A/N: This is my first fic and I'm still getting used to publishing and fiddling with all the small indent thingy wingy's. But anyway, I tried to get a feel for the story straight away but I'll let you be the judge of that. Also, I put all the dialog in normal English as a pose to using the old format, Thy, thee and hath and so on. Just to make it easier to read. Hope you enjoy it!!
The sun lifted over the horizon, gracing its warmth and light to animals and plants alike. Small birds started chirping and singing morning songs to the silent woods they slept in. Rabbits and small hedgehogs started to rise and travel around the forest floor. They had no fear in their eyes and rightly so. They scurried about in the bright yellow flowers and lush green grass, the orange glow from the sky turning bluer every minute. One of the small gray rabbits lifted its small nose and sniffed the air. After a moment it turned to the others and gave a silent exchange. All of the small animals moved deeper into the forest as the sound of galloping made its way over the small mound in the forest. It grew louder and louder before finally, the small animals watched as a white stallion in golden armour galloped past them in a blink of an eye. The small animals waited until the galloping vanished before continuing with the day as normal. The stallion galloped at an average pace, keeping himself calm and not running out of breath. Keeping himself focused on the path he carved through the forest, he soon burst out into light and saw what he wanted. The capitol of Equestria, Canterlot.
“ It is about time.” He muttered to himself. “ Come on Sirius. Last push and you can hit the hay.” Sirius broke into another gallop and wound his way alone the Canterlot path. He loved looking at the city and its towering buildings. That and the fact it sits on a mountain side never failed to stun him. Anypony who saw him staring at the capitol would be forgiven for thinking it was his first time laying eyes upon it. He quickly checked his satchel strapped to his side and nodded when finding it still full. Not long after emerging from the forest, he came to the gates. Slowing to a walk, Sirius nodded to the two guards on either side. Both of them snapping to attention at once. This was the only thing Sirius hated about his rank. He shook his head and gave a warm smile. “ At ease gentlecolts. No need for formalities around me unless the princess' are present.” He waited but as usual he got no reply. Just a nod and a slight movement in the guards' stance as they found a more comfortable position. Sirius carried on through the doors and felt at ease walking into the crowded main street of Canterlot. He knew there were some beautiful sights in Equestria but none compared to walking into Canterlot. He walked through the crowds heading towards the palace.
“ Morning sir.” Some said as he walked past.
“ Indeed it is. Enjoy Celestia's day.” Sirius replied to all of them with a warm smile that all the resident ponies had become so familiar with. Sirius took his time heading to the palace. Watching all the other ponies go about their business and having fun. The guard watched as a small colt ran up to him with a smile that broke across his whole face. The colt jumped in front of him shaking with excitement.
“ I want to be just like you when I grow up. A royal guard! Do you fight evil ponies and speak to the princess' all the time. I bet you do. I bet you-”
“ Soarin. How many times have I told you.” The colts obvious mother cursed at him. The colt didn't seam phased by it and kept his gaze on Sirius. “ I'm terribly sorry for my son-”
“ No apology needed ma'am.” Said Sirius shaking a dismissive hoof. He bent down to the colts level and grinned. “ You need strength, courage and skill to become a guard. Do you have that?”
“ I sure do!” Yelled Soarin. Sirius chuckled.
“ Then I'm sure you'll be one someday. Remember, a royal guards highest task is obeying the princess' orders. Id train yourself by starting with your mother here.”
“ I will!” Soarin yelled again. Sirius pulled back up and turned his gaze to the mare in front of him.
“ I shall be on my way now ma'am. Enjoy Celestia's day.” Said Sirius before walking around them and carrying on to the castle. He spotted two guards standing on either side of the doors as per usual and smiled at them both.
“ Guards.”
“ Captain.” They replied opening the doors for him. Sirius walked through the large metal doors and the sun fell of his back as the doors closed behind him. He took a deep breath as he walked through the main hall and travelled up the red carpeted stairs. The sun casting sharp shadows on everything. Soon he found the doors he wanted. At the end of the long, high ceiling corridor stood the door to the throne room. They were large and bright gold, almost shimmering in the absent of light. Sirius didn't stop as he used his magic to open the doors. A dull blue light came over both doors and the swung open slowly allowing him to walk through. Instantly he was bathed in sunlight from the windows on either side of the large room. He let his teal eyes however fall upon the two large figures seated on two thrones at the opposite side of the gargantuan room. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. Regal rulers of Equestria and princess' to all. Both the princess' eyes fell upon Sirius as he walked into the room. The walk seamed to take forever but nevertheless, he always enjoyed speaking to the princess' whenever his superior, General Rigel, allowed him to. He stopped at the foot of both their thrones and bowed low.
“ Your highness'.”
“ Rise captain Sirius. I trust you brought us our foundations?” Came the soft velvety voice of the sun goddess. Princess Celestia.
“ Indeed I have princess'. Here are the plans you asked for.” Said Sirius as his horn flashed and a paper scroll pulled out his satchel. Luna smiled happily at the sight and took it in her firm darker blue magical light. She brought it up and let it unravel itself to face her and her sister.
“ Have you thought of a name yet your highness'?” Asked Sirius.
Luna frowned and thought for a moment but Celestia let her grin widen. “ I was thinking of ponytown.”
