The Steadfast Sky : A Canterlot Dinner Party
The Grey Potter
http://www.fimfiction.net/story/11495/The-Steadfast-Sky
http://cosmicponyfiction.tumblr.com

I explained it so easily at first. I just wanted to try on some different necklaces. Everyone knew I had been dying to wear some different jewelry for a long time now. I just floated my element up from my purse, assured everyone I still had it, and stowed it quickly away.

But I was just hiding the fact that it didn’t stay on anymore.

I had tried everything to keep my Element on. I tangled it’s folding structure together. I used string to bind the two halves of the clasp. I stuffed it into my braid, wove it into the strings of my bodice. I positioned it on my blouse front and tried to affix it with pins. I even attempted to glue the ends together.

Yet it never stayed. The moment I drew my aura away, it would collapse and slip down my front. I suppose I should feel lucky it never broke in all those falls… The Element was proof of my position. If it had been damaged in any way… I know the Illuminators would certainly find something to fuss about.

Oh, and yes, and I had thought of the obvious reason why my Element wasn’t staying on. The things I had to said to Discord, yes, they were a bit rash. I suppose I could still rattle off his positive traits. Intelligent. Creative... Brave? Kindness? Okay, maybe I can’t, not with a straight face. Each of his virtues was just a hollow echo of his numerous flaws. I seriously did not want to approach him again. Furthest possible thing from my desires.

But after a few days with the element quietly stowed away… I suppose I could bring myself to apologize.

But I wouldn’t like it.

It would be a lie.

A lie to save my own skin.

Oh, why couldn’t this just be myself and my sister?! A system of two, night and day! That sounds so lovely! Why do I also have to be associated with Discord? And, and At least my sister is improving! If only she would stop hanging around Discord, and act like a proper lady… Oh, then maybe!

Oh, enough of this horrid, sordid topic! I have places to be!

I arrive at the proper time and place early, as a proper lady should. Sunset, at Apple’s little home-away-from-home in Canterlot. The past few months or so, I had been in and out of the entry hall, waiting for Apple to arrive, or for Apple to take me to another grand gala. But this would be the first time I’d see beyond the foyer and little ballroom. A personal party, he told me in flame-sent letter. Just a small get together, only the most important, local dignitaries...!

I plan on entering, perhaps letting one of the two guards announce me (can’t be too careful, even in my home city!) But before I’ve even knocked, two ponies push their way casually from the entrance.

“Celestia, my dear!” Apple booms, bowing. “Good to see you, good to see you!”

One of the ponies is an old Illuminator. The one with a spectacles and a white inkwell cutie mark. I think he might be one of the seniors? In any case, he eyes me warily.

“Princess,” he says, “You did not inform us of this little trip.”

I smile coldly, “Since when must I tell the Illuminators of all my activities?”

He stood firm, “There are a few things that I must speak with you—”

“Oh, don’t mind him, my Princess!” Apple cheerfully barks, “I’ve just had a good long chat with Inkwell! Everything’s been sorted out and explained, very thoroughly!”

Inkwell sniffs. “I dearly hope you know what you are inviting, Apple...”

“Now you see here, you bookish fuddy-duddy!” Chortling, Apple gives Inkwell a friendly shove on the shoulder. The poor old stallion nearly topples over. “Don’t you spoil a poor little Princess’ fun! She will be fine, alright? It’s just a little dinner party! No, no, don’t scare the lass!”

The Illuminator gives Apple a wary look, then turned to me, “When you return from this foray, please report back to us. We have a few important matters we wish to discuss with you. And yes, that is all I am saying, Chancellor Apple.” His eyes lingered on me for a moment more, then he turned and headed back to the library.

The two guards that had followed me seem unsure if they should follow, but with a flick of his hoof, apple quickly dismisses them. “I have my own guards, your Princess will be safe, I assure you!”

“Goodness,” I chuckle, watching the departing Illuminator. “What’s gotten tangled in his tail hairs?”

Apple shakes his head sympathetically. “Ah, you know these scholarly types. Spend so much time with their heads in books, they become convinced the world turns according to print! They would even stop you from having a nice dinner…”

I smile. “I’m very grateful you were able to talk those silly ideas out of him then!”

“Anything for my Princess! Now!” He waves a dismissive hoof. “Don’t you worry about them!Quickly, inside before we catch ourselves a cold!”

With a gentle hoof guiding my shoulder, Apple rushes me through the doorway… Oh, I do dearly hope there’s no mud on his hooves, this is my nicest dress! But, in just in a blink, we step cleanly through the opening, door snapped shut by twin servants.

