A tall mare walked down a hallway, her heels echoing with each step. A few passing guards stopped and saluted, only choosing to move again when she was gone. The tall mare that walked by was wearing sharp heels. Her pale blue dress left little to the imagination, however this was normal as she wore this attire on her few days off. Her long and pointed horn seemed to clean in the sunlight, while she kept her wings close. The mare made her way along a few more hallways before entering her private study. Once inside she locked the door and sighed heavily, her eyes quickly turning to a glare. A few problems had arisen, and they needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. She walked over to her desk and took a seat, slipping off her heels as she let her bare feet relax on the pale yellow rug. She looked at the letter before her, deciding to read it again, wanting to once again make sure she had read it right the other sixteen times.

“Dear Princess Celestia

I asked the girls if they would be willing to move to Canterlot, in order to better respond to dangers since we are the Elements of Harmony. Rarity was more than happy to move to Canterlot as long as she could find some to watch over her shop in Ponyville. Fluttershy seemed happy to move there as well, since she could be closer to the Royal Animal Sanctuary. I could not really get a straight answer from Pinkie, but from what I gathered. She would be happy anywhere she could throw parties and be with her friends. Rainbow Dash didn't give me a straight answer either, but I know that she just didn't want to sound too giddy. After all, she loves the Wonderbolts and they tend to spend a lot of time in Canterlot. Applejack was the only one who refused to go to Canterlot. She explained to me that she couldn't do that to her family. That she needed to stay there with Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac. I hope I was able to serve you, and can't wait for your next task.

Your Faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle”

Celestia moved the letter away and began to think. This was troubling. She needed the Elements of Harmony as close as possible in case any more problems were to arise. Nightmare Moon, the Changeling Invasion, Discord, and many others on the horizon. However she could not do anything without all the Elements, and Applejack was proving to be the hitch in her plan. The Element of Honesty was truly proving to her moniker. She would have to find a way to force Apple Jack to move to Canterlot, the only question was how. There were three obstacles in her way, if she could remove one, then the rest would fall like dominoes. Apple Bloom was young and could be easily influenced, so she would be of no concern. Granny Smith was getting older by the day, it wouldn't be too hard to push her along. Then there was Big Mac, better known as McIntosh Apple. He was built like one of the statues in her garden, loyal and honest as they came, and was young enough that he had many years ahead of him. He would need to be the catalyst in order for her plan to succeed.

There was a knock at the door, followed by a soft voice, “Sister, It is I. May we enter?” her voice while soft was easily still heard by Celestia as she looked to the door.

“You may enter,” Celestia replied in a calm tone as she stood from her desk, and walked to the door, unlocking it. Once unlocked she made her way back to her desk.

The door opened as another mare slowly walked in, She was a head shorter than her sister. She wore a simple dark blue dress as well as white satin opera gloves. She moved into the room, shutting and locking the door behind her. Once done she turned towards her sister Celestia was sitting back behind her desk, her eyes closed as she thought of what to do, and which domino needed to fall. Her sister moved to the chair across from her and sat.

“Sister, what troubles you? Is it the letter you received from your student Twilight Sparkle? ” Luna asked, wondering what could be troubling her sister this much.

Celestia didn't answer right away, she thought long and hard, before it hit her. She opened her eyes and looked at her sister, another problem that she wanted to keep close. The Lunar Uprising was something that she would not allow to happen again. Ever since her return, she had made sure that Luna understood her new place and role in the castle.

“Ask not the sparrow how the eagle soars, dear sister.” Celestia stood from her desk. “In time, the Elements of Harmony will be joining us in Canterlot Castle.” Celestia spoke in a cold and calculating tone as she walked to her window and looked out towards the horizon.

Luna Looked down, she knew what to expect. Ever since her return, Celestia has limited her roles to simply raising the moon, and night court. Other than that, she did nothing, she simply existed. Luna did not know what had made her sister like this, but she hoped that her old sister was somewhere deep down in this new Celestia. She looked down to the desk, and saw the letter, reading each line carefully.

“Tia, it says that Applejack would not make the move, so should I only have five rooms prepared?” Luna looked towards her sister, hoping she hadn't crossed a line in reading the letter.

Celstia smirked as she looked down towards the castle gate, and saw a large speck of red entering.

“Not at all sister, in fact prepare eight rooms.” As Celestia spoke, each word seemed to only grow darker and more cold as her plan game together. Luna stood and backed away slowly from her sister, growing nervous as she wondered what her sister was planning, but then again she wasn't told much of anything. Luna walked to the door and unlocked it, leaving her sister to her plans.

Celestia moved to her desk and began writing up a storm. Her horn glowing slightly as quills levitated over and began to write on their own. If she was gonna succeed, then her plan needed to go off without a hitch.

“Big McIntosh, you will be the perfect domino. It is a shame though, you could have proven quite useful, but your sister’s usefulness far exceeds your own” Celestia spoke to herself as she wrote document after document to make her will become true.

Luna was frozen. She had stayed by the door in order to calm her emotions, never expecting to hear this. She moved quickly to her quarters, only stopping shortly to inform the maid about preparing the eight rooms. After taking various turns she had made it to her quarters. It was out of the way, but at least she had quarters to call her own. Luna told her guards she did not want to be interrupted. Once inside she went to her desk, and began to write, hoping that her own letter would at least be of some use.

Author's Note

"Ask not the sparrow how the eagle soars!" not my quote and i do not take credit for it. I thought this would help the story along with motives as well as what roles are being played.

I am also looking for an editor since I am reworking my chapters, adding new things, as well as adding new chapters

Celestia's Dress: https://derpibooru.org/images/1818976

Luna's Dress: https://www.redbubble.com/i/greeting-card/Princess-Luna-Anthro-by-RarieDash/35354087.5MT14