//------------------------------// // Morning rise. // Story: Twilight's Slumber Party // by Furious Thestral //------------------------------// It was still dark when Lemon Hearts snorted lightly and woke up from her sleep. She felt a small grumble in her stomach, alerting her the need for an early snack and silently walked outside of the fort, without disturbing any of her friends on her way out. Even if she managed to stifle a chuckle at how cute Spike was sleeping while snuggling a blanket or Twinkle Shine’s left rearhoof twitches while sleeping, she still continued further on. “Hmm~,” Lemon suddenly stopped to a complete halt, hearing the noise of Lyra as she stirred in her place. Lemon felt like a statue as she wondered if Lyra was awake because of her need of a early snack. “Bon Bon, you dropped the pudding,” the mint green mare mumbled as she resumed snoring, making Lemon breathe a sigh in relief and resumed her way to the kitchen. With a soft humming tune while searching in the fridge, Lemon held a glass of cold chocolate milk and a donut as she walked to the small table and ate the tasty treat in delight. The sweet flavor made her remember how fun the sleepover was, marvelling at how enjoyable it was when everypony was involved in the fun and wondered when she could host the next slumber party in her home. The idea fascinated her as she trembled in glee from it. Once she was done and satisfied, she walked back into the fort to sleep the rest of the night with a belly full and a fond smile in her face. She soon heard something. It was faint. Swiveling her ears to point where the location the noise was coming from, she discovered it wasn’t originated directly from the pillow fort. Walking around, she followed the noise directly to the second floor, and the closer she got the more the noise resembled of the scribbling noise of a quill on paper. She wondered who would be still up so late, only to discover that it was clearly Twilight Sparkle herself, writing on a desk with a single candle that provided just enough light for her to continue her task. “Chronicle of Friendship, first entry. This book will be for the sole purpose of my investigation of the subject of my Friendship with Lyra, Lemon Hearts, Moondancer Twinkleshine and Minuette. These five mares have been my friends from the very beginning, and today will be my first report on my findings of this new matter of subject to enforce my learning of the Magic of Friendship,” Twilight muttered to herself as the quill was levitated on the air, taking notes of what she had been dictating. Lemon Hearts walked slowly as she noticed the hushed voice of Twilight, who continued to write down on the book she had on the desk. Twilight continued on her report, unaware of the presence of the yellow unicorn as she continued on in her report. “I managed to learn a lot about each individual and took note on their behaviour during the party, which will be useful to learn further about the Friendship I have created with each of them.” Twilight smiled as she continued on. She was certain that her investigation would soon bring positive results, and it would all go into practice one day to prove how much of a good, dedicated friend she can be thanks to the report with all the data of her friends she would obtain. Lemon was soon close enough that she peered over her shoulder to see Twilight, but she could tell that the scholar was too focused on her writing to notice her in any way. “What are you doing?” Lemon asked, finally deciding to make herself known. “Gah!” Twilight jumped as she turned around to see her friend right behind her. “Lemon, you scared me!” she exclaimed as she breathed steadily to ease her jumping heart, scooting aside to allow some space for the yellow unicorn to allow her to see what she had been writing. “I was making a report on my findings about Friendship and about how to use it to strengthen our bonds with it,” Twilight explained, feeling proud to show the final part of her project. Lemon looked at Twilight with doubt and shook her head in disapproval to her scholar friend, “Twilight, I do not think that investigating about others is a way to know about your friends.” Lemon sat next to her and looked at Twilight directly. “But it’s the perfect way. By taking in all the information about the pony in question, you can easily make activities based on their preferences, and that will certainly bring out a healthy relationship of friendship thanks to the reports of each of them.” Twilight was certain on her decision and was convinced that her plan would work out flawlessly. “But friendship is not about investigation nor science or anything like that. It’s not a project where you take notes and investigate anyone just to come to a certain conclusion… It sounds weird.” Lemon pointed out, pressing on the paper for emphasis. Twilight let her ears fell down and looked dejected on how Lemon stated her project and how bad it would look if she began stalking each of the mares around the town to make an investigation about Friendship for her own personal gain. “W-well, if you put it like that, then