For Everything Must Have a Beginningby Golden DuskChaptersOne Rainy NightMorning's ArrivalOne Important QuestionOne Rainy Night...Rain pattered against intricate stained glass windows, and drummed audibly upon the roof of the great throne room. Outside the night sky was obscured by the thick layers of rainclouds, the rain coming down from them in thin sheets, coating the normal view from the window in a haze. Several hearths along the walls of the throne room burned steadily, the many fires filling the hall with a pleasant warmth, and the normal snapping and crackling of the fires was drowned out by the sound of rain. A single mare, draped in a cape of the richest fabrics stood near one of the great windows, watching the raindrops running down the intricate patterns of the glass. She couldn't help but smile; nights like this were perfect. She turned, and made her way through a pair of double doors settled in the back corner of the throne room. She walked slowly through the corridors of the castle, her gaze still locked onto any window she passed, and the raindrops making their swift dashes down the glass. Guards acknowledged her with a small, curt nod. Servants that were still up bowed as she passed, or uttered swift greetings: "My Queen" and "Majesty" being the most common. Down halls, through doors and up stairs she went, until she finally reached yet another set of arched double doors, flanked on either side by unicorn guards. She smiled to one as he wordlessly opened the door for her. She entered the suite of rooms that were of her own and those of her foals. The central parlor was richly furnished and decorated, with another set of doors leading out to a balcony. She turned towards the doors leading to the bedroom shared by her and her husband, who was now most probably asleep. Suddenly, her ear swiveled as she heard a small, almost tentative knock. She instinctively turned towards the doors she entered from, but realized with a start that the knocking wasn't coming from that direction. She turned then towards the doors leading to the balcony. The small knocks repeated, and were indeed from those doors. The mare moved towards the doors cautiously, coming close before stopping and calling out; "Who's there?" A short, tense silence ensued, before a voice answered. "'Tis I, my queen." The voice was quiet and unmistakably belonging to a stallion, but held an indescribable amount of power. The Queen tentatively raised the lock upon one of the doors, and opened it slowly with a flare of magic. On the other side of the threshold was the silhouette of a huge, regal stallion, who had to bend slightly to look in through the open door. The Queen gasped and rushed towards the door. "Novus? Doth my eyes deceive me? For what reason art thou here?" The stallion stepped in through the door, into the parlor. His coat resembled the night sky itself. His whole body, from fetlock to end of flowing mane, was almost ethereal . His flank was adorned with a cutie mark of a solar eclipse. And despite the weather, he was perfectly dry. As he stood up straighter, he stood far taller than the Queen. His head bowed as he regarded her. "Queen Platinum." Was all he said. With a passing glance, he let a flare of deep blue magic course through his long horn and quietly shut the doors to the balcony. The Queen looked at him critically, his face held no joy, indeed, it held a deep sort of sadness. Novus shifted somewhat uncomfortably. The Queen walked over to a cushioned seat and positioned herself upon it so that she faced the newcomer. "Well, Novus, how art thou going to explain entering my castle at this time of night?" She asked curtly. Novus looked about a bit nervously, rustling the ethereal feathers of his wings. He looked about ready to say something when Platinum interjected. "And, do think not upon standing upon formality. I may be Queen, but thou art an Alicorn." Novus nodded slightly, before settling down on the carpeted floor. "My-ah-Platinum. Forgive me, but I must discuss a somewhat... uncomfortable matter with thou. There... there hath been a calling." Platinum screwed up her face a bit. "A what? Novus, thou speaketh in a manner I am not familiar with." Meanwhile, a young unicorn filly peered through a cracked door into the parlor where her mother sat. She could hear a conversation, but could neither hear or see with whom her mother was speaking. She could only make out muffled speech to tell her that there was another pony in the room. Was it father? She wasn't sure. She stuck her tongue out in concentration, trying to get a better view of the room beyond without opening her door too much. A small voice from behind broke her momentarily from this task. "S-sis? What art thou doing?" The young unicorn spun around to see another young filly. This one was younger, and possessed a coat of midnight blue with a light blue mane. A blanket trailed behind her that was many times her length, and she was rubbing sleep from one of her eyes with a hoof. The slightly older one brushed her pink mane from her face and looked down at her sibling. "'Tis nothing, only a visitor with whom mother is speaking. I wish to hear the conversation." She returned to looking through the crack in the door. "Besides, thou ought be sleeping." The younger furrowed her brow. "So ought thou, sister." The older spun around. "Sh-shh! I can almost hear what mother is saying!" She spun back, and pressed her ear to the wood of the door. She still could only hardly make out what the visitor was saying, but she thought the voice sounded very familiar. "What? Thou art saying that-" Her mother said in a shocked voice. A muffled reply came from the visitor. "Th-then, which one was-" again, another muffled reply that interrupted her mother. Whoever this visitor was, they seemed a little rude. "Can I listen in as well, dear sister?" The younger filly asked in an excited whisper. The older sighed. "I am sorry to trouble thou with such news at this time of day. However, it seems thou doth understand my urgency." Novus said quietly. Queen Platinum stared at the ground in shock, her previous position shifted and royal manners forgotten. She opened her mouth to speak when one of the bedroom doors suddenly swung open and two young fillies, one white and one dark blue, tumbled out. Platinum stood at once, suddenly recalling her royal standing. "What art thou doing out of bed?" She snapped. The younger looked up with a sad expression, which was immediately lost in one of joy. "Uncle Novus! What art thou doing here?" She squeaked happily. The small, dark blue filly raced over to where the ethereal alicorn sat and nuzzled his side. Novus gave a small, genuine smile and returned the filly's gestures. The older one lifted herself off the floor and rubbed her head with a hoof. She looked over curiously to where Novus sat and then to her mother. "Mother, why is Novus here?" To which Novus replied in his quiet, yet powerful voice; "'Tis a matter I shall discuss with you later, young Celestia. Now, young Luna," he said, looking towards the small blue unicorn. "Thou ought make thy way to thine bed. And thou as well, Celestia. After I raise the sun, I shall return and speak with thou both on some very important matters." Celestia seemed content with this, and bid her mother goodnight as she walked back through her bedroom door. She looked back after her sister to see Luna curled up, asleep on Novus's back. The alicorn smiled, and lifted the sleeping filly carefully with his magic. He levitated her into her bed, moving the covers over her before bidding goodnight to Celestia and telling her to follow her sister's example. Celestia watched as her mother shared a few indistinguishable words with the alicorn before slowly shutting the door to Celestia and Luna's bedroom. Left alone in the dark, listening to the sound of rain patter against her shuttered window, Celestia