Pinkie looked out, wide-eyed, at the world before her, all through the relatively small window of the carriage to the sprawling capital of Saddle Arabia. The neo-classical sandstone towers and buildings spread shadows over the urban mass of the somewhat lower square-roofed households and commercial centres. Unlike the modern metropolis that was Manehatten, Saddle Arabia was steeped in antiquated design reminiscent of an era long passed. It was similar to cities described in story books described by her mother. The concept of an industrialised world that encapsulated the cities of Equestria seemed a far cry away.
Pinkie tried to see the residents of the capital, new faces and potential friends to make in a whole new world. But, much to her dismay, there was an annoying net of some sort in her way, preventing her from giving greetings of any kind. She could see the city but very little else, but shadows of what she thought were residents converging on the spectacle of the royal carriage, moving through the narrow streets of the city. Twilight had said something along the lines that it was customary that royals and their associates not be seen while travelling to prevent a commotion. It all seemed rather silly to Pinkie. She supposed the world of diplomacy was not for her. All this stuffy formality and fake smiles made her head spin.
Pinkie was drawn to another monolith outline of a building as they sped along. The cabin of their carriage went dark temporarily. Pinkie’s thoughts turned to the city again. The city of shadows, Luna had called it or something along those lines. Apparently, the name came from the Saddle Arabian’s intricate and openly scandalous political system. Pinkie tended not to listen to such things. Her mom had always told her discussing politics was like talking about snakes eating other snakes. Pinkie really didn’t like snakes. They tended to be a haphazard when rock farming.
The carriage bumped as it hit a rough patch in the road. Rainbow groaned as she was thrown against Applejack, banging their heads. Despite being the so-called the Royal carriage, it wasn’t particularly roomy. In fact, one could brand it almost claustrophobic. The carriage itself was merely two rows of richly furnished seats facing each other with a wine red rug between them. Nearly everything of note within it was embellished with the sigil of the ruling house, two scimitars in saltire with a black, blazing, stylised sun hovering above them. Though perhaps it would have suited if there were four of them, nine of them proved to be a stretch. It didn’t help that the carriage was rather slender. Most probably, the carriage was built for speed and flexibility navigating the cobbled streets rather than the prolonged comfort of the passengers.
Eventually, the shadows of tall building gave way to the blazing sun, indicating they had reached a clearing. There were no longer bumps, but merely the occasional jolt as the carriage passed over what sounded like cobblestone. The group let out a collective sigh. Freedom from the turbulent streets and quick turns were certainly welcome. Though, that meant that they were now not far from the palace and the presence of the King. The palace awaited them no doubt. Fluttershy and Cherilee seemed to wilt at the thought. While Fluttershy being herself was not unusual the typically quite welcoming teacher being suddenly tight-lipped and fidgety was an oddity. The others put it down to nerves.
There was a rough swerve as the carriage lurched around something. The trickling of water could be heard from outside. They stopped suddenly as they had started followed by the heavy bang of an armoured hoof on the side of the door.
“My ladies, we have arrived. Are you ready to depart?” queried a muffled voice.
“Yes,” replied Luna gruffly. “I believe we are most willing to leave this box of yours.” A moment later, the sounds of hooves on stone of at least three ponies could be heard moving outside. Eventually, the door swung open to let in the blinding light of the midday sun. Luna squinted sharply. Her sister’s infernal ward had always hit these places far worse than the realm she governed. So much so, that the very light of its reflection proved to be an annoyance. They filed out one by, Twilight briefly shared a pained glance with Luna, who just gave her a small smile in return. No doubt Twilight was running through a mental list over and over, slowly working herself into a panic. At least her hair hadn’t sprung out.
They were greeted by two parallel lines of the King's Royal guard decorated in beautifully ornamental white glistening armour, the crevasses and greaves dressed with gold. The jewels and rubies present on their crests reflecting the sun stunningly. Their faces focusing on some unknown point of the distance, stoic and completely neutral. The ones closer to Luna bore banners. The left one carried the flag of Equestria and the right one carried the sigil of the royal house. The two flags stood at nearly ten feet into the air made of what Luna presumed was the finest silk.