“ A Fine name indeed.”
“ Actually sister. Do you not agree that Ponyvile sounds more elegant than Ponytown. Rather easy to say and fitting, considering it will only be classed as a village for the next century.” Said Luna while bringing the scroll closer to her. The scroll had upon it foundations for a small village soon to become filled with ponies. There were only seven buildings on it. Some housing with some shops and a library that was to be carved into the towering tree.
“ My sister makes a valid point. Thank you Luna.” Celestia said with soft smile. She turned to face Sirius again. “ Ponyvile it is. Now why don't you find Rigel. I'm sure he would like to talk to you.”
“ As you wish your highness.” Replied Sirius before turning and leaving in the same manner in which he entered. Celestia waited until the doors firmly closed before turning to her sister with a knowing smile.
“ You should promote him.”
“ I beg your pardon Celestia?”
“ You should promote him and take him as a student. Who know's what he could do with your help-”
“ I think not sister. Alicorn magic is for you and I and you and I alone.” Stated Luna firmly. The princess of the sun rolled her eyes and pulled out a scroll with a map of Equestria on it.
“ Has the dispute between Manehatten and their mayor been settled yet?” Asked Celestia. For the past week the rapidly growing village was having issues with its mayor. The mayor of the village didn't want Manehatten to grow and become a city but wanted it to stay a village where everyone knew each other and nopony could find themselves getting lost. The village however urged the mayor to reconsider and expand the boundary’s and become a city. Luna shook her head.
“ No. The ponies of Manehatten are in uproar as of now. I suggest giving the citizens what they want.”
“ And feeding the growing size? Housing the growing size?” Questioned Celestia.
“ To be fed with the surrounding farm lands and housed in the new buildings I shall schedule.” Replied Luna with a grin. She loved showing her sister that she knew what she was doing every chance she got. Whether it be raising the moon without braking a sweat or running Equestria.
“ Very well then Luna. I'll leave it to you to sort out. Now! I do believe we have some things to sort out on our very own doorstep.”
“ Being?” Asked Luna Sceptically.
“ Its nearing midday...” Celestia pressed. Luna's ears fell as she remembered.
“ The royal diaries.” She stated rhetorically. Celestia chuckled at her younger sister while rising of her throne.
“ Oh Lune, you make it sound like a punishment. We need to do this so we remember everything that happens in our everlasting lives.”
“ I know.” Replied Luna rising as well. For the past two centuries, Luna and Celestia had taken up writing down everything that happened to them during their lives. So as to never forget anything and remember everypony in their forever lasting lives. “ So If that is all, I bid you farewell Celestia.”
“ Oh Lulu formalities are only for in front of other ponies. Brighten up-”
“ I'm the goddess of the night.” Luna said flatly. Celestia held back a chuckle.
“ Then in that case. Be a sister to me and not just a co-ruler.”
Luna stared at her sister and finally smiled. “ Alright Celly. You get what you wished for. But I can't find the will to fly all the way to the castle.” She said. For you see, Luna kept her so called 'diary' far away in their castle which most ponies call the 'Castle of the royal pony sisters'.
“ I can't imagine why you would have it in there? Why not replace it here, In your chambers. I do not need to set a hoof out the palace.”
“ Well I certainly enjoy the flight and the forest around it.” Replied Luna sheepishly. Celestia nodded and looked out one of the large windows lining the throne room.
“ My day seams to be barren of any rain clouds. Thank Cloudsdale for that. So I think you're in for an easy flight.”
Luna started for the door giving a small chuckle. The light reflecting of her flowing blue mane. “ Its possibly incredible that you think some clouds would stop me. I'll see you upon my arrival sister.” Said Luna as she left. Luna used her magic to close the large doors and headed down the red carpeted hallway. She hated writing down her life. She could remember it perfectly at all times so she saw no point in the matter. But she had to. To make her sister happy as she liked to do. Luna came to the main doors to the palace and used her magic to open it. Both guards on the other side snapped to attention, unknowing who was coming out the door. As soon as their eyes met the form of Princess Luna they fell to their knees in a low bow.
“ Your highness.” They both said in unison.
Luna smiled. “ As you were.” In reality she loved the respect she had. Adored it to the point where she felt sad to see other ponies having to bow before her as if they were bellow herself. She shook her thoughts and took flight.
Sirius entered the royal guards section of the palace and smiled at the familiar sight of golden armour, swords and disciplined rules. This section was lined with the standard walls and windows but it leaned slightly more towards something you would be forgiven for thinking it were barracks. He walked through the main golden doors which had their guard insignia upon it and entered into a massive chamber. Sirius loved this one room at the entrance for its stained glass roof. The light flooded through and gave of different colours as it travelled through different coloured glass. Casting blue, red and golden lights into the large room. The captain gazed for a moment before continuing to his destination. The main dining hall. Sirius knew there would be ponies in there that could tell him the whereabouts of the General and his time spent looking for his superior would be shortened greatly. Sirius walked out of the large entrance hall and into a small corridor which lead him into the main dining hall. He found it to be full with earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns feasting on their usual lunch. None of them took notice of Sirius until he cleared his through. One unicorn, upon noticing Sirius, Stood bolt upright from his seat. Putting his hoof to his head in a salute and was soon followed by the entire hall. Again Sirius found himself shaking his head at his rank.
