Dreamland

Canterlot, a shining beacon of hope to all those who are oppressed.

Equestria itself was a beacon of hope from the mare statue in Manehatten, to the Strip in Las Pegasus.

That's what went through the mind of Watson Swordtip every morning as he fixed his tan military cap with the red band with Celestia's cutie mark imprinted on the band atop his head.

He fixed his collar insignias with both Celestia's sun and Luna's moon.

His Tan military uniform was pristine. He took pride in his appearance as he looked himself over in the mirror.

"Perfect!" Watson exclaimed as he rushed out of his Canterlot Apartment, outside and to the street.

He walked with his head held high and a smile on his face.

"Hey there Watson, big ceremony today?" Watson followed the voice to the White Pony who worked the newsstand outside his apartment.

"You know it, Arnold." Watson placed 20 bits on the counter and took a newspaper as he walked past.

"Keep the change" Watson beamed as he looked back to wave goodbye.

"You're a generous soul as always Watson." Arnold waved to him as Watson continued his commute to work.

Down the street, he saw an older mare struggling with a heavy load on her carriage.

None the less he walked up to her.

"Here ma'am, let me help you." Watson stopped.

The Mare looked him over.

"Oh dear, I wouldn't want you to ruin your uniform soldier." The mare smiled under her strain.

Watson waved it off, "Nonsense ma'am, just tell me where you are taking it and I'll get it there."

The lady unhooked herself from the cart and allowed him to take over. "Thank you, what a kind young Stallion." She praised as Watson took her place on the cart and pulled it with ease.

Watson pulled the cart as he walked next to her, as soon as she stopped and let him know where she wanted it Watson positioned it and unlatched himself propping the cart up with her blocks.

"Thank you again young Stallion. Here, let me give you some bits for your help." The lit her horn to bring some bits out of her bit pouch.

"No need ma'am, I'm happy to help" Watson refused the bits she had suspended above the pouch.

The mare seemed shocked as she smiled and put the bits back.

"You are too kind. Thank you again." The mare seemed so thankful as she opened her cart and Watson went about his way.

"Not a problem miss, have a good day." Watson trots off back to his commute.

A block from the castle Watson made his way into the bakery.

"Well there Watson, how was your night?" The mare behind the counter smiled at him as he set his cap on the counter and had a seat.

"It was alright, had a late-night preparing for the ceremony this afternoon" Watson explained as the mare magicked a cup of coffee in front of him.

The mare was a maroon-colored pony with a light purple mane.

"Well, you seem well dressed this morning darling," the maroon pony wrote down his regular order and set the order sheet in the window.

"Now as good as you look today Cheryle," Watson replied.

Cheryle blushed at that and brought the muffin from the window to his seat at the counter.

"Hey, you know the princesses more than anyone I know, we're filling the cake order for the ceremony today. Tell me what you think." Cheryle changed the subject quickly.

Watson chuckled at her. "Bring it on Cheryle."

Cheryle jumped in excitement.

"Moonlight bring me a piece of that cake" Cheryle shouted into the kitchen.

The brown stallion pony brought the cake out, it was a red velvet cake with white and red frosting. Watson took a bite and swallowed with an audible hum of delight.

"Mmm, mm. Okay." Watson held it in to build suspense.

Cheryle and her brother leaned in to hear what he would say.

"Presentation would be a bit off for Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. Celestia likes her cake sweet and filling while her sister prefers it to be presented formally, also, they both love red velvet so good job there, Princess Celestia's favorite color is pink, might be good to add to the lining. All I would say is give it one more teaspoon of sugar, and swap the red with pink and you've got yourself a customer for life." Watson lectured.

"Thank you for that honesty, Watson" Cheryle grabbed it away from me and gave it back to the Stallion. "Fix it as he said." Cherylecoaxed him back to the kitchen.

Watson finished his coffee and muffin and placed his bits on the counter.

"No darling, it's on the house today" Cheryle waved him off.

Watson smiled, "Well then it looks like your tip just got bigger." Watson smiled and winked.

Cheryle laughed nervously again hiding her cheeks by turning away.

Watson was oblivious to the mare's feelings as she cleared her throat.

"Have a good day Cheryle." Watson backed out the door.

"Good luck at the ceremony!" Cheryle bid him farewell.

When he was out the door she collected her tip and let her bliss take over.

Watson made his way to the castle gate as his buddy waved to him from his post.

"Good morning Night Stalker." Watson approached the post as the Thestral smiled at him.

"Morning Watson, you ready for the ceremony?" Night Stalker asked as Watson presented his castle ID.

"Ready as I'll ever be. I take it your shift was quiet?" Watson asked.

Night Stalker stuttered in his armor.

"Too quiet, been sitting here bored all night" he replied.

"Gate duty, not fun. Well, someone will be here in an hour, better get in before the captain has my plot." Watson made his way into the castle.

"Good luck."

When the sun was up Luna closed her eyes and allowed for the sunlight to warm her face.

"It is a wonderful morning today." Celestia smiled.

Luna opened her eyes.

"Tis indeed a wonderful morning sister" Luna smiled back.

Celestia and Luna sat on the balcony taking in the cool morning air.

"Do you think they are ready?" Celestia broke the silence.

Luna sat in thought for a minute.

"Twilight had a good teacher, and she taught them if she stuck to what thou taught her, they will be fine" Luna replied with a smile.

Celestia put her wing around her little sister as Luna scoot closer to her.