//------------------------------// // An Audience With the Princess // Story: The Traveler and the Craftspony // by screenaholic //------------------------------// Wind Walker had been to Canterlot a few times in the past. He had been down the very streets he was going down now before, he had seen the sights he was seeing now before, but somehow it all seemed different sitting in a closed carriage being pulled by the Royal Guard. Princess Celestia had sent a carriage and escort to pick them up from the train station and help them with Vulcan's heavy equipment. Now Wind Walker usually wasn't one for such luxury as a carriage, but Wind Walker knew better than to turn down a courtesy offered by the princess herself (and he certainly wasn't enjoying feeling like a lord in the days of yore returning from war, absolutely not.) "Open the gates!" Wind Walker heard a guard shout. Shortly after he looked out the carriage window to see the carriage was passing through the castle gates. "I've never been behind these walls," Wind Walker said as a smile grew on his face. "This is going to make a great story." "Must you brag about every little thing that happens to you boy?" Vulcan sat idly smoking his pipe. "Bragging's got nothing to do with it old man," Wind Walker responded truthfully (or close enough to it.) "Stories are better than bits if you know how to use them. It'll get you food, supplies, a place to sleep; do you know when the last time I bought my own drink was?" Vulcan ignored the question, and soon the carriage came to a stop. "Don't embarrass me boy." Vulcan stood and opened the carriage door. The two ponies walked out of the carriage to find themselves at the foot of the steps to the main hall of Canterlot castle, with Princess Celestia and her personal guard descending them. Wind Walker had been accused of having problems dealing with authority in the past. He never liked to admit another pony held power over him, or was greater than him, but even he would not show disrespect to the ruler of Equestria. He bowed low, and Vulcan did the same. "Rise my little ponies," Princess Celestia said, "and welcome to Canterlot Castle." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said as he and Wind Walker straightened themselves. "It is good to see you again Vulcan," the princess said with the most delightful smile Wind Walker had ever seen, "and I assume that this is the pony who will be demonstrating your invention?" She turned to look at Wind Walker. Wind Walker's felt his breath catch in his throat. He had never seen an alicorn up close, but he had heard stories of their beauty. Her entire presence seemed to radiate in an aura of beauty. He took an instant to compose himself before answering. "Yes your highness. My name is Wind Walker, it'll be an honor to demonstrate my abilities for you." "I look forward to it Wind Walker, but I am sure you two must be tired for your travels. Lunch is prepared in the dining hall. After we eat we can watch your demonstration, if you will be ready by then Wind Walker." "Of course your highness, I am ready whenever you wish." "Wonderful, then please follow me to the dining hall." Wind Walker was nervous that he would mess up his flying and embarrass himself in front of the princess, but when he got on his wings all his worries melted away. He loved flying, he loved the sky, and he loved that rush. He turned his wings straight up and looked down to the castle grounds and saw Vulcan and Princess Celestia talking to each other. Probably talking about the wings. That or the old man is putting the moves on her. Wind Walker chuckled at the thought of Vulcan putting the moves on anypony, let alone the princess, as he killed the magical flow of energy to the propellers and let himself begin to plummet out of the sky. Who knows, maybe it's true love. It'll be a beautiful wedding, I'm sure the old man cleans up nice. He laughed aloud as he pulled up, leveling out about ten hooves above the ground. He slowed down and long turn ending in front of Vulcan and Princess Celestia. As he jumped off he folded his wings in his magic and gave a bow. "Very impressive Wind Walker." "Thank you your highness, you honor me," Wind Walker said as he rose. "Wind Walker has been practicing for many years your highness, but was able to achieve basic flight after roughly an hour, and he was only a colt then. I'm sure that your guards would learn quickly," Vulcan said. "Wonderful. I'm very pleased with this. I've wanted to start a flying unicorn division of the guard for quite a while now, and I believe that your wings are exactly what I need to do so." "Does that mean that you will be purchasing my creation your highness?" "Yes, it does. How long would it take you to make twenty-five?" "At an estimate, roughly three weeks your highness. I can start tonight." "Splendid," the Princess smiled. "My guards have moved your equipment into a workshop we have prepared for you in the south tower, along with rooms for both of you." "Thank you your highness," Vulcan said. "Helping Hoof," the princess called. "Yes, your majesty," a blue mare said as she approached the princess. "Please escort our guests to the south tower and show them their rooms. I want you to make sure they are taken care of during their stay." "As you wish, your majesty." "Thank you Helping Hoof. I have some business to attend to, but I will want to inspect your work soon Vulcan. For now, farewell." Princess Celestia gave a curt nod to Vulcan and Wind Walker before departing. After she disappeared into the castle Helping Hoof turned to the two companions. "If you'll please follow me," she said as she turned and walked to the south tower, Vulcan and Wind Walker following closely behind.