The Bright Equestrian Moon

In walks a large unicorn stallion. His coat is white, he has blue eyes, and his mane and tail are also blue. The next most noticeable thing is his moustache and monocle combo. He’s dressed in a black suit, blue vest, and white button up shirt that has gold or brass buttons, with a purple bow tie. He must be the best dressed stallion I’ve seen so far. He stops before the steps to the throne and bows his head deeply. “Good evening, Princess Luna, I hope your time between the announcement and now has been agreeable.” He has a very gentlemanly, sir-ish voice; posh wouldn’t be the right word, but he speaks correctly. He also sounds like the kind of guy you’d call a gentleman and a scholar.

Luna gives him a smile. “Good evening, Fancy Pants; I believe it has been. I hope your day has also been rather enjoyable.” She gestures to me. “Allow me to formally introduce you to Travis Blackbourne, my romantic partner.” She then gestures to the stallion called Fancy Pants. “Travis, this is Fancy Pants, a rather influential, yet very fair and reasonable member of the Canterlot elite who represents Canterlot in Equestrian affairs. He also helps organise and fund various functions around Canterlot.”

Fancy Pants holds up his hoof up to me, which I firmly shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir Travis Blackbourne. Unlike the majority of the Canterlot elite, I am unopposed to Princess Luna choosing you for a romantic partner. You appear to be quite a reasonable fellow, and so I will treat you as such.”

I smile as his friendly introduction puts me at ease. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Fancy Pants. I’m glad you’re on our side with this matter. You also seem like a very sensible and decent stallion, unlike another one or two I know… And you can just call me Travis.”

“Of course, then you may simply call me Fancy.” He gives me a measured smile.

Luna speaks up. “I am pleased to see you visit night court; but I must ask, have you come to discuss the announcement Travis and I made this morning?”

Fancy nods. “Why yes, I have; your announcement has caused quite a stir in the high society of Canterlot. The reason however, why I myself specifically have come here is because I am in a position that heavily influences the opinions of the Canterlot elite. I could portray your newly announced relationship positively, or negatively. Now, you already know that I’ve decided to support you both. I would like to discuss with you what I should do to sway high society to support you as I do.”

Luna coolly considers his words and expression. “That is good to hear… I take it that you already have an idea?”

“I most certainly do have an idea.” Fancy adjusts his monocle. “I was thinking that I could hold a dinner function in celebration of you finding a romantic partner. I could then invite you and Travis to be the guests of honour, and we could hold it in the castle gardens.”

Luna smiles and nods. “That is a wonderful idea, Fancy; I would love to go if you were to host such a celebration.” She then looks to me. “Do you think that you could go along with this idea, Travis?”

Hmmm, it sounds like a party, except with the high-class ponies who really don’t seem to like me. I’m not really one for big parties or anything, but then again… It might be a good idea, since it might lead to them accepting me… If I don’t mess up too much that is… Well, either way, I’ll be with Luna for it, so I should at least try. I look back up at Luna. “I’m not necessarily great with parties, or the Canterlot elite, but I’ll be with you…” I then turn to Fancy. “And there’s a chance it’ll help me be more accepted by the upper class here… So… I’ll go.”

Luna beams and Fancy jovially nods, before he speaks again. “That is most heartening to hear, Travis." He then looks to Luna. "I believe sooner would be better, but not too soon as the other attendants would not be able to prepare for it. I propose that I shall hold it in a week’s time. Is that suitable for you, Princess, or would you prefer it sooner or later?”

She thinks for a short moment. “I believe that would be perfectly suitable, Fancy.”

Fancy lightly bows his head. “Then you may both consider yourselves invited as the guests of honour to the celebration I am holding next week.”

Luna nods in return. “Very well, then consider our invitations officially accepted. Now, is that all you have come here to discuss?”

Fancy shakes his head. “Not quite, Princess. While such a dinner function would help somewhat with convincing high society that this is a positive thing; there is more to it. The nobles are not happy with the facts that Travis is of common birth, and that he is a stranger to our land. We need more than a dinner function to convince them that Travis is a suitable partner.”

Luna’s smile shifts into a frown. “We have nothing to prove to them. The celebration must suffice, as it is my choice and not theirs to decide who is suitable for me.”

“I understand, and while that may be so, it would be far better in the long term to convince them that you’ve made a good decision in choosing Travis to be your partner.”

“And what would you have me do to convince them of that, apart from spreading propaganda that I would rather not?”

Fancy shakes his head again. “I wouldn’t have you do anything, but Travis must be seen doing some form of good for the kingdom. The nobles may then be convinced that he deserves to be by your side, despite the fact that they haven’t done anything to deserve their current positions themselves.”

