Stories in Stone.
Luna's Royal Guard
by
TDR

Twilight fell back, eyes wide as she stared in horror. The garden grew quiet again, the echo of the mare's scream fading into the hedgerows. Even at high noon, in the light of the sun, the Canterlot Royal Gardens suddenly had a very sinister look. Gazing upward, she watched as the last of the pony's flesh was consumed once more by stone. Twilight stood, her eyes fixed upon the cold, gray statue. She could still hear the mare pleading for help and screaming for Celestia’s forgiveness. The surprise had cost her the control of her spell, resealing the mare back in her cold petrified state.

The purple pony lay on the grass, her mind galloping millions of miles an hour. She slowly turned her head, looking out at the hundreds of other statues decorating the garden, and those were just the ones she could see. The gardens covered acres of land, magically folded back in on themselves. The spell was a marvel, giving more room but taking up less space; a feat only a Goddess could have mustered the power for. There was no telling how many statues there truly were. Was Discord correct? Did the Princesses really turn ponies to stone? The little pony in her head screamed a definitive “YES”, along with an order to run.

Discord's comment had nagged at her for months, adding in no small part to her breakdown a few weeks ago. She had decided to take a small vacation after Nightmare Night in order to visit her family in Canterlot. Visiting her parents had resulted in the usual small talk of how she was doing, along with her mother's not so subtle inquiries as to whether she had found a proper stallion yet. She had left Spike with her parents, telling them she would be back later, and had hurried to the palace grounds to find out for herself.

After the cockatrice had turned her to stone, she had put a great deal of effort into finding a cure that would not require the bird to be agreeable. She had managed to learn a spell that would revert stone to flesh from an old tome she had found in the royal library, and had come here expecting little more than proof that Discord had merely been lying to her. To find out that he had been telling the truth had been a shock, from which she was still trying to recover. She slowly pushed herself to her hooves, not even sure of what to do next. Should she tell somepony? Was it even possible to confront Celestia over this? Could anything really be done if she really did turn any pony she wished into a statue?

She barely noticed the shadow looming over her until its owner spoke.

“You should not have done that, Twilight Sparkle. The truth of some things, you should not seek to learn.”

Her eyes widening, Twilight turned to look behind her. Yelping, she scrambled backwards and away from the grim visage of Princess Celestia. She smacked into the pedestal beneath the pony she had nearly freed, dropping forward into a half-bowing, half-groveling position with her hooves over her face.

The Goddess offered a small sigh at her antics.

“I should have guessed that you, of all ponies, would be curious about what Discord meant. Likely the only one who would have noticed as well. Come, Twilight Sparkle, walk with me.“

The Princess turned, moving a few paces down the path before pausing to glance back at her student. She frowned, seeing that Twilight had yet to move from where she was.

“That was not a request, Twilight”, growled Celestia.

The purple mare jumped to her hooves with a start and followed slowly after the Princess. She wondered briefly if she was being taken somewhere to join the Garden's inhabitants. Would any pony ever figure out what happened to her if she was? Rumors about swings in the Sun Goddess' temperament were abundant. Her own experience with her mentor’s displeasure still fresh in her mind after her minor breakdown, Twilight shuddered, her hooves plodding lightly on the grass as she followed her teacher.

The Princess strode, through an opening in the hedges, into a clearing where a small dais stood. Several larger statues rested here as well as a pillar that rose into the air and seemed to have several more statues at the top of it. The Princess steps onto the dais, her hooves clicking lightly on the stone before she turned facing the cowering pony sitting down on the stone.

”Faithful student, do you know what the purpose of the Canterlot Gardens is? Why Luna and I put so much effort into them?” Celestia asked.

Twilight swallowed hard, thinking on the question. She was hesitant to answer rapidly, just in case she might answer incorrectly, but she did not wish to make the clearly annoyed Goddess any angrier.

“It.. It is supposed to be a place of quiet tranquility. A monument to ages past and the great heroes and villains of Equestria's history. A way to not forget the lessons of the past even if the history is lost.”

As she rattled off the words, some calm came back to her; her mind finding the familiar comfort of the words from the text she had read. The Princess did not seem upset further by her response, which eased the tension a bit further.

“Well spoken, Twilight. A nearly perfect recitation of the pamphlets for tour groups, but that is only a part of the truth. The Canterlot Gardens are a prison, nothing more, nothing less, regardless of what they look like and what ponies have chosen to believe they are." Celestia explained.

