Chief. With that one word and the passing of the ceremony, I have since felt an unbearable weight on my shoulders. Hopefully with this allegiance I can do at least one good thing for my tribe...
The wind screamed in Chief Strongheart’s ears as she sailed through the air, clutching desperately onto the harness fitted on her violet dragon steed. Her stomach was pressed against Spike’s back, lurching with the occasional glimpse of the rushing terrain below them: the familiar, welcoming sahara faded to lush green plains and forests with the occasional river running through them.
I implore you, Mother Gaia, please do not let the winds carry my headdress away! Chief Strongheart silently prayed.
Spike loosed an enthusiastic cheer as a conglomeration of clouds and rainbows screamed by. Mountains quickly became larger with each passing heartbeat; with their destination in sight, Spike’s momentum slowly came to a more leisurely pace. “Sorry, I get a little too into my flying,” he cheerfully chuckled.
“I-It is quite alright,” Chief Strongheart managed to speak. “It would have been terribly rude of me to spurn your offer. I am eternally grateful to you for this.”
“E-Eternally... grateful?” Spike mumbled something to himself. “Look ahead, this is why I offered you a flight instead of the train.”
Little Strongheart looked up, ahead to the horizon, and had her breath instantly taken away. The sun had just began receding behind the horizon, casting an ethereal orange glow on Canterlot. The moon and countless stars that dotted the blanket of night began to appear from behind them, adding the feeling they were just between night and day, chasing the sun.
“This is beautiful, Mr. Spike,” Chief Stongheart said in awe, looking to his face, noticing a deep blush.
“Yeah, yo—err, it is, isn’t it?” Spike chirped. “Being up here, you get to see and feel things you kinda can’t get looking up from the ground.”
Spike’s comment fell on deaf ears. Little Strongheart, mesmerized by the sights of the sky, relished in the moment, her auburn fur flittering gently on the breeze. The previous apprehension forgotten and replaced with a sense of exhilaration. That feeling, however, shattered as a buffeting gale alarmed her that Spike was beginning to descend.
“Hold on!” Spike cautioned.
Drawing closer, Chief Strongheart could scarcely see motion in the castletown ahead. What bodies she could spot were no bigger than ants scurrying about an elaborate ant hill, dotted with eye-catching colors. The fleeting rays caught Little Strongheart in her eyes, so absentmindedly she attempted to shield her eyes with a hoof, causing her to lose her grip.
“H-Hey!” Spike, in one agile maneuver, caught Chief Strongheart in his arms with relative ease. “It’d be bad for your tribe if they lost their new chief, don’t you think? Even worse for me if I dropped you,” he groaned.
Chief Strongheart’s expression was wide and empty, the sheer terror of the ground returning tenfold. Her heart thundered in her chest. “You have my thanks once again, Mr. Spike.”
“Mr. Spike,” Spike mockingly echoed, rolling his eyes. “Drop the ‘Mr.’ thing, please? I know I’ve grown, but I’m not that old you know.”
“Ah, my apologies... Spike.”
Spike smiled. “Don’t sweat it, Chief.” He chuckled. “We’re here.”
Land at last! Land at last, thank Mother Gaia almighty! Chief Strongheart silently cheered as Spike landed and gingerly released her from his grasp.
On the initial step, she stumbled slightly and Spike was there to steady her. Another attempt at movement on the cold cobblestone, and she staggered again, noticing now that something was off. I knew it, it’s like I’m in a different world here. But it’s a world I must embrace. Chief Strongheart, with resolve, narrowed her eyes towards the castle.
“I don’t see why you won’t let my just fly you up to the castle,” Spike said, shrugging his shoulders. “I’m a V. I. D. there, the princesses know me!” he stated proudly, striking a pose with his wings spread wide for bravado.
Chief Strongheart giggled, eased by Spike’s showing off. “I understand that, and my decision to decline your offer was not made on a whim. But, you must understand, for the good of my tribe and the unification of the others, I must establish relations with the princesses, and as such I must walk through Quarterlot alone.”
“Canterlot,” Spike corrected with a chuckle. “And, I guess. Come to think of it, I’m gonna pop in on Cadance and visit her foals. I’ll meet you later in the gardens for the return trip, and that’s not debatable!”
Chief Strongheart smiled, nodding and submitting to Spike’s demand. “I will be there waiting for you, Spike.”
Spike blushed, looking off in another direction and scratching his head. “Spankin’, I’ll uhh... see you then.” He flashed a confident smile then sprang into the air.
Chief Strongheart watched him go until he was out of sight, then turned her attention to the oddly homely lower quarter of Canterlot. She inhaled deeply, adjusting her headdress with a hoof before setting off into unknown land.
