A Very Minty Summer Sun Celebration

Star Catcher had taken flight again, ascending and gradually turning in higher and larger circles above the city. Despite having decent night vision, most pegasus ponies instinctively found night flying uncomfortable and tended to avoid it if possible. Now, however, the moon and the lights of Canterlot were enough to keep her oriented, and the cool breeze was refreshing.

She visually scanned the imposing white palace that dominated the mountain peak. She suspected that many answers to burning questions could be found inside, but she wondered what would happen if she approached it. Surely some guards would intercept her, and she couldn’t guess how severe their sanction might be. She decided to wait a while before risking that.

Given the lights and movement she saw all over the city, it was apparent that the festival ground was not the only area where the Summer Sun Celebration was observed. Many residences also had lights burning and carriages parked nearby. She soared over what she assumed to be the most exalted of neighborhoods, which included some estates that she could easily have mistaken for royal palaces themselves, had she seen them before this night in more familiar contexts.

It appeared that space was a premium in this city, built as it was on a table land of limited area. At one end of the geologic formation was a peak, or horn, which had originally perhaps been of modest size, but now appeared exaggerated by the towering, gleaming white palace that had been constructed around and upon it. Below it lay the city, mostly flat, but its boundaries were constrained by a sharp drop to the rolling plains and forests even further below.

Thus it seemed, an estate with large grounds and gardens had become the highest of status symbols, sported by only a few of the very most sumptuous mansions. Star Catcher selected one of these where signs of activity were visible, and she angled toward it.

She reasoned that if she were caught intruding into a private affair where she was not wanted, she was more likely to be merely escorted out, rather than tossed into a dungeon.

Within the walls of the garden, some lights glowed, but no ponies were about. The soirée, it seemed, was indoors. Star Catcher came to a gentle landing on the garden path, in a corner some distance from the mansion. Although she thought she had been unobserved, as soon as her hooves were upon the path, a momentary flash of red rippled out through the garden, from lamp to lamp. Some sort of magical alarm? She froze for a moment, but then decided to press onward.

She strode at a measured pace through the garden, until she emerged by the patio. There some ponies were carousing, seemingly a spillover crowd from the main festivity taking place inside. Music drifted out through the wide open doors.

As Star Catcher approached, she saw at once that she was under-dressed for the occasion. She’d already observed that ponies in Canterlot wore much more clothing than the residents of the villages she knew back home. The trend was carried even further among this high-society crowd, as it appeared every mare wore some form of elaborate gown, and every stallion a waistcoat and jacket. Her hopes of going unnoticed were dashed.

Indeed, a stern-faced unicorn stallion immediately moved to intercept her, and he had some sort of stick or wand floating in his magical grasp. She considered turning and fleeing, but decided that it would look more suspicious. She stopped, and waited, standing her ground as the stallion approached, his stern expression making her heart race. He stopped before her, his magical aura lifting the wand to point directly at her.

“Excuse me, madam, but this is a private gathering. I’m afraid I’ll have to ask you to leave,” he said, his voice clipped and formal.

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to intrude,” said Star Catcher. “I was a bit lost and merely came to rest here for a moment.”

He nudged with the wand. “That’s more than obvious,” the stallion sniffed, “’What business could you possibly have—” He stopped in mid-sentence, mouth open, as his gaze suddenly shifted to his wand. The gem at its tip had developed a purple glow. He glanced between it and the bemused Star Catcher.

The unicorn’s eyes widened, and his demeanor changed in an instant. He lowered the wand, a look of shock and embarrassment crossing his face. “Oh my goodness! I do apologize, madam. I had no idea...” He bowed deeply, his voice now dripping with deference. “Please forgive my rudeness!”

Star Catcher blinked, confused by the sudden change. “I... It’s quite alright,” she managed to say.

He straightened up, now smiling broadly. “No, no, it is not alright at all. To think I almost turned away such an esteemed guest! Please, allow me to make amends. Would you care for some refreshment? Perhaps some of our finest champagne?”

“That’s very kind, but I don’t understand—” Star Catcher began, but the stallion was already gesturing to a nearby server.

