//------------------------------// // Part Three: Canterlot Interlude // Story: A Trip To The Border // by Soufriere //------------------------------// In a spacious, gloriously adorned, well-lit room in a rear corner of Canterlot Palace, Princess Celestia lay on a red velvet gold-trimmed pillow sipping her daily tea while reading documents. As she chuckled softly, she heard a sound at her door: a distinct rhythmic knock wholly different than those of her attendants and guards. *tap-tap-tap-tap, tap; tap-tap-tap-tap, tap* She knew exactly who was calling on her. “Come in!” she called in a tone as sweet as the icing on her daily cake. Her door opened slowly to reveal Princess Luna, her dark coat concealing somewhat the bags under her eyes, which were nonetheless bloodshot. Luna closed the door behind her and approached. “You appear worried, little sister,” said Celestia, a serene smile still plastered on her face. “Is this not the time of day when you should be resting?” Luna scowled. “Play me not, Dear Sister. Where is thy Chancellor?” Celestia’s smile only seemed to broaden. “I believe Orangeglow has temporarily absconded to the Crystal Empire border, along with a few bottom-ranked guards.” The look on Luna’s face turned even more wild at that. “Art thou not aware that our former ward Cadance is en route to such place as we speak?!” Celestia nodded, her grin at this point becoming what one might describe as ‘horse-apple ingesting’. “He insisted on visiting the border,” said Celestia, then finished off the last of her tea before gingerly setting the china cup far away from either of them. “I was not about to interject myself into his actions. To do so would be against the idea of representative democracy, yes?” “This is about me, is it not?” Luna spat. “Thou never hadst any faith in my plan to improve representation for our subjects! Thus thou allowed’st the Senate to select the worst possible Chancellor, all to make me look the fool!” Celestia shook her head. “While it is true I did not support your endeavour, it was never my intent to sabotage it. If you wish to blame anyone, blame the Senate. They selected Orangeglow over either of our choices. After a millennium, Nobility can still act unexpectedly.” “Undeniably. Dost thou even read those daily briefings anymore? We know Orangeglow does not. Equestria’s finances are in tatters, public funds are being grossly misappropriated and sent to sectors which deserve no attention, our relationships with all our neighbours are at their lowest ebb, ponies are marching in the streets in protest. And all of that before we even address what has transpired in Ponyville!” Luna near-screamed. After a long silence during which Luna calmed down somewhat, Celestia spoke again, her tone almost mirthful. “I wonder what will happen when our dear sweet Cadance reaches the border and meets Chancellor Orangeglow.” Luna’s eyes went wide. “Thou… thou set’st up this conflict!” “Indeed I did. This was never about you, little sister. As you know better than most, sometimes the Nobility need be reminded of the larger picture,” Celestia said. “Do you truly believe I am unaware of what Chancellor Orangeglow says about us to others? How he speaks openly of wishing to overthrow me? His hurtful words toward nearly every facet of our citizenry? I have allowed him to get away with it, because I know with every move he makes, he merely threads more rope.” Luna sighed and buried her face in a nearby pillow, groaning. “Dear Sister,” she said, muffled, “I hope for thy sake thou hast thought this gambit through. Cadance will not react well. I suspect Shining Armor even less so.” “Shining Armor is with her, and shall no doubt be livid. I will offer them a formal apology later,” Celestia said breezily. “Let us just hope no pony dies because of this,” replied Luna, defeated.