Blight of The War Horse (Reforged)

Celestia unleashed a drawn-out sigh, slacking her rigid shoulders as her golden magic expertly removed each gleaming garment, positioning them onto a nearby ponyiequin. "You'll have to excuse my appearance," She apologized, sitting before a mirror-topped dresser, brushing her disheveled mane. "Nopony told me of your sudden audience." Seeing as she teleported into her bed chambers once day-court ended, the solar diarch couldn't blame anypony for her impatience.

"You're good; with this busted leg of mine, or lack thereof, I decided to come early." Storm Breaker huffed from behind, sitting at a small table. "Can't ignore an audience with an alicorn, can I?" She sarcastically said.

In response, Celestia chuckled softly, now brushing her disheveled mane. Celestia desperately needed some quiet time between helping restoration efforts for Canterlot, dealing with civil unrest, and her ponies’ growing fear of surviving changelings. What better way to spend it than with a friend over tea? Luna’s night court started hours ago, and most solar guards have likely turned in for tonight. Shining Armor and her niece departed Canterlot shortly after their wedding ended, returning to Mexicolt for their honeymoon. And Twilight also left yesterday, alongside her friends. So, that meant Storm Breaker was last.

Not that the solar diarch felt discouraged about meeting the ex- knight's acquaintance, but the rowdy warrior mare apparently despised rest and leisure. Despite missing a limb, Celestia chuckled inward, remembering moments when doctors caught Storm Breaker on one of her unsupervised walks and chased her through the crowded halls. Simply put, Storm Breaker certainly hadn’t lost her wild side.

Luckily, said ‘wild side’ appeared absent tonight, ghosts of dim bags underneath her exposed eye, idly detailing the table’s surface. Strange, Celestia thought to herself. Weeks back, the most pleasant gesture Storm Breaker would’ve shown was an ice-cold glare. She huffed.

“Hm?” Storm Breaker called, redirecting her sights onto Celestia's back.

Smiling, Celestia returned her brush to its rightful place among an assortment of beauty supplies, spinning around. “Nothing. Just a silly thought.” She replied, getting up and joining the bandaged mare. “You didn’t have to come, Storm- I said at your earliest convenience. You’re still healing, after all, and I’d imagine Doctor Sawbones wasn’t so keen on my proposal.” She giggled politely.

Storm Breaker rolled her single optic. “Screw’ em. It’s been…What? Two weeks? My flank’s sore thinking about that crummy bed, and who better to give me an excuse to skip boring things like recovery than the princess herself?” She grinned mischievously.

Shaking her head, the solar diarchy magic navigated the delicate endeavor of delivering tea to two identical tea cups, the steaming liquid having partially cooled.

Levitating her ivory-white, gold-trimmed vessel to her lips and absorbing its sage taste, she nodded. “Yes, indeed. Anywho, I hope you know why I’ve requested your audience, Storm.” When she received a slow head shake, Celestia’s smile grew, a rolled parchment snaking out from the table’s underbelly. “If that is the case, surely you remember the sentence I and Luna put upon you?” At her reminder, Storm’s eye bulges in surprise.

“I…uh…” Refusing to meet Celestia’s eyes, she uncharacteristically- and awkwardly -raises her tea cup and steals a comical, drawn-out sip.

“Calm yourself, Storm,” Celestia said amusingly, stifling a humored laugh. “Your forgetfulness during these hectic times is something I share.”

Storm Breaker lowered her beverage, “So…I’m not going to be thrown into the dungeons?” She quizzically questions, getting a nod. “Hm, lucky me. I’d thought you’d get on my case over that supply cart I crashed into the other day. Or when I caused that full-casted pegasus to burn rubber out the hospital's entryway. Or the day I accidentally threw up on your cake when I ran and hid from the nurses in the kitchen. Or-” Storm Breaker’s mindless listing wistfully fell silent, dutifully executed when she noticed Celestia's irate glare. “Ya, I…think you got the idea.” She mumbled. “...sorry.”

Sighing, and taking a calming sip, Celestia sat straighter. “Other than your recent…misadventures, you’re not in trouble, Storm.” Unfurling the parchment, the solar diarch’s tired eyes scanned the scroll before reversing it, facing Storm Breaker. “Otherwise, I humbly declare one Mrs Storm Breaker free of her charges and lifted of her punishment.” She said, warmly watching Storm’s bewilderment turn into disbelieving shock. Getting the counsel and her sister to sign such a royal relief form took more effort than Celestia cared to admit; while Luna required less convincing, the counsel never agreed to one thing prior. Half still expressed resentment of the warrior mare’s past actions, a small portion proposed half-and-half solutions which changed little regarding Storm’s sentence, and the rest were neutral. Needless to say, Celestia ham-fisted her blatantly biased vote, the final decision narrowly falling in favor of Storm Breaker's freedom. “From here on out, consider yourself a welcomed Equestrian citizen, free to make her own decisions. Go wherever you wish, do whatever you want. You’re a free mare now.”

