Falcata and Estoc approach the massive city slowly. Any peace Falcata felt ascending to this eerie realm was long gone by now, replaced by the growing trepidation again. She chances a worried glance to Estoc as they draw close to the immense gilded gates to the city. His face was exactly as she always knew it to be in situations like this: calm and collected, sporting a small but reassuring smile.
Inside, he was hardly so sure of himself. He hadn't done anything he could think of in his life to condemn his soul, but as always with situations like this, how could one be totally confident? He hadn't been particular pious in life... he hoped Luna would pity him for the good he'd tried to do.
But really, he did worry for Falcata. He'd never show his unease to her, since even a blind and deaf pony could sense how terrified she was, but what would they do if she was turned away? If she was just cast away, doomed to walk the earth for eternity... he... he would stay with her. It would be giving up more than was even imaginable to give up paradise if he got in and she didn't, but he'd kept his sanity for six years alone watching her and Kris. With her by his side again, he could manage. And with Starkey and Otik to talk to, they wouldn't be alone. Not that he knew them well, but in time he would.
If she was condemned... to some eternal torture... he probably wouldn't be allowed to join her even if he wanted to. As much as he loved her... that wasn't something he could suffer through with her willingly. He felt terrible for thinking it, but that was just too much. No sane pony walked into eternal torture.
He shunned the horrifying thoughts and rests a hoof on her withers as they reach the door. She would be fine. The mare might have killed three ponies, but the monster that had killed him deserved it. The other two might not, but Falcata had nearly given her life once to save somepony and did give her life trying to save over a hundred more. If that didn't excuse her in the eyes of Luna, nothing would. He'd argue her case to his last breath, if Darkmane was serious and that was his job. He'd worry about himself after she had been judged. "It's going to be alright, I promise."
Falcata nods, but doesn't smile. That was what he was expected to say, so of course he'd say it whether he meant it or not. But she appreciated the gesture, even if she didn't know if she believed it would be true. Even with all Captain Starkey had done for her, she didn't have much confidence that this would go well. At best she could hope that Luna would have some pity on her soul and save her from the worst fates...
With a trembling hoof, she reaches up and raps at the door, scarcely making a sound. Estoc reaches up to steady her hoof and gives it a loud knock. They had to get this over with. It was now, not never.
The great doors swing open with a low groan, and backlight by overbearing golden light stands a small filly. The filly steps forward, revealing herself to be a dark colored alicorn. As she exits the grand city, the door closes behind her. A small, innocent smile forms on her face as she looks up to the two new arrivals. "Hello, you must be Falcata and Estoc! I'm glad you finally made it." She looks to Estoc. "I've been waiting a really long time to talk to you!"
The two are dumbstricken for a moment. This... this filly was Luna Herself? Falcata gawps for a moment before she notices Estoc kneeling beside her, and she falls to a knee hastily. "L-Luna! Forgive me, I-I didn't recognize you!"
Luna smiles a bit wider and nods. "Oh, everypony says that." She raises a hoof to the two and motions for them to stand up. "Come on, we've got a lot to talk about!"
The terror in her heart was now replaced by overwhelming curiosity. Was this really happening? Luna had the appearance of a child... how would she be judged? Was that what she meant? The two stand as they are instructed and begin to follow the little filly as she leads them off.
Author
Topic: My Little Fortress. Glitterglen. (Read 287208 times)