Archmage - Chapter 21 “Synthesis”

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“Princess!”

“Gah! What?!” Luna momentarily forgot her royal standing as the guard burst through the door to her chamber. She had been expecting Twilight, and the sudden intrusion of the guard made her fluster uncontrollably. Her magic quickly threw the sheets back over the bed that she had been setting, and she glared at the intruding guard, trying hard to get her blush to fade.

“Come quickly! Gable sent me, he said it was urgent!” Indecency forgotten, Luna scrambled to catch up with the guard, her heart hammering in her chest as she galloped after him. Why would Gable be summoning her at this odd hour? And with such rotten timing! She had been expecting Twilight back any moment so that they could spend a few days together alone. Such was the life of a princess, she chastised herself while catching up with the guard. He led her down the hall and out onto a balcony, leaping into the air and spreading his own wings. Luna followed after without a moment’s hesitation, her own wings spreading wide to take the night air in stride. They both wheeled wide, coming around back to the castle. Luna’s heart hammered even more when she realized the guard was leading her towards the same garden Twilight had been spending so much of her time in.

“Gable.” Luna addressed the greenskeeper as she landed, her wings fluttering as she tucked them back against her body. “What’s the occasion?”

“Look.” The unicorn lifted a hoof to point off a ways, his expression a mixture of concern and… Was that reverence? Luna looked at him curiously for a few moments before following his hoof.

“Twilight!” With a gasp, Luna rushed forward, skidding to a halt over her prone lover. Twilight’s chest rose and fell slowly, smoothly. She was alive, just unconscious. Luna laid a hoof on her neck, gently shaking Twilight. “Twilight, wake up. Come on.”

“She won’t wake up any time soon, princess.” Gable approached her slowly, speaking even. “She’s exhausted. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony use that much magic.” He stood at her side, both of them looking down at the slumbering Twilight with frowns of curiosity. “There. Between her hooves.” Luna leaned in and gingerly lifted one of Twilight’s forelegs away, revealing a tiny, small sapling. “She did it.” Luna breathed a soft sigh of relief.

“Thank the stars…”

“She shouldn’t have, though.” Gable said quietly. His expression was very serious. Luna glanced at him with an arched eyebrow.

“How do you mean?”

“The tree was doomed to die from the start. I made it so. I wanted Twilight to know the taste of failure, to know that not everything she’s going to do in this particular branch of magic is going to work out to her advantage… I guess she wanted to prove me wrong no matter what.”

“Are you saying… You tried to sabotage her lesson?” Luna asked in a hushed tone.

“Not sabotage. Enhance. I didn’t get where I was without letting a few plants die in my day, Princess. Twilight needs to know that there are some plants that just plain can’t grow. However, she’s just proven me wrong.” He shook his head and turned away. “She’s skilled, princess. With the proper knowledge, she might surpass me someday very soon. Sooner than I’d care to think about.” Luna frowned at his serious tone, but remained silent as he started to walk away.

“I’ll teach Twilight what I know, and she should be more than ready to accept my position on the council. Congratulations, Princess. Your Archmage is on her way to learning everything she needs to know.”

“My Archmage?” Luna rose her head, her expression borderline annoyed.

“I see the way you look at her, Princess.” Gable spoke over his shoulder with a lazy drawl, very uncharacteristic of the normally-eccentric gardener. “Just remember to invite me to the reception. I’ll be happy to arrange the bouquet for your ceremony, as well…”

“I- hey!” Gable disappeared behind a hedge, leaving Luna alone with Twilight, who shifted slightly in her exhausted slumber. Luna sighed and hung her head. “Bugger.”

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“Mnn…” Twilight rose her head slowly, peering about at her surroundings with a bleary expression. “Wha…”

“You collapsed after bringing the tree back to life.” Luna’s voice stirred her from her slumber even more, and Twilight blinked the sleep away as Luna strode up to the edge of the bed. “You’ve been asleep for almost a whole day.” Twilight sat up at last, holding a hoof to her fuzzy head. “I don’t… What happened?” Luna smiled at her before nudging her neck with her muzzle. “Lay down, Twilight. Relax. You’re okay.” Twilight obliged with a groan, falling to her side and looking up at Luna with a slight blush on her face.

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be. Gable seems to think you performed admirably. He’s offered to let you take his council position, with a little instruction, of course.” Twilight sat back up, suddenly very awake.

“R-really?!”

“Of course.” Luna smiled at her. “He was impressed with your efforts in keeping the tree alive. In fact, the entirety of the lesson was designed to make you fail. You’ve managed to keep something alive that wasn’t supposed to live.” Luna nuzzled Twilight’s neck affectionately, smiling as Twilight shuddered at the soft touch. “I’m proud of you, Twilight.”

