The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Lustful Bride on 10-11-2016, 23:41:55</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>10-11-2016, 23:41:55</strong>
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				<strong></strong><div align="center">(https://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/306/6/7/griffon_kingdom_emblem_by_emkay_mlp-d5jpnds.png)</div><br>A new an unprecedented age has begun. The age of the Empire. The Thousand Year war came to an end when Emperor Grover, of Firestone Keep, conquered his way back to the original Imperial Capitol of Griffonstone, crowning himself the new Emperor, of the revived Griffon Empire. He gave one chance for every other clan and independent Keep to bow and acknowledge his right to the throne. Those that did not recognize him as the rightful ruler were either destroyed or forced to eventually submit. Within a year all of the old Griffon Territory was again under the rule of Griffonstone, and their new Emperor. <br><br>The news was met with mixed feelings in the other nations of the world. Equestria was more pleased with the news, as the long endless years of bloodshed and fighting had left only death and destruction in its wake, and the return of the Empire was a return to normalcy in the eyes of Celestia. Even though in the coming years it would turn out to be the opposite as the resurgent Griffon Empire would shake up the world in the coming years. <br><br>It seemed as if an ancient power had been re awakened, as ancient forges were lit again, and destroyed forts and keeps were rebuilt, stronger than before. With the constant war finally at an end the Griffons had more time to lay down with one another and breed the next generation. So it was that in the years of reconstruction, expansion and scientific (and Thaumic) invention, there was no shortage of workers that served the Empire. The inevitable excess of workers led to a boom of miners willing to dig deep into the mountains that the Griffons called home. With the extra miners the Griffons founded more mines all around their Empire and led to a major discovery. Magicite. It was a strange and very rare mineral. <br><br>Magicite proved to be the heart of the Empire soon enough as each Magicite stone carried with it a type of magical energy sealed within, that was the spark that ignited the Griffon Industrial Revolution, powering all manner of devices invented by the Science Bureau, with aid from the Court Mages. Within 20 years the Empire had large metal ships sailing out to sea, and Airships floating in the sky, powered by Magicite and wielding Magicite weapons. Both were in search of various beasts, whose &nbsp;<strong><em>precious oils</em></strong> (http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/dishonoredvideogame/images/3/34/Whale_oil_levels.png/revision/latest?cb=20140714180357) were able to be bottled into canisters and used to power even more devices. Just as Magicite was the stone of the Empire, Oil was now its lifeblood. With these resources and inventions in hand, the Empire began its expansion.<br><br>First the Emperor made sure that his borders were secure, putting all pirates and brigands to death as an example to all others the punishment for hurting the Empire's economy. Thieves suffered the loss of a finger every time they were caught. And soon there began to come rumors about Griffons, clad in black robes knocking on the doors of dissenters, right before they disappeared in the night/ But most simply pass the last one as a ghost story. Surely the Emperor would not punish his citizens without trial. <br><br>It didn't take long for Emperor Grover's eyes to be set on lands other than his own. Equestria was a prime target for conquest, so much land full of fertile farmlands, untapped resources and a weak army that still used Crossbows, while his own army had &nbsp;developed Magicite Rifles (https://derpicdn.net/img/2012/11/10/147556/full.png) able to fire multiuple times before needing to be reloaded. And mighty ships and airships that put theirs to shame. But even then the Emperor was hesitant. Even with his military might,the Kingdom of Equestria was ruled by two Demigoddeses, the Twin Sister Celestia and Luna. Who had been sitting on the throne for nearly a thousand years now. And with 1/3rd of the entire population being magic users, Grover wasn't willing to risk a fight he might not win...yet at least. Until then he would continue to expand the Empire, specifically to the Northern reaches near Yakyakistan where the uncivilized barbarians had been raiding Imperial ships and killing crew. <br><br>The death of his citizens was all the justification Emperor Grover needed for expansion, conquering the foolish yaks and taking half of their land within a year, allowing him to mine their small amounts of Magicite and other valuables. The fools were so backwards they didn't even know what they were sitting upon. It seemed as if all the world would fall beneath the Imperial banner, one nation after the other. Yakyakistan was just the start. Nothing could be sweeter in Grover's mind....until he received the letter bearing the symbol of the solar monarch Celestia, bearing a deal that made the Emperor smile as wide as the day he learned he had a son to carry his name. <br><br><hr><br>For one as long lived as Celestia was, the sudden appearance of the Empire happened overnight. In only close to twenty years, the newly crowned Emperor has done the impossible in turning a war torn nearly failed state, into a mighty Empire that was already beginning to expand. The devices and technology invented by The Griffons (a mix of Science and Magic) put her homelands technology to shame. Rifles able of shattering armor with ease and turning even the simplest soldier into a match for the most skilled archer. Heavily armed ships and Airships that would blow hers to splinters. <br><br>It didn't take her long to see what The Emperor would do with such power, conquering half of the Yak's homeland and mining it for more of the 'Magicite' that powered their machines. All of it was unnerving. With the population boom of the Griffons it was only a matter of time until the constant growling of Griffon bellies would make them turn their attention to Equestria. The mere thought of it kept Celestia up several sleepless nights as she wondered when the announcement would come that the Empire was on the warpath. Even Luna was able to tell that something was weighing down upon her sister's mind and tried her best to cheer up her sister, but her grim attitude only got worse over time. <br><br>Eventually Celestia's growing fear of the future culminated in her locking herself in her study for an entire day, scouring through paper after paper, turning her usually orderly records upside down in search of something, anything, that might help her now. And then she found the contract. The contract made with Emperor Galcen long ago, when she was in dire need of gold to pay for the reconstruction of her country. Upon rereading it she began putting a plan into formation. <br><br>The age of Magic was making way for the Age of the Machine. The Age of the Empire. And if she wanted to make sure that her nation survived and wasn't another conquest like Yakyakistan, who not even her own army had been able to deal with the way the Imperials had, then she needed to make decisions that she knew she wouldn't like. But such a thing was the burden of leadership. A burden she felt she had to carry. <br><br>Since sending out the old contract and proposal to the Emperor, she had been in corrsespondence with him. Even visiting the Empire twice, getting a good look at how different Griffonstone is since she last visited, and meeting with her fiancé. <br><br>Fiance....even months later the word still seemed so alien to her. She was to marry a prince, barely into his adulthood, who so far as shed had seen dressed and stood with pride like his father. Was she trading one Emperor for another? She couldn't tell, but it was her hope that she would get a chance to know the real him in the coming visit, without his Father keeping an eye on both of them. And maybe she could help turn him into something kinder than his father. <br>&nbsp;<br>As the day approached for what Celestia considered to be their first real meeting, Celestia spent an entire two hours with the finest stylists and beauticians in all of Canterlot, her capitol city,&nbsp; in preparation for her meeting with her future husband. She went through nearly 100 dresses just to find the right one that was both regal and yet exposed her curves just enough to make an impression. As wise and aged as Celestia was, one of the few points of amusement she had as an immortal was showing off her eternally young body and seeing the reaction in men as they saw the bosom of a real living goddess. It wasn't just for entertainment though. The effect of her body was just as important a tool in political maneuvers as her sharp mind. <br><br>Though the blush that came to their faces was just as amusing to her as any of the pranks she and her sister would sometimes play on the guards. And when one was as long lived as her, they needed to find entertainment in any way they could.<br><br>With another tug of her magic, Celestia made sure that her corset was on properly, not to cut her airways off or make her look thinner. No, she simply used the corset to hold her famous bosom since very few things could hold her form and she didn't want her breasts bouncing out of her dress and a corset was one of the better ways to keep herself looking respectable and every bit the solar princess her people knew her as. She had to always ensure she looked the part that history had painted her, as the Immortal all wise mother of Equestria.