Royal Duty
Mar. 12th, 2015 09:17 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
twilightponyWith the crown comes the duty. I got up early yesterday morning, did everything on my checklist (it's so satisfying to tick off those little boxes) and stepped out my door just as the twilight met the dawn. The chariot that Princess Celestia had sent to collect me was ready and waiting. I got in and gave the two white royal guard pegasi the go ahead. As the sun climbed, pink, orange and yellow into the sky, so did we, flying fast and true to the mountain city of Canterlot.
It was a cold trip through the crisp winter air and hunkered down in the chariot, I was glad for my scarf and my red cowled horse blanket. We set down at the entrance of the castle where a livery pony took my garments and led me to the hall where I had breakfast with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They filled me in on protocol and what to expect. Breakfast over, we went to the Grand Hall where the mayors and officials from across Equestria were assembled.
This was the Annual Assembly of Equestrian Municipal Affairs where a representative of each municipality reported on their affairs and economic contribution Equestrian society. They all addressed us, but apart from Princess Luna's speech from the throne, we did not speak. Chairpony Flax Bit and the Royal Committee on Equestrian Finance and Civic Affairs received the speakers one by one, asked all the questions and noted all the grievances. We just made the whole proceedings official. It was a long day.
I could have kicked for a book to read. Trying hard not to fidget. Some of those ponies just seemed to drone on and on. Princess Celestia must have been meditating, I don't know how she managed to look so serene through the whole proceedings. Lunch break was a relief, and then it was back to the thrones on the high platform and trying to look regal. I bet Princess Cadence was happy for me to be sitting in for her.
Mid afternoon Mayor Mare gave her report, projecting an increase in crop production to make up for last year's shortfall. Each municipality also submitted a written report. I could have just read those in half the time.
Early supper break, and back to the assembly. Only a few more towns to go.
The last municipality gave their report and we retired while the committee deliberated and the princesses set the sun and raised the moon. Then we sat down one last time for the committee's closing remarks and to sign and seal the register.
Luna's personal guard and chariot were waiting for me in the castle courtyard. Luna's moon was rising large and luminous among the dazzling stars. I could hear the chatter of ponies and the sound of a string quartet in the garden. I drew my cloak about me, straightened my crown and stepped into the chariot. The two black pegasi spread their wings and whisked me off through the brisk night air. Home, to the quiet and comfort, to my books. Away from the turbulent crowds.
It was a cold trip through the crisp winter air and hunkered down in the chariot, I was glad for my scarf and my red cowled horse blanket. We set down at the entrance of the castle where a livery pony took my garments and led me to the hall where I had breakfast with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They filled me in on protocol and what to expect. Breakfast over, we went to the Grand Hall where the mayors and officials from across Equestria were assembled.
This was the Annual Assembly of Equestrian Municipal Affairs where a representative of each municipality reported on their affairs and economic contribution Equestrian society. They all addressed us, but apart from Princess Luna's speech from the throne, we did not speak. Chairpony Flax Bit and the Royal Committee on Equestrian Finance and Civic Affairs received the speakers one by one, asked all the questions and noted all the grievances. We just made the whole proceedings official. It was a long day.
I could have kicked for a book to read. Trying hard not to fidget. Some of those ponies just seemed to drone on and on. Princess Celestia must have been meditating, I don't know how she managed to look so serene through the whole proceedings. Lunch break was a relief, and then it was back to the thrones on the high platform and trying to look regal. I bet Princess Cadence was happy for me to be sitting in for her.
Mid afternoon Mayor Mare gave her report, projecting an increase in crop production to make up for last year's shortfall. Each municipality also submitted a written report. I could have just read those in half the time.
Early supper break, and back to the assembly. Only a few more towns to go.
The last municipality gave their report and we retired while the committee deliberated and the princesses set the sun and raised the moon. Then we sat down one last time for the committee's closing remarks and to sign and seal the register.
Luna's personal guard and chariot were waiting for me in the castle courtyard. Luna's moon was rising large and luminous among the dazzling stars. I could hear the chatter of ponies and the sound of a string quartet in the garden. I drew my cloak about me, straightened my crown and stepped into the chariot. The two black pegasi spread their wings and whisked me off through the brisk night air. Home, to the quiet and comfort, to my books. Away from the turbulent crowds.
no subject
Date: 2015-03-13 01:24 am (UTC)Still, it's good you had a good time, even with no book to read.
Side note: I completely understand that satisfying feeling of ticking of the boxes.
Getting that nice feel of knowing another thing has been completed!
no subject
Date: 2015-03-13 09:12 pm (UTC)Ticking boxes -- I know! The "inbox" activity checklist this E-journal makes comes with boxes to tick too! (Reply replied to, check!)
no subject
Date: 2015-03-14 12:33 am (UTC)Yeah! It's awesome!