The Pawn Who Would Be Queen

It was with a growing sense of awe and wonder that Orzel stood at the edge of Platform 21-G, the outermost platform of Canterlot Central Terminal. The building itself was impressive, with vaulted ceilings decorated in the art-deco-neo-classical style typical to most Canterlot architecture. The platform likewise was a construct of steel and concrete, and even that might've fascinated her in its own right, but it wasn't the architecture that held her attention. Standing before her like something out of her wildest dreams was the largest amalgamation of steel and fire she'd ever laid eyes upon. The air was hot and humid, saturated with puffs of white billowing steam.

What she so highly admired was a marvelous monstrosity of mechanical might known in local parlance as a 'locomotive', eclipsing even the greatest machinations conceived of by the comparatively small minds of Imperial scientists and scholars. Like so many other facets of Equestrian life, it relied upon a simple and unassuming concept to function. Steam... From power plants, to factories, warships and merchant vessels. Equestria wasn't alone in this, as several other world powers made use of similar technologies, but none quite to the same extent.

This masterwork of machinery before her put every miniature or functional model Orzel had constructed to shame, and stood as yet another monument to Equestrian technology. She'd spent the better part of the last week researching steam locomotives, as she wanted to know just what sorts of questions to ask of its operators. It'd taken a little more time than she would've liked, but Luna insisted that she take time out of the day to make sure she ate properly and to play at least one game of chess... The woman had been acting exceptionally attentive in the days following Orzel's first few therapy sessions, though the girl supposed she should've expected as much...

Thick black smoke vented through a skylight above, blotting out the morning sun, while the titanic locomative's valves hissed passively like a den of cobras. The soft thrum of the locomotive's boiler and occasional jets of steam gave life to the otherwise immobile steel colossus. The air was filled with an odor of thick coal dust and oxidizing metal, which to most might've seemed unpleasant. Like the scent of asphalt, however, the locomotive's hot ashen breath served only to remind Orzel of progress previously undreamt of... A brass headboard at the locomotive's front depicted the raised letters 'MIDNIGHT COMET', and above this slab of metal was one of the locomotive's bells. At the center of the locomotive's face was a massive solitary headlight, its luminous golden beam cutting through the ambient smoke and steam like the eye of a mighty cyclops.

It was with the aid of this enormous locomotive that Orzel would arrive at the location of her first official Royal Duty, the christening of the newest and largest warship in the world, launching from the Neighport News Naval Shipyard. The ship was a new type, never before seen on the waves, considered little more than theory before the advent of sufficiently advanced fixed wing aeroplanes. The fittingly classified 'Aircraft Carrier' would be the first of its kind, a cutting edge first strike platform with which Equestria would further cement its dominance upon the world's oceans. Orzel had already completed a model of the ship, non-functioning of course, and what she could glean of its its technical specifications left quite an impression.

Of course, much of the Equestrian Admiralty didn't see it that way, and so the project repeatedly needed to be saved from the scrap heap by Princess Luna. Indeed, it was only through Luna's continued advocacy that the ship was even being completed, as the contract was temporarily canceled by the Defense Appropriations Committee. The controversial rescue of the carrier was also the topic of numerous heated debates between Luna and Aunt Celestia, typically during their nightly family dinners for the past few weeks. In fact the ship had been so close to the scrapyard that only recently was it given an official name beyond 'Luna's Folly'.

Despite being 'too young' to understand the complex nuance of geo-politics, Orzel nonetheless gave a great deal of attention to the matter, though outwardly she rarely went beyond idly listening in. On the few occasions she'd spoken up she had taken Luna's side, and not only because Luna was her Mother. A cursory examination of recent history showed Equestria wasn't the military juggernaut it purported to be, indeed Luna's return as 'Nightmare Moon' was a perfect demonstration of why a strong military was vital should another crisis arise. The discussion on the true identity of Nightmare Moon was understandably awkward for Luna, but Orzel didn't consider it important enough to dwell on. After all, Luna wasn't Nightmare Moon anymore. That Luna approached the conversation in a measured and straightforward manner helped considerably...

What was more important to Orzel, perhaps to an extent that even Luna didn't realize, was a command of the air well beyond that afforded by Pegasi. Pegasi were well and good for small operations, but they could hardly do any appreciable damage to ground targets. Airships, at least those employed by Equestria, couldn't risk bombing missions because of their susceptibility to enemy ground fire. Yet despite all these apparent disadvantages, trumpeted repeatedly by those opposing the carrier's completion, Orzel knew that air power both on land and on the sea would prove to be the new supreme advantage in Modern Warfare. An aircraft carrier was therefore essential to safeguarding Equestria and her interests around the globe. This had been her position in those dinner arguments...

Though much of the world still resembled what Orzel might expect of Szafiria or its various neighbors, there nonetheless existed a steadily increasing arms race among Equestria's would-be rivals. Rapidly advancing technology meant new players regularly stepped onto the field, all with differing visions for the future, all eager to upset the balance of power in their favor. It was one race that Equestria couldn't afford to lose, and it would've been so much easier to win if Aunt Celestia and the National Council wasn't hamstringing the Pro-Militarists all the time. At least, that was what she'd overheard from the Generals that occasionally walked past her room, Luna's occasional tutoring on the finer points of governance, and her own research into Equestrian history.

All of Orzel's research further revealed to her the relative ineptitude of Equestria's current government, which as of yet was still failing to redeem itself. Celestia meant well, Orzel knew that, but her Aunt hadn't seen first hand what happened to a country if the military was unprepared. So much could be lost in an instant, so many lives snuffed out... She doubted if the Imperial Garrison of Cesarski would've survived, even if it was sufficiently as well equipped as the Equestrians, but with a competent Army Air Corps to support troops on the ground they would've stood a much better chance. The aircraft carrier would certainly have been more than large enough to evacuate more people, and less susceptible to being swamped by the creatures...

Orzel closed her eyes, then took an exceptionally deep breath, visualizing herself in the Castle library, gently easing her memories from her mind. She had her first royal duty too look forward to, the launch of that great and powerful ship, and for the moment that was enough to keep her grounded. The ship's name been a further point of contention at dinner, albeit a minor one, as it was a very 'Un-Equestrian' name. One that Orzel knew quite well, something very close to her heart... That Luna chose to accept the name had a profound effect on Orzel, and the fact that she would be the one to christen the ship under that name would be... Cathartic. That was the word Doctor Scratch had used in their latest session. The newest and most powerful warship in the world, with which Equestria would remain unmatched at sea, would be named Sokol...

