The Conjuration Wizard

Canterlot’s gardens glowed in the soft morning light, the world awash in golden hues as sunlight filtered through dewdrops on the flowers. The sight felt oddly serene to someone used to the night; I’d long since grown accustomed to sleeping shortly after dawn since adapting to Luna’s hours.

But this morning held a purpose that wouldn’t wait for sleep. I was awake, armed with the Keep Watch spell to keep drowsiness at bay.

Luna and I stood beneath an old oak, its branches stretching overhead like a quiet sanctuary. She looked at me with calm curiosity, her eyes occasionally flicking toward the small bag on my belt. Despite the dawn approaching, her presence felt as steady as the night.

After Noctra and Shining Armor suggested the idea, I’d worked obsessively to bring it to life. Crafting the Moon Clock and Sundial of Memory had come naturally, almost as if the magic was eager to shape itself. The Bag of Holding, on the other hand, was for practicality’s sake — a way to keep the gifts, scrolls, and anything else I might require in the future close at hand wherever I went.

“You know, it’s not fair to keep me in suspense like this, Sebastian,” Luna murmured, a mischievous spark lighting her eyes as her wing brushed against my arm, her tone playful but with a hint of true curiosity beneath it.

I grinned, my fingers tightening on the strap of the Bag of Holding. The gifts inside had been my secret project, and while Luna had tried to coax details out of me in her own charming ways over the past few days, I hadn’t let a word slip.

“Suspense is part of the fun,” I replied with a sidelong smirk as we continued down the garden path. “You’ll thank me later.”

She stepped closer, her gaze glinting with a challenge, her wing pressing softly against my side as she leaned in. “Careful, my dear apprentice. I could simply peek inside and end this ‘suspense’ right now.”

“Oh, I’m sure you could,” I chuckled, catching her playful glances out of the corner of my eye, knowing she loved the thrill of the game as much as I did. “But then you’d miss out on all this anticipation.”

Luna sighed in a way that told me she was savoring every second of this. “You’re testing my patience, you know. You’ve been diving into more than just unicorn magic lately, haven’t you?”

As we reached a small clearing beside the fountain at the garden’s heart, morning sunlight shimmered off the stone carvings of suns and moons, casting soft patterns over us. I could feel her curiosity radiate as she moved in front of me, her graceful step stopping me in my tracks. With a narrow-eyed smile, she tilted her head. “Tell me, Sebastian,” she purred, “just what are you hiding in there?”

I met her gaze, fighting the grin that tugged at the corners of my mouth. “Patience, Luna. It’s a surprise for you and Celestia, and I’ll say no more.”

She huffed softly, though the smile playing on her lips showed her amusement. “You’ve become far too skilled at keeping things from me,” she mused. “Keeping secrets from me... you are lucky you have other redeeming qualities.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Such as?”

“Your resilience... and your devotion,” she said, her eyes glimmering with affection. “And the fact that you preen my wings so well.”

“Ah, so that’s what’s keeping me in your favor?” I teased, but my voice held a warmth that mirrored the growing sunrise.

Luna’s soft laugh brushed over me, sparking warmth I couldn’t ignore. “Hardly just that, my sweet apprentice. But let’s not ruin the suspense… I believe it’s your turn to be surprised.”

I opened my mouth to respond with some witty words, but the words were cut off when I felt her hoof ever so slowly traced down my chest. Even through my shirt, her touch sent a thrill through me, her closeness and the fire in her eyes clear as day. Yet, just as her lips were nearing mine, a soft sound broke through the moment — the quiet, steady clip-clop of hooves.

Glancing toward the sound, I saw Celestia approaching, her alabaster coat glowing in the morning’s early light, her serene expression complemented by the delicate colors of dawn cascading through her ethereal mane.

Luna took a small step back from me, her playful smile still present but her expression shifting to one of composure. “Good morning, sister,” she greeted, her voice calm and regal, though I could still sense the lingering amusement from our exchange.

