The Night's Recordby JakeDrakeChaptersThe Morning of ChangeThe Start of the NightsA Fitting MeetingThe First CourtThe NightmareThe Morning of ChangeIt was a quiet morning in Canterlot; only a few ponies were truly awake this early that did not attend the night court. Celestia was raising the sun as other ponies started to open their windows and brew their hot coco for the morning. Though many shop keepers were already restocking their shelves for the day’s businesses and sweeping the walkways in front of their shops. One of the ponies sweeping the walks was a young Unicorn with his mane tied back with a bandana to keep it out of his eyes. His mostly green mane catching the sunlight as he worked, whistling a tune with his amber coat getting a bit dirtier as he worked. He glanced up with his hazel eyes and saw a figure walking across the street. He shrugged a bit as he finally levitated the broom back into its place behind the door as he propped it open. Waving to his mother who was starting to fiddle with a few of the little crystals they sold. He smiled sadly as he saw his younger sister working with her magic to set a few more gemstones into a tiara that would sell for a large amount of bits. He sighed as he went back outside and looked out to see the figure walking across the street again when he heard a tumbling and screeching sound from up the hill. He glanced up and his pupils shrank in response of what he saw. It was a rather large carriage, most likely borrowed by some colts for a bit of joy ride down the hills and rampaging through the streets. Of course, when a few colts did this it was in the middle of the night. Usually when they’ve convinced someone to buy them enough cider to get them smashed enough to steal the carriage, and then it was stopped by the guards. Of course if that didn’t happen they crashed or bailed out of the carriage before it damaged too much. The only problem was that whoever was wandering across the street down the hill was in the way of the carriage. The amber unicorn barely blinked before he bolted forward and rammed his side into the surprisingly large stranger and shoved them down and far enough away. He tensed himself and cursed himself for this act before he felt the wheel of the carriage hit his side and force him down onto the stone. He screamed in pain as he heard the cracking of something, not knowing if it was his ribs or a part of the wheel, he grit his teeth and screamed again as the other wheel rolled over him and the pain overloaded his system. Beep. Beep. Beep. That’s the first sounds he heard as he slowly started to wake up and grumbled under his breath. Trying to sit up before the pain in his side made him gasp loudly and grit his teeth. He opened his eyes and saw the white ceiling tile that was ‘sanitize white’. He looked down and saw he was laying on a bed covered with a thick white comforter that seemed to have no real design on it. As he used his magic to push the blanket off of him as he adjusted his right leg and hissing under his breath when he tried to move the left a sharp pain telling him quickly it was a mistake. He saw he had a tight wrapping of gauze around his side with a slight stain of crimson, as he moved to touch it lightly with his right hoof he heard a door open in front of him. He saw it was a doctor, at least that’s what he thought with the coat and clipboard floating in front of him. “Ah Mister Shine we were worrying about when you were going to wake up, you gave us quite a scare when they brought you in this morning.” The doctor said as he moved closer to the colt and smiled, “But it seems you’ve taken to the magical healing better than most.” “Oh.” He said as he moved his right hoof to rub the side of his head and felt more gauze around his head where his bandana would normally be tied. “Hey what about that pony that-“He started before the doctor stuck large pill in his mouth and shone a magical light down his throat. “Oh you don’t worry about that; you need to worry about getting rested up for your family who has been waiting over twelve hours for you to wake up.” The doctor said finally making a note with his pen on the clipboard he was hovering magically in front of him. “I’ll be sure to tell them you’re ready to see them.” “Thank you very much.” The colt said with a smile as the doctor headed out of his room and he leaned back. He closed his eyes before he heard the door opening and the figure of his mother and two sisters come bursting into the room to crowd around his bed. “Oh Celestia we were so worried!” His light blue sister said as her yellow mane bounced lightly in its bow. He smiled as he moved to ruffle her hair softly with a grin before he felt his side being prodded by his other sister. He turned as he heard her say, “Thank god we didn’t have to visit you when you were asleep again, you were so boring.” “Rubie, Sapphi please don’t prod your brother. He just woke up and is still recovering.” His mother scolded as she moved up beside him and wrapped her arms around him kissing his cheek. “I cannot believe how you could throw yourself in front of a carriage like that for somepony you don’t even know. Do you know how close you came from being too far away to fix?” He smiled as his mother’s white coats around her eyes were stained with tears.” “I’m sorry mom, it’s just I saw them walking and not even notice the carriage was coming toward them and I couldn’t just…” He said as his mother hugged him causing him to gasp in pain as the pressure was around his torso, his mother quickly letting go of him as he rubbed his side in pain closing his eyes. “Who was it anyway?” The two sisters shook their heads, their cutie marks for jewelry shining in the light, and then a nurse stuck her head in. A small hat with a pink cross atop her head with a light frown as she said. “I’m sorry you three but the visiting hours are over, I know he just woke up but he still needs his rest. He’ll be ready for visitors by tomorrow.” “Aww.” The two sisters cried as their mother shook her head at them and smiled at her son saying, “We’ll be back in the morning around nine. Just…don’t push yourself too much Amber. The doctors are still having you hooked up to the machines just in case.” The colt groaned as he heard his name making the nurse look at him funny as she stepped in the room with a small tray covered with a metal top. He raised a brow as a small table was wheeled and positioned so it would fit over his bed without being in the way and the tray was put on top of it. As the metal top was lifted off of it a small crystal ball was resting in the center held up by some dark metal. “What…exactly is this?” Amber Shine asked as the Nurse shrugged. “No clue, I was just told to give you this and leave it in your care after I turned the lights off.” The Nurse said leaving the room and using her tail to flip the light switch causing the room to sink into a near complete darkness except for a new dim light from the center of the crystal ball. “Greetings Amber Shine,” A feminine voice shouted through the crystal making Amber jump and his heart rate meter beep faster as he did breathing deeper and deeper trying to come down. The voice however sounded somewhat familiar but he could not quiet place it. “Hello?” He asked tapping the odd ball with one hoof softly as a soft miasma swirled inside with a glowing point grew inside. As he stared he finally noticed what the white light was. It was a glowing mare’s eye. “I wanted to thank thee for thane bravery this morning and apologize I could not thank you in person.” The feminine voice said, though it was no longer shouting in his ears. “My courtly duties have suppressed me in the castle and my dear sister has been keeping away something she calls ‘The Press’.” “Oh…that’s no problem I guess.” Amber said still staring at the ball. He stared a moment not sure what to say before things started to spark in his head. The mare’s odd manner of speaking, her ‘courtly duties’, being ‘suppressed’ in the castle, the sister keeping the press away, and the relative size of the stranger he saved. “Oh you have no means to be so modest Dear Amber Shine; you have saved the Princess of Starlight. So I would like to offer you a position on my personal court after you are able to leave the care of the royal hospital.” The mare said as Amber stared at the ball. “W-what…I-I…” He said stuttering as he started to hyper ventilate. The meters in the room starting to go wild, his heart rate sky rockets and his blood pressure rising like a helium balloon. “Amber Shine? Art thee alright? You sound like you are in some sort of distress.” The Princess asked through the crystal as the colt continued to have his body freak out from the realization. Soon the door was opening and a team of nurses and doctors came in to stop him from moving and eventually he felt a needle pierce his leg. Soon his mind felt as if were made of syrup, his muscles soon following after as he slowly drifted off as he heard the princess speak again before his mind finally fell back into the land of dreams. Author's Note Finally getting back into the Pony Fanfiction game. Let's see if this will go well enough. The Start of the NightsAmber Shine blinked as he came back into consciousness, rubbing his head as he blinked. A low groan as he felt the grogginess start to fade from his brain and muscles. He squinted in the bright light as he looked around and saw the morning sun starting to shine in through the window’s blinds. “Oh my head…” He muttered as he rubbed the side and looked down to see he was able to move both his legs with no pain. He started to flex it slowly and grimaced as a sore feeling came from his muscles, something that he hadn’t felt since he was in a gym class at Canterlot High. Flipping off the blankets again with his magic he saw his midsection was still wrapped up in the medical gauze. He heard a hard knocking on his door that made him jump a bit and saw a shadowy figure framed in the doorway. He gulped a bit as he adjusted himself on his bed and covered most of his midsection up with the blanket, shaking his head quickly to rid himself of the fog that seemed to still cling to his brain. “Come in.” He called his voice a bit scratchy but still firm. He watched as the door opened and a tall dark figure came into the room that made him catch his breath. “I beg thine forgiveness; the medical staff reported to my sister what had happened during our conversation.” Princess Luna said as she walked closer to the unicorn who was breathing slowly, a mix of fear and amazement of who was so close to him. “D-Don’t mention it.” He said in a nervous tone trying to smile, “I, I was just surprised to figure out that i-it was you that I pushed away from getting hit.” “Yes I realize this, and I thank thee again for your act.” She said with a kind smile