Dawn’s Journal, Day 6, year 1, March 16th - Thursday

I hope this won’t be a stay that lasts more than one year, but that’s why I brought my family with me… Where to begin… I am Meadow Dawn, and I’m writing down my journey through the Commander’s Equestria as I begin my training to be a proper princess and leader. It’s March 12th, so it looks like we skipped winter back home, but that also means no Hearth’s Warming Eve celebration for nearly a whole year. Stalwart and I are thinking of celebrating it once on our own so we don’t miss out.

I’m really sore today, but this is part of my homework as well, so I can tell my future self what I used to be like since my memory isn’t perfect. Yes Chrysalis, I know yours is, you keep rubbing it in and no, I won’t go into a cocoon while my foals are growing up at this age to fix that yet. Look, I know you’re worried about my head hurting for a whole day after you tried to download the map of Ponyville in intense detail, I’ll be fine. Ponies manage to learn that kind of thing all that time, now then…

My Copy of schedule - mon-sat, Sundays are my day off:
PT – 0800-0830 - mon/wed/fri flight, tue/thur/sat jogging/not-flight
Breakfast - 900-1000 with a princess as available (don’t forget to clean up first!)
Magic lessons - 1000-1200
Lunch - 1200-1300
History, general education, planning lessons: 1300-1500
Hobby experimentation - 1500-1700
Dinner – 1700-1800 as available.
Write in Journal – 1800-done.
Sleep – get plenty of it, you’ll need it!

I was written up one schedule by Twilight while we were in quarantine and it was slightly modified to that once we were out and she could hire the tutors and trainers I would need. She was really good at getting everything coordinated and fit nearly perfectly, giving each of the tutors a note on what my schedule would be so they could be aware if I was held up who they needed to check in with and that I could have my foals nearby during less active lessons.

Naturally, we managed to get a couple days off to settle in and relax. Chrysalis tried to cure my self-doubt by ensuring Stalwart gave me plenty of attention. It kinda worked for a little bit, but we’ll see how I feel as this goes on. Stalwart tells me he is going to work part-time while I’m home and being tutored.

Nightfall was frustrated with having come with, but Chrysalis and I were the only ones that could tell because we tasted it. Storm came to me and asked if I had anything to do with them coming after they had changed their minds. I told her I knew was that she and Night were planning to come because of how a drone overheard the conversation and relayed it to the hive, and Twilight was really happy they were going to.

Storm eyed me for a moment then shrugged, saying she was going to enjoy herself here, just that Night wanted her to ask. Chrysalis was happy to hear my answer, but I only told her the truth. Granted, the will of the hive might have had something to do with that, and it didn’t hurt they really had already given their answer and shouldn’t break their word after making such a big stink the last year over my allegedly not doing so… Oh well, I simply prevented them from becoming hypocrites.

Now with all that said, time to vent about today…

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Dawn woke up early, grunting and groaning in the main bedroom of her room in Castle Friendship. She was granted a level close to the Princess’ own, and it was a sizable two bedroom apartment-like place. Her main bedroom she shared with Stalwart was twice as big as the bed they shared, and the second bedroom was set up as a nursery for the foals, though they seemed to sleep better when next to their mother anyway.

She hit the button of the alarm clock, blearily seeing that it was seven in the morning, the sun trying to shine through the curtains into the spacious living room. She got up out of the bed, nuzzling her foals reassuringly when they whimpered and began helping shift them closer to Stalwart. They settled down once more as they felt his fur, Morning Rise laying against her father’s forelegs and Hearty Beacon laying with his head in the nook where Stalwart’s hind leg met his body.

“Morning Dawn.” Stalwart whispered before trying to rest again.

Dawn grunted her reply and nearly dragged her hooves along the carpet, not looking forward to the morning. She debated having breakfast earlier than the schedule said, but she decided against it. She had never been one for eating right when she woke, she would always feel nauseous and regret it later. Besides, she knew she was going to meet a princess this morning so she couldn’t let herself eat before them.

She went to the living room, trying to stretch herself out slowly and get herself to wake up, but after taking care of her usual morning things, she left to the elevator to report to the training grounds. The download of the map was a partial success, most details of the city and surrounding area were known to her, at least for routes to take and a few main locations she found interesting. It was one of the few benefits to that gigantic migraine of that day in quarantine.

