Being Royalty

by Coronet the lesser

First published 17th of August, 2013

After her coronation, Twilight is confronted by the complexity of court politics and the pressures of the crown. Not to mention her hidden relationship with Princess Luna . In the end she'll discover the ups and downs of being royalty.

As Twilight deals with life as the head of a nation and the responsibility that comes with it , she must also deal with her secret relationship with a certain moon goddess. As they face various issues from the get go. Including intense media and public scrutiny, a commitment to her friends and family, the complexities of the Equestrian political system and Luna's struggle to find peace with herself and her faults.

With a political crisis brewing on the horizon, Twilight must come to terms with her position quickly while also coming facing a daunting task in the form of reconciling Luna and Celestia's damaged sisterly relationship. In the end she'll learn that being royalty isn't all what it is cut out to be.

I highly recommend reading the first story. It's not completely necessary but it will be easier to follow the plot.

Sequel to Learning curve

My second attempt at romance with Twilight and Luna. Starts off as fluff in the begining but develops a political side story as the chapters go by. The story mainly focuses on Twilight and Luna and the issues they deal with after Season 3. Written before season 4 so it may not conform fully to canon. May fix this in a later rewrite. Criticism is once again welcomed.

Going to Court

Luna and Twilight proceeded through the hallowed halls of Canterlot castle as the early morning sun poured through the stained glass windows. The various depictions historical events were displayed stunningly on the pastel coloured walls. It was truly a glorious sight for early morning risers of the castle staff.

Twilight took occasional notice of them with heavy eyes as she passed. While nothing new to her, they still managed to captivate her slightly even to this day. This was despite the fact that Luna had decided to wake both of them at six o’clock leaving Twilight with only about two and half hours of sleep, something about putting Twilight’s fears to rest about being a princess. She hadn’t even had her coffee yet.

“Luna?”

“Hmmm?”

“What are we doing?” At that Luna stopped before turning and flashed Twilight, a beaming smile. All Twilight could do was grimace. That smile either meant Luna had just found a terrible new joke or one of the many new carnival games she was so fond of. Twilight swore if she had to spend anymore bits on throwing a ball at a bunch of cans she throw the vendor the next time.

“Is it not clear dear Twilight.” Twilight slowly shook her head. “We wish to aid in your endeavour to quickly learn how to become a princess!” Twilight was completely still. Luna had spread he wings out, leaned forward with her mouth open with an expectant smile. Twilight’s face deadpanned.

“I’m going back to bed,” she said as she turned back down the hall from whence she came. Luna was shaken temporarily, having been caught off guard by the answer before igniting her horn and appearing in front of Twilight with an impish smile.

"Come now Twilight, it shall only take a little bit of your time," pouted Luna. She came before Twilight with puppy dog eyes and held her wing out in a bashful gesture. Twilight groaned helplessly before her, she decided to turn around and then mumbled before waving a hoof at Luna.

“Go on so.” Luna did a hoof pump before mouthing the word ‘yes’. She skipped into position as she wrapped Twilight in a friendly wing and carried on down towards what Twilight recognised as the throne room. Twilight was still frowning despite the sudden flow of warmth from the wing resting on her back. She did not just get out of bed to visit the throne room. She was about to ask Luna another question but was cut off by the dazzling alicorn’s sudden words.

"You will not regret this Twilight; this morning shall be most…educational." She winked down at the grumpy looking pony next to her. Twilight sighed in reply before blowing a stray piece of hair out of her face. The blue navy alicorn seemed oblivious to her companion’s dismay. She was just all too happy to finally be teaching Twilight something and not the other way around.

“Isn’t Princess Celestia about to hold court right now?”

“Nay,” laughed Luna. “While our sister is a good pony, she has become rather…vain about her appearance over the past thousand years or so.” Luna held her hoof to her mouth to supress an onset of giggles. Twilight was sceptical as she perked up slightly to gauge whether Luna was joking or not. "She spends most of the early morning before court making sure she doesn't look like a walking corpse. Our sister ironically is not a morning pony."

“Seriously?" Luna nodded. “The Princess Celestia?” Luna choked back a laugh. “The most punctual and organised pony in Equestria?” Luna laughed at that one. Twilight hit Luna’s barrel to which she yelped and jumped away in reply.

“OW! What was that for?!”

“That’s for telling fibs early in the morning so I’ll believe the. I swear you’re worse than Discord sometimes.”

“No it’s the honest to Faust truth. You should see her she’s like one of those horror films before her make up. It’s all like…” Luna then held out one hoof and rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out before groaning loudly.

“Bleaghh must raise sun.”

Twilight couldn’t resist giggling madly at her dear friend’s display. The very idea of Celestia acting like Spike did on a weekend when getting up was both a highly disturbing image for Twilight as well as hilarious one at that. It lightened her mood significantly nonetheless. Luna returned to her normal stance. “I only wish I was joking, darling.” Twilight shuddered.

“Don’t say that!”

“What?” Luna was confused by Twilight’s sudden outburst, sure they happened all the time especially when she teased Twilight or made a lewd suggestion. But as far as Luna was aware ‘darling’ did not fall into the bad words category. Luna knew as much, Twilight made her keep a list. Apparently some of her old mannerisms were no longer acceptable in modern speech. Such as when she spoke in retrospect of the old female palace guard dog or when she ordered the guards to retrieve a 'bunch of sticks' for the fire. Luna was mortified when she was informed of their present meanings. It had not been one of her finer moments during her return.

“Darling,” deadpanned Twilight. “You and Rarity sound the exact same when you do that. It gives me the creeps.” Luna put her hoof to her chin and squinted her eyes in scepticism.

“No, no, I don’t see it. You probably are just still a bit tired is all.” Luna shook her head in agreement with herself while chuckling at thought. “Oh Twilight you always come up with the most humorous of ideas. Honestly Miss Rarity’s voice similar to mine, how silly.”

Twilight, to her credit, wisely decided not to get into a long drawn out discussion which would just result in another massive headache. Instead she just went with Luna’s conclusion with a grunt and carried on. The sooner this trip was finished the sooner she could return to bed. The very thought of returning to the warm embrace of bed had already started Twilight on the path to unconsciousness. She never saw the pillar that she walked directly into.

“Oh!”

While not exactly the intended reaction to her mistake, Twilight was more surprised by the fact that she had barely felt a thing. Luna turned immediately, wings rustled in shock as she realised that Twilight had been hurt before quickly going over to her flailing her hooves in an attempt to help the fallen alicorn.

“Are thou okay?!”

“I’m fine Luna. I just bumped my muzzle is all.”

“You should be more careful Twilight!”

“It’s fine Luna. It’s just weird is all." Twilight checked her hoof to make sure she didn’t have a nosebleed. "I mean I should be a tiny bit more hurt, after all this isn't the first time I've done that but I nearly don’t feel anything at all." Luna waved a hoof dismissively before pulling Twilight up.

“Well you are an alicorn now. You’re made of studier stuff than the average pony.”

“How much sturdier?” asked Twilight, who was genuinely interested in what Luna had to say. It would finally shed some light on the upper limit of her new form. It was not something she had readily discussed with both sisters. With a raised head Twilight eagerly awaited Luna’s reply, as the older alicorn looked forward in thought.

“Well did I ever tell you the story of when Discord crushed me with a bunch of rocks?”

"Discord crushed you with a bunch of rocks?"

“Well it was more like a mountain give or take a few tons,” Luna said with a shrug. Twilight’s mouth hung open like a mailbox. The very idea that Luna survived being crushed by tons of rocks baffled Twilight’s already weary brain.

“How? WHY?”

“Well we weren’t exactly on the best of terms Twilight,” Luna replied curtly. "Anyway I was fine afterwards." Twilight opened her mouth to shout out a string of questions but Luna acted first. "It also hurt like Tartarus if you were wondering but beside the point we're here. Come now.”

Luna flashed the two guards outside the throne room a smile before the two moved to push the two gargantuan doors open.Twilight gave them a small nod as she passed. One of the guards gave Twilight a smile recognising her from the time she had been at the castle as a filly. Twilight couldn’t for the life of her remember his name but she put that down to her still bed ragged state rather than a lapse of memory. Before she could do anything else or take in her surroundings Luna began to speak.

“This is the throne room. As you can quite clearly see this is where we hold court and make important decisions regarding the state. Court hours for the public start from eight in the morning and finish at six in the afternoon upon which the night court is held. There are usually half an hour breaks between every two and half hour session of court.” Twilight was about to interrupt Luna but couldn’t as the alicorn pointed out each little thing about the courts. For some apparent reason Luna had also decided to don some glasses in the short time they had been within the throne room.

“The court room is the most significant place you shall have to operate within while you’re a princess, Twilight. Commoners, nobles and merchants shall all have to meet you within said throne room. The only exception is foreign diplomats or a meeting of the royal council which can vary in topics from the military to just general administration. Luckily since your new here, me and Tia will deal with such matters while you stay in Canterlot for the weekend. When you return home I'm afraid you will be less lucky. The royal council may call you back to Canterlot regarding a general meeting of goverment or issues within goverment. Such meetings are held usually in the larger rooms not far from here.

The throne room also serves the purpose of allowing us to connect to our subjects but on our terms. While most of the time the courts deal with minor complaints, disputes or ideas you will also sadly have to pass out judgement on several tough issues.

While a set team of advisors will assist you in your decisions you must understand that as I told you last night that there may not always be the perfect solution. One of the key aspects of being a princess, according to our sister nowadays, is learning how to compromise on disputes or unrealistic suggestions. By doing so you attempt to get as you say the best of both worlds when dealing with a particularly challenging issue.

Though of course if you feel that something is too trivial for your time and the time of the state you have the power merely to dismiss any motion brought before the crown and have it dealt through the administration though we have been told by doing this it can be bad for our ‘PR’, whatever ‘PR’ means.”

“Luna if I may interrupt.”

“Why yes, you may," said Luna beaming with pride at her speech.” She thought she was doing an excellent job on educating Twilight but this pride turned to horror when she noticed something. She stuck her hoof out accusingly at Twilight. "Twilight why are you not taking notes?!”

“You didn’t give me any paper, anyway what I’m try-,” huffed an annoyed Twilight. Who was now becoming more and more dissatisfied with this sudden perception that she needed to notify everything. She wasn’t that bad. Well at least thats what she thought anyway. She only took five notebooks to Canterlot this time. That was almost half the amount she took the last time.

“That is of no worry I’ll get the guards to fetch you some.” Luna looked over Twilight and shook her head disappointedly. “Plus a writing quill. I’m very disappointed Twilight. You were completely unprepared for this.” Twilight struggled to hold back her urge to send the lunar alicorn back into space by doing the exercise shown to her by Cadence to calm her nerves. Though this odd reaction did not sway Luna from her role one bit. She waved a hoof at one of the guards near the windows who nodded in reply before rushing off to get the utensils his princesses needed.

“As I was saying,” Luna huffed. “You will also have to meet with the House of Commons as well as the royal council. While you have no strict duties relating to the House of Commons due to the fact they represent the average day pony you must pay heed of their opinions and any bill they pass will have to be signed by you and the council in order for it too come into law. You also will need to pass it by me and Tia so it represent-”

“LUNA!” Twilight blushed at her loss of self-control but while Luna had been speaking she tried on several consecutive occasions to get Luna’s attention. Each had failed as Luna had shut her eyes and lifted her right hoof in the air as if she was an obnoxious college lecturer. Now Luna had dropped her glasses and was staring mouth open at Twilight attempting to regain her stance. Twilight managed to get the first word out.

“What I’ve been trying to tell you is that you don’t need to do this. It’s sweet really, but unnecessary.”

Luna’s shock was palpable before her face turned into a firm stare and she held herself in at her full height. Twilight had only then realised that Luna actually looked much taller than she really was when she did this. Twilight cringed slightly.

“Of course it’s necessary. We need to teach you the ins and outs of being like us. Is that not what you wanted? To learn? We will not have you harassed and overwhelmed by your naivety of Equestrian politics. I will not have you made the fool of. Not while you’re with me.”

Twilight smiled a little at Luna’s protectiveness of her. She found it kind of cute in a weird way. But if that protectiveness meant having to put up with long rants at six o’clock in the morning after a long night then there was going to be an issue.

“It really isn’t Luna,” sighed Twilight Luna cocked an eyebrow but remained silent. Twilight felt a bit nervous as Luna's gaze intensified. It wasn't a deliberate action by Twilight but a habit she had never managed to kick around Celestia and Luna. This was despite the fact that she was now essentially their equal. The authority both of them still held made Twilight uneasy. Even more so knowing that she now held that same authority to other ponies made her more uneasy. "I kind of know how things run in the court around here." Luna looked puzzled.

“But you are not of noble birth at least from what you have told me and you said you spent most of your time in the library or with our sister when you stayed here. You never told me you participated in court.”

“I didn’t,” said Twilight rolling her eyes. "I just occasionally sat at the side of the throne and watched. It was tedious and I mainly just read books but you tend to pick a few things up when you sit around a princess for a couple of hours. I wasn’t lying when I said I was a social outcast.”

“That still doesn’t explain how you know the finite details about the inner workings of the state. You said you didn't like politics a couple of months ago.” Luna levelled her gaze at Twilight who smiled sheepishly before gazing at her hoof slightly.

"Well I guess that’s why Princess Celestia sent me all those texts on Equestrian politics a few weeks before my coronation." Twilight tried to chuckle but it fell flat after a few moments. Luna groaned in despair.

“Of course my sister sent you all the relevant information, that’s just brilliant,” said Luna sarcastically. “It’s not like I want to teach my marefriend this one thing but nooooo Tia has to go and spoil it." Luna looked down, noticing the discarded glasses from earlier. "Gahhh these glasses cost like a hundred bits.” Luna lift up the now shattered glasses. “I even had cue cards and all,” Luna said as a bunch of cards floated into the air and landed all over the court room floor. Luna’s expression turned superficially dark. “Tia shall pay for this inconvenience!”

Twilight could only chuckle a Luna’s little tantrum. The way Luna acted was similar to a foal. It was also the only occasion upon which Twilight could counter the onset of teasing that usually came from the moon princess but Twilight being the better mare did not pursue this course of action. That was for later. Anyway early morning hunger began to set in as she heard her stomach grumble.

“Now that we have settled that I think that it’s time for breakfast or dinner I guess?” Twilight began to make a move for the exit to the throne room but was stopped by an outstretched wing. She turned her head to Luna.

“Will you just grant me one indulgence?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Will you just sit on the throne? I just want to see you do it. You know you’re not the only one with insecurities Twilight.” She seemed a bit downtrodden before lighting up slightly. “We would feel much better if you just sat on it for a moment. It'd make this failed experiment all the worth while.”

Twilight felt her anxiety build as she gulped a little. Sitting on the throne was a taboo only reserved for the diarchy. No pony except the regent could sit upon it. It was treasonous to do otherwise. It was among the first things Twilight had learned within her time at the castle.

The throne represented not only just the Celestia and Luna’s seat of power but also the seat of the ponies they governed. For Twilight to sit on it would be like trying on Princess Celestia’s crown, which she had when she was younger but never in clear view of any other pony than the princess. Plus she was a foal back then. She didn’t know the power such dainty looking object could hold.

Now she knew all too well. Plus the throne was actually intimidating from where Twilight was standing. It was so tall, so beautiful, and so…regal. Her anxieties of being a princess were more so to the responsibility laden with such a position and the consequences should she fail. If Twilight sat on the throne, even for a moment, she would finally confirm that she was no longer a common mare.

While she had been coroneted, she had yet to actually be sworn into the constitution of the state. According to Cadence it had taken nearly several years for her to be fully accepted into it but she reassured Twilight that the process for her would be much quicker. It didn’t reassure Twilight at the time and it certainly wasn’t aiding her now. Twilight was tempted to refuse under the explanation that maybe it was more suitable for another time.

One thing prevented that. Luna’s gentle smile, the flow of her majestic mane, ever blowing in the eternal wind, the subtle warmth she radiated, not like Celestia who felt like a blazing fire but more of an inner warmth, it was the cool caress of moonlight or the softness of a patch dew ridden grass on her coat in the late hours of the night that emanated from her very touch. In the end how could Twilight refuse? How could she refuse such a request from a mare that meant a lot to her? How could she let those often sad but determined eyes down like so many others before her?

Twilight approached the throne tepidly as if it was going to consume her if she got any closer. The ascending platforms to its hallowed seat felt like the longest trot in her life. She looked over the throne one more time before carefully lifting herself onto the seat and eventually sitting down in an upright position. She raised her head and glanced down below her.

She felt…taller. Maybe it was the perspective or just the general design of the stairway to the throne but she felt it nonetheless. It was actually quite uncomfortable without the cushions placed there for the respective monarchs. Luna was at the bottom of the steps while Twilight could spot some onlookers for outside the main doors glancing in. They quickly dispersed when they saw Twilight looking at them except for the guards who quickly returned to their posts.

“How do you feel?” called Luna.

“I’m feeling…eh…fine…a bit uncomfortable but fine…and really tall." Twilight looked around. "How do I look?” Twilight decided to do a serious pose while leaning to the side of the throne with a hoof under her chin giving off the idea that she was brooding or being really pensive. It may have looked convincing had the throne not been about two times too large for the former unicorn. Twilight had been waiting for the expected sarcastic reply but was surprised when she received none.

Luna was still staring at her. The way the light shifted through the stain glass windows and the sun caught Twilight’s hair had stunned Luna. For a split second the light shifted. Instead of the small alicorn that had clumsily sat on the throne previously sat a tall elegant alicorn. Her coat purple and her hair shimmered like the galaxies themselves and her figure radiated power and wisdom but her eyes held that old spark.

A spark Luna saw quite frequently in her dealings with her smaller companion. Before Luna could confirm the image as reality, the light shifted again and the image vanished. On the throne sat a smaller, startled alicorn. Luna was unsure whether she had mixed up a memory of Tia or whether it was a premonition of some kind. If she had time she would ask Tia about it later.

“Luna are you alright? You kind of blanked out on me there.” Luna shook her head before smiling at Twilight.

"You look…good. Well that’s not to say you don’t always look good but like…you are a very attractive mare by any standards, I’m just...” Luna sighed. “You just look great.Thanks for doing this. Now come on let’s get some breakfast.”

“Good!” Twilight shouted teleporting to Luna’s side. “I’m starved plus the sooner breakfast's done the sooner I can go back to bed." She shot Luna a glare. "Without a certain meddling alicorn getting me up all the time . Please don’t tell me you have any other plans for this evening?”

“Wellllll…” sang Luna leaving the last letter drag much to her amusement as her companion moaned. Luna giggled before giving Twilight a quick nuzzle and carried off at pace out of the throne room. Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Twilight nearly fell again before murmuring in disapproval and then exited in pursuit of her would be tormentor.

Leaving behind one extremely tired guard who had just arrived with an almost mountain load of utensils which much to his exhausted dismay, were no longer necessary.

Author's Notes:

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for these two characters. I really enjoyed writing the first one so I said I'd write a second longer one with multiple parts.

I'm content with this chapter. I feel it lacked the hear of the first part but but I thoughtit turned out okay. May be a bit similar to part one but that was probably not intentional. Also yeah the exposition was a bit long, so that may be a problem for some of you.

The political structure I'm basing the story on is a more monarchy parlimentry type system similar to the UK. Except of course with more monarchy, thus the title. Hope you enjoy.

Criticism is appreciated. Please point out mistakes if you see any.

I'll get around to the next chapter soon but maybe not for another few days.

Table Manners

With the morning activities finished Twilight and Luna enjoyed companionable silence with each other over their respective breakfasts. All that was heard was the clatter of occasional silver spoons against porcelain plates and the shuffling of servant’s hooves as they occasionally inquired whether their princesses required anything else.

Though the main reason for the silence was the seating arrangements, usually Luna and Twilight had their meals within their private dining room in the upper levels of the castle. With the exception of evening dinner (or breakfast in Luna’s case). The private room was preferable for many reasons....some more private than others.

Sadly due to the two princesses earlier actives in the throne room this morning the servants had been alerted to their presence and hassled them begrudgingly towards dinning in the grand hall. It had not seemed like a poor idea at the time. Twilight’s hunger outweighed her eagerness to return to bed and Luna had learned that it was not desirable to be in the way of a hungry Twilight, especially in the morning…or at lunch…or at dinner….really anytime in general. It seemed that the ascension had messed up Twilight's metabolism lately. She was more aggresive about food now. Apparently it was the same with Cadence for the first few weeks after her ascension according to Celestia. Neither sister could properly explain why. Thus Twilight and Luna were in mutal agreement about the need for breakfast sooner rather than later even if the hall would be slightly cold.

That was until they were given their seating arrangements. Due to the fact that the staff was either oblivious or ignorant of the relationship the two mares held, they decided it was wise to place Twilight on a separate throne like chair. But not Celestia’s one which was right next to Luna but rather on one about thirty five feet opposite of Luna. It was almost so far that Luna struggled to actually make out Twilight against the purple chair without squinting.

Luna had smacked her head against the table in frustration when the servants weren’t looking as a result she left a hole in the ‘three thousand bit’ fabric of the table cloth which had recently been imported from Saddle Arabia. Luna cursed the fact that her horn was so long and awkward. On more than one occasion it had gotten her stuck in an embarrassing situation.

Luna quickly covered the hole with a plate and held a fake smile as another servant passed by to place some leek soup for the princess. She nodded her head while holding his gaze making sure he didn’t see the damage to the table. Luna relaxed after the waiter departed again before sighing at the situation Twilight was in. From what Luna could see Twilight was extremely unhappy. The sort of frown Luna could only guess was on her face spelled out her now seething contempt for Luna who not only woke her up for a pointless exercise but now was forcing Twilight to sit on her own in the cold hall with an assortment of cutlery that Twilight in truth probably had absolutely no idea how to use properly.

Even though Twilight couldn’t see it, Luna was thoroughly embarrassed about the whole thing. Had Twilight been beside her she would have pointed out that Luna hiding half of her face with her mane was an indication of this embarrassment but she wasn’t so all the servants just assumed Luna was in thought about something since the princess hadn’t even touched her meal.

Luna had an excuse; she could almost feel the fires of Twilight’s eyes bore into her skull despite the distance, it was a very off putting factor to say the least. Sombra may have controlled great dark magical powers but the fear he inspired was almost secondary to a very disgruntled Twilight in the morning.

If Luna was to be honest to Twilight, it had been entirely her fault for the seating arrangements. It was one of the many eccentric laws Luna and her sister passed in the early years of their reign. She and her sister were only young adults when they ascended, while often always striving to do the right thing, occasionally they had allowed more than a few odd laws to pass. It was often for just harmless humour usually enacted after a couple of bottles of the finest cider. While few remained in the present, they were those that had slipped by amendments by the judicial department.

Such as the law decreeing that no one may run with butter while also carrying milk, that rock farming was a legitimate profession upon which one was granted pay and that all royal guards are to be male.

The last one was more of a cultural thing than anything else. At the time mares were little more regarded than housewives despite the fact that the two heads of state were female. Luna supposed Celestia never got around to removing it.

The law that had landed Luna in the current position was one she had once considered absolutely necessary. It stretched back to the earliest days of the their rule. At the time mares were in truth second class citizens, with the exception of those of noble blood. Still the perception of an emotional imbalance that the fairer sex apparently had, was widespread back then. Stallions generally thought mares incapable of holding a ‘stiff upper lip’ or getting the job done to maximum capacity without having a breakdown. Luna remembered a particularly nasty conversation from her past in which a noble had said that all common mares were good for was upkeep of the residence and caring for the children. Though if Luna rightly remembered that very same stallion died alone and broke. Funny how the universe works like that.

Many foreign statesmen hoped to strike it rich or make a power grab by wooing the perceived weak and frail female monarchs of Equestria. Often they came bearing gifts or military parades or occasionally exotic animals. While originally Luna was fascinated, her curious nature was soon overwhelmed by irritation and disgust at the bigoted and over exaggerated nature of the would be ‘suitors’.

This had led Luna to declare that any head of state other than her sister would have to sit at the opposite end of dining table. It had been ingenious at the time. It maintained that the sisters respected the visiting monarch or prince as an equal while keeping whoever they were as far away from the sisters as possible. Thus negating the necessity to actual speak to the person whose IQ was usually so low that they could have given a chicken a run for its money.

Luna had never thought the day would come upon which she actually wanted to sit next to another monarch outside of diplomatic meetings, thus an impasse was met. Luna needed a way to communicate with Twilight in order to calm her down to prevent the moon princess spending her sleeping hours on the royal couch later.

Suddenly inspiration struck her. Luna quickly called over one of the staff and whispered an instruction before the staff member nodded and exited the room.