Behind the carriage, there was a tall statue of what presumably a former king rearing up, covered in plated armour. Water spouted from his mouth into a surrounding pool of water. Behind the soldiers lay the royal palace. Like Canterlot, it was somewhat coloured white though there was a more noticable yellow ting, mostly likely due to the different stone used in its construction. It was certainly smaller then the tall spires of Canterlot castle. Twilight put that down to the fact that the palace had a dome as its crown rather than spires. The entrance was stylised into a keyhole shape. It was certainly wider, streching out across the horizon as it blocked out the sun. Battlements could be seen above these walls that were crowded with what Twilight could only presume, the staff of the palace. Peering faces desperate to look upon the arriving foreigners. The most striking thing though was that the walkway on two sides was surrounded by massive gardens. Palm trees, bushes and statues were all placed neatly throughout the vast garden. It created a natural open feel to the whole palace as opposed to the walled-in Canterlot.
Luna nodded to Twilight, who returned the gesture. Both of them took their place in front of their friends. Twilight straightened her neck and adopted a tall posture with her wings expanded upward, mimicking a swan. Celestia and Luna had taught her that traditionally, a Princess had to make herself look as graceful and as imposing as possible whenever it came to diplomacy. Luna copied her though she was far abler than Twilight to exert her royalty, after all, Twilight was a mere youngling when it came to being an alicorn. She would grow into her role. The vision of Twilight on the throne, taller than Celestia and humming with the glow of magic came to mind. Luna shook her head. There was a time and a place for such thoughts.
The two princesses led their friends down the gravelled path of the finely cut stone. The others seemed fascinated by the guards present around them. Both amazed and awed by soldiers that had seemingly walked out of a fairy tale. Rarity who gawked and stared at an extradonarily attractive assortment of stallions that were on both sides of her. At the rear, Cherilee nervously looked at the horses and the glistening pointed spears they bore. Eventually, at the end of the path they saw King Hilal and his wife, Queen Haria.
The King himself was, ruggedly handsome if not somewhat on the aged side, specks of white strands present in his auburn mane. Yet, he was well-toned with a dark hazel coat and golden eyes that shimmered with unexplained mirth. He wore gold and black silks, the colours of his house, which draped around his long neck. Where silks were not present, fine ornamental armour could be seen. Silver plated with golden fringe intertwined on the edges and cusps of the armour and a crown of golden wings adorning his brow. The King presented himself as both a warrior and a ruler. To his right stood, in complete contrast to himself, an elegant mare.
Her beauty was astonishing even to Luna, who had seen nearly every type of beauty there was in her extraordinarily long life. She was a light grey horse with light pink eyes that stood out nicely against her coat. She wore an intricate saddle much like the ambassadors that visited Equestria not too long ago though hers indeed of a finer class, put the representatives to shame. The attire exenterated her already dazzling features.
Luna almost found her attractive, were it not for the somewhat disconcerting resemblance to her sister. Twilight and Rainbow blushed when she smiled at them. Luna scrunched her muzzle, even the wavering part of her attraction disappeared. As they approached Luna and Twilight dipped into a low bow as did her friends and a somewhat startled Cherilee.
There was an awkward moment of silence as Twilight and Luna lifted from their bow, but the King had said nothing to her friends who remained facing the floor. Then something most odd occurred. There was a deep rumble of laughter. Luna looked towards the King who was giggling lightly. This act certainly did not fit the figure that history provided.
“King Hilal?” said Luna politely though the inflexion in her voice indicated that it was more of a question.
“Ah forgive me, princess,” he said with a big smile. “It is just I find it most odd that the saviours of our world bow to me and me not to them. Such a strange thing formality is.” He lazily waved a hoof, his smile never faltering. “Come on, get up. No need to bow.” They all did as instructed. “I may be King, but even I kneel before the might of the Elements of Harmony.” He let out an uproarious laugh. His mirth was quite infectious, the tension dying as quickly as it had built up. Then the Queen moved forward and let her eye wander over Twilight who looked away under her gaze. The Queen then suddenly drew Twilight into a hug.
