Royal Beginnings

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven

Chapter One

Apple Harvest paused in the midst of grinding the willowbark into paste, wiping the sweat from her brow. She had several more packs to make before she could rest, and she would need to arrange a resupply run afterwards. Her stores were getting low, unsurprising coming into winter. The colder months brought more colds and illnesses than she knew what to do with, what with the township living in closer quarters for warmth. Her office was a tiny room, packed to the brim with herbs, poultices and the odd potion. Shelves upon shelves of hoof written notes from herself and her forebears filled what space was left, medicinal knowledge learned through trial and error over generations. Apple’s mouth settled into a grim line, mentally calculating what she would need to support her people through winter. Some she could forage and scavenge herself, travelling far away to the Everfree forest to the southeast, but some she would have to buy from the few pony settlements that would sell to her and they always charged a premium, suspicious of the hooded stranger who appeared once every few moons. She would have to talk to Vorpal and find out what they had spare to barter, not that she expected they would have much.

Apple snorted, turning her mind back to the willowbark. Once it was a fine paste, she would dry it in the sun and turn it into tea and poultices, able to be consumed inside and out. After that would come the packs she made for the general sniffles that the foals seemed to endlessly share amongst themselves. She was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn't notice the pair of luminous eyes peering at her from over the table edge, but she did notice the small black hoof inching towards her favourite silver knife.

“What are you doing, Star?” Apple didn't even look up from her work. The hoof whipped away and back under the table, the yellow eyes narrowing and glittering at her.

“...Nuffin’”

“Nothing, huh? Does Juniper know you are doing nothing in here with me?”

“...Nooo…” The eyes disappeared and Apple could hear the foal curling up under the table.

“I see. And why doesn't Juniper know where you are?” Apple continued her work, folding small bags of waxed cloth together to make tea bags. Soft sniffles started from under the table. Star often came in here, hiding from the teacher and the other foals. As the last foal without a cutie mark, he got more than his share of teasing.

Apple chose a select piece of ginger, peeling it gently then held it under the table. Soft hooves took it from her and the sound of gentle munching replaced the sniffles.

“You know Juniper will help you with the teasing if you just talked to her, right?”

“Don't wanna.”

“You don't want things to get better?”

“Don't wanna cutie mark.”

Apple’s hooves stopped moving in surprise at that. Star had worked so hard to find his special talent, trying every single job there was to be had in Hollow Shades. For him to give up meant today must have been an especially bad day. She dipped her head below the table, looking at the small ball of fluff under it. His leathery wings were wrapped around himself, and his tufted ears pinned back.

“Star?”

“Apple Harvest! Where are you?” Apple hit her head on the bottom of the table, hissing in surprise. Peering over the edge, she could see Vorpal standing in the door, his wings twitching in a panic.

“If you’re looking for Star, he’s safe with me.” She started, assuming Juniper had sounded the alarm for a missing foal.

Vorpal looked at her in surprise, his eyes going blank with confusion before snapping back to her. “No, but Juniper was looking for him, I’ll let her know. You have to come with me now, there's an emergency!” He was tapping on the tips of his hooves, clearly in a hurry. Whatever it was, it was serious. She never saw Vorpal get so agitated. An accident? Apple was up and moving, grabbing her work bag and toolkit. She kept it well stocked and always at hoof for moments like these. Pausing briefly, she reached under the table and ruffled Star’s mane before running after Vorpal.

“They came a few minutes ago, and wanted you by name. By the moon, Apple, what have you gotten yourself into?” He called over his shoulder at her as they ran through the village, flapping their wings for extra speed.

“Who?” Apple scanned their village, but couldn't see a collapsed building, or anyone hurt, or anypony really. Everyone was inside their homes, fearfully peering out at them through the windows. Luna’s moon had reached its zenith in the sky, the face of the Mare in the moon serenely staring down at them. “Vorpal, what's going on?”

Vorpal slowed to a canter, breathing heavily. “Celestial guards are here.” He murmured softly. “I have them waiting at the gates of the town, I don't know how they found us but they asked for you, by name. They have a scroll bearing the royal seal.”

Apple Harvest pulled up short, staring at him in horror.

“I don't think they mean to cause trouble this time,” Vorpal continued quickly, leading them down to the gate, “But you and I both know the sun bitch is not to be trusted. After they speak with you, I'll call a meeting. The village may have to run.”

Apple swallowed, anxiety gnawing in her gut. For generations after Nightmare Moon was banished, thestrals had been hunted by ponies by royal decree. Blamed for siding with the Princess of the Night in the war of the two sisters, they had been stripped of their Nocturnal guard status, reduced to non-citizens and enemies of the crown. Their heads were displayed as trophies on the outskirts of towns, wings hacked off, entire generations of thestrals murdered and buried in mass graves. What was once a proud people were now reduced to a foal’s tale, told around campfires by ponies as monsters in the dark. Their town was the only semi-permanent settlement of thestrals, buried in the depth of a forest at the base of Foal Mountain where ponies feared to tread. They had no hospitals or schools, only what they made for themselves, only what they had held together to survive with. As far as Apple knew, they were the last of her people. A thousand years of genocide had left them with a population numbering less than a few hundred.

The gate loomed before them, an arch of stone from eons past dripping with moss. She squared her shoulders, folding her wings tightly. Apple Harvest was one of the only thestrals who had contact with regular ponies, donning disguises to trade with outskirt towns far from the prying eyes of the sun princess. She was not going to show them fear. Two white pegasi stallions stared imperiously down at her, their faces blank and cold, one of them had a slight curl of distaste on his lip. They wore gold armour engraved with the designs of the sun princess, one piece of their armour could feed their village for a month. They each bore no weapons, but judging by their muscles they would be able to fight hoof to hoof if needed. One of them wore a saddlebag woven of fine, sturdy cloth, embroidered with the insignia of Celestia. They both only looked slightly travel weary, which was surprising considering they were days flight from Canterlot. By contrast, Apple Harvest wore nothing but her medicinal bag, its ragged, travel worn cloth strapped to her side. She knew she smelled of her apothecary, herbs and dirt, her hooves chipped and her coat dull.
Vorpal stood close to her, lending her his strength. His Equuish wasn't as fluent as hers, but he had enough to keep up with the conversation.

“Are you Apple Harvest?” One of the stallions enquired, his voice polite and flat but still unable to hide his disgust. His nose wrinkled ever so slightly.

Apple Harvest swallowed back her fear, stepping up to him. She had faced down manticores and worse, she was not afraid of a piddly little stallion in a uniform.

“Yes. What do you want?” Her voice thankfully didn't quaver, coming out strong and firm. Her voice always sounded deeper in Equuish, alien to her ears. Equuish was so different from her own language, Thestrus was spoken with chirps, chirrups, purrs and squeaks, ear flicks and body movements as much as part of the language as the spoken element. To speak Thestrus was to engage in a beautiful almost dance, by contrast Equuish was boorish, brutish and blunt, harshly spoken with guttural sounds.

The stallion reached into his pack, pulling out a scroll that did indeed bear the sun insignia, stepping forward holding it towards her. As one Apple and Vorpal stepped back, knowing better than to let a celestial guard get within striking distance. He paused, staring at them, before lowering the scroll to the ground.

“Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia, Princess of Equestria and She of the Eternal Sun, cordially invites one Apple Harvest of Hollow Shades, to join her in Canterlot for an exclusive mission of the utmost importance. You must attend us on the evening after the Summer Sun Celebration, one week from today.” The other guard intoned his ‘invitation’. “The details and directions are in the scroll before you. It is confidential, spelled for your eyes only.” He glowered at Vorpal, clearly making his point that he was not to read the scroll.

Apple stared at the scroll as if it contained an explosive spell. “Why me? I don't represent our people, Vorpal does. He is our leader.” She glared at the guards in front of her, her initial worry now replaced with anger. This wasn't an invitation, but a command. If she left the town, her people would be without their healer for not just weeks, but potentially months. And that’s if this wasnt a trap, a lure into the capital city where she would be lynched for fooling ponies into trading with thestrals.

“Her Highness specified you, and you alone.” As if this was enough explanation, the guard stepped back, reaching into his saddle bag again. “She also gifts this to your town, so they will not struggle while you are gone.” He placed a large sack on the ground, before both of them turned and flew away, clearly relieved to be away from their village.

Apple Harvest watched them go, her mind racing. Vorpal grabbed a stick from the ground, cautiously flipping open the sack from a safe distance. He gasped, his wings flying open in shock. Before them was an enormous sack of bits, golden and gleaming in the moonlight.

“There must be hundreds of bits in here!” Vorpal whispered, licking his lips.

“Yes.” Apple turned away from the sack, knowing that Celestia had trapped her effectively. Vorpal would never ask her to go, but this money was too much to pass up. “Enough to keep the town fed for a year.” Clearly whatever was in the scroll meant she would not be returning to her home any time soon.

“You can't think-” Vorpal turned away, staring at her in shock.

“I do.” She picked up the scroll, breaking the royal seal and holding it up to the light. Vorpal moved around, looking as well.

“It's blank!” he touched the edge of the parchment, confused.

“It's enchanted, my eyes only.” Apple began to read it out loud, because the sun princess’s commands held no power here.

“To one Apple Harvest,

This year’s Summer Sun Celebration marks the thousandth year since the banishment of Nightmare Moon, or as so few remember, my sister, Princess Luna.

