The Draconsteed

"Wow, that was rude. Didn't anyone teach you any manners? Really, to make demands without at least introducing yourself. That's just plain uncouth."

Luna was stunned. Not only was the thing before her capable of intelligent speech, it just lectured her on proper behavior. the guards just stood slack jawed. This thing was either the bravest, or dumbest, creature they had encountered. The sound of it clearing it's throat broke the awkward silence that had befallen the room.

"Well?" She said with a condescending tone.

Fury started to take hold of Luna. She could see it plainly on her face, after all, she did just make a fool of her in her own throne room. In front of her own guards no less! Luna opened her mouth to scream at her but was interrupted by a new voice filling the room.

"Sister, what is taking so long? You must lower the moon in a few minutes."

Now she was surprised. She new that loving, motherly tone like the back of her paw. However, she was not accustomed to the form that now came with it.

"Celestia..." She mumbled under her breath. The great ruler, fair and kind to all. She knew her in her own time, but then she was old, her mane had lost much of it's color and her coat was a dull silver. She had lost much of her regal stature and usually was kept in bed. That, however, was not the Celestia before her. Her vibrant, multicolored mane flowed around her. Her coat was a blinding white that glistened like snow, and most certainly held every bit of her regal status on every part of her tall, lean form.

Celestia stopped, taking a place next to Luna, carefully studying the creature that stood in the middle of the throne room. A few moments passed before Celestia broke the silence.

"Hello there. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria, Who might you be?" Her tone was gentle, but still held a firm command over the creature.

"My name is Saphear, your majesty. Saphear Brightscales." She said with a deep bow.

"I must say, I have never seen a being such as you, where do you hail form?"

"I hail from nowhere, your majesty. I'm a bit of a traveler, and have no real home other than the roads I travel." Saphear said rising from her bow.

"And what is it thou actually does on these "Travels" Ms. Brightscales?" Luna asked, her voice a mixture of annoyance and genuine curiosity.

"Um, could you call off the attack dogs first? I don't want to get hit on the head again."

"Excuse me? Hit on the head? Did my sisters guards attack you?" Celestia asked, a look of concern resting heavily on her face.

"Well, I was... not myself at the time, so I probably appeared like some vicious predator. It was my fault for letting my emotions get the better of me in public." Saphear turned to the guards and, giving her best "kicked puppy" look, said, "I'm sorry, could you forgive lil ol' me for scaring such strapping stallions as yourselves?"

"Yes ma'am." was the only reply that came from the stoic guards.

"Guards, you are dismissed." Luna opened her mouth to protest but thought better of it.

"Let's go talk in the royal study. Do you like tea?" Celestia's warm, motherly expression returned.

"Yes. Tea sounds lovely."

"Right then, Starsign?" At Luna's call a dark purple maid pony walked in.

"How may I be of service?" The tone of her voice told of years of professionalism, and a distinct pride in her work.

"Show our guest to the royal study, my sister and I shall be there after we finish our duties."

"Of course, Princess Luna." Starsign gave a quick bow and guided Saphear away.

"What's wrong, Divi?" Seraph Hymn was worried about her lover. She had been pacing their room since yesterday. Nothing ever set Divi on edge, not like this.

"The Tear, something came through it." Divi's voice was dark and heavy.

"But the only thing that has been coming through for months now is influence, why would that change now? Besides, you told me that....." Panic flooded her face as the truth began to dawn on her.

"Only the power of a god can send a whole being through The Tear, but that's not what has me worried. What scares me is that if something came through, then why have I not heard about any destruction or panic in the streets. Any god besides myself loves to cause pain and misery for their own enjoyment, so why has none occurred? Something is wrong, I just don't know what...."

The study was silent as Saphear quietly sipped her tea. The dying glow of the fireplace beside her chair bathed her in a comfortable warmth and helped to bat away the cool morning air.

"We hope we have not kept you waiting to long." Celestia and Luna spoke in perfect unison.

"No, I must say though, this is probably the most wonderful cup of tea I've had in ages."  Saphear took another deep sip from her cup. Letting it's warmth seep into her aching bones. "Right, let's get on with it then. I know you two must have a mountain of questions you wish to ask me." Luna was the first to speak.

"Our first question is what art thou? We have not seen a species such as yours in all our time in Equestria."

"I'm a Draconsteed."

"I think what my dear sister means is "What is a Draconsteed?"

"We are a race of Dragon/Pony hybrids. We have pony traits like types, magic, and even get cutie marks."

Luna cut Saphear off, "But you have no mark on your flank."

