Memories

"No, just for pleasure" Twilight smirked.

The room fell into a dead silence as if everypony and everyone had farted their brains out. The silence was broken by Rarity who muttered something incoherent; and teleported away from the library, presumably to her boutique.

"Well, that's new" Twilight spoke up with amazement.

"I thought you unicorns can do teleportation spells" Artorias commented flatly.

"Yeah, we do; but she never used them before" Twilight replied with a concerned tone, hoping that her friend won't get stuck inside a wall.

Artorias chuckled"Well, lets put that aside; it's uncouth to keep the princesses waiting" he said while strolling to the bathroom with his new attire in his clutches. After dressing up in his new tunic,stuffing the rest of the new clothes into his bottomless inventory bag, and donning his armor,Artorias helped Twilight and Spike to sort their stuffs and headed towards the train station.

"Why do you think Princess Celestia asked for our presence? and what kind of pleasure ?" he asked while carrying a strange rectangular object on his right hand which Twilight told him as a suitcase; which despite to Twilight's objection, he insisted on carrying. Old habit never dies. Twilight had also sent a letter to her mentor regarding the arrival of Sif; which to her surprise was replied in an instant, saying that she had arranged a transport cart for the massive wolf.

"I don't know Artorias." Twilight replied "maybe she wanted to speak with us...or you perhaps."

"Hmm, fair point." He replied, with that they picked up their pace towards the train station. Arriving at the train station, there were not that many ponies at the train station; much to their surprise.

"Over here!" Pinkie exclaimed while bouncing up and down, next to her friends who were helping Rarity with her luggage.

"Let me assist you with that" he said while walking over and gave the mounds of luggage a firm push into the train's luggage rack, getting the job done.

"Thank you darling" Rarity said politely before entering the train car first-head; followed by the mumbling Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Artorias waited until all of the girls are on board, before motioning Sif to hop into the transport cart. As much as he wanted to lay with his companion, the transport cart was too small for two; so he entered the passenger compartment and flopped down next to Rainbow Dash, who seemed to brighten up as Artorias sat next to her.

"All aboard for Canterlot!" the conductor yelled. The train started moving at a steadily increasing pace before going to it's full speed.

The flowing wind from the opened windows stroke Artorias' face gently; making it very easy for him to fall asleep. Which he did shortly after, much to the ponies' amusement.

"Hey Pinkie, you still got that camera?" Rainbow smirked.

"Right here!" Pinkie replied while pulling the camera out of nowhere; as usual.

"A-are y-you sure Artorias won't be m-mad at us?" Fluttershy whispered. Only to be dismissed by Rainbow.

"Relax Flutters, it's just a picture-taking." Rainbow draped a wing around Fluttershy "Besides, he may like photography after we show him what the camera can do." she assured her.

"O-okay then." she replied.

"Okay girls, gather round." with that, Rainbow explained her plans...

An hour later, Artorias was awaken from his sleep by feminine snickers with a strange sensation as if he'd been in an earthquake in his sleep.

"Oh my Celestia!" Rainbow laughed contagiously; causing the rest to laugh with her "this is SO hilarious!" she wiped a tear from her eyes, unaware that Artorias was fully awake. Confused by the sudden eruption of laughter.

"He is so cute when he is asleep." Rarity added, a fact which Artorias both loved and hated. He loved the fact because Ciaran said so, and hated due to Ornstein's occasional prank of drawing comical faces based on his sleeping face; although he always took the prank lightly.

"Did I miss something?" Artorias asked with a confused tone, causing the girls to stop laughing at once and stared at him simultaneously.

"You see, um..." Rainbow hoofed him a picture of the six of them posing with the sleeping Artorias in the middle. Artorias observed the picture for a moment, wondering what the girls had used to capture the image. Never before he saw a picture with a resolution so high, everything depicted in the picture was so accurate and clear. Not even the brightest and the most brilliant paintings in Anor Londo could match the accuracy and clarity of the picture; well, except for the Painting of Ariamis since it was not just a regular painting and the painting was anything but save to observe closely, since it was guarded by the ever so silent Painting Guardians and the risk of being sucked in was and still is an unpleasant thought.

