THE CAPITAL EVENING: Events of the week
№5.10.1258
A talk with a legend
Author: Persistent Discover
I confess, dear readers, that yesterday I had difficulty sleeping. Despite the difficult day at work, even though I already had experience of meetings like this one, I could not calm my thoughts in my head and get rid of the feeling of anticipation. In the morning, as I put on my neatly pressed suit and adjusted my tie, I could only spin the dozens of questions that had been swirling in my head since our first meeting. I've been to the palace, the beautiful home of our beloved and incredible Sun Princess Celestia, several times before. But now my escort took me on a different route. There, on guard of the high gates, the heroes of horror stories, urban legends, and other idle tales stood unwavering as statues, pony pegasi with wings like bats: the thestral. Their commander gave me a stern look, checked some list, and, having singled out his escort, allowed me to enter the night wing of the palace. The mysterious possessions of secret Princess Luna, unseen by the general public, where I had an appointment. The rich furnishings in calm or dark colors, paintings on the walls and the reigning silent calmness there were in stark contrast with the rest of the palace, where usually the glitter, colors and fuss ruled the ball. Under the vaults of the walls of the Night Princess one wants to be reverently silent and to step as quietly as possible in order not to break this strict and a little bit harsh silence. Finally, a somewhat gloomy-looking guard thestral, who seemed to be trying not to let me out of his sight the whole way, turned to one of the doors and pressed the bell. There was permission to enter, and my guide, who opened the door, nodded at me with a silent, insistent invitation to an audience. The pony, whom I had longed to speak to and for whom I had prepared so long for an interview, met me, reclining on the cushions behind a low table, and invited me to join her tea party with an elegant gesture of her shoe. I dared to hesitate for a few moments, admiring the mare before me. The black hair was glossy, complemented by contrasting silver-blue shoes and a breastplate, more like armor than regalia; the incredible mane and tail scattered across the carpet, resembling the night sky dotted with slightly twinkling stars; the turquoise eyes with an unusual vertical pupil, watching me with a slight irony from under the half-closed eyelids. Her Grace Acquired Princess Nightmare Moon was beautiful. “Good day, Persistent. I can see it in your eyes, I'll be in trouble. Make yourself comfortable, don't hover over me. Tea?” She greeted me with an ironic chuckle. I hurriedly settled down at the table, scolding myself for being unprofessionally distracted at such a moment (I'll take that as a compliment - note. NM). “I'm sorry, I was struck down. You are, as always, unparalleled, Nightmare. It's a pleasure to finally meet you.” “Alas, the opportunity did not present itself sooner. Government business - no matter how clichéd it may sound.” “Well, not everything in life happens the way we'd like it to. But nevertheless, I'm glad that you found time for this meeting after all. How are you feeling?” “Surprisingly not bad.” “Well, that's wonderful. So... About three weeks ago, Princess Celestia gave you a big public welcome, thanking you for saving Equestria and lamenting that her sister, Princess Luna, had suffered in a battle in the dream world and couldn't attend the celebration. What happened then?” “Do you know how night nightmares work? They are entities that feed on the negative emotions of sleepers. To get more of those emotions, they pull all sorts of negativity to the surface, which turns into a nightmare dream for the pony. As it feeds, the nightmare grows and becomes stronger. Since dream-walking had essentially been long forgotten in Equestria, and no one dealt with nightmares - many of them have managed to fatten beyond repair, and a powerful enough nightmare, for a second, can tear the fabric of reality and crawl out into our, the material world.” "Wow! Is it dangerous?” “Would it be dangerous if your nightmares came true?” “I guess it would.” “That’s the point. It was almost exactly the kind of thing Luna and I had stopped, and we didn't let it build up the strength to break through here to us. Luna got a beating, I was hurt as well, but we’ve managed, so nopony will face their worst nightmare in real life for a while.” “Thank you.” “That’s the job.” “Back to Princess Luna - how do you comment on her sensational statement? Admittedly, it was like a snowfall on the Summer Sun Celebration and, as many believe, threw a shadow over both herself and Princess Celestia.” “Admitting her mistakes, and that kind of mistakes, and in public, and not having fully recovered from her wounds by that time - that deserves a lot of respect, you know. Admit it - it would have been much easier for her to keep quiet, and no one would have known, but...” “Do you think she did it for you?” “To some extent, perhaps. But for her own sake, too. Conscience is not capable of withstanding everything in the world. But, in any case, I can't help but respect Luna for what she did. Few ones would have had the courage to do it. That's why I, personally, don't see a shadow here.” “And Princess Celestia? After all, according to Princess Luna, it turns out that she interpreted