Frigid didn't come close to describing the atmosphere between Cadence and her mother after their 'talk' early yesterday. Cadence had made a point of avoiding conversation even after they'd returned to the house they'd been staying at. Sonata had made it a point to mention their family history again and again, mostly how far they had fallen with lost land and the unparalleled wealth they'd commanded.
It'd been miserable and Cadence had slipped out of the house far earlier then sunrise just to avoid having to see her mother again. Once she'd cleared the first block though she felt remarkably better. She could feel the crisp cool air every time she inhaled and the soft glow over the horizon that marked how soon the sun would be up.
There weren’t very many ponies on the streets. Mostly vendors, shop owners, who were setting up for another day of business. She could feel senses of camaraderie between business partners, even the love of married couples who owned their small family shops. After being surrounded by so much negativity even a short walk down a mostly empty street was a deep breath of fresh air.
The young Princess wasn't surprised that she was one of the first ponies there at the agreed meeting place for the expedition. The idea of traveling past Tartarus and who knows what else was a little intimidating but she had to believe it would work out well or else risk pointless time worrying on it. The only things here were two large wagons weighted down with supplies. Curious about what had been decided to bring along she trotted over and noticed a sleepy looking pegasi guard almost nodding off before her approach.
He straightened up to alertness before relaxing when he recognized her. Not wanting to spoil the stillness of the morning with words she waved him off and had a look. A great deal of efficiency appeared to have went into making sure that this trip would have only as many carts as they needed. This was obvious by them being packed to the brim and almost looking to spill over with the various tents, food and other things necessary for what would likely prove a fairly length trip.
It would also mean that there would be no riding in the wagons, even if any of them wanted too. It would be all walking, Cadence hoped she could keep up with the pace and wouldn't exactly enjoy forcing the group to slow down on her behalf even if they likely would out of deference to who she was. If there was one thing Cadence didn't want to be it was a burden.
“You must be the Princess I heard so much about yesterday.” A voice said, breaking the silence and startling her.
She looked to her left, her right and behind her and saw no one. “Up here.” The voice said and she looked up to see a blue coated pegasus with a emblazoned set of wings and lightning bolt on his flank. He was floating easily along the air and even appeared to be a little sweaty and out of breath.
He was still looking expectantly at her, waiting for a reply and she nodded. “Oh yes, that’s me. Are you with the guard on the mission?”
“Yes ma'am! Wing Sergeant Soarin at your service.” He saluted mid-air, his breathing coming to a more normal rhythm and then settled down on the ground. “You're here early.” He commented.
Again she nodded. “So are you. Did you race here?” Cadence couldn't help but ask.
He shook his head, flapping his wings a little. “Nope, I’ve been getting a few laps around Canterlot in before we go. I wasn't sure when the next time I could work out would happen if we're going to go marching up into the mountains and don't want to get too out of shape, you know?.”
That made a lot of sense, though she wasn't sure if it was admirable or a sign that Soarin was crazy if he thought the best thing to do right before a long, dangerous mission was to exercise. Especially when they would be marching all day.
“Well suppose that makes sense.” She answered, he seemed confident about the trip at least. “Do you have a lot of experience doing things like this?”
Instead of the nod she was hoping for, perhaps with assurances that the danger that had been alluded too was just an over abundant sense of caution, Soarin gave a shake of his head. “Can't say that I have. I'm technically not even out of training yet.” He was still cheery, running a hoof through his mane.
A little incredulous that the group's guard attachment was led by a self admitted trainee Cadence stared. “You're still training?”
“Yes Ma'am, I was with the Wonder-Bolts before we were all called out to Canterlot.” Soarin enthused, apparently unaware of her source of distress.
She did feel a little bit better, the Wonder-Bolt's were elite with a good reputation for dealing with less then pleasant threats to Equestria.
She didn't have anything to say to that and Soarin filled in the gap, perking up with his own question. “So, you're a princess right?” She nodded. “If you don't mind me asking, what are you the Princess of? I never really understood how there could be more Princesses or Princes then just Celestia.”
Cadence blinked at that. “Well...I suppose I’m the Princess of...Love?” That was really the only thing that made sense. “The only real metric of being a Prince or Princess is whether you want to call yourself one...or if Princess Celestia is willing to adopt you.”
Soarin's face scrunched up in confusion. “Really? You mean I could call myself a Prince and I’d be one?”
“I don't think anypony else would believe you but you could. I guess you could call yourself the leader of Equestria but it wouldn't make it so.” Was her answer.
Soarin nodded “That makes sense. But you are a princess though, right?”