For generations your people have unfairly taken the blame for her fall, it is time this exile came to an end. In one week, on the evening after the Summer Sun Celebration, please come to Canterlot Castle. I have a job to offer you, one that requires a thestral of your unique talents.

I will not lie, my little pony, what awaits you is a trial of the highest difficulty. Together, I hope that you and I will forge a path that has not been walked in generations.

Fret not, your town will be compensated well in your absence, and a wage provided to you as well. I will send ambassadors to Hollow Shades to begin construction on a hospital and a school. It is time that your people rejoined Equestria.

On the thousandth day of the longest night, look to the moon. There, you will see your destiny.

Yours,
Princess Celestia, Princess of Equestria and She of the Eternal Sun”

Apple flicked her ears, puzzled. An offer of truce and one of a trial. Apple Harvest noted there was no option to refuse, Celestia just expected her to come running when summoned.
Vorpal sat back on his haunches, clearly taking it in.

“Rejoin Equestria? Does she think nothing of what we have suffered? At her decree?” His voice was weak with disbelief. “Has she forgotten how many have died by her order?”

Apple put a wing around him. “I think she hopes that we will be so desperate to take her offer that we will forget, Vorpal.”

They sat in silence together, looking at the letter and bag of bits.

Vorpal turned to her, his eyes mournful under the moonlight. He didn't want to ask any more than she wanted to answer. “Will you go?”

“Yes,” Apple rubbed her face with her hoof. “But she will not find me nearly as amenable to her demands as she thinks I will be. Before I help in whatever game she has planned, she will answer for what she has done.”

Chapter Two

"How did it get in the castle?"

"It's demonic!"

"The horror, the horror!"

Apple Harvest flicked her ears at the whispers around her, trying to keep her head held high. The bright lights of the castle felt alien and unfriendly, bearing down on her leathery wings, exposing her to the stares of the other ponies. The owner of the last voice appeared to have fainted dead away.

She steeled herself, feeling the scroll pressing against her side. A summons, directly from the Princess, just for her. Good or ill, she had every right to walk these halls as any of these ponies, perhaps even more right, considering what Celestia had done to her tribe. Steeling herself against the judgement she had felt a thousand thousand times over before, she kept her eyes forward, walking through the marble castle where all traces of Princess Luna had been erased. This was a castle of the sun, one that had forgotten it was nothing without its moon. It was afternoon outside, but even then she could still feel the moon, just out of reach below the horizon. It felt oddly light without the Mare in the Moon hidden inside it, something she had never experienced before. When the Nightmare within had been freed, every thestral had felt the shift in their power, the feeling of lunar magic intensifying. Their Princess had returned. They had all felt the cleansing magic of the elements clear away the fog of the Nightmare, cradling their princess reborn. Apple Harvest had been almost at the castle when it had happened, she yearned to fly back to her tribe to check on them, but the letter summoning her here must be tied to Luna’s return. She had to see what Celestia wanted.

The guard escorting her stopped before some ornate wooden doors, the carvings showing a beautifully detailed sun. Apple couldn't resist a slight eye roll, it was so ostentatiously Celestia. They would have to change that soon, now that Luna had returned. The doors opened with a flourish, the voice of the herald echoing through the relatively empty room.

“Apple Harvest, of the Thestral Tribe!”

The throne room stretched out before her, red carpet and marble leading up to a single, dominating throne. Beautiful stained glass windows depicting stunning triumphs from the history of Celestia's reign reflected down, casting prismatic reflections across the small clusters of ponies within. The subtle scent of magic permeated the room, fizzing like sherbert on her tongue. There were spells woven into the very walls of this palace, Celestia was obviously taking no chances after the Long Night. Hushed murmurs reached her ears as the ponies who were likely nobles and advisors turned to face the intruder in their midst.

“What garish wings.”

“Her eyes! They are evil!”

Repressing the urge to snarl at them and show them her fangs, Apple walked past them, shifting her wings under their gazes. These ponies had the diplomatic experience to be quieter in their bigotry, but she could still hear them.
She looked up to the throne, Celestia quietly sipping her tea looking back down at her. Her multicoloured mane flickered in an unseen breeze, her purple eyes tranquil and her smile benevolent. She looked down at Apple Harvest, the picture of a perfect monarch.

“Welcome, my little-”

“What do you want, Celestia.”

The throne room went silent, a pony behind her gasping and fainting onto the floor. The endless fainting of these ponies, it’s a wonder that any real work got done in a crisis. Not only had she interrupted the Princess, she had addressed her by name. Apple smirked inwardly, knowing that she was about to make herself even more unwelcome than she was previously. Celestia, to her credit, did not look phased at the blatant breach of etiquette.

“My sister has returned from her imprisonment in the moon.”

“I'm aware. All Thestrals are aware. It doesn't explain why I’m here.” Apple sat down and began examining her hoof, ignoring the further gasps of horror behind her. She kept her tone light, mocking, hiding the simmering rage that threatened to break forth. “What could mighty Celestia have need of a Thestral for?”

Celestia put aside her teacup, a white unicorn with red glasses whisking it away. Always somepony else to take out her trash, Apple thought bitterly.

“My sister,” Celestia began. “Will eventually rejoin me as a Princess of Equestria once she has recovered from her ordeal.” This was met with more gasps behind Apple, clearly it had not been announced to the broader nobility. “She will need an aide. I have chosen to offer you this position.”

Apple Harvest kept her face looking bored and disinterested, but underneath she was outright shocked. An aide to a Princess was a high position indeed, not one that a Thestral had occupied for over a thousand years, not since before. It would mean a lot to Thestrals to have such a position, it would mean at last they could come home. Apple wasn't fooled, this offer did not come without strings.

“Tell me, Celestia,” Apple stared directly into the Princesses eyes, her own green ones reflecting her quiet, burning anger. “Does Princess Luna know what you have done?”

They both knew that she wasn't talking about choosing an aide for her sister. Apple was talking about how after Nightmare Moon fell, that Celestia hunted her kind almost to extinction, burning their villages and putting bounties on their heads. Punishment for remaining loyal to the wrong princess. Ponies across Equestria had spurned them, collecting heads and wings as macabre trophies to display. For generations Thestrals had fled persecution, fleeing to the badlands to eke out a miserable existence away from ponykind, cast out of their homes and lands. Celestia, in her grief, madness and rage, had reduced her people to a myth, a pony tale told to little foals to terrify them around a campfire, while they had starved.

“No. She does not.” The words weighed heavily in the air. “I regret what happened to your people-”

“Regret?” Apple Harvest cut her off again, standing with a sneer on her face. The guards shifted, though Celestia’s hoof stayed them from drawing their spears. Apple could feel herself shaking, but it was with rage rather than fear at the paltry royal guards. “You regret massacring my people? You regret forcing us from society, from our homes? You regret ignoring our suffering until now, when it is convenient for you? You regret-” Apple licked her fangs. “You regret that we survived, despite your best attempts at genocide.”

The room was deathly silent. Celestia finally had the grace to look away from her, to look ashamed. Apple Harvest knew this dark chapter of Equestria’s history had been buried, forgotten. She would be amazed if any of them had even seen a Thestral or heard of them before today. Her people, reduced to survival only, worked hard at keeping to the fringes of society. They stayed hidden, keeping away from the eyes of Canterlot lest the cleansing be rekindled. The silence stretched out between them, heavy.

“Why me?”

This was the million bit question. Celestia didn't need a Thestral specifically. She could have chosen anypony, it even made more sense for her to choose someone who would spy for her, report back on the Moon Princesses activities.

“Today is a day where it is time to make right the wrongs of the Battle of the Long Night. My sister has been returned to Equestria, returned to me. It is time that I, too, atone for my actions.” Celestia rose, stepping down from the throne. Apple Harvest found herself moving back from the enormous Alicorn, despite her anger. “You are one of the few thestrals who has had regular contact with ponykind. You understand the hatred your tribe has suffered, and yet you have persevered through it to create a life for yourself, standing between your people and mine. My sister will need that understanding now as she comes to terms with generations of fear and her own suffering. She needs compassion, now more than ever.” Celestia stood before Apple, imploring her. “She needs a friend.”

Pretty words from a pretty pony. Apple wasn't convinced she was being entirely truthful, but it was enough. She had to take a chance, save her people. Already they had abandoned their village, fled their home after the Celestial guards had come knocking. If she could sacrifice herself to Celestia’s plans to save them from an existence of fear, she would, but not to dance to whatever tune Celestia was humming. Apple held up a hoof.

“I won't spy for you.”

Celestia put a hoof on her shoulder, her purple eyes gazing down in sorrow. “I wouldn't expect anything less from you.”

Apple brushed off her hoof and stood, stretching out her wings to relieve the tension in her back, and also to put space between her and Celestia. She wouldn't be intimidated, and she wouldn't be touched by her repulsive hoof. “Reparations.” she said softly.

Celestia tilted her head. “Come again, my little pony?”

“I am not your pony. I, and all Thestrals, have always belonged to Princess Luna.” Apple sat back down, further away. “You owe my kind a great debt, Celestia. And if you are being truthful about atonement, then reparations are in order. You want me to integrate your sister back into the world? You will be integrating my kind too.” Apple stared at the white alicorn. She had never been nominated to speak on behalf of her tribe, but now that she had the opportunity, she would take it.

“What do you have in mind?” The compassionate, pleading monarch was gone, in its place was the leader who was making a deal on behalf of her country. The white unicorn now had a quill and parchment floating next to her, hastily taking notes.

