Moonbeam

Chapter 24 – A Song to Warm the Heart.

The large hall was full of a pleasant and warm atmosphere, the ponies sang songs in chorus, drank punch and ate sandwiches offered by the large banquet tables.

The deity of the Sun watched her beloved ponies, their smiles firms on their faces from ear to ear as they enjoyed the festivities. Despite the economic problems the kingdom was facing right now, in the eyes of the white-pearl coated alicorn, that was the wealthiest feast a pony could wish for.

Families, friends and neighbors were sharing that moment with each other. Even those who did not have much to offer to others, could bring happiness to some ponies by giving them a comforting embrace or sharing comforting words.

The laughter and happiness with which the place was overflowing, were so contagious that the monarch decided to forget all her problems for a while and chose to get carried away by the warm atmosphere.

The deity of the Sun continued to walk absently through the great hall, until she managed to see a sand-colored pony covered with a blue hood adorned with stars and constellations that appeared to be alive. The pony in question was helped by Princess Platinum to place several silver trays covered with steel lids on a long table at the end of the varied sandwich buffet.

Both were escorted by Puddin Head who wore her signature hat while wiggling a pair of luminous wands using her hooves to guide the movements of the other mares.

-Clover!- called the deity of the Sun approaching the young sorceress.

-Oh princess!, I'm glad to find you, I was looking for you.- Clover remarked with a huge smile on her face.

-Princess Celestia- Puddin and Platinum said, bowing themselves, the princess replied smiling at them.

-I'm glad you came too- Celestia said to Platinum and Puddin -Hope you enjoy the party- she added, unable to hide her huge smile.

-Of course we will your highness, we just wanted to make sure we handed this to you personally- Puddin said, pointing out the silver trays that now covered the table’s surface.

-Clover said you would like it. So Puddin and I decided to help her make them for you- Princess Platuinum added, adjusting her crown with her magic aura.

-Oh, really?- remarked Celestia, approaching with great interest to the dishes that remained covered.

-Go ahead your Majesty- Clover said. -Try one, I'm sure you'll be fascinated.-

-W-Well if you insist- the princess replied as soon as she controlled her impulse to see what the sorceress had brought to win the bet.

The monarch lit her horn with her characteristic golden aura and lifted the lid of one of the trays with extreme care.

As soon as the lid was lifted, the delicious scent of dessert reached the monarch’s well trained nose, Celestia could barely keep her composure, just barely enough not to go crazy and throw herself over the desserts placed in front of her.

On the tray you could see several decorated glasses, each one filled with a pistachio colored pudding covered in sprinkles and chocolate chips.

It was a one-of-a-kind dessert, one whose genius was tied to the first heart’s warming eve. The healer Meadowbrook had told Celestia about that delicacy, but she had never had a chance to try it before… Now, however, it was right in front of her... and the deity of the Sun couldn't believe it.

-Well princess, why don't you take a bite?- said Clover, encouraging the monarch, who seemed to have run out of words and was literally drooling.

Celestia took one glass with her magic along with a small spoon. She then introduced the spoon slowly piercing the soft, gelatinous surface of the dessert with extreme ease before taking a piece and carrying it to her mouth.

There were no words to describe the sensation on her palate, which due to Discord’s spell was much more adapted to enjoy sweet things.

The sense of pleasure filled her senses effectively clouding her mind. Soon the roller coaster of emotions took more and more speed leading her to an ecstasy of flavors that completely made her gone crazy.

Celestia opened her eyes slowly, still feeling the residues of those sensations on her mouth. The white-pearl coated alicorn look around noticing that the three ponies were looking at her amazed.

“For all Equestria. I hope I have not emitted any moan" thought the monarch grievingly.

-Best expression ever- Puddin said, her eyes fixed on the princess of the sun.

-So, I think I wone the bet- the sorceress whispered to the princess meanwhile Puddin and Platinum argued about the monarch's reaction.

