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>Your eyes flutter awake
>Another day gone
>Another night to come
>You trot from your chambers down toward the throne room
>The business of the day has wound down
>A few straggling nobles pass you by
>They bow graciously
>It's only proper
>But not one of them meets your eye
>You acknowledge them with a nod of the head before moving on
>Arriving at the double doors, they swing open
>Illuminated by the faint magical auras of the unicorn guards on either side
>You almost wish they wouldn't
>Still, the gesture is not unkind
"You have our gratitude, fine stallions!"
>They remain stoic
>Staring forward
>Still and silent as statues
>You sigh at their unresponsiveness
>It would be nice if more people were willing to talk to you
>Yet that's the life of a princess
>It's your duty to bear it
>The loneliness
>The quiet
>The dark
>You have arrived
>Celestia is on the throne, looking harried
>She's had another long day, by the looks of things
>She flashes you a smile, though
>Ever happy to see you
>Those smiles warm you from head to hoof
>It sometimes seems as though your sister is the only one ever genuinely happy to see you
"It gladdens our heart to see you, sister! We hope thou art ready to cede us the heavens!"
>"Of course, Luna. Do you have any plans for tonight?"
>Of course you do
>There's ever time to think about what kind of night to create
>Save for paperwork and the occasional foray into a troubled pony's dreams, planning the night is all you really have to consider through your waking hours
"An air of mystery for the denizens of the night, my sister! A full moon and wispy clouds!"
>Celestia smiles
>She looks pleased at your explanation
>As she ever does
>"It sounds wonderful, Luna. I wish I could see more of it, but-"
>She stifles a yawn
>"-the treaties with the northern gryphons have taken a lot out of me today, just as all the demands of the nobility."
>As ever, your sister shoulders the vast majority of the work
>Careful negotiation
>Making sure trade deals and internal affairs are all solved amicably
>She cannot help that people prefer to come to court in the daylight hours
"As you wish then, my sister! Take your rest! I shall look over what has been agreed upon once the night is underway!"
>She nods
>Having told you of the paperwork she needs you to sign off on, she descends from the throne
>She stops beside you and nuzzles fondly against your neck
>"Good night, my sister."
>A spark passes between you and you feel the power within
>To shape the skies as you wish
>To see your will made manifest
>Celestia trots away, leaving you to the empty throne room
>Stepping over a convenient balcony you note with satisfaction the clouds left by the weather teams during the day
>They obscure much of the sky from the ground
>But in the visible patches you paint beautiful nebulae
>Artistic constellations in the form of all the animals of the kingdom
>You raise the moon to rest partially behind a particular cloud, partially shadowing its face
>Satisfied you stand and admire your handiwork
>There is no hurry
>You have all night to do what must be done
>It's all well and good
>But what may be a picturesque display from the Royal apartments of Canterlot could be less so from elsewhere
>And it has been so long since you've left the castle
>Its' libraries, galleries, empty corridors and silent guardsmen can only entertain so long
>And it wouldn't do to forget the feel of wind beneath your wings
>You step up onto the edge of the balcony
>You stretch out your dark, feathered wings to their full extent
>The chill night air bites ineffectually at your coat
>And with a beat of your massive wings, you drop from the castle toward the city
>The windows of the houses arrayed below you glimmer like the stars above
>Some candles yet burning as the last of the ponies finish their work
>As they read their books
>As they prepare to sleep
>Ignoring the beauty of the night
>You sail on past the spires of Canterlot
>Darting this way and that as the thrill of flight overtakes you
>You allow yourself a brief smile
>Eventually coming to a stop just inside the city limits, you hover just above the rooves below
>Looking up once more at your handiwork
>The stars glittering like diamonds in clusters just beyond the substantial cloud
>The full moon just visible enough behind its mask to cast its light down on the ponies' homes
>Yes, you still have it
>It's still beautiful
>Still a work of art, no matter where you glide to observe it
>Your smile drops away
>Why then are the streets so empty?
>Why then are the lights in all the homes being snuffed out one by one?
>Why does not a soul care for the night?
>You drift down to the ground
>There must be somepony still awake
>Somepony still active
>Enjoying the night
>Appreciating your hard work
>There must be
>The metallic clatter of your horseshoes against the cobbles echo through the empty streets
>You make your way through the city
>Glancing down each street as you pass it
>Sometimes turning down one if you thought you heard a noise
>Wandering at random through the Capitol
>Hoping to run into somepony
>Anypony
>Suddenly you hear the clattering of hooves
>As if their owner was running
>Curious, you head toward the noise
>The hoofsteps grow louder
>And just as you round a corner something barrels into you
>They fall to the ground
>It's a young earth pony by the look of them
>A mare
>And as soon as they see you their eyes go wide
>A hoof comes up to protect their face
>"P-p-p-princess! Please! M-mercy, princess, please!"
>They sound frightened
>Desperate
>And after them around the corner come a squad of royal guards, spears ready
>"Stop right there, criminal scum! You're in violation of- oh, Princess! You're handling this personally?"
>Recognising you, they salute
"Handling what exactly, pray tell?"
>You ask the ponies
>Both the leader of the guards - a sergeant - and the mare try to speak at once
>"I was just-!"
>"She was flouting-!"
>You hold up a hoof
"Still your tongues! I would hear the charges before asking one of my subjects to defend themselves!"
>The guards look at you briefly as if you were mad
>But soon enough their sergeant speaks
>"This criminal was acting in direct contravention of Royal Edict 94, your highness! The emergency protocols that have been in place these past months!"
>"Royal Edict 94"?
>You can't say you remember the specifics
>So much paperwork passes through that simply isn't worth a detailed assessment
>Often you skim tedious legislature to make time for other things
>Ensuring the beauty of the night can be seen by all
>Reading magical tomes in the Canterlot libraries
>Devising more and more elaborate glittering constellations...
>... Like tonight
>You still had gryphon treaties and noble pleas to look over back at the castle
>Wonderful
