Chapter Eleven: Childe Twilight to Canterlot Came
Most days on the Canterlot Castle’s landing pad were lazy ones, and why shouldn’t they be? Aside from pegasi garbed in gilded armor, air traffic around the castle was nonexistent. Of course there was the occasional dignitary who would fly in from lands beyond the horizon, but they were few and far between --flying contraptions were a priceless commodity, and most of these distant visitors found travel by train to be a more peaceful mode of transportation. The sizzling strip of tarmac was practically a graveyard. Despite its lack of excitement, the Canterlot landing pad remained a wonderful place for young, ambitious ponies within the castle staff to prove their obedience, tenacity, and gumption. It was also a great place to tuck away old, disgruntled workers who had just been around the grander of Canterlot Castle for far too long. However, as princess Twilight Sparkle’s hot air balloon began to sink through the soft ceiling of clouds, life surged like a riptide onto the landing strip. Ponies in bright orange vests scrambled one way and then another, a few even collided into each other with the force of a runaway carriage. Orders were shouted out in rabid precession, the voices of those in charge rising above the scrabble like the twittering of some strange songbird.
One pony, a wide eyed mare, rushed off from the tarmac as if her tail had been set aflame. She was making a bee-line towards Princess Celestia’s study. Her heart performed somersaults at the thought of telling the benevolent princess the good news: that her beloved student had finally arrived! Of course, the wall of muscle and steel standing guard outside the Princesses’ study would be there to crush the young mare’s enthusiasm. Other ponies, those much more level headed, were dragging out bundles of rope to anchor the balloon once it drew close enough.
With ends knotted into fine loops, the ropes flew through the air and made to seize the hooks embedded into the baskets sides. Every single one flew true, finding its target with practiced ease --one particular cowpony aboard the balloon found herself rather impressed by this smooth display of skill. It took a considerable amount of exertion, sweat, and grit, but eventually the balloon was secure enough for its passengers to make an exit.
“You’re good, Princess!” A stallion called from behind the line of ponies struggling with their rope. “You all can get out now!”
Twilight Sparkle hopped heedlessly over the side of the basket and found her excitement turn to terror in a moment’s notice. As her hooves met stone, she felt her equilibrium totter and then give. A scream rose to her throat as she stumbled forward a few steps, but was quieted by numerous hooves that reached out to steady her. Twilight was surrounded by at least a dozen or so ponies who would sooner cast a stone through a stained glass window than to allow Equestria’s newest princess to fall flat on her face.
“Thank you so much,” Twilight said, flushing fiercely, then added, “I’m so sorry, I know we’re a bit ahead of schedule, but I guess that I’m just so excited to be back.”
The stallion who had called out a moment prior approached the princess, regarding her almost reverently. To Twilight he appeared to be of the gruff sort. His receding mane crept back up his skull and his coat looked as coarse as sandpaper. One jubilant eye met Twilight’s while the other lay hidden behind an old eyepatch. Boy, I can only guess how that happened.
“No thanks necessary, Princess, it’s our duty and our delight. Ain’t that right, everypony?” As boisterous and as chaotic as the landing strip was, the stallion’s question was met with a hearty “Aye, sir!” that seemed to slice through all the noise. The adulation that accompanied that single, harmonious “Aye!” was enough to make Twilight’s cheeks turn an even darker shade of crimson.
“I take it you’re in change here?” There was a hint of hesitation in the Princess’s voice as she dared to ask the question. Twilight found herself more than a little intimidated by the almost roguish pony before her and she feared that her emotions might just betray her. Much to her relief, the bristly muzzle of the stallion tightened into a warm smile and the wings on his back ruffled with pride.
“Yes, ma’am, the name’s Skylord. Been tending to the Castle’s balloons since I was a wee lad.” If this was true, Twilight wondered how she had never heard of him till now and not when she first acquired her own balloon. Then again, Princess Celestia had been adamant about teaching Twilight the basics of hot air balloon control and maintenance herself. Oh well, I guess that doesn’t matter now.
“It’s a pleasure, Skylord. I believe Princess Celestia wanted to speak with me as soon as I arrived, correct?”
“Yes, ma’am! I just sent a greenhorn to--” Skylord chuckled nervously as he corrected himself. “I mean, I just sent a cadet to inform the Princess now.”
“Thank you,” Twilight said graciously. She squirmed with embarrassment as Skylord gave her a low bow, low enough that the dark tumbles of his mane tickled the cracked tarmac below.