wondered what Novus, the keeper of night and day, would be doing at her family's castle in the dead of night. Certainly, the alicorn kept close contact with the ruling unicorn family since their arrival in Equestria almost a century ago. He kept contact with the leader of all of the tribes, even as they were united under a single banner now. After all, Novus seemed to be parts of all the pony races. He had the strong build of an earth pony, the wings of a pegasus, the horn of a unicorn, and then the size and appearance of something else entirely. Celestia looked out her window, into the forests below and beyond, and wondered just what Novus was doing that night. The thought troubled the young princess until the soft lullaby of the rain sent her into a deep slumber. Morning's ArrivalCelestia was awoken to the sound of birds chirping, and the light pouring in through the openings in her shutters and drapes from Novus's Sun. She laid in bed, still in a blissful state of half-sleep, when she at last recalled the events of last night. She immediately jumped out of bed, though somewhat unsuccessfully as her back right leg was caught up in her blankets, tripping her and sending her sprawling out on the floor. Ignoring this, she hopped up once more, untangled herself from the hold of her downy sheets, and rushed towards the door. She opened the door with a flare of pink magic and burst into the parlor. But, as a small part of her expected, the keeper of night and day was not present. Instead, there were only guards flanking the doors and several servants cleaning or performing any other task that needed completion. A single butler, an old stallion with wrinkled features and a bushy moustache, came up to Celestia. "Why, young princess, thou art never awake so early. What art thou about?" He said with a kind smile. Celestia looked about the room helplessly for a few moments before responding. "Is Novus here? In the castle?" She asked. The old butler looked at her with mild shock at first, then settled back into an understanding smile. "Why, young princess, on what business would the keeper of night and day be in the castle for so early? I believe that he did raiseth the sun not even an hour hence." Celestia looked up at the butler with mild frustration. "He said that he would come and speaketh with me and mine sister after he had raiseth the morning sun." Celestia said with a stamp of her hoof. The old butler regarded her curiously for a moment. "Why, princess, thou must hadst had quite the dream this last night. " He said. Celestia gaped at the old stallion. "'Twas not a dream!" She protested, her shrill voice sounding more of a common foal and not a princess. The butler raised one of his hooves in the air in a gesture of mock defeat. "Be that as it may, princess, thou art awake early enough to eat with your mother and father. They are both in the dining hall, most probably still waiting for their morning meal. Shall I escort you to the hall?" Celestia smiled broadly up at the old butler. "I shall take that as a 'yes'." The butler opened the door to the parlor for Celestia and followed the filly through the corridors and passageways of the castle. They reached the dining room doors, which the old stallion pushed open for the young princess to enter through. Within the hall sat a long table of polished wood, inlaid with precious metals and covered with a snow white cloth. Golden candelabras, now devoid of flame, were set in regular intervals down the whole length. And cushioned chairs were all lined up either side of it. Currently though, only two were occupied by two unicorns, chatting in hushed voices. The king and queen looked up as the doors opened into the dining hall, to see their eldest daughter coming in with one of their oldest butlers. The queen smiled softly at the new arrivals, and called out to her daughter. "Celestia, thou art awake much earlier than normal this day." She said. "Indeed," the king added "most days we must wake you with a herald's horn to get thou out of thine bed." Celestia trotted across the hall and hugged her mother. Then, she asked her mother in an expectant voice: "Mother, is Novus in the castle?"The old butler stepped in at that moment. "My queen, I believe the question comes from a dream the young princess hadst last night." Celestia looked up at her mother incredulously for a moment before the queen spoke. "No, no. I believe it may have come from another source." The old butler looked at the queen curiously, before returning his gaze to Celestia for a moment. He shrugged. "Well, if Novus doth arrive to the castle, I will inform you of it." The butler said. Quite suddenly, the doors at the front of the hall swung open. "I do appreciate thine offer, but I believe myself to be more than capable of making mine own entrance." Novus said in his powerful voice as he strode into the dining hall, a worried looking herald close at his heels. The herald ran up to the king and queen and spoke in a hushed, nervous voice. "Please, forgive me your highnesses. I-I couldn't stop him." The King looked at the herald in amusement, then waved him away with a hoof. "'Tis all well. Novus needs little introduction here." The herald's face lit up with relief and he quickly returned to his post outside the hall, shutting the doors behind him. Celestia looked back to Novus. She was always curious how the alicorn's ethereal coat and mane changed color and appearance depending on the time of day. Where he had been the night sky last night, now he was a golden color, his mane no longer of shadow but bright sunlight. His coat held all the colors of day, and still had the subtle pinks of dawn still present. Only the alicorn's cutie mark remained constant; the solar eclipse never changing as his body did. Celestia looked over to the old butler, his face now filled with shock and awe of the alicorn's sudden appearance. Celestia smiled at her small triumph; the butler's realization that the young princess may not have been in the throes of some waking dream when she had said that Novus wished to speak with her. She turned her gaze then to Novus, who had since walked up to her mother and father, and was engaged in all of the formalities associated with greeting royalty. This persisted for a short time, and when at last all of the due conversation was finished, Celestia walked up to Novus, who looked down at her with his fiery golden eyes. "What was it that thou wisheth to speak with me about?" Clestia asked him. Novus gave the princess a radiant smile and leaned his neck down so that he was just above her eye level. "Thou didst a poor job of listening to me last night, young Celestia." Celestia looked dumbstruck. He had said he wished to talk. And now he was making her look like an utter foal. Novus continued, though. "I said that I would speaketh with thou and thine sister when I had raised the morning sun. Now, I do not believe thine sister is present. Thus, we shan't talk quite just yet." Celestia was perhaps a bit frustrated, but content that at least Novus did not go back upon his word. And so, the young princess sulked over to the chair opposite her mother at the table. Servants came not long after Novus's arrival, bearing a chair that her mother and father insisted be made especially for the alicorn. And despite several small protests, Novus did not refuse the seat when it had at last been brought out. Their places at the table were set, and a morning meal was brought out before them all. Queen Platinum had also dispatched a maid to go and wake princess Luna so that she may join them all at the table. In the meanwhile, Celestia was peering over the table to see what was brought out and laid before them. There were platters of fruit, freshly cooked breads, and an assortment of delectable pastries. Celestia was eyeing the sweets in particular, waiting for her mother to finish taking several off