//------------------------------// // 1. An entrance to remember // Story: The Dawning of Night // by ericson03 //------------------------------// Moving through the streets I take note of how much had changed, as the ravages of time had given way to new buildings and newer still folk. Having lived for many years in this strange world, I had gotten used to the passing of life and time alike but seeing the white city of canterhorn in this new light still gave me pause. Eventually the storefronts and laughing ponies gave way, and beneath my hooves the cobblestone became more even and uniform. Now, instead of laughing ponies passing by with pastries and drinks in their hooves, with foals at their side, I was met with empty streets with scant few ponies among the streetlights.  It shouldn't be surprising however, that these lavish homes should remain empty, as tonight was to be of great importance to the nobility. For tonight, the gala was at play. An annual gathering of those favored by the diarchy. Whether they gained this favor by merit of act or status however, is nearly always in favor of the latter. Yes, for it functioned not only as a way of uniting the nation behind festivities organized by the Crown itself, but also as a political and economic battleground for the powerful. Of course that paints a negative light on the whole thing, but for the crown it is crucial, for it is better to keep such schemes in the limelight rather than the shadows where they cannot see or predict them. Passing by the corner of a lofty mansion and onto the main road leading to the inner and outer gates of Canterlot, I was the shimmering gold of the solar guards. Standing proud and tall, the two earth ponies stuck out like towers of metal and muscle fused into a gaudy display of power. They lacked grace, practicality and skill, surely, but they made up for it in discipline. Trotting up to within 4 meters of the two of them, I stopped as they cracked their spears onto the ground, the sound of wood striking rock echoing onto the empty road.  "State your purpose and identity, by order of the crown." Spoke the one on the right, his eyes glaring through the veil of my enchanted hood. "Which?" I responded curtly. The quick reply made the left one raise an eyebrow, with the one right responding with a furrow of his eyebrows. "Which of what exactly?" "Of which crown am I to identify myself to?" I asked, of course already knowing the answer. "By order of the princess of the sun." The left one spoke, with a tinge of annoyance in his tone. "Hm. Well I'm afraid I must decline," Lighting my horn, the blue light of my magic glimmered against the bag resting against my flank. A cutie mark laid upon it. It was that of a sword with the blade pointing down, the cross-guard taking the shape of a silver crown, the pommel that of the moon, and as the sword went on, it morphed into the visage of an ebony violin halfway through.  As my magic moved through the air, it gripped the document contained within the bag and held it out in front of the guards. "however I think this ought to suffice for my permission to pass." Taking a second to gather themselves from what they deemed a rather strange act from the pony in front of them, the right guard eventually strode forth to appraise the scroll. His eyes moving through the lines, he eventually reached the end with a surprised expression as to the nature of their visitor. Turning to his comrade, he gave a short nod before stepping out of my way as I stuffed the document back to its rightful place. Nodding back, the left guard opened the gate with a creak, causing my ears to flutter as I cringed at what they registered as an ungodly loud noise. "Welcome to the gala, may your stay be joyous and your troubles forgotten." The right guard spoke before returning to his side of the gate once more. Giving them a short nod, I moved through the gate and entered the castle grounds itself, although it had the look of a Palace more than that of something actually meant to be defended against a siege.  "Ah well," I spoke to myself. "war has long since left these lands." Taking a long breath as I stared at the golden rooftops of the towers, the sight of them reminding me of who I am to meet at last. As the clear white of a moon unblemished by her visage finally shone down at the glimmering gold, I pulled my hood down with a smile. "Soon, my love, all will bow once more before your majesty." … Having moved through the main gardens of the castle, and receiving the passing stares of nobles and guards alike, I had finally made it to the door of the castle. As the red carpet made way to the line of about a dozen nobles awaiting their turn for greetings however, I found I had a bit of time to get ready. Lighting up my horn, the shimmering hood still hanging around my withers untied itself from my body and was held up in front of me. Activating the second enchantment, the see through side of the hood gave way to a mirror image of myself. Piercing my own eyes with my gaze I looked into slitted pupils on a backdrop of shining violet with a diamond whiteness outlining the pupil itself. I had always been happy being born with them, as they looked like exploding stars on a night sky. Moving my sight to the mess the hood had made of my mane however, I was a little less pleased. Grumbling to myself, I fixed the stray white hairs that had shot out and moved down the light blue ones that