I guess it really sounds bad,” Twilight admitted, looking at Lemon with a smile, happy to know that she was there to let her know the errors of her plan. “You really know about friendship more than I do,” she then admitted, hoping that her friends could help her to become a better friend herself. Lemon smiled and shook her head in negation. “Sorry, but I am not that knowledgeable about friendship either, Twilight,” she admitted, placing her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, “If I was better at friendship, I would have insisted on bringing you to join us to all those parties we went instead of letting you be alone all the time.” Twilight pondered on that thought, and it was somewhat true to some degree. She nodded, “Perhaps we can learn together,” she half joked, giving a big smile. “Sure we can,” Lemon extended her hoof to her friend and returned the smile with more eagerness, which surprised Twilight on how serious she was, but she didn’t held back to give a hoof bump in response. The two of them remained silent for a moment when Lemon wrapped her left foreleg around Twilight and pulled her closer, “Now, how about we go back to bed to enjoy the morning all together with the others?” “Sounds good,” Twilight agreed, standing up and walking along with Lemon to the pillow fort. looking back at her chronicle and re-thinking about making a better use for it. “Perhaps a journal should be better for my purposes,” she mumbled to herself as they walked together. “What was that, Twi?” Lemon asked, curious to know what she had said. “Maybe I can invite the girls to Joe’s for lunch? That could be a good way to start the day,” the lavender unicorn suggested once they reached the stairs. “That sounds like a great idea, Twilight,” the yellow unicorn agreed as they walked down the stairs, and soon, an idea came to her. “Oh, and just to let you know, Twinkleshine loves the strawberry doughnut with white chocolate sprinkles,” she passed the information as if it was a well hidden secret that no other should hear, whether they are near or not. “Thanks, Lemon, I will do my best to be a better friend from now on,” Twilight promised, walking inside the Fort and carefully and laying out a clear part, near Minuette and Lyra. “Anytime you need help or good advice, you can always count on me, or the others. Rest well,” Lemon said, taking place in her spot of the fort and adjusted her pillow for her to rest upon. Soon, Twilight rested her head and slowly began to drift away into slumber with a smile in her face thanks  to how much she had enjoyed tonight’s party, glad that the majority of it was a huge success, including the minor setbacks. She dreamed of the endless possibilities on the many enjoyments and fun moments she and her friends will be having, plenty of activities that they could all do together or individually, the adventures they could have. Oh, the new schedules she would plan to maximize the time she would be spending to obtain more bonding moments with her friends. *** The morning sun arrived, and with it, the chiming bell of a grandfather clock that echoed through the living room, waking the mares and a sleeping dragon from their sleep. Each mare woke up with murmurs and groans, even with them stretching their limbs and popping up some of their bones to get the numb feeling out of their wake. “That was some good sleep,” Twinkleshine groaned happily as she got on her hooves and smiled at the others, “Slept well, girls?” Minuette beamed a smile as she was practically bouncing on her place. “You bet I did. That was certainly the best slumber party I have ever had!” she cheered excitedly, bouncing on the spot. “I can definitely agree,” chimed in Lyra as she sported a big smile once she was on her hooves. “But I guess it was because we all went together and had more fun than ever,” she smiled while hugging Moondancer and Lemon with a vice grip. The mares soon laughed as they walked out of the fortress and faced each other. Spike soon walked out of the kitchen, wearing an apron, and smiled at his friends. “Breakfast is ready!” he announced happily as he made way for the mares to walk directly to the kitchen. The unicorn mares smiled as they walked together to the kitchen, and thanked Spike on the way. “Whoa, just look at all this food, Twilight. Is this what you have for breakfast everyday?” Lyra wondered, taking a seat and getting her plate. The table was completely filled with several dishes that only a noble family could eat during the day. “Actually, Twilight made it last night for the slumber party, but we gave it a second thought and decided to choose something more simple for last night,” Spike explained while the other mares joined at the table holding their own plates to eat. Twilight raised her hoof and ruffled Spike’s head gently. “Spike helped me on the cooking though. He’s a good cook,” she praised to her little assistant, who in response swelled his chest in pride. “Well, I must say this really looks appetizing,” Moondancer agreed as she took a bite of the food and hummed in approval, enjoying the food even further. The others