Canterlot [Throne Room] Equestria's Voice [Open-Read Rules]

[starswirlthebearded]

Princess Celestia looked upon her latest guest as he greeted himself. He seemed to be a well learned unicorn archeologist. If her memory served her he did a lot of work in finding artifacts, selling some, donating others and even occasionally keeping some for his collection. His reputation preceded him as a shrewd stallion. Still, if his concerns were genuine, the princess had the obligation to hear him out and help him if able.

"Welcome Dr Merlot." the Sun princess greeted the stallion. "You seem to have quite the way with words." Celestia had been propositioned like that many times before, not only was she used to it but it rarely affected her. "Of course I will hear you out, it is the reason I open up my doors to the public. Now please, tell me your troubles so I may see if I may help you."

The stallion began to tell Celestia of his issues with thieves particularly of one named "Pathfinder." This was curious and Celestia wished for more information. "I can, of course, order a small platoon to offer additional security to your already hired personal security forces, however, I am curious as to the nature of the methods of these thieves. I understand, if you have an excavation site, you feel entitled to it, but Equestria has no such laws to protect excavation sites, aside from protected areas of Equestria that require requests to even work there. I'm aware that you do work in a few such sites, and I doubt the REA would decline you if you came to them for such sites. Considering they declined you, I can only imagine it was in an open area, as such I am curious if you are not merely frustrated that another pony is beating you to the prizes you seek." Celestia explained her current view, hoping for some clarification so she can better gauge the situation. Celestia felt there were some things the stallion was not telling her. After all... thieves do not generally reveal who they are.

"Furthermore, I highly doubt anypony in the REA would take such requests seriously if you refer to it as "royal security," as you are not royal." Celestia said jokingly. Even in such matters she had to bring at least some humour into it. "I do understand your concerns about the destruction of archaeological sites. And even professionals can destroy such sites, which is why some parts of Equestria require formal requests to excavate in, as I'm sure you are aware. As such, if I see fit, I fully intend to help in any way possible."

[Bellosh]

Given that Dr. Merlot’s current dig site was not on protected land, the elitist stallion’s optimism shot straight down within a matter of moments, although he didn’t show it through his body language. According to Princess Celestia, there was zero possibility of rounding up REA soldiers for use as archaeological security. However, Merlot had an alternate proposal in mind in the event of this eventually; one that would hopefully be just as effective in disposing of the biggest thorn in his side.

“If assigning soldiers to protect my excavations is not an option,” the good doctor explained with somewhat less haughtiness than before; “Then perhaps you can at least convince the REA, and other police services throughout Equestria, to place a higher priority on apprehending the most troublesome of my... problems.” Hovering out of Merlot’s impeccable suit came a large stack of paper, setting down in front of Celestia’s throne. On the very top was a sketch portrait of a young mare who might very well have been Daring Do. “This, your highness, is Pathfinder. She’s no ordinary thief mind you; the records here show the long list of crimes she’s committed in Equestria, and lands beyond. Breaking and entering, theft, grand theft, disturbing national parks, defiling tombs, stalking, resisting arrest, prison breach, unpaid debts, jaytrotting, writing offensive literature, et cetera et cetera et cetera!”

Dr. Merlot gave his sovereign a moment to briefly scan the documents on Pathfinder, researched and compiled by the best Manehattan PIs that money could buy. “And to think that such a brazen criminal could escape Equestrian justice for so long.” Time to cue up some more calculated outrage; “How can it be possible for ponies to perform a great task like maintaining harmony if we’re unwilling to do something as simple as catching a crook?”

[Lux]

Even having lived much of her adult life in the city, Sweet Surprise couldn't help but be marveled as she trotted through the gates towards the castle. She made her way into the main foyer, taking in the sight. Part of her had the urge to sneak into the kitchen to observe the surroundings and whip some treat up, but no she had to rely on what she brought with her that was contained in the metal box that she strapped to her side. There were two reasons for her visit both of which were very important in the earth pony's mind. One of which was a dream she had from the first time she came to Canterlot. The other was inspired by a dream that she hoped to also make a reality.

She paused as there in front of her was one of the many guards.

"Hi, I'm Sweet Surprise! What's your name?"

No response was made by the guard. The mare then gave one of her brightest cutest smiles but the guard again said or did nothing.

"Alright, you asked for it," she said as she gave the guard her most flirtatious pose and gaze at the guard, one that caused a stallion in her shop to buy every bag candy in her store! But still the guard barely moved.

"Wow, you're good. Bet you'd win lots of staring contests. Although I don't think you'd do well with charades."

With a shrug she turned and merrily trotted down the hall and into the throne room. And there in front of her was Princess Celestia. Being in the city she saw the Princess from a distance many times whether it be at a festival or event, but not this close. A nervous feeling overtook her, one that the usually outgoing mare didn't experience much.