"Say..." Artorias began, "Who painted this picture?"

The girls regained their composure and laughed even harder, increasing his confusion. Seeing this, Twilight instinctively levitated the camera with her telekinesis and started explaining everything she knew about it. After a half an hour of explanation, Artorias had just finished writing the last sentence on his journal. Only the main and important things of course.

"So, basically all I have to do is to aim the camera,press this button, and the picture will come out from this shaft here." Artorias concluded; receiving nods from the girls.

"Alright then, do you girls mind if we do it again?" He asked with a smile "My face will not look good if you put this picture for display." Artorias joked.

The girls chuckled, and Twilight levitated the camera in front of them. All of them taking their positions. Artoria mentally chuckled as he remembered when he, Ciaran, Ornstein, and Gough had to stay still when they were being painted.

"SELFIE!!!" Pinkie exclaimed happily. With that, an audible click emitted from the camera and a picture of seven of them were printed from the camera. Artorias mentally chuckled as he remembered when he, Ciaran, Ornstein, and Gough had to stay still for an hour as their pictures were being painted to be displayed; and the result was impressive actually, but the camera totally aced that painting's result.

Before any of them could say anything, the train came to a halt; signaling their arrival on Canterlot. The station was crowded with a lot of ponies. Probably the entire ponies of Canterlot were there, staring with both awe and fear at a certain great gray wolf in the train's transport cart.

Seeing their reactions, Artorias and the main six immediately exited the train (with Artorias putting the camera into his inventory bag, because Twilight told him to do so) and introduced Sif to the public; telling her great deeds back in Ponyville, and her position as one of Artorias' best friends. After reassuring them several times and due to Sif's supporting manners, the crowd were convinced and continued with their days.

"That was fun." Applejack commented as Sif stepped out from the transport cart and into the platform; holding her greatsword at a safe position.

"It is, thank you for standing up for her." Artorias replied with a smile "Lets head to the castle, I am sure the Princesses are waiting for us." With that, they strolled through the streets of Canterlot.

The walk to the castle was colorful and cheerful, a contrast compared to his first time in Canterlot. Colts and fillies were playing in the streets, which often ran underneath Sif's legs to show how brave they were; much to Artorias' amusement since they reminded him of how children in Anor Londo would pet the feet of the ever so quiet and stoic giant Sentinels guarding the magnificent city. Cafés, restaurants, and other public facilities were bustling with activities which often came to a complete stop when the group passed by; with Sif as the mascot.

After ten minutes, they got to the castle's gates, guarded by two royal guards. They snapped salute at him and let the group through, but their eyes were frozen on the massive gray sword wielding wolf who seemed could cut through an entire battalion of griffons with ease.

As they entered the lavish interior of the castle, all activities came to a complete stop. Again, due to Sif's size. Even after being notified by the Princesses themselves, Sif was and still is way bigger than they expected.

"Hello everypony!" a familiar feminine voice called. Causing all eyes to fall on the source; Princess Cadance with her husband Shining Armor in tow. "Hello to you too Artorias" she greeted the knight which he returned politely before turning to his massive sword-wielding wolf companion who had instinctively bowed before her; perhaps sensing a different level of power within the pink alicorn. "Ah, this must be Sif." she chirped while petting Sif's massive head with her right front hoof, causing Sif to yip.

"Move along everypony, nothing to see here."Shining spoke up; quite a contrast actually. With that, everypony in the area went on with their days.

"Where are the two other Princesses?" Artorias asked.

"I am sorry, my aunties are having a rather sudden business with some diplomats from Gryphonia. In the meantime, we'd like to show you around in Canterlot. They should be ready after we are done."

"A field trip yaayy!" Pinkie exclaimed merrily whilst bouncing all over the area, causing Applejack to catch her with her lasso before she could damage anything. "Sorry" Pinkie said sheepishly with that signature grin of her's.

