Before the events with Nightmare moon.
Twilight Sparkle a purple unicorn who lives in the magical land of Equestria. Twilight has a dark purple mane with a pink streak running through it; her tail matching. Twilight is the student to the ruler of Equstria, princess Celestia. The purple mare is a bookworm and a hard studier, always trying to live up to Celestia’s expectations that she may have.
Twilight is in the royal library, looking through old tomes written by ponies from a time long before this one. She had made her way through half of the pile of books and scrolls when she felt a slight chill run down her back.
Twilight shivered and just sat there.
“I guess it is possible that the library has a ghost in it.” Twilight thought to herself.
“Is everything all right Twilight?” A majestic and kind voice said from the libraries doorway.
Twilight looked up to see a tall pony with a pure white coat. She had a multi colored mane and tail; made of light blue, green and pink. Both her mane and tail seemed to be waving in an imaginary breeze. This pony had both a horn and wings; this pony was princess Celestia.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight practically yelled as she jumped out her chair and bowed.
Celestia smiled at her students surprise. “Please Twilight, calling me Celestia is fine.” Celestia said with a gentle voice. “Might I ask what made my presents such a surprise?” Celestia asked with an intrigued expression.
Twilight looked up with a small sheepish grin. “It was nothing, just a slight chill.” she simply said waving her previous thoughts off but, Twilights curiosity got to her. “Celestia, what do you know about the so called ghost of the library.” She asked her mentor.
Celestia’s smiling face faltered just for a second but, then the majestic princess had a devious grin on her face. “My dear Twilight, would you like to know about the ghost that roams the library endlessly reading, while also learning a bit about me at the same time?” Celestia asked.
Twilight just looked at her teacher with a blank expression, which quickly changed into a giant smile. “If you would allow me to, I would be honored.” Twilight beamed.
Celestia smiled at the purple unicorn and started walking away. Twilight followed her mentor and had to stop her self from bouncing with every step.
“I’m going to show you a place that very few have seen but, before that I need to tell you a story. So if you would follow me, we will walk and talk.” Celestia said still with a gentle soft tone. “This story begins many, many years ago. Back even before I ruled the land we both call home.” Celestia said starting the tale, which you are about to read.
Many, many years ago.
A younger Celestia is walking the halls of her families castle with her chest puffed out and nose in the air. The guards bowed as she passed and she would saver each time they did so; she is a princess after all. The young princess was passing the library when suddenly a pony came around the corner. Both the princess and the other pony smashed into each other and falling to the floor.
Both ponies shook their heads. The other pony was also an alicorn, about the age of Celestia. He seemed to be a Parchment coloured pony with a white tail, mostly black hair with a hint of ink blue. His cutie mark was one of a scroll and quill covered in magic.
“I am so-“ as he looked up to notice the princess his eye’s widened, pupil’s turning the size of pins. “Princess Celestia! I am deeply sorry about this!” the alicron said as he helped up the young Celestia. Something about him made him seem a little more casual toward the princess, regardless how he spoke.
“As you should be after knocking over a princess of the royal family. I guess I can forgive you, Misterrr...” Celestia said with an ‘I’m a princess’ tone.
The alicorn rolled his eye’s at her tone but made sure she didn’t see it. As he picked up a few of the books he dropped and levitating the rest, he answered. “My name is Parchment, Princess Celestia.” Parchment said with a respectful tone.
“Well Parchment consider it an honor that I will forgive you so easily.” Celestia said with tone unlike the one Twilight knew.
Back to Twilight.
“Wait you really said that?” Twilight asked surprised looking up at her mentor.
Celestia smiled. “That I did. You must understand I was young and thought that I deserved respect rather then earn it.” she said slightly embarrassed.
Many, many years ago.
Parchment walked past the princess and then stopped. “Oh and princess. Weather you mind or not I’m going to give a small bit of advice. If you want to be a ruler that all the citizens love and respect; two things. One drop the hole I’m a princess, I’m better then you tone. Second be more kind and friendly maybe let a few ponies call you Celestia.” Parchment said with a smile. “Princess...” he simply said as he walked away leaving Celestia to think on his words.
