A Cydonian Affair (Remastered)by Mkchief34ChaptersPrologue-The Treaty of AgamidChapter 1 - The Prince of CydoniaChapter 2 - The Voyage HomeChapter 3 - Settled InChapter 4 - Dancing and DreamsChapter 5 - An Evening of ImportanceChapter 6 - Discussing the Future, Part OneChapter 7 - Discussing the Future, Part TwoPrologue-The Treaty of Agamid1000 Years Ago Ponyville Plain The land that would later host the town of Ponyville was, during this moment, unrecognizable. The bodies of countless fallen soldiers lay amongst broken weapons, torn ground, and scattered trees. The sun hung low in the sky, and the clouds darkened the air. Among the remains of this carnage stood two figures. One was an alicorn, white in color, wearing armor of gold. The second was also a pony, but much more broad and warrior-like. This one had a coat of gray and a mane of tan, and he wore armor of steel. His face was worn, his eyes bright blue. "So it has ended." the second pony said. "The Griffons have been routed. My army is capturing what dared to remain here." "It seems so." said the Alicorn, Celestia, Ruler of Equestria and Princess of the Sun, replied. "But now, we must depart from this place. My forces yearn for home and their families, Saladin." "As do my own." Saladin replied. "However, there is still the terms of our agreement." "Indeed." Celestia sighed as the two departed from the grisly scene. "However, I still do not understand your terms to the fullest extent of their meaning." "By the time the Fourth Alicorn comes of age, whoever it may be, the world will be ready for our return." Saladin replied. "Cydonia is tired, and wishes for rest from the horrors of war." "I understand." Celestia said as they entered their camp, proceeding to the command tent. A Cydonian Scribe appeared, bearing a scroll. As Saladin unfurled it, it revealed a document that would shape history. The Treaty of Agamid. Celestia signed her name to the bottom, and so did Saladin. One clause in particular caused Celestia some concern. "When the Fourth Alicorn comes of age, they will be the betrothed of our firstborn Prince or Princess." As Celestia rolled the scroll up, she presented it to Saladin. "May your nation prosper, forevermore." Saladin said. "And may your own lands be given the same blessing." Celestia replied. "I will miss you, old friend." "Indeed." Saladin replied. "My army and I shall be gone by dawn tomorrow." As Celestia watched him depart the tent, she nodded stalwartly and returned to her own camp, to begin the march home to Canterlot. ===== Celestia woke with a start, throwing off the blankets that covered her with a yelp, then she realized what she had seen was but a dream. As she watched the moon grace the night sky, she remembered why it was so vivid, so...laden with emotion. Today was the day Celestia had been dreading all her life. The news of the coronation of Twilight Sparkle, her faithful student and now Princess of Magic, had spread all over the world in the six months since Lord Tirek's downfall. And they most likely had already reached Cydonia by now. Celestia knew not how the warrior nation had changed over the centuries, as her last visit was over 1000 years ago. However, the daunting realization still hit her, full force. Today, the Cydonians would come to fulfill the treaty she had once signed, and claim the fourth Alicorn. Celestia took a scroll of parchment and began to write, hot tears beginning to fall from her eyes. ==== Twilight Sparkle awoke to Spike poking her in the head with a scroll. With a grumble, she pushed herself up and looked at the dragon with an air of annoyance. "Letter." Spike said. "It's from Celestia." "It's four in the morning." Twilight moaned. "What could Celestia want at this hour?" "I don't know, I just thought you should see it." Spike said. As Twilight read the scroll, she found it was shorter than usual. Dearest Twilight Sparkle, Retrieve the Elements of Harmony and come to my office in Canterlot immediately. There is something urgent I must discuss with you. No matter what happens to you, know what I did was for the best, and I had hoped this would never happen to you. Celestia. Twilight rolled up the scroll and sighed, sliding out of bed and heading to the bathroom to freshen up. "Spike?" she called, over her shoulder. "Get the girls. We're going to Canterlot." "Why?" Spike asked. "What's Celestia need us for?" "She didn't say." Twilight said, turning on the sink and splashing her face with water. "Let's get moving." ===== As Twilight woke each of her friends one by one, she grew more and more curious each time she reread the letter from Celestia as they headed to Ponyville Plaza, where there would be nothing to disrupt their journey by teleportation. "What do you think it means?" Twilight asked no one in particular, out loud. "I have no clue." Rarity said. "It seems mysterious, though. Why would she put these lines at the bottom here?" "Can't say for sure." Twilight replied. "I can tell it's important though." "Whatever it is," Rainbow moaned. "I wish it could've waited until morning." "It'll be fine, Rainbow." Applejack said as Twilight prepared to teleport them all to Canterlot. "Whatever happens, we'll be with you, Twilight. We'll make sure of it." ===== As the Elements appeared in Celestia's office, Twilight saw a shocking sight as their vision returned, as the bright light that blinded them faded away. Celestia was crying into her pillow, tears streaking down her muzzle and into the sheets. "Celestia?" Twilight asked, panicked at the sight of viewing her mentor so distressed. "What's wrong?" "It's complicated, Twilight." Celestia said, wiping her eyes. "I suppose your friends will want to hear what I have to say." She took a deep breath, and Twilight immediately sensed inside her mind something wasn't wrong, something was very wrong. "Have you heard of the nation of Cydonia?" Celestia asked. "I've heard mentions to it in a couple of ancient texts, from around the first Hearth's Warming celebration." Twilight replied. "Weren't they some of the finest warriors the world ever knew?" "Yes, they certainly were skilled, and feared." Celestia said. "During the formation of Equestria, they aided us in defending our land from countless threats. The Dragons, Griffons, and even the Minotaurs were unable to best them in warfare. At the Battle of Agamid, a merged Cydonian and Equestrian army forced a combined Griffon army three times our size to surrender after three hours of combat." "Wow." Rainbow said, floored. "They sound cool." "That is not the word I would use, Rainbow Dash, to describe them in this case." Celestia replied before softening her tone of voice. "After that battle, I signed a treaty with their ruler, King Saladin. In exchange for their service to us, I promised them something I now deeply regret, even after 1000 years." "What did you promise?" the Elements asked. "I promised the Cydonians that somepony would be betrothed to their firstborn Prince or Princess." Celestia said. "Today they are coming to collect ." "Who is it?" Rarity asked. Celestia sighed, wiped a tear away, and muttered something so quiet, it was inaudible. "I'm sorry?" Twilight asked. "I couldn't hear you." Celestia mustered herself again, and looked at Twilight with regret and remorse clear in her eyes. "I promised them the fourth Alicorn once they came of age and were eligible for marriage by the Cydonian laws. That...is you, Twilight." There was silence as the jaws of everypony in the room hit the floor. Twilight took a deep breath and opened her mouth. ==== "WHAT!?" The tremendous shout of six ponies and a dragon echoed through the whole of Canterlot, just as the moon lowered in the sky. Celestia barely had time to register that her protege had used the Royal Canterlot Voice inadvertently. Then, the Elements began to speak at once, all together, with panic in their voices. "That's impossible!" "Twi can't just leave Ponyville!" "But...why?" "Can't you stop it?" "Who's going to take care of the Castle?" "What about Spike?" Celestia waited for the pandemonium to calm, before she spoke, raising her hoof to quiet the Element. "First, Rainbow, it is possible. I made this promise a lifetime ago, and I intend to keep it. I am an alicorn of my word. Second, Applejack, though I regret to say it, she has to leave once the Cydonians arrive. Third, Rarity, it is not uncommon for marriages to be in diplomatic treaties. Fourth, Pinkie, I cannot stop it. I have seen the Cydonians when they are angered, and it is something I do not want to witness again. Fifth, Fluttershy, I will maintain her Castle. Finally, Twilight, I will make sure Spike can come, along with whatever you wish. The Elements will also be able to visit her as much as possible." The Elements of Harmony were silent as they turned to the Element of Magic. Twilight and Spike slowly walked forward. "When...will they arrive?" Twilight asked, a cold feeling on her neck. "Today." Celestia said. "I know not what has changed, but they will arrive with their warfleet, as usual." The Elements tried to protest again, but Celestia silenced them with a glare so harsh, even Rainbow gave a quiet moan similar to Fluttershy when she was in a scary situation. "Twilight, please understand this is for the best. The Cydonians may be warriors, but they know hospitality like no other. I am not asking you to agree with this whole arrangement, but I am asking you...to trust me." ==== Near the coast of Equestria, around Canterlot Cydonian Flagship "Saladin's Pride" "Young Lord, we are...Lord Mathias!" A unicorn of Twilight's age, with a tan coat, an unkept black mane, and blue eyes jumped slightly at the use of his given name, and he turned from the mast to the soldier who addressed him. Mathias nodded, acknowledging the armored stallion who had spoken. "We are nearing the coast. Princess Celestia is expecting us." "Steady as she goes." Mathias replied. "Let's not make a scene." "As you command." The soldier saluted, and left for the bridge. Mathias stood up and headed for the bow, leaning on the rail. "So, we're almost there." said Mathias's Pegasus guard, Ceris, who flew up next to his liege Lord. "Indeed." Mathias said. "I can't believe it'd be so soon. My ancestors signed that treaty over 1000 years ago." "It still holds true." Ceris said. "Let's just see how they greet us, and we'll go from there." "I hope the Fourth Alicorn shares my feelings about this whole thing." Mathias grunted. "I never agreed to this." "You must remember that the Treaty of Agamid was signed by your ancestor, and you are the firstborn at this time ." Ceris replied. "Just take it one day at a time, and you'll be fine. Go with the flow." Mathias groaned as the city of Canterlot came into view off the starboard side of the flagship. Author's Note Yep, it's back from the dead. Apart from Over the Wall, this was my first original concept that I developed into a story. And now, it's staying for good. No more deletions, and that's a promise! Next time - The reluctant bride meets the reluctant groom. EDIT 3/26/2022 - Added revisions to the chapter. Chapter 1 - The Prince of CydoniaAs Twilight Sparkle and the Element Bearers followed Celestia out of her office towards the main Keep, the minds of each Element were filled to bursting with questions, uncertainties, and worry. And each of those were multiplied tenfold for Twilight Sparkle. Ten minutes earlier, she was sleeping in bed without a care in the world. Now, she was going to meet her future husband as per a 1000 year old treaty that she had never even heard of. "Twilight?" Twilight looked up to see Celestia look at her in sorrow. "Yes?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What is it?" "The Cydonians, unlike us, wear clothing at all hours." Celestia said. "Though I hate to impose, it would be a good measure for you to wear something formal when they arrive." Twilight nodded, though it was a shallow, stunned movement that was quite unlike her. "And such, I had this room prepared." Celestia motioned to part of the castle wall. Before the Elements could ask any questions, Celestia's horn glowed. The wall vanished and in its place was a hall filled with ponnequin stands. And on each of the stands was a gown or dress to rival or surpass any of Rarity's creations. They came in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and the sight kept the Element Bearers spellbound. "Such beauty!" Rarity gasped in glee. "Where did all these come from?" "This is my personal collection, Rarity." Celestia said. "Just because I don't wear clothing doesn't mean I don't like the custom. In fact, I haven't been in this room in many, many years. Twilight?" "What?" Twilight replied, struck by the sheer number of gowns in the room. "Pick any one that you desire." Celestia said. "A parting gift of sorts from me." As Twilight nodded and went through the vast hall, Spike watched from a distance with a tear in his left eye. ==== Twilight's eyes sorted through the gowns, looking for that one perfect match. Though she didn't have as much of an eye for fashion as Rarity, she had her personal tastes. And it seemed Celestia knew those tastes. As she walked past two dresses, her heart stopped as she made her mind up. The dress in front of her was a pale cream white with a tinge of yellow, expertly lined with lace and flower-like designs in the skirt. The top of the bodice was curled and wrapped around her front shoulders, and the bottom was shaped like a heart, and lined with cream-colored gems. Not only that, gloves and a mane ribbon lay to the side, matched perfectly with the dress. That was when Twilight knew that this was it. As she took the dress off and carefully packed it up, she returned to her friends and mentor. "A perfect choice, Twilight." Celestia said. "Come with me, it's almost time." As Twilight nodded, the Element Bearers followed her back to an isolated room, where Twilight and Celestia entered alone to prepare. ==== As Celestia helped Twilight lace up the light corset and slip into the dress itself, Twilight could feel the fabric rustling against her coat. As she slid the gloves on and tied the ribbon into her mane, she looked at Celestia with tears beginning to form. "I suppose this is it." she whispered in sorrow. "Twilight, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Celestia said, embracing Twilight tightly. "I wish this had never happened, but it did. And for that, I beg for your forgiveness." As Twilight closed her eyes, she murmured her reply into Celestia's ear. They embraced tighter, and soon, the door opened and the Element Bearers joined in. They remained in that embrace for quite some time, until a horn sounded in the distance. "They've arrived." Celestia said. "Let's go." As the Element Bearers followed Twilight and Celestia outside to the gates, they could see a detachment of Solar and Lunar Guards standing in formation with lances crossed in a sign of greeting. As the seven of them stood in anticipation, the lances lifted and the Prince of Cydonia came forward, followed by seven soldiers clad in steel armor. ==== As the carriage bearing Mathias, Ceris, and six Cydonian Praetors came to a stop, the Prince could see the Equestrian Royal Guards were waiting for them. As the door opened and the path was cleared, Mathias could see Princess Celestia standing with the famed Elements of Harmony... ...and the alicorn he was to marry. Mathias let his guard fall as he approached her, and she moved towards him. Mathias knew or had heard of many things about Twilight Sparkle. How she was the bearer of the Element of Magic, how she was respected by all, but the on thing he didn't hear was that she was this beautiful. Her mane had not been done in some intricate style, but the ribbon was perfectly placed. The gown she wore, the beauty in her eyes...the Prince let his unease fade away. "You're the Prince of Cydonia?" she asked in a voice that lifted his heart, even with tinged with anxiety. "Yes. My name is Mathias, Princess Twilight." he said, remembering the customs of his people. Taking and planting a kiss to her hoof, he could see her blush, but not turn away from him. Taking a chance, he spoke quietly. "I've heard a lot about you, Princess Twilight." "...Like what?" she asked, unsure of the response she would receive. "Your exploits, your legacy, but not of the beauty you possess." he said kindly. Twilight blushed even more and this time, she looked away. "I'm flattered." she murmured. "Prince Mathias, may we speak privately inside?" "As you wish." As the Prince motioned to a Pegasus Guard who began to follow them, the seven-turned-eight entered the castle. ==== As they entered a small conference room, Twilight and Mathias sat down next to each other and faced the Element Bearers and Celestia. "So, where do we begin?" Mathias asked. "I presume the five others are the Elements of Harmony?" "Yep." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm..." "Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty and proclaimed to be the fastest flyer in Equestria." Mathias replied automatically. The Element Bearers dropped their jaws in surprise. "How did you know that?" Twilight asked. "The Cydonians are not deaf to the affairs of the world." Mathias replied. "We know of your exploits together, of who you all are. The young hear stories of you when they go to sleep at night." "They hear stories about me?" Rainbow Dash asked. "And not just you, Rainbow Dash." Mathias stated. "There is Rarity, Element of Generosity and the seamstress capable of miraculous works." Rarity raised her eyebrows, caught off guard by the Prince's mention of "miraculous works". Then, she nodded her head in thanks. "Fluttershy, Element of Kindness and the Tamer of countless creatures large and small." Mathias added, eyeing the pegasus. "Though...I wouldn't say countless..." Fluttershy said, blushing. "Applejack, Element of Honesty and the keeper of one thousand Apple trees." Mathias said, and Applejack tipped her hat in respect. "And last but not least, Pinkie Pie, Element of Laughter and wielder of the famed and...dare I say reputable...Party Cannon." Mathias smiled, and Pinkie gave a squeal of joy. "Your stories are told everywhere in Cydonia." Mathias said. "I had hoped to meet all of you once under better circumstances. But, may I ask that I and Princess Twilight be left alone for a few moments?" The Element Bearers and Celestia exited the room, and Twilight looked at the Prince with a surprised expression. "Listen, Princess." Mathias said, taking her hoof. "I wasn't exactly on board with this whole thing either. I can see in your eyes that you are fearful of what awaits you." Twilight sighed, and nodded in agreement. "You can lay those fears to rest." Mathias said. "I won't let anything happen to you. In fact, I even made accomodations for your assistant Spike." "You did?" Twilight asked, once again. "I figured you wouldn't want to leave without him." Mathias said, looking away. "Where is he, might I ask?" "I'm here." Spike said, poking his head into the room. "When are we...leaving?" "Soon, I suppose." Mathias replied. "If you need to retrieve anything from your current residence, now is the time." Twilight sighed, but gave a nod. As the three of them headed outside, the Cydonian Praetors snapped to salute. As Twilight said her goodbyes to the Element Bearers and exchanged a few final gifts, Mathias stepped into the carriage and laid his head back. "Are you tired already?" Ceris asked. "Just uneasy." Mathias replied to his Guard as they watched Princess Luna arrive with Twilight and Spike's belongings from Ponyville, which were loaded up. As Twilight and Spike entered the carriage and sat down, Mathias looked at the Princess with concern. "The voyage to Cydonia should only take a few hours." he spoke. "Then, prepare yourself for quite a welcoming reception." Twilight didn't reply with words, but with a shallow nod as the Carriage set out for the coast, towards the Cydonian fleet...towards their new home. Author's Note Update! Next time - The voyage and arrival in Cydonia. Chapter 2 - The Voyage HomeTwilight Sparkle awoke with a groan as she pulled herself up and out of the ship's bunk she now laid in. With a sigh, she looked around, half-hoping to be back in her castle in Ponyville. Except she soon realized that she wasn't. With a sigh, she put a hoof to her forehead and felt a raw spot there. "I must've fallen." she mumbled. "Or fainted, maybe both." As she pulled herself out of bed, the door to the ship's cabin opened. Spike and Prince Mathias came in, their faces concerned. "What happened?" Twilight asked. "As soon as you stepped on the ship, you passed out." Spike said. "Mathias managed to catch you, but you hit your head pretty hard." "Great." Twilight huffed. "How far from Equestria are we?" "We've sailed for two hours now while you slept." Mathias said. "There's not much time before we reach Cydonia." "Well, okay." Twilight breathed. "Can I have some time alone?" Mathias nodded and led Spike outside, closing the door. Twilight collapsed back into bed, hoping that she would wake up once more and this whole turn of events was just a bad dream. However, despite her hopes, it was not. This was real, and Twilight knew it despite her fears. She eventually composed herself and exited the cabin, after smoothing out the creases in her gown. ==== "Are you feeling any better?" Mathias asked as she entered the upper deck, the Cydonian Praetors bowing as one. "I'm fine." she replied. "What can I expect to happen when we reach Cydonia?" "When we dock, the procession to the Palace will begin." Mathias said. "There, King Orion, my father, will greet us." "What's he like?" Twilight asked. "Father is...well, he's enigmatic." Mathias said. "I doubt that even a housefly is caught without his knowing about it. However, he cares for his children, including me. Don't let his hard exterior repel you." "You have siblings?" Twilight asked. "Yes." Mathias replied. "Two sisters, Catherine and Lily, and my brother, Alexander. He's currently serving in the Cydonian Army." "He's a soldier?" "Not even close." Mathias chuckled. "He's a Commander. Five battalions report directly to him. He's leading an investigation into a rumored rebellion in the southern provinces, but you should meet him soon." "I see." Twilight sighed. "Mathias?" "Yes?" Twilight slowly exhaled and looked down at the deck, a small tear forming at her eye. "I'm scared." she admitted. "I had so many things I wanted to do in Equestria, and now this whole thing just happened...I'm going to miss Ponyville so much, and everypony in it. There's so much I'm going to miss…" Twilight broke down, beginning to cry. Mathias drew back in surprise, but he slowly wrapped his hooves around her and brought her close. As she sobbed into his shoulder, he closed his eyes, not daring to move. They remained like that for quite a while, and eventually Twilight's tears faded. She looked up to see Mathias glance down at her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Yeah." she replied. "I'm sorry I broke down like that." "It's fine. I understand." Mathias said quietly. "You should rest. We've got about two more hours before we reach Cydonia." "...Okay." As Twilight slid back into bed and closed her eyes, Mathias pulled a blanket over her form. It wasn't long before she was asleep, breathing quietly. Mathias left the cabin as quietly as he could, and rejoined Spike on the upper deck. "Is Twilight okay?" the dragon asked. "She just needed to vent." Mathias replied, as they stood at the prow to gaze at the sea in front of them. "I think with some rest and food, she should be fine." "Yeah, Twilight's like that." Spike shrugged. "So, Mathias?" "Yes?" "Are there dragons in Cydonia?" Spike asked. "On occasion, yes." Mathias said. "We get ambassadors from all over the world. It's tough to make it here due to the voyage required, but we have animals and creatures that can't be found anywhere else in the world." As the two continued to speak, Mathias started to smile. So far, Spike was proving to be an amicable partner of conversation. Especially once they reached the point where they were laughing over stories of their respective siblings. "Your sister did that?" Spike roared, nearly hoarse from amusement. "Your dad must've been furious!" "He was." Mathias chuckled. "I doubt Lily ever replicated that feat again. Once father got over that particular prank, he wasn't as mad. Lily's a complete harlequin, almost like the Element of Laughter, Pinkie Pie." "I can see the resemblance." Spike laughed. "So, by the way, is there anything to eat here?" "Well, the Galley should have dinner ready soon." Mathias said. "I'll go check if you rouse Twilight." As Spike headed to the cabins, Mathias went below decks to the Galley, where the smell of fresh bread and a bit of salted beef greeted him. ==== As Spike woke Twilight, she undid her mane ribbon and sighed in relief at the mention of dinner. "You feeling better?" he asked. "Significantly." she replied. "I guess I just needed to let it all out." As the entered the galley, Twilight raised her eyebrows at the sight of a rack of salted beef being served. "I thought ponies couldn't eat meat." Twilight said as Mathias approached. "Well, Cydonians are unique that way." Mathias said, as the three of them sat down. "For a while, we couldn't grow traditional crops that you might've eaten back in Equestria due to poor harvests and flooding, so we needed an additional source of nutrition. We just...got used to it over time. It's okay if you don't want any." Twilight sighed as she began to eat a loaf of bread, before she spoke up. "I mean, I could try it." "It's up to you." Mathias said. "I'll eat your portion if you don't want it." Twilight finished her bread and eyed the piece of beef, before taking a reluctant bite. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad nor as repulsive as she thought it might be. In fact, it was actually quite tasty. "The verdict?" Mathias asked as she finished the beef with a sigh. "It will take getting used to, but it wasn't bad." she sighed. "Well, now you sound like a Cydonian." Mathias said. "Anyway, we should be arriving soon. I'll head up to the deck to signal the fleet." As Mathias left, Spike and Twilight finished their dinner and followed. As they reached the coastline, Twilight and Spike dropped their jaws. "Is that Cydonia?" Twilight asked once the city came into view. "Actually…" Mathias said. "That's the Palace. The city is to the left of it." Twilight followed Mathias's hoof, and her jaw dropped even further. The palace was about the size of Canterlot, and the city surrounding it was even bigger than that. "Welcome to Cydonia." Mathias said as the ships docked and the gangway lowered. As a chariot came forward for the three of them, mounted by canid beings, the crowds were packed with ponies cheering, waving flags, and watching the procession. "Quite a welcome you're giving me." Twilight said, astounded. Mathias merely helped her into the chariot and smiled. "There's more to it than this." he replied as the procession began to move towards the palace. Author's Note Update! Next time - Twilight meets King Orion and Mathias's siblings. Chapter 3 - Settled InAs the chariots processed down the main avenue that led to the Royal Palace, Twilight found herself astounded at the cheers and celebration she was receiving. As ponies of all kinds, sizes, and ages waved and watched, Twilight turned to Mathias, who stood as if this occasion didn't even faze him. "How are you so calm right now?" she asked. "Because I'm used to this." Mathias replied. "Processions like these are normally reserved for visiting royalty, an occasion such as a birthday or coming-of-age, or after the end of a war. In this case, it's the arrival of an alicorn who is to be my wife. Quite a cause for celebration." Twilight looked a little downcast as she remembered that the concept of betrothal did involve getting married. Spike then gave her a nudge in the side, and once he had his attention, he gave her a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Spike." she said quietly. '"No problem." the dragon replied. "I've got your back, Twi. We all do." Twilight smiled gratefully back at her friend, and as the chariots came to a stop in front of the palace gates, Mathias helped her disembark. The canid beasts that drew the chariot bowed respectfully before being led off by the soldiers. "What are those?" Twilight whispered to Mathias. "We call them Boarhounds." he replied. "They're common in the eastern provinces as beasts of burden and hunting companions. Ah, father!" Mathias and Twilight turned slightly to see Mathias's father and siblings approach. King Orion, himself a Unicorn, was tall, with a brown coat just like his son's. A gray mane and rough beard contrasted with his jade eyes. He wore a set of robes imbued with steel armor. Catherine, Mathias's older sister, was remarkably akin to Rarity in terms of shape. She was a Pegasus, with a lilac mane and a white streak in her tail. She wore a gown of bright blue, shaped like a chiton or tunic. Alexander, an Earth pony, was broad and tall, just like Big Macintosh. He had a coat with darker shade of brown, like his father and brother, and a mane of dark green. He wore full steel armor with a yellow cape. And last was Lily, Mathias's younger sister. She was a little older than Applebloom or the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, herself also a pegasus. Her mane was bright yellow, and she shared her sister's coat color. Twilight noticed that none of the members of Mathias's family bore a Cutie Mark, but she made a mental note to ask later in private. As she and Mathias came forward, Orion came to meet them. "Princess Twilight Sparkle?" he asked, in a even-toned, rich voice. "Yes, King Orion." she replied. "I welcome you warmly to Cydonia." he replied. "And this must be Spike?" "Yep!" the dragon replied. "I'm her number-one assistant!" Orion chuckled and gave an earnest smile of approval. "Quite a claim, young one." he said. "My elder son, Alexander and my daughters, Catherine and Liliana." "Well met." Catherine said, her voice smooth and light. "Honored to meet you." Alexander replied, his voice was like Shining Armor's "Same!" Lily replied. Twilight nodded at the young filly, who responded in kind. "Now that we are acquainted, shall we take ourselves to a more private locale?" Orion asked. As Twilight and Mathias were given a final send-off of cheers, the gates closed behind them as they entered the Palace's front Courtyard. ==== As the Royal Family of Cydonia led Twilight through the gardens that made up a modest portion of the Courtyard area, Mathias and Twilight didn't stray too far from each other, even as Twilight's eyes jumped from one spectacular display of flora to another. "Impressed, Princess Twilight?" Catherine asked, and Twilight gave a nod. "The groundskeepers work day and night to keep these gardens in perfect shape." "I can imagine so." Twilight replied, eyeing a display of blue and white speckled flowers near a fountain, before she walked to catch up with Mathias. "King Orion?" "Yes?" "I noticed you and your family don't have a Cutie Mark." she asked. "If it's not too much to ask, why is that?" "The process of gaining a Cutie Mark, as you would know, is a uniquely Equestrian phenomenon." King Orion replied. "Cydonians who work in trades must learn their skills to boast such accomplishments." "I see." Twilight said. "Fascinating!" Orion gave a small smile, and as they entered the Keep, Alexander and his Guards bowed and returned to their previous posts while the other Royals, Twilight, and Spike departed for the dormitory area. "Mathias, I believe the crews should have unloaded Princess Twilight's possessions by now." Orion said. "Would you show Princess Twilight and Spike to their chambers?" "Of course, father." Mathias replied as the three of them headed to Twilight's new chambers, which were marked with the Equestrian Royal Seal. As Mathias opened the door, Twilight dropped her jaw. The room was panelled with oak and granite stone, with all sorts of furniture set neatly about the chamber. A large open door revealed a large private library, whose massive bookshelves lay empty, waiting to be filled with books. A second door revealed a bedroom and bath with a large bay window and canopy bed done in purple and gold cloth. It was lit by torches kept alight with magic. To Twilight's great relief, all of her things had been sorted into their places, with the chests containing her books set down in the library. "This is amazing." was all Twilight could say, sitting down at a table bearing a polished chess set. "I'm glad you think so." Mathias said kindly, sitting down across from her. "We'll have some time to unpack before dinner and the welcoming ball." "There's going to be a ball?" Twilight asked. "It is tradition for visiting royals." Mathias replied. "Seeing as you are my betrothed, I'll be your escort." "Thank you." Twilight replied. "Also, did you say that "we" would unpack together?" "Well, my chambers are adjacent to yours, so I thought I would help you out as much as I could." he replied. "Until then, shall we play a game of Chess?" Twilight gave a nod as Spike hopped up on a third chair to watch. ==== Twilight had only played chess a few times with her brother back in Equestria, but she had learned a few of Shining Armor's tricks when it came to the game. However, Mathias also knew them, and exactly how to counter against them, along with several strategies of his own. That was proven to be true when Twilight tipped her king over only a few minutes into their third match. "You're good." she smiled. "Really good." "Thanks, Twilight." Mathias replied. "Well, shall we unpack your books? I daresay we've used up quite a bit of our available time." As the two of them, with Spike's assistance, began unpacking Twilight's tomes and putting them away on the empty shelves, the sun slowly began to set over Cydonia. Author's Note Update! Chapter 4 - Dancing and DreamsAs the sun finally faded and dusk took hold, Mathias waited outside Twilight's chambers for her to finish getting dressed. As he leaned against a nearby pillar, he rubbed his left leg with his right hoof, a small quirk he primarily displayed when he was nervous. He was dressed up in his formal attire, a ceremonial blade at his waistline. Spike then popped the door open and gave Mathias a nod as he came out, wearing his