Five Stanzas: Chapter IV

~Five Stanzas~
[Chapter IV]
|Consonance|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>"And then? Then what happned!?"
>Dusty was leaning in heavy on her front legs, propping her head up with giant pink hearts spinning in her childlike saucers for eyes.
"And then we kissed. What'd you expect?"
>The both of you sat in the quiet stone garden. The grove decorated with powerfully detailed statues and sculptures that tower over you.
>You've just finished relaying the day before, the song you shared with Celestia and also the kiss. The kiss being the best part.
"Anyway, that was my day. What about you? You have a nice time with your special someone?"
>You prod her in the ribs with your elbow, warranting a giggle from her. Dusty's eyes are now replaced with a more romantic look. More dazed and full of remembrance of the evening passed.
>"Amazing actually. We went to see ze orchestra in Canterlot Square. A certain pony had been the spotlight, a Cellist said to be the best in the region. And afterwards he invited me into his home and-"
"Oh?"
>Just then Dusty halted, catching her tongue before it released anymore terrible secrets. Her face was now the color of the garden's reddest rose and her eyes darted to the ground.
>"N-not like zat."
"Not like what? I didn't say anything."
>You raise an eyebrow at her causing her to shy away incredibly, twiddling her hooves. Her reaction just eggs you on further, tempting you to tease her until she finally drops the facade.
"You've been blushing every now and then. I know when the heart is full of love Dusty. You can't hide from me."
>What a lie. You didn't really know shit about love, but you knew how to sell it. You were a poet after all.
"So what exactly went down at his house, huh?"
>Your constant prodding earns you a firm hoof across the face leaving a red horseshoe on your cheek.
>"What are you implying!?
>Anything you -were- implying is now long gone. That slap hurt like a bitch.

>"If you must know, he's a traveling musician. He invited me in so he could show me his work. Nothing more, nothing less."
>Dusty's grey eyes stare you down. Daring you to male even the smallest implication. But the pain on your cheek is still too fresh, it'd be best to hold off, for now.
"Relax. I believe you. So, when am I going to meet this 'dashing gentleman'?"
>Now it was time to stare her down. The question took her by surprise and she was now darting her eyes around looking for any possible distraction in the stone garden.
>"You'll meet him soon enough. What would I look like? Bringing a stallion home on the third date?"
"A normal mare. I just want to meet him. I didn't say you had to kiss in front of me or anything. By the way, did you kiss yet?"
>The sound of golden horseshoes gently kissing the stone walkway finds you. Interrupting Dusty's attempt on your life. Occupying your hands with the senile mare's aggressive hooves you take a glance on the new comer. And sure enough, it was her, here to meet you and begin your day together.

>It was your rose that bloomed in the darkness. The lonely bird here to join her companion. There she stood, tall, proud, and beautiful as ever. You could feel your hands start to quiver and you let go of Dusty's now relaxed hooves.
>"Ah, a good morning to you Princess." Dusty stands and bows, though Celestia raises a hoof to show that it is not necessary.
>"And a good morning to you Ms. Dusty. Mind if I steal Anon away for a few hours. We have something planned." She nods to you with her signature smile. The smile that dares to drag your heart from your very chest.
>"Of course not! I was just leaving anyway! It seems our mutual friend presumes too much of me." She turns to you with a false smile, glaring daggers at you. Dusty then stands and bows once more to the princess before she is on her way. You wonder if she's off to visit her 'special somepony'
>But such thoughts are expelled when your gaze finds her's. This familiar sensation of timelessness. A feeling you've grown accustomed to. Time seems to stop the very moment you first see her each day. It was like witnessing her for the first time over and over again.
>"Well Anon, shall we be off?" You expands her wing, the equivalent of offering you her arm.
"Where are we going?" You ask, closing the distance in as little time as possible and she tucks you under her wing as you walk side by side.
>"I have no idea."