Stunned, Storm Breaker's deafening silence was broken by the crinkling of parchment as the overwhelmed brought her release document closer as if expecting the formatted lettering and signatures to vanish. After wordlessly mouthing a sentence or two, Storm Breaker’s eye tore away, narrowing at Celestia.

“Why?” She breathlessly asked.

“Because you deserve it.” Celestia bluntly replied, noticing the confused mare faintly flinch. “You helped retake Canterlot and stopped Chrysalis’s invasion, surely that shows your worthiness at a new beginning?”

A sad smile grazed Storm Breaker’s lips. “Don’t be cruel, Celestia. Somepony like me don’t deserve this kindness. I did what I was told, nothing more.” She said, gently massaging the parchment’s smooth surface. “Your punishment, thinking back, was the least I deserved.” Almost inaudible, Storm chuckled bitterly. “The things I did…the ponies I hurt…nothing I’ll do could repay the debts and lives I abandoned three thousand years ago.”

Pondering her self-targeted criticism, Celestia finished her tea and shook her head. “Forgive me if I come off as rude, but don’t you think it's time to move on?” She said. Not giving a visibly offended Storm Breaker a moment to speak, she continued. “Speaking from experience, troubling yourself over matters long since passed isn’t a wise choice. After banishing my little sister, I spent countless nights awake, peering toward the twinkling cosmos above, praying Luna’s forceful departure was a terrible nightmare. Alas…I stayed trapped within the same nightmare for a thousand years, alone. During that, foolish decisions nearly cost my nation's safety, took griffon lives partaking in meaningless war, and made life miserable for my little ponies. I excused those horrible actions, wallowing in the bitterness and hollowness, degrading myself instead of learning to better my act and lead Equestria proper.”

“Then, one special day, I met an introverted, bright, and eager eight-year-old unicorn filly.” Celestia sighed, looking out a nearby window. “I tutored dozens of proteges beforehoof. Some succeed more than others. However, Twilight was different. Seeing her adorable face glow brighter than my sun when she succeeded in an assignment…made me feel happy. For once, I could forget the self-loathing and guilt and simply share Twilight's happiness, to see through my faults.” Tears glossed Celestia's smiling, distant eyes. “Ten years isn’t significant to somepony who’s lived that and a thousandfold. Yet, the day I sent her off to Ponyville, every single second of that decade replayed endlessly, worsening the further the chariot flew.” Wiping her wet eyes, Celestia gave a shaky laugh. “I don’t think I’ve cried any harder in my life than on that day. The joy, sorrow, and lingering hollowness obscured my thoughts, so I remembered how proud I felt of her.” Celestia paused, breathing deeply while Storm patiently sat by, wearing an unreadable expression. “You can’t imagine how I’d felt once Luna, or Nightmare Moon, returned and trapped me within my own celestial body. Seeing my sister, no older than the day we last fought, crushed my soul. Especially the way she cowered when I approached. Nevertheless, happiness overtook my turmoil, and the weight of a thousand, lone years left their perch upon my shoulders. The rest is history.” She finished, her throat thoroughly parched.

Storm Breaker frowned, Celestia poured herself another cup of tea, “At least you were able to find closure.” She muttered, “I get what you’re saying, Celestia. But I can’t, like, summon the ponies I killed and say ‘sorry for being a Φαύλος.’ I’m not a filthy μαύρος μάγος.” She huffed.

“You’re wrong, Storm.” Celestia retorted, “I’m not asking you of such. All I’m expecting of you is to look past things haunting your soul.”

“Like you and your father?”

The question came out of left field, leaving Celestia dumbfounded and mentally fumbled as Storm’s apprehensive glare turned damp. “S-Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” She quickly apologized, tightening her grip on her cold tea.

“...No, you are correct,” Celestia said, regaining her composure after a minute of quiet. “Similar to Nightmare Moon, monsters like King Platinum don’t deserve a second of remembrance, despite how many times my mind brings me back to him. To burden oneself with regret is no different from chopping off your limbs- Oh, please excuse my wording.”

The warrior mare shrugged, “We’re even.”

Celestia cracked a weary smile. “My point is: we’re better than our former lives. For both our outward appearances and experiences, the unwavering truth is that you and I are ponies. We may never totally forget the sins we’ve committed, but it’s the least we can do to grow as ponies. Navigating life and dealing with our problems alone isn’t in our nature. Everypony deserves a chance at happiness- and the ponies they acquire help along the way. Twilight proved that, and I think you have somepony strikingly alike in that regard.” Flashing Storm Breaker a knowing smile, Celestia watched the realization cross the mare’s features.

