A Strange New World CH1

>You wake up disorientated, your mind reeling in confusion as you take in the room around you.

>As your mind catches up with your body, you remember the events of the previous day and the situation you were in.

>The remaining soreness in your body served as a reminder of the battle that had brought you here and your chance reunion with Solaire.

>Getting up from the bed, you crack your joints with a satisfying pop before looking around.

>Pacing around the room, you examine each work of furniture carefully, curiously examining your surroundings.

>The quality of the finely-crafted furniture intrigues you as you run a gloved hand along the room’s table, marveling at the craftsmanship.

>A lifetime of trudging through ruined townships had left the sight of intact furniture quite foreign to you and so the coziness of the room was a pleasant surprise.

>The sound of city bustle catches your attention, enticing you to peer out the window

>As you walk towards it to observe the outside world, a sudden knock on the door causes you to jump.

>Your hand reaches for your sword on reflex, a motion fine tuned by years of combat.

“Who is it?” you bark, challenging the unknown presence behind the door.

>You tense as the door swings open, revealing an armour-clad pony.

>”Good morning, Anonymous,” the guard says roughly, his eyes regarding you with suspicion.

“Who might you be?”

>”I’m the guard who’s been assigned to accompany you on the castle grounds.”

“Does the guard who’s to accompany me have a name to identify with?” you inquire, your grip on your sword hilt loosening slightly.

>”The name’s Stainless Steel” he replies.

>You blink in surprise, the ridiculousness of the name catching you off guard.

“I beg your pardon?”

>”My name is Stainless Steel,” the guard repeats in annoyance. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No, I just didn’t expect such a title,” you say with a laugh.   

>”I could say the same about you, pal. ‘Anonymous’ as a name makes you sound like a shady criminal on the run.”

“Well aren’t you an impetuous one!” you splutter. “Are all beings in this land as rude as you?”

>”The Princess has not yet fully detailed what happened yesterday, so I'm going by what I'm seeing right now," he answers, continuing to eye you down.  

"So is that the reason you are eyeing me so suspiciously? Do you really think that I'd be welcome here by the princess, in a private room mind you, if I was to do something?

>The guard shakes his head at you.

>"No, that's not it. The fact of the manner is that it's extremely offputting for me to see somepony the princess invites to be having a sword on them, no less in a ready stance to attack when answering a door."

“Where I hail from, being attacked is part of the daily routine, and I’m still not sure what to make of this new world.”

>”Well, I think you’ll find that Equestria is a much more amicable place than wherever you came from,” the guard says confidently. “And I’d bet your friend Solaire would vouch for that as well.”

“I’ll be sure to ask him then,” you say, the grip on your sword hilt relaxing. “Where is Solaire, anyway?”

>”I’m not sure, he could be in the barracks, or the armory, or any number of places.”

“Damn. I was hoping to talk with him at the earliest moment…”

>”You’ll get your chance later, no doubt. As it so happens, Princess Celestia requested your presence in her private quarters, as soon as possible.”

“Celestia is looking for me? I suppose it’d better make company with her then, I’d hate to keep her waiting.”

>As you begin to walk out the door, the guard holds a hoof up to your chest.

>”Sorry, but before we go anywhere, you’ll have to ditch the weaponry,” he says, nodding to your sheathed sword.

“Excuse me?”

>”We can’t have everypony running around with a sword or a dagger, can we?” the guard says with a sigh. “It’d be counterintuitive to the safety of the princesses. Only guards are permitted to carry weapons around the castle. No exceptions.”

>As you fold your arms in annoyance, his frown softens.

>”Look, the chances of us being attacked in our castle are next to zero. You don’t have anything to worry about your safety, we guarantee it,” the guard insists. “We’ll even perform any repairs to your equipment that you may need, as we have a blacksmith located on the castle grounds.”

>With an annoyed groan of defeat, you untie the sheath from your belt, setting it onto the bed. The dagger on your chest comes next, landing on the bed with a soft thump.

>”Is that all?”

“Yes, that’s it,” you begin. “No, wait! I forgot something.”

>Reaching down, you unclasp your bottomless box, prompting a curious look from the guard.

>”What’s that you’ve got there?” he asks with a slight hesitance.

“It’s a bottomless box,” you reply bluntly.

>”Oh, I see. Er… what does it do?”

>You blink, surprised at the guard’s naivety of the box. Did they not have such items in Equestria?

“It’s a magical container that can hold an infinite amount of just about anything. Food, healing items, weaponry and armour, there’s no limit to what you can store inside.”

>The guard gives you a disbelieving look, an eyebrow raised.

>”Right… Well, if you have any other weapons left on your person, you’d better leave them here.”

>You shrug, before unlatching the box’s lock and reaching in. You might as well take advantage of their services while the offer remains open.

>The guard remains unimpressed as you pull out a parrying dagger, before you toss it onto the bed beside your sword.

>His look of contempt is quickly replaced by disbelief as you reach back in, pulling out a spiked mace, his eyes widening at the blood-stained tips.

>You carefully set it with the rest of your gear before reaching back in, rummaging around for the rest.

>Next, out comes your double-handed claymore; weathered but reliable.

>Crescent axes, oriental swords, and scythes all join the pile, stacking high as the guard gapes silently at you.

>The array of weapons moves from the table to the floor, as you struggle to make room for them.

>As the stockpile of weapons on your person diminishes, you finish the weapon buildup with your most impressive blade: a massive, double-headed axe which you had claimed off a Black Knight during your trek through Lordran.