“Quickly now, our best champagne for the lady,” he ordered, then turned back to Star Catcher. “Please, allow me to look after your bag during your stay!” Without waiting for a response, he levitated the travel-worn saddlebag from her back. Then he said, “I must inform our host of your arrival immediately. He’ll be absolutely thrilled to have you here.”

Before Star Catcher could protest, the servant was already trotting towards the mansion’s entrance, leaving her standing bewildered on the patio, wondering who she’d been mistaken for, and why. Meanwhile the other ponies nearby on the patio slipped sidelong glances, curiously trying to size her up without making it obvious that they were doing so.

Soon Star Catcher was sitting awkwardly, clutching the flute of champagne that had been thrust into her hooves. She drained it quickly, if only to be rid of the glass, only to be instantly offered another, which she politely refused. She watched as ponies in glittering gowns and sharp tuxedos mingled nearby, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Her eyes darted nervously towards the mansion’s entrance, wondering what would happen next.

A distinguished-looking unicorn stallion emerged, white in color, slightly heavyset with a larger than average horn. His powder-blue mane was perfectly coiffed, and he wore an elegant waistcoat that sparkled in the soft lighting. A monocle perched delicately over his right eye. This, Star Catcher realized, must be the host. She stood to meet him.

The stallion’s face lit up as he caught sight of her, and he made his way over with a graceful trot. “My dear, what an unexpected pleasure!” he exclaimed, his voice warm and refined. “I am Fancy Pants, and I’m absolutely delighted you’ve chosen to grace us with your presence. I apologize that you were not recognized at once. Please forgive my majordomo; it’s his job to keep out the riffraff. He’s Crudley, by the way.”

Star Catcher muttered, “Oh, sorry to hear!”

Fancy Pants chuckled as if this were a merry jest.

She swallowed hard, her mind racing, then said, “It’s lovely to meet you, Fancy Pants. I’m Star Catcher.”

Fancy Pants’ eyes twinkled with amusement. “Of course, Your Grace. ‘Star Catcher’ it is, then. How marvelous of you to join us in such a... creative disguise.”

Star Catcher’s heart skipped a beat. Your Grace? Disguise? Who did he think she was? Should she try to correct him?

“I must say, Your Grace, you had poor Crudley in quite a tizzy,” Fancy Pants chuckled. “But not to worry, your secret is safe with us. We’re simply honored you’ve chosen our humble soirée for your incognito adventure.”

Star Catcher felt a bead of sweat form on her brow. She was in too deep now. If she admitted she wasn’t who they thought she was, she’d likely be thrown out—or worse. She forced a smile and decided to play along. She said, “Thank you for your discretion, Fancy Pants. I hope my unexpected arrival hasn’t caused any inconvenience.” This was how unicorn ladies talked in story books. She hoped she was getting it right.

“Inconvenience? Perish the thought!” Fancy Pants beamed. “Your presence elevates our little gathering immeasurably. Please join us!” he insisted and gestured for Star Catcher to precede him inside. As they walked through the grand entryway of the sprawling mansion, she was able to take in details of its lavish decorations: luxurious carpets from distant lands; large paintings depicting heroic deeds; intricate tapestries hung on nearly every wall; ornate chandeliers casting warm light over everything; and beautiful marble statues of unicorn nobleponies interspersed around the rooms. To the rustic pegasus it was breathtaking.

Fancy Pants led her down a hallway into a large chamber filled with many more ponies who were conversing and partaking in the evening’s entertainments while a string quartet performed nearby. A lavish buffet of foods and beverages was laid out on a table that spanned the width of the room.

As Star Catcher entered, all eyes were on her. She felt a chill, but it wasn’t from the air. Conversations had dried up.

“Please, help yourself to whatever you wish. Feel at home. We’d be honored if you’d share in our festivities.” Fancy Pants smiled broadly as he said this, loudly enough to be overheard by others.

She felt self-conscious under curious gazes from all sides, but the silence warmed, conversations restarted. She was confused by the situation, but Fancy Pants seemed friendly, even cheerful, and the other party-goers were contented to follow his lead. If he regarded this unfamiliar, very under-dressed pegasus as a friend, so would they.

