Eighth Chapter

The first part in making a difference

This chapter begins the morning following Chapter Seven

Captain Sunshine Eartheart of Her Majesty Princess Celestia’s Royal Guards

“Captain Earthheart, Captain Skywatch, to what do I owe the pleasure, this beautiful morning?” Princess Celestia doesn’t look as if this meeting is very pleasurable to her. “My secretary informs me you want to discuss a policy I have already rejected.”

“Princess, I do not at all mean to undermine your authority.” I do of course, but one must be diplomatic. “We just believe that you are making the wrong decision. I understand that Princess Luna may not have convinced you. That’s reasonable, she is no military strategist. Why would she represent the Royal Guard, when we should be the ones doing it?”

“Princess Celestia, both Captain Earthheart and myself agree on this. I know it might not sound all that great when Luna says it by herself, but we’re asking you to reconsider.”

“Of course, the decision is in your hooves, and if you chose to refuse, we shan’t question that decision.” I say.

Princess Celestia looks out across the city, from this tower Canterlot seems tiny, we are surrounded by mountains, their peaks still coated with the remnants of winter's snow. Below us, the valleys and hills that make up Central Equestria. Celestia takes time to deliberate, she seems to be genuinely thinking hard. Finally, she sighs. “Very well Captains, you know best. This probably isn’t my place to intervene anyway.”

“Nonsense Your Majesty. Your input is always welcome, we protect you after all,” I say. “All we ask is that you let us voice our opinions too. When push comes to shove, you are our commander.”

“Very true. I do appreciate your honesty Captain.” She lets out a tired sigh. “I hope Luna isn’t too mad. I just snapped at her, because this idea seemed like nonsense. Captain Skywatch, would you kindly try to soften the blow. Just have a word with her, make me look sympathetic.”

“Thank you. You are dismissed Captain.” I turn to leave. “Not you Earthheart.” I nod, and turn towards her. She gestures that I stand beside her. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“I want to thank you Captain. It’s very much appreciated, that somepony is willing to be so bold as to challenge me. Every day I get thousands of ponies who believe in sincerity, that if they come to me, I’ll solve all of their problems. I shouldn’t hinder you from solving yours.”

“This was one of the reasons I took on Twilight Sparkle. I thought if a good message of friendship would be spread across the land, ponies would have the decency to deal with their problems themselves.” She lets out a heavy sigh. “I’m tired Captain. I’ll not pretend I had any ideological reason behind refusing your policy, when Luna suggested it. Simply put, it was new, and I was grumpy, and she could very well go away. I didn’t care what she was saying. Ruling a Kingdom for a millennium by oneself is no small task. With ponies like Twilight, I’ve been able to have a lot more peace of mind. In regards to the Royal Guard, I’ll admit, I’ve neglected it. It seemed to do its job. So why I’m intervening now is beyond me. All you want to do is improve things, so I’ll let you do your job.”

“I wonder how many ponies want my help today.” She sighs. “You are dismissed Captain. Thank you for this chat. I’m sure you’ll do a great job.”

“I trust your discretion to keep me informed of any major developments. Doubtless you’ll have changes to make. Give me a short summary of all of the changes, you plan to make by tomorrow morning. I’d just like to keep informed. If I have any objections I’ll let you know. Just keep it brief and to the point.”

“I try Your Majesty, and I thank you for the trust you’ve given me. I won’t let you down.”

Celestia gives me a weak smile. “I wish more ponies were like you.” I return the smile.

“Bloody hell.” Wellbridge looks tired. “I’ve not had a run that good in years.” He’s breathing far more heavily than usual.

“Just told you, aint I? Earthheart’s been working the shit out of us. Didn’t know it’d be so bloody strenuous. Bastard makes me feel old. I don’t know how he does that stuff himself, but buggered if I’m going to let him beat me.”

“That’s the spirit! Seems that everypony else is tired too,” I say gesturing the bar behind me. There are less officers than usual, and the ones that are there, are having quiet chats, with a pint before bedtime.