<br><br>When she was all prettied up and her assets wrre on display, Celestia used her magic to help her slide on a handmade, silken dress with gold highlights as well as putting on a brooch of gold and silver made into the symbol of her sun. Once she was sure she was ready to make a good impression, she made her way out to the landing where airships would usually dock for diplomatic purposes. Every guard and staff member she passed on her way there took the moment to either salute, bow, or congratulate her on her approaching wedding. The entire kingdom (and she suspected the Empire as well) was abuzz with excitement. A Royal wedding was a rare enough event, but Celestia hadn't married in almost over 100 years. It was as rare as seeing a comet pass by. So when Celestia announced it to her people, they naturally rejoiced and Canterlot was being flooded with tourists and spectators eager to see the new couple, as it had yet to be announced where the wedding would take place. Celestia even had to request the reserves of the Royal Guard be drawn in to deal with how many ponies, and griffons and others, were moving around the city. It was going to be a rough few weeks. With the problems of having to clean up trash and possible security risks. Large gatherings were a favorite of Changelings and thieves.<br><br>Celestia stepped out onto the landing pad for Airships, two Guards silently following her, standing elegant in their Golden colored armor, while several more waited on either side of a red carpet at the edge of the landing pad. The Airship was due to arrive any moment, and Celestia felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach. She wished that Luna could be there beside her, but with one royal greeting their new guests, someone had to handle Court and the endless whining and complaining from various lords and ladies, less they throw a tantrum like the spoiled children they really were. <br><br>It wouldn't take very long fort the ship to appear, its red and black coloration making it stand out in the distance as it made its way to the Castle at a steady pace.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>12-11-2016, 18:41:12</strong>
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				Prince Halcyon stood on the main deck of the Dirigible 'Skyshatter' (the pride of the Fleet), calmed slightly by the sounds of the whirling engines behind him, staring ahead at the soaring towers and golden minarets of Canterlot, capital of Equestria, and home to its Queens. It was an impressive sight, even arrayed next to his memories of Griffonstone and the other great seats of the Empire, but Cyon reckoned that it would be when one considered that it was the capital to the only nation that could claim a history and dignity approaching that of the Empire.<br><br>The Skyshatter was garbed in her Imperial best, all in dark reds and black, the Imperial Mons emblazoned on the front. The crew were amongst the best that the Empire had to offer, the soldiers were handpicked from the Imperial Guard and served under one of the Empires' most decorated (but rather aged) Generals,-- their main purpose was largely one of guarding the Imperial Party, of course, rather than any intention of war or battle. Even after the lengthy talk with his father, wherein the Emperor impressed upon him the importance of this mission to the future of the Empire, Cyon had found the full roll of notables and luminaries that were accompanying him as members of the Diplomatic Delegation to Equestria to be rather sobering.<br><br>Then, of course, there was <em>his presence</em>: that of the Emperor's Oldest Son and Chosen Heir.<br><br>Nor, in point of fact, was he the only member of the Imperial Family aboard the Skyshatter: he had perhaps spent more time with his half-sister, Deleria, in the past week than most of the rest of his life and though it wasn't an unpleasant experience, Cyon still found the more familiar presence of his Uncle Nathani to be one that he found more comforting and familiar. In a way, it was nice to have both of them with him, though. This would be so much more intimidating without his family by his side...<br><br><em>I'm going to be wed to Princess Celestia herself... one of the most beautiful women in all the World, as well as perhaps its most powerful wielder of deeply primal magics,-- it's unbelievable... as if I expect to wake up any moment and find that I'm having a dream. An embarassing one, at that, which requires you to clean up afterwards,</em> Cyon thought, and not for the first time.<br><br>He'd always listened to the stories of her beauty, the legends that so often focused on her heavy beauty (and sexual prowess), and he was going to be her husband? He'd barely even kissed a woman, and he was going to marry the most wanted and desired woman in all the world,-- it was something his Uncle had teased him about, and his sister as well, even more mercilessly,-- 'Have you ever even known a Woman, Cyon,' she'd said, giggling just a bit when his expression made it obvious that he hadn't. 'It's alright! I'm sure you won't disappoint her too badly. From what I've heard, she's too kind-hearted to say anything, in any event. These ponies, hehe, they're far too <em>nice</em> for their own good. Probably for the best, really, you'd never be able to handle a real Griffon woman. I know most of my friends would rip you apart.'<br><br>It didn't help that they'd already met once, him under the hand of his Father, and he'd just... well, mostly stared, and at her Bosom far more than he likely should have. She'd not seemed mad, maybe a bit amused, which had set him off and he'd gone all blustery and prideful. Like, well, his Father. Prince Halcyon loved his father, even respected the man, but he wasn't <em>like</em> his Father... not most of the time..<br><br>Really, he'd almost rather not be here,-- back in the capital, or even on the Eastern Borders, that was where he was needed,-- engaged in matters of strategy and command.<br><br>Not... this..<br><br>He'd seen the importance of this alliance, though, almost immediately.<br><br>Celestia probably thought that she was saving herself from Imperial Aggression by the marriage, and Halcyon supposed in other circumstances it might even be true. Many of the rest of the nations had grown concerned when the Empire had rolled over the lowlands,-- integrated the Sheep and the Tauren,-- and even more concerned when they moved into the Highlands and took territory from the fiercely territorial Yaks. What most of them didn't know was that their war against the Northlands had proven unduly costly, and diverted and typing up large amounts of forces in holding territory and dealing with the Yak's. It'd have only been a minor issue, indeed they might even had completed their conquest by now, if they hadn't found themselves bottled up in the East... by the <strong>Rats</strong> and their <strong>Subject Races</strong>..<br><br>The Empire was engaged in a costly war on two fronts, bleeding under the partisan activities of the Yaks-- who fought to take back territory that the Empire, indeed the <em>World</em>, couldn't afford to loose,-- even as the bulk of the Imperial Forces were stationed along the Eastern Borders to forestall the inevitable outbreak of hostilities. War, he suspected, was inevitable. The Rats wanted to move into the West, to bring all the races under their utter domination, and the only thing standing between them was the Empire.<br><br>He'd read the reports himself, seen the numbers,-- it wasn't a sure thing, who would win in the end,-- they had the Rats outgunned at the moment...<br><br>...but that could change, overnight, they'd already received reports of factories and mining operations. The Rats, the Empire had learned, were industrious indeed and utterly devoid of any mortal scruples.<br><br>No no, this alliance with Equestria-- <em>it had to work,</em>-- for the sake of everyone.<br><br>He could hear the crew, hard at work preparing the ship for docking,-- then, finally, he felt the shutter as the Skyshatter made contact with the dock. The engines whine finally died down to nothing, an absence that the Prince felt keenly due to his own focus on them, while the crew aboard both the Dirigible and the Dock worked together to get the ship tied down. It made Cyon smile a bit, Pony and Griffon working together: <em>maybe an omen of things to come?</em><br><br>Then, Deleria was out on the dock, assembling the various members of the Imperial Party and getting everything organized. She was good at that, and he just smirked a bit from the background, standing off to the side as he let her handle that and simply waiting for the opportunity to disembark. Eyes focused on the airship dock, watching the work,-- then, he caught sight of her, his throat going suddenly dry,-- she was standing a bit in the back, watching things much as he was, dressed in a long flowing silk dress that stuck to her curves almost like it wasn't there. That long multicolor hair flowing down around her face, framing it perfectly, piercing violet eyes seeming to catch his even across the distance.<br><br>He blushed, just a bit, eyes looking away... down toward the Skyshatter's deck..<br><br>"Calm yourself, Nephew," his Uncle said, a bit of amused laughter on his voice, suddenly beside him.<br><br>Cyon just... he had to be calm, he had to make a good impression, not some,-- blushing lovesick cub,-- the last thing he wanted was to be thought of as CUTE by his bride-to-be, nor did he want to overcompensate and end up acting like his Father. He had to just be himself, and somehow not lose himself at the first sight of her, but how did he do that? He used to have a poster of her above his bed, in Heaven's name! "I'm trying, Uncle. Any advice?"<br><br>"Stop thinking of the legends or the stories, the portraits,-- <em>and especially of that Poster,</em>,-- and just remember that whatever else she is, and that's many things, she's a Woman."