Millennia - Part 4

>Princess Celestia guides you around the castle, giving an insightful history lesson on every landmark she finds interesting enough to discuss. Whenever the two of you found yourselves in an empty hallway, she would talk about the citizens and the state of things in her kingdom.
>Her odd over-friendliness has yet to diminish, however. She bends to every whim that doesn’t involve you leaving her side.
>When her supposed tour ends, she mentions there’s on last thing she wishes to show you.
>She now leads you down a long, quiet hallway. This one is just as immaculately decorated as all the others, but Celestia’s silence sets a more serious tone.
>The hour has gotten late. Maids and butlers alike have retired for the evening, leaving these long hallways for just Celestia and yourself. The only noises that can be heard are you light footsteps and the clanking of Celestia’s golden shoes clopping against the marble floor.
>After a few twist, turns, and equally as long hallways, the two of you find yourselves before a large, glass-paned door. Beyond it, you see a balcony that hangs over the city of Canterlot.
>”Anonymous. Open it, please.” Celestia softly commands.
>You silently do so. The bite of the cold wind hits as the door cracks open, causing you to shiver.
>The princess passes in front of you, once again passively filling you with her warmth.
>She stops at the edge of the balcony, looking down at her kingdom.
>”Anonymous, please come join me.”

>You gingerly approach the princess from behind before taking the spot next to her.
>She begins to talk, but her voice becomes background noise as you gaze down at the lights of Canterlot. Soft blues and hash yellows illuminate the streets and homes. Little specks crowd the streets, even at this hour.
>It’s… quite a sensation. A little ego boosting, even.
>Celestia lets out a content sigh before glancing at you.
>”A little over a thousand years of peace, Anonymous. Look. Look at how happy my little ponies are.” She lets out a soft chuckle before gazing back down at her city, like a mother looking into her child’s crib. “It hasn’t been easy, especially over the past few years. But keeping my ponies safe has been something I put above all else.”
>You simply nod and look back down at the city, hoping to hopefully abandon this increasingly uncomfortable topic. It’s almost as if she’s-
>”Answer me this, truthfully.”
>Shit.
>”Do you pose any threat to my ponies? Would you bring any harm to them?”
“No-“
>”Unintentionally or purposefully. I have to know, Anonymous.” Her tone quickly becomes stern.
“I… No, princess. I’m just… I just want to go home.”
>The princess takes another deep breath before turning to you with a small smile.
>”Thank you. And we will do what we can so you may hopefully return home. Now,” She looks back down at Canterlot. “It’s getting late. Perhaps it is time you retired for the night.”
“Yeah… Ahem. Goodnight, Princess.”

>You later find yourself in your room.
>As you requested, your bed is now bigger.
>And the blanket, sheets, and pillow are now dark blue decorated with moons and stars. That’s… great.
>It doesn’t concern you very much. You got exactly what you wanted so you don’t find much use in complaining.
>You quickly slip off your shoes and begin pulling your shirt off your head.
>”We enlarged-“
“GYAAH!” You yelp in surprise as your shirt is still over your head. You quickly yank it off and look to the source of the noise.
>Luna somehow silently snuck into your room, and picked a damn good time to make herself known.
“Luna… When did you get here?”
>”We have been here since before you returned.”
“Then why couldn’t… Ugh” You bring a hand to your forehead. “I’m sorry, Princess. Is there something I can help you with?”
>”We are here to inform you of your new sleeping arrangements.”
“Yeah, the bed, right? Thanks for that.”
>”… We are also here to apologize for our sister’s actions.”
“Actions?”
>”It is her way of ‘making up’. You do not have to worry, her overbearing friendliness will fade once she believes you’ve forgiven her.”
“But I don’t-“
>”But she believes she has offended you.  If she does not, she is only covering her bases.”
>No physical response comes to mind other than a shrug.
“It’s fine, I guess. It could have been worse.”
>”Indeed it could, but Princess Celestia is a benevolent one.”
>Luna’s eyes drift from your eyes, to your chest, and back up again.
>”Were you in the middle of something?”
“Just getting ready for bed.”
>”Ah, We shall excuse ourselves then. You have a pleasant slumber, Anonymous.”
>Princess Luna gives a short bow before turning to leave your room.
“Night, princess.”

