"This emergency council is called to session. Presiding is Princess Celestia, Sol Invictus, leader of Equestria. Visiting diplomats include Steel Talon of the Swiftwind Aerie, Eagle Eye of the Farseele..." Celestia listened as the speaker droned on, announcing everyone present for the meeting. In the corner of the room a scribe sat with a quill contained in his magic furiously scribbling away. She split her focus, keeping one half on the opening proceedings while the rest turned inwards to her thoughts. Even before being forced to banish Luna, Celestia had mastered the ability to divide her attention in such a manner that let her hear everything in the environment while still going deep into thought.
Celestia thought back to the lunch she had somewhat forced Shining Armor to attend. Although nervous at first, he had opened up after a bit of plying on Celestia's end and some prodding from Cadance.
"So, Shining Armor. Tell me, what do you plan to do when you're older?" Celestia asked the nervous young stallion before they had even left the hospital.
After much stammering and reassurance from Cadance, Shining had finally replied to her. "I w-want to be a Royal Guard." Celestia looked him over critically without changing her expression from the warm smile she was showing.
"Oh? Could you tell me why you want to be one of my guards? From what I understand, most young stallions aspire towards other activities first." She was genuinely curious, as well as enjoying the rather awkward yet refreshing conversation. It had been far too long since she'd simply talked with somepony.
"W-well," Shining began, slowly building up confidence, "my uncle was a guard in Manehatten. He was kinda my role model, big, strong, really cool and all that. He saved a lot of ponies, even though he ultimately died because of it..." he trailed off, thinking about his family. "I also wanted to join so I could be here and protect my family..."
"I now yield the floor to Captain Shield."
"Thank you, Mono Tone. The first thing I'd like to cover is the initial incident which forced us to call this meeting into session..."
Cadance locked her hoof with Shining's as they entered into one of the corridors of the castle, gently nuzzling his side and pointedly ignoring the few ponies who gaped at her actions. Celestia felt a mix of warmth and pain as those actions brought forth memories of her own. "Shining Armor, I'm truly sorry about the loss of your parents. You have no other family besides your sister now, from what I understand?"
"No, Princess. My uncle was the last family outside of my parents and Twily, and he passed away two years ago... It's just me and Twily, now." He said dejectedly, hanging his head slightly as he allowed Cadance to guide his steps.
Celestia stopped in front of a door, the guard posted outside her private dining room opening the door for her. The trio walked into the room, where a small table held a pitcher of water on the center of it. A pony greeted them and asked them their preference for lunch.
"Now, the intelligence reports on Highmount Aerie from one week ago showed a force of..."
After their orders had been placed, Celestia noted that Shining Armor was still in a poor mood, and decided that now was as good a time as any to broach the subject she wished to enquire about. "I must ask. How old are you and Twilight?"
Shining looked puzzled for a moment, buying himself a moment with a sip of water. "Twilight is five, Princess, and I'm fifteen." He paused a moment, then asked a question of his own. "Why do you want to know our ages?"
Celestia took a quick sip of her tea, doing her best to keep him calm as she smiled at him. "With you and Twilight having no immediate family, typically the situation would warrant putting you both under the care of an orphanage, pending any extraneous circumstances." Celestia noticed the panicked look in his eye and quickly launched into the next part of her statement. "However, I have something I would like to do, although both you and Twilight would have to agree to it."
Shining calmed down, and a look of understanding came into Cadance's eyes as she looked between them both. "What... can you do?" He quietly asked Celestia, doing his best to keep from shaking.
"Latest intelligence reports show that nearly every gryphon in Highmount has fled after their king's actions came to light. The total occupancy is estimated to be at two dozen, and that is the high end number. Resistance can be considered as next to nothing, especially if we bring overbearing force down on top of them..."
"Let me first ask you this, as it is quite possibly a thought within your mind right now. Would you adopt her yourself and look after her, if you could? From what little information I've gleamed, your parents have a residence here in Canterlot, and the compensation from the Crown and their wealth combined would allow you to focus on raising Twilight."
Shining's eyes brightened at the realization of what Celestia had just mentioned. "I could look after Twily myself?" He asked, almost not believing it. A simple nod from Celestia was all the confirmation he needed, and he widely smiled and let out a whoop of joy before turning a small shade of pink as he remembered who he was talking to. A few moments later, however, his smile turned back into a frown. "But, I could still join the guard, right?"