the platter before taking several for herself with a bit of pink magic. As she focused on levitating the pastries she had selected over to her own plate, she heard Novus make a small remark to her parents about the harvests made by the earth ponies that year. There was also something about the poor harvests and terrible winters of past years, but Celestia was too engrossed in her magic to make much note of it. As Celestia happily took a bite from a tart, she noticed that Novus's own silver plate was entirely empty. Celestia swallowed her morsel of food and waited for a break in her parent's bland conversation over taxes and politics, before speaking up herself. "Why hasn't thou taken anything to eat?" Celestia asked the alicorn across the table from her. Novus looked a bit surprised, and glanced down at his plate as though he himself did not realize that nothing was on it. He looked over to Celestia and gave a small laugh. "I have no need to eat. I have not felt hunger for a very, very long time." Novus said simply. Believing this to be sufficient, he turned back to the king and queen's conversation, but just before he could engross himself once more, Celestia spoke again. "Why?" Was all she asked. Novus turned to her, his face bearing curiosity and mild amusement. He looked up at the ceiling as if in deep thought for several moments before looking back to the young princess to reply. "I do not exactly know. I simply haven't." Celestia was about to ask yet another question when the doors to the hall opened once more, this time allowing a maid to enter, with princess Luna in tow, looking still half asleep. After Luna sat down at the table, and food was placed before her, Celestia looked expectantly at Novus. Unfortunately, though, the alicorn was still listening intently to her parents' conversation. Celestia waited for another lapse in conversation before loudly clearing her throat. All eyes turned to her, and Celestia pointed towards Luna. No pony seemed to understand her meaning, except for Novus, who gave a small chuckle. "A bit impatient, aren't thou?" He asked. Celestia saw him look over to her mother and give an inquiring look. Her mother seemed to understand this and stood. "May we clear the dining hall? We require privacy." She said. All of the present servants and guards bowed and made for the nearest door. Just as the last guard was closing the door, he stopped for a moment. "Should you require anything, your majesties, simply call." With that said, the door closed, and those seated at the table were the only ponies left. Novus, who had been watching the door, now turned to Celestia. "Young Celestia, young Luna," Novus began, looking to each filly in turn. "I Have spoken with thine mother, who hath in turn relayed my words to thine father." Celestia noticed that her mother seemed a little ill at ease, and her father was simply staring dejectedly down at his plate. "I and I wish to tell thou both," Novus said, though now looking at Celestia's parents. It appeared he had noticed their unease. He turned back to Celestia and Luna, who both were staring at him. "I wish to tell thou both that I will be personally overseeing thine instruction upon magic and all subjects in any relation thereof. In other words, the both of thou are to be mine students." Celestia's eyes widened, and her sister's mouth was agape. Her parents looked at Novus as though he had said something incredible, their previous unease gone. Novus simply smiled at all. ******** Author's Notes: Just a bit longer this time. I hope to make the next few a bit longer than this, to avoid a F***load of chapters. I also don't really have an update schedule. It seems to just be whenever I feel like writing, so, every few days or thereabouts. Also, constructive criticism is welcome, as this is my first real fic. Finally, the "sad" tag will come in later (probably). Other than all that, I just hope you enjoy the story thus far! One Important QuestionIn truth, Celestia was not sure what to think of Novus becoming her teacher of magic. She contemplated the subject as she made her way towards the castle library for her first "class" with the alicorn. And even though her younger sister ought to have separate lessons due to her lower skill, Luna would be now sharing the tutoring period with her. Celestia guessed it was due to Novus's generally busy schedule being the keeper of the sun and moon. Celestia wondered what the alicorn would teach her as opposed to her previous teacher, the court wizard Glowing Ember. Ember was older than her father, and though he was an accomplished unicorn, he seemed to occasionally forget himself. Celestia stepped out into the castle courtyard, a sizable rectangular area dominated on all sides by crenellated walls and covered, pillared walkways. Cobblestone pathways broke the courtyard into a collection of garden rectangles, covered with thick green grass, multicolored flowerbeds, trellises of crawling ivy, and numerous small trees. All except one rectangular space, set apart from the rest, where guards and soldiers dueled and trained. The ground there was hardened by the hoofsteps of hundreds of displays of skill, with sparse grass growing in the corners and edges. Currently, such a display was taking part currently. The courtyard rang with the sound of steel on steel, and as Celestia rounded an ivy coated pillar, she could easily make out the two combatants on the far side of the field. One was a guardsman, the other Celestia recognized as a somewhat distant relative, sent to be a ward under her family. Celestia never really liked the colt. His family was also powerful, yes, but only because they were relatives of hers. Though everyone called Silver Blade, the dueling colt, "prince", he was truly nothing of the sort. Celestia swept her head away in indignation and continued towards her class. When she finally pushed open the doors of the library and made her way to the adjoining study where her classes were usually held, she found that both Novus and Luna were present within the room. They seemed engaged in a hushed conversation. The three windows within the room were also all opened fully, letting in the dwindling light of the sunset, and the still warm summer breeze. Novus seemed more part of these elements than solid, his ethereal mane and body perfectly matching the colors of the sunset outside. It seemed as though he was a piece of the sky itself, fallen to the ground yet still changing as the remainder above did. As Celestia pushed open the door fully, the talking died swiftly. Novus looked up at Celestia and gave a wry smile. "Thou took thine time to get here, to be sure." He motioned for Celestia to sit down on one of the two cushions placed in front of him. And as there was only one real chair the existed within the castle made for the alicorn, he opted instead to lay upon the carpeted floor. Celestia laid down upon the soft cushion adjacent to her sister. "I was just discussing with Luna the position of her current magical ability." Novus said, nodding towards Luna. "Now, Celestia, doth thou have any questions before we begin today's lesson?" Celestia looked towards her sister, then back to Novus. "Why did thou become our teacher?" She asked. Novus looked at Celestia a bit curiously, but any possibly stronger emotion was masked perfectly. The alicorn looked sideways out of one of the open windows, and took a slow breath. Celestia thought she could see something within the alicorn's eyes as they looked away, but was unsure of herself. "Well," Novus began, "The both of thou must first understand something. I will not entirely be replacing your instructors. Simply adding in mine own instruction on other subjects. Speaking of which, Celestia, thou art still scheduled to meet with Glowing Ember for your regular classes on the morrow. He told me to remind thou of this. Now, as for why I have decided