Even ponies at home feel the effects of war. Letters sent home are their only method of communication with distant loved ones.
Despite what legends may say, the rise and fall of Nightmare Moon was not decided in a single evening, but over a long year of bitter war between the forces pony sisters. During this time, many stallions were recruited from their homes to fuel the war effort. While they were away, the most common form of communication between the soldiers and their families were letters, sent home only on rare occasions. As a result, mail day was one of the most important times to the home-bound ponies. This is the story of those silent few who manage the home-front.
The sun shined brightly through the kitchen window, its rays heating the fur on Bright Shine’s face. She smiled and hummed as she whisked the batter, a tray for cupcakes waiting to be filled behind her. The sky outside the window was a bright blue, and a pair of cardinals sang as they darted around the planter she kept outside the window. Below the blue of the sky, the streets bustled, the normal Canterlot natives alive with smiling faces, their voices filtering like music through the air. The feeling of life made her positively giddy. It was an almost perfect day.
One that almost made her forget that there was a war going on.
She switched to whistling, trying to match the birdsong as she pushed that dark thought from her mind. It was going to be a perfect day; it was mail day.
While Princess Celestia had publicly decreed that there would be rationing, she had also guaranteed that all the ponies called to service would get at least one day a month to write home to their families, to keep them in the loop and to tell them of their safety. While many ponies grumbled about the limitation, Bright Shine was glad to get anything from her husband, even if it was only paper that just barely held his scent.
Bright Shine popped the cupcakes into the oven, her mind cheerful as she watched the clock. Twenty minutes until the cupcakes were done, twenty-five minutes until the mail was due, and thirty minutes until her son came home from his first day of school.
Bright Shine tried to find things to do around their small townhouse; she adjusted a stack of paper on Star Chaser’s temporarily abandoned desk, she blew the dust from the top of the bookshelf, and she scooted the carpet so that it was perfectly in line with the door. Satisfied that she had wasted at least some time, she looped back to the kitchen to check the clock. Two minutes had passed.
Bright Shine groaned and collapsed to the floor, her hooves covering her face. She hated waiting, was always terrible at it, especially when she was excited for what she was waiting for. She rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling, trying to come up with a distraction that would occupy her until the mail came.
She decided to count the lines in the ceiling, determined to count them all before she had to pull out the cupcakes. She lasted until fifty-seven before she dosed off.
A hard knock at the door, cause her to rocket to her feet. A bit confused in her sleepy state, she rushed to the door, realizing too late that she was the one who had to open it. Her momentum caused her to slam face first into the door, and she bounced backward with a yelp, rubbing her nose where it had collided with the heavy oak. She quickly got to her hooves and opened the door, still rubbing her bruised nose as she tried her best to put on a relaxed smile.
A familiar mail stallion grinned at her from under a bushy, white mustache.
“Ready for the mail today are we Mrs. Shine?”
She grinned sheepishly.
“Sorry White Wing, you know how mail day is. It’s the first one in weeks.”
He smiled brightly and nodded.
“That it is Mrs. Shine. And I’ll have you know that attacking the door was worth it, since you have a letter fresh from the front.”
He withdrew a small, white envelope from his saddlebags and passed it to Bright Shine, who instantly forgot about her bruised snout as she smiled at the letter. Familiar, awful hoof-writing clearly spelled out her address, and in the from: box was her husband’s name. Her eyes flicked back to White Wing.
“Thank you, White Wing. You probably hear this all the time, but I really appreciate you bringing this.”
He chuckled and tipped the bill of his hat.
“No problem at all Mrs. Shine. It makes me happy to see anypony smiling at mail. Warms this ancient heart.”
He fluttered his wings and took a few steps backward.
“Now if’n you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a mess more letters to deliver. Be seein’ you soon Mrs. Shine!”
Bright Shine waved as the mailpony took off, quickly disappearing above the rooftops. She moved to close the door, the letter hugged tightly to her chest, when she saw a small white form sprinting between the legs of pedestrians, generally causing havoc as he weaved and bobbed. She shook her head, a smile still painting her face as Feathered Ink tripped up an orange pegasus, who stumbled into a cabbage stand, much to the ire of its owner. A pair of blue earth ponies fished the orange Pegasus from amongst the cabbages, all three apologizing to the stand owner as they began to move away, leaving him to his spilled produce.
Feathered Ink almost made it to the doorway unscathed, until he tripped on the curb and collapsed in a dusty heap, a goofy grin on his face. Bright Shine put on a faux Mom face.
“What have I told you about watching where you are going? You could have hurt yourself.”
He smiled up at her, his eyes shining.
“Did the mail come? Did Dad send a letter?”
Bright Shine dropped her act and shooed him inside, closing the door behind them.
“Yes, it did, and yes he did. How was your first day of school?”
Feathered Ink hopped to his feet.
“It was great!” he chattered. “We met our teachers, and we had gym class, and we got to have recess, and we saw the biggest library ever!”
Bright Shine listened intently as the young colt spewed out the day’s events. She was more than a little surprised that he was so ecstatic. He had always been a bit of a nervous child, but it sounded like he was going to do great in school. So focused on Feathered Ink’s talking was she that she almost didn’t notice the burning smell. Feathered Ink noticed as well and he sniffed the air.
“What’s that? Did you get a new candle again?”
Bright Shine was off like a shot.
“Nononononono,” she said as she desperately opened the oven, a wall of black smoke belching forth into the kitchen.
Coughing, she used a simple wind spell to push the air toward the window as she tried to simultaneously turn off the oven and remove the burning cupcakes. They were beyond saving, the tops completely charred. Behind her Feathered Ink giggled and said;
“Mom, I don’t want to tell you how to do your special talent or anything, but I don’t think that cupcakes are supposed to be like that.”
Through the smoke, Bright Shine cast a glare upon her son, before she giggled and scooped him up in her magic, and grabbed one of the burnt cupcakes in her hoof. Bringing him close, she playfully tried to force him to eat the crispy cupcake. He wriggled and pushed her hoof away, his tongue sticking out as he tried to ward her off.
“Ew! Stop! It looks like a snail shell!”
She laughed.
“Some ponies think snails are tasty! Why don’t you try it?”
He pushed her hoof away again.
“No way!”
She dropped the cupcake and abandoned that method of attack, instead using her hoof to tickle at his exposed belly. He squealed at her and laughed loudly. After a few seconds of tickling, Bright Shine set her son down, a smile decorating both of their faces. She looked around the kitchen, most of the smoke was gone, while her spoiled cupcakes were now sitting in the sink, looking positively unappetizing. She sighed.
“Sorry Inky, those were supposed to be to celebrate your first day, but…”
He hopped up on her back and nuzzled her neck.
“It’s okay momma. You made them with love and that’s what matters.”
Bright Shine raised an eyebrow and looked at him.
“Does that mean you’ll give one a try?” she asked playfully.
Feathered Ink curled his nose and stuck his tongue out again.
“Ew, no way!”
She giggled.
“Tell you what, if you take at least one bite, I’ll let you choose where we eat for dinner.”
He stopped.
“Anywhere?”
Bright Shine nodded.
“Anywhere at all.”
He hopped up and down on her back.
“Yay! We’re going to Donut Steve’s for dinner!”
Bright Shine gave an exasperated sigh and shook her head. A deal was a deal though.
“Alright, Donut Steve’s for dinner. Now?”
Feathered Ink hopped excitedly off her back. Before she could stop him, he made a beeline for the cupcake she had left on the floor and took a huge bite from it, consuming the entire top in one go. He made a face for a second as he crunched the floor cupcake, before he swallowed. He paused and then smiled. Bright Shine facehoofed.
“What?” he said, laughing.
Bright Shine shook her head and levitated the cupcake into the sink with the rest.
“Let’s go get some food that hasn’t been on the floor.”
He spread his wings and set his hooves.
“Race you to the door!”
Bright Shine’s face grew very serious and she towered above him. For a moment, his smile flickered, until she spoke with a super serious voice.
“You would challenge me? Bright Shine? The fastest pony in all of Equestria? You’re on little one, if I win, you have to eat the rest of the cupcakes.”
He giggled.
“And if I win, I get two doughnuts! Readysetgo!”
Bright Shine smiled as he darted out of the room and a small thud echoed through the house as Feathered Ink drilled into the front door.
***
Bright Shine opened the door quietly with her magic. Feathered Ink was passed out in a sugar coma on her back. Since he had been good, and it was a rare treat, she had let him pick any four doughnuts out. He had, of course, then been spoiled by Donut Steve, who had made sure that any doughnuts Feathered Ink had picked had extra frosting and sprinkles. Like the colt he was, he had then immediately devoured all of them, and then proceeded to bounce around on a short-lived sugar high before finally falling asleep on the walk home.
Bright Shine gently levitated Feathered Ink onto the couch, and then placed a blanket over her son’s tiny body. She then moved to the kitchen, lighting a few candles so that she could clean up her baking mess. Running water in the sink, she set to work.
As she finished disposing of the botched cupcakes, Feathered Ink entered the kitchen, rubbing sleepily at his eyes. Bright Shine smiled at him as she dried of the cupcake tray.
“Ready to read Dad’s letter?”
The sleep disappeared from the colt’s eyes and fresh energy coursed through his body.
“Yes please!”
Bright Shine set the tray on the drying rack and grabbed the letter from where she had left it on the kitchen table. Feathered Ink followed her eagerly into the living room. Bright Shine shifted the blanket to the side and then laid down, with Feathered Ink hoping up and snuggling close to her chest. Using her magic, Bright Shine gently opened the letter and unfolded the simple piece of paper. She cleared her throat and began to read as Feathered Ink listened intently.
Dearest Bright Shine,
I want to start by saying I miss you and Inky desperately. Though it has only been a month, it has felt like forever since I have seen you last, I hope everything is well at home. Training has gone well, and we are nearing the end as we prepare to go out into combat. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit scared, but I think everything is going to go just fine. I’ve made lots of friends here, there are all kinds of ponies, even a few from near the Everfree! Everypony talks about how much they can’t to wait to go home and see their families, and I feel the same way. Everyday I think about why we fight, but then I think about you and Inky and I know that this is right. Anything to keep you safe.
On another note, something very exciting happened! I actually saw Princess Celestia! She was touring camp and she stopped by the chow tent, checking in on the cooks (I think they made the food better that day, because it’s usually pretty awful, you could teach them a think or two about baking bread.) Anyway, she was there, and she was all smiles and it felt like a sunny day wherever she was. I never thought I’d ever see a Princess, and I wish you could have been there. I think she would love to meet you.
Other than that, its kind of boring. We train all day, and sleep at night and not much else. Still, I feel with the Princess at our side we can do anything! I hope this war takes no time at all and I can be with you by Hearths Warming.
Give Feathered Ink my love. You are the best wife a stallion could ask for and I am counting the days until we see each other again.
With Love,
Star Chaser
Bright Shine smiled as she set down the letter and looked at Feathered Ink, who had fallen asleep once more. Chuckling softly, she levitated the blanket over them both and pulled him a bit closer. He snuggled into her chest fur, sighing softly in happiness.
Bright Shine levitated paper and a quill over from the desk and wrote a reply, trying to keep as quiet as possible.
My Beloved Star Chaser
All is well at home. The sun is still bright in Canterlot and that is thanks to you. We miss you so much, and your letters are always a cause for celebration.
Today was Feathered Ink’s first day of school. Despite what we both thought, it seems that he loves school and will likely be excited to continue going; he will probably even make a few new friends! He was positively bouncing when he came home.
Unfortunately, I managed to burn his celebration cupcakes, so I treated him to Donut Steve’s. When you get back, that should be our first meal together as a family.
We both love you and miss you very much. Please come back to us safe and sound.
Forever yours,
Bright Shine
Bright Shine smiled. She hoped that the letter would get to him quickly. She sealed it in its own envelope and set it by the door, ready to be sent off in the morning. She then smothered the reading lamp and curled up around Feathered Ink, resting her head on his chest as she fell into a blissful sleep.
Bright Shine laid on the couch, curled up with a folklore book. Currently, she was reading the tale of the first Hearth’s Warming, trying to get any inspiration that she could for the bake sale that would be coming up all too soon. While they were still limited by rationing, the baking company she worked for still wanted a special stock of baked goods come winter, and they had asked her to make something “truly awe inspiring”. Unfortunately, her boss had given her nothing more specific than that, and so she had checked out a stack of books from the library to draw ideas from. The past two days had netted nothing however, and she prayed to the stars above that she would have a breakthrough soon.
She sighed and flipped the page, mentally begging the words to give her an idea, any idea. As she stared at the book, a knock resounded from the door, shaking her concentration. She groaned and closed the book, setting it on the coffee table. Feathered Ink’s head poked out of the kitchen. Bright Shine pointed a hoof at him.
“Finish your homework mister! Your rump doesn’t leave that chair until you have done your absolute best.”
“But Mom!” he moaned.
Bright Shine fixed him with a glare, and he groaned and disappeared back into the kitchen, the sound of a chair scraping the floor indicating that he was actually following her instructions. She smiled and shook her head, turning to the door. White Wing gave her a little bow as she opened the door.
“Evening Mrs. Shine. Sorry I wasn’t here earlier, but we’re gettin’ more and more letters every day. It’s gettin’ a might bit tough to keep up.”
She giggled.
“Getting old, are we? Do I need to convince Feathered Ink to take your job? He’s young and spry.”
White Wing put a hoof on his chest, pretending to be offended.
“Well I never. You youngin’s have got no respect for your elder mail ponies.”
He sniffed and turned his head.
“I guess since I’m “getting old” you don’t want your letter?”
Bright Shine pretended to panic, dramatically raising a hoof to her head.
“Oh, please good sir! Don’t take my letters away!”
White Wing turned his head the other way.
“Maybe I take it back to the station, get you a younger pony to deliver it on the ‘morrow.”
“I’m sorry sir! I’ll do anything! Won't you be a strapping young stud and deliver my letter!”
White Wing blushed.
“Aw shucks Mrs. Shine, ain’t nopony quite as flattering as you.”
Bright Shine pulled him into a hug and gave him a peck on the cheek, further deepening his blush. She smiled at the mail pony.
“Don’t worry White Wing, as long as you want to deliver mail, I want you to deliver it here. If anypony tells you you’re too old, you send them here and I’ll straighten them out.”
She gave a few fake jabs in the air, drawing a laugh out of White Wing. He shook his head and pulled a letter from his saddle bag, and handed it to Bright Shine, a big smile on his face.
“Never change Mrs. Shine. You always know how to make an old stallion feel young again.”
He then gave her a small nod and took off. Bright Shine watched as he disappeared and then closed the door. She flipped the new letter over in her magic. It had been a little over two months since the last one, but the familiar poor hoof writing was evidence enough of who sent it. Feathered Ink poked his out back out of the kitchen, his eyes locked onto the letter floating in the air.
“Can we read it now?” his eyes pleaded at her “Please?”
