Moonlight, Veiled - Book 1


                                            -PROLOGUE-


                                            >Be Anon, holed up in the castle library

                                            >You've been researching ancient Equestrian History, whiling away your long days in the castle with your nose stuck in a series of books.

                                            >Lately you've been directing your attention to the Restoration of the Elements of Harmony

                                            >Untold counts of years ago, the Grand Princess Luna had returned to Equestria from her exile on the Moon.

                                            >The proceeding years had seen 6 young ponies take part in a series of events that had dramatically altered the course of Equestrian history.

                                            >The re-establishment of Equestrian hegemony over the Crystal Empire, the Reformation of Discord, the crowning of two new Princesses, the defeat of Tirek...

                                            >The loss of Celestia.

                                            >Something horrible had happened to half of the country's diarchy, and the historical record had nothing to show for it.

                                            >Whatever had happened, had it been treason, unfortunate disaster, or an external foe, it had resulted in Luna being the sole remaining power ruling over Equestria.

                                            >And in all the years you had known her, she had never talked to you about what had happened.

                                            >You squint at the weathered, dusty tome through the dim glint of candlelight, struggling to translate Equestria's ancient dialect to something you can make sense of.

                                            >Nothing doing.

                                            >You sigh, carefully close the precious book, and rub at your temples in fatigue.

                                            >Perhaps it would be best to leave your studies for now, and go find some food.

                                            >Maybe take a walk around the castle gardens with Luna.

                                            >She seemed to enjoy that.


                                            >In accordance with the arrangement laid out between you and the Grand Princess, you were allowed to keep a small study in one of the library's wings for your own use.

                                            >You start putting away your quills and inkwells, and clean off the ink-stained nibs with a nearby rag.

                                            >The books, you leave in as perfect order as you can

                                            >The old, mouldering tomes you keep locked in their magically-sealed glass cases, while the smaller books are replaced carefully in their shelves

                                            >Silk ribbons of a dozen colours mark the spots you'd saved, places you needed for references, and places you'd return to the next day of studying.

                                            >Nodding in satisfaction at your work, you straighten out your robes, hike your small satchel of belongings up your back, and head out to the palace grounds.

                                            >Guard ponies line the walls of the hallways, their incessant patrols lending the otherwise silent passageways a steady staccato of metal on stone.

                                            >You nod at them as you pass, and they return the gesture.

                                            >Though Luna's bat-like guards seemed like a cold, ineffable bunch, you'd spent enough time around them to know that they simply took their jobs very, very seriously.


                                            >The vaulted ceilings of the palace halls seem to nest within their shadows the ghosts of ancient memory

                                            >The arches and columns are run through with cracks, draped with the growth of vines creeping in through the windows, and hung with the silvery strands of cobwebs.

                                            >The marble facades, which you were told were once gleamed like sun-washed pearl, have been weathered to a dull grey over time.

                                            >Overall, the palace had a distinct sense of gloom draped about it.

                                            >You hold your woolen robes closer to your body to brace against the winter drafts blowing down the halls.

                                            >It was early in the autumn, and the chill of winter had already begun to set in over Canterlot.

                                            >You were assured this was due to some sort of mis-planning on the part of the local brigade of weather Pegasi.

                                            >Eventually, after a journey down the winding, twisting maze of corridors, you arrive at a small, nondescript oaken door.

                                            >It was nestled at the far end of a dormitory wing of the palace, long since fallen into disuse.

                                            >The stones were old and unkempt here, and between the cobbles lining the bottom of the wall, you could see the shadowy figures of mice and spiders darting to and fro in the shadows.

                                            >You paid them no mind, and they returned the favour.

                                            >You inspect the door's handle, and find it seems to have been used recently.

                                            >Smiling, you push it open.

                                            >Looking at it, you'd expect it to creak and groan against its heavy, ancient iron hinges

                                            >The door glides open smoothly and silently.


                                            >Luna's private garden is as beautiful as ever, a spectacle of natural wonder and carefully tended-to nature, in stark contrast to the dilapidated state of the surrounding palace.

                                            >Pale moonlight bathes the wending grass trails, surrounded by a staggering variety of exotic flora.

                                            >The perfume of flower pollen lies heavy on the air, and in the gentle silence of the night you can hear the steady trickle of water from a nearby fountain, and the chatter of the garden's collection of fauna, hiding from sight.

                                            >In the middle of all of this lies the Grand Princess Luna

                                            >While she would usually attend to her business at the castle in her royal garb of silvered onyx horseshoes and crown, tonight she's clad in only an ancient, gilded peytral.

                                            >She's laying at rest on the grassy ground, looking sadly at a white feather clasped between her hooves.

                                            "Grand Princess, am I intruding?"

                                            >Luna ignores you, lost in her silent reverie.

                                            >Many long hours before had been spent with you standing at silent, stoic attention before the Princess, waiting for her to acknowledge your presence.

                                            >After a while, you'd learned that waiting for such attention could often take a very long time.

                                            >Lately, you'd taken to making yourself silently comfortable around the Princess of the Night.

                                            >You lean against the stone railing of the fountain, and dig into your satchel for your pipe.

                                            >You allow yourself the comfort of your puffing, fragrant smoke as the coolness of the night and sounds of the garden surround you.

                                            >Enjoying the moment, you close your eyes, listening to the sound of the garden.

                                            >"Anonymous?"

                                            >You open your eyes to find that Luna had gotten up from her spot on the grass, and was standing before you.

