Storm of Feelings

The solid door closed on its own with a very loud bash. I groaned slightly due the headache that was bothering me during the last days. As expected a small foal waited for me not far away from the stairs, which leads into the lower and upper sections of the tower. He looked cute in the robe he was wearing but his constant sad expression did not match his attire. Artemis told me what happened to this poor soul half year ago. His small village has been attacked by a riot of fanatics who hated the Unicorns beyond everything. The foal witnessed how his father and his brothers have been tortured to death, while his mother and sister…

I let out a sigh, came closer to the foal and hugged him. His traumatic experience took him his voice, his childhood… it was a miracle that he was still among the living. I knew Artemis for a very long time. A great and powerful Magi but he simply was not a good material for a father. Love, compassion, care, the feeling of being safe and not alone this were the things the child desperately needed. It was quiet common that the mares were better in showing feelings than the stallions. The foal hid his face in my dress, hugging my leg with an astounding strength: I could feel that he started to cry. I sat down on the ground, cradled him against my ample chest and let his emotions float out of him.

‘’ Let it out my poor boy. Let it out. ‘’

During my reign I have encountered sadness and happiness equally but since the arrival in Marehime, everything I knew has been put upside down. The air was literally filled with the negative emotions of the inhabitants of these lands. I look down on the small fur ball that was crying silently.

‘’ The pain you are enduring now is far bigger than mine… ‘’ I thought and pulled the foal closer to me. After a while the crying stopped and adorable snoring announced his presence in the land of dreams. I influenced his sleep with my magic, so no nightmares of his past would disturb his sleep. Once I was completely sure that the child’s dream was safe I stood up, holding him with my telekinesis close to my heart, and with a dampen sigh I began to walk up the stairs.

Soon I started to gasp for air, while the stairs seemed not to lose their numbers. The construction of the tower did not allow me to use my wings due the lack of space, if it would not be for the law that forbid flying in the city, I would have simply entered the tower through its balcony. After an unpleasant long time I finally reached the end of the stairs. Those who are not familiar with magic would find a dead end in front of them, but I knew better than that.

The foal landed gently on my back, because for what I was about to do, required total concentration. With closed eyes I started to focus my energy, but before my horn started to glow, a strange sounding clack went out of the wall. The bricks separated from each other, whirling around in all directions, what always reminded me of complicated clockwork mechanism. Brick after brick started to vaporize in the air, till the hidden passage has been revealed.

The act was not ready yet, because a very strong field surrounded the edges of the entrance: In the form of a marvelous composition of light, for those who could see them. A white line ripped through the middle of the filed, disturbing the composition, what made my ears go down. The field has been completely ripped in two pieces, creating a gap that was big enough for two Alicorns.

I took a deep breath and went in with growing hesitation. The rip in the field disappeared after I pass through the gap, and the sound of stones hitting against each other echoed on the other side. I found myself in a very large room. Its size has been manipulated with magic, otherwise it would not match the construction of the tower: somehow it made me feel like I am back in Canterlot.

Artemis was well known for his simplicity, what was a very rare thing among the Alicorns. The room setup was proving it: everything in this room has been created by his skilled hooves only for one purpose. Multi tasking!

A strange smell was in the air. I could not really indentify what it was, and to be honest I would not like to know the details. On a round alchemy table I saw Artemis working on some potions. Right now he was levitating two phials over his head, while he was writing something down on a manuscript.

‘’ Please give me a moment my dear… I am about to end it. Make yourself comfortable. ‘’ Said Artemis and added the content of the phials into an Erlenmare Flask. The chemical reaction ended in a loud hiss and with a small blue cloud, that flew out of the container only to disappear in the air.

‘’ Where shall I put the boy? He is asleep right now. ‘’ I asked and levitated the child back at my chest. A warm feeling filled my heart after I saw the smile on his face: whatever he was dreaming now, it was granting him some peace.