followed suit as they silently enjoyed their breakfast in eagerness, humming in delight at how well it tasted and offering compliments about each others’ dishes to enjoy the breakfast to the fullest until they were satisfied from the delicacy of the food. “That was so good. Way to end a good slumber party,” Twinkleshine praised as she rested her back. “Truly something delightful and fun. Congrats to you, Twilight,” Lemon Hearts complimented before finishing her drink. “Yeah, even I had fun,” Moondancer joined in, giving a warm smile to Twilight, showing how much she enjoyed the evening with their friends. The praises she obtained from the girls made Twilight rejoice in her heart, and she demonstrated it with a smile. “I’m glad all of you had fun. Hope this makes amends for my past mistakes of neglecting each of you,” she said, her eyes gleaming in happiness. Soon enough, before anypony could utter any word, Spike soon felt something coming from inside his belly and let out a loud belch, which caused him to erupt out a green flame that materialized a scroll right on top of the table. Twilight quickly grasped the parchment with her magic before it fell onto the food and unscrolled it quickly to read it. The others waited patiently for Twilight until she lowered the parchment and addressed them. Twilight’s expression soon was serious as she looked at the others, “Princess Celestia wishes to meet me at her study,” she declared, her expression serious but still a bit disappointed that they soon had to depart ways. “It can’t be helped, I guess,” Minuette said, shrugging as she smiled at Twilight. “I should be heading home, too, since I have some things to tend to before noon.” “Yeah. I have a meeting at noon as well and can’t be late for it,” Twinkleshine added, giving a sympathetic smile to her friends. “Yeah. I also have an excuse,” Lyra shrugged, joining in with the others in their ominous reasons to be absent for the day. Both Lemon Hearts and Moondancer stared at each other and sighed, “Guess we are the only ones without any plans for today.” “We can manage to find ourselves something to entertain ourselves while they handle whatever they have to do,” Moondancer suggested as they shared a smile. With all that being said, they picked up the dishes, cleaned the table and recollected their belongings. They gathered together at the door, sharing a smile with one another and even a few giggles from Minuette. “I call dibs for next slumber party in my house!” Minuette exclaimed with glee, followed by a defeated groan from Lemon Hearts, which caused everyone to laugh. They gave each other a group hug and soon walked together down the stairs to the paved pathway to the castle, in which Twilight had to walk a different path that led inside the royal residence while the group of friends took the one leading outside. Soon enough, Twilight and Spike started making their way to where Celestia had written where she will be meeting with them, passing by some guards that were stationed in specific locations while maids that bowed in respect as they soon passed near them through the castle’s hallways. “What does the princess want to talk about, Twilight?” asked Spike, glancing at Twilight, curious to know what plans were prepared from Twilight’s mentor. “The letter said that it was regarding my next lessons for the future and some other details about them,” she explained, walking closer to the meeting room. Spike soon continued forward, wondering what new magic Twilight will be learning and how awesome he would look helping her in her progress. He quickened his pacing to knock on the door, but a sudden shout from inside surprised them. “Princess Celestia, I must insist on this matter!” called a stallion from inside. Twilight and Spike perked up at the voice of the stallion, a stallion that they knew very well as they glanced at each other in surprise. “Is that-?” Spike was about to make his question, but Twilight suddenly pressed her ear next to the door, her curiosity always winning over her while she listened to the conversation. Soon, the gentle voice of Celestia traveled through the door and was as calm as it usually was, “Shining Armor, my loyal guard, I know that your worries and concerns are valid, but I truly am sorry to decline your request.” Her voice was still as passive as ever, even with the tone of rejection it held. Both Twilight and Spike looked at each other, wondering the same question. “What do you think they are talking about, Spike?” Twilight was the first to ask, expecting that her assistant could offer some possible theories for the meeting that Shining and Celestia were having. “I don’t have any idea what could it be, but we could knock on the door and ask.” Spike soon gave three knocks to the door and waited. Twilight decided to follow his lead and stepped back from the door to wait for the reply, but it was all silent from the moment the door was knocked on. An uncomfortable feeling began to creep upon the two as they waited more. “Come in,” was the reply of the princess, finally breaking the silence, who waited patiently on the other