Dawn of Midnight

by ZalaShadowkin

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Random, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Princess Luna
Length: 48149

An exploration of the last years before the Banishment.

Chronological Sequel [3/5]

A fall does not occur with one, sudden quick.

The foundations are to be little by little whittled down by repeated strikes. Sometimes self-inflicted.

Luna's fall was at the end of a long road, at the conclusion of a long battle she could not win. Not on her own.

Sometimes, only a friend is needed to turn the tide. One individual was ready to stand, assist, and appease.

But for Luna, the affair is not that simple...

Published 2023-05-05 03:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-05-28 02:38:23 UTC

Eufrimia

‘It all begins with one act that cannot be easily deciphered. To truly find the catalyst, is simply impossible.’

-Kurtish Yob, Saddle-Arabian writer.

[Weeks later;]

‘Scared, now?’ she amusingly asked, putting down the foal on her bed.

The girl did not answer. In truth, she wasn’t sure what to say as her mind raced to comprehend her surrounding and the being eying her. She wasn’t sure if she remembered how to talk either.

Her mind’s voice felt foreign like it had never been her own yet was not for a reason that escaped her. She sounded the words in her head, repeating them, again and again, to make sure when they would be spoken out in the open, she would commit no mistake. That her first words would be perfect for the being standing in front of her.

Her mind told her that this… impatient creature had to be respected. That it had to be shown trust for some reason. It felt… bizarre to her. She did not know why, but a part of her being was telling her to trust that creature. To show blind devotion toward that horned and winged being felt wrong to her, but she could not resist that distant call.

She had questions for her. Many questions.

Her belly growled and her mouth watered, interrupting her inner recital.

‘You want to eat?’ the tall creature asked, taking a piece of fabric to clean the drool.

The girl did not oppose it – it was normal to her for some reason.

What to eat? She wasn’t sure if she had eaten anything besides the vague memory of an amalgam of nutriment. The girl could not recall the names of any particular dish nor could she remember the exact products they were made of. There were… vegetables? Was that the correct word? She wasn’t sure her father said anything about it, but she remembered that word. It must hold some meaning as her stomach began to hurt even more.

‘Don’t be shy, Eufi. I will not hurt you. Your father would want you to eat and be a strong little Pony.’

Eufi… That was her name in some fashion, she recalled. Her father had given her that name… For as much as she can remember, he had always been there with her. She did not recall having siblings. In truth, she wasn’t sure she knew anyone besides him. She did not remember her mother; she remembered her father not wanting to mention her much.

The creature’s name was… Luna? It sounded familiar and welcoming. The foal was only half-sure of it. Part of her told it was true and the other blared that it was a lie. But the girl did not care; she only cared to know who this “Luna” was as an ever creeping suspicion took hold.

‘A-are…’ the girl wearily whispered.

Luna got closer, gently approaching her ears toward the child.

The young Batpony stepped back, terrified to speak openly with that familiar figure she was failing to properly recall.

‘I won’t hurt you. I promise.’

Eufrimia continued to retreat. At one point, her legs twisted themselves in the bedsheet, forcing her in a sitting position. The figure approached her and only now had she noticed the mane. She could not help but to fixate it, admiring the endlessly waving night sky with the wonder only a child could. She ignored the figure checking for any injury or discomfort, moving her small legs to a position that comforted the foal even more. Luna caressed Eufrimia, calming the young Batpony completely and instantly.

Eufrimia looked back at Luna directly, not waving her regard after laying eyes upon the Alicorn. She saw the surprise on Luna’s face.

‘A-are you my mom?’ dared Eufrimia.

Luna raised her head. Eufrimia retreated once more, fearing she had angered her for whatever reason.

‘I am not your mother,’ Luna plainly stated. ‘You don’t remember her?’ her tone had switched to a worried one.

The foal shook her head.

‘You remember your father?’

The foal nodded, sparking an intense desire within her; sitting aside some of Luna’s worry.

‘Do you remember who I am?’

Eufrimia turned her face and hid her head from Luna.

‘That’s alright. You do not need to remember every creature you come across with. I am Luna. You are the first one to return to normal. At least,’ she smirked, faking amusement, ‘your mind has.’

‘I-I am… u-ugly?’

Luna kissed Eufrimia on her still fur-full forehead and put down the bony frame that were her wings.

‘No. No, you’re not.’

The caress reawakened a yet-to-be-unearthed memory.

‘W-where is my dad?’

‘He’s not here. You will-’

‘I want to see him!’ she nearly yelled but stayed firm in position. ‘I want to see him now!’

The child’s fervor left Luna startled for a couple of seconds. ‘I promise you will. You just have to wait a little.’

‘Why?!’ Eufrimia insisted.

‘He is still “ill” but he will soon get better. I promise. In the meanwhile, you can stay with me. I will feed you and give you all you want.’

‘I want my dad…’ Her voice trembled, nearing ever closer to crying.

Luna peered down at the girl, perhaps too harsh and aggressive than what she intended. But Eufrimia was unfazed by that slip; she, as all children, wanted a parent’s presence. Even when not there, even when it was impossible, a child wants to see their parents.

Luna wanted to deny her that wish. She was too young to meet with the rest of her tribe. It could end badly… But who was she to deny a child’s wish? An innocent and natural one at that. Something within told Luna wanted to leave the child wanting. She was the one with the power and strength to do so. Eufrimia was only a child, not someone that could challenge her.

Luna laughed internally at herself.

Again, Eufrimia demanded to see her father. She shuffled closer to Luna and pulled on whatever she could grab to make Luna pay attention. Luna was sure the foal started crying and insults were thrown. Small arms started hitting her with frail yet relentless force.

‘Come with me,’ finally said Luna, pulling herself away from the sobbing child. ‘Get up.’

Eufrimia snorted and started to clean her mouth, Luna finishing her task. ‘Where are we going?’

‘I’ve promised to give you all you want, no? I will let you meet your father.’

The foal cheered with great joy. ‘Thank you, Luna!’

She winced. ‘Pr-’ She perceived the futility of her act. ‘Whatever. Stay close to me.’

Eufrimia ran toward Luna and obeyed her without protest.

It was sunset when they teleported to that hidden emplacement. There, before revealing the entrance, Luna told Eufrimia that she had to wait once more. The girl raised her voice once more. Luna genuinely smiled at her protests, but this time, she could not go against her duties.

‘Wow,’ exclaimed Eufrimia in wonder as she stopped, mesmerized by the tremendous display of magic. She could not comprehend the power behind such a feat, but she understood, almost instinctually, that Luna was strong indeed. ‘Can you do it with the Sun?’ she asked, excited to receive the answer.

Luna ignored the spirit of the question. ‘Only my sister can.’ She stood back on her hooves and walked closer to the bushes occluding the entrance to the underground. ‘Shall we enter?’

‘Yes!’ Eufrimia, again, exclaimed.

They entered the underground that had once been Eufrimia’s home.

Between the time Luna closed and secured the door and lit up her light, Eufrimia heard odd noises echoing from beneath; snarls, mewling, shuffling, breaking, and moaning. All mashed up together into one muffled sound that seemed to rush toward them.

‘Stay with me,’ reassured Luna. ‘Nothing will injure you here. Your village won’t hurt you.’

She nodded and began to walk; Luna barred her route with her arm.

‘Are you sure you want to continue?’

‘Yes,’ answered Eufrimia, sure of her reply.

‘Sure?’

‘Yes…’ her assuredness was less prominent that time around.

Luna sighed. ‘Good. You are courageous, girl. That is good.’

She wasn’t sure what “courageous” meant, but it sounded like a compliment. ‘Thank you.’

Luna nodded, then both of them descended the stone stairs.

‘Arsal!’ Luna called for Eufrimia’s father.

A Thestral-like thing moved forward, terrifying the foal greatly.

‘This is your father, Eufi.’

Arsal grumbled at the name’s mention.

Luna snorted in amusement. ‘And those beside him, are your village folk.’

He approached his daughter. Eufrimia rushed to hide between Luna’s legs. Arsal stopped, confused about how to apprehend the situation – even more so than before.

‘Dad? Why is he like this?’

‘Because of sorcerers… I’ve reverted the spell’s effects and-’

‘But th-this is not my dad.’ She wanted to cry – she could not hide her fear any longer. ‘I want my dad back, Luna…’ she contained her crying, pressing tighter against Luna.

‘It will take some time, Eufi. He will be back soon, don’t worry.’ An idea came to her as she guided the child out. ‘Come with me. We are going outside.’

Eufrimia nodded. She tentatively looked back to her father, maybe naturally wanting his approval.

He looked at her confused that she had not come to him. He glanced up to Luna, waiting on the stair-steps for Eufrimia to make her decision. The girl mimicked her father, but Luna had decided to not intervene and let Eufrimia decide to stay with him or follow her outside.

Eufrimia waved goodbye. And taking tentative steps, she joined Luna; both ascended to the free air together.

It was cold outside. The girl, even with her still thick fur, was freezing. Luna gestured for Eufrimia to stick beside her. She enveloped both of them with a heat-preserving bubble and added her wing on top of the foal. Like Eufrimia used to do, she bunted Luna’s leg in gratitude. Luna played with her furry ears until Eufrimia forced her to stop with a light push.

In the air, a frame made of an intense, soothing blue formed. Eufrimia stared in bewilderment, impressed by a display something within her was telling her was nothing to the being wielding it. Amazed only started to describe the range of emotion that came to her when the light illuminated their surroundings. She looked up at Luna, wanting to see if it was straining her in any way.

From what she could read, she was happy to showcase her talents. Yet something seemed to be bothering her. Eufrimia preferred not to ask what perturbing Luna’s mind was. She contented on resting her head on Luna’s leg, feeling it would reward Luna with some solace.

‘See this drawing?’ calmly asked Luna. ‘This is what a typical Batpony looks like. They speak like you and act like you. Now, look at yourself.’ A small, hovering light appeared next to Eufrimia. Close to the foal, another frame appeared, opening a mirror that revealed a figure she did not know and terrified her. She started retreating behind Luna. Luna stopped her but did not force the girl to look back at herself. For a minute or more, none of them were sure of the time they spent together, but Eufrimia finally elected to stare back at herself.

‘You are returning to your normal self, gradually,’ continued Luna, still consoling the child with a hoof on her back, omitting the mention of the oddness of her wings. ‘Your eyes were all red once; now they are more like mine. Your fur was more compact; now it is far less. Your skin is no longer white either. All of your skins are no longer white. But you are the only one that had its mind returned fully. I saw your dream more clearly, that is how I knew you were sentient once more, in case you would ask.’

Eufrimia swallowed her phlegm. ‘You saw my dream?’ she asked, wonder peering out of her voice.

Luna seemed to consider her words. ‘You don’t know?’

‘What?’

She smiled and tapped the foal’s back with her wing. ‘I can visit your dreams, yes. I can visit the dreams of every creature living in this world.’

The fires of distant memories were rekindled. ‘How?’ she asked with wonder, forgetting her fear.

Luna smiled more. ‘Well, it is simple: I just close my eyes – I basically sleep – and then I wake up in the Realm of Dreams. There I can visit the dreams of all. But more on it later.’ She heard the sound of a growling stomach. ‘Are you hungry?’

‘Yes!’

‘Then,’ she got up, ‘let us go back. I will make sure the wait won’t be felt.’

‘Can I see my father before going, Luna?’

‘Of course.’

She opened the door for her. Eufrimia stared blankly into the sapphire darkness. The sounds returned; her unease with it.

Luna noticed a hesitant push from Eufrimia to move forward. ‘Want me to go down with you?’

Eufrimia nodded and extended an arm forward.

Luna took it, her horn lit up, and they went down together into the dark underground.

The Harvest Moon

‘Though possessing two eyes, most creatures can see but a single thing at a time.’

-Rjoth Greze Hjert, a very perceptive canine.

The family exited their house, with them all the tools and supplies needed for the labor ahead in the wheat fields. The few following days would be long and tiresome. Already the summer season had proven exceptionally dry, and with the threat of an upcoming early winter like latter years, they had no time to spend idling. Though the harvest in and upon itself did not dread them that much. The subsequent organization of reserves and verifying the house’s ability to retain heat would occupy them during the autumn and the late summer season. Then, the wood had to be gathered for heat; shopped, dragged, dried on the still predominant Sun offered by Celestia, put in the back, and stored in a way as to preserve the wood pieces from the elements. If by mistake water would reach them, the entire household would later emerge in spring smelling like cinder, or simply forced to endure the winter on minimal reserves.

Typically, those that would not harvest the crops, with the aid of the children and other free family members, would begin preparing the harvest under the rooftop or the oak tree in the middle of the field common in that region of northwest Equestria.

The chicken coops would also require maintenance and needed to be repopulated with a new batch. For our family here, the last had proven unfruitful to provide chicks, the brood had killed three chickens and one young rooster for whatever instinctive reason, and others had been isolated and left to roam outside the cage, ripe for the plucking by some wandering predators. Golden Field, the patriarch, hoped to sell those still alive. In addition to the crops’ profits, they could close the expenses they were sure to incur on house repairs and other necessities. Doremy could have solicited the aid of her carpenter brother and wannabe-mage mother to repair the few faults, but their own problems with the beginning signs of termite infestation and the unset of rot had made them have no time for others’ concerns.

The village’s mage had been called, but he lacked the proper spells and training to remove the insects and only had managed to stymie the infestation. For better or for worse, the family was also preparing to welcome others into their walls. One thing that kept them going was the faint possibility that this winter would possibly be less harsh than previous year. Not all things were done still; clothes needed to be sawn or bought from the local market; tools need to be taken to the local smith; and the additional preparation for a new child to see life was underway too.

Again, all at a cost.

The family had to take full advantage of the Harvest Moon to finish their work on time or fear on losing out on the remaining good season.

Through all the cultures, across the many centuries, the Harvest Moon was an awaited moment for the farmers. Not for the leisure its brighter nights offered, but for the tremendous workload they were to undertake was of great portance for them. The longer work day, extended by the Moon’s brightness, permitted to be more easily prepared for the upcoming brutal months to come. Already, the summer months in and of themselves were tiresome; the work of August and September constantly kept a ball in the stomach of many farmers. They had done their job all their lives, but even known and expected events were hard to constantly prepare for or adapt to the, at times, scorching conditions they were forced to contend with.

To the family’s luck, their lord was not of a demanding type and would get volunteers from the towns to assist the farmers, if they so requested. Taxes were high, however, the highest in the west of Equestria but few would openly complain much about it. Compensations had taken a lot of the budget as of late. Princess Celestia had imposed a displeasing cap after corruption was uncovered. But even with that cap in place, preventing the local economy from collapsing was paramount. Life wasn’t, as much as it could be said, idyllic.

During the Harvest Moon, it was said that a figure, its shape, and voice unknown but for its soothing blue eyes, would come to visit and provide assistance to pleading and needy farmers and villagers. Abruptly, in one night, all domestic problems would be resolved; left behind crops would be trimmed and arranged neatly for picking and selling, blunted tools would be repaired and sharpened, and for the next week those very tools’ cut would feel cleaner and their handling easier.

They said it was the fabled Princess Luna, Celestia’s sister, and ruler of all of western Equestria, who would arrive and bestow a portion of her magic onto them. Others would claim it was Celestia herself and not that elusive Luna; she would come during the night when all asleep to provide them with her talents while fending off the terrors and monsters that lay in the darkness.

Very few are those that had ever witnessed or observed the Alicorn Sisters, least among are those that have even peered an eye upon Luna. In drawings, they were both depicted of similar height and eye coloration, though their main color was different enough to distinguish them. For centuries, it had been the only manner they were allowed to be depicted, and for centuries the artists followed the rules diligently. If the Princesses had not asked for a change, then no change would be brought.

Where Celestia would appear more regularly in front of the masses, she would be followed by a great display of princely glory, and the regalia few to none would ever witness again in their mortal lives. She would speak; her words, all would listen to. Enamoring and retaining them all as if the words of the divine. Yet, it was reported that no particular awe was sensed by the observers; that her presence lacked the expectations laid upon it. There was still that sense that she could be trusted, respected, and even befriended; she chatted and shared short talks with her subjects from all strata of life; but not the awe-inspiring presence people vested in her.

It was, for the lack of a better word, almost disappointing.

And for Luna? They could not tell; she had less than seldom appearances in public or at festivals. Some had begun to question if she had ever existed, to begin with. That Moon Princess had been nothing but a myth passed down through the centuries. Stories retold again and again by passing generations until the realities laden behind that myth would be rendered to the realm of suppositions Some said that she and Celestia had a falling out at some point, and in retaliation, Luna was the one sending nightmares, and beasts to attack them in the night. That she was the one bringing about random attacks on trade routes and delayed provisions; she was nothing but a monster herself. Celestia admonished all that would spread those untruths but could not prevent them from regularly pop-up.

But for most, like those families most worried about what directly lay ahead, those families that life does not permit them to entertain such thoughts, those suppositions were simply distant ramblings.

All the families that relied on the Moon’s pattern for harvest or menial work cared not what others had to say; their own worries passed first.

For those that life had not blessed to live under the sunlight, obliged by biology, geography, or circumstance to bath in the moonlight, the night was a boon like none other. They knew of its hidden dangers, but it was just a part of life they had to adapt to.

****

Golden Field wished for it all to finally end. A couple of hours had passed, and now the Sun had begun to set place for the Moon. His wife was pregnant, and while work at this time was paramount, he did not want her to ruin her health. Their daughter, the only unicorn of his family, hastened their work considerably, but even she had to recharge from time to time. Their son had overworked himself to compensate in the past few days to compensate, and in the early afternoon, he had to stop working or else.

Sometimes, he wondered why he had settled on only two children for a while. All had three or four by the least, but he had let Doremy decide when she was ready for a new one. Golden Field did not mind at first, but when he had decided to invest in that patch of land with a stream skirting its edges, loaned to him by their lord and use it for his own profit in return for an annual rent, having children was more of a necessity to adequately repay that substantial debt. And, hopefully, not make his son inherit it. They were blessed by not losing their first two children, though a third had, until now, never chanced upon.

Now, when their oldest was at the age of founding his own family, Doremy and Golden Field luck in the field flung upon them one last child. In addition to worrying about his wife’s health, he had to supervise his son’s escapades. Their daughter could wait; he was not ready to let go of her and her fledgling unicorn powers.

In the next few days, this year’s taxes would be announced. For their great luck, taxes could be paid in installments. But the cumulative amount he had to pay made him pause and sigh many times over, making his stomach ache at the thought.

‘Are you Golden Field?’ asked a voice Golden Field did not recognize, in the distance.

The stallion turned toward the voice’s holder, trying to empty his head of all his problems. The figure stood directly behind the setting Sun, hiding its features completely underneath the Sun’s golden light. He could not help but curse his stupidity; he could not fixate on the figure for long, nor did he have the time to spend idling at some stranger.

‘Yes?’ he answered, lazily returning to his work. ‘Who are you? I don’t recognize the voice.’

The figure moved forth, showing a mare, but keeping a fair distance from the farmer. She wasn’t exactly stunning, nor did she have a memorable physique. Though her grey-black fur and a small pouch on her side stood up the most for him.

‘By your voice, I thought you were a boy,’ he chuckled, resting his hooves on the snath of his scythe. ‘I swear, it is eerily close. And by the accent, I can say you’re not from here. Canterlot, I say.’

‘How long have you been at work with that thing?’ She pointed to the scythe. ‘Quite impractical,’ hinting with a joking tone underneath.

‘A couple of hours. My son was the one working in the morning. The poor boy was almost ruined by it.’

‘I understand his pleas.’ She bowed her head in acceptance. Lifting it again, she said, ‘Anyways – excuse me for interrupting your work during these times, but I want to know if you know what road I should take to go for No-Where-There?’

He laughed. ‘Nowirther, not whatever nonsense you just said!’

The mare grimaced, he noticed. But whether it was from being corrected or his tone, he could not tell. Not that he had the time to dwell too much about it.

‘Before I tell you – who even told you my name is Golden Field?’

‘In the village.’

He waited for her to tell more; she stayed quiet. ‘Who exactly?’

‘Does it matter?’

‘I would like to know. Yes,’ he jokingly mused.

‘Was she wearing some old fabric with a book she keeps dangling on her flank as if it will grant her great things?’ interjected Golden Field’s wife, gesturing for her husband to give her the scythe while she gave him her sickle. ‘Take this, I will get the other one. We are done with that Tartarus damn thing.’

‘But the other can barely cut,’ he objected.

‘Will do. Plus, I need to get the clothes for the night.’ She pointed her head sideways in an unspoken order. He did not object further and went on to help his daughter.

‘I hope everything is fine?’ asked the distant visitor. ‘The pregnancy is not too impeding?’

‘No. Not for now yet,’ she wearily laughed. Golden Field frowned; she knew it without looking. ‘But work needs to be done.’

‘I sympathize.’

The yellow-colored mare smirked and snorted in odd amusement. ‘About that person: it is my mother. And my name is Doremy, by the way.’

The mare nodded.

‘To go to… there,’ Doremy waved vaguely in the cold wind, ‘just continue straight until you meet the Hill of the Old Fool and then go down to the dried-up Winter River. No…’ She stopped, hesitating. ‘That’s Notwirthar… Nowirther, is the one with the emporium,’ she murmured. ‘Okay, so you’ll continue to the Yellow Hills, across the Old Fool, arrive at the-’

The stranger shook her head. ‘Excuse me.’ She walked closer, revealing an unimpressive visage but glimmering green eyes that Doremy instantly loved. ‘The what? And to where?’

Doremy exhaled in a mixture of exasperation and tiredness after noticing how difficult it would be for her to guide the stranger. She should have kept Golden Field talking instead of her.

‘If you find it difficult,’ began the stranger, ‘you can wait for tomorrow. I am willing to pay you the night.’

‘Stay here with us?’ she snapped, liking the sound of the proposal. ‘How much will you pay?’

‘Two nights at the village’s inn. I can pay more-’

‘No, no, no. It’s a deal. We don’t want to overcharge you.’

‘Then let me bring the tool and clothes you need-’

‘No, no, no.’ Doremy moved to close the distance between them. Closer, she saw a blue hue emitted in a quick flash out of the stranger’s eyes before they returned to their emerald tint. Her color shifted rapidly from deep blue to gray-black. The stranger’s mane had remained hidden beneath a hood, but she swore that something had flared from underneath in a bright blue. Doremy froze for a second, wanting to ask if the personage was the one she was told about in childhood tales and the same story she had, in turn, retold to her children. She wondered if the stranger was Luna.

‘Something wrong, Doremy?’ gently asked the stranger.

‘A-are you…’ She shook her head. ‘Never mind. Just let me tell my husband that you would be staying, and I will join you later.’

‘Very well.’

She turned around and then curved back. ‘E-excuse my manners – what is your name?’

‘Sapphire Moonlight.’

It satisfied Doremy, and she turned away toward the field.

‘So?’ asked Golden Field.

‘She will be staying for the night in exchange for what two nights at an inn are,’ her voice slightly shaking. ‘Her name is Sapphire Moonlight, also.’

‘Sapphire Moonlight…hmm.’ He noticed his wife’s unease. ‘Something wrong?’

‘No. Maybe it is the pregnancy… Nothing to worry about.’

‘Tomorrow, I’ll see what has happened to our demand. And I will take you to the doctor. But, Doremy, what were the colors of her eyes?’

She hesitated for a second, unsure of the proper answer. ‘B- Green. Green eyes.’

‘Could she be one of the wretches of the north?’ he whispered.

‘Who?’ she murmured.

‘The Changelings,’ he mocked her. ‘I remember my parents telling me of when they had attacked around here. How did they manage to get to Mariposa? I don’t know. But they had attacked at this time and during the night. Maybe she is a vanguard. Why else would she pay this much?’

‘Or maybe it is Princess Luna in disguise,’ tentatively proposed Doremy.

Golden Field dismissed her with a wave of the hoof. ‘No, no, no. Why would she be between us? She and her sister can only look from above at how we live this stupid life. They don’t care. Plus, what a greedy bastard she must be to only give- what? Four silvers? Then again, it is not like she has cared for those beyond Shire or the other one cared for those beyond her own fief.’

‘I remember the story about the Changeling assault,’ calmly said Doremy, returning to the original topic. ‘It was repulsed during the same night it had occurred. We were saved from it by a ghostly force of… uhh…’

‘“Clad in midnight”,’ he continued in her stead. ‘Or black for us. And the region burned because of our “saviors” retribution. More people died from them than the Changelings.’

‘More would have died. They are Changelings – maybe that sickle was one all along?’ He snorted in amusement, and then looked at it. Doremy forced him to look back up by pulling his mane. ‘But whatever; I am sure it is her. It is Princess Luna standing there. I feel it very keenly now.’

He rolled his eyes and put a hoof on her left shoulder. ‘The pregnancy is playing with your mind. Work is done for you today. In fact, until you give birth, you will stay in the house with Plenitude.’

‘She defended us form the manticore,’ proposed Doremy.

He shook his head. ‘Old stories, my dear.’

Not wanting to make Sapphire wait longer, Doremy relented on trying to convince him. The mother had to admit, she indeed needed rest. ‘What should I do with our visitor, then?’

Golden Field smiled at her acceptance. ‘Tell her it is six silver for the night – check the coins well before accepting them. Money is money, but I don’t want to own Canterlotian coins,’ he jokingly accused, referencing Doremy’s plunder in their first trade as husband and wife. They had exchanged them eventually but kept two in memory of the moment.

Doremy grimaced but did not expand upon the subject any further for its sheer embarrassment. ‘Now go and see if that lard has returned from the village. Let us finish as much as we can today.’

‘Golden…’ she warned.

‘I joke. I joke,’ he chuckled. ‘Believe me, he doesn’t mind bein’ called that neither.’

She smiled. ‘Good night, then.’

‘Good night, Doremy.’

He kissed her on the left cheek; she returned the gesture in kind and gave the same to their daughter

Doremy then nodded for the stranger and gestured to follow her.

They entered the house late at night, guided to it with the diluted light of the daughter’s horn and the smell of burned wood. Her brother had been cooking their dinner and heated water since his return from the market and was assisted by the orange hue of a candle and the shy moonlight. As his mother had demanded, he had prepared Moonlight’s bed in the common room.

‘You were not forced to help us – you know?’ said Doremy, dropping her tool and crops aside to continue trimming them in the morning.

‘The least I can do to repay you for your generosity,’ answered Sapphire Moonlight, apparently untroubled by her few hours of work in the field.

‘You seem to have done so for years,’ almost accused Golden Field.

‘I was not weakened by your prior labor. Nothing more ostensible than that.’

He growled. Golden Field gestured for his wife to follow him; a quick bath and a change of clothes were paramount before they could fall asleep.

The daughter was left with her brother in the common room. Sapphire Moonlight did not sit on the makeshift couch and stood silent in front of the two.

‘Still sore?’ asked Green Herb to her brother.

‘Getting better. Sorry for the inconvenience…’

‘Don’t worry. Sapphire Moonlight filled in for you. How was the sale, at least?’

‘Forty silver. Good for the beginning of the harvest. I’ve heard that in Marechester things were not better. In fact perhaps even worse. No trained mage can quite… What grandma says?’

‘Uhh… Exercise magic,’ answered Green Herb.

‘Hmm… Yes – exercise their powers to resolve the issues they are facing.’

‘Let us hope it would rain more than snow this year.’ She walked toward her brother and sat next to him.

He nodded and addressed Sapphire next. ‘How are you still standing like that? You appear to be a city dweller, yet you handle the scythe better than some with twenty years in the field!’

‘Luck.’

‘An unearthed talent, may I add,’ added Green Herb, smirking in amusement. ‘Why do you want to go to Nowirther anyways?’

‘Trade. Apples to be bought for my employer in Shire and grab medicine.’

‘From Nowirther?’ questioned Plenitude. ‘I guess I’ve heard of an herb only growing their… No?’ he asked Green Herb.

She shrugged. ‘I’ve not been to the market for a while, and I haven’t noticed people talking about. For what illness is it used?’

Plenitude shrugged and shook his head. Sapphire Moonlight did not answer.

‘They have a good apple and luffa production, though,’ said Plentitude. ‘Their luffas are amazing – we use them when bathing, in case you use more fancier things. But their apples are not the quality intended for the palate of creatures that respect themselves.’ Plenitude got up, struggling to find his balance before his sister helped him find his footing. ‘We have some planted. Usually, we rarely sell those, but we can make exceptions. You like apples yourself, do you?’

‘I do.’

‘Bring her a good lot of them,’ beckoned Green Herb to her brother. He nodded and got up. ‘Knowing your wondrous cooking, she will eat water either way,’ shouted Green Herb as her brother entered the backroom. She turned again toward Sapphire Moonlight. ‘At least, sugary water and not something with the ghost of a taste,’ she whispered to her. ‘By the way, have you seen Princess Luna or Celestia? Since you are from Shire and whatnot.’

‘No.’ She was definitive about it.

‘That’s disappointing. I heard of Princess Celestia visiting Riverpool for… something. But I wonder if Princess Luna is even real? Since Shire is her domain-’

‘Someone is protecting your dreams and your selves in that world. She is real. She just has other labors than what her sister does.’

Green Herb felt the hint of an accusing tone, but for someone coming from the direct domain of Luna, she could not blame Sapphire. ‘I’ve never met her in my dreams. No one I know claims to have witnessed her.’

‘She is subtle with us.’