“Homework first.”
"But mom!" he groaned.
"No buts mister! March back to that seat and finish up."
He groaned again, and didn't move from the kitchen doorway. Bright Shine smiled internally but knew she had to keep her tough exterior. That didn't stop her from dangling a little incentive...
"When you finish, we can read the letter together; so the sooner you finish the sooner we can read it Inky."
His face brightened.
“Great! I only have a few more lines of my story anyway!”
He scrambled back into the kitchen. Bright Shine moved back to the couch and began to settle down, floating the letter to rest next to the book she had been reading. As she cracked it open once more, a shriek sounded from the kitchen. She was on her feet in a second, and in the doorway of the kitchen a second later. Her panicked eyes darted around the room, searching for anything that might be a threat as she asked;
“What is it? How are you hurt? Did you see somepony? Was it Nightmare Moon?”
Feathered Ink was standing on the table, spinning in circles as he tried to get a good look at his flank. He squealed with joy.
“Look Mom! I got my cutie mark! I’m going to be the second one in class!”
All of Bright Shine’s panic died away instantly, replaced immediately by joy. She scooped him up in a hug, pressing him into her chest as she let out a cry of joy.
“Mom!” he said trying to break free, “You’re crushing me!”
She held him out at arm’s length, smiles wide on both of their faces. They both simply grinned at each other until Bright Shine said;
“Well tell me all about it! What happened?”
Feathered Ink broke free of her grip and hopped back onto the table.
“I don’t know! I was just finishing my short story for class and then bam! It just happened.”
Bright Shine inspected the cutie mark. It was a simple white quill over a black ink jar. Feathered Ink seemed to freeze in his celebration, and when Bright Shine looked up, she saw tears in his eyes.
“What’s wrong Inky? I thought you would be happier.”
Feathered Ink sniffled.
“Does this mean my special talent is doing homework?” he asked in a whimper.
Bright Shine couldn’t help herself; she giggled. This seemed to make it worse, and Feathered Ink’s face contorted.
“It’s not funny! I don’t want to do homework forever!” he wailed.
Bright Shine dragged the colt off of the table and hugged him.
“Sweetie no. It means you are a writer. You said you got it when you finished your short story yeah?”
He sniffled, but nodded. Bright Shine smiled warmly at him and ruffled his mane.
“And did you have fun writing it?”
He nodded again, and Bright Shine noticed the gears begin to turn in his head as his tears began to disappear.
“That’s all it is Inky. You’re going to grow up, and you’re going to be the best writer Equestria’s ever seen. Just you wait.”
“So, no more homework?” he asked hopefully.
Bright Shine smiled.
“No more homework… as soon as you are finished with school.”
Feathered Ink groaned.
“But that’s gonna take forever!”
Bright Shine kissed the top of his head.
“Everypony has to go to school Inky, believe it or not, you may miss it one day.”
Feathered Ink grunted in denial. Bright Shine placed him on her back.
“How about we read Dad’s letter hmm? Would that make you feel better?”
Feathered Ink’s mood immediately changed. He hopped up and down.
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Bright Shine rolled her eyes. Sometimes it was just too easy. She carried the now ecstatic-again colt to the living room, where they settled into their letter-reading spot. She opened the letter and read aloud.
Dearest Bright Shine,
I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve last written, but things got awfully busy out here. The captain says I can’t give too many details, suffice to say we got into combat. It was terrifying, and I never want to do it again. It was only all of that training that got me moving at all. You will be happy to hear that I got through it with only a scratch on my leg, and that came from me tripping over a branch.
The big thing that happened was that we caught some prisoners last week! We got lost on patrol and happened to stumble right into one of their patrols, caught them all in one go, so nopony got hurt. I believe I heard the captain call them thestrals, though we know them as bat-ponies. Once you take off all of their armor, they look just like regular ponies, I don’t get why the stories my dad told me made them sound so scary. Besides the eyes and the wings, they look just like you and me! Overall though, they're a bit mean. I guess its part of their training, but most of them go on and on about how Nightmare Moon is coming to get us and how the night will last forever blah blah. One of them wasn’t like that though.
When I was on guard duty one night, one of the bat-ponies was sitting alone in a corner of the stockade. Since we are told to investigate any strange behavior, I decided to go talk to him. The first think I noticed is that he is far too young to be a soldier. When I asked him, he told me he is only a teen. He got drafted to fight because his family didn’t want him around anymore. Something awful like that got me thinking, so I kept him talking. Turns out, he is part of a small group of bat-ponies that think Nightmare Moon is doing everything all wrong, that by trying to force nighttime all of the time is devaluing its beauty. He likes the balance, and thinks Nightmare Moon is a nut for trying to make it last forever.
I wanted to talk to him more, but the other thestrals intervened, and threatened to beat him if he didn’t stop talking to me. That shut him up quick, so I left, hoping they’d leave him be. During the prisoner free time I’m going to try talking with him again. Maybe I can get him to join us? If anything, I want him out of that pen, he’s going to get hurt if he stays.
I hope everything is still well at home. I know you are doing well because you are the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria. Give Inky my love, and tell him to work on making some more friends! I want to here all about their adventures when I get home.
With Love,
Star Chaser
“What’s a bat pony?” Feathered Ink asked.
“I don’t know much,” Bright Shine replied, tapping her chin, “but, bat ponies are ponies that Princess Luna created a long time ago. They worshiped the night and in turn, they worshiped her. Legends would have you believe that they are monsters, or even vamp-ponies, but your father seems to know different. That’s something you should ask him when he gets home.”
“When is Dad going to come home?” he asked, gazing up at her.
Bright Shine and nuzzled the top of his head.
“As soon as he can little one. He doesn’t want to be away, but he has to be to keep us safe. When he doesn’t need to be away anymore, he’ll race home, just you wait.”
She straightened up her eyes looking out the window. It was black outside now, the streetlights the only sign of light in the night sky. Not even the stars provided any light. It would likely be another night where the moon didn’t rise, a sign of defiance from Nightmare Moon. Princess Celestia had assured many ponies that she had not, nor would ever lose, control of the sun. Given time, she said, she would defeat Nightmare Moon and bring the moon back to the night sky, so that balance would be restored once more.
Shaking her head clear, Bright Shine scooped Feathered Ink up and place him at the base of the stairs, nosing him to go up.
“I’m not tired yet!” he protested, stopping on the second step.
“You still have school tomorrow and it is getting late. How are you going to tell your classmates about your cutie mark if you’re all tired?” Bright Shine replied.
His eyes lit up and he scampered up the stairs, his bedroom door slamming closed behind him. Bright Shine smiled and shook her head, extinguishing the lights in the kitchen with her magic. She then moved back to the living room, quickly grabbing a sheet of paper and a quill. Settling on the couch she wrote;
My Beloved Star Chaser,
I wish you were here. Feathered Ink got his cutie mark, he’s going to be a writer! Just like you. I’m so proud and I hope you are as well.
The princess has enforced a small curfew in Canterlot, nothing too big, just lights out by eleven. You should have seen the stink that some of the nobles gave her. I swear those ponies are so dramatic when they don’t get their way. Princess Celestia set them straight quickly though. If you’ll believe it, she threatened to take away their sugar ration! They all ran away with their tails between their legs.
Things are still quiet in Canterlot, with all of our brave ponies away fighting with you, we are safe as ever. I just wish more ponies gave thanks, but maybe they are just waiting for Hearth’s Warming.
Please don’t do anything dangerous Star, the last thing anypony wants is you hurt. Come back to us safe and sound. Feathered Ink asked when you’d be home, so now you know you can’t disappoint him.
Forever yours,
Bright Shine
She sighed as she polished off the letter. Sealing it, she opened the drawer where the first letter was stored and grabbed the newest one as well. They both stank of sweat and paper, just like Star Chaser. She blew out the lamp and hugged them both to her chest, letting the sweet scent guide her to sleep.
Bright Shine wanted to scream in anger. A drawing board that she was considering putting through a window sat in front of her, a series of designs covering the paper. If she thought she was stressed before, it didn’t compare to the pressure now. Not only was her baking company one of two in Canterlot receiving an extra sugar ration just for Hearth’s Warming, but now Princess Celestia herself had requested a full order of cupcakes for a small party she was hosting in the castle. So now, Bright Shine was under an immense amount of pressure to come up with a design that represented the harmony of the holiday. Every pony in Canterlot was going to see the cupcake designs she put out, and if they were anything less than perfect, at best she would be blacklisted from baking.
At worse…
Bright Shine rubbed her forehead with her hooves, trying to bring her mind back to the task at hoof. She had managed to create three different designs, but none of them screamed ‘perfection’. The first was a classic before Nightmare Moon, a simple split between a crescent moon and a rising sun. Given the current circumstances, this was her least favorite design, but it might be enough to impress the princess specifically. The second design was also a slight twist on a common tradition, with the emblems of the three pony tribes splitting the cupcake evenly. It matched the holiday perfectly, but it didn’t feel special, and while it would likely sell fine with the average pony, it wouldn’t wow Princess Celestia.
The third design was an ornate version of Princess Celestia’s cutie mark, a sun with wrapping layers of yellow icing creating a picture of a sunny spring day. It was a peaceful scene, but Bright Shine felt that something was off about it, something she couldn’t quite put her hoof on. She groaned in frustration, looking back at her discarded drawings, briefly considering if she should unravel some of the spent paper and dive deeper into the ideas she had only half-attempted before giving up.
A knock at the door interrupted her train of thought, and she looked at the clock on the wall. It was mail time, but it had only been a week since the last letter. Bright Shine paled at the implication and rushed to the door, quickly opening it.
White Wing smiled widely.
“Afternoon Mrs. Shine! Bet you’re surprised to see this old codger again so soon eh?”
She smiled faintly; her eyes locked onto his mail bag. She gulped and looked at the mail pony’s smiling face.
“Is it…?”
White Wing’s smile fell just a little as he thought about her meaning. He quickly gasped and started rifling through his mail bag, pulling out a white envelope.
“Oh no, no, no, Mrs. Shine! Ain’t nothin’ like that. Regular old letter, same as usual.”
He quickly hoofed over the envelope and Bright Shine sighed with relief at the sight of the same terrible hoof writing. White Wing rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
“Sorry about that Mrs. Shine. I was just as surprised as you when I saw another one so soon, but it ain’t nothin’ bad, I promise. I know what them letters look like. Celestia has graced me to not have to deliver one yet. I can’t imagine how that feels.”
Bright Shine nodded.
“I hope neither of us ever find out White Wing. Would you like to come inside for some tea?”
“That’s mighty kind of you Mrs. Shine.” He twirled his mustache for a moment but her shrugged and smiled. “Sure, I’ve got a light day to day. A cup or two won’t hurt.”
Bright Shine smiled.
“Great! I’ll put on the kettle.”
She closed the door behind White Wing as he entered. She went to the kitchen, wanting desperately to tear open the letter and read its contents. she had never received letters so quickly before, and usually getting them back to back meant that something had went horribly wrong.
“A fine home you got here Mrs. Shine,” White Wing called from the living room.
Bright Shine set the letter on the table and filled the tea kettle with water.
“Thank you,” she said in response. “It isn’t the fanciest house in Canterlot, but Star Chaser and I like how homey it feels.”
She set the kettle on the stove and left it to boil, walking back to the living room. White Wing was staring intently at her drawing board, his hoof on his chin as he stared at the different cupcake designs.
“You make these Mrs. Shine?” he asked.
She sighed and nodded.
“Yes, but I don’t really like any of them. It’s like they're all pieces of a bigger puzzle, but I can’t seem to put it together.”
White Wing grunted.
“If you don’t mind me askin’, what do you like about each one?”
Bright Shine approached the board. Pointing at the first design she said,
“I like the idea behind this one, since Hearth’s Warming is all about harmony, and what is more harmonious than day and night? But with the war… I just don’t see anypony liking anything that so much hints at nighttime. Myself included.”
She continued to the second design.
“This one is a classic, and I can guarantee it will be a business success, but these cupcakes are going to be served to Princess Celestia! I just don’t want them to be same thing as every year.”
She sighed and pointed at the third design.
“This one I designed myself. It’s Princess Celestia’s cutie mark made into a sunny day, but I don’t know how it fits into the ‘harmony’ spirit. I guess I could argue that she keeps Equestria harmonious, but… it just doesn’t feel complete.”
White Wing remained silent for a moment after Bright Shine finished. He stroked his mustache for a moment, and Bright Shine couldn’t help but notice her tail flick in nervousness, as if Princess Celestia herself was judging her designs. After a minute or two of contemplation, White Wing asked;
“Now I’m just a mail pony and don’t know a thing about designing nothing, but could I give you what I’m thinkin’ about?”
Bright Shine nodded.
“Any help would be appreciated White Wing. I really need to figure something out and having a fresh perspective might just be the thing I need.”
White Wing pointed at the second design.
“Welp, to start I think you’re right. This one ain’t nothin’ special if you don’t mind me sayin’. I seen it every year since I’ve been a mail pony, and even before that. So, if you’re askin’ me, that one is off the table.”
Bright Shine nodded in agreement.
“That’s what I was thinking too. I know my boss might be happy, but I want them to stand out, to make ponies stop and stare.”
White Wing chuckled.
“I imagine that whatever you come up with, that’s gonna happen anyway Mrs. Shine. I ain’t never known you to make a bad batch of cupcakes.”
Bright Shine laughed with him, her mind flashing back briefly to a certain tray of celebration cupcakes she had scorched. White Wing pointed to the third design.
“Have you thought about doing this for Princess Luna too?”
Bright Shine paused. She hadn’t heard anypony refer to Nightmare Moon as Princess Luna since, well, she had become Nightmare Moon. Briefly she became suspicious of the mail pony, her thoughts screaming at her that he was a spy sent by the wayward princess; but then her mind quickly squashed that impulse. White Wing had delivered their mail for years, though she had only gotten closer to him when the mail became her only lifeline to Star Chaser. So, no, not a spy.
She pondered his words and stared at the design. She could picture it, a mix of deep blue and purples icings with white sprinkles as the stars. At the center would be Princess Luna’s cutie mark, a crescent moon.
A flash of inspiration hit Bright Shine like a runaway cart as she scrambled to find an unused sheet of paper. She began to scribble on the sheet, ignoring the splotches of ink as she hastily wrote down her idea before it vanished. She would design a cupcake of Princess Luna’s cutie mark, and then she could use the first design on a larger scale… As she laid out the new design she said,
“You’re a genius White Wing, an absolute genius!”
White Wing ruffled the carpet bashfully with his hoof.
“Aw it ain’t nothin’ Mrs. Shine. Just glad I could help.”
Bright Shine dropped the quill from her magic and lifted up the rough sketch of her new design. she could hammer out the details later, but as she looked at the ink splotched mess of paper, she new it was exactly what she wanted it to be. She tackled White Wing in a hug.