and moving to sit casually by his bed as her eyes was lightly glowing the morning light. “Though I came to speak with thee of the reward I seek to give you.” “Reward, oh I don’t need any reward. Honestly it was something anypony would have-“He started before he felt something be shoved into his mouth, his tongue tasting the chocolate bar that had been so unceremoniously used to silence him. He saw the princess had peeled the wrapper off with her magic and dropping it into the nearby trash bin. “I understand many ponies would not take such a reward,” She said simply as she motioned for him to continue. “But I also need a…” She said and tapped her chin in thought. “Oh what would be the correct word for what I seek of your duty?” She narrowed her eyes thinking. As Amber pulled the chocolate out of his mouth with his own magic with a large bite taken out of it as he swallowed the huge back and shook his head. “Oh uh, maybe you’re thinking of a personal assistant?” He tried still rubbing his head as he felt a dull act from the medicine. “Yes I believe that is the phrase mine sister used. Though it is also similar to a hand maiden yes?” She asked a wide smile on her face. “I guess so…” He said trying not to sound clueless as he said and Luna smiled nodding. “Yes I require a personal assistant to aid me in the matters of the Night Court, my sister has been doing her best to keep my understanding of modern matters and meanings of matters up to date,” She said simply, “But I need aid in more matters of average ‘every night’ life. How the things of this time period works.” “So, you want me to help you with the Night Court and help you figure things out?” Amber asked with a brow raised. “Yes, I believe though my original thought of a reward was much more preferable though my sister said such a thing was inappropriate.” She said, “That having such Male attendants had gone out of practice a hundred years after I had been banished.” “Male Attend-“Amber started to ask but stopped and blushed heavily, his eyes looking quickly away from the Princess. “I-I uh…I guess that won’t be too hard to do. I mean the offer you gave me of course. The assistant position not the…” He started stammering before the chocolate bar was forced back into his mouth by the Princess’s magic. “I understood thine meaning the first time, have no fear.” She said with a hearty laugh. “I wish for you to rest for this day, the magic I used in aiding your damaged legs drained much of your body’s calories. I would suggest a fairly large amount of food; I will collect thee tonight for your introduction of duties.” As Amber had worked to swallow the second humongous bite of the chocolate and shook his head still blushing. He watched as the Princess nodded one last time to him as she walked out of the room before he could finally finish the bite, he felt an emptiness of stomach and finished the fairly large bar. He leaned back as his stomach still grumbled as if hungry and he heard another knock on his door. “Come in.” He said loudly, his throat less scratchy as he rubbed the side of his head. The nurse who had brought in the crystal ball was pushing a large metal cart with the smell of food coming from it. “I was told to bring you a full course meal from the royal kitchens, something about the magic Princess Luna did on you that would make you hungry.” She said pushing it closer, the colt sniffing the rich smells as the table was pushed closer to him and the large meal lay out in front of him. The covers coming off to show some of the juiciest red apples he had ever seen a few salads along with a large bowl of pasta. “Oh this looks delicious, thanks.” Amber said as he breathed in the heavenly odor, the nurse smiling at him as she exited the room with the rest of the cart. “Enjoy, I hope I don’t see you around as a patient much longer.” The nurse said before closing the door, Amber stopping to think about what was just said. Finally shrugging as the smells of the meal clogged his senses making him decide it was a compliment. The meal was, to put it lightly, magical to the unicorn. He was not a part of a poor family, not by a long shot, but he hadn’t had apples so fresh or bread so sweet ever in his life. He kept chowing down before finishing three apples before moving onto the large bowl of pasta. The meal taking him more than an hour to finish all the food before he leaned back. He leaned back feeling as full as a bursting balloon. He smiled sleepily as he stretched back, moving his back legs and front legs slowly. Feeling an odd soreness in his muscles as he stretched, yawning softly as he felt the fullness start to lull him off into the land of dreams. “Amber? Amber Shine art thou ready to wake?” Luna’s voiced asked as Amber started to wake up, turning over a bit looking up as his eyes opened. Of course the normal view of the ceiling would have greeted him, but the face of the Princess of the Night was not five inches from his face. “Ah good to see thou art awake.” The Princess aid not moving from her spot, staring straight into Amber’s face as his eyes widened. “Art thou ready for the first showing of the Nightly Court?” “Uh…” He said before he felt himself be lifted as Luna moved backwards, he looked around and saw the starry magical aura surrounding his body as it was surrounding the princess’s horn. He nodded quickly as he was placed gently onto the floor, his legs wobbling lightly from the pain in his side. “Yes, yes of course Princess.” Princess Luna tilted her head and then nodded to him as she walked out of the door, Amber looking around and glancing at the gauze still wrapped around him as he followed her. As he stepped out of the room he squinted as he saw high lights in the corridor of the small medical wing, only a few of the rooms occupied and those that weren’t had their doors wide open. “Now we must retrieve for you the proper attire for the courtly duties you’ll be aiding in.” Luna said as she started down the corridor and out of the medical wing and toward a small stair case. “What kind of…Attire do you mean?” Amber asked as he followed her slowly and descended into the floor below, before spying a large room with its doors wide open. A few ponies running around trailing fabric and thread all over, though all seemed to be ‘bat ponies’ that had sprung up in the recent months. “Artemis!” The Princess shouted, or at least said loud enough that it seemed like a shout causing all of the ponies to stop what they were doing before a mare with long azure hair and two wings to fly in front of the princess and hover there. “What may I do for you Princess?” The bat mare asked bowing her head lightly. “I need you and your fellow seamstresses to create a well made set of clothing for Amber here, something fitting of the Night Court.” The Princess explained causing the bat ponies, all mares, to look at him. “What style would you like?” Artemis asked with a smile, showing a pair of long canines that made Amber’s eyes widen a bit glancing toward Luna. “I want you to find something that portrays his position of my personal assistant.” The Princess said as Artemis nodded. “As you wish Princess, we will require him for at least an hour for the fitting and such.” The batpony explained as she glanced at Amber with a feral grin. “You have my permission.” The Princess said as Amber looked at her with a shock. “Oh excellent!” Artemis said as Luna lifted the colt off the ground and into the room. “We’ll take excellent care and make him perfect for his first night of court.” The other mares hurried off to collect bolts of cloth, some running to get rolls of thread, and as Amber was lowered the mares were measuring him. He looked at Luna who seemed to be ecstatic as she turned away. Walking away she glanced back to them all the doors being closed by her magic. “Do not worry Amber Shine; we are confident that they will not bite you. Though if they do they shant bite thee too hard.” The Princess said causing the color to drain from Amber’s face and the Bat Ponies laugh loudly looking at him as he cowered backward slowly. “Alright girls,” Artemis said cracking her neck loudly and her legs. “Let’s get this night off right.” A Fitting MeetingHe stood relatively still as the mares continued to sew and measure him for the cloths they were making, looking around he saw a few mosaics of what seemed like ponies doing similar things for nobles and the Princesses through the ages. He felt a needle poke into his arm and he jerked it a bit. “Sorry,” Said one of the mares as she started to make a few stitches to a sleeve she was working on. The others were starting to argue above him about sketches of the outfit they were making, eventually they agreed on something and they flew around the room with blinding speed. How they didn’t crash into one another or get tangled in the hanging banners was beyond him. “So, how does it feel to be an Equestrian hero?” Asked Artemis as she started to measure his neck and got rather close to his face. “Huh? Hero?” He asked as the others laughed a bit. “You mean the pushing the Princess out of the way thing?” “Of course, you should see the headlines.” Said another mare, who he overheard named Selune. “Everypony in Canterlot is spreading all sorts of rumors, saying you were some vigilante, that you were actually some prince from a far off land, or that you are secretly a lover of Princess Luna.” “Oh well uh…” He said blushing as the girls tittered and continued to sew before finally pulling most of the cloth off of him and Selune flew in front of him. “That’s not true, is it?” She asked with a wide grin showing her long fangs, as Amber shook his head quickly she frowned a bit. “Aww that would have been a cute one.” “So what exactly is the Night Court?” Amber asked as he heard a fair amount of machines start to work, he glanced over and saw three of the mares now focused on sewing machines. He had heard of them, and how expensive the new machines were. Of course as these were royal employees he could how they could afford them on the budge, when he turned back around he saw Artemis again. Though now she was five inches from his snout and upside making him jump back in surprise. “The Night Court is a bit like the Court of the Sun,” Artemis explained turning back over smiling, “Though it deals with things that more happen at Night or are in the control of what Luna governs as a Princess. Things like business deals, alcohol sales, and certain guard rotations, along with nobles who think they have to talk to the Princess about something.” “It honestly won’t be that hard for you to help out,” Selune said as she swooped down and started to put one hat on him after another, tossing a few far behind her into the mess of the room and the ones she clearly did like in front of him. “Hmm, I’m thinking…” She reached down and brushed one of the