Celestia slammed her hoof down on the desk of her sister, her aide Quick Quill standing at the princess’ side with her clipboard floating in her magic’s aura. A faint smile was playing across Quill’s lips as the taller princess stared at her sister who was impassively drinking from her teacup, her expression evidently amused as the threstal idly adjusted the stack of scrolls behind the desk before looking back up.
“What is the meaning of this? I have reports of dozens of these letters spreading across the country! A vast majority of the populace is under the impression that this is an elaborate prank.” Celestia took the letter that Quill handed her, putting it on the desk with a bit more force than necessary. She jabbed a hoof at it, indicating the last passage. “And what is this about a school? You said nothing about a school being opened in your name!”
“How in the name of Equestria did you miss that, sister?” Luna questioned, her eyebrow raised in confusion. Night Shade wordlessly slid a folder across the desk to rest between the two, the contents facing Celestia. “These are papers you signed three months ago and approved the zoning, permits, alongside everything else needed for this project.”
Celestia raised the paper to read it, scanning it quickly and her eyes widening slightly as she realized it had been something she had indeed approved. Her eye twitched as she set the paper down, taking a slow breath and looking at her sister with a bit of annoyance. “So instead of searching Canterlot for your hidden diamond, you have invited the whole of Equestria? Do you have any idea of how many ponies are going to migrate here?!”
“As for the moment, there is… one hundred and fifty seven.” Luna replied after consulting an offered sheet of paper. “We’ve already made arrangements for housing a thousand ponies and using the Wonderbolt stadium for the our examinations. When we’ve eliminated a large portion of the attendees, we’ll be moving to the school and give out the written exam the next day. Trust me, sister. Planning is my area of expertise.”
“What about housing? For the ponies that end up staying here in Canterlot during the time?” Celestia questioned, annoyed as Quill perused the documents before her, eyes flickering behind her glasses. “It's going to make a mess of the economy and you know it.”
“Blueblood has graciously reserved several hotels for our guests, even promising to handle the costs of feeding them.” Luna offered her sister a sincere smile and slid another document across the desk. “As I’ve said: everything is under control, sister.”
“Blueblood?” Celestia bit back a scoff, her lips curling.slightly at the name. “Arrogant and self-involved who has offended the Element of Generosity Blueblood? That same Blueblood?”
“By graciously, I meant that he’s doing it whether he wants to or not. Power of true royalty means I can convince our nephew to do things that could show his support for his loving aunts.” Luna’s eyes narrowed at the veiled contempt, her ears flicking slightly. “He’s volunteered of his own whim in an attempt to turn over a new leaf, sister. The boy deserves a chance to prove himself a better pony. Give him that chance to help me find my student.”
The princess of the sun opened her mouth to voice some other concern but after a few moments, she closed her mouth and glanced at Quill who seemed impressed with the documents, handing them off to Night Shade. The tan unicorn nodded to the threstal, the batpony nodding in return before arranging her papers once again. Quill and Celestia’s eyes met, the aide offering a reassuring smile.
“It seems my concerns were for nothing then…” Celestia conceded, raising her chin and looking at her sister. The day had concluded for her but she had made time to approach her sister to address the issue of her school. She hadn’t been ready for Luna to be so prepared for this undertaking if she was being honest with herself, Celestia frowned internally. “I shall leave you to it then. My apologies for not trusting your judgement.”
“Thank you for your concern, sister but I have this well under control.”
As the white alicorn moved to the door, Celestia paused and looked over her shoulder with a knowing grin. Turning slightly to face her sister, the diarch cleared her throat and drew the pair’s attention. She raised the small scroll from Ponyville and gave it a toss onto the desk. Luna glanced at it with a raised eyebrow before looking at her sibling, the question unasked.
“Twilight sends her thanks for the chance to study under you or at least that's what I could surmise from her frantic scrawling.” She hid a smile as Luna’s eyes widened in surprise, lifting the scroll in her magic and tearing the ribbon off. Celestia turned and exited the room, a chuckle escaping her as she heard Luna hiss loudly with Night Shade jumping and responding in a sharp chirp.
“I told you not to send her one, Night Shade!” Luna growled, her ears flicked back as she scanned over the scroll. It was habit for the two to speak in the language of the threstals when alone in her study to prevent any eavesdroppers from hearing anything particularly private. “What part of that didn’t you understand?”
“I didn’t, Princess Luna, I swear! I double checked and the only former student of Celestia’s on the list was Sunset Shimmer, as you instructed.” Night Shade chirped back, frantically digging out her notes and setting down the list, spreading her notes with across the desk. The pair dug down the list with experienced speed, eyes flying across the neatly written words before the threstal slammed down her sheet, indicating Twilight’s name that had been crossed off the list.