“Oh thank you White Wing!” She squeezed him tightly. “This is going to be perfect! Every pony is going to love it!”
White Wing blushed.
“Ain’t nothin’ Mrs. Shine,” he repeated. “I’m just a bit surprised though.”
Bright Shine moved back a step. She used her magic to pin the new design underneath the others, while she looked at White Wing questioningly.
“Surprised?” she echoed.
He rubbed the back of his head and became suddenly focused on the carpet.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Shine I just thought… Well with the war and all.”
He paused before he huffed and met her eyes.
“With the war and Nightmare Moon and all that, I’m just a bit surprised that you ain’t a bit more angry at me for suggesting using Princess Luna’s cutie mark and all. I know your husband is out there fighting, and so are so many ponies, its just… Every pony here treats Princess Luna likes she’s evil or somethin’. Like she’s always been that way, and all of this is just her showin’ her true colors. I don’t believe that, and I think it’s a load of horseapples, pardon my language.”
Bright Shine was slightly taken aback. She’d never seen White Wing angry before, but his face betrayed everything. His mustache turned down with his frown. His eyebrows were low over eyes that were normally bright and cheery, but instead held more than a little anger and resentment. He kicked a hoof against the carpet and shook his head.
“I don’t know Mrs. Shine. Maybe I’m just gettin’ too old.”
Bright Shine laid a hoof on his shoulder and he looked away.
“White Wing, why don’t you tell me what you think.”
“I don’t want you to think less of me Mrs. Shine. I know Mr. Chaser is off fightin’ and you got every reason to be angry at Nightmare Moon. Hearin’ all of this ain’t gonna make you feel no better.”
“White Wing, you know you are and always will be welcome here. Tell me what you think about Nightm-. er, Princess Luna.”
He looked up at her with sad eyes.
“I just think she’s lost her way is all Mrs. Shine. And a good part of me think some of what she’s about is right. Ponies just didn’t give her no attention, gave it all to Princess Celestia. Now I ain’t sayin’ there’s anything wrong with the princess, but their supposed to be equal’s you know? Nopony treated them like that.”
White Wing paused.
“Look, I’m not sayin’ that Princess Luna is right about everything, certainly not about the way she did things, and if she needs a good whopping to get her back to the way she was, then I’m all for it but… I’m just tired of seein’ everypony treat her like she ain’t a pony is all. All of this Nightmare Moon business just shows that she’s a pony like you or me. she’s got feelings, and we hurt her by not doing enough. That’s all Mrs. Shine. I’m just real happy that you didn’t throw me out for suggestin’ using her cutie mark in your design.”
Bright Shine sighed and pulled the old mail pony into another hug.
“I won’t lie to you White Wing; I am angry at her. I am really really angry because she’s made Star Chaser miss some of the best moments of Feathered Ink’s childhood. I would be a liar if I said I didn’t want to give her a strong piece of my mind face to face. But, you’re right.”
White Wing pulled back from the hug and looked at her, and Bright Shine noticed tears around his eyes, so she continued.
“Princess Luna has lost her way, and maybe we’re at fault for making that happen. But, as long as Star Chaser comes home safe and sound, I’m willing to forgive her. That’s what Hearth’s Warming is about right?”
White Wing smiled widely and wiped at his eyes, trying to hide his tears.
“It warms my bones to hear you say that Mrs. Shine. I hope that letter you got today is all about how Mr. Chaser is gonna make it home for Hearth’s Warming, you of all ponies deserve that.”
Bright Shine smiled and then blanked for a moment as she began to remember why White Wing was here in the first place.
“Oh, the letter,” she said softly. Her eyes lit up as she thought of the other reason she went to the kitchen. “Oh! The tea!”
She raced to the kitchen, the kettle shrilling loudly. She quickly turned off the stove and removed the kettle.
“What kind of tea would you like White Wing?” she called out.
The mail pony poked his head into the kitchen.
“Actually Mrs. Shine, I best get back to work. I’ve already taken too much of your time.”
Bright Shine blinked and set down the kettle.
“Alright, well thank you White Wing. I really appreciate your help.”
He tipped the bill of his cap.
“No problem at all Mrs. Shine.”
She escorted him to the door, and as he turned to take flight, she said;
“Come back anytime White Wing. We can have that tea when you don’t have to deliver mail.”
He smiled back at her.
“I would like that Mrs. Shine. Good luck with your cupcakes!”
He took to the sky and disappeared from sight. Bright Shine sighed, her mind going back to the words she had said. If given the chance, would she really forgive Nightmare Moon? Just like that? She shook her head and closed the door. She could think later, she had work to do now.
***
“MOM!” Feathered Ink screamed in her ear.
Startled, Bright Shine jumped backward, disturbing the piles of scrapped ideas around her. While she had managed to nail the initial design, there were still a multitude of small details she needed to create if she wanted the while project to come together. So far, she was satisfied with her progress, with much of the design finished. She had had to restart the design of Princess Luna’s cupcake several times as the overall project changed, but she believed she was getting closer and closer to perfection. First however, she had to deal with the irritated colt before her.
“Yes Inky? I’m sorry, I was a bit… focused.”
Feathered Ink pouted.
“I know, you didn’t even listen to my story about school today.”
Bright Shine gathered her designs together and wrapped them in a neat bundle, setting them next to her drawing board for later. She then turned and laid down in front of Feathered Ink.
“I am all ears,” she said.
He grinned and bounced excitedly.
“I got invited to a sleepover party!” he shouted.
Bright Shine felt her eyes widen in shock.
“With who? Where? When? Wait, slow down, start at the beginning. Let’s start with who.”
Feathered Ink huffed.
“Like I said earlier, today during reading time I read my short story, and everypony liked it! Then one of the ponies from the writing club came over to me and asked about my cutie mark. I told him what you said, and then he asked who my dad was, and I told him. Apparently, his dad is fighting in the same unit! So then he started talking and we had a lot in common and he introduced me to his friends and we ate lunch together and then he invited me to his sleepover the day before Hearth’s Warming eve, and can I go please Mom, please?”
Bright Shine slowly filtered through the rush of information, picking out the important bits. First, Feathered Ink had made at least one friend, if not several. Second, he had been invited to a sleepover, which was a good sign that it wasn’t some elaborate, cruel joke. Thirdly, that sleepover was on the day before Hearth’s Warming eve, the same day that she was presenting the cupcakes at the royal palace.
Slowly she asked;
“What time are you supposed to be at his house?”
Taking this as a good sign, Feathered Ink bounced.
“He said to be there by five! He wants to have a big party for the whole class and then a couple of us are going to do the sleepover.”
That would work. If all went well, she would be out of the castle by two, and then she would have a few hours to help him prepare for the sleepover. It would be the perfect day.
“Alright, you can go.”
He bounced into the air with a squee of joy,
“But, only if you keep up your schoolwork. If I catch you not finishing all of it, you will be in big trouble mister,” she finished.
Feathered Ink looked at her in smiling disbelief.
“Is that it? That’s easy!” he shouted as he raced into the kitchen, snatching his saddlebags as he ran.
Bright Shine heard a chair slide out, but then heard Feathered Ink stop and listened curiously as his hoof steps left the kitchen. He walked into the living room, the letter in his teeth. Bright Shine took it in surprise, having completely forgotten it in her enthusiasm.
“You didn’t tell me another letter came!”
“Sorry Inky, I forgot. White Wing was helping me with my big project, and it slipped my mind.”
Feathered Ink looked at her expectantly.
“Well?” he asked.
“Well what?”
“Can we read it of course! Dad has never sent one so fast before.”
That sinking feeling came back again, but Bright Shine pushed it away. White Wing had assured her that it wasn’t that kind of letter. She nodded to Feathered Ink and moved to lay on the couch. He instantly joined her and together they settled in while she opened the letter. She noticed instantly that it was significantly longer than usual, and the writing was a bit more frantic. A few splotches of red decorated the corners, but she elected to ignore those until she read the letter.
Dearest Bright Shine,
I know that it hasn’t been long since my last letter, but I have so much to tell you.
To start, I have been wounded. Do not worry yourself, it is only a minor cut and a bloody nose, but it has granted me special mail privileges, so I am using them to send you word and put your mind at ease. Do I have a story for you.
Since my last letter, a million things have happened. I talked more with Cobalt (he told me his name a few days ago). He was looking a bit beat up, so I requested that he be moved to a different stockade. The captain wasn’t having any of it though, he said it was safer to keep all of the prisoners in one place. You know me though, I couldn’t just let him stay there, so, during the day when most of the thestrals were sleeping, I snuck him some extra food, and we got a real chance to talk uninterrupted. We talked about everything. He’s so young Shine, I can’t help but picture Inky a little. Fifteen! Can you believe that? Who sends a fifteen-year-old to war?
Anyway, we talked and talked until I had to go on duty. He was acting really strange though, almost like he didn’t want me to leave. Duty called though, so I went on shift and that night it was watching the stockade.
They broke out Shine, all of them. We only had three ponies on duty and all of the thestrals were just, out. We got into a fight but well, you know how that would turn out. I took out a few of them, but one got a cut in on my wings, so I was grounded. After that… I thought it was over Shine.
Bright Shine stopped reading. She didn’t know what would come next, but she couldn’t let Feathered Ink hear it. Not as raw as it was. She nudged the quiet colt.
“Go do your homework Inky. I’ll be in in a minute to make dinner.”
“But I want to know what happened to Dad!” he protested.
“And you will, I just need to make sure that it isn’t anything too nasty. Go do your homework, I won’t be long.”
He nodded and hopped off the couch. Bright Shine noticed a small sigh of relief escape as he walked slowly to the kitchen. She waited until she heard a chair pulled back before she continued reading silently.
I got knocked to the ground, and the other guards got taken down as well. One of the thestrals got a sword and they were about to do us in, when Cobalt stepped in front of them. He saved me. He was so small, but he stepped in anyway, his bat wings were out, and he just kept yelling at them, telling them to run before more guards showed up. They yelled back at him to move, but he didn’t he just kept telling them to leave. They only listened when we started hearing other guards waking up. Then they all left, took off into the sky. But he didn’t, he just watched them go until we were certain that they had really left. Then he turned and he started to try and treat my wounds. He was awful at it, but it’s the effort, right?
The other guards showed up with the captain, and before anypony could say anything, they attacked Cobalt! Only after I about screamed myself hoarse did they stop pinning him to the ground. I pushed the other guards away and helped him up and I went off. The captain and I had a screaming match. He wanted to put Cobalt back in the stockade, what was I supposed to do?
I was so angry I didn’t even notice when Princess Celestia showed up. Apparently we made enough of a ruckus that she came over to investigate. The worst part though? I didn’t notice until I started yelling at her too. I was just so… mad, that when she tried stepping in, I went off on her too. It took a full two minutes for me to notice. Everypony was staring at me like I’d lost it. To be honest I felt like I had.
Anyway, once I finally figured it out and shut up, she had us escorted to her tent. Then Cobalt and I were left alone. I apologized to him, for everything. Him getting treated like garbage, me flipping out, everything. I guess I wasn’t paying attention, because he just hugged me real hard. He was shaking like a leaf. The pony that had stood up to all of those thestrals by himself was absolutely terrified of Princess Celestia, and I guess me yelling at her had mad him really appreciate having me around. All I could think of is when Inky used to get real bad nightmares and how we would need to just hold him till he stopped shaking. That’s what it was like Shine.
We wait and wait, and he gradually got a bit calmer, but he stuck to me like glue, not that I was complaining, it made me feel like I was doing something good. Familiar. We were there for about an hour before Princess Celestia came back. Almost immediately he was shaking again, and I just felt the need to put myself between us. She was wearing her battle armor, helmet and all, and honestly, she even scared me. It’s not something you think about with the princess, but she can be really scary when she wants to be.
I guess we looked scared, because she immediately took of her helmet and offered us tea. You should have been there; she likes the same kind of green tea as you! She served us tea, and we just… talked. Well, she and I talked mostly, Cobalt just seemed really scared. Every time Princess Celestia asked him a question, he would just try to hide in his hooves and look at me. Unfortunately, I only knew so much about him, so he had to eventually talk to her, but even then, he just seemed terrified, like she would throw him back in the stockade (or worse) at the slightest misstep. If Princess Celestia tried to assure him that it wouldn’t happen, he just seemed more scared.
Then she asked me to let them speak alone. It set Cobalt off in a way I’ve never seen before. He just wailed and hid behind me, hiding under his wings, and the shaking was just awful. I’ve never seen a pony that scared. I hope I never see it again either. While I tried to comfort him, make sure he was okay, I couldn’t help but look at Princess Celestia. I have never seen her look so distressed. I couldn’t tell if she was angry, or sad, or afraid, but she clearly wasn’t enjoying this any more than Cobalt was.
Do you remember the time Inky was afraid of the thunderstorms and he would hide under the bed? We always had to crawl under the bed with him to even think about getting him out. So, I tried the same trick again. I put my wings over Cobalt, and I managed to sneak under one of his wings and I just sat with him. I used that old nursery rhyme you used to sing to get Inky to sleep. It was terrible, I do not have nearly the range that you do, but maybe my terrible singing was enough, because Cobalt smiled just a little.
In our little safety bubble, we talked some more, and he told me the stories he was told about Princess Celestia. I beg of you Shine, if you think Inky is hearing any stories about Nightmare Moon, make sure to check them first, because the thestrals tell the exact same stories about Princess Celestia. All of them, the ones where she eats bad foals, the one where makes bad dreams, they are all the same. They’ve been telling their kids these stories for years, and for some of them, like Cobalt, its all they know about Princess Celestia. He thought she was making me leave so that she could eat him. I really wanted to laugh at him. It was just ridiculous, until I remembered that we’ve told stories like that. We’ve told our son stories like that. So, I didn’t laugh, and instead I just told them I wasn’t going to leave his side, and that if she was going to eat him, she would go through me. Then I asked him to just talk to her. It took him a bit, but then he nodded, and we got up.
To her credit, Princess Celestia had quietly waited while we were talking. Cobalt was still intimidated, but with me sitting there next to him, he managed to talk with her. He told her all of the stories he told me, along with some ones I hadn’t heard yet. My heart goes out to him Shine, he is so young, but he has seen so much, and has been hurt far too many times.
By the time Cobalt finished talking Princess Celestia had to raise the sun. She invited us to watch! At first Cobalt got scared again, but with a bit of coaxing, we went outside with her. To say it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life doesn’t cover it. I don’t even know how to put it into words, it was like every best day in your life at the same time. I wish you could have seen it Shine, it would have been the best moment of my life if you and Inky were here.
Cobalt had never seen a sunrise before. He had lived his life in fear of the sun and so when he could he hid from the sunrise, and that was his first one. He was in awe of it. He even smiled, at me, at Princess Celestia, it just made him so happy for minute.
Then it was over, the sun was up, Princess Celestia turned around, and he got scared again. Like a switch had been flipped. Any progress we had made went out the window and he was back to shaking and hiding again. This time Princess Celestia just looked sad, sad that she could make anypony this scared of her.
