Skycoaster

Candy was caught off guard the little voice trying to call her name. “Hello there little one. When you get bigger Aunt Candy is going to give you all the Candy and Popcorn your parents will let me.” Candy would smile now knowing both mares. “I’m glad that-“ the unicorn would pause mid sentence as she got a glimpse at who the ministmare was. “Is…is that Princess Luna?” Before she could get an answer, the music began and Candy began to cry tears of joy as her friend made her way to the alter. “Your mamma and daddy look so beautiful,” she’d say to Glimmer. “And you must be so proud too,” she’d say to Scarlet. Luna nodded to Sky as the first notes hit and Wind Dancer made her way towards them. Levitating her glasses she would begin reading as the bride reached her mark. “Family, friends, acquaintances, we are gathered here today to join together the embodiment of Song and Dance. Two ponies who have touched so many live are now beginning a new journey together. The love between Sky Sailing and Wind Dancer should be an example to all in Equestria of what true love and commitment is.” Looking to Sky, Luna would give a nod. Now was the time if he had written his own vowels to recite them.

Once Sky got her attention, Luna would nod to the usher before making her way towards the soon to be married stallion. "Good day Sky Sailing. I trust that the anticipation of today did not keep you awake...or for that matter cause you to alter your sleep cycle. From just my short stay here in Las Pegasus, I can say the bright neon and lights can be a site to behold." Looking down the isle, Luna could see the bride waving to somepony, perhaps one of her friends. In the back of her head, the alicorn might have cut it a little closer she wished to admit. Looking to where Ice Storm was, she'd give a smirk before turning to Sky. "If you are ready, I will see thee at the alter," as she slowly took her place at placed her notes on a podium. She didn't have time to memorize vows over a thousand years like her sister. Come to think of it, just how many ponies did Celestia marry? Candy returned the wave to her friend as she saw just how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress. Beginning to tear up, she'd answer the pony next to her. "Yep. that's my best friend in all of Equestria there. The pony who showed me around this big, crazy town." With a joyous sniff, she'd look to who she was talking to. "You her boss, right? I think I remember your picture somewhere. Your hotel was the first place I've ever visited outside of Bittsburgh...and Windy was the first friend I ever made that I wasn't related to," she'd smile. "My name is Candy Corn by the way."

The alicorn sat in a penthouse of her friend Ice Storm's casino. She was here on her request of course. Officiating a wedding was nothing new for most of Equestria's royalty, however it was not often that she herself was asked to do so. That task normally fell to her older sister. Most weddings where during the day after all. Ice Storm had given her some notes about the soon to be newlyweds as she made a few notes of key points of Wind and Sky's time together. She had finished two versions of the ceremony; A normal one and a shorter one, in case they chose that version if they had written their own vows. Luna would do a double take as she looked at the clock, and with a glow of her horn, would teleport to just near the park before making her way up to the usher. "I believe I'm expected? Where would you like me to go?"