“Oh Princess Luna, your sister had failed to describe how utterly adorable the young Princess is!” her voice was soft as silk but much like her husband there was undeniable mirth present in her tone as well.
“Ah!” gasped Twilight unable to keep up her diplomatic mask. Her friends laughed at her misfortune. Luna was too stunned to say anything. It was most unusual to see the leader of a nation be so…open. She didn’t know what to think of it really. It was a far from the world Luna had grown up in.
“As you can see, my good wife is a bit of a hugger.” The King bellowed with laughter. He then proceeded to greet each of the Elements individually, laughing all the way. He hesitated upon reaching Spike but the moment passed and his smile returned. The Queen sheepishly apologised to Twilight before greeting the other Elements. Pinkie of all of them seemed to take an instant liking to the King.
“Well, this isn’t what I expected,” said Applejack, who hadn’t thought there hosts would be so friendly. Luna couldn’t agree more with Applejack.
The King’s history seemed to betray his character. Luna had read up on the histories of the various kingdoms of the continent upon her return. Saddle Arabia had always been peaceful in comparisons to the Griffons, who seemed more or less fragment. Sure it had its share of civil wars and had been unified by force much like Equestria under one house. That house was then replaced by another. Then another and then another. Soon the lines became blurred as Luna grew weary of remembering the vast lineage that encompassed Saddle Arabia. Though she was well informed of the current King, in truth, she had expected someone less jovial.
He’d been the nephew and the brother of the last two kings. He along with his brother had conspired to overthrow their uncle, Hellef, a corrupt despot. He tended to be viewed as a sort of a bogeyman in the country due to his violent nature and the decadence of his rule. Celestia claimed that he was deplorable but not without sympathy, a stallion of a brilliant mind, torn apart by mental illness and his own pettiness.
The King’s older brother, Shamz, came to the throne. He proved ultimately incapable to rule. Lonely and isolated, he had turned to drink and food to free him from his doubts and guilt. He was crippled by both stress and despair by the end of his rule and the realm fell into neglect. To Luna, the story hit a little close to home. Sure the facts may not be the same but there were similarities that she did not wish to dwell on.
“Come, come, let’s leave the blistering sun, I know it does not sit well on your backs,” spoke the king who nodded to his guards.
As soon as the king turned the guards behind them shifted almost simultaneously to follow forming a small circle around them. Twilight and Luna took graceful trots to follow afterwards. The rest struggled to keep up as the King proved to be somewhat of a fast walker, it didn’t help that he was much taller than the ponies. Two of their steps only matching one of his.
The castle door gave way to an exquisite interior. Even as they entered, the main hall was decorated with hanging plants and open windows that spilt the noon light in emphasising the white walls and the carvings that were engrained in them telling the history of the kingdom. Twilight and her friends stared curiously as they passed through the great hall and the marble floors. It was strange to see history recorded on the walls of the castle. It was somewhat strikingly beautiful in the oddest way, unique from anything inside Equestria. To have the feats of those passed forever captured on the walls of the house of the King read like something out of a poem. Glass would break, but stone would last forever.
They passed through more halls though, unlike the main hall, these walls were dressed with tapestries. Occasionally, there would be an opening to the outside through arched pillars. Usually, it led some garden with either statues or a spring with small animals feeding from it. The presence of these openings significantly improved Fluttershy’s mood who asked the Queen if she may visit one of them. The queen merely laughed before explaining that Fluttershy would much prefer the royal garden then walkways of the palace. The two chattered away while her husband continued to smile. He hadn’t said much other than the occasional joke about some expensive palace decoration or to explain the vareity rooms of the hundreds of the servants and the retainers of the King. Rainbow shuffled impatiently and muttered about the pool. Applejack subtly kicked her into silence.