>Struggling to keep your balance with the huge, black iron monster, you quickly set it down against the wall, before taking a step back.

>You had kept a side sword, bastard sword, and halberd in the box as a token of security, but adding it to the pile would have been inconsequential.

>As it happened, the accumulation of swords, axes and other deadly implements filled half the room.

>The guard opens his mouth as if to speak before quickly shutting it, as his eyes dart from weapon to weapon.

>”I, uh… When I said we could offer repairs, I didn’t think it’d be covering this… extent of weapons,” the guard says hesitantly.

“Are you rescinding the offer?”

>”No, no! Not at all! I’ll just need to go fetch a maid or twenty to carry this stuff down.”

“What about payment? I have some old-world coin, but—“

>”It’s fine for now,” the guard says with a shake of his head. “We’ll resolve it later. For now, I think we’d best head on over to Princess Celestia’s quarters. One moment please.”

>You lean in the doorway and smirk as the guard trots off briskly, returning a minute later with a frightened-looking maid in tow.

>”Come, Anonymous. I’ll lead you to the princess while the maids do their work.”

“You only brought the one?” you ask dryly.

>”More will arrive soon, which gives us all the more reason to get going.”

“Very well, then. Lead the way!”

>Leaving behind the flabbergasted chambermaid, you follow the guard out into the corridor.

“So,” you begin, striding alongside the guard. “What is this city, anyway?”

>”This is Canterlot, proud capital of Equestria!” the guard replies enthusiastically. “I’d bet 20 bits that you’ve never seen anything quite like it!”

“That’s a bold claim to make,” you say with a laugh. “Wait, what is a bit? Some form of coin?”

>”Yeah, it’s the adopted Equestrian currency. You’ll need it to pay for anything here,” the guard says, before coughing politely. “Speaking of impressive sights… I’ve never seen anything like that pile of weapons you pulled out of your pocket. How much of it can you even use?”

“Truth be told, most of them are just keepsakes I gathered during my travels,” you admit. “I never was able to get the hang of scythes, oriental swords were far too delicate for my liking, and well…I never found much use for the rest. My shield and longsword were more than enough for any fight as long as I was careful.”

>”I can’t imagine anything wanting to pick a fight with you. You’re carrying enough steel to supply a small army!”

“Aye, but what good is it all if you can’t use it?”

>”I suppose,” the guard mutters. “Still, it’s a damn impressive collection. I’d wager you’ve travelled quite a bit to amass such a variety of swords, no?”

“Saying I’ve ‘travelled quite a bit’ would be a gross underestimate,” you say with a sigh, staring at your surroundings.

>Your eyes divert from the corridor ahead to the multitude of windows dotting the wall, enticing you to come over and admire the view.

>As you stare out over the city of Canterlot, your astonishment catches in your throat, your gasp of surprise cut short.

>Below you lay a vast, sprawling city, sitting at the precipice of mountain, overlooking a vast land.

>The streets below were filled with residents going about their daily activities, a sight which strikes at your very core.

>”Is there something wrong?” the guard asks nervously.

“No, no… It’s fine.”

>”Are you sure? You almost looked like you were going to tear up,” he says with a hesitant chuckle.

“I’m sure. It’s just such a profound sight…” you say, your thoughts trailing off as you stare out over the city.

>”See? Told you that you’d never have seen anything like it!”

“I’ve seen grandiose cities before, make no mistake. It’s just…”

>The guard looks at you expectantly, silently asking you to continue.

“Well, it’s been so long since I’ve seen a city so alive, a city with such life.”

>”Huh?”

>You consider the guards reaction, composing your thoughts.

“Back in Lordran, my home realm, to see such a city in its prime would have been miraculous in itself. I’ve only ever heard whispers and tales of cities, where people still remained, living their ordinary lives without a care.”

>”Lordran sounds like a rough place.”

“Oh, it was. If you weren’t getting ambushed by brigands and raiders, you had to contend with the demons and murderous fauna.”

>”Demons?” the guard inquires with a stutter. “You’re not serious, r-right?”

“I am deathly serious. By the time my journey brought me to Lordran, the chaos-spawn had already infested the land.”

>You gesture to the city below.

“Imagine Canterlot, but overrun with bat-winged monstrosities patrolling the rooftops, spearing down innocents with bolts of lightning while faceless stone beasts crawl through the streets—“

>”I think I get the idea!” the guard splutters, enticing a laugh from you.

“Haven’t been in too many fights, have you?”

>”Well, not really. I mean, there was the changeling siege a while back—which just so happened to be the time when Solaire arrived here – but aside from that, there haven’t been too many conflicts. We’re just mostly on civil duty.”

“Be glad for that. After a couple hundred years of undead pilgrimage, you get tired of fighting demonic monstrosities every day.”

>”Heh, I can imagine that—Wait, couple hundred years? Undead pilgrimage?!”

“Is that Celestia’s room?” you ask, ignoring the guard’s questions as you point towards a double set of doors with prominent sun emblems emblazoned on them, matching the celestial mark Celestia had on her flank.

>”Er, yes, but what were you saying about unde—“

“It’s a long story and I’m sure you can wait until my business with the princess is done.”

>Ignoring the guard’s grumblings, you turn to the door and rap on it sharply.

“Princess Celestia?”

>Silence greets you, before you hear the princess call out from within the room.

>”What? Who’s there?”

“It is I, Anonymous!” you shout back in annoyance.

>How rude of her to forget all about the visit she ordered!

>”Oh, of course! I, uh… Just wait a moment, please!” she yells, panic in her voice.