“Th-thanks,” Twilight muttered with a blush.There was something about it, the way Luna praised her seemed so much more meaningful than when it came from anypony else. Praise from Luna was possibly the sweetest thing she had ever experienced. She returned Luna’s soft nuzzle with a smile, trying to reign in the welling sensation of pride in her chest. Luna cut it off with a warm kiss, the kind that forced Twilight’s eyes to close and her breathing to jump. It stretched on for a few long moments, and Twilight didn’t even notice when Luna slid up onto the bed with her. The reassuring warmth of her lover, nay, her fiance’, pressed up against her. Twilight shuddered and opened her lips to the kiss, granting Luna’s tongue passage into her mouth.

“Don’t forget,” Luna pulled away with a breathy gasp, smiling as she rested her forehead against Twilight’s. “You’re mine for the next two days.”

Twilight shuddered at the thought.

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“Aah. Archmage. Glad you could make it.” Gable lifted his head as she entered the chamber, greeted by half a dozen members of the green keeping staff, and approximately ten other ponies she didn’t know. “Welcome to the Canterlot Preservation Committee. I’m glad you could finally join us.”

“It’s my pleasure, Gable. I figured for today, I would just observe? See how things are run around here?” She asked, looking about at the sixteen ponies smiling at her. Several of them looked starstruck. The others were all smiling and nodding their agreement.

“I see no reason why not. This is a progressive thing, so I’m fine with you watching this time. Though next meeting, I’d hope you would take a more active role?”

“Tell you what. If I feel comfortable contributing, I’ll jump in. That sound okay?”

“Sounds fine. Now then. I call this meeting to order at seven-forty.”

“I second.”

“Any opposed?” Twilight heard the resounding call of ‘nay’ go about the room. “Very well, meeting is in session at seven-forty. Our first order of business, as always, is to address the encroaching city limits and new buildings on our parks and woods. The Movement for Unicorn Superiority in Canterlot has issued us an ultimatum, Mares and Gentlecolts.” Gable lifted his head and with it, a document onto the table. He read from it directly.

”The Movement for Unicorn Superiority in Canterlot is issuing a notice of ultimatum to the Canterlot Preservation Committee, and it’s terms are as such: The Preservation Committee must issue a counter-demand satisfactory to the Greater Canterlot Council, detailing adequate plans for preservation of any and all flora and fauna within Canterlot city limits throughout any proposed expansion plans to be executed for a period of time to be decided upon at the next Greater Canterlot Council meeting.” He closed the document and sighed.

“Essentially, they want us to come up with a plan to protect plant life throughout any building projects that might take place, present or future… While I had originally planned on drafting this plan, they are pushing me to make it sooner rather than later. I fear I might not be ready to present it to the council by the time they want it to be ready.” One of the other committee members spoke out, lifting her hoof to gain attention.

“What is their counter-proposal? A notice of ultimatum can’t be issued without one…”

“Let’s see…” Gable unfolded the document one more time, looking it over with a serious expression. “Aah. Here we are. Failure to submit a satisfactory plan, or failure to submit a plan at all will result in the immediate and final dismissal of the Canterlot Preservation Committee, to be rectified only by a nine-tenths majority vote of the Greater Canterlot Council, and after a period of…” Gable paled obviously as he whispered the next words. “Twenty-five years…”

“That’s not right.” Twilight spoke up automatically. “Twenty-five years is much too long to disband a committee. No more than a year should suffice. And even that’s a gross overage.”

“On the contrary.” The double doors leading into the committee room burst open, and seven unicorns swept into the chambers suddenly. Twilight and the rest of the committee gasped at the sudden intrusion, though the unicorn at the lead spoke loud and clear over the muffled gasps of surprise. “Equestrian law states very clearly that the maximum amount of time any one organization or group can be disbanded is fifty-four years. If this committee fails to meet the terms of the ultimatum demand, they will be disbanded.”

This unicorn, whoever he was, was probably one of the most striking figures Twilight had seen in quite some time. He was tall and well-built, standing easily higher than Twilight, though not quite as tall as Celestia or Luna. His coat was a deep, burnt brown, dusted through with lighter shades of sage. His mark, she caught a single glimpse, was a crest of sorts. Not unlike Shining Armor’s. What’s more, he was learned... Twilight knew exactly the passage from Equestrian law he was quoting, and it wasn’t one that was found easily.

