Chapter Seven: Festivities Fair And Frail
~BlackRoseRaven

Scrivener Blooms smiled as he carried a tray loaded with several mugs into the den of their beautiful little cottage, Twilight Sparkle and Luna both resting comfortably on the futon in front of the flickering blue flames in the wide stone fireplace. Twilight's eyes kept roving around the hardwood walls, taking in the various paintings that Luna had done, constantly returning to one in particular: a picture of herself, Luna, and Scrivener all standing together, laughing and smiling.

Luna gave a warm look to her husband, her horn glowing as she lifted the tray from Scrivener's claw to set it down on the other side of the futon, and he nodded to her as he dropped down on Twilight's other side, resting comfortably on a set of pillows as he looked affectionately over the two. Twilight was half-curled up against Luna, blushing a bit, but she hadn't resisted when Luna had pulled her in and looked glad for the attention, her head resting quietly against the nape of the dark winged unicorn's neck as her starry locks swirled and tickled gently over Twilight's frame.

Scrivener picked up a mug of coffee, smiling over at the two as he sipped at it slowly, and Twilight laughed a bit when Luna's horn glowed and lifted a mug to the violet pony, the mare catching it between her hooves as she murmured: “Thank you, Luna. And you too, Scrivy... I have to admit that... that this is really nice. I hope Celestia gets back soon, though...”

“Oh, 'tis good for sister to wander a little, to fulfill her curiosities instead of taming them constantly. Besides, it is easier to get thee to be more relaxed when stuffy Celestia isn't around.” Luna replied playfully, squeezing Twilight a bit closer, and the violet pony blushed a little as she sipped awkwardly at her coffee. “Scarlet Sage sleeps in our room, Discombobulation is settled in his tiny home, I have both my husband and a beautiful mare with me, and Celestia seeks to speak to the very soul of this Everfree Forest... aye, all is well.”

Scrivener smiled despite himself, looking with entertainment across at Luna as Twilight laughed a little, murmuring: “And Equestria is... is back. Even if in a different place... even if things are a little stranger now, the world is back. Even we're back and I can barely believe it still.”

“Believe it, Twilight. I care dearly for thee... and I seek to repair all the damage that I still feel is my fault. This is only the beginning of that process.” Luna said softly, and Twilight looked over her shoulder at her softly as she set her mug down, but Luna only smiled wryly in return. “Oh, do not even think it. I must bear responsibility for my actions. If I do not... well... 'twould lead to folly. Imagine if we did not blame Scrivener Blooms for his wrongs. Soon enough, he would devour the Everfree Forest.”

“I would not.” Scrivener grumbled, and Luna grinned at him before the male rolled his eyes and sipped slowly at his coffee. “You're the one who keeps encouraging this.”

Luna nodded agreeably after a moment, and Twilight shook her head before she gazed from one to the other, then blushed a bit and said quietly: “I don't think there's anything wrong with that, though, Scrivy. Imagine if Luna hadn't encouraged us both in... you know. Everything she did. I know that maybe some things we could both do with less 'motivation' in, but... without you always there, helping me and pushing me along, I never would have become as strong as I have in magic, I don't think I would have even lasted on the journey... whether Celestia shared her powers with me or not. And Scrivener well. You would have been dead at the hooves of the Royal Court.”

“Not officially, I'm sure. I like to think I was important enough that instead of being beaten to death in an alley they would have at least hired some second-class thugs to kill me once I pushed them too far. Maybe even first-class.” Scrivener said amiably, swirling his coffee a bit before he grinned slightly as he leaned suddenly in towards Twilight, making the violet winged unicorn blush and lean back a bit in surprise at the sharp-toothed expression. “Are you saying you're encouraging me too now, though, with this new lifestyle?”

Twilight laughed and reached up a hoof to shove him backwards, and Scrivener huffed a bit as the violet pony said amusedly: “Nice try, Scrivener, but I know you're still the same guy underneath everything.”

“True, but what was underneath that, Twilight?” Scrivener pointed out, and he put his coffee aside before smiling as he slipped toward the mares, and Luna lightly pushed Twilight towards the male, making her blush a bit before one of Scrivener's claws reached up and stroked gently through her color-streaked mane. “Parts of me... feel intensified now. And... Twilight... listen, because I don't want to say this more than once. I'm very happy you're okay, and... I think it means as much to me as it does to Luna that you haven't judged us. Okay, maybe... maybe it even means more, because...”

Scrivener blushed a bit, clearing his throat awkwardly, and Luna looked at him pointedly, gesturing with a hoof for him to continue as Twilight looked at him in soft silence. “I care about you. You're a close friend and... more. I'm... a monster, but you've always been... I dunno. Special. Able to look past the exterior, of even things as bad as me and Luna. Having your support here with us... does more for us than you can imagine.”

“Scrivy... you and Luna are very important to me, you both... opened new worlds up to me. Worlds that I never dreamed of, and worlds that once I would have run away from.” Twilight replied softly, bowing her head forwards as she slipped herself closer... and she smiled as Scrivener's upper limbs wrapped around her, feeling Luna curling herself closer against her back, hooves stroking gently along her spine. “I could never turn my back on you both after everything that's happened. And I guess... you got me used to this lifestyle too. Now it feels like it's been ten years without being touched.” She paused, then smiled wryly over her shoulder at Luna. “Suddenly I understand better why you've always been so grabby.”

Luna grunted in agreement, snuggling herself closer against Twilight's back as she said dryly: “See, Scrivener Blooms? Make somepony else spend but a moment in thine own horseshoes and suddenly they make sense.”

The violet pony smiled a bit, curling tighter, secure and comfortable between the two as Scrivener reached one of his claws up to cup Luna's features gently, and she gazed lovingly across at her husband as her black pearl rubbed gently against Twilight's back, warmed between the bodies of the mares. It felt good... it almost felt right, in its way, as Twilight closed her eyes and breathed slowly, listening to the beat of Scrivener's heart and knowing that behind her, Luna's own heart thudded in perfect time, and then she asked before she could help herself: “What's it like... being what you are now, Scrivy?”

“I...” Scrivener hesitated, but when Twilight opened her eyes, curious, not judging, he smiled and said quietly: “Honestly? The more time I spend with all this power... the more I like it. I'm... I'm strong. I like being strong. I like the grandeur that comes with taking on my full size form and I enjoy the dexterity of my claws and the new physical strength in my body. I like feeling... more useful to Luna. Even being a mighty steed.”

Scrivener smiled despite himself, and Twilight laughed a bit before the male shook his head and added softly: “But I do worry, too. About the hungers... what if I begin to have those? And is it good that I revel so much in my power? Especially since I'm... eager for more. I'm eager to put these abilities to use, and become stronger.”

Twilight smiled a bit in return, glancing up at him and saying softly: “And what, you think that I'm not eager to learn more magic, to expand my own knowledge and abilities? I don't think there's anything wrong with that, Scrivy... especially since I know that no matter what, it's Luna who pulls the strings, too.”

“Oh, bite me.” Scrivener huffed, and Twilight laughed before the male took a breath, then breathed a burst of blue smog out over her features, Twilight's eyes immediately watering as she wheezed and coughed raggedly a few times, shaking her head briskly and glaring at him in frustration as he grinned down at her and squeezed his claws teasingly against her body. “Oh, sorry, Twilight. Reflex.”

