or I will have you arrested.” She growled at him. He straightened up, enraged, and attempted to strike her back. She caught his hand and punched him in the face.

“I wouldn’t want to be doing that. Last time another knight tried to lay claim on me, Sir Rose unseated him from his horse. You just tried to strike me, I almost feel sorry for you.” Twilight chuckled. She turned to see Luna glaring at the man.

“Come back to bed, save it for the field. Our friends will take care of him.” She said as she passed luna, gently grabbing her shoulders. Luna exhaled deeply and nodded and they both turned and re entered the tent.

“If the Princess weren’t here I’d make you wish you were born a peasant…” Applejack said lowly. The man was surprised and looked around.

“The P-Princess?” He asked.

“And if it weren’t for the fact I’d like to see Sir Rose unseat you tomorrow, I’d have you expelled from the tournament.” Celestia voice came as she walked out of Rarity’s tent. She was talking to her and Spike about something when the commotion started.

The man said nothing as he looked around, there was blood slowly dripping down his face. He seemed to notice and held his nose. Applejack and Dash started laughing and Celestia chuckled.

“Try and touch her again and I have a feeling you’ll have more than a bloodied nose to take care of, that girl could compete and win if she wanted. Get out of here, before I decide to arrest you.” The Princess warned. The man huffed but did as he was told. Celestia sighed and looked at the girls who had come out.

“Thanks for that Princess, I thought we were going to have to literally throw him out.” Dash said, sheathing her blade.

“If he wouldn’t have left then I would have myself. And if she would have let him strike her, it would have been hell to pay. I’m glad you are so loyal to your friends, It definitely makes me feel better about letting Twilight travel with you. I also feel a connection with Luna, her father was at least close to my mother. I know you’ll take care of both of them.” Celestia explained, smiling at the three.

“Of course, we take care of our own.” Applejack said.

“It’s been a while since I’ve hit somebody with my hammer… I was almost excited for it.” Rarity said to herself, earning a laugh from the Draconian at the entrance of the tent. The others followed suit into their own tents and Celestia was left alone in the clearing between them all. She looked in on Twilight and Luna and found them asleep, though Luna mouthed a ‘thank you’. Celestia smiled and walked off towards where she was lodged in one of the better inns.

Chapter 9

Luna dominated the sword, only losing a spare few matches now that she was used to her armor and had practiced in it. The Joust was where she thrived the most, though. She won all but one match, and that was to a draw with a man that met each of her lances with an equal. Finally, though, the match to determine the tournament champion was Steine.

“Do well Steine, I’ll unseat you I will. If you manage to best me here then I’ll forget about last night.” Luna said to him before they went to their sides.

“You don’t scare me, Wench. I fear the Princess and the Princess alone.” The man growled as he slid down his visor and went to his side. The match started rather evenly, both of them breaking a lance on each others breastplates. One thing became certain, though. Steine was good, but he wasn’t raised to be a knight, he was just a noble with an unusually high amount of skill.

“It’s over, isn’t it?” Rarity asked when she handed Luna her next lance.

“He sits high and tall on his horse, too high. Let’s see how tall he is on the ground.” Luna replied with a smile. Steine made a mistake a lot of Knights made and tried to find a blind spot on her left side. She rolled her shoulder and deflected his lance, her planting into the dead center of his helmet. The angled visor cause the blunted tip to slide down, but it caught on the collar of his armor and shattered against his neck. He went limp and blood sprayed slightly from the visor, but before anyone could freak out he ripped the thing off and spat blood, it was from his mouth and not his neck. He sort of slid off of his saddle and hit the ground, gasping for air.

“Is...he ok?” Fluttershy asked.

“Winded, it would have taken a stronger hit to do any real damage.” Luna said.

“How many have you unseated now, Sir Rose?” Celestia called from her place in the stands.

“That makes two, four if you count the last one.” Luna replied, pulling her arming cap off and loosening her breastplate as he climbed off of Brynhildur.

“Then where are the five horses you’ve won?” The Princess asked, now walking down the stairs of the stands towards her.

“I sell them back to their owners for a small price, I have no need for more horses and I don’t want to ruin most knights. I don’t even want Steine’s even to sell back, let him keep it.” Luna answered, sighing in relief as Rarity pulled the breastplate off and she slumped a little. “One of the previous blows bent something slightly and it became hard to breathe. I trust you’ll figure it out.” She continued to Rarity. Rarity looked at the thing and tossed it to Spike, who immediately started looking it over, and proceeded to start loosening the greaves.

“So, my Champion. Shall we prepare for Banquet?” Twilight ask, following directly behind Celestia.

“I need to bathe and get some mead in me first, but yes I do think we shall.” Luna replied, smiling and catching the girl around the waist as she walked over.

“I’ve made a matching pair of outfits for the two of you, I assume they’ll fit you quite nicely. They’re in your tent Darling.” Rarity started. “We’ll get your armor fixed up and then the rest of us are going to a little soiree we and the teams of some of the more sporting knights are putting together. Don’t expect to leave in the morning, the drink is going to flow freely.” She continued.

“I planned to stay an extra day or two anyways, enjoy a new town. Shall we then, Love?” Luna said. Twilight nodded and they started walking.

“I must make my leave of Trottingham, I’ll take this time now to say my farewells.” Celestia said, stopping them quickly. Twilight hugged her and she clasped Luna’s hand. “I won’t be able to attend the rest of the preliminaries as I need to be in Canterlot preparing and being busy for the actual thing on top of my normal duties I’ve been taking a break from. I’ll look into your Father and your family, but I expect I won’t have many answers for a long while as I will be quite busy.” She explained.

“I got a length of leave from the academy so I can travel with you for the rest of the preliminaries. You know when we finally get to Canterlot I’ll be knocking on your chambers the second I get there, I’ll bring Luna along as well I suppose.” Twilight said, finishing with a little grin.

“I expect nothing less. Farewell.” Celestia said. They all nodded to each other and the Princess turned towards the stadium’s exit and left.

“What’s the matter?” Twilight asked as the two of them relaxed in a hot spring to bathe, just outside of the city. The rest of the team, even Spike, had joined them and they were all enjoying the peace and quiet after the hectic day. Luna looked conflicted, though.

“There’s something I have to tell you, something I’ve known since I was young. I’m glad we’re all here, it means I only have to say it once.” She said after a moment. They all gave her their attention.

“I had no idea my father was Vincent Rose, I thought he was merely my guardian. What I do know ,and have known, is who my mother was.” Luna started. They all gave her interested looks, Twilight looking happy.

“Do you know if she’s still alive?” Twilight asked.

“She isn’t, I must ask all of you to promise me this secret stays secret and does not leave here. It’s the reason I have this scar and was sent away with my Father…” Luna said. Everyone gained a more serious look.