Turning back to the balloon, she saw that the other ponies crammed into the balloon’s basket were still climbing out one at a time, and at a much more cautious pace than Twilight’s own speedy departure. The first to follow Twilight had been her oldest, and probably dearest, friend. The young dragon was always close to Twilight’s side and now was no different. He looked up at the mare, his eyes alit with mischievous delight.
“Boy, that guy looks like he’s seen better days, huh Twilight?” Spike chuckled once Skylord had left them to oversee the ponies under his command. What was probably intended to raise a laugh or two actually earned a rather stern look from the alicorn. The tiny dragon turned bashful under that gaze and hastily apologized.
“So girls,” Twilight beamed at the mares who had ridden with her, “How are all of you feeling?” The majority of her friends were busy stretching out the kinks in their cramped legs and chattering excitedly to each other. Conversation broke at the sound of Twilight’s voice, but the excitement remained.
“Oh, darling, I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Rarity sang, her perfectly set mane fighting hard to retain its shape in the harsh winds sweeping by. There were quite a few times when she had to brush the unruly thing from her face, but this usual peeve went completely unnoticed. Her eyes were alight with the same electricity bubbling deep in Twilight’s stomach.
“After months of working tirelessly, practically to exhaustion, I’m nearly beside myself for a refreshing change of pace. Maybe I’ll even get a chance to stop by that new boutique that opened on Main Street!” An elated squee cut her words short as she pranced in place. “Do you know when the last time I got the chance to stop and soak up some inspiration was?” When no one answered Rarity, she did herself. “Me either! It must be ages!”
“Um… Rarity, I hope ya’ realize we ain’t here on vacation,” Applejack said, somehow maintaining a stoic expression as she fought to keep her hat on her head.
Rarity waved a hoof at her southern drawling friend. “I know that, darling, but must our time here be completely buisness? I’d say with all the work we’ve put into helping rebuild Ponyville, we deserve a break from all the gloom and doom. Just a tiny one, at least! Besides, now that things are getting back on track, I should really start filling my head up with new ideas and designs. What good will I be to anypony if I open the doors to the Carousel Boutique and I find out that my skills have gotten all rusty and stale?” Twilight had to stifle a giggle when Applejack just rolled her eyes. Even with all the time they shaved down by taking the hot air balloon, it seemed that the apple farmer’s patience had been strained by the fashionista's constant babble. The only other who had been as excited was Twilight. The two mares had practically veered the balloon off course with their gale of jabber.
Fluttershy edged closer towards the two mares, both now wearing contrasting expressions of delight and annoyance, her weak smile framed by a curtain of pink mane. “Actually Applejack, I agree with Rarity.” Her fragile voice was nearly drowned out by all the commotion raging about, but her friends were able to make her out with strained ears.
“It’s been so long since I’ve been able to get my critters something special, and now is the perfect-- eeyp!” The words curdled into a scream as a rainbow colored streak of lightning struck touched down right next to her. Every pony nearby had to shield their eyes from all the dust and gravel kicked up by the speeding pegasi’s staunch landing.
“Really, Rainbow Dash, don’t you think you could be a tad more considerate before just crash landing into a crowd of ponies?” Rarity asking scoldingly, cradling the cream colored pony who had leapt into her outstretched forelegs. “What if you had landed on one of these nice ponies taking care of the balloon? Or us, for that matter. We’d have been flattened into a pony pancake!”
Then, to the trembling pegasi she held, Rarity cooed, “It’s alright now, Fluttershy, it was just Rainbow Dash. No need to be afraid…” After one last sideways glance to her newly arrived friend, she added, “At least, I hope not.”
Fluttershy allowed herself to peek through the pink veil shrouding her face, a task that took not small amount of effort, then gave a sheepish, apologetic smile. “Oh, right… T-thanks, Rarity.”
Rainbow Dash sighed and rolled her magenta eyes in an eerily similar fashion as Applejack. “I’m sorry, but you guys have been taking forever. To pass time I’ve been doing laps around the battlements.” She giggled impishly at this. “You should’ve seen the look on some of those guards faces. Thay haven’t ever seen a pegasus that can book it like me. Them slowpokes are still probably searching for me arround the eastern battlement.” That giggle turned into a cackle.
