Storm of Feelings

<  ‘’ How do you feel my dear? ‘’ Asked Virgo and grab his wife’s hoof. An unexpected land slight blocked the main street leading to Trotterdam, forcing them to take a longer trail through the nearby forest. Nova his wife was in a very advanced pregnancy. Since the beginning he was against her wish to travel with him, but she was very persistent; in the end she persuaded him after a very long discussion.

The mare smiled at him and put his hoof on her belly. He could feel how his child was moving in her womb, announcing his presence with few kicks what made his chest swell with pride.

‘’ We both are alright honey don’t worry too much.’’ She looked out through the window. A thick wall of trees shrouded everything around them, while the shine of the moon created a twilight atmosphere. ‘’ It has been quite a while since we were here the last time. ‘’

‘’ During all these years this forest did not change at all. ‘’ He chuckled after he felt his son again.

‘’ Forgive me if I am overreacting with everything… I just want the best for you and the child. ‘’

‘’ We both could not ask for a better father and husband. ‘’

Virgo smiled and lean his head carefully against her belly, gently stroking it with his hoof.

‘’ I love both of you. ‘’

Nova was about to say something but suddenly her ears went up like they would have spot something.

‘’ Virgo do you hear it? ‘’

‘’ Hear what? ‘’ He tried to focus but the sound of the wheels made it nearly impossible to hear something.

‘’ Stop the chariot! ‘’ Yelled Nova and right away the vehicle stopped. She stood up and very carefully she was about to leave the chariot.

‘’ Wait I will help you. ‘’ Virgo stepped out of the chariot first. He was helping his wife as good as possible and once she stood on solid ground both of them listened to the sounds of the old forest. It took some time till they hear a foreign sound that clearly did not belong to this environment. Eventually they recognized it as crying: crying of a baby.

‘’ By Celestia a child is in the forest. ‘’

‘’ Nova stay here I will look around. ‘’

‘’ Just watch out… ‘’

Virgo’s horn started to glow with a turquoise light that lit up the environment around him. Without hesitating he moved forward, following the sound of the crying child. The forest was incredibly thick in this part what was slowing his search in a very annoying way. Eventually after a longer time he finally found the source of the crying: In a small basket in the middle of a glade he found a new born Alicorn baby.

It was very cold outside and the poor child did not have any protection from it, what caused all the heart ripping crying. Virgo bowed down to have a better look on the foal, once his horn was close enough he saw how the baby looked like. A loud gasp scared the small fur ball, making it cry even more.

Nervously Nova waited for her husband’s return. The time passed slowly while her nervousness grew stronger. Her child kicked her surprisingly strong what made her chuckle happily.

‘’ Don’t worry daddy is on his way back I am sure of it. ‘’

As if he has heard this message Virgo’s light announced his return long before he left the thick wall of trees behind him. With a big relief she sighed at his sight. Virgo held something near his chest; once he was close enough Nova recognized it as a small basket. She hugged him and was about to look into the basket but with a head shake he said:

‘’ Let’s go back to the chariot first.’’

She lifted her eye brow but she did not ask any questions. Once both of them entered the chariot Virgo close the door behind him and gave the signal to continue the journey. Since he came back from the forest he was very tense, something was bothering him.

‘’ Is everything okay my heart? Did something happen?’’

‘’ I am fine Nova… a little bit shocked but fine. ‘’ He levitated the basked towards here. Carefully she grabbed it with her own magic, and with growing excitement and curiosity the mare look into the basket. Covered with Virgo’s cloak a baby Unicorn was lying in it. Its fur had a mahogany color while his mane was dark blonde. The child was asleep but it seemed like it was looking for a comfortable position.

‘’ Ahw aren’t you the cutest thing I have ever seen. ‘’

The baby heard her voice, open its eyes and yawn sleepy. Nova suppressed a gasp after she saw the eyes of the small fur ball. One eye did not have an iris and was completely white, while his other eye had a pretty nut brown color. With her magic she separated the cloak from the foal. The assumed Unicorn was in truth a Alicorn; the outline of tiny, downy wings was visible against the foal’s minuscule body.

