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The Empty Throne
Luna’s throne sat alone and empty in the council room. Less than a day had passed since Luna’s exile, yet the council had insisted that it be moved from the table and put in storage after the meeting. Its continued presence would only evoke the painful memories of their once-great Princess’ fall from grace. The horrid memories of Nightmare Moon. But for the now, the throne sat facing the wall behind the council, so they didn’t have to look at it.
Celestia couldn’t take her eyes off it. Faint specks of Luna’s magical aura still glistened gently around the opulent armrests, midnight blue feathers still nestled in the seat, and Celestia was certain trace scents of her sister’s perfume still wafted in the air around it. Precious little things Celestia couldn’t bear to forget.
A voice from the council murmured something, but Celestia couldn’t make it out. Celestia did her best to concentrate on the meeting's proceedings, but her mind remained focused on Luna. The room seemed to empty and lifeless without her. The intricately carved stone walls bore only the drab grey of a prison without the colorful navy hue of Luna's incense burning.
Already, Celestia knew she was forgetting those types of tiny intangibles about her sister: the touch of her skin, the sound of her laughter, the clean scent of her fresh incense burning. How long would it be before she forgot what her sister was like entirely?
“Your Majesty!”
The sudden shift in volume snapped Celestia back to reality. She tore her gaze from Luna’s throne to the source of the voice.
“Yes, Posh Pin?” Celestia asked, a small amount of irritation creeping into her tone instinctually.
The graying stallion shrank back a bit at the harshness in her voice. Hostility from the her was not something he was accustomed to. Internally, she chided herself for being so curt with her chief advisor.
“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. I do not wish to disturb your thoughts, but the council would like to hear your opinion,” Posh Pin replied.
Outwardly, he appeared the same old Posh Pin that had advised Celestia for decades, but Celestia could tell there was a storm brewing. Celestia looked over the council, who were all staring at her nervously. May Meadow, her agricultural adviser, seemed particularly anxious today. Not a good sign.
“On what?”
Posh Pin took a deep breath to prepare himself mentally. “On how Equestria shall be ruled without Princess Luna.”
Celestia sighed. “Have we not discussed this enough, Posh Pin? I’ve already said I will assume my sister’s responsibilities for moving the moon.”
The council members shot concerned glanced across the table to one another. Vapor Trail, her war adviser, began grinding his teeth. Pretty Penny, the economic adviser, looked up for calculating her figures, alarmed.
"Your Majesty, there are other issues to be discussed."
"Such as?"
The floodgates had been opened and a torrent of questions rained down on Celestia.
From the far end of the table, May Meadow whispered, “Who will tend to the Everfree?”
“What will happen to her royal guard?” Vapor Trail asked.
“What shall we do with Everfree Castle?” Pretty Penny said.
“Will Luna’s territory be considered part of Equestria, or its own nation?” Custard Pie, the diplomatic advisor inquired.
“Princess Luna,” Celestia stated firmly.
A long, uncomfortable pause punctuated the room. Custard Pie looked from Celestia back to his fellow council members, unsure of what to do or say. Sweat trickled
down his orange coat. He knew he was walking on eggshells. They all were.
“Princess Luna, yes. I apologize, Your Majesty.” He winced, anticipating further reprisal, but none came.
“Perhaps, Your Majesty, it would be productive if the council put forth its own idea of how to solve this crisis,” Posh Pin offered.
“Very well. If it all right with the council, I think I will need a moment to myself. Please feel free to confer amongst yourselves while I step outside.”
As Celestia walked toward the door, she caught the scent of Luna’s perfume: a fresh lavender scent with a hint of lilac. The gentle aroma that lulled many a pony to
a pleasant slumber and dreams of a better tomorrow. She vowed to remember that smell.
Upon exiting the council chamber, Celestia hung her front hooves over the castle balcony and stared into the lush and vast landscape of Equestria. The weather could not have been more perfect. The sort weather that when Celestia was little, she spent all day outside in, playing with her sister. But the greenery, which was once warm and inviting, now only seemed cold, empty, and lifeless.
She looked to the sky for the moon, but it was lost to sun’s glorious rays. Even though she could not see it, she could feel the waves of hatred radiating off the imprisoned Nightmare Moon, the beast that had stolen her sister away. The tormented screams of Nightmare Moon still haunted those that could hear her cries.
Luna. My sister. If only I—
The soft patter of hooves on the granite floors alerted Celestia to the fact she was no longer alone.
“Your Majesty.” It was Posh Pin again. He noticed the sullen look in Celestia’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to burden you, only to tell you that the council has reached a decision.”
“It’s okay, Posh Pin. I will return momentarily.”
Posh Pin hesitated. “Perhaps we should adjourn for the day, Princess. The plan the council thought up is rather… drastic. We can meet again tomorrow when our heads are clearer and our hearts are closer to being mended.”
Celestia was taken aback. Never in thirty years of service had Posh Pin ever suggested a council meeting be abandoned early. As Chief Advisor, he ensured the council met, come rain or shine.
“That won’t be necessary. If I am to lead Equestria, then I must be able to weather this storm.”
“Please don’t feel the need to strain yourself, Princess. We are all still suffering from the loss of Princess Luna.”
“It is in times of strife when a ruler must strain herself for her people.” Celestia stood from the balcony and began walking back to the council room.
"That is what I worry about," Posh Pin said grimly.
The council was silent the instant Celestia entered the room. All eyes locked onto to her, fraught with uncertainty and tinged with the wide eyed look of fear. For the first time since its creation, the council seemed unwilling to speak.
Celestia settled into her throne. “So you have come to a consensus?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the council chimed in unison, almost mechanically.
“Let us hear your decision, then.”
For a few moments, nobody volunteered to deliver the opinion. The members of the council simply glared at one another, knowing that whoever stood and broke the dead air would have to deliver the news. A task nobody wanted to take the fall for.
Eventually, Posh Pin rose from his seat. “Your Majesty, due to the extreme circumstances of these troubled times we find ourselves in, we the council feel it is necessary to enact swift action to ensure the kingdom’s future prosperity. We as the council cannot allow Equestria to fall into disarray in the wake of this tragedy.”
Celestia nodded.
“Since Princess Luna is…” Posh Pin chose his words very carefully. “…no longer among us presently, the council and I see that it only fitting that she should no longer have any claim to the throne—“
Celestia loudly exhaled, but said nothing.
“—and that all her previous titles and land should be passed on to you…”
Celestia’s eyes narrowed.
“… along with her estate and belongings.”
“Why do you think I would want my sister’s wealth and prestige?” Celestia snapped. “She earned them, those titles should stay with her! Need I remind you it was my sister who appointed you to this position?”
“Y-your Majesty, please—“ Posh Pin stammered.
“I lost my sister less than a day ago, and you’re already speaking of how to split up her land and wealth! How dare all of you! Have you no shame?” Celestia closed her eyes for a moment to prevent the tears from welling up. “I apologize for the outburst.”