>The next morning comes a little too quickly. The sun seems to shine through the tiny crack in your drapes and straight into your eyes. You’d like the curse the sun, but considering it may directly offend the elder of the two princesses, you deem it unwise.
>After some proper grunting and groaning, you tumble out of bed with only a not-so-fresh pair of undergarments on. Just the thought of wearing a single pair of underwear is discomforting to you. You’re used to having a clean set of clothes every day, so you suddenly feel like the world is becoming a disgusting place. Full of unclean, unclothed people.
>Instead, you’re in a new world ruled by sentient horses who don’t wear clothes and a bunch probably don’t bathe.
>They might be at the same sanitation level, so maybe you’ll just keep this to yourself.
>You manage to find your pants after some proper stretching and joint popping, and slip them on. Now comes your favorite decision of the day. Eat a delicious gourmet breakfast, or jump back into bed. There is no wrong decision.
>Let us consult the stomach. What do you want, stomach?
>…
>That’s right, it can’t talk. But the brain is what’s responsible for not only your ability to talk, but to do everything, and you believe it deserves a little more sleep.
>Besides, putting on pants so perfectly should be rewarded.
>With more sleep.

>It’s too bad SOMEONE has to knock at your door right now.
>You groan as you force yourself out of bed and slowly meander over to the door before opening it.
>As it cracks open, an impatient old light-blue unicorn pushes through.
>You hear him mutter something incoherent as he trots to the middle of the room and begins pacing and talking to himself. He wears an off white polo shirt under what looks like a very comfortable crimson sweater vest.
“Excuse me? Who are you?”
>He looks you over, still mumbling to himself, then goes back to his pacing.
>A light knock at the door once again catches your attention. The blue pony was rude enough to leave the door open, allowing you to see Princess Celestia standing behind the threshold.
“Mornin’, Pr-“ You catch yourself. You figure it’s time to act proper around a princess. She may not be your princess, but it would be best not to disrespect her. “Ahem,” You give her a short bow. “Good morning, Princess Celestia.”
>”And a good morning to you, Anonymous. There is no need to be so formal, however.”
“I-I just thought… Right, sorry.”
>”And you don’t need to apologize. Now,” She looks to the blue pony. “Excuse me? Are you ready, sir?”
>He stops on a dime, stands at attention, and gives Princess Celestia a nod.
>”Excellent.” She looks back to you. “He should be able make more clothes for you. He will only need some measurements before he begins.”
“Measur-Oh! Yeah, yeah. That’s fine. I uh… Shoot. I just put these pants on…”
>Celestia chuckles at your horrible pants situation.
>”Very well then, I must return to my own duties. We shall speak again soon, Anon.”

>As Celestia turns to exit, you feel something snap against the back of your neck.
“Hey!” You spin on your heels and rub your neck. A measuring tape floats next the pony.
>”And try to cooperate,” Celestia calls from the other side of the door. “He’s feisty one.” She lets out a chuckle before closing the door behind her.
“What do you mean by-“ You get whipped in the nose this time. “Hey, dude!”
>”Stand still!”
“I…” The next set of words is only a series of grumbling swears.
>After he strips you of your pants, which made you very uncomfortable, he places that cold measuring tape all over your body while writing numbers down on a notepad he withdrew from his pocket.
>It takes nearly a half-hour, but he finishes up and quickly leaves the room without a word. At least, you think he’s done. The crazy stallion might be on… a crazy break, or something. Yeah.
>Not wanting to stick around and wait, you gather your clothes and slip them on before exiting your room.
>If you weren’t hungry before, you are now. Next destination: Dining Hall.
>The walk there is the same as it has been for the past few days. Immaculate halls. Beautiful artwork. Stunning city below. Same ol’, same ol’.
>You quickly find yourself at the door for the dining hall. Before opening it, you hear some voices from behind. All of them muffled and unclear.
>You think little of it and crack open the large doors enough to squeeze on though.
>Everyone in the room looks your way with a shocked expression. The only two you recognize are princesses Luna and Celestia, sitting at the far end of the table.
>Two horse looking… horses look the most shocked.
>And a pony sits across from them, absolutely uninterested in your arrival.

