Gwen 10

A few hours passed as I was clothed, fed and cleaned. It was nice to not wear the same outfit for the first time in months. I was honestly impressed they were able to get a quality outfit made so fast.

“Madam?” A guard said knocking on the door to the room. I opened the door and saw that it was the same guard that tried to arrest me for being in the wrong place earlier. “The princess wishes to see you and has sent me to escort you to her.”

“Lead the way.” I said following him and as we made our way to the throne room I could catch the glances of the nobles glaring at me, probably assuming I was either a new staff or, by the fact I was being escorted by a guard, some near-do-well that was about to be punished. I simply ignored the glares, I was used to them.

We got to the hallway before the throne room and the guard stopped. “Wait here.” the guard said before opening the door and entering.

“Right.” I said leaning on a nearby wall. A few minutes passed as I waited.

“You there!” a voice said as I turned to see another guard walking towards me. “I’m gonna assume you're lost, the new maids are supposed to meet in the main hall. Now don’t keep the head maid waiting.” he said as I was confused.

“I’m not here for a maid position, I’m just waiting for something.” I explained.

“Hmph well wait somewhere else, the princess wouldn’t want some ‘trash’ hanging around scaring the nobles.” The guard said rudely.

“Whatever.” I said rolling my eyes.

Before the guard could do anything about my sass the first guard that brought me here came out of the door and spoke “The princess will see you now.” leaving the rude guard stunned.

“Thanks.” I said walking in leaving a stunned guard and confused guard wondering what had happened while he was talking to the Princess.

Inside the throne room, I walked up to the throne. “Princess.” I said bowing my head.

“Ah welcome.” The princess said before pausing.

“My name is Gwen Satonaka, your highness.” I said in the politest way I could.

“Yes, Ms. Satonaka. And you can drop the formalities. Do you know what today was supposed to be? And what you helped prevent?” She asked.

“No? I’m not familiar with some of the things here.” I explained.

“Today is...was the thousandth year since I banished my sister to the moon. I’ll assume you don’t know the tale of the Mare in the moon.” She asked

“You assume correct.” I answered.

She sighed and I could tell this was some heavy stuff for her. “A thousand years ago I wasn't a nice pony. I ignored my sisters cries for help till they were too late. She turned into the demon Nightmare moon and we battled. She would have won back then if it wasn’t for the sacred artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony. Six powerful items that I used to banish her to the moon. And I had planned that somepony would have the ‘spark’ that would unite five others into reclaiming the elements and finally purify my sister when she returned.” Celestia paused. “But as the years got closer and no spark was found I was worried I would have to battle my sister again... but then you showed up and while you couldn’t save her, you saved countless others from her tyranny.” She explained.

“I’m guessing this is more than a thank you for saving the kingdom?” I asked.

She smiled a small smile, “Yes, this was just the first of many evils and without the elements, I need to find a new way to defeat them. Which is where you come in. You were able to harness the powers of a flame elemental and managed to weaken...” she paused as it was something hard for her to say. “...her for me to attempt to get through to her and-”

“Look I feel like this is hard for you to say. Can we skip to the point please.” I said cutting her off.

“Right, I want you to work for me dealing with threats the guards can’t.” She asked before explaining “You’ll be given food, shelter, and payment for these efforts.”

I thought for a second “I want you to do something for me to sweeten the deal.”

She narrowed her eyes and glared at me. “And what would that be?”

“For the past few months, I’ve been living in a homeless shelter that can barely keep itself together. What I want is for you to make that place at least livable. Somewhere that those forced to live there can at least feel safe.” I explained as she looked like she calmed down a bit.

“That's doable, now Ms. Satonaka I’ll give you some temporary quarters till we get the estate set up.” she said before she chuckled “Did you honestly think we’d let you stay at the castle, you need space for training and the like. The staff will be paid for by the crown, just don’t do anything that would make the nobles want to attack you please.” Celestia said.