Three celestial bodies and an aliorn for each but while those of the sun and moon are known throughout Equestria, the one of the planet itself is rather mysterious.
Three celestial bodies and an aliorn for each but while those of the sun and moon are known throughout Equestria, the one of the planet itself is rather mysterious. Terran is the middle brother of both Luna and Celestia and ruler of his own land and is waaaay overdue for a social call to his sister's kingdom. A visit is needed for a catchup, to ask for their help in locking away an ancient evil and to explain to his daughter why he wasn't there to give her away at her wedding........
"Mining report, junk, junk, bill for new furnishings (didn't think I actually asked most of them...), letter of request, junk, junk, oh hello, what do we have here?" the giant alicorn finished, rising an eybrow at the brilliant white envelope that stood out amongst the pile. He levitated the envolope closer to his abyss black eyes and scanned the address on the front. Prince Terran Conflux Castle Haven Caballus Who ever had written this certainly had certainly had training in calligraphy. He had a sneaking suspision who might be the writer of the letter an he smiled slightly at this. The royal seal on the opposite side only confirmed this and he broke out ino a grin. The seal of he Sun Goddess, Princess Celestia was stamped proudly into a generous helping of red sealing wax which contrasted the white of the envolope nicely. Terrn broke the seal and slid the letter out of its hold and flung the envolope somewhere behind him and idetiatly set upon reading the letter with a sense of glee he had not felt for some time. Dear Terrance,
As you can see from the outset hat this is not a happy letter. That is because I am upset with you Prince Terrance. You have not visited in a whole year and I have not heard from you for 6 months! 6 months, Terrance! That's 6 months to long! And yes, I feel the need to keep repreating that as you've probbly forgotton the last time you even sent a letter to your poor sister. We are all worried sick! You could've fallen off the face of Gaia itself of all we know! Luna's shaking her head at me and sighing asI wite this but I know she feels th same way (but maybe worries slightly less). And there is of course your daughter. She is still furious with you, you know, and when I think about it she very well could be the reason you've gone quiet on us but I'll be the one to tell you she has ever right to be. You weren't there on her wedding day Terry! I can't tell you enough how much that hurt her! Heck, it would hurt any mare enough to not want to speak with her father ever again! You lucky she has a big heart. A heart which had not been broken just yet you'll be pleased to know. I digress, the point is we want to see you and I know you want to visit, if you affairs allow please come to Equestria, you are always welcome here (Luna is now nodding her head vigouresly as I dictate the last bit).
Lovingly Yours
Your Sisters Celestia and Luna
PS: Luna is now lecturing me about why not to include anecdotes about her behaviour in a letter annnnnnnd is just realising I am still writing this bit......
The Prince of the earth lowered the letter and closed his eyes in pensive expression. They were not letting up in their nagging that was for sure, This was the thrid one this month and it was only now that he was getting the message. This had been the irst to mention his little Mia, but of course she was far from little now. She was married, happily to a captain of the guard no less! He had been suprised at that last detail, he had never thought his daughter would be one to take to a military stallion, she had always had a large heart and war related things never meshed well with that. But then of course Equesrtias military was mmmmmm, lacking in the 'experiance' dpartment and from what he had heard sometimes just existed out of tradition rather than nessecity. He had met Shining Armour a few times and he had quickly came to uderstand him as a fine specimen of a stallion, an honourable stallion who kept the peace rathr than fight in wars. Quite different from his own captain but a fine one nonetheless. What he kept kicking himself over however was the fact that he had missed their wedding and the invasion that had been planned the same day. He still ground his teeth at how that stupid, bug eyed queen had dared to threaten his sister's, their kingdom and his own little angel..... Terran took a moment to stop his thought process and calm himself. That was over, Mia had bested that monster herdself in a display he wished he could've seen and he was more than ready to take over changling-ass-kicking duties should she rear her ugly head again. The prince sighed long and hard, enough reminiscing, it was time to create some new memories. Beseides the timing couldn't have been better.... He turned from his desk and strode quicky out of his chambers door. The guards on duty flinhed