Upcoming Story - Celestia Regina [Preview] · 11:44am Jun 27th, 2021

Bicyclette told me I should probably make one of these for the sake of it like she did, but here's a little sneak-peek for the next story I've cooked up - a little something for the Renaissance Contest

No spoilers, as it'll be the first part of the first chapter anyway!

ETA: Soon (tm)

I
The Siege

The Moon had never felt so cold, even now at Summer’s end. Yet its tranquil beauty, once so welcome to all of Equestria, now brought only looming dread for the Princess of the Sun.

Sparing the lonely figure cast on its surface one last glance, Celestia returned her gaze onto the flight ahead. Just as she exited the clouds, moonlight behind her, her eyes fell onto the sprawling, walled city down below.

It was a sight that greeted many a traveller who crested the Smokey Mountains or sailed in from the North Luna Ocean. Vanhoover sat upon many islands, guarding the entrance to the two rivers that flanked its sides. The lights of the city and the mighty stone walls that marked its borders promised refuge to those souls brave enough to cross the untamed wilderness separating it from the rest of Equestria.

Now, those lights have been extinguished save for a few dim torches on the city walls, the gates surely sealed shut. Where once caravans streamed in and out, bringing goods to Equestria’s northernmost city, there were none as far as Celestia’s eyes could see.

With her horn alight, cloak and heavy saddlebags tightened, Celestia descended upon the hills beyond the city’s walls. As she glided down for a soft landing, in one graceful motion the Moon was lowered and the Sun was raised slowly from behind the Smokey Mountains, basking the valleys, rivers, and marshes with its light.

Her hooves on solid ground, her wings held tight against her body, Celestia dimmed her horn and looked around.

Much had been said and written of Vanhoover’s might. Few had bothered to mention the stench of the disease-ridden northern marshes just beyond it. No trained commander of the Royal Guard would be foolish enough to establish a campsite there.

And there, from the corner of her eye, Celestia caught a glimpse of the encampment, the light of her Sun finally illuminating the tents. It lay there at a vantage point a good distance away: overlooking the city, in a clearing surrounded by pine trees.

Overzealous he may be, but the Northern Legion’s captain was meticulous. Ironhoof wouldn’t dare make a mistake, not when he wished to impress.

With a heavy sigh, Celestia marched onward across the grassy hills, passing through the forested terrain. Her saddlebags were filled to the brim, yet it did not burden her confident stride. The absence of her regalia helped in that regard.

Only when two guards emerged from the encampment, each of their horns alight, did Celestia pause, just before she emerged from the treeline.

“W-who goes there?” said one of the pair. The senior one, Celestia surmised, going by his crest. An officer.

Good, then, Celestia mused. She could relay her request immediately.

Just as she crossed the treeline and into the sight of the two unicorns, a brilliant flash burst across her vision, followed by a quick tingle, before they dissipated just as suddenly as they had appeared. When it cleared, she caught the sight of the other, younger unicorn, his eyes wide and mouth agape.

“Ahem– commendable aim, Private,” said Celestia. She pulled off her hood, letting her lush mane flow once more. The poor lad before her shivered and stammered and his companion wasn’t doing much better, either, going by his trembling lips. “Please, may I speak with Captain Ironhoof?”

Stay tuned