It was fitting, given the ship's aviation focus, as the name Sokol meant 'Falcon' when translated to Equestrian. Celestia initially resisted the idea when first put forward, but Luna made a very compelling case. In the few short minutes she'd spent in Equestria before her death, Sokol more than exemplified the very height of duty and protection. The Nocturne Agency was overdue in releasing her body, and even when it eventually did, there was no one qualified to perform Vindictan funeral rites. Therefore, naming a powerful warship seemed a sufficient alternative. Orzel knew with certainty that Sokol would've liked that very much, as in the Empire to have a ship named after you was a tremendous an honor, especially for a Vindictan Shield Matron. It was that fact that sealed the deal for Celestia, even if the true enormity of the name would be lost on the wider Equestrian public.

The mixture of her thoughts and the rhythmic venting of steam had entranced Orzel, she only hoped the dark sooty smoke of the locomotive wouldn't necessitate a change in wardrobe. Finding a blouse and skirt that were both to her liking and 'formal' enough to satisfy the National Council was difficult. Today she'd chosen a navy blue dress with a white sash and gloves, two colors favored by the Equestrian Navy, though they were rather appealing in their own right. It required a considerable 'mental readjustment', as Doctor Scratch so eloquently put it, but Orzel finally reached an equilibrium of emotional stability. She didn't hate 'dressing up' anymore, it actually might've felt rather nice under different circumstances, but the National Council's meddling never ceased to hamper her desire to make her wardrobe more... Outlandish. Purely out of spite.

Their bothersome nature was unlikely to change given the other items she'd selected to wear to the ceremony, Luna had explained her plan and Orzel was all too eager to accept. Even with a few spells to adjust the size, the crown that now resided upon her head was still slightly too large. Orzel therefore elected to tie her hair up into a bun, the loose knot of which having solved the problem of the crown falling over her eyes. The Royal Jewelers were already in the process of making a crown more her size, but for now the Obsidian Crown and accompanying pageant necklace would suffice as her 'badges of office'. Seeing her in Luna's regalia would also likely make a few Nobles' heads explode... At least, figuratively speaking.

It was hard not to blame the Noble Party for ruining her every waking moment since first venturing out into Canterlot, with the exception of her visits to her therapist's office. Not only dictating what she could wear, but how she could do her hair, what makeup she could use... Even going so far as to actually try to tell her what rooms of the Castle she could and couldn't choose for her own. Celestia thankfully put her foot down on that one, as what happened within the Castle's residential sections was well out of the jurisdiction of the National Council.

The entire ordeal left a bad taste in Orzel's mouth, and she wasn't going to choose a new room until she was certain she wouldn't be forced to move as soon as she got settled in. If she had her druthers, every member of the Noble Party would be booted out of the National Council without so much as time to pack the contents of their desks... Not seriously... She just wanted them to know how it felt...

"Are you ready to leave, Orzel?" Luna's voice abruptly drew the girl's mind once more to the outside world, though it was rather odd, as Luna seldom addressed her in Equestrian. Glancing to her right, she saw the stately regal form of her Mother stepping out of a cloud of steam. It was almost bizarre, seeing Luna without the Obsidian Crown or necklace. Instead she wore a crown of bright glittering silver, upon which beads of condensation gradually started to form. The crown itself was likely one borrowed from Aunt Celestia, given its almost cheerful appearance, modified to display Luna's iconic crescent moon. "The engineer is preparing to get under way."

"I believe I have stared long enough, yes..." Orzel responded in Equestrian, a far easier feat now than a few weeks before. In preparation for the christening ceremony she devoted large amounts of her day to constantly practicing the language, and though Orzel still occasionally needed to repeat herself, she at least was able to clearly pronounce the words that at one time had felt so alien to her lips. It hadn't been easy, retraining her brain to 'think' in Equestrian and Szafirian. She took great pride in finally being able to hold normal conversation, though she preferred more often than not to stick with her 'Mother Tongue', as Equestrian made her lips tingle oddly when she spoke. Thus, her accent remained frustratingly thick. "I do not suppose I can convince you to let me observe the locomotive under power?"

"Perhaps on the return journey, if the engineer is willing." Responded Luna, gesturing through the thick billowing steam to the rear of the locomotive. Orzel could just make out the outline of the train cars beyond the engine's tender, where two familiar behemoths stood waiting. The tender itself was as black in color as the locomotive, accented by large brass lettering that proudly spelled out the locomotive's name... Midnight Comet. The train was one of two owned by the Crown, this one in particular being under Luna's direct command... "Come along now, we have little time to dawdle."

Orzel reluctantly followed Luna as she passed the first navy blue rail car, the occupants of which were Nocturne Agents and a contingent of Lunar Marines. The second car was where Luna and Orzel would spend the majority of their time, a comfortably decorated space with a table and several couches. The other cars contained facilities such as sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and what Luna had called a Mobile Situation Center... In the odd event a National Crisis arose while they were on the move.

It was all by Luna's orders, she decided what cars did and didn't come with them... Oh, the thought of being able to do as she wanted, how it tormented Orzel day and night. To her the train was another item to idly fantasize about and, like an automobile or motorcycle, another vehicle she wouldn't mind owning for herself one day... Though she looked more with an eye towards operating it as her own, shoveling the coal, tending the water pressure, controlling where she went and at what speed she got there. The thought of so much steam, thousands of pounds per square inch, driving so many tons of heavy steel at blistering speeds... All of it subject only to her whims... No Nobles, no need to dress up or do her hair a certain way, just a chance for her to just marvel at engineering in action.

Orzel signed quietly, shaking her head as she stepped onto a wooden stool beside the rail car's front entrance. It was nice to dream of being in control, to ponder just what it would be like to be treated like an actual person, or at the very least treated with respect. Looking forward to that day was one of the things that helped to pull her out of a fairly dark place recently. Luna held the door open for her, allowing the girl to enter the rail car and take in her surroundings. Luna's train had a distinctly nocturnal aesthetic, cool blue walls, deeply stained wood flooring, navy blue upholstery... All the other cars shared that same basic appearance, though they varied in minor details. The teen took a seat on the sofa nearest to the front of the train, the closest she could conceivably get to the locomotive for the moment, short of standing outside. Grim and Fable didn't enter the car, likely instead entering the Security Car ahead of them.

Her eyes darted around out of instinct, much as they had in months prior when the threat of the MIS still loomed in her mind. This time, however, her paranoid searching of the area was for any sign of nobility, or someone possibly working for the Noble Party. Equestria espoused freedom and liberty, things that Orzel initially came to treasure about her new life. Those rights should have, but apparently didn't, applied to her as well... The author Statesman had been right when he'd compared the Council to a cartel of spoiled children, playing with people's lives as if they were alphabet blocks... They'd been spared the rod for far too long, now more than ever the sniveling curs needed to be disciplined and brought to heel. Of course Aunt Celestia and Luna wouldn't do that, much as she loved them, Orzel could see they didn't understand what needed to be done.