Posh Pin didn’t respond, instead bowing his head in silence. He glared at his fellow council members.
“Must we discuss this now? I have no interest in seizing Princess Luna’s estate, especially not so soon. What purpose does it serve to dishonor her so?”
“We miss her too. There is not a second that goes by in this chamber that I do not think of Princess Luna,” May Meadow whispered.
The rest of the council murmured in affirmation. Posh Pin and Custard Pie stared into the rich oaken table. The others likewise broke eye contact with Celestia, looking away into the distance.
“But!” Vapor Trail interjected. “Equestria is in pain right now. Our citizens are suffering with the loss of Princess Luna, and they need our leaders to be strong, decisive, and quick!”
“So we can’t afford to let our emotions cripple our ability to serve the ponies we represent,” Pretty Penny said.
“We need to let the ponies know they can count on us,” Custard Pie stated. "The ponies of Equestria come first."
“And that is why, we the Council of Harmony, would like you, Your Majesty, to become Equestria’s first Queen,” Posh Pin finished.
“Me? Queen?” Celestia mused, letting her tongue explore its texture. The flavor left a bittersweet aftertaste in her mouth, like biting into an overripe fruit. “What is wrong with my current title?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty, we only thought that the change in title would signify that we as ponies were moving forward from this tragedy, to bigger and better things. That even though Princess Luna has left us, we as Equestrians remain united behind our leader.” Vapor Trail stood from his seat, hoof clasped over his breast. “It would be a privilege to serve you as Queen Celestia.”
The rest of the council stood and did the same.
Queen Celestia. The words echoed through Celestia’s mind. The weight of her crown suddenly seemed unbearably heavy, enough for two ponies. She held a hoof to her head and shifted it uncomfortably.
“Allow me the night to think this over, everyone… I’m not sure if I am ready to be a Queen.”
“Take your time, Your Majesty. We do not wish to put undue pressure upon you.” Posh Pin turned to the rest of the council. “We are adjourning for today. We shall discuss this matter further tomorrow.”
Vapor Trail opened his mouth to object, but Posh Pin shot him a harsh glance. He shut his mouth wordlessly.
Celestia spent the night concentrating on the moon, guiding it gently across the sky. Compared to the sun, the moon seemed like such a small, frail thing, like an ornate glass ornament. It had to be handled with exceptional care and grace. Sweat trickled down her brow at the exertion. One false move could spell disaster for the coastal areas.
How had Luna made this look so easy?
The mare in the moon seemed to cast her gaze down upon Celestia with contempt. But beyond its grim visage, Celestia still could see Luna in its eyes, crying out for help, begging for Celestia to release her. For but a brief moment, Celestia could feel her sister calling out to her, gentle whimpers punctuating the endless tone of rage.
Luna. What would you do?
The mare in the moon did not respond.
Celestia slouched over her mattress. She knew sleep would not find her, but the soft surface of the queen-sized mattress provided some menial comfort. The irony of the situation was not lost on Celestia.
Queen Celestia.
Luna would have laughed at the thought of being Queen. Celestia could imagine her face, first full of surprise, then open-mouthed guffaws at the very notion. Luna’s laughter was infamously infectious, and Celestia found herself chuckling just picturing, despite herself.
Once, an errant diplomat from the Saddle Arabia had asked Luna rather bluntly why Equestria had two princesses.
“As day does not conquer night, the night cannot conquer the day. My sister and I are equals. I cannot be without her, and she cannot be without me,” she had said.
If only that had been true. Celestia flipped herself on her back, staring at the ceiling. What was the sun without the moon? The council could no more hide the loss of Luna than hide the moon from the night’s sky.
A knock on the door distracted Celestia from her thoughts.
“Who is it?” she called.
“Posh Pin, Your Majesty.”
“What did you wish to discuss? Could it not wait until tomorrow?” Celestia did not get up from her bed, electing to speaking through the door. She hoped this wasn’t another matter of inheritance.
“I wanted to talk to you about the council, Your Majesty. I apologize if I am interrupting your concentration. It seems I have been doing that a lot as of late.” Posh Pin sighed. “These last few days have been the most trying of the last thirty years.”
The council?
“You may come in, and please, don’t apologize.”
Posh Pin hobbled inside and stood at the balcony, staring at the moon pensively. His face, full of wrinkles, contorted into a sad smile. “I must insist that you forgive the intrusion, however, Your Majesty.”
“There was never any doubt that you were forgiven, Poshy.” That was Luna’s nickname for him.
Posh Pin’s turned towards Celestia sharply at that. The sadness had evaporated from his smile, but only for a moment. He drooped his head back onto the balcony.
“…My memory has been getting hazy, but I still remember that day thirty years ago, when Princess Luna first asked me to be her advisor, with crystal clarity. I was so scared and excited all at once, but she was so gentle and kind. My worries evaporated in an instant as she outlined my duties, and I knew at that moment, I would be in her service for the rest of my life.” He chuckled morosely to mask the sound of his sobbing.
Celestia didn’t know what to say.
“If only I were so fortunate. But since Princess Luna’s exile, suddenly the council wants to act as if Luna ever existed. You’ve seen what they’ve done with her throne! Posh Pin clawed at the air. "Such insolence!"
"I had hoped that the council would have been able to see past Luna's fall, and give her the respect she deserved." A hint of resentfulness escaped Celestia's carefully modulated voice.
"Perhaps it is because the council is full of young bucks that they can’t remember how important how important Princess Luna was to Equestria, but I do!” His voice transitioned from its quiet weeping to boisterous bellow. “I will not forget my Princess or turn my back on her!”
Celestia placed a hoof on Posh Pin’s shoulder. “I will not forget my sister either.”
Posh Pin bowed deeply. “There's not many of us old-timers left, you know. Those who knew your sister as I did will wither and fade away. Please, do not let a moment’s weakness allow the council to tear that history away.”
“Do not worry, Posh Pin. That history is safe with me.” Celestia smiled.
Celestia stood outside the council chamber with the members of the council.
“Forgive me for calling this meeting early, but I felt that it is necessary to inform on my decision before we meet officially for today.”
The council members, with the exception of Posh Pin, listened expectantly, hanging on every word.
Posh Pin only smiled.
“Equestria was a nation founded on harmony and unity. Forgiveness, friendship, and love for one another. My sister, Princess Luna, understood this, as I am sure you all do.”
The council members nodded in agreement.
“Hear hear!” Posh Pin cheered.
“Having an absolute monarch, a Queen, is in opposition to those founding principles which made us into the prosperous nation we are today.”
“But—" Vapor Trail tried to interrupted, but the other council members shushed him.
“I have realized that I am no Queen, I am but a Princess, and a Princess I shall remain. My sister is gone, but not forever. She will retain her title as Princess and her claim to the throne. If I cannot forgive my own sister and strip away her birthright…then how will anypony ever be redeemed? Shall we become an uncaring people who tear our eyes from those who transgress us?”