“Sure, sure.” Twilight grumbled, smacking him firmly with a hoof, and she wrinkled her muzzle a bit even as she dropped her head against his chest, muttering: “Smells like meat and... cinnamon, paprika, some kind of spice...”

“I guess it's used for keeping meat fresh after I kill it.” Scrivener said blandly, and Twilight looked up at him flatly, but the earth pony only shrugged as Luna grinned widely at him. “What? You were saying I should embrace this.”

“No, I was... you're impossible, both of you.” Twilight rolled her eyes, elbowing Luna lightly as she added dryly: “Because I know you're encouraging him, Luna. Why do you always try to bring out the worst in each other?”

“Oh, we haven't yet begun to bring out the worst in one another, nor in thee, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna grinned widely, and Twilight blushed a bit before Luna kissed the side of her neck gently, then whispered into her ear: “Would thou like us to?”

“Uh... Celestia...” Twilight said awkwardly, and Luna grumbled a bit under her breath but relented as Scrivener drew back a little, but Twilight glanced up with a smile, and the poet settled, letting Twilight curl herself comfortably between the two again as she murmured in half-embarrassment: “We're not all as... active as you are, Luna.”

“True, but if more ponies were, the world would be a far happier place.” Luna muttered irritably, and Twilight smiled despite herself before the winged unicorn sighed loudly and gently beat her hooves against the violet pony's lower back, complaining: “Besides, so what if Celestia caught us? We could even invite her to relax.”

Twilight grimaced at this even as she bit her tongue, trying to resist responding to Luna's obvious baiting, and Scrivener snorted in amusement before the dark-coated female added deviously: “Why, it might even be just what sister needs to finally loosen up... although, as Freya, I tell thee, there was far more interest in living a passionate life than there was in attempting to bottle all those urges up...”

“Well, she was a Valkyrie back then. I can imagine that life was different up there than down here.” Twilight replied awkwardly, shoving a bit at the winged unicorn. “I mean, you weren't ponies or even mortals, were you?”

“Nay. We were not.” Luna said softly, and she smiled a bit, settling down as she leaned back and looked thoughtfully upwards, Scrivener gazing over at her as Twilight glanced curiously over her shoulder as well. “I do not know quite what we really were, to be honest... how we came to be, any of that like. I do not think even sister knows, nor perhaps even my brother Sleipnir... aye, 'tis all... jarred in my mind, strange and alien. And admittedly I do not like to think of it. I was the night maiden even back then, I was different, and I was adored and reviled in the same breath because I was Freya's second-in-command all the same. Of course, Freya herself commanded absolute respect... but that was because there was no equal on the battlefield for her, because she always claimed first blood, first kill, first pick, her strategies flawless, her pride an ardent blaze... despite her... eccentricities.”

Luna smiled slightly, and then she sighed softly and murmured: “But I can no longer count myself a Valkyrie, Twilight Sparkle. I slew Odin, I turned on the Aesir and on Asgard, and even now I fear that sooner or later, I will encounter my brother Sleipnir not as brother, but foe. Nay, he would not meet me willingly... but if Odin had friends, such friends could coerce Sleipnir into standing against me, into seeking useless revenge for his so-called father's demise. And as Scrivener Blooms will recall, Sleipnir was no easy foe.”

“He picked me up and threw me when I was at full size. It was very humiliating to have my flank kicked by a pony I should have been able to pick up and eat.” Scrivener said mildly, and Twilight gave him an amused look before the male leaned back and picked up his coffee, sipping at it absently as he added wryly: “Maybe that's part of why I want to be so much stronger. I learned that size definitely is not everything.”

“Nay, 'tis not. But it does often help.” Luna said kindly, and Scrivener snorted as Luna sighed before the sapphire winged unicorn sat up, rubbing a hoof along Twilight's side and gazing down at her affectionately before she glanced towards the last mug of coffee. It glowed gentle blue as she lifted it with telekinesis, floating over so she could sip slowly at the contents, and she sighed softly in pleasure, closing her eyes and murmuring: “Delicious. 'Tis the little things that make life so worthwhile, heed my words. Wonderful as it shall be to have a castle in which to enjoy my coffee, if I had to choose between the two, the coffee would win.”

“So you were serious about that.” Twilight said softly, and she finally sat up as well. Scrivener's claws tickled down one of her limbs, and she half slid her hoof into it, glancing down at him with an awkward smile, and he smiled back, giving her hoof a slow squeeze and not pulling away as Luna grunted approvingly and slipped over to lean lightly against the winged unicorn.

Twilight looked from one to the other, smiling again despite herself before she glanced over her shoulder as the door opened, half-pulling away from the two... and Luna glared at her sourly as Scrivener laughed and climbed to his claws, glancing over his shoulder and past the island countertop that separated kitchen from den as Celestia strode in through the back door, the ivory equine smiling over at them as she said quietly: “I didn't mean to be gone for so long, sister, I apologize... but this is a miraculous place. It truly does resemble the Everfree Forest that existed in our own world, except for those two trees... what did you call them, again?”

“Hu and Ỏðr. Surely thou remembers though... I think thou just wishes to hear the old language from me, as if already mine way of speaking was not archaic enough.” Luna replied mildly, and Celestia smiled despite herself before the winged unicorn glanced over at Scrivener Blooms, the two trading thoughts and memories before the younger sister grinned widely and said easily, culling knowledge from her husband's mind: “Of course, if I suddenly start talking normally, you'd all hate that at this point, right? I think you all like the old way of speaking.”

“Maybe it does remind me of the Equestria that once was. Maybe that's why I had Scrivener Blooms try to teach you the speech of modern ponies... but never leaned on him even when I realized you had convinced him to start teaching you history and current events rather than language.” Celestia halted, looking down and smiling a bit as she closed her eyes. “Noble dialect, second generation, spoken by royal messengers, aristocrats, and the bourgeois. You and Sleipnir seemed to have it drilled into your minds, even though I sometimes found myself using the more-common dialects as well. But I could never train you out of that... and regretted ever developing the tradition of the Royal Canterlot Voice.”

Luna began to open her mouth, and Scrivener winced and covered his ears as both Twilight and Celestia immediately glared at her., making the dark-coated winged unicorn grumble and then mutter: “I was not about to do it. And only be glad Sleipnir was never taught such a thing. 'Twould have been marring disaster. At least I attempted to alter my speech patterns for a time, before I settled back down to the ease of talking such as this. More importantly, my husband thinks it is cute. I am cute, Celestia. Thou art not cute. Thou art fat.”

“Yes, yes, Luna.” Celestia said tiredly, even as Twilight repressed a childish giggle despite herself at the imperious look on Luna's face and the exasperated entertainment on Celestia's. “You'll never really change, will you?”

“Nay, not ever.” Luna replied staunchly, and then she smiled warmly before glancing towards Scrivener Blooms, saying gently: “Daydreamer, fetch sister a coffee of her own. 'Twill help her relax and join the conversation I am so eager to get underway.”

“It's alright, honestly... you don't have to go to any extra troubles for me.” Celestia said softly, but when Scrivy only smiled at her as he climbed to his claws, she smiled back and nodded slowly, making her way to sit down amidst a cluster of pillows near a cluttered writing desk, saying softly: “Then thank you. I appreciate it.”

The ivory equine paused for a moment, then turned her eyes towards Luna with a bit of a smile, adding after a moment: “And perhaps we should do our best to avoid any... too-serious topics for now. I'm still... a little troubled, a little concerned, but after some time... letting myself think and adjust, I feel better about things. All I really know for sure, Luna, is that... you are my little sister, and I know you have your reasons for doing this. But after everything we've been through, I think sometimes even if you didn't... I still couldn't bring myself to stand against you ever again.”

