[EAW] Heir Of Love

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Preserve
Chapter 2 - Learn
Chapter 3 - Adapt
Chapter 4 - Act
Epilogue
Prologue

Chapter 1 - Preserve

Preserve

July 3rd 1013

The soft wind whistled to natures divine symphony. Silence echoed throughout the cold fields bordering the Crystal City, that were completely empty except an alicorn solemnly sitting alone, white to off pink resonated outwards slowly growing deeper in colour from her torso, swaying her body to each side slowly to the pace of natures breath. A soft in take of breath broke the silence, followed by the inevitable exhalation. But that did not come until after the alicorn raised her hoof to her chest and pushed it outward with her breath. The tension of her body slowly eased as her muscles relaxed along with her mind. She raised her head and looked onto the rolling snowy hills before her. These were her hills now, they had been for over a year now and the concept still fascinated her, that an entire Empire was hers... It was surreal to her, now 16 years she has endured on the world, only 16 and she was in control over how ponies lived their lives? In control of how much money they paid? If she asked for too much she would be responsible for ponies dying, but ask for too little and it makes her seem weak and the state would have no money. If the state has no money then schools would have to close stopping ponies getting jobs which would then stop them paying taxes, which repeats the cycle. Or maybe she wouldn't be able to maintain an army? She doubted she needed it, the Changelings had taken Olenia but the chances of them attacking Equestria and the Crystal Empire? Unlikely, but possible.

Everything that she did had a consequence and a reward. There is nothing she can do anymore that does not negatively effect someone, she had read that somewhere in her lessons with her mother... something like "For one pony to gain something another must lose something. For every profit there is a loss."

Her mind was again clouded as she was filled with solicitude for those who have lost something because of what she did. Flurry Heart did the only thing she knew, took a slow breath, pull her hoof in... and out with her breath. It helped her focus and clear her mind... but really it reminded her of her mother, what would she have done in this situation? Her mind pondered again, but this time was halted by a the sound of air breaking between flapping wings. Her own wings extended and stretched along with her back as she arched it inwards to ease all of her muscles from the tension yet again. She pushed on the floor with her hooves and raised her self up, and turned her head behind her to see 2 armoured ponies gliding slowly downwards toward her.

The Princess smiled gently and waited for the two guards to land.

"Princess?" A stern voice stated bluntly from the taller guard.

"Hm? Where?" Flurry teased looking around and giggling playfully. Before settling and jovially smiling at the guards, the shorter noticeably biting his lip with a hint of a smile. The taller one just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"You've been gone a while, you're expected back at the castle for dinner in an hour." The probably more confident and taller pony again spoke with only the slightest hint of emotion.

Flurry heart settled to a ever so slightly calmer and more serious face and after a deep breathe nodded, looking around and at the sky. Only now realising the sun has moved a significant amount since the last time she checked, and even a hue of orange as sunset began to envelop the peaceful world. She looked at the snowy mountains before her and admired her tranquil, peaceful and happy land, after a year of her reign the country was not failing, which was an accomplishment, at least to her. Her land was safe and hopefully it would be for time to come, but doubt filled her mind. The recent invasion of Olenia, the numerous military exercises near their border and the assassination of her mother. Preservation of the peace and preservation of her land were goals according to her advisors. But to Princess Flurry Heart, the safety of the ponies in her land was her primary concern, knowing somepony was hurt or even killed because of her actions? She could not dream of the thought and feelings she would have, so tried not to for now...

With a sudden feeling of flesh on her shoulder she jolted back into reality, the shorter guard having tapped her shoulder, who was now moving back into his military ease. She sighed and looked up slightly embarrassed and disappointed, but put a smile on. Like her mother would have.

"Oh..? It's been that long already? Sorry... I'm not really used to leading any pony never mind an entire country of ponies... We can go back now anyway I'm just about done!" her mopey demeanour begins at the start of the sentence and ends at the end, smiling apologetically at the two guards who both just nod and turn on the about, and fly towards the castle.

Author's Note

Chapter 1!
Story is written for the Equestria At War Competition and hence is set in such universe. Some liberties have been taken on the EaW universe and the MLP:FIM universe regarding time. The start of the war for EaW and Flurry's age is a few years ahead from FIM in regards to when EaW is set.

