Archmage Chapter 20 – Friendships and Flora

-----------

Twilight did not abandon her duties in order to tend to the tree, but she did cut back wherever she could. A few committee meetings were respectfully rescheduled, and she dodged quite a few others. She also cancelled all of her minor plans. For instance, she had planned to read ‘The Life and Times of Starswirl the Bearded’ for the fourteenth time, but instead went to go water the tree and read up on the flora of the gryphon territories. Little things like that, which would be deemed important for her to do on any normal day, she would completely ignore in favor of the tree.

Twilight would spend hours at a time just standing on the ground above the seed, her horn glowing as she fought to feel the whispers of power, the telltale sign of life from below. Each soft caress of magic would send a chill down her spine. She could feel the quiet breath of the tree as it started to go about its normal routine, breaking free of it’s hard shell, reaching out into the soil around it. She could feel the whisper of it’s life, just beginning.

Still, she was present for every cycle of the sun and moon and major committee meeting. When she woke on the morning of Saturday, February 15th, the first thing she saw was her calendar. The day was circled. In red. Twilight jolted upright and dashed over to it, her mind racing as she fought to think of what she had planned.

With a sigh, she realized it was the meeting with her friends. She had cleared her schedule that day to make sure she could be with them. Smiling happily, she made a note of the time and went to prepare for the day. After her shower and regular routine, she went to go check on the tree. To her surprise, Gable was waiting in Celestia’s garden. He smiled when she rounded the corner.

“Good morning, Archmage.” He greeted her cheerily as she crossed the cobblestone steps.

“Good morning, Gable. I trust everything is alright?”

“Just fine, thank you. Though I did have a matter I wished to discuss with you.” She furrowed her brow but nodded, indicating he should continue. “I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time tending to the tree. Here, in the garden.” He gestured around them, and Twilight’s gaze flickered to the spot where her tree was growing. “I thought I should let you know that, as a career gardener, it’s nice to have a passion for what you’re doing. But the more time you spend with your mane in the plants and the less time you spend in the garden, the more stressed you’ll become. Do you understand?”

“You’re saying I’m working too hard.” Twilight frowned as Gable nodded at her.

“Just that you should take it easy. The magic of nature involves tending and caring for plants and animals… Not smothering them like a vine.” His horn glowed as he plucked one such vine from among the nearby rosebush He held it between them, talking as the vine rotated lazily in midair. “Spend too much time with your plant, Twilight, and you may end up doing more harm than good. Believe me, that’s not something you want to happen…” His own gaze flickered to the spot of her tree, and his words struck a chord within her. She suddenly realized she had been spending perhaps too much time tending to the tree.

“Okay, Gable. Thank you.” She sighed and hung her head, turning to leave.

“Twilight.” Gable said softly, stopping her. “I’m not saying you can’t spend time here. In fact, that may be just what you need. Take a walk around the bushes. Sit by the fountain. Soak up some sunlight.”

“Thanks, Gable… But I think I’d rather spend time elsewhere, if that’s the case.” She raised her head, smiling up at the brilliant blue sky. “Besides. I have somewhere to be.”

-----------------

“Twilight! What a pleasant surprise! Come in, darling, come in!” Rarity greeted her at the door, positively brimming with energy as she ushered Twilight inside.

“I hope I’m not too early.”

“Well, I can hardly say you’re within the realm of ‘fashionable,’ but it’s no big deal. How have you been?” Rarity wrapped her in a warm hug, which made Twilight smile from the bottom of her heart. She returned it readily.

“I’m doing well, Rarity. Thank you.”

“Tea? Are you hungry at all?” Rarity slipped away, smiling at Twilight as she made her way up the nearby staircase. Twilight followed happily, nodding as she felt her stomach grumble.

“I could stand to eat, if it isn’t any trouble.”

“None at all! Come, sit down. I’ll have something prepared in just a moment.” Rarity bubbled as she deposited Twilight at the kitchen table, her horn glowing as she started pulling various ingredients out of the cupboards and cabinets, along with all the cookware she needed. Twilight was speechless, watching Rarity bustle about making what was shaping up to be a very delicious-looking meal. Her mouth watered at the incredible scents wafting past her nose.

“Rarity, when did you become such a good cook?”

“Hmm? I don’t know what you mean. I’ve always been able to cook well.” Rarity dismissed her, though Twilight didn’t miss the blush on her cheeks. Just as she opened her mouth to address the point, Rarity cut her off. “Have you seen Cross Stitch?”