dragon-size suit and top hat. "Not too shabby, Spike." Mathias smiled. "A little...drab, but it'll be fine. That's probably because I'm used to seeing and wearing attire...like this." "Well, that's good to know." Spike shrugged. "I've never cared much for fancy clothes anyway." "Now you're speaking clearly." Mathias chuckled. "I hate wearing this attire. It's too tight, too form-fitting...it seems I also prefer the simpler side of clothing." Spike was about to reply, when the door opened. Mathias let his jaw drop at the sight of his betrothed. Twilight was wearing a periwinkle blue dress with white and gold highlights and embroidery. A set of fabric roses lay at her chestline, and the skirt was done perfectly in lace and ruffles at the hemline. "You look astounding, Twilight." Mathias smiled, offering his hoof to escort her. "Shall we?" Twilight blushed and accepted his hoof, but she couldn't stop herself from nodding appreciatively at Mathias's words. As they walked side by side down the hallway, Spike sitting on Twilight's back, just like old times, Twilight gave a small smile of gratitude to her escort and betrothed, though he did not notice it. ==== "Wow." was all Spike could manage to say at first, once the three of them arrived in the Palace ballroom, which was already packed with Cydonian nobles, occupied by dining and drinking. "This place is huge." The ballroom was at least two times the size of the ballroom in Canterlot Palace, and somehow even more ornately decorated with gold, silver, and engravings in the pillars. Those pillars held up a massive domed roof painted to look like the Aurora Borealis in the night sky. Several tables of food and drink were set out across the area, and a grand balcony that held the table of honor finished the grand scene. Twilight let her jaw drop at the sight of this, until Mathias gently nudged her in the side, snapping her out of her trance. She composed herself, nodded to her betrothed and Spike, and they set out for the table of honor, where King Orion, Lily, Alexander, and Catherine were already sitting, overseeing the revelry and enjoyment in front of them. "Ah, Twilight, how are things so far?" Alexander asked as she, Spike, and Mathias sat down in oaken chairs inlaid with gold carving. Twilight was silent for a few moments, preparing her answer, but she roon spoke. "Everything's strange but so wonderful and accommodating." Twilight replied. "To be welcomed so warmly here and to have all this done for me...I'm very grateful." "Our pleasure and honor, Twilight. And don't worry, anything you need, we'll see it done." Orion said, smiling as the Cydonian Praetor Guards filed in to their posts, Ceris among them sending a nod to Mathias as if to reassure him. "Thank you, King Orion." she replied. Orion nodded in approval before standing up and tapping his goblet three times, causing a hush to fall over the room, the guests ready to hear the King's words. "I thank you all for coming to this celebration, set in honor of the Treaty of Agamid ." Orion proclaimed. "I thank Princess Twilight Sparkle and young Spike for their presence here, which assures me that Equestria and Cydonia will endure a lasting friendship and state of cooperation between our nations." "Now, without further ado, we shall celebrate tonight!" Orion raised his goblet, and the ball began with a sudden uproar of sound as the dining and dancing resumed. As Twilight and the others were served their preferred meals, Twilight smiled as she sipped her goblet of pale red wine. "That was a good choice." Alexander leaned over, speaking to Twilight. "In Cydonia, often it's the case that the lighter the shade of wine, the less potent it is." "Thanks, Alexander. I wouldn't want to make a mistake due to personal inebriation." she shrugged awkwardly. "It's quite alright." Orion replied. "Often many of the nobles here drink the lesser wine first, before the dance, then the potent wine when the dancing is concluded. An odd but reasonable practice." "Odd?" Spike asked. "Why's it odd?" "Because if they drink themselves to a stupor and make a scene of themselves, often they take up less of a Guardspony's time then than before that." Orion nodded. "I've heard rumors that the Guards make wagers with each other, based on the status of the ponies they expel if they grow too rowdy." "Is there any truth to those rumors?" Twilight asked, surprised. Something like that would be unheard of in the Solar, Lunar, or Crystal Guards. "To a point." Alexander replied in mirth. "I've seen them at it. With luck, it won't have to happen tonight." "Is guests being thrown out of a ball a common thing?" Spike said after swallowing a chunk of lightly toasted bread. "Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the occasion." Orion chuckled. "Shall we open the dance floor soon, Twilight? It's celebrating your arrival, after all." Twilight nodded, and Mathias gently held her hoof. "I'll lead when we dance, okay?" he whispered. "But if you want, I can open it myself." "I'll do it." Twilight replied back. "How do I get their attention?" "Three taps on the goblet should do." Orion suggested. Twilight did so, and the attendees quieted to listen. "Well, I'm not exactly the best at speeches…" Twilight replied. "But I do think it's time we open the dance floor and stretch our legs a bit." "But before we begin, I'd like to say a few words." she continued. "When I first learned of the treaty that would bring me here, I was frightened, fearful, reluctant to leave my home in Ponyville, in Equestria behind." "Now, I can say that those fears have been put to rests." she smiled. "I thank King Orion and his children for such a warm welcome, and I thank all of you for being here. Now, shall we begin?" There was a brief sounding of warm applause, and Twilight nodded in acknowledgement. As she accepted Mathias's hood and they proceeded to the dance floor, Twilight quickly let her mind wonder something that had been consistently occupying her thoughts for a while. "I wonder what's going on back in Equestria?..." ==== That same evening, as Princess Celestia looked over her work and several letters from the nobles, she perked her ears up at hearing rapid, angry hoofsteps echo towards her office door. As she furrowed her brow, the doors blasted open. Prince Shining Armor, Twilight's brother and ruler of the Crystal Empire stormed in, a veritable cloud of anger above him, who was then followed by a very concerned-looking Princess Cadance. "What is the meaning of this, Celestia!?" he roared in anger. "What did you do with my sister!? Answer me!" "Shiny, please calm down!" Cadance pleaded with her husband as he swept the documents off of Celestia's desk with a single swipe of his hoof, Celestia not even flinching from his actions. "You're starting to scare me." Shining, upon hearing those words, took in a breath and stepped back, gently cupping his wife's cheek before hugging her lightly. "I'm sorry." he mumbled. Then, he turned to Celestia with unbridled fury in his eyes. "I take it you heard of the Cydonian's arrival and Twilight's betrothal?" Celestia asked. "Who hasn't?" Shining retorted angrily. "Imagine how I reacted when I heard that you married off my little sister because of a stupid treaty made over ten centuries ago! What in Faust's name were you thinking!?..." Celestia then interrupted Shining with a harsh slap to the cheek, sending him to the ground. As he stood back up in anger, Celestia flared her wings and ignited her horn, cloaking herself in magical energy as a show of power. "Silence, Shining Armor!" she bellowed. "And do not DARE speak the name of the Goddess in such a way! You know better than that!" Shining nodded as Celestia eased up, ending her display of magic. As she turned to the window, she sighed. "Shining Armor, know this was not how I intended for it to proceed." she said. "I did not know that it would be my dear student and your sister that would ascend four months, let alone ten centuries ago! I signed the Treaty of Agamid and gave Saladin my word, and now I have kept it." "You should have told us!" Shining replied in a dark tone. "Cadance and I didn't even get to meet this Prince Mathias, let alone see my sister off to his country! We should have been there!" "I do understand your anger, and I regret my message did not arrive in time." Celestia said quietly. "But control your temper, Prince Shining Armor. It is unbefitting of you." "Unbefitting?" he asked in an incredulous tone. "I think my temper is the least of your worries right now! Why shouldn't I lose my temper right about now after what you did?" "Shining Armor Sparkle!" Cadance replied sternly, silencing her husband, knowing she rarely if ever, used his full name to address him. "You didn't know this would be the case then, and you couldn't have known it would happen now. You can't change what's happened, even if you're mad about it. I'm mad too, furious even, because she's my sister as well! When did you forget that?" Shining was rendered silent as he staggered to sit on a nearby couch, realizing what he had cast aside in his anger. "I'm sorry." he said as Cadance came over and leaned against him, placing her head on his left shoulder. "Forgive me, Celestia. I was too hasty." "I forgive you, but allow me to give you the circumstances upon which this happened, both from now and in the past." Celestia replied. She took in a breath, and spoke. "When we first made contact with the Cydonians, to them, the fledgling Equestria would have been a prime taking for them. They could have easily conquered us, burned our lands, and torn the newly made capital of Canterlot down to the last stone." "But they chose to shepherd us through the world's course and the dangers it provided." she continued. "They showed us how to grow proper crops that would not die in the winter, how to dredge dams and move rivers, and even began clearing the once-overgrown tangle that would be the Everfree forest." "And when invaders did arrive, the Cydonians defended us and repulsed our foes, time and time again. Together, our nations could have conquered the world with Equestrian magic and Cydonian steel." "But we followed the example of our ally, and pursued peace where there could have been war. And before the battle of Agamid, the Griffon king, when he launched his first invasion, declared I would be his...concubine, our people enslaved, and our lands burned." "The Cydonians and King Saladin declared this would not be so, they had given us their lives and blood before, and they would give it again now. The resulting battle, Shining Armor, the battle of Agamid...changed me. I saw Ponies from both nations and Griffons alike torn apart, limb from limb, by the hate and strife of war. King Saladin and I slew the Griffon King in combat together during the third hour. That battle instilled in me a hatred of war that lasts to this day, over one thousand years after that living Tartarus made real that we called the plain of Agamid.." "In the end, when Saladin and I drafted the treaty, they could have asked for anything, and I would have given it to them without second thought. Gold, jewels, land, food, it did not matter. But...they only asked for the fourth Alicorn when it was said and done, and I promised them they would receive whoever it was." "Now, that oath is fulfilled at long last." Celestia finished. "The Cydonians waited over one thousand years for this moment, and I will not deprive them of this, no matter what comes of it. I am asking you to be patient, both of you. I am asking you...to trust me." Shining, for all his anger, could only nod, Cadance nodding with him. "I will make sure you receive a prompt passage to Cydonia tomorrow morning at dawn." Celestia continued. "Prepare yourselves accordingly, as they wear clothes at all hours. To arrive unclothed would be a mistake." "We'll remember." Shining replied. "I suppose you'll want us to stay here in Canterlot tonight?" "Yes." Celestia nodded. "It would ease your travels considerably. Also, you may take whatever Guards you require. Though I would advise you to prepare them for a diplomatic reception. Now, you may leave. Goodnight." Shining and Cadance nodded as they left, and soon, all was quiet once again. As Celestia continued to work, sitting down at her desk, she could only sigh and wipe away a stray tear. Author's Note Update! Next time - Shining and Cadance travel to Cydonia, and when they arrive, Mathias struggles to gain Shining's favor. Chapter 5 - An Evening of ImportanceAs the orchestra played and the onlookers stood quietly in a sign of respect, Twilight and Mathias began to waltz together, moving perfectly in time with the music. Twilight had danced before in a formal setting like this on multiple occasions, but this time...she felt a genuine connection with her partner. She rested her head against his chest as they slowed their pace, feeling his heartbeat through his shirt. Mathias could only smile back, as he began to lose himself in the moment. When he was finally old enough to attend royal balls, Mathias had never danced then as his brother Alexander received more attention from the Cydonian nobles' daughters. However, when Alexander gave his inheritance and status to Mathias and entered the Cydonian Army, Mathias's opinion of dancing had to change, whether he liked it or not. He knew how to dance and did so with partners on a few occasions, but with his newly betrothed Princess in his embrace, he felt like he could truly appreciate this moment more than he would have years ago. As the music ended and the couple ceased their movement, Twilight gave him a joyful smile before embracing him tightly. Mathias returned the gesture, before leading her back to their seats to rest as the assembled guests applauded. "Well done." Orion said to Twilight as she and Mathias sat down. "Truly, well done." "Thank you, King Orion." Twilight replied. "If it's not too much trouble, I feel like retiring for the evening." "Very well." Orion nodded. "You may depart when you feel it is necessary. And you needn't ask for my permission, as you already have it." Twilight blushed, and nodded to Mathias and Spike. As they departed through a nearby door that led to the dormitories, escorted by two Praetor Guards, Twilight could only give a tired smile to her betrothed. Once they had returned to their chambers, Twilight and Mathias changed out of their formal wear and into nightclothes, and headed over to Twilight's bed. Spike was soon sound asleep, and Mathias stretched his legs outwards to keep himself awake once they were both comfortable. He didn't expect Twilight to move closer to him and lean against his chest, giving a murmur of delight at the warmth he gave off. Mathias simply draped a leg across her shoulders, and they remained like that for quite some time. As the moon rose into the sky, Twilight looked up at her Prince with a raised eyebrow. "Shouldn't we...be in your bed if we're going...to stay together?" she asked drowsily. "Not exactly. It's quite common for lovers in Cydonia to sleep in the mare's bed when courting, and then in the stallion's once engaged or married. It's a sign of trust." Mathias replied, kissing her cheek. Twilight gave a soft giggle before she closed her eyes and slumped over a bit, falling into slumber almost instantly. Mathias merely used his magic to draw the covers over them both, and he soon closed his eyes and fell asleep as well. As the stars flickered overhead, a veil of silence settled over the Royal Palace, bidding its inhabitants to sleep. ==== Off the coast, only several hours away, an Equestrian vessel bearing the flag of the Crystal Empire sailed full speed for the Cydonian Capital. Shining Armor, wearing a set of blue robes under his armor, and Cadance, wearing a simple yet elegantly made yellow dress and some ornaments, stood at the prow. "Shining…" Cadance murmured, drawing her husband's attention. "What exactly are you thinking of doing once we reach Cydonia?" "I'm thinking that I'll set the record straight with them," he replied bitterly. "Even if Celestia intends on keeping her word. And hopefully...Twilight will come back to Equestria with us." "And What if she doesn't' or can't?" Cadance replied. "What will you do then?" "We work from there." Shining said quietly. "Cadance, let me do the talking when we get there. I think I can sort this out on my own." "No." she replied instantly, causing Shining to flinch in surprise. "Shining, I know you're upset, but going about it like this or in that state of mind won't help our position in the slightest. And I also know you're not exactly the best at diplomacy." Shining gave a hollow grunt, but nodded in reluctance. As they watched the Cydonian coastline come closer and closer, a warship approached and pulled alongside their vessel. "Who goes there?" the Warship's captain asked. "The harbor is closed for the evening. State your business!" "We're from the Crystal Empire." Cadance called back. "I'm Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle's sister in law, and her brother and my husband Prince Shining Armor, request an audience with your ruler. We're here in peace and we don't intend to cause trouble." There was silence for several moments, until the stallion called back. "Very