//------------------------------// // A Canterlot greeting // Story: Uniconia's desire // by xcedra //------------------------------// Gallant was amazed by Equestria; when they had arrived in Ponyville the Mayor had arranged rooms for them at the local inn, and had chatted with them amiably over a small dinner. The air was rich with the power of magic, the ley lines and nodes were organized and clean, easy to access. He hadn't had such unfettered access to magical energy his whole life and it led him to wonder if the citizens of Equestria new how lucky they were. He could feel the energy of peaceful well being wash over him the moment he had stepped from the Everfree forest, and the longer he spent in Equestria the stronger it seemed to get. Even the crops seemed to benefit from the Aura of magic that flowed through the air, the trees were larger, the apples crisper yet juicer then those back home. The carrots were larger but instead of tasty woody were sweet and delicate. No wonder so many of his people migrated to Equestria; what a boon it would be for his people if he could learn the secret that kept the magic flowing so freely here. Over dinner he learned that Princess Twilight Sparkle had lived, and still kept as her residence although she was currently quartered in Canterlot, in the towns library before her coronation. He asked for, and received, permission to visit the library, and though he did not intrude upon the personal living spaces, he felt he could feel the Princess' essence lingering in the very books. The books themselves impressed him, while he was by no means illiterate, the library in Unicornia was small and had suffered from years of neglect. The fact that a town as small as Ponyville was contained such an impressive library bespoke volumes about the importance of education and study in Equestria. Another thing he was begging to feel a distinct lack of for his own Country. He had gone back to his room, thinking of the day ahead of them and their imminent arrival to Canterlot. What would Royalty of a nation as sophisticated as this think of his tiny nation? Surely they would see them as backwater, ignorant, small and unimportant. For the first time since leaving home he was nervous, what if he could not measure up to Equestrian standards. Dark Strider noticed Gallant Heart's disquiet when he returned to the inn. “My Prince, you seem troubled.” Gallant smiled as he heard the statement in Strider's voice “I just realized how much more Equestria truly has to offer its citizens then Unicornia. I fear my ability to measure up to Equestria's standards.” Dark strider frowned at Gallant “Straighten your spine my Prince and strengthen your heart. You are the only Son of our great King Strong Hooves. Our nations is small, and our resources are few, but our people are stronger because of their trials. These Ponies have it easy with their abundance and do not know the struggles we face daily. Do not let their easy luxury lull you into the belief that they are more simply because they have more. When the Gryphon Raiders attack our borders we repelled them with the strength of our backs, the might of our hearts, and the wit of our minds, Nopony can deny our strength and cunning. Do not fear you cannot measure up to them, but stand tall and see if they can measure up to you.” Gallant lifted his head, while it was true that he had not fought in that war, he had helped come up with the strategies that had saved lives and pushed the Gryphons back across the mountains, no small feat for ground forces against greater aerial might. “Thank you Strider, your right.” with a lighter heart, Gallant headed to bed. this place is dangerous thought Dark Strider I had better watch my men closely, least they be tempted by the ease of living these ponies enjoy Prince Gallant Enjoyed the train ride to Canterlot. Seeing the capitol sitting jutting out from the cliff side just after you came out of the tunnel from Ponyville was breathtaking and Awe-inspiring. He was determined however, to do his father proud and not be cowed but the over whelming sights. When he stepped off the train onto the platform and saw the welcoming committee awaiting him he felt his heart leap into his throat. Suddenly his Cloak with its sigil seemed too little in comparison to the finery they were outfitted in. Only the fact that the larger white mare was an Alicorn as well as the smaller purple mare allowed him to know exactly who there was the princess, the others were so well outfitted. He was glad for Dark Strider's Formal introduction which gave him some times to put his thoughts together. As it was there was little in the way of actual communication after the formal greetings, as the two groups split off to gather up the entourages before heading up to the castle. “Hi there!” To Gallants astonishment a very perky pink pony had just bounced up beside him, even managing to startle Strider, though he covered it quickly enough “My name is Pinkie pie! Welcome to Equestria! Although, the Princesses already did that didn't they? Still it never hurts to be welcomed. Did you have a long trip? Was it scary? Ooo Do you like cake or pie?” “Pinkie Pie?” “yup that's me! EeeeE” Pinkie grinned then she frowned for a moment “or maybe you don't like cake or pie?” she laughed “that's just silly Pinkie! Who doesn't like Cake or Pie? Or Pie and cake or a PIECAKE!” Gallant was somewhat taken aback by this, he had never met any quite so hyper before “I like chocolate cake.” he said hesitantly unsure of what the consequences of answering this pony would be. “Oh good! Me too, but then I like all cake. Especially PIECAKE, maybe it should be cakepie? Hmm. Anyway, The castle is this way.” and she bounced along ahead of them chatting to his guards and retainers. He noticed many of them seemed to act like she was a bomb that might go off unexpectedly. --------------------------------------------------- Dark Strider watched as Pinkie Pie bounced along his men guiding them up to the castle Something about her set his teeth on edge she turned to look at him and he felt a twinge in his horn, he fought down the urge to use his magic to strike at her; the abundance of energy here made a sudden desire too easy to fulfill, at home the power was so week it took much more will and concentration to work magic, he was going to have to be extra cautious. To steady himself he thought back to what King Strong Hooves had tasked him to do. I am sending you with my son on his diplomatic mission, and while I wish for you to support and guard him during this, Your mission is two fold. Equestria has more then its share of Alicorn power; even with one of them now ruling the Crystal Empire, they still an over abundance. Find out if the new Princess has any romantic ties, do your best to nudge my son and her toward each other. Once they start to fall for each other, and I expect you to ensure this happens, suggest that he bring her to Unicornia, I do not care what pretense you use, visiting his homeland, visiting the land all Unicorns came from, whatever lure works best, but bring her here. Dark Strider didn't know why his king wanted an Alicorn in Uniconia, and he didn't care, his king had commanded him, and he would do his best to obey.