When a Mage Takes to Court Duty

"Ah, the halls of Canterlot castle can never get old, can they Celestia?" Beside Celestia stood an old stallion.  His coat was silver with a gray beard and mane. Atop his head stood a classical wizard hat. He took pride in the fact that he looked similar to the great Starswirl the Bearded, though few would ever notice. He was on his way to the royal Library. Thankfully there was always another book to read. He seemed to bump in to Celestia along the way and offered to escort her to her daily court, of course she was never one to deny an old friend.

"I suppose so." Celestia was tired and it was pretty obvious, even to old Starlight here.

"Celestia you seem tired. Is something the matter?"

"Oh it's nothing, it's just the royal treasury has had an surplus of income from trades" Celestia let out a sigh "So naturally the royals and politicians have been fussing over where it should be spent. Happy go lucky me when I have a pile of documents to fill out and they demanded an extent to the court's duration." letting out another sigh, Celestia felt the topic should change as she didn't want this conversation to be about her problems. "So how is the school? I hear things are going well for new coming students?"

Starlight felt saddened by the Princess's tale, unsure of her situation. "Well... yes, we may have hardened the entrance exam a bit, but it seems the young ones are finding it easier. Thankfully more unicorns are having more of an interest in magic as well as an increased amount of raw energy. Though none of which have come close to that Twilight Sparkle, I can assure you that. "He let out a smile then it changed when he remembered he never really met her. "Speaking of which when will you allow me the honor of meeting Equestria's newest Princess, and bearer of magic. I hear she has power that surpasses that of Starswirl the Bearded!"

"Sorry, it seems that every time one of you is available, the other is busy." At this point Celestia's head was low.

"Yes, it's been like that since the day she enrolled" Starlight deadpanned

"I promise you, one of these days all three of us will sit down, have a cup of tea, and talk magic for eons" Celestia raised her head with a smirk.

"Oh ha ha, poking fun because I haven't mastered that spell yet?"

"Honestly Starlight, you may be old but you still have plenty of years on your back."

"Yes I know, but i'm so close. And when i'm done, you'll be the first to know."

"And I'm glad about it." Celestia was somewhat in a good mood again. Though Starlight still noticed some tiresome in her eyes. Maybe she needed a break from her courtly duties.

Moments passed as the two walked the hallways. Starlight always enjoyed looking out the windows and admiring the scenery. It was a sunny morning in the middle of Spring, so the world always seemed so alive during the time. But beyond the magnificence of the gardens, beyond the great mountains in the distance, lay the sun in all it's beauty. Starlight always admired the night sky. The field of stars shining in the distance, burning bright for all to see their celestial beauty. It was divine to just gaze upon them. But the Sun in daytime, always was the closest and brightest. Starlight then turned to see its bearer, burning bright as always.

"Well here we are, thank you for accompanying me to the court. At least my day will start out well." Princess Celestia lifted her hoof to the handle with a frown on her face.

That's it, I have to do something!

"Princess wait!" Starlight intruded.

"Hmm?" Celestia raised an eyebrow.

"What if... What if I took over your courtly duties for today?"

Celestia looked confused. She wasn't sure how to respond, but after a moment she did "Starlight, while I appreciate the offer I can't just-"

"It'll be simple, You alert the guards of what i'm doing and you go off to complete those documents then have the rest of your day to relax. Please I've known you for a long time, allow me to do you this favor."

"Starlight you really don't know how foolish the nobles can be."

"Oh please, how bad can they really be?

"Very." Celestia Deadpanned, mimicking Starlight.

"Then you leave them to me. As an old friend, I insist." There really was no way Celestia was going to refuse him.

"Alright, I'll alert the guards." By then Celestia entered the room to tell the guards. Thoughts about how it would be like entered Starlight's mind. Perhaps Celestia is just exaggerating about them. Even if she wasn't all I have to do is assert dominance. Oh what am I thinking, even if they were as bad as she says. They're still not savages. They may be crazy but at least they're civil... I hope.

The doors opened and Celestia came out. "Alright the guards know but the nobles don't. I thought I'd leave that for you." Celestia gave him a hug and he returned the favor. Letting go Celestia then trotted down the hall. "Have fun."

Starlight smiled. He entered the court room and sat upon the throne. He checked his hat, gave his beard a brush, took a deep breath then looked upon the room of confused nobles. He raised his hooves and spoke. "Let today's Court BEGIN!"