Chapters Forgotten: The Sounds of Precious Bells
Chapter II: A Brand New Day
Chapter II: Young Instincts
The sun raised high over the horizon and the chirping of birds awoken by Celestia's sun had signaled that the beloved princess's had indeed returned. Feather Duster, the tan mare with a blonde mane in charge of cleaning, quickly awoke from her bed to be joined by others as they raced towards the sacred bed chambers of Princess Celestia. She knocked on the door. "Princess! Princess! Are you there?"
Celestia recognized the voice. "Feather Duster, please, you may come in." Feather Duster slowly opened the door to see the sun princess helping her sister Luna to her royal garments. She ran up to them both.
"Your highness. All of the kingdom were worried sick about you and your sisters well being. we thought-we thought that you may not return. Calming down the pony citizens, that was of no easy task your majesties."
"Of course it wasn't." Luna mumbled. Knowing just how much their subjects would so much as worry shall they be gone even for a minute. All it took to throw the people into paranoia about their princesses was that Luna spent an extra five minutes in the bath. Which did indeed happen. Only for the guards to burst open the door on her and her sister bathing believing that they were drowning.
"My goodness! Princess Luna!" a voice called from the back of the crowd that came to check on their princess's. It was nurse Goodwell (ancestor of Nurse RedHeart) who noticed the poorly bandaged wound on Luna's leg. "Your majesty, please, do not tell me that this is a result of the war."
"Luna was injured during the fight with King Sombra badly but for now we will deal with it later." The only reason that Celestia had brushed it off was due to the fact that Luna had constantly rejected this morning to get the injury looked at. Celestia was patient, but she too grew tired of her sister's stubbornness. Didn't stop her from loving her nonetheless however. "But Princess-"
"Later, nurse Goodwell." Celestia used a harsher tone than normal and this caused Ms. Goodwell to slowly back off into the crowd. Once Celestia was done placing Luna's silver crown on her head and her regalia she turned to the ponies standing before her.
"The fight with Sombra, it was of tragedy. The Crystal Ponies...we were not able to save them." The crowd was shocked at Celestia's statement. They were not used to such terrible news but Celestia and Luna who had been alive far longer than they have and was taught on the early histories of the world knew just how brutal it could get. It haunted her. It bought back memories of the war between two sisters of the seasons who happened to be their ancestors oddly enough, a corrupted ice queen, beasts that savaged the land, a period of Discord, the great dragon war that took the lives of their parents....
Celestia ignored the thoughts and shook them from her head. She continued speaking. "Not every war, battle, and fight will be won. As with the old saying, some will lose and some will win. It is a matter of life even for beings such as ourselves. Sombra...he was corrupted by dark magic and in so was a victim himself but I will not dismiss his actions. What he did was one of great monstrosity and atrocious."
"How? How did it come to be?" asked Feather Duster. "Sombra may have not been powerful enough to stop us on his own but he was of no fool." answered Luna. "Sombra knew what we were capable of from the start, planned in advance and managed to escape from the consequences of his actions. He said that he will return and perhaps-"
"-The kingdom is not dead." Celestia added. "But when he shall return is still up for debate."
"It is truly a tragic event my ponies. This I understand." Their subjects held their heads down low in solemn silence as if to pay respects to the lost ponies in Somba's now embrace. "Light Weight. I want you to deliver news that the kingdom's princesses has returned and a speech will be held today in late morning in Canterlot." Light Weight, the castles personal messenger, (and ancestor of Derpy) gave a salute and bolted out of the room. Leaving feathers from her wings behind in the gust of wind. "Feather Duster and the others, inform the castle staff and tell them to get ready the chariots for the speech that is to come. We will be announcing in Canterlot as stated."
"Yes ma'am." They all said in unison. "As for you Ms. Goodwell I will be more than happy that after the speech is through, you will take time out of your busy schedule and assist my sisters wounds."
"Yes, your majesty." with that final statement she left the room, leaving Luna and Celestia alone by themselves.
Light Weight and her assistants went around through out the the towns of Equestria delivering the news that the princesses had indeed returned. Light Weight went to each town as fast she could to deliver the news. When the sun came up this morning, doors swung open and chatter embraced the atmosphere about the royals. The nobles especially took it into grand retrospect. Back at the castle, everything was buzzing. Philomena had been allowed to roam free and the guards and the castle staff were preparing for the royal speech. Ponies were gathering in Canterlot quickly and were catching the train to Canterlot by the fill. Celestia was in Luna's room and saw that the foal that they saved a day before was wide awake. It's eyes sparkling a beautiful golden color. The noise apparently had woken her up.
Celestia walked over to the very young mammal before her lying on the make shift bed, met her at eye level and gave a gentle smile.
"Why hello there little one." The foal simply stared back at her curiously. Now that Celestia thought about it, the young foal could have been no older than a few days not directly a newborn. Though, if that was the case, no older than perhaps three days at most. Luna was busy inspecting herself in front of her vanity mirror. "She's wide awake I see."
"Yes." The foal stretched it's head towards Celestia's even more causing her to come in contact with her nose. Celestia couldn't help but smile. "And quite the curious little thing as well."
"A home will have to be found for her. If she is a Crystal pony than perhaps it should be easy." Philomena flew through the crack of the bedroom door and saw the white young pony from on top of a mounted candle holder. It tilted it's head at her. Celestia left the foal and galloped to where Luna was. She sat down in front of her on a cushion on the opposite side of the coffee table. "Though we know nothing of her origins, we may have a chance at her adoption." She said with her eyes closed. "We will have to tell the public of her as well. She probably is a resident of the Crystal Empire though, with no recognition on who she or her mother is for that matter, we best not make assumptions."
"I am still stuck on why we have to tell them now. " Philomena was in the background staring directly into the young foals face.
"Luna, it is important not to keep anything that may be of importance away from the public. That includes the foal."
