//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Heading Back // Story: The Prince of Eldenroot // by Luckybuck //------------------------------// Hundreds of colors danced upon the marvelous marble walls and floors of the Imperial Palace. Stained glass windows lining the walls depicted scenes of heroism and glory. Bright red carpets, expertly woven tapestries, and glass chandeliers of unparalleled beauty adorned the hall leading to the throne room. The throne room itself was decorated with even more brilliant furnishings. The room was larger than most houses, with twice as much furniture. Bookshelves, couches, tables, a few large clocks and mirrors, all expertly crafted, occupied the room. But the way from the large gold banded door to the throne itself was clear of all but a long red carpet. The throne itself was made of white marble, tall and elegant in construction, and decorated with gold trinkets, baubles, and a plush cushion. The largest stained glass window in the room was set in the wall behind the throne, casting multi-colored lights across the room’s length. The scene depicted in the glass was of Empress Celestia and Princess Luna raising the sun and moon, respectively. In the throne below the window, Empress Celestia herself sat a guard at both sides. Both of the guards were large unicorn stallions, grey coated and wearing magnificent golden armor. Crowding the large throne room were many nobles and ponies of some level of renown, all waiting to speak to their Empress about one matter or another. The pony who held audience with Celestia now was an old Earth Pony mare. Her dull brown coat and short grey mane were in stark contrast to the Empress’s glorious white coat and long, multi-colored mane that seemed to flow and move of its own accord. She wore shoes, jewelry, and a large tiara, all gold inlaid with precious gems. Celestia smiled, softly and kindly, as she always did when listening to requests from her people. “Do not worry, Miss Frappe.” The Empress said, her voice calm and soothing. “A guard shall be sent to the Coffee family orchard until the perpetrator is caught.” “Oh thank you, your highness!” The old mare bowed as best she could. “The guard will escort you home from the castle gate.” She bowed her head and the old mare stepped down from in front of the throne, making her way out of the throne room. A large unicorn stallion, his coat grey, took the elderly pony’s place in front of Celestia. He looked remarkably similar to the Empress’s own royal guards, except that the armor he wore was made of well-polished steel, rather than gold. Upon the armor’s flank was the sun, the mark of the Empire. He stood at attention, and saluted his Empress. “At ease. What news do you bring me?” Celestia asked in her usual, stately manner. “Your Highness, I bring word from Duchess Beryl.” The stallion said, lowering his salute. “A very large cave has been discovered in the Ametrine colony. It does not appear to be naturally formed.” “What does it appear to be formed by?” She raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “It seems to be made by magic, although it is older than anything the Duchess or anyone else in the colony have ever seen or heard about. The Duchess requests that an expert on architecture and history be sent to investigate.” “You may tell Duchess Beryl that I shall send someone as soon as I can.” The Empress nodded, and the stallion bowed. “Thank you, your highness.” He turned and trotted back the way he came in. As he left the room, another stallion rushed in. This one was a snow white Pegasus, dressed in golden armor. He flew in carrying two large saddlebags, overfilled with parchment and letters. Landing lightly in front of Celestia, he immediately began shuffling through one of the bags he carried. The other nobles, who had been waiting for an audience themselves, sighed in annoyance. “An urgent letter for her Highness, from Withersdale.” He said shortly, offering his Empress a scroll bound with dark red cloth marked with the symbol of the Empire. “Thank you, messenger.” She replied, levitating the letter from his grasp. He bowed, and quickly flew off, out of the room. Using her magic, she unbound the scroll and began reading its contents. She recognized the neat penmanship of Violet Rain instantly, and smiled. Her face suddenly became more serious, however, as she read her student’s report. Dear Empress Celestia, The reports of demon worship on the southwestern border appear to have been false. We did, however, encounter a very strange creature. It looked like a deer, but it was far larger than any deer I have ever had any knowledge of. It was white, had green eyes, and seemed highly intelligent. He also possessed great strength, knocking Mar out in a single, quick motion. I also felt an overwhelming power in his presence, but he did not seem violent. In fact, it was he that informed us that there had been no demon worship in the area, or even any other ponies at all. He called the forest across the border “Eldenroot” and claimed that it was his kingdom. I find everything about him very suspicious. I also had an odd dream, or vision, the night after seeing him that I think you should know about… Empress Celestia read the rest of the letter, which was a lengthy detail of Violet’s entire dream, along with a request to return to Canterlot. The Empress smiled softly once again at reading the request. What luck that my historian wishes to come back exactly when I need her. “I am sorry to all of you guests, but I must be retiring for the evening.” Celestia spoke, just loudly enough for everyone to hear. Low grumblings and chatter spread throughout the room as the nobles and other ponies exited her presence. Only the Empress’s royal guards and a handful of maids remained. Celestia stepped down from her throne, and