‘’ Put him on the sofa a servant will take care of the rest. ‘’

Trying to not make loud sounds with my shoes, I moved on silently to his sofa. Carefully I put the child on it and in the end, a kiss on his forehead granted him my blessing. Artemis was still busy with his work, while I approached him with growing hesitation and a faster beating heart. He was wearing his typical silken robe that has lost its true color long time ago. Like me he had a creamy blue fur.  A short cut mane showed signs of burns of an unknown origin… he did not change at all.

‘’ What are you doing? ‘’ I asked and look over his back.

‘’ The governor’s daughter is ill and I have been asked to make her medicine. ‘’ He inspected the blue medicine and nod satisfied with the result.

‘’ And why would he ask you to do that? I know that the owner of the herbalist shop is a Unicorn... but his products are simply superb. ‘’

‘’ This are very difficult times Luna. During my long state in Marehime, I managed to get the trust of the inhabitants of this city. His daughter has been poisoned a longer time ago… it is a miracle that she is still alive. Since that I’ve been brewing the medicine for the governor’s family. ‘’

‘’ I thought the Alicorns share the same fate as the Unicorns…’’ I thought of Corvus and let out a dampen sigh.

‘’ That is not entirely true. Right now we have a crisis, that has occurred countless times in the history of the Free Marshes. This is a cycle that cannot be stopped… if I am not mistaken it is the fifth time I experience it. ‘’ He put the flask on the alchemy table and turned around to me. ‘’ But during the last crisis the Princess of Equestria was not among us. I am sure that your presence will affect this entire situation.’’

The way he looked at me made me take some steps back from him. Unable to suppress it I blushed and fell that my cheeks were glowing hot. I looked away but I could feel his eyes on me.

‘’ My work is done… May I offer you something to drink?

‘’ A cup of tea would be nice…’’

His horn started to glow with a turquoise color but it stopped nearly instantly. The door on the other side of the room has been open and two young mares walked in: both of them Unicorns. They bowed down and wait for the orders.

‘’ Lora please prepare some tea for both of us you know what flavor. And you Matilda please take the boy to his quarters.’’

‘’ Of course.’’ They answered in the same time. While Lora was already on her way out Matilda approached the sofa, and very gently she levitated the child into the air. I could not resist. She froze after she saw that I was moving towards her. Once my magic was holding the small foal, I rubbed his tiny soft nose with my own as any mother would do to her child.

‘’ Please take good care of him. ‘’ I said silently to Matilda, who was watching me with her pretty eyes, and hand over the small fur ball.

‘’ I will milady. ‘’ She bowed before me, pull the boy closer to herself and left the room. If I was not mistaken, I could hear how she was humming a very old pony lullaby, before the door closed behind her.

‘’ You always had a good attitude for children. ‘’ I did not notice that he was next to me. ‘’ Since you started to visit my tower his state rapidly changed. ‘’ He look at one of his many tables that were all over this place, grabbed a page with his magic and levitated it towards us. It was a picture of me looking down on the small filly, the creator of this emotional picture.

‘’ The poor boy did not sleep through countless nights… crying silently till the dawn. His first meeting with you changed something in him, he started to sleep peacefully, he even draw pictures.’’

Artemis sighed and close his eyes while he continued to talk.

‘’ I have no right to ask you something like that Luna… but could you please take care of the boy? At least for a while until you have to leave Marehime... I was trying to be there for him as good as I could, but your presence is far better than anything I can offer to him. ‘’

I did not expect a question like that coming from a stallion like Artemis. The news that I helped the poor child at least a little bit filled my heart with happiness. I could help him even more if I would take him with me but there was still Corvus… it was unclear how he would react to the presence of the child.

‘’ I will have to think about it… ‘’

Lora came back with two heavy looking plates a bit above her head. She went over to a table, that was surprisingly not covered with papers, and any other stuff Artemis needed for his experiments.

