The early afternoon sun stirred Night Echo from his slumber. He found himself in his castle quarters, tucked into his bed. How did he get there? The last thing he remembered, he and Luna were in the observatory. Maybe Luna's guards saw them passed out and brought them to their rooms? If so, why would the guards tuck him in like that?
Echo got out of bed and stretched his body, several audible pops emanated from his joints as he loosened his muscles. After he finished his stretches, he made his bed and trotted to the mirror in the room and examined his disheveled body. He smiled and shook his head. “I can't go out looking like this, can I?” He asked himself as he made his way into the bathroom.
Before he could close the bathroom door, somepony knocked on the outside door. He trotted over to it and opened it up, seeing a unicorn butler outside. “Is this a bad time?”
Echo shook his head. “I was just about to take a bath, but I've got a second.”
The butler nodded understandingly. “My apologies, Master Night Echo.” He started to trot away.
Echo stopped him. “No need to apologize. What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I was wondering if there's anything you need. I could have the chefs prepare brunch while you're cleaning up.” He offered.
Echo smiled and nodded. “Thanks. Oh, you can call me Echo. In fact, pass it around.”
The butler nodded. “Of course, Echo.” He trotted away to order a meal while Echo cleaned himself up.
Echo returned to his quarters and closed the door behind him. “If there's nopony else, maybe I can get that bath in...”
Echo finished his bath and dried himself off. He returned to his room and gathered his things together before he left his room, where the butler awaited him. “Follow me, please.” He requested.
Echo complied and followed the butler. “Where are we going?”
“To the royal dining hall. Your presence was requested.” After navigating the hallways, the two entered the royal dining hall. “Please take a seat, Echo. Your meal will be out momentarily.”
Echo scanned the hall. Why the royal dining hall, he thought as he took his seat. He looked around and admired the craftsmanship that went into the exquisite hall.
Somepony cleared their throat behind him. “This is not a place for commoners such as yourself.”
Echo stood up and scowled as he recognized the voice, which belonged to- “Blue Blood...” he turned to the most annoying unicorn in Equestria. “For your information, I was invited here.”
Blue Blood shook his head. “That's 'Prince Blue Blood' to you, peasant. Who among Equestrian royalty would invite the likes of you here?”
“I would.”
Blue Blood and Echo look toward the source of the voice, which came from- “Princess Twilight Sparkle?” They asked in unison.
Twilight trotted to the two bowing stallions. “Leave him alone, Blue Blood.”
The two straightened themselves up and Blue Blood nodded, acknowledging the order. “Y-yes, Your Majesty.”
After Blue Blood left the room, Echo returned to his seat and let out a heavy sigh as he laid his head on his forelegs. “Thanks for the save, Twilight.”
Twilight sat next to him and rested a hoof on his back. “You're welcome. I'm glad I got here when I did.” She took her hoof off and rested it on the floor.
Echo chuckled as he looked at her. “I don't want to go to prison for assaulting royalty.”
She smiled. “I don't think there would be too many ponies who would get upset if that happened.”
Echo smiled and shook his head in disbelief in what she just said. “So... what brings me to the royal dining hall?”
The butler returned to the hall, levitating a pair of covered platters in front of him and gingerly sets them on the table. “My apologies for the delay.”
Twilight smiles. “It's quite alright, sir. Thank you.”
The butler lifted the covers off of the platters with his magic. On the platter in front of Echo were two large pancakes, eggs, toast, hash browns, a tall glass of orange juice, a container of maple syrup and some butter were on the side; Twilight's had a vegetable sub sandwich, a basket of hay fries and a fruit smoothie.
“This looks delicious, thanks!” Echo commented, almost drooling at the sight of his breakfast.
“Enjoy your meals.” The butler took a quick bow before leaving the two.
Twilight took a sip of her smoothie as Echo fastened the fork to his hoof. “Thank you for taking Luna out last night. The last time I saw her that happy was that Nightmare Night two years ago.” She took a bite out of her sandwich.
Echo poured a generous amount of syrup on his pancakes and allowed them to soak in it. “I'm glad to hear that, but I don't think our date is the only thing you want to talk about.”
Twilight swallowed the bite and took another sip of her smoothie. “I received a letter from Luna about your theory on the Elements of Harmony.”
So, maybe it was Luna who took him into his quarters earlier this morning, he'd have to ask her later. “What do you think? Personally, I'd be glad if I was wrong, my imagination can run wild.”
Twilight giggled, she understood his worry. “Actually, I remember Cadance telling me that she came into contact with the Element of Magic herself before she ascended, so it's not unreasonable to think that they are sentient objects. I'm curious though, as an astronomer, why would you be interested in the Elements of Harmony?”
