"Can you believe those gryphons? Ten years of negotiations tanked in a matter of minutes!" An earth pony grumbled to a guard, both in the final process of setting up the last tent in the rapidly fading sunlight.
"Yeah, the princess is going to be pissed off. We all knew that Highmount was a pain in the flank, but to come to near hostilities for no cause? And then he claims that Equestria itself belongs to him? I'm just glad we're back home, I thought we were going to be attacked before we even got a chance to gather our things this morning." Another pony stated, wiping his brow with a hoof as the last of the camp was assembled.
A group of ponies were finishing setting up the last of their camp as the sun gave way to the moon, its light causing the fire to throw dancing shadows across the ground. The first of dinner was being passed out as everypony gathered together. Nopony heard the diving gryphons until it was too late.
Celestia sat in her study during the Day court's lunch recess, sipping at her tea. Her hoofmaid had just left the room, leaving her to enjoy the one hour of the day that was reserved solely for herself.
"Oh, Luna..." Celestia quietly muttered, her thoughts drifting once more to her sister. "It's been nine hundred eighty-seven years, seven months, and thirteen days since you forced my hoof to such drastic measures... I need to find the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, dear sister, so that you may be returned to me once more." Her eyes drifted towards the mural of the moon on the wall.
Celestia's tea lay forgotten as she continued to ponder on Luna's return. "I have just over twelve years left. There's been a few promising leads, but nothing definite yet. I'd hoped Cadance would be able to fulfill Magic's role, but it doesn't seem to be that way. Still, I'll need her for–" Celestia immediately quit speaking softly to herself as heavy thumps sounded out on her door, three hits in rapid succession.
Sighing, she undid the enchantment keeping it closed, causing the stallion at the door to rush inside. "What is it, Captain? I presume you have something important enough to be worth disturbing my only time alone all day?" Celestia fixed a hard gaze on the captain of her guard, who merely gave a quick salute in reply.
"I deeply apologize, Princess, but I just received word back on the Highmount Aerie diplomatic mission, and... it's bad." He levitated a slightly crumpled scroll that had been hastily rerolled over to Celestia, who took it with her own magic and unfurled it before reading.
Captain Shield,
At approximately twenty-one hundred last night, while on a regularly scheduled patrol of the Equestrian-Highmount border, we encountered a small force of Gryphons who had crossed onto Equestrian soil and were actively engaged with a small number of our citizens. It was later revealed that this was the group sent to handle the diplomatic affairs between Equestria and the Highmount Aerie.
When we arrived on scene, the gryphons had killed almost everypony in the camp. It appears they were attacked unaware during supper. The only survivor was a lone filly. After a quick assessment, she was teleported to Canterlot for immediate medical attention. It appears that she suffered numerous wounds from the gryphons torturing her and her mother.
The casualties from the ensuing action were the following: Of the pegasi on patrol, one sustained grievous injuries and is most likely grounded for good. Another four pegasi received minor lacerations. Of the attackers, twelve gryphons were killed and two captured, one of which is deemed to be in critical condition. All of the attacking gryphons have been confirmed to be those underneath Highmount Aerie, and this unprovoked attack on our diplomats and guards are paramount to a declaration of war on Equestria from Highmount.
Only one prisoner is expected to survive. He is currently on transit to Canterlot so that he may be made available for further questioning. Additionally, we have gathered all of the belongings and the remains and will be in Canterlot in two days’ time.
Sgt. Spitfire, 503rd Air Squadron Captain
"PRINCESS!"
A voice broke Celestia's rage as she stared at the offending document in her magic, the scroll going up in flames moments later. The air around her was warped from the heat forcing itself out from her body. The captain neared the doorway as the flowers in the room began to wither and die from the intense temperature.
