By the Strength of our Hearts
Chapter 1: Best First Impressions
Today was a special day for me, but I felt more scared than happy. I have only been to Canterlot three times in my life, and all of them were…less than pleasant. My family told me not to let those times ruin this special day for me, but I couldn't help but feel out of place. It's natural for most Earth ponies to feel out of place here, I know I certainly miss the feeling of the dirt under my hooves, but I guess I have a few other features that make me stand out among the crowd. Whatever stands out in Canterlot, usually gets the short end of the stick when it comes to popularity.
I stood larger than most ponies. Even Big Macintosh was about a foot smaller than I was. That along with my jet-black fur and grey mane gave me a considerably odd reputation. Little fillies would call me a giant, while the older ponies would confuse me for an old pony, which I knew was more insult than confusion. Working the fields of my parents' farm was hard, but it molded me into, Celestia willing, a true royal guard worthy of keeping her safe. I just hoped I didn't have to go through the same thing I did back at the farm. Shaking off those thoughts, I began my trot up the street to the castle.
Every step I took seemed to invite a new doubt into my mind, some new shackle holding me down.
How do I know this not some trick at my expense? No…no the Princess would never do something like that.
How do I know I ca really protect anyone? Of course I can protect her, just look at me.
How do I know I'm not just a big chicken though? My blank demeanor soon turned to a darker kind. I already knew the answer to that, which is why I am here, to protect the Princess…and her.
There was a tap on my shoulder and I realized I was standing in front of the Princess, with ponies of all kinds standing on either side of the ballroom in full armor. I felt like the most foolish pony in all of Equestria, and a large part of me wanted to run as fast as possible.
"Hello there, Ironground. I am honored to be in your presence." The Princess spoke with such grace, such beauty, I wasn't sure what to say.
"How does your mane flow without any wind?" I blurted out this statement like a foal in preschool. A part of me expected to be laughed out of there by the guards, but their stares just seemed to bore down on me. Laughing would be a lot better than this.
A soft giggle did break the tension, and seeing Princess Celestia laugh was odd, like I didn't even care if she laughed at me, and I almost wanted to make her laugh again. It wasn't love in the sense you'd have that very special someone, more of the love a young one feels for their mother. "It is by magic, Ironground, but I'm sure there are many of my subjects who wonder like you do."
Naturally, I felt it was appropriate to kneel to her, but she merely smiled warmly at me, like a mother to its child. "Rise, my brave pony, today you take on a tremendous amount of responsibility. I am sure that you are up for this challenge." Her words were so sweet; they had an odd effect that seemed to just melt all the doubts I had. I've heard tales of her beauty, of how her regal wings could unfold to unbelievable lengths. The white of her fur seemed brighter than snow, but much softer. Those eyes, those eyes embodied both hope and pure serenity.
"Do you pledge to devote yourself, heart, mind, body and spirit to keep this land safe, as well as your princess?"
There was an earthquake in my knees, the noise so terrible I thought everyone could hear it. Nothing wanted to work; my stupid head wouldn't even nod in acceptance. What came out of my mouth was probably the most embarrassing thing to escape my lips.
"Uhhhhhhhhh….okay." Okay! That is what I say in front of Princess Celestia and most of the royal guard in Canterlot! Anything else would have at the very least given off the impression that I had more intelligence than a plant. There was nothing else I could do besides go home in defeat, never to show my face to another pony again. As I started to walk away, I heard the Princess speak once more. Unsurprisingly, there was no disgust or hate in that sweet voice. "No were is my newest guard going off to?" she said in a playful tone.
