Archmage - Chapter 33 “Protégés and Premonitions”

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“Sit still, Twilight.” Luna chided. Twilight shot her a quick grimace, but that earned her another disapproving glare from the painter.

“This is ridiculous.” Twilight muttered through gritted teeth. She fought to keep her eyes focused on the ridiculous duck the painter had set on a sidetable on the other side of the room. She was supposed to stare at it while the painter finished her portrait.

“It’s tradition. All Archmages need to have their portraits painted once they assume all their duties.” Luna walked a half-circle behind the painter, glancing at the portrait in progress now and then. The painter was frowning with intensity as he continued to guide the brush over the canvas. Twilight had been sitting in place, staring at the stupid duck for over an hour.

“It’s because I’m here that I can’t do those duties.” Twilight grumbled.

“Sit still.” The painter growled back at her. She shot him a quick glance before fixing her gaze on the ridiculous duck once more. It looked like some foal’s bathtub toy. It probably even squeaked. Twilight wanted to shred the damned thing. Luna was enjoying herself immensely. Twilight could see the princess’ lips spread in a teasing smile as Twilight was forced to endure this torture.

“Nearly finished, Twilight.” Luna said softly. Twilight frowned. The painter sighed and rolled his eyes, making Twilight force the friendly but disinterested look back onto her face. Her jaw was beginning to cramp. It felt like she had grit her teeth since the beginning. She wasn’t allowed to frown. Not yet, anyways. With a sigh, she forced herself to stare at the duck a while longer.

“Okay.” The artist sighed. “I’ve finished with your face. You can move your head.”

“Wait…” Twilight blinked and looked back at him, frowning intently. “You’ve just been doing my head this entire time?”

“Well… Yes…” The artist looked between Luna and Twilight. Twilight could see in his eyes, he had just come to the realization that he was in the same room as the lunar princess and the most powerful unicorn in Canterlot. He swallowed and blushed a little. “It’s… A time-consuming process. I’m sorry for the delay, Archmage.” Twilight wanted to snap at him, but she took a deep breath and calmed herself.

“It’s fine.” She breathed. “How long will it take until you’re finished with what you need from me?”

“Well, the face is the hardest part.” The artist waved his brush at the canvas. “I can sketch out the rough frame of the rest of your body in about half an hour.”

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled for the first time since meeting the painter, and she was thankful for the opportunity to move her head at last. She didn’t have to stare at the obnoxious duck. She looked at Luna instead, watching the princess as she paced. Something appeared to be on her mind, but given the current company, Twilight didn’t think it’d be appropriate to address her about it. Now and then, Luna would pause and raise a hoof to her pendant. Twilight wore hers proudly. She hadn’t taken it off except to shower.

“We’re finished here, Archmage. Thank you for your patience.” The painter sighed after another twenty minutes, slowly turning his easel around. “What do you think?” Twilight stood on her giddy legs, thankful to finally stretch. She padded over to the easel, looking over her unfinished portrait.

“Oh wow.” She breathed. “This is incredible.” It appeared as if he had captured every last detail of her face. From the delicate corner of her mouth to the flat of her nose, her brow, and even her mane, he hadn’t missed a single small detail. Twilight could have sworn she was looking into a mirror. A colorless and plain mirror, but a mirror nevertheless. She could understand why such a thing would take so long now.

“Well, it isn’t quite finished yet-“

“No, this is amazing.” Twilight breathed, looking over the rest. “I can’t wait until it’s finished. I’m not so angry at having to stare at that silly duck for so long.” She cast a quick glare at the visual aid. She reached out with her magic and lifted it off of the end table, frowning intently.

“S-sorry. I haven’t found anything more suitable just yet.”

“Does it squeak?” Twilight asked, frowning at the duck.

“S-sorry?”

“The duck. Does it squeak?” Twilight repeated her question, still frowning.

“I… Yes.” The artist mumbled. Twilight gave the duck a gentle, apprehensive bit of pressure. Sure enough, it emitted a very obviously toy-like squeak.

“By the stars.” She groaned, handing the toy off to the artist. “The damned duck squeaks.”

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“He seemed nice.” Luna offered, watching the door close behind the artist.