to contribute to thine instruction, I feel as though the both of thou may need it. Nothing truly lasts for all eternity. Both of thou will one day be leaders, ponies of import who will have a number of responsibilities. I wish to ensure that thou art properly prepared." He turned back to Celestia. "I hope that such an explanation will suffice?" Celestia nodded, though inside she was rather disappointed. Something within her knew not to press, as Novus no doubt had millennia of experience with hiding information. "Excellent." Novus said. "Now, to begin. Thou art both familiar with the Elements of Harmony, yes?" Both of the fillies looked towards each other, then returned their gazes to Novus. They nodded. "How much do you know?" Novus asked. Again, both of the fillies looked towards each other, though now a short exchange of gestures passed between them, as they decided who would speak. The wordless conversation ended with Celestia being the chosen. "The Elements make up the greatest known magic within Equestria," she began. "The six elements are loyalty, honesty, kindness, generosity, laughter, and magic. The Elements have been used only once within our history, in the greatest battle ever fought between the Elder Dragon Ysvoreith and... er... you." Celestia flushed a bit with embarrassment, as she realized she was recounting a tale to the hero who was its focus. Novus gave a small chuckle. "My, my, that must have been over five hundred years ago. A good several centuries before the trouble with the Windigoes when the three tribes finally settled their differences, I think." Novus grinned slightly at the memory. "Doth thou know much else, Celestia?" Celestia thought for a moment, then shook her head. The Elements of Harmony were an old tale, and though there were several shrines to them, nopony really knew where the Elements were. They were, for almost all intents and purposes, just a myth. If Novus himself hadn't told that they did, in fact, exist, nopony would have included them within the story of Novus's epic battle with Ysvoreith. The alicorn looked a bit disappointed that Celestia did not know more. He looked towards Luna hopefully. "Wouldest thou like to contribute?" he asked. Luna furrowed her brow in thought, but then shook her head. Novus nodded a bit sadly. "Tis a shame that so little is known of them. Even though I have once wielded them, even I cannot add very much to thine story." He said. Now looking between them, he continued. "I can add some things, however. For one, the Elements may, and have been, used by normal ponies." Both Celestia and Luna looked at Novus incredulously. "But Uncle Novus," Luna said, "why haven't we heard of this?" "Because, young Luna, that tale was ancient when I was but a colt." Novus answered. Both Celestia and Luna wondered what Novus, ancient keeper of night and day, would have been like as a colt. Celestia stifled a giggle at the thought. "Also," Novus continued, "the Elements have very unusual properties. For example, they may change shape to match their user." Celestia nodded. The castle held an incredibly old, faded tapestry that depicted Novus wearing the Elements of Harmony, appearing as gleaming armor with a circlet of purest diamond as the Element of Magic, facing down a gargantuan black dragon. She had believed that the Elements always looked like this, but this was coming from Novus, what cause did she have to question him? "Novus," Luna asked suddenly, "what did those ponies do with the Elements of Harmony? Did they defeat a big monster like thou didst?" Luna's eyes were sparkling with hope, Celestia noticed. Her sister always did enjoy a good story. Novus looked at her fondly. "I'm afraid that story must wait, young Luna. They did, however, do something incredible." He said. Luna seemed to deflate on the spot. Novus smiled at her softly. "Fear not, though. I have many more stories than that one. I shall make sure to remember a particularly good story for thou at a later time." This set Luna back to smiling widely up at the alicorn. The next long while was filled with Novus asking questions about what the two princesses knew about magic. He had Celestia demonstrate her ability at telekinesis and summoning light, as well as having Luna make attempts to lift various small objects, with numerous successes. He consistently gave praise and advice to both of the fillies throughout their session. He would pose a number of challenges for them to do both together and separate, such a turning pages in a book or manipulating certain objects with telekinesis. Celestia found that working together with her sister was more difficult than doing something alone. Still, she tried not to complain about difficulty to the being that moved the heavens themselves. It was during one of the cooperative challenges that there was a knock on the study door. Celestia looked outside to see that the sun had dipped lower on the horizon, realizing that Novus must have been moving it whilst he had been watching Celestia and Luna practice. Novus himself was also taking on the subtle golds and grays of dusk in his coat and mane, and his eyes were going from their majestic daytime gold into their deep nighttime dark blue. "Thou mayest enter." Novus said. The door tenderly swung open to reveal a middle aged stallion butler, with a fading orange coat and combed crimson hair. He bowed before Novus, who regarded the gesture with a single raised eye brow, before doing the same to Celestia and Luna. "I am to taketh their majesties to supper." He said curtly. Novus nodded. "Luna, please go along. Celestia, I wish to speaketh with thou alone for yet a moment more. Sir, please inform their royal majesties that I shan't be keeping their daughter very long. Ah! And I also shan't be staying for supper." The butler nodded, and Luna got up to go with him. "Bye Uncle Novus!" Luna exclaimed, rushing up to wrap her forelegs around Novus's neck. Novus smiled brightly and returned the hug with a single one of his forelegs. Luna broke off of Novus after a few moments and left with the Butler. As the door closed with a near silent click, Novus seemed to deflate noticeably. Celestia looked at him with concern playing across her face. "What is wrong?" She asked simply. Novus looked to Celestia, his normal emotional mask now replaced, though with something akin to sadness visible behind his eyes. "Thine sister is young. Too young, I am afraid, to fully understand." Suspicion and overwhelming curiosity gripped Celestia. "Too young to understand what?" Celestia asked quietly. Novus sighed. "Young Celestia, thou asked before why I wished to instruct the both of thou in magic. It is because keepers need students. Keepers need to pass on knowledge, to guide those who could be great. Keepers are exposed to energies beyond mortal comprehension. Night and Day, I am filled with the power of the sun and moon. It can make a keeper lose track of the ground, of the world. Keepers need ponies to remind them of their ties to life and balance. And if necessary, succeed them. I have, through mine long life, unfortunately neglected such a duty." The last sentence was so quiet Celestia could hardly hear it. Yet she did. "Wh-what art thou saying Novus? Succeed them?" Celestia spoke in a whisper. Novus had been staring at the floor, and now looked towards Celestia. "Last night, thou were listening in on the conversation I hadst with thine mother. I will tell thou what I told her. I have felt something within the forces of the world itself, young Celestia." "What did thou feelest?" Celestia asked. Novus let out a breath of air. "Mine death knell." --------- Author's Notes: Too long. It took WAY too long to get this chapter out in my opinion. And now I have a trip to Moab desert all of next week, so... another long delay. As always, I am looking for constructive criticism (this being my first fic and all). Besides all that, I hope that this chapter is satisfactory. Enjoy!
