//------------------------------// // Cantrelot. // Story: Moon Rising // by Damonblade //------------------------------// The week after Gabby Gums last story passed with little trouble Harry going to see Rarity nearly daily to get any adjustments done to his suit for the Gala, the morning of the Crusaders seventh day as green monsters as some of the pony's in town called them found them waiting on the train to Canterlot watching as Harry walked down the street with a suit bag carefully laded over his back and Pinkie Pie leading a full protection detail to the train with Mr. and Mrs. Cake's creation for the baking contest being held in Canterlot. “Pinkie Pie you better have planed on having some sort of magical protection for that thing when you get on board as I do have three young foals who I am sure run on nothing but sugar.” Harry called out as he entered the car that would be one up from the one Pinkie Pie was aiming for. “Oh I'll but awake the whole time the MMMM is on board the train and wont let it out of my sight until it is at that contest undamaged.” Pinkie Pie called back pausing at the sight of the large multi tied cake and the small carriage door, “Oh forgot about that and now I feel really stupid like a stupid stupid pants, ah any ideas?” Harry just looked at the group for a moment before shaking his head and moved onto the train checking each of the Crusaders had a bag with everything they would need while at the palace, he refused to turn around when he heard the sound of boards being pulled out and the cries of Pinkie Pie screaming really that it was okay for them to take out the wall of the carriage and that they could easily fix it afterwards. A good hours later found Harry leaning ageist the window facing the platform watching as Big Mclntosh replaced the wall of the next car now that the cake was on board as were the other three contestants creations, all four sweets in the car forcing Harry to place a ward line over the door leading to the car to keep the three Crusaders with him and not trying to sneak a bit or two from the assorted cakes and desserts. “You three just stay in your room and do something to pass the time, no need to add to the trouble that is already going on in that car with all of that boosting and inflated egos pushing around back there.” Harry says turning to look at the simple table a scroll floating before him as he started to write down more about Earth and its laws that he know thanks to the information dump he gained from Voldemort. The three young pony's looked at Harry for a moment before giving a nod as it was clear to them that unlike their normal foal sitters they know he wouldn't tolerate their normal destructive behaviour and expiated them to behave while in his care or he would come up with some huge punishment and although a week spent as a green monster had been fun the three filly's didn't want to end up looking like something else or being turned into some outlandish colour just for making there Foal Sitter angry. No it would be better to play it safe and not cause any trouble this time around. It wasn't long after Harry's comment about the egos in the next car that the train got moving Harry not really paying it any mind as he kept on writing and muttering to himself about what he needed to get done before they got to Canterlot, the three Crusaders quickly settling down to do any homework they had as well as plot what to do next for their Cutie Marks. A little before sun down saw the first and only guests of the evening to come and check on Harry and his charges, Rarity walked calmly and in her elegant trot that she seemed to be able to do without realising, Applejack only a few steps behind her, her own movements being rather simple and to the point of someone who spent a lot of time working and needing to save energy were possible. “Hows it going back here partner?” Applejack asks looking over at her sister who was talking with her friends while also working on her homework, Rarity moving a little closer to Sweetie Belle and asks softly if she needed any help with anything, the sisters having become a lot closer sense Rarity had voluntary entered the Sistershooves Social contest and nearly won it together, this didn't mean however that the pair still didn't have the odd fight. “All quiet for no, these three I hope will go to sleep in a few hours time so I can concentrate more on this translation of the basic transfigurations magic of my world before we get to Canterlot, Luna suddenly wants to start trying to learn some of this stile of magic and I'm not sure how much time I'm going to have to teach her... are all you mares this demanding or is it just my luck to have a strong willed Princess as a special pony friend?” “Might be your luck partner, anyway you carry on with your work and Rarity and me well keep these three out of your mane, although I have to say I'm surprised they haven't tried sneaking into the next car to try and eat some of the cakes.” Applejack says with a laugh at the slightly upset looks on the three Crusaders gave her on the comment about the cakes and going to try and sneak a bit. “We can't his put some kind of spell over the carriage to make sure we stay in this one and can't move towards the engine or the cakes.” Scootaloo whines with a sigh at the end just giving the ebony Alicorn a narrowed eyed look. “Just making sure that when something goes wrong in that car and yes something is going to go wrong as lets face it something has to at some point, I have eliminated the three of uses as suspects after all I have a data waiting for me at the palace tomorrow afternoon and you three have lessons with both Princesses as Luna was able to talk Celestia into helping sort out what your cutie marks are.” The three only gave a nod before turning back to their homework Rarity and Applejack only giving a nod before going to seat by their sister helping as needed while also keeping an eye on Harry who seemed to have dived into his work and totally forgotten that they were even there going by the odd word to drift over to them as he swore and cursed a little when he miss translated something from English to Equestria common. “He really does have a pretty bad mouth when it comes to languages doesn't he.” Rarity