Celestia forced her anger back under control, slightly embarrassed beneath the endless fountain of fury that was threatening to swallow her. "I apologize, Captain." she spoke, the rising anger clear in her tone. "Time and time again, I forgave his slights, preferring talks over bloodshed, even though they've stretched on for over ten years. But no one gets away with killing my little ponies!" Her voice boomed at the end, the walls themselves shaking.
"Your orders, Princess?" Shield quietly spoke, ready to carry out anything she asked, his own anger carefully kept under control beneath his steely exterior.
"Captain, I'm going for a walk. Announce that Day Court has been cancelled. Additionally, I want all of the intelligence reports on the Highmount Aerie gathered and ready to be presented first thing tomorrow morning. Have the Third Company mobilized and ready to go as well, just in case. One way or another, they will pay for their actions. Dismissed." The captain quickly vacated the room, the loud thud of the closing door heralding his departure. Celestia walked to the balcony, quickly taking flight to the open courtyard below.
Time flew as Celestia put one hoof in front of the other, her visage that of the indomitable Princess of the Sun and lone ruler of Equestria on, masking her true emotions. Never stopping, not even when directly addressed, she simply walked on as the anger slowly bled out through her hooves.
Sometime later, she came to a pause, noting a faint pull. Celestia looked around and saw the entrance to the castle’s hospital located directly in front of her and entered moments later. There was somepony powerful nearby, and it wasn't Cadance, which left Celestia curious.
"Ah, welcome, Princess Celestia! Is there anything I can do to help you today?" A unicorn walked up to Celestia, a small hat with a red cross centered on it atop her head.
"I was merely passing by, Nurse. Tell me, how many ponies are currently being treated here?" Celestia inquired, the faint pull of magic lingering on the edge of her consciousness.
At her question, the nurse's expression dropped. "Just one at the moment, Princess. She was brought in last night, emergency teleport arrival. It took our doctors hours to stabilize the poor dear, and there's a good chance she'll have problems the rest of her life from this. She’s only five too, and orphaned now..." The nurse trailed off, tears flowing from her eyes.
It must be the filly from the attack last night. I wonder... "I would like to see her, if you would, nurse." Celestia quietly asked.
"Normally, I would say no. Obviously we can make an exception though, Princess. If you would follow me?" A short trot brought them to a partially opened door, the steady beep of a heart monitor reaching her ears, as well as a shallow, ragged breathing.
"I'll be at the receptionist's desk if you need anything, Princess." Celestia numbly waved a hoof in reply at the nurse, who quietly closed the door behind her.
"Oh my..." Celestia's composure dropped as she finally came into the presence of the magic that had been pulling on her. This filly was filled with raw magic, more than even Cadance possessed. Celestia muttered to herself, voicing her thoughts. "This amount of magic is impossible in a unicorn, but... Luna, I believe I've found the bearer of Magic."
Celestia closed her eyes and began to think. She has so much potential, but has no parental figures anymore. Do I do the same as I did with Cadance? I can provide the guidance necessary to ensure she becomes Magic's bearer. Not only will she be responsible for saving Luna, but she'll most likely end up accomplishing a lot. I've got to ensure she stays close at hoof, but what's the best way?
She continued to think on how to best steer this filly so that she could fully realize her potential. Even at such a young age, Celestia was certain beyond a doubt that this small unicorn would be, if not the most, one of the most important ponies of her generation. Already the beginnings of a timetable was forming within her mind, milestones to be achieved so that come Luna's return, the young filly would be ready to harness the power of the Elements of Harmony.
A small groan ripped Celestia from her thoughts as she opened her eyes and looked at the source. She couldn't help but let out a gasp at what she saw before her.
In light of the potential this young filly possessed, Celestia had forgotten to actually look at her. The nurse's words didn't do the extent of her injuries justice, as nearly the entire form of the filly was covered in swaths of bandages. Even her horn was covered, and it was painfully apparently that part of its tip was missing. There were areas on the bandages where a small amount of blood had come through, and her body was a small field of such red splotches. Even unconscious and on medication, the filly's face was contorted in pain.
