It was time to wake up. By now Celestias body was so attuned to her sleep schedule that there was little need for any sort of alarm. She yawned. It was about Ten minutes before sunrise and she began her usual routine. Walk to her washroom, wash her face and eyes to remove the icky morning eyecrust, relieve herself, put on her regailia, go to work. Now for chores, she thought to herself as she walked to the balcony to begin her never-ending duty of raising the sun. In truth at this point Celestia was not bothered by her chores. She loved to raise the sun, it was part of her. It was warmth, the wealth of her life and nation. She loved to step out and feel the cool dew in the morning air. Life was always good at sunrise.
Of course, her joy was always interrupted by the other never ending duty of attending to her little pony's. Including there social, political, and economic needs. So Celestia walked out of her room and began her usual stroll to the thrown room. As she walked she greeted the guards and the royal servants in her usual fashion. She always enjoyed greeting the palace residents, it was a welcome distraction and short delay to what always followed. Royal Duties.
"Her Majesty, Princess Celestia," the usher anounced as Celestia walked in through the red carpet. As usual, there was a line of griffons, ponies, and other races outside waiting to speak with her. "Whats first on our list today?" Celestia said to her secretary Raven. "Well, first you have to speak with the Griffon Ambassadors to re-organize the trade agreements for there lesium ore," she said, "After that, there's the Mayor of Sea-Sattle coming to discuss tensions between the Resident Earth pony miners and the seaponys that live in the coast, apparently there are some disagreement about soil pollution. After that there a few grant requests and and complaints from local land lords and the nobility." she finished.
"Wonderful," Celestial said to herself. Just what i need to start my day, more complain'ts from the nobility, she thought
dryly. "Show in the Griffon Ambassador's," She said to Raven. She nodded and proceeded to open the door. "The Princess will see you now," said Raven to the Griffon ambassador's. There were three in all. One older, and clearly the leader, as well as two others. The oldest, and clearly the one who was in charge was, was a middle aged rooster. He was accompanied by a younger rooster and a hen that both looked about the same age. As she spoke and opened the door, the three gave her a slightly nervous look. The oldest quickly composed himself though with a demeanor of practiced stoicism. "Right then," the oldest said to no one in particular.
As they walked through the twin doors the younger two muttered to one another. There first time in Canterlot, both were impressed by the show of both beauty and wealth that was exhibited on the walls of the castle. "Princess," said the elder griffon as politely as possible. "I am Alden FeathersWorth. We are honered to meet you your majesty." "And I you, Ambassador FeathersWorth." said Celestia, with her coy, emotionless, half smile. Years of politicing had given Celestia masterful skill at not betraying her emotion, it was an endearing quality and one that served her well over her long rule.
"And who are these to foal's you've brought with you today?" said Celestia. "These two are my assistants," said FeathersWorth as he turned and Gestured the two to introduce themselves to the Princess. "I am Lilliana, Princess," said the hen with only a smidge of nervousness. "Harper, you majesty," the young cock proceed, keeping his tone respectful. "Excellent, well now that we all know each other i feel we can begin. Would care to start Alden," said Celestia, catching him slightly off guard with the use of his first name. "Well as you may know your Majesty, our shipments of Lesium have been late, or in only partial quantities and that's if they arrive at all. The Diamond dog's raids of our trade routes to Equestria have become more aggressive of late. Our forces are simply to spread out to handle them sufficiently, what with most of them off on our east borders keeping the Dragon population under control. At the rate were going we won't be able to keep the miners paid, and no more miners means now more ore," said Feathersworth.
"I see, so what do you recommend ambassador." replied Celestia. "Troops your Majesty, placed strategically along the northern trade-routes. We figure that if we can protect the trade routes in the mean time, we could eventually garner our forces enough to hunt down the packs of diamond dogs responsible for all the theft and loss of life in the mean time," said FeathersWorth. "This seems like a good plan, Ambasador, but we cannot agree to your request just yet. Give me time to discuss this with my Sister and General BuckHorn. When we arrive at our decision we will let you know as soon as possible. Your countries shipments of ore are very important to us and we would hate to lose your valuable trade, " said Celestia in her most even and diplomatic Voice. "In the mean time make yourselves welcome, feel free to explore the castle grounds as well the rest of Canterlot. If you wish to leave the premise just let Captain of the Gaurd SteelHoof know and he will assign you escorts. Would you be joining me and my sister for dinner this evening?" "We would be delighted your Majesty," said Feathersworth, as he and his to assistants bowed slightly, and were then escorted out of the conference room.