“ Would one of you gentlecolts please tell me where General Rigel is?” Asked Sirius. The closest guard to him took a step forward.
“ Inside his office sir. I do believe he has had some pressing issues to work on.”
“ Very good. Well, don't wait for me.” Sirius said motioning a hoof to the waiting food. The guards hesitantly lowered themselves to their seats and instead of the fun and chatting atmosphere Sirius received when he entered, he felt the room turn to a sort of stoic atmosphere. The guards where sitting bolt straight and eating as formally as possible. Sirius knew he wouldn't be able to convince them to return to their antics so left for Rigel's office. He felt eyes on him as he walked casually across the hall and out another set of doors taking him into yet another corridor. Sirius heard the sounds of chatter start up again as the doors closed and smiled. “ When will they learn.” Sirius walked through some more corridors, passing armoury rooms, blacksmith rooms and training halls until finally coming to the doors of Rigel's office. He stood before the relativity small wooden door when compared to the dinning hall and entrance doors and eyed the nameplate upon the door. ' General Rigel. Leader of the Equestrian Royal Guard.' Sirius shivered when a stream of thoughts past through his mind. That nameplate would read General Sirius in the coming future because he was next in line to lead. Sirius suppressed his thoughts and brought a hoof to the door and knocked twice. There was a pause in which Sirius questioned if Rigel was actually in there but was stopped when a voice said calmly from the other side.
“ Enter.” Sirius opened the door and walked into General Rigel's quarters. Out of all the office's and quarters in the canterlot guard, Rigel's was by far the most high tailored and pristine. His desk faced the door which Sirius entered and behind it stood a gargantuan semi circle window. Two glass doors were centred in the middle which lead out onto a balcony which overlooked the palace and half of Canterlot. Sirius let his eyes fall from the incredible view to stare at Rigel. The white stallion had his torso and hoof armour on but had his helmet sitting on his desk. Revealing his combed brown mane and green eyes better. Sirius walked forwards and gave a short bow.
“ General. I-” Started Sirius but was stopped by Rigel raising a hoof.
“ In a moment. Allow me finish this.” Said Rigel lazily as his green aura of magic worked a small quill on some parchment. Sirius rose and stood patiently. Quick scribbling echoed through the room and after some time, Rigel put the quill down and raised his head slightly. “ Now then. As if by magic, I find that you successfully retrieved the plans for our newest settlement. I shouldn't be questioning really. A guard of your rank. Its to be expected but can you blame me for wanting my successor to be as good as, if not greater than I?”
“ No sir. A very wise choice as a matter of fact sir.”
“ Sirius. Drop the sir if you please.”
“ But sir-”
“ That's now an order.” Rigel pressed. Sirius stared at Rigel but let a small smile creep onto his muzzle.
“ Alright then … Rigel.”
Rigel chuckled ever so slightly. “ Now I'm glad you got your scrolls of the new foundations. Tell me have our highness' thought of a name yet?”
“ Ponyvile was what they both decided on if I remember perfectly.” Said Sirius. Rigel thought for a moment and nodded once.
“ Rather nice. And have our princess' got any news for me. As you are the last one to confer with them?” Asked Rigel. Sirius shook his head. Rigel nodded once again and pulled out another scroll with a small burst of green magic. “ Now on to more pressing matters. Its been two weeks since Starswril sadly passed away and that leaves us with no means of conjuring new spells or magical talents. I need you to ask the princess' what our next actions should be in that front. We need new ways of conjuring new defence and offence spells, as you know.”
“ I am aware. But you yourself Rigel said our guard is the most formidable force in all of Equestria. Nothing could possibly be greater than ourselves.”
“ Sirius if you are to become General you must realize that there are always foes somewhere out there that are greater in either magical strength or military might. Its never wrong to want to better ones self.”
Sirius mentally slapped himself for being so stupid. He hid his embarrassment and quickly tried to change the subject. “ Have the princess' given any new order yet?”
Rigel perked up and brought another scroll over. “ Actually I got this as you were on your way over. Its a new task and one I'll be taking upon myself and you know what that means?”
“ I'll be acting General until your return.”
“ Correct.” Praised Rigel. “ The matter at hand is in fact some issues to do with the expansion of Manehatten. The mayor doesn't see it but the ponies of the city want nothing but expansion. What are your thoughts on this Sirius?” He asked. Sirius thought for a moment. He knew as well as everyone else that Manehatten was the fastest growing city. Second only to Canterlot. He also knew of the situation of the city and all its resources surrounding it. With that in mind he came to a conclusion.
“ I feel its right to allow the city to expand. The resources surrounding the city is more than enough to sustain the population.”
Rigel gave a proud grin. “ Very well said. Now I'll take a battalion on pegasi with me, that leaves you with only seven others pegasi battalions. That and the rest of the guard. Shouldn't be too much for you to handle.”
“ Not at all.” Replied Sirius.
“ You know to hand everything off to General Soazin for the night guards yes?”
“ That and to order all royal guards to turn in for the night and let Princess Luna's guards take point.”
