//------------------------------//
// The Festival 
// Story: Aeterna Solara - The Dawn of a New Equestria 
// by Etherium-Apex 
//------------------------------//

For the first few moments, Celestia was able to step outside into the courtyard in relative peace, a beautiful orchard of rose bushes and cherry trees, accented by flowing streams and stone pathways. It was not long, though, before the ponies noticed her approach, and grew excited - gasping, pointing, and whispering.

"It's the Princess!"

"Princess Celestia!"

"She's come to join us!"

While some minded themselves and bowed politely, others were overrun with excitement and rushed to the Princess, crowding around her. She backed away slightly, as the ponies standing around her began clamoring all at once, all of them asking such things as if Celestia will accompany them, what her sister is like, what she will do as their new ruler, and how she gets her hair to look as it does. Celestia felt unable to answer all of them at once, and began backing away into the castle, returning her admirers with a barely-managed smile and a nervous chortle before running back inside.

As she caught her breath, Aurelius appeared smug. "Is there something wrong, my dear?"

Celestia looked up and met her father's eyes, now knowing full well what he was talking about. For all of the love she gave to every one of her subjects, interacting with them all at once would prove to be too much. "I think I will need the protection of our guard after all," she said.

Aurelius nodded, and motioned for four of his royal guards to take his daughter's side. They formed a straight line side by side before her; their discipline was phenomenal, appearing as impenetrable statues. The four unicorns, adorned with ornate golden armor engraved with the insignias of their nation and armed with bejeweled swords, awaited command. One stepped forward, bearing a helmet adorned with winged designs on either side, crested by a long red brush along his head and neck.

"Celestia, this is Gallius, Captain of the Guard, and these are his men," Aurelius said. "He will follow your every command, and they shall keep you safe."

Gallius briefly lowered his head as he was introduced. Celestia felt weightless for a brief moment and craned her head back slightly. She circled around the guards as if inspecting them, but they never moved or broke their forward gaze. The Princess halted before them once more, and met eye contact with Gallius.

"...Alright then, this is my command to you: you are to keep me safe and secure as I attend the current festivities, and to prevent the other attendees from crowding me. I would like for you and your guards to remain by my side at all times until dismissed."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Gallius bowed once more, and Celestia grinned and turned back to the gates, the guards following closely.

The moment she returned outside, the crowds from before once again saw her, and began to approach her as they did previously. This time, however, they spotted the guards on either side of her, and kept their distance. Celestia still happily waved at them, now being allowed space to breathe, which in turn encouraged the ponies to wave back and bring smiles back to their faces.

With the Princess now able to freely explore the attractions without being crowded, she began to entertain the first thought on her mind: food. She had not eaten since the morning before the coronation, and her stomach roared with hunger. She spotted a pastry stand shaded by trees next to the stream that flowed through the gardens and made her approach, excited at the thought and the smell of their freshly baked treats.

Upon reaching the charming wooden stand, constructed of wood painted green and yellow with many platforms displaying all manner of apple-themed pastries and confections labeled with their respective prices, she found that there was no one tending to it. She sighed, and began to turn away in search of food elsewhere. Before she got far, the sound of galloping hooves could be heard, and a young stallion stopped behind the stand, appearing slightly out of breath.

"Whew, sorry about that! I forgot to verify my vendor's license with the guards here-" It was then that he saw who had taken interest in his stand, and he jumped. "Princess Celestia!" He appeared shocked at first, but as the feeling faded it was replaced with excitement. He had always had a slight crush on the Princess, always captivated by her shimmering fuschia colored mane as it captured the sunlight during her appearances, and her matching eyes, reflecting the heart-warming personality within them. He himself took the appearance of a tough working stallion, strengthened by long days of farm labor. His coat matched Celestia's, and his bright blue eyes complimented his golden mane and tail. His stature was larger than that of other ponies, being just a little bit taller than the Princess herself.

Celestia giggled at the thought of such a big and strong stallion serving pastries, finding it adorable. "Oh, that's perfectly fine! I'm forgetting things myself all the time. This is a lovely stand you have here; you must be quite the baker!"