Wait… Me doing something? What the hell could I possibly do? I hardly know this place, and even less so the whole politics of it all. “Hang on… You want me to do some form of good? That’s not very specific, and even so, I don’t know what I could even possibly do. I’m still new to this world and don’t really understand how everything works… Do you have anything more specific on what kind of good I might be able to do?”

“There are a few options… Although some may be more desirable than others. Before I do list any ideas however, I would like to know what you might be good at or have experience with. Then I will be able to tell you the ideas more suited to you.”

“Let me think a moment…” Hmmm, what am I good at? I know that I can play games pretty well, but I don’t think that’ll be of any use to anybody in this situation. What practical things am I good at? I don’t know if I’d consider myself good with it, but I did get a black belt in karate and the one rank before the tai chi equivalent. That was a while ago though, when I was in high school, so it was only a junior black belt, and I’m pretty rusty now. I also don’t have any sort of actual field experience with it either, so I don’t know how I’d hold up in an actual fight. It might be a useless skill anyway, since Equestria seems to be a very peaceful land.

What about non-combative skills? I suppose I’m good with paying attention to detail and I’m a quick learner. I suppose there’s also my new and developing ability to transform into a wolf, but I’m not sure I have enough control with it yet for it to be useful. Well, I’m really scraping the bottom of the barrel for ideas, so I may as well just mention it all. “Okay, I guess I can list my skills, although I don’t know how useful any of them will be. Based off of ability, I don’t know if by the nobles’ standards I deserve to be with Luna.”

Fancy nods and makes a motioning gesture with a hoof. “Very well, just tell me what you can, no matter how useless you may think it to be.”

I nod back. “I have good attention to detail, and I’m a quick learner. I can also play video games pretty well. In terms of more useful skills, I have been trained in two forms of martial arts known as karate and tai chi. I don’t know if you have something similar here, but I earned a junior black belt for karate and the one rank below the tai chi version of it when I was at high school. I don’t have any actual real combat experience though. Recently, I have also gained the magic to transform into a wolf, but I don’t have enough experience with it to actually use it for anything at the moment… That’s all.”

“I see.” Fancy strokes his moustache with his magic for a little while. “We do have martial arts in Equestria, and I understand what you mean when you talk about your ranks. Being a quick learner will also help with some of the ideas. As for your newly found magic, it may be trained with time.”

“So, do you have any ideas on what I might be able to do for the kingdom?”

He slowly nods, but without a smile. “I do, but you and Princess Luna may not like it. You see, I will have to provide you with the more dangerous idea. It seems your more practical skills would lie with combat, and thus, that is what the idea entails.”

Hang on… He wants to put me in combat situations? No way… Besides, isn’t Equestria too peaceful for that to be of any use to the kingdom? Luna is also beginning to look rather concerned now. I shake my head a little. “Wait… I thought that Equestria was really peaceful with almost no need for combat? Aren’t most major threats dealt with peacefully and with the elements of harmony? And didn’t you hear me when I said that I have no actual combat experience? I’ve never been in any real fights before.”

Fancy shakes his head as well. “That isn’t completely true. Yes, it is one of the most, if not the most peaceful land on Mundus, but it is not fully without combat. As for the elements of harmony – compliments on reading up on them by the way –, but they can only neutralise magical threats. They would be useless against wild creatures and non-magical monsters, as well as against bandits or soldiers. And lastly in terms of your lack of real combat experience, we can have you trained and positioned with a military attachment. The attachment will prepare you before you face any real combat, and it will also be ordered to protect you during real situations.”

Fuck off… Me being a soldier… Actually being in life or death combat… Shit just got serious and intense real fast… Fucking hell… He couldn’t possibly be serious, could he?

Luna stands from her throne, flares her wings and gives Fancy a very intense look. “No. How dare you suggest such an idea? I will not have you risk Travis’ life just to satisfy the nobles.” She then leans her head down to nuzzle me comfortingly, while also wrapping a wing around me protectively.

Surprisingly, Fancy doesn’t look the least bit put off by her display. “I understand your concern, Princess, but if you order it, then the attachment will protect Travis to the utmost of their ability. Also, just think of how much it would put the nobles in their places; they would have a harder time making a respectable public opposition to Travis being your partner. And lastly, if you have any respect for Travis, you will let him make his own decision on this.”

Luna slowly pulls her wing away from me and sits back down. “I understand… Will you at least give us time to discuss this before he comes to a decision?”

Fancy respectfully nods. “Of course, Princess, if he so chooses to take the time for it. I am not unreasonable.” He then looks at me. “Travis, would you like time to discuss this with Princess Luna and think this over, or would you prefer to make your decision now?”