Luna let out a puff of air and looked away from her sister's gaze. "Whatever." she grumbled underneath her breath. It was clear to Celestia that Luna was still trying to recover from the events of yesterday. All of this ruckus the day after was less than helpful on both of them. Not once so far we're they given the time to reflect on themselves and the incident. It was the price of being a ruler. Nothing was kept to themselves unless absolutely personal. One of the sacrifices that came of being a ruler.
The foal in the background sniffed the bird. Philomena spread out it's wings and stepped back. Still curious of the new face invading her castle. "If you insist sister. The castle staff should be coming soon to tell us that preparations are ready for the-Ah!" Luna squinted her eyes together in pain from her back leg. "Luna!?" Celestia got up and trotted over to her sister's side. "Luna, Luna are you alright?"
"Yes, just a little hurt that's all."
The foal sniffed the bird. It's scent all to new to her and predatory instincts all to urging.
"Your condition seems to be getting worse dear sister. No more putting it off. I won't allow it. After the speech we will have the nurse check it. Understood?"
"Underst-" A loud squawk was heard from the other side of the room catching the attention of both princesses. The young foal had Philomena's tail in her mouth refusing to let go. "Philomena!" Celestia cried out. She galloped to where the scene was playing out. Philomena flapping it's wings furiously to break free of the foals tight grip upon her tail. Celestia tried to open up the foals mouth. "Ouch!" Before long Philomena managed to break free and flew swiftly out of the bedroom. Luna galloped over to her sister's side noticing the wound. "Sister...your bleeding."
"She broke my skin..." Celestia said eyeing her wound.
"What happened?" Luna knew Philomena had a mischievous streak and was intent on blaming her pet bird. Luna can't recalled how many times Philomena had tricked the vets into believing she was dangerously sick when in fact she was just going through her molting phase."She grabbed Philomena's tail..." Celestia couldn't help but stare at her wound noticing how odd it was. Two small holes, equally spaced apart, were present on her left hoof. Foals did not get their first teeth until they were at least a year old. When they did, the teeth were purely molars, rounded and meant for eating vegetables as with all the other teeth that was to come. Shall they bite something with their newly formed teeth it was a mark that was rounded.
The mark Celestia had was one that was reminiscent of a snake bite. It wasn't normal. At all. "Celestia?"
"Luna, it is merely a small scar but I want you to look at this bite mark. What do you notice about it?" She raised her hoof to Luna's face.
"It looks like a predatory creature did it. A snake bite perhaps?"
"Exactly."
"It came from the foal?" Luna said in shock. "She bit me accidentally when I was trying to pry apart her mouth from Philomena."
The doors of the bedroom flew open. It was Celestia's guard. "Your highness! We are ready for your presence in canterlot. The chariots are ready to bring you both." Celestia nodded her head and with that the guard was dismissed, closing the doors behind him. "I will have Nurse Goodwell check her later. Including you as well. Maybe she can provide some answers for us."
The guards blew the horns of royalty. Signaling the sisters arrival. The flags attached to them slightly waved from the force of the blow. The servants of the princesses stood at the corners of the balcony at the sounds of the trumpets announcement. Presenting the crowd with their two ruling sisters. Once the trumpets sounded the whispers and chatter among the crowd came to a halt as they waited for the princesses to speak.
Celestia cleared her throat.
"My dear ponies, I have come onto you today that you may know of the conditions in which made me agree to this announcement at such a rush in the morning. The Crystal Empire in which had been the pride of Equestria for it's beauty and wealth was sadly tainted by the evil well bringing of his corrupted mind and dark magic. When the two representatives of the Crystal Empire king came to me to tell the news of what had happen I must say that most of Equestria, if not all, was surely devastated at the bringing of the sorrowful news that the king was dead." Whispers came from the crowd. "With the news of what King Sombra have done spreading through out the kingdom, we, the rulers will not standby and watch as our ponies lives be ruined. Weather here or far away.
With the power of the elements at our side we sought to best Sombra and most of all free our beloved ponies from the clutches of Sombra. And though, my it not be popular, free Sombra of the hold in the dark magic had upon him. But Sombra is of no fool. We ourselves know that all to well. Sombra knew the great powers in which we held and with cunning planning planted a magical spell unknown to us surrounding the kingdom. When victory looked in our reach, only the sounds of the cold blizzard confirmed our failure. The only thing that was left a dark crystal and a echoing bellow of Sombra's promise to return. When or how we do not know but shall he return we will not forget the pain and suffering that he bought to the Crystal Ponies nor his unforgivable sin to the royal family. For now, the most we can do is simply look past what was yesterday and continue on into the sunlit future. Luna, my dear sister, will be relinquished of her duties as she had been seriously hurt in the fight. That is all we have to say."
The sisters turned there backs to loud murmurs and gossips of the crowd and stepped down from the stage and onto their readied chariots. Celestia's brimming a bright gold with a sun emblem on top and Luna's brimming a black color. Bearing more detail with Gothic accents and was pulled by two bat ponies. They rode off leaving the crowd behind in a disarray of talks, discussions, and the simple question of where to go from now.
Back at the old castle Ms.Goodwell was addressing Luna's wounds in Celestia's chambers. Wrapping the bandages carefully around her hind leg. Celestia was looking out her window, captured in thought. "I thought you were going to tell them about the foal that we found."
"I decided against it at the last minute. Telling them and then putting her up for adoption...." Celestia thought on it. "Would only cause a storm of adoption papers to come through." she finished. "I would recommend princess that you best stay in bed for the time being." said Ms.Goodwell.
"I can see a long line stretching from here to all around Equestria." Luna smiled. Celestia, still by her window looked down at the wound the foal had gave her. the blood had been cleaned off by her before the speech and the two small holes were beginning to scab up. "Dear princess, if you don't mind me asking, what foal are you talking about?" Ms.Goodwell finished wrapping her wounds.
"The foal we want you to see." said Celestia who turned her head away from the window to face the curious nurse.