                                            >You hastily rise and bow, doing your due diligence to respect her title.

                                            "My Princess. Beautiful evening, isn't it?"

                                            >She smiles and looks up at the stars.


                                            >Luna chuckles lightly, the gleaming pinpricks of the stars reflecting in her graying eyes.

                                            >"Thank you, Anonymous. It's very kind of you to say that."

                                            >She looks back down at you, and beckons you to her with a wave of her hoof.

                                            >"Come, wilt thou walk with Us?"

                                            "I'd like nothing more, Princess."

                                            >She trots off, slowly ambling her way through the twists and turns of her garden.

                                            >You stay at her side, always making sure to maintain a respectful distance between the two of you.

                                            >"I can't see it any more, you know."

                                            >Shocked at the abrupt admission, you can only keep walking beside her as you work out her meaning.

                                            "I'm sorry?"

                                            >"The stars. We haven't been able to see them for a number of years now."

                                            >She stops at the edge of a small pond, and raises her eyes to the stars once again.

                                            >You stand at her side, trying to read her expression.

                                            >The princess had a reputation for impenetrable propriety, but you could almost swear she appeared wistful in that moment.

                                            >"There was a time when every star was known to Us. There in their multitudes, sentinels keeping their watch in the night of my banishment on the moon."

                                            >She lowers her head and sighs, closing her eyes.

                                            >"Every one of them, We knew their names and course in the sky by sight. We still do, thought their memory is all We have left to know them by, now."

                                            >She looks at you again, and you're suddenly very aware of how cloudy her eyes were. You hadn't known her in the days of her youth, but the sonnets of many old poets described in detail the brilliant blue eyes of the Princess of the Night.

                                            >She gives you a small, wan smile.

                                            >"Age takes its toll on all of us, Anonymous."


                                            "My Princess, I'm so sorry..."

                                            >You have no idea what to say, and your heart is suddenly stricken with grief for this sad, beautiful princess before you.

                                            >Luna just lowers her head, and continues her walk along the grassy trail as if she hadn't said anything at all.

                                            >You carry on alongside her, keeping with the slow, steady pace she sets.

                                            >Before too long, however, curiosity gets the better of you.

                                            "If I can ask, how do you do it? Raise the moon, and put together the sky at night. It must be hard, with your vision being what it is."

                                            >Luna looks at you, and grins devilishly.

                                            >"We've been doing this for a very, very long time, good sir. We don't need to be able to see Our craft to know its quality."

                                            >"Besides, you've given it a most pleasing review, just now. What did you call Our sky, again?"

                                            "Beautiful, I think."

                                            >"Quite so."

                                            >Luna looks up at the sky, her horn aglow with a pale blue aura.

                                            >Suddenly, a tiny speck of a meteor flashes across the starry field, quickly vanishing beyond the horizon almost before you realized it was there.

                                            >She looks back at you, mirroring the smile on your face.

                                            >"As much as We know the quality of Our art is beyond reproach, it is pleasant to see firsthand that We haven't lost Our touch. That was just for us."

                                            "Us?"

                                            >You were still slightly unsure how to navigate your way around Luna's use of the majestic plural.

                                            >Her smile simply broadens for a moment, before she turns away.


                                            >Luna sits herself down on the grass close beside you, and looks back up at the sky happily, a contented smile playing across her mouth.

                                            >You set yourself down beside her, allowing the small moment of intimacy between you to persist in silence a little while longer.

                                            >It had been some time since you'd been invited to live in Canterlot castle, and as time had gone by, you'd found yourself more and more welcome in the Princesses' confidence.

                                            >At first you were invited to her court to be questioned about your world and ways, as a sort of curiosity.

                                            >Soon enough, however, time had seen you two spending long evenings together, discussing matters of state, philosophy, history, literature, and whatever else had come to mind.

                                            >Luna had seen that you had an affinity for work within the castle library, and soon let you have the run of the place, employed on an assortment of tasks ranging from organizing, translating, and preserving the ancient texts.

                                            >She was always particularly curious about your interest in Equestrian history, and would ask about your interpretation of books you had read.

                                            >You were sure it was merely refreshing for her to hear an outside voice talk about these matters, and did your best to live up to her standards.

                                            >And always, you'd try to pry information regarding the histories from the Princess herself.

                                            >Surely she would know more about those matters than anyone, being as ancient as she was?

                                            >Really, studying history at all in the presence of someone like her seemed foolish.

                                            >Yet, she always kept her personal knowledge of events held away from you, just out of arms reach.

                                            >You thought, maybe, she was hiding something.

                                            >As she sat there with you, however, you were certain that if she was, she had a good reason.

                                            >Looking at her smile, and the reflections of the stars in her weathered eyes, she simply looked tired, and maybe a little bit mournful.


                                            >"This is good, We think."

                                            >You look over at her, once again thrown off by her cryptic manner.

                                            >You raise an eyebrow at her questioningly, and she turns her gaze from the stars down to you.

                                            >"Company. It has been far too long since We've had someone to spend Our evenings with"

                                            "I'm honored, Princess."

                                            >You meant it. You knew were in the Princess's trust, and that was a privilege extended to very, very few.

                                            >Still, you were unsure where exactly the relationship between the two of you stood.

                                            >Without thinking about it, you pat her withers reassuringly.

                                            >Your hand freezes in shock at your own impertinence, and you look at her, wide-eyed with apprehension.

                                            >She looks at you.