Soon the strange alicorn was gone and Celestia continued her journey through the castle to the dinning room with a bit of irritation and grumbled to herself.
As Celestia sat at the table with her sister, mother and farther she wore an expression of confusion and curiosity. “Celestia darling are you alright? is something wrong?” Celestia’s mother asked with a concerned tone.
Celestia looked up and smiled. “Yes I’m fine. My thoughts are just occupied.” she said.
“With what sister?” princess Luna asked.
“Do you know a stallion called Parchment? I ‘ran’ into him on my way here but, I’ve never seen him around before.” Celestia asked her sister, still thinking about the unseen stallion.
“I knew one of you would finally meet him.” the mother of the princesses’ said as she placed down her meal.
All including the king all looked at the queen waiting for an explanation. The queen sighed. “Parchment is my student.” the queen explained but, this got an expression of even more confusion.
“He came to me a week ago. When he saw me the first words he said were ‘I’m glad to find I’m not alone’. Well first words after the formalities.” The queen finished.
One week ago.
In a small town there is an academy for those that wanted to study magic, history; just about anything. This academy was home to Parchment and his friends.
Parchment was sitting at a desk in the library, a pile of books stacked to his left. He wore a cloak covering his wings, giving the impression that he’s just a tall unicorn. He sat there scribbling down notes, placing some into the books. Suddenly a light blue Pegasus and a gray unicorn ran into the library, both running up to Parchment.
“Parchment! You need to come with us.” The unicorn said with an overly excited tone.
“Whoa, Whoa. Calm down Starswirl. What’s so important?” Parchment asked as he smiled at his friend.
Back to Twilight.
“This pony called Parchment was friends with Starswirl the Bearded.” Twilight said as Getty as a schoolgirl or fan girl in some cases.
Celestia just nodded and continued to the story.
Many, many years ago, plus a week before that.
“It’s the royal family.” the Pegasus said with a little to much excitement for such a meager event.
“That concerns me why bolt?” Parchment said to the Pegasus.
“Trust us, your going to want to see this.” Starswirl said.
Parchment looked at the two curiously, then all three made their way outside. The street was crowded with ponies all looking out, Parchment and his friends pushed their way through the crowed to the edge of the hoof path. That is were Parchment saw the king and queen on an open carriage. But more importantly he saw that they both had a horn, and wings.
Parchment had an expression of realization and aw. His friends smiled at his reaction, both expecting this to be it.
The three were back in the library and Parchment was grabbing his things. Levitating the books up and placing them back in the shelf where he found them. Parchment ran past his friends and the two followed, both unsure what their friend was doing.
“What are you up to?” Starswirl asked as they galloped with Parchment.
The three made it back to Parchment’s room.
“What do you think?... I’m going to meet the royal family.” Parchment said plainly.
Starswirl and Bolt looked at him with shock.
“Then what?” Bolt asked.
“Show them I’m one of them.” Parchment said casually.
“Wait you’re a royal?” Bolt asked with a cheeky smirk.
Parchment looked at him. “No. I’m going to show them I’m a... What did you call it Starswirl; Alicorn?” He said.
“And then?” Starswirl asked.
Parchment stopped; then simply shrugged and continued packing his saddlebags.
“For somepony so smart, you don’t think a lot of things through.” Starswirl stated.
A few minutes later and Parchment was flying off towards the castle where the queen and king lived.
Parchment landed in front of the gate, two guards stopping him. Both looked at each other after seeing the horn on Parchment’s head.
“I’m here to see the queen or king, which ever.” Parchment said casually, while also excited and panting for air.
Parchment had his cloak on once more covering his wings once he landed and folded them in.
The guards looked him over then one started walking away. “Follow me.” he simply said.
