I; [video]

[raisethemoon]

[The video comes on to reveal an alicorn gazing seriously at the screen, head held proudly and wings slightly spread. It took her several practice runs to ensure that she was working the machine correctly; of course she wouldn't risk talking to anypony else until she had. Now, though, she is the picture of cool, calm royalty. In other words, she's doing the Celestia.]

Good evening to all. I am Luna, Princess of Equestria and the Moon, bringer of night and keeper of dreams. I know not by what power or authority this Emperor hath brought us hither, but I care not. I shall return to my people, and I swear that I shall see all of thee returned to thine. Now, I pray that thou wilt be willing to share whatever information thou hast gathered about our plight? [She glances off-screen, eyes narrowed.] Perhaps beginning with why my rooms are infested with these small furry beasts. On that note, I have a great deal of furniture I wish to dispose of...

[Her feathers ruffle and she shifts her weight a little, suddenly looking rather less certain of herself. She doesn't like it here, and that furniture is really just driving it home for her. Alone again, so soon? After a moment, she adds in a quieter tone:] ...also, should any Equestrians be present, stay where thou art. I shall come to thee.

Comments

[demon_brat]

... no. At least I have seen none of them here so far.

[raisethemoon]

[Droop]

Well. 'Tis for the best. I would not have them drafted into a foreign war.

[demon_brat]

[... Damian is not affected by that droop. Damian is not affected by that droop. Damian is not affected by that droop, and he will repeat that to himself until it's true. (It almost is. Almost.)]

Yes. Not wishing to place them where they would be in danger is wiser.

[raisethemoon]

True, true. It has been centuries since our ponies saw true conflict, most simply could not manage.

[Speaking of...you seem younger than the other humans. Disturbingly so.] What is thy name, child?

[demon_brat]

That is a long time. You may find some difficulty with the level of... occasional violence, here.

[His eyes narrow slightly at the address, but he juts his chin out.]

Damian. Damian Wayne.

[raisethemoon]

[Her mouth quirks down in some kind of wry acknowledgement.]

I remember the old days. I will live. But thank you, Damian.

[demon_brat]

[Pause. And then, quiet.]

How old are you?

[raisethemoon]

Over three thousand. I cannot be more specific; I was already a grown mare when the modern timekeeping system was set in place.

How long do humans live?

[demon_brat]

[Yeah, he files that information away for future reference.]

Is that normal for your kind?

Where I come from, longevity is considered to be over a century. The oldest documented human life has been about one hundred and twenty-two years... and about a half.

There may be exceptions to that here.

[raisethemoon]

The eldest of my subjects that I know of lived to be a hundred and twenty-five. Alicorns - at least, my sister and I - are a bit different.

Exceptions? How so?

[demon_brat]

This place brings together people from various places. It is highly possible that there are people who live longer in other places.

[Also, Damian's own grandfather doesn't count. Because Ra's al Ghul.]

[raisethemoon]

Ah. Well, I hope we shall not be here long enough for it to matter greatly.

[demon_brat]

[Paaause.]

Yes. That would certainly be... inconvenient.