“You DARE insinuate that my rule is WEAK?! I’ve ruled this land for generations! I’ve kept the peace for longer than you’ve been alive! And yet, you have the audacity to come to my hall, and insult me in such a manner?!”
A loud, booming voice echoed throughout the halls of a grand castle made entirely of stone, drowning out the pitter-patter of rain hitting the many glass windows which adorned it, as a great storm raged outside, as if it were the end of days. Yet, it was possible to pinpoint the voice to one room in particular: A throne room. It, like the rest of the structure, was built with dull, gray stone, with two sets of large, wooden doors serving as the main entrance, with other, smaller doors likely leading to other parts of the castle itself. A particularly beautiful wooden rug led up to the throne itself, where a hulking beast called a Minotaur sat, clad in simple fur clothing, made from the animals he’d hunted over the years, fur black in color, yet it was obviously beginning to gray. Two younger looking guards stood beside him, one of his left, and one on his right, with other such guards stationed at different points in the room.
“Exactly! You’ve grown old, the gray in your fur is beginning to show, father! It’s time you stepped down, and let ME become ruler, so I may continue leading the tribes to glory!” Another Minotaur said aloud, this one with similar clothing, though his fur was brown in color, and he generally appeared much younger looking, such as no gray fur, nor any sort of wrinkles, though he was shorter. That didn’t stop him from being just as intimidating. His muscles were just as capable of breaking a few bones and lifting their fair share of weight.
“Never. As long as I live, you, nor your brother, shall receive the throne, and I don’t plan on dying anytime soon.” The elderly Minotaur replied, his tone absolute, and firm. Yet, it didn’t seem to make the younger Minotaur-his son-any happier.
“...This isn’t fair... THIS ISN’T FAIR! The throne is rightfully mine! You instilled that into me the day I was born, but now you-” The young Minotaur wasn’t able to get another word in, as his father’s voice suddenly echoed throughout the halls of the castle once more, a fire in his eyes that would make most people cower in fear...
“THIS DISCUSSION IS OVER! Unless you want to be put in your place, I’d suggest you leave, right now!”
“...Fine. But I’ll be waiting for the moment you kneel over and die, clutching your heart as old age finally catches up to you. And I won’t shed any tears, I’ll just take that crown off your cold corpse, and take what is rightfully mine...” Was all his son had to say in response, as he turned around, a stoic expression on his face, and began to stomp away, such stomps nearly enough to shake the entire room, yet all it managed to do was cause a vase to fall over from a nearby table, shattering upon impacting the floor.
The Elder sighed, leaning back in his throne as his son passed the threshold of the main doors and slammed them shut behind him, only causing more vases to fall over and shatter, something that caused him to groan in annoyance. Honestly, those vases were priceless. How was he supposed to replace them?
“...Somebody clean that up.” The Elder eventually said, eliciting a nod from one of his guards, who immediately began to march off, likely to find a lowly servant to do such a job. The other guards, meanwhile, stood where they were, eyes forward, unmoving, spears held firmly in their hands, always on guard for any threats to their Elders life, who’s gaze had fallen upon them. Only the strongest of the tribes were allowed to become part of this elite force, and the training they endured was brutal. Some even died, yet it was necessary, for the job put on their shoulders was one they simply couldn’t afford to fail at. And so far? They’d far exceeded the Elders expectations, and for that, he was grateful...
“He’s trouble, you know. He’ll do anything to gain the throne.” Came a voice from just behind the Elder, who was quickly knocked out of his thoughts, as he turned around to come face to face with his own personal adviser, Hessen, a long time friend of his, and probably one of the few Minotaurs who can match him in height. He immediately gave a small smile to in greeting, before his expression became serious once again.
“Yes, I know. But he is still my son. I won’t simply throw him into prison, or have him executed because of a few, veiled threats.” The Elder replied, groaning as he rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “Unless he does something extremely stupid, he’ll remain free.”
“...Be that as it may, I do advise you watch your back, old friend. I’d hate to one day find you’ve kicked the bucket.” Hessen replied, before sighing, his expression becoming solemn. It was true, he cared quite a bit about his long time friend. They’d known each other for so long, it’d be like losing his own sibling, at this point. “At the very least, go get some rest. I can tell already you’re exhausted.”
“...I suppose that’d be best. Do not fret, though. I won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon.” The Elder replied in a weary voice, placing a hand on Hessen’s shoulder, and giving it a firm squeeze. “Consider that a promise.”
“I... Yes. Apologies, I do tend to worry a lot.” Hessen rubbed the back of his neck as he replied, giving a sheepish smile, which the Elder simply returned with a smile of his own, letting go of his shoulder and taking a few steps back.
"It's quite alright. Now, I suppose I'll be off. Don't forget to get some rest yourself, you look like you just crawled out of Tartarus." The Elder jested, giving a hearty laugh as he turned to the left, and began to walk toward a door that led further into his castle, and thus, to his bedroom. Hessen simply shook his head, chuckling as he headed in the opposite direction, towards a door which led into the courtyard. Yes, he could go onto bed, but right now? He needed to think, clear his head and the like. He'd been more than a bit stressed lately, as he usually was, considering the job he had. Yet, he couldn't get the idea that something... Terrible, was about to transpire. Only time would tell if this idea would be to fruition... Or not...
