The Northern kingdom of Aurora has always lived with the ideal of isolationism. However when the Queen of the quiet kingdom finally accepts an invite to the Grand galloping gala the princesses are left wondering what changed.
The neighboring kingdom of Aurora lays to the north of Equestria has always been reclusive. Much like there Queen Eventide, even through there generations of isolationism the diarchy of Equestria has always tried to form relations to no avail. Queen Eventide had always respectfully decline the many invitations sent by Celestia. Mandatory meeting of the kingdoms was always visited by a trusted representative, and dispatching hardly sincere apologies as she declined to attend the celebrations. Yet to the princesses surprise the queen accepted to attend this years Grand Galloping Gala, why now of all celebrations? Eventide, the queen, is a unicorn. As was her husband, King Astrid, who has sadly passed. And she to will pass on one day. The royal pony sisters had always wondered why she had not chosen a heir to assend to the throne on the day of her passing. But they didn't know of her only child, her heir. One who had wished to see the Equestrian capital city of Canterlot. The princess of the Aurorian throne, alicorn heir to her mother. Princess Twilight Aurora Sparkle, child of Queen Eventide
_______________________ (This story is inspired and continued from the original story by Meowofy. The Young Alicorn) (In this AU, princess Luna Never became Nightmare moon. Celestia never took a student.) (Lastly, this is my first long haul story I plan on publishing. There will likely be mistakes, I am open to constructive criticism. Let me know of any problems you find)
”Mother, this will not be a negotiation, nor a dependent alliance, I merely want to see what Canterlot is like. It is the Crown Jewel of Equestria, after all. When would I get the chance to see it again? Not for another year."
The pale blue unicorn on the throne sighed and rubbed her temples, trying to not look at the younger pony as she made irresistible pleads, “My daughter, you know I wish for nothing more than your happiness, but I have been denying Celestia contact for many decades now, just like all our ancestors. How will it look upon are kingdom and throne if I were to accept this one after so long?"
She placed a hoof on the withers of the lavender mare before her, “You know why we must do this. Not only that, we have been kept secluded and nothing has happened to us, nor our ponies. Do you not want to keep this peace too?”
The young pony nodded reluctantly, shuffling the feathery appendages on her back, her voice timid as she spoke “Of course I do, Mother, and I know, but...”
She lit her horn in a magenta glow and an emerald book appeared before her, skimming through the pages of Equestrian history until it reached a bookmarked page, where it fluttered to a stop.
The page was a short paragraph about the overview of the history of Canterlot, and pictures depicted the majestic castle on a cliff with the two alicorn sisters off to one side and a rough sketch of the Grand Galloping Gala to the other, her eyes moved over the rough sketching as intrigue and amazement sparkled in her lavender orbs.
“I adore knowledge, but all I have learnt on Canterlot, the other Princesses and the nobles, are from my books! The Gala—” She pointed to the respective photograph, “—Is supposed to be the main event. You have let me scour the outskirts of Equestria with a disguise, and for that I am grateful, but I have found that many of the smaller townponies dream of going to their capital just to see this celebration! One we are always invited to, and always decline. Just once I wish to see it for myself."
“Reading is my favorite pastime, I am aware, but even reading about things cannot compare to witnessing them firsthoof! I will have an opportunity to meet the Princesses, you have said that I will become Queen one day, does that not include knowing how to behave in the presence of other royalty?”
The unicorn arched an eyebrow, “I have taught you well, I already know you understand how to behave yourself perfectly.”
The lavender mare slumped, seemingly in defeat, “...I understand Mother.” She spoke, the book thudding softly as it closed once more in her lavender glow. She knew that her mother would have the last choice in the matter.
The elder pony frowned at her daughter’s downtrodden look for a few moments, before finally relenting and sighing, “Alright, fine, we will attend Canterlot’s Gala just this once, alright, Twilight?”
The beam she received was more than enough to wash away any doubts for the time being. It seemed that even she wasn't immune to the happiness that her daughter felt. Maybe a change of scenery would do them both nicely.
Princess Celestia, Regent of the Sun and a Diarch of Equestria, made her way to her private dining room to have her usual dinner with her sister after a tiring day at court tending to the ponies’ needs. One never quite understood everything it took to stand in her shoes.
She nodded briefly at the two guards outside of the room, who both gave a stoic, “Princess.” Before opening the heavy doors for her, then shutting them behind her. The responsibility of the throne being left behind at the door.
Celestia gave a genuine smile at the sight of her sister having her salad as she greeted her, “Good evening, Luna.”
Luna looked up from her bowl, “Oh, Tia! You’re here! How was your day?”
The Solar Princess sat across from the navy alicorn and thanked the servant who bought her a serving of Luna’s exact dish, they always ate the same meal. It was simpler, and the meal always came quicker. “It was just the usual, nobles fussing over the slightest things, wishing to change something to benefit themselves... There was a bakery opening I attended though. A highlight to may day."
The darker mare snorted, a half hearted frown pulling at her lips. “No wonder your flanks are getting bigger, Sister, you must cease having countless amounts of those chocolate delicacies every time you go to a store opening, I bet you chose the bakery one on purpose, did you not?”
Princess Celestia gave an indignant huff, “I most certainly did not! Chocolate cake practically sings to me, Luna! And you know us alicorns have a higher metabolism anyways. I am a Princess of Equestria, I may do as I wish.” She finished her statement by pointing her muzzle to the sky with her eyes closed as an imitation of the Upper Class ponies in Canterlot before breaking down in a short bout of giggles. Celestia could only ever be this way with her sister, she was going to enjoy every moment together.
Luna, for her part, merely rolled her eyes and took another spoonful of lettuce to hide her smile. She quickly finished her bite, her mouth opening to deliver another playful jab at her sister.
Their meal was interrupted, much to the two sisters’ dismay, by Celestia’s senechal, Raven Inkwell, as she entered with the Princess’ permission after a sharp knock.
“Your Highnesses,” Raven bowed at both members of royalty before rising with the nods she received, she pushed up the pair of glasses with a hoof before she spoke. “I thought you would like to know that all the nations you invited to the Grand Galloping Gala have replied, either declining or accepting, Princess.”
Celestia smiled, “Wonderful, who’s coming this year, Raven?”
The earth pony peered down at her clipboard, using a hoof to flip the page before she responded. “Well, dignitaries from Saddle Arabia, Griffonstone and Heilberg, along with Queen Meadow Blades of the Kirinia Empire and Queen Eventide of the Aurorian Kingdom.”
The Sun Princess nodded, “That’s a—” She froze, staring at her aide in disbelief, her spoon full of vegetables halting before her muzzle. “...My apologies, what was the last name on that list again?”
Raven Inkwell blinked, anxiety gathering under the wide eyes of both sisters, “Uh,” She fumbled with a quill, her eyes reading over the page once more. “Queen Eventide from the Kingdom of Aurora, Your Majesty.”
The two alicorns just looked at each other for a moment, as if communicating through their facial expressions and causing Raven to grow uncomfortable, before Celestia cleared her throat, “Thank you Raven, would you prepare some suites for them just in case they require accommodations please?”
The beige mare nodded and bowed once more before retreating from the room. Her quill scratching over the parchment as she started working on getting everything done for the Gala in three days.
The sisters stayed in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts before Luna decided to break the spell, her voice quiet as she asked what they were both thinking. “I do not understand, Sister, she has not been accepting our invitations or contact attempts at all, why would she be coming now?”
