Learning Life

Princess Celestia, the night before:

Several millennia of existence and the world I live in still never ceases to amuse me. Ask any of my subjects if there's anything I don't know, and they'd probably tell you I'm all knowing, perhaps even omniscient. This conundrum, however, has once again proved me to still be naive in the workings of the multiverse. Is it the multiverse? Is a dimension a universe? Bah, it's getting too late for cosmology. I let out a yawn. Not having anything scheduled for today's court has left me pretty relaxed, and the conversation with Mark and Twilight has me feeling at ease. Enough so that I'm already tired and ready for the sweet embrace of sleep. I've never needed sleep (Nightmare Moon's banishment had made sure I never got to sleep for literally a thousand years), but it's always been a brilliant way to spend the evening hours, and the refreshing feeling of waking up is just so pleasant.

Finally, it's time to be relieved of the court. I flash an hourglass into my vision, just to be sure that the empty day isn't messing with my sense of time. The glass is nearly empty on one side, perfect. I flash the hourglass back to its place of origin. Looking down, I see the two guards at the bottom steps. Both of them sway back and forth trying to keep their balance and to keep from falling asleep. I also put them on triple shifts today. Eighteen straight hours of guard duty, one third of which with my sister the night before, and three fifteen minute breaks for food. The two got off easy. Lt. Sentry pleaded with me to not dismiss them from the guard. In-fighting is not something I tolerate with my guard, as it leads to deception and mischief. The lieutenant pointed out, however, that the guard lacked any suitable replacements for the two. A diamond dog skirmish east of the crystal empire has put all of our reserves into action, as the still growing nation has yet to form a proper military.

"Alright gentlemen, you are dismissed," I begin. "If I see an ounce of bickering between the two of you in the next coming weeks, rest assured your lieutenant will not be able to prevent your dismissal."

The two give a lazy salute and begin their trek to the barracks. I very much dislike needing to discipline ponies, but sometimes it's necessary. I step down from my throne and descend down the steps. Only one more obstacle stands between me and my bedroom of solitude. That obstacle is my royal duty to lower the sun. No matter where I am, whether it be in a distant kingdom discussing treaties or trade agreements, or simply in my study reading, I must take time to raise and lower the sun. In a way, it's a very comforting process. The only thing that has ever stayed constant in my many years of life has been the sun, and in tandem, the moon.

I pass through the many hallways that lead to the balcony on which I'll meet my peer. All the while I'm being saluted by every guard I pass, as well as being bowed to and greeted by any visitors or castle workers. I try to respond to each one, but the thought of letting my day end distracts me from giving each pony the attention they deserve. My journey comes to an end as I arrive at the archway that sits before the balcony. I peer out to see my sister awaiting my arrival. As I step out onto the balcony, she turns around and presents me with a warm smile.

I've always thought of my sister as the better looking of us two. Each color on her body compliments another. Her midnight blue fur and feathers allow her sapphire blue mane and tail to shine, despite the cold color scheme. The black splotches on her rear as well as her crown and necklace allow her crescent white cutiemark and eyes to catch attention. Her figure is also leaner than mine. If I were a lesser pony, I would undoubtedly be jealous of her stunning appearance. However, I know we all must deal with the straws we pull. Plus, I have the height advantage. Luna walks towards me and nuzzles her head under my chin in a loving gesture.

"Greetings dearest sister," Luna says as she retracts from her display of affection. "You look so tense Tia, does something trouble thee?"

I giggle. "Lulu, I thought we've been over this. Use 'you' instead of 'thee'."

Luna gazes up at me. "I apologize, I'm still not used to the current vernacular. It's been some time since my return, but oddly, I can't seem to quite grasp it. I am still curious, however, how do you fare?"

I relax slightly. I guess I have been a little tense. The situation with Mark may be taking a heavier toll on me than I originally thought. "I'm doing just fine Lulu, it's just I worry for Twilight and our guest."

Luna nods her head. "Ah yes, the ~human~, as you would call it. I must admit, its presence here has created quite a queer reaction. I've tried entering its dreams for the past few nights, but it's like trying to open a locked door. Trying to force myself in doesn't work either."

"You know sister, it has a name, and I'm sure he would appreciate to be addressed as such."

"My, my Tia. Do I detect solicitude for the ~human~? You hardly know anything about it- erhm, him."