As expected, she saw that the lower part of the boy’s body, had the purest black color she has ever seen. The line between mahogany and black grew smaller, slowly spreading the black color over the entire body. The foal smiled at her and wave happily with his tiny hooves.

‘’ This can’t be… ‘’ Said Nova and look at her husband. With a sad facial expression Virgo came closer to the basket and put his hoof near the child. Right away the small fur ball grab his hoof and inspected it with big interest.

‘’ This poor small soul is about to transform into a Lesser One… ‘’

‘’ The foal is a Alicorn! Lesser Ones among our kind have not been spotted for millennia.’’

‘’ Yes I know. ‘’ He sigh and smiled right away after he saw the baby playing with his hoof. ‘’ I searched the area where I have found him. Not far away from the basket I’ve discovered old hooves tracks… I think the foal was left to die in the wilds. ‘’

Nova touched her belly and performs a head shake. How could a mother do such terrible thing to her own child? Unlike normal ponies the Alicorns were not blessed with fertility of the mortal folk. Both of them were trying to become parents for a very long time, her heart was overflowing with joy once she found out that she was pregnant. A child is probably the greatest gift a Alicorn could achieve in this life. Full of sadness she looked on the foal that was still holding Virgo’s hoof.

‘’ Poor boy… you’re at the beginning of your long journey, and already you have such big burden on your small back. ‘’

Carefully she levitated the child out of the basket right into her hooves. Once the foal was close to her soft ample chest, it yawned sleepy and cradle against it. She chuckled quietly, brushed the foal’s fur and downs, ruffling them a bit; the fur ball was already asleep and did not notice it.

‘’ This is truly a wonderful sight for a sore eye. ‘’ Said Virgo and smile at her happily but the smile faded away. ‘’ I am not sure what to do now my dear… ‘’

‘’ We both know what to do Virgo; we will keep him. He has been abandoned once I will not allow that it will happen again! ‘’

‘’ I share the same thoughts Nova… yet this child is about to become a Lesser One. We will take care of him for a while, but we really should inform Princess Celestia about his existence. ‘’

She knew that he was right, but once the foal fell asleep in her hooves, he won a place in her heart.

‘’ I agree on that. ‘’ The foal started to wriggle around till it found a comfortable position. The time passed surprisingly fast during their conversation and without noticing it they left the forest behind them. The lights of Trotterdam appeared on the horizon but it would still take at least two hours to reach their estate.

‘’ I think it was faith that brought us together Virgo. ‘’ said Nova who simply could not stop watch the foal in her hooves. The dark color spread incredibly fast, already reaching the chest of the boy.

‘’ We should give him a name. He can’t be introduced to the princess without a name. ‘’

‘’ Do you have any suggestions? ‘’ asked the stallion and suppressed a yawn. He did not find any sleep since he was watching the rare blue comet that appeared on the sky. Once they would reach their home, she would make sure that he would sleep, because she knew that he could be foolish enough to continue his star gazing. A sudden thought went through her mind and she looked out through the window. The sky on this night was crystal clear, presenting the starts and the moon with all its glory. Right away she spotted a small constellation of starts: Virgo’s favorite one. With a smile on her face she answered:

‘’ Corvus. ‘’

Virgo was deeply surprised by that, but as fast as it came as fast it was gone. His grin showed that he likes the idea:

‘’ Only few ponies had the privilege to be called after a constellation, but I am sure the princess will agree with this choice.  ‘’ he came closer to her and the foal. Gently he touched the child with his nose. ‘’ Even if you are not my blood I will treat you like you would be my own child. ‘’

‘’ Welcome in the family Corvus my little boy. ‘’ She pulled him closer to her heart smiling happily.

A strange sound went through the air. With wide open eyes they noticed that something was going on with the foal. The black color started to vanish till it was completely gone; Corvus woke up and let out an adorable sneeze. Right away he closed his eyes and once more he entered the land of dreams. Even if it was only for a short time, both of them have notice that the missing iris of his right eye appeared out of nowhere.

