Arrival

Chapter 2:

Arrival

Celestia lead her new guest up the steps towards her palace, ready for an explanation. As she took him up the steps and through vast hallways, Dawn examined the castle's interior. It was more fitting to see that the palace hadn't changed a bit. The castle still had the great stone steps, red carpet and had kept all of the Victorian furniture that it originally had. They made their way to Celestia's large lounging room, that was arranged with comforting furniture and had shelves of books lined up on the wall. This was where Celestia would spend her leisure time, reading books and sitting close to the fireplace, she figured this would be the proper place to explain to the alicorn.

"Go ahead have a seat" Celestia motioned dawn over by the fireplace. Dawn laid down next to the fireplace trying to relax himself of what was going on, as Celestia too took a seat next to him.

"Would you like anything?" the alicorn asked.

"No thank you." Dawn said keeping his manners for the princess in front of him.

"That'll be just a water thank you." Celestia said to a nearby servant who slightly bowed and when off to fetch her drink.

"Now Dawn." she began "I know that you are confused right now and have lots of questions but, may I ask, how did you arrive here?"

Dawn shifted as his memories came back to him. “Well, I woke suddenly in some sort of...cave, and escaped my way towards the Everfree forest where I found my way to Canterlot. Before I go on I must ask, why have things changed so drastically, what has happened to my city?" Dawn asked confused

"Dawn I’m not sure that you've noticed but you're not in your 'old' kingdom anymore." Celestia tried to explain trying not to overwhelm the confused stallion.

"But, what about the rebels, what about the war?" Dawn said baffled.

"When the unicorns cast that spell on you Dawn, they sent you further into time. I'm afraid you’re here 3,000 years after the war." The alicorn resolved earning a shocked face.

"That's, impossible. Just yesterday I was..." Dawn realized that those days were long past over, looking out the large window seeing all of the busy streets and districts of Canterlot. All of the ponies were talking and trotting alongside each other in peace. No war, no rebels, no soldiers. Dawn sighed lowering his head. A servant came into the room holding a tall glass of water. "M'lady" the servant said levitating the glass to her and then exiting the room.

"Thank you." Celestia said as she levitated her drink towards her mouth; taking a gulp of her beverage; she noticed Dawn's expression.

"I truly am sorry Dawn." Celestia tried to comfort him putting her glass down. “You are more than welcome to stay here." Celestia assured.

"Thank you very much princess, I understand the situation is very overwhelming." Dawn said lifting his head trying to keep himself up. Dawn looked into the alicorn's gorgeous rose eyes as he felt a familiar rising in his chest. Celestia began to also stare into the stallion's golden eyes, which were blazing before her from the reflection of the fireplace admiring his natural charm. She noticed how long she was staring at the alicorn and began to grow nervous.

"Well, Dawn I'm sure you would enjoy having dinner with me and my sister." Celestia said breaking the long silence.

"Sister?"

"Yes her name is Luna; although I’m afraid she’s currently studying." Celestia said pondering of what she might be doing in her study for so long.

"I'll have a servant show you your room and you can freshen up there before joining us for dinner." She added, calling a servant over who entered the room motioning the prince to come alongside him. With a smile she watched as the tall stallion walked towards the exit and left, returning the gentle smile. Celestia sat there, left alone with her thoughts; staring into the fireplace with a confused face as she looked into the embers. That's odd. Nopony has been able to make me feel nervous like that in so long. Celestia put the thought away from her head ignoring the incident. She got to her hooves and walked towards Luna's study to inform her sister of the dinner tonight. She made her way through the palace halls and knocked on the door of her sister's private quarters. "Luna, it's me" Celestia said through the door.

"Come in." Luna answered as the door opened. Luna was sitting close to her desk writing on a scroll while reading a stack of books that were next to her desk. "Yes?" Luna said turning her attention to her sister.

"Luna we have company for dinner tonight."

"Yes and who might that be?"

"Dawn." She said with a cheeky smile, taking slight pleasure in her sister’s expression.

“Dawn?” Luna asked surprised “As in Dawn, Dawn?”

“The very same” Celestia assured. Luna sighed and turned herself back towards her study. Celestia noticed her usual anti-social behavior, and quickly corrected it.

“Now Luna, I expect you to be on your best behavior, he’s new here and I want us to make a good impression.”

“I don’t want to!” Luna said childishly throwing herself to her bed.