Fancy Pants gently guided Star Catcher towards a quieter corner, still within view of the other guests. He gestured to a pair of plush cushions, inviting her to sit.

“So, Your Grace,” he began, his voice lowered conspiratorially, “have you been enjoying the Summer Sun Celebration thus far?”

“Yes, I have,” she answered. “I wandered the fairgrounds for some time with a pair of friends. We sampled the food, the rides, and I caught the end of the jousting tournament.”

He nodded. “Seeing the event from a different perspective, eh? Mingling with the common fair-goers? What a jolly idea! It must be a refreshing change of pace for you. The festival always has a way of revealing the true spirit of Equestria, doesn’t it? I find it absolutely fascinating to observe how ponies from all walks of life come together in celebration.”

“I have noticed the same,” she agreed.

“Hmm. I hear there’s been quite a stir about some ancient coins circulating among the vendors.”

Star Catcher’s ears perked up at this tidbit of information. “I haven’t heard about that,” she admitted. “What sort of ancient coins?”

Fancy Pants leaned in, clearly relishing the chance to share some gossip. “Well, rumor has it that they’re pre-classical era coins, perhaps dating back to the founding of our nation. Quite valuable, I’m told. There’s been something of a treasure hunt developing among the fair-goers.”

Just then another white unicorn approached. Her proportions were striking, with an unusually long horn, long legs and a rail-thin build. She wore an elegant, flowing gown, its soft aqua color contrasting tastefully with her pastel lavender-pink mane.

“Ah, my dear!” Fancy Pants said. “Allow me to introduce a new guest at this evening’s event, and a most distinguished one indeed. Her Grace is attending under the cognomen of Star Catcher, so as to avoid public fuss.” He continued, “Star Catcher, this elegant being is Fleur de Lis, the lady of the house.”

“I am pleased to meet you,” Fleur said, raising a foreleg and momentarily dipping her head.

Star Catcher nodded acknowledgement. “Likewise, to be sure!”

Fancy Pants then asked, “Fleur, my dear, would you be so kind as to show her around? I’m afraid I have some matters to attend to.”

Fleur smiled and nodded politely to Star Catcher before turning back to Fancy Pants. “It would be my pleasure,” she replied graciously before leading Star Catcher away from the buffet table and introducing her around to the other guests. These ponies, without exception, made their best efforts to conceal their uncertainty over Star Catcher’s identity, though not always with complete success.

Star Catcher followed Fleur as they wove through the crowd. Fleur’s voice was soft and melodious as she spoke. “I must say, your arrival has caused quite a stir. It’s not often we have such… unexpected guests.”

Star Catcher swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. Fleur, sensing her discomfort, smoothly changed the subject. “Have you tried the hors d’oeuvres? Our chef outdid himself this evening.”

As they passed by various groups of ponies, Fleur would pause to make introductions. “Lord Gilded Frame, may I present our distinguished guest?” Fleur said to a portly stallion with a monocle. “And here’s Lady Silverstream, one of Canterlot’s most renowned poets.”

Star Catcher nodded politely to each pony, trying to keep her composure as she was introduced to what seemed like half of Canterlot’s elite. She noticed how Fleur never attempted to explain her supposed identity (or state of undress, for that matter) leaving the other guests to draw their own conclusions.

As they moved through the party, Fleur kept up a steady stream of light conversation, peppering Star Catcher with questions about her thoughts on the latest fashions and gossip from the capital. Star Catcher did her best to give noncommittal answers, grateful for Fleur’s skill in keeping the conversation flowing despite her reticence.

Fleur de Lis was extremely well-mannered, spending nearly an hour introducing Star Catcher to ponies of every kind, from the major noble families in Canterlot. During these rounds Fleur de Lis whispered bits of gossip about the other ponies to Star Catcher, who nodded along despite having absolutely no understanding or concern about such matters.

After some time, Star Catcher gathered her courage and asked, “Fleur de Lis, can I ask you something?”

“Certainly, my dear,” Fleur replied with a kind smile.