>The chatty unicorn Stallion is saying something about how dreadful a hair appointment was as you walk over to your seat. Everyone else’s eyes remain locked onto you.
>You return a dumbfounded stare to the princesses before silently waving and taking your seat near the unicorn.
>Both princesses abruptly stand up, their chairs screeching against the floor, before they both quickly trot over to you. The unicorn near you stops talking as the princesses pass, and then adopt the same expression as everyone else once he notices you.
>”Anonymous!” Luna speaks first. “We… That is, Celestia and… Ourselves… Weren’t aware-“
>”Anonymous,” Celestia interjects. “Your company was not expected, this morning. I apologize for this, but we must ask you to excuse yourself.”
“Really? I, uh… I didn’t mean to interrupt or anything. I-“
>”Do not trouble yourself with it. Here,” Princess Celestia’s horn lights up with a golden glow, which ensnares the stallion next to you. “Prince Blueblood will be your guide for today.”
>”I’ll be wha-Gyaha!!” He yelps in surprise as he is lifted off the ground. He floats gently towards you until he is dropped not-so-gently in front of you.
>”A-Auntie Celestia…”
>Celestia silently sighs to herself. “Yes, Blueblood?”
>”… My Raspberry Fritter.”
>There’s an incredibly awkward pause before Celestia floats the plate containing Blueblood’s food to his hooves, which he promptly takes up in his magic afterwards.
>He lets out an excited giggle before exiting the room like an overjoyed filly, while you reluctantly follow.
>As the door closes, Luna and Celestia slap fakes smiles back onto their faces and bring their attention back to the other two guests.
>”We… apologize for that.”
>”Yes, now could you please continue on, what was it, Saddle Arabia’s philosophical revolution?”

>This sucks. Prince Blueblood sucks. He’s a horrible guide. All he’s doing is slowly trotting around the castle with his nose in the air while occasionally taking a bite of his food.
>You tried to wander off, but he simply said, “Ah, ah, ah! The princess told you to stay with me.”
>This little game continued for a half hour before he finishes off his food and sets the plate down in the middle of the hallway. You felt like saying something about that, but a maid come out of nowhere and cleaned it up.
>”Aah, much better. Wouldn’t you agree?”
>You only shrug behind his back.
>”Mmm, The princess DID tell me to be your guide, didn’t she?”
“Pretty sure she didn’t stutter.”
>He scoffs at your response. “I, nor the princesses will be talked at with such a tone!” He takes a moment to calm down before blowing a lock of hair out of his eyes. “Now, what in Equestria could The Princess mean by… ‘Guide’?”
“I dunno, could you guide me to some food? I’m starving.”
>He contemplates for a moment before sticking his nose back in the air.
>”You may follow me to the grand kitchen, I would like to have more raspberry fritter and I suppose I should allow you to come along.”
>Prince Blueblood strikes you as the kind of pony who you never, ever want to talk to, ever. A self-absorbed jackass who doesn’t deserve his regal title. Such is life, you suppose.
>He begins a steady trot towards the kitchen with you in tow. It doesn’t take him long to start with the questions.

>”So, you are Luna’s new little pet?”
“In the rudest terms possible, yeah.”
>”What? Do you think of yourself as anything else?”
“Absolutely. I’m pretty new here so asking for equality is a hefty request, but being treated as a pet will be the line. It won’t happen.”
>”I don’t mean ‘pet’ as in ‘dog’. You are merely her new toy. Something to hold her interest until she finds something new. You are a more miraculous find than normal, but once you’re tossed out onto the streets, Princess Luna will completely forget about you.”
“Tossed out onto the streets?”
>”Mm? They did not tell you? That’s awfully… suspicious?” An insufferable grin spreads across his face. “I thought they’d at least have the common courtesy to… Ah, never mind.”
“Hold on,” You jog ahead of Blueblood and block his path. “What’s going to happen?”
>He puts on a mock contemplative face before shrugging his withers and waving a dismissive hoof at you.
>”Oh, I really shouldn’t say. But, you ought to look forward to the Lunar Festival, in a few days.”
>He then trots past you, still wearing the grin.
>”It’ll be fun! You’ll be meeting all of Canterlot!”
>You stand still, lost in your own speculation and worry as Blueblood continues down the hallway.