“See?! I even had her list crossed off as I was instructing the messengers on where to send them.” Night Shade’s chirping had become a bit warbled as her panic began to become evident, her wings fluttering slightly with her restlessness. “I’ve never made this kind of mistake before… How could I do this…?”
“Breath, Night Shade.” Luna instructed calmly, placing a hoof on Night Shade’s shoulder as the threstal was on the verge of hyperventilating. Her blue eyes locked onto Night Shade’s golden ones, holding her companion’s gaze steady. ”You’ve never failed me before and I doubt that you suddenly forgotten a simple instruction. For now,look at me, focus on my voice and slow your breathing. That’s it… In and out…”
Their eyes remained locked for the next few minutes as the threstal’s breath slowed and steadied, her wings ceasing their nervous twitching and resting firmly against her sides. When Night Shade finally nodded, Luna withdrew her hoof and offered a gentle smile before returning her attention to the scroll, her expression inscrutable as she looked from Twilight’s letter and the list of names.
“So what would you like me to do?” Night Shade asked, her voice still a tad shaky as she lifted her clipboard and her quill at the ready. “Would you like me to contact her and tell her that there was some sort of mistake in her receiving letter?”
“Do not worry about it overmuch.” Luna replied, simply folding the letter shut and gathering the list of recipients in her magic. Aligning them with a sharp rap on her desk, the Night Princess set them aside and gave Night Shade an amused smile. “It’d be rude to rescind the offer even if it was an accident. I’m sure some political storm would arise from inviting every other pony in Equestria save for the Princess of Friendship afterall.”
“I see. You are my princess after all and your word is the one we shall follow.” Night Shade returned the stack to her folder, pausing as a revelation hit her. “But she’s the Element of Magic. Won’t she completely ace the practical and written exams?”
Luna chuckled, her horn glowing as an object shimmered into existence and settling gently on the wooden surface of her desk. “Even young Twilight as accomplished and as learned as she is won’t be able to pass the real test…”
Night Shade gazed at the marble sized orb, her sharp canines appearing as she chuckled herself. “Perhaps it's not fair to use something like that. She is an alicorn as well herself and fully capable of handling that.”
“Oh, I agree completely, Night Shade. The last time I saw her however, she was still using her unicorn magic. Otherwise, the tale of her confrontation with Starlight Glimmer would have been over in an instant if she exercised her full might.” Luna whisked the orb away with another flash of light, resting her chin on her hoof as she pored over the deeds of the land for her school. “She still thinks like a unicorn even if her body is adapting to the change but Twilight has to mentally overcome that barrier to reach for the might that is the domain of alicorns.”
“And if she succeeds?” Night Shade questioned simply, her expression emotionless. “What then?”
“She won’t. But on the off chance that she does, she’ll be accepted for selection. Otherwise, we should not be concerned…” Luna replied softly, closing her eyes as she slipped into the sleeping world. “And against Sunset Shimmer, I’d say she’s outmatched in creativity…”
A few days later, the pair were accompanied to the site of the school by Blueblood, who had a small gaggle of nobles with him who had taken an interest in the notion of Luna’s school. The Princess felt a smile touched her lips at the sight of the building, the academy painted in swathes of deep blue and rich violet that grew steadily darker as it reached the large spires, emulating the night sky. Her keen eyes picked out the observatory that she had requested for the night studies, the princess taking to the skies with a quick flap of her wings to assess it for herself. The sound of wingbeats behind her informed her that Night Shade had followed her without hesitation, the threstal showing no discomfort in the bright noon sun.
Landing lightly on the open space on the roof, the alicorn trotted in a careful circle around the roof, noting the railing height and the space for the nearly three dozen ponies to comfortably sit and observe the stars. Luna nodded appreciatively at the work before indicating for Night Shade to follow her inside, unlocking the door and holding it open for the two of them.
The interior was simple and smelled of fresh paint, the floors immaculate as the duo trotted, looking around as they explored the building. From ceiling to floor, it was painted cyan that progressed into indigo at the baseboards, giving off the impression of a looming night coming over the horizon. Night Shade chirped appreciatively as Luna opened a door to one of the classrooms, taking a moment to get a feel for the room.
“I hope we have enough applicants…” Luna chuckled out loud, her voice echoing slightly in the empty room. “Otherwise, we’re going to have a beautiful academy, plenty of students but no teachers.”
“Speaking of applicants…” Night Shade pulled a list from her bags, flicking it open and offering it to her princess. “There are a few threstal applicants from the Strider family, offering to teach the history of the threstal race and our culture. I’ve arranged a meeting for later today so you could get a feel for their expertise on the matter.”