She made us an offer. Cobalt would be officially pardoned, and he would be “drafted” into the army as my personal squire. It’s strange writing that, since usually only important ponies get squires, but hey. In exchange, I had to watch out for him, and he wasn’t allowed to leave my side. He’d sleep in my tent, share my meals, the works. If he got caught away, he would have to be put in the stockade again and I would have to switch units.
I wanted to accept instantly (you know me Shine, I can’t leave a pony in need like that) but at the time, I had no idea if Cobalt even liked me, let alone trusted me to be his guardian. My mistake. He was looking at me with those huge pleading eyes, he looked like he would collapse if I said anything other than yes. So, what else could I do?
That was one of the most bone crushing hugs I have ever received. I’m just glad that I could make at least one more pony’s life a little brighter.
After that, we had to go to the medical tent, and then I still had to switch units. I guess yelling at the captain and being on duty when the thestrals escaped (one of whom is now my squire) earns you some bad blood with ponies. I am now a messenger for Celestia’s Second Brigade. I know it’s a little bit more dangerous, but I’ve heard talk that we’re almost done. That the war will end soon. I don’t put much stock in rumors, but… a stallion can hope, right?
I miss you dearly Shine, and I hope that I can see you again soon, hopefully in time for Hearth’s Warming. I know you are busy, and I also know that whatever the job is, you are the best mare for it. I hope Inky is making friends at school, and that he’s learning everything he should. Don’t be too hard on him though, eh? Treat yourselves, I am more than sure you deserve it.
I love you more than anything in Equestria,
Star Chaser
P.S
I didn’t know if I was going to include this, but… I can’t get my mind off of what’s going to happen to Cobalt when this is all over. Sure, he switched sides, but I think ponies are going to mistreat him because he’s a thestral. I can’t abandon him, but I’m not sure what I can do. He stops being my squire when I stop being a soldier. I’ll… I need to think about this a little more. I will send another letter when I come up with something.
Bright Shine set down the letter gently, her mind aflame with emotions. Two in particular were battling for control; fear, and anger. A bit more dangerous? Every newspaper in Canterlot talked about the battles fought with Celestia’s Second leading the charge. To say that it was more dangerous was a gross understatement. All for a pony that Star Chaser barely knew.
Anger ended up winning out, but Bright Shine suppressed a scream of rage as she thought about Star Chaser, standing up to Princess Celestia over a pony he had met less than a week ago.
“Why Chaser?” she asked herself, seething, “Why couldn’t you just leave it alone?” She crumpled the letter in her magic. “Why did you have to be the stupid, stubborn, standup, brave, noble, wonderful stallion I married?”
Bright Shine sighed deeply as she uncrumpled the letter, smoothing the wrinkles out with her hoof. She could imagine his reply.
“Because if I was anything less,” she said in a quiet imitation of his voice. “I wouldn’t be the pony you married!”
Bright Shine grumbled to herself as she rubbed her forehead with her hoof. He would never leave a pony in need, and it was that perfect, selfless attitude that had drawn her in in the first place. She couldn’t well be mad at him for sticking up for a bat-pony. Nor could she be that angry with this ‘Cobalt’, since he had evidently saved Star Chaser’s life.
Her anger quickly passed, for in truth she had nothing to be angry about. In its place, fear quickly welled up. Celestia’s Second? Even if he was just a messenger, the Second? Was there nowhere else he could have been put? No, she thought. It was the only unit that saw a rapid change in ponies. With so many casualties flowing out, it needed a constant influx of ponies to keep leading the fight. The only potential safe part of the brigade was that Princess Celestia led it personally. It was why it always ended up in the toughest fights, but also why it always won. According to the papers, she charged with her ponies, facing the dangers alongside them. Bright Shine couldn’t even put the princess at fault, not really. She probably thought keeping Chaser and Cobalt close was the best way to protect them from other ponies, even if that meant they were at risk in combat.
Bright Shine blew loudly into the air. She looked at the letter again before she floated over a fresh sheet of paper and a quill.
My Beloved Star Chaser,
I wish that a letter could convey how much I want to smack you upside the head for being so stupid right now. I also want to give you the biggest kiss ever for so being brave. I know it couldn’t have been easy to stand up against everypony like that, but you did so anyway, and for that, I am glad.
I do not want to ask this of you my love, but please do not do it again. I know that sounds horrible, but I miss you so desperately. Your old unit was safe, and now you are in one of the most dangerous places in all of Equestria. I want you home Chaser. I want you to come back to us, and I want Feathered Ink to grow up with a father. Please, I am begging you, be selfish, just once. It is horrible of me to ask it of you, but look out for yourself. Every moment that I don’t hear from you is torture, wondering if you are safe, and now I am afraid that you have made it worse-
Bright Shine stopped and read her words again. She sighed and crumpled the half-finished letter into a ball, throwing it to the floor. she couldn’t send that. She couldn’t try to guilt Star Chaser into being safe. It would weigh him down, and if anything, it would make him distracted, risking his safety even more. She could only keep praying that he would be safe. She levitated another sheet of paper to the table and began again.
My Beloved Star Chaser,
I wish that a letter could convey how much I want to smack you upside the head for being so stupid right now. I also want to give you the biggest kiss ever for so being brave. I know it couldn’t have been easy to stand up against everypony like that, but you did so anyway, and for that, I am glad.
Inky has made friends. He has even been invited to a sleepover! I hope you will be as excited at this news as I was when I first heard it.
I hope those rumors are true about the war ending. If everything goes well, maybe you can be home for Hearth’s Warming. I’ve gotten a special commission for a batch of cupcakes, and if you’ll be home, I’m sure I can “lose” a few in the bakery.
Whatever it takes Star, come back home. I worry terribly, and I can’t wait until we are a family again.
Forever yours,
Bright Shine
It was shorter than usual, and it was largely fluff, but Bright Shine hoped that it would put a smile on his face. As long as he remained focused, nothing bad would happen, she had to believe that. Bright Shine quickly sealed the letter and set it near the door, ready to be sent off in the morning. She then went to the kitchen, summarizing the highlights of the letter to Feathered Ink as she made them both dinner.
That night, her sleep was more restless. More than once she imagined Star Chaser being attacked by bat-winged ponies. Only when she brought out his letters and hugged them to her chest was she able to truly rest.
Nervous. She wasn’t nervous. Absolutely not. It wasn’t like this was the first time her cupcakes would be seen by anyone. Nope. Not at all. She also wasn’t absolutely terrified that Princess Celestia could hate them. Could hate the very idea of her design. Not one bit, in fact it was the furthest thing from her mind as she paced back and forth in the hallway that was the royal dining room waiting area. She was sweating bullets, and she couldn’t help but come back to the thought that she felt naked.
It shouldn’t have felt out of the ordinary, since everyone was always naked, but since she entered the castle, everyone Bright Shine had seen had been wearing something. The maids had aprons, the guards had armor, the chefs had coats and hats. Even the nobles, who had no job at all, were wearing collars and jackets! And here she was, completely nude like she was going to work on any other day.
Bright Shine paused her pacing to stare at the imposing doors that led to the dining hall. When she had brought her covered trolley to the castle, this is where the guards had left her. She hadn’t seen anyone since. Those doors stood closed before her like battlements, and Bright Shine wasn’t sure she was ready to charge at them.
She resumed her pacing, going through her mental checklist for the fourth time. After she had talked a friend of hers into watching Feathered Ink, she had gone to the bakery to work. The cupcakes had finished baking the day before, and she had stayed up all night making sure the icing was perfect. She got a few precious hours to sleep at the bakery, and then woke up early to arrange the iced cupcakes. It had been mentally straining work being as meticulous as she was, but it had paid off, as the design was exactly as she wanted it. She couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Now the only thing left was to hope that everyone else were as happy as she was.
Bright Shine glanced back and forth between the doors and her covered trolley. A panicked thought flashed through her brain.
‘Just take the cupcakes and run,’ she thought. ‘Nopony will know it was you, and you can run off to some frontier town, start a new life. Feathered Ink will love having extra space to fly.’
Her rationality quickly slammed against the thought. First, the guards knew her by name when she entered the castle. Second, Feathered Ink had just started making real friends, she couldn’t rip away from that. Still, what if Princess Celestia hated the cupcakes…
Her decision was made for her when a white earth pony poked her head through the doors, startling Bright Shine. The earth pony smiled at her.
“Are you Mrs. Bright Shine?” she asked.
“Y-yes. I made cupcakes?” Bright Shine replied meekly.
“Great! I’m Caramel Quill, Princess Celestia’s assistant. She is very excited to see what you have. If you would follow me…?”
Bright Shine considered bolting again, but in a mechanical fashion she began pushing her trolley toward the doorway. The earth pony pushed the doors open wide to allow her entrance, and then began leading Bright Shine down the hallway.
Trying to keep her nervousness in check, Bright Shine focused on Caramel Quill, a white pony with a brown mane tied in a simple ponytail.
“Is this your first time in Canterlot Castle?” the pony asked.
Bright Shine nodded.
“I’ve lived in Canterlot my whole life, but I’ve never been inside. I did get to visit the gardens once when I was filly though. It was part of a class trip.”
Caramel Quill smiled.
“If you ask me, the gardens are the best part. They just feel so alive. Sometimes Princess Celestia likes to have tea out there. I think it helps her relax being amongst the animals and flowers.”
“My Star Chaser is the same way; he loves being in nature. Though he is usually too busy flying high above it to take in the flowers.”
The earth pony paused for a moment, tapping her chin.
“Star Chaser, where have I heard that name before?”
“Well, he does serve with Celestia’s Second Brigade,” Bright Shine offered helpfully.
The earth pony frowned in thought.
“That may be it. Sorry, I just remember that name coming up in some rather odd paperwork that I was doing for the princess.”
Bright Shine’s heart fluttered; her nervousness momentarily forgotten.
“Did something bad happen?” she asked, fear tinging her voice.
Caramel Quill looked at her. She quickly realized what she was implying and began vehemently denying.
“Oh! No, it’s nothing like that. No, no. It was something…. different is all. I just can’t quite remember what.”
“But you’re sure that it wasn’t…?” Bright Shine asked hopefully.
The earth pony nodded.
“Absolutely. In fact, I think Princess Celestia has a big announcement you’ll really like to hear. Come on, we need to deliver these cupcakes!”
Caramel Quill quickly spun around and took off at a fast pace, leaving Bright Shine to catch up in her wake. As she pushed her trolley, Bright Shine tried to push away the sour taste short conversation had left in her mouth. While the earth pony had tried assuring her that it wasn’t anything bad, she hadn’t exactly said it was anything good either.
Before Bright Shine could follow the thought further, Caramel Quill stopped before another set of tall doors. She smiled at Bright Shine.
“Nervous?”
She hadn’t been. For a second, she had forgotten completely why she was here, who was waiting on the other side of those doors. It all hit her in the face like her front door on mail day. Her ears flicked around, and her tail swished back and forth.
“A little,” she replied meekly.
“Don’t be,” Caramel Quill said, placing a hoof on Bright Shine’s shoulder. “You wouldn’t have gotten this opportunity if you weren’t the absolute best in Canterlot. I can guarantee that whatever you have prepared, Princess Celestia will love it.”
“If you think so,” Bright Shine said, unconvinced.
The earth pony knocked twice on the doors and they were immediately pulled open by a pair of guards, giving Bright Shine her first glimpse inside the royal dining room.
The ceilings stretched high above her head, lit by several large crystal chandeliers that were bigger than she was. On the long walls were a series of large windows, with several depicting significant events in Equestrian history. Over these were draped magnificent cloth banners with Princess Celestia’s cutie mark emblazoned in shimmering gold thread. On each column was a candle scone, each filled with a brightly shining candle. In front of said columns stood guards in shining gold armor, their eyes focused ahead of them.
In the center of the hall was a long table, decorated with the finest china and silverware that Bright Shine had even seen. Each piece seemed to reflect the light in the room, making the table glisten and twinkle. At each place setting sat a pony, each well dressed in an assortment of clothes, ranging from dress uniforms to simple tuxedoes and dresses. Bright Shine’s ears flattened against her head. Now she really felt naked.
The only consolation she had was the Princess Celestia was relatively bare, wearing only the standard regalia she always seemed to wear. What didn’t help was that the princess, along with everyone else in the long room, now had their eyes solely on Bright Shine, who nearly turned tail and fled right then.
Princess Celestia smiled brightly.
“Ah! I see our dessert has arrived. I must say, I am very anxious to see what you have prepared for us today Mrs. Bright Shine.”
A low rumble of agreements chimed through the hall. It did nothing to help Bright Shine’s already frazzled nerves. Caramel Quill smiled at Bright Shine and ushered her forward. Taking a deep breath, Bright Shine slowly pushed her cart around the right side of the table. As she pushed the cart, she felt the eyes of everyone following her. The room seemed to have fallen into a tomb like silence. Bright Shine wisely kept her head down, trying to avoid the stairs. The dining room, which should have been over by now, felt endless, like she had been pushing her cart forever. Bright Shine snorted softly; she could only wish it was endless.
The table did end however, and Bright Shine found herself trying to not to tremble in terror as she stood before Princess Celestia. The white alicorn smiled at her warmly however, and Bright Shine felt a touch calmer. Princess Celestia looked over her covered trolley with what looked to Bright Shine like genuine excitement.
“So Mrs. Shine, what do you have for us today?” she licked her lips as she looked away from the cover to Bright Shine, catching the unicorn’s eyes.
Bright Shine cleared her throat to avoid stuttering.
“Cupcakes, Princess,” she said, sounding almost confident.
She saw joy flash through Princess Celestia’s eyes at the word cake. The alicorn clapped her hooves together and to Bright Shine’s surprise, the alicorn squealed slightly. The princess of all Equestria squealed like a schoolfilly because Bright Shine told her she had made cupcakes. Bright Shine didn’t know whether to panic at that, or to smile. In her indecision, she simply riveted in place.
“Oh, I always love cakes, of any size!” Princess Celestia tittered. “They go well with so much. I can always eat cake!”
The alicorn smiled widely at Bright Shine, who remained in place, completely still. The silence in the room quickly became awkward as the two ponies stared at each other. Celestia’s smile didn’t waver, though her eyes did occasionally flicker to the covered dish. Bright Shine stared at the dish blankly. What was Princess Celestia trying to tell her? Was there something hidden under the dish? Bright Shine felt completely lost for a moment. Then Caramel Quill poked her in the side, clearing her throat.
“Perhaps you could show us what you prepared Mrs. Shine?”
Bright Shine stared at the earth pony stupidly for a moment, and then her mind kicked back into gear.
“Oh, oh!” Bright Shine smiled embarrassedly. “My apologies Princess, I must have spaced out.”
Celestia inclined her head.
“Of course, Mrs. Shine, now please, show us what you have prepared for today.”
