A Royal Pegasus Guard stood upon the precipices of a hill, overlooking the lake below Mount Canterhorn. The Royal Guard wore his bright golden attire that shined from the evening sun. Strapped on his back he carried a bow and a single arrow on his back. A calm wind hung over the land of Equestria, gently greeting him as he observed the landscape. The land was quiet and at peace. However, this quiet and peace was not for happy folk that lived in the lands. Instead, it is one of sadness. It is one of grief. It is one where a whole nation is brought to its knees by a terrible tragedy and a cusp of war was nearing their doorstep. The Royal guard knew in his heart what this was and he had to see it through.

He looked downward and saw a formation of ponies, many garbed in black clothing, heading downward toward the lake below. Among the ponies he saw hundreds of guards, all garbed in the same uniform, and were heading down the path as well. Behind them he saw the regal sisters, both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, both garbed in silk robes that were also black. Alongside them they were attended by Queen Amore, the ruler of the Crystal Empire, and she too wore a black attire. She comforted the young Princesses as they walked. Celestia was looking down the road, a downcast expression on her face. To her side Princess Luna, much smaller than her sister and Queen Amore, was visibly shaking. The Pegasus Guard felt a pang of guilt to see the young Princess terrible in such despair, that he felt the urge to comfort her. As they passed on by the next part of the formation came along. It was a large pyre that was at least several a dozen feet in length, being carried by a pair of Unicorn, Earth Pony, and Pegasus guards. On top of the wooden dais stood two bodies, the very ones whom the nation did grief. It was their king, king Solaris, and his brother, Prince Osiris.

As he watched the formation pass him he could only stare at the two bodies before him. King Solaris was garbed in his battle armor, a bright golden plate that shined brighter than the guards. His hooves were overlapped on his sword and a small sun shaped necklace was also looped over it, likely a parting gift from their children. His plated helmet was placed on the side of the king’s head, allowing his pure red mane to be spread out among the pyre. In all accounts, no matter how many times he told himself, he could imagine the king was merely asleep.

He turned his attention to the brother, Princess Osiris, and he was positioned on the other side of King Solaris. Like his brother Osiris was garbed in a deep silver, which stood out more than anything else in the land of Equestria. The armor was gifted by the Thestrals, bat ponies that lived in the deep forests that Osiris gifted to them. In his overlapped hooves he held his crafted sword that also had a necklace in the shape of the moon. His plated helmet was placed on the side of his head, allowing his deep blue mane to be spread out. Again the Pegasus guard felt the Prince was sleeping as well.

When they finally passed he took his position behind them following his Royal Captain. He looked and saw the old Pegasus bearing wounds from the battle that was fought. His right hoof was slung in a sling and small scars appeared across his muzzle and face. The Captain was there when it all happened, he was the one who witness the murders. It was he who was able to rally the guards and drive off the invaders and helped kill the tyrant who took their leaders. The guard could only look ahead as the memories flooded into his mind, the only thing that kept his mind focused as he proceeded down to the lake.

Their nation of Equestria came into contact with a new race, a warrior race that were known as Griffons. These feathered creatures were out exploring when they came into contact with their nation. A month had passed and the two nations would come together for a peace deal. However, their leader, Lord Ravenclaw, had other plans. He saw the potential and the wealth of this land had to offer. His greed and lust for gold was unquenchable and he would use anything to gain leverage over the feeble ponies. When the meeting took place the Griffon leader sprung his trap, his soldiers coming into the city and were ready to strike. He demanded that Equestria submit to their rule and the craven held both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna at sword point. However, both King Solaris and Prince Osiris saved them and defied the black heart and proclaimed that Canterlot and all of Equestria would never fall to his tyranny. It was in that moment of defiance that they paid the price. Ravenclaw, and his followers nearby, shot their small crossbows killing Prince Osiris and mortally wounding King Solaris. The people and guards both turned on the griffons and stood steadfast as they cleared the city of the griffons. When RavenClaw was killed and the last of his griffons driven off King Solaris succumbed to his wounds died on his bed. He was surrounded by his two daughters when he passed and they cried long into the night by his side.