There was pure panic in Ponyville when Candy got a letter that wasn't from Bittsburgh. As the unicorn read it her mind began to race. "Windy is getting married?!" She'd read the invitation a bit further. "Oh, its in Las Pegasus that's fitting..." Looking at those words again, she'd gulp. "Las Pegasus...in five days!" Taking a few deep breaths, the Nightmare Night maned unicorn would try to calm herself, though by now she was sure the rest of her neighbors knew about the wedding from her excitement. Plopping into her couch, Candy would carefully reread the invitation. "Wind Dancer and Sky Sailing....Requests the honor of your presence...Wedding....on this day off....Las Pegasus....Formal...." Candy's eyes went wide. She was a farm pony and now a candy maker. She was sure her school gala dress was still back in Bittsburgh at the farm, though that's traveling in the opposite direction. She'd have find a dress there. Grabbing her bits and quickly packing, she'd throw on her bags and make a trot for the train station. "One for Las Pegasus please," She'd say levitating her bags continence looking for her bit bag. "Um, there is an express, right, I need to get there by," as she took the invitation out to look at it again only for a ticket to fall out of the envelope. "Oh...um....I think this is what I need?" Sighing and rolling his eyes, the train attendant rolled his eyes. "It leaves in 15 minutes." As he looked the ticked over he would mutter with a smile. "You have a sleeper cabin. You must have some special friends." Candy nodded. "I have the best friend in all of Equestria." before she found her way to her cabin. Four days and three nights was just what she needed to calm herself, and to top it off, food would be brought to her! As the skyscrapers of the famed city first became visible, Candy's eyes would open from her sleep. Just in time to see the sun rise above the city, this truly was going to be a perfect day for her friend. As the train began to slow, she'd check the envelope once more. To her relief there was instructions for hotel accommodations as well as maps to the hotel and to the wedding venue. Candy would beam from ear to ear as she saw the hotel they had put her in was the one she had first met Windy. After a quick check in, her full attention was on a dress, as she grabbed the bits she would need. There where many boutiques in Las Pegasus, though Candy was short for time. After a montage that would do the store's owner proud....and see her getting offered an modeling job, which she would turn down with confusion, she had settled on a black dress with an orange accent stripe and a few hints of white to break up the dark ensemble. Before she could ask how much she owed, the unicorn found herself whisked away to an attached mane salon. Candy's heart began to pound as she looked to a clock on the wall. "Ok, now how much do I owe you for...." The owner shock his head "Just smile and let me take a few pictures. You can have the dress if you let me put you on our billboards for the fall season." Candy looked at him confused but nodded. "Sure? But I really need to get to my friends wedding, and soon." After about fifteen minuets of photos, Candy was finally able to leave before making her way to the park. Slowly trotting up to an usher, she's pull out her invitation. "I'm here for the wedding. I'm Candy Corn. Is there assigned seating or should I just take a seat up front?" she'd say, unknowingly batting her eyelashes at the pony. "I'm a friend of the bride."

Blizzard rose his head from his desk before he motioned for Ice Storm to take a look. He'd extend his hoof for her to take a look at all the papers and manuals strewn about. Quickly, however, he'd notice one book that was not meant for anypony else's eyes. It was a leather wrapped book with his cutie mark embossed on the front cover. The spine also had this same mark as well as Twilight's central mark, the symbol of this branch or the guard. Quickly, he'd tuck his spell book into a pocket within his robes. "As you can see, it isn't like we have a huge roster to work with. There are times I think we're more of just an honor guard then a functional branch. Captain Fire Walker would sometimes use standard Royal Guards for some of the 'less essential' rounds, but I wouldn't risk trying to requisition from the general pool....at least not as just a commissioned officer...and a new one at that." Chuckling, he'd look to Ice Storm as a thought came into his mind. "You know, after I first joined, I thought the only reason I was recommended was so that the Princess and Captain could keep an eye on me. Funny, right? I'm sure they don't do that kind of thing...."

Blizzard’s head would raise from the desk as his eyes moved to meet the pony who had entered his modest quarters that doubled as an office. His expression sank for a moment before he forced a smile. In the back of his head he knew this day would come, but why did it have to come under these circumstances. Sitting up, Blizzard would motion for the blue unicorn to take a seat next to him as he pulled out another chair. “I’m sure you heard the news about Captain Fire Walker. If you could close the door behind you please.” Blizzard put a hoof to his head as he sighed. “I have no idea what in the name of Celestia I’m doing,” as his other hoof pointed to his desk. “Rosters, rotation schedules, meal breaks, and that doesn’t even cover the tasks outside of just basic patrols.” With a sigh, his head would go back to his desk. “You command a whole branch. I’m sure this is simple to a pony like you.”

Flurry nodded. “I guess I get the comic thing from my dad,” she said shrugging her shoulders for a moment. “There’s a few other comics I like reading as well, but I haven’t gotten too far into them because of all my school work.” She would flinch when Zapp jumped onto the table for a second. Nodding yes to his question, she would blush in embarrassment. “I actually have my first ever book report on Daring Do #1 due at the end of the month. My tutor wasn’t too happy that I chose it…until I said that it was Aunt Twilight approved.” Looking over to Apple Bloom she’d smile. “Sometimes I like to…as dad calls it…zone out when reading books like that though. I like to imagine I’m in the book, doing what mane character is doing… something I can’t do with my princess etiquette books.” Looking over to AB once more she’d wink as an idea came into her head. “Hey Zapp, you want to read one of my books I brought and then I can read you one of your Daring Do books later? Just think, you’d be the first non ruler to ever see those pages.”

