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“Well, according to Mr. Beardy, the mages will continue to move the celestial bodies. Albeit, in a more compromising manner. Essentially, they’ll move in almost exactly the same pattern as they would naturally.”

“Why?” the lighter pony inquired.

“Simple, the circular rotation of the sun and moon aren’t perfect. On occasion there will be subtle deviations. Over time, these slight deviations cause the two orbs to align or crisscross in what they call ‘eclipses.’ There are two types, one at night where the moon becomes blood-red, one during the day where the moon blocks the sun.”

“And we have to prevent these eclipses from happening because…” Lulu chimed.

“Two reasons: One, it makes the day and night cycle less efficient for everyone. Yes, not just ponies, but all beings. Two, they are often associated with bad omens of dark magic, spirit possession, demonic forces, etc… etc… Cultures from around the world have displayed their dislike for eclipses in myths and legends. So, as a peace offering to the other sentient species for years of celestial abuses, we’ll eliminate them entirely.”

“Huh… a good way to turn all those who would otherwise hate us into instant friends,” Lulu commented.

“And just like that, foreign relations are in your favour. You wouldn’t need to spend so much on the military, allowing for most of the new country’s resources to go in infrastructure, schools and other essentials for rapid prosperity and growth.”

Stunned at the ease they’ll have in their newfound positions, it clicked in Celly’s mind that her mother had been manipulating things their way for quite some time. She voiced her suspicions, “You’ve been planning all this for a while, haven’t you?”

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/308283/14/render-unto-twilight/to-dream-a-dream