>Her anxiety piques your curiosity and you slowly turn the door knob.

>”No, don’t come in!” a familiar voice yells, causing you to frown.

“Solaire? What are you doing there?”

>”Just don’t come in!” he yells in reply.

>You fully turn the door knob, pushing the doors open gently.

“I don’t see why—” you begin before your annoyance makes way for speechless surprise.

>You gape at the sight before you: Solaire with his arms wrapped tightly around Celestia, his clothes missing.

>He blushes heavily, before stammering out an apology.

>“I can explain everything.”

“You don’t need to explain anything. What’s going on here is damn obvious. I mean, really Solaire? How long have you been in this land?”

>”Can’t have been that long,” he admits with a shrug.

“And you’re already bedding a horse” you mutter accusingly.

>”In my defense, she controls the sun.”

“That isn’t an excuse!”

>”It may not be an excuse, but it is an explanation! Besides, it was rather enjoyable. Wasn’t it, my dear?”

>Celestia sighs, nuzzling her head into Solaire’s neck. “Of course it was, Solaire.”

>The sight of your most trusted friend and the horse sun-princess entwined romantically sends your mind into a reel.

“Copulating with equines can wait, you twisted hollow. We have important matters to discuss.”

>Solaire’s face turns a volcanic red, much to Celestia’s amusement.

>”Er, v-very well. If you could just give us a few minutes, to um… get ready.”

>You bury your head in the palm of your hand, shaking in disapproval.

“Very well. Call me back in when you’re not so grossly incandescent, please.”

>Celestia erupts into gales of laughter as you make for the door, half-slamming it shut behind you.

>What in the world was this?

>Solaire casually bedding a talking animal and passing it off so lightly? Becoming entangled with an equine Princess?

>You lean against the opposing wall impatiently and collect your thoughts as the guard stands before you, eyeing you uncomfortably.

“I’m sure you heard all of that, aye?” you mutter.

>”It’s not my place to talk about the princesses’ affairs,” the guard says, a deep blush on his face. “No matter how… raunchy, they may be.”

>You grunt in response before leaning against the far wall, absorbed in your own thoughts.

>A few minutes later, Solaire opens the door, a grin of ashamed embarrassment on his face and a pair of plain trousers covering his manhood.

>”Please come in, Anonymous.”

>You follow him into the chambers, setting yourself down in a chair as he positions himself on the couch. Not two seconds later, Celestia joins him, laying herself down against his naked chest.

>For a moment there is silence, as you stare the ersatz couple down.

“So Celestia, did you only invite me here so I could witness the two of you in coitus?” you ask dryly.

>”I had no such intentions to embarrass us all,” she says with a blush. “I was anticipating your arrival this morning, when I got a little… Ahem, ‘carried away’ with Solaire. And so it was pushed to the back of my mind.”

"That doesn't seem like a very princess-y thing to do," you blankly state, staring at her unabashed face.

>”I’m allowed my moments of self-indulgence from time to time,” she grins, snuggling into Solaire’s chest.

“Your lack of embarrassment is surprising, I must say. I would have thought rulers would be more worried about colourful rumours leaking out.”

>”I would be worried, if there was any risk of such rumours spreading. I have enough faith in my guards to not spread such remarks around.”

>You grunt in response before your attention turns to Solaire, who still had a bashful blush spread across his cheeks.

“A pony as your partner?! This has to be some kind of trick, Solaire.”

>“I’m sorry Anon, could you remind of the last human woman we met who didn’t try to kill us on sight, and who wasn’t mutilated, illusory or a church maiden?”

“Well, there was Priscilla and, uh… Okay, fine. It just unnerves me, seeing you adapt so quickly. Rutting an equine would not be high on my priority list after arriving in a strange new land.”

>You cough, before continuing.

“Anyway, I’m sure I wasn’t invited here to deride your admittedly impressive sexual misadventures.”

>”Of course,” Celestia says. “I called you here so we could discuss the events of yesterday, and so I could find out more about my unconventional savoir.”

“I’m more than happy to share my tale, but I’d rather hear from Solaire first. Does that bother you?”

>”Not at all,” Celestia says softly.

>Solaire sighs heavily, the mark of a man who has seen enough fighting for a lifetime.

>”I am correct in assuming that you wish to know how I ended up here in Equestria, yes?”

“That’d be a start. I would hate to doubt myself over whether you stuck to the plan.”

>Solaire shifts himself into an upright position, Celestia’s head gently resting on his shoulder.

>”I stuck to the plan, indeed. The fear of annihilation was positively overwhelming, but when I considered the fates this world would be left to, my resolve was steeled. Linking the flame may be only temporary, but I’d be damned before being the one to plunge the lands into chaotic darkness.”

>He pauses momentarily, thinking over his words.

>”I touched the flame, my fate decided. My body began to crumble away, my spirit tearing at the edges. And then… I felt myself being tugged. Like a successful summoning was underway, I rose through the darkness, towards the light, and there I stood on the floor of a well-kept church.”

>Another pause.

>”I was, of course, confused: that feeling did not last long though.”

>As Solaire speaks you notice Celestia frown, as if his story was a reminder of something wretched.

>”I observed my surroundings, and it was then that I noticed my dearest Celestia lying in distress. The root of her anguish was a hideous demon: a changeling…”

“I beg your pardon?” you interject, leaning forward in your seat.

>”Vicious imposters,” Celestia continues. “They pose as ponies close to you, and then feed off your love for them.”

“Ah, parasites then?” you ask. “I take it you wiped them out?”