“He’s determined to build our stamina. So we’ve all got to run up the mountain and back. It’s an activity the Night Guards do. He did that in the morning, and I did it in the afternoon. He’s promised to do a lot more drills in fairness.”

“Cor mate.” He chuckles “I’m not, bloody knackering’ makes me feel old. I’ll get back in shape though. I swear it.”

“Sure of it. He’s always been like this has Earthheart. I remember when we was kids. He’d always push himself, and expect everyone else to do the same. His dad was the boss of the academy, you see. So he’d always try to get the best out of his kid. Earthheart’s never known how to slow down. I respect that in a soldier.” He says almost sadly. “But, still, he’s bloody relentless.” He perks up again. “I expect he’ll do a good job.”

“I’m sure of it! If I know one thing about him, it’s that he’s a hero.”

“I think so.” He nods his head, and takes a gulp. “So anything new with you?”

“Well.” I say. “I suppose I invent drinks, that’s always a pleasure of mine. Then there’s reading, I’ll admit, it doesn’t seem that interesting from the outside.”

“Now don’t let ponies tell you that books aren’t useful. Look at Princess Twilight.”

“She preaches friendship, but thinks that her spending five minutes of her time on things is going to make it better. She goes there, she “fixes it” and leaves, having done nothing, except earned a smug sense of self worth, based on nothing.”

“Bloody hell love, calm down. I came here to relax. Just teasin’. But you know, you don’t have to be an outgoing pony to have a laugh. We all like a nice sit in with a book. I’ve got a thing about foreign countries. There’s a lot of adventure over there.”

We continue chatting for a pint or two, until Wellbridge finally ends up taking his leave. I wonder what Earthheart was doing, that kept him so busy. I’d liked to have seen him this evening, surely I’ll see him soon though.

Captain Sunshine Eartheart of Her Majesty Princess Celestia’s Royal Guards

My new bedroom is strange, it’s far larger than I would like, I’m not used to double beds. I will have it changed in due time, it would be harmful to make me soft. I do not like anything inessential, maybe after I retire, but now I am a soldier, I must live like one. The chest of drawers made of mahogany will stay, it’d be a waste to abandon such beautiful things, after all they serve a purpose. The desk too will stay, as will the small sofa. It hurts me to accept such niceties, yet all of them hold a function.

Currently I’m sitting down, writing an entry in my diary, oh nothing you should be concerned about. I’ve told you all of the relevant details of the day. Either that or somepony else has. I shan’t bore you with details of military drills.

There is a knock on my door. “Enter.” I say. “Ah Captain Skywatch, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You should have seen Luna earlier. Fackin’ hell.” He sighs. “You got any drinks?”

Captain Skywatch looks at me, it’s a tired look. “I just can’t handle it any more mate. They want you.”

“Both Princesses. I was there guarding Princess Luna, you know how it is with us, we’re a lot more understaffed than your lot, so I, me, the cunt in charge of the whole bloody Night Guard is on duty. Anyway, Celestia sends in an aide, who tells her about the policy.” He sighs. “Now you better believe that pisses her off. She storms right out of the court. Look I’m Luna’s head of security, I wouldn’t take the job if I didn’t love the Princess, but fuck. I tried to calm it down with her, I did. I swear. I know it’s late for you, but it’s on their orders not mine.”

“Just, try not to piss either of them off. I’ll betcha this isn’t the last time this comes up either. It happens a lot. Shining Armor didn’t have to deal with it a lot, but believe me, I do.” I must confess, I didn’t know things got this bad. This certainly has been an eventful first two days.

“Let’s just try to deal with this. I suppose we are bound to our sovereigns.”

I quickly put on my dressing gown, before following Captain Skywatch. Our lonely hoofsteps echo across the vast empty halls of Canterlot Castle. “You know, I didn’t sign up for this. When Luna came back, all the bloody Thestrals were in jubilation. I was the first to sign up to protect my Princess. I thought I’d be keeping her safe, not defusing arguments.”