“ Very good. Now then I'll send for the pegasi-” Rigel stopped as another scroll appeared in a flash of blue light before being caught by his own green magic. Sirius watched with slight alarm as Rigel's face turned from one of curiosity to one of concern then to nervousness.
“ General Rigel?”
Rigel stared at the scroll for a moment before coming too. “ Its seams Princess Celestia herself will be attending.” Rigel said stunned.
“ The princess? What could she want with something so mediocre as a small dispute?”
“ Logic escapes me. She will be here within the day and will be expecting to leave upon her arrival.... Well there goes my nice long stress free task. Sirius, I want you to pick the highest ranking pegasi and send them to me. In the meantime I will start preparations for our departure.” Said Rigel rising from his desk. Sirius nodded and left without another word. He thought it weird and an anomaly that Celestia would want to attend something so small. Sirius shrugged it off and turned down one corridor passing a grey guard.
“ Captain.” He said with a salute. Sirius only nodded and carried on walking.
The princess of the moon entered the castle of the royal pony sisters with forced enthusiasm. She hated coming all the way out here. Rolling her eyes, she trudged through the doors and down the long hall into a large circular room. The room had windows which gave a panoramic view of the Everfree forest sitting right on its doorstep. Luna walked into the middle and sat. Her horn lit up while closing her eyes tightly and for a moment, nothing occurred. The princess of the night sat motionlessly as her horn proceeded to go about its magic. Almost when you would think nothing was ever going to happen a crack of sound darted around and echoed through the room. Suddenly there was a bright flash of blinding white light and hovering before her was a large brown book. It had upon it the exact same mark that Luna had as her cutie mark. The princess opened her eyes and the book flipped through pages filled with writing and some intricate pictures and soon stopped at a blank page. Luna gazed at the page before words suddenly started to appear on them. Not words, full sentences and soon paragraphs.
“ So I am here yet again doing this boring old nasty diary nonsense. I feel I have to speak to you directly though. So as, if anypony or anything where to read this it would sound as if I am speaking to you through these words. I suppose that is for the best. Perhaps for the better sake of you and me. My sister tells me this is for the best. To right down my life so anypony can read it and look into what I feel and think at any point in my immortal life. That I have to put down into words my entire being. Speaking of putting my life into words, this book I have been left with is rather hideous. But who am I to judge.... I find myself laughing but you can't hear it. Celestia thinks we have just that exact right. The right to judge. Because we are the princess' and we are meant to judge accordingly. But I feel it is wrong to judge. To have the right to call somepony beautiful or disgusting. If I am to be perfect, most ponies chatter about the dark and mysterious creatures that live in the land are to be feared and not communicated with. If that is true then why is it I am able to have a conversation with any of my subjects. After all I am the princess of the night. I command the darkness in all the lands. I only venture out of Canterlot for this recording of my life story and for the pleasure of the night alone. That or when I am needed.
No. Sadly the ponies of Equestria do not think of me like that. They see me in the same light as Celestia, although some part of me wishes they did the exact opposite. For I would be able to see all the creatures that come out during my night. Even if they are not ponies.... I'm ranting.
Getting back to today's events. Nothing out of the ordinary. Me and my sister sat on our thrones for the better half of my sisters entire day. Boring and meaningless is what I say. But we must do it. As Equestria's princess' we must show our loyalty to our subjects. Even if we are made to sit hours on end with no contact with the outside world.
Manehatten, on another note. Seams to be having a rebellion within the village. The village wants to expand to a city but the mayor want have any of it. I personally think its rather critical that the mayor demonstrates her authority in the village. As she is the one to keep the whole village in order. Even if that mayors goals are a lost cause, the village will become a city.
Nothing more of importance has occurred today so I shall bid you a farewell.”
The words stopped flowing onto the pages and Luna let the book vanish in yet another blinding white light. Of which didn't effect the moon princess in the slightest.
“ It seams it is time already.” Spoke Luna as she watched the burning orb of the sun slowly make its decent behind the tree line and casting a purple colour over the entire sky. Twilight it was called. The moment between day and night. The moment when the sun, even when bellow the horizon, has its light reflect of the sky and back onto the land. This was the part of the never ending cycle Luna loved the most. The point in which it was neither Luna's night or Celestia's day. A neutral point.
The princess turned and headed outside the castle, shutting the doors firmly as she left. Luna looked up at the sky as her mane flowed without wind before bending her knees and shooting up into the vast air. The sun had dipped bellow the horizon and was casting its last light, signalling Luna's moon to rise. The moon princess pivoted in the air and squinted to the opposite side of the sky. The darker end to be precise, and felt herself shiver with content. She closed her eyes and began the process which she had done so many times before in the past. Her horn lit up and the constant and soothing rhythm of her wings keeping her aloft died out as she concentrated. She cast her magical lasso out into the the sky and felt it disappear over the horizon before she felt what she was looking for. Luna hooked her magic around the celestial body of the moon and tugged at it ever so slightly. And like rolling a gargantuan ball, it started moving up and over the horizon with Luna merely guiding it into position for its nightly trip across the sky. The princess let go of the moon and smiled as she opened her eyes and saw the oversized ball of white roll onto the black and dark blue field that was the night sky. Her stars which she had placed so intricately many a year ago came out to greet her. This was what she lived for. To have the night bow to her command. Luna smiled and turned before darting to the palace with new found ecstasy.