“Sounds reasonable. It’d be good however to put the new students at ease with a few races they’re familiar with. Do we have any unicorns interested in teaching the arts of the night?” Luna took the note and pulled the door shut as they continued down the hall, reaching the stairs and taking them at a leisurely pace while the alicorn browsed the scroll.
“Actually, yes. There was a letter from a unicorn who goes by the name of… oh. Nevermind, that’s a prank letter from Discord.” Night Shade crumbled up the dancing paper and stuffed it back in her bag before withdrawing a neatly folded letter, the threstal opening it and perusing it. “Let's see here… ah, yes. A unicorn by the name of Moondancer and she comes with a few letters of recommendation from her teachers at Celestia’s school alongside a very, very generous letter from Twilight Sparkle…” Night Shade offered, sparing a glance at her princess as they reached the first floor. Luna’s gaze flicked to her aide, a slight nod indicating that she should continue.
“Evidently she’s learned in the theory of three branches of shadow manipulation…interesting, considering how little the public is concerned with that side. She wrote a thesis on the benefits of umbra magic recently and is evidently working on expanding her knowledge. Best of all, she lives here in Canterlot if you so wish to interview her in the future.”
“Well, I am interested in any pony that made the effort to look into obscure magic branches.” Luna folded up the scroll and returned it to Night Shade as they reached the entrance hall where Blueblood was listening to the dean that Luna had appointed to run her school, the rest of his group idly exploring the first floor and speaking in hushed voices. Assuming the unicorn was the one to let Blueblood’s group in, Luna stepped into the light with Night Shade trailing beside her.
“Ah, your Highness!” The mare cantered forward, bowing deeply before straightening up and fixing her glasses. Indigo Velvet looked nervous, even in her new vest and brushed mane, her hooves bouncing lightly. “I was wondering if Prince Blueblood had come with his group in your stead but I’m glad you’re here!”
“As am I, Indigo. I’m glad you accepted the position and have already gotten to work.” Luna smiled warmly at the unicorn who blushed slightly and adjusted her glasses again, the princess assuming it was a nervous habit of hers. She had been in charge of a respectable independent academy for fifteen years and had passed along her application the day the letters had been sent.
Between her and the others that had applied, Luna had settled on Indigo for two facts she had learned about the unicorn. She was a ‘by the book’ sort but was known to bend when needed while her general handling was a tough but fair stance, treating ponies the same regardless of their background. These two traits combined with Indigo’s experience resulted in a stern but honest pony that was the kind of authority Luna was looking for. Time would tell whether she made the right choice.
The bluish grey unicorn was currently wearing a vest that spoke of her professionalism while exuding an area of casualness about her that Luna found pleasing. Her mane was combed to the side with the back of her hair wrapped in a simple ponytail, tucked away from her magenta eyes. Her glasses were adorned with a thick black frame but other than that, Indigo seemed to be every bit the professional Luna hoped she would be.
“Now then, is there anything about the school I should know?” Luna asked politely as the others gathered around, politely keeping quiet as the diarch spoke. “I’ve seen the observatory and gotten a feel for the classrooms which is lacking at the moment for furniture. I presume that’s on its way?”
“Of course, your Highness.” The dean nodded a bit too vigorously, her glasses slipping a bit down her muzzle. “They should be delivered this weekend alongside the books you forwarded to my home. Then it’s a simple matter of finding staff for the students that apply and we can open the school next month. I’ve received a copy of your applicants from… Night Fade, was it?”
“Night Shade, ma’am.” The threstal corrected with a smile, taking care to keep her teeth covered.
“My apologies.”
“If possible, we’d like to help conduct these interviews.” Luna added, indicating herself, her aide and Blueblood, who looked startled for a brief moment before hiding his surprise with a lazy smirk of self assured confidence. “I don’t want the teachers to get the impression that I’m simply opening a school and leaving them to handle the work without a proper consultant.”
“Oh! O-of course, your Highness! Whatever you think is best. It is your school after all.” Indigo chuckled nervously, her eyes flicking between Night Shade and Blueblood. “I would recommend waiting for the interviews until next week when the school has been furnished, give the impression that this is a serious venture and not a waste of their time.”
“A sound suggestion, don’t you think, Auntie?” Blueblood piped up, his group murmuring their agreements. “At this point, it looks little more than a pretty building, if you don’t mind me saying.”
