"I...I see..." Eris mumbled, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she hung her head sadly. Part of her wanted to mount a daring rescue attempt, and another wanted to rage suicidally against Celestia's system, taking as many down with her as possible, but she had a child to think of now... She looked up slightly as she had an idea; it was risky, but she had to try... "Would Celestia let you see him?" She asked, looking up at Luna. "Or someone who looked like you?" She added, whispering to make sure she wasn't overheard.
Luna rised am eyebrow. "She would notice... but not a guard. Thete are too many she wouldnt pay that much attention." She whispered back as she stood up, "It would be a shame I let the armory open with some armors in it~" she added, winking at Eris.
Eris gave a slight smile, and nodded a little, trying not to seem too happy. She sighed unhappily as she too stood up, carefully. "I suppose you are right," She said, a little louder than usual, "I had better go, before Celestia changes her mind. Can you show me out, Princess Luna?"
Luna nodded and took her into the caatle to show her the exit. When they passed near the armory, Luna made sure nopony saw them and turned around. "Righr now is a good time, dont you think?" She said smiling as she opened the armory
Eris nodded gratefully and kissed Luna on the cheek, before clicking her talons and transforming into a grey bat pony stallion. "Ahem. Ah yes, thank you, your majesty," Eris said, making her voice as deep and masculine as possible, "I don't know how I managed to lose my key." She trotted in, and found a set of Night Guard's armour that fitted. She figured she could accompany Luna this way, and that Celestia would be less familiar with her sister's guards than her own, and less likely to notice something was wrong. As an extra precaution, she conjured a copy in her natural form, and sent her on her way out of the castle.
Luna smiled after the kiss. "Alright. Lets go." She said smiling as she gestured her... him, to follow her into the basement. Tia was waiting with a pair of guards for Luna. There was a secret door opened. "Ready." Luna said. Tia nodded and lead them in. Inside, Thunder had some things on his horn that blocked magic and his wings tied.
Eris almost gave herself away when she saw Thunder; upset and a little angry at how he was being treated, but also overjoyed to see him. She managed to keep her cool however, and didn't break character, standing respectfully behind Luna, and waiting for her opportunity...
After a moment, Thunder was taken into a pedestal at the middle of the room. Celestia walked infront of him with a frown. "Any last words before you are imprisioned?" She said. Luna gave a step back. "Now..." she whispered to Eris so she could do whatever she had planned.
Eris blinked; now? While Celestia was talking to him? It was far from ideal, but she supposed she might not have another chance... "Take care your majesty," She said, still trying to sound as masculine as possible. "The prisoner was once a powerful knight; alloweth me to re-check his restraints before thou approacheth him." She stepped forward, and waited respectfully for Celestia's consent.
Luna knew it was not thr best idea, but what else they had? Celestia turned to the pony. "Alright..." she said as she walled backwards and allowed the pony to work. As Luna said, she didnt payed that much attention to the guards
Eris nodded, and approached Thunder. She stood in front of him, so Celestia couldn't see either of their faces, and pretended to adjust the devices on his horn. "It's me," She whispered in her own voice, and gave him a little smile. "I can't stop this, but I just wanted you to know that I'm okay, and that... you're going to be a father~"
"E-eris.., you..." Thunder said. He recognized the voice. It was her! He knew it! "I'm sorry..." he said a bit sad. "I..." he turned to her, making a sad smile. "I wont be able to... see our foal..."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, my love," Eris replied, stroking his cheek, "And I promise, one day I will get you out off here, and you will meet your child; and they'll know just what a wonderful pony their father is, I'll make sure of that." Eris was sad too, but she had to put on a brave face for Thunder; make sure he was as happy as possible before his imprisonment. She glanced over her shoulder, and saw that Celestia was arguing with Luna, not paying them any attention, and nor were any of the other guards... She turned back to Thunder, and allowed her face to return to it's natural form, for just a moment. "I will always love you, Thunder~" She whispered, before giving him a final, loving kiss. She pulled away, and changed her face back just as Celestia turned back to them.
Thunder cried a bit at that last kiss. "I will always love you too~" he whispered back with a sad tear in his face, then gently removed it with a swift move of his head. He returned to a more serious face, still sad, after Eris changed back to the stallion form. When she left the stand, he sighed. "It is time for you to accept your destiny." Celestia said as her horn glowed. "Good bye, brave knight. You served well." She said. After a moment, a crystal started appearing around him until it was completely formed up to the ceiling. Thunder closed her eyes as a tear came down his cheek, then it just froze. Everything inside the crystal froze, as it time has stopped inside it. "It is done. Lets go." Celestia said as she turned around and walked away with her guards. Luna nodded and gestured Eris to follow her. "We... need to speak." She said calmly to her as they walked out.
Eris just nodded silently, too choked up to speak. That was the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. She followed Luna, focusing all her effort on not breaking down in tears.
Luna lead her into her study, like is she needed to speak with her for something. Inside, once alone, a tear came down her eye. "Are you alright?" She said. She knew it was hard, but she had to see how bad it was
Eris reverted to her natural form, and sat down heavily. She shook her head, looking at the floor, her shoulders beginning to rise and fall as the tears came, rolling off her cheeks and onto the floor.
Luna sat beside her and gently cuddled her as she nuzzled her mane a bit. "Is alright.... let it all out..." She said softly.
Eris buried her face in the side of Luna's neck, and sobbed until she was all out of tears, and it hurt to breathe. "I don't know what to do..." She croaked, finally, still leaning on Luna. She felt so lost and alone without Thunder.
"There is one thing you must do. Take care of your foal..." Luna said as she nuzzled her mane a bit more to calm her down. "I know that is what Thunder would want you to do..."