The Elder stumbled down the hall, exhaustion already beginning to take hold in only a matter of a few minutes or so. He could only theorize the fight from earlier got enough adrenaline pumping through him to keep him awake. But that was just a theory. Either way, he couldn't wait to climb into his warm, soft bed. Such a thought motivated him to press on, and not simply pass out in the middle of the hallway.
After some time, he made it to his room, gently opening the door to it as to not wake up anyone else in the castle. The centerpiece of the room was, of course, his bed, sheets a shiny green in color, made from only the finest silk, imported from the Eastern Coast of Equestria. On each side of the bed were dark, wooden nightstands made from oak, with a candle on each one, along with a few miscellaneous items, such as books, and the like. Some bookshelves lined the walls, with one wall being home to a particularly large window, allowing moonlight to shine brightly into the room... Brightly enough to allow him to see someone, crouched in the corner of the room, wearing a black cloak. He couldn't see their face, though, so he couldn't identify who, or what they exactly were.
"Wha-" The Elder couldn't get even word out, before he felt something immediately poke him in the neck. His vision quickly began to blur, as he fell down onto one knee, an overwhelming sense of dread, and nausea taking quick hold of him. A poison dart... How did he not see the blowpipe in the intruders hand? It didn't matter. His breathing was already beginning to slow, his heartbeat slowing down, just like it felt time itself was doing. He could hear the intruder saying... Something, but it sounded like he was underwater, suffocating, it was torture... He couldn't support himself anymore, he was forced to fall onto his back as every muscle in his body relaxed, weakened...
The last thing he saw, before death finally claimed him, was the blurred outline of the intruder, looking down at him, their features revealed to him just enough to see the cruel smile that adorned their face...
Author's Note
And that's the first chapter of this fic! Hope you all enjoyed it, though, being honest, I know for a fact I'm not a good writer. I'm a beginner and have a lot to learn. So! That's why I want you to criticize this to your hearts content. I welcome any and all constructive criticism, as it'll help me improve in the long run, as long as it's not mean spirited, of course. 
Peace out y'all. Captain Jinx, singing off for now. 
Lightning crescendoed across the night sky in a flashy display, wrapped in a dance of sorts, while menacing clouds gathered, pouring rain down onto the land below, slithering down the sides of the Canterlot Castle, almost like a serpent. Yet eventually, it was interrupted by a window frame, dimly lit up by the small candle that sat on the other side of the window itself, adorning a wooden desk which had other amenities, such as a small bottle filled to the brim with ink, a few stacks of unused parchment, waiting for someone to come along and write whatever their hearts desired onto them.
The rest of the room was a bit more... Ornate. The floor consisted of polished tile, while the walls were a smooth marble, with an equally as impressive looking purple door to going along with it. A singular bed took up most of the room itself, with purple silk sheets, and feather filled pillows, truly, a bed fit for a ruler of some kind. The rest of the room, not including the desk, consisted of a few sitting pillows, which lay in front of a small table, which itself sat in front of a large fireplace, though it wasn't lit.
Suddenly, the window in the room burst open, as the wind outside picked up greatly, ramming the sides of the castle-like an angry bull, determined to break through its fancy walls. The window was promptly shut, however, yellow magic seemingly enveloping it.
"...Serves me right for not locking it properly, I suppose." A rather regal voice said, slightly echoing in the rather grandiose room. With a large, white wing, the source of the voice wiped some of the rain that had gotten in off her face. Without her regalia, it would still be quite obvious to the common pony who she was: Princess Celestia, Co-Ruler of Equestria.
With a reserved sigh, she went about picking up the papers that were now strewn about the floor of her room. Luckily, her magic made this a rather simple task. After she made sure they were sorted, and stacked properly, she felt it now would be a good time to call it a night. Paperwork never was something she enjoyed, which made it a wonder she'd ever managed to stay sane in the bloated system that was Equestrian bureaucracy.
Creaaaaak
Her ear twitched, as the sound hit her eardrum. Fight-or-Flight kicked in. Even one of the most powerful beings in Equestria wasn't immune to her instincts. Yet, she stayed calm, and with a calm demeanor, looked over at the large wardrobe over on the wall furthest from her, which doors laid slightly ajar.
Someone was hiding in it.
Careful not to alert the intruder to her presence, lest they assault her, or something far worse, she quickly turned her attention over to the door, which led out into the hall. To freedom. But it seemed so far away...
With a calming breath, she took a step forward, then another, and another. She repeated this process, slow and steady, always prepared for whoever-or whatever-was in wardrobe to leap out and attack. And as she was a mere hoofstep away from the door, it happened.
She fell to the floor in surprise, as the being cackled in triumph.