This shit is crazy… But then, that wolf part of me doesn’t seem to mind. I’m still too worried to straight up say yes though. “I think taking time to think and talk with Luna would the best for me at the moment.”

“Of course. Do you know how much time you may want?”

I think quickly and nod. “Yeah, would I be able to give you my answer when we see each other at the celebration?”

He nods back. “I don’t see why not. You shall have until the next week to make your decision.”

Luna then speaks up again. “I do have one question about this. Would I be able to travel with Travis and the attachment if he were to go?”

“You’re a princess of this kingdom, so on a technicality, yes.” Fancy gives her a stern look. “However, it would be best for both his training environment, and for public image if you were to not go. Travis must not be coddled for training, and he must be seen by the nobles standing on his own merit.”

“Very well. Is that all?” Luna definitely sounds a lot less pleased than when we first started talking to Fancy.

He nods. “It is… It was a pleasure talking with you and I apologise for bringing your mood down, Princess.” He then gives Luna a deep bow. “It was also good to meet you, Travis, and I shall apologise to you too for leaving you with such a difficult and unpleasant decision. I will see you both next week.”

Luna softly nods. “Indeed. Farewell, Fancy Pants, we shall indeed meet again next week.”

I offer Fancy my hand, and he shakes it firmly. “Yeah, it was nice meeting you too, Fancy. See you later.” He then turns and walks out from the throne room, leaving us alone with the guards once more.

It isn’t long before Luna brings her head down to nuzzle me. “I do not want you to go, Travis… You told me that you would be able to keep me company. You accepted my offer to stay with me and have a place to live in return. You know how lonely I get, Travis.” She kisses my cheek.

I nuzzle her back. “I know I said that and accepted that offer, but I never thought this far ahead. Neither of us did. I don’t think either of us really thought about being in a relationship at the time or having to prove myself for said relationship. Our agreement wasn’t actually realistic; it was just something we both wanted. And yes, I do know how lonely you get, Luna.” I kiss her cheek in kind. “I haven’t accepted Fancy’s idea yet though. It’s why I asked for time… Not to mention the fact that I am worried about myself as well. I’m scared to be a soldier and see real combat… But deep down I’ve always wanted adventure, and the wolf part of me isn’t afraid.”

Luna slowly sits up straight again. “I… Understand… We still have a week to discuss this and think it over.” She then composes herself, looks to the doors, and speaks to a guard. “We are ready for the next visitor, please send them in.” The guard salutes and leaves to get the next guest.

Well, well, it turns out that the next guest is an unpleasantly familiar one. Blueblood. I wonder what demanding bullshit he’s gonna say this time? He really doesn’t look happy, just like last time. “Aunty Luna and… Travis…” He speaks my name with quite a bit of distaste. “I cannot believe that you have made your courting of each other official! This is a scandalous outrage! How could one of common birth possibly have such an honour?! It is an absolute disgrace to the royal line!”

Luna stands and flares her wings for the second time this night, although her voice is far harsher than when she addressed Fancy. “Silence, Blueblood!” He actually flinches, which is a treat to see. Luna then continues in a calmer tone. “This is not scandal. You simply choose to see it that way.” She takes a step closer to him. “Despite being of common birth, Travis has such an honour because he is very kind and considerate. You may have lived in Equestria your whole life, but he stands for the values of Equestria far more than you or many other nobles in Canterlot ever have. You would do well to learn from him.” Luna gives him a condescending stare. “And being above you, I am certain that I can determine what is and is not a disgrace to the royal line. I can clearly say that this is not a disgrace, and Celestia agrees.”

“But! He! I! Fine…” Blueblood tries to glare defiantly at Luna, but soon crumbles and lowers his head. It’s great to see him put in his place. He gathers himself, then speaks up again. “He may stand for Equestrian values, but he must surely do more than that to deserve you. What has he achieved? What has he done for Equestria?”

“Apart from supporting me ever since he arrived? Nothing yet.” Luna looks down at me, then back to Blueblood. “We are however considering options of what he could do for Equestria. Do not worry; he will do something to deserve my courtship in your eyes. As for what that may be; it is still under consideration.”

I let out a sigh as Luna skirts around the issue. “Look, I’m gonna be honest; we are currently considering for me to perform military duties for the kingdom. It isn’t fully decided yet though. Is that what you want to hear, Blueblood?”

Blueblood looks at me and smirks. “You? Performing military duties?” He laughs a little. “You’d never make it through training, let alone a battle. You may be larger than most ponies, but you’re far too timid.”

