Before the Sun

~~~

“Hello? Tia?” Luna’s voice called from the nearby room.

Seven years had passed since that fateful night with the Hydra. In that time Celestia and Luna had both grown considerably.

Celestia had become the Mayoral assistant under Mayor Treesong. She had found a knack for organization and speaking with Ponies on the behalf of Treesong. It was a satisfying job that she liked. While yes she could be called on all hours of the day, it was very irregular and thought provoking work.

It gave her an appreciation for all sorts of Ponies.

That included Luna.

While she would never admit it out loud, she had quietly disliked Luna a tiny bit when she was a filly. Her knack getting into trouble was astounding, and with Mom preoccupied most of the time, that meant Luna often scurried to her side, which severely limited Celestia’s freedom.

That had changed in Ùllahdmaiden.

With Sapphire and Emerald gone out of their lives, Luna was given a clean slate to work with. The ‘knack’ for finding trouble had disappeared overnight. Luna was quiet, and mostly kept to herself. Several similarly aged foals had tried to replace Emerald and Sapphire, but they had found that Luna was too quick and easily stepped out of the way when they tried something.

Celestia remembered seeing one such instance, very early on in their residence, where somepony had tried to ambush Luna with a bucket of stagnant water. Luna hadn’t even looked at the filly. The dodge was so effortless and smooth that she continued on her way as the filly was left with her own bucket overturned on her head, dripping wet.

Whatever their problem was, it was nothing compared to the personal vendetta Emerald and Sapphire had.

And so the bullying had died off, finding the ‘fertile’ ground to be too hard and inhospitable to root.

Luna herself had become an apprentice at the blacksmith. She would calmly work at the anvil and forge for hours, quietly going about her business.

It was during when Celestia was accompanying Treesong to the Blacksmith when she saw that Luna was not as heartless as she had thought as a filly.

Woodsong had been visiting, regarding an order for farming tools. Brickwork had been too busy with Appleflower’s armor, so Luna was the one who did the forging.

Luna was showing Woodsong all of her work regarding the order, but instead of making the same tools over and over again, each one was subtly different.

When asked why, she replied:

“Because I assume this is for the farmers, and they all like certain things.”

She then pointed at a hoe.

“Spring Onion gets too excited while hoeing, so he prefers duller hoes so he doesn’t dig too deep.” Down the line she went. “Hardwood doesn’t know his own strength, so I reinforced the head…”

It was a startling thing to Celestia, who watched with a growing realization.

Luna did care.

Luna cared an awful lot actually.

But she didn’t show it like everypony else.

So Celestia started paying attention.

It was the little things, the things that nopony really paid attention to. Like making tools to exacting personal specifications. Or preparing something so it is as easy as possible for the next Pony to use.

Celestia had never noticed it before, and most Ponies would never know.

The only reason Celestia noticed it, was when somepony irritated Luna.

She would make her displeasure known by leaving things as she found them instead of optimizing them for the next Pony.

Celestia blinked several times to return to the present.

“Hey Lu. Give me a moment to finish this sheet.” She replied, quickly going down the sheet and checking over everything.

“Take your time.” Luna replied as she closed the door behind her. Celestia finished her paperwork with the flurry of a quill to sign her name. “How was the blacksmithery?” She asked, turning around on her chair.

“Good, same as usual.” she approached, sitting on her haunches. “But there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

“Oh? What’s wrong Lu?” Celestia asked with concern.

Luna almost never ‘needed’ to speak with anypony unless it was important, which was usually something she couldn’t do by herself.

“Well…” she sighed, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. “Lately I’ve been thinking…” Her hooves started to nervously tap. “I love it here in Ùllahdmaiden, but lately I’ve-”

Celestia lunged, enveloping the smaller Unicorn in a hug.

“Oof!” She grunted as Celestia squeezed.

“You’re a young mare and you’ve been wondering what else lies out in the world.” Celestia stated knowingly.

“H-how did you know?!” Luna stammered.

Celestia put a hoof to her mouth and giggled.

“I’ll tell you a secret Lu, everypony feels that way at least once.” she smiled.

“But you-” Luna began to protest.

“I was having the same feeling about the time we left Queensford Lu. I was trying to gather the courage to bring it up to Mom.” Tia interrupted.

“O-oh. I never knew that.”

“I know Lu. I didn’t want to hurt you until my decision was made.”

“I’m sorry Tia.” Luna sighed.

“For what?”

“For holding you back when you could’ve been out there in the world.”

While it was true Celestia did feel that Luna was in the way at the time, there really wasn’t all that much she truly stopped. And now that Emerald and Sapphire were truly gone out of their lives and no longer forcing Luna to take cover behind Celestia, it was the least true it had ever been.

“Oh Lu.” Celestia tittered. “You’ve never held me back. Besides, I got my wish and I even got to bring my family too… For a short while.”

The mood in the room grew somber as both sisters fell quiet.

“I made this for you today.” Luna broke the silence, changing the subject. “To remember me by.” She held out a hoof, where something gleamed in Celestia’s candle light.

Bright polished silver greeted Celestia’s eyes.

“Luna!” Celestia gasped. “You made this?!” she took it from Luna’s hoof to examine it closer.

It was round, like a river stone. But it’s surface was etched with smooth and crisp lines.

A crescent Moon ringed the outer edge, and stars decorated the remaining space.

Iron wasn’t exactly abundant in the area, but it was enough to feed the farming community.

Silver and gold however was rare.

Celestia didn’t want to know how much Luna had spent or begged for it’s use.

“Y-Yeah… All by myself.” Luna said shyly.

“I love it Lu.” Celestia clutched it to her chest.

She wasn’t too enthused about the night motif, but it was still a very well made amulet for someplace outside of the big cities. Additionally, it did remind Celestia of Luna, so it did serve it’s purpose.

“T-Thank you.” Luna smiled, tears leaking from her eyes.

Luna wasn’t the sort who made big and obvious displays of affection.

She must’ve felt an awful lot to go to this length for Celestia…

Luna embraced Celestia in a hug, squeezing tightly.

It was several minutes later when Celestia realized.

‘Oh right, she doesn’t know when to stop a hug.’

Celestia pulled away.

“So… When are you thinking of leaving?” she asked.

“When the snow melts. I wanted your and Master Brickwork’s blessing before I started gathering supplies.”

“Did you get his blessing?”

“Of course, he watched me make your gift.” Luna replied with a nod.

“Then you have no time to waste. Do you have the money to get supplies?” Celestia asked.

“I’ve got plenty of money Tia. I’ve- I’ve been taking commissions on the side to buy what I need.” Luna admitted.

“Come then, it’s not too late in the evening, I’ll come help you.” Celestia smiled.

“I’d like that.”