Celestia shook her head, “I... I have no idea, Luna, I’ve been trying to set up relations with the Aurorian Kingdom for a while now. I send her invites for all our celebrations and events every year, Eventide never responds except to give a letter of decline. She doesn’t even attend the mandatory meetings with the other races herself, she sends a trusted ambassador in her stead. After the death of King Astrid she seemed to have gotten even quieter."
She continued her train of thought, “I was starting to think that she was deliberately giving us the cold shoulder, it concerned me that such a powerful nation, a pony one at that, was cutting us off, but from the intelligence I have gathered, it seems like the Aurorians are secluded to all others as well, preferring solitude. A kingdom full of its own and only worried for her own. Isolationist to a fault for many generations of rules."
Luna tapped her chin, “When we last saw Queen Eventide, she came as a young mare, she was cold and distant to the servants too, only interacting with us for business and hurrying off when it was concluded. I believe she said that she was not looking to pursue any alliances? Only to do her duties to her kingdom and her people. A noble goal if odd. Not even assisting with the griffin and dragon conflict. Or assisting with rebuilding after it was over."
The Solar Regent hummed, “Yes, that was three decades ago, I remember she hid her emotions well behind a mask too... Eventide must have aged since then, no? I don’t think she has an heir…”
“Indeed,” The Princess of the Night furrowed her brows, “King Astrid of her kingdom passed a decade ago, did he not? I do not recall them announcing a new Princess or a new King Consort since then either. Meaning she is likely the last in her line.”
“What brings Queen Eventide to Canterlot this time then?”
Neither royals spoke, for none knew the answer. They sat in this silence for a few minutes, not eating or speaking as they contemplated what would be happening.
Finally, Luna let out a sigh and pushed her partly empty dish away from her, her sister following suite, “I guess we shall just have to find out on the day of the Grand Galloping Gala then,” She stood and smiled to the alabaster mare, “I bid you a good rest, Sister. As always, I shall guard the night. Rest well and may tomorrow be well.”
Celestia returned the smile and bit her lip as Luna turned and walked off to her chambers. As a maid came to clear the plates, she could only think of the possible reasons why the elusive Queen would reach out now, of all times after countless years of ignoring the neighboring pony land. Yet for everything she thought nothing seemed to cover everything. She didn't have all the information.
Sleep did not come to her easily that night. Her nerves kept her mind running over everything that could become of the situation. She lay, tossing and turning before in the late hours of the night she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Luna sat on her throne, a small smile forced into her lips as she ran the night court. She could hardly pay attention to the few petitioners that squabbled over land or something.
"Your majesty, there is no documentation on who marked the land first. Or any showing who actually started using the land first." Her aid said as her magic levitated a few documents in front of her face. Eyes squinting slightly as she looked over what little information the two parties had given her.
"Then we believe that we have the perfect solution. One shall split the land in half, and the other shall have first pick of which half that they want." Luna spoke, glad to have the night court ending, her mind was too busy to do any real work.
"Velvet, please close the night court. And have anything else moved to another time. We have too much on our mind to be able to get anything done. We will be retiring for the night," The dark alicorn spoke as she looked over at her aid. The off white mare nodded, her white and light purple mane bobbing as it framed her face.
"As you wish your highness, other than a meeting with Fancy Pants your night is open. I can handle it, allowing you to get some extra sleep and to check on some dreams before you have to raise the moon." Velvet spoke before she marked something down on her parchment. Then she turned away.
"Thank you Miss. Sparkle, everything should be finished for the evening. So you may take the rest of the night off. May you have a pleasant evening." The dark alicorn spoke, distracting as she turned and walked through the side door of the throne room.
The next morning was a blur, as soon as the sun broke over the horizon the castle was filled with attendants. Breakfast was a quick affair broken only by Raven looking flustered as she trotted into the room.
"Your Majesty's, Miss. Clef is unable to attend the gala, shall I send for a new cellist? Miss. Octavia Philharmonica is a promising young musician who wanted to attend." The earth pony spoke as she fixed her glasses.
For the Royal Pony Sisters the day only grew crazier. Soon there were questions being flung at speed, surrounding the alicorns with blurs of the help.
"Princess Celestia! Were running behind on the food. If the cooks stay overnight they will be able to finish before the Gala!"
"Please tell them that it would be very appreciated, call in the night staff as well." The waiter nodded as he vanished back into the crowd.
"Princess Luna, the decorations for the Northern gardens are almost finished. However the eastern gardens haven't yet to be started."
"Pull a dozen ponies to help. Mostly unicorns and pegasi, if I recall correctly, there mostly in the air."
Raven moved through the mob of questions before reaching the princesses, "Princess Celestia, all the rooms for the visiting dignitaries and Royal's have been prepared with spares for emergencies. All have full accomodations. Bathrooms, balconies, and double beds. Is that alright?"
"Thank you Raven, if you could assist with the Eastern gardens. Crackle should have a good idea of what she's doing, however help in any way you can."
"Princess Luna what are we doing with the-"
"Princesses!" The shout carried the authority of the stallion before the pair could see him. The crowd parted as Solar Flare moved through them. The captain of the royal guard was panting softly before he continued. "The Aurorian carriage has arrived! They have presented the Gala invitation and asking to entering the palace grounds!"
The muttering of the crowd washed over the room as surprise and confusion followed the captain's words. Luna broke from her stupor. "Queen Eventide is here? But it's a day early!"
"Your majesty, the guards are insistent that they be allowed in. What should I do?" Solar asked, putting emphasis on the foren guards' demand.
"Fetch for an Honor guard, have them clear the landing pad and ready for their arrival. Send for Blueblood and Cadence, tell them to hurry and meet us there. Thank you Solar," Celestia smiled at her caption before she began moving. The attendance moving out of her way as she addressed them all. "Excuse me, my little ponies, we must welcome them to Canterlot. Please detect all of your questions to are senechal. Raven will be in the East gardens, and Twilight velvet who is here."
At her words the off white unicorn mare stepped out from behind her sovrin princess Luna, nodding distractedly to the stallion she had been speaking to before. Her trio of purple stars clear. Her two tone mane almost hiding the attentive aquamarine eyes that moved up from her clipboard.
"I apologise once again but this matter must be attended to. Thank you for your patience and all the hard work you all have done so far. Let's be off sister." Luna smiled as she hugged her sister. Moving through the group. The silence was broken quickly as questions were flung at the lone unicorn. The sound fading as the Royal Sisters left the throne room.
"I must thank them, there early arrival has freed us of the countless questions. But Tia, have you any clue on why they have arrived so early?"
"No Luna, we will just have to ask. I just hope that Cadence and Blueblood will arrive in a timely fashion. First impressions are quite important."
Cadence arrived softly after, placated with the promise to explain everything on their arrival. As they reached their destination the nervous pacing of Blueblood was brought to a stop.
"Aunts! Is this about the Gala? I know I wasn't suppose to dedicate too much to my attire but-"
His words were cut off as Luna luna raised a hoof silencing the young royals before they could get further into derailing the conversation. They looked up at the lunar princess expectedly.
"Fret not my dears," luna spoke, a smirk pulling at her lips as she looked between the two young royals. "The Aurorian queen has just arrived ahead of schedule, and we expect you to be on your best behavior, is that understood?"
"But…" Blueblood looked confused, picking his next words carefully. His muzzle scrunching up in his contemplation. "Isn't that a fairytale kingdom or something?"