Celestia’s eyes flicked between the two of us, her warm smile growing as she approached. “Good morning to you both,” she said, her voice light. “I trust you’ve been enjoying the dawn?”

I gave her a polite nod, still feeling the residual heat from Luna’s advances. “It’s been a peaceful morning so far.”

Luna shot me a quick glance, her eyes sparkling with unspoken mischief. “Indeed,” she added, her tone almost too innocent. “Very peaceful.”

Celestia tilted her head slightly, clearly sensing the undercurrent between us, but she didn’t pry. Instead, she looked at me with a curious smile. “Sebastian, you mentioned there was something you wanted to share with us?”

“Yes, there is,” I said, reaching into the Bag of Holding, my fingers brushing against the cool brass surface of the Sundial of Memory. As I lifted it out of the bag, and into the morning light. The polished metal of the enchanted gnomon gleamed, glowing with the subtle hum of latent magic.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly, intrigued. “A sundial?”

“Not just any sundial,” I explained, offering it to her with both hands. “This is the Sundial of Memory. It not only shows the time; it also displays memories. Just hold it steady and focus on a moment — the sundial will take it from there. But if you can’t think of anything specific, it’ll pick something meaningful on its own.”

Celestia took the sundial, her touch careful and reverent, her expression shifting from curiosity to a quiet, almost fragile anticipation. “A memory…”

“Go ahead,” I encouraged, stepping back to give her space to let the magic work, to let her sink into whatever memory she or the sundial chose.

Celestia held it for a moment, her expression thoughtful as she closed her eyes and seemed to search for something deep within herself. A soft breeze stirred around us, and I could feel the hum of the sundial’s magic growing faintly stronger. Then, as sunlight poured over the gnomon at just the right angle, an image began to form in the air above the sundial — soft and warm, like an old painting being brought to life.

In the golden light, two young mares stood on a rolling hillside under an endless blue sky with just a few fluffy clouds drifting lazily by. One was unmistakably a younger Celestia, her mane a soft pink with only a hint of shimmer, her laughter bright and carefree. Beside her, the other figure was undoubtedly Luna, her coat a lighter shade of blue, her mane a light azure that looked ordinary compared to the starry mass it would one day become. They were laughing, joy so clear and unrestrained on both their faces that it was impossible not to feel it.

I watched on as Celestia gazed at the memory, her expression softening as she observed her younger self. In the memory, Luna had pounced forward, laughing as she attempted to tackle her sister, who deftly sidestepped. The younger Celestia retaliated with a flurry of light magic, causing little glowing sparks to whirl around them like a swarm of fireflies. Luna squealed, mock-indignant, and leapt up to chase Celestia down the hill, their laughter echoing in the memory like a symphony from another time.

Celestia’s lips parted slightly, and I saw the tiniest glisten of tears gathering in her eyes. She stayed silent, her gaze lost in the memory that shimmered before us. In the vision, young Celestia finally allowed herself to be caught, and Luna tackled her to the ground in a fit of giggles, both of them collapsing into the grass. They lay there, side by side, gazing up at the sky with the open wonder only the young can afford. Luna leaned in, nudging her sister with her muzzle and saying something I couldn’t make out, but it made the youthful Celestia laugh — a soft, genuine sound that even in memory radiated joy.

After a few moments, the image dissolved, the magic in the sundial quieting as the memory dissolved back into the morning light. Celestia slowly lowered the sundial, her expression a blend of wonder and wistfulness.

“I had nearly forgotten that day,” she murmured, her voice soft and distant. “It was one of our last days of freedom before we were called to rule. We spent hours in those fields, just Lulu and I…”

I inclined my head, understanding the significance behind her words, even if I could never truly grasp the enormity of what it meant to be thrust into the role of a ruler — to lose days like that in exchange for the yoke of responsibility.

Celestia looked up, gratitude shining in her eyes. “Thank you, Sebastian,” she said, her voice thick with unspoken emotions. “This is… a precious gift.”