commented one time when he throw away the whole sheet of paper he had been working on. “I think its more he has forgotten we are here then anything, I have to admit I have been pretty bad some days when its just me in the fields.” Applejack comments back turning back to help the Crusaders a moment later as Harry gave a cry of success at what ever he was working on, Rarity only nodding in agreement. The pair left a little after night fall and the three young foals had gone to sleep on the single bed off to one side of the carriage that Harry conjured up for them, the young Alicorn however remained awake only giving them a soft spoken good night as they walked by his head still bowed over his work a number of finished scrolls being piled up to one side while he kept on working, Rarity pausing long enough to wish him a good night before leaving Applejack only giving a nod as she walks by. 00000000000000000000000 As Harry had said the night before something did happen to the MMMM much to Pinkie Pie's horror, something she got over quickly and started to make up wild stories on how the three other bakers on board had destroyed the cake all of them however all ended in the cake being cut up yet it was clear to everyone that is had been eaten or at lest the bottom two tears had been partly eaten. Twilight was about to take charge of the case when the door to the car leading to the train itself opened with a bang the sight of a very up set looking Alicorn stepping into the room with a aura of deep dark purple energy coming off his whole body in waves being all everyone needed to see to know that he was upset about being woken up so early in the morning after the late night he had had. “THIS NOISE IS GOING TO STOP RIGHT THIS MINUTE OR I SWEAR I'M GOING TO FEED YOU ALL INTO A FLOUR MILL AND THEN BAKE YOUR REMAINS INTO A CAKE AND FEED SAID CAKES TO THE LOCAL DRAGON POPULATION!” Harry snarled out in Royal Canterlot Voice causing just about everyone to fall over themselves to get out of range of his bellow. 'When in the name of Tartarus did Harry learn to use the Royal Canterlot Voice?' Twilight thought while pushing his mane back into place at the wind force from Harry's shouting, 'Going to have to ask Princess Celestia if she known when he learned it.' She finished thinking to herself before focusing on Harry again as he seemed to be calm now after scaring everyone within the car. Looking over the now silent group before him Harry slowly walked into the room his magical aura dying down as he started to calm down a little from his rude awakening from Pinkie Pie's wild accusations, his eyes coming to rest on Twilight and her simple Watson hat she had on for a moment before he says pointing one hoof at her, “Twilight on your honour as Celestia's students and your magic tell me now did you eat any part of that cake last night?” “I did not and I was trying to get Pinkie Pie to...” “I was hoping for a simple yes or no to the question Twilight nothing more, as you still have your magic and your tattoo I know you have told the truth and as such you are to find out what the hay happened and do so quietly or I'll carry out my threat understood?” “I understand Mr. Night-sky, if you like you can go back to sleep and I'll make sure that nothing major happens until after we get to Canterlot, also its a cutie mark not a tattoo.” “Its a tattoo to me as cutie mark is to girly for my tastes.” Harry comments looked at Twilight for a moment before giving a nod turning to walk back to his bed and the quietly studying Crusaders, pausing at the doorway to say over his flank, “You can at lest eliminate Gustave le Grand as a suspect as I only near hooves running around last night on all three times Pinkie cried out over someone being in there with her and its clear he doesn't have hooves.” Twilight just gave a nod to Harry before sending everyone back to their rooms taking Pinkie Pie with her to search for clues at the locations she had been the night before, moving quietly through the car Harry was now sleeping in the glow of a barrier like ward around his bed being all she needed to know that he didn't want to be woken up and had taken steps to make sure he wouldn't be for anything short of the end of the world going by its magical strength. Working with Pinkie Pie and getting the pink coated Earth Pony to listen and pay attentions to something other then a party set up Twilight was quickly able to get Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy to all confess to taking a small nibble of the lower two tears of the five tear cake, Pinkie Pie forgave them before thanking Twilight for lifting the top three tears that had gone uneaten as it was still good enough to enter the contest that way, the remains of the bottom two tears being shared between everyone on broad the train including the three Crusaders and a small amount left to one side for Harry who was still asleep. When the train pulled into Canterlot station Harry awoke with a large yawn, slowly getting up he paused at the plate with a few slices of cake on it next to his bed, blinking once he got to his feet fully and using his magic packed everything while sampling the cake left for him, nodding his head in approval but otherwise not saying anything. Leaving the train behind the others Harry paused at the sight of one of Luna's personal guards waiting off to one side his dark eyes locking with Harry's for a moment before he turned towards the station exit, Harry knowing that he was expiated to follow without question, looking around for a moment he called for the three crusaders to come with him as they had to get to the palace. Arriving at the palace and being waved through the main gate and into the many halls and passageways within the palace Harry looked around the large building and many stained glass windows all around as they started down one of the hallways he paused for a moment at some of the glass images all around him but otherwise kept pace with his guard escorting him and the Crusaders to the royal wing. Arriving at the door to the royal wing of the palace Harry stepped a little a head of their escort to stand before the two guards on the door one in Luna's dark blue almost black armour while the other was in Celestia's golden