So isolated that you have fallen to myths and legends, my stars. "No dear nephew, I have no idea where you got that information but it is shamefully false. The Aurorian kingdom just prefers it's reclusive behavior over any alliance."
"... If that's so Auntie, Luna." Cadence began as she thought out loud, her wings shifting slightly. "Then why have they come to the Gala? Well that's what I presume there here for."
The sisters shared a small glance before Celestia answered her niece. "Yes Cadence, as for why we haven't the slightest idea." The Alabaster alicorn responded as eight guards moved onto the platform. The pair of thestrals moved to stand behind there lunar princess. Two solar guards behind Celestia. The aptly named love guard stood behind Cadence. And lastly the finally dressed unicorns behind Blueblood.
"We will find out soon enough," Luna spoke as she looked off into the distance. Squinting as she noticed the small specks approaching there destination.
The Equestrian royals stood from eldest to youngest, the honor guard standing at attention behind them. Facing the Castle gate and most importantly the approaching carriage.
Carriages
Carriages?!
The Equestrian royals looked on in bewilderment as the pair of carriages descended down onto the landing pad of the royal castle. Why was there Two carriages for one Queen?
The first coach touched down as the path, it's looks more along the lines of an Equestrian transport then that of a flying gold throne. Something the royals were far more familiar with.
The first was primarily made of dark blue material, with two windows on either side, there blinds closed to the outside world with almost black drapes. There borders gilded with golden swirls that danced over the coach, lining the doors. A third window settled into the wood behind the charioteers, presumably for ease of communication with their passengers. On the rear was only a luggage rack, a matching dark blue trunk with golden lining resting there.
It's four large wheels, much like cart wheels shared in the decoration. It's spokes carved and gilded with gold. Nothing was spared from the elegant swerling. From the roof to wheels. Even the door handles.
And emblazoned upon its doors was the Royal Crest of Arora.
Split into four quadrants, the fleur de lis bared in opposing quadrants. The six pointed stars, symbol of magic, dominated the others. The shield was lined in a bed of golden feather wings. Only broken by the two blue flags that marked it's current ruler.
A elegantly curled banner ran along the shield's point. Black script reading 'Magia aeterna’ A fitting name for a kingdom of magic. Or so Luna thought privately to herself.
The first carriage slid gracefully to a stop before the four royals, courtesy to the pair of pegasi; a mare and stallion. Both wearing golden armor etched with matching curving lines. It moved up their armor until it reached a full silver crown clasped to their heads. Then without a word together the guards moved, pulling the carriage further up the landing strip to make way for the second.
The second carriage was much like there first, however instead of the dark blue it was a deep Violet, the walls danced with silver rather than gold. It's charioteers a pegasi mare and to the Equestrian's surprise, especially Luna's, was a thestral stallion.
The Bat Ponies as some liked to call them was almost as reclusive as the Aurorian empire itself. Almost never seen outside of their villages and the night guard respectfully. So seeing one serving under a foren empire was a shock. There soul purpose was to serve under Luna, ganging the moniker 'Children of the Night'. Yet here he was.
There armor was decorated similarly to there golden counterparts, but included many more of what looked like intricate magical runes and enchantments bound into the steel plates. There armor silver, and likely made of steel. And rather than the dull silver crown clasp, the bore a pink starbursts that glinted in the early afternoon light. The carriage landed just short of the first. Nearly bumping into it's rear.
As one both sets of charioteers unhooked themselves from their saddles, moving to stand beside their passengers door. Awaiting orders as the Equestrian's stood taller. Determined to get answers.
At that moment the door opened, and from the blue carriage two ponies. A earth pony and a unicorn, stallion and a mare, joined their comrades by the doors. Their eyes narrowed and scanning for dangers as they stood at attention. Mouths pressed into thin lines as their eyes drifted over the Equestrian royals. The unicorn rather then having the same dull silver crown clasp had one made of crystal.
From the violet carriage two unicorns, a mare and stallion stepped out, falling into position. Horns glowing softly as their magic washed over the landing pad. Seeming to check for anything that they could not see themselves. It was with a nod to their golden counterparts that the all clear was given.
The smiles of the Prince and Princesses were tinted with more than a questioning expression as Queen Eventide stepped off of the first chariot, posing her head respectfully. Not overtly low, not wanting to prostrate herself to the Equestrian's, who returned the respectful bow in kind.
Queen Eventide was a tall mare, not as tall as Luna but she stood a head over Cadence, giving her the impression of royalty not usually held by mortal ponies. Her baby blue coat and eyes of the deepest aquamarine that held the grace and knowledge of her years. Her pail blue mane and tail striped with a pair of light pink and purple pulled back into a tight bun. A cutie mark of a white tiara with a large pink star as it's crown Jewel.
However her most notable feature was the dark blue swirls that ran up her legs over her stomach into her ears. Highlights danced alongside the darker swirls. The highlights were characteristics of all true Aurorians shared, for they were magic given by blood at birth.
Luna's eyes noticed the marking of the Queens guards, the dark markings all blunt, clear, and obvious. A mark telling of there allegiance.
The making of an Aurorian was not by the land they owned, the oaths they made, or by their wealth. It was in their markings that waxed and waned as their loyalty to the kingdom changed. Bending lines that moved up their dominant leg, ending before it could reach their barrel.
The swerling, and part of what made them so alluring was that it was only seen in royal blood. Earned as their faith and kingdom around them grew. As all of the Queens and kings married, and the princesses interacted with, however rarely, were always lacking outside of the direct line.
"Queen Eventide, it is a pleasure to have you attending this years Grand Galloping Gala." Celestia spoke her warm smile never falling, "however you seemed to have arrived far either than any of us expected. May I ask why, if you don't mind?" The alabaster alicorn inquired for the group.
Eventide stone mask never faltered from being indifferently polite as she answered. "Thank you for hosting us, and may sincerest apologies, we were expecting a storm but made it past without any trouble. Will there be any problem with are early arrival?"
Luna stepped into the conversation with her own question. "That won't be a problem, but my I inquire about the second carriage? Will we be expecting a dignitarie or perhaps a friend?" She asked
The Queens mask faltered, letting a single emotion through; pure confusion. Brows rising as a small smirk of bemusement found its way into her lips. "Of course not, my daughter desired to come with me this time, I presumed you would have known."
Celecria's jaw dropped but before she could find her words the pink alicorn found hers. "Daughter!?" She asked her eyes looking at the dark violet carriage, it's passenger still hidden away inside. "Y-you have a daughter?"
The Queens smile vanished back behind the indifferent mask once more. Yet even then she looked amused at their surprise. "Yes… where you not aware that I had an heir? I would have thought you informed."
"No, We haven't heard a…"
The alicorn fell silent as a violet hoof adorned with a silver horseshoe blacked against the cobbled stone. The dark violet swerling up her leg nearly black. Slowly followed by the smiling face of a unicorn. And wings.
They started, then Blueblood lost all of his courtly manners as he spoke.
Blueblood apologize, both for his social faux pas and being needed elsewhere. It was clear he was making an excuse to remove himself from the situation but no one faulted him. All the Equestrian's were shocked.