~~~

The whole village had come to see Luna off on her big day.

The crowd was quiet, but cautiously optimistic as Luna said her goodbyes. It wasn't everyday that one of their own left to make their way in the world.

As Luna hitched herself to her cart, Celestia could not help but notice how little Luna resembled a filly anymore. Her foalfat was long gone, taken by the trip South. But now her legs were lithe, but were still visibly muscled. She had grown into a strong Unicorn because of her apprenticeship.

Brickwork didn't let Luna do everything by magic after all.

Celestia waited next to the three other Ponies Luna had become friends with. Struggling to keep her tears in check.

We’ll hate to see you go Luna.” Treesong stated on Celestia's right.

“I know.” Luna replied. “But I must go.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget when a young filly ki- Did something so shocking that even our Clan decided to adopt a band of refugee Unicorns into our fold.” the Mayor continued. “You’re a special pony Luna. Don’t forget that, wherever you end up.”

“I won’t.” the blue Unicorn promised.

“Aye lass. Won’t be the same without ye during our drills.” Appleflower rumbled, putting a hoof on Luna's shoulder.

“I’ll take care to remember everything you taught me.” Luna nodded, returning the gesture.

“The forge ain’t goin’ ta be the same without ye lass.” Master Brickwork bid.

“I’m certain Flame Etch and Ironplate will be able to pick up the slack.” Luna snarked.

“‘Ey! What about me? Am I too old to pull my own weight?!” Brickwork exclaimed in mock outrage.

“You said it Sir, not me.” Luna grinned.

It was interesting to Celestia to see Luna making a joke. It wasn't that she didn't think Luna wasn't funny, far from it. In fact some of her jokes could be quite clever.

It was how little Luna actually made a joke that wasn't dry wit.

She never did it while at the market, nor did she while working.

It was only in the privacy of her own home or amongst her few friends did she do anything beyond a witty reply.

“Hohohoho!” Brickwork began to laugh as Luna turned to Celestia.

Celestia stood still, finding herself racked with worry and anxiety for Luna's future.

Luna didn’t say anything, but pulled Celestia into a tight hug.

“I’ll miss you Tia.” She mutter into Celestia's ear.