Aside from that I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 2 - Learn

Learn

July 3rd 1013

Dusk settled on the crystallised metropolis, a cold breeze shook the ponies of the northern city. Winters bite clung to the armoured ponies forcing their bones into a melodic impulsing. In the distance 3 winged creatures were fluttered peacefully like butterflies in the autumn wind. The young, naive and beautiful princess approached her castle, still after 6 months, in awe of what she owned. Knowing that inside of that, every pony would be willing to set aside their own life and problems for her... it was truly inspiring to her. As the large castle grew larger and larger as they approached, Flurry took these moments to once again contemplate. Over the last few months of her being a Princess she has quickly become a deep thinker, finding her self being more analytical and mature when the time arises. Thinking on this, she pondered. How much has she changed in the last 6 months? She wrote a little diary entry on the day of her coronation but just has not had the time to update it, she's just been more busy then she ever had and even spending 5 minutes writing a small diary entry would take too long. On the other hoof, she still felt like the same pony, just more mature and important, but come a few years down the line... will she keep changing?

The Princess sighed as they landed at the bottom of the castle. 4 doors, 8 guards to the North, East, South and West. To a 'normal' pony which door used wouldn't seem like it mattered, but in reality (at least in her new reality) the difference was that between night and day.

The Northern door was only for servants, leading to the kitchen and changing rooms.
The Eastern door was only for guests, leading to the guest bedrooms.
The Southern door was only for royalty or high nobility (and accompanying escorts) leading to the banquet hall and royal quarters. The southern door was chosen due to it pointing towards Equestria, where a lot of The Princesses family lived.
Finally, the western door was only for guards, leading to the lockers and armoury, pointing west do to it being closer to the Changeling Lands.

Flurry ,naturally, entered the southern door with her silent escorts and proceeded to her royal quarters. The room was illustrious and large, a bed, mirror, oversized wardrobe, on suite bathroom, oversized chandelier and a portrait of family taken when she was a baby. They all went on a cruise together and since then then practically have never all gotten together like that. Not until Cadence's funeral. Every space was used but yet still felt empty. It used to be her mothers room. But not any more. Maybe that's what was missing.

The two guards stood outside the door at either side looking idly straight ahead to the seeming endless corridor. To either side there was an equal number of doors symmetrical facing each other, above each of the 6 rooms read 'Guest Room' and the two closest to the Princess room read 'VIP Guest' and 'Captain Shining Armour'. And finally, above the guards a beautiful and illustrious sign read.

Princess Flurry Heart

Her Royal Majesty

Of The Crystal Empire.

Armed with CPMAR Frostbites, like all Personal Guards to the princess, they stood at rest making quiet conversation to each other while the Princess Dressed and freshened her self up.

"You heard 'boot the Olenian crisis? Blooming massacre..." The shorter, younger and naive pony spoke with a whisper and air of curiosity, not moving his head but clearly speaking to his superior.

"You ask too much Corporal." The taller, older... well the opposite of the other pony practically, spoke with an air of authority and a complete lack of emotion.

"Knowledge is power." Was quickly retorted.

"And ignorance is bliss." The older one spoke with no change to his demeanour, articulation or posture. The Corporal sighed and almost accepted defeat, but that was the opposite of what he was indoctrinated to do.

"What happened in Olenia Sir?"

The older pony sighed and closed his eyes for a few seconds.

"You literally already said, a fucking massacre."

"Well, yeah but... how was it? What actually happened Sir... I heard so many awful stories 'boot it and... I don't believe 'em to be honest sir..." The younger guard seemed somewhat worried or curious, possible a mix of both.

"Well they are right. What happened in Olenia was an international disaster, but we had no right to intervene, we couldn't get the support of the Equestrian parliament, but it was enough to warrant Equestria and The Crystal Empire re militarising. Which is why you see the fortifications being built to the west of the city and the larger number of guards from conscription" The aged stallion stated completely matter of factually, not moving at all. This was unlike the Corporal, who has fidgeting, showing the clear divide in experience and professionalism that ponies of the same training but different experience posses.