Celestia sat down on a cushion next to the bedside and simply looked at the young unicorn. She took in the nearly still form of this young filly whose physical condition she hadn't even noticed until whimpers of pain had broken her thoughts. This brought to light a singular thought which caused Celestia to pause everything.
"Have I really become so distant?" She numbly questioned herself, the words barely a whisper. Unable to move her eyes, she continued to stare at the filly. Her thoughts refused to form, as memories flooded the forefront of her mind.
A knock at the door caused Celestia to jump, completely taken by surprise. There was a tugging in the back of her mind signaling that it was nearly time to lower the sun so the moon could make its way through the sky. But, it was just early afternoon, has that much time passed?
"I'm sorry, Princess, but it's getting late and I need to change her bandages. I don't think you'll want to be here, it's... not a pretty sight." The nurse from earlier quietly spoke, a tray of bandages and various other medical supplies balanced on her back.
"I understand, you have your job to do. Tell me," Celestia asked, motioning a hoof towards the filly, "what will become of her?"
The nurse looked puzzled for a few moments before giving her reply. "Well, it appears that the only family she has is an older brother who is currently in the guard’s entry school, but he's unable to support her and isn't old enough to legally be her guardian. I would suppose once she is well enough, an orphanage would take her in until she was adopted or came of age." She hesitated a moment, then asked a question of her own. "Why do you ask, Princess?"
It seems that I have become too distant with them, this may just be what I need... It only took a moment for Celestia to make a decision that would begin the first of many changes. "Although she will be here for some time, I'll have a room prepared for her. Here. In the castle, that is." She firmly spoke, causing the nurse's eyes to widen.
“Princess, you mean to raise her yourself?” The nurse asked, curiosity and shock mingling together.
"I do. I plan on making her a ward of the crown, she deserves as much given what she has been through." Celestia turned to the filly, hesitating a moment before gently kissing her forehead. "I shall see you tomorrow..." She trailed off, realizing that although she had spent the remainder of the evening at the young filly's bedside she had yet to learn her name. Her eyes settled on the open door, where large letters identified the occupant.
"Twilight Sparkle."
AT LAST.
~Skeeter The Lurker
2935406
At last what?
2935599
It's out. He's been working on this for over a week, I think.
~Skeeter The Lurker
I've seen a couple fics that have Momlestia and Twilight, but is the first time I've seen one that Twi is adopted before she takes the test. I look forward to seeing where you takes, and how Celestia will open up.
2935603
Ah...
I think this makes story #3 i've faved, spacecowboy. That means you get +1 follower.
2935406
Always nabbing that first comment, even before the story comes out. : p
2935629
Yeah, it's something that I'm looking forward to. There's a lot of unexplored potential with the Twilight/Celestia mother/daughter relation, and I hope to entertain you as I move forward with the story. Thanks for the favorite and view, and hope to see you when I update this next. : )
2935637
Lol, glad you enjoy my stories. Thanks for the Follow as well, much appreciated.
2935645
Well, you know me.
~Skeeter The Lurker
2935645
There is a group dedicated to Momlestia and at the moment it has 21 fics for Twilight
2935670
Interesting to know, wasn't aware of it I don't think. Guess I should say that there's still some unexplored potential then? I know I've read a few, but none of them were that great or stuck out in my mind, truthfully. And of the adopted bit, very few of them out there.
2935684
So far yours is the only I know of that she is adopted before the test and the SRB.
2935690
Cool, that's good to know. I've already got the events around that laid out, and I'm actually looking forward to it. This idea has been pounding on my noggin for months, it's nice to finally get it out.
Also, as I move forward, feel free to not hold any punches, love having folks give me their opinion on what is being done wrong.
2935711
Alright, just remember I am a Celestia fan and I do get protective of her. So if you mess up on her you may just hear about it
Mark my words, good things will come of this story. It's only the first chapter and it's already really good!
that part with the horn make since. twilights horn is smaller than other unicorn mares.