“We promise on our lives.” They all agreed.

“The king died almost directly after the contraception of Princess Celestia. When she was born the Queen’s grief lifted, and not long after she had another lover…” Luna started. Everyone’s faces registered surprise. “That lover was my father, I am the Queen’s second born.” She finished. They all stared at her. Twilight was the first to speak.

“Are… Are you sure?” She asked. Luna nodded.

“The seers saw Darkness in me on my birth, and according to my father mistook it for evil. They were afraid that when we were grown I would incite civil war, though they foresaw nothing. They tried to kill me with a poison that burns the flesh, and my mother tasked my father with my safety and gave us safe passage to the borders for my protection. I still don’t know my crest, but I know my family.” Luna explained.

“The moon, with her shroud of darkness, will come and take her place on the throne…” Twilight said lowly.

“Even Zecora thought that was shite… Even if you are the Queen’s Daughter, you don’t want the throne do you?” Rarity asked. Twilight and Luna locked eyes for a moment.

“Of course not, far too boring and too much work.” She said, trying to diffuse the situation. They all chuckled lightly, even Twilight smiled, but she still kept her gaze. She wanted something more.

“I wouldn’t dream of dethroning Celestia, I like her. She’s my sister, and even if I had stayed to become Princess as well I would rather share a throne than run things all by my lonesome.” Luna said. The spring became silent save for the sound of the running water, Spike was the one who finally broke it.

“Maybe they misinterpreted the prediction, it happens all the time. They make assumptions based on what they see all the time and make half-assed prophecies. I think Luna is obviously the one it’s about, but you don’t want the throne and I trust you were telling the truth. We’ll have to ask Zecora, I hear she’s in Trottingham right now for some special materials she can’t get in the Everfree.” The Draconian suggested.

“I would very much like to speak to her.” Luna said. They all seemed to loosen up then. Twilight leaned on her shoulder.

“Well, Celestia’s sister or not I still love you and as long as you mean her no ill will I don’t see why anything should change.” The girl said. Luna grinned wide and pulled her close, only to be surprised when the whole group came in for a group hug.

“We didn’t become friends with no Princess named Luna, we made friends with the Knight.” Applejack said. They all agreed and Luna could have died happy there.

“Well I’ve gotta go get ready, winner of the bow needs to be at Banquet. You should all get ready too, Dash you should get Tank looking as best he can too.” Spitfire said, climbing out of the warm pool.

“I suppose I should go and finish tending to your armor after getting that dent out.” Spike said.

“We’ll help.” Rarity said as she, Spike and Belle climbed out as well.

“I’ll go and make sure all of the horses are doing ok.” Fluttershy said, already out.

“I got invited to help make dessert for the banquet, gotta run!” Pinkie exclaimed, practically bouncing out of the water.

“We should probably go get ready too, I have a feeling Rarity tried extra hard for the outfits she made this time.” Twilight said.

Turns out she really did, it played to Luna’s position as the knight very well. Luna never thought a Tunic and Trousers could be made to look so elegant. It fit her form, and showed it off just a little bit, perfectly and it was incredibly comfortable. They went well with her gauntlets as well, as she still loved wearing them normally. They were a sort of midnight black, not quite pitch black but nearly there with a bit of grey mixed in. Twilight’s gown was even more elegant and more of a Twilight black, quite fitting.

“Good evening, Lady and Knight. I’ve heard you have been seeking my company.” A heavily accented voice said from behind them a little ways through the feast. They turned to see a woman in slightly rugged gowns, it was Zecora.

“Zecora, good to see you. We actually have something we need to discuss in private, if you don’t mind.” Twilight said. Zecora made an ‘after you’ motion and they excused themselves from the table and found an empty room.

“What is it you wish to ask, my friends?” She asked.

“It’s about the prophecy you told us about.” Twilight replied. Zecora gave them a knowing glance. She looked at Luna and looked her over for a moment before speaking.

“It is tem jumping to conclusions, it always has been. It’s why I rarely attend the Seers’ Court. The vision was of a figure with the symbol of a moon shrouded in darkness standing behind the throne. I felt no malice in the moon-clad figure, and there was a blazing light coming from the throne. I am just an attendee, though, I have no say in interpreting the visions into prophecies.” Zecora explained.

“The spot behind the throne like you describe is the spot the Queen’s Hand stood. Solaire’s was your Father, Luna. Celestia doesn’t have one.” Twilight said.

“I would definitely like to serve as Celestia’s best Knight over taking the throne any day.” Luna agreed.

“So your name is Luna. I felt your presence as the one in the vision when you first entered Ponyville, though this is the first time we meet. I am glad to have done so, especially if it helps.” Zecora said, offering a hand. They shook hands and nodded to each other.

“You have been a great help, Zecora, thank you.” Twilight said. The Alchemist nodded and left without a word, closing the door behind her.

“I’m glad I decided to take it to you instead of letting you all find out through Celestia when she finds out. I’d tell her too, but a message would be intercepted by a Seer most definitely.” Luna said.

“Celestia never paid much mind to the prophecies, she made her own presumptions with their visions. When she does find out, I’ll stand by your side.” Twilight said. Luna smiled and kissed her, earning a tiny giggle, before they rejoined the feast.

Author's Note

been a while since i've written two chapters in two days lol. hopefully it stays like that until I finish

Chapter 10

“So you really just walk in like this?” Luna asked Twilight as they strolled through the palace in Canterlot, the guards nodding with smiles to Twilight as they walked.

“I grew up here, and the palace guards stay for a while. They all know me.” Twilight said, stopped to say hello to a particularly old guard before they went on their way.

“Evening Lady Sparkle, she’s in there.” A guard said when they started down a hallway that led to elegant wooden doors. They bowed their head and stepped aside. Twilight knocked three times and entered, Luna following suit. The guards eyed her, but other than that the knight didn’t feel too out of place.

“Finally, I’ve been counting the days for nearly a week now!” Celestia exclaimed, standing up from her desk to engulf the girl who strode up to her in a big hug.

“There was a big line for registration and lord knows they’d only let Luna walk around if I was with her this time of year.” Twilight replied.

“A month and a half is too long, I always hated tournament seasons. I’m always far too busy to visit, even when you’re just in another part of the palace. Good to see you, Luna.” Celestia said, clasping Luna’s hand.

“And you as well, Celestia. I have to ask, have you made any progress in your research about my past?” Luna asked. Celestia adopted an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, but even just now I was engulfed in paperwork and public meetings. Every man woman or child with a title believes themselves entitled to have an audience with the Princess to discuss the tournaments. I mean they are, but it’d be nice for some peace and quiet.” Celestia explained. Luna and Twilight looked at each other and nodded. Celestia’s expression went from dreading to curious.