The younger pony just nodded slowly, looking straight ahead again, slightly more deflated and maybe, just maybe if you were to look close enough into his eyes. The spark of pony ambition, the flame of darkness in the hearts of all creatures and the moral complexity of full sentience. All were now known to him. Maybe.

Flurry entered the room with a spring in her step as she stretched her wings, hooves and back. The door closed behind her with an aura emanating from the door that matched her the one from her horn as she hopped around the brightly lit apartment. Her face wore an unusual smile, not one of habit and respect, but one of relaxation and happiness. The young mare leapt onto her bed and expanded her silhouette into an X shape, letting out a long sigh of relief and let the tension seep into the luxurious mattress that embraced her like only her mother could.

A sudden knock immediately shook the young mare mere seconds after her laying down, sitting her self up she yet out a slightly audible " c'm'in " as all of a sudden felt weak and drowsy. A brief click from the door notified the Princess of the entry of someone, and after a few hoof steps and the clearing of the throat the princess sat up fully and gazed upon her new guest.

Chapter 3 - Adapt

Adapt

July 3rd 1013

A beige overcoat grasped tightly, enveloping and consuming the light mulberry pony underneath. The tailor fit overalls gave way for the wings similar to Flurries own, longer then a pegasi's and much more marvellous. Higher on the torso the light mulberry began to intertwine with the dark sapphire and brilliant raspberry that slung down from the top of the magnificent mares head. Under the delicate mares bangs, 2 heartwarming dots of a calming violet peered into the mind of the young Princess. As the sun went down outside her window, inside Twilight edged closer.

The young, regal and outstanding Alicorn smiled wholeheartedly at the even younger child that laid on the bed in front of her. This said child sprung to her feet and then into the air, her hooves spread wide as she lept into a soothing hug with the Princess of Friendship, her aunt. The two Princesses collided with a huff and a mixture of adorable giggles warmed even the guards outside.

"Aunty!" A sharp yell of joy, passion and love embraced the ears of the loving aunt.

"Hehe-hey! Keep it down a little!" Twilight would return the love and passion, hushing her voice slightly to emphasise her point. After around half a minute of snuggles the two mares would split apart, the young princess would fall back and sit on her bed looking at her mentor.

Twilight would smile at her, "Well I'm glad you love my company, took me a while to get here. Good job I'll be staying for a week huh?" Twilight's smile would widen a little more. She was clearly just as excited as the little filly for them to spend some time together, unfortunately she had some bad news. "Although I am here with orders, I am to be your psychological adviser... So that means I am to make sure you're happy, which I am sure will be fine. But I am also to act as your speaker at some points. There is a big dinner today and the dignitaries expect some speech from you on the recent Changeling Aggression... So naturally I made you one!" Twilight would beam looking at the filly, who she expected to not care... but seemed to be paying close attention now.

"Oh, thanks Twi! Mind if I read, I feel I could learn from it. My foreign affairs adviser is keeping me a little in the dark and I'd like to know what's going on." Flurry spoke, quite fluently. Twilight was slightly taken aback, she hasn't seen Flurry since the funeral of Cadence, but she didn't speak much to her other then condolences. This Flurry Heart was much more mature then she had expected. And she was curious as to why, with a spark of inspiration and curiosity Twilight decided to push this theory a little.

"Wow, I didn't expect you to care so much." Twilight would state, simply. This would allow for a larger and less specific answer, one that would allow her to learn a little more about this Flurry she thought she knew.

"Why of course I do, why wouldn't I? I have all these responsibilities and there is a threat to my people. If I can't deal with it then... ponies will die because of me... I'm kind of scared and stressed about it and I just can't stop worrying about every action I do having a consequence even when I overthink it but then I suppose that's better then not caring but now I'm really scared and stressed and I miss my mom." Flurry would ramble, quickly and afterwords taking a few fast and deep breaths. Raising her hoof to her chest and pushing it out with her breath.

Twilight's mouth hung agape, after a moment she closed it and nodded, wearing a neutral expression as she began to process this new information. She sat on the bed and wrapped a wing around the somewhat weeping princess.