"Oh, I didn't make these," The stallion said, his face slightly reddening. "That honor goes to the Apple family, back in Ponyville! I just sell their baked goods for them, along with any work they need done on their farm. My name's Silver by the way, Silver Brighthoof."

"It's wonderful to meet you, Silver!" The Princess smiled and extended her hoof for him to shake.

Silver was surprised by the gesture; surely someone of her status wouldn't be seen shaking hooves with a commoner, and would instead expect them to bow to her. He nervously took her hoof and shook, and met her eyes with a smile. "It's an honor to meet you as well, Your Highness," he replied.

"Oh please," The Princess said, laughing softly. "Just call me Celestia." Already enjoying this stallion's company, she felt a need to set aside the formalities of royalty, and wished to instead be more personal with Silver. It was then that she remembered her hunger, and began eyeing his wares. "Those apple fritters look delicious! Might I have one?"

"Sure thing! That'll be two bits."

Celestia used her magic to pull from her coin purse and handed Silver twenty. "Keep the change," she said. The glow of the shimmering coins seemed to reflect his reaction to Celestia's kindness, and he enthusiastically stored away the money.

"Wow, thanks Your Highn- I mean, Celestia!" he exclaimed. "Will I see you again soon? The day's still young, after all."

Celestia was flattered by Silver's enjoyment of her company, and wished to see him again as well. "Certainly! I don't intend to return home until everyone else is gone. I want to see everything there is to see! You are most welcome to join me any time, and I'll let my guards know to give you an exception." She then took a bite of her fritter, flooding her tastes with the warm aroma of sweet apples and cinnamon spice. "Please send my compliments to the Apply family, by the way. Their baking skills are extraordinary!"

Silver wasn't quite used to such a formal manner of speaking, but still reciprocated her joy. "I'm glad you like it! I'm afraid I'm stuck behind this stand for the time being, but if you check back in about an hour or so I'll be able to take a break."

"I look forward to it," Celestia said. She then continued on her way, accompanied by her guards, enjoying her new tasty treat. She spotted a group of folk-style musicians playing upbeat music on a stage across the way, and joined behind the audience to watch, nodding her head to the music. The tune consisted of traditional drums, violins, flutes and acoustic guitars, with their audience clapping to the beat and some dancing in a circle in the center of the crowd. As she became more lost in the sounds coming from the stage, Celestia's nodding turned to clapping, cheerfully closing her eyes. The other members of the audience had not noticed her, their attention directed ahead of them. When the song finished, the musicians onstage triumphantly raised their instruments skyward, and their audience erupted into cheering and applause, with Celestia joining them in their appreciation.

The day continued on thusly, the Princess going here and there within the courtyard and enjoying the attractions proudly displayed from every corner of her country. She had so far chosen to stay within the courtyard, not wanting to travel too far from Silver before his planned break. Soon enough the sun could be seen somewhat lower in the sky, and she excitedly returned to the stallion's food stand, which was now surprisingly empty of any food items, only crumbs left behind. Silver could still be found at the stand, counting the Apple family's earnings and closing up the stand's platforms. He looked up and saw the Princess, elated to see that she did indeed intend to return.

"I sold everything!" he exclaimed, spreading his arms to demonstrate the empty stand. "That never happens!"

Princess Celestia chuckled. "Well, have you ever catered to a coronation ceremony before today?"

"Well, no. I've never been sent to such a large gathering before. I shouldn't be surprised that I've sold out so soon. Good news for us though, because it means I'm free to spend the day with you, until you can't stand me anymore." It was then that he noticed the change in Celestia's appearance - It appeared that she had applied makeup to her eyes, an elaborate sparkling pattern of blended orange and magenta complimenting her features. "Hey, did you go back home and put on makeup while you were gone? Not trying to impress me, are you?" Silver said, a large grin forming on his face.

"Oh, no, I came across a face-painting attraction and asked them to surprise me. I don't think they were expecting a Princess to show up!" She giggled softly. "Do you like it?" She batted her eyelashes and looked into his eyes, causing Silver to feel a jolt in his heart. He began to feel nervous and a bit bashful, looking away and scratching behind his head.