well, we'll escort you to the harbor, but remain on board your ship and at anchor until the King arrives." "We understand." Shining called back. As the two vessels entered the harbor docks and set themselves at anchor, the warship's captain hopped over the railing, and once he caught sight of Cadance's wings and horn, bowed in respect. "Our apologies." he said. "Smuggling, despite our Sea Watch's best efforts, is still a problem. We had to be sure of your identities." "It's fine." Cadance replied. "We'll wait here for however long it takes." The Sea Captain bowed again and left. As the sun then slowly began to rise over Cydonia, the rulers of the Crystal Empire watched a messenger fly towards the Palace, a sealed bag at his side. ==== Earlier when King Orion entered the main dining hall to review his morning reports, he was mildly surprised to hear the runner's message from the harbor, though he figured that he should have expected that Twilight's family would come sooner or later for a visit. "Alright, I'll see to this personally." he had said. "Return to your vessel. And I thank you for bringing this to my attention." Now, as he walked down to the harbor, a team of Praetor Guards at his sides, the vessel bearing the rulers of the Crystal Empire lay at anchor, its flags waving in the breeze. As he approached, Cadance and Shining Armor came forward. "You're King Orion?" Shining asked. "Indeed. And you are Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance?" he replied. "Welcome. You'll find Princess Twilight and Spike are both settling in quite splendidly, but if you'd like more...personal reassurance, you may come with me back to the Palace." "We'd appreciate that." Cadance replied. As they began the trek back to the palace, Shining moved up to speak with Orion. "What exactly happened after she left Equestria and arrived here?" he asked. "We held a ball to celebrate her arrival." Orion replied. "She then retired for the evening once it concluded with my son, Prince Mathias, her betrothed." "I see." Shining raised an eyebrow with an air of slight suspicion. "Anything else I should know?" "I can assume that you are curious as to the nature of the evening, judging by your tone?" Orion asked, making Shining raise his other eyebrow. He had to admit, the King was quite perceptive. "Rest assured there was no...physical intimacy beyond a kiss or two. It's common in Cydonia for lovers to share beds, first in the mare's, then the stallion's after marriage, as my son likely told your sister. It's a sign of trust and affection. I did so often with own spouse." "I guess I'll take your word for it." was Shining's reply as they approached the palace gates. "And how did you even know about it going like that?" "I make it a task to know much of what happens in the Palace." Orion replied. "Ceris, Captain of the Praetor Guard and Mathias's personal guard, checked in on them soon after they retired. Believe me, Prince Shining Armor, I wouldn't have them getting that close before they marry. Trust me on that." "I'm relieved to hear it." Shining said, at least feeling a burden be lifted from his shoulders as they entered the main hall, then the dining room. Two Guards pulled seats out for Cadance and Shining Armor, and Orion pulled a messenger aside. "Fetch Mathias and Princess Twilight with haste." he said. The messenger bowed and headed for the bedrooms, as Orion then turned to the rulers of the Crystal Empire. "Now that introductions are out of the way..." he said. "What else do you wish to ask of me?" Author's Note Update! Yeah, expect a lot of talking in the next chapter between both sides. Next time - Shining and Cadance speak with Mathias and Twilight regarding her new life and position, and Orion watches from afar. 1-19-20 - Edited a few words, made minor tweaks. Chapter 6 - Discussing the Future, Part OneAs Mathias slowly opened his eyes, he noticed the side of the bed that Twilight had occupied was empty. Sitting up, he soon heard the sound of running water in the bathroom. Mathias rolled his eyes, mocking himself sarcastically. Then, he saw a wrapped set of casual wear on a chair nearby, along with a note. Mathias picked up the note, and read it to himself, chuckling as he finished. You'll find these to be helpful today, since you didn't prepare yesterday. Make a note of that in the future when you spend time with the Princess, Young Lord. Ceris. Mathias changed into a casual shirt and pants, with his cape and a jacket to match. As he retrieved his sword, a knock came on the door. He opened it, and a messenger handed him a scroll before departing quickly. Mathias looked over the message, dropped his jaw in surprise, and rushed over to the bathroom door. "Twilight?" he called out loudly. "What is it, Mathias? I'm getting dressed!" Twilight called back. "Can it wait a few moments? "Not really!" Mathias sighed. "Your brother and sister-in-law have arrived in Cydonia and are waiting for us in the Great Hall." There was silence. Then the door blasted open, hitting Mathias directly in the face. As he staggered, and fell to the ground, Twilight, now fully dressed in a pale silver, lace-lined dress, simple and elegant, came out, she gasped upon realizing what she had unintentionally done and helped Mathias up. "I'm so sorry!" she cried. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." Mathias rubbed his sore cheek and composed himself. "Shall we see what your family is up to?" "Lead the way." Twilight said as Spike hopped up onto her back, and they proceeded out into the hallway that led to the Keep. ==== As the three of them entered the vast main hall, Shining Armor and Cadance immediately rushed over and embraced her in a tight hug that lasted for several moments. Mathias stood to the side quietly, and when they broke apart, Shining gave Mathias a look of suspicion. "You're Prince Mathias?" he asked. "That would be me, Prince…" "Shining Armor." the ivory-coated Stallion replied. "My wife, Princess Cadance." Cadance gave him a nod of greeting and a smile, and Mathias gave a quick bow. "Now that we're all here…" King Orion called. "Shall we proceed with breakfast?" With King Orion in his throne in the center, Shining and Cadance took the left side of the honor table , with Twilight and Mathias on the right. As servants set out plates of eggs, toast, water and juice, and small plates of bacon to the Cydonians, both Shining and Cadance looked surprised at the meat. "I wasn't aware ponies could eat meat." Shining asked. "How can you?" "It was a necessary adaptation we had to develop." Orion replied. "As Mathias most likely told Princess Twilight during the voyage here, generations ago, harsh weather rendered most of the harvest inedible. Meat and fish were the only sources of food we could rely on during that time, as edible bread was in short supply." "When the weather passed and the status of the harvests began to return to normal, we started to keep meat on the plates of the people, and it spread quickly. We cook it so that it is easier on the teeth to chew, yet still flavorful." "Rest assured you are not required or obliged in any way to have any if that is what you desire." Orion finished. "But if you wish to sample it, it is your choice." "Thank you, King Orion." Cadance replied. "Though...may I ask how the livestock are treated? Wouldn't keeping all those animals in one place lead to health problems?" "I'm glad you asked that." Orion nodded. "Every butcher that sells the meat and fish, and the breeders and fisher-ponies who supply them are subject to regulation to maintain cleanliness of facility and purity in the meat produced every four to five months by officials of the Crown." "Furthermore, any criminal activity regarding the quality or availability of food is harshly dealt with. Just two months ago in the eastern provinces, officials shut down a cadre of landowners hoping to fix their selling prices on their beef and split the difference of their sales amongst themselves. They were all caught, tried, and imprisoned summarily within a week." "That's Interesting." Shining spoke. "Within a week, you said?" "Yes. We do our best to ensure swift, blind, and impartial justice to all." Orion nodded. "Let us not ignore our breakfast, though. I find it is less appetizing to eat when it's cold." ==== Breakfast concluded some time later, and eventually, King Orion allowed the four royals a private room where they could talk about the personal matters that led to Shining and Cadance's journey. As they departed from the Great Hall and were seen to the room by two Praetor Guards, Mathias looked over at Shining Armor. He could feel the protective air around him for his sister, and Mathias reminded himself to keep that in mind. After all, this whole affair was so sudden that Twilight's family wasn't there for her departure, and were told of it after it had already passed. Mathias understood what it felt like, all too well, as he had been thrust into a change like that before. When his brother Alexander privately told him that Mathias was to be given his brother's status as the heir to the Cydonian throne and subsequent inheritance, among many other privileges and duties, Mathias had felt like he was in a wading pond, then cast out to sea without aid. It had taken time, but Mathias had adapted to what had come his way, and then the news came to the Cydonian court that the fourth Alicorn had ascended in Equestria, and the new Princess was officially eligible to fulfill the terms of the Treaty of Agamid. The messenger bearing the news had burst into the court chamber, out of breath, and proclaimed it loudly for all to hear. Mathias remembered the reactions from all around quite clearly. There was quiet from all sides, even the King was stunned silent. Then the roars of glee and cheering erupted like the sudden blast of a volcano. Mathias had nearly fainted when he was told of it by his family. And then, three months later, he went to Equestria and met that Princess himself, his newly betrothed. Mathias knew of the stories of the Elements of Harmony and their deeds, and what he didn't know, he soon learned quickly. Now,that change had come yet again. And this time, it would be far more influential on his future than ever before. Mathias sighed and shook himself back to reality as they arrived at the designated chambers. As they all sat down, Mathias cleared his throat and spoke. "Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance...what concerns do you have?" "I've got plenty of them." Shining said tightly and summarily. "Alright, Prince Mathias...let's talk." Mathias nodded in agreement, though Twilight noticed him shiver slightly from anxiety. She took in a breath and held Mathias's hoof to reassure him as the conversation began, both hoping for the best of the possible outcomes to pass. However, had Mathias looked at Shining closer, he would've seen him shiver as well. Author's Note Update! Yeah, this chapter featured worldbuilding, lots of development, and more. I'm proud I actaully condensed it all properly in the end. Next time - Mathias and Shining Armor work their issues out over a sparring match, and Twilight and Cadance privately speak as well regarding Twilight's future. And in Equestria, Celestia speaks with the Equestrian Court regarding their own disputes with the sudden departure of Princess Twilight... Chapter 7 - Discussing the Future, Part TwoAs Twilight, Mathias, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance each found a place to sit, inside one of the palace's comfortably-furnished drawing rooms, there was silence for several moments. Nopony there really knew where to start talking, and Twilight was starting to feel nervous. Eventually, the silence was broken by Prince Mathias, after a tray of snacks and tea was brought in by a servant, who soon departed. Mathias reached for a glass and sighed, before setting it down. "You are Twilight's brother and Sister-in-law?" he asked, the apprehension in his voice clear as the sunlight outside. "I apologize on behalf of Cydonia that you weren't able to meet me when we first arrived." "Why was that, exactly?" Shining asked, an eyebrow raised in slight suspicion. "Everything just happened so quickly, Cadance and I didn't get news of this until three days after the fact." "Well, once the court and my father heard the news that Twilight had become the fourth alicorn, we dropped all other matters in an instant. You have to understand that we've waited 1000 years for that exact moment." Mathias shrugged. "Please understand if we felt a little...rushed, or ahead of ourselves, it was not meant to harm or offend in any way." Shining gave a sigh, and nodded as his response, but he still carried the posture of one seeking to protect another, as that was clearly visible. "Shining, please relax." Cadance said, placing a hoof on his shoulders. "Maybe you should step out for a bit. You're upset, frustrated, and not exactly in a good state of mind. Prince Mathias, is there anywhere he can go to cool his head?" Shining was about to respond when Cadance gave him the look he had learned that she meant exactly what she had said, and was not going to budge on her position. "Fine." he breathed. "Where can I go?" "There's a balcony with a good view of the city just around the corridor, on the left." Mathias replied. "The guard should be able to help you find it." Shining gave a quick nod before he stepped out, and Cadance was sure he was going to slam the door behind him. To the relief of all three present, he did not, but it was still clear he was not in the best mindset for the situation. "Alright, now I suppose we can get to business." Cadance said after a few moments of just breathing. "What I want to know is...Twilight, are you honestly, truly, fine with this arrangement?" Twilight thought for several moments, but she soon said "Yes", clear as day. "Then I'll support you both however I can." Cadance said, holding Twilight's hoof in a sign of love and familial relations. "Love comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes, and even though this wasn't how I wanted to meet Twilight's eventual coltfriend, I'll make the best of the current arrangement. But, Prince Mathias, Shining might take more time to reach that same conclusion. But I can say he'll warm up to you. Eventually." "Thank you, Princess Cadance. I'm honored." Mathias bowed his head deeply, as if a great weight had been lifted form his neck and shoulders. "If it helps, Mathias, his family, and the whole of Cydonia have been nothing but kind and hospitable to me ever since I arrived." Twilight added. "They've really spared no expense to make me feel welcome and at ease here." "That's good." Cadance smiled. "I take it that's another side-effect of having waited 1000 years for this, Mathias?" "I suppose so." Mathias smiled slightly. "Shall we go fetch Prince Shining Armor?" "Sure." Cadance nodded as they stood up. "I hope he hasn't gotten into trouble or anything." As they exited the room and headed down the corridor, there was a loud popping sound, which was followed by a loud bout of laughter from a voice Mathias recognized. "It seems Lilly's up to her old antics again." Mathias sighed. "My younger sister. She makes mischief all the time." As they turned the corner, they could see what had caused such an interruption. Lilliana was rolling on the floor, chortling, with the spent tube of a noisemaker next to her, with a few pieces of tinsel lying nearby. The eyes of everypony present then turned to Shining Armor, who was standing stiller than a statue, his clothes and chestplate covered in confetti. What really sealed the moment, however, was Shining's expression of mortification, shock, and sheer dumbfoundedness that made Cadance, Twilight, and Mathias' cheeks inflate like balloons as they tried not to laugh. Which lasted for about a few seconds before they joined in. What they didn't expect was Shining to slowly chuckle, and then start laughing himself. As it died down a few moments later, Shining wiped a tear from his eye and sighed. "Geez, I haven't laughed like that in so long…" he smiled. "I take it you're feeling better?" Mathias asked. "Thanks to your sister, yeah, I'm feeling better." Shining replied. "That was clever, Lilliana." "Speaking of Lilly, what did you even do?" Twilight asked. "I saw him all down in the dumps, and I thought I'd cheer him up." Lilliana replied mirthfully. "It does help that he was acting so pensive and all moody, that he didn't notice me until I was right next to him." "And then you threw confetti into my face." Shining deadpanned. "For the record, it was worth it!" Lilly smiled brightly. "Sorry if I startled you, by the way." "It worked." Shining sighed. "I'm sorry for being such a downer, Prince Mathias. I let my anger get the better of me." "It's fine." Mathias nodded. "Come on, let's get something to eat." And as they all proceeded to head to the Great Hall, Shining smiled, also feeling a great burden being lifted from his mind. "You know, I can worry about this whole thing later. For now, I have to stay in the moment, and enjoy myself. Besides...they've done nothing to make me feel unwelcome, and I want to keep it that way." "So I'll just go with the flow." Author's Note Update!