                                            >You've just laid a hand on the Grand Princess of Equestria without permission, which (you've been told) was punishable by exile, or death.

                                            >"It's quite alright, Anonymous. I don't mind."

                                            >You breathe a sigh of relief, and lay your hand back on her wither, stroking gently along her velvety smooth fur.

                                            >She closes her eyes and makes a small, satisfied sound.

                                            >"As We've said, Anonymous. It's been far too long since We've had someone to spend our evenings with."

                                            >She winks at you, her impish smile from earlier returning.

                                            >"Just don't tell anyone."


                                            "You have my word, Princess."

                                            >Luna, gratefully accepting your promise of confidence, sidles closer to you, lowering her head to rest on your leg.

                                            >Absentmindedly, you let your hands continue their work, gently massaging Luna's withers and beneath her mane.

                                            >She hums softly in appreciation, and you feel her relax beneath your hand, a small amount of tension in her aged muscles melting away at your touch.

                                            >You carry on like this in silence, content to enjoy the warm presence of the equine princess on your lap, idly stargazing between sneaking peeks at Luna's satisfied expression.

                                            "Princess, can ask you something?"

                                            >She almost seemed to have drifted off to sleep in the time you'd been attending to her, and she lazily opens one eye to peer at you curiously.

                                            >"Yes?"

                                            "That peytral... I've seen you wear it sometimes, in the garden when no one else is around, and you've never explained what it is."

                                            >Luna's turned her head to give you her full attention, and you can feel her neck tense up again, slightly.

                                            "I've seen illuminations, though, of Pr... of you sister wearing it, in the library archives, and in some of the old tapestries kept in storage."

                                            >"Yes, Anonymous, it was hers. Celestia's old jewelry."

                                            >A sad expression on her face, she picks up the peytral in her aura, and removes it to set it down before her.

                                            >She lays a hoof across its brilliant golden surface affectionately, and though you couldn't possibly be sure, you could swear her eyes were slightly wetter than they had been a moment before.

                                            >"We aren't quite sure why We put it on. Perhaps, on Our lonelier nights, it feels as if a part of her were here, with Us."


                                            "I see."

                                            >In truth, you didn't want to press your luck by continuing with this line of questioning.

                                            >In all you time knowing her, you've never been able to get her to talk about her sister, or give any details about the troubles of the past.

                                            >Sensing your hesitation, Luna shakes her head.

                                            >"Maybe another night, I'll tell you what happened. But not tonight. Not yet."

                                            >She gives the peytral another sad look, and raises one of her wings.

                                            >Her horn lighting once again with her aura, she pulls the white feather you saw her with earlier out from within the downy depths of her wing.

                                            >Laying on the peytral, she rests her head once again on your legs, regarding the peytral and feather through lidded eyes.

                                            >"Some things are, perhaps, better left unsaid."

                                            >You scratch behind her ears in what you hope is a reassuring kind of way.

                                            "Though sometimes, it's good to get some things off your chest, Princess."

                                            >Luna grins, and prods at the peytral in front of her with her hoof.

                                            >"Literally."

                                            >You can't help but laugh at her moment of laconic humour, and she joins in, giggling lightly.

                                            >Once again, you feel the stress and tension melt away from her, and resume stroking her sides relaxingly.

                                            >"Anonymous, I feel We can't thank you enough for your company this night. It has been a very long time indeed since Our heart has felt this light."

                                            "Believe me Princess, the pleasure has been all mine."

                                            >"Just... just Luna."

                                            "Hm?"

                                            >"You may call Us... call me Luna."

                                            >She's raised her head to look up at you once again, and you see that once more, her graying eyes are shimmering slightly.

                                            >For a moment, you're lost in those eyes.

                                            >Luminescent blue wells of unfathomable depth, clouded by a veil of grey mist, they seem to bore through to your soul.

                                            "I will. Thank you, Pri-sorry. Thanks, Luna."

                                            >She lifts her head to gratefully nuzzle it against your own, and you circle your arms around her neck to hold her in embrace.


                                            >She smells faintly like jasmine and lavender, written through with the barest undercurrent of earthy horse scent.

                                            >She was soft as downy velvet, and warm.

                                            >It was like hugging a summer night's breeze, and was wonderful beyond description.

                                            >Then, all too soon, she removes herself from the hug smiling at you warmly.

                                            >"Come, Anonymous. The night is getting late, and I believe both of us need to get our rest for tomorrow."

                                            "Long day at court ahead?"

                                            >"As usual. The Duke of Trottingham will no doubt want to talk my ear off for hours about his ludicrous tax reforms, and other such nonsense."

                                            >She holds up the peytral and feather in her aura once more, and replaces them on her person elegantly, adjusting the golden plate so it sits snugly against her chest.

                                            >"Still, such is life as the Grand Princess of Equestria. We must all make our sacrifices for the kingdom"

                                            "Well, if you ever need someone to help distract you from court, you know where to find me."

                                            >The two of you have gotten back on your feet, and at Luna's behest, you've started making your way back to the castle proper.

                                            >She looks at you warmly, and extends a wing around your back, wrapping it around you in a downy embrace as you slowly walk down the garden paths.

                                            >Once again, you're struck by the beauty of the night, and Luna's carefully tended garden.

                                            >The moonlight dances across the water of the ponds and fountains, and pierces the marble railings and shrubs with lances of silver.

                                            >You rest your hand on Luna's wither as you walk, and look to the wing wrapped around your side.