‘She is always hidden from us,’ corrected Sapphire Moonlight. ‘But why? I can’t understand. Why can’t she just show herself?’

‘Because if she does, you would hate her. Detest her for infiltrating your privacy and to make you confront our faults. We do not like it when it happens, but this is the reality of her work.’

‘Would it not be better if she would show herself to us, though?’

‘Either way, you would hate her. You would see her as a parasite and want her to be excised forever more. And then, what would she still possess?’

‘Point taken. Although, she raises the Moon for us. I think it merits its own respect – as we do for benevolent Celestia.’

‘I guess,’ she grumbled. ‘Yet you are scared of the night.’

‘There is no light. Of course, it is scary,’ she laughed. ‘We hear the howls more clearly in the night. Clearly, for someone coming from the city…’ Green Herb noticed Sapphire Moonlight’s posture tensing. There was something uncanny about it – as if it was built around a natural movement around a clear and determined purpose rather than fear. The young mare rose her hoof in a gentle sign to calm the visitor.

She continued as if nothing had happened. ‘Occasionally… something else close to it. Similar, but different. As if it had come from people like us but deformed and changed. And I mean, we are a little attacked. Sometimes we will see wolves or other predators but they rarely attack.

‘Maybe there is no need for her actions,’ added Sapphire Moonlight, deflated.

‘Maybe.’

‘She protects us from the worst of those predators,’ stated Sapphire Moonlight, raising the argument to prove a point.

Green Herb heard the deflated tone but did not want to expand upon it. ‘And we are grateful for it. Truly. But she never shows herself. We have stories of her passing-’

‘We do not like inflicting pain, let alone death, upon others. We are no predators. Yet someone has to take upon those responsibilities. To do what most frown upon.’

‘I respect the army’s and militia’s work, but I don’t think she has to be constantly chaperoning them.’

‘Sometimes they are too slow to react,’ said the visitor. ‘Sometimes, they are simply not enough to deal with threats on their own. Equestria is vast; we are beset by a myriad of draped foes.’

Green Herb smiled, no malice behind it. ‘She could try to convince them to cease their doings. Like Princess Celestia I heard does to some. The sword should not be the end all; we should try to befriend them.’

Sapphire Moonlight did not reply back.

‘Do you agree?’

‘My opinion does not matter. That argument was meaningless.’

‘You don’t like speaking much. Do you?’

‘Life has taught me to shut up.’

‘Oh, my!’ she jested, attempting to brighten the jaded mare’s expression. ‘What life did you have? From your looks, I say we are not that much apart. Is city life so horrendous that it ages a creature this much?’ smirked Green Herb. ‘Have your parents-’

‘They are dead warned Sapphire Moonlight, the threat terrifyingly prominent. ‘That much I will reveal about myself and no further.’

‘T-then a friend…’ attempted Green Herb, the word feeling heavier and more cumbersome than usual.

Silence fell in the room. For a reason Green Herb could not comprehend, an overwhelming sense of guilt wreathed her. Had she asked the wrong question? They were innocent enough; nothing to be concerned about. Nothing offensive, she thought. Yes, they had been discussing the Sisters, but nothing that warranted such a sudden explosion of emotion, she thought.

Plenitude then entered apples in a basket with a blunted knife on the side.

He sat down next to his sister and offered their visitor an apple he had cut for her. She took it, thanking him with a nod. Green Herb left to take her shower, worried she had offended their guest in some manner.

Sapphire Moonlight started eating the apples offered to her unbothered by Plenitude and then the others attempt at a conversation.

The Sun began shining its rays through the still cold morning air. Doremy and Golden Field woke up first, muttering to themselves about the coming workday, wishing they could stay in bed for longer.

Golden Field was the first to exit the room, still barely able to open his dried-up eyes and lips from the night.

Sapphire Moonlight was gone.

She had been a quiet guest, talking little if not prompted to. She had eaten the little things they had presented her, not complaining about the taste or the presentation. In fact, she did not care for anything. They knew it would have been pointless to question the reason for her aloofness.

For all Golden Field cared, as long as the money was left and nothing was stolen, the stranger’s stay would have been an amazing investment. Looking around the common room where the visitor had slept, he found nothing. She had scammed them. Cursing her a thousand times, he took the dirt-ridden sack, thinking she had left the apple skin within it – Sapphire Moonlight had eaten plenty of those. He had left her enjoying their products as he went to sleep, appearing more like a child than a twenty-year-old something mare. He had even thought she was cute doing it!

The bag was heavy. He hastened to open it. Inside, he counted fifty silver coins and six golden ones; all still in circulation. Running toward his wife, he showed her all that Sapphire Moonlight had left them with. Wanting to make sure her hunch was right, Doremy went to check up on the tools and collected harvest.

Their tools were repaired and felt sharper. She took what was once the blunted scythe, and went to cut the wild herbs in front of the door. With one swing, almost no effort put into it, the grass fell.

‘It was her!’ exclaimed Doremy to her bewildered husband.

‘We… We had an Alicorn between us…’

‘I’ve told you!’

‘Why was she hiding? Do you think we are going to be attacked?’

‘Why did you drift to that?’

‘Why the secrecy, Doremy!’ he almost shouted. ‘We should prepare for an attack. I don’t know from whom, but we should!’

‘Why are you shouting?’ asked Plenitude, exiting his and Green Herb’s room, she followed behind; the great soreness that had ridden their son after yesterday’s work was gone.

‘Where is Sapphire Moonlight?’ his sister asked.

‘It was Princess Luna!’ said Doremy.

‘W-what?’ Uncertainty gripped Green Herb. Had she vexed her? Would she be the recipient of Luna’s wrath? Additionally – why choose them? Why come here? Was there a heralded event on the border? Wolves? Changelings? Something fouler?

Why did she deceive them? To help them or to spy upon them?

‘It doesn’t matter,’ interjected Golden Field. ‘If she was here in hiding, something foul is brewing. Prepare your bags in precaution!’

‘She would have told us. She would have not left us waiting to meet our fates. Princess has helped us, after all.’ But her words were drowned by the panic movement within the house. And she had to oblige by their actions.

Doremy exited the house, following her daughter. Then, in the glistening horizon, her head shot forward and observed the shadowed silhouette of a mare.

Doremy closed her eyes and it disappeared in an impossibly cold wind that send shudders down the mother’s spine.

She rested, bewildered by the situation. Perhaps her pregnancy and harsh labor were truly playing with her mind. Maybe the latter part was what made them on edge.

It could be Princess Luna. But Doremy did not care – she wanted to believe it. It was her, and her own beliefs mattered above anything.

She did not stop. It had been done before. They get scared. Nothing new.

She continued forth to Nowither or whatever the meaningless name was, walking the entire way. Her eyes shifted to crystalline blue and narrowed, and in a gasp, her neck elongated to its actual size.

She took an apple from her bag, levitating it with the magic of an invisible horn. She took a bit and tasted sweet and bitter. Finishing it, she knew with a mixture of promise, apprehension, excitement, love, hatred, and loathing for her task ahead.

Alone, she proceeded to cross the forest.

Midnight Sun

‘Silence will fall!’

-Defiant shout of the Crimson Spirits during their final stand at the Gates of Moment.

She had to fight.

Fighting was part of her responsibilities as the protection of every creature’s nightly imaginings. She fought to preserve harmony in Equestria. She fought to not bring back the days of old. She fought for it was her burden.

Hekatomb and Risen Eclipse – the first a lieutenant to Captain Eclipse, one a Batpony and the other an Earth Pony– had heard and knew all of their rulers’ battles. But beyond the simple fact of knowing, nothing more tangible and useful was gleaned out of those fights.

Or no one had survived, or no one dared to override the orders of Luna. Secretive she was, and – many speculated – suppression of knowledge was another of protection. To protect them and her sister from what lurks underneath the nice veil that is Equestria.

Luna would never say. Not that anyone would question the validity of her actions.

She continued on. Lacking anxiety; unplagued by doubt or fear. She sped up ahead of her troop, not bothering to let them catch up and not bothering to tell them a thing.

Risen Eclipse called out for her.

She did not hear him.

The captain and his lieutenant got passed carvings on the cavern’s wall, barely enlightened by Luna’s and the mages’ magic.

“The Sleepless Smile.”

“Rise, Midnight Sun!”

‘Is this worship?’ swallowed Hekatomb.

Eclipse shrugged, his lips twitching a little.

‘Not that it will survive for long.’

He let pass a thing. One of the monsters Luna had insisted they keep safe. They were, once, Batponies, according to her sayings, transformed by the actions of that cult.

The thing then returned to the back where others like it were told to stay; surely ordered by Luna, for they only heeded her words.

‘Eclipse,’ said Luna, slowly approaching them.

They bowed. Then the urge dissipated as she uttered more words.

‘Eclipse, are you all fine? Is everything well?’

Simple questions, yet ones she made a habit of asking – usually, shortly before engagement.

Though they were not frightened. They knew deep down there was no fear in her presence.

‘All well, my Lady. Though you are quite fast.’

‘More?’

‘No, but you could slow down for us.’

‘Yes… Excuse me.’

‘Excuses are not needed. Your safety is also paramount.’

The faints of a smile leered themselves out before quickly evaporating.

‘Follow me,’ Luna ordered her warriors. Her voice was soft but assertive enough for it to be unquestionable.

Hekatomb and the others felt more assured by those two words alone like something had siphoned away all worries from their being.

Eclipse nodded, seemingly unbothered by the effect. His serious expression did not shift, his eyes were always kept on the Princess.

‘What are we gonna witness in there, sir?’ asked Hekatomb.

‘Who knows?’

‘I bet you’ve encountered worst.’

‘I am not braver than your mother.’

Hekatomb made a loud, ruffle grunt. ‘Speaking of my beloved mother: she once asked me why those threats still exists? I answered that the Princess could not be everywhere and know everything.’

‘A good answer. And one she would concur with. But, as a personal theory of mine-’

‘Please tell!’ he loudly whispered.

Eclipse smacked him with just enough force for Hekatomb to actually behave. ‘Anyways. I think the Alicorns do not utterly deal with them because it helps harmony. For us to not be complacent.’

‘That’s bullshit.’

They followed the order perfectly into the dark underground, nothing to be reported within the lines or outside.

They could not follow her. She was too fast, too enamored by the prospect ahead for them to catch up. Occasionally, she would appear in front of them, asking if all was fine. Her voice betrayed no stress. She was unnaturally serene, almost too fake to be true.

Hekatomb kept turning wherever she would appear and kept a keen ear to whatever she had to say. Eclipse, the most veteran of them all, told him to focus. To stop constantly looking back. It was not his pupil’s first mission, but it was his first foray against the true enemy, against the things squeaking and leeching onto life in the somber undergrounds. They had fought beside their ruler, they witnessed her pushing away a gigantic beast and performing feats of great potency, but her obvious angst at that very moment was unusual to Hekatomb.

‘Sir-’ Hekatomb was then interrupted by the sound of blasting and screams.

Dark chants repeating the carved writing were heard, chanted in perfect unison.

An order was uttered.

They obeyed.

They ran into the hot, humid, rancid-smelling air of a monstrosity of a workshop of flesh. Impossibly white flesh hung on blood-soaked wooden sticks, the scalped body possibly still twitching in pain underneath.

Bowls were filled with teeth and the victims’ blood was collected into goblets for some dark intent.

Ponies of all kinds – including Batponies – were present, protecting them were rodent creations of size none of their species should ever attain, with parts of their bodies glowing bright green. Immense monsters, their fur white, and eyes irradiating red stood unseemly on their back legs – their musculature able to render stone into a pebble.

Four had been already killed, a plethora of the lower-ranking ones in their wake too, as the battle commenced. The Princess's talents enabled her warriors for proper deployment.

The Equestrians were holding, advancing in a terrible and ponderous fashion.

The fell-mages had gathered, ready to cast an assuredly terrible spell, not even Luna knew its potent.

She endeavored to stop their machinations. But was always withheld, always unable to focus on her target without coming to the aid of breaking lines.

Her shield was waning, flickering more and more in greater intervals.

Her head pained her. Her legs, injured and bloodied, could abandon her at any moment.

But she had to continue. She had to finish what was begun.

She heard Eclipse, for the first two hours, the battle had started to shout her name.

Luna rushed towards him, strengthening the shield where she wasn’t present in gradual succession.

Then, in the blink of an eye, the captain was shot in the heart and head by arrows.

A wave of effervescent, impossible lightning struck her, sundering her armor in twain and throwing Luna to the middle of that cavern.

The shield vanished. No one was there to protect them anymore. Fearing for the worst, Hekatomb ordered a gradual withdrawal. For some, the retreat turned more costly as they stumbled on the bodies of the fallen, to be then picked off by the attackers.

Maybe answering a call that wasn’t uttered, the beasts attacked the cultists and their minions. Aiding the Equestrians with their fangs and fury.

Earnest allies, but equally terrifying and unsettling. They fought alongside them, and that was enough for them to be a friend.

Then the creations of the cult had gone rogue on them and attacked both sides indiscriminately.

A Pegasus and a deformed creature met gaze. The Pegasus killed it. Others followed.

Yet, the rodents were too far a match for the beleaguered Equestrians to continue their stand.

Luna had not manifested again. But no one had looked behind them for her, in fear of a truth they did not want to witness and to not give themselves the illusion that a retreat was possible anymore. They will die here, and it will be in the name of Luna and Equestria.

‘I don’t want to be here,’ her voice was low, withholding the great pain on her side.

She hated her weakness. She despised herself for not having the strength to get up, to do the only thing she could do right in this world.

The last lights of Unicorn magic faded, their magic drained, or the last of them were finally targeted by her failure to protect them.

The light ebbed. Her vision crumbled into nothingness.

﻿She closed her eyes.

Then, like snapping, two blue, baleful orbs stared back at her. Instantly, she agonizingly backed off and opened her mouth in shock. A scream, a scream echoing of ancestral rage emitting an indecipherable call with an anonymous edge howled from somewhere.

The blackness turned gray-black with a white wound perturbing all across undisturbed.

Silence fell, hammering in deafly serenity.

All around her, scenes crumbled into nothingness.

Darkness took place. She was alone.

A great shape made itself manifest in front of her, perfectly rectangular. It opened into a blinding, white void. And laying away, nearly hidden by the striking light, a body rested in its length on a stone floor, its back turned. Glass-like shards seemed to be planted all over an altogether familiar figure.

The primordial cry returned in a sundering shriek. She cowered in her place, but dared to look up once more at the rift in the sky; she saw a sun. A sun radiating in sapphire blue, rising from a sluggish ark in the collapsing horizon.

She smiled.

In the infernal miasma, in the endlessly cavorting dreamscape, a stallion stood in the middle of it all. He did not react nor was he yelling for aid; the stallion accepted his fate. He was dying – that he knew it to be true – but from where it had come, his dimming mind could not give him the desired answer.

‘It was I.’

The voice was on the brink of tears. Her once composure was lost.

He rose his head in a snap of surprise and saw her image. It was shimmering, barely emitting light.

Is she dying? he thought. Could any of them die?

‘We can die,’ she answered. She smirked, ‘It is just difficult… t-to…’

‘Why did you kill me, Princess?’ he attempted a joke while trying to brief her pain.

His calmness struck her, he thought. She blankly stared at him behind a maelstrom mist, her green-blue eyes reflecting their light upon it and bottled-up sentiments of years of experience.

‘I did not kill you!’ she yelled, the voice somewhat different yet similar, like it was in a rush for freedom.

He heard a shift to panting underneath the ravaging, quiet hurricane.

Unleash.

Was the Princess fighting the enemy still as she came to him?

She walked toward him, her eyes of the clear blue, stained by crying and exertion.

He smiled one last time; she was winning.

‘Good night, Orion. Sleep well,’ she said.

‘My name is not Orion.’

Suddenly, she closed her eyes and collapsed on her knees, defeated. Her form coping with unseen attacks.

‘Good night, Princess. It was an honor.’ He was calm.

Her eyes struggle to open. She sobbed, snorted, and clenched her teeth as tears entered her mouth. She wanted to give up.

‘Yes… Risen Eclipse… it was an-’ something hit her on the head. ‘… honor,’ she managed to finish.

Eclipse wanted to put reassure her. He rose his hoof but, midway through, he hesitated. It wasn’t right; he should not disrespect her in the end.

The last thing he saw was an eye-changing color and the ruler he once served bellow a terrible shriek.

Unleash!

She woke up not sweating or panting; frozen in shock. Her stomach tightened. She wanted to throw up. She wanted to fill the void within. Confused, afraid. Crying, crying was her first action. Her horn pained her greatly; her head could have thrown her into despair; her whole body jolted.

No one came to her.

No one was there anymore.

Silence had followed the haze of battle.

She took a deep breath, inhaling an irony taste, and stood up.

She staggered. Falling a first time on the remains of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of a copy, of what had once been her armor. Then a second. And a third. She did not care. It would not matter; she would heal, no one will see her, and she will move one. It had happened before and will again and again until fate decides its puppet represent nothing anymore.

The exit stretched in front of her. Luna took its direction, her gaze kept on the rocky floor, desperately trying to ignore the tremors in her legs.

One child remained, tucked behind an adult’s legs. Hekatomb was bearing his weapon high, ready to defend them.

She ignored him. He lowered his weapon.

‘What happened…’ his voice trembled as the memories of white filaments eating all in their wake were crossing the stygian dark.

‘I did,’ she said.

Luna took the terrified child on her back.

The trembles abated.

The one protecting the child-sided Luna closely.

She did not care. It did not matter.

They then exited the cavern, sealing it forever.

The survivors followed.

Dawn

‘Never has the Sun seen the shadows.’

-Dimmet Verge, Imperial Griffon philosopher.

A buzz.

A slight hiss.

The shy chime of bells.

The sound of falling chains followed by a rusted door opening coursed through the stone walls across the underground.

Plain, red eyes moved in sudden agitation, all heading in unison to the pale light now illuminating the dark home of its underground inhabitants.

The sound of shuffling and chains wrapping the door once more

The outside light of the night faded and another came forth, more soothing and pleasing to their eyes. A tall figure paced slowly, making sure not to startle them. They knew her; she knew they would not harm her, but she did not want to disturb their non-diurnal lives.

She put down the crates, opening them for the bestial things to feast upon their content. As usual, they did not immediately head toward them. Instead, they congregated closer around her, distancing themselves from the source of the light, or else they feared lest it would burn them.

‘I’ve brought you… medication,’ Luna addressed them as a mother would to her children.

The beasts grunted. Some snarled, letting their drool dribble to the floor in thick gobbets. They were happy to hear Luna’s voice. It was comforting, delightful even.

She smiled back at them, some did the same to her, but it did not last. As suddenly as it brightened her youthful visage, it vanished. It felt wrong to smile like that. She was like… mocking their fate.

Luna sat down and began to rehears the spell in her mind. Her mouth emitted a quick succession of words in a loud whisper, echoing in the chamber’s walls. They could feel that more was plaguing her mind. The creatures knew their protector was ill, but from what, their forgone minds could not tell.

Crimson disks fixated on her without any obvious intellect behind them. They were no longer sapient, barely sentient even. They once had been Batponies but after being cursed by the mad cabal, they were transformed into hideous and monstrous things. Beneath their thick, black fur, their skin was alabaster white – almost ghostly in appearance. Their wings lost their leathery membranes, leaving the bone frames ever hanging on their own. Their teeth were slightly curved on the top, half-resembling canines, and their fangs had been elongated to unnatural proportions. Some had a second pair growing out of their lower jaw, jutting out and piercing their flesh; they could barely close their mouth afterward. It hurt them. She would regularly find blood splattered or fangs turned red from the blood running down them.

Luna ceased her rehearsal and approached one of those miserable creatures, its condition unbearable to leave unattended to. Its real name she knew not, but she had given it the name of “Silv” for the patches of gray on its fur and skin – maybe the last remnant of its past self. Luna never uttered their names aloud in case it might confuse their fragile minds. Perhaps break them further. She took Silv from the muzzle with an abrupt grip. The miserable creature snarled. She made Silv look her in the eyes with a light push and caressed the back of its neck, calming the beast. Luna reassured the thing further, to finally start cleaning their bodily liquids. If outsiders saw her they would wonder why a being such as her not simply use magic to get it done in an instant. She would have answered them that it felt disingenuous; like she was cheating out the creature from a precious intimate moment. The only time she would use her powers was to cut the tusks-like things and heal the self-inflicted injuries. It always earned her a bunt when she concluded her work, and for them, a pat on the head.

As much as they were comforted by her presence, their sight broke her. It was not her fault they had been cursed and transformed into hideous beasts, but she was the one that took them in when everyone else had rebuffed them. Luna promised to return the villagers to their past selves. Someone had to. Someone had to be their “friend”.

She finalized their cleaning and stopped to wonder if she should proceed with a bath. For their cruel lack of intelligence, the shimmer of an instinct remained buried beneath – they could still clean themselves. Hygiene seemed to be too much of a rooted instinct in the minds of creatures for it to be extinguished.

Luna crouched, preparing herself for yet another attempt to rescue them. Arcs of pale blue lightning issued out of her horn, enveloping the beasts and lifting them from the ground. They did not debate her – they knew whatever she was doing, it was not going to harm them.

Her head began to hurt; she did not relent. She had to save them. Luna pushed forth, but the strain she was putting on herself finally overwhelmed her.

It failed. For the thousand times, it failed.

She let gravity depose her on the unclean floor as she let the seeping sense of capitulation deflate her. To make amends, to ever so slightly improve their lives, she elected to clean their habitat. At least, they would continue having a pleasant life – if they still recall what one must be.

Luna reflected on her failure. A young girl approached her. She was still a child, the only one still live amongst them, when they had been cursed but retained the wonder only children possess. An innocence Luna forgot she had ever experienced before. Experience had dissipated any sense of wonder in her.

The foal caressed her head along Luna’s left arm like a dog demanding attention and play. Luna did not let her demand linger long and picked up the child, holding the girl close to herself. The girl, sensing Luna’s troubled mind more keenly, hugged her. Luna returned the gesture, recognizing the adoration and trust radiating out of the deformed creature.

Luna sighed.

‘What’s your name?’ she asked, disappointedly knowing deep down it was futile to expect an answer from them.

The girl looked at Luna directly in the eyes like few dared do. The child’s mouth moved in an attempt to answer. Luna hid the mounting sense of failure. For all her attempts, her face still betrayed an inkling of disgust.

‘Eu… fri… mia,’ the girl struggled, forcing the letters halfway between a growl and the vestiges of her real voice.

Luna’s smile almost illuminated the room. Her features rejuvenated and the artifacts of her frown vanished.

‘Eufremia,’ she clarified the name in a voice soft as silk. ‘I’ve never heard the name before,’ her curiosity spoke. ‘It’s a beautiful name nonetheless.’

The others spoke, each telling Luna what could have been their names once. They had never done that before. It was wonderful and exciting to finally have brought anything close to normalcy and anything that related to their old lives back to them. Luna was proud of herself.

‘And you?’

She pointed toward Silv. It looked at her like a lost child or one wary to disappoint their parents with an answer that would not please them.

‘Au…n… reez…’ he finally forced out.

‘Aunreez,’ she repeated with an even voice. ‘I was calling you Silv because of your gray colors. Silv.’

He croaked his head and moved his jaws to adjust his teeth.

‘Silv,’ she said again.

Nothing.

‘I guess it doesn’t matter anymore… Onr- I mean, Aunreez.’ She awkwardly laughed.

He mewled a little, and that was enough for her to know that he appreciated her sentiment.

Luna nodded to him and he joined the pack once more.

She looked at Eufremia’s teeth, trying to spot any telltale signs of Aunreez inflection. The girl did not like it and made Luna’s task more arduous than it ought to have been. For ten seconds the girl struggled like her life was on the line. At the end of those ten seconds, Luna was done and thought Eufremia might have wanted to leave her. Luna let loose of the embrace but the girl remained firmly attached to her.

She could have used the Elements of Harmony to finally and truly save them, but they had not worked. They had used to before. Her sister and she had used them individually on numerous occasions in the past. She attempted many times to harness their powers for them. She had poured in everything to make them work, but they were too unstable. Perhaps it had been her expending too much of her powers during the night, so she limited her visits to the Realm of Dreams – but to no avail. They were useless to save them. She could not bring other mages, nor could she bring her sister. They could harm them. Those corrupted beasts were her people; they lived in her night when others were frightened by its darkness and lack of light. More than any other living creature under the Sun, she had to provide for the Batponies. It was her self-appointed responsibility.

Luna thought again about the Elements. They had used them to defeat Discord and had brought back creatures of lesser rationality and far greater malevolence from the brim. Were they smiting her? Has it come down to this? The very things that had defined their reign were shunning her? She who cared for the Moon and dreams? It would not have surprised her. In fact, it felt almost exalting. She was not beholden to them anymore… but only answered to her sister. Luna smiled, but it was an odd smile – the Batponies sensed it. A thing between exaltation and the fake smile of melancholy. The Elements…

‘… of Harmony,’ she hissed between her teeth. ‘Harmony,’ she repeated aloud to the tone of a curse. Her voice then shifted. The echo of something within emerged. ‘Harmony,’ she clearly cursed in a dusty tone. ‘To keep balance, but of what exactly!’ She made it echo in an impossible boom, making the dungeon walls tremble and the beasts shrink at her voice. They dropped as their knees were unable to withhold the reverberations. Instinctively, they wailed, crying out for help, but for whom, they knew not. The beasts still standing stepped slightly backward. They felt something was wrong with Luna. They sensed something different about her, something they never observed nor perceived. Luna was sitting in front of them, but simultaneously, it was not her. For the first time, they were terrified of the Mistress of the Night.

Luna tightened her grip around the young creature. The girl named Eufremia sensed Luna’s trembles as she railed more determinedly in her anger. Eufremia hugged Luna, only knowing this method could calm her.

And it did. Luna did not thank the girl, keeping to herself to make sense of what had happened.

Luna closed her eyes; they returned to stand around her, returning to a melancholic silence.

Minutes passed, and Luna felt Eufremia’s weight. She thought the worst. All sorts of scenarios raced in her head, all vying for her attention. She had promised to save them. A slither of the hope shyly embered underneath her melancholy. It was denied replenishment; it had shortly rekindled by hearing the beasts’ brief glimpse of an intellect. To then be smothered once more.

Maybe she should stop caring that much about others plights. To stop focusing on them. But who would then if she did not? She had powers and experiences beyond any living creature; it was her responsibility. But who would care to remember her efforts? Her sister was too enamored in her own world to give back any attention. Everything Luna would ever undertake will remain unsung – even her nightly toil. Creatures of all kinds, of any age, of any time, will always be scared of the dark – of the night. No matter how bright it may turn, there will always be apprehension toward her realm.

Luna brought the girl in front of her in a flurry of panic. Eufremia opened her eyes and yawned as a kitten would.

She had been sleeping.

Luna excused herself. One of Batponies stepped forward a single step away from the rest. A male, the father of the little girl.

‘Want your daughter back, Arsal?’ asked Luna in her normal voice.

Arsal did not understand what Luna said but locked his eyes on Eufremia.

‘You want, then…’

Luna returned the child to her father.

She got up.

‘I’ll prepare the bath.’ Luna gestured forward with her head. ‘Follow me. I’ll have to shorten my stay, unfortunately… I have other errands… other ordeals…’ She sighed. ‘I still have to get my crown.’ Luna pointed forward again. ‘Follow me. Excuse me for my temper… I’m sorry.’

She recalled another point. ‘And there will be no walk tonight. The bad season is arriving… Damn it,’ she whispered the curse.

At the very corner of her field of vision, where the root of a tree shyly peered, Luna noticed red lines descending the walls. Tentatively she approached them, the creatures in tow. She smelled the red veins – no irony scent, not the typical smell of blood; it was humid. Had their blood mutated to such an extent that it transformed to occlude all its former self? She took another sniff. Her eyes widened, her expression wanting to showcase a smile but locked in a stupor. The veins tended to turn white as they descended the wall. Then it hit her – a fungus. The red was simply the fungus expanding to a root on the floor below.

She quietly chuckled in mockery of herself; Luna turned to address her flock. ‘See? We are not so different, you and I.’

Luna detested the expression, but the comic tone behind it made her smirk to widen.

She gestured for them to follow her toward the grand pool she had carved within the rocky underground, decorating it with all matter of intricately ornate designs and representations. She had let herself loose on that one; depictions of forests, rivers, and animals striding under a sky illuminated by a full Moon. Then again, it was one of the few places she could let herself free without any sort of barrier.

The liberation of rocks had not been what she spent most of her time on. The carving and the designing of the irrigation system, however, had been where she poured in everything. Maybe no one will pay it heed; maybe people and later centuries will find it ravaged by the elements and the carvings barely perceivable, but it was her creation, and she was proud of it.

Luna sat on the edge, observing them enjoy the cool water she had let pour in. She thought of soaking herself in it, but a quick observation and sniff of the water made her elect otherwise. She loved them and was ready to share in their hardship, but even her love had limits. And constantly cleaning the water while dipping in would be nigh impossible if the likes of Eufremia wanted to play their, at times, quite brutish games. The times she sealed scars caused by their tusks and bony wings were too many to count. Their games had even earned her a small scar underneath her right wing.

Luna quivered at the thought of potentially ingesting their water, not deigning to hide her disgust.

She and her sisters were immortal – that is true – but it did not immune them from sicknesses. Luna was more resilient in that department, whereas Celestia always seemed to unwantedly catch herself something.