“Luna...” Celestia said carrying her voice “dinner starts this evening, so I expect you to be there in formal attire.” Celestia stared at the back of Luna’s head, unconvinced. “Understood?”

“Yes, mom.” Luna said as her older sister trotted off shutting the door.

Luna sighed as the door shut, leaving her too alone with her thoughts. Ugh, just your luck Luna. She thought to herself as she lazily got to her hoofs, to freshen up.
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“Right through here sir.” the servant gestured through the doorway as Dawn gave him a content smile entering his very own private room. “Thank you again.” Dawn said as the servant briefly bowed and made his way towards the dinner table. Dawn shut the door as he sighed, despaired of the situation he was in. Dawn looked around the room studying his surroundings. The room was a decent one, rather large and was composed of a large cloud bed in the center; followed by several furniture pieces of rather fine wood. The room also had a complete bathroom, and was rather large for a single room.

Dawn figured that he would take a quick shower before he was to formally acquaint himself with the princesses as he trotted towards the shower and kinetically turned on the water. As he magically scrubbed himself with the provided soaps and washes, Dawn couldn’t help but think of that subtle moment of silence between him and the princess. He remembered those gleaming pink eyes and her bright, warm smile. He could have sworn she’d had done the same, the way she was looking at him, it had to be. Dawn stopped his train of thoughts as he shook the memories away, noticing how long he had been in there, the room draped in fog from his hot shower. Turning the shower off Dawn stepped out of the shower, telepathically grabbing the nearest towel to dry himself. He finished drying his coat and making his way back to the bedroom. He looked at himself in the mirror making sure that his mane and coat was in order before making his appearance to dinner. He gave the mirror a smile testing out his expressions before leaving the room. As he shut the door there had already been a servant awaiting him and was ready to escort him towards the dinner table.

“This way, sire” the servant spoke as he lead the alicorn through the hallways and past the stairs as they entered the dining room. The dining area was very spacious, consisting of a long rectangular dining room that spread down the entire room, along with a large crystal chandelier that hung above the lengthy table. Princess Celestia sat at the end of the table, welcoming him with a smile as he trotted into the room.

“Good evening Dawn, have a seat dinners just about finished.” the princess said as a servant pulled up a chair next to her gesturing him over. Dawn stepped into his seat thanking the servants as they nodded and made their way towards the kitchen. The dinner table was set with fine cutlery and dining ware as he also observed the various fruits laid out on the table. Breaking the silence a tall dark blue mare entered the dining room with a shy smile and stunning blue eyes. The alicorn grasped Dawn’s attention as she took a seat next to her sister; right in front of him. Celestia whispered something incoherent into her ear. Dawn thought nothing of it as Celestia introduced her.

“Dawn, I’d like you to meet my younger sister Luna.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Luna said with a greeting smile.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Dawn said as he kindly returned the smile.

The conversation was broken as a bell was rung. “Dinner is served.” a servant said as three others came into the dining room with trays of food, laying them on the table. Dinner looked delicious; as the plate consisted of a large fruit salad with apples, oranges, watermelon, and various berries. The three thanked the servants as they returned to the kitchen.

“Well go right ahead, dig in.” Celestia said as Dawn levitated a fork and dove into his awaiting meal. Luna and her sister did the same, as they savored their juicy meal.

“So Dawn.” Celestia said between helpings “What was it like living in your time?”

“Well.” Dawn said gulping down his food “When I was a colt, the city had just finished being built; I remember I would play in the fields, and help my father. The people were friendly and generous, Canterlot was a very prosperous city back then. I also remember I would study and read books as a colt, and my mother always nagged me about it.” Luna looked at her sister with a glare as her sister simply chuckled in return. “The city gave me a sense of protection growing up and I will never forget how that city shined at night when I would look out my bedroom door.” Dawn said as he noticed Luna listening intently, her eyes gleaming at him.

“Very interesting.” Luna said, a little more seductively than she intended. Luna was caught by surprise at the new guest. When her sister said that an alicorn was coming in from 3,000 years from the future she expected an old wrinkly pony, with an attitude. But what she really got, was a tall, handsome young stallion with golden eyes and a bright smile. Luna leaned closer, with her eyes half-closed as she stared at the stallion flirtatiously.

“Please Dawn, tell me how did you get sent through time?” Dawn noticed her gaze as he continued his story for the gorgeous mare.

