Teaser for next Chapter. · 8:57pm Dec 3rd, 2013
Just to show that I'm still alive and writing, I'm going to share the set-up/framing for the next and last chapter of Most Inappropriate. This ~700 word bit isn't pre-read or anything so please take any typos with a grain of salt. I plan on having the chapter done and up by Xmas since, you know, Hearthswarming and all.
Miss you guys,
BioChi.
Celestia uncrossed her eyes and looked up from the blond and gray pegasus to which she was talking. Her sister had inexplicably but specifically invited Ponyville’s mailmare to the palace’s Hearthswarming celebration but had completely ignored the poor dear, leaving the middle-class civil servant adrift in a sea of snobbery. The regent of the day had discovered the skittish mare hiding behind one of the six decorative trees that had been erected in the ballroom. The tinkling sound of breaking ornaments had drawn her attention.
At first, Celestia’s company had made the pegasus’ nerves even worse but after several minutes of gentle, albeit one-way, conversation the gray mare began to calm down and forget about the company she was keeping. The alicorn had eventually coaxed the mare onto the topic of the royal mail service and was surprised how much different the organizational structure and operating procedures looked from “ground level.” As she cast about looking for her missing sister, Celestia made a mental note to discuss these inefficiencies with her secretary as soon as the holiday was over.
She spotted her previously missing sister alongside her “niece.” Both were muzzle deep in the chocolate fountain. Eyes suddenly wide at the peculiar view, she politely but firmly disengaged herself from her conversation and worked her way across the crowded hall. While her bulk made such a crossing difficult, her status prompted ponies of all standing to scurry out of her way as best they could. Very much like the sun breaking through a pastel-tinted bank of clouds, her radiant presence shone down on her fellow, but very guilty-looking, alicorns.
Above Luna’s chocolate coated snout, her eyes had sunken into haunted pits. Cadance’s mien was even worse. Molton brown solace warred with her bright pink coat in a battle for the disputed territory of her face while her eyes resembled those of a hunted animal. As Celestia took the final few steps towards them, the smell of vomit wafted up from her honorary niece. The great white alicorn developed a slightly greenish tinge and swallowed repeatedly before speaking in a tone as rich and heavy as gold. “Where is Twilight and how is it your fault?”
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Several minutes later, Celestia, unannounced, entered the room occupied by the depressed Elements of Harmony. A moment afterwards, Luna and Cadance, both being dragged by an ear shimmering with a gold aura, entered the room as well. Only Twilight’s reverence for her mentor outweighed the leaden mood that had pinned everypony, motionless, to the closest horizontal surface.
“Princess! You should be downstairs!” Twilight pointlessly objected instead of greeting Celestia like a normal pony.
“And happy Hearthswarming to you too, Twilight, girls.” the alicorn replied. The other ponies raised their heads in response to their Princess’ greeting.
“But the ball!” Twilight persisted.
“It is as incomplete without me as it was without the six of you.”
Twilight’s third response died on her tongue, murdered by Celestia’s raised eyebrow.
“I am given to understand that some ponies have been telling stories, ones that were better left forgotten. Luna and Cadance have something to say to you all.”
“Mumble-grumble sorry mumble.” was the noise the chastised alicorns produced.
The two royal mares each winced as the aura still gripping an ear brightened.
After taking a breath after the aura dimmed back to its original brightness, they them said in unison: “We are sorry we nearly ruined your Hearthswarming Eve.”
Celestia nodded and her expression softened as she bodily levitated both alicorns to existing gaps among the six friends. “Now, since the two of you have had your fun, I think it is only fair that I have a chance to tell a story and rescue the evening.”
True fear began to show through Luna’s and Cadance’s eyes. The golden glow of the magic aura shifted to their docks, adhering them to the stone floor.
Twilight, gaping like a fish out of water at the display before her, was nearly bowled over as the princess of the sun, regent of the day, her mentor and second mother winked at her.
“I suppose the best way to begin is the most traditional,” the white alicorn prefaced. “Once upon a time…”
Can't wait!
I predict a very high chance of continued pillow, cupcake and vomit showers. I don't doubt Celestia's story will be one of the worst. At least Luna's did indeed have a happy ending of sorts.