“Can say that again. But I love my Princess, it is my job after all.” We pause at the door to Celestia’s bedroom, I can hear incoherent shouting in the background. “After you.” He gestures me in, and reluctantly follows like a guilty schoolcolt.

Suddenly the room is quiet. “Well here he is! Maybe you’ll listen to him!” Princess Luna’s face is that of pure rage, her sister one of exhaustion and defeat.

Do you remember, when I told you there was a good reason, why I asked Luna a question. Don’t you remember, when I asked her if I’d better suggest the two captains policy? I would have done so anyway, but it’s always good to remind somepony when their sister isn’t listening. Not that I blame Celestia of course. Who would? When one argues that poorly, it doesn’t matter what point is made. “Your Highness,” I look at Princess Luna. “Your Majesty.” I look at Princess Celestia. “Do forgive me, I’m a little dazed, what is going on?”

Celestia tries to smile. “You should get some sleep.” She yawns, “So should I.”

“What is there to discuss?” I ask as diplomatically as possible. I turn my head to both princesses. “And why am I of all ponies here.”

“Luna, can we discuss this tomorrow. I’ve had a long day.” Celestia gives me an apologetic look.

“No! No! I’m not letting you get away with it this time. Captain Earthheart, would you please get my sister to listen to me.”

“Princess Luna, I know it is above me to make a request. But would you kindly calm down? If you are to get anywhere, you should argue your point professionally.” She breathes heavily, like a pony would after they had recently stopped crying. “Perhaps it is wise to take a glass of water.”

“Very well.” Luna takes in a deep breath. “Skywatch, fetch me a glass of water.”

It might just be a trick of the light, but I’m almost certain he winked at me. “And one for me too, please.” I say.

Celestia seems to consider the offer, but waves him away. “It’s too late for me to drink, without having me wake up at night.”

“Very well.” I say. “Princess Luna, you obviously have grievances with your sister.” Celestia gives me an annoyed look, as if to ask why this conversation is still going on.

“Please Calm down Princess.” I say calmly. “If we are to get a reasonable outcome here, we must be reasonable ponies. Is that reasonable?”

“Even if you are angry, in order to get anything done, one must be diplomatic. Now, if you don’t mind, would you please explain why you are angry?”

Luna inhales. “Right. I suppose I’m angry, because you never listen.” She says assertively. “Like yesterday, offered you a policy. Which you adopted! I wasn’t angry at that. But when somepony else, offers the same policy, and you accept. That’s just insulting. Do you even take me seriously?”

Skywatch walked in, and placed a tray of water on the table. “Not when you act like this. Luna, if you articulated your points better, I might take them seriously. You have to ask at the right time, this is what I’ve been trying to tell you.”

“Listen, I spend my whole day listening to hundreds of complaints. After I get out of court, I want to relax, not be bombarded by more.”

I don’t even need to talk, yet I’m going to end up with the credit of solving this. How wonderful my life is.

“I am always here for my subjects, I just wish they’d deal with their own problems from time to time. Twilight is a great help, but it’s a lot, and you on top of that.”

“WHEN WILL I BE READY THEN?!?” Luna bellows in her Royal Canterlot Voice pushing the tray of water over. Celestia sighs pathetically and clears up the broken fragments of glass and places them on the tray for later. She’ll simply have to live with a wet floor for the moment.

“When you prove you are responsible. One day, I know you will convince me. But right now, you come across as far too emotional to rule.”

“If you get too emotionally invested, this job will destroy you. Or worse, you’ll destroy your job. When you have something to suggest to me, do so in the morning, give me a letter, I will read it. But in the evening, I’m tired, I want to relax. Don’t be so bothersome!”

Luna looks genuinely offended by that. She takes a moment to collect herself before retorting. She sounds quieter now, sad more than angry. “Sister, please, I love you, I just want to help.”

“Princess Luna, I suggest You listen to your sister.” She gives me an evil look. “I think your sister’s requests are reasonable. Approach her at a more appropriate time. I know, that you are a great princess, and so does your sister. And while I do not blame you for being passionate, I advise you are professional about it. Ponies are more easily swayed by reasonable arguments, than by loud decrees.