armour, the pair eyeing him off for a moment before stepping to one side pushing the door open with a single knock of one rear hooves each once the group stepped past them they fell into step behind the group of four but otherwise didn't say or do anything else. The sight of a long hallway greeted the small group with a good half dozen doorways along one wall while the other wall opened up onto a large garden with many French stile glass doors, the group was lead forward a little until they came to the first door a look inside showing a simple living area that seemed to be also doubling as a small meeting room. “Princess Luna well see you here in a few minutes Milord Night-sky please wait here for now, one of the maids well be with you in a few moments to take any food or drink requests while you wait.” The guard who had meet them at the train station states before leaving the room being followed by the two door guards to the royal wing. Not paying the room any mind nor any of the artworks on the walls Harry walked over to one of the large soft mats around a table to one side laying down calmly as he looked over a the three foals waving one of his hooves at the mats around the table for them to come and seat down and just relax a little while they waited, all three quickly moving to the table after looking around at the fine artwork and such all around them. After getting some drinks from the maid Harry calmly started to read over his notes and transfiguration information he was going to give Luna while the three Crusaders talked about what they might be doing to gain their cutie marks, Harry looked up when the soft chiming sound of Luna's crystals shoes started to sound from down the hallway. Luna walked into the room a grace that was all her own, her eyes sweeping over everyone for a moment before moving to Harry's side and leaned down to give him a small kiss which he returned without hesitation, the pair having decided to see if they could be more then friends not long after the Crusaders came forward as Gabby Gums and so far they had enjoyed the few dinner dates they had had so far. “Good morning dear, and thanks for bringing our little Crusaders.” Luna says in greeting before turning to seat down next to Harry and face the three foals who had all gotten to their feet and bowed to her on her entrances, looking at the three Luna gave a small laugh while waving a hoof to signal them that they would get back up, “Rise you three and welcome to Canterlot and the palace, please have a seat and get conformable as I know my sister wishes to speak about learning what your cutie marks are, I well say this much though and that is you three well be spending a lot of time with my sister in the coming days.” “I thought you were the one helping use find out what our cutie marks are Princess Luna?” Sweetie Belle asks softly keep her head lowered a little but otherwise was watching the blue coated Princess closely. “I was but my sister heard about my punishment for you three and thought it would better if she tried first, if you don't have your marks by the gala you'll be handed over to me and we'll see what we can do, as such you have two weeks to try my dear foals.” Luna says with a friendly smile, she didn't turn away from the three foals as Harry brought a single wing up over her back on reflex from the number of times they had just sat down together and just talked or taught each other new spells, either within his shop or his new cottage within the Everfree Forest. Any feather comments were cut off however when Celestia walked into the room with a plate floating next to her with some of the MMMM cake on it as well as a sample of the other three entrances to the baking contest. “Ah I see my newest students are here and have already been told about what is going to happen I see.” Celestia says softly taking a seat at the table pausing to eat a little more of the cake still on her plate. “They have indeed sister and they have also been told that you are going to try and find out what their marks are for two weeks then I take over and try, but I think you'll work out their special skills within that time sister.” Luna says with a smile to her sister not even batting an eye at how Celestia narrowed her own eyes at how conformable Luna looked leaning into Harry's side. “What is his wing doing draped over you like that sister?” Celestia asks calmly her eyes however seemed to be fixed on the single ebony and deep purple tipped wing that was laded over her sisters back and seemed to be pulling Luna closer a little when she asked about said wing. “I hadn’t noticed it Tia why does the fact that I have a boyfriend and you don't upset you?” Luna says with a cheeky smile as she watched her sisters face keep its from showing the slight anger she felt at Luna's words, after all Celestia know Luna was only trying to get a rise out of her with that comment. “No pony is good enough for my little sister and you know this Luna now please remove the wing and come with me so we can show our new students for the next few weeks the room they well be shearing.” Celestia says rising to her feet after finishing the last of her cakes, fighting the feeling of wanting to rip Harry's wing out from the joint for daring to touch her sister with it. “You know which room is yours Harry, just look for the one next to my personal quarters... if I used them for more then just to get ready for the day most of the time, she is still clingy and over protective most of the time.” Luna whispered softly getting to her feet and moving to follow her sister with the three Crusaders between them as she come even with Celestia. “Over protective she calls it, I call it possessive and controlling to a degree.” Harry states to himself getting to his feet and starting down to his room knowing were it was thanks to a visit to the palace not long after Celestia and Luna had agreed to help him build the portal back to his old home as well as help set up a trade agreement between the two worlds with him spear heading this set up. For the rest of the day Harry spent his time either sleeping a little or reading over his notes making new ones as needed for his lessons Luna wanted on transfiguration only really taking a break when one of the maids showed