Twilight lifted her head, a bit confused by the term prison. From her reading she knew it was supposedly a larger jail. One that was meant to hold ponies for far longer than just to sleep off a night of Sonic Rain Boom shots, or sticky hooves that were waiting a trial.

The Princess raised a hoof, pointing to a statue of a dragon which took up most of the clearing. The amount of stone that would have gone into forming the beast alone would have made a road from Ponyville to Canterlot six stallions wide. That is, if it were actually stone.

“Do you know what that statue is supposed to be?” Celestia inquired.

Twilight lifted her head, examining the dragon statue. She quickly recognized it as a statue of Forge Scale the Terrible, a beast of a dragon who had ravaged the countryside thousands of years ago. His very actions started the First Dragon War. Eventually he simply vanished, bringing the war to a close. She explained all of this to her teacher who simply nodded.

“Use your spell on that statue, Twilight.” Celestia instructed.

Twilight swallowed a bit, her horn glowing as she stared intently at the statue. A small patch on the great dragon's side began to glow with a lavender hue. The stone peeled back, baring bright crimson scaled flank. A wash of heat scorched the grass around the bared flesh and set one of the bushes nearby ablaze. The exposed scales burned hotly, molten fire dripped from the spaces between them. Twilight cried out as the searing heat washed over her and she lost control of the spell once more, the flesh changing back to stone before she got more than singed.

“Wha... what was that ?! “ Twilight exclaimed.

“This statue is not of Forge Scale, my faithful student. It IS Forge Scale. “ Celestia said a bit of worry in her voice that Twilight was able to uncover even that much of the dragon.

The Princess lifted her head, looking somewhat wistfully as Twilight’s eyes widened further, threatening to pop from her skull as she glanced back and forth between the statue and the Princess.

”I have never in all my years been able to take the life of another creature Twilight. It is a rule I made for myself long ago. My sister has no such rule guiding her. If the situation called for it, she had no issue with ending a life. She was....Is, the aspect of war and I am the aspect of peace. The pair of us have had many titles, but those are two many have forgotten in this peaceful time. The Garden had been here long before Discord was defeated, but it was his addition that brought about the Garden as it is now. Luna lent me her power to craft this place as it is, practically endless, yet both of us can find our way around with little trouble. The idea was that, even if I would not kill, I could remove those who threatened Equestria.” Celestia explained carefully to her bewildered student.

The Princess shifts a little, her expression softening as she spoke.

“That pony you woke was the creator of a abomination, a monstrosity that wiped out thousands. One she released to take vengeance on a unfaithful lover. One that killed to grow. One that devoured any living thing to make itself bigger. The creature killed my sisters first love, Twilight. He and many others gave their lives to slow it down so that we could find a way to stop it. Those hoof prints cracking the base of the pedestal she stands on are all Luna's. My sister's rage was such that I had to intervene personally to stop her from shattering the statue. Her grief was such that she cried for a hundred years, her tears forming the great inland sea. That mare will never again be free, or my sister would surely kill her outright rather than ever let her trot the land again." Celestia continued.

Twilight had shifted into student mode, listening intently as Celestia spoke. Her teacher never spoke of the past like this. She straightened up a little, watching the Princess closely, waiting for her to continue and hoping she would. The tale of the mare was shocking to say the least, although it was no less of a surprise that Luna's grief was what created The Hooper Sea in southern Equestria. Twilight’s initial panic had evaporated, leaving only slight concern. If her teacher wished to turn her to stone, there was no reason to explain things first. Twilight turned her head back to look at the patch of scorched grass and the charred remains of the bush. She could see now why her teacher had been upset. She could have accidentally released something far worse than a screaming pony.

“The ones placed here are ponies and beasts that have caused untold destruction and death. They are all sealed here, most with no chance of ever being freed let alone being forgiven. Of course, only my sister and I were supposed to be able to awaken them. Your power has grown again my student. That spell should not have been enough to break the enchantment.“ Celestia explained, her voice catching a slight tone of pride at her students abilities.

Twilight could not help but smile at the compliment; an action that brought the same sort of smile from the Princess.

"I know that all I have done is pique your interest in this place. So, rather than sending you away with just a few answers, I will give you a new task; one that may help you to understand how things were a thousand years ago. Perhaps that knowledge will prepare you for things in the future. Not all that are imprisoned here are enemies of pony-kind. Some are here for other reasons. That monument over there," Celestia said, motioning her hoof in the direction of a group of statues. "What do you know of it?”

