An Ancient Reunion

“Sister!” Luna shouted, bursting into Celestia’s private study as her sister was busy doing her royal papers. “They’ve done it!”

“Wait, what? Who’s done it?” Celestia asked, but Luna’s expression was more than enough to tell her the truth. “Twilight…succeeded?!” Luna nodded, nearly straining her neck and jaw from her smiling. Tears started to form in the corner of her eyes. “I never…believed…we needed to see her. Where is she?”

“She’s on her way, I had only received word from the guards that she had been seen in the city.” Luna replied, wiping some tears from her eyes. “She has both of them, Messis and Solstitio. They’re here!”

“We need to prepare.” Celestia said, getting up so fast, the chair she sat on stumbled over. “Get the servants to work, prepare the guards, I want the kitchens bustling to prepare a banquet for our friends’ return!”

Luna rushed off to give the orders to the rest of the castle staff, leaving her sister alone. Celestia pulled back up her chair, sitting and hunching over the desk. Holding her head in her hooves, she couldn’t help but mutter incoherently to herself. Her eyes darted back and forth as she was struggling to hold in all her emotions. But it was true, it had to be. Luna wouldn’t have told her if it wasn’t true. Still, she was nervous, her body was shaking as she wasn’t sure what she would do. It has been so long, what could she do?

After a little under an hour, Celestia and Luna were now sitting on their thrones. Their gowns were even more regal than usual, and the guards were in full attention; even their armor and weapons had been freshly polished. It might seem a little overboard, but the sisters wanted to make the best possible impression for Messis and Solstitio. Patiently waiting, they were nearly at the edge of their seats as they awaited their return. Their hearts nearly flew from their chests as one of the guards walked from the door.

"Your majesties, there are two ponies…alicorns who request an audience.” The guard reported. “They claim to know you both.”

“Thank you, and please, let them in.” Celestia nodded, looking over to Luna with a smile. The guard nodded and left to bring the alicorns and Twilight to them. “Are you nervous?”

“A little, it’s just been so long.” Luna replied, sighing a little. “Do you think they’ve changed much?”

“I can’t even imagine what they’ve gone through.” Celestia sighed, looking sorrowful for a moment before composing herself. “Still, I hope we can make them feel welcome.”

“I’m sure we have, sister.” Luna nodded, holding onto her hope. “For now, we shall take things as they come.” Celestia nodded, the sound of their guests approaching the throne room caused both their ears to perk up.

Arriving in the throne room, Twilight, with a happy and eager smile across her face, was escorting two larger male alicorns at her sides. Celestia and Luna’s eyes widened, the two hadn’t changed in the slightest. Both stallions had gray colored coats, as if their bodies were made of smooth stones. Messis, the eldest of the two, had a long, flowing green mane and tail that matched his deep green eyes. Solstitio, the youngest of the two, has a shorter, bluish mane and tail that paired well with his sharp, icy blue eyes. They were the perfect representation of the Seasons in which they commanded.

Though from the looks of the rest of their bodies, there seemed to be some sort of difficulty on whatever adventure Twilight went on to free them. Their clothes were not the same as they had before. They were dressed in robes, Messis’ was a mix of greens, oranges, browns, reds, and yellows, with golden leaf filigree along the lining. While Solstitio’s robes were blue and white, with silver snowflakes that ran along the edges of his clothes. Clearly these were well crafted, and no doubt Twilight had Rarity make them new, presentable clothes.

"Celestia…Luna?" Messis asked as they saw them. “Look at you, look at you both! It’s been a long time.”

"Yes, it is us." Luna answered, speaking calmly as she composed herself. “And it has been long. Far, far too long.”

"Come here, group hug!” Celestia said, bursting out joyously as they all gathered and extended their front legs on each other's necks with tears in their eyes. “Luna, could you join us?"

"I missed you two; looks like you two have grown taller than us." Solstitio said as his tears came out of his eyes. “Or maybe we just got shorter.”

"We missed you two as well." Luna said as tears came out of her eyes. “Don’t worry, you’ll grow soon. I speak from experience.”

“You actually did it.” Celestia commented to Twilight, having walked away from the brothers for a moment. Tears still fresh in her eyes as she looked at her former student with pride. “I…I never believed…and yet…I’m…”

“It’s okay, Princess.” Twilight smiled, taking the chance to hug her former mentor. “I’m glad I was able to bring back your old friends.”

“You’ve done more than that. But we can discuss it later.” Celestia replied, hugging Twilight back. “I’m sorry, but if you could give Luna and I some time to acquaint ourselves with our old friends?”

“Of course, that’s no problem at all.” Twilight replied without hesitation; only a wide smile. “I’m so glad I was able to do it. And please, I’m just a message away.”

“Thank you. Thank you.” Celestia whispered, her voice echoed with sheer joy and gratitude. Bowing her head, Twilight turned to leave. Composing herself as best as she could, she turned to look at Luna with Messis and Solstitio. “Luna, I think we should make this conversation a little more private?”

Gesturing for them to follow, Celestia and Luna guided the two brothers towards the halls. Walking along this corridor, Messis and Solstitio’s eyes were wide and enthralled by all they saw. The stained glass that displayed the history that Celestia and Luna had experienced since their imprisonment.

