//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: A Formal Affair // Story: Shield and Shadow Part 1: Rise and Fall // by LucidReverie //------------------------------// Boredom. Spring Mist sat at a table in one of the conference rooms in the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. His evening had been nothing but boredom – a meeting with the Head Scholars to report the discovery of the new star, and now he was struggling through a ‘party’ celebrating the discovery. A party it really wasn’t. More like a gathering of ponies who chose to stay within their own little social circles. The Princesses were expected to arrive in a few minutes, but the seconds could not tick away slower. Caramel Tart had abandoned him to speak to a few other ponies. ‘Mingle' she said, Mist thought to himself, ‘It’ll be fun’ she said. Well, actually she did say it would be boring, Mist. Mist groaned, unwilling to lose an argument to himself. He stood up and stretched out his legs, looking at his apparel: fine scholar’s robes, a royal blue instead of the usual grey, and his newly-crafted medallion, the meteorite gem mounted within. Caramel Tart had had it made that very day. In fact, the speed with which the gathering was organized and the medallion crafted astonished Mist, who could scarcely believe that mere hours ago he was moving his belongings into the tower with Brilliant Bloom. Looking around the room, Mist saw small clusters of ponies conversing about Celestia-knows-what. Off to the side of the room was a small hors d’oeuvres table. Mist decided that now was as good a time as any to grab a small bite to eat. There were little cupcakes and sweet rolls, vegetables, fruits, quiches, and several other items that Mist could not begin to identify. Being of the ‘cultural elite’ was not in his usual comfort zone. Mist picked up a few grapes and a slice of spinach quiche and returned to his table. Picking at the foodstuffs provided some respite from the dull aching that was this ‘party’. Mist looked toward Caramel Tart and caught her eye, shooting her a glare. She just smiled and nodded in direction of the main door into the room. There, in all their radiance, stood the Princesses. Soon the room collectively turned its gaze in that direction and bowed in one fluid motion. “Good evening,” Princesses Celestia and Luna said together. The room sounded in unison, “Good evening, Your Majesties.” The Princesses walked to the head of the room, where a larger table was placed. Only when they took their seats did the room rise from the bow. Mist watched as both moved across the room and seated themselves. Neither seemed to change much in the public eye – Princess Celestia wore a slight smile on an otherwise stoic face, while Princess Luna made little attempt to hide her apparent unhappiness. Having never received an answer, Mist was left to wonder just why Princess Luna seemed so downtrodden. “Please, enjoy this evening,” said Princess Celestia with a smile, “And may we see the guest of honor, please?” Everypony in the room froze. Mist stared blankly, not registering what had just been said. Caramel Tart trotted up next to him and announced, “Your Majesties, may I present the guest of honor, Spring Mist.” She then nudged Mist forward, following closely. The rest of the room returned to the hubbub of before. Mist approached the table at which the Princesses were seated, immediately prostrating himself before them. “Please, rise,” Mist heard Princess Celestia say. Rising, he caught a glimpse of Princess Luna eyeing his medallion, but her gaze quickly averted. “Spring Mist, I remember you,” Princess Celestia continued, breaking her formal mask immediately, “Though weren’t you a city guard looking for a position in the Royal Night Guard when last we met?” Mist nodded, “Indeed I was, though circumstances allowed me to pursue my academic dreams after I was not accepted.” “Indeed?” Princess Celestia inquired, “What circumstances were those, if you do not mind the question?” “Not at all Your Majesty. I was the fortunate to discover a new star in the night sky, and I was part of the team investigating the recent meteorite impact.” Caramel Tart popped in, “Excuse me, but I would rather say that Mist’s interest in the night sky was what led him to discover the new star. And his tenacity what allowed him to be part of the investigation team.” Mist blushed slightly, “I was just blessed, Your Majesties,” he said quietly. “What have you decided to name the star?” Princess Luna asked meekly, changing the subject