our story rather loosely, at least - in the part of her sister's life.” “If I hadn't come back, there would have been no question at all, but the Elements had suddenly decided that Nightmare Moon would still be useful here. And Tia, like any decent sister, wanted the best for Luna. I doubt, by the way, that she wrote the story herself or directly told them what to write. Though I don't rule it out either. But the ponies could very well have molded this image without her involvement, as they did with the Nightmare Night, for example. Pure folklore.” “By the way, how do you feel about this holiday?” “Masquerading as monsters so that the evil me who wakes up on the Moon once a year, after looking at Equus and getting "taxes from the subjects," would decide that things there are bad enough and change her mind about going back? Strongly thought out, honestly - impressed. One good thing: before the "taxes" were carried to the statues representing me, but now you'll carry them directly to me. I don't know what you did with all that before, but now... It was your idea, your fault!” “Don't laugh like that, please! It... Scares a bit.” “Just a bit? Okay, I’ll work with the evil laughter, “a bit” isn't the thing.” “About that... I've heard in passing that you like to be feared. Is that true?” “It happens when I'm in the mood. But, as a rule, it still annoys rather than amuses me. I start to get angry and forcefully drag the alarmists out from under the tables with my telekinesis.” “I'll try not to be afraid of you without a reason. And I'll ask one of those risky questions that I've heard you might get angry about. May I?” “Someone here just promised not to be afraid - why ask, then? Say it right away - and accept the consequences. You'll be remembered as a hero.” “Well... You once had a serious quarrel with Princess Luna, and even fought with her - although, given her recent confession, the reasons are understandable. What is your relationship now? Are you two at peace now?” “No. But we stopped the hostility, too, for a number of reasons. I won't tell you how she feels about me - you'll ask yourself if an opportunity appears, but I feel about her... I guess you could call it respectful armed neutrality.” “And what does it mean?” “I respect her and am ready to interact for mutual benefit, but I have no desire to communicate just like that, as a friend, and tolerate her around longer than necessary.” “An unexpectedly frank answer from a pony in your position. Do you not fear that your words may be used against you?” “I can't stand politics and backroom games - and yet I just got back from a business trip where all I had to do was them. So, let me be honest: such "exploiters", if they appear, run a great risk of regretting it. Sooner or later the rule "don't try to drag Nightmare Moon into politics" will become unspoken, common knowledge and mandatory for everyone who cares about health.” “It’s... Harsh.” “I'm just warning in advance, so that those who took the risk won't be offended by the fact that "that was cruel and for no reason at all”. It would be easier for me to silence everyone involved, one way or another, than to deal with the aftermath. Or turn them all in to Tia - let her sort it out. Let Daybreaker reeducate them, for instance.” “Yeah, Princess Celestia's second form... it's very awe-inspiring. But you speak of it so calmly, as if such violence would have no consequences.” “Tia will understand me. And if she doesn't, I'll go into exile for ten years, travel around until she cools down. But the next generation, maybe, will realize something for themselves. I like it when everything is simple and clear, and that is not the case in intrigues.” "Alicorns think in generations, don't they?” “Honestly - I’m frightened myself.” “This month probably flew by unnoticed at all for such a long-living creature like you?” “Partially. There was a lot of work to do. Just got done with the nightmare - now I had to make peace between the thestrals and the reality. First the guards in the palace, and then - to fly to them, in the mountains, and try to imitate diplomacy there in general for everyone. I was mostly growling at them and trying to get them to walk in formation, to be honest... It was good that Luna came to a bit of her senses after a week and a half and flew to help me. We worked together for a while, then I came back here. And then, not a week later, you and I met today.” “And, if it's no secret, what happened to the thestrals?” “They don't trust the day ponies, especially they don't trust Celestia, like at all. Some of them want to follow Luna, some of them want to follow me, some of them cry "We can do it ourselves!” and some of them want to call for peace, and some of them want to overthrow Celestia in favor of either Luna or me. In the end, they couldn't decide how, where, and why they should all go together, so they started... let's call it "quarreling”. “Would you agree to rule in place of deposed Princess Celestia?” “Yeah, such a nice “gift” for me, Discovery! Especially since Tia is my close friend, and I won't let anyone to make a coup against her. And Luna has the same title, so it doesn't make sense, even if she had the desire.” “Well, it's a real shame that things went this way with the thestrals... Tell me, did you manage to reconcile them?” “Hard to say. I’m here, not in Solar Fall. But Luna continues to work with