The Pawn Who Would Be Queen

Situated well away from the Public sections of Canterlot Castle, the unassuming Eastern Guard Tower silently overlooked the Castle gardens, Canterlot, and the world beyond. Previously considered by the Castle Guard to be superfluous to the Castle's defenses, the tower had been left sitting empty for several decades. To the casual observer it was just as well maintained as the rest of the Castle, but beyond the surface level it had seldom seen the touch of so much as a feather duster. Partly because there was really no need to keep the abandoned tower clean, but mostly because someone unwittingly misplaced the key to the heavy steel lock keeping the tremendous steel security door shut. Much like the Enchantatarium, however, recent changes to the Royal Family necessitated the opening of an otherwise forgotten portion of the expansive palatial estate.

With the cessation of the National Council's meddling, Princess Orzel was finally willing to decide upon her new personal quarters. The Eastern Guard Tower was a heavily defensible hardened structure, capable of withstanding great amounts of damage without buckling under the strain. Should calamity ever strike Canterlot, should a repeat of the tragedy that befell Cesarski ever occur, Orzel could trust in the strength of the tower's walls to serve as a place where she could take refuge...

More importantly, however, the Eastern Guard Tower was situated in such a way that it afforded her a large amount of privacy. Though it was easily viewable from outside the Castle, the windows it possessed were too narrow for anyone to look into. More importantly, short of someone deliberately bypassing security, the odds of her running into anyone from the general public were virtually nill. That level of seclusion, coupled with its wide circular base and utilitarian construction, meant there was more than enough room for the Princess to tailor the tower to her various endeavors.

The lock was easily bypassed with the aid of a set of bolt cutters, and the bulk of the cobwebs removed within the first day. Those few spots that couldn't quite be reached by feather dusters had been taken care of with the aid of magic, and the entire tower now smelled faintly of lavender. Orzel felt rather guilty about the labor that went into the task, as she'd been more than prepared to do the majority of the work, mainly in the interest of not bothering the Castle Staff. It was only at Luna's insistence that she'd finally relented, there was no shame is seeking the help of professionals, in this case professional cleaners. When all was said and done, after a few weeks of work, the Eastern Guard Tower's interior was looking as spic and span as its exterior.

As it was abandoned before the advent of the electronic light bulb, the structure was currently dimly illuminated only by the light of low burning oil lanterns. An electrician was set to come along in a few days or so to hook the tower up to the rest of the Castle's wiring, but for now the lanterns would more than suffice. Orzel of course offered to do the work herself, as the intricacies of electrical wiring were an interest of hers, but Luna firmly declined that offer. The tower itself was by no means as high as the chambers occupied by Princess Celestia or Luna, still it stood at a lofty eighty feet tall. Much of its internal space was empty, the stairway affixed to the outer walls, leaving plenty of room for upward expansion.

Seven floors would later be added to the open space between the base and tower top, but for now only the bottom and top sections were directly habitable. Orzel planned to turn one of the future would-be floors into a library, another would be a sort of 'situation room', the third she would use to house her models and the rest...? She hadn't decided yet, though she'd possibly add a 'hoard' room. Somewhere she could put whatever baubles or books she collected into a big pile and lounge upon them as any other Drake did. The thought was oddly titillating, perhaps that was a topic she'd need to bring up in her next therapy session...

The top floor served as Orzel's general bed chamber, where she slept, read, and otherwise spent her leisure time. She was told it would take a year or so to carry out the other renovations she wanted to do, but that'd require her to leave the space so the workmen could get it done... Having only just moved in, Orzel wasn't ready to give up her room quite yet... She'd at least been able to convert the bottom section into a sort of haphazard 'tinker space'. While by no means the ideal working environment, it'd do for now, until she found a way to finance the acquisition of a dedicated workshop.

As Orzel so far only occupied the tower for three days, there was little in the way of personal decoration. Much of Orzel's book collection had reluctantly been returned to the shelves of the Castle Library, as had the phonograph borrowed there from. She'd been given one of her own, it and her record collection currently sat in silence at the top of the tower. Meanwhile, a small wooden framed radio rested on a table beside her workbench, filling the workshop with a type of 'Contemporary Draconic' music.

It was loud and brash, but altogether not unpleasant. Characterized by a hard bass line and an overall electronic sound, she found that it also aided in her acquisition of Draconic as a third language. It was already exceptionally similar to Szafirian, albeit clumsier and far less nuanced. At present she was getting perhaps three in every ten words, not great, but better than the day before.

The Princess primary focus, as was the case for the past several weeks, on the creation of a functioning animation enchantment... Something beyond the crude facsimile's she'd thus far managed. It hadn't been easy to convince Luna that she would be the very picture of caution, or to equally convince her she wouldn't attempt any 'advanced' enchanting until she was ready, but a reminder that she was also a Drake helped set the older Princess's mind at ease. Only recently had Orzel's grounding ended, allowing her to work unhindered on her own. Luna briefly attempted to get her to join an 'Enchanting club', but Orzel vehemently refused. While the rest of the country remained to be seen, she knew the people of Canterlot didn't like her. All they'd want to do is undermine her studies, or worse... Deliberately sabotage her work. None of them could be trusted.

There were so many projects Orzel wanted to begin, but many of them were still 'advanced' by Luna's standards, presenting significant risk of injury or other unwanted side effects. This likely would've been another hindrance exacerbated by whatever 'club' she might join, and she wasn't about to let some arbitrary group of rule makers dictate to her the research she'd pursue. The era of being dictated to in any way was thoroughly done with, and there was one group of people to whom Orzel felt compelled to answer to. The girl therefore did her best to convince Luna she was much safer than her Mother gave credit for, to varying degrees of effect, with the hopes of beginning her research in earnest.

For example, even if she were to again attempt to make a steam enchantment, which she'd sworn up and down she wouldn't, Drakes were far more resistant to heat than typical Equestrians. A steam explosion that might scald an average Spell-Caster would be relaxing to Orzel... Of course, there was the downside of having all but the hottest of baths or showers feel bone chillingly cold. She shuddered to imagine what winter would bring, though for the moment the chilling effect was restricted to water. That change, like so many others, had started not long after her return from Neighport News. It'd been gradual at first, yet much like the growing definition of her muscles, or her unthinkable desire to eat gemstones, it eventually asserted itself obtrusively into her daily thoughts... Along with half a dozen other physical changes that had taken hold as of late. Once again, much to her annoyance, a significant increase in height wasn't among them. She'd grown maybe an inch, if that much.

At present the Princess stood upon an overturned apple crate, as it was the only means with which she could better reach the surface of her workbench and the portable enchanters tablet thereupon. Using a portable tablet was far less effective than the Enchantatarium, but Luna was still dubious about granting her access to wider facilities at present, and at any rate this project was little more than a proof of concept. Her hair was concealed by a headscarf bearing a amber floral pattern, which covered her head, neck, and eventually terminated at her shoulders. In Szafiria, such garments were typically worn a means of displaying which God or Goddess in the Imperial Pantheon one worshiped, among other things. Some were worn purely for the sake of being fashionable. In this case, following the launch of ESS Sokol, Orzel had chosen it because she scarcely recalled a time when her Birth Mother was without one... Orzel still missed her desperately... That that the scarf helped keep stray hairs out of her face while she worked was also a plus.

Her almond locks now grew past her shoulders, as there was no time recently to set up a visit to get a haircut. Her schedule of studies, lessons with Luna, and personal research simply didn't allow it... Besides, like the headscarf, women with exceptionally long hair were considered fashionable in the Empire, and the style was starting to grow on her... The girl chuckled slightly at her unintended pun. She doubted Imperial fashion was that simple, there was likely some specific sort of hair style that would've been the talk of Cesarski, but Orzel had little to go on other than the few brief conversations she'd had with her Mother on the subject. It was just another reminder that her links to her old home grew more tenuous with every passing day, and she often wondered if half the things she insisted on doing weren't just pitiful affectations, or misplaced attempts to rekindle some sort of nostalgia...

The girl fully embraced her new identity of Princess Orzel, Daughter of Princess Luna, but every passing day since that acceptance left her feeling less like Orzel z Glosem-Smoka, Daughter of Sokol z Glosem-Smoka. Even so, she could count on one hand just how many people knew her full name. Including Doctor Scratch, the total came to four... Once her parents' friends numbered in the dozens, and all had known Orzel's true name...

Much of the turmoil she felt within came from her own shifting world view, and perhaps most importantly, her place in that world. It wasn't as if she'd had a choice to decline the role of Princess, it was just the cost of her new life in this world... Nothing in life was ever free, so she wasn't about to start blaming other people. Even if she wanted to blame someone, it wasn't as if it would do anything... Much as she'd come to trust Luna, Orzel still wasn't exactly sure she wouldn't just be told to shut up... Not in her heart, at any rate, and in the scheme of feeling better that was really all that mattered.

Adjusting the white lab coat she wore above her tunic and trousers, the girl reached over to the radio and changed the station until the pounding sounds of music were replaced by a talk show. The fast paced beat just didn't feel appropriate anymore... She wasn't really paying attention to what was being said either way, though it sounded like a news anchor or some other similar broadcast.

Laid out before her was an assortment of enchanter's supplies and around twelve humanoid figures. They were one sixth scale, made from metal and held together with tiny springs, chains, and screws, painted to look like generic people. She'd based them on an action figure she'd seen on a trip to acquire her latest model ship, though she'd tweaked the design as needed. The articulation at the joints was greater, and being made from metal granted them superior durability. Originally she'd dressed them in scale cotton replicas of Lunar Marine Uniforms, but then altered the colors of the uniforms to be more tan, speckled with other earth tones. Now she was putting the finishing touches on the runes she'd hidden within their helmets, also made of metal.

These would be what allowed them to animate and move about on their own, though without any degree of consciousness... Similar to the automatons Orzel read of in the latest in science fiction novels, as the helmets were simply too small to do anything more advanced. Granted, she wouldn't make them conscious even if she could, for a myriad of reasons, mostly moral ones. No, they would serve her purposes far better as unfeeling machines. Tightening the straps on the last toy soldier's helmet, Orzel cleared her throat and donned a pair of tinted safety goggles over her spectacles.

"From my lips into your ears, these words must be clear..." Orzel stated commandingly, looking at the impassive faces of the action figures impassively. Part of her was reminded of the various soldier's she'd watch marching about the Castle walls, and that had been the reason for the change in uniform. Those men so dutifully patrolling the ramparts weren't automatons, and the tan uniforms created a sort of disconnect. She shook her head, she needed to focus. "Up you shall stand at my behest, so that my theories I may test!"

She watched the familiar blue glow of magic flow away from her lips, lingering in the air for a moment before splitting into twelve thin tendrils that descended upon the enchanted helmets. Small as they were, several experiments revealed that Arcanium bonded incredibly well to the material, though not as well as plastic. Metal provided more mass, however, which allowed a higher density of runes. The runes in question glowed faintly for a few moments, but nothing happened beyond that.

Slumping her shoulders, Orzel lifted the safety goggles to check one of her nearby notebooks, rereading her conclusions so far. She'd followed every step she could think of... Maybe her rune scribing simply wasn't accurate enough yet? Maybe her incantation hadn't been powerful enough? Honestly, while the job of rhyming spells was getting easier with practice, it was proving to be one of the most limiting things in regards to her studies. With a frustrated sigh, the girl began searching her workbench for her thesaurus...

"...mass celebration from rural communities coinciding with mass protests in the cities most affected, namely Manehattan and Los Pegasus, and Applewood. Numerous Non-Aligned citizens and councilors have banded together to create what many are controversially deeming the 'Black Crown Party'." A woman's voice echoed through the workshop, only now registering in the girl's mind. Orzel's eyes lifted to the radio, she'd almost entirely tuned it out of her mind...

In that moment Orzel brought her palm to her forehead with a sharp 'smack'. Of course the incantation hadn't worked! Her magic was verbal, and someone else was 'talking' in the background. It typically wasn't an issue for regular spells or enchantments, but untested enchantments were finicky. If she ever wanted to prove Enchanting was more a science than an art, she'd need to be more conscientious... Ideally operating in as sterile an environment as possible... Something she'd have to consider when setting up her dedicated workshop.

"The rally held in Unicorn Falls was the largest staged so far by the new party, with conservative estimates putting the number of attendees at over fifty thousand." The woman continued evenly. "Following the passage of Bill Two-Fifty, there are fears among Noble Party officials that 'Seditious Nightmare Radicals' are attempting to infiltrate the political mainstream. Among the agenda of these new 'Black Crowns' is an expansion of what they term 'Lunar Primacy', further sparking concern over a resurgence of Pro-Thestralese sentiment-"

Orzel switched off the radio, plunging the cavernous chamber into silence, before looking back at the creations laying before her. Bill 250 and the Black Crowns were all that anyone seemed to care to talk about lately, though admittedly with good reason. Both had effectively devastated the Noble Party's stranglehold on Equestrian politics, to a point it was unlikely they'd ever recover. The bill wouldn't come into effect for another month, so technically the Council still had over five hundred members, but the powers of the superfluous councilors were all but completely stripped.

On a deeper level, deeper than perhaps she cared to admit, Orzel took some shameful joy in seeing her former tormentors culled from their once unassailable positions of power. Despite the best efforts of her Mother and Aunt Celestia to keep her neutral, she thoroughly despised the Noble Party, and almost everything it stood for. Their pompous arrogance, their posturing and demanding nature, piously acting as if they had the best interests of the nation at heart. Orzel knew better, they didn't care about Equestria, they cared only about themselves, just like the Empire. They'd cheat, steal, and swindle, do whatever they had to in order to maintain their power.

No, no amount of attempting to remain impartial could quite quell her bitter resentment. Orzel wanted them to suffer as she had suffered, to feel powerless, to look upon the looming deadline with unspeakable dread... The perverse sort of pleasure she took in that suffering had a sobering effect. It was a topic that she and Doctor Scratch had covered once or twice, though little progress was made. As much as she hated the Nobles, she resented herself more for continuing to despise them.

That wasn't what Princesses were supposed to do, they weren't supposed to single out one group of their subjects to hate. Moreover, in her view, it signified that on some level the damnable curs still held power over her, they still lived in her mind rent free... That only further fed her ire, and because of her sensibilities she would be forced to pay closer attention to how she handled the Nobles in the future... To ensure that her hatred didn't influence her decisions too heavily. Perhaps the Noble Party would soon die out, at least in its current form, alleviating her hatred in its passing.

The birth of the 'Black Crown Party' proved an equally interesting, and welcome, development. From what Orzel could gather, the name was a reference to the Obsidian Crown, likewise the party drew much of its symbolism from the long defunct Thestral Imperium. In a sense, Orzel pondered, Bill 250 might've 'bombed' Equestrian politics back to the Pre-Nightmare Age.

The Black Crowns were comprised mostly of Thestrals and other disenfranchised enclaves of Equestrian citizens, both native born and naturalized. Among their positions was a heavy reduction of government overreach, a gutting of the bloated bureaucratic system, increased military spending and an emphasis on re-asserting Equestria's position as the world's leading 'Great Power'. They felt that Luna would better suited to the role of 'Primary' Princess, and thus would go a long way to achieving their ends.

While officially there was no such position, the wide consensus saw Celestia as the de facto 'Primary', after all someone had to be in charge of the people in charge. With the sudden materialization of a new united political faction, events were unfolding now that previously she never would've dreamt possible. Nothing like this had ever transpired in the Empire, not to her knowledge at least. There was only ever one Party, the Party. Just as the Nobles, it'd ruled with an iron fist, only in the case of the Empire there was no gentle guiding hand like Celestia or Luna to steer it away from the darkest depths of tyranny.

Those she'd been told were dissidents, radicals or insurrectionists were, in essence, the 'Black Crowns' of her world. The way in which both the Nobles and the Party labeled their opponents was uncanny. Deviation was treason, calls for change were sedition, uniformity was 'unity', and anything that went against that was 'radical' or 'Pro-Thestralese'... Willingly aided by their propagandists parading as newspapers, the Nobles would attempt to cudgel the new Black Crowns into submission. Orzel doubted they'd be successful. Successful as they'd been, the MIS had never fully stamped out dissent, and the Nobles were nowhere near as competent.

Ironically, the more she thought about it, the less she wanted to think about it. At a certain point, all the talking heads on both sides of the issue just blended together, and ultimately all that did was give Orzel a headache. That was why she would rather focus on her enchanting and engineering studies, such as the very task she was supposed to be working on in that moment.

That briefly raised the idea of creating a larger version of the action figures, possibly even life sized, and enchanting it to serve as a sort of 'mechanized assistant'. Something that could nudge her whenever her mind wandered off, not to mention being able reach the top shelves in the library... That alone would be worth the effort. There would be plenty of practical applications for such an arcane puppet, the sort that could very well make someone fabulously wealthy, if they cared for that kind of thing... Then again, making money would allow her to pursue more research, which could allow her to make more money, which would lead to more research... The girl sighed, once again she was letting her mind wander. Best to get back to the topic at hand.

With the radio dispatched and her mind returning to the moment, Orzel lowered her safety goggles and repeated her incantation, slowly and clearly, in Equestrian. The air was suddenly charged with static as once again the magic flowed forth, this time illuminating not just the helmets, but the entirety of the twelve unmoving figures. Arcs of cerulean lightning crackled through the air, the figures slowly levitating from their place on the tablet. They glowed as brightly as a welding torch, and if it weren't for the tinted goggles she might've been forced to look away... A wide grin rapidly spread across Orzel's face, as the sensation of so much raw arcane energy coursing through her and into her enchantments was... Quite invigorating...