"Um, yeah, it certainly does suit you."

"Glad to hear it," she replied. "Come with me. I want to see the city." She extended her hoof once again, and Silver gladly took it. They began to venture towards the front gate, and Gallius followed closely with his men.

"Um, Celestia? Are they going to be following us the whole time? They kind of kill the mood." Silver looked back to the guards, who did not make eye contact.

"Mood? My my, what do you mean 'mood'?" Celestia said. "This is just a royal tour of the city, and I am your escort."

"Oh..." The stallion sounded disappointed. "I just thought that-"

"Gotcha," Celestia whispered, leaning into his ear. "We can leave them soon enough. The main city is mostly populated by residents who are used to seeing me, and we'll be less likely to be crowded there." Silver at once appeared relieved, and a large smile formed on his face. A feeling of warmth grew within his heart, as if caught ablaze by the sun's radiance.

When they reached the gate, Celestia stopped and turned to face Gallius. "You may take your leave, Gallius. You have done a fine job."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Gallius bowed, and both he and his guards returned to the castle. The two were then free to enter the main city, met with cobblestone streets and shimmering pale buildings inhabited by all manner of ponies chattering and moving in any direction. Above them, banners of many colors spanned across the street. Flags bearing the insignia of Canterlot, Equestria, and its major cities stood on flagstaffs lining each sidewalk. Ponies in the windows could be seen firing confetti into the streets, and just as in the courtyard, many varying attractions and performances had been set up along each road and clearing. Upon spotting the Princess, many of the pedestrians bowed and then waved, and Celestia waved back.

"What would you like to do first, Silver?" Celestia asked.

"Oh, where to begin," Silver said, looking in all directions. "We should probably see if there's a schedule we can look at, to get a better idea of the events going on in town."

"No need," Celestia said, "I already know the schedule, as I was there when they planned the festival. There should be a parade starting down that way, if you'd like to take a quick look?"

"Sure!" Silver said, and they made their way to line up behind the other spectators, many of whom were carrying small flags of Equestria. The parade began with a marching band playing the national anthem of Equestria, followed closely by formations of color guards providing a visual performance to the music with spinning flags and twirling sabres. Confetti floated all through the air from the buildings above, creating the appearance of a flurry.

"I've always adored these parades," Celestia said. "I'm surprised my father and mother aren't here to witness it, as they usually are." She looked around as if searching for them, and spotted them observing the city from above in their castle.

"I've never seen one myself," Silver said. "It sure is something. These guys must've been practicing for years!"

"Indeed! I admire those involved in the performing arts. So many years of dedication, such passion, all for the sake of making our world beautiful and enriching our day-to-day lives, and all without the promise of pay or reward."

"That's actually kind of deep," Silver said. "I know my way around a guitar myself, but I mostly just sing little ditties with it."

"Art is still art, whether large or small, Silver," Celestia said. "Be it a short song with meaning, or a grand display arranged by a coordinated team. In fact, a play titled 'Twilight of the Solar Empire' should be starting soon a few blocks from here at the Canterlot Auditorium. May we go?"

"Hm, never been the biggest fan of ancient history, but I'm sure going with you will make it fun," he said, turning to Celestia and grinning.

"Aw, how sweet of you!" she teased, bumping his shoulder with her hoof. They began to leave the parade, careful to avoid interrupting the performers. "I would take the play with a grain of salt, however," she commented. "My father and mother are the last alive to have witnessed the Solar Empire and all its glory, and only they know what actually happened."

They soon arrived at the entrance to the auditorium, only to find it packed with eager viewers. They approached the ticket counter outside, and Celestia greeted the middle-aged mare behind the window. She immediately gasped and appeared star-struck upon witnessing the Princess before her.

"Dear Lucretia! What are the chances that Princess Celestia herself would come to see a play about her very own family? This is so exciting! I'm Aurora Lights, and it's such an honor to meet you!"

Silver then attempted to cut in. "Yes, well, we'd like two tickets-"

"Oh dear, if I had known you'd be coming I would've paid a lot more attention to my mane!" Celestia smiled politely as the mare continued. "Feeling just a little embarrassed..."