“Reparations for each Thestral from your attempt at genocide. Land, a place in Equestria to call our own, and a town that will be built there. Your letter offered schools and a hospital, but we don't want charity. We want a home, a place we don't have to run from when your soldiers come knocking. Safety. Did you know that none of our foals attend school? We educate them at home. We do our own medical care, because pony hospitals refuse to treat us.” Celestia visibly paled at this, and Apple could hear the advisors behind her murmuring. What she was asking was not going to be cheap, but if Celestia thought that her services would come without justice for her people, she was mistaken. “Our land is to be ours alone. And most importantly, history is to be corrected. I want ponies to know the truth of Thestrals, not the foals tales you have spun us into.”

Apple held her breath, this was a big gambit. Money, the crown could afford. History, that was a humiliation that a mighty empire would not subject themselves to.

Celestia stared at Apple Harvest, seeming to appraise her down to her bones. Apple gritted her teeth, staring back.
Celestia stood, making her way back to the throne. She remained silent the entire time, stretching Apple’s remaining nerve to the brink. Apple knew she was doing it on purpose, and forced herself to remain still and nonchalant.

“Atonement comes in many forms. I had hoped that by extending my hoof to you, that you in turn would extend yours to mine. I have not forgotten the lives I took of your kind, just as I have not forgotten the lives that the dread Thestral army of Nightmare Moon took of my little ponies.” The room seemed to darken with the alicorn’s displeasure, the artificial warmth cooling slightly. “If I allow history to show the truth, it will show the entire truth. Do you want this, knowing it could further the prejudice against your kind?”

Apple Harvest could have laughed. This was a truly pathetic attempt at “helping” Thestrals to cover their own history for “their” own benefit, when all it did was sweep Celestia’s crimes under the rug. How ponies worshipped this mare Apple would never understand.

“Thestrals have long made peace with how hard we fought on the orders of our Princess. We have been punished enough for doing so. We are not afraid of our history. Are you?” Apple kept her voice steady, but could feel her heart trying to beat out of her chest.

Celestia smiled, but it was without warmth. “Indeed. Very well, I agree to your terms. You will become my sister’s loyal aide, and in return Thestrals will find themselves welcomed back into Equestrian lands. My advisors will arrange to meet with the Thestral leader to discuss the details.” Her smile regained some warmth. “I hope that this will truly be the beginning of a remarkable friendship.”

Apple snorted, allowing her relief to come out as derision. “I'm sure it will.”

Celestia motioned to the guard, clearly she was dismissed. “You will be given quarters in the castle. I will introduce you to Luna after I raise the moon. Raven, if you will show Apple Harvest where she needs to go?”

Raven, the white unicorn from earlier, stepped from the shadows and bowed to Celestia before leaving. Apple did not bow, instead nodding curtly to Celestia as she left. This was the start of a brand new day for Thestrals, and she could only hope that she had made the right decision.

Chapter Three

“Your room is on the left side of the hall, Princess Luna’s room is down and to the right. She is in a spare wing for now pending a remodelling to better suit her tastes.” Raven’s voice was rich and deep, echoing off the walls. Apple licked her lips, the taste of magic was getting stronger. “Princess Celestia’s wing is down that hall, up three levels and to the right.” Raven continued. “It is, of course, off limits. The kitchen can be accessed down that staircase and just follow the signs, should Her Highness require anything you may also use the pulley syst-”

“Why is this wing so heavily warded?” Apple stopped in the hallway, the celestial guard tailing them almost knocking into her. “You must have eight-nine, maybe even ten high level wards here.” She pushed past Raven towards the hall leading to Luna’s room, her tongue flicking out and tasting the sugary, marshmallow syrup flavour in the air. “Several of these are alicorn level defensive wards.” She turned to Raven, who was watching her impassively. “Why are you warding Luna’s wing?”

“Princess Luna has only shed the yoke of Nightmare Moon less than twenty four hours ago.” Raven sniffed. “Princess Celestia felt it prudent to take precautions in the slightest case she should awaken and not know where she is. The protection of our citizens is of the highest importance.” Raven’s haughty gaze turned curious. “How did you know there are wards here? They are only detectable by unicorns.”

Apple snorted. “If ponies can't taste magic this thick, they are idiots.” She knew Celestia wasn't warding the wing to protect the citizens from a confused alicorn, these wards were too heavy for that. These wards were to buy them time should Luna waken as Nightmare Moon again. Of course she would frame it not as suspicion of her sister but as a kind gesture to protect her. Celestia hadnt changed, for all her pretty words. Not on Apple’s watch. Luna would not awaken to being treated like a danger in the palace Celestia had built without her.

“Stand back.” Apple barked at Raven and the stupid celestial guard, who reluctantly gave her about half a hoofstep of room.

Apple closed her eyes, her ear tufts twitching. Licking her lips, she began to taste the air again, more deliberate this time. Leathery wings stretched out from her sides, the skin shifting as she felt for the magical currents in the air. So many, and so thick. She wouldn't be able to break all of them, not the ones woven by Celestia, but whatever hack unicorn wove the other ones clearly wasn't expecting a thestral Mage to have at them. Drawing in a deep breath, Apple Harvest felt for the residual lunar magic that remained after Luna’s return, the feeling of cold, silvery power that now thrummed through her veins. All thestrals had magic, but not all could harness the magic into a spellcast. Slipping into Thestrus, she drew a sigil in the air with a wing tip, hissing the words of power. The magical lights in the corridor dimmed, flickering before going out completely, leaving them in a soft afternoon glow through the windows. Apple released her breath in a screech so high that it was silent to the ponies watching. It rippled out from her, disintegrating the first seven wards protecting the castle from Luna. No doubt an alarm had just sounded in Celestia’s room alerting her to the removal. The guard behind her had unsheathed his sword which was now pointing directly at Apple’s neck, Raven cowering behind him.

“You would strike me down, guard?” Apple turned to face him, her green eyes luminous in the darkened corridor. He blanched, but did not lower his sword.

A purple unicorn appeared in a flash of light, her horn primed with magic and mane slightly singed. This must be the one that set the wards, she would have hidden a teleport trigger in amongst the wards to be able to get here so quickly, and judging by her mane she was not used to teleports. Apple sat down on her haunches feigning nonchalance, inspecting her hoof.

“Where is she? Where is Nightmare Moon?” The Mage whipped her head around, taking in for the first time the guard holding Apple at sword point. “Who are you? What are you?”

The unicorn had a six pointed star on her flank, a cutie mark of magic. How rare, Apple thought. She opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut off by another flash of light. This one gleaming gold, a deliberate teleport. Celestia had arrived. She glanced cooly around at all of them before the purple unicorn ran to her side.

“Princess Celestia! My wards have been removed, there's an intruder!”
Celestia smiled warmly at her unicorn mage, before turning to Apple, her face significantly less warm.

“I see you have decided to alter my protege's spells. Those were designed to protect Luna should she wake up confused.”

Apple wasn't impressed, or fooled. “Dont lie to me, Celestia. You and I both know those wards weren't for Luna’s protection.” She flicked her mane out of her eyes to see the purple unicorn looking at her in confusion. “And your protege’s wards need serious work. I could taste them walking through the front door.”

“Taste them?” The mage was clearly confused, and annoyed at the insult.

Celestia sighed. “Twilight Sparkle, I would like to introduce you to Apple Harvest, a thestral who I have hired to be Princess Luna’s aide during her transition back into Equestrian society. Apple Harvest, this is Twilight Sparkle, my personal student, protege and the bearer of the element of Magic.”

Now that was interesting, an element bearer. Apple got up, ignoring the sword pointing at her and walked over the Twilight.

“What did you mean, taste them?” Twilight backed up against Celestia to avoid Apple’s inquisitive sniffing. Though, Apple mused, She also must smell a bit ripe. She barely had time to clean on the flight from Hollow Shades, and knew she was still covered in dust from the travels.

Apple Harvest grinned, showing off her fangs. “Most creatures can taste magic, but aren't aware of it. Thestrals are especially good at it.”

Twilight’s eyes were glued to her fangs, and she was shaking with fear.

“Please refrain from frightening my student, Apple Harvest.” Celestia admonished, her ever patient smile wearing thin. Apple stepped back, this time glaring up at Celestia.

“Please refrain from casting spells designed to contain and drain my Princess of magic, Celestia. I may not be able to break your wards, but Luna can. Is this how you mean to start rebuilding her into society? With mistrust and traps?”

Celestia wasn't moved. “I need to protect my ponies, Luna would understand.”

“I don't believe so, Celestia.” Apple stepped back, flicking her tail. “She's been trapped on the moon for well over a thousand years. You are not tied to her, you did not feel her grief when the elements stripped her of the Nightmare. You asked me to be her aide, I’m asking you to be her sister.”

Celestia sighed. “Perhaps you are right.” She looked down at Apple. “Luna is greatly weakened by the elements, but she is far from powerless. I will diminish the wards, leaving only the ones that will alert me to her waking.”

“You may want to check the spell parameters, as Luna has been awake and listening this entire time.” Apple revelled in the look of shock on Celestia's face for a brief moment before fleeing down the hall to Luna’s room, wading through the thick wards.

Chapter Four

The door was unassuming, bland and blank. Apple knew she looked terrible, reeked of travel and was still carrying her herb bag. She could feel Luna through the door, a deep well of sadness and grief that seemed to radiate from within. Stinky or not, Apple was needed by her princess. She could hear Twilight still questioning Celestia, asking something about Thestrals, but now wasn’t the time. Raising her hoof, she knocked gently. Luna’s presence moved from the door, but wasn't unwelcoming, so she pushed open the door and stepped into the darkness.