Twilight meanwhile was unsatisfied. Not with the food, the castle chefs were arguably the best at what they did. Twilight was even friends with a few of them. That didn’t help that she was freezing, annoyed, exhausted and oddly enough lonely. The distance between her and Luna was cringe worthy at best and while she had accepted it to be a bit snarky, she blamed Luna for her troubles. Less so for the annoyance but rather for the fact that Luna had not spoken up for Twilight when the seating had been given. Luna, in Twilight’s mind, could have easily just requested that Twilight sit on the bench to the side of Luna. The whole secret relationship thing was becoming an annoying hindrance to both of them being friendly in public. It was grating Twilight’s already shot nerves.

Eventually Twilight resigned herself to playing around with the spoon in her now cold soup. She supposed that she would have to wait until the Luna was finished, which was hard to judge.

Twilight eventually lifted her head upon hearing the familiar ‘poof’ of teleporting magic to find a small piece of paper and an ink bottle with quill. Twilight lifted the note with her magic unfolding it and read the words.

‘Hey.’

Twilight frowned furiously. That’s it. Just hey. Well I can see that this will be another one of our more ‘intellectual’ conversations, thought Twilight sarcastically. Twilight quickly scribbled down a reply and with a flick of her horn she sent it on its way.

Luna was surprised to find Twilight had replied so quickly. Now it was a matter of using Luna’s ‘expert’ social skills to perceive what Twilight’s mood was currently at. Luna glanced downwards while the servants weren’t looking.

‘That’s it, no sorry about this or anything like that. Just hey. Brilliant Luna I see you're using your thinking cap today.’

That was bad. Sarcasm was Twilight’s signature way of saying ‘I’m ticked off at you’. Luna had to handle this situation with the uttermost care. So she did what the shy one of Twilight’s friends did, she apologised. Unfortunately for Luna in her apology she had decided to add a question mark to the end of it. In retrospect it was a poor idea.

Luna awaited the reply with eagerness. She had hoped that she had dispelled the tension between them and made up for this morning’s mishaps. What Luna did not expect was that instead of the paper and the quill, she received a bowl of cold soup which proceeded to drop down from over her head and spill said cold soup all over her mane.

Luna reacted instinctively by teleporting the salad she currently had to do the same to Twilight. Luna then cursed the fact that her experience with food fights from her youth was popping up again. Suddenly Luna felt a cut up orange smack her face leaving its juices trail down her coat. The attendants were shocked and one quickly ran over to the princess, towel in hoof.

“Princess are you alright? Here is a towel.”

"Bring me more food," Luna said narrowing her eyes and ignoring the outstretched towel. The servant merely nodding before backing off slowly with a questioning gaze. From what Luna could make out the same thing just happened at Twilight’s end. Luna prepared herself. She would teach Twilight a thing or two about fighting a war that the newly formed alicorn could not possibly win.

After another banquet of food had returned to the table the fireworks began. To many of the onlookers it was possibly the oddest sight they had ever encountered in all their years during the morning shift. A pie, soups, salads, desserts and even occasionally expensive wine was exchanged in a flurry of magical mastery and accuracy that only two alicorns could possibly wield. Some of the more conservative servants shook their heads at such a childish and shameful display for royalty to participate in before exiting.

In truth Luna and Twilight couldn’t give a damn. While originally the fight had begun out of irritation the two found themselves enjoying it after a while. In a way it was liberating to act so freely in what generally was the seat of conservative power in Equestria. They cared little of the messy stains and ruined coats that they had gained in the process. They’re laughter and giggling was enough to free them from thoughts of decorum.

For Twilight it made her feel like she was back in Ponyville again. While she had never participated in a food fight there, the general sense of freedom and openness that this ‘fight’ gave her was exhilarating. It was a chance to finally relax and have fun for a bit. It was also great to see Luna acting like the fun real playful version of herself in public. So few ponies really ever saw her like that. Pinkie Pie would be proud of both of them.

For Luna, the ‘fight’ brought back memories of simpler times between herself and Tia. Those times had always been good. Before Discord, before court politics, before constant war and famine had hung over their heads, before Luna needed to always maintain a mask in public, before ponies considered them perfect. Back when the world made sense.

Not to say it didn’t make sense now but so much had changed and ponies were different now. They weren’t the simple agricultural creature they were before Discord and Sombra anymore. Ponies had thoughts of the wheels of industry always on their minds. Everything was so more advanced but also far more complex as well. Definitions of good and evil were harder to judge now. Ethics and being the better pony were more prevalent now but so was hypocrisy and corruption. Things were certainly different now. It was like Twilight had once said about Nightmare Moon when they started dating ‘There is no such thing as black and white anymore Luna, just different shades of grey.’

Luna’s thoughts were interrupted by an explosion of a teleport. Luna glanced up at Twilight, who was now standing on the table in front of Luna with a custard pie held in her magical grip. Luna could only gape as the pie slammed into her face and slid off onto her lap. The staff’s mouths were almost hitting the floor as Twilight did her 'yes' dance on the table.

“I believe I win Luna,” said Twilight as she picked up a piece of the pie and ate it. Twilight had a smug look on her face though that quickly changed when she realised what she had just done…in public…with everpony watching…while she dances on the most expensive table in the country.

Twilight chuckled nervously before climbing down off the table. Luna licked her mouth clean of the custard and blinked a few times. She then watched as an apple fell of the floor after Twilight knocked it getting down. Twilight also watched it go on its way for some reason.

The apple rolled towards the side doors of the dining room upon which it carried on until it hit a golden clad hoof near the centre of the doorway. A golden aura grabbed the apple before it quickly went up to the face of the pony in question. She was smiling deviously as she regarded the two princesses who were now in a near state of panic at the sight of the vistor.

“Having fun you two?” Celestia questioned with a smile as she proceeded to take a bite out of the apple.

Author's Notes:

Was meant to be longer but I decided to put the rest in the next part. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Ciao.

Noble Talk

A single fly made the trip from a nearby bush to an upstairs window of an open balcony of a mansion on the upper district of Canterlot. Attracted by the warmth radiating from the building in order to escape the vicious winter, it nestled itself on red curtains before buzzing off to the smell of food and the sound of early morning noise.

After descending to the lower levels, its multi-panelled vision picked up on the many ponies in the area below. Chatting indiscriminately amongst each other often with papers or documents in hoof, others read books on solitary chairs near the fire while some moved around with dishes outstretched, inquiring of the seated stallions on whether they were well fed and supplied.

The fly eventually settled for a large table near the back of the room occupied by six characters, five of whom looked weary as the central figure spoke with great tenacity in a language the fly could not comprehend. One of listeners had petered off and began looking over some pages of the paper on the table leaving his lovely croissant unguarded.

With the swooping swiftness of a master of flight, the fly descended onto the table unnoticed but still too far to feed on his target. Shifting his body to check for any movement he moved swiftly across the table, occasionally stopping to make sure things were fine.

He was nearly there, the prize was within his grasp. A few more tentative steps…

A hoof smashed down onto the fly that had perched on the table. The satisfying ‘squash’ sound it made was pleasing to the owner of said hoof. A single napkin was taken and proceeded to clean the stain that had impressed itself on the finely groomed, grey coat of the stallion in question.

North Star was his name, a thin, lanky sort of stallion with an ashen blue mane. He was seated in a chair on one end of the table with a glass of orange juice and the morning papers held within the dull light off his magical grip.

He wasn’t alone within the room. In truth the halls were filled with a variety of stallions discussing and debating trending topics. The Gentlecolts club was a high end lobbying group that encompassed nearly half of the male nobility within Canterlot, including the majority of the Royal council and even the princesses ‘nephew’ himself. While only stallions could join there was a sister group designed for the high nobility of the female sex as well.

North Star could claim to be quite the influence within the rings of Canterlot considering he owned said establishment and thus dined with some of the ‘bigwigs’ per say of the governmental elite. Across from him were Filthy Rich, a brown earth pony, Swift Charm a pastel yellow pegasus, Royal Lance a golden haired unicorn, Regal Circlet a light brown unicorn, and old Iron Cross.

Each pony held enough power to build miniature empires within Equestria on their own. While each held their own agenda and ambitions it was here, within the club that Star’s family had founded centuries ago, could this group sit down and discuss prevalent issues about both the nobility’s future and past.

Often it was reduced to almost tear-inducing monologues from the former army veteran Iron Cross or Regal merely spouting on about his wife’s latest fashion design. Before recent events life had been admittedly droll and lacklustre but at least the status quo had been retained. That was all that had mattered to North Star.

Yet the winds of change began to flow again recently. Over the last four years a string of events which could only be described as insane had occurred. A second Princess had appeared seemingly out of nowhere shaking up the power plays of the past thousand years, a creature of pure chaos had apparently assaulted some backwater town, Canterlot had been invaded for the first time since its foundation causing a temporary collapse of government and an empire of unique magical power had ‘returned’. From where? Only the divines know.

Yet all of these topics were now overshadowed by one pony in particular. Ironically this very same pony seemed to be connected to every major event over the past few years. One Twilight Sparkle. The student of Princess Celestia had always been a vague topic for the club due to Celestia’s overprotectiveness of her students, though this one appeared to be a special case. Unlike the previous students of the princess, she was an unknown, no great wealth or prestige behind her, not even the admittedly exceptional experience that Celestia’s previous student Sunset Shimmer had seemed to possess.

No this student had been all and all, uninteresting and too young to be of any consequence to the nobility of ten years ago but now the world’s eyes were upon her. Her deeds put even the greatest generals to shame. The rumours that had been leading up to the coronation were intense. North Star had not seen his clientele so shaken since the changeling invasion.

Thanks to Celestia’s protection, the little knowledge ponies possesed about her began to warp into ludicrous stories of a great warrior general, not just in the club but on the streets and in the bars and even to the ears of the griffin king himself.

Ideas of a mare that had crushed Nightmare Moon and Discord alone without the aid of the princesses were circulating as reality in the press and soon that belief was passed onto youngsters and adults alike. The other mares that aided her began fade into the background as the announcement of a new princess to Equestria was released.

North Star for one wasn’t buying it. From what he saw on the coronation day all he saw was a child playing the part of a princess, another one of Celestia’s sad attempts to bring forth change in a static system. At least that’s what he presumed anyway. Snorting at the papers title which brazenly declared ‘Twilight Sparkle: the future of Equestria.’

It was titles like these that had caused commotion within the halls of his establishment. News that a commoner now sat on the throne was creating waves in the political landscape. North Star could only imagine the House of Commons bursting out in celebration about the ‘working class princess’ that had emerged right under the noses of the elite. The whole situation was contemptuous to say the least.

He supped contently from his glass for a few seconds before smacking the paper down with small bit of force to garner his companion’s attentions. Each had previously been discussing the same old topics that tended to pop up when they gathered around the high end table. North Star knew in truth all of them were eager to discuss anything other than how Regal’s wife spent more money on shopping trips to Manehattan than charities earned in a year. She was cheating on him anyway. To North’s knowledge one of her many 'dalliances' was in fact standing right next to Regal.

Lance to Regal’s left looked up with a raised eyebrow, Regal huffed in an annoyed tone at being interrupted, and the others shot North thankful glances of relief at being spared another monotonous monologue.

“Disgraceful trash it is,” rumbled North with a relatively annoyed voice. He had straightened himself instinctively as he spoke. “The future indeed. It’d be funny if it weren’t so sad. Miserable whelp.”

“I presume you speak of the recent addition to the royal family?” Lance queried in a cultured tone, though North Star was unable to answer as Regal cut across him.

“Must we still prattle on about this mare? Have we not covered everything there is to say of her?”

“Still doesn’t mean thing aren’t gonna change around here, Regal,” answered Filthy in his thick droll of an accent.

“Precisely,” North snapped. “Another failing from the top I say. The princess has lost her mind. No pony becomes royalty overnight. This is a direct affront to us. I believe it’s an attempt to win over the commoners. Whisperings from the border towns indicate discontent.”

“Yeah with us,” Iron Cross mumbled as he drank from his poorly concealed whiskey flask.

“Let them be, it’s not like anyone cares for those settler folk. Been nothing but trouble for the foreign department if you ask me,” said Swift Charm.

“Gentlecolts if we can get back to the matter at hoof,” sighed North.

“If you want my opinion…” chimed Regal.

“No one wants your opinion,” shot back Swift. Regal shot him a glare before North shook his head at Swift who proceeded to begrudgingly take a bite out of his croissant indicating Regal to continue with a nod.

“As I was saying,” spiting slightly at Swift before turning his muzzle from him. “I agree with North. It’s a travesty that a commoner now walks around with our stock. To think that we are to accept such a proposal is bordering on offensive. Why is there even a need for another princess? All I see is another excuse for the diarchy to scrounge more money out of our pockets.”

“Here, here,” shouted Iron Cross as he slammed a brown hoof on the table. He rose to his still considerable height as he did so. The act may have been more terrifying were not for the bushy moustache covering most of his face. His gruff voice carried through the large room long enough to temporarily put off several other nobles before equilibrium was re-established. “For once the poof speaks a margin of sense. If the system isn’t broken why try and fix it? In my day we had only one princess and ponies were happy. We didn’t have to deal with all this crap going on these days.”

“Poof?” seethed Regal. “Go back to your drink and your useless old army stories old man. Pray to Celestia that liver doesn’t give out someday.”

“He has a point,” said North’s in an even tone. He swirled his glass before regarding each of his companions. “The status quo has always been maintained by our kin. Because of it, Equestria has endured the longest golden age that any nation ever has. It is most odd and disturbing that Celestia would decide to change things so soon after her darling sister has returned in suspicious circumstances. One can only speculate.” A rush of answers came from the group. North was unable to discern who was talking and who wasn’t.

“Perhaps Celestia is dying?”

“Maybe this mare is secretly her daughter?”

“I once heard that the two are in a relationship.”

“Yeah, Celestia taking breaks in court over the years to teach this foal ‘lessons’. It has always struck me as odd.”

“Yeah well there is also a rumour that Twilight Sparkle has secretly brainwashed the entire palace with the aid of the changelings to make a grab for a power. You read too much of the Enquirer.”

“Who’s to say? Bar the announcement, this girl hasn’t spoken to any of the nobility and her movements are secret to us.”

“What if it’s the end?” eventually perked up Lance through the chaos of discussion, though he donned a smile similar to an actor playing a part. “A movement by the masses can only be expected to follow. The collapse of everything we built over the years. The end of bourgeoisie rule as we know it then the collapse into the anarchy of democratic elected governments or Celestia help us the establishment of a socialist state."

“Would you shut up with your fear mongering? You know that kind of stuff unnerves me,” shivered Regal. Lance merely took a swig of his glass knowing that he’d played his part towards the discussion.

“He’s not far off you know,” boomed Iron. “Order has been slipping. These fools in the House of Commons dare question the right of the crown. Bullhonky I say it is. It’s only a matter of time before the worker lays down his tools and takes up arms against us and her majesty. This Twilight Sparkle will be the catalyst of our downfall.”

“I for one believe this is an excellent chance to forward our respective political agendas,” commented Swift. “I mean she’s a young, naïve, nopony that has no idea how the court runs. I sense that somepony will be out of their depth for a while. Ample opportunity to manipulate the system Celestia and her sister have in place.” He flashed a toothy grin after his speech before adding. “Plus I wouldn’t mind seeing another pretty face around court.”

“Have you not one shred of decency?” barked Regal. “You’re married.”

“Never stopped your wife before.”

“You piece of -.”

“Swift,” remarked North in a warning tone. “You are not within one of your ‘taverns’ in the lower district. You’ll maintain a sense of respect within this establishment. Are we clear?”

“Transparently,” mocked Swift in an overtly apologetic tone. North just shook his head before turning to Filthy who besides the occasional comment had not spoken a great deal since the discussion began.

“What do you make of it Rich?” asked North who was well aware of the stallion’s sensitivity to his first name. In response said stallion shrugged before speaking.

“You know I don’t care much all the fancy political games you guys get up to,” he spoke in a slow deliberate tone. “As long as I can make a bit out of this whole thing, I’ll be happy. I’d imagine this be a great time for merchandising. You know all the little teens going off buying Twilight Sparkle related products. I mean what young girl doesn’t want to be a princess? You couldn’t sell Celestia. Too old and wise to be marketable. The other one ain’t popular enough and I missed the boat on that pink one but this…” He grinned sharply. “This I can work with.”

“Always a bit with you eh?” Lance huffed.

“Son, I didn’t get to own half of Equestria’s consumable and retail goods by sitting around pondering fancy meanings and political infrastructure.”

“It seems we are divided then,” declared North. They all nodded in agreement. “Hmmm I suppose all we can do is wait. See how this plays out. Sink or swim this Twilight Sparkle will be an important part of our futures for the present.” He then lifted his glass to the group. “What’s not to say that she will not already bring us greater glory?” The others proceeded to raise their glasses as well. “If not, then it may be wise to consider a different course of action towards our newest royal.” The group seemed puzzled but North cut them off with to a shout.

“To Equestria and her new leader!”

“To Equestria and her new leader,” replied a chorus of voices. All that was hear after was the soft clink of glasses and the movements of plates as well as a maid placed a newspaper with Twilight Sparkle’s face on the cover into the fireplace, as the sounds of fire consumed it’s pages and it turned to ash.

Author's Notes:

Note* Yeah no TwiLuna for this chapter. Sorry again, this was meant to be the second part of the previous chapter but I decided to split it. Will get back Twilight and Luna in the next chapter rest assured.

As for this chapter. It's just a bunch of assholes talking about Twilicorn. Is sort of based on a real conversation of mine with friends over Twilight being an alicorn. All they did was whine and moan about it until they saw the episode. Go figure

Anyway hope you enjoy it. It ain't TwiLuna but it's necessary to show just how out of her depth Twilight is going to be when she has to confront such arrogance later. Ciao!

Morning News

“Uhh we can explain,” said both Twilight and Luna at the same time. The mortified looks that the servants donned as Celestia approached the two, threw everypony into a string of apologies and mindless bubbling. Celestia seemed to ignore this as she continued to feast upon her apple.

Eventually Twilight and Luna managed clean themselves off well enough to look some bit respectable enough to speak with Celestia albeit with dirtied coats and dishevelled manes and the odd aroma of steamed cabbage.

“Well you see Tia I was...”

“We were ah doing-.”

“The courtroom and…”

“Didn’t turn out like we wanted.”

“So we felt quite famished.”

“So uhh yeah. We got a bit carried away.”

“Clearly,” smirked Celestia as she let out a laugh. It reminded Twilight of the ringing of small ornamental bells. Celestia always had the most peculiar laugh if Twilight’s memory served her right. “I believe we may need to leave the staff clean up your mess, no?”

"I suppose that’s agreeable," smiled a sheepish Luna. With a quick flash of her horn the trio disappeared. The group arrived within the private dining room. Celestia quickly settled herself on a cushion on one end of the thankfully more manageable table. She rang a small bell on the table before relaxing and looking over o Twilight.

“It’s good to see you up and about my faithful student. I was woken to a most odd discovery this morning.” Eventually a tea pot and subsequent cups were delivered to the table upon which Celestia poured herself a cup and delicately drank from it. She placed two cups near Luna and poured some tea into them. There was also a small tray of biscuits. Twilight was intrigued as she sat next Luna, opposite of Celestia.

"What is it princess? It wasn’t something…bad was it?" Twilight questioned as her wings fluttered in anxiety. Celestia merely chuckled in reply.

"Hardly, quite the opposite in fact." Suddenly a scroll jumped into existence above the table and was suspended before Twilight. Twilight took it lightly in her magical grasp and unfurled it. Her eyes scanned the page before she sighed loudly.

"Another party invitation. How very much like Pinkie Pie. I’ve only been gone for a few days."

"That doesn't mean they aren’t entitled to miss you Twilight," chipped in Celestia.

"Yes but this is the third invitation now. I love the girls but sometimes I swear they think I'm leaving them forever to live the high life in Canterlot."

"Oh would you look at that Twilight," cooed Luna as she took the invitation from Twilight’s grasp. "Your name's in glitter and all, oh you must go now." Luna and Celestia laughed at Twilight’s expense as Luna lifted the letter above Twilight as the small pieces of glitter began to float down onto her.

"I’m sure they’ll be okay for another day or two," huffed Twilight attempting to sound composed behind a strong blush. Needless to say it was a failed attempt. She then shook her head clean of the glitter.

"Already neglecting your subjects, Princess Twilight," snickered Celestia as she held a grin. "I am most disappointed in you my faithful student."

"What!? No! I’d never…oh hah hah go on make fun of the new princess." Celestia giggled in response. "Great, you’re almost as bad as Luna," bemoaned Twilight. Luna appeared smug behind Twilight. Celestia could only fathom the torments Luna subjugated Twilight to.

Suddenly Celestia grimaced and decided to rephrase the word 'torment' in her thoughts with regards to Twilight and Luna considering what kind of relationship of the two held. She sipped her tea to hide her momentary discomfort.

She fully supported Twilight and Luna’s relationship, though it came as somewhat of a surprise to her. She still hadn’t managed to coax the details out of either pony other than that they began the relationship at some sort of party. ‘Luna could never handle her drink well,’ thought Celestia. It was good to see her sister and her student engage in a healthy and currently amicable relationship with each other despite the fact that one of them was like a daughter to her and the other was her little sister.

Twilight had initially feared her reaction but after a long talk around some tea and old friendship reports, had she given her blessing to her student. Celestia thought they made a cute couple. Thankfully Twilight had gotten Celestia to refrain from telling Cadence or Shining Armor. Celestia sipped her tea as she closed her eyes. That would be a most…interesting day. She decided to answer Twilight.

“It’s good to see you’re lightening up around royalty Twilight. Over your fears of me sending you back to magic
kindergarten, eh?” Celestia beamed down at her student. Twilight avoided her gaze.

“No,” Twilight deadpanned. “Well actually that’s a lie. I mean uh…maybe?”

“Twilight were of equal rank now I can’t send you anywhere you don’t want to go.”

“It still doesn’t make it any less weird,” said Twilight unsure before giving Celestia a puzzling look. “You’ve always kind of been my mentor. It’ll be odd to change my view of you from that.”

“It doesn’t have to change Twilight. You’ll always be my most faithful student.” Celestia looked over to Luna who was watching the pair with curiosity while snacking on some biscuits quickly making an ‘mmm’ sound and turning her full attention to the delicious snacks.

“I’ll never stop being your mentor Twilight. As I’m sure Luna’s told you I’ll be there if you need me. For anything.” Twilight smiled at Celestia’s words. “You still have much to learn about yet.” Twilight frowned slightly at that. “But it seems you’re adapting quite well. No doubt you have received only the finest political and social etiquette guidance from my dearest sister.”

Celestia inclined her head to Luna to which Twilight giggled at as they caught the navy mare stuffing her face with the complementary biscuits on the table. Luna quickly wiped her mouth despite the evidence still present on her coat. She looked up in shock as she pointed a hoof to her chest and looked around innocently.

“Who? Me?” Luna said as she put on an innocent act in front of Twilight. For a split second Celestia could have sworn she saw a halo hover above her sister’s head. Twilight simply held her glare as Luna smiled sweetly as she sucked at her tea that she had taken form the pot with a straw that mystically appeared out of seemingly thin air. Twilight looked exasperated by whole thing.

“So I’d imagine you will return to Ponyville for this party?” asked Celestia as she interrupted Twilight and Luna’s little act.

“Princess I-”

“It’s just Celestia, Twilight.” Celestia pulled a devious grin sensing she could tease her student once more. “Plus it is most awkward addressing me as princess considering you’re currently bedding my sister.”

“Oh!” blurted out Luna. Twilight fell over like a porcelain doll, her face frozen in a perpetual blank stare. Luna fumbled about for a bit as she tried to wake Twilight from her comatosed state. Celestia had to resist with all of her might not to fall over in laughter. She settled instead on nickering lightly. ‘All too easy’ she thought.

Luna had given up on shaking Twilight awake and finally resorted to cooling her tea with her magic before taking the cup above Twilight’s head. Celestia was about to object but Luna shook her head. She then poured the tea over Twilight’s head. Luna then put both her hooves over her ears. Celestia tried to question this action but was cut off by an ungodly shriek.

“EEEEEEEEK!!”

Celestia’s skull rang violently and the decibel level Twilight produced. While she was happy her student had returned to the world of the living, the headache that was building up within Celestia’s skull was less welcome. It was still quite early in the morning. After the unearthly sound ceased, Luna removed her hooves and quickly wiped Twilight’s face dry with a nearby napkin. The lavender alicorn turned to her.

“Did you really need to pour tea on me?”

“Well considering there is no other liquid in the vicinity and you were not responding to my physical movements I felt it was the best course of action to use the tea to do so,” said Luna with a shrug. Twilight mumbled incoherently. She disliked when Luna beat her with logic. Twilight sniffed her mane.

“Surely you could have found a better way that didn’t leave me smelling like a teabag?”

“Well I could have but I don’t think my sister would have appreciated my…other methods,” purred Luna in a sensual tone as she rubbed Twilight’s leg. Twilight appeared to sway as her face filled with blood and much to her eternal embarrassment; her wings began to straighten out into a spread position.