                                            >Barely visible beneath the layers of dark purple down, you see the hint of a solitary, ancient white feather.

                                            >"And you know where to find me."


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                                            -CHAPTER I-

                                            >The sun rises on the following morning, bathing your small, drafty room in golden light.

                                            >You rub your eyes groggily, the unwelcome light waking you from your restful slumber and pleasant dreams.

                                            >Despite the sun's rude awakening, you smile at the thought of this small tribute Luna pays to her lost sister.

                                            >You're not sure what you were dreaming about... But it doesn't matter, really.

                                            >Whatever it was, you wake up feeling better than you've been in weeks.

                                            >You get out of bed and stretch out your back, and groan as you hear it pop in several places.

                                            >You really need to spend less time hunched over your desk.

                                            >And, like clockwork, you hear a knock on your door.

                                            "Don't be shy, come in!"

                                            >Your door creaks open, revealing a small, greenish, mare dressed in a dull grey maid's outfit.

                                            >She's holding a tray in her mouth, laden with a simple coffee pot, some toast, eggs, and a raspberry danish.

                                            >You frown.

                                            >You'd told the kitchen to stop bringing you sweets for breakfast ages ago, and they still hadn't listened.

                                            >Gingerly, the mare sets the tray on your nightside table, and steps back from it with a small, ginger, perfectly executed curtsy.

                                            >Just like the guards, the maids took their duties far too seriously.

                                            >Not for the first time, you wonder what the palace must have been like under Celestia's rule.

                                            >"Breakfast is served, m'lord."

                                            "I'm no lord, Tea Leaves."

                                            >"Of course, m'lord."

                                            >You roll your eyes in exasperation.

                                            >"M'lord, I've been told to tell you that you've been summoned to court today. The Grand Princess of the Night, Luna, has requested your presence today."

                                            >You were more than slightly intrigued by that.

                                            >The two of you had certainly grown closer after the previous night, but what on earth could require your presence at the royal court?


                                            >You had long since outgrown the novelty of your presence, and the Equestrian nobles and other inhabitants of the castle had for quite some time grown to see you less with interest, and more as a passing oddity.

                                            "Very well Tea Leaves, I'll be there. Thanks for letting me know."

                                            >"Of course, M'lord. Is there anything more you require of me?"

                                            >You pick up the danish, and wave it in the air nonchalantly.

                                            "No, not unless you care to take this thing off my hands for me."

                                            >"Sorry sir, not today."

                                            >You roll your eyes again, and carelessly throw the pastry back on your plate.

                                            "Very well then, Tea Leaves. It's a beautiful day out. Try to enjoy it, hrm?"

                                            >"I-I'll try, sir."

                                            >With that, she leaves.

                                            >It's been months upon months of the same routine with her, every morning.

                                            >Hell, after an age of attempts, you'd only just pried her name from her a fortnight ago.

                                            >Exhausting.

                                            >As you shimmy out of your nightclothes and into your finest court wear (in this case, being a simple pair of slacks and roughly brocaded tunic), you ponder the day ahead.

                                            >Indeed, it was looking to be very interesting already.

                                            >A short time later, you leave your room for Luna's morning court, leaving behind an empty tray sprinkled with the crumbs of a begrudgingly eaten danish.

                                            >You pass some ponies going about their business in the halls, nodding to each one in passing, getting the occasional nod or smile of acknowledgement back.

                                            >Eventually, you reach the great reception hall of The Grand Princess Luna's Court.


                                            (queue scene soundtrack: https://youtu.be/Om_BKWttz18?t=53)

                                            >As usual, a motley crowd of equines covers the floor of the court, ponies rich and poor gathering to hear the word of the Princess.

                                            >One thing you've always admired about Luna was her hands(hooves?)-on approach to rulership.

                                            >Every day almost without fail, she put aside a few hours of the morning to hear the pleas and concerns of the common folk, and pass judgment on cases and disputes before retiring to defer the job to her councillors and chamberlains.

                                            >At the far end of the court, at the top of a flight of stairs edged with ivory and jet, Luna sits on her throne.

                                            >She's clothed in a cloak of ermine and sable, with her usual jet and silver peytral and crown.

                                            >Her graying, star-filled hair flows about her sides with carefree grace as she surveys her current petitioner with keen, yet clouded eyes.

                                            >In stark contrast to last night, she looks forbidding and regal.

                                            >You make your way down the edge of the room, just close enough so that you can see Luna clearly.

                                            >Happily, your height advantage over the other ponies allows you to get a good view of the scene before from the back of the crowd.

                                            >Before the Princess, you see a downtrodden earth pony mare prostrating herself before the throne's stairs.

                                            >You can't quite make out what she's saying, so you sidle your way through the crowd to acquire a closer audience to the scene.

                                            >"...this year have been far too high; me and mine barely have enough to eat, let alone pay to the crown! Please, Grand Princess, if you would but show some mercy..."

                                            >Luna silences the pony with a sharp movement of her hoof, and speaks, still seated on her throne.

                                            >"Tithe to the Crown, little one, is required by laws and customs far, far older than you. Would you deny Us the dues We are owed?"

                                            >"N-no..."

                                            >"Would you turn away from Our protection, and submit your family to the rule of the Griffons, or the beasts of Everfree?"

                                            >"No, bu-"

                                            >"THEN PAY."


                                            >This last statement is delivered in Luna's trademark Canterlot voice, and leaves a ringing silence echoing through the hall.