"That's because of the dragon half. As you may know, dragons are naturally resistant to magic. The magic we get from our pony side reacts differently to us than to normal ponies. One such difference being that our cutie marks appear on our heads." Saphear gave a light tap on the top of her head with a singles claw. "We live longer than ponies but nowhere near as long as dragons. Most of us live to be about 500."

Celestia spoke this time. "You keep saying "us". Did one of your species come with you?"

"Nope, and none ever shall" She stated coldly.

Luna was concerned this time. "Why? Surely thou have family or friends thou can call on." Saphear's face set into a grim frown. "They can't find me. Not  unless they all suddenly become time-travelers."

Luna's face showed clear confusion while Celestia simply closed her eyes and frowned.

"....How far?" Celestia voice was low and solemn. Saphear was a little off guard at the question. Not because she didn't expect it, she just didn't think she'd be asked it this soon. after a moment of silence to compose herself Saphear finally answered.

"How old are you, Celestia?" The princesses ignored the frankness of the question for the sake of a real answer. But that didn't keep Celestia from blushing slightly as she answered.

"I'm 3049."

"Tia, tell her the truth."

"Fine, 4000." Celestia grumbled, which sent Luna into a fit of giggles. Saphear waited for the commotion to die down before answering.

"I'm roughly from 9000 years in the fut-" The princesses barely had time to gasp as Saphear collapsed into a heap on the floor.

Saphear awoke in a hospital. Her eyes burned and her mouth felt like it was made of sandpaper. She let out a soft groan as she tried to roll out of bed. Her attempt, however, was halted by a purple blur.

"Slow down there, just lay down and tell me what you need."

*Mumble*

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

*Mumble*

"What?" The strange blur leaned in close to her mouth. Her snout was filled with the smell of old books and.... brimstone? Saphear was to tired to care. Putting all the energy she could muster into her lungs, she weakly coughed out her request this time.

"Water"

'Right away." Saphear could hear the door open as the purple blur called out for a nurse. After a few moments she could feel her head being lifted and a cool substance met her lips.

Water! Sweet, delicious water! Oh Celestia! That's good.

Saphear drank greedily from the cup. After her second glass her vision started to clear. After a moment she became aware that the purple blur was still there, and she was actually a unicorn.

"Thank you, miss. That was just what I needed. I'm Saphear. Saphear Brightscales, and you?"

The purple unicorn put on a smile and looked at her with large, equally purple eyes, and said,

"I'm Twilight Sparkle, and The Princess has asked me to look after you while you settle in."

Confusion filled Saphear's face. "Settle in where, exactly?"

"Why, here in Ponyville of course!"

Saphear looked out the large window on the wall next to her and saw that she was no longer in the bustling city of Canterlot but was instead in a small town. Saphear studied the town outside the window for a while. After a few minutes a nurse walked in.

"Ms. Brightscales, your up. How do you feel?"

"Better after a glass of water. What happened?"

"You collapsed in Canterlot Castle. You were suffering from extreme exhuastion. When was the last time you slept?"

Saphear had to think hard on the question. Well, I was knocked out by the guards. But that was only for a few hours. Lets see.... I started following that.... *bastard*..... four days ago. I've been here for two days so that means....

"About a week ago." Shock and concern coated both mare's faces.

"What were you doing that was so important to neglect sleeping for a whole week!?" Twilight asked.

"That's a bit of a.... personal issue. I'd rather not talk about it. Nurse-" Saphear blinked. She forgot to ask her name! That was one of the first things she learned about proper manners! It was right next to "Please" and "Thank you". The nurse caught her little dilemma and cut off Saphear's train of thought.

"Redheart, dear. Nurse Redheart." Thankfulness shot across Saphear's face.

"Thank you, Nurse Redheart. If I may ask, may I leave soon?" Concern once again coated Nurse Redhearts face as she considered it.

"... You may leave today, but only if you promise to get plenty of bed rest!"

"Of course, Nurse." Saphear rolled out of bed and headed for the door when Twilight called out to her.

"Where do you think your going?"

"To find an Inn or a hotel to stay at. Why?"

"Oh no you don't. The Princess asked me to keep an eye on you! Your staying at my place till she tells me it's alright. Besides, while your on bed rest I'll get to ask you all sorts of questions!"

Saphear froze in her tracks. "Questions? Like what?"

"First lets get you to my place" Twilight sauntered up next to Saphear and drug her along to the library.

I hope she's strong enough to lift me. Sweet Luna, I'm getting dizzy

"Saphear, are you really alright? You don't look to good."

"Falling."

"What?" That was the only warning before Saphear dropped over on top of poor Twilight.