"Mark has yet to give any reason for me to treat him differently than I would any of my subjects. As a matter of fact, he seems to be quite wise. It makes me wonder if he's as young as he appears."

Luna giggles. "I'm happy my co-ruler is incapable of ever being a tyrant. You're so wonderful to your subjects, Tia, but enough idle chat. It's time to attend to our duties."

The process is merely symbolic. Our magic constantly keeps the sun and moon in motion, as our souls are linked to the bodies. Every day, however, me and my sister set aside thirty minutes to watch the sun and moon exchange places. It's not necessary, it's really not even important, but watching the event take place along with our subjects has created an ever stronger bond between us. The ponies below see us come out to represent the shift between day and night, and it assures them that both of us still watch out and care for them. We do it when at other countries to make a good impression on the locals. That, and not doing it leaves a somewhat empty feeling.

Once the activity is finished, my sister and I share a hug and kiss before wishing each other a pleasant night. I then wish her good luck during night court and we go our separate ways. Night court was such an odd event when Luna is hosting. During the event, there were four ponies present at all times: Two guards, Luna, and a stand-in. At any time when there are no ponies addressing the court, Luna teleports herself back to her room, where she convenes with the many dreams of the ponies in Equestria. At that point, the stand-in takes her place on the throne and awaits the arrival of any pony that wishes to conduct a meeting with the court. The stand-in, as Luna explains, is a complex projection of herself, which relays information that's given to her actual self. The stand-in has a few limited responses for any decisions that are to be discussed with me or can be answered with a simple yes or no. She swaps places with the stand-in whenever the negotiation requires fuller attention and bartering. With this system, Luna can attend to her duties as a dream mediator as well as the manager of night court.

Dream mediation was always a gift only Luna had. Even when she fell to Nightmare Moon, and I was given the responsibility of watching the night, I could never see into another pony's dreams. In truth I'm a little envious that I'll never get a taste of that power. Being able to control or watch thousands of worlds, each unique, sounds quite spectacular. I suppose this is the trade for my more powerful magic. Although that seems a little bit of an unfair trade, Luna also needs to sleep. I wonder sometimes if Luna has the ability to overcome the power gap between us or her need to sleep. Being considered the two most powerful ponies means we don't get to test limits very often.

All of this mindless self banter has put me into my bedroom without my noticing. I look around the humble space. I absolutely adore my bedroom. That's to be expected though, as I'm the one who requested it look the way it does. Being a ruler for a long time tends to effect a creature's sense of worth. One begins to stop appreciating certain things, only requesting that the finest and best be around them at all times. The problem is that, I've been there. Done that. There was a phase during my rule when I wanted nothing but the finest accessories and furniture to cover my quarters top to bottom. After a few years of that, I slowly began to realize I much prefer functionality to style. As a result, my bedroom is... just a bedroom.

If it weren't for the more royal colors and intricate wall designs, the room would look about as casual as any other pony's. There's a single stone fire place that contains only a small flame. The rug in the center of the room is a simple indigo color with a golden trim. There are a few throw pillows of various shades of blue and purple cluttered near the rug. The walls are lined every now and then with paintings. None of them are rare or valuable, but each has a sentimental value or represents an event from my past. The ceiling is spotted with paintings of the sun in gold and yellow, which contrasts the blue and purple on the ground. The bed is ironically queen-sized. It has a golden frame and a purple spread that, like the ceiling, is dotted with designs of the sun.

That's it. There's no outrageously large chandelier or any other furniture besides the bed and pony shaped mannequin where I can rest my crown and necklace. I unclip the weighty necklace and levitate it and the tiara over to the expressionless white figure, only, when the two accessories find their resting place, the figure is no longer expressionless. On it now appear two uneven eyes, both with a yellow sclera and red iris.

"Bleh, these jewels are so tacky," chimed a sinister voice. "Tell me something, Celestia."

There's a flash of light and where the mannequin once stood now stands a familiar polymorphic draconequus.

"Do these make my flank look big?"

The draconequus snaps his golden claws and with another flash a full sized mirror transmutes in front of him. He turns slowly "admiring" the reflection.

"Discord!" I reply is what could have been a more calm and collected tone. "This place is warded from you. How did you get in here?"