Celestia halted, then smiled a bit at this, shaking her head slowly as she said softly: “Once I put my nation, Equestria, above everything else... then, I put order and law above even that, and it almost led to the downfall of everything I had striven to achieve. You, Luna... have always put love and family and friends first...I treated it like something that could be researched, inspected, and perhaps one day synthesized.”

“Well, we have always been parallels in many ways, sister... even more so now.” Luna smiled despite herself, spreading a wing and glancing quietly down at her almost-black coat, and Celestia laughed quietly despite herself. “Thou art too hard on thyself, though. Thou did many things and much good for thy nation... and I know that now, thou will make an even better leader.”

“I do not know if I am... ready... to lead again. Especially because this is a new world, where we ponies are...” She paused, searching for the right word before smiling at Scrivener as he returned with a mug of coffee for her. “What would you say we were, Scrivener Blooms? You were court poet for a reason.”

“I was court poet out of luck.” Scrivy smiled a bit despite himself, looking flattered all the same before he turned back towards the kitchen, but paused and then looked over his shoulder, saying softly: “It's like this world was waiting for us... the way the Strange Ones were so willing to move to new homes for us and help us, the way this whole Looking Glass World is so similar to our Equestria... we're like the missing pieces of a puzzle, the lost threads from a tapestry. We're strangers coming home... catalysts for something, but I'm not sure just what yet.”

Celestia nodded slowly, saying softly: “So you feel it too, do you? Like we're here for a purpose. Like perhaps Odin or someone else had something in mind for us.”

Luna shifted awkwardly... and then she glanced up as Scrivener returned with the half-full carafe, her mug glowing quietly as she lifted it with telekinesis so the male could fill it as she murmured: “Aye, perhaps, although every time I hear that name mentioned now I am filled with both... a wicked sense of scorn and what may be guilt, perhaps even shame now. I had no choice but... all the same, I do wish things had gone differently with the old lecher.”

“The casualties of war are never easy, especially when we are forced to fight against those who were once our allies.” Celestia said softly, gazing over at her sister, and Luna smiled a little before the ivory equine shook her head and turned her eyes to Twilight Sparkle. “And what about you, my friend? You've been very quiet.”

“I was just... thinking.” Twilight said awkwardly, shifting a bit, and then she smiled at Scrivy as he stepped past her to refill her mug as well, her eyes slowly roving along his form, studying his frame before she said quietly: “We've spent... I dunno, ten years in this world as Pales, right? Or something like that... I only know that it's been something like a decade since... you know.” Twilight halted, then she shook her head and smiled over at Luna when she blushed as Scrivener returned towards the kitchen. “But inside, I feel like... even when I was just a spirit, wandering Ponyville and the surrounding land... I saw something special in this world, knew there was something special about this place. You can feel it in the air.”

“I think it has something to do with those trees, Luna. Maybe that was why Odin reacted so violently to the changes that have spread through yourself and Scrivener Blooms.” Celestia suggested, and Luna fidgeted a bit even as she looked thoughtfully across at her sister. “But I know, we should concentrate on more-pleasant subjects for the moment. I still have my old tactician's mindset, though, and I think I still become too focused on certain things for my own good.”

“Aye, but that, sadly, is a similarity all here share.” Luna replied dryly, glancing pointedly towards Scrivy as the male stepped back into the room from the kitchen, and he huffed a bit at her before walking over to sit beside the dark-coated winged unicorn, as Celestia laughed softly and Twilight Sparkle smiled a bit. “I cannot begin to express how fortunate I feel that I am the least-thoughtful of all of thee. Sleipnir taught me well.”

“He did. Too well, I think sometimes.” Celestia replied with gentility, and Luna laughed despite herself as she dropped her head against her husband's shoulder, smiling affectionately. “Tell me, sister... how was he? I was almost tempted to let the light carry me to Valhalla, to be honest, if only I could see him...”

“And what, leave me here without thee to undermine? 'Twould have been a wicked, selfish and shameful thing, sister!” Luna retorted, but Celestia only gave her an indulgent smile before the dark-coated winged unicorn smiled a little. “But our brother... he was well. He was... himself, aye, there is no better way to describe Sleipnir than this.”

Celestia nodded slowly, and Twilight glanced up curiously, asking hesitantly: “I've always been curious... you both bring him up often but neither of you ever... you know, describe him or anything. I remember glimpses of your memories, Celestia and... I'd really like to learn more, if you wouldn't mind.”

“And 'tis a perfect subject for conversation right now.” Luna smiled warmly, glancing towards Twilight as she nodded firmly, and Celestia nodded again in agreement before Luna grinned towards Scrivener, who glared at her as she began teasingly: “First of all, as my husband learned, he was most certainly not a pony to be underestimated...”

When morning came, it found Celestia, Luna, Scrivener Blooms, Scarlet Sage and Twilight Sparkle sitting together on top of the small, landscaped hill to one side of the cottage, watching as the sun slowly rose. It was a beautiful sight... and Celestia in particular seemed to enjoy it, watching as daylight spilled steadily over the wild forest and through the sky without her guidance or aid, a soft smile on her face as Luna gazed more at her sister than at the sight of coming dawn.

The group took their time walking back through the Forest, enjoying the morning air, feeling as natural with one another as if they had never parted, as if things hadn't changed. The news had been good, after all: across Equestria, the Pales had been revived, made physical from the single wish, and Nibelung had even come across a few Zebras in the far southern reaches, proving the success of the spell and that Luna and Scrivener had been confident, not arrogant, in their assessment of their powers and themselves.

Luna took a great deal of pride in this as they walked along, Scarlet Sage riding on Scrivener's back and smiling warmly as she clung to her father's messy ivory mane, the male laughing as Twilight Sparkle and Celestia followed them along a path that was both familiar and not. And when they reached Ponyville, under the light of day, well-rested, thankful ponies greeted them with cheers and waves and smiles, giving praises and adulation to the group as they made their way towards the village square.

A disorganized, impulse festival had been set up, leaning tents here and there, shading tables filled with baked good, apples, and all kinds of other sweets. Foals laughed and a band was being set up on a makeshift stage as ponies chatted, danced and cavorted with one another, and many of them applauded Luna and her companions, thanked her, and congratulated her as she smiled radiantly around at the ponies, almost glowing with joy.

Nibelung were here and there amidst the equines as well, the dwarves helping out and joining in the festivities as they sang old battle songs and drank down pitchers of ale, many of them seeming surprisingly-excited as the impromptu festival began to wind into gear. And in front of the library, Luna and the others finally came across Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy, the mares and single stallion looking up warmly before Applejack reached up and tipped her new, yet-to-be-broken-in widebrim hat to Luna, saying warmly: “I reckon we didn't thank you properly last night, Luna. I think we were all just... a little startled back then, but under the light of day well, you know how everything's different.”

“Aye, I do.” Luna smiled despite herself, even as she felt a faint pang in her chest, but she hid this with an amused look over her shoulder to Celestia, teasing: “Thou art not jealous now of all the attention I am getting, art thou? But friends... all of thee has my thanks, and there is no need to praise me for what I have done. For in many ways, saving thee, bringing thee back from damnation, was an act of selfishness upon mine own part, and the little that was not my ego was because I owe all of thee this and more. I owe thee a country, too... and I plan to pay this debt in full.”