Twilight looked upward at the five forms atop the monolith. She could not make out much more than their outlines from this distance, but she had seen this monument quite often from outside of the garden. She'd never thought much about what it was beyond the information provided in the tour, which was little more than names and brief, incomplete tales of their deeds.

“I think that’s the monument to the five heroes that helped you end the reign of Nightmare Moon with the Elements of Harmony.”, replied Twilight.

“Yes. That is what is said now. Though it is correct, it is also wrong. They were, and still are, Luna's personal honor guard. She hoof picked each of them before she became Nightmare Moon. They followed only her then, and they followed her even after she became Nightmare Moon. Then they followed her into imprisonment. Come Twilight, let me introduce you to The Beasts of The Moon.”

Celestia went on, motioning her pupil forward.

Twilight followed her teacher as she moved again, the name she uttered sending a small shiver along her spine. The Five Beasts of the Moon were the subject of another well known old mares' tale. The true meaning of the name was lost, much as Nightmare Moon's name had become little more than a holiday boogie stallion used to frighten foals. The only thing she had found about them was from a few references in the book: The Elements of Harmony. The Beasts were Nightmare Moon's generals in the time of the Lunar Republic. They had caused nearly as much destruction and terror to the neighboring lands as Nightmare Moon herself, though that was all that was mentioned of them.

The Princess approached the short tower, trotting up a thin path invisible from afar that spiraled up the side of the structure to the forms on top. The Princesses' hooves clacked against the marble as she walked up the ramp, Twilight following behind. Even with the Princess telling her that nearly every creature here was a threat to Equestria, the concept of sealing a living creature forever in stone bothered her greatly. Reaching the top, the Princess moved to the side giving Twilight a clear view of them.

The first, a zebra of all things, which was surprising, was clad in what seemed to be a kind of light armor that looked as if it had been based off the armor of the Royal Guard. Her mane reminded Twilight of Pinkie Pie's curls and even her tail was poofy. She had never seen a zebra with that sort of hair style. This zebra also wore no jewelry save a small necklace with what looked like a bit of metal or stone hanging from it. Her armor was adorned with countless pouches, all marked with the symbols of zebra and pony medical services as well as many others sewn on that Twilight had never seen before. Twilight guessed that the patches must have been the medic symbol for other races, which seemed to fit with the ones she knew.

The zebra mare was half bowed, her head lowered but eyes open and cast upward, as if she was not willing to take her eyes off of whatever stood before her in case it became hostile. Her stance also reminded Twilight of Rarity's cat when she was about to attack something.

The second figure stood behind the Zebra; a pony sized Dragon sporting a wide grin on her fanged maw that reminded Twilight eerily of Discords grin, though the dragon's smile seemed less sinister. The figure was reared up, wings spread wide and one arm across her chest as if she was preparing to bow; the other clawed hoof outstretched gesturing to the zebra. Twilight blinked in confusion for a moment, then noticed what looked like a stick of charcoal in the outstretched claw. Moving around them, as Celestia snickered lightly, she nearly fell off the raised platform after seeing the phrase, “ Lick Me!” written on the flank covering portion of the zebras armor. The dragon too had a small necklace with a bit of metal hanging from it.

Shaking her head at the joke frozen in time, she moved to the unicorn in the middle. This one simply looked despondent. The stallion was standing upright, but his head was lowered to the ground enough that his horn touched the marble surface. His eyes were shut tight and moisture had collected around his muzzle, and closed eyes giving the impression of tears. He wore slightly heavier armor that reminded Twilight of the Guard armor worn by Princess Luna's chariot pullers. It was a much fancier version of that armor, which seemed to be fitting of an officer; though where badges would be the stone looked like it had been torn and something removed from the armor. His short tail hung between his legs and where his flesh was not covered it was easy to see the discoloration of scars crossing the petrified flesh. His position and the clear wounds made it seem to Twilight that he might have been beaten into supplication like this. The ground at his hooves was covered with what Twilight thought was jagged bits of stone, though looking closer they seemed to be medals and rank insignia. It seemed likely that these were what had been torn from his armor.