Prologue-The Treaty of Agamid1000 Years Ago Ponyville Plain The land that would later host the town of Ponyville was, during this moment, unrecognizable. The bodies of countless fallen soldiers lay amongst broken weapons, torn ground, and scattered trees. The sun hung low in the sky, and the clouds darkened the air. Among the remains of this carnage stood two figures. One was an alicorn, white in color, wearing armor of gold. The second was also a pony, but much more broad and warrior-like. This one had a coat of gray and a mane of tan, and he wore armor of steel. His face was worn, his eyes bright blue. "So it has ended." the second pony said. "The Griffons have been routed. My army is capturing what dared to remain here." "It seems so." said the Alicorn, Celestia, Ruler of Equestria and Princess of the Sun, replied. "But now, we must depart from this place. My forces yearn for home and their families, Saladin." "As do my own." Saladin replied. "However, there is still the terms of our agreement." "Indeed." Celestia sighed as the two departed from the grisly scene. "However, I still do not understand your terms to the fullest extent of their meaning." "By the time the Fourth Alicorn comes of age, whoever it may be, the world will be ready for our return." Saladin replied. "Cydonia is tired, and wishes for rest from the horrors of war." "I understand." Celestia said as they entered their camp, proceeding to the command tent. A Cydonian Scribe appeared, bearing a scroll. As Saladin unfurled it, it revealed a document that would shape history. The Treaty of Agamid. Celestia signed her name to the bottom, and so did Saladin. One clause in particular caused Celestia some concern. "When the Fourth Alicorn comes of age, they will be the betrothed of our firstborn Prince or Princess." As Celestia rolled the scroll up, she presented it to Saladin. "May your nation prosper, forevermore." Saladin said. "And may your own lands be given the same blessing." Celestia replied. "I will miss you, old friend." "Indeed." Saladin replied. "My army and I shall be gone by dawn tomorrow." As Celestia watched him depart the tent, she nodded stalwartly and returned to her own camp, to begin the march home to Canterlot. ===== Celestia woke with a start, throwing off the blankets that covered her with a yelp, then she realized what she had seen was but a dream. As she watched the moon grace the night sky, she remembered why it was so vivid, so...laden with emotion. Today was the day Celestia had been dreading all her life. The news of the coronation of Twilight Sparkle, her faithful student and now Princess of Magic, had spread all over the world in the six months since Lord Tirek's downfall. And they most likely had already reached Cydonia by now. Celestia knew not how the warrior nation had changed over the centuries, as her last visit was over 1000 years ago. However, the daunting realization still hit her, full force. Today, the Cydonians would come to fulfill the treaty she had once signed, and claim the fourth Alicorn. Celestia took a scroll of parchment and began to write, hot tears beginning to fall from her eyes. ==== Twilight Sparkle awoke to Spike poking her in the head with a scroll. With a grumble, she pushed herself up and looked at the dragon with an air of annoyance. "Letter." Spike said. "It's from Celestia." "It's four in the morning." Twilight moaned. "What could Celestia want at this hour?" "I don't know, I just thought you should see it." Spike said. As Twilight read the scroll, she found it was shorter than usual. Dearest Twilight Sparkle, Retrieve the Elements of Harmony and come to my office in Canterlot immediately. There is something urgent I must discuss with you. No matter what happens to you, know what I did was for the best, and I had hoped this would never happen to you. Celestia. Twilight rolled up the scroll and sighed, sliding out of bed and heading to the bathroom to freshen up. "Spike?" she called, over her shoulder. "Get the girls. We're going to Canterlot." "Why?" Spike asked. "What's Celestia need us for?" "She didn't say." Twilight said, turning on the sink and splashing her face with water. "Let's get moving." ===== As Twilight woke each of her friends one by one, she grew more and more curious each time she reread the letter from Celestia as they headed to Ponyville Plaza, where there would be nothing to disrupt their journey by teleportation. "What do you think it means?" Twilight asked no one in particular, out loud. "I have no clue." Rarity said. "It seems mysterious, though. Why would she put these lines at the bottom here?" "Can't say for sure." Twilight replied. "I can tell it's important though." "Whatever it is," Rainbow moaned. "I wish it could've waited until morning." "It'll be fine, Rainbow." Applejack said as Twilight prepared to teleport them all to Canterlot. "Whatever happens, we'll be with you, Twilight. We'll make sure of it." ===== As the Elements appeared in Celestia's office, Twilight saw a shocking sight as their vision returned, as the bright light that blinded them faded away. Celestia was crying into her pillow, tears streaking down her muzzle and into the sheets. "Celestia?" Twilight asked, panicked at the sight of viewing her mentor so distressed. "What's wrong?" "It's complicated, Twilight." Celestia said, wiping her eyes. "I suppose your friends will want to hear what I have to say." She took a deep breath, and Twilight immediately sensed inside her mind something wasn't wrong, something was very wrong. "Have you heard of the nation of Cydonia?" Celestia asked. "I've heard mentions to it in a couple of ancient texts, from around the first Hearth's Warming celebration." Twilight replied. "Weren't they some of the finest warriors the world ever knew?" "Yes, they certainly were skilled, and feared." Celestia said. "During the formation of Equestria, they aided us in defending our land from countless threats. The Dragons, Griffons, and even the Minotaurs were unable to best them in warfare. At the Battle of Agamid, a merged Cydonian and Equestrian army forced a combined Griffon army three times our size to surrender after three hours of combat." "Wow." Rainbow said, floored. "They sound cool." "That is not the word I would use, Rainbow Dash, to describe them in this case." Celestia replied before softening her tone of voice. "After that battle, I signed a treaty with their ruler, King Saladin. In exchange for their service to us, I promised them something I now deeply regret, even after 1000 years." "What did you promise?" the Elements asked. "I promised the Cydonians that somepony would be betrothed to their firstborn Prince or Princess." Celestia said. "Today they are coming to collect ." "Who is it?" Rarity asked. Celestia sighed, wiped a tear away, and muttered something so quiet, it was inaudible. "I'm sorry?" Twilight asked. "I couldn't hear you." Celestia mustered herself again, and looked at Twilight with regret and remorse clear in her eyes. "I promised them the fourth Alicorn once they came of age and were eligible for marriage by the Cydonian laws. That...is you, Twilight." There was silence as the jaws of everypony in the room hit the floor. Twilight took a deep breath and opened her mouth. ==== "WHAT!?" The tremendous shout of six ponies and a dragon echoed through the whole of Canterlot, just as the moon lowered in the sky. Celestia barely had time to register that her protege had used the Royal Canterlot Voice inadvertently. Then, the Elements began to speak at once, all together, with panic in their voices. "That's impossible!" "Twi can't just leave Ponyville!" "But...why?" "Can't you stop it?" "Who's going to take care of the Castle?" "What about Spike?" Celestia waited for the pandemonium to calm, before she spoke, raising her hoof to quiet the Element. "First, Rainbow, it is possible. I made this promise a lifetime ago, and I intend to keep it. I am an alicorn of my word. Second, Applejack, though I regret to say it, she has to leave once the Cydonians arrive. Third, Rarity, it is not uncommon for marriages to be in diplomatic treaties. Fourth, Pinkie, I cannot stop it. I have seen the Cydonians when they are angered, and it is something I do not want to witness again. Fifth, Fluttershy, I will maintain her Castle. Finally, Twilight, I will make sure Spike can come, along with whatever you wish. The Elements will also be able to visit her as much as possible." The Elements of Harmony were silent as they turned to the Element of Magic. Twilight and Spike slowly walked forward. "When...will they arrive?" Twilight asked, a cold feeling on her neck. "Today." Celestia said. "I know not what has changed, but they will arrive with their warfleet, as usual." The Elements tried to protest again, but Celestia silenced them with a glare so harsh, even Rainbow gave a quiet moan similar to Fluttershy when she was in a scary situation. "Twilight, please understand this is for the best. The Cydonians may be warriors, but they know hospitality like no other. I am not asking you to agree with this whole arrangement, but I am asking you...to trust me." ==== Near the coast of Equestria, around Canterlot Cydonian Flagship "Saladin's Pride" "Young Lord, we are...Lord Mathias!" A unicorn of Twilight's age, with a tan coat, an unkept black mane, and blue eyes jumped slightly at the use of his given name, and he turned from the mast to the soldier who addressed him. Mathias nodded, acknowledging the armored stallion who had spoken. "We are nearing the coast. Princess Celestia is expecting us." "Steady as she goes." Mathias replied. "Let's not make a scene." "As you command." The soldier saluted, and left for the bridge. Mathias stood up and headed for the bow, leaning on the rail. "So, we're almost there." said Mathias's Pegasus guard, Ceris, who flew up next to his liege Lord. "Indeed." Mathias said. "I can't believe it'd be so soon. My ancestors signed that treaty over 1000 years ago." "It still holds true." Ceris said. "Let's just see how they greet us, and we'll go from there." "I hope the Fourth Alicorn shares my feelings about this whole thing." Mathias grunted. "I never agreed to this." "You must remember that the Treaty of Agamid was signed by your ancestor, and you are the firstborn at this time ." Ceris replied. "Just take it one day at a time, and you'll be fine. Go with the flow." Mathias groaned as the city of Canterlot came into view off the starboard side of the flagship. Author's Note Yep, it's back from the dead. Apart from Over the Wall, this was my first original concept that I developed into a story. And now, it's staying for good. No more deletions, and that's a promise! Next time - The reluctant bride meets the reluctant groom. EDIT 3/26/2022 - Added revisions to the chapter.
Chapter 1 - The Prince of CydoniaAs Twilight Sparkle and the Element Bearers followed Celestia out of her office towards the main Keep, the minds of each Element were filled to bursting with questions, uncertainties, and worry. And each of those were multiplied tenfold for Twilight Sparkle. Ten minutes earlier, she was sleeping in bed without a care in the world. Now, she was going to meet her future husband as per a 1000 year old treaty that she had never even heard of. "Twilight?" Twilight looked up to see Celestia look at her in sorrow. "Yes?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What is it?" "The Cydonians, unlike us, wear clothing at all hours." Celestia said. "Though I hate to impose, it would be a good measure for you to wear something formal when they arrive." Twilight nodded, though it was a shallow, stunned movement that was quite unlike her. "And such, I had this room prepared." Celestia motioned to part of the castle wall. Before the Elements could ask any questions, Celestia's horn glowed. The wall vanished and in its place was a hall filled with ponnequin stands. And on each of the stands was a gown or dress to rival or surpass any of Rarity's creations. They came in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and the sight kept the Element Bearers spellbound. "Such beauty!" Rarity gasped in glee. "Where did all these come from?" "This is my personal collection, Rarity." Celestia said. "Just because I don't wear clothing doesn't mean I don't like the custom. In fact, I haven't been in this room in many, many years. Twilight?" "What?" Twilight replied, struck by the sheer number of gowns in the room. "Pick any one that you desire." Celestia said. "A parting gift of sorts from me." As Twilight nodded and went through the vast hall, Spike watched from a distance with a tear in his left eye. ==== Twilight's eyes sorted through the gowns, looking for that one perfect match. Though she didn't have as much of an eye for fashion as Rarity, she had her personal tastes. And it seemed Celestia knew those tastes. As she walked past two dresses, her heart stopped as she made her mind up. The dress in front of her was a pale cream white with a tinge of yellow, expertly lined with lace and flower-like designs in the skirt. The top of the bodice was curled and wrapped around her front shoulders, and the bottom was shaped like a heart, and lined with cream-colored gems. Not only that, gloves and a mane ribbon lay to the side, matched perfectly with the dress. That was when Twilight knew that this was it. As she took the dress off and carefully packed it up, she returned to her friends and mentor. "A perfect choice, Twilight." Celestia said. "Come with me, it's almost time." As Twilight nodded, the Element Bearers followed her back to an isolated room, where Twilight and Celestia entered alone to prepare. ==== As Celestia helped Twilight lace up the light corset and slip into the dress itself, Twilight could feel the fabric rustling against her coat. As she slid the gloves on and tied the ribbon into her mane, she looked at Celestia with tears beginning to form. "I suppose this is it." she whispered in sorrow. "Twilight, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Celestia said, embracing Twilight tightly. "I wish this had never happened, but it did. And for that, I beg for your forgiveness." As Twilight closed her eyes, she murmured her reply into Celestia's ear. They embraced tighter, and soon, the door opened and the Element Bearers joined in. They remained in that embrace for quite some time, until a horn sounded in the distance. "They've arrived." Celestia said. "Let's go." As the Element Bearers followed Twilight and Celestia outside to the gates, they could see a detachment of Solar and Lunar Guards standing in formation with lances crossed in a sign of greeting. As the seven of them stood in anticipation, the lances lifted and the Prince of Cydonia came forward, followed by seven soldiers clad in steel armor. ==== As the carriage bearing Mathias, Ceris, and six Cydonian Praetors came to a stop, the Prince could see the Equestrian Royal Guards were waiting for them. As the door opened and the path was cleared, Mathias could see Princess Celestia standing with the famed Elements of Harmony... ...and the alicorn he was to marry. Mathias let his guard fall as he approached her, and she moved towards him. Mathias knew or had heard of many things about Twilight Sparkle. How she was the bearer of the Element of Magic, how she was respected by all, but the on thing he didn't hear was that she was this beautiful. Her mane had not been done in some intricate style, but the ribbon was perfectly placed. The gown she wore, the beauty in her eyes...the Prince let his unease fade away. "You're the Prince of Cydonia?" she asked in a voice that lifted his heart, even with tinged with anxiety. "Yes. My name is Mathias, Princess Twilight." he said, remembering the customs of his people. Taking and planting a kiss to her hoof, he could see her blush, but not turn away from him. Taking a chance, he spoke quietly. "I've heard a lot about you, Princess Twilight." "...Like what?" she asked, unsure of the response she would receive. "Your exploits, your legacy, but not of the beauty you possess." he said kindly. Twilight blushed even more and this time, she looked away. "I'm flattered." she murmured. "Prince Mathias, may we speak privately inside?" "As you wish." As the Prince motioned to a Pegasus Guard who began to follow them, the seven-turned-eight entered the castle. ==== As they entered a small conference room, Twilight and Mathias sat down next to each other and faced the Element Bearers and Celestia. "So, where do we begin?" Mathias asked. "I presume the five others are the Elements of Harmony?" "Yep." Rainbow Dash said. "I'm..." "Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty and proclaimed to be the fastest flyer in Equestria." Mathias replied automatically. The Element Bearers dropped their jaws in surprise. "How did you know that?" Twilight asked. "The Cydonians are not deaf to the affairs of the world." Mathias replied. "We know of your exploits together, of who you all are. The young hear stories of you when they go to sleep at night." "They hear stories about me?" Rainbow Dash asked. "And not just you, Rainbow Dash." Mathias stated. "There is Rarity, Element of Generosity and the seamstress capable of miraculous works." Rarity raised her eyebrows, caught off guard by the Prince's mention of "miraculous works". Then, she nodded her head in thanks. "Fluttershy, Element of Kindness and the Tamer of countless creatures large and small." Mathias added, eyeing the pegasus. "Though...I wouldn't say countless..." Fluttershy said, blushing. "Applejack, Element of Honesty and the keeper of one thousand Apple trees." Mathias said, and Applejack tipped her hat in respect. "And last but not least, Pinkie Pie, Element of Laughter and wielder of the famed and...dare I say reputable...Party Cannon." Mathias smiled, and Pinkie gave a squeal of joy. "Your stories are told everywhere in Cydonia." Mathias said. "I had hoped to meet all of you once under better circumstances. But, may I ask that I and Princess Twilight be left alone for a few moments?" The Element Bearers and Celestia exited the room, and Twilight looked at the Prince with a surprised expression. "Listen, Princess." Mathias said, taking her hoof. "I wasn't exactly on board with this whole thing either. I can see in your eyes that you are fearful of what awaits you." Twilight sighed, and nodded in agreement. "You can lay those fears to rest." Mathias said. "I won't let anything happen to you. In fact, I even made accomodations for your assistant Spike." "You did?" Twilight asked, once again. "I figured you wouldn't want to leave without him." Mathias said, looking away. "Where is he, might I ask?" "I'm here." Spike said, poking his head into the room. "When are we...leaving?" "Soon, I suppose." Mathias replied. "If you need to retrieve anything from your current residence, now is the time." Twilight sighed, but gave a nod. As the three of them headed outside, the Cydonian Praetors snapped to salute. As Twilight said her goodbyes to the Element Bearers and exchanged a few final gifts, Mathias stepped into the carriage and laid his head back. "Are you tired already?" Ceris asked. "Just uneasy." Mathias replied to his Guard as they watched Princess Luna arrive with Twilight and Spike's belongings from Ponyville, which were loaded up. As Twilight and Spike entered the carriage and sat down, Mathias looked at the Princess with concern. "The voyage to Cydonia should only take a few hours." he spoke. "Then, prepare yourself for quite a welcoming reception." Twilight didn't reply with words, but with a shallow nod as the Carriage set out for the coast, towards the Cydonian fleet...towards their new home. Author's Note Update! Next time - The voyage and arrival in Cydonia.
