Primus Lune

Lunara didn't inquire much further into my mood, and I didn't want to slip up. We walked in silence, with her greatly diminished form swaying in front of me. With her lighter appearance, her mood seemed more cheerful and peaceful. I guess the mental strain that was lifted from her was intense.

My mind eventually lost itself in thought. Without any conversation, I lapsed into thought, including worry that Queen Celestina might not have been very pleased with my preparations. My worry grew more and more until I was broken from my mind by a gentle bump from Princess Lunara.

"Well, you did complete your assignment here, Novalis. Well done. Tina was quite pleased with your preparations."

"You're sure that you're not mad at me for staying behind?"

"I already told you that I had hoped my chosen advisor would be more interested in my well-being, and had thought you abandoned me. It was my fault for not showing faith in your judgement."

"No, Your Highness... There is no need to apologize to me..."

"Very well. Putting that aside, you did as I commanded. Your presence in Starville is no longer needed, so we shall be returning to Soluna in the evening, after I have had my rest. During the remainder of the day, you should prepare to leave, including saying goodbye to any friends you may have made."

With no further words, she vanished in a flash of teleportation. Sighing softly, I began to make my way back to Queen Celestina's ceremony. Anyone worth saying goodbye to since my stay was already there, and I wanted to get some rest today. I was hoping that my classes with Princess Lunara would begin immediately upon our return, and the last thing I needed was to be tired during them.

As I drew closer to the auditorium, I noticed that the music had changed since I had last left. I could hear the familiar thrums and heart pounding bass points that occurred a lot with Cappricio's music. I could feel the ground shaking under my feet as I came closer. Apparently the party was getting into full swing.

Walking into the door, I saw Dusk and her new friends looking extremely pleased. I made my way over to chat with them, and found that Queen Celestina had changed Dusk's assignment in Starville to studying the Spirits of Order a bit. I hoped Lunara wouldn't assign any peculiar lessons to me. I knew I was terrible at making friends, but to actually need classes on it would be brutal. Then again, I did make like four of them in one day here.

Not wishing to intrude into their circle too long, I made my way over to the DJ booth, where Avec was just warming up. I saw Paloma and the Spa Sisters, and waved them over as well. Once we were all together, I told them about my impending return to Soluna. There was some initial protesting from Paloma and Avec, while the spa girls seemed disinterested. Hmm, I suppose I didn't really get to know them enough to make much of an impact. Make that two friends, not four... I apologized to them for telling them something they wouldn't care about, and watched as they returned to their makeshift spa booth they had somehow set up since last I was here.

Turning back to my two friends, I saw pouts on each of their faces. Holding up a hand to stall further objections, and decided to confess. I told them that I would not mind returning and visiting them, but I had two reasons to stay in Soluna. My family lived there, and I didn't want to leave them just yet. I also confessed my crush on Princess Lunara. I explained that everything I was doing yesterday and today was because of her. I saw Paloma's eyes spark with realization, and I knew that she knew why I hadn't accepted her confession earlier. Finally, as a gift to each of them, I used my magic and some tricks I learned from my father to turn a log, which was only going to be burned anyway, into a couple toys for Sangria, her daughter, and I even crafted a few wooden knick-knack music notes for Avec. Finishing them with a magical glaze, I handed my gifts over and bid farewell for the day.

As I walked through the town, I took note of how the rising sun slowly illuminated the quiet town. Shadows slowly melted off the gingerbread trim, and the darkened colors lit up vibrantly. People who trickled from the party went into homes and businesses, livening up the place further. On this one day, every citizen was infused with a lively essence from our Bright Celestial Queen, allowing us to go through the day without ill effects from the lack of sleep we were sure to have. With little time, Starville was bustling away, and the bazaar was in full swing. Humans haggling over prices so low that the snobbish Celestials in Soluna would be shocked, vibrant colors everywhere, and a throng of folks of both races impeding my progress to the library.

Eventually, I made my way back to the library, and came upon Dusk dusting a few books and looking frazzled. Glancing over her checklist, I saw she way reordering the library in an overly detailed layout. Seeing Fangsly tottering on top of a ladder, I sighed and began to levitate books into shelves. Glancing gratefully over at me, the young dragon, who appeared to help Dusk as an assistant, offered a weak smile as he continued shoving books into shelves.

After we finished organizing the library to her perfect standard, Miss Etherea went upstairs and collapsed. I stayed awake and had a casual conversation with Fangsly. An intelligent dragon, no doubt the influence of Dusk working there, he had many topics he liked to speak on. He also seemed to have developed a crush. He was so smitten with Demura it was funny. He spoke of a future family with her, obviously forgetting that someday he would be about twenty times her size. He made a simple lunch for us, with smoked ham and bacon sandwiches for me and a large emerald for himself. I was amused and a bit shocked with how easily a dragon could crush a jewel with his teeth. Finally, yawning, he retired to his basket upstairs in Dusk's room, leaving me in peace so I could finally go to bed.