"Oh, please, Celestia," Discord remarks as he snaps his claws once again, making the mirror disappear and the mannequin reappear with the crown and necklace on it. "I only let you think you can ward me off. It makes for nice little surprise visits like this."

I glare at him, trying to make him vanish through sheer thought alone. It doesn't prove effective. Honestly, I wouldn't mind that Discord was here if he had come at any other time, but being who he is, he had to choose the one time that I'm not in zen. Discord uses his serpent-like body to fly around the room with a discomforting grace. He comes to rest on top of my bed. Once he comes to a stop, I notice he's dawned a sleeping cap and button-up pajama shirt.

"I really love what you've done with the place. Aren't you ever going to invite me over for a slumber party? It would be so fun to braid each other's manes and talk about the different civilization we've destroyed. Well, that is, if I had a mane long enough. Maybe you could braid my goatee instead."

Discord poofs from existence and then reappears in the center of the room. This time, he's dawned a tie-dye shirt and purple sunglasses. His beard is now in a braid and a hookah has appeared on the floor next to him as well as a gong behind him. He takes a breath from the hookah and when he exhales, bubbles fly into the air. The gong then sounds without him even touching it.

I sigh as the ringing in my ears from the gong fades away. "I take it you're here for a reason, Discord?" I ask flatly.

Discord lets out a sigh that mimics my own. "Alright, Celestia," Discord speaks as he flashes away the gong and hookah. "I can see you're going to be a sourpuss about this." He once again snaps his claws and suddenly we're sitting in separate comfortable recliners facing each other. Between us is a small table with a dark, rich mahogany color. It must personally belong to discord because it's about as chaotic as he is. The base resembles a dead tree with each limb curling in unnatural ways. Each branch holds up the flat top, and on the top are designs of skulls and runes etched into the wood. On top of the table lies a simple glass tea set with two glass teacups.

Inside the glass kettle is a translucent liquid that has a yellow tint. In the other two glass bowls are what I assume to be milk and honey. Steam is slowly rising from the spout of the kettle. The kettle then levitates itself with an unseen force and pours its contents into both teacups.

"Milk or honey?" inquires Discord.

I shake my head to remove the dumbfounded look on it. Civility was the last thing I expected from discord. "Ahem, n-no thank you."

"Suit yourself, but I prefer a little kick to mine. A vial of a bright red liquid appears in Discord's paw. He uncorks it and lets one drop fall from the vial and into his teacup. There's a small explosion when the drop meets the liquid inside. He then takes a sip of the concoction and shudders with delight. I levitate my own cup to my muzzle and stare at it questioningly. Discord sees this.

"Oh, for chaos' sake, Celestia. It's not poison. It's Darjeeling, which is from what I hear, your favorite. You and Fluttershy share very similar tastes in tea. It's also decaf for the late hour."

"And where exactly did you hear this?"

"Oh, Twilight is basically an encyclopedia on all things Princess. Some things I don't even know you know she knows. Don't worry though, I haven't asked her anything too personal. Besides, I have your diary for that anyway." He chuckles lightly.

Great, not only can the god embodiment of chaos not be warded from, but also knows I keep my thoughts in a book like a schoolfilly. I levitate the cup closer and take a sip. It's... actually astonishing! It's an absolutely wonderful blend. It would make the most prominent tea specialist in Saddle Arabia feel ashamed. I take another sip eagerly, careful not to seem too engrossed by the brew. I must have failed because Discord lets out another chuckle.

"Glad you enjoy it, Princess."

I blush lightly from embarrassment. I then quickly remember why Discord is here and set the glass back onto the table.

"So, I reiterate: Why are you here?"

Discord lowers his cup, still keeping it in his grip. "I understand you're keeping a very peculiar guest here at the castle."

I take a second to ponder my response. "Yes, I am."

"Good, I've already seen him, but I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't try to keep it a secret from me." He takes another sip of his tea. "Tell me, Celesita, did you happen to notice anything odd about him?"

"Are you referring to his ability to absorb magic?" I inquire.

"Precisely, although, there's a bit more to it, isn't there?" Discord muses.

"I don't follow."

"Come now, Princess, surely you must have noticed, or did you dismiss it as an impossibility?"

I mull it over a little. Absorbing magic is odd, but was there something even more odd? Perhaps it is something that not the average individual can see? I recall back to the meeting with the human in the throne room. I could feel the magic slowly drawing towards him, but that wasn't all. It's almost as if there was an essence that floated with him, almost as if he was... no, that's just not possible. There's only been one other entity known to do that, and he did it willingly. My expression must be able to be read like a book, because Discord interjects my thoughts.