The flow of magic ceased in one great flash of energy, and just like that the light faded away. The Princess watched the action figures intently behind the lenses of her safety goggles. At first she feared once again that her incantation would prove to be a failure, at least until one of their little rubber boots twitched. The toy soldiers gradually began moving more smoothly, pushing themselves up from their laying position and standing. Inclining their tiny heads upwards, all twelve figures were looking at her, awaiting her command. She could hardly contain a squeal of excited joy at that, clapping her hands together before quickly pausing for a moment to remove the safety goggles and outline her findings about the incantation in her notes.

"Brilliant!" She cheered, taking a moment to actually pump her fist. It didn't last long, there was still work to be done. "Now... Let us test your basic functions. Come to attention!" Orzel stated carefully when she was done, and as one the small contingent of small soldiers did precisely that, their little metal joints clanking ever so softly with each tiny movement. "How about your balance and multitasking? Present arms, then... What else?" The group saluted accordingly, then surprisingly all opted to stand on one foot, which brought another wide grin to Orzel's face.

Taking her pen from the breast pocket of her lab coat, she once again quickly began to quickly jot down her latest observations in her notebook. The action figures somehow knew what she meant, even though she hadn't given specific details on the task, which made her wonder just what else the figures could understand. They were still incapable of independent thought, but their ability to troubleshoot vague commands had her curious about what else they might be able to do. Setting her pen before the group, she pointed at it.

"One of you, pick up the pen." She ordered in Szafirian, and to her continuing amazement the figure closest to the pen knelt down and picked it up with ease. Twirling it several times, as she'd expect of a soldier manipulating a spear, the figure then offered the pen up to Orzel. "I wonder..." She mumbled, gently taking the pen. "What is half of twelve?" The group split into two groups of six. "How about eight minus four?" First two of the figures joined a group of six, who in turn separated into two of four, which lead to Orzel emitting an uncontrollable joyful squee of excitement.

"You can do mathematics!" She added giddily, practically dancing in place atop her sturdy apple crate. "Those are simple equations, but we shall need more of you to solve the question of if you are capable of advanced multiplication! So many questions... Maybe it is congruent to the actual number of figurines? Possibly a sort of 'combined computing'?" The girl rattled off quickly, rubbing at her chin as the thoughts flooded her mind. "I need to calculate some numbers, but given what I have learned in your construction I think I could easily create a dozen more? Maybe two dozen? What do you think?" The figures stared at her unblinkingly... Blushing with slight embarrassment that she'd essentially just been talking to what amounted to walking toasters, the girl couldn't contain another happy coo. "Oh, just wait until Mother sees you!"

Her excitement was abruptly shattered when three stern thuds rapped against the steel door... Someone's ears must've been burning. Cringing at the sound, Orzel looked around and spotted a familiar clock on a shelf mounted above the workbench. It was nearly seven in the evening, and suddenly Orzel remembered just how significant the night would be. Jotting down her final notes and returning the pen to her lab coat, the Princess let out a dejected sigh. The tunic and trousers beneath were comfortable, but hardly acceptable attire for a high class social function. Tonight was the Grand Galloping Gala, apparently said to be the most 'high class' social function of them all, and she'd completely forgotten to get ready! Three more heavy knocks echoed through the room, Orzel could just picture the annoyed Princess Luna standing beyond the door.

"Open the door, Orzel. We are running late!" Luna's voice commanded, and like that the girl's shoulder's slumped. Tucking her hands into her lab coat's pockets, the girl sullenly approached the door and wordlessly turned the knob... She'd need to see about installing a lock later on, maybe just a new door. The twelve action figures reoriented themselves into a loose mob, watching their creator return towards the workbench while the door swung inwards, propelled by a small glow of magic. Orzel paid it little mind as she disregarded the apple crate to stand closer to eye level with the impassively faced action figures. "By the stars, you have yet to even dress?" Her Mother chided, Orzel simply hummed and straightened one of the soldiers' helmets before stepping aside. The girl looked at her Mother, the woman was wearing the most ornate ball gown Orzel had ever seen. Luna's eyes soon fell upon the quietly standing action figures, which wordlessly saluted in greeting at the other Princess. "I see. You lost track of time once again..."

"Sorry..." Orzel apologized half-heartedly, awkwardly kicking at the floor. She wasn't entirely excited to attend the Gala to begin with, especially now that she'd managed to complete her latest work. "Look, though, they know simple mathematics, and understand Szafirian!" Luna nodded, approaching the workbench and examining the action figures with evident interest. "What is two plus two?" The girl asked in her native tongue, and a group of four of the toy soldiers stepped forward. Orzel could see a faint glint of pride in her mother's eyes, which in turn made her feel slightly better than before. "You were correct, using a humanoid figure made the conceptual work much easier to grasp, though it would have been even simpler had you shown me."

"I had every confidence you would find your way if left to your own devices." Luna responded, conjuring in her palm a small glowing ball of magic. Gradually it coalesced into a humanoid figure like those on the table, though as the light faded it took the apparent form of a woman in a gown and wearing a small tiara. Unlike the toy soldiers, Orzel saw no visible joints or seams, and the figure moved with much more fluid motion. "As for the mathematical and linguistic skills... Unless you enchanted them with such abilities, I am afraid they are not as capable as you might think." The woman tapped the side of her head. "They are tied to your mind. Whatever skills you know, they 'know', albeit in a far more limited capacity." Orzel deflated slightly, but Luna's smile didn't diminish.

"Cheer up, this is still a great achievement!" The woman assured, pointing to the figure she'd conjured herself. "Soon you will be able to craft and even conjure puppets with far more dexterity." The action figures saluted the small princess as Luna wordlessly directed it to join the metal guard contingent. "The next step towards that accomplishment, however, will take time... Carry on in your other studies, do not become overly focused on the 'animation' facet of enchanting..." The Princess shook her head, smiling faintly. "That will need to wait for tomorrow, unfortunately. We are already late as it is, hurry along and get dressed."

"I have studies, Mother, surely they take precedence..." Orzel started, but Luna shook her head. "Fine..." The girl groaned as she removed her lab coat and hung it on a wall hook beside the work bench. Looking at her creations, she smiled and patted one of them on the head. "Rest easy for now, we will have much to do tomorrow." The little men once again saluted, then the toy soldiers locked up and fell over with dull metallic thuds... Deactivated for the moment. Luna's own conjured figurine vanished in a puff of blue smoke, leaving little trace that it had ever even existed. "So... Should I wear the burgundy or the indigo?"

"The burgundy, most certainly." Luna responded as Orzel approached the stone stairway spiraling upwards along the tower's inner wall. "After all, I am already wearing indigo." The woman gestured at her own gown, Orzel nodded quietly, it probably would've been bad form to wear matching outfits. They were still working on building the public impression that Orzel was more than just a smaller version of Princess Luna. Thankfully, the constant coverage of Bill 250 had considerably reduced the coverage of Orzel's 'alien' origins, and that made it easier for the girl to distinguish herself. "Do try to hurry, as I said, we are already running behind schedule. Twilight Sparkle's assistant Spike is in attendance tonight, and he expressed an interest in meeting you." Luna's tone was distinctly dubious at that statement. "Perhaps this is a chance to make a friend."

"Yes... A friend... Of course." Orzel responded, unable to keep from rolling her eyes at the thought. Lately it seemed Luna's encouraging of her social activity was increasing, more and more Orzel was urged to 'spend time' with people, to start 'rubbing elbows' and 'making friends'... As if that was even hypothetically possible. The girl had read enough Statesman to know that a Princess was more likely to be stabbed in the back by one of her 'friends' than any of her most outspoken of enemies. Excepting perhaps her bodyguards, her family, and Doctor Scratch, Orzel couldn't see every person seeking her 'friendship' as anything other than a potential threat.

Again, Luna insisted that Statesman's work wasn't to be taken at face value, that there was a nuance Orzel was missing, but it all seemed so clear to the teen. Given her highly placed position, it was more than obvious that this 'Spike' character only came to the Gala because he wanted access to the new Princess... He might've been friends with Twilight Sparkle, but to Orzel that mattered little. Most people were dangerous, those that purported to want to be her friend even more so. How could anyone want to be friends with her after reading all the newspapers? They called her unseemly, illegitimate, weak, frumpy, and a whole host of other labels she didn't care to reflect upon... No, how could anyone read such vitriol and still legitimately want to be her friend?

With that 'cheerful' thought Orzel opened the door at the top of the stairs, then stepped into her room and trudged gloomily towards her wardrobe. The room wasn't much to look at, not yet, though she had moved some of her basic furniture in. Her new mahogany desk, a gift from Aunt Celestia, was near one of the numerous arrow slits running along the tower exterior. It was apparently enchanted to be nigh indestructible, which her Aunt insisted was a must have feature for any furniture owned by an adolescent Drake. The arrow slit above the desk allowed a sliver of moonlight to pour through onto an unfinished model of an Equestrian Navy collier. As per usual, her bed was made to exacting standards, with corners pulled so tight one could bounce a coin upon the surface. Her stuffed animals were similarly arrayed across the front of a decorative throw pillow, set up in order from largest to smallest.

They served little purpose other than being cute, and that was more than enough. Prior to coming to Equestria she'd never been allowed much in the way of toys, they were too fragile, too expensive, or some mixture of the two. The closest she ever came to a plaything was a little figure she'd fashioned from twigs and twine, that and a stuffed bear that her Mother had handed down from her own childhood... Undoubtedly lost in the flames of Cesarski, like everything else the girl ever knew or loved. Now in Equestria, the friendly smiles of stuffed unicorns and other plush forms filled her with that odd sense of relief she couldn't quite put into words...

With every day the world grew more complex and dangerous, requiring the girl to take a hard and cynical view of everything. So sometimes Orzel needed something cute and soft to break things up when she went to sleep. The nightmares proved her only respite from the stresses of the waking world, 'respite' in this case being used in the most liberal of senses. Bearing in mind those other 'happy' thoughts, and considering she was about to toss herself into a room filled with political sharks, a little relief sounded good about then.

The Princess approached her bed and picked up the most cherished of her collection, a brown plush bear, around the size of a loaf of bread. The simplest of the lot by far, with mismatched button eyes and slightly matted fur. Orzel had found him during one of her walks within the gardens, near where she and Sokol first arrived in Equestria. Discarded and alone, the bear felt oddly familiar, and she imagined it looked much like the one her mother had given her. The latter was never seen clearly enough for Orzel to know for certain what it actually looked like. It couldn't be the same bear, however, for two simple reasons. Firstly, that would be virtually impossible. The second became clear when Orzel hugged the bear, then heard a familiar click in his soft round belly.

"You're my favoritest friend!" The bear, whom she'd dubbed 'Wojtek', cheerily declared in a voice laced with static. Orzel knew Wojtek wasn't alive, he wasn't conscious or capable of feeling, but... The words, hearing him call her his friend, somehow meant more to her than they had any right to. Maybe because he was an inanimate object, and therefore incapable of lying or insulting her. He was the only 'friend' she'd thus far felt comfortable confiding into, because... He couldn't hurt her, like a real person might.

In this instance the bear's soothing words helped to blunt the anxious dread rapidly welling up within the Princess that clutched him in her arms. Orzel set her jaw, trying to force herself into stoic repose, to disregard the surging emotional pain... She couldn't afford to appear weak, not in front of the Gala attendees, she wouldn't allow them any more ammunition to use against her.

"Do you wanna play!" The bear added as Orzel squeezed him again.

"More than you know..." Orzel responded somberly, yet despite her sudden frustration she gently placed Wojtek back on her bed, right where he belonged, patting him on the head. It wasn't Wojtek's fault he'd struck a nerve, those were just the phrases he was programmed by his creator to say. She had to wonder just where he'd come from... If could actually feel emotion, would he feel pain over losing everything he used to know? Would he mourn the world he'd lost...?

Obviously not, he was a stuffed animal. Just a combination of fabric, thread, buttons, and some puffy cotton stuffy. Did his previous owner even notice he was missing? If they did, did they care? Or was Wojtek just some 'thing' to them... Something to be discarded so easily discarded. Orzel doubted the latter to be the case. Wojtek was sewn by hand, and he'd had various busted seams sewn back together numerous times. If any stranger from Canterlot had looked at him, happened upon him in the Gardens as Orzel had, odds were they would've picked him up and tossed him into the nearest garbage can. They would callously toss away all that work, all the little bits of humanity imbued in fabric through the loving care of his creator.

Orzel had to stop herself again... All these thoughts of abandonment and callous disposal of childhood playthings weren't getting her anywhere, they were just the latest manifestation of her ongoing state of melancholy... Even now, the excitement she'd felt just minutes before was fast being devoured. The seemingly permanent depressive mood always lingered in the wings of her mind, eager to seize upon any opportunity to drag her down... Tonight was bound to be no different.

Approaching her wardrobe, the girl cleared her throat and finally asserted a look of stone-faced resolve. The Gala couldn't be avoided, not now, not if Luna had anything to say about it. Panic joined depression in creeping in from all sides, Orzel's thoughts were spiraling out of control, just as they had so many times before... This time, however, she felt as if everything had been dialed up to unparalleled extremes. She only barely managed not to completely descend into a panic attack, struggling hard to pull herself out of the dive. As Doctor Scratch was so fond of reminding her, she had to ask herself a simple question. How was panicking going to help her? What good did it serve her in that moment? None, none whatsoever... Freaking out or snapping at people wasn't going to make her night any less harrowing.

Removing her headscarf, the teen shook her hair free and opened the wardrobe. It was an ornate wooden thing, not unlike the one she'd had in her old room, except this one was tall enough and deep enough for her to theoretically stand in. One of the doors' interior panels held a full length mirror, reflecting Orzel's somewhat sloppy appearance and the bed at her rear. Standing there, ponderously looking over the various gowns and dresses hanging within the wardrobe, she noticed one of the stuffed animals in the mirror's reflection was out of alignment. Odd, considering she'd just been standing there. More importantly, she didn't recall having a stuffed mouse, and stranger still it looked remarkably detailed for a toy. How she'd missed it was beyond her, but it's placement beside Wojtek made no sense as it was much smaller.

Once more approaching the bed, in the hopes of further forestalling the inevitable, Orzel reached out to pick up the mouse. On closer inspection, it looked not unlike those she'd occasionally see roaming the Castle gardens. Her fingers wrapped around it, and suddenly she became aware of warm fur and a desperately beating heart. The stuffed mouse wasn't stuffed at all, it was a living, breathing animal, and it made this fact known even more clearly by emitting a high pitched keening shriek while it flailed in Orzel's grasp.

"Kurwa!" A startled Orzel swore in Szafirian, the first time she'd ever uttered such a word to her recollection, recoiling from the yipping, squirming, wriggling creature. The Princess jumped several feet back, sending her spectacles clattering to the floor, her heart pounding loudly in her ears.

The mouse meanwhile let out another chittering sound, bolting from the bed and leaping onto the Princess's chest. Its tiny claws helped it cling to the fabric as it clambered around her torso, likely searching for any means of toppling its colossal prey. With her thoughts moving suddenly far too fast to process, Orzel swatted at the creature with growing panic. Essentially blind, the Princess could do nothing but flail and smack herself in a frenzy. The silky black fur of mouse, coupled with its comparatively small size, blended surprisingly well with the blurred fabric of her tunic.

"Mother!" Orzel hardly recognized her own voice, so high pitched and frightened as it was... After all she'd seen, all she'd endured? All that she could think about was the night Cesarski had burned, when so many chitinous forms viciously piled onto screaming people. The mouse was small, almost pleasantly soft, yet it clung to her like one of those wretched beasts all those months ago. In another world, in another life... She knew then why chittering squeaks and indiscriminate scurrying filled her with such terror. A flash of light filled the room, and even though Luna was hidden in the blur of Orzel's struggling eyes, it was no less reassuring. "Get it off! Get it off, get it off, get it ooooff!"

"Stand still!" Sternly ordered Luna, Orzel did her best to comply, at least until she felt the mouse start making its way towards the opening of her shirt collar. With the young Princess panting and still swatting at herself, the ordeal was abruptly halted when Luna's magic pulled the chittering rodent free from her torso. It levitated in the air, a foot or so from Orzel, going abruptly silent save for a few frustrated squeaks which Orzel assumed were directed at her.

"There..." Luna declared as the teen dropped to the floor, intent on searching for her spectacles... At least until she both felt and heard a sharp snapping 'crunch' beneath her right knee. Sighing in frustration, Orzel struggled to feel her way towards her bed. "Never fear, this is why we have spares..." Luna stated a bit more calmly, using her magic once again, this time to summon a pair of spectacles directly in Orzel's hand. The Princess placed them on her face, returning the world into clarity as she pushed herself back up onto her feet. "Are you alright, were you bitten?"