Cadance, who had been versed in many things related to Equestrian society due to her status as an alicorn, was the one to speak this time. "Shiny... You'd probably have to give up that dream, at least until your sister was much older and could care for yourself. You really couldn't hire a foal-sitter, either. The fastest anypony has completed the training required for the Royal Guard has been," Cadance hesitantly looked towards Celestia before continuing in a questioning tone, "right over two months. You'd be gone for the whole time, too."
Celestia nodded to Cadance, a small smile gesturing that she was indeed correct. "What Cadance has said is true, young stallion. If you truly desire to raise Twilight, it is possible. However, it would be your job as she would come first and foremost. Even," Celestia between Cadance and Shining, raising an eyebrow somewhat suggestively, "certain activities would have to come second to Twilight."
Shining's face fell even further, dismay the only visible emotion. "But, the guard... it's what I've wanted to do even before my I got my cutie mark..."
"And so, with such a depleted... garrison, if the word is even applicable to a group composed of mostly elderly and ill gryphons, I foresee that, no matter the decision, we will have an easy time with the execution of whatever final plan we move forward with. The only casualties I foresee are the one or two greenhorns who manage to foolishly sprain a hoof or injure themselves doing some inane activity." Shield concluded his speech, focusing his attention to Celestia.
"Princess, I yield the floor and the final proposition to you."
Celestia paused her thoughts on the lunch and quickly sifted through all of the words that had been exchanged at this meeting. "Everypony and everyone, thank you for the information. I have a solution that I believe will work best. The loss of any life is a tragedy, and some might believe that bloodshed calls for bloodshed.
"Ambassador Steel Talon, I believe that in the past three years, you have been wronged the most of the aeries surrounding the Highmount lands. Ambassador Eagle Eye, you yourself have suffered injustices at the claws of the king there as well. Both of your Aeries border Highmount, and so my suggestion is as follows.
"The Third Company will move on Highmount and demand a full surrender upon their arrival. However, Equestria has no use for the land that best serves gryphons. As such, The Swiftwind and Farseele Aeries will take joint custody of King Highmount and equally divide his lands amongst themselves. Together, with an official of Equestria present, your aeries will pass down judgement upon his head. I am assured that it will fit the bill of his collected crimes against Equestria and your aeries. Also, I would ask that in return for Equestria taking no claim over the land, negotiations will be had at a later date to exchange goods and services equivalent to fifteen percent of the yield these new lands provide." Celestia wrapped up her speech and looked towards the two gryphons as they turned towards each other and spoke in hushed whispers.
"Princess Celestia," Eagle Eye began, his voiced filled with humility, "as always, you prove once more that your judgement is both sound and wise. As the representative of the Farseele Aerie, I find your plan most agreeable."
"And I speak for the Swiftwind Aerie when I say that, even without the land, we would have agreed. The chance to put the 'King,'" Steel mockingly said, anger seeping in his tone, "of Highmount before a tribunal at last is more than worth anything you might ask."
"Then, let it be noted," Mono Tone spoke once more, bringing the proceedings to an end, "that this decision has been solved, and it's recourse. A transcript of this meeting will be made available to all affected parties within three days. Everyone, this emergency council is now closed." A shuffling of hooves and claws signaled the beginning departure of the many attendees as Shield walked to where Celestia still sat.
"Princess, on your order they'll be ready to move out." Shield quietly spoke as Celestia rose from her seat. "Although, I might question your decision to have him jointly tried by the gryphons rather than here in Equestria. Surely he'll be sentenced to death, no?" They both exited the council chambers, warm sunlight filtered through stained glass windows striking their eyes.
Celestia sighed, turning her head slightly to bring Shield fully into view. "That was indeed the point of it, Captain. We have not had death as a penalty for nearly one thousand years, and he deserves such. It is also a much better alternative than me misusing my power to make him pay. Although I would be more than justified in dropping a small piece of the sun on the land, the fallout from me using my strength in such a fashion would be a political nightmare at best." Celestia let her mind's attention split once more as she began the trek to her study, the captain in tow.