hats off of the ground. Then dashed off toward and upper balcony to start to fiddle with what Amber thought was a top hat. “The others will be working on the outfit and some other ones similar to it for the next hour, come on I’ll show you where you can wait.” Artemis said as she hovered over a large pile of purple cloth that Amber walked around when he saw a relatively clean area that was almost like a living room. A few couches and a large coffee table with glasses and a pitcher of some cider to drink. “So…what really happened?” Artemis asked as she sat down across from the unicorn smiling as he poured himself the glass of cider. “I mean with the whole part where you got injured saving the Princess, I heard a few stories but I want to hear what really happened.” “Well…” Amber said as he took a sip of the Cider and enjoyed the sweetness, “I was sweeping the front walk in front of my family’s shop, and I saw a carriage barreling down the hills toward the Princess. I didn’t know who it was so I just sort of…ran and pushed and hoped for the best.” “I’d go with the story of how you caught Fenris for the Princess before the sun came up.” Artemis said pouring her own tall glass of cider and draining it quickly. “Who’s Fenris?” Amber asked before he felt something dropped on his head, glancing up from his cup and using his magic to pull off a rather stout top hat. He rose a brow and saw it was ripped at the top and had a hole unpatched there to make it look as if the hat was well worn, as he turned it around he saw a light design of twinkling stars on it that seemed to look like an exact copy of the night sky. “Oh just one of the Princess’s pets, a rather large Canis Minor who has a habit of tearing through some of the halls.” Artemis explained as Amber spun the hat around to inspect it, “That hat is one we found in one of the Princess’s personal stores, we fixed it up a good bit and decided the little tear at the top gave it a bit of character.” “What is with the design? It’s like I’m looking up at the night sky.” Amber asked he touched it lightly with his hoof and felt it was made of some sort of silk. As he pulled his hoof away he saw where he touched a constellation had outlined itself relative to where he touched. “Oh that’s cool…” “The Princess calls it Star Silk, made of something dealing with magic but it’s about as strong as normal silk.” Artemis explained as she reached over taking the hat and pushing it back over the unicorn’s horn and onto his head. “I think it looks good on you, perfect for an assistant to the Princess of the Night.” As Amber shrugged and adjusted the hat, his horn barely sticking out of the hole at the top to allow him to realize it also had a more practical use the seamstress in front of him didn’t want to admit. As he poured another cup of Cider he heard a shout of what could be triumph from above causing Artemis to bolt up to one of the upper levels of the room. “That was really quick girls; I don’t think I’ve ever seen you make something so quickly.” Artemis said as the bat ponies darted down from the level carrying a small pile of cloth. Amber blinked a bit before he realized they were all around him. “Oh this is gonna not be-“He started before the girls pounced on him like a lion on a sleeping gazelle. He yelped as the girls were not so fragile with the application of the vest around his still bandaged side. Eventually he went limp and felt himself be tossed into the air before a small tornado was used to keep him aloft before he landed gently on the ground. It took a few minutes before anypony said anything louder than a whisper before they all silenced suddenly, a familiar set of hoof steps closing in. Amber’s eyes still shut before he heard a light giggle. He felt a light hoof tap on his nose as the others seemed to continue the whisper. “Thou may open thine eyes now.” The Princess whispered into Amber’s ear making his eyes shoot open and him stumble backwards away from the much taller mare causing the bat ponies to laugh. “I must say the looks of a duke fits thee rather well.” Amber looked down at him a bit; he looked as if he were wearing a rather average suit. It was fully black and had the design of a few rather morbid subjects; the skull constellation in golden thread covered a small pocket in the vest that held a chain. Amber pulled out the chain with the magic and saw a silver pocket which that, when opened, had a selection of lunar phases. The one it was currently on was that half the moon was covered in light while the other was dark. “Now that the art properly attired. We must go attend our duties.” The Princess said as she turned and nodded toward Artemis, “I thank thee for thine service fair Seamstress, you and your fellows shall receive a rich commission for this.” “Ties a pleasure to serve you Princess.” Artemis said hovering off the ground, bowing her head with the rest following soon after. Watching the Princess leaving the unicorn soon followed after her, at a near run to keep up. “I hope you are ready for thine first duty as the Night’s Assistant.” The Princess said looking down at him with a smile as they walked down a long hall way to a set of huge double doors made of obsidian with all the phases of the moon set in polished silver. As they opened for the Princess he looked into and saw it was to the main throne room that was holding at least a hundred nobles from Canterlot and other places as well. He saw The Princess continue walking and he followed and saw a small seat placed next to the throne, as the Princess of the night walked up the small set of stair case, he heard whispers about him. He grimaced as he looked at her and nodded for him to continue. As she sat into the throne, clearly only for the Princess of the Night with the symbols of the moon, stars, and some nocturnal creatures. He sat beside her quietly at her nod, hoping little more attention would be placed on him tonight. “My Fair People!” The Princess shouted causing all the turn their gaze on her, including the Unicorn right beside her. “This is Amber Shine, my savior of the hooligans and currently my royal assistant in the matters of the Lunar court. I hope you all shall treat him as you would treat him with respect and not spread dastardly rumors concerning how he had been brought to the castle on mine own back. This got the crowd whispering, Luna smiled as if she had done exactly the right thing. Amber was horrified and could only mutter under his breath so the Princess wouldn't here. “Oh Buck me…” The First Court“And that, Your Majesty is why we do need additional royal funding for the railways toward the Griffinila provinces,” A unicorn finally finished after roughly half an hour of the presentation. He was some sort of noble from the city, with the symbols of the Griffin nation proclaiming him as a sort of representive. Amber looked up at the Princess, who was clearly deeply in thought of the matter. Amber watched her face before she finally nodded to herself and leaned toward him, causing a few nobles to whisper and the noble on the small mosaic of a full moon for speakers to the Princess. A few others were clearly whispering and wondering what they were going to actually say about this seemingly important railway. “What do you think of this matter?” The Princess asked as Amber looked at her and shrugged. She looked at him and then spoke, “I know not of the current nature of the relationship between the Griffinila Provinces and Equestria’s government, do you think this would help our situation with us?” Amber looked at her and blinked in surprise. He was rather surprised of the opinion of how he could influence the Princess’s choice of the funding; he was no fan of griffins though he wasn’t against them as a whole. He remembered a few had been very nice customers but a few were ruder then a pony could imagine. Of course plenty of ponies were as rude or worse. “I think maybe…not as much as he says he wants.” Amber suggested with a shrug. “Maybe half, or so? A hundred thousand bits is a lot of money.” The Princess looked at him as if thinking over his suggestion and nodded to herself again. “After conferring to my assistant and gaining his opinion we will be granting you a request but only fifty thousand bits from the royal treasury to fund this. We also suggest that if any other funding is needed that thee should request it from the Griffinla provinces.” The Princess said as the Unicorn smiled and bowed. “Thank you Princess for your generosity.” He said as he walked off the ring as the nobles started to chatter. As they did the full moon rose above the glass ceiling far above the hall and the moonlight shone through as if it were a spot light on the Princess who started to stand and tap on the ground loudly to get their attention. “We will be taking a small pause from our courtly duties for personal matters.” The Princess said to them all as she started to walk down the large staircase with Amber Shine following closer behind her until they walked out of a smaller set of doors into a small parlor just off the main room. The Princess went toward the center of the room and sat down in front of a very gothic looking hoof carved wood table. Which itself was laid out with silverware and a few different set of foodstuffs that Amber would have considered to be a suitable lunch for most of his family, of course as the Princess most likely ate more than any of his family it would make sense why there was so much. Luckily the couches were fairly large and plush so when Amber sat down he sighed happily, much better than the thin padding of the chair he was told to sit in. “How do you enjoy the Nobles who thought it wise to address us tonight?” Luna asked as she poured herself a small cup of tea from the pot resting on a small hotplate, quickly adding another for Amber who smiled picking it up with his magic. “Thank you, but it is…well…” Amber started frowning and looked away. “Well…Dull. Incredibly dull, so much so I nearly fell asleep three times.” “I see…” The Princess said taking a small sip of her tea as she put it down looking at the unicorn and leaned across the table, staring at his eyes. “That is good; I was hoping you weren’t so dull.” She laughed causing Amber to let a breath out he didn’t relies he was holding. “Though I feel you are the main attraction this court and will be until my sister’s student decides to do something interesting with her friends.” “At least I haven’t broken anything yet…” Amber Shine said out loud before he covered his mouth with his hooves as The Princess’s head turning quickly toward him. “Oh no, I mean I haven’t cost the city any large amount of bits to replace three water towers, I mean-“ He stammered as a he felt a pastries shoved into his mouth as the Princess started to laugh loudly. “Oh we take it as a Jest friend! A friendly