The lavender alicorn moved with grace, holding her head high as she moved to stand beside her mother. She remained silent the sliver chains that framed her face wrapping around her horn where a turquoise blue jem rested against her forehead. It seemed to glow softly, flashing gently on time with the matching jewel in the Queens tiara.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I introduce you to may daughter and heir Princess Twilight Arora Sparkle. Daughter, meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna dyarchy of Equestria." Eventide spoke, gesturing at the named ponies.
"It is my honor to meet your Majesty's, and welcoming us to the Grand Galloping Gala." Twilight spoke softly, bowing respectfully to the royal sisters. They returned the bow glancing at one another.
"The pleasure is mine, and I believe my sister feels the same. I think now would be a good time for tea, would you like to head inside?" Celestia spoke, braking the momentary silence, stepping to the side to allow them to see the large double doors into the castle.
"Please lead the way, a cup of tea would be nice after a long trip." Queen Eventide responded, gesturing with a hoof.
After a few moments they begin down the hall once more, the foreign royals following behind the Royal Pony Sisters. Cadence seems to have vanished, leaving an unfilled silence in her wake.
There eight guards followed at a distance, golden, silver, and dark blue armor blended together as they marched. The Equestria guards watched the unknown armed and armored ponies wearily, and the Aurorian guards seemed to be watching for anything. It was not a very good first impression.
"Well have tea in my study, it should be quiet compared to the rest of the castle. The final prepositions can make quite a commotion." Celestia said, trying to break the awkward silence that loomed over the four royals.
"If you say so," Eventide responded, her voice sounding just as indifferent as the mask she hid her emotions behind. Her heir moved, as poised as her mother. But the glint of interest in her eyes as they wandered over the marble walls and tapestry.
"Mother, if I may. Having eight guards standing at a door seems like a waste. Should we send one to survey are accommodations?" The princess spoke out loud, looking over at her mother. Standing only a head shorter. Her response was a nod.
"Solar and Gale, if you could please show them to the guest rooms. I believe that they would like to put their things away." Luna said as they stopped in front of her sister's study. The nod was all she needed to know her order was accepted.
The four royals retreated into the study.
Twilight had no idea what to do, she was just following her mother's lead. Doing exactly what her mother was doing. The uncomfortable silence dragged on as she took a sip of tea. Her mother doing the same. It seemed to make the Equestrias nervous. In turn making her nervous, it was a self perpetuating loop.
Luna did her best to not squirm, her tea forgotten as she tried to act like her station required. Two tea cups lifted at the exact same moment, one in a raspberry aura, the other in a periwinkle. Brought up to lips, sipped, then rested gently against their saucers with matching gentle clacks. It was unsettling how they moved perfectly in sync.
Celectia's smile was strained as she took a sip. The gentle taste of lilac did little to fix the situation. Her eyes moved to the Queen's crown, it's jewel flashing gently in time with her heirs. It was an odd sight but she doubted that they would answer her questions. So she asked the first question she could think of. "Queen Eventide, if I may, I can't remember how long ago the last time you walked these halls. It was when you were a princess yourself, correct?"
"Your memory is right, Princess Celestia. It was after the last griffin attempt to invade some land. My mother couldn't find an advisor so came herself." Eventide responded, her tone filled with apathy. "I was brought along to assist her. Not that there was much to do. We listened and left shortly after the meeting finished."
"Yes, a peace treaty and some aid was sufficient to cool their blood. Even if the hippogriffs were rather aggressive about annexation." Luna nodded, remembering the event well. The Queen acted nearly the same, even if she was far taller now after thirty years.
"Yes, I found it foolish. Their Queen must understand that the Griffins are far too proud to happily live under another's rule. Even in destitution they will sing their own praze." Eventide responded, looking over at her child.
"From what I have learned you highnesses, the Empire has fallen far from where they were." Twilight closed her eyes for a moment, seeming to think before she continued. "However, it is prideful. Every chick at the age of 15 is trained to fight and be soldiers. An uprising would be inevitable."
"Yes, and a point that had to be explained to Queen Nova. Thankfully she agreed to minor taxation and repromations for the damage to her kingdom." Luna said with a sigh, losing her royal decorum as she rubbed the side of her head.
"Yes," Celestia smiled at Luna, "but I believe that Princess Twilight might like the tour of the castle. Would you mind showing her around?"
Both of the Equestrian's could see the widened eyes and sparkles of the desire to learn that filled the young princesses eyes. Or the slight narrowing of the Queens as suspicion peaked out from behind the mask.
"Yes sister, I believe the hall of history and the royal archive should be clear. They are closed during the Galla to prevent theft, would you like to see them princess?" Luna asked, smirking slightly. She would follow her sister's plan. Separating them might help both parties to relax.
Twilight looked over at her mother, the question unspoken. The queen seemed to deflate under her daughter's gaze before she sighed, nodding. "Be careful, and don't break anything. Take your guard with you."
"Yes Mother, please lead the way Princess Luna." Twilight nearly shot to her hooves, only the reminder that she was in front of royalty tempered her excitement. It almost made up for the fact that she hadn't been allowed to take any books on her trip.
"Right this way, I'll show you some of my favorite pieces of art." Luna's smile only grew as they left the two. Once they vanished the room once more fell into silence.
What game are you playing now Princess? The Queen thought to herself, taking another sip of tea. She would let Celestia break the silence. She didn't need to rush, she knew her daughter would spend all day, if she could, reading the books contained in the archive.
"Queen Eventide, when did your daughter ascend into an alicorn?"
Rather blunt, no beating around the bush this time?"I don't see why you would need to know that. She's an alicorn, and the heir to the Aurorian throne." Eventide responded, choosing not to answer the alabaster alicorn's question.
"I ask because I remember how difficult it was for my niece after she first ascended. It is never easy to suddenly have new magic, a different body." Princess Celestia smiled warmly, memories of raising Cadence distracting her momentary.
"She was born an Alicorn princess, learning to fly and use magic was almost second nature to her." Eventide responded, her mask remaining firm, even as her eyes narrowed.
"I… can we put down are titles, and speak openly?" Celestia asked, her magic glowing as her tiara was lifted. It was placed onto the small table soundlessly. The purple gem glinting in her golden aura.
"Alright Celestia, I will listen." However she did not remove her tiara. The crown jewel letting out it's steady glow, no longer flashing. She hadn't seen this side of the Equestrian princess before.
"I don't know anything about you daughter, I didn't even know you had a friend. But… I want to help her. I want to teach her about what she is. Being an alicorn is not just a fancy set of wings and a horn." Celestia spoke softly, her hoof running over the golden peaks of the tiara. "I want to help her learn about what she is."
"I think I know how to raise my own child Celestia, I have been doing it for the last nineteen years after all." Eventide responded flatly, raising a single eyebrow. "And unless I am as uninformed as you are, you have never had your own."
"We can't, alicorns. We can't bare children. We can't get pregnant. I have tried, and so has my sister." Celestia gave a sad smile as she spoke, "Even Cadence has tried, albeit with little more success. Being the alicorn of love seems to help."
So, you can't have your own. So you find others to take children from. Eventide took a deep breath to prevent her thoughts from spilling out. "I will be there to help her, so thank you for your offer but I know my own child."
"What about in a hundred years from now? Two hundred? A century? How will you help her when you passed, everyone she knows, in three generations where everypony she knew is gone?" Celestia asked, her voice calm as she reached a hoof across the table. Setting it gently on the Queen's chest. "She lost her father, she knows that pain already. What will it feel like when everyone you knew is gone? Who's shoulder can she lean in a kingdom of strangers?"