>But Royalty simply did not admit ignorance like that
>Especially not the Princess of the Night
>Instead you turn to the mare
>Still lying on the street
>Quivering with fear
"What have you to say for yourself?!"
>She flinches at the sound of your voice
>Doesn't meet your eyes as she mumbles a barely audible excuse
"What was that? Speak up, subject! You may trust your princess to be fair!"
>Her panicked voice rises in volume
>Just loud enough to be heard
>"I- I was looking after the shop! T-taking inventory! I was the l-last one to leave tonight, and I lost track of the time! I didn't know, and- and the night came on so suddenly!"
>She looks close to tears
>But you still can't quite tell what she is supposed to have done wrong
>After some time in thought, you...
>No
>This is too much
>You can't be expected to pass judgement with so little information
>You turn to the sergeant
"Tell me, guardsman, and tell me straight! What is the exact nature of this Edict 94? What part has this poor mare defied?"
>The guard shares an uncomfortable glance with the others of his squad
>A couple cough awkwardly
>He shifts his hooves, apparently nervous
>"We, uh- We would have thought our princess would know. No doubt you're aware all edicts need to be approved by the nobles, and then... signed by both Princesses, as per the rule of the Diarchy..."
>Of course
>You're no simpleton
"Naturally! Your princess is well aware of the procedure! Nevertheless, she wishes to hear it from thine own mouth!"
>He coughs
>"Of course, princess, of course. Forgive me, I meant no offence. The edict stipulates that because of the emergency, nopony is to remain out of doors after dark."
>Another of the squad speaks up
>"That is, not without royal permission! Your- your highness."
>Nopony is to remain outdoors after dark
>Did you hear that right?
>Did you really sign something like that?
>Would you, if you knew?
>Of course not.
>And Celestia would know that
>Surely she would
>She'd never try to sneak something like that past you
>Not without talking about it first
>Would she?
"I have heard enough! Guardsmen, you are to be commended for your diligence, but this mare has done nothing wrong!"
>The squad looks surprised
>The mare looks massively relieved
>She bolts before you can change your mind
>You get a brief look at her flank
>A broken crate cutie mark?
>Also, dat ass
>The guards almost can't help but to keep up their chase and go after her, but you stamp your forehooves against the ground to bring them back to attantion
"You will return to your barracks, guardsmen! Report to your fellows that this decree has been falsified."
>Whether it truly had or not could wait
>But if it hasn't...
>Well, that doesn't bear thinking about
>"B-but princess-"
>The sergeant starts to object
"You can rest assured that I approved of no such document!"
>Technically true, whether you signed it or not
>What a mess
>No wonder nopony has been bearing witness to the night
>You need to get to the bottom of this
>And fast
>But how?
>If this was your sister's doing, whom could you trust to tell you what you need to know?
>One of the nobles, perhaps?
>But if it wasn't 'Tia, then it must have been one of the nobility
>Still
>Posh Trousers is often spoken well of
>A unicorn stallion of class and sophistication
>Technically a noble, though one of relatively modest means
>If any noblepony would give you the truth, it'd be him
>No, you can't jump to conclusions
>Certainly not ones that paint your beloved sister in a poor light
>You've been each other's constant companions throughout both of your long lives
>She's always been there to offer a kind word and a comforting hug
>Always there to compliment your artistic nights
>Just as you praised her magnificent sunrises and sunsets
>The guards start back to their barracks, muttering amongst themselves
>Trusting them to lift the curfew, you take to the sky again
>Your powerful wings beat furiously now
>There is no leisurely gliding along
>No joyful relishing of the cool air rushing through your feathers
>Only the destination
>Determination to find out what is going on
>You land heavily back on the balcony where you took off at the start of the night
>You're in such a hurry that you leave dents in the wood
>Sparks fly from your shoes as you rush through the dim corridors of Canterlot Castle
>Turning this way and that on your way to Celestia's chambers
>Producing surprised murmurings from the few night guards
>Of course
>Now they speak
>Drawing up outside Celestia's door, you take a moment to catch your breath
>And then throw her doors open
"Celestia!"
>She rolls over on her bed to face the door
>"Mmmhhh?"
"Celestia! Thou shan't believe what I have discovered!"
>Your sister groans
>"Luna... it's the middle of the night..."
"Indeed so, my sister! But ponies are being kept from the streets by guardsmen saying it is by our order!"
>"Wh-what...?"
>She seems uncertain
>It may be due to ignorance of the order or simply because she's still half asleep
>It's hard to tell
"Sister, please! Listen to us! Guards are enforcing a curfew on our streets! A Curfew! How can our subjects be expected to enjoy our night if they are being herded from the streets like common cattle?"
>Celestia groans again, getting up onto her hooves and stepping out of her bed, a single hoof rubbing her forehead
>"Luna... you remember the talk we had about the Canterlot voice and the... indoors Canterlot voice?"
>Really?
>At a time like this, she's making jokes?
"Sister, this is serious! Someone has managed to pass an edict in our names! Unless this... Edict 94 was your doing?"
>You shoot her a sharp look, and she returns it with a sleepy, quizzical glance
>Either she's utterly oblivious, or the theater missed out on the star of a lifetime when she became a princess
>"94... 94... I can't say I remember that one. You say it was passed in our names? To keep people from enjoying the night?"
"Yes!"
>"Who would do such a thing?"
"Caeruleus Sanguis has his name written all over this, sister! Who but he could have the connections to pull off such a feat?"
>Celestia sighs, pawing at the ground with one of her forehooves
>"Do you not think you're jumping to conclusions just a little, dear sister? With sufficient planning, it could be any of the court."
>That's true...
>Still, that one noble was a real piece of work
>Claiming being a distant relation to the princesses as some form of divine mandate...
"What would you have us do, Celestia?! Our authority is being subverted! We must act!"
>She nods, ever patient
>"Of course we must, Luna. But acting before we know the truth will earn us enemies among the rish and powerful."
>Celestia's horn glows, and ink, parchment and a quill float over to the pair of you
>The pen starts to scribble across the paper, and Celestia gives it an occasional look to ensure it's behaving itself
