//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: A Not so Grand Gala // Story: Within the Amulet // by Crabs_of_steam //------------------------------// Canterlot, The Royal Palace, 1,018 years ago Tonight was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala the biggest party in all of Equestria. All the nobility of the kingdom came as well as any other pony blessed with a golden ticket. The party had the most exquisite food that were to die for, as well as the most talented musicians in the kingdom. Bright didn't care for all that he just wanted a chance to talk to Luna. He scoured the entire castle from the castle gardens to the countless halls inside the castle. Bright's hope was wavering. He paused his search as he came to a table serving wine. "Why not. It's not like I'm having the time of my life," he thought gripping the cup of wine Bright took his fifth cup of wine in his hooves and was about to take a sip when he Saw the Luna. Brights mouth dropped and touched as he saw the Moon Princess. She was beautiful in a dress. Her dress was dark like the night and was decorated in stars that sparkled in the light. Bright had to talk her, he guzzled down his refreshment and trotted toward her. Then Luna was crowded by three well dressed stallions each having plans on being her suitor. Bright's face turned red and hot to the point where even a dragon could be scalded by the heat. "Damn you fools! The Princess is mine!" Shouted Bright. Bright's gentle trot turned into a full charge. The three stallions realized this act aggression and was shaking in fear of what their fate will be. Bright was now closer to the three Stallions. He struck the stallion in the center with his fore hoof, going from his abdominal up to the chest he shot into the air. The force of his blow was so powerful that it launched all three of the stallion suitors into the air. They broke a hole in the roof of the castle and was sent into the darkest corners of space. Everyone had the look of bewilderment on their faces. They were trying to comprehend what just happened. They all turned their eyes to Bright dreading what he might do next. Fearing something more nonsensical than the last they were confused yet relieved to see the renegade stallion bowing to their co-ruler. Bright took Luna's hoof and gave it a kiss. "Oh Luna I must profess myself as your most ardent admirer." Bright looked up to Luna's eyes as he spoke. "I only wish to dance with you on this fine night." Luna giggled and had a violent blush on her face. She took Bright's hoof as she made her response, but instead of actual words there was only a knocking sound coming from her. Bright's eyebrows arched all the way to his mane as he asked, "What!?" Again, those same sounds came from Luna's mouth. In an instance Bright risen from his bed sheets. His pupils shrank from the sudden exposure to the light coming from the windows. Bright could still hear the same sound that interrupted his dream, it was coming from the door. "Master Bright! Time for breakfast!" Bright got up and left the bed to answer the door. "Dammit. I was having a good dream." Bright opened door to see the grey butler from last night. He gave Bright a small bow, "Good morning master Bright Light! I'm here to escort you for breakfast." The butler looked up to see Bright's riled mane. "Oh. Apologies if I just waken you I shall leave you to rest." Bright shook his head. "No need for apologies. Clockwork complains that I sleep too much anyway, besides you did mentioned breakfast and I'm quite famished myself." The grey butler lead Bright through the many hallways of the castle, but instead of entering the dining room like before. Instead he was lead to the Canterlot Gardens. The garden was a real beauty. Statues were spread all over the area, woodland critters would be seen enjoying the rich abundant of food coming from the fertile plants, and the Canterlot Garden Maze that went as far as Bright could see. Bright could see some of the residents of the city come over to enjoy the peace and quite of the garden. Bright finally came to a gazebo, It's design similar to the city with its use of purple, gold, and white, and the roof shaped like a dome similar to the castle's. Inside was Clockwork and Celestia sitting around a round table. Bright took his seat next to his mentor and enjoyed himself to an orange. Princess Luna then came to the table to join the breakfast. Her strained eyes a sign of her responsibilities as Princess of the Moon. Clockwork nudged Bright constantly making suggestive faces at him. Bright only shook his head. He'll have plenty of time to talk with her in the Gala, besides he was looking forward to giving the Canterlot Archives a visit. Clockwork made a frown and resumed to eating his breakfast. After he felt he that eaten enough Bright excused himself from the table and looked for his butler. He didn't have