The Conjuration Wizard

In theory, the process is straightforward: gather the necessary materials, shape said materials into a desired vessel for magic, hold the spell’s charge, and, over time, graft that charge into the vessel. Complications to this process typically only arise when a significant enough mistake is made, or for some reason I need to bypass a construction requirement or two. That's when things get a little complicated.

When I first mentioned my intention to craft magical items and detailed the process, Luna seemed surprised. According to her, it takes unicorns years of study and practice to reach the level of mastery required to create such items, and apparently the art of magical item creation was all the rage a thousand years ago. Before the end of the civil war marked the decline of the more militaristic needs of that era.

Luna insisted on bringing high-quality tools and materials into my room, even replacing my desk with a larger one, effectively transforming the space into a dedicated crafting station. With everything set up and the components carefully gathered, I felt a sense of inevitability as I began my work. What might seem complex to others unfolded with an almost effortless clarity, as if every step was a logical extension of the knowledge I had accumulated.

In reality, the process of crafting magical items felt like a combination of instinct and the natural progression of my growing arcane knowledge. Each step of the process was an almost natural feeling, almost like I'd done it before. An echo of Meridin? Or a side effect of countless hours of study? Or maybe… I'm just built different.

First of my creations was the Laurel of Vast Intelligence.

The laurel’s creation began with first recreating Fox's Cunning, a spell that would serve as the foundation for the laurel’s power. After hours of focused effort, the spell was perfected, its essence ready to be captured in the delicate silver leaves of the laurel. The following days were spent weaving this magic into the laurel, each leaf meticulously entwined with threads of arcane brilliance. By the end of the third night, the Laurel of Vast Intelligence was complete.

Next came the Belt of Physical Perfection.

This piece was a more complex endeavor, requiring the recreation of three distinct spells: Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, and Cat's Grace. I devoted an entire day to each spell, ensuring they were crafted with the precision demanded by such an intricate item. Once the spells were ready, I began the delicate process of weaving their combined strength into the belt. Each thread of power had to be perfectly balanced, the magic stable and harmonious. Time lost meaning as I labored, but finally, the Belt of Physical Perfection was completed, its power evident immediately upon it being worn.

The last item to be created was the Teashades of Night.

These violet lenses required the Darkvision spell to unlock their full potential. After a few hours of focused spellwork, I turned my attention to crafting the teashades themselves. The infusion of magic was a delicate process, each step demanding patience and care. The days slipped by unnoticed as I worked, and at last, the Teashades of Night were ready, their lenses foggy with arcane energy, granting a constant darkvision effect.

And most importantly: the Teashades of Night also function effectively as shades.

Get fucked sunlight.

Throughout this period of arcane creation, Luna was absorbed in her duties as a princess, leaving me to my own devices and her to an endless stream of paperwork, royal meetings with officials and delegates, and so on. My world shrank to the confines of my room and my new workstation, with Aldin's quiet companionship, and the steady rhythm of my crafting filling my nights and days.

Aldin’s gentle hoots and affectionate nips at my ear were a constant reminder that I wasn’t entirely alone, and that I shouldn’t forget to eat every once in a while. The hours stretched long, but the satisfaction of creating these wondrous items endlessly fueled my relentless determination, driving me to push through any fatigue or doubt.

With each item I crafted, with every spell I perfected, my understanding of the arcane deepened. I began to understand and appreciate how other wizards could isolate themselves for years, even decades, without ever growing bored.

Crafting isn’t just a pursuit; it’s catharsis, a passion.

I now stood in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting my gear with unnecessary flares and shirtless flexing a little more than I’d care to admit. But, damn, did it feel good! These items weren’t just proof of my progress — they were a testament to the hours I’d spent honing my spellcraft.

And let’s be real — they looked absolutely baller.

This shit is next-level drip or drown, and right now? I’m floating.

With everything in place, a surge of excitement coursed through me. Luna had been so busy that she’d missed the unveiling of my creations, and I could barely contain my anticipation to show her what I’d accomplished. After tidying up my room and making sure everything was in order, I gathered my things. Aldin perched atop my shoulder, and I gave him a gentle pat.

"Ready to go find Luna, best-buddy?" I asked, my voice brimming with anticipation.

He let out a hoot, and bobbed his head. I took that as a resounding yes.