"All I have to do is be myself," she said softly, "I'll keep calm and explain why I'm here."

As the stallion ahead of her explained something about crime in the city Sweet waited for her turn, keeping herself occupied by looking around the beautiful space.

[starswirlthebearded]

Celestia looked upon the picture of the pony that Dr Merlot placed in front of her... Celestia couldn't help but giggle at the sight of it. "Are you playing some sort of joke? Isn't that Daring Do from that book series?" Celestia looked at the picture closer and realized that the cutie mark was different. "It looks to me like you are troubled by a very big fanfilly of Daring Do."

Celestia still giggling at the prospect of it. Merlot then gave her papers from a detective agency that expanded upon the "crimes" this filly had committed. This was all really fantastic. Would the REA really be so daft as to not pursue such a criminal? Celestia couldn't believe that. The best recourse for the princess would be to pass this on to the REA Investigative department and see what they could come up with to verify. But if she truly resisted arrest, there would likely already be a warrant out for her apprehension. "I appreciate you bringing this to my attention. However I find it hard to believe that if she truly did all that you say that the REA and other police forces of Equestria are not already looking for her. Still... this does warrant further investigation. I shall give these documents to the REA Investigative department, and if they verify these findings I'm sure they will want to take immediate action, possibly with other police forces in and outside of Equestria." Celestia could come to no conclusions from this, she didn't even know the reputation of this PI. And the thought that this evidence was fabricated was lingering in the back of her mind. Still she could not turn away such a request.

"I apologize that I could not be of more help, but I do hope that passing this information on to the REIN and other interested parties will suffice for now."

[Bellosh]

So this is how it would end. By Princess Celestia passing off Dr. Merlot’s vital concerns to a useless, do-nothing agency. And laughing about Pathfinder’s menace in front to everypony in the throne room! You can bet that Merlot wasn’t happy with the outcome, who wanted nothing less than having Pathfinder declared an enemy of the state. What sort of ruler, when presented with clear and convincing evidence of a flying rat’s guilt, chooses to laugh it off and make a wishy-washy statement about conducting further investigation? This was unconscionable!

Yet there was nothing more Merlot could do, other than flash the ruling princess a phony smile. “...Those actions are very much appreciated, Your Majesty,” the gentlecolt lied through his teeth; “I’m sure that the hard-working ponies of REIN and our police services will do all they can to demonstrate to all Equestrians their competence, and resolve to enforce the Rule of Law.” After a curt nod, Merlot briskly walked off away from Celestia’s throne, not even bothering to acknowledge his old childhood friend Silverheart.

[Pretzelparty]

The pony gave a light shrug, and looked back into the stallion's eyes. He meant this as a joke. But with his tone always having a happy go lucky nature to it, such small things were a bit hard to pick up sometimes. “Well, I don't recall a moment you were rough. But if you feel you really must, a date would be nice.”

The young lieutenant took a moment to process the question. This wasn't entirely unusual, Silver had been asked out by both mares and stallions who didn't really care about his unique look. Usually he'd just turn them down because his studies, his training, his job, but lately things had been rather quiet for this particular guard pony; that and leave was coming up for him, so…

“W-well… I don’t see why not. Tell you wot; I’ll see you later on when I’m off duty. Should be free later tonight, Okay?” The marish stallion smiled at Java and returned to his work with a wave of farewell.

Soon the Stallion’s attention was grabbed by a mare who seemed to be partaking in the fun pastime of trying to get one of the Royal Guardponies to smile. This sight actually brought a smile to one Guard pony’s lips at least.

She paused as there in front of her was one of the many guards.

"Hi, I'm Sweet Surprise! What's your name?"

...

"Alright, you asked for it,"

...

"Wow, you're good. Bet you'd win lots of staring contests. Although I don't think you'd do well with charades."

...

"All I have to do is be myself," she said softly, "I'll keep calm and explain why I'm here."

“Good afternoon, Ma’am.” Said the stallion in his typical trottingham accent before giving her a bow, “I am Silverheart of the Royal guard. My job is to mind this line. May I ask what brings you to see her highness?” As the Silver awaited on the mare’s answer, he looked back to the large doors and waited for the princess’s word that Merlot’s audience was over. It seemed that her signal wasn't needed as the stallion walked off of his own accord. From the look on Merlot's face and the lack of a goodbye Silver could only assume that things didn't go well...

The silver maned unicorn sighed and looked back to Sweet Surprise, "Um... Just a moment." He walked over to address the crowd and stated loudly, "The Princess is ready to see her next guest!"

[Lux]

“Good afternoon, Ma’am.” Said the stallion in his typical trottingham accent before giving her a bow, “I am Silverheart of the Royal guard. My job is to mind this line. May I ask what brings you to see her highness?