slightly at the doors opening and closing shut quickly and only looked momentarily lost before they began to follow their charge. "Shiver, take a letter." Terran began. The guard to his left jumped slightly a the directnss of his king, but quickly levitated a scroll out from his utility saddle bags along with a quil. He dropped this and paused to pick it up again and galloped slightl to catch up to the group, egged on by the other gurad looking back with a look of urgency on his face. He rematched his lord's pace just as he continued naturally. "Dear Celeste, " He began in his more pronounced voice. "I will gladdly take you up on that offer...." he contined with a new grin on his face and a slight skip in his stride. *** "So your saying he acceptted!?" Luna screeched exitidly as she tapped her hooves excitidly. "Shhh, not so loud Luna" ushered Celestia with a frown. "Sorry, indoor voice, got it." Luna replied momentrily stopping her exciting tapping, it resumed a moment later "So Terry is really coming here?" she asked pepping up again but no longer whispering in the Royal Canterlot Voice. "He is indeed" Celestia said with a satisfied smile. "But you mean, actually this time?" "Yep" "To the castle? To Equestria?" "Yes, Luna" " To the-" "Luna" Celestia said in a lowed tone. "Sorry, I'm just kinda excited" she said, her hoove taps become slightly more vigourous. "He hasn't visited in aaaages, and I really missed him." she finished more seriously. "So have I" Celestia agreed with her warm smile back "It has been to long" she sighed slightly "But this is still a royal visit of the monarch of Caballus visiting the allied nation of Equestria." Celestia went on with her political mask on her face and in her tone. Luna looked curiously at her for a split second before smiling and saying "But it totally won't be, will it?" Celestia broke face and smiled at her "Only officialy" The sisters joined each other in reminision and laughter in memories of their brother into the late hours of the night.
Captain Aegis was just finishing adjusting his black bowtie when he heard a respectful knock on his door. "Come" he uttered to his reflection. "Captain, his Majisty wants to see you" The guard said through a head sized crack in the door. "Thank you Timber" Ageis replied, both his and his reflections gaze not breaking from their counterparts bowties. Timber took that as his cue to leave but was broght back to attention by his Captain speaking again. "Timber" Aegisbegan expecting confirmation. "Yes, sir?" Timber replied curiously through an even thinner crack. "Congratulations on the foal." His gaze looked up to meet his in the reflection of the mirror. "You'll make a fine father." "Um.... eh thank you sir." replied the guard somewhat unsure as he closed the door behind him. Aegis turned his attention back to his neck ware. "Blasted thing, I can never gat you straight can I?" he retorically asked the jet black accsesory. "Oh well, that will do for now" he finished to himself, donning the rest of his attire consisting of armoure that could easily be mistaken fo a full piece suit complete with reinorced suit tails. "Duty calls" he muttered to his equally ready reflection, filling some cliche in his head. *** Commander Topaz was rechecking his auto bow for the fourth and final time of his daily morning ritual/habbit/obsession. The fame: aged oak/yew hybid cover, polished with a weather proof finish and fibre aluminium reinforcing rods. The stock: a adjustable worn brass counter weight system that would automatically ajdust its mass in response to his posture. The barrel: more brass but iron reinforced, spin system and plenty compatible wth every other attachment. The whole thing: his pride and joy. Hey some ponies had stuffed toys, others lucky charms, why couldn't he have an automatic high pressure weapon? Actually, it said a lot about his mindset, or maybe it didn't; he knew as much as the next pony about minds. That was why he was a commander in the military, not a physcatrist. His psychartirst farther would be so proud of that deduction. A rapid knock brought Topaz back from his strange stupour. "Helooooooooooooooooooo silent and broody pony, we have to do army stuff, you know cuz we're in he military?" came the sarky and (especially to Topaz) annoying voice of his fellow Commander At-Arms. "We have been summonded" He continue in a spookyesque voice ignoring Topaz blanking him. "So chop chop!" he called through the door. Topaz waited until he could here At-arms's hoof clops move down the hall before he actually even moved, maybe he thought that if he didn't move that At-arms would leave him alone, like a wasp or something he didn't really know. He glided down from deliberatly high bunk almost cradling his ato bow before slinging it over his back with the premium leather strap and landing expertly on all four holes of his layed out armour which he efficiantly clipped to his body. His wings unhooked and slid into their armoured coverings by