She glanced to the Princess, her expression unchanged before moving to the stallion. This one was engaged in a deep formal bow to the central ponies' right. He was a rather large earth pony, perhaps even larger than Big Mac. He wore a sly smirk that, even in stone form, seemed to say he knew things that you did not. His gaze, however, was just at the right angle to make Twilight feel uneasy; as if the statue was staring at her rump. She could not help but compare him to Apple Jack’s brother, although his coat and mane were much better cared for than the farm pony's. It was as if he had spent as much time in front of a mirror as Rarity did. His clothing seemed to be more of a suit for a ancient formal party than any sort of uniform. It also seemed designed to show as much of his form as possible. The over all effect was such that it was as if he simply expected any mare who saw him to fall into his hooves without a word.

The final figure was a stern looking pegasus mare. Her wings were folded tightly at her sides, though her mane and tail were stretched out. The effect made her look like she was being blown by a strong wind before she was frozen in stone. She wore armor much like that of Rainbow Dash's Shadowbolt costume, though she did not wear a mask. Her gaze rested between the Earth pony and the unicorn, an expression of worry etched onto her features. Twilight thought it looked as if she was considering whether she should be there or not.

“These are the five heroes of Princess Luna's Honor guard. These are the five Beasts of the Moon that rampaged the land at the head of the Lunar Republic. Based on their actions, Luna selected these ponies to be at her side. They were her guards, her generals, and her friends. Individually, these five accomplished great acts. With Luna leading them, this team brought down many great threats to Equestria. At Nightmare Moon's behest, they committed atrocities untold. And finally, under my leadership, we sealed away Nightmare Moon for a thousand years.” Celestia explained her voice tinged with sadness.

Twilight glanced back at her teacher, the alicorn having moved to a spot directly in front of the obelisk where four hoof prints had been seared into the marbles surface; each one looking more like a crescent moon than a hoof print.

“This is where Nightmare Moon was sealed away. Sealed by the Elements of Harmony, which were used on a god for the first time in centuries by somepony other than my sister and I. Used against her by family and those she trusted and loved the most.“ Celestia continued, whispering mostly to herself in sadness.

Twilight walked up to her teacher; the tone of the alicorn's voice worrying her a little. The memories evidently being painfully brought back to the Sun Goddess. Lifting her hoof, Twilight touched the Princess's shoulder lightly. Celestia looked up, blinking away tears before turning to her student and smiling as she spoke again.

“Thank you, Twilight. I often choose to try and forget painful memories and there are details that tend to be lost in time even to me. I do not recall the true cause of my sisters transformation into Nightmare Moon. Suffice it to say that it was enough for her to raise armies against the rest of Equestria. I can say, however, that it had nothing to do with that fabled beautiful night nonsense she was spouting when she returned. Her magic and, evidently, her sanity had not quite remained as strong as when she was first sealed. The Lunar Republic was a group of dissidents she brought together along with evils left from Discord's rule along with anypony else with a grudge against the world; which in those days was nearly everypony. Her honor guard became her generals, guiding the troops to sweeping victories over any force that stood before them. Had events not conspired against her, she would have likely ruled alone, having imprisoned or banished me.” Celestia explained coldly.

At that moment, Twilight could have sworn her teacher aged a thousand years in a moment with the weariness she displayed. She slowly moved from the hoof prints to the leering pony statue. The visible burden of her age was fleeting, but terrible to think of as well.

“Rhede Pelt," Celestia began. "Bearer of the Element of Generosity. To be honest, at the time, I was the reason my sister chose him. I believed it rather funny, as he was an agreeable stallion and a smooth talker who likely could converse his way out of anything. But he showed no other qualities that would have made him fit for Luna's inner circle. Perhaps his ability to negotiate was what she was after? Perhaps it was simply due to his being friends with the others. It might have actually been something to do with me as well. I do remember he played an important role at some point... He was a mare’s stallion, pure and simple. It would not surprise me in the slightest to find that nearly every pony in Equestria could trace their lineage back to him somewhere. He claimed, on more than one occasion, that his sole reason for joining the Guard was, as he put it: ”Mares love a stallion in uniform.”

Celestia moved to the pegasus mare behind Rhede, looking the mare in the eyes with a faint sigh.

“Starfall Silvertail, bearer of the Element of Honesty. The first known pegasus to perform a Sonic Rainboom and likely the fastest pegasus that ever lived. Barring perhaps her direct descendant, your friend Rainbow Dash. Starfall was married to a Guard and took with foal while about your age. When her husband was killed in a land clash with the griffons, she refused the financial aid that was offered in recompense for his death. She preferred to work honestly for her bits. She joined the Guard, leaving her daughter in the care of her sister and sending back everything she earned to help the foal. She saved the life of my sister and was the primary cause of the surrender of the Diamond Dogs attacking our western border." Celestia explained rather fondly.