Blizzard sat at his desk in his quarters, a hoof to his head. Scattered on the desk where various guide and regulation books. With a deep breath, he’d look in the direction of one of the many bookshelves that lined the walls. Two more books levitated over to him, this time one on moral; the other on patrol scheduling. He’d read a few chapters on each before looking to the calendar on his wardrobe. “Why did you have to take a leave now…” he muttered looking at just how many days Fire Walker was going to be away. He had so many side projects on his plate, being officer on duty was not one had planned or prepared for. Even worse yet, it had been arranged for another officer from a different branch to help keep the Twilight Guard in order while it’s senior most officers where away. For the most part, the icy unicorn had been left to his own devices since joining. Being a gifted spell writer had its perks, including what he referred to as his research time. A new book…well new to him…sat on the shelf behind him, one from his family’s past…. His daydream of reading that book was broken by a knocking on his door….

Blizzard would lead the pink mare out of line, but not far away. He also motioned for her friend to follow. “I apologize for doing things this bluntly, but my assignments have been keeping me far to busy to do this the proper way.” Looking in Twilight’s direction he would raise his eyebrow. “Besides, I think she signed me up for this,” he’d say with a tad bit of sarcasm. Blizzard would levitate a small box from within a pocket inside his cloak. When she would open it, she would find a lite blue scarf, hood woven with snowflakes. Each end near the tassels would feature the spa pony’s cutie mark.

As her guests began to settle in for the event, Flurry would sneak away for a moment, ending up at the food table. She would smile to those she passed along the way. Her main task however was to calm her now growling stomach. A growing alicorn burned a lot of calories. Before filling her own plate however, she would make an announcement from nearby. “Attention every creature. Make sure to make your way over to the food tables some time tonight. A lot of work was put in by our staff, as well as a few guest chefs to make sure we all have something warm in our tummies.” Turning to levitate a bowl of soup, she remembered one thing. “Oh before I forget,” she’d announce, “we will be lighting the main fireplace once nightfall starts. I want you to think of a caring though for that moment.” Flurry would quickly finish a bowl of soup before filling a plate with cookies and a glass of punch. It was only once a year so she hoped her father wouldn’t criticize her choice of food tonight too much.

The next instruction Midnight left was directions to 'Old Canterlot.' "The darkest place in a bright city. Where four X's will mark the spot. Below a package awaits." The package would be neatly tucked away below the old clock tower in the center of town. The X's referring to the roman numerals on each side of it's face. The box itself would contain a few gems mined from his home town... a place said to touched by Nightmare Moon's dark rays. The two of them had a silver band around each of them. One would say To Kojo. The other would say from Midnight Oil. A note would also accompany them. "Happy Hearthswarming Kojo. I do not know a lot about dragons, however I do know they like gems. These dark stones where found near where I grew up and I thought they would make a hansom gift. I also know that dragons like to eat gems, which I highly recommend you do not with the two with the bands. If you want to try the small, plain one, go head, though don't say I didn't warn you as they where said to be turned black by Nightmare Moon's eclipse. You will also find a train ticket for your return home as well as a few bits if you decide to try the local pub, assuming you are of age. Happy Hearthswarming."

As Blizzard made his way through the crowd to track down his Secret Princess gift recipient, he would do a double take. What luck. The pony he was to track down was also in attendance. A slick grin would grace his muzzle as he got an idea. He was still new to this social interactions, but he remembered enough from his colthood. With a deep sigh, he would approach the pink mare and her…changing friend. “Aloe?,” he’d say standing next to them. “I need to have a word with you.” Blizzard’s face was deadpan for the moment. His Twilight Guard robes adding to the moment. “If you would come with me for a moment, then I will be out of your mane. Your friend may come with you.”