As she walked to the training grounds, she met a Royal Guard earth pony in full uniform, waiting attentively despite it being a good half hour before her appointed time. He seemed to just watch, and Dawn waved politely before starting to stretch.

“You’re doing it wrong.”

“What?” Dawn asked, looking up as she stretched out her front legs, trying to push them out from a standing position.

“You’re doing it wrong.” He repeated.

“Ok… how am I supposed to stretch then?” she asked, resisting the urge to apologize.

The guardsman came beside her and started using his hooves to guide where she was to go. She was about to protest, but she could picture the backlash that would entail. He was offering her help, was in uniform, and looked like he knew what he was doing. If he was her trainer, then resisting or protesting was going to make it harder on herself and make it seem like she didn’t respect authority, and wouldn’t get any respect in turn.

And if there was one story her parents drilled into her when she was young, it was that drill sergeants made sure that most complaining and some questions would just make it harder so the right way could be sunk in. She knew they probably weren’t going to be hardballs about it in actual training, but they were there to make sure everything was done and done right.

He nodded satisfactorily as she did what he said without further prompting, and together, they stretched her body out over the course of twenty minutes. Dawn was breathing loudly but slowly by the end.

“You’re really out of shape.” He commented.

“I agree. It’s shameful.” Dawn replied.

“When was the last time you exercised properly?”

“I mean, there’s plenty of things I’d like to say is exercise, but if you’re talking running a mile or something, probably a bit over a decade since I did it consistently.” Dawn admitted sheepishly. “I went for a jog once with the commander and they also thought I was out of shape.”

“I see. Today will be an evaluation,” He explained with a slight frown, “Try to keep up as best you can. I will observe and see how badly we have to whip you into shape.”

“I will do my best.” Dawn nodded.

“I expect nothing less. You may be a princess, but when you’re under me, you’ll get the same treatment my recruits do.”

“I expect nothing less to become as good as I should be.” She echoed. “May I have your name at least?”

“Sergeant Stomper. Now, let’s go.” He said, moving off to a brisk trot.

Dawn steeled herself and began her exercise, fully expecting the worst out of the day. His brisk trot was much like the commander’s, and she found herself breathing hard halfway through the trot. She didn’t complain, but she could see his frequent glances in her direction after the halfway point.

It was painful in its own way. She definitely was lasting longer than she remembered doing as a human, probably due to spreading out her weight on four legs, not two, and getting a little alicorn or earth pony strength and endurance over time, but she knew she was out of shape. They told her in testing and screening from traveling through the gate that her concerns about having asthma were groundless and she just needed more conditioning.

By the end of the run, her tongue was numb and she was panting for breath, head held lower than normal. She kept using her wings to pump air along her body and cool herself off, only to hear him let out a ‘tsk’ sound of annoyance.

“You’re in horrible shape recruit.” He said with a tone that betrayed his annoyance. “That was the minimum pace that the Royal guard would consider applicants at, not even the minimum for once they’re on duty. Even worse that you’re this bad as a princess.”

“I will try to get better over time.” Dawn panted, understanding it was not ideal.

“You’ll have to.” He frowned seriously. “A leader has to do better than those that follow them, as an inspiration and as a goal for them to work toward. Dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” She replied, giving him a bow before turning away and heading to the castle.

She hurt. Her body felt like it was on fire and this was just the start of the day. Now she had to get back, clean up and be presentable in time for breakfast, where Celestia was going to go over things she had to learn as basics.

She barely got to her room and Chrysalis relayed her own suggestions through the hive link, ‘You’d best shower quickly. Your slow pace took away half the time you have left before you have to be seated for your meal.’

‘I understand mom. I’ll do what I can.’ She replied, knowing that they could feel her fatigue.

She hopped in the shower and got some mildly warm water flowing, trying her best to be thorough with the soap and shampoo. She barely finished with five minutes to spare after she had toweled down and brushed herself, needing to skip preening.

‘Remind me to preen myself after the scheduled day is over mom… my feathers are only a slight mess.’ Dawn requested.

‘I will, now get moving!’ Chrysalis encouraged.