themselves while he fiished placing on his bandana. Most of his armour was made for felxiility and dexterity to conform to his role as a Sharpshooter and they gave more protection from the rain than they would from warg teeth but they were still very resiliant to burning and abrasion type damage rather than stabby or blunt force. He pranced quickly to the door not before knocking on another door inside beside his own aclove twice with out breaking his pace. The knock was practiced and meant more than it sounded to normal ponies, to the 16 strong squaran on the opposite side. His personal battalion of elite rangers and marksmen. It meant get up and be ready or combat in five minutes and await orders because your Commander is reciving his own. *** Prince Terran looked at the assembled ponies in his briefing room. The four that stood before him represented his entire military. He couldn' be happier with how it looked. It had been a long time since he had a captain and commanders that had been asgood as the ones he sawbefore him. They all complemented each other well, all held the right values at the center of their being and each brought something unique to the role they served. Commander Opal Onyx, charasmatic head of the Muitions and Magic Division, kind Trottish unicorn with a large military heart that recived nothing but devotion and respect from her troops. Comander Topaz leader of the ranged division and founer of he elite Sharpshooter unit as well as the pioneer of ranged R and D leading to innovation in pony weaponary. What lies beneath a moody and unlikable demeanor is what the prince admired in him, a strong moral compass and compassion that accompanies it. Commander At-arms (a strange name that is a result of a lineage of soliders) head of the infantry and the joker of the group. Unparalelled resolve aside along with his friendly aura, he would occasionaly overstep his mark but always showed unfaltering respct in his comarades. And finally his Captain, called unorthadox by some. Aegis was born and bred in Trottingham over the pon in Equestria but found himself in the Caballa military. His unflapperble polite manner had mad him stand out in many ways, not all good but is was his selfless devotion and brilliant tactical mind that had cassd the prince to appoint him as head of every solider within his borders. He had repaid him with said devotion and an amazing track record ever since, one he had yet to Blight. "Thank you for coming so swiftly as always." The prince began. "Your all here for a rather unusual..... assignment." The prince continued, for lack of a better word. The group sat around the table each displayed signs of mild confusion and/or interest. "What is eaxactly is the 'assignment' my lord?" Aegis inquired with his voice reminescent of a butler as always. "It consists of a good will visit." The prince said in a resrvd manner. "I am afriad I need more details sire." Aegis replied, egging the Prince on as best he could. "I will be venturing on a highly overdue visit to Equestria." He stated plainly, trying to keep his positive feelings out of his voice. "Called it!" At-arms piped up, pointing a hoof at the prince. "You owe me four bobs" he smiled still looking at the prince, his outstretched hoof pivoting round so that it was to his side and across the table. The prince looked momentarily surpised and then amused while Aegis had spun round in his seat and was fixing both At-arms an Opel, the loser of the bet and the one who was being pointed at at by At-arms's hoof while chuckling nervously at Aegis death glare. "This is an official meting between-" he began some anger present in his voice. "It doesn't matter captain, deal your intended punishment out later." the prince interuppted, halve chuckling. Aegis quickly calmed down and faced his prince again. "If you so wish" he said defeat not detectable in his voice. "Anyway, the visit is of course long overdue and my relatives are more angsty than ever that I visit, furthermore this coensides nicely with my own plans so we will all be going on an official ambassadorial visit to the kingdom of equestria." The prince announced. Confusion now soley occupied each soliders face. "But, sire" Opel said in her thick Trottish accent "are you sure that's a good idea? I meen no disrespect now, but I canne think we'll be capable of makin' the diplomatic spalsh your expectin' sire." she reasoned. "Well, outright diplomacy is not the sole reason for my visit." the prince teased. "Wellll, then what is?" At-arms inquired, glaring politly and turning his head away from the prince but keeping his gaze on him to signify reserved curiostiy. "Due to recent events" the prince said becoming serious which everyone present matched "I have need of some of my sister's resources to help deal with the threat." he said solemly. Everyone portrayed understanding in their manners. "What resource could that possibly be my lord?" Aegis questioned. "We are in need of the elements of harmony."
