Part 1/3 - The Lone Filly and the Evening Market
"I forbid it, Luna!" asserted the illustrious Princess Celestia, a hoof coming down to strike the fine tiled floor.
"It is not your right to forbid me anything!" retorted Luna, a snarl in her voice, "We rule Equestria together."
The conflict between the two was held in the great hall, marble pillars entwined with stained glass of the greatest of Equestria’s legends. The eyes of the great Celestia would look to the glass of her and her sister, twirling around each other as one raised the Sun and the other, the Moon. The land of Equestria depended upon them both so greatly, and they acted together. The last thousand years without Luna hadn't been easy for Celestia. But it seemed that her banishment hadn't stifled her brash attitude.
"I just cannot condone such a radical course of action," explained Celestia, shaking her head softly as she trotted towards the door.
"The times are changing, Sister," called Luna to her departing sibling, "whether you accept that or not. A foul wind is in the air that blows from the forgotten lands beyond our border. Even with the power of the Crystal Empire, it is simply not enough to impede this impending evil."
Those hoof falls would slow to a stop, Celestia turning her head to glance back to her desperate sister, "And you believe this...cult is the solution?"
"Not a cult!" began Luna as she galloped to her sister's side, "A convenant of chosen ponies. Guardians of the eventide. Children of the Night!"
"That is why we have the Royal Guard, Luna."
Her sister's flippancy was starting to test the brash Princess' nerves, "Even they must rest, as do you! The night watch is simply not large enough."
Celestia was still sporting an unsure look, turning to a frown as she considered the plan.
"Sister, I have seen what our enemies are capable of," reaffirmed the younger of the two, moving closer to her sibling, "Control of dreams. Conjuring nightmares and manipulating emotions. Old world magic that we have not seen in a great many years. The citizens are not safe!"
After seeing the changeling Queen plague Rainbow Dash's dreams, the Princess of the Night had begun to feel vulnerable. Her realm of influence was being invaded and she was powerless to stop it.
"Your star pupil and her group of friends are no longer good enough!" growled Luna in an attempt to make her sister see reason, "Circumstances have changed and bad will has taken to the minds of our citizen even as they slumber. I can no longer guard the night alone!"
The proposition was difficult for Celestia to even consider. She knew that her sister was no longer the monster Nightmare Moon. She could still remember a millennium ago, when they both shared the power of royal magic to rule over the land with honour, harmony and serenity. Luna was obviously ready to help wield that power yet again. But could Luna be trusted?
"Let us not forget that you failed to inform me of the return of the changeling Queen," Celestia stated coldly, flicking her head away as a show of disappointment.
"I could say the same of you, Sister! Instead of informing me, you sent your group of prized fillies to retrieve the Elements! I could have helped! Time was of the essence and I had to act in hope of saving your precious student."
Luna did have a point. But the Princess' doubts could not be laid to rest; Luna was still not trustworthy. Celestia was also surprised that she was being asked for permission. However, the situation did call for action. The sudden return of the Queen Chrysalis was a bad omen. Celestia shared the concern of her younger sibling; the danger of attack was always on the horizon. And if they came by night, Luna would be the first pony to know. Celestia had to rest, she had to relinquish her pre-cautious gaze to her sister each night. Maybe it was for the best.
Canterlot was always abuzz on a Friday evening, being the host of the Nighttime Market. At the start of the evening, ponies would convene within the Main Street that lead to the palace, stalls and stands chartered by eager merchants flogging their fine wares. Premium jewellers and the most skilled seamstresses flocked to the gathering, offering only the best to the Canterlot crust.
The event was not one usually attended by this outside of Canterlot, since it would continue into the late hours of the morning when the train service would cease operation. Since the night market was as much about flogging wares as it was a celebration of the night, Luna would often frequent the event. However, a promise of meeting Princess Luna had brought one intrepid little filly all the way to the royal city.
Her name was Allegra and she was a permanent resident of Ponyville, even though she was from a long line of unicorns. The young mare had a very evening themed colour, a shimmering silverfish coat with a darker, almost ebony mane. With all the brightly coloured ponies around her, she was quite monochrome. It matched her attitude too; she was a very quiet part of the community, not attending parties or functions as the other ponies would. She worked in Sofas and Quills, a part time shop assistant, and lived in the room above the shop. It wasn't the most auspicious life for a unicorn, but she was comfortable with it.