‘You’re sweltering, Celestia. Where have you been? The swamps?’

‘Worse! The city!’ she had intentionally exaggerated… half-exaggerated; cities in that time were a haven of clustered packs for disease to spring up from. Sanitary reforms and improvements were not yet to be promulgated, though it wouldn’t have been long until they were forcibly applied.

Luna smirked. ‘Well… At least, your pyromancy is being used for once.’

‘I do use it… often. When you’re not here… and when no one is looking,’ she jokingly diverted her regard.

‘Oh, sure. I trust you though – partially,’ she laughed.

Celestia joined Luna, only stopping when it became too painful to continue. ‘By the Aurelian Path of the Carrion Road of damned Tartarus… my head…’

Luna got up from her side and gently pocked Celestia on the head. ‘You better rest, idiot. It will be boring on my own.’

‘I promise to rest!’ Celestia declared. ‘Can’t you heal me?’

‘Something has really melted in there,’ poking her more on the head.

‘Remind me. I tend to forget when-’

‘-convenient,’ chuckled Luna. Celestia agreed with a nod coupled with a smile. ‘At any rate. Say I take the marmalade out of the cupboard, then the marmalade will be out of the cupboard, but the cupboard remains, right? If I take the disease out of you, it will remain out, and I will be tempted to eat it.’

‘Willingly catch my illness? You must be mad or utterly deranged. And you eating marmalade is even more unlikely.’

‘My point exactly! And why not both?’ she grinned in amusement. ‘Additionally, you are the mad one here.’

The conversation had occurred… Luna could not remember, but it was in the early days – she was sure of it. She rummaged for the memory, searching all the recesses of her mind for more details – more anything related to a fragment of memory. The memory was gone, however.

“Oh, sure. I trust you though – partially.” It sounded partially foreign to her, like a thing she had not said. Could it have been that she was imagining this entire conversation? It felt real in some parts, of which she could not ascertain where the lies began or ended. Perhaps her sister would have her doubts – but, at the same time, she could be lying. From the side, Luna noticed the different truths Celestia shared. Luna noticed the half-lies and half-truths she indulged in. Which of her words could be her earnest ones, Luna gave up deciphering. Luna could not cut down on the number of past promises Celestia had reneged upon. In their long existence, changing residence had come surprisingly little; when it would happen, Luna would begin by drawing the plans for the general layout in addition to the more hidden chambers strews around for delicate trinkets. At first, Celestia was indulgent with the time and cares her sister gave for each, letting her an almost infinite timeline and budget to act upon her creative mind. But as the years went by, as society evolved and its miens shifted, Celestia became less patient with Luna’s creativity. The castle had to be finished. The castle had to be made for modernity – for the preferences of the age. Luna still held the reigns as Chief Architect and the preeminent builder of the dungeons, though the second in command had taken a more arrogant and decisive position. Luna berated Celestia openly for letting such behavior be tolerated by “her puppets”. Celestia readily obliged; then the behavior returned. Luna complained. It receded. Came back again. Luna eventually gave up on either of them to grant her freedom.

In Shire, however, there she had let her imagination run freely. Courtiers called it the “Hidden Jewel of the West” or simply and more commonly, the “Hidden Jewel”. Luna cared not to promote its existence. If it had to be known it would be by popular consent rather than pushed opinion. Of course, her sister had praised and even vaunted her talents – one of the few instances she could recall that had not been drowned by Celestia taking the light from her or people simply forgetting.

It was not as if the west of Equestria had anything to offer. Compared to the east, it was almost economically barren and irrelevant. Other than the scant trade routes with the north, there was nothing for her to warrant great attention. The nobles ruled themselves without her intervention, more scared by Celestia’s disapproval than her own.

Even still, Luna found it hard to not trust Celestia’s words. It was her sister, the last remnant of what once was; the only other Alicorn and immortal in that world – who else could she trust? It was naive of her. She knew it. Luna hated her naivety. Yet she was constantly pushed by her mind to trust Celestia’s praises. Luna believed her when she would spur excuses. She was convinced, every time, that promises would be upheld.

She had concluded its construction centuries back. She had not added anything to it since then. There was simply nothing new to experience in that world. She had little to nothing to enjoy about that world.

Luna had given her residence all, and only received forgotten and lost approval.

Many had even forgotten she was the architect of all the many Equestrian monuments. Not that they cared to know.

An hour passed. Luna beckoned for the corrupted Batponies still lagging behind to exit the bath and join their brethren standing behind her. Like dogs drying themselves, the creatures agitated the water off. And following her initial mistake, she knew to keep some distance away from them. After checking everyone was on her side of the pool, Luna siphoned the filthy water out and cleaned the bottom from the clumps of fur that had fallen. There were more this time, but it could be just happenstance. She thought having seen this much before even if her inner voice was telling her otherwise.

As she cleaned the bath, the Batponies went to eat. She also wished to be able to teach them how to properly masticate. If there was something she could not handle was the sound of chewing. When she would be at dinners or any occasions of this sort, Luna was like a hawk preying for any sound that could disturb the peaceful proceedings. Her sister called her behavior inappropriate, but she was not the one lacking the proper table manners for food consumption. A thing they should have learned when they were children.

It was time to leave now. She would return late. Maybe in a week or less – depending on what she could garner and conjure for them. They were not very demanding and their bizarre biology had made them impervious to the same kind of satiation normal creature would.

Beginning her turn, she was interrupted by a loud mewling. Eufrima came rushing towards her with a portion of her meal, Arsal had also stopped to eat but only to keep a distant eye on his daughter. His concern was understandable, though Luna wondered where the mother was.

‘No, thank you, Eufremia; I am not hungry. Maybe another time.’ She had gestured her refusal to take the girl’s gift.

Eufremia was clearly saddened about it; Luna pet her on the head to assure her that she was not mad at her. Luna then called for Arsal to take the girl.

‘Keep her safe, Arsal. You have a wonderful daughter.’

She was sure all her words had meant nothing, but he had nodded slightly. Putting Eufremia on his back, they returned to where the rest had gathered, but at the last second, Luna took the food Eufremia had proposed and ate a noticeable portion out of it.

The little girl rejoiced and that alone meant the world for them.

‘I promise to save you,’ she said, doubting if she could uphold her promise, but hoped it would reach them. ‘If I am not able to, I promise to remember your names. You will not be forgotten.’ She was confident about this last part. Their lives had been cut so brutally short. Every one of them had ambitions, desires, interests, and dreams once. They could have been something great. They could. The least she could offer them as compensation was her last promise.

They will be remembered. For eternity, they will be remembered.

‘I promise.’

Midnight

‘Those who promise us paradise in the world have produced anything but a hell.’

-Mekeskaf, heiress to Queen Beremaka of Hive Crucis.

‘What would it be for, then? To continue building the cloud habitations you are still promising to finish after fifteen years? Not a difficult one; hm? Five years you had assured – remember? You do not require our assistance,’ asserted the Duchess of Manehattan, playing with her red mane to entertain herself with something more worthwhile than the demands of the Baron of Ponderosa.

‘Ponderosa requires those resources more than you ever will!’

The baron’s voice surged in the open hallway. He appeared differently from his counterpart; he possessed a light gray fur with a silvered mane, while she proudly wore her deep beige. The guards remained impassive but stood ready to intervene in case talks soured – and it had been so many times before. In fact, those very same talks had occurred with those two more times than they ever cared to remember. Their dispute was important – they were sure – but as long as the guards were not ordered to act upon their training, they had to trudge through their disputes. A thing they reciprocated with their ruler with an equal tranquil stance, though theirs was less subtle.

The duchess remained proud. ‘We also have projects to finish; funds are also required.’

‘Ah, you lot in Manehattan are in need of funds, hein?’ he mocked. ‘Another palace for one of your children? A bribe for certain foreign traders that will only benefit y-’

‘I let you know that it does trickle down. Already the past year we have modernized the sewer system and expanded the baths. We have renovated popular habitations and ensured easier access to clean water for drink and farming! You criticize just to hide your shortcomings.’

They looked up toward Celestia. Her eyes were closed, letting out a serenity that in spite of how much they had been witness to it, still baffled them. A perfect statue made of the perfect white, representing all their different colorations in one. She was hearing them – that they knew. It was simply her favored method of comprehension; no emotion was apparent, no obvious slide to one’s side or the other. She wore an expression that irradiated with the patience and wisdom only a creature as she could conjure; yet it wasn’t all-encompassing. She was approachable and was known to crack jokes and accept some of those at her expense, but the feeling of having to restrain their words and carefully weave them with delicate attention lest it offends their ruler.

‘Alright,’ calmly interjected Celestia, widening her smile to ease down the building tensions between the two. One of them wanted to raise her voice but Celestia spoke more, preventing the Duchess from expressing her thoughts. ‘I can attest to the improvements you two have achieved. I would like to congratulate you once more on it.’

‘Thank you, Princess. It-’

‘However,’ she cut through the words like a newly smithed sword, ‘you indeed possess enough resources in your domain to assist your fellow Equestrians no matter the circumstances. I have not received anything pertaining to any significant projects you were entertaining. In fact, looking at the past year’s report and taking into consideration your economic activities, you will have a treasury in excess. Like previous year and the one preceding it.’

‘In turn, funds that can be sent,’ he pointed out.

Celestia nodded and then addressed one of them, but who exactly, they could not tell. ‘But for it to be done, you will need to purge your bureaucracy of the undesirables,’ added Celestia, letting out a certain assertiveness.

‘Yes, Princess,’ the duchess and baron conceded.

‘Wonderful! But to make sure, an arrest warrant has been sent to the head of the port and the head of customs, duchess. Also consider similar actions already under way, baron.’

‘But-’ she wanted to object. She had made her cousin as harbormaster and her brother as an in-charge of levying taxes on merchandise, their arrest would be disastrous and the investigation subsequent would spill out the end of her dynasty. She had been raised to be a duchess, not some lowly countess or, while it might sound odd, petty princess. Though, she knew she had already lost.

‘But nothing,’ interrupted Celestia. ‘Duchess, you will offer a loan and-’

‘We cannot afford loans, Princess,’ he admitted.

‘I would gladly offer you those funds – but with high collaterals.’

‘I know the interests you like to present for lenders!’

‘You can comb out the details during the night,’ said Celestia. She wanted to expand on that thought, but the duchess spoke first.

‘It will get stolen!’ Celestia looked down at her. She noticed her raised tone and then lowered it. ‘As they always do. Funds siphoned who-knows-where without any meaningful… anything! The west can barely differentiate between an apple and a pear.’ She paused. ‘Nor I would be able to distinguish between a learned scholar and a lowly common child.’

‘Enough,’ asserted Celestia.

‘You accuse and accuse but lack any substantial evidence!’ the duchess held on to her shout.

‘The Princess has spoken!’ he buried the knife deeper.

‘Let your absent one decide-’

‘You both speak as if you are innocent,’ eyed Celestia both of them; she clenched her teeth tight to not raise her voice. ‘Neither of you are. But one is more than the other, and that back and for during the past hour – Nay, the past two months! – has showcased how utterly biased you two are. That is baffling and childish.’

Seeing that neither of them wanted to add to the conversation, Celestia continued. ‘Now, kindly, go rest for the night, decide the method upon which we will conclude those talks, and we will continue in the morning. For better or worse, the matter will end tomorrow. It is summer, nights are always cooler here, it will lend will to thinking. And if no agreement is reached, I would have to partake in a more direct approach. Or the thing you are fearing could happen, duchess. The same applies to you too, baron. That is my final decision. Leave and good night.’

‘Good night, Princess Celestia,’ they said, bitterness and resentment apparent.

Celestia nodded back, letting them leave together.

Those two had only been the perfect topping for what had been another grueling day. A repeat of the same labors she experienced countless times over in her long life. She had to teleport herself into many locations to keep up with her engagements, leaving her drained utterly. Yet, it was not all done; some of the issues required more attention than she could offer in a single day or year. Her smile, once radiant and true, had turned into a fake one – a thing she had to wear to keep a semblance of what she had made the world believe to be real.

“I would have to partake in a more direct approach”; it possesses two meanings and she detested either one. Yet she had to use one of them from time to time when she had to capitulate to the requirements of certain individuals. Those two were the easy options, but she kept them as final options only. They terrified her of how easy the slide could be once she let herself go loose. She had to keep herself tethered, to not take the easy path. Many would suffer if she came to freely rely upon force of arms, but the equal opposite would occur if she did dived too freely in her current ways. Celestia still recalled vividly the early days and had no wish to see them go past once more. Peaceful negotiations are the way of things, nothing else.

The past was done; only the future mattered.

Celestia ponderously pushed her tired frame toward her room, telling a guard in his polished golden armor to inform Luna, if she would come to pass, of her location. Blood had gathered down to her legs, and they felt numb. You would think someone like her would have gotten used to such things after decades of repeating tiresome work. From personal experience, she could attest it was not the case. Finally releasing oneself after long hours was both elating and painful; she could never decide which was which. The question provided some amusement when she had the time to ponder such things. And liberating that time was a quest she constantly fought for. She tried many schedules and had put in place many contingencies. But Equestria was an annoying pet, constantly demanding her attention at every moment. Pre-planned schedules became obsolete as soon as they were finished, the ad-hoc became her go to. One talent she had found herself incredible at, and one she still enjoy to this day, was her ability to cleanly and perfectly scratch with a pen. Her writing was scribbles at the best of times, which made her appreciate the contrast even more. Small pinpricks of fun, she scattered above the redundancies and exasperations of her role, to brighten her simulacrum days. The routine embedded themselves.

At least she had Luna to harken brake the routine. To take her back to a time when such responsibilities were foreign to her. But her sister had turned more absent in the past years, leaving for even longer stretches. On the chance she would come, Celestia wished Luna’s advice. To reassure her in moments of doubt that she was acting in the correct course. She trusted her sister’s words, and would never dare doubt their veracity. In private, it was the reality of things. In public, however, Celestia had to walk a careful balance; she needed to trust her, but not naively follow her.

Celestia finally arrived at her bed. She let herself fall upon it, taking whatever pillow she could use without caring for the way her somewhat ornate quarters would look to outsiders. She can be awakened by some intruder in the early morning; she knew they would not dare levy anything toward her.

****

…

…

…

…

…

…

What are you?

I am Celestia. I am Luna’s sister.

What are you?

I am Celestia. I am Luna’s sister. I am the one that raises the Sun, the-

No. What are you truly to them?

To whom?

To them. What are you?

An Alicorn. My sister and I are Al-

What are you to them?

I don’t know.

What are you to them? Luna is the Maiden of Dreams. Who is Celestia to unleash upon them? What is Celestia to those that live common lives?

Their Prin-

What are you to them?

I am Celestia…

And?

I am Celestia.

And?

I… I am Celestia and I am Luna’s sister.

No-

‘Celestia?’ asked a faint and familiar voice.

‘Luna…’ Excitement was perceptible beneath her tired tone. Celestia wanted to raise her head to greet her properly, but she was too tired to even make do on that simple action. Luna stared down at her with distant eyes; her staleness was not betraying any want to aid her. Laboriously, Celestia put a pillow beneath her head so she could more easily talk with Luna. ‘I missed you.’

‘Me too.’ She showed no outward sign of emotion.

A thought passed Celestia’s mind; terrified and weary, she moved past it. ‘I require some-’

‘Later,’ Luna instantly interrupted, knowing well what she desired from her.

‘Not… Alright,’ Celestia accepted. ‘How was your day- your month- H-how are you, then…?’

Luna thought she heard the hint of a patronizing tone. She hid her disgust. ‘Nothing you should concern yourself with. I was here for an errand now finished. And what had needed to be done, was done; until they soar later in the ages. Equestria is stable for now, and the borders are safe; there is nothing major to be concerned about, sister. Everything, and I repeat,’ she held on to a hiss, ‘everything is fine in the realm.’

She knew Luna was lying on the last part, but Celestia could not help but to smile at it. ‘True… Why don’t you sit?’

‘You need sleep. Look at yourself!’ She purposefully exaggerated her movements. But then remembered the baffled decorum, and ceased instantly. ‘And I have my duties, now,’ added Luna.

‘Yes… That you do…’ She had hoped for more that time.

‘Do not want me to perform what is mine to do?’ Luna scorned.

Celestia did not answer for a second. ‘Of course not.’

‘Then I have my work to perform. The Moon was raised; I am already late for it. I am busy.’

‘Excuse me, Luna. I just hoped we could’ – she yawned – ‘… that we could talk a little more.’

‘About what?’ Luna denounced.

Celestia closed her eyes. ‘Anything. At least before you leave again.’ There was a certain sadness underneath, but so sheaved it was that it could easily go unnoticed.

‘I have my own duties, Celestia,’ stated Luna.

‘You can choose the ones close to here…’

‘I do not like it here. Everyone acts fake and too full of themselves for me to ever even consider their issues anything worthwhile. Their opulence has changed them.’ She approached Celestia, her whisper cold like a winter storm. ‘You want me to desert the border regions and any other more fringe locations? To leave aside the forgotten and the weak in profit of those you deal with daily? No. No, I will not choose the ones close to here.’ She lifted her head up, leveling her voice. ‘Other regions require my attention, you know it. You good at what you do.’

Luna smiled, expecting a rebuttal, but nothing came as Celestia had slipped into sleep.

‘Good night,’ grunted Luna.

She noticed Celestia lacking proper cover. It was cold tonight; better she did not catch anything with her eating habits; Celestia had a more sensitive stomach. Luna carefully adjusted Celestia’s position and tugged her. She opened her eyes in a slight squint.

‘Just helping you,’ reassured Luna.

‘…Thank you…’ whispered Celestia.

‘Don’t mention it.’

‘Lu-luna…’ she pushed out.

‘Yes?’

‘Am I good at what I do?’

Luna’s smile returned. ‘Are you doubting yourself?’ she asked in a soft voice.

Celestia closed her eyes again.

Luna, knowing deep down Celestia would not answer her, would then utter the words that had trapped them for eternity. ‘Like me – we are Alicorns. We are their rulers. We were fated to that role and that is what was, is, and will ever be. Fate is what has taken us to the road that leads to rulership. We are beholden to fate. Nothing more.’

‘And we are sisters,’ she faintly added, too quiet to be made out but loud enough for Luna’s ears to perceive.

What could have been Luna’s earnest answer turned into a mocking truth as the brief ripples of smile made themselves manifest. ‘And we are sisters.’

Celestia seemed to had not heard beyond the words as she returned to sleep with no concern behind Luna’s tone.

‘Good night, Celestia.’

A retinue of ten guards that had followed her to Celestia’s chamber greeted Luna as she finally exited the room. She thanked them with a simple nod. She then followed the long corridor illuminated by the full Moon shining its silver light through the ceilings’ windows to wherever her hooves would take her.

As per their training and remit, the guards followed – unicorns in the middle next to the Princess, pegasi standing in a concentric circle, and a single earthbound selected according to peculiar talents was their officer. An ancient layout she had put in place herself and one still followed unaltered through the centuries. All wore the white and gold of Celestia’s close retinue. Well, their close retinue – Luna had mostly ignored hers. They were still present, wearing their midnight-black armor proudly, but she did not care for their display. She did not trust them to be good enough; they were kept on the rims of her personal domain in a semblance of important positions. In secret, however, Luna had built for herself a loyal entourage, vested with similar armor but with helms designed to hide their features completely.

The Batponies were more disciplined than the others and obeyed orders with a passion others lacked. Even within the ranks of her official wardens, they were more present predominant, but she saw them as too soft.

The hidden force were her personal project; so, she cajoled them and adorned their protective plates with all the intricate designs her mind could etch. She divided them into six groups, each with unique decorations to indicate their belonging. Of course, not all were stationed in her castle. Regularly, one would be rotated with the three constantly present. And contrary to their official counterparts, no limit was set on their numbers.

‘You can return to your positions,’ she addressed them all with the authority of her role.

‘We are-’ began the officer.

‘I will not be remaining here. Take the night off – I insist.’

They bowed. ‘Thank you, Princess,’ said the officer.

‘Good night.’

‘Good night, Princess Luna. May you stay safe on your travels.’

‘I will. I know how to defend myself.’

‘We’ve read the histories.’

Luna nodded, smiling wearily.

The guards turned in unison and she moved to a balcony that overlooked the valley underneath.

Arriving there, she stopped and took her time to look at the Moon. Her eyes betrayed nothing. Her gaze then turned toward the constellations. Every culture had given them their unique set of names – born from local legends or ones birthed from whatever stories taken or adopted from foreign cultures. For Equestria, it was all of them but, in truth, laid mostly from the very, very scant information the once Crystal Empire indulged the world with. Luna never, even in the early days, was able to remember their names and never tried to. Instead, she amused herself by giving each name of her making. They were repetitive but great entertainment for her. One that was typically given the shape of a bright shooting star with a tail tucked underneath, she gave it the name Araris – the name had no particular meaning but sounded right to her.

‘Princess Luna!’ cried two voices she did not recognize interrupted her alone time. The guard had stopped them from moving closer; she ordered for them to release the two.

‘What is the matter,’ Luna addressed the two nobles before they could have reached her as they bowed all the way to her.

‘We are in a conundrum, the duchess and I,’ he began.

‘Rise, both of you.’

She paused for them to do so, hoping to not ask the following question.

They reached her and waited for Luna to speak first.

Protocol. Right. ‘And who are you?’ she smirked but it quickly deflated as Luna continued. ‘And of which duchy and other domains are you the head of?’

‘I am Baron Aurelian Silver of Ponderosa.’

‘I am Duchess Star Dusk of Manehattan.’

‘Greetings, then. What is the matter of your dispute?’

‘Majesty,’ Aurelian said, ‘our dispute has been solved. As far as we are concerned, though. However, we’ve found another solution to it, and we are not sure if your Sister would appreciate hearing it brought up.’

Luna sat down on the cold flour. ‘Let me be candid: so you have found a way to protect your interests? Family is on the line, right? Or yourselves, presumably? Or precisely, yourselves. At any rate, you want me to make sure you keep doing what you do, to go against her. I have no interests doing so, though know I am not too lenient. I am sure bureaucrats have been ordered to be disposed of – close ones or valuable ones, it matters not. You want me to keep those you care about out of harm – and yourselves similarly. If your decision does not benefit Equestria in a net positive, than you can consider every word you will utter as void and pointless.’

Eerie – that was the first word that came into Star Dusk’s mind. But there was a charm in the flow of her words that kept Dusk focused and wanting to hear all that she had to say.

‘It is for the benefit of Equestria,’ answered Aurelian, equally – if more so – fascinated by her directness. He then explained at length and with unnecessary detail the whole scope of the plan they had wrought. Star Dusk wasn’t able to put one word through, content to let Aurelian speak in that impromptu passion. She took passing glances toward Luna. She looked bored by it. Ready to let go of the whole thing at moment’s notice. Is that the reason a de facto regency had been established? Was this the wall Astra had to deal with?

‘Will you assist us, Highness?’ he concluded.

‘I will write a missive letting her know my standing. I let you know I have heard some interesting news from your harbor, duchess. And I have people ready to act, baron.’

Star Dusk swallowed her spittle. Silver kept looking in captivation.

‘I will not be too lenient, Baron Aurelian Silver – I know what you do, but rarely cared to force you into a change since otherwise, everything’s still fine.’

‘Thank you, my Princess!’ He knelt in front of her. ‘I will strive to improve my domain for you!’ He kept his head low.

She did not force him up but hated his sudden show of zeal; Luna looked back at Star. ‘Duchess… about the port… let us talk in private. Do not worry, it will be short. Your sleep, I mean,’ Luna laughed quietly.

Star joined her after a second, understanding the joke Luna said.

Luna then told Aurelian to step aside, taking Star aside on the balcony from potential prying ears.

Barely half an hour later, Star Dusk exited from the balcony as Luna disappeared into the night, her shape vanishing under the light of the full Moon.

Star joined Aurelian; he had kept his gaze fixated on Luna’s flight even after she became invisible to the eye.

‘You’d never seen her before now?’ asked Star.

‘No. It is a rare occurrence. That is why it is fascinating.’

‘I know that,’ she whispered. ‘But you’ve changed demeanor so fast – even just knowing she was here made you ecstatic. And after two months of seeing your fetid face, I am surprised.’

‘Before she died, my mother saw Her once. And since then, almost twenty cycles later, I’ve always wished to meet with Her personally.’

‘You act like the Griffons,’ accused Star Dusk. ‘Like they do to their Gods,’ she accused.

‘Really?’ he softly replied. ‘What is a being like Her Majesty otherwise?’

She shuffled her teeth, not knowing what to add to it. The thought had never occurred to her. All those dealings with Celestia striped every morsel of the more divine aspect she had for the Princess. She still respected her, but more the respect and loyalty of a vassal towards its feudal liege.

Star Dusk looked up to the Moon and like the baron gazed passively towards it.

‘We can’t do that with the Sun,’ he added. ‘It is comforting.’

‘I guess so,’ she thoughtfully said, not diverting her attention. ‘I guess so.’

One Good Night

‘Cold baths are best during winter!’

-Some odd, sober bloke from northern Equestria.

[Couple of weeks later;]

The repeating whine of a pleasant melody hummed inside one of the bathrooms of Luna’s castle, one usually reserved for the few permanent servants she kept around. True to their vows, they kept the castle and all the publicly known rooms clean. It was the paramount order of their mistress. She might not dwell long within the castle’s wall, but she was nonetheless stringent about its cleanliness.

While the melody had begun unimpeded, a cry would overshadow it nearly completely.

‘Here! The water’s better now?’

‘No, it is still too cold!’ vigorously replied Eufrimia.

‘Just dip one hoof in it, damn it!’

Luna forced Eufrimia to do so, shutting her instantly as she let her battle in the hot water.

‘So?’ asked Luna.

‘Better,’ she grudgingly agreed. ‘It is… acceptable.’

‘Your behavior was unacceptable, however.’

‘Shut up,’ she grumbled. ‘It is your fault it is too cold outside.’

‘It is my house, Eufi.’

‘I don’t care. I don’t like you.’

‘Likewise. Now, take that bath!’

‘But can you stop the music first? It’s too loud and it’s bothering me.’

Loud? Yeah, perhaps. But for Luna, it wasn’t too horrendous, though she sometimes forgot how loud sounds can be to Eufrimia’s ears. At least, she did not complain about the music itself. It was something she had kept from early years – though, she had to admit, wasn’t sure where her additions and the original ending were. For some reason, it did not bother her as it would have for other things.

‘It is never hot enough.’

‘It is bloody boiling! I can barely see from the mist.’

‘You can leave me to bath on my own, you know?’

‘I can, myes, but I have nothing particularly important to do today, so…’

‘Hm…’ For no reason she slapped the water and then in a quick flash of movement, Eufrimia threw some at Luna. ‘Revenge,’ she hissed.

Opening her eyes, Luna saw Eufrimia gathering the falling fur into a ball. She took it from her and threw the heap into a bag.

She forcibly grabbed Eufrimia by the head and forced the foal to clean the empty patches that had formed.

‘Your fur is receding on a faster pass – it is good. But you need to keep yourself clean regardless.’

‘I hope it won’t,’ she snatched her head out, ‘be colder after I lose it all.’

‘It will regrow. It already has in some places – I will show you them when we finish.’ Euftrimia took a small bucket, filled it with water, and dropped it on herself. Between all of this, Luna thought she had heard her agreeing.

The girl wanted to say something, but a small amount of water filled her nostrils, making her cough. Luna had told her the sensation of a burn was normal; she could not help to worry it was actually the case.

‘If you are still cold, I will get you warmer clothes. Or you can just huddle next to me as usual.’

The foal coughed out the last bit of lingering water. ‘Sometimes you are not here. Under your wings is very warm. Can I come with you?’

‘You will have to ask your father when he comes here. I will not provide an immediate answer. In the meanwhile, Eufi, you will stay in your room with the toys I bought you. Or, alternatively, you can practice reading and writing while I’m gone. Angle Right will be there too, lest you forget about her.’ In all honesty, Luna had almost forgotten about her. The mare was trusted to keep the secret of Eufrimia but had a personality that made her utterly forgettable. She was married to one of the captains of her Thestral guards and she liked… drinking water. Luna did not know, but she knew Right Angle and the captain were very close to each other and she was the first one that had volunteered to be a teacher for the young Eufrimia.

‘Yeah… I prefer when you are here.’ She cleaned her eyes by throwing water on her face, making sure to only speak when the water dripped down completely. ‘But you would agree for me to come, no?’

‘I don’t care.’

‘Will I see your sister one day?’ asked Eufrimia, letting Luna drying her up. She could do it on her own and made a show of her abilities to do so, but Luna was nothing but insistent on her decision.

‘What is her name?’

Eufrimia grunted, amusing Luna. ‘Celestia – happy?’

‘Good. At any rate, if you want to, I will let you meet her. But she is always tired or tied to something at day’s end. Not to mention that she is far from here and teleporting…’

‘But you are strong! You raise the Moon!’

‘You can say that,’ she mused. ‘But I am not immune to exertion. It will be difficult. In time though…’

Another set of words she did not understand. ‘What?’

‘What, what?’

‘What “immoone to exertion” mean?’

‘It means that I, too, can get tired. Teleportation is a fi- Uhh… difficult thing. Few master it to use it as easily as we do, but it is a deceptively simple spell to learn. It will burn out the user almost instantly of all magical essence. Yet for some reason, they still try to learn it knowing the risk it entails.’