"I don't think you need her, I think she's taught you everything and with how mature you've grown to be I bet she's proud of you. Looking down at you and everything you've over come, you're the first ruler of a nation in pony history to be so young and you've done a fantastic job. I've spoken with a few ponies and they say you've made some could speeches on the economy and quite frankly a young filly like you knowing so much about economics seem impossible. But even when you were young you were special, you listened. You learnt. You adapted and you preserved that information. Now it's time to act. Act upon the knowledge you have and believe in your self, I'm always here if you need anything or anypony to talk to about your ideas okay?" Twilight tightened her grip on the young princess, bringing her half into a loving embrace of protection and promise, reassuring the little filly who lead the country that she was special. Like she knew she was when she became a princess. She was always special, she just doubted her self and never again she would doubt her self! This small act made her happy.

"I love you Twilight."

"I love you too."

Flurry turned fully to her only true source of guidance and reassurance and once again embraced her in a full snuggle. Warm patches floated down Flurry's cheeks like oil from a fire. Warm, conflicted and meaningful.

After a prolonged silence that deafened the room, a knock from the door before the sound of a click and confident, well timed footsteps approached. The princesses' broke their hug, both standing next to each other looking towards the door. A tall, pink pony walked into the room with a smile, and a brief bow.

"Miss Heart, the dressing team are ready." The pony spoke with eloquent composure smiling at the both princess'.

"Oh? I'll be just one moment please." Flurry responded, in just as eloquent of a tongue, and with that the pony at the door was gone and after one more hug the two mares prepared for their meal.

Author's Note

Hiya! Been a while since I wrote one of these. The deadline is closing and this is the penultimate chapter, excluding the epilogue and I'm hoping to be able to work on it asap. The deadline is tomorrow so expect to see the story completed by then, just gonna have to pull my head out off my arse and work doubt time! Anyway hope you enjoyed it and leave feedback, it's truly appreciated!

-Orion

Chapter 4 - Act

Act

July 3rd 1013

After an hour of standing outside the room, the guards outside were finally greeted by a click of the door and a high hum, notably the usage of magic. The door opened.

Garnished in a rose red dress that reflected a small amount of light giving it a light glimmer to it, upon her head a slightly darker, more blood red, homburg rested perfectly central but tilted to her right ever so gently that was embraced by a beautiful flower the guards could not discern. Upon her hooves, perfectly shined black shoes that spiked out from the centre like a petite firework, centred with a golden star. Under all the beautiful clothing stood a shivering pale pink pretty princess.

Flurry tried her best to smile, butterflies dancing in her stomach were the cause of her nerve. Nothing else. She had asked Twilight about the rise of the Changeling Lands and now, she was as afraid as she ever had been and with no one to turn hug at night. She didn't want to think about it for now, she'd get to that at the meal.

Twilight, adorned in a beautiful gold, purple and white dress, stepped from the room and put a wing onto Flurry's back as a sign to reassure the fragile child. But after Flurry took a look at Twilight's own smile, she wasn't sure who was comforting who.

The two mares and their loyal guards paced towards the royal dining area that awaited their arrival. To Flurry, it felt too long and as cliché as it seemed to her, the corridor felt as endless as a carnival maze. Twilight had noticed the other princesses faster breathing rate and put her wing out to stop her. The 4 stopped, Flurry met Twilight's warm, comforting and peaceful eyes that eased her slightly but Twilight raised her hoof to chest. Flurry knew what was next, and together they raised pushed their hooves from chest, outstretched in front of them moving with their exhalation never breaking the comforting eye contact. The two nervous, fragile and young Princesses proceeded and the now not so endless corridor ended and with that, the two guards pushed open the doors.

Around the sides of the large room tables full of flowers, cutlery, wine and decorations made the room feel less empty, as no pony sat there. Directly on the other side of the room a table faced them, flanked by a large line of tables stretched to look like on gigantic table ran from one end of the room to the other and ponies stood looking towards the two mares. The seats only empty were that across the room from them. All the tables had evenly spaced flowers, candles and all kinds of cutlery and under them was a perfectly straight and ironed white cloth that went down to the gold coloured chairs that rested a red pillow each. The room looked like a very long white 'n', Flurry thought to her self.

The audience of dignitaries, officials and general staff stood facing inwards to their tables as the two Princesses walked along the each side of the room both accompanied by a guard each. Eventually after the long walk, the two Princesses sat down next to each other at the only two chairs at the table that was wearing a beautiful, long bouquet. The audience remained standing as flurry took a deep breath and pulled out a large script with her magic from a little slit in her dress. With another sigh she smiled and looked straight up and put on the loudest, strongest and most powerful voice she could articulate.