Celestia simply nodded causing the sorceress to explode with emotion. The ruler was able to capture fragments of the sorceress’ words, something about experiments and research related to alicorn’s nature. The deity of the sun was also able to catch some comments discussed by Platinum and Puddin, in which were mentioned some moans and expressions of extreme pleasure.

"Well done Celestia, I wouldn't be surprised if the newspapers talk about your reaction tomorrow first page" she rebuked herself.

With a blush on her cheeks, the deity of the Sun turned her gaze to the dessert that was still levitating in front of her before inserting her spoon one more time. She had to share that delicacy with Luna as soon as possible.

Celestia looks up looking for her sister, in the distance she could see the dark-blue coated alicorn giving some gifts to the orphans. Luna’s expression, though lacking her smile, looked bright and cheerful. It didn't take Celestia too long to remember her first heart’s warming eve next to her little sister.

Flashback

That night was particularly cold, snowstorms lashed out at the castle’s windows fiercely.

Lying in front of a chimney with a warm fire were two small alicorns, the youngest was barely old enough to walk on its own hooves, the older was barely the size of a little filly.

-Look Luna, this is how you have to do it- said the pearl-colored alicorn while showing her little sister a crochet doll, which looked just like the dark blue foal.

Little Luna merely clapped her tiny forehooves with joy as she spread her little wings smiling at her older sister.

-You have no idea what it is, do you?- the eldest of the sisters resigned, then she took Luna in her fore hooves nuzzling Luna’s nose with her own, causing the small filly to laugh in full delight.

-I see you are a fast learn, Celestia- an old unicorn spoke from the room’s door, he was wearing a high pointed hat adorned with gold bells and a matched cape, his fur was grayish but the most notorious thing was the long white-silver beard hanging from his face.

-It's really impressive what you can do with just a little practice and imagination- commented the white-pearl alicorn who had a baby-pink mane and tail. Celestia put’s down her little sister giving her the crochet doll Celestia had made for her little sibling.

-That's right- the unicorn replied earnestly. -Just remember Celestia, the heart’s warming eve is one of the most important festivities in our kingdom, representing the union of the three breeds of ponies and the beginning of a new era. The day will come when you and Luna will have to guide the inhabitants of this kingdom, Equestria is still young, it has much to learn many things to prosper, there are too many dangers that threaten this kingdom and...–

-Come on! Don't tell me you're lecturing them again- said a pegasai with a peach-colored fur and dark green mane and tail. The mare was accompanied by an elderly unicorn, whose mane waved gracefully on its own. The old mare’s horn looked much thinner and sharper than Starswirl’s. The old lady had a pale green and gray fur, and its mane and tail had an interesting glaucous color.

-It's not a lecture- the old unicorn said, adjusting his own hat using his magic aura.

-Somnambula is right, it's their first Heart’s warming eve, you should lift your own spirit a little and put aside so much study for a day- commented the old unicorn carrying a warm smile.

-I know, you already told me that Mistmane- the sorcerer said, leaving the room.

-Yes, I did- replied Mistmane.

-Come with me, Stygian said he'd help Flash with the dinner- remarked the pegasai with her peculiar accent.

Little Celestia took her young sister in her hooves once more and began flapping following her mentor.

-Remember dear- Mistmane said stopping her by placing a hoof on Celestia’s shoulder. -The true value of a pony is not measured by the strength of its magic, but by the strength of its heart-

The young foal nodded with a smile on her face.

-You should never lose sight of what's really important to you Celestia- the old lady added smiling at her. -It will give you the strength get up no matter how many times you fall down- Mistmane said, caressing Luna’s tummy.

-I never will- said the white-pearl coated foal as she looked lovingly at her little sister.

End of Flashback

The monarch stood on her four hooves, Celestia knew she had to remedy things with her younger sister and that night was the best chance she had to do so. Although her sister was probably still upset with her, she was confident that Luna would not be able to refuse to enjoy that pudding dessert and possibly both of them could be able to forgive each other, it was the opportunity Celestia needed, the white alicorn did not know if she will have another opportunity so she decided to act now.

The deity of the Sun puts on her best smile and quickly turned to where her younger sister was.