“Can we name part of this new Equestria after me?” Rainbow Dash asked hopefully, and then he grinned widely, winking as he leaned towards Luna as the winged unicorn laughed. “Hey, you gotta admit, Dash City, it's got a ring to it.”

“Oh, shut up, Dashie.” Applejack nudged him firmly with her shoulder, and Rainbow Dash grumbled and nudged her back before the goldenrod earth pony smiled warmly at Scarlet Sage as she carefully slipped off Scrivener's back. “My li'l sis, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle are off helpin' Big Mac and Pinkamena lug some barrels of cider from Sweet Apple Acres. Why don't you go give 'em a hoof, Scarlet Sage? Bet they'd be real glad to see you.”

“Can I?” Scarlet Sage smiled up at Luna, and the winged unicorn nodded firmly as she reached down and stroked through her mane, the filly brightening at this. “Thanks, mom!”

“There is no need to thank me, little one. Thou hast more than earned this time with thy friends, now go.” Luna said kindly, and Scarlet Sage smiled brightly again before she darted into the crowd, Luna watching her go with warmth before her eyes roved towards Fluttershy, who was gazing at them with quiet radiance. “Were thy lodgings adequate?”

“Wonderful.” Fluttershy replied softly, blushing a bit as she nodded slowly, and then she hesitated before adding quietly: “And not just that, there were... Phooka outside my cottage, staying in that little corral. I was nervous about them at first, but they were... it was almost like they were protecting me.”

Luna smiled at this, saying kindly: “Well, thou hast always had an affinity for animals, hast thou not? The Phooka are... half-intelligent, half-beast. Perhaps they sensed this, somehow, and were naturally drawn to thee. Worry not, my friend... if they bother thou, I shall have them go somewhere else, but let me also reassure thee they mean no harm.”

“No, no, it was... comforting after I got used to it. Like they were watching out for me.” Fluttershy said softly after a moment, smiling a little even as the other ponies looked at her curiously. “It just made me think of how... different this world is going to be in some ways.”

Luna nodded slowly, then she glanced towards Applejack as the earth pony mare said uncertainly: “You sure about this, Luna? I mean... can these creatures really be trusted?”

The winged unicorn shared a look with Scrivener Blooms, and then she softened as she looked forwards, saying quietly: “They can, friend Applejack, I guarantee it. 'Tis hard to fathom, I know... but they will be loyal, and they will not harm any of thee. There are other shades in the darkness that may seek to prey upon the ponies, but the alliance I have forged with these other creatures will aid in keeping them at bay.”

Applejack looked unconvinced even as she nodded slowly, and then Celestia said gently: “But today is a day of celebration, and we are all together... there will be time to figure out and discuss these details later. For now, let's all simply rejoice in the fact we're alive... and congratulate my sister on surviving against the odds and bringing us all back together.”

Luna blushed a bit at this, shuffling awkwardly before Rainbow Dash grinned a bit, glancing over at Scrivener and adding easily: “Yeah, that and somehow she and Scrivy are still together despite the fact he's apparently a big lizard now. No offense, Rarity, since it seems you're dating a lizard yourself.”

“Always so refined, Rainbow Dash, and so polite.” Rarity replied ironically, and Rainbow nodded seriously a few times as Pinkie giggled and Twilight smiled amusedly. “Besides, we've all... changed, have we not? Some of us more than others, I dare say.”

Rainbow smiled a little at this, glancing towards Scrivener as the half-pony nodded slowly and laughed quietly. “But I think we're also still all the same as we ever were. Even with all these changes... I still define myself as a poet first. Tyrant Wyrm second.” He paused as Luna punched his shoulder, rolling his eyes and saying dryly: “Fine, Luna's steed second. Happy?”

“Kinky.” Rainbow commented, and Applejack sighed and gave him a flat look even as Pinkie gave another short giggle and Fluttershy blushed a bit. “Okay, okay, okay. Come on, Scrivy, let's go find Spike. Get away from the mares before we get beaten up too much.”

“A wise decision. I'll catch up to thee later, husband.” Luna smiled over at Scrivener, and the two traded a quick kiss before Scrivy fell into step beside the blue Pegasus as he winked over his shoulder at his own wife.

The stallions made their way through the crowd towards one of the food tables, past a knot of singing Nibelung and a group of yelling, happy foals, and then Rainbow grinned slightly over at Scrivener as he reached out and picked up an apple, bouncing this on one hoof before taking a bite out of it and commenting: “You seem pretty damn comfortable with yourself. And believe me, I can tell... but then again, I don't need to be a genius to see it, either. You look way more relaxed... and you're way less stuffy, too.”

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash, I'm glad to hear you think so.” Scrivener gave the Pegasus an amused look, shaking his head slightly before he glanced towards the food on the table, glancing over apples, salad, baked goods, and other items... but none of it appealed too much to him before he returned his eyes to the light-blue pony. “I guess I am, weird as I know that must be. And... I'm glad that you're taking this so in stride. Some of the others were obviously less-than-thrilled, after all, with what Luna and I are now.”

“Hey, I ain't one to judge other ponies. Not after what I've seen... and yes, I remember being killed by a Tyrant Wyrm, but... you ain't that Tyrant Wyrm, now are you? You're Scrivener Blooms.” Rainbow Dash winked and stepped forwards, punching his shoulder lightly. “That cranky-flank poet who always brought his wife along when we tried to have those nights out. Speaking of which, no matter what the hell happens, your wife is also always going to scare me way more than you ever could. Even if you can turn into a giant dragon thing.”

“That's a lot wiser than most ponies would give you credit for.” Scrivener said mildly, then he leaned to the side, glancing past Rainbow Dash before he smiled and waved at the sight of Spike, the dragon looking ridiculously pleased with himself as he carried a large bowl in one arm filled with small gemstones. “Over here!”

“Oh, hey, there you guys are!” Spike said warmly, all-but-bouncing over to them, and a wide grin spilled over Rainbow Dash's face as he waggled his eyebrows at the young dragon, who coughed and blushed a bit as he tossed a thin, small gemstone into his mouth and chewed awkwardly. “So uh... oh, hey, you want one, Scrivy?”

Scrivener glanced in surprise at the bowl of gemstones as it was offered, and then he cleared his throat, shaking his head and smiling despite himself. “Thanks, Spike, but I'll pass. I'm not quite sure what my stomach can and can't handle, to be entirely honest, but I don't think gemstones are Wyrm-food.”

“You uh. You don't eat ponies or anything though, right?” Spike asked after a moment, and Rainbow Dash opened his mouth, then peered suspiciously at Scrivener, who only rolled his eyes with a sigh before giving the two a flat look. Spike blushed a bit, tossing another gemstone into his mouth and chewing slowly as Rainbow Dash took another bite out of his apple, and then the dragon suddenly laughed a little and shook his head slowly, saying finally: “Feels like it was just yesterday we were all together last.”

“We were, dude. We all woke up last night, remember?” Rainbow replied pointedly, but Spike only gave him a sour look, which made the Pegasus grin widely. “Yeah, yeah. I know what you mean: Apple Bloom was the same way, and Big Mac, well... you know him. Stoic, like he's made of goddamn iron. I think... AJ's having a bit of a harder time of it, though.”