Wordlessly Apple slipped into a deep bow, waiting for her eyes to adjust. It wasn't just dark in here, but pitch black, and the scent of deep arcane magic was overpowering. It wasn't magic like Celestia’s which tasted like sunshine and sherbert, but a slightly more heady taste, like mulled spiced wine or a deeply complex mushroom soup. Apple bared her fangs until the sensations passed, and she could smell herself over the magic. This must be Luna’s magic, her own wards put up to protect Equestria from herself.

“Dic nomen tuum.” The voice from the darkness was melodical and soft, like bells upon the wind. Apple frowned, the language was so familiar, but so different. Like a memory of a dream.

“Te ipsum nominare.” This was a command, that much was clear. Apple Harvest shook her head, her eyes adjusting to the darkness before her. She could see a mare not much larger than herself, with a horn about as long as a unicorn, standing before a large bed. The room was opulent, if sparsely decorated. Clearly, despite the prophecy, Celestia hadnt known what to do with her sister.

“My name is Apple Harvest.” Apple tried in Equuish. Luna tilted her head, clearly not understanding. Slipping into Thestrus, Apple tried again. “Your Grace, I am known as Apple Harvest.” Most ponies wouldn't even be able to hear Thestrus, but Alicorns, especially Luna, were different.

Luna stepped forward, her eyes curious but wary. “Thee art a Thestral?” Her thestrus was of an older type, but Apple sagged in relief at being able to understand her.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I was summoned to assist you in your return.” Apple’s cheeks burned at finally addressing Princess Luna, the mare who she had grown up with as a story of her tribes rise and fall. “I felt you awaken, please forgive my appearance. I have travelled far.”

“Mine own sist'r might not but has't f'rgotten basic hospitality f'r thee to taketh me in such a state. As well as basic spellcasting. I hath heard thee guarding me out thence, I thanketh thee f'r it.”

“Are you hungry? I can have food brought in.”

“I am, but I shall waiteth until thee art crisp and refreshed from thy journey”. Luna paced across the room, sitting before the large window covered by heavy drapes. The afternoon sun must be sinking below the horizon soon, Celestia would raise the moon. Apple wondered how Luna was feeling about that fact. “I might not but admiteth I am still gath'ring mine own thoughts. Thee may returneth once thee art refreshed.”

Apple didn't understand everything, but she got enough to know she had to come back clean before Luna would eat. She felt Luna’s attention turn from her, and knew she was dismissed. “As you wish, Your Grace.” Bowing deeply again, she slipped out of the room to come face to face with Twilight Sparkle.

“Was she in there? Is she awake? Can I speak with her? Can you teach me to smell magic?” The little purple unicorn was clearly very excited about something.

“Yes, yes, no, no.” Apple Harvest walked quickly back to her own chambers, hopeful of being rid of her.

“Please, I've never met a pony like you, a Thestral. Where have you been all these years? How do you fly? How can you do magic without a horn? It doesn't make sense!” Twilight was now walking in front of her, taking notes. “How big are your wings? What are they made of? Do your ear tufts serve any function or are they decorative? You have fangs, what is your diet?”

Apple Harvest paused outside her door, staring at the starry eyed unicorn. ‘You should ask your mentor where my people have been. Once you have done that, and Her Grace no longer requires me, I will be glad to answer your questions.” Apple was smug, Celestia would have a great time explaining genocide to such an eager little pupil. “Until then, I must get cleaned up.”

Stepping into her room, which was beautifully decorated, clearly the room given to travelling diplomats, she closed the door on Twilight’s curious face. The pulley system was simple, pull on the spelled rope and speak what you desired into the tube. “Her Grace Princess Luna and one aide require dinner please, brought to my chambers” Apple paused, considering. “May you please also provide dessert, something chocolate based.”

“Received and acknowledged. Time estimate is 30 minutes.” Came the disembodied reply. Apple sagged, her bag dropping to the floor. She wished she could speak with Vorpal, tell him everything that had happened, but he was several days flight away. The village would be on the move, and he would be anxious to get them hidden. She would have to find a way to send him a message, tell him Celestia needed to make a treaty with him, but right now she was exhausted and dirty. Making her way to the gleaming golden bathroom, Apple mustered a brief glare at the sheer display of wealth around her. The bath was already full of steaming, fragrant hot water, the scent of oranges wisping through the air. Hot water was a luxury in her village, each bucket carried from the well and warmed by a fire or manually by magic by one of their few mages, and enough for an entire bathtub was unheard of. Celestia’s sigil decorated nearly every surface in some way, in the mosaics, in the etchings on the taps. Garish, Apple thought to herself. Garish and gold. Still, waste not, want not, and time was ticking. She climbed into the bath, hissing as the hot water hit her travel weary muscles. Her exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her, eyelids growing heavy.

Apple had left for Canterlot the evening after the royal guards had delivered the letter, forgoing sleep in the day to pack her apothecary and help Vorpal with the evacuation. Star had to be coaxed out from under her desk, tearful and reluctant. Apple’s heart twinged. She had charged little Star with her store of bandages, that he should be the one to wrap up any scrapes and falls amongst the foals in her absence, she hoped the duty would ease the pain of her parting. Vorpal was moving the village deeper into Foal Mountains, away from the prying eyes of the sun. Apple had to travel constantly to reach Canterlot in time for the solstice, resting only briefly during the brightest hour of the day. The night of the solstice she had been struck down by the sudden rush of power that had radiated from the moon, the stars whirling above to free the twisted alicorn trapped within the moon. Her joy at Luna’s return had been immediately quashed by the realisation that Nightmare Moon still inhabited her body, the weak telepathic link to the Princess had opened in her head like a flower, giving her access to the Nightmare’s emotions and hateful desires. She had felt Nightmare Moon’s battle against the elements as she had struggled up the mountain, unable to fly as she knew her wings would guide her straight into the battle. Each step had been torture, fighting against the will of the Nightmare, like knives plunging into each hoof. She knew she had to reach Canterlot, lest she condemn her people to another thousand years of suffering in the name of the Nightmare. Thestrals would fight for Luna’s return, not Nightmare Moon’s victory. Apple blew bubbles in the water as she ruminated on the stories passed down their generations, how Luna’s link to the Thestrals had grown twisted and corrupted, forcing them to commit abhorrent actions against their will. She could certainly understand why, the pain she had felt resisting even the weakened Nightmare would haunt her for years to come. She had felt the building release of the elements, stripping the Nightmare from Luna's mind. If she had to describe it, the presence in her mind was cleansed from a space of malice and hate to a confused whimper. Now she had a Princess who she could barely understand, another Princess who was clearly not ready to fully trust and welcome back her sister, a protege who was dangerously curious, and no way to contact her village to let them know about Celestia. Hmm.

Stepping out the bath clean but no less exhausted, Apple briefly towel dried herself before making her way to a small kitchenette. Coffee! Coffee just sitting there in an odd neat little bag! Apple Harvest hadnt had real coffee in years, not since she negotiated trade with a delightfully odd elderly stallion with a cutie mark of pears, who had tactfully not mentioned her fangs when she had taken a sip. Mixing the instant coffee into more hot water, boiling hot from a tap, such luxury, she breathed in the bitter and rich scent. Delicious. She could feel herself reviving slightly, which she was grateful for.

A knock at the door pulled her from her reverie, a small voice calling out “R-room s-service!” It must be the food, Apple thought, opening the door to a terrified pale orange pony. They were shaking from hoof to tail tip, their eyes wide at the sight of her. A tray laden with food was carried in their magic, covered with ornate silver dishes. Apple tried to smile kindly, only for the tray to be delicately placed at her hooves and the orange pony fleeing for their life. She shook her head, ponies would have to get used to her sooner or later. They would have to get used to many changes if Celestia meant what she said about co-ruling with Luna again. She was still slightly damp, but it would have to do. Collecting the tray and her coffee, she made her way back to Luna’s chambers. It had been a long week, but she wouldn't be able to sleep for a while yet.

Bowing as deeply as she could while carrying a tray on her back, she waited again for her eyes to adjust to the pitch black darkness.

“I have dinner, I hope it is to your liking, Your Grace.”

“I has't not eaten f'r ov'r a thousand years,” Luna was still nothing more than a shape in the darkness. “It smells delicious, though strange.”

Apple slid the tray onto a small table and began to unpack it. “I imagine so. It appears we have garlic greens, loaded potato, a quail egg salad and,” Apple sniffed in gratitude, her stomach rumbling. “Pasta.”

“Pasta?” Luna’s tongue rolled around the unfamiliar word, tasting it. “What is Pasta, pray tell?”

Apple considered how to describe pasta. “Wheat, sifted and processed into a soft white flour that had been shaped into a dough, then boiled and covered in a sauce. In this case, butter, cream and garlic.”

“Yond sounds decadent.”

“Hmm yes, perhaps start with the salad, see how your stomach handles it. It’s your first meal in a long time, I don't want you to get sick.” Apple felt a flash of amusement from Luna as she sat down across from her.

“Getting sick is doubtful f'r me, but I shall hark to thy sage counsel, healer.” Luna delicately took a small bite of salad greens, chewing thoughtfully. Apple sipped at her coffee, stabbing a potato with a fork.

“What is yond utensil?”

Apple looked down at her fork, her tired mind struggling to catch up. “My fork?”

“May I seeth?” Luna was staring at the fork, her face furrowed.