them, and at the time of my departure, positive developments were noticeable. Perhaps Luna, sooner or later, will finally succeed in overcoming their stubbornness and radicalism.” “Why did you leave?” “My part of the work there is finished, and I hope I will not be needed anymore, because that in itself would not be a good sign. I cooled the hot heads, cleared the ground for the quiet and fruitful work of Luna, and dealt with my supporters to the best of my ability. The next step is persuasion, the unraveling of a pile of intrigue, and the construction of a system of checks and balances. Luna felt she had to do it herself: the thestrals are her people, after all. So, they are indeed her achievement, which I have no claim to, though some of the thestrals are inclined to think of me, not Luna, as the Great Mother.” “Let's hope Princess Luna succeeds, and that these unusual ponies will soon be free to live among us as friends.” “If nopony runs away screaming in terror, it's possible.” “I hope it won't get like this. And, speaking of unusual ponies, what can you tell us about Daybreaker? Who is she, and what is she like? To tell you the truth, it's unlikely that the vast majority of ponies understand who she is. And quite a few continue to worry about the health of our beloved Princess, including, embarrassingly, her mental health!” “Daybreaker is quite similar to what I was about six hundred years ago. No one can tell you exactly how entities like us appear, though I have some theory, which is also based on personal experience. “Will you share?” “Alicorns, because of their longevity and difference in power, and because of their somewhat isolated position from the other ponies, are very lonely creatures. And when you have so much power, but no friends at all - just your awe-struck subjects, which heed only to your word, none of whom even dare to pay you a compliment or give you a long look - you, sooner or later, involuntarily combine the two and make a friend for yourself. Don't ask how exactly this works - no one knows, for good or for bad. “Admittedly, I find it hard to believe in the loneliness of Princesses... There are so many things, so many ponies around, none of whom will refuse their friendship!” “Then ask Tia to come to an interview. Sit in some restaurant, give her some tea, offer your friendship - why not? See? Prostration for a minute and a pitying look that says, "But you can't do that, she's Princess Celestia!” Here's the bottom line in the form of immortal friends from her own magic, desperate desire, and something else.” “Yeah, I guess... Honestly, I didn't think it was that complicated. Isn't it dangerous to have two souls in one body like that? Aside from the fact that it does look like a mental disorder...” “Call it a disorder... Well, about as much as to call me a disorder. After all, I'm originally an entity of the same order.” “Oh, a thousand apologies!” “Forget it. You are not saying your words, as I understand that. The main thing is that such a definition is rather crude and superficial. Speaking of danger, it is not dangerous if you get along with each other and are able to agree. Otherwise, it might turn out to be like me and Luna. But I can assure everyone that Celestia and Daybreaker get along quite well, and I suppose that in a little while, as the latter gets used to this world and the laws by which it lives, the Elements of Harmony will give her a body of her own, just as they did to me.” “Sounds reassuring.” “I hope that will be the end of it, too. In the meantime, I can assure you, Tia is quite all right. In a way, split personalities are a natural process for alicorns.” “It frightens a little.” “Anything unclear is frightening. But personally, I hope that this process will not occur often enough for us to study it well - two cases are enough. And the rest of the alicorns are better off living without severe depressions and existential crises against the backdrop of loneliness.” “I couldn't agree more. As the theme of loneliness develops, I recall that Princess Cadence recently confessed that she has a special pony, and many are still wondering who the groom-to-be is. Maybe you, as her friend, know who he is?” “I may know, but I, as her friend, will sit and be silent with a cryptic look.” “It's a shame that you are so determined to hide such information!” “If you were a mare, Discovery, I might have whispered a secret in your ear, but alas, alas...” “Sorry, I don't want to ruin the atmosphere and good mood that has arisen, but now I just can't get past another question that you don't like.” “Go on. Just keep in mind that if I’ll cry into my pillow at night after that, it's your fault.” “I don't even know now... Okay. Does the most mysterious Nightmare Moon have someone special?” "No, and there are no plans to do so in the near future.” “After your story about loneliness, I frankly admit that I'm sorry to hear that. In a desperate attempt not to break your heart, I hasten to ask a more pleasant question: do you plan to return to modeling? You made an impression. The dresses from that collection are still popular today! Even Her Highness Princess Luna was seen in one of them, despite your differences!” “I don’t know. It wasn't in the plans, but if the opportunity presents itself, I'll probably think about it. But I'm not likely to work with anyone other than Rarity (the Ponyville fashion designer who created