Brightmoon along with all of Etheria was a buzz with activity. Festivals, parties, and other celebrations of varying sizes were being planned across the planet. With Brightmoon and the surrounding castle town the center of the occasion. Storefronts, merchant stalls and other vendors were preparing their best wares. Many of them even selling special merchandise to mark the occasion. Streamers, flags, lights and other decorations were being hung through the streets. Along with banners that bore the seal of Brightmoon and or a sylized depiction of She-ra.

Perfuma and Scorpia were in the castle's main courtyard. The flower princess was creating various decorations from plants of all shapes and sizes. Hedges in the shapes of her friends, magnificent trees, flowing vines with faintly shimmering leaves and yes of course, flowers. Scorpia carried a pair of large soil pots waiting for Perfuma's direction as to where to set them.

"A little to the left." she said, making a motion with her hand. Scorpia shifted her position slightly.' No, no my left!" The larger woman offered a quick apology and mirrored the motion in reverse, twice. After humming in thought, Perfuma gave a thumbs up.

Scorpia gently set the pots down and wiped her brow. "Ya know, this a lot more fun than unloading durilium plating. But I do miss that exhaust smell from the forges sometimes."

Perfuma grimaced at the thought of mechanical fumes. "Yes, well, I hope the scent of these flowers will be something you grow to love as well." She waved a hand, and small bush sprouted before fully growing and blossoming with magenta flowers. "What do you think? They're called moon lilies."

Scorpia blinked and looked around, before pointing a claw to her chest. "Wait, you're asking me?"

Perfuma giggled, the sound making Scorpia's heart flutter. "Of course I am silly! Who else would I be talking to?"

"But I don't know the first thing about flowers!" Scorpia clacked her pincers together. "I didn't even see a flower once until Catra and I went to the Crimson Wastes."

"That is...very sad." Perfuma said with a frown. Her face was quick to return to its usual cheer though. "That just means you can give a more objective opinion!"

"I suppose so." Scorpia inspected the lillies, eyes narrowing. She gave them a few pokes and a smell. Perfuma held back another giggle as Scorpia seemed to giving them a drill sergeant like once over. Once satisfied with her inspection she stood straight. "Yep. Those are flowers."

"Yes, but what do you think of them? What do they invoke in you? Don't be afraid to express yourself!"

"Weeeell, they make me feel...fluttery I guess?" Perfuma made a 'go on' gesture. "Like they're all fiery colored, like all your other flowers around here. The smell makes me think of heat bombs, and gunpowder, and other...hot things?"

Perfuma put a hand to her chin in thought. "Yes, maybe I have gone a bit too far on warm colors. Perhaps I could balance them with some cooler colored flowers and plants. Thank you for your input Scorpia!" She raised her hand, calling forth another bush, this one blooming with a deep blue flower. "Balance is very important in the art of flower arranging."

"I-I helped?" Scorpia asked, looking genuinely surprised. "Huh, whoda thunk."

"Yes, your insight was most welcome. Although, perhaps we should broaden your horizons more so that you can better describe your emotions. I don't think horde weaponry and building materials are always the right way to express metaphors. I can let you borrow some poetry."

"Oh well, thanks. I've never been much of a reader though." She held up her big sharp claws. "Kinda, hard to hold books, or anything really. They're...only really good at breaking things and heavy lifting."

Perfuma seemed to glide over to Scorpia, or at least that's how it appeared to her. If Scorpia could think of the word etherial, that's how she would describe her. The flower princess gently wrapped a hand around one of Scorpia's huge claws. She could feel her soft dusky skin against her carapace and it made her heart flutter again.

"Do not sell yourself short. I think you can do all kinds of things with these claws." She closed her fingers and Scorpia instinctively closed, her pincer softly to hold her hand.

"See? They can be gentle too."

"Y-yeah..."

Perfuma held her claw for several moments before smiling bright. "Now, lets get the rest of those planting pots. We have to decorate the whole courtyard and the gates."