‘Teleporting soun…uhh… sounds fun, though.’

Luna started to clean Eufrimia’s ears, knowing it would make her listen. ‘It is, yes. But it is not envied on my part. Trust me, it is really not worth it most of the time.’

‘I trust you-’ Luna pressed harder inside Eufrimia’s left ear – the one that typically hurt her the most but also the one that tends to get the dirtiest. ‘Stop it!’ She turned and snatched the towel out of Luna’s grip. ‘I will do it myself. You always hurt me here!’

Luna laughed. ‘Sorry, not sorry.’ She got up. ‘I will leave you to dry and wear your clothes. Don’t expect me to help you this time around, okay?’

‘’Kay,’ she mumbled.

‘I will be next to the fireplace, waiting for you. Hm?’

‘Yes… Uhh… Luna? Why don’t you stay with Celestia during the winter?’

Her expression curled into something approximating anger. ‘It is better this way.’ She turned back toward the door. ‘Finish your errands.’

It was almost noon – at least, Eufrimia thought it to be so. It was hard to tell during winter. It was snowing outside, but Luna had forbidden her from going out to observe the snow fall on her own.

When Luna would be deep asleep and the temperature high enough, Eufrimia would venture toward the high-up window to watch the cascading white powder. She was short but tall enough for a head to peer out from the window. She would get a cramp after a while, earn sore hooves, and light sunburns she managed to hide with her fur and the light of dancing flames. But all things considered, the experience was worth it. Besides, when it would eventually calm down, Luna had promised to play with her outside.

That day, she had elected exactly that. Luna was sleeping like a rock and the snow had ceased its never-ending descent. The Sun was hidden behind thick clouds and the room temperature seemed just about right for her to make that escape without Luna noticing.

Getting up from under Luna’s wing, gently resting it to not provoke her, and leaving the warmth of the blanket, Eufrimia began to make her way to the window.

Eufrimia slid down the bed, dropping on the carpeted floor with a resonating boom. Wary she had awakened Luna, the foal kept staring her until she had deemed it safe to continue.

The silence following the storm was almost deafening. After hours of never-ending strong winds, it was weird to finally return to the prior silence. Decorations had been thrown by the wind, trees were wrenched with tremendous force, and the sound of random doors slamming in the distance had prevented Eufrimia from founding quick sleep. Luna had seemed unfazed by the terrible cacophony around them. When Eufrimia thought the entire construction might fall down upon them, nestling closer to Luna, she had told the girl a story of an ugly little fish that quested to find beauty. Of course the fish did complete his quest, but Luna had lured her into the false impression of an end where it had all being futile. Eufrimia did not like it and had made her know. In return, it earned the foal some harsh words.

Yet, she could still hear the small hiss of the wind whistling from whatever imperfections in the castle’s frame. She was sure the guards had heard her getting up from bed, but Hekatomb promised to let her do her escapades. Each steps sounded louder and more profound, no matter how much she waltzed, a smothered echo was still distastefully resonating in the frankly too immense room – or she was simply too short for it. Eufrimia always thought this castle was too big for what it was used for. She like the decorations, but for almost none activity within, it was empty. Though other rooms were more spacious, the need to make this particular one that big did not register into the foal’s mind. To hold court? With the cold outside? Those Equestrians must be stupid, or Luna more so for guiding them here when they demand so. The latter seemed less plausible. Angle Right once told her that Luna – or “Princess Luna” – rarely, if ever, had held court or summoned of her own accord any Pony with power. In fact, since Angle Right had been married, only once had it been done. Maybe even on accident after a dispute had erupted between the Sisters over some problem Angle could not recall the details of.

Eufrimia wasn’t sure what holding court actually entails, but it sounded important. As all words Luna would say.

Audiences occurred sparingly when she permitted the scant notables to enter her presence. From what Eufrimia noticed from the heavy curtains she hid in, few emerged out from their meeting with satisfactory results. Luna was almost forcing them out, she felt.

A scurry of multiple elements came down crashing all their fury upon the castle. Yet, Luna did not wake up to what was befalling them. The shelves of some old library was close to them, its books able of entertaining them for the whole season. To make Luna proud of her, Eufrimia had taken to read even more. She had improved considerably, and she came to understand that her silent approval coupled with a nod of her head, was enough to express appraisal.

Reaching the window, she could only stare at the frost that had gathered on its edges. She wanted to curse it with all the words Angle Right had unintentionally taught her; it was then that she recalled having wings. At least, the remnants of ones. But above anything else, she wanted to see the garden and rampart covered in snow.

‘It is my dream, after all,’ she whispered to herself, only turning to make sure if Luna had woken up. Except for the more present sound of burning wood, nothing else seemed to have changed.

She tried to fly once. Then a second a time. Then a third. A fourth and fifth time. Nothing that took her higher than a simple jump.

Then she heard the door open. Not thinking twice, she rushed back to Luna’s side. At her speed, she twisted on the thick carpet’s edge. Hekatomb dropped his load of wood and ran to help the foal.

‘Are you alright?’ he asked in his typical low voice.

Eufrimia nodded in a curse, scared of Luna’s reaction.

‘You can leave the logs here, Hekatomb. I will take care of those,’ whispered Luna, barely startled by the noise.

He nodded, replying his acceptance with a somewhat trembling voice. He left immediately, his head bowed, unable to stare at Luna directly but he had enough will to reassure the young Thestral.

Luna raised her head and yawned profoundly, then turned toward Eufrimia. She had approached but kept a distance from her.

Not feeling the need to use her strength to keep her head up, Luna rested it on her cushion and drew the blanket closer.

‘I used to force my sister to stay next to the fire, the same I do with you. I don’t want you to get sick, that is all. You are still a child… I don’t want to explain your ordeal to your father.’

She wasn’t sure what she meant by that last part – no matter to her. ‘You can get sick?’

‘Yes, of course. We are still…’ She hesitated. ‘… like you.’

‘I’m sorry, mom.’

‘Excuse me?’

She stayed quiet for a second, trying to put together what she just had said. ‘I’m sorry, Luna.’

‘Come here.’ She offered Eufrimia her side. ‘Don’t stay out in the cold.’

Eufrimia sat next to Luna, under her wing. Luna then draped them with a thick blanket.

Luna closed her eyes once more and whispered to, for her liking, a too quiet Eufrimia. ‘I know I’ve promised. Later, later. Just don’t underestimate the cold. If you get sick, you won’t be able to play later. Understand?’

‘What if it snows again?’

‘It will not. Trust me. And even it does, I will make sure it doesn’t.’

She turned to face her and kissed Luna. ‘Sorry for waking you up.’

Luna’s lips twitched. ‘Don’t think I am displeased. My night was not pleasant.’

‘Again?’

Luna nodded; she did not want to expand more on the subject.

The foal smuggled closer to Luna. ‘You have another story?’

‘I have a lot of stories,’ she smiled. ‘A whole lot…’

****

Luna would make do with her promise at nightfall.

Shielding them from the scorching cold with magic, Luna taught the foal how to build the sturdiest of snow castles. Then, getting bored, Eufrimia threw a snowball at Luna. She reiterated. The foal threw another one. The skirmish quickly morphed into a tense battle that lasted for one whole hour of constant back and for. Luna used her wings for maximum efficiency, running between quickly built fortifications that shielded her little from Eufrimia’s more than accurate throws.

Knowing she might lose, Eufrimia gradually constructed a circular fort between lulls. Luna played with her scheme and made to weaken the structure with precise hits on points that would not harm the girl.

After a few minutes, Eufrimia began to lack ammunition. Digging deeper in the snow, the foal formed her ultimate weapon and hurled her final snowball with ultimate precision.

It hit Luna on the head mid-run, throwing her out of balance in a loud grunt, and knocking her head first into the snow.

A small rock had hit Luna on the head, bruising her a little. It was nothing, but the foal knew it not. Fearing of having injured her, Eufrimia abandoned her fort and ran to Luna’s side.

She did not bow and beg for forgiveness, as Luna had expected. Instead, Eufrimia leaned on her and franticly searched for the bruise. Not finding a thing, the girl lowered her head to Luna’s level; then in a low, shy voice, she asked if Luna could forgive her.

Luna’s expression beamed. Her smile widened. Then she started laughing a loud, genuine laugh.

Eufrimia’s worry dissipated, only to be brought back when distant howls were heard, an instinctive reaction she could not control.

Putting a hoof behind Eufrimia’s neck and guiding her head in front of her, Luna attempted to reassure her. ‘Wolves – those are wolves, Eufi.’

She pressed herself closer for an embrace that readily came. ‘Th-… that is their sound?’

Luna nodded. ‘They are mighty creatures. In winter, there must be some trespassers of some rival pack. Or they are hunting for sus- food.’

‘They are not coming here? Right?’

She snorted. ‘No. We are next to a big forest; that is why it is so audible. Usually, however, they don’t venture close to population centers.’ Her tone turned dour. Eufrimia recoiled her head. ‘But people tend to believe they will attack them. We are not food for them … No matter. For later. Regardless, you prove that no one learns – no matter how much you might insist. I told you, and you read of it. Wolves are dangerous only when purposefully provoked!’

Eufrimia shuffled closer. ‘I’m sorry.’

Luna took a deep breath and gestured for the girl to get up. Dusting the snow from of her cloth, she gestured forward. ‘Time for you to rehearse what you were taught, girl.’

And they say I am the kid here… she thought. ‘Coming. Coming.’

Luna did not hear her as she quickly moved inside the castle.

The Visitors

‘And they are gone into the halls of time!’

-Declaration by an extravagant wizard after casting his excretion spell.

In the modern age, Griffonstone, and the eponymous kingdom it is the capital of, are synonymous with degradation and precarity. The once great and proud kingdom fell to, vulgarizing it, a lack of faith in the ruling house in the aftermath of the loss of the ancient chalice that had been utilized by the first of the imperial line to found the Griffonian Empire – the first of its kind, having united nearly all Griffon nations under the rule of one. An Empire that, if no turn of faith would occur, was itself on the verge of total collapse. Though blaming the reason on simply the loss of the Icon of Boreas was childishly sidelining the myriad of problems that had come to plague both Kingdom and Empire.

The loss of such an icon served only to represent what is rarely associated with the Griffon: dedication of belief.

While associated with the gathering of wealth above any means and asserting their position in whatever theater they find themselves in, it is faith that is the guiding principle of the species. Be it expressed in political or religious beliefs, they, more than any other, are willing to defend their creed with great zeal.

Religious might differ from region to region, but most of Griffons were united by the belief in their three main deities: Boreas, Eyr, and Arcturus. The first gave the Griffons the concept of the value of a nation, wealth, and having a friend. The second gave them the concept of family and camaraderie. The third taught them and gave them the means to defend themselves. Each branch ruled by an archon since times immemorial. And with the gradual decline of Griffonstone and the rise of the Empire, the archons were dispersed, their unity questioned by worried voices.

Even still, Griffonstone was not the first capital of the Triarchy.

Nestled on an elevated plateau on the western mountain range to Griffonstone, abandoned with time following its sacking by a weird alliance of Griffon and the non-Equestria aligned Pony tribes, declared holy ground by the three Archons with any reconstruction prohibited, Anih was “the City that Was”.

Two figures strode the strewed ruins of the City of a Thousand and One Temples – an impressive name for a village of fewer than one thousand inhabitants. Little was left of those one thousand temples except lone standing arches and walls without a house or temple to call its own. Few relatively intact buildings remained still, with only one, standing on the edge of what was once the central plaza, appearing to have lost little of its past majesty.

The two figures continued toward the nature-conquered gardens of the Royal Palace. No roof covered the castle, with only a few columns protruding out of the long grass growing between the pavements. The rulers of Anih were never truly the Archons, though they held near unparalleled temporal power, it was the King of Anih that ruled the city, acting as a mediator between the Archons. With time, the position had morphed into a symbol of the unity of the Three and an integral part of the Triarchy.

When Atlida moved in during the Centennial Crisis of the Arantigan Empire, Anih was devastated beyond imagining. The temples ruined and sacked, the inhabitants forced to flee or taken into slavery, and the ruling dynasty slayed as it defended the Griffon Gate – of which, only the statue of warrior remained. But for the Archons, letting go of the city gifted by the Gods was simply impermissible. The Archon of Arcturius, after receiving news of Altida’s forces disengaging to descend the mountain, mustered forces and came down with righteous punishment on the accursed raiders.

In the aftermath, the Three declared that Anih would never be rebuilt. The sacking showcasing that the Gods no longer favored a city that had fallen from its height.

Luna concluded her brief retelling of the history of Anih. The winds raged stronger, penetrating the confines of the ancient palace with a freezing breeze, heralding the upcoming night.

Eufrimia and Luna tucked their heads instantly. Eufrimia took her orange mane and wrapped it around her neck. The foal that she once was had shed all the vestiges of her early life. Her fur was of a light-dark color, with a strip of white descending from her ears, passing by her a sharp jawline, towards her wingless back. She possessed small, almost unnoticeable fangs and clear, intensely orange eyes that Luna liked but always seemed to divert her gaze from. A hard task; Eufrimia grew to slightly pass her in height.

‘Why wear all of this?’ bitterly asked Eufrimia, pointing out the thick clothes Luna had insisted they both wore for their trip – Eufrimia’s first outside Equestria. Her father would have joined them, sticking closely to his only. For all had found themselves infertile with no cure for it.

Her natural mother had died before the curse. Perhaps simple instincts for the level of care Luna presented to the girl was more than she did for any of the tribe. Eufrimia’s decision went against her father’s wishes, and so both he and Luna rarely spoke in turn. In fact, he did not exactly like her. Respect for she was, but nothing more – and he made it known. While in front of her, Luna would keep calling by the name the corrupted child had given, with the father alone Luna referred to Eufremia by her first name. Eufraty Mia suspected it was the only reason he had not seethed completely against Luna.

Eufrimia had been reunited with her father after New Year. But like most of her tribe, he was aloof, apprehensive, and fearful of venturing out of their hold within the castle’s empty dungeons. Other than her and Luna, everyone else had been prevented from entering. The Batponies could venture out at their hearts’ content, but few ever did beyond the confines of the castle. Of them, only Eufrimia’s father had traveled truly but never out of pleasure, though he cherished every moment spent with his daughter.

‘Because it’s more fun this way,’ Luna pleasantly answered, raising back her head.

‘Being cold is not fun, though…’

‘It is, for me.’ Luna kept her smile.

Eufrimia winced, reducing the glow of her eyes, feeling almost infuriated by her blissful smile. Luna’s concept of fun had always felt awkward and out of place for her. Her almost constant denial of utilizing her powers for the sake of simple amusement when it could have been far simpler and more convenient to use them was a point of frustration for the young Batpony.

She could see the reasoning behind it, but Luna’s not-so-hidden constant sarcastic tone put doubt on how much she could reason about the Alicorn’s attitude.

Luna continued to add on the history of Anih and the region to distract Eufrimia from the cold.

‘It was once part of the great Arantigan Empire.’

‘What happened to it?’

‘I thought I was obvious with the raids, economic collapse, and rebellions…’ said Luna, like stating the obvious to a petulant student. She could not blame Eufrimia to think so; after all, Equestria was standing still. ‘Nothing that should surprise you. Anih, however, is relatively more recent. As I said, the Archons used to call it home before taking briefly Griffonstone as a new residence. It was during our time, not prior – just to reiterate. Aaand to be sure. Focus more next time.’

‘Yeah, yeah… It’s old. I get it.’

‘Hm,’ Luna agreed. She pointed to the horizon. ‘The “trade” “city” of Sisia still exists, perhaps we will visit it after finishing here. Usually, pilgrims stay there instead of resting in one of the “hotels” and “inns” of current Anih.’

‘Odd.’

‘Yes, it is,’ she laughed. ‘But, hey, it is expensive here and the people are not very welcoming either. Plus Sisia has some amazing gardens… And a quick road to the Fortress of Oblivion!’ Luna cried the name out.

‘Damn!’ laughed back Eufrimia. ‘What happens there? Dark magic? Those things from your early reign imprisoned there? Deranged writers?’

‘Just a prison… for bandits and the occasional usurper – which is basically the same but with a more fashionable name.’

‘Not wrong. So torture is implied?’

‘Wrong! Well, the wind currents are so horrendous that flying is practically a death wish there, but otherwise, for having been a prisoner there once, it was alright.’

‘They imprisoned one of the Princesses of Equestria and did not notice!?’

Luna proudly nodded.

‘And why were you imprisoned?’

‘I am very good at disguising myself.’ She nudged Eufrimia. ‘As for the reason why: I stole water and was pestering a local herder by playing around with local wolf packs. They were very cute. And her dog was very cute too.’

Eufrimia laughed, carving a wider smile on Luna’s expression.

‘Stealing water,’ the mare repeated, cleaning her throat from laughing. ‘You can do worse.’

It had rained the day prior to their arrival and the air still retained that distinct smell. Turning her head toward the partially demolished wall, opening to a cloud glimmering in the distant light of the setting Sun. It extended in length from the bottom of a distant valley to its flat upper edge. From its side, a rainbow appeared shyly on the cloud’s right. Its colors dissipated behind a nearby peak covered by eternal snow. She had never witnessed such a site. Then again, it had been a long while since she had taken this much notice of the landscape around her.

Maybe the work of Cloudsdale, she laughed to herself.

‘In retaliation, I made it rain. The bastards were grateful, regretfully.’

Eufrimia stifled a laugh.

‘Then I made it snow, and then battle ensued. Someone named… Carlos? Yeah, him, won. But he had cheated.’

‘Like you don’t.’ Eufrimia punched Luna. ‘You were made cheated.’

Luna laughed loudly.

Getting past the still-in-use aqueduct, Luna sat down and made upon her talent. It had become a mundane thing for Eufrimia, it had lost its impressiveness to her. She would have vastly preferred staying around to talk with Cherry Aurora, a servant’s child with no particular future entailed to her except inheriting her mother’s position, rather than staying with Luna. Once she did and Luna worried sick about her absence. Luna had found both mares simply discussing whatever book Cherry had chosen to study as part of Eufrimia’s attempt at teaching her literature. She turned out better than her, and the Thestral felt inferior by it. Though her father had taught her to not let jealousy be the defining feature of her life, the gnawing feeling did not subside completely. However, in discussing the deeper meanings of writings, Eufrimia prided herself on being unsurpassed. And it was during one of her tirades that Luna came to liberate Aurora from what had started about flowers to the existentialism of investable decay – somehow.

Luna had been worried, yes, but that factor had not been the one taking Eufrimia to see the Alicorn rise to the Moon. When the Princess had come barreling in, Cherry’s demeanor… shifted. Not in the way expected for a servant meeting with its master, but rather something more…existential. Looking at Luna directly was an effort. Presenting excuses for an error that wasn’t hers was an even greater effort.

At that time, Eufrimia thought only Batpony like her were immune to whatever aura Luna emitted. But a brief trip to the south of Equestria proved her wrong. The unease was universal.

Luna could attune it, and she had done so many times effortlessly. But Luna wasn’t exactly the most diplomatic of individuals and without that… thing, she had to pour more effort. The slight effort, for she still was an Alicorn, but enough to tire her.

‘So it is here everything Griffon was born?’ Eufrimia tried to soften the tense atmosphere.

‘Uhm,’ Luna nodded. ‘It is one of their oldest settlements. If not the oldest. Though more on Griffon’s history can wait. Understand I don’t feel like reciting it at all the moment.’

‘Not that I would complain hearing you ramble.’

Luna loudly grunted, clearly signaling a certain agreement in the wind, trying to concentrate on the clouds disposition.

Suddenly, the wind took up speed, racking its harsh coolness upon the open plateau. Luna continued her walk unbothered, but Eufrimia was halted nearly instantly. Instinctively, she closed her eyes. The the sky cleared, revealing a shy Sun.

Eufrimia felt something gently grabbing her; still with enough force to push her wholly to who-knows-where as she felt her body lightening and flying above the ground.

‘Are you okay?’ worried Luna, frantically inspecting Eufrimia. ‘Does it burn somewhere?’ Eufrimia did not answer at first, still shaken by the experience. ‘Answer me, Eufi!’ her voice edged on an order.

‘Yeah…’ She opened her eyes to a night sky and Luna’s eyes searching for any sunburn.

‘You’re dizzy.’

She scratched her head. ‘Something you did. You tell me.’

‘I had to rush you behind this wall.’ She did not elaborate further. ‘Besides that are you okay? And excuse me about it.’

‘Nothing hurts. The Sun was weak, no worries. Everything’s fine.’

The wind returned again with a vengeance, taking in its thralls Eufrimia’s mane; Luna’s remaining in its ever-waving state, unbothered by the elements.

‘The wind is strong!’ shouted Eufrimia.

‘You get used to it!’ said Luna. ‘We can make this visit a yearly habit if you want?’

‘I don’t mind! But I would prefer dad to come with us next time… Maybe we can plan it for my birthday or something.’

The wind receded.

Luna paused to clean he eyes.

‘Whatever you like. If it makes you happy – that is most important to me.’

‘Yeah,’ she giggled. ‘Yeah… Maybe under the Sun, eh? Why not?’

‘Yes,’ Luna sighed. ‘And that’s…’ She scratched the back of her head, ‘…a problem.’

‘Explain.’

‘Doesn’t matter.’

Eufrimia wanted to yell at herself.

‘And you,’ coughed Eufrimia, ‘are too melodramatic for my taste,’ she widely smile.

Luna smiled back, ‘I am not fun – am I?’

‘Nope!’ It had exited too true for her liking. ‘I like to not have fun. I adore it.’

‘Sometimes I prefer when you were still a throbbing, drooling thing.’

‘I can still become one, but I don’t like the feel of saliva dripping down, you know?’

Luna laughed profusely as she prepared to rise to the Moon.

Heading close to a cliff in the early hours of dawn, offering a view to a great plain where streams ran directly from the mountains above, the profound sound of bells toned in long intervals a weak wind transporting it through the tall grass. A dog barked and the orderly yells of a family of Griffons joined to fill the silence and add their chores to the serene surroundings.

For a long while, no words were shared between the two mares. Sleep was rapidly conquering them but had insisted for Eufrimia to witness Anih at dawn. The temporary spell cast by Luna was fading but just enough to keep enough energy.

Perhaps the herder had noticed them. Luna did not really care. She knew how disinterested those folks could be in things not directly threatening their animals.

‘Want to eat?’

‘Not particularly. No,’ answered Eufrimia.

‘I’m hungry. Want us to eat now?’

‘If you can’t wait-’

‘I can. But you also have to understand that hunger is a very grievous thing. Particularly for those in my standing,’ she jested.

Eufrimia grinned and jokingly bowed. ‘Excuse me, Princess.’

‘That’s more like it!’

She presented a piece of plain cake; no frivolity, no weird mixture of fruit, but a barely perceivable lemony flavor. ‘I don’t want one.’ Luna insisted, the bag dangling more aggressively. ‘I said no.’ Luna pushed further. ‘No!’

Not bothering to lower her head, Luna dropped the bag on the floor. ‘I know you like those.’

‘That is why I don’t want one. After a while, they stop tasting good.’

‘I-’ she muffled something. ‘Don’t come to me later for them.’

‘I won’t, fatty.’

‘I’m not fat!’

‘Of course, you aren’t. Those with problems are usually the first to deny them,’ she cackled on the side of her mouth.

‘Don’t do your philosophy on me. I hate it!’

Begrudgingly, Eufrimia took out a cake, splitting it for Luna before offering it back to her. All the while, she had kept a malign expression that made Luna puff. The Alicorn was hungry indeed but felt like dividing her meal with Eufrimia.

‘I wonder if they eat well here,’ said Eufrimia while mashing her sandwich.

Luna closed her eyes and waited with a grimace for the ordeal to end. ‘They eat enough,’ she answered, exasperated.

‘Something’s telling me they don’t.’

‘Then go feed them yourself. I cannot provide anything to them.’

‘Why though?’

‘It is not my place to do so. ‘

‘But you have the powers, and it would not be unusual for you to do so.’

‘I know. It is still not my place to do so, here.’

‘Even if you walk around as a Griffon-’ She taped Luna on the arm. ‘Can you mimic one perfectly?’

‘Of course, I can!’ she boasted in a sudden mood shift. ‘Take a gander!’

She shoved down her cake, grabbed Eufrimia, and forced her down to a ruined building, away from any prying eyes. In less than two seconds, the amalgamation of Pegasus and Unicorn disappeared as it was replaced by the half-feline, half-avian form of a tall Griffon.

‘Ta-da!’

‘Damn. Could’ve confused me if it wasn’t for the obvious colors.'

‘What can I say? I am quite fond of those. I… claw too much to them.’ Luna closed and opened her claw. ‘I claw upon them instead of clawing to-’

‘Stop it.’

‘No – I will claw onto my joke.’

Eufrimia paused to think, contorting her visage to see how the Griffon in front of her would react. To put it briefly: she was disappointed by the lack of originality. But she was too tired to bother extracting more out of her. ‘What are- Those Chan-gelin-gs?’

‘Yes. The Changelings,’ she wanted to get it over with.

‘Will we go to the Changeling Lands? It would be fun, no?’

‘No,’ she asserted; she knew the girl would not rest on that. ‘We leave them alone.’

‘Okay, okay.’ She tapped Luna with two hooves, making Luna smile for a reason that escaped the Princess. ‘Make me a Griffon. But keep the orange.’

‘You don’t have to tell me twice!’

Luna’s horn peered out from the Griffon form, lighting up with great expectation behind it. As blue light came to cloak Eufrimia’s body wholly, Luna sensed what was a relatively trivial spell – one she had gotten used to casting over the years – taking much effort out of her.

Eufrimia saw Luna’s unease behind the slowly thickening veil. Her eyes shifted endlessly in position, her wings were raised, and her mouth opened and closed endlessly, repeating the spell she had become unsure of its veracity. The more she recited it, the more her she doubted herself. Were those the right words? The right sequences? Why was she questioning a practice done over and over?

Rarely had Eufrimia observed Luna reacting in that manner. But knowing her, it will go well.

She yelled once. Her mouth refused to move, the words lost in the echo of her inner voice. Gathering all the energy simultaneously dissipating and souring within her, and feeling it would be her last try, Eufrimia bellowed. ‘Do it!’ she managed to get out, getting Luna’s ears to twitch. ‘I’ll be fine!’

For a couple of seconds, nothing changed. Then, like a bright, blue Sun, it ended.

Eufrimia woke up laying on the floor alone. Luna, still a Griffon, was standing, her back turned and their bag hanging on her back.

She turned in place, placing herself belly down. Then she put two… pitch-white claws on the pavement. Startled by the sight, she caressed the black fur. It was as if it could be taken off easily; it was there and wasn’t at the same time. Eufrimia turned her head to see her wings. They were there and she could control them fully. An addition of Luna or simply a part of the spell, the Thestral did not care.

Eufrimia forsook her first attempt; she had wings now, so why not profit from them? Awkwardly, she tentatively rose above the ground through the only force of her wings. But not far enough from the ground for her to not still be able to feel the ground.

Like a child learning how to walk, Eufrimia went toward the familiar things. Like so, she bumped abruptly into Luna, dropping on her claws. She stumbled and fell gently on Luna’s side. The Alicorn barely reacted but turned to face Eufrimia, meeting her red, bright eyes directly. She smirked, edging on a smile, and caressed Eufrimia on the head.

‘See?’ her voice had not changed, but uttering it from something other than her mouth was as exhilarating as it was unfamiliar. ‘You did it!’ Eufrimia hugged Luna.

Caressing Eufrimia’s winged back, Luna told the young mare in a tone similar to the one waiting to be berated for her action, ‘Let’s go to the nearest inn. I am very tired.’

Eufrimia nodded and closely followed Luna.

In a short time, they exited the ruins twenty minutes before dawn. Wanting to see the Sun basking in the ruins, Eufrimia paused, Luna, continuing without her. With the light of dawn casting a full view of the City that Was, Eufrimia noticed Luna had been avoiding the central monument from the start of their visit. She wanted to raise that fact, but her instincts told her to hold on to her words. It might be a while until she would visit the ruins once more but to keep Luna tethered to any sort of positive attitude, better let her question to be buried. In the end, it won’t matter; maintaining their relationship was paramount. If broken, nothing would mend it back together. Too many questions, some too close to sensitive memories, had earned Eufrimia many bad eyes.

****

There was an old tale in the mountains that Anih calls home. It spoke of a wanderer, one that travels aimlessly. No apparent goal. No explicit intent. The wanderer was described as a Griffon of great height and incredible skills. Swift as the wind and implacable in its mysterious pursuit. Stories of outstanding individuals – be it for unique deeds or their ingenuity and bizzarity – disappearing without any sign of an escape or dynasts reporting a Griffon coming to their court for some purpose that never dented their authority. Regardless, they all described the Griffon as being tall and its presence soothing. Some bowed to it but no cults or occluded worship was ever reported. Some were said to have sprung up in the past, but never more than singular reports with the scant warriors sent would return with empty, clean claws.

That stranger was said to come at random, though nothing to worry the inhabitants. In fact, in the traitorous heights of the range, riddled with the ever-present threat of bandits and the frequent instability, a stranger appearing without notice, was welcomed. It would make for a nice tale, differing from the redundancies of everyday life.