“Ah, my Princess,” Apple said, “This is going to be quite the wonderful night. I assure you, it will be quite a treat! You wouldn’t want to miss it for the world!”

“Oh?” I lean a little closer, intrigued. “Do you have something special planned for me?”

He smiles broadly. “My Princess, when do I not have something special for you? You know I would not waste your valuable time with anything less!”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” I say, grinning, “But after so much you’ve done for me, what else could you possibly have in store?”

“No, no,” he shook his head, smiling, “I wouldn’t spoil it for you early!”

I laugh, high and light, “Well, I hope it’s something more than seeing the rest of your little home... lovely as it is, Apple...”
I look around the high hallways, wondering lightly to where I’m being led. I had never been into his mansion. Well, now here I am, and it’s wondrous. Every surface seems to gleam, from the wood varnish to the various treasures decorating the walls, to the brass lights lining every corridor. The floor itself is the only thing that did not shimmer, but only because every hall is lined with rugs, all with the same, vine and apple patterns. To my left, they are large, dominating walls, glass hardly warped or colored at all. I can see out to the dark, cloudy ocean from these windows, and I wonder. Is this place of wood anything like Apple’s mansion in Stringhalt? And what could he see, looking down that wide hill of a city...

I received a nasty jolt, and visibly shiver.

Walking so close to Apple, it’s no wonder he notices my little spasm. He eyes me curiously. “Something the matter, my Princess?”

“Oh, nothing! Nothing at all!” I squeak. I shoved the rest of the memory away forcefully, not wanting to relive my last night in that... city. “Just, you know, such a relief! I had become so tired of seeing marble and alabaster! What wood is this palace constructed from, Apple? It’s rather lovely!”

“Ah, the wood is not that impressive!” Apple loudly boasts, “The treatment and construction, on the other hand, that is special! The very best of Earth Pony engineering!” He seems to swell a little, pride making him visibly taller. “Only Earth Ponies have that personal connection to nature, only they could build so fine a building from this material! The baseboards are all hoof-carved, yes, you see the design of it? And the varnish was hoof-mixed, a very special blend! And! Of course, the rugs are all from the workshop of Twine and Twist, very famous twins, they are. Passed away years ago, yet their technique is unparalleled!”

And with little prompting, he began introducing me to various features of his home, to each section’s varied history and crafters. I nod along, allowing the silly Apple have his talking time.

It’s honestly not long before he leads me into a cozy little sitting room filled with warm firelight and cushioned armchairs. I am slightly surprised to see two ponies already waiting, but certainly, it would not make much sense for me to be the only guest! An old mint-colored mare looks up from her tea half-heartedly, while her dark indigo stallion friend sits stiff, legs tightly crossed and barely moving to watch me enter.

“Ah! Celestia, I’d like you to meet the first half of our dinner party! This is Silver Tail,” the mint mare nods stoically. “She’s the Baron… or Regant, Ha! Well, she’s the leader of Roan Bay. And this is Stonewall,” the indigo jerks his head stiffly. “He has just begun managing the city of Hackamore, very large gem mine there!”

“Very nice to meet you, Princess of Loyalty,” Silver Tail says lightly. Stonewall jerks his head again, and I almost wonder if he can speak. Or move at all.

“Very nice to meet you both as well.” I carefully curtsey to each in turn. “Baron Silver Tail. Ah… Chancellor Stonewall.”

“It’s Foremain Stonewall.” Stonewall grunts. So he can speak!

Silver Tail laughs in her frail little voice. “Apple is the only one who inherits the title ‘Chancellor.’ It’s an old name. Inherited from the tribal days, you see...”

“Ah, I had forgotten!” I exclaim, “‘Chancellor’ once was the high ruler of the Earth Ponies, in the old land!” Eager to display my recognition, I took a chair, yet make myself barely sit on its edge, eyes wide. “Apple! You never told me it was inherited! Is it familial now?”

“Inherited with barely any meaning at all!” Apple barks happily. “And no, not even with an indication of a family lineage! Just the title hanging around the second city’s leader. But!” He claps his hooves, “It’s history departs no real purpose, and I’m just glad the country allows me to retain it, even if I, and my fellows, must publically call myself ‘regnant’...”

“Such a silly rule!” I grin into my hoof, acting secretive, “Was this decided by the First Gods? By the old government?”

“Just by the last one,” Silver Tail says quietly. “Even I, as a local ruler, am hesitate to use the title of ‘baroness.’”