The Pegasus guard stopped when his Captain turned to him and gestured near the end of lake bed. As he followed his captain he stared out at the lake. Known as Loch Avalon the lake was both serene and beautiful. The evening sun lit upon the lake, illuminating the waters in a haze of orange and gold. The lake was fed by a large waterfall that descended from Canterhorn, where their beautiful city of Canterlot still stood. The more he looked at it the more the scenery came from a painting, a living breathing painting that could never be altered or changed.

The Royal Captain stopped at the edge of the lake and gave a small nod to the Pegasus guard. He placed himself at his captain’s right side and he took his off his bow and readied himself. Behind him he saw many mourners come behind them. Many of them were mourners and the like but he saw a large contingent of citizens compared to the nobles. They grieved more for the king and Prince then the nobles. More guards approached and positioned themselves on either side of them and more behind. They all stood at attention and at the ready, overlooking the peaceful lake before them. Near the edge of the lake, at least twenty feet away from he stood, the wooden pyre was placed down into the water. As they were settled into the water a voice broke out among the silence. He turned his gaze and saw the unicorn Starswirl the Bearded.

Starswirl, a legend he is, a grand tale or two about that old pony that defines him. He is older than the princesses and is by far the wisest this nation could ever ask for. His wisdom and guidance has helped them through many struggles. He helped shape the nation during its founding and was there when he helped bring many of the ponies together. When both Solaris and Osiris passed it pained him deeply, to lose his old friends that he had known when he was young. However, today he did not show emotion, he had to remain strong, for Equestria but most importantly to stay strong for both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’ s sake's. They would need his wisdom and knowledge to learn and guide their nation and to help them in the coming war with the griffons.

The old pony spoke in a calm yet commanding tone, addressing everypony in a high Canterlot voice that sounded more soothing than boisterous. He spoke about their deeds, their desires for unity and peace. He spoke how they wished for balance a united nation for all ponies, for every race to come together and to live in harmony and to be free. His words softened the ponies that have gathered and bringing fresh tears amongst the populace. As he spoke the Pegasus guard readied his bow, lowering it so that it remained ready to fire.

Once Starswirl was done and after a few exchanges of words by Queen Amore, the congregation fell silent as both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stepped forward near the pyre. Celestia lowered her head first, revealing her vibrant pink mane. Her head hung low over the king’s body, speaking a few words that were low and inaudible, saying that their mother will be waiting for them. She placed a kiss on his head and brought her face next to his. She remained that way for several moments before turning to Osiris, and doing the same thing as before. Once she finished Princess Luna was next. The younger princess, her light blue mane hanging low over her eyes, said a few audible words that were sincere and true and how she would miss him. She cried through soft hiccups, trying her best to remain composed. Nearby a few of the nobles fell into tears as their princess did her best to remain calm. She kissed her father on the cheek and gave him a long hug. She turned to Osiris and without saying anything brought her hooves around his neck. She hugged him tightly for long while, crying in his fur as he laid motionless. The sight alone was breaking any stalwart guard into a crying fit. The Captain turned to hush them yet he too had tears coming down his scarred cheeks. As soon as she was done Princess Luna planted a gentle kiss on his cheek before returning to her sister’s side.

The captain of the Royal guard gave a nod and several ponies pushed the pyre into the water and gently pushed it out into the middle of the lake. As the Pyre slowly moved further out into lake the sun had now hanged low in the horizon illuminating the pyre upon the water of Loch Avalon. Every guard, every noble, and every citizen was watching the pyre drift to the center of the lake, emotion ran among each of them as they watched their leaders move on.