“This meeting is in session, and closed to anyone not a member of the Canterlot Preservation Committee!” Gable stood smoothly, sneering at the seven unicorns in front of him. Twilight looked between the leader and Gable several times. “You are not legally allowed to be here!”

“Again, to the contrary.” The leader of the seven unicorns pulled another document out of his saddlebags and hovered it to Gable, who snatched it up with a withering glare. “Princess Celestia herself cleared me and my six representatives of the Movement for Unicorn Superiority in Canterlot to attend your meeting, to ensure there was no confusion about our demands.

“Damnit,” Gable hovered the papers back. “Fine. What do you want? We understand your demands clearly.”

“Do you? Here to clarify is Representative Rarity.” Twilight’s eyes went wide as her friend stepped forward, previously unnoticed by Twilight.

“Rarity? What is the meaning of this?” She asked, rising to her hooves.

“I’ll discuss it later, darling. Now’s not the best time.” Rarity offered her a brave smile before her expression turned serious once again. “Consider the following to be a declaration of intent by the Movement for Unicorn Superiority in Canterlot. Provided the Canterlot Preservation Committee cannot meet our demands, and thus will be disbanded, the Movement will level all forests, woods, and standing trees in Canterlot, to be replaced with synthesized buildings, apparatus, or works of art of a magical nature in an effort to promote Canterlot as the magical capital of Equestria, and provide a better environment for magic of all kinds to flourish and prosper.” Silence rang as Rarity fell back to stand with the other six unicorns, looking surprisingly happy despite the seemingly horrific ultimatum that they had just been given. Twilight felt anger and incredulity well up within her, ready to brim over the surface. Just as she opened her mouth to retort, Gable cut her off.

“I understand. Thank you, Representative Rarity, for your clarification. If there is nothing else, I would appreciate if the representative left us to finish our meeting.”

“As you wish. Good day, Gable.” The lead unicorn flicked his tail as he gave them all a mock bow before leaving. As soon as the door closed behind them, Gabe spoke in a low and even tone. “I motion for the meeting to adjourn.”

“I… Second.”

“Any opposed?” Silence. “The motion passes. Meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for coming.” Gable turned to Twilight, his eyes flashing with something that honestly frightened Twilight. It was anger and indignation. “Archmage. Might I have a word?”

“Of course…” Twilight stayed behind until it was just her and Gable in the committee chamber, her expression worried and confused at the same time. When the last member left and the door closed behind them, Gable launched into a long-winded tirade.

“Of all the nerve! Getting the Princess involved in such trifling matters as one pony’s vendetta against me and everything good in Canterlot! He just waltzes in here with that damned mare, spouting demands and ultimatums and, UGH! I’m SICK of bureaucracy! What happened to the days when two unicorns would settled their differences with a duel, and the winner would have his way?”

“Hey, that mare is my friend.” Twilight drew her brow down, feeling defensive as Gable sputtered. He glanced at her, the fire dying in his eyes for a moment.

“That was…?”

“The element of generosity herself. But don’t get me wrong. I’m just as shocked as you are.” She looked at the door that Rarity had left through, frowning as she thought about this new development. “Let me have a talk with her, Gable. I’m sure she’ll be willing to tell me what the movement is up to…” More than that, it was Rarity speaking of buildings of a synthetic nature that had her worried.

“Okay. Oh, and Twilight?”

“Hmm?”

“I know there’s a lot on your plate right now, but… Might I ask something of you?”

“Of course, Gable. You can ask me anything.”

“Well... This is more as your teacher than anything else, but I think you should draft the counter-proposal. It’ll help you to learn the proper council proceedings, and get used to holding my position at the same time. Besides, I’m lousy at that sort of thing... I doubt I’d even be able to get it done before the Greater Canterlot Council.” Twilight brought the mental picture of her schedule up, thinking hard on all the things she had to do.

“Yes,” She said confidently. “Yes, I think I can help you out…” After the weekend with Luna, Twilight felt like she could do anything. This was within the realm of possibility for her. She smiled bravely at Gable, feeling happy at the warm smile she got in return.

“Thank you, Archmage. It means much to hear you say that.”

“Just glad I could help, Gable. Now, if you’ll excuse me… I need to have a chat with Rarity.”

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“Darling! So good to see you again!” Rarity beamed as Twilight stepped into her boutique, wrapping her in a warm hug. “Fancy meeting you at the meeting earlier. I assume you’re here because of my involvement in the movement?”

“Eer, yes, actually.” Twilight furrowed her brow at Rarity, though she didn’t miss the happy exuberance behind the hug. “Rarity, why?” Twilight was honestly shocked to learn that Rarity stood behind such a ridiculous proposal as the one the movement brought to the table.