‘’ I think we have been blessed with a new son Nova. ‘’ >

I was following Bronze Lute through the Alienage of Marehime. It was incredible how many Unicorns were living in the small alleys, somehow fitting in places I would barely find refuge. Bronze Lute was surprisingly familiar with this part of the city and the ponies seemed to know him, what was a good thing because they would rather listen to him than to a stranger like me. The presence of an Alicorn seemed not to bother the Unicorns; in fact I could have sworn that they were somehow happy to see me.

‘’ You are not for the first time here friend aren’t you? ‘’ I asked and watch how three small fillies passed us by playing with a ball.

‘’ You are right… Marehime is like a second home to me. Those kind ponies offered me help in the time of need and since then I was supporting them as good as possible. ‘’

‘’ We need more ponies like you. Politics are only good if they work; sadly most of the time they don’t. ‘’

We reached the end of the Alienage. Every single alley leads into this place, a plaza that was big enough to fit in nearly all the Unicorns in the alleys. This place was far more crowded than the alleys; moving forward was quite a challenge because of the fillies that were running all over the place between the legs of the adults. The buildings, if somepony could actually consider them as buildings, were in a very bad shape.

My heart started to pain me once I thought what a nice and cozy apartment we have received, while they were living in a place like that. My old friend moved towards the biggest building that belonged to the *leaders* of the Unicorn community, at its very entrance two big stallions have been post as guards.

‘’ I will have to enter alone Corvus. ‘’ Said Bronze Lute and pointed at the nearby building. ‘’ You might be a Alicorn but you are still a stranger. ‘’

‘’ Do not worry about me friend I am used to it. Now go make haste! ‘’

Bronze Lute nod at me and ran towards the building. The guards stopped him only for few seconds; with their magic the solid door has been open for the bard. Once the door closed behind him, I made myself usefully to those that were in need. Luna was defiantly the better healer, but I was able to perform it too; not to mention that I could endure more pain. At the very edge of the plaza, there was a Red Cross tent: a huge line of Unicorns were waiting for treatment.

Moaning, coughing and crying filled the air. A unpleasant stain of blood, mixed up with some unknown odor, hit my senses right away. I entered the tent, followed by the complaining of the waiting ponies, but once I explained what I was up to I’ve been sincerely welcomed. It took some time till Bronze Lute came back; gladly I helped as many ponies as possible. Groaning and with an unpleasant sting in my lungs I followed the bard:

‘’ How did the things turn out? ‘’ I asked through my closed teeth. The fee for so many patients was bigger than I thought.

‘’ Riots are nothing new to them. ‘’ Said Bronze Lute and sigh loudly. ‘’ But this time they have been warned from the upcoming threat. Their mages will create a barrier, that will shroud the entire Alienage if a riot might have been unleashed upon them. ‘’

‘’ What about the Unicorns that live outside the Alienage? ’’

He did not answer. I did not ask more questions. After a while we were back at the main street of Marehime, melting together within the colorful crowd, that seemed to not have an end. While the traders tried to yell louder than their competition, what was truly annoying, Bronze Lute offered to go for a mug to the ‘’ Twin Knights ‘’ tavern.

‘’ No better not. ‘’

‘’ Why not? Don’t tell me it is because you get drunk way too fast. ‘’ he chuckled hearty about this statement.

‘’ I beat up some whipsters this morning. I do not want to start the same scene again. ‘’

‘’ Since when are you afraid of fights Corvus? ‘’

‘’ I am not afraid. ‘’ I answered with a rather annoyed tone. ‘' As I already told you we are on a diplomatic mission… I do not have the privilege to act like a simple ruffian. Besides that Luna has some business she must attend to... We might get kicked out of the city if I will play the bad boy. ‘’

‘’ In that case I will get us some good old Marehime Scotch! I have a friend who is selling the best alcohol in the city. ‘’ Bronze Lute licked his lips once he recall some memories.

‘’ I do not have anything to pay with… I gave everything to the Unicorns. ‘’

‘’ Don’t worry about it my dear friend! Old debts are truly useful… if he will not pay in Bits then in Liters. ‘’ Both of us laughed and continue our journey.