jest, have no fear of reprimandation.” Princess Luna said with a wide smile, “While we do take our Sister’s student’s duties and feats impressive we do find most of her collateral damage far too costly.” Amber smiled as he swallowed the rest of pastry and shook his head a bit, “That’s good to know,” He said as he took another small bite. “So…are all nights like this, I mean with the nobles?” “Neigh, normally we have rather slow nights. Though when actually having court we go to visit other places around the city, while most have been addressed by some of my sister’s attendants I want you to help me decide where to go at times.” The Princess said smiling, “It should be much better now though, our courtly duties are done. We shall be attending to the rest of the nobles.” “We were?” Amber Shine said tilting his head a bit. “I thought it would take longer to get invited for something with you.” “Oh you were not, but I will be bringing you as my assistant.” The Princess Luna said and then saw the confused look on Amber Shine’s face. “We use something known as the Royal We, it’s…an old way of saying I.” “That makes sense, I guess.” Amber Shine said as he took another sip of his tea and rubbed his throat lightly reaching for one of the small sandwiches. As he did he saw the Princess open one of the covered dishes and saw her levitate something out that Amber had never seen before. “What’s that?” “Hmm?” The Princess asked as she finished her first bite and swallowed. “Oh this is Bog Shrimp, one of my favorite dishes really.” She levitated one out and offered it toward Amber Shine who took it himself and sniffed it. “Don’t eat the final part; the tail is not normally good for a pony.” Amber Shine shrugged and took a large bite of it; he hummed nodding and took another. It was roughly the size of a donut which took at least three bites for the average pony, for Luna it took barely two though. Amber savored the taste and saw the Princess’s small smile as she covered the dish again. “Not many ponies are willing to try Bog Shrimp, they fear that most things like it are poisoned or think that it will turn them dark.” Luna said as she got up stretching and finishing her cup of tea. “Of course they are slightly poisonous most of it is burnt out when cooked.” “Well it tastes great,” He said as he stood up and took another bite of it hovering in front of him. “So what do you do next as part of the Night Court?” “Now we relax, We have always taken time to simply ignore the nobles for a bit of time so their requests do not grate on our nerves.” Luna said smiling, “Though most will leave during our little break because they did not get the chance to speak first.” “Why would they leave only half way through?” “Because of Pride, they are like foals. If they aren’t first they do not wish to play.” The Princess explained rolling her eyes. “How my sister put up with so many for so long I will never know.” As Amber Shine was about to laugh a loud gong was sounded outside in the main hall that made the Princess turn and tilt her head and mutter, “I wonder why they use that…what could be so important that they ring that.” As the two hurried out they saw a few the nobles speaking in an open tone as a loud barking was heard which caused Luna to smile and hurry out with Amber Shine to follow her. He saw, sitting on the large set of steps up to the throne with Luna rubbing under its chin was a Canis Minor. It was at least the size of two of the guard ponies, its fur shimmering as if it were pulled directly out of the night sky. Its tail wagging and looking like a shooting star as it raced back and forth. Its eyes were only half open but were shining rather brightly as its legs kicked and thumped against the ground causing a light booming sound. “Huzzah!” The Princess said as she rubbed under the Canis’s chin who was panting. “Oh go meet Amber,” Luna said motioning toward Amber who was soon the focus of not only the large dog but also most of the nobles. “He is assured to enjoy meeting my little shooting star.” “Oh no.” Amber said softly as the Canis Minor got up and looked at him taking a step toward him. “Oh no no…good dog…” He said stepping back before Fenrir started to bound toward him and he started to dart around one of the pillars and through the crowd of nobles. He heard them quickly scramble and shout at him as he ran. As he ran he suddenly felt himself yanked up by his tail. “Oh no!” And then tossed around and shaken and whipped around before finally hearing someone say. “No! Bad Fenrir! Drop him! Drop him this Instant!” “Wait wait!” Amber said as he was let go of, in midswing causing him to fly into the air and him to yell before being stopped by an aura of dark magic. Of course he still thought he was falling and had his hooves covering his eyes. After a minute of silence he moved his hoof and saw himself a few inches from the Princess’s face with a large smile on her face. “I was wondering when you were going to open your eyes.” The rest of the chamber erupted in laughter as a few ponies started to lead the giant canine out of the room with the use of giant illusions, a few large squeaking toys, and a large bit of bone for it to chew on. The rest of the room quieted down after he was placed back in his seat and sunk back. The Princess looked over as the room started to descend into idle chatter. “Ah yes what fun, wouldn’t you say Amber?” The Princess asked as Amber looked away. “Is something wrong?” “Oh? Oh nothing Princess don’t worry.” He muttered as he rubbed his side under his cloths where the bandages were. “Let’s just get the meetings done with. I’m a bit tired…” The Princess looked at him and frowned, “Oh we are sorry, we forgot we didn’t fully heal your injuries. I’ll have someone take you to one of the apartments for some bed rest.” She said and nodded to one of the guards as Amber shine bowed his head. “Thank you very much.” Amber Shine said as he walked down toward the attendant who started to lead him away and toward a different section of the castle. Eventually ending up with a few doors that were few and far between, stopping at one with a large crescent moon on it. As Amber Shine was about to ask the guard simply walked away. He shrugged and started to push open the door and saw a very nice room bed room. “Thank Faust I can finally get some sleep…” He said as he wandered over and threw himself onto the bed before he heard a familiar voice from above that caused him to look up and spy a certain bat Pegasus who smiled at him. “Oh hey if it isn’t you Hero, surprised they have you sharing a room with me.” Artemis said with a grin. ‘Oh by Faust why do you hate me?’ The NightmareAmber fell asleep rather quickly in the large plush bed, after shedding his cloths and hanging them up. He saw them disappear after a few minutes of lying on the bed and suspected that the mare above him that must have been sleeping the room’s rafters was fixing or cleaning them. The moon shone brightly into the room as Amber laid back closing his eyes, drifting off into a deep content sleep. As the night went on, Amber Shine dreamed as all ponies do. Most did not fully remember their dreams, but most remembered the nightmares they had, and what Amber Shine was having was most surely a nightmare. The place he where he stood was a dull grey and nothing was around him for miles. He breathed in and felt a thin bit of air making him cough and stir up the dust around him. Shaking his head he started to walk along the dull grey landscape, searching for something or somepony that might have been the point of this strange dream. Eventually he saw a crater in the ground, with the light of the sun casting a dark shadow inside. As Amber stepped into the crater he saw the shadows dance around the crater, his own slowly growing on the floor in front of him, taking a fearsome shape and eventually pulling itself free. Huge shadowy teeth and terrifying blue eyes stared at him, a long forked tongue sliding over the jagged teeth before the creature lunged. As Amber ran out of the crater he saw the creature was getting closer and closer, his breathing grew heavy in the thin air until he stumbled and fell onto the dusty ground, causing a huge dust cloud to form around him making him cough loudly. As he finished he looked up and saw the face of the shadowy beast, its blackened lips pulled back to show its blood red gums with tar black teeth before it pounced causing Amber Shine to scream. His vision fading into an inky darkness, his breath coming harshly as he struggled against the mass in his dreams before he felt a pressure within his horn. A pressure unlike he had ever felt before, as started to become unbearable he was able to see again. The inky blackness now gone after a final shot of pain, like a pony was trying to shove a barrel into a tin can, the darkness seemed to disappear completely from his vision. Amber stumbled and put a hoof up to his head, stumbling forward as he did and felt a jolt of pain coming from his horn. Reaching up to it he felt nothing different before the landscape before him started to melt away, turning into what seemed like a blank canvas. Amber stared into the emptiness and saw something standing in the distance. As Amber started to walk toward it, he saw that it was a colt. As he got closer, the copy got clearer and more terrifying. Its face was gaunt, his eyes were stuck in a blank stare, but its eyes moved to stare into Amber’s with a startling clarity coming to them. The colt’s body was little more than a skeleton covered with the taunt canvas of a skin, as if he were an art exhibit on how a body might look after an unknown amount of time. “You must beware, you are next.” The colt said, his voice sounding like air being pressed out of a small bag. “Beware the darkness; do not allow it to repeat history.” As the final word escape the stallion’s lips, it started to shudder and Amber saw its broken horn glow lightly. The signal for the rest of the body that it was done, the body starting to glow itself as Amber stared in amazement as the body stiffened and the face let a faint smile trace its lips before it turned to dust. A wind picking up and blowing the body across the empty plain before Amber felt a jerk and his eyes opened into the waking world. Seeing that the Thestral who he was rooming with was staring into him. “What were you muttering in your sleep?” She asked with a concerned look on her face. “I…I have no idea.” Amber Shine said rubbing his head and felt a liquid on his horn, pulling it away and seeing a light sweat had formed on his forehead with only a single problem with it. His sweat was a shade of inky black. Author's Note Sorry for the delay folks, been a bit busy. Hope you enjoy this chapter and please, give me some feed back and tell me stuff. What you'd like to see more of, less of, what you had for lunch. I don't mind just I love seeing some feed back.