                                            >From your vantage point, you can see the beginnings of tears glistening in the eyes of the pony laying prone on the floor.

                                            >Despite the crowd of what must have been close to two hundred ponies, the hall is so silent you could hear a pin drop.

                                            >Luna looks at the scene before her, mouth pressed in a hard, thin line, eyes sweeping the court to survey the effect she's had on her audience.

                                            >"However..."

                                            >The supplicating pony on the ground looks up, and hurriedly wipes the tears from her eyes.

                                            >"It is true indeed that times have been hard, and the crops poor. In Our benevolence, We have decided to grant thee a boon."

                                            >The pony seems to regain some of her composure, and looks up at the princess hopefully.

                                            >"A... A boon, Grand Princess?"

                                            >"Indeed. For two cycles of the moon hence, you and the ponies in your village shall be required to pay only half of your required tithes."

                                            >The pregnant silence of the hall gives way to a low current of murmurs in the crowd, and the supplicant beams happily, fresh tears of happiness welling in her eyes.

                                            >Luna raises an eyebrow.

                                            >"Is this accpetable?"

                                            >"Yes! Yes, of course, Grand Princess! Thank you!"

                                            >Luna allows her stern demeanour to give way to a small smile, for a moment.

                                            >"Very well."

                                            >She turns to one of the advisors seated at her side; an eldery, bespectacled unicorn, holding in his aura a ledger and quill.

                                            >"Magistrate, take note, and inform the treasury of these changes."

                                            >He nods, pokes his glasses further up his muzzle, and scribbles down some notes.


                                            >The following hour or two are passed in pretty much the same manner.

                                            >You would have never thought that you'd end up enjoying seeing politics in action, but Luna's court was something to behold.

                                            >She dispenses her particular brand of justice firmly and with conviction, and you can't help but smile at the spectacle.

                                            >At one point, Luna threatened to cut a young filly in half when two mares both claimed to be its mother.

                                            >Classic.

                                            >Despite the severe manner with which she seemed to conduct her affairs, you notice that every ruling she offers tends towards the side of mercy and generosity, when possible.

                                            >Apart from viciously shutting down the Duke of Trottingham's request for permission to take in more taxes in his lands.

                                            >After a nearly 10 minute-long tirade, the Duke left the hall in tears.

                                            >Finally, the morning court starts to draw to a close, and the majority of petitioners and the court's audience begin to leave the hall, knowing Luna would soon leave as well.

                                            >Indeed, as entertaining as the court was, you started to wonder what you had been summoned here for.


                                            >Just as this question occurs to you, you hear your voice being called from Luna's dais.

                                            >"If he is present, We would summon now to the court an Anonymous, the Human."

                                            >Shocked, you make your way through the crowd, and kneel before Luna's throne.

                                            >"I am here, Grand Princess."

                                            >It had been quite some time since you'd been called to present yourself to the court, and you can feel the eyes of the every pony in the hall boring into your back.

                                            >"Rise, Anonymous. We wish to make a proclamation in your presence."

                                            >You do as she says, and hold your silence in anticipation.

                                            >You look into her eyes, trying to divine some clue as to what she may say.

                                            >As you expected, her face is stern and unreadable, though you could swear you could catch the smallest glint of a smile in her eyes.

                                            >"Up until now, You have been a guest in Our palace, allowed in Our presence on Our whim, and unbeholden to Our customs and rule."

                                            >"However, you have made yourself useful to Us. Your work in the archives has been well done, and you have proven your value to Our kingdom. We call upon any pony here to deny this."

                                            >Luna lets the challenge hang in the air in silence for a moment, as she surveys the assembled nobles and courtiers at her sides.

                                            >With no dissent forthcoming, she continues.

                                            >"In light of your value to Us, we wish to name you Master of Archives and Histories, bound to Us and our court according to Our law and custom."

                                            >"Do you accept?"

                                            "Of course, Your Majesty."

                                            >Luna nods with a small smile.

                                            >"Very well. We shall have you informed of the details of your service in short order. Until then, you may wait on Us, and remain at leisure until you are called for."

                                            >Unable to hold back your smile, you thank the Princess, and leave the hall as gracefully and carefully as you can.


                                            >A wave of giddiness washes over you as you exit the great hall.

                                            >Formally inducted into Luna's court!

                                            >You've been dreaming of that possibility ever since you've taken up residence in Canterlot.

                                            >You were treated well as a guest, of course.

                                            >You had even made something of a friend or two amongst the library staff, and Luna had proven herself to be fantastic company.

                                            >Even so, you had gotten used to the idea of your life here being temporary, and have been dreading the day you'd have to pack up your life once again, and head towards some new horizon.

                                            >At last, thanks to the Princess, you'd been given a chance to settle down and start a life for yourself.

                                            >Definitely not a chance you were going to squander.

                                            >With a new bounce to your step, you head back to your chambers.

                                            >You were told to wait at your leisure, so you were going to retrieve some books from your bag and head to the palace courtyard.

                                            >Maybe get some tea or something on the way there, or grab some food from the palace kitchens.

                                            >You reach your room before too long, and find your used food tray removed, and your bed linens changed and straightened.

                                            >The palace maids never ceased to surprise you with their efficiency.

                                            >You scoop up your bag, grab your wool overcoat, and grab some books in quick order.

                                            >Judging by the view from your window, the weather outside was perfect for reading.

                                            >Smile still on your face and a new bounce in your step, you head back out for the palace halls.


