In Search of Rhapsody
Chapter 1
"I hope you understand, I'm discussing this with you all in complete confidence."
The pale blue pony kneels low as he prepares his reply for the regal-looking white alicorn standing before him, her rainbow-colored mane flowing down her neck. "Yes, your majesty," he replied, similar answers echo across the room.
"Then let us begin." The regal pony gestures to the remainder of the room. "I believe introductions are to be in order." Around the room, voices are heard one by one, beginning with the regal pony. "As you all know, I am Princess Celestia, regent and current ruler of Equestria."
All eyes in the room then turn from Celestia to the pony standing next to her. "Ah... Sister, must I really? ...My name is Princess Luna," the young alicorn began, her features of which could only be described as the night sky, "I am Celestia's sister and govern over the Moon."
Luna? Thinks the pale blue pony, focusing a concerned gaze on her. Wait, wasn't that... "N-Nightmare Moon!" Celestia turns towards him, her eyes narrowed in an intimidating manner as if to say don't say another word. Realizing he mistakenly voiced his thoughts, the blue pony returns a look of apology and remains silent.
As she finishes, a bright blue pony in a magician getup proudly steps forward. "You all may call me the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie; magician, extraordinaire!" She gestures to herself, smiling triumphantly.
Across from Trixie, a Lavender-coated pony sighs, burying her her face in her hooves. "Ahem... my apologies for Trixie's... enthusiasm. Continuing introductions, my name is Twilight Sparkle, faithful student to Princess Celestia, and this" directing attention to the young purple-and-green dragon next to her, "is my friend and personal assistant, Spike."
As she finishes, attention falls to the final member of the group. "It is a pleasure to meet you all, my name is Ajax Hymn, professional lore researcher and treasure hunter." The pale blue pony, with black-and-blue streaked hair states his profile, ending the first order of business.
As soon as Ajax's introduction is complete, Princess Celestia begins to speak. "Twilight has brought to my attention an interesting fragment of information concerning the infamous threat known as Nightmare Moon. It seems her presence has been shown on more than one occasion in the past."
Celestia then directs attention to Twilight. "Ah, thank you princess. Through my research, I've discovered evidence of a similar tragedy happening in an ancient unknown empire." Twilight's horn glows as she levitates a freshly written scroll into the air for the rest to see. She then begins to read:
It came to us in the dead of night.
That puff of smoke, full of evil and strife.
Once moonlight's gleam appeared in the sky, it took the form of our king's apple ofeye.
With his daughter lost, the old king mourned.
He retired to his bed for more years to speak.
No heir to behold, our empire was weak.
Yet on the anniversary of our trouble's first spark,
six foals appeared to leave their mark.
With power they possessed beyond night's control,
our suffering was quelled.. for a moment to be told.
At day break, news was brought to the land.
Not of nightmare's passing, but the king's health at hand.