A yawn burst forth from Liam's mouth, breaking him away from his reading. He looked up from his book to check what time it was. There was no clock in the royal library, so he had to estimate how much time had passed by the amount of light coming in through the window. Considering that it was now dark out, roughly two or three hours had gone by since he had sat down in his favorite reading nook with a good book. He stretched until a satisfying pop loosened his stiff joints, then he stood and made his way to the entrance of the library. He had been through the maze of bookshelves enough times to know the shortest path to his destination.
On his way out he waved at the pony sitting behind the library's front desk. She smiled and waved back. He lifted the book he was carrying so she could see it and pointed to the door in a questioning manner. The old mare gave an affirmative nod and went back to placing books on a cart to be returned to their proper shelves. He left with the book tucked firmly under his arm to be finished later.
As he walked the halls between the library and his room for what may have been the millionth time he began to wonder if Celestia was still awake. Talking with her was always a pleasant experience, but her schedule was always so full that finding the time to talk was difficult. They might say hi to each other if they crossed paths while she was walking from one meeting to the next, but whenever she had a moment of free time it was usually taken up by some complaining noble or another. Liam usually just tried to just stay out of her way. He would hate to screw up the busy schedule of someone that ran a country.
Supposedly, it had been even worse before Luna had returned and taken some of the burden off her sister's shoulders. He saw Luna around the castle more than her older sister, but that wasn't necessarily a good thing. In fact, Liam tried to avoid the dark alicorn when he could, but his tendency to stay up late meant his chances of running into her increased dramatically. They'd barely spoken a word to each other since his arrival to Equestria, but every time she saw him he got a cold glare or a snort of annoyance. He'd been asked by some of the castle staff what he did to earn such ire and he could only tell them that he truly didn't know.
The sound of clanking armor brought Liam out of his thoughts. A pair of patrolling night guards were heading down the hallway in the opposite direction he was.
"Excuse me, guys," he said as they neared. They stopped and gave him their full attention.
"Is there something we can do for you, sir?" one of them asked stiffly. The night guard had a reputation for seeming colder and less friendly than their solar counterpart, but Liam rationalized it as them getting the proverbial short end of the stick. While the lunar guard had to deal with all the late night drunks, the day guards got to be seen saving kittens from trees and the like. Not to mention the Solar Guard just naturally had more exposure to the public. Even with the more professional demeanor, night guards were certainly friendlier than their charge.
"Sorry to bother you guys while you're on patrol, but do either of you happen know if Princess Celestia is still awake?"
"It's okay sir, we're here to serve. And no, she's not up. Between the griffin ambassador a few days ago and the negotiations with the changeling hive, she hasn't gotten much sleep. She even closed day court an hour early so she could retire early today." The human nodded in understanding.
"Alright, that's all I needed to know. Thank you. You guys have a good night."
"You as well, sir," the guard said before the pair were on their way again.
He had nearly forgotten about the peace negotiations going on between Equestria and the changeling hive. He wasn't involved in them and they were surprisingly low profile, considering the Hive had invaded Equestria's capitol several months ago. He was there for the wedding, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. Okay, ‘there for the wedding’ might be the wrong way to put it. He wasn’t invited to the wedding, but he had still been living in the castle at that time. He hadn't gotten a look at the queen, but he had been closer to some of her cronies than he'd have liked.
Luckily, the invasion failed in the end, and even more surprisingly, there had been no deaths on either side. Sure, there were a few injuries that required hospital visits, but the fact nobody had died on either side still baffled Liam. He knew that Queen Chrysalis was currently staying in the castle for the duration of the peace talks, but fortunately for him he hadn't run into her in the halls yet. He'd heard from some of the maids that she was quite unpleasant to look at.
It wasn't long after that thought that he arrived at the door to the room he'd been residing in since his arrival in Equestria. There wasn't much in there other than the stuff the room had originally come with. He wasn't allowed outside the castle grounds, so he couldn't really get his hands on anything to decorate the room with. Occasionally a small pile of books would take up some desk or floor space when he found a good series to read, but other than that it was pretty bare-bones. As bare-bones as a guest room in a royal castle can be, anyway.
He turned the handle and pushed the door inward to reveal his room. He immediately noticed the mare laying on the bed. Apparently she noticed him too, as she gave him a sultry look and a sly smile before she spoke in a sing-song voice. "Hello."