<br><br>"...I'm not exactly good with those, either, Uncle.." Cyon said, lightly.<br><br>Rolling his eyes, Nathani just answered, "Well, maybe you're doomed. She has to marry you, anyway, young cub. Lovesick is probably better than what you did at Court last time, though."<br><br>"I can't help it, when I get nervous I just default to all those lessons that I had beaten into me growing up," he says, sighing a bit. "I'll figure it out, thank you, Uncle."<br><br>"You're welcome. Want me to talk with you?"<br><br>Cyon thought about it for a minute, before-- no, no, he had to do this himself,-- letting out a long breath, he glanced up at his Uncle and shook his head.<br><br>Everyone... really.. was waiting on him.<br><br>He'd not really realized that,-- he supposed he was kind of important here, and he really did have to get control over all of this,-- he just nodded to one of the Courtiers, giving his sister a little smile, and started to move toward the walkway that led down onto the dock as he was announced:<br><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size">"Announcing His Grace, Crown Prince Halcyon Firestone, Starborn, Lord of Falcon's Rest and Commander of the Imperial Air Fleet,-- Hero of Usher's Pass,-- and Master Smith."</span><br><br>Halcyon pays the introduction... little heed.. he's heard it a dozen times. Though, he supposes the 'Hero of Usher's Pass' bit is new? Still, he just moves cleanly across the dock and down the walkway, until his padded feet clatter against the more solid construction of Canterlots largest airship dock.<br><br><em>Don't screw this up, don't screw this up, don't screw this up,</em> he repeats in his head, almost a mantra, as he moves across the dock directly toward... well, 'his Lady,' even though it feels almost blasphemous to think that and he is trying ever EVER so hard not to-- <em>yeah, those are really big and they look so soft</em>,-- dammit! Cyon! Shape up, get your head on straight! Eyes on her face, on her eyes, such pretty pretty eyes-- with long gorgeous lashes,-- <em>you can do this.</em><br><br>"My Lady," he says, bowing.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>12-11-2016, 21:51:50</strong>
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				Celestia remained as still as her guards around her. Each of them trained to be as tough as a mountain. A famous thing for tourists to do outside of the castle gates was to try for hours on end to see if they could make the gate guards smile. But they tended to stick to their training and were impassible as statues. <br><br>The Griffon airship arrived with a gush of wind from its movements and&nbsp; slowly descended until it could properly connect ropes to the landing. After a few moments for the ship to be safely secured a wooden staircase was lowered down and Celestia watched as the Prince's half sister stepped out with the retinue and several guards arrived, rifle in hand but held at what she assumed was a noncombat stance. She studied their postures for later use and compared it in a way to how Spearmen carried their weapons.<br><br>It wasn't long before the Griffon Prince stepped forth but seemed to pause to speak with an older Griffon gentleman. Celestia picked up some family resemblance and guessed this to be an Uncle due to how young the other Griffon was, and the fact that he was not the Emperor, and the Prince had no elder brothers or Griffs close to his age. Once the Emperor's future heir was ready, there was a loud announcement of the Prince's arrival.<br><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size">"Announcing His Grace, Crown Prince Halcyon Firestone, Starborn, Lord of Falcon's Rest and Commander of the Imperial Air Fleet,-- Hero of Usher's Pass,-- and Master Smith."</span> The courtiers announced, their voice echoing loud enough that some down below could hear it, and were eagerly snapping off a few photos, but were only able to get images of the Airship.<br><br>As the Griffon heir to the throne stepped down and onto the Red Carpet laid out before him, each Pony guard, in their old metal armor snapped off a quick, respectful salute, tapping their fist against their armored chest in a crisp uniform fashion. They were a stark contrast to the Prince's own guards and Imperial soldiers, who had done away with heavy clunky armor. Its not as if it would protect from a Magicite round anyway.<br><br>Celestia meanwhile wondered on the Prince's latest title. 'Hero of Usher's Pass' that was certainly a new one. Most likely earned when gaining another in the long line of victories for the Empire against the Yaks.&nbsp; The Griffon's had been giving the Yaks a real thrashing as of late. But the Yaks were far too proud to ever accept defeat. With their cries of 'We live, we die, we live again!" they still waged war however they could against the Empire, constantly trying to destroy the Griffon mining operations. While the Griffons mining the Yak's land for precious ore and Magicite was something Celestia understood. But what she did not understand was why the Griffs hadn't brought down the full might of their military down upon the yaks. Instead they seemed to keep as much of their forces close to the Empire proper as they could spare. Celestia and her sister Luna (who had always been superior at spycraft than her) had many theories, but none really fit well enough with the evidence presented. And sadly ponies were very rare in the Empire, so getting spies in had proven to be an almost herculean task. <br><br>When the prince was close enough to properly hear Celestia she gave a respectful bow, almost curtsying even, just as he did, no doubt letting him see down her cleavage. but she gave no indication of being displeased in the slightest if he took a look. <br><br>"Prince Halcyon, it is an <em>honor</em> to have you visit my humble home." Celestia began, her voice like silk through the air and her tone calm and relaxed, with each word and inflection a calculated move on her part as she studied the Griffon in depth. Without his father standing over him, and the constant grey, clouded skies of Griffonstone, the prince managed to look a little younger. In the bright sunlight of Equestria she could see that he had not spent all his life drinking and eating, and had a body that seemed to promise strength. Though she would only truly see the status of his physique when she got into bed with him. <br><br>"And I see you brought your wonderful sister with you. Just in time. Rarity Belle and Pinkie Pie were in the midst of planning for the wedding. But a Griffon's perspective could be very valuable. I am afraid we haven't been introduced good sir." Celestia said, acknowledging, Halcyon's sister Deleria, and his uncle, when she thought that he might be too nervous for his own good. <br><br>"I have a few events planned today. A show for the press in Court, with you standing beside me and my sister, Luna, in Court so the public may see us together. Afterwards we can see the wedding preparations, eat and discuss our plans moving forward. Is that acceptable?" Celestia said, her smile warm and comforting, the same way she would look at a child, shy to meet her for the first time. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>13-11-2016, 05:34:49</strong>
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				When Celestia moves up to him, recieving him with only the most respectable of bows which somehow seemed to put even more of her clevage on display for him and only him, Cyon felt that this was almost cheating and really wasn't at all fair that she should be able to do this. She was supposed to be kind, loving and forgiving; not using her incredible wiles to push him off-guard when they were supposed to be allies. Even so, he couldn't look away for.. quite a bit... and by the time he raised his gaze back up to her eyes, seeing that bemused smile, he was in equal measures both aroused and embarrassed.<br><br>Also, maybe, a tiny tiny bit angry.<br><br>She obviously knows she's doing it, too,-- hell, the legends portrayed her as practically extravagant in her use of her body,-- but the truth of the matter was something much more subtle and insidious.<br><br>The worst part was her smile, which he was certain was supposed to be comforting, but which he just saw as-- well, the look she'd give to a child,-- <span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><em>is that how she sees me, then? A child? I am no Child! I am no Cub! I am Halcyon Firestone, Commander of the Imperial Air Fleet,-- I am one of the foremost tacticians in the Empire and second in matters of grand strategy only to my Father. I know the 511 ways to kill using only my talons,-- I am a <strong>Master Smith</strong>: I can wield steel, magicite, and oil to create wonders that blend the mundane and the miraculous. I designed the engines used by the Skyshatter, which is the strongest ship in all the fleet and my own personal flagship. I AM NOT A CHILD.</em></span><br><br>"You are far too humble, my Lady, especially on behalf of your home. I dare say Canterlot stands as one of the wonders of this world, and I was able to admire its beauty quite well during our approach, and I can name it humble perhaps only in comparison to your own great and fabled beauty," he said, the effect perhaps slightly defused by the way that he couldn't quite stop blushing toward the end. Even so, he continued on, pushing through on raw decorum and his own mastery of matters of Diplomacy. "Also, please, allow me to give formal introduction to some of the members of my party."<br><br>"This is my beautiful and talented sister, Deleria Firestone, sometimes called Born of Flame, for its said that all the fires in my Fathers' keep dimmed in recognition of her Birth."