This new view of the National Council had been spurred by Statesman's third book, entitled 'Rogue State'. It had been improperly cataloged in the Castle Library, fortunately she was persistent, or else she might've never found it. Who could do something so foolish as to misplace a book in that most hallowed hall? Just thinking about that stoked a fire in her belly, she was told it was yet another result of her delayed Draconic Adolescence. Every small slight, no matter how petty, received a direct line to the rage center of her brain...

The large slights and outright insults were almost overpowering in the amount of ire they stoked. Over the course of the past month she'd acquired enough axes to grind that she could make a tidy profit selling her grudges to lumberjacks. The overwhelming majority of them were the result of those petulant worms that called themselves 'Councilors'... By Vindicta, words could not do justice to how much she loathed them... As if to punctuate the building fury, Orzel heard the deep baritone wail of the locomotive's engine outside, half expecting it to be steam venting from her ears.

"Orzel..." Luna's warning voice finished tearing the girl out of her spiraling anger, back into the moment. Luna was seated across from her with a look of motherly concern, something that helped to further dissipate Orzel's anger. Glancing down at herself, Orzel swiftly spotted the cause, as she'd clenched her fists on the fabric of the sofa with such intensity that it had ripped open, exposing the cushion and several springs beneath. She'd forgotten just how strong she'd become, another result of the draconic blood coursing through her veins. "Relax."

"I am sorry..." The girl responded, sighing through her nose and closing her eyes. "In my anger, my temper has slipped, let my essence mend what I have ripped..." She didn't need to open her eyes to hear the tell tale sound of her magic as it mended the upholstery, as if it had never been torn. Trembling with lingering hostility, the girl took several deep breaths and focused on the simple sensations around her. The steady hiss of steam, the chair contouring to her back, the cool glass on her cheek as she leaned her head against the window. As much as she hated her treatment at the hands of the National Council, she hated losing her temper even more. Giving into her indignation felt good in the moment, but seldom did her any favors once that moment had passed. More often than not she ended up feeling exhausted, both emotionally and physically. Orzel opened her eyes, looking dejectedly at the floor. "I did not mean to become so heated..."

"I know, but you must take care to remember your own strength." Luna accepted gently, a few moments later the locomotive let out another droning whistle, lurching forward with abrupt force. Slowly, laboriously, the train started along down the tracks. Despite their slow start, it wasn't long before they commenced to traveling at a higher rate of speed. Shortly the platform of Canterlot Central Terminal passed out of view, giving way to a series of parallel tracks that branched off to different lines. Some were occupied by other trains with still boarding passengers, but at this early hour most were empty. "What vexes you this time...?"

"Must you ask?" Orzel asked, leaning her head back and listening to the quickening 'clickity-clack' of the train's wheels. Despite not wanting to answer, both Luna and Doctor Scratch made it clear that bottling up her emotions was not a healthy solution. Discussing the cause was easier said than done, as much as she wanted to shut Luna out... After all, her Mother was part of the issue, something Orzel had been trying to make clear since the first round of 'Demands' from the National Council. "You said you are a fan of Statesman... Have you read Rogue State?" Luna was quiet for a few moments, visibly cringing at the mention of the title. "I will take that as a yes."

"Indeed, I have..." Luna admitted, looking more worried than Orzel had ever seen the Princess before. Fearing she just stepped onto a proverbial landmine, the teen braced herself for some sort of lecture about how 'things have changed'... That was the line constantly forced down Orzel's throat, despite blatant evidence to the contrary. Her sadness and powerlessness over the course of the past few weeks was gradually converting itself to a deeply buried rage, a harsh reality only amplified by continued excuses on the part of her adoptive family. "Damning as the story may seem, however, you must understand the context in which it was written..." Orzel raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with unmistakable interest. "At the time he published Rogue State, Statesman had been personally wronged by the Tribal Council... In a very profound way. It is little more than the expression of that frustration, not a call to topple the government."

"Saying I am similarly frustrated with the council would be a gross understatement, Mother." Emphatically declared Orzel, exhaling through her nose in an effort to maintain her calm. She could see a growing concern in Luna's eyes, apparently something she'd said had shaken her Mother's nigh unbreakable stoic mask. "Can you say with certainty that we are better off with their existence? You and Doctor Scratch both say that I should trust that you will protect me, but when the Council imposes their will on me what do you do...? You say 'That is the way it must be for now, for the good of Equestria you must endure!' or 'It is only temporary, Orzel. Just hold on!'." Once again Luna cringed.

"I could endure through gritted teeth if what they demanded meant the safety of our people. I cannot promise I would not complain, but if lives were on the line I would endure! That is the duty you charged me with, is it not?!" Orzel felt a growing burning sensation in her stomach, breakfast likely wasn't agreeing with her. "This is not a matter of the survival of our people and you know it! It is about appeasement! I ask where does this end? At what point do they go beyond the pale?! If they have such control over my life, how are they any better the Empire I left behind?!" For a brief moment she thought she heard an animalistic growl pass her lips, but it was surely too deep a sound to come from her. "Will they choose next who I am to court, who I am to marry? How much of my personal life must I submit to their control before you stand with me, if you stand with me at all!?"

Orzel was so angry... So very very angry... She hadn't realized she was yelling, or that tears were forming in her eyes, until she saw the abject horror in Luna's own cerulean orbs... What could she have said to make her Mother so frightened? What prompted Luna to just stare at her, her jaw moving up and down like a fish pulled freshly onto the pier. The unflappable, implacable, indomitable Princess of the Night seemed utterly petrified. For the first time in months Orzel feared she was the one to have gone too far, that she said or done something that would prompt Luna to disown her, or worse...

Then Luna's eyes began to glimmer, and not in an arcane fashion... They were tears, tears that poured silently down Luna's cheeks, staining the fabric of her gown before she ultimately rose to her feet. In a matter of moments Orzel's anger was extinguished, replaced by overwhelming guilt and remorse, and once again the girl found it hard to meet her Mother's gaze.

"My dear... Sweet... Beautiful daughter..." Luna said brittly, crossing the distance between the two of them and sitting beside her. "When I was slightly older than you, eighteen or so, I asked the same questions of my Sister..." Orzel tensed as Luna raised her hand, fearing that she would feel the sting of a slap, but the slap never came. Luna instead wiped a tear from Orzel's cheek, then unfurled a wing from her back that pulled her daughter close, comforting her with its warmth and soft feathers. "The answers I received were... Devastating. It started me down a path of darkness, from which there was little hope of escape." Luna shook her head, looking at the floor, pondering something. With remarkable conviction, the woman set her jaw and wiped her eyes. "I have allowed the Council to dictate your life as it was dictated to me, for the same reasons that Celestia recited, and for that you have my deepest apologies. The pain I endured must stop with me, lest that same darkness take hold in your heart, or worse... Damn the Council, let them riot if they so desire, but I am your Mother and I say enough."