-Luna you have to try this!- Celestia said joyfully as she sank deep in the sea of ponies, quickly but also carefully making her way.

Clover simply let out a giggle upon seeing the monarch's reaction, it was good to see the princess regain her old spirit after the last days events.

Among the crowd was a young electric blue mane mare with a peculiar hairstyle, wearing a grey turtle neck sweater with pink lines. Within her magic she keeps control of a cup of punch while on both hooves she held a piece of toast with jam.

The mare remained at a cautious distance from the crowd, trying to distract her sense of smell from the many ponies who were dancing, eating or drinking. While Vinyl could control her instincts quite well, she didn't want to take any chances to jeopardize her evening. In any other situation she would have avoided being present at that party at all, however, she had to keep an eye on the eldest son of the Blueblood house, but more importantly… Vinyl had to be sure that her master did not get too close to the deity of the Sun.

Vinyl had spent a long time observing the princess too, she still did not understand what had happened or why she was affected after touching the ruler. All she could be sure of, was that it was some kind of arcane magic, one that Gypsies tribes had developed to keep their kind at bay during big social events.

-Excuse me my lady, would you mind dancing this song along with me?- A voice said beside her.

The musician looked at the pony that was a few inches away from her and look at him top to bottom. It was pretty obvious that the unicorn came from a wealthy family, his perfectly brushed fur had a light green color while his mane was pasted to his skull by a big amount of grease.

-What do you say? You wouldn't mind giving me the honor, do you?- the stallion added, offering her a green hoof.

Vinyl simply turned her attention to her toast before giving it a big bite, then looked back at the pony, mouth full as she was, the unicorn started chewing loudly.

Noticing the indifference of the mare, and especially the lack of manners, the stallion was tempted to leave the mare alone, although he decided against it and proceeded to press a little more, after all the mare was quite attractive and he wasn’t ready to miss such an opportunity.

-Come on my lady, at least tell me what your name is- added the stallion.

The mare shook her head.

-Come on dear, I promise you have nothing to worry about, you will see… my name is Melondrop from the noble house of Baltimare. I'm certainly sure you've heard of us, we're quite famous there.-

The white-snow unicorn gave another bite to her bread, this time making more noise while chewing, clearly selfless.

It wasn’t like Vinyl did not know the noble house of Baltimare, after all Red had taught her quite a few things about the kingdom’s noble families. She just wasn’t interested at all.

Upon receiving no response, the stallion decided to make a riskier move. He approached the mare and lit his horn in an attempt to take the crystals away from Vinyl’s eyes.

With precise movement, the young mare positioned herself behind the stallion, holding the pony using her own magic before pulling at the stallion’s mane, effectively exposing the unicorn's neck.

-What the...- gasped the pony surprised by the mare’s sudden movement.

He came close to protesting, when he felt the mare's tongue abruptly liking his neck before bringing her lips closer to his ear, the mare's breath tickled him causing his ear to move unintentionally. Later, the young musician gave him a bite in the ear opening a small wound, soon after, she smacked her toast on the stallion’s face, after which, Vinyl finally released the young and wealthy stallion from her grip.

The young noble was puzzled… or maybe in complete shock. For her that king of ponies were nothing more than trash. And without a word, the mare walked away while eating cheerfully a second slice of bread with jam. Melon slowly climbed on his fours before placing a forehoof over his bleeding ear.

-Looks like you couldn't conquer her, eh Melon?- said a second unicorn handing him a napkin so Melondrops could clean the remains of jam from his face’s fur.

-Sh-She…-

-She...?- the second stallion repeated.

-She bit me- Melondrop said, looking at his interlocutor.

-She humiliated you too- replied the other pony.

Vinyl walked away and straight to the main entrance, still been sure not to lose sight of Blueblood.

Arriving at the entrance Vinyl could notice her master's unmistakable carriage stopping outside.

Viper unhooked herself from the carriage before opening the carriage door for Red and Pink Wine to descend. She then gave a couple of bits to one of the ponies posted at the road for him to take the carriage, She then proceeded to follows the wealthy siblings.

