You awaken to the sigh of Celestia standing before you. “Why hello there, Celestia. Is there something wrong?”

”Not at all, Solaire. I just came to see if you wanted to be present to my raising of the sun.”

“I would like nothing more, Celestia.” You climb out from under the bed-covers; stretch out your arms, before equipping the armour on hand, much to Celestia’s apparent disdain.

”Why do you insist on wearing your armour at all times?” she asks.

“Lordran rarely allows for moments of calm and peace. It is best to be on one’s guard constantly, and for that one must be constantly equipped.” You knew from experience that if one lets their guard down, they will pay a heavy toll indeed. Celestia appears to ponder for a moment, before escorting you out of the room.

It was still dark outside, and Celestia leads you to a balcony which overlooked much of the city.

“I am very eager to see one’s abilities, Celestia.”

She smiles. ”Watch and see, Solaire.” Her horn glows, and for a moment you think nothing has happened… and that thought is quickly banished as the sun slowly begins to rise over the horizon, and you feel happier than you have had for a long time.

“So your tongue did not deceive me… you really are a sun goddess…” you mutter in awe.

”That I am. If Chrysalis had overpowered me, it would have spelt doom for the entire kingdom… indeed, the entire planet.”

“Then you are most fortunate indeed, that my summoning took place. May I ask what city and land is this?”

”The city we are currently observing is Canterlot, the capitol of Equestria.”

“Canterlot… Equestria… interesting.”

The two of you stare out at the sunrise together, before you get an idea. You turn to Celestia and raise your arms into the air, and she raises an eyebrow in curiosity. ”Solaire, what is the meaning of that gesture?”

“It is a signature gesture of the sunlight warriors, in which we praise the sun for all its glory. I thought it would be most fitting for you, Celestia.” Her cheeks turn a lovely shade of rose and she looks down at her hooves. “Why, thank you Solaire. You are too kind.” She giggles.

“I am simply showing my gratitude, a gratitude well deserved by a being as powerful and majestic as you.” Your words carry the enthusiasm of a lifetime of searching.

Celestia’s smiles drops and she looks at you with utmost seriousness. ”I… I do not get complimented like that very often. Thank you… sincerely.”

“I fail to see why that should be the case, when you are most deserving of one’s praise.”

This vocal gesture is met with another heartfelt smile, before Celestia turns away from the balcony. ”I am about to go down and join the others for breakfast. You are most welcome to join me.”

“Your offer is most generous. However, I will stay behind, to gaze upon the sun. I do not require sustenance anyways. One of the traits of the undead, you see.” Celestia nods, before leaving you alone. You stare up at the heavens, breathing deeply.

You wonder to yourself… Mayhap it is time to pledge yourself to Celestia? You were not even in Lordran any longer, and the warriors of sunlight were far behind you. Pledging a covenant with Celestia would be the ultimate appraisal, a wonderful show of loyalty… Maybe you could set up a new band of sunlight warriors in Canterlot? Celestia mentioned a royal guard of some sorts… My, that would be novel indeed.

You continue to stare out over the city for a while, before heading out from the balcony, making the decision to wander aimlessly around the palace, until you happen upon what appears to be a blacksmith of some kind. As you enter, a female unicorn approaches you.

”Who the hay are you? You’re not supposed to be in here.” She snaps.

“I am Solaire, the sunlight warrior. Perchance, are you the one who was tasked with my equipment?” The pony’s eyes widen. “Oh, you’re Solaire? Luna told me about you. I’m sorry; I’ll go get your stuff now.”

“My thanks are with you.”

You follow the pony past various forges, anvils and tools, until you get a locked chest. On instinct you give the side of it a swift kick, and the pony recoils.

”Whoa, what’s the problem with you?”

“Where I come from, chests have a nasty disposition of picking you up and eating you alive. Forgive one for maintaining habits.” The unicorn shakes her head. ”I can’t even begin to imagine where you hail from.”

“My lady, you would not want to even imagine such a place. Not even the dead may know peace from it.” You think back to the catacombs and tomb of giants. How was “trusty” Patches doing?

”Ok then, I’ll take your word for it.” The unicorn opens the chest and your sword, shield and helm levitates out.

”What about that hunk of metal you’re wearing? You wanna leave that with me?” she asks.

“It’s not necessary, my lady. I am perfectly capable of repairing it myself.”

The unicorn glares. “So what you’re saying is that I wasted my perfectly good time doing something your lazy flank could have done?”

“If it satiates that fiery spirit of yours, I could show you a thing or two about forging.”

The unicorn snorts in disbelief. ”I highly doubt you could show me anything I wouldn’t already know, I’ve been at this craft since I was a blank flank.” The unicorn motions to her flank where a hammer and anvil mark was in-place. You think for a moment before motioning to your gear.