The Princess moved past the unicorn to the dragon, glancing at the note and the charcoal; smirking slightly as if she likely had seen it countless times before.

“Bleu Scale the dragoness." Celestia spoke with pride. "Bearer of the Element of Laughter, obviously. She was not even considered to be a Guard, as she was a entertainer for the E.S.O. The E.S.O. was a group sent out to bolster troop morale. I am told that during her last performance, the base she was at was attacked. She joined the fight immediately, repelling the attacking forces while not missing a beat or a pun in her act. A song she performed inspired the defenders to great valor, and the smaller force of Guards ponies was able to repel the attackers because of her. Without her presence at the battle, the attackers would probably have taken the base and many more lives would have been lost. Luna asked her to join her Guard not long after, and Bleu agreed on the condition that she would not be required to wear the lame uniforms.”

Celestia snuck a final look at the note on the zebra mare as she passed, her eyes locking with Twilight's as she grinned.

“Velkorn the Zebra: first Queen of the Zebras and bearer of the Element of Compassion. You know it as Kindness. The Zebra lands at that point were ruled by warlords, bandits, and military groups all clinging to power. Equestria had moved to deal with one of the larger warlords whose actions were causing issues along the border as well as suffering among the zebras. Velkorn was a combat medic in the conflict on the warlord's side. In the battle, she crossed the lines countless times while braving spells, arrows, and explosions to tend any wounded she found; be they zebra or pony. Many times it was thought she had been killed, only to show up later crossing the field and dragging somepony else to safety. She had no regard for her own life, as she worked to save others. She became somewhat of a legend on the field of battle, earning the nickname 'The Specter of Life'. The warlord, however, was not happy that his best field medic was treating everypony and sent down some of his personal guard to kill all the ponies found in Velkorn's medical tent. They had barely lifted a blade to kill one of her patients before she made all of them into patients. Velkorn was a master of the zebra weaponless combat style that focused on subduing opponents. It was not always painlessly, or with out damage, but they lived. She had put her years of medical knowledge to work as well, honing her talents. Princess Luna met her personally, bringing several cartloads of supplies for her medical unit after the battle. She asked the Zebra if she would join her Guard unit and Velkorn agreed, knowing that wherever the Goddess of War went, it would be at the forefront of battle that would require her skills." Celestia spoke, her voice straining as she explained so much.

The Princess returned to face the unicorn in the center, glaring down at him as if in pity and anger at the same time. Twilight sat in rapt attention through each description, her mind making notes of what battles her teacher spoke of and placing them in the nearly blank time line of history of a thousand years ago.

“Jer'rahd Kaisur, bearer of the Element of Loyalty." Celestia said in slight disgust and pity. "He was the first to join my sister's inner Guard, having nearly sacrificed himself on several occasions on her behalf. He knew all the others as well. He was a foalhood friend of Rhede, and they both signed up for the guard at the same time and were paired with Starfall for training. His life was saved by Velkorn on the battlefield, and he aided Bleu in keeping her show going while under attack. He was in the thick of nearly every major battle that happened at that time as well. His suggestions were likely the reason Luna choose the others for her guard and likely the reason they made him their leader. He was skilled with his chosen weapon, a true terror on the battlefield. He was also violent, his temper easily getting the best of him and he seemed to have rather poor luck as well, if that could be considered a personal flaw. His spells were quite limited, but the few he could cast he did better than any other unicorn before him. He survived things that no other pony could have, and he was a rather clever strategist as well. He seemed to always have some sort of plan ready. He would do anything for those he considered his friends and was a relentless foe to any who were his enemies. However, to say he held a candle for my sister would be an understatement; it was more like a lighthouse. His affections seemed clear to everypony but Luna. He never admitted his feelings to her as far as I knew; he simply acted as he was supposed to as a guard. Perhaps if things had remained as they were, Luna might have returned his attentions. When she became Nightmare Moon, his loyalty to her was such that he followed her still without question. And the others followed him. He trailed after her like a small yet very dangerous puppy. He would not hesitate to attack any pony who spoke ill of her, and the level of savagery he displayed against any wishing her harm was the stuff of nightmares. He displayed this same devotion to the others as well. He gave my sister his life, and in return she gave him her absolute trust.”