"So you did notice. You're not going mad Celestia. Your assumptions are correct."

"He's...

"Absorbing chaos." Discord attempts to finish my sentence. I give him a puzzled look.

"I was going to say harmony." Discord returns my confused gaze.

He laughs. "Oh, Celestia, that's rich. Maybe you do age. Clearly he's absorbing chaos."

I shake my head at him. "I can't see chaos magic, Discord, but anypony with a powerful enough connection to it can see harmony."

We both continue glaring at each other. So many questions are now floating through the air and the tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Finally, Discord breaks the silence.

"Well, this has become a lot more interesting."

"Indeed it has." I can see Discord's eyebrows knit as he's deep in thought. "Discord, I hope you don't plan to do anything drastic."

Discord looks up at me, his face full of... concern?

"No, Celestia, I don't." Replies Discord, his face a stone wall, never changing. "Honestly, I don't know what to do right now. I have no plans for mischief for malice. I've been a part of this world as long as it's existed, and the only thing that can make me worried is the unknown, and I know EVERYTHING. Well, at least, I have ways to get information on everything, even if that means traveling back in time. This, however, is above even my pay grade. It's true I can make pocket dimension, but alternate dimensions are something I've never had the courage to touch."

I've never once in my life heard Discord sound so uncertain. When Discord is serious, it's more discomforting than when he's toying, and toying generally means someone isn't going to live.

"So," he continues, "the reason I've stopped to talk to you about this, is because I need your help and you also need mine. Our guest is completely shrouded in mystery. We know next to nothing about him besides that he appears to be harmless. Regardless of his intentions, his mere presence is a threat to me. With your permission, I would like to observe and report. I"ll have minimal interaction with the human, besides perhaps introducing myself at a later date. Then, I'll report anything that I deem important that Twilight has failed to mention."

"And what do you desire in return?"

"That's the beauty of it, I don't want anything. We both gain from this arrangement. The only thing either of us wants is information. You share with me what your scientists learn about him and his dimension, and I'll share what I learn about him as an individual. Twilight can't be with him all hours of the day and night, but I can, or at least, a part of me can."

I calmly take a drink of my tea as the gears in my head turn. Making any kind of deal with Discord is like digging your own grave. However, the more I think about it, the more it becomes acceptable. He's correct in that Twilight can't keep an eye on him at all times, and Discord himself seems genuinely curious and wary of the human. Most of all, however, is Discord's recent reformation. I still don't trust him with everything, but based on the accounts of the element bearers, he's truly become more caring. Sometimes it's to extremes, but that's rare. The deal seems legitimate. I'm not giving him any more power than he already has and he won't be harming anypony in his process.

"Very well, Discord. I accept your terms."

"Wonderful!" Discord claps and the recliners along with the table and tea set disappears. I frown at the thought of my tea leaving.

"IF!" I begin again, "My sister also agrees to them. I'll discuss it with her in the morning."

Discord's smile lessens. "I understand, Princess. I'm looking forward to good news tomorrow!"

With that, Discord disappears with a puff of smoke, leaving me once again alone with my thoughts. At this point, those thoughts are practically screaming. They subside as I convince myself to worry about such matters in the morning. I leap onto my bed in a less than ladylike way. After some squirming I nestle under the covers and lay my head on my pillow. I feel something jagged dig into my temple. I raise up slightly and use my magic to bring the offending object to my attention. It's a small tin box. I begin to take off the lid and-

SPROING

Out pops several multicolored fake snakes. It didn't startle me all too much, but that doesn't mean I'm any less annoyed or confused. I look inside the box again to see a small cloth bag and a note. The note reads:

Rarity has been teaching me to be more generous, so here's some of the Darjeeling tea leaves used in the tea from earlier, only, these are caffeinated. Enjoy them to the fullest, as I couldn't find any better quality plants from any other time period.

I bring the the tin closer and take a whiff. The leaves have an absolutely delightful aroma. I smile to myself. Maybe the girls' reformation is working better than I thought. I return the lid to the container and teleport the container to the castle pantry. I drop my smile as another thought enters my mind. I sure hope Discord isn't playing me for a fool.