Bright Shine nodded. Her magic wrapped around the handle of the tray cover, and she took a deep breath as she mentally prepared for whatever reaction would come next. She prayed that it wouldn’t be terrible. With a dramatic flourish, the dish came away from the tray, setting down gently at her side. Bright Shine smiled widely at the display.
The tray was split into two sections. On the right was a bright gold background, overlaid with a brilliant red and gold sun. Its long rays extended throughout the entire half of the display, stopping only when it met the center. Here it met the dark blue and subtle purples of the “night” side. A white crescent moon made up the center, reaching as far and wide as the sun did. The “sky” of the background became darker the further away from the sun it was, culminating in a deep, deep blue that she had made just short of being black. Throughout the sky were spattered “stars”. These she had made from carefully placed sprinkles, with many of them being unique. It had taken several days of painstaking research to place these unique stars. They were exactly how they looked in relation to the moon in the real night sky.
The tray had remained perfect throughout the journey to the castle. The mixed background was exactly right, and Bright Shine appreciated seeing how the blue and gold seemed to mix down the center. It looked even better in the light of day. In hindsight, she should have made the background gold a bit duller, as a few of the sun rays got a bit mixed in with all of the background cupcakes, but still, she thought she did an excellent job. The crescent moon especially popped against its blue “starry” background.
Unfortunately, she was the only one who thought so.
A collective gasp rang through the room, and Bright Shine flinched when a number of whispers began to filter toward her. She received several nasty glares, particularly from ponies in uniforms. Princess Celestia however, just looked stunned. Bright Shine had no idea if that was a good thing or not. The alicorn’s mouth was agape, and her eyes seemed to scan every inch of the display. Every second of silence cut at Bright Shine like a knife. She tried to shrink a little, cowering back from the display as her ears pinned themselves against her head. When she took a step back however, she felt a body press against her side. Bright Shine squeaked as Caramel Quill pressed against her side, but felt slightly better when the earth pony gave her a smile and a slight nod.
“W-… Mrs. Shine, could you please explain this piece?” Celestia said, her voice betraying her shock.
Bright Shine gulped, but nodded, standing beside the display of cupcakes.
“O-of course Princess. A friend of mine, my mail pony actually, helped me come up with the idea.”
Bright Shine found comfort in thinking about White Wing. She had secretly let the old stallion into the bakery earlier, and he had been speechless. He had given her a big hug as he told her everything that he loved about it. Bright Shine raised her head a little higher, trying to boost her confidence. Even if nobody else liked it, White Wing did, and that would be enough for her.
“When I was working on my designs for the project, he came in to drop off a letter from my husband, Star Chaser. He’s in the Second Brigade, and over the course of the past year, White Wing have gotten very close, since he’s always bringing me good news.”
A few of the glares softened at that. A few mares nudged their husbands, who tried to look apologetic. Bright Shine smiled slightly.
“White Wing told me something that really stuck. He said that all he saw, every single day, was ponies that hated Nightmare Moon. He told me that they use her as an excuse to dismiss all of the years of good that Princess Luna did. I don’t know about anypony else, but I know I didn’t always give her thanks for beautiful nights, or nights where my little colt Feathered Ink had nightmares, only to wake up talking all about the “nice blue pony” who made the nightmares go away.”
“It made me think,” Bright Shine continued, “What was more harmonious than day and night? The war has torn everypony apart, and made so many ponies hate and fear the nighttime. I thought about all of the stories Star Chaser and I used to tell Ink every night about the two most perfect ponies in Equestria.”
Bright Shine sniffed slightly as she remembered the long-abandoned tradition of reading her son a story every night before bed. She would always narrate while Star Chaser did all of the voices. It had been far too long since they had fallen asleep as a family. She met Princess Celestia’s eyes, and saw the sorrow matched there. Bright Shine continued, putting the happiness of the memory into the happiness of her work.
“The yellows and golds are meant to symbolize you Princess. They represent the warm, fuzzy feeling you get in the sun, all the happy times that can happen when there is light in the world. Everyday is a gift, and it should be something that is celebrated. The blues and purples represent the night; the serenity and peace that everypony experiences when the sun goes down. Light cannot exist without darkness, and Princess Luna always did such a good job making sure we were safe while we slept, I just wish I could tell her that personally.”
Bright Shine cleared her throat.
“Alone, each is good, even great, but together, working in harmony, they are perfect. The sun and the moon have a place in the sky. They exist as two halves to a harmonious whole.”
Bright Shine put on her best smile as she looked at Celestia.
“It’s Hearth’s Warming Eve Princess. I thought it was in the spirit of the holiday to remind everypony what harmony meant.”
Bright Shine finished the statement a bit shyly, taking a step back as she waited with bated breath for Princess Celestia to respond. Bright Shine twitched nervously as the princess continued to stare at the display silently, her mouth still slightly agape. After several nervous, silent seconds, Princess Celestia’s mouth closed.
“Leave us,” The alicorn said, her voice practically at a whisper.
Bright Shine froze when everyone quickly rose from their seats, leaving the room in a quiet huddle. Even the guards left their stations. That left her alone with the solar monarch. The only thought running on repeat in her mind at that moment was;
‘She hated them. She hated them. She hated them. She hated them…'
So frozen by fear, Bright Shine didn’t even notice Princess Celestia rise from her seat as she moved around the table. Bright Shine was shocked from her stupor when she felt the alicorn wrap her hooves and wings around her in a tight hug. Bright Shine was even more surprised when Celestia began to cry, burying her muzzle in Bright Shine’s shoulder.
‘My cupcakes were so bad they made the princess cry?!?’ Bright Shine thought.
Unsure of what to do, Bright Shine returned the hug, letting her motherly instincts kick in. She lightly rubbed Celestia’s back, making sure to get between her wings. She knew from experience that it helped comfort any crying pegasus. As she rocked the larger pony back and forth, Bright Shine did her best to give the princess words of comfort.
“Shh… It’s all right Princess, just let it out. Let it all out. I’m sorry my cupcakes were bad enough to make you cry.”
The crying ceased instantly. Bright Shine paled slightly. The thought that she had somehow made it worse flashed through her mind. She knew all was well when she felt Celestia begin to laugh. It started as a small snort, followed by a couple of hiccups as she recovered from her crying. This was followed by a deep chuckle. This blossomed into full blown laughter as she pulled her way out of the hug, rolling on the floor in a very un-princessly manner. Bright Shine could only watch in horror as Princess Celestia, the pony who raised the sun rolled on the floor, her face turning a bright shade of red. Caramel Quill walked up beside Bright Shine, smiling widely.
“It’s about time something like this happened. She’s been walking on eggshells all week. Thank you very much Mrs. Shine, you’ve done what a fully paid court of jesters, party planners, and therapists have been unable to do.”
Bright Shine nodded dumbly. Celestia eventually tapered off, giggling softly as she got to her feet. The fur under her eyes was slightly matted from the tears, but ultimately, Princess Celestia wore a smile. Wiping her eyes, she said;
“I must say Mrs. Shine, thank you very much. For everything. Particularly that last bit about the cupcakes being terrible. I really needed that.”
Quill scoffed.
“I’ll say. Your acting is terrible. I don’t think a single pony believed that those smiles were real.”
Celestia sighed.
“I guess so. I really tried my best though.”
Bright Shine cleared her throat.
“I-If it helps at all Princess, I thought your smile was convincing.”
Celestia grinned, sticking her tongue out at Caramel Quill.
“See Quill? Mrs. Shine thinks I’ve got the smiling down.”
Caramel Quill rolled her eyes.
“Mrs. Shine is a mother; it is her sworn duty to give compliments to any child who needs it. Including if that child happens to be the most powerful creature in Equestria, as well as several centuries older than she is.”
Celestia mouthed along with Caramel Quill mockingly. When the assistant finished with a huff, Celestia smiled widely.
“You’re just being mean because Mrs. Shine is right, and you know it.” She stuck her nose in the air. “I am the best actress in all of Equestria.”
The two ponies glared at each other before they both giggled. Throughout the entire exchange, Bright Shine could only watch. She had no doubt this was supposed to be a private conversation, and she felt like she was very out of place. The pair of giggling mares seemed to notice that there was still someone else in the room, as they both stopped giggling, just barely bothering to straighten up as they both smiled at Bright Shine.
“My apologies Mrs. Shine,” Princess Celestia said, just barely able to keep another giggle from escaping. “All of this is for a reason, I swear it. Your cupcakes are not only not quote; “bad enough to make me cry”, but they are marvelous, and I cannot thank you more for their design.”
The princess looked to the neatly arrayed cupcakes as she sighed, smiling sadly.
“You simply don’t know how much it means for somepony, anypony to still see the beauty of my sister. She merely… lost her way.”
She sniffed, and Bright Shine took a step forward.
“Are you all right Princess? If you still need to let out more sadness, I have no issue being a shoulder to cry on.”
Celestia smiled at her; tears glistened in her eyes.
“No Mrs. Shine, I am not all right. I have had to do something terrible to keep Equestria and all of my ponies safe.” She sighed again as she wiped at her eyes. “While I appreciate the offer, I think enough tears will be shed today. I shall grieve at another time. Now is a moment for joy and celebration.”
Princess Celestia seemed to get control of herself once more, and she moved back to her seat. Sitting up prim and proper, she smiled at Bright Shine.
“So, Mrs. Shine, which cupcake do you recommend? They all look delicious, and I simply don’t know where to start.”
Bright shine straightened and smiled.
“It depends on your taste Princess! The sun-side cupcakes are all white, with colored vanilla icing. They are very classical, and good and sweet! The moon-side is a bit trickier, since I needed to add a bit of dark chocolate to get the colors right. It’s a bit more bitter, but I tried to balance it out by making the sprinkles from pure sugar.”
Bright Shine flinched when she heard Celestia gasp slightly. The alicorn turned to Caramel Quill.
“Would you please fetch Time Keeper? I wish to preserve some of these cupcakes in the vault.”
Quill nodded and began to trot away. Celestia stared at the arrangement, before calling out;
“And bring Snapshot as well! I wish to try his photographic device! These cupcakes look simply beautiful and I would be remiss if I couldn’t hold their beauty for years to come!”
Celestia turned to Birght Shine, smiling.
“I have heard marvelous things about this “camera” device. It is said it can capture a real-life painting in a flash.”
Bright Shine nodded, not really paying attention to the talk about the “camera”. She was more focused on the adverse reaction to the mention of the dark chocolate in the cupcakes. Bright Shine thought for a second, but couldn’t work out the reason why Princess Celestia would hate dark chocolate. She took a deep breath as she decided to just ask.
“Princess, if you don’t mind… do you not like dark chocolate?”
Celestia smiled and nodded.
“I absolutely abhor it. It is my least favorite sweet.”
Bright Shine drooped.
“Oh,” she said softly.
Celestia rose from her seat and moved to sit down next to Bright Shine. She put her wing around the unicorn and pulled her close.
“But it was Luna’s favorite. She could eat bar after bar of the stuff. It is my intention to save a few cupcakes for her return. They will have to be preserved, but I think she will enjoy them greatly, especially when she sees your beautiful arrangement.”
Bright Shine looked at Princess Celestia, her nose scrunched up in confusion.
“Return? Is she…” Bright Shine trailed off as a look of realization dawned on her face. If she thought what Celestia was hinting at was true, then that meant…
Celestia nodded and smiled again. She ruffled her feathers slightly as she looked across the dining room.
“What did you say your husband’s name was? I may not have been fully paying attention, the beauty of your cupcakes distracted me.”
“Star Chaser, Princess,” Bright Shine said breathlessly.
A look of recognition flashed across Celestia’s face, and she grinned.
“Ah yes, I remember Guardspony Star Chaser quite vividly. He is quite the pony, and such a lecturer too. I certainly received quite the fiery scolding.”
Bright Shine blushed violently.
“Sorry about that Princess, when he gets in lecture mode, he’s a bit of a force to be reckoned with,” she said, clearly embarrassed.
Celestia nudged her softly.
“It reminds me a bit of a certain pony, don’t you think.”
Bright Shine flushed a deeper red as Celestia chuckled.
“I see why you two are together, ponies are going to need to be wary once Star Chaser and Bright Shine are back together.”
Bright Shine’s ears flicked, and she sat up, wiggling her rump slightly in excitement.
“D-does that mean…?”
Princess Celestia nodded.
“Yes, Bright Shine. The war is over. Nightmare Moon has been banished, and my troops are beginning to clean-up and stand down as we speak. It is finished.”
Bright Shine cheered and leapt into the air. She bounced around in a small circle.
“It’s over! It’s over! Star Chaser is coming home!” she crowed.
Celestia watched her jump about, the smile still present on her face. It took Bright Shine a moment to notice the sad glint in her eyes. A moment later, Bright Shine realized why, and she froze, the smile dropping from her face.
“Princess I am so sorry. I can’t imagine how you must feel right now.”
Celestia shook her head, the sadness clear on her face.
“Do not worry for me Mrs. Shine, I shall be all right. This is a happy time, and you should celebrate the return of your lover.”
“No,” Bright Shine replied. “I shouldn’t have celebrated like that in front of you. Princess Luna is your sister. It must have been horrible fighting against her.”
“It was,” Celestia admitted. “But it was necessary. Luna went astray, and her actions demand punishment. My only hope is that she will forgive me after her banishment.” She sighed deeply, staring at the floor. “It is not how I wanted this to end.”
Bright Shine thought for a minute on what she should do. Clearly Princess Celestia was distraught, who wouldn’t be? Bright Shine just didn’t know if her well intentioned comforting would be received in the right light. The last thing she wanted to happen is to have Celestia think she was trying to use her grief for personal gain. Bright Shine frowned, then decided it didn’t matter.
‘If it takes a bit of personal sacrifice to make the princess feel just a little better, it’s worth it,’ she thought.
Clearing her throat, Bright Shine wrapped her hooves around Princess Celestia, giving the alicorn a tight hug. She felt the princess stiffen slightly, but Bright Shine didn’t let go. Instead, she spoke.
“If she really cares Princess, I think we both know that deep down she does, she’ll forgive you. That’s what family is for. No matter our differences, family should do everything to stick together.”
Bright Shine felt Celestia relax. Then, the alicorn returned the hug.
“Thank you, Mrs. Shine. I pray that you are right.”
They both pulled back, and Celestia tried to smile, but her face fell, her chin hitting her chest as she stared at the floor.
“Unfortunately, it will be a thousand years before I find out.”
‘Lonely years,’ Bright Shine thought.
Her heart went out to the alicorn. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be apart from Star Chaser for years and years, one year had nearly driven her to the breaking point more than once. If he was gone for two, three, even ten… She would be devastated. In that moment, Bright Shine saw how truly alone Princess Celestia was going to be. On Hearth’s Warming eve no less. Bright Shine frowned; then a small idea popped into her head. She nudged Princess Celestia with a hoof, then stared at the ground in nervousness.