Celestia picked up the foal by the nape of the neck and sat her down on her make shift bed. The toy she had grabbed, a stuffed teddy ursa, stayed in place as she chewed on it. Or at least tried to with her gummed filled mouth. "This is the foal me and my sister found while we were coming back from the fight with Sombra. We believe she is the only survivor of the Crystal Empire's disappearance. She was not found far from the sites of the incident." Celestia refused to say anything about the foals mother. Perhaps it would be because it would stir up even more curiosity and more questions within Ms. Goodwell. Whatever the reason Celestia didn't want to be bothered with it.
"My, she is surely a lovely thing to have come out of terrible circumstances. She also seems very well fed and taken care of."
"Yes, indeed. But what I really want to know is about something that happened right before the speech. When the foal grabbed Philomena and I tried to pry her apart, she bit me and the cause was two small holes present in my left leg." Celestia showed Ms. Goodwell the barely visible scars. She noticed how they were two tiny holes and was similar to a creature with fangs.
"That's odd....a pony foal does not get their first teeth until they are at least a year old. Let me get a look." Ms. Goodwell approached the snow colored foal and opened it's mouth gently. She noticed the only two small white objects just barely poking through her gums.
Ms. Goodwell froze at the sudden realization. She looked to Celestia nervously.
"Is something wrong Ms. Goodwell?"
"Your highness, how old is the foal?"
"I would say no older than probably a few days at most."
"She is no older than about a week and a few days but even still, pony foals do not start getting their teeth until they are a year old. Even though she clearly has teeth poking through her gums it would probably take some time before her other teeth come in. More than not, she was probably born with those teeth already showing. Also, your highness, as this is very important." Ms. Goodwell walked to the side of the princess leaving the young foal to continue gurgling and chewing gleefully at the stuffed toy. "The foal's teeth are canines ma'am."
The information caused the princess to jump back in shock. She had to be joking. Carnivore? She didn't even have the scent nor body of one. "Ms. Goodwell are you sure your not just getting something mixed up?"
"Follow me Princess and bring the foal. This would be much more easier proved in the royal treatment room."
Celestia had taken the foal into the personal treatment room where the nurse did X-rays on the foal. The teeth were shown to be baby teeth but Goodwell was correct. They were canines and this more than frightened, or at least worried Goodwell's assistant a little. Carnivores are rare in Equestria and one may question if one was present at all. As ponies, they had every right to be scared as they weren't exactly at the top of the food chain. That was better left to the bears, crocodiles, and even the griffons but thankfully at least two of them could be tamed. The griffons had a mind of their own, and a civilization at that. During the X-ray examination Celestia and Goodwell ended being surprised twice. Not only did she have one set of canines but a grand total of four. All of which would be present at the front of her mouth. Her back teeth were to be molars but like the others, those were still being formed in the gums. Ms. Goodwell had also warned her that she would probably start showing hunting and predatory instincts in the future.
Celestia was back in her bedchambers (Belle back in Luna's room asleep), laying on a mat going through paper work in front of her warm fire. Philomena stared at her through her cage with a relaxed posture. Luna had managed to crawled earlier in the day back to her room but the assistants had stated that Luna had not left once she did. Once again however, because Luna was barely seen during the day nor a peep was heard, the guards and castle staff were immediately panicked believing that their beloved princess was dying. Didn't help that the door was lock but Celestia managed to calm them of there fears. She couldn't help but smile at the thought that her subjects loved her as much as she loved them. She continued flipping through paper work. The paperwork she was going through were all papers that were to be handed out in adoption.
She needed a name for the young filly. She remembered hearing an almost ringing noise whenever the foal was up and about trying to run around. It wasn't annoying but pleasant and was reminiscent of the bells one would here on Hearths Warming Eve. "Ah ha!" Celestia levitated a pen and wrote down the name with a smile upon her face. "Her name shall be Belle." Celestia got up and set he sun making way for her sisters beautiful moon. She removed her royal wear and plopped down on her bed but one question remained.
How would she be able to explain that the very foal she was going to put up for adoption, was carnivorous?
Forgotten: The Sounds of Precious Bells
Chapter III: Late Night Mischief
Chapter III: Home
"She's what?!" Luna said in shock as she was playing with a puzzle on her bed. Though she still felt weak as before, for Celestia it was good enough that she was eating a little bit at least. Luna was still to hold off royal duties. Belle once again was busy chewing on her Ursa plush on her make shift bed which was becoming more ragged by the minute. "Yes. What I say is true. Ms. Goodwell has proved it. Even I was doubtful of this situation."
"A carnivorous pony? A carnivorous pony! Celestia you don't really expect me to believe that do you?"
Celestia furrowed her eyebrows at her sister before pulling out x-ray images of Belle's mouth from her bag that was strapped to her waist. She was prepared shall her sister doubt her. "These are the images showing the inside of Belle's mouth. The teeth still in her gums are all canines. Well, at least the front teeth are."
"You weren't kidding dear sister but then this leads me to another question. How do you plan on adopting her out? No pony family at the least is going to risk a carnivore running around the house."
"That's the issue I am trying to sort out. More than likely she may end up not finding a home. I can't risk another uproar as well. This time being about how the pony that survived Sombra's mayhem was a 'carnivorous being that killed her own family.'" Celestia heard a snicker come from her sister. "Perhaps that's a bit too exaggerated sister." Celestia couldn't help but smile. "Perhaps Luna."
"I doubt she would very much end up eating any pony."
"How do we know that for sure?"
"Will she is like us for starters. We can see that. Usually if an animal is raised around a certain kind it will come to consider them as family, it won't come to consider them food. Lies true for almost any animal in Equestria Celestia."
"I just don't want any problems to arise out of such a thing but questions do still need to be answered. Why would a pony end of carnivorous?"
"Adaptation." Luna responded. "Bat ponies are all pegasi and they came about when they were adapting more to the night than the day."
"But we have never encountered such a thing before. Bat ponies also have fangs but it's not for tearing into flesh but to make it easier to tear into and slice fruits. Hence why their so small. Belle's teeth on the other hand are pure canines with the exception of her back teeth."
"It could mean she's an omnivore. Meat and Plants Celestia." Luna said feeling her sister's uneasiness. "Perhaps it is best that she stays with us? We can attend to her needs."
