Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were three regal relatives to rule over the land, and to bring peace and harmony to all who dwelled within. The King kept the outside world at bay, and protected his ponies. The Queen spread love and joy to everypony in the land. And their sister (on the kings side) focused all of her being to bettering their society through magic, as was her duty as Element of Magic, and the Archmage.
But, all that changed, on one fateful day, when the Archmage discovered a new form of magic. Realizing it was a part of her duty to unravel the secrets, she worked together with her apprentice to unlock its potential. Nopony had realized, until it was too late, its evil influences. The dark magic corrupted the Archmage and her student, twisting them into horrid renditions of their former selves. The apprentice’s mind was incapable of handling it, and he eventually went insane. The Archmage herself, however, was able to keep her faculties. Her heart grew dark, even going so far as killing a dragon and resurrecting it as a pet, a feat abhorrent to anypony at that time.
The Archmage, with her deranged apprentice and pet dragon, reigned terror on the little ponies until one, whose name was stricken from existence, discovered a spell that would entrap the Archmage in the Amulet of Magic around her neck. Without its master’s powers, the dragon crumbled into a pile of bones. The ponies were unable to use a similar spell to stop the student. In Equestria’s final attempt to stop him, the dark mage student took the Empire to the north, and homeland of the Queen, with him, leaving nothing more than the cold tundra.
While nopony knows for sure, it is said the Element of Magic now grants anypony immense power at the cost of slowly corrupting them. Some previous owners say it whispered into their ear promising great power and fortune. Some believe it’s the voice of the Archmage enforcing her will through the artifact. Despite becoming powerful, they were eventually saved before everything got out of hoof, but the amulet would be gone before it was recovered. With its few sightings it has been given it a new name, the Alicorn Amulet, due to its pony head shape with wings and horn.
“Odd...” The white mare tapped her chin. “What’s an old ponies tale doing in here?”
She lifted the book to find the title. Magical Artifacts of History, it read. The unicorn got off the ground and levitated the book into her saddlebags. “I better ask Cadenceif I’m going to find out more. At least she’s in this one this time.” She began to trot down the dirt path, her pink hair blowing behind her. Along the way, she was greeted by three ponies.
“There you are, Celestia!” The middle one called. “Moondancer is having a little get-together in the castle courtyard. Wanna come?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Celestia beamed. “I just need to go home and do something with Sparks and we’ll be right over.”
As she trotted away they waved their hooves. She only stopped once more to greet Lyra and her friend, again acknowledging she’d make her way to the party.
“Sparks?” She called as she entered their home. Sadly she came in too quickly and rammed right into the red dragon. The mare quickly grabbed him and his package in her magic before he fell on top of it. “Sorry about that,” The mare nervously giggled. “I need your help and then we’ll be heading to the party. We might need to send a letter to the Queen.” She put the dragon back on his feet.
He grumbled a little as he received his gift box. “Are you sure we can make it in time? Or are we going to be ‘fashionably late’ again?”
“Ponies are busy creatures, and everypony knows it. If we’re a little late, we’re a little late.” She left the lobby and continued towards their library. They’ve had many chances to collect books on their adventures, and did so with gusto. As such they had to do some reconstruction on the mansion to fit a study too large to be called one. “Now I need you to find anything you can on the Alicorn Amulet while I write the letter. I’ll stay out of your way till you’re done.”
“Alright, alright.” He set the gift on the table. Nopony was allowed to touch his perfectly organized library. Nopony. Which meant that he had to get the books himself. Even so, a spell Celestia had cast on him made it much easier to search books by content rather than by title. It let him locate a couple of written words in a nearby area. It was severely limited, but it was perfect for a dragon that loved organization.
As he deftly made his way around the large bookcases, Celestia pulled out a quill and ink from the nearby drawer.
Dear Cadence,
Sparks and I are about to start another artifact search and was wondering if you might have any clues. In fact, the first bit of information I found had to do with you. It sounds like an old ponies tale about the ancient Archmage. How she was locked in an amulet she wore when she started work in dark magic. Due to its dark history I’d also like to request space in the Vault, just in case.
Any lead would help since all we’ve got to go on so far (Sparks is scouring the study as I write) is what looks like an old story.
We will stop by before we go. If you know anything you could send a letter or tell us then.
See you soon,
-Celestia
She put down the quill just as Sparks returned with a single tome. “This is all we have. The spell found a couple of childrens stories, but with a quick scour there weren’t any leads. This however,” He lifted it onto her desk and tapped it with his claw. “has an account of one of its victims.”