Echo took a drink of his orange juice and ate some of the hash browns. “I have an archaeologist friend who made some wild claims that the elements 'came from the heavens'. His obsession with them got the best of him.”
Twilight nodded, remembering the pony in question. “Didn't he get barred from going to any dig site related to the elements?”
Echo chuckled. “Unfortunately that was the case. I met another archaeologist who thought the same way, but he kept his mouth shut about it.”
Twilight shook her head. “Sounds like you have some smart friends, Echo. If you don't mind my asking, why do you continue to come to Canterlot? Las pegasus has a more powerful telescope and is enchanted with sensors to show what celestial bodies are comprised of.”
Echo wiped his muzzle with a napkin after he finished his toast, the pancakes were almost gone, the eggs were finished a long time ago, some hash browns and orange juice remain. “Well, Las pegasus doesn't have Princess Luna, obviously.” He admitted with a chuckle. “I would go to their observatory, but I need a sample of the earth surrounding the Tree of Harmony to compare with those celestial bodies, and I'm not licensed to do that.”
Twilight understood his predicament and nodded. “As a princess, I can acquire that license for you.” She offered.
Echo smiled. “Thank you, Twilight. I promise you'll be the second to know if I find any evidence of their extraterrestrial origin.”
Twilight looked confused. “Who'd be the-” she realized the answer to her question was obvious and smiled, “right.”
The two finished their meals and proceeded to leave the dining hall. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Twilight.”
“Of course. I have an appointment with Celestia before I return to Ponyville, but I'll make sure you get that license before I leave.”
Echo appreciatively nodded. “Thank you and have a wonderful day.” The two parted ways. As he made his way through the hallway to nowhere in particular, he couldn't believe his luck thus far: An evening with Princess Luna and possible access to the Tree of Harmony! He was eager about what tonight would bring.
His wandering had led him out to a balcony that overlooked the city. He sat down next to the railing and took in the majestic city of Canterlot.
“Echo!”
Echo turns his head to the voice and was surprised to see- “Luna? I didn't expect to see you up so soon.”
With a mighty yawn, Luna trotted over to Echo's side and sat next to him. “I haven't been up long.”
He returned his focus to the city. “Are you going to be busy tonight?”
She hung her head and frowned. “Unfortunately. 'Tia suggested I start holding night courts to keep me busy.”
He looked back to her with concern. “If it'll make you happy, I'll be there.”
She smiled weakly. “I'd love that. Maybe seeing you among the audience will make the idea more tolerable, but I can't ask you to be there the whole time.”
He rested a hoof on her shoulder. “I'll be there from start to first recess. You'll know where to find me after you're done.”
She slowly nodded. “Thank you, Echo.”
He set his hoof back on the ground. “When will court begin?”
She looked up to the sky. “One hour after nightfall.” She stood back up and turned around. “If I don't see you again before, I'll see you then.”
Echo took a quick look back toward the city, then back to Luna as she went back inside. He stood up and caught up to her. “To be honest, I really don't have anything to do until tonight. Would it be okay with you if I stayed at your side?”
Luna smiled. “Of course, but I do have private matters to attend to.”
Echo understood and nodded. “Then I'll respect your privacy.”
The two reached a door. Celestia's guards stood at either side. Luna turned to Echo. “This shouldn't take long.”
Luna entered the room and slowly closed the door. Inside were her sister and her former student. She trotted up to the two smiling mares.
Celestia had the biggest grin on her face that Luna had ever seen. “So?”
Luna sighed. “I think he'd do anything for me... and frankly, that worries me.”
“How, sister?”
Luna took a deep breath. “I fear his eagerness to keep me happy will cause him to lose focus on his work. I told him that I will begin holding night court and he offered to be there until first recess.”
Celestia understood her sister's concern and nodded. “If it's until recess, I don't see the problem. I think you need to relax, sister.”
Twilight nodded in agreement. “Night Echo is a good stallion, Luna. I've known him for four years. He knows what he's doing.”
“Twilight is right. You two have just reunited. Give it another day, sister.” She giggled at a memory. “Besides, I remember you had several coltfriends throughout the years.”
A heavy blush formed on Luna's face as she let out a huff. “At least I only had one coltfriend at a time.”
Twilight looked to her mentor with a slacked jaw. “Princess?”
Celestia cleared her throat, trying to cover up her embarrassment. “Forget about it, Twilight.”
Luna waved a hoof at her sister. “I'm going to prepare myself for court.”
Twilight turned and began trotting to the other door. “I'm going to get Echo that license, then I'm leaving for Ponyville.”