Star Catcher hesitated for a moment before continuing, “Who does Fancy Pants think I am? Why is he calling me ‘Your Grace’?”

Fleur de Lis paused, her brow furrowing in thought. “That’s a peculiar question. I’ve known Fancy Pants for years, and he’s never mistaken someone’s identity like this before. It’s quite out of character for him.”

“Oh,” Star Catcher said, confusion etched on her face. “So it’s not something he does often?”

“Not at all,” Fleur reassured her. “I wonder what might have led him to this conclusion. Did anything unusual happen when you arrived?”

Star Catcher thought back and nodded. “Yes, the doorman, Crudley, used some sort of wand on me. It turned purple, and then his attitude changed completely.”

Fleur’s face lit up with understanding. “Aha! He used the verifier on you. Those little enchanted gadgets have become all the rage around Canterlot, ever since the Changeling Invasion. They were invented to detect changeling imposters. It would glow red if one were detected. But you know, mages soon began to modify them with additional enchantments. They were made to glow green if exposed to a pony of wealth, or gold if the pony holds a rank of nobility.”

Star Catcher nodded. “Yes, the tip turned purple when he jabbed it at me.”

Now Fleur’s eyes went wide. “Purple? That should only happen when it detects royalty.”

Star Catcher snorted. “Well then, the spell obviously made a mistake. There’s nothing royal about me. The highest title I’ve ever held is Prefect, which is basically like what you would call a Mayor or maybe a County Judge.”

A grin emerged upon Fleur’s muzzle. “I’ve never heard of the spell failing. What a delicious mystery! It must have had some reason. Maybe you’re the secret inheritor of some forgotten royal bloodline.”

Star Catcher shook her head. “It’s hard to imagine how. Pegasus society has never been organized that way. We don’t have a royal family where I come from. We don’t even have nobility.”

Fleur de Lis smiled. “My dear, I have learned that there are many things in Equestria that I would not have believed possible.”

“I suppose.” Star Catcher wasn’t sure where this line of thinking was leading, but she decided to follow up on it, just in case it got more interesting. “So, if his spell reacted like that, he would naturally think I was one of the princesses, right?”

“Absolutely.” Fleur nodded. “And which of the princesses it was would be easy to guess.”

“Oh? Which one?” Star Catcher prompted.

Fleur gave Star Catcher a suspicious glance. “Are you quite sure you’re not teasing me?”

“Heaven forbid! I assure you, I’m Star Catcher and nobody else. Please speak freely!”

Fleur suggested, “Let us step into the drawing room for a moment to discuss the matter, shall we?” She led Star Catcher off to the side, and into a smaller but well-appointed room, and with her magic closed the heavy door, shutting out the noise of the party.

Then Fleur explained, “There have been rumors around Canterlot, persistent ones, though I personally had dismissed them as little more than urban myths or wishful thinking, that our sovereign ruler, Princess Celestia, does occasionally disguise herself as a common pony and wander through the city. In such a guise, it is said, she can freely observe and interact with the residents of the city, in candid terms.”

Star Catcher blinked. “Really? The ruler of the city? I mean, do I even look like her?”

Fleur shrugged lightly. “Princess Celestia is one of the most skilled and powerful of conjurers, and she surely could alter her appearance however she wishes. However, I have to say, you do share several outward traits with her as well. Your white coat and multi-colored mane are reminiscent. Even your voice and manner of speaking—which I feel some envy for, by the way—are not entirely unlike hers. So, I can see how my sweet Fancy Pants might have inferred some connection.

Star Catcher nodded. “That makes sense. I suppose I should try to correct him.”

“Must you? He is having such a wonderful time, imagining that he’s keeping the princess’s secret. You could let him keep believing it, if you’d like. I can tell him about our conversation later, after the festivities have ended. In the meantime, let’s steer clear. Perhaps I could give you a tour of the manor?”

“Sure, that sounds nice,” Star Catcher replied, relieved to be away from the spotlight.

Fleur de Lis smiled, and they moved off, while the gathering continued to murmur and make small talk.