"I... I think I am fine." Orzel responded, staring at the mouse as it floated in the air, held aloft by a faint indigo glow. It was one thing to see a mouse from a distance in the gardens, but to have one so close... It stared at her with expressive eyes, the tiny round orbs were oddly golden in color, not unlike how her own had once been. It didn't look angry, or menacing, not with it just hovering there... No snapping teeth, no squeaking, just a faint chittering sound. It almost sounded... Playful? Orzel, however, was no longer in any mood for play. Her nerves were all but shot in the brief altercation, and one question barged to the forefront through all the turmoil. "How did it get in here? I thought this tower was cleared by the exterminator..."

"It was." Luna grunted, levitating the mouse closer to her and taking it into her palm. To Orzel's surprise, the creature didn't seem all that hostile, allowing her Mother to gently scratch under its chin. "I do not believe our visitor is here by accident. Sense its arcane presence and you shall understand." Orzel stared at her mother, still utterly bewildered, but also curious... At the very least, if she was lucky, she could hopefully convince her mother she was too shaken to attend the gala. So she played along, mumbling the 'Identify' incantation that by now came with so much ease. She sensed Luna's magic, obviously, as she was holding the animal, but... She also sensed her own, almost identical to that of Luna's, just slightly different. "You, my dear, have a acquired a familiar."

"I do not want, nor do I require, a familiar..." Orzel stated, her heart rate gradually returning to normal as she crossed her arms, glaring indignantly at the relaxing creature. "Let alone a familiar that accosts me so!" Luna simply grinned at her, patting the mouse on its head and scratching behind one of its ears. Aside from her continued confusion as to just what had happened to her, Orzel's first concern was more towards how her Mother was going to respond. The young Princess was only just allowed to return to personal enchanting, and she could only imagine how long she'd be grounded this time if she didn't set the record straight. "I made no effort to summon such a creature, Mother. I would never do such a thing without first consulting you."

"Never fear, Orzel." Luna assured, approaching Orzel and offering her the mouse. The girl stared at it as if it carried a plague, for all she knew it probably did. "While most familiars must indeed be summoned, that is not always the case. If a mage reaches a certain level of power, or for any other number of reasons, a familiar is inadvertently created to serve as a sort of... Companion. As I recall, Celestia's familiar Philomena arrived with little warning as well." Orzel looked at Luna, then back to the mouse, then down at her trembling hands. "That leaves several explanations, but I deduce it has to do with your latest achievement. Your power is growing, further confirmation to me that soon you may be ready to begin taking on more complex enchantments..."

"You are certain it is... Safe?" Asked Orzel, her Mother nodded and held the mouse out to Orzel. The girl took the mouse into her palm, running one of her hands along the length of its soft fuzzy body. The creature let out another high pitched squeak, nuzzling its head more deeply into Orzel's palm. She couldn't keep a small smile from breaking through as the mouse maneuvered itself onto its back, apparently demanding the Princess rub its belly. Looking it over in this context, it became easily apparent that the creature was a female... Idly rubbing the mouse's belly, the girl looked back at Luna. "Must I still attend the Gala? Now that I have a familiar to apparently care for, maybe it would be wise to learn more about mice?"

"An admirable attempt to avoid the night's festivities, but nonetheless you must still attend." Her Mother spoke chidingly, reaching out and gently plucking the mouse from Orzel's grasp. "I will keep an eye on your new furry companion while you change." Orzel sighed, ultimately conceding to the fact she couldn't avoid the Gala any longer. "As I said, burgundy would suit you well. Do try to hurry, I have a few items to give you when you are fully ready." With that cryptic encouragement, Luna made her way to the door. She closed the barricade behind her, starting her descent to the bottom of the tower, leaving Orzel once again alone in her chamber. The girl looked to the floor and mumbled a few brief phrases, her magic accordingly collecting the shattered remains of her old spectacles and setting them on her bedside table for later disposal.

It took her a total of fifteen minutes or so to swap from her comfortable attire to a rather extravagant burgundy ball gown. It wasn't nearly as puffed outwards as Luna's, but it was nonetheless a cumbersome garment, including various frills and embroidery in amber thread. As she had with her visit to the Naval Yard, and all other public appearances since, the girl draped a striped sash around herself, alternating between white light blue, much like the Equestrian Naval Jack. The sash served no official purpose, existing more to add some contrast and asymmetry. On some level, she supposed, it served as a symbol of her triumph over the machinations of the National Council, and commitment to the Navy... Or perhaps she was just reading too deeply into things. With that sorted she restored her headscarf to its place about her head and shoulders. Straightening the hem of her gown, Orzel stared at herself in the mirror... Momentarily sighing, she cleared her throat.

"Though my features I would prefer plain, from this wish I must refrain. A different appearance, the crowd does seek, so come forth alterations to my cheeks." The spell was one that Luna taught her following the christening of ESS Sokol, and in this instance her magic applied the barest minimum of makeup. She supposed it would've looked better if she had something besides the headscarf on. Luna reclaimed the Obsidian Crown for the Gala... Orzel couldn't complain, by all rights it belonged to her Mother, but by now she felt almost naked without it. "No doubt the Nobles will be pleased." Orzel grumped, closing the wardrobe and glancing back at her bed. Crossing the stony floor, Orzel picked up Wojtek and held him close again. "At least you do not judge me..."

"I love you!" The bear cheered as she squeezed it one final time, nearly cutting the Princess to the quick. Setting Wojtek back on the bed, Orzel once more set her jaw, taking on the stoic mask she had adopted from Luna's example... The expression was almost comfortable at this point, having been broken in like leather. Rapidly descending the tower stairway, the Princess had to be careful to brace herself against the wall, as she'd traded her trusty work boots for dainty formal shoes. Arriving at the base of the former Eastern Guard Tower, she found Princess Luna still affectionately petting the yet-to-be-named mouse.

It didn't take Orzel long to spot a pair of wooden boxes resting on the workbench, the polished brass fittings and accents glinting even in the dim lantern light. One was around four feet long and half a foot wide, the other was more akin to a cigar box, though considerably taller in height. Both were hewn from redwood, polished to such a finish that Orzel almost swore she could see her reflection in them. Both bore a gem encrusted crest recessed into the center of the front faces. An obsidian black shield, bearing a polished bronze dragon. It was a rough facsimile to the emblem of the Szafirian Navy, though only in general concept. The dragon depicted was far more fearsome, in a way that practically oozed martial strength, clutching a wrench in one claw and a scroll in the other. Drawing closer to the workbench, Orzel could additionally see that the shield was inset with white gemstones that glittered like stars...

"Surprise." Said Luna in a subdued voice, setting the mouse on the workbench as she approached the boxes herself. Orzel stared at the two containers, unsure of what to make of them. Her eyes flitted to Luna, asking the silent question. "It was high time that you have a crown of your own, and a symbol to adorn it... I have the moon, as you can see, and Celestia has the sun. These are our 'cutie marks', to use the modern term. As a Drake, you do not have one, so..." The girl glanced to the Obsidian Crown that rested atop Luna's head, then back at the boxes. She'd heard talk of 'cutie marks' before, but she'd never actually seen one... She didn't want to contemplate just where they were on a person's body... "I hope you do not mind the selection, it seemed an appropriate choice."

"I... Do not know what to say." Orzel mumbled quietly, running her hand along the surface of the longer box. It was half the height of the other, roughly four inches tall. Looking at Luna as if to ask permission, she received but the barest of nods. Orzel opened the long box first, its hinges moving effortlessly, to reveal a sight that the girl had never dreamed of seeing again. Within the box, resting on a bed of red silk, was her family's sword. To her surprise, despite being forged from ancient steel, it was taking on a distinctly bronze hue. Examining the runes scribed along the length of the blade, a small chuckle escaped her lips.

She recognized some of them now as a security enchantment, making the sword wieldable only by those trusted by its owner, and rendering it quite unmovable to anyone else... Judging by a braided gold lanyard, it could still be 'lifted' for the purpose of moving it. There were other enchantments imbued in the sword, though at present they remained advanced beyond Orzel's understanding. The runes hardly retained any magic in her old world, only enough to alter themselves when the sword passed from one owner to another, but they would undoubtedly be far more effective here in Equestria. It was more proof that, long ago, her ancestors once walked this realm with powers unimaginable to their descendants, powers she'd since started the path of retaking as her own...

"You are returning it to me? Just like that?" Luna nodded as Orzel reached into the box, taking hold of the hilt. "This sword has been in my family for generations..." With an ease that surprised even herself, Orzel lifted the blade and examined it closely. Both Luna and the mouse looked on, the young Princess gave the sword a few test thrusts. It was the first time since that fateful night she'd held it, but it was still as light and nimble as she remembered it to be. "Mother told me that it came with our ancestors from the 'Old Realm'... It was the only item with any sort of magic I had ever seen before coming here." Orzel added, solemnly twirling the blade, though with her inexperience she nearly lost her grip. Despite this, she remained unfazed. "Now that I know that this is the Old Realm, perhaps, one day, I may see what else it is capable of."

Resting the flat of the blade on her fingers, she found it to be perfectly balanced, even despite the trials and ordeals of countless centuries. How many of her foremothers and forefathers once wielded that sword in combat? How many foes shed their blood upon that bronzing steel? Like her, it too endured the fall of Cesarski, it too had been taken far from home. Orzel hoped it would never again need to taste the blood of an enemy again, but she wasn't counting on it. To her further surprise, gripping the hilt imbued her with a feeling that the blade itself was an extension of her body... Not in literal sense either, but as if the blade belonged solely to her. This was the sword her Mother grasped in her final moments, a sword that should've been passed on only after Sokol died an elder, not... Not how things had been. The inanimate piece of metal in her grasp connected her to Sokol, however briefly, and forced her loneliness to vanish for a few fleeting moments...

"Thank you, Mother..." The girl's voice was barely a whisper, and she carefully moved the sword back to the box, resting it upon the bed of silk remaining within. Much as she might've wanted to spend more time with the weapon, that simply wasn't an option at present... Even so, the brief contact was more than enough. "I cannot tell you how much it means to me, to have my family's sword returned..." Without hesitation, she reached out and hugged Luna, the woman readily returned the embrace. "What is in the other box?" Stepping back from her daughter, Luna looked at the container and lifted the lid.

"Kneel, and I shall show you..." Luna stated gently, Orzel looked at her in confusion but complied. From within the box, Luna drew a crown similar in appearance to the Obsidian Crown...While not the Obsidian Crown, it had certainly drawn inspiration from the genuine article. It was crafted from a dark-silvery metal, which was broken up by odd almost blackened swirls throughout, not unlike Damascus steel. Ornately emblazoned on its front, crafted in bronze and set upon an obsidian shield, outlined in silver, was the same dragon Orzel had seen on the box.

"This crown was cast from a wolfram-arcanium alloy, designed specifically to accept any enchantment you may conceive of... I would request you refrain from actually enchanting it until you are of considerably higher skill." Luna explained smoothly. "A public coronation will be held when you come of age, but for the moment this will suffice. Forgive me if I forgo much of the pageantry, we are running late, as I have said." The woman smiled, carefully orienting the crown. "By the powers vested in me by the Obsidian Throne, I, Princess Luna, do hereby confer upon you the ownership of this sword and crown, that they might serve as your badges of office." Orzel looked at the floor as the crown came to rest upon her head, a far better fit than she'd expected. It was heavier than she'd expected, likely the result of it's being comprised of an exceptionally dense material. Now was hardly the time to bring that up, however. "Arise, Princess Orzel..."

Orzel stood shakily too her feet, mostly on account of her shoes, though the 'ceremony' hadn't helped matters. Where before Luna previously loaned her the Obsidian Crown to wear, this crown... It was hers. It had no fancy name, not yet at least, but it was hers... The 'Wolfram-Arcanium Alloy Crown' didn't necessarily trip off the tongue. Name or no name, no one could take it away from her. The past half hour was a fairly condensed hurricane of emotions, from annoyance at the thought of going to the gala, to the sudden arrival of her unexpected familiar, and now the bestowal of a crown to call her very own. Orzel had to wonder what the crown's design would mean on a political level... Even if it was made from an advanced metallic alloy, weren't they trying to set her apart from Luna? It didn't matter for the moment. The night was still young, but Orzel doubted there was much that could top what already happened. Luna surveyed her daughter with a proud appraising eye, smiling fondly. Once again, just as it happened on the train, Orzel got the distinct impression that her Mother was seeing more than she let on.

"You wear it well." Luna complimented with a warm smile before gesturing towards the door. "Come now, we have kept our guests waiting long enough." Orzel nodded, then looked at the mouse standing patiently on its hind feet, head cocked sidewise in silent curiosity.

Luna was already walking towards the door, paying the rodent little mind, but Orzel couldn't ignore her familiar so easily. Even if she hadn't asked for such a companion, it didn't feel right to just leave the poor thing behind... For all she knew, it wouldn't have done any good, as it apparently had no trouble passing through the walls of Orzel's tower. With a silent jerking nod, she offered her arm and allowed the mouse to scurry up and perch upon her shoulder. Hopefully it wouldn't draw too much attention, though she doubted that...

"You may not realize this, but tonight is also the first Grand Galloping Gala I will attend..." The woman stated as she stood by the door. "So you will not be alone in your inexperience."

"I hope you understand if I do not share your enthusiasm." Responded Orzel, clasping her hands behind her back as the two of them passed through the old security door. Luna chuckled faintly, using her magic to close the metal slab behind them.

Now they strode through the stone hallway beneath the Castle rampart, and to Orzel its utilitarian architecture was a welcome change from the typical designs of the Castle. Flat white paint, clearly marked signs, the only artistic flair came in the form of posters espousing the benefits of re-enlisting or other such things...

The brief diversion didn't last long, however, as the two passed through another door leading out into the Castle gardens. The air was cool and rather uncomfortable, for Autumn's chilly embrace was quickly overtaking Equestria at large. There sprang the subtle scent of fallen leaves, accented by the charcoal smell of a wood fire burning... Somewhere. Flashes of a burning city filled Orzel's mind, conjured into being by that oh so simple of aromas. They were banished only moments later through shear force of will. Closing her eyes, the Princess called upon her memories of fonder times. She needed only to imagine the raucous squawking of gulls, and with them came a dozen fonder memories... Albeit, dulled now by the veil of time. As she'd realized in so many instances before when reflecting on life in Canterlot, the absence of the otherwise bothersome scavengers proved a constant aberration she could never quite ignore.

It was fast becoming the time of change... Another aspect of Autumn that depressed Orzel's overall mood, for it was the season of decay, when things died or otherwise became dormant before the sweeping snows of winter. The Gala might've been nice, had it been held in Spring, or even Winter proper, just... Not Autumn. Even in Cesarski, Orzel always preferred to remain alone when Autumn came around. Her parents never really understood why their daughter grew so glum at that time of year, and she couldn't really blame them. To Szafirians, Autumn was the season of the final harvest, when celebrations abounded, and people were expected to be jovial in anticipation of the Winter Solstice.

Doctor Scratch presented a number of theories as to just what was the cause behind Orzel's seasonal gloominess, but nothing concrete as of yet... Equestrian psychological science was light years ahead of its nearest Szafirian counterpart, but it was still widely considered a new field of study. Sometimes she had to wonder if Doctors weren't just making things up as they went along. That was another question better saved for her upcoming session. For a few moments the wandering of her mind broke her concentration, and she was confronted by a series of flashing memories... Sokol laying on the ground, with... Unspeakable things pouring from the wound in her abdomen... So much blood. No matter how hard Orzel tried to scrub, she could never seem to make the last vestiges leave her hands.

"Kurwa!" Orzel suddenly cried out in surprised frustration and pain as she recoiled from walking face first into a lamppost. Once again she'd become so enamored in her own thoughts that the rest of the world registered as little more than a blur, and once again it'd cost her.

Luna let out a sharp gasp of shock, both at the sudden profanity and the fact her daughter had just slammed into a pillar of wrought iron. Even the unnamed mouse seemed aghast, yelping ever so quietly from its perch. Looking about at her surroundings, Orzel found that they were approaching the Castle proper. The hedges were growing slightly unkempt, some trees were covered for the winter, and it seemed there were guests milling about among those few displays still bearing color.

"I am sorry, Mother... I was lost in thought again, I did not mean to say that..." Meekly apologized, feeling rather shocked at herself as well. Evidently she'd have to fight even harder to keep her emotions in check, not budging a single inch further...

"I suppose I can forgive your profanity, so long as it does not become habit." Luna disapprovingly replied, watching as Orzel quietly adjusted and straightened her crown, which sat slightly askew above the girl's headscarf. The woman gestured towards the Castle, specifically the ballroom that opened out onto a garden patio. "Let us not dally any longer, after you..." Orzel nodded quietly, taking the lead and making sure that this time she didn't let her thoughts run away with her. It was bound to be a long night, and while she was certain her feet would be aching by the end of it, it remained to be seen if her nose would fair any better...

Blueblood wanted as little to do with the Grand Galloping Gala as possible, a fact the man had known for as long as he could remember. He'd only ever attended because not doing so would've been detrimental to his political power. It was a little too stuffy for his liking, and boring, so very very boring... After all, it was attended every year by more or less the same people. They were nice enough people to talk to, at least on a surface level, but Blueblood knew just how thin that veneer of niceness truly was. He'd maintained that same veneer, and an equally despicable persona beneath it, in order to gain their trust and support, alienating not only his Aunts but indeed much of his family in the pursuit of beating the enemy at their own game...