Given her own criteria she supposed she was. “Princess Celestia and most of Canterlot says so...”
By now other ponies were arriving, Cadence's hopes sank as she recognized Prince Blueblood, hardly a shining example of supposed Canterlot High Society. He was flanked by another unicorn, a older looking green mare with her mane done up in a silvery bun. “Ahh, Princess Cadence. How nice to meet you.” She bowed, speaking first while Prince Blueblood gave a disdainful look at Soarin.
Apparently Prince Blueblood was still unhappy with his treatment two days ago because he barely acknowledged Cadence. “Yes, nice to meet you again.”
The older mare gave a strained cough and then walked forward to extend a hoof. “I'm Professor Puppet Strings. We'll be sure you don't get hurt your majesty.”
Cadence took the hoof shake and smiled at the Professor. She could tell Butter Cup was something of a sycophant but there wasn't anything actively malicious about her. “You can just call me Cadence. I'm not really use to 'your majesty' or even Princess.”
Puppet Strings nodded and returned her smile. Prince Blueblood snorted and said. “Of course.” just barely under his breath, despite the small group being able to hear it.
Apparently Soarin didn't take that particularly well because he stepped forward and frowned, pointing a hoof towards Blueblood. “Hey, whats your problem?”
Prince Blueblood looked dumbstruck, surprised at the confrontation. “Are you talking to me, guard?”
Soarin's eyes narrowed at that. “I am, and I have a name, horses ass.” His wings flared and he looked about ready to attack.
“You can't talk to me that way. I am royalty and your better.” Blueblood said, not quite in the same state of readiness to fight but certainly sounding offended.
Cadence stepped forward, not wanting a fight or to risk getting Soarin in trouble. “Its okay Soarin.” She said quickly, giving him a pleading look not to do something stupid.
The blue pegasi glanced towards Cadence and straightened. “Sure. But I'll have you know I’m royalty too.” Soarin gave a cocky look and struck a confident pose. “I'm Prince Soarin.”
Blueblood stared for a moment and then looked disbelieving. “You can't possibly be...I've never even heard of you or know who you are.”
Apparently that was what Soarin was waiting to hear. “Its funny, I can say the same thing about you.”
Cadence couldn't help but giggle slightly at that while BlueBlood looked almost like he was about to blow.
“Well said, 'Prince' Soarin. Its a shame I haven't seen you at any parties, you might have livened them up.” Was another male voice, with everyone turning to look. It was a white coated, purple maned unicorn with what appeared to be wooden sticks gathered together with something else sticking out that Cadence couldn't quite make out.
“Gentle August.” Blueblood said with a start, glancing between him and Soarin. “Did you hear what this-”
He was interrupted by Gentle who glanced towards Cadence. “I heard a member of the guard defending a lapse of politeness towards a very attractive Princess.” Gentle August gave a polite nod her way.
Clearly not sure what to do Blueblood looked lost, glancing between all of them before begrudgingly nodding towards Cadence. “My apologies...” and then stalked off away from them, Puppet Strings following quickly.
Soarin relaxed, back to some of his cheerful self and walked up to Gentle and extended a hoof, who did as well but instead of receiving a shake instead a bump from Soarin and blinked at the unfamiliar gesture.
“That was pretty awesome, man, but I’ve got to go talk to my squadron who just showed up.” With that he flew off towards a small band of sleepy looking pegasi in armor who'd trudged up the road.
Cadence and Gentle August were joined by another pony, another older Professor who was a butternut coated stallion whose mane and tail had long since succumbed to the silvery color of old age. He looked at Cadence and then bowed, without saying anything while Gentle August appeared to bounce on his hooves slightly while looking at her, appearing expectant.
“Thank you for avoiding a fight.” She finally said, she wasn't quite sure what to think of the young aristocrat. He'd been very suave so far, clearly the opposite of her supposed cousin Blueblood.
Gentle August waved it off. “Its no problem. We'll have to work together if we'd like avoid a grisly fate. Ah, this is Professor Butter Up, my mentor.” He nodded towards the older unicorn who accepted the introduction.
“Its nice to meet you. Do you know when we're going to leave?” She asked politely, the sun had long since risen up over the horizon. The day was warming up, comfortably so and promising to be excellent traveling weather.
“As soon as Professor Tower and Shining Armor arrive we'll be ready to set off I believe.” Was Gentle August's reply, which appeared to have all but summoned the two. Cadence could see the familiar form of Shining Armor who was apparently holding a great deal of things up in the air and apparently having a intent conversation with his mentor.