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Borg said:
Do you even need to ask? We’ll always stand with you, both now for the ritual and in the future as you lead your clan through these changes.
You tell Moonflower that she doesn’t have to ask; you’ll gladly take your place by her side, now and always.
Apple Basket: “Hear, hear!”
Moonflower: “Aww, you guys are the best! Okay, let’s do this!”
After a brief group hug, you exit the tent together, and make your way across the camp to the ritual site…
The sun begins to set beyond the horizon, basking the land in a fleeting crepuscular glow. A gentle breeze brushes through the grassy fields, bringing about a refreshing coolness to this year’s last summer night.
You and Apple Basket both stand a short distance behind Moonflower, in front of whom stands the rest of the Starfalls Clan. As before, the elder leads the ritual from the side.
Elder: “Welcome all. You were summoned here to resume yestereve’s ritual of ascension. You have all already heard of her vision, and now, as is tradition, the clan must answer.
Once again, those who agree with the Oracle’s vision, stand by her side. The rest, stand on the opposing side. The ritual will end once all stand either with her, or against her. Begin.”
As before, ponies begin to step forward as soon as the signal is given, and join Moonflower’s side immediately. But this time, you find that the majority of the clan moves behind you without a word, leaving but a few opponents to speak up.
Eventually, one of them steps forward to address the Oracle, and gestures around himself.
Skeptical stallion: “So this is your grand plan, Oracle? Your vision did nothing but spell our doom. And now, look at us! Driven out of our own homes, and depending on the charity of outsiders!”
Moonflower: “We got attacked by a grootslang! You were there! Are you sayin’ that what happened is my fault?”
Skeptical stallion: “I… no, but…”
Moonflower: “I get that you’re upset. We jus’ lost our town, and you wanna cling to your pride. But we gotta learn to accept the help we got. If it wasn’t for those ponies, we’d still be in that cave right now!”
The stallion opens his mouth to retort, but finds himself unable to dispute that claim. Begrudgingly, he lowers his head, and walks over to Moonflower’s side. Defeated, the rest of the opposition reluctantly does the same.
And, just like that, there is nopony left on the opposing side. As such, the elder prepares to conclude the ritual, when suddenly, the wind carries an unfamiliar voice.
Unfamiliar voice: “Is it not tradition for a certain Princess of the Night to participate in the ritual of ascension?”
Then, from the dark blue sky above appears a majestic alicorn of the same shade, her flowing mane a sea of stars, and her regalia darker than a starless night; Princess Luna, the younger of the Royal Sisters.
When the bat ponies realize by whose presence they are graced, all of them bow down, and you respectfully join them.
Moonflower: “Whoa! Princess Luna?!”
Luna: “You must be Moonflower. I was apprised of your newfound powers, and came to offer you guidance. However, it seems I have arrived just in time to join in your ritual. What say you, Oracle?”
Moonflower: “O-okay!”
The princess smiles excitedly, then her features harden as she assumes her role of opposition.
Luna: “Very well! Then answer me this: when I first began my rule, I was young and eager, much like you. Yet, with every year that went by, my every ambition grew ever more burdened by compromise, and I, bitter and envious.
In the face of such history, how can you be certain that your own vision won’t lead you astray?”
Moonflower hesitates. Her eyes dart across the blades of grass in front of her, as though searching for an answer between them. After a few eternal seconds of silence, she finally looks back up to the princess.
Moonflower: “I… can’t. There’s a lotta things I wanna do, but what I want isn’t always gonna be what other ponies want. And that’s okay, ’cause I gotta see things the way they do, too.
When somepony disagrees with me, then we gotta hear each other out, ‘cause I’m not always gonna be right. There’s not always gonna be a right or wrong choice, so I shouldn’t get mad if I don’t always get it my way.
If my trial taught me anything, it’s that bein’ an Oracle isn’t all about me. It’s about us, and what we can do together. That’s why I wasn’t sent there alone; ‘cause I couldn’t have done it alone. I get that now.”
Luna considers Moonflower’s response. Then, after a moment, she nods, satisfied.
Luna: “I believe you will make a wise Oracle. Elder, if you will.”
Elder: “Ahem. With the Princess of the Night’s blessing, Moonflower has been accepted as the Oracle of Starfalls Clan. The ritual of ascension is now ended.”
Your eyes meet Apple Basket’s gaze of relief, and you exchange a nod. While Luna invites Moonflower to talk, most of the clan stays around, quietly chattering about the unexpected visit of their long-lost princess.
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