“I-if you would like Princess…” She sighed, then looked up.
The tears were still hidden just below view in Celestia’s eyes. She had to do this. Bright Shine took a deep breath, then said it all in one super-fast go.
“Wouldyouliketocomeoverforhearth’swarmingdinner?” she squawked.
Bright Shine sat up, remarkably proud of herself that she had been able to spit it out. Princess Celestia however looked a bit shocked. Her mane even began to flow for a moment, before settling on its normal array of stagnant colors. Celestia blinked.
“I-…believe that I may need some time to think on the offer. I shall send a letter with my answer as soon as my decision is made.”
At that moment, Caramel Quill walked into the room with two ponies in two. One was a dark brown unicorn with thick glasses carrying a strange, three-legged device on his back. The other was also a unicorn; bearing a thick white beard. The two gave a slight bow to Princess Celestia, and then they set to work on the cupcakes. Caramel Quill stood by Celestia, smiling at Bright Shine.
“Don’t worry Mrs. Shine, I assure you that Princess Celestia will do everything in her power to attend what sounds like a lovely dinner.” She glared at Celestia with a gritted smile. “Right Princess?”
The alicorn looked away, a bit flush in the face.
“I-well I… I don’t want to impose…”
Caramel Quill snorted. Turning to Bright Shine, she said;
“Please expect the Princess in the morning, I will ensure that her schedule is clear.”
Bright Shine smiled widely.
“Great!” she said excitedly. “I’ll even make some more cupcakes! Even if you can’t stay long, I can at least send you home with a batch or two.”
Celestia took a deep breath as she shoved Quill with a wing.
“Thank Mrs. Shine, I would like that. Perhaps after we can have tea as well. We have much to discuss about your new position as Royal Pastry chef after all.”
Bright Shine’s eyes widened.
“R-royal Pastry chef?” she squeaked.
Celestia nodded, her smile wide.
“I can already tell, even without tasting them, that these cupcakes are phenomenal.”
A flash blinded Bright Shine. She blinked a few times as she tried to clear her eyes of the brilliant light. As her vision returned, she saw an equally stunned Celestia with a gold cupcake floating before her. The princess blinked a few more times, before she saw it. The pony in the glasses smiled widely as he waved a thick sheet of paper in the air. He looked at it for a second, then his smile grew even wider as he displayed it proudly to Princess Celestia. The alicorn squinted for a second before she gasped in amazement.
“Oh my, that is simply incredible,” she said softly.
The unicorn puffed out his chest.
“And just imagine what it can do when I figure out how to color it properly! You could save any memory in a flash!” he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Though I must say, the camera flash still needs tweaking. I blinded myself for two hours yesterday while tinkering with it. It uh… needs work.”
Celestia smiled.
“Perhaps, but still, this “camera” of yours is quite the achievement. You should be very proud.”
She levitated the paper over to the other unicorn, who had two cupcakes already captured inside clear crystal boxes.
“Please put this in the vault as well Time Keeper. Luna will want to see the entire product; it is very beautiful.”
The unicorn nodded once in silence. With another bow, the two departed, leaving Celestia with a cupcake still levitating in front of her. She smiled at Bright Shine.
“Moment of truth!” she said excitedly.
She carefully peeled the liner away, and with a dramatic flourish, she ate the whole cupcake in one bite. Bright Shine gasped slightly. The cupcakes were easily the size of her hoof; she could only rarely eat it in three bites, let alone one. Princess Celestia smiled as she chewed, and then she stopped moving completely, a look of shock on her face. Caramel Quill sighed.
“Oh, not this again,” she muttered softly, pressing a hoof to her forehead.
Bright Shine only looked between the two in confusion. Did this mean that Princess Celestia liked it? Was she allergic to something in the icing? Bright Shine paled at thought of poisoning the alicorn, even accidentally. Then Celestia started to vibrate.
Not shake, not shiver, actually vibrate. Bright Shine was sure she could faintly hear a low buzzing. Caramel Quill sighed again.
“Mrs. Shine, please prepare yourself, the princess is quite a cake lover, and not only will she be expecting more treats like this, your job offer will likely become a demand now. You will be serving cakes here until the end of time I’m afraid. She only gets like this when she tastes the best, and well…”
She walked over to the display, deftly picking up a cupcake before taking a bite. Her eyes widened slightly.
“Oh my. The reaction is earned I see.”
She looked at Bright Shine and smiled. Bright Shine wasn’t sure she liked the look. A bit of frosting was on Caramel Quill’s upper lip, and it made her smile seem… sadistic.
“Oh, you are going to be very popular, very soon Mrs. Shine. Also, be ready for a hug.”
Bright Shine tilted her head.
“A hu-?”
Bright Shine felt the air get squeezed from her lungs as Princess Celestia wrapped her up in her powerful hooves. The alicorn squeezed her tightly, as she shook the unicorn back and forth.
“You can never leave again Mrs. Shine!” she cried. “I need a constant supply of your wonderful sweets! My days and nights will be horribly long enough, please do not torment me further by depriving me of your marvelous cupcakes! They are miniature slices of heaven! I beg thee, accept your position as pastry chef! I can have no other!”
While the life was squeezed from her, Bright Shine considered her options. On one hoof, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and a childhood dream of hers. To bake for a princess, permanently? If she didn’t feel the air being crushed from her lungs, she might have thought she was dreaming. The other option was to turn Princess Celestia down, crushing the pony’s spirits, while also likely sending her baking career in Canterlot into a death spiral. Bright Shine shook herself mentally. Princess Celestia would never intentionally kill her baking career if she declined. But why would she decline? She would be the Royal Pastry Chef!
Bright Shine tapped the alicorn on the shoulder as her face began to turn blue. Celestia looked down at her, then gasped as she let Bright Shine breathe.
“I am so sorry Mrs. Shine! I got carried away; I was just so nervous and excited, and the cupcake was sooo good, and…”
Bright Shine smiled.
“I don’t think I need anymore time to think Princess. I’d like to accept your offer for the chef position.”
The alicorn smiled widely, and Bright Shine quickly found herself wrapped up in a bone crushing hug once more. She wondered what would happen to Feathered Ink if she got hugged to death right now? He had more friends now, so maybe one of their families would take him in. Caramel Quill snorted in laughter at her plight.
“Princess, if you keep hugging her like that, we’re going to need to find another new pastry chef. They won’t be as good…” she said, as if it incentivized Bright Shine’s continued existence.
Evidently it did, because Celestia gasped again, once more releasing Bright Shine to breathe another day. The alicorn looked away in embarrassment.
“I am sorry once again Mrs. Shine. Today has been a whirlwind of emotions, and this is very welcome news. I am most eager to count you amongst my trusted staff.”
Bright Shine took a few deep breaths to get rid of the spots in her vision. She then smiled widely as she sat down for a moment, doing her best not to topple over from oxygen deprivation. When everything stopped spinning, she cleared her throat.
“I can’t wait to start Princess; I hope I can meet your expectations.”
She blinked as she caught Celestia stuffing an entire cupcake into her mouth again. The alicorn shivered in happiness.
“Oh Mrs. Shine, you have already done far more than meet my expectations. I shall be looking forward to discussing your duties tomorrow during dinner.”
Bright Shine gasped in excitement, her hooves pressing into her cheeks.
“Does that mean you’re coming to dinner?”
Celestia stopped chewing, only just realizing what she had said. She opened her mouth to reply, but Caramel Quill stopped her, smiling brightly.
“Of course she is Mrs. Shine! As I said before, she will be by in the morning, I’ll make sure she brings a nice side dish, perhaps potato mash.”
Bright Shine smiled and felt her tail wag slightly.
“Great! All I need to do is prepare the house!” She looked up as she went through a mental checklist. “Inky will be out tonight at a sleep over, which will give me extra time to clean and prepare the food. I have to make extra sure to clean the sheets since Star Chaser is coming home…”
Bright Shine gasped.
“Star Chaser is coming home!” she squawked loudly.
She quickly slid the lid for her cart on the lower tray as she began to sprint toward the dining room doors. Over her shoulder she shouted;
“Sorry to run Princess! I’ve got to make sure everything’s perfect, see you tomorrow, hope you enjoyed the cupcakes bye!”
Then she hit the doors, flinging them open as she sprinted from the dining room, plowing past ponies as she made for the castle exit, a massive smile on her face. The war was over, and her Star Chaser was coming home!
*****
Princess Celestia blinked as the dining hall doors slammed shut behind the disappearing Bright Shine. Caramel Quill snorted.
“I swear Princess, how do you always find the eccentric ponies?”
Celestia lightly smacked her assistant with a wing.
“I don’t find them, they just appear! If anything, I believe that you find these ponies in an effort to brighten my mood.”
Quill shrugged.
“Maybe I do. Still, Mrs. Bright Shine is an exceptional baker. I think once Baked Goods gets a taste of these; he’ll finally retire. That old stallion has been in that kitchen for decades.”
Celestia nodded, floating another cupcake toward her waiting mouth. They were the best cupcakes she had eaten in years, and they helped to keep her mind off of…
Celestia hissed when she felt a ruler smack into her hooves. The cupcake fell out of the air and into Quill’s waiting hoof. The earth pony placed it back amongst its brethren, then grabbed the cover and placed it carefully over the tray.
“No more for your Princess. We need these for everypony who attended today’s dinner.”
As she watched the alicorn cross her hooves and pout, Quill snorted.
“If anything, this will incentivize you to keep your dinner date for Hearth’s Warming tomorrow. I will not have you sitting in the castle alone, and since you refused my offer, you will go to dinner with Mrs. Shine, is that clear?”
Celestia stuck her tongue out at the mare.
“I’m princess you know, I can do whatever I want.”
Quill raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, but I control who is on staff, and what is delivered to the kitchens. It would be unfortunate if someone forgot to order the castle’s supply of sugar, or better, our tea supply.”
Celestia gasped, holding a hoof to her mouth.
“You wouldn’t dare!”
Quill’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
“Try me Princess. Think about it. Endless paperwork, vetting the staff, keeping the few troublesome nobles out of your hair. All of these things I do, and all can go away in a flash.”
Celestia sucked air in through her teeth. She had no interest in doing all of the inane little things that Quill dealt with. Even when Quill took her vacation days, she usually had Luna to share in those duties, but now…
Celestia’s emotional high came crashing down in an instant. She slumped slightly as she stared at the ground. Oh Luna…
Quill nuzzled her side softly.
“This is why you need to go Princess. You have to keep occupied, at least for a while. It won’t make the hurt go away, but it will help, if only a little. Please? For me?”
Celestia smiled slightly, returning the affectionate nuzzle.
“Of course, my number one assistant. I’ll go. On one condition however.”
“Anything Princess. Name it.”
Celestia sniffled slightly as she wrapped her wing around the earth pony.
“Stay with me tonight? I do not wish to be alone.”
Caramel Quill and pressed into her side.
“Of course, Princess. It is Hearth’s Warming after all.”
*****
Bright Shine hummed as she swept through the kitchen. Her magic worked at a furious pace. A batch of cupcakes was already out of the oven, cooling on a stand, awaiting their icing. The broom brushed the dirt off of her floors, and her hooves scrubbed away as she did all of the dirty laundry. Thanks to a visit to the market on her way home, her kitchen was fully stocked with enough food to feed six ponies, more than enough for her little family and Princess Celestia.
Bright Shine smiled as she thought about that. Princess Celestia of all ponies was coming to Hearth’s Warming dinner! That didn’t even mention Star Chaser…
Bright Shine squealed with joy at the thought of seeing her husband again. She hadn’t told Feathered Ink yet. She wanted to surprise the colt, who was at the moment packing for his sleepover. She had gotten him a few Hearth’s Warming gifts, but what could compare to the surprise return of your dad? Bright Shine had no idea, but she wanted to keep it secret. This was going to be the best Hearth’s Warming of their lives.
She heard a soft knock on the front door, and as if walking on air, Bright Shine moved to answer it, her face still decorated with a smile. She opened the door widely, and her smile grew as she recognized White Wing standing before her. She wrapped the mail pony in a hug.
“White Wing! It’s so good to see you! Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
The old stallion didn’t return the hug, instead pressing softly against Bright Shine’s shoulder. She withdrew the hug, looking at him with no small amount of confusion. She quickly saw the obvious distress on the pony’s face. He wouldn’t meet her eyes.
“White Wing?” she asked carefully. “Is something wrong?”
The mail pony sniffed, wiping his nose.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Shine. I am so so sorry.”
Bright Shine watched a tear fall from his face. He carefully reached into his mail bags, pulling out several letters. He stared at them for a second. When he looked up, Bright Shine flinched. His eyes were bloodshot, as if he had been crying for some time. He held the letters out to her, and she took them gently, staring at them as if they would burn her.
The first letter had the familiar poor hoofwriting, though this time red splotches dotted the front. The edges of the letter looked torn, with one showing evidence of being burnt. The envelope looked like it was filled to the bursting, with the top of the envelope only barely closing fully. The second letter was much smaller, and much cleaner. Bright Shine read the return address, shaking her head slowly as it became clearer and clearer what was inside. The royal seal on the back confirmed it. She looked to White Wing, who just gazed at her sadly, his usual bright, youthful demeanor gone.
“B-but, but it’s over!” Bright Shine said. “The war is over, Princess Celestia told me so! It’s… It isn’t….” She whimpered softly as her vision clouded with tears. “It’s Hearth’s Warming… My wonderful Star Chaser was coming home….”
Both letters fell to the floor dropping from Bright Shine’s magic as she lost the will to focus. Her rump quickly followed. Her hair fell into her face as the tears began to fall. White Wing pulled her against his chest as the mare sobbed.
“It isn’t fair…” she cried. “Everything was going to be perfect!”
White Wing stroked her mane softly.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Shine. I’ve got no words to make you feel better, I’m just so very sorry.”
Bright Shine begged the universe for a reason why. Why had this happened? The day had gone so well. Princess Celestia loved her baking, she got her dream job, Feathered Ink not only had friends, but was going to a party on Hearth’s Warming Eve! Bright Shine stiffened when he called out, as if summoned by her thoughts.
“Mom? Is there somepony at the door?”
Bright Shine cleared her throat, trying to put on her best happy voice.
“It’s nothing Inky! Just finish packing!”
She looked fearfully to White Wing.
“He can’t know, not yet. Please,” she begged the mail pony, “it will ruin Hearth’s Warming forever for him. He won’t go to his party; it will crush every happy thought he’s had in the past year. You can’t tell him, please, not yet!”
White Wing nodded, stroking her mane softly.
“Don’t worry Mrs. Shine, I won’t let him know a thing. Do you need somepony to take him to his party? You were my only stop today. I can get him there nice and safe if you’d like.”
Bright Shine nodded silently. She needed time, alone. To think, to grieve. To prepare. How was she going to tell Feathered Ink his father was gone? How could she do it without devastating the poor colt? She sniffled, trying to erase her tears.