"A tour by a Prince and a Princess, I felt honored." Artorias smiled politely. But not before glancing at the cart containing Rarity's massive amount of luggage. "But I think it will be best to sort our belongings before we go." But the Princess and the Prince shook their heads.

"That won't be necessary." Shining stated with a smile. Moments later, a unicorn and an earth pony who seemed to be the porters hailed the cart to their bedrooms.

"So, shall we?" Cadance asked while pointing her hoof towards the entrance that will take them straight to the streets of Canterlot.

"Lead the way Princess."

Artorias was very delighted during the tour in Canterlot. To him, Canterlot was not much different from his home in Anor Londo. Cadance and Shining took him to the major landmarks such as the Royal Archives; which Artorias and Twilight shared the same compassion in, The racetrack; where they met with the Wonderbolts, much to Rainbow's excitement and a few elite ponies; Fancy Pants and Sapphire Shores to name a few. The theater, where they met Fleur Dis Lee and Photo Finish, Joe's Donut Shop, which Artorias became addicted with the round treat; the community park, where Artorias and the group played and socialized with the ponies there; especially with the foals. Artorias even got a drawing from from the foals there, which of course; he accepted with open arms. Even Sif herself was quickly accepted by Canterlot's society.

On the way back to the castle, Artorias kept on shifting through the pictures he took during the trip. Both panorama, and his own picture with his friends. And quite frankly, it was good.

"I think you would make a nice photographer Artorias." Shining joked; causing him and the others to laugh.

"I think I fell in love with er- photography now." He chuckled again.

"Oh, really? Are you not falling for somepony Artorias?" Cadance smirked. Artorias' heart skipped a beat and his cheeks were as red as tomatoes, stopping dead in his tracks. But thanks to the orange light of the afternoon sky it was hard to see, he knew who Cadance was referring to. In his mind, he wondered how Cadance could process the entire information, but again she is the Princess of Love. Luna's a very nice mare, and also a princess for that matter. But Artorias would try to avoid a romantic relationship, as he promised himself that he won't break another heart in case something happened to him; just like when he broke the heart of his one and only true love, Ciaran.

"Um, Artorias? are you okay?" Rainbow hovered and waved a hoof in front of his face, ripping his endless train of thoughts away from his brain.

"O-of course, lets go." Artorias said while quickening his pace ahead of the group and into the castle's courtyard with Sif following close behind him, causing them to laugh even harder. As they got to the courtyard, they were greeted by the Princesses themselves. Needless to say, Sif once again became the group's mascot.

"Hello Your Majesties." Artorias greeted the regents politely, bowing before them.

"Please, there's no need for such formalities Artorias." Celestia chuckled. "This must be Sif." she turned his head towards the massive sword wielding wolf who once again bowed to Equestria's rulers.

"Impressive, did you train her to do this?" Luna spoke up.

"Both in manners and using that sword, just like I told you before." Artorias chuckled. Actually, Artorias was somewhat relieved that Luna didn't tackle him with a bone-crushing hug; not that he didn't like hugs, it's just that the naughty snickering and prying eyes of his friends didn't make him feel comfortable over their interpreted relationship.

"Shall we? dinner is served." Celestia stated, with that the group marched into the castle.

The dinner was a hearty feast, filled with vegetables for both parties and meat for Sif and Artorias; much to their excitement. It was also filled with questions, mostly about Artorias' stay in Ponyville. During the whole conversation, Artorias noticed that Luna were glancing at him with a blush on her cheeks; not touching her meal.

"Luna are you okay?" Artorias asked intentionally "you are not eating your dinner since it got served on the table."

Luna jumped briefly after hearing his words, her blush intensified and she began to eat her leafy green salad; trying to ignore the naughty snickers of the others. Artorias snickered at her reaction before returning to his own meal of steaks and finishing it.

"Well Artorias." Celestia spoke up as pony waiters took their empty plates (and a huge bowl where Sif just ate tons of half-cooked meat) "I guess we better leave you to your next 'duties' then." she said with a smirk and a dirty wink before walking out of the dining hall ,followed closely by the main six, Cadance, and Shining Armor, also giving him the same gestures. Leaving him, Sif, and Luna alone in the dining hall.