One Rainy Night...Rain pattered against intricate stained glass windows, and drummed audibly upon the roof of the great throne room. Outside the night sky was obscured by the thick layers of rainclouds, the rain coming down from them in thin sheets, coating the normal view from the window in a haze. Several hearths along the walls of the throne room burned steadily, the many fires filling the hall with a pleasant warmth, and the normal snapping and crackling of the fires was drowned out by the sound of rain. A single mare, draped in a cape of the richest fabrics stood near one of the great windows, watching the raindrops running down the intricate patterns of the glass. She couldn't help but smile; nights like this were perfect. She turned, and made her way through a pair of double doors settled in the back corner of the throne room. She walked slowly through the corridors of the castle, her gaze still locked onto any window she passed, and the raindrops making their swift dashes down the glass. Guards acknowledged her with a small, curt nod. Servants that were still up bowed as she passed, or uttered swift greetings: "My Queen" and "Majesty" being the most common. Down halls, through doors and up stairs she went, until she finally reached yet another set of arched double doors, flanked on either side by unicorn guards. She smiled to one as he wordlessly opened the door for her. She entered the suite of rooms that were of her own and those of her foals. The central parlor was richly furnished and decorated, with another set of doors leading out to a balcony. She turned towards the doors leading to the bedroom shared by her and her husband, who was now most probably asleep. Suddenly, her ear swiveled as she heard a small, almost tentative knock. She instinctively turned towards the doors she entered from, but realized with a start that the knocking wasn't coming from that direction. She turned then towards the doors leading to the balcony. The small knocks repeated, and were indeed from those doors. The mare moved towards the doors cautiously, coming close before stopping and calling out; "Who's there?" A short, tense silence ensued, before a voice answered. "'Tis I, my queen." The voice was quiet and unmistakably belonging to a stallion, but held an indescribable amount of power. The Queen tentatively raised the lock upon one of the doors, and opened it slowly with a flare of magic. On the other side of the threshold was the silhouette of a huge, regal stallion, who had to bend slightly to look in through the open door. The Queen gasped and rushed towards the door. "Novus? Doth my eyes deceive me? For what reason art thou here?" The stallion stepped in through the door, into the parlor. His coat resembled the night sky itself. His whole body, from fetlock to end of flowing mane, was almost ethereal . His flank was adorned with a cutie mark of a solar eclipse. And despite the weather, he was perfectly dry. As he stood up straighter, he stood far taller than the Queen. His head bowed as he regarded her. "Queen Platinum." Was all he said. With a passing glance, he let a flare of deep blue magic course through his long horn and quietly shut the doors to the balcony. The Queen looked at him critically, his face held no joy, indeed, it held a deep sort of sadness. Novus shifted somewhat uncomfortably. The Queen walked over to a cushioned seat and positioned herself upon it so that she faced the newcomer. "Well, Novus, how art thou going to explain entering my castle at this time of night?" She asked curtly. Novus looked about a bit nervously, rustling the ethereal feathers of his wings. He looked about ready to say something when Platinum interjected. "And, do think not upon standing upon formality. I may be Queen, but thou art an Alicorn." Novus nodded slightly, before settling down on the carpeted floor. "My-ah-Platinum. Forgive me, but I must discuss a somewhat... uncomfortable matter with thou. There... there hath been a calling." Platinum screwed up her face a bit. "A what? Novus, thou speaketh in a manner I am not familiar with." Meanwhile, a young unicorn filly peered through a cracked door into the parlor where her mother sat. She could hear a conversation, but could neither hear or see with whom her mother was speaking. She could only make out muffled speech to tell her that there was another pony in the room. Was it father? She wasn't sure. She stuck her tongue out in concentration, trying to get a better view of the room beyond without opening her door too much. A small voice from behind broke her momentarily from this task. "S-sis? What art thou doing?" The young unicorn spun around to see another young filly. This one was younger, and possessed a coat of midnight blue with a light blue mane. A blanket trailed behind her that was many times her length, and she was rubbing sleep from one of her eyes with a hoof. The slightly older one brushed her pink mane from her face and looked down at her sibling. "'Tis nothing, only a visitor with whom mother is speaking. I wish to hear the conversation." She returned to looking through the crack in the door. "Besides, thou ought be sleeping." The younger furrowed her brow. "So ought thou, sister." The older spun around. "Sh-shh! I can almost hear what mother is saying!" She spun back, and pressed her ear to the wood of the door. She still could only hardly make out what the visitor was saying, but she thought the voice sounded very familiar. "What? Thou art saying that-" Her mother said in a shocked voice. A muffled reply came from the visitor. "Th-then, which one was-" again, another muffled reply that interrupted her mother. Whoever this visitor was, they seemed a little rude. "Can I listen in as well, dear sister?" The younger filly asked in an excited whisper. The older sighed. "I am sorry to trouble thou with such news at this time of day. However, it seems thou doth understand my urgency." Novus said quietly. Queen Platinum stared at the ground in shock, her previous position shifted and royal manners forgotten. She opened her mouth to speak when one of the bedroom doors suddenly swung open and two young fillies, one white and one dark blue, tumbled out. Platinum stood at once, suddenly recalling her royal standing. "What art thou doing out of bed?" She snapped. The younger looked up with a sad expression, which was immediately lost in one of joy. "Uncle Novus! What art thou doing here?" She squeaked happily. The small, dark blue filly raced over to where the ethereal alicorn sat and nuzzled his side. Novus gave a small, genuine smile and returned the filly's gestures. The older one lifted herself off the floor and rubbed her head with a hoof. She looked over curiously to where Novus sat and then to her mother. "Mother, why is Novus here?" To which Novus replied in his quiet, yet powerful voice; "'Tis a matter I shall discuss with you later, young Celestia. Now, young Luna," he said, looking towards the small blue unicorn. "Thou ought make thy way to thine bed. And thou as well, Celestia. After I raise the sun, I shall return and speak with thou both on some very important matters." Celestia seemed content with this, and bid her mother goodnight as she walked back through her bedroom door. She looked back after her sister to see Luna curled up, asleep on Novus's back. The alicorn smiled, and lifted the sleeping filly carefully with his magic. He levitated her into her bed, moving the covers over her before bidding goodnight to Celestia and telling her to follow her sister's example. Celestia watched as her mother shared a few indistinguishable words with the alicorn before slowly shutting the door to Celestia and Luna's bedroom. Left alone in the dark, listening to the sound of rain patter against her shuttered window, Celestia wondered what Novus, the keeper of night and day, would be doing at her family's castle in the dead of night. Certainly, the alicorn kept close contact with the ruling unicorn family since their arrival in Equestria almost a century ago. He kept contact with the leader of all of the tribes, even as they were united under a single banner now. After all, Novus seemed to be parts of all the pony races. He had the strong build of an earth pony, the wings of a pegasus, the horn of a unicorn, and then the size and appearance of something else entirely. Celestia looked out her window, into the forests below and beyond, and wondered just what Novus was doing that night. The thought troubled the young princess until the soft lullaby of the rain sent her into a deep slumber.