“I know that look, Twilight. You know something I don’t, but you’re giddy with excitement so I know it isn’t something good.” The Princess said rather seriously.

“It’s not innately bad, we just don’t know how you’ll take it.” Luna said.

“Did you get the archives in Sir Vincent’s will?” Twilight asked. Celestia cautiously nodded and pointed towards a rather old leather wrapped tome on the bedside table.

“I managed to pinpoint the part concerning him, it’s marked, but I haven’t been able to do more than glance at the cover before falling asleep every night.” Celestia said. Twilight opened it and started flipping through the marked areas.

“I knew who my mother was, since you are my Princes I can’t ask youto keep a secret but I must beg of you to hear us out.” Luna started. Celestia didn’t know how to respond to that, but before she could think of anything to say in order to do so, Twilight walked over and handed her the tome.

On the slightly aged pages there was a picture of Luna’s crest. Celestia looked up at them both, Luna giving Twilight a questioning look. Twilight shook her head and motioned for Celestia to lead.

“The crescent moon in the night sky, an ancient and powerful crest for an ancient and powerful family. The royal family’s crest of the sun started with Solaire, before it was… The crescent moon… The last queen to use the crescent moon was… Nightmare Moon… My Grandmother. We’re related?” Celestia read, finishing by looking up at Luna in surprise. She nodded.

“I did not know the origin of my crest, but I did know that my mother was also your mother, Queen Solaire.” Luna said softly. Celestia was speechless, an unreadable expression on her face.

“My sister?” She asked in a whisper barely loud enough to beconsidered speech. She slowly rose to her feet and looked Luna dead in the eyes. It was Luna’s turn to be surprised as tears fell from the Princess’ eyes and she put a hand over her mouth before pulling the Knight into an embrace similar to the one she gave to Twilight.

“My sister… My sister, if only I would have known I… Do you know how that scar happened?” Celestia started, her voice wavering a bit as her tears flowed, gently touching Luna’s scarred cheek as she looked at it. They were tears of joy and sadness all in one.

“Are you aware of the old Prophecy from the Seer’s Court that resurfaced lately?” Twilight asked. Celestia nodded and looked Luna in the eyes again.

“If you are the moon shrouded in darkness then I knew I was right to write that old poppycock off as just that… I don’t think you even want the throne, let alone conspire to steal it.” Celestia said, laughing a little bit as she managed to stop her tears as she pulled Luna into an embrace again. Twilight noticed the light sound of retreating footsteps at the door, but ignored it for now.

“But sister, My place is without question at the throne.” Luna said with a light smile. Celestia quickly put Luna at arms length, gaping at her.

“At the throne, not on it. Standing or sitting beside you or in my proper place directly behind your right side.” She continued. Luna thought for a moment, almost dumbfounded, but soon gave an awkward laugh that turned into a sweet laugh.

“Is that an offer to be my Hand?” She asked incrediously.

“Merely a suggestion, I’ll win this tournament to that goal; to prove I am capable.” Luna repied. Celestia chuckled lightly and sat down, not sure how to really act anymore.

“Tournament be damned. You’re courting the girl who’s practically my daughter, you’re one of my best friends and I trust your skills. You were born in Equestria and raised by an Equestrian knight and you openly admit your only desires are of that to serve. Not to mention you’re my sister…” Celestia started, but trailed off at the end.

“Wait if you are my sister and that Prophecy is as old as we are… and you said that scar…” She continued. After a moment she bolted upright, fury in her eyes.

“Someone in my court did it to you?!” She nearly demanded. Luna was almost afraid to name those responsible, lest they be turned to a spatter on the walls. But she nodded anyways.

“I heard someone running just a moment ago… We didn’t put up the normal eavesdropping enchantment so I imaigne those who did will show themselves soon.” Twilight said softly. Celestia looked at them and then at the door. She sat back down and groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“I don’t know if this is the worst or the best tournament season so far, but it’s definitely the most straining…” She groaned. Twilight quickly hugged onto her side, Luna following suit. They all grinned and Celestia chuckled slightly as there was a bit of a clutter outside the door. Celestia stood back up as it intesified.

“I said get out of the way! There is a Usurper in there! The Princess is in danger!” Someone yelled. Celestia and Twilight recognized the voice as the Elder Seer, the Seer on Celestia’s council.

“Stand down, your duty has been done to the best of your abilities, you can’t have known what the woman was. Let us do our duty now and protect our Princess.” A much more commanding, yet not nearly as demanding, voice said.

“That’s my brother…” Twilight said.

“Sir, the woman you speak of came in with your sister. I trust her judgement more than I trust our own.” One of the guards blocking the newcomers’ passage retorted.

“What?... Even the best are wrong, soldier. Please just step aside, I will see you flogged if you continue to disobey.” Shining said.

“Oh for heaven’s sake just let them in already!” Celestia called. Within moments the door opened and a contingent of the elite royal guards entered.

“Sorry sir, but we report to her over you…” One of the door guards said apollogetically as Shining passed. The new guards isolated Luna from the other two, pointing their spears at her, as an old man in robes scowled at her.

“That scar, it’s definitely her. Take her to the gallows, she is to be hanged a traitor.” He said and turned.

“Stand down, men and woman of the elite guard.” Celestia said in a voice even more commanding than Shining’s, and definitely more demanding. They sort of stood there, spears still pointing at Luna, as they awkwardly looked towards the now furious old man and the Princess.

“Do as she says. Councilman, we didn’t come here to murder, we came here to protect. Obviously the Princess wasn’t in any danger so I’d like to hear the story before I start arresting people, let alone sentence them to death. And my men answer to me or the Princess, not you.” Shining said, stepping up to Luna. She sighed in relief as the men raised their spears without hesitation.

“Robert, Edward, please escort the Councilman to his chambers and make sure he doesn’t leave.” Celestia commanded, barely containing her fury. The doorguards quickly did as they were told, ignoring the angry threats and spoutings of the old man.

“I have a feeling we’re on the wrong side of this particular situation…” Shining said, watching as the man was nearly dragged away.

“For starters he nearly sentenced my betrothed to death…” Twilight said lowly.

“Betrothed?” Celestia and Shining asked simultaneously.

“Last week, but that’s beside the point.” Twilight said.

“We’ll talk about that later. For now, Captain, what do you know about this woman?” Celestia asked. Shining rubbed the back of his head.

“Well I just learned she was betrothed to my sister… But with this knowledge I can safely assume that you are Sir Rose that Twilight speaks highly of. Your name comes coupled with honor, honesty, modesty and above all else; one who never gives up. I imagine there’s more to that if you ask me such a thing, Princess.” Shining answered.