I look into his eyes. “Sure, I can be shy from time to time, and somewhat socially awkward, but I think you’re underestimating me. Besides, if you think I can’t do it, don’t you have the most to gain out of me trying it?”

Blueblood strokes his chin, with that damn smirk still on his face. “You speak the truth. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll leave the picture by getting killed off on some mission due to your inadequacy.”

Luna stamps her hoof very loudly. “Bite your tongue!” She takes another step towards Blueblood and the room literally darkens, causing him to retreat several steps. “How dare you say such a thing about the one I love?!” Another step and she is already standing over him with a fierce glare. “Apologise… Right. This. Instant.” Scary. It's awesome to have her on my side.

Blueblood is now shaking, and he bows his head. “I am very sorry, Aunty Luna and Sir Travis… I have clearly overstepped my bounds. What I said was very wrong and cruel, and it was uncalled for…”

Luna relaxes, and the darkness recedes to allow the room to lighten up once more. “Very well. I hope that you think about what you have said and about your behaviour. You have behaved in a very spoiled and selfish way for the whole time I have known you. That needs to change if you are to represent the royal line, lest you taint everypony’s view of us… Think of how you might better represent Equestrian values in the future.”

Blueblood nervously nods. “Y-yes, I will…”

After he recomposes himself, I decide to speak up again. “I understand that you don’t like me, but perhaps you could attempt to hold a deal with me that I have in mind?”

Blueblood looks at me. “What kind of deal could you possibly offer me?”

I smile. “If I decide to choose the option of joining the Equestrian military, then you have to stop looking down on those with common birth and be kind and fair. What do you think about that?”

There is a short pause, before he responds. “I could go for such a deal, if you also take part in a real battle.”

Luna puts a hoof on my shoulder. “Travis, please think about this. Do not get caught up in trying to prove yourself to Blueblood. I have already told him to think about his behaviour.”

I gently place my hand on her hoof, tenderly grabbing it. “I know, and I only said that if I do decide to go with the military option; emphasis on if. Besides, I doubt just telling him to fix his attitude will do the job. If it’s done in a deal, then he couldn’t possibly ignore it with his honour intact.”

Blueblood nods solemnly. “So, what say you to my counter offer?”

I let go of Luna's hoof to hold my hand out to him. “It’s a deal; being in a real battle would’ve been part of the plan anyway if I choose to join the Equestrian military.”

“Very well.” His hoof meets my hand to shake on the deal. “I must admit that I respect you for making a deal that will clearly put your life on the line.”

I look into his eyes and let go of his hoof. “That’s good to hear. Although, you better be a far kinder and fairer stallion by the time I uphold my part of the deal.”

He bows his head, before looking back into my eyes. “Of course, that is if you do uphold your end of the deal. Whether you were to return or fall in battle doing so, I will fulfil my part of it.”

I nod. “Well, I’ve got a week to decide whether I want to go through with it or not… Although this sure is quite a bit of incentive to do it.”

Luna kisses the top of my head. “Just remember that this is not a competition. There are always other ways.”

I softly nuzzle her back. “I know…”

Luna then pulls away and looks down at Blueblood. “Now, do you have anything else that we must discuss?”

He shakes his head. “No, I am satisfied with the result of this conversation. If Travis puts his life on the line, then I cannot oppose you courting each other. Farewell, Aunty Luna and Sir Travis.” Blueblood then nods his farewell.

Luna nods her respect. “Farewell indeed, Blueblood, we shall see you next week at a dinner function that Fancy Pants is holding. You will know by then whether Travis is going through with the deal or not.”

I nod after her. “Yeah, good bye for now. See you next week.”

“Very well, next week it shall be.” Blueblood then leaves the throne room seemingly far less upset than when he entered; very different compared to his last court visit.

Luna hugs me with her wings from behind as we are left alone. “I still feel that you are being hasty in making such a deal with him… But I admire you for doing so, as it may be just what he needs to change his attitude. In my opinion, you are already doing good for the kingdom. Just… Be sure to think it through completely over the week, Travis.”

I lean back into her hug, reaching up to lovingly stroke the side of her neck. “Maybe I am being a little reckless, but it’ll be worth it in the end. And of course, I’ll think it through, Luna…”

We let go of each other and Luna continues night court. The rest of it goes by as we address the concerns of the upper-class ponies; letting them know that there are plans for me. We aren’t as specific as we were with Blueblood though. There are also a few other ponies who aren’t upper-class that simply come to congratulate Luna on finding a ‘special somepony’ as they say. Their visits definitely help keep our spirits up during court. By the end of court however, I feel pretty tired and kind of hungry. It’s been such an eventful day…