After the patrol of royal guards found you in the Everfree Forest, you were delivered to Canterlot immediately. Princess Celestia ordered for you to be stationed at a royal infirmary and once you’re awake to be brought to the throne room. Once you’re awake, pegasi nurse helps you get to the Princess, explaining that Celestia wishes to talk with you personally. The throne room is grand and well lit. It is adorned with gobelins, stained glass windows that portray most important events of Equestria. There are big flower pots with exotic flowers on the floor and even a small decorative pond. Once you are there, the nurse leaves the throne room, leaving only you and Princess Celestia. She sits on her throne that towers over the rest of the room. She’s dressed in a delicate silk white royal dress, wearing her set of gold royal jewelry, incrusted with amethysts – a pectoral around her neck, a pair of bracers that cover her wrists halfway to her elbows and a pair of shoes that go halfway from the base of her hooves to her ankles. The most important part of her attire is her royal tiara – a sign of her power. Princess Celestia looks at you expectantly, but also with concern and worry for your wellbeing.
"My greetings, monarch. I'm Lonerover, traveler from southern lands who came to explore far north. Your patrol found me unconscious in the Everfree Forest. I am mostly unharmed safe for some scratches and bites left by timberwolves that were trying to hunt me down in the forest. I managed to scare them off, but fell of exhaustion in the process."
Celestia smiles warmly at you, but remains a bit concerned still. "I see... I'm relieved that you managed to survive such an ordeal. The Everfree Forest is not a place for the weak-hearted and foolish." She leans forward on her throne slightly. "You mentioned being from southern lands... What can you tell me about your journey so far? How long have you been traveling?"
"Thirteen years on my hooves, your highness. My journey wasn't an easy one, but whenever I faced peril, fate always gave me a helping hand."
*Celestia listens carefully to your story, nodding from time to time and occasionally frowning in concern. But even as she listens, her expression softens somewhat... It's almost as if the stories of hardship and perseverance only serve to make you more endearing in her eyes. When you finish speaking, she takes a deep breath before continuing, "It sounds like quite the adventure you've had thus far. And I must say..."
"I am truly impressed by your resilience and determination. You have seen much in your thirteen years on the road, and yet you remain unbroken... It is rare indeed to find such strength of spirit." Her expression softens further as she looks at you intently, her voice taking on a warmth that belies its regal tone. "You must be quite special, Lonerover."
A faint glow begins to emanate from the center of her chest, growing brighter and more intense with each passing moment.
I nod, agreeing with her words and accepting her authority. "I don't know if I'm special, but I know, that ponies can adapt to environment they are forced to deal with. I did just that."
The glow around her chest grows even brighter as she smiles warmly at you, and then, suddenly, it spreads outward, enveloping your form in its ethereal light. Her expression becomes one of wonderment as the magical energy flows through you, seemingly examining every inch of your body, your mind, and your spirit.
After what seems like an eternity, the glow fades away, leaving you unharmed but... different somehow.
I touch myself, trying to understand the meaning of this. "What just happened? What did you do?"
Celestia's smile is serene as she answers you. "I merely... tested you." Her eyes sparkle with both wisdom and understanding. "Your resilience, your strength of spirit... they are truly remarkable. I have seen many ponies come and go through my reign, but few have left such an impression on me as you have today."
The glow in her eyes dims slightly, replaced by a look of curiosity and interest. "I cannot help but wonder..." she muses aloud, almost to herself. "
Celestia pauses for a moment, deep in thought. "I wonder... if perhaps you could put your unique talents and experiences to use serving Equestria. You've seen so much of our world already; surely there must be ways that you could help make it a better place?" Her expression turns wistful as she continues, "Wouldn't that be something worth considering?"
The glow in her eyes intensifies again, though this time it takes on a more hopeful cast.
I stand in silence, thinking princess's words through. "What you ask of me is to abandon my life of a traveler and explorer and settle down in Equestria? Don't get me wrong, helping others, making their lives better is noble call, but it is much to consider..."
Celestia listens carefully to your concerns and hesitations, her expression never wavering from its understanding smile. "I understand that such a decision would not be easy for you," she says gently. "But consider this: if you were to join us, if you were to use your unique skills and experiences for the greater good of Equestria... what kind of life would you have then? Wouldn't helping others bring its own rewards?"
Her words are accompanied by a warm, reassuring glow that envelops you once more.