Orzel felt Luna's wing lift from her shoulder, at which point the woman rose from the seat and straightened her gown. Orzel couldn't be certain as to what that 'darkness' her mother spoke of was, but she could guess. The fear, the horror, the faint recognition in her Mother's eyes... She was a smart girl, it didn't take long for her conclude that Luna spoke truth when she said saw something of herself in Orzel's plight. The girl still felt like the absolute lowest heel in the world, despite her Mother's comforting words. She wasn't sure how to feel about the implied tie to Nightmare Moon, but Luna left her little time to further speculate as she started towards the door at the rear of their private car.

"I must contact Celestia in the MSC..." Luna said, her calm facade having reasserted itself by this point. She stood beside the door, clasping her hands behind her back, just as poised and composed as she'd ever been. The jump from frightened to cool, considerate, and collected was astonishing... Yet at the same time not surprising, Orzel knew Luna had hundreds, if not thousands, of years to perfect the art of creating a false appearance. "If you so desire, I urge you to choose anything from the wardrobe in your car, regardless of if it pleases the Council or not. Use your best judgment, of course..."

Orzel stared at Luna for a few moments, it was her turn to look like a gasping fish, honestly shocked Luna conceded the point so readily. Ultimately she nodded and rose from her seat as well. Luna's eyes concealed something from her, at least at first. As general irritability had become more or less her default emotion, she'd become far more adept at spotting anger in others. Despite her Mother's careful attempt to conceal the look of building rage, Orzel could see it all too clearly. Thankfully, it wasn't directed at her. Luna opened the door, the continuous 'clickity-clack' of the wheels against the rails becoming instantly clear. Orzel followed hesitantly, stepping out onto the rear platform, looking at the articulated catwalk that spanned the short gap to the next car.

In that moment it felt as if her earlier outburst was but a distant memory, for her attention had been captured by world around the trundling vehicle. The landscape was rapidly changing as the train started down the Canterhorn, with the majority of Canterlot fading into the distance, replaced by a verdant wall of conifers and other mountain flora on the train's left. They all blurred together with the train's growing speed, but even that impressive sight couldn't compare with what Orzel saw when she looked to the right. Stretching out to the very horizon, she saw nothing but tree clusters and pastoral fields. Autumn was in full swing, and so the grass had gradually started to darken, but that was not what struck the Princess so profoundly. The trees were transitioning from green to progressive shades of scarlet, amber, and earthy brown...

The girl had experienced autumn before, but never did she behold so many trees on such a vast scale, and especially never with such clarity afforded by her spectacles. Luna finished crossing to the next car's platform, then turned to offer Orzel her hand. It took all her willpower to tear her eyes from that beautiful vista, but ultimately she managed to cross the gap. This particular car was her own, and so as Luna continued on to the next doorway Orzel instead stayed upon the platform. She paid little attention to the car itself, at least for the moment. Its interior was opulently decorated like the rest of the train, hardly worth her attention when compared to the natural splendor beyond its rattling walls. The wind against her face was chilling, and thus they gradually took on a notable red tint, but she didn't care to move for the moment...

Eventually her mind returned to the brief conversation she'd had with Luna in the main car, and as it did she was overtaken by a sense of fear. Did Luna think she was plotting some sort of coup d'etat, as with Nightmare Moon in the past. Was that what she meant by a 'dark path', or did she mean something else? It was unimaginable to Orzel to betray a woman that had so readily taken her in, but did Luna know that...? Biting her lower lip, the Princess concluded this was likely a matter better discussed with Doctor Scratch. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and committed the picturesque landscape to memory.

With that she turned and entered her personal car, pondering on just what clothes to change into, if any. The gown she wore she actually rather liked from a style perspective, though she was reconsidering the blue coloration and white sash. This was her first chance to dress like 'royalty' of her own volition, and she wanted it to be as close to perfect as possible. Approaching a full sized mirror beside her bed, she spun around before frowning slightly and shaking her head. The journey to Neighport News Naval Yard would take the better part of a day and the ceremony would be held tomorrow, so she would have a night to think on the matter at least...

For now, she saw no need to dress so formally, and only did so for the sake of any photographers that might've hounded her on the trip from the Castle to Canterlot Central Terminal. It was high time, she decided, that she return to comfort and simplicity. Her typical tunic and trousers would be far more suitable. Perhaps then she'd be able to convince Luna to let her go up to observe the locomotive in action, assuming the Engineer and Fireman were willing... That would have to wait until Luna actually returned, however. For now, there was little she could do but change. Afterwards maybe she'd tinker with something, there were a few enchanting projects she'd packed for the trip, just in case she needed to pass the time. They were projects she hadn't told Luna about, after all she knew what she was doing and they weren't that dangerous. Mostly... She'd take proper safety precautions of course. With that in mind, Orzel set to her task...

A soft blue glue illuminated the darkly tinged MSC, originating from a small crystalline orb inset at the center of a long wooden table. Several chairs lined either side, though they remained unoccupied for the moment. Princess Luna was seated in her spot at the head of the table, her fingers laced together as she patiently awaited the response of her sister. With the curtains drawn over the windows, there was little for the woman to focus on but the faintly glowing sphere of light. Her mind in the meantime wandered to and from the darker reaches of her consciousness, as she was unsure as to just what she was supposed to feel... The discussion with Orzel proved a startling experience for which she hadn't been prepared, a glimpse into the mirror of her own past, and all the hurt and bitter resentment she'd at one time shared...

Luna had thought that with both her and Celestia's guidance, they might be able to lessen the damage done to Orzel's spirits by the Noble Party. Appeasing the Noble Party seemed the more pressing concern, keeping Equestria's legislative body functioning had been paramount, but Luna could no longer do so in good conscience. Doctor Scratch's haunting warning was omnipresent in her mind, and no amount of governmental efficiency was worth placing her daughter's continued mental well being at risk. The pain in her daughter's eyes frightened her so, because she could sense the very same rage feeding it that she once knew in intimate detail. It was an emotional agony she wouldn't wish upon anyone, even her worst enemy, and yet she was inflicting it upon the person she had grown to love more than anyone or anything.

There was another reason that the growing resentment set her on edge, one that was far more likely to have wide reaching impact across Equestria as a whole. She'd seen more than just the frustration and resentment, but also a glimmer of magic in her daughter's eyes, more so than the typical dim glow. It burned as but a brief flickering flame, but in those few moments it was present Luna sensed an unspeakable danger, a towering fire of cataclysmic proportions, epic in scope and nigh-unquenchable in its terrible fury.