Chapter 2 - The Voyage HomeTwilight Sparkle awoke with a groan as she pulled herself up and out of the ship's bunk she now laid in. With a sigh, she looked around, half-hoping to be back in her castle in Ponyville. Except she soon realized that she wasn't. With a sigh, she put a hoof to her forehead and felt a raw spot there. "I must've fallen." she mumbled. "Or fainted, maybe both." As she pulled herself out of bed, the door to the ship's cabin opened. Spike and Prince Mathias came in, their faces concerned. "What happened?" Twilight asked. "As soon as you stepped on the ship, you passed out." Spike said. "Mathias managed to catch you, but you hit your head pretty hard." "Great." Twilight huffed. "How far from Equestria are we?" "We've sailed for two hours now while you slept." Mathias said. "There's not much time before we reach Cydonia." "Well, okay." Twilight breathed. "Can I have some time alone?" Mathias nodded and led Spike outside, closing the door. Twilight collapsed back into bed, hoping that she would wake up once more and this whole turn of events was just a bad dream. However, despite her hopes, it was not. This was real, and Twilight knew it despite her fears. She eventually composed herself and exited the cabin, after smoothing out the creases in her gown. ==== "Are you feeling any better?" Mathias asked as she entered the upper deck, the Cydonian Praetors bowing as one. "I'm fine." she replied. "What can I expect to happen when we reach Cydonia?" "When we dock, the procession to the Palace will begin." Mathias said. "There, King Orion, my father, will greet us." "What's he like?" Twilight asked. "Father is...well, he's enigmatic." Mathias said. "I doubt that even a housefly is caught without his knowing about it. However, he cares for his children, including me. Don't let his hard exterior repel you." "You have siblings?" Twilight asked. "Yes." Mathias replied. "Two sisters, Catherine and Lily, and my brother, Alexander. He's currently serving in the Cydonian Army." "He's a soldier?" "Not even close." Mathias chuckled. "He's a Commander. Five battalions report directly to him. He's leading an investigation into a rumored rebellion in the southern provinces, but you should meet him soon." "I see." Twilight sighed. "Mathias?" "Yes?" Twilight slowly exhaled and looked down at the deck, a small tear forming at her eye. "I'm scared." she admitted. "I had so many things I wanted to do in Equestria, and now this whole thing just happened...I'm going to miss Ponyville so much, and everypony in it. There's so much I'm going to miss…" Twilight broke down, beginning to cry. Mathias drew back in surprise, but he slowly wrapped his hooves around her and brought her close. As she sobbed into his shoulder, he closed his eyes, not daring to move. They remained like that for quite a while, and eventually Twilight's tears faded. She looked up to see Mathias glance down at her. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Yeah." she replied. "I'm sorry I broke down like that." "It's fine. I understand." Mathias said quietly. "You should rest. We've got about two more hours before we reach Cydonia." "...Okay." As Twilight slid back into bed and closed her eyes, Mathias pulled a blanket over her form. It wasn't long before she was asleep, breathing quietly. Mathias left the cabin as quietly as he could, and rejoined Spike on the upper deck. "Is Twilight okay?" the dragon asked. "She just needed to vent." Mathias replied, as they stood at the prow to gaze at the sea in front of them. "I think with some rest and food, she should be fine." "Yeah, Twilight's like that." Spike shrugged. "So, Mathias?" "Yes?" "Are there dragons in Cydonia?" Spike asked. "On occasion, yes." Mathias said. "We get ambassadors from all over the world. It's tough to make it here due to the voyage required, but we have animals and creatures that can't be found anywhere else in the world." As the two continued to speak, Mathias started to smile. So far, Spike was proving to be an amicable partner of conversation. Especially once they reached the point where they were laughing over stories of their respective siblings. "Your sister did that?" Spike roared, nearly hoarse from amusement. "Your dad must've been furious!" "He was." Mathias chuckled. "I doubt Lily ever replicated that feat again. Once father got over that particular prank, he wasn't as mad. Lily's a complete harlequin, almost like the Element of Laughter, Pinkie Pie." "I can see the resemblance." Spike laughed. "So, by the way, is there anything to eat here?" "Well, the Galley should have dinner ready soon." Mathias said. "I'll go check if you rouse Twilight." As Spike headed to the cabins, Mathias went below decks to the Galley, where the smell of fresh bread and a bit of salted beef greeted him. ==== As Spike woke Twilight, she undid her mane ribbon and sighed in relief at the mention of dinner. "You feeling better?" he asked. "Significantly." she replied. "I guess I just needed to let it all out." As the entered the galley, Twilight raised her eyebrows at the sight of a rack of salted beef being served. "I thought ponies couldn't eat meat." Twilight said as Mathias approached. "Well, Cydonians are unique that way." Mathias said, as the three of them sat down. "For a while, we couldn't grow traditional crops that you might've eaten back in Equestria due to poor harvests and flooding, so we needed an additional source of nutrition. We just...got used to it over time. It's okay if you don't want any." Twilight sighed as she began to eat a loaf of bread, before she spoke up. "I mean, I could try it." "It's up to you." Mathias said. "I'll eat your portion if you don't want it." Twilight finished her bread and eyed the piece of beef, before taking a reluctant bite. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad nor as repulsive as she thought it might be. In fact, it was actually quite tasty. "The verdict?" Mathias asked as she finished the beef with a sigh. "It will take getting used to, but it wasn't bad." she sighed. "Well, now you sound like a Cydonian." Mathias said. "Anyway, we should be arriving soon. I'll head up to the deck to signal the fleet." As Mathias left, Spike and Twilight finished their dinner and followed. As they reached the coastline, Twilight and Spike dropped their jaws. "Is that Cydonia?" Twilight asked once the city came into view. "Actually…" Mathias said. "That's the Palace. The city is to the left of it." Twilight followed Mathias's hoof, and her jaw dropped even further. The palace was about the size of Canterlot, and the city surrounding it was even bigger than that. "Welcome to Cydonia." Mathias said as the ships docked and the gangway lowered. As a chariot came forward for the three of them, mounted by canid beings, the crowds were packed with ponies cheering, waving flags, and watching the procession. "Quite a welcome you're giving me." Twilight said, astounded. Mathias merely helped her into the chariot and smiled. "There's more to it than this." he replied as the procession began to move towards the palace. Author's Note Update! Next time - Twilight meets King Orion and Mathias's siblings.
Chapter 3 - Settled InAs the chariots processed down the main avenue that led to the Royal Palace, Twilight found herself astounded at the cheers and celebration she was receiving. As ponies of all kinds, sizes, and ages waved and watched, Twilight turned to Mathias, who stood as if this occasion didn't even faze him. "How are you so calm right now?" she asked. "Because I'm used to this." Mathias replied. "Processions like these are normally reserved for visiting royalty, an occasion such as a birthday or coming-of-age, or after the end of a war. In this case, it's the arrival of an alicorn who is to be my wife. Quite a cause for celebration." Twilight looked a little downcast as she remembered that the concept of betrothal did involve getting married. Spike then gave her a nudge in the side, and once he had his attention, he gave her a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Spike." she said quietly. '"No problem." the dragon replied. "I've got your back, Twi. We all do." Twilight smiled gratefully back at her friend, and as the chariots came to a stop in front of the palace gates, Mathias helped her disembark. The canid beasts that drew the chariot bowed respectfully before being led off by the soldiers. "What are those?" Twilight whispered to Mathias. "We call them Boarhounds." he replied. "They're common in the eastern provinces as beasts of burden and hunting companions. Ah, father!" Mathias and Twilight turned slightly to see Mathias's father and siblings approach. King Orion, himself a Unicorn, was tall, with a brown coat just like his son's. A gray mane and rough beard contrasted with his jade eyes. He wore a set of robes imbued with steel armor. Catherine, Mathias's older sister, was remarkably akin to Rarity in terms of shape. She was a Pegasus, with a lilac mane and a white streak in her tail. She wore a gown of bright blue, shaped like a chiton or tunic. Alexander, an Earth pony, was broad and tall, just like Big Macintosh. He had a coat with darker shade of brown, like his father and brother, and a mane of dark green. He wore full steel armor with a yellow cape. And last was Lily, Mathias's younger sister. She was a little older than Applebloom or the other Cutie Mark Crusaders, herself also a pegasus. Her mane was bright yellow, and she shared her sister's coat color. Twilight noticed that none of the members of Mathias's family bore a Cutie Mark, but she made a mental note to ask later in private. As she and Mathias came forward, Orion came to meet them. "Princess Twilight Sparkle?" he asked, in a even-toned, rich voice. "Yes, King Orion." she replied. "I welcome you warmly to Cydonia." he replied. "And this must be Spike?" "Yep!" the dragon replied. "I'm her number-one assistant!" Orion chuckled and gave an earnest smile of approval. "Quite a claim, young one." he said. "My elder son, Alexander and my daughters, Catherine and Liliana." "Well met." Catherine said, her voice smooth and light. "Honored to meet you." Alexander replied, his voice was like Shining Armor's "Same!" Lily replied. Twilight nodded at the young filly, who responded in kind. "Now that we are acquainted, shall we take ourselves to a more private locale?" Orion asked. As Twilight and Mathias were given a final send-off of cheers, the gates closed behind them as they entered the Palace's front Courtyard. ==== As the Royal Family of Cydonia led Twilight through the gardens that made up a modest portion of the Courtyard area, Mathias and Twilight didn't stray too far from each other, even as Twilight's eyes jumped from one spectacular display of flora to another. "Impressed, Princess Twilight?" Catherine asked, and Twilight gave a nod. "The groundskeepers work day and night to keep these gardens in perfect shape." "I can imagine so." Twilight replied, eyeing a display of blue and white speckled flowers near a fountain, before she walked to catch up with Mathias. "King Orion?" "Yes?" "I noticed you and your family don't have a Cutie Mark." she asked. "If it's not too much to ask, why is that?" "The process of gaining a Cutie Mark, as you would know, is a uniquely Equestrian phenomenon." King Orion replied. "Cydonians who work in trades must learn their skills to boast such accomplishments." "I see." Twilight said. "Fascinating!" Orion gave a small smile, and as they entered the Keep, Alexander and his Guards bowed and returned to their previous posts while the other Royals, Twilight, and Spike departed for the dormitory area. "Mathias, I believe the crews should have unloaded Princess Twilight's possessions by now." Orion said. "Would you show Princess Twilight and Spike to their chambers?" "Of course, father." Mathias replied as the three of them headed to Twilight's new chambers, which were marked with the Equestrian Royal Seal. As Mathias opened the door, Twilight dropped her jaw. The room was panelled with oak and granite stone, with all sorts of furniture set neatly about the chamber. A large open door revealed a large private library, whose massive bookshelves lay empty, waiting to be filled with books. A second door revealed a bedroom and bath with a large bay window and canopy bed done in purple and gold cloth. It was lit by torches kept alight with magic. To Twilight's great relief, all of her things had been sorted into their places, with the chests containing her books set down in the library. "This is amazing." was all Twilight could say, sitting down at a table bearing a polished chess set. "I'm glad you think so." Mathias said kindly, sitting down across from her. "We'll have some time to unpack before dinner and the welcoming ball." "There's going to be a ball?" Twilight asked. "It is tradition for visiting royals." Mathias replied. "Seeing as you are my betrothed, I'll be your escort." "Thank you." Twilight replied. "Also, did you say that "we" would unpack together?" "Well, my chambers are adjacent to yours, so I thought I would help you out as much as I could." he replied. "Until then, shall we play a game of Chess?" Twilight gave a nod as Spike hopped up on a third chair to watch. ==== Twilight had only played chess a few times with her brother back in Equestria, but she had learned a few of Shining Armor's tricks when it came to the game. However, Mathias also knew them, and exactly how to counter against them, along with several strategies of his own. That was proven to be true when Twilight tipped her king over only a few minutes into their third match. "You're good." she smiled. "Really good." "Thanks, Twilight." Mathias replied. "Well, shall we unpack your books? I daresay we've used up quite a bit of our available time." As the two of them, with Spike's assistance, began unpacking Twilight's tomes and putting them away on the empty shelves, the sun slowly began to set over Cydonia. Author's Note Update!