“I only just learned of it moments ago, but my mother had a second daughter… One that was prophecised apparently…” Celestia said in response. Shining looked confused for a second, but his eyes widened and he looked between Luna and Celestia a few times. His men looked confused, though.

“She is your sister?” He asked. The three of them nodded and all of the guards gained looks of surprise.

“That man saw my future and mistook it. I only want to serve, yet what his clouded eyes saw was decuit and trechery. Only a few months after by birth, they tried to assassinate me with a poisoned blade. My father stepped in before the fatal blow could be dealt, but the assailant dropped his blade. It was a poison that ate the flesh like rot, and I think you can guess where it landed. After that the Queen sent me away to safety with my Father to look after me.” Luna explained. Shining was silent, as were his men. A few of them even leaned against the walls in bewilderment.

“And you know it was him?” Shining asked after a few moments of silence. Celestia looked at Luna, but Twilight was the one who answered.

“It’s even in the archives here… ‘My Council Seer explained to me that my second born had to be dealt with, admitting to the attempted assassination of my daughter… I cannot raise a hand against him, though. In this time of war and suffering the people will flock to anything… I’m forced to compromise with him and send my beloved second born daughter away. Vincent has demanded that he be the only one to care for her. I know he doesn’t hate me for letting this happen, but I can’t help but think he does…’ Twilight read.

“It’s from the diaries recorded in here, only the Princess has access to them.” She continued.

“I can confirm that it is the same person, he is named throughout what parts of it I’ve managed to read.” Celestia said. Her fury intensified when Luna told her story, even moreso when Twilight confirmed it. All of the guards and Shining, even Twilight and Luna, were at least a little scared of her. Celestia realized this and slowly sat down. She was actualy shaking slightly with how furious she was. She took a few deep, shaky breaths and tried to calm herself.

“You are dismissed, close the door on your way out and Shining pleae go and relieve Robert and Edward to come back here and resume their duties and station someone else in their place. I fear for Grumman’s life if I try and see him now… and I can’t sentence him to death or even throw him in the dungeons for it… I’ll deal with him after the tournament is over and done with but for now he is stripped of all his titles and prestige.” Celestia said unnaturally calm as her shaky hands gripped the wooden arms of her chair with enough force to give out a faint creaking noise. Shining nodded and they all saluted before leaving.

Almost as soon as the door closed, Luna and Twi quickly pulled Celestia into a shared embrace.

“It’s alright, Sister… I am here now, that man cannot cause me any more harm.” Luna said softly to her as Celestia gripped them tightly. Celestia started silently crying again as she buried her face into Luna’s shoulder as they crouched down to her level.

“I… but he already h-hurt you so much… I-I… I wish I had known…” Celestia started. Twilight was actually a little frightened at her, she had never seen the Princess in this sort of condition. Celestia’s words dissolved into light sobs as the three held their embrace for minutes until Celestia finally managed to calm down enough to stop shaking. Luna held her at arm’s length then, looking her dead in the eyes.

“Look at me, Sister. You see a scarred face, not a face that is suffering. What happened has happened, it made me into the person I am right here and now. Perhaps what that man did was right, or at least the basics of it. We can’t know if I would have become power hungry and treasonous should I have lived like I would have. What I do know is that I could not be more happy with my life now. Well, I could, but that would mean you have to smile and be done with this crying. It pains me to see you cry.” Luna explained. Twilight was surprised, She had rarely ever heard Luna speaking with such emotion, let alone to another. Luna was even surprised by her own words.

“Luna… I think this is the best torunament season yet…” Celestia finally said after a ghost of a smile appeared on her face and she again buried her face into Luna’s shoulder. Luna giggled softly and gently stroked her sister’s hair as she calmed down. After a moment she pulled Twilight closer and they all put their heads together.

“This right here, this is a bond. It’s a bond of love and friendship, of family both blood and otherwise. It will never go away, and we will always be here. It’s hard to make one suffer when they are three in one.” Twilight said. Both she and Luna kissed Celestia on the forehead when they looked up and Celestia wiped her eyes, taking a few deep breaths to finish calming down.

“That’s the first time my composure has ever completely crumbled like that, and for once I’m glad it did…” She said, sniffling a bit, as she gave them a shy smile. Luna looked out of the window and saw that nearly an hour had passed, so she stood.

“I wouldn’t want to leave you for the world right now, but if I’m going to earn my place as your Hand then I have to go prepare…” She said.

“I’ll stay with her, and we’ll both be there when the time comes.” Twilight said. Celestia nodded and glanced over to her desk that was still stacked with documents. “And of course I’ll help you with your paperwork as usual.” Twilight continued with a giggle. Luna leaned down and they kissed before she left. She looked back and saw Luna actually pick Celestia up and carry her to the bed, where she laid her down and sat with the Princess’ head in her lap; stroking her head. Luna never thought she would ever see the Princess in such a state.

“Robet and Edward, right?” She asked when she closed to door to find the door guards back. They nodded. “If you value your image of the Princess, then I would neither let a soul through or look in yourselves. They nodded again, saluting her afterwards.

She nodded back and quickly made her way back out of the place towards the tournament grounds where Rarity should have finished setting up her smithy by now.

Author's Note

been a while since I've been able to finish one chapter of anything in one sitting. laid down last night and just wrote it in two hours.
I wonder how you'll all interpret Celestia's behavior

Chapter 11

Luna had originally registered for the sword, but decided to withdraw before the matches started so she was only in the joust. She felt odd, like a great weight had been lifted from her chest. She was able to focus and before the matches even started she said to the officials that she wouldn’t take the horse from those she unseated. Good thing too, out of the fifteen matches so far she had unseated ten of them.

“I have a bad feeling about this last one…” Rarity said as she handed the lance off to Luna. “That lance has had much too much work put into it, I can tell even from here. That tip is not wood, it’s just painted over. Be wary, Luna, and make sure if he strikes you he doesn’t strike your head or your throat.” Rarity warned. Luna looked at him lowly.

“I’ll see what I can find out.” Pinkie said and disappeared.

“I’ve seen this knight when you were off the field, he lunges forwards at the last second in hopes of catching his opponent off guard before they can trade, normally causing the other knights’ aim to falter and glance off. Use that to your advantage.” Applejack said, patting Brynhildur as Luna lowered her visor.

“Hey, look to the stands.” Dash said. The man with the flag stepped back as Twilight and Celestia entered the stands, Celestia stepping forward to speak.

“Sorry I’m late, but a recent development left me a little busy and preoccupied. I will announce that the winner of this tournament will become eligible for the position of my Hand, and I put my favor in Sir Rose’s stead.” She announced. The crowd went wild and the other knight grinned as he closed his visor.

“He’s a dirty fighter he is.” Spike said. Before the match started, though, Pinkie rushed back to Luna.

