//------------------------------// // In Which Twilight Learns How to Princess // Story: Shipfic Folder Series // by SS Nomad //------------------------------// The dormitory hallway in Canterlot Castle was not exactly the type of place one usually heard a door slam open, but this day was a special occasion. Twilight Sparkle grumbled as she staggered into her room and collapsed on the bed, legs and wings all splayed out in every direction. Following behind, an amused Princess Celestia stood just in the hall, grinning at her protege. “How the hell do you do it?” Twilight grumbled into her pillows, “It’s been days, and I’m trying as hard as I can, but holding court is completely ridiculous! How can you possibly just sit there and listen to them all whine like that?” Celestia chuckled, shaking her head, “Well… to some degree you just get used to it, Twilight. There are ways to think, ways to tune out, ways to cope. I’m sure you’ll find your own in time.” “Do I have to?” Twilight asked as she rolled over to face Celestia, already knowing the answer but wanting to vent anyway, “It’s an archaic tradition that doesn’t even do anything anymore. Surely my time is better used elsewhere.” With a smile, Celestia stepped into the room and toward the bed, “It’s… just something our subjects expect of us. It’s pageantry, of course, but if it helps our little ponies get through their days and trust we will take care of their concerns, it’s worth the time.” Sitting back upright, Twilight nodded in agreement, already knowing that full well, “Well… I know I’ll have to hold my own court soon enough, but I’m not sure just learning by practice like this is getting anywhere. You know listening to ponies complain drives me up a wall. Do you have anything, any idea that would help?” Celestia stopped approaching abruptly, looking like she’d been caught with her hoof in the cookie jar, before lowering her head and taking the last few steps to sit on the bed with her former student, “There are… some things that work for me, at least.” Hearing the hesitance in the Princess’ voice, Twilight tried to press gently, “I… could really use the help Prin- Celestia.” After a long pause and some obviously averted eye contact, Celestia finally spoke again, “Okay. Just… don’t judge me too harshly for any of this, okay?” “Never,” Twilight replied with a smile, “You know me better than that.” Reassured, Celestia began to explain, “There are… well, many ways to approach it. The first, and one of the most useful, is… I assume you’ve encountered the term schadenfreude.” “Laughing at others’ misfortune?” Twilight defined quizzically, “What does that have- Wait, you expect me to-” “Well, you find them annoying, yes?” Celestia replied with a gentle smirk, “All of their petty complaints?” Twilight’s expression turned from shock to light amusement, “So… all that time you were just… laughing at them internally?” Celestia said nothing, but her blush and shrug was enough of an answer. Twilight covered her mouth, but not in shock. No, it was a shared amusement. They truly had been annoying and petty all day. As soon as she realized she was under no obligation to actually be concerned with their issues… Twilight snorted out a laugh. Grinning, Celestia added, “Remember that one complaining about grazing rights? Oh, I just couldn’t help but imagine that he was the one doing the grazing. Just think about it, picture it.” Covering her face to hide her amusement, Twilight replied, “Oh wow, he was just the worst, wasn’t he? So entitled. Picturing him…” “So that works for you, then?” Celestia asked. “It’s…” Twilight snickered, “It’s a start, at least. I had no idea you were so…” “Probably best to not finish that sentence,” Celestia replied with a wink, “but yes. It’s worked for me for centuries. I hope it serves you well.” Wiping the tears from her eyes, Twilight smiled back, “Yeah. I think it will.”