Throughout the tour, Fleur kept up a running commentary, sharing her many insights and observations. Though Star Catcher wasn’t that interested in the details, she was very glad to have someone to talk to. Soon they entered a cozy side room and Fleur began to describe the many artifacts and curiosities on display. Star Catcher’s eyes were drawn to a complex-looking contraption in a corner of the room. It was made of wood and brass with several silver buttons, dials and what appeared to be a large horn attached to it.

“What is that?” Star Catcher asked, peering closer at the strange device.

Fleur grinned, her eyes lighting up as she explained. “That,” she said proudly, “is a phonograph! It’s a recent invention of Pat Pending.” She pointed out the various components—the needle arm which held the needle that goes into the record; the turntable; and finally, the diaphragm and loudspeaker horn—which amplified sound from within. She paused for breath before continuing excitedly, “In short, it plays music from these shellac records by using vibrations produced by that needle.”

“You mean it makes music without any instruments?” Star Catcher asked, deep in fascination. “That’s amazing.”

“Pity that Fancy Pants isn’t in here. He would love nothing more than to demonstrate and explain it. But maybe it’s for the best that he’s engaged elsewhere. Get him started on the subject, and he might never turn you loose. However, I’ll be happy to give it a quick spin for you.”

Suiting deeds to words, she levitated a record onto the turntable, magically cranked the lever at the side of the machine, released the clutch so that the turntable began to rotate, and then ever-so-carefully cued the needle to the outer edge of the record. Then a crackle emitted from the speaker horn, followed by somewhat tinny but very credible music. Star Catcher’s face lit up with delight and wonder.

“Fantastic! If only Minty and Pinkie Pie were here, they would love it. This is the sort of magic they came to Canterlot to see.”

“It’s hardly magic,” Fleur responded. “Merely an application of the mechanical arts. You could operate it yourself just as easily.”

They both listened for a few moments, then Fleur mused, “For centuries ponies with mechanical talent were dismissed by society as mere tinkers, itinerant menders of pots and pans. It’s only recently that their contributions have begun to garner recognition, in some cases beginning to rival magic itself.”

Star Catcher’s delight subsided, she glanced at the floor and fidgeted her hoof, and then she looked up and said, “Fleur des Lis, may I confide in you?”

Fleur lifted the needle and stopped the turntable, and said, “Of course. What troubles you?”

“All day I’ve been struggling with a growing mystery, and I don’t think I can solve it by myself. I met my new friends, Pinkie Pie and Minty, while they were coming to Canterlot—or Unicornia, as they knew it—to see the Summer Sun Celebration. But ever since their balloon went through a storm, nothing has seemed right. It almost seems as though we drifted into another world, or a different time, from the one we knew.”

Fleur shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“It began with the landscape below us, which seemed much more populated than I remembered.” She went on to outline several of the discrepancies she’d noticed during the course of the day. “And even this…” She pointed to the phonograph. “It seems so far beyond anything I heard of back home at Butterfly Island. Nor do I know anything of these princesses that are so talked about. As far as I know, Equestria is ruled by the Council of Tribes.”

Fleur listened attentively. Then she said, “This is all beyond me. It almost sounds like you somehow traveled through time. I’ve never heard of anything like that, though. Fancy Pants is more studied in history than I am, so maybe he could help figure out exactly what’s happened to you. Or maybe… Maybe you need to seek the help of Princess Celestia herself.”

“Do you think she would see me?” Star Catcher wondered.

“I’m certain of it,” Fleur assured. “Whatever magic carried you here would be of great interest to her. And my dear Fancy Pants has connections at the palace. I’m sure he can expedite an audience.”

“You don’t know what a relief it is to hear that,” Star Catcher said.

Fleur cleared her throat. “It will have to wait until after the celebration, though. Everypony is tied up now, Princess Celestia most of all. In fact, her procession to the Sunrise Ceremony will begin soon. I believe some guests are already departing and beginning to make their way to the Grande Avenue. You should do the same, if you want to see it.”

“Oh. I suppose I should. I know Pinkie Pie and Minty will be there, and I ought to rejoin them.”

Fleur nodded. “After the crowds disperse, bring your friends back here! I’ll make them welcome, and we can all put our heads together.”