“Everything you see was hand made by myself, and lasted throughout uncountable fights with every demon imaginable. I think I can show you a thing or two about crafting, maintaining and repairing.” The unicorn cocks her head at you, before smiling. “I like you. You’ve got gusto. My name is Vulcana, and I’d be happy to be taught be you.”

“We are well met, Vulcana. Now, follow me to that forge. The trick to casting iron is…”

You exit the forge, sword and shield in tow, having spent the best part of 3 hours with that pony, teaching her how to efficiently repair a weapon in minimal conditions, how to maximise the protection a piece of armour could provide and improved forging techniques for high-quality weapons. Vulcana was impressed, and told you she would be incorporating the lessons she learned today into the next set of weapons she produced for the royal guard.

”Ah, Solaire. I had wondered where on earth you had wandered off to.” Celestia was standing outside the forge, her mane blowing an invisible, eternal wind.

“Forgive me; I was holding conference with your blacksmith.” You apologise.

”I am only seeking you out because I have an urgent problem that needs addressed.”

“By all means inform me, I am here to assist you in any way I can.”

”Follow me then.” You sheath your sword, secure your shield to your back and follow Celestia to what appears to be a barracks of some sort. As you enter you see a number of soldiers, some adorned in armour, some undergoing training.

”Attention!” Celestia shouts and the soldiers assemble in front of Celestia, waiting on her word.

”As you are all aware, yesterday Canterlot was attacked by changeling forces, led by their queen, Chrysalis. Canterlot is to remain on high alert, with any suspicious actions or alerts to be followed up. I want everypony to participate in patrols as well.” The soldiers murmur amongst themselves, but appear to agree with Celestia’s orders, and she continues on. ”Another issue that we are currently facing is the captaincy of the Royal Guard, or rather, the lack of it. Shining Armour and Cadence’s honeymoon in Saddle Arabia is expected to last 3 months, and we’ll need a suitable replacement for him during that time.”

A relatively tall unicorn separates himself from the crowd, and approaches Celestia.

”Your highness, we all know I am clearly the best candidate for this position. I was Shining Armour’s second in command, if anypony deserves the title, it’s me!”

”Like Tartarus you do, Ajax! You were the one who told us to cut our losses and run when the changelings attacked!” yelled a pony from the back.

Ajax snarls. ”You got something to say, punk? Let’s take it outside then!”

Not wanting to oversee a fight, you step forward. “Both of you cease your bickering! Do you honestly expect to able to defend against hostile forces when you are divided amongst yourselves?” Ajax turns to you, and you see a slight tinge of fear in his eyes as you shout.

“I have fought many battles, more than you can imagine. If there is one lesson I have gathered from them, one lesson I can impart to you, it is that co-operation is the key to victory!” you yell, addressing the group of soldiers as a whole.

”He is right.” Celestia steps forward, and Ajax steps back into place. “You must work together to overcome adversity, and it is clear you are incapable of even that.” Ajax opens his mouth to argue, before looking down in defeat, and Celestia smiles gravely. “While it is true that the changelings had the advantage in numbers and surprise, there was a severe lack of discipline and you were overrun quickly. That is why there is only one sensible candidate to be the new captain. There was one candidate who showed true grit, bravery and skill in the heat of battle.”

You look out into the crowd, trying to see the pony that Celestia was referencing.

”Solaire, if you may?”

You blink in surprise, your shocked face hidden by your helmet. “I beg your pardon?”

”What is there not to understand? Stand forward, and address your comrades.”

“You mean… are you appointing me as the captain of your royal guard?”

”Why of course! If you are to be believed, which you are, then you’ve had more experience of leading soldiers than anypony else here.”

“I know but… the sunlight warriors’ purpose was completely different than what you are asking of me!”

”Are you not still leading a group of soldiers dedicated to a sun god?”

“I… you…”

”Of course, I cannot force anything of you-“

“No, it’s an honour! I would adore the chance to serve you like this!”

”Then it’s decided. You shall lead the Royal Guard.” Celestia turns to the shocked group of soldiers who were staring at you. ”I hope everypony respects my decision, yes?”

Again, Ajax opens his mouth, and this time you decide to quiet him, gripping the hilt of your sword as you stare at him through the eye-slits in your helm.

”Well, you did save the Princess…”

”And you did kill a bunch of changelings…”

”And you even killed the changeling queen herself!”

”So…”

The soldiers roar in approval, and you smile to yourself. It appears your earlier thoughts were coming true. Already you were leading band of warriors… some things never change. You just hoped you wouldn’t have to lead them into battle anytime soon. You had had enough of that for a dozen lifetimes…

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