‘’ Thank you Lora you are free to go. Please make sure that nopony disturbs us now: if I will need anything I will call after you.’’

‘’ Yes Master Artemis.’’ She bowed down and went out of the room.

‘’ I suggest we sit down and enjoy the tea. ‘’ He went on my side and offered me his wing. Without any choice I put my own wing on his, and followed him to the table. A very beautiful tea set that was made of ivory awaited our arrival, as did a delicious looking strawberry pie. I sat down on a comfortable pillow while he was filling the cups with tea. Once the aroma was in the air I could not believe what my nose smelled right now.

‘’ Is that what I believe it is? ‘’

With a bright grin on his face, he served me my cup and answered my question.

‘’ Moonberry tea! The best tea the Alicorns have ever invented. ‘’

‘’ I did not drink this tea since… ‘’ My ears went down and I remained silent.

‘’ Let’s leave that topic behind us. ‘’ He grabbed his with his magic and smiled at me.‘’ Let’s enjoy the tea while it’s still warm.‘’

I smiled back, grab my cup and try the delicious tea, which brought forth memories of my childhood. Right away the mood changed and we started a nice conversation we both enjoyed. The time passed surprisingly fast as it always did with pleasant things: What a shame isn’t it? Artemis started to act differently, his posture was very tense and he was wriggling on his pillow like he would have fleas.

‘’ Luna I can’t hold it any longer… we have to talk. ‘’

I was afraid that this would come up eventually. It was the reason why I was visiting him in the first place. I had to know the truth…

‘’ Artemis all these years I thought you were dead… why, why didn’t you contact me? ‘’

‘’ I was dead until you have come back into my life.’’ He stood up and move towards the nearby window. ‘’ Many thought that I’ve died during the outbreak of the Black Death. I’ve been infected while I was aiding its victims… I don’t know how I’ve survived it.’’

I stood up and came closer to him, while he continued his story.

‘’ Nearly my entire family has been eradicated by the disease… only my adopted brother and I survived this horror.’’ His head went down and he touched his heart with his hoof. ‘’ I was mentally broken… I saw all of them pass away. I was fighting for their lives… I was trying so hard but nothing helped! Then I heard the rumors… that Equestria have lost the Princess of the Night…’’

The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in pony history. I still remember how the messengers ran into the throne room, with the news of the spreading disease among Equestria. With a broken heart I found out that the disease started on the very borders of my Kingdom, in the region where Artemis was living back then. Once I received the message of his death something in me died, and few weeks later I turned into Nightmare Moon.

So many things have changed since I was banished into the moon. According to the old scripts the Black Death has been caused by an Alicorn warlock, Equestria has been divided because of it and so the Free Marshes have been born.

‘’ Despites the fact that I’ve lost my home, my family… my friends… and my love… in the end I lost my brother because…’’

He stopped.  A single tear ran down his cheek and he let out a painful sigh.

‘’ I left Equestria behind me. Cut all bounds that were holding me there and since then I was living here in Marehime.’’ Artemis turned around and smile shyly. I could see the pain in his eyes, but once he looked upon me pain has been pushed away by happiness.

‘’ You came back from the land of the dead, and with your return my heart started to beat again.’’ He came closer to me and touched my nose with his own. I could do nothing. I was stunned by the overwhelming feelings. My body was shaking and my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

‘’ I am so sorry Luna… so sorry. I… I wish to leave this miserable life behind me. Please… please let’s start all over again… I cannot imagine the life without you for the second time. ‘’

Then it happened. My eyes open wide once I felt that his lips touched mine, without any control I joined the kiss, closed my eyes and I enjoyed the moment.

‘’ What am I doing!? ‘’ I thought and quickly moved away from him. My voice sounded broken, once I regain control over my body and feelings.

‘’ Artemis… so many things have changed, so many things happened… You have no idea what I have experienced during the last thousand years.’’