Though the wanderer welcomed itself into the court of the powerful, it had never set claw in a temple or place of worship. Perhaps purposefully avoiding them for reasons ranging from the lingering spirit of a lost soul, haunting the sepulchral peaks for a sort of penance, or speaking with the Gods directly to guide the lost to their light. Or, simply, it was nothing. Just stories tangled together for one reason or another.

Eufrimia followed Luna closely behind, busying herself with exploring her avian body. Luna had slowed down to let her get a hold of it but kept a quick pace. When her sister would finally act, Luna was ready to surge forward.

The young mare examined her beak and claws, mesmerized by their sturdiness; impressed by the dexterity those claws gave her, of the power they offered her. She felt able to cut rocks with them, pull down a tree, and be able to defend herself against any foe. Eufrimia hated snakes, with those claws, she would no longer need Luna to force them out. And with those claws, she would prove to her father and surrogate mother that she did not need to be constantly warned and protected. With an occasional flap of the wings, she felt even more liberated. More whole. When she used to be a foal, Luna would hold her or take her on rides on her back.

Eufrimia liked being a Griffon.

But her instincts begged her to differ. It was unwise. Just making her a Griffon had pained Luna; she should not ask more of her. Her friend was powerful, but she had clear limits. Perhaps not as a mage, but more as a mentally ill individual.

‘I beg you to not push her too much,’ her father had told her before going on their first-ever trip – she was in her early adolescence. They were going to the Ghastly Gorges. He had not joined them back; his body was still too deformed for him to do so. ‘I know you love her and want many things… But the Benefactor is not the perfect idol you see her as.’

‘I know,’ she had vaguely answered, wanting to end a conversation she was already bored of.

‘Look, Eufraty,’ – it was his way to make her accept the name – ‘she will do everything for you. I know she will protect you and not want to disappoint you, but there is something more. I don’t know what exactly. I don’t know how to explain it to you… She is sensitive.’

‘You arguing with her does not mean she is sensitive.’

He sighed. ‘You understand what I mean, Eufraty.’

She had been disappointed in herself for not leeching early on onto her father’s warning.

He lowered himself to his daughter’s level and put his head on top of hers. ‘You’re a smart girl. It doesn’t matter, now. One day, I will join you, and then, we will have fun together. Okay? I’m not mad.’

Those words repeated themselves every time before travel. She knew he lied at the end. She knew he did not like Luna or trusted her, but he believed in his daughter. Though she struggled to understand the dislike he harbored for Luna, she heeded his words. She began to notice things about Luna. She noticed the anxiety Luna lived through; the uneasy creature she was. Eufrimia read about the Sisters’ history. She faulted Celestia. She faulted Luna. She faulted both of them for the complicated miasma her friend was living with. She understood her father’s worries.

In Anih, Eufrimia had observed Luna truly losing that anxiety for the first time. For the first time in Anih, she saw Luna actually “having fun”.

A thing Eufrimia made herself remember.

Luna kept occasionally glancing back toward Eufrimia in a mixture of angst and amusement. A look the Thestral had become familiar with. On occasions like these, Eufrimia enjoyed the attention she was given from Luna.

‘She’s not your mother, Eufraty. You are,’ her farther had snorted before they went off to Anih, ‘a friend, a confidant, but she does not consider you a daughter.’

‘I know,’ she had bitterly answered. ‘But I am friends with Cherry, and she never treats me like that. Me either.’

‘Because, unlike her, you two are mentally sane.’

He always came close to berate Luna. And he once did in their visit to the Rambling Rock Ridge, in the aftermath of an attack by one of the great worm-like, giant creatures that inhabited the land – an attack that they had managed to effortlessly escape but enough to tip her father beyond the edge. Luna had remained quiet all the while he disgorged everything on his mind. She had not the will to challenge his words. Eufrimia always thought it was intentional on her part; by not answering, she made herself lose by default. Like so, she would be rid of Eufrimia.

‘You have to make her take those trips!’He had yelled. ‘She is not you! I know how magic works – I saw your work with those things. If she gets hurt, I won’t be candid.

‘Don’t think I let her join you freely because I trusted that you will be careful. I don’t trust you will be. You are inexperienced with that concept. I trust my daughter will look up to herself and take the right decisions. She knew when to escape in time. Unlike you, who stayed idly standing for whatever reason! You are the Benefactor, and for that, I am eternally grateful, but I would have never given you care of my daughter. You are mad and, for that alone, you cannot be relied upon.’

Luna had stayed stoic, the words dentlessly ricocheting over her mental armor. An insult hurled becomes just another word. Eufrimia doubted any of those supposed beratings or insults had been so clearly said before. Most likely, presumably, Luna had made herself believe having been deflated. Her sarcasm had to stem from somewhere. She tended to greatly extrapolate at times; to exaggerate the extents things take to absurd levels bordering on paranoia. Once Eufrimia caught her repeating for verbatim and with oblique commentary, a conversation she had. Eufrimia had overheard the self-loathing for things she could perceive right as to what they were. She had seemed to be laughing off some remarks disingenuously.

There is nothing more dangerous than the ramblings of a solitary mind.

Eufrimia might not reverse the course Luna had lumped herself into, but she could, in the minuscule time they would spend together, break the mind fog and melancholy Luna was trapped in. It was, contrary to her father’s protestations, a mother figure, and a close friend. Never would she let Luna fall deeper.

She shook her head. She had to forget for a moment; to let things move by without complications.

‘Everything alright?’ asked Luna.

‘Just getting used to this body.’ She attempted to joke, but nothing interesting came up at the moment.

Luna turned and held on to Eufrimia, taking her like a sick creature. Dawn was coming, a new day was coming; they needed to be quick.

****

The inn they first came across was nothing impressive; seemingly an ancient barrack built with red bricks, topped by a wooden roof – easy to repair and maintain but barely enough, hopefully, to keep water out of the house. It had a small garden with apple trees and other fruit-bearing ones. Eufrimia fixated on a tree and sprinted toward it. She stumbled a few times but continued undaunted. Eufrimia jumped at the tree and started to rummage through the foliage.

‘Can’t you see there is nothing on it, yes?’ asked Luna, amused by her reaction.

She ignored her; Eufrimia attention was elsewhere.

‘What are you searching for?’

Eufrimia reached her arm into the tree. Her paws was unable to tightly grab on a lower branch. She almost fell before pouncing forward, using her wings to rush at a target Luna could not see.

‘Hey!’ yelled Luna. ‘Get down!’

‘Look what I’ve found!’ exclaimed Eufrimia, shouting with pride as she held something in her claw.

Before Luna could inquire any further, Eufrimia ate the thing she caught and swallowed it whole, happy about her catch.

‘What have you eaten!?’ Luna pulled Eufrimia down with magic. The young Thestral retreated and hid her head from Luna’s aggressive walk. ‘Answer!’

‘A nest of spiders,’ she whispered.

‘Repeat! Louder!’ Luna ordered.

‘A nest of spiders,’ she unintentionally bellowed. ‘I heard something familiar. I was curious…’

‘Idiot.’ Something like a spear pierced Eufrimia’s heart. ‘Why now? Never – never – have you acted like that. Why-’

‘I thought they might taste different… Maybe tastier. I can’t do that in Equestria,’ she tried to explain herself.

Luna sighed. ‘I understand. I really do.’ She sighed again. ‘No matter. If you get sick, you get sick. Get up, now. You just had to flush away my need for sleep,’ she wearily smiled.

‘Sorry…’

‘If you want, they make roasted snakes here. Never eaten it, but maybe you have the stomach for it. If you still can eat after your stupidity.’

Eufrimia shrugged undecidedly. She got up and followed Luna inside.

‘A room for two?’ asked the clerk, transfixed by Luna’s height.

‘Yep,’ answered Luna, speaking in his tongue.

‘It will be one gold for each, madam. Please. If there is anything else you require, please do tell.’

Eufrimia saw Luna’s quick grimace at the mechanical way he had answered. She also saw the way that young Griff was beholding her. She pulled a pointed tongue out, trying to hide her surprise at its feeling.

‘A bit expensive, no?’ questioned Luna.

‘Madam, it is not easy to get things here, and with a renewed bandit presence thanks to that idiot king, we have to have those prices. If it were of my-’

‘-own volition you would have lowered it. Yeah… Heard it all before. Not that I care that much for the price. Take these and,’ she took out a silver coin, ‘this for you. Better you have it than some random thief?’ she winked.

‘Oh! Thank you! May the Gods protect you!’

‘You two, boy.’

She then addressed Eufrimia in a whisper as they headed to their room. ‘I think I’ve just said “two” instead of “to”.’

‘They have that… too?’ she whispered back.

‘Kinda. Though thankfully, it is barely noticeable.’

‘So like for us?’

‘Exactly. Only poor bastards somehow reading a transcription of our conversation will notice it. Though they must be utterly bored to read waste like that.’

Eufrimia stifled a loud giggle, making Luna smile.

‘Now,’ Luna continued, ‘let us hurry up, I don’t want you under the Sun.’

Only from Nightmares are Dreams Born

‘In plains ethereal are the waking desires of mortals turned into monstrous things.’

-Excerpt from the Chronicles of Endless Stars, by Endless Stars.

A tear crossed the sky. A small glimmer of white pinpricking the sky with its glow.

It was raining on Mount Arat that day, but in the distance, where the sea extended, it was a clear day.

The light continued its descent.

****

Nightflowers danced in the slow breeze of Mount Arat.

It was raining now. A slow downpour, characteristic of the late winter and early spring in this part of the world.

He was sitting under the protection of a protruding rock, observing the wind carrying the thin droplets with grace and the distant ocean’s marvelous waves crashing on the cliffs and reefs far below.

He thought able to hear them, but it was just the wind suddenly and violently raging upon Mount Arat.

The Hippogriff named Hannon crawled deeper into his rock.

A minute later, he peered his head out of his hiding spot.

The wind raged once more, and Hannon crawled again under the rock. But only then, the Sun was able to show its rays and calm the storm.

Hannon cheered to no one except himself.

I am you.

No.

Rain and wind abated enough for him to make out the shape of an elongated structure from the dissipating brume. Without a second thought, Hannon headed to the Lighthouse.

Hannon opened the intricately made wooden door, pushing it with enough force to break the rust. It was warm inside, but he did not savor it for long. He moved past the altar to the sky god An and sea goddess Tiamat, running toward the spiral stairs of the pharos. Hannon singled the top.

On Mount Arat, light had fallen. A solid nugget of pure light fell from the heavens upon the barren scape of Arat, but was buried by the impact of its fall.

In those times lost to mortal ken, the Light stayed hidden. In those times, his people began to be divided between terrestrials and aquatics.

In due course, when the first writings came to be and when history started being recorded, their conflicts started to be written. But, eventually, the species found piece. Under the rule of a house whose name was stricken from History, land, and sea had been nominally united. However, that rule would not last. A dispute between brothers over the rule of the unified throne of their kind would erupt into a great internecine conflict. For years, civil war would rage. Terrestrials fought terrestrials and aquatics, and aquatics fought aquatics and terrestrials. Its original intent to be, in turn, forgotten.

As his people got poorer and more miserable by years of endless, meaningless war, added by the ever-lustful eyes of their neighbors for the riches of the once proud kingdom. For many, it was simply the conclusion of the chapter that had seen them be.

It could have been their fate, if not, on the slopes of Mount Aris, a child had been born. But his parents, once high members of the ancient nobility and now too poor to raise him alongside his older, stronger siblings, sold him to a slave merchant. The boy, Hammon, was sold again to a mercenary group and trained from a young age to wield weapons. On his eleventh birthday, Hammon had made his first kill in a duel against a sixteen-year-old chief of the northern coast. For the mercenary group he was in, a first kill warranted celebration. And so, while drunk, Hammon escaped his slavery. For four years, he roamed the land alone, living off whatever his martial prowess could bestow him with. On his fifteenth birthday, the aging Queen of Taloncanter would find him stubbornly grasping to life, on the verge of being claimed by the disease. Having heard of a great warrior helping innocents in exchange for humble payments of food and water, she adopted him and vowed to care for him as a true parent would. Childless, she foresaw greatness in her new son.

Ascending to kinghood, Hammon would lead his people from victory to victory, from conquest to conquest. On his way, he made peace and declarations of friendship, bringing unity to a land in need. The land was conquered wholly, and the sea was in the process of accepting unity, only one obstacle remained: the Abyss. The Abyssal Campaign would come to be costly, as the underwater leaders used magic to amplify the waves and crush any that came against their hold onto the traitorous reefs of Mount Arat.

Windspeakers foresaw Hammon’s reign coming to an end. Unwilling to let fate come true, flew up to Mount Arat. And there, as he was pondering his next plan as if calling for him, he took the nugget of purest light. Resting it on a quickly built dolman, its purity calmed the raging ocean. Then, Hammon grabbed his sword and descended into the calm water, slaying the leaders and cursed mages.

We were there.

No.

Unity was achieved; the Hippogriffs entered a golden age.

And for the Hippogriffs to come, a lesson of defiance against fate was installed and never forgotten.

In lore forgotten and unremembered, I am you.

No.

Hannon used to repeat this story to his crew aboard the ship “Eshmon”. But the simple recollection of that time brought him to despair. The king had chosen him to commit a thorough exploration of the coast south of the main island. A nearly savaged land, unified by the force of tradition and hatred of the monsters that swirled the mountains and coast.

For him, for Hannon, a veteran of exploration of the western islands, far into the ocean, exploring a land close to home would have been more than a childish endeavor. He and his crew had survived starvation and traitorous tides. He and his crew had discovered hitherto uncharted island chains. He and his crew survived where others had died. The Aquatics helped their brothers sail the waves and predict the best course to take, while the Terrestrials, more dexterous with their claws, made due on their recommendations. But both had been sent to explore ahead, to know of safe harbor and assess the dangers of new land.

Hannon had commanded many ships on both expeditions, and he was happy with that time to spend between friends and comrades.

Hannon reached a closed hash. Eager to see the Light, he punched the lock.

Because you are not me.

I am you. We share the same soul. I am candid.

He opened his eyes. Hannon smiled. Hegna – a Zebra they had recruited alongside her coven of healing witches – was tending a wound, using her limited magic and prodigious alchemy to hasten the healing process. For the three months, she and her sisters had been on the expedition, none of his crew had felt weak or had lacked focus. Seereen, his sister and windspeaker, had been right in her hunch. They were good indeed.

New Horizon and Red Spark were discussing with Seereen the best potential routes to counter a storm she sensed coming and then further confirmed by New Horizon’s study of the churning water.

Draft was arguing about his rights to eat an additional biscuit, and Mago was making his review of the fleet’s battle readiness, checking on the harpoons, swords, nests, and other weird magical items he and that Equestrian Unicorn they had found lost on one of the Eastern Islands knew of. Her name was Aventurine; she was assigned to repairs too. The bastard daughter of a prominent merchant and minor noble, she was prompted by her parents to venture out and voyage to the world beyond. Seereen and Hannon hesitated to speak of Aventurine’s past with her.

Khayan was in the middle, cleaning the puke of rum-drunk sailors. He spoke little to none, but everyone liked him. He was the foremost expert in cleanliness and insisted on being on Hannon’s ship and no other. The reason? Khayan told no one except for Hannon, and the captain was not one to betray the trust of his crew.

‘Will I be fine?’ he asked Hegna.

‘Maybe,’ she smirked. ‘In our next stop, you will need to let me gather ingredients… Unless dying is in your direct future plans, then don’t feel obliged.’

Hannon laughed.

Seereen entered then.

‘You laughing means I have yet to support you for another day, High Lord,’ she grinned. She knew how much being called by that title irritated him, and it pleased her beyond measure when he would frown at its mention. A title was given to him by the king after the insistence of the queen. Though his monarch had expressed his intent to bestow Hannon with it for his deeds, but the captain had refused at first. But the queen wanted Hannon’s favor.

‘The captain needs more rest,’ said Hegna.

‘The High Lo-’

Khayan peering his head shushed Seereen’s teasing. Khayan was a kind-hearted fella, a bit too much for this world. He might not speak much but his hearing was perfect, and the mention of the captain’s death made him anxious.

‘Hegna was being sarcastic,’ Hannon told him. ‘And Seereen… well… I told you how my sister is.’

Khayan smiled and returned to his work, but not before turning one last time to Hannon.

‘Nothing dirty in my cabin, for now. And don’t overwork yourself on the deck. Rest your body. And feed the cat too.’

Khayan nodded and went to take his tools downstairs.

‘Sunburns are never pleasant to treat,’ said Hegna. ‘The smells emitted by…Ughh…’ she shuttered at the thought of the medication touching the burnt parts. The mélange of sweat and olive oil made pure puke, no matter the years of experience she had with it.

‘Maybe for us it’s different?’ proposed Seereen, going to take her brother’s temperature with her claw. ‘You seem better,’ she whispered to him. He tapped her on the back twice.

‘I sure hope so… Maybe I’ll have to smell fish sweat too… Ughh!’

‘It’s a noble scent!’ declared New Horizon, crying it from the bridge above.

‘Oh, yeah?’ cried Hannon. ‘Red! Stop being shy and tell the truth!’

‘My father taught me to never lie. Though he never taught me to hide the truth!’

‘You moron king!’ laughed New Horizon. ‘Mago!’

Mago ignored him.

‘Twinky fingy!’ followed Red Spark.

They saw him grimace and gestured for them to go away with their idiocy. The rest of the crew laughed at this silent yet O-so-typical answer.

Hannon made a nod forward of the head to Hegna, and she left the siblings alone.

‘You don’t have to treat me like I am a child,’ he murmured to Seereen, indicating how their talk must continue as.

‘I am just worried for my little brother. I don’t want to finish this trip alone.’

I have not the pretense for such things.

I am you.

I grow bored of these talks.

It pushed Eshmon more than any other. They had all strapped themselves and defied the sea to take them.

The Adremon and Zeb capsized, taking with them every passenger on board. The Sanguine, Dance of Flowers, and Song of Dawn fared the best. But Eshmon was dying.

Its hall remained barely held together by Aventurine’s magic. The new recruits, those that had yet to experience a true sea storm, tried to fly away to the better ships, to then be taken by the wind and never seen again. Some landed on the sturdiest ships, but with all their bones and wings breaking at the impact.

‘Inside!’ Hannon shouted for Seereen and Khayan, the rest busy stabilizing the ship and mitigating damage.

Then, as if the sea had risen in an instant, a giant wave came tumbling on the Eshmon. The last thing Hannon remembered was his sister crying his name and Khayan – O loyal and precious Khayan, so much had he wanted to explore the world with him – protected both siblings with immense, leathery wings.

Then all was black. Hannon could not breathe.

Only from nightmares are dreams born.

That is the talk of the mad. Of the deranged.

Those words are yours as much as they are mine.

I am no monster.

Actions speak louder than words. Our words.

Luna did not reply.

The boat crashed. Hannon groveled out of the wreckage, a piece of the deck piercing his right back leg. He stopped to catch his breath. He raised his head to the horizon, remembering his mother’s advice to calm himself. Then, he felt water caress his hooves, slowly enveloping his legs and irritating the wound. Hannon began to scream.

A figure he recognized as Seereen grabbed him by the shoulders, pushing him away from the shore. It had not happened before. Seereen died with the ship, and she and Khayan tangled in their escape. But the captain did not care, he smiled, that weary smile transforming into one of true comfort. He looked back at the ocean and laughed, thanking Seereen for her help.

They rested on the beach, enjoying the calm waves and warm breath of the sea. Hannon told his older sister stories of their childhood and glorified tales she had been part of them herself. All of them. Hannon laughed again.

Seereen told him it was over. He was no longer afraid.

Hannon agreed and hugged his sister.

A giant wave came down upon them.

Hannon swam up and peered his head up off the water in search of Seereen with frightened eyes. He laughed again, but he did not know why. Then Hannon saw Seereen as he remembered her being, a memory that burned him, neck loose and eyes staring into emptiness. And, as in reality, he wept uncontrollably.

She could not help but smile at the sight of a maddened Hannon despairing for friends and a sister that no longer lived.

The voice continued, concluding with a single word.

Unleash.

****

‘Luna?’

A voice she recognized… She thought… awoke her. Luna turned her head toward the voice. Her eyes opened to barely let light through.

Celestia?

No… She’s not here. She never is. Never was.

‘Y-yes?’ Luna stammered.

Eufrimia was leaning on the window frame. It had no glass, almost none, bare the mayor's residence, and had glass windows. A luxury and a sign of wealth in those parts, and a sign of the power wielded by the central authority that governed those mountains from the plains below. Simple signs that fascinated Eufrimia, though she was too busy looking at the reddening sky of sunset to care much more about the way Griffons governed themselves. A sight like this was rare for her. Her father used to, when she was still very young, take her to see the sunset and sunrise. She wished he could be here with her.

‘Are you alright?’ asked Eufrimia, keeping an eye outside their room.

Luna did not reply.

‘I-I think we should leave…’

‘Something wrong, Eufi?’

‘No… It is just cold.’

‘That I concur. That I do.’

Eufrimia turned toward Luna, looking her directly in the eyes. ‘And dad must be worried,’ she finally said.

‘He must be, of course. And I bet seeing you after a while will please him greatly.’

‘Yes!’

Thunder roared in the distance, resonating through the air like traversing solid matter. Lighting followed, brightening the scattered clouds. Then thunder and lightning at once boomed together in successive intervals.

Their beds slowly wiggled, and the stone walls of the room rumbled. The earth rumbled. The Griffon populace ran and flew in riotous flocks outside of their tattered homes, heading to the intact temple in the center of Anih’s ruins.

The door erupted in crashing knocks as the receptionist called for his guests to get out for safety.

Without uttering a single word, Eufrimia then found herself back in her room in Shire. Alone.

Trumpets

‘Kaband hates parties! Kaband hates having fun!’

-A very angry blue Griffon to the best friend he hates.

She hated sand. She hated how it, for all taken precaution, still managed to find ways to irritate her – spiritually and physically.

Equestria lacked deserts like the one that defined the Great Kingdom of Marekhara, making it bound to its arterial river and forcing its population to the coast. Deserts – as it should be expected – had an ever-punishing day and a night colder than those of the Crystal Empire.

But the Sun felt good on her. And with her taller, longer frame, it felt even better. Like so, she resembled more the inhabitants of the land. They were not Ponies but equines all the same, though generally taller on average.

It showed in their architecture with the risen roofs and imposing grandeur of their decorations. Each notable, dynast, and beloved member of the court received or was gifted the best Marekharan civilization could offer – and they never undersold their gifts. Edifices built by the finest artists and designed by the most proficient and astute architects of the land. Many of which being equally rewarded for their work and permitted to indulge in their personal work as they pleased.

Though the Sun played an important role in their civilization, with every aspect of life designed around the most optimal time the people could spend countless over it, and through the influence of the merchant class, Marekhara had adopted a Lunar Calendar to follow important societal and official events. Though adopted, a Solar Calendar was also used, with which the length of days and years were based on the movements of the Sun. The latter had become a favorite of the ruling dynasty, and the push to adopt it fully was well underway. Next to the palace of the king, a giant sundial had been constructed to track the hours of the day, days of the month, and season currently in. It was open to all visitors regardless of class. They had visited it earlier and were only met with the cohort of slaves employed to keep the desert’s sand from covering the edifice.

A caste of slaves that were highly respected and generally well-treated by the state and local government. In every city and village, a barrack was made for them adjacent to that of the local garrison or place of the rule of the elite. The commoners, and most specifically city dwellers, were not privy to the full attention of those servants; they were left to fend on their own except when a sandstorm would come.

They had visited in disguise the place of living of those two groups, and except for the added sense of security and the feel of not being cramped in the sanitary hell that was cities, life did not much differ from those of the free folk. The barrack was maintained in appearance but lacked any of the accommodation ones would expect. Their shared apartments were bigger – slightly. And the white walls were darkened by filth seldomly cleaned.

They had not lingered long, as expected, but the experience impressed them.

They peacefully strode – the main route that led to the Great Capital of the newly re-united Kingdom of Marekhara. It was empty for that day; all dignitaries and officials typically taking the road were on their yearly month break in the north, in Bucksiris. Supposedly radically cooler than the Great Capital. And definitively another spot for a visit.

It was long – longer than first expected. An hour into their walk, not only were they alone, bar the occasional scorpion, but only half the way was traversed. Noon had come, and she had to admit, the constant exposure began hurting her, burning her even.

She told Luna so.

‘Really? You?’ Luna laughed it out, her voice dry.

‘I know,’ she joined Luna in the laugh. ‘I am very special.’

Luna took her behind the shadow of a great pylon, one of the many that lined the Tyrian Way

It was difficult to imagine the center of all Marekhara being practically emptied of its inhabitants or devoid of the unceasing back and the incredibly centralized bureaucracy of the kingdom was known for. And for a whole month, right before the grand period of harvest, all activities in Marekhara ceased in wait for a period everyone knew would follow its typical headaches.

They both exuberantly dropped next to each other on the burning paved ground; not as much it would not permit them to rest, as exhaustion wreathed both of them in the second they ended their walk. Their limbs hurt but it was a satisfying feeling. Though for all the local clothes and customs they adopted for surviving the heat and unforgiving rays of the Sun, it still managed to be only tolerable.

‘Remember to drink.’

‘I know. I know,’ reassured Luna as she reached for their water. Her companion took the bag and grabbed a quick snack for both of them – a thing she amusingly called a “banana butty”. Luna called it “banana sandwich”, but it was less fun.

‘Is it still cold? I like it cold.’

‘Magic. Remember?’

‘I must be very tired,’ she shyly laughed. ‘Can we rest for a while?’

‘Sure. Plus, I feel like sleeping here. It may hurt but I say why not, ey?’

‘Definitely.’ She chuckled. ‘You and I are idiots. Why didn’t we walk behind those things from the start?’ She pointed out to the pylon.

Luna opened her mouth to answer. It stayed open, not knowing what to add.

She curled her lips inward and started to nod franticly but softly. Luna then shrugged. ‘Pfffhh!’ she spitted out. ‘We are idiots!’

They laughed.

Luna turned and examined the pylon and ground. She began contorting herself in every direction, in every position her body allowed her to take. No other except her initial position was perfect for a nap – relatively so, and by lowering all possible standards.

‘So?’ She munched the last of her meal.

‘Just stay how you are right now. It will not get better.’ Luna took her food and consumed it in big bites.

‘Slowly. Slowly,’ tapping Luna’s back.

She finished her apple. ‘I eat how I want.’

‘I know. I am not forcing you, but… you know.’

‘Hm…’ She yawned – both did in succession. ‘Well…’ Luna stretched out.

They rested their heads on top of each other, making sure their manes rested away from their faces.

‘By the way,’ asked Luna. ‘You’ve read about the history of this land?’

‘A little.’ She knew very well what Luna wanted.

Marmer, First of Firsts, Lord of Lords, He-Who-Observes-the-Horizon, and Most Favored Son of Marekhara, after years of brutal campaigning, subjugated all the disparate and the once eternally warring kings and tribes of the land into his rule. Like so, he secured his dynasty’s grip on the land through brutally cunning force.

She pointed out to Luna how ignoble the conditions for those that had built the great monuments of the land had been. Luna retorted that, though the conditions were not optimal, for what they could have been elsewhere and at other times, those workers had the best they could have wished for.

Her companion half-agreed but did not press more on the subject. What had been built was built – nothing to rummage long about it.

A gust pushed the desert’s sand up. It had started gentle and inoffensive, ample enough to not disturb both mares in their sleep. Then, in rapid succession, transformed into a terrible inferno of scorching sand and terrible aridity. Their eyesight was cluttered by the elements. Luna pushed the sand away with a magical push that left a barrier surrounding the duo in defiance of the desert.

‘How do they live like that?’ she said, rising from her crouch and dusting off the sand all over her.

Luna did the same. ‘I don’t know, but I wouldn’t willingly choose that lifestyle. Are you okay?’

‘I am. You?’

She made a ‘yes’ with her eyebrows, stopping abruptly to clean her eyes from a stray grain.

‘I wonder if the rulers here understand how much they are exploiting their populace,’ said Luna. ‘They have to contend with the sand – which is enough on its own. Pfhh…’ she spitted out sand.

‘In time, I think they will.’

She looked to her right and then to her left, the foundations of new monuments and the expansion of the capital were being finalized not far from their position. Architects – greatly respected artisans for their mastery of math, physics, and the written word – were applying their teachings per the orders of their lord. The use of magic was scant in this part of the world; they lacked the Unicorns and Pegasi to facilitate work. She observed them with great attention but not as much as Luna. She was encapsulated by the sight; fascinated by the manner logistics, commands, and directions were given. All in quasi-perfect harmony. And for such a tremendous undertaking, it might as well be called so.

Construction never ceased. Every block utilized was swiftly replaced by a new one coming from a distant quarry downstream from the river. Every carving needed to be perfect. One imperfection can hamper the effectiveness and sturdiness of the entire edifice. It was a well-known story amongst the inhabitants of the Great Capital that the aqueduct giving water to the palace of the king, for all the efforts and great mathematician an architect brought, had needed to be rebuilt on four occasions before it was deemed stable. The king tried censoring the news, but the cognomen of “bride of the river” had been set into the popular consciousness.

She smiled.

‘You would do a finer job than them, Luna.’

‘You think?’ asked Luna.

‘Definitely! Things that will be forever remembered! Plus, unlike them, you have style. You know how to put the art in artisan! Plus, you will not have the bland material they have access to.’