“I’ll miss you too Lu.” she replied in kind, letting some of those tears escape.

~~~

Celestia found herself sitting at the tavern's counter that night, a half empty tankard of ale in her hoof, the crowd bustling with the regular evening get-together.

While Celestia did frequent the building rather often, it was actually because it was the only place in the village that never reminded her of Luna.

She had stayed here the first few nights while a home was made, and then never again stepped hoof inside.

Celestia took a drink and set the tankard back down.

"What seems ta be the trouble lass?" the husky voice of Appleflower sounded, as the giant mare sat in the chair to her right.

"Everything reminds me of her." Celestia muttered bitterly.

"Aye... Ah know whatchu mean..." The mare stated, holding up a hoof to get the barkeeps attention. "Ain't easy ta let yer kin go."

"She's not dead, she's just traveling." Celestia replied grumpily.

"Aye." Appleflower agreed. "But she's takin' 'er first steps in tha world. A baby bird's gotta fly sometime right?"

Celestia was about to drink from her tankard again, but put it down and sighed.

"She's already seen enough of the world." Celestia stated. "She's young and too inexperienced to go walking around alone with the monsters and the bandits out there."

"Oh Ah wouldn't be worrying about that lass." Appleflower nodded knowingly. "She's got a good head on them withers. She'll get by with that, and when she can't she's tough enough to give her problem a right headache!" the mare laughed.

Celestia picked up her tankard and took a gulp.

"What about what she can't?" she asked.

The image of a split mountain, a caged storm, and a kneeling Queen flashed before Celestia's eyes.

"She's the sort who'll make a way if she can't find one." Appleflower reassured Celestia.

'That's what I'm afraid of.' Celestia thought to herself.

The stool to Celestia's left creaked.

One of Luna's fellow apprentices, Iron Plate raised a hoof to order a drink.

"I see we're all looking in the dumps today." He said in greeting. "I don't suppose you all are here because of our mutual friend?" He asked.

"Ah suppose so." Appleflower nodded. "Ain't everyday we send a Pony off."

"Hear hear." The coltish stallion nodded, raising a freshly poured tankard that had just been given to him. "To Luna. May she find whatever her heart contents."

"Oh posh." Appleflower waved away. "Yer only sad because she doesn't content you."

The poor colt had this crush for a long time.

Luna had never noticed.

'Although...' Celestia thought to herself. 'She is getting to be that age... But her eyes tended to linger more on other mares... Poor colt indeed. He was always going to get his heart broken.’

~~~

Celestia wandered into her home, just as the light of the Sun was beginning to fade. Dark dusky purple shadows crawled up the walls of the hut as Celestia locked the door behind her.

The house was quiet.

Whenever Celestia returned from the tavern, Luna was nearly always present. Having finished her apprenticeship chores and products for the day and resting.

Tonight however the house was abandoned.

There was none of the ambient noise of another Pony in the other room, making the living space feel strangely empty. But the presence of the blue Unicorn lingered, as if she were only gone for a few hours.

If Celestia closed her eyes, she could even hear Luna running down the street.

“Unicornia marches South!”

Wait... Luna didn't run or shout all that often!

“Arise ponies! There is no time to waste! The Crown of Unicornia approaches!”

Celestia rushed back out into the street, just in time to see Luna and her cart streak past.

“Take up your arms! Don your armor! Unicornia marches South!” Luna exclaimed, as she rushed heedless through the town.

Celestia could only stare in shock as Luna passed by.

But then the words she was saying started making sense.

Celestia jerked as she started moving, following after the manic Luna as she continued her tear across the village.

She caught up with Luna who had been stopped by Treesong.

“Luna slow down! You’re panicking!” she tried to soothe, gently trying to lay a hoof on Luna's shoulder in an effort to stop the hysterics.

“No! Everypony must know! I have to tell them! I have to warn them! I ha-”

Celestia had heard enough. She came up to Luna and pulled the lithe Unicorn into a hug.

“Lu slow down, we can barely understand you.” She said softly to the panicking Pony.

That did the trick.

Luna visibly reigned herself in and took a few moments to take deep breathes.

“Ponies of Ùllahdmaiden!” She cried. “I have seen them with my own eyes! A column of gold clad soldiers marching under the banners of the Royal House of Unicornia!”

A crowd had gathered, drawn by the ravings of Luna as she announced the danger.

“They march South! Directly towards Ùllahdmaiden! They will be here within the day! There is no time to lose!”

“Ponies! Quiet!” Mayor Treesong exclaimed over the din of the mummering crowd. “Luna, if what you say is true then Ullahdmaiden is in grave danger-”

“What if she’s lying?!” A voice cried from the crowd. “She’s one o’ them! She could be raising the alarm over nothing!”