"My dear subjects of the Crystal Empire and ambassadors from foreign fields. I welcome you all to the annual Crystal Meal that celebrates the liberation of our nation from tyranny and despair. This meal today is little from celebration unfortunately. I have decided to announce my foreign policy in regards to the imperialism and expansion on the Changeling Lands today. The Changelings have made unprovoked aggression upon the country of Olenia a few years ago and after the civil war and uprisings saw a time of peace and somewhat prosperity even at such great a cost in Olenian life.

But that peace seems to be leading to more war. Last year the Polar Bear Kingdom was invaded and all Polar Bears were stripped from citizenship rights. Early this year, Olenian and Polar Bears have been placed into confined, deadly and morbid conditions that can only be described as a prison. Now, these Olenian and Polar Bears are being executed randomly and communities who do not accept complete servitude are being literally decimated. One in every 10 of a community are publicly executed.

So to this I call upon my ally of Equestria, ask them to join the Crystal Empire in a coalition war against the Changeling Lands. For the past 3 months Equestrian and Crystal armies have laid defences and prepared at the border and called upon volunteers from Stalliongrad and the West Griffonian Empire to help contain and protect the peace of Equestria. So. By Royal Decree, I, Princess Flurry Heart of The Crystal Empire, with the support of Equestria. Hereby Declare War on the Changeling Lands.

Fear not my fellow ponies, the war shall be fast, simple and safe. Our stallions will be home by Hearth's Warming Eve! Now, I called upon you. Ponies of The Crystal Empire and beyond to fear not and enlist into the army or help in the industrial effort. Peace must be fought for and that is what we shall do.

Thank you.

Flurry sat down. Out of breath. Sweating. Panting. Crying. She quickly put her head down as to not be seen, and as she sat down after a few moments of stunned silence the audience sat down. Silent. To Flurry's joy ponies began speaking, breaking the silence and once they did and everypony got settled Twilight wrapped a wing around Flurry Heart and hugged her tightly.

"I'm proud of you Flurry, you're doing what is right. I told you that Equestria didn't need you, but doing this has gave us numbers and will save more Equestrian lives. I am so proud of you, it was hard for me to write, hard for Celestia so say. But nothing we did was as hard as what you have done now." She'd plant a kiss on the sobbing mares forehead hugging her tighter, rubbing her hoof on her back as comfort and consolation.

"B-but now my ponies will... die..." Flurry blabbered out barely.

"But with more trained ponies our forces will be stronger, letting us overwhelm them causing less ponies overall to die Flurry, think of it that way." Twilight spoke softly, but even she was unsure with her words. Luckily Flurry trusted her.

"I-I guess..." The two mares smiled at each other and hugged once more. And finally. They put their hooves to their chests, and pushed it out with the air. Like her mother would have.

Like her mother would have.

Author's Note

The story at an end, the tale is told,
Peace to defend, with death in the fold,
The final chapter, of story and life,
The end of laughter, as life dissipates,
And Flurry the Fighter? The prologue awaits.

-Orion

Epilogue

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Prologue

Hiya! My name is Flurry Heart, I'm the ruler the Crystal Empire and the Princess of Pettiness!.. Heh, not really... I haven't actually found out what I'm the princess of yet... But that won't stop me! I'm a lucky filly I'd say, being a princess aged 15 is beyond the dreams of any other pony ever to exist which means I'm special! I mean ~~Princess~~ Cadence, who was my mother, may have been killed but I sure don't let that drag me down because I know I'm special! Anyway I decided to write this because today was my coronation and I've never been happier!! I got this cool crown, a fancy cape thingy (which I have no idea what it's for but looks coool!) and the best of all a throne! Every~~pony~~one looks up to me and it's a little scary, sure but it's so cool! I don't even have to do any chores any more and ponies treat me like an adult and trust what I say no matter what. That's kind of scary, but I'm not bothered because what could go wrong? I'm special after all!

Princess F. Heart
Ruler of the Crystal Empire
1013 -> 10--
Signed