“I must say, this is more than I ever believed.” Messis commented, gesturing to the windows. “You two have done so much since we left.”

“Honestly, I’m not surprised.” Solstitio commented. “If anyone was gonna hold a kingdom together, it would be these two.” Celestia and Luna blushed at their compliments.

Eventually, the four of them arrived at Celestia’s study. Settling in, Celestia and Luna set up a table and some chairs for the four of them to sit. Sitting in their seats, the alicorns took a moment to still process everything that has been happening. Just the other day, the four of them were seperate, and now they were together again. Igniting her horn, Luna snapped her fingers, summoning a series of tea cups, sandwiches, and cookies.

“Please, let us enjoy a nice meal as we talk.” Luna commented, looking at the others. “It’s been far too long, and I’m sure you two have so many questions.”

“How are you doing, Solstitio?” Celestia asked, looking at him with concern. “Are you feeling well?” Her face held a look of worry. “I couldn’t even begin to imagine what you both have gone through.”

“Doing good, Celestia, doing good." Solstitio replied, doing a small stretch and flex of his body. “I’m just glad to be free again.”

“It’s been centuries since we last saw you.” Luna chimed in, looking between the stallions. “Do you need any help adapting to this time?”

“Are you pulling my leg?” Messis asked, chuckling a hearty laugh. “It can’t be that different, right?”

“Well, see for yourself." Luna said as she pointed her left forehoof to one of the windows in the room. Igniting her horn again, she conjured what looked to be some rift that gave the brothers a full view of not only the city, but it seemed to shift perspective to give the brothers a view of various parts of Equestria. “As you can see, the kingdom has expanded over the centuries.”

Messis and Solstitio only looked at this rift with wide, surprised eyes. The last time they saw Equestria, there was only Skyros. Sure, this city, this Canterlot was certainly a strange capital for a kingdom. But to see the full scope of Equestria, it was more than the two had expected. After seeing the stained glass, they expected something, but it was still a lot to take in.

“What is this?” Messis asked, tilting his head in confusion. “What am I even looking at?”

“This is Equestria, and you two are in Canterlot right now." Luna said, playfully giggling. “Times have changed.”

“Could we explore?” Messis asked with excitement. “I would love to explore it.”

“Now hold on there, brother; The ponies in public most likely do not even know who we are.” Solstitio commented, placing a hoof on the stallion’s shoulder. “It takes a long time for the public to recognize us. That would be even harder without Celestia’s public acknowledgment."

“Well, what Solstitio said is true; if you two fail to adapt to this world, the ponies would see you as nothing but being reckless.” Celestia nodded, agreeing with him. “We can help you get settled in this environment and time. Equestria will recognize you two as a result."

“Hope what you said is right." Messis said as he smiled but expressed concern with the entire process. “Cause I wanna see what else has changed.”

The following days were a slow experience for the four alicorns. Celestia and Luna wanted to ensure that both Messis and Solstitio were properly accommodated. The finest rooms in the castle, second only to the Princesses, were given to these brothers. Well furnished, stocked with everything they needed, the sisters were sure that any and every need for their returned friends were properly accounted for. As well as this, a number of royal guards were tasked with protecting Messis and Solstitio, despite them saying they didn’t need so much protection.

Luna of course, agreed with them, but Celestia was insistent, unmoving in her decision. So for the time being, Messis and Solstitio had at least one or two guards with them at almost all hours of the day and night. After roughly a week, the four alicorn were sitting at the dining table. Celestia and Luna have done their duty for the day, lowering the sun and raising the moon. Messis and Solstitio were sitting, eagerly awaiting the meal that was to come.

“I must say, so much has changed.” Solstito commented, looking around the table with a cheerful grin. Raising his goblet, he gestured to the wine. “Like this, I never imagined wine could taste this rich, this sweet. How is this possible?”

“Well, brother, a pony’s tastes in food change with time.” Messis commented, being a little more modest in his comment. “And it’s hard to keep things perfect when time flies.”

“I had the same feeling as well. Over time, I had different types of alcohol, and the taste changed for the same type throughout my life.” Celestia nodded, taking a drink. “In each period in history, adapting to new tastes is like trotting on stepping stones in a river. As for you two, you took a big leap across a pond." Everyone laughed at that joke.

“So, Celestia, Luna, what’s it like being the only rulers of Equestria?” Messis asked, laughing as he put down his drink. “I’m sure after all this time, you two must have many stories for us.”

"We've been through a lot.” Celestia said, finishing her drink. “There was a time when I stepped on Luna's sensitive side, and she was quite jealous. So jealous in fact, that she almost brought Equestria down with her."

"I was jealous because I had my reasons, and I let them take over me." Luna scoffed, not wanting to discuss that exact memory. “But we should talk about other things.”

As if on cue, the food finally arrived. Hot, steaming plates, bowls, dishes, and trays of rich looking food. Sweet desserts, tantalizing fruits, glistening vegetables, and other foods that could only be possibly described as regal and noble. Messis and Solstitio’s eyes went wide at the options, more impressed with the variety, and exoticness of the meal. Celestia and Luna only looked at them with a sense of pride, giggling at the brothers’ reactions.