"How will be able to do so? I doubt the castle servants will be keened on attending to her and they are busy with their own tasks. Not to mention that we are princesses. We have duties to uphold." Luna could feel the stress of her sister building up and placed a reassuring hoof on her sister's shoulder. "It is up to you on weather or not you wish to adopt her out. But I do recommend you ponder on the situation before laying down your final agreement. It is still best however, that you tell them about her but the information surrounding her conditions can be kept behind closed doors. For the sake of simplicity. Celestia looked down at the floor, knowing the words her sister spoke are ones that are of truth and wise. Perhaps it was something she should at the least consider.
"I gave her a name." Celestia said in a low, calm tone.
"You did? What is it then?" Luna asked with a smile on her face.
"He name is Belle. I remember hearing bells ringing whenever she was close to me prancing around. So I named her after that."
"Sounds lovely."
Celestia was still wary of her sisters advice to still adopt the foal out. She and her sister certainly did not have the time nor energy for that matter to raise no foal. With royal duties to uphold and jobs to take care of, the last thing Luna and most importantly Celestia (being the eldest of the two) needed was more weights on top of their ton. At least she was content in knowing that it was going to be a bit time before actual adoption papers will go out. Belle was still to young to to be adopted out. it well be another year or two before she was to be released out as somepony's else's responsibility. Until then, Celestia has declared to keep the foal safe and under her care. Attending to whatever needs that may come about. Surely she couldn't be that different?
"How is she Ms.Goodwell?"
Ms. Goodwell gently let loose the scope she was using to feel Belles heartbeat. She turned to Celestia with uncertainty in her eyes.
"The foal, it seems that the reason she was sleeping so much seems to be due to her having a lack of needed vitamins and nutrients."
Celestia wasn't expecting such an answer and flinched. However, she couldn't help but later pout at herself internally at remembering what exactly Belle was. "Lack of nutrients? Is her diet not sustainable?" Celestia clearly wanted to avoid the situation she knew was coming at hand. "The diet you put her on is okay, to say the least, but she is not obtaining all of her proper vitamins. She is in need of more protein to say."
"Her diet does consists of nuts and such, is that not-"
"Those are good but her body is having a hard time digesting such things."
That explains her constant runs to the bathroom then. "Thank you Ms. Goodwell." Celestia grabs a blanket by her mouth and places it over the now resting foal. "I well see to her needs then."
"But princess! How in the world do you plan on obtaining such a thing without risking your reputation."
"Don't concern yourself with that. I have someone. Is Malida still present in Equestria?"
The nurse blinked a few times before nodding her head slowly. "Yes, but-"
"Send Light Weight to go fetch her. I will be needing her hospitality."
Feather Weight made her way through the sky with her typical desperation of speed. Her thoughts filled with only the one thing that the princess has said to her as well as the note that she carried in her mouth.
"Give this to Malida. And do not open it."
Feather saluted boldly. "Yes your highness!"
Feather saw in her sights what served as not only land for the sky but the very building blocks used to create every thing on it. The very clouds that adorned it was the home to her own kind. The pegasi. The winged ponies who had the inner magical ability to manipulate weather and fly. The one's whose ancestors where nothing but wind that took physical form to become what they are now. Feather relished in the memories of her old home before moving to be as her highness personal messenger. She found it as an honest task that screamed her destiny to take. She looped through the clouds and did a few tricks. Smiling as she took the time along her way to participate in her little bit of freedom. Away from the typical relishes of the monarchy.
"Malida. Take it to Malida. What a weird name." Feather thought to herself as the wind gushed through her mane. Maybe a weird name for a pony but not for a creature that lived on the other side of the world. Feather could have sworn that she heard the name before. Having been around the royal courts recently, closer than ever, the name rung a few bells that she sure recognized the sound of. Feather looked to see the tall, ancient designed architecture of the building before her. She fluttered down gently on the clouds below her. Not wanting to disturb anything or anypony. "The Royal Conference Hall....it's bigger up close."
The entire building was majority made of clouds like the rest, with the exception of a few parts, such as the large doors, being made out of reinforced steel. Feather never understood exactly why any pony would even decide to make doors of what belongs on an armies tank, but considering the military history of the place, it came as no surprised that such things stayed long after Celestia came to power. Indeed it was a very old building. Two guards approached her dressed in gladiator gear. Feather was too busy gazing at the building to have even noticed that they were standing there the entire time.
"Halt! State your affairs!" The grey colt stated firm and cold.
Fetaher placed the letter that was still in her mouth on the gorund and bowed "I came with a message from her highness, Princess Celestia. She wishes for me to deliver a letter to a pony named Malida?" The colt's partner looked at him before nodding his head. "Show me the letter." Feather grabbed the letter as commanded and the other looked at it with scrutiny. He nodded to his partner upon seeing the evidence and turned his attention back to the cream colored mare. "You are Feather, am I correct?"
"Y-Yes!" She quickly regained her posture and saluted. "The name's Feather Weight! The royal messenger of the ruling sisters at your service!" The two colts looked at each other. "Right." they drowned out. "Ms. Malida is in a conference with the commanders and other royal assistants. We'll let you through." The two colts positioned their front hooves in front of the door and pushed it open with their hooves. The doors making a long streak sound as it did. It amazed the mare how something so heavy could be pushed open with relative ease. "Ms. ?" one of them coughed. Feather shook her head. "Ah, yes. Thank you." she zoomed through the doors without a second thought leaving the two colts to look at each other confusingly.
"I am asking that a treaty be placed in order sir."
The red colt dressed in a black mane, responded with a scowl. "After what happened a hundred years ago and the animosity that your kind have bestowed upon our ponies, give me one reason to even consider your offer."
"Princess Celestia herself wishes to bestow a means of peace between the Eastern Empire and the land of ponies. But first, she wishes to have the consent of approval of the other nations that also govern Equestria. Hence why I'm here."