"Well, that wasn't bad at all," said Harper. Lilliana replied "I thought that she'd be terrifying, but she seemed kinda like just a regular pony, aside from the glowing mane and all." "Don't let looks fool you, underneath her friendly demeanor lies a methodical, calculating, and ruthless ruler. There is a reason Equestria has been Stable for over a thousand years, they're herd creatures after all and She is there leader."said FeathersWorth "Well so far I like these pony's, they've been nothing but friendly and very generous. Though a few of those suits back there were giving us some looks i could do without," said Harper. "Ponies sometimes have trouble adapting to new creatures, its just there nature. Give them time and they'l get used to you more than not. Unfortunately we probably won't be here long enough for that, as soon as the Princess's arrives at a decision were to go back to Griffonstan to give the news to the counsel," said FeathersWorth "Kinda a pity, "interupted Lilliana." I would have like to have seen more of Canterlot. Its so big...and shiny..and there so much here to buy. I could stay and shop forever." at this the two roosters laughed a little and went on there way as they were escorted out through the halls.
Celestia never enjoyed organizing war matters, it was always her sister who had been skilled in the arts of war. Still though, in Luna's thousand year absence Celestia had gotten lots of practice. She had personally prevented two invasions, not counting the recent changeling raid on Canterlot. Matters of war were no stranger to her, but still she detested ever having to send her little ponys off to battle. Each life was precious, but being a leader means that one understands the greater good. She would give this matter some thought, but she already felt that FeathersWorth's suggestion would be exactley what her sister and General BuckHorn would recomend. There was simply no negotiating with diamond dogs, other than that at hornpoint. Celestia and already tried and failed numerous times with packs of Diamond dogs to negotiate peace treaties. The problem was that the packs never had unified leadership for long enough to decide on anything for long. As soon as a pack changed alpha's, every order or prejudice of the old alpha was thrown out the window and the pack becomes a blank slate. She would give this matter more consideration later.
"Shall i show in Mayor RainDrop, " said Raven. "Yes show him in, might as well get through with the important appointments right away," replied Celestia to her secretary. Raven nodded and headed to the door to retrieve the stoic and drably dressed representative of Sea-Sattle. Mayor Raindrop was not known for being a great leader or a bad one. In truth little had happened in the community of Sea-Sattle. What little did happen was usually handled easily by the local guard garrison. Still, Raindrop had done his duties diligently as could be asked, and he gave fantastic speeches, so he held favor within the community despite his lack of social acuity. "Hello Princess," RainDrop said as he entered the Room and gave a little nod as an implied bow. Celestia was a little impressed, he showed almost as little emotion upon seeing her as she herself expressed when meeting with her little ponies and foreign dignitarys. "What brings you to Canterlot Mayor RainDrop," she said in her warmest and most pleasant voice as she eyed him with her famous half smile.This served to disarm him slightly. "Troubles i'm afraid, it seems we have disagreements with the sea-ponys living on the coast," replied RainDrop in his most serious demeanor.
"Odd, we've had barely any contact with the sea-pony's in the last 300 year's," Raindrop paused at this comment momentarily forgetting just how old their beloved princess actually was. "Can you describe the problem for me a little," she said. "Of course Princess. As you know a large portion of are economy is in the carriage and chariot industry, even some of your personal chariots were developed in our local factory's i hear." Celestia smiled at this, her personal chariot was one of her prized possessions and there were few material things that held any real value to Celestia at her age. "Indeed, my little pony's do love there carriages," she said warmly. At this he frowned a little. "Indeed Princess, the problem is the growing demand and the methods used to make our chariots. Old methods simply applied the use of the local forestry. Sea-Sattle timber is some of the best and strongest material in the entire nation. Each vehicle was hand made piece by piece. More recently however the demand for metal components in chariots and wagons have become more common. Demand has gone up, and with it the factorys. These days its not uncommon for a factory to produce 150 wagons a day. All with metal barrings and bolts. Some even have metal seat frames of all things!" he grunted a little and cleared his voice.