Midnight had planned this out perhaps a bit too well. He has drawn the name of a dragon from Ponyville, however his current posting kept him away on hearthwarming eve. He had an ingenious idea however. A scavenger hunt that would lead KoJo to Canterlot. First was the clue left at the dragon’s door leading him to the one of the historical markers in Ponyville. With the next clue he included a few small gems as a snack. The second clue would take him to Sugar Cube where a cupcake in the shape of a dimond would hold a train ticket and instructions for when he got to Canterlot. As Midnight sat in the pub, he could only hope that KoJo enjoyed puzzles as much as he did, or else he may have an irritated dragon searching for him.

The bat pony would smile. “Well, there is a billiards table and I think a there is a dart board somewhere in here. To be honest, I often come here after my shifts just to wind down when I’m feeling a bit down. And sometimes I get the food. It’s decent and at a good price. The hay fries are their top seller.” Midnight would take a few drinks of his freshly arrived cider and looked to Rising to just his thoughts on the taste. “The Secret Princess is taking a while to get used to. The creature I got. I turned it into a game. He should be finding hints that will be leading him hear…” Midnight looked at the clock, I’d say on the next train. So,” as the bat pony took another few sips of his drink, ”darts or pool?”

Midnight smiled as he saw the book. He’d nod, but still loved the book. “I do, but it’s an old, well read paperback. I’d never thought I I’d see a first edition, let alone own one.” Midnight would take note of the vial. “I’ll have to take special care of this,” as he placed it on a shelf that seemed to hold some of his more sentimental objects. One of them his number from the Running of the Leafs…still with a bit of sap on it. Placing his book in his modest collection, he’d turn to his guest. Now then, that pint. Luckily I live next to the pub,” he’d chuckle as he motioned for Rising to follow. The pub was scarce with patrons as they entered. It was all dark woodwork with a large mirror behind the bar. Bottles from all over Equestria graced the rear shelves but only one thing caught his nose. He’d take a seat at his normal booth and wait for his guest to be seated. “Two Apple ciders, served hot with a touch of cinnamon and whipped cream.” ”Nothing says Hearthswarming like a good, hot drink, am I right?”

Midnight smiled softly as Rising informed him of what Jade had been up to, as he nodded at the comment about it being breakable. “My place is next to the pub, so we’ll stop by to put the present in a safe place.” The section of Canterlot they entered resembled a time gone by. Timber frame and white stucco. Even the windows where that of the yellow glass of days gone by. “Might as well come in as I open it.” He said entering his modest house. Walking over to his hearth, he’d put in a few small logs and light it before looking to Rising. “Have a seat as he pointed a hoof at a somewhat dusty couch before sitting in his own dusty chair. “Now then, let’s see what this is.”

Flurry smiled as the colt took his ornament, though she now had the thought of snotsplosion running through her mind. With a smile, she would continue to greet the arriving guests and handing out ornaments. She was pleasantly surprised with the turn out both from her kingdom and even others. As Flurry’s collection of toys grew to a tower, and replica Crystal Hearts ran low, she was glad to see the line was almost to the end. Still no sign of her special guests though… as she continued to smile on the outside. On the inside a bit of disappointment. As the last guest arrived, Flurry was would levitate her an ornament. “Happy Hearthswarming, your gift will be appreciated-“ Flurry broke her royal protocol for a split moment. Her father had wondered off to socialize with guest anyway. “Apple Bloom! You made it!” As it took all her self control to not hug the teen mare. “She’d poke her head around, looking for the other Apple kin. “Where’s everypony else?” She’d ask with a raised eyebrow. “Anyhow, come on in. There is tons of treats, punch, and warm soups. You know, to warm you up from the inside.” The Princess would motion for a guard. “Make sure Miss Apple Bloom’s luggage gets to the guest room. The one with the big pillows.” He’d nod as Flurry would shut the door to the ball room now that everypony had arrived.