The 'Elemental Transformation', as the Draconic Institute apparently called it... When an adolescent Drake reached adulthood, or if they were sufficiently provoked before then, their rage would allow them to transform to their true dragon form. It lay dormant for now, and Luna hoped the slumber of that monstrous Draconic rage would go undisturbed for as long as possible. They'd have to tell Orzel as she drew closer to her eighteenth birthday, prepare her for what to expect, just... Not yet. She was still in far too fragile a state. One thing Luna knew for certain was that if ever someone roused the beast within, accidentally or otherwise... She would have profound pity for them.

Orzel was gradually growing to better control her magic, soon she would need only speak a short phrase without rhyming, and Gods only knew how much more refined it would become after that. As she shared Luna's arcane signature, that magic would become immensely powerful as she matured. The thought of her little girl's heart turning to darkness, of her entering a permanent state of Elemental Transformation, was paralyzing. To think that she, as Orzel's Mother, might inadvertently bring about the rise of the next 'Nightmare Moon' was even more so frightening, to say nothing of the other unthinkable alternative... The thought of her daughter being consumed by emotion was far preferable to that of her daughter being consumed by her darker thoughts... No, Luna would not stand for that, not in any way shape or form.

Setting her jaw firmly, the woman's eyes narrowed upon the sphere, as if silently trying to will it into action. To her surprise and relief, the crystal at the center of the table suddenly flickered brightly. It rose of its own volition from its cradle, levitating at around Luna's eye level, before casting several pale rays of blue light into the seat to the Princess's immediate right. Turning in the seat as best she could, considering it was bolted to the floor, Luna readied herself for what was likely to be an uncomfortable conversation. Celestia's image materialized from the light a few seconds later, arriving with a pleasant smile, though it faded when she saw the seriousness with which Luna sat.

"I'm sorry I didn't respond sooner, what's wrong?" Celestia asked, her voice distorted slightly by the arcane projector. Luna stared for a few moments more, pondering on just what to say, before sighing through her nose and shaking her head ever so slightly. Would Celestia even care if Luna told her what was happening, or rather, would she care in the same way that Luna did? Her elder sister always tended to put Equestria's status quo first, and that was fine in most circumstances. This time, however, putting the good of the status quo first had become the very core of her current concern. "Luna? Can you hear me alright?"

"Yes, Sister... Forgive me, I was lost in thought." Quickly answered Luna, pursing her lips and looking at the table. "I have just had a disturbing conversation with Orzel." Celestia raised an eyebrow, her smile replaced by a look of unmistakable concern. Luna took a deep breath, observing her sister's body language more intently. Celestia had changed a great deal since the years of their youth, and though she would likely push back, Luna had to trust that her sister would this time, finally, take her side on an issue. "We were discussing the National Council and their demands, and she said something... Something that worries me greatly." The woman anxiously drummed her fingers against the polished surface of the table. "As a result, I am informing you that as of now, as her Mother, I will no longer be adhering to their demands. Nor shall I force her to do the same."

"Luna..." Celestia started, appearing unsure of how best to continue. "We've discussed this, it's only temporary, I am close to a solution with the Nobles. It will take some further concessions, but they'd be temporary." Something broke in Luna's mind, something that in hindsight was close to breaking for a very long time. Every night she'd listened to the plight of her subjects, every petition for legal remedy and request for assistance... All of it came flooding back to her. Now those very same people that accosted her subjects were trampling upon her daughter's life, and Celestia was telling her to wait... Again... In an instant the last of Luna's patience boiled away, and when next she spoke it was with furious thunder. "I just need you to trust-"

"I will not!" Luna bellowed, her voice rattling the windows and causing Celestia to cover her ears. Trying to compose herself, and in the process allowing her sister to recover from the likely ringing in her ears, Luna took several deep breaths. "I saw something in her eyes, Celestia... The pain... The anger." Luna shook her head more emphatically as realization dawned in Celestia's eyes. "I do not believe Orzel realized it, but I am all too familiar with such things." Likely without thinking, Celestia's reached out to rest a hand on Luna's shoulder, only for it to phase right through the younger woman. "I am not certain I could survive, if she were to turn as I had, or... Gods forbid she does something else... So it must stop, here and now. No further concessions, no compromises. The Nobles have found the line and crossed it. On this point I will not be moved. You understand that, right?"

"Of course I do..." Celestia responded with clear solemnity, resting her hand back in her lap. "I didn't see the signs once and it cost me so many years without you, I won't make the same mistake a second time." Luna breathed a sigh of relief, her anger and frustration rapidly cooling, replaced with a feeling of vindicated triumph. It didn't last long, however, as she saw that Celestia was looking off to the side, her eyes distant. Sensing that her sister was in the midst of a deep thought, Luna opted to remain quiet until the woman was ready. "The Grand Galloping Gala is set for a month or so from now, the invitations have yet to be sent..." That was not the statement Luna had been expecting, but Celestia wasn't prone to non-sequiturs, so she assumed their had to be some sort of point to it. "I will announce today that the National Council has thoroughly overstepped its bounds. Those that object will not receive an invitation... I will not reward their behavior. If the Noble Party refuses to attend sessions of the National Council in protest, I will instruct the Senior Councilor to hold 'Special Sessions' in their absence. He will not be pleased, but I believe I can convince him."

"Perhaps then the Non-Aligned Councilors will be able to make some headway for once." Luna said with a nod, smiling faintly at the thought of the Noble Party cutting its nose off to spite its face. "I am sorry I raised my voice, Sister..." Celestia shook her head, returning a smile of her own understanding. "I will also advise Orzel on how to best approach the issue in her address at the christening. As her first official act, there will be many news outlets seeking comment... Hopefully some will broadcasting on the radio, so the nation may hear her words without an editors interference."

"It will be a difficult few weeks ahead of us, but they will be nothing compared to what we might face in alternative, if you truly believe what you saw..." Celestia agreed, trailing off and casting a downward glance to the floor. "Speaking of difficult weeks ahead, I've been in contact with Director Aquila. He's requested an experienced enchantress to help with Project Tartarus, I've dispatched Twilight Sparkle to assist him." Luna quirked an upward eyebrow at that, but Celestia waved dismissively. "She was all too eager to accept, the prospect of applying protective enchantments proved most enticing... We're hopefully on track to completing the project a week or so after the Grand Galloping Gala."

"You are certain young Twilight can be trusted with the sensitive nature of her current task?" Luna asked cautiously, to which Celestia merely nodded. "I hope your confidence is not misplaced, Sister. I can only imagine the panic that would ensue were she to let slip that we intend to reason with Discord..." The woman trailed off, resting her head in her hands as she leaned on the table. It still felt bizarre that such a thing would even be attempted, but so long as the risk of other Extra-Planar threats remained, what choice was there? If they failed, their only recourse would be to re-contain him and deal with whatever crisis emerged blindly... That raised another worry. "What of her companions, the other Element Bearers, can their discretion be assured?"