The castle halls were quiet and dimly lit, as per usual for this time of night. The laurel rested around my head, the belt sat snug around my waist, and the teashades perched on my nasal. I was excited to see Luna's reaction to my creations. Oh, how her eyes would light up! I could practically hear her voice in my mind, full of pride and excitement. Aldin, my ever-faithful companion, hooted softly from his perch on my shoulder, as if sharing in my anticipation.

I should get her to try them on. The thought carved a smile onto me.

I made my way toward the castle library, where Luna and I would often treat it as both an educational locale and a safe haven away from the noise and bustle of city living. Due to the endless streams of paperwork, meetings, and other princessly duties, Luna was thoroughly occupied as of late. For almost two whole weeks. I could only imagine how exhausted she must be. The thought made me even more eager to show her my work — a little something to brighten her day.

We rounded the corner to the library, its heavy wooden door slightly ajar. As I approached, I heard voices from within — familiar voices. I paused, curiosity getting the better of me. Luna and Celestia were deep in conversation, but their tones were far from the usual calm and measured exchanges I was accustomed to.

“We can’t just send him on these missions alone!" Luna’s voice was sharp, filled with a tension I wasn’t used to hearing. "He’s not ready yet. He hasn’t even seen the world beyond Canterlot, let alone faced the dangers out there."

Celestia’s voice was calm but insistent. “Luna, I understand your concerns, but Sebastian has shown great promise. These missions are important, and they require someone with his unique skills. He is capable, and this will be a valuable experience for him.”

“But it’s not just about skill!” Luna shot back. “He’s never been in real combat, never faced the kind of dangers that these missions will throw at him. What if something goes wrong? What if—”

“Luna,” Celestia interrupted gently, “I know you care for him deeply, but you cannot protect him from everything. He needs to face challenges, to grow. We cannot shelter him forever.”

There was a long pause. The tension between the two sent a chill creeping down my spine. I had never considered the possibility that Luna would not want me to go out on missions. I had thought that she would've been happy, proud even, to seen me off into the world to help. But... now I wasn't so sure.

“I can't to lose him, Tia,” Luna finally said, her voice the shadow of a whisper.

Celestia’s tone softened further. “You won’t lose him, Lulu. He’s stronger than you think, and he has you to guide him.”

I felt my chest tighten at Luna’s words. She didn’t want to lose me. It was a revelation that left me unsure of what to do. This was supposed to be a moment of triumph. A moment where Luna and I could share in my progress. A chance to show her how much I’d grown, and that I could do more.

Carefully, I peered inside.

Luna stood facing Celestia, her wings slightly flared in a show of agitation. Celestia’s expression was calm, but there was a hint of something in her eyes — worry, maybe? Or perhaps understanding.

Celestia let out a small sigh and placed a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “Trust him, Luna. And trust yourself.”

Luna’s wings slowly folded back against her sides, and she nodded, though she still looked troubled. “I just… I don’t want him to be alone out there.”

“He won’t be,” Celestia assured her. “You’ll always be with him. Even if you are not by his side you will be in his heart.”

The words hung in the air, and I felt my heart twist. They were talking about me as if I were already gone, already on those missions. I didn’t want to leave Luna, not when things felt so… uncertain.

Celestia turned to leave, her gaze softening as she looked at her sister. “Take some time, Luna. You’ll know what’s best when the time comes.”

I silently retreated from the door, casting Vanish on myself as I pressed my back against a nearby wall. I waited, pressed against the wall, as Celestia stepped out of the library and walked down the corridor. My Vanish spell held just long enough for me to witness Celestia turn down a hallway and slip away out of sight.

Once I was sure that Celestia was gone I let out a deep breath. My heart was still rattling away in my chest. My mind sent racing with everything I had overheard. I needed to talk to Luna, but how could I? After hearing all that? That conversation between sisters had left me with more questions than could ever find answers. But I couldn't dwell on them now. I had come here for a reason after all. And there was no way in hell I'd let anything ruin that moment.

I straightened up, adjusted the laurel on my head, and took a deep breath before stepping into the library. The grand doors creaked softly as I pushed them open, revealing Luna standing by one of the large windows, her gaze distant as she looked out over the moonlit city. The tension from her argument with Celestia still clung to her, visible in the slight droop of her wings and the furrow in her brow.