“Yes, Your Grace.” Apple could have facehooved as she realised why Luna was interested. Forks hadn't been invented in Luna’s time, ponies used to graze directly from the plate, or use small knives or spoons. “Forks became popular a few hundred years ago, when ponies realised it helped keep their hooves cleaner.” Apple grabbed the fork that she had set aside for Luna, holding it aloft on her hoof. Luna’s eyes glittered with interest as she turned the fork over in her magic, testing the prongs.

“How curious.” She hovered the fork over the plate. “How doth it w'rk?”

Apple picked up her own fork, then demonstrated the various ways a pony could pick up food with it. Luna delightedly mimicked her, giggling when the fried greens refused to stay on the fork.

“It appears much hath changed in mine own absence if the words thee hath used upon arriving art indication.” Luna spoke through mouthfuls of food. “Pray tell, what of the other Thestrals? I cannot feeleth those folk, only thyself.”

Apple sputtered on the remains of her coffee. Heavens, Luna had only just been released and already was asking the difficult questions. “F-feel them, Your Grace?”

“As thee can senseth me, I can senseth thee. Tis a trait I built into thee upon thy creation.” Luna had sipped at a chalice of water, blue eyes piercing Apple. “I may has't been gone f'r a thousand moons but I wouldst knoweth mine own bairns art well.”

Apple couldn't speak, she simply sat there gaping at Luna. This was not in the histories. They spoke of Luna being the mother to thestrals, not that she had created them by her own hoof!

“This tidings is a surprise to thee. I created thestrals of mine owneth blood entwined with the clearest moonlight,” Luna explained. “I wove deep arcane magics and spoke thee into existence, thee art as much a parteth of me as mine owneth heart.”

Apple sat, stunned. Alicorn blood, moonlight and magic, they were a part of Luna herself!

Luna put her fork to the side, leaning forward. “I bid thee tell me of the animosity between thee and mine own sist'r. I findeth it curious yond mine own sist'r wouldst setteth me an aide who dislikes h'r so. Is it related to the fact I cannot feeleth thy brethren?”

Apple swallowed, her wings shifting anxiously. She was not the one who was supposed to bear this news to Luna, but if what she said is true, and the link went both ways, it would be impossible to hide it.

“Well, as the elders have told me, after the battle of the Long Night, you were gone.”

“This I knoweth.” Luna said dryly, clearing the last of the potato.

“Um, yes, well, Celestia, that is Princess Celestia-”

“I knoweth thee doth not respect h'r, thee doth not have necessity to pretendeth to in mine own presence. What I need to knoweth is why telling me terrifies thee. I may appeareth young but I am no foal, it is a necessity to knoweth wherefore thee holdeth such animosity f'r h'r.”

Apple took a deep breath. “After you were banished, the war didn't end. Thestrals tried to continue your will, as when they stopped great pain enveloped their bodies. So they continued to fight for thee - I mean you, and many ponies died. Celestia, in her rage and sorrow, decreed that no thestral could continue to live. She,” Apple swallowed. Somehow it was so easy to be angry at Celestia for her part in this, but baring it in front of Luna was so much worse. Like confessing a dark secret. “She ordered ponies to hunt us down, erase us. So many of us died, so many children. We ran. Over time our numbers dwindled, and eventually, there were only a handful of us left. We survived, but we hid in the shadows in a forest far from here. I don't know how Celestia found me, but she did, and asked me to come here, to be your friend, in return for allowing my people to be citizens again.” Apple bowed her head in shame, for good or ill, Luna now knew she wasn't here of her own free will, but to gain something from the posting.

The room grew cold, frost creeping along the floor and moonlight pouring through the window. Luna, her foalish body casting a shadow of a much larger alicorn, one with a flowing mane and a horn as long as Celestia’s. Apple began to shiver, both with the cold and from fear.

“I’m sorry, this was the only way I could save my people.” She gasped out from between frozen lips.

Luna turned to her, her blue eyes now a pure and dazzling white.

“SHE HADST MINE OWN BAIRNS MURDERED?” The Royal Canterlot Voice thundered in the tiny room and the force of it hit Apple Harvest like slamming into a tree. Apple collapsed to the ground screaming in pain, clutching her ears. She wrapped her wings tightly around herself, the frost floor crackling under her as she writhed in agony. “HAD SHE NAY PITY F’R THE THESTRALS AS VICTIMS OF THE NIGHTMARE?” Apple felt one of her eardrums burst, the pain in her head mounting. Blood began trickling from her nose. Am I to die here? She thought. Am I to die having restarted the war?

Warmth rushed back into the room as Luna noticed her curled up on the floor in agony. Apple Harvest groaned in pain as moonlight lit up around her. “Apple Harvest! Forgive me!” She felt a blue glow wash over her, as gentle and warm as a breeze on a summer night. Her ear crackled and mended, the ache in her head fading away. Apple gasped at the release of pain, rolling over to see Luna standing over her with worry lining her face. “I did not intend to hurt thee, I am not used to company and mine own temper raged. Art thee well?”

Weakly, Apple used a wing to push herself shakily from the ground. “I'm okay, I’m alright Your Grace. I apologise for angering you, Your Grace.” She collapsed back down into a deep bow with her head scraping the floor, tears flowing from her eyes. “I'm so sorry.”

Deep blue feathers lifted her chin as Luna gazed down into her eyes. “Doth not apologise to me, mine own child. Thee has't done nothing but bid me what I asked of thee. It is I who is to apologise.”

Luna stood, swaying on her hooves. “I hath used too much magic this night, I am still weakened from mine own ordeal. Shall thee beest able to findeth thy way backeth to thy chambers?”

Apple stood, offering her side for Luna to lean on as she made her way to the bed. “I will be alright, Your Grace. Should I send for anypony?”

“Nay, leaveth me to mine own rest.” Luna collapsed on the bed. “I shall summon thee in the eve of tomorrow. I has't much to learneth about what has transpired whilst I was exile.”

Luna brushed a wing over Apple’s face again, before leaning back onto the pillow. Apple gathered the remains of their dinner and their uneaten dessert, bowing out of the door. Despite Luna’s healing spell and the coffee, her entire body ached and the hall span dangerously. She staggered, dumping the tray of food on top of the guard standing in the hall. Food spattered down her face as she looked at Apple in shock, but she was too tired to care. Her body screamed at her to rest, but her hooves were so heavy and the door was so far away. Apple slid down the wall next to the guard, her vision blurring. “S’rry.” She slurred, right before hitting the floor.

Chapter Five

Apple woke, her eyes practically glued shut with sleep and her wing cramping hard beneath her. Groaning, she rolled off the bed and crawled on the floor towards the bathroom with her eyes closed, bumping into furniture along the way. Her head ached fiercely and her mouth felt like she had been eating sand, her tongue swollen and dry.

Toilet taken care of, she rinsed her face, ungluing her eyelids and blinking in the darkness. Soft motes of light wisps were floating around the room, softly illuminating the bathroom. She looked horrible in the mirror, her mane greasy and frazzled, her fur rough and spiked. How long was she out for? What time was it? What day? She felt panic rising, no one had woken her to care for Luna! Almost immediately she felt a soothing presence in her mind, a caress of concern and comfort. Apple breathed a sigh of relief, leaning into the phantom touch. Luna was awake, and was alright. The touch left her, and she shakily leaned against the sink, mentally checking herself over. She was hungry and dehydrated, but otherwise okay. No sign of injury after Luna’s loss of temper, the healing spell did its work well. Apple turned on the faucet, drinking cold water straight from the bathroom tap until her stomach was tight and painful. She needed food, to be clean and most importantly, coffee. And to maybe find out what night it was.

Heading back into her room, she saw a pile of scrolls on the table. As she watched, a new one appeared in a flash of purple light and dropped onto the pile. Why would anypony be sending her mail, her presence here was hardly public knowledge. Ignoring the stack, Apple requested some food and started making herself some coffee. A knock came at the door almost immediately, too quickly to be room service. Frowning, Apple hobbled over to the door and peered around it to find Raven standing there holding a tray of food.

“Good evening, Apple Harvest.” Raven said primly. “May I enter?”

Still not entirely awake, Apple gestured Raven in with a wing before going back to making her coffee. Raven stepped through the door, immediately taking in the stack of scrolls, each bearing a seal of a six pointed star. Another scroll flashed into existence, dropping onto the stack.

“I see Miss Sparkle has wasted no time in attempting to discover all there is to know about Thestrals and your relationship with Luna.” She said, setting down the tray next to the stack. “She was most distraught after her conversation with Princess Celestia.” Raven’s tone was clearly disapproving.

“Mmph.” Apple drained the cup of coffee in a single gulp, the hot liquid burning its way down her throat. “Mmpgh?” She gestured vaguely at the tray in question.

“You collapsed outside your room three days ago after a magical surge in Luna’s chambers.” Raven began unpacking the tray, revealing bagels, fruit and an assortment of spreads. “The guard you threw food over dragged you into bed and called for assistance, to which resulted in Princess Celestia herself casting a high level healing spell over you.” Apple raised an eyebrow. Raven began to spread cream cheese on a bagel. “Princess Luna’s spell was effective, but no stronger than basic first aid. You had several cracked ribs and a skull fracture. You have been asleep for three days.” Raven floated the bagel over to Apple, who grabbed it from her magic, considering. Three days? Possibly exhaustion, on top of her injuries. She had barely slept for a week of hard travel.

“How did you know I was awake?”