"Yes, Director Aquila wanted me to tell you that the problem is well in hand. He will be handling any issues that arise personally." Soothed Celestia, thankfully with enough confidence to let Luna's mind relax for the moment. There were few members of the Elements of Harmony she feared to be security risks, but a healthy dose of caution was necessary when dealing with matters of National Security. The only one she worried would really run her mouth was Pinkie Pie, perhaps Luna would need to have Aquila prepare a memory redaction... Just in case. "He also informed me that he will be authorizing the release of Sokol z Glosem-Smoka's sword upon your return, though he's still fighting me on the subject of her actual remains and other affects."

"It is at least a start, I am certain Orzel will be pleased to have her family sword returned. The Director means well, but he has always been stubborn." Luna agreed, straightening and taking a more serious posture within her seat. The Director was one of the few people that Luna actually recognized upon her return from the Moon, though not 'officially'. He was just as enigmatic now as he'd been a thousand years before, when first he'd founded the Nocturne Agency at Luna's behest. It had been just the Princess and two Agents at the beginning, the Director and Observos the Watchful. Together with Luna, they carried on with notions of youthful idealism, and naive patriotism, thinking they could protect Equestria from the unseen threats of the arcane. Many rogue Spell-Casters sought to undermine the tentative peace between the tribes, and there were many incidents that ultimately needed to be 'expunged' from history for the sake of Equestria's future. Some, Luna was sure, that even she didn't know about.

Their efforts were more or less successful, at least at first, but gradually they uncovered more and more of the founders' true natures. That was when their focus shifted more towards internal security... Not of the sort practiced by the Szafirian MIS, more like protecting Equestria from threats within its own government, be they mundane or arcane... The Spell-Casters and Pegasi proved to be the groups that, more often than not, had would-be traitors within their ranks. With every secret uncovered by the Agency, Luna had found herself placing less trust in Tribal Council. The ancient precursor to the National Council was just as much a thorn in Luna's side as its modern equivalent. So much about the world had changed since Observos... Since Observos was lost... Since her fall from grace... Technology advanced, the last rogue wizards were finally defeated, and she had become Mother to Orzel... Yet the more things changed, the more they stayed the same...

"She scared me... You know?" Distantly declared Luna, Celestia gave a sad smile, nodding almost imperceptibly. Of course her sister knew, Celestia lived it just as Luna was in that moment, only now with the benefit of hindsight. The discussion about Discord inevitably stirred a sense of mourning, that coupled with her recent concern over Orzel, she could not bare to keep to herself any longer. "She has been reading more and more... So much that she managed to find Rogue State, despite your efforts to 'misplace' it..." Standing from her seat, Luna approached one of the windows and raised the blinds, staring out at the distant autumn landscape. "It has me thinking about Observos..." Her posture tensed. "One-thousand-seven, that is how many years he shall have been gone, come the running of the leaves." Luna wiped a tear forming in her eye, her voice brittle. "I still find it difficult to accept... The idea of working with Discord..."

"I know, but..." Celestia began, her hologram rising from the seat and approaching to stand beside Luna. "You've carried that anger for so long, Sister..." Luna nodded quietly, reaching up to her head and removing the crown that rested there. Running her hands over the smooth silver, she could see her mournful expression in its polished surface. The piece of jewelery was yet another reminder of all that she'd lost, the inscription hidden upon the rear of its face tugging at her heart. 'For my beloved Moonbeam, mistress of dreams and Queen of my heart...'. Luna wiped at her eyes again, haphazardly replacing the crown atop her head. "The pain will never fade if you're unable to let go, surely you understand that...? Change cannot happen if you're unwilling to let it."

"That is easier said than done... Part of me still wants to believe that he is not gone..." Luna grunted, taking a deep breath and imposing order upon her rapidly agitated mind. Once again she needed to remind herself that the past was the past, and there was nothing that could be done to change that... "I will try, Celestia. For now, though, I think it best I keep my distance until Project Tartarus' completion." The woman straightened, having managed to stop her tears. Adjusting her crown, she stared at her reflection in the cold window glass. "Thank you for your counsel, as always... You may take your leave, I must be alone with my thoughts."

Celestia nodded wordlessly, at which point her holographic form vanished from view. The gem levitating at the center of the table returned to its cradle, going completely dark and leaving Luna to face the muffled sound of the rail cars on her own. For twenty seconds or so, Luna was fine, then her grip began to slacken, until ultimately she was overcome by her emotions. Slumping against the wall, the Princess slowly slid down until she was seated on the floor. Once there she removed her crown, gazing upon its inscription as tears welled in her eyes. Unable to contain the grief any longer, and unhindered by any form of audience, the indomitable Princess Luna commenced to openly weep...

For an hour she allowed the tears to run freely, listening to the quiet clatter of the train and the distant rumble of the locomotive. There was little in her head to distract her from mourning, but Luna didn't want to be distracted. She wanted to feel every ounce of pain, to remind herself just how much that eccentric, patriotic, sweet man still meant to her. She hated it, but needed it... For the crown and her pain was all that remained of him to remember, save her copies of his written works. As the hour dragged on, however, her faculties gradually returned. For all the grief that her thoughts brought her, gazing upon the polished glittering silver still managed to bring to the surface a myriad of pleasant memories. With a small smile of joyfully ambivalent melancholy, Luna leaned her head back against the wall and closed her eyes.

She'd received the silvery crown on the night of the first 'Grand Ball', a sort of proto-'Grand Galloping Gala'. Luna had yet to attend the Grand Galloping Gala herself, it only came into being after her banishment. A year had passed, of course, but she'd skipped that gala for the sake of her sanity, and because Nightmare Moon was still fresh in everyone's minds... She doubted the Grand Galloping Gala would be any different to the snobbery present at the Grand Ball. If the the woman concentrated enough, she could still hear the orchestra playing somewhere in the distance.

Observos led her away from the party, out into the gardens of the Castle of the Two Sisters, where he'd presented her the crown, something he'd crafted with his magic. With the same arcane acumen, Observos had conjured a phantasmal band of musicians, well secluded from the festivities taking place elsewhere in the Castle Ballroom. The two then swayed to a song only they could hear, free from the prying eyes of interloping Councilors or other riggers of governmental intrigue. Just the two of them, the tapestry of night, and their love.