“So Twilight about that party we were on about?” spurted out Celestia quickly as she held an odd smile designed to hide her slight blush. Luna gave Celestia a disgruntled look for interrupting. Twilight looked eternally grateful for the change of subject but still shaken from the two sisters teasing.

“I think Pinkie will be fine….hopefully,” sighed Twilight rolling her eyes. “I’m only going to be here for another day or two anyway.” Luna’s ears dropped slightly at that, Celestia noticed. “I think I got the answers I was looking for when I came here.” Twilight nuzzled Luna’s neck. Luna happily leaned into it and smiled as the two held the short embrace.

“Oh really? questioned Celestia."Pray tell what answers were you exactly seeking Twilight?”

“Oh nothing really just some good advice,” chuckled Twilight as Luna could only smile at Twilight’s hinting to the previous night.

The serene moment was ruined when Twilight let out quite a loud yawn. Celestia and Luna both had to supress the urge to coo at the adorable little squeak that was Twilight’s yawn. Twilight contemplated banging her head against the table for yet another embarrassment suffered today. It was actually becoming a significantly long list. 'What else could go wrong?' thought Twilight. Despite her mental complaints she had to admit she was not going to last much longer with out some sleep.

“But if you excuse me princess, I really feel like hitting the hay. I feel like I haven’t slept in days.”

“Twilight,” sighed Celestia. “It just Celestia okay.Titles should not be a barrier between us.”

“Okay prin-Cele-cess. Wait let me try that again. Cele-princ. Ugghh. C-Ce-Celestia,” Twilight managed to push out between heavy breathing. Celestia seemed content with her student’s answer.

“See that wasn’t so hard? Was it?”

“I need a glass of water,” coughed Twilight as she massaged her throat.

“We can get one in the room. You’re tired and you need your rest. You get cranky otherwise,” spoke Luna in a motherly tone.

“I’m not a foal I can take care of myself Luna.”

“Says the mare that smacked into a pillar this morning and can’t cook to save her own life.” Luna grinned triumphantly as Twilight sat in a sulk.

“Let’s just go already. My mane is starting to stink.”

“Your wish is my command princess.” Luna began to power up her horn before a cough from Celestia interrupted her follow through.

“Actually Luna I need to speak to you alone briefly if that’s okay with the both of you,” interjected Celestia. Luna gave her a confused gaze. She turned to Twilight who nodded.

“I’ll be fine Luna,” deadpanned Twilight.

“You sure I won’t find you in someone’s fireplace in the lower district of Canterlot.”

“That was once off occasion! How was I supposed to know alicorn’s require little energy to utilise the teleportation spell? You didn’t tell me about the energy output needed for the spell so I over compensated.”

“Well, let us consider ourselves lucky that the stallion in question was so understanding for you nearly setting his house on fire.”

Twilight gave a quick nuzzle to Luna and a short wave to Celestia before disappearing in a ball of magenta light. Celestia tried to get her head around the story.

“Don’t ask,” said Luna. “The situation was dealt with."Luckily all the stallion wanted for the damages was a few autographs and a picture of us with his new-born filly. Anyway what is you wish to tell us sister?”

“Oh it’s nothing really, can I not enjoy the company of my sister for a few moments.”

“I don’t get it, what you’re playing at Tia?”

‘That hurt,’ thought Celestia. Luna could be very plain speaking when she wanted to be and the idea that Luna thought of Celestia as always having an ulterior motive stung a little bit if Celestia was to be completely honest. Though in this case Luna was right. There was an ulterior motive to Celestia requesting her time.

“I’m not playing at anything Luna. But if you must be so insistent then yes I do have another reason to pry you away from your lover’s grip.” Much to Celestia’s disappointment Luna did not rise to the jab at her love life.

“Well then tell me sister,” Luna quipped very curtly. Celestia frowned at Luna’s direct tone. Luna sighed upon noticing this.

“I apologise but like Twilight I’m not exactly in the most alert of forms. It has been a long night for me.”

“Tell me about it,” snorted Celestia. “You didn’t have to wake up to a stream of letters questioning me about Twilight. Apparently the foreign dignitaries want to organise a meeting in the next few days or so. Don’t get me started on the amount of parties and gala’s that are being held in Twilight’s honour and how they would be oh so gracious if she attended. I swear the nobility’s attempts at false flattery become more transparent with every decades passing.”

“What?” snapped Luna. “Why was I not informed of any dignitaries visiting?”

“I thought you were,” said Celestia supporting a deep frown. “That’s why I wanted to talk in the first place. I thought the council had passed it onto you.”

“No. No they didn’t. Different day same old…,” whispered Luna under her breath.

“I…”

“It’s fine Tia we can deal with this…error at another time. We should be more concerned about Twilight.”

Luna’s thoughts though were less calm than her relaxed tone was. It was another blatant attempt by the council and the nobility to exclude her from state affairs. While Luna had the power to dismiss ministers from the council it was a pointless gesture. The House of Commons was full of their lackeys. They would just reinstate another one of nobility back into a position of power. While Luna knew there was significant opposition in the House to the nobility’s actions it was rarely enough. No matter what representatives were present the nobility of Canterlot would always find to bankroll their way into power. It hadn’t changed much since a thousand years ago except that now the nobility controlled the system through representation rather than blood links. Though it seemed that the colour of your blood still seemed to decide whether you held power or not. Luna had almost forgotten that Celestia was still in the room. There was a look of deep concern etched on her face.

“Are you okay Luna?”

“I’m fine Tia. Really. I’ll deal with it later. We should get back on topic.”

“Look if you’re upset…”

“I said I’ll deal with it Tia.” Luna’s tone held a great sense of finality to it. Celestia nodded her head in defeat. She just hoped Luna wouldn’t do anything rash. “Now about this meeting, what should I know?”

“Well it just mainly some ministers, some diplomats from the griffin kingdoms and zebra confederations. A buffalo chieftain has also expressed interest. The Minotaur’s have been less receptive but I think they’ll tag along. I also have confirmation that Saddle Arabia is sending a delegation. Their leader was most upset that he was unable to speak to Twilight after her show a couple of months back.”

“So in simpler terms all of the big guns of the political scene,” said a distracted Luna. She was currently running simulations on how she would approach Twilight. The results ranged from Canterlot being launched into the sky to Twilight talking to puddles again.

“I wouldn’t worry too much Luna. We’ll be there for her.”

“No you’ll be there. Apparently I’m not important enough to broach the subject on," Luna sighed. "I’ll talk to Twilight about it. I’m sure she’ll react well.”

“She’s more in tune to politics than you think she is.”

“I know she told me," said Luna flatly. "I kind of made a fool of myself earlier trying to educate her on a matter she’s already aware of.”

“Oh.”

“It doesn’t matter. Can we be assured that they all have good intentions? While she may possess knowledge of the political game she’s still as you would say 'raw' ,Tia. The last thing we need is for them to harass her.”

“I already assured you Luna, we’ll be there with her.” Celestia put out a hoof and layed it atop Luna’s leg. “And by we, I mean the both of us. I’m hardly going to let Twilight get torn to pieces by a bunch of old windbags.” Luna laughed and went into a short hug with her sister. Celestia cherished the moment. It was a rare respite from the forced political neutrality they often had to upkeep in their meetings. At that moment a guard entered the dining room and bowed respectfully. Celestia separated from the hug and motioned for the guard to speak.

“I am here to inform your majesty that court will be starting momentarily and that the court is currently waiting on her majesty.”

“Damn it,” Celestia muttered. Time had once again slipped her mind again. It had become a prevalent habit over the past few years. Celestia quickly straightened herself and began to walk towards the door but stopped to look back a Luna. Her eyes asked a silent question to Luna but Luna shook it off.

“I’ll be fine Celestia. Besides I do believe my bed is calling for me. We can finish this discussion at a later time. We still have a few more days before they arrive. Trust me when I say I’ll get Twilight in top form. She won’t be slacking off under this teacher,” smirked Luna she held a hoof to raised chest.

“Would it be odd if I said I believed you,” Celestia replied with a laugh. “Take care sister.” She then charged up her horn to teleport. Luna nodded and drank some more of her tea. When Celestia finally disappeared the guard inclined his head to Luna.

“Is there anything I can do for your highness in the meantime?”

“Yes, yes you can,” Luna said in an even tone.” Would you please tell the prime minster to meet me immediately? I believe he and I need to have a little chat.”

Author's Notes:

So yeah took a while to get out but here it is. Ending was really annoying to right thus the reason for the guards sudden interruption. I have the next few chapters planned out so it shouldn't take that long to write them up.

Hope you enjoy this. Peace out

Discordant Awakenings

Twilight felt light against her closed eye lids. It was a nuisance she was prepared to ignore had it not been for the consistent feeling of the intensity of said light growing ever more so with each passing minute. She assumed that it was merely the sun peeking through the room’s purple curtains.

The annoyance that came with its disruptive rays was aggravating. As an alicorn, Twilight required only the minimum amount of sleep a pony needed but the luxury of sleeping for eight or more hours was not something Twilight intended to give up willingly. Apparently alicorn’s only required around four hours sleep and if necessary absolutely no sleep at all as long as it was temporary. The idea in itself was fascinating but Twilight had still not adapted as such.

She still got exhausted long before Celestia and Luna did. She supposed that with her development she would eventually gain the same endurance and abilities that they possesed but for now she had to make due. Twilight made a mental note to study her current capabilities later so she could graph the gradual change over time, but for now she slept.

Yet Twilight also remembered Luna’s comment on how Celestia would still be exhausted come morning. Apparently Celestia didn’t want to give up the luxury of long sleeping hours either. Twilight would have snorted had she been awake, which oddly enough was becoming an increasingly growing possibility due to the continuing obnoxiousness of the light. Luna slept quite long as well considering her status but it was still well short of what Twilight was used to. Twilight scrunched her nose in irritation. Huffing in defeat she attempted to pull the blankets above her head. Much to her dismay she couldn't seem to find them.

Frustrated beyond belief Twilight decided to wake up. While doing so the thought of eternal night didn’t seem like such a bad idea in her position.

With blurred eyes, Twilight blinked furiously. She was extremely distorted by her awakening though she also put that down to the blinding light around her. What she was greeted with when her vision cleared, was something she was unable to comprehend fully in her current state.

Rather than the cosy comfort of her bed, she had been displaced into a completely white room not too dissimilar in appearance to an operating theatre. There were no walls or any landmark to signify that it was an actual place. As Twilight’s vision became less blurred, she looked all around her only to find she was mistaken. There was actually something in the semingly utterutterly barren landscape. A lone figure dressed in white. Twilight frowned upon immediate recognition of said figure.

“Welcome to the afterlife Miss Sparkle. You’re dead.” said Discord in a serious tone. Somewhere in the background she could have sworn she hear Rainbow Dash go ‘dun dun dunnnnn’.

“Discord what the hell is going on,” growled Twilight. “Why in Celestia’s name did you wake me and take me to…wherever place this is.”

“I told you. You’re dead. This is the afterlife.” Discord smiled with his usual smug expression. “And I am God.”

“Discord you are not God,” chuckled Twilight.

“Blasphemy. You’re lucky I don’t cast you out or smite you or something,” said Discord off handily. “You actually died in what you perceived as months ago, when the Elements of Harmony killed you after you completed the second sentence of Starswirls spell. Ironic that spell based on Harmony would blast you into a million pieces but what can you do. Those are the works.”

Discord expected Twilight to be on her knees in tears or begging for deliverance. Maybe even a bit of denial or perhaps some praying. Instead the reaction he received was less amusing. A hearty chuckle followed by Twilight vigorously shaking her head.

“No. Just no. I am not dead. I refuse to believe that the afterlife is run by you. The universe is not so badly designed.”

“Well,” said Discord closing his eyes. “If you require more evidence of your post mortem then I’ll just…”

“Oh Discord?”

“Yes what is it can’t you see I’m trying to provide exposition, you insufferable amoeba of a pony,” growled Discord.

“Your fly is down.”

"What?" Discord looked down to his legs but before he could say anything Twilight had crossed the distance of the room and tapped Discord with her horn. With a glow of purple energy and a flash of light the two blinked out of existence. The white walls were replaced by the not so lively statue garden of Canterlot.

Discord fell to the floor and remained like a flattened pancake for several moments before making a ‘boing’ noise and springing back into a full 3D form again.

“You’re such dunce you know that. To think Celestia once considered you an evil puppet master.”

“I am a puppet master. What’s to say this isn’t all a part of my grand scheme,” said Discord with a haughty tone as he tried to fix his 2D arm back into 3D.

“Yeah, brilliant grand scheme,” said Twilight sarcastically. “What purpose would you informing me that I’m dead, exactly accomplish? How on earth can you manipulate me if I were dead? Honestly I don't think you thought this through."

Discord stuck up his hand to counter only to hesitate and sigh in defeat moments later. He made a drooping sound as his body wilted like a flower onto its side.

“Okay you got me. There is no grand scheme but you didn’t have to ruin a perfectly good prank you know. It was gonna involve time travel and aliens and the fate of the universe but no. You have to be just like Celestia,” groaned Discord. "A stick in the mud is what you are. You wouldn’t know fun if it was shoved up your back-”

“Shut up Discord. Take me back to bed now.”

“Oh,” Discord purred maliciously. “Don’t you think it’s a bit soon for that I mean we haven’t even had dinner yet.” With a snap of his fingers, a romantic picnic setting with basket, pock-dotted table cloth, a discord figure holding up a lavender smelling candle and a radio spurting out romantic music was set out in front of Twilight who was now wearing red lipstick and a stunning red dress... Discord then ran a claw along Twilight’s face. “But I think we can skip it…”

Discord had little time to react before a hoof smashed him in the face sending him sprawling across the garden. The setting and dress disappeared rather quickly as the Discord got up holding his nose. His stared incredulously at Twilight.

“You hit me! Celestia never hit me,at least never with her hoof.”

“I’m not Celestia, Discord and I’m not impressed with your little parlour tricks.”

“But you struck me! ME! Isn’t that against everything you and your little posse stand for.”

“You’re an immortal god with almost omnipotent powers, I think one little smack to that mug of yours is not going to affect you,” replied Twilight unimpressed. “Plus personal space, learn about it you creep. I’m not the little unicorn you could bully two years ago.”

“Bah, you’re still easy to provoke little Sparky,” taunted Discord as he hovered above Twilight, who was steadily making her way back to the castle. "But physical violence, for shame Miss Sparkle." Discord shook his head in disappointment as he wagged his finger at her. “Has your mentor not taught you better? No speech about bettering myself and working towards the community around me? No judgemental looks of disappointment or contempt. I mean that's pratically all your little mentor does now adays when I'm around. Oh you should hear somedays."

Discord cleared his throat before morphing his head into a crude buck toothed, slack jawed mockery of Celestia’s face. “Oh Discord don’t do that. Oh Discord put that child down. Oh Discord don’t make the ambassador’s birthday cake be full of snakes. Oh Discord stop playing jungle music at three in the morning.”

“I’m not indulging you, you troglodyte. Go off and steal candy from a baby or build a ginger bread house or something.”

“Miss Dictionary.”

“Public menace.”

“Buzz kill.”

“Detriment to society.”

“Moon cuddler.”

Twilight gave a shocked glance towards Discord who barked out laughter upon seeing her face.

“You’re priceless Princess Twilight. I mean come on. Only a moron could have not noticed the way you and her make googly eyes at each other every time you’re in a room together.” Discord's eyes rolled around in their sockets. Twilight frowned deeply.

“So the entire government and public are morons according to you?”

“My statement still stands.”

“Why must you do this to me Discord? I’m already under a lot of pressure. I‘ve got a busy schedule coming up for the next week but nooooo, my one weekend off in ages and you decide to ruin my few sleeping hours. You’re some piece of work you know that.”

“I know. You’re staring at the epitome of masculinity here baby.” Discord then flexed his muscles which much to his disappointment drooped due to them being minuscule. Twilight began to laugh at him before he clicked his fingers and he devolved massive biceps.

The disadvantage was that it had off set his sense of balance in his upper body as he floated along thus causing his head to sink towards the floor. His legs then proceeded to flail uselessly in the air as he grated his head against the stone path much to Twilight’s amusement. Discord eventually managed to stop this by whisking away the burdensome muscles.

“I was meant to do that.”

“Keep telling yourself that. Maybe if you try hard enough you actually might find a pony gullible enough to fall for lies.”

“Ponies like your friends. Who if my memory serves me right and it often does not, fell for my so called ‘gullible’ lies.”

“You got lucky. Smoke and mirrors. That’s what you are Discord. I suppose an old man like yourself has trouble dealing with today’s youths,” sighed Twilight melodramatically.

“OLD! Why the insolence of you. Why back in the day I was quite the athletic whippersnapper. I used to rough it up Queensbury style with Celestia."

The surroundings then changed to a black and white arena with Discord garbed in boxer shorts and gloves while wearing a ridiculously curly moustache. He jumped around Twilight making fake punches at her. While a crowd of black and white ponies cheered on and an announcer smoking a cigar yammered on about the ‘fight of the century’.

“I can tell you it was all quite barbaric. Good ol’ Discord certainly knew how to throw a punch.”

Twilight was content to ignore the antics of the chaos lord. It was a skill she had greatly developed with Celestia’s help. There was no point in actually fighting Discord, especially after just getting up. So Twilight did the one thing that grated the serpent’s nerves to no end. She hummed a slight tune and carried on like nothing was happening. She distracted herself by looking over some of the natural flora as she left the statue garden.

Discord naturally tried to gain her attention through some random acts. Like making a dictionary fly around her, which was supposed to be some sort of crude representation of her or making the bushes eat the birds and finally pretending to break down in tears and claim he had no one to talk to and that he was all alone in the world.

After it failed to have an effect on the lavender alicorn he decided to try and indulge Twilight’s curiosity and lust for knowledge. Off handed remarks about significant magic developments or magical theories that would astound even the most stoic of magical researchers.

Twilight was actually listening just not actually making it look like she was. Who ever thought Discord believed the universe was doughnut shaped?

Eventually Twilight exited the garden passed some guards. They were about to ask their princess if she needed anything though quickly held their tongues upon noticing the guest the princess had currently rambling next to her. A large grimace passed over each of their faces. Needless to say, the former tyrant of Equestria was not popular or well liked amongst the guard. Many of whom still remember how Discord had changed them into tasty confectionaries or lamp shades not but two years previous.

As Discord approached they tensed slightly. Discord noticed and donned a wicked smile as he passed. As he passed the two guards relaxed until they felt a presence behind them. They both turned slowly to face what was behind them to find Discord with fire coming out his eyes, teeth as sharp as razor blades and a disturbingly wide grin that reminded the two guards of a dragon.

“Boo!”

The two guards jumped and stumbled about. Falling over ne another until they were in a very compromising position on top of each other with their hooves tangled, Discord hollered laughter out for a straight minute before the two guards separated and tried to resume their posts with as much dignity as they could muster. Discord gestured at them with his thumb to a still unflinching Twilight as his face returned to normal.

“These guys, I can work on. They know how to have a laugh unlike you little miss prissy.” Discord stuck out his tongue in a childish fashion before the tongue soon came to life an attempted to leave Discord’s mouth. He caught just in time and shoved it back in his mouth as it struggled helplessly. The commotion ceased when Discord made a clicking noise before sighing pleasantly.

“Brilliant. Go bother them for a while.”

“I will,” stated Discord. “You must be so busy playing kissy with the princess that you neglect your true friends.”

“Like you,” barked Twilight sceptically.

“I’ve always considered you a friend Sparky. I mean who could resist such a pudgy little cute face of yours.” Discord then pinched one of Twilight’s cheeks. Twilight attempted to smack him with a spell again but he pulled away before it could materialise. “Anyway I’m not the one with the date with a bunch of foreigners over the next few days, I've got other things to be doing. Chaos is a tireless mistress and I am but her humble servant.” He then fainted onto an imaginary couch while holding his hand up to his head.

“What do you mean foreigners? What date?” asked Twilight as she turned to see Discord behind her once more.

“Oh they didn’t tell you; oh that’s rich,” laughed Discord as he resumed his normal stance. A normal stance according to Discord was moonwalking in mid-air. Twilight was not surprised in the least by this.

“Why were you informed of state affairs before me?” Snapped Twilight. “You don’t even have an official job here.”

“Yes I do,” protested Discord. “I am the royal advisor.” Discord drew his claw along his chest to reveal a bright golden badge in the place of a patch of fur moments ago. It sparkled in the sun light. He tapped it as he held a proud smile.

“See royal advisor. Plain as day to se-, hey give it back!” shouted Discord as Twilight quickly snatched it from him. She looked over it as a magical force field held back the flailing Discord.

“Hmmmm. This kind of looks like one of those cheap prizes you win in a cereal box.” Twilight pointed to the letters on the badge. “It even says ‘cowboy sheriff’ with a sticker of a wheel.” Discord shattered the field Twilight held and grabbed the ‘badge’ from her.

“I am the royal advisor! I could advise you to go to jail, you know.”

“Does anypony actually listen to your advice?”

“Yes! I give wonderful advice.”

“And Tierak babysits foals in his spare time when he’s not in Tartarus,” quipped Twilight as she rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time today.

“We don’t know that,” replied Discord. “Guy could be a big softie for all we know. You know behind all the death and destruction and anger issues and stuff…and his decapitation fetish. Yeassh How would that ev-?”

“I DON’T WANT TO KNOW!” Boomed Twilight. “Good day Discord. Now please leave me alone. If what you say is true about the ambassadors, which I doubt it is, then I need to talk to Luna.”

“Oh that will be a fascinating talk," sneered Discord. “Ciao Miss Sparkle, I have some ‘work’ to do. Apparently there is a sewage problem in Manhatten if my ‘Chaos sense’ is correct.” Twilight mouthed the word ‘chaos sense’. It sounded like some knock off of a power one of Spike’s comic book heroes had. “It’d be a shame if I didn’t ‘help’ them in there hour of need.” With a flash the troublesome chimera popped out of existence, much to Twilight’s relief. She could now finally spend the trip back to the bedroom in peace.

The trip was an uneventful affair. She occasionally came across some guards who bowed their heads in reverence. Twilight had given up trying to tell them to do otherwise. She also passed some nobles who had looked like they had just come from court. When Twilight passed they nodded to her in acknowledgement but the stares they gave were rather icy. Twilight was well aware of how disliked she was by the nobility of Canterlot. She doubted that would change anytime soon. She wished she could teleport but scrapped the idea considering that she was in public, in a hall and not around friends or family. It was considered quite rude to teleport in a public establishment. It was especially rude to do so in a state establishment like the palace. She may have been a princess but she had to maintain an appearance of normality and similarity to an average everyday pony. She could not merely flaunt her ‘fancy magic’ skills around the palace as one obnoxious earth pony noble said to her once. So she walked. It helped anyway to clear her head after her encounter with Discord.

When she eventually arrived back to her room she found a note on the bedside drawer. It was from Luna and it stated that the moon princess had gone out to deal with something and would be back by one. It also said that Luna needed to talk to Twilight about something. Anxiety and fear began to rack Twilight’s brain as she began to consider that maybe Discord wasn’t lying when he said she’d be meeting foreign diplomats.

‘But I’m not prepared if that’s the case. Oh sweet Celestia I don’t even have my notes! What am I going to do? I’ll fail and make myself the laughing stock of the nation,’ scrambled together Twilight’s panic stricken thoughts. She breathed heavily into a paper into the pillow that she had taken from her bed. ‘Calm down Twilight. Luna will sort everything out. No need to panic. Just remember if you fail at least you can pick up some interesting rocks to study from the moon. Yeah rocks. Rocks are like books except they’re rocks. Yeah just like books.’ Twilight reviewed what she had just been stating. ‘Sweet Celestia I need a therapist.’

Weighing up her options she eventually decided she would need to study all the cultural aspects of the ambassadors…again. Learn some gracious greetings in several different languages and make sure that she drew up the personal files of each ambassador from the Equestrian Intelligence Service. Yes it would all be that simple. ‘I’ll just account for every possibility. That’ll be easy right?’ A stray hair sprung up on Twilight’s head. ‘No need to panic at all. I mean it’s only Equestria’s diplomatic relations on the line.’ Twilight smiled as another hair went out of place. 'It’ll all be okay I mean Luna’s going to be back by one, she’ll surely have only the best explanation for this sudden change to my precise and perfect schedule that I have spent the past two weeks going over.' Twilight’s eye began to twitch. ‘What time is it?’ Twilight glanced at the clock still holding her creepy smile as she did so. It read two thirty.

“Where in Tartarus is she?!?!”

Author's Notes:

Yeah my referances to Q in this were not so subtle. I'm actually a massive fan of Q as a character and I couldn't resist doing bits of his character with Discord. Yeah bit of a trekkie fan here.

Anyway Discord yay! While enjoy writing a more sinster Discord than this I didn't mind the more light hearted tone I took with him here. He's still a bastard though, so I made him a bit mean spirited and obnoxious as he should be.