"I have no idea why her majesty would request such an offer! She's know our relationship with the Eastern Empire! Especially those flying rodents that call themselves griffons!" A loud thrash was heard on the rounded stone table where everyone sat. "Watch your tongue, Steel Blade." The silver colt backed down when he noticed the sharp glare that the red colt gave him. Aries Red coughed after disciplining his partner and pulled his attention back to the creature that was waiting patiently. "Please excuse my pupil's insubordination. And I ask that you don't take offense to his comment"
Malida simply huffed and took the paper that sat before her into her grasp. "None taken." she said stoically. "Anyway, back to formalities, it would seem that not only her royal majesty wants to make amends to the Great Eastern Empire, but also with my leader Osanburg."
"Osanburg? That-He was the one who requested such a thing?"
"Not neccesarily. He too was stubborn and wished to not concede in an agreement, but with the convincing words of your ruler, he complied. Though, reluctantly."
"Is that so?" he winded out.
"I simply ask that you take such things in consideration. We ask peace be bought together on the paws, hooves, and claws of both Equestria and my home continent. Too push back the past and move on towards a brighter future." The ponies that sat at the round table looked in a disagreeing manner. Each holding a personal reluctance and scowl. None, wanted to make amends but if anything was to be bought to peace, a treaty is best option as too what Malida was proposing. Aries Red broke the pregnant silence. "As the main executive representative of Cloudsdale, may I ask just how many other countries or kingdoms in Equestria, have you gained the approval of?"
"I have gained the compensation of Saddle Arabia, Unicorn Range, and Los Pegasus. One of your partners."
Aries groaned. "Is that all." Malida nodded her head. "Yes. Those are all that I have so far."
"I suppose that we can make a deal. Since her majesty so desire's it." he gritted through his teeth.
"Aries! You don't suppose that we do this? Celestia! Her majesty! Surely we can refuse! We do not have to sign a deal with her!"
The pegasus mare that wore glasses and was albino disrupted the near agreement on amends. Aries Red bore his teeth at her. "The thoughts of us does not neccessarily matter when her highness herself wishes to establish a connection with a another country or kingdom. I respect her for taking into account our thoughts and opinions but surely if this is what Ms. Malida has came to us with on behalf of her highness, than its something we shall consider as it is probably for the betterment of our kind."
"Thank you Sir Aries."
"Don't get your hopes up!" Malida simply smiled at his pridefull attitude and let out a deep sigh of relief. She grabbed hold of the feathered ink pen that stood next to her. "Now, since we are past our differences, you just need to read the terms of agreement and-"
Before Malida was able to state her words completely, the doors of the meeting room flew open with a large gush of wind and smashed against the steel, dull grey colored walls. Flying the papers across the table. Before them stood a cream colored pegasus trying desperately to catch her breath.
"Damn it! I always get lost in this cursed building! Why aren't there any labels?" The pegasus re-positioned herself and brushed off her coat. she shook herself clear of dust and looked up to see a legion of stares gazing at her. Aries particularly carried an angry expression while Malida looked as though she saw enough of this to kill a pony. The mare simply blushed in embaressment.
"May we help you?" Aries broke with irritation in his voice. "Yes, I am looking for a pony by the name of Malida? My name is Feather Weight and I have an important message for that pony from her majesty."
"That, will be me."
Feather's eyes grew wide as she saw the one called Malida stand before her. "A-A griffon!" she stammered out.
Malida stood tall and postured perfectly. Smiling gently down at the pony that was small like the others in comparison with her. Her lion half was crisped in a thick black fur coat while her bird side was that of a snow leopard crossed between an owl. "A message from your highness?"
"Yes! She wishes me to give this to you." Feather pulled the letter from her pouch and handed it to the magnificent bird that took it within the grasp of her claws. With a single claw, she tore it open and grabbed the piece of paper hidden beneath it. Her expression quickly changed from one of gentleness to concentration.
"I understand." she handed the letter back to Feather and turned to face the ponies before her. "It would seem that your ruler has requested a small state of urgency with me. Before I go however, I would like the papers to be signed. As for you Ms. Feather, please escort me, once I am through, to your majesty's quarters."
Feather saluted. "Yes ma'am!"
Celestia laid down on her bed sorting through adoption notices and paper's. The sun was slowly giving way beyond the horizon as Celestia laid in front of her fire. Her moment of peace, however, was quickly interrupter by the gentle opening of her room doors. She turned her head to be greeted by one of her guards. "Excuse the intrusion your majesty but, Ms. Malida wishes to see you."
"Thank you. Let her know that I will be there shortly."
"Yes ma'am." He bowed and closed the door silently.
"Princess Celestia! I have bought who you requested!" Feather greeted joyfully. Malida smiled at the presence of Equestria's ruler and out of respects bowed. "Greetings your highness." Celestia smiled and bowed her head. "Greetings."
"You messaged detailing urgent manners to be discussed?"
"Yes. Feather, thank you for your support. I greatly appreciated it." Feather smiled and saluted. "No problem princess!"
"Now, if you excuse me. I have to talk to Ms. Malida."
Celestia led the griffon to her chambers without saying much of a single word. The sun had long set and been claimed by Luna's moon and the night lit up with stars. Celestia enjoyed the gentle glow of the moon and how the beams of light that traveled through the castle at night, sparkled with the glittering dust of the stars. She opened the doors to her room with a silence that was only broken by the crackling of her bedroom fire. Philomena stood looking intently at the other bird like being before her but quickly lost interest and went back to sleep. Ducking her head between her wings. "I've been meaning to ask Ms. Malida."
"Please, call me Malida. No need to be so formal."
Celestia smiled. "If you want. What I wanted to ask was how the treaties on the union are coming along."
"Ah! Yes! About that. I managed to get the consent of Los Pegasus and Saddle Arabia and with some hassle from the ponies of Cloudsdale, their's as well. It was tough, but they finally agreed."
"Yes. Getting that hot head Aries to agree to anything he doesn't so much as breathe into can be quite troublesome." Celestia chuckled.
"Anyway your highness, is there something that is problem? You stated in your letter that you have a request for me? Something that you cannot do on your own?"