Allegra came from a very proud lineage of great pony musicians. Her Father was a great piano player who regularly worked high class events in Canterlot. Her Mother taught string instruments back in Ponyville and even tutored the semi-famous Octavia. Allegra herself was a very talented flautist, although not a talent she was too happy with. Her cutie mark was that of a flute sat atop a curved stave, showing her proficiency in all things woodwind. But Allegra was not attending the night market for any musical intent.
Ever since she was a young foal, Allegra had been so fascinated with royalty. She used to read stories about the trapped mare in the moon, the legends of the beautiful Princess corrupted and banished from the world. Every night she would play her song to the moon, hoping she could cure the dark heart of Luna. And the fateful night, when the vile Nightmare Moon descended upon Ponyville, she was there in the crowd, watching her. If there weren't so many ponies there, she would have produced her flute and played her song!
Luna's brilliance and majesty were something she deeply admired. Celestia may have been a radiant, astounding princess, but for Allegra, nothing would beat the glimmering moonlight and the twinkling of the hanging stars. The night was gorgeous, and its cater was just the same. Allegra had a deep girl-crush on Princess Luna!
After gathering up the bits she needed, as well as the gusto to go through with the journey, Allegra had boarded the last train out of Ponyville that would arrive in time for the night market. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as the train leisurely pulled its way into the station. That rump seemed glued to the seat she was perched on, dark blue eyes openly scanning across the exuberant skyline. This was completely unlike Ponyville! Allegra had visited this place with her parents as a young foal, but it was so long ago that it was hard to recall any details. Even though she was almost full grown, those multi-story homes didn't seem any smaller!
A call from the conductor soon cleared the train, Allegra taking her first steps into Canterlot, saddle and attached side bags holding all she would need. The pony was an avid night bird, happily staying up into the early hours of the morning, writing songs, practicing her breathing technique or writing her own little stories. No wonder her manager found her bothersome, the youthful mare was always quite lethargic with the early opening of the store.
This entire plan for Allegra to meet her idol was rather a hit and miss kind of deal. Luna was always keen to make an appearance at the night markets, but a princess' busy schedule would sometimes void her attendance. It was entirely up to chance if she would be there that night. Still, Allegra wasn't fazed, the train station directly opposite the crowded Mane Street.
For that time of the year, Canterlot was dressed up for the coming of winter. The tall, black street lanterns hung banners of white and navy, fashioned with depictions of snowflakes and ice. Winter was also an important season for Equestria; it was the time when animals would rest, when the harvest yield would be consumed and when togetherness would shield ponies from the frigid weather. Allegra was even getting into the time of the year, a blue and light blue and pink scarf wrapped comfortable around her neck.
Even with all the amazing stalls and enticing sights, Allegra was busy looking for her target pony. Even the smell of mulled fine cider and sugar hay bites could not dissuade her from the task at hoof. But no matter where she looked, the crowd was never dense enough to indicate the presence of the Princess. She would look high and low, low and high, trying to spot even a group of guards as a royal escort. But nothing!
Her eyes would take to a lone guard at a table though. The white stallion stood tall and vigilant, eyes firm to scan the crowd for what he was looking for, whatever that might be. On the small wooden table sat a notepad and paper, a few notes scribbled down. Timidly, the young unicorn trotted over, hoof tapping against the golden tunic of the burly guard.
Body would shift around, the male peering down to the bashful filly that had garnered his attention, "Yes citizen?"
"Oh um, hi! Sorry to bother you, it's just...do you know where Princess Luna is tonight?" skittishly asked the clueless mare.
The guard gave her a rather plain look, fighting to demeanour of a royal servant, "Most likely in the palace. She is attending to important royal business."
The news was heartbreaking. Luna had celebrity status as the co-ruler of Equestria, and there was no way Allegra would be allowed on the castle grounds. It seemed almost foolish to even come to Canterlot in the first place.
"Ah...right. Sorry to bother you," sighed the defeated unicorn rather sheepishly, about to turn away before a follow-up question entered her head, "Do you know when the first train to Ponyville leaves?"
"Ponyville?" questioned the guard, an eyebrow raised at that seemingly mundane question, "You mean you're not a citizen of Canterlot?"
Allegra would respond with a brief shake of her head, unsure why she had peeked such interest with but a simple question.
She wondered if she might be in trouble!
The guard began to explain himself, "I'm out here recruiting for Princess Luna herself. She looking for volunteers to do some sort of nightly assignment. I haven't been given full details, but I've been told to send any willing candidates to the castle grounds for a further explanation."