Dawn walked on, ignoring her aches as best she could. She barely made it to the room on time and joined Celestia at the table.

“Good morning Princess Celestia.” She said with a polite bow.

“Good morning Dawn, It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Celestia nodded.

“And a pleasure to see you too.” Dawn said as she approached the table and looked for any kind of names to indicate seating.

Celestia was seated at the head of the rectangular table, the spot furthest from the main door of the room. Dawn saw no name placeholders present and chose a seat facing the door two seats down from Celestia, so she was at a respectful distance but close enough for conversation.

“Interesting choice.” Celestia said.

“I’m sorry?” Dawn asked, hoping for clarity.

“Your sitting distance relative to your host reflects your status in society.” Celestia instructed, causing Dawn to realize her lessons were already starting. “You are considering us as connected, but not so much that you are practically family or one of the ruling nobles. If everyone were present, Luna would be at my right, Twilight at my left and chrysalis next to her, violet across from you. If Cadence and Flurry were in attendance, you would instead sit next to Violet to make room for them.”

“I see. It was not my original intent to conform to that, but I’m hoping that is acceptable and I did well.” Dawn said, “What you described reminds me of older etiquette classes my grandmother tried to teach my siblings and myself.”

“It normally is acceptable, though when it is just us or the other princesses, you should sit closer so you don’t appear rude by trying to be too distant to your host.” Celestia smiled.

“Then with your permission, I will move closer.” Dawn smiled.

Celestia nodded and Dawn moved over to the space next to Celestia. She barely sat down before servants came in, serving an egg salad, toast, and a small bowl of hot oats with cinnamon and sugar. They then set down a pitcher of milk with a few cubes of ice in them as well as a pair of glasses with the same beverage for them before leaving.

Dawn smiled politely and nodded her appreciation to them before waiting for them to depart.

“Now I would ask when the right time to start the meal would be.” Dawn explained, smiling nervously as she hoped not to make a mistake. “When in doubt, I usually look to my host and eat once they do.”

“That would be correct.” Celestia smiled, using her magic to pick up her utensils and start eating her meal.

“Mm, this is well prepared.” Dawn said after she swallowed her first bites, using magic like Celestia did. “May I ask how much you otherwise know of me?”

“Only as much as Twilight included in her report, that she had a woefully underprepared princess who helped her and her family with being sheltered while they were displaced, and that you later helped in removing Solar Flare as a threat to both our worlds.” Celestia answered, taking another bite to eat.

“That would be accurate.” Dawn admitted, tilting her head and raising a brow in self-entertainment as she said it. “I was given a very hooves off approach by the royal sisters and Luna informed me that she wouldn’t have allowed for it if she had known. She had trusted Celestia would have gotten my training underway.”

“I see.” Celestia hummed, continuing her meal.

The rest of their meal went on with Dawn explaining how she met Twilight and the little she’s otherwise learned. She tried to eat between talks, needing to nod as she finished off a mouthful before explaining.

She barely realized the hour was up in time before she had to excuse herself from the table and return to her room in the castle. She approached the door to find a lilac pony with cyan hair and carrying a great deal of books and scrolls in a bag beside them reaching a hoof up to knock before the turned to see her.

“Ah! Princess Dawn, good to meet you!” the unicorn said, turning to more fully face Dawn and giving a brief bow.

“Good morning. I take it you are my tutor?” Dawn asked, nodding politely.

“I am! We’ll start with some magic lessons and then after we have some lunch, we’ll move on to Equestrian history and start developing your planning skills.” She explained.

“Excellent.” Dawn nodded, opening the door for them, “It’s good to meet you, miss…”

“Oh! Right, I’m Lilac Bloom.” She answered as she walked in before looking back at Dawn. “Is something funny?”

“Just a small sense of irony.” Dawn said, admitting to her chuckle, “My first unicorn teacher two years ago was Lemon Bloom. The similar names was the cause for entertainment.”

“Two years ago? You haven’t had a magic teacher before then?” She asked, concerned.

“I wasn’t capable of magic until two years ago.” Dawn explained as they walked in, hearing her foals make their noises asking for her.

“Oh, so you ascended two years ago.” She nodded.

“Not quite, I wasn’t a pony until two years ago. I ascended about half a year ago.”