They'd talked of the wonders that they would see together, how together the two of them would guide Equestria towards a brighter future... She'd broached the topic of a family, and though Observos was against it at first, he'd eventually given his tacit acceptance of such a possibility. Despite that slightly awkward conversation, it was without a doubt the happiest night of Luna's life, and few things had come close in the years since... It was the last time she could recall smiling so widely, and the only thing that could come close recently was the arrival of her daughter, traumatic and awful as that night was...

Perhaps that event was the only reason she would ever consider letting go of her grief and truly moving on. To hold on to it for so long, and at the same time tell her daughter that she shouldn't do the same, would set an example of hypocrisy that might prove difficult to undo. She couldn't see the 'wonders' she'd dreamt of with Observos, she couldn't build a brighter future with him... She could do those things for her daughter. Yet even as she came to that conclusion, that it was truly time for her to let go, something told her to wait... In spite of so many years, there was some part of her that would not let her, some voice that screamed 'Just a little longer!'...

Luna's eyes snapped open, her hand rapidly moving to wipe her cheeks of tears... She had to get herself together. Pushing herself back up onto her feet, she stretched her wings momentarily, then straightened her clothes. The Princess conjured a small orb of magic in her palms, wisps of the glowing blue energy coiled up her arms and converged at her neck. Washing over her face, the streamers of light cleared away any remaining tears and returned her aching red eyes to their typical pallor. To even the most practiced of viewers it would seem as if nothing was amiss. After all, appearances were everything, and that was just one of the many spells no Princess could do without. Adjusting the flow of her magic, she used it to take hold of the drawstrings for the other blinds in the room. With a brief pull of those cords the windows, now no longer obscured, flooded the MSC with the light of Celestia's morning sun.

Staring out the nearest window at the distant pastures, Luna pondered just what to do next... The answer seemed simple enough, return to Orzel and enjoy the remainder of their time aboard the train as best as possible. The question extended beyond the immediate, and that was where she found her conundrum. What would she do when Project Tartarus came to completion? How would she react if they actually managed to 'reform' Discord? Director Aquila believed it could be done, something that surprised the Princess almost as much as the very idea itself. After what happened, she would've thought Aquila to be the last person willing to seek Discord's parole. Then again, the Director had always been an enigmatic sort, most ex-cultists were...

Luna doubted the man had any sort of ill will towards her or Celestia, but his unwillingness to share vital information could prove just as damaging. There had to be something he wasn't telling her, then again there was always something he wasn't telling her, or anyone else for that matter... A stone would sooner bleed than the Director give up every fact freely. Given his expertise in the field of the occult, Luna supposed that was probably for the best. Few scholars had peered beyond the veil, into the not so theoretical Chaotic Realm, Limbo, and the countless other planes of reality. Fewer still had seen with such clarity and accuracy the machinations of those terrible and dark places, better left to their horrific native inhabitants... Yet only the Director managed to accomplish these feats without slipping into mind shattering madness.

Luna shook her head, turning and quietly making for the railcar's forward door. She was getting far too ahead of herself, and any 'secrets' Aquila might've been harboring were more than likely benign. Her body was suddenly embraced by the frigid autumn wind as she stepped outside, her gown fluttering and flapping in the rushing air. By now the train was reaching the base of the Canterhorn, leveling out onto the flat pastoral fields surrounding the towering peak. After a few more moments the train passed over a switch, extending a parallel line of tracks off to the right. The locomotive once again wailed in its mournful baritone call, then again and again in rapid succession, soon joined by the ringing of the bell at its front. The brakes shrieked beneath Luna's feet, the car lurched forward...

Was the train about to derail, or collide with some unseen threat? The tracks off the side could very well have been a siding, had a train failed to give way? Luna leaned off the railcar's forward balcony and looked ahead, only realize that the train was slowing and making such an ungodly racket not because of impending disaster, but rather in response to an approaching railroad crossing. Two safety lights some three hundred yards down the line began flashing, the clanging of their warning bells audible even at this distance. The safety bars likewise had dropped into place, though it seemed there were no automobiles waiting to cross. Given they were in farm country, that wasn't altogether surprising. Even so, regulations were regulations, and a Princess's royal train was subject to them just as any other.

Laughing faintly at her overreaction, the Princess made her way forward from the MSC, through the Kitchen car. The kitchen staff paid the royal little mind, too preoccupied with their own duties, and so Luna was able to enter her car with little comment or interruption. The chef was hard at work preparing what looked to be some sort of thick broth, or maybe it was a sauce. Regardless of what it was, the creamy looking substance smelled divine. In the next few hours she'd likely become more familiar with it, but for now it remained a mystery. Steam rose from the heated liquid, and Luna pondered that perhaps a nice cup of tea would sooth her nerves.

A quick request to the chef was all it took, and soon a kettle of water was placed on the stove just as she was leaving the kitchen car. Carefully stepping over the next gap, Luna made her way into her private car. The next car in the train would be Orzel's, and though it had been an hour or more, Luna felt it best to allow her daughter a bit more time to change in private. It was more likely the girl was reading, or working on one of her models, or any of the other myriad things the young Princess did in her spare time. Even so, better safe than sorry... Luna would wait until the tea arrived, and not a moment sooner.

Of course, what was tea without something to keep one's mind busy...? Judging by the angle of the rising sun, and confirmed by a clock mounted to the wall, the time was just after nine-thirty in the morning. That brought a small smile to her face, as it was nearly time for her morning game of chess with Orzel. The girl was gradually improving with each passing day, though there was still a long way to go... Orzel possessed a distinctly aggressive play style, one that favored her at the outset, but left her with little ability to counter Luna's moves in the mid-game. The teen at least had the calm exterior down almost as well as Luna's, but her impulsive moves and lack of forethought proved more often than not to be her downfall.

Perhaps chess just wasn't Orzel's game, though Luna could tell the girl at least enjoyed it on some level. She gained far more success when they played Kriegsplan, a Griffon game that took into account things like terrain, flanking, and other 'realistic' elements. In the end, however, Luna didn't really care what game they played so long as they did so together. It was more than just a way to pass the time, at least to her. Their daily ritual gave Luna an insight into her daughter's life beyond the surface, and lately she'd come to discover Orzel didn't have much of a 'life' at all. There were no boys, or girls, that Luna felt she needed to worry about... No one of any kind, actually. Outside of family functions and the weekly visit to Doctor Scratch, Orzel rarely left the palace grounds. She had no 'friends', nor acquaintances, save perhaps her bodyguards.

If Luna couldn't manage to find some means of integrating her with people her own age, Orzel would one day become as reclusive and cloistered as an oyster. In any other circumstance, Luna would've understood the desire to shut out the world. The National Council's meddling had thoroughly tainted Orzel's view of Equestria's government, and not in a positive light... Almost as important as the girl's mental health, however, was how Orzel's unwillingness to interact with the rest of the world presented serious leadership concerns. How could she effectively rule a people she actively sought to avoid at all costs? Luna could only wonder if this was the same sort of concern she'd put Celestia through while growing up. Now that the National Council's hold on her daughter was at an end, maybe she could convince the girl to return to the dance studio of Miss Pirouette... Just to get her out and about.