“Ponies!” the Mayor chastised. “This is our Luna! We have known her for years! We have known her since she was a filly! Unicorn she may be, but she has worked at our sides faithfully for a decent portion of her life!”

“Aye!” Master Brickwork stepped forward from the crowd. “I’ve worked with Luna everyday since she came to our walls! Never ‘ave I known ‘er ta tell a lie!”

“Not once!” Appleflower boomed, standing over the crowd. Several ponies seemed to nod along and agree.

“Who says she hasn’t been paid off or promised something in Unicornia for raising a false alarm?! She’s a unicorn after all!” Another voice exclaimed.

“How dare you!” Celestia exclaimed, rounding on the Pony who had spoken. “You were not there when the crown abandoned Queensford! You were not there when we were forced from our homes! You were not there when we had to tend with the hydra without the Queen’s help!” she screamed. “Ask any one of the Queensford Unicorns! The Crown betrayed us and we have no love for them!”

Everypony turned to the Mayor, waiting for her decision.

“... Fortify the village.” She decided. “We will defend our home.”

~~~

Spellfire impacted Celestia’s magic. The shield strained under the assault, rippling at every impact.

Ùllahdmaiden was lost.

Luna, and the rest of the Queensford Unicorns lay about Celestia, knocked out or dead she wasn't sure.

Celestia grit her teeth and held the shield.

The flash of spellfire partially blinded Celestia as she forced the shield into existence. With every impact, her brain throbbed.

"Is that fear We smell?" whispered the face of a black mare, whose eyes were baleful slits, and whose jaws were filled with needle like teeth.

The vision came from between the impacts, the mare's face rippling in time with every impact.

"Look in the mirror Celestia." The beast snapped. "It is not Us who is the monster."

Celestia clenched her jaw so tightly she felt like it would shatter.

A sword slashed at Celestia, it was so fast that if it wasn't a hallucination it would've taken her head off.

The impacts were impatient now, eagerly trying to collapse Celestia's shield.

The black mare stood on a rock before a barren forest, silhouetted by silver light.

Two branches of skeletal branches stretched out behind the mare...

Forming wings.

An army of Ponies was arranged below her. Clad in Unicornian gold, Pegasoplian steel, Earthbreaker adamantite... And more. Ponies with bat wings, Ponies who looked more like a polished glass then flesh and blood, Ponies whose horns were split like branches. All of their eyes gleamed with the silver light in the darkness.

All of them had streaks of blood running down the front of their barrels and staining their weapons.

All of them were staring at Celestia and the Ponies she protected.

Fury rose in Celestia's chest.

She had made the promise, when she was elected Reeve of Queensford so many years ago...

'I promise I'll do my best to watch over each and every one of you.'

She may have been addressing the Queensford Unicorns, but the Ùllahdmaiden Earth Ponies had come under her care as the Mayoral Assistant.

To hay with what Firelight said.

'Until somepony comes along and changes that, we're stuck with what we have. And good luck getting anyone with any amount of power to change that.'

Celestia had never seen many Unicorns to compare her magic to, but she was holding onto a shield that was being pounded on more than a few lineponies.

That meant she had the power to do what Firelight had said right?

Well why not start now then?

YOU SHALL NOT TOUCH THEM!

The words echoed throughout both the vision and the half blinding impacts of spellfire. The vision shuddered at her raw fury, dispelling it and leaving only the staggered impact of spellfire on her shield, which had become rock solid with her will.

A grey streak of light impacted the shield, sending it wobbling like a drunken toddler.

Celestia fell to the ground as her horn winked out.

Her brain throbbed with every heartbeat. The pain was so intense her entire world collapsed in on the steadily throbbing in her head.

“I can walk.”

“Ye sure lass? Ye’ve been-”

“I’m fine. It’s just a headache, go help somepony who’s actually injured.”

“I- Aye lass.”

Celestia groaned as somepony started to tug on something that felt vaguely hers.

“Come on Tia, we gotta go.”

"Lu?" Celestia asked, recognizing the voice.

"You gotta get up Tia."

"Strangest dream Lu." Celestia said dreamily. “You… You were fighting me… And you were so dark and angry…”

"I’ll never fight you Tia. But I need you to work with me here…”

“I-I’m so sorry Lu…” Celestia said sadly, unable to get the image of a mare with branch wings out of her mind.

“I need help!”

“I love you so much…” Celestia got out as she felt the peculiar sensation of rising.

It was true. Despite her mixed feelings about Luna, she did love the teenage filly.

Luna may not have been like most Ponies, but she did try. She tried to do good when she could.

Which was more than the likes of Hoarfrost could claim.

Now if only Celestia could think of a way to save Luna from her fate...