“Olive Branch?” Storm exhaled, sagging her shoulders. “I don-.”

“Yes, you do.” Celestia immediately interrupted, “Olive Branch helped me immensely during his roles as guard captain and advisor. Nearly as wise as Star Swirl, not including the drinking, of course. You are worthy of happiness, Storm Breaker, Olive Branch agrees. It’s partially why he’s taken a keen interest in you.”

A startled jolt rocks Storm’s body, a reddish hue infecting her muzzle. “How’d you know?” She said.

“You think Olive Branch sits around all day, doing nothing when he isn’t with you?” She teasingly suggested, the meek mare grimacing. “It doesn’t hurt talking to an old friend from time to time.” She added.

Following their brief bout of banter, Celestia and Storm Breaker switch to more mundane topics, letting the hours bleed until midnight arrived. Both exchanged personal tales, jokes, and idle chatter of daily life. Storm Breaker recounted the ponies that formed her group and what they were like, and Celestia told stories of Canterlot’s earlier years and the prank wars she’d wage with Luna. Needless to say, the ruler and knight enjoyed each other’s company late into the early morning, the former taking note of a wall clock reading three-forty-two. Unleashing an unmarelike yawn, Celestia deserted the table and empty tea set, stretching her joints accompanied by audible pops.

“As much as I enjoyed our conversations, Storm Breaker, time and rest stops for nopony.” Celestia said with a flat smile, internally groaning at the prospect of day court in her sleep-deprived condition. “Due to your newfound freedom, you’re no longer required to stay on castle grounds if you so choose. The same goes for your employment- unless you wish to continue your service after your injuries heal.”

Storm nodded, releasing a yawn that sounded like a mix of a strangled bear and a g5 hurricane.

Seeing the colossal ex-knight rise from her seated position, Celestia faced away, locking onto her comfy bed. An hour or four couldn’t hurt, right? However, expecting an already-absent Storm Breaker and moving toward her cloud-like mattress, a muffled cough stopped the solar diarch halfway. Turning back to Storm once again, she saw apprehension and hesitation restrain the bandage mare’s sluggish movements and downcasted head, her eye finding the carpeted floor highly interesting. “Hey, can I ask you something?” She said.

Celestia quirked an eyebrow, “Of course,” She simply answered, “What’s on your mind?”

It was clear as day that Storm Breaker was having trouble with her request- biting her lip, narrowing her eye, and mumbling. Likely a favor or appeal of assistance, Celestia reasoned. “If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. I’ll do my best to support you.” She suddenly said.

Good, it seemed that her encouraging words put a stop to Storm’s reclusive worrying, the mare lifting her head. “You…said I was a free mare now, right?” Celestia nodded, “Then, you wouldn’t mind if I asked you for a favor.”

Celestia smiled, “If it’s within my power to do so, I shall listen.”

“Welcome back!” Entering my room, I’m mirthfully greeted by Olive Branch, who’s splayed out across the bed, armorless. “I’d thought you’d never return.” He added.

I chuckled lightly as I approached my occupied resting place while the old coot shifted over onto the left side, making enough space so I could collapse with a deflating sigh. Goddess above, has Celestia ever thought about getting regular chairs instead of using those crummy cushions? “My back’s killing me! Please, put me out of my misery!” I groaned lowly. Luckily, having only three aching legs gave me less to complain about- one positive of becoming an amputee.

Feeling pleasant warmth enrapture my upper body beneath inch-thick bed covers, Olive’s amused chortles lulled me onto my side, directly facing the grinning stallion. “Come now. If I off’d ya, who’d cause ponies chaos every time I go out on shift to keep it interesting.” He smiled coyly. Gently wrapping my foreleg around his waist, I cruelly punished this selfish fool by pressing his face against the bandage-free fluff plugging my chest. Ever since reuniting, I’ve noticed myself smiling more often whenever Olive was around, an addictive heat squeezing my lungs and heart. Tonight was the first night I had invited him inside my room under somewhat intimate circumstances, remembering the day he revealed his fondness for me. Holding him this close, feeling an alien, rhythmic heartbeat against my own, I never felt at peace.

Looking down, Olive’s upward shifting didn’t go unnoticed.

I should get my fur trim, but later. I’m having too much fun watching my prisoner worm his way to freedom, eventually greeted with a smirking, half-buried visage. “Okay, I apologize.” Olive playfully surrendered, feigning defeat. “So, how did your talk with Celestia go?” He asked.

“Well enough, I’m a free mare now.” I replied, earning a surprised reaction.

“That’s wonderful! You wonder what you’ll do now?” Olive said.