Murmurs from the council members littered the hallway.
“Am I not enough of a leader as Princess for you all? I will not tear down my sister for my own ambitions! We are a strong people—we shall not bury our pain through hiding from the truth! We will confront it!”
“Hail, Princess Celestia!” Posh Pin shouted.
“Hail, Princess Celestia!” the other members joined in.
Celestia beamed with pride. She swung open the door to the council room and rested upon her throne.
Luna’s empty throne sat beside her.
Celestia couldn’t take her eyes off it. Faint specks of Luna’s magical aura still glistened gently around the opulent armrests, midnight blue feathers still nestled in the seat, and Celestia was certain trace scents of her sister’s perfume still wafted in the air around it. Precious little things Celestia couldn’t bear to forget.
A voice from the council murmured something, but Celestia couldn’t make it out. Celestia did her best to concentrate on the meeting's proceedings, but her mind remained focused on Luna. The room seemed to empty and lifeless without her. The intricately carved stone walls bore only the drab grey of a prison without the colorful navy hue of Luna's incense burning.
Already, Celestia knew she was forgetting those types of tiny intangibles about her sister: the touch of her skin, the sound of her laughter, the clean scent of her fresh incense burning. How long would it be before she forgot what her sister was like entirely?
“Your Majesty!”
The sudden shift in volume snapped Celestia back to reality. She tore her gaze from Luna’s throne to the source of the voice.
“Yes, Posh Pin?” Celestia asked, a small amount of irritation creeping into her tone instinctually.
The graying stallion shrank back a bit at the harshness in her voice. Hostility from the her was not something he was accustomed to. Internally, she chided herself for being so curt with her chief advisor.
“I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. I do not wish to disturb your thoughts, but the council would like to hear your opinion,” Posh Pin replied.
Outwardly, he appeared the same old Posh Pin that had advised Celestia for decades, but Celestia could tell there was a storm brewing. Celestia looked over the council, who were all staring at her nervously. May Meadow, her agricultural adviser, seemed particularly anxious today. Not a good sign.
“On what?”
Posh Pin took a deep breath to prepare himself mentally. “On how Equestria shall be ruled without Princess Luna.”
Celestia sighed. “Have we not discussed this enough, Posh Pin? I’ve already said I will assume my sister’s responsibilities for moving the moon.”
The council members shot concerned glanced across the table to one another. Vapor Trail, her war adviser, began grinding his teeth. Pretty Penny, the economic adviser, looked up for calculating her figures, alarmed.
"Your Majesty, there are other issues to be discussed."
"Such as?"
The floodgates had been opened and a torrent of questions rained down on Celestia.
From the far end of the table, May Meadow whispered, “Who will tend to the Everfree?”
“What will happen to her royal guard?” Vapor Trail asked.
“What shall we do with Everfree Castle?” Pretty Penny said.
“Will Luna’s territory be considered part of Equestria, or its own nation?” Custard Pie, the diplomatic advisor inquired.
“Princess Luna,” Celestia stated firmly.
A long, uncomfortable pause punctuated the room. Custard Pie looked from Celestia back to his fellow council members, unsure of what to do or say. Sweat trickled
down his orange coat. He knew he was walking on eggshells. They all were.
“Princess Luna, yes. I apologize, Your Majesty.” He winced, anticipating further reprisal, but none came.
“Perhaps, Your Majesty, it would be productive if the council put forth its own idea of how to solve this crisis,” Posh Pin offered.
“Very well. If it all right with the council, I think I will need a moment to myself. Please feel free to confer amongst yourselves while I step outside.”
As Celestia walked toward the door, she caught the scent of Luna’s perfume: a fresh lavender scent with a hint of lilac. The gentle aroma that lulled many a pony to
a pleasant slumber and dreams of a better tomorrow. She vowed to remember that smell.
Upon exiting the council chamber, Celestia hung her front hooves over the castle balcony and stared into the lush and vast landscape of Equestria. The weather could not have been more perfect. The sort weather that when Celestia was little, she spent all day outside in, playing with her sister. But the greenery, which was once warm and inviting, now only seemed cold, empty, and lifeless.
She looked to the sky for the moon, but it was lost to sun’s glorious rays. Even though she could not see it, she could feel the waves of hatred radiating off the imprisoned Nightmare Moon, the beast that had stolen her sister away. The tormented screams of Nightmare Moon still haunted those that could hear her cries.
Luna. My sister. If only I—
The soft patter of hooves on the granite floors alerted Celestia to the fact she was no longer alone.
“Your Majesty.” It was Posh Pin again. He noticed the sullen look in Celestia’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to burden you, only to tell you that the council has reached a decision.”
“It’s okay, Posh Pin. I will return momentarily.”
Posh Pin hesitated. “Perhaps we should adjourn for the day, Princess. The plan the council thought up is rather… drastic. We can meet again tomorrow when our heads are clearer and our hearts are closer to being mended.”
Celestia was taken aback. Never in thirty years of service had Posh Pin ever suggested a council meeting be abandoned early. As Chief Advisor, he ensured the council met, come rain or shine.
“That won’t be necessary. If I am to lead Equestria, then I must be able to weather this storm.”
“Please don’t feel the need to strain yourself, Princess. We are all still suffering from the loss of Princess Luna.”
“It is in times of strife when a ruler must strain herself for her people.” Celestia stood from the balcony and began walking back to the council room.
"That is what I worry about," Posh Pin said grimly.
The council was silent the instant Celestia entered the room. All eyes locked onto to her, fraught with uncertainty and tinged with the wide eyed look of fear. For the first time since its creation, the council seemed unwilling to speak.
Celestia settled into her throne. “So you have come to a consensus?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the council chimed in unison, almost mechanically.
“Let us hear your decision, then.”
For a few moments, nobody volunteered to deliver the opinion. The members of the council simply glared at one another, knowing that whoever stood and broke the dead air would have to deliver the news. A task nobody wanted to take the fall for.
Eventually, Posh Pin rose from his seat. “Your Majesty, due to the extreme circumstances of these troubled times we find ourselves in, we the council feel it is necessary to enact swift action to ensure the kingdom’s future prosperity. We as the council cannot allow Equestria to fall into disarray in the wake of this tragedy.”
Celestia nodded.
“Since Princess Luna is…” Posh Pin chose his words very carefully. “…no longer among us presently, the council and I see that it only fitting that she should no longer have any claim to the throne—“
Celestia loudly exhaled, but said nothing.
“—and that all her previous titles and land should be passed on to you…”
Celestia’s eyes narrowed.
“… along with her estate and belongings.”
“Why do you think I would want my sister’s wealth and prestige?” Celestia snapped. “She earned them, those titles should stay with her! Need I remind you it was my sister who appointed you to this position?”
“Y-your Majesty, please—“ Posh Pin stammered.
“I lost my sister less than a day ago, and you’re already speaking of how to split up her land and wealth! How dare all of you! Have you no shame?” Celestia closed her eyes for a moment to prevent the tears from welling up. “I apologize for the outburst.”
