Marvel Mares

by neorenamon

"This day must be perfect," muttered Celestia as she paced before Rainbow Thor.

"What is so special to concern you so?" asked RT as she watched the Princess pacing.

"There shall be a Royal Wedding unlike one I have not had the honor to host in a thousand years," she replied, "and I wish to have it go without any... complications."

"Fear not mare-lady," she replied with a grin, "What god or monster besides Loki would dare interfere in such a blessed event?"

"That is exactly what bothers me," she said as she looked down at her hooves, "First the Frost Giant-Horses and then the Dark Changelings... What does Loki have against me?"

"It is surely not your fault! It is the way of my half-brother to lash out against me in any way he can!"

"And now there's an... upwelling of super-powered ponies just popping up out of the woodwork."

"I doubt it much that they pose any serious threat to the likes of me," she replied.

"They seem to have some... dangerous abilities. Super pony abilities. Mighty strength, un-Earthy toughness, super-heated flames, advanced science, strange senses, wall crawling and leaping from rooftop to rooftop... and those are the abilities that have been reported to me. Surely there's more powers we haven't had a chance to observe yet."

"They still pose no threat to the likes of the scion of Asgard."

"Perhaps I am... overthinking things," sighed the Princess.

"I swear upon my word to the All-Father that I shall keep you safe from all manner of harm," replied Rainbow as she stepped closer.

The Princess turned her head sharply to kiss Rainbow on the lips. It seemed that she wasn't caught off guard by the move. The kiss lasted for a few moments before the Princess backed away.

"Please..." she begged softly, "Tend me in my chambers tonight. Being with you... makes me feel safe."

Rainbow gulped as she replied, "Of course, mare-lady."

"It seems lately that my dreams have be troubled by my greatest failure."

"What might that be?" she asked.

"I don't know why I feel so comfortable telling you this," she answered awkwardly, "but a thousand years ago, my younger sister turned against me. She became evil. I had to banish her from the realm of Equestria. Now she is forever trapped in the Dream World. If I didn't have spells to protect my slumber, I'd almost swear it was her doing."

"The one called Nightmare Moon?"

Celestia shuddered at the mention of the name causing RT to move closer and neck hug her again.

"I'm so sorry for mentioning... her. I had no desire to hurt you so."

"No, it's not your fault. It was all my failing."

"How could that be your fault, mare-lady?"

"If... if... I was only a better big sister... to little Luna..." she said as she began to sniffle.

"Surely she would have become what she did no matter what you intentions might be," replied RT as she hugged Celestia tighter.

"Do you think things might have been different... between you and Loki?"

"Loki shall surely be not appeased by anything less than my total defeat and humiliation," she answered, "Jealously be an ugly beast that has turned many a good warrior against his brothers in arms. Loki claims that I have the All-Father's favor only because I am his true daughter, but his envy blinds him to the fact he is far from the warrior ideal that Odin seeks in his offspring... adopted or otherwise."

"Look at me," she sniffed, "Carrying on like a newborn foal away from her mother's care..."

"Your subjects should not care that you have feelings mare-lady," she replied.

"I wish it were so," she sobbed, "But I have to be strong for every pony I rule..."

"Very well," she answered, "I shall clear a path to your chambers. Then I shall... ease your mind. We shall stay there until sundown. They can get by without your presence for one night without arousing too much suspicion."

"Lord Odin should be so proud of you," she sniffled, "I surely am. You are far too kind to me."

"Perhaps... a bath after dinner will let you sleep more at ease?" suggested Rainbow.

"Not as much as sleeping with you in my forelegs," she sighed.

"I'm glad I can do that much for you."

"Give me a moment to wipe my eyes," she said as her mane moved to wipe away her tears, "I must appear... dignified at all times. That is the burden of ruling as Princess of this realm."

"Of course," she replied, "I can... surely understand your concerns."

"I just hope that all of the spies on my staff... have been removed."

"Now that we can detect the Dark Changelings with spells from the Royal Guard unicorns in any form they should take, Loki is not likely to try using them again."

"We should still be wary of their Queen," she said as she wiped her eyes, "She... is more accomplished than her... minions. One as skilled as her may yet avoid detection spells."

"Would she be so brash as to try something when she cannot take her subjects along with her?"

"I should hope not."

"Fear not then," said RT as she walked away, "I swear upon my divine hammer that I shall not allow this Dark Changeling Queen to harm but a single hair upon your mane!"

"Thank you."