“I was alerted by my own spell which I hung on your door once we had put you to bed.” Raven was very matter of fact about spying on her, Apple thought. “I know you are still recovering, but I must know what you spoke with Princess Luna about before the magical surge caused your injuries.” Raven looked directly at Apple Harvest, her eyes piercing. “Luna has refused all visitors, she hasnt left her room or spoken with anypony. I must know what she is plotting, if she is a threat to Princess Celestia.”

Apple chewed, returning Raven’s stare thoughtfully. Celestia said she wouldn't ask her to spy, but here was her minion sniffing for information. “I won't tell you what we spoke about.” Apple scooped up some strawberries, savouring their sweetness and ignoring Raven’s protest. “But I can tell you Luna is no threat. She has simply been away from others too long.”

Raven sat back in the chair, her hoof tapping against the table. “I have been Princess Celestia’s personal aide and assistant for over thirty years. She has been planning for Luna’s return the entire time I have known her. I have seen how much she is hurt by Princess Luna’s refusal to speak with her.” Raven leaned forward, and Apple took the opportunity to shove a piece of apple in her mouth. “I know you don't like Princess Celestia, I know you feel your reasons are justified. But if you are here to restart the war, if you are here to hurt my Princess, I will make you disappear faster than you can blink.” The menace in her voice was clear, and Apple knew that Raven had done this before, threatened ponies or worse. She swallowed the piece of apple, and reached for another. She felt Luna stir in her mind, a querying curiosity. Did she need help? Sending back her own soothing amusement, Apple nibbled on the apple. It was a honeycrisp apple, if she wasn't mistaken.

“You know, before I got my cutie mark, when I was still too young to fly, I got lost, separated from my parents.” Apple kept her tone light. Raven was here not as a friend, but a threat, and she would answer her in kind. “I was found by a pegasus, who thought it was hilarious he had found a freak who had wings but couldn't fly. He picked me up, and dropped me from the sky. Several times. My parents didn't think I would survive my injuries, but I did. One of my mothers was so furious she went to find that pegasi, and tore his wings right off him with her teeth.” Apple made a show of licking her fangs free of juice, and Raven’s face paled. “We are survivors, you see. Our town has only survived because we made sure that no pony who saw us lived. I lived, and I learned to fight.”

Apple stood up, stretching. “I learned not to fight fair, but to fight hard, dirty and fast. I learned how to kill a pony before they could raise the alarm.” She lifted her wing, pointing at her cutie mark, an apple floating in a vial. The apple of her mark was covered in goo in the shape of a ponies skull. “I earned my cutie mark not through healing, but harm. You come to my room and threaten me, and by threatening me you threaten my Princess. You don't seem to realise that your continued existence is at my pleasure. I could tear out your throat faster than your little horn can cast a spell.” In a flash, Apple was on top of Raven, knocking her to the floor. The room spun around her, but still she pushed her teeth into Raven’s throat and held steady, Raven would feel a pinch, but she didn't break skin. The mare’s breathing was sharp and panicked, but to her credit she didn't cry out for the guard that Apple was sure was waiting just outside the door. Her voice was soft, cold and left no room for misunderstanding. “Just as you serve Celestia, I will serve Luna in any way she requires. You may think you are in charge, but I will be ruled by no one but her. If you threaten her again, threaten me, you will not live long enough to see sunrise. You and I can be comrades, or we can be enemies. If you choose to be my enemy, you had better invest in a taste tester, because my specialty is poison.” Releasing Raven, she staggered back into her chair.

Raven sat up, fixing her mussed mane and picking up her own chair, breathing hard. Apple sipped at a glass of water, her body definitely wasn't up for a fight just yet but she would be damned if she would let Raven see that. “Luna isn't a threat, especially not to Celestia. I don't know why she is refusing visitors, but it may be because she doesnt speak Equuish.”

“She what?” Raven paused in smoothing down her fur.

“Equuish, she doesn't understand it. She speaks high Equuish, and high Thestrus. I can understand her, and possibly Celestia, but she doesn't understand us.”

Raven’s mouth dropped. “She spoke a very clear Equuish at the party in Ponyville after Princess Celestia was released from the sun!”

Apple raised her eyebrows at that. “Did she? It was possible the residual magic of the Nightmare and the elements translate for you, or possible that Celestia had been casting a translation spell. Either way, whatever spell was allowing her to understand Equuish has worn off. Your ponies may as well be speaking Prench.”

Raven buttered her own bagel, choosing marmalade to top it. The tension between them eased in a mutual understanding of each other’s roles and abilities, neither was a mare to be crossed. Apple poured herself some apple juice, sipping at it quietly as she contemplated the issue before them.

“But if she can understand Princess Celestia, why is she refusing to see her too?”

“I'm not sure. It may be for her own reasons, or she still needs time to process being imprisoned for over a thousand years by her own sister?”

“How can she process it if she refuses to speak with her?” Raven was back to looking immaculate and holding her bitten bagel aloft.

“It's not for me to question Luna’s motives.” Another scroll appeared next to them in a flash of purple and promptly rolled off the table onto the floor. “But if you would like to help, I would appreciate you procuring books for me. Foals books, how to read, that sort of thing, and history books. Real history, mind, not Celestia’s version of history. I would get them myself, but I'm afraid wandering around the castle myself would cause a riot.”

Raven lifted the scroll, balancing it on top of the others. “I can do this for you. But I would like a guarantee, that should Luna become a threat, should the Nightmare appear to be returning, you will not hide this information from me.”

Apple learned back, patting her stomach. “I serve Luna.”

“I understand that but-”

“No, I think you are misunderstanding. I serve Luna, and Luna alone. I do not serve the Nightmare. Should I see the Nightmare returning to harm my Princess, I will stop at nothing to protect her.”

Raven considered this, tilting her head. “You believe they are separate?”

“I know they are. I can't tell you how, but Luna and the Nightmare are completely different beings.” Anypony who had felt their presence in their mind would understand, but she didn't want the knowledge that thestrals could feel the emotions of a Princess spreading further than necessary.

Raven seemed satisfied with this. “Very well, I will trust you with this. I think we can be of great use to each other.” She offered her hoof to shake, a truce.

“Provided we don't kill each other first.” Apple grinned, leaning across the table to shake her hoof. “But I must ask, what are these ever mounting scrolls on my table?”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Raven couldn't keep the exasperation out of her face. “She has an insatiable curiosity about everything, I have never met a pony more dedicated to learning. She spoke at great length about your ability to do magic without a horn, it seemed to bother her greatly. These will be letters to you, imploring you to divulge everything, perhaps subject yourself for testing in some form. Be warned though,” Raven picked up a scroll, examining the seal. “She will not take no for an answer. If you choose to give her nothing, she will do everything in her power, including spying, to understand you. She was always a curious little foal.”

Apple smiled, imagining a tiny Twilight spying on the unflappable Raven to see how she ticked. “Speaking from experience?”

“She decided that my ability to make Princess Celestia’s schedule always run seamlessly was worth investigating. I found her in my bathtub, trying to establish if I knew time magic.” Raven smiled at the memory. “She was most disappointed to find out that it wasnt time magic, but extreme organisation as a part of my special talent, but then she got excited about organisation. The castle was ‘organised’ in every way it could be for months until Princess Celestia confined her to only reorganising her room and the library.”

Raven began to clear the table. “I must be getting to my duties. I will have the books requested sent up to you.” She looked again at the mountain of scrolls. “I really do recommend telling her enough to satiate her curiosity. She will be relentless otherwise.”

Apple laughed, “I will take your advice, thank you.” She could feel Luna’s presence in her mind becoming a pressure. Clearly, Her Grace was impatient to see her. “I must attend to Luna, she must be awake now.”

The pair parted ways, Raven heading into the depths of the castle and Apple Harvest knocking on the door of her Princess. The door opened on its own, Luna smiling with joy and worry. “Are you well, Apple Harvest? I understand that Celestia had to cast a more powerful healing spell on you.” Luna patted Apple down over her body, worrying over her. It felt nice, and Apple indulged for a moment before stepping back.

“I am well, Your Grace. I was just exhausted from my travels, and needed rest.” She paused. “You are using common Thestrus!”

Luna looked slightly guilty. “Whilst you were unconscious, I stepped into your dreams. I was most worried about you, and wanted to assure myself of your wellbeing. Whilst there I observed your dreams, and learned the common tongue. It is not so different from High Thestrus.” Luna paused, considering her next question. “You dream of foals often. Do you have children?”

Apple looked away. “No, Your Grace. I simply miss my tribe. We may be small, but we are close. I’m glad my dreams were of use to you.”

She could tell Luna wanted to press, but was grateful when she didn't. “Your Grace, I wish to teach you Equuish, or the common tongue used by Equestrians. I will have some books sent up so you can also learn to read them. Will you allow me to teach you?”

Luna patted her mane once more before stepping back. “I would be most grateful, young Apple Harvest. I fear I have shunned the outside world since my return.” She spread her wings, opening the curtain to allow the moon to illuminate the room. “And as to your unasked question about my sister, I’m afraid I am as yet unable to control my rage at the knowledge of the massacre of my children. I will see her, but not until I am ready.”

Apple bowed, she truly couldn't hide a thing from Luna. “Yes, Your Grace. If you will it, we shall begin.”