Typically this Gala would've been more or less the same as all the others. He would've put on a tuxedo, gone out among the people, and made an utter ass of himself. This year was different, however, in that the great goal Blueblood had striven for so ardently since first entering the field of politics finally was finally coming to fruition. The Noble Party was thoroughly and utterly shattered, the equilibrium of power knocked decidedly out of order. He should've been over the moon... Except he wasn't. All that work, all those sacrifices and years of making himself out to be the most wretched cur ever to wear a crown, made useless simply by virtue of the Noble Party's own hubris. His goal behind toppling the Noble Party went well beyond a sense of moral imperative, it had been his personal mission in life to see them laid low, but ideally by his own hand. He doubted they even remembered the insult that had spurred his silent crusade...

There was nothing left to do now but regroup and ponder strategy on how to repair the image he'd gone out of his way to tarnish... First he'd need to just drink it all in. Currently he was doing so in a literal sense, sitting at a bar erected nearest the inner wall, his tie askew, a glass of cognac held firmly in his hand. The man couldn't help but chuckle, capitalizing on the arrogance of the Noble Party by provoking them to temporarily withdraw from the National Council proved a most clever trick... The sheer arrogance, to think that the government would cease to function because they didn't turn up to vote, was almost comically typical. Another chuckle passed Blueblood's lips, thoroughly devoid of any mirth, as he was struck by a sudden realization. He'd gone out of his way to cultivate his terrible image in the hopes of convincing the Noble Party to make a mistake, to erode and undermine their efforts over the course of a lifetime, when in actuality all he'd needed to do was sit back and wait for the fools to shoot themselves...

It wasn't even contingent on the arrival of Princess Orzel, as it was no secret that Celestia was seeking to expand the Royal Family. Sooner or later, Luna would've chosen another potential successor who would've arrived to a similar level of derision, then he would've suggested the Party refuse to partake in the Council while at the same time informing Celestia to keep up the pressure. Celestia would've known he wasn't as bad a person as he made himself out to be, and he could take solace in the knowledge that his vengeance had been enacted. The plan could've worked, it could've been him that the non-aligned Councilors were grateful too, instead of Celestia or Luna, or his diminutive recluse of a Cousin... All of his work, all of his schemes, unraveled by the elevation of a commoner girl...

"Faust above, I really do sound like them..." Blueblood mumbled to himself, taking a sip of his drink before turning to face the ongoing festivities. So far he was fairly impressed, many of the faces in the crowd surrounding the bar were new ones, and there seemed to be a genuine jovial atmosphere permeating the ballroom. The entire place was decorated unusually for the occasion, with fancy white tablecloths rather than the customary red ones. The checkered dance floor was dutifully polished and waxed, almost to excess, but that didn't stop any of the attendees from swaying in time with an up tempo waltz. The sudden culling of the event's typical guest list certainly made for an interesting crowd, comprised mostly of business owners, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries, though a fair number of those present also wore military dress uniforms. One of whom Blueblood recognized fairly well, as the man's big grin and brilliant red jacket certainly stood out among the Naval and Lunar Marine Blues, as well as Army Olive Greens.

Captain Shining Armor, resplendent in the uniform of the Canterlot Royal Guard, and looking particularly handsome while doing so. He'd only recently been promoted to the position, and though the Canterlot Royal Guard served more as a Ceremonial Unit, it was nonetheless a high honor. Delicately, Shining Armor carried a trio of plates, each loaded with food taken from the buffet table, deftly maneuvering through the dancing couples and chatting officers. Not once did the smile leave the strong features of his face, if anything it seemed to grow wider with every step closer to the table of one Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. A perfect counterpart Shining Armor, she was absolutely radiant, perhaps even rivaling the beauty of Princess Celestia herself. The muscled Guard Captain came to a stop beside the table, dutifully setting the plates before Cadenza and another young woman, then moving to take a seat beside the Princess.

The two were just some of the many new faces in attendance, indeed the other young woman joining their table was Celestia's pupil... Twilight something? Blueblood didn't really remember her full name, he didn't particularly care either at present. As for Cadenza, or Cadence, he couldn't recall which she preferred... Either way, she was thankfully drawing more and more attention away from him. The Prince couldn't have been more pleased not to be noticed, as he was not well liked among the crowd in attendance, nor was he particularly popular with the few Noble Party members that actually managed to gain an invitation. Canterlot, for all its size, was a considerably small pond when it came to politics. In that metaphorical context, Blueblood was seen as a very large, very obnoxious, bottom feeder.

The epilogue of Statesman's 'Rogue State' gradually barged into Blueblood's thoughts, when hundreds of years had passed and the 'Rogue Queen' was vindicated by history. Those that demonized her were now seen as the enemy, those that had aided her were praised as heroes of the New Kingdom... Bill 250 would be just one of the innumerable victories in Celestia's name, whether it was a footnote or an entire chapter of history remained to be seen. History was written by the victor, so would it really matter in the end? The more things changed, the more they'd stay the same. It was the immutable law of the world, be it politics, business, or warfare. Defeat one enemy and another steps right up to take its place... Sometimes better, sometimes worse.

What would replace the Noble Party as Equestria's greatest internal 'enemy' was still in the air, but nature abhorred a vacuum. Possibly the Black Crown Party, though they were growing ever more popular simply because they weren't the 'Nobles'... Mutual hatred was a potent motivator for cooperation, but it could only go so far. Would the pendulum swing so far backwards that the Council would start taking orders from the Thestrals? In the days prior to the Nightmare War, a similar shift in power had taken place with the assassination of the Tribal Council... Even to this day, no one really knew who was responsible, though there was no shortage of theories. While no one was actually killed in a contemporary sense, the effects of 250 would undoubtedly be the same. The Black Crown Party was the newest player in the great game, and with everything in so much disarray, it was likely they'd consolidate great swathes of power for themselves... Yes, perhaps they were the new enemy, or maybe the Nobles weren't totally defeated after all.

"Your highness..." A gruff voice spoke up from beside Blueblood, prompting the Prince to turn on his stool. The source was a stout portly pegasus man with stubby brown wings, neatly groomed, dressed in a suit and tie. Olympus Solare, owner and founder of Solare Automotive Industries, one of the most detestable people Blueblood ever had the misfortune of knowing. The company installed substandard braking pads in several thousand vehicles, at Solare's personal direction. This cost cutting measure and others like it resulted in at least five hundred accidents, many of which were fatal. It was only stopped because the Equestrian Government stepped in, but of course the Council Hearing resulted in little more than a slap on the wrist, as the Noble Party always watched out for its own. "I trust recent events won't impact our arrangement?"

"This is an entirely different ballgame now, Olly." Blueblood responded with a smirk, he knew just how much Olympus hated the nickname. The arrangement to which Olympus referred to was a bid to get him onto the National Council, as part of the Party ticket of course. In return for Blueblood's assistance, the newly minted Councilman Solare would back Blueblood in passing bills that were otherwise unpopular. Now there was no need for Olympus' presence on the Council, and, more importantly, no seat to cram his pudgy form into. "I'm afraid I have no further need of you... I have what I wanted."

"You have what you wanted?" Olympus' voice rose an entire octave, his surprised rage all the more evident by a sudden flush of purple to the man's face. There was that temper of his, yet another aspect of the Canterlot elite that Blueblood had come to despise. They'd been living in their ivory towers, in some cases literally, for far too long... Olympus was a prime example, Blueblood had seen him ruin people's lives for the smallest of slights, and usually there was nothing the targeted person could do to stop him. "You want Princess Luna to put that scaly gutter rat on the Obsidian Throne? Do you have any idea what kind of damage that could cause!?" He spat the word 'Princess' as if the very word revolted him. "I don't see what scheme you're playing at here, so start explaining or I'll-"

"You'll what?" Blueblood's smile turned quickly to a snarl, his grip tightening on his glass. "I have cultivated a reputation for stabbing people in the back when it suits me, Olly... Do you think anyone will be surprised if you tell them I disregarded our deal?" Olympus fumed furiously in silence, glaring at the Prince. Somehow, despite the reminder that Blueblood had built himself up to be a 'bad guy', he actually felt rather nice. Then came the realization that with the end of the Noble Party's political dominance also came an end to the need to wear his mask, at least for a time. Now he could take a sort of vindicated joy in the suffering of those whom he'd schemed against for so long... Even if it hadn't been his own doing. "The truth, Olly, is that I hate your guts... You and everyone like you."

"So you would have our country be led by a Drake to satisfy your own hatred?" Olympus snarled, unsteadily rising to his feet. "Without the Noble Party, who will look out for Equestria's interests in the future? Princess Celestia and Luna will not hold the throne forever, 'Prince'. Who will replace them? Cadenza? That mongrel commoner brat? She can barely speak Equestrian, she's hardly smart enough to rule!" Blueblood felt a sudden flood of anger that nearly overtook him, which was only brought to heel by a fairly large sip from his glass. "It should be you." Olympus declared. "You are playing a dangerous game, one that you will only win if you join us... Challenge her right to the Obsidian Throne, it will mean more coming from you." The man's voice grew colder. "The time for Princesses is coming to an end, surely you see that... Do not stand in the way of progress."

Blueblood couldn't stifle a laugh at that point, but it was bitter and filled with malice. 'Progress'... The meaning long ago corrupted into the laziest excuse he'd ever heard, just a cover for bad people to do bad things for 'good' reasons. It was one thing to scheme and plot for his own ends, but there was one line that Blueblood had sworn upon his soul never to cross, and that was to scheme against his own kin. However distantly they may have been related, Luna and Celestia were still his family by blood, and he counted Princess Orzel among that family as well. Many people tended to forget just how difficult a job the Princesses held, and for a time perhaps he had been among those people. Every problem in the world landed squarely on his Aunts' to resolve, from treaty negotiations to piracy crises. Unlike Blueblood, Celestia and Luna lived countless lifetimes, each minute spent more or less doing that under appreciated toil of good governance. Princess Orzel, as a Drake, would likewise outlive him and everyone else in that room...

How many sleepless nights would she endure, how many future crises would she face that Blueblood would never live to see? Truth be told, despite his earlier thoughts, Blueblood hadn't spoken with Princess Orzel enough to know her personally. Over the course of several nightly Royal Family dinners to which he'd been invited, the Prince observed his new cousin to be quiet, introspective, and a tad impulsive... From the discussions he'd overheard on the matter of ESS Sokol, he also gathered that Orzel held a very 'pro-military' and 'pro-Equestria' stance. While at the moment Blueblood wouldn't be the first in line to swear fealty to her, due to her youth and inexperience, he got the sense that Orzel would one day bear her mantle with integrity and determination enough to last a thousand life times, just as Luna and Celestia had done. That was more than could be said for Olympus or some of the other people in the room.

"The Princesses will look out for Equestria's future, as they always have, and as they always will..." Blueblood stated with a bit more resolve than he'd expected, his lips curling down into a frown. The idea of turning on his family sickened him, and as it stood, he could afford to allow his temper to flare for a moment or two. "If you are so keen on challenging the rule of the Crown, perhaps you should still consider a run for public office?" Blueblood leaned forward, grasping Olympus by his lapels and staring malevolently into the magnate's soul.

"Assuming you run on a platform of deriding myself and my family you had best hope you win resoundingly, because if you don't?" Blueblood shook his head, his voice as cold as ice. "There won't be a country on this planet where you'll be free to do business. By the time I'm through with your company, people will think that SAI is some sort of a social disease, and you won't be worth a plug nickle." The Princes flashed a predatory grin, chuckling faintly. "Remember, Olly... This is me we're talking about. If there's one thing I stick to, it's threats." The man smoothed Solare's lapels, then straightened his tie. "So try to cheer up, mate. Tonight's supposed to be a happy occasion!" With a playful pat on the man's cheek, Blueblood left the sputtering Olympus in his wake, standing and making his way towards the buffet table.

He conjured a brief flare of magic to clear his head, while the spell was intended to be used in the event of poisoning, it served just as well to help clear up his state of modest intoxication. Stopping beside the buffet table, he gathered a plate for himself and gradually began to examine the various offered meals. Most were the standard 'Fancy Party' fare, chicken, steak, a few pasta dishes. Some were obviously the doing of Princess Celestia, most notably the large cake at the end of the desert table. There was also an assortment of Thestral cuisine, obviously Luna's favorites, and lastly a few fish dishes that had a distinct draconic flare to them. They were in and of themselves also incredibly different from any other draconic meals he'd had before... According to the caterer, one of the few people that Blueblood actually considered a friend, those particular recipes were lifted from some ancient 'Kwarczkie' text. It was obvious whom Celestia ordered those dishes for.

Ultimately Blueblood came to the conclusion that he wasn't hungry yet, so he set the plate back with an eye towards taking a stroll through the Castle gardens. The night was still young, Princess Luna had yet to arrive, and he was hoping to at least make some progress in restoring his tarnished honor. On his way to the doors he gradually heard the gentle waltz from the orchestra subside, though the chatting party goers didn't seem to notice at first. That short lived calm was abruptly shattered by a resounding salute of heralding trumpets, echoing triumphantly from the passage to the Castle gardens. All eyes turned to face the source of the noise, and now that he was at the front of a small group of people he could see it clearly.

Princess Luna and Princess Orzel had just entered the room, flanked on either side by men in Lunar Marine dress uniforms, as well as a small cadre of heralds standing off near the bandstand. The bodyguards were behemoths of a sort Blueblood wouldn't have thought possible, eclipsing even the amazonian Princess Luna in height. With snarling stoney faces that could've been lifted from a pair of gargoyles, the strange soldiers stood resolutely behind the two Princesses, looking ahead with eyes that burned as hotly as the dawn. Blueblood's sight was then drawn to the crown resting atop his younger cousin's head, he couldn't help pondering wordlessly what the Black Crown Party would do upon seeing that. They were Pro-Luna, but were they Pro-Orzel as well? There were too many variables, and this was no time to contemplate them all.

"Presenting Her Royal Majesty, Princess Luna and Her Royal Highness, Crown-Princess Orzel!" Boomed the voice of one of the heralds, nodding his head towards the band. The group started playing at first what sounded like 'Faust Save the Queen', and Blueblood was briefly confused by the choice of song. Equestria officially never actually had a Queen, the song having been written to try and pressure Celestia into taking the title, so why would it be played for Luna's entry? Quiet murmurs went up through the crowd as the Sailors and Lunar Marines in attendance snapped a sharp salute. They were followed, almost reluctantly, by the representatives of Equestria's Army.

The rest of the crowd broke out into cheering ovation, similar to that which had reigned when Celestia first opened the night's ceremonies. Blueblood's eyes roved over the cheering faces, many of the loudest voices surrounded him. Their clothing varied from dresses, suits, tuxedos, and military uniforms, but all bore a single common denominator, a small lapel pin. Unsurprisingly, the pin took the shape of a crown, made from some form of black glass or enameled metal. He hadn't noticed them until that point, primarily because he'd been wallowing in his own self pity. To Blueblood's shock, it was more than just thestrals wearing the pins, but Pegasi, Earth-Walkers, and Spell-Casters alike. It gave him pause, perhaps the Noble Party's estimates of Black Crown appeal were drastically understated...

The ovation gradually faded as Princess Luna made her way through the crowd, occasionally stopping to speak with someone or shake a hand. Orzel likewise was moving along, occasionally speaking up, but only when addressed directly. Blueblood couldn't hear what they were saying over the din of excitement, even as the party began to return to normal, their voices were drowned out by resuming music and chatter. The Prince concluded that approaching them would hurt their already tenuous image, so he opted to leave his Aunt and Cousin alone for the time being... Tucking his hands into his pockets, the suave nobleman made his way out into the castle garden. If he was lucky enough, maybe he'd be able to see the Royal Rose Garden before the bushes lost the last of their pedals...

Cadence sat in silent fascination, absorbing the party atmosphere, watching with occasional interest as dignitaries of varying degrees of note came into view. The gown she'd chosen was flowing and simple, with a color not dissimilar to that of a tangerine. Her hair was done a bit more lavishly, the typical blonde strands being accentuated by pink highlights. With her locks coiffed and feathered just so, Cadence was certain there would be no one present that could ignore her radiant appearance. She only cared to draw the eye of one man, however. The dashingly handsome Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard. Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle's brother, a powerfully built man with the overall attitude of a marshmallow.

It had been with great reluctance that Cadence accepted the invitation to the Grand Galloping Gala. She'd never done so before, but this year was different. As with so many of the faces she saw milling about the room now, she was there only because the typical crowd of politicians found itself essentially barred from the ages old celebration. That alone made going a far more tempting prospect, but what finally convinced her to attend this year was the news that her dear friend Twilight Sparkle would also be present, as would the aforementioned Captain Shining Armor. Theirs was a romance fraught with difficulty and peril, mostly brought on because the two of them currently lived so very far away from one another.

It all started when Twilight was just starting to grow out of the need for a babysitter, and continued as both Cadence and Shining Armor's lives developed of their own accord. Cadence had accepted the ascension to the role of Princess, and Shining Armor found himself accepted to the Royal Military Academy. From there, Cadence was temporarily detached to the West Coast, working with the mayors of Applewood and Las Pegasus to solve a housing crisis. Their romance would've ended then, if not for the determination of both parties involved, and no matter the distance Cadence always felt the presence of her dearly loved knight. This evening would mark the first time they'd see of one another in over a year... Double that time for Twilight Sparkle. The young woman in question sat currently across from Cadence, grinning broadly enough that her smile could serve as a runway at Neighless Army Air Corps Base.