made her way through the empty hallways, followed closely by her two guards. As she reached her private chambers, two more guards, standing at either side of her door, saluted. She nodded to them, and they lowered their hooves, opening the door to her chamber. Celestia walked slowly in, and the guards closed the doors behind her. The two who had been following the Empress saluted the two at the doors, and then made their way back down the hallway. Celestia lay lightly down on the large, luxurious, gold-trimmed purple pillows and blankets that were neatly draped over her huge bed. She stared out of one of the large windows in her room, looking down at her Empire, Equestria, basking in the light of the evening sun. From her room in the highest tower of the castle, Celestia could see for miles. But the sight that caught her attention was not far away, across the lands. It was in the window of the tower across from and below her. In the waning sunlight coming in through her window, Celestia’s beloved sister, Princess Luna, lay sleeping. Her deep blue coat was a contrast to the warmness of the setting sun, and her flowing mane of shifting shades of blue, glittering with white sparks of light, gave her an air of peaceful beauty as she slept upon her bed of black and silver linens. Celestia smiled, this time a real smile rather than her normal, formal, grin. “It’ll be time for you to wake soon, Luna.” Celestia thought to herself. She shook her head, remembering why she had come to her private chamber in the first place. “Now, time to respond to Violet Rain.” A few pieces of lettuce, three slices of tomato, and a few daisies, all on two slices of homemade bread: this was Violet’s dinner, it tasted good, and she hadn't woken up in time for any breakfast. Needless to say, she devoured it quite hungrily. Having not eaten for nearly two days, Violet forgave herself for her lack of manners during the meal. Mr. Otus didn’t seem to mind, seemingly happy that she was eating at all. Mar had already downed two sandwiches like hers, along with a large and hearty salad. They sat quietly, intent on their dinners, at the inn’s bar. The day had been uneventful other than Violet sending her letter to the Empress off with a courier earlier that afternoon. Violet had explained to Mr. Otus that the letter was a report on the happenings the night before she arrived, but left out any mention of her dream. Mr. Otus was satisfied with the tale of a huge stag appearing on the abandoned tower, and let her be until he made dinner. Violet Rain felt quite comfortable, happy even, after finishing her sandwich. She levitated the cup of tea sitting beside her now empty plate and took a long sip from it. It wasn’t Canterlot tea, but it would do. As she was about to take another sip, the door to the inn opened. A snow white pegasus, dressed in glorious golden armor, stood in the doorway. With his serious face, muscular build, and large wings, he was an imposing sight in the fading light of the evening sun. The only thing that marred his royal image were the rather plain saddlebags, filled with parchment, that he wore over his back. “Violet Rain?” He asked, walking over to the mare in question. “Yes?” She responded, leaving her seat to face the royal messenger. “A letter for you, from the Empress.” He reached into his bag, and pulled out a scroll. “Thank you.” She responded, taking the letter from him. “Good to see you again, Miss.” He smiled ever so slightly, and trotted back to the doorway, then took off flying before she could reply again. Violet could only think to herself how badly she felt for not recognizing which royal messenger that was; they all looked strikingly similar. “I didn’t expect a response this soon.” She said, more to herself than to either Mar or Mr. Otus, who had both gotten up to see her letter. “I only sent mine off a few hours ago.” “She must have thought it pretty important.” Mr. Otus said, attempting to look over her shoulder as she unrolled the scroll. “Dear Violet Rain,” She began reading the letter silently to herself. “There is much to discuss about the matter you have contacted me with. However it will have to wait until you arrive in Canterlot. I approve your request to return to the castle, and expect you to arrive here tomorrow.” She stared blankly at the paper, then smiled happily, looking up at Mar. “We’re going back to Canterlot!” “I’ll pack our bags.” He said, and trotted upstairs. Mr. Otus grinned oddly at Violet. “Back to Canterlot, eh?” He said, a hint of jealousy once again audible in his voice. “Put in a good word for me with the nobles.” He winked, then walked to the door that led to the back room. “I expect you’ll be leaving shortly?” “As soon as Mar finishes packing our bags.” She replied. “Well then, goodnight, and safe travels to you.” He smiled at her, then walked into the back room, out of sight. Mar returned within a few moments with their bags packed and ready. “To the balloon station, then miss?” Mar asked, setting her bag in front of her. “Yes.” She levitated her bag up and strapped it on with her magic. “C’mon Mar. Let’s get going before it gets dark.” “Yes, Miss.” He followed her out of the inn and into the streets. This late in the afternoon, the streets were not nearly as crowded as the two were used to seeing them. The fountain bubbled and the wind blew gently as the handful of ponies still moving about hurried to finish whatever they were doing. Hooves clicked on the cobblestone roads, doors closed, windows shut, a few ponies were going around lighting the lanterns that stood at regular intervals along the road; the sounds of an ending day played upon the air. Violet and Mar made their way to the balloon station, a large and sturdy building on the other side of town, adorned with a large sign depicting a hot air balloon. The roof of