Chapter 10 – Affirmed Worth
“I must say... I have attended many royal courts before, but that was by far the most... interesting...” After arriving in Canterlot, the group had quickly been escorted to the royal palace, where their presence was announced in the royal court with much fanfare and aplomb. After their brief “official” audience with Princess Celestia, the group had been taken to her private dining hall, where they were now relaxing.
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash replied. “I thought I was gonna die laughing at the look on that trumpet player's face when Pinkie Pie asked him if he could play the Pony Pokie!” Laughter burst from the group again, filling the room with its sound.
“Well, it certainly sounds like everypony is having a good time,” said Princess Celestia as she entered the room.
“We certainly are, Princess,” Twilight said, walking over to her teacher. “Thank you for inviting us!”
Smiling, Celestia replied, “You are very welcome Twilight.” As she looked around the room, she said, “So, I heard there was some sort of disturbance in Ponyville last night.”
Pinkie Pie jumped up. “Oh yeah! It was AMAZING! First the Ursa Minor came, and it was like, 'GRR!' and then Twilight was like, 'Zap!' and then the Ursa Major came, and it was like 'RAWR!' and Twilight was like, 'blam!' but the Ursa Major was like, 'Haha! You're puny attacks can never beat me!' then Twilight was like, 'flop,' and Valiant was like 'Swoosh, slash, wham!' and the Ursa Major was like, 'A ha I've won!' and then Valiant was all, 'BEGONE FOUL CREATURE!' and the Ursa Major was like, 'NOOOOO!' and then Valiant was all, 'flop'.” Pinkie Pie took a long breath. “Yeah, it was awesome.”
Somehow managing to follow along with this extremely rapid string of words, the Princess simply nodded, and said, “I see.” Turning to Valiant, she asked, “And what do you think now, my little pony, do you still think yourself worthless?”
The group of ponies whispered among themselves. “You thought what?” Fluttershy asked.
Briefly glancing at Fluttershy, Valiant returned his attention to Celestia. Without hesitation, he replied, “No, my princess. I see now that my worth is based on more than my successes or failures. A pony's true worth is measured on his willingness to help his friends. Twilight helped me see that.”
Celestia frowned slightly. “Speaking of my student, have you made amends with her for the harsh things she said to you?”
Smiling, Valiant turned his head briefly to look at the unicorn, who smiled back. Returning his attention to the princess, he said, “We have.”
“Very good.” Smiling again, Celestia said, “In that case, I wish to ask you one more question.”
Bowing low, Valiant replied, “Merely ask, My Lady, and I shall answer.”
“Do you, Valiant Daybreak, promise to keep the peace wherever you shall go?”
Valiant's eyes grew wide as he realized the implications of her question. “I do,” he said after a brief pause, his voice shaking slightly.
Rainbow Dash nudged Twilight, whispering, “What kind of question was that?”
“I don't know,” she responded.
With a brief, silencing glance in their direction, Celestia continued. “Do you promise to defend the innocent, and give protection to all who may need it, regardless of your personal feelings for them?”
“I do.” Valiant stood up a little straighter. His heart fluttered as memories flooded back, for he had taken this oath once before.
“Finally, do you vow to keep your actions and words pure and clean, as they represent not only your own thoughts and opinions, but the thoughts of those over you?”
With a deep breath, Valiant replied, “I do.”
Celestia looked around at the ponies assembled in the room. “Let it be known that, in the presence of these witnesses, you have accepted these vows and the consequences of neglecting to follow them. I, Celestia, Princess of the Sun and Ruler of Equestria, hereby name you Sir Valiant Daybreak, Official Knight of Equestria.”
After a brief stunned silence, the room erupted in cheers.
“Well, I'll be...”
“Congratulations Valiant!”
“Well I certainly never saw that one coming...”
Celestia regally walked over to where Valiant knelt. “Will you give me your shield?”
Still kneeling, Valiant magically unstrapped his shield and floated it the few feet over to where Celestia stood.
Concentrating briefly, Celestia slightly altered the coat of arms on the shield, adding a rising sun across the bottom. Returning it to him, she said, “This symbol will let all who see it know that you serve under my throne. Bear it well.”
Rising, Valiant said, “Thank you Princess... I... Am truly honored.”
Easily picking up the slight sadness in his voice, Celestia asked, “What troubles you Sir Valiant?”
Valiant hesitated momentarily. Deciding to voice the source of his anxiety, he replied, “This is indeed a true honor, my Princess, but I do not know if I can bring myself to leave Ponyville... It... It has become my home.”
The Princess smiled. Chuckling, she said, “Why Sir Valiant, who said you would be leaving Ponyville?”
“But... If I am a royal knight...”
“You should be in the castle? No. I have plenty of guards, but Ponyville has none. Twilight is the closest thing to a town guardian they have, and she is still just an apprentice. Ponyville needs a protector. Do you accept this assignment?”
Nearly loosing his composure, Valiant quickly replied, “Yes, my Princess!” Breaking protocol, he smiled, and added, “Thank you.”
Returning his smile, Celestia replied, “You're welcome. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an official ceremony to plan. It's not everyday we elect a knight. I believe you have some very excited ponies waiting to congratulate you as well.”
Smiling, Valiant said, “Thank you again, my Princess.” Turning to his friends, he was immediately tackled and buried at the bottom of a huge pile. As the room erupted into cheers and laughter again, Valiant closed his eyes on the bottom of the pile. This day could not possibly get any better...
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The Black Prince stared off the prow of the Shining Arrow, the fastest sailing ship of the former Corralland Navy. A soft squeak of the floorboards announced the presence of his Lieutenant, who cautiously stepped onto the deck next to him.
“Sir... Sorry to bother you sir, but... Well, some of the crew are questioning your orders sir. Not me, sir, I would follow you to the ends of the earth, but...”
The Prince turned his head, causing the Lieutenant to wince in anticipation of some form of punishment. Smiling his second-in-command's involuntary movement, he said, “They are wondering why we are again invading Equestria when the last attempt failed so miserably?”
“Well... yes sir...”
The Black Prince chuckled. He expected as much. “Our queen was... slightly overconfident last time. She rushed in too quickly, without gaining enough information. Our ability to disguise ourselves is an asset only if we use it correctly. This is not an invasion mission, Lieutenant, this is a reconnaissance mission.”
“Yes, sir... I... think I understand sir...”
“And yet... you still question?”
“Well sir... It's just... how will we infiltrate Equestria without anypony becoming suspicious?”
The Black Prince grinned openly, showing his pointy, pearly-white teeth. “My dear Lieutenant, we're changelings! It's what we do.”
Author's Comments
A bit more plot advancement for you guys! What do you think? Thanks again for everyone following and commenting on my story. You guys are the reason I continue to post. See you next Monday!