side of the door. Twilight decided not to waste a second as she took a deep breath and began to walk forward into the private chamber. The lavender unicorn could see Celestia sitting on a lounge sofa, sipping her tea in a small porcelain teacup. Near her was Shining Armor, standing with his golden armor on his body. His helmet was on the floor at his hooves, and his expression was of surprise when he saw her enter. “Twily? What are you doing here?” Shining Armor asked out loud and soon shifted his gaze to Celestia, wondering if she had anything to do with her arrival. “I had summoned her here for a different matter than you believe, Shining Armor,” Celestia replied first and smiled at Twilight in a familiar manner, “Good morning, Twilight.” “Good morning, Princess Celestia,” Twilight replied, glancing back at her brother and trying to formulate her question regarding his presence. “Princess, I-” “In a moment, Twilight. Shining, could you mind wait outside for the time being? There is something I wish to discuss with Twilight first,” Celestia said, interrupting Twilight’s questioning, showing a calm smile to the white stallion. Shining Armor hesitated for a moment but decided to oblige her request and walked away with the discipline of a soldier, with a final glance at Twilight. She noticed a hint of concern in his expression moments before he closed the door. “Princess, what was all of that? Why was my brother here?” Twilight finally asked as she walked closer to Celestia and sat on a couch near the princess. Spike walked behind her, only stopping at the table to pick from some of the biscuits it offered. Celestia was focusing on serving tea to Twilight while she answered. “Your brother was concerned about the security of the castle, as he requested to increase the number of guards,” she explained calmly, offering a cup of chamomile tea to Twilight. “Why? Has there been a threat that would cause Shining to be prepared? Should I gather my friends and the elements for this? Would Luna join us on such short notice?” Twilight asked in panic, looking at Celestia for any answers she could give. “Twilight, calm yourself. There is no threat to Equestria nor to the castle,” Celestia began, chuckling gently on how quickly her personal student can go from calm to panic in a second. ”Drink your tea and let us focus on the main topic: your studies.” Twilight obliged, taking a good sniff of the tea, letting its aroma travel through her nostrils to ease her mind before taking a sip from it. The effect was quick, as her mind was soon at ease, “What will we be studying now, princess?” Twilight watched how Celestia sipped from her cup and sighed in delight as she lowered it towards the saucer and smiled, “You will still receive your usual lesson program, along with the designated books that you will learn from, but there is something more important that you will be offered for your advanced studies.” Celestia was serious as she soon summoned forward a golden key with her horn that held the symbol of the sun and moon decorated at the end of it and levitated it for Twilight to take. “This key will also grant you access to the restricted section of the Royal Library. Use it your heart's content, but never forget to be responsible with them.” Twilight observed the key as if it was the most valuable item she had ever possessed and soon gazed at Celestia with a huge smile. “There is a restricted section in the library!?” Twilight’s enthusiasm was clear for everyone to see as she jumped from the couch and began bouncing around the room in her ritual of victory, which amused Celestia, giggling while watching her pupil celebrate. Spike merely rolled his eyes at her antiques. Twilight soon stopped in front of Celestia and gave her her biggest smile in appreciation, “Thank you so much, Princess Celestia. It means a lot to me that you can offer me this key.” She looked back at the key and felt how her progress was greatly rewarded by the gift she obtained. “You have earned it, Twilight. Your loyalty and faithfulness have granted it for you,” the alabaster alicorn said, giving a fond smile herself to her student. “But there is another thing that I wish to give to you,” Celestia added, gaining the confusion from her about what other thing she would receive for her training. A new scroll was revealed to Twilight, levitating from a distance away from her, “In here will be a schedule for a training session that I wish for you partake, as it will benefit you during your growth in magic,” Celestia maneuvered the scroll to Spike, who received it in his claws. “This won’t be obligatory, but I will recommend you to follow it thoroughly, because a healthy body can withstand your improvement with magic considerably,” she informed her student, allowing her to take in everything she had told her and smiled once more to Twilight. “Thank you Princess, I will certainly be eager to do it once I have the chance and to also study hard to meet up to your expectations,” Twilight promised, giving that look filled with determination that she always had for when she was ready for a challenge. Celestia