up to offer him a new drink or find out if he wanted anything to eat. It was a little after moonrise that Harry really stopped any work and just stood in the hallway looking out at the garden bathed in moonlight, the silvery light reflecting off the large pond within the garden adding to the almost mystical feel of the landscape the way the light seemed to reflex of the pond adding a silvery glow to the whole garden and make some of the flowers within look to be made from nothing but moonlight. Harry just took in the sight not turning his head when he heard hoof steps moving towards him the slight clicking of metal on stone being all he needed to hear to know it was either Celestia or one of her guards approaching him from the main entrances to the wing. “She seems to have put in a little extra for tonight’s sky, everything seems to be a little brighter.” Celestia says softly coming to a stop next to Harry looking out over the garden one eye however looking over Harry taking in the slightly tired look around his eyes but also the hint of great power and knowledge locked deep within those emerald green orbs. “You may have been able to controlled the night for a time my dear Princess but Luna can make the sky and stars themselves dances to her will,” Harry says with a small smile just looking at the twinkling night sky, “I have always found the night safe and comforting, every sense I came to this world it has only grown to a deep love for it, that is one of the reason why my store is open at night, I get to enjoy the stars and moon without having to worry about others bothering me, that could be why I find myself falling for her so quickly... she embodies the very night sky that I love so much.” “That may be so Harry but I do have to say I'm not ready to let my sister go, I lost a thousand years of time with her because of the darkness within her and my own stupidity for not listening to her simple request, I wont loss another thousand years because she become Nightmare Moon again just because you broke her heart, I hope you can understand where I can coming from Harry.” Celestia says softly tuning her head just a little to see the ebony Alicorn out of the corner of one eye his eyes remaining locked however with the moon overhead. “You would have to get in line for any punishment Princess as Luna herself would make sure I was a gelding within minutes of upsetting her, what would follow next would more then likely involve asking the Mare Six to use the Elements of Harmony and shoot me off to the moon or something, and all of that is only if she is feeling in a good mood for punishing me for hurting her feelings.” “If I was in a bad mood should he hurt my feelings sister I'll have him fired into your sun with the help of the Mare Six and that would happen after I had removed all trances of his... stallion-hood and wings with a very dull knife.” Came the sharp comment of amusements that could only come from Luna when she was in a very good mood both turning their heads enough to see the blue Alicorn walking towards them now having spoken from just outside of the main doors to the wing. “Why a dull knife, why can't it be something nice and sharp if its going to happen dear? I really don't want to feel a lot of pain.” Harry says softly taking a few steps to one side to allow Luna to step in between him and Celestia who seemed to be thinking on Luna's promise of pain he would suffer should he ever hurt her, the white Alicorn not helping but nod in agreement with her sister on the suitable punishment Harry would suffer should he upset Luna. “It well hurt more and make sure you learn your lesson, don't worry though Harry I would only have you burnished to the sun for a few years then bring you back and repair any and all damage I did to you.” Luna says with a small kiss to his neck. “Why is he getting burnished to my sun? Your moon would be so much easier not to mention there is a chance he could get burned to nothing as its not really a cool place to visited if your not me.” Celestia asks tilting her head to one side as she looked at the pair a slight narrowing of the eyes all Harry needed to see to know that he better not get any closer to Luna while Celestia was there. “Do you really think I'm going to send someone who managed to get me that anger to the very symbol of my power?” Luna asks back, Celestia seeming to think on this question for a moment before giving a nod in agreement with Luna as she couldn't see herself sending someone to her sun if they had upset her that much so why would Luna do that with her moon. “If you two are going to do nothing but compare notes on how to punish me I'm going to go to bed and get the complete list in the morning, that and start Luna's lessons on Transfiguration at the same time I get this list.” Harry states in a mock hurt tone turning away from the two sisters who were giving small giggling like sounds at his chosen tone. “Isn't he cute when he tried to act all high and mighty as well as tries to make me feel guilty for picking on him,” Luna says falling down in full blow laughter now as Harry raised his head high and almost marches off to his quarters. “Not really my type dear sister but if the pouting stallion is going to become your type I guest I'll have to accept it.” Celestia says with a sigh watching as Harry moved away, her eyes seeming to lock with his back almost as if she could burn into his back a warning of not to hurt or upset her sister. “No your type is a minor noble Unicorn that have a lot of magical energy, seeing said Unicorn without telling me, and then waking me up in the middle of the night with a scream of pain a number of months after you spend a number of nights out of the city on 'Just on Business trips' as you called it, the cries of pain being mostly you promising to castrate the young stallion, the end result of that night after I called for a doctor was you giving birth to my niece, who unlike us wasn't immortal, Although I have sensed leaned on returning to my duties you have been kept track of her family line which has ended so far with Princess Cadance birth and ascended to her current form.” Luna states with a look on her face that clearly stated that she was still holding a slight grudge ageist Celestia for