“That guy was seen talking to an old guy in robes this morning, right before all that stuff happened with you. Methinks they’re in cahoots.” The energetic girl said rather seriously.

“Noted, I’ll just have to finish this tournament in one blow.” Luna said, spurring Brynhildur as the flag dropped.

Luna clearly saw it, the extended eye slit allowing her to see him aim for her left breast. If he would connect with his lunge then it would have the best chance of knocking her off of her horse. She ducked under his lance, surprising him, and smashing hers into his side. His lance glanced off ever so slightly, but Luna noticed something concerning about the thing. The glancing strike cracked the head of the lance.

“The bastard tipped it, he’s trying to kill me. He’s not aiming for my center of mass, he’s aiming for my heart.” Luna said lowly as she traded her broken lance for a new one.

“What? Call the inspectors then!” Rarity exclaimed, turning around. Luna shook her head.

“It isn’t a knight who normally takes care of the lances, and they’re left unattended often. Pinkie, get to Celestia and tell her what’s happening. I’m going to do something very stupid and it’s probably really going to hurt so fetch Fluttershy.” Luna explained. They all gaped at her.

“You can’t be serious?! Why would you take a hit like that?” Rarity exclaimed.

“To see if he known his lance has been tampered with. I’ll see him to the ground first, though.” Luna said as the flag dropped and she spurred forward. Dash was already rushing into the back for Fluttershy as Pinkie was already whispering into Celestia’s ear.

There were three sounds in quick succession that filled the stadium. First was the standard wood shattering against metal, second was the familiar sound of a heavy metal object hitting the ground. The last, though, was the sound of rending metal. The crowd roared in applause, but quickly quieted down to dead silence. Celestia had literally vaulted over the railing, Twilight screamed.

Luna had the entire lance through her midsection, poking out of the back. The thing had been reinforced with steel and had a metal tip under the false head. Luna was spitting out blood, spattering the field, as it flowed from the rends in her armor and oozed out of the cracks and hinges. Celestia caught her as she fell off of Brynhildur, Fluttershy sprinting full speed down the track.

“Luna, sister?” Celestia gasped as she practically ripped the helmet off. Luna was taking short, gasping breaths as she practically vomited a puddle of blood. Twilight was next to Celestia a second before Fluttershy, Rarity and the others were already trying to get the armor off.

“Hold that thing still, we need to pull it out.” Applejack said lowly as she stood. They sat Luna up and Dash and Spitfire and Spike held the longer part of the lance as steady as possible. “This is really going to hurt, Luna.” The farmgirl warned before she quickly brought her foot down on the reinforced tip, snapping it off. Luna grunted in pain, and almost immediately yelled out as the girl kicked the now blunted end through.

Fluttershy was instantly there as Rarity and Spike got the rest of the armor off. She was examining the wound and gently, but painfully, touching and moving and poking various places in and around it.

“Am I dead?” Luna asked in a very pained laugh.

“Not if I can help it, Dash I need you and Tank to go and get my supplies from the tent. Spitfire, I need you to clear the stands, this isn’t something people need to see. Spike, make a fire over here and start heating this up.” Fluttershy instructed, quickly tossing what looked like a metal spatula with a wooden handle towards the Draconian.

“She’ll live?” Twilight and Celestia asked at the same time. Celestia was too surprised and horrified to cry, but tears were streaming freely down Twilight’s face.

“Nothing important was hit, bit dying of blood loss is lethal with a wound this big. Rarity, I need you to close the wound in the back while I stitch the front here up best I can, once you’re done do your best to clean it and reheat it.” Fluttershy answered. Rarity looked horrified at what she was told to do, but she had learned not to question what Fluttershy said. Spike was already running to find water to clean it.

“I’m sorry Luna, brace yourself.” Rarity said almost in a whisper. The sound and smell of searing flesh, as well as Luna’s yell of pain, filled the emptying stadium. Fluttershy had pulled the tunic and undershirt up to get at the wound, so Twilight and Celestia had to catch her when she fell back unconscious so the dirt of the track didn’t get in the wounds. The smaller hole in her back was now cauterized.

A small contingent of guards showed up, in which Spitfire had taken the liberty to take command of in her Princess’ stead, and detained the unconscious knight that had wielded the tipped lance. Twilight slowly stroked Luna’s head as Fluttershy quickly and expertly cleaned and sewed the front of the wound. Dash returned with a large pack, in which Fluttershy quickly cleaned her hands with some of the water Spike brought and retrieved a series of jars and tubes and bandages.

“I’ll give these to you when I’m done, they are to be replaced every morning and every night, you mix them together until they’re this color and when she’s conscious it will sting like salt, but it will heal quickly with it.” Fluttershy said to Twilight as she took a large gauze pad and mixed a concoction of medicinal products until it sported a light pink color and placed it over the wound. She proceeded to do the same with the back, the stuff making the gauze stick, and wrapped her in the bandages. Fluttershy stood up and wiped her hands clean once more and filled a smaller pack with bandages and some of the products and handed it to Twilight.

“Thank you, so much Fluttershy.” Twilight said, calming down slightly as Luna’s breathing calmed. Celestia hadn’t said a thing as she watched, but once Fluttershy gave the ok she picked Luna up bridal style and turned towards where Shining was jogging up to them.

“Captain, interrogate that knight and find the proof of Grumman’s involvement. If you find anything worth a death sentence then I will carry it out myself. Anything less is up to your own judgement.” Celestia said and placed Luna on Brynhildur. Twilight’s horse was lead in by Dash and Celestia mounted Brynhildur. They sped towards the palace.

“What the hell happened?” Shining asked.

“Banishment… It is acceptable.” Celestia said when Shining reported his findings and judgement. Luna was still unconscious on Celestia’s bed and she and Twilight tended to her. The council filed in as Shining bowed out. Grumman had bribed the knight, but the knight didn’t know what was so specia labout the lance he was given. He was given a few years in prison.

“Princess, I still don’t know much of what’s going on but Grumman was not treacherous. He must have had a reason to want to kill this woman.” One of the councilmen said.

“She is my sister, and the prophecy of the moon is about her…” Celestia started lowly. A voice finished for her, though, a voice Twilight recognized.

“A prophecy that was misinterpreted and has since been reviewed and found to be as you say.” Zecora said, entering.

“Ah, Zecora… I guess since you were under Grumman you will be taking his place.” One of the councilmen said. Zecora nodded and Celestia stood up.

“I apologize, my friends, but I am too distraught to properly do my duties, I leave the realm in your hands for now. If you wish to know the whole story I recommend talking to Captain Armor and our friends from Ponyville.” She said. The council took that as their cue to leave and bowed out, leaving Celestia and Twilight with Luna once more.