>"So I suggest you investigate the matter. And in the meantime, we can rescind this false decree."
>That strikes you as a little strange
>Why can't you investigate together?
>You ask as much
"Is there reason you cannot aid in this, my sister?"
>Celestia shakes her head
"If one false edict has been made, who knows what other orders have been made in our names? We'll need to check through recent laws, and I know how much you hate paperwork."
>She grins cheekily and you can't help but smile back a little despite your present discomfort
"Very well! But we will need to know what other false laws have been passed, if any are found! They may be valuable clues!"
>Celestia nods in agreement and floats the writing materials over to you
>You enfold them in your magic and take a quick look at the document
>Hereby... most regrettable... unfortunate misunderstanding... Edict 94... hereby rescinded. -Celestia.
>You add your signature to the end and the scroll rolls itself up
>"There. We can make an official announcement in the morning, as well."
>You nod
>That'll help to spread word
>There's no time to lose
>You remove yourself from Celestia's chambers
>The first guards you come to, you instruct to gather as many of their companions to the throne room as soon as possible
>As you make your own way there and take your seat on the throne, you wonder
>Who could it be?
>Why would they do this?
>And how could it have gone unnoticed so long?
>Had it really been so similar to usual that it barely bore noticing?
>Were there really so few that relished the night, even when it was legal to do so?
>Enough
>You would get to the bottom of this
>With perhaps four squads of guards either rounded up from their nightly duties or roused from their slumber it may take some time to bring the nobles to court
>You use the opportunity to consider the most likely culprits
>There was Caeruleus Sanguis of course, head of the most prestigious branch of Canterlot nobility bar the princesses themselves
>He has wealth and influence both, and it is common knowledge he believes his relation the princesses should grant him special privileges.
>The Crust family perhaps rivalled Sanguis for wealth, but they have fallen out of favour recently and their word means less than it used to at court
>It is said that their matriarch - Continental Crust - was trying to grasp for too much power, being an ambitious mare reaching her autumn years
>Posh Trousers, despite being a rather poor noble in his own right, has a magnificent reputation
>While he wouldn't have had the means to forge a royal edict himself, he would have had no trouble convincing a conspiracy of lesser nobles to do just that
>It doesn't make much sense
>But perhaps after you speak to them...
>The guards soon return, unhappy nobles in tow
>"What is the meaning of this?!"
>"Yes! Why are we being dragged from our homes in this manner? It's an outrage!"
>They demand answers
>What do you tell them?
>And how can you find out more?
>"It has come my attention that a royal edict, a certain edict number 94, has been implemented unbeknownst to my sister and I."
>A few of the Crust family react with theatrical, perhaps exaggerated gasps
>Posh trousers furrows his brow, looking the very picture of responsible concern
>Caeruleus Sanguis, on the other hand, looks unabashedly bored by the proceedings
>You go on
>"Since the only ponies with the power to bring this edict into place would be high ranking nobles, I have brought you here today to discuss the issue."
>A few of the assembled nobility swell with pomposity - that merely being here entitles them to be called 'High-ranking' amongst Equestria's nobility
"You are all highly thought of nobles, and you must all have-"
>Here you cough, for effect
"-an 'ear to the ground' so to speak, in these matters."
>Posh Trousers allows himself a grin, while the Crusts break out into fractious argument amongst themselves - only quieted when their matriarch hits her eldest son around the back of the head and hushes him
>Sanguis merely maintains his demeanour of long-suffering boredom
"Would any of you perchance know anything about this Edict 94? I'm sure not one of you needs be reminded that implementing a law such as this without the permission of my sister and I is illegal, and as such we are keen to put this fraudster away, lest they cause any other issues."
>There is a general murmur of agreement at that, but none of the assembly steps forward
>After some time of awkward silence, it's Sanguis that speaks up
>"While I certainly didn't dream it was a forgery, I had thought the document a little suspect. Nevertheless, I have no clue who could possibly be behind it."
>He sniffs aristocratically
>"Unless, of course, it was you, Posh Trousers? Everybody knows you would do anything to further your own wealth, being as impoverished as you are."
>"So quick to point fingers, "Prince" Sanguis?"
>Posh Trousers retorts snippily
>"Everybody knows you covet the title. Who knows what you would do to sow discord between our fair princesses? And you did seem awfully quick to point fingers."
>The uppity noblepony bristles at this outrageous slight.
>"Bah! I don't need to stay here and take such insults from a... from a jumped-up farmhorse!"
>Caeruleus Sanguis makes to leave, and the Crusts seem to gravitate towards following in his wake
>The doors, invitingly open, are enveloped in a dark blue glow
>They slam shut before the assembled nobility can reach them
>Suddenly all eyes are back on you
>Princess Luna
>Tyrant of the Night
"Do not be so hasty, my loyal subjects! We share common cause, do we not? We all wish for the good of Equestria."
>You try to sway the collection with words
>Some of them look angry
>Sanguis not least of all
>He is furious
>"We have been called, your highness, and as a courtesy we have answered! But when we are accused of crimes when there is no proof-"
>"Save your own bluster when confronted by the fact, Sanguis! Would an innocent Stallion be so defensive, I wonder?"
>Another of Posh Trousers' quips produces a murmur of agreement from the lesser nobility, and a selection of Crusts
>But you put that argument to bed with another firm denouncement
"Fillies and Gentlecolts, control yourselves! Are you all still foals? Has not a one of you your cutie mark?"
>You cannot let these pointless arguments sabotage your attempts to get to the bottom of this
"Surely you realise the damage it would do to your reputations if word got out that when summoned before your princess, you did nothing but bicker and argue."
>The ponies look down, ashamed
>Well, save for Posh Trousers
>"If I may, your highness - it might be difficult for people to disclose privileged information in such a... public forum? Perhaps individuals would be more forthcoming if you were to interview them privately."

