Progress is being made with Evening's Waltz! · 6:23pm Jun 13th, 2023
Because I'm a horrible person like that, I'm going to post a sneak peek for Chapter 3: The Royal Dancefloor right here, right now. In this one, you'll get to meet some new side characters - they're members of the Royal Guard who are travelling with Luna to the city of Aurora in the Crystal Empire. Constructive criticism is appreciated!
The final Lunar Guard, a mare with a sandy coat and a wispy blue mane, looked around at the group. “Wyvern Paladin.”
Songbird Star scrunched her muzzle at the name. “I swear I know somepony from the Paladin family…” She looked at Wyvern quizzically, and noticed a subtle difference in the appearances of their suits of armour. “Wait. Are you a member of the Corona Guard?”
“One of the newer ones, yes,” Wyvern answered. “I was promoted six or so months ago. I was actually supposed to be taking a few days off this week which is why I was in Canterlot. Usually my post is over in the Southern Caverns overlooking the Badlands.”
“Oh, that explains the accent,” said Buttercup.
Wyvern nodded. “Most ponies have trouble placing it. Most ponies are blissfully unaware that the Caverns even exist. They hear the name Badlands and assume that there is nothing there but uninhabitable desert land, when actually there are farms and orchards not so far away from the caves. It’s one advantage of being near the Hayseed Swamps: it’s not too far from water, which means food can grow there.”
“Do you know somepony called Diamond Paladin by any chance?” asked Songbird. “I did my Royal Guard training with her.”
“When I see my little cousin again I’ll mention that you said hello.”
They emerged from the trees and found themselves walking on the soft grassy marshland of the floodplain. It appeared to stretch for many miles ahead of them. The river channel circled around them from the north east to the west, and just north of the river was a village. Shining Snow pulled a map out of his saddlebags and checked it. “The last thing we want is to go anywhere near any towns where there could be enemies waiting for us. Due north west from here.”
“No need to worry us, then,” frowned Buttercup.
“Just being honest,” Shining grumbled. “Princess Celestia allowed the Corona Guards allowed to read a letter that was sent to Everfree Castle, supposedly from Her Highness the Crystal Princess, and compare it to a letter which we know actually came from her in early March this year, which was the last time anypony in Equestria heard from her. Either she has changed somehow, or else the Crystal Empire has a new leader who hates Equestria.”
“Hmm?” said Luna.
“Yes, Princess?” said Shining.
“This is news to my ears. When did Celestia take the letter from me, and allow the Corona Guards’ Circle to read it?”
“Last evening, just after moonrise, Your Highness.”
Luna turned to Wyvern next. “Is this true?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Hmm, lots to discuss, lots to discuss. I can't say any more though, because while some of the things I have in mind are probably more obvious, there are a few things which are going to be a little harder to guess for those of you reading the story and speculating as you go along. Hopefully you'll enjoy what I have in store for our protagonist and the ponies around her.
Hope you're all doing well today!
~ Angel