Liam just stared for a second before responding. "Hi. Sorry... I must have the wrong room. I didn't mean to bother you." He slowly backed out and closed the door. He knew for a fact that it was the right room, but he supposed that it didn't really matter. It was practically indistinguishable from any other guest room in the castle. He didn't feel like causing a scene just because someone happened to pick the room he usually stayed in. Besides, the one next to it would work just fine for his purposes.
He walked to the next room over and stepped inside. He flipped the magical light switch and sat at the desk to continue the novel he had started back in the library. He had just flipped to the page he'd left off on when someone knocked at the door. That was strange. Who could be knocking at this hour? And how would they know to find him in this room instead of his usual one? Liam stood back up and approached the door. He opened it to find the mare that had been on his bed standing outside. She was frowning and looked a little ticked off.
"Can I help you?"
"What was that?" she asked.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"What was that?"
"What was what?" Liam asked confusedly.
"In the other room. What stallion walks in on that and just walks away?"
"I'm... sorry? Was I supposed to do something else?"
"Yes! You were supposed to show some kind of interest, ravish me, anything but... that!"
Liam stood there for a second and absorbed the fact that some random pony he didn't know had just said that he should 'ravish' them.
"I'm sorry ma'am. You seem nice, but I'm not like that and I'm not really into ponies. I'm sure there are plenty of cool guys looking for someone like you around Canterlot. Maybe try your luck with one of them. Have a good night," he said as he slowly closed the door again.
That was definitely strange. He wondered if she was drunk. That might explain the way she was acting. He certainly hoped she didn't make a habit of asking strangers to 'ravish' her. Liam turned to go back to the desk and his book, but he didn't make it two steps before another, harsher knock rang through the door. He cracked it open just enough for his face to show through and addressed the now pissed looking mare.
"Look ma'am. Like I said earlier, I'm not interes-"
"It appears," she interrupted, "that I need to be more direct." The sing-song quality of her voice disappeared and a slight buzzing replaced it. A wall of green fire raced along her body as she transformed before the human's eyes. The changeling before him was much taller than the ones he'd run into at the royal wedding all those months ago and had a chitinous crown atop her head. "You are mine. The treaty has been finalized and you have been given to me as tribute," the changeling queen said in a menacing voice.
The door slowly closed for a third time, and the click of the lock quickly followed the click of the latch. Liam sat at the desk again and tried to get back to reading, but he noticed that his hands were trembling a bit. He tried to calm himself, but after what had just happened he wasn't sure he could. He looked back at the door just in time to see a green aura undo the lock and the door slammed inward.
"Human, you belong to m-"
She was cut off as Liam reflexively chucked the book at her face. It was a solid hit too. She crumpled to the floor like a ragdoll.
Liam sat there in stunned silence, just staring at the changeling lying on the floor. She appeared to be unconscious. Now that she wasn't yelling at him, she didn't actually look all that intimidating. He started to feel kind of bad. Sure she had scared him and busted in the door, but he hadn't meant to hurt her. Oh well, what was done was done. He walked over and picked up the book. A couple pages were wrinkled from either its meeting with the queen's face or its meeting with the floor. He smoothed them out as best he could before closing the book and placing it back on the desk. There was no sense in ruining a perfectly good book.
He went back over to Chrysalis on the floor and gave her a gentle nudge with his foot. Yep, definitely out cold.
But what to do with her, he thought.
When no other ideas struck him, he did the first thing that came to mind. He went over to the bed and pulled back the comforter. He quickly scooped her up and laid her out on the bed and adjusted her to a position that he thought looked comfortable before pulling the comforter back over her. He grabbed the book off the desk and flipped the light switch before closing the door and heading back to his usual room. Making sure the door was locked and the desk was pushed in front of the entrance for good measure, Liam once again placed the book on the desk and climbed into bed himself. He figured he'd done enough reading for one day.
Fun little read so far. I'm interested to see where it goes.
Loving it
Intriguing. You have my attention.
Now this is an interesting story.
*Book to the head*
"And that's how I met your mother"
he does not give a fuck
Same! Because God do I need more of this! XD
cant blame him
This is a good beginning
I immediately like the reasonable and polite human perspective and reactions here.
Chrysalis probably needs hugs after this. She just won't admit it.
What a chill protagonist. A good change of tone from most HiE's
I love how laid back the human is.