Posh Pin didn’t respond, instead bowing his head in silence. He glared at his fellow council members.
“Must we discuss this now? I have no interest in seizing Princess Luna’s estate, especially not so soon. What purpose does it serve to dishonor her so?”
“We miss her too. There is not a second that goes by in this chamber that I do not think of Princess Luna,” May Meadow whispered.
The rest of the council murmured in affirmation. Posh Pin and Custard Pie stared into the rich oaken table. The others likewise broke eye contact with Celestia, looking away into the distance.
“But!” Vapor Trail interjected. “Equestria is in pain right now. Our citizens are suffering with the loss of Princess Luna, and they need our leaders to be strong, decisive, and quick!”
“So we can’t afford to let our emotions cripple our ability to serve the ponies we represent,” Pretty Penny said.
“We need to let the ponies know they can count on us,” Custard Pie stated. "The ponies of Equestria come first."
“And that is why, we the Council of Harmony, would like you, Your Majesty, to become Equestria’s first Queen,” Posh Pin finished.
“Me? Queen?” Celestia mused, letting her tongue explore its texture. The flavor left a bittersweet aftertaste in her mouth, like biting into an overripe fruit. “What is wrong with my current title?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty, we only thought that the change in title would signify that we as ponies were moving forward from this tragedy, to bigger and better things. That even though Princess Luna has left us, we as Equestrians remain united behind our leader.” Vapor Trail stood from his seat, hoof clasped over his breast. “It would be a privilege to serve you as Queen Celestia.”
The rest of the council stood and did the same.
Queen Celestia. The words echoed through Celestia’s mind. The weight of her crown suddenly seemed unbearably heavy, enough for two ponies. She held a hoof to her head and shifted it uncomfortably.
“Allow me the night to think this over, everyone… I’m not sure if I am ready to be a Queen.”
“Take your time, Your Majesty. We do not wish to put undue pressure upon you.” Posh Pin turned to the rest of the council. “We are adjourning for today. We shall discuss this matter further tomorrow.”
Vapor Trail opened his mouth to object, but Posh Pin shot him a harsh glance. He shut his mouth wordlessly.
Celestia spent the night concentrating on the moon, guiding it gently across the sky. Compared to the sun, the moon seemed like such a small, frail thing, like an ornate glass ornament. It had to be handled with exceptional care and grace. Sweat trickled down her brow at the exertion. One false move could spell disaster for the coastal areas.
How had Luna made this look so easy?
The mare in the moon seemed to cast her gaze down upon Celestia with contempt. But beyond its grim visage, Celestia still could see Luna in its eyes, crying out for help, begging for Celestia to release her. For but a brief moment, Celestia could feel her sister calling out to her, gentle whimpers punctuating the endless tone of rage.
Luna. What would you do?
The mare in the moon did not respond.
Celestia slouched over her mattress. She knew sleep would not find her, but the soft surface of the queen-sized mattress provided some menial comfort. The irony of the situation was not lost on Celestia.
Queen Celestia.
Luna would have laughed at the thought of being Queen. Celestia could imagine her face, first full of surprise, then open-mouthed guffaws at the very notion. Luna’s laughter was infamously infectious, and Celestia found herself chuckling just picturing, despite herself.
Once, an errant diplomat from the Saddle Arabia had asked Luna rather bluntly why Equestria had two princesses.
“As day does not conquer night, the night cannot conquer the day. My sister and I are equals. I cannot be without her, and she cannot be without me,” she had said.
If only that had been true. Celestia flipped herself on her back, staring at the ceiling. What was the sun without the moon? The council could no more hide the loss of Luna than hide the moon from the night’s sky.
A knock on the door distracted Celestia from her thoughts.
“Who is it?” she called.
“Posh Pin, Your Majesty.”
“What did you wish to discuss? Could it not wait until tomorrow?” Celestia did not get up from her bed, electing to speaking through the door. She hoped this wasn’t another matter of inheritance.
“I wanted to talk to you about the council, Your Majesty. I apologize if I am interrupting your concentration. It seems I have been doing that a lot as of late.” Posh Pin sighed. “These last few days have been the most trying of the last thirty years.”
The council?
“You may come in, and please, don’t apologize.”
Posh Pin hobbled inside and stood at the balcony, staring at the moon pensively. His face, full of wrinkles, contorted into a sad smile. “I must insist that you forgive the intrusion, however, Your Majesty.”
“There was never any doubt that you were forgiven, Poshy.” That was Luna’s nickname for him.
Posh Pin’s turned towards Celestia sharply at that. The sadness had evaporated from his smile, but only for a moment. He drooped his head back onto the balcony.
“…My memory has been getting hazy, but I still remember that day thirty years ago, when Princess Luna first asked me to be her advisor, with crystal clarity. I was so scared and excited all at once, but she was so gentle and kind. My worries evaporated in an instant as she outlined my duties, and I knew at that moment, I would be in her service for the rest of my life.” He chuckled morosely to mask the sound of his sobbing.
Celestia didn’t know what to say.
“If only I were so fortunate. But since Princess Luna’s exile, suddenly the council wants to act as if Luna ever existed. You’ve seen what they’ve done with her throne! Posh Pin clawed at the air. "Such insolence!"
"I had hoped that the council would have been able to see past Luna's fall, and give her the respect she deserved." A hint of resentfulness escaped Celestia's carefully modulated voice.
"Perhaps it is because the council is full of young bucks that they can’t remember how important how important Princess Luna was to Equestria, but I do!” His voice transitioned from its quiet weeping to boisterous bellow. “I will not forget my Princess or turn my back on her!”
Celestia placed a hoof on Posh Pin’s shoulder. “I will not forget my sister either.”
Posh Pin bowed deeply. “There's not many of us old-timers left, you know. Those who knew your sister as I did will wither and fade away. Please, do not let a moment’s weakness allow the council to tear that history away.”
“Do not worry, Posh Pin. That history is safe with me.” Celestia smiled.
Celestia stood outside the council chamber with the members of the council.
“Forgive me for calling this meeting early, but I felt that it is necessary to inform on my decision before we meet officially for today.”
The council members, with the exception of Posh Pin, listened expectantly, hanging on every word.
Posh Pin only smiled.
“Equestria was a nation founded on harmony and unity. Forgiveness, friendship, and love for one another. My sister, Princess Luna, understood this, as I am sure you all do.”
The council members nodded in agreement.
“Hear hear!” Posh Pin cheered.
“Having an absolute monarch, a Queen, is in opposition to those founding principles which made us into the prosperous nation we are today.”
“But—" Vapor Trail tried to interrupted, but the other council members shushed him.
“I have realized that I am no Queen, I am but a Princess, and a Princess I shall remain. My sister is gone, but not forever. She will retain her title as Princess and her claim to the throne. If I cannot forgive my own sister and strip away her birthright…then how will anypony ever be redeemed? Shall we become an uncaring people who tear our eyes from those who transgress us?”