"Yeah, still here-"

"I'm sure you'll love the play. They scoured all of Equestria gathering all of the information they could to make sure their story is accurate."

There was a brief moment of silence, and Celestia softly cleared her throat. "Well, that all sounds lovely, and your mane looks just fine" - Aurora beamed and bobbed her hair - "but we will still need tickets in order to view the play."

"Are you sure, Celestia?" Silver asked. "I thought we could continue listening to the ticket lady talk about how big of a fan she is."

"Oh, stop it," she replied.

"Right, of course!" Aurora then stepped behind her curtain, and after a few moments came back looking disappointed. "Um, I'd hate to tell you this, but it looks like we're sold out..." she said.

"O-oh!" Celestia said. "Well, that's alright I suppose... Thanks anyway, though."

Silver let out a sigh, and they both walked on together. "Well, that was a bust," he said. "Do you have any other ideas?"

"Hmm," she thought. "Do you have a fear of heights?"

"Well, no, but I'm not sure what that has to do with anything-" With that, Celestia spread her wings, wrapped her arms around Silver's torso and took off into the air, carrying his weight with ease. "WHOA!" Silver watched the ground drop quickly below him, but the fear soon passed and he found himself marveling at the view granted by the alicorn's mighty wings. They soared above Canterlot's white gold buildings and circular streets, running rivers and lush greenery, over the massive exterior wall containing the magnificent settlement to the mountainside. A large round white platform with golden rails could be seen hiding below the wall, containing a large pool surrounded by trees. The pool was fed by a waterfall running off from the city, and the pool itself carried two drains running off the water into the landscape miles below.

They landed softly by the pool, and Silver observed his surroundings. "Wow, this place is beautiful... Almost makes it worth being yanked into the air without warning."

"My apologies," Celestia said somewhat nervously. "I just really wanted to show you this place. It's a secret grove my family had built long ago. My mother visits its tranquil waters at night to think." She approached the edge of the platform, observing the distant fields and mountains, seeing Ponyville below. "I come here often... There's a peaceful magic to it, with its soothing waterfalls and grand vistas."

Silver then stood by her side, taking in the view. "I can see why. We can see so far... There's our farm down there." He pointed downward towards Ponyville, and Celestia spotted a large cluster of apple trees by a multi-story house and barn. "Sweet Apple Acres, they call it. As the name suggests, they specialize in apple-based products. Their cider is to die for!"

"After trying the food from your stand, I am thoroughly convinced that there is no greater apple farm in all of Equestria," Celestia said glowingly. "If you say it's true, I should like to taste their cider as well!" They then spent the next few moments staring out at the landscape below them, from the landmarks of Ponyville and the Everfree Forest to the distant Smokey Mountains.

"The view sure is beautiful this day," said Celestia.

"Yeah, beautiful..."

She soon noticed where he had fixed his gaze, and looked back into his eyes. She appeared entranced, and briefly lost awareness of her surroundings, a warm fluttery feeling growing inside of her. The clamor of the festival nearby, the gentle roar of the waterfall, all seemed miles away. She couldn't directly place it, but something about him drew her closer. After a few moments, they both broke eye contact, and both appeared flushed and gave an awkward chuckle.

"Um, ahem, so what's this pool for?" Silver asked, walking towards it. "Are we allowed to swim in it, or is it just for decoration?"

"Only if I allow it," Celestia replied. "As the new ruler after all, this grove and all wonders within are in my possession."

"So... Do you allow it?" he asked.

"Now would not be the best time," she said. "Come nightfall, the moon will shine on the pool just right, and it will seem to glow, singing with my mother's magic."

Silver looked to the sun. "Well, it is in fact getting kind of late. I should be heading back soon. I would love to go for a swim with you, Celestia. That is, if you'll allow me," he said, grinning at her.

She returned his warm smile and came closer, practically under his nose. "I will," she said softly.

"I will need help getting back to the courtyard though." he said as he looked around for a way out. "...I shouldn't have said that."

With a spread of Celestia's wings, the ground once again disappeared below him, and they flew over the walls of the courtyard landing by his food stand. He shook his head as if gathering himself.