>This mare, who seemed to be a step ahead of everyone else. Who knew almost everything this world had to offer. Who was incredibly wise and insightful, could not find a place to suit the both of you. Instead you both wander around aimlessly. Chatting about your day and the day before today and before that.
>"A thought just occurred to me Anon, have you ever tried Everfree Blossom?" She glances down at you, her large eyes looking at you curiously.
"No, I haven't heard of it. What is it?"
>She chuckles as you both come to a stop in front of a large door. It certainly stood out in the marble and stone castle. Instead of a door of wood, stone, or iron, it was a door made of some sort of purple fabric. Looking like a mattress repurposed into a door.
>"I'm delighted you asked. It'll make the experience much more grander?"
>You raise an eye brow. So far, these little meetings have served some sort of purpose. Whether it being some sort of new take on life or simply getting to know each other a lot more. So what purpose could this next in the series of great events could this room serve?
>Celestia's horn claims it's signature glow and it's magic pulses through the Aether. A magical heart beat into the invisible plain of realm of magic. She radiates a certain warmth, not her usual body heat, but a warmth that feels like a very mild day in summer.

>The door slowly slides open vertically. Revealing a room that mirrors the door. Looking like a room designed for mad man in an asylum.
>All over, the walls, seats, tables and various tube-like instruments hold the shade of purple and magenta. A blue-like mist crawls on the carpeted floor and the lights are dimmed.
"Celestia, what exactly is this place?" You're the first to walk in and you're hit with a feeling of weightlessness and joy.
>"This is the visionary room. A place where my sister and I come to receive interpretations for various things. Dreams, omens, answers to great questions. Think of it as a library, but instead of researching, the answers are handed to you in a variety of creative and unique ways."
>She joins you in the dim purple room and you take a seat on the beanbag-like chair. The door closes, neglecting the light from outside. It was almost like you were in a different world now.
>On closer inspection, you can see that the instruments resemble that of hookahs. It's wide basin stretching up into a narrow tube, allowing a chord to escape from it's side, attached to a mouthpiece. And now that you think about it, this place does look like some sort of stoner's den.
>Celestia sits next to you, pulling you in between her legs, your back to her rising and falling chest.

>"The Everfree Blossom is a magical herb that blooms once every blue moon. Traditionally it was used by shamans and tribal doctors in Zebrica to interpret different illnesses and diseases. But in today's culture it is used to give a pony a very strong sense of euphoria. Normally, a pony who tries it usually gets lost in their own experiences, they don't pay attention to the visions that the herb grants them."
>You can't believe this. Celestia. Equestria's morning and evening star. The one pony who represents all purity and good deeds in this world, has now invited you to pass the joint with her. And from the way it sounds, you'll be tripping some serious balls.
>But hey, you always keep an open mind. And who knows, this may be a very pleasing experience with her. Her magical grip levitates the nearest hookah and places it between your legs. It's chord snaking into the air to find it's way into your palm.
"I can't believe this. You're telling me you get super high?" Small fumes escape the mouthpiece and disappear into the air.
>Her wings surround you and you make yourself comfortable before taking the first hit. You hesitate, the mouth piece inches away from your mouth. What if you end up saying something you shouldn't? Or you try to jump off a building or something.
"How do I know I won't do anything I'll regret, Celestia?"
>Celestia giggles and pulls you in closer with her wings, resting her head on yours. "Don't worry Anon. The herb will leave you completely immobile. Usually, you aren't able to even form a thought."
>Damn, this was really some strong stuff. Smoking this would send you into a coma you'd never wake up from. And that scares the hell out of you. Inside the translucent flask, the liquid glows a vibrant purple and you inch the mouth piece closer to your lips.
"Alright, I guess I have to say I'm a bit curious..."
>The mouth piece makes contact with your lips, you don't have a chance to even inhale as your vision and all your senses go black.