Murmurs from the council members littered the hallway.
“Am I not enough of a leader as Princess for you all? I will not tear down my sister for my own ambitions! We are a strong people—we shall not bury our pain through hiding from the truth! We will confront it!”
“Hail, Princess Celestia!” Posh Pin shouted.
“Hail, Princess Celestia!” the other members joined in.
Celestia beamed with pride. She swung open the door to the council room and rested upon her throne.
Luna’s empty throne sat beside her.
Despite a few minor technical problems (some missing words and punctuation problems) this one really hit home for me. Of course, my first instinct is to say it's cheating to use the story of Luna's fall, as that story, no matter how many versions of it I read, still has the biggest emotional impact for me.
That said, this was very well done. The image of the empty throne, and the desire to erase Luna from things is really powerful, as is Celestia's desire to prevent that. Her speech at the end and her reasons for refusing the title of Queen, are great.
My one complaint is that not enough reason is given to the council members' desire to strip Luna's title and lands. As Celestia herself asks, what would it accomplish to transfer them to Celestia, especially so soon. I understand they're simply "the bad guys" in this narrative, but if you make their reasoning logical (without being cruel or petty) it can make the story that much stronger.
That said, this was very well done. The image of the empty throne, and the desire to erase Luna from things is really powerful, as is Celestia's desire to prevent that. Her speech at the end and her reasons for refusing the title of Queen, are great.
My one complaint is that not enough reason is given to the council members' desire to strip Luna's title and lands. As Celestia herself asks, what would it accomplish to transfer them to Celestia, especially so soon. I understand they're simply "the bad guys" in this narrative, but if you make their reasoning logical (without being cruel or petty) it can make the story that much stronger.
Disclaimer: I am a person. Therefore, I have biases. I try to look at things objectively, but that does not mean I always succeed. Furthermore, I'm not an authority. If any of my critique does not make sense on its own, poke me to convey my reasoning, and upon hearing it, decide for yourself if it has validity or not. Also, all exaggerations and comparisons made are not to ridicule, but to better convey the essence of my critique. Last but not least, my reviews contain unmarked spoilers, although I may use the [.spoiler] command occasionally.
On the technical side, I think this is outstandingly written. There were some proof reading flubs which looked like oversights during rephrasing, not like actual problems with the English language, so no biggy.
It did not occur to me during reading, but I think >>Xepher is right: a real reason for the council to rid Luna of her titles etc. would make the decision more than a "disrespect Luna yes/no", which would heighten the stakes and increase the overal involvement of the reader. There is no reason given why Celestia shouldn't just manage Luna's affairs power of attorney style until she returns.
I had to do some tough thinking about why, although it is beautifully written, this piece did not impact me as much as I would have liked, and I think it comes down to emotional involvement and progression. It felt like more of a snapshot to me, taken right after Luna's banishment. We see Celestia sad, but ready to carry on for her people, and the story ends on the exact same note. Maybe showing a Celestia crippled by depression working up her strength would have had more of an impact... although one might perceive that out-of-character for her, I don't think we can assume the level of emotional anguish to be anything near to what we were able to observe during the show (also she's still a 1000 years younger, which might account for less resilience).
Sorry for the vague critique and speculation, but as a proficient writer, maybe you can set it into context and have it help you anyway.
Concluding remarks:
Very well-written post-Luna-banishment piece, but missing the emotional impact for me.
On the technical side, I think this is outstandingly written. There were some proof reading flubs which looked like oversights during rephrasing, not like actual problems with the English language, so no biggy.
It did not occur to me during reading, but I think >>Xepher is right: a real reason for the council to rid Luna of her titles etc. would make the decision more than a "disrespect Luna yes/no", which would heighten the stakes and increase the overal involvement of the reader. There is no reason given why Celestia shouldn't just manage Luna's affairs power of attorney style until she returns.
I had to do some tough thinking about why, although it is beautifully written, this piece did not impact me as much as I would have liked, and I think it comes down to emotional involvement and progression. It felt like more of a snapshot to me, taken right after Luna's banishment. We see Celestia sad, but ready to carry on for her people, and the story ends on the exact same note. Maybe showing a Celestia crippled by depression working up her strength would have had more of an impact... although one might perceive that out-of-character for her, I don't think we can assume the level of emotional anguish to be anything near to what we were able to observe during the show (also she's still a 1000 years younger, which might account for less resilience).
Sorry for the vague critique and speculation, but as a proficient writer, maybe you can set it into context and have it help you anyway.
Concluding remarks:
Very well-written post-Luna-banishment piece, but missing the emotional impact for me.
You've done something new with Luna's exile, and congratulations on that!
The sentences are well-written, but I didn't care about the core of the story, which I take to be the council's desire to strip Luna of authority vs. Celestia's desire not to. There are several reasons:
- We're supposed to see the council as the bad ponies. They're bad and stupid, and Celestia and Posh Pin are wise and good. This is a boring way to frame the question. Give the council some good points.
- Above point is made worse because the issue being debated doesn't matter. There are no political consequences for doing so or for not doing so. Celestia is the only pony this matters to, so the council's insistence doesn't make sense, and Celestia's reluctance also frankly is a first-world white-pony-problem. it's hard to feel invested in the outcome, or to feel sympathy for Celestia & Posh Pin, when my impulse is to tell them to pony up and stop whining.
- Posh Pin doesn't help your case. His name, his superior attitude, his priggish conservatism, his destroying the political process by working back channels... I don't like him. He makes his side of the debate seem like knee-jerk conservatism blocking the path of progress.
- We don't know any of the council members other than Posh, who is functionally against the council. They are faceless, nameless antagonists who turn on a dime for the resolution.
- The story says that "the council is full of young bucks that they can’t remember how important how important Princess Luna was to Equestria". It's been less than one day since the battle. Are these ponies, or goldfish? I think this conflict would be stronger if they hated Luna, if they were angry at her and angry at Celestia for forgiving her, than if they just... forgot? Were negligent?
- On that point, they should still be in shock from the battle and sweeping up rubble, catching up on sleep, searching for survivors, preparing for the move out of the ruined castle, or just trying to stop bleeding. Surely on the evening of the battle with Luna, or possibly the morning after, Celestia has more important things to do than argue over ceremonial titles (in a castle that is canonically in ruins, no less).
Seriously, change the chronology so this is a year after the battle, not less than a day after it. That just doesn't work.
- The resolution is that Celestia gives an inspiring speech and the council is caught up in the enthusiasm and goes along with her. That isn't how you defeat antagonists.
The plot is too slim to support the story. I suggest keeping that story, but condensing all this "Hail Queen Celestia!" stuff into one scene at the start, and having Celestia do something in response. Like saying, "Okay. I am Queen Celestia. All other noble titles and their privileges are now void. I declare this council disbanded and my authority absolute. The miscegenation laws are now repealed. Land will be redistributed and public education integrated. I'm seizing your mansions and turning them into public housing. Report to the unemployment office tomorrow for your new work assignments." Then figure out how to get from there to the same ending you have now.