Catra groaned inwardly, looking over a datapad. She had been given the job of being party organizer. Glimmer had insisted siting her experience as force captain. Planning a party, and planning a battle were two very different things though. But then again, how hard could it really be? I mean she just had to make sure everyone was on task. I mean not that she really knew what the results of those tasks were supposed to look like but she would wing it. It wasn't like she had much choice in the matter. Thankfully, Adora and Melog were there to make things more bearable.

"Where do you want these chairs?" Adora asked, transformed into She-ra to carry several stacks of folding chairs.

"We need two dozen rows across from each other evenly spaced through the courtyard." Catra said, looking at her data pad. "But you need to set the tables up first. There should be at least 24 of them." Catra pointed to several stacks of white tables with folded legs. "The rest of you, go get the table cloths!" she ordered, pointing to several castle servants, but they hesitated for a moment. "Did I stutter?"

Adora watched as they shook their heads and scrambled. The giant woman set the chairs down and began to stack tables on her powerful shoulders. Catra directed her on the spacing making sure they were set out in the right pattern.

"I thought you didn't know how to party plan." Adora said with a smirk.

"If there's one thing I'm good at, its giving orders." Catra replied with a smug smirk. She spotted a few kitchen staff carrying metal boxes. "Hey you! Those are the frozen goods! Those go to Frosta until its time for the party! Get moving before they start melting!" They quickly picked up their pace, moving double time toward the castle's main hall.

"No need to be so aggressive miss bossybritches." Adora teased, setting down two tables at once. "Its a party. Lighten up."

Catra's ears flattened a little. "Ugh, I don't know how else to give orders Adora! I barely even know what a party is!" Melog's shimmering mane seemed to flatten in tandem with her mood.

Adora set down the last table with a frown and approached. "Hey, I'm sorry. I know you're trying. You basically got thrown in the deep end here."

Catra sighed, running her claws through her hair. "Yeah, no kidding. I'm just getting used to the idea of being here, and now I'm supposed to plan a party?"

Adora put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, I believe in you. Just try and work on the aggro energy. Besides, you get to enjoy bossing around the migthy She-ra for the day."

"Pffft, that is true." Catra snickered, before giving Melog a head pat. "Thanks Adora. Now, go get the rest of those tables, chop chop." Catra clapped her hands dramatically.

Adora smiled and gave an overdramatic bow. "As you command. Oh great party planner."

Catra rolled her eyes as Adora walked off, and then directed her where to place the tables as she returned. The servants who were sent to set out the tablecloths soon returned, laying them out onto the already set tables. The feline nodded in approval, and turned her attention toward one of the servants standing on top of a ladder. His tongue stuck out from the side of his mouth as reached up to hang a string of lights. Catra could see the ladder was unsteady but before she could call out to him he began to fall backward.

Catra called out to Adora who quickly rushed to catch up. Catra grabbed one of the table cloths as she ran on all fours, Melog right beside her. She handed a corner off to them, grabbing on for herself as Adora grabbed the other two. With an order from Catra they pulled the table cloth taut, creating a makeshift safety net to catch the falling man. His look of relief quickly disappeared as Catra loomed over him.

"You idiot! Why didn't you have someone holding the ladder?" she growled, hackles rising. As the man froze in fear, everyone else watched with bated breath. Catra let out a heavy sigh. "You have to be careful okay? Getting the job done fast isn't worth cracking your skull."

"R-right." the man replied as Catra helped him to his feet. "I'm sorry. I-I'll be more careful next time. I'll get back to work now."

"Nuhuh." Catra said, holding up a hand. "First, go get yourself some water and take five. That's an order."

The man nodded and offered another thank you to her, Adora and Melog. Adora gave Catra a proud smile, which made the feline blush. She could also feel all the other eyes in the courtyard watching her. After taking a moment to compose herself she snapped her fingers.