Morning's ArrivalCelestia was awoken to the sound of birds chirping, and the light pouring in through the openings in her shutters and drapes from Novus's Sun. She laid in bed, still in a blissful state of half-sleep, when she at last recalled the events of last night. She immediately jumped out of bed, though somewhat unsuccessfully as her back right leg was caught up in her blankets, tripping her and sending her sprawling out on the floor. Ignoring this, she hopped up once more, untangled herself from the hold of her downy sheets, and rushed towards the door. She opened the door with a flare of pink magic and burst into the parlor. But, as a small part of her expected, the keeper of night and day was not present. Instead, there were only guards flanking the doors and several servants cleaning or performing any other task that needed completion. A single butler, an old stallion with wrinkled features and a bushy moustache, came up to Celestia. "Why, young princess, thou art never awake so early. What art thou about?" He said with a kind smile. Celestia looked about the room helplessly for a few moments before responding. "Is Novus here? In the castle?" She asked. The old butler looked at her with mild shock at first, then settled back into an understanding smile. "Why, young princess, on what business would the keeper of night and day be in the castle for so early? I believe that he did raiseth the sun not even an hour hence." Celestia looked up at the butler with mild frustration. "He said that he would come and speaketh with me and mine sister after he had raiseth the morning sun." Celestia said with a stamp of her hoof. The old butler regarded her curiously for a moment. "Why, princess, thou must hadst had quite the dream this last night. " He said. Celestia gaped at the old stallion. "'Twas not a dream!" She protested, her shrill voice sounding more of a common foal and not a princess. The butler raised one of his hooves in the air in a gesture of mock defeat. "Be that as it may, princess, thou art awake early enough to eat with your mother and father. They are both in the dining hall, most probably still waiting for their morning meal. Shall I escort you to the hall?" Celestia smiled broadly up at the old butler. "I shall take that as a 'yes'." The butler opened the door to the parlor for Celestia and followed the filly through the corridors and passageways of the castle. They reached the dining room doors, which the old stallion pushed open for the young princess to enter through. Within the hall sat a long table of polished wood, inlaid with precious metals and covered with a snow white cloth. Golden candelabras, now devoid of flame, were set in regular intervals down the whole length. And cushioned chairs were all lined up either side of it. Currently though, only two were occupied by two unicorns, chatting in hushed voices. The king and queen looked up as the doors opened into the dining hall, to see their eldest daughter coming in with one of their oldest butlers. The queen smiled softly at the new arrivals, and called out to her daughter. "Celestia, thou art awake much earlier than normal this day." She said. "Indeed," the king added "most days we must wake you with a herald's horn to get thou out of thine bed." Celestia trotted across the hall and hugged her mother. Then, she asked her mother in an expectant voice: "Mother, is Novus in the castle?"The old butler stepped in at that moment. "My queen, I believe the question comes from a dream the young princess hadst last night." Celestia looked up at her mother incredulously for a moment before the queen spoke. "No, no. I believe it may have come from another source." The old butler looked at the queen curiously, before returning his gaze to Celestia for a moment. He shrugged. "Well, if Novus doth arrive to the castle, I will inform you of it." The butler said. Quite suddenly, the doors at the front of the hall swung open. "I do appreciate thine offer, but I believe myself to be more than capable of making mine own entrance." Novus said in his powerful voice as he strode into the dining hall, a worried looking herald close at his heels. The herald ran up to the king and queen and spoke in a hushed, nervous voice. "Please, forgive me your highnesses. I-I couldn't stop him." The King looked at the herald in amusement, then waved him away with a hoof. "'Tis all well. Novus needs little introduction here." The herald's face lit up with relief and he quickly returned to his post outside the hall, shutting the doors behind him. Celestia looked back to Novus. She was always curious how the alicorn's ethereal coat and mane changed color and appearance depending on the time of day. Where he had been the night sky last night, now he was a golden color, his mane no longer of shadow but bright sunlight. His coat held all the colors of day, and still had the subtle pinks of dawn still present. Only the alicorn's cutie mark remained constant; the solar eclipse never changing as his body did. Celestia looked over to the old butler, his face now filled with shock and awe of the alicorn's sudden appearance. Celestia smiled at her small triumph; the butler's realization that the young princess may not have been in the throes of some waking dream when she had said that Novus wished to speak with her. She turned her gaze then to Novus, who had since walked up to her mother and father, and was engaged in all of the formalities associated with greeting royalty. This persisted for a short time, and when at last all of the due conversation was finished, Celestia walked up to Novus, who looked down at her with his fiery golden eyes. "What was it that thou wisheth to speak with me about?" Clestia asked him. Novus gave the princess a radiant smile and leaned his neck down so that he was just above her eye level. "Thou didst a poor job of listening to me last night, young Celestia." Celestia looked dumbstruck. He had said he wished to talk. And now he was making her look like an utter foal. Novus continued, though. "I said that I would speaketh with thou and thine sister when I had raised the morning sun. Now, I do not believe thine sister is present. Thus, we shan't talk quite just yet." Celestia was perhaps a bit frustrated, but content that at least Novus did not go back upon his word. And so, the young princess sulked over to the chair opposite her mother at the table. Servants came not long after Novus's arrival, bearing a chair that her mother and father insisted be made especially for the alicorn. And despite several small protests, Novus did not refuse the seat when it had at last been brought out. Their places at the table were set, and a morning meal was brought out before them all. Queen Platinum had also dispatched a maid to go and wake princess Luna so that she may join them all at the table. In the meanwhile, Celestia was peering over the table to see what was brought out and laid before them. There were platters of fruit, freshly cooked breads, and an assortment of delectable pastries. Celestia was eyeing the sweets in particular, waiting for her mother to finish taking several off the platter before taking several for herself with a bit