were hanging lower down. Moving my magic through the main, however, It quickly became untangled of any knots and soon, it was as good as new. Finally, I checked perhaps my most important feature, the all important chest fluff. Moving through my deep blue coat to the clear white of my chest and belly, I brought out any gathered dust and fluffed it up to perfection. Giving myself a once over, I noted my lithe frame, honed from years of travel and adventure. I had managed to save myself from the majority of scarring, but I still had more than enough to be recognised as someone who had seen their fair share of battles. The feature that set me apart from others however was my height, for although in the old world I had stood at a measly 165cm, or 5'5 for the barbarians, here, I towered over most folk, standing one and a half hooves taller than most guards.  Gathering the hood within the sack still hanging around my flank, I muttered a quiet prayer for good fortune, and took my place in line. The number of ponies had now sunk down to half the number I had seen before, and actually would've been more had the nobility not stuck around to try to mingle with the royal in front. Celestia. Standing a head taller than even I, I could see her well and clearly from my place in the line. Her face was the very definition of beauty and her gentle smile bore all the features of a ruler. She truly was the sister of the one to whom I love. I was brought out of mussing however as the ponies in front of me were finally bore notice of the individual behind them, a herd from the looks of it. The stallion stood in the middle, surrounded by his three mares, each one dressed to the nines in regalia befitting of the high class. Making eye contact with the stallion, he was quick to cower behind the mares. I had to suppress the urge to roll my eyes at the display. Sure, I could handle the fact that the pony males of this world were a tad more… feminine than their human counterparts, but the city stallions were almost comical in how they handled any sort of strife. Quickly the situation escalated however as what I presumed to be the lead mare stepped forth to confront me, glaring at me all the while. "What in Celestia’s name are you supposed to be?” She asked with an edge to her voice. I gave a breath chuckle at her ignorance before answering with a wry smile. "Why, I am but a wandering minstrel, ma'am." Clearly not satisfied with my answer however, she opened her mouth to speak before being interrupted by a motherly voice. "Now now, my little ponies, no need for that." Celestia’s voice rang out as the line had shortened to just me and the herd of nobles. Turning around the group stood in like deers in headlights in front of the alabaster alicorn, staring as if they’ve just been caught with their hooves in the cookie jar. This went on for but a few seconds however as the lead mare caught herself and cleared her throat before speaking. “Please excuse us, your majesty, we were just surprised was all.” She finished with a bow as the others woke up from their stupor and bowed as well. Scrutinizing them for but a moment, Celestia’s eyes moved between each of them before finally turning to the lead mare. Finally, with a tinge of a smile on her face as she watched them sweat from their xenophobic incident, she spoke up. "You may rise. However I must say, it isn't me you'd ought to apologize to, Mrs. Penny Pinch."  "Of course, your majesty." Pinch said as she rose before turning back to me, however as soon as her face was beyond the sight of the alicorn, her previously nervous smile morphed into a frown. "I hope you'll forgive me, sir, we have yet to meet one such as yourself yet. I hope that despite this incident, you'll let bygones be bygones, the night is still young after all." She spoke with a glare, yet her voice displayed no malice. Clever girl. "I wouldn't worry too much, lady Pinch. You'll find that insulting me would be quite a challenge. Besides it is as you say, the night is still young." I gave a sideways glance to Celestia at the final statement, the act not going unnoticed as she met my eyes. Giving a curt bow, she turned back to Celestia and the group settled in to the benign talk you'd expect between a royal and her subjects. Words were spoken, nothing was said. Eventually however, the group began saying their goodbyes as Celestia subtlety tried hurrying them along. Looking at them trotting through the front lobby, I was finally left alone with the alicorn. Silence filled the air as we looked upon another, waiting to see who'd blink first. It didn't take long however for her to make the first move. "It's been a long while, Nocturne."  