The guards stormed into the princess’ chamber, panting heavily from running all the way to her. Their breath causing puffs of thick condensing breath to release itself from their lips.

One guard finally caught his breath, still panting slightly, and managed to say, “P-Princess Celestia, Yo-Your brother requires audience with you immediately.” He took in a deep breath, and proceeded to lay himself lightly on the floor, not having enough strength to stand any longer.

“Our b-brother?” Celestia said with a shocked gasp, not believing what she had just heard. “Surely you are pulling our legs, how can he have survived that long in seclusion without basic necessities?”

Luna stopped her train of thought, “Sister, we should just be glad our brother is alive. Return to him and tell him we will meet immediately, here, in the chamber.”

The guards nodded, and returned into the corridor back to Eclipse. Leaving the princesses to gather their thoughts, alone, in the chamber.

“Maybe he accidently broke the lock; maybe he tried to signal us. Maybe we weren’t paying enough attention.” Luna cried out

Celestia sat on her throne, “Perhaps, but the way the guards ran in here, they were afraid of something.” Celestia stood up, her hair flowing majestically.

Luna scoffed, “Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but the guards don’t like Eclipse. They fear him, the limitless power he-..” Luna’s thoughts were stopped by the guards rushing back in, they were panting even harder than before, with a more worrisome look in their eyes.

“Your majesty, the door is still sealed. No sign that it has been opened. Still broken, and locked in the same position, even the layer of dust still lay upon the door in an even coat.”

Luna look agitated, “What do you mean by that?! You just were in here telling us of Eclipse’s desire to meet with us! How dare you lie to us! This practical joke is unacceptable and downright despicable of you both!”

The guards backed away slowly, embarrassed by the scorn just received by Princess Luna, “W-We apologize your majesties, we thought we saw what we did, we apparently did not. We are very sorr-…”

Luna interrupted them, “Sorry?! SORRY! YOU DARE INSULT OUR INTELLECT LIKE THAT! YOUR ACTIONS -...”

Celestia softly touched her little sister’s shoulder, cutting her off from her enraged speech. “Now Luna, they thought they saw him, there is no need for us to give them a tongue-lashing, I told you Luna. We do not operate this castle in such a manner.” Her words soothed the atmosphere.

Luna looked down, “Yes, sorry big sister. I-I just really wanted to see Eclipse again…” She admitted. “It will not happen again sister, I promise.”

Celestia smiled then looked to the guards, “Surely you need to gather your thoughts. We will grant you the rest of the day off, and the option to return tomorrow if you so please to.”

The two guards nodded, “Yes ma’am, thank you princess.” They slowly backed out of the room, lightly red from the event that had just taken place. The guards walked slowly to the room where they are to store their armor and proceeded to remove the copper-plated chest-plates.

“Well Tenor, surely that couldn’t have been a vision…Right?” One of the guards said to other.

Tenor turned to his partner sighed then replied, “I’m not sure Treble, but surely it couldn’t have been something we’d just imagined. For we both saw it, and there was something unworldly about it. I-I just can’t piece this one together Treble…Sad to say, maybe we just need a day off. A single day to relax and gather our thoughts.” His voice was one of defeat, and the look on his face of the same feeling.

Treble was saddened by his partner’s gaze, a hopeless stare of defeat. “Don’t worry Tenor, the princesses will think no less of us for taking proper precautions. We will come back rejuvenated and more aware tomorrow. Now, we must hurry to go, before anything else strange happens…”

Tenor nodded, and the stallions left the castle. Unaware of what events would unfold from that very experience.