One by one, Luna watched as those in her party arrived on the hill that Hou and herself where occupying. She had to hold her emotions, though the ancient unicorn continued to push her buttons. In a way she was right. Her sister did have thicker skin then her, what with the 1,000 years more experience she had. Loosing her temper in front of her loyal friends was one thing, however with the wolves and Ice's agents...She'd begin to take deep breaths as she watched the apparition harass everycreature present. Luna was getting angrier with each word Hou muttered. Her pupils would narrow and her teeth clench. Her anger would grow so much that she would physically begin to shake as she stomped a hoof causing the ground to shake near her. She had to calm down. Last time she was anywhere near this angry....it was a time that she had thought she had gotten over. Looking to her side, she would frown. "Tis but an astral projection of our enemy. One tailored to myself any Celestia. She always was good at pressing my buttons." Looking back to Hou she'd take a few more deep breaths. "Why dose thou not go bother Celestia for a while? I am sure if what thou says is true, she would love the company..." The alicorn's voice was a mix of anger and sarcasm. "When we do fine thou, I hope that you have made thy peace. I am not as forgiving as thy sister is. Ice Storm as well as everypony here shall hunt you to the ends of Equestia and beyond." Luna would make a point to not look at Myth, for she was one pony that Hou did not need to know about. Their secrete weapon as it where.

Midnight had just finished a long shift now that he was back in Canterlot. Hanging his armor in his locker, he would sigh. "Another Hearthswarming away from the family..." He'd smile to the guards about to go on duty. "At least they have their work to keep their mind off of things," he'd mutter to himself as he opened the door and set hoof on the freshly snow covered streets of the city he had called home for a few years now. Slowly he began to make his way to the old house he called home in the section of town they called Ol' Canterlot,' in the shadow of the Castle. Some of his fellow guards that retired with the Princess of the Night had made their home there. Some had families now, though most where like him. The bat pony would nod and return the greetings of "Happy Hearthsarmings" to any pony who would greet the weary guard. He would be startled as he was approached by a brown unicorn calling himself Rising Star. Midnight would give a faint smile taking the gift under his wing. His eyes lit up like a Hearthswarming log when the unicorn mentioned Jade. "How is she doing? It feels like ages since I last saw her when I was away." Midnight looked around to see if Rising Star had anypony with him, and it appeared he didn't. "I may not have a gift to give you in return, but at least follow me to 'Ol' Canterlot,' and I'll buy you a pint? It's the least I can do, and I could use some company on this holiday, and I can open this at home."

The cold unicorn would give a half smile to his boss...well his boss's boss that was. "Glad to be here. It's somewhat odd to be having Hearthswarming with other ponies again after so many in the Frozen North, though I can't say that I hadn't come back to Canterlot one or two early on. Hearthswarming food can be a powerful draw, especially when living off rations for so long." Blizzard chuckled as he remembered how his mother would leave food out for him in hopes of luring him home. It did to an extent. He did have to make note to visit her at least once this season now that he is back in Equestria. As Twilight called him a master of Ice and Snow, the normally stone faced unicorn would beam. "So, how much snow would you like for tonight? I'm sure I can give the wendigo's a run for their bits." as he chuckled once more. Looking to Blue Blood, he would nod. "And to you as well," before returning to the odd blind unicorn with two glasses of punch held in his blue gray aura. He was taken by a bit of shock by her sudden greeting of her name and rank, as he stepped back a step. With a sigh he would greet her with his own name and rank. "Blizzard Blitz. Lieutenant of the Twilight Guard...and Wizard," he whispered that last part as it was more a self given title. When Myth introduced Feather, Blizzard cocked his head to the side in though. "Blitz...I wonder if there is a connection somewhere in the past somewhere." With a smile he'd drink his glass of punch before nodding to both mares. "If you will excuse me, I have a 'secrete princess' engagement to take care of in town I'll be..." Blizzard heard a familiar voice not to far away and froze in his hoofsteps. "Of course," he muttered to himself as he heard Ice Storm. Turning to face her, he would put on a forced smile. "The pleasure is all mine. Equestria has changed a lot since I have enjoyed my last Heathswarming with others. As for the new leaf, I consider it more of a new snow flake," he'd jest for a moment. "Captain Fire Walker and the Princess where both willing to take a chance on me, and I'm glad to say I think its working out well. Plus I got the be issued the first set of guard mage robes. That was Fire Walkers idea." "Now if you all would excuse me," he said with a somewhat shallow bow, "I have a pony to track down to give a gift to."