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>Your eyes flutter awake
>Another day gone
>Another night to come
>You trot from your chambers down toward the throne room
>The business of the day has wound down
>A few straggling nobles pass you by
>They bow graciously
>It's only proper
>But not one of them meets your eye
>You acknowledge them with a nod of the head before moving on
>Arriving at the double doors, they swing open
>Illuminated by the faint magical auras of the unicorn guards on either side
>You almost wish they wouldn't
>Still, the gesture is not unkind
"You have our gratitude, fine stallions!"
>They remain stoic
>Staring forward
>Still and silent as statues
>You sigh at their unresponsiveness
>It would be nice if more people were willing to talk to you
>Yet that's the life of a princess
>It's your duty to bear it
>The loneliness
>The quiet
>The dark
>You have arrived
>Celestia is on the throne, looking harried
>She's had another long day, by the looks of things
>She flashes you a smile, though
>Ever happy to see you
>Those smiles warm you from head to hoof
>It sometimes seems as though your sister is the only one ever genuinely happy to see you
"It gladdens our heart to see you, sister! We hope thou art ready to cede us the heavens!"
>"Of course, Luna. Do you have any plans for tonight?"

>Of course you do
>There's ever time to think about what kind of night to create
>Save for paperwork and the occasional foray into a troubled pony's dreams, planning the night is all you really have to consider through your waking hours
"An air of mystery for the denizens of the night, my sister! A full moon and wispy clouds!"
>Celestia smiles
>She looks pleased at your explanation
>As she ever does
>"It sounds wonderful, Luna. I wish I could see more of it, but-"
>She stifles a yawn
>"-the treaties with the northern gryphons have taken a lot out of me today, just as all the demands of the nobility."
>As ever, your sister shoulders the vast majority of the work
>Careful negotiation 
>Making sure trade deals and internal affairs are all solved amicably
>She cannot help that people prefer to come to court in the daylight hours
"As you wish then, my sister! Take your rest! I shall look over what has been agreed upon once the night is underway!"
>She nods
>Having told you of the paperwork she needs you to sign off on, she descends from the throne
>She stops beside you and nuzzles fondly against your neck
>"Good night, my sister."
>A spark passes between you and you feel the power within
>To shape the skies as you wish
>To see your will made manifest
>Celestia trots away, leaving you to the empty throne room
>Stepping over a convenient balcony you note with satisfaction the clouds left by the weather teams during the day
>They obscure much of the sky from the ground
>But in the visible patches you paint beautiful nebulae
>Artistic constellations in the form of all the animals of the kingdom
>You raise the moon to rest partially behind a particular cloud, partially shadowing its face
>Satisfied you stand and admire your handiwork
>There is no hurry
>You have all night to do what must be done