Eventide couldn't find a response, she remembered the months after her husband's passing. The newborn that helped her keep going. The one year old who never had a father and a mother who ran a kingdom. It hadn't been easy as they both learned what it was like with a hole in their lives. "I will think about it, and that is all I can say at this moment Princess."
Celestia's nod was the only answer, her taira returning to her head. The Queen's formal tone marked an end to this conversation. It was the answer she expected, she just hoped it would blossom into something.
Twilight Sparkle trotted beside the lunar alicorn, the awkward silence that filled the air was only broken by the pair of metal clad hooves bothe of the royal pair. The lavender alicorn had no idea what to do. She had been following her mothers lead. The gem that sat dangling from her horn glowed softly, it had been how she followed her mother.
The communication crystal was an amazing work of magic, allowing two unicorns to communicate telepathically. So her mother had been feeding her answers. The young alicorn did her best to look at the decorations of the halls as they moved. Her purple eyes looked over the tapistorys and stained glass windows of equestrian history.
Twilight nearly jumped out of her coat when Luna finally spoke up. “Princess Twilight, if i may ask. Are you a scholarly mare? I remember your mother had a refrained curiosity.”
“Y-yes Princess Luna. I have always had an interest in learning, one my mother has always been happy to feed if begrudgingly at times.” Twilight said with a refrained laugh. Just be polite, and smile. Don’t make mothers' jobs harder.
The dark blue alicorn smiled playfully as she turned down a nondescript hallway. It looked like every other hall in the castle, albeit with less wall sized windows. It was odd, The Auroran castle wasn’t nearly as gilded or white. and not nearly as many stained glass windows.
“I can understand that, a thirst for knowledge can sometimes be insatable. You must have been a little nightmare at five. Always asking questions.” Luna added with a subdued chuckle.
Twilight blushed faintly, having had to suffer through embarrassing stories of her escapades as a child. She quickly changed the subject. “Yes, How far are we from our destination?” With all the tact of a Yack at a gala.
“Were almost there, don’t worry. However there was one more question I wanted to ask. This is the first time in a long time that any royalty from Aurora has graced the castle.”
Twilight knew the question that was coming, and she already had an answer for this situation. The lavender princess preempted the question. She smiled softly twitching her wings slightly. They were still odd, she never really used them other then maybe a short flight and using them for grabbing things.
“My mother had wanted me to meet the only other pony centered kingdom, and the two Alicorns who ruled over their kingdom.” She Interrupted the question before it could come. “And I have always been interested in Equestria. It’s a kingdom so unlike my own.”
“Ah, We will have to trade stories. Much like you, I have always been interested in Aurora. However we know little of your empire.” Luna said with a small smile, she couldn’t help but hope that this would be the beginning of a grand friendship between the two.
“But anyways, Here we are Princess Twilight. The room of Artifacts.” It was with a flourish that the dark alicorn opened the rather normal looking doors. But inside was filled, time pieces of history filled the large room. all marking the age they had been forged. Paintings, sculptures, books, tapestries, and objects locked under glass cases standing on even more marble pillars.
Luna moved into the room looking over the objects with the eyes of someone who had seen it all a thousand times. But Twilight's eyes were filled with interest and amazement. Before her lay thousands of years of history. All the stories she could learn, all the advances from the past that put their names in history forever. Ponies that she had to still learn about.
“This is the staff of Star Swirl the Bearded, Left behind before he went missing. It is made from the same wood as the grand table in the dining hall. Which is one large uncut slab of wood." Luna began, a smile on her face as she fell into the history.
“Daughter, how is your tour so far? Has Luna begun sprouting about the past already?" Twilight nearly jumped out of her skin as her mother's voice filled her head. Instead only her wings twitched. The communication stone hanging from her horn letting off a gentle flash.
“Yes mother, she's showing me through the museum halls. How is your chat with Celestia?" Twilight responded, her attention now split between listening to Luna and her mother. She did her best to seem interested as she looked at whatever The night princess spoke about.
“A very normal chat, peace and unity and all that. It's nothing I haven't heard before." Her mother's unamused voice covering whatever Luna had said about Star Swirl and his five companions. The lavender alicorn just nodded and smiled. Looking over the painting and the bust.
"-It was after the carving of the staff that Clover the Clever and Star Swirl began enchanting and making it into a Spell assistant." Luna continued on with her history lesson, thankfully lost in the past of her own memories of the situation.
“Well, as long as she talks for peace we should be fine. Unless you don't believe we could hold our own in a war. They're not nearly as technically advanced. Likely do to Celestia's image of a perfect world." Her mother responded, she could hear the sarcasm dripping from her words. It was a side effect of always having your mother able to talk straight into your head.
“It is rather nice just looking, even if it is odd seeing a coal powered train in a place with nothing more then candles for lights.”Twilight smiled softly as she looked over Clover the Clevers first cape. It showed its age clearly, covered in stains and tares. It was hard to tell if it was really his cloak or not, seeing as it was just a weather worn black cloak.
“Princess, I can’t help but notice that you're distracted. a bit for your thoughts?” Luna asked softly, moving to stand in front of the smaller alicorn. Her eyes were filled with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"It's nothing really, I was just wondering about that map. it seems far too large to actually help, and.” Twilight moved past princess Luna, a small frown pulling at her lips. it was wrong, the griffin empire was far too large, the Hippogriff kingdom was missing, and the Kingdom of Aurora was in the wrong spot. At least the Crystal Empire was marked, even if it was oddly shaped.
“Ah, it was made nearly two centuries ago, and by a topographer that had little experience outside of Equestria and the Crystal Empire.” Luna spoke as her horn began to glow, then the map seemed to zoom into the Crystal Empire. Twilight couldn’t help but feel giddy.
She neary prance up to the map, a smile on her lips. Her eyes sparkled as they danced over the enchanted map. Looking over the breathtaking detail of the lost empire.
“Would you like to use it yourself? using the enchantment is quite easy, it’s a slightly modified teleconesses enchantment.” Luna said with a playful grin on her face seing the royal mare lose all her regal bearing over a magic map.
Twilight did give her a chance, her magic moved over Luna's, quickly spotting the differences in the simple spell. It was nearly ripped out of the Lunar princesses' magic before it was swept away, dancing over the border of the crystal empire. Jumping from town to town as it moved closer to the center of Equestria. Until it landed over the Everfree. The once capital of Equestria, before it was destroyed due to natural disasters.
It zoomed in closer and closer, untill she could see every street, every rooftop and it felt like she could see the ancient ponies moving up and down the streets. It was amazing, being able to see such details of the past.
"Twily?" The voice spoke from behind her, making the distracted mare jump. Turning her head she saw the only other reason she wanted to come. Her cousin, Shiny.
The Lavender alicorn lost all decorum as she nearly galloped over the white stallion. The Guard had his helmet in his soft raspberry magic. He clearly looked nervous as he was nearly trampled by the lavender mare as she came in like a charging bull. Yet his dignity was mostly saved as the Alicorn stopped just before running down the second Lieutenant of the solar guard. Twilight pulled the slightly shorter stallion into a hug before he had the chance to escape. All while Luna looked mildly surprised by the scene that played out before her.
“Shiny, It's been too long. How is aunty Velvet? And uncle Light? I haven't gotten a letter from you in nearly a month.” The mare stood only half a head taller than Shining Armor, a excited smile pulling at her lips as she felt him hugging her back. his hooves clearly avoiding her wings as they shifted after her dash..