"So, you see, that's why I'd like to make you both Wards of the Crown. With you housed at Solid Spear's Academy, there won't be much more beyond some paperwork and the occasional visit from your acting legal guardian. This way, you can still join the Royal Guard, and Twilight will be raised here. Plus, Cadance is great around children, so often times she'll be the one looking after your sister." Celestia finished, noting a look between dismay and excitement on Cadance's face.
Cadance nudged Shining's side, moving her head close to his ear and whispering at such a low volume Celestia was unable to hear them from across the table. She stopped talking, and after a few moments he nodded his head.
"Princess, thank you... I'm sure once Twily wakes up, she'll be thrilled to meet Cadance. We've just started seeing each other, and hadn't even told anypony yet. It's nice to know that she'll be able to look after my sister when I can't be there." Shining slowly replied, sinking into his cushion.
"You and your sister deserve the best Equestria can offer after what happened to your parents, Shining Armor." Celestia paused, looking at Cadance. "Now, you mentioned you've been keeping your newfound relationship with my niece a secret. We need to talk about that..."
Shield quietly pondered on her words as they drew closer to her private study. "I see. That does make sense, and this method has us achieving further rapport with some of the more influential aeries."
Celestia paused before the door, having arrived at her destination. "Exactly." She passed the threshold into the study and turned to face him. "The Third Company is authorized to proceed tomorrow morning, Captain. Now, I must attend to yet more paperwork." Shield was left alone in the corridor as the door closed.
great so far
Pretty good. I like the idea of war-like relations in between Gryphons and Ponies.
Also, the situation in between Twilight and Shining... Brilliant, just brilliant.
I'd love to see more of it. Keep up the good work.
Heh mono tone, great name for any boring speaker.
Also Sol Invictus? Invincible Sun? That's the most subtle thing I've ever heard Celestia be called, right up there with "dea solarus" or whatever it was from the Lines and Webs series. I probably just mashed two different ones together there by accident but I don't care enough to check right now.
This story is really getting interesting. I like how you moved between the two separate scenes so frequently without it being confusing or jarring to the reader. From what I'm reading, you're really managing to make Celestia look like a deep character, showing affection and care for her subjects while still keeping a stern and logical exterior. I'm really excited to see how her interaction with Twilight goes, and see how their relationship develops.
Overall, great story, and keep up the good work
I like how things have been playing out so far, though I admit I am very interested to see what impact all this will have on Twilight.
That is one hell of ability to remember and analyse a meeting after zoning out into inner thoughts. I like it!
Love how it seems that most Gryphons abandoned their "King" after he pissed off Equestria. Self-preservation instincts at maximum efficiency!
And it was quite a political trick of Celestia's to pass the judgement and punishment to other Aeries. Especially since Equestrian justice system is less severe.
It's actually quite telling that Celestia wanted him dead.
All in all, very good way to wrap this arc up and allow to focus on Twilight. Can't wait for that!
Keep up the good work!
Mono Tone, nice.
Interesting solution for the kids. It didn't occur to me that both Shining and Twilight would become wards of the crown, but it makes sense. One question, though, do they get any titles out of the process?
3006703 there have been a few stories that have had one of her titles as such but usually it's one of those things where it's "DUH!"
"Mono Tone" ouch! poor pony
nice and smooth transitions between memory and meeting also, nice way to put down a enemy without dirtying your own hooves
Sol Invictus? Should probably be Sol Invicta, shouldn't it?
"herself"
Didn't find much else, but I am tried after a night of not sleeping.
I would think that the gryphons involved in the attack on the Equestrian diplomats would be tried for war crimes since some did torture a filly. Those would probably be the ones to stand with their king to the end or flee to cause pain elsewhere since they clearly have a sadistic streak.
3007080
Or Sola Invictae...
Meanwhile, very nice job at showing her as a diplomat par excellance.
Constructive criticism huh? Unfortunately I can't much find much I didn't like about this story. This Celestia is not like the main 'verse one but thats the point and i like how she can be complex and not just "I can't connect with ponies" as her only feature.