>”Of course! Celestia may have been initially unusual, but she was my summoner all the same, worthy of my protection as anyone else. We battled true and hard, but when all looked like it was lost, I snagged victory from the clutches of despair. The changelings were routed, and Canterlot was safe. For the moment, that is.”

>”The fighting did not end there, however. It rarely does. Celestia had come to trust me fully after I saved her from an assassination: after she convinced me to spare the changeling, Drejtimi’s life, I was assigned to go and hold palaver with the Changelings. The plan was to ease relations between us and them: perhaps even to allow for a peaceful resolution of conflict but alas, it was not meant to be.”

“What happened?”

>”I was on a train bound for the city closest to the Changeling hi… Is something wrong?” He asks, noticing your confused frown.

“What is this “train” you speak of?”

>”Oh, my apologies! I forgot that you have yet to spend even a full day here.”

>Solaire clears his throat in embarrassment. “A train is a wonderful machination that facilitates a fast, easy navigation of the land. It’s like a series of gargantuan metal boxes on wheels, hurtling down a predefined track.”

“It sounds like an impressive work of engineering, albeit one that is not safe at all.”

>”They’re usually safe… My journey was anything but, however. We were ambushed on route by a group of changelings. My men- er, ponies and I fought back valiantly. We forced them to the end of the train when… when I was betrayed. A particularly headstrong soldier, Ajax, had been coercing with the Changelings: it was by his han-hoof that the attack of Canterlot could take place.”

“I trust that you disposed of that filth?”

>”Ajax died by my hands, yes. But before that particular reckoning, I was taken to the Changeling Hive, a point of no return or rescue. I was locked up, and I thought it was all over. Or so it would have been, had Drejtimi not returned to free me!”

“The assassin would-be returned to help you? How peculiar!”

>”That was my first impression as well,” Celestia says. “It was a matter of “honour” or something.”

“Ah, I see,” you mutter, knowing all too well how honour could dictate a person’s actions.

>”Indeed. Drejtimi felt obliged to help me, given that I had spared her in Canterlot.”

>Another heavy sigh.

>”She’s dead now. Not by my doing of course, she said her purpose had been fulfilled and that this world no longer needed her.”

“An honourable death and a well deserved one at that.”

>Solaire shrugs. “I wish I could have helped her, but she had already fixated herself on her fate. Once she had left, I made my way to a nearby town, and haphazardly warped back to Canterlot. I confronted Ajax, he died, and then-“

“I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but how exactly did Manus come to be in this world?”

>”Who is “Manus”?”

>”The demon that attacked us,” Celestia replies.

“Wait, how did you learn of Manus’ name and Solaire did not?”

>”Manus… tried to speak with me.”

“Really? Was he coherent? What did he say?” you enthusiastically inquire, fascinated by Celestia’s insights.

>”I don’t want to talk about it. Having somepony invade your mind like that is disturbing, and I would very much like to push that memory out of my head, thank you.”

>If not from the glare Solaire gives you, you might have grilled Celestia for information regardless of her willingness.

“Very well, then. I ask for a good reason, but I still await the rest of Solaire’s tale.”

>”Of course,” Solaire complies. “There isn’t much more to be said other than I went to the Abyss to stop him, and Celestia followed suit. The reason “Manus” was able to invade this realm was because… Well, I’m not entirely sure to be honest. The changeling general who was holding me captive used a Humanity against all better judgement. What transpired next was a bloodbath in every definition of the word. I swear that Manus just appeared from thin air.”

>You sit up straight, collecting your thoughts.

“I suppose now is a good time to share my tale that transpired. I did not wander into the Abyss out of dumb luck.”

>You shift in your seat.

“After you returned to your world Solaire, I faced the dilemma: let the world fall into darkness, or to let myself die for a lost cause…”

>Solaire leans forward, studying you intently. “And? What fate did you accept?”

“Neither.”

>Solaire’s confusion is immediate and apparent. “I… what?”

“I was not going to be anyone’s puppet. While the serpents hissed and cackled at me, I warped away from the Kiln.”

>”That’s… I should have expected that to be honest. You always find a way to shimmy out of a dilemma,” Solaire laughs.

“Likewise, you always find opportunity for jolly co-operation-“

>”Yes, yes, no need to have this discussion again!” Solaire shouts, a hint of a blush in his cheeks.

“I’m not going to let you live this down, Solaire. Anyway, back to my tale.”

>Solaire and Celestia fixate their attention on you.

“Since our worlds were now separated, with contact impossible, I had no idea what to do. I ended up wandering aimless, until I happened upon Princess Dusk, still standing silent in the Darkroot Basin. I decided to talk to her: it was that or remain lonely in a dying world.”

>A pause.

“She was happy to see me. Partly because I was her rescuer from what seems like an age back, but also because an unusual rift had appeared in a cove nearby. Being the daring, noble knight that I am, I ventured forth to investigate it.”

>”What happened?” Celestia asks in concern.

“I approached the rift, sword readied, preparing myself for battle… before Manus’ hand grabbed me and threw me into the arsehole of Oolacile, 300 years prior.”

>”You went back in time? To Oolacile, no less?” Solaire whispers in disbelief.

“My tongue is not deceiving you. Manus dragged me into Oolacile, and it was from there that I had to fight. Corrupted townsfolk, single-eyed dragons with a curse-inducing stare: I even pitched myself against Knight Artorias himself.”

>Solaire gapes at you. “You fought Knight Artorias? Impossible.”

“I would not lie to you, Solaire. I did indeed fight him, although had the Abyss not corrupted his very essence then I do not suppose I would be here.”