“Distant Shores, lad, to distant shores.” The Royal captain spoke to him and drawing away his gaze. The captain gave a humble nod and he knew what he had to do. He took his position and drew his bow. A unicorn next to him brought a torch over the arrow. The arrow was a lit within seconds and the torch bearer brought the torch to his side. The Pegasus guard drew back the bow aiming towards the pyre. As he aimed the bow higher, arcing the arrow that it will make its mark, a part of him was telling him not to fire. He felt guilty to release the string, a part of him believing that his leaders were still alive. With the whole of Canterlot watching he knew he had to fulfill his duty. With a calm breath he drew back the strings to their farthest extent and let loose the arrow. It was silent as it left his hoof, it arched high into the, higher to where only the birds would fly. The arrow soon went down and in the middle of the lake, it struck the center of the pyre.

A perfect shot.

The flames slowly spread upon the fire and it would be minutes before the whole thing was set ablaze. As the fire spread around the wooden structure he heard a small cry emanating from Princess Luna. She took a step forward, her hooves entering into the cold water. She paused, staring out at the pyre that was slowly setting ablaze. Fresh tears streamed down her face as she watched her father and uncle burn. Princess Celestia moved to comfort her, speaking a few soft words of assurance. Princess Luna nodded and Princess Celestia took a few steps back away from her younger sister. Princess Luna breathed deeply, taking in several breaths to calm herself, despite the wave of tears that remained on her countenance. When her body was calm and still she stared out to the wooden pyre, which now was engulfed in flames. A soft low hum escaped her, and with a few moments of sustained humming, she slowly began to sing.

“From Dust, from dust, we ponies born,
To Earth we all return,
Father, Father's, we’ve Sworn, we’ve sworn,
To guard this rest you’ve earned.
The foe did reveal his hidden face,
And would destroy us with hate.
Be filled with greed but we with grace,
For they did seal their fate.”

As Princess Luna sang her song the royal guards began unsheathing their weapons, while the citizens of Canterlot watched on.

“We, sound the horn of winters past,
To call all ponies forth.
We free folk gathered, united at last,
And we will remain henceforth.”

The ponies who carried the banners began to lower them at half mast, aiming toward the burning pyre. The Royal guards still held their weapons, waiting for their captain to raise his own.

“Their frail leaders from across the sea,
Our Armies they shall see.
From Horseshoe Bay to the Everfree.
We’ll defend Equestria from thee.”

The Royal captain lifted his sword, holding the steel of the blade, the hilt pointing toward the sky. He held it up to the sky, and giving a send off to his leaders. One by one, the other royal guards did the same, raising their weapons to honor their fallen lords.

“The Tyrant did seize us in his vile grasp,
To claim us as his prize.
Our Fathers freed us from Ravenclaw’s clasp.
And would defend our lives.
And defend with their lives!”

The Royal guard who fired his arrow now drew his sword, holding the blade as equally as his brothers and sisters. Tears were running down his cheeks as he stared at the burning pyre. His lords sacrificed everything for the safety and peace for all ponies. He could only watch the boat continue on as Princess Luna finished the rest of her powerful yet inspirational song.

“Fight on, Osiris, and Solaris the Brave,
Old gods bear steel with you.
Our lord's, our kin, a hero’s grave.
Till life will grow anew.
Still life will grow anew.”

As the last of the words died out from Princess Luna, everypony was silent, staring out at the pyre that was engulfed in flames, the ash ascending high into the evening sky. Princess Luna turned and exited the water, tears still streaming down her cheeks, as she went to her sister's side. Princess Celestia, overcome with emotion, hugged her younger sister, where the latter was softly crying into her sister’s fur. Queen Amore, compelled at their dispirited state, went over to the sister’s sides and wrapped her large hooves over the two siblings, softly cooing them as their soft cries filled the silence.

The Royal guard remained as they were, staring out to the loch Avalon, watching the fire burn before them. As their kings have passed, they shall remain. To continue the duty that has been bestowed upon them. Their lives they will gladly give to serve under the regal sisters. To help them in their most dire need. But most of all, serve them as they have their fathers.

But tonight, however, they will remain where they stand. Vigilant and filled with pride.

For each one bore tears of gratitude to their fallen kings, as their burning pyre drifted towards the far distant shores.