Chapter 16 (ART!) · 2:11am Jan 14th, 2014
So apparently this was a bit of a... controversial chapter, to say the least. Obviously, there's a lot going on behind the scenes in the story and not everything has been revealed yet. There's going to be yet more stunning revelations, twists, and drama in the coming chapters, I'm afraid, especially in block three. Block four, though, turns hard into Adventure and doesn't really look back. I ask that you give me a chance, and all should make sense in the end, even if that will be quite a while.
I do not, however, apologize for making use of the feels. I'm going to do my damnedest to invoke the feels when they're supposed to be used - both good and bad. It's not going to be all pony cuddles and sunshine here. Sometimes it's going to be drama and rain. And then pony cuddles. Because, well, this is FimFic. There should be at least some pony cuddles.
Anyway, while I was writing this chapter, my lovely special somepony Violet Squiggles drew some art from various scenes! Details have since changed from when she drew this (example: in the chapter, she didn't have her torc), but still. These are all awesome sauce.
-Cv
Let me be the first to say...
"Ooh! Pretty!"
I like all the drama going on, and I'm pretty curious as to how the council is going to try taking away Shining's crown, since he more than likely got it due to marrying Cadance, depending on the fanon of the story. Off the top of my head, the council would either have to find some way to nullify the wedding, or strip the crown from Cadance as well, since making some arbitrary law about shining not being allowed to give Cadance advice would be easy to get around. Kind of hoping they attempt to nullify the wedding, mainly because I want to see the characters reactions and how they would deal with such a terrible situation. Doubt the council would succeed in that endeavor, which is a good thing, but would be interesting to see.
Still, no matter how much i like character conflict, I can't wait for that adventuring part to start. Interested to see what is powerful enough to end up causing Spike to send the black scroll.
As for the pics, I really like the expression Shining has in the first pic. The distressed appearance of the other two adds to the overall emotionless stare he is giving, making him appear broken. So nicely done Violet.
Finally, please more Charlemane
Wow, it's just a sketch, but the last one certainly does a nice job of conveying the feel.
I'm still in favor of Twilight doing something horribly destructive to or about the council.
I kind of like Charlemane, even if he seems like he follows ridiculous laws too closely. I like how he threw the duchess out of the room though.
I think Luna should have smashed the door down and demanded to know why this was held in secret without her being informed. I'm firmly of the belief that she's going to have take back of some of the authority that is technically owed her and that ponies are reluctant to allow. Besides, presumably only Celestia knows that she was actually asked not to enter. Even the guards might be a little in the dark besides their orders. In any case, Celestia would have limited options. Either she could deny her sister what might technically be her birthright or at least as much her right as it is Celestia's or she'd have to at least allow her to be present. The former might easily invite another round of Nightmare Moon. A situation that no one is prepared to handle. If Luna can create all those golems she could probably overthrow Equestria on her own.
Well I for one loved the last chapter. I'm a sucker for happy endings and would have loved to have seen Shining and Twi win, but I do think having them lose gave you a lot more to do with the story than if they'd won.
I also think that this makes the story more dynamic. Really looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Oh, and nearly forgot-that art work is awesome. :3
Chambers looks like I first pictured it... except Shining in the middle facing away from the council. Seems a tad... impractical? Would seem more opposing if he was facing everypony? (With the guests behind him)
Eh tomato-tamato, thanks for posting this! (And thank you Violet for drawing these!)