Luna widely smiled. ‘But I kinda like the material used.’

‘Then use it!’ she declared. ‘I will make sure you never run off of anything.’ She embraced Luna. ‘You already have enough to deal with.’

‘Thank you, Celestia.’

‘Until then,’ she released her sister, ‘let us discover the culinary wonders of Marekhara. I heard they have a special kind of red fruit. And, hopefully, a place where we can sleep.’

‘Ohhh! Let’s do it!’

****

‘So?’

‘Tasty.’ She cleaned her lips. ‘Sweet but somehow still acrid.’

‘I’m glad you like it, but don’t clean your mouth with your sleeve. Look at it.’

Eufrimia looked at her now stained white chemise. The red stains did not bother her; she shrugged.

‘It can be cleaned,’ said Eufrimia.

Cherry Aurora was mimicking Luna’s disappointment, still, Eufrimia did not care. She then threw the pomegranate carcass outside the ruins of the Temple of Ptra, next to the now sand-covered Tyrian Way, with only the pylons peering out from the shifting sand, serving as a reminder of the ancient greatness of the abandoned Great Capital. Cherry copied her, and Luna too.

‘I think,’ began Cherry, addressing Luna but not daring to look her in the eyes, ‘she has yet to be well educated in those topics.’

Eufrimia snorted in wounded pride.

‘Not her father’s fault. H-he… He tries.’

‘And mine, Cherry Aurora,’ giggled Luna. ‘I do try to. But she’s a bitch about it.’

Eufrimia crossed her arms; Cherry made a low chuckle. ‘I… I did not want to insult you, Princess.’

Luna gently tapped her on the back.

‘Want something funny? I was once a concubine to one of the rulers,’ said Luna, as if it was a casual thing you throw away with zero concern for repercussion.

‘Nice,’ said Cherry.

‘WHAT!?’ shouted Eufrimia.

Luna laughed. ‘Never consumed the relation with Nagrash, dear. Not really the stallion anyone would love – not even like – if you have had the modicum of a moral compass.’ She paused to think. ‘Anyways, while in the company of his mistresses, one kissed me… on the lips.’

Eufrimia and Cherry jerked, taking an expression of interested surprise. ‘Must be nice, I guess,’ answered Eufrimia.

‘I didn’t like it. And her “friend” almost came to blows with me on that. Exactly how you react when they eat in the middle of the night.’

‘Dad can!’ she defended herself; Aurora frowned and slapped her face. ‘Cherry, however,’ she pointed towards her, ‘is not getting past me.’ Eufrimia smiled. ‘I will make her end that habit one way or the other.’

Cherry punched her on the shoulder and slightly pulled Eufrimia’s sand-full hair in malign amusement.

Luna smirked where Eufrimia would not see. ‘Lest to say, it was a fun night staying with the cats and keeping company to the dogs in the then green gardens.’

Eufrimia’s eyebrows twitched. ‘Hard to imagine this place being green.’

Luna snorted, stifling a laugh. ‘My friend, it is still green. It is an oasis now. Not majestic, but still.

‘Can we go?’

‘Sure. Follow me, girls.’

Crossing the Desert

‘Six, six, six – we get it! Why this number when the glorious seven exists!’

-Doctor Seven, notorious card lover.

[Centuries later;]

Luna smiled, putting back the letter a child had written to her. One of the foals her personal retinue.

‘Another letter?’ asked Luna.

‘From…’ Eufrimia looked closer at the gibberish the name was written in… ‘Duchess Astra of… Tall-’

‘Duchess Astra of Tall Tale,’ continued Luna. ‘Put it aside. She’s just reporting for me. She is excellent at her task. Whatever she wants, she won’t disappoint.’

‘Maybe it is important?’

‘She is clever. She and the others don’t need me to tell them what to do.’

Eufrimia silently agreed with her, still unable to properly put together the reason for her complete detachment from her earthly duties. She had used to argue with her when she was a foal learning reading and writing; it was futile to try to shift Luna’s stance. She hardly ever listened and was impossibly unmovable from her position. Just the opposite curves she would write “f” in had earned her many salty words.

Insofar as content of letters had gone, Eufrimia gleamed that supply and financial issues had been seemingly resolved, returning western internal trade to its “normal” levels. Maybe, Luna had a point.

The Batpony shrugged it away and then proceeded to again rummage in the bag like a child searching for their present.

‘Ah!’ she exclaimed.

‘What?’

Eufrimia took out the letter with her mouth. ‘From your sister.’

Luna took it and slapped Eufrimia with it. She did not bother to open it.

‘An invitation,’ said Luna in a low voice.

‘For what?’

‘Hearts Warming Eve.’ She paused. ‘I will go.’

‘Ah… We are this time of year already! Fuck me…’ She glanced toward Luna. She did not react to her word, keeping her eyes on the letter. ‘Weird.’

‘Yes. It has been a while. And in case I don’t see you until then: I hope you, Cherry, your father, and the rest have a wonderful time.’ She petted her on the head.

‘Would be nice if you would be there too. Like, actually there.’

‘I promise next year.’

‘I’ll hammer it. All year.’

‘I am not a heartless creature.’

‘Indeed, you’re not.’ You are a confusing one.

****

Tradition has it that, to announce the start of the two weeks of Hearts Warming Eve, a great feast must be held. A last great gathering of family, friends, close ones and the village rando nobody likes but always comes because cider is always good when it is unpaid. Though the type of food eaten would differ from region to region, the core of the festivity was the reunion around a great fireplace.

Celestia had adopted that seminal tradition to gather prominent members of Equestrian society, making her cooks prepare the meals of all Equestrian regions. She would come to her servants' help by putting a hoof at work, though she kept it a secret. She knows how to make sweets of exquisite taste, but any recipe outside her area of comfort would always end, no matter her attempts over the years, in random failures. Salt is an ingredient, she found, too difficult to accurately proportion.

Nobles, merchants, scholars, and artists had answered Celestia’s invitation. Some were regular guests ever since they had been deemed old enough to attend by their parents, others would join only to discuss business, and others still, wanted to witness the existence of the Princess.

Celestia always stood as the odd ones out from those below her – literally and figuratively. They all clamored for her attention, and she, in turn, developed the manner to ignore most of them and focus on what she deemed worthy.

Fewer had come this year, though. Celestia felt more at ease but was getting bored. Everybody was in their own little conversation about topics she understood but was unable to immerse herself in. She would interject with brief jokes or quips that amused the gallery, nothing she considered satisfying or able to retain her interest for long.

‘She did not come,’ muttered Celestia, looking at the closed door of the gallery; sad for a reason that escaped her attendance.

‘Expected, my Lady. Astra and her flock seldomly venture out of their place.’

‘I cannot blame them,’ said Celestia. ‘The trip is arduous and unpleasant.’

‘Then why bother sending invites?’ asked Phoenix Flash, prominent Canterlotian trader.

‘It is the right thing to do.’

‘The right things, yes,’ agreed Captain of Garrison, Night Sky. ‘They rarely if ever come, but it is important for someone to always be remembered. Imagine being told your friends were away on a trip and you are still at home being told they are having fun without you.’

‘Knowing Astra,’ replied Orange Ember, temporarily-hereditary-governor of the lost Crystal Empire, ‘she would not care being ignored. She is already “happy” doing her own thing.’ She made a low laugh.

‘“The regent” and her friends are a… unique folk,’ said Phoenix Flash. ‘I think they even pride themselves on not partaking in our festivities. They have that annual gala in the summer – ironically enough. Well organized but not that… interesting. Food is… Not you would expect what we get, but it is understandable. Though it is a shame, of course, their presence is lacking.’

Night Sky winced, wanting to put some words forward. He looked up to the Princess. She was just staring down, hearing them talking but not intervening.

‘That’s a deal breaker for me,’ said Countess May Sun. ‘But I always appreciated, even liked my time with them. Better than the northerners.’

‘I am still here,’ taunted Orange Ember.

‘I was talking of him,’ she pointed to a proud standing, tall stallion with a heavily ornate garment, almost rivaling the Princess’s own in its fashion – the Tsar of the loosely vassalized Severyana.

‘Sometimes,’ said Celestia. ‘I ask myself if it is the Sun I am rising or it is that standing candle stick.’

They all laughed.

‘His wife once did it,’ said Night Sky. ‘On her mane…Without magic or anything… I don’t know how.’

‘I am not surprised,’ laughed Celestia. ‘Her mind is a wonder made of gold. She can hammer rock with that head while not threatening the intelligence within. Though I want to excuse myself towards the latter.’

‘Anyways,’ came forth the Seneschal of Marulta, getting interested by the laughter around coming from around the Princess. ‘Those are the fruits of my plantation.’

She showed several wrapped leaves into wands. They all took one; Celestia took one also, looking at it with contempt she

Celestia took a long puff. She felt like vomiting. She fully recalled the crap she had been given.

‘Stop distributing it. Throw them out and never bring them up whilst in my presence,’ ordered Celestia.

The Seneschal readily did so.

‘The procession still feels empty this year, Princess,’ said the ruler of Severyana.

The cicada making its butt music again.

‘Are we waiting for someone or people to arrive?’

Celestia did not answer. She rarely bothered answering him or any of his ancestors.

‘At one point, I wonder if they even exist under any authority of yours.’

She frowned, but did not stop him in his streak. Everyone else retreated a step, fearing an argument.

‘And we rarely ever bothered knowing if she cared for our existence. If she ever did to anyone. And in view of the tribulations you are facing, Princess, you could take some notes from our-’

He could not finish. Celestia’s fiery gaze froze him in place. He should have stayed quiet. He should have not spoken. He shouldn’t. It was foolish to assume Celestia was underperforming, that she could fail in her eternal task.

He began to turn away from the group.

A spark sizzled in the air, drowning attention towards it.

Then a second, and a third. In quick succession, until a sudden burst deflagrated.

The air flickered more with magical energies. The temperature dropped under freezing, and winds picked up speed inside closed doors.

The guards moved to protect the Princess and readied themselves on every potential vector of attack. Some dropped their weapons; others were shaking. The gathered nobles turned to their ruler, gathering behind her for protection. Young and old pleaded silently for Celestia to save them from that unbeknownst attack.

For a minute, the air churned impossibly. Whoever was trying to overturn the magical wards did not bother Celestia. Her horn had been ignited. She stood in the middle of the room, patiently waiting for the intruder to end its trick.

Then a shape not so dissimilar to Celestia’s own, though shorter yet taller than all of them, appeared in the glimmering air.

The temperature rose once more. The air abruptly calmed itself. But the atmosphere was heavy and overwhelming, a mixture of ease of mind and of constant vigilance. There was no threat to their life, yet they felt unnaturally uneasy.

Was this the Luna the Princess desired to come? Was this the sister, as she is in the material world, so wanted by Celestia?

Some were in awe at her sight, enthralled by her presence alone. Others, the majority, thought that story and spirit made real was simply impossible. They thought she was a benevolent entity disconnected from the real world, occasionally and rarely descending to meet with and only her sister. Always in her eternal night, performing her orphean toil to ward off their doubts and anxiety. They heard of her leading troops, and of her interactions with their subjects, but they thought they were more in the realm of the figurative. In her scarce descents, she might have also warded off threats. But the secret in which she works was… unfriendly. They found it hard to truly trust her in that state.

‘Luna!’ exclaimed Celestia loudly, as if no one was around.

Celestia rushed herself towards her sister, letting behind the cowering nobles.

She hugged her. At least, that was Luna’s expectation. Instead, she was only greeted in line with protocol. Traditions she wasn’t sure anymore from whence they came, nor the reason for Celestia’s obstinance toward following them.

‘I’ve missed you,’ Celestia said, her voice low.

‘Me too,’ answered Luna.

‘You are not wearing proper attire,’ she mocked in a sisterly tone.

‘I sought we would be alone…’

‘I did state it in my letter, yes?’

‘I guess… I guess nothing can be done about it…’

‘I’m sorry…’

Both paused. In quick movement, Celestia took Luna between her arms.

‘I…’ began Luna, slightly hesitating with her words. She gave up, lowering her tone to barely heard mumbling. ‘I should have stayed back there.’

‘Why?’ almost lamented Celestia, the question exiting more like a plea. She pressed more.

‘I am not comfortable here.’

‘If you stay here…’ gently proposed Celestia. ‘Things will get better. I want to visit you… b-’ She stopped herself; Celestia knew whatever explanation she may have, nothing could perfectly explain the neglect. ‘I’ve overheard some… topics.’

‘Nothing that needs your intervention,’ said Luna, her head low. ‘I will not exhaust you with those. Plus, I believe you have your own flurry of issues.’

‘Things are being dealt with, though I will not interfere much in the aristocrats and officials work.’

‘Regardless, I am sure you are doing a wonderful job.’

Oh! Celestia’s beamed intensely at her sister’s words. She almost felt reinvigorated by them. ‘And I am sure you are doing a bad job as I am.’ She nudged Luna.

The sarcasm and humor in the tone were undeniable. Luna’s stoicism did not flinch. Her lips twitched, attempting to form a smile, but never materialized.

‘I am,’ quietly answered Luna.

‘You need to be more assertive in your rule.’

Celestia hated her sister’s silence.

‘I won’t decry your methods. They are effective. But the complaints and other similar missives I’ve received for the needs for funds are-’

‘It is my business. It is what I believe to be true and right. Know that your advices will fall on deaf ears.’

‘I am just trying to help… They can abuse of your absence.’

‘I am no puppet.’

‘I know. But I recommend you take heed of my words.’

Celestia tilted her head.

‘Going to the Realm later?’ she asked.

Unleash.

‘Maybe. I am not sure.’

‘I recommend you don’t this time. You are already tired, you don’t need more. Remember Griffonstone?’

‘Yeah,’ Luna agreed, a clearer smile drawing on her expression.

She hesitated to mention her visit to Anih. She hesitated to even mention Eufrimia’s existence. The Batpony was her friend, after all. Telling Celestia she existed might rob her from a creature she held dear. Celestia would want to see her; Eufrimia would get impressed; she would leave, preferring a more stable life and presence than whatever she, Luna, had been offering her. It could as well not happen either. But it might. She could not risk it.

But… then again… it was her sister. She should trust her not to let it happen… But could she? Luna wasn’t sure.

Celestia coughed loudly. ‘Your part of Equestria had some-’

Unleash!

All senses of compassion towards Celestia evaporated in an instance. ‘I thought we agreed to not intervene in each other’s affairs,’ loudly murmured Luna behind clenched teeth, getting the attention of the crowd.

‘But you were neglecting-’

Her murmur turned into an imprisoned cry. ‘I let the people do what they please! They know better than me how to exploit their land! I know what I am doing!’

‘I know.’ In one word, Luna calmed down. ‘Though, as said before, your issues are not only yours. Things fester. If you weren’t wondering around to who-knows-where, perhaps I would not need to intervene. I know you have to calm your nerves with those trips, but Equestria has to stand as a whole.’

‘I have more direct interventions,’ she nearly cursed. ‘I am not sitting here, idly waiting for something to come and then point to an order.’

‘It is more complicated than tha-’

‘I know,’ mocked Luna.

Something in her voice made Celestia wary. It had sounded too hostile.

‘Than,’ said Celestia, retaining her feelings, ‘you should know how threats and other issues are to be dealt with.’

Luna glared at Celestia, her pupils wide and her stance ready for confrontation. ‘I do not need you to tell me how threats need to be dealt with! You know nothing of that struggle. You keep that great venue that is harmony, I keep the dark, dank catacombs you and the others do not dare venture into. Oh, I know they fright you, sister. But, unlike you, I do not exaggerate my own-’

‘I do not enjoy molding the truth.’

‘Sure you are not. But again and again, you are doing it.’

‘As I said-’

‘Maybe you are molding the truth right at this moment.’ Luna paused to take her breath. ‘The Ursas threatening. Does it need needlessly boastful wording? Nothing that cannot be dealt by resorting to propaganda.’

Celestia held her words, keeping a stoic composure.

Night Sister, unbridle yourself!

‘Idiot,’ said Luna.

‘We don’t have to resolve to insults.’

‘Than stop insulting me in the first place,’ she rasped. ‘You are pathetically weak. Always has been. You stay here and-’

‘I don’t. I have my own adventures,’ she made the word into an insult.

‘I heard. I saw. And I was drowned with those tales. State sponsored tellings are really neat little tools, are they not?’

‘It is what is required. If your way it is not working, why insist pursuing it, sister? And if you crave for such att-’

‘Attention, my ass. Boasting and plastering every little, insignificant act I do, is simply a waste of time. It is fake; it is more genuine my way. I does not matter. It is, in all honesty, a bread-house for the weak.’

‘It is needed, Luna. I have to do it.’

‘Does it really require my name to have a seal of approval?’

‘An impersonator-’

Luna refused to let her continue. ‘Does it matter when the results speak for themselves!’ Luna cried a question that wasn’t one.

Then, Luna turned away and readied to cast her teleporting spell.

‘You are soon coming back, right?’

For a moment thought she had heard the voice of a little girl.

Eufrimia? No – she was a grown mare. There was no young individuals in that room of high Equestrian society.

‘Luna. Please answer me before leaving,’ shyly repeated Celestia.

‘Yes. I will.’

Unleash!

****

It could have been a better night. Then again, when were cold nights pleasant for any one? And especially hot nights?

Sleep never comes as you ceaselessly role in your bed in search for that needed rest. In central Equestria, somewhat far from both coastlines on the east and west and surrounded by imposing peaks covered year-round with snow, those undesirable nights were rare – usually. Years before, few would have occurred – if any – but they had become a staple of late summer and early fall. Unwelcomed and widely detested, the populace got begrudgingly used to them. Days were hotter too; the Sun acting as a quasi-inhibiter for all activities. Winters had turned colder and harsher. The populace adapted and rescheduled themselves around those unwanted conditions. But many goods once accustomed to saw their prices greatly inflate or simply stop being delivered.

Jade Hooves, First Captain of the Princely Guard, was in no position to sleep as much as he might have wished to. Just a couple of days prior, he had returned from a travel to the north east of Equestria after had come to Celestia the report of discontent brewing after a failed harvest.

Nothing was there and the rumors had turned false. Few elements had been needed to be put back into place, but nothing major that warrants the Princess’ intervention – thankfully so.

For ten years, Jade Hooves served his position diligently. It was not exactly what he expected it to be. He was First Captain but he wasn’t the leader of the Guard – Celestia was. He had asked for reforms or any manner that could reinstitute the Guard to any sort of more effective force, all the while keeping their heavily decorated plates and playing on the stoicism installed upon them. Before his appointment, he had been the only officer that maintained the ancient ways, with his higher he had hoped to influence them overall. Celestia had none of it. She did not care but not enough to simply let him free. In ranking up, Jade authority and influence was unconditionally hamstrung by Celestia. He – in his opinion – and his companion were squarely, and eternally, glorified messenger.

Many of those he knew had resigned and swiftly replaced. And, for that reason he dreaded, they were simple tools at her disposal; just things she can brandish when not present and expected to answer her very whims without protest or recognition. Never that he had any to begin with.

‘Captain Jade,’ came Strike – a new recruit under the more defined Princely Messengers divisions.

‘Hm?’ He had been reclining on a rampart. He might blare about discipline and all those wonderful things, but he was tired – creeping old age wasn’t helping either.

‘Can I-’

‘What is it about?’

‘Can I say?’

‘I am the First Captain,’ he held behind clenched teeth.

‘But I was told-’

‘By me? If not, don’t hear them.’

Strike hesitated. He shuffled around the letter, hiding the emblem etched on the seal.

‘I know what you’ve been told. I don’t care for it. Just spit the rock.’

Strike looked around, more confused at what he should do. ‘Its… nothing important – I was said to take it as. It is from Duchess Astra of-’

‘Ah! Her. It will be fun. Sure, enter then. Amuse the old, senile mare within.’

Strike jerked at the slur at Celestia’s person; he was told it was Jade’s way of speaking and should be kept a secret between them and not be reported to Celestia. While hiding information from his ruler – particularly concerning her direct protection – did not really please him at first, a certain thrill and bizarre understanding settled in quickly. Everyone was keeping it a secret and the First Captain was prudent – why risk being shunned by others simply to satisfy Celestia?

‘Thank you, sir.’

‘Wait.’ Jade Hooves put himself fully in front of Strike, showing off all the ornate design of his armor. ‘How are you finding your job?’

‘I am pleased with it,’ he answered truthfully, though something made him doubt that.

‘Hm.’ Jade returned to his rampart. ‘Hope you remain bright like that. No one annoying you? I know Steel Hooves can be quite demanding.’

‘He is very supportive.’

‘Ohh! He likes you? Interesting. Well, carry on.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ He bowed, happy to hear his superior taking interest in him.

Celestia was sitting on the bare ground, her head bowed slightly. In front of her, reposing on a stone thing, a silver pendent she fixated. Nothing was next to it; it occupied a whole shelve for itself and no more, high above everything else in her chamber. Someone would have expected great extravagance within, but it was mostly empty. Of course, the accommodation for the standard expected of her standing where present, but it lacked the greatness and over-taking awe presumed. There was a table next to a three arched window leading to a humble balcony, with flowers dangling down the marble railing. In its center, an expertly made basket was sitting, filled with apples she rarely touched. In fact, she wasn’t sure if she still liked them, yet she was picky in their choosing. Even before, she never liked surrounding herself with too much apparels.

There was no noise – a rarity for her. She was comfortable with it – not anxious. For a brief moment, she felt at ease.

Celestia closed her eyes and slumped her head backward. She sighed and smiled. It was peaceful when she was alone. She opened her eyes, and took in every breath, releasing each in long exhalations.

She heard a knock on the door

Her head suddenly gained invisible weight. She closed her eyes and found it difficult to open them again. She lowered her head in resignation, letting the crown slip off, not bothering to catch it in its fall in a loud chime.

‘What is a little wait? I am used to it, after all,’ she bitterly murmured. She took a quick breath. ‘Enter!’ It exited too aggressive for her liking – she did not care.

No one entered. She must have murmured aloud. She did not care. She just wanted to be left alone.

In those moments, Celestia searched for a memory to recall, something – anything – to keep herself tethered. She had perhaps exhausted everything her mind had preserved – she wasn’t sure. She continued searching for the modicum of an experience past to be felt anew.

There was that-

‘Princess,’ entered the guard. ‘I-’

‘Get out,’ her voice filled with grovel.

He stayed silent. A semblance of a phrase drew itself upon his lips, carving itself precisely, but did not dare to be materialized. Steel Hooves had told him things like these were reported of having had happened before. He was simply not prepared for it. It should have not been him to come to the guard. He was chosen on heritage, the son of one of Canterlot’s elite. He was told and educated to always respect the Sisters; to not doubt their abilities and implicitly trust in their power. They are to be eternally respected and followed, that their wisdom will only enlightened Equestria. Less than one year in the Guard, and that education felt more and more foreign. His aunt and uncle had their entire estates confiscated by orders of Celestia and given to rivals with little prior notice. They were never of the high elite, but their rights were to be respected. Ink on paper, it seems. A contract broken with no one able to judge the criminal. But a criminal he could not make himself to go against.

‘Excuse me, I haven’t understood,’ he said, not sure if it was stress that was making him speak.

‘Get out,’ she bellowed out, stiffening a roar with clenched teeth.

He backed off until he found himself next to the door once more. ‘But the-’

‘Does it involve my sister?’ she asked, cognizant of its silly truth.

‘I…’ the guard’s arms started to tremble. ‘I… no-’

‘Then I don’t care,’ she succinctly stated. ‘Get out.’

‘I…’ He resigned. ‘Yes, Princess.’

He exited lackluster in respect of protocol; she closed the door without deigning looking back at him.

Jade Hooves took Strike aside, reassuring the new recruit it was nothing. His position was in secure hooves. Though for Strike it did not matter much, the Princess, the being he was told of her wise, patient, angelic ways, had wanted him out. Still in shock, Strike bided the Captain goodbye, taking the way back to Steel Hooves’ place.

Jade cursed a thousand curses in a second before mustering the discipline to suppress his nascent anger.

‘Idiot,’ she whispered in exasperation. Things did not used to be like that before.

Celestia sat back and closed her eyes once again; it did not take her long to know what to recall.

She remembered a river.

She remembered trees tightly lining a river she forgot the name of.

She remembered it was spring, a long time ago.

She remembered a rose tainted in blood.

Upstream and Downstream

‘En amont et en aval – je me souviens jamais de quoi est quoi.’

-Barbaric words from a barbaric people.

‘Why are we here, sister?’ asked Celestia.

‘Because I think you need a break,’ said Luna, happy to be with her sister after a week of absence.

Luna rolled her eyes. ‘Alright, Tia.’ Tia… She stopped calling me Tia… No, shut up! ‘I will stride your way.’

‘Equestria is not a small thing to govern.’

‘I know. I know from their dreams. But you are doing a great job; you don’t have to push yourself. I hope you’re doing fine?’

She had answered as she had become accustomed to: that she was fine. Too much or too little, and it might cause Luna to worry. Her sister had enough on her plate already.

Luna sat down and offered Celestia a place next to her.

‘I can help you-’

‘I prefer not – for your sake. Already you have a whole other dimension; leave that one to me. Alright?’

Luna twirled of the head, trying to amuse her sister. It succeeded on easy Celestia’s tense features. ‘Well, yeah. Also, I guess I am not too discrete. You know what I mean.’

If there was one thing she admired in her sister above all else, was how plainly she would state things. She would not commit to great, elaborate schemes – of which Celestia said nothing off to Luna to not concern her – nor would she come to undertake any. She was wholly capable, but in her more direct and preferred manner.

Celestia nodded.

Something moved in the penumbra of the forest.

Neither recognized the thing.

Luna pounced.

Celestia retreated. She shook her head, trying to get a hold of herself.

Luna wreathed it with blue flames, making the air tremble in the howls of the wounded beast.

She began running around it. Slowly and gradually weakening it.

Celestia tried to hide, gathering in her mind all the words to cast a great spell. The giant, near reptilian thing terrified her. Yet, observing her sister’s relentless use of rapid bursts of magic quelled Celestia’s unease. The words came to her far more easily. She got up from hiding place, her horn aglow with impossible light, the spell nearly finished.

Then sounds of esoteric deflagration ceased for a moment. Luna stood still, preparing to cast a spell of her own.

Words and sentenced mingled. None made sense nor was she able to perceive logical any order out of them. She could not focus.

The beast regained hold of it functions. With its slender, wipe-like tail, it hurtled Luna away from Celestia.

Her fall only ending by crashing into a tree and Luna closing her eyes in pain.

Then another cry was heard. Too great for it to be natural, too overwhelming in its intensity for it originating from the innards of any creature.

The beast fled. Celestia harried it relentlessly until the forest made its silhouette invisible. The smell of burned wood rose invaded the air. With one gesture of the head, Celestia snuffed them all.

In the corner of her vision, still busying herself to cull fires, she perceived another beast sprinting forward, like emerging from the expanse of the forest; large, seemingly equipped with long, pointy forward limbs; and an impressive dorsal crest that broke branches easily as the thing moved undaunted and undeterred.

She followed it with a predatory gaze, ready to smite the thing into oblivion at moment notice.

The bestial scream rumbled through the air, falling dead with no screech of battle afterward.

Silence fell. The forest was peaceful once more.

In the distance, a shuffling sound remained. Abating more and more as time passed.

Celestia stayed steadfast for two more minutes.

She turned toward her sister.

‘Luna!’ cried out Celestia. ‘Does it hurt bad?’ She crouched next to Luna. Her look stayed on the wound, tainting her sister’s wings with dripping blood.

Luna turned her sister’s gaze away from the wound. It burned and itched her; she kept her curses within.

‘Fine. Fine.’

‘You are lying!’

‘Just help me get up. I can still fly.’

‘Walking?’

‘Will be fine in a few days.’

Celestia lifter her.

Blood fell on a flower, a rose, draping it in Alicorn blood.

Finishing with Luna, assured of her well-being, Celestia lowered her head to observe it closely.

‘Yep… That’s my blood,’ joked Luna in sigh.

‘That’s not funny…’ whispered Celestia, too enamored by the wound.

‘That’s how you speak with your people? No wonder you always have work.’

‘No. It was a bad jest, Luna.’

‘Sorry. Force of habit.’

‘Then change that habit.’ It exited as an order.

Luna frowned and nodded.

‘We should do something about your injuries.’

‘It’ll be fine, I said.’

‘What makes you so sure of it? I’ve-’

‘I had worst! Trust me, Celestia, I’ll be fine. I-’ She looked up to her sister, appreciating the smile she was offering her. Luna smiled back, though awkwardly. ‘I can… heal myself. I know a spell.’

Celestia nodded, accepting her sister’s decision; ready to assist her at a moment notice.

****

Luna wanted to be left alone. She did not want anyone to disturb her. Even Eufrimia was not permitted to enter. But she had to see her, even if it would greatly discomfort her.

Eufrimia went downstairs. She stood still in the corridors. Her head slowly, gradually jerked to the opposite side. She continued forward, striding for minutes on end, passing the Hall of the Resplendent (statues of great Equestrian personalities in a silent procession through the glass-roofed corridor), she entered the abandoned dungeons. Though Cherry and the others had the unforgiving task to clean once every year. Why? Standing Princess’s orders since the first one of them had been chosen to clean her toilets. Cats and other small animals had declared those parts their home, and, Eufrimia remembered vividly, she and Cherry once stumbled upon a litter of baby foxes.