of pink magic. As she focused on levitating the pastries she had selected over to her own plate, she heard Novus make a small remark to her parents about the harvests made by the earth ponies that year. There was also something about the poor harvests and terrible winters of past years, but Celestia was too engrossed in her magic to make much note of it. As Celestia happily took a bite from a tart, she noticed that Novus's own silver plate was entirely empty. Celestia swallowed her morsel of food and waited for a break in her parent's bland conversation over taxes and politics, before speaking up herself. "Why hasn't thou taken anything to eat?" Celestia asked the alicorn across the table from her. Novus looked a bit surprised, and glanced down at his plate as though he himself did not realize that nothing was on it. He looked over to Celestia and gave a small laugh. "I have no need to eat. I have not felt hunger for a very, very long time." Novus said simply. Believing this to be sufficient, he turned back to the king and queen's conversation, but just before he could engross himself once more, Celestia spoke again. "Why?" Was all she asked. Novus turned to her, his face bearing curiosity and mild amusement. He looked up at the ceiling as if in deep thought for several moments before looking back to the young princess to reply. "I do not exactly know. I simply haven't." Celestia was about to ask yet another question when the doors to the hall opened once more, this time allowing a maid to enter, with princess Luna in tow, looking still half asleep. After Luna sat down at the table, and food was placed before her, Celestia looked expectantly at Novus. Unfortunately, though, the alicorn was still listening intently to her parents' conversation. Celestia waited for another lapse in conversation before loudly clearing her throat. All eyes turned to her, and Celestia pointed towards Luna. No pony seemed to understand her meaning, except for Novus, who gave a small chuckle. "A bit impatient, aren't thou?" He asked. Celestia saw him look over to her mother and give an inquiring look. Her mother seemed to understand this and stood. "May we clear the dining hall? We require privacy." She said. All of the present servants and guards bowed and made for the nearest door. Just as the last guard was closing the door, he stopped for a moment. "Should you require anything, your majesties, simply call." With that said, the door closed, and those seated at the table were the only ponies left. Novus, who had been watching the door, now turned to Celestia. "Young Celestia, young Luna," Novus began, looking to each filly in turn. "I Have spoken with thine mother, who hath in turn relayed my words to thine father." Celestia noticed that her mother seemed a little ill at ease, and her father was simply staring dejectedly down at his plate. "I and I wish to tell thou both," Novus said, though now looking at Celestia's parents. It appeared he had noticed their unease. He turned back to Celestia and Luna, who both were staring at him. "I wish to tell thou both that I will be personally overseeing thine instruction upon magic and all subjects in any relation thereof. In other words, the both of thou are to be mine students." Celestia's eyes widened, and her sister's mouth was agape. Her parents looked at Novus as though he had said something incredible, their previous unease gone. Novus simply smiled at all. ******** Author's Notes: Just a bit longer this time. I hope to make the next few a bit longer than this, to avoid a F***load of chapters. I also don't really have an update schedule. It seems to just be whenever I feel like writing, so, every few days or thereabouts. Also, constructive criticism is welcome, as this is my first real fic. Finally, the "sad" tag will come in later (probably). Other than all that, I just hope you enjoy the story thus far!
One Important QuestionIn truth, Celestia was not sure what to think of Novus becoming her teacher of magic. She contemplated the subject as she made her way towards the castle library for her first "class" with the alicorn. And even though her younger sister ought to have separate lessons due to her lower skill, Luna would be now sharing the tutoring period with her. Celestia guessed it was due to Novus's generally busy schedule being the keeper of the sun and moon. Celestia wondered what the alicorn would teach her as opposed to her previous teacher, the court wizard Glowing Ember. Ember was older than her father, and though he was an accomplished unicorn, he seemed to occasionally forget himself. Celestia stepped out into the castle courtyard, a sizable rectangular area dominated on all sides by crenellated walls and covered, pillared walkways. Cobblestone pathways broke the courtyard into a collection of garden rectangles, covered with thick green grass, multicolored flowerbeds, trellises of crawling ivy, and numerous small trees. All except one rectangular space, set apart from the rest, where guards and soldiers dueled and trained. The ground there was hardened by the hoofsteps of hundreds of displays of skill, with sparse grass growing in the corners and edges. Currently, such a display was taking part currently. The courtyard rang with the sound of steel on steel, and as Celestia rounded an ivy coated pillar, she could easily make out the two combatants on the far side of the field. One was a guardsman, the other Celestia recognized as a somewhat distant relative, sent to be a ward under her family. Celestia never really liked the colt. His family was also powerful, yes, but only because they were relatives of hers. Though everyone called Silver Blade, the dueling colt, "prince", he was truly nothing of the sort. Celestia swept her head away in indignation and continued towards her class. When she finally pushed open the doors of the library and made her way to the adjoining study where her classes were usually held, she found that both Novus and Luna were present within the room. They seemed engaged in a hushed conversation. The three windows within the room were also all opened fully, letting in the dwindling light of the sunset, and the still warm summer breeze. Novus seemed more part of these elements than solid, his ethereal mane and body perfectly matching the colors of the sunset outside. It seemed as though he was a piece of the sky itself, fallen to the ground yet still changing as the remainder above did. As Celestia pushed open the door fully, the talking died swiftly. Novus looked up at Celestia and gave a wry smile. "Thou took thine time to get here, to be sure." He motioned for Celestia to sit down on one of the two cushions placed in front of him. And as there was only one real chair the existed within the castle made for the alicorn, he opted instead to lay upon the carpeted floor. Celestia laid down upon the soft cushion adjacent to her sister. "I was just discussing with Luna the position of her current magical ability." Novus said, nodding towards Luna. "Now, Celestia, doth thou have any questions before we begin today's lesson?" Celestia looked towards her sister, then back to Novus. "Why did thou become our teacher?" She asked. Novus looked at Celestia a bit curiously, but any possibly stronger emotion was masked perfectly. The alicorn looked sideways out of one of the open windows, and took a slow breath. Celestia thought she could see something within the alicorn's eyes as they looked away, but was unsure of herself. "Well," Novus began, "The both of thou must first understand something. I will not entirely be replacing your instructors. Simply adding in mine own instruction on other subjects. Speaking of which, Celestia, thou art still scheduled to meet with Glowing Ember for your regular classes on the morrow. He told me to remind thou of this. Now, as for why I have decided to contribute to thine instruction, I feel as though the