The sentences are well-written, but I didn't care about the core of the story, which I take to be the council's desire to strip Luna of authority vs. Celestia's desire not to. There are several reasons:
- We're supposed to see the council as the bad ponies. They're bad and stupid, and Celestia and Posh Pin are wise and good. This is a boring way to frame the question. Give the council some good points.
- Above point is made worse because the issue being debated doesn't matter. There are no political consequences for doing so or for not doing so. Celestia is the only pony this matters to, so the council's insistence doesn't make sense, and Celestia's reluctance also frankly is a first-world white-pony-problem. it's hard to feel invested in the outcome, or to feel sympathy for Celestia & Posh Pin, when my impulse is to tell them to pony up and stop whining.
- Posh Pin doesn't help your case. His name, his superior attitude, his priggish conservatism, his destroying the political process by working back channels... I don't like him. He makes his side of the debate seem like knee-jerk conservatism blocking the path of progress.
- We don't know any of the council members other than Posh, who is functionally against the council. They are faceless, nameless antagonists who turn on a dime for the resolution.
- The story says that "the council is full of young bucks that they can’t remember how important how important Princess Luna was to Equestria". It's been less than one day since the battle. Are these ponies, or goldfish? I think this conflict would be stronger if they hated Luna, if they were angry at her and angry at Celestia for forgiving her, than if they just... forgot? Were negligent?
- On that point, they should still be in shock from the battle and sweeping up rubble, catching up on sleep, searching for survivors, preparing for the move out of the ruined castle, or just trying to stop bleeding. Surely on the evening of the battle with Luna, or possibly the morning after, Celestia has more important things to do than argue over ceremonial titles (in a castle that is canonically in ruins, no less).
Seriously, change the chronology so this is a year after the battle, not less than a day after it. That just doesn't work.
- The resolution is that Celestia gives an inspiring speech and the council is caught up in the enthusiasm and goes along with her. That isn't how you defeat antagonists.
The plot is too slim to support the story. I suggest keeping that story, but condensing all this "Hail Queen Celestia!" stuff into one scene at the start, and having Celestia do something in response. Like saying, "Okay. I am Queen Celestia. All other noble titles and their privileges are now void. I declare this council disbanded and my authority absolute. The miscegenation laws are now repealed. Land will be redistributed and public education integrated. I'm seizing your mansions and turning them into public housing. Report to the unemployment office tomorrow for your new work assignments." Then figure out how to get from there to the same ending you have now.
>>Bad Horse
Sounds more like Chairmare Celestia, haha!
I suggest keeping that story, but condensing all this "Hail Queen Celestia!" stuff into one scene at the start, and having Celestia do something in response. Like saying, "Okay. I am Queen Celestia. All other noble titles and their privileges are now void. I declare this council disbanded and my authority absolute. The miscegenation laws are now repealed. Land will be redistributed and public education integrated. I'm seizing your mansions and turning them into public housing. Report to the unemployment office tomorrow for your new work assignments." Then figure out how to get from there to the same ending you have now.
Sounds more like Chairmare Celestia, haha!
I have little to add to what the prestigious reviewers above have already said. The overall impression I had is one of flimsiness. The plot is a bit shallow, and I don’t know why the council would argue about keeping or getting or Luna’s throne, which seems a very minor issue. Besides, I frankly doubt a royal council would be made up of upstarts, with only one senior councillor.
Also, well, I agree with Wyvern that the execution lacks punch. You steer for something that tries to tug on the heartstrings, but it is too insubstantial to do so. Show us more of Celestia’s longing, maybe her entering in Luna’s room, collecting some objects, etc.
But nevertheless, it’s a very commendable story — well better than mine. Thanks for writing.
Also, well, I agree with Wyvern that the execution lacks punch. You steer for something that tries to tug on the heartstrings, but it is too insubstantial to do so. Show us more of Celestia’s longing, maybe her entering in Luna’s room, collecting some objects, etc.
But nevertheless, it’s a very commendable story — well better than mine. Thanks for writing.
Another technically accomplished story in terms of prose and presentation. Once again, however, I can make a clear comparison between the story I just read (Childhood's End) and the one I am currently reading. Whereas Childhood's End was a story that had a bit too much fat hanging off it, this story is thin to the point of being almost skeletal, which doesn't give much room to explain the idiosyncrasies of its plot.
>>Xepher
>>Bad Horse
I did not read the council members as particularly antagonist, more along the lines of simply dispassionately bureaucratic and concerned for their own positions. I think the main conflict with the story is between Celestia and herself of doing what is right for her in an emotional sense and not a practical one, but the set up doesn't facilitate that idea well enough to distinguish what the subtleties of these differences are and instead reads as a more polemic argument than likely the author intended. However, there is not enough content to support that tension, and for all the nice imagery used, the story is set-up to have a predetermined resolution in which the reader is already aware of the outcome.
I politely disagree with the majority of Bad Horse's assertions on the issues of the presentation, and I agree with Wyvern's assessment on the emotive element of the story as the place where the author should work at. Increasing the punch is necessary, but it needs to be subtle otherwise it will come across as melodramatic.
Opinion: Above Average, with the understanding that it is mainly supported on the composition side of it but would otherwise be placed in "Okay."
>>Xepher
>>Bad Horse
I did not read the council members as particularly antagonist, more along the lines of simply dispassionately bureaucratic and concerned for their own positions. I think the main conflict with the story is between Celestia and herself of doing what is right for her in an emotional sense and not a practical one, but the set up doesn't facilitate that idea well enough to distinguish what the subtleties of these differences are and instead reads as a more polemic argument than likely the author intended. However, there is not enough content to support that tension, and for all the nice imagery used, the story is set-up to have a predetermined resolution in which the reader is already aware of the outcome.
I politely disagree with the majority of Bad Horse's assertions on the issues of the presentation, and I agree with Wyvern's assessment on the emotive element of the story as the place where the author should work at. Increasing the punch is necessary, but it needs to be subtle otherwise it will come across as melodramatic.
Opinion: Above Average, with the understanding that it is mainly supported on the composition side of it but would otherwise be placed in "Okay."
Hmm. On the one hand, it seems like Celestia should be aware of the various roles her sister served in the Equestrian government. On the other, it’s clear that she’s focused on her grief. And on one of the feet, Luna having so many roles, including direct rule over some regions, makes it feel especially odd that she felt unappreciated.
Wouldn’t Luna’s holdings default to Celestia anyway? Someone has to have them. Indeed, why didn’t the sisters hold their lands collectively?
As others have noted, Princess Luna was banished yesterday. Barring further information about her recent history and the timescale of the Nightmare Moon crisis, this makes those young advisors look either laughably incompetent or transparently conniving.