2935789
Thanks, glad you liked it. Looking forward to writing this.
2935798
We shall see. : ) Hope you enjoyed it.
Good start, mommylestia always just seemed so right to me. Glad to know you got this all figured out.
2935840
Yeah, it's the main turnaway when folks see a romantic Twilight x Celestia relationship. There's hints at a more maternal bond between them during the show, even taking in the skin level callousness Celestia has for sending Twilight off on multiple things that are life threatening. But, it's a great relation to explore.
2935851
I actually enjoy Twilistia stories very much actually, it's pretty much my favourite pairing. Seeing other kinds of relationships between them is nice though.
Ah... Mommylestia and Twilight. I love these. Good start!
2935866
More of a TwiLuna fan myself, but I do enjoy a well written TwiLestia romance as well. The writer just has to do a good job with it to me for it to be a successful and good read.
2935879
Thanks, hope you'll enjoy it as I move forward.
2935895
True, and I love Twiluna as well. Though it always turns into a Twilunelestia in my head when I think about it.
2935924
Dynamics of a TwiLunEstia is rough. Hard to pull off, but so much fun to read. Also needs to be the focus of a story for it to be properly done. Princesses are best.
2935950
I'm a firm believer of Princest in wincest, and I plan to shove a whole lot of it on this site.
The quality though, is a whole other matter. We'll see.
2935989
I'll be watching. For the Princest that is.
2935999
I'm not going to do those until I have a bit more experience actually, though I thank you for the watch! Very kind of you.
First off...Omg my first comment on fimficton!!! YAY Also I love these types of stories or more or less any fic that shows any relationship between celestia and twilight. I dont know if its weird or not but ever since I read my first fanfic ( Device Heritic's Eternal) i can see twilight and celestia in any type of relationship and fully approve most of those types of stories. and for the grammer nazis who read this EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT WITH MY HORRIBLE GRAMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anyway keep this story going.
Ugh, now I have to favourite another story of yours for having an awesome concept that I just happen to love.
Oh, and I can only think of... two other Twilight adoption fanfics - there was that recent one which I kind of lost interest in towards the end when it was all 'filly Element Bearers yay' and the other's a Roseluck/Twilight shipfic. You're definitely not beating a dead horse here, as far as I know.
2936154
Lol, here's my arm, twist it! Seriously though, glad to have you reading another one of my stories.
Honestly, of the two you mentioned, passed on the latter. The former was something I read, and lost interest in as well. Was the seedling of this idea here. There's needs to be more than just 'oh, this filly here, must adopt!' So, I've put forth a premise that (unless I totally fuck it up, which is possible) should provide a deeper level of a relationship. As far as meeting any bearers, probably isn't going to happen. Sticking as close to canon as possible, per my note.
2936154
The 'filly Element Bearers yay' one is probably The Sun and Her Little Sparkle.
Hm, I'm starting to sense a theme here...
intriguing.
2936171 That sounds really good to me, and going by your other stories I can't really see you fucking this up; especially if you've got it planned out already. I also approve of you sticking to canon events and not throwing in other ponies for no particular reason.
2936179 Yeah, that's the one. I lost all interest in that one when it randomly stopped being all about Twilight and Celestia and had that random Luna redemption towards the end.
2936179
Yup.
And what theme? If you think there's any, then...
matthershberger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/aliens-meme.jpg
2936219
Glad you think so!
2936233
I can be doubtful of myself though, right? I do plan on mentioning Luna, but it's going to be done in a rather... feels loaded manner. All I'll say on the matter though. No early redemption junk.
2936250
Pretty much the 'dark-comes-up-with-an-idea-only-to-have-it-executed-much-much-better-by-spacecowboy' theme.
Don't get me wrong, this is not an accusation of plagiarism or something like that, if it should come over as it. Merely a curiosity I took note of, even though it's not really that much of a surprise--I think you said yourself that dark does have good ideas, but his execution is incredibly sloppy.