“Interesting. Not heard of a displaced becoming a pony.” Lilac hummed, walking to the living room table and setting down their materials.

“We had a gate in the shape of a mirror that included a transformation spell. It was designed to help the subject transform into something more appropriate to that world. I suspect there was something far more to it though, considering how Celestia reacted.” Dawn chuckled as she went over to the other side of the table, her husband walking over and the foals waddling on their legs toward their mother eagerly.

“Here you go Dawn, they’ve been waiting for you to be back.” Stalwart said, chuckling as he watched them go to her under their own power.

Dawn smiled gently at them as she caught Beacon before he was about to fall and laid him next to Rise, letting the two go after what they sought. She blushed and stretched a wing over them as they quickly went to get their own breakfast.

“Precious little things.” Lilac smiled approvingly before looking up to Dawn, “Now, I have some assessment tests that we’ll start with, and then we can move on to lessons tomorrow once I know where you’re at on all subjects.”

“Ah, so not just checking on my magic and history and the like?” Dawn asked.

“Well, a princess should know as much as they can about most subjects,” Lilac smirked playfully. “I’ll be in charge of your magic and history. If you need more education, these assessments will let the commander know who your other tutors might be.”

“Very well, I know my current spoken language as English, not sure what it would be called here, however. I practiced writing on my own and believe myself to be competent, but your tests will say more. My mathematics halted progress at pre-calculus, and history was my worst subject. Sciences I remember a fair bit on when it comes to biology, chemistry I don’t remember as much off hoof other than it was fun to say stoichiometry.”

“I’m sure. I’ve never heard the language called that though. Must be similar enough at least.” Lilac chuckled, sorting through papers and setting some aside. “We’ll go based off what you give me and see what you need for the other subjects after we test your magic.”

With that conversation finished, Lilac pulled out a stopwatch and began to test Dawn on her magic understanding. Dawn frowned, struggling to answer a lot of the theoretical aspects of magic. She knew nothing about how much magic output was needed, their units of measurement, nor the wavelengths needed for certain spells or how to identify them.

The practical exam of the Magic testing went well she thought, demonstrating basic magics by instinct as she always had. The intermediate magic rarely worked unless she had practiced them before and they didn’t bother with advanced, Dawn readily forfeiting after she asked for a summary of the spells they would try and she said she didn’t know any of them well enough to perform.

They took a break for lunch, her foals taking a nap against her now that the testing was over. Their bellies were full again, and their padding changed. She cooked some hayburgers for the three of them and then Stalwart left to meet with the royal guard to do a physical performance assessment before he helped with training efforts.

The rest of the testing was as boring as she expected, tasking her as much as she would expect for being a decade out of schooling.

“Well, that should finish what we had for your assessments. I’ve also been instructed to give you a list of hobbies to pass time and then you’ll be given an instructor in that field.” She offered, providing the list in question.

“Ah… right.” Dawn hummed, head hurting almost as much as her body did right then.

“Well, it was a pleasure working with you, and I’ll have your curriculum ready come the morning.” Lilac Bloom said as she gathered her things.

“I will look forward to it.” Dawn nodded politely, her wing once again extended over her foals as they napped.

Lilac smiled, gave a small bow, and left the home.

I mean, Lilac was really nice, but I’m not looking forward to tomorrow or any of it till I adjust and stop hurting so much. That Sergeant is going to be a tough cookie, I know it. Anyway, I’m done complaining and Stalwart wants some time together now that his shower is done. See you next time!

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Day 13, year 1, March 23rd - Friday

Yep. Definitely, horribly sore. For the last week, I had been gradually whipped into shape. Sergeant Stomper has been even more disappointed as I somehow showed even less stamina than our first evaluation. I tried to tell him it was because of not exercising regularly before and my body probably taking a while to adapt, but he cut me off just to tell me it was an excuse. He did the whole marine motto thing of “Pain is weakness leaving the body.” That’s not what pain is! I mean, I get why he says that, but damn this hurts! I put up with it because I know my laziness had gone on long enough and Twilight won’t allow me to give up, I don’t even have to ask her to know that! Besides, it’s only been a week!