Without hesitation Parchment followed the guard. They weaved through hall after hall until they reached the throne room. The guard told Parchment to wait; the guard opened the door slightly and peaked in.
The guard turned to Parchment. “The queen will see you.” He said as he walked off.
Parchment followed the guard with his gaze and then looked at the doors leading to the throne room. He took a deep breath in and then pressed forward, opening the doors and walking in.
Parchment walked in and looked around the massive marble room. The queen noticed him and just watched curiously. Parchment then laid eyes on the queen; he scanned her body until he saw what he was looking for. Two wings and a horn.
“You know most bow when they meet royalty.” The queen said with a small smile.
“I’m sorry your majesty." Parchment said with a bow. "I’m just so excited.”
“Then tell me what is so exciting. It must be big for you to come to me.” The queen said with a light chuckle.
Parchment raised his head a smirk plastered on his face. He then grabbed the cloak with his teeth, and pulled it off in a rather dramatic fashion.
“I guess I’m glad to find I’m not alone.” Parchment said now with a softer smile.
The queen had an expression of surprise and aw as she looked over Parchment. “Tell me, who are you?” the queen asked with a gentle smile.
“My name is Parchment.” Parchment said with a bow.
The queen sat there thinking. “When you said alone, am I right in assuming you have no family?” The queen asked. Parchment just nodded, “He has no family and he’s an alicorn. What should I do? It’s the first time his seen another. I know I’ll let him stay with us.” The queen thought as she smiled at her plan. “Parchment, how would you like to be my student?” she asked.
Parchment had an expression of surprise. “W-what?” is all he could muster.
“How would you like to live here in the castle and study under me?” The queen asked holding back the giggle at his reaction.
Parchment’s face lite up with a smile. “I would be honored but, what would we be studying?” Parchment asked.
The queen then went into deep thought. “Is there anything you want to study?” the queen asked.
“I’ve been studying basically everything. I was studying at the academy in the town you past a few days ago. I basically just made my way through every book in the library. That’s all I do, read through books, write notes, so on. I’ve even written a few spells and books but, that’s all I’ve done.” Parchment explained.
The queen smiled. “Then that is what you will do. What you’ve always done. You will have access to the royal library for your study.” She said with her gentle and soft smile.
Forward a week
“So he’s been here working through shelf after shelf in the library. I’m thinking of making his room and personal study the Library. He does spend most of the day in there.” The queen trailed off.
After the meal Celestia made her way back to her room but, found herself passing the library and peaking in as she past. She saw Parchment working on something, while simultaneously placing books with slips of paper pocking out back into the bookshelf.
Celestia just continued walking but, soon over the next few days she found herself passing the library and peeking in more often. The princess’s curiosity made her always take a route through the castle that took her past the library.
When three weeks passed Celestia’s curiosity grew and she realized that she had not seen Parchment eat anything. So on her way to breakfast she once again passed the library seeing the young alicorn working on a new set of books.
Celestia remained quite during breakfast only thinking about Parchment. Celestia walked into the kitchen being greeted by the bows of the chefs but, Celestia was to focused on her little errand.
“Chef hat, can I have a breakfast plate to take to the library?” Celestia asked.
The chief nodded and plated up the food, handing it to Celestia. She grabbed it and made her way back to the library.
The young princess looked into the library but could not see Parchment in her immediate view. She walked in slowly looking around, noticing the amount of mess around the library.
Then she spotted movement in the corner of her eye. Parchment was at a desk scanning through a book, making notes and even writing in the book itself.
Celestia walked up next to Parchment. She stood there waiting for him to acknowledge her but once nothing came she cleared her throat.
Parchment blinked then slowly looked to Celestia. “Princess?! What brings you here?” Parchment asked with slight surprise in his voice.
“I-I thought you might want some breakfast. I don’t think I’ve seen you eat.” Celestia said placing the plate on the desk.
“Breakfast?” Parchment said confused, “is it that time already? Wait...” he said as a sly grin appeared on his face. Celestia looked at him confused. “Is the all mighty princess Celestia worried about me?” Parchment said with a devious grin.