2936262
My mind gets a lot of ideas. A lot do come from stories that are poorly executed too. I still have a document with... *runs off to check* 20 or so concepts in it. Including a FF X structured story. Dark did sort of contribute to two of the ideas, both of which are now published. Pure coincidence that it's been two of the last three published works I've put out, I suppose. Suppose I should state that I'm aware you're not accusing, just pointing out the connection. I'll admit it's there.
Not bad.
I don't really get the "becoming distant" thing though. She seemed pretty on top of things to me. It kinda seems like she just randomly decided "Yeah, I'm too distant" without any real showing of just how distant she is.
Anyways, liking and faving.
2936355
Yeah, that was a failing of this hook, I'll openly admit that. I think the only way I could've better conveyed it would've been through a lot of exposition, which probably would've detracted from the rest. Something I'll be better clarifying as I move forward, it'll become truly noticeable once I get some Cadance interaction going on, without giving away too much.
dis gon b gud i cun tel bye da ferst chapta
2936370
Sounds good. You're one of my fave authors on the site, so I'll be watching this with interest.
2936355 I dunno, the whole way Celestia started playing chess with Twilight's life before she even looked at her conveyed it pretty effectively.
2936390
Yeah, I suppose.
But she also seemed pretty caring when she nearly blew up her office in horrified outrage when she found out that her ponies were killed.
I dunno. The hook was there, but I still think that it could have been executed better.
this is probably me being a moron, but I can't help but think that this was just a little bit inspired by my story- or perhaps a concept or two borrowed. I haven't read this one yet, since I'm just passing by, but It looks good.
2936431 See my comment 2936318. It played some part in it I'll openly admit, but it's one of two or three concepts I have with Twilight being her daughter. This is the only via adoption one I have though. More of my ideas were calling to be written, and TwiLestia (in any form) has been weighing heavier on my mind. The one shot I put out earlier this week wasn't enough to satisfy my desires, so this formed.
2936420>>2936390
Drynwhyl, while that part did convey some of it, Pearple is right in that I had a shortcoming or two that did take away from the full impact of it all. I didn't stress the fact that Celestia never addressed a pony by name until Twilight (which was originally a large part of stressing the whole disconnect) among a few other things. So, it's not clearly defined, even with that one part being considered 'obvious' to see.
2936477 You're right, yeah. I actually played off the 'angry explosion' thing as her being personally affronted by the fact that someone would attack something of hers (what with how she says it and whatnot), but that likely wasn't your intention now that you both mention it.
2936517
It's meant to be interpreted however, truthfully, but I did have the slight impression of her being pissed at both her ponies being killed (note the verbage) and that she saw them a pinch as not so much possessions, but hers. Full clarity is what's missing, really. Still it works as a hook, and moving forward I just need to be a pinch more careful.
A favourite subject of mine, that. Eager to see how this develops.
I like the momlestia premise. And this story has a nice enough start. I'll be following this for later chapters. Good luck! <3
Sometime later, she came to a pause, noting a faint pull. Celestia looked around and saw the entrance to the castle’s hospital located directly in front of her and entered moments later. There was somepony powerful nearby, and it wasn't Cadance, which left Celestia curious.
The pacing of this part is way off compared to the rest. Maybe elaborate on Celestia feeling this 'pull'?
You could easily make this 2 paragraphs.
I like this story
cant wait for more.
2936572>>2936632
Thank you very much. Hopefully I don't botch it, always a fear of mine.
2936876
I'm thinking on the proper ways to move forward. Don't wanna botch it.
2936703
While it could have possibly used some slight rewording and restructuring for that paragraph, I don't think it needed a second paragraph. Still, I'll make a note and look at it with fresh eyes in a few days and see if it works best with 1 or 2 paragraphs. I've been staring at it for far too long right now to really make a decision either way. Thanks for the input. : )