falling pregnant all those years ago and not telling her or even telling her that she had fallen in love with said noble. “Well when you say it like that it doesn't sound good at all and I was a lot younger back then Luna so could you please not tell anyone that if you don't mind as not even Cadance knows I am her many times great Grandmother.” Celestia says her head bowed a little at the thought of her ancient and long dead husband as the pair had marred after the birth of their daughter but he had died a few years before Luna had gone insane and Nightmare Moon had been born as a result of her not paying attention to her sister who had made one small request, something she would have spent more time thinking over before saying yes or no, but she had really only recently watched her husband die in there bed and her daughter had long sense left the castle to live her own life and had even had children of her own by that point. “Your secret is safe with me sister like the countless others I know, now if you don't mind I have some work to do before I settle down to get some sleep before my lessons tomorrow, good night.” Luna says with a small smile kissing Celestia on the cheek before moving towards her rarely used quarters. Celestia only nodded at Luna's words watching as her sister left to sort out her own work, turning to deal with a few items of work she had to do before the sunrise as well as sort out what she was going to do with the three Crusaders but that could wait until the morning. 000000000000 Over the next two week leading up to the Gala Harry and Luna spent a lot of time together within Luna's quarters learning transfiguration magic within that time, Harry being a little surprised at how good a student the Princess was, quickly mastering the basics of the magic within that short amount of time. Celestia also took part in some of these lessons after the first week of working with the Crusaders most of the first few days just her seating down with them and just talking about what they were really good at and not any of the wild adventures they kept on having, mid way through that first week she managed to get Scootaloo and Apple Bloom to realise what their marks were but Sweetie Belle was proving to be very stubborn about realising that her singing voice and her ability to write song with such ease was her true calling. Celestia could only shake her head at how stubborn Sweetie Belle was proving to be after all she really had to do with the other two was point out what they really enjoyed doing and what they were really good at in Apple Blooms case it was art as such her mark when it come into being was a paintbrush under a partly wooden painted apple, Scootaloo however was very energetic and had a near perfect sense of balance, after having the young foal perform some stunts and tricks with her scooter soon saw a helmet with a image of said scooter appear on her flank showing that she was something of a stunt pony. Sweetie Belle however refused to believe that she had a beautiful singing voice and she could write song as easy as breathing, according to her two friends that is but she didn't seem to think her voice was that good or her little doodles of songs were any good at all. What the three young foals didn't know though was that Celestia had arranged for one of Sweetie Belle's more refined songs to be played that night at the Gala as the three would be attending as Celestia's special guests for the evening as Twilight and her friends had all said they couldn't make it, the post script in the letters stating that they would rather spend that night with each other at home then deal with the nobles again. The day of the Gala found the palace in a uproar as servants and palace staff ran all over the place getting the main hall and gardens ready for the Gala, a small group of maids however had things even more difficult compared to that as they had been given the task of getting both Princesses and the three Crusaders ready for the evening. For two of these maids it was even worse as they had an extra body within the chambers they were working on Princess Luna in the form of one Harry Night-sky who only made the odd comment about what they were doing while reading calmly to one side of the room, Luna would keep on shifting to look over at said stallion while having her gown adjusted for the coming ball, the two maids helping her darting back and fourth brushing her mane and tail as best they could given its misty like thickness, the gown she had on being a simple thing of silk and lace in deep dark colours mostly blues to match her coat. “Shouldn't you be going to get ready it is due to start at sun down after all.” Luna comments calmly looking over at Harry who kept on reading not seeming to have heard her, she was about to make another comment when her head was pulled to one side again by the maid working on her mane the maid giving Luna a look for daring to move while she was working on her yet again. “I'll go have a bath in a minute, as to getting dressed?... Well it doesn’t seem to matter were you are the female of any species well always take hours to get ready but the results of that time I must say is always a sight to see.” Harry says turning a page of his book without really looking up his eyes flicking up to look at Luna in her deep blue silk gown with sparkly lace strip along the edges. “Well at leasts you appreciate the hard work us mares put into our appearances and accept that it takes time to look this good for these special functions, now would you please leave and get ready as I refuse to have a data who smells or is scruffy.” Luna states with a small smile turning her head just enough to look at Harry out of the corner of her eye while also looking herself over in one of the full length mirrors making sure the grown was settling right over her flanks. “Alright I'm going and yes I do appreciate the work you put into your looks my dear Princess.” Harry says getting to his feet and moving to leave the room pausing long enough to give a small mock bow to Luna as he walked backwards out of the door. “Cheeky bugger.” Luna muttered before turning back to the finishing touches on her gown and mane, the two maids helping her only giving a small nod of agreement