>It's all well and good
>But what may be a picturesque display from the Royal apartments of Canterlot could be less so from elsewhere
>And it has been so long since you've left the castle
>Its' libraries, galleries, empty corridors and silent guardsmen can only entertain so long
>And it wouldn't do to forget the feel of wind beneath your wings
>You step up onto the edge of the balcony
>You stretch out your dark, feathered wings to their full extent
>The chill night air bites ineffectually at your coat
>And with a beat of your massive wings, you drop from the castle toward the city
>The windows of the houses arrayed below you glimmer like the stars above
>Some candles yet burning as the last of the ponies finish their work
>As they read their books
>As they prepare to sleep
>Ignoring the beauty of the night
>You sail on past the spires of Canterlot
>Darting this way and that as the thrill of flight overtakes you
>You allow yourself a brief smile
>Eventually coming to a stop just inside the city limits, you hover just above the rooves below
>Looking up once more at your handiwork
>The stars glittering like diamonds in clusters just beyond the substantial cloud
>The full moon just visible enough behind its mask to cast its light down on the ponies' homes 
>Yes, you still have it
>It's still beautiful
>Still a work of art, no matter where you glide to observe it
>Your smile drops away
>Why then are the streets so empty?
>Why then are the lights in all the homes being snuffed out one by one?
>Why does not a soul care for the night?