>What exactly was happening? Every form of your senses were being bombarded with an other worldly miasma of euphoria. It was unnatural. Supernatural.
>Your body, or what feels like your body is carried off into the air, into the black abyss, journeying into another world. This was the effect of the Everfree Blossom.
>She was right after all. You weren't able to form a single, wordful thought. All you could do was try to maintain consciousness. If a journey was to be had, what such journey would you embark on with her? Or will a great question be answered? A question that will send you spiraling into the long road of your future. Whether or not she will have presence in that future was unknown. Maybe that was why you were hesitant at first.
>Within moments and mirage of colors flow into your peripherals, almost blinding, almost as bright as the sun that sits indifferent in her sky. Shades of the warmest pinks and brightest yellows surround your senses and give you the warmth that is accustomed to her unique body.
>A completely different world was forming around you, one both alien and nostalgic. Almost as if the world was crafted from the very breast of God and laid before you.
>But where was she? Although this world had been made to be perfect, how could it be perfect in the absence of such a perfect being? For a moment, you can't think of her name. Only a shape accompanied by a distinct voice. Could you even remember your own name? Was it lost on the winds of the magical Aether? Perhaps so.
>Nevertheless though, this was one hell of a drug

>You stood in a grassy expanse that seemed to be it's own little patch of Heaven. A slight breeze tugs at your clothes and bend the individual blades of grass to their will.
>"So tell me, how does it feels?" Celestia's angelic voice breaks the breezy silence and you find yourself able to focus on the blurred image in front of you. There she was, standing as beautiful as this blissful world.
"It feels...strange to say the least. My senses are so sensitive I'm scared I may have a seizure or something.."
>You try to focus on your hand, it being blurred by your adjusting eyes.
"Where exactly are we?" You ask, to which Celestia adopts a curious look on her face.
>"Who knows? I've never been here before, usually I'm taken to the sky or the top of a mountain. I have never spawned this close to the ground before. Typically the point of your origin means something. I wonder, what could it mean that we both spawned in this grassy plain..."
>Celestia hides her mouth with a hoof, completely in shock. If what she said about the point of origin being important, than why did she always start high above the ground...?
"What usually happens in these visions?" you ask, breaking her concentration.
>"I'm afraid 'usually' doesn't exactly apply here Anon. Anything can happen, each time I've been here, very unique and different events transpired. After you ask your question, that is."
"Question?"
>"Oh yes. I had almost forgotten. You must ask a question in order to receive a vision. Actually, I'm a bit curious, what would you ask for Anon?"
>Now she grows closer to you, staring at you with the curiosity of a child. And what -would- you ask?

"I don't know. All my questions were answered the other day. There's nothing I really need to know right now."
>Her massive white wing finds it's way over your shoulder, her face nuzzling your cheek on the opposite side.
>"Very well then. I will ask a question." She steps away from you, centering herself in the grassy field. Her eyes fall shut and her wings furl her wings. Her mane now swayed in which ever direction the wind commanded.
>You step a bit closer, admiring her as you always did. You stop yourself from gawking as the ground beneath you becomes soft and loose. Your feet and Celestia's hoofs begin to sink into the ground, they once swaying blades of grass now pulling you into their domain. You panic, not wanting to be buried alive and start to struggle.
>"Don't fight it Anon. Let it take you." Her smile reassures you and she lets the grass crawl up her legs and her entire being and pull her beneath the earth. You do the same, finding it to be almost, peaceful.
>Your view of the sky becomes smaller and smaller once the ground reaches your neck. Acting on instinct you hold your breath. But soon find there's no need to as you free fall beneath the dirt.
>Around you is the never ending black expanse of the universe. Dotted in countless swirling galaxies. You now traveled outside of space and time.
>Celestia is falling next to you, her eyes still closed. She says nothing while you pass through the directionless space. You opt to close your own eyes and wait for whatever it is you were to be shown.
>Suddenly, your back hits the surface of what feel like water. All sound is then warped and muffled and you become as heavy as a mountain. Plummeting towards the dark sea floor. You risk a glance and see the ocean floor.
>Both your bodies land on their feet and hoofs at the bottom of the ocean. Both you and Celestia are now able to freely move about. But unable to speak. Though you can't see her, you could tell Celestia was right beside you in the darkness.