with her before carrying on their work. 000000000000000 Celestia a ball gown much like Luna's only in soft reds and yellows with many small rubies and ambers sawn into the hemline was standing at the head of the main staircase within the entry hall of the Palace the three Crusaders flanking her in some of Rarity's finest outfits Scootaloo trying hard not to move around to much as she couldn't stand being dressed up like she was. Saying another hello and welcome to a minor noble Celestia looked up when the sound of silver horns sounded her head turning enough to see that it was Luna's midnight blue clad guards responsible for the fanfare this time as her sister stepped into sight from the right hand staircase her crystals shoes making the slights of clicking sounds as she descended down to her side. The silences within the entry hall of the palace lasted only a few moments but it was long enough for Luna to get to her sisters side and give a small nod of the head as one would to ones equal in rank and power, Celestia returning the nod of the head before turning to great the next guest to approach her. The first few guests to approach the sisters were nervous at first of Luna but after she only gave a small nod the head in greeting and a soft welcome they realises she wasn't going to attack them or suddenly transform into Nightmare Moon as such a number of them started to pause for a few moments to give soft greetings and welcoming her to her first public and formal appearances within the Royal Court sense her return. A sudden flash of black and purplish light was the only warning for everyone in the entry hall a good half hour later as Harry appeared at the head of the line, his black vest and white shirt looking simple next to some of the more glittery guests but he didn't seem to notice as he walks up the final steps to Celestia and giving a deep bow to her giving her a small mischievous smile to her at his entrances. “Greetings Princess Celestia I hope your evening is an enjoyable one and that nothing happens to spoil this fine night.” Harry says raising from his bow when Celestia gave a small nod of the head to Harry to signal him to raise. “I am sure it well be Milord Night-sky but while I have you here and in front of most of the royal court I will be do this one thing that I am sure you will enjoy.” Celestia says with a small smile as she opened her wings fully and stomped a single hoof to get everyone's attention giving a small nod of the head when the local nobles stallions and fillies were watching her with interest. “I Princess Celestia and co-ruler of Equestria and Guardian of the Sun wish to let this court know that we hereby grant you Harry Night-sky the title of Lord and a seat within this royal court once his oath of loyalty to this court is give he shale also be granted lands and all rights entitled to one of his rank.” Celestia finished with a smile at the look Harry was giving her as it was clear to her and just about everyone else he didn't want to be made a lord within the court nor did he want to be put in charge of any land save that of his shop. Narrowing his eyes for a moment Harry suddenly gave a large smile as he turned his head ever so slightly to look at Luna who was looking at her sister with a questioning look as it was clear to him that the blue coated Alicorn hadn't been told about Harry’s raise in rank and the title he would gain once a section of land was given to him. Taking a half step to his right after Harry gave a small nod to Celestia, the small step putting him before Luna a small smile on his face being turned to Celestia for a moment before he bowed to Luna his wings playing out fully like Celestia's were and Luna's ever so slightly raised and expanded, “I Harry Night-sky owner of the simple enchantment shop known as Enchantments swear myself to my Princess Luna of the Night as her lord, her wishes are my wishes her orders my commander as it should be and so it shale be from this day froth.” Harry finished with his head fully bowed waiting for his girlfriend to say wither or not she accepted his oath. The silences in the room only lasted for a few moments before a number of the nobles whose families had been loyal to Celestia sense the beginning of her rule and known from their records that Luna had never had a Lord under her rule, none back then had wanted to swear loyalty to the Mare of the Night and had even done everything they could to prevent her from graining power in the court because of fear that she would try to over throw her sister and bring darkness to all the lands. Of course this action on there ancestors part was one of the reasons Luna snapped and become Nightmare Moon but of course history is written by the victor and Celestia who had been distraught from being forced to banish her own sister hadn't been able to stop the Unicorn who had been keeping the records of history at the time writing that her sister had always been plotting to over throw her and was really out to bring total darkness to the world, the copies of this recording going out the very hour it was finished meaning it become next to impossible to stop everyone from leaning about this version of history. Celestia looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow at his words but she didn't say anything to object to his oath in fact she even gave a small smile before her head snapping around however when she heard some of the Lords within the room making comments about her sister, her eyes narrowing at those lords who quickly went quiet and looked away not willing to carry on their comments while under the watchful of the Princess. Luna gave a slight shake of the head before taking a few steps forward and lowered her head enough to rest the tip of her horn ageist Harry's neck, trying to remember what Celestia had said in the past to new lords and their oaths as she started to talk, “I Princess Luna co-ruler of Equestria and Guardian of the Moon and Night-skies accept Harry Night-sky's oath and welcome him to my court, may he and his decadents live long and serve me well in the coming years.” “You may be the mother of those decadents my dear.” Harry whispered so softly that Luna only just heard him and she was still leaning over him as her horn gave