“ Princess' Luna.” Came the sounds of two night guards standing post at the palace doors. Luna loved having her own entire royal guard. More than that, she loved how her guard portrayed her in every detail. From their purple armour to their bat like wings.
“ It feels rather cold out here. Would you both care for some tea?”
“ No thank you your highness'” Said one of the guards. Luna nodded and entered the palace doors and was instantly greeted by two of her favourite ponies. General Soazin and Nightfall. A normal coloured blue unicorn and a dark grey pegasus, magnificent skills in their field and some who Luna would like to call her friend. The stallion and mare bowed low before their princess.
“ General. Nightfall.” Luna acknowledged tipping her head slightly.
“ As always, it is a gift to see you your highness.” Said Soazin.
“ And might I say.” Said Nightfall. “ It is a particularly beautiful night you have given us.” Luna frowned for a moment but smiled nonetheless.
“ I'm flattered but it is beginning to get a little old now isn't it?”
“ We thought nothing of it your highness. After all we have to regarded you with the highest of respect-” Replied Soazin
“ I refer not to the formal language you use Soazin. I mean the compliments you both speak as a habit to try and always get on my good side. If there is one thing I've learned from you both, it is that you never make an effort to compliment me more than needed unless one of you has something to say that I am not going to like. So I ask, what is is?”
Soazin smiled slightly realizing the princess had already found them out. Her young image hid well her vast knowledge well. “ Princess it seams that uh …”
“ It seams,” Continued Nightfall. “ That princess Celestia left to gaze over the proceedings in Manehatten herself. She is not here.” Luna felt herself twitch a little. Her sister left firstly without telling her. And secondly this is the one hundredth and twenty second time she has taken it upon herself to deal with some matters and not let Luna attend. Not only that. Her sister told her to sort it out herself without the need of her big sister. The moon princess held a stoic face, betraying no emotion as she felt the annoyance for her sister keeping her behind closed doors.
“ Doesn't she trust me.” Luna mumbled to herself as she started walking towards the throne room. Nightfall and Soazin following in tow.
“ In fairness your highness she did appoint you to lead Canterlot until her return.” Stated Soazin.
“ That's no different than what I do now. I look after and keep Canterlot in check during every night.”
“ The princess did add for me to tell you another key point-”
“ And what would that be Soazin.” Asked Luna coolly. Soazin visibly paused for a moment before continuing.
“ She stated that the day is completely different than the night-”
“ Oh doesn't she know I already know that.” Barked Luna. There was a long pause and silence filled the room. Luna stood motionlessly for a moment before slicing the ice by chuckling loudly. “ But that is my sister all over. Trying to look out for her little sister at all times. And how exactly long is she not with us?”
“ Three days your highness.” Said Nightfall.
“ Very well. I will be retiring to the throne room. Please, only disturb me if there is a problem.”
“ Yes your highness.” Both ponies said in unison. Luna stopped and turned around giving both ponies a quick smile before closing the doors to said throne room. They had walked there inadvertently while chatting. The princess of the night casually made her way to the throne and made herself comfortable for the night – and day – ahead.
A/N: So second chapters here. So I thought I would try and move the story along since I know if I didn't, it would be quite slow and dull. But anyway, I hope you enjoy it :)
The next morning the moon slowly dipped over the horizon and the bright rays of the sun climbed over the opposite side. Luna watched the sun rise after breakfast, knowing her sister was well on her way to Manehatten. She thought it nice to have the throne room to herself for a change but nevertheless. She felt the anxiety of watching over Canterlot and Equestria during the day. For you see Luna has only ever taken the burden of both the night and the day twice before. And they were at least half a millennium’s year ago. Society will have changed since that. Luna did keep up and maintain a relative knowledge of the present tense affiliations with all her subjects. But she never paid extra attention to it like her sister did. For she didn't need to. Nopony ever asked her help during her night. Nor did she have any visitors. The only time she saw and spoke to any other pony out with her royal night guard was during her sisters day. And even then she was not the centre of attention and communicated accordingly. Luna was in the same position on the throne as the sun climbed up as she was when the moon was at its peak the night before. The princess of the night held a soft smile on her face and was calm and collected in the peaceful silence. That is until General Rigel walked through the throne room doors. The unicorn marched down to the threshold of her throne and bowed, as anypony would if faced with herself or Celestia.
“ Princess Luna. I hope your night treated you well.” Said Rigel, keeping his low bow.
“ But of coarse. It is my night after all is it not.” Replied Luna with a small tendril of amusement. “ Now what brings you here Rigel?”
“ My means were to make you aware that the daylight guard are in place and your night guard have successfully handed over their duties to us. That and General Soazin asked me to relay to you that there will be some issues to sort out with him once the next night is upon us.” Said Rigel calmly. Luna thought for a moment at what possibly could have produced such an action from Soazin so as to ask Rigel to tell her. She batted the thought out of her mind almost as soon as it entered.
“ Thank you Rigel. I trust you slept well last night and are fully prepared for your day at my side in today's diplomatic resolutions?”