“Nice enough.” Twilight grumbled, padding to the solitary window in the room. She looked out over the starlit city, all of the glimmering lights of the homes looking almost like a golden sea of stars, beneath the pale light of the countless pinpricks of light in the sky. She opened the window and breathed deep the cool night air, letting her lungs fill with the calming scents of a slumbering city. Something about the night air in Canterlot had a calming effect on her. During the day, ponies bustled to and fro, kicking up dirt and dust, making a ruckus. When it was quiet and cool, Twilight felt at peace.

“Something on your mind?” Luna asked, sliding up to Twilight’s side. Twilight glanced at her before looking back out over the city.

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Twilight returned, leaning over to press against Luna’s warm side. The princess sighed and nuzzled Twilight’s mane. Twilight could tell something was bothering her. Whatever it was, it was serious. Luna was normally very open with her, but today, she had seemed reserved. Guarded, almost. Twilight was concerned.

“I suppose I could tell you.” Luna looked out of the window alongside Twilight. Her soft frown slowly turned into a serene, peaceful smile. “You’re a true Archmage now. You’ve learned all there is to learn about the different branches of magic, or you will soon enough.” Luna turned her gaze back down to Twilight, and her smile widened. But tears glistened in her eyes. “You’re a real Archamge now. You’re not my student, or Celestia’s… You’re a real, full-blown Archmage.” As she spoke, her tears spilled over. They tracked long streaks down her cheeks until they dripped from her chin. Twilight reached a hoof out to catch the last one, feeling a profound sense of sadness wash over her. She hated to see Luna cry.

“Why are you sad?” Twilight asked quietly, looking up at Luna’s brilliant, brimming eyes.

“I’m not sad.” Luna sniffed. “I honestly don’t know why I’m crying. I’m just… I don’t know.” She stepped forward into Twilight’s embrace, hugging her back as the tears came fast and free. “I’m happy for you. For us. I really am.” Luna continued, burying her face in Twilight’s mane. She was trembling. “I don’t know why I’m crying…”

Somehow, Twilight knew Luna had a very good reason to be crying. But what it was remained a mystery to her. Rather than pry, Twilight let the princess sob against her shoulder.

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“Archmage. The candidates you sent for are here.” The guard drew her out of her reverie. Twilight smiled and shut her book, nodding to the pegasus.

“Send them in, please.” With a salute, the guard left her alone in the library, but only for a moment. Hesitantly, a shy young unicorn entered, looking around at the massive shelves packed with books before spotting Twilight sitting at a candlelit table.

“Archmage?”

“You can call me Twilight.” Twilight stood from her chair, going to meet her prospective student. “It’s nice to meet you, Mist.”

“Th-thank you, Arch-eer… Twilight.” Mist was a modest unicorn from the same school Twilight had attended before she became Celestia’s pupil. Her coat was a light turquoise, and her mark was a grey cloud of misty droplets. She had a pure white mane held back in a simple braid, and a long, free-swinging tail. She was rather attractive, but Twilight could tell right away she was incredibly shy. Her cheeks were flushed, and she appeared to be fascinated with the floor beneath her hooves.

“Come on, take a seat.” Twilight smiled, sitting back down at the table. Mist slid into the chair opposite her, rubbing her foreleg with the opposite hoof. “So…” Twilight led into the conversation. “Do you know why I sent for you today?”

“Y-yes… You’re looking for a student.” Mist mumbled, glancing at Twilight shyly. Twilight smiled kindly and nodded.

“Indeed I am. I took a look at your reports, Mist. You have a lot of interesting theories about elemental magic. I’m intrigued. Your marks are more than satisfactory, and your instructors are pleased with your progress. If you think you can handle a little bit more of a workload, I’d be interested in taking you on as a student.”

“Oh.” Mist looked crestfallen. She shivered slightly before looking up at Twilight. If her mane covered her eye at all, she would have reminded Twilight of Fluttershy. “I, uh… Truth be told, er, Twilight… I’m actually struggling a lot with my classes right now.” Mist whimpered a little, looking back down at the table. “I don’t think I can handle any more of a workload.”