>”Knight Artorias… so the legends didn’t lie. He really did face down the Abyss…”

“He was too pure to handle it. Poor bastard… he even gave up his blessed greatshield to save Sif, rendering him defenceless.”

>A grim silence descends upon the room.

>”So, what happened then?”

“I battled my way through the remains of Oolacile, facing down the corrupted residents who brought on the Abyss. A strangely lucid fellow named Chester was able to impart much knowledge of the area along with what Manus really was.”

>”What do you mean?”

“Manus was a primordial human, once. At some point in time his humanity ran wild… I suppose he can serve as a reminder. Always remember how infallible we truly are: how easy it to become undone…”

>Another pause.

“After Chester imparted me with his guidance, I set forth to kill Manus. That’s it really… I suppose the flow of time in Lordran must differ from this world: under normal circumstances, our chance meeting should have been impossible.”

>You stroke your chin, musing what circumstances set this chance scenario into motion.

>”Perhaps. There’s no real point worrying about it now, is there?” Celestia interjects.

“I suppose not,” you admit, shaking your head. “Not that you’re in a worried position, are you now?”

>”Am I not allowed my guilty indulgences?” Celestia giggles, gazing up at Solaire with a sultry look.

>You shudder in response, before sighing.

“Well, my purpose here has been fulfilled,” you mutter with a grimace. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone then, for anything else you’d like to do under the sheets.”

>You can’t help but scrunch your face up as the thought of them passes through your mind.

>As you stand up and make for the door, Solaire rises from the couch and approaches you, planting a hand squarely on your shoulder.

>”Listen, Anon. Are you sure you’re ok with this? I mean, I suppose my… er, “courting” of Celestia would be unusual to you. If you want, I can-“

>You cut him off mid-sentence, silencing him with a finger.

“Solaire, I may indeed find your romantic ventures strange… but if there’s anyone alive who deserves the happiness you have found, it’s you. After all you have done for me and for others: you’re entitled to a happier life. I would never take that away from you.”

>Solaire nods slowly, a small smile adorned on his face. “Thank you, Anon.”

>You pat him on the shoulder, but as you turn once more, Solaire coughs politely.

>”You know, you’ve never expressed a particularly strong faith before. But in regards to my quest, my search for the sun… Did you ever suppose that I would succeed? Did the thought of my victory ever cross your mind?”

>You sigh deeply, before speaking from the bottom of your heart.

“I never doubted that you would succeed. Honest to the gods amongst us, I knew you would prevail. I never once lost hope in you.”

>”Thank you. It’s good to have you back as a companion.”

“And the same goes for you. Now, go enjoy yourself with your “jolly co-operation.”

>You feel ashamed for entertaining such sick thoughts, but Solaire laughs it off.

>”Say, Anonymous!” Celestia begins. “It would be most wonderful if you could join us at lunch today, so that we may get to know each other even further!”

“Of course, Princess, it’d be a pleasure. Where should I meet you, and at what hour?”

>”The guard assigned to you should be able to guide you there, and I’m sure he’ll keep track of the hour too.”

“Very well, then. I look forward to eating with you,” you chuckle, before closing the door behind you.

>”What’s got your spirits so high?” the guard inquires.

“Nothing,” you chortle. “Just some welcome optimism. Come on, I’m sure there’s a plethora of sights to see around the castle.”

>”Are we under any time constraints?”

“We have to be in the food hall in time for the lunch hour. Is that alright?”

>”Of course! That leaves us with a couple hours of freedom.”

“Then shall we get going?”

>”Right, of course.”

>Once more, the guard takes the lead and starts walking you through the comforting, spacious hallways.

>”So, about that whole ‘undead’ thing…” the guard begins hesitantly. “You’re not like, a zombie are you?”

“I beg your pardon?”

>”You know,” the guard whispers anxiously, looking around as if his words could summon them. “Reanimated ponies that want to eat your brains?”

“I can’t say I’ve ever had an affinity for eating brains, although men have done stranger things in insanity,” you chuckle. “And having experienced my own brain being ripped from my skull, I’m not eager to inflict that on anything else.”

>The guard snorts in laughter, oblivious to your serious frown.

“Did I say something humorous?

>”Well, yeah! You said that you lost your brain in such a tone, I almost thought you were serious!”

>The guard’s laughing ceases as he notices your face.

>”You can’t be serious!”

“Why is the notion so ridiculous to you?”

>The guard raises an eyebrow in confusion.

>”No-one can come back from the dead!”

“Maybe here, but in Lordran death holds no power.”

>A shake of the head tells you that the guard is clearly incredulous at your claim.

>”I can’t think of any type of magic in Equestria that’d allow someone to return from the unknown beyond. Maybe a powerful unicorn could reanimate a body, but for a soul to remain… It’s impossible.”

>You pull off your right-hand glove, as the guard’s eyes widen.

>”What in the hay is that?” he gasps, pointing at the dark ring embedded in your palm.

“It’s called a Darksign,” you say, circling round the brand with a finger. “It’s a cursed sigil used to mark humans. Upon death, they revive, but a cost of their soul and humanity.”

>”Souls and humanity?” the guard inquires as he tentatively prods your outstretched palm.

“The essence of a soul, what makes us human. Losing it causes most to turn hollow, their bodies rotting as their skin peels away.”

>”What, they lost their minds or something?"

“Exactly,” you confirm, putting the glove back on. “The shock of death and rebirth breaks most men quickly. Harder men take longer, but succumb eventually… And from that point on, they’ll attack any living soul that wanders by.”