It was at this moment a great pink bundle of energy bounded from the basket to Rainbow Dash’s side, practically dancing on her hooves. “Oh, how many laps did you do? Wait, don’t tell me…” The energy exhuming from the pink party pony tapered off only long enough for her to raise a hoof to her chin and think, but it came right back with bitter vengeance. “Fifty? No… Sixty?” Every time Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to say the answer, Pinkie Pie would blurt out an even higher number.
Twilight watched her friends ramble from a few paces away, smiling to herself as she did so. The next week was going to be life changing, not only for her, but for all of Equestria as well. If there was ever a moment to go down in the Equestrian history books, it would be the Landsmeet. Twilight was just happy, more than anything, to have her friends along with her for support and comfort in the grand venture to come. Even if being back in Canterlot washed her in a wave of nostalgia, she reminded herself that it would be her friends that would get her through the challenging days ahead, not the city. They would be her anchor through the turbulent waters that were Equestrian politics.
The approach of two new ponies pulled Twilight from her thoughts and her friends from their amiable banter. The ambitious greenhorn who had rushed off only moments ago was making her return, though looking a bit crestfallen (the guard stationed outside Celestia’s study had been adamant that the mare remain in the hall while he passed on the splendid news). She did not return alone, however. Leading her along was a mare dressed in a prim, crisp uniform of black silk and ivory frills. It was the uniform of a maid. The royal insignia pinned to her dress shimmered proudly from its place on her chest, bringing life and color to the otherwise starch outfit.
“P-princess,” the mare said, her prudish Canterlot accent quivering on her lips. “What a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance. I am Chasset, head mare over the Canterlot staff. On behalf of everypony under Celestia’s service, I bid you and your friends a warm welcome to Canterlot.”
Chasset was a mare of prompt precision. Everything she did, and everyone beneath her command, ran on a tight, clock-like schedule with no deviations or alterations. Some considered her nitpicky, and some considered her overly organized. Most just considered her a colossal control freak who needed to get laid. Chasset knew all these, but she let all of the whispering and talking behind her back simply slide off her coat like drops of rain. Running the Canterlot staff and making sure everything remained in order was a daunting task, one that required the utmost attention to detail. Without the order Chasset brought to the castle, the entire staff would have fallen into shambles ages ago --or at least, she thought so. Most of the mares under her command would be no more useful than chickens bereft of their heads without her, and Chasset knew it. That is why from the day she first acquired her current position, Chasset had dedicated her life and all of her willpower to maintaining order and organization. This entire exposition in mind, one could only imagine the pure, heart quenching panic that gripped the mare when she was told that one of Equestria’s most important ponies had arrived half an hour ahead of schedule and had received no formal welcoming.
“You must forgive me, Princess, I had an entire welcome party planned for you and your friends…” Though Chasset’s practiced smile remained, the stony mare was indeed near tearing up. “I just had no idea you would be arriving so early… and by hot hair balloon. Last we heard, you were taking the train.”
“Please, that’s quite alright!” Twilight said quickly. “The hot air balloon was kind of a last minute thing. Besides, I’d much rather if a big deal wasn’t made.” Chasset seemed to brighten a bit at that, but not much. At least it looked as if the tears would be saved for later.
“You are gracious, Princess, and I thank you. Aside from welcoming you, I have also been sent to tell you that Princess Celestia is ready to receive you, at your leisure, of course. She thought that you might like some time to rest a bit after your journey and, maybe, to revisit the grounds or the city first.”
“Oh, well, thank you. Right now we just need to get our things and-”
“That won’t be necessary at all, Princess!” Twilight gave a start as Skylord rejoined them. She had completely forgotten about the rugged stallion. “Me and my ponies will take care of your things right and proper.” To prove this, he nodded over to the balloon. Five ponies were wrangling with the luggage tethered to the basket’s side.
Twilight blinked, clearly not used to such treatment, and Skylord couldn’t help but chuckle at her astonishment. “Don’t you worry none, your highness, you and yours are in good hooves. Ain’t that right, everypony!” The ponies working to free the luggage paused long enough to let out yet another “Aye, sir!” Skylord chuckled again, this time a bit more heartily.
Applejack peered at each of these ponies from under the wide brim of her hat, her lips pursed into a thin line. “Not that I don’t appreciate what they’re doin’, but I’d much rather handle my things myself.”