The Princess approached Twilight, settling down next to her and leaning against the smaller mare for a bit of support with her tail swishing lightly as she spoke, making it brush across Twilight’s back and rump as it moved. The lavender unicorn blushed lightly, trying to ignore the feeling of her teacher's touch and focus on the tale. Celestia continued on, not seeming to notice her student's unease.

“They became Generals of the Lunar Republic, and their armies did things that would make even the most violent among us now a days cringe. They were called The Beasts of the Moon. On their orders, cities fell, creatures were slaughtered, fields were burned and salted. Nightmare Moon used all of Discord's creations and some she made herself against Equestria, as well as any pony or monster willing to fight under the banner of the Lunar Republic. It was a dark time indeed for the land, as ponies are not meant for war. We prefer peace to conflict, but once riled or directed we are formidable. But the forces that Nightmare Moon gathered...War was all they knew. Peace had never weakened them. We had no chance against them, and Equestria would have been lost if not for Jer'rahd and the rest of them.” Celestia spoke.

“These five, along with my sister, were chosen by the Elements of Harmony. That power helped bring about the end of Second Dragon War. They came to me with a plan: the Elements had sealed Discord in the past and had brought the end of The Second Dragon War. Jer'rahd and Rhede believed that the Elements could be used to turn Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna. They had taken the Elements from Luna's Castle in the Everfree forest and brought them to me, seeking my aid in restoring Luna to her former self.” Celestia said softly, as if her memories brought with them sadness and joy in equal measure.

“The plan should have worked ̶ it did work when you and your friends performed it properly. When my sister came to this dais, she expected to be greeted by her loyal Guard and her sister as a prisoner. She was deceived, it was a trap. I used the power of magic, drawing on the other Elements and it was not enough. The five were Princess Luna's friends, not mine. At best I could only banish her, not cure her. I was little more than a stand-in as they tried to help their true friend, my sister”, whispered Celestia, fighting back a tear.

Princess Celestia sighed, looking up at the last rays of sunlight as the sun sank into the west.

“None of them were happy with this, particularly Jer'rahd. They understood perfectly, but they were not happy. Jer'rahd looked up to see Luna's silhouette on the moon and simply dropped into a heap on the surface here weeping openly. This was a pony that had his limbs cut off, survived explosions, magic attacks, and had broken nearly every bone in his body at least once. And yet, there he lay there crying like a colt over my failure. His friends could do nothing to comfort him, and I was in no shape to do much of anything as I had spent my magic sealing my sister in the moon. He refused to move from that spot and he refused to eat. He simply remained collapsed on the marble surface, fighting off any attempts to move him. The others accepted my invitation to join me in the castle at least, but he did not. The loss of their leader and generals had all but broken the Lunar Republic's back, turning the lot of them against each other for control or fleeing into the night in fear of their lives. When I recovered enough to raise the moon for my sister for the first time, I came back to this spot along with the others to check on Jer'rahd. We found him standing here, starring at the sky. It was then that he asked me for something, his voice calm and without even the hint of the sobbing wreck he had been before.” Celestia said, pausing to look at the marble floor.

“I want you to turn me to stone, as you have done to the others here in the garden.” Celestia quoted, doing her best to imitate Jer'rahd's voice.

“I refused of course, but he was adamant about it. He claimed he could not live with himself knowing he had betrayed the trust my sister had placed in him; the trust the ponies of the land put in him. He argued that he was not worthy of remaining free while his princess was sealed away. I still refused, ordering him directly to leave this place and live his life, a direct order to a Royal Guardsman. It was then he tore off the medals and awards that had been given to him for his service. His hoof slammed down shattering them under him as he glared at me.“ Celestia said as her chest swelled; perhaps inspired by her memories of his actions.

“You are not my Princess, Celestia, and you never will be. You use this place to keep those who have committed crimes against Equestria. How many more of your subjects need I murder before you seal me here? I do not want your pity or forgiveness. There is only one pony who I want to forgive me and I am willing to wait as long as it takes for Luna to do that.“ Celestia growled, again imitating the powerful general.

“It was at this point that Bleu laughed and suggested that I should just do it. Better my spell than Jer'rahd running off into the Everfree to find a basilisk or something. She also agreed with him and was willing to join him in stone, so at least while he waited he would not be lonely. Rhede agreed soon after with Velkorn nodding. Only Starfall seemed torn. Jer'rahd's demands and orders that they do no such thing were completely ignored by the others. I gave them all three days and a disguise spell to hide who they were. There was little reason for them to be seen as The Beasts of the Moon while out finding a reason to live. If they still wished to be sealed in stone, they would return here in three days.

