Trial and error, a lesson you’ve engraved into your mind ever since you found yourself tossed into a world full of ponies and heaven knows what else. Only a week has passed, but to you, it feels like a year. You were trapped inside of a dungeon due to spreading mass panic throughout the land since you were considered a threat to them. The first few days were a pain since you had nothing to do besides count the tiles on the floor. But eventually, the time for judgment has come.

"Rise, creature, it's time to face the music." A deep, masculine voice echoes throughout your cell.

You awaken to see a black coated unicorn guard plated in gold armor and a matching gold helmet glaring at you through the bars of your cell. Appearance wise, he seems to be calmer than all of the other ponies you’ve met thus far.

"Get to it! "You've got a busy day ahead of you, now eat up and make yourself somewhat presentable for the princesses."

"Fine, but why don't you seem to be afraid of me? Every other pony I've met so far has fainted or screamed bloody murder."

"At least let me introduce myself before I answer that. My name is Astral Nova. I've been working here as a guard for about two years now and have grown so used to these spontaneous events happening that it just doesn’t phase me anymore."

You take a moment to ponder on what he meant by "spontaneous events", but decide to tell him your name to give him a better impression of yourself.

"And to answer your question, it’s because I’ve got a feeling you won't try anything. Just looking at you reminds me of myself. A simple pony trying to live a simple life."

You sigh and give a weak smile before responding. "Sure, if your definition of a simple life is being thrown into a world full of ponies and putting you into a dungeon, at least I know some level-headed people out there."

"You're right about that kid, but it seems like that should be the least of your worries for now. Sure, I might understand you, but that doesn't mean the princesses will. Now clean yourself up; it's almost time for your trial."

After washing your face and trying to make yourself look at least decent, you walk towards the door of the cell where the Astral was waiting to escort you to the trial.

The walk was short but interesting. To say the least, the architecture of the palace alone sends shivers down your spine. Gold and red ribbons cascaded down the smooth marble columns that supported the building. Even the floor impressed you, being so clean that your reflection was clear. You think to yourself, whoever keeps this place clean deserves the raise of a lifetime.

As you are still in awe of the scenery around you, Astral coughs, grabbing your attention. The massive gold and white door before you reminds you that this might be the end of your life as you know it. Goosebumps slowly rise on your arm as you approach the door while Astral prepares to open it.

The doors open to a long red carpet leading to a short incline leading up to the thrones of the diarchy of Equestria. Guards are posted alongside each pillar in the room, attentively observing your movements as you make your approach. Ponies of various shapes and sizes are whispering amongst themselves, some eyeing you with malicious intent while the others hide, scared of what you may be.

You take a moment to admire the stained glass windows in the room depicting different moments of history and pause when you see an oddly shaped creature that looked like a child had just jumbled things together on a dragon's body and called it a toy. It made you think that you were no longer at home, but somewhere your life could be easily taken from you if anyone deemed you a threat.

While your mind is cluttered with all the thoughts going in and out of it, Astral nudges you with his hoof, snapping you out of your trance. There before you were the princesses, the beings that you assume that the ponies all around you worship as god-like deities.

"I am Princess Celestia, and to my right is my dear younger sister, Princess Luna. Please tell me your name, what you are, and how you got here." The taller white mare's voice was pleasant and elegant. Her mane was a swath of glorious colors similar to an aurora borealis and even appeared to move, though there was no sign of wind in the room. All your thoughts vanished as you were in awe of her beauty.

You take a deep breath, then confidently state your name and what you were. Telling them where you came from was a bit of a challenge. At first, they gave you a skeptical glance when you told them that you had just been pulled from your home to their world, but they eventually realized you spoke nothing but the truth. Murmurs from around the room flood into your ears, many intrigued, while others still see you as an abomination.

You continue on about Earth for quite some time, explaining various different topics such as technological advancements and even agriculture. The faces of the ponies around you began to lighten up as some of the things you mentioned peaked their interest. You sigh in relief that you're gaining the public's best interest and continue sharing knowledge.

From the looks of things, everything was going smoothly until you noticed the younger princess whispering in her sister's ear. A flurry of emotions went through your body as you hoped that whatever she said did not lead to your potential demise. A small yet obvious blush was on Celestia as her sister pulled away from her ear. Celestia rose from her throne. "It would appear that my sister and I would like to take a moment to discuss any further actions upon this ‘human’ The court shall be dismissed."

The ponies started exiting the throne room chatting to one another, hoping they'd make the right decision, and before you knew it, even the royal sisters had left, leaving you to wait in silence.

As seconds turned into minutes, anxiety started to grip upon your soul as the sound of the ticking clock began to grow louder and louder. Out of the corner of your eye, a golden glow engulfed a nearby door. The two sisters returned to their respective thrones and exchanged glances before returning your gaze. You took notice that the elder one had a smirk on her face but decided it was best to ignore it.

After you regain your composure, Celestia begins to speak, "So dearest human, it seems that my sister has an interest in you and would like to hire you as her servant." After all, you’ve seen the looks the noble ponies gave you during the trial, and it would be best if we kept you here for now."

You looked towards Luna and saw a faint little blue blush on her cheeks, complementing her colors nicely. Her mane was just like her sister’s but was a translucent blue-violet that shimmered like the night sky. You had to do a double-take for a moment because you thought you saw the stars in her mane move.

"Lieutenant Nova, you may enter." Celestia’s voice echoed through the room, and the doors opened to reveal the only person you somewhat consider as a friend.

"Yes, your majesty?" Astral spoke with nothing but pure loyalty in his voice.

"Please escort the human towards his room in the Lunar Hall and then you are dismissed for the evening. I’ve noticed that you two get along nicely enough, so you are permitted visitation after you clock out for the night."

As you and Astral walked down the hall, you noticed that he took off his helmet. His mane was a gleaming royal purple with a black stripe down the middle. You also noticed on his flank a mark that appeared to resemble a supernova.

You pause for a moment before speaking. "If you don't mind me asking, what's the mark on your flank supposed to mean? I’ve noticed everyo- I mean everypony has one of them but never figured out what it meant."

Astral turned to face you with a look of confusion on his face before answering. "Well, that is my cutie mark, and it is a representation of what a pony is talented in. In my case, I was just a colt who was interested in space and saw a supernova one night while stargazing and wanted to create one myself after seeing its beauty. After years of studying and many failed attempts, I managed to create a smaller version of it, but it sure did pack a punch and had me in the hospital for a week."

As soon as Astral’s story ended, you arrived at your new room. It was just as grand and luxurious as the castle itself. The room was spacious and had everything one might need. The black furnishings really complemented the violet-blue room, making it all the more beautiful. As you lie on the bed, you notice the moon and sun depicted on the ceiling above, which both Celestia and Luna had on their flanks. Planting your face into the pillow, you recount your stressful yet interesting day. Time ticks by and you slowly drift away to dreamland as you wonder what your first day of being a servant will entail.

Author's Note

So yeah as stated in the description this is my 1st for really anything here and I wanted to make some type of contribution. If there is anything at all that needs to be worked on please let me know. Nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism

With Love,
Lunar Hymn

7/27 Edit: I do apologize on the delay on the next chapter but I am working on it. Trying to make this chapter a bit thicker than the last so that is a priority that I am taking to heart. Life has been a tad bit busy and my doggo isn't feeling the best. He is improving and is making a good recovery. I will be working my hardest to deliver the story I'd like to share with you all and hope you will be there with me to see the end. Thank You!