“White Wing, could you please come to Hearth’s Warming dinner? I don’t think I can do it alone now…”
White Wing nodded.
“Of course, Mrs. Shine. My grandkids will understand completely. I’ll be here early to help you get everything set up.”
Bright Shine nodded. She stood up slowly, drying her eyes as best she could. She heard hoofsteps on the stairs, so she put on her best smile as she turned around, shuffling the letters just out of view behind the door. Feathered Ink trotted into view, smiling brightly, his saddlebags bulging on his sides.
“I’m all packed!” he announced cheerfully. Spotting White Wing at the door, he raced forward. “Hi Mr. Wing! Did we get any mail today?”
The colt’s smile threatened to shatter Bright Shine’s façade. He looked so happy, so hopeful. It was going to kill them both when she had to tell him. That was for later however, right now, she had to be strong.
“Actually Inky, White Wing has offered to take you to your sleepover! I thought you two could talk while I make sure everything is perfect for dinner tomorrow. Somepony very special is coming over, so I want everything exactly right.”
Feathered Ink cocked his head.
“Is it anypony I know?” he asked curiously.
Bright Shine winked, trying to be playful.
“Maybe. You’ll see tomorrow, now off with you, you don’t want to be late!”
Feathered Ink wrapped her in a hug, his little wings flapping in excitement. Bright Shine struggled to hold back her tears as she returned the hug fiercely, squeezing him tight against her chest. He gave her a funny look as he pulled away, but it disappeared quickly as he raced out the door, waving as he left.
“Bye Mom! See you tomorrow! Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve!”
Bright Shine felt her chin quiver, as she waved back.
“Goodbye Inky! Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve!”
She gave White Wing one last hug before the old stallion followed after the energetic colt. Then Bright Shine slowly closed the door, the jamb clicking shut softly. Numb, Bright Shine picked up the two letters. The abused letter, she floated to the coffee table, opening the desk drawer as she did so. All of Star Chaser’s previous letters floated forth, stacking neatly atop the final letter. She stared at the clean letter in absolute hatred. She wanted to scream, to throw it into the roaring fireplace. She wanted to watch that Celestia damned sheet of paper crumble to ash. Then maybe she could pretend. Pretend she wasn’t a widow. Pretend that Hearth’s Warming was going to be perfect. Pretend she didn’t have to tell her poor, darling son that his father wasn’t ever coming home. He’d never get to tell Chaser about his school days, about his cutie mark, about his stories. He wouldn’t be able to see his dad smiling proudly at graduation, wouldn’t be able to see his dad watching as he stood at the altar. A whole future of happy days and good times gone in smoke, all because of one letter.
Bright Shine growled and the letter hovered dangerously close to the fireplace. The flames seemed to reach out, the blazing fingers trying to light the paper ablaze. Bright Shine was so very tempted to let it. She then felt her entire being sigh as she tucked the letter, safe and sound, atop the mantle. She would read it with Feathered Ink. He deserved that much.
Bright Shine laid down on the couch, levitating a blanket over her body as she carefully grabbed all of Star Chaser’s letters, pressing them against her chest as she smelled them, taking in as much of his scent as she could. She drew the curtains, and finally alone, Bright Shine began to truly cry.
Bright Shine kicked herself awake. Bleary eyed, she looked around the dark living room. The letters were all still pressed into her chest fur, and Bright Shine was sure she had heard something. Even if it was just a one-off noise, she was glad. She had been having a horrible nightmare, and if nothing else, the dark silence of her home held a sense of tranquility that sleep did not.
Looking over her shoulder, Bright Shine shivered, pulling the blanket tighter around her. At some point, the fire had burned low, and now only a few embers still stirred in the fireplace. Bright Shine sighed. She carefully placed the letters in a neat stack on the coffee table, then got to her hooves. She shuffled to the fireplace, grabbing another log from the pile. She placed it on top of the still burning embers, using a small fire spell that she normally cast to heat the ovens at the bakery. The log quickly caught fire, and Bright Shine felt a bit warmer as the room lightened slightly. It was little comfort to the mare however, since she still felt cold inside.
Her ears perked up as she heard a soft knock at the front door. She looked at the clock on the wall. 12:47. Who would be calling at this time of night? Bright Shine sighed again as she began shuffling toward the door. Whoever it was, it better be important; she wasn’t in the mood to deal with any late-night carolers.
Another light knock echoed through the house.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Bright Shine grumbled.
She slipped the lock chain from the door, and opened the door, shivering slightly as the cold wind cut through her blanket. Two ponies stood on her doorstep. One seemed to hide behind the other, but Bright Shine couldn’t care less. She had eyes only for the pegasus before her. Star Chaser smiled widely at her, his white teeth shining in the light of the streetlamps. He had snow in his brown mane, and white bandage decorated his barrel, wrapping his wings up in a tight bundle. Bright Shine saw more than a little red on the bandages, but she didn’t care about that either. She only cared that he was here, alive!
Bright Shine slapped him. He blinked in surprise as he rubbed the spot where her hoof at hit his face. The sound seemed to echo up and down the silent street, but Bright Shine didn’t care. She was seething with anger now.
“How dare you?” she shouted. “You send me a letter, making me think you got killed, and then you show up on my doorstep in the dead of night? What the buck is wrong with you Chaser?”
She lunged at him, snatching him up in a tight hug as she pressed her face into his chest fur, sobbing violently.
“I thought you were gone…” she cried.
Star Chaser hugged her, rubbing her back softly.
“I’m sorry Bright Shine. I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just couldn’t wait to tell you the good news, so I sent a letter ahead. We had to wait for nighttime anyway.” He placed his snout in her mane and snorted softly. Bright Shine giggled, she loved it when he did that. “I take it you didn’t read the letters?”
Bright Shine sniffed and wiped her eyes.
“No,” she admitted softly. “I saw the blood on it and thought the worst. I’m sorry for slapping you Chaser, I just… I was so scared.”
Star Chaser rocked her softly back and forth.
“Don’t be sorry Shiny, it’s my fault. I should have waited and just surprised you. I shouldn’t have made you scared, and if you feel like slapping me again, you’re more than welcome to. Just please don’t hit my wings, I got a nasty cut on them.”
Bright Shine pulled back from the hug and smiled, feeling tears in her eyes, not of sorrow, but of pure joy. He was finally home, safe and sound. Feathered Ink would be so happy. Bright Shine smiled at her husband, then seeing the snow fall still pouring down on his head, she leapt back.
“Come inside! You’ll catch a cold out there!”
Star Chaser snorted softly, but smiled.
“Of course, Dear. Come on Cobalt, let’s get you settled.”
Bright Shine started as she remembered the second pony in her doorway. She backpedaled quickly as Star Chaser lead the thestral into her house. Bright Shine immediately felt… angry? Afraid? She pondered the feeling stirring in her chest as she watched the gray pony look around her house cautiously. Why was he doing that? Was he a spy? Had her beloved Chaser been brainwashed? Or even worse, replaced? Bright Shine had no idea. All she knew was that a pony, who had served Nightmare Moon, was standing in her living room.
Chaser was all smiles however as he took a deep breath, looking around their townhouse.
“It’s good to be at home again. I know it’s late, but is Inky home? I really want to say hi to my big boy.”
Bright Shine couldn’t keep her eyes off of the thestral as he sniffed around. His shoulders were slumped as he investigated her home. Why was being so quiet? Was he trying to remain unobserved? Fade into the corners of the dark room like some kind of shadow pony? All of the horror stories Bright Shine had heard fed into her paranoia as the stallion investigated the living room. Star Chaser put himself in front of her eyes.
“Shiney? Is everything all right?”
Bright Shine blinked and met his eyes. She put on a false smile and nodded.
“Of course it is Chaser, I’m just… surprised is all. Today has been a rush of emotions. I… um got a new job?”
Chaser smiled widely.
“That’s great Shiney! Where at?”
Bright Shine immediately regretted saying anything as the thestral’s unnaturally slitted eyes stared her down. Clearly the bat pony had finished his inspection of her home, and now his golden eyes were analyzing her. Why? She wasn’t a threat, or was she? Bright Shine looked to Star Chaser, who had cocked his head and was giving her a curious look.
“Shine? Is something wrong? I know I got you worked up, but are you alright? You seem… off.”
Bright Shine did her best to keep her eyes away from the thestral that was staring her down like a piece of meat and trotted toward the kitchen.
“I’m just dandy Chase, but can I talk with you in the kitchen?”
Her husband cocked his head as she left the room, and she heard him whisper something to the thestral before his hooves moved to follow her. Another flash of panic raced through her head. Was that a sign? Was it really her husband standing in the living room, or was it an imposter? He did return after dark…
Bright Shine huffed and shook her head as she set the kettle on to boil. Star Chaser joined her a minute later, the curious expression still on his face. He took a seat at their table, his eyes unwavering as he waited for her to speak. When she didn’t, Chaser frowned.
“Shiney, is something wrong? I thought… I thought you’d be happier honestly. Did my letters shake you up this badly?”
‘Yes,’ Bright Shine thought, but she shook her head, and gritted her teeth.
“Who is that standing in my living room?”
Star Chaser’s frown deepened.
“Shine, that’s Cobalt, the bat-pony I talked about in my letters? He’s the pony that saved my life.”
“Why is he here though?” Bright Shine said. “The war is over, right?”
“Of course it is Shiney, that’s why I’m home. Maybe you should read the letters I sent, where did you leave them?”
Bright Shine waved her hoof dismissively.
“They’re in the living room, but…”
Star Chaser hopped out of his seat, and moved toward the kitchen entryway.
“I’ll grab them, and we can read over them together, I think you’ll see wh-…”
Bright Shine snatched him up in her magic and shushed him aggressively. Her ears turned out, listening for any sign of movement from the other room. When she heard none, Bright Shine didn’t know whether to feel relieved or not. Was she being too paranoid? And where had it come from? Star Chaser pushed her away, and he fell to the ground. His frown shaped into a scowl.
“Shine, what is this about? What’s in the living room that has got you in a…”
The pegasus trailed off, and his eyes took on a tired look.
“Shine, no…”
Bright Shine snapped at her husband.
“Don’t give me that! I don’t know anything about that… that…”
“That what Shine?” Chaser asked, his voice rising with his anger. “Because the only thing I see in the other room is a young stallion that needed help! Help which I freely offered him!”
“But why Chase?” Shine yelled back. “Why did you help him? Why didn’t you just keep your head down and stay safe?”
Star Chaser looked at her in disbelief.
“Shine, it’s because that’s not the pony I am, and I know for a fact that it’s not the pony you are either! He stood up for me Shine! He saved me at an immense risk to his own life, what was I going to do, leave him?”
“Yes!” Bright Shine shouted as tears began clouding her vision. “We have a son Star Chaser! A son that very much misses his father, and a son that I was going to have to tell, on Hearth’s Warming no less, that his father was dead! Do you know how that makes me feel Chase? Do you know how bucking scared I got when White Wing delivered those letters?”
“But they contain good news Shine!” Star Chaser protested. “I’m sorry that they got beat up in transit, but there’s only good in them, I swear!”
“I don’t care about the bucking letters Chase!” Bright Shine cried. “I- I thought you…”
Her grief came back in a rush, and Bright Shine couldn’t help but hide her muzzle in her hooves as she cried. She immediately felt a pair of wings wrap around her barrel, and while she took comfort in his presence, she couldn’t stop crying. The brave face that she, and likely thousands of other ponies had put on crumbled as she let all of the emotional stress that had built up escape. Star Chaser rubbed her shoulders in the way she liked, and after a minute, she managed to find her voice again.
“I thought I lost you Chase,” Bright Shine said through teary eyes. “I thought I was going to raise Inky alone, and I had no idea how I was going to do that. I just got so scared, and then you came in with a pony that we hear every day is supposed to be a bad pony and I just… I got scared Chase, I’m sorry, but I just got so scared that I lost you.”
Star Chaser sighed as he nuzzled her neck.
“Then I’m sorry I scared you Shiney, you know I would never do that intentionally. Are you actually scared of Cobalt though? It makes what’s in the letters… difficult to say the least.”
Bright Shine sniffled and shook her head.
“No, no. I’m not scared of Cobalt, I think… I think all of my fear from these past couple months just built up, and I took it out on the first pony I could lash out at. It’s terrible that I picked on a thestral at a time like this, and I… I need to go say sorry to him.”
She smiled sadly at Star Chaser and rubbed against his side.
“And I’m sorry to you too Chase. This is a terrible homecoming, and I’m sorry that I overreacted like I did.”
Star Chaser returned her nuzzle.
“Don’t be sorry Shiney, let’s just be happy. Come on, I think you’ll like the letters. There’s a surprise in them.”
They began to stand, but then both stopped as they heard the front door jamb slip open. Bright Shine gave Star Chaser a curious look, then they both darted into the hallway to find Cobalt halfway out the door, looking back with tears in his golden eyes. Upon spotting the two of them, his ears flopped to the sides of his head and he looked away in shame.
“I’m sorry Mr. Chaser, I’ll go. This was a long shot anyway, and I don’t want to cause you and your wife to fight. That isn’t right. I’ll go. You’ll be happier without me hanging around.”
Star Chaser opened his mouth to protest, but Bright Shine saw a familiar look in Cobalt’s eyes. For a second, the dark hallway and the thestral disappeared, replaced by a tiny pegasus with sad eyes and a scraped-up knee. It was Feathered Ink’s first time playing alone outside, and the young colt had managed to trip and scrape up his knees while chasing after a butterfly. The injuries were superficial, but that look of hurt in his eyes, it spoke to something deep and primal within Bright Shine, and she acted before he could fly away.
Cobalt blinked as he was lifted into the air and dragged back inside. The door slammed shut and Bright Shine trotted into the living room without a word as she rearranged her grief bed into something semi-suitable for the young thestral. The pony in her magical grasp didn’t squirm, and instead just watched her with confusion written plainly on his muzzle. Once she was satisfied that the couch would be temporarily comfortable, she plopped the thestral down, then swaddled him in her blanket so that he couldn’t think about running away.
Bright Shine couldn’t help but smile at the confused bat pony as he tried to wriggle free of his blanket prison. The only thing it served to do was to make him flop on his side, and he looked desperately to Star Chaser for help. The pegasus beamed at Bright Shine as he saw the thestral up, then settled next to him. Cobalt seemed to relax significantly with the presence of Chaser, but his golden eyes still occasionally looked at Bright Shine with nervousness. The unicorn took a seat before him and sighed.
“Cobalt, let me start by saying welcome to our home. I’m sorry that we didn’t meet in better circumstances, and I’m sorry for treating you badly. You have done wonderful things for me, and my husband, and I repaid your kindness with unwarranted fear and mistrust. For that, I am sorry.”
She extended her hoof and put on her best smile.
“I’m Bright Shine.”