Chapter 4 - Dancing and DreamsAs the sun finally faded and dusk took hold, Mathias waited outside Twilight's chambers for her to finish getting dressed. As he leaned against a nearby pillar, he rubbed his left leg with his right hoof, a small quirk he primarily displayed when he was nervous. He was dressed up in his formal attire, a ceremonial blade at his waistline. Spike then popped the door open and gave Mathias a nod as he came out, wearing his dragon-size suit and top hat. "Not too shabby, Spike." Mathias smiled. "A little...drab, but it'll be fine. That's probably because I'm used to seeing and wearing attire...like this." "Well, that's good to know." Spike shrugged. "I've never cared much for fancy clothes anyway." "Now you're speaking clearly." Mathias chuckled. "I hate wearing this attire. It's too tight, too form-fitting...it seems I also prefer the simpler side of clothing." Spike was about to reply, when the door opened. Mathias let his jaw drop at the sight of his betrothed. Twilight was wearing a periwinkle blue dress with white and gold highlights and embroidery. A set of fabric roses lay at her chestline, and the skirt was done perfectly in lace and ruffles at the hemline. "You look astounding, Twilight." Mathias smiled, offering his hoof to escort her. "Shall we?" Twilight blushed and accepted his hoof, but she couldn't stop herself from nodding appreciatively at Mathias's words. As they walked side by side down the hallway, Spike sitting on Twilight's back, just like old times, Twilight gave a small smile of gratitude to her escort and betrothed, though he did not notice it. ==== "Wow." was all Spike could manage to say at first, once the three of them arrived in the Palace ballroom, which was already packed with Cydonian nobles, occupied by dining and drinking. "This place is huge." The ballroom was at least two times the size of the ballroom in Canterlot Palace, and somehow even more ornately decorated with gold, silver, and engravings in the pillars. Those pillars held up a massive domed roof painted to look like the Aurora Borealis in the night sky. Several tables of food and drink were set out across the area, and a grand balcony that held the table of honor finished the grand scene. Twilight let her jaw drop at the sight of this, until Mathias gently nudged her in the side, snapping her out of her trance. She composed herself, nodded to her betrothed and Spike, and they set out for the table of honor, where King Orion, Lily, Alexander, and Catherine were already sitting, overseeing the revelry and enjoyment in front of them. "Ah, Twilight, how are things so far?" Alexander asked as she, Spike, and Mathias sat down in oaken chairs inlaid with gold carving. Twilight was silent for a few moments, preparing her answer, but she roon spoke. "Everything's strange but so wonderful and accommodating." Twilight replied. "To be welcomed so warmly here and to have all this done for me...I'm very grateful." "Our pleasure and honor, Twilight. And don't worry, anything you need, we'll see it done." Orion said, smiling as the Cydonian Praetor Guards filed in to their posts, Ceris among them sending a nod to Mathias as if to reassure him. "Thank you, King Orion." she replied. Orion nodded in approval before standing up and tapping his goblet three times, causing a hush to fall over the room, the guests ready to hear the King's words. "I thank you all for coming to this celebration, set in honor of the Treaty of Agamid ." Orion proclaimed. "I thank Princess Twilight Sparkle and young Spike for their presence here, which assures me that Equestria and Cydonia will endure a lasting friendship and state of cooperation between our nations." "Now, without further ado, we shall celebrate tonight!" Orion raised his goblet, and the ball began with a sudden uproar of sound as the dining and dancing resumed. As Twilight and the others were served their preferred meals, Twilight smiled as she sipped her goblet of pale red wine. "That was a good choice." Alexander leaned over, speaking to Twilight. "In Cydonia, often it's the case that the lighter the shade of wine, the less potent it is." "Thanks, Alexander. I wouldn't want to make a mistake due to personal inebriation." she shrugged awkwardly. "It's quite alright." Orion replied. "Often many of the nobles here drink the lesser wine first, before the dance, then the potent wine when the dancing is concluded. An odd but reasonable practice." "Odd?" Spike asked. "Why's it odd?" "Because if they drink themselves to a stupor and make a scene of themselves, often they take up less of a Guardspony's time then than before that." Orion nodded. "I've heard rumors that the Guards make wagers with each other, based on the status of the ponies they expel if they grow too rowdy." "Is there any truth to those rumors?" Twilight asked, surprised. Something like that would be unheard of in the Solar, Lunar, or Crystal Guards. "To a point." Alexander replied in mirth. "I've seen them at it. With luck, it won't have to happen tonight." "Is guests being thrown out of a ball a common thing?" Spike said after swallowing a chunk of lightly toasted bread. "Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the occasion." Orion chuckled. "Shall we open the dance floor soon, Twilight? It's celebrating your arrival, after all." Twilight nodded, and Mathias gently held her hoof. "I'll lead when we dance, okay?" he whispered. "But if you want, I can open it myself." "I'll do it." Twilight replied back. "How do I get their attention?" "Three taps on the goblet should do." Orion suggested. Twilight did so, and the attendees quieted to listen. "Well, I'm not exactly the best at speeches…" Twilight replied. "But I do think it's time we open the dance floor and stretch our legs a bit." "But before we begin, I'd like to say a few words." she continued. "When I first learned of the treaty that would bring me here, I was frightened, fearful, reluctant to leave my home in Ponyville, in Equestria behind." "Now, I can say that those fears have been put to rests." she smiled. "I thank King Orion and his children for such a warm welcome, and I thank all of you for being here. Now, shall we begin?" There was a brief sounding of warm applause, and Twilight nodded in acknowledgement. As she accepted Mathias's hood and they proceeded to the dance floor, Twilight quickly let her mind wonder something that had been consistently occupying her thoughts for a while. "I wonder what's going on back in Equestria?..." ==== That same evening, as Princess Celestia looked over her work and several letters from the nobles, she perked her ears up at hearing rapid, angry hoofsteps echo towards her office door. As she furrowed her brow, the doors blasted open. Prince Shining Armor, Twilight's brother and ruler of the Crystal Empire stormed in, a veritable cloud of anger above him, who was then followed by a very concerned-looking Princess Cadance. "What is the meaning of this, Celestia!?" he roared in anger. "What did you do with my sister!? Answer me!" "Shiny, please calm down!" Cadance pleaded with her husband as he swept the documents off of Celestia's desk with a single swipe of his hoof, Celestia not even flinching from his actions. "You're starting to scare me." Shining, upon hearing those words, took in a breath and stepped back, gently cupping his wife's cheek before hugging her lightly. "I'm sorry." he mumbled. Then, he turned to Celestia with unbridled fury in his eyes. "I take it you heard of the Cydonian's arrival and Twilight's betrothal?" Celestia asked. "Who hasn't?" Shining retorted angrily. "Imagine how I reacted when I heard that you married off my little sister because of a stupid treaty made over ten centuries ago! What in Faust's name were you thinking!?..." Celestia then interrupted Shining with a harsh slap to the cheek, sending him to the ground. As he stood back up in anger, Celestia flared her wings and ignited her horn, cloaking herself in magical energy as a show of power. "Silence, Shining Armor!" she bellowed. "And do not DARE speak the name of the Goddess in such a way! You know better than that!" Shining nodded as Celestia eased up, ending her display of magic. As she turned to the window, she sighed. "Shining Armor, know this was not how I intended for it to proceed." she said. "I did not know that it would be my dear student and your sister that would ascend four months, let alone ten centuries ago! I signed the Treaty of Agamid and gave Saladin my word, and now I have kept it." "You should have told us!" Shining replied in a dark tone. "Cadance and I didn't even get to meet this Prince Mathias, let alone see my sister off to his country! We should have been there!" "I do understand your anger, and I regret my message did not arrive in time." Celestia said quietly. "But control your temper, Prince Shining Armor. It is unbefitting of you." "Unbefitting?" he asked in an incredulous tone. "I think my temper is the least of your worries right now! Why shouldn't I lose my temper right about now after what you did?" "Shining Armor Sparkle!" Cadance replied sternly, silencing her husband, knowing she rarely if ever, used his full name to address him. "You didn't know this would be the case then, and you couldn't have known it would happen now. You can't change what's happened, even if you're mad about it. I'm mad too, furious even, because she's my sister as well! When did you forget that?" Shining was rendered silent as he staggered to sit on a nearby couch, realizing what he had cast aside in his anger. "I'm sorry." he said as Cadance came over and leaned against him, placing her head on his left shoulder. "Forgive me, Celestia. I was too hasty." "I forgive you, but allow me to give you the circumstances upon which this happened, both from now and in the past." Celestia replied. She took in a breath, and spoke. "When we first made contact with the Cydonians, to them, the fledgling Equestria would have been a prime taking for them. They could have easily conquered us, burned our lands, and torn the newly made capital of Canterlot down to the last stone." "But they chose to shepherd us through the world's course and the dangers it provided." she continued. "They showed us how to grow proper crops that would not die in the winter, how to dredge dams and move rivers, and even began clearing the once-overgrown tangle that would be the Everfree forest." "And when invaders did arrive, the Cydonians defended us and repulsed our foes, time and time again. Together, our nations could have conquered the world with Equestrian magic and Cydonian steel." "But we followed the example of our ally, and pursued peace where there could have been war. And before the battle of Agamid, the Griffon king, when he launched his first invasion, declared I would be his...concubine, our people enslaved, and our lands burned." "The Cydonians and King Saladin declared this would not be so, they had given us their lives and blood before, and they would give it again now. The resulting battle, Shining Armor, the battle of Agamid...changed me. I saw Ponies from both nations and Griffons alike torn apart, limb from limb, by the hate and strife of war. King Saladin and I slew the Griffon King in combat together during the third hour. That battle instilled in me a hatred of war that lasts to this day, over one thousand years after that living Tartarus made real that we called the plain of Agamid.." "In the end, when Saladin and I drafted the treaty, they could have asked for anything, and I would have given it to them without second thought. Gold, jewels, land, food, it did not matter. But...they only asked for the fourth Alicorn when it was said and done, and I promised them they would receive whoever it was." "Now, that oath is fulfilled at long last." Celestia finished. "The Cydonians waited over one thousand years for this moment, and I will not deprive them of this, no matter what comes of it. I am asking you to be patient, both of you. I am asking you...to trust me." Shining, for all his anger, could only nod, Cadance nodding with him. "I will make sure you receive a prompt passage to Cydonia tomorrow morning at dawn." Celestia continued. "Prepare yourselves accordingly, as they wear clothes at all hours. To arrive unclothed would be a mistake." "We'll remember." Shining replied. "I suppose you'll want us to stay here in Canterlot tonight?" "Yes." Celestia nodded. "It would ease your travels considerably. Also, you may take whatever Guards you require. Though I would advise you to prepare them for a diplomatic reception. Now, you may leave. Goodnight." Shining and Cadance nodded as they left, and soon, all was quiet once again. As Celestia continued to work, sitting down at her desk, she could only sigh and wipe away a stray tear. Author's Note Update! Next time - Shining and Cadance travel to Cydonia, and when they arrive, Mathias struggles to gain Shining's favor.
Chapter 5 - An Evening of ImportanceAs the orchestra played and the onlookers stood quietly in a sign of respect, Twilight and Mathias began to waltz together, moving perfectly in time with the music. Twilight had danced before in a formal setting like this on multiple occasions, but this time...she felt a genuine connection with her partner. She rested her head against his chest as they slowed their pace, feeling his heartbeat through his shirt. Mathias could only smile back, as he began to lose himself in the moment. When he was finally old enough to attend royal balls, Mathias had never danced then as his brother Alexander received more attention from the Cydonian nobles' daughters. However, when Alexander gave his inheritance and status to Mathias and entered the Cydonian Army, Mathias's opinion of dancing had to change, whether he liked it or not. He knew how to dance and did so with partners on a few occasions, but with his newly betrothed Princess in his embrace, he felt like he could truly appreciate this moment more than he would have years ago. As the music ended and the couple ceased their movement, Twilight gave him a joyful smile before embracing him tightly. Mathias returned the gesture, before leading her back to their seats to rest as the assembled guests applauded. "Well done." Orion said to Twilight as she and Mathias sat down. "Truly, well done." "Thank you, King Orion." Twilight replied. "If it's not too much trouble, I feel like retiring for the evening." "Very well." Orion nodded. "You may depart when you feel it is necessary. And you needn't ask for my permission, as you already have it." Twilight blushed, and nodded to Mathias and Spike. As they departed through a nearby door that led to the dormitories, escorted by two Praetor Guards, Twilight could only give a tired smile to her betrothed. Once they had returned to their chambers, Twilight and Mathias changed out of their formal wear and into nightclothes, and headed over to Twilight's bed. Spike was soon sound asleep, and Mathias stretched his legs outwards to keep himself awake once they were both comfortable. He didn't expect Twilight to move closer to him and lean against his chest, giving a murmur of delight at the warmth he gave off. Mathias simply draped a leg across her shoulders, and they remained like that for quite some time. As the moon rose into the sky, Twilight looked up at her Prince with a raised eyebrow. "Shouldn't we...be in your bed if we're going...to stay together?" she asked drowsily. "Not exactly. It's quite common for lovers in Cydonia to sleep in the mare's bed when courting, and then in the stallion's once engaged or married. It's a sign of trust." Mathias replied, kissing her cheek. Twilight gave a soft giggle before she closed her eyes and slumped over a bit, falling into slumber almost instantly. Mathias merely used his magic to draw the covers over them both, and he soon closed his eyes and fell asleep as well. As the stars flickered overhead, a veil of silence settled over the Royal Palace, bidding its inhabitants to sleep. ==== Off the coast, only several hours away, an Equestrian vessel bearing the flag of the Crystal Empire sailed full speed for the Cydonian Capital. Shining Armor, wearing a set of blue robes under his armor, and Cadance, wearing a simple yet elegantly made yellow dress and some ornaments, stood at the prow. "Shining…" Cadance murmured, drawing her husband's attention. "What exactly are you thinking of doing once we reach Cydonia?" "I'm thinking that I'll set the record straight with them," he replied bitterly. "Even if Celestia intends on keeping her word. And hopefully...Twilight will come back to Equestria with us." "And What if she doesn't' or can't?" Cadance replied. "What will you do then?" "We work from there." Shining said quietly. "Cadance, let me do the talking when we get there. I think I can sort this out on my own." "No." she replied instantly, causing Shining to flinch in surprise. "Shining, I know you're upset, but going about it like this or in that state of mind won't help our position in the slightest. And I also know you're not exactly the best at diplomacy." Shining gave a hollow grunt, but nodded in reluctance. As they watched the Cydonian coastline come closer and closer, a warship approached and pulled alongside their vessel. "Who goes there?" the Warship's captain asked. "The harbor is closed for the evening. State your business!" "We're from the Crystal Empire." Cadance called back. "I'm Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle's sister in law, and her brother and my husband Prince Shining Armor, request an audience with your ruler. We're here in peace and we don't intend to cause trouble." There was silence for several moments, until the stallion called back. "Very well, we'll escort you to the harbor, but remain on board your ship and at anchor until the King arrives." "We understand." Shining called back. As the two vessels entered the harbor docks and set themselves at anchor, the warship's captain hopped over the railing, and once he caught sight of Cadance's wings and horn, bowed in respect. "Our apologies." he said. "Smuggling, despite our Sea Watch's best efforts, is still a problem. We had to be sure of your identities." "It's fine." Cadance replied. "We'll wait here for however long it takes." The Sea Captain bowed again and left. As the sun then slowly began to rise over Cydonia, the rulers of the Crystal Empire watched a messenger fly towards the Palace, a sealed bag at his side. ==== Earlier when King Orion entered the main dining hall to review his morning reports, he was mildly surprised to hear the runner's message from the harbor, though he figured that he should have expected that Twilight's family would come sooner or later for a visit. "Alright, I'll see to this personally." he had said. "Return to your vessel. And I thank you for bringing this to my attention." Now, as he walked down to the harbor, a team of Praetor Guards at his sides, the vessel bearing the rulers of the Crystal Empire lay at anchor, its flags waving in the breeze. As he approached, Cadance and Shining Armor came forward. "You're King Orion?" Shining asked. "Indeed. And you are Prince Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance?" he replied. "Welcome. You'll find Princess Twilight and Spike are both settling in quite splendidly, but if you'd like more...personal reassurance, you may come with me back to the Palace." "We'd appreciate that." Cadance replied. As they began the trek back to the palace, Shining moved up to speak with Orion. "What exactly happened after she left Equestria and arrived here?" he asked. "We held a ball to celebrate her arrival." Orion replied. "She then retired for the evening once it concluded with my son, Prince Mathias, her betrothed." "I see." Shining raised an eyebrow with an air of slight suspicion. "Anything else I should know?" "I can assume that you are curious as to the nature of the evening, judging by your tone?" Orion asked, making Shining raise his other eyebrow. He had to admit, the King was quite perceptive. "Rest assured there was no...physical intimacy beyond a kiss or two. It's common in Cydonia for lovers to share beds, first in the mare's, then the stallion's after marriage, as my son likely told your sister. It's a sign of trust and affection. I did so often with own spouse." "I guess I'll take your word for it." was Shining's reply as they approached the palace gates. "And how did you even know about it going like that?" "I make it a task to know much of what happens in the Palace." Orion replied. "Ceris, Captain of the Praetor Guard and Mathias's personal guard, checked in on them soon after they retired. Believe me, Prince Shining Armor, I wouldn't have them getting that close before they marry. Trust me on that." "I'm relieved to hear it." Shining said, at least feeling a burden be lifted from his shoulders as they entered the main hall, then the dining room. Two Guards pulled seats out for Cadance and Shining Armor, and Orion pulled a messenger aside. "Fetch Mathias and Princess Twilight with haste." he said. The messenger bowed and headed for the bedrooms, as Orion then turned to the rulers of the Crystal Empire. "Now that introductions are out of the way..." he said. "What else do you wish to ask of me?" Author's Note Update! Yeah, expect a lot of talking in the next chapter between both sides. Next time - Shining and Cadance speak with Mathias and Twilight regarding her new life and position, and Orion watches from afar. 1-19-20 - Edited a few words, made minor tweaks.