Finally, may be some mistakes here and there, this was fittingly enough a very chaotic chapter to write. Hopefully we'll get back to some more down to earth stuff in the next chapter.

Confrontations

Princess Luna felt rather agitated. Luna had not always been the most patient or rational of ponies at the best of times. Especially when it came to matters of dealing with the nobility.

She was currently in the prime minister’s office. That alone should have raised her discomfort to almost intolerable levels. The room itself was far more cramped than the offices that she and her sister possessed to do paperwork on. It felt rather claustrophobic and cold. The only furniture besides two chairs se opposite to each other was a grand mahogany desk inbetween them. Despite the fine textures and quality finish to it, it looked rather sparse and underused.

It also lacked the personal touch Luna gave to her desk. She enjoyed decorating her desk with the most adorable little bobble heads that her sister had given her. The prime minister's desk also lacked the newspaper cut-outs that Luna lined her desk with. The cat that disliked Mondays was her favourite. He acted so silly sometimes, he reminded her of Twilight in a way. Luna sighed contently. The thought briefly took her away from the unpleasant confrontation she knew she was about to embark on.

If Luna was to be honest to herself, she greatly disliked the prime minster. Storm Mount was his name. He represented everything Luna disliked about the nobility despite the fact that he had remained in the good graces of her sister for the past twenty odd years. He was, in her eyes, a conservative, obnoxious, class obsessed pony who openly supported the noble monoply over the government. Luna grimaced. She also feared that one of the reasons why she disliked him so was because he was so well liked by her sister. It was a silly thought but it was also a prevalent one notwithstanding.

Aside from being generally unlikeable, the prime minster much to Luna’s dismay had also been highly effective in his role. Thus for the present he was a necessary evil, like Discord. To his credit he had kept the more radical elements of the nobility in check like Blueblood, he had set up an effective administrative wing full of admittedly strange but very likeable staff and most importantly kept the nobility quiet over her return. She owed that much to him at least, though that didn’t make him any less of a snob from Luna’s perspective.

His lack of respect for her as her sister’s equal attested to that. Oh sure, he was Celestia’s most loyal aide when she needed him but when Luna required his assistance or aid on a matter he’d send one of the other ministers or the deputy prime minister to hear from her first. Not that she had a problem with the deputy prime minister, in fact the deputy had been one of the more likeable council members and a mare to boot, but it still did not shake the feeling that Luna had of secondary concern to Storm Mount.

The other issue was the night court, which over the last few years had become less of a royal court and more of a District court house for meaningless squabbles. The nobility never visited her court (not that she would be exactly pleased with a sudden influx of nobles visiting her but once again it was more of an issue of being left out of the ‘loop’) anymore nor were any nobles ever scheduled to her court except on rare occasion and even then it was usually the less then attentive ones that were sent to her.

Luna did not remember fondly one particular case of a noble who complained to her that he felt there was a mass conspiracy to rob him of all of his socks. Luna got a headache from the memory of the night alone. Who ever thought that the noble had prepared a five hour long case to prove his point? Luckily the case was solved when it was discovered that one of his servants was the culprit.

While the prime minister did not directly oversee the court schedule he could influence it and the group of court advisors assigned to Luna. His latest trick of excluding her from Twilight’s meeting was one in a long string of ‘overlooked’ matters not passed onto her court. While Luna loved working with and getting to know the ‘average’ pony, she also wanted to feel like she was making important decisions that would affect the country she ran. Luna would sort it out one way or another as she heard a knock on the door.

“The prime minister has arrived your highness,” said one of her night guards as he pushed his head through the door. There was a muffled sound coming from behind the guard to which Luna picked up on.

“Let me through, you rat with wings! It’s my damn office you have no authority to keep me out, even if there’s a princess in there.” An ageing blue unicorn stepped through the gap left by the guard who attempted to stop the prime minister from barging in.

“The princess will invite you in when she is ready sir,” protested the guard as he pushed the old unicorn back.

“I know bloody well what the princess can and cannot do you ignoramus,” yelled Strom Mount. “I’ve been around long enough to know so. Now will you make like a bee and please buzz off. Don’t you have some blood to drink or something?” The guard raised his hoof as if to smash the prime minister in the jaw but Luna put up her own hoof to indicate for him to stop. The prime minster smiled triumphantly.

“Come in Mr Storm Mount, I have a few things to discuss with you,” sighed Luna. The guard gave a worried glance over to his princess, though the slight nod she gave him was enough for him to take his leave. He muttered some profanities under his breath as he passed the prime minister. Storm walked into the room as if nothing happened and sat opposite to Luna behind his plain desk. He then quickly pulled out some files from his desk and began organising them as if oblivious to Luna’s presence.

His audacity not to acknowledge her directly was demeaning. Luna was saddened that this meeting had not taken place a thousand years ago. Even holding the prestigious position of prime minister would have not prevented a pony from the whip for such clear insubordination. ‘Oh how the times change,’ thought Luna.

“Honestly I have no idea where you obtained such ruffians from. They are an unruly lot there, mind you princess. I mean had one of the recruits of the official royal guard had spoken to me in such a tone, a court martial I say would have been in order.” He sighed and rolled his eyes. “But I suppose even bat ponies must find employment in these times. It’s sad in a way, things used to be so much more magical when you were younger.” He gained a wistful look about him but it then turned to a small gin as he looked at Luna. “I suppose you would understand where I’m coming from considering you being an ancient alicorn’s and all. Brandy? “

“It’s just past noon,” said Luna through gritted teeth. She was sure his prattling was giving her a tumour in the back of her skull. The prime minster enjoyed the sound of his own voice too much. Luna also did not appreciate the attack on her loyal guards but she knew he was just baiting her, to distract her from her original intentions. She would not waste her time getting into a drawn out debate that would get her in trouble with Tia for wasting the prime minister’s 'precious time’. ‘Why cannot Tia see what an utter bigot this stallion is? Though then again she also seems to fail to notice that pathetic excuse for a royal nephew’s incompetence.’

“It’s never too early for a glass of brandy is what my old grandpa used to say,” he said jovially as he pulled out a bottle and two glasses from a hidden compartment of the desk. He placed a glass in front of Luna and filled it before pouring himself a bit. Luna did not touch the glass.

“It would be ill advised for me to drink so early on into the day, thank you.”

“Suit yourself princess, merely an offer on my part.”

“Quite. But I have not come here to play catch up with you prime minister. I have come here to discuss a matter of importance that has come to my attention.” Luna’s tone was even though dripped with certain degree of intensity to it.

She wanted this over and done with. Twilight would no doubt wake soon and Luna wanted to make sure she heard of the meeting from her first and not from some idle castle gossip. There would be less collateral damage if she could explain it directly to Twilight. On that thought Luna considered breaking out the old body armour later just in case.

“And what matter would that be?” asked Storm as he drank slowly from his glass.

“You are the matter Mr Prime Minster. You are the ‘elephant in the room’ as Celestia would say, despite the lack of elephants.”

“Me?” retorted Storm. Luna couldn’t quite scope what kind of tone he was using. It wasn’t angry or disbelieving. It was more aloof than anything else. “In truth Princess Luna it is no secret that you dislike me but I hardly think that’s justification enough for you to give me a reprimand. I’ve done nothing to slight you princess.” He smiled as he put down the glass.

“My concern does not lay in my personal feeling towards you but rather the blatant and if I must say poorly guided attempt to exclude me from an active role in MY government Mr Prime Minister.”

“I have no idea what you're gibbering on about. I’ve done no such thing. I have included you, my princess, in all important matters of the state. It would be a slant on my government to do otherwise.” Storm Mount waved his hooves in anger over such an accusation.

“So a dignitary visit for our newly crowned royal is not a matter that would be of importance to me,” snapped Luna as she narrowed her eyes. She got up from her seated position as she felt a rush of angry energy enter her. The prime minster was unfazed by her threatning movemnt. In fact he had a rather calm look about him.

“We were prepared to pass the information onto you princess had you merely asked. If you possibly took a more active role…”

“Do not dare say I have not tried to take an active role in this government Prime Minster, you will be careful with that forked tongue of yours,” barked Luna as she put both her forehooves on the desk. She was very close to slipping back into her old dialect considering her rising irritation, “Need I remind you that I am your acting reagent. Not some poor soul you can bully in the House of Commons.”

“I meant no offence,” steadily countered Storm. “I would never dishonour you or your position. It is in my capacity as prime minster to advise you. My advice does not always reflect my personal feelings princess, just the feelings of the council.”

“Likely story,” growled Luna.

“You must speak up Princess Luna. I’m afraid that it is most difficult to discern what you are saying behind that awful grinding sound you are making with your teeth.”

“I was saying how convenient that this information would be delivered to my sister post haste but you felt the need to delay when it came to me. Must I remind you Prime Minster that this follows a string of governmental decisions I was not consulted on. This is the last straw that you have picked from the bucket upon which you pick straws from.” Luna silently cursed herself that she had messed up her analogy so badly.

“In all fairness princess, I feel you're blowing this out of proportion,” chuckled Storm. "These decisions upon which you were not consulted on were trivial at best. Issues you know doubt would prefer the council to deal with.”

“You seem to have an answer for everything Prime Minister,” hissed Luna. The prime minister sat back in his rather uncomfortable looking chair before replying.

“Indulge me for a moment princess?” he asked as he put his hooves together. Luna retook her seat and nodded at him."I wish just to speak to you in non-governmental manner for a minute. You need not worry as to if I will supply you with the answer you seek. I will do so readily but I warn you, you may not enjoy my answer on my part. Though I stress once again that my government does all it can to..."

“Just get on with it already you have wasted enough time as it is already.”

She was still angry but there was no use losing her head over it and the last thing she needed was for their argument to break out into a full shouting match. A match which Luna would win easily. But the resulting argument with her sister would have been more problematic. So Luna kept her cool.

“Outside of sharing the same title and a marrige of her brother to your adopted niece. I don’t exactly see why you need to get involved with Princess Twilight Sparkle’s personal matters?” he inquired.

Luna was about to roar out a reply about how it had everything to do with her but held her tongue once more. The last thing she needed was to give the prime minister a stick to beat her over the head with. Storm Mount must have noticed as he raised an eyebrow at the princess’ action.

“I do not see how outside of formalities that you would be involved with this whole matter at all. The only reason why the princess was informed was because she was her former mentor. I felt she would have been a better pony to inform our newly royal rather than a court advisor considering their close relationship. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“Regardless she is also a close friend of mine. It is in my interest to know of her activities,” said Luna."Especially when it comes to meeting regarding our relations with other nations.”

“With all due respect princess, the political scene has no room for friends,” he snickered. Luna oh so wanted to put his head through the desk. “Besides they asked specifically for a meeting with Princess Sparkle not Princess Luna. Anyway it’s just a small introductory party considering many of the many nations were unable to attend the coronation. It will last maybe thirty minutes tops. It gives the other nations a chance to see that we aren’t constructing some sort of super weapon in the form of an alicorn to take over the world. It’s the same protocol we followed with Princess Cadence. Trust me when I say this Princess Luna that the foreign department only has Twilight Sparkle's best interests at mind with this meeting.”

“It is still no excuse. All foreign matters involving other nations are of importance to the crown. Perhaps that brandy has dulled you senses Prime Minister.”

“And for that my princess, I am truly sorry. I will make sure to take your concerns into consideration during the next royal council meeting,” he scoffed as he poured some more brandy into his glass. He stopped for a second as if something was bothering him before he looked back up to Luna. “Though one must question why you are so persistent over this princess? It is no more than a short get together to introduce the new blood. Hardly a be all end all matter of the state.”

“I’ve already told you she is a friend to me. Is it not within my right to take in consideration for my friend?”

“Well of course, it’s just something has been bothering me of late.” The prime minister hummed before swirling his glass. “It has come to my attention that you’ve been spending a lot of time in that town, Ponyville, of late.”

“HOW DARE THOU SPY ON THINE MONARCH?!” Shouted Luna as she stood once again. Her anger had returned in full force. He voice barely contained under a cracking mask of composure.

“No I would not spy on you Princess. That would be a violation of my office. I’m afraid your travel expenses though are more than fair game though. You may be a princess but using the chariot for leisure purposes was sure to come up in the books eventually. I just happened to come across such figures.”

“This is absurd! It is my business as to what I do in my leisure time. I’ll let you know I have grown quite fond of that little town. Many of my friends are stationed there.”

“Oh I’m quite sure you’ve grown fond of that town princess. Your visits do not go unnoticed. Your fondness of the local carnival is quite amusing in fact. You must especially be fond of the ‘local talent’.” Luna only then just noticed the file that Storm had pulled out while he was refilling his glass. He was flipping through the pages of the brown file looking over some of the printed text.

“And how may I ask Mr Prime Minster did you come across this information then if you are not spying on me?” Luna felt the stone floor underneath her hooves crack slightly.

“Until recently Twilight Sparkle was Princess Celestia’s prized student, the princess had assigned observers to make sure no foreign agents saw a chance to strike at her. You’d be surprised how many ponies and foreigners would jump at the opportunity to do away with the Element of Magic.Thank Celestia nothing has happened. It’d have been a terrible shame to lose such a bright spark especially considering she is royalty now.” Luna’s eye twitched in response. “Now imagine these agents’ surprise when the Princess of the Night comes unannounced to Ponyville ever now and then. Oh and would you look at this.” He pointed to the last line of a page. “It says here that the princess has become particularly fond of visiting the library over the past few months. How interesting.”

“What are you implying?” fumed Luna as she barely held back her magic.

“Me? Oh Celestia no, I wouldn’t imply any wrong doing on your part princess.” His face was set in pure concern as if he had terribly offended her. She knew it was all an act. “I’d never imply the absolutely ludicrous idea that somehow you and Princess Twilight Sparkle are involved in any sort of relationship.” He then laughed deeply. "I mean that would be ridiculous. “I’m sure all your visits are purely innocent and this argument that you want to attend the meeting specifically only solidifies my view that you are in nothing more than the most platonic and normal relationship that two friends can have.” He smiled and took another sip of his glass.

Luna was silent for a moment. She stared at Storm for a minute before turning to face the door. His eyes never left her for a moment.

“I require some air. This meeting is over. I will meet with the representatives anyway. I would like to support Princess Twilight Sparkle as my friend. No matter what you may otherwise imply.”

“As I said I imply nothing princess. I’m just merely making a statement is all, based on the findings from this report. You can take what you will from it princess.”

“Royalty does not need to heed statements from lesser beings,” said a stiff toned Luna. "I would ask you to tread lightly and remember your place prime minister. My sister’s protection only goes so far.”

Luna left the room before a farewell retort could even be thrown out by Storm. The prime minister sighed as he downed a final glass. The deputy prime minister Ink Well with her gleaming white coat and her large oversized glasses entered the room with smile splitting her young face.

“So another throw down with Princess Luna. Why can’t you two just kiss and make up?” she mocked.

“Shut it Ink Well."

“You know I sometimes get the feeling that you don’t appreciate me making fun of you."

“You don’t say,” uttered a sarcastic Storm Mount. After laughing for a bit Ink Well noticed the file on the desk that Storm Mount had between his hooves. Due to her poor eyesight she couldn’t make out what the name of the report was.

“What’s up with the file? Anything I need to know about?”

Storm looked over the file he had just spoken about to Princess Luna. It contained some pretty damming evidence. Evidence that the press would pay almost his weight in gold for. In fact if released it could cause one of the biggest embarrassment to the diarchy in recent memory. He had to put some thought into his next action.

“Nah, it’s nothing just some old complaint letters I never got around to reading. I can tell you now that Lord Canterbury really disliked me. I’d be shocked if I weren’t so offended.”

“Come on Mount everypony knew Canterbury hated your guts. Even you knew. You were messing around with his niece for years behind his back. Can you blame the guy.”

“Yeah but I never knew he could quite use such colourful language. I’d almost put this in a museum if it weren’t so lewd. Truly the old dog had a way with words.”

“Well that’s too bad you couldn’t tell him that yourself, you’re almost twenty years too late.”

“Has it really been twenty years since that old grump passed?” Storm looked over to the clock. “Remind me to buy his grave some flowers when I have the time.”

“Will do but, bin the file and let’s get moving. This meeting has already put you eight point three five minutes behind schedule. We can’t afford these dalliances with your girlfriend.” She glanced over at the empty glass with a disapproving look. “Or your drinking for that matter.”

“Leave an old man be would you,” Storm groaned as he took the file in his grasp and ripped it in two. “Need I remind you this government is run on drink since before you were born.”

“No wonder the economy is so inconsistent.”

“Har har. Let’s go already.” He then levitated the bin over and placed the file in the bin. Exiting his seat he dragged himself off of his chair and quickly slid back his mane once before leaving the office with Ink Well.

Author's Notes:

Sorry but this just turned out to be a monster to write when it shouldn't have been. I'm sorry if I went too technical or dialogue heavy here. This was even worse then the last chapter to write.

Anyway. Yay Luna angst time. Can't have a Luna fic without her being angry or brooding. Then again a thousand years would tend to make you quite sensitive to insult.

The Prime Minister is so far ambiguous character for now. Don't know whether to make him just a snob with good intentions or a manipulitive asshole, though I'm more inclined to the former. I don't think he'd be like Blueblood would be if he the information Storm Mount possesed.

Also one last thing I SUCK with pony names.I am just god awful terrible. Hope you enjoy this chapter. I'll be getting I suppose more or less back to the romance in the next chapter. The politics can have a chill for a while. Peace out.

Temporary Respite

Twilight was tearing through ‘101 ways to impress a dinner guest’…again. She didn’t know what else to do. It was almost like a stress relief trigger. She didn’t think it was a bad habit. In her mind there was nothing out of the ordinary with reading four volumes worth of diplomatic history and griffin social etiquette within a couple of hours.

There was also nothing out of the ordinary with her hair was standing up perfectly straight or that she was sweating bullets. All that mattered was the soft, crisp sound that was made as she turned each page of a book. It also didn’t matter that her magic was acting erratically making it extremely difficult to stop herself from ripping the pages from the book.

In fact she barely noticed when Luna walked into the chamber with her head hung low. Twilight only turned when Luna bumped into one of the many piles of books stacked up around Twilight. Luna glanced down briefly at one of the titles of the books. Twilight glared at Luna with great ferocity.

“Where have you been? I mean you just upped and disappeared! Why didn’t you tell me about what’s going on? I mean I know you’re busy and all but this is like the newest, most important, world ending test ever! And I only have a few days to study!” Twilight pulled viciously on her mane with her magic as her jaw clicked in and out and her pupils shrunk to an almost impossible size. "I mean it's not like I've been left completely in the dark here by you and Celestia!!!"

“I’m sorry,” replied Luna. Her voice almost monotone as she walked past Twilight to the bed.

“That’s okay. I mean we just need loads of preparation work. If you take piles eight through seventeen and I take piles twenty seven through forty we should both possess sufficent knowledge enough to…” Twilight stopped after realising that something was amiss. Her features returned to a more normal state though her hair was still spiked up. She turned her gaze over to Luna who outside of apologising had said nothing. Instead she found Luna staring up at the artificially starlit ceiling of Twilight’s room on her back. Twilight’s anxiety ridden face was replaced by a mask of concern as she tentatively walked over to Luna, who still was fixated with the ceiling.

“Hey kind of having a panic attack over here.It'd be nice to have a bit of acknowledgement." Luna remained unmoving. Twilight moved over to Luna's side. "Luna snap out of it I'm not done giving out to you yet." Luna still hadn't moved. "Hello Earth to Luna." Twilight poked Luna's side with her hoof. "I need you help to prepare for this damned meeting!"

“So you know,” responded Luna melancholically. “I’m sorry Twilight. I should have known sooner.” Twilight could not hold back a massive frown.

"Sooner? Wait, what do you mean by sooner? I thought you knew."

Luna’s silence was answer enough for both of them. The uncomfortable conclusion hung in the air like a thick fog. Twilight was unsure how to formulate an emotional response to the situation. It was quite obvious that Luna was not well, though she didn’t seem angry just…tired. Worn out, as if a burden had been placed on her shoulders. The signs of this were not lost to Twilight.

It was also obvious that Luna’s emotional response was of a direct result towards what Luna perceived as another attempt by the ‘system’ to isolate her from politics and the day to day running of the goverment. At least that was what Twilight’s rational thoughts made of the situation. Twilight momentarily let a bit of anger enter her system. The council had no right to treat Luna like this. No matter what the nobility said.

Twilight was well aware of the nobilities views on Luna. She had picked up on the occasionally scrap of stray gossip during her stays in Canterlot before her coronation, usually in the bars and the high class diners in which the nobility nestled themselves into. When Twilight was but Luna’s friend she had felt offended and disgusted by what the nobility had said but now that the two of them were much more than that now, in retrospect it made her blood boil. Though Twilight made the decision that it was best to discuss what happened rather than stew in anger.

"You want to talk about it?" Twilight moved closer to the bed.

"There is nothing to talk about Twilight. I…" Luna thought carefully before she spoke her next few words. "I dealt with it for now. Just some old animosity is all. Nothing to fret over."

"It’s clearly something to fret over considering you didn’t even acknowledge the mess I made." Twilight waved her hoof over to the mass piles of books that were now currently occupying the floor.

"Truth be told I was more impressed with the fort you have created over there out of the old encyclopaedias." Luna moved her head to show where a rather large looking stack of books had been built into a small hut. "A most impressive structure considering some of those books are more than three hundred years old." Twilight’s face fell in outrage before her magic quickly destroyed her creation and placed each of the books in an orderly fashion back on the shelf.

"I didn’t know that," hissed Twilight. "Oh Faust I hope I didn’t damage them." Twilight began dancing in place like she needed to use the toilet. Despite her sour mood Luna could not resist laughing. She sat up and pulled Twilight over with her wing. Twilight yelped and sprawled over into the covers losing her balance because of Luna’s actions, in the process accidently impaling one of the pillows on the bed with her rather sharp horn. Twilight eventually got her bearings together and raised her head with a feather in her mouth. Luna could only giggle madly before removing the pillow from Twilight’s head.

She then leaned slowly in and grazed Twilight’s lips. She then caught the feather from Twilight's mouth with her lips and gave a little tug taking it from Twilight before placing the feather on the bed. Luna smiled as she moved one of Twilight’s bangs from her eyes with her hoof.

“There all better. Never change my dear,” purred Luna.

"D-d-don’t think you can escape explaining what happened missy," said the flustered Twilight whose cheeks still held the tinge of a blush.

"Must you always kill the mood with your completely relevant questions?"

"Are you going to tell me what happened or not or am I going to have to extract it from you." Twilight smiled maliciously. Luna gulped as a long feather was taken from one of the pillows. "Your sister may have mentioned to me that you may or may not be ticklish." Twilight hovered the feather near Luna’s stomach. "Maybe I should put this hypothesis to the test." Twilight flicked the feather with her magic. Luna half laughed, half hiccupped in response. "Unless you are willing to divulge what’s really troubling you?"

“Really Twilight it’s nothing –ahhh."

Luna lost her breath quickly as Twilight attacked her underbelly with the feather. Luna fell over almost paralyzed under its consistent bombardment. Twilight took pleasure in knowing Luna was at her complete and utter mercy. She decided to cease her exploit of this newly found weakness of the moon goddess in order to once again state her ultimatum.

"I ask once again Luna. What’s troubling you?" Her voice bordering on the verge of teasing. Twilight approached Luna hovering over the defeated princess as she awaited an answer.

Luna noticedthis tactical error on Twilight's part. She had removed the range of her attack. Luna quickly formulated a plan to subdue Twilight and stop her devilish assault upon Luna.

Luna quickly turned over onto her side managing to land a pillow to the side of Twilight’s face with a brief a magical brief burst. Twilight flapped her wings uselessly as she gave a delayed response to this retaliation. Luna then struck. With her opponent stunned she grabbed Twilight and dragged Twilight towards her chest, capturing her within her hooves. Luna smiled down at her the mare within her hooves. Twilight was shocked how quickly the tables had turned.

"I believe victory is mine, lover," whispered Luna. Twilight squirmed in her grasp though she reluctantly admitted to herself how comfortable of a position she was in, though that did not deter her from her goal.

"Come on Luna. Release me this instant," huffed Twilight as she pulled against the vice like grip of her partner. "You know I’m not as strong as you. Just because you have won the battle will not stop me from asking questions." Luna sighed despondently in response though she did not release Twilight. She collected her thoughts while Twilight waited patiently for a response. Luna looked down at Twilight. She did not see any signs of faltering within the mare.

"You will not leave me be till I tell you will you?"

"Noooooppe."

Luna allowed herself a small smile at her partner’s persistence on the matter. It was what had made Twilight Sparkle worthy of her new position. Her natural caring nature mixed with her ruthless need to solve a problem whether it concerned friendship or advanced magical research had truly made her a most unique pony. Luna was eternally grateful that she had been blessed with such a pony to be at her side. It made the weary toll of the immortal road she was born to take seem less dreary and dull, a lantern of light amongst the unknown darkness that was time.