"Oh," Sweet Surprise said, surprised by the guard actually speaking to her "I thought that you were one of the non-talking kind of guards. I'm Sweet Surprise... of the candy shop a few blocks from here!"

She was about to explain her purpose of being here when the doors opened up again and a stallion that looked none too pleased walked out. She wondered what a pony could be so upset with the Princess, but now wasn't a time to divert.

"The Princess is ready to see her next guest!"

"Great let's get this line going. Wait... I'm next! Wow this line is faster than the line at that coffee shop near my house!"

She then turned to the guard and whispered, "So um should I just go in or are you here to escort me? I'm a little rusty with this."

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 "I thought that you were one of the non-talking kind of guards. I'm Sweet Surprise... of the candy shop a few blocks from here!"

"Great let's get this line going. Wait... I'm next! Wow this line is faster than the line at that coffee shop near my house!"

She then turned to the guard and whispered, "So um should I just go in or are you here to escort me? I'm a little rusty with this."

 

The marish stallion chuckled softly and gestured towards the open doors to the princess' chambers, "How I've been doing this is I'll either just introduce you by name and walk you in... If you want I can explain to the princess your problem as well and then leave you two to discuss it on your own until the doors open once again." The stallion began to walk and gestured for Sweet Surprise to follow along. "Feel free to act casual with the princess so long as you're polite. She's quite wise and I'm sure she will be able to assist with any issue you are having."

[Lux]

Even though Sweet Surprise was the hyperactive pony that she was, the earth pony didn't want to mess up her chances by just waltzing into the throne room unannounced. Surely there was some procedure that she needed to follow. Upon hearing the guard pony explain that he just introduced her and then she could walk in she was confident to proceed. 

 

"Alrighty then, I think that you can just introduce me then. This is going to be a multiple part thing I'm going to ask the Princess so there's no need to explain it. Sooo.... Whenever you're ready Silverheart, it's time to meet the Princess!"

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

"Alrighty then, I think that you can just introduce me then. This is going to be a multiple part thing I'm going to ask the Princess so there's no need to explain it. Sooo.... Whenever you're ready Silverheart, it's time to meet the Princess!"

 

"Very well, Ma'am." The stallion said as he walked alongside the chocolate colored mare and then stepped forward to the princess. Silver cleared his throat and took a deep breath before speaking aloud and somewhat theatrically, "MIss, Sweet surprise. Owner of a candy shop down the road your highness." With that the guardpony gestured for the mare to go ahead and speak up while he strolled back out to attend the line. Just before he closed the door, She'd see him mouth the words 'good luck' to her before they closed up.

[Lux]

Sweet followed the guard towards the massive doors admiring how big the throne room was. Why she could probably fit two of her store/ houses here and still have room in this space! 

 

 "MIss, Sweet surprise. Owner of a candy shop down the road your highness." 

 

It was a new experience to be introduced like that as she was typically one to introduce herself at the shop or around the city. She whispered a "thank you" to the guard before she left and closed the door, leaving it just the chocolate mare and Princess Celestia. 

 

"Hello Princess Celestia," she giving a bow, "As the oh so nice guard said, I'm Sweet Surprise, candy maker and owner of Sweet'a Treats. Nice to meet you!"

[starswirlthebearded]

With the business with the 'good' doctor done with, it was time for the next guest. Silverheart lead the mare in through the now open doors which Dr Merlot had just opened. Celestia smiled at the chocolate brown mare who had just introduced herself as Sweet Surprise. "Welcome to Canterlot Castle Sweet Surprise, it is a pleasure to meet you." The princess greeted the mare. "Now please, tell me, what would a lovely confectioner such as yourself need from a princess." She said playfully. Truthfully Celestia couldn't think of much in the way of issues that a confectioner could have. Perhaps she just had a simple question or she needed aid of some sort. No matter the issue, Celestia was determined to help. 

[Lux]

It was one thing to see the Princess from a distance like those many times in Canterlot. Living where not one but two Princesses resided made it hard not to see a Princess in passing. But being up close and personal to Celestia and talking to her was another matter all together. In the way that the Princess introduced herself it relaxed Sweet Surprise, like the chocolaty mare was talking with a friend rather than somepony above her. Interestingly enough it looked like her presence perplexed the Princess, like confectioners somehow had fewer problems than other ponies. That wasn't true in the slightest as most ponies didn't have to deal with getting stuck to the floor with gooey taffy or having their refrigeration system go down and cause all the candy to melt! Not to mention the times when her mind just suddenly popped like a balloon and she couldn't decide on the next candy. These were all serious matters that she had to attend to as the fate of foals and adults' happiness hung in the balance! 

