Not Meant For This World | Semi-Advanced RP | Plot Inside | OPEN

"So... Every race has its own magical energy, but only unicorns have the ability to channel it? Horn and such?" "Exactly." The voices of Mark and Twilight emanated from the nearby desk, where the two were hunched over a set of books.

"Makes me wonder, though... If unicorns can channel their magic energy through their horn, is there a way that humans can channel energy like that? I know it's possible, seeing the portal and all, but do you know any specific means?" [color=magenta]"I've been wondering that myself, and I'm not surprised you asked. My theory is that, since magic is partly an emotional energy, there would likely be some way for anypony to channel their magic energies. A unicorn's horn is just for convenience, in the long run."

Both of them jumped slightly, neither having realized they had a visitor. "Well, yes and no," Twilight clarified once she regained her composure. "You see, while it may be much simpler to channel through a medium such as a wand, it should be perfectly possible without a channeling source. That said, it would be extremely difficult to do so, thus why a wand would seem to be preferable in either of your cases."

"It's possible for either of you to cast spells, yes, but we'll have to be cautious. Neither of you have any large amount of magical energy on your own, so trying to cast a spell would sap you dry, if not somepony else. Considering that means any spell you attempt to perform would border on necromancy, we'll probably not be trying that anytime soon." Even though the alicorn seemed genuinely worried, Mark didn't look like he'd give up that easily. "I suppose we'll find another solution at some point, then," he concluded.

"Not without a security escort," Twilight replied in a flat tone that dared anyone to object. "There's nothing wrong with being nice, but there's nothing wrong with being cautious either. You understand."

Sure enough, almost instantly, two guards appeared seemingly out of nowhere to flank her on her morning escapades.

Outside was just as senselessly bright as the inside, even moreso, if that could be possible. The gardens consisted mainly of a few pathways through a large maze of hedge partitions, some of which led to the castle's famous labyrinth. In one of the hedge courtyards, a group of unicorns was chatting with eachother over what looked like wine, minus the fact that it was being served from a punch bowl.

If either of the guards noticed the ponies stopping to stare, they didn't show any sign of it. "The statue represents the visage of Nightmare Moon," one of them answered her. "A little over a thousand year ago, Princess Luna felt an intense resentment toward Princess Celestia due to how much less ponies enjoyed her night. Her feelings, as well as her magical potential, was so strong that it manifested itself in the form of Nightmare Moon, who in turn attempted to overthrow her elder sister. The princess was forced to use the Elements of Harmony and banish Nightmare Moon to the moon, and Princess Luna with her. About a year ago, however, she was able to return to Equestria, and attempted to take the kingdom again. A group of six ponies was able to stop her, though, and returned Princess Luna to her original form in the process. Several holidays had to be redefined as a result." The guard raised a brow once his long-winded explanation was concluded, leaving himself open to any questions as he looked up to the somewhat taller guest.

The guard's demeanor faltered, and he let out a hearty chuckle. "I can tell Princess Luna would love you," he commented. "It's not that anypony specifically disliked the night itself, just that she felt they ignored it. That they didn't appreciate it as much as they did Celestia's daytime."

"The Elements of Harmony, well... To be totally honest, nopony's sure exactly what they are. The best explanation is that they're the physical manifestation of positive emotions and doing- Honesty, Kindness, andLaughter, Generosity, Loyalty and Magic. In older times, they were part of the Princesses, but they split off when Nightmare Moon appeared. Until recently, they formed as a collection of six gems. When Nightmare Moon returned, the Elements went dormant and reappeared in the six ponies who were sent to defeat her."

"Indeed she is," came another voice from behind them. Instantly, the two guards turned and took up the pony equivalent of a bow, now facing four distinct forms. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, a third pink Alicorn who looked more of a kid's show icon than a supreme magical being, and a white-furred stallion with a dark-blue mane, adorned in a more dressy version of the guard attire.

Celestia exchanged an amused glance with her pink friend as Luna raised a brow, seemingly offended. "My name is Mi Amore Cadenza, though most just call me 'Cadance'," the newcomer introduced herself, taking a step forward. "So you're the 'human', then?" Even from the first few moments of introduction, it was clear that Cadance was much younger than the other two Alicorns. She wasn't quite as young as Twilight, but she wasn't fully ascended either- The mane was a dead giveaway in that regard.