The hanger was one of the largest in the pegasi barracks and was a sight to behold for any who ventured inside. The visitor and personel enterance couldn't really look anymore inconspicuous, a plain wooden door situated at the end of it's own corridor away from the main lobby and the ditinctly more industrial looking wing of the barracks. It was what lay beyond that suprised visitors. The commanders and their captain had all been through numorous times before but still liked the contrast of the small and slightly cramped corridor with it's royal red carpet to the massive open working space that housed the finest airships in the Caballian military. And most importantly, the Prince's own persoonal vessel.The Venture was amarvel of Aerospace enginerring, a luxeury airship with an ornate armored envelope, duel level canopy and decorated with gold and the royal green. Opel couldn't help but smile at the ship, partially as she had cordinted it's construction but mostly because she could spend the next 6 hours in it's recently installed hotspring. The Prince was being leadto the ship by it's pilot and his co-pilot, brother and sister unicorns who where egaly telling him of the recent modifications to wic e politly nodded. He was flanke by his two on duty guards and her fellow commanders plus her captain. "You got that new cider press installed yet?" At-arms butted in, intrurupting the captain from finishing his explination of the new turbine rotars. The captain paused midsentance, giveing a look of annoyance at the comander. "Yes it was installed pur you request commander" He quickly added before turning back to the prince. "Ahhh, but did you get the exact right, one" he added a smarmy tint in his voice. The captain sighed "Yes, commander, we ordered the Pluck and Press Apple Press Compact Edition for your quarters in the ship, now if you don't mind...." He was inturuptted by At-arms grimincing and breathing in through gritted teeth. "Prrrrrety shore I asked for the deluxe model." he complainded in a drawn out tone. The captain looked at him like he had just ben slapped. "That's quite enough commander" Terran cut in with a titter "I'm sure it will not stop you from enjoying the trip, your beverages." The commander grinned before politfully retreating back to the others while they aproched the gangway to the ship. The send off while still holding a sense of granduer about it, was more for formal reasons than a public display, the prince had made it perfectly clear to all his advisors addlegates that this was visit wsnoo become a major public event and was merely a social call to visit family, they were to keep the fact that he would be joined by the heads of his military and other soliders out of the press release. Caballus wasn't nearly as tranquil as Equestria but the Prince would still do all in is power to keep it as tranquil' as it possibly could, and that meant not letting his population know that him alog with all his military leaders where on an expedition to retrive the assistance of bearers of powerful magic to solve an unresolved problem. The military leaders made the remaining way onto the ship, the feeling of the velvet carpet of the ship pleasant on their hooves. The Prince lagged behind to deal with some gathered officials just to the side of the ramp. "Normal council limitations in place, this is still a peacetime visit merely with a slight military agenda." He swiftly instructed the diplomats. "Keep matters of a serious nature low key and rely serious developments straight to me, is that clear?" he finished more sternly. "yes, sire." the diplomats quickly answered, they knew the Prince did not like to be away from his duties and was always Terry about leaving them in the hooves of others. This was not because he thought others incompetent with completing them, more he didn't think it was right passing on the burden and saw them as his to complete alone, especially his peace keeping duties. The brief encounter over, the Prince gave them a smile before joining the others on the Venture, his escort of guards now lining the sides of the ramp and giving farewell salutes. The Prince joined the others in the central lounge area that acted as the main hub of the ship, the mansion like rooms accessible off of it. The commanders had all taken their favourite places in the room: Topaz was sitting idly by a window watching his personal platoon filing onto a smaller airship to accompany the Venture, Opel was flicking through a copy of Pony today while At- Arms was making good use of his new Apple press having dragged out from his room and, of course, Aegis stood to attention of to the side slightly awaiting permission to unwind from his Prince. Terran took his own seat at the head of the coffee table in the centre of the room. The entrance folded back into the Venture behind the Prince as the flight personnel conducted their final checks. A sealed sense of silence decended on the group as the cabin pressurized, Terran took this as his cue to speak. "Thank