shook her head, which confused Twilight for a moment, before she explained, “Many things have happened in a short time, for you as well as your friends, and it shall be for the best for you and Spike to take a moment to relax and enjoy a little bit of vacation.” Celestia stood up from her seat and hugged the lavender unicorn with her wing, smiling proudly at her pupil. Twilight hummed in the embrace and let it last as long as she could allow before stepping back. “I will, Princess Celestia, and thank you once more, for all of this,” she bowed, as was customary, and Celestia nodded in acceptance. “Enjoy your time, Twilight, and do please call for Shining Armor here before you leave,” Celestia said while she waited. Twilight nodded and stepped to the door, opening it with her magic and called for his brother to the other side. Shining took her sister’s place and walked back into the presence of the alicorn. The atmosphere changed once more from the jovial feeling to the serious matters the two individuals had before. “Regarding your request of the guards, Shining Armor, why do you believe that something would happen to Twilight that requires her to have a personal escort around her all the time?” Celestia asked, not wanting this discussion take as much time as she fears. The white unicorn eyed Celestia directly to keep his composure unwavering and soon made clear his point. “Princess Celestia, Twilight needs to be protected due to her being a wielder of an ancient and powerful artifact and because she has gained more fame than anypony in Equestria, due to her recent achievement during the events of the Summer Sun Celebration. It is clear that she needs it,” he stated keeping his composure stoic. Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Is that truly the only reason?” she wondered out loud. Shining could feel something snap inside his mind, as he seemed baffled at the simple question. “Of course! Does one need more reasons to send a bodyguard!?” he questioned with a tone of anger inside his words. Celestia took a calming breath and soon sat down on her forelegs. “I do believe that you are being overprotective of Twilight, Corporal Shining Armor,” Celestia deduced, giving a serious look towards the stallion. Shining Armor stomped the floor, and with a snarl, he glared at his princess, “Her being my sister or not doesn’t change a thing. She could be in possible danger as she is!” Celestia nodded in understanding. His point was valid, as it was clear that Twilight has gained fame through all of Equestria in a single day and night, and that it was most likely that the ponies will still talk about it for days to come. But Celestia would not be granting his request without making her opinion clear to the stallion. “Twilight Sparkle has been known through the entire kingdom due to her position as my personal student for years. She was prized and recognized in several festivities of magic and science in each town, village and city for her knowledge and achievements. She is also the seventh generation of your lineage, the inheritor of one of the oldest clans of Equestria, only rivaled with the Shimmer clan and the Apples clan,” Celestia listed out and stood up on her four legs to tower over Shining. “Would it be arrogant of me to also say that no pony in their right mind would dare to touch her, not only because her magical prowess can reach to Alpha levels to take care of herself, but that they wouldn’t even dare to cough near her without responding to me?” her voice firm and stern as the atmosphere felt heavy and the air felt dry and hot all of the sudden. Shining Armor stepped back and looked aside, feeling how Celestia was pressing him on, “I- I-, no, I don’t believe so… And yeah, I guess you have a point there with how Twilight was already famous and well known through the entirety of Equestria… But still...” Celestia nodded, knowing well that he would be stubborn in the subject and thought until an idea came to her. With her horn, she invoked a scroll and levitated it towards Shining Armor. The scroll’s seal held the symbol of the royal guard. “What’s this?” he asked, unscrolling the parchment and gasping once he began to read the content. “It is a recommendation act for a position of Captain, here in Canterlot,” she explained while looking at a small window. “Captain Banner Fall will soon retire, and he will be personally choosing his replacement. You will be recommended not only by my word, but for your spotless service and dedication you have demonstrated. You have proven to your kingdom that you are an excellent candidate.” Shining Armor knew about the news of the position of Captain and that there are, at least, other four nominated stallions along with him. The position would grant him the total disposal of the royal guard, but he can arrange them in any way he required, which was in hindsight for him the liberty to choose which guards would be suited to protect his little sister. It was going to be difficult to succeed, but what other option did he have? “Then, I will accept this recommendation note and prove to be worthy of being