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Thanks! I'm glad you like it. Second chapter is written, but I want to give myself a buffer zone before posting.
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I'm really happy that came across to the reader. Trying to portray the protagonist as super chill was something I really wanted here.
Well written, and this seems like a new premise. Looking forward to more.
Remarkably unconcerned about the tribute thing.
I wonder where it says in equestrian law that the princess’s can give away subjects (if he even is a legal citizen) to foreign dignitaries without their consent.
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Yeah, pretty sure that is considered slavery.
And I enjoyed this and want more.
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MODERN Equestrian law it probably doesn't... Equestrian law from 1000 years ago... when the Sisters may have been closer to absolute monarchs... who in human history have many precedents of giving a subject to a foreign ruler/court to finalize/stabilize a peace treaty? It was probably just Tuesday.
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Thank Christ! I can't tell you how many authors I wish used this method of writing. It makes it so much easier to post and allows the author to look over their older chapters to see if there's something they missed back then.
I eagerly await Chapter 2.
Also, how big of a buffer zone are you using? I have a buffer of ten and post a new chapter whenever I hit eleven.
This seems fun, can't wait for more
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No doubt filed into the "worry about it later" bin that many people have and use profusely. I myself have quite the collection of them, ranging from "Future [name] problem" to "habitual procrastination" and of course "don't have any more bucks to give".
This... is going to be great. Chrysalis expects violence and protests and resistance -- and instead she's greeted with a calm. relaxed, chill human. She'll get angry and frustrated that he's not acting the way she expects, and he'll probably be able to soothe it all away, which will make her even more frustrated... until she finds that she likes it. Until she finds that she can just... talk to him, vent at him, rage at him, and he's still super chill... and eventually his state starts to rub off on her...
Ya know what, I love this chill style protagonist. Waiting for more :D
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Yep, much to Chryssi's disappointment and annoyance. I have to wonder what Luna's deal is, though.
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I'm not sure how big a buffer zone. I hope it's only a few days. I'm a slow writer as is, and between work and online classes my schedule is a little scuffed right now.
Niche job Agent 69, You've officially became a Hitman for Canterlot
Knocked out from a single book throw. So, Chrysalis' weak point is the front of her face. Good to know.
Nice
Ahh, this is going to be one of those timeless tales of heartless-to-heart romance, isn't it?
Wonderful! Will be looking forward to more!
... and I can't fathom the reason Luna doesn't like our nameless protagonist.
You know you're in for a beautiful friendship when one of the two parties assaults the other with a book to the face.
Also, Lulu, what's the big idea selling off unnamed human to Chryssie?
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Everyone's asking why Luna dislikes our protagonist, so here's my guess.
Our man, being as chill as he is, simply doesn't mix well with this author's version of Luna. She, being from olden time AND guardian of the night, is a mare of action, chivalry, and impulse, while Chill McVibin' over here completely takes the wind out of her sails with logic and simplicity whenever she starts her monologue/call to action.
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Doesn't really explain why she'd sell him off, if the description is anything to go by.
One would think the reasoning behind Luna giving him to Chrysalis would be logical...maybe she beilves he can negotiate a better treaty from withtin?
Okay, so the story description said Luna gave him away
Though following the story through MC's eyes, this was done in privately, and with no notice or consent
Is that even legal or did Luna do this behind Celestia's back?
Cause it doesn't seem good for Equestria's political image if other nations learned that they gave away another being like property
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I get the feeling Luna doesn’t like Celestia being friends with him. She either is worried about romantic stuff, thinks he’s “unworthy” to be so close to royalty since he’s basically a refugee, or some other thing. She probably just wants him gone.
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While I will neither confirm nor deny whether this is the case, I very much like your theory. Also, Chill McVibin' is an amazing name and I'm stealing it to refer to the protagonist until he is named. Too bad Nameless Protagonist becomes Named Protagonist in Book to the Head Part 2: Electric Scootaloo. (chapter 2)
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Part of your question is answered in chapter 2. The reason why Chill McVibin' was sold off won't be revealed in chapter 2, but probably chapter 3 when I get time to write it.
Hm, this certainly is quite interesting. I'll be keeping an eye on this one for sure. Chrysalis is my favourite character, so win win for me.
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Also, heyo, Hotel. Didn't expect to see you here. Hope your Skeletor story is doing well. I need to catch up on it some time.