                                            >The palace courtyard as busy as ever; ponies in all manner of dress and garb meander around the stone steps.

                                            >The courtyard itself suffers as much from the general dilapidation of the palace as anywhere else.

                                            >Vines weave their way between crumbling flagstones and acid-washed stone facades, and the pathways are lined with the occasional clump of weeds and overgrowth.

                                            >You've read up on the history of the palace's architecture in your free time.

                                            >Apparently, this courtyard was part of the castle's original construction, made and decorated back in the early days of Celestia's rule.

                                            >Though Luna had given the internal details of the palace her own personal touch over the years of her reign, the outside had been left relatively untouched.

                                            >The years and hardships had eaten away at the courtyard, and though the flora had been recently well tended to by the palace staff, the entire area retained a dilapidated air.

                                            >Funny, how well Luna's castle seemed to fit her personality.

                                            >You set yourself up on an old stone bench under a tree, placing your stoneware tea mug and scone beside you.

                                            >Once again, you find yourself grateful of the palace kitchen's willingness to part with snacks.


                                            >You're not sure how much has passed, exactly, since you've set yourself up with your book and brunch.

                                            >It was an engaging work, mostly covering the events surrounding the failed invasion of Canterlot by Queen Chrysalis and her Changeling army.

                                            >The book carried on for some length concerning the finer points of Changeling military and society, including details about Luna's subsequent victory over and subsumption of the Changeling strongholds.

                                            >So far as you can figure it out, roughly 150 years after the events in Canterlot, Changelings had ceased to make any appearance in Equestrian records, and were taken to have been destroyed.

                                            >You take a sip of lukewarm tea, eyes still glued to the page.

                                            >In your peripheral vision, however, you notice a pony approaching the bench.

                                            >Making note of your progress on the page, you turn to address your new companion.

                                            >He's a younger unicorn, sandy beige with a dark mane, and wrapped in a simple, dark brown habit.

                                            >You've seen him a few times in the palace archives, ferrying books around and organizing the shelves.

                                            >An admirable sort of colt, you think, probably in the employ of the palace caretakers.

                                            "Hello there, young fellow. Pull up some bench."

                                            >You scoot to the side, and pat the stone next to you.

                                            >He accepts the offer, and settles himself down on the bench beside you, smoothing out his habit awkwardly.

                                            >"Hello, Sir... Anonymous, I presume?"

                                            "That's me. Not any kind of 'Sir' though."

                                            >"Well, with all due respect, you are now."

                                            >You ruminate on that for a moment.

                                            >You hadn't taken the time to think about it very much, but if your understanding of court politics was correct, Luna's appointment put you roughly on the same rank as a minor noble.

                                            "I suppose you're right. What, if you don't mind me asking, do they call you?"


                                            >The unicorn draws himself up proudly, puffing out his chest slightly.

                                            >"Ink Blot, at your service sir. I'm a page for the Royal Archives."

                                            "Well, nice to meet you Ink Blot."

                                            >You offer your hand out for him to shake.

                                            >He looks at it for a moment, then back up to you in confusion.

                                            >Oh, right.

                                            "Sorry lad, an old custom from where I'm from. Hold up your hoof, and humour me for a second."

                                            >He does, apprehension clearly drawn out on his face.

                                            >You grab his hoof and shake it, and motion for him to put it back down again.

                                            >He looks slightly perturbed, but seemed to be relieved that he got his hoof back in one piece.

                                            "Right, now that we're introduced properly, to what do I owe the pleasure, Ink Blot?"

                                            >"Well Sir Anonymous, I've been sent to fetch you for the Grand Princess. Your presence is requested in her personal study, to discuss your appointment."

                                            "Oh, excellent!"

                                            >Excitedly, you snap your book shut, and quickly place it in your bag, alongside your empty mug.

                                            >You shoulder your bag, brush the dirt off the backside of your court clothes, and look to your new guide.

                                            >"Lead the way then, Sir Ink Blot."

                                            >He nods resolutely, and clearly taking pride in his sacred task given to him by the Princess herself, sets off towards the palace interior with you in tow.


                                            >About fifteen minutes of winding hallways and stairways later, you're at the door to the Royal Wing of the castle.

                                            >You've been allowed inside occasionally, mostly to entertain Luna and accompany her in evening studies.

                                            >The grand oaken door, hung on a great framework of black iron set with fine silver filigree, is guarded by the ever-present bat-like guards.

                                            >"State your business."

                                            >Your comrade gulps nervously, intimidated by the guards.

                                            >By now, you knew them by name, and they recognized you as an individual in the high regard and trust of the Princess, and would let you pas the doors with so little as a quick word of greeting.

                                            >Still, you thought it was best for Ink Blot to confront the guards formally.

                                            >"I come with Sir Anonymous, as per the Grand Princess's summons."

                                            >Shakily, he grabs a note from a pocket inside his habit with his aura, and presents it to the guard.

                                            >He reads it, turns it over, reads it again, passes it to his partner (who then reads it two or three times himself), and presents it back to the sweating Ink Blot.

                                            >"You may enter."

                                            >He taps the butt of his spear against the door three times, and with an ominously slow creak, it opens wide.

                                            >"Th-Thank you."

                                            "You ought to get those hinges oiled, Nocturne."

                                            >Eliciting a faint smile from the guardspony, you and your companion pass the threshold of the wing, and head to Princess Luna's study.

                                            >Most of the castle is dressed in bare stone, only the occasional sombre tapestry and stained glass window breaking the monotonous greys.