suddenly. Mist glanced at Caramel Tart, who just smiled and gestured to speak, “We actually have two names for it, Your Majesty. One is the more serious name ‘Umbra’, while the other is something of an inside joke between Caramel Tart and myself.” “And what is the other name?” “Um, heh, ‘Star’.” “’Star’?” Princess Luna asked, almost seeming offended. “Yes, Your Majesty,” Caramel Tart interjected, “We thought it would be interesting to run a long-term experiment, naming the star something absurd and seeing how long the name lasts. Of course, neither of us will be able to see the results, but we still thought it would be fun.” Princess Celestia laughed slightly, “I cannot wait to see the results. Come the next thousand years, I wonder what shall come of such a name.” Princess Luna remained silent. Mist shifted awkwardly. “Apologies for the digression, but what is that medallion you are wearing, Ser Mist?” Princess Celestia asked quickly. Mist looked at the medallion around his neck, “Well, it was… found. In the meteorite. Caramel Tart thought I should have it.” “Really? In the meteorite? How interesting. And you said Caramel Tart had it made?” “No, Your Majesty. It was found like this. Caramel Tart only had it set into the base. It was found already cut.” “Tell us about the meteorite,” Princess Celestia urged. “It was most strange. The area where it landed seemed mostly undamaged, no broken ground, no burning trees, just a large but smooth indentation. The object itself has been quite an interesting study. It was almost perfectly round, made from some dark stone, and it had an inscription carved into it. Ancient Equestrian.” “Honestly, Princess, it seemed an awful lot like an ancient legend,” Caramel Tart added, “I don’t necessarily believe in the legend, but I thought it an appropriate sentiment.” Mist looked towards Princess Luna, who wore a look of guilt and distance. She was saying nothing, but hiding everything. Mist wondered what she was thinking. “I assume it the ‘old legend’ of the Gift of the Immortals?” Princess Celestia asked. “The same, Your Majesty.” “I can tell you that such an idea was not always a legend. Some ponies did receive gifts from powerful beings that took an interest in them or their actions. Such a practice has since fallen into obscurity, though.” Caramel Tart cocked her head, “So the legends are true, then?” “Indeed they are. But again, they have fallen out of practice. For various and sundry reasons.” “So do you think there could be an explanation? Or is it just a fascinating coincidence?” Caramel Tart asked. Princess Celestia smiled, “There are very few coincidences in life, Caramel. You know that. There are always some great powers at work.” Caramel nodded knowingly, “Of course, Princess.” Mist looked between the two, trying to figure out what they meant. Caramel Tart caught Mist’s look, and gave a brief shake of her head before continuing, “Any thoughts then, Princess?” Princess Celestia looked ponderous, “Truthfully, I have only ideas. What of you, my dear sister?” They all looked toward Princess Luna, who had remained silent through most of the conversation. Now she shied away, almost afraid to speak. Nonetheless, she answered softly “Perhaps one of these ‘immortals’ took an interest and wished to convey that message.” Princess Celestia nodded, “A very likely possibility. However, the nature of the gift seems to elude us, and no clues have been left that would allow us to guess at just who sent the gift. It may just remain a mystery.” Caramel Tart just acknowledged the statement, “Of course. It’s regretful, but not everything can be answered I suppose.” “Always the case. Even we do not have all of the answers,” Princess Celestia said, almost wanly. “Mmm. Well, thank you, Your Majesties, for your time. I am afraid I must return to the party, duty calls. You know how it goes, Princess,” Caramel Tart said, dismissing herself from the conversation. Princess Celestia nodded, “Of course, Caramel. As always it has been a pleasure.” Mist was unsure of what to do, whether to stay or follow Caramel Tart. His dilemma was solved however, when Princess Celestia spoke again, “Spring Mist, I would like a word if you don’t mind. Sister, we shall return shortly.” Princess Luna nodded as Mist looked at Caramel Tart, who nodded as she walked away. “Of course, Your Majesty,” Mist followed as Princess Celestia stood and walked to a corner of the room, leaving Princess Luna behind. Mist glanced back to the blue Princess before being sucked into conversation. I need to speak to her.