He began to take some notes on the notepad, horn glowing a glittering white as that pencil scribbled against the paper, "Plenty of Canterlot ponies, but haven't had one from Ponyville yet. We were told to begin Ponyville recruiting tomorrow, but since you're here now...you interested?"
It was quite a strange proposition, but one that promised an audience with Luna herself! Allegra didn't know if she had the time to sign up for some night watch or whatever was being offered. She certainly wasn't the type to be a guard, if that's what the position demanded. Yet, after travelling all the way to Canterlot, she did not want to leave empty-hoofed. The guard would proceed to ask simple questions once she accepted the proposal, her name, where she lived and what she did for a living. All routine inquires. Soon enough, she was passed her completed form and told to make her way through the night market and to the palace.
The night had already rolled in, yet the elder Princess could find no comfort in sleep. She was standing on the palace balcony, overlooking the bustling night market in the streets below. Her head turned to the far hills beyond, to the old lands of snow and ice. It was a dark place, cursed with ancient magic and terrible evil. And somehow, over all these years, Equestria had never been targeted by the bugbears that lay hidden within the frozen wastes...until now. The swift recovery and return of the changeling Queen seemed to worry the great mare, as well as the Queen's flippant disposition towards murder. Her last visit was a terrible affair, but she never had the gumption to outright murder a pony. If it weren't for her little sister, she would have succeeded!
The grand doors slowly opened, a twisted shape slithering its way through. The strange draconequus cleared his throat to make his presence known, padding up to the side of his recently found ally.
"You asked to see me, Princess?" asked the menacing spirit, an impish glimmer in his eyes.
"We currently face a dire situation, Discord. I believe your knowledge could be of significant use," responded the graceful Celestia, head turning to take in her companion.
That goat muzzle would adopt a frown, Discord displaying a mixture of confusion and doubt.
"I would hardly call things 'dire', Celestia. Suspicious, maybe."
"You don't believe the changelings’ return is a bad omen?" retorted the Princess.
In true Discord fashion, the mismatched beast perched himself on the balcony edge, laying his body down against the fine marble, "Well I don't know about that. I mean, it was quite a shocker! But I wouldn't start ringing the alarm bells just yet."
To highlight his point, the jovial trickster produced a solid brass bell from the very air itself, only to have it crumble to dust as he attempted to ring it.
Celestia wasn't ready to bury her concerns just yet, "The power of the changeling Queen was rather worrying. Have you heard of a levitation spell with the power to strangle a mare?"
Even for the nonchalant draconequus, the spark of distress lit up in his eyes, "I have...but not for some time. Are you certain?"
A firm nod would be Celestia's response, adding, "Old magic. Harmful magic meant to maim, harm and kill. Spells that weaken, confuse, murder and control. Just like those you practice."
The eccentric spirit shot up from his lying position, "I influence ponies. I do not kill or harm them. Disharmony is not murder!"
Discord may have once been evil, but he was not a murderer. Just a trickster! He almost seemed hurt at Celestia's comment.
"I meant no offence, Discord. But if anyone is schooled in old magic, it's you. I implore you, investigate this further."
Discord had been purified, cleansed by the mane six and their efforts to win him over. Although he was still mischievous, he was loyal to the Princess. The old spirit took to his feet, a roll of his lion paw followed by a formal bow.
"Consider it done, Celestia. I'll need full access to the Queen."
The suggestion was met with a nod, the ever present ruler turning her gaze back to Canterlot beneath her. She would let Discord leave on his own, mind still racing with questions and distress.
"Oh, and Celestia?" began Discord as he slid the balcony door open and paused half way through, "I wouldn't put too much trust in Luna. She has not been herself as of late. Keep an eye on her. She is holding secrets."
And with that last thought he was gone, back to his chambers in preparation of his research.
It was a real endeavour to dip and weave through the thick crowd that had assembled for the illustrious night market. However, after a few 'excuse me's’ and some dives through side streets, the timid little Allegra was standing at the great portcullis of Canterlot Castle. A row of guards stood diligently at the gate, eyes staring dead ahead, wings outstretched to block entrance. Sheepishly, the young mare pottered closer, using her magic to slip the sign-up form from her saddle bag and show it to the wall of guards. Sure enough, the stallion wall would part, wings receding and burly ponies shifting to allow her to wander through.