It wasn’t until the next morning when Luna regained consciousness, in pain yet comfortable at the same time. Twilight and Celestia were both snuggled up to her, careful to not agitate her wounds. She groaned, instantly waking the two up.

“Luna!” They exclaimed.

“Good… morning I assume…” She grumbled tiredly.

“How are you feeling, Love?” Twilight asked.

“Like shite, but I’ll manage. Come here.” Luna replied, smiling slightly as she sluggishly put an arm up. Twilight moved over so that Luna cupped her face and they kissed.

“I thought I lost you…” Twilight said softly.

“I’m harder to kill than that.” Luna said, sitting up with a groan. Celestia gently pulled her into an embrace, which she happily returned.

“I guess you are my sister, Mother was known for leading the troops and coming back from injuries…” Celestia said. Luna chuckled.

“How are the others?” She asked Twilight.

“A bit better off than I am I would think.” Twilight said. Luna nodded and looked to Celestia.

“So, what now? I almost died to win that tournament, I’m still up for the job.” She said. Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle slightly.

“Well for now you rest and heal and when you’re back up to 100% I shall have a new hand at my side.” Celestia replied. Luna smiled and nodded. She looked out the window and thought of her father.

“Before then our relation should probably be announced, and I wish to be wed in my armor instead of in bandages, so I have a feeling I’m going to be very bored for the next few weeks.” She said.

“We’ll all be here to help ease it, Rarity and Spike and Belle are already repairing your armor. I know you’re a quick healer, it won’t be long.” Twilight said, leaning he head on Luna’s shoulder.

“Speaking of that, when did either of you ask?” Celestia asked.

“I did no more than a week ago. We were both drunk, but not drunk enough to forget. We had an actual discussion about it the morning after and decided to stay with it. Apparently I had even gotten rings.” Luna answered, finishing with a small laugh. Twilight pulled a small box out of a pocket and opened it to reveal two simple silver bands.

“Simple and elegant, fitting I should think.” Celestia said with a smile. On closer examination, she realized there was a series of symbols carved around them.

“They are in the Old Norse language, it means ‘Champion of night, thine heart is mine.’” Twilight said.

“Mine says ‘Lady of Dawn, mine heart is yours.’” Luna said. Celestia chuckled and handed the box back, getting up from the bed. Luna proceeded to lean into Twilight, lying her head in the girl’s lap.

“You look exhausted. I’ll get arrange the announcements, we’ll do it when you’re ready. For now, I think Twilight is ample company and guard for you.” Celestia said. Luna nodded and Twilight giggled. “And sister, I’m so glad you came here… I feel like it was a very good thing, even if you did nearly die.” She continued.

“Only good has come from my near death experiences, it seems.” Luna snorted. Celestia held back a laugh and quickly kissed her on the forehead before walking to the door.

“I’ve always wanted a sister, now I have one and I would go to tartarus and back to make sure you never left us.” She said, looking behind her shoulder at the door.

“And I would rather go to tartarus than leave.” Luna replied with a smile. Celestia smiled back and nodded, leaving and gently closing the door.

“Things are going to be very different very soon, I imagine.” Twilight said. Luna hummed in agreement as she faded into sleep.

Epilogue
“Oh come on now, Sister. You’ve only just recovered.” Celestia protested, the two of them in their full armor on their horses with lances in their hands. They were on opposite sides of the fence in the middle of Ponyville’s stadium.

“It’s my wedding day, and I vowed to go against the winner of the tournament in our honor. I stand by it.” Luna retorted, flashing a grin as she closed her visor and went to her side. Dash ran forward with a flag and prepared to drop it as Celestia shrugged and went to hers.

“Oh lord they’re really going to do it…” Twilight groaned, facepalming, on the sidelines. The crowd went wild.

“Two immortalized champions of the lists, I wonder if Luna knows that her sister has never been unseated.” Pinkie started as the two prepared for the joust.

“But Luna’s only ever lost a joust because she had been doing two or three events all day.” Rarity retorted as Dash dropped the flag.

“That’s Celestia’s unbreakable form, Luna will have trouble not being unseated herself.” Spike said.

“Luna adapts to her opponent’s form.” Spitfire said. They all cringed as the simultaneous sounds of wood shattering and heavy thumps echoed around the stadium. The crowd went wild as both Princess and Princess’ Hand groaned form where they lay sprawled next to each other on the ground.

“A draw, again…” Celestia groaned.

“At least it wasn’t because of a slip-up this time.” Luna wheezed, sitting up. Celestia sat up and punched her shoulder, making a clang on the light plate armor.

“Whatever…” The Princess said, getting to her feet. They both cracked their bones and clasped hands as the crowd roared once more.

“A first for everything it seems. Not only were the both of us unseated, but it’s the anniversary of you coming home and the day of your wedding.” Celestia said. Twilight walked over then, pulling their helmets off; arming caps and all.

“If you’re done butting heads the feast is about to start, everyone who knows how to cook in the town put their skills to work for us and I won’t have you unconscious. I’m not above shoving food down your gullets.” The girl said sternly, but ended with a smile. The two armored women shrugged and started loosening the stuff as they walked towards the hall.

“I love you, both of you.” Luna said, wrapping an arm around both of their shoulders. They agreed and returned the sentiment as they all held each other as they walked.

Author's Note

and so we conclude. Not exactly the ending I had originally planned, but then again nothing I ever write end as I originally planned. It just felt right to end it here, any more chapters to drag it out and it would be iffy. I'm glad I actually finished this one and didn't half-ass the ending, one of the few that I have.
So, what do you guys think? About the end, about the story in general and everything?
P.S. I know it was a little rushed with the big injury there but I forgot how I wanted to write that scene because I started it in school and continued it at home :/

Chapter 4

Luna half expected to wake up in some embarrassing position with Twilight, though while she wasn’t she wasn’t too far off. They weren’t wrapped around each other, but their faces were centimeters apart. Luna was afraid to move, lest she wake up the other. She didn’t know why but it would have been embarrassing regardless.

So she stayed there, watching the other sleep. She could hear the deep breathing of Celestia sleeping on the other side of the room, but didn’t dare turn to look. It was nearly ten minutes before the unfamiliar feelings and embarrassment passed and she was able to calm herself. She looked around the room a bit, realizing the sun wasn’t even up yet. By the moon in the sky out of the window, barely peeking over the horizon, it was very early in the morning. She would normally rise in about an hour or so.

Luna looked back to Twilight and found the girl’s eyes were open. Luna nearly fell off the bed, earning a soft giggle.

“Shh, you’ll wake the Princess. She likes to sleep in late.” She whispered. Luna looked back at the Princess, who looked like she slept like a rock, and then back to Twilight and nodded.