"I think i see where your going with this, but please continue, " she said. "Yes Princess, the problem isn't so much the timber but the new metal pieces that go into our products. The demand for iron and its refining have put most of the black-smiths in the region out of work. Its getting to the point where if a pony wants a horseshoe he has to buy it in bulk from the forges," Celestia chuckled at this a little. Raindrop simply stared attentively. "The problems, " he continued, " originate primarily in the methods were using to mine the iron." "How so RainDrop?" She asked. "Well Princess, I'm sure you are familiar with come-to-life spells," he replied. "Of course," she nodded. "Um," he muttered, "the method applied involves using a magic-hydraulic piston shovels to move large amounts of soil into new fangled come-to-life separator machines. The heavier iron ore is deposited on bottom while the waste soil is deposited into channels that flow down-stream into the Pega-cific ocean. When these machines were invented it seemed like a dream come true to any one who worked with heavy ore's. Suddenly you could get a month's worth of iron for a fraction of its former cost and effort. Unknown to any at the time these machines have one great draw back. Namely, magical residue.
Celestia's half-smile was suddenly drained to her full stoicly unknowable frown. The soils been poisoned, this is very bad, she thought to herself "Do you mean to tell me RainDrop that my ponies have been tainting the water supply?!" She asked both slightly shocked that she didn't know about this sooner, and at the ramifications such a thing would have on the marine life or even any pony who drank from the river down-stream. "Yes Princess," he said solemly. "Im afraid the magical residue is poisoning the soil. I'm only just coming to learn about the problem myself. I can only imagine the ecological impact this is having. Its no wonder the sea-ponies are upset with us. I've tried talking to the mine and refinery owners. They won't budge from there position. Too important to the economy, they say! Ha, if I dont mine the ore Pony-Joes mine down the road will! They say. I'm fed up princess, i don't know how to handle this situation and its getting out of hand. Now the sea-ponies are issuing an ultimatum to shut the mines down, or there will be ramifications they say. We need your help princess," He finished as he let down his head solemnly in defeat.
"You did well coming to me my little pony," She smiled, taking on the motherly role that she so often played with her subjects. At this he raised his head and his ears perked. "It is the sign of a good leader to know when he needs to asked for help, and you've done just that. I think I need to schedule a visit to Sea-Sattle. The last time i was there it was just a small lumber community. It must be a thriving city by now," she said slightly cheerfully. "Yes princess, its quite the metropolis these days. I'm sure our local citizens would love a visit from there princess, but what our we going to do about this soil polution?" He asked quizzically. "Well I have an idea about that," she said, "In truth my tour will be to fold, i will visit Sea-Sattle yes, but I won't be stopping there. There's an old friend that needs a long over-due visit." And I had better pack my scuba mask, joked Celestia to herself and softly smiled.
"Thankyou Princess, when can we expect you?" Asked Raindrop. "Some time soon, i'll send a messenger a week in advance letting you know when ill arrive. That should give my little pony's enough time to prepare, should it not?" she asked back. "Yes, of course princess. Thankyou," he said and with that Celestia signaled a guard to escort RainDrop out of the Conference Room.
"A busy morning so far ins't it Raven," she said to her secretary as he was busy scribbling something down on a piece of parchment. "Yes Princess, and you still have a meeting with Regal Coat and Rolled Oats, as well as the Ladies committee for a Better Equestria, and about 4 different grant request's from different ponies..and thats just the rest of this afternoon," replied Raven.
Celestia rubbed the base of her horn with her hoof..It was going to be a long afternoon...