Starfall nodded and flew off first, the others slowly dispersing as well save for Jer'rahd who remained where he was. I managed at least to get him to eat something, but he refused to depart the pillar. He slept during the days bowing his head and not meeting the sight of the moon at night." Celestia spoke.

The princess glanced up as the sun finally sank beyond the horizon, her sister would soon arrive to raise the moon.

“All of them returned three days later. Velkorn had taken the time and all the bits she had saved from the adventures and donated it to every medical center she could find in Equestria. Her massive contributions sped forward non magical medicine in the lands by leaps and bounds. Bleu showed up not long after, not really having had much to do anyway considering this group was her family. She had simply gone out drinking and was looking forward to what new jokes might be around when she awoke. Rhede claimed he was going to enjoy this break, before any more mares showed up with colts they claimed were his. I almost refused to turn him then and there, but he had shown up and I did promise. I found out later he had been keeping track of very single foal he had sired. Nearly every bit he had earned went into a fund to pay for his foals schooling so they might better their lives. I was impressed enough by this act that when the bits ran out from his accounts I paid for the ones who had not managed to receive bits to go to school. Eventually, it turned into a grant program that was available to anypony who wished to apply for it. I left his name attached however, calling it The Pelt Grant. Starfall was the last to arrive. We had all hoped she would not come and would go home to raise her foal, but she returned red eyed and seeming on the verge of tears. Her daughter was terrified of her when she arrived. Her own daughter would not approach her for the entire three days. We all told her to go back and keep trying, but it was clear with the acts tied to their names even if she had wanted to stay she would have had to stay on the run with her daughter. Starfall finally claimed it was likely better this way. If Luna returned and sought vengeance, then she would be able to slake the thirst on her and not any of her descendants. Jer'rahd sunk down as he is now, with the intent to not watch another moon rise until he was forgiven. The others bowed and stood as they are now as well. I cast the spell, though I still do not know how Bleu managed to put that note on Velkorn. I am also quite sure Rhede only bowed that low to get a look under my tail. Even in this some things do not change. After the spell was cast, the Elements returned to where they had been kept in Princess Luna's castle in the Everfree forest. The Elements themselves turned to stone.“ Celestia sighed, finishing her tale.

The faint hoof falls of some pony approaching caused Celestia to glance back towards the garden's entrance. Twilight followed her gaze to see the dark form of Princess Luna heading into the garden.

“Princess, it has been over a year. Does she know about all of this? Why hasn't your sister done anything? These five were loyal to her even past when they should have been.“ Twilight whispered in disbelief.

“She knows, but betrayal is a hard thing to handle. And for all their good intentions, that is what her closest friends did to her. They betrayed her, and had her sealed in the moon for a thousand years. It is not something one can easily forgive. I believe at times she only forgives me because we are family and she remembers what she had planned for me as Nightmare Moon. She comes here nearly every night to raise the moon and I think she may talk to them, but I do not listen in. Perhaps she is at least considering forgiveness.

Celestia rises to her hooves as Princess Luna walks up the path to the monuments top. She pauses, a bit surprised to see the two of them up there. Luna opens her mouth as Twilight rises, as if trying to think of what to say or ask before giving up and moving aside for them to depart.

“Good Night Sister.” Celestia whispers sadly.

“Good Night Tia. Twilight Sparkle. “ Luna replies.

“Good night Princess Luna.” Twilight chimes in softly.

Twilight glanced back at the obelisk, watching as Luna settled down where they had been before. The moon slowly rose into the night sky, shining its pale light down on the statues of the Garden.

Author's Notes:

This is the orginal one shot that started everything. It has been changed slightly to make it a little more connected with the rest of the story.

This story also shows how little Celestia recalled of the exact details of the events that transpired.

I had no plans to do anything past this and enough people wanted more that they got it.

There are a number of other Books in the SiS series.

Luna's Royal's Guard- Book 1
Memories of Twilight- Book 2
Lost Empire - Book 3
Tales in Stone - Side stories of SiS
Record of Beryl Wars- Fallout spin on things.
Reign of Night- alternate, alternate history.

Editing by Jphyper and StormyVenture .