Luna leaned back and laid Twilight across her chest as she returned her gaze to the roof. She was annoyed that one of the constellations was out of place but kept silent, to give way for more pressing matters.

"I had another argument with the Prime Minister. Some words were said."

"Luna I feel like that’s not the full story."

Luna cursed Twilight's ability to see past her bending of the truth. She could tell Twilight about the prime minister knowing of their relationship. But that would worsen Twilight’s anxieties. She had enough on her plate already. Luna was afraid to admit it had been all her fault. Her carelessness had cost her once again.

She could contain this if she wished and Twilight would not have to know a thing. The prime minister lacked hard evidence that she and Twilight were in a relationship. All he had was some off hoof report and wild speculation. Unless he had pictures of the two engaging in romantic activites, to which Luna prayed to the divines he did not. The very thought made her shudder.

But a part her was also torn on lying to Twilight. Relationships in this modern world were built on trust. Twilight had always been honest to her. Luna could only be expected to return this trait to Twilight.

The prime minister was playing a bluff. A dangerous one but a bluff nonetheless. It would be the end of his political career should the news ever hit the presses. Sadly that could not be said for one of his lackeys to which he could pass the information onto via leaving around public records. It didn't take a genius to It would be quite easy to ‘accidently’ slip these rumours to the press for a hefty fee.Luna and Celestia would be humiliated, Twilight disgraced and Storm Mount's position untouchable due to having no direct involvement. That was what Luna feared most.

She was glad Twilight had temporarily buried her head into Luna’s coat least she see the deep scowl resting on her lips. She was conflicted. She decided to tell the truth. It would be unjust to conceal her faults from Twilight so soon after revealing them last night.

“I made a mistake Twilight.”

“A mistake.” Twilight looked up at Luna with a strange look, though she didn’t let go of Luna. "What kind of mistake? One like the ones you were talking about last night or one of your slip up mistakes? Do I need to get the chart again?"

"No, the chart will not be necessary this time Twilight," sighed Luna. She returned her gaze to the ceiling hoping that it would bring her some bit of comfort. It did not.

"He knows Twilight."

"Who?"

"Storm Mount he…knows."

"Knows what?"

"About us."

"About us in what context?"

"Our relationship Twilight," groaned Luna. "He knows about us. He found out by looking at my travel records. I knew I should have flown by myself instead."

"Oh." Twilight was silent for a bit before she turned and looked up at the ceiling as well. Luna was surprised.

"I was expecting a bit more of a reaction."

"Well as much as I hate to say it Luna, I had anticipated this possibility. We weren’t exactly subtle at times. Remember that week before Nightmare Night?"

"How could I forget," said Luna blushing. "We were pretty loud. However did you explain it to Spike or the townsfolk for that matter?"

"I told them it was ghosts," replied Twilight smiling once again.

"And they believed you?" questioned Luna incredulously. She couldn’t hide her growing grim though. That had certainly been one wild night.

"Luna, within four years we’ve had spirits, parasprites, demented gods, timberwolves, and an Ursa and a sorceress bent on revenge wielding an ancient amulet attack Ponyville. I don’t think ghosts are too much of a stretch to believe in."

"I suppose it isn’t." Luna’s smile faded upon remembering the subject of this conversation. The two were silent for a while before Twilight spoke once again.

"I’ll never know how Cadence and Shinning Amor did this."

"Did what?"

"The whole secret relationship thing, I mean they’ve been dating for years and nopony was the wiser." Twilight threw her hooves up in the air in frustration. "We’ve been dating a couple of months and we got found out. I mean come on!"

"Well Shining Armor was the captain of the guard Twilight."

"I don’t see the relevance."

"Captains tend to have unrestricted access to royalty at any time in case of emergency. It would be rather easy to conceal one’s relationship by faking it through patriotic loyalty. So I imagine our dear niece didn’t exactly need much of an excuse to engage his ‘services’." Luna wiggled her eyebrows at Twilight who gaped in horror at the thought.

"No. Please never make me think of my brother and my foalsitter like that again. It’s just…uhhh gross. I swear it’s worse just knowing that they were…uh… doing it on the job, if you will. Blegh."

"I don’t know. If this whole princess thing does work out, there always a position in the guard. You would make a rather dashing little guard." Luna licked her lips. "Especially in that tight fiiting armour." Twilight grimaced.

"Thanks Luna," said a sarcastic Twilight. "Good to know I’ll always have a job around here…and a stalker at that too." Luna just grinned as she nuzzled Twilight for what felt like the thousandth time. Yet it had always felt like it was their first. Abruptly an idea flashed into Luna’s mind. She shook Twilight to indicate of her sudden inspiration.

"Of course that’s it! Why do we not consult your brother and our niece on this? Surely they have knowledge that will aid us in dealing with the stress of forbidden love," Luna cried as she swooned.

"Where did the whole ‘forbidden love’ angle come in? Our love isn’t forbidden."

"It’s far more romantic if it’s forbidden Twilight."

"No it’s inconvenient. Our love is not forbidden but…it might as well be," heaved Twilight. "Anyhow were getting off topic Luna. I don’t think I’m ready to talk to Cadence and Shining armor about this."

"Why? We were of the opinion that you and your brother got on very well."

"Oh no, we do," announced Twilight whose eyes had gone wide. "It’s just that he and Cadence would…complicate things Luna."

"How so?"

"Luna, we already have enough problems with Storm Mount breathing down your throat the last thing we need is for my brother to join him. Cadence, well Cadence is Cadence. She’ll squeal and she’ll gossip. I don’t think we need that at the moment. She is going to kill me anyway for not telling her sooner." Twilight paused for a moment. "And for not getting together with Flash Sentry."

"She tried to set you up with Flash Sentry? When was this?" barked Luna. She deemed it betrayal on her niece’s part. Twilight gazed up at Luna in surprise. Luna turned her head to hide her embarrassment at her outburst.

"Before we started dating," stated Twilight. Luna sighed in relief. "I never got around to going on the date anyway." Luna felt rather smug about that part too. "Cadence was so disappointed."

"Why couldn’t you attend?"

"Spike got sick that day and I had to deal with one of Cutie Mark Crusaders escapades again. Twilight leaned back more so into Luna’s coat again. Needless to say I had my hooves full for the day so we never got around to it. He was reassigned shortly after then I started dating you."

"Well it’s good to hear that I and I alone am the mare that conquered the great Twilight Sparkle!" declared Luna. Twilight blushed again."Despite my nieces meddling."

"I-I am no prize and I am most certainly not something to be conquered!" Twilight protested weakly.

"Oh let me have my fun," said Luna as she hugged Twilight like a giant teddy bear. "So I take it my solution is out."

"Yes. Let’s deal with one problem at a time. We still have the Storm Mount to deal with. Do you think he’ll do anything with this information?"

"No. I don’t think so," replied an unsure Luna. "He’s loyal to Tia, Twilight." Luna scowled. "But no doubt he’ll use this news to keep me silent for now... It’s in his interest to keep me out of his way. He has bigger issues to deal with."

"Like what?"

"You."

"Oh." Twilight’s face flattened at her naivety. Luna shifted to get into a standing position. She released Twilight. Twilight was at first relieved to be free of her soft prison but was disappointed at the absence of warmth.

"Well more of you and the relation to the nobility corrected Luna. I do not need to tell you Twilight that they are some less…accepting members of government." Luna’s scowl deepened. "Storm Mount will no doubt have trouble preventing an open revolt with his cabinet since he supports you. For once I actually almost feel sorry for him." Twilight’s face deadpanned at the deliberate lie just told." Luna smiled sheepishly. "Almost being the key word."

"What if he doesn’t keep silent?"

"Well the statue garden has been lacking since Discord left," chuckled Luna menacingly.

"I seriously hope you’re joking."

“We’ll see.”

Twilight shook her head. She then turned to the carnage that had been her previous study session. She sighed realising that the two would have to waste more time reorganising the books, time that Twilight was intent on perfecting her mannerisms for the meeting. Twilight could just leave it for the servants to clean but the idea made her feel uneasy. Twilight didn’t think it was right for others to clean up after her mess.

"It’s going to take ages to reorganise these books. I really need to get these panic attacks under control."

"I find them rather charming in a way," chirped Luna. She walked over to the books with Twilight in tow and examined them carefully before waving a hoof dismissively. "It’ll be fine. The help won’t mind a bit of extra work." Luna moved behind Twilight slowly brush her wavy tail along Twilight’s flank. "Besides you’ll be leaving soon and this day has been soooo hectic. I think we both need to relax." Luna whispered the last part in a way that made Twilight shudder in excitement. But it would still not deter Twilight.

"Luna as much as I would love to…relax. I don’t feel comfortable leaving all these books out in the open. Plus we have work to do. I must be sure I can make a good first impression. The fate of Equestria hangs in the balance."

Twilight began picking up the books with her magic but was stopped as her gaze returned to Luna who was walking to the bed once again. Well less so towards Luna and more so to her lover’s bouncing rump. Twilight blushed furiously.

"Ohh but Twilight you’ve been working so hard already," pouted Luna as she swayed her hips back and forth. "And you never got me back over last night over my what was it, unacceptable teasing. I think it may be time to repay the favour." Twilight suddenly felt her gip over the books slipping.

"I have been…uhhhh, working hard lately,"said Twilight in a distracted tone. Her mouth moving from opened to closed as her eyes never left Luna as she crawled onto the bed once more but in a sultrier manner that made Twilight’s heart race like a jackhammer. "I guess it wouldn’t uhhh, hurt to relax for a little while. I did make a promise didn’t I?" Twilight began walking towards the bed as the books in her magical grip fell to the floor forgotten.

"Yes you did. Now it would be must rude to break a promise Twilight. You wouldn’t want to break a promise would you Twilight dearest?." Twilight nodded as she moved closer to Luna who was wielding a wicked grin. Twilight moved in towards the kiss to which Luna recuperated tenfold; Twilight was set in her mind to fulfil her promise and so she did. Needless to say the guards posted outside the chambers decided quickly to take an early leave for dinner in response.

Author's Notes:

I almost had it with this chapter. Not only was I delayed in writing it but I edited it not once, not twice, not even three times but four blood times!!!! You see while editing for the second time going over grammar mistakes I accidently delated the edited chapter meaning I had to go back and do all my work again at like three in the morning. Since I promised myself I'd get the chapter out by Saturday night I did it all in one sitting.

Uggh. I'm not esctatic how the chapter turned out eitheir. Very patchy in some parts to write. I felt I was rehashing the same old thing over and over again., which is oddly true in this case.

Hope you enjoy it. Pray that the next chapter won't have the amount of suffering I had to go through to get this done.

Also please point out mistakes this chapter is probably riddled with them.

Unexpected Press Conference

Day court was proceeding rather smoothly. Princess Celestia had dealt with the majority of the petitioners of the day and the council had resolved all additional issues brought before the crown. Despite Storm Mount’s rocky start to the day with his unwelcome encounter with Princess Luna, he felt rather at ease with how the rest of the day was going.

The court was monotonous. Not monotonous in a waiting in line kind of way but rather that it was almost like a déjà vu experience. After years on the political scene the lines between individual cases brought before the court tended to blur into one big great mess. Different day, same old problems. Farmers complaining about the weather, the aristocracy complaining about whatever social issue caught their fancy, mayors in land disputes and worst but not least, taxation.

If there was one thing that the day court despised more than anything else, was when the representatives of the royal treasury came to pay a visit. Even the princess in her almost unbreakable mask of perfection would slip slightly during such sessions. Luckily for the princess, Inkwell was present on such occasions.

The deputy prime minister’s position had been solely acquired in spite of her relatively young age due to her ability to expertly handle the en masse of paper work and financial accounting that came with her position. While Storm Mount was sorry to see his previous deputy go, he had accepted it as a necessary loss in exchange for a superior replacement. It was also quite pleasing to hear some of his more conservative brethren were incensed at a mare being given management of the treasury. Storm Mount had always enjoyed a bit of confrontation within court politics especially when he knew he was right.

Storm Mount was standing to the side of the throne at the bottom of the steps on Princess Celestia’s left. To his left was the deputy prime minister looking over new proposed tax relief for corporations working in the less prosperous border towns. On the other side of the throne lay a group of Princess Celetia’s advisors.

These royal advisors were to extent political aides selected in certain fields from the civil service. Something Storm Mount had no power over, something that he greatly disliked. Almost as much as he disliked the civil service in general. While he had prided himself over maintaining the fine lines between governmental policy and the civil service’s bureaucratic style with astounding efficiency, he often found himself and his council of ministers frustrated by the services indifferent attitudes towards him and the authority of the royal council on occasion. They were like a second opposition. But sadly they were always in power.

Princess Celestia was currently entertaining one of the many guests of the crown. While her face remained unchanged, the subtle droop at the edges of her mouth indicated she wanted the court to finish soon. It wasn’t helped that the petitioner in question was being overtly obtuse.

The stallion in question was a retail developer that was having massive difficulties in regards with the local council of his district after the councillors vetoed his decision to build a golf course over a nature reserve. While this decision would usually be settled at that apparently this stallion had gone through the laborious process of appealing the decision through every legal system in Equestria and eventually to the crown itself.

While Storm Mount was tempted to throw the case out himself the stallion would not accept such mandate or ruling by a government official unless the words came directly from Celestia’s mouth. It was clear that despite Celestia’s usually friendly demeanour that she was going to reject his foalish proposal.

‘So an ignorant buffoon of a pony wastes court time and funds on endless appeals, yet because he’s a commoner he is justified,’ huffed Storm Mount thoughts. He snorted lightly in real life. ‘Had it been one of our ilk the press would be up in arms over it. The two face side of media never changes. Never will. The sooner those trash ‘journalistic’ papers learn of this the better.’

Storm Mount’s ear flicked as another exchange of words between Celestia and the stallion was heard over the copious amount of mutterings between the groups assembled around the throne. Storm Mount was at best feigning interest with the whole thing. Something Celestia caught upon when her eyes trailed over to him during the short breaks between her exchanges. Storm Mount attempted to give a guilty smile but was struggling to do so with his headache.

While he didn’t really need to be present since in an official capacity the court was independent of his authority, he still occasionally was called upon as an advisor to Celestia when it came to matters involving the councils both local and royal or the day to day running of government. Though in this case he was merely acting as a support as a representative of the governmental support for the deputy prime minister’s corporate tax proposal. It wasn’t necessary considering Inkwell was certainly cable enough to handle it on her own but since the mare had a tendency to take a pessimistic view in her oral abilities, she had inquired on whether Storm Mount could be there in case she slipped up. ‘She won’t slip up. But I guess it’s the thought that counts. Still a youngster I guess if you think about it.’

She be probably be more distracted by the fact that her time would be limited because of how long the current case before the crown was taking. Storm Mount could hear the collective groan from both sides of the throne as the stallion mounted a desperate plea to the princess yet again.

It was not the most exciting of times to be in the court but at least it had come in handy in the past. Whether it be to monitor the political movements of his opposition or allies or as he was currently doing, waiting until the alcohol induced headache he had, drained away. The bonus to him was that he was rarely asked questions even it was mandatory for him to be present thus making it even easier to conceal the sporadic impairments of his drinking habit. And even when he was asked for his opinion usually his experience allowed him to deal with the question without much thought.

Eventually he was broken out of his almost perfectly serene and distant state when the sound of heavy hooves against the pristine floor came to him. The petitioner had left and considering the heavy drag of his hooves he had been predictably shot down by the princess. Storm Mount smirked.

While the mopping stallion left a Pegasus mare entered the court room and bowed. Celestia nodded briefly towards her before calling over one of her aides and began speaking with him. The Pegasus then turned from the centre of the court to the side upon which Strom Mount was placed.

Storm Mount raised his eyebrow. While obviously the mare was a messenger it still did not explain why she felt the need to inform him in the middle of court. It would have been much more convenient to leave it at his desk upon review for later. ‘Must be something important.’

The messenger quickly presented the note in her mouth to him. Taking the note in his magical grip he unfolded it as the messenger gave a short bow before the throne and exited once more.

Storm Mount unfolded the page and read over what looked like quickly scribbled down handwriting. The signature indicated it was from one of his ministers. Though the word of the letter was what concerned him. As he read down through each paragraph a slow bead of sweat dripped down his forehead and his left eye twitched uncontrollably. Inkwell noticed and attempted to speak to him but he pushed past her as he crumpled the letter up in a small ball of flames, leaving a small trail of ash along the floor as he went.

Storm Mount cantered to a spot before the throne before clearing his throat to gain the princess’ attention. Princess Celestia broke off her chat with one of her aides to heed the prime minister’s call.

“I’m sorry your highness but I must attend to a matter of government,” he stated evenly. Inkwell’s angry face was caught at the end of his vision as he finished his sentence. “It has come to my attention that my presence is needed elsewhere at the current time despite my commitments to support my deputy’s proposal before you. Thus I ask for leave to attend to such matters of state and for you to accept my sincerest apologies for this disservice.”

“That’s fine Prime Minister you are free to come and go as you please,” replied Celestia as she rolled her eyes. “You do not need my permission.”

“Just following protocol,” he spoke with a smile. She waved a hoof at him to go. He bowed deeply and afterwards turned and trotted in a dignified manner out of the court, though not before catching unsavoury hoof motions Inkwell was making towards him as he left. He would have laughed had not his mind been preoccupied by the letter.

As soon as Storm Mount had left the vision of the Princess he began to gallop at full sprint towards his destination. Only one word echoed in his head as he disregarded the glances he received.

‘Blueblood.’

Prince Blueblood, Duke of Canterlot, Lord of House Blueblood and currently Equestria’s most eligible bachelor was in a good mood. He was currently standing amongst a crowd of ponies who were waiting upon his every word. Most were journalists though his entourage of noble ‘yes ponies’ were also not far behind with their plastered smiles of adoration. The journalists were less superficial in their facial expressions but they still looked upon Blueblood as if his words were divine mandate.

This is how it should have been for him, a world that revolved solely around himself like it used to be a few years ago. Oh how he was admired and adored by everpony. How the very weight of his word meant the making or breaking of a pony’s political career. How every mare far and wide would give everything they had just to grace his bed for one night. The pride of House Blueblood was what he once was. Equestria’s golden child in many ways.

Blueblood’s smile fell as he ignored another pointless commoner questioning him. His thoughts turned to how his fortunes had been faring recently. The answer was not a pleasing one to the prince.

A perceived smear campaign by what he thought was republican elements within Canterlot over the past few years had ruined his public image. He was seen by the average pony as the decadence and moral fallibility of the current noble run system. In many ways he had become the new face for the nobility but not for the reasons he wanted himself to be. Not to mention his disastrous ‘date’ with the Element of Generosity had reached some circles of Canterlot who accused him of insulting a national hero. Blueblood shook his head in dismissal of such a perception.

‘How was I to know supposed to know that she was a ‘hero’? That mare’s attitude towards true royalty belonged more with the brigands who lay amongst the dogs in the taverns at night.’

“Prince Blueblood what are your opinions on Twilight Sparkle? Do you believe she’s out of her depth here? What do you think of this ambassadorial visit set up for her?” blurted a reporter with a speed that frankly caught Blueblood off guard. The prince straightened himself and faced away from the reporter as he answered, his stink was making Blueblood nauseated. He pulled out a handkerchief and held it to his nose briefly as he turned until he was sure that he was out of the reporter’s reeking range.

Twilight Sparkle. The name was like poison to his ears. This nopony had suddenly become the main star in the great play of life. Her accomplishments were quite astounding if Blueblood was to be honest to himself. Though he only begrudgingly admitted to such.

‘Perfect Twilight, clever Twilight, gifted Twilight,’ his thoughts spat. ‘What is this mare but nothing more than a puppet of my aunt? Another one of her toys that she plays around with to pass her eternal boredom. Yet she feels that this one is worthy to sit amongst giants. A filthy, uncouth, poor blooded commoner sitting on the throne as if she were my equal.’

The words were like a cliquey of Bluebloods worst nightmares but he could have not said somethin so rash to the press. Despite the nobilities protests, Twilight Sparkle was still in effect an extremely popular figure within Equestria. The relative mystery around her character and her humble background had almost earned some sort of cult following amongst the youth of Equestria. Her mane style covered the head of nearly every adolescent teenager in Equestria. Another role Blueblood felt he had been striped of by her.

He couldn’t in effect touch her without incensing millions of commoners across the globe and risking the full wrath of his aunt. But still he had the right to champion a cause for his own agenda. A cause he felt was shared by much of the nobility. Even his aunt couldn’t deny the truth that there were serious doubts surrounding Twilight Sparkle’s capacity as princess especially amongst the political old guard. She hadn't even made her first royal address to the House of Commons. These doubts about her, Blueblood hoped he could play to his advantage.

That was why he had this little press conference per say outside the palace. He had deliberately made it seem like the press had ‘ambushed’ him while he was off attending to royal duties. He owed that much to his political team. He hoped he could be the face of the opposition and a figure the nobility could rally under to protest his aunt's decision.

“I for one feel that this mare is completely unqualified for the job she has been assigned. She is a child playing amongst the big boys. The senility and the crudeness that my aunt has shown in this matter has thoroughly damaged our prestige abroad as well on the home front.” Blueblood paused briefly to allow the reporters to catch up. “I feel this sham of a visit for a princess that has yet to be actually officially accepted by the lower house is disgraceful. Not to mention that Miss Sparkle has no connection to the royal bloodlines. In effect my aunt has disenfranchised the very institution upon which our very culture stands. I for one will not go crawling into the night on the reassurances of a Prime Minister that has for so long ignored his very own family links to bow to please the masses.”

“So I take it Prince Blueblood that you will not pledge your support towards Princess Twilight Sparkle?” asked a rather attractive female earth pony with a lanky aide following close behind her hold a pen and page.

“No,” came Bluebloods blunt reply as his eyes rolled over the mares features. Slightly disturbed by the princes leering she backed away but still managed to hold face to ask another question.

“What measures could the new princess take in order for you to possible change your mind?”

“Her full abdication followed by her immediate removal from all politics.” A laugh echoed around the group at the assumed joke, it quickly faded into awkward silence as they realised that Blueblood was not joking. Even Blueblood’s supporters cringed. Eventually another reporter managed to break the silence with another question.

“Then what do you make of the Prime Minister? Will his policy of supporting the new princess affects your relationship with him?”

“I feel that perhaps a review of the current administration is in order. Whether that administration can’t be attributed to one pony I cannot say. But considering the feelings of discontent around this issue perhaps the government should consider its options.” Blueblood applauded himself for his cautious approach to the question. Though he was unable to say more as the crowd began to shuffle and part.

What Blueblood was confronted with was a very unhappy looking prime minister flanked by two royal guards. Blueblood’s eyes went wide as his entourage slowly backed away mumbling apologies. The reporters began bombarding him with questions followed by the flashing of a hundred cameras.

“I would ask you all to immediately leave these private premises unless you wish to be prosecuted!” boomed Storm Mount as he emphasised the word private and motioned for the two guards to move forward. The press bemoaned their treatment as they shouted abuse at the prime minister as they were escorted rather roughly by the guards towards the palace gates.

Storm Mount never broke his gaze with Blueblood who attempted to return the stare with the same intensity though it looked more like a foal trying to act like a stallion. Storm Mount approached him. Blueblood backed up but hit his flank against the wall of the palace building. Storm Mount bore down his still considerable height onto the hapless prince.

“You’re a disgrace to the name Blueblood,” Storm Mount hissed. "I turn my back for one minute and I have your already spilling your guts to the press. Who exactly do you think you are?" Storm Mount pulled back shaking his head viciously. "If you were half the stallion your father was."

“I am Prince Blueblood!” shouted Blueblood. “Heir to the throne and therefore your superior.”

“You are a prince dressed in borrowed robes,” spat Storm Mount. “I’ve spent my entire career trying to protect your family and its interests and yet this is my repayment! Ingratitude is what it is. Your foolishness will be your downfall. I should have you under house arrest for treasonous activities!” Blueblood smirked a smug smile as he brushed off some dust from his coat.

“I’m afraid we both know you won’t do that." Blueblood fixed the rose on his coat. "Without my house's support you wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. You are in quite the fix Storm Mount. While you may be Prime Minister remember that my family still holds considerable sway.” Blueblood made his way to the palace gets to return to his group, no doubt to spend more of the taxpayer’s money on something extravagant. “I will not bow to some common pretender of the throne. Neither should you.” Blueblood gave him a meaningful gaze. “My father also once said that blood is thicker than water. Perhaps you should consider such words before abandoning your own kin. There are consequences to every action.”

Storm Mount turned obviously disinterested with Blueblood’s warning. The prime minister nodded at the guards to return to their posts who had returned to him after they had evicted the pesky reporters. He had achieved what he wanted there was no need any more to barter words with the empty headed prince.

He did not turn around to look upon the prince again. Before he made for the direction of the palace doors he stopped. Blueblood’s ominous words still rang clear through his head. He had now experienced the pleasure of butting heads with two of his superiors within a matter of hours, two figures he was meant to be aiding not defying.