>”What about you?” the guard asks, eyeing you strangely. “You don’t look hollow, far from it. What made you different?”

>You pause for a moment, before walking over to the window, peering out at Canterlot below.

“It’s simple, I suppose. I was simply perseverant in my struggles, using death as a painful lesson rather than a terrible burden.”

>”I don’t quite follow you, Anonymous,” the guard says with a shrug, before scratching his head.

“Think of it this way. Say you were in my position, cursed to a repetitive existence of death and fighting. How would you feel?”

>”I’d feel… Well, I’d feel hopeless, really.”

“Most men do. In fact, for many that’s the reason they go hollow in the first place. They give up, lie down, let their minds unravel and become broken spirits.”

>The guard jumps slightly as you thump your chest proudly.

“But when I died, I would take that opportunity to think. Becoming oblivious to the world around me, I would focus on the troublesome foe, focusing all my energy and willpower into overcoming that hurdle.”

>”That was your secret?” the guard asks, unconvinced.

“It may not sound like much, but when faced with surmounting the impossible… Well, no blade or bow or incantation can match an ironclad will.”

>Moving on from the window, the guard trots alongside you once more.

>”So, hollows have rotting bodies and attack anything living nearby,” the guard mutters. “Sounds like they’re zombies, alright. Gonna keep a close eye on you just in case.”

>You simply chuckle in response, your attention focused elsewhere.

>Walking further along, the guard points towards a pair of tall, golden doors.

“What’s through there?”

>”That’s the Princesses’ throne room.”

“Can we go in?”

>”Sure, just don’t sit on the throne, because otherwise we’ll both be in a world of trouble.”

“I’ll try to remember that in future,” you chuckle, following the guard into the long corridor.

>Great stained-glass windows line the hall, each depicting a different part of what seemed to be a story-telling mural.

“What’s the story behind this?” you inquire, pointing towards the first window.

>”This is the mural depicting the events of Nightmare Moon,” the guard says, an undertone of nervousness creeping into his voice.

“Nightmare moon?”

>”A thousand years ago, Princess Celestia was forced to banish her sister, Luna, who had turned into Nightmare Moon and plunged Equestria into an eternal night,” the guard says, pointing towards the mural.

>The mural displays an image of a pony, dark as the night sky, surrounded by a magical aura emanating from 6 objects resembling amulets.

>Looking across, the next part of the mural displays the moon, emblazoned with the silhouette of the dark pony.

“Banished to the moon, I’m guessing?”

>”For a thousand years. She only just returned a couple of years ago, when-“

>”When I was saved,” a voice calmly calls from your left.

>Both you and the guard jump in surprise, turning round to face the unknown voice as your hand instinctively reaches for the box on your belt, ready to draw a weapon.

>You quickly remove it, hoping the guard hadn’t noticed your movement.

>Approaching you along the corridor is a tall pony, instantly recognizable.

>”Princess!” the guard exclaims nervously, before saluting quickly.

>She regards the pair of you with a smile, her mane as ethereal as Celestia’s.

>”And whom might you be?” she asks pleasantly.

“My name is Anonymous,” you answer, putting on a friendly smile. “I am a friend of Solaire.”

>”Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Anonymous,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “It surprises me to find another human in our midst.”

“Celestia did not detail my arrival last night?”

>”She mentioned an unusual guest, but nothing more than that. Tiredness compelled her to retire to her bed, after promising to share more details when the morning came.”

>She cocks her head to one side, before smiling.

>”Perhaps you could shed some light on yesterday’s events? If my sister did not seek me out after raising the sun this morning, then I assume she would have wanted more rest, and so it’d be terribly rude to intrude upon her.”

“She requested my presence but was very, um… tired,” you mutter, not wanting Luna to barge in on Solaire and Celestia. “She agreed to meet me at lunch, however, so you’ll be able to talk to her then.”

>”Splendid!” Luna exclaims heartily. “Now, I wish to know what transpired yesterday. What say we take this conversation somewhere more pleasant… and private?”

“Where did you have in mind?”

>”The royal gardens would be a lovely place, especially to a newcomer such as you.”

“Lead the way then, Princess.”

>With the guard trailing behind at a comfortable distance, you walk with Luna at a gentle pace.

>”Before we delve in anything else, perhaps it’d be worth fully introducing ourselves. Since you are a friend of Solaire, I can only assume you hail from Lordran as well?”

“You assume correctly. Solaire and I spent a great deal of time together in that land, although our motivations for travelling there in the first place were quite different.”

>”Why? What did you seek?” Luna questions.

“You know of the undead curse, yes? The one inflicted on Solaire as well?”

>”Celestia had informed me on it. What of it?”

>You pass a pair of identically-armoured guards in the hallway, who salute as Luna passes.

“Well, in Lordran there existed a legend. A tale foretelling that a chosen undead would conquer the lands, and receive a mission from the gods themselves.”

>You pause for though.

“It was the greatest trick I’d ever experienced,” you mutter bitterly.

>Luna notices the tone in your voice, eyeing your concernedly.

>”You speak with resentment…”

“I, and hundreds – perhaps thousands before me – had been duped into that futile quest. There was no ‘chosen undead’, no sacred pilgrimage to be taken. My mission? To sacrifice myself to extend the dying age of the gods, so the only remaining moon deity could survive.”

>Luna appears to ponder your words, before smiling weakly.

>”It seems that no matter where one goes, moon deities are antagonistic,” she mutters softly.

>Her self-depreciation catches you off guard, and you struggle to respond.