“So, like what you see or were you just sleeping with your eyes open for a while?” She continued with a sly grin. Luna flushed up and couldn’t form any words in her mouth, earning another giggle from the girl. “Oh I had to, I know you’re not used to this.” She said with a grin, yawning and sitting up.

“Now I’d normally offer to share a bath to save time, but I’ve a feeling that would be more awkward than anything else so I’ll just have to go first.” Twilight said, standing and walking towards the hall. Luna was grateful her back was turned because her face was so flushed with crimson at the thought it felt like the temperature had risen.

“Do you fancy my student, Sir Rose?” She heard, the voice startling her. She saw Celestia proppedo n an elbow, tiredly staring at her with a grin.

“I-I don’t know…” Luna said, looking to the side. Celestia giggled and yawned wide.

“Damn it’s far too early for my tastes… Well fancy her or not she quite fancies you.” The Princess said, stretching out over the bed and adjusting herself to get comfortable.

“She… how do you know?” Luna asked.

“Well she normally would have been up half an hour ago, and she’ll even wake me up early with breakfast. It would seem she wanted to watch you sleep, I’d say that’s a bit of fancy is it not?” Celestia replied. Luna was silent and Celestia giggled.

“It seems I’ve made the good Knight uncomfortable.” She said. Luna smiled and shook her head, even though the other couldn’t see it.

“I don’t think that’s the right word for it… I’ve no idea what I think, what I fancy…” She said, ending with a little groan.

“Ah well, a day of rushing around in the Tournament should clear your mind. Or muddle it up further, who knows? Now I was having a particularly fanciful dream that I’d like to get back into.” Celestia said, settling back down in full and closing her eyes. Luna looked at her, her breathing had already slowed and she was out. Luna smiled and shook her head, sitting up. She had to do something to get her mind off of the morning, so she decided to go check over her gear and her horse.

She was feeding her horse a little while later when Twilight entered the back yard with a boal of hot oats and a mug of what she assumed was wine.

“You’re free to bathe now, and drink this. It’s wine mixed with an herbal solution that’s supposed to boost your energy, Zecora gave me the recipe.” Twilight said, handing the bowl and the cup over.

“Thank you, Twilight, and I think I shall forego a bath this morning. I will dirty my self up pretty well today and I’m not exactly covered in filth at the moment.” Luna said, accepting the breakfast.

“As you wish. though there is something I am curious about you that may not be the most common topic of conversation.” Twilight said, the two of them leaning against the hitching posts as Luna ate.

“I probably won’t mind, ask away.” Luna said with a shrug. Twilight looked at the ground a moment and put her hands together.

“What is your position on a lady fancying another lady?” She asked. Luna nearly dropped her cup and nearly choked on the drink. “Oh I’m terribly sorry, I probably shouldn’t have asked that.” Twilight said, lightly patting Luna’s back as she coughed.

“No, no you’re quite alright. It was just… unexpected.” Luna said, regaining herself and setting the cup down on the top of a post. “My position… well, I was raised by a knight but never had much experience with either gender. I do not believe that a person’s fancy should be limited to their opposite.” She continued. Twilight sighed lightly and smiled.

“Well then, I suppose it won’t be nearly as odd then if I were to ask you to the banquet after the tournament tonight?” Twilight said, her tone a bit unsure. Luna would have dropped her cup if she was still holding it.

“W-What?... um… I...Isn’t the Knight supposed to ask the lady?” She asked. Twilight giggled.

“Well, normally yes… But you aren’t exactly a normal Knight.” She retorted.

“Fair enough, I suppose I’d be delighted to join you then.” Luna said, putting a hand over her chest and bowing. Twilight was grinning and looking at the ground, playing with part of the hem of her gown.

“Great. I’ll be in the stands for the tournament, next to Celestia. I’ll cheer for your crest.” Twilight said. Luna smiled and saddled her horse.

“I suppose the sun is rising and I should be getting ready, I have to see Rarity about the lances.” Luna said, looking at the sky.

“Alright. Applejack and Dash are in the market somewhere, they should be setting up at this hour, they told me they wanted to talk to you about something.” Twilight said, looking over towards the sunrise.

“I’ll see them then. I’ll see you at the tournament then, my lady.” Luna said, grinning, as she mounted Brynhildur and secured the sack that contained her armor in the bags.

“Sir Rose.” Twilight said, inclining her head. Luna nodded to her and rode off.

“You know there will be a lot of fuss about that, nearly every competing Knight has requested your company at the banquet.” Spike said, yawning, as he came to see what she was up to.

“Oh when have I given a damn about causing a little fuss.” Twilight giggled. Spike rolled his eyes.

Luna found Applejack and Dash at Rarity’s, rather than in the market, and was surprised by what they had to say.

“You want to be my Runner and Squire?” Luna repeated.

“Well sure, you’re a pretty interesting Knight.” Dash said.

“And the family loved to have you with us, normally they’re indifferent to guests.” Applejack said.

“I believe Pinkie was in the market to be a Herald.” Rarity said.

“Wasn’t Fluttershy asking you if you knew any Knights looking for a surgeon?” Applejack asked Dash.

“So We’ve got Dash as your runner, Pinkie as your Herald, AJ as your Squire, Fluttershy as your Surgeon and I’ll be your Blacksmith and Clothier of course. I suppose whether or not the lot of us stay with you after you leave the village depends on how well you do, at least that’s what I’m thinking.” Rarity summed up. Luna thought for a while.

“Well I don’t see why not, but either way I don’t really think I could ask any of you to leave your lives here.” She finally said.

“Pfft, don’t worry. If we had something more awesome to be doing then we’d do it, though even if I’m not an actual Knight working for one would be cool still.” Dash said. Luna smiled and nodded.

“Now then, the reason I came here was to ask for the lances Spike and Belle made me.” Luna said.

“Oh of course, we assumed you would. We’ve already got them all in a cart, there’s enough there to last every match you could possibly have, going three lances each time. Naturally we’re hoping there will be a few left afterwards, but either way they are yours.” Rarity said, motioning for them all to follow as she made her way to the back yard.

“I’ve got Winona, my horse, pulling it for you. It’s like a cart of feathers for her, not a better pack horse in the country.” Applejack said when they reached the yard to find Belle feeding a horse that was hooked up to the cart.

“I can’t thank you all enough. Shall we then? I don’t want to be late for the first event.” Luna said.

“Of course. Alright everyone, pile in or get your horse.” Applejack said, hopping into the cart. “Winona knows these streets as well as the mayor, she doesn’t need anybody leading her.” She continued. Rarity climbed aboard with no trouble. Luna and Dash walked back to the front and mounted their horses.

Dash had a stallion so toned and well groomed it looked like the horse of a king.