off a glow to indicate that Harry was indeed a noble now under her command within the Canterlot court. Luna know that her dark blue coat was the only thing that stopped Celestia and the rest of the guests from knowing that she was blushing lightly at Harry's words, a slight shake of the head being all she could manage before raising her head and indicating the spot next to her for Harry to take as was his right as her partner for this evening. “I also welcome you to our court Lord Night-sky and I hope you can meet with my sister and myself at some point in the morning to decorous what land is going to be placed within your care and the care of your decadents.” Celestia says with a slight nod of the head to Harry before turning back to great her guests that had started to move again. Luna turned her head just enough to look at Harry a slight angling of her head being enough to signal to him that they should head into the main ballroom and mingle with the guests already there. Harry only nodded back before giving a slight bow to Luna as he stepped back a little and allowed her to move to lead the way to the ballroom and the royal garden beyond that were open to the public this night. Entering the main ballroom the couple paused for a few moments wings partly played out for all to see as they looked around the room the music pausing at their entrances but quickly started back up again with its soft and graceful tones flowing through out the whole room within moments, this helping a number of pony's relax a little at the sudden appearance of one of the royal sisters without her fanfare. “I do believe we made an impression my Princess.” Harry says moving at Luna side as she moved towards a small group of pony’s that were standing to one side taking about some mindless topic, Luna only really paying the topic little mind as she gave a nod to Harry's comment but otherwise not commenting herself. The first hour of the ball went by in this manner as Harry and Luna moved from group to group to talk and hear what the high ranking pony's of Equestria thought was important at the current time, most of it being simple gossip but one thing did stand out for the young couple and that was that young Princess Cadance had been ask if she would marry the new caption of the day guard Shining Armor, or that was the most popular rumour running the courts at the moment. “I know that the young colt has been seeing my Niece for some time but I didn't think he had the built up the courage to ask her to marry him yet? Last I heard he was getting ready to ask her only to back out at the last minute or something along those lines .” Luna says softly to Harry when they went to take a small walk around the garden just to get away from everyone for a little while, that and Celestia had just joined the main ball and everyone was starting to get a little loud trying to talk to her all at once, mostly to confirm that it was true that Luna now had a lord within the royal court that was loyal to her over the Raiser of the Sun. “He hasn't yet too, but I do know he is building up to it.” Came a soft genital voice that seemed to spread calm and love to all who heard it. Both Harry and Luna turned their heads rather quickly at the sudden voice the sight of the pink coated tricoloured mane and tailed Alicorn being what greeted them, the Alicorn approaching them in a beautiful soft white ball-gown that flowed over her flack much like Luna's night blue gown. Harry bowed his head a little in greeting, Luna doing much the same for her many times great grandniece “A pleasure to see you could make the gala this evening my dear niece, I trust your young stallion was able to join you as well?” Luna says calmly moving to seat down on one of the many mates laded around for pony's who wished to seat and just enjoy the soft silvery glow of the full moon over the royal garden, Harry only taking a moment to move one mate closer to Luna before seating down himself one wing coming up and over Luna's back, pulling the blue Alicorn closer to his side. “Nice to see you soliciting Aunty Luna and yes Shining Armor is here his just off getting us some drinks,” Cadance says with a happy little smile at the pair moving to seat down next to them giving Harry the once over look before saying with her smile still in place, “And this must be the new noble within the royal court who has already caused quit a steer when he swear himself to you Aunty and not Aunty Celestia like all the others have done.” “I have always enjoyed and found safety in the darkness of the night and am happy to say I would follow any order my dear fille Luna could or would give without question as she is the soul of the night that I love so much.” Harry comments back with a small smile as he looked down at the sightly smaller Alicorn next to him who was regarding him with a happy little smile and a mischievous glint within her eyes. “Oh that is going to bit you in the flank later my good Lord Night-sky as I know Aunty Luna in the time she has been back has been looking for a partner to help pay her sister back a little for making the banishment one thousand years and not something a little more reasonable I believe the comment was a few months back.” Cadance says with a laugh as she turned her head enough to look out over the garden, both Harry and Luna hiding the slight laugh they wanted to give however at how the pink coated Alicorn's eyes kept on drafting over to the glass doors leading to the ballroom as they know she was watching our for her boyfriend Shining Armor. “I don't know what you are talking about my dear niece now please tell me how you have been as it has been a few weeks sense we last spoke.” Luna says turning her head to face Cadance Harry turning his head enough to look at the stars over head just enjoying the night sky while listening to Luna and Cadance catch up, said catch up quickly turning into Princess gossip. Harry did what any smart young man would do when two women were talking about gossip or fashion he nodded at all the right points and agreed with Luna more then Cadance as Luna was the girlfriend as such she had to be right more then her niece. Luna looked over at Harry out of the corner of her eye and gave a small smile as she agreed with her