"Yes. Follow me." Celestia guided the female griffon over to her bed where the curtains where strewn closed. Using her magic, she swiftly opened them to reveal the small foal that laid silently sleeping. "Your highness?"
"This is Belle. After our defeat and the Crystal Empire's loss, we found her lying on the edge of the empire in a cave with her mother. Unfortunaty, her mother had passed, so me and my sister took her in."
"So this is the foal that I've been hearing about. How did her mother pass?"
"We are not sure. She had multiple scars on her body, but not far from the site was a small group of deceased timber wolves. All fallen victim to some type of ice magic and brutality. Me and my sister assumed that is was the work of the representatives that came to tell us the news about Sombra but we quickly ruled out that it wasn't them behind it."
"I see. What is it that you wish for me to do for the foal?"
Celestia captured Malida's gave onto her own and with all seriousness present in her tone spoke. "Hunt for her."
The griffon could have sworn her ears was about to burst. "W-W-Wait what?!"
"Hunt for her. I cannot do it myself. Les' I risk my reputation among my citizens."
"B-But she is a pony! Why would I need to hunt for her?"
"If you do not wish to do so than that is okay."
"No! It's not that your highness its-" Malida caught herself and took a deep breath. "It is not that I can or won't but the fact that she is a pony . Why would the need for flesh be for her?" Celestia turned her head and sighed. It wasn't a question she herself or the nurse for that matter knew the answer to. "That is something I cannot answer." Celestia responded with a solemn look in her eyes. "All I know, is that if we didn't take her in. She would have surely died. Me and my sister made the assumption that she is a survivor of Sombra's wrath. We still don't know of her history. Her mother on the other hoof...."
"Her mother?" Malida egged on.
"Her mother did not appear crystal nor of any type of pony that me and my sister have encountered. She was...a cold hue of blue and looked as though she was made of the winds. Swirls coated on her coat and mane. She seemed...other worldly."
"I myself cannot bring forth an answer to that but I must say to you princess, it would definitely be something I would look into. A carnivorous pony isn't something I would take lightly."
"You are right Ms. Malida."
Malida smiled at Celestia and took a deep breath of contentment. "I will be able to hunt for her, that is certain. It may be a while before i leave the residence of Equestria. There are still other kingdoms and countries to attend to and go on with proceedings with. Take it as a promise your highness."
The sun princess could have sworn she felt her heart leap for joy. "Thank you Malida. It is truly an honor. But please, do keep this secreat between both your kind and my own. I do not wish for any trouble."
"Sure thing princess."
Celestia let out a gentle laugh as Maldia made her way to her bedroom windows. Opening them up when a gush of wind blew back the panels and curtains. "It was certainly a joy to get to know you better your highness. I do hope that both our kingdoms do make amends through the treaty. I wish you, your sister and the foal the best of wishes. May your goddess Faust look upon you all."
"Thank you. Best wishes to you and your people as well." Celestia looked as Malida made her way off into the distant sky. Flying on wings twice as big as her own. Celestia grabbed a blanket and headed back to her bed. Placing the small throw on the sleeping foal. Content, calm, peaceful, was the only words the princess could bring herself to describe the scene before her. She laid back on her bed and sorted through adoption papers that would have to be organized. Celestia sighed and furrowed her eyes before tossing the papers into the fire. No, she couldn't. She couldn't bring herself to put the foal in a situation that may be unhealthy for her. Luna was right, perhaps it was best that her home be made here in the castle. After all, was it not in a princess duties to look after those who are under her care?
Forgotten: The Sounds of Precious Bells
Chapter I: A Cold Discovery
Chapter I: Discovery
My mother use to tell me a story about how a foal like no other was found in the snow. How it was so different. The two princesses took the little foal in and gave it a home, a name, and an identity but did not know what exactly the foal was. Mom said it was the child of a taboo relationship, something that was not meant to be. She told me how every pony hated her because of what she was. That she shouldn't exist but I didn't get it. The lights that I would watch dancing in the sky every night before I went to bed was so beautiful. Mom said it came from that foal. She said that no pony was able to copy or mimic the wonderful piece of artwork in the sky. Not even the princesses. I wondered how something so beautiful can come from some pony so hated but than she taught me a lesson I would never forget.
The cold blizzard blew hard on top of the alicorn sisters of new. The silence of the night and the drifting of clouds in the sky was a silent symbol to their despair. Celestia, ruler of Equestria, clothed in golden armor, stared down at her wounded sister as she lied on the white ground breathing heavily. Celestia was lost in thought and words as she tried to make out the events that unfolded only a short time before hand. The last thing she remembered was being in Canterlot enjoying her beautiful day before out of no where two ponies galloped up towards her and stated the bad news that would change everything.
Celestia enjoyed a quiet day at home free of her daily work of being princess with her sister, Luna, being a night pony, enjoying her day resting in bed. It wasn't long before hand, just a few weeks ago, she was introduced to the Crystal Empire's king and his new found apprentice. She and her sister came there after being invited by the king himself to a dinner party and since the king hardly if ever, showed himself in public, even to royalty, it was a chance opportunity. Sombra, the dark and grey colored unicorn pony sat across the table from the two alicorn sisters. He was shy but enjoyed talking about magic and it's arts. Luna on the other hand could care less on what the dark coated colt had to say but Celestia seemed intrigued by the boy's curiosity. Sombra was an orphan who was taken in by the king after realizing his great potential in becoming a great future wizard.
Not only was Celestia and Luna introduced to the king and his apprentice but his newlywed wife as will and the news of their expectant daughter. Little did she thought however, that the joy would be greatly short lived. News of any type traveled quickly through the wind. News of what was happening in the Crystal Empire did not take long to spread to Canterlot and then through Everfree forest where the two royal sisters lived. Two representatives of the king and the royal family managed to escape the savage rampage of a certain pony and give word to the two princesses. Sombra, the shy and simple colt who Celestia and Luna just met, was behind the recent spring and gossip of the news surrounding the Crystal Empire. Sombra, was allowed to read any books present in the Crystal Empire's library but the books on dark magic was strictly forbidden and was hidden away. Sombra, however, believed that he could tame the dark magic and when he found out that there where books present in the library containing such forbidden practices, he jumped onto the opportunity.