to look for long for the butler for he was waiting for him outside. "Master Bright! I trust that you enjoyed your breakfast?" "Why yes I did," responded Bright, "Hey I'd hate to address you as butler so may I ask what your name be so we may properly introduced?" "My name is Silver Platter and it is my duty to serve the guests of the castle." Spoke Silver with a level of elegance "And my name is Bright Light, I served under Clockwork as his apprentice. Now I have aspirations of becoming an inventor." "Well master Bright let me say what an honor it is to serve someone who is this nice." "One thing Silver. Please, just call me Bright. I would rather be seen as a friend than a 'master'. Oh! Can you lead me to the Canterlot Archives?" Silver smiled and said, "Follow me Bright." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Beautiful." That was all Bright could say as he looked upon the vast number of books and scrolls that inhabit the library. He took breathed in the smell, it was the familiar heavy smell of ink and paper. All of the most up to date collection of literature, and he is free to read it. Just the thought brought a tear to Bright's eye. Bright tried his hardest to maintain his wits and trying not take all of these written works. "Silver Platter I'm gonna be here a while. So you are excused," said Bright giddy with excitement Silver Platter only smiled as he said, "Well Bright, I fancy myself something to read like yourself, besides what if you need me?" Bright couldn't answer cause there was already a book between his teeth, but he responded with a roll of his eyes and gave out a nod. For the next few hours reading this collection of books. Bright still wanted to improve the railway system in the kingdom. Manual powered trains can bring a pony to places, but it had its flaws Bright recalled. What Bright wanted to make was a self-propelled train that wouldn't require to be pulled by a team of stallions, but for that to happen he would need a power source. Bright took a seat on one of the many chairs in the archives. He gently placed the book on the table, Designs of Modern Machinery it was titled. Bright then quickly read through the book learning the design of trains of today. Bright started reading books that could give him insight on what kind of power source to use he. he took enough books to make his own miniature fort. After a few hours of reading Bright thought it was best if he stopped. His brain throbbed with vast amount of knowledge he obtained in such a short time. He felt if his head were to crack open he would see the written text imprinted on his brain.He turned to look to see Silver Platter asleep using the book he was reading as a pillow. Bright prodded Silver with his hoof. Silver snorted until he finally awoke. Silver yawned, "Mmmmm. Bright did you learn what you needed to know?" "I acquired a lot of information regarding trains and their design, I just got to find a way to power a train." Bright replied, " But I gotta return to my quarters and prepare for the Grand Galloping Gala." "Oooo! What form of attire will you be wearing and what color will it be?" After not receiving answer Silver asked another question his face with a look of concern. "You do have formal attire do you, Bright." Bright had a guilty look on his face as he spoke, "No, I was planning on attending the gala like this." Like he fierce a predator, Silver pounced upon Bright. With the helpless prey in his hooves the gray beast bawled at him, "You're going to attend the first ever Grand Galloping Gala in the nude? I'm sorry, but master Bright! Really!? I must Bring you to a-" Silver was cutoff when a Unicorn with ebony fur and a jet black mane and tail came in."Hey! Would you be quiet? This is a place of learning and study." "Ahh yes, I'm sorry I don't know what came over me." The red-eyed pony didn't say a word. he left with a look of annoyance on his face. Silver Platter spoke as he left, "Yes I'm very sorry. A thousand apologies............................................... smart-ass." Silver then turned to Bright this time more controlled. "Bright, I'm sorry. It's just that the Grand Galloping Gala is a formal event. All the nobility in Equestria will be there, as well as dignitaries form the other races. Not to mention a certain princess." Bright's cheeks heated up at the mention of Luna. "bu-bu-bu-but how?" "Your mentor Clockwork told me before going to bed. Shared a good laugh. You should follow his advice and talk to Princess Luna, so it wouldn't be so bad to look like you are part of her class." Bright had no choice but to comply. He craved the chance to talk with Luna and the Grand Galloping Gala was that chance. He has to not screw up and get this right. Bright sighed as he said, "Fine, do whatever you must." Silver clapped his hooves ecstatically. "Splendid Bright! Follow me I shall get you some lordly attire. We should also work on giving you bath." Silver ran out of the Archives followed by Bright. Bright's face had the only the look of amusement with a quirky smile as he thought, "The things I have to do just to talk to a mare." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canterlot, night of the Grand Galloping Gala Tonight was the night of the first ever Grand Galloping Gala. All the nobility of Equestria was in attendance as well as anypony else fortunate enough to receive a golden ticket to the grand event. There was also the delegates of some the other factions that neighbors next to Equestria. There was the Griffons, A warrior race that lived in the Talon Mountains south of Equestria. The Diamond Dogs the subterranean species that prides themselves on it's expansive labyrinth kingdom and their grand hoard of crystals. The Grand Halls of Canterlot was bright and so full of life. The guests dressed in elaborate clothing with enough colors to make a rainbow. Conversations between guests and music played by Equestria's finest musicians filled the air and pleased the ears. The staff of the castle drifted aimlessly throughout the castle delivering drinks and appetizers to the guests. Bright Stood watching the party ongoing. He wore a red coat, its embroidery made of silver. Next to him was Clockwork wearing a similar coat but with a hue of dark yellow. Bright had an unsettled look on his face. "I feel like I'm being constricted by a hydra," spoke Bright as he pulled on the collar line of his coat that has been chafing his neck. "Not to mention that I'm the only Earth Pony attending as a guest." Clockwork only laughed and patted Bright on the back. "The only Earth Pony so far. Besides There are many guests here you could have an intriguing conversation with. I know the reason of why your here, but that doesn't mean you can't interact with anyone else. Make some friends!" Clockwork started to walk away from Bright. Bright looked at him with the eyes of a shy little colt. "Are you just gonna leave me here?" "You're an adult. I can at least trust you to act civil through the entire duration of this festivity." Bright watched as his mentor disappear into a large group of party guests. Bright could only sighed and looked around the halls for Luna, she was nowhere in sight. Bright could have a glass of wine to help past the time, but he didn't want to risk being intoxicated by the time he sees Luna. Bright had only one other option, follow Clockworks advice and associate with the other party guests. Bright meandered throughout the large of scores of guests debating within his mind which conversation circle to join. Everywhere he looked everypony (or everybody in this sense) was in a conversation of their own. So many choices to choose from. Bright wondered if he can have a friendly conversation with one of the Diamond Dogs. He watched a conversation circle that had a group of them. They were easily twice the size of Bright. their massive forearms, canines, and dark fur serving as proof of their countless generations spent underground. The Diamond Dogs weren't enthusiasts of fashion compared to the others since their only articles of clothing was a vest and a jewel encrusted collar and bracelets. Bright came closer to hear the Diamond Dogs' conversation. After hearing nothing but personal boasts about their large amount wealth they all had Bright thought it was best not to enter lest he be annoyed by such pettiness as wealth. Bright Then looked at a party of Griffons. They were much more majestic compared to the Diamond Dogs. The upper body of powerful bird while a lower body of a fierce predator. Griffons were quite literally weapons themselves, Their talons and their powerful hind legs could easily incapacitate or worse maim anypony that ever cross their race. It was easy to feel the aura of dominance that the Griffons seem to emit. Though they were intimidating, Bright had a feeling he would hear interesting tales from the Griffons. The Griffon Kingdom lead by the notable house, Iron Claw, leading the entire kingdom through wars and crusades such as the ancient war with the dreaded Changelings. Bright gallantly trotted to a circle that contained a number of Griffons while thinking, "I think this will be the night I might actually make..." Bright stopped his thought when he a servant of the castle trip and fell into the party of guests he was gonna enter. The tray wine that the mare had in one of her fore hooves fell directly on a very regal looking Griffon. Drenched in red wine the Griffon's nonchalant face had melted into something of a pure beast. Before the poor mare realized she was on the floor the Griffon pounced on her. Now that she was in his grasp the Griffon screeched an incomprehensible sound from its beak. After that was a series of shouts and curses. The Griffon shouted until the poor mare fainted from the sudden distress. Bright