again on some topic she was debating with her niece an evil looking smile start to form on her face as she was able to ask Harry something that if he agreed to could prove fun for her yet a bit of a pain for him and a really large pain for her sister. However before she could do this Shinning Armor arrived finally with two glasses of Celestia's special Sunrise Wine the wine having a slight glow to it like it had somehow trapped the first few rays of sunlight within it also had a magical taste that seemed to bring warmth and joy to any who drank the rare wine., The wine being made as a result of Celestia being a immortal pony meaning she had lots of times on their hooves, because of this a few hundred years after Luna had been banished Celestia had decided to take up wine making growing her own vines and making the wine herself only ever making a half dozen or so of the special Sunrise Wine each season as it took a lot of magical energy to make and as such Celestia only ever made so many each season, the winery and vineyards being hidden at last rumour and gossip within the mountains near Canterlot as not even Luna know the location. “Ah Princess Luna I wasn't aware that you were here this evening and this must be the newest member of the royal court, I am Caption Armor only resonantly promoted to that rank because the skill I have shown with shielding spells.” Shinning says with a bow to Luna and then a nod of the head to Harry who returned the nod without really looking away from his view of the night sky. “I know who you are young caption and please there is no need to be so formal and don't mind Harry his lost in star gazing like he normally does when I'm with him after moonrise, let me give you an example of how much attention he is paying use all at the moment.” Luna says calmly first moving her head a little as if to wave the young caption to the mat that Cadance had pulled over to the group before settling down herself. Turning her head a little Luna gave a smile before saying calmly just looking at the ebony coated Alicorn next to her, “Harry dear, its alright if I go with you when the portal is finished isn't it? I would love to see your home and maybe meet some of your old friends.” “No problem dear.” Was all Harry said not even looking at her as he kept on looking up at the night sky lost in his own thoughts and not really realising what Luna had said, Cadance and Shinning looking at him with wide eyes at how calmly and easily he said it was okay, before either of them could comment on this Harry's head snapped down to look at Luna his eyes going wide as he says looking at her in shock, “What did you say?” “You just agreed to letting me come with you when you return to your home dear and I am not going to let you back out of that agreement now pay attention or I'll have you agree to other things you might not like or agree with.” Luna says with a smile turning back to her niece and her boyfriend. Harry only bowed his head a little and made a few muttered comments about how Celestia was going to kill him for agreeing to Luna going with you when she had only just gotten her sister back really. The rest of the evening passed quickly save for Celestia making Harry swear on his magic that he would protect her sister should the younger Princess follow through with her statement of following Harry to his home world, Harry not even fighting with her on this one as he had bowed to the Day Ruler of Equestria and made his oath to protect her and see to it that Luna would return to Equestria safely. Another thing that happened was that Sweetie Belle nearly passed out from shock at the first note of one of her little songs being played the way the instruments played and gave life to her song making her eyes go wide, a flash of light appears on her flank a few moments later the image of a inkwell and quill with a scroll that had a few musical notes on it appearing on her flank a few moments later her friends gathering around her to congratulate her on getting her Cutie Mark. Harry was escorting Luna to her rooms after seeing off the few pony's who at lest were friendly to the Princess of the Night the pair talking softly and just laughing at some memory of how many of the nobles had reacted to Harry's oath to Luna and not Celestia a large number of them having even gone to the length of trying to talk Celestia into make Harry retake his oath only to have it warded to her and her alone. Celestia had tried to calm down the lords and ladies at first but in the end resorted to the Royal Canterlot Voice to get them all to be silent and warn all others within the palace that she wasn't going to make Harry chance his oath and that she in-fact supported the idea that Luna now had the beginnings of her own royal court. “I'll bead you a good night now my dear fille, I'll see you in the morning and before I leave again for Ponyville as the shop has been closed for to long and I have a lot of work still to do with the portal,” Harry says with a small bow to Luna followed soon after by a light pick on the cheek the Princess giving a little shy smile before returning the small kiss. “I'll see you with the sunrise then my dear Harry we'll sort out what land becomes yours over breakfast before you leave.” Luna says softly turning to enter her room giving a slight jump when Harry ever so lightly swatted her flank with his tail as he moved past her. “I look forward to it and if its available I'll take the Everfree Forest under my care, now get that sexy flank of yours to bed.” Harry says with a laugh as he vanished in a cloud of black and purple smoke reappearing in front of his room down the hall, Luna just giving Harry a look for the swat on her flank with his tail as he had vanished but didn't loss her smile as she entered her room planning on what was to happen in the coming months as the portal come ever closer to finishing. 'Although I'm going to have to get him back for that little flank swat, can't have him getting to full of himself and think he can get away with that sort of thing to often.' Luna thought to herself as she went to bed within her own quarters for a change trusting and hoping that he sister wouldn't have a panic attack for not sleeping within the Sun Guardian chambers this night.