Lord Red was wearing his signature coat and a tailored suit. Pink wore an ostentatious light blue dress. On the other hoof, Viper wore an elegant black suit very similar to those wore by Red, although this seemed to have been made especially for her, for it fist her figure perfectly while accentuating her curves.

Vinyl approached to them at the entrance waiting patiently for the arrival of her master.

-Oh my dear Vinyl, I'm glad to see you again, the mansion is very quiet without you- the Lord added, extending her his hoof as soon as they met each other face to face.

The snow-white unicorn offered him her fore hoof which Red took using his own strong hoof. Red bent over to gently kiss Vinyl’s hoof. When his lips touched the musician’s soft fur, he noticed something out of place.

As soon as he pulled his lips away from the skin of the mare he looked at the unicorn’s wounded forehoof, the burns were very slight, it would surely last a couple of hours before there was no trace of them, however, the shape of the wound looked peculiar, almost as if the wound had been caused by a very hot and cylindrical object. But the strangest thing was that the wound was very similar to the ones suffered by its kind when they were exposed to the Sun’s light for too long, something that certainly turned out to be an out-of-the-ordinary situation, as one of the most outstanding features of Vinyl was her notorious resistance to sunlight.

-What happened?- asked the lord concerned.

The mare blew a whistle, sitting upright as she lit her horn to wag her own mane as if the wind made it wave.

-Red- Pink Wine said, looking worried at her brother.

-Master- Viper said at the same time.

The Lord meditate the situation for a moment, certainly the shape of the burn was very similar to a hoof. He thought for a moment as he scratched his chin with his foreleg.

-It seems that the princess' magic has become stronger. Possibly her magic has been strengthened enough to harm the creatures of the night- the stallion remarked as he pondered the situation.

The white unicorn shook her head.

-You are right dear. It is impossible that the princess became stronger in just one night... it must be something else-

The unicorn nodded levitating her punch cup, before giving a good sip.

-Now that I remember, Celestia has a close relationship with the zebra tribe. I remember seeing them sometime before the princess left at the front line- Pink Wine said.

-Zebras are gypsies who travel from one place to another, I wouldn't be surprised if they have knowledge of alchemy that allows them to repel our kind- Viper added.

-It is possible that these zebras have done something to keep the princess safe tonight, although I do not understand why they would take such a measure- Red said.

Vinyl wiggled her hooves pointing to the crowd of ponies coming in and out of the castle.

-This could be an additional measure of protection considering that this party is held at open doors and any pony could assist- Pink said.

-Vinyl...- said the lord, drawing the attention of the white unicorn. -Keep an eye on the princess every time you come to the castle with Blueblood, and report any abnormalities to me immediately, I can't let anything interfere with our plan. If the zebras suspect anything, we could be in danger of being exposed- added the maroon colored lord.

-And now, what will we do Red? do you want us to go back to the mansion? After all, if the spell was able to affect Vinyl, we don't know what it could do to us.- Pink Wine expressed.

-No dear sister, despite the risk tonight is important and if we want to maintain our facade, we need to be seen tonight, and I still have issues to discuss with our soon to be prince Blueblood- the Lord said.

-As you wish dear brother- Pink replied, nuzzling Red's neck affectionately.

-Thank you for the advice… Now, if you're so kind, I need to have a word with Blueblood- the lord asked, addressing the white unicorn. Vinyl nodded before turning around indicating them to follow her.

The siblings followed the young mare closely while Viper kept her distance, she had never understood why Red had so much confidence in a pony with Vinyl's abilities, especially when he was unable to control Vinyl’s actions. From the night Red had arrived at the mansion accompanied by the young unicorn, the Lord had become obsessed with her. Even Lady Pink herself had expressed her discontent more than one time. However, the lord did not seem interested in hearing reasons and gave the musician more and more attention. This time he had even decided to assign her a mission of extreme care. Viper didn't doubt the unicorn's ability, in fact the young mare was talented, but it was precisely that talent what really worried Viper.