                                            >Luna's personal wing, however, is a riot of colour by comparison.

                                            >Beautifully coloured stained glass windows cover the walls, letting the sun's light dance in colourful prisms on the rich carpets lining the floors.

                                            >Many of the decorations were tattered and aged, and almost every window had been cracked and repaired multiple times over the years.

                                            >Still, it was incredibly comfortable, and the surroundings welcomed you to the moon princess's presence as warmly and happily as if it were your very own home.


                                            >Eventually, the two of you arrive at the door of the Grand Princess's study.

                                            >It's a stout oak door, worn smooth and dull with age.

                                            >You look to your companion, and he looks back to you nervously.

                                            >With a shrug, you knock softly on the door, and are answered by a familiar voice from within the room.

                                            >"A moment, if you will."

                                            >In short order, the door creaks open, and you find yourself before Princess Luna.

                                            >Drawn up to her full height and standing proudly before you, you're once again struck by her size.

                                            >While the ponies you often found yourself in the company of rarely came up past your waist, Luna is almost the size of a fully grown horse from your homeland, and is tall enough to comfortably look you in the eye.

                                            >She's dressed in her peytral and crown, and her graying, starlight-infused mane is draped across her withers elegantly

                                            >You give her a small bow.

                                            "My princess."

                                            >In contrast, your compatriot prostrates himself on the floor before her.

                                            >"Grand Princess Luna, it is an honour."

                                            >She chuckles warmly, and beckons him back up with her hoof.

                                            >"It's quite alright, young one. We're glad to see our summons reached the two of you with all due haste. Rise, if you will, and come with Us."

                                            >Ink Blot does as she commands, and trots nervously into the study behind you and the Princess.

                                            >The study itself is richly decorated with carpets and various pieces of portraiture, hung between voluminous shelves filled to bursting with books of every description.

                                            >At a glance, you can tell the contents of this room are valuable beyond words.


                                            >On the desk in the centre of the room, you notice a mug steaming beside a small plate of food, next to a richly decorated burgundy-covered book, adorned with the golden silhouettes of two unicorns.

                                            >You'd never seen such a book before, even when you'd visited the study in the past.

                                            >You knew you'd have to ask Luna about it, when you had the time.

                                            >"Sir Anonymous."

                                            >You snap back to attention at the princess's address.

                                            >There would be time another day, after all, to investigate books.

                                            "Yes, my Princess."

                                            >"I trust you were pleased by your appointment?"

                                            "Yes, Princess. I am beyond honoured. Though, I can't help but be concerned at the oddity of it all. There wasn't dissent in the court at giving a human title?"

                                            >Luna laughs merrily, raising a hoof to her mouth in mild embarrassment.

                                            >"Naturally. There are those in Our court who desire to keep the palace... Pure. Why, We have quite a few Counts and Dukes stubbornly maintaining that office should be held solely by Unicorns."

                                            >The Princess sighs softly and rolls her eyes.

                                            >"The Bluebloods in particular were staunch opponents. Quite a frustrating ordeal. In the end, however, they all acceded to Our will, as they must."

                                            >She looks down to the young Ink Blot, and starts pacing around the room.

                                            >"Now, We're certain the two of you are wondering about the specifics of your office, and why exactly We've called you here."

                                            >"At your leisure, my Princess."


                                            >"Well, the first order of business is thus: That Anonymous (at this, she nods at you, and fixes you with her icy-grey eyes) shall be formally employed in maintaining the upkeep and organization in good order of the Archives."

                                            >"Furthermore, you shall be called upon to undertake any academic project We require of you, chiefly involving the writing and cataloguing of the Royal Histories. These projects, of course, are to be subject to Our desires in addition to your professional skills and discretion."

                                            >So far, it didn't seem like Luna was asking you to do anything which you weren't doing in some degree already, for which you were pretty grateful.

                                            >You were worried that you'd be given a boatload of new responsibilities and tasks, but so far, the appointment seemed as cozy as you could ever want.

                                            >Not that you would have turned down extra work in exchange for the opportunity to stay at the castle, of course.

                                            >"One final thing."

                                            >She looks at Ink Blot, who's been staring at her expectantly since she'd begun her speech.

                                            >"The young Ink Blot here will be formally appointed as your page, student, and assistant. Teach him what you know, Sir Anonymous, and acquaint him with the libraries, as well as your works. We've been told he's a bright young colt, and We're sure he won't disappoint you."

                                            >Surprised, you look down at Ink Blot, who's looking at the Princess like she'd just announced he was to be crowned King of the World.

                                            >"Thank you Princess, thank you so much! I promise, I won't let you two down, I swear I won't!"

                                            >He hops excitedly on the spot for a moment, cheering and whooping, before he suddenly remembers his company, and sits back down ashamedly.

                                            >"I mean, I'm honoured, Grand Princess."

                                            >"We're certain you are, young one. Now, go down to the kitchens and get yourself something to eat, and be sure to be up bright and early tomorrow, when Sir Anonymous will require you."

                                            >Ink Blot bows, thanking the princess enthusiastically, before making his leave.


                                            >With just you and Princess Luna left, she lets out a breath, and lets some of her stern composure drop off her shoulders.

                                            >She grabs her peytral and crown in her aura, and sets them on her desk, and stretches out her neck in a very un-royal fashion.

                                            >"There, that's much more comfortable."

                                            >She sets herself down on a chaise lounge in a corner of the room, and looks at you expectantly, a wide smile on her face.