Maybe it was her unconscious want to meet with her friend that took her – she wasn’t sure. But it was a place Luna never, as far as she could recall, put a hoof in.

Getting bored of the empty dark, she ascended upstairs.

It was in the kitchen they had first met. Night meals were, according to Cherry’s mother, a family tradition. Aurora would rarely go alone; typically, it was her mother waking her up or the reverse. She had Batpony blood from her father's side, so sleep came difficult for her. Knowing that, when she found the wonders of work exhaustion in granting her a quick sleep, she clang on to it. Her eating habits were just a part of the course.

‘You’re still awake? I thought you had work on the chimneys tomorrow?’

‘Hey!’ welcomed Cherry, cleaning her eyes and putting aside her drink – most likely pomegranate jus. ‘How you do… uhh… doing- do… doing? He-he-he.’ She yawned loudly. ‘You were going to see her, right?’

‘I am just hungry…’

‘Don’t lie to my face, Eufi!’

Eufrimia snorted in amusement and sat down next to her. ‘He told you?’

‘No. We know how you… think…’ She wearily smiled, and franticly cleaned her left ear.

‘Maybe… I shouldn’t.’

‘No… Go. She will be happy.’

‘I am not sure.’

‘Sheee will be. Don’t worry.’ She rested her head on Eufrimia’s shoulder. ‘It’s not comfortable. Stiff today- night… tonight.’

‘Next time. I promise.’

‘Hm.’ She nodded. ‘Try to stay awake during the day. Been a while… You don’t do it much for… I don’t know… a while. How long since we know each other? Like ten years?’

‘A little more,’ she laughed.

‘Yeah, who cares? You can- ould… can do that. I tried it.’

‘Not your best nights, that’s for sure.’

‘The guard do it… My grandma was a Thestral; she used to do it.’

‘But I am not a normal one, am I?’

She taped Eufrimia on the chest. ‘Yesss… You speak next to her like she is… normal. I want to come with you but… She’s… too much for me.’

‘She can tone it down.’

‘It won’t work,’ dismissed Cherry.

Eufrimia took a deep breath, extending it as long as she could. ‘So, want to sleep or wait for me to – perhaps – come back? Maybe, I don’t know, I will try staying awake for you.’

‘HA! Sure you will.’ Aurora got up and took a bag with her. ‘I’ll be in my room. If you can, do it.’ She started walking. ‘Don’t follow me. Bye.’

Eufrimia laughed as Cherry wobbled away. ‘Bye.’

****

Hekatomb and Brilliant Hue – a member of Eufrimia’s tribe and one of Luna’s close guards – stood outside their ruler’s chamber. They had not seen her enter nor had they sensed her entering, but Commander Auren had ordered them to the task, and for all they cared, it was enough for them to know that she was here.

Two groups of five were patrolling the corridors in a constant back and for, making music with their hooves and the small click of metal. Every now and then, the tone of their march would shift to a new cadence. Hekatomb, as their supervisor, did not stop them.

‘I wonder what a concert of only spears would sound like?’ asked Brilliant Hue.

‘Wood hitting wood, and metal just adding a nice ring to it. Not too good for the ears, though. Especially for you.’

‘Imperfections are to be expected.’

‘Yes, but not for hours on end.’ Hekatomb caught a pair of orange eyes flashing at corridor’s end. He smiled, teetering on a grin. ‘Speaking of imperfections,’ he slightly raised his voice. ‘Here is the worst offender.’

The guards stopped to great Eufrimia; she returned the welcome to each in a lost gaze and with quick words.

‘Silv? You are here of all people?’ laughed Eufrimia.

Brilliant Hue franticly fondled her mane. ‘I can ask the same of you, Euphraty. How are you doing?’

She shook her head, smiling. ‘Good, uncle. I… I’ve forgotten about the plates.’

He shrugged. ‘Take your time.’

‘Have you seen her?’

‘No,’ answered Hekatomb. ‘But I have the feeling it won’t end well if you enter.’

‘Like it will change anything with her.’

Hekatomb steeled his pose but did not answer. ‘Brilliant, as her uncle, would you recommend we let Argel’s daughter in?’

‘He’s not with her. I guess we can let her in. Also, Argel is my uncle… I am not sure how we were actually related in the past, but I guess it works…’

‘Don’t get me started on the concept of cousins removed, divided, multiplied, or whatnot,’ she rolled her eyes. ‘Can I enter, now?’

‘I hear Argel’s voice peering out of yours, Eufi,’ said Hekatomb.

‘I will not be like him,’ she accused.

‘Hm,’ nodded Brilliant Hue, laughing to himself. ‘Before the whole curse thing, your father used to school me in that voice when I would wrongfully punch the bread dough. Or if he even so slightly hear you cry when I was holding you…’

‘Hard to blame him,’ she lowered her tone.

‘He was always protective of… everything. But you are his most precious thing. He was lucky.’

Something stirred ill within her. She knew they were all somewhat jealous of her father, but she wasn’t sure how much it ran deep within them. ‘If I need to leave, just tell me. Cherry is waiting for me instead.’

Hekatomb gestured on the head to let her in.

‘I don’t expect anything from that encounter,’ he murmured. Brilliant lowered his gaze.

‘We can hope,’ she whispered back.

She was reading by the light of her horn. A book from her library of old tomes, many Eufrimia could not read. The ancient language was too difficult to comprehend, or the simple act of opening them would hurt. The room was unimpressive. Not that much different than any of the others in the castle except for the smell of old paper. In fact, someone would have struggled to differentiate the chambers of one of Equestria’s perennial rulers and the mess of a scholar’s study.

At the far edge of the room, almost hidden by heaps of unarranged books, was armor posed on a wooden skeleton. Battered, its edges rough and used, and its metal prevented from fully corroding by a spell cast centuries ago. It was adorned and strewed with Luna’s sigil of a crescent Moon and the symbol of the Sun decorating sliver plates, in parts both were interlocked into a unified symbol. A part from these, the armor had no other decoration.

At the armor’s sight made Eufrimia’s skin crawl and fur rise – no matter how much she had laid her eyes upon it, the foreboding sensation would never dissipate. In her youth, the girl had asked Luna about the armor’s significance. She had only answered of it being her first, damaged but never repaired. Signs of ancient repairs still layered it, however. Magic, even an extremely potent one, never gives up a thing without leaving marks.

‘Is this a good read?’ quietly asked Eufrimia, closing the door in slow motion.

Luna twitched of the lips in silent agreement.

‘I hope you feel better, now,’ Eufrimia smirked. She stroked the edge of Luna’s bed, weary to walk closer.

Luna’s lips twitched again.

‘You want to eat something?’

‘I have apples,’ her voice was rasped with unuse, and dour. ‘I didn’t eat much.’

Eufrimia took a gander to the basket near Luna’s chair. ‘Half a basket,’ she noted. ‘Not much indeed.’ Luna stayed silent, though a faint smile drew itself on her grim expression.

‘Have you heard of Maloghurst? Or have I told you of him?’ Luna asked in a soft, pondering voice. ‘The Perennial,’ she malignantly grinned, a grim amusement, Eufrimia innocently copied.

‘No…’

‘He was a powerful cursed sorcerer. One proficient in the dark arts, especially in “bio-sculpting”.’ She paused, thinking of her next words. ‘He tried to corrupt Cornelia. She was a friend of mine.’

‘You never told me of her,’ accused Eufrimia.

Luna ignored her. ‘I am reading the book of his life. He had written it himself. It is the only copy.’ She paused again, taking a deep breath. ‘Maloghurst was an ancient constantly living at the edge of society. He never mingled, never caring for others except himself.’ Eufrimia frowned. Luna continued. ‘He was there before Equestria. He was there before us. He was there when the biggest and brightest settlement of the world was a mere village of one thousand souls, clambering to a river they had yet to control. But they eventually will. Some, like the Griffons, those lacking easiness in life, used ingenuity. Others used magic to control the water. And others still, used both. The Perennial was one of the first of those that learned the way of magic. He was a natural. He had managed to live during Discord’s reign of terror. He was good at it… That’s how Cornelia went mad. That’s why she’s no longer here.’

The Last Dragon Lord, thought Eufrimia. A character seldom mentioned. The name rang bells, Eufrimia was sure of this. Of places in the world they had ventured, Luna tended to rarely visit the Dragon Isles. If they did, Luna discouraged her to meet any of the Drakes. They hated “the small ones” visiting their precious home – or what was left of the glory in the aftermath of the Great Calamity and the Succession Crisis. Luna would always refuse to elaborate on that time, and no scholar wrote of draconic history. A Dragon Lord still ruled over them, but even that was unsure to Eufrimia.

‘Maloghurst…’ repeated the Batpony. ‘Not a regular name.’

‘In those times, there was not the descriptive naming convention.’

Eufrimia nodded in appreciation. But catching herself before taking the discussion further, she elected to get directly to the initial subject of her visit. ‘How was that Eve?’

Luna kept her eyes on the book of Maloghurst.

‘Fiery,’ she finally said.

‘Those two days were this much eventful for you two? Celestia must have been happy to see you.’

‘I doubt it. I very much doubt it.’

Eufrimia grinned. ‘Why?’ she hissed.

‘She… She just wanted to humiliate me and- and…’ her voice trembled, hesitation and doubt taking over as her stammering only increased. ‘Sh- She w-wants to-o impose herself. I only countered in defense. I had to. My honor, my pride, my reputation, and everything I- Ibuil- built was at stakes.’

The beatific visage of the mare crumbled instantly. ‘You are insufferable at times,’ Eufrimia made a low growl. ‘Both of you.’

‘Excuse me?’ Luna uttered like an order, dropping the book on her chest. ‘You have-’

Eufrimia raised her voice louder. ‘I have all the right and will to speak! You, Luna, only carry sorrow to yourself!’ Using a tone Luna would exited her and pushed Eufrimia to continue. ‘Honor,’ she repeated the word. ‘For honor you’ve let yourself to fall to such length. For nothing but your ego. I am not surprised, see. I always knew you had that in you. You cannot guilt me-’

‘I would never guilt you,’ countered Luna, surprised by the tone her friend had taken. ‘I-’

‘I don’t care!’ Too brutal an answer, it closed all Luna’s envied words. ‘And you should not either! Every time, your… uhm…’ She stopped to scratch the back of her head while feeling too distinctly her argument fading. ‘Melancholy!’ she rejoiced at the word. ‘Every Tartarus damn time you have let your melancholy talk!’

‘And what should I do about it, Eufi!?’ She felt even more defeated.

‘Stop caring about your past, damn it! And look forward! How do you think my father and the rest are living?!’

‘I don’t c- know…’

‘AH!’ roared Eufrimia in exasperation. ‘If you ask me, Celestia is purposefully putting you down!’

‘No. She is my sister. I know that she would never even begin to…’ she trailed off as a realization came rushing in. One she hated had come back to haunt her.

‘You hesitate,’ Eufrimia forced herself to calm down. ‘Get up,’ she ordered. ‘Get up and face me.’

‘I don’t want to fight you-’

‘You know what I meant,’ she sounded more assertive. ‘Get up.’

Luna did so, bewildered by her answering the orders of someone else. It felt good, almost liberating.

Eufrimia approached her.

Then, to Luna’s surprise, going against the expectation she had laden in what could have been a final encounter – a final goodbye before her friend’s sets for her own path – Eufrimia embraced her.

‘I’m sorry, Luna,’ she unintentionally slipped. ‘I love you no matter what.’

‘I love you to, Eufi. Don’t leave,’ she almost begged.

Eufrimia leaned back and front, taking Luna with her. A slight spark reflecting upon a golden surface came and went from her eyesight.

Yes you will.

Unleash.

****

‘Princess…’ she awoke Celestia from her reverie.

‘What.’ It had not been a question.

‘The- The… I…’ She forgot. Embarrassed; she got out. The First Captain was standing close by. He did not chastise her; things like that tended to happen. It was knowledge passed down through successive generations of Guard Officers to expect such behavior from their mistress. None ever relished the training and the execution of their learning, but, for the nth time since he took office, he had to confront Celestia. To calm her and no more. Never had it been simple, and he did not lay any exception he would succeed on his first try. It would not be simpler as he had to contend with a passed down feeling between First Captains that encapsulated him even more. Knowledge shared only between themselves, keeping all – even Celestia – that they felt she lacked confidence in them.

Jade Hooves did not need a tradition to tell him so. His, and the careers of all under him, had been a huge joke. They were promised great rewards and privileges. Privileges they had in the eyes of outsiders, but it was nothing close to one; nothing close to a reward.

They were useless. He could not deny it. Though, as knowledge trickled down from the Jewel, he heard of the dedication and reverence those warriors – those renegades and paramilitary groups loyal to one – showed to the illusive Luna fascinated him. He always wanted to learn more about them, but never had the time. He sent operatives that never returned or returned with empty papers. He could announce a search – he had the authority to do so. He could force himself into the Jewel. But Jade knew it would for naught.

He shook his head, spiraling the wonderings away into the never-ceasing thinking of his mind. Jade Hooves entered the room. The First Captain closed the door, and the First Captain began to speak.

‘Princess-’

‘Get out.’

It was a roar. Not the pretend of one, but a roar true and great.

He tried to maintain his solemn attitude. ‘Princess Celestia-’

‘I said: get out!’

Without him noticing, she was in front of him. Somehow taller, mightier, imposing. Her purple eyes replaced by incandescent orange fire. He felt his soul crawl, as if burned to a shard crisp.

He found it hard to breathe. The air turned rare; he almost suffocated.

‘For once,’ she roared once more, shaking him to the very soul, ‘heed my words and leave me alone. I don’t care what is happening outside these walls… I. Don’t. Care.’

It wasn’t her. It wasn’t Celestia. She would have never behaved like that. She felt too different – almost dangerous. Her words, usually so soft, serene, and pristine were filled him with rage. He was terrified of her. Not Celestia – of her.

‘Leave me. All of you, leave. Stay on the outskirts, but leave me alone. Please.’

For the first time in his life, nodding had demanded effort out of him. Maybe there could be a way to calm her. He had to try – for her sake.

‘Prince-’ She flew him up and rammed him into the door with enough force to shatter it.

‘My message was clear,’ she addressed all present Ponies in a powerful cry.

She knitted the door back into one and closed it.

The Guards helped their leader up.

‘We’ve heard it all, captain,’ said the mare that first exited the chamber, still somewhat shaking.

‘Then… let us heed her words,’ he hissed in pain.

‘Can you walk properly, sir?’

‘Will do fine. The dumb, old whore was gentle in her,’ he smirked, ‘lunacy. A fitting word for her – don’t you agree?’

‘Captain, you-’

‘I don’t care,’ he said in her tone. ‘When she would finally calm herself, I will be resigning. Better an elusive bitch than a mad one. Until then, my oath will not be wavering. Better still: better none of them to begin with. Those centuries-old hags are rotten to the core. I’ve seen children behave with more maturity then those crones ever had.’

‘C-calm dow- down, captain.’

‘One day. One day, we shall be liberated from them.’

‘S-sir! She can still hear you.’

‘I’ve already wasted my life for her – for them. Also, haven’t you heard Celestia’s words? Let us heed them.’

He stood back on his own, making sure to not hit his fellow in his haste. ‘Let us heed the old bastard’s words.’

The Regent

‘I have no time to live!’

-Apostle, the Apostate.

Eufrimia and Cherry Aurora walked alone in one of the many corridors of Luna’s castle. Luna had not returned; she was still in her duties outside the walls. She had said nothing of her obligations. She had just left, crudely writing on a spare parchment that Eufrimia was now in charge of the castle.

Typically, following the exhausting period of the Harvest Moon, Luna would have stayed in her residence or venture out with Eufrimia to wherever it would soothe her mind. That time, however, she had not stated the reason for her absence. Rumors abounded; from what her father told Cherry, there was the speculations of a rebellious sentiment brewing not far from Canterlot. And there was, unfortunately, some weight to the theory. Four out of the six cohorts that formed Luna’s personal guardians had unexpectedly left, the remains were visibly more at the ready, and, from Eufrimia’s personal assessment of their depots, had been quite emptied.

‘So?’ mused Cherry. ‘How about a day?’

‘Fuck off. Every time you repeat the same shit. You know? You will stay with me and, for a time,’ she played with Cherry’s belly, ‘take my schedule for your own.’

‘Cut it!’ she complained. Cherry smiled. ‘It will be fun, at least.’

‘Hm…’ She had postponed that promise of accompanying her childhood friend into the day. She felt ever so shameful every time she did not full-fill her promise. ‘I will do it.’

‘Spending more time with you will be awesome.’ Cherry slowly caressed Eufrimia with her head.

‘Eufrimia!’ called old Hekatomb.

‘Hm?’

‘A visit. The Duchess of Tall Tale is at the gate.’

Eufrimia turned toward Cherry. She shrugged – the name rang no bell to her.

‘Then take her to a room.’

‘She wants to meet with the Princess. The Duchess explicitly stated she does not want to sleep here – for the moment…’ he felt weird stating it aloud. ‘I am waiting for your orders.’

‘Want to come, Cherry?’

She shrugged and gazed blankly ahead. ‘Why not? Will be interesting to dip my hooves in that pool.’

****

It should be raining. Astra thought it would have been more appropriate. Maybe she should return another time, when raining would be an assured thing. It always added its little something to an encounter. Her first night with her late husband had been defined by rain. She used to be terrified of lightning, and he of thunder. Before that night, they had never really met themselves; they knew who they were betroth to, but beyond that, they were strangers.

She never loved him. Never as a wife would. He gave her an heir, granted her the proper leverage to rise toward effectively governing half of Equestria, and cement her family’s position at the top of the western aristocracy. He had full filed his purpose as was intended of him. A good friend; nothing more.

With old age, with the cumulated experience, she began resenting that youthful ambition. On a map, half of Equestria appeared as a challenge indeed, but in terms of rule, of potential, it lacked connections. The great cities of the east, fueled by trade with Griffons and the world, did not need them. They had the resources to be self-sufficient and they had the trade routes to never teeter constantly on the edge of a budget crisis. The realm was divided, and if they ever decided to declare independence, other than the sense of Equestrian unity installed in them since childhood and the Sisters draconian approach to the task, she was sure no voices would be raised. Maybe those wanting a good fight would insist, but the loss would not be a point of concern. She only had an ocean at her west. An endless body of water that rendered trade prohibitory expensive.

The Duchess entered the Jewel, the pale-black clade guards took pity on her to follow protocol. She did not mind the cold, but the show of compassion to a controversial figure as her was greatly appreciated.

‘Excuse me,’ a mare called out from the darkness.

Astra removed the hood, and even with the dim light of torches, she keenly noticed two orange orbs heading toward her. They felt familiar for a reason that escaped her. Her mind told her she should be feeling unease at their sight, but she willed the distant call shut. A silhouette of a tall Pony drew closer, somepony, shorter by almost a head, was holding close to her. Could be Celestia and Luna. Astra smiled.

‘I was not told of your arrival,’ the tall mare said.

She showed her features fully in the light. She, a Batpony, with a Unicorn anxiously holding on to her friend’s presence. It was clear she did not want to be here, and her friend’s confidence was reassuring the little one. The two mares’ juxtaposition amused the Duchess. Luna had prepared the tall one for an encounter like this one, but it was abundant that she lacked experience. There could be potential laying underneath; harnessing a possible buried talent was unlikely to occur here. There was confidence, at least, reminding the Duchess of her son’s introduction to the realm.

Eufrimia tilted her head, not understanding what was amusing the visitor. It eased both mares’ postures.

Astra examined their loosened expressions. There was no malice in those glowing eyes. Nothing evil nor malicious. The Batpony sported eyes like the one of children yet to know experience the harsh reality of the world. The Unicorn wore bright green ones. Small eyes she protected behind Eufrimia’s mane, perhaps hoping the Duchess would not notice her angst.

Astra could not help but to smile even more.

‘Greetings,’ she finally greeted the two, her voice measured to not shock the young ones and clear she was accepting of discussion. She had done the same with her husband during their first night together, a technic her father had taught her – one he had used to convince a bellicose court she was his legitimate daughter, amongst other uses. ‘Excuse me for that late arrival and my lack of prevention before that.’

The tall one nodded, followed shortly by the other one. More at ease, but still requiring a slight push to liberate their voices.

‘May I ask who you two are?’

‘I am responsible of Princess Luna’s residence in her stead during her absence.’

Absences, corrected Astra. Always on the run that one. Never in one place to meet; always on campaign, she used to be told when young. Granted the occasional devastating Changelings attacks, raids conducted by northern tribes, and the other myriad of beasts polluting the forests, emerging from whatever maelstrom of horrors that birthed them, would give merit to her remit, they were far from constant.

Unrest had taken up recently, but the east was the receptacle of it all. Astra had made sure every bit of land and every abled-body add to the economic weight of her absent ruler’s realm. She knew fully of Luna’s Harvest Moon, but even with both of those factors taken into consideration, wields and productions were still not enough to declare cursed harmony reached.

The people and overworked and overtaxed lower ranks were no longer content. Resentment, decades old grudges, and the unearthing of ancestral claims and broken promises, were only the start of a dark period of Equestrian history. In the east, the effects were clearer; in the west, with the manner Luna had left them rule, the situation was more stable. For now. To calm the merchant class and nobles, Astra’s son and heir had proposed to implement a more general form of the city councils, to Luna’s realm as a whole. Democracy, he told her the name was. The idea would liberate her from many responsibilities, but it would never reached beyond the realm of ideas. Already Celestia challenged tax reforms and imposed changes of her own; cementing her sister’s role as a figurehead. Her son had managed to convince the Princess to back down from most of her out of touch proposals, experiencing first hoof the impossibility of change. It had saddened her to see an idea he had spent weeks envisage be so callously dismissed.

Astra leered. ‘A fulltime task,’ she told Eufrimia.

‘No,’ a smile drew itself on her expression. ‘Tell me who you are.’

‘Why am I not surprised?’ the amused bitterness of old age showcased clearly in her answer. ‘I am Duchess Astra of Tall Tale. I am regent of this part of Equestria in the Diarch’s – perpetual – absence.’

‘I’ve heard of you. You were never officially appointed as such.’

‘I was chosen by the College. Not in challenge to the Princess’ authority, but to keep her domain stable. Who do you think actually rules when she is absent, dear?’

Eufrimia grimaced, unsure if it was at herself for not knowing an obvious statement or at Astra’s patronizing tone (and she wasn’t sure if patronizing was appropriate here). ‘Her sister can.’

‘HA! She awaits the moment I or any of us start challenging the power of her little sister to finally deal with us. A confusing task; she confuses us with the extent with which we are permitted to utilize our collective authority.’

Astra closed her eyes, forcing herself to stop herself before unleashing the deluge of her thoughts upon both mares.

She asked for the tall one to guide them to the main room. Eufrimia readily obliged.

Minutes passed in silence, though, Astra was thankful, lacked any sort of animosity. From hushed whispers between the two mares, she understood both would have preferred to be left alone. An innocent desire, she regretted not able to repay them with that gone intimacy. If the girl was right about her use of the singular, then Luna must be not that hoof off with them.

‘Is life caring you alright, girls?’ Astra attempted to break the stillness.

‘Eufrimia. My name is Eufrimia. The shy one is Cherry Aurora.’

Astra smiled, ignoring the lack of proper behavior toward a Pony of her personage and amused by the small vexed expression of Cherry. The lack of decorum was almost expected from those close to Luna. ‘Beautiful names. I hope you are doing fine, you two.’

Aurora nodded, adding a subdued, ‘thank you.’

‘Don’t worry too much about protocol and whatnot. Just the proper respect you show to any Pony and it will be enough for me.’

‘I’ll see what I can do,’ shyly but more determinately.

Eufrimia said, caressing Cherry’s back, ‘Thank you for asking, Duchess. I also hope you are… also fine… That you are fine.’

She reassured her for the stuttering. ‘Could be better, Eufrimia. Could be better.’

A thick sheet was covering Eufrimia’s back – that did not concern Astra too much; it was the lack of movement underneath that pushed her curiosity up. Batponies and Pegasi had that odd tick when they had their wings restrained. Every so often, they would spread them to release the built-up urge of flight. Discipline of mind? An incident that tore them of? The poor thing. If it was the case, Astra excused Eufrimia’s attitude; the trauma must be tormenting her still. Aurora’s presence explained itself further. A close friend, but more of a mental tether.

Unlike many in her position, she had frequent contact with the scattered Batpony tribes of Luna’s domain. Dedicated and naturally disciplined, they carried the remit of the Regent of the West in the name of the Princess of the Night with utter efficiency. Maybe if it wasn’t for that allegiance of hers, they would have never answered Astra’s calls or deigned work to push her agenda. Always the isolationist, preferring to keep for themselves then mingle with the rest of them. In the past, Celestia, perhaps in an attempt to mend an ever fracturing relationship with her sister, made steps to integrate the clans. Luna came to join her, but to vein results. The Batponies were more receptive to her words, although it could not convince them to abandon isolation.

Few liked them; always associated with the terrors of the night, with some of her social rank claiming they were impure and a bastardized remnants of Pegasi created by Discord in the long past. Could be – the possibility is there, yet to be proven. But for those more extreme colleagues of her, Astra always came to ask a defining question, one that cut the stream of “fact” completely: Are the Alicorn pure in that case? They are chimeras, in a fashion. Less deformed, immaculately pristine, and closer to a familiar appearance. A deceiving projection they give off, but who is to say that are not impure?

At any rate…

The sub-species had a tumultuous history – if the few written records and passed down oral retellings are anything to go by with. Though, most of the time, myth and historical facts colluded with their appreciation to the only Alicorn that cared enough to live like they have ever done. Kingdoms and monarchs with names half-forgotten or remembered but twisted to resemble the name of their matron. Mona, Lunae, Selena, Selene, Linay, Lula, Lanterna, Amara… etc. Many of those Astra was familiar with. Some say, they had no history of past kingdoms, for they were always an integral part of the Crystal Empire and the stubborn people of Northern Equestria. Then forced to disperse themselves as the Empire entered into turmoil. They had cousins in the south and the vast, more temperate, western mountain ranges; here they elected to continue living. Cultures blended, history was forgotten, and myth were born; Luna and Celestia filled the gaps, and stories started being passed down generation to generation, more embellished and more engrained.

‘I know all of this history, and more,’ said Eufrimia, pleased and impressed by the old Duchess knowledge of her kind. ‘And it is Thestral, not “Batpony”. You have Pegasi and Unicorns, and we are Thestrals.’

‘A past lover of mine never minded me calling him a Batpony.’

‘My clan say we are Thestrals. My father told me so.’

‘Who am I to argue with the father?’ she half-smiled. ‘What do you think of the origin of yours?’

‘I like your retort. I wish to have met with you earlier.’

Diverting the question. A trusted of Luna or Celestia that Eufrimia girl is?

‘Anyways,’ Cherry surprised both by her calm interjection. ‘Things began with a song, after all. It gave me my friend; let us not care much about it.’

‘The melody is fine. It is the musicians I am more worried about,’ said Eufrimia.

‘An echo chamber deafens every creature in it and outside it,’ added Aurora.

Astra smiled at the shy mare’s answer and her partners congratulating her with gentle gestures.

For a moment, she had forgotten the reason of her visit. Part of her wished Luna to never show up.

They sat down next to the chimney. Astra diluted her heating spell. How much Eufrimia wanted to relish more its effect, she did not wish to bet on the boundaries of respect. Cherry’s gentle pushes had also downplayed her friend’s wants; the habit had stopped registering explicitly.

Astra asked about Luna, wondering what was keeping her wayward mistress out of her ancestral role. Of course, Eufrimia answered truthfully.

As she recounted her experience, Astra remained silent, studying the manner the Thestral was answering. A passion that a certain obfuscated negativity. A keen difference Astra did not levy; it felt too close to home. The more Eufrimia spoke, Astra created a canvas in her head – a timeline of her surprise visits. They all coincided in perfect uniformity, in infuriating prescience. Her son’s proposal tempted her even more.

Hours passed. Each mare counting her past experiences to the others. While Cherry’s shyness had marginally improved, the other two encouragement permitted her to finish a retelling of hers. Astra complemented her for the words choice and use of flowery language. So impressed was the Duchess, she requested of the mare to provide her with some her writings, and, in time, she might commission a tome from Cherry. She was reluctant at first, but Eufrimia’s encouragements paid off, and a promise was made to Astra.

Eventually, Cherry had to excuse herself, leaving Eufrimia and Astra sitting in awkward silence, finishing the yams and potatoes they had grilled. Eufrimia had added scorpions – her favorite meal. Astra had to admit, the crunch made it tempting, but the Bat- Thestral was clear it was her top one meal.

Not for long, however.

The door slowly opened; a hooded Pony entered. She knew Eufrimia wasn’t alone, rendering all shreds of anticipation null. Her head tilted downward, and, using her hoof, she closed the door, taking her time to not make the wood cry.

She removed her brow hood, letting her deep-blue mane roll down her neck. It did not glimmer, it did not shine; it simply dropped as any mane would. It levitated, but barely to consider the thing abnormal. But for Luna, it was abnormal. In twenty-five years, never had Cherry seen Luna so weakened, so vulnerable. Another dispute? Something more heinous?

However much questions she could envisage, Luna would answer none of them.

‘Astra,’ contemptuously greeted Luna.

‘I am surprised you recognize me still, Princess.’ The Duchess firmly stood up. ‘It has been thirty years since we last spoke.’