At least my assessment with Lilac was that my other education was barely acceptable, and while weaker than a college graduate in most areas, still acceptable for leadership of the lower houses. How ironic, that someone can be a leader with less knowledge or expertise than others. One would think or hope that a leader would be competent in a wide range of fields! I was then reminded firmly that there were multiple levels of leadership, and the lower levels were the uneducated or selfish leaders of Equestria who could sway or be swayed with flowery ‘right sounding’ words. So great… I’m not even fit to be a princess by education alone! It didn’t help that I was told the princesses generally had multiple doctorates because they were immortals… Just add on to the expectations and the weight of everything that I have going against me why don’t you…

Yes, mom, I know, I’m being too negative right now and that I can handle it, doesn’t mean it’s not stress inducing.

I had to get a brand new schedule to make up for that. I worry I’m costing Twilight a ton in tutoring fees. Mom keeps telling me I shouldn’t fret over it, but I can’t help thinking how much I could have dragged Equestria down if I had continued as I was. It’s unacceptable. At least age has tempered my younger callous attitude to learning. Mom, of course, says that it’s also because I’m partly changeling. I will let her think that for now.

New Schedule:

PT – 0800-0830 - mon/wed/fri - flight, tue/thur/sat - jogging/not-flight
Breakfast - 900-1000 with a princess as available (don’t forget to clean up first!)
Magic lessons - 1000-1200
Lunch - 1230-1330
Lesson on subject of the day: 1400-1600
Hobby - 1630-1730
Dinner – 1800-1900 as available.
Write in Journal as needed – 1900
Sleep – always make sure you get plenty of sleep!

Subject of day:
Sun – Off, Mon – Math, Tues – social studies (history/geography), Wed – Sciences, Thurs – Language: Equestrian, Fri – Foreign language of choice

Even busier than before… I can’t wait… I wish I could write in a sarcasm font.

I’d say more about Nightfall or Storm, but honestly, I’ve not seen them. I’m a bit surprised my training isn’t with Night if he’s doing the police training stuff, but then the hive tells me his physical fitness exam was more than adequate to begin policy and civil level combat training. At least that’s a bullet dodged. The hive tells me they are still very bitter in my direction and will complain about me occasionally. Good thing he didn’t realize he told a couple within earshot of changelings. He’s smart enough to realize they’d relay it, but not to know how sensitive their hearing can be.

Whatever. He can be angry over whatever the hell he wants for all I care. I’m tired of being made the bad guy and the scapegoat for his damn problems. Now, enough negativity!

Magic training has been focusing on the theoreticals and then the application of what we learned. The hive has tried to help fund the understanding needed which sped me through the most basic fundamental items, but the migraines that always ensued made them stop. A lot of the hive was worried about me, but I simply chuckled and let them know this could be typical if they adopt any other ponies into the hive in the future. It didn’t exactly allay their fears. We don’t keep secrets between each other and they know I’m just as worried about it.

For my ‘hobby,’ I chose to take up croquet since I already knew some of the rules and played it in my grandmother’s yard growing up. Let me tell you, it is weird to try to croquet with my mouth! They frown on using magic because of an unfair advantage, and when we were finished, I offered to demonstrate how I grew up playing it and they frowned at my completely different stance and form as a bipedal creature. Clearly, that’s somehow ‘cheating’ too! I mean, I get why everyone should use what’s available to earth ponies, but I thought they’d be curious about it at least and not just writing it off as if I were cheating! Lesson 1: hobbies aren’t to have fun with others. Check! If this weren’t to build rapport with other nobles, I’d check the buck out at that discovery! Play it my own way so everyone can have fun.

It’s late, and – oh right… I forgot to write about my flight training. … I’m an utter mess. My nerves from heights and flying started coming back, I struggle to want to go higher than about ten or fifteen feet off the ground, and am a weak flier to boot! The flight academy still required me to get over that and their trust exercises helped, but I still get anxious anyway. As I learn the stages of flight and the wing-strength needed for movement, I know I’ll get better. I didn’t play some of those computer game flight sims as a human for nothing! … ok, they were mostly arcade style and not realistic, but maybe that’ll count for something anyway? A mare can hope.