I really hope that Shining and Cadence will continue to play big roles within the story and that we see Twilight awaken soon, she will have a lot to deal with. Hopefully we can see the support from Cadence,Shining and Celestia (kinda the synopsis of the story, so is very likely)
Looking forward to next chapter
too short
Like I said when you showed me the half done part... The way you intertwined the past and present is very well done.
Plus, the resolution to the whole griffon issue is also something I could see done.
All in all, I liked this chapter.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Can't wait for when she has to make friends
Okay, replying to new and old comments alike, I really need to do a better job staying on top of this.
2990699
Thanks. Was going for that added bit of clarity, kinda flying by the seat of my pants with this story. Glad it was conveyed appropriately.
2992603
I'll admit that I'm probably suffering slightly from not planning this out and more writing it by the seat of my pants, as one might say. However, I don't want to show her so detached that she'd play chess with her ponies. I was aiming for the disconnect to solely be on a personal level, and even if I am portraying her as a bit 'warm' a bit too fast, there's still a lot of play room that I have in that regard.
As for your remark with the other element bearers, that's kinda a tricky thing. In the show, they're all already there, and the only one of them all that I would say has truly the desire to be there without any interference would be Applejack. The other four are all questionable, and the show only gives glimpses at a potential reason for one or two them to be in Ponyville. However, my personal hatred of the Tyrantlestia approach to things is going to keep me from having her manipulate events to such a degree.
I suppose, the initial shock of her looking at how Twilight could bring back Luna, and then noticing how injured Twilight was, was enough of a shock to me to justify her realizing that disconnect. It'll take time and a lot of awkward moments to fully close it, but that's part of the story. I might have wandered off what I was trying to say, but hopefully this makes sense to you. Thanks for the honest feedback.
2993726
I'll be addressing the exact reasoning in a bit, I promise. Had a friend raise the same question, and for the sake of avoiding a massive info dump all at once, I'm spacing things out a little bit.
2994293>>2999185>>3006686
Thanks for the kind words, hopefully won't be too long before the next chapter.
3006694
Glad you like it. I wanted a resolution that would end the situation with the gryphons and didn't require any further screen time. Figured that this would work out well for that purpose.
3006703
Yeah, call it a moment of inspiration. I think I might need to fill out his character more and have him reoccur from time to time.
As for the name, probably... I just needed some sort of title, and in a sense, although typically taken for a more war-like aspect, it could also stand for how she is the immortal guardian of Equestria and/or the day. Subtle, not really. Double meanings? Sure, why not.
3006715
thanks. The point of how I structured it was to keep the focus on what the story was about and not move it to the gryphon bit. That seemed to be a good approach, and it seems to have worked.
3006726
Next chapter she'll be waking up for the first time. Then, things can really get moving.
3006774
Thanks for all the kind words, glad you liked how I worked that situation with the gryphons. I have this notion of Celestia feeling like using her power for retribution is kind of like that first step down the path of a tyrant. It's best to find better solutions.
3006960
Indeed, moment of inspiration. After sitting through a few briefings myself, it made perfect sense. Introductions are always boring.
And as for titles, none really come with being wards. Note how I mentioned that there was going to be an acting legal guardian over Shining Armor. It's not until adoption that titles would come. I mean, with Cadance, she became the niece of Celestia and thus a princess (probably going to go into her backstory at some point and further explain the how of that), and Blueblood (yes, he's here, somewhere) is a prince.
3006990
Glad you liked it
3007154>>3007080
I used Google Translate, so... Yeah, never seems to come out right.
Valhuir, thanks for the words as well
3007140
Thanks as always, Four
3007275
Some folks can find stuff, others can't. Honestly, the more that can't, the happier I am with it. Glad you're enjoying it so far as well! Shining and Cadance will indeed be playing prominent roles to some degree, yes. I finally get the chance to explore their characters, damn sure gonna take the time to do so!
3007649
Bromance, Skeeter. All of it, take it.
3007662
It'll be... fun!
3007683 Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun funfunfunfnfunfnfunfunufnffunfnu!!!
3007683
You always had my respect and bromance, dude. You know that.
Let me know when the next chapter is a good bit done so I can give my thoughts.
~Skeeter The Lurker
3007683 Ah, gotcha. I suspect that when I saw "acting legal guardian" I read it as "Celestia" and assumed there would be more of a connection from the start.