This was incredible! Not only was Allegra wandering through the castle grounds as an exclusive guest, but she was about to meet the gracious Princess Luna face to face! It was terribly unnerving! The fine white cobble lead its way to the building itself, surrounded by the royal gardens enclosed by the high walls. The grand doors of the castle keep were already open, the interior glowing with a warm candlelight, a welcome respite from the chilling winter's cold. The huge, opulent entrance hall and grand staircase seemed eerily quiet, a few murmurs and whispers echoed from the maze of hallways ahead of her. It was as if she were lost in a canyon of marble and stained glass, head shifting around with no idea of where to go!
Hooves would carry her forward, the demure little filly heading up the fine red carpet of the staircase. She would smite a soft little 'hello' or 'Princess?' sporadically to the unending silence, wanting to make her presence known if anyone was about. It seemed as if the entire night watch of guards were to be found at the gate. She knew that night force wasn't a popular one, but so few guards was quite unbelievable if strangely refreshing for Allegra.
But all seemed quiet, not a sound nor sight of either of the Princesses. With her right to be on the castle grounds assured, Allegra found herself travelling all over, taking in the wondrous beauty of the banquet cool and the busy humming and chirping coming from the garden. Soon enough, a grand staircase lead her to the great watch tower perched high above the the rest of the building. It was the observatory for the castle, where Luna and Celestia would spend time overlooking the boundaries of their shared lands. It gave a splendid sight over the great city of Canterlot, the skittering of the market ponies seeming nothing more than a flurry of ants about their nest. Far away, hidden below in the great valleys, sat Ponyville.
Allegra could make out a few structures such as the expansive fields of Sweet Apple Acres or the grand tower of the city hall. And while Canterlot was still alive with merchantable trade, no lights were to be found on in Ponyville, every pony sound asleep in their beds.
"Is there any reason for your intrusion here?" came a sudden, perturbed bark from behind.
Allegra froze where she was. It seemed as if the endeavour that brought her to the castle had been one that had taken her too far. Time had passed so quickly, she hadn’t even noticed that the market beneath her was almost over, stall and shops beginning to pack away and close up for the early morning. The nervous filly took all the time she could, eyes staring up at the grand lantern of the moon. She would almost be forgiven for thinking the growl from behind her was a guard. But when those hooves clopped round to bring her in a half circle, those wide, bright eyes took in the dark, tall mare, Princess Luna.
Allegra immediately bowed her head in utter reverence, whole body meekly dropping to the balcony tiling, "P-Princess Luna!"
The stance of the shivering pony was definitely not one of a thief, or at least not of a competent one! Besides, no thief alive has been able to break into the Palace, apart from Discord who stole the Elements of Harmony.
"Who are you?" calmly requested the imposing royal pony, "And what are you doing on the Royal Watchtower?"
Words would spiral in her head, a mishmash of rhetoric that seemed to crash together before dribbling incoherently from her maw. Lips would wrestle with each syllable, unable to attend to the answer. A flare of that dark magic took to the scrolled up form prodding out of the top of her side bag, the Princess unravelling the sheet and running it over with her eyes.
"Ah, so you signed up for the program, I see?" commented Luna, "The meeting was held in the side hall. The recruiter should have told you."
Allegra's mind swept back to the moment in which she rushed away from the stall. The words were called out to her, but it seemed the eager filly's mind was soaring with the idea of meeting her idol. And now that the moment was here, Allegra couldn't handle it, head tucked down to hide the blush in her cheeks.
Those judging eyes roamed swiftly over the cowering filly before her and then back to the form in front of her face, "Ponyville, hmm? Unusual to find a Ponyvillian at the Nighttime Market. Well, I assume we could use you as a trial run. Maybe you could handle the town alone; Ponyville is not my top priority right now."
That form was rolled back up and tucked neatly into the mare's side bag, "Do you have accommodation in Canterlot tonight?"
In answer to the Princess, Allegra gave a brief shake of her head, deciding against tumbling over her words.
"Well, as a member of the Children of the Night program, I'm sure we could grant you a room here at the Palace. The inns will be closed at such an hour."
The palace itself was such a thing of beauty that most never knew of the dungeon held within its bowels. Then again, Celestia rarely had use of it, seeing as the overwhelming harmony of her lands kept most disputes in order. An old, oaken door lead its way down a narrow staircase, cut crudely from the rock of the mountain the castle was perched on. The stairway would lead to a room of solid rock, cells chipped into the sides and secured with rusty steel bars. A dim lantern sat nailed into the low ceiling, giving the grim scene a sickly glow.