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Human uses "book to the face" on Chrysalis. It's super effective!
More pls
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"What?" Luna's eyes raised in askance at her sister's expression of disbelief. "The law book Thou asked Us to read very clearly stated that for any contract to be considered legal in this modern era, proper consideration must be exchanged in the form of coin, service, or chattle."
"Yes," Celestia nodded. "And the tradtional consideration in a case such as this would be a single gold bit, perhaps delivered on velvet in a commemorative frame signifying the significance of the event."
"We fail to see the issue with this," Luna shrugged. "Instead of coin, We simply delivered chattle, as the law stated was a valid option."
"Yes, Luna," Celestia's voice rose, if only so slightly. "Chattle, as in possessions. Belongings. Objects of value. A vase, a sword...a tapestry depicting the two rulers peacefully signing the accord. Sentient beings have not been considered property in over 800 years."
"Dost Thou mean to tell Us," Luna's eyes widened. "That ponies do not own slaves anymore?"
"Yes!"
"Then what of the maid who tidied Our bed this morning?" Luna countered. "Or Thy chef? Are they not Our servants?"
"We pay them, Luna." Celestia sighed. "They work for us willingly and they are free to leave at any time. Slavery was abolished ages ago. Today we live in Harmony with our neighbors, and they with us. Friendship did away with all the horrors of the past."
"How curious," Luna considered, then paused. "Would now be a bad time to mention the dozen griffons I ordered to be delivered to the mines beneath Canterlot?"
Celestia facehooved.
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The simplest explanation might be that Luna offered the human's help in some capacity, Luna bungled the delivery, and now Chrysalis mistakenly assumes she owns him.
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My guess? Luna might a mare of the old ways, but she's got an expensive modern habit in that coffee addiction. And Donut Joe is cutting her off until she pays her tab . So she sells off Anon to the changelings, which is a win/win in her book.
This is funniest thing I've read all day.
So he's been sold off as a slave as part of a peace agreement? That all just says both sides are idiots who cannot be trusted. For one, ponies and changelings both consider other species as chattel so neither can truly trust the other. The human cannot trust either side as they have stripped him of all rights and dignity, and as the ponies have enslaved and sold someone who isn't owned by them nor q subject who has commited no crime it says the ponies are evil. Plus the leaders of the ponies and changelings enslaving a citizen of a foriegn country like that is basically declaring yourself at war with another country for no reason, which is outright stupid.
The fact that there is the Romance Tag on this story is the reason why, at this time, I have to downvote it. With how its going this says that the protagonist will be bullied into being the love slave of Chrysalis and it will portray this as a voluntary positive thing when it will actually be degrading.
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Thanks for letting me know why you downvoted.
This is not meant to be that serious of a story. I don't plan to get super far into the political and moral ramifications of the protagonist being sold off. Barely anything has happened yet besides introducing a couple characters. The romance tag will come into play a bit later, these things take time.
I would be happy if you read chapter 2 when it comes out. It doesn't give the reasons for the protagonist's selling, but it does give a lot of insight about what's going on. I understand if you choose not to though and thanks for giving my story a try.
Edit: I also don't plan to have the characters get into some kind of abusive relationship. I'm not into that kind of thing. No love slave dynamic to be had here.
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#SlaveLivesMatter
10197248 I'm guessing it's that. She doesn't get enough time with her sister as is, based on thier schedules, and then Human McHumanson cuts into that.
I have to agree that it's something vile and not something canon Luna would do, since I'm fairly certain even back in the time of the Founders there was never actual slavery, though I still think ther's something screwy about the Hearth's Warming Story, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was something like serfdom going on with the Earth ponies.
However, as this is supposed to be comedy, I'll see where it goes. If it's like Arranaged Disaster by Peroth E, where everyone reacts to Twilight being effectively forced into marriage against her will with Prince Blueblood because Duke Blueblood got Nightlight drunk and got him to sign a marriage contract, and then everyone goes, okay, fine, let's have a wedding, then I will drop this. The annoying thing was that was just supposed to be the set up for the actual story, which involved sending them both to some border land to set up a new kingdom, and it never actually happened.
Imagine coming back from a thousand year banishment, and your most important pony won’t shut up about a trans-dimensional monkey.
Yeah, I’d trade him off too.
And hype up his prowess to a species that consumes love.