Chapter 6 - Discussing the Future, Part OneAs Mathias slowly opened his eyes, he noticed the side of the bed that Twilight had occupied was empty. Sitting up, he soon heard the sound of running water in the bathroom. Mathias rolled his eyes, mocking himself sarcastically. Then, he saw a wrapped set of casual wear on a chair nearby, along with a note. Mathias picked up the note, and read it to himself, chuckling as he finished. You'll find these to be helpful today, since you didn't prepare yesterday. Make a note of that in the future when you spend time with the Princess, Young Lord. Ceris. Mathias changed into a casual shirt and pants, with his cape and a jacket to match. As he retrieved his sword, a knock came on the door. He opened it, and a messenger handed him a scroll before departing quickly. Mathias looked over the message, dropped his jaw in surprise, and rushed over to the bathroom door. "Twilight?" he called out loudly. "What is it, Mathias? I'm getting dressed!" Twilight called back. "Can it wait a few moments? "Not really!" Mathias sighed. "Your brother and sister-in-law have arrived in Cydonia and are waiting for us in the Great Hall." There was silence. Then the door blasted open, hitting Mathias directly in the face. As he staggered, and fell to the ground, Twilight, now fully dressed in a pale silver, lace-lined dress, simple and elegant, came out, she gasped upon realizing what she had unintentionally done and helped Mathias up. "I'm so sorry!" she cried. "Are you okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." Mathias rubbed his sore cheek and composed himself. "Shall we see what your family is up to?" "Lead the way." Twilight said as Spike hopped up onto her back, and they proceeded out into the hallway that led to the Keep. ==== As the three of them entered the vast main hall, Shining Armor and Cadance immediately rushed over and embraced her in a tight hug that lasted for several moments. Mathias stood to the side quietly, and when they broke apart, Shining gave Mathias a look of suspicion. "You're Prince Mathias?" he asked. "That would be me, Prince…" "Shining Armor." the ivory-coated Stallion replied. "My wife, Princess Cadance." Cadance gave him a nod of greeting and a smile, and Mathias gave a quick bow. "Now that we're all here…" King Orion called. "Shall we proceed with breakfast?" With King Orion in his throne in the center, Shining and Cadance took the left side of the honor table , with Twilight and Mathias on the right. As servants set out plates of eggs, toast, water and juice, and small plates of bacon to the Cydonians, both Shining and Cadance looked surprised at the meat. "I wasn't aware ponies could eat meat." Shining asked. "How can you?" "It was a necessary adaptation we had to develop." Orion replied. "As Mathias most likely told Princess Twilight during the voyage here, generations ago, harsh weather rendered most of the harvest inedible. Meat and fish were the only sources of food we could rely on during that time, as edible bread was in short supply." "When the weather passed and the status of the harvests began to return to normal, we started to keep meat on the plates of the people, and it spread quickly. We cook it so that it is easier on the teeth to chew, yet still flavorful." "Rest assured you are not required or obliged in any way to have any if that is what you desire." Orion finished. "But if you wish to sample it, it is your choice." "Thank you, King Orion." Cadance replied. "Though...may I ask how the livestock are treated? Wouldn't keeping all those animals in one place lead to health problems?" "I'm glad you asked that." Orion nodded. "Every butcher that sells the meat and fish, and the breeders and fisher-ponies who supply them are subject to regulation to maintain cleanliness of facility and purity in the meat produced every four to five months by officials of the Crown." "Furthermore, any criminal activity regarding the quality or availability of food is harshly dealt with. Just two months ago in the eastern provinces, officials shut down a cadre of landowners hoping to fix their selling prices on their beef and split the difference of their sales amongst themselves. They were all caught, tried, and imprisoned summarily within a week." "That's Interesting." Shining spoke. "Within a week, you said?" "Yes. We do our best to ensure swift, blind, and impartial justice to all." Orion nodded. "Let us not ignore our breakfast, though. I find it is less appetizing to eat when it's cold." ==== Breakfast concluded some time later, and eventually, King Orion allowed the four royals a private room where they could talk about the personal matters that led to Shining and Cadance's journey. As they departed from the Great Hall and were seen to the room by two Praetor Guards, Mathias looked over at Shining Armor. He could feel the protective air around him for his sister, and Mathias reminded himself to keep that in mind. After all, this whole affair was so sudden that Twilight's family wasn't there for her departure, and were told of it after it had already passed. Mathias understood what it felt like, all too well, as he had been thrust into a change like that before. When his brother Alexander privately told him that Mathias was to be given his brother's status as the heir to the Cydonian throne and subsequent inheritance, among many other privileges and duties, Mathias had felt like he was in a wading pond, then cast out to sea without aid. It had taken time, but Mathias had adapted to what had come his way, and then the news came to the Cydonian court that the fourth Alicorn had ascended in Equestria, and the new Princess was officially eligible to fulfill the terms of the Treaty of Agamid. The messenger bearing the news had burst into the court chamber, out of breath, and proclaimed it loudly for all to hear. Mathias remembered the reactions from all around quite clearly. There was quiet from all sides, even the King was stunned silent. Then the roars of glee and cheering erupted like the sudden blast of a volcano. Mathias had nearly fainted when he was told of it by his family. And then, three months later, he went to Equestria and met that Princess himself, his newly betrothed. Mathias knew of the stories of the Elements of Harmony and their deeds, and what he didn't know, he soon learned quickly. Now,that change had come yet again. And this time, it would be far more influential on his future than ever before. Mathias sighed and shook himself back to reality as they arrived at the designated chambers. As they all sat down, Mathias cleared his throat and spoke. "Prince Shining Armor, Princess Cadance...what concerns do you have?" "I've got plenty of them." Shining said tightly and summarily. "Alright, Prince Mathias...let's talk." Mathias nodded in agreement, though Twilight noticed him shiver slightly from anxiety. She took in a breath and held Mathias's hoof to reassure him as the conversation began, both hoping for the best of the possible outcomes to pass. However, had Mathias looked at Shining closer, he would've seen him shiver as well. Author's Note Update! Yeah, this chapter featured worldbuilding, lots of development, and more. I'm proud I actaully condensed it all properly in the end. Next time - Mathias and Shining Armor work their issues out over a sparring match, and Twilight and Cadance privately speak as well regarding Twilight's future. And in Equestria, Celestia speaks with the Equestrian Court regarding their own disputes with the sudden departure of Princess Twilight...
Chapter 7 - Discussing the Future, Part TwoAs Twilight, Mathias, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance each found a place to sit, inside one of the palace's comfortably-furnished drawing rooms, there was silence for several moments. Nopony there really knew where to start talking, and Twilight was starting to feel nervous. Eventually, the silence was broken by Prince Mathias, after a tray of snacks and tea was brought in by a servant, who soon departed. Mathias reached for a glass and sighed, before setting it down. "You are Twilight's brother and Sister-in-law?" he asked, the apprehension in his voice clear as the sunlight outside. "I apologize on behalf of Cydonia that you weren't able to meet me when we first arrived." "Why was that, exactly?" Shining asked, an eyebrow raised in slight suspicion. "Everything just happened so quickly, Cadance and I didn't get news of this until three days after the fact." "Well, once the court and my father heard the news that Twilight had become the fourth alicorn, we dropped all other matters in an instant. You have to understand that we've waited 1000 years for that exact moment." Mathias shrugged. "Please understand if we felt a little...rushed, or ahead of ourselves, it was not meant to harm or offend in any way." Shining gave a sigh, and nodded as his response, but he still carried the posture of one seeking to protect another, as that was clearly visible. "Shining, please relax." Cadance said, placing a hoof on his shoulders. "Maybe you should step out for a bit. You're upset, frustrated, and not exactly in a good state of mind. Prince Mathias, is there anywhere he can go to cool his head?" Shining was about to respond when Cadance gave him the look he had learned that she meant exactly what she had said, and was not going to budge on her position. "Fine." he breathed. "Where can I go?" "There's a balcony with a good view of the city just around the corridor, on the left." Mathias replied. "The guard should be able to help you find it." Shining gave a quick nod before he stepped out, and Cadance was sure he was going to slam the door behind him. To the relief of all three present, he did not, but it was still clear he was not in the best mindset for the situation. "Alright, now I suppose we can get to business." Cadance said after a few moments of just breathing. "What I want to know is...Twilight, are you honestly, truly, fine with this arrangement?" Twilight thought for several moments, but she soon said "Yes", clear as day. "Then I'll support you both however I can." Cadance said, holding Twilight's hoof in a sign of love and familial relations. "Love comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes, and even though this wasn't how I wanted to meet Twilight's eventual coltfriend, I'll make the best of the current arrangement. But, Prince Mathias, Shining might take more time to reach that same conclusion. But I can say he'll warm up to you. Eventually." "Thank you, Princess Cadance. I'm honored." Mathias bowed his head deeply, as if a great weight had been lifted form his neck and shoulders. "If it helps, Mathias, his family, and the whole of Cydonia have been nothing but kind and hospitable to me ever since I arrived." Twilight added. "They've really spared no expense to make me feel welcome and at ease here." "That's good." Cadance smiled. "I take it that's another side-effect of having waited 1000 years for this, Mathias?" "I suppose so." Mathias smiled slightly. "Shall we go fetch Prince Shining Armor?" "Sure." Cadance nodded as they stood up. "I hope he hasn't gotten into trouble or anything." As they exited the room and headed down the corridor, there was a loud popping sound, which was followed by a loud bout of laughter from a voice Mathias recognized. "It seems Lilly's up to her old antics again." Mathias sighed. "My younger sister. She makes mischief all the time." As they turned the corner, they could see what had caused such an interruption. Lilliana was rolling on the floor, chortling, with the spent tube of a noisemaker next to her, with a few pieces of tinsel lying nearby. The eyes of everypony present then turned to Shining Armor, who was standing stiller than a statue, his clothes and chestplate covered in confetti. What really sealed the moment, however, was Shining's expression of mortification, shock, and sheer dumbfoundedness that made Cadance, Twilight, and Mathias' cheeks inflate like balloons as they tried not to laugh. Which lasted for about a few seconds before they joined in. What they didn't expect was Shining to slowly chuckle, and then start laughing himself. As it died down a few moments later, Shining wiped a tear from his eye and sighed. "Geez, I haven't laughed like that in so long…" he smiled. "I take it you're feeling better?" Mathias asked. "Thanks to your sister, yeah, I'm feeling better." Shining replied. "That was clever, Lilliana." "Speaking of Lilly, what did you even do?" Twilight asked. "I saw him all down in the dumps, and I thought I'd cheer him up." Lilliana replied mirthfully. "It does help that he was acting so pensive and all moody, that he didn't notice me until I was right next to him." "And then you threw confetti into my face." Shining deadpanned. "For the record, it was worth it!" Lilly smiled brightly. "Sorry if I startled you, by the way." "It worked." Shining sighed. "I'm sorry for being such a downer, Prince Mathias. I let my anger get the better of me." "It's fine." Mathias nodded. "Come on, let's get something to eat." And as they all proceeded to head to the Great Hall, Shining smiled, also feeling a great burden being lifted from his mind. "You know, I can worry about this whole thing later. For now, I have to stay in the moment, and enjoy myself. Besides...they've done nothing to make me feel unwelcome, and I want to keep it that way." "So I'll just go with the flow." Author's Note Update!