Unfortunately, dark magic is nearly, if not, impossible to tame. It is easy to use and requires little knowledge or practice earning it the old nickname of 'Lazy magic' and can do things, such as grant wealth, that no such magic should be allowed to do. But it is because of this reason why it is forbidden. It takes over the user and they become obsessed with it. It is like a lover, a drug, that once hooked, the victim is unable to run away. Sombra attempts at trying to tame this magic only costed him, not just his sanity, but also the life of the ponies present during his time of rampage on the castle.
Celestia and Luna, upon receiving the terrible news of what had happened put their heads down in silent prayer as their eyes filled with tears. Sombra had the entire empire under his controlled by the time news of the slaughter of the royal family reached their ears. They had to plan their attack swiftly and carefully if they so wished to have a chance. In the dead of Luna's night, the full moon held high and armed with the elements of harmony and armor, they made their attack. When victory seemed in reach of the twin sisters it ran away before they were able to catch it. Sombra was short of being a fool and hardly, if ever doubted his enemies. Alicorns at that. Before the two sisters arrived to face them, knowing that they would come, he casted an unknown spell on the entirety of the empire. As the waged on, in a blink of an eye, it was gone. Sombra, the ponies, the empire, it was gone.
Only the echoed, wicked laughter of Sombra in the cold wind was all that remained as it took away their last bit of hope. The king was dead, the queen and her newborn daughter no where to be found, and all the ponies were gone. To where, only the suspect knew.
Celestia stared at her injured sister who had an open gash on her right hind leg that was clearly infected with dark magic. They could not stay out here forever. Soon, it would be time for the sun to rise and the bad news will have to be delivered to the public. Celestia nudged her sister to stand but all she got in return was a hefty groan of pain.
"Luna? Please sister, I know that you are hurt but please she try to at least get up." Celestia said trying to encourage her sister to stand. "Wh-what did we do wrong? What did we do wrong!?" Luna repeated in unbelief. "Luna, we did all that we could."
"If we did all that we could than we should have won!" Celestia peeled her eyes at her sister's pained voice. "Luna, all fights, all battles, all wars, will not end in complete victory."
Luna gritted her teeth and tried to stand on her legs. "Luna, please be care-"
"Leave me be! I am able to handle my own being!" Luna managed to stand on her four legs before finally giving up in strength and collapsing in the snow. Celestia gently nudged at her sister again. "Luna, the crystal empire may be gone but there are many others who need our guidance. Let's focus on them right now."
Luna looked up at her sister, still trying to get up, from the corner of her eye. "You mean to just forget about them? Forget about all the innocents that suffered at the hands of the that tyrant?"
"We cannot stumble constantly on the stone of the crystal empire being gone. Sombra's last words was that of a promise to return. I am just as pained at the lost as you are." Celestia gently rubbed her sisters head in a sign of affection and reassurance. "But we must continue on with running the kingdom. We cannot let our emotions get in the way of running our land but most of all there are ponies who need us and we need them. Come, let us go. It will soon be time for daylight." Celestia helped he sister to stand and keep her balance. Celestia lifted her left wing over her sister. "Let us go, we need to go back to the castle. Staying out here will not be good for your health." Celestia leaped into the air and her sister did the same. They will fly home and nothing will prepare themselves for the announcement they will eventually have to make . Under the cool rays of Luna's moon and the bottom cover of white stillness they made their way home with Celestia hoping that the day can wait.
As Celestia and Luna flew through the dark cover of night Luna's thoughts were filled with anger and rage still ever pondering why they didn't win the fight. Celestia simply tried not to think about the events as they were too painful but anger did burn at her heart. She too wanted to make Sombra pay for what he had done but another side of her wanted to forgive and feel pity for the young colt. Celestia looked up to her sisters moon and wished it could be night forever but life needs the sun and sadly that is a wish that won't happen with certainty. As they flew, Celestia eyes glanced over to an odd sight from the bottom of her eye.
She looked down to see what seemed like scattered bark of something. Perhaps a household? Celestia wasn't sure but she wanted to know as something told her to check it out. "Luna, come here for a sec."
"What is it sister?"
"Follow me."
Celestia led her sister down to where the sight of her curiosity was. Celestia walked up towards the wood and stepped back upon realization of what it was. "Luna, these are timberwolves."
"Timberwolves!? Here? In the north?"
"Timberwolves are present anywhere there are woods or forests. The pine forests of the Crystal Empire does not excuse that. Though I must say they are rare."
Luna stepped closer to the timber wolves and noticed how some of them where greatly torn and battered as if a wild beast were hunting them down. One was frozen solid. It was cold enough for a pony to feel the shivers but not enough that a pony, let alone a timber wolf, one without flesh, to simply freeze. Luna noticed how another was crushed from the side and how the last one, the one Celestia was looking at, seemed to have been crushed to death too but it was present through out what was seemingly, still it's body. "Sister." Luna spoke. "It would seem that they have met a violent death."
"It does appear that way but the one over there, a few feet from us, is frozen solid. Is a pony behind this?"
"Now that is a good question to ask. It's cold but not cold enough for that to happen. It's literally frozen in a block of ice."
"Perhaps a pony did do this Luna."
"I don't know sister. The wounds seem quite fresh not to mention there are blood stains present on them that too are quite fresh."
"One of the representatives that came to deliver us the news was a unicorn. Perhaps they were attacked on the way here?" Celestia asked.
"They were covered in scars..." Celestia stared back at the timber wolves remains before looking back to Luna. "How odd...come Luna, let's go."
As Celestia and Luna continued their flight, Luna felt a surge of pain go through her leg. She immediately flinched and let out a pained sound. She fell to the ground. "Luna!" Celestia shouted. Celestia flew down towards her sister and swooped her back underneath her sister's stomach to catch her. "Luna, are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine. Thank you."