A pair of unicorn guards stood at either side of the double doors and opened it up. A unicorn stood up next to the throne. “Everypony rise for Her Majesty, Princess Luna!”
There was a larger audience than Echo expected as he rose. He sat in the front row; to his left was Fancy Pants who was accompanied, as always, by Fleur De Lis.
Princess Luna entered the room, trotted to the throne and turned to the audience. “Be seated.” The audience complied before she took her seat. Her heart fluttered a bit when she saw Echo, but this wasn't the time to express herself and had to stay professional.
The guard next to her levitated a stack of papers in front of him, organizing the docket. “First order of business: Prince Blue Blood versus Joe.”
Luna raised an eyebrow and looked to the guard. The doors at the other side of the room open up. The first to enter was Blue Blood, with his snout pointing up, followed by a very nervous Joe. The two took their respective positions in front of the night princess.
Blue Blood leveled his head to look at his aunt. “Auntie Lulu, it is an honor to be the first-”
Luna rolled her eyes. “What is the problem, Blue Blood?”
A smug smile crawled onto Blue Blood's face. “This riffraff was selling his so-called 'desserts' at our party last night.”
Fancy Pants looked over to Echo and gave him a nudge. “I say, those doughnuts of his are quite spectacular. I need to stop at his shop more often.” He whispered. Echo smiled and nodded as he suppressed a laugh.
Luna looked over to Joe. “Did you have the proper paperwork?”
Joe nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. I submitted copies of it earlier today.”
The guard next to Luna nodded in affirmation. She returned her attention to a now nervous Blue Blood. “And what is the problem?”
Blue Blood cleared his throat. “I- uh... I-”
Luna shook her head and looked back to Joe. “Forgive my nephew. Your doughnuts are always welcome in the castle.”
Blue Blood sputtered. “But they shouldn't be!” He slammed a hoof against the floor. “First the doughnuts. What next? Fritters? Eclairs? Where will it end, auntie?”
Luna growled and glared at Blue Blood, her eyes glowed in anger. “Do not force Our hand, Blue Blood! If thou hast more petty grievances, thou art to be placed in solitary confinement for a month! Are we clear?!” Her current demeanor scared not only the two ponies in front of her, but the audience as well.
Blue Blood whimpered. “Y-yes, auntie...”
Luna closed her eyes and took several slow, deep breaths to calm herself down. After a moment, she reopened her eyes. “Forgive me, everypony, my outburst was uncalled for.”
Instead of screams of terror, she heard one pony start applauding, followed soon by thunderous applause and cheers. She cleared her throat and raised a hoof, the sounds quieted. She shot glances at both parties. “Case dismissed.”
Blue Blood and Joe knelt. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Luna looked to the guard. “What is next?”
The guard shuffled through the docket. All but one of the cases involved Blue Blood in some way. “One more case, Your Majesty.”
Luna nodded. “Then let us take recess.”
This was Echo's cue. He and the other ponies stood up and began leaving the room. He saw Luna looking at him and he nodded.
After court, Princess Luna, along with her night guards, made their way to the observatory. The guards posted themselves at the entrance. The guard on the left side glanced to his colleague. “Think we'll have to carry them back to the castle again?”
The guard on the right side shrugged. “I don't care either way. I'm just glad somepony is making her happy.”
The first guard smirked. “Yeah. I've never seen the princess smile in her sleep like that.” He looked behind him to make sure the door was closed, then looked back to his colleague. “How long do you think it'll be before they get busy?”
The second guard shook his head. “Focus on the job...” he looked behind himself, “but I'll guess before he leaves.”
Inside the observatory, Princess Luna approached a busy Night Echo, and immediately noticed that he already opened the roof. “How was the rest of court?”
She let out a grumble. “Better than I anticipated. Blue Blood returned and demanded you to be barred from the castle. Something about you not being worthy enough to be a royal guest.”
He chuckled and looked to her. “It doesn't surprise me that he wants me gone.”
She smiled. “So you're not offended?”
He shook his head. “I am a little bit, but if I was raised the way he was, I'd probably act the same way.”
She nodded understandingly. “I see. Do you think you are better off with your current life?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I wouldn't know what my life would be like if I were born into royalty, but I don't think I'd enjoy it.”
She was confused. “How so?”
He trotted up next to Luna. “For starters, the constant brown-nosing of other ponies would bother me.”
She giggled. “I must agree with you on that. That and all of the petty favors...” she shuddered. She looked at the table next to the viewer, on it was a rectangular box. “What do we have here?”
The two trotted toward the table. “I got a dozen doughnuts from Joe a while ago.” He chuckled. “Thanks to Blue Blood's shenanigans, business began to boom for him. I picked up the sampler: four cake doughnuts of varied flavors, two of which have powdered sugar; four yeast with varied frosting; two cream-filled; two jelly-filled and four custard-filled.”