And that was where Discord was found, staring into the far cell on the left, seemingly filled with thick, suffocating darkness. As usual, the draconequus was adding a touch of humour to the dank scene, a pair of Fraud-like spectacles balanced on his muzzle.
"Come now, Chrysalis. We're both villains! You can tell me. I am here to help!" stated the deranged Discord, a slight German accent in his tone.
Nothing came from the dark cell. A dark haze coated the entrance, bars to an already small window casting a striped shadow on the floor that seemed to crawl huskily across the cell with the passing moonlight.
Discord wasn't one to give up so easily, readjusting those glasses as he paced the cobbled floor outside the dreary cell, "And no offence my dear, but old magic is way out of your league. I mean, feeding off love, shapeshifting and influencing the minds of poor, defenceless ponies? Quite a far cry from strangulation, don't you think?"
Still nothing. Discord wasn't getting anywhere quickly. The stubbornness of the changeling Queen knew no bounds. A snap of the lion paw and candles appeared in the dark Queen's cell. The new light flooded the dark, empty space, leaving nothing but a clear floor and a decaying heap piled onto the bed.
"How rude," snorted the draconequus, phasing through the bars to pull closer to the sleeping Queen.
Allegra felt like a caught thief, trotting behind the rather prudent Princess who had caught her on the grand balcony. Then again, how many ponies could say they've stayed in a room in the royal Canterlot Palace? The placated filly might have been more boisterous about the situation if it weren't for her current focus. Oh my, royal flank! The sway of Luna's flank in front of her was simply mesmerising, her head matching the sway of those hips, flesh veiled by the shimmering of that tail.
Luna, of course, was explaining the situation, which seemed to be alone a dull humming to the distracted Allegra behind her.
The young unicorn would not count herself as a perverted pony, far from it. But the almost hypnotising sway of Luna's hindquarters seemed to demand her full attention. She would have bumped face first into them if the larger mare had not made a sudden stop. A flare of dark magic swung open some gold-lined doors to one of the castle suites. It was used for distinguished guests and visitors, of which there were few with Equestria placed in such a defensive condition.
"You will stay here," began Luna, turning to face the recovering pony, "the room has en-suite facilities as well as fresh bedding and a writing table, if you require it."
Before Allegra could pick her thanks to bestow upon her royal host, the Princess had already turned about and was trotting away. It seemed her time had become rather valuable these days, leaving Allegra standing there by the open door, faint smile slowly dying off.
"Th...thanks, Luna..."
The lone filly turned to the room she was given. It was larger than the entire shop floor of Sofas and Quills! Royal purple wallpaper crowned in a luxurious gold, pillars of off-white marble and a hanging candelabra to give the entire suite a calming glow. Smooth tiled floors with plush rugs for some comfort to the hooves as well as an ornate writing desk above the grand window pane. Mountain of a bed sat kingly by the adjacent wall, contained by varnish and white glossed wooden head and footboards. If this was a guest room, Allegra wondered what Luna's quarters were like!
Discord carefully approached the snoozing Queen; she might have been weakened, but he was wise enough to know to treat all foes with caution. It was his lack of forethought that had claimed his victory twice before. A lantern materialised in front of him, added bird wings allowing the queer conception to flutter overhead and shine light down upon his target. Her form was curled up, emanating a rather sickly glow of magic.
Discord took his paw and shifted two fingers through the aura before comically bringing them to his mouth and sampling the flavour.
"Old magic..." huskily murmured Discord in a note to himself, peering over the Queen to see if she was faking sleep.
What was immediately clear was that she was whispering, humming something. It all seemed irrelevant; plans of rebuilding her empire, gaining revenge on Princess Luna. Her hatred of the royal family and her desire to feed upon all ponies. But one phrase rung out.
It was a dark name. A name not heard since Discord had control of Equestria. A name that took all heat from the room and caused the draconequus' blood to run cold. An evil, vile name that was truly banished from the world when evil magic was taken over by friendship, unity and harmony. And a name that endangered all of Equestria. One solemn rhetoric, one whispered noun. That lamp fell and shattered to the floor as Discord took flight, eager to spread the news to his royal allies. To pass on that name. To bring the nightmares back once again.
"Nox Primus..."