Guided by a small bank that lead her to the fountain in the middle of the lower quarter, Chief Strongheart could feel eyes upon her. Acutely conscious of the sudden attention, she tensed up as the sound of hooves approached her from behind.
“You’re really big!” squeaked a voice.
Chief Strongheart turned and looked down to a shaggy, brown and cream pony, the only eye not covered by her tangled growth of fur wide. “I-I-I...err...” What do I say? I’m the chief of my tribe and I’m stuttering in front of everyone!
“Mocha Frappe Java Latte!” chided a voice.
A mare hurriedly made her way over to the filly, flashing a warm smile to Chief Strongheart. “I’m sorry if my daughter is bothering you.”
“Awww, I was just saying hello, mom!” Mocha Frappe Java Latte whined.
Chief Strongheart couldn’t help but giggle at the filly’s defiance. Reminds me of how Chief Thunderhooves and I were like. I hope I’m making you proud as you run with our ancestors in the Great Plains...
“Thats enough young mare!” the filly’s mother snapped. “I’m sorry again, Miss.” She dipped her head. “My name is Caramel Melody.”
“C-Chief Strongheart,” she replied with a little confidence.
“Mocha, apologize to Chief Strongheart,” Caramel Melody said.
Chief Strongheart smiled, waving a dismissive hoof. “It is quite alright,” she said with a giggle.
“You’re a buffalo,” Caramel Melody noted. “That’s rare around here. I’m guessing this is your first outing to Canterlot?”
Chief Strongheart smiled painfully. “Is it that obvious?” she asked, knowing the answer full well.
Caramel Melody shook her head. “Not exactly, we just don’t get a lot of visitors like you is all.”
Mocha Frappe Java Latte stood staring at the feathers in Chief Strongheart’s headdress, cooing faintly.
“Mocha! It’s impolite to stare!” Caramel Melody chided.
“Mom! I want one!” the filly excitedly chirped, pointing to her object of interest.
“And now you’re pointing...” Caramel Melody wearily sighed, shaking her head. “Come along, your father made dinner, and you and I will have a serious talk about manners as well!”
“I will be back in a month’s time, I will have you a present by then.” Chief Strongheart smiled to the little filly.
Mocha Frappe Java Latte’s jaw dropped. “Really?” she gasped. “No foolin’?”
“Yes, but you must behave for your mother and father.” Chief Strongheart smiled to Caramel Melody. They are no different than the families back home.
After bidding a fond farewell to Caramel Melody and Mocha Frappe Java Latte, Chief Strongheart wandered through the lower quarter, eventually making her way to the upper quarter, noticing a gradual change in the intricacy of the houses that, by now, resembled veritable castles.
Oh my. Why would anyone want a home of such sheer magnitude? The more Chief Strongheart thought on it, the more confused she became until she shook the thought from her mind altogether. She looked up, admiring the bastion that was Canterlot Castle, home of the royal sisters.
Chief Strongheart swallowed hard, bolstering her confidence. For the good of my tribe. For the good of my tribe, she chanted to herself, becoming more and more confident. And for Chief Thunderhooves, may his spirit guide me.
The upper quarter gave way to imposing, twin, alabaster doors adorned with golden trimmings. On either side stood two devious looking ponies bearing an expressionless look. Their bat-like wings, one spread as to deny Chief Strongheart entrance to the castle. “What business have you here?” one of the guards challenged, his words cutting deep into Chief Strongheart’s previously steel resolve.
Come on, you’re Chief now, act like it! she chided herself. “I am Chief Strongheart,” she declared with a surprising amount of backbone. “I have an audience with Princess Celestia and would appreciate it greatly if one of you were to show me the way.”
The guards tensed up under Chief Strongheart’s suddenly imposing tone. “Y-Yes, of course.” One guard nodded. “Forgive me, I will guide you to audience room.”
Hehe, alright! Chief Strongheart silently celebrated with a smile as the guard opened the door, motioning for her to enter. As she trotted inside, the doors closed and the guard took the lead.
Following behind the guard, Chief Strongheart was lead through the corridors of dizzying, yet elegantly extravagant heights and lengths, each appearing to be an almost exact copy of the last. If not for the guard seeming to know where to go, I would no doubt spend an eternity wandering this place.
Eventually, the guard pushed open another door to what no doubt was the audience chambers. After Chief Strongheart entered, the door closed, leaving her alone. Or so she thought until a radiant flash that could easily fool one into thinking day had broken filled the room.
As the light died down, Celestia stood on the far end, a welcoming smile on her face. “Ah, Chief Strongheart.” She dipped her head. “I am happy to see you are well. How was your journey?”