He softened, glancing down at the apple in his hand, then he took another large bite out of it and chewed thoughtfully before tossing the little that remained to the ground. “I think it's because everything's changed so much, so fast... and after everything we all went through, well... she feels like she failed, even though none of us could stop what happened. Even though I was the one who screwed up first.” Rainbow Dash smiled wryly, glancing up. “Well, Cowlick screwed up first. I'm blamin' her for everything. But don't tell her that if you see her, she'll kick my flank and I can't have anypony seeing that.”

Scrivener laughed softly and shook his head as Spike smiled a bit, the dragon picking up one of the crystalline gemstones and surveying it before he said quietly: “It wasn't anyone's fault at the end of the day, though, was it? Do... do you remember...”

“I remember everything. And if you mean what I remember afterwards, after I died... I remember that stuff too, almost all the way up until yesterday.” Rainbow Dash interrupted quickly, and Spike looked relieved at the answer as the Pegasus nodded a bit before he looked towards Scrivener Blooms. “But you get what I'm saying, right? She's scared of losing everyone again, of not being able to save us when... things get tough.”

“Yeah. Luna feels the same way even now... it's part of why we've been doing... the things we have. Why I've been able to accept this so readily.” Scrivener added quietly, glancing down at one of his claws before he added meditatively: “Of course, the strength, the poison breath, and the shapeshifting is all pretty cool, too.”

“You can breathe stuff too now?” Spike asked curiously, and Scrivener nodded before he picked up an apple off the table, taking a slow breath before blowing a stream of blue mist outwards over the fruit, and Rainbow Dash and Spike both stared as the fruit rapidly began to melt and shrivel away, rotting instantly in front of their eyes before the earth pony tossed it to the ground and snorted a burst of smog out his nostrils with a grin.

Then the Pegasus grinned widely back, giving him a knowing look as he said mildly: “Dude, that must be so awkward if-”

“Foals.” Scrivener interrupted hurriedly, and Rainbow Dash winced and looked over his shoulder at the sight of Apple Bloom and Scarlet Sage, accompanied now by a young unicorn foal with a swirled mane of purple and and white and a brightly-grinning vibrant orange Pegasus filly, all four of them looking half-accusingly, half-curiously up at Rainbow.

Spike snorted in entertainment, covering his mouth to hide a grin as Scrivener cleared his throat awkwardly and Rainbow continued to look lamely at the four, who all stared up at him before the young Pegasus asked: “What's so awkward about it, Rainbow Dash?”

“Uh. Brushing. Teeth. Morning breath. And... kissing!” Rainbow replied after a moment, nodding a few times, and all four foals made noises of disgust before the Pegasus looked over them all with a frown. “Hey, ain't you guys supposed to be helping Big Mac?”

Apple Bloom only smiled awkwardly, however, replying: “Well, we was helpin', honest... but then we kinda-maybe-sorta dropped one of the barrels. It didn't break or nothing, but... it did roll back down the slope and hit Pinkamena. So...”

“So you ran. That was a good decision, kids, I'm very proud of you all.” Rainbow said empathetically, and the four foals nodded as Spike laughed and Scrivener smiled in amusement. “You kids better keep running, though. Don't let that bi- I mean, bitey pony catch up to you guys.”

The foals all nodded quickly, turning to head off, and Rainbow smiled a bit after them, watching them go before Scrivener glanced up and said softly: “You're surprisingly good with kids, you know.”

“Screw you, Scrivy.” Rainbow said kindly, and the poet snorted in entertainment before the Pegasus grinned wryly. “Look, so, okay. I really like those little guys. And I dunno, foals don't... you know. I get why ponies say it's hard work taking care of them and all but... it's worth it. It's such a nice feeling, and... I don't get how ponies could treat their own kids so bad, you know? Seeing them smile, knowing that I'm helping them grow up good, doing what I can for them even when it kind of weirds me out, I... you know. Maybe that's the old mare in me though, who the hell knows?”

“I think you'd make a good dad.” Spike said supportively, and Rainbow looked absurdly touched at this statement, smiling warmly over to the dragon as the reptile tossed another gemstone into his jaws, giving a firm nod.

Rainbow nodded slowly back after a moment, then he glanced curiously over at Scrivener, asking finally: “So what about you and Luna? If I remember right, you two can have a foal now, right? Luna loved to crow about that a lot while she was visiting here and we were all Pales, but I don't think she was ever paying attention... what, you guys think we were going to come back without any memories at all?”

“Well, you probably would have if we'd gone with our original idea, but... Luna and I figured you guys would be okay.” Scrivener said finally, smiling a bit before he rubbed the back of his head and glanced down at himself awkwardly. “On the fatherhood note, well...I... Luna and I would certainly like to, I think, if... we can. Because I'm kind of... well. You know.”

“Scaly?” Rainbow said helpfully, and Scrivener gave him a grouchy look but nodded all the same. “I figured that would be the problem. Not that you were the size of a dragon.”

“You know Luna can hear everything you say, right?” Scrivener said pointedly, and Rainbow Dash cleared his throat and closed his mouth slowly before the poet shook his head, then he smiled a bit and said finally: “But even then... I'm kind of worried about... you know, being a dad. For one thing, I'm now a Tyrant Wyrm. Do not imagine Tyrant Wyrms make good fathers. Furthermore, I... well... you know...”

“Yeah, but that's exactly it, Scrivener, I do damn know. It might not have been... you know, the same as what you went through, but I do damn know what it's like, thinking about being a parent yourself when your own weren't so hot.” the Pegasus replied quietly, softening. “You and Luna are already damn fine parents to a special little girl that a lot of other ponies might have been hesitant to let become their daughter, especially after... we found out what she was capable of. But look at you two, doin' everything for that little filly, through thick and thin. And hey, look at it this way: you and Luna won't be alone, either... Celestia looks like she's got plans to stick by Luna no matter what, Twilight we all know you and Luna have some weird thing with, me and AJ are like... the other-to-be-parents-at-some-point so we'll obviously be sticking by you... you ain't alone.”

Scrivener smiled a bit, and Spike nodded before he clapped the poet on the shoulder lightly, adding: “And I can babysit at least and stuff. We all wanna help you two out, as much as we can.”

“Thanks, Spike.” Scrivy looked over at the dragon with a nod and a bit of a laugh, and then he shook his head, rolling his shoulders and gazing over at Rainbow Dash. “But honestly it... really is reassuring to hear that. I guess Luna and I... forgot that things go both ways. Even though I still feel myself like we owe you all... a lot.”

“Oh, stuff it.” Rainbow retorted, and then he grinned slightly as he grabbed a muffin off the table, peeling the wrapper off it and saying contritely: “Besides, if we were keeping count, I'm pretty sure everypony in Ponyville would owe me something. And I'm just not the kind of guy who keeps track of all that stuff.”

“I've been keeping track of how much you owe me, Dashie.” spoke up a falsely-kind voice, and Dash winced and slowly looked over his shoulder to see Pinkamena glaring at him, a barrel hanging on either side of the dull pink earth pony, but she held the weight up surprisingly well for her slight frame as Big Mac lugged a wagon filled with several more into the square, a new polished oaken yoke glinting around his neck. “Now get off your lazy flank and help us unload these barrels or I'm going to shove my hoof down your throat and rip your intestines out.”

Rainbow's jaw fell open, and then he nodded with a wince before Pinkamena glared at Scrivener and Spike, the dragon swallowing thickly as he dropped his bowl and gemstones spilled out over the ground. “Are you going to volunteer or do I beat you both until you give us a helping hoof?”