both of thou may need it. Nothing truly lasts for all eternity. Both of thou will one day be leaders, ponies of import who will have a number of responsibilities. I wish to ensure that thou art properly prepared." He turned back to Celestia. "I hope that such an explanation will suffice?" Celestia nodded, though inside she was rather disappointed. Something within her knew not to press, as Novus no doubt had millennia of experience with hiding information. "Excellent." Novus said. "Now, to begin. Thou art both familiar with the Elements of Harmony, yes?" Both of the fillies looked towards each other, then returned their gazes to Novus. They nodded. "How much do you know?" Novus asked. Again, both of the fillies looked towards each other, though now a short exchange of gestures passed between them, as they decided who would speak. The wordless conversation ended with Celestia being the chosen. "The Elements make up the greatest known magic within Equestria," she began. "The six elements are loyalty, honesty, kindness, generosity, laughter, and magic. The Elements have been used only once within our history, in the greatest battle ever fought between the Elder Dragon Ysvoreith and... er... you." Celestia flushed a bit with embarrassment, as she realized she was recounting a tale to the hero who was its focus. Novus gave a small chuckle. "My, my, that must have been over five hundred years ago. A good several centuries before the trouble with the Windigoes when the three tribes finally settled their differences, I think." Novus grinned slightly at the memory. "Doth thou know much else, Celestia?" Celestia thought for a moment, then shook her head. The Elements of Harmony were an old tale, and though there were several shrines to them, nopony really knew where the Elements were. They were, for almost all intents and purposes, just a myth. If Novus himself hadn't told that they did, in fact, exist, nopony would have included them within the story of Novus's epic battle with Ysvoreith. The alicorn looked a bit disappointed that Celestia did not know more. He looked towards Luna hopefully. "Wouldest thou like to contribute?" he asked. Luna furrowed her brow in thought, but then shook her head. Novus nodded a bit sadly. "Tis a shame that so little is known of them. Even though I have once wielded them, even I cannot add very much to thine story." He said. Now looking between them, he continued. "I can add some things, however. For one, the Elements may, and have been, used by normal ponies." Both Celestia and Luna looked at Novus incredulously. "But Uncle Novus," Luna said, "why haven't we heard of this?" "Because, young Luna, that tale was ancient when I was but a colt." Novus answered. Both Celestia and Luna wondered what Novus, ancient keeper of night and day, would have been like as a colt. Celestia stifled a giggle at the thought. "Also," Novus continued, "the Elements have very unusual properties. For example, they may change shape to match their user." Celestia nodded. The castle held an incredibly old, faded tapestry that depicted Novus wearing the Elements of Harmony, appearing as gleaming armor with a circlet of purest diamond as the Element of Magic, facing down a gargantuan black dragon. She had believed that the Elements always looked like this, but this was coming from Novus, what cause did she have to question him? "Novus," Luna asked suddenly, "what did those ponies do with the Elements of Harmony? Did they defeat a big monster like thou didst?" Luna's eyes were sparkling with hope, Celestia noticed. Her sister always did enjoy a good story. Novus looked at her fondly. "I'm afraid that story must wait, young Luna. They did, however, do something incredible." He said. Luna seemed to deflate on the spot. Novus smiled at her softly. "Fear not, though. I have many more stories than that one. I shall make sure to remember a particularly good story for thou at a later time." This set Luna back to smiling widely up at the alicorn. The next long while was filled with Novus asking questions about what the two princesses knew about magic. He had Celestia demonstrate her ability at telekinesis and summoning light, as well as having Luna make attempts to lift various small objects, with numerous successes. He consistently gave praise and advice to both of the fillies throughout their session. He would pose a number of challenges for them to do both together and separate, such a turning pages in a book or manipulating certain objects with telekinesis. Celestia found that working together with her sister was more difficult than doing something alone. Still, she tried not to complain about difficulty to the being that moved the heavens themselves. It was during one of the cooperative challenges that there was a knock on the study door. Celestia looked outside to see that the sun had dipped lower on the horizon, realizing that Novus must have been moving it whilst he had been watching Celestia and Luna practice. Novus himself was also taking on the subtle golds and grays of dusk in his coat and mane, and his eyes were going from their majestic daytime gold into their deep nighttime dark blue. "Thou mayest enter." Novus said. The door tenderly swung open to reveal a middle aged stallion butler, with a fading orange coat and combed crimson hair. He bowed before Novus, who regarded the gesture with a single raised eye brow, before doing the same to Celestia and Luna. "I am to taketh their majesties to supper." He said curtly. Novus nodded. "Luna, please go along. Celestia, I wish to speaketh with thou alone for yet a moment more. Sir, please inform their royal majesties that I shan't be keeping their daughter very long. Ah! And I also shan't be staying for supper." The butler nodded, and Luna got up to go with him. "Bye Uncle Novus!" Luna exclaimed, rushing up to wrap her forelegs around Novus's neck. Novus smiled brightly and returned the hug with a single one of his forelegs. Luna broke off of Novus after a few moments and left with the Butler. As the door closed with a near silent click, Novus seemed to deflate noticeably. Celestia looked at him with concern playing across her face. "What is wrong?" She asked simply. Novus looked to Celestia, his normal emotional mask now replaced, though with something akin to sadness visible behind his eyes. "Thine sister is young. Too young, I am afraid, to fully understand." Suspicion and overwhelming curiosity gripped Celestia. "Too young to understand what?" Celestia asked quietly. Novus sighed. "Young Celestia, thou asked before why I wished to instruct the both of thou in magic. It is because keepers need students. Keepers need to pass on knowledge, to guide those who could be great. Keepers are exposed to energies beyond mortal comprehension. Night and Day, I am filled with the power of the sun and moon. It can make a keeper lose track of the ground, of the world. Keepers need ponies to remind them of their ties to life and balance. And if necessary, succeed them. I have, through mine long life, unfortunately neglected such a duty." The last sentence was so quiet Celestia could hardly hear it. Yet she did. "Wh-what art thou saying Novus? Succeed them?" Celestia spoke in a whisper. Novus had been staring at the floor, and now looked towards Celestia. "Last night, thou were listening in on the conversation I hadst with thine mother. I will tell thou what I told her. I have felt something within the forces of the world itself, young Celestia." "What did thou feelest?" Celestia asked. Novus let out a breath of air. "Mine death knell." --------- Author's Notes: Too long. It took WAY too long to get this chapter out in my opinion. And now I have a trip to Moab desert all of next week, so... another long delay. As always, I am looking for constructive criticism (this being my first fic and all). Besides all that, I hope that this chapter is satisfactory. Enjoy!