>You drift down to the ground
>There must be somepony still awake
>Somepony still active
>Enjoying the night
>Appreciating your hard work
>There must be
>The metallic clatter of your horseshoes against the cobbles echo through the empty streets
>You make your way through the city
>Glancing down each street as you pass it
>Sometimes turning down one if you thought you heard a noise
>Wandering at random through the Capitol
>Hoping to run into somepony
>Anypony
>Suddenly you hear the clattering of hooves
>As if their owner was running
>Curious, you head toward the noise
>The hoofsteps grow louder
>And just as you round a corner something barrels into you
>They fall to the ground
>It's a young earth pony by the look of them
>A mare
>And as soon as they see you their eyes go wide
>A hoof comes up to protect their face
>"P-p-p-princess! Please! M-mercy, princess, please!"
>They sound frightened
>Desperate
>And after them around the corner come a squad of royal guards, spears ready
>"Stop right there, criminal scum! You're in violation of- oh, Princess! You're handling this personally?"
>Recognising you, they salute

"Handling what exactly, pray tell?"
>You ask the ponies
>Both the leader of the guards - a sergeant - and the mare try to speak at once
>"I was just-!"
>"She was flouting-!"
>You hold up a hoof
"Still your tongues! I would hear the charges before asking one of my subjects to defend themselves!"
>The guards look at you briefly as if you were mad
>But soon enough their sergeant speaks
>"This criminal was acting in direct contravention of Royal Edict 94, your highness! The emergency protocols that have been in place these past months!"
>"Royal Edict 94"?
>You can't say you remember the specifics
>So much paperwork passes through that simply isn't worth a detailed assessment
>Often you skim tedious legislature to make time for other things
>Ensuring the beauty of the night can be seen by all
>Reading magical tomes in the Canterlot libraries
>Devising more and more elaborate glittering constellations...
>... Like tonight
>You still had gryphon treaties and noble pleas to look over back at the castle
>Wonderful
>But Royalty simply did not admit ignorance like that
>Especially not the Princess of the Night
>Instead you turn to the mare
>Still lying on the street
>Quivering with fear
"What have you to say for yourself?!"
>She flinches at the sound of your voice
>Doesn't meet your eyes as she mumbles a barely audible excuse
"What was that? Speak up, subject! You may trust your princess to be fair!"
>Her panicked voice rises in volume
>Just loud enough to be heard
>"I- I was looking after the shop! T-taking inventory! I was the l-last one to leave tonight, and I lost track of the time! I didn't know, and- and the night came on so suddenly!"
>She looks close to tears
>But you still can't quite tell what she is supposed to have done wrong
>After some time in thought, you...

>No
>This is too much
>You can't be expected to pass judgement with so little information
>You turn to the sergeant
"Tell me, guardsman, and tell me straight! What is the exact nature of this Edict 94? What part has this poor mare defied?"
>The guard shares an uncomfortable glance with the others of his squad
>A couple cough awkwardly
>He shifts his hooves, apparently nervous
>"We, uh- We would have thought our princess would know. No doubt you're aware all edicts need to be approved by the nobles, and then... signed by both Princesses, as per the rule of the Diarchy..."
>Of course
>You're no simpleton
"Naturally! Your princess is well aware of the procedure! Nevertheless, she wishes to hear it from thine own mouth!"
>He coughs
>"Of course, princess, of course. Forgive me, I meant no offence. The edict stipulates that because of the emergency, nopony is to remain out of doors after dark."
>Another of the squad speaks up
>"That is, not without royal permission! Your- your highness."
>Nopony is to remain outdoors after dark
>Did you hear that right?
>Did you really sign something like that?
>Would you, if you knew?
>Of course not.
>And Celestia would know that
>Surely she would
>She'd never try to sneak something like that past you
>Not without talking about it first
>Would she?

"I have heard enough! Guardsmen, you are to be commended for your diligence, but this mare has done nothing wrong!"
>The squad looks surprised
>The mare looks massively relieved
>She bolts before you can change your mind
>You get a brief look at her flank
>A broken crate cutie mark?
>Also, dat ass
>The guards almost can't help but to keep up their chase and go after her, but you stamp your forehooves against the ground to bring them back to attantion
"You will return to your barracks, guardsmen! Report to your fellows that this decree has been falsified."
>Whether it truly had or not could wait
>But if it hasn't...
>Well, that doesn't bear thinking about
>"B-but princess-"
>The sergeant starts to object
"You can rest assured that I approved of no such document!"
>Technically true, whether you signed it or not
>What a mess
>No wonder nopony has been bearing witness to the night
>You need to get to the bottom of this
>And fast
>But how?
>If this was your sister's doing, whom could you trust to tell you what you need to know?
>One of the nobles, perhaps?
>But if it wasn't 'Tia, then it must have been one of the nobility
>Still
>Posh Trousers is often spoken well of
>A unicorn stallion of class and sophistication
>Technically a noble, though one of relatively modest means
>If any noblepony would give you the truth, it'd be him