“I think it’s mighty sweet of the them,” Rarity chirped, giving a wide and appreciative smile to the young buck handling her own bags. The stallion grinned excitedly and gave Rarity a low bow. This little display came to an abrupt end when the mare beside him gave the buck a hard smack to the back of his head.
So enthralled by the working ponies was Twilight that she didn’t even notice Rainbow Dash had moved at her side. “So what now, Twifi? You going off to see Princess Celestia or what?”
“Wha- Oh, sorry, Rainbow Dash, I didn’t see you there.” It took a second for the pegasus’s question to sink in. “Actually, I was going to help you girls settle in before anything else.” Then, as an afterthought, she winced at the pins and needles prickling along the muscles of her legs. “Now that I think about it, getting reacquainted with the castle doesn’t seem too bad of an idea. A nice stretch would probably do me some good.”
Applejack waved her off genially. “Eh. Don’t you worry about us, sugarcube, go on and see the Princess. We know how excited ya are to catch up with her.” We know because that’s the only thing ya’ talked about the whole dang ride up here, she almost added, but quickly criticized herself for such a thought.
“What? I couldn’t!” Twilight gasped. “I’m not just going to ditch my friends!”
“You’re not ditching us, darling,” Rarity said. “You’ve been practically bursting at the seams to see the Princess for the longest time. Besides, we can manage just fine on our own. It isn’t like this our first time in Canterlot.” The others echoed Rarity’s sentiment. “And if we should need help, I’m sure we can find somepony around here to assist us.” The stallion who had been handling the fashionista’s bag quickly nodded as he went for another. His friend was quick to round down upon him again.
As much as it pained Twilight, she couldn’t deny the excitement simmering in the pit of her stomach. At Rarity words and her friends’ insistence, the elation burst free from its confines and flooded down into her lower extremities. Those pesky pins and needles were washed away by that warm downpour, and Twilight was carried with it.
“Well, if you’re all sure… I’ll come straight back to help everypony unpack, I promise!” Twilight paused and glanced to the dragon standing to her right. “What about you, Spike? Want to come see the Princess?”
Spike rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then shook his head. “Nah, no thanks, Twi, I think I’ll stay and help the girls unpack. I’m pretty sure they could use the extra muscle.” Twilight couldn’t help but giggle as he gave his tiny arms a flex. Spike was many things, but ‘extra muscle’ he was not..
Then, a bit more soberly, Spike added, “But give the Princess my best, will ya?”
“Alright, Spike, I’ll do just that.”
After a few brief goodbyes to the rest of her friends, Twilight turned and told Chasset that she was ready to meet with the Princess immediately. Together, Chasset in lead once more, they set off back the way the maid had come. Twilight’s heart sprinted in her chest as she gazed up to one of the spires looming high up above, its long shadow falling upon her. A few pegasi, likely royal guards, circled the utmost top like vultures in search of their next meal. Somewhere in there, amongst the mass maze of rooms and corridors, Twilight's old mentor sat and waited for her.
~Ending theme, I guess...
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7329683 Thanks for the head's up. Fixed it.
7341977 Even better~
7342278
Well then... *draws two katanas* I'm sorry it had to come to this, but Speira can only be waifu material to one of us...
I'm sure you know what comes next...
FINALLY CAUGHT UP!!!
7351200 You don't want to do this...many men have stood between me and muh waifu. Faster men than you. Stronger men than you. Just walk away now, man. Do yourself a favor and walk away.
7351360
Sorry man, but lets just say... *scrapes blades together* I have ways of getting what I want.
7351364 *smirks* Before we begin, there's just one thing...are you kinda weirded out that she's still a filly too? I mean, that kinda makes us creepy, doesn't it?
7351494
Are you? Besides, I think the rules are a bit skewed for this case...
7351499 Still got that touch of pedo...
7351504
Only a touch, and you aren't innocent either...
7351549 I know! That's the point!
7351553
*chuckles darkly*
I doubt this roundabout conversation is getting us anywhere...
7351583 doubtful, but fun nonetheless
7351833
True... But the poor author is getting a new notification every time we post here...
7351875 mwahahahah...
7351875
I get on and I have around fifteen notifications. Cannot tell you how confused I was.
Also, I'm glad that you've stuck with the story thus far. I hope you like it and will be back for later chapters.
7352070
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
7352534
A story as awesome as this? I'd watch until the bitter end...
7352563 Well, get ready for a fucking road trip then, because it may be a bit before we see the end.
7352596
Excellent....