Chains

Memories

Princess Celestia lay in her room on the luscious cushions that made up her bed.

Her thoughts went to her student. She was so proud of her; she had grown so much in these last few years. Twilight Sparkle was indeed special. She had mastered most spells in a few days, and those she didn’t just drove her to learn them even more. Twilight was indeed very special, as while most unicorns could only handle basic spells and specialize in a few, Twilight Sparkle would clearly be on par with Starswirl the Bearded, if not already close. In fact, Celestia wouldn’t be surprised if Twilight one day would be more celebrated than Starswirl himself.

Her thoughts then drifted to the other guest she’s had for so many years. That human boy, Chains. Celestia didn’t know what to make of him individually. To her, he was a constant reminder of the past, particularly of a certain human Prince who she had welcomed to Canterlot so many years ago…

Celestia sat in her throne, flanked by two of her guards.

She was told that the representative of the newly discovered race, who she had learned call themselves humans, was at the gates. She had to admit to herself, she was excited as a filly in a sweets shop. It was a new race; though it was likely that the race itself wasn’t very old either.

The gates to the throne room opened, and a lone figure that walked on its hind limbs came through. It wore some kind of bronze armor, polished to a shine, likely showing a proud rank it held. Her eyes fell upon its face. She figured it was male. He had a short brown mane atop his head, but what were most striking were his eyes. One was a deep dark brown that reminded her of chocolate, and the other was a pale blue that looked like the early morning sky. Heterochromia was rare among ponies, and from what the scientists observed it was rare in humans as well.

Once the human had come before her, he put his forelimb across his chest, and bowed respectfully. “Your majesty, I am Prince Taelon, heir to the Kingdom of the Azure Dawn,” he said, introducing himself. “I come as envoy of my kingdom and its peoples, that we may better understand one another and have a peaceful future.”

The princess was impressed, not only could this human speak well, he was polite. Some of the early reports from the research team had made her think of them as somewhat barbaric in nature. She was ashamed to think so at this time.

She gave the visitor a friendly smile and gave a slight bow of her head in respect of him, “Welcome, Prince Taelon of the Azure Dawn. You will only find friends here,” she assured him. “I am Princess Celestia, ruler of Equestria,” she introduced herself. “It is indeed a pleasure,” she said.

The human smiled with a friendly look in his eye. Celestia was sure he was just as surprised to meet a creature so vastly different than what he was used to. Celestia rose from her throne, and came to his level, “From what I am told, our languages are similar, but are written differently. Perhaps you and I should teach one another as a sign of friendship?” she suggested.

The human nodded in agreement, “That would be wonderful, your majesty. My people are eager to learn about our new allies.”

They both moved to walk out of the throne room, the doors opening by the magic of the unicorn guards. The human stared at the spectacle, still awestruck by mere thought that such powers existed. “Truly magnificent,” he said.

Celestia smiled and repressed a chuckle. Young races seemed to be just as eager to learn and just as impressionable as young foals. She felt herself getting excited at the prospect of teaching their history and culture. She also wondered what her people would learn from these newcomers. She led him towards the library as they spoke to one another.

“What role do you play in your people’s government?”

“I am heir to the throne. My father rules our people, and I am to take his place one day,” he told her once they arrived. “In the war that my people suffered in recently, I led the soldiers. It was my duty as Prince to protect them, and my duties will be no different as King,” he explained, a hint of pride in his voice.

Celestia had nodded as they walked to a table and sat down. She used her horn’s magic to pick up a book of language off the shelf. It was clearly a basic one, “We use this book to teach our foals to read,” she told him, with a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry if it’s too simple.”

The human shook his head with a mirthful grin, “Not at all, Princess. After all, I know your language no better than a ‘foal’.” The princess nodded in response, and began to teach the human.

It went on like that for several days. The Prince and Princess became rather close, and it seemed like the two nations would have a great future together.

Celestia stared into the fireplace which warmed her room.

A lone tear ran down her cheek.

If only it could have stayed that way, if only.
............

Authored by Bookybrony
Edited by SpyroManiac_1