Any chance of reading the execution if only to see if he got what he deserved.
3007801
Sorry, but no. That's not the focus of the story, nor does it fall underneath the genre of the story. This was simply me wrapping up something rather than shoving it under a rug.
3007821
I think this about sums this up
Sol Invictus....great...Now I am thinking Celestia is the Unconquered Sun
I was hoping for twilight to be slightly more crippled, But oh well
24.media.tumblr.com/f245835937b51797f83131639bba25ce/tumblr_mhf1scka6f1s4wlbio1_400.gif
3007829 Meh that's a bit disappointing But oh well I will just use my imagination.
3008553
wrong person to quote, but yeah. It was never supposed to be anything more than a plot device, thus why in this chapter you barely see any of the meeting deciding about how to respond. Imagination is a good thing, we're supposed to use it. So, let it rip loose. : )
3007683
No problem. Brian Core brings up some good issues as well.
3007950 I may think your comment is unnecessary, but where the heck did you get that gif from?
3008611 Meh forgot to use it instead played world of tanks.
Great fic so far! Now I'd like to see some Twilight though. Keep up the good work!
To be honest I think the most enjoyable and refreshing thing about this chapter is the decision and the thoughts behind the decision for dealing with the Griffin "king". It shows a great deal of how the world interacts with one another politically in Equestria and I believe it is probably smarter to do it the way Celestia prescribes rather than having her start a war on her own or start another "talk" with the king
3008635 If my comment is unnecessary then your comment pointing out just how unnecessary it actually is must be even more unnecessary
media.tumblr.com/c89200c92c43dc1af9058af2fe846b01/tumblr_inline_mq9wqhSuH21qz4rgp.jpg
And I got it from the internet
I like your pacing and I like your characterization. Only thing I didn't like was the view swaps, but a writer needs to try all manner of things, and I can live with that. Even your "ooc" Celestia in chapter one is not only ok by me, but almost necessary to her having her epiphany that makes her want to take Twilight in.
All in all, nicely done.
3015702
Was more of an attempt to ensure the focus remained on the key points of the story, rather than an event that was simply introduced as a plot device and is quickly being resolved without being forgotten. Still, it was a first try. Don't think I'll be using it again, unless I have some other event I want eclipsed by the story's focus.
Thanks for the words and such, glad you're [mostly] enjoying it so far.
3010101
Glad you liked that interaction. I thought on it a little, and that made the most sense, kept it resolved, and made it to where I no longer needed to bring it up. At least, how they're dealing with it. As far as the story is concerned, it's now a moot point and doesn't need anymore time up front.
Thanks for the words, glad you're enjoying so far.
3015903
Oh don't get me wrong. I'm enjoying the story thoroughly. It's just a small hiccup with the writing style I didn't like... Even then its more a lack of like than a presence of dislike. I blame Eldest and its pov swaps right as something big was about to happen.
3036962
You're not the first person to mention the disconnect between summary and first impressions, I might have to change that up, either with a clarification or rewording of the summary.
As for the plot-hole in existence, I've got a situation to address it. It might not be the best, but it'll give solid explanation as well as some set-up for future events. As far as backstory, it's closer to canon than anything else. Becoming One With the Night is its own contained universe.
Thanks for the feedback!
Clever on Celestia's part, getting the death and justice she wants in such a roundabout way. Only complaint I can think of is Shining's hesitation in looking over his sister, but that might be my own viewpoints influencing that *shrugs*. Nicely done :)
Was getting confused when celestia said shining would adopt twi. That sounded weird
But I enjoyed this chapter and I'm glad that bastard gryphon who caused twilight's parents 's deaths will pay
I look forward to he next chapter, where I assume twi has awoken and learns everything... Though I don't look forward to how sad she'll be when she learns her parents are gone
I think you meant to say "could care for herself", there are a few other little mistakes, but this one was the first of the bigger ones I noticed.
So one thing you haven't talked about yet was why twilights parents were there to get killed with their daughter no less I can't really picture a parent jumping for joy taking there child to a potential enemy country that could and ironically did attack and kill them. Just to bring up this little knit picky thing that's been bothering me.
Usually I don't like AU's. For this, I'm making an exception.
This story is really good~ =3
6470673
What ifs can be fun.