<br><br>"I would be happy, my Lady," Deleria says, stepping forward and bowing low, her ash wings spread out behind her, "to assist in the preparations of your and my brothers wedding however you wish. I am, myself, most interested in learning more about your wonderous land which-- as Cyon says,-- is quite the wonder to even a jaded griff such as myself."<br><br>Halcyon paused, just a bit, before moving on to his Uncle: "Of course, my Uncle Nathani practically needs no introduction, but I'll give him one anyway. That said, it's perhaps better if I let him go into his many, many titles and holdings later in more relaxed circumstances. I'm afraid most of the crowd below would likely depart before I finished if I started to get into it now."<br><br>"Hah! My Nephew exaggerates, but please believe me when I say that he is far more the celebrated son of the Empire than I could ever be," Nathani says, moving forward and to the other side of Halcyon from Deleria, bowing equally low and with his black-and-gray winds spread out behind him. "I dare say that, by the time he reaches my age, there will not be enough hours in the day to list the full measure of his achievements."<br><br>That, far more than even Celestia's smile or the glimpse of her bosom, caused the young Prince to blush and his gaze to falter a bit to the floor. "...Uncle.."<br><br>"Hah, the cub thinks I embarrass him--" Nathani starts.<br><br>Halycon, however, glances over at him with a flash of slight annoyance. "I am not a cub, Uncle."<br><br>That, if anything, just makes the older griff smile a bit more. "Of course."<br><br>There's a few more introductions,-- members of the Court, Lords and Ladies, and other sorts. Even the General, Commander of the Imperial Guard, who pledges his men and their very lives to preserving the safety of the Princess Celestia and all of her charges.<br><br>Finally, though, such matters are done:<br><br>"Very well, I believe that handles everyone?" Halcyon asks, glancing over at his Sister, who simply nods. He smiles, returning his attention to Celestia's bosom, and then back at Celetsia herself. "Please, you and your honor guard lead the way and we'll commence with the day's activities?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>14-11-2016, 19:20:16</strong>
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				Celestia smiled as she noticed that Halcyon's feathers puffed up in the slightest of ways. She just barely managed to catch sight of it and realized he had likely looked down her chest when they both greeted one another. Still despite how flustered her body had made him, Halcyon proved to be able to focus on task, as he returned her welcoming and then went so far as to introduce his half sister and his uncle to her. <br><br>The Solar Monarch's smile went from soft, to genuine as Halcyon stepped into the political role with ease. He spoke with the skill of a politician and with the confidence of any military leader worth his salt. Celestia made sure to show proper respect when Cyon introduced the General, who then swore he and his men would protect her and the Royal Family. <br><br>"You have my thanks already General. I am sure we safe within your capable hands." She told him before summoning forth some servants and attendants and directing the extra staff around to where they might work best and where they could get to work. As soon as that was done her attention was back to Cyon and his family. "If you would follow me please." Celestia said with a gentle wave of her hand. <br><br>As soon as the Griffon delegation followed after her she began leading them through the castle. The many Marble columns supporting the buildings were decorated with carvings of old Equestrian history. Whenever the group passed by a stained glass window, they were showered in an array of colors form the window, as the windows were more modern depictions of their history. Though several of them were normal glass, sitting unpainted and waiting for history to be written. <br><br>Celestia explained all of this to the Griffon Trio as they followed her. Giving them a tour of her abode. She made slow, deliberate gestures to everything she explained, looking more like a conductor for a symphony then a tour guide, and even pointed out the window where her wedding to Halcyon would be painted upon. As she guided them through her home, Celestia only looked back a few times, to adjust her speed. She had already embarrassed Halcyon today and didn't want to do it again if he was admiring her backside.<br><br>Along the way several guards and maids, or other guests, took the time to look at the royal party moving along, getting their first looks at the new royal couple. A few showed respect while on occasion there wee a few poisonous glares from the passerbys and some whispers. But Celly remained unfazed. <br><br>"Why don't we see where the wedding will be held? I'm sure the girls are in the process of prettying it up." Celestia told the group, and bit her lip as she looked away. She could only hope that Twilight, Pinkie and Rarity had not made a complete mess. The royal escorted her guests into the Altar where the last Wedding had been hosted (http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/mlp/images/a/a2/Main_5_and_Princesses_in_Canterlot_castle_throne_room_S03E13.png/revision/latest?cb=20130217152736) Celestia only hoped that the wedding would go better this time, and there wouldn't suddenly be a changeling invasion. <br><br>Inside of the room the walls were decorated with streamers, flowers, and banners. On the left were the Equestrian Banners, while on the right were the Imperial Banners. In the Center the two symbols were side by side, where the wedding would be. The pews were all of the finest wood, made by the best of artisans, a carpet of the finest silk led the way down the isle to the Altar. It was much more humble than what one might have expected, but it was still in the early stages. <br><br>Off to the side of the room were three Mares whose reputation preceded them. Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's personal prodige, and one of the most gifted Magic users in all of Equestria. She had recently ascended to becoming an Alicorn, gaining a pair of wings to go along with her horn, and her body had filled out quite nicely. Some in the Griffon Mage council pondered if sexual appeal was something integral to Alicorns or just a happy accident. She was dressed rather plainly, in a simple yellow dress.<br><br>The second of the trio was Rarity Belle, a self made business mare who was known even in the Empire for the quality and care she put into each and every dress she made. She had gone from a simple dress maker and seamstress in the small town of Ponyville, to a business owner with shops in several Equestrian cities. Her clothes were obviously made by herself as they hugged her form perfectly. Her makeup looked as if done by a team rather than herself and her hair was beyond compare.<br><br>The very last of the three was a bright pink, and bubbly mare that all knew as Pinkie Pie. She was both famous and infamous for her bubbly personality that was somewhere between genius and madness. She was a skilled party planner, even if her parties seemed to entertain the common folk and children much more than they did for adults and those of the upper class. Her hair was organized chaos, and her clothes were just plain and simple summer wear. She seemed to have just the right amount of weight everywhere, not too much to be considered fat or chubby, but just enough that one had something nice to grab onto. <br><br>There was a sudden twitch in her tail and her head shot up as she turned around and smiled. "Princess Celestia!." She said, and was already bowing before the other two who had yet to notice the newcomers. <br><br>"No need to bow, my little ponies, we have just come to inspect your progress. Allow me to introduce you to Prince Halcyon, his sister Deleria and his uncle Nathani." She said, only managing to introduce them within a second, before noticing that Halcyon's uncle was already getting to know Pinkie, putting a kiss upon her hand and saying how lovely it was to meet her. <br><br>"Oh, you charmer.' Pinkie said in return, her cheeks turning red. <br><br>Rarity was quick to inspect Deleria and was complementing her on her nail polish. "Its so lovely, it goes well with your eyes and those beautiful red feathers of yours. And that brooch! I haven't seen one like it before!"<br><br>Twilight was meanwhile standing silent and respectful by Celestia's side, waiting to be introduced. <br><br>"Twilight, meet Halcyon, my betrothed. Halcyon, I thought you would like to know that Twilight here is interested in working alongside your Mage Council. She heard how the council has only a limited library." She said, patting the purple mare on the back to get her speaking. <br><br>"Uh..yes, your majesty. I was hoping to perhaps share some from my personal collection, I have been studying magic all my life, and im sure there is much we could learn from eachother." The young Alicorn said, nervous and anxious. Despite being Celestia's personal student all her life, Twilight seemed as nervous as could be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>15-11-2016, 15:07:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was easy enough for Halcyon to note the slight change in the Princesses' demeanor, the slight change in the way that she looked at him,-- it felt good. It felt <em>really</em> good, even more good than stealing glances at her bosom or longingly admiring her poster ever had, though it did result in the fact that the Griffon Prince was-- for pretty much the entirety of his introductions, the small press conference, and the beginning of the tour wherein he added 'admiring Celestia's rear' to the list of things that felt nice but not quite as nice as impressing her,-- a bit buzzed on endorfins.