I idly trace circles along Olive’s lower back, “Kind of. I still wish to work as a guard- no surprise there.” Olive snorted in agreement. “I don’t think I can choose anything else. Otherwise, there isn’t a whole lot I know to enjoy my freedom. Past days usually consisted of hunting, walking, or fending off bandits, and being confined within a castle for months on end doesn’t give me many options for exploring.” I listed.

“There’s a farmers market happening in Ponyville next week,” Olive suggested, shrugging.

Upon hearing the countryside town's name, I perked up. “Oh, speaking of which, I plan on moving to Ponyville.” I said, earning a confused look.

“Why there?”

Canterlots noisy, cramped, annoying to navigate, the ponies make themselves REALLY punchable at times, there’s barely any room to breathe, walking on cobblestone roads and tiled floors for hours on end makes my hooves cramp, and every other gripe I have living amongst the mountain nobility I don’t feel like mentally listing out. The single redeeming factor I see is the consistently chilled climate. “It…reminded me of my fillyhood village. Minus the craziness and snow.” I simply answered. “And before you say anything, I don’t mind if you tagged along.”

“Considering my back’s nearly broken and you're not on Celly’s naughty list anymore, there’s no point in me staying here.” Olive said, chuckling longingly. Reminded of his injured mid-section, I automatically eased my one-hoof grip holding his back and frowned. Silence permeated between us instantly; Olive perceived my uneasiness instantly, regarding my downcast expression using his own.

“Olive. I…I-I’m sorry.” I meekly apologized, absentmindedly intending on flipping around if not for his blocking hoof holding my upper foreleg still.

His concerned eyes met mine, “What for?” He said.

Failing to respond immediately, I awkwardly diverted my gaze before releasing a hesitant sigh. “Everything…I guess. When I first heard about Chrysalis’s threat to Canterlot, I thought nothing of it. Unfortunately, it didn’t mean that these pointless worries kept bugging- how things could go pear-shaped if the threat turned out true. But after Canterlot was invaded, and you suddenly showed up and took Chrysalis’s attack for me…I th-thought you…died, and that I was lying to myself to avoid the fact that I’d failed you.” Doing my best to resist the forming lump restricting my throat, I inhaled shakily. “That…I’d failed again. Because every time I allow myself to love somepony, they always get hurt in the end. I-I couldn’t handle t-that again.” Damnit, why can’t I stop talking?! I’ll just ruin things before they even happen!

Much to my best attempts of salvaging whatever joy I hadn’t successfullydestroyed by being an emotional whiner, an olive-green hoof raised and…poked my muzzle’s tip, causing me to flinch. At least he got a good laugh. “At some point, darling, it’s important to know every little problem doesn’t involve you.” He said, smirking.

“H-Huh? But I-”

Cutting me off again, Olive rested a hoof under my still-bandaged right cheek, another involuntary flinch; like Hades did I want him seeing my mangled mouth, soaked cotton gauze and copper coating my mouth's inner walls and ceiling. “Lo~oking back, Twilight or I c-could’ve teleported you out of the way. I did what I did because I PANICKED! Nothing. To. It.” Olive groaned lazily, “Stupid me; I’m sorry I made you worry, Darling. But everything’s fine now!” He stated sloppily.

No, something isn’t right.

Was…was he not feeling well? D-Did he need a doctor again? I was sure he looked fine- no trembling, paling, or cold sweat! Well, h-he does feel warmer than usual. Shit. Wh- What am I supposed to do?

Then, a stray thought crossed my rattled, tangled thoughts. Peek over Olive’s prone form, I spotted an orange bottle on his side’s nightstand. Oh, right, that annoying doctor gave him pain pills for his chest and back, and they also made him tired- how did I forget, we received the same thing simultaneously. Although, I never took the doctor's warning about drowsiness. While I typically get somewhat drowsy, I guess it had greater effects on smaller ponies. Nonetheless, taking a second- and hasty -examination of Olive, his medication must’ve kicked in just now. Droopy eyes, slurred speech, and sluggish movement. Okay, correction, everything’s fine now. Olive’s just sleepy. Yeah. There’s nothing to worry about anymore.

Can’t I stop thinking stupid thoughts?

“I-I LOVE you,” Olive suddenly blurted, startling me, “Y-You’re a good mare, y’know?! That's why…I’ll NEVER let you go!” He playfully cackled, pressing himself against me tighter than earlier. “Let’s st-stop twiddlin’ our h-hooves, and sleep.” His muffled voice commanded.

…Okay, I couldn’t help but giggle, damn anypony who saw me. Silly bastard, you tell me that almost every day- it’s not what I’m scared about. I…I’ll tell him tomorrow. Right now, I’m exhausted.

Stifling my giggling, I hesitate momentarily before planting a light kiss on his exposed horn, feeling his dampened snoring ruffle my chest muscles.

“Sleep well, you adorable dork.”

Then, closing my eye, everything dissolved into blissful nothingness.

THE END...?