Towering over the organized chaos of a city coming to life, the golden spires of the Royal Castle gleamed in the new day's sun.  One by one,  ponies who were in the streets cast their eyes towards a balcony, high above the streets, on the easternmost tower of the castle.  There, faintly visible, a single pearl-white alicorn stood sentry, her benevolent visage shining upon them.  Some went about their business after a quick look; others simply basked in her glory.  To a unicorn in a crisp suit, she was simply a reminder that he was almost due at a bank meeting; to a baker who stepped out of his store for a few minutes of meditation each morning, she was a symbol of all that Equestria stood for; to a night editor on the top floor of the newspaper building, she was a token of possibilities—both good and bad—for the news the coming day.