After several more long and lengthy meetings with her ponies, Celestia finally finished all her appointments for today. She loathed them for the most part, as they were the least enjoyable thing about being a pony-princess. Still it beat the alternative. About 500 years ago she had tried letting the political matters handle themselves, as an experiment in ruler-ship. Without Luna to help oversee things, the court was just getting just to tedious for one pony to manage on her own. She carefully crafted a counsel, handpicked leaders, groomed her institutional supervisors to her satisfaction. It seamed like it would go so well at the time. All Celestia would have to do was raise the sun for her ponys and then eat cake all day! Wonderful cake! She couldn't have been more wrong. Sadly, her little pony's were just to selfish and short sighted to run the country smoothly on there own. If she hadn't intervened, all of Equestria would have been dived into numerous territory's competing for land and resources. In other words, war and chaos. Discord could barely have done a better job himself.
Royal duties done, Celestia turned her attention to another urgent matter of state. The royal bubble bath. Few pony's knew, but after Celestia had finished all her daily meetings one of her oldest rituals was to wash herself in her luxurious royal bath chambers. It wasn't so much for hygiene. One could hardly argue that Celestia's dutys were dirty. No, infact, had Celestia desired she could cast a spell that would prevent any dirt or odor from sticking to her coat. On some rare and important occasions she even had. However, if she did that all the time then she would have no excuse to indulge herself in the royal suds. She did so love her suds. She walked in through the large double doors. Inside was a white, pink, and gold themed monument to cleanliness. Celestia was not one for extravagance but her bath chambers and chariots were the exceptions. She reached out with her magic and turned on the hot water. The water poured down her back drenching her coat and ethereal main. She let out a satisfied sigh as she used her magic to reach out for a bottle of extremely expensive shampoo. This particular variety was made from a flower that bloomed in the southern jungles once every thirty years. It was one of her favorites and she kept an ample supply. After some modest application and rinsing Celestia was thoroughly clean and pristine, or atleast slightly more pristine than usual.
Using a spell to quickly dry herself, Celestia opened the doors and exited her bath chambers. As she walked past her guards she saw there nostrils flair, and as soon they thought she wasn't looking they turned to look at each other. Each gave the other a smile and glanced back at Celestia, one looked as though he was about to drool a little with ecstasy at the wonderful fragrance. Celestia smiled, she loved it when they did that. Colts were so silly. I suppose I should go check on dinner. I wonder what kinda of cake were having this evening? She thought bemusingly. With the temptation of cake to great to overcome, Celestia began her trek to the royal kitchens. As she walked by guests and servants scuddled out of her way or tried to keep themselves busy while avoiding her gaze. Some times it was lonely to be a princess. She was almost at the end of the hall leading to the kitchen when she heard the loud crash of pots and pans coming from behind the kitchens two swinging doors. "Hey be carefull! The princess's have guests tonight and we have to get this ready Dilligence!" Grunted the voice Celestia's most skilled and beloved chef Iron Ladel. Celestia poked her head through. She saw a team of five ponies working dutifully cutting vegetables, preparing kettles of piping hot liquid, and frosting a certain tower of delectable perfection that Celestia would personally lead a great siege upon.
"How are things going Master Chef," Celestia smiled as she complimented Iron Ladel. "Splendidly your majesty, things will be ready soon," he replied giving Celestia and annoyed but respectful look. "Excellent, I'll just let you continue then." Iron ladel nodded and gave a little bow as he turned back to his courses. Celestia knew how grumpy her chef could be while preparing a meal and it was really best not to disturb him when he was cooking. His cakes though, were some of the best in Equestria and she simply couldn't resist taking a gander at his latest creation. Her anticipation of the chocolate tower of delectable-ness made her mouth water slightly.