I did not have the guts to look directly at him. I still could feel his taste on my lips what was very distracting. I explained him what happened to me, what I have become and how I returned to normal life.

‘’ I thought you were dead. Within some time my heart finally accepted it, and I focused on my role as Princess of the Night. I found somepony… no he found me. He saved my life and won my heart… you have to understand… I can’t do it Artemis. ‘’

I expected anger, complaining even crying but Artemis remained awfully silent. I gathered all my courage left in me and I finally faced him. Even if there was noticeable disappointment he seemed to be happy. His voice did not change at all, but even after all this years I could sense the hidden pain in it.

‘’ We cannot decide where the seams of fate lead us. Sometimes we have to give up the things we want the most, even if it deeply pains us. ‘’ He sat down on the ground and grabbed my hoof. ‘’ At least you have found happiness Luna I cannot ask for more. Knowing that you are happy is like a remedy for my poor soul. Whatever might happen in the future, whenever you will need help you will always find it here. ‘’

‘’ I am so sorry… ‘’

‘’ You don’t have to be. I enjoyed every second spent with you… I only ask you to never forget it. ‘’

‘’ I will never forget it. ‘’ I sat down myself and hugged him. ‘’ Thank you for your understanding.’’

Artemis joined the hug and we remained silent and motionless for quite a while.

‘’ You said that you have been saved by that somepony. What happened? ‘’

‘’ It happened nearly ten years ago. I have been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Kingdom. Shortly before my journey started I had a fight with Tia, we separated in anger… you know how I am once I get angry. ‘’

‘’ Mhm. ‘’

‘’ My anger passed once the cold wind cool me down, and I felt really bad about everything I’ve said. Without noticing it I left the secure route… a Manticore attacked me. After its claws strike me down darkness surrounded everything. In the end I woke up in a hospital of Flankfurt. Later I found out that the pony who was sharing the room with me, actually saved my life… and so I have meet him.’’

‘’ I would like to meet him personally. Without him I would have never see you again… did he come with you to Marehime? ‘’

‘’ Yes he did. He is my *Ambassador* even if he really don’t like to be called that way. ‘’

‘’ What is his name? ‘’

‘’ His name is Corvus.’’

Suddenly his entire body became extremely tense but only for a while. As fast as it came as fast it was gone, Artemis let go off me and stood up.

‘’ Corvus… I will try to keep it in mind. I hope we both will meet personally, of course if we will find the time to do so. Sadly I have to end this meeting my dear… I will have to go to the governor right now. ‘’

My ears went down while he helped me to get up on my hooves.

‘’ Can’t a servant do it for you?’’

‘’ I am afraid that this will not be possible. The governor will accept this medicine only out of my hoof, besides that I am the one who serves the medicine to the poor girl. ‘’

‘’ We will stay in Marehime for few days maybe a week who knows. I will talk with Corvus about the boy, but I am sure he will not have any problem with that.’’

‘’ Let’s hope for the best...’’

‘’ I will not delay you any longer Artemis… will we meet again? ‘’

‘’ I look forward to it.’’ He smiled and bow before me. ‘’ Please be careful out there… regardless of the good intentions of the citizens of this city, you can only be considered safe once you pass the borders of the Free Marshes.’’

‘’Good bye Artemis…’’

‘’ Good bye Luna… ‘’

Artemis watched her walking towards the door with growing pain in his bleeding heart. Once the solid door of his home bash behind Luna, he closed his eyes and fought against his feelings that were boiling in him right now.

‘’ What kind of game is it you are playing with me fate? ‘’ He started to talk to himself. ‘’ Why do you have to be so cruel?! ‘’

He let out a painful cry and pushed the nearby table with the tea set on it. The expensive ivory scatter on the ground while the rare Moonberry tea have been absorbed by the carpet. Ungentle he fell on his knees and cursed his own fate and his deeds of the past.

‘’ Corvus… why are you haunting me again after all this years? ‘’