“Right here.” The aforementioned pony pushed into the kitchen, lugging several packages.

“Oh good! I need those onions.” Rarity plucked a particularly plump one off the top, leaving Cross Stitch behind as she trotted to the cutting board.

“Yeah, thanks.” He grumbled, hoisting his burden higher.

“Here. Let me help with those.” Twilight smiled and lifted half the load with her magic, setting them on the countertop nearby. Cross Stitch smiled at her thankfully before depositing the rest.

“Thanks, Twilight. How you been?” He asked, wiping a hoof across his forehead.

“Oh. You know. Learning magic. Shaping the future of Equestria day by day. The usual.” Twilight joked, smiling at Cross Stitch’s shocked expression.

“Well then,” He poured himself a glass of milk and joined her at the table. “How about you and Luna?”

“Stitch!” Rarity spun around, glaring at him. “That’s highly improper!”

“What? It’s on my mind, so I asked.” He shrugged it off, looking back at Twilight as Rarity harrumphed at him. “Well?”

“We’re doing just fine, Cross Stitch.” Twilight smiled, remembering that she hadn’t informed him of their progress. “The whole… Night magic thing. It went over well, and Luna and I are… Well, we’re actually kind of steady.” Twilight caught herself, realizing that she nearly blew the lid off of their engagement. When she remembered just the soft, whispered words she and Luna shared in bed, their promise to one another, it made her smile.

“Well I’ll be.” Cross Stitch sighed. “I never thought anypony could have a regular relationship with a princess…”

“You weren’t there for my brother’s wedding, were you?” Twilight asked, chuckling when Cross Stitch blinked.

“Oh yeah… I guess I forgot…”

“It’s not uncommon, Cross Stitch.” Rarity chimed in over the sizzling pan on the stove. “There have been whispers and rumors since… Well, since forever, about the romantic interests of the princesses. It seems that Princess Celestia is more or less… Independent. And as for Princess Luna… Well…” Rarity smiled knowingly at Twilight, who blushed despite herself.

“I’m glad you two have such a healthy interest in my love life.” Twilight mumbled with a roll of her eyes.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, Twilight… I just thought I’d ask, since it seems we left one another on such bad terms last time we met.” Twilight grimaced in remembrance of the last time she and Cross Stitch had talked. It was right here, at this table, and he had been less than pleased with her interest in the princess of the night.

“I hope you don’t feel the same way now…?” Twilight asked softly, leaning in towards him. Cross Stitch looked at her blankly for a few seconds before smiling at last.

“I’m not angry at all, Twilight. If anything, I’m happy for you. It seems you’re happy. I’d assume that she is as well.” Twilight smiled and reached across the table to lay her hoof atop his, smiling warmly. They held the look for a few moments before Rarity swept between them with three plates filled to the brim.

“Hash browns, eggs garnished with onions, green peppers, cheese and just a dash of seasoning, toast, and fresh greens.” Rarity beamed as she set the plates down before them. Twilight blinked at the veritable feast.

“Okay, Rarity… No more secrets. Who’s been teaching you to cook?”

“Why, nopony!” Rarity looked hurt. “I taught myself!”

“She’s nesting.” Cross Stitch grumbled before setting in on his own plate of food. Rarity sputtered into her drink.

“I am not!” Rarity flustered, shooting him an incredulous look. Twilight blinked between them.

“That’s right. You two are engaged, aren’t you?” Rarity and Cross Stitch glanced at her for a moment before sharing a sympathetic look.

“We are.” Rarity admitted. “I guess I am nesting a little… Aren’t I?”

“A little.” Cross Stitch chuckled. He jumped as Rarity aimed a kick at his knee. “Ouch.”

-----------------

“Howdy, y’all!” Applejack beamed wide as she pushed through the door. Twilight grinned as she wrapped the farmer pony in a warm hug, to be joined just a short while later by Rarity. The three of them hugged long and hard, happy to see one another after so long. “How’s things goin’ here in the big city?”

“Oh Applejack…” Twilight sighed tiredly. “ So much has happened, and I have so much to tell you...”

“Uh oh. Well, Fluttershy ain’t too far behind me, and Dash and Pinkie Pie can’t be too far either. Why don’tchya wait fer them b’fore y’all tell us?” Applejack rested a hoof on her side, making her smile bravely. True to her word, Applejack preceded Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie by only a few minutes. Fluttershy’s conservative hug was still heartwarming, and Pinkie Pie’s boisterous greeting was nothing short of eccentric. Lastly, Rainbow Dash came in, looking just as sleek and lean as ever.