“There isn’t a faster horse than Tank in all of Equestria, proven two years in a row. I’ll go get Fluttershy and Pinkie’s already there.” Dash said. Luna nodded and almost dropped her jaw when Dash and Tank rode off and were out of sight in seconds. She shook her head and guided Brynhildur to fall into step with the cart that was now rolling.

“I’ve always watched these things from the stands, I wonder how it’ll be working with the Knight that wins the tournament.” Rarity said, looking over Twilight’s armor.

“Well hopefully I’ll give you a chance to find out.” Luna said.

It wasn’t long before they reached the tournament grounds. The first event that Luna was participating in was Archery. Twilight had given her a schedule that accounted for her matches all the way through. There were two points where she’d have to forfeit a match of the sword or a match of Archery, which meant that she had to be ahead enough to afford the losses.

For now, though, she stood twenty yards away from the small target. Her arrow was notched and her bow drawn. With a soft exhale she released. In the second or so it took for the arrow to teach the target the wind caught the projectile and shifted its arc. Luna had accounted for this, though, and she hit only a centimeter or two away from the dead center of the bullseye. Her competitors’ arrows were at the edges of it or not in it at all.

“Winner, Sir Rose!” The announcer called. Her friends in the cart, along with a good portion of the spectators, cheered loudly. Luna had little time to spare to get to the lists, though. Her next event was a joust. When she put her bow away and mounted Brynhildur, the cart was already moving. She made it with more than enough time to don her gear properly. She sent Applejack to get Brynhildur ready and Rarity and Belle to prepare the lances.

“Hail, Sir Rose.” Luna heard as she had just started getting frustrated with her breastplate. She turned to find Twilight at the doorway, grinning like a child at play.

“Hail, Lady Twilight.” Luna said, smiling and doing an odd head-touch/salute motion (something along the lines of the ‘I see you’ motion from avatar).

“Would you care for some assistance? It would not be the first time I’ve helped somebody into their armor.” Twilight offered. Before Luna could say yes, though, the girl was already pulling the thing into its proper place.

“You’ll get the hang of doing it yourself eventually, but until then it’s nice to have some help.” Twilight said as she adjusted and finished with the breastplate. Luna had already gotten her pauldrons on, so Twilight helped her with the gauntlets and the arming cap. Luna pulled her helmet on and smiled at Twilight.

“I’d say I’ll win this for you, but I’m not one for dramatics like that.” She said. Twilight giggled and grabbed luna’s face in her hands.

“How about you just win and say it was for your father, I’ve had more than enough knights claim they’d win this for me.” She said. Luna smiled and nodded. They walked outside and saw Applejack and Rarity with the cart at the lists. Pinkie was wooing the crowd with enthusiastic words and half-truths while Dash came to a near screeching halt on Tank with Fluttershy holding on to her for dear life. Luna waved to them and turned towards Brynhildur, which had been fitted with the proper gear, while Twilight walked up the stairs leading to the main section of the stands.

“Who is my opponent?” Luna asked Applejack. Before the farmgirl could answer, an overly pompous voice came from behind them.

“That would be me, Prince Blueblood.” The mounted knight said, opening his visor to the side to reveal blond hair and blue eyes.

“Prince? Are you related to the Princess?” Luna asked.

“Eh, long story short it’s a political thing.” Rarity whispered into her ear.

“Indeed, I am the Nephew of the Princess. I wonder what you were doing with my Lady a moment before.” He said, his voice so snobbish it made her want to gag.

“I did not know any Knight had claim to her.” Luna retorted.

“I have claim to any lady I should fancy.” He argued. Luna didn’t have a chance to offer another retort before they were called to start. Blueblood humphed and rode to his place on the other side of the lists.

“Knock-em dead Luny! I’ve got the crowd all buzzing with excitement!” Pinkie said, practically bouncing over.Dash high fived her and Twilight watched Blueblood. He was grinning at the stands, and when she followed his line of sight she saw that he was staring at Twilight.

“How good is Blueblood?” Luna asked.

“He normally finishes within the top three in these Tournaments.” Belle answered.

“Hm…” Luna said and closed her visor. Applejack handed her off a Lance and the flag dropped. They both started at the same time, but it became apparent that Brynhildur was the superior mount when Luna reached the lists’ fence seconds before Blueblood.She could see his cocky grin through his visor’s grates and she narrowed her eyes.

Top three? He’d never faced a Knight like her before.

Her arm jarred back as she struck him dead right in the center of mass, right on his chest, blasted apart. Her breath was forced from her lungs as Blueblood’s lance broke on her chestplate. She recovered quickly though and was a little surprised to see that Blueblood was sprawled across the ground instead of on his horse galloping the other way.

There were a few moments of stunned silence, the only sound being Blueblood’s horse coming to a stop, before everyone erupted into cheering. She grinned under her visor and tossed the shattered lance away and turned her horse back towards her side as the crowd calmed down. She stopped in front of the stands, in front of where Celestia and Twilight sat.

“I’m impressed, Sir Rose.” Celestia said with a grin as she clapped. Luna inclined her head in response and looked to Twilight.

“Apparently he thought he had a claim over you, Lady Twilight, so I’d like to formally ask you to Banquet.” Luna said, the crowd dead silent. Twilight laughed and clapped her hands together.

“Of course, Luna. It’d be an honor, you big showoff.” She said. Luna grinned and rode back to her spot to dismount.

“Sabatons, greaves and sword if you would.” Luna said when she reached the cart. Rarity and Belle had already removed the pieces of their bag and were ready to help her into them. It was a quick process with a master smith and her apprentice doing it so she was at the sword ring with enough time to spare to warrant an introduction from Pinkie.

“...He claimed her lady, and she didn’t like that, so instead she gave him claim to the dirt! She’s the wildflower in the elegantly boring bouquet, Wilde Rose, Sir Luna Rose!” She finished valiantly. The crowd cheered and Luna entered the ring.

“I like the name.” She said to Pinkie, clapping the Herald’s shoulder as she passed.

“Just came to mind!” She exclaimed and vaulted over the gate to watch.

Luna was a deadeye with her bow, and not even a gale force wind could unseat her on a horse, but she had never really owned armor before. All of her skill with the sword was in an agile and maneuverable style. Her armor may have been flexible and light, but plate was still plate. She nearly lost and he landed eight blow to her four, but she adapted her style and managed to with with ten blows to nine.

Luna was exhausted as she made her way back to the lists. She would have another sword match afterwards and then rush right into three consecutive archery matches. She groaned and loosened her greaves as she jogged back to the lists.

This was going to be an exhausting day.

Author's Note

I would be a lot more descriptive with the joust, but I haven't done any real research on it. I kind of rushed through the sword too, but it's past midnight and I felt that saving a descriptive sword match is best saved for later in the story :3
as always feedback and yadda yadda
hope you enjoyed, I need to sleep