Celestia found herself flustered at the statement. “What do you mean by that? I’m not evil you know.” she said with a humf.
“I know, I know... Thank you princess, I do lose track of time.” Parchment said with a more gentle tone as he grabbed the food with his magic and continued his work.
Celestia stood there looking at him for a few seconds before she started trotting off.
“You can call me Celestia if you wish.” the princess said as she left.
“Looks like somepony’s taking my advice. I would gladly call you that.” Parchment said not really looking away from his work but, tilting his head in Celestia’s general direction.
Celestia smiled and continued out. “I’ll bring you some lunch, I’m sure you’ll forget anyway.” Celestia said with a smirk.
“Thanks Celestia.” Parchment yelled back.
Celestia froze.1 “I wasn’t expecting him to be so comfortable using my name so quickly.” She thought. Nonetheless she continued out.
Later that day Celestia did as she said and brought Parchment some lunch. Although this time Celestia walked in to see he wasn’t there. Then she noticed a small creature on the floor; Celestia leaned down and squinted to see what it was.
“Hi Celestia.” Parchment said in a squeaky voice.
Celestia reeled back at the sudden realization that the creature was Parchment. “W-what are? how did-“ Celestia tried to ask but Parchment answered before a question could be asked.
“I found a book with a list of the many creatures in Equestria. This one I am now is called a breezie, I was testing a new spell. So just give me a sec.” the small Parchment said.
Then with a flash Parchment was back to his normal self. “I take it lunch is ready?” Parchment said looking at the plate of food.
“Yeah... So you were working on a spell?” Celestia asked, confused at what just occurred.
“Well finished creating it yes.” Parchment corrected calmly as he took the plate and started his lunch.
“You really are talented aren’t you.” Celestia said as she looked around the room and at all the scattered notes.
“Meh...” Parchment said as he levitated a book called, Big Book of Creatures; to his desk and continued reading through it.
“Meh... You just changed yourself into a tiny creature, from a spell you just created and all you can say is meh.” Celestia said stunned.
Parchment turned his head to Celestia. “Meh.” he repeated shrugging his shoulders.
Celestia shook her head with a small smile and started making her way out.
“Oh Celestia.” Parchment called. Celestia stopped and looked at him. “Are you going to bring me all my meals?” Parchment asked confused and suspicious.
Celestia smiled at him. “If somepony doesn’t, you’ll probably forget and then you’d slowly fade away.” she said with a smile.
Parchment just nodded with a small smirk of his own. “you’re probably right. Well then thanks.” he said turning his attention back to the book.
Through the next month Celestia found herself being drawn into Parchments research and projects. Each day her curiosity growing and the closer the two became.
With in another month the mysteries alicorn known as Parchment was courting the beautiful princess Celestia, meaning that the two were an item. With each day of Parchment’s research or just spending time together their happiness grew.
Sadly the peace between the Griffons and the ponies has been under stress and has finally broken. When the Equestrian military asked for soldiers and Parchment joined with out hesitation; he was joined by his friend Bolt and occasionally, Starswirl.
Through his military career Parchment became a well-respected commander; helping with many victories skirmishes. Putting the lives of all the ponies fighting as first priority in any battle.
Celestia would always wait for Parchment’s return and whenever he was away he would send a letter.
Somewhere at a military basecamp; during the eye before the storm. Parchment is sitting at a fire holding a small velvet box. The box was open revealing a pure gold band. Parchment held the box carefully, smiling at what was inside.
Bolt had approached from behind placing a hoof on Parchment’s shoulder making him jump slightly. “So I take it your going to ask her?” Bolt said with a smile.
“Yeah, I have to leave after this fight. I’ll tell her at a fancy restaurant over looking the city, the night sky in the background.” Parchment said with a sparkle in his eye.
“You really are the all out romantic type, aren’t you?” Starswirl said taking a seat by the fire.