A couple of whispers caught the attention of the Wine siblings' bodyguard, located a few meters away was a pair of stallions mumbling at each other as they pointed to the electric blue mane unicorn. Viper sharpened her ear to hear the conversation in more detail.

-... I bet you won't be able to have her Melon-

-I'm going to make her mine tonight I assure you, those flanks will belong to me before dawn. I have never failed on my target, not once, all the mares end up falling at my hooves sooner or later.

-Yes, but that one in particular seems to have a good relationship with the Wine family, it will be difficult for you to be able to offer her something that Lord Red hadn’t gave her already in exchange for those flanks, just look at him, how Red’s eyes follows her, it is more than obvious that the lord is interested in her-

A huge smile formed on Viper's face, perhaps those nobles could help her, if she somehow managed to get rid of Vinyl, there was no doubt that Red would choose her to finish the job. Now Viper only had to find the best way to get away from her master unsuspiciously, in order to address the young stallions.

The deity of the night remained distracted for a moment, by the corner of the eye she came to notice a group of earth ponies, all wearing Stetsons and their cutie marks were strangely related to apples. The first one had a caramel apple. The second, a cup of apple tea with an apple slice decorating the edge of the cup. The third had a golden apple with a pair of wings made of the same material. One of the two mares that accompanied them had an apple stuffed with ice cream, while the other had a cutie mark with an apple cupcake.

The five ponies got to the stage carrying their instruments on the back, as soon as they finished preparing, they began to perform their melody to the delight of every pony else.

The melody began with windy instruments and the soft tune of a banyo, the music was slow and soft, a melody that quickly caught the attention of those present.

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

-(The song they sing in this scene is "Days Gone By", from MLP FIM)-

-…-

When family cannot be here

Havin’ journeyed far and wide.

We sing a song to honor them

To remember days gone by.

-…-

So take your cup and raise it high

Just as surely I’ll do mine

And laugh we will at stories told.

As we smile at days gone by (x2).

-…-

For family not here my dear.

Havin’ journeyed far and wide.

For loyalty and kindness both

We smile at days gone by.

-…-

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

The deity of the night remained in place observing the earth ponies’ gig. By the corner of her eye she came to distinguish a figure approaching her, but she decided to remain in her place without making any movement until she felt her sister's wing resting on her back hesitantly. The deity of the night looked up to observe her sister looking at her kindly and carrying a slight smile as she offered her some pudding.

The deity looked at the dessert a bit of doubtful due to the greenish color of the culinary dessert before accepting some of the pudding offered by her sister.

Luna didn't know why, but that pudding had a unique and extremely pleasant taste, even though she wasn't a fan of sweet things like her older sister was, she couldn't deny that dessert was delicious.

Luna simply closed her eyes enjoying her dessert and proceeded to press her body against Celestia’s own fur, for the first time in a long time just enjoying the fur contact with her older sister.

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

-…-

Our paths will cross again one day.

In time to reunite.

For family is always near

Even when the seas are wide.

-…-

So take your cup and raise it high

Just as surely I’ll do mine.

And make a toast for family.

And the tales of days gone by.

-…-

For the family not here my dear.

Havin’ journeyed far and wide.

For loyalty and kindness both

Take joy at days gone by.

-…-

For loyalty and kindness both

We smile at days gone by.

-…-

🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

The melody ended as both sisters looked at each other. The dark-blue alicorn thought it was best to forget her problems that night and enjoy that moment to the fullest, unfortunately, a strange sense of headache ended up forcing her away from her sister.

-I'm sorry Tia, we have to go to the mare’s room- she said, putting on her best mask, trying to hide the headache that had suddenly assaulted her for no reason.

-Is something wrong Luna?- asked Celestia worryingly, as soon as the deity of the sun noticed her sister's sudden movement.

-No- the dark-blue alicorn replied nervously while keeping her mask firmly on her face -We just need to clean ourselves a bit- added the deity of the night.

Celestia look for a moment at her sister's hooves, remembering the bandages she had seen Luna wear recently.

-Do you want me to come with you?- said the deity of the sun a bit worried.