“Volunteering!” Spike rose a claw quickly, and Scrivener winced and nodded in agreement before the two hurried over to the large wagon, Big Mac looking embarrassed at the half-demon's recruiting strategy.

“I said I could get it...” Big Mac began, and then he winced a bit when Pinkamena glared at him, head rearing back slightly at the blaze in the dull-pink pony's eyes before he cleared his throat and instead calmly turned his attention to detaching himself from the wagon so he could unload it, Pinkamena nodding with an approving grunt and glower at this.

It didn't take the ponies and dragon long to unload the cart's contents and spread the barrels out through the square as Pinkamena prowled around, glaring at the other ponies and startling one particular pony who made the near-fatal error of mistaking her for Pinkie Pie and surprising her with a hug. Thankfully, Pinkamena was too embarrassed to lash out, and the mare who had hugged her realized her mistake and hurried off into the safety of the crowd, and Pinkamena grumbled and pouted for a few moments before her eyes roved to where Luna was sitting with her back against the library, smiling a little and almost hidden in the shadows of the tree with her dark-as-night coat.

The half-demon made her way through the crowd to sit down beside Luna as she glanced over at her, realizing a moment later she wasn't completely alone after all: Greece, the Nibelung Artificer, was sitting on Luna's other side, a bottle held loosely in one hand as he clapped the other against his knee in time with the music from the band that had finally taken to the shoddy stage, a smile on the dwarf's face before his eyes roved to Pinkamena as she joined the two.

She grunted as she dropped back against the tree, moodily looking out over the party, Pinkie Pie dancing happily with her many friends, Fluttershy sitting quietly beside Twilight Sparkle and Celestia as they both talked to pony admirers, Rarity and Spike, Rainbow Dash and AJ mixing with the dancing crowd as they laughed and celebrated. She wondered idly where Scrivener was before finally letting her eyes rove over to Luna, saying mildly: “Today sucks, but tomorrow will be better. As things fade, they'll forget who we once were, they'll acknowledge who we are now... not because they want to, but because they need to. They need us to protect them, see, especially with Princess Sunshine there so hesitant to take up her old role of the throne... now, I wonder why that is, huh?”

“What, does thou claim to know my sister better than I do now?” Luna asked with a slight smile, giving an entertained look to the dull-pink pony, and Pinkamena grunted before the winged unicorn shook her head and said quietly: “It is because... part of the old Celestia awakened, I think, upon that journey we took. The Celestia who wanted to on the field, who was a visionary and not a politician, who... believed in her cause. A Celestia, tempered by her experiences over her long, long life, mixed with the Valkyrie soul of past-Freya... aye, a warrior queen who is the first on the field and the last off, but who does not smite without compassion. No wonder they are already drawn again to her... look at her, radiant, beautiful, powerful, but no longer blinding and distant but... warm. Everything... I could never be.”

“Now don't say that, fancy-corn Luna. You have your place in this world as well... without you, this world would not even exist.” Greece said kindly, reaching out and squeezing Luna's shoulder firmly, and the winged unicorn smiled despite herself as she glanced over towards him. “Look, things will become better in time, I am sure. The ponies are not unthankful, either... they celebrate because of you and for you, I think. Why don't you join them?”

“Because maybe this is good, and how things must be.” Luna replied quietly, gazing thoughtfully towards the happy ponies. “I can watch over them here, and take care of them. I can ensure that their revelries do not get out of hoof from this position, and they have Celestia to pour their ardent hopes towards, to focus upon as their idol, and I can finally say honestly that my sister truly deserves this. I... I am darkness, Greece. I should not be so surprised that even now, they do not pull me into their games, they react badly to my presence, their worship of me is tainted by a kiss of fear.”

Pinkamena snorted at this, moodily leaning back and earning a curious look from the winged unicorn before she said dryly: “Babe, look. I'm saying this because I actually like you, okay? But part of this is your goddamn fault. Why? Because you're sitting here, on your ass, against a tree, under the shadows, pouting with a half-demon and a dwarf in a skirt.”

“It's a kilt.” Greece said stiffly, leaning grouchily forwards to glare past Luna at Pinkamena, and Pinkamena glared back before she bared her sharp teeth at him, and the wolf-pig winced a bit. “You must be the one the other Nibelung warned us about. They're all scared of you for reasons I'm beginning to clearly understand.”

“Good. Thanks for the compliment.” Pinkamena replied dryly, and then she sniffed disdainfully and added grouchily, reaching out to slap Luna's shoulder: “Get in there. Make nice. You're better at faking it than I am.”

“Oh, I see. Thou sends me as a sacrifice in thy place, is that it?” Luna asked ironically, and Pinkamena grunted and shrugged at this metaphor before the winged unicorn sighed and looked awkwardly up, grumbling: “Very well. I shall. Attempt this, then. If only to prove both of thee wrong and that I am still going to be disliked, feared, perhaps even hated, no matter what I do. Now where is Scrivener Blooms, I need something to hide behind and there is no better wall than a sixty-foot wall of scales and teeth.”

“Wimp.” Pinkamena muttered, and Luna glowered at her before the earth pony sniffed disdainfully, ignoring the look. The winged unicorn grumbled to herself as she shoved herself away from the tree, stomping towards the crowd, and Pinkamena grinned a bit as she watched her leave before her eyes roved towards the Nibelung, holding a hoof out and ordering: “Gimme that. I'm thirsty as a starving vampire.”

Greece made a face, but he reluctantly tossed the bottle to her, and Luna looked amusedly over her shoulder to watch as Pinkamena took a deep swig... then spat the fluid out with a curse, steam rising up from her jaws as the Nibelung stared in shock before the half-demon looked at the bottle with an expression of horror, snapping: “It's blessed? Who the hell blesses their booze?”

“A drop of Valhalla's oil gives it that extra kick.” Greece said helpfully, and then he winced when Pinkamena slammed the bottle against the ground and shattered it, the dwarf grumbling: “Well, I was in the mood for cider anyway.”

The winged unicorn gave a snort of entertainment, then she looked awkwardly back towards the crowd and steadied herself, muttering as she strode into the crowd of celebrating ponies: “Hold steady, Luna... 'tis not like thou art battling Helheim...”

Luna smiled awkwardly as she looked back and forth, searching for somepony to speak to even as a few stared at her: she held herself imperiously, head high, looking a little too serious for her own good as her starry mane flowed around her, glimmering faintly beneath the sun. Finally, her eyes locked on a group of ponies that were chatting near a table, and she approached them before leaning down and asking calmly, her voice perhaps a little too loud even over the music playing from the band at one corner of the square: “Art thou enjoying thyselves?”

The four ponies looked up at her almost apprehensively at her tone, one of them staring and dropping his slice of cake as the others smiled nervously at this enormous black-coated winged unicorn; a figure who looked far more like Nightmare Moon these days than Luna, the once Princess of the Night. That, thoughts of Ragnarok, how she had appeared the night before and her too-strong approach all mingled together, and Luna winced at the nervousness in their eyes even as one rose a flagon of cider and rambled: “Good, good, this is... this is good!”

“We're glad to hear it.” said a gentle male voice, and Luna looked with relief to see Scrivener Blooms emerge from the crowd, smiling awkwardly as he nudged Luna firmly with his shoulder. “Sorry, Rainbow Dash wanted me to show off, which led to Apple Bloom wanting me to hoof-wrestle Big Mac. Dude is strong.”