you all for being here on time as usual" He began with a common pleasantry "before we set off, there are a few trivial technicalities I need to get out of the way in regards to our trip to Equestria." He took a professional and very brief look around to catch and hint of response on his subordinates faces, finding none he quickly continued. "My sisters country is similar and very different to our own in certain ways, the distinctions have to be made clear as to make sure there are no...diplomatic mishaps." "This applies more to the commanders more than it does my fair captain." Terran continued,gesturing with his hoof at Aegis. "At, I forget, your a Trottingham lad ain't the?" Opal said with a coy smile. Aegis returned it with a slight bow of his head. "Born and raised, Commander Onyx." He confirmed in his rich Trottingham accent. Terran gave a brief nod to words the pair before continuing. "Since our kingdoms have essentially been cut of from one another due to the *ahem* turmoil in our kingdom for the last 3 years, it is more than likely that you have all become disconnected with our neighbours 'innocence'." "Erm, correct me if I'm wrong" At- arms began with a chuckle and a thoroughly unconvinced smile "how can an entire kingdom, over a million citizens in Canterlot alone, be ' innocent'" At- Arms finished. Terran twittered slightly. "More easily than you think, each time I visit the ponies naivety manages to surprise me in some way." "Try me." At- Arms replied test him. "Well they don' t have femented cider and any alcohol in general." He said, answering swiftly, gesturing to the cider press At- Arms was still operating. At- Arms jerked his head back slightly in surprise. He then fully processed what his Prince had just said and he began stareing into space with his mouth hanging open. Open leaned over to him and waved her hoof in front of his face repeatedly. "I think yur brook him sire" she giggled. Topaz, who had been looking out the window and at the others in careless fashion perked up at this and with a grin on his face, went over to the dumbstruck earth pony. He grabbed his halve full cider glass (his fourth already) and splashed the remainder of the drink on his face. This snapped the commander awake imediatly shaking his head of the liquid and taking a retaliatory lunge at Topaz. The mute commander gave his raspy laugh as he flew out of his reach back to his place by the window. The rest of the group enjoyed the spectacle as well and even Aegis produced a polite smile. "Are you serious sire?" At- Arms said, drying his ears with a towel Opel had given him. "Very much so commander." He replied calmly. At- Arms momentarily paused drying himself. "Well buck me" he muttered, throwing the damp towel over Opal' s head. Aegis immediately became serious at this language and glared at the commander who was still unintentionally ignoring him, pondering this development still. "That's another thing" Terran chimed in clearing his throat slightly at the 'outburst' "they hardly ever swear." At- Arms eyes swiveled in their sockets to lock on with the prince's. "You' 've gotta be buc......" "Hold your tounge commander." Aegis suddenly said sternly maintaining his glare. Aegis always showed the up most devotion and respect for the Prince and hated it when others didn't do the same. And although over the years he had been lenient with what At- Arms could get away with, accepting it as part of his personality, he could still only tolerate so much from him. "Calm yourself Captain" Terran said firmly. The captain reacted immediately softening his stare and letting out a breath he didn't notice he was holding. Terran turned to the commander. "Yes they have very clean mouths commander, and so will you while we stay there." "What' s the worst I can get away with?" he asked honestly. "Oh, erm ' sweet Celestia', I think." answered the Prince. "So that will.be quite enough of the foul tripe that gushes from your mouth commander" Aegis snapped, saying commander like a school teacher while hardening his stare slightly. The Prince hung back slightly, gauging the rightfulness of At- Arms reaction at Aegis s continued provocation. He deemed the loud and deliberately crude raspberry that he blew at him appropriate and smiled as his Opal and Topaz both burst out laughing. Aegis obviously frowned at the immature behaviour with reserved contempt. He glanced at his prince for support. Terran returned it with a upturned eyebrow. "Oh lighten up captain." He said somewhat merrily nudging Aegis as the others continued to laugh. "And for Mother Gaias sake sit down, you look stiff as a board and besides your not going anywhere." Aegis resigned to the informality of the situation on a cushion and with a brief sigh. The Venture eventually began its journey across the northern sea, that which separated the kingdoms flanked by to armoured battle blimps. The group eventually made their way to their own quarters to get what little rest they might need during the long trip over the sea.