"Let's sit you down somewhere." They were a fair distance from where the Crystal Empire once stood and were only about an hour or two from home. Celestia glanced over the land and saw a small, lowland hill present with a cave. She'll stop there and let Luna rest up before continuing home. Celestia, with Luna on her back, flew down in front of the cave and walked her and her sister inside away from the frigid blizzard. It had calm down some but was still aggressive enough to make a pony lose their way. "Rest up here for a bit sister. We will continue once your pain has passed."
Luna limped toward's her resting spot but noticed a rounded figure in the distance. She limped towards it using the magic of her horn to light up the cave. It was a pony and it was curled up around something. Luna called her sister over who horn was glowing as well to light up the dark cave. It was a mare who had to be just slightly smaller than Celestia herself but bigger in size and weight. The figure she was curled around over was a small foal who had to be a newborn. Closer inspection revealed that it was a female. The mare, presumably it's mother, was badly injured and no life seemed to be present. Bite marks and large gashes were present on the mare's body. Luna, upon realizing the marks could not help but think about what they saw an hour back with their encounter with the mutilated timber wolves.
"Celestia, do you think the timber wolves we saw a while back-"
"Are behind this?" Celestia finished.
"Yes."
"There is a possibility but then we still have the frozen timber wolf to answer too which doesn't rule out the possibility that one of the representatives of the Crystal Empire that came to see us wasn't attack either."
"I guess you do have a point. The foal seems to only have been just born." Luna and Celestia closer inspected the foal and the mare. The foal was white coated and it's fur was way thicker than an average pony. It seemed even thicker than the ponies who were accustomed to the extreme snowy weather of the north so long ago. It's mane was long and silky and was a beautiful deep ocean blue in color that reached down beyond it's back. Celestia could have sworn it glittered whenever she blinked. One thing that could not have been unnoticed was the fact that the foal lacked a tail. While this was abnormal in foals and ponies alike it was a common abnormality that was present enough to not come at a surprise.
The mother, on the other hand, was what caught the princesses interest. The mother was a single color all around. A ghostly blue with a mane that constantly flowed like the wind or as if she was underneath water. Strange markings were present above her eyes and when Luna opened an eye up carefully they were as white as the snow.
"Sister, I don't think this is your typical pony."
"I'm with you on that note."
"What type of pony is she? Is she one at all? I see that she has no wings or horn."
"I can't say for sure. She reminds me of the ponies of ancient times but there are not much information I know on them. The mother, whatever she may be, earth pony or not, does not seem to hold any sign of life I am afraid. The foal, however, is breathing and has a horn. The mother probably died of her wounds."
The foal slept soundly in it's mother's fur. It was not injured but dirtied with the blood stains of it's owner.
"So the foal is a unicorn? What do we do sister? Do we leave it here knowing naught of what may happen?
"Too leave our kind, nonetheless a foal, is far below a princess. Does a princess not do what's right even in times of not knowing the situation?"
"Sister, we now naught of the foal or the mother. Ar-Are you sure?"
Celestia looked to her sister and gave her a gentle smile of reassurance. "I am very sure, Luna." When Luna was finally able to regain her strength, Celestia went over to the foal and levitated it onto her back gently as to not wake it up. Luna and Celestia continued their flight back to Canterlot. One could not help but wonder if the reason Celestia and Luna saved the foal and spared it of it's fate was to ease themselves of their suffering and pain. To make up for the loss of the empire, the king and so on. Whatever it was now was simple. To return home safely and move on. Little did the princesses know that as they were departing, wooden wolves looked at them with eyes keened on the pure white foal lying on Celestia's back.
Celestia and Luna made their way back to the castle safe and soundly. Sneaking into the top tower's window as too not disturb any pony. Luna checked the foal on Celestia's back and with relief, the foal was still asleep and breathing softly. Celestia departed for her bedchambers and Luna did the same but this time with the foal. Celestia entered her room and removed the battle armored from herself. Her bedchamber clearly reflected her very theme as princess of the day. The ceiling was decorated with clouds and doves, the carpet was shades of a reddish orange color, and her canopy bed was decorated with a blanket littered with embellished sun's with the curtains of the bed clamped together with sun shaped clips. After removing her armor, Celestia sat in front of her white vanity and levitated a brush over to her and begun to brush her hair.
Not to far from her a certain bird let out a huff of fire from it's beak. Celestia glanced over to the golden cage. "Why hello Philomena." Celestia said with a smile. "Missed me?" The bird only jerked it's head to the left in disapproval. Celestia trotted over to where Philomena was and opened the cage. Philomena flew out and landed on top of Celestia's vanity. Celestia walked back and continued brushing her ever flowing mane and looked at the clock on her wall. It was 3:00 am and was only a few more hours left before the sun had to rise. Celestia sat down her brush and galloped over to her bed where she flopped down onto. She lit the fireplace using her magic and burned the other candles out. She would have went to check on Luna but long tired she drifted off to sleep. Knowing that the day that comes will be soon.
Luna was long from tired and walking on her injured leg just wasn't an option. Luna had walked to the maid keeper's office where the linens of the castle was kept and took some blankets to set them aside for the foal that she and Celestia had found. When she made it back to her bedchambers, she sat down the blankets and made a comfy bed on the floor for the foal who was lying on the bed still asleep. Luna levitated the foal over to the make shift bed and got upon her own. Luna's bedchamber was no different form Celestia's but had much more detail. The ceiling was decorated with all phases of the moon and constellations throughout the seasons.
The carpet was printed with bats and a silver outline to coat the rug. Her bed too was a canopy and the blanket was embellished with moon's and the curtains of the bed clamped shut with star shaped clips. Truly fitting for the princess of the night. Luna glanced over to the foal and could not help but be mesmerized by the strange foal. Her pure white coat reminded her of her sister's and it wasn't everyday that you saw a foal born without a tail. Luna was a nocturnal pony and her entire pattern of sleeping during day and waking during the night would be put out of order but it could not be helped. Tomorrow was going to be rough with the deliverance of the bad news.