The Morning of ChangeIt was a quiet morning in Canterlot; only a few ponies were truly awake this early that did not attend the night court. Celestia was raising the sun as other ponies started to open their windows and brew their hot coco for the morning. Though many shop keepers were already restocking their shelves for the day’s businesses and sweeping the walkways in front of their shops. One of the ponies sweeping the walks was a young Unicorn with his mane tied back with a bandana to keep it out of his eyes. His mostly green mane catching the sunlight as he worked, whistling a tune with his amber coat getting a bit dirtier as he worked. He glanced up with his hazel eyes and saw a figure walking across the street. He shrugged a bit as he finally levitated the broom back into its place behind the door as he propped it open. Waving to his mother who was starting to fiddle with a few of the little crystals they sold. He smiled sadly as he saw his younger sister working with her magic to set a few more gemstones into a tiara that would sell for a large amount of bits. He sighed as he went back outside and looked out to see the figure walking across the street again when he heard a tumbling and screeching sound from up the hill. He glanced up and his pupils shrank in response of what he saw. It was a rather large carriage, most likely borrowed by some colts for a bit of joy ride down the hills and rampaging through the streets. Of course, when a few colts did this it was in the middle of the night. Usually when they’ve convinced someone to buy them enough cider to get them smashed enough to steal the carriage, and then it was stopped by the guards. Of course if that didn’t happen they crashed or bailed out of the carriage before it damaged too much. The only problem was that whoever was wandering across the street down the hill was in the way of the carriage. The amber unicorn barely blinked before he bolted forward and rammed his side into the surprisingly large stranger and shoved them down and far enough away. He tensed himself and cursed himself for this act before he felt the wheel of the carriage hit his side and force him down onto the stone. He screamed in pain as he heard the cracking of something, not knowing if it was his ribs or a part of the wheel, he grit his teeth and screamed again as the other wheel rolled over him and the pain overloaded his system. Beep. Beep. Beep. That’s the first sounds he heard as he slowly started to wake up and grumbled under his breath. Trying to sit up before the pain in his side made him gasp loudly and grit his teeth. He opened his eyes and saw the white ceiling tile that was ‘sanitize white’. He looked down and saw he was laying on a bed covered with a thick white comforter that seemed to have no real design on it. As he used his magic to push the blanket off of him as he adjusted his right leg and hissing under his breath when he tried to move the left a sharp pain telling him quickly it was a mistake. He saw he had a tight wrapping of gauze around his side with a slight stain of crimson, as he moved to touch it lightly with his right hoof he heard a door open in front of him. He saw it was a doctor, at least that’s what he thought with the coat and clipboard floating in front of him. “Ah Mister Shine we were worrying about when you were going to wake up, you gave us quite a scare when they brought you in this morning.” The doctor said as he moved closer to the colt and smiled, “But it seems you’ve taken to the magical healing better than most.” “Oh.” He said as he moved his right hoof to rub the side of his head and felt more gauze around his head where his bandana would normally be tied. “Hey what about that pony that-“He started before the doctor stuck large pill in his mouth and shone a magical light down his throat. “Oh you don’t worry about that; you need to worry about getting rested up for your family who has been waiting over twelve hours for you to wake up.” The doctor said finally making a note with his pen on the clipboard he was hovering magically in front of him. “I’ll be sure to tell them you’re ready to see them.” “Thank you very much.” The colt said with a smile as the doctor headed out of his room and he leaned back. He closed his eyes before he heard the door opening and the figure of his mother and two sisters come bursting into the room to crowd around his bed. “Oh Celestia we were so worried!” His light blue sister said as her yellow mane bounced lightly in its bow. He smiled as he moved to ruffle her hair softly with a grin before he felt his side being prodded by his other sister. He turned as he heard her say, “Thank god we didn’t have to visit you when you were asleep again, you were so boring.” “Rubie, Sapphi please don’t prod your brother. He just woke up and is still recovering.” His mother scolded as she moved up beside him and wrapped her arms around him kissing his cheek. “I cannot believe how you could throw yourself in front of a carriage like that for somepony you don’t even know. Do you know how close you came from being too far away to fix?” He smiled as his mother’s white coats around her eyes were stained with tears.” “I’m sorry mom, it’s just I saw them walking and not even notice the carriage was coming toward them and I couldn’t just…” He said as his mother hugged him causing him to gasp in pain as the pressure was around his torso, his mother quickly letting go of him as he rubbed his side in pain closing his eyes. “Who was it anyway?” The two sisters shook their heads, their cutie marks for jewelry shining in the light, and then a nurse stuck her head in. A small hat with a pink cross atop her head with a light frown as she said. “I’m sorry you three but the visiting hours are over, I know he just woke up but he still needs his rest. He’ll be ready for visitors by tomorrow.” “Aww.” The two sisters cried as their mother shook her head at them and smiled at her son saying, “We’ll be back in the morning around nine. Just…don’t push yourself too much Amber. The doctors are still having you hooked up to the machines just in case.” The colt groaned as he heard his name making the nurse look at him funny as she stepped in the room with a small tray covered with a metal top. He raised a brow as a small table was wheeled and positioned so it would fit over his bed without being in the way and the tray was put on top of it. As the metal top was lifted off of it a small crystal ball was resting in the center held up by some dark metal. “What…exactly is this?” Amber Shine asked as the Nurse shrugged. “No clue, I was just told to give you this and leave it in your care after I turned the lights off.” The Nurse said leaving the room and using her tail to flip the light switch causing the room to sink into a near complete darkness except for a new dim light from the center of the crystal ball. “Greetings Amber Shine,” A feminine voice shouted through the crystal making Amber jump and his heart rate meter beep faster as he did breathing deeper and deeper trying to come down. The voice however sounded somewhat familiar but he could not quiet place it. “Hello?” He asked tapping the odd ball with one hoof softly as a soft miasma swirled inside with a glowing point grew inside. As he stared he finally noticed what the white light was. It was a glowing mare’s eye. “I wanted to thank thee for thane bravery this morning and apologize I could not thank you in person.” The feminine voice said, though it was no longer shouting in his ears. “My courtly duties have suppressed me in the castle and my dear sister has been keeping away something she calls ‘The Press’.” “Oh…that’s no problem I guess.” Amber said still staring at the ball. He stared a moment not sure what to say before things started to spark in his head. The mare’s odd manner of speaking, her ‘courtly duties’, being ‘suppressed’ in the castle, the sister keeping the press away, and the relative size of the stranger he saved. “Oh you have no means to be so modest Dear Amber Shine; you have saved the Princess of Starlight. So I would like to offer you a position on my personal court after you are able to leave the care of the royal hospital.” The mare said as Amber stared at the ball. “W-what…I-I…” He said stuttering as he started to hyper ventilate. The meters in the room starting to go wild, his heart rate sky rockets and his blood pressure rising like a helium balloon. “Amber Shine? Art thee alright? You sound like you are in some sort of distress.” The Princess asked through the crystal as the colt continued to have his body freak out from the realization. Soon the door was opening and a team of nurses and doctors came in to stop him from moving and eventually he felt a needle pierce his leg. Soon his mind felt as if were made of syrup, his muscles soon following after as he slowly drifted off as he heard the princess speak again before his mind finally fell back into the land of dreams. Author's Note Finally getting back into the Pony Fanfiction game. Let's see if this will go well enough.
The Start of the NightsAmber Shine blinked as he came back into consciousness, rubbing his head as he blinked. A low groan as he felt the grogginess start to fade from his brain and muscles. He squinted in the bright light as he looked around and saw the morning sun starting to shine in through the window’s blinds. “Oh my head…” He muttered as he rubbed the side and looked down to see he was able to move both his legs with no pain. He started to flex it slowly and grimaced as a sore feeling came from his muscles, something that he hadn’t felt since he was in a gym class at Canterlot High. Flipping off the blankets again with his magic he saw his midsection was still wrapped up in the medical gauze. He heard a hard knocking on his door that made him jump a bit and saw a shadowy figure framed in the doorway. He gulped a bit as he adjusted himself on his bed and covered most of his midsection up with the blanket, shaking his head quickly to rid himself of the fog that seemed to still cling to his brain. “Come in.” He called his voice a bit scratchy but still firm. He watched as the door opened and a tall dark figure came into the room that made him catch his breath. “I beg thine forgiveness; the medical staff reported to my sister what had happened during our conversation.” Princess Luna said as she walked closer to the unicorn who was breathing slowly, a mix of fear and amazement of who was so close to him. “D-Don’t mention it.” He said in a nervous tone trying to smile, “I, I was just surprised to figure out that i-it was you that I pushed away from getting hit.” “Yes I realize this, and I thank thee again for your act.” She said with a kind smile and moving to sit casually by his bed as her eyes was lightly