The normally grumpy Blizzard hid his true emotions well as he ended his shift and made his way to the throne room at the Ponyville Castle. It was quite odd for the newly commissioned officer... to be outside of the small little office that he had back in Canterlot for research and training. Still wearing heavy robes he'd enter and bow. "Your Majesty," as he bowed to his boss. Seeing Blue Blood, he'd give less enthusiastic "Your Highness," and shallower bow. It was going to take some time to get used to his new roll and the uniform that went with it. Formal events, as he remembered from his father, and the handbook that Fire Walker had given him to read cover to cover suggested it after all. Blizzard would levitate out a rather decent size bag of bits from one of the many pockets in his robes. He had intended for all of it to go to just one charity, the one that gave foals books, however the unknown unicorns words struck a heart string as he remembered all his years alone in the Frozen North. He had chosen that life for himself, but the thought of little ponies living in boxes in the streets made his cold heart sink. "This was all supposed to go to the Foal Early Readers, but now that I think about it, some of it should go to help the homeless as well. They'll need a place to read their donated books." Looking to his boss out of the corner of his eye, he'd sigh. Right, being social. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss...Myth was it." It wouldn't take him long to notice her eyes as he tried to politely smile. "Let me grab you a glass of punch. I'd hate to see you trip....um, I'll be right back..." Blizzard sighed and mentally face hoofed before retrieving two glasses full of the famous drink.

As Flurry was about to answer her father, the first guest drew her attention. She wore a gold cloak, and seemed a bit confused, as did most in the Crystal Empire with this imported holiday. Flurry did notice her father's reaction to the newcomer, however didn't pay much attention to it. Uncle Spike told her about the changeling in the Empire before and he turned out to be one of their greatest allies. Perhaps she had paid attention in diplomacy class after all, or at least the part of invasions. When she had asked if it was for the tree, Flurry nodded. "Yep. We're all going to put them on the tree tonight, then you'll get to take it home with you after the party to put on your own tree for years to come. Perhaps even come back next year and get another. Different design of course," she giggled. "Food and punch await. Feel free to socialize." Next was an older colt, perhaps just double her age, which wasn't saying much in the life of an alicorn. "Hello, and Happy Hearthswarming. Here is your own personal Crystal Heart for the tree..." Flurry would tilt her head as she looked him over from head to tail. "You look kinda familiar? I...I didn't grab your muzzle when I was a foal did I? I kinda did that to a lot of ponies that came to visit," she'd blush before looking back to her father. By the expression on his face, she could tell he knew the colt from somewhere as well. "The celebration is just now beginning so be sure to socialize and grab a bite to eat. I'll be sure the guards take extra special care of your gift." The next guest her father did know, and by name to boot. "Happy Hearthswarming. I'm sure some little filly will be happy with your gift. And this is for you," as she gave the unicorn her own little Crystal Heart. “Enjoy your time here and be sure to get some food and drink."

We’re ready to have guests post!

Flurry smiled to her father and nodded. “I can’t wait. I got everypony something to remember the evening as well,” as she levitated a large box wrapped in colorful paper to the entrance of the room. Inside it where glass replicas of the Crystal Heart with a spot to hang them from. “Custom ornaments dad,” she’d say with a smile. “As for the staff in the kitchen, I hope they can join us for the party as well once things slow down. Same for the guards after they change shifts.” Flurry wanted to make sure all had a good time. Guests and staff alike. As the time grew nearer, Flurry would look at the clock. “Oh I almost forgot. Be back in a second dad,” as she teleported you her room with a flash of gold. A few seconds later she would return with a red scarf trimmed in white, and her hair bow changed to red to match. She also had a red hat which she proceeded to levitate to her father. “Matching outfits!” As the time ticked even closer to four o’clock, the excited filly flew to the door to greet the first guest when they arrived. “Welcome! Happy Hearthswarming!” As she levitated an ornament to the guest, but also made sure they brought a toy to donate first.

Going to have a once through with Flurry then she’ll be welcoming guests.