<br><br>It'd earned him a few amused glances from his half-sister, Deleria able to read the signs of her little brothers uncomfortableness quite easily but thankfully keeping it to herself. He did, though, get a dim little whisper in his ear at one point while they were examining the stained glass windows. "Not bad, so far, Brother, but you'd best learn to control your reactions a bit more or the stained glass window from after your wedding will be more than a little embarrassing to every griffon with eyes that sees it."<br><br>He'd just glared back at her, but her eyes had been twinkling and her beak perked in the most genuinely amused fashion ever, and he went ahead and let her have some fun.<br><br>Really, after all, she was right.<br><br>Halcyon was mostly too high on everything, especially <strong>her</strong>, to really pay much attention to the state of the various staff. He had a vague awareness that they were curious about him, that most seemed quite respectful and content with the match they saw arrayed before them, but that there were a few mumbles of discontent. After all, most of them didn't know what was really going on here,-- they trusted their Princess, and that was the only reason the grumbles weren't more widespread, but even Celestia didn't realize just how real this Union was really going to be... soon, he knew, they would have to talk about this..<br><br>It'd been a point of slight contention.<br><br>Father hadn't immediately wanted to tell Celestia, hoping to hold it off until after the wedding, but Halcyon had all but insisted. He noted that they needed Equestria's resources, but moreover, they needed her cooperation and the best way to ensure that was to be upfront with them. This Union wasn't just about expanding the power of the Empire, or preserving the culture of the Ponies little Kingdom, no, it was uniting the lands of the West against the great threat that was rising in the East. The rats, Halcyon knew, were coming,--<br><br>--"Why don't we see where the wedding will be held?? I'm sure the girls are in the process of prettying it up," Celestia told the group, looking ever so slightly nervous as she did.<br><br>Halcyon, slightly distracted, none the less reached out-- lightly touching her hand for a fleeting moment,-- as if to ever so fleetingly reassure her that whatever she was worried about: it would be okay. "I'd like that. It would be nice to see where all of this is going to be taking place."<br><br>~<br><br>Somehow, no matter how much he saw, the wonders of Equestria and its capital never ceased to amaze him.<br><br>The Capital of the Empire, Griffonstone, was majestic and grand in its own fashion but it was also-- and seeing Celestia's home had forced him to admit this,-- somewhat dry and dab. Understated, in a way, with a stark minimalism that was the only real aesthetic that the Prince had really been truly exposed to. Everything in this magical kingdom, by contrast, was bright and vivid and full of life,-- the Ponies celebrated life and lives surrounded by its many splendors, and while he found it a bit.. busy, and perhaps even 'noisy,' Halcyon couldn't but admit to himself that it was striking.<br><br>Here, though, in the grand chapel where they were going to be wed: the two aesthetics blended together in a way that Halcyon wouldn't even have <em>believed</em> if he hadn't seen it himself.<br><br>If he was struck, though, Deleria looked positively blown away-- shocked, indeed, into a state of near silence that surprised Cyon almost as much as the room itself did,-- "What is... how did you.. it's beautiful!" she said, finally, moving slowly through the chamber, admiring the graceful way that the two artistic styles co-existed. Honoring both, slighting neither. "Who did this?"<br><br>"That would be our Rarity," Celestia said, clearly pleased by the reaction of the various Griffs.<br><br>With that introduction, the light-blue skinned pony, outfitted in a brilliant gown and garbed in a tasteful assortment of jewels, moves forward and bows lightly to his sister. "Ms. Pinkamina Pie needed a bit of help bringing the clashing aesethics of our peoples together. I am something of an aesthetician, hehe, and though it was a bit of work to merge the artistic styles of our respective peoples... I'm quite proud of what we all came up with.. but I must protest at taking ALL of the credit."<br><br>"Still," Pinkie said with a smile, bowing a bit. "We're glad you like it."<br><br>"I think it says good things about the future of this union," Twilight supplied, lightly. "Though, please, if you have any feedback..."<br><br>"No no," Deleria says. "...well, give me some time. I spent the last several weeks going over your own artistic styles, expecting that I'd be working solely within your own medium, this-- I'm going to have to let this roll around in my mind for a bit. Chip away at it with my talons, as it were, until my thoughts reach the proper shape. I am.. <strong>Very</strong> impressed, though, and I'm sure Father would be as well."<br><br>"On that, at least," Halcyon says, chuckling a bit, "I agree. I only wish he could be here for this; I have a letter from him, actually, Princess,-- remind me to give it to you, later, when we have a moment alone."<br><br>With that tiny bit of formality out of the way,-- the Princess instructing her little proteges, who even Halcyon had known every single detail about without the need for introduction, that there was no need to bow and providing the a few quick introductions. Cyon couldn't help but roll his eyes, vaguely, as his Uncle greeted Pinkie with a kiss on her hand-- soon having the ponie giggling and blushing a bit,--<br><br>"From what I've heard, I suppose I shouldn't be too worried, but still-- my Uncle <em>is</em> a relentless cad,-- I can call him off if you'd rather, my... beloved..?"<br><br>He isn't even sure where that last word came from, but whatever, its out there and he owns it.<br><br>She has a beautific smile on her face, but any discussion of his Uncles' perfidy is cut short by the arrival of Celestia's <em>true</em> protege by her side. The young Twilight Sparkle, newly ascended as one of the Alicorn, looking at him with a vague curiosity and waiting to be introduced.<br><br>"Twilight, meet Halcyon, my betrothed. Halcyon, I thought you would like to know that Twilight here is interested in working alongside your Mage Council. She heard how the council has only a limited library," the Princess Celestia said, patting the purple mare on the back, which seemed to remove some mental dam that she'd had.<br><br>(And, about which, Halcyon found himself slightly sympathetic,-- it's nice to know he wasn't the only one to get slightly intimidated around her,--)<br><br>"Uh..yes, your majesty. I was hoping to perhaps share some from my personal collection, I have been studying magic all my life, and I'm sure there is much we could learn from each other."<br><br>"Heh, that's slightly amusing, my Father was actually hoping that you'd send one of your students back to Griffonstone to train with our Council of Magi," Halcyon says, smiling just a bit at Twilight, before his eyes almost unconsciously drift up to Celestia. Just... staring at her in raw admiration before remembering what he was going to say.. "I'd recommended Twilight. It was one of a number of things, including the formation of a small diplomatic mission to be sent back to Griffonstone, that I hope to talk to you about later this evening."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>21-11-2016, 18:34:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No its perfectly alright Halcyon, dear." Celestia replied. She didn't seem to mind a little light flirting between Pinkie and Nathani. To her it was just part of the usual formalities. She was more focused on how well the group was getting along, especially Twilight. Celestia had been worried how her student would react to meeting her future husband. She remembered how afraid she had been to break the news to the girl in the beginning. But, even at 20 years old, Twilight was still very naïve and idealistic. She believed that the marriage was not just a political and military affair. That there must be a component of love to it as well...and after meeting Halcyon, Celestia was wondering if the girl had a level of precognition with her powers. <br><br>The ponies and griffons seemed to get along well, especially Halcyon's sister Deleria. The Lady griffon seemed to be enamored with the work that Rairty had done so far. Listening and watching intently as the fashionista spoke and pointed out things about the wedding and how she chose to stylize them or put them on display. Especially upon her focus of combining the Imperial and Equetrian symbols together. Her main focus had been to emphasize the union between Equestria and the Empire. Mixing in alittle of this and that from both people's as it was an Imperial Griffon head holding the streamers and flowers. IN some places the streamers were of Equestrian and Imperial colors wrapping around each other. <br><br>"Its all about two becoming one. Its a lot like life if you think about it. You get two people together they make offspring. So a union like this is just natural really. I really tried to emphasize it without going overboard." She said with a blush and brushed her hair back with her manicured nails. As she did so the wind seemed to change in the room, blowing her scent towards Deleria and letting her smell Rarity's perfume better. It was light, light enough that it didn't make her eyes water, but also strong enough that it was obvious it had remained on her for hours. the pony continued speaking and answering any questions Deleria had, all the while her hands constantly moved about as the pony expressed herself just as much through her hands as she did through her words and facial expressions. <br><br>Pinkie pie seemed to be locked in a match of flirting and double entendras with Nathani. Going to the point of even mentioning the boys back in Ponyville always came for her shakes. It seemed almost odd seeing the usually jubilant, and party focused pony hinting at such lewd things. But in reality it was rather normal for her. Out of her group of 6 close friends, Pinkie Pie, along with Rainbow Dash and Applejack were the ones that had already lost their virginity.