Celestia furrowed her brow “Really? We’re never that lucky.”
“Oh, no, don’t worry. We’re not.” He stated, dryly. “The whole thing seems to be the ravings of a lunatic. But, it’s a start.” He chuckled lightly. “But before we dive into that, can we go to the party now?”
“Sure thing, just send this off for me and we’ll be off.” She put the letter in an envelope and passed it to her little librarian. He gushed a deep blue flame, similar to his ridge scales, encasing the letter in smoke, sending it off in a cloud which flew out the window. He grabbed the gift box and started for the door. Celestia soon followed behind, a grin plastered on her face as thoughts of a new adventure dance through her head.
“So, are you going to tell me what it is about this ‘Alicorn Amulet’?” Sparks asked as he hopped onto Celestia’s back. Celestia handed the gift to him as she began trotting down the pathway.
“It’s an amulet from some time ago that had caused a lot of trouble. The wearers gains a boost to their magic, but its whispers drive them insane with power.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Sparks waved his claws hinting towards continuation. “Why’re you interested in it all of a sudden?”
“It’s apparently haunted by King Shining’s sister. Considering something that important hasn’t been recovered, I’m thinking it’d make for a great adventure.”
At the mention of adventure, the dragon sighed. “Alright, so when are we starting this adventure of yours?” Dragons were more the type to settle down. They would hoard something until they were satisfied, and live in it for decades. Sparks, in particular, hoarded organization in the form of his books. Not the books themselves, mind you, but knowing exactly where they were placed at all times. Sparks would make a great librarian, if it wasn’t for the fact that no one was allowed to touch the books but him.
But, he still tagged along on Celestia’s escapades for new friendships. “We’re going to stop by the castle after the party to see if Cadence has any ideas. She might be able to point us in the right direction. Then, we’ll head back to the house to make our arrangements. From there, it depends on what we find.” She did a little bounce of excitement. “Ooohh, I can just feel it! What new hills lay over this ones crest?” Her pace picked up.
The castle courtyard was relatively large. A game of hoof ball could be played if it was flat. Instead, a fountain stood in the center and pathways went back and forth, letting ponies get to where they needed to go. Tonight, the place was filled with ponies either dancing to the music or socializing with each other. Sparks had gone over to the gift table and continued to chat with Moondancer, tonights host. Celestia, on the other hoof, found her way to Lyra Heartstrings, a seafoam green unicorn with a lyre cutie mark.
“Lyra!” Celestia immediately grabbed the mare in a hug. “So sorry we couldn’t chat earlier. Had to get home before we came here.” She laughed as she let go.
“Oh no, not another one of your adventures, I hope.” The mare returned the smile, “During our last adventure, we had to deal with a siren.”
“Only because you pointed out a wrong note.” Celestia poked at Lyra, “Plus you ended up with the mare of you dreams, didn’t you?” She gestured to the cream mare with blue and pink curls.
“I was beginning to wonder if you had forgotten me.” The mare in question replied in mock offence. It had taken a higher, almost stereotypically noble pitch.
“Who could forget you, Bon Bon? With a voice like that!” Celestia laughed into her hooves.
“Which one?” Lyra added.
They all laughed until Bon Bon hooked a hoof around Lyra. “So what is it this time. We’ve got the Harp of Hysterics. Could it be the Drum of Doom? The Towering Tuba? Ooh, maybe the Terrible Triangle!” This time her voice was more loose and high.
“What is it with artifacts and alliterations anyway?” Lyra paused, repeated her words silently and then fell on her back laughing.
“Actually, it's not a musical instrument. The ‘Alicorn Amulet’.” This only increased Lyra’s outburst of laughter. “Yeah yeah, more alliteration. If its any better, it was originally called the Element of Magic.” They gave Lyra a moment to breathe and get up before continuing. “We don’t have any idea where to start yet, but me and Sparks are going to meet up with Queen Cadence to get an idea.”
“Wait, the Queen? Does the 'Alicorn Amulet' have to do anything with her?” Bon Bons voice returned to its noble like pronunciation, but was a bit deeper.
“From what I know, it’s possessed by the King’s sister.” Celestia prepared for a moment, and continued by standing on her rear hooves and using a deeper voice. “They say she became drunk with dark magic and could only be stopped by locking her in her own element.” She waved her hooves close to her.
“You know, that effect is better when you’ve got some good lighting for it.” Bon Bon deadpanned.
“Right. Anyway, either of you wanna come? The adventure’s only just starting!” Celestia swayed a little from side to side, a wide grin on her face.