“ Indeed I did your highness,” Said Rigel. “ I must say I am fully refreshed after last nights rest. I trust you are as well-”
“ Oh I didn't sleep last night. I had no need to after all.”
“ You didn't sleep your highness?” Said Rigel and from the tone of his voice, Luna could make out surprise, curiosity and doubt.
“ Yes. Has my sister not mentioned that we both need not sleep often. If I am perfect, one night every week sustains us admirably. So for your sentence which was obviously more of a question. No I did not sleep during the night past and-” Luna stopped herself upon realising she was on the verge of wandering into lecture territory and chuckled.
“ Your highness?” Rigel asked.
“ Oh nothing of importance. Now! As I was saying, the diplomats from each village and city will be here within the morning. I dare say we should make a move towards the halls of Equestria and keep my sisters uniform attendance rate untarnished.”
“ Yes princess.”
“ Oh and during one of our brakes, I will need you to fetch me captain Sirius. I have an assignment for him.”
“ Of coarse your highness.” Said Rigel. Luna shook her head. “ Always the formal one that stallion.” She thought as she and said pony headed for the halls. The halls. If there was one place Luna hated more than sitting in the castle writing her mandatory diary, It was the halls. Ironically, it was the only place were some of the ponies from around Equestria could speak out of term against or interrupt either of the princess'. Of coarse nopony dared to do so for the disrespect it would earn them would be great. Luna held her head high as the doors in front of her lit up in her blue aura of magic and opened to show them the halls. The last time Luna was here was a little over a year ago and yet it had changed so much. There were wooden chairs lining each wall and they sank down into the room. Luna found herself standing on the highest set of wooden chairs and looking down at a large table where she would have to sit and look up at all these chairs filled with ponies. Even though the difference in height wasn't much more than a set of two flights consisting of five steps, Luna still felt like she was descending into a meaningless pit of worthlessness.
Before long, diplomats from all corners of Equestria filed into the vast room and took their respective seats. Luna sat quietly and waited. After waiting and watching every pony settle into their seats, Luna rose and absolute silence ensued.
“ Good morning. As of now Princess Celestia is resolving some issues in Manehatten so I will take her place. These proceedings are to be opened at this time. A brake will occur at mid day during which I will be absent and we will return shortly after and finish at dusk. You may begin.” Said Luna in a voice that betrayed boredom.
“ Your highness,” Started a pegasus from Cloudsdale as she stood. “ The weather needs to be maintained by using the water that falls into lochs and small lakes. We have an increasing number of pegasi stating that and I quote ' the water is just not there. Or if it is then there isn't enough of it to make the clouds for Equestria.' This has come to the mayors attention and therefore I have the burden of asking you to resolve this issue. I point the hoof at either the unicorns or earth ponies for the mishap but I could be wrong-”
“ I say! I'm sure I speak for unicorns and earth ponies alike when I say that we have been having our aloud volume of water each day and there is no possible way that we have been overusing it. Your accusations simply do not stand.” Said a unicorn from the other side of the room standing up. A few murmurs of agreement echoed through the room. Luna held her tongue and watched the two ponies argue.
“ If that is the case then please elaborate as to why the water is disappearing?”
“ I say it might be the griffon’s.” Another voice echoed from the chairs opposite Luna. “ They naturally have a tendency to dislike ponies and if there are any species other than ponies to be taken into consideration. It is the griffon's.”
“ That's illogical.” Started Luna raising her voice to be heard. Her voice was instantly the only voice to be heard. “ Both myself and my sister were in the company of the griffon king and queen not three weeks ago. Our relations with the griffon's are only becoming more solidified into a neutral agreement to not attack one another as the years carry on. The griffon's are out of this debate.”
“ Then I ask you princess. What can be causing this if it is not the griffon's. Please mend our curiosity.” Said the same unicorn who objected to the pegasus. Luna smiled a little.
“ I am not sure as of yet and still need to listen more before I give my say but I can assure you that it is not the earth ponies doing, neither is it the pegasi.” The moon princess stated firmly. After that, bickering and small conflicts within each village were brought up. Luna would occasionally give her views and silence any who were being rude but most of all. Luna was fighting within herself to stay focused at the task. Even if she was a princess, she was not immune to the effects of boredom. And sitting in the centre of what was really just a large debating room really took its toll on her.
“ And that's why we need conformation. Princess?” Said a pony.
“ I beg your pardon.” Said Luna stirring from her little daydream.
“ Your thoughts on Starswirl the Bearded? How are we to achieve any new ways of defence of offence with him gone?”
“ I assure you,” Said Luna in a firm but gentle voice. “ Me and my sister will find another way. As of now one of us will take the up the mantel for discovering new spells. But we must not forget what Starswirl has already accomplished. We will be perfectly safe until-” Luna stopped and gave a sidewards glance to one of the rooms large, from ceiling to floor windows and looked at the sun's high in the sky position. Luna smiled gratefully. “ Until further notice . Now I believe it is about time for our little break. I remind you, I will be absent until we resume.” After she finished, the ponies all stood and waited for her to leave. “ Well they do have respect I'll give them that much.”Thought the princess as she left. Further down the hallway and on one of the balcony's, Luna stopped and rounded on Rigel. Said pony bowing and smiling.
