//------------------------------// // III: Judge A Book By Its Cover // Story: Pride of the Pantheon // by PurplePolymath //------------------------------// The apprentice of sunlight took one small step, then another, and one more just to be sure. Her very breath increased with every passing second, as it desperately tries it’s best to keep pace with her racing heart. Twilight stood inches away from her mentor's door, now her unsteady breathes brushing against its frame. She put a single hoof to it, the door itself was unnaturally warm, if she’d kept her hoof there long enough it might singe. Is she really in there? She'd felt her presence from the room, from the moment she arrived at the castle in fact, though the sense she felt now wasn't as vibrant… in short, she already knew the answer to her question. "Maybe... it’s just because she's asleep," Twilight whispered to herself. The unicorn gasped, "That or she's..." Before she could finish her frightening notion, another creature, equally as terrifying, if not more so stood. An immense shadow had cast over the shoulder of the little pony, the creature cleared its throat, a sound all too familiar to her as she turned to meet the very princess that thought she'd made it clear that her elder sister wasn't in the condition for visitors. Her furrowed brow and stern expression only made Twilight regret her decision even more. The goddess' stature and still, enigma of a mane, made her appear even more fearsome engulfed in shadows. "Twilight Sparkle... is there anything we can help thou with?" The night watcher inquired. Twilight hung her head in defeat, knowing full well she should have simply stayed in bed with her thoughts, her fears... and her friends. "Come…" Luna beckoned, before she received answer. She headed through the halls, and her guest followed along without a word. For whatever reason the structure looked far more spacious at night, the moon intruding inside every room within the castle, it always paid scheduled visits. As the two made their way across the halls, Luna’s form, every inch that the moon caressed was illuminated, it was as if she were born to be seen in moonlight. It was almost as if the stars themselves were guiding the librarian through the halls, perhaps because at times Luna's form would seemingly vanish when there was little light, the night effortlessly complemented her coat so. Twilight couldn't help but catch Luna's vision; such a sight easily took her eyes from the floor, as she'd been previously pondering her mistake during their venture. As the two finally approached the guest chamber, Luna did not cease in stride, she continued on, which caused the polymath to do the same. After all, she truly did have something she wished to ask of this princess, soon enough they approached Luna's room once again. Before the door opened, Twilight spoke, "Luna, I'm really sorry I—“ her apology was brought to a halt as the princess raised her hoof in objection. " 'Tis fine," the princess sighed and gave a smile showing sympathy. "We understand such concern… how could we not?" The door was opened with a glow of her horn, and she gestured for the little pony to step inside, and so she did. In all of Equestria if there was another who could come close to feeling the same agony as she did regarding her elder sister, it was this unicorn. It was the very reason she had been awake after all, and happened to find Twilight in front of her sister’s chambers, her being caught hadn’t been a remarkable coincidence. The door shut behind the room's resident as she entered after the other and made way toward her bed, even her venture, along with entrance to her bed was elegant as she laid head and form down to rest. Twilight was a bit confused, as she stood at the center of the room for several minutes. Luna's horn gave a glow and a section of the sheets lift, after she'd made herself comfortable. "Come Twilight Sparkle, ye shall rest with us tonight. At best we can at least keep an eye on thee." The librarian cautiously made her way toward the bed, minding the veils as she gently brushed them aside and slipped between the sheets, this was the last thing she had expected. At the very least she had anticipated a bit of scolding, a stern tongue, a lecture even, but not this. She took her place near Luna, and to her surprise once more, she was met with two hooves and warmth, given all her stress and worry, both were quite welcomed. And again, Twilight was reminded of the others stature, she felt safe and the awkward mood that resided only in her mind before, had set itself down to rest as quickly as she did. It was then that the librarian remembered she had matters she wished to discuss with the one she'd apparently be sharing a bed with tonight. "Princess," spoke the purple polymath in a whisper, as didn't want to wake the other, had she already fallen asleep. "Yes," answered the other in a gentle tone. "About tomorrow, the ruins… we’ll need a guide." This was true, Luna hadn't thought to give them such a thing, as the lot had always crusaded as the six saviors, never did they need a guide before. "You have somepony in mind then?" asked the princess with shut eyes. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I’m sure this pony will make our journey a hundred times easier." The unicorn smiled. Indeed Luna was curious, as Twilight truly had confidence in this one. "If you wish, we shall send for them in the morning.” The lunar equine yawned against her hoof. "Thank you, princess.” These were the last words said, before both succumbed to slumber with less worry than before. As fate would have it, morning came, the sun still somehow making its debut right on time. The castle cooks themselves had finished their morning routine of preparing breakfast for the castle, as they arrived extra early this morning, seeing as there were more housed than its usual two. They were also given specific instruction to prepare a feast. Elsewhere two ponies had done the same, being early to rise as these very two had also been the last to arrive at the table, Celestia excluded of course. The dining hall's lavished table stretched nearly a mile long, because of that, it was rare that anypony sat at its ends. The tables had been set with silverware, napkin, knives, forks, spoons and of course the silver platters kept with domes, which made their banquet a mystery. The friends freshened up and all arrived at the table one by one, taking their seats across from the other, exchanging glances left and right, the same as they'd done while being escorted to the halls. It appears they'd lost a friend, thankfully Luna had given the guard notice of her and Twilight's scheduled tardiness, or else the lot would have skipped breakfast altogether and searched for their friend in misplaced concern. Even with the guard's notice, it didn't mean they couldn't worry. Though, their worries were put to rest as the two entered the hall sharing smiles. Her friends finally had comfort once again, all giving sighs of reliefs, some wiping sweat from their brows, before returning the gesture they'd just received. The two took their seats, alongside the others, everypony giving morning greetings before tying the napkins around their neck. "So, where were the two of you?" Rainbow Dash furrowed a brow. As she was the last to fasten anything around her neck, but the first to ask the question on all her companion’s mind. "At the library," said Twilight, giving a bit of a giggle as she knew her surprise would excite the cyan pegasus just as much as it did her, if not further. “The library?" her expressions still the same, this time getting only a nod from Twilight as confirmation. All she did was shrug, as she'd finally fastened her napkin. She dismissed that last of her worry with a final notion. Eggheads will be eggheads. The trip the two took to the library wasn't as quick as you'd believe. Upon their arrival, Spike shrieked at the sight of the foreboding visitor, he’d honestly believed he was having another Nightmare Moon Nightmare though that didn't stop him from darting up the stairs. Twilight couldn't help but be a bit embarrassed by his display when such company came. "You'd think he knew the difference by now," she said to herself as she shook her head and went upstairs to retrieve him. It took some time to calm the dragon down, and to pull him from underneath the bed. After things had settled, he apologized to Luna and in return she apologized to him, as she honestly wished her form was less intimidating to her subjects. Twilight had come in search of a book of course, and still, even though she’d always been one to set the order and structure of books in the library, it was usually… Spike… or somepony else who swiftly acquired the book Twilight was in search of. Spike had no idea why the mare had been so excited, almost giddy to get her hooves on that book, she’d held it for two weeks now and as far as he could remember she hadn't even read it, however she had spent hours caressing the cover with a more painful sigh than her usual infatuated one. Luna furrowed a brow, "'Tis not the book we acquired for thou a fortnight ago?" Twilight hugged the book. "Yes, it is... I couldn't bring myself to read it. Daring Do's last book, a month before its initial release... her last, adventure. I'm really grateful, thank you Luna." Luna still couldn't understand, the unicorn had tears forming her eyes. "Have we... gone against some tradition, by acquiring the book sooner?" "It isn't that Princess Luna, I've just never been good with endings. The author says this is the last book she'll ever write, but she hasn't said why... but it's clear she means it, Twilight hugged the princess, "It's alright, I'll be fine. The author said that this book would change Daring Do forever, that she gets something special at the end; it'll give all her fans closure." Twilight wiped her eyes and fit the book in her saddlebag, putting on her best smile to assure her traveling companion she was fine now. "Come on Luna, we've got work to do." "Indeed Twilight Sparkle, we have one final duty to attend to while you prepare for the journey ahead ." Before their discussion had even begin, Spike yawned and stretch, the baby dragon dismissed the herself and assumed it was just far too early in the morning and he himself, far too tired to understand why the book was needed. Before he retired, Twilight hugged her number one assistant, thanking him for the book and cleaning the mess she and her friends had left for him. Both wished him pleasant dreams even when the dawn was nearly an hour away. Twilight left a note for her weary assistant, and the two made their exit. ----------------------------- As every mare was finally accounted for, ponies, as if on command appeared in lines and rows into the dining hall. The chefs of course, coming in white coats to present their culinary delights, they all placed a hoof atop the domes that hid their dishes and began revealing them one after the other, proceeding in a wave. There stood apple and oranges some sliced, diced and others peeled; eggs, bagels and haystack pancakes; French toast and other various grains flowers assorted for feeding, all herbivore's choice. Luna had instructed them not to prepare anything too heavy or fattening before their journey. Such things could take place upon their return. The meals themselves seemed to sparkle, perhaps just reflecting off everypony's wide eyes. It truly was a feast, and while everyone had a shield around their necks, there were three who didn't take well to sword, silverware if you were aware of your etiquette. Pinkie herself was one of them, aside from anything requiring class such as the offered wine and morning beverages she never did have the best of manners at the table. Truthfully she believed they would only slow her down. Applejack herself hadn't been too familiar with fancy forks and knives, neither was her competitive companion as the two carefully ate what their teeth could hold. Pinkie mimicked the two, she’d restrained herself from jumping into the table, as she wasn’t a slob, but that didn't mean her muzzle was any cleaner thanks to the syrup left at her side. Luna simply smiled at their display as she was glad her guest were being themselves, it was rare that she or her sister ever had guest at such a time, in the morning. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, expect Ms. Rarity who soon softened up herself, she’d come to enjoy her friends after all, despite how uncouth they could be a times. And Fluttershy was just relieved she had nothing to fear in this pleasant morning, the chirping wildlife and running fountains that sit beside the castle windows easily but her at peace. Although she thought for a moment that there might have been some form of meat in such an enormous feast, but her kind eyes caught no sign of such a thing. It didn’t take long for everyone to have their fill as they didn’t eat all that often. Upon removing their shields and praising the meal, the group removed themselves from their seats and made way toward the exit. The girls noticed their things already neatly gathered at the entrance, it was time for them to leave as scheduled. They were ready to depart, after a long night’s rest and bountiful breakfast how could they not be? Everyone gathered around their saddlebags and lined themselves in front of the large door. Luna had taken a different route than the others and no pony knew where the princess had vanished to so quickly. Though, it wasn’t long before she returned in all her majesty. As she approached, a hovering, shimmering chest could be seen beside her stride, a familiar looking one at that. The mare of dreams stood before them, the jeweled box and her horn giving the same glow. The miniature chest opened, revealing the elements that echo within the very fiber of friends that stood before. "We thought it best that thou bring these along, thy capricious journey with undoubtedly have a higher chance of success with them.” Luna lifted each saddle-bag and made certain they were securely fastened before putting each element in its proper place and being sure to place the map within Twilight's bag, raising a hoof after to signal the guards to open the door. The girls turned toward the door for the last time as it opened, allowing the warmth of the sun to shower down, and bathe them in its glow, it was inviting as always. The girls faced out into Celestia’s gift, everypony wearing their masks of determination. The guards bowed and Luna waved them farewell. "Take care of thy escort and she shall do the same for thee." These were the princess’ final words, as she silently wished them all the luck she could. The friends all looked to Twilight, as she was the only one to wave when Luna said such a thing. "We will princess." She smiled with glee. "Uh, escort? What's she talkin' bout Twi?" Applejack asked with furrowed brow. "You'll see." Twilight vibrantly reciprocated as they made their way to the familiar air balloon, fully prepared for take-off. To her friend's surprise, there was a pony already inside, as she slowly came into view as the girls trot toward the aircraft. The pony became more and more familiar to Rainbow Dash quicker than the others as they came closer. And as they finally reached the contraption, the cyan mare froze, she couldn't believe it, it was… impossible. "No way," she said in a whisper. The mare was looking to the sky, her star-compass cutie mark in full view and her trademark cylinder hat atop her gray scale mane flowing in the gentle breeze. As they approached she turned and smiled to greet everyone, allowing them room to enter. The librarian put a friendly hoof over the shoulder of their escort, now grinning ear to ear. "Everyone, I'd like you all to meet, Daring Do. She will be helping us navigate throughout our expedition." Twilight couldn’t help but beam a wide grin. Rainbow’s jaw dropped, it just couldn't be her, she was a fictional character after all. "Huh... but I thought she was just a pony in those books you're always reading?" Pinkie Pie questioned as she raised her hoof like a foal in a classroom. "Right you are Pinkie. Thatwas the case before, but Luna and I went back to the library this very morning for this special occasion and she used a very particular and powerful spell, (one Twilight couldn't possibly cast or she'd have done so quite some time ago) to bring her here to be our escort." The lot of mares were all familiar enough with the Daring Do series, or how capable she was in the thicket of jungles, forest, pyramids, and ruins as that's where most of her adventures lead her. If Twilight hadn't already made certain they knew of her then Rainbow Dash surely had, countless times. Rainbow Dash was still in shock, “The" Daring Do was talking and breathing, right next to her! This was the only pony cooler than she was, of course now she couldn't admit it since she'd always claimed to be the most awesome pony alive. Twilight couldn't help but giggle at Rainbow's display, she knew she'd act this way from the start, she was more or less the same way herself when Luna first brought her from the book. Strangely enough, only Applejack noticed how familiar, or rather similar she looked compared to Rainbow Dash as she squint an eye, it was as if they could be sisters, twins. It took all of the rainbow's pony’s will not to squeal right then and there, as she covered her muzzle with a hoof as quickly as she could. After all greetings and pleasantries were given, everyone boarded the balloon and Daring Do, released the rope. Off they went toward the radiant sun, to Saddle-Arabia. Luckily it wasn't too far from the kingdom, and with the coordinates and map Luna had given them, they'd land near the ruins in no time. And time was of the essence. Twilight clenched her hoof. "Princess, I promise I won't return without that cure." And she meant every word of it as she set her eyes outward to the beautiful skies before her. And just then, a certain pony lost the last of her dying will, letting loose a squeal of delight that all would have to Pinkie Promise never to speak of.