//------------------------------// // May 1st - May 8th, the Year MCCCXLV // Story: Love Letters of the Princess of the Sun // by Echo 27 //------------------------------// May 1st, the Year MCCCXLV There was no visit today. My plan of a meeting between Ford and I had to be abandoned, due to the unfortunance of circumstance: a visitor from the Griffon Kingdom brought himself before me today, a reminder of growing tensions between my people and theirs. For the past several years, there have been incidents involving those of my people who dwell within their kingdom’s borders. Though we are not as innocent as I would like to claim, many of my people have faced abuse and threats of physical violence, though thankfully nothing has yet risen to deaths. My guest was unexpected, which was perhaps this ambassador’s goal. My plans for the day -plans that subtly included some time with Ford- became lost as the ambassador’s plan became clear. It seems my kingdom now has a powered rival in the world, one that is certainly capable of holding their own. The Ambassador, a flighty man known as Grouse, declared that he brought will of the Griffon’s Emperor, who had become displeased with the conduct of those I rule, particularly those that dwell within his borders. I was told that my people have become disruptive in the daily life of the Griffon Kingdom, their beliefs and traditions coming to clash with those of their host country. Though the Griffon Kingdom “accepts all” there have been ideological clashes, and what was called “intentional disruption.” I do not know how much I can truly believe. My plan is to confer with my sister and send a private envoy of our own and see what can be ascertained. Any open distrust at this point would be considered disrespectful, and would likely bring about more animosity from the Griffon Kingdom. Though Ambassador Grouse arrived in the very beginnings of the afternoon, the rest of the tenure of Day Court had to be dismissed, meaning that several well-meaning nobles and guests were delayed till further notice. I found myself dealing with a highly-focused and particularly troublesome delegate, one that would not be easily deterred. I hate to admit it, but many of his mannerisms, along with his priggishness, made him an unbearable man to deal with. As my duties came to an end, I found myself drained from dealing with the man. Rarely have I been so exhausted! As I called Day Court to a close, I commanded that a private dinner be brought to my room so that I would be left in peace. Excess trouble from a living source often leaves me desiring solitude rather than company. Once the sun was lowered, and dear Luna having taken command, I left as quickly as I could for my chambers, desiring nothing more than to be left to my own devices. I found everything as I had left it, save for the dinner I had ordered- and a vase of beautiful flowers sitting neatly on the edge of the tray. I went to examine them, finding the most exquisite of creatures: petite lobelias, impatiens, corydalis, and a sole sunflower bloom in their midst, holding a tightly crumpled note around its neck. When I first took the note I did not recognize the handwriting, reading: In case you are in need of comfort and warmth, enjoy the beauty that sits before you. As they are warmed and bloom beneath the sun’s rays, so I am given comfort by the sight and sound of you. -Ford I cursed his foolishness at first. Such recklessness that could have revealed him! Had he no thought to his actions- but as much as I tried to hold onto my anger, I could not restrain my delight. Ford, despite not being on duty beside me, had somehow discovered my distress and sought a way to raise my spirits. I have not thought of it before, but I now realize no one has ever brought me flowers before. It was a kind gesture. One that I will make sure he does not attempt again. May 3rd, the Year MCCCXLV It was not until a few days later that I began to wonder how Ford had managed to so discreetly enter my room and gift me flowers without detection. His schedule has been busy as my own, if not more so. Today, he was on duty with me again on the Day Court, so after my duties had been performed I requested his presence with me as I walked the halls. It was strangely comforting to have his presence, one that I had called to know me as an equal. True, I have Luna, Twilight, and Cadance, but their duties keep them set to their own schedules and places. To have one with me nearby is incredibly heartening. As we reached an area where we could be private, I inquired of him as to how he had managed it. He blushed, somewhat embarrassed of his own deeds. “You’re not- you are not angry with me, are you?” My instinctual response was to say I was not. Instead, I replied by saying, “Only somewhat.” His look of shame was immense. “I only thought that I would bring you happiness, I did not mean to cause you displeasure.” “None at all!” I said to him. “I am only concerned for your safety and your reputation. If you had been caught, what dangers would you now be facing?” “Ones I can certainly manage,” he replied. “I promise you I took all necessary precautions, no one was nearby when I went in. Our secret remains safe.” “Please do not take such a risk again,” I cautioned him. “Even if I want to?” “Especially so.” We walked together, watching as Luna’s moon came slowly rising over the horizon. “Did you like them, at least?” he asked of me. “The flowers, I mean.” It was my turn to become red. “Do you know that you are the first person to ever bring me flowers?” I told him. “After all these centuries, I am suddenly in a world of ‘firsts.’” He laughed, a relaxing sound that seemed to bring a pleasant coolness to the warmth of the night. “How is that so? Has no one ever tried to woo you?” “Never,” I told him. “Perhaps being an immortal, magically powerful being presents me as someone fairly off-putting.” “Or just extremely attractive,” he suggested. “Did it make me somewhat intimidating to you?” I asked, becoming curious. “The mantle of your rulership was certainly intimidating,” he confessed. “But your powers and your age, no. Perhaps it should- after all, I am still a young man and you are… do you even know yourself how long you have lived? All the stories of you begin a millennium ago, but there are no records of you further back.” “So long that I do not care to remember any longer,” I told him. We sat there together in a loving quiet, enjoying the view of the city as the moon set it aglow, letting the aura and comfort of the moment consume us both. It was he who first broke the silence. “I am sorry to leave you, Princess, but I must go. I have another shift to perform, so I must make my rounds.” “But you were on Day Court with me,” I said. It had always been my explicit