"I guess I had better go wake up Lulu," Celestia said quietly to herself. As she walked through the halls leading to her sisters tower, she turned her head back and forth to glance and admire all the different pieces of art. Something Celestia and her sister both had in common was there love for art. For the greater part of the past millennium this entire wing of the castle had been empty, but Luna had spared no effort in building up her collection in the short span of her return. Most of Luna's original pieces had been lost centuries ago after there falling out, so Celestia had a significant lead. Luna, however, was determined to catch up and had some unique and very modern looking paintings. One depicted a cubist style pony that Celestia cringed at a little as she walked by. Perhaps Luna is striving just a little too hard to be modern? Oh well.Celestia mused to herself and smiled as she approached the door to her sisters room. The two lunar guards gave a bow and a "Your Majestie," as she aproached. Celestia nodded and half-smiled at them. She knocked on the door. There was a rustling and some sort of murmering. "Lulu?" She said and knocked again gently. She decided she would poke her head in to check on her sister. She saw Luna asleep in her bead tucked in under her covers, a toy sock with two button eyes half falling over the edge of her bed. "No Mr. Long stocking you drank all of the ginger-ale and now its all gone," Luna was sleep talking...to her toy socks. Celestia barely stifled her chortle. She approached her sister. Celestia tapped Luna's shoulder with her hoof. "Luna, Luna wake up," Celestia said gently. At this one of Luna's eyes began to open and as she tried to focus on whatever entity was foolish enough to interrupt her sleep. "Gaauugh-Tia?" She yawned. "Is everything alright?" She muttered in her freshly woken haze. "Fine Sister, just fine. I'm having dinner this evening with some guests and wanted to know if you would care to join us?" Said Celestia to her sloth-like younger sibling. At this Luna's eyes and muzzle twitched a little. "Alright..just give me a few more minutes Tia," said Luna as she turned and re-adjusted her blankets. She also discreetly pulled her sock friend under the covers hiding her treasure from her sisters gaze. "Oh good, dinner will be ready soon. The Chef made choclate cake Lulu." Celestia said, causing her sister to open the other eye slightly wider. Then Celestia turned around and left her sister to get ready, closing the door behind her with her magic.
Celestia decided she would go down to the dinning hall next to see how the place settings looked. She always loved to examine the table just before dinner and watch the servants work to make it perfect. By now this set of servants were quite seasoned in the art of making her table. Each napkin was folded into an elegant blossom. No fork, knife, spoon, or plate was out of place. It was the model of elegance, just like herself. Some times it was good to be a Princess. Lovely my little ponys, just lovelyshe thought to herself. It always made her glad to see the length her subjects would go to please her, not that she was any sort of tyrant mind you but she rarely needed to express herself more than once for her wishes to be carried out. At this point Dinner would be ready soon, and Celestia could taste the aroma of leak-garlic rose petal soup in the air as well as the unusual smell of roasted fish being prepared for her Griffon guests. It was not uncommon for fish to be served in the castle, though few Chefs had the skill or the stomach to prepare meat of any kind. However, diplomacy with the Griffon Dominion being what it was, it was and had been a prerequisite for the palace Chef to be able to prepare and serve fish. Iron Ladle, Celestia's palace Chef, was probably the most skilled fish-cook in the entire nation. Over the years and unknown to any of her subjects Celestia had actually acquired a taste for fish. She rarely had a chance to eat it though, as it never seemed proper to eat it in-front of her subjects. Many ponys cringed at even the sight of fish. Celestia had first tried it on a diplomatic mission 450 years ago, approximately, to the griffon empire. To her supprise and all griffons present she had asked for some of the fish that was being prepared for the rest of the diners. She found the flavor invigorating and sumptuous. Still, the pleasure of fish was something she always had to forgo for the sake of her self image. It was a delightful smell however, and she was glad that her Griffon guests would get to indulge themselves with Iron Ladles fabulous cooking.