“Luna?” I called softly, trying to keep my voice light, as if I hadn’t just heard her fears laid bare.

Luna turned at the sound of my voice, she relaxed some the moment she saw me. “Sebastian,” she greeted, a small smile gracing her lips. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

“I thought I’d swing by and check up on you,” I said, closing some of the distance between us. “You’ve been so busy lately. It's been hard to find a chance to even say 'hello'.”

Luna’s smile grew, but there was still a shadow in her eyes. “I apologize for my absence. There has been much to attend to.”

I waved off her apology with a gentle shake of my head. "No need to apologize. You’re ruling Equestria alongside Celestia — that’s no small feat! I’m just grateful we even have this small amount of time together. But I wanted to show you something. I’ve been working on a few things.”

That piqued her interest. The weariness in her gaze faded as she tilted her head slightly. “Oh? And what might those be?”

I couldn’t help but smile, the excitement from earlier returning in full force. “Three brand new magical items. My very own creations.” I gestured to the laurel on my head, the teashades on my nose, and the belt around my waist. “The Laurel of Vast Intelligence, the Teashades of Night, and the Belt of Physical Perfection.”

“You made these yourself?”

“Yep,” I said proudly, adjusting the teashades. “It took a little experimentation to figure it out, but I think I'm pretty good at this!”

Luna stepped closer, her interest clear as she examined the items more closely. “These are remarkable, Sebastian. You’ve truly outdone yourself.”

“Thanks,” I replied, my heart swelling with pride at her little compliments. “It took a bit of time, but it was worth it. Crafting these items has broadened my understanding of the arcane. I think I’m almost at the point where I can cast third-level spells.”

Her gaze twitched up to meet mine. There was surprise there. “Already?”

“Yeah, I guess I’m a fast learner,” I said with a grin. “Reaching this new level of magic will be a real game-changer. Spells like Fireball, Fly, and others are almost within my grasp now. Not gonna lie, I’ve been looking forward to this for some time. I've always wanted to fly and shoot fireballs.”

Luna seemed to mull over my words. Her expression growing more contemplative the more she thought. “Sebastian, you have come a long way in such a short time. Once you’ve reached those third-level spells… then perhaps it will be time for you to take on some missions.”

My smile dulled a little at that. I knew what she was referring to — the missions Celestia had mentioned. The ones that would take me far from Canterlot, and far from Luna. There was a part of me that was eager to prove myself, to face real challenges and grow even stronger. But there was another part, that wasn’t ready to leave her side.

“I’ll be ready.” I promised.

Luna’s eyes lingered on me. For a moment I thought she might say something more, but instead she simply nodded. “I have no doubt that you will be.”

An awkward silence settled between us, filled with the things left unsaid. I shuffled my feet. My items suddenly felt just a little bit heaver than before.

“Would you like to try them on?” I asked, breaking the silence with a tentative smile. “I mean, you’ve got the whole Night Princess vibe going on. I think they’d suit you well.”

Luna blinked in surprise, then let out a soft laugh. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to indulge in a little curiosity.”

I carefully removed the laurel, the silver leaves catching the light. "This is the Laurel of Vast Intelligence. The name pretty much says it all — it enhances the wearer’s intelligence. It’s simple but effective, and there’s plenty of room for upgrades. Here, give it a try."

Luna leaned forward, allowing me to place the laurel gently on her head. She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them, her expression shifting from surprise to awe. "I can feel the difference already. This is truly remarkable, Sebastian!"

A wide grin spread across my face as I moved on to the next item. With a bit of flair, I unbuckled my belt and handed it to her. "And this is the Belt of Physical Perfection. It’s the most basic version, but it enhances strength, dexterity, and constitution — plus, it’s a damn sturdy belt."

Luna stood, fastening the belt around her waist. She flexed her wings and limbs, testing the belt’s effects, and delight spread across her face. "Incredible! You’ve truly outdone yourself."

Finally, I handed her the teashades. "And last but not least, these are the Teashades of Night. They grant darkvision up to sixty feet. Not exactly a game-changer for someone like you, who can already see perfectly in the dark, but hey — they’ve got style, right?"

Luna struck a playful pose, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright, how do I look?"