>No, you can't jump to conclusions
>Certainly not ones that paint your beloved sister in a poor light
>You've been each other's constant companions throughout both of your long lives
>She's always been there to offer a kind word and a comforting hug
>Always there to compliment your artistic nights
>Just as you praised her magnificent sunrises and sunsets
>The guards start back to their barracks, muttering amongst themselves
>Trusting them to lift the curfew, you take to the sky again
>Your powerful wings beat furiously now
>There is no leisurely gliding along
>No joyful relishing of the cool air rushing through your feathers
>Only the destination
>Determination to find out what is going on
>You land heavily back on the balcony where you took off at the start of the night
>You're in such a hurry that you leave dents in the wood
>Sparks fly from your shoes as you rush through the dim corridors of Canterlot Castle
>Turning this way and that on your way to Celestia's chambers
>Producing surprised murmurings from the few night guards
>Of course
>Now they speak
>Drawing up outside Celestia's door, you take a moment to catch your breath
>And then throw her doors open
"Celestia!"
>She rolls over on her bed to face the door
>"Mmmhhh?"

"Celestia! Thou shan't believe what I have discovered!"
>Your sister groans
>"Luna... it's the middle of the night..."
"Indeed so, my sister! But ponies are being kept from the streets by guardsmen saying it is by our order!"
>"Wh-what...?"
>She seems uncertain
>It may be due to ignorance of the order or simply because she's still half asleep
>It's hard to tell
"Sister, please! Listen to us! Guards are enforcing a curfew on our streets! A Curfew! How can our subjects be expected to enjoy our night if they are being herded from the streets like common cattle?"
>Celestia groans again, getting up onto her hooves and stepping out of her bed, a single hoof rubbing her forehead
>"Luna... you remember the talk we had about the Canterlot voice and the... indoors Canterlot voice?"
>Really?
>At a time like this, she's making jokes?
"Sister, this is serious! Someone has managed to pass an edict in our names! Unless this... Edict 94 was your doing?"
>You shoot her a sharp look, and she returns it with a sleepy, quizzical glance
>Either she's utterly oblivious, or the theater missed out on the star of a lifetime when she became a princess
>"94... 94... I can't say I remember that one. You say it was passed in our names? To keep people from enjoying the night?"
"Yes!"
>"Who would do such a thing?"

"Caeruleus Sanguis has his name written all over this, sister! Who but he could have the connections to pull off such a feat?"
>Celestia sighs, pawing at the ground with one of her forehooves
>"Do you not think you're jumping to conclusions just a little, dear sister? With sufficient planning, it could be any of the court."
>That's true...
>Still, that one noble was a real piece of work
>Claiming being a distant relation to the princesses as some form of divine mandate...
"What would you have us do, Celestia?! Our authority is being subverted! We must act!"
>She nods, ever patient
>"Of course we must, Luna. But acting before we know the truth will earn us enemies among the rish and powerful."
>Celestia's horn glows, and ink, parchment and a quill float over to the pair of you
>The pen starts to scribble across the paper, and Celestia gives it an occasional look to ensure it's behaving itself
>"So I suggest you investigate the matter. And in the meantime, we can rescind this false decree."
>That strikes you as a little strange
>Why can't you investigate together?
>You ask as much
"Is there reason you cannot aid in this, my sister?"
>Celestia shakes her head
"If one false edict has been made, who knows what other orders have been made in our names? We'll need to check through recent laws, and I know how much you hate paperwork."
>She grins cheekily and you can't help but smile back a little despite your present discomfort
"Very well! But we will need to know what other false laws have been passed, if any are found! They may be valuable clues!"
>Celestia nods in agreement and floats the writing materials over to you
>You enfold them in your magic and take a quick look at the document
>Hereby... most regrettable... unfortunate misunderstanding... Edict 94... hereby rescinded. -Celestia.
>You add your signature to the end and the scroll rolls itself up
>"There. We can make an official announcement in the morning, as well."
>You nod
>That'll help to spread word