"Is dinner finished yet?" Luna snuck up behind her sister. Celestia turned and looked at Luna who now looked no where near as bedraggled as she had when she had peaked inside her room. Luna, being the pragmatic type, usually used spells to enhance her appearance. It helped that she was a master at illusion spells. Just after Luna had spoken three pony's from the kitchen staff all dressed in white approached the large dinning table and began to set the courses. Three separate carts had been wheeled out, one containing a large kettle of leak-garlic rose petle soup for the Princess's. Another contained a large platter with a round lid, underneath which was a generous amount of fish. The third contained a large bowl of bread meant for both party's to indulge. With skill the Chef's set the table, giving to each there allotted dishes. The smell was extravagant, and Celestia saw Lulu stare longingly at the soup out of the corner of her eye. For Luna, dinner was really more or less the equivalence of breakfast and Luna DID love her breakfast. "Your Majesty. Your guests have arrived," spoke a guard as another showed in the three griffons who had been escorted from there rooms earlier. All three bowed modestly in unison. "Good Evening Princess's, you both look lovely as ever." Flattered the eldest griffon. "Good Evening to you too Alden, as well you both Lilliana and Harper. I hope your stay has been pleasant?" She asked the to warmly. "Excellent your Majesty, there so much to see and do here in Canterlot, and everything is lovely!" Said Lilliana with enthusiasm to the Princess. "It is very nice, thank you princess," said Harper after Lilliana finished. "Im glad you both like it. I don't think I have introduced you to my sister yet. Luna these are the guests I mentioned. They're ambassadors from the Griffon Dominion," finished Celestia. "Hello," Luna said and smiled weakly at all three. You didn't mention your guests were ambassadors Tia, Luna thought to Celestia.Would you have come to down if I had told you? Celestia replied. Fair enough. Why are they here anyway? Luna asked her older sister slightly annoyed. Diamond dog raids on our trade routes. Celestia answered. Ah, i see, finnished Luna. In the Centuries before Luna's banishment the ability to quickly communicate between the two sisters had played a vital role in the welfare of Equestria. More than one political crisis had been averted by Luna and Celestia's discreet mental conferences. Upon her return the two had picked it up again as naturally as normal speech "Is everything alright, your Highness?" Alden asked Luna, concerned about the sudden pause and distant looks both Princess's had been giving his party. "Everything is fine, shall we sit and enjoy some of this delicious smelling meal?" Luna asked, suddenly snapped back to the attention of there guests.
As the three walked to there place settings at the table, all eyed there meals respectively and after a moment of thankful meditation all three dug into there meals. They talked for a bit, and each party asked the other about life and what the other thought of Equestria. The two sisters laughed a little at the naivete of the two young Griffons and at the stuffy old Griffon who was still trying to change to topic to politics. Celestia skillfully evaded all his attempts at political discussion, promising that they would talk more of those matters tomorrow. After a few attempts he gave up, and went back to savoring his meal. The food was excellent after all and it was not everyday one was entertained by the Princess's of Equestria. All ate to satsifaction, and by the end of the meal everyone was stuffed and full of both food and mirth. A few well placed jokes and Luna had broken the ice with the two young griffons. After a while Alden got into the swing of things and all three were laughing and telling jokes along side the Princesses. "Excellent meal your Majesty, your a most gracious host but I think were all tired from this delicous meal. Can I expect an answer to our request tomorrow Princess?" Asked ambassador FeathersWorth to Celestia. "Most likely Ambassador, were still considering things. I always find it best to make these kind of decisions on a full stomach. Don't you agree?" Celestia asked humorously. At this he smiled. "Indeed your Majesty, well i suppose well retire for the evening," Said the old griffon as he gestured to the younger two to get up and get ready to leave. Both younger Griffons got up and said goodnight to the two Princess's before being escorted out by one of the gaurds.
It was late now and time for Celestia to Lower the Sun. It had always been Luna and Celestia's personal ritual to raise or lower there respective heavenly bodies from there own balconies. Really they could both do it from anywhere but old habbits die hard. This particular habit was very very old and neither princess showed any signs of changing it. Early evenings were typically when Celestia and her sister spent the most time together. This was the case simply by virtue of both's schedules. Luna would not begin her night court until a little after midnight, so that gave both Sisters some time to talk and simply spend time with each other. To both sisters it was one of the most precious parts of there day. Tonight however was a little different, they first had to discuss what to do about the diamond dog problem with General BuckHorn, so they could continue on with the rest of the evening. It was true that there was very little conflict in Equestria, everybody knew this. What was not known, however, was how dedicated Celestia was to the Institution of Schools of war. Even in times of peace, or actually ESPECIALLY in times of peace Celestia kept a full staff of officers who were trained and skilled in war tactics. It was true that Equestria had not needed a large standing army in a very long time. At the moment, there was only about 7,000 active soldiers in the entirety of Equestria. There was, however, a mandatory draft should the need for a larger army ever arrive.
After finishing there tasks of lowering the sun and raising the moon, both Celestia and Luna walked to the Conference room and waited a moment for General BuckHorn to arrive so they could begun to discuss the problem of the raids on the griffon trade routes.