All of my consoles and are being investigated by a few of the tech drones to see how the things work. The tv is being borrowed as well to inspect the electronics and how everything is converted signal-wise so it’d be possible to share what games I do have, either by copies or conversion or the like. It’ll hold some ponies’ interest once we get that done. Once they’ve looked it all over tomorrow, they’ll have it all cleaned and reassembled and installed in my home here so I can destress with my old stuff before taking it back for further evaluation and testing. Books are still undergoing scanning and reprinting for posterity, backup, and similar ‘in case other ponies want to read them’ reasons.

It’s about 10 now and I need my sleep if I’m going to make it through Saturday. I should probably schedule a masseuse to help with all these knots. Stalwart tries but he’s too rough, kinda like how I am when I try to massage his back. At least he tells me his Royal Guard training is going ok.

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Day 14, year 1, March 24th - Saturday

Not much new to add other than thank Harmony for it being the weekend now! I got the masseuse scheduled for tomorrow despite the lack of notice, and Stalwart passed his final tests to be an assistant to one of the training guards. He still has to go through basic training for combat and firearms training, but he’s expecting he is better at more traditional weapons and has already been talked to about teaching those skills in case improvised weapons are needed. He says he will be training with Nightfall in civil-level combat, but it’s not going to affect how he performs. Something tells me he met Night and something happened between them, but the emotions I taste doesn’t betray that.

My legs and wings are killing me. I hope this massage will help out. This might have to be a weekly thing paid for by my allowan-no, Twilight calls it a ‘stipend.’ Same thing to me. The end result is the same. Anyway, it’s already 10 and Stalwart is already passed out with the foals tucked in against him. Rise always moves close to me when she knows I’m near, but Beacon seems to like his father more. I can’t complain. My mom complained about how all three of us liked dad more than her as little kids… Is it odd I still half-miss them? I should consider going to visit eventually, show them the foals when we can. Have to test if magic works in that world too or if I’ll be fully cut off. Anyway, I’m tired. Nearly crying from the amount of yawning because I keep putting this off till bedtime. Till next time.

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Day 35, year 1, April 14th – Saturday

Things are finally getting easier.

Sergeant Stomper feels I am finally at the point where I’d pass the entrance exam for physical fitness, but I still have a ways to go to be faster and last long enough to not be exhausted once we finish. My muscles still burn, but they’re adjusting. I can feel my muscles developing compared to what I remember a year ago… ok, that might be a lie, but Stalwart commented that he could feel it and so I think I really am making progress. As long as I keep it up, he tells me I should continue to build up endurance to an acceptable amount, then even beyond that by adding more time to exercising to wake up even earlier! … if I could express my groan of excitement in ink, I would.

My wings are finally a lot easier to maintain now that I’m regularly preening. Flight is still rough, but at least I don’t feel panic that I’m about to fall to the ground if I do something wrong. It’s almost liberating when your fear of heights is conquered by having some control through flight. Sure, I’ll still have that panic when I fall and it’ll be more intense than other pegasi-at-birth, but it’s good to have a fear in check somehow.

Stalwart says his first recruits he helped train under the Drill Sergeant are up to snuff and he got mild praise for getting them to be more fighting fit than most trainers do their first time around. Granted, he wasn’t the Drill Sergeant, but the recruits bonded over his going through every exercise with them and showing them how it was to be done every time until near the last few weeks. He said the Sergeant does do that normally, but Stalwart was there to show them how it’s done and set the pace at first, then lets them do it on their own and sees who the natural leaders are.

Oh, and my magic lessons are going well! I’m finally grasping the math behind the spells, though we had to have an exception made for a spell already. It’s ironic. The summon door spell I had tried instinctively was based on my own equestrian magic rather than theirs and ended up summoning a bunch of scrap pieces of paper.

Honestly, I’m relieved because I don’t think Lilac would appreciate being made a stallion! The formula really was the same as what I would have used if I followed the lesson, but I explained that this was one Commander tried to show me when we had met, and that had a demonstrably different effect and she didn’t press the matter once she learned what the effect was. Probably helped that the effect was paper confetti. At least it vanished a few minutes later on its own. That would have been a mess to pick up after!

Author's Note

This was harder to prepare than i expected. Brace yourselves, because i have seven years of this to do! This of course not counting the extra event that follows (not sure yet if it will be a seperate fic or not.) Hope you enjoyed!