All of that being said, Princess Celestia. You must find the time to listen to your sister’s grievances. Or this type of thing is bound to happen.”

“Thank you Captain.” Says Celestia, she turns to Luna. “Luna, I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. I’ll try to listen, if you try to be diplomatic about it.”

Celestia scowls at Luna, but doesn’t act on it. “Luna, would you mind if I had a private word with The Captain?”

“Of course not, come Skywatch.” She turns towards Celestia for one last time, she opens her mouth as if about to say something but stops. Skywatch quickly merges into the wall wearing a face of stoic neutrality.

Celestia frowns, watching her sister leave the room followed by the frustrated Skywatch. She sighs in relief as Luna leaves. “Captain, again I want to thank you. I’m glad she listened to you.”

“She would say the same thing. Might I ask what you wish to discuss with me?”

“Regardless, thank you.” She looks rather agitated. “You probably didn’t need to be there. I do apologise for Luna.” Celestia yawns. “But it’s bedtime now.”

I suppose you’re asking yourself, why I did that? The reason is simple really, you should have figured it out by now. I am not a revolutionary, I’ve already been given whatever influence I want over The Royal Guard at its current state. But what harm can it do to befriend the Princesses? As much as they preach friendship, I doubt they’d naturally gravitate towards me. Are you suggesting I try to gravitate towards them through traditional means? Oh please, if you think that, you must be naive. That being said, I could possibly approach Luna like that. Celestia on the other hand is different, if I approached her normally, she would dismiss me. She has thousands of ponies who wish to befriend her. No, I must show her that I’m worthy of her company.

Enough of that, I think I’m due a drink. Don’t you? I know it’s late, but I need something to put me to sleep. I wonder if Sparkling Soda’s still up. I like the filly, why? I don’t know. She’s certainly very sensible, it’s nice to see somepony who doesn’t idolize The Princesses. Enough thinking. I wonder how she’ll react?

The last hour of work is the most boring. Either there’s one tired pony finishing up his drink, if I’m lucky he’ll tell me a story, or there’s nopony here. I wish there was a more comfortable seat here. Suppose that’s one of the points of being young isn’t it? I put on a bit of gentle jazz, and close my eyes waiting for my shift to end.

“Good evening. I’d like a- well, you be the judge of that. I know what you’ll give me will be better than what I’d order.” It’s Earthheart!

“Ahh, well, there’s a good reason for that.” I pass him his drink. “Thank you. I’ve had rather an interesting experience this evening.”

“Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna were arguing earlier.” I roll my eyes.

“Indeed. Princess Luna was angry that she wasn’t listened to by Princess Celestia.” I roll my eyes again.

“They’re all the same. Luna’s better meaning I suppose, but she’s just naive.”

“Isn’t it obvious? Just from that I mean. You can tell she really cares, but you can also tell she knows nothing about it.”

“Very clever. Very clever.” He says slowly. “Now, where was I?” He returns to his normal pace. “The silliest part, is that it was over a policy I proposed, and I got Celestia to pass.” I give him a confused look. “I suggested the idea to Luna first, thinking that she’d be the better pony to suggest policy to, as opposed to Celestia. Celestia ignored Luna but listened to me, so Luna was angry. I spent my evening easing the tensions.”

“So, mind me asking, what got through? I’d rather not discuss those two, it makes me worried.”

“It’s a simple thing, it means that during the night Captain Skywatch has command over my troops, and during the day, I have command over his. Of course this is only in an emergency scenario, but it increases our potential manpower massively.”

“My dear Sparkling Soda, I do not rest unless I have to. For every idle moment is one less defense. We are in a state of danger, luck has carried us through since the return of Nightmare Moon. But I have no doubt that it will run out. If I have anything to say about it, we won’t need any luck.”

Horse of Cards

by Midnight Ice Cream

Eighth Chapter