Gallopolis - Chapter One

Princess Celestia grinned with delight as she stepped from the ship and onto the wooden decking. Behind her, a little brown Earth pony, her 'Mare in waiting', cantered to catch up, a travelling case in her mouth. A group of silver armoured, grey unicorns stood to attention either side of them, and the little maid's ears folded back nervously. Celestia ignored the clone-like army of saluting ponies, glancing about the scenery eagerly.

"Hurry, Daisy! My brother is expecting us and we cannot leave him waiting."

No sooner had the two reached the end of the parallel rows of unicorn guards, than a grey armoured pegasus landed infront of them, stopping them in their tracks. Celestia blinked with surprise - she'd been expecting a personal greeting from her elder sibling and yet she was presented with another of his aggressive guards. She raised an eyebrow expectedly as he cleared his throat and lifted his head to speak.

"Your Royal Highness of Equestria, Princess Celestia, King Solar Flare apologises profusely for the informal greeting, but would like to state that he cannot at this current moment in time leave his castle. He would like to welcome you to the continent of Gallopolis - and would like to see you in his throne room immediately." The grey pegasus bowed as the message came to an end, but the Princess sighed.

"One would think," She retorted, "That an elder brother would put in more of an effort to see his younger sister..."

Behind her, Daisy shook. The castle was barely visible in the distance, shrouded by fog. It's silhouette looked like something from a horror story. And as she took in the landscape, she began to wonder why her highness had been so enthusiastic to visit.

Just beyond the docks where their ship had laid anchor, was a veroscious concrete jungle. There was no hint of colour, just grey walls, grey sky, and bleak and cold stone floors. Above towers of brick, blackish clouds of choking smoke billowed upward and outward, leaving a light smog on the ground. There was hardly a pony about. And that terrified Daisy. Where was everypony? Just then, Celestia interupted her thoughts.

"Very well. If my brother requires me to visit his throne room, that is what I will do. Has he provided a mode of transport?" She looked down upon the grey pegasus, who abruptly nodded and pointed at a topless plain black carriage, pulled - once again - by grey pony guards.

"Your carriage, Your highness." The pegasus dipped his head and opened the door for them to step in. Celestia did as she was expected, and allowed enough room for her maid to seat as well. Daisy immediately put the travel case down and looked up at Celestia with fear.

"Are you sure this is a good idea M'lady? It seems awfully cold, and awfully musty and awfully dark. It makes me nervous." The little pony glanced over her shoulder suspiciously, "And where is everypony? There's only them guards about. It's not right."

Celestia frowned at her maid's remarks, "Don't be ridiculous, Daisy. There's nothing to fear. Its a work day here is Gallopolis, most ponies are at work at this hour, as this country isnt as..." She paused for the right word, "...'Organic'... As Equestria."

Daisy dipped her head automatically to apologise. "Of course, M'lady. I'm sorry, M'lady." The Princess half smiled and nudged the maid reassuringly with her wing as she tried to cool the temper that was rising at her brother's laziness to greet them upon arrival.

"I did hope, Daisy, that we would get to rest once we hit land. But I suppose that will have to wait until we reach the castle."

And at that moment, the grey guards began to walk, and the carriage began to move. The pair were on their way to the castle.