The woman became suddenly aware of a distant bang, not of the kind that was associated with rail travel. Glancing towards the front of the train, specifically Orzel's car, the Princess got a frightening feeling something had happened that required her immediate attention. Waiting for the tea was no longer an option, so she rushed through the door, over the gap, and threw open the door to Orzel's private car. What lay before her was perhaps the most bewildering thing Luna had seen in recent times, made all the more bizarre by her daughter's apparent unfazed expression... She wasn't sure if she should be worried or angry. The girl's clothes were thoroughly blackened with soot, at least the front facing portion of her tunic was, as well as a portion of a once pristine lab coat... A recent acquisition. The girl's face hadn't been spared the dark coating, though over her eyes she wore a thick pair of safety goggles. Her hair thankfully hadn't caught fire, as it was tied back more tightly than usual.

A dull purple fog hung low to the floor, though it was rapidly dissipated by the rushing air from the open door. The rest of the car was more or less in one piece, excepting the desk that Orzel stood before, which looked slightly worse for ware. Resting upon the charred wooden surface was what looked to be one of the teen's beloved model ships, remarkably untouched by whatever just happened. Despite the apparent destruction, however, Orzel had the largest smile Luna had ever seen plastered all across her face. Giggling slightly, the girl lifted the goggles, an act that gave her the appearance of a raccoon, as the skin beneath was markedly untouched. Taking her glasses from her labcoat's breast pocket, Orzel tucked them neatly onto her face and leaned forward.

"Fascinating, it binds to plastic just as well as organic materials!" The girl muttered in Szafirian, pulling a pen and notepad from her lab coat's other pocket and scribbling something in its pages. Her eyes turned to the now open doorway and the dissipating fog. The smile became slightly more sheepish as she spotted Luna's less than enthused expression. "Oh, um... Hello, Mother! Uh... I do not suppose you would believe me if I said this is not what it looks like?" Luna shook her head, though even Luna wasn't sure what 'this looked like'. Walking into the car, leaving the door open to continue venting the strange purple fog, Luna approached her daughter and the offending model ship. "I was just studying..."

"Just studying...?" Luna asked rhetorically in Equestrian, picking up the model ship and examining the runes Orzel had scribed on its side. The ship itself was one of her older works, a Griffon Grover-Class Battleship.

The runes were some of the most intricate the girl had yet accomplished, likely taking her several hours just to complete a single line. Luna recognized some of them as transmutation runes, specifically with an eye towards turning the ship to steel... Transmutation magic was a considerably important facet of Enchanting, at least when it came to larger items, but rarely could such powerful magic be used on an object as small as a model ship. There were also animation runes, another basic building block of an Enchantress' skill-set... These included runes that would allow Orzel to control something with her mind, requiring pin-point precision for them to work properly. Lastly, and most alarmingly, were a combination of fire runes, water runes...

"Do you realize how dangerous mixing fire and water enchantments can be for a novice?! You are lucky you only blew up the desktop and did not scald yourself in the process!" Luna's anger was rapidly growing, she didn't understand what possessed her daughter to try something so reckless. The thought of something, anything, happening to her child overrode any sense of rational thought, and it was all she could to do keep from exploding entirely. "Explain yourself!"

"I-I was trying to make the ship run on its own..." Orzel stated sullenly, once again slipping into Equestrian, while looking at the floor and removing the goggles from her forehead. "All of my model engines are too primitive, and too big to fit in any of my ships, I thought I could work backwards with an enchantment..." Luna then became aware that the ship also apparently received an upgrade in the form of metal propellers and shafts. They passed through the hull, into the body of the ship. Sighing through flared nostrils, Luna rubbed the bridge of her nose and shook her head, she realized now what her daughter was attempting. "I did not know it would blow up like that! Honest! I am sorry!"

"As well you should be, you could have seriously injured yourself..." Luna responded firmly, setting the ship back on the table. Seeing that her daughter wasn't harmed in any appreciable way did a lot to assuage her mounting anxiety driven anger, and so when next she spoke it was with far more control than previously. "You cannot undertake such hazardous projects on your own yet, Orzel... Why did you not come to me for help?" The girl paused for a moment, as if about to say something, but her eyes just returned to the floor. "Come on, speak up."

"At first...? I wanted to impress you..." The girl admitted, tucking her hands into her pockets. "To show you I am capable of more advanced work..." She idly kicked at the floor. "I thought if I presented an advanced enough enchantment, you would agree to teach me more advanced methods..." She looked at the ship, picking it up and running her finger along its side. "It was fun, trying so many new enchantments, I thought I was skilled enough to pull it off... Obviously I was wrong."

"From now on, if you are undertaking something so ambitious, please... Let me know." Luna's voice became slightly more gentle, her hands migrating to her hips. "I want you clean up this mess, clean yourself up, and then write me an essay on why an object's physical proportions limit the amount of enchantments it can safely be imbued with. No more enchanting for now, at least not outside of our lessons..."

Orzel looked like she was about to protest, but ultimately nodded in that same sullen fashion. Without another word the girl began to pack up her enchanting supplies, including a portable 'enchanters tablet' that had been placed on the desk. It wasn't visible earlier, as like the desk it too was coated in soot. That gave Luna an idea, one that unfortunately she'd need to wait to enact, but an idea nonetheless. There had to be some 'Enchanters Clubs' in Canterlot, it was a decently popular hobby. Perhaps that would be the key to breaking Orzel's reclusive habits, assuming the girl actually gave it a chance. She was becoming quite an adept Enchantress, at least for someone of her age...

Despite the blunder with the model ship, the teen's work showed considerable promise. Luna was certain that if she'd had a further month or so of training under her belt, the girl would've found a way to make things work. At the very least, she would've known not to do something so dangerous. Was this what Celestia felt like, when first she took Twilight under her wing? Luna certainly hoped that was the case, because for all the stress that'd arisen in those few minutes, a new found pride emerged...

Where other's might've taken such a drastic failure as a blow to their ego, the smile Luna saw on Orzel's face, and the eagerness with which she took her notes, spoke volumes. Her trips to Doctor Scratch were working, her confidence was growing, and regardless of tribulations... Orzel was starting to 'get better', and long as that road might be, she was taking her first steps towards whatever the future held. All Luna's worries and anger were set aside for the moment, and she took that moment to step forward and embrace her daughter... Orzel was caught off guard, but returned the hug, evidently not allowing the events of the preceding minutes to cloud her feelings.