The ending feels hollow. Not only does the conflict not make sense, by the time Luna does return, she has been all but forgotten, to the point where she literally asks, “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” In short, this one needs a fair amount of work. It won’t be enough to just set it a few decades later; a lot of the issues raised here need to be addressed immediately. Still, it can potentially work.
Wouldn’t Luna’s holdings default to Celestia anyway? Someone has to have them. Indeed, why didn’t the sisters hold their lands collectively?
As others have noted, Princess Luna was banished yesterday. Barring further information about her recent history and the timescale of the Nightmare Moon crisis, this makes those young advisors look either laughably incompetent or transparently conniving.
The ending feels hollow. Not only does the conflict not make sense, by the time Luna does return, she has been all but forgotten, to the point where she literally asks, “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” In short, this one needs a fair amount of work. It won’t be enough to just set it a few decades later; a lot of the issues raised here need to be addressed immediately. Still, it can potentially work.
I largely agree with the above reviewers, but there's another critical issue I'm surprised nobody's brought up yet: Posh Pin's position is incoherent. He's presented in the first scene as pushing to move beyond Luna -- he's specifically the one that suggests having the council come up with ideas, and he's the one who speaks for their "consensus", and says
... and in fact is the one who proposes Celestia should be Queen, without any hint that he personally objects to the idea.
Then, in the second scene when he's alone with her, he pulls a complete 180:
Also, am I misreading the text, or is Posh Celestia's chief advisor even though it was Luna who hired him for life 30 years ago? :-/
I commend you for the idea here, but this needs to sort through its logic, give the council members (and Posh) clear and consistent motives, and (as other reviewers have noted) put some teeth into the decision they're making.
Tier: Needs Work
the council and I see that it only fitting that she should no longer have any claim to the throne ... and that all her previous titles and land should be passed on to you
... and in fact is the one who proposes Celestia should be Queen, without any hint that he personally objects to the idea.
Then, in the second scene when he's alone with her, he pulls a complete 180:
His voice transitioned from its quiet weeping to boisterous bellow. “I will not forget my Princess or turn my back on her!”
Also, am I misreading the text, or is Posh Celestia's chief advisor even though it was Luna who hired him for life 30 years ago? :-/
I commend you for the idea here, but this needs to sort through its logic, give the council members (and Posh) clear and consistent motives, and (as other reviewers have noted) put some teeth into the decision they're making.
Tier: Needs Work
With Celestia so insistent on Princess Luna being remembered, I have to wonder how she let ponies forget about her in all meaningful ways. This story explains why Celestia is still a princess instead of a queen, but I have a hard time imagining connecting to canon in any other way.
Still, even though this story has problems, I don't think it's bad. Just average.
Still, even though this story has problems, I don't think it's bad. Just average.
The Empty Throne
A cautionary tale of trying to do far too much with far too little.
Ultimately the overall reaction and confusion to this story I think is the result of two particular failings on my end:
1. The failure to provide adequate framework from which to understand the story's overall thesis, so much so that the underlying principles of the conflict are barely noticeable within the narrative and instead lends itself to a much more simplistic "Celestia vs. her mean council of evilness" reading. Under three thousand words was not a good idea to write this sort of story which is ostensibly about symbolic politicking, historical revisionism / demonization, and emotional responses versus practical responses in the context of governing. Consequently, the story's greatest failing is the lack of a clear grounding details to properly explain the motivations and rationale behind the character's decisions, leaving the reader adrift and searching for their own rationale for character actions and motivations. I think it would be impossible without me explaining it personally for the reader to understand that this is intended to be written as a commentary on the struggles of governing, rather than a straightforward narrative of "Why Celestia isn't Queen."
2. Assuming that everyone has the same idea of how governing works in Equestria and how a council would respond to the loss of a head of state as I do. Essentially my idea of how a council of governing authorities would react to the loss of Luna would be swift and immediate dealing of all the bureaucratic ins-and-outs and mountains of paperwork necessary in order to smoothly transition Celestia to the sole head of state, and minimize the political damage caused by Luna's actions by officially reducing her standing and increasing Celestia's, essentially to state that the old regime had died and this was the new rule. Once again, had I explained this fact even once, I think more people would have been willing to give me more of a benefit of the doubt in regards to the council. They're not evil, in fact they're practical. But practical to the point that they lose a bit of their emotional response.
I think this is the result of me trying to push several angles that would be interesting if executed properly, but didn't mesh well together due to my own personal inexperience and lofty ambitions. Overall, I wanted to write a story where the stakes were very subdued and symbolic, none of the characters were antagonists, and everyone thought they were making the correct decision as a reflection of the actual governing process. In a strictly practical sense, the empty throne should have been tossed out in the garbage, along with the rest of the traitor Luna's belongings. But Celestia wants to respect Luna's legacy and her own emotional nostalgia and instead see the parts of good of Luna along with the bad, much how there is a modern debate today of whether or not to honor or demonize civil war generals that fought for the Confederacy because they represented the ideal of slavery, but were also military geniuses. Those are the ideas I was juggling, and I think only a smidgen of them escaped into the actual plot-line.
Ironically, I think
>>Bad Horse
despite being one of the most critical, also read a lot of my intentions from the work. It is unfortunate that with the scant information present, he concluded the exact opposite of what I wanted, but nonetheless, I am still pleasantly surprised that a lot of the undertones of the scenes, particularly that of Posh Pin didn't go unnoticed.
Some notes explaining various points (i.e. ideas I should have clarified in the actual story):
>>Xepher
>>Bad Horse
You guysssssssssssss. That's not what I wannnttttteeeeeeeedddddddddd. I had tried several ways of writing that conflict, and I couldn't get a grasp of on how to write the council as I intended, which was to say, lawful good. I think anyone going into this story would read a conflict between Celestia and her council as Celestia being in the right and the council in the wrong based on their preconceived notions, so I really tried my best to get them to appear as morally neutral as possible, but that just didn't work.
>>Bad Horse
From my understanding, that wasn't how the battle went down in canon. I might have to rewatch the scene again, but it seems to me that the fight didn't occur in the castle itself, instead in some one story throne room area, and the physical damage of the battle was minimal to rest of Canterlot.
>>FanOfMostEverything
Well that's the kicker of the story, isn't it? How are you supposed to give away someone's land if they're not actually dead, and still officially a princess? Also, once again, this is sort of my headcannon against yours, but it's my understanding the Everfree Castle was Luna's and Canterlot's was Celestia's. Each of them jointly ruled, but each had their own castle and domain apart from one another.
>>The_Letter_J
Yeah, I realize retroactively that the story of Celestia and Luna wasn't the best set-up to tell this kind of story.
>>horizon
No, you're right. I don't personally consider those facts mutually exclusive, but I suppose I could have written in another sentence of two on the backstory of the council to make sure the reader understood that it was for both Celestia and Luna, and not independently Celestia's council prior to the exile.
Yeah, I agree. There should have been a minor tell in the body language or a speech tag that indicated that he didn't really believe in what he was saying. He's lying without a hint in the narrative to inform the reader that he is.