I collapsed into the bed I had used the night before. As I lay there, I pondered the previous day and the experiences within it. I had made friends, even though I had tried not to. And tonight, I was returning to Soluna. But deep down, I felt regret for having to leave my new friends...

Princess Lunara's POV, Teatime With Celestina: 

"So, Novalis didn't want any of the glory of rescuing us? Despite your claims of being disappointed that he didn't show up," Tina asked as she sipped her tea, which was Earl Grey tonight.

"Mmm, no. He really was just thinking about how to make everything right for our return. He had absolute faith in Dusk, and I can't place why. It's not like he's known her for a long time."

I could see my sister pondering her thoughts again. We had thought that both of our students would come for us, and even suspected we'd have to push back her celebration today. But not only did the Spirits of Order choose to dwell within Dusk and her friends, but Novalis' apt judgment made sure that the day continued as if Rathmaro had never done anything. Both of our students chose a different path forward, and it was rather amusing that they chose to be like us. Dusk chose the spotlight, rescuing us and being the hero, shining forth against our foe. Novalis, on the other hand, worked from the shadows, ensuring that even though the hero would be front and center, the hero would have a proper return. 

"So, my student will be honored for her bravery in our rescue. What did you see for Novalis in the future?" Celestina finally decided to address what I had spoken about with her in Starville.

"After speaking at length with him, I found that a possible root of his low esteem comes from him believing he has little power. He trusted Dusk fully, but he lamented that he didn't have the power to fight Rathmaro on my behalf. So I'm thinking of training him in the arts of magic."

"I see. That would be wise. Though I have to question his upbringing, considering what he's told you of his eyes and abilities. For example, he seems adept at modifying spellwork. That is no easy feat, yet he doesn't view it as special as it is."

"Yes, and I fully intend to make him realize where his strengths lie. Modifying a spell that someone else has made takes incredible skill and control. I doubt Dusk can perform that, unless I am mistaken?" I set my cup down, ready to discuss the finer points of my future plans for Novalis.

"No. She has great inner power, but lacks imagination. Her control is good, but she only does as instructed. If it weren't for how fast she learned everything I taught her, she'd be mildly unremarkable."

"Do you think Novalis could help her with that, once he comes to terms with his own abilities?"

"I truly do not know. I've shown her how I modify some sorceries. But with her blind worship of me, she merely passes it off as something only I, and maybe you, could do."

I snorted at that a bit. Maybe I could do it? I was better at spellweaving than even my sister. I had to be. Half the time I had to make up for power with ingenuity, after all.

"Oh don't give me that look. I know very well your abilities, Luna."

"Sorry, sister. Novalis seemed to find my daylight form to be problematic. He dislikes my power waning during the day."

"Well of course he does. He probably believed I did it on purpose, to stay Queen, right?"

"Well, yes. But I don't think he had malice towards you like some others who have seen the form. Nor am I diminished in his gaze, like some of my past suitors. I think if our father were here, though, he'd want to punch him."

"Ha! I'd like to see anyone try that. The old fool needs a bit of recompense for that condition."

We laughed a moment together, amused by the thought of a human attempting to punch an Ancient Celestial, and for no other reason than to reprimand him for a daughter's condition. Looking up though, I noticed Tina had gotten serious again.

"So, Luna, are we going to start the new plan when he gets back later tonight? I do have that statue. And with how angry he was the other day, I can only assume it would be highly motivating for his training. We can actually put our aunt's sick sense of humor to use."

"Yes. It is time to teach him how to channel his magic better. If he is to ever come to terms with his feelings and be honest, I don't want him to balk at the idea that he can't fight for me. Even if I don't really need him to protect me..." I murmured, trailing off at the last part. 

"Neither of us need protection against most forces. Rathmaro notwithstanding, we are very powerful. But men, no matter what species, sure do love to 'protect' their lovers. I doubt he's going to accept his feelings for you until he feels he is worthy. This is your best shot."

"I know, Tina, I know. But do you truly approve of what I have planned for him? I know you've only talked with him once..."

"True. But I saw the depths of his devotion to you. I saw the rage he feels on your behalf. And today... He chose to risk losing your grace in order to fulfil your orders. Once you deem him ready, I have no issue in you assigning him as your Ambassador. He will serve you faithfully and well."

After our talks concluded, I returned to my room. I needed to set up Novalis' new training. Not only astrological studies, but now magical studies. Tina would be sending over her 'motivation' soon. And as much as it was annoying me to do so, I would have to protect it. 

I hope he doesn't take too long to learn...