She spoke with such a hushed tone, emotion weighing heavy on her. "So it has, Celestia. It seems like just yesterday I was hunted by your guards." She flinched slightly at my words but nonetheless answered in turn. "It had been many years since I had seen one of Luna's kin. I simply sought to protect you, Nocturne." She took a hesitant step forward, her eyes unsure. There was a pause. Then- "Please, Nocturne, I didn't mean-" She was stopped as I walked towards her, and in swift order, leaned my head against her neck. I felt her freeze up at the action, but reassuringly I spoke. "I know, Celestia. I forgive you." Between the warmth of my coat, and her steady heartbeat, I found a small moment of peace as she let out a breath I didn't know she was holding in. Holding my eyes closed, I did felt her relax as she leaned against me, and suddenly I felt myself enveloped in a pair of giant wings. "Thank you, Nocturne. Thank you." Her breath hitched a little as she repeated herself. We stood there a moment, leaning against one another, till finally her wings returned to her side and in that bittersweet moment we parted. "You’d ought not to be so hard on yourself, Celestia. It’s not everyday one finds one of the starborn in their halls, less so in those days.” “I suppose… so how do you fair these days, Nocturne? Last I heard of you, you were venturing down the Lambenter, to the south lunar sea.” “Ah… so I was.” I reminisced. “Alas, I was more fearful in those early years. In pursuit of me I saw the gleaming gold of your soldiers as a sign of sure death, not salvation. In answer to your query however, I am tonight better than the night before and shall endeavor to find ever greater happiness, come the dawning of your light.”  I ended my answer with a short and courteous bow to the giggling alicorn. “My, how well spoken of you. One would almost think you’ve taken language lessons from my dear sister.” Oh how I wish. “Traveling from court to court has earned me quite the aptitude for the linguistics of the higher classes. On the subject of your sister however-” I continued as her curious gaze lingered on me. “Will she be present during the festivities? I’d have thought that she’d be standing next to you, greeting the citizenry.” Her gaze grew distant as I finished my question, her smile fading away in the same vein. The moment lingered as even her breathing seemed to slow, silence set in between us. "Celestia? Are you oka-” “No.” She snapped as her eyes returned into focus, her breath coming back as she released a sharp exhale. “No…” She repeated as her mind seemed to calm. “My sister is still recovering from her-” She closed her eyes as she seemed to look for a word, then opened them again. “exile.” It seemed so odd, to see someone of such power and influence at odds with herself, she reminded me of myself during my formative years. Yet, within her was a power and benevolence I could never hope to match.  “Apologies for my outburst, Nocturne. I’ve been very stressed lately with the preparations of the gala at hoof. I didn't mean to frighten you.” She said with tired eyes, a small look of shame about her. Frightened?  I had to almost catch myself as in the moment of the alicorn’s outburst, my breath had escaped me, and my hooves tensed. Inhaling calmly, I tried masking my startled form as my muscles relaxed, though I doubt it did much to hide it. “It's of no consequence, Celestia. Heavy is the head who wears the crown, and yours have worn the weight of sun and moon for a millennium.” I gave her a kind smile, as a sign of reassurance. “Come, the hour draws late and you, young lady, need some food.” I jokingly said as I trotted past her, thwapping her side with my tail.  Guffawing at my brazen act, she trotted to my side as we passed the doors of the open gallery where the common peoples and lower gentry mingled in merriment. “If there’s anything I'm not, little Thestral, it's young.” She spoke as she contained her giggles. “Oh don't sell yourself short, your majesty, you look barely a day over four hundred!” I exclaimed as we climbed the bifurcated staircase of the central hall.  Smacking me with her giant wing, I was nearly knocked into the railing had I not caught myself with a balancing spell. Looking at the smug alicorn, she rolled her eyes as she continued up the stairs. “A real sweet talker, aren’t you, Nocturne?” She remarked. “The best in the land!” I replied with a spring in my step as I caught up with her. “So princess, since you’ve asked of my own standing, how have you fared since we last met? Since i've arrived in Equestria i’ve heard all sorts of rumors as to what you’ve been up to since i was last here.” Passing past a pair of guards at the top of the stairs, I couldn't help but notice their leveled gazes that moved to meet mine. I suppose they haven’t seen many thestrals within the castle walls. “Oh well-” She started, then nearly immediately trailed off as the question seemed to mollify her. “Celestia?” "Oh! Apologies, Nocturne. I’ve been quite well, better than usual in fact. Besides the stress of organizing the gala, I've been blessed by so many joyous events recently, your arrival among them. The return of my sister, the achievements of my student and my niece just yesterday returning from Griffonstone.” She smiled as she looked up at the many chandeliers above us, the reflection of their flames dancing off of their golden arms and columns. Suddenly however, as if struck by lightning, she perked up. “Oh, I can't wait to introduce her to Luna!” She squealed with joy as she did this cute little skip via giving a single flap of her wings to jump into the air, before gliding down again. The little stunt brought a laugh out of me, yet part of me grew concerned. Her erratic jump between emotions coupled with her bouts of silence and near outbursts left me wondering about the reports of recent aloofness being more truthful than I had previously thought. “A student, you say? Would this be the famous ‘Twilight Sparkle’ I’ve heard so much about recently?” I questioned curiously. “Indeed, she’s been my most prized pupil yet. She’s not only saved my sister but recently she and the rest of the elements have done much to help Equestria, even chasing off a fully grown fire drake on their own.” She replied with a proud smile on her face. “You must be very proud of them, I know I would be.” “That I am, Nocturne. For an ageless like me, it fills me with joy to see that even with short lifespans, my ponies can accomplish so much in so little time. You’d like them, Nocturne.” “Would I now? Are they single?” I asked cheekily. "Oh, they are.” She giggled. “But I doubt you’d have much of a chance with them.” She stated as she started looking me over.  “Fluttershy would be much too afraid of your stature and diet.” This gave my mind pause, am I truly that intimidating? I gave a smile and almost immediately the guard I passed to my right flinched at the sight. Huh… theory confirmed. “Applejack would think you’re too pompous.” “You wha- pompous? I am not pompous!” I replied in faux offense as she raised an eyebrow. “I'm simply well spoken.” I finished with a smug smile as I stopped and lifted my foreleg up in a regal pose. Rolling her eyes, she continued. “I'm sure you are, Nocturne, but Applejack is of the Apple clan. Do you wanna live out your days in an apple orchard?” “Ah, there's always a catch isn’t there? Unfortunately the farmer’s life is not for me, Celestia.” I replied as I scratched the back of my head, rather embarrassingly.  “Nor did i think it was, Nocturne. Continuing on, Pinkie Pie… no.” She said simply. “No?” I asked with a snort of laughter. “No.” She nodded with great wisdom. “Then we have Rarity.” The alicorn continued. “I would say that she would probably be your best chance, however she’s currently quite infatuated with my nephew.” “Ah,” I replied in remembrance. “would that be one prince Blueblood?” “You know of him? He’s not often known outside of Equestria.”  “I happened to pass his place of residence on the way here.”  Gaudy old thing, a mansion which stood twice as tall and twice as wide as any of the other noble palaces within the inner district. It stood as a practical symbol of wealth with its gold plated gates, with the big sign of “here stands the house of Blueblood” being the cherry on top. “Oh,” she looked as if she just caught the smell of sulfur as she no doubt remembered the sight even better than myself. “I’d have hoped he’d spend his money more carefully, but alas the nobility sank their hooves into him. He used to be the sweetest little colt, you know?” She said as she started to reminisce. “I remember when he’d sit against my barrel during day court, he was so white that the petitioners didn’t even see him.” The memory brought a smile to her face. “It is unfortunate how power corrupts if used carelessly. Perhaps he’ll change though, you never know what the future may hold.” I offered. She nodded, and soon came back to the previous subject.  “And then there is Twilight, my beloved student. Seeing how well spoken you are, i wouldn’t be surprised if you caught her eye.” Ah, finally a possible win. “Unfortunately-” or not. “she's just recently begun her friendship lessons, and although progressing wonderfully, I doubt she feels ready for a relationship.” “Oh, woe is me.” I said in faux pain. “Destined to remain alone till the end of my days.” “A tragic fate.” Celestia responded with a mournful nod. It took all of about five seconds before we both burst out laughing at our collective silliness. “Are you truly lacking in a partner, Nocturne?” The question quieted down my laugh as I remembered days past, and the days to come. “Yes… I am.” I replied quietly, then turned to look at her with a rye smile to hide my emotions. “Why? Is it surprising?” Her melodic laughter filled the hallway as a small blush appeared in her cheeks. “Well you are quite old, Nocturne.”  Mental ouch. “Oh, is that the kettle calling the pot black?”  Now that got a reaction as I caught a wing to the flank.  Physical ouch. “You really like those things don't you?” I asked as my flank stung. Giggling a little, she gave a simple “yes” as we continued along. “You know, Nocturne, for someone so well traveled amongst the ‘higher classes,’ you’re awfully brazen around me. You’ve even yet to call me princess since I’ve met you. Why is that?” I hummed for a moment, mulling over the question. “I suppose… pity, might be the right answer.” She froze. And I stopped at her side. “What do you mean?” She asked, her voice neutral. The many guards who lined the hall who were previously tense at my mere presence and implied familiarity with the sun princess were practically an order away from detaining me, or worse.  Looking up to meet her even gaze, I replied. “You are alone, Celestia, I see it in your eyes, they crave friendship. As I said before, heavy is the head who wears the crown, not for just the duty of which the rank curses its wearer with, but the loneliness. Tell me, Celestia, when was the last time you spent a day out of the castle with friends? Not entertaining dignitaries, nobles or bureaucrats, but friends.” She looked down on me, her gaze softening as she thought over her answer. Eventually however, she spoke up. "Four years and sixty two days.” You could’ve dropped a pin in that hall and it would’ve wrung loud as a church bell within the silence. Eyeing the door at the end of the hallway, I turned to gently nudge her side as her gaze once more began to glaze over. “Shall we?” I said, motioning towards the door. Smiling, she placed her wing across my back. “We shall.”