promoted to captain,” he declared with all the conviction he could muster, standing as tall as he could. “I have total faith that you will, but… you must know that you will not be insisting on the matter if you fail to be promoted, corporal,” Celestia warned, narrowing her eyes to show how serious it was all going to be. The stallion faltered at the condition as he gulped nervously before looking directly once more at the princess. “The more reason I can not fail then.” His reply was just about as serious and filled with all the confidence he could muster. Celestia nodded and opened the doors behind him. “You know what to do then. Good luck,” she finished with a nod. Shining saluted and made a firm trot out of the room, keeping his stride until he left the room. Celestia sighed and decided to finish her tea. “What things will await for me in the morning after?” she asked to herself while watching the day of Canterlot go by. *** In the early hours of the night, Luna walked down the hall of the throne room with a satisfied smile, noticing  that her sister was just finishing talking to some nobles ponies after exchanging some words among each other and laughing about some joke that Celestia had mentioned. The lunar princess was not familiar with the ponies, who just bowed to Celestia and walked back from the royal throne, but she still nodded to them when they stopped to bow in response before resuming their path out of the room. “Luna, my beloved sister, did you have a good sleep?” Celestia greeted her sister as she walked down the dias to hug Luna once she reached to the bottom of the stairs, excited to know how well the party she prepared for her sister was, also curious to know the opinion she had for the personal staff she had arranged to be under her service. Displaying a warm smile and returning the embrace with her wing to her older sister, the lunar alicorn looked directly at Celestia. “We had a good rest, dear sister of mine, due to the magnificence of the party that was conveyed by thy hoof. For that, we are grateful,” Luna said with a pang of guilt at the lie she had given, considering the nightmare she suffered due to self imposed punishment. She had to lie and dissuade her sister from being worried. “I’m happy to know that you enjoyed it and that your staff was to your liking.” The alabaster alicorn was happy to know how much Luna had enjoyed her party and that she would able to socialize with ponies soon enough. “Certainly, they were truly a rambunctious group of mares and were very enjoyable to be with. We would not have chosen a better group of ponies to be with.” Luna felt more at ease talking about the mares who she spent the night with and remembered how much fun she had with them. Celestia smiled and soon laughed as Luna began recounting the fun they had together and how some of them were so easy going around her little sister. “I’m happy to know that you can trust in them and that you opened up to them,” Celestia gave one last comforting squeeze before breaking the hug as she looked at her directly. “I hope that you will enjoy their company and learn to associate with them during your recovery.” Luna frowned for a moment. She could tell that there was something under the line of those words and gazed at Celestia’s eyes. “Sister, what is it that you are planning?” her voice was cautious and serious, looking for any signs of expression on her sister’s face. “Luna, I would never dare to hide things from you anymore, but I would love that you could trust me in some things,” Celestia said as she watched the now empty halls of the throne room. “I am going to request for you to be appearing more in public in any possible event that will come, from a night ball or to a contest that you will be as a guest judge and even to opening ceremonies.” Celestia was soon counting the several types of formal events and festivities that she wanted Luna to participate in and soon smiled widely to await for Luna’s reaction of approval. Luna blinked three times, in a quick succession, taking all the information in and blinked two times more. “No.” was the flat simple answer that she gave, shaking her head slightly in  negation. It was Celestia’s turn to blink now as she gazed at her sister. “Excuse me, what did you say?” she asked, trying to make sense of the flat answer. “Why not?” Luna felt a pang of guilt, watching the hurt face of her sister, but she had to give a proper reason. “We are sorry, dear sister, but We do not feel delighted to the idea of ponies wanting to see Us in our current state,” Luna stated as she waved her azure mane to the side to prove her point. “I see… Well, I suppose you do have a fair reason for your denial,” Celestia conceded, nodding, understanding her little sister’s reasons. “I would still expect you to make some public appearances in the near future,” she insisted politely. Luna could feel an uncomfortable sensation on her back and resisted showing it through her facial expression, not wanting to let her sister know about how much she disliked the idea of ponies seeing her after all what she had done during her