“Haha… ya, sorry about that Twi. It's kinda the same thing day in and out when you're a guard. I can only make a drunken noble so interesting.” Shining Armor said as he rubbed the back of his neck softly. A sheepish smile on his lips as he patted her back softly. Before he continued he pulled back. Glancing at Luna before he continued. He was clearly nerves but Twilight didn’t seem to notice or care as she smiled happily. “Other than that it's the same paperwork and daily hall decoration.”
Luna, who was quite amused by the fact that she had been completely forgotten about only a few hooves away, watched and listened to the pair. Yet her own mind was restless as she thought about what Twilight had said. The princess of a foren kingdom is related to the royal astronomer, My aid, and a Lieutenant of the guard. All without a single clue. The Light house was well known if it only spanned back a century. A modest noble house but nobel. Luna did her best to hide the frown from her lips as she looked at the pair. it was clear that she had some questions to ask.
“Oh, are you still hiding behind battlements to spy on the guard? Or have they decided to have you standing outside the kitchen doors?” Twilight joked as she nudged him with a wing. However the guard didn't take that without complaint as his magic retaliated and flicked her nose. making the young alicorn's eyes cross as her muzzle scrunched up like she had just smelled something distasteful.
“It’s my job now, unlike you and that rag doll you probably have stuffed between some books in your crate. Smarty pants? Or have you finally gotten a toy more fitting or royalty? Maybe a sock puppet?” Shining said with a small smirk on his lips as the lavender alicorn blushed slightly, looking away from the stallion. Twilight then smiled softly as she took a deep breath. Raising her head as her wings reagusted on her back. it was only a moment where the young lavender mare looked like a dignified canterlot elite nose held up as if the ground itself was repulsive. Eyes closed before a smirk pulled at the corners of her lips.
Opening her eyes she leaned in close loudly whispering, clearly to get back at her brother for his remark. glancing at Luna with a silly smirk. “Oh? And how is your crush dear brother? She's a few shades of lighter pi-” The Alicorns muzzle was surrounded with the raspberry glow of the Lieutenants magic. horn glowing as a dark red blush flooded his cheeks. Luna raised an eyebrow as the normally stoic stallion muzzled a foren princess as he sputtered for a moment.
“Sorry, lets call it even and not spill things we would rather remain unknown. So Twi, How are you enjoying the castle so far? It may not be Aroran but it’s still quite the sight. Reminds me of dutchess Comets manor, even if it’s a lot smaller. Oh? and have you seen the royal archives yet? Almost twice as large as the castle's library.” Shining spoke, clearly hoping to distract the book-crazed mare before she could continue. His magic released her muzzle even as she giggled. Clearly the distraction worked as she looked back at the tall midnight blue alicorn eyes sparkling in excitement and anticipation. Luna Just smiled softly as she rolled her eyes.
“We can always stop in the Archives before we return to our sister's side. I see no reason that you wouldn't be able to grab something to read for the two days until the gala. After all you are a guest, and we can't expect you to go without entertainment before the festivities.” Luna said as she watched the pair move to face her, one with a nervous smile and the other with excitement. It almost reminded Luna of herself. Devouring books with a thirst for knowledge and the arts. “And Lieutenant Shining Armor, I will be awaiting a report on my desk. And inform my aid that I wish to speak to her. Once this days preparations are finished.”
Shining nodded, His helmet finding its place back onto his head as he bowed. Clearly he was worried about what might happen. After all, his family could lose their positions in the castle. Three positions of political import and sending his family into the limelight. He took a deep breath and focused on being a guard. “Yes princess, I will inform Lady Velvet and will be glad to answer any questions you have to ask.” He stayed in his bow for longer than normal before standing tall in his golden and purple armor. Nodding to Twilight before he turned and left, Moving down and away from the pair of alicorns before vanishing out of view around a corner.
“Princess Luna, I can understand if you're worried about where my loyalties lay. But they are Equestrians, a family of immigrants that moved to Canterlot to live under you and your sister. They may be family but Shining Armor is a Royal guard to the heart, And Velvet loves assisting you. My mother knows nothing more than a few stories of little importance.” Twilight spoke as she stood up straight, Looking up into Lunas eyes as she smiled softly. It was clear she cared for her family, speaking out on their behalf even if her words would do little to sway the older alicorn. “Mostly your sisters escapade for cake and cake related items.”
They shared a laugh before Luna moved closer to Twilight, putting a hoof on the mare's shoulder. leaning her head down so they could be closer to eye level. With a mischievous smirk, Luna spoke, clearly it was now time to share further stories of her sister. After all, Luna had a feeling that Tia would do the same. “Let us head to the Archive, maybe i can tell you another story of my sisters obsession with cake. Or maybe centuries of pranks.”
Twilight laughed softly as she nodded. Stepping to the side so the alicorn of the night could lead the way. Delving into a story of one wonderful prank involving cake. All the while Queen Evertide listened, hearing how her daughter happily eating up Luna’s tale of one poison joke infused cake. and the week of a three century old alicorn being left as a five year old earth pony all while having to deal with ambassadors from the minitor lands. Evertide sighed softly as she looked at the now recomposed and formal Alabaster alicorn that sat in front of her. Hair drifting on an unfelt lazy breeze. Setting down her tea cup with perhaps too much force she got Celestia's attention before she spoke.
“I will not let you have my daughter, Twilight is the only heir of Aurora. My only child.” Eventide spoke as she glared at the alicorn before her. If it had been anyone else then they might have whilted at the Queen's look. But this wasn’t a noble or common pony. Celestia’s small smile remained as she let the words hang in the air. “However… you made a good point. I will speak to my daughter about this. I will let her think about it herself before I decide what will happen. In all honesty I would be happy to return home and forget that this ever happened. To remain disconnected let Equestria slip back to believing we are nothing more than a magic bedtime story.”
“If that's what you wish Queen Eventide, However if I may be so bold. I believe that after the Gala, Arora may not be able to slip back into the past as it had before. Equestrians hold Alicorns in high regard. Three live and run their home, Live in their capital, and bring the day and night respectively. Princess Twilight will become The first Alicorn to not be born or live in Equestria, The nobals will reach out. Ponies will want to know more, and the gossip rags will likely spin some half baked rumor that she is secretly the love child of myself or my sister and sent away to hide their shame.” Celestia spoke, a smirk on her lips as she thought about the thousands of rumors she had heard about something similar.
“Perhaps, But it only took one generation for ponies to forget about us. It only took one generation for Equestria to forget about the Crystal Empire. It will only take one or two for ponies to move onto the next thing and my Kingdom will slip there minds once more. Your Nobles can send all the letters and bribes that they like but after getting the cold shoulder they will learn that they won't have a quick way to gain more power.” Eventide said firmly in response, There would always be fools who believed that with a few thousand bits and a couple honeyed words that they could buy themselves anything and everything. No matter where you were, be it in griffonia or zebrica. Someone with wealth, influence and a taste for power would try for more. She had already had to deal with suters that had tried to worm their way close to her daughter. She was just glad that Twilight would rather delve into books then be interested in anyone wanting her hoof.
“Yes, I have had the same experience with my niece Cadence. I remember a rather distasteful stallion who had tried to trick her into marriage before Luna found out. I believe he might be enjoying his time doing community service. Someone had to sweep the sand back into the Badlands.” Celestia responded as she hid her devilish grin behind another sip of tea. It only took a moment before Eventide shared the sun Alicorn's devilish smirk.