the popular "Symphony of the Night" collection, shown in person by Nightmare Moon, the newspaper's note.). “You two are close friends. How did the release of this collection and its success affect Miss Rarity, if it's no secret?” “She stopped sleeping for almost two months, trying to keep up with the orders.” “Oh... She works alone?” “Yes, and, as far as I know, she has forbidden herself to sew like an assembly line in the future. Her dresses are unique art, not a mass-market product.” “She's going to stop sewing?” “The same thing over a dozen copies at a time, yes. Now she's taken a little break after that race, but as far as I know, she's spending it again in the studio sketching new designs.” “Well, I look forward to seeing more of her work. The critics in the capital turn their noses up at her background and where she lives, but for me, those dresses were great, and Ponyville is a nice little town with very friendly inhabitants.” “Thanks, Persistent.” “Oh, I truly meant that! By the way, given your close friendship, should we all expect to see one of Miss Rarity's new dresses on you again at the Grand Galloping Gala? It's less than six months away, and I heard you're invited, aren't you?” “Yes, unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, I didn't manage to escape... Don't interrupt me! I gave the invitation to my friend and hoped that I would be forgotten. It turned out that, with the help of some connections, she had reached out to Princess Celestia and asked her to welcome me with a new invitation. So I have it again. Personalized. And with a personal request from Princess not to miss the event. Looks like I' ll have to go, so there's a chance the new dress by Rarity will actually be there for the guests to see. What did you want to ask?” “Sorry, I couldn't resist. But "To wave the Grand Galloping Gala away" sounded, I must admit, very... very unexpected and surprising. What’s the reason?” “As I said before, I don't like politics. And since I doubt there's anything but politics, I don't expect anything interesting for me personally. Going there just to be bored...” “You have very pessimistic views of the reception. Honestly, I didn't expect that.” “We’ll see, of course. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they won't come true?” “Lush receptions are not to your taste. What kind of entertainment do you prefer then?” “Lately I haven't had much leisure time, but in general I like to fly and learn new things. I also like to make jokes and get into trouble. It's not that I like the latter, but it's still my most frequent leisure activity.” “I hope you'll be able to spend less time on this “leisure activity” and more time on the other options. Nightmare Night is coming up - will you be a part of the celebration?” “Coming up? I can't even believe it's almost mid-autumn, to be honest... I don't know yet. We'll see. I’ll try. Collecting so many candies for me, doing their best... Gracious Mistress of the Night, the Queen of Nightmares, the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon shouldn't take the donation of her subjects?” “Please... You scared me a little. “Yeah, now everyone is scared of me. Fine, I’ll try.” “Thank you, Nightmare.” “By the way, can I ask you a counter question?” “Of course.” “Your accent... “Tselestia, Nighmayre, Ra’ty, Caydance, Ponyvill”... Where is it from? I've heard it a few times in the castle, but as a matter of fact, Canterlot doesn’t speak like that.” “Oh, I'm a fifth-generation native from Manehattan, Nightmare. It's the way we talk all over the East Coast, and I've heard it's become popular among the nobility lately. To tell the truth, few of the capital's aristocracy can do it in a way that doesn't cut into the ears of a Manehattan resident.” “Impostors.” “Why are you so harsh on fashion? Speaking of fashion... In thinking back to that fashion show, I can't help but think of another question: are you going to stay in Canterlot or go back to Ponyville?” “I will go back, of course. I'll probably be in the capital not so infrequently, but I plan to live in a place that's more pleasant and dear to my heart. I like Ponyville.” “I bet you've just become the object of rumor, gossip, and misunderstanding by a good half of the entire aristocracy of the capital.” “I'm sorry to hear that.” “You don't seem very impressed, Nightmare. Well... I see that we are somewhat late, so one last question for today, if I may?” “Go on.” “What are you doing at the moment and what are you planning to do in the future?” “I will be working with the dream world, studying it, mastering it further, protecting ponies from nightmares if possible. I'm also thinking of definitely trying myself in drawing, sculpture, and construction.” “Wow! Frankly, it combines quite unusually: drawing and construction. Of course if we’re not talking about interior design or building plans.” “No, I prefer something more poetic, so to speak. But that's just a plan for now.” “If you ever open an exhibition of your paintings or sculptures, will you send me an invitation?” “If you don't grow old by then, I'll try.” “I hope you're joking, Nightmare. Thank you for your time and for agreeing to this conversation. I'm very glad to meet you, I must say.” “Yes, it was interesting to talk to you. I hope I didn't let myself get too candid...” “Thanks again for your invitation, Nightmare Moon. Goodbye!” “Goodbye, Persistent.”