"I sure hope I get used to that, because I get the feeling we'll be doing that often!" he said as he hitched himself to his portable stand. "Well, in any case, I'm so glad to have found you, my princess." He once again looked into her eyes, and she looked back up at him as her face flushed once more. "We will most definitely meet again." He placed a hoof under her chin, and then took his leave.

As the festivities died down, the usual idle sounds of Canterlot's streets returned, the sun hanging low in the sky. Celestia ran back inside the castle to tell her father of the wonderful stallion she had met, the farm hand and caterer of her coronation. While not locating her father, she did happen upon Lucretia in their library, studying an old misty tome.

"Evening, Mother! Today was absolutely perfect. I met the most wonderful stallion, selling pastries in the courtyard. We spent the day in town together, and we got along so well! I'm looking for Aurelius to share the news with him. Would you happen to know where he is?"

Lucretia returned her daughter's warm gaze with her own icy blue eyes and a smile. "Well now, I'm glad to hear it!" She chuckled. "He sounds like a lovely new friend, and you're welcome to invite him to visit at any time. Your father went up to his quarters for the night. I don't expect he's doing anything that you might intrude on, so you should feel free to see him. As for myself, I'll be here if you need me."

Celestia smiled and trotted to the staircase. It was not uncommon that her mother would be found in the library; many a day was spent nestled in the comforts of the written word, and her mother took upon herself to collect every text she could acquire. The Princess ascended the steps until she finally reached her father's quarters, atop the highest tower in the city.

She raised her hoof to knock, but before she could the doors were opened with her father's magic. He could be seen on the far side of the room, outside on his balcony. He turned his head around to face Celestia. "Welcome, my daughter. I trust you had an excellent time in the city?" He bore a grin, and then turned back to look outwards, toward the coming storm. Dark clouds, lightning could be seen approaching, laying waste to the lands that harbored them. A cool breeze danced with Aurelius' mane, and only gave in to the gloomy mood that settled. Celestia knew her father well; she could sense that something was troubling him. She made a soft approach, until she was standing next to him, now inviting the outside air to flow with her mane.

"Father? Is there something wrong?"

He did not break his gaze, but took a soft sigh. A strike of thunder boomed in the distance. "Changelings," He answered. "Ever do they seek to break us from within, blacken our hearts for their own poisonous pleasure. A tireless malice, an impenetrable evil lingering in the dark. They are shapeless and formless, as if catching smoke. I wish only for the happiness and joy of every one of my subjects, but how am I to protect them from such a formidable foe?"

Celestia was somewhat taken aback. She had not expected such a heavy thought, but was still understanding. As King, all forms of trouble would entertain his mind, and this common enemy was no exception. Her lacking experience would stop her from a worthwhile answer, but she did her best to empathize. However, she was stopped before she could say anything. Aurelius looked down for a moment and exhaled through his nose while forming a small grin.

"I'm sorry, my child. You shouldn't have to worry just yet about such matters. I'm sure you came here to tell me something, and I'm all ears. What is it you'd like to tell me?" He look down to her with his usual welcoming smile.

"Oh, I just wanted to tell you a bit about this amazing young stallion I had met during the ceremony. His name is Silver Brighthoof, and he was selling the most delightful apple fritters made by the family he works for. I believe he said they were the Apple family. Fitting, I thought! We made conversation, and after seeing how we got along, we went to see the sights in Canterlot until he had to return home."

Aurelius' smile grew brighter. "That sounds wonderful! I'm glad to hear you've made a new friend. Does this mean Luna must no longer worry about you pestering her?" He laughed, and Celestia returned his laugh with a giggle. "Anyway," he said, "Your new friend is most welcome here any time." He placed a hoof on her shoulder, and then returned inside. 

Celestia followed, feeling glad that both of her parents were supportive. Although, something lingered in her mind. A feeling, a dwelling desire in the recess of her mind. She did not wish for a friend, yet wished strongly to see this young stallion again. The thought of him alone made her feel excited, a feeling she had not felt before. She had hoped to see him again, but was not sure that he would be back in Canterlot. Only time would tell, she thought.