The knights beside them let them into the throne room. It wasn’t as impressive as the Canterlot throne, though very little could top a solid gold throne. In comparison, it was rather plain. It was pure throne of wood, that sat high above stone steps over a floor covered in the rug of the emblem of the King. The room itself was quite large allowing may be about three hundred ponies into it at maximum. Several pillars painted red and gold held parallel to the throne upholding the glass dome roof that spread colourful patterns on the floor. They all looked up in awe at the amazing piece of structural design, surreal and beautiful all the same. Yet, despite all the different shades of light displayed, a single beam was magnified so that the light of the sun always shone brightest onto the throne.
“It may sound magnificent and grandiose, but the charm wears off when you start sweating through your coat just from sitting in it,” laughed the King.
“If you do not enjoy why don’t you just move it, your Majesty?” asked Rarity curiously. “You are the King after all. Surely the shade would be more comfortable.”
“Because even the King bows to the tradition, Miss Rarity,” he replied quite evenly for once. There was no smile on his lips as he focused on the throne. “The milk drinkers of my court would throw a fit if a moved my throne even an inch. To think of the nonsense one puts up with as king.” He shook his head solemnly. His gaze met Luna’s. “I’m sure you can’t relate Princess.”
“Quite,” she replied curtly not willing to give too much away. She didn’t need the king of a foreign country knowing of her problems also. It would also be imperative to maintain the country’s image as untied. It would not help if their allies became aware that the political elite of Equestria didn’t particularly trust her. Yet somehow, she felt that perhaps he knew more than he let on. The jovial appearance could all be an act, it wouldn’t be the first time she had seen it.
“Hah, yes. I can see it in your eyes.” He began to snicker again. “Seems no matter where you go politics never change. Ah, this way. You will be staying in the royal apartments. Wouldn’t want the saviours of the world being confused with some of the common rabble, eh?” He motioned back to them only to receive quizzical glances in return. The Queen was quick to intervene, realizing his folly.
“My husband forgets himself, his tongue is often too loose around new acquaintances.” She shot him a glare. He shrugged absently and shuffled away. “We would be honoured for your fellowship to be gifted the greatest comfort our realm can offer.”
“Your generosity humbles us.” Luna bowed again. The sentiment was echoed by her friends. As they were about to leave the throne room, Luna noticed that the King’s guard had never flinched from their side yet her guard was conspicuously absent. “Pray tell, where are my guards at? I remember that they had instructions to carry our luggage in.” Luna looked over her shoulder to see that they were not even following.
“The strange fellows with the leather wings?” asked the King. Luna nodded affirmatively. One of the stunning white armoured guards approached the king and whispered in his ear. He nodded. “Seems they are still outside. Had some problems unloading your baggage. Caused quite a ruckus outside when they saw you had gone ahead. Gave my guards a few bloody noses.” The king seemed to nod as if in agreement with what he said. “Good.” He laughed loudly again. “I fear a few of my guards are getting soft bellies lollygagging around this city. I tell you back when I was colt things were…different.” The king took on a wistful look. He then refocused on Luna. “Their loyalty to their mistress is admirable though their appearance does unhinge me so. The fangs.” The King gulped uncomfortably. He then spied Spike trailing at the back of the group. He raised an eyebrow but decided against raising any issue with the young drake. dragons weren't an unusal sight amongst the dunes but for one so young to be spotted was unusual. A ward to one of the princesses as well. He quickly regained his composure. “No matter, I will send for them immediately. I fear if they are kept from you any longer, I will have to dispatch my personal guard.” He snorted before moving off again.
“Please send them to me,” she said curtly. “I also apologise for any damage they have caused, your Majesty.”
“No need,” the King said dismissively. “No grudges are borne, especially if it is borne in fair combat. The world needs more stallions with steel in their hearts. Come, this way. We must let you prepare for dinner. The hour grows late.”