“Well.” Dawn started gulping down his dinner. “It first started when I became prince after my father died. It was a time of great sorrow and the whole city was mourning, it just wasn’t the same without him. I had to comfort my mother for months before she could go to bed without weeping.” Dawn said as he earned a sorrowful expression from Celestia.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that Dawn.” she comforted.

“It’s quite alright.” He replied “It’s been a long time since then.” He took a gulp of his water before lengthening his story. “After his death, people began to look for answers, looking for someone to blame. A group of ponies then began to spread a rumor that the royal family was corrupt, and had killed him for me to take his place.” Dawn said as he took another bite of watermelon. “Before I could control the absurd rumors, it was too late, the group grew larger and larger as a rebellion was being called out against us.”

“So please, tell me, what was the last thing you did before awaking here?” Celestia said as she finished her salad and sipped on her tea gently.

“Hmm, it had been our last battle after I had sent the two alicorn foals to their mother, when the rebels invaded the castle and kidnapped me. I don’t remember much from there, but I do remember them taking me deep into the Everfree forest. There a group of unicorns combined their magic and from then on out, it went black.” Dawn finished his drink and placed the glass down finishing his story.

“So the books are true.” Luna said as she to sipped on her tea.

“Appears so” Dawn said as the three noticed the time, they had been dining for quite some time now.

“Well that was a very intriguing story Dawn, but I’m afraid it’s time to get some rest.” Celestia said yawning, as if on cue.

“Yes, I am a bit tired myself.” the alicorn said as celestia called a servant.

“Would you please show Dawn to his room.” Celestia said in her usual gentle voice.

“Of course, your highness.” the servant replied as he motioned the way to Dawn, who got up said his goodnights and trailed behind the butler. Celestia and Luna too departed with their goodnights as they made their way to the bedroom. The servant stopped at a door and kindly opened it for him. Dawn thanked him and entered his bedroom and sat down on his bed. It was just moments later, before he was going to bed that he heard a gentle knock on his door. He approached the bedroom door as he revealed who it was. “Princess Luna?” Dawn said confused as Luna shushed him with her hoof.

“Shhh...follow me, I have to show you something.” She said as the two silently crept across the hallways, trying not to wake anypony up. She led him past the corridor and through several hallways in which Dawn was unfamiliar with. They arrived up multiple stairs before they opened a large door to a balcony. As Luna led him towards the railing, Dawn noticed that they had been atop the Canterlot castle and had a clear view of the city. They both marveled at the city as the sun set down on the horizon, painting the sky in deep oranges and purples. Dawn noticed the mares horn begin to glow and as the sun completely set, and in its place the moon rose. Dawn smiled as the night took over the day, leaving the city in gorgeous colors, as the city lights illuminated the night sky.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Luna asked staring at the view.

“Hasn’t changed since I was a colt.” Dawn said looking at the remarkable town, as ponies trotted back towards their homes for a nights rest. Dawn exchanged glances with Luna. “Do you raise the moon yourself?” he asked as Luna nodded.

“That’s right, I raise the moon every night and my sister raises the sun every morning.” Luna confirmed.

“That must be nice.” Dawn said returning his gaze to the kingdom. “To be honest, I prefer the night time rather than the morning.”

“I know, the night time is so embracing, I’ve always loved looking at the stars ever since I was a filly.” the princess said as the stallion next to her began looking at her admiringly. She hadn’t felt like this in years. Her chest seemed to tighten, as the alicorn’s golden eyes met hers.

“Your mane...It reminds me of the stars.” Dawn whispered to her as Luna’s cheeks rose to a shade of red. Dawn chuckled aloud at the flattered princess. They both looked up into the sky at the vast array of stars scattered about. Dawn sighed as he looked at the night sky gleaming back at him. “Do you think I did the right thing?” Dawn asked breaking the silence.

“Pardon?” Luna questioned unknowingly.

“Sending those foals, I mean. Do you think I made the right decision?” Dawn asked directly.

“What do you mean?” Luna asked looking at the older stallion that was looking deeply into the sea of stars.

“I mean...well, when I was the prince, people expected me to be as great as my father. And I tried my best really I did but... I don’t think that that’s what my father would have done.” Dawn hung his head “I guess I’ll never be the great leader that he was.”

Luna couldn’t help it. The handsome stallion was too much for her, his soft features and gentle eyes were flattering, and she just couldn’t see him like this.