Chapter Six

So the days began. When she awoke in the evenings, she would spend a moment reading Twilight’s latest scroll, then spend the night with Luna, going over grammar, syntax and teaching her the history of Equestria in the time since she was imprisoned. It was so easy teaching Luna, she picked up languages as naturally as a duck took to water. It was often heartbreaking to teach her the history that had happened in her absence. Politics had changed from purely being run by the monarchs to various incarnations of political advisory bodies before settling on what it was now, run by multiple government departments that reported to Celestia each quarter. Luna wept when she learned of the Battle of the Skies, where the Griffons had invaded Equestria seeking riches and territory at the perceived weakness of a single Princess, only to be rebuffed by the newly formed Earth, Pegasi and Unicorn military contingents. Many ponies had lost their lives, but they had prevailed and cemented themselves as a military force to be reckoned with, even without both Goddesses at the helm. She delighted in the advances of medicine and music, rejoicing and dancing around her room when Apple Harvest procured a few records to play for her. Luna never forgot the Thestrals though, sitting patiently as Apple told her of their exile, their struggles, how they had to learn their own medical knowledge as the advances in medicine were denied to them.

Apple was surprised herself at how much she knew about Thestral history, she had collected more than even she was aware of. Where her memory failed, Luna coaxed the words from her using dream magic, showing Apple how to navigate the twists in her own memory to find the truth. Luna dutifully wrote down everything Apple could recall, often pausing to simply hold Apple as she cried over generations of trauma and loss. Luna didn't talk of her time on the moon, simply stating that she would rather wait until she was caught up on all she had missed before delving into those dark memories.

Weeks into this routine, Luna had recovered enough magic to step into the dream realm for the first time. She had asked Apple to remain with her, though she could not follow her into the dream world. Apple watched as Luna brushed aside her pale blue mane, settling into a comfortable position and closing her eyes. Her horn lit up in a soft glow, and her body faded to be almost translucent. Apple sat with her, enjoying the cool breeze from the window. Nightmare Night was approaching, and the nights were getting long and chilly. She relaxed, reflecting on the past few weeks. Luna had been everything she had hoped, and completely unexpected. She was friendly, vulnerable, at times mysterious and ancient. She had given Apple a home in the castle, and they had grown incredibly close. Luna seemed to revel in every triumph of Apple’s, feel every sorrow, almost as a mother would. It was odd, but far from unpleasant. Apple’s mind started to wander when suddenly Luna’s eyes opened with a jerk, and she gasped and shuddered, her body returning with great shivers.

“Your Grace! What happened?” Apple quickly grabbed a blanket, bundling Luna up as the shivers wracked her body.

“Oh Tia, oh my word what have you done…” Luna moaned, tears running down her face.

She lay there sobbing and shaking, Apple stroking her mane. Apple was almost overwhelmed by the waves of grief rolling off Luna, feeling tears that werent her own run down her cheeks, wetting her fur. “Your Grace?”

Luna stood. “Wait for me here, young Apple Harvest. I must see my sister.”

She strode past Apple, her form seeming to shift and ripple between her usual small shape and the shame of a larger, more imposing alicorn. Apple stood, worried and concerned. Luna rarely gave orders, and would never order her to stay behind like this. “Your Grace-” she entreatied, only for Luna to cast a sharp eye towards her.

“You must remain here. What I am about to do will endanger the entire castle, but it must be done. The enchantments over this room will keep you as safe as possible until I call upon you again.” with those last ominous words, Luna dissolved into a cloud of darkness and it flew away down the hall. Endanger the entire castle? Apple chewed her hoof. This was Luna, there was no trace of the Nightmare, what could she possibly be doing?

Apple paced around the room, desperately wanting to run to Luna but knowing she couldn't disobey a direct order. She was powerless, trapped.

A commotion on the lawn pulled her to the window, multiple solar guards were shouting and running towards Celestia’s wing of the castle, where bright lances of silver were flashing in the window of what Apple could only assume was Celestia’s room. They thought Celestia was under attack! The window shattered, and Celestia’s pale form was hurled through the glass. Her great wings unfurled, and she attempted to fly away from the castle, only for Luna’s small blue form to fly out of the window and land on top of her. The alicorns fought against each other, teeth gnashing and magic zapping in the air. Apple leaned as far as she could out the window without leaving the room, watching with her hooves pressed against her mouth in horror. Luna was attacking Celestia relentlessly, seeming to be trying to get in a position to tear at her mane. She couldn't hear much more than the screams of the guards, but she could feel Luna’s emotions, grief, sadness and so much fear it was breathtaking.

The battle seemed to stretch on for hours, but Apple knew it had been scant minutes. The guards were assembling below the fighting pair, clearly gearing up to cast a spell to contain Luna. Apple wanted to scream at them that Luna was only trying to help, but even she wasn't entirely sure what was going on. Her emotions did not match the horrific scene unfolding before her eyes. Apple’s heart thudded in her chest, the stench of magic roiling in her lungs, tangy and metallic.

Luna seemed to finally gain the upper hoof, gripping Celestia’s horn in her mouth. Apple could only watch in horror as Luna viciously twisted her head, and with a loud crack Celestia fell limp, dropping like a stone. Luna tried to flap hard to slow their descent, but they still hit the ground hard enough to leave a deep crater. Shouts and screams came from the guard as thick magic nets immediately fell over the pair, wrapping around Luna and separating her from Celestia who lay unmoving in the moonlight. Luna didn't fight the guards, allowing them to contain her; the guards spread out below, hauling Luna across the lawn as mages ran to Celestia’s still form, healing spells crackling in the night. Shaking, Apple stepped down from the window. To everypony’s eyes she had just seen Luna attack Celestia and break her neck, but it didn't make any sense. Luna had no bloodlust, no rage, only sorrow and compassion. She hadn't been trying to kill Celestia at all. Apple had to get to her before Raven did, and had to protect Luna. She had to find the truth.

She opened the door, not stepping out of the room. The guard across the hall looked startled, clearly the fight outside had not reached the main castle yet.

“Luna has attacked Celestia and is on her way to the dungeon.” Apple said as calmly as she could. “I am an accomplice in this attack. You must take me into custody immediately.”

The guard gaped at her, clearly uncomprehending.

“Your monarch lays unconscious on the lawn, mages are fighting to save her life. Move, soldier!” Apple snapped impatiently.

The guard finally seemed to get it, pulling out hoofcuffs from his pouch and clicking them into place. She felt a strap fall across her wings, painfully binding them to her sides, and she finally began to move towards the dungeon, trotting as fast as she could with manacles on her hooves. The guard hurried to keep up, shouting orders at those in their way. She could feel Luna, and Luna began to pull Apple towards her, guiding her hooves through the castle.

By now the castle was awake, ponies clamouring left and right and running around, reacting to the attack on their Princess. Apple could hear the commotion, albeit muffled. The dungeons were dark, but not unpleasant. Clearly Celestia didn't believe in depriving ponies of the basic comforts. Apple was placed in a cell adjacent to Luna’s dark form, entangled in magical ropes and a magic dampening ring on her horn.

“Your Grace?” Apple sank to her knees, reaching a hoof through the bars.

“Apple Harvest.” Luna’s voice was muffled. “I have a task for you.”

“Anything, Your Grace.” Apple swallowed. “What happened?”

Luna freed a wing from the ropes, reaching it across the cells and touching Apple’s hoof with it. “I need to break an amulet, but I am not strong enough. I need your magic. I am sorry to ask this of you, young Apple. It must be broken now, before dawn. Please, will you help me?”

Apple gasped, then bit her lip. Channeling her inherent magic into another pony would usually kill that pony, and potentially kill herself. She had to trust that Luna wouldn't ask it of her unless it was dire, she had to trust the mare she had gotten to know over the past few weeks. Apple nodded, looking around for the guard.

“They cannot hear us, and perceive us only to be laying in our cells.” Luna grunted, moving closer to the bars. “They have forgotten much if they think a dampening ring has any effect on an alicorn.”

Apple braced herself, biting the soft base of her hoof, her fangs sinking deep enough to draw blood. “My life for yours, Your Grace.” She held out her hoof, her blood welling in the moonlight.

“I hope it won't come to that.” Luna said softly, touching her own hoof to Apple’s bloody one. Soft ribbons of moonlight wrapped around their hooves, glowing bright and silver. Apple’s magic was pulled into the light, a painless but peculiar feeling. It rippled up Luna’s leg, veins of liquid silver sinking into her fur. Luna dropped something metallic from her mouth onto the floor, her wings flaring in the moonlight that now enveloped her whole body. Apple could feel herself growing weaker as her magic left her body, her hoof falling to the floor as her magic flowed freely across into the alicorn now. Luna's form rippled then changed, her body growing. Her mane shifted from a small blue bob into ripples of pure starlight, beautiful motes of light twinkling and winking as it blew in unseen cosmic winds. Luna’s horn lengthened, and soon before Apple stood now the tiny blue alicorn she had grown to know, but an imposing goddess of the night. Gentle blue eyes looked sorrowfully down at her before turning their gaze on the amulet on the floor before them. Apple sank to the floor, her cutie mark disappearing along with her magic. She wouldn't have much longer, and instead she drank in the visage of Luna returned, her stellar power flowing around her. Rearing up, Luna’s beautiful face twisted in a snarl, her mighty hooves landing on the amulet with her own guttural shout of a spell that Apple had never heard before. The amulet shattered on the floor, releasing magic in a thick blast that shoved Apple’s limp form into the corner. Magical beings she could barely perceive rushed around her, their mouths forming soundless words that Apple instinctively knew she must not understand for her own sanity. Luna gave another shout, blue magic twisted with silver roiling around the room. Shrieking, the magical beings disappeared, sucked into her horn. Magic flowed around her as Apple tried to see what was happening, but her vision faded into darkness, and she succumbed to the waiting sleep.