"So, what are we doing now?" Luna asked with a soft smile.

"How about we go stargazing?" Artorias suggested "It's been awhile since I gazed upon the night sky." He smiled.

Luna's heart raced and her smile grew wider when she heard his words "Oh, that would be lovely. I haven't got much time decorating the Night lately due to the wedding incident." she said "I know a place where that would be perfect." Luna smiled.

"Lead the way Princess." Artorias chuckled. With that, Sif picked up her sword and they walked towards the exit.

"After you m'lady." Artorias said while opening the door for her.

"Thank you my good sir!" Luna replied with a smile. With that, the trio exited the dining hall and back into the halls of Canterlot Castle.

"Come on, this way!" Luna said as she soared above the streets of Canterlot; where Artorias and Sif were trying to keep up with an equally amazing speed and agility, but were also trying their best to not wake up the entire city.

'Damn, she is fast!' Artorias thought as he ran through the streets with Sif following close behind. As they ran, they noticed that the tight quarters of the streets were widening with buildings becoming more and more scarce accompanied by the cobblestone path changing into grass. Before they knew it, they were on the outskirts of Canterlot; specifically on a large open field with a perfect view on the starry night sky, with a stream flowing with water of the purest kind; sparkling underneath the moonlight with Luna laying down on the soft grass by the stream, using her magic to arrange the stars. Much to Artorias' amazement.

'She truly is the Princess of the Night...' he mused to himself. Greatly enchanted by Luna's swaying mane, appearance, and attitude; matching the elegance and tranquility of night itself.

"I win." Luna smirked, patting a spot next to her. Breaking him from his trance. By that time, Sif planted her sword on the ground and started running around in the field, doing her own things.

"Technically, it was never a race." He retorted while sitting down next to her before gazing at the night sky; admiring every inch and detail of Luna's spectacular creation as the cold breeze of night air swept through the field. Artorias was saved due to a combination of a blue steel armor and well-tailored tunic underneath it, but for the Princess of the Night herself; the cold was enough to make her shiver, causing her to huddle to the best source heat; but instead of warmth, she was met with Artorias' cold and unfeeling steel armor.

Seeing this, Artorias instinctively took his cape off and gently covered Luna's exposed body with it. Turning his cape into a makeshift coat of comfortable azzure blue silk, shielding Luna from the cold.

"Thank you very much Artorias." Luna said softly with an even softer smile, staring deeply into Artorias' blue eyes.

"No. Thank you, Luna. I have never seen a night so beautiful before." Artorias replied while also staring into Luna's cerulean eyes, sparkling beautifully under the moonlight.

"Do you mean it?" She said while shifting closer to him. Artorias was startled by the amount of emotion in her voice.

"I do." Artorias answered with a smile "You should know Luna, a lot of people- er, ponies, appreciate and love your nights than you know. You are a good mare, don't let anypony else tell you differently."

Time seemed to slow down as Artorias and Luna leaned closer and closer to each other, a sensation of warmth began to fill the air as their lips were mere inches away from each other. Just when it was about to happen, that sensation of warmth was replaced by a tsunami of cold water, wetting them both.

Before they could react, another wave of water washed upon them; with Sif being the water tosser. Staring at them with a playful expression.

"Oh, you are going down!" Artorias declared as he got up from his seat and sprinted towards the river and started raining rounds of water to his great gray wolf companion. Luna got up from her seat and hung Artorias' drenched cape on a nearby tree, using her magic to speed up the drying process, before joining Artorias and Sif in their water-bombing frenzy.

Author's Note

"I am sorry, my aunties are having a rather sudden business with some diplomats from Gryphonia. In the meantime, we'd like to show you around in Canterlot. They should be ready after we are done."

This story isn't dead my fellow undeads!

I was focusing on my other story; "Sentinels Of Equestria"it's been a month...and for that, I am sorry to keep you waiting

But now, I am going to update both stories constantly; and I hope there will be no obstructions ahead.

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