“I kind of have to be, I am proposing to a princess after all.” Parchment said.
Bolt let out a loud chuckle. “I guess you do need to go all out.” Bolt said stifling the laugh.
“We should get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.” Parchment said with a gentle friendly tone. He then stood up and tilted his head slightly up. “Because tomorrow we will defend our land from the griffons.” he yelled with inspiration in his voice.
“You really know how to rally the troops.” Starswirl said with a smirk. “goodnight my friends.” he finished walking to his own tent.
“Night.” Both Bolt and Parchment said as they retired to their tents.
Back to Celestia, the day after the battle.
Celestia had finished reading a letter from her beloved Parchment, saying he would be back the current day; after a battle on the previous day. She was practically jumping through the halls to breakfast. This got more then one look from the guards. “You seem to be in high spirits.” the queen said to Celestia who was quietly humming.
“Parchment’s going to be returning today.” Celestia said her smile as bright as the sun.
“I see. So that’s what it is.” Celestia’s mother said with a knowing grin.
After breakfast Celestia made her way to the front door. Just as she was a few meters away there was a knock on the door. Celestia hurried to the door opening it.
Back to the war.
The sun was rising over the horizon, lighting a legion of ponies cladded in gold armor. Parchment stands at the front of the army in his own golden, battle worn armor.
On the opposite end of the wide battlefield is a mass of Griffons, adorning their own steel armor. A griffon that looks battle worn himself, stands in front of the opposing army.
Both armies stand silent, ready for battle. “For Equestria!” Parchment yells followed by the army of ponies yelling the same thing.
Then both armies gave a battle cry and charged. Both the forces colliding; steel clashing against steel, blood being spilled onto the soil. The sun rising with the number of soldiers killed with each passing minute.
Bolt soared through the sky battling griffons taking the fight to the air. Starswirl providing magical support shielding blows, and causing damage to groups of enemies. Parchment using all his magical and physical gifts to his ability to fight the enemy, using two blades in the thick of the fight.
Back to Celestia the day after
Celestia opened the door to reveal the faces of Starswirl and Bolt. “Starswirl, Bolt. Where’s Parchment, is he on his way?” Celestia asked excited, a smile on her face.
She looked down at them, to see them both looking at the floor. Celestia’s beautiful smile slowly vanished. “W-where is he?” she asked her expression meeting her voice.
Starswirl gave a quick glance to Bolt who reached into his saddle bags.
Back to war.
Parchment fought and fought slaying griffon after griffon; his friends fighting not to far off. Parchment kept fighting against terrible odds. Suddenly Parchment gasped, his head slung back, chest heaved forward. Both his friends turned to check the condition of Parchment.
What they saw was a griffon’s spear protruding straight through Parchment’s chest.
“Parchment!” Bolt yelled as he zoomed at the griffon, slicing his own sword through the griffon’s neck.
Parchment fell to the floor. Bolt catching his friend and softened his fall. Starswirl ran over and created a shield around himself and his friends.
Bolt was leaning over Parchment as Starswirl got to his side. Parchment gasps for air, coughing blood.
“Nonononono, you can’t die. Not you Parchment. Not you.” Bolt said tears starting in his eye’s.
“Oh stop worrying about me I’ll be fine.” Parchment said with a weak smile before coughing up more blood.
“Shut up you stupid pony. You shouldn’t move.” Starswirl said placing his cloak over the wound.
“Don’t worry I’ll be-“ Parchment was cut of by a fit of coughing.
“You can’t, you need to go back to Celestia. S-she’s waiting for you.” Bolt said tears streaming down his face.
“Your both great friends, don’t forget that.” Parchment said still with a weak smile.
Back to Celestia, the day after.
Bolt held out a gold battle worn helmet, one for a high-ranking soldier. Both Starswirl and Bolt had expression’s that simply said I’m deeply sorry.