“Well, I’ll admit, I never expected food to look like this.” Messis commented. “What do you think Sol-” His words were cut off as his brother wasn’t just levitating food over to his own plate, but he was feverishly eating; all with a cheerful smile.

“Amazing! I can’t get enough of this!” Solstitio declared, laughing heartily as he ate. Scarfing down the food as if he hadn’t eaten in years. “Celestia, Luna, this food is amazing!” Messis only shook his head a little before levitating food to his plate.

“Isn’t it?” Celestia commented, casually and calmly eating her food. “Many of the ingredients come from not only the local farms, but many of the herbs and spices come from other kingdoms.”

“I’m impressed.” Messis complimented, savoring his dinner with a smile. Unlike his brother, he was eating a lot more neatly. “I never would’ve imagined that culinary would be what truly brought the kingdoms together.”

“It wasn’t the intention, but a lovely after effect.” Luna commented, only picking at her food here and there. She was still waking up and wasn’t very hungry. “It was through diplomacy, and shows of unity and friendship that established these alliances. The food was a happy coincidence.”

“And because of this unity, everyone in Equestria can dine on such fine foods.” Celestia commented, smiling a little proudly as she explained. “If I recall, back when we were younger, only alicorns and nobility could enjoy such banquets.”

“Oh yeah, I remember how expensive it was too.” Messis nodded, pausing to admire some of the food. “To know that this joyous flavor isn’t exclusive to the wealthy does make me happy.”

“I know right!” Solstitio nodded, gulping down a heavy amount of food. “Everypony should feel this good whenever they eat.” The alicorn burst into laughter at the comment, filling the dining room with further merriment.

As the meal was coming to an end, the four alicorns let the servants clean up the table, giving them room to enjoy the desserts that were on display. Pies, pastries, tarts, cookies, and cakes were all for the taking, and the looks of sheer joy as they enjoyed these tasty treats only made the sisters giggle. Celestia took her own extra large piece of cake, while Luna settled for smaller, bite sized apple pies. Messis settled for some sweet fruit tarts, and Solstitio seemed unable to choose and took a little bit of everything.

“Not just the herbs and spices, but sugar has also become very widespread it seems.” Messis commented, shivering a little as the sweet taste tickled on his tongue. “I remember when my mother complained about the growing price.”

“Oh yeah, I couldn’t have a cookie for weeks.” Solstitio nodded, chuckling as he was all but shoving a hoof full of cookies in his mouth. “So good.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” Luna commented, gently wiping her mouth. “There’s this delightful bakery in the town of Ponyville. Sugarcube Corners. We should bring you there, the bakers there are among the best in Equestria.”

“Oh? A town bakery, better than one in the city?” Messis asked, raising a curious eyebrow. “That’s certainly a tempting offer. We’ll have to go.”

“Well, there’s also a lovely donut shop here in Canterlot.” Celestia added, finishing up her treats. “We can also go there as well.”

“What’s a donut?” Solstitio asked, to which the sisters started laughing. “I mean, it sounds good. But what is it?”

“It’s fried dough, often covered in powdered sugars, or sweet glazes.” Luna explained, still giggling a little. “Don’t worry, you’ll love it.”

When the meal was finished, the alicorns, now well fed, left the table. Making their ways back to their chambers, the brothers were still marveling at the stained glass windows, statues, and other displays along the halls. But among the sights, the brothers couldn’t help but look at the sisters; namely, their manes and tails. Unlike them, their mane and tails didn’t move or flow like that, and curiosity was finally getting to them.

"Luna, when did your mane start to move like that?" Messis asked as he felt intrigued by the appearance of her mane. “Last time I saw you, you had that shorter, blue look.”

"To us, my sister and I did not know why we appeared this way, we are also taller than an average adult mare.” Luna replied, running her hoof through her mane. “I assume that has something to do with our magic."

"We will grow taller than you two, you'll see!" Solstitio replied with a smirk. “Though, it’s nice to see you two have grown up. So beautifully.” Celestia gave them a smile as a reaction.

"Come on Solstitio, time for bed." Messis said, yawning as he winked to the mare. “We’ll have to start up this discussion tomorrow.”

Bidding the brothers a good night, Celestia and Luna continued to make their way to the former’s chambers. Both sisters were in a state of eager giddiness. The joy of the last week has been building and building for them, and now, after all this time, they could finally be with the brothers again. Messis and Solstitio were slowly adapting to the new age in which they found themselves in. And with the help of Celestia and Luna, there were no doubt that they would do well.

Though as they were reaching the sun alicorn’s chamber, both sisters felt their faces blushing at words and winks that Messis and Solstitio had given them. Celestia couldn’t help but feel the winter alicorn’s eager and happy eyes sent a small warmth throughout her body. While Luna couldn’t help but feel a connection to the summer alicorn, and his cold, direct gaze was making her feel a shiver. For now though, they would keep helping their friends adjust, and consider these growing feelings at a later date.