Yeah, I fully expected to be hit on this point, and am surprised that more people didn't hammer that notion in.
Ambiguity thine name is Cassius. Really "forgotten" is a very poor word choice because it carries a connotation I didn't intend. What I meant to say by this is that the council is young to the point where they don't really understand Luna, what she did, or what she does, and only can see her as the traitor. They weren't around for her founding Equestria, and they aren't really aware of what she did in the night. Their image of Luna is some princess who never really did anything that got jealous and turned traitor, and they're ready to brand her in the annals of history as such.
BUT NONE OF THAT WAS EXPLAINED HAHAHA
It's hard for me to write exposition. I had no idea how to force all those ideas into the narrative unobtrusively and as a result I got a very confusing product. Next time, Gadget, next time!
A cautionary tale of trying to do far too much with far too little.
Ultimately the overall reaction and confusion to this story I think is the result of two particular failings on my end:
1. The failure to provide adequate framework from which to understand the story's overall thesis, so much so that the underlying principles of the conflict are barely noticeable within the narrative and instead lends itself to a much more simplistic "Celestia vs. her mean council of evilness" reading. Under three thousand words was not a good idea to write this sort of story which is ostensibly about symbolic politicking, historical revisionism / demonization, and emotional responses versus practical responses in the context of governing. Consequently, the story's greatest failing is the lack of a clear grounding details to properly explain the motivations and rationale behind the character's decisions, leaving the reader adrift and searching for their own rationale for character actions and motivations. I think it would be impossible without me explaining it personally for the reader to understand that this is intended to be written as a commentary on the struggles of governing, rather than a straightforward narrative of "Why Celestia isn't Queen."
2. Assuming that everyone has the same idea of how governing works in Equestria and how a council would respond to the loss of a head of state as I do. Essentially my idea of how a council of governing authorities would react to the loss of Luna would be swift and immediate dealing of all the bureaucratic ins-and-outs and mountains of paperwork necessary in order to smoothly transition Celestia to the sole head of state, and minimize the political damage caused by Luna's actions by officially reducing her standing and increasing Celestia's, essentially to state that the old regime had died and this was the new rule. Once again, had I explained this fact even once, I think more people would have been willing to give me more of a benefit of the doubt in regards to the council. They're not evil, in fact they're practical. But practical to the point that they lose a bit of their emotional response.
I think this is the result of me trying to push several angles that would be interesting if executed properly, but didn't mesh well together due to my own personal inexperience and lofty ambitions. Overall, I wanted to write a story where the stakes were very subdued and symbolic, none of the characters were antagonists, and everyone thought they were making the correct decision as a reflection of the actual governing process. In a strictly practical sense, the empty throne should have been tossed out in the garbage, along with the rest of the traitor Luna's belongings. But Celestia wants to respect Luna's legacy and her own emotional nostalgia and instead see the parts of good of Luna along with the bad, much how there is a modern debate today of whether or not to honor or demonize civil war generals that fought for the Confederacy because they represented the ideal of slavery, but were also military geniuses. Those are the ideas I was juggling, and I think only a smidgen of them escaped into the actual plot-line.
Ironically, I think
>>Bad Horse
despite being one of the most critical, also read a lot of my intentions from the work. It is unfortunate that with the scant information present, he concluded the exact opposite of what I wanted, but nonetheless, I am still pleasantly surprised that a lot of the undertones of the scenes, particularly that of Posh Pin didn't go unnoticed.
Some notes explaining various points (i.e. ideas I should have clarified in the actual story):
>>Xepher
I understand they're simply "the bad guys" in this narrative
>>Bad Horse
We're supposed to see the council as the bad ponies. They're bad and stupid, and Celestia and Posh Pin are wise and good. This is a boring way to frame the question. Give the council some good points.
You guysssssssssssss. That's not what I wannnttttteeeeeeeedddddddddd. I had tried several ways of writing that conflict, and I couldn't get a grasp of on how to write the council as I intended, which was to say, lawful good. I think anyone going into this story would read a conflict between Celestia and her council as Celestia being in the right and the council in the wrong based on their preconceived notions, so I really tried my best to get them to appear as morally neutral as possible, but that just didn't work.
>>Bad Horse
- On that point, they should still be in shock from the battle and sweeping up rubble, catching up on sleep, searching for survivors, preparing for the move out of the ruined castle, or just trying to stop bleeding.
From my understanding, that wasn't how the battle went down in canon. I might have to rewatch the scene again, but it seems to me that the fight didn't occur in the castle itself, instead in some one story throne room area, and the physical damage of the battle was minimal to rest of Canterlot.
>>FanOfMostEverything
Wouldn’t Luna’s holdings default to Celestia anyway? Someone has to have them. Indeed, why didn’t the sisters hold their lands collectively?
Well that's the kicker of the story, isn't it? How are you supposed to give away someone's land if they're not actually dead, and still officially a princess? Also, once again, this is sort of my headcannon against yours, but it's my understanding the Everfree Castle was Luna's and Canterlot's was Celestia's. Each of them jointly ruled, but each had their own castle and domain apart from one another.
>>The_Letter_J
With Celestia so insistent on Princess Luna being remembered, I have to wonder how she let ponies forget about her in all meaningful ways.
Yeah, I realize retroactively that the story of Celestia and Luna wasn't the best set-up to tell this kind of story.
>>horizon
Also, am I misreading the text, or is Posh Celestia's chief advisor even though it was Luna who hired him for life 30 years ago?
No, you're right. I don't personally consider those facts mutually exclusive, but I suppose I could have written in another sentence of two on the backstory of the council to make sure the reader understood that it was for both Celestia and Luna, and not independently Celestia's council prior to the exile.
... and in fact is the one who proposes Celestia should be Queen, without any hint that he personally objects to the idea.
Yeah, I agree. There should have been a minor tell in the body language or a speech tag that indicated that he didn't really believe in what he was saying. He's lying without a hint in the narrative to inform the reader that he is.
The resolution is that Celestia gives an inspiring speech
Yeah, I fully expected to be hit on this point, and am surprised that more people didn't hammer that notion in.
"the council is full of young bucks that they can’t remember how important how important Princess Luna was to Equestria".
Barring further information about her recent history and the timescale of the Nightmare Moon crisis, this makes those young advisors look either laughably incompetent or transparently conniving.
Ambiguity thine name is Cassius. Really "forgotten" is a very poor word choice because it carries a connotation I didn't intend. What I meant to say by this is that the council is young to the point where they don't really understand Luna, what she did, or what she does, and only can see her as the traitor. They weren't around for her founding Equestria, and they aren't really aware of what she did in the night. Their image of Luna is some princess who never really did anything that got jealous and turned traitor, and they're ready to brand her in the annals of history as such.
BUT NONE OF THAT WAS EXPLAINED HAHAHA
It's hard for me to write exposition. I had no idea how to force all those ideas into the narrative unobtrusively and as a result I got a very confusing product. Next time, Gadget, next time!