“Sorry Celly, we’ve just got back from our honeymoon.” Bon Bon’s voice took a motherly tone, “Maybe get a hold of us for the next one. Don’t get yourself hurt!” She called as she pulled the seafoam green waving pony away.
“Well, that was interesting to watch.” Celestia jumped at the voice and turned towards her sister.
“LUNA!” Celestia cried as she grabbed her “Where have you been?” She held onto her dark blue coat and pulled her closer so she could see her better.
“Starting up our next debacle, as always.” Celestia laughed into her hoof.
“What am I going to do with you?” The younger sister sighed. “And, it has not been all that long. You can’t go a day or two without seeing your sister?” At the end, she smiled.
“Sure I can. I'm not sure if the ponies around me could stand me that long though. You keep me what most ponies consider sane.” Celestia stuck out her tongue. Luna replied in a similar gesture, before their antics divulged into laughter.
“So,” Celestia started after collecting their wits. “Does that mean you’re ready for our next adventure?”
“No rest for the weary, I guess. Where are we going to start?” Luna grabbed a glass off a nearby tray as a waiter walked by.
“Well, I’m hoping Cadence might have a start for us” Celestia grabbed a glass with her magic. “But there is a book Sparks found with an account from one of the wearers. Apparently its similar to the ravings of a madcolt.”
“We never get lucky, do we?” Luna sighed.
“Yeah, well, I’m just hoping we can glean something from it that’ll help us along.” Celestia took a drink of the punch. “Mmm, fruit punch, my favorite. Think they have any cake?” She glanced around.
“I don’t know, but maybe we should greet our host before delving into the food table.” Luna laughed and took a sip of her punch before pointing in the general direction of the fountain. “Come on, I think she’s finally free.”
The water fountain rose high above the ponies, decorated with foals playing in it like it was a sprinkler. Some ponies sat on the rim, resting from dancing or having found somewhere to comfortable to move. Moondancer stood off to the side. Her rose red mane with purple highlights framed her porcelain white face. A light blue bow was tied around the root of her tail.
“Celestia, Luna. I was so glad when I heard you made it. I was afraid I missed you before another one of your adventures.”
“And miss your birthday? We’d never!” Luna smiled.
“Technically, you were on an adventure for my last birthday.” Moondancer volleyed.
“But you were with us, therefore we did not miss your party.” Celestia countered. Everypony involved giggled. A few ponies nearby glanced their way in curiosity before continuing with whatever they were doing.
“As it is, we’re getting ready for another adventure. Care for another go?” Luna took a final drink and put her empty glass on an empty tray as it passed by. Celestia’s joined soon after.
“Oh, no, no, no. One is fine by me. Bad enough when I was forced to when diamond dogs stole my great grandmothers necklace. I’d prefer to stick to the other side of the business, thank you very much.” Despite the moment of panic she calmed down instantly and grinned. “Speaking of business, what is it this time? Maybe we can strike a deal?” Moondancer was a trader of rare goods. Not always, but considering her penchant to have parties late into the evening, it made it easier to find contacts that wanted something new or interesting.
“Sorry, but it looks like it’s going to be a dangerous one. Probably going in the Vault.” Celestia shrugged. “Apparently, amulets possessed by evil dark mages tend to cause problems with the general populous.”
“Evil dark mage, you say? That’d turn a bright bit in some markets. None I want to be a part of though. Got a name for it or are you shooting in the dark?” Moondancer took a seat on the fountain lip.
“Originally it was known as the Element of Magic, which also was a title of its wearer. After its corruption and subsequent possession it gained features similar to an alicorn and its coined name became the ‘Alicorn Amulet’.” Celestia summarized.
“Wait Element of Magic? As in, one of the Harmonies?” Luna balked at Celestia. “Aren’t those supposed to be impossible to find?”
“Wait, really?” Celestia returned the look.
“Oh yeah, I heard of them. There’s always a pony or two asking about them once a year. You’re really going to deny me this big deal?” Moondancer pouted, returning her look to the sisters.
“Well, again, extremely dangerous. Ponies lives before money. Sorry, Moondancer. Maybe we’ll find something along the way.” Luna added before she noticed Celestia making her way to the food table.
“Fine, but I get first dibs on the extras!” Moondancer waved at them as they walked off.
“Of course! You’re our best dealer!” Celestia called back before grabbing a plate.
Moondancer sighed as she glanced back up to the stone foals playing tag. “I swear, just chatting with her makes it seem like its all a game.” She laid back onto the cold stone of the fountain and gazed at the night sky.