“It was lovely.” Chief Strongheart smiled, eased by Celestia’s presence. “And thank you for having me, Princess Celestia.”
“It’s my pleasure as well,” Celestia said with a giggle. “Please, if you don’t mind, I’d rather we tended to affairs outside as opposed to this stuffy room.” She motioned with her wing for Chief Strongheart to follow as she turned and walked out onto the balcony just behind her chair.
Oh Mother Gaia... I’m here. Chief Strongheart could feel anxiety quickly building inside her as she followed, churning her stomach to almost sickening levels. No, I can’t let this get to me. I’ll be meeting with her on a regular basis so I can’t be nervous every time we meet, that would be disrespectful.
Out on the balcony, a warm breeze blew. Celestia smiled proudly at the stars. “Forgive me if I’m speaking out of place, but I assume you are new to the position you are in?”
Chief Strongheart groaned. “My apologies, Princess. I’m a disgrace to my tribe...”
“Confidence is what you need to have. In yourself and in your tribe,” Celestia spoke knowingly. “There is little difference between our cultures, and the fact that you had Spike contact me to arrange this shows signs you will grow into a fine Chief.”
Chief Strongheart smiled. “Thank you, Princess.”
Celestia’s horn dimly glowed, making a parchment appear in a flourish of magic. The document floated down in front of her and unfurled. “This is merely the formality. I only need your hoof print for documentation,” Celestia explained. “With this, your tribe will have the support of my kingdom. I look forward to seeing more of you.”
Chief Strongheart pressed her hoof on the parchment; upon removing it she noticed the print was a deal larger than Celestia’s. This is my first step into bringing a better life for my tribe and, in time, the other tribes as well.
“I do apologize, you see, my niece has asked me to babysit.” Celestia’s wings unfurled.
“P-Princess, where is the garden located?”
“Back through the door to this room, the hallway is on your right.” Celestia instructed. “Follow that hallway all the way until you see a door laden with vines and flowers. Go through that door and you will find yourself in the garden.”
“You have my thanks, Princess Celestia.” Chief Strongheart smiled.
“Confidence in yourself will inspire confidence in your tribe,” Celestia spoke, her voice seeming to echo. “Courage of the heart is very rare; your heart will draw power from it when it’s there, Chief Strongheart.” With that, Celestia took to the sky.
How strange, the way she spoke reminds me of Chief Thunderhooves. Chief Strongheart, as per Celestia’s instructions, made her way through the castle and down the corridor until she came upon the aforementioned door. Chief Strongheart instantly noticed Spike lounging, with a peculiar fiery colored bird perched on his shoulder.
“...And yeah, Philomena, you’d love Peewe—” Spike turned, grinning as he noticed his company. “Oh hey! How’d things go?” The phoenix flew off as the shadow of Celestia passed overhead.
“Terrifical,.” Chief Strongheart replied. “This is quite a big step for my tribe... and myself.”
“Ready to head home?” Spike stood tall, spreading his wings.
Chief Strongheart approached Spike smiling. “Yes. I have a great deal of news to share with my tribe.”
“Y’okay.” Spike nodded, motioning for Chief Strongheart to climb onto his back. “Let’s fly!” He winked.
Chief Strongheart wrapped her hooves around Spike neck and he launched from the ground with ease. Courage and confidence... I’ll do fine. Rest easy, my ancestors, our tribe will persevere.
---
The flight back home felt fairly brief compared to the journey to Canterlot. In the distance, Chief Strongheart recognized the gathering of clashing colors that stood out from the landscape; the tents of the Stouthorn tribe.
Spike landed and Chief Strongheart happily dismounted, drinking in the soft, familiar feel as opposed to the hard stones that lined Canterlot. “Many thanks again, Spike.” She embraced the dragon in a hug.
“Sure thing!” Spike chirped, returning her hug. “It’s the least I could do. I’m sure Chief Thunderhooves’d be proud! Thankfully, you don’t go on like he used to.”
Chief Strongheart giggled. “You are too kind, Spike, and funny! I appreciate your support.” She smiled.
“So... need anything else?” Spike offered.
Chief Strongheart looked around, her tribe had already returned to their tents. The fire, situated in the middle was left only in cinders and ash. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I believe I will return to my tent for the night.”
“Alrighty then.” Spike nodded. “Sweet dreams then, Strongheart.”
“Sweet dreams, Spike.” Chief Strongheart giggled, waving him off. She retired to her tent, but didn’t find sleep until well after her thoughts settled. Just outside her tent, a figure faintly outlined in the moonlight smiled.