She looked at him. “May I?” He nodded. She opened the box and lifted one of the frosted confections. The mere sight of the doughnut had her salivating. She brought it closer to her muzzle and took a long whiff. “This one is definitely a jelly-filled doughnut.”
He chuckled and pulled out a cake doughnut. “I hope you enjoy them.”
She took a bite of the doughnut and began to savor the strawberry jelly as she chewed. After a minute, she swallowed the bite, closed her eyes and smiled. Her eyes opened wide as she remembered something she wanted to ask him. “Echo... I'm curious, why did your parents give you that name?”
He stifled a laugh as he swallowed part of his doughnut. “I know. It's odd for a non batpony to have the name. It was my father's idea, he's very interested in them.”
“I see...” she took another bite of her doughnut, getting some of the jelly on her face in the process. He offered her a napkin, she gratefully took it and wiped her face. “Thank you, Echo. So does your father work with batponies?”
He finished his doughnut and wiped his hooves together. “No, but he drinks with one about every week back home. My father is a retired masonry foreman.”
She nodded. “I see. What of your mother, then?”
He returns to the box and takes a yeast doughnut. “She manages a gift shop. I believe you and Celestia received some trinkets.”
She nodded and smiled as she put the last piece of the doughnut in her mouth. After a moment of chewing, she swallowed the last piece. “Indeed we have, Echo. Thank you.” She felt something gnawing at her and she looked up toward the heavens. “What just happened?”
Echo put the doughnut back in the box, cantered next to her and looked up. “Oh no...” He galloped to the telescope and adjusted the view.
Luna raised an eyebrow. “Echo? What's wrong?”
After several more adjustments, he backed away and looked back up. “I was keeping tabs on a star in the Cadenza cluster. It started fading over the last few years... now it's gone. I suspect that it's been gone for quite some time.”
She trotted next to him and looked up. “What do you mean?”
Echo rubbed his chin and let out a low hum. “Let me know if anything I say confuses you.” She nodded. He paced back and forth, trying to figure out how to put it. He eventually stops. “Okay. You're aware that light travels a lot faster than sound, right?” She nods. “The Cadenza cluster is theorized to be two-hundred and fifty light years away.”
She gulped. “That sounds pretty far away.”
He nodded. “Indeed. Space is so vast, that our standard distance units are rendered meaningless, so the experts agreed to use the speed of light as the measurement. At two-hundred and fifty light years...”
She nodded. “That's how long it would take to get to the Cadenza cluster.” She looked back up. “So that would mean the star went out two-hundred and fifty years ago.”
He nodded. “It was also the last of the four stars that converged on the moon four years ago.”
“What is the significance of this?”
He shrugged. “As far as I'm concerned, none. This is still astronomy.”
She looked at him and smiled. “Good to know.”
He chuckled as he remembered something. “Give me a minute.” He trotted over to the box of doughnuts, closed it and slid it onto his back. “We do have guests outside after all.”
She nodded before she started gazing through the telescope. He trotted to the door, opened it up and stepped outside. “Would you guys be interested in a snack?”
The night guards nodded. “Thanks, Echo. You didn't have to do that.” The guard to the right opened up the box and they each took a cream-filled pastry.
Echo turned around. “No, thank you for keeping Princess Luna safe.”
The rest of the evening had gone very well for the two. While working, Echo would talk about growing up in Baltimare; Luna about the days before she became Nightmare Moon and how silly it was in hindsight. While he didn't feel his stories were as interesting as hers, she listened to them intently. The two took a brief moment to gaze at the sky without the telescope and saw a shooting star.
I wish to be closer to her.
It was time to lower the moon. The two left the observatory. He gave her guards the rest of the doughnuts to pass on to the other guards while she worked her magic. She lifted herself into the air with her wings, her arms outstretched in a manner similar to her sister when raising the sun; her horn lit up with a brilliant blue and a moment later, the moon was wrapped in the aura and began to lower in the sky.
She gently returned to the earth, turned to him and smiled. “Come, Echo. Let us turn in for the morning.”
The first stop was Luna's quarters. On the way, the guards passed the doughnuts to one of Celestia's. The guards posted at her quarters opened the doors. Before she entered, she looked over to Echo and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you, Echo.”
He arrived at his quarters, still dumbfounded that she kissed him. He laid face up on his bed, his heart beat faster than he was used to. He hadn't felt like this since his first and only marefriend. He was in love and he knew it. Today was his day off and he felt so good, nothing could bring him down... not even Blue Blood.