"You know your face will stick like that?" Cadence's voice held a faux-chiding tone as she adjusted the placement of the crown atop her head. Twilight simply smiled wider, apparently undeterred. She was a joy to have cared for all those years ago, even being wound considerably tighter than her brother. Nonetheless, Twilight was blossoming into a fine young woman, and it was Cadence's fondest hope that someday the unshakable scholar would wear a crown of her own... She already did, technically, as the bearer of the Element of Magic. For now, however, she could see a mix of wonder and curiosity present in those young staring eyes. "I think you'll explode if you keep your questions to yourself any longer, so go ahead and ask."

"How are things in Las Pegasus? Have you made any progress with the construction spells I developed? Do you need any more, I can make more, I just need more time, you know?" Twilight blurted excitedly all at once, Cadence had to suppress a chuckle as the questions poured forth. "Do you know when you might be finished? When you'll come back? I've missed you, I think Princess Celestia misses you to, and Shining... For some reason... Isn't that strange? Not that you aren't worth missing!" The girl hadn't taken a single breath in the entire time she was speaking, so Cadence gently raised a hand of caution.

"Let's take it one at a time, okay?" Cadence evenly offered, to which Twilight paused and nodded. She was fidgeting in her seat still, and Cadence suspected a jackhammer would've bounced up and down less. After a few more moments the girl took a breath and started to relax. Seeing that her companion wasn't about to keel over, thankfully, Cadence continued. "Las Pegasus is fine, we're wrapping up construction on the latest development. Your spells were remarkably helpful, if a tad complicated..." Twilight visibly deflated at the last part. "A few tweaks had them running perfectly, you should be pleased." Her friend perked almost entirely back to her previous self, albeit a bit sheepishly. Likely she realized just how excited she appeared, as Twilight took on a more reserved posture. "Don't worry, just a few more weeks and I should be set to come back. For good, this time. We'll have a lot of catching up to do."

"Definitely." Twilight's smile returned, once again it seemed the studious young woman was irrepressible. Cadence couldn't help still seeing her as a girl, but as with so many things, times had changed. Shining Armor appeared through the crowd, smiling that big goofy grin of his as he carried several plates of steaming food from the buffet. He was quick about setting them down in front of everyone, adjusting his uniform afterwards. "Hey, did you hear Cadence is going to be back in a few weeks?" Blurted Twilight.

"Really?" Shining asked with an audible hint of hopefulness, just subtle enough that Twilight didn't notice. Cadence gave the man a friendly nod as he took a seat beside her, picking up his fork and taking a bite from his plate. From the looks of things he'd gone for his usual selection at such functions, steak and potatoes. He had placed before Twilight a burger with fries, which Cadence knew to be a special order on the request of Princess Celestia. Cadence, meanwhile, was pleased to see Shining hadn't forgotten her own preferences. Just a light salad, nothing too fancy... Shining's voice pulled the Princess back into the moment, cheerful and optimistic as always. "That's great news! There's been a lot of changes lately, but this is one of the good ones."

"Well, I'm glad you think so." Cadence smiled knowingly, looking about the room at the various party guests. A pair of Lunar Marine Officers walked past, apparently sipping champagne. Shining's comment about change took on a new light when she spotted the pins on their lapels, and in a moment her eyes shifted back to Twilight. "Speaking of change, Luna adopted a daughter? I mean, I know what the newspapers are saying, but I haven't had time to really meet her in person." Twilight nodded after taking a bite from her burger. Wiping her lips with a provided napkin, she swallowed the morsel before speaking.

"Princess Orzel, yes. I met her when she first arrived, but I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to see her since." Twilight admitted, Cadence detected a sudden thoughtfulness to the woman. "When I did meet her it was right after she arrived, and she wasn't in the best of places mentally speaking. Celestia says she's doing better, and I hope that's true..." Twilight trailed off as the music was suddenly replaced by the heralding thrum of trumpets.

Shining Armor abruptly stood to attention, as did several other officers seated nearby. Cadence and Twilight rose as well as the sound of 'Thestralmarsch' wafted through the ballroom. To someone without an extensive ear for music, it might've been confused for 'Faust Save the Queen' at first, but Cadence was nothing if not musically inclined. Looking towards the garden entrance, Cadence easily spotted her Aunt Luna. The enigmatic Princess Orzel was no where to be seen, despite her arrival being announced with that of Luna's.

Gradually the crowd began to disperse, and with that the trio returned to their seats. Cadence's eyes remained set on Luna, wondering if perhaps her daughter had refused to come. After a few more moments, however, she came to the realization that Princess Orzel was indeed present. The diminutive form was previously hidden by the standing crowd, and now making her way along a row of dignitaries. She had that same stony face expected of Aunt Luna, but Cadence was fairly good at reading body language... Mentally speaking, her new cousin was in a very defensive and uncomfortable posture. Turning back to Shining and Twilight, Cadence silently gestured at the distant form with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, that's her." Shining Armor confirmed as he cut into his steak, his eyes more focused on his plate than the distant Princess. Cadence wasn't able to discern what the man was thinking, a rare occurrence, but not unheard of. He didn't seem overly enthused by their current conversation, though Cadence supposed that might've been more on account of Princess Luna. Cadence inwardly sighed, there were many still wary in the wake of Nightmare Moon's return... She personally hadn't met this 'Princess Orzel' yet, but Cadence doubted she could be lumped in with the likes of Nightmare Moon. "I haven't really met her." Shining conceded. "I know she borrows things without asking, that's about it. She spends most of her time with Princess Luna, or by herself. Now, with Bill Two-Fifty, it makes me wonder just what she's being taught." He further added with restrained distaste, more or less confirming Cadence's worries.

"After reading some of the stuff they've said about her, I'm sure you'd want to stay out of the public eye if you were her." The Princess countered, stabbing into her salad with a fork. Shining raised an eyebrow at the apparent disagreement, though he didn't seem angry. "Don't forget, Princess Luna isn't the same person as Nightmare Moon. I'll admit, from our brief interactions she can be a tad intense, but you can't deny there's more to her than that." Shining Armor appeared to consider her words, as if somehow trying to concoct a retort. "Also remember, putting forward Bill Two-Fifty was Celestia's idea, not Luna's."

"Be that as it may, the timing of this 'Black Crown' Party forming is a bit suspicious." Shining finally responded, taking another bite of his dinner. "Equestria's been doing fine for the past thousand years, then all of a sudden some alien girl just shows up, gets made Heir to the Obsidian Throne, and now these people coincidentally decide they want a change that'd give the Obsidian Throne more power?"

Once again Cadence could understand the man's concerns, she herself was uneasy with how quickly the new Party was taking shape. The fact that they made use of a lot of Thestral imagery, imagery associated with the Nightmare War, didn't particularly help. The positions of the Black Crown were likewise unsettling, generally advocating for what they called a 'Firm Hand' approach to foreign policy. Their primary beliefs seemed to lie with the individual, calling for an end to what they deemed 'governmental overgrowth' and 'obstructive bureaucracy'. In that sense, Cadence supposed she agreed, though not so much with the Firm Hand aspect. Yet before she could form her own rebuttal, it seemed Twilight was already set on her own.

"Not really..." Twilight started, setting her burger back on its plate. "Statistically speaking, I'm surprised another party hadn't formed sooner. The Noble Party is popular in Canterlot and other big cities, but certainly not universally." She shrugged and leaned back in her seat, looking thoughtfully at another pair of people bearing the ubiquitous Black Crown lapel pins. "If it wasn't the Black Crowns, it could just as well have been some other group capitalizing on the opportunity." The young woman picked up one of her fries and dipped it in a small puddle of ketchup at the edge of her plate.

"As for why they picked now? I suspect it's because there weren't any other options before. Luna's only been back a short time, and now she's the only Princess that has a chosen successor." The woman explained evenly. "The balance of power has, in some people's minds, shifted to a point favoring the Obsidian Throne. Bear in mind, I don't necessarily agree with that position, but given Celestia's uninterrupted reign of over a thousand years...?" Twilight trailed off. "I don't think their desire for change is necessarily an extreme position."

"I suppose..." Shining conceded, looking thoughtfully at his potatoes, as if thinking hard enough would somehow transform them into something else. Cadence had a good read on what was likely going through his head in that instant. Twilight was one of the most Pro-Celestia people Shining knew, so if she was saying the Black Crowns weren't a big issue, who was Shining to disagree? Cadence could still detect a faint lingering sense of uncertainty, but she wasn't expecting a miracle. Sensing the two siblings were going to spring into a tangent, the Princess tentatively tuned them out, pondering her own position...

Princess Luna's resurgent popularity wasn't a total surprise, Cadence had foreseen it happening sooner rather than later. That it came with the addition of Luna's daughter hadn't been part of the equation, but Cadence suspected the girl's mistreatment at the hands of the Noble Party and the press was what acted as the catalyst. She'd seen a great deal of disdain for the Nobles among rural farmers while dealing with the Las Pegasus housing crisis, a disdain the Nobles more than reciprocated... She was sure many people still felt hesitant about Princess Luna's reformation, but their dislike for the Noble Party outweighed that fear...

Watching the young Princess Orzel now speaking with Twilight's young ward Spike, Cadence got a sense from Orzel that there was quite a lot on the girl's mind. She didn't know her well enough to make any distinct conclusions, especially considering the girl displayed all the emotional range of a block of wood. In that respect, Luna and Celestia were excellent teachers. They were additionally good teachers when it came to diplomacy and decorum, as well as the rules for ruling and all the details of government... Still, Cadence had a feeling the finer points of actually living life, things like 'fun' and 'friendship' and 'risk', were falling on deaf ears.

The Princessly stoicism was already something the girl was evidently in the process of mastering, undoubtedly at a cost of her social life... Orzel probably needed a friend, a friend closer to her own age, lest she lose touch with a good portion of Equestria's citizenry. With Twilight and Spike both off in Ponyville, and Orzel unwilling to leave the Castle at present, Cadence considered herself the best candidate. She was in her late twenties, hardly a teenager, but far closer in approximation to Orzel than either Luna or Celestia. It would need to wait until she returned from Applewood and Las Pegasus at the very least, barring any sudden changes in her travel plans.

Watching her cousin studiously, it was obvious to Cadence that the girl was hiding a great deal from the world. Cadence wasn't entirely sure what was being hidden as of yet, but as Princess of Love she'd always been rather decent at sensing the hidden emotions of those around her, even those emotions hidden from the very people feeling them. Cadence resolved to herself that sooner or later she'd find out what lurked beneath the still water expression Orzel displayed. For now, she would much rather spend the rest of her night speaking with those she cared about, so that was precisely what she did...

Orzel briefly glanced at the floor, half expecting to spot her recently arrived familiar, but just as abruptly as it appeared so too had the mouse vanished. The creature disappeared not long before Luna and Orzel entered the Castle, though Luna assured the girl it would turn up again when it wanted to. Although they appeared in animal form, a familiar was actually a sort of 'spirit'... Orzel didn't really care for that term, primarily because it was imprecise, though the fact that it was a reminder of her ongoing crisis of faith certainly didn't help matters.

Regardless of what they actually were, familiars were generally smarter and possessed a higher level of 'consciousness' than the animal they portrayed themselves as. Orzel suspected, therefore, that the mouse, whom she'd dubbed 'Midnight' on account of its' almost pitch black coloration, disappeared of its own accord simply to avoid being seen by the various party goers. While it posed no threat to humans, it was likely most people weren't expecting to see a mouse freely roaming about the Grand Galloping Gala.

Despite the abrupt entry into her life, Orzel found herself becoming more fond of the enigmatic creature, even if she'd only actually seen it for less than half an hour. Undoubtedly that was another difference between a 'pet' and a 'familiar', their ability to bond with their masters even when not in sight. There was another word the Princess wasn't overly fond of, 'Master', as it implied that the relationship between mage and familiar was one of dominance and subservience. Familiars existed to help their mage with their studies in the arcane, anything else they did beyond that was their own business. A more apt description would be 'assistant' or, to some lesser extent, 'colleague'.

For the moment, however, there were larger concerns than the proper terminology to use when discussing familiars. The heralds had just announced their arrival, and as per usual both Grim and Fable materialized seemingly from out of the aether behind them. This time the two silent sentinels wore their dress uniforms, and Orzel had to admit they fit the party's aesthetic far better than the typical black suits. From the looks of the blue fabric, their frock coats were some sort of wool, with gold epaulets that dangled from their shoulders and shiny brass buttons. The cuffs and collar were the color of ripened cranberries, marked with golden braids to denote each man's rank in the Lunar Marines. This was her first time witnessing the uniform, and she was surprised to see that it included a golden sash, styled much like her own... A purely unintentional coincidence.

She briefly caught sight of the men removing their trademarked sunglasses, which the towering figures quietly tucked into their pockets. It must've been unbearably hot for them, and the rest of the Lunar Marines present, though likely more so for Grim and Fable given the prodigious amount of fabric needed to make uniforms of such size. Unlike the other members of the Lunar Corps, the two men additionally wore a pair of black helmets with a golden point at its crest and a white crescent at its front... Pickelhaubes, that was their name, at least if Orzel correctly recalled the history of the Thestral Imperium. Sweat beaded on the two men's foreheads, their now exposed slitted Thestral eyes glaring out across the sea of faces in search of any possible threat while the two Princesses advanced through the crowd. Meanwhile, a small corridor through the crowd opened to allow the pair passage through the eager throngs.

Already people were returning to their previous revelry, yet there were still those that came to approach the Princesses. Generally they wore formal clothing, gowns and tuxedos mostly, though there were some people that were adorned in drastically different fashion. Some wore uniforms unlike the familiar dress of the Equestrian military, which she assumed to mean these were likely foreign dignitaries of some kind. Some had wings like those of Luna and Celestia, others were more stoic in appearance. One group of men was absolutely massive, towering as tall as Grim and Fable, with deeply tanned skin. The head of this congregation wore an odd sort of headdress, and stood with an expression Orzel could best describe as 'wizened patience'.

Moving down the line of dignitaries, Luna shook the hands of numerous Equestrian minsters and officers. One man, an Admiral by the look of his navy blue uniform and gold piping, seemed particularly talkative. In addition to numerous medals and ribbons pinned to his chest, Orzel caught sight of a single black insignia pinned to his lapel. It was difficult to make out at first, at least until Orzel readjusted her spectacles. A pin shaped like a crown awaited her wandering eye, it was then that she realized a good number of those lining up to meet Princess Luna had them. They seemed just as pleased to see Orzel, a strange sensation given how she'd assumed she would be received. Orzel understood from personal experience that the rest of Equestria didn't give the tabloids much credence, but Canterlot was still... Well... Canterlot. The greetings went on and on until finally Luna and Orzel arrived at the first dignitary, the rest of the crowd gradually melting back into the party after having had their chance to meet the Royals.

"Ambassador Strong Back..." Luna said, nodding her head towards the man. He was brawny, albeit slightly on the short side, though still taller than Orzel. To her surprise, the man had a pair of short horns growing from the sides of his head. At first she'd assumed they were some sort of ornamental head ware, but it was clear now that they were, in fact, a part of this 'Ambassador Strong Back'. The girl did her best not to stare, but somewhere deep in the recesses of her mind she was struck by a sensation of primal fear... The Vindictan scrolls told of creatures with horns such as that, horrible creatures of the underworld, responsible for the destruction of miners that delved too deeply or those foolish enough to explore caves alone. Surely, this couldn't be one of the same creatures... Surely. "I trust your new embassy is coming along smoothly?" Luna continued, oblivious to her daughter's silent concern.

"It is indeed, your highness. Thank you for asking." The Ambassador responded cordially, in a refined voice belied by his outward combative appearance. He was likely in his mid-fifties, judging by the graying brown hair on his head and in the thick goatee on his chin. "Once again, the Minotaur Republic thanks you greatly for accepting our request. Moving towards a more inclusive society has proved challenging, I am glad we have Equestria to call upon in times of uncertainty." Luna smiled faintly while Orzel, as usual, remained silent. So this was a Minotaur...? She'd expected the head of a bull, that was how they'd been described in Szafiria, at least he didn't appear to be one of the dreaded 'under dwellers'. "I am pleased as well to see you, Princess Orzel. The topic of your ascension has been discussed at great length within my nation's administration."

"Thank you, Ambassador. I hope those discussions have been primarily positive." Orzel responded in Equestrian, taking on the cordial tone of Luna. Her voice still carried the thick Szafirian accent, something she could see caused the Ambassador a brief moment of confusion as he deciphered her sentence word by word. It took only a moment or two, and while it may not have frustrated Strong Back, it nonetheless stung Orzel's pride. For all the progress she thought she'd made, she still spoke with the voice of an outsider. "I look forward to learning more about your nation and its history, there is much about the world I have yet to explore in depth."

"Ours is a proud and honorable past, best told through story and song." Strong Back explained wistfully, smiling while tucking a hand into the pocket of his brown tunic-like shirt. "I hope you will find it as entertaining as you do informative." Orzel nodded, returning the smile with a simple bow of her head.