"Okay, shows over people! Back to work!" The servants started to disperse back to their tasks and Catra sighed.

"Good job." Adora said, clapping her on the back.

"T-thanks." As Catra turned back to her datapad once more, her sharp hearing caught a nearby whispered conversation.

"Wow, did you see how fast she ran? I blinked and she was already picking that guy up."

"Whatever." another voice scoffed. "Still don't like having to take orders from Horde scum."

Catra felt a cold prick at her heart, but said nothing instead focusing on the task at hand.

Bow stood along the castletown's outer walls. Several barrels of gunpower, and other chemicals were arranged around him. He had been put in charge of fireworks display and was readying them for the night to follow. He carefully measured out ingredients, making sure the ratios were right, lest they cause damage instead of just being a light show. He smiled as he finished another grenade like shell. Beside him, he heard a loud curse and turned.

Swiftwind's tongue stuck out from the side of his snout, as he reached down to lift up a measuring cup with his hooves. It clattered to ground several times in his attempts, making him curse again. When he finally attempted to use his mouth, he accidentally breathed in some of finely ground powder and sneezed. Bow soon found his face covered in blackpowder.

Bow wiped his face with a work cloth. "Swiftwind, I really appreciate your help-"

"Oh no problem Bow!" the horse said, before Bow could continue. "This is easy peasy! Happy to help."

"I was going to say." Bow began evenly. "I appreciate your help but-And don't take this personally-I don't think you're cut out for this. What with the lack of opposable thumbs. And fingers."

Swiftwind let out a gasp. "How dare you! That's just like you bipeds, lording your 'opposable thumbs' over quadrupeds!"

"You know I didn't mean it like that." Bow sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Let me rephrase. I think this particular task isn't suited for you. But you can help me when I start to test fire. With your eyes in the air I can get the shots angled perfectly."

Swiftwind put a hoof to his chin, thinking. "Well alright. Just give me a holler and I'll spread my mighty wings and soar into the sky!"

As Bow rolled his eyes Wrong Hordak approached behind him. "Is this correct brother? I have never made these explosive devices before. Are we expecting an attack?"

"That looks good Wrong Hordak." Bow paused for a moment. "You know, we really need to give you a proper name. But anyway, no, we're not expecting an attack. These are for entertainment."

"I will consider looking into a name Brother." He looked over the fireworks. "So, how do these explosives provide entertainment?"

"Here, I'll show you."

Bow inserted one of the shells into a metal tube, and ignited the fuse. He stuffed his fingers in his ears, and Wrong Hordak mirrored him. There was a thunderous THOOM as the fuse burned away and the shell was sent rocketing into the air. It streaked across the sky before exploding into a blossoming display of red sparks.

"Ooooh! Glorious!" Wrong Hordak exclaimed, clapping his hands together.

"You should see them at night." Bow said, smiling. "That's also not the only color. You can get all kinds of different ones depending on what chemicals you use. And if you arranged them right, they can even make simple shapes."

"Fascinating! Please tell me more brother!"

Bow's chest puffed up proudly. "Well you see different chemicals react differently when they're superheated. Such as producing different colored flames. You can mix and match different ratios to get different results, or even combinations of colors. The really complicated fireworks can even create patterns in the sky. For example copper makes blue, and strontium makes red, if you mix them together, you can make purple."

"How delightful!" Wrong Hordak said, clapping his hands. "And these are to be launched into the sky in a display of color, representing the explosive jubilation of freedom?"

Bow rubbed the back of his head. "Thats one way of putting it. A very poetic one."

Wrong Hordak tilted his head. "Poetic?"

"Yeah, like using flowery, romantic language to...express something! Just like any form of art."

"Art? I am only vaguely familiar with the concept." Wrong Hordak said, humming in thought. "Would you teach me about art, brother Bow?"

"I might might not be the best person to ask about that. My dads could probably help. They probably have all kinds of books on the history of art on Etheria."