Cobalt met her eyes, and she did her best to convey warmth. It seemed to work well enough, because he tried to wriggle free a leg to shake her hoof, but she had done her job too well, and he only managed to make himself fall into Chaser. Bright Shine giggled and undid the wrapping slightly with her magic. With one hoof free, he reached out hesitantly and shook her hoof.
Star Chaser let out a deep breath and smiled widely, giving the thestral a short hug as he got to his feet.
“I think now’s as good a time as any to read those letters. Is Inky home?”
Bright Shine shook her head.
“No, he’s at a sleep over until tomorrow morning.”
Chaser nodded.
“I… think that actually works better. We can go about this slowly.”
Cobalt gave him a curious glance.
“Go about what Mr. Chaser?”
Star Chaser scanned the room, quickly finding the letters where Bright Shine had left them on the coffee table. He scooped them up, and with quick efficiency unsealed the cleaner of the two letters. He carefully unfolded the paper within it, then sighed and set it out of reach of anyone but himself. He took the bloodied letter in his hoof.
“Let’s start with the explanation. Shiney, I have a strong feeling that you read my letters a certain way, would you mind…?”
Bright Shine silently shook her head as she looked at the sheet of paper with confusion. She didn’t try to snatch it up however, and instead she sat on the other side of Cobalt, levitating the bloodied letter to where she could read it. Almost by instinct, Star Chaser pressed against Cobalt, leaning the thestral into Bright Shine, who curled a hoof around the swaddled pony. He was larger than Inky, but he was still slightly smaller than she was, and it still felt right. She shifted just slightly as they curled around the young pony, then she began to read.
Dearest Bright Shine,
I know this letter might look beat up, but its just because We’ve been moving at a lightning pace these past few weeks, and I’ve been trying to get so much done, both as a guard, and as a father. The Second has been hitting the Lunar forces like crazy, driving them closer and closer to the Everfree. Everyday we get up with the dawn and attack, driving them back until sunset. Each night we wait while the rest of the army falls in around us, giving us time to rest while we prepare for the next day. I think the idea is to make sure the Lunar forces don’t have any time to sleep, but that isn’t what this letter is about.
Princess Celestia says the war is going to end very soon. She found the Elements of Harmony from where Nightmare Moon hid them and she’s going to use them against her. I just pray that it works so that the next part of this letter can happen by Hearth’s Warming.
The paperwork should come in with this letter, but I officially submitted adoption papers for Cobalt.
Bright Shine stopped reading instantly, and she felt Cobalt stiffen in her hooves as he looked to Star Chaser, who seemed a bit nervous as both ponies stared at him in shock. He grabbed the adoption papers and hoofed them over to Bright Shine, who stared at them.
“Before you make any decision Shine, please just read the rest of the letter. My whole reason is there, I promise.”
Bright Shine nodded dumbly, setting the paper to the side. She could feel Cobalt’s eyes shift from her husband to her, but she didn’t move away, and she didn’t meet his gaze. She certainly didn’t tighten her grip slightly. Bright Shine instead just kept reading.
I know this is sudden, and I know that I haven’t discussed this with you, but Shine it’s so important. Cobalt has been beside me the entire time, and I can’t just leave him by himself when this is over. His family won’t take him back, and you and I both know that with how everything has been going, most ponies won’t want him around either, even if he was an adult. But he isn’t Shine, he’s still a teenager! He should be worrying about school and girls, and what he’s going to do with the rest of his life, not about where his next meal is coming from, or where he’s going to sleep during the day.
I can understand if this seems like a tall request, and if you want to yell at me when I get home, I understand completely, but Shine, I am begging you to sign the papers. Inky has always wanted an older brother, and just think! We can help a young colt with so much potential find what he wants to do with his life! We can give him a home! He and I have gotten close in these past few weeks, and I just know that he would be a happy addition to our family.
Please Shine, just think on it. I should be home in a week or two, just in time for Hearth’s Warming. Consider it.
I love you and Inky so very much.
Star Chaser
Cobalt sighed deeply as Bright Shine finished reading, and he wriggled free of his blanket prison. The thestral hopped off the couch and made for the door.
“I’m sorry Mr. Chaser, but I already know what strife I caused you just by being here, I will not be the cause of another argument between you and your wife. I’m not worth that. While I would love to join your family… I’m sorry. I’ll go.”
Bright Shine ignored Star Chaser as he hopped off the couch and tried to convince Cobalt to come back. Her eyes were locked on the adoption form, sitting tantalizingly in reach. It really was the perfect opportunity. They had always wanted another foal, but with the war, and now her new role as head pastry chef for the princess… Cobalt could look after his little brother, take him to school and to parties, play with him on weekends. Maybe even help Chaser teach the little pegasus to fly.
Her horn activated and the papers and a quill floated before her. Bright Shine bit her lip as she continued to think. Would the thestral really be a good fit though? Chaser liked him, and Bright Shine knew that his word was as good as gold when it came to ponies. Besides, Cobalt had been nothing but curious and accommodating since he entered her home. Every word was softly spoken, and he read ponies like they were books, listening carefully for signs of anger, or distress. He was even now trying to leave to avoid causing her heartache, and if nothing else, that showed he cared deeply about Chaser, and by extension, her.
Bright Shine blinked herself from her stupor when she realized that her adoptive son was trying to make for the door, for her sake. That wouldn’t do. That wouldn’t do at all. She scrawled a quick signature on the adoption forms, then levitated Cobalt into the air. The thestral looked at her with visible confusion as he floated back into the living room, followed quickly by a confused Star Chaser. The pegasus’ eyes found the adoption forms quickly, and he gave a quiet gasp as he saw he signature. Bright Shine beamed at him as she set Cobalt down in reach of her hooves, then she latched onto his neck and pulled him close, rubbing her face against his.
“Welcome home Cobalt, I hope we can make you happy here.”
The thestral seemed to stiffen up, and for a moment, Bright Shine feared that she had read his intentions wrong. He had said that he wanted a place in their family. Was he lying to make Chaser feel better? No, no. Bright Shine looked down to find the colt tearing up as his hooves wrapped around her, and he cried softly into her chest fluff. They were clearly tears of joy however, and Bright Shine couldn’t help but smile and rock him back and forth as she nuzzled his head. He was incredibly soft, and Bright Shine knew immediately she had made the right choice.
“D-do you really mean it?” Cobalt asked quietly, looking up with his shining golden eyes. “D-Do y-you really want me?”
Bright Shine let out a long sigh.
“Honestly Cobalt, everything has come in far too quickly for my tastes, but for some reason, I can just feel that, in time, I would have made the same choice, so I thought, ‘It’s Hearth’s Warming, why wait?’. I am more than willing to bring you into our family. You saved your dad’s life, and you made sure he came home. That alone is enough to make me want you, but before you think that I signed that paper just as a way to pay a debt, let me ease that fear. I signed it because I can tell that you are a good pony, and I don’t want you anywhere else but here.”
She clicked her tongue and looked toward the fireplace.
“Shoot, and now I don’t have any gifts for you. And nothing is set up. I haven’t even started baking yet, and we’ll need to set an extra place setting, and…”
She felt a hoof on her chest fluff, and she looked down to find Cobalt rubbing his hooves together sheepishly.
“I know it’s kind of forward, but… could I help you set up? That’s enough of a gift for me.”
Bright Shine smiled brightly at the suggestion and swept the thestral off of the couch. She through a log into the fireplace and quickly lit it aflame as she pulled Cobalt toward the kitchen. Over her shoulder she called;
“Chase, get the blankets and the stockings! We’re going to have a good Hearth’s Warming eve!”
*****
Bright Shine snorted as she startled herself awake. Somebody heavy was on top of her; no, two somebodies. She nuzzled Star Chaser’s fuzzy back while her hoof ran down Cobalt’s even fuzzier side. Both winged ponies rolled off of her and cuddled against her side, sighing happily. Then another knock came from the door, this one sounding louder than the last. Bright Shine groaned. Who could be knocking on Hearth’s Warming? It was still so early, and her boys were so snugly…
A third insistent knock came from the door and Bright Shine wiggled herself free of their little cuddle pile. As she stood, Bright Shine couldn’t help but smile at the festive decorations they had hastily put up. She and Cobalt had dipped into the kitchen to put in everything that needed to slow cook overnight for the Hearth’s warming feast, and when they had come out, they had found Star Chaser had already set up most of the decorations and was working hard to pull the small tree they kept on their front porch into the living room so that they could decorate it with a string of hoofmade decorations. She smiled at the squat little tree in the corner. She had managed to find a few old things Star Chaser didn’t use to gift to Cobalt as well, and he and Inky’s gifts sat under the little tree. She mentally promised herself to get the thestral something truly special after things had settled, but she was glad to have at least one gift under the tree for him.
Another insistent knock came from the door, and Bright Shine trotted to it quickly, glancing backward to make sure neither of the stallions sleeping before the fire woke up. She opened the door before the pony outside could knock again, and blinked in confusion when she saw an irritated looking Feathered Ink. The little pegasus scowled at her.
“You were supposed to pick me up this morning Mom!” he said. “I had to walk home by myself!”
Bright Shine gasped when she realized that he was absolutely right. She had only asked White Wing to drop him off, not pick him up as well. She could recover though, she had two aces’ in the hole. She snatched him up in a crushing hug.
“Sorry Inky, I just got distracted with your Hearth’s Warming presents. They’re really special, I promise.”
Feathered Ink groaned as she nuzzled his head, but he didn’t resist her snuggles for too long, and instead sighed happily and hugged her chest.
“Thanks Mom, but whatever it is, you’re the best Hearth’s Warming gift I could ask for.”
Her heart melted just a little, and she nuzzled his head again.
“Thanks Inky. I’m going to hang that over your father’s head for the rest of our lives.”
It took him a second, but her colt’s head shot up as he stared at her with wide eyes. Bright Shine nodded toward the living room, and the pegasus took off like a shot, cheering excitedly as she heard him bounce on his father. Bright Shine closed the door quickly to keep the cold out, then joined her family in the living room.
She walked in to find Feathered Ink hopping up and down on his startled father, who could only smile widely as he tried to grab the hyper pegasus. Cobalt looked tired, and he squinted hard as he looked toward the open shades. Bright Shine adjusted them so that the light wouldn’t hit his face, and he looked to her wit ha nervous smile. Bright Shine returned it in full, and she waited patiently for Feathered Ink to notice the fourth member to their family.
When the colt didn’t willingly calm down, Chaser snatched him from his bouncing fervor and hugged him tight, making sure he was facing outwards. Feathered Ink stared up with a giddy smile for a minute before his eyes drifted downward. He tilted his head in mild confusion as he looked at Cobalt.
“Who’s this Dad? Is he your bat-pony friend?”
Bright Shine smiled.
“Inky, I want you to meet Cobalt, he’s your new brother.”
Feathered Ink squeaked and fell silent for a moment as he stared at Cobalt with wide eyes. A familiar look came over his eyes, and Shine subtly motioned for Chaser to let the pegasus go. Chaser tilted his head in confusion, but he did as she instructed, and they were both rewarded with Inky immediately pouncing on Cobalt, sending the thestral to the ground with a squawk. Feathered Ink’s energy returned in full as he began pestering Cobalt with questions at lightning speed, investigating the thestral the whole while. Like his adoptive father, Cobalt began trying to catch the young pegasus flapping on top of him, but he was also met with little success.
Bright Shine let the act continue for a few minutes before she caught Feathered Ink with her magic, lifting over a brush to comb down his frazzled mane while she held him. He groaned loudly as he tried to wiggle free.
“Mom!” he whined. “You can brush me any time! I wanna meet Cobalt!”
Bright Shine smiled and nuzzled his back.
“And you have plenty of time to do so later, he lives here now after all.” She clicked her tongue. “Of course, if you don’t want your presents, I can always let you and Cobalt talk…”
Ink crossed his hooves and huffed.
“That isn’t fair,” he grumbled.
Bright Shine kissed his head and began floating presents from beneath the tree.
“I know, but I’m your mother, and I know what’s best. Now let’s start opening gifts!”
*****
Feathered Ink was bouncing over Cobalt again, with both wearing pairs of gift socks. Cobalt looked positively overwhelmed, but in a good way as he snuggled down next to Chaser, who was reading over the approval letter for his latest novel. Bright Shine couldn’t be happier as she watched her now three boys be together. Everything was perfect, and soon, even more ponies would fill her home. White Wing would welcome the good news, and then Princess Celestia could share in their familial warmth. Bright Shine had prepared an entire white cake just for the alicorn, and she knew that it would bring a smile to the princesses face.
As if on cue, a flash of white appeared in the window, and Bright Shine got to her hooves, moving over to snuggle her sons before making her way to the door.
*****
Celestia sighed as she looked at the ongoing festivities within the Shine household. Two familiar guards rested with one another while a third, likely Star Chaser’s son bounced around them both with the gleeful bliss that came with childhood. Bright Shine walked over to them, nuzzling each with such affection. Celestia sighed and backed away from the window. She didn’t belong here, not with a happy family. She shouldn’t have promised Quill that she would visit Bright Shine’s house, no matter if she was to be the new Royal Baker.
She sighed deeply, trying to hold back her tears as she prepared to fly back to her empty castle. She needed to be alone, to grieve alone. She couldn’t bring her sadness into what was a perfectly happy Hearth’s Warming celebration.
Before she could turn away, a shadow passed over her face, and a mail pony touched down before her. Dusting the snow from his mustache, White Wing looked up and blinked in surprise. A hoof raised and he tipped his hat to her.
“Mornin’ Princess, what’re you doing here?”
Celestia smiled sadly.
“I was just leaving actually. I do not wish to intrude on Mrs. Shine’s celebration, and so I will go to my castle.”
White Wing snorted.
“Now that won’t do at all Princess, ‘specially if she’s expecting you. She just lost her husband you see, and she’ll need all the support she’s got.”
Celestia frowned and gestured to the window.
“Nay Mailpony White Wing, her husband has returned safe and sound, and has in fact brought another home with him. They celebrate even now.”
White Wing blinked in surprise, and before he could move to look, the front door opened to reveal a beaming Bright Shine. She looked between the two.
“Great, you’re both here! Lunch isn’t quite ready yet, but we can talk! White Wing, Star Chaser is home! It was adoption papers in that envelope! You delivered the best news of my life!”
White Wing smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry then for makin’ you worry Miss Shine.”
She waved her hoof and scoffed.
“No need to apologize as long as you two come in.”
White Wing smiled and nodded, subtly nudging Celestia toward the door. The alicorn looked at him in confusion. She then looked to Bright Shine with a nervous smile.
“Mrs. Shine, I don’t want to intrude…”
“You won’t Princess,” Bright Shine said with a chipper tone in her voice. “Now come on! I want you to meet my sons!”
She latched onto Celestia’s scarf with her magic, and with White Wing’s help, they dragged the semi-reluctant alicorn inside, more than ready to celebrate Hearth’s Warming in full.
