With the soft glow of her long horn, Princess Celestia latched onto the sun as she always did. She suspected that in times of crisis, if for whatever reason both Luna and herself were incapacitated, the sun and moon may very well rise without the interference of the royal family.
But she had no intention of finding out.
As the sky turned from black to pink, the first rays of light began to pierce the darkness. Right on cue, a soft rustle came at her side as her younger sibling emerged from her own duties, and took a seat next to Celestia on the balcony. They did not often get much time together, not like they used to. Dawn and dusk were their special times together, when it was technically neither night nor day, and for a few brief moments, technically neither of them were on duty.
"How comes Project Everfree, dear sister? I have made the necessary arrangements for you to meet with several contractors."
The project was one which they were both working on, an attempt at reclaiming the wild depths of Everfree Forest. More specifically, reclaiming and restoring their old castle which now lay in ruins. Since their seemed to be a habit of new princesses popping out of nowhere every few months, it may very well be needed in the future. But that was another story for another time.
Princess Celestia nuzzled her sister in affection, a gesture which was returned without hesitation. "The project moves forward, but it will be a long one. Not even I know every species and every danger which now inhabits the dark woods." She said seriously.
Luna nodded in agreement, and was about to respond when one of Celestia's royal guard burst onto the balcony, immediately saluting to attention. Celestia frowned in disapproval.
"Double Edge, this had better be important. You know how much Luna and I value our time together when it can be afforded."
The guard remained at attention. "A report from Ponyville, your Highness. Changelings have been spotted in Ponyville."
"It appears that our time together will have to wait," The younger sibling responded. Luna was the first to ask the question on everypony's mind. "Chrysalis?"
"Negative, Princess, only Changelings. As of this moment, they are not provoking attack. They are just... there."
Luna and Celestia were instantly on their hooves, with the latter taking command. "Ready my chariot. I can be there by the afternoon. Does Twilight Sparkle know of this?"
"Yes ma'am, I believe they are all aware of the potential danger."
"Keep your defenses up, but do not provoke the Changelings until we have further information."
"Yes, Princess!" The guard departed back to his post.
Luna moved in to come along, but now that the sun had risen and the day had begun, she failed to hold back a yawn. Princess Celestia smiled.
"My dear Luna, you have worked hard through the night. There is no immediate emergency, only a situation which requires questions to be asked and a brief investigation. Return to your bed, and I will wake you if the situation becomes worse."
"But what if it IS an emergency? I don't want a repeat of the wedding!" Luna protested.
"No buts, Luna. It will not come to that, and I will not have my sister battling Changelings at the same time as her own fatigue. You will be immediately summoned if the situation becomes more serious. For now, bed."
Luna sighed, but nuzzled her sister. She knew she wouldn't win this argument, and made her way up the winding staircase towards her room. There were times when she despised being the one to control the night, for she missed important things during the day. But there was no hate in her, not as there had once been. Celestia was right of course, and wouldn't let a dangerous situation go un-announced.
The elder sibling, however, was preparing herself for a trip to Ponyville. She hadn't been there in quite some time it felt like, so it might be a nice change of pace from Canterlot Castle's decorative walls and stained glass windows. She checked her sundial. Seven in the morning. It would take a few hours to prepare the chariot, and another few to make it to Ponyville.
During the wait, Celestia dictated a quick scroll, which would inform her number one student of her knowledge of the situation, as well as her impending arrival. As the scroll was sent off, Celestia smiled. "I really don't hope this gets out of control again."
"Your chariot is ready, Princess." One of the guards instructed.
"Excellent." Celestia climbed in, and the chariot took to the sky. "Set an immediate course for Ponyvile."
As the elder of the royal siblings looked to the sky, she silently prayed that nothing was wrong, despite the Changelings return. They had not attacked yet, perhaps they did not mean harm. This would be an interesting afternoon.
[End of Act I]