"I should very much like to meet them, brother."

"I'm sure you will soon." Bow smiled, putting together another gunpowder shell. "Maybe at the festival. They should be at the castle later tonight." Bow paused, looking over his barrels of chemicals, and slapped his forehead. "Oh darn, I forgot to get calcium! Hey Swiftwind could you-" He heard Swiftwind singing to himself as he flitted across the sky. "Nevermind. I guess I'll have to go get it."

"Please Brother! Allow me to assist."

"Well, okay, if you're sure. You should be able to get some from the apothecary down the street. Just tell them Bow sent you and the Glimmer should take care of the tab."

"I shall not fail you brother!" Wrong Hordak saluted, and then winked, before heading down the stairs toward the town streets.

Wrong Hordak hummed to himself, slightly out of tune, but he was still learning. He gave a friendly wave and a wink to anyone he passed. Several children giggled at his antics but many of the other townsfolk ignored him, gave him a scowl, or a curt nod at best. One person in particular even bumped into his shoulder on purpose, making him nearly fall flat on his face. Wrong Hordak didn't see his intention for what it was, and quickly apologized, even dusting the man's clothes before he stormed off in a huff.

As Wrong Hordak turned a corner, he spotted a group of shady looking thugs, gathered in a circle. Surrounded by the thugs were three of clones, all looking very bewildered. Two of them were injured, though nothing worse than a few scrapes and scratches. Wrong Hordak quickly approached, and opened his arms wide.

"Excuse me! May ask as to what you are all doing with my brothers?" He said, genuinely curious. "Is this a part of the festivities that are to come?"

One of the thugs turned and scowled. "Well looks like we got ourselves another of Primes little lapdogs." He was sporting an eyepatch, and was missing a few teeth.

"You must be mistaken. I am no dog. Nor do I like to run laps." Wrong Hordak pointed out. "Or are you referring to a lap as in the spot made by a humanoid's thighs? Regardless, what business do you have with my brothers?"

"Oh nothing." the eyepatched thug answered. "We were just giving your friends here a proper greeting to Brightmoon."

"Is this true, brothers?" Wrong Hordak asked, turning to his fellow clones.

"I-I am not familiar with customs here brother." one of the clones answered. "But it is a strange greeting. They have been physically violent with us."

"Aaah, aint nothing wrong with a little rough housing between friends."

"Rough housing?"

"Yeeeah! When you're laughing with yer mates and just givem an nice friendly-" He struck one of the clones in the shoulder. "-PUNCH!" The clone let out a wince of pain, rubbing his shoulder.

Wrong Hordak looked down to his hand and balled it into a fist. "I see! Allow me to try this roughhousing as well brother!" Before the man knew what happened, he was struck straight in the jaw by Wrong Hordak's punch. "Oh, was that too hard brother? My apologies."

The man staggered to his feet, and let out a growl. "You worthless horde scumsucker!" With a flick of the wrist, he whipped out a wicked looking dagger, making Wrong Hordak slowly back away.

"I-I meant no offense brother! I am new to this roughhousing!"

"I'm gonna gut you like a fish!"

Before the man could make a move toward Wrong Hordak there as the whizz of an arrow. The arrow exploded into a sticky net of slime, which latched onto the dagger and stuck it to the wall. The man and his two cronies turned to see Bow, wearing a serious even look. Slowly he approached, making his way through the crowd that had gathered to watch the spectacle.

"Do we have a problem here, gentleman?"

"N-no we were just leaving!" The three thugs quickly dashed off, disappearing down the nearest alleyway

Bow watched them with narrowed eyes and turned to Wrong Hordak. "Are you okay, buddy?"

"I am unharmed, brother." Wrong Hordak answered. "Though I am confused. Did I do something wrong?"

Bow sighed, and looked to the other clones and the townspeople. "Its complicated. I'll explain later. For now though," he smiled at the other clones. ",would you guys like to help with fireworks?"