For a moment, I was utterly speechless. The combination of her playful demeanor and the way the silver laurel, sturdy belt, and dark-tinted teashades complemented her already regal presence left me dumbfounded. She looked… magnificent. No, the word hardly seemed sufficient. The teashades perched delicately on her muzzle, the laurel resting perfectly atop her flowing mane, and the belt cinched snugly around her waist — it was as if the items were made for her, accentuating her elegance in a way that made me forget myself.

"You… you look incredible," I finally managed to say, my voice betraying the awe I felt.

Luna’s laughter was soft and melodic as she struck another, more exaggerated pose, clearly enjoying the attention. The tension that had filled the room earlier was all but gone now, replaced by a lightheartedness that I wanted to cling to. I had never seen her this playful before, and it made me see her in a new light, one that was both exciting and terrifying.

As she moved, the silver leaves of the laurel caught the light, casting soft glimmers across her midnight-blue coat. Her ethereal mane flowed freely, seemingly unaffected by the items she wore, and the way her eyes sparkled behind the teashades — even partially obscured — was almost hypnotic. I found myself noticing every detail: the delicate curve of her muzzle, the grace with which she held herself, the way her wings unfurled ever so slightly as she settled into a more natural stance.

The longer I looked at her, the more I realized just how beautiful she truly was. It wasn’t just her physical appearance — though that alone was enough to leave me breathless — but the way she carried herself, the confidence mixed with the vulnerability, the wisdom that tempered her playful spirit. She was everything I had admired since arriving in Equestria, and yet, I was only just beginning to see her for who she truly was.

And that realization left me feeling both exhilarated and utterly terrified. I had never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought that these feelings might grow into something deeper was as thrilling as it was daunting. I wasn’t ready to admit it — not to her, and certainly not to myself — but the truth was undeniable. I was falling for her. Hard.

Luna must have noticed my silence because she took a step closer, her expression shifting to one of gentle concern. "Sebastian? Are you alright?"

I blinked, snapping out of my reverie. "Yeah, I’m fine," I replied, a little too quickly. "Just… you really do look amazing, Luna."

Her lips curled into a soft smile, and for a brief moment, there was a tenderness in her gaze that made my chest tighten. She lowered her head slightly, allowing me to see the silver laurel more clearly. "These items you’ve crafted are truly exceptional. You’ve done something quite extraordinary."

"Thanks," I said, my voice quieter now. The weight of my earlier thoughts still hung heavily in the air between us, but I pushed them aside, not wanting to dwell on them just yet. "I’m glad you like them."

With a graceful motion, Luna began to remove the items, starting with the teashades. She used her magic to lift them from her muzzle and gently placed them in my hand. The laurel followed next, its silver leaves catching the light as it left her head, and then the belt, which she unfastened with her hooves before floating it over to me. As each item returned to my possession, the room seemed to settle back into its usual stillness, the playful energy from moments ago now fading into something quieter, more introspective.

"I’ll make sure to upgrade them when I can," I said, carefully equipping the items. "But for now, these are the basics. They’re a decent start, I think."

"They are more than a decent start, my dear apprentice," Luna replied, her voice filled with a warmth that made my heart skip another beat. "You have a talent, one that will serve you well in the future."

I nodded, unsure of how to respond to the sincerity in her words. There was so much I wanted to say, so much I wanted to ask, but I couldn’t find the right words. Instead, I focused on securing the items, making sure they were properly in place on my person.

When I looked up again, Luna was watching me with an expression I couldn’t quite read. It was as if she was searching for something, something that was hidden away just beyond sight.

"I should let you get back to your duties," I said finally, breaking the silence that had settled over us. "I know you need to lower the moon soon."

Luna nodded, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer before she stepped back, her wings folding neatly at her sides. "Yes, the night’s end draws near. But thank you for this, Sebastian. You’ve given me something to smile about tonight."

I managed a small smile in return, I did enjoy giving her something to smile about. Her smiles are the best. "Anytime, Luna. I’m glad I could help."

With a final nod, I turned and headed for the door, my mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. As I reached the threshold, I paused and glanced back at her. She was already moving toward the window, her silhouette bathed in the soft light of the moon she would soon lower. For a moment, I just watched her, struck once more by her beauty, her strength, and the deep sense of connection that I couldn’t quite explain.

Then, before I could let myself dwell on it any longer, and risk being trapped in that bout of reverie again, I stepped out of the library and closed the door softly behind me.