“Well!” I exclaim proudly, clapping my hooves, “As soon as the Second God’s reign begins, I assure you, you will be allowed to have your formal titles!”

Apple clapped heartily at my statement, Silver Tail following meekly behind. Only Stonewall remained quietly, glaring directly at me. I regarded him with my warmest smile, determined to melt away whatever foul mood he’s cooked himself into.

“Stonewall!” I squeak. “Are you also told to suppress your birthright as Baron?”

“No,” he says. “I’m just a Foremain. Worked for the title.”

“Well,” I cheerfully say, “Once my reign begins, I can grant you a Baronhood, if you wish...”

“Such kindness!” Apple booms loudly, “Don’t hand them out so freely, my Princess! you treat titles as if they are candy!”

I beamed at my chancellor, but Stonewall still seems in just as foul a mood. Oh, I suppose there’s no warming him up, if he is determined to act so sour.

In any case, the conversation continues to be just as fascinating. I had been so preoccupied with local and foreign dignitaries, I had forgotten that there were other grand cities that I should establish personal connections with! Certainly nice of Apple to introduce me… but is this the ‘treat’ he was speaking of? Certainly pleasant, but I had expected something, perhaps, a bit more exciting than this.

Of course, my doubts are thrown away with the arrival of the next two guests. Apple steals a glance, beaming in my direction as he goes to shake hooves. The elder seems like a stiff and formal man, pure white from mane to tail, bright blue eyes tinged with an unhealthy-looking pink. His mane falls down one side of his neck, more like a sheet of silk than actual hair.

And the other! The handsome devil himself...!

“Regnant-Baron Blueblood!” Apple shouts cheerfully, “Good you could come, very glad to see you! How was the down main street? Oh, forgive me!” Apple laughed, “In your condition... you teleported, didn’t you?”

“Yes, yes,” Blueblood Sr. grumbles. “Had one of the senior Arch-Unicorns make the jump to your foyer. Many more were eager, but a bit too eager, if you ask me. I doubt any of them have ever been to your home before, how could they hope to me teleport here?”

I sat, high and formal, sipping my tea like nothing in the world mattered. And yet, my heart is to the bursting point, watching the younger Blueblood. He stands calmly next to his father, dressed formal, mind apparently on nothing at all… Oh! Come sit next to me, oh please, sit next to me…!

It’s a bit of a simple desire, certainly. Just a desire to meet with him. Oh, the game was fun. It was fantastic. But now, I am overeager to move along. See what’s beyond it. Must keep my wits about me, though! I would not desire to come out the lesser for this…

And, with a little light chatting and a guiding hoof from Apple, the wonderfully handsome stallion sits next to me, smooth as a dream!

“Hello Baron,” I say calmly, “Rather nice to see you.”

“Likewise, my Princess.” His smile is radiant, and directed right towards me!!! “Thought I would have to suffer Silver Tail’s back complaints alone.”

I giggle loudly, unable to suppress my volume! Oh, Celestia, be calm! Control! Stoic, passive, removed from the moment…!

“So you have visited with the Baroness and Foremain before?” I say at a suitable level.

“Oh, yes. In this room as well. This is not the first of Apple little dinner parties I’ve attended. Preparing for the position, you see…”

I jump, giddy and unable to help myself, “The position of attending noble’s parties?”

He beams, and I die of happiness. “Yes,” he says, “That’s the one, Princess Celestia.”

“Well, that’s everybody!” Apple claps his hooves loudly. “Dearest guests! I recommend we head to the dining room! My staff is very eager and proud to display their cooking skills! Shouldn’t keep them waiting now, should we? Ha!”

I remain in my chair for a precious few moment longer than the rest of the party, daring to hope that Blueblood will help me from my seat. But alas! My delay only assures that I am left to walk at the back of the party. Ah, Blueblood… you wouldn’t make it that easy for me, now would you! Noble game or no, I’m cheered all the same.

We’re led to a room with a broad, low table with fat, almost benchlike chairs. For every chair, there was a heavy, silken cushion. Very plush, most likely overstuffed with down… I vaguely wonder if the feathers were inefficiently plucked by Earth Ponies. I suppose they weren’t, seeing as how Apple isn’t bragging about it to me. Silver lines the entire table, carefully set and placed, empty and bereft of food.

I wonder, peering over the shoulders of my elders, why is it taking so long to get into the room? In fact, most of them seem to be moving away from the door, standing in the hallway. I think to ask Blueblood (Yes! Another excuse to have a conversation with the noble stallion!) But Stonewall backs away, and I can finally see what the holdup is. A cloaked pony stands before Apple in the dining room, regarding him with stern eyes.