froze and back trotted away to avoid any backlash from the Griffon. He noticed that the music stopped from the sudden interruption and the party guests were staring at the source of the commotion. After the seconds of awkward silence the musicians resumed to playing their music and the Guests resumed to their idle conversation. Bright still back trotted until his rump bashed into another's. "Watch where you're going I almost spilled my wine!" The voice shouted jokingly. Bright turned around to apologize to see the black unicorn from the archives. "I'm so sorry there was this..... Haven't I seen you at the Royal Archives." The ebony unicorn drunk his entire glass of wine and smiled. "Ah! You were the Earth Pony," He jovially said, "I see that you took your captor's advice and decided not to attend the party nude." Bright could only chuckle at this now cheery stallion. "I remembered you that you were bit aggravated the first time we met." The Unicorn tilted his empty glass at Bright. "fortunately for you I'm under the influence to some of the best wine in Canterlot." the Unicorn chuckled and stretched his hoof to Bright. "Nightfall." Bright stretched his hoof and clashed his hoof with Nightfall to complete the hoof-bump. "Bright Light, but you can just call me Bright" Nightfall lowered his head and asked, "Bright I must inquire, what brings to the fair city of Canterlot? I don't mean to be rude I just wanted to sate my curiosity,you being an Earth Pony and all." Bright in turn responded trying to keep a confident smile. "If you must ask I came here to make a name of myself. I want to change the way ponies think about themselves. I want to prove to everypony that anypony can be able to do anything regardless of race. That is why I'm staying here in Canterlot, to be an inventor and to prove a point." Nightfall could only nod his head as he spoke. "A respectable aspiration indeed, Listen since you're an inventor feel free to come to the Archives anytime. I work there and I could possibly help you, or provide an interesting conversation." Bright's very eyes lit up like a candle. "You work at the Library?" "Yes." Muttered Nightfall almost regretful of his proposition. "Then do you know about the works of Gregor Peapod?" Nightfall remembered the name of the founder of Genetics, and put up a vivacious smile. "Of course I know about his works, Oh have you ever heard about Fallen Apple?" asked Nightfall to which Bright answered with a quick nod. "Well, I believe we're gonna make the best of friends." The two talked for hours, Bright and Nightfall discussed about the many great minds of Equestria, philosophers from older times such as Question Mark, whom believed in democratic values, to more modern times to ponies such as Charles Trotwin. They discussed about each of their theories and debated against each other on their, but in the end they both ended laughing. Bright was having such a good time that he actually forgot the whole reason he attended the Grand Galloping Gala. while sipping upon a glass of wine that was held between his two hooves Bright asked, "Nightfall, can you tell about yourself? Like how you came to be in the Capital?" In an instant Nightfall's smile evaporated. It wasn't because he was so protective of his personal life. Nightfall would gladly answer his new-found friend about his origins, the problem was that he didn't know the answer. As he was trying to think of a response Nightfall was interrupted by a peach colored Unicorn who staggered between him and Bright. His cheeks were puffy and red and the collar of his coat smelled of wine. His voice was slurred as he said, "Iffff it isn't the Stallllioon himself! You hic! Youuuu, I have heard sooooo muuch about you. Is it truee you can't be, be harmed?" Bright watched this companion. They both shared a face of bewilderment at this Unicorn who in Bright's opinion was seemingly spawned from the depths of Tartarus just to pester Night. "Excuse me, but I was having a conversation." The Unicorn only looked with his dazed eyes at Bright from the bottom to the top and said, "I must sayyy you are the most wellll dresssed servant I have seen in thisss entire festivvvvity. You're not suppose to talk to the guessts. Go! Looook for something to fffix!" Bright blood's was now heated. He wanted to punch him into the void like he did to those stallions in his fantasy dream. Trying to maintain control he spoke forcing a jovial smile with an equal level of voice. "I find it rude to correct others, but I must clear some things. I'm party guest, same as you, same as my companion." Bright offered his hoof to the Unicorn. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Bright Light but my friends just call me Bright." The Unicorn almost seemed to sober up, because he violently backed away from Bright with an expression of disgust on his face. "I am of noble bloood! I will not have it tainted by the touch of commoners, especially the dirt blood of an Eaarth pony who dares to criticize me." Bright's blood now started to boil. His hot blood traveled to his face, If anypony were to touch his face they'd be surprised that there's no steam escaping from his ears. "Then please, leave me be." took a step closer to the Unicorn and placed a hoof on his shoulder. That turned out to be a major mistake as the Unicorn scowled and in a raging fit punched Bright dead on the eye. Bright backed up keeping a hoof on his now swollen eye. His own personal control burned up like paper in the fire and he quickly returned the punch with one of his own. What followed was brawl between two drunk ponies. Everyone's head was turned as they watched .The pony party guests were flabbergasted, the Diamond Dogs had their eyebrows raised, and the Griffons, they were enjoying the spectacle of violence before them. The Unicorn gripped a bottle of wine from a passing servant with his magic and swung it over the head of Bright. Bright fell down on his forelegs. Feeling victorious the Unicorn laughed at his triumph of the one with "dirt blood", But Bright stood up and spat out blood stained saliva. "You know for someone with noble blood you're really cheap when it comes to fighting!" Bright ran one hoof across the Unicorn's face. He hit the noble with such force that he landed on his back. After a few minutes the dazed Unicorn finally gotten up and sputtered, "I sh-shall concede defeat." He suddenly pointed his bruised fore hoof at Bright." But I s-swear I'll make your life a living hell! You'll regret the niight you crosssed with Gavel-ummph!" The Unicorn held a hoof over his mouth, after a few seconds he spoke again. "Gavel-blaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrgghhhh." Bright dodged the river of brown vomit that was meant for him. Not everyone was as fortunate, as the vomit landed on the same Griffon who had wine spilled on him. Enraged once again he grasped a bottle of wine from which he was drinking from and threw it at the Unicorn. Unfortunately at the last second the Unicorn passed out and fell into a pool of his own vomit, The flying bottle of wine crashed into the face of a Diamond Dog. His nose became was swollen and the Diamond Dog spoke in a nasally voice. "Yousss shall payss!" Shouted the Diamond Dog as he charged at the Griffon. What turned to a petty fight between two drunks turned into a massive brawl between three races. Griffons, Diamond Dogs, and Ponies unfortunate enough to be caught in this brawl fought with anything they could use. An arrangement of items were flying in the air: bottles, furniture, even musical instruments. The music was now replaced with cursing, screams, and the breaking of objects. With so much happening at once Discord himself would laugh himself to pieces at such a scene. Nightfall picked up Bright whom happened to trip when he dodged the Unicorn's bodily fluids. He placed him on his legs and shouted to him, "Can you still walk?" Bright's only response was a weak nod. Nightfall released his grasp from Bright and watched him struggle to keep his balance. Nightfall shouted into his ear again, "The Grand Galloping Gala is really lively, but I don't want to stay here when Royal Guard arrives. Their famous for killing parties such as these." "Take to my room please," spouted Bright trying not yelp with every step he took. Nightfall escorted Bright out of the lower halls of the Castle joining some of the fleeing party guests. After following directions given by a now heavily fatigued Bright the pair finally made it to a familiar looking pair of doors. The two trotted through the doors. Bright went straight towards his bed while Nightfall closed the door. Disregarding the option of taking off his ruined coat Bright just tumbled onto his bed and let out a massive yawn Bright contemplated his thoughts. He didn't see Luna the entire time while he was at the Gala, but considering the fact that he was in a fight with a drunken noble Bright was glad she wasn't there to see that. The only good thing to come from this party was meeting Nightfall. Bright turned his head to see Nightfall standing over him. Nightfall's clothes were also ruined with stains that could be anything and holes that riddle his coat, yet he didn't even on him. With a weak smile Bright whispered "Nightfall, thanks you've been really nice. I hope you don't have to drink wine to be this way more often." Nightfall chuckled. "Only when I'm working at the Archives. I hope to see you tomorrow Bright. Good night." "Good night" Nightfall trotted through the hallways of the castle which were now dimly lit. Nightfall felt a feeling that was unfamiliar to him. He tried to comprehend what this feeling was. Was it satisfaction, gratitude, or maybe amusement? Whatever it was this feeling of having a friend made Nightfall for the first time in his life.