“Now Princess, I’m sure you’re being too hard on yourself. If you were antagonistic, we wouldn’t be having this pleasant conversation right now, would we?”

>Your efforts manage to raise a chuckle out of her.

>”Perhaps. Still, I am not yet absolved of what I attempted, in both the distant and recent past…”

“I do not yet know of what transpired recently,” you say, as Luna leads you into a courtyard.

>”As Nightmare Moon, I broke free from my imprisonment on the moon and once again attempted to bring about an eternal darkness,” Luna admits. “It was only through the power of the Elements of Harmony, powerful magical artifacts powered by friendship and pureness that I was able to be freed from the shackles of Nightmare Moon.”

“You don’t have to sound ashamed, you know. I’m not one to judge other’s pasts.”

>Your reassurance is cut off as you step out into a beautiful, open garden, rows of flowers blooming spectacularly.

>”Perhaps it’d be best if we dropped the unpleasant topics,” Luna asks, before turning to the guard behind you.

>”We require some privacy for the moment. I shall call for you once we are finished. ”

>”Of course, Princess!” the guard responds enthusiastically, taking up position at the garden entrance.

>As you walk away from the guard, Luna gives him a strange look, before turning back to you.

“Is there something wrong with the guard?”

>”He’s unusually peppy, much more so than what I’m used to. I suspect that he is new to the job…”

>You hum in response to her, following Luna to a prominent terrace overlooking the city.

>You take a moment to admire the magnificent view, whistling in appreciation. Out here, the view was even more spectacular, the full scope of the city on display.

>”The view is novel to me too. The city grew enormously since my departure… I suppose a millennium of absence would do that.”

>Luna stares out longingly over the city, before shaking her head.

>”Anyway, returning to the matters at hand…”

“You want an account of yesterday’s events?” you inquire, settling down onto a white-marble bench.

>”Please,” she replies with a smile, setting herself down opposite you.

>For the second time today, you go over yesterday's events, telling Luna each and every detail.

>As your tale progresses, her expression changes from curiosity into concern, and from concern into relief.

>Throughout it all she remains patiently quiet, waiting for you to finish your tale.

>”And then, the guard accompanied me to the throne room, and… Well, you know the rest.”

>Luna nods, processing the information you had discerned to her.

>”Only in my nightmares could I envision anything as horrific as Lordran,” she whispers. “To save my sister and Solaire from a beast of that land… Thank you, Anonymous. Thank you dearly.”

“You don’t need to offer thanks, Princess. But regardless, you are welcome.”

>”I just wish Celestia had consulted me before gallivanting off like that!” She snaps, her tone shifting to anger. “Without even so much as a goodbye or an explanation she was away, and could have died out there! She did the same thing with the changeling invasion, not notifying me until the crisis was over! I shouldn’t have to find out these things from you, of all people!”

>You are shocked into silence by her sudden outburst, as the guard comes running over.

>”Princess Luna? I heard shouting, and I-“

>”It’s quite fine,” she says, waving him off with a hoof.

>The guard hesitates for a moment, but a stern stare from Luna quickly breaks his resolve.

>”Yes Princess!” he says with a salute, before quickly returning to his post.

>Luna closes her eyes, sighing to herself, before her demure returns.

>”I apologize for that outburst,” she says, slightly embarrassed. “I must come across as being overly livid, not the way a Princess should act at all…”

“It sounds like those feelings have been harboring for a while,” you speak slowly, thinking your words over. “You just needed someone, anyone to listen.”

>Luna looks down at her hooves, almost mournful.

>”The problem is finding that someone. I’d rather not sour the relationship with my sister by opening up to her, and as for anyone else… I could talk to Solaire, if only I could catch a word with him! Even for all the time he’s spent here, I barely know him. He’s too busy enthralled by my sister, but who could blame him?”

>You cautiously lay a hand on Luna’s hoof, causing her to look up at you in surprise.

“I understand that you’re feeling ignored by Celestia, Princess. I promise that I’ll always be willing to be someone to talk to.”

>She graces you with a heart-warming beam of a smile in response.

>”You are the first human I can claim to know well, but you’ve certainly set an inspiring example,” Luna giggles. “I apologize for blowing up, I did not mean to have you hear that. The frustration of holding that all in, it just got to me. While you give me a very tantalizing option to discussing things with you, I think I'd rather get to know you a little more before I enclose anything too personal like this little outburst."

"I am perfectly fine with that.  If you ever want to talk, I'm going to be around for... well, who knows how long? I would value your company during my stay here."

>Luna nods softly, before turning her head and frowning at the approaching guard.

>”Princess Luna and Anonymous, it is time for lunch,” the guard begins hesitantly. “I just felt like I had to tell you because neither of you seemed to remember-“

>”Yes, yes. That’s quite alright,” Luna says, as the guard sighs in relief.

>The two of you get up and follow the guard, who leads you out of the garden and back into the winding corridors of the castle interior.

>It only takes a few minutes to reach the dining room, a great table topped with plate upon plates of food sitting in the middle.

>Solaire and Celestia had already sat down, and as you make your way in, they beckon you over.

>You take up a seat beside Solaire, as Luna sits opposite you, nestling in beside her sister.

>”How lovely of you to join us, Luna,” Celestia exclaims happily. “I had assumed that you would have retired to bed already.”

>”The new arrival’s company kept me suitably entertained,” she responds, levitating over a plate stacked with fruits. “The arrival you were meant to inform me about…”

>”I am dreadfully sorry, dear sister, but I desperately needed to recuperate my strength last night,” Celestia apologizes bashfully. “I take it Anonymous detailed the events of last night?”