Eufrimia fixated Luna, hardly envisaging the patience of the Duchess and the callousness of her aunt. An entire lifetime, an entire adult life, her entire life until now. Was she the responsible? Had she delayed Astra’s plans that much? Was she mad at her? Eufrimia had told Astra her age, she told her of their travels, and some of Luna’s actions and words. She should have stayed silent. She played directly into the Duchess’ trap. Was the promise made to Cherry just a ploy to goad her? Will the Duchess shred her friend’s work?

Luna’s mane brightened up for a second, silencing Eufrimia’s churning mind.

‘Your task is appreciated, Duchess Astra. You will-’

‘I don’t need any rewards or sycophancy coming from you. I don’t want anything from you.’

Luna rid herself from the cloak. She spread her wings, but the motion was a weak one. It lacked determination, it lacked any sense of urgency or elegance. All Astra saw before her, standing wearily and ostensibly, was a child showing her toys. The child was centuries old, but her features did not lie of the true mental growth of her mistress. Though, beneath her wings, under the dim mane, Astra saw scars. She dismissed them as vestiges of a more mature age.

‘Why are you here, then?’ asked Luna. ‘You have done superlative work. I have nothing to add to it or to this conversation.’

‘You have a warped definition of “superlative”,’ she said like addressing a petulant child. ‘Not only we have to deal with the constant meddling of your sister, but we also have to fend off northern raids, crop failure in the southwest, and, in turn, discontent coming from both rural and urban populations. We cannot act appropriately in face of those issues.’

‘Later.’

‘No.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘I said: no,’ she mused with that word and approached Luna with determination behind every step, not wavering one bit. ‘I am here to discuss problems facing your domain, Diarch. And you will hear my words about for the first time in thirty years.’

‘I am not obliged by you. You appointed your-’

‘You dumb bitch,’ she let out. ‘If you had been here then I would not be demanding this of you. I would not be here to ask for help from an overgrown child. In brief, I don’t like you – and it is dangerously averaging into hate.’

Luna winced, her voice rumbling like an ancient thunder. ‘Traitor.’

‘A loyal traitor, I prefer,’ corrected Astra.

‘What does it even mean?’

‘I am loyal to Equestria,’ her voice did not waver. ‘You are simple tools to keep the whole thing unified – nothing more. In harmony, as you two like to clamor and blare. Well, the fat ass she is and the child that you are. Of course, without discounting the other things you also do, which – I will add – are the only actions you accomplish with complete proficiency and are of any use for us all.’

‘Derogatory, the path to rebellion.’

She knew Luna ignored almost everything she had just said. ‘Now you care?’ Astra held on to her laugh. ‘After thirty years of me assuming a regency created years ago because of your abandonment, you come to me with this? In your wanderings, you must have witnessed our deeds – I doubt you’ve even bothered, however. We are no traitors. And for the past couple centuries, it has never been so. We have administered your lands diligently and according to the precepts you, precious Maiden of Dreams, put in place. We have strived and still are striving to keep true to them, but we are alone. You are never present; your sister is, but distant and uncaring. We will never rebel, but we are exasperated by the childish behavior you two display. You are better relegated as simple tools and symbols than actual pieces with influence. You were once examples once, now you are rancid and a poison running down the head of Equestria. Yet, you are also the remedy to it. And with those facts, only you two can decide the path we, as a whole, will take. What can I do? Rebel with what army? The militias the border provinces are only permitted to levy? I’ve been complaining all my life of your imbecilities. You’ve centered Equestria around yourselves. Somehow, you’ve managed to create a circle with two centers.’

Eufrimia felt completely taken by her speech, more than anything she had ever heard before. She turned toward Luna; she was placid.

Unleash.

Astra continued. ‘We are loyal to Equestria.’

The room stayed silent.

‘And to us,’ finally said Luna. A quick jolt from a vestigial pain running down her right leg, crumbled any sense of authority she wanted Astra to perceive from her attempted stand. She opened, unwillingly, the decisive attack vector for Astra to take advantage of.

Astra approached her, almost touching the Princess, looking down the Alicorn directly into the eyes.

‘We are loyal to Equestria.’

Unleash.

Anger flared in Luna’s eyes. Astra saw it, but was not impressed. She turned away from her ruler, smiling to Eufrimia like a grandmother would, and exited the door without waiting for a response. She would be permitted to leave the Jewel and return to her place of rule, living the remains of her life in the same manner she had always done.

Eufrimia moved closer, unsure how to approach the darkened expression of Luna. She was scared of her. Scared to speak with her.

‘Luna…’

‘I am tired,’ she started sobbing. ‘I am not made for this. I am exhausted. I just want everything to just end. There is nothing left… Everyone is gone. Nothing I do will ever be enough. Why do I bother with dreams? I don’t have any myself. I have nothing to do. I just wander around and around to places I’ve seen countless times over. Everything has turned dull. Almost nothing I once knew is left. I used to do things because it was right, because it was kind, because it was the decent thing to do. I don’t know why I still do things anymore. I always knew it would be hard, I never imagined it would be simple. But I can’t anymore. Everything changed… Why can’t I do it? I want to change. I want to adapt. Why can’t I do it?’

‘We can’t all adapt to change.’

‘But why I cannot?’ she snapped. She stared into Eufrimia glowing eyes. Her breathing trembled. ‘What…? What choice do I have other than to adapt? I cannot but try, try, and try! You always ask for more. You always demand and expect more. I am not my sister. I wish I was; she can do what I cannot. I am stuck in a past I cannot dig myself out of. I know it. I know it, Eufi. I know my problems. I know it is my fault. And I know I am weak. Deeds endure, they say. But from what I’ve witnessed and experienced, deeds do not endure.’

Eufrimia looked down, avoiding Luna’s gaze.

‘Just say it. Say I am insufferable. Say you do not want to stay here anymore. Go away and leave if you want. I gave up a long time ago. I don’t know what I am doing anymore-’

‘My name is Eufrimia.’

There was a long pause.

‘And?’

‘That is the name you gave me.’

‘I did not give you this name.’

‘You gave me a life.’

‘I am not your mother.’

‘I know! But you let me be this Thestral, you give me an education and friends. Deeds do endure. You gave me your best, and I turned out good.’

‘I-I p-prefer you leave. It-t is b-better. L-look at you… You look like me… it will not last… Leave, Eufraty. It is preferable than next to me.’

Eufrimia moved. She forcibly took a weak and weary Luna into an embrace. She kissed her on the cheek until she lost breath.

She leaned her head next to Luna’s.

‘I stay because I love you. Because I know it calms you. Maybe your many roles need to be put aside temporarily. Let us just stay here. Not for winter only but because it is home. What do you say? You will stop answering to others and you will be alone. Don’t copy your sister. Be a better Luna! A better Luna using the foundations of the old.’

‘I ca-’

‘I want you to do it.’ She knew Luna rarely denied her anything.

It was not make an exception; Luna nodded.

‘I am tired.’

‘Want me to take you to bed?’

Eufrimia put an arm underneath Luna shoulder.

A grunt and Eufrimia took Luna away.

Unleash!

Crumbling

‘I’m going to tell you a story about someone who travels, and everywhere they go, they make everyone’s lives better. I’m not that creature. That creature doesn’t exist. I wish it did. I’d believe in it.’

-Unknown.

‘Don’t rush your walk.’

‘I want to lay in my bed. It is a very comfortable one.’

She snorted in amusement. ‘Let me take you there, then.’

‘Use your magic to levitate me. It will be the last time I’ll ask you.’

Luna would have preferred for Eufremia to not state it, but she obliged to the old mare’s request.

For sixty years, even when old age had started to eat away her nimbleness, the mare that became Eufremia still followed Luna – being the sole person admitted in her continuous presence. For sixty years, she courted Luna and shared the last years with her.Now, her body reaching its limits, and preventing her to properly walk as she once used to – though she bitterly kept trying until the very end – Eufrimia accepted that her life reached its final chime.

For the past two years, she laughed at it, but Luna was never in the mood for laughs anymore. The mare sensed her mind had devolved back, more troubled than ever before. Luna could not sleep and neglected everything to simply be in Eufrimia’s presence, even if they would share nearly nothing for hours on end. It had even come to the point of Eufrimia reading book aloud, sarcastically or seriously, to calm her friend. For results that only dampened Luna’s moral even further.

They entered Eufremia’s quarters; Luna quickening her pace toward the bed. The room, per Eufremia’s desires, was not an ornate one, at first glance. There, everything she had collected from their travels laid in perfect arrangement. In her life, Eufremia had visited all of Equestria. Her father would accompany them but had remained mostly quiet when around Luna. While he had remained forever grateful for Luna’s actions, his only daughter’s safety had been a point he would have lengthily debated. Luna was not negligent, but Eufremia had used to tease her father with that concept, until she would become the recipient of his built-up frustration. But Eufrimia never accepted to restitute the forsaken name her mother had given her on her birth. He had calmed down with time, but had never truly accepted his daughter’s decision.

‘Here you go, Eufi.’ Luna tucked the old mare into her bed, her voice too calm for Eufremia’s taste.

She smiled. ‘I had a good life. It was a wonderful one.’

‘Thank you… Is there something wrong?’

‘It is only now that I’ve noticed…’

‘What?’ she smiled, awaiting a good tale from her.

‘I’ve only now noticed that you haven’t changed a whole lot.’

Luna’s smile deflated, only forcing it back for Eufremia’s sake.

‘You don’t have to act like your sister.’

‘I do that for you, girl,’ almost vexed.

‘Anyways – you’ve still changed… I think you look older.’

‘I think you are wrong.’

‘Maybe. I rarely was the most observant. But you have that look age gives you. In those typical places.’

‘Where exactly?’

‘Under the eyes and around the mouth.’ She snorted in amusement. ‘I am well-placed to know what age does to someone. But I can’t tell with that bloody mane of yours – it is still shiny.’

‘I am tired, Eufi,’ admitted Luna, knowing she could not hide it from her. ‘Nothing more.’

‘You are making yourself tired. For once, do what I say! For the past decades, you have made yourselves tired! And perhaps even more than only the decades I was present in…’ she said in a worried tone, like a mother addressing her daughter.

‘Why can’t you be like the rest,’ muttered Luna.

‘Excuse me?’

‘You are dying,’ said Luna. ‘It is not the first time I stand next to someone in their final moments. Every time they had gone quietly – with a story I tell or me just standing there as they found comfort in my simple presence as life slowly goes out from them.’

‘And when were those! For sixty years, I haven’t seen you-’

‘I haven’t told you everything.’

‘And since you won’t be able to again, just, for this time, tell me the occluded things!’ Eufremia felt her blood pressure drop. Dizziness struck her. Her breathing turned heavy with every breath taking effort. She had so much to say for her friend; she had so little time for it.

Luna looked at her almost unfazed by Eufremia’s dying tribulations. She almost was… desensitized to her plight.

‘I will tell you, Eufi. I did see. But those are things I do not like to communicate about. I hate experiencing them-’

‘Then go. Don’t stand here if you don’t like it.’

‘Eufi,’ she sounded offended by the notion. ‘I can’t.’

‘Why?’

‘I… I just can’t. I don’t want to.’ There was a breach in the wall she had imposed upon herself.

‘I love you, Luna.’

‘I love you too. I really mean it, Eufi.’ Luna grabbed her arm, the rugged skin of Eufremia contrasting heavily with the centuries-old silk-like skin of Luna.

Eufremia was cold. Luna cast a spell to heat her.

The old mare smiled.

‘Let us talk…’ She pointed to the horn, her voice fading away in a low rumble.

Eufremia closed her eyes. Luna’s pupils widened and her breathing quickened. She did not want it to end. She had not given Eufremia a good end. She had to provide for her.

She took her to the Realm.

‘You look sad,’ said Eufremia. ‘More than in the real world.’

‘I am. But know that you were a great respite.’

‘Really?’ The etheric mist finally coalesced to a recognizable form in the ever-night of the Realm of Dreams, circling shyly between the white oneiric wheels.

‘I’ve lived long and saw many people, of many personalities, but rarely – very rarely – have I had such company. The best company.’ She smiled.

Eufremia regressed in age to her early twenties – when her father had let his daughter freely join their savior – and returned the smile back.

‘What do you want me to do for you?’ asked Luna, happy to see Eufremia look more like her.

‘Just stay with me.’ Her voice returned to its youthfulness. Luna felt a weight being taken off of her. ‘And I want to see my father again. Only briefly.’

Luna granted her the wish. He appeared next to Eufremia; Luna left them alone. She was in control of him and could guide his every action, but she let Eufremia’s memories speak freely.

The day Cherry died was etched clearly in her mind. It first had started with her coughing blood. Luna had attempted to tend to her but no matter what the blood would return. Then, when the day had come, Eufrimia had insisted to stay with her friend till the end – she insisted Luna take her into the Realm before ever-night. In truth, neither had anything more to add to each other. Everything had been said and done. They had only joked a little and shared a last embrace. Luna had been there, standing silently on the outskirts. Cherry thanked her; she only answered with a nod. Cherry thanked Eufrimia, and she then went into her final good night.

With her father, the same scenes had occurred. Though, again, there was nothing to add. A long, very long embrace was all they had done. Eufrimia had expected he would have wanted to see her young again, to see the child she was. He did not. He had done everything for her, and the results were perfect for him.

She had told him her name was Eufraty. He told her it did not matter. She complained. And they returned to that long, silent embrace between a father and his daughter.

Luna had stayed away, unseen to them. He whispered a thank you; she appeared; he thanked her again for being there for Eufrimia (he said the name); she only nodded; he jokingly nodded back; letting out the last joke he and Eufrimia shared. And he was gone.

Eufremia felt terribly alone afterward. Everyone she had shared a life with was gone. Her former teachers, lover, father, and friends. Her tribe was effectively extinct and she could not do anything about it. Only Luna remained. And for the first time, Eufrimia understood, truly, how it must feel. The stone-like expression, the distancing, and the fear of lost.

Eufremia hugged her father, then gestured for Luna to make the apparition disappear, smiling idly.

‘I’ve never asked, I think,’ began Eufremia, striding toward Luna with an awkward smile. ‘Did you have par-’

‘Yes,’ interrupted Luna, not wanting to hear the rest of the question. She silently fixated Eufrimia, her silence preventing the old mare to continue in her previous thought.

‘Do you still remember your…’ She hesitated, wary of Luna’s look. ‘…childhood?’

‘I have flashes,’ admitted the Princess, her gaze wandering toward the nothing drawing forward. ‘Everything else is gone. All I remember was Celestia… I-I am not sure. I remember our parents through vague recollections of voices and faces… But what we did when we were kids I don’t remember. Things had seemed brighter then. Brighter and more… sincere. All I can say with surety is that the Luna of old would have been ashamed of the current one. You would have preferred her over me.’

Eufremia moved to embrace her. She snorted again in amusement. ‘Well, I like this Luna.’

‘No, you don’t!’ Luna flared. Eufremia stepped slightly away from her.

The old mare stayed calm. ‘But you love it when you see me. Your concerns would go until you made them rush again yourself. You loved gifting me trinkets and helping me choose the best and most interesting items.’

‘Weakness,’ her voice was dust-like.

‘Or this is the Luna you envy manifesting back?’ She snorted again. ‘No matter, Luna; take us to… What was that place’s name? The Fields of Crystal?’

Luna chuckled, enjoying the effort Eufremia was taking. ‘It is just one. Do not fall when walking this time.’

‘I was admiring the sky! Oh!’ She recalled. ‘And can you play that song I like?’

‘Of course, I can.’

A slow melody played in the background. Eufremia walked to Luna’s side, and rested her head on Luna’s shoulder. Then the world around them changed to one filled with high-reaching crystals, all like touching the night sky. Each sported a different color glimmering shyly under the moonlight. Some glowed brightly in the darkness, acting as beacons in the darkness where the few nocturnal animals that eked out a living in the vegetation that sprung up between the crystals would gather for a comforting surety. Cedar trees grew freely in that remote mountain valley. There a village exited decked to a water stream. Small, it relied on the few neighboring aristocrats and middle-class folks of close towns to vacation there during the summer months and the trading of cedar wood for its economy to be kept afloat. That area laid under Luna’s privy in a fashion, and so, in the rare time she had shown interest to the goings-on of the West, she had offered tax breaks and subsidies to the villagers. It was exploited by opportunistic creatures, but Luna had left the unofficial and noble-appointed regent to deal with the issue – as for most issues.

For all their beauty, the crystals of the valley lacked the appropriate purity for magical use. They could be refined for this very purpose, but as long as the bountiful mines located beyond the cursed grounds of the once Crystal Empire were still accessible during the limited good season, there was no need to expend efforts in converting crystals.

Luna had not wanted the villagers to know of their presence; she had taken them here for Eufremia to observe the majesty of the landscape, taking caution to sheave their fangs with magic. As predominantly creatures of the night, the reputation and myths spread and imbedded in the popular conscience, showing their distinct features would a detriment – some had even described the Batponies as Changelings proxies. For Luna, it had lost what had once made it special; there was no longer that awe to it, but she knew Eufremia would love it. The villagers spoke of a shadowy being walking at night in the forest. It would appear without a word or even any action was taken against them. Some saw it as a good omen – the sign of good fortune or a bountiful harvest. Others singularly saw ill-fate attached to its appearance. Either way, both shared good and bad stories of the “Lost Traveler”. She would take a room in the village’s inn, owned – according to its proprietor – by his family since the beginning of their reign. She tended to believe him as the ancient idol of the Sisters was hanging above the door entrance – showcasing a sign of greeting and good fate for all visitors. Even during those early days, the Sisters were depicted of similar height, had noted Eufremia.

Luna did not wish to expand on the matter when Eufremia would ask the same question every summer, when Luna would take her and her father to that place. Eufremia knew the answer would never come but liked to annoy her with it.

To remember the mountain village, a piece of wood carved into the shape of a cedar had her real name and her father’s name etched upon it. Eufremia later would crudely add Luna’s own next to the father’s.

On one of the nights they had stayed there, Luna arrived, and shortly after a trail of fire lit up the sky with incandescent light. It continued forth, descending and descending until it no longer illuminated the heavens. The trail blazed its last in an intense orange before returning the night to its calmness. The villagers imagined an ill-omen, and rumors abounded. Usually coming hooded and cloaked with a spell, she heard all the stories being circulated. For the entire week afterward, she had remained with both Thestrals, they had occupied the minds of all, and the anxious feeling did not abate. Children had been lost in the forest the day the comet had appeared and retrieved the one subsequent.

‘They still think I had been the one that rained it onto them,’ said Luna.

‘Perhaps you had. Who can say?’

‘Me. And it is false.’

‘I am joking! It’s not that bad. Still better than the monster that makes children disappear.’

‘They were lost children! I just helped them. It’s not my fault if they fret over everything remotely out of the ordinary.’

Eufremia knew well what Luna intended but better leave that long-buried moment in the dirt. ‘Weird how all monsters are from the night. I was once – yes – but I was called beautiful by many afterward.’ Her mane had not lost its orange color with age, a surprise to Luna and those once still surviving members of the tribe. Up until her father’s passing, he had been the one checking her mane’s cleanliness on the daily; Luna had taken the mantle afterward.

‘Because they don’t learn!’ barked Luna. ‘Some do and have accepted that I will protect them from whatever lurks, but the majority don’t. And even for the former, I am still some distant protector that is barely remembered.’

‘They will say Celestia had protected them.’ She referred to the scattered retellings of Celestia having guided the children out of the forest. ‘That the light engulfed the dark. Tsk. You should finally abandon her.’

‘Never.’ The world rang true and struck deeply at Eufremia’s core.

‘Why?’ She was afraid to ask.

‘Because my sister has only me.’

‘Your actions contradict your thoughts.’

‘I am not heartless.’

‘Then why have you not spent time with her? I will die – you knew it – but she will linger.’

‘Because I love her.’

‘You are lying. You hate Celestia.’

‘I don’t!’ bellowed Luna. ‘Because you will die; because you are mortal, you would not have understood how we think!’

‘My friend lives in delusion – you are lying.’

‘I am not lying!’ She doubted herself for a second but shook the thought out. ‘She’s better than me at governance and other… things…’

‘You could be better if given the chance. If you step into the light and engulf the dark you made to yourself,’ Eufrimia smiled.

‘Perhaps.’

She had ignored her. Eufrimia regretted her words, sensing the unease they had brought to Luna. Perhaps she truly loved Celestia, twisted and transformed over years into neither of them understood fully and was too scared to face the implication of that change. Both of them had let the dark engulf them, and it saddened Eufrimia like nothing else could.

Astra’s admonition of Luna had not gone idle. The regent and her words had acted as a sort of catalyst, reinvigorating Luna’s resolve to prove herself to a subject that, no matter what, she respected immensely. And, perhaps most importantly, to prove her worth to her sister. In the wake of that renewed ambition, Celestia had come to congratulate Luna for giving new life to her part of Equestria. While at first, everything had gone well, bits of advice were made into critics and kind words of support reshaped into diminutive insults. Astra had stood with Luna, encouraging her to further dig the canyon. That day ended Luna’s brief re-involvement in material affairs. She became more reclusive afterward, distancing herself from all except Eufrimia.

But Eufrimia smiled still, smiled at the brief spark she had made Luna bask in.

‘I want to see the Sun,’ finally said Eufremia, not wanting to extend that moment. She felt her body weaken even further; Luna’s expression made clear that she knew only mere minutes remained.

As Thestrals, the Sun was something they naturally lived little underneath. They could adapt their circadian rhythm to it, but the effort was meaningless most of the time if the incentive was lacking. Eufremia’s tribe’s unfortunate past had not changed that, instead they were inflected with terrible sunburns instantly when exposed to it. Luna would sheave them with a protective spell, but which effects would only be limited due to exposure.

Eufremia stiffened her pose, Luna reassuring her that nothing would inflect her in the Realm. The old mare snorted and sighed. ‘You would have done a better job in Celestia’s stead. The Sun would have shone brighter and gentler.’ Eufremia had that fascination with the life the others would enjoy during the day. Even behind the protective barriers of a house, she felt the Sun could have been improved upon. Ironically, it felt lesser to her.

‘Maybe; fate had it otherwise.’

Eufremia grimaced. ‘You are not beholden to it – none of us are. If it was the case, I would have not been there.’

‘It is different for us. Always was and will continue being so.’

‘Could it have been you instead?’

‘Rising the Sun? Perhaps in another world.’ Luna smiled at the thought. She felt the realm faltering, her grip upon Eufremia’s dream loosening incrementally at a pass that shocked Luna. The song was ending. Luna faced her in a hurried panic. She had to contain herself; to not let Eufremia perceive her tribulations.

‘Do not bottle up,’ said Eufrimia. ‘Unleash.’

‘It was good seeing you the same… same way I look.’

‘I did everything to please you.’ Eufremia smiled, understanding the sentiment behind Luna’s words.

‘Thank you. It was a good respite.’

‘Thank yo-u for thi-s life. I wou-ld have not asked fo-r mo-re. Good night, Luna.’

She did not want to say the words, but Luna had to have the last words. ‘I love you too, Eufi! Good night, Eufi!’

The world began to flicker out intensely. Eufremia rushed for a final hug, then she with her dream faded it out into the nothing as they dissipated in bright white flickers.

The world that had been Eufremia’s dream was replaced by the night-void of the Realm of Dreams.

The girl then the mare that was Eufremia passed away into her final good night.

Mourning

‘Names – they hold great portance.’

-Princess Luna, unknown.

Luna did not immediately awake back into the material world.

She kept gazing at the stretching void in front of her, waiting for something to happen. For any sign of a faint rekindling. For a dream to be formed once more. Others did; Luna keenly sensed them. They hovered around her, passing her by and demanding attention. More sprung up, emerging from the dark waters that made up the floor of the Realm Luna sat upon. Her field of view became gradually filled and the unwavering ting ting ting of a bell rang ever louder. Luna dismissed them all; there was no time for the petty problems of mortal creatures. One disc, however, shined brighter than others and kept form where others dissipated.

Urgency. Nothing she wanted to care about; it fell to the fate of its kin.

The world had to wait. She could not care less for it.

Eufremia was dead…

‘…Nothing will happen,’ she cursed in a loud murmur and defeated. ‘Nothing will change it. Her life… has… you would know.’

The figure of a stallion stood quietly behind her. He looked younger than Eufremia.

‘Right, Orion?’

He did not answer. She did not want him to.

‘I think you do, Moonshine. I was the one that had killed you, after all.’

No reply.

She sighed and lounged on the mirror-like ground. ‘She was the first… In a long time to... Have I told you that?’

‘I think I have. I can’t remember.’

‘Right – she had not met you. I was almost going to ask why. Well, maybe later she- Eufremia is dead… right. You will never meet her. Maybe for the best.’

‘Anyways – she is yet another one to add to the list. Yet another… It is a long list.’

Luna stood up and approached the apparition of Orion. He had been her trusted captain once. Perhaps the first true friend she had allowed herself to have after they rose to head Equestria. They were close, and for all their closeness, she was his killer. It had taken one mistake. One hastened plan. One allowance for eagerness. All had led for him to perish in the fires of her error; for everyone that followed their new ruler to die. It had taken only that one mistake a many cycles ago to set the course her life would take.

She stood taller than him, similar as she did in the long past. His hair had been whitening, but his eyes had retained the vivacity of youth behind the first signs of wrinkles – she made sure to preserve those features. She could have recreated his voice, but it would have been more akin to talking to herself. It is preferable to not let madness take hold of her this fast. ‘She said I appeared older. Maybe the list will have an end one day. Who knows? She also said I was tired. Maybe, after all, it is not aging.’

‘Celestia… No – she would not say a thing. She will lie in hope to protect me. I will object. She will come back with an argument. And I will trust her words. Eufi would have said it straight to my face…’

‘And I still can’t contact Cornelia… The spell would not weaken! There is no sign of it happening! What did I do, Moonshine?! What is the reason I complicate everything for myself! Why has my life been such a cavalcade when Celestia has it so simple! Why, Moonshine! Why!’ They were no questions.

Luna made the tears’ call deaf to her. She should not reminisce about what was, in the great scheme of things, a just a faint occurrence in her life. She should stop caring about Eufremia – she should stop caring for all creatures. She was harming herself by hearing and answering their plights.

It was wrong. It was wrong to abandon those that are… lesser. She had the power. She had the means to protect and defend them – someone had to perform the difficult. Celestia was doing nothing to alleviate her problems. Her sister, everyone, was doing nothing to alleviate her toil. She was more powerful. She could do it.

She was tired. Eufremia was right.

‘Should I,’ she whispered lost words, ‘make her like- No!’ Her scream bellowed in an impossible echo through a realm devoid of boundaries. ‘It had been her time,’ she said like out of a mouth filled of grovel. ‘It was- But it wasn’t yours! That is the difference, Moonshine!’

No answer. And that time, it would be absolute as she sliced his lower jaw and entire right side with an ebon claw, leaving a gash of clear blue light that she did not heal as a great pain promptly took hold of her.

Luna’s body was paralyzed. A sense of mounting failure and regret enveloped her. She had let herself go loose. Again, like for Orion and Eufremia, she had permitted emotions to control her. She was weak.

The pain grew more intense like a knife repeatedly gutting her. Luna’s eyes began to water, terrified to close them as she saw their colors shift to pale blue.

It was returning. Her nightmare was returning to conquer her. Luna tried to wake herself, but a sudden all-encompassing throb that felt too real for a simple dream, grasped her in a tight claw.

The wounded Orion Moonshine disappeared.

Unleashed.

Then her figure elongated and stretched; her height increased to surpass Celestia’s own. Her skin changed to a darker blue resembling one of true dark. Then suddenly, her mane conflagrated in incandescent blue, extending in a silent cacophony to the point it could have filled the infinite expanse of her dimension.

She then spoke in a voice that wasn’t quite Luna’s own.

‘It is her fault,’ the existence hissed – she had not known her name yet. The thing now standing in Luna’s stead took time to get used to her voice. She loved mesmerizing and indulging in it, better not that sound be left foreign to her ears. ‘She was too weak to let the girl get close to her. She is weak and keeps herself in the shadows. However, soon, under the pale moonlight, a new Sun will rise, and I will be-’

A name blazed into the endless sky in a trail fire of magnetic blue, etching itself with cold flames into her soul. A name that would come to be associated with horror incarnate and the hidden bane of many thousands. It was a simple name – a very explicit one – and she liked that name.

‘Nightmare Moon.’

Luna woke up, the lifeless body of her confidant still next to her, its eyes open wide since the moment of death.

Luna covered Eufremia’s face, Luna’s visage showing no hint of derangement. It was done many times before. You get… used to it. Then, she exited the room she would later seal and preserve for eternity.

‘Princess,’ saluted one of the guards standing in the corridor. She did not remember his name.

‘Eufremia is dead.’ She had forced the words out, holding back the want to check again if it was still true. She had not the strength to do so. ‘Prepare the burial ground.’

‘We obey.’

It was still day, the Sun illuminating the corridors and rooms of Luna’s palace, not letting and shadow peer itself onto its walls, but what walked next to the guard had more the allure of a limping ghost than the Alicorn she had tasked to guard her. She had not asked for aid, she had just demanded to be left alone, and they obeyed. She had just to go get her crown, then she could begin a new, uneventful, empty day.

As she had done less than a century back. As she had done since as long as she could remember.

Unleashed!

We are less than three decades before Midnight.