Now faced with the possibility that Storm Mount’s life would most likely be turbulent at best for the next few weeks with both Blueblood and members of his own party in open defiance of his and the princess’s authority only one thought came to mind.

‘ Oh,Celestia how I could use another drink.’

Author's Notes:

Exposition do your duty!! Hurray Bluebloods an asshole. Were you honestly suprised? And no I will not make Blueblood this big bad villain. He's not evil...just opinionated.

Didn't have a lot of time to edit because of real life problems so there may be a few mistakes. I plan to look over it again so anyway.

Hope you enjoy it anyway!

Echoes Of A Nightmare

Luna felt like she was floating on a cloud. The world was quiet and the dark once more. The soft warmth surrounded Luna like a blanket. Yet it was not hostile in its current form. It was more like an endless sea upon which she floated, where thought was malleable and images were but conjuring’s of the thought. There was art to be found in the mind’s construction. It was a dream.

Luna had fallen asleep obviously after she and Twilight participated in certain…activities. Luna was aware that she had been in need of catching up on her sleep but felt rather annoyed that it had occurred at such an inconvenient time.

‘I have duties to attend to, soon. Sleep should not be one of my priorities at this moment.’ Her thoughts lingered in the void.

Normally the day was the time upon which she rested though she never really slept that much unlike her sister. It was ironic that Luna was passive towards sleep considering her realm was those of dreams. Luna guessed that the reason why she had never truly adapted to the sleeping methods her sister had developed over the years was a direct result of her ability to traverse dreams which acted as an almost second form of rest for Luna.

In order to access a ponies dream, Luna was required to enter a meditative trance temporarily in order to shed herself of her physical form. When she was in her metaphysical or her dream form as Twilight had called it, she could access anypony’s subconscious dreams as long as they had no mental defences or charms in place. It was similar to the process in which bees moved from flower to flower. Luna could hop from dream to dream with free reign usually.

Luna could also manipulate and change a dream if she so wished though she rarely did so. It would be an abuse of her position to interfere directly with the dreamer unless it was necessary or the dreamer wanted for somepony to intervene.
Generally Luna could decipher what dreams were like before entering them. She couldn’t describe it in a true sense as it just had always been like that for her though if she were she’d compare it to gardening in a way.

Dreams were like seeds of the mind that grew and developed into various plants. They flourished with careful management and subtle guidance but if they were left to their own ends they tended to grow wild and tangled like weeds.

Theses weeds came in the form of ‘intrusive thoughts’ which were basically lesser nightmares that over time grew into larger ones. Where these negative influences came from was something Luna had never been sure of. While most of the time these thoughts came from real life issues that just carried over into the far less controllable dream world and thus manifested itself as a nightmare. Luna had her doubts in other cases.

While not often, she had encountered sentient nightmares in the past. These versions of nightmares acted like viruses that over time travelled from dream to dream. They grew stronger over time by feeding on the negative emotions that ponies displayed much like a reversed changeling.

Luna was well aware of that fact. Whether they were the creations of ponies or something else was a fact Luna did not want to know. Most were harmless and required only the barest amount of intervention to be rid of them. Often the dreamed expelled them before they gained any foothold but occasionally she encountered a practically stubborn one that required more decisive action especially when these nightmares targeted the easiest of prey, foals.

Over the years during her absence Celestia lacked the skill to actually combat these nightmares and thus they had grown resilient and entrenched. Luna could only do her best to reverse this process. Though she had noticed a decline in the intensity of nightmares since her return. This was because modern ponies were less susceptible to superstition then the ponies that Luna cared for a thousand years ago. The once powerful nightmares had faded into mere malevolent shadows gnawing at the edge of the dream world. The age of mythology was giving was to a more modernised world. While Luna lamented the loss of this world, it made her job a whole lot easier knowing that she didn’t have to combat severe nightmares anymore…most of the time.

Luna suddenly felt the tug of the dream pulling her in. Like the planet itself, dreams had certain gravity to them. Feeling like she could use the novelty of enjoying one her own dreams for a short while before court she decided to enter it. The dream from an outside perspective looked rather calm enough.

‘Perhaps it will be something romantic,’ thought Luna. The small flash of light that followed as she entered her own dream was similar to what happened when one teleported. Soon all Luna could feel was the magic of her own enrgy reforming her within the dream.

Blinking to adjust her eyes to the new environment, Luna could not shake the feeling of sudden unease that followed.

The dream had shifted in the moments before her entry into it. It was like the changing winds; Luna had only felt the calm before some sort of storm. In response Luna attempted to exert her mental control over the dream but suddenly found herself rebuffed by an intense headache. The dream had managed to supress her somehow.

The feeling staggered Luna slightly. She had returned to a physical form within a dream and found herself not in control. While occasionally a dream overpowered Luna due to powerful emotions but rarely did it strip her of her powers to manipulate a dream that was almost unheard of. She was the master of this realm and if she had been overpowered by one of her dreams then it meant that she had to prepare herself for what she assumed would be a not so nice confrontation with whatever lied within.

‘This isn’t good,’ thought Luna. ‘I believe I may have been deceived. Hopefully my powers should return shortly or perhaps Twilight will wake me for court soon. Then again time is warped within this realm. ’ Luna steeled herself for what was to come.

Eventually her surroundings settled after her failed attempt to manipulate them. She found herself in what looked like a mockery of the Canterlot throne room.

The fountain based at the bottom of the throne was frozen and the metal that surrounded it looked corroded and worn out. The walls of the room were filled with an assortment of rather creepy looking glass like constructions that shifted the black pools of rippling liquid within them, occasionally. Luna swore she could hear the faint sound of pained whispers echo from them. She developed an instant distaste for them.

Next she noticed the smell of the room. It smelled like sulphur in the air. Luna snorted in attempt to rid herself of it its stench though it was futile effort. She only then noticed the walls were donned with banners of a black crescent moon against a lighter blue background. They flowed slightly in a non-existent wind. In-between there were the famous stain glass windows to which Canterlot Castle was known for. Though rather than them be filled with the glowing warmth of the sunlight that filled the room with a wide array of beautiful colours, they were replaced by the subtle glow of a full moon that radiated the eerie blue glow onto the castle floors. The sickly light making the shapes of the images the windows they possessed.

The windows were filled with images of triumphant conquest that Luna recognised as the art style of reunification period. The jagged angles, the violent images and the black write lettering all pointed to such. The images while incredibly detailed, made Luna feel more uncomfortable. While a necessary step within Equestria’s history, it was an era of racism, political divides and social stagnation and widespread poverty and disease. Luna also guiltily admitted to herself that she and her sister had not always been the paragons of peace and harmony during that time. In truth many would claim they were the aggressors and brought more unnecessary pain and suffering to an already bloody conflict.

Luna turned her attention towards the throne. The change it had received was quite shocking. Gone was the gold and regal demeanour, replaced instead by a monstrous mockery of what it once was. Metal and iron twisted into some sort living weapon. Random spikes sprung from its crown. And it was raised to almost surreal yet intimidating proportions. The full light of the moon poured out from behind. The large celestial orb had never seemed so close. The shadow of the throne stretched out like a black hand towards Luna.

“Beautiful is it not? You always had a most…interesting imagination dear Luna.”

Luna jumped at the sudden intrusion. She looked around for the source of the voice but the sound echoed off the empty hall thus making it difficult to pinpoint its location. It sounded slightly feminine in tone but had a deep echo to it. Even though it was a dream, Luna still felt the need to shiver. The voice sounded sort of familiar, especially the feminine part. Luna frantically turned in a circle looking for anything but was instead faced with a thousand images of her via the mirrors.

“Looking for someone?” the voice asked with a sing song tone. Luna spun around once more though she stumbled as the pain in her head increased. “Having trouble? It really shouldn’t be that hard after all. After all are you not the princess of dreams? Or has Celestia stolen that from you too, hmmm?”

“Show yourself phantom. I am well aware that this is a dream,” countered Luna. “You have no power over me here.”

“Then why not simply end it?”

“Maybe I ‘m curious,” bluffed Luna still holding her ground. Her horn pointed outwards in a threatening stance. It was a pointless gesture considering she was still not in control of the dream yet. Luna could only hope that Twilight would wake her momentarily.

“Hah! A likely excuse, but if we are engaging our curiosity here I suppose it would be discourteous on my part to not be present to indulge it." Luna took a look around one more time before facing the throne again. Suddenly the chandeliers that Luna had failed to notice above her flickered into existence bathing the spot she was standing on in soft light. She then noticed a figure slowly emerge from the throne. The shape looked liquefied in form but it twisted and turned as it slowly became a more familiar design to Luna’s eyes. The shadows were pulled from each corner of the room, pooling themselves into the mass of the shape. With disturbing gurgling sounds the liquid solidified until a large outline of a pony stood near the side of the throne.

Two cat-like teal eyes rolled into existence as they narrowed upon focusing on Luna. The swirling shadows eventually subsided as the pony stepped out towards Luna. While the figure was of that of a pony the black that made up of what Luna assumed was its coat occasionally spilled outside of theses outlines forming temporary wisps of shadows. The whole image made the pony seem transparent, almost ghostly in appearance. The very familiar form of Nightmare Moon greeted Luna with a fanged smile.

“It has been quite some time has it not little Lulu,” laughed Nightmare Moon. Though Luna was unfazed. Nightmares smile faded as she descended the stairs.“What no shocked greeting? No, oh no she’s back kind of thing. Luna, I'm disappointed.”

“If you were real perhaps. You are but an apparition of my dream, a face for some negative emotions I’m feeling currently,” shrugged Luna. “You were destroyed, the residents of Ponyville saw to that. The only way you could even be conceived as a reality would be if I had perhaps eaten upon the insane root.”

“When you put it like that it takes away the whole dramatic aspect to it. Luna could only increase the intensity of her glare towards the spirit. Nightmare bellowed laughter. Come now Luna are we all not actors of the stage set to play our part before fading into nothingness. Drama is the spice of life." Luna still gave no response.

“Perhaps I could be a chemical imbalance within your brain." The nightmare vanished as she appeared to Luna’s right by exiting one of the glass constructs."Or maybe I’m reality. Does it really matter? I’m here and so are you. So why don’t we talk? Take a seat.” Nightmare motioned to the throne. “Have a drink?" A glass of port burst into life before her. Luna pushed the glass away causing it to fall and smash into a thousand pieces on the floor. “You’ve been taking yourself too seriously lately.” Without warning Nightmare Moon was behind Luna and whispering close to her ear with the disturbing double voice that the dream had given to her. “You want my opinion, you need to lighten up.”

Luna turned and swung her hooves full force at Nightmare but the shadow dispersed and simply reformed a few metres away in front of Luna.

“That was most ill-advised!” snapped Nightmare Moon, her snake like tongue making a hissing sound as she did so. “Is that how you treat all you friends?”

“You are no friend of mine you parasite.”

“Bah, we both know that’s a lie. Where would you be without me?” Nightmare Moons frown turned seriously as she bored her eyes into Luna. Luna replied by forming her mouth into a fierce scowl.

"A better place, no doubt,” spat Luna. "You took a part of my life away, a part in which I’ll never get back. You manipulated and tricked me when I was at my weakest. You turned me against my sister." Luna’s face grew dark as she spoke her next few words. "Everything wrong with my life is as a result of you." She then looked the spirit in the eye. "Now tell me again where I’d be without you."

“You have a very selective memory Luna,” spoke Nightmare slowly as she circled Luna leaving a trail of shadows in her wake. “You were the one who took my help and you were the one that forced your goals onto me. The blood of those spilled on that day is equally shared.”

“I do not deny my sins,” calmly replied Luna though she cringed on the inside. The felling of guilt began to build up like a noxious liquid under the skin. Luna could only swallow her distaste and reassure herself she had moved on. Nightmare didn’t look like she noticed Luna’s temporary distraction and if she did she said nothing. “I can only learn from them and know that one day I can make up for my past mistakes.”

“Just words from a mare that is neither worthy of such sentiment or the forgiveness so kindly offered to her. What? Did your little purple toy give such nonsense to spurt out?” Luna’s eye twitched violently.

“Don’t dare bring her into this discussion or you s-”

“What? Regret it,” mocked Nightmare. She moved her hoof through her shadow like body displaying it to be incorporeal. “You may pander witlessly on about how I have no power over you here but you certainly have no power over me. You cannot destroy that which is without life.”

“Then what purpose is there in bartering false words! Speak no more of your foul bile to me product of the insane root! Begone!"

“The dream does not end until I say it does dear Luna so you may as well accept the position you are in,” laughed Nightmare. “Just because you tell a nightmare to leave you, does not mean it will. The pain you hide may be lost to you but not to me. Deep down you are still rattled by the insecurities that threw you into my hooves so long ago."

“My demons are my own. I hide beneath no false faces,” said Luna as she scrunched her snout in confusion.

“Then by all rights I must be on a casual visit eh?” harked Nightmare as she blew puffs of smoke from her mouth. The little clouds formed above the room into a whirling mass of shadow. The violent thunderstorm was increasing in strength.

Luna could make out shapes and forms dance within its horrid mass. Black horses moving in a sea of fear, their eyes the most terrifying and brilliant shade of yellow. They whispered an echoing lullaby that could barely be heard over the foul wind that had seemed to sweep through the air.

Luna briefly though she heard the boom of thunder in the non-existent distance. The peaceful night was changing. Nightmare just kept smiling. Her fanged grin spreading from cheek to cheek as she slowly bobbed her head from side to side. Luna tried to back away before she felt herself being slightly pushed back into the centre by something of dire cold.

“Feeling anxious Luna. As you said this is all a dream. You have nothing to fear when you are with a friend.” The tone Nightmare took was almost motherly in quality, though the deep voiced echo could only offset Luna further. Luna’s eyes flashed towards the mass above them. Nightmare looked up and smiled. “Oh I wasn’t lying when I said you have the most extraordinary mind Luna. Night mares. Get it,” laughed Nightmare Moon.

Luna’s sense of disturb was increased greatly. The chandeliers shook and their candles faded in the sentient dark. Luna felt as if Nightmare’s eyes were not the only eyes fixed upon her.

“Just speak and then go,” replied Luna though the confidence she radiated at the beginning of their conversation had faded. The increasingly tense situation compiled with a rising anxiety and fear was stretching Luna’s composure slightly. While Luna was experienced in the art of dream work she was also a pony. A pony that had natural fears. Fears that extended into the dream world. She was no less susceptible than any other pony. She just usually had the power and experience to act against it.

Without it, Luna felt naked before the ferocity of her own nightmare. While Luna in a sense was always naked she almost felt that Nightmare could see past skin and flesh into Luna’s soul and her knocking heart against her ribs. Luna’s breathing rate increased.

“I always liked your hair when it was that short navy blue,” sighed Nightmare. She had managed to appear in front of Luna within almost a second. She caught the end of Luna’s hair and gently caressed it. Luna tried to pull away in disgust towards being in close proximity to such a…thing. “Maybe you should go back no doubt it would drive Twilight crazy.”

“So much like Celestia.” Nightmare’s eyes hardened. “Even now you refuse to step out of her shadow. Always trying to emulate perceived perfection but knowing deep down that you can never achieve it. It sickens me.” Nightmare pulled away. “After everything that has happened you still are blind to how little has changed for you. If it were not for my efforts it would still be a status quo ante.”

“You keep referring to what you have done for me but have I already not proven the opposite. Must I list more examples? If this is some pathetic excuse to justify your existence then you are obviously not as strong as I previously thought if thou must explain itself.” Luna’s tone was more annoyed then afraid.

"If you think about it Luna everything you have now is as a direct result of me," hissed Nightmare. The shadows descend downward from the ceiling and began forming large circles that floated around the two ponies aimlessly. Soon they lit up with bright images of what Luna recognised as scenes from the day of her return to the present. Most were happy moments in the company of friends or her sister.

“This is the fruition of our work Luna.” Suddenly Nightmare pulled over a rather large shadow. Its outer shape framed like a heart. Within it lay a sleeping Twilight.” She is the result of our work.”

“Twilight is not mine because of your deeds.”

“When did little Twilight become yours to be exact?” Nightmare questioned with a raised eyebrow. Luna blushed at her statement. Nightmare crushed the image between her hooves as it dissipated into a vaporous gas that floated to re-join it’s brethren above them. “Getting possessive already little Luna.” Nightmare moved forward one step and Luna matched her movement except in reverse. “Still a child in a way.” Nightmare put her hoof under Luna’s chin. “Holds so tightly onto a toy for the fear that it may slip from your grasp.” Luna pulled away violently. The images surrounding them faded into nothingness.

“I will not be treated like a child in my own dream fiend.”

“Then stop acting like one and use that skull of yours to actually take in what I’m saying,” snarled Nightmare. Luna withdrew from her. “Were it not for me you still be lying in your bed each night crying yourself to sleep. If it were not for me you would have faded into the shadows. Isolated. Alone. Nothing but a shadow forever beneath your sister. I gave you a chance to change that. I saved you from your own weakness. I exposed how weak your sister is, how undeserving she is of everything she has. Yet even when given the chance to act you slip back to what you once were. The lapdog of a weakling.”

“If I and my sister are weak then let it be celebrated because it separates us from the likes of you.” Luna felt the harsh smack of metallic against her face as she crumpled to the floor in a heap. She touché the side of her cheek feeling it sting slightly where Nightmare had struck her.

"Your weakness is my weakness Luna. Have you learned nothing! You and I are no different. Look around you."

Luna raised herself to find that the glass construct around despite the dim lighting. Only one mare. Her. Neither nightmare nor the shadow s was present at all. Instead Luna sat almost perfectly serene in the middle of the throne room. The low light of the moon shining through her ever flowing mane.

“Can you not see that we were made for each other,” whispered Nightmare. “Only I can truly understand you Luna.”

“No!” screamed Luna. “No you have nothing to do with me. I am not you and you are not me. I don’t need you anymore. I have never needed you.” Nightmare stepped back under such intensity displayed by Luna who was now pushing her way forward to Nightmare. “I don’t care what you say. Your words are poison and I am not the once prideful foal I was before. You don’t understand me. You don’t get me. I’ve outgrown you and your lies.”

“Outgrown!” roared Nightmare. The walls of the room shook as dust fell from the ceiling. The shadows struck out in every direction as glass shattered and ash filled the air. Luna felt herself being restrained in her movements as a black fire surrounded Nightmare Moon. “You’ll never outgrow me foal. You sold your soul to me for your own selfish desires. You did not think of the consequences bar for yourself.” Nightmares voice had lost all if the feminine values it displayed earlier. The second voice ringing true and unblemished in its booming tone.

“Now you prance around as if you’re a pony reborn. How wonderful and willing you are to accept change. Never has there been such a lie. As if you’ve repented your sins and some reincarnation of the divines themselves." Nightmare Moon laughed cruelly as the chamber continued to shake. Little interweaving webs began forming on the floor. Luna noticed that they were signs that the dream was destabilising.

“How you bemoan your suffering at my hooves yet are unwilling to deny the resentment you still hold. You may criticise how your sister wears a mask in court but you wear a mask every minute of every day, hypocrite. You’re nothing more than a spoilt child. Unwilling to accept her place in the world.

You believe that the universe owes you a debt. It does not. While you and that tyrant of a sister play pretty princess and exclaim how wonderfully everything is going between you. You know the truth you will always resent your sister for everything she has done for you. How her nobles mistreat you. How Twilight cares for her more than you."

“No, that’s not true,” proclaimed Luna though her sentence caught off into a yelp as the shadows began to creep around Luna pulling at her legs and holding her place. Nightmare gave no reply to Luna’s defiance except to shake her head in disapproval.

“Oh but she does. How she fawns over Celestia?”

“Stop.”

“How she’s always looking for her approval. How she nearly breaks down in tears at the slightest hint that she may have disappointed her?”

“I said-”

“How her eyes sparkle and she buzzes with that certain glow that she never seems to have around you when she’s given praise?”

“No it…I”

"Perhaps she only views you as seconds. A compromise on what she can never truly have. A watered down model. The knock off version. The-”

“ENOUGH!!!”

Luna’s horn roared into power as the shadows were instantly repelled and Nightmare Moon shrieked in fury at the blinding light. Luna’s magic tore into the sad parody of her court room, shredding it with precision and skill that only the lady of dreams could possess. The walls collapsed into white light and the floor shattered like glass and dissolved like sand before the wind. Like a horrid spider the images crawled away into the deep bowels of Luna’s subconscious mind where they would stay as harmless spirits of doubts. They left only the image of Nightmare Moon before Luna who was cowering at the display of power before, occasionally hissing as the light struck her eyes once more.

"You are the one that is wrong Nightmare. I have outgrown you, I will never fall for your manipulation again!"shouted Luna as her magical grip shook Nightmare. The vision began to melt like heated metal before Luna’s eyes as Nightmare looked on with surprise. Her hooves slowly dripping down onto the floor underneath as her wings shed feathers to reveal their skeletal structure. One side of Nightmares face began to pull down as she felt herself collapse under Luna’s power.

"You think you have everything now Luna but be careful," spoke Nightmare as her voice distorted along with her body. She managed to give Luna a hateful gaze. "You'll find how easy these things slip away from you. You will not be able to protect her in the end."

“I can and I will. Now begone. Go to the void that awaits you." Nightmare Moon managed to chuckled one last time as her form finally decomposed down to little more than a skeleton.

“Your hubris will lead to her hurt. Besides you will never be truly free of me." Luna was unable to reply as blinding light above her grew and all of a sudden everything went to black.

“Luna it’s time to get up sleepy head,” sang a voice. Luna blinked as she opened her eyes to see Twilight with a towel on her head.

“Wha-Twilight?” asked a groggy Luna. Twilight giggled as she gave a light peck to Luna’s cheek.

“Just thought I’d mention that you need to freshen up for court soon. It starts in an hour or two.”

“Oh yes the court. How long was I asleep?”

“Discounting the time I was asleep with you about an hour and a half.”

“Oh I suppose I should get ready then.” Luna lifted herself out of the bed revealing a great deal of sweat covering the mattress. Twilight seemed confused.

“I know we went at it but I didn’t know we went that hard?” Twilight turned her gaze to Luna who was standing in place and lightly touching her cheek. “Hey you okay?”

“Oh I’m fine Twilight, “said Luna touched her cheek and recoiled as she felt a light stinging pain. Luna stared at her hoof.

“Just a bad dream.”

Author's Notes:

I am sorry. I was late getting this out.School, study and work is my life. It's sad but true.
I hope this chapter makes up for the long wait. Spent a good bit of time thinking this chapter over. One of the first chapters I planned to write for this story. Also no Nightmare Moon will not be a reoccouring character...I think. I haven't fully decided yet. Alos I'm unhappy with the later dialogue. I might come back and change it when I get free time in two weeks. If felt awfully stilted at some points.

Once again point out any mistakes I made or stuff I screwed up. I had abosolutely no time to edit this so there are going to be a few. Peace out.

A Council Meeting and Troubled Thoughts

Celestia was well aware of where she was. The private meeting room for the council was in an excluded wing of the castle. The extravagancy of the room with its various noble marked tapestries and busts of ponies long dead irked Celestia somewhat. The value of the various art pieces within the room itself could have easily supported a hospital for years.

Once she would have thought it inconceivable to have anything less than the finest art and decorations to fill every room of the castle with the imperial majesty of Equestria. But with age Celestia found herself less inclined to pieces of grandeur. It felt wrong to her in a way. Though then again much of her attitudes during the beginning did, compared to what kind of mare she was today.

Celestia shook her head. She had other things to worry about rather than her distaste for the castle's obnoxious decadence. After all there was a concerned looking group of ministers before her. One of her ministers was speaking to her with a look of worry while his mouth indicated he was slightly stuttering much to the bemusement of his colleagues. There was a bead of sweat slowly running down the side of his mane as he spoke.

She then looked towards the tea that sat on the table beside her. Ignoring the minister’s already anticipated words regarding the troubling piece of newspaper placed out in front of her. She took the brief respite to mull over her fondness of the liquid substance that had sustained her in her role for a great duration of her career.

Celestia always had enjoyed tea. Perhaps not as much as coffee though there was hardly a need for regular intakes of caffeine besides the early stumbling’s of morning. In truth Celestia had adapted tea to act as a part of her image in a way. The classical image of the motherly Celestia enjoying tea as she worked endlessly for the happiness of Equestria was an image that many of her previous governments had attempted to promote of her.

There was also the fact that coffee had been an unsuitable substance during negotiations or council meetings least there be accusations that she was a caffeine addict. It was quite a novel thought to Celestia that it was perceived that she had the same shortcomings as a normal pony. Celestia herself was unsure that she could even get addicted to caffeine. Her alicorn body was resistant to most poisons and diseases and bar constant exposure to a substance she was sure that addiction was impossibility for her.

That’s not to say she couldn’t be affected by a substance. She and her sister occasionally enjoyed the blissful pleasure from alcohol from time to time. Celestia allowed herself a small smirk that went unnoticed by the council. Though Celestia and Luna could appreciate it more due to their higher tolerance level.