“He is also handsome. Perhaps he would make for the better husband, then.” Luna replied playfully, lightening visibly, and Scrivener rolled his eyes in entertainment and shoved her lightly, making her laugh. As she settled, the ponies she had attempted to talk to seemed to calm as well, and when she smiled and addressed them again it was much-more relaxed: “Are all of thee comfortable in Ponyville? We worked hard to replicate the village as it once stood, but of course we did not know every detail of every home... do any of thee have any requests, require any furnishings or anything else for thy homes?”

“No, it's wonderful.” replied one of the ponies empathetically, in a much-more-honest tone this time, and they smiled between themselves before looking up, the mare adding: “Thank you, again, for... for everything, Princess Luna. We all know the stories, we all... remember a lot of what happened, and the ponies who served as the Starlit Knights all really think highly of you.”

“It is an honor to hear so, and thou hast my thanks for it, to say the very least.” Luna replied quietly, bowing her head with a warm smile as she closed her eyes. “But hesitate not to ask if any of thee need anything. I am here to provide.”

Scrivener smiled at Luna as he nodded in agreement, and the ponies bowed their heads respectfully to her before the winged unicorn turned to continue to mingle through the crowd, keeping close to her husband as she spoke to different ponies, oddly-shy and a little awkward even with her clear, strong voice and imposing demeanor.

But the ponies were receptive to them, and seemed to warm up more to the presence of the two as they made their rounds through the party. It helped when they passed by ponies they were closer to, from Pinkie Pie telling them to let loose and party, and Rarity, who extolled Luna's beauty and integrity... and of course, to Twilight Sparkle and Celestia, who spoke warm words to the ponies that were gathered almost reverently around them.

As the festival began to move into high gear, they both felt like the weight of the world was loosening, like the ponies were more than just thankful for the sake of being thankful... they were honestly honored by Luna's presence, and striving to understand her reasons for why she had done what she had in order to save Equestria. But that was exactly it: what she had done had saved their society, saved these pony-folk, and it was clear now that all of them knew that and wanted to show their gratitude for it.

As time wore on, Luna found herself more accepted, found herself speaking with ponies who began to approach her instead of her going to them. She was further pleased when a few ponies even drew away from Celestia to talk to her, and the ivory winged unicorn seemed both surprised and gladdened by this, even if a pessimistic part of Luna wondered how long it would be before she was once more only her sister's shadow again.

She managed to push these thoughts away, however, concentrating on the good and the positive: when she needed a moment away from the crowd, she pulled Scrivener Blooms towards the other side of the square as the band started up a softer melody for a slow dance with her husband, relaxing with her face buried against his mane as one of his claws rested gently on her shoulder, her ephemeral locks flowing slowly backwards in the windless air.

All the same, Luna felt eyes on them as they moved together slowly, gently, and she marveled over the attention they were being paid even now, even as ponies gave them the space to dance amidst the other gracefully-moving couples. Then, as the song came to an end, she stepped back from Scrivener with a bit of a pleased blush and a smile, murmuring as his claw stroked along her face delicately: “Handsome monster. We've gone from ignored to exalted, and I am no longer sure which I like more.”

She paused, then sighed a bit and smiled wryly at the sight of Celestia beckoning to her, before her eyes moodily roved to Twilight Sparkle... and she jerked her head firmly at the violet pony, the smaller winged unicorn looking surprised before Luna called easily: “Come, Twilight, share a dance with Scrivy whilst I attend to sister's machinations. 'Twill be good for thee.”

Twilight blushed deeply at this, and then Rainbow Dash called cheerfully from where he was standing with Applejack: “Yeah, we all remember everything after all, Twilight. Everything.” He looked at her pointedly, and Twilight Sparkle glared at him before the Pegasus added with a grin: “Plus I totally wanna see you actually try to dance. And not like Pinkie Pie dances.”

“Hey, what's wrong with how I dance?” Pinkie asked with a huff, halting with one leg raised high in the air behind her, and then she added thoughtfully: “Besides, it can't be as bad as how you dance, Rainbow. You're great in the air but clumsy as a duck on your hooves.”

“I am not!” Rainbow Dash retorted, and then he winced when Applejack grabbed him and pulled him into the square as another song began, adding hurriedly: “Wait, wait, wait I didn't mean that I wanted to prove it!”

“Oh shut up, Rainbow, and indulge me for once in your damn life.” Applejack retorted, then she smiled despite herself as she pressed herself closer to him, mane swaying in a braided ponytail behind her as Rainbow smiled a bit despite himself and began to move in easy rhythm as she muttered: “See, it ain't so bad to be nice-like now and then, is it?”

The Pegasus only grumbled in response as Luna and Scrivener strode towards Celestia and Twilight, the violet pony mumbling and fumbling excuses before Luna rolled her eyes and flicked her horn, Twilight wincing as a burst of blue static knocked her staggering forwards into Scrivener, who caught her awkwardly before they both glared at Luna. She only smiled sweetly in return, however, saying kindly: “Thou had best dance for the next song after this one as well. 'Twill be good for thee both, thou art both... stuffy. Thou art also stuffy, Celestia, so I cannot imagine what thou desires will be pleasant.”

Celestia sighed at this, and Scrivener and Twilight only looked at Luna for a moment longer before she grumbled at them and flailed a hoof at the two, and Scrivener rolled his eyes before he smiled awkwardly down at Twilight, saying finally: “Come on. Let's go before she beats us.”

“I guess it could be worse.” Twilight replied moodily, and Scrivener snorted laughter despite himself as the winged unicorn blushed, grumbling: “Well, sorry, but what's going on out there is a little different from what we usually do at Pinkie's parties and-”

“Oh, dancing's dancing!” Pinkie replied exuberantly, popping up beside the two, and they both stared in surprise as she bounced past before beginning a jaunty quickstep that was distinctly out-of-place with the slower-moving couples. “Come on, give it a try!”

“I'll lead, just lean against me and don't step all over my ho... I mean, my claws.” Scrivener said mildly, and he pulled Twilight a bit closer as he settled one of his claws around her shoulders, beginning to move slowly with her in comfortable, simple rhythm as she looked at him awkwardly, then frowned questioningly.

Scrivener purposefully ignored this, grumbling a bit, but she continued to almost inspect him before finally asking as he tried to continue to ignore her: “How do you know how to dance like this? Because I don't think this was ever Luna's kind of forte.”

“Luna can dance fine if she wants to. At least. She kind of can.” Scrivener replied after a moment, and then he gave a grumble when Twilight looked at him insistently and he said finally: “Alright, alright. Despite what you and many others think, I didn't just get to be court poet and that was it. I had to go through formal training for the Royal Courts. Etiquette, learning their stupid little rituals, blah-blah-blah. One of the things they taught me was how to dance. I... I always kind of enjoyed that one thing. Happy?”

“You really are a mare.” Twilight replied after a moment, and Scrivy sighed, digging his claws lightly through her mane into the back of her neck, and she flinched a bit against him as she muttered: “You're a real jerk, too.”

“You're one to talk.” Scrivener grumbled in response, and the two shoved against one-another for a moment before Twilight almost stumbled, Scrivener smiling despite himself as he caught her against his broad chest. “Just follow my lead.”

Twilight gave an awkward look up at him, even as her eyes softened, and from beside her sister Luna smiled softly, leaning over to her and saying quietly: “To watch already strong bonds become strengthened further... aye, 'tis a blessing, is it not? Although 'tis manipulative selfishness on my part... the closer they become, the closer I get to Twilight too. I am stealing her from thee, sister, thou understands this, yes?”

