//------------------------------// // Silver Sword's Offer // Story: The Lost Princesses // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// As Twilight was back in the library the next day with Spike, she decided to look up some information on the Viking Pony Clan. It still amazed her to this day that these ponies spent most of their time at sea rather then on land. 'If Celestia was around during that time, it must have been an exciting experience,' Twilight thought. No matter how many times she tried to block out the thought, the story she read kept itching away at her mind. She was doning her best not to dwell on it, but it kept coming to thought. She began to think back to when she first became Celestia's student. She remembers the day of her entrance, Celestia was speaking with her parents. She hadn't thought about it, but now it interested her of what they had been talking about. Of course, Celestia probably was just explaining of how becoming Celestia's protege worked. Another thing that dawned on her was when Cadence was all excited that she was staying with them at the castle. Now that could have been for a number of things, but it still made her wonder. She also began to think about all the times the ponies greeted her, like she was more then Celestia's student. At the same time these thought twirled in her head, she kept telling herself that she was just letting the story get to her. Truth is, it was working. Meanwhile Celestia was finishing up court for the morning hours, making sure she listened to every pony's matter, be it a major incident or a simple misunderstanding. All the while, she was thinking about her daughters, now more then ever. After Twilight had brought up the subject yesterday. It was beginning to eat away at her about having to send them away. She didn't know how much longer she could bare the thought that they were not under her care. One was close by, but yet she was unaware that Celestia was wanting to tell her. She would have to let her three daughters know soon of who they were, for if she didn't, she feared that if they got older and found out, they may not be so forgiving. Children were more forgiving about what happened, but Teenagers, and even adults were a lot more bitter about such things. As Celestia dealt with the last pony of the morning about suggesting a more efficient way to grow grapes for wine, she politely declined since growth enhancers that were dangerous to a pony's health would be in the mix. After hearing her reasoning, the pony thanked the princess, and stated she would be back next time once she found something more safe and beneficial for the grapes. Celestia nodded and let the mare go about her day. After the mare took off, Celestia sat there and was deep in thought. Silver Sword looked up and saw her expression. "I've seen that look before your highness, what is troubling you?" Silver pried making sure no pony who was not of castle staff was listening as he walked up to the Princess of day. "Silver Sword, how many times must I ask you to call me Celestia or Tia when we're in private?" Celestia asked in annoyance. "At least once more your majesty. Now what is it that has you worried your highness?" Silver replied. "Oh, Silver Sword. I just don't know what to do now. Ever since Twilight's discovery of my descendants was brought to light I've been thinking it over and over again. I'm starting to think my daughters are in danger more by themselves than near me these days. I know one is safe, but two of my daughters are still out there and they need me. I know what we agreed to was in our best interests at the time, but now I am starting to think that the choice we made is no longer the right option. I... I... I just can't bare it any longer! I need to see them! And we need to let the public know about them," Celestia burst out. "Calm down your highness. Please. Now, I know you want to see them again, and honestly, I think you're right, we need to bring them back. But to let the public know at this time would be the wrong decision. First we need to contact their caretakers and let them know what is happening, then, once they are here, we let the public know. If we let the public know now, every pony will be looking for them and will expect some kind of reward, your majesty ," Silver Sword warned. Celestia nodded. "You are right Silver. I trust in your wisdom on this matter. You've been such a good friend to me all these years, and your advise has helped me in many decisions. I've never had to ask anything of you when help was needed. You just offered it when you knew I needed it," Celestia said with a smile. "And I am offering my help again. I'll make it my personal goal to bring back your daughters. Twilight needs to know she's not alone here. I am sure you are going to let Twilight know of her lineage right your highness?" Silver asked. "Of course, but Silver, you don't have to do this. I can have any pony from our castle staff or guard search for them if their caretakers can't bring them here," Celestia said. "Celestia, er, Princess, this is the least I can do for the royal family. I know you'll tell me I have done more then enough, but this is something I feel I must do for you and your family your highness," Silver said as he bowed his head in respect. "Silver, I told you that bowing before me isn't necessary when in private. And I thank you for doing this for me. Is there anything I can offer you in return?" Celestia asked. "I can ask for nothing from you, your highness. To know that you are happy once again is enough for me. Besides, what I would seek in return is far too great, and I would never request such from the ruler of our lands out loud your majesty," Silver said. "Oh, Silver, you are too kind for your own good sometimes. And thank you so much for this," Celestia said as she gave Silver Sword a hug. This in turn surprised Silver Sword that the princess did this, but he did not allow himself to spoil the moment for his ruler. Celestia soon pulled away and Silver said, "Well, I shall start collecting my belongings at once and make haste to find your daughters. Give my best regards to Twilight, er, I mean Princess Twilight Sparkle your highness." "Oh, Silver Sword, always you show respect. I shall let her know," Celestia said. "Have a good day your majesty," Silver said as he bowed and left the throne room. "Goodbye... Silver," Celestia said as she watched him take off. She then remembered it was about time to see Twilight for their daily lunch get together. She made her way down the stares from her throne and towards the exit. There was a window near the exit she stared at which, to most, seemed to reveal nothing. But if you were one who knew of the true story, it revealed a white alicorn, who's body encircled three tiny alicorns asleep in her embrace. Celestia knew that soon, the whole nation would know and beyond. What she wondered was what her daughters would think. One of them was about to hear it from her as well as another member of the royal family. Another thing that was nagging at her mind was Silver Sword as she walked through the halls of her palace. For so long he had been a friend to her. He was always selfless in what he did. He offered his advice whenever he could, even when Celestia herself was so sure of something. He helped shape how she ran her politics in this past decade or two, and even offered to be her mate's best Stallion at the wedding. She was also able to seek his comfort when her beloved had passed. Honestly, no pony could ask for a better friend. In this realization however, Celestia felt sad in a sense. She was doing her best to be a good friend to him as well, but she felt it was never enough. She needed to know why Silver Sword was avoiding to ever ask her of the one thing he never mentioned. She had a hunch of what it was, and hoped she was right, for she wanted to grant him that request. She felt it reached far back in their friendship and was blind not to realize it to begin with. But she needed to hear it from him. She needed him to let her know in his own words. He was her friend and friends don't ignore their friends needs. And speaking of friends, this was something Twilight was in desperate need of. She noticed how much Twilight indulged herself in her books. So much in fact, she was far ahead of her fellow classmates in their studies. And it was proving to degrade the young little princess's personal image. She had heard comments when other ponies talked about her behind her back, and they were ones that Celestia was not eager to tolerate. After she met with Twilight, she had to put forth a plan that would ensure that her daughter would interact with those around her, but this would be in an area Celestia knew was more friendly and was home to a few of Celestia's other friends old and young. A great place to start a friendship and what Twilight needed. In fact once all three of her daughters were safe in her hooves again, she would take all three to this area. But for now, she had a lunch to attend and a truth to tell to two family members within the palace. She was still wrapping it around her head of how they would react to this as she made her way to the library. 'Maybe it would be wise to request my niece attend this conversation with me,' Celestia thought. Celestia soon came upon the doors of the royal library where Spike was griping about Twilight's enthusiasm about the Viking pony clans of old.