glowing the morning light. “Though I came to speak with thee of the reward I seek to give you.” “Reward, oh I don’t need any reward. Honestly it was something anypony would have-“He started before he felt something be shoved into his mouth, his tongue tasting the chocolate bar that had been so unceremoniously used to silence him. He saw the princess had peeled the wrapper off with her magic and dropping it into the nearby trash bin. “I understand many ponies would not take such a reward,” She said simply as she motioned for him to continue. “But I also need a…” She said and tapped her chin in thought. “Oh what would be the correct word for what I seek of your duty?” She narrowed her eyes thinking. As Amber pulled the chocolate out of his mouth with his own magic with a large bite taken out of it as he swallowed the huge back and shook his head. “Oh uh, maybe you’re thinking of a personal assistant?” He tried still rubbing his head as he felt a dull act from the medicine. “Yes I believe that is the phrase mine sister used. Though it is also similar to a hand maiden yes?” She asked a wide smile on her face. “I guess so…” He said trying not to sound clueless as he said and Luna smiled nodding. “Yes I require a personal assistant to aid me in the matters of the Night Court, my sister has been doing her best to keep my understanding of modern matters and meanings of matters up to date,” She said simply, “But I need aid in more matters of average ‘every night’ life. How the things of this time period works.” “So, you want me to help you with the Night Court and help you figure things out?” Amber asked with a brow raised. “Yes, I believe though my original thought of a reward was much more preferable though my sister said such a thing was inappropriate.” She said, “That having such Male attendants had gone out of practice a hundred years after I had been banished.” “Male Attend-“Amber started to ask but stopped and blushed heavily, his eyes looking quickly away from the Princess. “I-I uh…I guess that won’t be too hard to do. I mean the offer you gave me of course. The assistant position not the…” He started stammering before the chocolate bar was forced back into his mouth by the Princess’s magic. “I understood thine meaning the first time, have no fear.” She said with a hearty laugh. “I wish for you to rest for this day, the magic I used in aiding your damaged legs drained much of your body’s calories. I would suggest a fairly large amount of food; I will collect thee tonight for your introduction of duties.” As Amber had worked to swallow the second humongous bite of the chocolate and shook his head still blushing. He watched as the Princess nodded one last time to him as she walked out of the room before he could finally finish the bite, he felt an emptiness of stomach and finished the fairly large bar. He leaned back as his stomach still grumbled as if hungry and he heard another knock on his door. “Come in.” He said loudly, his throat less scratchy as he rubbed the side of his head. The nurse who had brought in the crystal ball was pushing a large metal cart with the smell of food coming from it. “I was told to bring you a full course meal from the royal kitchens, something about the magic Princess Luna did on you that would make you hungry.” She said pushing it closer, the colt sniffing the rich smells as the table was pushed closer to him and the large meal lay out in front of him. The covers coming off to show some of the juiciest red apples he had ever seen a few salads along with a large bowl of pasta. “Oh this looks delicious, thanks.” Amber said as he breathed in the heavenly odor, the nurse smiling at him as she exited the room with the rest of the cart. “Enjoy, I hope I don’t see you around as a patient much longer.” The nurse said before closing the door, Amber stopping to think about what was just said. Finally shrugging as the smells of the meal clogged his senses making him decide it was a compliment. The meal was, to put it lightly, magical to the unicorn. He was not a part of a poor family, not by a long shot, but he hadn’t had apples so fresh or bread so sweet ever in his life. He kept chowing down before finishing three apples before moving onto the large bowl of pasta. The meal taking him more than an hour to finish all the food before he leaned back. He leaned back feeling as full as a bursting balloon. He smiled sleepily as he stretched back, moving his back legs and front legs slowly. Feeling an odd soreness in his muscles as he stretched, yawning softly as he felt the fullness start to lull him off into the land of dreams. “Amber? Amber Shine art thou ready to wake?” Luna’s voiced asked as Amber started to wake up, turning over a bit looking up as his eyes opened. Of course the normal view of the ceiling would have greeted him, but the face of the Princess of the Night was not five inches from his face. “Ah good to see thou art awake.” The Princess aid not moving from her spot, staring straight into Amber’s face as his eyes widened. “Art thou ready for the first showing of the Nightly Court?” “Uh…” He said before he felt himself be lifted as Luna moved backwards, he looked around and saw the starry magical aura surrounding his body as it was surrounding the princess’s horn. He nodded quickly as he was placed gently onto the floor, his legs wobbling lightly from the pain in his side. “Yes, yes of course Princess.” Princess Luna tilted her head and then nodded to him as she walked out of the door, Amber looking around and glancing at the gauze still wrapped around him as he followed her. As he stepped out of the room he squinted as he saw high lights in the corridor of the small medical wing, only a few of the rooms occupied and those that weren’t had their doors wide open. “Now we must retrieve for you the proper attire for the courtly duties you’ll be aiding in.” Luna said as she started down the corridor and out of the medical wing and toward a small stair case. “What kind of…Attire do you mean?” Amber asked as he followed her slowly and descended into the floor below, before spying a large room with its doors wide open. A few ponies running around trailing fabric and thread all over, though all seemed to be ‘bat ponies’ that had sprung up in the recent months. “Artemis!” The Princess shouted, or at least said loud enough that it seemed like a shout causing all of the ponies to stop what they were doing before a mare with long azure hair and two wings to fly in front of the princess and hover there. “What may I do for you Princess?” The bat mare asked bowing her head lightly. “I need you and your fellow seamstresses to create a well made set of clothing for Amber here, something fitting of the Night Court.” The Princess explained causing the bat ponies, all mares, to look at him. “What style would you like?” Artemis asked with a smile, showing a pair of long canines that made Amber’s eyes widen a bit glancing toward Luna. “I want you to find something that portrays his position of my personal assistant.” The Princess said as Artemis nodded. “As you wish Princess, we will require him for at least an hour for the fitting and such.” The batpony explained as she glanced at Amber with a feral grin. “You have my permission.” The Princess said as Amber looked at her with a shock. “Oh excellent!” Artemis said as Luna lifted the colt off the ground and into the room. “We’ll take excellent care and make him perfect for his first night of court.” The other mares hurried off to collect bolts of cloth, some running to get rolls of thread, and as Amber was lowered the mares were measuring him. He looked at Luna who seemed to be ecstatic as she turned away. Walking away she glanced back to them all the doors being closed by her magic. “Do not worry Amber Shine; we are confident that they will not bite you. Though if they do they shant bite thee too hard.” The Princess said causing the color to drain from Amber’s face and the Bat Ponies laugh loudly looking at him as he cowered backward slowly. “Alright girls,” Artemis said cracking her neck loudly and her legs. “Let’s get this night off right.”
A Fitting MeetingHe stood relatively still as the mares continued to sew and measure him for the cloths they were making, looking around he saw a few mosaics of what seemed like ponies doing similar things for nobles and the Princesses through the ages. He felt a needle poke into his arm and he jerked it a bit. “Sorry,” Said one of the mares as she started to make a few stitches to a sleeve she was working on. The others were starting to argue above him about sketches of the outfit they were making, eventually they agreed on something and they flew around the room with blinding speed. How they didn’t crash into one another or get tangled in the hanging banners was beyond him. “So, how does it feel to be an Equestrian hero?” Asked Artemis as she started to measure his neck and got rather close to his face. “Huh? Hero?” He asked as the others laughed a bit. “You mean the pushing the Princess out of the way thing?” “Of course, you should see the headlines.” Said another mare, who he overheard named Selune. “Everypony in Canterlot is spreading all sorts of rumors, saying you were some vigilante, that you were actually some prince from a far off land, or that you are secretly a lover of Princess Luna.” “Oh well uh…” He said blushing as the girls tittered and continued to sew before finally pulling most of the cloth off of him and Selune flew in front of him. “That’s not true, is it?” She asked with a wide grin showing her long fangs, as Amber shook his head quickly she frowned a bit. “Aww that would have been a cute one.” “So what exactly is the Night Court?” Amber asked as he heard a fair amount of machines start to work, he glanced over and saw three of the mares now focused on sewing machines. He had heard of them, and how expensive the new machines were. Of course as these were royal employees he could how they could afford them on the budge, when he turned back around he saw Artemis again. Though now she was five inches from his snout and upside making him jump back in surprise. “The Night Court is a bit like the Court of the Sun,” Artemis explained turning back over smiling, “Though it deals with things that more happen at Night or are in the control of what Luna governs as a Princess. Things like business deals, alcohol sales, and certain guard rotations, along with nobles who think they have to talk to the Princess about something.” “It honestly won’t be that hard for you to help out,” Selune said as she swooped down and started to put one hat on him after another, tossing a few far behind her into the mess of the room and the ones she clearly did like in front of him. “Hmm, I’m thinking…” She reached down and brushed one of the hats off of the ground. Then dashed off toward and upper balcony