instructions that no soldier would work two shift unless on an overnight duty. I never wished for my soldiers to be overworked, especially in times of peace. “Yes, but, I was asked to fill in for another. Sergeant Coal is currently occupied at home, and I served with him on the Outer Wall, so I typically try to aid him in what I can.” “What is the matter?” I asked. We talked further, and that was when I was informed that Sergeant Coal’s wife and son were ill. May 8th, the Year MCCCXLV I was told that my decision to head to Sergeant Coal’s home was foolish. Captain Hearth Fire informed me that I had ‘put myself in unnecessary risk and danger’ due to my ‘reckless’ actions. Sometimes I wonder if my Guard forget that I am an immortal, powerful enchantress that has lived for thousands of years and fought against monsters and demigods the likes of which have not been seen before or since. But apparently, my decision to walk through the streets of Canterlot with Ford as my accompanying guard was a ‘high-risk’ choice. In all honesty, I do understand why Hearth Fire told me these things. To have a ruler attacked in a public setting would cause mass panic, to lose one’s ruler –one who is your responsibility- would be a crisis the likes of which this kingdom has never seen. But I do not regret my decision at all. Mulling over the events of today, I believe my sister and I have created a problem for ourselves in our rulership of this country. As Ford and I made our way through the crowds, all I could see was an overwhelming reverence for my very footsteps, pairs of eyes sneaking the smallest of glances at me before quickly darting away. I am not approachable to them- now I understand Ford’s overt hesitancy to even speak to me. I do not know what we did to cause it, but Luna and I have become deities; sovereign and glorious, but terrifying to the eyes of mortals. Ford said little as we walked, his eyes peeled for the smallest sign of danger. In the time that I have known him he has generally been relaxed but professional. Today he was a soldier in total, every fiber of his being honed to a razor edge. Beyond the small moments of him saying things like, “A right here, Your Majesty,” or “Straight ahead three blocks, Your Majesty,” I would have believed I was accompanied by a voiceless specter. When we finally reached our destination, Ford informed me that the worst of the illness had passed, his wife and son still in prescribed bedrest but awake and recovering. I was glad to hear of it. A wearied Sergeant Alexander Coal answered the door, appearing anxious yet delighted by my presence. We were welcomed in, Sergeant Coal and Ford greeting one another with the camaraderie that only soldiers share. Our time was brief, but it was wonderful to be among them. Theana, a lovely woman who acts as the local den mother for her cul-de-sac. Little Bolfur, a boy hardly six years old and bursting with energy, eager to be well and on his feet once more. It seemed the whole family wanted to display everything they cherished to me, their prized possessions becoming priceless because of my gaze dwelling upon them. It was flattering, but I told them quickly that to be among their company was what I would remember most. About halfway through our visit, Ford discreetly departed, a small sackful of Bits in hand. I had given him orders to purchase things for me, and before long he returned with a bountiful meal for the family- a prize hen and a basket of fresh crops. Theana hardly dared to accept, but I eventually won her over- perhaps a Princess’ will was not to be denied. We ate together, wished them well, and departed just as quietly as we had come, their presence having left a glow in my heart. When we returned, I found Captain Hearth Fire awaiting me, quickly ordering Ford outside so the two of us could speak in private. He spoke respectfully, but his anger was evident. I had caused him great distress with my actions, and he made it clear that he did not wish for me to do such a thing again. I did my best to respect his wishes. To be easily dismissive of a Captain of the Royal Guard is not something to be in the habit of. However, I did make it clear that I should be able to be seen by my people, and not from a distance. This reverence people have for my very presence needs to be cast aside. Court and decorum has its place and purpose, but I do not wish for my people’s worship. After some time, Hearth Fire and I managed to come to an agreement that would soothe his spirits. Next time, there would be more guards in place. Discreetly placed, but present at all times, and one guardsman stationed beside me at all times. It was not perfect, but it was enough to satisfy Hearth Fire. When I left, I found Ford outside in the anteroom awaiting his next order, Hearth Fire quietly dismissed him to head home and be done with his duties for the day. Taking on a dose of inspiration, I quietly took a note and began writing, a small snap of my fingers causing the parchment to dissipate, reappearing in Ford’s hands. I ate, I drank, I set the sun and returned to my quarters where I found Ford waiting for me as I instructed. He reached out for me, taking my hand in his own as we sat together, he expressing his gratitude for coming to visit his mentor and friend. “You seem displeased about something,” he said, his gaze studying me intently. “Do all the people see me with such reverence?” I asked of him. “Am I considered a goddess?” Ford considered the question for some time, thinking over his answers. “Some do, perhaps,” he said. “Many see you as not a Princess but the Princess. Luna is a warrior, she is a fighter and defender. Her presence is rarely seen, and more often as a guardian and protector rather than a consummate ruler. You… you’re the ideal people aspire to. They see you and they see everything they want to be. Beautiful, powerful, graceful and gentle, wise and compassionate. You give them something to strive towards.” “A person like that isn’t real,” I told him. “I can be those things, but I can also be foolhardy and unkind. So many stories of me paint me as something heroic and perfect, but so many of those stories came to pass because of my mistakes and foolishness.” “They do not see that,” he replied. “They see you. And to them, you’re something beyond them.” I squirmed at the thought. I despise the pedestal I have been put on. I wish to give them something to strive towards, but for the ideals and examples I strive to display to be this unattainable thing is unacceptable. Perhaps not today, but I will find a way to change this. To be seen as human again. “Would you kiss your lady?” I asked him, gently laughing at the look of surprise upon Ford’s face. “Kiss me, please. Remind your lady that she’s a girl beneath that crown.” And so he did.