I dipped my head. “I thought you might like it. And I thought…” I trailed off, glancing toward Luna, who was watching with her own silent smile. “I thought it would mean something to see those memories again. To remember what was, even if only for a moment.”

Celestia met her sister’s gaze, and in that shared look, an entire history passed between them — a tapestry of shared experiences, love, and sacrifices. Luna’s lips curved into a gentle smile, her eyes shimmering as if the memory had pulled her back too.

After a moment, I cleared my throat, catching Luna’s attention. “Actually, I have one more thing,” I said, reaching into the Bag of Holding once more. This time, I pulled out a small, beautifully carved box. Moonstone inlays adorned the lid, catching the morning light with a quiet glow.

Luna’s eyebrow arched, curiosity igniting in her eyes as she glanced from the box to me. “And what might this be?” she asked, her tone almost playful.

I held the box out to her, letting my gaze meet hers. “Think of it… as a token of appreciation. For everything.”

Her usual confidence was tinged with quiet surprise, curiosity shimmering as she opened the box. The soft blue of her magic lifted the lid to reveal a folded letter resting atop a silver watch. She lifted the letter, her gaze drawn to the inked words as she began to read.

Celestia, standing a few steps away, watched us with a gentle, knowing smile, her presence respectfully unobtrusive. Though she didn’t say a word, her soft look made me feel a little less exposed, like she somehow understood the meaning behind this gift without ever even seeing what was tucked away inside the box.

Luna’s expression shifted as she read, her curiosity melting into something deeper, more vulnerable. The morning light caught her face, illuminating each small change — the way her eyes softened, a subtle intake of breath. Each line deepened the warmth in her gaze, rooting me in place, aware of how every word I’d written was now hers to keep.

The letter spoke of how much she’d given me — how, when I felt lost, she’d shown me the stars; when I was weak, she was my strength. I wrote of our countless nights beneath the heavens, her voice a guide to constellations that had become as familiar to me as her laughter. The dreams she’d inspired, the futures I glimpsed where we stood side by side, not as teacher and apprentice, but as something greater, with no need for titles. I told her how her laughter was a melody in my mind that I wish to never end, how her strength had kindled my own, and how, above all, she was my anchor in this world and my first true love.

As she reached the end of the letter, I noticed her swallow, her wings shifting ever so slightly as if to steady herself. She carefully folded the letter and returned it to the box before her gaze settled on the silver pocket watch beneath. With a glimmer of magic, she lifted the watch, turning it as her eyes traced the moon symbols engraved on its surface, the care I’d put into every detail.

She opened the watch, and a gentle ticking began, its rhythm steady and soothing. The dials turned to display the moon’s current phase, with past and future phases flowing in a seamless cycle of those that had come before, and those yet to come. Her eyes lingered there, her lips parting slightly as she pressed the small button on the side.

An ethereal dome unfurled around us, like a delicate veil of stardust, cocooning us in a familiar night sky. Constellations glimmered above, arranged in the patterns she’d taught me, their shapes exact, aligned across the dome’s surface. And at the heart of it all, the moon glowed softly, casting its light over the scene in perfect harmony with the morning sun.

Luna’s gaze softened, and in that stillness, her expression held something rare and beautiful — a tenderness as deep and infinite as the night sky itself. The dome faded slowly, leaving us bathed in the gentle light of dawn as she closed the watch with a soft click.

“Sebastian,” she murmured, her voice soft, mingling with the gentle rustle of the garden yet heavy with unspoken emotion. She closed the remaining distance between us, her hoof resting over my heart as warmth pulsed from her touch, her presence drawing closer still.

Her wing unfurled, its soft feathers brushing against my shoulder as she pulled me to her, bringing us so close that I could feel her breath — a subtle warmth against my skin. Her hoof slid up to my cheek, providing a comforting pressure that steadied me as her gaze locked onto mine, a gaze filled with an unguarded love that mere words could never hope to encompass.