>There's no time to lose
>You remove yourself from Celestia's chambers
>The first guards you come to, you instruct to gather as many of their companions to the throne room as soon as possible
>As you make your own way there and take your seat on the throne, you wonder
>Who could it be?
>Why would they do this?
>And how could it have gone unnoticed so long?
>Had it really been so similar to usual that it barely bore noticing?
>Were there really so few that relished the night, even when it was legal to do so?
>Enough
>You would get to the bottom of this
>With perhaps four squads of guards either rounded up from their nightly duties or roused from their slumber it may take some time to bring the nobles to court
>You use the opportunity to consider the most likely culprits
>There was Caeruleus Sanguis of course, head of the most prestigious branch of Canterlot nobility bar the princesses themselves
>He has wealth and influence both, and it is common knowledge he believes his relation the princesses should grant him special privileges.
>The Crust family perhaps rivalled Sanguis for wealth, but they have fallen out of favour recently and their word means less than it used to at court
>It is said that their matriarch - Continental Crust - was trying to grasp for too much power, being an ambitious mare reaching her autumn years
>Posh Trousers, despite being a rather poor noble in his own right, has a magnificent reputation
>While he wouldn't have had the means to forge a royal edict himself, he would have had no trouble convincing a conspiracy of lesser nobles to do just that
>It doesn't make much sense
>But perhaps after you speak to them...
>The guards soon return, unhappy nobles in tow
>"What is the meaning of this?!"
>"Yes! Why are we being dragged from our homes in this manner? It's an outrage!"
>They demand answers
>What do you tell them?
>And how can you find out more?

>"It has come my attention that a royal edict, a certain edict number 94, has been implemented unbeknownst to my sister and I."
>A few of the Crust family react with theatrical, perhaps exaggerated gasps
>Posh trousers furrows his brow, looking the very picture of responsible concern
>Caeruleus Sanguis, on the other hand, looks unabashedly bored by the proceedings
>You go on
>"Since the only ponies with the power to bring this edict into place would be high ranking nobles, I have brought you here today to discuss the issue."
>A few of the assembled nobility swell with pomposity - that merely being here entitles them to be called 'High-ranking' amongst Equestria's nobility
"You are all highly thought of nobles, and you must all have-"
>Here you cough, for effect
"-an 'ear to the ground' so to speak, in these matters."
>Posh Trousers allows himself a grin, while the Crusts break out into fractious argument amongst themselves - only quieted when their matriarch hits her eldest son around the back of the head and hushes him
>Sanguis merely maintains his demeanour of long-suffering boredom
"Would any of you perchance know anything about this Edict 94? I'm sure not one of you needs be reminded that implementing a law such as this without the permission of my sister and I is illegal, and as such we are keen to put this fraudster away, lest they cause any other issues."
>There is a general murmur of agreement at that, but none of the assembly steps forward

>After some time of awkward silence, it's Sanguis that speaks up
>"While I certainly didn't dream it was a forgery, I had thought the document a little suspect. Nevertheless, I have no clue who could possibly be behind it."
>He sniffs aristocratically
>"Unless, of course, it was you, Posh Trousers? Everybody knows you would do anything to further your own wealth, being as impoverished as you are."
>"So quick to point fingers, "Prince" Sanguis?"
>Posh Trousers retorts snippily
>"Everybody knows you covet the title. Who knows what you would do to sow discord between our fair princesses? And you did seem awfully quick to point fingers."
>The uppity noblepony bristles at this outrageous slight. 
>"Bah! I don't need to stay here and take such insults from a... from a jumped-up farmhorse!"
>Caeruleus Sanguis makes to leave, and the Crusts seem to gravitate towards following in his wake

>The doors, invitingly open, are enveloped in a dark blue glow
>They slam shut before the assembled nobility can reach them
>Suddenly all eyes are back on you
>Princess Luna
>Tyrant of the Night
"Do not be so hasty, my loyal subjects! We share common cause, do we not? We all wish for the good of Equestria."
>You try to sway the collection with words
>Some of them look angry
>Sanguis not least of all
>He is furious
>"We have been called, your highness, and as a courtesy we have answered! But when we are accused of crimes when there is no proof-"
>"Save your own bluster when confronted by the fact, Sanguis! Would an innocent Stallion be so defensive, I wonder?"
>Another of Posh Trousers' quips produces a murmur of agreement from the lesser nobility, and a selection of Crusts
>But you put that argument to bed with another firm denouncement
"Fillies and Gentlecolts, control yourselves! Are you all still foals? Has not a one of you your cutie mark?"
>You cannot let these pointless arguments sabotage your attempts to get to the bottom of this
"Surely you realise the damage it would do to your reputations if word got out that when summoned before your princess, you did nothing but bicker and argue."
>The ponies look down, ashamed
>Well, save for Posh Trousers
>"If I may, your highness - it might be difficult for people to disclose privileged information in such a... public forum? Perhaps individuals would be more forthcoming if you were to interview them privately."

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