“Mah goodness…” Applejack said softly once all six of them were seated around Rarity’s dining room table. “Y’all realize… This is th’ first time all six of us have been together in…”

“Months.” Twilight answered, heaving a soft sigh. “Since I was named Archmage.”

“She’s right.” Fluttershy said softly. “It’s been too long.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” There was a moment of silence between all of them as they recollected the past few months apart, how difficult it had been to be apart from one another. Twilight felt a profound ache in her breast at the thought, her gaze suddenly fixed on the tea before her. She had to shake herself from the sad thought, smiling up at the group before her.

“Let’s not focus on it.” They all looked up at her, smiling hopefully. “We’re all here now, and what matters is making the best out of this night.”

---------------

The night was easily one of the most memorable ones in Twilight’s entire life. She spent hours talking, laughing, and joking with her friends. It was such a great reprieve from the recent string of depressing events, a wonderful breather. Cross Stitch had made himself scarce, so it felt not unlike any other day with her friends that she might have spent long, long ago.

Now, though, the night was starting to wind down. Fluttershy was yawning, and the gesture was infectious. Even Rainbow Dash appeared to be flagging. Twilight finished the last of the Sweet Apple Acres cider and stood. “I think it’s time, girls.” She sighed. Everypony in the room nodded, including Rarity.

“You’re more than welcome to stay here tonight, Twilight. I have plenty of room for… Well, all of you.”

“I’d love to, believe me.” Twilight smiled. “But I’m afraid I have something to take care of…” She had to at least check on the tree before the night was out, and something she had found in a bundle of notes the other day was bugging her... Not to mention, she should probably get some rest, since she was due to check on the shields in two days. It would be her first time alone. Twilight was both excited and frightened at the thought.

“Well, I don’t mean to impose or anything darling...” Rarity drew her attention back to her friends, and she cocked her head curiously. “But we were looking at making this a... Regular get-together.” Twilight couldn’t help the silly smile that spread across her face.

“That would be incredible. Count me in.” Rarity wrapped her in a warm hug, and was soon joined by the others. Twilight’s lips seemed to be temporarily fixed in a happy smile as her friends embraced her, all of them pressing close for a few heartfelt, warm moments. When it was over, they all grinned at one another one last time and said their goodbyes.

As Twilight stepped into the chilly Canterlot air, she held her head high.

---------------------

Twilight doubled her efforts learning nature magic. She didn’t spend quite as much time tending to the young seed, the budding tree… But she read twice as much. Each book she could find on the subject of nature magic and life in general made it’s way to her reading list, and soon after to her desktop. She was averaging two books a day, and some days would read as many as four.

It wasn’t long, however, before she began to draw worried looks from the few ponies close to her. Most prominently, her fiance’. Twilight couldn’t fight the blush that crept onto her cheeks each time she caught a stray glance from Luna, or stole a quick kiss, all of it fueled by the heart-pounding thought of being actually engaged. One night, Luna took her by surprise.

“You’re working hard.” Luna said softly. Twilight blinked up at her, looking away from the current book on Gryphon-territory trees. She rubbed a hoof to the bridge of her nose and checked the time as well. It was nearly three in the morning. Last she checked, it was just before nine.

“Gable says much of nature magic isn’t individual skill or power… But it’s more about knowledge and experience. Experience takes time, so I have to work on building my knowledge base.”

“There’s a difference between working and over-working, Twilight.” Luna’s soft nuzzle melted Twilight down, made her knees weak as she felt Luna press closer. “You ought to take a break.”

“Maybe…” Twilight grumbled, pressing her face into Luna’s neck gently. “Just… Let me check on the seed once more?”

“Twilight,” Luna pulled away and rested a hoof on her cheek, looking deep into Twilight’s eyes. “I’ve been missing you for almost a week now… I know you’re worried about taking Gable’s position, but you need to focus on some other aspects of your life.” She kissed Twilight gently, stealing her breath away. Twilight felt the strength leave her knees, and she realized then how exhausted she was.

“Okay.” She whimpered gently. “Okay. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Luna whispered as her lips brushed Twilight’s ear. “Make it up to me.”

Twilight chuckled and pressed her lips against Luna’s jawline, brushing over the small batch of hairs that she knew would set the princess off. Luna whimpered and pulled Twilight closer, her hooves sliding down Twilight’s back to the joint of her tail where it met her back. Twilight released a gentle yelp, making Luna grin as she nodded towards the nearby door.