>”He did. I would chastise you for the way you departed yesterday, but there’s no sense spoiling a nice supper now.”

>You and Solaire share an uncomfortable look, before Luna sighs.

>”Anyway, feel free to help yourself, Anonymous!” Luna says, gesturing to the many platters of food around you.

>Your stomach rumbles ferociously, spurring you to stack your plate full of breads and cheese. There didn’t seem to be any meats, unfortunately, though you had no doubt this was due to the equine nature of your hosts.

>”Slow down Anon, there’s plenty for all of us,” Solaire laughs jokingly as you ravenously dig into your food.

>"If I recall correctly, you were much the same when you first got here, Solaire," Celestia remarks with a smirk.

>All Solaire can do is sputter about with an embarrassed blush.

"I suppose Solaire here is embarrassed by my manners, which he seems to forget is the norm back where we come from: eat quick and be wary of others who eat with you, for you just might be the meal they want."

>"I'm certain there's time for you to learn," Luna pipes in, taking a nibble of her flowery sandwich. "And I assure you we will not be eating you during this meal."

"Ah, I have no worries about that," you reply before looking towards Solaire with a grin, "but maybe Solaire here should make sure to keep an eye on Celestia, lest she wants more of his-"

>You get interrupted by Solaire slapping you upside the head. You respond by laughing at him. Luna looks over to Celestia, who has a reddened face.

>"So, you are bedding Solaire now?" That forces more blood to the sun goddess’s face. "I... suppose it was bound to happen, from how the two of you are always seeing one another."

>An uncomfortable silence descends upon the room, no-one willing to pursue the embarrassing topic.

“So, uh…” you begin, breaking the silence. “Earlier, Luna mentioned that you can control the movements of the sun. Did I hear that correctly?”

>Celestia wipes her mouth with a napkin before speaking.

>”Why, of course we can. I raise the sun each morning-“

>”And I raise the moon each night,” Luna finishes.

“Huh. That’s pretty interesting, explains why Solaire took a liking to Celestia so quickly.”

>You pause for a moment, before returning to your food, inciting a raised eye from Luna.

>”Really? That’s all you got to ask about it? I expected more of a reaction from someone that’s, well…”

>"An alien to our dimension and wouldn't know of this stuff?" Celestia chimes in. "True, same thing happened to Solaire. He just... accepted it. How queer."

"When you come from a dimension where gods are hideous beings with so many horrible powers at their disposal, it doesn't surprise me to eventually find someone that can control the sun and the moon. Actually, I’m somewhat surprised I didn't back in our own world."

>One final bite finishes your meal, as you sigh in contentment.

“It’s been a while since I ate something that nice,” you chuckle. “I could get used to this…”

>”As a guest of the castle, you’re always welcome to eat here with us,” Celestia offers. “If you wish though, there are a number of places in the city where you can eat too.”

>”I have an idea. Why don’t I show you around the town tomorrow?” Solaire proposes.

"I haven't seen much out in Canterlot myself, so it would be a good opportunity for the both of us to finally catch up and see what the city has to offer."

“Sounds like a plan,” you comply, as Solaire grins. “What about this castle itself? Anything else of interest here?”

"There's the library, and...  Well, for you, I doubt you'd find many other things in this castle of interest, other than the guard barracks," Celestia shrugs.

“Alright then. I guess that’s where I’ll be for a while.”

>”Suit yourself. Solaire and I have to go consort with the guards for now: they’re aware something happened yesterday, and deserve to be told the full story.”

“What about you, Luna?”

>”I think I’m well overdue for my rest,” she yawns, her cheerful demeanor hampered by exhaustion. “I sleep during the day, you see.”

“Sleep well then, Princess. It was a pleasure talking to you.”

>”Likewise, Anonymous. I hope to speak with you again soon.”

>As Luna makes her absence, and as Solaire and Celestia finish their lunches, you arise from your seat and head for the door.

>”Where to?” the guard asks, joining your side.

“The library, I’m interested in finding out more about Equestrian customs and the like.”

>”The library? Wouldn’t figure you for a bookworm,” the guard laughs. “Follow me, then.”

>One short walk later and you find yourself the castle library, surrounded by dozens of towering bookcases.

>It was an impressive collection, but it couldn’t hold a candle to the Duke’s Archives.

>Not wanting to inundate yourself with information, you keep your book load light and simple.

>A guide on Equestrian practices and traditions aimed towards foreign travelers, and a thick tome detailing the history of Equestria and the various towns within it.

>”That’s all you’re getting?” the guard asks skeptically, as you return to him at the entrance to the library.

“These will tide me over for now. And if by some miracle I get through them, then I can always return for more.”

>”Fair enough, then.”

“Now, I think I shall return to my room…”

>”Suits me fine.”

>The guard leads you back to your quarters, standing outside as you enter.

>You jump in surprise as a maid pony greets you, angrily fiddling with the bed covers.

>”So you’re the one who’s been giving me all this hassle?” she inquires angrily.

“I beg your pardon?”

>”Having to deal with your grimy armour staining the sheets and deforming the mattress is a nightmare!” the maid yells. “For Celestia’s sake, don’t sleep in your armour again!”

>You are left speechless as the maid storms out, leaving a perfectly pristine room in her wake.

>From outside you hear the laughter of the guard, and you quickly shut the door, blocking out the mocking noise.

>Ignoring him, you sit down at the table and open the first of your books, losing yourself in the fascinating history of Equestria.