She's smiling. A familiar, happy smile. His hand strokes her face, kissing that smiling face, the two laying naked on their bed. Another long night had passed under Eclipse's leadership.

A few months into Eclipses rule has passed, as well as the enacting of her grand plan.

The Nobles, obviously, did not take it very well. The common Pony, however, seemed to quite like the idea of having much more say in local politics. Civil war seemed to loom, and questions arose from those that knew Twilight. Before anything could explode into chaos, however, a string of events involving some severely incriminating evidence buckled the Noble lines.

The schism was expected, manipulated, and a convenient lapse in judgement, that was definitely not pre-planned to such a devious level that Chrysalis would be proud, was used to smite any embers of civil war that could erupt. Power was slowly filtered from the Royalty, and fed to local, reformed beauracratic sects. The Nobility either turned on each-other, or stood down to preserve their own images.

It wasn't all the way, but, by years end, the Princess of Equestria would be a ceremonial title at best. Eclipse was already closing in on establishing a secured magic loop that, once cast, would place the Sun and Moon on an automatic cycle.

The Princesses didn't quite know how to take the news, when they heard of what was happening in Canterlot. They'd expected Twilights rule to be unique, but not quite to this degree. Any meeting with them is cordial, but firmly reminds them that they have since retired; Equestria is no longer their concern. Without their powers to move the Sun or the Moon, there is little they can do about this factor, but trust in Twilight; publicly, that is the name she still goes by.

Her friends were happy for her, that she'd found a route to enjoy doing what she wanted. With some nudging from Anon, she didn't let those friendships falter; they might not be perfect, but Twilight and the other girls had been through a lot together. Eclipse's firm grasp on emotions lead to some surprisingly real conversations; some ending in comforting tears and apologies, others in clarity.

Anon sighs, resting his head in his hand, looking over his furred lover. The room was dark, lit only by flickering candles. A common theme. Eclipse seemed to have an immense preference for the middling hours between Day and Night; namely, Dawn and Dusk.
"Letting a little more of Twilight in every day, hm?" He hums, catching her attention.

She was nearly half the size, now, only coming up to his chest. Where she used to cuddle him, now she was again the little spoon. She was a little more vibrant, but the ash-grey streak remained. Still had some hefty flank, though.

"...Mm. I suppose I am." Eclipse muses quietly.

"You know... you might be the first Alicorn to find a middle-ground with their alter-ego. Wouldn't exactly be out of character for Twilight to carve the path of yet another first." Anon theorizes.

"...And how would you feel about that? A lover that is not quite Twilight, and not quite Eclipse?" She asks, searching his face.

Her only answer is the kiss against her lips, the two holding each-other close.

Author's Note