“Applebark!” Apple exclaims, “You’re not wearing your dress! All of our guests have arrived, you know!”

The mare sighs heavily, “I’m sorry, but this afternoon’s Market attack…”

“That hasn’t been sorted out yet?!” Apple shakes his head and chuckled. “I thought you’d be used to this by now! What’s taking so long?”

“Questionings, interrogations… You could have sent a few more people to clean up, you know. Six liters of smooze still hasn’t been recollected. No doubt that foal gang stole the bags again…”

Another stab of memories I willfully ignore. I jerk my head away, determined to make conversation with whoever else was around. Alas! In my rush away from the door, Stonewall is nearest… And I got the faintest impression that he may not be inclined to chat… Perhaps Blueblood… no, looks like he’s chatting with his father. Would it be rude…?

“… They’ve gotten rather uppity,” Applebark continues lamely, “Since they’ve found some kind of mare as a rallying point…”

“Silver Tail!” I squeal, “So! What countries does Roan Bay do boat trade with? I never realized we did trade by sea!”

“Our largest exports have to travel by sea,” she mumbles, “Carts would take too long, too many ponies out of the country. Boats take gems to the Zebra nation, mostly… Some also leave to found trade with fledgling countries... Show of good faith, you see…”

“So nice that I was able to meet you, then, Silver Tail,” I say with a little nod, “So nice of Apple to introduce us, for when I come to power, I will have to see for myself someday.”

“Yes, so nice of Chancellor Apple,” I jump a little, Stonewall hovering at my left shoulder, and speaking not-so-quietly, “Showing off to us all how he’s still the top Earth Pony in the country, more like…”

Silver Tail gives a guilty sort of grin, but I turn on that gruff man and give him my biggest and broadest annoyed smile.

“Not very smart of you!” I chide, “Insulting one of the Princesses’ best friends!”

Stonewall regards me levelly, “There’s no subtlety to you at all, is there?”

“Stonewall…” Silver Tail hisses quietly.

“Yes, yes, Applebark! Just make sure you’re back before dessert! Now then!” Apple loudly clapped his hooves. “Silver Tail, your seat is here…” Silver Tail nods quickly at me, then she and Stonewall go to take their seats. Finally, we politely found our way into the room. Apple rushes around the table, voice occasionally muffled as he pulled out chairs with his teeth. “Princess…” He trots to the head and graciously pulls the seat out for me.

“Oh, no, Apple!” I giggle emptily, mood a still little punctured. “Tis your own home! I am merely one of your guests!”

“Ha!” Apple barks. “Don’t worry, I’m stealing the seat on your right hoof, if nobody will fight me for it!” Stonewall laughs dourly at Apple’s statement, and I forcefully take my seat. “Now then! Blueblood the Junior…”

With a tiny little shock, Apple seats my rival to my left. I grin at my chancellor. Oh, what was he playing at! He winks, already broad grin growing a little wider. That devious rapscallion!

“I’m sorry, Blueblood,” I say, feigning sympathy, “Having to suffer a seat to my left…”

He smiles serenely, leaning casually against one arm. “Still quite an honor to be seated by the Princess.”

Honor!!! I can only just barely contain my squeals.

I get back late that night, beaming, not one single thing able to burst my happy bubble of joy. For once, I had a long, involved talk with Baron Blueblood! He laughed at the things I laughed at, received my concerns with care, told me that I was rather pretty! There were even hints, as little line of breadcrumbs, leading to a possible date! A private garden picnic! Friends only!

Goodness, no dour news can possibly hurt me now! Me and Blueblood, Blueblood and I! The thought makes me dizzy all down my body. Oh, but I LOVE the feeling! Certainly, it is the dizziness of love! Or perhaps, I giggle, the sway of too much cider! Goodness, I kept my composure, but I am probably bright, bright pink right now…!

Failing to assure Apple that I would have a safe stumble home, I am surprised to see that same, haggard old Illuminator waiting for me at the castle, four guards at his sides.

“Ohohohoh,” I laughed, wobbling slightly, “Were you wait~ing~ for meeee? It’s so far past… past midnight, ye~es?”

“Tell me,” he asked sternly, “What do your friends mean to you?”

“Wha?” I giggled loudly. “What kind’a question’s that now?”

The Illuminator’s eyes froze on my neck, cold and impassive. I gave him my kindest smile, trying to not tip to the left. The old stallion grunted, and turned to the four guards at his side.

“Escort Miss Celestia back to her room. Make sure she stays there.”