Without hesitation, she leaned forward, her lips finding mine in a kiss both tender and enduring, a quiet melding of all we had shared and all yet to come.

The kiss deepened, her wings cocooning us in a sanctuary all our own, as if shielding me from the world beyond. She radiated warmth that banished any hint of the morning’s chill, her feathers caressing my arms with such softness that time itself seemed to fade away.

In her embrace, I felt complete.

Somehow, Luna found a way to bring us pressing closer. Her body melting against mine with a fervor that drew my focus wholly to her. The subtle rustling of her wings, the faint catch in her breath, became the only sounds worth hearing. I raised my hand to her cheek, brushing the soft fur there as I kissed her back, letting the intensity of the moment surge between us.

A soft, polite cough nearby pulled me back to reality. Reluctantly, I broke the kiss, meeting Celestia’s amused gaze.

Celestia stood a short distance away, her smile poised between amusement and warmth. “While I do appreciate such… enthusiasm,” she said, arching a graceful eyebrow, “remember, we’re still in the gardens. The public gardens.”

Luna straightened, her wings slowly folding back against her sides, though a playful gleam lingered in her eyes. She kept close, her hoof resting lightly on my shoulder as she cast a sideways glance at her sister. “If I didn’t know any better, sister, I would say you were the one embarrassed.”

Celestia chuckled softly, her eyes warm with sisterly patience. “Not at all, Luna — just respecting your privacy.” She gave us a gentle smile. “Though clearly, my presence is no hindrance.”

Luna’s hoof brushed along my arm as her focus returned to me, mischief dancing in her gaze. “Sebastian has a way of making me forget the world,” she murmured, her voice low, meant for my ears alone, yet holding enough warmth to stir something deep within. Her unguarded affections left me momentarily speechless.

Clearing my throat, I managed a slightly sheepish smile in Celestia’s direction. “Apologies, Celestia. I may have let the moment get the better of me.” My cheeks flushed, and I made no real effort to conceal it.

Celestia’s eyes glimmered with gentle humor as her smile grew. “Believe me, Sebastian, I’m well aware of how captivating my sister can be. You’re hardly the first to feel that way.”

Luna rolled her eyes, nudging me with a playful smirk. “Well, I certainly hope he’s the only one to feel quite this way, sister.”

Celestia raised her hooves in a gesture of mock surrender, her smile warm. “Of course, sister. I only meant that I understand.” Her attention returned to me, her expression softening in the morning light. “Sebastian, your gift — the Sundial of Memory — is precious. It’s a treasure, one that speaks of many beautiful moments. Thank you, for all it reveals and for the thought put behind it.”

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude. “It’s only a small token, really. A way to keep the memories close.”

Celestia’s gaze lingered, a quiet understanding passing between us that left me humbled. “Thank you, Sebastian,” she murmured, her voice weighted with appreciation.

Luna’s hoof stayed on my shoulder, her quiet smile conveying a tenderness beyond words. Her feathers brushed lightly against my arm, a subtle reminder of her affection, and I could feel the depth of our bond, somehow strengthened by the exchange.

With a soft throat-clear and one last warm smile, Celestia inclined her head. “I’ll leave you two to your morning. There are matters for me to attend to, and I have no doubt you two will make the most of your time together.”

Turning gracefully, she began her walk toward the castle, the Sundial held within her magical grasp. She cast a final glance back, her expression melting into one of profound fondness as she met Luna’s gaze — a silent exchange filled with the kind of affection only sisters shared. Then, with a parting smile, Celestia continued on, leaving us alone beneath the soft morning light.

Luna watched her sister depart, her touch lingering on my arm as though she, too, wasn’t ready to let the moment go. When she finally looked back at me, her expression softened further, sunlight catching in her eyes and giving her an ethereal, timeless beauty. Her wings folded at her sides, but her warmth remained, a quiet echo of our closeness.