Chapter Seven

Apple blinked awake, her hoof softly throbbing and morning light streaming through a window. She was laying in a soft bed, the smell of antiseptic surrounding her, and a soft hum of machines beeping next to her.

“You are awake.” Raven was sitting next to her, paperwork neatly sorted by her hooves.

“What-” Apple’s voice was little more than a croak, and she felt so weak. Her head pounded, heavy on the pillow.

“I wouldn't try to talk just yet, you have had multiple healing spells cast over you, and you have several more to go.” Raven said primly, adjusting her glasses. She listed a glass of cool water to Apple’s lips, the straw sitting neatly against the rim. “Sip slowly.” The water was blessed and cool, soothing her raw throat. Apple looked helplessly at Raven, a question clear in her eyes.

“Luna is fine, she is with Princess Celestia in the solar chamber, likely discussing the Night Court.” Raven sat down, clearly enjoying Apple being helpless. Apple narrowed her eyes, the threat in them clear. “The Night Court is the new-”

Apple grunted, struggling to sit up. The room spun around her and her stomach threatened to throw the water right back at her, immediately Raven was back, pushing her down.

“Lay back down, you insolent fool! You have had your magic almost entirely drained from your body, you're lucky to be alive!”

Apple flopped pathetically back against the pillow, mewling at the pain in her head.

Raven tutted. “Instead of being with our Princesses, I was asked to stay with you.” she pulled the blanket up to Apple’s chin, tucking her in. “What happened to the tough Thestral I know, hmm?” Raven pushed a button, and blessed painkiller injected itself in through the tube on Apple’s leg. “There now, go to sleep, I promise to fill you in when you are less irritating.”
Apple put her hoof on top of Raven’s in silent gratitude and amusement before sleep reclaimed her once more.

Apple woke to the sensation of a soft breeze against her face, and the scent of magic surrounding her. This magic was sweet and velvety, healing magic. Opening her eyes, she found Luna gazing silently down at her, her mane flickering in an unseen breeze. Her horn was glowing a deep blue, and Apple’s body was enveloped with it. Celestia stood by the other side of her bed, looking serenely at her sister.

“Your Grace?” Apple coughed out, trying to reach Luna’s hoof with her own. Celestia was alive?

“Patience, Apple Harvest.” Celestia murmured. “Allow my sister to finish the session. You have many to go.”

Apple lay back, watching Luna’s magic swirl around her body. Closing her eyes, she tried to feel what it was mending, but it seemed to be everywhere. Her body didn't hurt anywhere, but Luna’s magic was clearly mending every cell in her body.

Luna sighed, withdrawing the spell. “Apple Harvest, my beloved aide. You have awoken at last.”

“Your Grace,” Apple pushed herself against the pillow, surprised at her own weakness. “I don't understand.”

Both alicorns sat down next to the bed, sharing a look over her head.

“What is the last thing you remember, Apple Harvest?” Luna’s mane billowed gently.

“I was in the cells with you, you had-” Apple’s gaze skittered to Celestia. “You had just done something to Celestia, and needed my magic to break something. I don't remember much after that.”

“I am surprised you remember so much.” Luna reached out a hoof, smoothing back Apple’s mane. “Do you remember what I told you of the dream realm?”

“That you balance good dreams and bad, stopping nightmares from attacking ponies as they sleep.” Apple still didn't understand.

“In my absence, Celestia was unable to access the dream realm. When I entered it with you, I realised the realm was entirely out of balance, with all the nightmares concentrated on one individual.” Luna looked at Celestia, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes.

Celestia touched Luna on the shoulder. “I had an amulet. While I couldn't access the realm, I could ensure that nightmares would not attack my little ponies while Luna was away.”

“You had them only attacking you! Do you understand the damage you have done to your mind?” Luna was clearly still angry. “I destroyed the amulet, and trapped the nightmares back where they belong. Unfortunately, ponies thought I had killed Celestia when I tore it from her horn.”

“When I awoke, my mind was the clearest it has been in centuries.” Celestia continues the story. “I thought the amulet was only containing the nightmares to myself, I didn't realise it was allowing them to feed upon my magic and soul, strengthening them. A thousand years of being fed by alicorn magic, the nightmares had enough power to control my body while I was sleeping, fighting back against Luna.”

Both alicorns turned back to Apple. “Your gift of your magic allowed me to break the amulet and its hold over my sister, restoring my own magic to allow me to access my full power. It nearly cost you your life. I am in your debt.”

“We both are.” Celestia’s mane flowed around her face. “By giving your magic, every single cell in your body needs to be restored. We will continue to heal you in turns over the next few months. It will take some time, I'm afraid.”

“Months?” Apple said weakly. She had never been bedridden for more than a few days, months was impossible.

“Every cell in your body has been drained of magic and must be restored. I will restore your physical body, but Luna must be the one to restore your magic.” Celestia smiled warmly at her sister. “After all, nopony understands Thestral magic like the one who created them.”

“You must rest, young Apple Harvest. I will return soon.” Luna leaned down, her lips gently brushing her forehead. “I am told a festival of Nightmare Night is approaching. I am interested to see what ponies make of their Princess of the Night returning to them the same night.”

Apple nodded, gratefully sinking back onto the bed. She felt exhausted, a bone deep weariness overtaking her. “Yes, Your Grace.”

Luna paused in the doorway. “Please, Apple Harvest, call me Luna.”

Apple’s life changed in the medical wing. She was visited by Luna and Celestia on alternate days, bathed in their magic as they knitted her magic back together. Raven would visit on her evenings off, keeping her company with stories of happenings in the castle and filling her in on the ways that Luna was resettling into life and unsettling the nobility who were accustomed to Celestia’s gentle speech. She was visited a few times by Twilight Sparkle, who used the fact that Apple was bedridden to harass her for as much information as possible about Thestrals, as well as making her laugh with stories of Luna’s very first Nightmare Night. Word had gotten out that Apple had helped save Celestia, and ponies who had avoided her like the plague were now finding reasons to stop by, make conversation or leave a gift by her bed. The private royal doctors attended her daily for physical therapy, stretching her soft wings and helping her body to recover.

She had many letters from home, as Celestia at last made good on her promise to reintegrate thestrals. It had been helped by Luna flying out to them directly to make contact, a point that Vorpal had spent several scrolls gushing over her beauty. They had decided to make Hollow Shades their permanent home, the land gifted to them. Supplies were being flown in from all across Equestria, and ponies offering their labour to help build the shanty town into a permanent residence. She had been delighted to discover that Star had finally gotten his cutie mark, a blazing comet circling a staff. He had gotten it the day Luna had landed in the village, a foal panicked and had gotten stuck under some debris. Star had kept the foal calm, treating her wounds and getting help. Apple smiled, he would be a wonderful medic. She hoped to train him herself, but her duties as Luna’s aide appeared to be increasing with Luna’s own reintegration back into the world. Once she was well enough, Luna had promised to take her to visit her family, and she couldn't wait.

Less exciting were Twilight’s never ending letters. Filled with more questions than answer, Apple Harvest looked at the latest one.

“Dear Apple Harvest,

Thank you for your latest scroll, Thestrus is both fascinating and frustrating! I want to learn it so badly, but how can a pony learn a language they can only hear half of? Perhaps if I create a spell that allows me to hear higher frequencies? But would that allow me to make those sounds? If I can learn Thestrus, does that mean I could also learn thestral spellcasting? I must research this further!

I wish you would tell me more about your connection to the moon and Princess Luna, but I respect your desire to prevent that knowledge from falling into the wrong hooves. Not that I am the wrong hooves! I hope one day you can come to trust me enough to tell me.

About your question regarding Equestrian political histories, I know the most complete version is at Canterlot castle, but like you said, it seems to be incomplete itself. Records that old may be in the restricted section, but I’m not sure. I was horrified to learn of Thestral history being erased, even if Princess Celestia felt she had a good reason. I will investigate the library here in Ponyville, and maybe in the old castle, and see if I can find anything for you. I hope that I am able to read your full histories one day. I understand that Princess Celestia has nominated Concise Review with the full task of getting everything down. Their work is incredible! I have their full, signed collection of the complete history into the history of the fork, Equestrian culinary history truly is astonishing.

Spike says I need to wrap this letter up as his claw is getting sore. My next question is about your ability to taste magic. What does it taste like? Are you born with this ability or do you learn it? How does it relate to spellcasting?

Oh I wanted to ask you where your name comes from. I have a friend, Applejack, who is related to every Apple in Equestria. Do you think she is related to you too?

Yours truly,

Twilight Sparkle.”

Her questions required complex answers, and not all of them were answers that Apple Harvest felt she had the right to give. She may have to arrange a meeting between Vorpal and Twilight, and Luna willing, she wouldn't terrify the Thestrals back into hiding with her never ending questions.

Her question about her name had caught Apple Harvest off guard. She truly didn't know when the Apple name had come into Thestral culture, and being related to a pony was both startling and curious in its potential. Apple’s mothers had died a few years ago of a sickness, and the records of family lines had been lost in a fire. Apple was adrift in the lack of knowledge about her own history. It was tempting to ask if this ‘Applejack’ would be able to shed any light, but would a pony want to tie their family tree to a thestral?

Picking up the quill, Apple resolved to ask. She had enough unsolvable mysteries in her life, her family tree didn't have to be one of them.