“ Now my task for you is to order Sirius to oversee today's events in laying the foundations for Ponyvile. I want that village to be built as smoothly as possible.”
“ Yes princess. Anything else?”
“ That would be all.” Chuckled Luna as Rigel nodded and left for Sirius. Luna waited until Rigel was out of sight before leaping off the balcony and heading back to her castle where her book was. She rolled her eyes as she glided down to its entrance. “ Let's get this over with.” Luna mumbled as she brought up her royal 'diary' inside the building.
“ Today is the first day of my looking after Canterlot role. My sister saw it fit to oversee proceedings personally in Manehatten. I wasn't amused when I first found out but as of now, I am perfectly fine. Today I am acting on my sisters behalf in the diplomatic Equestrian halls. I wish she was here to do it because if I am to be truthful, it is dire. It is shockingly boring and all the ponies seam to think they are higher than everyone else. I find it amusing to say the least. But as a princess I must do it. In other parts of today I have ordered one of the royal captains to oversee the building of Ponyvile, a small new village no more than a days travel from here. I personally want the village to stay just that. A village and nothing more. I find myself laughing again. The irony. My sister is heading to Manehatten to stop that villages mayor from doing what I just said. Trying to keep a village … well a village. I dare say that is all that's worth taking about at present. I'll finish here for today.”
Another bright flash appeared and the book was gone. Luna turned and made haste in heading back to Canterlot to finish the proceedings.
“ You want me to go where?” Asked Sirius standing in front of Rigel. He had not been there for long but just long enough for Rigel to tell him of the news.
“ It is not I who is asking you. It is princess Luna.”
“ Oh right. Well did the princess give any incline as to when I should leave-”
“ Now would be an appropriate time.” Said Rigel as he picked up a quill with his magic and started scribbling down notes. Sirius thought it the General's signature action now with him doing it so often.
“ Well I should be leaving then Rigel. Until I return.”
“ Likewise.”
Sirius suddenly had a pang of humour enter his head and grinned. “ and do have the tea ready for my return. I dare say I'll be rather cold and parched when I get back.” This actually broke through Rigel's demeanour and he echoed a laugh.
“ Get going you.” Said Rigel with a friendly smile. Sirius gave one nod before turning and leaving. In truth he was glad to be getting out of the royal guards housing and on a task. He would much rather be doing that than sitting around waiting for something exciting. Or something of importance for that matter. Sirius out the guards building and down the streets of Canterlot until finally coming to the gates.
“ Captain.” Came the mono tone from both guards standing post at the gates.
“ As you were.” Replied Sirius casually before breaking into a fast gallop. Stirring up dirt and dust as he went. For a unicorn, you would think he could pass for an earth pony with the speed and stamina Sirius had. Before long he found himself in the great forest of Everfree. The one place Sirius felt at ease but at the same time the most aware. For he could be attacked at any moment after being mistaken as dinner by anything in the forest and Sirius most definitely did not want that. He kept his pace as he whipped past trees and broken branches. Leaves were still stuck hard on their branches but that did not stop a few from blowing into him as he ran deeper into the forest.
Not long after, and a particularly hard transportation spell, thanks to unicorn magic. Sirius approached the threshold to the newly named land of Ponyvile. He could already smell the fresh flowers in the air and could see the dazzling views. Sirius slowed to a trot as he came within speaking range of one building pony. He cleared his throat and spoke clearly.
“ Thunder. A pleasure as always.”
The dull green pegasus in question snapped up and rounded on Sirius putting on a grin. “ Well if it isn't the captain of the royal guard. What brings you here?” He spoke in a rough but friendly enough voice.
“ Just overseeing how the building work is going. Helping out here and there if need be. Just lending a hoof in other words.”
“ Understandable but we have everything on time here. Care for a quick tour?”
“ Sure. Its not like I have anything else to do is it.” Said Sirius with a chuckle. Thunder laughed as well and lead the way. Sirius found himself looking at large square holes where wooden beams were being placed into. Some had already even begun to take form as the wooden beams outlined the forms of buildings.
“ This here is the corner leading onto main street. Could be a cake store or something. And this here is where a few homes will go... Oh and can you look down there.” Said Thunder while pointing a hoof down a small dirt trail into the hills just beyond. Sirius looked and saw nothing out of the ordinary.
“ Yes what about it?”
“ Well I've been told that those hills there have soil fertile enough for a plantation.”
Sirius couldn't help but frown. “ A plantation for what? Crops of some sort?” Thunder stopped and looked over to the hills.
“ Apple trees would fit best. But that is not the only tree you need to worry about if you are here to help. That tree,” he pointed to a gargantuan tree situated at the end of what Sirius made out to be the foundations of a street. “ Will be the library. Innovative building work has aloud us to actually carve the library into the tree as a pose to ripping the tree itself out.”
Sirius walked towards the tree and sure enough. The trunk was unusually thick and had a large base. Large enough to fit a library in. He narrowed his eyes trying to picture the tree with windows and lights coming out of it but to no avail.
“ and you say nothing is out of the ordinary. At all?” Sirius asked again.
“ Well no. Nothing effecting us as of now. But we will need water soon to help with the buildings but that's where a problem will arise.”
“ How. What's wrong.”