It was horrid, the most horrid thing she'd ever seen.
It was...
Her sister, Princess Luna. Ruler of the Moon and Night Sky. And Co-Ruler of Equestria, of course.
"Huzzah! Victory is ours! Judgment shall be quick, dear sister, for your reign is over!" Luna said, a prideful smirk on her face as she towered over the crumpled form of Celestia... Who began to chuckle, softly. It had only been a couple of years since Luna had returned, and while it was quite the understatement to say it had been... A difficult time getting her adjusted to life in modern Equestria, she had now started to get comfortable with her situation. Which made Celestia quite happy, as now, the sister she had known and loved was finally starting to be herself again.
Plus, a good prank war was always fun.
Before she could open her mouth, a water balloon hit her directly in the face, splashing water everywhere. While Luna gave a cheeky smile, Celestia lost hers. She wasn't about to be outdone so easily, or else Luna would never let her live it down. With an ever so subtle grin, she spoke.
"Oh, yes, indeed. You have defeated me fair and square. Dare I say, you're the most powerful being in Equestria, Oh Great Luna." She replied, in feign reverence, hoping to distract Luna as she began to lift a cleverly hidden water balloon over her sisters head. As their prank war had escalated over time, she'd started to leave them all around the castle, as a 'precaution'.
They were quickly broken away from their little 'game' however, as a swift knock came from the door, causing Celestia to drop the balloon she had in slight surprise. Quickly, they got up from the floor, not wanting to be caught in such a 'childish' position. With a few swipes of their hoof, they made sure their manes were at least partially presentable, not that it took much effort, given the nature of them.
Swiftly, they opened the door, revealing a rather well-groomed pony standing there, his black mane neatly combed back, while a quill and scroll adorned his flank. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.
"Your Majesties, I, er, was ordered to inform you both a delegate from the Minotaur Isles is here, requesting audience. He hasn't said exactly what the nature of his visit is. He will only talk to you, I'm afraid." He seemed nervous, as despite being a servant in the castle for a few months now, he'd never actually spoken with the Princesses in person. They did find it endearing. With warm smiles, they nodded.
"Ah, yes... Tell him we will be right down." Celestia replied, her mind toiling away, to think of a reason as to why the traditionally isolationist Minotaur's would send a delegate so suddenly. Had something happened? Only time would tell, she supposed. The servant merely bowed respectfully, before turning around and heading down the hall, before eventually leaving their sight entirely.
"...We must admit, this visit seems quite... Sudden, does it not?" Luna soon inquired, turning to face her sister. Celestia nodded in response.
"Yes, it does. Minotaur's are not ones to interact outside of their small corner of the world without a good reason. What that reason is, though... We shall see in a moment, I suppose." That's all that could be said. With their curiosity only growing, they left the room, heading down to speak with the delegate, and figure out what exactly was going on...
Guards stood at the entrance to the Royal Throne Room, their expressions hardened, their posture rigid, their weapons at their side, ready to be used at a moments notice. A guards life wasn't easy, especially of Celestia's own personal guards, as they were entrusted with ensuring their ruler's safety, for if she were to pass, Equestria would surely fall into chaos, even with Luna now there to take up her sister's duties in her absence.
Truthfully though? Right now, they were terrified.
They didn't show it of course, but a Minotaur could easily take on a group of ponies, given their immense strength and size. And this particular one seemed quite agitated, as if he could go into a fit of rage at the drop of a nail. Thankfully though, he seemed to calm down as both Luna and Celestia entered the room. With a snort, he seemingly sized them up, before speaking, his voice rough, yet commanding.
"Your Majesties. I'm thankful you could meet me on such short notice." He bowed, his fur gleaming slightly in the light of the hall, revealing many scars given over many years of battle.
"It's our pleasure to accommodate you. However, I must say, it is quite strange for you to show up so suddenly." Celestia replied with a cocked eyebrow. The towering Minotaur paused, seeming almost... Nervous. Unbecoming of a 'creature' of his nature, which meant whatever he was about to say likely warranted concern.
"I bring... Grave news. Our Elder... Is dead. And the Minotaur Isles are in a state of disarray. On the brink of outright civil war." Luna and Celestia's eyes widened at the news. The Elder? Dead? To say it was a bad situation would be an understatement. If civil war broke out, even if Equestria wasn't affected directly, it could still lead to the deaths of thousands, along with a likely sizable refugee population, trying to escape the chaos.
"That... Is grave news, indeed. But, why have you come to us about this?" The Solar Princess soon replied, after taking a moment to process the news.
"Well, Your Majesty, we come seeking help from Equestria. We had hoped you could personally come down and try to bring peace back to the region. A diplomatic mission, if you will." The Minotaur replied, sheepishly. Requesting help from Equestria was likely humiliating for such a proud race, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
"...Personally? I'm... Afraid I cannot do that, we both have much that requires our attention here... However, if I may. I do know of someone who could go, in my stead." The Minotaur tilted his head, quizzically.
"And... Who might that be?"
