//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: A Very Gifted Alicorn // by RoyalPonySisters //------------------------------// In retrospect, she never should have agreed to come. Princess Luna didn’t often attend official royal events. She couldn’t stand the political posturing and small talk about nonsense that wouldn’t matter in a hundred years- or one year, for that matter. Princess Celestia had failed to convince her younger sister to attend the Grand Galloping Gala (although, what did she expect after constantly complaining about how awful it was). Luna had gone to Nightmare Night in Ponyville, which she did enjoy in the end, but it also reminded her just how far removed she was from modern Equestrian society. In a way, it had made her feel both more and less willing to attend these kinds of events, if that made any sense. Regardless, Celestia had somehow gotten Luna to agree to come to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns’ magical exposé. “It’s not that formal, Sister,” she had said earnestly. “And the exhibits are so interesting- the students will display the findings from their big research projects. No political talk.” Reluctantly, Luna had agreed. It would be interesting to see the advancements in the study of magic made by the students. At least it would make Celestia happy if she came. Maybe she would even enjoy herself, who knew? As it turned out, she was not enjoying herself. Luna followed her sister around awkwardly in the School for Gifted Unicorns’ massive auditorium. Celestia was going from exhibit to exhibit, congratulating the students for their hard work, and talking to Twilight Sparkle about the projects. Twilight, Celestia’s personal student, was practically floating off her hooves in excitement. Of course she had her own exhibition on the magic of friendship, but as soon as she had seen her teacher she had been glued to her side. Meanwhile, Luna was behind them, wishing for it to be over. Why did Celestia even want me to come if Twilight Sparkle is here? They can keep each other company just fine without me, Luna thought. Realizing she was scowling, she made sure to put on her best royal face as they arrived at another table. “And what is your project on, my little pony?” Celestia smiled. The Unicorn, a blue colt with wavy green and white hair, looked up timidly. “Umm, it’s about the magical fields of enchanted objects and their interactions with levitation spells. Your Highness. Es. Your Highnesses.” “Very interesting!” Celestia said. “Enchanted objects are such a neglected field of study.” “I know, I know!” Twilight Sparkle sang out. “Princess Celestia, I was reading this book on obscure magical objects, and it was saying that...” “What do you think, Luna?” she suddenly heard Celestia say. “Oh, uh, I think it is quite fascinating. Good job, colt,” she said quickly. She sighed, and then followed Celestia and Twilight to the next exhibit. The worst part was, this didn’t have to be miserable. There was a time when Luna would have enjoyed this type of event- not as much as Celestia and Twilight of course, but enjoyed it nonetheless. The problem was, that time was a thousand years ago. As she passed each project, it became clearer and clearer to the Princess of the Night just how out of date her magical knowledge was. The study of magic had advanced tremendously in her absence, and the exhibits may as well have been written in Yakkistani for all she understood. But unlike Yakkistani, which she was never fluent in, there was a time when she was proficient in the newest magical developments. Yet here she stood, as out of place as an Earth pony in Cloudsdale. Luna felt not only bored, but stupid. I should understand this, she thought in frustration, but it made no difference. The evening dragged on, with Luna growing more and more impatient and feeling more and more foolish with each passing minute. Finally, nearly an hour after it was supposed to (and with a few unscheduled speeches), the event closed and Celestia and Luna were able to traipse back to their private part of the Castle. “Luna? Is everything alright?” Celestia asked with concern. “You didn’t seem to be having a very good time.” Luna sighed. “I- it was nothing, Sister. You know I rarely enjoy this type of gathering.” Celestia looked down at her sister, eyes pleading. “Luna. If there is something wrong, please tell me. Perhaps I can help. You seemed excited before the expo.” “I-“ Luna began. “It is just that I- I did not really know what was going on. Magic has come so far while I was gone...” “Oh, Luna,” Celestia said, pulling Luna towards her with her wing for a quick hug. “You’re right. I feel terrible. I should have thought of that.” “It is not your fault, Sister,” Luna said solemnly. “But nonetheless, it makes these sorts things rather unenjoyable.” She looked at the ground. “I suppose I should try to catch up on what I have missed. Maybe I should be a student in the school instead of a guest,” she added humorlessly. “Maybe you should be a student at my school,” Celestia mused. She grinned at Luna knowingly. Luna looked up. “Sister, I was being facetious. You cannot actually mean...” Her eyes widened in recognition. “Oh! Celestia! You would teach me? But you are so busy!” Celestia hugged Luna tighter. “Luna, my favorite thing in the world is spending time with you. And my second favorite thing in the world is studying magic. If I have the chance to study magic with you- I’ll find the time to do it.” “Well, if you really want to.” Luna said uncertainly. “You do not have to do too much for me, just go through the major magical developments and spells so I have some idea of what is going on.” “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Celestia said seriously. She straightened her back. “I expect the very best for my students, including my sister. And I would never cut corners when teaching magic. Don’t worry, Sister, you will have the very best magical education in Equestria.” “Eh, it is fine, really,” Luna said. “All I need is the basics.” Celestia shook her head. “There’s no such thing as just ‘the basics’ when it comes to one thousand years of magical history. But have no fear, I will make sure you know it as if you were there. How about we meet tomorrow night in my room after sunset. It will be the end of my duties and the beginning of yours, so we will have some time. Does that work for you?” “I think so,” Luna answered. “Well, thank you, Celesta. I will see you then. Good night.” “Good night,” Celestia responded, and trotted towards her bedchambers.