“ Well the water … Well the water isn't water anymore. Its changed into something else. Nopony has been brave enough to test it but we have many a things going through are heads as to what it could be.”
“ Show me.” Exclaimed Sirius. “ Finally something worth seeing.” He thought as he was lead to a stream that was to run through the village. Sirius saw that where the water should have been, was a large stream of a light brown liquid. Almost as flowing as water would be. Sirius instantly had questions but saw it fit to narrow it down to a few main ones. “ So you say you haven't tested it. And you don't know what it is?”
“ Yes. We also haven't had the time as you know. We are pressed for time as it is.”
“ Well lets change that.” Said Sirius using his magic to bring some of the liquid out. He twisted and turned it and eventually flattened it out to become as thin as a coin and took out any impurities inside. “ I can't seam to determine what it is. Its not harmful if that's what you are worried about. Nor is is good.”
“ Can you tell me if I can use it. I'll need water for the houses-”
“ Wait.” Said Sirius in a small amount of shock. He refocused on a smaller peace of the liquid and took it from what he had before. This left him with a small sphere of liquid that could fit into a ponies hoof. “ Lets try this.” Sirius said.
“ No don't” Thunder shrieked but it was too late. Sirius drank that liquid and immediately afterwards his face changed from curiosity and hesitation to that of shock and confusion.
“ Chocolaty. It tastes chocolaty.
“ Chocolaty. What does that mean.” Snapped Thunder angrily after what Sirius did.
“ I mean it isn't water like you said. Its chocolate milk.” The captain said. In all his years of work Sirius had never came across something as peculiar as this. Which made him all the more excited and willing to take the matter further.
“ Thunder do you know where this river births?”
“ That would be just after Fillydelphia. Why-”
“ That's all I wanted to know. I'll be back within the next couple of days Thunder with water for your buildings but for now I bid you a farewell. This is something I need to speak to the princess with.”
“ Well thank you for that kind offer and I will hold you to that.” Replied Thunder as Sirius left. He charged up his magic and in a flash of blue and white, was gone. Sirius watched the world around him disappear and reappear in the form of Canterlot's palace hall. Sirius started for the Equestrian halls at a quick pace. He didn't know if princess Luna would be far into an important debate or not but he thought that this was worth the interruption. Even if he was frowned upon. Sirius used his magic and the doors swung open. Everypony turned and glared at the captain but Sirius brushed them off. He walked down to Luna and bowed.
“ Sirius, You had better have an adequate reason for this.” Luna asked in a hushed whisper
.
“ I do your highness,” Said Sirius before leaning closer to Luna. Luna brought her head down and listened. “ The river that runs through Ponyvile and ends in the Everfree lake. It is no longer water. It seams to be chocolate milk-”
“ Captain I have no time for foalish games. Is this serious or not? And make haste, I have business to finish off here.”
“ I would never tell such idiotic lies. I implore you to investigate this matter. To change the entire river from Fillydelphia to its end would take a phenomenal amount of magic. One that any unicorn would not posses. As far as my knowledge reaches anyway.”
Luna paused for a moment. It was true that something would have to be very magically powerful to accomplish such a feet. Something that if left unchecked, could become a danger to Equestria. Luna straightened to her full height and addressed the diplomatic ponies. “ I regretfully say that these proceedings are to be closed as of now. There is an urgent matter that I must be present at-”
“ But we still haven't reasoned with the zebra's yet surely-”
“ I am aware of that fact. But that will just have to wait. I look forward to seeing you all the same time next week. Until then.” Replied Luna with finality in her voice. Rigel, who was at her side the whole time, followed Luna and Sirius outside the halls and into the throne room. There Luna lost her façade and rounded on both ponies.
“ Rigel! I want you to send three of your best pegasi to Fillydelphia and find the birth of the river. I want to know what exactly is causing this. If they find anything, I do not want them to engage. They will return and report only to me. Is that clear.”
“ Yes your highness.” Said Rigel before turning tail and leaving the room.
“ Sirius! I want you to take a brigade of guards back to Ponyvile and enforce that nopony there shall speak of this to anyone outside viewing distance of the river. Keep it away from society until further notice.”
“ And if anypony is to stumble across the river?”
“ They will be given the same orders by you. Do not spread the word of the rivers change or there will be punishments. Scare them in a way to keeping quite about this.”
“ As you wish. Are you going to alert you sister of these disturbances?”
“ No. I'll merely tell her if we find something worth while.” Said Luna dismissively. Sirius stared for a moment before nodding and leaving
Rigel stood before three pegasi looking them over. “ You know your orders. I expect them to be carried out to their fullest extent.” Two pegasi, one gray and the other white stood adorning golden armour. Both were of the fastest in the entire guard but it was the pegasus in the middle who was the leader of this group. Lightening Streak, the fastest and most agile pegasus ever known stood with virtually no armour on. Just a small neck bracelet with the royal guard insignia on it. His purple eyes stared back at Rigel's.
“ I understand general.”
“ Good. Now don't let me down. Because if you do. Its is not only me you are failing, but the princess herself. Find out what's causing the river to change.” Enforced Rigel. All three nodded before flashing into the air and disappearing into the distance. They would not return until they found the culprit.