It was all very fascinating how ponies tried to pull her down to a more normal level. Personally she had always seen herself as a pony and always would but that did not change the fact that she was significantly different from them. At least she had tried to change her image recently. The old god like façade that she had once been dressed in had grown wearisome over the years. She was glad she could rid herself of it.

Eventually the minister repeated his words though this time with more confidence to them than previous. The cabinet looked towards Celestia once more. Unaware that she had read the offending piece over three minutes ago.

“I’m aware of what you are asking minister," replied Celestia cutting him off before he could finish his sentence. He then began to mumble a bit incoherently. Her eyes gazed over her cabinet who all bar Strom Mount winced under her gaze. "You are asking me on what I make of this ‘press conference’ that my nephew has made and you expect me to be somewhat upset at the words spoken within it.” She gently took the cup of tea with her magic as she sipped it with closed eyes.

“Uh, are you upset?” spoke one of them. She believed it was the Minister for Agriculture it she was right in assuming his tone of voice.

“No,” replied Celestia rather flatly. There was quite a commotion at her words. Bar Storm Mount, most of her ministers were bent over in hushed whispers. Celestia raised a hoof to tell them to stop. “I’d be more upset if my nephew actually had kind words to say to me. That would be more of a cause for concern.” There was subdued laughter at Celestia’s remark though it quietened down rather quickly. “Sadly I’m more concerned about the words that he has for our newest royal and my faithful student.”

“It is an act of defamation princess he should immediately retract his remarks least he see himself before the court,” barked Oaken Shield a dark brown earth pony and current Secretary of Defence.

“It is not against the law for him to criticise the monarchy despite the fact that he belongs to such an organisation. It is guaranteed under the Freedom of Speech act 781 of the Royal Council,” huffed the Justice Minister. “It would be a crime to prevent him from doing so.”

“Nonetheless as the Princess said, this cannot stand,” wheezed the ill looking Minister of Interior Lord AuldBerry. Celestia gazed at him with sympathetic eyes. He was azure unicorn but the colour from his coat had faded significantly due to his illness. Sadly from the look of him he only had two or three years left in him, Celestia had presciently tried to offer him a generous retirement package though he refused every time. He had stated that it was his personal duty to serve till the end. Celestia respected his choice.

"Twilight will be meeting with important representatives from our neighbours," said Celestia. "If they learn that only a few days previous a member of my own household released a damming article to the media about Twilight it will not only undermine her position during the meeting but no doubt this will damage my students confidence. She has had little time to develop the thick skin that is required for her post."

“What do you wish for us to do princess? The council is at your disposal,” replied Inkwell.

Celestia pondered for a moment what course of action was required. She could hardly let the trouble her nephew caused go unnoticed especially considering what was at stake during Twilight’s meetings. Yet a confrontation with her nephew was equally undesirable. The last thing she needed at the moment was migraine. She decided to consult her ministers.

"I will not damage Equestria’s principles of freedom," announced Celestia letting a bit of force enter her voice. "But I will also not stand by idly while I risk Twilight’s position. What are our options?"

"We could delay the publishing of the report," piped in Strom Mount from a relaxed position in his chair. "Place a gag order on the papers until after the dignitaries leave. Then let the worm spill his guts all he wants. Not that many will listen to such nonsensical prattling." Celestia frowned at the terminology used to describe her nephew but held her tongue. Family was still family despite how poorly they may behave. The Justice Minister scowled.

"That’s not much better. We would still be abusing the system. The courts should not be answerable to our decisions."

"It won’t be the council’s decision," said Storm Mount. He meet Celestia’s gaze. "The Princess will instigate it. In her position as supreme judicial authority of the state, it is with her power."

"Are you suggesting we use the royal prerogative?"

Storm Mount merely nodded. The council seemed struck with unease. Celestia rarely used the full extent of her powers which in theory were almost unlimited with only Princess Luna being capable of overruling Celestia. The Justice Minister stared at Celestia.

“The Ministry of justice is ultimately still answerable to you Princess. While it is a rather extreme use of your prerogative powers we will carry out your orders if you so wish. We can claim that Blueblood is trying to slander Princess Twilight without reason and thus prevent him from publishing such words but should he or the press appeal we won’t be viably able to prevent them from overturning the decision. It will give us enough time but I fear for the damage such a case would do towards the crown. Nonetheless I whatever your answer is Princess. It will be done to the letter."

Celestia needed little time to think about what she needed to do. The alternatives as she already said were equally undesirable. While she hated to admit it, she felt that her personal feelings were getting in the way of her decision yet she was helpless to prevent these feelings. Twilight had a special place in her heart and Celestia dreaded any harm whether verbal or physical come to her. While she knew to be a futile struggle and that Twilight needed to stand by herself soon but there was still a great part of Celestia that was reluctant to let her go. Even so if she could find a justifiable excuse to protect Twilight then all the better. Though she was still torn on the issue.

There was also the matter of Luna. From Celestia’s experience Luna would not take well to Blueblood’s words. In fact it would further dampen thee already strained relationship between her nephew and sister. Considering how well Luna had taken to Twilight, Celestia would be putting her nephew’s life in precarious hooves should the article be released. At least with a temporary gag order placed on the interview would allow her to speak to her sister in a calm relaxed manner. Not tonight as her sister was holding court and it would be rude to interrupt but perhaps when Twilight returned to Ponyville the next day.

Even then the likelihood of Luna talking about it in a calm and relaxed manner would be less likely than Discord deciding to settle down and do something productive. With such knowledge in hoof Celestia made the call.

“A little time is all we need Minister. Let any backlash that may come of it rest on my hooves. I will speak with my sister on the matter at first light tomorrow as well as Blueblood." She then sighed as she looked directly at her Minister. “Make it so,” she said evenly. The ministers all nodded in agreement. The Justice Minister called over an aide and using a quill quickly scribbled down a note to which the aide bolted out of the room with. Storm Mount stood from his chair.

"With this in mind. Does anypony else have anything to contribute to this meeting?" The collective shaking of heads indicated a no. He stared at the princess. "Would you mind Princess?"

"Of course," she replied with a hint of weariness in her voice. "I call this meeting to a close. You are all dismissed. Thank you for your time and advice."

Each minister then rose, pushed in their chairs and bowed to the princess before leaving. As per custom Princess Celestia was the last to exit. This left her to her thoughts briefly as her various aides rushed in to tell her of any late evening activities she had to attend.

The exiting Minister of the Exterior Swift Charm could only muse as he walked down the relatively empty halls.

“The Gentlecolts Society will be most interested to hear of this,” he spoke in a hushed tone. “Most interested indeed.”

Luna had pondered her nightmare over and over again. It had troubled her throughout the entirety of court proceedings. Even the less vigilant of the petitioners had noticed her distracted mood. During the short breaks between each court hearing she sat unmoved from her throne like one of the statues of the garden.

In truth Luna barely paid attention to it all. Only her natural ability to pick up the little details had saved her from embarrassment on the occasion. Everything had almost become white noise compared to the harsh words of the Nightmare echoing in her skull. It filled her with a great sense of doubt. While Luna had insisted it was all lies, could the instruments of darkness tell truths in order to win her to her harm?

It was a ridiculous thought. The Nightmare was gone. As was its influence over her. Yet why did she ponder its words so deeply as if they were truths? Luna could not fathom an answer to such a question.

It took Luna off guard when her aide announced that court had finished and that Luna had finished her scheduled duties. She felt almost numb when she dismissed him and closed the court. The formalities that she conducted in doing so were graced with efficiency if only because of her distraction.

When left to her own devices, Luna could not help but stare at the magnificence of the stain glass windows and her beautiful moonlight that flooded through them. Though each time she turned it felt as if the nightmare had returned and held her throat in its hold. Foul bile began to build up within her as fear and doubt wrestled for control of her mind. She barely noticed as she flicked her horn to transport to her room.

She was tempted to tell Twilight. After all, Twilight had reacted well to her slip up earlier in the day. What was to say this would be any different? Other than there being a chance that Twilight would think that she was insane. Luna shook her head vigorously. To make such an assumption was an insult to Twilight’s character. She was smart, she was kind, she understood….

Luna arrived with a pop and looked as if she was about to speak before she saw what was before her. The young princess had fallen asleep with her head literally in a book. The book read ‘Diplomacy for dummies’. Her wing curled around a small blanket as the last vestiges of moonlight shone brightly on her lavender coat giving it an almost heavenly look to it.

…She was beautiful.

Luna could only put away her petty troubles as she stared at the mare with adoring eyes. It was not right to burden Twilight with a silly nightmare for now.

She scooped Twilight onto her back using her magic as the alicorn groaned and flayed slightly as she was deprived of her blankets warmth. Luna could barely supress her giggle as she carried the mare off to the bed.

Luna could tell Twilight another time. Twilight would be leaving in the morning and the last thing Luna wanted was to export a foalish problem under the already stressed mare. Twilight had a big day ahead of her. No matter what the Nightmare had said, Luna knew what she had with Twilight was real.

Secured with this knowledge Luna, for a brief while, felt content as she let her troubles slip away under the bliss of the waning moon.

Author's Notes:

Yeah it's a short chapter enough chapter but as I said I've been off doing personal stuff for the past two weeks so it's hard getting back into the swing of writing. Still due to a long enough break I can do a bit more writing this week so I may get three chapters out rather than just one. We'll see.

Anyway I hope you like this chapter. I wasn't too sure about the bit about Luna at the end but I decided to add it in anyway as I feel it adressed a bit of the last chapter to tie in with the majority of this chapter with the Blueblood bit.

Hope you enjoy it. Hope I didn't make too many mistakes. Ciao!

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

Luna was running. The wind was before her face as she sprinted down empty halls. Twisted tapestries and warped pillars donned with horrid cracks flew by as she did not even bother to look back.

Luna was unsure why she ran but for the horrid throbbing sound behind her. The way the floor beneath her crack and splintered like chipped wood indicated the thing was close. The walls dripped with the thick black ooze dripping down and sizzling on the marble floor creating holes to nothingness. Luna paid no heed to them other to sway and duck from the hanging liquid that stretched to the floor.

Suddenly the walls of the castle themselves disappeared into a thick black forest. The branches stretched out like demonic arms. They sprung to life with intent ferocity and lashed out heedlessly. The thick claws of wood tore at the surface of her skin leaving long bloody marks across her once stainless coat.

Luna used all of her strength to smash through the thick bush. Pain came as but an afterthought to the fear that had claimed her. The wicked sounds behind her only fuelled her adrenaline.

She did not care for nor notice the change of scenery to the evil wood. Luna could only run. There was little else to think about. The sentient wood did all that it could to slow her. Rocks and discarded branches attempted to obstruct her path.

Luna found herself constantly turning to avoid the obstacles but she never looked back. She couldn’t look back least she lose herself to the madness. Confrontation with whatever horror was behind her was the last thing she could bear.

She sped away as figures within the trees sped after. Shapeless forms of shadows with blinking lights for eyes, the glint of golden armor at the edge of her eyes. Luna could only urge her legs to go faster. The foul wind slapped her face causing tears to come to her eyes.

Words echoed through her skull, memories of hurt that was long ago buried. Draconic teal eyes looked on with a certain glee as she passed. Luna was ignorant to its presence. She could heed the sounds around her. The sounds of the din of war contrasted against the songs of fillies singing in their youth. She passed images and rooms of distant past. Grand balls, laughing nobles and a small lavender pony smiling up at her. The world seemed lost and lonely. Not that Luna paid heed to it.

Luna swerved to avoid a swipe from the darkness. Luna attempted to use magic but found herself struck from the side sending her flying across the wood. She then smashed into a tree that had an odd shape. She swore she had seen the shapes on it on some jewellery before. Though she had little time to think as the tree cracked under the pressure of the blow. Luna dodged the falling tree only to be struck again.

With great speed, Luna felt herself smash through what felt like glass. Broken images lay scattered in the shape of a broken heart. Each shard cutting deep into her already battered body. Luna got up slowly and found that the shadow was now at the window where Luna was sent through. Turning around Luna looked for help but her calls were drowned out by the roar of some battle in the distance.

Luna spun around and scraped viciously against the walls of the stone building as if to find a week spot to which she could escape through but it was to no avail. Her wings were but clumps of fur and skin leaving flying out of question. Her eyes filled with terror as her breath came in short, panting bursts. Like a caged animal, Luna could only throw her head out in defiance against the dark, her horn raised in a trembling stance with weakened legs.

Another blast sent her crashing to the floor in agony. Luna looked up with teary eyes as she could only croak her next few miserable words.

“Mercy. Please.”

The shadow approached with dark intent that suddenly gave way to blinding light. Luna cowered before its heated rays.
From this light emerged Celestia. Her coat glowing with the power of the sun. Her eyes were empty of compassion or love as she walked towards the broken alicorn of the night. Her hoovesteps caused the marble plates beneath her to crack and shatter as little flames jumped from her golden horse shoes.

“I trusted you! This was not meant to be!” boomed Celestia’s voice. Her words caused both glass and rock to shatter and shake. “You have betrayed everything I have worked for!”

“ I have sinned.”

“You were supposed to help me bring harmony to this world not leave it in chaos!” roared Celestia as the flames grew around her.

“I am all but guilty” whimpered Luna.

“This foolish passion of yours. The weakness of your emotional needs. You must realise that you could never replace me. The eternal sun.” Celestial flared out her wings to emphasise her point. “An everlasting night would have only destroyed the very ponies’ love you seek. This madness cannot continue.”

“My sorrow for my crimes know no end.”

“I see it now,” seethed Celestia. “Here at the end of things will you only understand how far you have fallen sister. I am afraid you are beyond my help.” Celestia looked downwards to the cowering creature before her.

The enraged Celestia did not see the cowering and teary Luna, her sister, but instead saw a fanged creature of purest black. Its eyes glaring daggers at her, an uncontrollable hatred directed at her and her very being. A creature that lived off the death and ruination of everything Celestia loved. It was not her sister. Her sister was incapable of such damming cruelty. The contempt to which she bore the thing that was once her sister was but an endless pit.

It didn’t deserve to exist. It shouldn’t have existed. How dare it touch her ponies. How dare it call itself family. How dare it assume that they were equals.

“There is no other way.” Celestia charged up her horn. Six stones were raised into the air menacingly. Luna’s eyes widened.

“Please sister. I beg thine forgiveness sister!”

“Let all the water of the oceans absolve me of this horrid deed and let my heart ache forever more,” shouted Celestia. Celestia began to float above Luna casting a large shadow onto Luna. The elements span ever faster as they corresponded with each of Celestia’s words like the striking of a clock at midnight.

“And let the world cry that Celestia has killed sleep and that she may sleep no more.” Luna could only whisper out futile prayers beneath muffled sobs. “But let it be known that I am content, for only at the end….”

“No!” screamed Luna as the elements charged up. A black rainbow burst from the elements, unlike the regular colour of the elemental rainbow, as it bore down on the defenceless Luna like a scythe before grass.

“…did my sister find the peace she so wholly desired.”

Celestia could only watch in horror as the image of the nightmare was replaced by a bleeding blue navy alicorn as the tools of destruction brought the most important thing in her life to a close.

Celestia awoke with a gasp. Her lungs seemed starved of oxygen as the horrid nightmare repeated itself over and over again in her mind.

The very thought of her actions within the dream haunted her so. To suggest such an action towards her sister almost made her sick. Yet she couldn’t ignore the guilt that gripped her so.

Celestia decided to go to the bathroom. The moon was still out but had lowered significantly showing that it was nearly time for Celestia to get up. Thoughts of the work of the new day faded in comparison to the horrors of her night.

Celestia entered the white marbled bathroom and faced the mirror. Looking rather downtrodden and glum Celestia went about fixing her appearance. Her mind still buzzing with the dream suddenly intersected with her perceived grievances that her sister currently had with her. It would only add to Celestia’s misery upon informing her sister of Blueblood. A creeping reluctance had set into her a feeling of innumerable amounts of guilt washed over her anew. She wondered why she even woke in the mornings sometimes.

Yet she had her part to play. As her nightmare had been keen to point out, ponies looked mainly to her for guidance and perfection. It was an endless burden to be shared with the weight of immortality. Trapped by her own image.

Perfect by nature. Little time for the flaws to which she knew she bore. Celestia took deep breaths a she took the towel with her magic and slowly wiped her face. She then smiled as best she could. The utter insincerity behind it was disturbing to Celestia but that was the sacrifice she had to make. She wasn’t perfect.

Everpony knew that, but unfortunately she had to be the closest to perfection as one could be and that was the true tragedy. No flaws when one had to pretend. Even for her sister. Celestia could only slump as her smile faded into a neutral expression. These terrors would only continue to haunt her. As they always had. But she persevered no matter how much heart ache she suffered from. Equestria’s needs were her priority. She could only pray that she was not making the same mistakes as before.

After washing her face of the tears that had stained her face during her sleep, all Celestia could do was look out at the moon and reflect on her regrets and the impossible task of repairing her damaged relationship with her sister. Celestia cursed herself for her cowardice and soon lost count of how many hushed apologies she spoke to no one in particular until the dawn of her ever perfect day.

Author's Notes:

Wrote this during Halloween. It's a nothing chapter but I once again wanted to address the divide between Celestia and Luna since I've barely touched on it outside of a few breif bits.

Also the dream isn't really a flashback. I just kind of think it's a more cruel and exaggerated form of Celestia's guilt. I swear this is the last dream chapter for a while.

Well hope you enjoy.

The Diplomats

The sun shone brightly down on Canterlot. The city was buzzing with the gossip of the representatives arrivals. The local council had done a wondrous job of preparing their visit with endless decorations and spotless monuments. Great flags and tapestries hung from every house, nobles walked the streets in their finest clothing and the Royal Guard strolled around in their finely polished armour that creaked as they went past. In truth it was all a testament to the power and splendour of Equestria and the very jewel in her crown, which was the bustling city of Canterlot itself.

Great crowds gathered, gripped with curiosity and great interest over the whole meeting. Soon they amassed before the palace gates which had become the epicentre of the city’s gossip. Taking full advantage of this new hotspot, merchants set up some stalls nearby, crying about their wares and the extremely generous offers they were giving out towards potential customers.

Curious fillies pushed through the throngs of ponies in hopes of catching sight of the exotic visitors that had arrived. Rumours of mountains of gold and great pieces of antiquity which were said to have been brought in tow to the palace to be held as gifts to be brought before the newest princess, indulged their imaginations. Whispers said that even a dragon may have been seen earlier. Yet it proved extremely difficult to separate fact from myth for the distressed crowd who buzzed like a local beehive. For despite the city’s displays of excitement and wonder, there was in truth very little of the palace to see except for the lines of royal guards and local constabulary ponies that covered the entrance to its esteemed halls, thus keeping the whole affair under wraps much to many ponies disappointment.

Beyond the gates were items of grandeur but were far less magical then that assumed by the common pony. In truth, the amount of high ranking diplomats that had arrived all at once put the guards and staff of the castle under great strain. It added to the already stretched resources of the guard who had to keep up with the significant baggage that each party had brought with them. This ranged anywhere from endless wardrobe and personal items to heavily armoured guards and a group of aides demanding they accompany their lords and ladies, to even a bunch of goats that had been apparently brought as some sort of present.

Princess Twilight Sparkle could only sigh as she watched the chaos from one of the high windows of the castle. Unlike her counterpart Discord, who was roaring with laughter as the group of goats had broken free from the obviously overwhelmed private tasked with guarding them. The goats then began eating some of the private plants of the pristine Canterlot gardens much to the outraged shouts of the head gardener, and then proceeded to ransack some of the luggage of the diplomats resulting in a small brawl breaking out between particularly upset looking griffins over their formal robes being chewed upon.

Twilight turned from the window and faced back towards the doors of the meeting room. She was unsure where the time had gone. The light relief that she had felt upon her return to Ponyville despite Luna’s protests was short lived. In truth she was proud of how calm she was handling the situation especially considering it was on such short notice.

Yet Twilight could not shake the feeling that something was off.

Celestia and Luna were distant. Twilight couldn’t exactly place her hoof on it but they were both not exactly with her. They both appeared distracted in their own way. Twilight could tell with Luna that it was troubling her deeply. ‘Maybe it’s got something to do with that nightmare. I never did ask Luna fully about it.’

For a moment Twilight was weighed down with guilt. She had been so self-absorbed with this meeting that she felt that she was neglecting Luna to suit her own needs. It only added fuel to the already growing fire that was her anxiety. She tried desperately to reassure herself that Luna couldn’t have possibly been shaken by a little nightmare. Luna after all was the master of dreams.

‘Besides Luna had told her it was nothing. Surely Luna would not try to hide something from me?’ She desperately tried to ignore the little voice in her head saying that Luna was more than a thousand years old and was bound to keep secrets even from those closest to her. Twilight shook her head dismissively. ‘Focus Twilight, this isn’t the time or place for that. I can sort these issues out later. Just breathe okay.’

“So this is it,” spoke Twilight as she to the two sisters. They both nodded towards her. Luna gave her a quick hug as Twilight could only heave a heavy sigh as she weighted the enormity of the moment before her. Discord attempted to follow but was prevented when several guards stuck their weapons up at him to which he backed away from, pouting slightly in the process. Celestia ignoring Discord, nodded towards each of the golden cladded guards who turned and with the pulsing of their golden magic the great doors swung open.

Twilight lifted her head high and had her wings spread out as she entered in an attempt to emulate the royal sisters. She blinked rapidly at the amount of light coming through the high window above the table. When her vision cleared she could see a large congregation of ponies and the ambassadors all standing to attention. Their eyes focused on the entering monarchs. Twilight swore her stomach did a flip as she caught the gazes of each diplomat. She steeled herself once more as she approached the table.

“Sit,” spoke Celestia in a gentle tone. Each ambassador gave a slight bow. Their chairs were pulled out for them by the nearby servants. Twilight sat centrally opposite to each of them in her large ornate chair with her cutie mark adorned over the headrest. Similar thrones had also been provided for Celestia and Luna. Each chair was adorned upon its head rest with their respective owner’s cutie marks. Twilight withheld her awe over the extravagant piece of furniture as she was cast out of thought by a stark voice.

“As your noble majesty wills it,” croaked the griffin representative. Twilight examined him with curious eyes as he sat. Covered in a glistening red uniform, the griffin reminded Twilight more of an officer than a being that actually held an office of any diplomatic nature. His vest was done up with glimmering golden buttons and he wore a navy blue sash which crossed his chest. His wings were tucked tightly against his sides.

There was the soft clink of metal as he swayed from side to side which emanated from the seemingly endless assortment of medals he carried. Most like gained in some military conflict years back. His appearance completely contradicted the books Twilight had read about griffin cultural attire. Though she could assume he was trying to impress or intimidate Twilight from the haughty way he carried himself. Twilight begrudgingly admitted that it had a certain effect on her.

“Twilight I would like to introduce you to our various guests today,” Celestia said as she pointed her hoof in the ambassador’s direction. Celestia regarded the griffin that Twilight was so closely looking at previous. “This is Ivan Grachev, Lord Marshall of the Griffin Aviation Forces and cousin to the current King of Griffins. He has been a valuable ally towards a more peaceful cooperation between our races and furthermore-”

“Why is this one so small?”

“Eh, beg your pardon?” squeaked Twilight.

“I was not expecting one so small.” The griffin turned to the zebra to his left. “Your absurd stories gave the impression that I would meet with some warrior princess. I can see that I have been led on in my presumptions.”

“She has not yet grown to full maturity,” said Luna. While she did not express it through her voice, her body language screamed that she was incensed by the griffin’s remark. “The process of ascension is both long and complex. Besides she shows wisdom beyond her years. Her feats are no mere stories Sir Grachev. Take it from a being that has lived longer than nearly everybody in this room combined.”

“I see,” responded the griffin gruffly. The lord gave a slight nod but did very little otherwise to highlight himself. His expression radiated disinterest. Twilight noticed some of Celestial’s aides frown at the griffin’s response.

‘I suppose that wasn’t meant to happen,’ thought Twilight.

Next was a kind looking horse who smiled when Twilight’s eyes met his. Garbed in the traditional saddle and other attire of his country and an assortment of what Twilight could only guess were ridiculously expensive jewellery. His eyes had a certain mischief about them that Twilight could not place.

“This is Sir Pasha of the horse tribes. He is the recently installed ambassador to Equestria from Saddle Arabia and the far off Emirates.”

“What happened to the two previous ambassadors who visited not too long ago?” asked Twilight looking up to Celestia.

“Oh my dear lady,” answered back Pasha in a soft but carrying voice. “You speak of my household. It is with saddest regret they were unable to attend this most blessed meeting. I have been sent in their place. I hope that this does not offend the lady?”

“No of course not.”

