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// Chapter 3 - Royal Invite 
// Story: Story of Diane Pie: Re-Unity 
// by Middle Ground 
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	Today is an...unusual day for me. I woke up to find a letter from Princess Luna in the mail box and it was a call to meet with her face to face. My name is Maud Pie and I like rocks. I run a rock farm, and I travel Equestria a lot to gather knowledge about all kinds of stones. Good thing I have my pet rock, Boulder, with me or else I might get lonely. Rock farms are usually known for finding valuable minerals and are delivered to geologists to study or to construction workers who need building material. My family gets paid for our findings and it's a busy job. On my way to Canterlot from home, I've met with all kinds of rocks. Each of them are unique in their own way; some of them are rough while others are smooth, some are large while others are small. Eventually, I arrive at Canterlot and then make my way to the castle. But then I stopped at the sight of a jewelry store and the shiny stones presented at the front window. A few of them were diamonds, and others were emeralds and amethysts. I then listened to Boulder whisper into my right ear.
"I agree, Boulder, they are all so arrogant." I then placed Boulder back in my pocket and went back to making my way to the castle to meet with Princess Luna. The letter instructed me to present it to the Royal Guard so I could be granted entry into the castle. I hope I'm not too late or too early. The letter never really gave me an exact time to arrive. It also said that Princess Luna wanted to speak to me about something I might know. I have no idea what she meant, but it must be important. I then walk up to the gate leading to the castle and then saw two Royal Guard Pegasi standing in front of the doors.
"Halt...! If you have business here, please present proof and we will let you pass!" I then presented my letter from Princess Luna to them and they both examined it.
"Forgive us, Miss Maud Pie. We were told my her majesty that you would arrive. Please, follow me." The single Royal Guard then opened the gate and I followed him inside. We walked through the castle halls and the stain-glass windows were all quite beautiful. The glass was actually made with many bright colored jewels and all fashioned into beautiful images. We then made our way into what I assume was a garden full of plants and small animals like birds and rabbits.
"Please miss, wait right here. I will let her majesty know you have arrived." The Royal Guard presented a table with tow plates and two chairs and I took my seat. He then left to go and get Princess Luna. I looked around and the garden was quite nice. Though, I think a few more stones would be nice. I took Boulder out, placed him on the table, and he then whispered to me again.
"I'm curious too. It must be important for the Princess to call me here personally." I didn't wait for long as I then see a blue pony fly from above: It was Princess Luna. She was like Pinkie Pie described her. Her coat was a nightly blue, her mane sparkled like the stars, and her Cutie Mark was the Moon itself.
"Welcome, Miss Maud Pie. I am so glad you have arrived." She gives me a warm smile and then took her seat at the single table.
"It is an honor to meet you, Princess. Boulder says hello." I lower my head to greet and respect her.
"Um...Boulder?" She looked confused. Many ponies are like that.
"This is my pet rock, Boulder." I then pointed at Boulder who I have set on the table.
"Oh...um...a pleasure to meet you both then." She then magically carried a couple of red grapes from a nearby grapevine and placed them on the plates.
"Please, help yourselves. The grapes are fresh and good for you." She began eating the freshly picked grapes. I ate a couple of them and they had a tangy, sour-sweet taste.
"They're good grapes." Boulder agreed as we ate. After we finished our grapes, Princess Luna had some maids prepare some tea for us to enjoy.
"So Miss Maud Pie, you're probably wondering why I have called you here inside the castle. Am I right?" She then poured some tea into both our cups as she asked her question.
"Yes, Princess. I hope it isn't anything bad." I have been a little cautious about this meeting.
"Oh no, it isn't...! I just merely wished to ask you some questions!" Princess Luna panicked a little bit. Perhaps I was cautious for nothing.
"What would you like to know?" I was willing to answer whatever she wished to ask me.
"Well...it's about a pony you...might know." She then turned away for a moment. Who is this pony is she talking about exactly?
"Does the name 'Diane' mean anything to you?" My eyes widened when she asked that question.
"You know Diane...? How?" I never expected Diane to know Princess Luna.
"Well...I met her by chance in her dreams. I have been helping her ever since and we became friends. She's doing fine and you don't need to worry about her. Its just..." I was relieved to know Diane is doing alright, but there must be something Princess Luna wants to know.
"Miss Maud Pie, just who or what is Diane? From what I have gathered in my research of the Mirror Pool, she is not a 'normal' pony. So I want to know who she is exactly and you might be able to help me. After all, she is technically your sister." The Mirror Pool...? What is that? Is that how Diane came to be? This...is just too confusing.