Equestria's new Moon

The rest of the trip is used for vocal speculation among the girls. Aidan ignores most of it, lost in thought instead. The girls eventually stop trying to drag him into the discussion. When they do arrive, he is too distracted to take in the sights, merely following the others as they lead the way to a conference room.

--Canterlot Castle: Conference Room--

The group enters the room and begin to find seats for the discussion. Celestia takes a seat next to her sister, who was already present and seems to have fallen asleep while waiting. Luna has her head resting on her arms, on top of whatever book she was reading. There are many other books and scrolls spread around her seat.

Twilight takes the open seat next to Celestia. The other girls seem to take seat at random, though leaving two empty seats on the other side of Luna. Aidan assumes they are meant for the other princess that was mentioned before the journey here, and that Shining Armour.

Aidan decides to take the seat on the opposite side from Celestia. As he takes his seat, Cale jumps off his shoulder and lands on the back of the chair. Having the proper chance to do so, and Aidan being too distracted to give orders, Cale examines all present in turn.

Applejack is an earth pony with long blond hair and a tanned complexion, that is likely gained from working in the sun. She seems to wear comfortable yet rugged clothing.

Rarity is a unicorn with long and well maintained indigo hair. Her clothing seems to be designed to attract attention, at least to Cale's owl mind.

Fluttershy is a pegasus with long light pink hair. Her clothing is simple and light, but also designed to put up with yard work. This one looks like the motherly type to the owl.

Pinkie Pie is another earth pony. Her hair is dark pink and very curly and poofy. The clothing is very colorful to say the least. Cale thinks that she just picks things that are comfy and look fun. Cale designates this one, as stay out of reach from.

Twilight is what was called an Alicorn, Cale thinks. He wasn't really paying attention at that point.
She has short dark blue hair with a slight purple tint, and a single bright pink streak. Clothing seems more function than what one would expect a princess to wear.

Finally the one that has Cale's attention the most. Rainbow Dash, a pegasus with shoulder length rainbow colored hair. Outfit designed for ease of movement and durability. Cale has come to the conclusion that at some point he will have to race this one, or use some of the hair for a nest. He hasn't fully decided yet.

Before the owl has a chance to examine Luna in more detail, the door opens and two new ponies enter the room. One of them is an Alicorn with triple colored hair, golden blond, dark pink and purple. Cale labels this one as Shining Armour, cause he thinks it's funny and Aidan isn't paying attention to tell him otherwise. This would make the unicorn male that walks in with her, Princess Cadence that was mentioned before. The unicorn is wearing military style outfit and has short blue hair with a single streak that is a much lighter shade.

The new alicorn takes the seat next to Luna, and the unicorn sits next to her. At this point Celestia begins waking up Luna for the meeting. It does not look to be an easy task to wake the princess of the night around mid-day. Celestia whispers something to Luna, as the gentle prodding does not seem to work. Cale can barely make out what is said but it sounds like "Lulu, Discord has turned your moon into cheese."

"WHAT!?" Luna yells in the royal canterlot voice, which causes all those present to cover their ears. She then looks to Celestia. "That was a mean prank sister!"

"It was the only way to wake you up for the meeting." Celestia says in a calming voice. This causes Luna to look around the room and then blush in embarrassment. "Now, let us begin. Some of you are already aware of the fact that a new moon can be seen in the daytime sky. What you do not know, is that the moon is not a physical presence, and it can only be seen by certain ponies."

"Let me guess, only those that have been through life or death situations." Aidan finally speaks up.

"Yes, I'm taking you have seen this moon before!?" Luna asks.

Aidan nods and starts to explain. "In my world that moon is the symbol of Tsukiyomi, a goddess of death from the eastern lands. She was a corrupted being that sought the destruction of all life. Why it has appeared here, I do not know. She was defeated in battle by my friends and I, and then sealed in an ageless vessel to prevent her from resurrecting."

"I see. That sheds some light on the mystery." Celestia replies. She thinks for a moment before asking "Is is possible that the dark mages you hunt have destroyed the vessel and released her here?"

"That is not possible, as I know for a fact the vessel is still intact." Aidan answers.

"How can you be so certain?" Shining Armour asks, going straight to the point as the military pony he is.

"When we defeated her, we had limited resources at our disposal. The only thing present that I knew would not be destroyed by time and could defend itself was me." Aidan takes a hand and pulls his robe's collar to the side. It exposes the symbol of a black full-moon on his right shoulder. "And before you ask, no my kind are not ageless. I may have been power hungry during my adventuring days and made a pact with a true dragon. It cost my ability to smell, but granted me a small portion of it's power and it's lifespan. After all, sudden power usually comes with a price." Having finished showing the mark, and saying what needed to be said, he adjusts his robe's collar and returns his hand to the table.

"That is a lot of information to take in." Celestia says with a thoughtful look. "We will need to look more into this moon, and you. As such, we would like you to stay in the castle for now." She looks to Twilight and her friends. "Can you and the Elements stay for a few days, while we look into this. I would like to have the power of the element of harmony at the ready, just in case."

"I think that shouldn't be a problem." Twilight answers, getting a nod of approval from her friends. "We can stay in my old tower."

Celestia turns her attention to Aidan. "We will arrange guest quarters befitting a visiting dignitary for Aidan. Perhaps take the opportunity to see the sights of Canterlot." She then looks to the elements. "If you would also be so kind as to guide him around."

"No problem princess." Applejack answers before the others.

"Wait, not being escorted to the dungeons!?" Aidan asks, a little confused.

"Why would we?" Luna ask, now showing confusion as well. "You have shown yourself to be thoughtful and forthcoming. We have yet to see a hint of malice from you."

"I guess I'm just used to people being a lot more paranoid." Aidan says, now a little embarrassed for assuming he'd be locked up. "The sights it is then." he gets up from his chair and motions for Cale to climb onto his shoulder again.