“Twilight and I share a bond a little different from yours, Luna. Unlike you, I don't attempt to bed every pony I develop a fondness for.” Celestia teased gently, and Luna stared in surprise at her older sibling... then threw her head back and laughed loudly, looking delighted.

Celestia seemed both surprised and gladdened herself by the reaction, smiling in return, and Luna shook her head slowly before she said warmly: “A sign of life I had never expected to see in thee! A joke, and not just a good joke, but of the kind that Sleipnir and I would throw at one another... aye, excellent!”

The ivory winged unicorn laughed a bit, nodding slowly before she said softly: “I still need to work on... being more relaxed, I think, but with a little help from yourself and others, I think this time I can keep the vows I made in life. It's... still difficult, to think I have so much to improve on. But I face it with eagerness and pride now, not shame, knowing that every step forwards is a reward, is another step closer to being the pony I want to be.

“But that is not important right now. Instead, I wanted to tell you that a pony came to me earlier.” Celestia smiled wryly despite herself, shaking her head slowly. “It seems that no matter what, they still look at me as their monarch. Either way, it sounds as if a zebra is looking for you.”

“Oh, it must be Zecora. I am curious as to the events that unfolded with her people, I shall seek her out immediately.” Luna replied thoughtfully, nodding and smiling over at Celestia, who smiled back... but something in her eyes made Luna hesitate, the winged unicorn frowning a bit as she asked quietly: “What is it, sister?”

“Just... a nagging feeling, that's all.” Celestia shook her head slowly, and then she glanced towards the dancing crowd, softening visibly as her eyes roved over the dancing, happy ponies. “But maybe it's just guilt, or other feelings that won't quite settle yet. Worries and apprehensions... but sister, I do want you to know that... even if they are not all methods I would have used myself, I am very proud of you for what you've done.”

“Perhaps then Celestia you haven't heard the whole story yet, about how your sister has not all her ends met.” said a sharp voice, and Luna and Celestia both frowned as they turned around to see Zecora standing only a few feet away, some of the surrounding ponies immediately falling silent as they looked nervously towards the zebra. She was glaring daggers at Luna, who scowled darkly in return, and Celestia frowned deeply as her eyes roved slowly back and forth before the zebra proclaimed angrily: “A promise was made to us by Luna of the Night, that she would do everything she could to set things right... but she went back on her thought-sacred decree, after what she did to my people, what she did to me!”

The band stuttered to a halt, ponies beginning to whisper nervously between themselves as Twilight and Scrivener stumbled to a stop beside Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Even the Nibelung fell silent at the static that filled the air, Luna glaring across at Zecora as she strode fearlessly forwards, closing half the distance between them before she halted and spat: “You promised to help us all, then instead made a different call... you then promised me time and a chance to move flock, but then you decided to speed up the ticking clock! Now only half of my tribe was saved by your spell, the other half were either left as ghosts... or put in a far-worse hell! You killed half my people, you lied to me, winged unicorn; it almost makes me wish Celestia hadn't exiled you, but cut off your horn!”

“Lying traitor!” Luna shouted, her voice a blaze of sound that made the ponies around her wince back, even Celestia leaning back in surprise at the rage and strength of her sister's voice. “I gave thee all the time I could afford and more! Thou knew that even if the amplifiers had been set up, there was a chance the magic would not have reached thee in thine own land... thou told me it would not take long to transport thy people!”

“Yes, and what sickens me most is that many we did move... and yet for some reason, your spell did not all of us improve. It's like you went with magic that picked and chose for itself, and when I look around I can see for myself: you put all your strength into saving the ponies and the ponies alone, what we were left in essence was the spell's scraps and bones!” Zecora shouted back, her eyes flashing. “What do you think we are, less than you? Go ahead, say what you think is true!”

Luna snarled at this, then she shook her head and snapped: “No, I will not be made the villain here, Zecora. 'Tis a tragedy that thy people could not all be saved, but damn thou, Zecora, I gave thee time. Thou wert the one so secretive, so aloof... and I told thee again and again, I had to put Equestria first! What did thou expect, me to leave my country and come to tend to thine before I saved my family, my friends, my people? Did thou expect me to put thee and thy zebras first when it seems as if thou and thine had powerful magic of thine own to attend to these problems? I am not thy servant, and I kept my word, and if anything thou should be thankful for it!”

“How dare you say that, scheming witch! Where did the Luna I knew go, when did things switch?” Zecora looked incredulous as she stared at the winged unicorn, then she snorted and shook her head in disgust. “But I should have known from when I first saw you and Scrivener Blooms, that everything had changed and it was the first of many dooms. Coming back to this world monstrous and corrupt, making pacts with demons and dark spirits so abrupt! You're falling into a spiral of evil and greed, and only to suffering can this path you've chosen lead.”

“Who art thou to judge and question me?” Luna almost hissed, her ephemeral mane sparking as her eyes blazed with light, stepping forwards with a snarl as tail and starry locks lashed back and forth like fiery serpents. “How dare thee... thou casts such dispersions and admonitions upon me because of suffering that was not my fault, thou... dares to lay such blame and fault at my doorstep? Oh, yes, I am an easy target: look upon me, tainted forever with darkness, forced to slaughter my own once-patriarch, wife to a husband strong enough to resist the influence of the Tyrant Wyrm that corrupted him, and yet no, they do not see that. They do not remember his heroism, or mine, they say 'Tyrant Wyrm,' they say 'Nightmare Moon,' and no matter how much of the world I fix or save, no matter what I do, they still look upon me with such fear and revilement...

“But I am not.” Luna straightened, clenching her eyes shut as a shiver ran through her body, suppressing her instincts, her desires, her darker urges, and most of all, furious Nightmare Moon... and then she opened her eyes, cold, calm once more, breathing hard before she said quietly: “I shall not apologize for what is not my fault. I shall not be held accountable for it, Zecora. Now, I would request that thee leaves this place. I do not find thy presence to be as... amiable as I once did, and thou art interrupting a day of celebration.”

“It seems that this anniversary will be very different for us both... for you a day of joy and feasting, for me a day of death and a broken oath.” Zecora replied icily, but as she looked back and forth, she nodded once before she began to turn, saying quietly as she walked away: “But I'd be wary if I were you, ponies of this land... lust for power and prestige with tyranny go hand-in-hand.”

“Then 'tis a good thing I have hooves and long only for the day when I can be in public without accursed whispers behind my back!” Luna retorted angrily, and then she shook her head with a curse, her horn sparking and her starry locks glowing brightly as she fought down her rage. When next she looked up, Zecora had vanished through the crowd... and most of the ponies were staring at her now, whispering amongst themselves, looking at her with disbelief, confusion, and... fear.

She recognized it all too well, and a shiver went through her body before Celestia stepped forwards and touched her shoulder, saying quietly: “Sister, we should excuse ourselves from the party for the moment. It seems we have something to speak of, and I am sure that the ponies-”

“Do not wish for my presence at the moment.” Luna said bitterly, and she shook her head slowly even as Celestia gazed at her softly and imploringly, sighing before the winged unicorn looked up, opened her mouth... then sighed again and closed it, knowing nothing she could say would help. So instead, she only turned, falling into step behind Celestia and not smiling even as Scrivener Blooms and Twilight Sparkle hurriedly joined her, feeling accusing, worried, and fearful eyes all staring at her as joyous festival was tainted by whispers of betrayal and suspicion.