<br><br>Pinkie was well versed in sexual encounters. Having visited many lonely single fathers who asked her to <em>'plan a party'</em> for their kids. She had done many positions and broken in many beds. As such she had no problem returning the advances being given to her by Nathani. Pinkie seemed to enjoy standing closer and closer to the Griffon male. As she did, Nathan could detect the wonderful, sugary scent of cotton candy seeming to waft up from the bubbly, curvaceous mare, especially when she wagged her tail about. And the movement from her rear inevitably brought Nathani's eyes down there. Pinkie certainly had a lot from behind to offer, the perfect amount of padding and cushioning indeed. <br><br>Twilight seemed calm and collected, if abit nervous, throughout her introduction to Halcyon. It wasn't until she heard Halcyon's proposition about a diplomatic mission to the Empire proper, that she broke her mask of regality. "Really?" She gasped out, looking up towards Celestia with the eyes of a foal, wide eyed and hoping that a parent would say yes to them sleeping over at a friend's house. It said a lot about how much sway Celestia had in Twilight's development and her position in the girl's mind. <br><br>It seemed the connection went both ways as Celestia obviously could not resist the face that Twilight was giving her. "Okay, okay. I will make sure you get to visit the Magi, as part of the diplomatic mission." She told to the younger Alicorn, with a nod, and the girl seemed to instantly brighten up, her wings spread upwards and her smile wide enough to give Halcyon a very good look at her teeth. <br><br>"Yes!" Twilight said, before suddenly blushing and almost wrapping her wings around herself bashfully. "I mean, thank you." She squeaked out, obviously embarrassed that she made such a display before her mentor's future husband. Celestia quickly covered for her by clearing her throat to get Halcyon's attention. <br><br>"Well, now that we have seen the wedding decorations, if you would like to follow me, we must meet with my sister Luna in Court. I am sure she is tired of only dealing with nobles all day long, and we could provide a much needed distraction. Not to mention a good image for the press. If Nathani and Deleria wish, they may stay here and I will send some escorts to show them to their lodgings later." Celestia offered and patted Twilight's back reafirmingly. The purple Alicorn gave a bow and cursty to Halcyon before departing to rejoin the others in planning. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>23-11-2016, 14:41:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alas, I'm afraid I really must insist on staying with the lad," Nathani says, bowing low to Pinkie, hoping she doesn't take offense,--<br><br>--he doesn't need to worry about it, though, the adorable and gorgeous pink Pony simply smiling and nodding back. Her eyes sparkling, "You're a good Uncle. Keep an eye on him. You can't trust that Celestia character."<br><br>Nathani just laughs, finding that intensely amusing, the two of them sharing a brief look before parting. He'll see her again, though, he thinks,-- there was something about her that he liked, something that made him feel Young again, and he very much wanted to explore a bit more of that. Even if she probably was just humoring a horny old griff. Or, he thought as he glanced back one last time and found her still looking at him, her lips curling in a bit of a smile: perhaps not...<br><br>~<br><br>"We've been waiting outside of the Palace, hoping to catch a glance of the Princess and her new Paramour,-- the Crown Prince of the Empire of Griffonstone, Halcyon Firestone, rumored to be here with two other members of the Imperial Family. All of the Equestria has been on the edge of their seats ever since this union was first announced, apparently based on an ancient agreement between our own Princess Celestia and the First Emperor of the First Griffonstone Empire,-- the debate raging through equestria is fierce! Has our idyllic nation managed to arrange a political union that will save us from falling before the magicite-backed might of Griffonstone? Or, as some fear, have merely,-- wait! Wait! I think... yes! They're coming! They're&nbsp; coming!"<br><br>Teakettle Cosy smiled, almost bouncing, as she directed her Cameraman to catch the sight before them-- Princess Celestia, radiant in her reglia, and beside her, the somewhat sheepish-looking Griff whose puffed feathers and regal features betrayed him as her intended,-- behind him, a somewhat older and more daper griffon,- the party finally trailed by a small mixed guard of both Griff and Pony.<br><br>"Princess Celestia, as not surprise to everypony, looks positively radiant in her gown,-- no wonder the Princes' tailfeathers look so stiff! Hahaha, we can't blame him though, everyone reacts like that to our Princess. He's rather handsome, though, more than I expected in any event. Looks almost harmless; you'd never imagine he was the heir of a totalitarian empire with its eyes apparently set on world domination. Let's not forget, ponies, this wedding will see our homeland brought together with that of the Empire... which might not be what we're all imagining.."<br><br>"...they're heading into the Palace now, oooo,-- I think, yes, they're stopping for a brief moment to address the press! I'm going to move forward, see if I can get a few questions in, we'll be back to you in the newsroom. In the meantime, this is Teakettle Cosy, signing off!"<br><br>~<br><br>Halcyon actually seemed to relax as they stepped in front of the press core, seeming to find <em>this</em> at least somewhat familiar, though he wasn't surprised to find that atmosphere as far as the media went was somewhat less restrained than it would have been back in Griffonstone. Not that his Father restrained the Press, per se, but there was a certain way of doing things and the Empire saw that they were done that way. As they stepped in front of the clamoring morass of hungry vultures, Cyon shielding his eyes from the glare of flash photography, he couldn't help but shake his head a bit and smile.<br><br>The questions rolled in, as they do, and the two of them took turns answering,--<br><br>--most were what he expected. Questions about the wedding, about <strong>him</strong>, about the alliance between Equestria and Griffstone: what it would <em>mean</em> for the smaller and more peaceful country. He tried to answer as best he could, reassuringly, without making it sound like it was nothing. After all, much of the questions they were asking him were still up in the air, and exactly how things would shake up could change at an instant depending on how things went over the next few weeks leading up to the wedding.<br><br>Celestia seemed more comfortable with the press than he was, at least, though Halcyon thought he handled himself well. She was almost regal as she eventually wrapped up the interviews, noting that they had matters of state to attend to and that there would be more time for Equestria to get used to its Prince in the fullness of time, including the wedding itself and the tour of the Kingdom that would follow. Her tone wasn't dismissive, but she seemed to make it quite clear that what was happening was what was going to happen. It was something that he could admire and as they headed into the Throne Room he couldn't help but pay her compliments.<br><br>"I feel like it's so easy to get lost in your beauty, my Beloved, but you are truly a force of wisdom and restraint as well-- and a great leader to your people,-- something that I respect and aspire to myself," he says, lightly. "I truly look forward to the chance to get to know you better... and though I know this is a political union, not one of two hearts, I find myself hoping that we'll grow close over time. Wondering, in fact, what you're like when you peel away some of the formality and care. Who you are... but, I apologize, I'm rambling. So this is the fabled Throne of Equestria, hmm?"<br><br>He glances up, looking around the Throne Room, only for his eyes to finally fall upon the majestically beautiful young woman sitting upon the throne,-- looking very very bored,- all purples, dark blues, blacks, and even the hint of silver. She was so different from her sister, slightly more subdued in her appearance, and obviously not quite as guarded. It was something he could understand, knowing that he frequently felt the same as he imagined she must, like he didn't <em>quite</em> measure up to the standard set by his older relation.<br><br>"She's beautiful," he says, idly, glacing up at the Princess. "...she does look like she could use a break, though, poor thing. I've been where she is. On that very same throne, it feels like, too often."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>27-11-2016, 22:34:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestia seemed to brighten up like the sun she was known for. She so delighted in seeing how well her friends were getting along with the Griffon party. She hoped that it would be a preview of good relations between the peoples of both their nations. That this friendship would be repeated a thousand time over all over both the Empire and Equestria.