“Don’t say that. It’s because of you that the royal family blood could live on. It’s because of you that the royal order was saved and it still lives on today. It’s the reason, I’m still here.” Luna said as the prince looked at her appreciatively.

“Thank you Luna, your kind words have helped.” Dawn said yawning. “I...probably should get to bed.”

Luna smiled. “Yes, I do believe it is rather late. Why don’t I help you back to your room?”

“Yes.” Dawn returned the smile “Yes, I would like that very much.” he replied as they both trotted their way back down the steps. Dawn had little idea where he was going, blindly following Luna to take him back towards his room. Across the way they slowly approached his doorstep, walking carefully and trying not to make a sound. As they neared the door, Dawn silently opened it with his magic, as he turned to his escort to say goodnight. The moonlight that passed through the window reflected upon Luna’s face, giving her deep blue complexion a gracious glow. Dawn was intending on saying goodnight, but his admiration left him baffled as he scrambled for words.

Luna saw his reaction to her as he was about to bid farewell. The soft hue of pink began to grow on his cheeks as words tried to form a sentence in his head, but came out in quiet incoherent slurry. Luna chuckled slightly at the cute reaction from the prince. She gently leaned over and gave him a small peck too the cheek.

“Goodnight, Dawn.” She whispered, flirtatiously as she left the stallion alicorn lost for words.

Dawn stuttered his speech, feeling his heart in his throat. ”G-Goodnight, Luna.” he said barely whispering the words back to her as he silently closed the door. Dawn let out a sigh as he leaped into bed smiling to himself. He promptly got under his covers as he thought of the cute mare, wondering how ridiculous he must have looked stumbling upon his words. He found that the feelings this mare was giving him were rather bizarre, but in all honesty, he truly did enjoy it. He smiled contentedly as slumber found him rather early today. Maybe this new canterlot is not so bad after all.
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Meanwhile a certain blue mare was gently creeping upstairs as she neared her bedroom. Her mind still racing from what she had just done. Nopony had ever made her feel this way before, her pace grew to a jolly skip as she thought of the stallion. Growing up, Luna had never had such relationships with other colts, it was unladylike for a mare such as herself to be involved in such a manner. She remembered her old butler would scold her every time she would try to make a friend. Her sudden reminiscence was halted as a light clicked on from her sister’s room. She then hastily tried to make it into her bedroom before her sister saw her in such a suspicious manner. She opened the door hastily before being stopped as she heard the familiar voice from behind her.

“Luna?” her sister sounded surprised “Luna, what are you doing up so late?” Celestia asked, squinting her eyes tiredly.

“Um...nothing Tia I was... just out to get a drink of water.” Luna said forcing a smile as she saw her sister’s unconvinced reaction.

“Luna...you’re not ‘pranking’ the royal guards again, are you?” she asked, knowing her sisters usual malicious behavior.

Luna rolled her eyes. “No, mom I’m not pranking the guards.” Luna retorted “Besides that was one time!”

Celestia simply glared at her “Well then, it’s time for bed Luna.” she said firmly as she shut the door to return to her rest.

Whew. That was a close one. Luna thought as she turned around to enter her bedroom. She levitated her crown and jewelry off before jumping into her more than large enough cloud mattress. Snuggling herself under the sheets, she smiled thinking fondly of the new stallion she had just met. Her heart seemed to beat with a flame growing inside of her, spreading inside her; feeling her stomach cloud with some sort of, fuzziness. Could this be? Is this how love feels? Luna shut her eyes, and let the warmth take her over, as she fell into a deep slumber.
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Celestia sighed as she shut off the lights and promptly went back to bed. Or at least tried to. For the past hour or so she had spent herself musing over the events of today. That young man is certainly not what I expected. She thought as she shifted in her bed. Celestia couldn’t help but to think back to that moment in the fireplace. When their eyes met, she was certain she could see something deep in the stallions’ eyes. She was rather taken back at the fact that she was indeed staring for so long back at them. I haven't felt like that in years. The princess stopped, realizing what she was thinking. Oh, stop it Celestia. She thought, scolding herself. You’re acting like a filly. Celestia became aware of her inner conflict and decided that it was best to get some rest. Trying to stop her midnight brooding, Celestia finally found her comfort zone as she shut her eyes letting the relaxation of her bed take her.