Luna fixed her “nephew” with a stern look, sending a faint shiver through his group at his courage for saying such a thing. Indigo looked at the two, biting her lower lip and fidgeting slightly before clearing her throat in an attempt to diffuse the situation. The group turned their attention back to the dean, the unicorn’s cheeks tinted with a faint blush.
“W-well, back on subject, your Highness and gentlecolts… If you’d follow me, I show you around.” The unicorn began trotting down the hall, Luna stepping behind her after another short glance at Blueblood. Night Shade passed by him as well, deliberately flicking his nose with her tail before the other half dozen ponies fell in step behind them.
The dean paused halfway down the hall, pulling out a keyring and unlocking a set of double doors to lead the group inside. Holding the doors open, Indigo trotted into the large lecture hall and adjusted her glasses by hoof before speaking.
“This floor is dedicated to lectures and standard classes with the largest being converted into the library. Some of the construction went into going into the library have a second floor and making it accessible from upstairs as well.” Indigo stated proudly, waving a hoof over the hall. “We can head there next if you like. The shelves arrived sooner than we expected but I’ve arranged for the books you donated to be delivered next week. We’ll need a librarian as well to handle the books and everything there as well.”
One of the other nobles stepped forward, brushing her mane aside before speaking with a haughty but warm voice. “I have a niece who works in the Canterlot Public Archives and would be delighted in helping an academy library up and running. If you like Lady Indigo and Princess Luna, I can ask her on your behalf..."
* * *
“And what of Princess Celestia’s school, your Majesty? Surely this new school will detract from your applicants if the entrance exams aren’t up to snuff!” One of the nobles, Celestia failed to attach a name to his face, the advisors around her all wearing varying expressions of annoyance at the revelation of her sister opening up a school. She knew their pride was stung from the announcement of it allowing anypony to apply as well as being open to all races to study, something Celestia had never considered at the time of founding her own school…
“I understand your concern but my sister has always had an interest in ponies that are different or often overlooked. If she uncovers some hidden talent amongst the common ponies, then the school won’t be a waste.” Celestia answered with an even tone, Quill at her side and carefully recording the meeting wordlessly, her eyes impassive as she looked from one speaker to the next.
“And how long will we be waiting until such time to see the results, Princess?” Fancy Pants asked politely, breaking his silence for the first time in half an hour. “I’ve ever bit of faith in you and your sister but you can’t just expect somepony of note to simply spring up because Fate or Faust demands it. Life simply doesn’t work that way.”
“While you have a valid point, Fancy, I must disagree.” Gazes moved to the right side of the room where the currently presiding Captain of Canterlot’s Guards sat. Silver Shield betrayed nothing as he straightened his glass of water. He wasn’t as large as the previous stallion had been but his experience and exploits during the invasion had made him an easy choice to succeed Shining Armor.
In a matter of months, Celestia had him welcomed into her circle of advisors and his words were rare on state matters but when he spoke, others often listened despite their opinions on him. So for him to speak up meant what he had to say was likely something of worth for the ponies assembled.
“In my time serving in the Guard and her Majesty in the past few years, I’ve come to the conclusion of one simple thing: nothing in this land ever goes right. The 1000 year Summer Festival, the Gala, Discord’s imprisonment, Princess Cadance’s wedding, the reappearance of the Crystal Empire, the Equestrian games, Tirek’s escape, and last but not least, the situation in the Crystal Empire earlier this year.
“Given those circumstances, it's not out of the realm of possibility that a pony will simply materialize from the Aether to be chosen to be as Princess Luna’s student.” The unicorn looked up from his cup and realized how much was attention was being directed his way, turning to look at Princess Celestia to avoid making eye contact with the rest.
“You’re right.” Celestia replied, pretending to ponder over what to do on the matter so that her advisors would get the impression that their input mattered in the long run, a somewhat cruel but necessary charade to let them think she needed anypony’s advice. Pulling her hoof away from her chin, she rested her forelegs against the table edge and sighed.
“The most we can do is wish my sister luck and offer up a prayer that things don’t go awry. And when they do, that will be Princess Luna’s responsibility.” The alicorn held up a hoof to stave off the protests, a few having rose to their hooves. “She asked me to trust her and to let her conduct this as she sees fit. If the rest of Equestria is to continue to accept my rule, then they must defer to my judgement. In this case, Princess Luna has complete oversight of this project and if you have an issue with her methods, bring it up with her during the next Night Court.”
Celestia waited a pause as the group looked at each before the majority of them sighed visibly, sounds of affirmation escaping them. Silver Shield’s gaze hadn’t dropped from the princess, the stallion looking a tad… concerned? What did he have to be concerned about? His job was to follow orders and offer advice that she may or may not take into consideration.
“This meeting is adjourned.”