the structure was actually a landing pad, atop which sat numerous baskets, their balloons deflated. Violet led the way inside, pushing open the simple wooden doors and focusing her sights upon the only occupant of the building. This lonely mare behind the counter perked up when the door opened. Her pink coat and well groomed mane stood out prominently in the plain wooden interior of the balloon station, and were accentuated by her friendly smile. “Hello, and welcome to the Withersdale Hot Air Balloon Rental Station!” She beamed. “How may I help you?” “We’d like to rent a two-seater balloon, please.” Violet answered. “Okay, right this way.” She led them up a flight of stairs to the roof of the building. Bright lamps on the corners of the landing pad roof provided plenty of light to see by. “This one here is a comfortable two-pony balloon with good control and lamps for night flying. The seats face each other, so it's perfect for couples." Mar blushed at the statement. The balloon-rental pony placed a hoof of the rim of the hot air balloon’s green-painted basket, admiring the vehicle. “Only five bits for a night.” Violet shuffled through her bags until she found her coin purse, and retrieved five bits from inside. She dropped the bits in the waiting hoof of the mare, and returned her coin purse to its place in her bag. “Thank you.” The mare smiled. “You may leave the balloon at the local Hot Air Balloon Rental Station of whatever town you travel to.” She said the words almost mechanically, having repeated them time and again. Violet and Mar climbed into the hot air balloon’s basket, and Mar cranked up the small engine positioned under the balloon. It sputtered to life, and a flame began burning in the burner. The balloon above began filling with hot air, and after a few moments of waiting, they started to rise. “Safe flying!” The mare called from below. The two ponies in the balloon waved at her, and then looked out upon the open sky around them. Mar adjusted a few nobs on the engine, and they began to fly to the northeast. “Canterlot awaits, Miss Violet.” Mar smiled as he fiddled with the nobs a bit more. “Yes it does.” She said quietly as she stared at the stars gradually becoming visible in the first darkness of the night. “I’m going to rest, Mar. Wake me when we arrive in Canterlot.” “Yes, Miss.” He agreed. He looked up from the engine to shuffle through his bag. “Here, it’ll get cold this high up.” He offered her a blanket pulled from his saddlebag. “Thank you.” She smiled softly, taking the blanket and wrapping it around herself. She slowly drifted to sleep, thinking of her home in the royal palace of Canterlot. Her thoughts faded to nothing as a welcome, dreamless peace descended upon her. Mar hadn’t even realized that he had dozed off until after he opened his eyes again. The night wasn’t as dark as it was when they left; the first rays of sunlight were creeping over the horizon, slowly but surely. Mar admired the beauty of the fields far below them, and of the way the light of dawn danced on the snowcapped peaks of the mountains in the East. The only sound other than the soft breeze was Violet’s steady breathing as she slept. The towers of Canterlot’s Royal Palace were just becoming visible in the early morning, rising up from their place on the northeastern most point of the Eastern mountain range. Their regal beauty was apparent even this far away, silhouetted against the sky. It would be roughly an hour before they reached Canterlot, and Mar couldn’t wait. While he had no fear of flying, he did not enjoy being so far away from solid ground for such a long time. It didn’t help that the wind was picking up, blowing them westward. “I don’t know how pegasi can deal with flying all the time.” Mar adjusted the knobs on the magically powered engine, causing the flame in the burner above them to burn a little brighter. The hot air balloon moved back to its original course, and Mar raised his head from the basket, looking behind them. At first he couldn’t see anything else in the sky, but as he stared off he thought he could see a small speck, directly behind them. Not thinking much of it, he turned back to look at the city of Canterlot. “We’re getting close.” He said quietly. He saw that Violet was still asleep, and poked her in the side. “Miss, it’s time to wake up.” “Urrrggghhhh…” She lifted her head, and her now messy mane became more apparent. “Don’t poke me, Mar. Are we close?” “Yes, Miss. We’re a little less than an hour away from Canterlot.” “Oh, good.” She retrieved a brush from her bag, and began fixing her hair. “We’ll be just on time.” She removed an ornately bound book from her bag as well, and opened it too a page near its middle. Mar nodded in response, and the next half hour passed in silence, the balloon drifting slowly towards the city. Mar couldn’t help but notice the speck he saw earlier slowly getting bigger, heading in their direction. At this point it looked almost like a bird, as wings were visible. No other features could be discerned at such distance, however, other than that it looked large. “Umm, Miss?” Mar broke the silence, distracting Violet from reading her book. “Yes?” She looked up from the book’s pages, and stared expectantly at Mar. “I believe that something may be following us.” He pointed his hoof behind him, indicating the slowly growing winged shape. “Probably just a bird.” She returned to her book, a wave of her hoof dismissing the matter. Mar was not convinced that it was nothing, though. This close to the city there shouldn’t be any birds that big. He thought, silently, squinting to make out what exactly the shape was. A few more minutes passed, and it became readily apparent that the shape was most definitely not a bird. It was an animal, but its long neck and tail were more characteristic of a… “DRAGON!”