“Well, I must remember that if any attempt the same tricks on Twilight. However, Princess Celestia, I believe that it is time for me to retire. I have had quite the trip and wish to rest. That and I believe my daughter may be driving your sister mad with questions. Lets go rescue the poor mare before her ears fall off.” Eventide spoke as she stood up. Celestia nodded as her horn glowed for a moment.
“They are currently in the royal archives, After we grab them I shall show you to your room for this evening.”
-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-
Twilight stood frozen in the middle of the Canterlot Archive. Even the main room, open to the public, was massive. Three stories of massive book shelves. And that was only the first three stories. Below this was the beginning of the Restricted section. Three subfloors of even more knowledge, even if it was restricted, were larger than the Royal Library of Arora. All this and Twilight had no idea where to start. The smell of old parchment, ink, the slight twinge of dust was like the elysium fields for the young alicorn. Luna hadn’t been able to stop her laughter as she stood beside the entrance. She had felt her sister's magic was over the castle and knew that Tia and Eventide would be coming. So Luna let the dazed mare stand in the shock and joy of seeing the archive. Until a few of the younger patrons noticed the Lavender mare.
A short white unicorn filly trotted closer hesitantly, Her cherry red mane pulled back into a tight braid as the fillys horn held a large tome in her equally red magical glow. She came to stand a few hooves away, looking up at Twilight who still seemed lost in her own little world. The filly let out a small cough, trying to get the lavender mares attention. After failing a few more times she moved onto the next step.
“E…Excuse me Miss. Are you alright?” The fillies' words didn’t have a response for almost a minute before the words seemed to find their way into Twilight's brain. Blinking and shaking her head to get her thoughts working again she looked around then down at the short filly. Her eyes looked over her in the pattern. Head, Back, Flank. Horn and ruby red eyes, no wings, and an exploding cherry cutie mark.
“I… I’m sorry. I spaced out for a moment. What did you ask?” Twilight spoke as she smiled down at the filly. noticing the large book. Transfiguration 101: From Tea Cups to Tea Houses. It was a silly name for the book but it was still a great resource for Transfiguration magic. and seeing the filly with the book reminded her that there may be spell books she had never seen here in the Archive.
“Oh! well princess I asked if you were alright. Um… I noticed you come in and then stop moving for almost three minutes.” The filly spoke in a slightly timid voice even as she bowed slightly, yet a hoof stopped the filly before she would bow down any further. Twilight smiled as she crouched down to the fillys level.
“I am doing good, and there's no need to bow. I’m hardly older then you are. What's your name?” Twilight asked, not noticing the growing attention she was getting. or the two new royals that joined the night princess. Eventide looked on with her same indifferent mask, even if the corner of her lips were lifted up into a small grin. The entire library's focus was on the lavender alicorn as she spoke to the filly.
“I’m Cherry Fizzle, but all my friends call me Fizzy. I’m a student at Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns.” The filly answered happily as she nearly jumped in place. “What about you princess? What's your name?”
“Twilight Arora Sparkle, But you can just call me Twilight Fizzy.” Twilight responded before she smirked softly. her horn glowing as she grabbed a piece of scratch paper from a table, bringing it over to hover between them. “I see your reading about transfiguration, how about I let you in on a little secret?”
The filly looked ecstatic as she nodded, Moving closer as her eyes danced between the paper and the lavender alicorn in front of her. It only took Twilight a moment as her horn glowed brighter. The paper slowly folded and glimmered as it was changed. Jeweled wings and silver antanas moved as the magic transformed the paper into a butterfly hair clip. Wings shining in a rainbow of color as it was held in Twilight's raspberry magic. Fizzy gasped as she looked at the accessory, eyes filled with amazement and surprise. That only grew as it was clipped into her hair, sitting right at the top of her braided mane. Twilight chuckled softly as her horn dimmed before winking out.
Fizzy didn’t hesitate as she reared up on her hind hooves as raped her arms around the lavender alicorn. Who hesitated for a moment before hugging the filly back. her wings nearly hiding her from view. “A good guide to help with Transfiguration is Alterations and changes by Tempered Geminite. read that and you will get a perfect grade.” Twilight whispered soft;y as the filly giggled, nuzzling into Twilight’s neck. After a few more moments they seperated, Leaving a slightly blushing Twilight as she noticed all the eyes on her.
“Thank you Princess Twilight. I’ll get to reading it right away!” Fizzy chirped as she skipped away, happily flaunting the new hair clip that she had been given. ponies around laughed or smiled as they muttered amongst themselves at the now abashed alicorn. Celestia smiled to herself as she watched twilight nearly trot towards them. making a beeline to stand beside her mother using her stacher to hide away from the ponies that had watched everything.
“I have to say Princess Twilight, That was an interesting form of encouragement. I believe you just had a fillies year, I almost feel bad for Miss. Frizzle's parents.” Luna spoke as she winked. Not only intelligent but great at magic and wonderful with fouls. Yet timid in public and young at heart. This is a large change from the first impression that we had been given over tea. Before she was not Twilight, She was Princess of Arora.
“It was a simple spell, Tempered Gemimite learned that all one needed to transfigure anything into metal and imitation gems was the right amount of components in the air and a bit of magical elbow grease. While the gems are only imitations they can pass almost any test except the common dispellment test. Anything stronger then a B level dispellment will turn the gems into glass.” Twilight explained, glad for the chance to have a distraction from the attention she had been receiving. Even if they were still here in the Archive at least she had others for ponies to look at other than herself.
“Well princess Twilight I believe that now would be a good time to show you to the room you will be staying in. Until we can get the one beside it prepared for you." Celestia spoke as she gestured to the exit with a wing. A gentle smile on her lips as she made a mental note to remember about Cherry Fizzle.
Eventide nodded as she moved beside her daughter, the two following a step behind the alicorn sisters as their crystals began to glow brighter. A mental conversation starting between them.
"I never expected you to start showing off in front of the princesses. Yet I have to agree with Luna, you have already changed that little filly's life. After all, it's not everyday that someone gets a gift from a princess."
Twilight looked away from her mother, a small smile on her lips as she looked around the room. Even now the decorations strung along the castle's polished halls. Tasteful streamers and flowers lining the walls as the group moved along. Luna continued to make small talk with her sister. speaking of the preparations and getting the last of the work done before the gala could come into full swing tomorrow. After all they only had a few hours before the remaining dignitaries would be arriving. All while the telepathic conversation continued behind them.
”I wasn’t showing off mother, I was helping a filly. It's the same thing that court mage Spectrum did for me. Transfiguration is not easy. She needed a bit of a push to get it down. After all, the book she had would do little for anything outside of turning an apple into an orange.” Twilight responded as her eyes drifted back over the Princesses. hardly listening to their conversation. Something about griffin diets and the need to properly feed them. Twilight remembered that griffins were omnivores with a love of meat, thus a few meat dishes would be needed for them.
Eventide rolled her eyes as she looked over at her daughter, but she continued as they turned down a hall. one of each guard stood along its walls. Golden, silver, dark blue metal glinted softly in the evening light as the four guards saluted the passing princesses, Before falling in behind them, Clearly they had been sent to await the royals and escort them back to the guest rooms. The crystalline crown on the Aurora guard's head glowed dimly as he sent a message out to his fellow guards.” Queen and princess under protection, We will be arriving shortly. Nighwish and Spellbound, you're on evening watch.”