“Oh, darling, you don’t even know!” Rarity seemed suddenly swept up with happiness. “Come, sit down, I’ll tell you all about it.” Rarity ushered Twilight into her sitting room, bustling about as she came up with two steaming cups of tea. “How have you been, dear?”

“Fine, Rarity. The movement?”

“Right. Well, Regal has the most brilliant plan-“

“Regal? Who’s that?”

“Oh, the leader of the movement, dear! The one who showed up at the committee meeting.” Rarity grinned over the edge of her cup at Twilight. “He’s Saddle-Arabian.”

“Huh. What does he have to do with the movement?”

“He’s the one who organized it! You see, he discovered this whole new branch of magic that-“ Twilight didn’t hear anything past that. Her heart thundered in her hears, the cup of tea held in her shaking hooves unsteadily. A whole new branch of magic? Twilight was only vaguely aware of Rarity prattling on about the noble ideal of saddle-arabian royalty and how important they were to Equestrian culture, and how amazing Regal was, whoever he was. Twilight had to stop her after a while.

“You said he discovered a whole new branch of magic?”

“Hmm? Oh yes, darling! It’s simply incredible!” Rarity set her tea cup down. “Forgive me. I know you’re the Archmage, I nearly forgot.” Rarity slid off of her chair, walking a short distance into the room. Twilight watched, completely stunned, as Rarity’s horn began to glow with a brilliant blue light. With wide eyes, Twilight saw something begin to swirl in the air. Hovering just a few inches away from Rarity’s horn, something began to materialize. Twilight realized then what was happening. Rarity was creating.

“Rarity…”

“Almost done… Aah! There.” With a flourish, Rarity’s magic died off, leaving behind a bright bolt of cloth before them. “You see, darling? Using nothing but my magic, I can create things. Mind you, it’s only temporary. It’ll fade after about a week, though there are spells to make it more permanent. I can cut out the cost of fabric for my dress lines almost entirely!” She waved the bolt in front of Twilight's face, as if taunting her with it. “Go on, darling. Give it a feel.” Twilight obliged, raising a tentative hoof to run over the fabric.

“It’s… Silk.”

“You’ve got it, dear. Fine silk, the likes of which is incredibly difficult to make naturally. With our magic, we can now create things of finer quality than those… Rough and unrefined things you buy in the market.”

“Rarity, this is…”

“Oh dear…” Rarity’s tone was ominous.

“This is incredible!”

“Say what now?”

“This is fantastic!” Twilight deposited the bolt of silk cloth onto the couch, bounding up energetically. “This is a development the likes of which Equestria hasn’t seen in… Ages! Why, I doubt there’s anypony in history who could have accomplished such a thing!”

“Oh. Dear. I was afraid you’d oppose it.”

“No, don’t get me wrong, Regal’s a complete moron for thinking he can take over Canterlot with this movement. But this magic!” Twilight’s mind was brimming with questions and possibilities. They all came to one conclusion. “I have to meet him!”

“Huhwha?” Rarity was dumbstruck. “Meet him?”

“Immediately! It’s important!”

“Oh, uuh… I don’t think.”

“I don’t think he’ll be able to deny a request from the Archmage.” Twilight grinned and trotted to the door of Rarity’s boutique, flicking her tail with excitement.

“Twilight?” Rarity’s voice stopped her. “Promise me you won’t go overboard? The movement…”

“Hmm? Oh, I’m stopping the movement. You’d be foolish to stand behind it, Rarity.” Twilight waved her off, but Rarity flustered, holding her up.

“Wh… Why?! Twilight, you don’t honestly think-“

“I don’t think Canterlot, or all of Equestria for that matter, is better off without plant life. Rarity, you want to uproot every plant that exists in the city! Do you know how foolish that is?”

“But, you see…” Rarity’s mouth opened and closed a few more times, but she couldn’t come up with anything.

“I’d disassociate yourself with the movement now, Rarity. If this Regal character pushes the matter any further, he might be met with opposition, and legal action might be taken… I don’t want you mixed up in any of that.”

“Oh, okay… But, Twilight?” Rarity stopped her yet again. Twilight huffed at the door.

“Yes?”

“Take it easy on him…?” She blinked at Rarity a few times.

“Take it easy on… Regal?” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“N-no reason! I just… Oh, get going. I have to write some letters.” Rarity turned and left Twilight at the door. Any other time, Twilight would have pressed the matter further, but she was too excited. There were plans to be made. Letters to be written. Proposals to be drafted. And most importantly, foreign ponies to question. Twilight grinned as she made her way back to the castle.

New magic. The magic of synthesis.