Once I left the tower the weight on my heart and shoulder vanished, and I let out a loud sigh. Even after all those meetings a part of me still could not believe that Artemis was still alive. The well healed wound has been open, once he stepped back into my life, but I could not give him what he desired. Maybe things would turn out differently, if I would not be together with Corvus, but such thinking would not change anything. I looked at the sun. Due its position I found out that I was in the tower longer than I thought.

‘’ You really did it this time girl… ‘’ I thought while I enter the main street. The ponies recognized me, even if I was wearing my cloak: some of the bowed before me, others simply pass me by. Eventually I managed to reach our apartment, leaving the streets behind the locked door. Gladly I did not meet any servants on the way to the second floor what made me let out a relieved sigh. Before I reached the door to my apartment I heard that Corvus was not alone. Both of them were singing a song that was quiet popular among my subjects.

‘’ Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong.

Oh Equestria, Mountain mama

Take me home, country roads! ’’

The other voice was strangely familiar, but I simply could not remember who he was. The fact that Corvus was singing with him worried me. He was not the type of stallion who joins up to a song, regardless if it was nice or sad. With a beating heart I opened the door and enter the apartment. The singing stopped long before the door was open, what could only mean that he knew that I was close all along. Once I close the door behind me, I saw the Earth Pony, and right away I recognized him as Bronze Lute; a very old friend of Corvus.

‘’ Greetings oh beautiful Princess of the Night. ‘’ said Bronze Lute and bow down before me. ‘’ It was quite a while since we have seen each other. ‘’

‘’ Bronze Lute it is nice to see you again. ‘’ Even if I really like the sympathetic bard, I always hoped that he would not cross his ways with Corvus. Every time they meet trouble was at state. The smell of alcohol was in the air, scotch if I was not wrong.

‘’ Bronze Lute my friend… ‘’ the sadness in his voice made my heart stop to beat. ‘’ Please leave us alone. ‘’

The pony did not say anything. Once more he bow before me, patted Corvus roughly on his shoulder, and left the room quietly. The sound of his hooves echoed on the other side of the door. A tense atmosphere was in the air. Corvus stood up, his eyes and body language showed me that he was drunk.

‘’ Corvus I… ‘’ I did not end because he pass me by. Not far away from the entrance, there was a small casket where he was hiding his flasks. Its existence was being hidden with a spell, which granted invisibility, only Unicorns and Alicorns would be able to spot it. The spell has been removed, his horn started to glow with its barely noticeable shine, and with the simple telekinesis spell he pull out a phial, that contained a white substance.

Without any hesitation he drank the white flask. Regardless of the amount or the ingredient in a flask, it always caused the following effect: his veins were visible through his fur. Most of the time they had a purple color but right now it was white. As fast as it came as fast it disappeared leaving no trace of its existence. Corvus turned around to me, sober and with clear eyes.

‘’ Why did you not listen to me Luna? ‘’ He asked still with the same sad voice. ‘’ If something would have happen to you… what were you thinking!? ‘’

‘’ You do not have to yell at me. ‘’ I said with a broken voice, trying to avoid eye contact with him. ‘’ I am not a helpless filly who cannot protect herself. Listen Corvus… I visited... ‘’

‘’ I know where you have been Luna. I saw you leaving the building and I followed you… ‘’

‘’ I had to talk with him you have to understand… ‘’

‘’ What am I supposed to understand? ‘’ I did not like the sound of his voice. ‘’ That you were doing more than talking? Do not look at me like that! ‘’ He came closer to me and look directly into my eyes. ‘’ I can smell it Luna… I can smell him on your lips… ‘’

His sharp senses once more surprised me and made the entire thing look bad. Very bad.

‘’ It is not like you think… we were… ‘’

A thundering sound of a mighty horn ripped through air. We both came closer to the window to see what was going on: ponies were running in all directions yelling in a chaotic way. The door of our apartment has been open, and Bronze Lute charged in.

‘’ The Town Hall is on fire! ‘’

Corvus looked at me one more time, then he ran out of the room.