“Oh. Okay.” Twilight frowned, which caused Mist’s eyes to well up with tears.

“I’m s-sorry, Archmage. I don’t mean to upset you.”

“No, it’s fine, Mist. I understand.” Twilight smiled and reached across the table to lay a hoof on Mist’s shoulder. “Relax. I have other candidates. But, I am still interested in your elemental theories. How would you feel about just taking a lesson or two on the side?”

“I… I don’t know.”

“Just once a week?” Twilight offered. “How about Tuesdays, after lunch?”

“I… Okay.” Mist smiled, wiping a hoof over her eyes. “Th-thank you… Twilight.”

“I should be the one thanking you, Mist. Does tomorrow work, or should we wait until next Tuesday?”

“I… I’d like to wait until next Tuesday, if that’s okay with you. I have some notes to gather.”

“Perfect. Next Tuesday it is.” Twilight whipped her schedule out from the stack of books beside her and quickly penned Mist in for the slot after lunch with Luna the next Tuesday. “I’ll see you then, Mist.”

“Th… Thank you!” Mist’s cheeks flushed even brighter as she veritably dashed out of the library. Twilight still had her hoof raised, waving goodbye to her when the unicorn burst through the doors. The guard poked his head in quizzically.

“Is she okay?”

“That’s what I’m wondering.” Twilight mused, frowning after the turquoise mare. “I’m sure she’ll be fine… Could you send the next one in, please?”

“Yes, Archmage.” The guard left the door, but was soon replaced by a blue-coated unicorn, with a shock of white hair. His mark was a crest, not unlike Shining Armor’s.

“You’re Silver, no?” Twilight advanced towards the unicorn with a warm smile. She was greeted with a frown. It appeared Silver wasn’t the sort to be friendly.

“That’s me. You sent for me, Archmage?” He grumbled. Twilight could tell, he didn’t want to be anywhere near her at that moment.

“Indeed. Please, won’t you have a seat with me?”

“I’d rather stand, thanks.”

“Okay…” So there would be no friendliness between them. Twilight’s expression turned from friendly to serious in a moment. “Right to business, then. I’ve monitored the reports on your progress and education. I’d like to take you on as a personal student. You’d take your lessons directly from me. Your workload would be more than an average unicorn could hope to handle, but I’d think the payoff would be worth it. Do you agree?”

“I refuse.” Silver didn’t even seem to give it a second thought. Twilight was miffed, but she didn’t let it show.

“Suit yourself. The offer stands, should you decide to change your mind. Good day.” At her dismissal, Silver turned and left. He didn’t even look over his shoulder at her. Whatever it was about him that made him seem so gruff and uncaring, Twilight didn’t like it. Which was sad. Of the three candidates, he showed great promise. But there was still one left.

“Send in the last candidate, please.” Twilight called to the guard. She went back to the table with her book, sighing at the chain of events. Mist was too meek to handle the workload Twilight had in mind, and Silver appeared to want nothing from her. Her last hope was the last candidate. “Hello, Archer.” She smiled kindly at the last candidate, a grey-coated stallion whose mark sported a bow and arrow. He kept his mane cut short, and his tail was braided tightly. He was an upstanding guard pony renown for his prowess with combat magic. Twilight was intrigued by his recent interest in learning more advanced fields of magic.

“Good evening, Archmage. Pleased to meet you.” Despite his lean, muscled appearance, Archer had a kind face. He smiled brightly at her as he approached, taking the seat opposite hers. “Let me begin by saying I’m honored you would seek an audience with me. I wasn’t given many details on why you asked me here, but I’m excited to meet with you anyways.” His smile was both genuine and heartwarming. Compared to the last two candidates, Twilight was already impressed. She returned his warm smile.

“You’re welcome to call me Twilight, Archer. Truth be told, I’ve received reports of your interest in the studies of magic from your commanding officer. He says you’re looking to expand your repertoire. As it stands, I’m looking for a student.” She laid her hooves on the table, smiling at him to signify the connection. “How would you like to take lessons from the Archmage herself?”