"Fireworks?"

Wrong Hordak zipped over to him. "Oh yes brother! They are delightful! Small explosives that create displays of multicolored light."

The clone seemed hesitant, wincing at his injury. "Our help would be...welcome?"

Bow gave him a warm smile. "Of course you're welcome to help." He turned toward the townsfolk. "Everyone, is welcome to help." He made sure to put emphasis on 'everyone'. "Now, you guys can follow me, and anyone else who wants to help make fireworks. Wrong Hordak, I'll be waiting. Just be careful, okay?"

"I will brother!"

Bow nodded and began to walk down the street, the trio of clones following after them. After a few moments, several children and a few other townsfolk followed as well. All of them offering to help Bow with the fireworks display. He nodded at them, his heart filled with a small swell of warmth.

Glimmer strode through the halls of the castle, accompanied by her royal guard. Servants approached, keeping in stride as they asked for her approval on various decorations and other arrangements. The colors of the banners, drink selection and even the cake which the head chef brought a sample of. After giving it a taste, she smiled with a thumbs up, eating the rest of the cake as she walked. As she finished the last of her cake, one of her guards held up a data pad.

"My queen, you have an incoming call from Entrapta."

Glimmer took the data pad clicking on the green button. "Hey Entrapta, how's progress on the control towers?"

Entrapta lifted up her mask. "We're just making some final adjustments! We should be able to send out your speech to all of Etheria. Though it will take sometime to properly make all the towers into communication hubs."

"I just need to make one speech for now." Glimmer said. "I know you're excited to work with all that advanced tech. You haven't run into any problems have you?"

"No, no, of course not." There was suddenly the sound of a small explosion and Hordak cursing. "Okay, maybe a couple of hiccups. But that's all part of the process!"

Glimmer grimaced at the explosion but put on a smile. "Well keep up the good work!"

Entrapta nodded and waved goodbye before ending the call. Glimmer handed off the data pad, and made her way through the gardens. She gave nodding approvals to Perfuma, and Scorpia's flower arrangements. Frosta and Mermista were working in tandem to make several ice sculptures that also doubled as fountains. The queen even passed by Seahawk directing the band, 'shantying up' the usual selection. She didn't really like the phrasing but a livelier atmosphere would be welcome.

Catra approached as Glimmer arrived in the courtyard. "Hey Sparkles."

One of the guards growled. "You will address her as Queen Glimmer."

Glimmer quickly held up a hand. "Its fine. Friends get special privilege's."

Catra blushed at being called Glimmers friend but quickly recovered, sticking out her tongue at the guard. The guard scowled beneath their helmet but said nothing. Adora soon approached, transforming back to her usual self, having overheard.

"Oh, can I call you sparkles too?" she said with a grin.

"Get your own thing Adora!" Catra giggled, giving her a shove.

"Yeah, it would be weird if you starting calling me that." Glimmer giggled. "So, how's everything coming along?"

Catra looked at her data pad. "We're slightly ahead of schedule. The tables and chairs are set, as well as the tablecloths. The silverware, and plates are gonna be brought out later. All the banners and lights are up. Bow says the fireworks are almost done, and all the frozen food is being prepared right now."

"Wow, you should plan more parties." Glimmer said. "You're doing a great job."

"Yeah, look at you, Catra master party planner!" Adora added, patting her shoulder.

Melog's maned turned a slight pink along with Catra's face. "Okay, okay! Getting so many genuine compliments is weirding me out!"

"You'll get used to it." Adora said, squeezing her shoulder.

"Well, I'd better keep checking on everything else." Glimmer said. "Queen's work is never done. Keep up the good work you two."

Adora waved goodbye and Catra mirrored her, though with a bit less energy.