Celestia grabbed the helmet and stared at it. As she stared at it the world slipped away into silence. She knew the two were saying something like; sorry for your loss, he was a good friend. If it wasn’t the two of them she wouldn’t have believed it.
Celestia could feel tears reaching her eye’s; she was snapped out of her silence by her mothers voice. “Tia my dear there you are.” the queen noticed the two stallions and her daughter just standing there. “Celestia what’s wrong?” she made her way next to Celestia.
The queen’s eye’s landed on the helmet, by now the tears had formed and the slight sound of Celestia crying was heard. “H-he can’t b-be de-de-de-... he can’t be.” Celestia broke into tears wrapping her hooves around her mother, crying into her shoulder.
Bolt and Starswirl bowed and left the devastated Celestia to her pain.
Back at the war
Starswirl and Bolt; the friends of the unknown alicorn known as Parchment, sat there tears in their eyes as they watching their friends life slowly slip away. Parchment's blood socked into the soil of the battle field.
“Please promise me you’ll-“, Parchment was cut of by a cough of blood. “You’ll take care of C-Cele... stia” Parchment said with a weak voice as he let a breath out. It was his final breath in the world of the living.
Parchment’s body turned limp leaving no sign of life.
Bolt could do nothing but hold the body of his friend close and sob.
After the battle.
It was the day of Parchment’s funeral, the remaining soldiers that he led, and his two friends stood at attention. It was a proper military send off.
Celestia stared at the coffin of her love, tears starting to form. With a flare of Starswirls horn the coffin ignited into fire. All bowed their heads except Celestia who simply started to cry into her own hooves.
After the ceremony and several ponies doing the standard sorry for your loss. Starswirl then made his way to Celestia.
“I thought I would give you this now rather then before.” he simply said as he levitated out the small velvet box.
Celestia took it holding back the tears. She fully new what it was but couldn’t bring herself to open it.
Years later
Starswirl became the great unicorn mage called Starswirl the Bearded, while Bolt became the first of the Wonderbolts; being named after Bolt himself. Celestia became a kind and loved ruler of Equestria.
Back to Twilight
“It was the most I have cried and will cry.” Celestia finished saying to her young student.
Twilight just looked at her mentor with a saddened expression. The purple unicorn could see the deep sadness in Celestia soft gentle eyes. “Celestia where are we going?” Twilight asked in a hushed tone.
“I am taking you here.” Celestia said pointing a hoof at a door with Parchments cutie mark on it.
Twilight looked around to realize that they were in a part of the library she had never seen before. “And where exactly is here?” Twilight asked.
Celestia just smiled at her student, then pushed open the two large wooden doors. As the doors slowly opened it revealed a room filled with bookshelves, notes scattered on the walls, and small magical devices scattered around.
Twilight walked in, in aw at the mass of knowledge within the room. The purple unicorn walked to the nearest bookshelf and started scanning the titles. Celestia walked slowly through the room looking at the various objects. She made her way to a desk against a wall placing a hoof on the chair.
Twilight walked around to where Celestia was. “There’s so much new things here...” Twilight noticed her teacher was simply looking at something on the desk. “Princess?” Twilight called in a soft hushed tone.
Celestia turned to the unicorn and smiled. “Twilight my faithful student, please look through this knowledge and use it to help with your studies.” She said with her normal gentle voice.
“How did it get here?” is all Twilight asked.
Celestia smiled. “The door is enchanted with a teleportation spell. We are currently at another location in Equestria.” Celestia answered simply. The Princess of the sun then made her way out leaving her student in the new extension of the library.
Twilight looked at the desk, where a golden helmet and small velvet box lay. The scars of battle covered the helmet and a layer of dust covered the desk. Yet none touched the helmet or the box, showing the shined polish of its golden beauty and the soft velvet of the box.
Twilight stared for a moment then made her own way out of the room. As she closed the door she simply said “I’ll use this knowledge when I need it. For now, I’ll let the ghost continue his work.” Twilight closed the doors of Parchment’s study in the royal castle.
Love on Parchment.