“I… I’d be honored!” Archer beamed at her, standing up from his chair immediately. “I… I have my other guard duties to attend to-“

“Not while you’re studying under me you don’t.” Twilight cut him off. “Commander Bastion is something of a friend of mine. While you’re my student, you have full excuse from your duties as a guard. On one condition, of course.” Twilight wave a hoof dismissively. “In the event of a catastrophic event, you’d of course be re-deployed to your current unit immediately… Unless Bastion signs off on your ability, and you’re re-assigned to the elite unicorn corps… Either way, your skill will be necessary for defending Equestria. Be it one week or one decade into your training under me.”

“I… Wow. This is a lot to process.” Archer rubbed the back of his neck with a hoof. She could tell he was reeling at the implications of studying underneath an Archmage.

“Would you like some time to consider?” Twilight offered with a coy smile.

“N-no! Not at all, ma’am! I accept. I can start right away, if you’d like…” Archer turned to the nearest bookshelf, his horn already glowing. Twilight didn’t miss the signature glow of his brilliant crimson magic. It offered a stark contrast to his dark grey coat and white mane. He was an imposing figure to say the least. He had enthusiasm and courage, at least. Twilight cut him off with a quick, clipped interruption.

“Relax, Archer. I won’t ask you to jump to immediately.” Twilight’s smile obviously disarmed the unicorn. He blinked at her, frowning a little with confusion. “I have a few things I need you to acquire first. Chiefly stationery, but a few reference books as well. You can find them all at the main library. Return to this library tomorrow at six P.M. with a fair amount of quills, seven scrolls, two notebooks, a planner, and this list of books.” Twilight’s horn glowed as she pulled a small slip of paper from between her stack of books. Archer accepted it readily, surveying the list with an intent frown.

“Seven Ellipsi? He frowned. “I’m not familiar with that book.”

“It’s not entirely common, that’s for sure. But it’s fundamental for advanced magical studies. Bring it and the others here tomorrow night. Understood?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Archer gave her a salute before turning and curtly walking away. Twilight could tell; that was a pony with a mission. She smiled, despite the farcical salute he had given her. When the door shut behind him, Twilight was not alone in the library.

“He seems nice.” Luna said softly, emerging from seemingly nowhere. Twilight nearly started, but couldn’t really be taken by surprise anymore. She smiled and glanced at her lover before picking up the book once more.

“He was my second pick overall.” She mused, flipping a page.

“First being?”

“Silver.” She muttered, frowning at the passage. She could tell Luna’s own face mirrored hers.

“Why?”

“He showed promise. Rapid development, a passion for magic, a varied portfolio… I’d have enjoyed teaching him.”

“I honestly thought you’d have picked Mist first.” Luna sighed, slipping up to Twilight’s side. It was Twilight’s turn to question Luna then.

“Why Mist?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Luna asked, leaning into pull Twilight’s ear between her lips. “She’s sexy.”

“Get out!” Twilight shied away from the shiver-inducing gesture, giving Luna a playful shove. “You don’t really think-“

“She’s cute as anything I’ve ever seen.” Luna teased, sweeping back in to tease Twilight’s ear some more. “Cuter than you when you do that thing with your tail.”

“Luna-“ Twilight whimpered. “Stop…” Her weak plea fell on deaf ears. Luna continued to assault her ear, kissing and suckling with an eager sort of passion Twilight was loathe to admit she had missed more than anything. “You don’t- aah… Really think she’s that cute, do you?”

“Hmm…” Luna’s teasing moan sent a completely unwarranted shiver down Twilight’s spine. “I don’t know… You’re coming closer and closer to beating her for the top spot.”

“Luna, seriously.” Twilight ducked out of the embrace, looking up at the princess with wide eyes. “You don’t actually have eyes for her?”

“Of course not.” Luna blinked at her. Her lips split into a grin then. “You’re jealous.”

“I am not!” Twilight scoffed, giving Luna another playful shove.

“You are! Oh my goodness, Twilight, you envy her!” Luna swooped in, pressing her chest tight to Twilight’s. Her forelegs wrapped around the purple unicorn’s slender frame, pulling her even tighter into a passionate embrace. “You’re so cute when you’re angry.”