With that the Ambassador excused himself, and together both Luna and Orzel moved to the next delegation. Most had similar comments to make of Princess Luna, greeting her with the respect due her title and character. Some were foreign diplomats from far off lands, others came from territories that were a part of Equestria, yet functioned as more or less autonomous regions. The man in the odd headdress for instance, Chief Thunderhooves, was the ruler of a tribe of natives near the Equestrian frontier town of Appleloosa. A recent territorial dispute had placed the tribe at odds with the town, which resulted in a small skirmish between the two. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured or killed, save a few unfortunate pastries. The dispute was ended peacefully with the aid of Twilight Sparkle and her companions.

The incident and its ultimate outcome had forced Orzel rethink a great many things about diplomacy both locally and abroad, and she'd come to the conclusion that her original solution probably wouldn't have worked. Where Twilight Sparkle apparently sought to reach some common ground, Orzel's first instinct would've been to deploy the Army and force both sides to the table. In hindsight that would've just added more fuel to the fire, to say nothing of the negative press it'd generate. It was a policy typically enacted by the Emperor, whenever one of Szafiria's holdings got out of hand.

Her thoughts moderated as she and Mother made their way along the line, until finally they arrived at the last group awaiting Luna's presence. The men of the group stood with remarkable rigidity, each eying both Princesses with a hawkish gaze. Two of them, obviously soldiers, were dressed in dark greenish-gray tunics and jodhpurs. Both men wore shiny black knee boots, their chests decorated with ribbons and medals galore. They were far more vibrant and colorful than those on the breasts of Lunar Marines, and oddly matched the feathery wings protruding from their backs. Shining sabre scabbards sat ready on black leather waist belts, glittering in the light of the chandeliers overhead. One of them, obviously the superior, wore a golden monocle in his right eye.

Orzel suddenly felt her heart pounding once more with primal fear, madly trying to burst out of her chest, whilst a high pitched ring flooded her ears. For those few moments, just an instant, she was overcome by a sensation of purest terror. In that fleeting second she was certain two agents of the MIS had finally come for her, that the entire ordeal she'd suffered through was some sort of twisted means of driving her mad... Despite the calm she projected, the girl nonetheless trembled, rooted to that spot until such time as she caught sight of the other delegates.

Standing at the head of the two frightening officers, a pair of similarly hawkish people waited with a much friendlier appearance. One was an older gentleman, like the officers he stood tall and stern, dressed in a variation of a tuxedo that somehow seemed more... Restrained than one of Equestrian make. A red ribbon around the collar terminated above his sternum with a metal pendant of sorts, likely steel, depicting a talon clutching a scroll. Beside him, dressed in a mustard colored gown, was a woman around his age and height, though she seemed far more relaxed. The man was brooding, with angular features and a powerfully cut jaw. The woman, by contrast, had a rounder, almost cherubic face, and lips that curled up into an amiable smile. Each had impressive wings, colored mostly in earth tones. All, as Orzel had come to expect, towered over her diminutive stature...

They had to be the Griffon delegation, both by appearance and process of elimination. The uniforms of their accompanying guards, for example, were similar to those MIS and the Szafirian Empire in general for good reason. The land known as the modern day Griffon Empire was at one time under joint Thestral-Draconic rule, only becoming an independent state at the conclusion of the Nightmare War and a subsequent 'Separatist War'. It made sense, at least by Orzel's estimation, that they would retain some semblance of what were known in Equestria as 'Draconic aesthetics', though obviously with their own flare. As avians they reveled in bright colors, hence the wide array present throughout their collective attire.

Realizing that Luna was speaking to the group of dignitaries, Orzel set aside her thoughts on the finer points of history and placed herself back into the moment. Her instant of fear was all but completely gone now, and she suspected it would soon be little more than a faded memory, if that.

"Ambassador and Lady Flaumfeder, I hope you have been enjoying the evening. Please forgive the wait, there was a matter of protocol that needed tending to." Luna explained evenly, clasping her hands together at her waist while the Ambassador snapped his feet together and nodded, the brooding look giving way to a smile.

Orzel's attention was drawn more to the two soldiers guarding the ambassadorial couple, both of whom were staring at her with strange intensity. While the Ambassador seemed politely friendly, the Princess was getting the distinct impression that she wasn't exactly wanted there. Why were his guards staring at her so intently, if not attempting to intimidate her? Given their uniforms, it wasn't so much an 'attempt' as she might've preferred to admit. Still maintaining an outward appearance of stoicism, Orzel was internally preparing for whatever might happen next. She didn't fear a physical attack, Grim and Fable could easily protect her, no... Her fears arose more from what might be brought up in 'casual' conversation. Details about ESS Sokol perhaps? Maybe they'd idly broach the topic of the Castle's defenses?

"Of course, your highness. We were not put out in the slightest, your sister is a most gracious host." Ambassador Flaumfeder responded in slightly accented Equestrian, his posture relaxing as he gestured to the two Griffon officers. "May I introduce Major Klippenschaber and Oberleutnant Braun of the esteemed Griffon Armed Forces." Both men snapped their heels together and gave disquietingly sharp salutes before returning to their previous silent stance. "You know my wife Harrier." At least Orzel knew what to call them now...

"Very good to see you all, as always. Please, allow me to introduce my daughter, Orzel..." Luna responded, looking briefly over at her daughter with a somewhat expectant expression. It was likely she picked up on the young Princess's internal defensive posture, if not the cause, giving a warm smile as if to reassure her that everything was going to be okay. Orzel wasn't quite sure what method her Mother used to divine such things, perhaps the girl just wasn't as good at hiding her inner feelings as she thought she was. Regardless of reassurance, Orzel still eyed the guards with suspicion and lingering dread.

"Ja, we have heard much about her." Harrier responded, the smile not once leaving her lips. Orzel had heard that line nearly a dozen times in the past half hour, but no matter how many times it came up she still couldn't help feeling some level of unease. "I was particularly fond of your first address." She added, looking at the girl directly. "A lot of talk of swords and shields, not words I am accustomed to hearing from Equestria."

These weren't just average citizens, they weren't even National Councilors, they were high ranking government officials from entirely different countries. She knew with fair certainty that the Equestrian government kept dossiers on all of them, and the idea that they held a similar file relating to her was... Unsettling. They could never hope to compare to the insidious auspices of the MIS, which was rumored to have as many as one agent for every one-hundred citizens, not including informants and unofficial operatives... The girl inwardly shook her head, she was safe here, the MIS couldn't hurt her... She was in control, she was safe.

"Thank you, Lady Flaumfeder." Orzel nodded gratefully, forcing herself to maintain her poise, even as she contemplated just what angle the Ambassador would pursue. "As many are fond of pointing out, I am not a typical Equestrian. My thoughts on the importance of national defense are likewise atypical." The girl stated simply. "I am unfortunately at a disadvantage, I have heard few addresses but those of my Aunt and Mother, are there any from the Griffon Empire you would recommend?" Harrier smiled and briefly glanced at her husband, the Ambassador in turn stood confidently.

"I would recommend the speech given by Emperor Grover the First on the day of his coronation." Offered the Ambassador, apparently pleased with the opportunity to enlighten the Princess. "If at all possible, read it in the original Griffish. Something is lost in the translation." Orzel nodded quietly, mentally taking note of the Ambassador's advice. She'd have to finish learning to speak Draconic first, but Griffish would likely come after. "If it wouldn't be too much of an issue, there are a few matters my wife and I would like to discuss with you, Princess Luna."

"I do not see why not, Mister Ambassador..." Luna nodded with a more professional posture, her eyes once again falling on Orzel. After a few moments of what appeared to be uncertain contemplation, her Mother pointed to a face in the crowd, the only person who still seemed to be lingering nearby. "Orzel, that is the young man I told you of earlier, could I impress upon you to introduce yourself while the Ambassador and I attend to our discussion? Please, try to keep an open mind..."

Orzel knew she didn't have much choice in the matter, Luna wanted her to 'make friends', even if she had to be figuratively dragged kicking and screaming into doing so. She didn't know the first thing about talking to someone her own age, let alone doing so without divulging any secrets. As Luna was so fond of doing, however, Orzel was being tossed into the deep end... All that remained was to sink or swim. At least it would give her a chance to get away from the soldiers that loomed at the edges of Orzel's fear.

"Of course, Mother." Responded Orzel as the internal battle raged between panic, paranoia, and annoyance. Nothing was going to get done properly if that kept up, and so with a great amount of effort Orzel closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath.

Once again, allowing herself to spiral out of control would do nothing to help her, in this instance it actually might make her appear weak. The worry and paranoid speculation found itself washed away by a surge of cold resolve. The weight of the crown upon her forehead made itself known once again, and in that moment she knew what had to be done. She would chat with her guest, she would be an excellent hostess, and she would 'make friends' as best she could... She would not allow herself to become the cause of some embarrassing incident by having a panic attack in front of a room filled with visiting diplomats. These thoughts, and the ultimate decision that followed, transpired in but a few moments time...

"If you would please follow me?" Luna offered, gesturing to an open table a couple yards away. The Ambassador and his wife gladly followed her, accompanied by the two Griffon officers. Grim and Fable distanced themselves, but remained just close enough.

Straightening her gown and clearing her throat, Orzel walked with eminent poise towards the lingering Drake. As with nearly everyone she'd ever met upon her arrival to Equestria, he was considerably taller than her. She had to remind herself that being short wasn't necessarily a bad thing, as shorter people tended to live longer, more healthy lives than their taller counterparts. It was all about perspective, she just had to keep looking on the upside...

Unintended wordplay aside, there was more to this 'Spike' fellow than just his lofty six and a half foot frame. He appeared fairly muscular, more so than other Equestrians, though he stood with a nervous slouch. Upon noting her approach, however, Mister Spike apparently shook himself free of his nervousness, though when he smiled it remained clear just how on edge he must've been. He was remarkably handsome, with soulful eyes, a chiseled jaw, and an overall air of debonair urbanity. Like many others he wore a tuxedo, though his crew cut vibrant green hair, ruffled shirt, and bright red bow tie certainly helped him to stand out among the crowd.

In all honesty, Mister Spike reminded the Princess of a midshipman named 'Bazyli', one the members of her Father's crew that was periodically invited to her family's estate for dinner and drinks with the Admiralty. Likely the person whom Orzel would have been betrothed to, in retrospect... A prospect she wouldn't have been all that averse to prior to her coming to Equestria. He'd been a kind soul, someone who genuinely seemed to like her, despite her various shortcomings.

That Luna had instructed her to make friends with Spike, coupled with his hauntingly familiar appearance, gave her a brief jolt of panic that this was merely the prelude to some sort of plot for an arranged marriage... It rapidly vanished, as Orzel trusted wholeheartedly that her Mother would never do such a thing. She just wanted her daughter to meet a stranger, a ruggedly handsome stranger, on her own, at a high profile social function... In the Empire, such a thing would surely breed rumors enough to fill volumes. As she'd needed to remind herself so many times tonight, this wasn't the Empire... Even so, the Princess suddenly felt very ill. Now it was her heartbeat that flooded her ears, her palms grew clammy, and her legs felt as if they'd been turned to noodles... She was upon Mister Spike before she could veer off to try and withdraw to make another strategy, there was nothing else to do but maintain her facade and remain calm.

There were many things Spike would never admit to, or at least things he wouldn't admit to more than once. He was just as much a patriotic Equestrian as the next guy, but there were plenty of times when he wished he could spend time among his own kind. Celestia's request that he come and meet Princess Orzel therefore came as a very welcome surprise, especially considering that Princess was a dragon like him. He'd taken as many steps as he could think of to make himself as presentable as possible, even going so far as to consult Applejack's brother Big Mac for pointers... The monosyllabic farmer was a font of wisdom as it pertained to women, even going so far as to provide the nervous dragon with a bottle of Bay Rum aftershave, which apparently was quite popular...

The heralding trumpets of the Princess arrival also heralded the demise of any cohesive strategy he might've formed in his head, because no amount of preparing could overcome the frantic nervousness that welled from within. He was going to meet not only a Princess, but a Crown-Princess... What if he said something wrong? What if she sent him to the dungeon, or worse, banished him, or even worse... Sent him to a dungeon in the place she banished him? These thoughts were quickly subdued, thankfully... He'd been through plenty of situations that were far more precarious than this... He'd gone up against Diamond Dogs to save Rarity, or at least, he would've if Rarity hadn't actually saved herself... Compared to that, meeting the girl that would one day rule Equestria would be a cakewalk, right? Right...?

So there he stood in the crowd, watching as Princess Luna entered, waiting to get his first glimpse of the one they called 'Orzel'. He didn't know much about her, outside of what he'd heard from Twilight... There was plenty of gossip going around Ponyville, of course. What he'd heard painted her as fairly brutish in appearance, and equally so in personality. According to the loose lips around town, the new Princess was a warmonger, out to undermine Equestria and turn it over to the Dragonlands. Ever since the arrival of Ponyville's Zebrican apothecary, thankfully, Spike put far less stock into such rumors. Though Spike knew the rumors were likely wrong on some level, he was also aware that sometimes rumors had a habit of being partially true. Then he laid eyes on Princess Orzel for the first time, and any preconceived notion of what she might've looked like was completely obliterated from his mind.

That the band chose to play 'Faust save the Queen' was certainly appropriate, for she was... Regal. Perhaps most Equestrians just couldn't appreciate the differences between their standards of beauty and those of dragons, or maybe they feared those differences? Regardless of whether or not she was the only other dragon he'd ever seen in person, Spike knew that by all metrics of draconic beauty, Crown-Princess Orzel was a knockout. While definitely a tad short, she asserted a physical presence that could rival that of her adoptive Mother's. Whatever she lacked in stature, she made up for by projecting an almost imperceptible aura of arcane energy. Her physical strength was likewise visible, and it left no doubts as to nobility of her draconic lineage.

The girl carried herself with all the dignity and nobility of Princess Luna, and was the very embodiment of the stoicism that seemed a hallmark to the Equestrian Royal Family. On and on she went, displaying barely any hint of emotion as she met with the various waiting dignitaries, each pause bringing her one step closer to him. Spike's throat suddenly felt very dry, his palms clammy, his heart beat faster and faster in his chest for the moment to finally draw near. The Princess stopped to briefly speak with the Griffon delegation, and then, just like that, she was walking towards him.

"Don't screw it up, Spike... You can do this..." Spike muttered to himself, doing his best to project an image of cool confidence, just as Big Macintosh instructed. It wasn't easy, considering the two walking mountains that loomed distinctly behind Orzel.

Thankfully it seemed her bodyguards weren't closing on him, not directly at any rate. Only as the Princess drew within a few feet of him did he realize that she was more than a tad short, as she seemed to come up several inches short of his shoulder. It'd probably be best if he didn't mention that observation, on second thought... Her wide almond shaped eyes looked at him, concealing all but the faintest glimmer of suspicion in their hauntingly beautiful cerulean glow.

"Um... Hello, your Highness." Spike inwardly cringed as the Princess offered him her hand, out of instinct and without thinking he accepted it by bowing his head and kissing one of her knuckles. The Princess didn't seem enthused at the greeting, but she didn't withdraw her hand until he'd released it either. "Sorry..." Spike added, straightening and taking note of the girl's granite expression.

"There is no need to apologize." The Princess responded in an almost monotone, clasping her hands behind her back. Spike had to take only the briefest moment to ensure he'd heard her correctly, as her accent was considerable. He possessed at least a basic understanding of a few Draconic phrases, and that helped remarkably well, but it would take a little time for him to fully decipher what she was saying in real time. "I was not aware such customs were still practiced by Equestrians..." There wasn't any hint of embarrassment in her monotone, but despite her outward lacking emotion Spike suspected she was flustered by something. "Though I must inform you that typically, among my people, it is reserved for those that are married or otherwise betrothed." Spike's cheeks flushed a deep red at that revelation, and while mortified, he at least didn't think the Princess was angry with him. Once again, it was hard to tell. "You are Mister Spike, yes?" Spike nodded, tugging slightly at his collar. "I assume I need not introduce myself."

"No, your Majesty, I mean your Highness, I mean..." Spike bit his lower lip for a moment, then looked frantically about the room. He was sweating far more now than before, and it seemed the Princess was noticing as she apparently sniffed the air. "I've got to say, I'm a tad nervous..." Princess Orzel merely stared at him, then looked off to the side, as if searching the crowd for something or someone. It was next to impossible to get a read on what she might've been thinking or feeling, but Spike suspected he should've put on extra deodorant before the gala. Way to go...

"The feeling is mutual..." The Princess offered with only the faintest hint of upward inflection, standing with remarkably rigid posture. "I believe you may have over indulged on cologne." Spike breathed an audible sigh of relief at her observation, as that was a far better alternative to his previous concern. "I believe my Father wore something similar. It is not altogether unpleasant, mind you... " Once again, it was next to impossible to tell if the Princess was being truthful or not about her last statement. "I must admit, I am unsure of where to go from here... This is my first time attending such a function." Spike smiled encouragingly, rubbing at the back of his neck to hide his continued inner anxiety.

"Yeah, I'm not so sure what to do myself." He admitted, looking about the room of ongoing festivities once more. "Want to sit down? Get something to eat?" Princess Orzel barely nodded, and just like that the pair was off, making their way towards a small table at the edge of the room, among the tables where the other Princesses were seated. So far things could've been a lot worse, and despite what Spike saw as a rocky start he was feeling confident that he could establish a rapport with his future sovereign. To his surprise, it was the Princess that withdrew a seat for him at the table. "Uh... Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?" The girl looked at the chair for a moment, then back at him, placing her hands on her hips.

