//------------------------------// // VI - First Report // Story: The Countryside Knight // by Dark Krystal //------------------------------// Dear Princess Celestia, ⁣/i] Tonight, I met with the Captain of the Lunar Guard, Lord Ratimir of Hollow Shades, I believe got that right, and members of the lunar guard. Though they were scary at first, I learned not to judge them by their looks like ponies of the past did to them, and I found out how unique they are! I don't wish to take up your time with everything I learned, so I won't mention it. But! I can say I look forward to learning about the lunar guard more! As for the Captain... Princess Celestia, as I write this letter, I have begun to realize how difficult the task you have given me truly is. He is rude, blunt, and stubborn. I spent most of my time with him, trying to get to know him, but we got into an argument regarding Princess Luna’s plans (Did you know she was planning to make her debut on Nightmare Night in Ponyvillle!?!?!?!) due to his very, very, very, poor letter etiquette.  I recommend giving him "The Etiquette of Letter Writing And Social Correspondence in General '' by Sir Mail, Mark the 3rd. I eventually had to write a letter for him to change Princess Luna's request into a less chaotic situation (She wanted to bring her entire guard with her!!!) I was almost late to the train back because of his stubbornness! However, members of the Lunar Guard flew me back to the station just in time, AND he did make it up to me by giving me a whistle! Apparently only Bat ponies can hear the sound it emits, and he told me to use it whenever I arrive and a member of the Lunar Guard would hear it and come pick me up! So I'll be able to come by their more often! Though I don't look forward to him...   Princess Celestia I must admit that I feel that he is hiding some things from me... and...  So are you... after all you didn't inform me that he was... well... a "Human" (I hope I spelled that right!) but, I believe in you, I know you won't tell me things if you think it is for my good. I won't ask you the many questions I have until you feel like I am ready for them. I will continue my mission, however this Nightmare Night I will put in a lot of effort to try and help Princess Luna because I feel that if I don't, Ponyville will catch on fire and burn down overnight. That is all I have to report for now, I wish you a good morning by the time you get this letter and hope you have a wonderful day like always! Your faithful student, ⁣/i] Twilight Sparkle Princess Celestia smiles as she finishes the letter. Closing it back up she walks over towards her fireplace, casting a spell on the flames she levitates the letter through the flames to the hidden safe behind the controlled blaze. Unlocking it quickly and placing the scroll inside it before locking it back up. With a sigh escaping her lips, she cancels the spell on the fireplace and leaves her study. Slowly, Celestia walks through the halls, her solar guards bow their heads ever so slightly as she passes them. Celestia continues her slow journey through the darkened castle until she reaches her balcony, she stands there for a moment to gaze at her sister's moon. A small smile downing her face before moving her body towards the east, facing Manehatten and Fillydelphia, but more importantly Hollow Shades. Her eyes linger towards the distant woods, her smiling fading and dolefulness taking over. Slowly, she brings her hoof up to the right side of her neck and rubs the side of her throat horizontally. ‘Still hurts after all these years… I’m not even sure if it’s really there or just in my head now… ‘ Celestia chuckles lightly at her own expense, opening her eyes she stares at the distant Hollow Shades. “I hope I made the right call… I… You…” Celestia slowly brought her hoof down as her gaze downcasts to the floor. “Oh Ratimir… I hope it isn’t too late for you… Please open up…. Please, please, please!” Celestia pleaded quietly to no one, her mouth biting hard on her teeth as she shut her eyes. The pain in her neck aching more and more until she gives out a heavy sigh. Opening her eyes once again and looking up to see the moon falling down the horizon. “One day… I’ll tell Luna and Twilight the truth… but right now, I need to stay patient as always.” Celestia ignites her horn and feels her magic wrap around her son. ‘Just be patient as always, Celestia… it’s not too late yet…’