The King led them out through a confusing maze of turns and stairs that led to an opening. This one was larger and plainer than the others. It was plain grass with a few fruit trees lined up alongside the path. Ahead of them was a stone wall with guards stationed above it. There was a small portcullis as an opening in the wall, beyond it were the tips of spires. A castle within a castle, it was quite quaint to Luna at least.
“Make way for the King!” roared one of the guards. The Iron Gate lifted and the King trotted through whistling some nameless tune. As expected they were faced with another castle. Far smaller and more traditional than the larger one, being a square shape with five spires sticking out around it, though what surprised them all the most was the wonderful garden in front of them. It was made up of low hanging trees, bushes full of fruit and small bridges that allowed the stone path to move over the little artificial river that ran through the garden. Fluttershy glanced colourful fish dancing in the water. She made slight cooing noises as she passed and glanced some animals obscured by bushes not far from where they were. They made a direct right turn and came to a ridge. The group was surprised by what they found.
Below was a pool, at least as large as a small field. An artificial rock face pouring water into it at the furthest end of the pool. Alongside the edges of the pool were small stands with drinks upon them and flat sun chairs adjacent to them. Upon the chairs lay several striking mares who bore some resemblance to the Queen, stretched out taking on the evening sun. Some swam gracefully in the pool. Their gorgeous coats sparkling in the afternoon sun, their gently movements barely making ripples in the water. Some of them looked to the clearing and promptly waved as the group passed. The King smiled and offered a small wave.
“My daughters are inclined to enjoy the royal pool on days like these. Though, you all are, of course, also welcome to use it.” He winked at Rainbow Dash. He laughed as Rainbow reddened knowing now that he must have overheard her complaints earlier, his age had apparently dulled his hearing. “Anything of mine is yours for however long you may stay.” Pinkie waved furiously at the mares who returned the favour with glistening smiles.
“Hello!” bellowed Pinkie as she sported her trademark toothy grin. Luna rolled her eyes at the rather childish display. The rest of them were too embarrassed to look upon the beautiful daughters of the King who they had caught sunbathing. Luna had noticed that there was quite a few. At least eight girls, plus the son they had met at the train station and the various other sons the King mentioned that were stationed as governors or wards throughout the kingdom.
“I must admit, you have a lot of children, your Grace,” Luna said as she clicked her tongue.
“I have a very gorgeous wife, your Highness.” He shot a saucy look at his wife who kicked the back of his unguarded leg. He let out a gruff ‘oh’. “I suppose I deserved that.”
“We tend to have rather large families in Saddle Arabia,” the Queen answered more diplomatically.
“The Royal family must you see,” finished the King seeing that Luna’s question hadn’t really been answered. “Our alliances through marriage to other houses keeps my family strong, keep us from descending into civil wars like the Griffons. Ah, but enough about that. We are near now.”
After entering the new keep, they took a right up a flight of stone stairs, from the rather sparse entryway, that led to an upper area with various doors. The sigil of the king was an ever present throughout the keep though, between the rich décor of what the palace offered. The King waved his hoof.
“The Elements will be staying in the Tower of Lords,” he announced loudly. The group watched as many other horses rushed by, only pausing to bow slightly to their new guests. It made them bar Luna somewhat uncomfortable. They moved towards a door, near the end of the windowed hallways, embezzled with gold carvings dressing the length of a large door standing at almost ten feet. “It is one of our more spacious rooms.” He pushed the door open to reveal a massive circular room with couches and a large window that exited out onto a balcony. There were several doors that led out into individual rooms and in the centre was a spiral staircase that led up to an upper room that the King said was meant for Princess Twilight Sparkle.
“Now this is what I’m talking about,” said Rainbow Dash, who leapt onto one of the couches. She sighed as she sunk into, clearly pleased with herself. “Wow. Twilight why can’t you get stuff like this for the library?”
“Library?” The King bemusedly blurted out.
“Twilight lives in a library,” said Pinkie cheerily bouncing on the spot.
“Pinkie!” gasped Rarity, shocked that her friend couldn’t see the embarrassment she had caused Twilight.
“A library? You mean to say you have no castle?” the King eyed her warily, curiosity present on his face.