“Tell that to the mountain.” Twilight grumbled. As much as she hated Luna’s incorrigible teasing, she nuzzled against the princess’ chest anyways. Inhaling deep the scent of her lover, Twilight slowly closed her eyes. “Call me paranoid.”

“No need to be.” Luna rubbed slow circles up and down Twilight’s back. “I have eyes only for you, my little Archmage…”

“Hmm…” Twilight wasn’t so vain to think Luna would betray their love like that, but hearing the princess allay her fears was comforting nevertheless. She heaved a soft sigh and leaned further into the warm hug.

“Though I wouldn’t mind a threesom-“

“OH SHUT UP!”

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“Good evening, Archer.” Twilight smiled over her shoulder as the library door opened. Archer blushed as he pushed his way in, hoisting his saddlebags higher on his flanks.

“Sorry I’m so early.” He muttered under his breath. “I couldn’t wait any longer.”

“No worries.” Twilight shut the book she was reading with an audible snap, turning to face her new protégé. “I’m glad you showed up so early. We can begin whenever you feel ready.”

“R-really?”

“Mmhmm. Now, come here.” Twilight’s horn began to glow as she hovered a small selection of books from the shelves of the library, setting them out on the table before them. Archer padded across the heavily carpeted floor of the library towards the table Twilight had prepared. “I trust you have all the supplies I requested you bring?”

“Y-yes, Archmage.” Archer’s own horn glowed as he began pulling the supplies from his bag. He held them in suspension, looking around for a place to set them. He settled for a corner of the cluttered table. Twilight nodded her satisfaction and turned both of their attention to the books before them.

“The way I understand it, you’re already a skilled magician. You specialize in combat spells, preferably those cast from a mid-range distance. Am I correct?”

“Y… You are.” Archer frowned. He appeared miffed that Twilight knew so much about him already. Twilight shrugged his irksome expression off and turned back to the books.

“Well, you need a much more varied repertoire if you’re going to be my student. Underneath my tutelage, you will learn about the magic of the night, elements, friendship, and the light.” Twilight nodded to each book as she spoke. The one on the magic of friendship was her own work, published while she studied under Celestia. She was the leading authority on that particular branch of magic. “Additionally, you’ll need to learn shielding. So you will begin accompanying me on my excursions into the caverns beneath Canterlot. Once a week, you and I will go down below the city, and I will teach you about shielding. That’s going to be more of a hoofs-on approach.” Twilight smiled at the thought of teaching a student first-hoof.

“Wow, really?” Archer showed a bit of genuine emotion as he looked at her with a shocked expression. “I get to go down there?”

“Of course.” Twilight nodded. “Wouldn’t do to teach you any other way.”

“But… The caverns are dangerous.”

“Trust me,” Twilight chuckled. “You don’t need to tell me…” The memory of her tutoring at the hoofs of Bastion was fresh in her mind still. The terror of passing through the core’s shields for the first time woke her in a cold sweat some nights. Much to Luna’s annoyance. “Anywho. Let’s begin with the elements. I’m relatively new to this branch of magic myself, so you and I will be stepping into the unknown together.” Twilight hoisted the same book she had read on the elements herself and passed it off to Archer. “I want you to read this book and give me a full report in two day’s time. Submit it to me in written form. Afterwards, if I find your progress to be satisfactory, I will take you into a partition, and help you form a connection to the elements.”

“Y-yes, ma’am.”

“Call me Twilight.”

“Twilight. Sorry.”

“Heh. It’s okay. Anywho, you have your assignment, Archer. I expect your report in two day’s time. Understood?”

“Yes. I will see you Thursday, Twilight.” Archer gave her a warm smile as he tucked the book in his saddlebags. Twilight looked at him seriously for a few long moments before nodding and giving him a quick smile.

“See you then.” She turned and walked for the door, but was stopped by Archer clearing his throat.

“Something on your mind, student?” She asked, without turning to him. She could hear him shift about, and feel the intensity of his stare bore into the back of her head.

“If it isn’t too much to ask… What will you be doing during my studies?”

At that, Twilight turned her head. She smiled at him over her shoulder.

“I’ve got my own duties to fulfill. See you Thursday, Archer.”