>But amidst the dark sea a pillar of light shined through, placing you and Celestia in the spotlight. You're relieved that you both can now see each other clearly and move closer to one another.
>Muffled sounds of a thousand chirping birds become more distinct in the dark ocean. You look around, trying to locate the source. The sound soon becomes close to unbearable and you cover your ears.
>Soon the sound fades slowly, and then completely. Until only one source is left. A lone song bird, flowing in the darkness. Celestia steps forth, the spotlight extending to reveal a meek song bird cowering.
>Celestia leans down and get's on the bird's eye level. You knew instantly that they shared a connection. Celestia seemed to communicate with the bird, it chirping and moving it's wings in this way and that. She was sincere and honest with the bird, and vice versa.
>Celestia looks back at you, with the same, sweet smile that you've grown to love. She motions you over and your steps echo on the sea floor. You kneel down to inspect the bird who seems strikingly familiar. You hold out a hand for a reason you don't even know yourself. But the gentle song bird nuzzles against it.
>That was the moment. The very moment everything became clear to you. Slowly retracting your hand, you stand and take a step to the side. Revealing a similar song bird behind you.
>You stand by Celestia as the two birds fly around each other. Now singing one song in unison. They fly circles around you, bending the water in the ocean round them. Their wing's create a vortex and lift the both of you out of the sea effortlessly.
>The both of you share a laugh as you ascend towards the now bright sky. The sound of the raging whirlpool dies as you now sit suspended in air. Though words are not exchanged, you both decide to talk after everything was over.

>The two birds from below now flew circles around you, almost as if gathering momentum. This was exactly what they were doing, suddenly, they break the cycle and slingshot forward. Carrying the both of you in their gravitational pull.
>The ocean below now flew past at insane speeds, but you felt little to no wind resistance. It almost made you dizzy. Below, the ocean below slowly dried and became land, which gave way to trees, and so on to form houses. Beyond the houses were tall skinny buildings that clawed at the sky. And in the center, a gigantic fountain, spewing golden water into the air. But this was not your destination.
>Beyond the buildings and fountain was a very large mountain in the far distance. But it grew closer and closer within time. Atop the mountain sat a magnificent white castle. Baring a striking resemblance to Canterlot. It's spires reached incredibly high into the atmosphere, eclipsing the sun. Casting a large shadow upon the Earth.
>Your advancement slowed to a stop, and you glided to the highest spire and touched ground on the balcony.
>Inside the room sat a very comfortable Celestia, along with a slumbering Anon. Between the both of them sat an unfamiliar face. Nuzzled in between the both of them. You glance at Celestia, who doesn't return it.
>Her focus was now entirely on the three inside the room. her eyes were now fixated on those infront of her. In the corner of her giant eyes, tiny droplets started to well and her face held the biggest smile you've ever seen.
>You give another look at the three figures ahead of you. The birds now perching on the headboard. And upon closer inspection, you could see something resembling a satyr or a ipotanes. But the uncanny thing was, he looked just like you.

>You take a step back, your eyes snapping to Celestia. The world around you begins to fade as you both make eye contact. And once again, you're falling. But instead of the pit in your stomach rising, it falls and you fly upwards. Above you, you rapidly approach an extraordinarily bright light and your forced to close your eyes.
>And then you wake up. Back inside the visionary room. Celestia's head still rested on your's and her wings still encased you. What was it you just saw? Was it another reality? The near future? What exactly did Celestia ask in that grassy field?
>Above you, her eyes flutter open and her breathing becomes more steady, no longer slow and paced. It takes some time before you're able to move, no doubt the drug still somewhat in your system. It takes a lot of energy but you manage to muster at least some speech.
"Celestia, what exactly did we see?" your mind is buzzing with loads of questions. Questions that could only be answered by her and her alone.
>Her wings slowly retract from around you and fold to her sides as she stands. You rising with her.
>"What we saw Anon, was the answer to my question. And it appears that it was the answer I was hoping for." She hides her face behind her wing, something you've never seen her do in your time with her. And you can't help but notice how she avoids eye-contact, darting her eyes around the room as if searching for something that could substitute as you.
"What, exactly was your question?"
>You have an idea of what it could have been. The child in the bed was a very helpful hint. You're lost in thought about what it could mean. Mostly thinking about the most obvious answer. You peer up at her, her eyes peeking out from under her wings. Her cheeks as red as a rose.
>You knew what it meant. And your heart soared with this conclusion. At times like these, a confession of the heart would usually follow such a realization. But your mind is blank, your mouth is dry, and your palms are sweaty.