>You manage to catch back up to Blueblood pretty quickly and arrive at the kitchen shortly afterwards.
>He orders another raspberry fritter, and you make it a double. He then compliments your choice in foods.
>Aww yiss. Scoring points with the Prince.
>After a short, but fulfilling discussion about how amazing fritters are (You just think they’re okay. But there’s nothing wrong with appealing to the right people. Also known as ass kissing.) Prince Blueblood seems more willing to guide you around the castle, and now you’re more willing to put up with him.
>You said you’ve seen enough identical hallways, and he agrees that they begin to wane on one’s patience. He then decides to show you the castle grounds, without actually crossing into the city.
>And apparently you’re not allowed to leave the castle grounds.
>No one told you this before.
>Blueblood may be a huge prick, but he’s been more straightforward then several other ponies.
>You pretend to easily accept the fact that you’re a government secret and instead shove the thought into the back of your mind.
>Meanwhile, as you and Blueblood walk through the gardens, he tells you riveting tales about how he… deflowered… several young maidens in this… garden.
>Hands now go inside pockets.
>The tour continues with several remarkable landmarks such as grand fountains, great libraries, guard barracks, and the maze.
>He began telling stories about mares he took inside this maze, but you made up something call a Traditional Human Restoration Hour, also known as The Nap.

>After finally being able the escape Blueblood’s presence, you find yourself walking back to the garden.
>Yes, despite the horrifying stories you’ve heard from Blueblood, you find the garden awfully peaceful. Aside from the occasional guard patrol, you’re only accompanied by the chirping of exotic birds and the occasional rustling of a bush as a rabbit ducks into one.
>It doesn’t quite remind you of home. It doesn’t even make you forget you’re far, far away from Earth. But, it soothes the mind, which in turn, allows you to relax for once.
>You quickly lose track of time, sitting under the shady trees.
>Your stomach growls just some time after noon, forcing you to return to the kitchen for some food.
>You then go back to the garden, and find yourself enjoying the rest of the afternoon there. Perhaps you will check out that maze tomorrow. Oooh, or maybe the library.
>Distracted by your own thoughts, you don’t notice a pony sneak up behind you.
>”Excuse me, mister Anonymous?”
>You’re a little too distracted with your own thoughts to jump at the sound of his voice, but he catches your attention.
“Yes,” You turn around and lock eyes with the guard you met on your first day in Equestria. “Shining…”
>”Shining Armor. I’d just like to give you a personal welcome to Equestria, sir.”
“Oh! Well, thank-“
>”And I’d like to apologize for my actions when we first met. You must understand, Princesses’ orders.”
“Yeah, absolutely. Don’t worry about it.”
>”That’s great!” He extends a hoof forward. “To new beginnings! With friends and beyond!”
>Haha… What?

>You simply bump the hoof with your first, despite his incredibly cheesy line there.
>”Great! Now, excuse me. The captain of the guard can’t be seen lounging about.”
“No doubt, catch you later, Shining Armor.”
>He gives you a short bow before departing, leaving you to yourself once more.
>Bored with the garden now, you decide to walk around the castle grounds until nightfall. Amazing how a horse is making that happen, as opposed to gravity and rotation. Does this planet even rotate? Man, you don’t even know.
>You decide to call it a night and find your way back to your room. It’s quite a walk, so you’re plenty ready to sleep. After closing the door and stripping most of your clothes, you fall into the magical embrace of your pillows, and soon fall asleep.
>It’s… odd. The dreamscape also seems to work differently for you here. You find doing whatever it is you’re dreaming, from a first person perspective.
>Then the world blinks the pure white. An eerily familiar white. And for a dream, you feel incredibly lucid.
>You’re wearing the same clothes you were wearing in your dream, and you still feel somewhat… not physically there? You’re still feeling some unusual things here.
>Within another instant, your vision is consumed by a black figure, and you feel that horribly familiar presence.
>The figure on the stained glass. Princess Luna’s darkened shadow.
>Nightmare Moon.
>”There you are…”