                                            >"Well? What do you think?"

                                            >You smile, and pull up a chair next to the chaise.

                                            "I think I can't thank you enough, Princess. Really, I owe you."

                                            >She crooks her head at you, her smile growing more playful.

                                            >I believe We gave you instruction on how you were to address Us in private?"

                                            >You blush, the memory of the previous night returning to you.

                                            "R-right, my apologies. Thank you, Luna."

                                            >"Think nothing of it, Anonymous. It's the least We can do for... for such a friend as you've been to Us."

                                            "Still, Luna, I'm honoured. Thank you, again. If there's anything I can ever do for you, please, let me know."

                                            >At your words, Luna turns away from you and towards her window, staring into the sun beyond.

                                            >The stained glass filters the sunlight into lambent streaks of aquamarine and pink, which dance across Luna's solemn features.

                                            >"There may be something We'll ask of you, Anonymous. A book you must write, when the time comes."

                                            >She turns to you, her expression still sombre and melancholy.

                                            >"When we are ready. Until then, do as you will, and attend to your new pupil."


                                            >Curious about this new development, but knowing not to press the Princess for information you know she won't give, you simply nod in agreement.

                                            >"Of course, Luna. I will."

                                            >You lean back in your chair, and let yourself soak in the sunlight trickling in through the window, taking the ambient aromas of old books and Luna's particular perfumed musk.

                                            "Impressive display today, by the way. You do know how to work an audience."

                                            >Luna grimaces, and looks down abashedly.

                                            >"We take no pleasure in the necessities of court, Anonymous. It pains Us to be as harsh as we are with the poor folk, and wish it were not necessary."

                                            >She sighs deeply, and curls herself into a small lump on the chaise.

                                            >If only Equestria were not in such dire need, and ponies could live as happily as they once did. Alas, such is the world We live in, that such things cannot be.

                                            >You get up off your chair, and place yourself on the newly-opened spot next to Luna on the chaise, and rest a hand on her flank.

                                            "Well, Equestria's lucky to have a princess who can do what you do, and who still cares for her subjects as much as she does."

                                            >Luna looks up into your eyes, smiles gratefully, and rests her head on your lap.

                                            >"Thank you, Anonymous. You're far too kind."

                                            >She raises her eyes to the window once more, and after a moment, closes them again with a sigh.

                                            >"All We can do is attempt to follow the examples set before Us."

                                            >You have nothing to say to that, so you let yourself relax on the chaise, stroking her main gently.

                                            >Time afterwards passes languidly, the two of you resting together in silence in the golden glow of the slowly setting afternoon sun.

                                            >You've felt no need to leave, and Luna seems to appreciate your company and comfort.


                                            >The moment had to end some time, however, and Luna eventually raises her head off your lap, giving a small yawn and blinking blearily.

                                            >"Alas, there are still court matters to attend to today. Were it otherwise, We'd gladly spend an afternoon in thine company, Anonymous."

                                            "Of course, Luna, I understand. You have a state to run, after all."

                                            >She nods sagely, and gets off the chaise lounge, stretching and working the cricks out of her neck.

                                            >"Quite so."

                                            "Will I see you in the garden tonight, perhaps?"

                                            >We're afraid not, unfortunately. The day is long, and even the Princess of the Night needs to sleep."

                                            "Of course; you get grumpy when you're tired."

                                            >"And We wouldn't want that, would we?"

                                            >Luna grins at you playfully, and moves in to brush her withers against you.

                                            >"You make sure you get your rest as well, Sir Anonymous. We expect you to be a busy man over the next few months."


                                            >She wasn't kidding.

                                            >The next couple of weeks see you consistently awake hours earlier than you normally would be, asked without end to attend on ponies' requests for books, information, research assistance, and all other manner of contrived nuisances.

                                            >By and large, your own work carries on much the same as it has been since you've settled in the castle, only now you're held accountable to the needs of dozens of library-goers.

                                            >Fortunately, your new assistant was quick to prove himself a valuable asset to your new line of work.

                                            >Somehow, he had what seemed to be an encyclopedic knowledge of the archive's contents, and was able to guide ponies through the aisles without a second thought.

                                            >You'd asked him about how he spent his free time, and apparently, he had been even more of a bookworm than you.

                                            >He had a tendency to go quiet when asked about his family, or where he lived, so you'd learned not to press the matter.

                                            >You weren't quite sure how she knew, but you were certain Luna had picked the young colt for this job personally,

                                            >Once again, you couldn't help but admire the Princess' kindness.

                                            >The week progresses into a long, tired fortnight, which slowly idles into a thin, drawn month.

                                            >Time blurs by in a rush of busywork, research, and spending time with your young compatriot, and you realize that you've barely seen the Princess since you've gotten your appointment.

                                            >Of course, as the long nights carry on, you're asked occasionally to assist her with the odd piece of research, and you're called into her study now and again to discuss your work, or to catch up on the Ink Blot's progress.

                                            >Other than that, you haven't spent much time at all with the Princess.

                                            >You've both been busy, of course. You could hardly blame her for her absence in your life.

                                            >Still, the time you shared with her in the moonlit garden and spent casually relaxing with her in her study have been weighing on your mind, and you've found yourself wondering when you'd be able to spend time with her again.

                                            >At the back of your mind, as well, you've been wondering about the project Luna wanted you to work on, and what was recorded in that mysterious, burgundy book left on her desk.