“Ah then it with hearty soul that I must say that the tales and the images of your beauty do you a sore injustice milady. You hold the aura of a descended angel dear princess.” Luna coughed violently on a glass of water she was drinking from as his words reached her ears. Twilight blushed furiously in response. He just chuckled lightly. “Let it be that I bare no falsities in my words but if I’m causing you discomfort then speak and I shall desist.”

“Uh, then…I, uh….” Twilight’s eyes darted towards Princess Celestia who had a small smile donning her features.

“I believe that you have embarrassed my student enough. Though I’m sure she appreciates the compliment.” Celestia beamed at Twilight who continued to sputter before regaining some of her composure following a rather question glare from the ever watching griffin.

“Finally we have Sir Raglan of the Minotaur confederation and Nandi of the zebra clans.” Twilight beheld both of them with a sense of awe and scientific fascination and a bit of fear in regards to the minotaur. While she had met both of their races previous in the form of Zecora and Iron Will, her surprise was more directed towards the fact that both of them were the only members of the room that were not emblazoned with expensive items of attire.

The zebra was slightly taller than Zecora and had the strangest eyes Twilight had ever seen. There was something entrancing about them. They glimmered like little jewels within a sea of blue but their colour shifted with the angle that the light hit them.The only discretising piece of attire she wore was a strange necklace that Twilight assumed signified her position as an ambassador.

“It is a pleasure to meet with you, fair Princess,” she spoke in a sweet tone. Twilight was puzzled by her speech.

“You do not speak in rhythm?”

“No. Would I be correct in assuming that you have spoken with another member of my kind that has?”

“Yes. She is a friend of mine who claims residence in the forest outside of the town where I reside.”

“A shaman no doubt,” said Nandi rather distractedly before refocusing on the princess once more. “We of the plains have a much more…religious based society than yours. Much like your nobility, those of the shaman caste are treated with great respect and reverence. They speak in rhythm so they can better connect themselves with the inner workings of their art. Taken from personal experience I have no doubts about their… considerable abilities in this regard. It is easy to see why my liege keeps one among their counsel. It pleases me to hear that you have made an acquaintance of one.” She flashed a broad smile at Twilight. “They are a strange folk and often times not are not the most social of my kind. To befriend one Princess is wondrous testament to your character.”

“Uh…It was nothing.” Nandi nodded before Twilight tilted her head towards the minotaur.

She gulped slightly at his intimidating size. The fact that it was hard to see his eyes through the pitch blackness of his coat gave Twilight an uneasy feeling. He wore a single light brown vest that Twilight prayed was not made from leather and like Iron Will had a nose ring though it was slightly more stylish. Being engraved with small markings and a small patch of gold plate.

Twilight resisted the urge to spread out her wings to make she look slightly bigger. ‘Stupid natural instincts. You’re one of the most powerful beings on the planet you should not look like your about to bolt,’ spoke a critical part of Twilight’s mind. ‘Next you’ll be afraid of plants or something.’

“I presume from you stance Princess that you are slightly off put by my presence?” smirked Raglan. When Twilight failed to answer immediately, he burst out in laughter. Twilight's vision caught both princesses smirking at her. Twilight managed to shoot them an indignant glance before attempting to answer.

“I mean no insult. I mean I love…no I-wait let me-it just one can have the image that…”

“It’s fine Princess. My people have the perception of being rather brutish. In truth one would not be far of the truth with such an assumption.” He winked at Twilight before letting out another hearty laugh. “In truth I should be the one apologising, to make a princess uncomfortable to be around me is a detriment to my station.” For a moment Twilight saw the minotaur turn his eyes towards the griffin before returning to meet Twilight’s. “I must also apologise for my leaders’ reluctance to send me forth. In my opinion it would be their fear of the mighty warrior princess that they have been so well informed about.”

“There is no need for that,” replied Twilight sheepishly. Suddenly a pony approached the table from the side of the room. He had a confident stride to himself as he made his way next to Celestia’s side.

“I am so sorry to interrupt but it has come to my attention princesses that we are missing one member of our company. It is with great sadness that the Chief of the Buffalo tribes has been delayed and wishes to reschedule to meet Princess Twilight at another time.” He passed a small piece of parchment onto Celestia who scanned the piece of paper.

“How disappointing,” she said. “I suppose we must find another time to accommodate him at a more convenient date. Did he give an explanation as to why he could not attend?”

“The buffalo chief has citied logistical problems and a sudden water shortage in his territory. He was also generous enough to inform us that he has already met Princess Twilight and that she has his full support." Swift Charm’s face turned almost indignant. “I was not personally informed that Princess Twilight had already met a foreign head of state. These thing need to be passed through the foreign office Princess. It is govermental policy!”

“It was not something that was previously planned Minister. An unexpected detour if you will." She caught Twilight's eye breifly before returning to the page. "That is a sorry thing to hear. Please pass on my best wishes in the matter and my hopes that the tribes will be able to deal with their crisis post haste.”

“You’ve met with the buffalo?” inquired Nandi to Twilight.

“It’s a long story,” said Twilight rather bashfully.

“Well the Princess has spoken,” drawled out Swift Cham absently. “For now I feel it would be in the best interest of everybody if we got back on topic.” Swift Charm was given a long curled up list from one of his aides. He then proceeded to unfurl it and took a small pair of reading glasses from the pocket of the tidy, black vest he was wearing.

“It may be a long story Princess,” interrupted Pasha. “But I for one and speaking on behalf of the majority of my fellow equals would love to hear of your exploits it so pleases your majesty.”

“This is highly irregular sir,” snorted Swift Charm much to the chagrin of most of the table. “There are far more important issues than discussing Princess Twilight’s achievements which you have already indicated that you are aware of.”

“Yes,” said Raglan in a sharp tone, his eyes considered Sift Charm briefly. “While I have heard much in my land of these 'Elements of Harmony', the sad truth is that the authenticity of these tales has very little substance to rely upon. I feel that perhaps the princess may wish to enlighten us with her wisdom. I for one would enjoy the break from the regular diplomatic formula of our meeting if only for this one occasion.”

"The Elements of Harmony are classified. They are a matter of national security!" shouted Swift Charm.

"I highly doubt that Sir Swift Charm," snorted Luna. The Elements are not weapons. Without their bearers they are no more then pretty looking jewelerry. This has been public knowledge for quite some time." Swift Charm looked taken aback by the princesses statment and remained in silence as the conversation moved on.

“In truth my stories of my life are of little worth in any political sense outside of the Elements of course,” protested Twilight.

“Why should they be Princess?” laughed Raglan. “Is this not a meeting to introduce us to newest royalty?” He gestured around the room with his two burly arms as if he was speaking to a captivated audience. “As unorthodox as it may be it is only because of our natural curiosity. Of course if you do not feel comfortable with divulging such details then so be it.I’m sure you Minister’s list will be…” Raglan sighed. “Most…enjoyable.”

“I have no problems telling you about myself if that is what you wish.” Twilight was slightly surprised even by her sudden boldness after being so meek previous. The occupants of the room all briefly glanced at her. Twilight suddenly found herself slowly crawling down the seat with a nervous smile adorning her face.

“Well it's settled then!” announced Lord Pasha loudly clapping his hooves together.

“What about my list?” asked Sift Charm in a rather annoyed tone.

“Your list can wait for another time Sir Swift Charm,” replied Luna curtly. “The ambassadors merely wish to learn of Princess Twilight’s achievements. I fear they may have a few doubts between them.” Luna glared at the griffin who returned the favour towards the princess. Swift Charm seemed to be ready to retort but was quickly dissuaded from such an action after Luna shifted her withering gaze upon him once more. Swift Charm's distaste only grew for the moon princess as a result.

All the eyes of the room settled on Twilight once more. A sordid silence permutated as Twilight’s mind raced. She felt her eyes go to pinpricks as her panic began to rise again. Though it subsided to some extent as she caught the reassuring looks upon both of her fellow princesses faces. Taking a quick breath she took a moment to gather her thoughts.

‘I wasn’t prepared for this!! Of all the things they would ask why in sweet Celestia’s name would they ask personal questions about me?!’

‘In a meeting about you I would have never guessed. Plus you’re the one who said you had no problem with it! Why did you agree to something if your not comfortable with it?'

‘Don’t get smart with me….uh me?’ Twilight’s face scrunched up. 'It seemed like a good idea at the time.’

'Then why are you panicking?'

'Because I can.'

'You are a strange and sad little mare.'

'I am not! Take that back brain!'

‘You know you should really start talking now. It has been about a minute now.’

“What?!” hissed Twilight. Though she squeaked as she realised that she had spoken aloud. She looked up to find several rather bemused ponies looking at her. Apparently she had just been mumbling to herself in front of a packed room. 'Fantastic. That's just great.'

“Twilight as much as you are entitled to your own privacy if you wish to share with us than I believe now would be an appropriate time to speak,” stated Celestia.

“Apologies I just needed a moment.”

"Consider it not so deeply Princess," said Pasha with a calm smile.

‘Okay just breathe.’ Twilight thought. She blinked slowly. ‘Just imagine you’re in Ponyville again. Act like you’re speaking to your friends that’s all. No pressure. Nope, no pressure at all. You’ve fought gods; this should be a stroll in the park. Just breathe. In, out. In, out.’

‘Just don’t screw up.’

‘Just remember to be yourself.’

‘Don’t screw up.’

‘This isn’t the be all or end all.’

‘Don’t make a fool of yourself in front of this entire delegation that sitting there quietly judging you. It’s not like that if I fail they’ll all declare war on Equestria because you failed utterly…’

'You’ve done this a thousand times before.'

‘Then Celestia will send you to the sun because the moon is overrated and all the books you take with you will burn because book don’t really respond well to a temperature of 5505…’

‘Just…speak…’

And so she did…

“I am severely disappointed that the tale of the eight hundred assassins is false,” said Raglan. “It was a rather colourful tale in my part of the world. Are sure it there wasn’t even one?”

“I have never encountered an assassin in my life and hopefully I never will,” replied Twilight. This talk of assassins was rather uncomfortable for the new princess.

“Never count your chickens before they hatch Princess,” he laughed. Celestia and Luna shot him a dirty glare. He shrugged his shoulders. “What too soon?”

“Well as fascinating as these tales of fancy and old hat are, I feel now is the time that the princess may need to press onto more important matters of state,” said Swift Charm as he called the aide who was holding his list over. But before the list could arrive, Nandi raised her hoof.

“While I am as eager as the next diplomat for the comfort of the next trade agreement on the sale of lima beans,” she spoke in a rather sarcastic tone much to the amusement of the majority of the rather tired room. “I find myself ever so slightly famished. Perhaps a recess is required.”

“I find myself in a similar disposition,” said Raglan smacking his stomach. The trip here has me wearied.” With the exception of Swift Charm and the two of his aides, the quiet whispering of the room seemed to agree with the minotaur.

“Aye,” croaked Pasha. “Besides I have seen enough of the fair Princess to know that my country is not faced by a tyrant. Though I must admit Princess the thought of you in the armour of my land is quite the…ravishing image.”
Twilight then proceeded to make a weird gurgling sound in her throat as she tried to hide her discomfort behind a poorly acted cough. The ambassador was oblivious to the metaphorical holes being bored into his skull from the infuriated glare of a certain moon goddess.

“Well, let us hope that the day that Princess Twilight needs to don armour is a far day off yet,” retorted a rather composed Celestia. “I suppose that we shall converge in the dining hall. Until then I believe we can call this meeting to a close.” Celestia nodded towards the functionaries around the room and proceeded to stand from her throne like seat.

Everybody followed her example as they began to make towards the exit of the room. The princesses exited with as much composure that flustered Twilight and the upset Luna could manage followed by the ministers of the crown. Who among them remained a rather dissatisfied Swift Charm and finally the ambassadors and their various aides who were all in talk over the new information they had required.

Needless to say, the topic of Princess Twilight still rang among there groups as they exited the finery of the room.

The whole event began to die down as the day passed into the evening. The group had relocated towards the grand hall for a more spacious and relaxed venue then the relatively uncomfortable stuffiness of the meeting room.

The ambassadors were now mingling among the elite of Canterlot. Every now and then there was a cheer or a burst of laughter from the various groups within the hall but otherwise the atmosphere was rather subdued.

While still new to the whole political game, Twilight could not help but imagine the whole thing was like some great game played by little foals but which held the direst consequences should one fail. Her ears could nearly pick up the individual little power games going on behind each conversation. The hushed whispers, the occasional sideways glances, the faux smiles it was a terribly fascinating yet overwhelming thing in its design. Each pony was like an actor on the stage. Everpony had a part to play and she was the one in the spotlight. The play was now revolving around her. No matter how much Twilight would have enjoyed the bliss obscurity, she had been thrust by fate to the spotlight and now she could not go back. She had her part to play yet.

She was nervous but also exhilarated. A mad rush. It was a difficult feeling for her to comprehend. Yet in spite of this, Twilight could not stop imagining daggers within each ‘noble’ smile that was directed at her. The whole thing felt so much smaller than it actually was. She felt herself becoming slightly lightheaded.

Twilight tore her eyes from the ponies surrounding her to look for Celestia and Luna amongst the crowd. With little difficulty Twilight could see the pointed crown of Celestia and her wings flourished out in their full majesty like a great swan. Twilight could also barely make out the navy coloured pony behind her. The two princesses were in discussion with who Twilight could only assume was one of their ministers. From the distance Twilight was standing at, it looked like Celestia had significantly relaxed her stance from earlier and had actually managed a smile. The mere picture of her smile alone was a somewhat reassuring relief for Twilight in the present. Her eyes trailed onto what little of Luna she could see. For a moment the distraction of Luna speaking had made her unaware of a dark, looming shadow behind her.

“Your eyes tell too much little one,” said the griffin in a slow drawl as Twilight was shaken out of her reprieve. Managing to regain some of her dignity from her unexpected start, Twilight narrowed her eyes at him before standing up straighter in response to the griffin’s presence.

“What is that exactly supposed to mean?” retorted Twilight curtly. The griffin seemed off put by her tone but relaxed back into a more calm posture after a moment.

“You wear your heart too close to your skin child,” chirped the griffin as he took another sip of his goblet. Twilight tilted her head. He sighed before looking at her again. “You will not last long in this great game if you cannot play the part of deception.”

“Deception? quizzed Twilight. “Why on earth would I want to lie to anypony? I’m a Princess. I should strive towards being honest and just to everpony. Honesty is a virtue you know.”

“It is also the best way to an early political grave,” snorted the griffin dismissively. “Your naivety astounds me. Such childish beliefs will only end in your eventual humiliation you know. Even you must recognise that the lying is the basis of all politics. You’re too smart Princess to assume otherwise. While you may feel you should be the example in the end you are no different than any of the ministers that serve you. Do you really believe that Princess Celestia has not lied to achieve her own ends?”

“I believe that this conversation has over stayed its welcome,” huffed Twilight. “”If all you wish is to criticise me than please do it elsewhere. Can’t you see I’m trying to enjoy the rest of the night?”

“You ponies take criticism too seriously,” chuckled the griffin, much to Twilight’s dismay. “I fear that were you a princess of my homeland you would find that a much thicker skin is required. We griffins are not the most…civilised creatures at times. Especially around drink.” Twilight seemed content to be disinterested with his story as shown by her deadpanned face. “But I certainly mean you no insult. I just thought you could use a bit of wisdom from an old fool.”

Twilight thought about it for a moment. In hindsight she had perhaps taken the griffin’s advice from only her perspective. It was hard to say that he was being kind but when she replayed the words in her mind she had admit that they did have a certain degree of sense to them, as much as Twilight wished it were otherwise. She did earlier admit that everypony lied here to some degree. They always had.

She just couldn’t find it in herself to accept that perhaps as a princess that she would have to be so compromised morally. Celestia had always seemed to make the right choices. Never strayed from the path of doing what was best while at the same time maintaining a seemingly unbreakable integrity and virtue. A younger Twilight would have angrily dismissed even the idea that the perfection that was the princess would ever lie in order to suit her own end. Looking back, the griffin was right. It was a ‘childish’ belief. The Celestia of this morning had shown that. The Princesses did hide things.

There was no black and white now, no big baddie that Twilight could zap and that would be the end of it. It was far more...grey now. Twilight just hoped that she would never find herself outright lying as a means to an end. It felt wrong to her. But avoice in her head still whispered that it was inevitible that she would one day find herself in such circumstance.

“Thanks, I think,” she replied, still unsure of the griffin’s intentions. Twilight was uncertain whether the griffin disliked her or was merely indifferent. She nevertheless thought his advice at least worth consideration.

“The pleasure is mine Princess,” he muttered as he drank from his glass. He stopped a moment before placing his glass on a nearby table. “Here I was bid you to give you this.” The griffin pulled from the inner pocket of his fine red coat, a brown paper letter with a red wax mark stamped with an official signal upon it. Twilight tentatively took the item with her magic and looked over it.

“What is it?”

“It is not for me to say,” he said. “All I know was that I was instructed to give this to Princess Twilight and nothing more.”

“Well that’s a rather apathetic tone to take to something that could be of significance to both me and the state,” deadpanned Twilight.

“Apathy is a part of the job,” said Grachev as he shrugged his shoulders. “Detachment becomes a habit when you work in diplomacy. Emotions are a sign of weakness.”

“I tend to disagree,” growled Twilight, a bit incensed at the griffin’s statement.

“Who am I to criticise a Princess?” spoke Grachev slowly as if considering his words. “It is not my place. Though I would direct you back to the conversation we just had. Emotions are bad for politics.”

“Of course they,” Twilight said sarcastically as she examined the letter. She decided to initiate some small talk to change the topic. “How go the affairs in your lands?”

“I thought they would have told you,” he grimaced, concern laden in his eyes.

“No,” replied Twilight while frowning. “I’ve barely gotten around to local politics let alone foreign affairs. Sir Swift Charm sends a monthly report to me anyway. Why? Is there something urgent I need know of?”

The griffin seemed to hesitate and opened his mouth to answer but suddenly the two were interrupted by a loud and deliberate cough. The two turned only to be faced to the sly grin of Prince Blueblood who had seemingly come from thin air.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet you Princess Twilight,” he spoke in a rather courteous tone. “Though I believe we have already made acquaintances previously, no? Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns yes?”

“Yes I remember Blueblood.”

“My you’ve gotten taller. Lord Pasha was not lying when he said how radiant you are looking,” he smiled as he gave Twilight a less than subtle look over which she appeared to be completely oblivious to. Grachev though could not hold back his scowl at the princeling. Blueblood caught his eye. He waved over an attendant to bring him some wine and then took a sip of it as he held it within his magic. “Ambassador! How pleasant to see that one of our princesses is getting on with so well with someone so….exotic.”

“Evening Princeling,” hissed the griffin. Twilight was taken aback by the rather hostile tone that the griffin had adopted towards Blueblood. “I see that you are still in your aunt's good graces for some inexplicably reason.”

“Oh yes, for now, and I for one find there is a totally explicable reason,” laughed Blueblood. Twilight was becoming exceeding ling uncomfortable the griffin inclined his head to Twilight bowing slightly as he did so.

“I am saddened to say that something of significance has just come to mind Princess. If you would excuse me Princess.” He paused as he turned to Blueblood. “I feel a sudden and powerful urge to wash.”

“What was that about?” enquired Twilight as her eyes followed the departing griffin.

“Oh you know Griffin’s temperamental creatures they are. If they didn’t have their king they’d still be bashing in the skulls of each other. Such is the vice of their kind. But enough of that talk now.” Using years of skilled practice Blueblood put on his most dazzling smile. “It’s an honour to final meet you as equals. After all we’re practically family now.”

“Well I don’t t-”

“Practically family,” he boomed as cut across her. “And as family I must enquire on how your little meeting went.”

“I thought it went rather well all-”

“Splendid! Not too nervous with my aunt putting all this fair and beautiful countries hopes and aspirations on you?” he beamed happily with his haughty smile towards the shaken alicorn. Twilight frowned as an unsure look passed over her face. She was suddenly rapt with new anxieties. Her wings twitched slightly in response. A gesture Blueblood did not fail to notice. “You know she has quite the high regard for you. I imagine you won’t fail her. After all failing my aunt is like failing the nation as a whole and wouldn’t that be just…terrible?” Another twitch came from Twilight’s wings. An eyebrow repeated the same action.

“Well I never looked at it lik-”

“Ah no doubt you’ll be fine. Anyway my day has been fantastic if I don’t mind saying. Why just today I received the greatest-”

“The ‘greatest’ what, dear nephew?” asked Celestial as she and Luna approached Twilight.Blueblood’s magical grip of his glass slipped alongside his composure for a second and the item shattered on the floor. The sound reverberated around the room. Some ponies looked over to see the commotion. The atmosphere quickly returned as Celestia’s presence was enough to reassure everybody that nothing was truly amiss. Twilight turned to give both of them a nuzzle before returning to Blueblood.

“Ah Auntie I did not see you there? Still rather silent on your feet eh?” Blueblood looked towards the shattered glass. “Look at that, you made me break my glass. He gestured to one of the waiters dressed in aback and tie suit to come post haste and merely pointed towards the floor. "My glass has broken. I wish to have the shards removed and the floor cleaned." The earth pony waiter nodded and pulled a napkin to clean the spilled liquid while carefully avoiding some of the glass.

"No don’t clean it with your mouth, you dolt! Can you not see that I am conversing with my aunts and the Princess! Get a unicorn who can properly clean this mess post-haste," sneered Blueblood. The poor pony bumbled slightly as he dropped the napkin. Celestia and Luna frowned deeply as Twilight’s face contorted in disgust.

"Yes I didn’t know sir I’m sorry sir," fumbled the obviously upset waiter.

“Of course you didn’t, now go!” snapped Blueblood.

“That won’t be necessary.” Suddenly the shards were suddenly grasped by a blue glow and slowly each insignificant piece reform and the soft blue light correlated and danced around it. Each bit was illuminated by light as eventually the light came to the centre and the glass reform just as new albeit minus the liquid. The glass lowered before the earth pony, who looked up at Princess Luna with awe. “You may return this to the kitchen. Please enjoy the rest of your night.” The earth pony mumbled a ‘thank you in-between a low bow and taking the glass in his mouth before trotting off. Luna’s smile vanished as he disappeared from view.

“That was uncalled for,” sighed Celestia to Blueblood.

“For what? Me telling him to do his job?” asked Blueblood incredulously. Celestial’s stern gaze though made him turn his to avoid looking at her. He should know his place.

“Perhaps you should also consider your place nephew,” spoke Luna. “We are not a dictatorship where we decide the place of ponies.”

"But we are state are we not? Everypony has their role to play in the state whether it be leadership or to serve. It is hypocrisy to say that we of noble blood are not above those that serve us only then to hold a disproportionate amount of wealth at the same time.” The princesses did not respond but from the disdain in Luna’ eyes that his statement was not well received.

“As I was saying to Twilight before all that, that I have received the most wonderful news,” he said proudly. Celestia eyed him carefully. The double meaning behind the words was clear to her. Her messengers had already informed of the court case's outcome. It was what she had expected but that didn't mean she had to be happy about it.

“And what could this most wonderful news be?”

“Oh it’s nothing really in hindsight. Just a silly unicorn’s attempts to make small talk with a Princess. Besides we’ll all know it is soon enough. I would hate to take any of the limelight from our dear Princess. After all this is Twilight’s day, is it not?” Blueblood then pulled out a small pocket watch from his coat and looked at it. He gasped. “Oh would you look at the time. It seems my dalliances have made me late for the latest troop inspection. Ah, I don’t imagine a few minutes in the cold will do them harm. But sadly it would be cruel to leave them much longer. Alas duty calls Princess.”

He moved forward, bowed and then lifted Twilight’s hoof and planted a small kiss upon it. Twilight pulled back slightly but he merely smiled as he did the same. Luna’s face was completely neutral but few saw the golden glow desperately holding her legs in place to prevent her from doing something she regretted. Blueblood turned and trotted with his head high as he exited.

"Do take care Princesses and be sure not to miss tomorrow’s paper would you?!" He called as he exited. Luna and Twilight looked baffled by his words and looked at each other. Though they failed to see the growing scowl that donned Celestia's features as the white unicorn exited.

Storm Mount who was enjoying some scotch turned to watch the Prince leave, not even pretending to actually care about the lady who was talking about her views on the educational system. His eyes followed the Prince until he was out of sight. He took a long drink of his scotch.

'Things are just about to get interesting around here.'

Author's Notes:

And I'MMM BAAACK!! Yeah it's been hell the past few weeks. I expect it to be hell for the next few months as well. I may need to start shortening chapters.

In case anyone's wondering I time timeskipped to the meeting because the plot was moving too slow for my liking. I decided to increase the pace so we could finally get out of the fluff. Blueblood was a joy to write but I feel I need more devlopment on his part later so he isn't a one dimensional buffon throughout the story.

As for editing. I'm sorry if it's riddled with mistakes. The sheer bulk of this chapter was incredible to manage. I'll never figure out how people can write 10k and still have a social life.

Please pick out errors so I can correct them and I hope you enjoy! Ciao!!