&nbsp; <br><br>With their parting goodbyes said, and the final flirtations between Pinkie Pie and Nathani finished, the solar monarch led the way into the meeting room where the paparazzi was eagerly gathered. They snapped off shots quickly, one after another. Celestia seemed more than accustomed to it. she had long since allowed free press in her lands, even if it occasionally led to trouble. Its freedom would be one of the things she wanted to secure when she was ruling beside Halcyon. <br><br>Celestia gave the press a few quick answers to their questions, handling it as easily as she would ordering a meal at a restaurant, evne against the more rapid fire questions or the scandalous ones. <br><br>"I am sure the disappearances in Griffonstone can be easily explained."<br><br>"No, Equestrian forces will not be fighting against the Yaks." <br><br>It didn't take long for Celestia to answer the reporter's questions and then move onto the meeting with her sister. Celestia opened the doors with her magic, a faint golden glow surrounding the doors as the opened the way into the throne room. It revealed Princess Luna seated on the throne, several guards were standing about at attention and Luna seemed to be in the midst of settling some type of monetary dispute between two Nobles, each accusing the other of owing them money.<br><br>"Well, someone seems to be eager for the wedding. Relax Halcyon dear, it will not take long." She whispered to him with a smile, catching his little slip up. She was sure Halcyon must have an Olympian's level of self control to be so calm around her for so long. <br><br>Aside from the squabbling nobility, the glorious throne room was a thing of beauty. It was the place where Celestia and Luna held court, to deal with the issues of their nation was immaculate. Halcyon had never seen it in more than photos and in descriptions. But to truly see it in person was something else. The small magical spring that filled the room with the constant sound of running water. The near blinding bright lights all about from the many windows. The clean marble floors so well polished Halcyon could clearly see his reflection, and a slight reflection allowing him to see more of Celestia’s legs. But just as attractive it was to look at, there was something far more attractive to Halcyon's eyes. Celestia's younger sister Luna, sitting upon the throne with the gaze of a disappointed teacher as she looked at the nobles.<br><br>Through the windows of the throne room some reporters managed to&nbsp; There were sudden multiple camera flashes as black and white photos were taken of the couple as they stepped into the room. The flashes of light reflecting off of the jewelry that both Celestia and Luna wore. From the silver and gold on Celestia, to the Blue gold and sapphire jewels on her form. <br><br>"Oh my sister does indeed get bored...but if I know her it seems she's about to declare one of her famous decrees." Celestia grinned widely, as she and Halcyon stood off to the side, as Luna seemed to be rearing up to do something. <br><br><strong>"ENOUGH!"</strong> Luna declared in a booming voice that seemed to shake the very room itself. An old Magical enchantment that Luna still used amplified her voice to high levels without the risk of breaking glass. Luna still knew the enchantment from ages ago when she had been banished, and she liked to use it on occasion to add emphasis to her words. And even once as a weapon. <br><br>"I have had enough of this endless bickering. Both of you hath promised money to the other. As such since we can reach no consensus upon who of thou originally owed the debt. Both of you are hereby ordered to pay the same amount of money to one another."<br><br>"But, your majesty surely-'<br><br>"I have spoken. Now leave us. I wish to convene with my sister and her fiancé." She said, managing to give a rather stern look to the nobles for someone who looked so young. <br><br>Without further complaint or tantrum, the nobles obeyed, and left, even if they were giving the other a death glare. <br><br>Luna did not remain seated for long, instead rising up from the throne and moving to meet with her sister and their new guest. The soft sound of her footsteps seeming to echo louder over some of the eager reporters continuously snapping off photos and shouting for the royals to turn to them from outside the throne room. The various black and white photos Halcyon had seen of Luna failed to catch how soft her body seemed.&nbsp; The way the dark blues of her body matched her starry hair. As if someone had captured the night sky and used it to decorate her hair. The princess of the night was obviously a fair bit younger than her elder sister. Celestia appeared to be in her late 30s to early 40s, While Luna eternally looked to be in her 20s. While she wasn’t as voluptuous as her elder sister, Luna was certainly a sight to behold. As if she had just stepped out of a fairy tale and was about to hand Halcyon some type of magical sword. When she was close enough she gave a respectful bow to the prince and smiled. From where she was Halcyon could see she fancied a blue lipstick that made her mouth stand out more and she almost seemed to have freckles on her cheeks.<br><br>“Prince Halcyon. It is with great honor that I welcome you to Equestria, and offer my blessings upon both you and mu beloved sister on your most glorious marriage. I can only hope that you and her are happy together." Luna said, her serious gaze slowly melting away until she seemed much friendlier and innocent. <br><br>"That was a marvelous little order you did on those nobles, sister."<br><br>"You think so? I feared that mine tone hath been too harsh." She said, her accent and words still carrying over from a thousand years ago, when she was banished. Even after several years since her return, Luna still had to correct herself from time to time. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>02-12-2016, 21:23:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After an idle glance down at the floor had revealed far too much of Celestia's fair leg, never mind the vague hints at other things, Halcyon had very much tried to keep his eye from drifting down in that direction. Controlling his thoughts and trying not to think about what he'd seen, what he thought he'd seen, and what he was likely to see in the future? That was rather more difficult. He found that he very much looked forward to kissing and nuzzling his way up that perfect leg,-- which, really, was about as far as his thoughts went, the young Griff not being intimately aware of what came after that.<br><br>He'll learn, though, and he had a feeling that Celestia would be an enthusiastic teacher. He certainly hoped so...<br><br>...admittedly, it was a state marriage, a political marriage.<br><br>Maybe it was wrong of whim to suspect such things? Still, how could he not.<br><br>A slight flush to his skin, feathers preening, Halcyon didn't think he could get any more embarrassed. Then, eyes lifting to greet the young Princess Luna, he found that his eyes grew somewhat distant even as his heart started to hammer and his face betrayed him all the more. She was so beautiful; perhaps not more so than Celestia, but who was qualified to judge such things, but just-- so perfect,- almost like she wasn't entirely of this world but of some other higher reality.<br><br>Even her voice was entrancing, her manner of speaking so different than he was used to,- formal, and yet intimate,--<br><br>As if sensing his own state, Celestia distracted the Princess from the fact that Halcyon seemed momentarily incapable of actually <em>answering her question</em>. Finally, though, he found his tongue and gave Luna a little half-bow before letting his own training take over, "If you think that was harsh, my Lady, you should hear my Father in session. No, I agree with your sister, you comported yourself quite well. It spoke not just to the two that you chastened but everyone in the room."<br><br>"Oh, even you?" Nathani said, chuckling just a bit.<br><br>Halcyon laughed a bit, that not having exactly been his point, but he noted, "I suppose so. I'll certainly not waste the Princesses' time with trivialities. Thank you, in any event, for your warm welcome,-- both of you, I cannot properly convey just how beautiful a sight your Kingdom has been, both on this day and for the last several day flying over it.,- that said... if we have the room to ourselves? Is this a good place to discuss some more sensitive matters of state? There are some things you should both know..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>05-12-2016, 21:52:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Celestia smiled as the saw her little sister simply drinking in the praise from Halcyon. She seemed to be glowing as the handsome young Griffon prince gave her all his attention for a moment. Celestia loved seeing her sister so happy. After having to fight her in a terrible war, and banishing her in a magical prison for a thousand years, it had left a terrible hole in her heart. One that was filled by seeing her beloved sibling happy. Luna herself was feeling giddy and couldn't remove the smile from her face. While Halcyon wasn't exactly flirting with her, the Princess of the Night was still enjoying the attention. The Griffon prince was being honest and true to her, not the lying ego stroking that other royals and nobles constantly relied upon. Luna appreciated the honesty of Halcyon, and would appreciate it even more so after he shared the secret with them. It wasn't the best time or place really, and whether this spoke of the gravity of the situation, or of Halcyon still needing to learn the proper political ettiquet, remained to be seen.