 

"Well Princess, I actually came with two questions, actually more like a question and a little request. I guess I'll start with the easier one first, although maybe this will be harder. I can't decide. Anyway, I'm planning on making a special candy collection based off favorite treats of royalty. I actually have your sister to thank for this idea as she told me what her favorite treat is in a dream. Well, maybe not a dream as it was kind of scary, so a nightmare. Maybe a nightmare wrapped in a daydream? Whatever it was she helped me with some things and explained that she loves white chocolate moon pies, but you know that anyway since being her sister. So I plan to go to all the princesses and ask them what their favorite candy is. Since I live so close you were next, then I'll go see Princess Twilight and last Princess Cadence because she's kind of far away from here. So I know you probably tried many, many, many candies, but can you think of one that you especially enjoy?"

[starswirlthebearded]

Celestia looked quizzically at the mare. Celestia wasn't sure if she understood the gravity of her question. You don't live for a thousand years without trying a myriad of things, and desserts was no exception. What made it harder was her travels as a dignitary, which afforded her many different delicacies from many different nations. Some of her favorite desserts came from places she had visited which used local ingredients not easily found elsewhere or tuned to local palettes. 

 

"I must admit, I do have a bit of a sweet tooth." Celestia began to answer the question giggling a bit. "But I have to say, to ask me to choose just one is a bit hard. I've lived for a long time and traveled across the world trying many things." Celestia took a bit of a pause. "Personally I have many favorites, and it usually involves a local specialty. For instance there is an island to the south east that has a local nut that they put into a sweet dough or crushed sweet potato. Then there is another dish that uses a custard that has baked sugar on top. Naturally I often partake in cake as it is common around Canterlot. There is so much that the world has to offer I do not think I can ever hope to choose just one dessert. I have to say though... I have recently taken a keen liking to something I've had in my travels to Saddle Arabia. It is a layered pastry that is topped with a sauce made from honey, sugar, lemon juice and orange water with crushed nuts on top. I believe they call it "Baklava"" Celestia said with a smile "Though I must admit, I am happy I can use levitation, as it is one of the stickiest desserts I've ever come across." Celestia said while laughing. "I apologize if that is not the answer you are looking for, but I do hope it will do for now. If I do find a dessert that I absolutely love above all others I'll be sure to let you know." Celestia said with a wink.

[Lux]

The more she looked at the Princess the more that Sweet Surprise wondered if it was truly a good idea for her to ask such a question right out of the gate. There was another question she had in mind to ask that the chocolate mare believed would be more difficult  to answer but now the earth pony wasn't so sure. She hoped that the seemingly innocent question didn't accidentally break the Princess's mind, as Sweet assumed that despite over a thousand year reign that surely the Princess had a favorite all those years. 

 

Princess Celestia then explained why it was not an easy question to answer, citing that besides her long life it was also dependent on where she went as each place had their own unique treats but finally the Alicorn settled on a recent treat: Baklava, a treat that Sweet heard about but didn't attempt yet. She wasn't much of a baker, focusing on candies instead, but hearing how it was made made Sweet Surprise confident that she could try to make it. 

 

"Thanks for letting me know Princess," Sweet said as she quickly jotted down a few notes about the treat, "I think I can make this Baklava, as it sounds close to how candy is made. I know it must be difficult as you're right each place does have different treats, like in Manehattan where I was born there was a great fudge shop there."

 

Sweet realized that there was a second question, one more important than learning about the Princess's favorite treat. 

 

"Ok Princess Celestia, my second question is really more of a request than a question. You see, it's been my dream when I moved to Canterlot to expand my business to provide candy to all ponies, including royalty. Can I be one of your confectioners, providing candies from my store for your events and occasions? I have a resume of course, but I have a sample of what I can do too." 

 

The mare opened a saddlebag which released a cold mist into the air indicating that whatever inside was also cooled. She then took out a small dessert plate with a few fudge squares on it and offered it to the Princess. 

 

"This is my super chocolaty fudge, the best type of candy I make in my store in my humble opinion. I love to talk as you could guess but some things like my candy don't need to be explained, only enjoyed. So would you like to try a piece Princess?" 

[Mojo]

 

 

Doctor Stable and Ms. Harshwhinney entered the Grand Castle together.

 

"Thank you for coming with me, Ms. Harshwhinney," Doctor Stable said to the fellow Earth Pony, "your endorsement of this proposal will go a long way towards seeing this project through."

 

"I am happy to assist you in this noble endeavor, Mister Stable," Ms. Harshwhinney replied.  "Public health and safety are concerns that every pony all over Equestria should be involved in!"

 

Soon, the pair approach the guard in front of the Throne Room.

 

"Doctor Stable and Ms. Harshwhinney, here to speak to Princess Celestia on a matter of great importance," the physician stallion neighed.