-It won't be necessary. Long won’t I be- Luna added almost too convincing.

Celestia nodded and allowed her sister to leave her side, as she looked again in the direction Luna was heading, she smiled roguely after noticing the mare approaching her sister from one side.

-Oh Luna, if what you wanted was some time alone, you just had to ask- Said the deity relaxing once again.

"My, my. Your sister is strange, her mere presence made me feel very uncomfortable" the voice said inside her head.

"You mean the headache I felt was caused by her?” asked a bit puzzled the deity of the night.

"That's right, though I can't understand what happened, it's something that hadn't happened before" Nightmare replied.

"I don't know, but I don't think it was on purpose, maybe it was just for...".

-Princess...- a soft voice interrupted her inner conversation suddenly.

Luna turned around, to look more closely at her interlocutor.

-Would you do me the honor to dance with me?- said the charcoal-colored unicorn looking at her with those emerald eyes while extending a forehoof at Luna’s direction. On the back Luna could hear the music beginning to play once more.

Chrysalis was using her fake unicorn form, in which was wearing a jade green dress with emerald finishes. On her neck she wore a beautiful bright green necklace, which matched the pair of earrings she sported on her ears.

Unconsciously the deity of the night turned her gaze to her older sister, who had a rogue smile on her face.

After sending a look of disapproval to her sister, though Luna certainly couldn't be happier at the time, the deity of the night decided to accept the request.

-It would be my pleasure, my Lady- Luna replied, taking the changelings princess' hoof with hers, before guiding Chrysalis to the dance floor.

Celestia watched her sister advance towards the dance floor taken from her hoof by her special some pony.

While same-sex pony pairs were a rare thing, the Deity of the Sun had never been disturbed about it. On the contrary it makes her smile seen her little sister so happy.

-It is a pleasure to finally meet you princess Celestia-

The sweet voice coming from another mare got the monarch's attention.

In front of her was a unicorn whose size was much larger than that of an average pony. She sported a bright green coat that gave the feeling of being made of emeralds, her mane and tail looked a bright black color and possessed a pair of huge yellow eyes that gave her a sense of respect and fear at the same time.

The newcomer wore an extremely eye-catching and breath-taking evening dress, with an open neckline that made her solid gold necklace shine even brighter and of course exposed much of her chest. The dress sported a side cut on one of its hindlegs that end up on its cutie mark’s base, said cutie mark appeared to be shaped like three eggs made of Emerald Jaspers.

-Oh, the pleasure is all mine Miss...-

-Gemstone- the unicorn said bowing. -Emerald Gemstone, from one of the noble houses on the west end of the kingdom- the mare added.

-I'm sorry Lady Gemstone but I'm not familiar with your family’s name- added the monarch, briefly looking at the five butlers who accompanied the unicorn, all wore matched suits, sported a rather athletic body and judged by their posture when walking there was no doubt that they were very well trained in combat.

-You don't have to worry Princess Celestia, after all, my goal was to meet the pony who had stolen my dear daughter's heart. Can't you imagine my surprise when I found out that said pony was no other than the ruler of the night?-

Celestia's eyes fully opened, leaving her speechless for a moment.

Just outside the hall, a hooded figure watched the princess of the night with extreme attention. Not much could be distinguished from the creature except for its legs, which were adorned by patterns of multi-colored arcane drawn along its monochromatic hooves, one of them carrying a bracelet made of a metal that shine with a rare purple color.

-Mother was right, yes, yes, yes- the figure said, removing her hood and exposing her long mane full of colors which had extremely eye-catching colors. -One of the elements has been disconnected from the princesses. That's not good, no, no, no, no.- the zebra remarked for herself.

Author's Note

Author's Note:

Well it seems that Luna will be able to enjoy a moment with her beloved Chrysalis after all. I planned to add another character in this scene, but I decided that if I did it, I would never be able to release the chapter so I'll have to postpone its return for later.

The pieces have been placed on the board, it's time to start moving them to their destination.

See you in the next chapter.

In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018

In memory of Carolina López Beloved aunt and life's example.

May/1947 - February/2020