Reports from Nightshade

[Solar Solstice]

Being a series of reports on the affairs of GOVERNMENT

to their Stellar and Serene MAJESTIES

Princesses CELESTIA and LUNA

Diarchs of Equestria, Principal Companions of the Order of the Elder Star, Supreme Commanders of the Grand Cavalry, etc.

By NIGHTSHADE de la Trevalles, Overseer

********

To the Princesses of Sun and Moon, long may thee reign, peace:

1) In accordance with Order-in-Council 12, dated year 350, I hereby present an accounting of the most pressing and urgent political affairs affecting Equestria at this time.

2) On the Nightly Nobles: Since the return of Her Majesty, the Princess of the Moon, those aristocratic families who claim descent from her original, pre-Nightmare Moon court have come into increasing prominence, arousing contention with the so-called "Sun Faction" that presently constitutes the mainstream. There is, however, a far stronger conflict within the Nightly Nobles themselves, a contest between the Neo-Lunarists (those who sided with Nightmare Moon and were subsequently banished to the edges of Equestrian socio-political life) and the so-called "Loyal Children of the Night" who sided with Celestia for the sake of the larger Realm.

**SECRET**It has come to my attention that the neo-Lunarists feel threatened by the rise of Princess Twilight Sparkle, fearing that she would solidify the balance of power between Night and Day. Your obedient servant, of course, has used her influence to back the Loyal Children and their endeavour to uphold Twilight**SECRET**

3) On Regional Security: I continue to receive regular petitions from mayors, governors, and alderponies about the need for greater funds to prepare local militia. These petitions arose mainly as a consequence of the changeling attack upon the capital and stem from a rather understandable fear that they might be next.

**SECRET**Several of such letters speak of proposals to increase security at various districts at the expense of civil liberties, an action that would be independent of Crown authority. While I do not anticipate any short-term problems, these fears could easily multiply in the face of the next security crisis and could exacerbate the situation**SECRET**

***TOP SECRET***4) On Changeling Incursions: There have been no reports of further changeling incursions since the attack of Hive Chrysalis, likely because the Queen is rebuilding her forces after her defeat. However, the longer the quiet builds the great unease the Cavalry commanders express. We still have no reliable means of detecting changelings among populations of normal ponies (we only know of the defector, Match Maker, because she chose to reveal herself to us), which makes changeling espionage as likely a danger as it ever has been.***TOP SECRET***

***TOP SECRET: C&L EYES ONLY*** 5) Project Trueheart has accelerated significantly thanks to the discovery of the Crystal Empire crystals, which possess magnificent properties of telluric transference. I estimate that we are now only 18 months away from producing a viable mass-production model of the Engine.

I cannot overstress the importance of the work we are accomplishing. Self-sufficient telluric energy generators had once been the far-eyed dreams of theorists, but my father had already made it a reality decades ago. Only the coup in Eskellia prevented him from fully realizing his dream and cut him off from the necessary materials. The world has become more dangerous since then: the Griffon kingdoms agitate while they build up new weapons and the southern realms eye our wealth greedily. The dragons grow restless as the changelings raid their lands. Fro this I am ever thankful that Your Majesties have chosen to entertain the technology that my father has offered.***TOP SECRET: C&L EYES ONLY***


I remain, your faithful servant,

NIGHTSHADE DE LA TREVALLES, OVERSEER

[Nettleglum]

Being an update upon the regular minutes of our last series of memorandum

for

Her most regal monarch of the night, avatar of the moon, harbinger of the comets and fulcrum of the stars, and owner of Puff-Sing the Ceramic Good Luck Cat

[shadow=purple,left,300]The Princess Luna[/shadow]

(And her sister, whom there is nopony we respect in the role of assistant junior monarch more.)

By Nettleglum

******

To her majesty (and sister):

ITEM THE FIRST: In regards to your instructions, Vis-à-vis the Royal Lunarium, I have taken the liberties of making the inquiries you requested. Yes, a snack bar is allowed under current Ponyville licensing agreements. However, deliveries of string cheese, fava beans, and black licorice to the Everfree remain sparse at best. Perhaps a revision of the proposed menu is in order.

ANOTHER SUCH ITEM: Your new hats are here. Fourteen bowlers, three silk top hats, nine pith helmets, nine sun bonnets, two ascots, two berets, three straw boaters, and one sombrero, extra large. Please let me know if there are any special seasonings you wish added before their preparation.

YET THIS TOO, IS AN ITEM OF NOTE: Young Master Eclipse is upon the horns of a dilemma regarding a choice of gifts for Miss Dinky's impending birthday celebrations. I have recommended an embalming kit, given her age and the propensity for foals to enjoy arts and crafts.

IS THIS AN ITEM?
I have located the three hikers who have been wandering lost in the Everfree forest, per your instructions, and have left numerous stick-ponies and small cairns to reassure them that they are not forgotten. If they have not found their way back to the path by nightfall I will visit their campsite tonight.

***TOP SECRET***
Mister Puff-Sing has been polished and returned to his glass case. Please be aware that leaving him out in the rain again may prove damaging in the long term. It would behoove a monarch to take better care of her toys and collectables.

As always, I am remains of:
Nettleglum, Hereditary HoofMaiden, Steward of the Palace of the Moon, Caretaker of the Cave of Night, Botanist of the Night, Curator of the Royal Lunarium, Official Star Spawn Nanny, Garthim Master, Royal Twiddler and Crowbar-wielder, Shepherdess of Wandering Shadows and Royal Proofer.

LONG LIVE THE PRINCESS!

[Luna]

To Nightshade, the Royal Overseer:

From the quill of her highness herself, Princess Luna, ruler of the night

We take note and approve of the seriousness with which thou pursue the business of our government. Bear this in mind at every moment as we attend to thy concerns.

The Nobles:

Nobles always plot and fuss with each other for every scrap of imaginary status they can seize. Make thy peace with this fact. If they seem particularly determined, give them a ceremonial bureaucratic position with a lofty-sounding title. They will spend most of their effort scheming against each other and be rendered harmless. If this seems unpleasantly cynical, worry not. Some of these will prove that with their pride comes skill and dedication to making Equestria a better place. These will be given more and more useful duties as they take advantage of this chance to display their worth. Some will show that they are not merely proud but evil, and will abuse their positions. If thou suspect such a thing, tell us or Celestia. We give them rope. With it they may climb to glory, hang themselves, or simply chew on it like a dimwitted foal.

If thou have some concern about descent from the solar or lunar courts, banish it. That is their excuse to yap at each other, and of no concern to us. Those truly loyal to the sun and moon are recognized individually by their princesses. Family is of no relevance.

Well, except possibly the Grimdarks.

The Militia:

No.

Out of respect, we shall be more clear. A token police force for law enforcement is acceptable if a township needs such. In Celestia's beautiful Equestria, that need is mild but not nonexistent. More serious threats to Equestria will be referred to the princesses.

Out of further respect, let me speak plainly and personally. The purpose of my life is to save you all from the horror of fighting and dying in armies. An army may sound useful or responsible or glorious or safe. No. Be grateful that you have Princesses, and we enough power to be an army for you.

There will be no militia. Ever.

Do not take our responses as any kind of admonition. We are pleased that thou take thy duties so seriously.

So We Have Written

Princess Luna