"Yes? No? Maybe..." Princess Orzel mumbled something in what sounded like Draconic, though Spike could make neither heads nor tails of it. The Princess was obviously thinking aloud to herself, in an odd dialect no less. After a few moments she returned to Equestrian, this time her accent was a tad more difficult to understand. "Where I am from, it is expected of the homeowner to seat their guests. While I do not 'own' the Castle, it is nonetheless my home... Obviously I cannot do so for everyone, but... Would you prefer I did not do so for you?" Spike hummed thoughtfully, rubbing at his chin and feeling just the faintest remnants of stubble, thankfully too faint to be visible at present. He could understand the custom, in theory, but it just didn't sit right with his own idea of how one should act towards royalty.

"Please, allow me..." Spike offered, gesturing to the seat. The Princess simply nodded, then quietly thanked him while gracefully seating herself, at which point the boy slid the chair in. She daintily rested a hand on the table, the other idly adjusting her crown, otherwise she maintained that continuing air of cold distance. Spike took that moment to look around the rest of the party, noting that Princess Luna was currently seated with the Griffon delegates. Despite her unheard ongoing conversation, the woman was nonetheless staring at him with unnerving intensity... As if trying to will his head to explode. With that comforting image in mind, Spike nervously gulped and looked at Princess Orzel. "I'm going to the buffet, if you don't mind. Is there anything you'd like, your Highness?"

"Yes..." The Princess began, only to trail off and look briefly into space, mumbling once again in her native language with evident concentration. A few moments passed before she abruptly snapped her fingers, apparently having figured something out. "Okoń smażony. The closest Equestrian translation is 'fried perch'? I am told it is available tonight." Spike nodded dutifully, committing the translation at least to memory for the moment. "Thank you, Mister Spike."

"Not a problem, happy to help!" Spike agreed, tucking his hands into his pockets before quickly making his way to the buffet table. It was difficult not to feel Princess Luna's eyes still following him, as every time he looked over his shoulder he found the woman glaring daggers into him. That was increasingly unnerving, considering the woman's previous vocation as a would-be despot, but Spike wasn't about to be dissuaded from his evening with the Princess... He quickly acquired the 'fried perch', heavily salted and apparently fried in vinegar of all things. For himself he took a plate of spaghetti with a nice thick red sauce, something he hoped would help him come off as classy.

In a matter of minutes he'd returned to the table, and thereupon placed the plate of perch before the patient Princess, before ultimately taking a seat across from her with his own meal... To his surprise, Princess Orzel was staring at his plate, only to avert her gaze towards him, no... She was peering through him rather than at him. It was a sort of stare he wouldn't have expected of a Princess, like she was looking at something a thousand yards distant. Spike quickly examined the spaghetti, fearing that perhaps there was something nasty on his plate, but he found nothing but the coiling noodles and crimson tomato sauce. It actually looked exceptionally tasty, in point of fact. For a few moments, Spike watched the girl rub her hands together, as if washing them... Abruptly the Princess shook her head, clenching her eyes for a few moments before regaining her focus.

"I am sorry, I was just... Remembering something. It is of little consequence to our conversation." Princess Orzel hurriedly explained as she picked up her fork and knife, cutting a small piece of her friend perch. Spike could only tell she was shaken judging by the fact that her hands faintly trembled as she brought the first morsel to her lips, otherwise she'd manifested that impenetrable mask of stoicism he was so rapidly coming to know. "I know you are a Drake, but that is all. Tell me more." Deducing that he wouldn't get an explanation even if he asked, and not wanting to linger on whatever had given the Princess pause, Spike carried on.

"Well, I work with Twilight..." The boy began, only to stop for a moment. "You know Twilight, right?" Spike asked, and the Princess nodded in the affirmative. "Anyway, I work with Twilight at the Ponyville Library. Honestly, she does most of the 'library' stuff, except when she's off fighting bad guys and saving the day." The Princess raised an eyebrow at that... Well, raised wasn't entirely accurate... It was so faint that it just as well could've been a muscle spasm. Spike suspected it was the closest he'd get to look of evident interest... Of course she'd be more intrigued by Twilight's exploits than his own, though Spike had a few stories he could on tell to win back her attention should things take a turn.

"You work in a library?" The Princess's question caught him completely off guard, though thankfully it seemed Spike hadn't lost her attention after all. He'd been expecting some request for elaboration on the 'bad guys', but Spike was nothing if not resourceful. "I can only imagine how wonderful a job that must be. I would not mind working in a library as you do." She added simply, Spike's heart sank slightly as he realized that Princess Orzel's interests likely wouldn't align with his at all... She'd be better off making friends with Twilight. Then again, Spike was also friends with Twilight, so why not the Princess as well? That tracked... Didn't it? "What of these 'bad guys'? Do you fight them as well?" Spike proudly puffed his chest out at the question, finally a chance to impress her!

"Heck yeah I do!" He declared proudly, bringing a hand to his chest. "One time my friend Rarity and I were looking for gems outside of Ponyville..." And so Spike went on to recount the story of how he and his friends faced a group of Diamond Dogs, though he may or may not have inadvertently exaggerated a few parts, it was more or less told just how it happened.

Occasionally the Princess would stop him to ask a question or two, or he himself would pause to eat some of his dinner, but otherwise the story carried on uninterrupted. He made exceptionally sure not to leave out the part where he bravely and heroically charged into the underground caves. The Princess just stared at him the entire time, practically never blinking... Had she not been breathing he might've thought her a corpse. Nonetheless she at least seemed to be listening with undivided attention, even leaning almost imperceptibly closer to hear him better.

"Of course... Rarity already managed to free herself by annoying her captors before I got there, but still... It's the thought that counts." Spike couldn't help but smile as the Princess giggled, or maybe it was just a cough? As with so many other of her mannerisms, she was almost mechanically restrained. Despite her coldness and nearly monotonous manner of speaking, Spike knew instinctively that there was more than met the eye... More than any Equestrian could fully grasp. In fact, he knew better than anyone in the room just what that mask of stoicism concealed. He hid the very same thing...

It took a great deal of practice to pull off in front of his Equestrian friends, but his 'feelings' were far different from theirs. Every emotion was stronger, more potent, harder to control. Anger burned so intensely it made his actual body temperature rise, sadness made life a gut wrenching affair, and the less he said about anxiety the better... He'd had all his life to learn how to keep those feelings safely under lock and key, to appear to others as normal, so as not to alarm his friends with an outburst that would be atypical of the average Equestrian. They wouldn't understand if he 'blew his top', or worse... They would. They would see him for what he was, a wolf pretending to be a sheep. They'd shun him... Fear him... Maybe even attack him...? There was that anxiety again. Thankfully, with his practiced self control, he was able to banish the thoughts before they grew too bothersome.

The boy knew according to what he'd heard from Twilight that Princess Orzel didn't have the luxury of a lifetime spent controlling her emotions, and yet so much more was demanded of her than of him. A Princess could not afford to allow her subjects to see unbridled emotion, after all... Perhaps that was why she chose to show no emotion whatsoever. Rather than dial back her emotions, she concealed them altogether. As he'd observed her up close, however, occasionally one could see faint glimmers of what was going on in her mind. Just by looking in her eyes, Spike could sense the depths of Princess Orzel's feelings, feelings that only he could truly comprehend... Perhaps that was the reason Princess Celestia invited him to begin with?

"Anyway... We've talked about me, tell me about you." Requested Spike, now looking at his empty plate. She too had finished her meal some time ago, though the party was still ongoing and the smell of the buffet still lingered in the air. The Princess perked up at that, leaning back in her seat and folding her hands in her lap.

"What is there to tell that you cannot find out by perusing any of Equestria's newsstands?" She stated flatly, in what Spike realized was her version of sarcasm. "If you believe them, most of my time is spent plotting the downfall of Equestrian civilization, kidnapping children, eating beloved family pets, and looking bad while doing it..." The Princess gave the barest of sighs. "In truth, I spend my days researching topics I assume most would find boring, or being tutored by my Mother." She continued without inflection, looking around the ongoing party. "At present, I would rather be studying in my tower. Not that I do not enjoy your company, but for reasons that should be obvious, I prefer not to interact with the people of Canterlot." Spike raised an eyebrow... "Do you not read newspapers? Surely you have seen the interesting fictions they have conjured regarding my nefarious aims to take over the world?" She added contemptuously, the only time thus far that Spike heard distinct emotion in her voice, and even that was fleeting.

"No... I don't put much stock in that stuff." Spike admitted with a shrug, hoping to assure her, or at least spare himself from the volcanic fury he suspected was boiling deep below that calm surface. "I read comic books and adventure stories mostly, though lately I've also been kinda interested in fantasy novels... Newspapers are more Twilight's thing." The boy further clarified, though once again he couldn't tell if his words had any effect... He'd likely need to try a new approach. "I know Twilight thinks the papers said some mean things, but..." Spike shook his head, speaking with honest bewilderment. "It's just so weird to me... That people would say stuff like that? I know you're new to Equestria, but the people who say that stuff don't speak for everyone. My friends certainly don't feel that way about you."

Then again, he didn't have many friends in Ponyville... Or even in Canterlot for that matter. He was friends with Twilight's friends of course, but so far he only counted Big Macintosh as a 'standalone' friend... Everyone else in town was polite and courteous, but... More acquaintances than anything. Likely only because he went out of his way to conceal the true depths of his feelings, so as to protect himself from the judgment of his 'fellow' Equestrians. It certainly made sense in hindsight...

Why did Ponyville so readily fear the apothecary Zecora upon her first arrival to town, if not for the simple fact that she was different. Spike had known nothing but the kindness and open-heartedness of Equestrians for all his life, but... Was it genuine across the board for most Equestrians. He didn't need to read the newspapers to know that the Princess wasn't quite so lucky.

"I believe that says more about the quality of your friends than it does the entirety of our country, Mister Spike." The Princess stated evenly, once again she paused to look about the ongoing gala. With a sigh of concession, she rubbed at the bridge of her nose. Adjusting her rather thick glasses, the Princess neatly placed her hands on the table. "I am inclined to believe that you are correct in your belief that the tabloids do not speak for the majority of Equestrians..." The Princess's looked Spike dead in the eyes. "Were you to read them, I wonder, would they speak for you?" Though her words lacked emotion, the sentence nonetheless impacted Spike with ice cold intensity... Assuring him that anything but the honest truth, even if he supported the papers, would end their conversation then and there.

"No, your Highness." He stated honestly, and the Princess saw fit to reward him with the faintest whisper of a ghost of a hint of a smile, which evaporated just as quickly as it'd arrived.

"I thought as much, but I wanted to be certain." Princess Orzel gave only a slight nod, returning her hands to her lap. "It seems to me that you are an honest young man, Mister Spike. I have only one more question before we continue our conversation in earnest..." Spike leaned back in his seat, waiting patiently for the girl to speak. "What are your intentions for me?" The boy's jaw slackened, his eyes going wide, his face as pale as fresh fallen snow. He hadn't expected her to just come out and ask him what his 'intentions' were... While certainly he found the Princess to be attractive, he still harbored a deep sense of loyalty and affection for Rarity, even if perhaps she didn't see him as he wanted her to. "I clarify..." The girl added. "What interest do you have in making my acquaintance? Do you seek access to my power? Are you a spy seeking information perhaps? Or is it as my Mother and Aunt Celestia say, that you truly desire to be my friend?"

Spike's thoughts came to a screeching halt... Of course that's what she meant! The boy stared at her, gaping like a fresh caught fish. Again her words were monotone, but her eyes conveyed a deadly seriousness. She'd believed him to be 'honest', and now she expected his answer to be equally so. The thought of gaining access to the powers of a Princess hadn't once crossed Spike's mind, nor had any notion of seeking to steal information like a spy... In a world where she felt every person she came into contact with likely hated her, Spike was starting to understand the bluntness and coldness with which he'd been received. It was different now, however slightly. Now she was presenting him a choice, lowering her defenses just slightly, perhaps even allowing him a glimpse of the vulnerable girl beneath the mask. He would not squander it.

"I have no intention of taking advantage of your power, your Highness." Spike's words were somber and sincere, as if spoken by some ancient knight of yore. In truth, he was taking inspiration from the various sessions of Ogres and Oubliettes he'd played throughout his time in Ponyville. Not the best place to draw from, but he'd take what he could get. "I will admit that I am certain your friendship might grant me access to certain boons, but these are not what I seek, nor would I ever dream of acting against you as a spy. You are my Sovereign, and I seek only your friendship, that I might better serve you, our nation, and the Crown..." He bowed his head. "On this you have my word of honor."

Princess Orzel stared at him for what felt like an eternity, and Spike worried if perhaps he'd laid it on too thick? He meant every word, of course, but he feared that his statement might've been a tad too... Intense. Few Equestrians spoke in such ways anymore... Then again, Princess Orzel certainly had an oddly verbose manner of speaking. Moreover, she hailed from another world where, if Twilight was to be believed, the era of swords and warrior codes was still very much alive.

"Very well..." The Princess declared in that simple monotone. "You understand why I must ask." She stated more than asked, Spike nodded his understanding. "You mentioned an interest in fantasy novels... Do you have any opinion on the work of Statesman?" The boy paused for a moment, pondering the name... He'd read a few pages of a book entitled 'Empire', which was more a compilation of novellas than a real novel, cataloging the rise of the eponymous Empire and following its development well into the future. Statesman seemed more interested in exploring the politics of a fantasy world than the world itself, and while that was fine for some, it wasn't so much for Spike...

"I admit I'm not that big of a fan. What I've read of his work can be a little, I dunno... Dry?" Spike stated honestly, half expecting the Princess to narrow her eyes or offer some sort of rebuttal, but she just stared at him. "It's also kinda hard to follow along, since it was written so long ago, y'know? I have to look up half the words he uses to understand what he's saying." Again the Princess's face remained blank.

"I was just beginning to like you... Now you must be executed. A pity..." The girl's blunt seriousness once again took Spike off guard, as his face went exceptionally pale and his eyes widened in their sockets. Then, just as before, he saw a faint quirking upwards of the girl's lips, accompanied by that hauntingly subdued short tittering laugh... "I am joking, of course." Spike laughed as well, exhaling a sigh of relief. Apparently the Princess's sense of humor tended towards the dry and dark. "I admit, Statesman's work is an acquired taste, and I would not recommend reading his entire library of works in one sitting..." As with so many other things about the Princess, it was difficult for Spike to tell, but she seemed... Relaxed. Or, at the very least, she wasn't sitting quite as rigidly as before. "Lately I have been quite intrigued by science-fiction of a more modern vintage. Have you read the 'EG-1' series of short stories?"

"As a matter of fact I have!" Spike agreed, smiling widely. The series in question followed a group of elite soldiers in the Army Air Corps, working in a secret underground facility, who would pass through a giant magic mirror, that would take them to other magic mirrors on different worlds. There they'd fight aliens, monsters, alien monsters, and so on... "I hear they're planning on making it into a radio series, though... I wonder how it'll be received. Most people I know don't like science fiction, and it's not like a facility that big could actually exist... A mirror that could allow someone to pass from one world to another also seems kinda far fetched." The Princess hummed thoughtfully, bringing a hand to her chin. "What... There's no actual secret underground facilities or mirror portals, right?"

"I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of such things..." The Princess once again spoke with a tone that Spike was gradually beginning to realize was 'joking'. "I can only hope that if it is made into a radio play, the network gives it the respect it is due, and does not cancel it prematurely..." She trailed off, once again looking around at the party carrying on around them. "I find am enjoying this conversation, Mister Spike." Then, for the briefest of moments, he saw her actually smile. "I believe this is the beginning of a meaningful relationship..."

To say the last few weeks had been difficult would be a vast understatement, but the ongoing crisis once again hardly registered in the mind of Princess Celestia. Seated as she was now, it looked to all as if she was completely oblivious to what was happening around her. The country was split between adulation and outrage, Pro-Black Crown supporters were coming out of the woodwork, and how did she respond? By sipping daintily from a small glass of iced tea, without any apparent care or concern. In truth, the burgeoning Black Crown Party wasn't an entirely welcome surprise, she'd hoped to refrain from further polarization, but she couldn't afford to show any concern now. To do so would give the impression that the Black Crowns were a problem, that they should be feared, an enemy to be destroyed, which would only feed the Noble Party sentiment and sew further division.

Instead, she sat at her table with two people wearing the feared 'Black Crown' pins at one side and two wearing the familiar eight pointed sun of the Noble Party on the other. Partly because she enjoyed the company the quartet provided, but more importantly to begin normalizing the new faction in the public eye. Regardless of party affiliation, they were all still Equestrians here, no need to become concerned or combative. Field Marshal Arcturus and Councilman Cold Front of Cloudsdale were the representatives of the Black Crown Party, currently engaged in an amiable discussion with Field Marshal Redwood and Mayor Mare of Ponyville. The topic of discussion seemed to be the upcoming conclusion of the Baseball season, as the first game of the Global Series was set to begin in a week or so.