After a pause, I glanced down at Promise, feeling the familiar comfort it brought. “Luna…” I began softly, “when I was with Noctra the other night at the Golden Horseshoe, she said something… unexpected.” I looked up, gauging Luna’s reaction as I continued. “She referred to me as your consort.”

Luna’s expression shifted subtly, amusement mingling with something warmer. “Did she, now?” Her hoof moved against my arm as her gaze held mine, her smile a flickering mix of pride and affection. “And how did you feel about that title?”

I hesitated, the word resonating in a way I hadn’t fully realized before. “It… caught me off guard, but it didn’t feel wrong.” My hand moved instinctively to Promise’s hilt, fingers tracing the crescent moon engraved there. “You entrusted me with this, and I promised to return. It’s more than just a sword — it’s a promise, just as you said. But hearing Noctra call me your consort made me wonder… about us. About what we mean in the eyes of others.”

Luna’s gaze softened, her wings adjusting in place as she stepped closer, allowing an intimacy that left little between us but shared breath. “Sebastian,” she murmured, her voice a quiet hum of ancient strength, “for my thestrals, the gift of Promise was not simply a gesture. It was a declaration, one I have never before granted. In giving you my blade, I gave you more than steel — I pledged a part of myself.” Her words held the weight of a thousand years of tradition and duty, each syllable carrying a resonance far deeper than speech alone. “To my thestrals, you are my consort, my chosen. And, in truth, that is exactly what you are to me.”

Her admission lingered, hanging like a note that refused to fade, carrying an intimacy that blended seamlessly into the morning calm. I felt warmth spread through me, a subtle but steady surge of something stronger than words, something that her gaze conveyed with every soft glimmer.

The promise within her words wasn’t new to us; it was simply one we’d been breathing, living, since our bond first began to deepen.

“I would bear that title,” I said softly, my hand finding her hoof and holding it, “in the eyes of your thestrals, and in yours. I would carry it with pride, whatever it means to them — and to you.” Her wing lifted slightly, the soft feathers brushing my shoulder as if in reassurance. “In a way, it already feels as if… it was always meant to be.”

Her hoof pressed against my hand, a gentle weight that felt both grounding and tender. “Then, my dear Sebastian,” she whispered, her voice rich with love, “know that in every way, you are mine, as I am yours.” Her words carried no hesitation, only the steady conviction that joined us together.

As Luna leaned in, her mane cascaded against my cheek, delicate and cool, her breath a whisper of warmth along my skin. Her nearness, the stillness between us, weighed on my senses, a magnetism that pulled me in ever deeper. I brought my hand to her chest, fingers tracing the faint scar just above her heart. Beneath that scar, her heartbeat pulsed, steady and strong, its rhythm a reminder of her resilience and presence. With each breath, each beat, she was here, solid and tangible in a way that felt both fragile and eternal, her scars weaving her past into this invaluable moment with me.

The morning held a chill, but the warmth between us was steady, a quiet, persistent flame that lit the spaces where words would only fall short. Her wings shifted, brushing lightly across my back as if to draw me ever nearer, and I let myself fall fully into her embrace, letting the world fall away beyond the soft confines of her feathers. She once more met me in a kiss, her lips soft and unhurried, each touch speaking of emotions best suited for actions rather than words.

I returned her kiss, letting myself sink into that great warmth, that assurance — the kind that went beyond vows and declarations. The title Noctra had spoken seemed trivial and irrelevant now; what truly mattered was here, in this moment, the shared love and understanding that connected us in a language only we knew. We didn’t need the world to validate what we knew to be real.

When we finally parted, her gaze lingered on mine, her eyes holding an affection that shimmered beneath her calm surface. “You’ve given me more than I ever expected, Sebastian,” she murmured, her hoof tracing along my arm in a gentle, almost reverent touch, one that felt like an extension of the moment we’d just shared.

I smiled, feeling a rare lightness in my chest. “I promised you forever, didn’t I?”

She nodded, her gaze bright with a promise of her own, the unspoken vow that bound us, stronger than words.

A gift better than any other.