madness. “We- I will try, sister,” she said, barely above a whisper, letting out a small sigh from her lips before looking back at Celestia’s eyes. “Is there anything else to be discussed before our lesson plans?” Celestia nodded, glancing to the main entrance and then back to Luna. “Indeed. There is one matter to cover before we go. I know that you already met your personal staff, but there are two more that will be taking care of your needs during the day.” The Lunar princess was a bit surprised to the idea and tilted her head. “Sister, thou must know that We think that we have enough ponies to attend us as it is. Who more could you be assigning to our personal care?” Luna wondered, looking at where her sister was glancing at. “You will soon see, sister,” Celestia said and kept herself from uttering another word. As if in cue, the doors burst open, and two ponies in golden armor arrived through them. One was a pegasus stallion who walked with a firm step on his way. His posture was stoic, as expected from a royal guard as something to show how serious he was and that he was the type of pony that takes no nonsense from others. The other was an Earth Pony mare, who was quite opposite from her companion. It was obvious by her prancing steps while bobbing her head to the rhythm of an unheard song in her head. “We march fearless under the dark night. The moon bathing us with its silver light~!” The mare soon began to sing once they walked closer to the throne, where the two alicorns watched her in uncertainty but didn’t stop her from her singing. “We shall serve our ruler with all our might; we shall contribute in everything that is right!” she sang, while she began dancing around the place. Once they arrived to a close distance, the two guards stopped and saluted in unison, both looking at attention towards the two taller mares before them. “Lieutenant first class of the Stern Canterlot Marshalls, Stella Sunsinger!” the earth pony exclaimed. Her sweet voice was soon of a more serious tone that made her previous song almost non-existent. “Private first class of the Stern Canterlot Marshalls, Maelstrom!” the pegasus intoned, giving his voice of a serious, strong stallion that seemed to be in his young years. “We pledge our loyalty and service to your highness, Princess Luna,” both ponies vowed as they bowed before Luna with a swift movement, one low enough that one could have thought they hit the floor. Luna was a bit surprised, as she soon could see that their golden armor was different from the ones she had seen from the typical type of the royal guard. They had silver details, and their armor held the mark of the sun, replacing the blue star on their breastplate. Celestia walked forward and nodded for them to lift their heads. “These are Stern Canterlot Marshalls, the elite members of the royal guard, and soon to be your personal guards during the daylight hours,” she explained, “I would’ve prepared them to be at your slumber party, but unfortunately as it was, they couldn’t arrive in time.” Luna watched the two guards closer and nodded to her sister. “Please, remove thy helmets. We wish to know our protectors from up close,” she instructed, lifting her hoof to each of her new guards. Both guards obeyed with a nod as they removed their enchanted armor and revealed their faces before the princess of the night. Maelstrom had a blond mane and a navy blue coat. His eyes were mulberry, and his stoic expression showed a scar that crossed by his right cheek. His cutie mark was a whirlpool. Stella was far more bigger than the normal pony, having a long orange mane, that reached to her mid body, and ended in curls. Her coat was in a maroon color, and her face had an ever present smile drawn on her lips. Her cutie mark was a ray of light that had three musical keys of Do, Re and Mi in a crescendo. Luna eyed the two guards and nodded in approval. “We will accept thy finest soldiers to my care,” she said in solemn sincerity to her sister. “Will there be anything else that thou wish to convey to us, sister?” Celestia shook her head. “No, sister, that will be all for me to say for this meeting,” Celestia said, giving a small wink to her sister and chuckling lightly. “Shall we then resume our studies in my studio?” she invited, always giving her best smile towards her sister, taking the lead on her walk. Luna nodded and walked behind her sister. She glanced at her guards, who set their helmets back in place as they marched near the Lunar Princess. “We must inquire, dear Stella, why does a Sunsinger wish to be under the services of the night?” she asked, turning to face her guard. “Truly, We would like to know about your reasons, as well for yours, Maelstrom.” “I am here because Stella and I are partners, and where she goes, I will to be at her side and be to her aid,” he explained briefly, keeping a serious expression as he marched forward. Stella nodded, smiling at the princess, “Well, it’s quite a long story that implies my family and I, and it all started with my decision in joining the Royal Guard…” she kept talking as they walked forward and out of the throne room.