to start to fiddle with what Amber thought was a top hat. “The others will be working on the outfit and some other ones similar to it for the next hour, come on I’ll show you where you can wait.” Artemis said as she hovered over a large pile of purple cloth that Amber walked around when he saw a relatively clean area that was almost like a living room. A few couches and a large coffee table with glasses and a pitcher of some cider to drink. “So…what really happened?” Artemis asked as she sat down across from the unicorn smiling as he poured himself the glass of cider. “I mean with the whole part where you got injured saving the Princess, I heard a few stories but I want to hear what really happened.” “Well…” Amber said as he took a sip of the Cider and enjoyed the sweetness, “I was sweeping the front walk in front of my family’s shop, and I saw a carriage barreling down the hills toward the Princess. I didn’t know who it was so I just sort of…ran and pushed and hoped for the best.” “I’d go with the story of how you caught Fenris for the Princess before the sun came up.” Artemis said pouring her own tall glass of cider and draining it quickly. “Who’s Fenris?” Amber asked before he felt something dropped on his head, glancing up from his cup and using his magic to pull off a rather stout top hat. He rose a brow and saw it was ripped at the top and had a hole unpatched there to make it look as if the hat was well worn, as he turned it around he saw a light design of twinkling stars on it that seemed to look like an exact copy of the night sky. “Oh just one of the Princess’s pets, a rather large Canis Minor who has a habit of tearing through some of the halls.” Artemis explained as Amber spun the hat around to inspect it, “That hat is one we found in one of the Princess’s personal stores, we fixed it up a good bit and decided the little tear at the top gave it a bit of character.” “What is with the design? It’s like I’m looking up at the night sky.” Amber asked he touched it lightly with his hoof and felt it was made of some sort of silk. As he pulled his hoof away he saw where he touched a constellation had outlined itself relative to where he touched. “Oh that’s cool…” “The Princess calls it Star Silk, made of something dealing with magic but it’s about as strong as normal silk.” Artemis explained as she reached over taking the hat and pushing it back over the unicorn’s horn and onto his head. “I think it looks good on you, perfect for an assistant to the Princess of the Night.” As Amber shrugged and adjusted the hat, his horn barely sticking out of the hole at the top to allow him to realize it also had a more practical use the seamstress in front of him didn’t want to admit. As he poured another cup of Cider he heard a shout of what could be triumph from above causing Artemis to bolt up to one of the upper levels of the room. “That was really quick girls; I don’t think I’ve ever seen you make something so quickly.” Artemis said as the bat ponies darted down from the level carrying a small pile of cloth. Amber blinked a bit before he realized they were all around him. “Oh this is gonna not be-“He started before the girls pounced on him like a lion on a sleeping gazelle. He yelped as the girls were not so fragile with the application of the vest around his still bandaged side. Eventually he went limp and felt himself be tossed into the air before a small tornado was used to keep him aloft before he landed gently on the ground. It took a few minutes before anypony said anything louder than a whisper before they all silenced suddenly, a familiar set of hoof steps closing in. Amber’s eyes still shut before he heard a light giggle. He felt a light hoof tap on his nose as the others seemed to continue the whisper. “Thou may open thine eyes now.” The Princess whispered into Amber’s ear making his eyes shoot open and him stumble backwards away from the much taller mare causing the bat ponies to laugh. “I must say the looks of a duke fits thee rather well.” Amber looked down at him a bit; he looked as if he were wearing a rather average suit. It was fully black and had the design of a few rather morbid subjects; the skull constellation in golden thread covered a small pocket in the vest that held a chain. Amber pulled out the chain with the magic and saw a silver pocket which that, when opened, had a selection of lunar phases. The one it was currently on was that half the moon was covered in light while the other was dark. “Now that the art properly attired. We must go attend our duties.” The Princess said as she turned and nodded toward Artemis, “I thank thee for thine service fair Seamstress, you and your fellows shall receive a rich commission for this.” “Ties a pleasure to serve you Princess.” Artemis said hovering off the ground, bowing her head with the rest following soon after. Watching the Princess leaving the unicorn soon followed after her, at a near run to keep up. “I hope you are ready for thine first duty as the Night’s Assistant.” The Princess said looking down at him with a smile as they walked down a long hall way to a set of huge double doors made of obsidian with all the phases of the moon set in polished silver. As they opened for the Princess he looked into and saw it was to the main throne room that was holding at least a hundred nobles from Canterlot and other places as well. He saw The Princess continue walking and he followed and saw a small seat placed next to the throne, as the Princess of the night walked up the small set of stair case, he heard whispers about him. He grimaced as he looked at her and nodded for him to continue. As she sat into the throne, clearly only for the Princess of the Night with the symbols of the moon, stars, and some nocturnal creatures. He sat beside her quietly at her nod, hoping little more attention would be placed on him tonight. “My Fair People!” The Princess shouted causing all the turn their gaze on her, including the Unicorn right beside her. “This is Amber Shine, my savior of the hooligans and currently my royal assistant in the matters of the Lunar court. I hope you all shall treat him as you would treat him with respect and not spread dastardly rumors concerning how he had been brought to the castle on mine own back. This got the crowd whispering, Luna smiled as if she had done exactly the right thing. Amber was horrified and could only mutter under his breath so the Princess wouldn't here. “Oh Buck me…”
The First Court“And that, Your Majesty is why we do need additional royal funding for the railways toward the Griffinila provinces,” A unicorn finally finished after roughly half an hour of the presentation. He was some sort of noble from the city, with the symbols of the Griffin nation proclaiming him as a sort of representive. Amber looked up at the Princess, who was clearly deeply in thought of the matter. Amber watched her face before she finally nodded to herself and leaned toward him, causing a few nobles to whisper and the noble on the small mosaic of a full moon for speakers to the Princess. A few others were clearly whispering and wondering what they were going to actually say about this seemingly important railway. “What do you think of this matter?” The Princess asked as Amber looked at her and shrugged. She looked at him and then spoke, “I know not of the current nature of the relationship between the Griffinila Provinces and Equestria’s government, do you think this would help our situation with us?” Amber looked at her and blinked in surprise. He was rather surprised of the opinion of how he could influence the Princess’s choice of the funding; he was no fan of griffins though he wasn’t against them as a whole. He remembered a few had been very nice customers but a few were ruder then a pony could imagine. Of course plenty of ponies were as rude or worse. “I think maybe…not as much as he says he wants.” Amber suggested with a shrug. “Maybe half, or so? A hundred thousand bits is a lot of money.” The Princess looked at him as if thinking over his suggestion and nodded to herself again. “After conferring to my assistant and gaining his opinion we will be granting you a request but only fifty thousand bits from the royal treasury to fund this. We also suggest that if any other funding is needed that thee should request it from the Griffinla provinces.” The Princess said as the Unicorn smiled and bowed. “Thank you Princess for your generosity.” He said as he walked off the ring as the nobles started to chatter. As they did the full moon rose above the glass ceiling far above the hall and the moonlight shone through as if it were a spot light on the Princess who started to stand and tap on the ground loudly to get their attention. “We will be taking a small pause from our courtly duties for personal matters.” The Princess said to them all as she started to walk down the large staircase with Amber Shine following closer behind her until they walked out of a smaller set of doors into a small parlor just off the main room. The Princess went toward the center of the room and sat down in front of a very gothic looking hoof carved wood table. Which itself was laid out with silverware and a few different set of foodstuffs that Amber would have considered to be a suitable lunch for most of his family, of course as the Princess most likely ate more than any of his family it would make sense why there was so much. Luckily the couches were fairly large and plush so when Amber sat down he sighed happily, much better than the thin padding of the chair he was told to sit in. “How do you enjoy the Nobles who thought it wise to address us tonight?” Luna asked as she poured herself a small cup of tea from the pot resting on a small hotplate, quickly adding another for Amber who smiled picking it up with his magic. “Thank you, but it is…well…” Amber started frowning and looked away. “Well…Dull. Incredibly dull, so much so I nearly fell asleep three times.” “I see…” The Princess said taking a small sip of her tea as she put it down looking at the unicorn and leaned across the table, staring at his eyes. “That is good; I was hoping you weren’t so dull.” She laughed causing Amber to let a breath out he didn’t relies he was holding. “Though I feel you are the main attraction this court and will be until my sister’s student decides to do something interesting with her friends.” “At least I haven’t broken anything yet…” Amber Shine said out loud before he covered his mouth with his hooves as The Princess’s head turning quickly toward him. “Oh no, I mean I haven’t cost the city any large amount of bits to replace three water towers, I mean-“ He stammered as a he felt a pastries shoved into his mouth as the Princess started to laugh loudly. “Oh we take it as a Jest friend! A friendly jest, have no fear of reprimandation.” Princess Luna said with a