“Shall we move to bed?”

“Yes. Please.” Twilight led the two of them to the bed, slowly slipping up onto the sheets. Luna followed after, smiling to herself. Her lips found Twilight’s once more, pressing firmly together as her hooves slid down Twilight’s body.

“Is there anything you want me to do…?” Luna whispered, her lips kissing down Twilight’s front. She got no reply. “Hmm?” She kissed Twilight’s chest. “Twilight?”

Twilight’s eyes were already closed, her chest rising and falling smoothly. As Luna watched, she started to snore.

------------------

Twilight woke late into the morning, close to noon if anything. She moaned as she lifted her head, looking across her room to the soft silhouette of Luna. “Oh no…” She groaned, remembering back to the night prior.

“Yes, before you ask, you did fall asleep on me.” Luna didn’t sound upset, so Twilight relaxed a little. But that didn’t stop her from feeling horrible.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” Luna said gently, crossing the floor to kiss Twilight’s cheek. “If anything, it just proves my point. You need to take a break.”

“I know.” Twilight groaned, wrapping her forelegs around Luna’s neck. “I’ll… I’ll take a break. I promise.” The meeting just a few days ago with her friends had been just the breather that Twilight needed, but she had pushed herself harder than before after she left. She hadn’t thought of how that might have affected Luna. With a soft sigh, she pulled away and smiled at Luna.

“Okay. How about you stay with me in my room for a few days?” Luna’s suggestion made Twilight’s heart hammer. She couldn’t fight the grin that spread across her lips. “We could stock up on food, call off the committee meetings, and just…”

“Make love?” Twilight teased, leaning forward to kiss Luna’s cheek.

“Well... Yes.” Luna smiled back at her, nodding towards the door. “Just for a day or two. Just so I can have you to myself.”

“That sounds incredible…” Twilight sighed, nodding her acquiescence. “I’ll make a note to the Sunrise Committee, and ask Night Dancer and Warden to cover for me…”

“Already done.” Luna cut her off. “I asked them this morning, when they covered for your absence. It seems the two of them rather enjoy assisting Celestia and I.” Twilight grimaced but nodded softly.

“Okay. Thank you.” She was loathe to hand over responsibility so readily, to say that she was weak and unable to shoulder the burden of the position. But she needed a break. Any way she looked at it, she needed to relax and unwind. If only for a day, it’s what she needed. “Just one thing.”

“Hmm.” Luna mumbled, her lips preoccupied with kissing Twilight’s neck.

“Let me check the tree. One last time.” Luna sighed but nodded.

“One last time. Then you get your tail straight to my quarters. Understood?” Twilight chuckled at the light, teasing tone.

“I understand. It won’t take me long.” She rolled out from under Luna and slid off the bed, trotting off happily.

She made her way to Celestia’s garden surreptitiously, moving fast and quietly. She met only two servants, both of whom bowed and greeted her as she past. Upon arriving, Twilight smiled as she approached the spot where her tree was growing. Happily, she closed her eyes and let her magic penetrate the ground beneath her.

She felt nothing. Panic set in. She probed deeper, feeling around for the seed. It was there, it had to be, in one form or another. Twilight clenched her eyes and focused harder. “Oh no, oh no, oh no…” She closed her eyes and shook with the force of concentrating on the ground. Her horn began to glow as she reached out, searching for the seed, hoping against hope it was still alive…

“There!” With a gasp, Twilight found the object of her focus, her horn pulsing as she sent out waves of energy to the seed nestled in the soil. Her thoughts raced, trying to think of what to do. Gable’s words came to her.

It’s a will to see things flourish and grow, to be prosperous and healthy.

Tears build up behind her eyes as she lay down on the grass, touching her horn to the ground where the seed lay buried.

Live. Take root and grow strong, little seed. I want you to live. Her magic flooded the ground, filling the air with the sound of her energy.

Don’t give up. Never quit. Break free of your shell and spread your roots far and wide.

The seed was fading. Little by little, the soft tendril of life she felt was withdrawing back into the soil, slipping away.

NO! Don’t stop! Don’t give up! Keep growing! You can do it! Twilight’s eyes were clenched so hard tears began to seep out, falling to the ground beneath her, even as she intensified her magic. Despite her efforts, the seed kept fading. It was nearly gone. Twilight sobbed as she buried her horn into the ground.

LIVE!