Glimmer continued through the castle, giving her approval to other projects as she walked. Eventually, she found herself on the large rampart, where the moonstone sat floating on its pedestal. On the path leading up to the stone, was a statue of Queen Angella. It was a one to one scale, her form standing on a pedestal, wings outstretched. Glimmer had it erected not long after her coronation. Another one stood in the throne room as well. She gave the statue a glance and continued. Up ahead, she could see King Micah, and Castaspella, waving glyphs of magic in the air. They were creating magical banners of sorts, flags of shimmering magic that bore the symbol of Brightmoon. Once they were cast the banners were sent flying high into the sky, floating above the castle to be seen from miles around.

Micah noticed Glimmers approach and smiled. "Hey there glitterbear!"

Glimmer froze, and one of her guards held back a laugh. "DAD! Please do not call me that!"

"What? You loved when called you glitterbear."

"Yeah, when I was like five!" she growled, face flushing pink.

"Right, right, sorry." Micah said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Aaah, I forgot you used to call her glitterbear." Castapella squeed. "Oh, I used to call her something too, oh what was it?" She thought for a moment and snapped her fingers. "Oh yes, I used to call you twinkletoes, cause you used to love to dance!"

"Both of you, please!" Glimmer practically hissed. "Anyway, how are things coming along?"

"We're just about done." Micah answered. "Can you handle it from here, Castaspella?"

"I think the head of the order of Mystacor can handle it." she assured with a confident smile.

"Good. How bout some afternoon tea Glimmer?" Micah asked. " You look like you could use a moment of peace."

"That does sound nice." Glimmer said, and motioned her guards to go. The queen vanished in a flash of sparkles, and return with a tea set, as well as snacks. "I raided some of the finger sandwiches and pastries for dinner tonight. I don't think a couple will be missed."

King Micah laughed as they moved to sit near the statue. "I see you haven't outgrown raiding the pantry. You used to steal all kinds of things from the kitchens when you thought no one was looking."

Glimmer laid out a blanket and stuck out her tongue. "Well, I'm queen now, so there's no one to stop me is there?"

"I suppose not."

King Micah used his magic to heat up the water in the teapot. As the pair waited for it to steep, Glimmer laid out a small plate of sandwiches, some fruit pastries, and a dish of sugar and a cream pitcher. Micah grabbed the cups and saucers sitting crossed legged on the blanket. Glimmer sat across from him almost lounging with her legs to one side. It only took a few minutes for the tea to finish, and Micah poured them both a cup.

"Do you still like your tea sweet?" he asked, pouring a bit of cream into his cup.

"Only a little." Glimmer answered, dumping two to three sugars as well as a good helping of cream. "Mom always made fun of me for quote 'Drowning perfectly good tea with sugar and cream'."

Micah laughed, taking one of the sandwich's and a sip of tea. "She was the same way about coffee too. Neither of them could be 'sullied' by cream or sugar. Though she did occasionally put honey in her tea."

"The lemon ginger kind only. I remember. It was her favorite."

"You wanna know a secret?" Micah said, leaning in on conspirtually. "When she was pregnant with you, she would sneak off in the middle of night, and eat little slices of cured meats covered in chocolate."

Glimmer snorted in laughter. "Oh my god that's so gross! I can't even imagine!"

Micah joined n her laugher. "She nearly killed me when I caught her mid bite, face smeared with chocolate. Almost woke up the whole castle screaming at me and hurling dishware at my head."

"I never heard that story. Probably because she'd be waaaay to embarrassed to ever tell it." She giggled again, before taking a sip of her tea and turned to look up at the statue. It felt like she was smiling down at her.

Micah followed her eyes and sighed. "She'd be proud you."

"You think?"

He reached over to touch her shoulder. "I know she would. Because I'm proud of you too. You've grown so much and you've become a wonderful young woman, and a wise queen."

Glimmer sniffled, wiping away a tear. "Thanks Dad. But, I know I still have a lot to learn."

"Well, that's what I'm here for." Her patted her shoulder and took his tea again. "I heard you had been practicing magic. I'd love to teach you what I know."

"I'd love that."