“Eh heh no,” she said, abashed.
“How…quaint, it is a most pleasant place to live, I must admit.” The King seemed unsure of his word as if still thinking about whether he truly approved or not. The moment passed and a gentle smile settled on his lips. “Scholar, Princess and warrior all in one, One must wonder what you can’t do, young Princess.” Twilight’s flush was all she could do to reply. He raised his head to address the rest of them.
“I hope you can all settle relatively quickly. I know how uncomfortable it can be to come to foreign lands you are unfamiliar with.” His words seemed somewhat directed to the quietest of the group, Fluttershy, who had been the only one unwilling to meet his eye. If you require anything, my servants are all eager to serve. Do not tally to long enjoying the luxuries that this castle provides, after-all, you are the guests of honour for the feast tonight.” After he had finished, he directly turned to Luna. “Now, Princess Luna with us, we have decided to place your room near ours.” He assumed that Luna would not respond and would merely follow, having already reached the doors.
“May I ask why I have been assigned a separate room?”
The moment Luna asked it, she grimaced. It was poor wording on her part. Of course, they would have assumed that Luna wanted a separate room. She had no discernible connection to the elements outside of being friends. It wasn’t like she was dating one of them. At least to the king’s knowledge. She let out a sigh as the King responded.
“Well, I assumed that perhaps as the most senior of your attaché that you would enjoy your own personal room,” said the King quite taken aback. “And the privacy it entails if there is a problem I can arrange-”
“No,” huffed Luna firmly. She quickly softened her tone. “No, I meant nothing by it, you are of course right.” Luna gritted her teeth. Frustration was not something Luna dealt well with. She donned a mask of a smile. “It has been a long journey, forgive me.” The two monarchs nodded and said no more. “Lead the way.” Luna followed that her eye caught Twilight’s for the briefest moment. To the others, Luna’s mouth had merely twitched but to Twilight the subtle motion was enough to show Luna’s discomfort. Twilight smiled doing little more than shrugging her shoulders. Luna let out a huff before leaving. Twilight rolled her eyes and turned to her friends.
“Oh well, take care friends,” the King called from outside of the room. They watched as Luna and the two leaders disappeared around a corner. Rarity was quick to inspect each of the chambers. Before the others could settled she approached Twilight.
“Why darling this place is magnificent. And I thought Canterlot was extravagant,” she swooned.
“Gotta admit, it is mighty fancy,” quipped Applejack jumping on the couches, feeling for the springs.
“It’s quite…nice,” whispered Fluttershy.
“Nice dear?” declared Rarity incredulous, stomping towards Fluttershy. “This is beyond nice, this is…magical,” she cooed light as she spun as her friends looked on, confusion on their faces.
“Uh,” said Fluttershy.
“Well, you know what this calls for...a PARTY!!!” screamed Pinkie, there was a roar as a blast of confetti showered the room. Pinkie smiled as she leaned over her infamous party cannon. The wave of part decoration covered the once clean room, engrossing it in a wave of startling pink and yellow and a swarm of balloons of various colours. Rarity stood aghast at the madness Pinkie had unleashed.
“Pinkie! What have you done?” cried Rarity. She quickly tried to gather up some of the confetti that hung from the ornate lamps and pieces of furniture of the room.
“Dibs on the pool!” hollered Pinkie, completely ignoring the unicorn’s protests as she leapt up in the air surrounded by swim gear and inflatables. She disappeared quickly in a flash of pink as soon as she appeared, causing Cherilee’s mane to fly up as she went. A moment later, there was a stark cry of shock and the loud splash of water emanating from the open balcony door. Pinkie’s distinctive giggle heard from a chorus of laughs outside. Rainbow Dash shot up, lifting herself into the air before flying off at speed.
“Pinkie wait for me!”
“Rainbow Dash!” shouted Rarity, who was enraged that her attempt to clean the mess was disrupted by a gust of wind that followed her friend. The rest of them could only laugh. It was certainly going to be an interesting week.