In addition to the representatives of the two parties, a fifth man was present as well. He wore a suit likely purchased off the rack, which barely contained his muscular Earth Walker physique. Two soulful eyes of jade glanced about the table behind a pair of steel rimmed glasses, and powerful calloused hands rested evenly upon the tablecloth. Celestia would've recognized him from that alone, but the turquoise clasp of his bolo tie and the simple white star lapel pin made clear to even the most casual observers as to just who this man was. Senior Councilman Spindletop, the political architect that had managed to somehow convince enough delegates to vote on and pass Bill 250. Usually the Gala was attended by one of his aides, as he had publicly explained he didn't like spending taxpayer money to fund the celebration, even if it often served as a state function for the various visiting diplomats. Given the night's historic nature, however, this time he had opted to appear in person.

He sat closest to Princess Celestia, his plate cleared of his meal, his features locked into a thoughtful frown. Celestia knew that didn't necessarily indicate any sort of annoyance on his part, it was just his resting expression. Spindletop had notably abstained from the discussion of the Global Series, and that proved a much better means of registering his mood. The Senior Councilman's much beloved Lone Star Roughnecks were going to the Series against their longtime rivals, the Applewood Wildfires... That the man hadn't so much as mentioned either team was disquieting, especially seeing as Field Marshal Redwood was an outspoken Wildfires fan. So Celestia paid little mind to the discussion of starting pitchers and pinch hitters, instead lacing her fingers together and leaning closer to the Senior Councilman. That drew the man's attention, and so he arched one of his bushy caterpillar-esque eyebrows.

"What seems to be on your mind, Councilman?" Celestia asked quietly, so as to not disrupt the other conversation. Spindletop regarded her with brief curiosity, ultimately biting his lower lip and clearing his throat. The woman was surprised once again, as the ever talkative Councilman ignored a perfectly good opportunity to start listing grievance after grievance. Opting to use that observation to her advantage, Celestia prodded further. "Come now, Spindle... We've known each other far too long, there's obviously something you aren't saying."

"I've been ruminating on a few things..." The man stated cryptically, glancing at the other members of their table. Verifying they were indeed still enamored with their own discussion, he cast his eyes back to Celestia and continued. She'd been in the game of politics for a long time, and the expression spreading over Spindletop's face told her this was likely not going to be a casual conversation on the finer points of Equestria's Pastime. Given just how monumental a favor she'd asked in getting Bill 250 passed, it was no wonder the time had come to pay the piper. "I'm gettin' long in the tooth, y'know? Not a helluva lot of years left as a public servant." Celestia nodded wordlessly, watching the man lace his fingers together. "Once Two-Fifty goes through, I'm thinkin' of hanging up my hat, goin' back South to live out my twilight years under the big Lone Star sky."

"Your service would certainly be missed..." Celestia's tone was genuine, but despite his spry appearance, the Princess knew just how many years the man had given to his country. He'd started out in the Equestrian Army, and from there he'd jumped right into politics. First as a mayor, then a Provincial Councilor, up to the National Council, and the coveted position of Senior Councilman. "I take it there's something you would like to ask me?" Spindletop grinned wryly.

"Forgot you ain't one to mince words..." The Senior Councilman said with a dry chuckle, his eyes roved over the four others at the table, still caught up in their discussion of Baseball. "It's tradition that longest serving member of the National Council becomes Senior Councilor, but it ain't written in law." Celestia nodded in agreement, though she didn't like where this was going. Equestria's legislative body had already been shaken up by the passage of 250, she doubted its remaining members would take kindly to another departure from the norm. "The next most senior to me is that jackass Neighsay. Man's about as lovable as a cactus patch, ain't a member of the Party, but he's a Noble through and through."

"I recall..." The Princess stated evenly, looking at the table. Neighsay was the Chancellor of the Equestrian Education Association, and as Celestia recalled, one of those few Non-Aligned Council members that had been involved in the 'Conduct Edicts' and 'Decency Demands' imposed upon her niece. While she didn't share Spindletop's dim view of the Chancellor, Celestia could certainly see the concern with giving him such a powerful position as Senior Councilman. Oddly enough, the Princess believed that Neighsay's desire to alter Orzel's behavior came from a genuine place of concern. He was a stickler for protocols and appearances, everything had to be just so, or as close to perfect as possible. Celestia also knew, despite his best efforts to remain impartial, Neighsay had a considerable bias against anyone that wasn't a Spell-Caster, doubly so for Non-Equestrians...

"I believe there is a way I can spin it so that his not being appointed will not cause to much of an upset." Celestia concluded, much to the apparent relief of her aged companion. "As Chancellor of the EEA, he would have a conflict of interest whenever a matter of Educational funding or other similar concern came up. Furthermore, someone in the Noble Party taking the most powerful position in the Council would go a long way to smooth some ruffled feathers, though obviously someone we can trust to do the right thing." The grin that spread over Spindletop's face was gap-toothed and lopsided, but nonetheless a look of genuine pleasure. "Councilor Fancy Pants will make a far better choice, don't you think?"

"He may wear the Sun-" Spindletop agreed, gesturing to the sun pin on the lapels of their two guests. "-but he's about as straight a shooter I ever seen in this town... Other than myself, of course. Damn near the only one to vote against them damn demands." The Senior Councilman nodded approvingly, reclining in his seat and stretching. Celestia heard a series of loud crackling pops, and when next the man relaxed she was surprised to see an honest to goodness grin across his face. "Yup, I'd say he'll do a fine job. Glad that's taken care of, now, if you'll excuse a change in subject." Without missing a beat, the man turned to Field Marshal Redwood and pointed a beefy calloused finger at him. "Now y'all listen here, ain't no way Fireball hits as well as he did in the playoffs! You and I both know the poor fool done tweaked his shoulder, how you Wildfires 'spect to win without a decent shortstop? Roughneck's got the series in the bag!"

Celestia was unable to suppress an amused giggle, genuine admiration spreading across her features. The Senior Councilman was nearly a century old, yet somehow he'd managed not only to hold a conversation about his successor, but also keep track of a second conversation about the odds of his beloved Roughnecks winning the Global Series. Watching as he and Field Marshal Redwood got into a heated debate about which team had the better starting pitcher, Celestia was struck by a sobering reality... There had been similar moments throughout the centuries she'd been alive, and each time the realization was as heart wrenching as the last.

It had to do with Spindletop, Redwood, Mayor Mare, Arcturus... Indeed just about everyone standing in the room with her that didn't wear a Crown. Looking about the room, she couldn't keep from imagining hourglasses above their heads, some with more sand left than others. Celestia's smile became notably brittle and forced, eventually slipping to one of melancholic acceptance. Sooner or later, Spindletop and the others would pass on... Just as so many of her friends and companions throughout the ages. Eventually, their faces and laughter would fade in her memory as gradually they were replaced, and the cycle of loss would continue onwards ad infinitum. The Grand Galloping Gala served just as much as a celebration as it did a sort of snapshot, which she would file away in a mental photo album for later reflection.

Orzel and Luna had arrived an hour and a half or so ago, and though they entered with much fanfare, Celestia paid them little mind until that moment. Passing her gaze over the bustling crowd, she spotted Luna speaking with the Griffon Ambassador and his wife, Orzel meanwhile conversed with Spike... The girl looked about as happy as she'd allow herself to show. Luna was well aware of the impermanence of those in the room, undoubtedly she would come to the same realization that Celestia reached in time. Orzel, on the other hand, had yet to face that reality. As a Drake, her lifespan eclipsed all but those of Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Spike... That alone would have been disheartening, but as she shared an Arcane Signature almost identical to Luna's, it was likely even the most liberal estimation of a draconic lifespan would be woefully inaccurate. It became impossible for Celestia to maintain her smile then...

Her niece had already lost so many people, but those deaths were mercifully swift in the grand scheme of things. How would the young Princess handle the deaths that came with the passage of time, watching her friends and confidants age around her while she remained forever young, powerless to stop the ravages of time? Celestia could only hope that realization struck when Orzel was older and more at peace with herself... For if it came so soon after her Mother's death...?

Celestia shuddered to imagine what frightful damage the revelation would inflict upon her Niece's recovering mental health. Luna's warning, that Orzel nearly went unknowingly into an Elemental Transformation, still lingered at the fringes of Celestia's mind. The odds were that now it wasn't so much a matter of if, but rather when, the next change would commence. A sort of 'biological countdown' had commenced on the unseen teenaged time bomb... Thankfully, the Draconic Institute's reports on a 'treatment' for such an eventuality were promising. It was another reason Celestia invited Spike, why she hoped their friendship took root... In case a time came where she'd need someone honorable to lean on, someone that could understand how she felt in a way neither she, nor Luna, nor Cadence ever could...

Ah, Cadence... She too had yet to fully comprehend the enormity of the eternity that lay ahead of her, Celestia could see the way her own adopted niece looked at Captain Shining Armor. It was the primary reason above all others Celestia never took a husband, as she couldn't bare the thought of witnessing someone she loved age into frailty. Better to remain warm but distant than to allow the heartache to consume her. Perhaps, ironically, that had been her reason all those years ago for not standing up for Luna's relationship with Observos. To spare Luna the pain that came with the inevitable. Her sister barely survived the loss of their parents, and Celestia had worried that losing Observos would send Luna over the edge. In a way, Celestia supposed that was exactly what happened.

That realization made her decision to back Luna this time seem all the more proper. There were foes that she'd created inadvertently by doing something, but how many enemies had she allowed to arise through inaction? Could she even guess at such a figure? Did it really even matter? No... Looking back to those speaking at her table, Celestia did her best to appear upbeat. This was what mattered. Treasuring the time she had left with these good people, making every moment count. They were her friends, and she wouldn't waste another second of the precious time she had left with them worrying about their inevitable departure from the mortal coil...

Almost complete silence permeated the darkened office of Director Aquila, broken only by the sound of a grainy phonograph. The song was mournful and restrained, a recording of a Thestral funeral march... Soft enough in volume that no one passing in the hallway outside the unassuming wooden door would suspect the office was occupied. Seated in near complete blackness, illuminated only by the faintly glowing ember of his cigarette, the Director surveyed the latest progress report from Project Tartarus. With the combined aid of his Thestral night vision and a few other 'tricks' he'd picked up over the years, the ember was enough to read by, if only barely. The words upon the page hadn't changed since the man first received the file half an hour before, and no amount of hoping would change them now.

The arcane radiation given off by Discord's statue had increased beyond even the most liberal of safety levels, but that wasn't as much a problem as it was before. The Containment Vessel was thankfully completed just that afternoon, and assuming radiation levels remained constant, it would be more than thick enough to provide adequate shielding. It would also theoretically afford them at least an hour or two of time before Discord could escape the thick enchanted wolfram-arcanium alloy. The Director couldn't really imagine just how many tax dollars each panel of the material cost the Equestrian taxpayers, probably more than the average Equestrian made in their entire lifetime, enough to put a considerable dent in even the blankest of checks.

Budgetary issues aside, however, what the increased radiation signified most prevalently in his mind was that the inevitable had come at last. Discord would escape his granite confinement within the next three days, and there was nothing more Aquila or anyone else could do about it. Taking a slow drag on his cigarette, the Director quietly flipped through the report to the picture of the statue at its front.

The twisted visage of a creature composed of different monstrous beings stared back at him, frozen in its eerie pose of triumphant arrogance. Exhaling a small cloud of smoke, Aquila's ever present stoic scowl gave way to a much more emotional frown. He'd had a thousand years to prepare, and squandered most of it on other less important matters... They might have seemed a better use of resources in the moment, but each delay that seemed so insignificant at the time had all come back in force. They were out of time. He was out of time...

The ember of the cigarette had crept to Aquila's fingers, briefly burning him, before being abruptly snuffed out in a glass ashtray beside the dossier. Drawing a fresh cigarette from his suit, the room was briefly bathed in the dull orange light of the flip lighter. In the coiling smoke and oppressive gloom, Aquila's eyes focused on the fluttering flame held within his grasp. His frown deepened with a hefty sigh, stirring the smoke further. He abruptly snuffed out the flame without hesitation, and the implication of what such an act might represent lingered mournfully in his mind. Taking a drag on the newly lit cigarette, Aquila's eyes returned to the photo of Discord. Closing his eyes, he recalled the first time he had seen that frightful form...

The Nocturne Agency was making steady progress towards the discovery of an infiltrator from a long forgotten faction, just one of the many that sought to compromise Equestria's stability in its infancy. Observos the Watchful was paying particular attention to the Tribal Council, as he suspected one or all of its members to be involved. In typical Council fashion, they were less than pleased to hear of the investigation... Observos defiantly refused to back down, and Aquila knew that the council would retaliate swiftly. That retaliation arrived less than a week later, when the Council ruled against Observos' and Princess Luna's relationship. The only way to circumvent that ruling would be if Observos became a Prince... The only way to do that, at least in that era, was to create 'new magic'.

Observos took the news quite poorly, swearing the Director to secrecy on just what had brought the Council to make its decision. He had equally been sworn not to divulge the nature of what Observos was planning, no matter what. The investigation continued, and it was revealed that almost the entire Council was in on the plot. Arresting them would have amounted to nothing except the shattering of the fragile peace that unified Equestria as a whole. No, they needed to be dealt with more directly. That, however, was Aquila's burden to bear... Nothing some properly placed gunpowder and a sufficiently overcharged Arcanium crystal couldn't solve. All the while, Observos toiled away in his tower, pouring over tomes from all across the known world for the knowledge of an age long past. He would bring about the council's demanded 'new magic', even if it killed him...

Aquila humorlessly chuckled at that, he should have seen it coming. For months his friend piled up spell book after spell book, consulting wizards and sorcerers of all types, even those they'd helped to imprison. Aquila was powerless to help or stop the man, there were far too many threats demanding his immediate attention. He'd assumed Observos was still in his right mind, that he wouldn't attempt something foolish without first consulting Luna or Aquila. The Director had drastically underestimated just to what lengths Observos would go in order to ensure that he and his beloved Luna could be together. The devotion the lovestruck mage showed to the Princess rivaled the Director's own, perhaps even surpassing it, as Aquila harbored no romantic feelings for her.

Such a desire time and again proved the downfall of many mages they'd met in battle. Fear, anger, passion... They were powerful motivators, the sort that drove men to madness. Observos had been fighting rogue spellcasters for so long, he hadn't taken care to ensure he didn't become one himself. It all came to a head on an otherwise pleasant evening, that was when the first signs of trouble took shape. Clouds of cotton candy, that poured dairy products across the land, and other strange happenings. Aquila assumed it to be the work of drunken pegasi at first, or some practical joke on the part of Princess Celestia...

Then Observos burst into the Director's office, his clothing disheveled, his hair unkempt. Aquila got the distinct impression Observos hadn't slept in days, possibly even longer if the mage used magic stimulants. Then he'd noticed the whites of his friend's eyes were turning a distinct shade of yellow, the irises flashing between their familiar shade and a sinister red. He was fighting something, something immeasurably powerful and beyond anything either had faced before. Observos then cried out in pain, staggering towards the desk, the realization of what he had done evident across his features.

In those fleeting moments he remained in control, he once again swore Aquila to secrecy, and to look out for Princess Luna in his stead. There were many events that could have been avoided if Aquila hadn't taken that oath... The Nightmare War, first and foremost. His honor demanded his silence, and that honor cost him his peace of mind. In an instant, his foolish friend and confidant was gone, replaced by that foul creature that now mocked him in photographic form. The events that followed became known as the Chaos Crisis.

Heeding his compatriot's final request, and indeed the request of Princess Luna herself, Aquila had used his own brand of magic to alter certain details of the Royal Sisters' memories... Not only to spare Luna the grief and shame, but to preserve the honor of a man that gave the best parts of himself to what he'd deemed a noble cause, a cause for which he was rewarded with only more hardship. His lifetime of honorable deeds were what deserved to be remembered, not his one final mistake, and Aquila took great pains to ensure that history reflected that. Within the next two days, if the various deities that Aquila once worshiped had any mercy within them, the demon known as Discord would be separated from his long lost friend once and for all.

The truth would become clear then, and Aquila was certain it would come at heavy cost to himself... As if the existing cost hadn't been large enough. He would atone for his sins, no matter the price. Taking another drag on his cigarette, Aquila reached across his desk to the red telephone that sat beside his typically used black one. Raising the phone to his ear, he cleared his throat and dialed. A few moments passed with the quiet hum of the call buzzing through, abruptly broken by a woman's voice on the other end.

"This is Director Aquila..." Aquila began, glancing down at the photograph one final time. "Inform the Princesses we have a Priority Threat at Neighless, estimate containment failure within the next seventy two hours." A small cloud of smoke exited his nose as the voice on the other end of the line repeated what he'd said for verification. "That's right... Collect the Element Bearers as well, they should all be at the Castle..." There were a few other questions.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better, the initial containment breach will send ripples across the world, nothing for it but to be prepared. Ensure weather teams remain well clear of any anomalous clouds." Aquila paused as the final question came through the line. "Celestia says we can trust them to keep quiet, but the pink haired one's come up on a few watch lists. Have a Memory Redaction Chamber standing by, I'm sure Princess Luna can whip up a convincing scenario to account for the lost time. We'll need to send remote teams to Redact the memories of those they regularly contact, do so as passively as possible, leave no trace... Better to be safe than sorry." There was a note of finality to his words. "Enjoy the rest of your evening." With that, Aquila placed the phone back in its receiver and withdrew a legal pad from his desk. Clicking a pen and clearing his throat, he quietly set to composing his letter of resignation...