>Just like before when you found yourself at love's door. You could never find the courage to knock. But right now, as you stare into her mesmerizing eyes, lightly shielded by her majestic wings. You could see her heart, and a reflection of yours. It was secured in the bond you two now shared.
>You knew the words, they instantly came to you at the moment of eye contact. And you can feel the same happened to her. But who would speak them first? These very ancient words that countless lovers have uttered to eachother throughout time.

"I love you.."
>"I love you."

>And there it was! The confession you both had been waiting for! In that moment, your own piece of eternity was created in that small space around you. You practically ran to her and embraced her as tightly as you could. Her hooves drew you in closer, almost trying to become one with you. The final notion, the final act to establish your love for one another, was a kiss.
>And a kiss had never been as sweet. It took you away from everything, away from the Visionary room, away from Canterlot, away from Equestria, you were in your own reality now. Where nothing existed except you and her. The poet who lost his way, and the lonesome bird had finally found their other half.
>You finally part your lips for lack of air. Gasping and drawing the breath of each other into your own lungs.
"Celestia, I can't tell you the last time I've been this damn happy. Oh my God, it's like this is a dream."
>You laugh, partially in relief that it isn't a dream and because you weren't lying. In a very long time, you were truly happy.

>"Anon, the joy I feel is indescribable. I doubt even a master of your talents could hope to even come close. But it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders thanks to you."
>Celestia, this regal mare. The epitome of all things heavenly and divine now wept tears of joy over you, her new found companion.
"Hey so, what was you question?"
>She leads you back down onto the carpet floor, where you lay with her while she explains. She told you her that she feared that welcoming you into her heart may lead to disaster. Whether it be your untimely death, relationship troubles, or anything else to throw a wrench into the happy life you both had ahead of you. She told you how she had no way to grant you immortality, but that she would be comforted with remembering you with a child. And she told you how she wanted to know if such a life were to be possible. And it was, this grand life was laid right in front of you both. Waiting to be taken. All you had to do was reach out and grab it. Take it, and make it yours!
>She didn't care for the short time she would have with you, sixty years or so was just a blink for an immortal being after all. That was fine, as long as she had the privilege to know and love you, and know that you truly loved her in return.
>This was her ultimate wish. Even if for a small fragment of her long, long life. She would have you, all to herself. And after your long happy life together, you would remain alive in the child you would give her.
>So take it Anon. Take the life you wanted from the very start. A happy life, full of love and joy! You wouldn't dare let it slip past you, would you?

"I know I'm going to die. It's something I came to terms with when I was young. I just couldn't stand the thought of dying alone, and when I got to Equestria, it hit hard because I knew that that would very much be the case. But now I see I won't have to. Thanks to you. I owe this all to you, the very moment you decided to visit me in Manehattan, it's all because you were so kind to take time out of your day to visit a lonely poet. I can't tell you how grateful I am to you."
>You both share another kiss, entangled in love's bindings. What would your life had been without her? You dare not even think about it. What mattered now was that you found her. Your second half, and she had found you.
>"Come Anon, the day is still young. They're are many things I wish to show you."
>You both rise, now closer than ever before. The dim light of the Visionary room clashes with light from the halls of the castle. Outside was a completely different world. One you had forgotten about today. But this world would now house your life.
>And away you walked with her. Into the halls, and around the corner. You walked with her and your new promises. This was the beginning, but also an end. Today you would leave behind your old life, exchanging it for a brighter, more colorful one. Wait till you tell Dusty. She'll be bouncing off the walls with romantic delight. Wait till you tell the world. You wonder how they'd respond, but only for a moment. They didn't matter.
>You spend the rest of the day with Celestia. Princess of Equestria. Herald of the Sun and doubtlessly the most beautiful creature in the world. And also your lover.
>There was to be no hesitation when you returned to your window side desk, picking up the quill next to the blank piece of paper. There in the late hours of the day. You began to write. Poem after poem after poem. All dedicated to her and the wonders of life. This wonderful and surreal search for your muse, had finally come to thrilling and happy end.