”Twilight, Twilight, how many times do I have to tell you that no matter what your motive is you have to remember that your title has a weight far greater than even mine. After all I may be a Queen but here in Equestria it's the princesses that run the world. So even now what you did will be sweeping through the halls and out into the city. By tomorrow afternoon everyone in Canterlot will know.” Eventide Responded to her daughter, Ignoring the orders her caption gave. Her soft blue magic brushing a lock of her daughter's mane out of her eyes as they walked, rounding a final corner they was the alicorn of love and prince of Canterlot standing beside one another, Both mother and daughters eyes looked up at the tiara that sat on Cadence’s head. The queen's smile vanished as the mask hid away her emotions, Twilight however had no such reservations as she spoke.
“Princess Cadence, Where did you get that tiara?” Twilight asked, doing her best to keep her voice soft. Seeing it here in Canterlot had been unexpected, and it made a bit of anger flare up inside her chest as she already knew the answer. After all, herself and Cadence had not been there, But a noticeably quiet alabaster and night blue pair of alicorns had been. Even as she waited for the pink alicorn to respond her mage sight already danced over the blue crystal that was faceted into the silver. There was no question, it was the real thing.
“Oh, Princess Twilight. I was given it by my aunt Celestia, I had been in a bit of a rush at your arrival and had forgotten it. Thankfully Blueblood reminded me to wear it this time.” Cadence responded as she let out a small chuckle. Hiding her smile behind a hood as she looked at the lavender alicorn that was staring intently at the crown that topped her head. only to be stopped as her mother sent a mental push to keep civil.
“Well, I think it looks lovely on you Princess Cadence, Please forgive me but after a long trip I am just ready to lay down before the revelry tomorrow.” Eventide Interrupted as she gestured to the door. Twilight bowed her head before turning and trotting into the room.
Eventide had to gently shut the door behind herself. A small frozen pulling ate her lips as she looked over at her daughter. waiting to hear the steps of others to vanish down the hall. It didn't take much longer before she decided to speak.
“Twilight, you must learn to hold your tongue. You're always too quick to ask questions and speak when sometimes holding your tongue would be far better." Queen Eventide let out an annoyed whiney, a hoof rubbing over her mane. Her body seemed to sag as she showed just how old she was, ruling alone while trying to raise her daughter and keep her kingdom together. The weight of the crown and motherhood leaving lines and crow's feet marrying her one pristine face.
Twilight let out a sigh as she looked up at her mother. A small frown pulling at her lips. She knew that her mother was right. What could she say to her mother? After all, she instantly assumed that she was only wearing it for fashion. But her cutie mark was the crystal heart, the symbol of the crystal empire before it was stolen away by the mad king somber and the umbra. She had to be the heir, and that was both a good and a bad sign for the future. After all, the princesses of Equestria coils have the future ruler of a foren empire in their pocket. And one of the few places that the kingdom of Arora actually deals with. “I… I'm sorry mother, I wasn’t thinking about it right. I was just worried, While the Gem is not active the princesses have no idea what they are doing.”
“Calm yourself, I told you before. The two princesses fought Sombra. They nearly defeated him and his mind controlled army. But when they went in for the final strike he cast a spell to steal away the Empire, they fell responsible for the loss of the crystal empire. Of course they would adopt the future heir and raise her for her destiny.” Evertide spoke softly as she rubbed her forehead, clearly understanding what was happening. After all it wasnt that uncommon for nobility of heirs to spend time in their childhood in the cort of a foren empire. This was just a bit more than your average cort stay.
“And you're not worried about what this could mean for the future relations between are three kingdoms? Yes, I have been hoping for more open ties with other countries but having the one kingdom we actually have ties to being connected so closely with the Equestrians. I wanted to get friendship and trade through on my own merits.” Twilight responded with a small frown pulling at her lips, carefully undoing the chains over her horn and head. The pristine silver chains holding the softly glowing blue gemand setting it down on the nightstand. Her raspberry magic laing it out flat to prevent it from tangling. She ruffled her wings gently, after keeping them closed all day she wanted to go for a quick fly.
She is thinking too much already. I haven’t even died yet and she's already making plans on how to change the kingdom. At least she has plans and doesn't just sit around and do nothing for the rest of her life. Eventide thought to herself for a few moments, taking off her tiara and setting it beside her daughter's own royal dressings. Letting out a quiet sigh, looking over at the one bed that was in the room. Then she looked around the fancy room and in all honesty this could be an entire apartment. A bedroom off to the side, a sitting room close to the door and its own small private kitchen. It was almost crazy how extravagant that the canterlot castle was. Built like a home for a goddess, it wasn't that the Auroran capital wasn’t beautiful but how did one compare the natural beauty of a city on the side of a mountain. Made of amazing marble and gold.
The capital of Aroran gleamed in its own splendor of glass and metal, The towers standing taller than most places around here in the land of stone and masonry. Arora was a country of mountains and valleys, space had to be used wisely and even villages on the side of mountains were on hoof made platos. Not a magic supported plato on the side. But she didn’t need to think about that at the moment. Eventide was too tired to deal with this. “My little sparkle, let us forget this and go to bed. We can formally apologize to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza in the morning and then you can teach her about the gem. After all, she doesn't have any idea what it is. Or she would have commented about are matching gems.”
Twilight nodded as she hid a yawn behind her wing, looking past her mother and to the bed with a small smile on her lips. “So, I guess we will be sharing a bed. Like when I was little. When I was scared of the thunderstorms that would come through the capital. I would always run past your door guards and jump into your bed to hide from the lightning and thunder.” The lavender alicorn spoke softly as she trotted over to the bed. A smile pulling at her lips before her magic pulled back the covers for the bed. The small suns and moons that decorated the blanket looked almost like a baby blanket. It was almost an amazing how simple something like that could seem almost childish. But that makes sense, After all this was the castle of the two sisters. Of the day and night so its understandable that they would decorate the castle with their celestial bodys.
Eventide let out a snort as she moved to lay down in the bed, as she had found getting woken up in the middle of the night was something she was glad her daughter didn't do anymore. After all, she was woken up enough in the middle of the night for whatever emergency that some nobel didn't think could wait until morning to complain and demand that it must be fixed. She had to increase the guards and appoint a night secretary for the nights so she could actually get some sleep through the night.
“Have a good night mom, I love you.” Twilight spoke softly as she leaned in and nuzzled against her mothers cheek. A smile on her lips as she felt her mother nuzzle her back. It didn’t take long before twilight had fallen asleep, her head in the crook of her mothers neck. Starting to snore softly as her mother just rolled her eyes even as a leg wrapped around her daughter's sleeping form. Holding her gently as she thought again about what Celestia had said. That her daughter was immortal, and she was getting older. She hoped she would remain with her daughter for a long time but she never knew what would happen. What would Twilight do if she were to pass away tomorrow? If she were to be gone in a year? What about fifty years from now when everyone she had grown up around were old, and some had already passed on. Or in a century? As strict as she had to be with her daughter she didn’t want her to be lost or alone. The only other immortals in the world would be the three Equestrian princesses. The only three that would understand the feeling of watching the world shift and change around you. It was something that Eventide would be able to teach her daughter. Something she could never truly understand, just speculate. It was these thoughts that she fell asleep to, the worry and hope that her daughter would be happy and safe in the future.