&nbsp; <br><br>Both of the Alicorn twins took on a more serious face as Halcyon began to tell them that he had something important. They cast a glance to one another and nodded. "Guards, attendants, please grant us our privacy." Celestia ordered, and yet it felt as if it had the tone of a mother asking their child to go play elsewhere as they handled adult business. Celestia and Luna waited until everyone had left and Celestia even raised a hand, with one finger held up to tell Halcyon to wait before speaking.<br><br>Before the prince could wonder what was going on, Celestia snapped her fingers on her right hand, making the windows become abit more blurred, keeping the reporters outside from being able to stare in, and possibly lip read their conversation. Luna herself had her horn aglow with a dark azure light, that didn't seem to have any noticeable effect, but in actuality was a temporary whisper spell. No one outside more than five steps away would be able to hear the three of them conversing. It would look as if their mouths were moving but no sound was coming out. <br><br>Luna quickly smiled to Halcyon reassuringly. "Just a mere precaution, honored Prince. Loose lips sink Airships." The princess said, proud of her little rhyme as she and her sister stood side by side, giving Halcyon their full attention. The sight of these two beauties before him, one an eternal sex symbol with the body of a fertility goddess, and the kindness of a saint. The other a mysterious, mistress of the dark arts, from another age, and yet he heard she was fun loving and could be downright silly at times. Together they made a powerful pair that had ruled from before even his grandfather was a twinkle in his great grandfather's eye. And yet with all that power, elegance, and beauty, they had no idea what horror was on the other side of the world. <br><br>They didn't know that as bad as the Empire was thought to be, it was still nothing compared to the &nbsp;endless, diseased, horror of the rats. (http://pre12.deviantart.net/09d1/th/pre/i/2014/204/9/c/skaven_by_baklaher-d7rww0w.jpg) Innumerable in number, alien in culture, as hungry as any locust plague, and more vicious than the worst of parasites. The Plague of rats was at the Empire's Eastern border and draining its resources and manpower more so than the Yaks, and for the first time since the start of the Griffon Civil War, centuries ago, the survival of the Griffon Race was in question...and perhaps even that of the Pony race as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CrownedSun</strong> on <strong>08-12-2016, 13:23:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Halcyon looked, well, more than a little embarrassed when Celestia dismissed the guards and otherwise prepared the room.<br><br>Somehow, he had lost track of the fact that there was anyone else in the room with him, it having just been him and the two Princesses. It earned a bit of a smirk from his Uncle, who had already taken the opportunity to dismiss their own escorts and other followers, leaving the four of them alone in the room. There was a bit of mirth in those eyes, for all that Cyon knew that his uncle loved and respected him, and Halcyon knew that he had to do better than this-- that he was better than this-<br><br>"My apologies, you are of course exactly right," he said, lightly, bowing.<br><br>He tried to avoid thinking about the feeling that was aroused in him by the two ponies, standing side by side, all of their attention focused on him.<br><br>It was easier to do than he'd have imagined, when he started to think of what he actually had to tell them, and he knew that both of them would be able to see the thoughts writ upon his face as he ceased to guard over his feelings and let them show ever so clearly. This, he knew, would change everything and it was probably the most important conversation he would ever have with his betrothed or her sister. The safety of Griff and Pony alike depended on him, at this moment, and that was a charge that he would not fail.<br><br>So, face drained of color and looking more than a bit haunted, Halcyon began, "I can imagine what initially led you to propose this union. The truth is, though, Equestria was in no danger of being the next conquest in the ever-expanding Empire that my Father has built. We'd likely not have driven so hard into the lands of the Yak, even, if not for... the threat from the East.."<br><br>He glances up, finding Celestia's eyes, needing her to <em>understand</em>.<br><br>"You must have wondered, why we haven't committed the bulk of our forces to that front, why so many of our forces remain in the Eastern Reaches of the Empire? We've spent years now, digging in and reinforcing our Eastern Borders, because we know something that most of the world has not yet realized... Ours, dearest beloved, is not the only Empire.. and if you have found yourself grown fearful of the might of Griffonstone?"<br><br>"Best to get straight to the matter, Nephew," Nathani said, his words soft.<br><br>Halcyon simply nodded. It was harder than he thought, to speak the words, "5 years ago, just as we were in the opening stages of our conquest of Yakyakistan, there was a massive incursion on our Eastern Border. A maddened insane horde of... various races that we'd long known to be docile and harmless.. driven before an even more horrifying host. We're still not sure where the Rats <em>come from</em>, exactly, but in that one assault they very nearly tore through our Eastern Flank. One of our cities and no few outposts were overrun, before the forces we'd had in reserve in the area were able to respond and throw back the invaders, and in the wake was nothing but devastation."<br><br>"They seized what goods and slaves they could," Nathani said, "before our forces moved in to liberate Cliffside. Or, attempted to liberate it..."<br><br>Halcon just nods, saddened, "I was there-- they set the city ablaze, emptied its granaries and storehouses, and left behind... some kind of Plague... I had to order the troops back, impose a full quarantine, <em>watched</em> as the city spasmed twitched and finally just died. A city of 10,000 and only 13 survived. The plague took hundreds of our Soldiers as well,-- and that was only in that one engagement,- the loses we suffered along the entire front were... frightening.."<br><br>"But we managed to beat them back, and we've held our ground to date, dug in. Even intervened, when we can, to try to prevent them from conquering some of our neighbors. For the time being, we've settled into a curious detente that neither of us can break. Even though its cost us all of our momentum against the Yaks. It won't last, however, the Rats are... ingenious, if horrifying,.. and they see it as their holy mandate to cover the entire world and enslave all lesser races. Purging those who resist."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Rising Empire. (Lustful and CrownedSun)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lustful Bride</strong> on <strong>09-12-2016, 20:56:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The two princesses listened intently as Halcyon informed them about the threat from the East. Something beyond their borders was drawing their forces to the border. It was a threat that made the Empire seem far less intimidating. As hardline and oppressive as the Empire might be, they weren't out for total destruction just for the sake of it. They didn't burn entire cities to the ground and leave the land salted and lifeless. Whatever this Rat Empire was, if it truly did exist. If the news had been told to them by anyone else, the Alicorns might not have believed them. But since it was Halcyon, who had already proven to be very different from his father, they were inclined to believe him. <br><br>The sisters took a moment to think it over, casting glances at each other, with Luna cupping her chin in thought while Celestia crossed her arms, under her breasts. The sisters seemed to have a near psychic connection with one another, having spent so long with each other that they understood themselves enough to work without speaking. <br><br>"Well, this is quite some news to take in." Celestia began, her face serious and making her look all the older, but none the less beautiful. <br><br>"But it says a lot that you chose to tell this to us now instead of after the wedding."&nbsp; Luna replied, her hands soon behind her back in an official manner, her youth hiding ages of wisdom that she had as she continued speaking. <br><br>"Many would think this a type of political ploy, force an alliance, or annexation, under the guise of a graver threat being on the horizon. But what you have told us does fit with what we have seen of the actions of the Empire. Whether or not this is absolutely truthful, a lie, or exaggeration shall remain to be seen." Luna said before waiting for her sister to add in her own thoughts. <br><br>"As such, after the wedding and union, we will need the diplomatic envoy to see for themselves what you have said, and report back to us. As it stands, things shall continue as they have been planned, my fiance." Celestia stated with a smile and a nod. Despite the grave news given to them and the political nature of the alliance, she was still in line with the plan. <br><br>"I would personally like to thank you for your honesty with me. It tells me that you are one I can put my trust and faith into." She said with a hand gratefully placed above her heart to show her sincerity. Luna also took this moment to begin planning. If this Rat threat was indeed real, then they needed to make preparations. In her analytical mind she was already drawing battle lines, planning troop movements along Equestria's railways. As a matter of fact, she even began making plans to see if she could get a shipment of those Magicite weapons sent to the military city of Stalliongrad. It wouldn't do to fight swarms of vermin with nothing but magic, swords and crossbows.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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