wide smile, “While we do take our Sister’s student’s duties and feats impressive we do find most of her collateral damage far too costly.” Amber smiled as he swallowed the rest of pastry and shook his head a bit, “That’s good to know,” He said as he took another small bite. “So…are all nights like this, I mean with the nobles?” “Neigh, normally we have rather slow nights. Though when actually having court we go to visit other places around the city, while most have been addressed by some of my sister’s attendants I want you to help me decide where to go at times.” The Princess said smiling, “It should be much better now though, our courtly duties are done. We shall be attending to the rest of the nobles.” “We were?” Amber Shine said tilting his head a bit. “I thought it would take longer to get invited for something with you.” “Oh you were not, but I will be bringing you as my assistant.” The Princess Luna said and then saw the confused look on Amber Shine’s face. “We use something known as the Royal We, it’s…an old way of saying I.” “That makes sense, I guess.” Amber Shine said as he took another sip of his tea and rubbed his throat lightly reaching for one of the small sandwiches. As he did he saw the Princess open one of the covered dishes and saw her levitate something out that Amber had never seen before. “What’s that?” “Hmm?” The Princess asked as she finished her first bite and swallowed. “Oh this is Bog Shrimp, one of my favorite dishes really.” She levitated one out and offered it toward Amber Shine who took it himself and sniffed it. “Don’t eat the final part; the tail is not normally good for a pony.” Amber Shine shrugged and took a large bite of it; he hummed nodding and took another. It was roughly the size of a donut which took at least three bites for the average pony, for Luna it took barely two though. Amber savored the taste and saw the Princess’s small smile as she covered the dish again. “Not many ponies are willing to try Bog Shrimp, they fear that most things like it are poisoned or think that it will turn them dark.” Luna said as she got up stretching and finishing her cup of tea. “Of course they are slightly poisonous most of it is burnt out when cooked.” “Well it tastes great,” He said as he stood up and took another bite of it hovering in front of him. “So what do you do next as part of the Night Court?” “Now we relax, We have always taken time to simply ignore the nobles for a bit of time so their requests do not grate on our nerves.” Luna said smiling, “Though most will leave during our little break because they did not get the chance to speak first.” “Why would they leave only half way through?” “Because of Pride, they are like foals. If they aren’t first they do not wish to play.” The Princess explained rolling her eyes. “How my sister put up with so many for so long I will never know.” As Amber Shine was about to laugh a loud gong was sounded outside in the main hall that made the Princess turn and tilt her head and mutter, “I wonder why they use that…what could be so important that they ring that.” As the two hurried out they saw a few the nobles speaking in an open tone as a loud barking was heard which caused Luna to smile and hurry out with Amber Shine to follow her. He saw, sitting on the large set of steps up to the throne with Luna rubbing under its chin was a Canis Minor. It was at least the size of two of the guard ponies, its fur shimmering as if it were pulled directly out of the night sky. Its tail wagging and looking like a shooting star as it raced back and forth. Its eyes were only half open but were shining rather brightly as its legs kicked and thumped against the ground causing a light booming sound. “Huzzah!” The Princess said as she rubbed under the Canis’s chin who was panting. “Oh go meet Amber,” Luna said motioning toward Amber who was soon the focus of not only the large dog but also most of the nobles. “He is assured to enjoy meeting my little shooting star.” “Oh no.” Amber said softly as the Canis Minor got up and looked at him taking a step toward him. “Oh no no…good dog…” He said stepping back before Fenrir started to bound toward him and he started to dart around one of the pillars and through the crowd of nobles. He heard them quickly scramble and shout at him as he ran. As he ran he suddenly felt himself yanked up by his tail. “Oh no!” And then tossed around and shaken and whipped around before finally hearing someone say. “No! Bad Fenrir! Drop him! Drop him this Instant!” “Wait wait!” Amber said as he was let go of, in midswing causing him to fly into the air and him to yell before being stopped by an aura of dark magic. Of course he still thought he was falling and had his hooves covering his eyes. After a minute of silence he moved his hoof and saw himself a few inches from the Princess’s face with a large smile on her face. “I was wondering when you were going to open your eyes.” The rest of the chamber erupted in laughter as a few ponies started to lead the giant canine out of the room with the use of giant illusions, a few large squeaking toys, and a large bit of bone for it to chew on. The rest of the room quieted down after he was placed back in his seat and sunk back. The Princess looked over as the room started to descend into idle chatter. “Ah yes what fun, wouldn’t you say Amber?” The Princess asked as Amber looked away. “Is something wrong?” “Oh? Oh nothing Princess don’t worry.” He muttered as he rubbed his side under his cloths where the bandages were. “Let’s just get the meetings done with. I’m a bit tired…” The Princess looked at him and frowned, “Oh we are sorry, we forgot we didn’t fully heal your injuries. I’ll have someone take you to one of the apartments for some bed rest.” She said and nodded to one of the guards as Amber shine bowed his head. “Thank you very much.” Amber Shine said as he walked down toward the attendant who started to lead him away and toward a different section of the castle. Eventually ending up with a few doors that were few and far between, stopping at one with a large crescent moon on it. As Amber Shine was about to ask the guard simply walked away. He shrugged and started to push open the door and saw a very nice room bed room. “Thank Faust I can finally get some sleep…” He said as he wandered over and threw himself onto the bed before he heard a familiar voice from above that caused him to look up and spy a certain bat Pegasus who smiled at him. “Oh hey if it isn’t you Hero, surprised they have you sharing a room with me.” Artemis said with a grin. ‘Oh by Faust why do you hate me?’
The NightmareAmber fell asleep rather quickly in the large plush bed, after shedding his cloths and hanging them up. He saw them disappear after a few minutes of lying on the bed and suspected that the mare above him that must have been sleeping the room’s rafters was fixing or cleaning them. The moon shone brightly into the room as Amber laid back closing his eyes, drifting off into a deep content sleep. As the night went on, Amber Shine dreamed as all ponies do. Most did not fully remember their dreams, but most remembered the nightmares they had, and what Amber Shine was having was most surely a nightmare. The place he where he stood was a dull grey and nothing was around him for miles. He breathed in and felt a thin bit of air making him cough and stir up the dust around him. Shaking his head he started to walk along the dull grey landscape, searching for something or somepony that might have been the point of this strange dream. Eventually he saw a crater in the ground, with the light of the sun casting a dark shadow inside. As Amber stepped into the crater he saw the shadows dance around the crater, his own slowly growing on the floor in front of him, taking a fearsome shape and eventually pulling itself free. Huge shadowy teeth and terrifying blue eyes stared at him, a long forked tongue sliding over the jagged teeth before the creature lunged. As Amber ran out of the crater he saw the creature was getting closer and closer, his breathing grew heavy in the thin air until he stumbled and fell onto the dusty ground, causing a huge dust cloud to form around him making him cough loudly. As he finished he looked up and saw the face of the shadowy beast, its blackened lips pulled back to show its blood red gums with tar black teeth before it pounced causing Amber Shine to scream. His vision fading into an inky darkness, his breath coming harshly as he struggled against the mass in his dreams before he felt a pressure within his horn. A pressure unlike he had ever felt before, as started to become unbearable he was able to see again. The inky blackness now gone after a final shot of pain, like a pony was trying to shove a barrel into a tin can, the darkness seemed to disappear completely from his vision. Amber stumbled and put a hoof up to his head, stumbling forward as he did and felt a jolt of pain coming from his horn. Reaching up to it he felt nothing different before the landscape before him started to melt away, turning into what seemed like a blank canvas. Amber stared into the emptiness and saw something standing in the distance. As Amber started to walk toward it, he saw that it was a colt. As he got closer, the copy got clearer and more terrifying. Its face was gaunt, his eyes were stuck in a blank stare, but its eyes moved to stare into Amber’s with a startling clarity coming to them. The colt’s body was little more than a skeleton covered with the taunt canvas of a skin, as if he were an art exhibit on how a body might look after an unknown amount of time. “You must beware, you are next.” The colt said, his voice sounding like air being pressed out of a small bag. “Beware the darkness; do not allow it to repeat history.” As the final word escape the stallion’s lips, it started to shudder and Amber saw its broken horn glow lightly. The signal for the rest of the body that it was done, the body starting to glow itself as Amber stared in amazement as the body stiffened and the face let a faint smile trace its lips before it turned to dust. A wind picking up and blowing the body across the empty plain before Amber felt a jerk and his eyes opened into the waking world. Seeing that the Thestral who he was rooming with was staring into him. “What were you muttering in your sleep?” She asked with a concerned look on her face. “I…I have no idea.” Amber Shine said rubbing his head and felt a liquid on his horn, pulling it away and seeing a light sweat had formed on his forehead with only a single problem with it. His sweat was a shade of inky black. Author's Note Sorry for the delay folks, been a bit busy. Hope you enjoy this chapter and please, give me some feed back and tell me stuff. What you'd like to see more of, less of, what you had for lunch. I don't mind just I love seeing some feed back.
