//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Starting the Flow // Story: Serenity's Tale // by ElementofOrder //------------------------------// Serenity’s Tale – Chapter 1: Starting the Flow Fire and rain were the first things Serenity distinctly remembered from her early foalhood. There was a light rain as her family rode a carriage away from a blazing house. Unable to fully comprehend what was going on, she gazed at the scene behind them as it got further and further away. The hypnotic dance of the flames and the soft kiss of the rain soothed young Serenity and lulled her into a state of peace.      “It’s okay, Serenity. We’re safe. You don’t have to be scared,” said Tranquility. Serenity glanced at her older sister for a moment, then returned her attention to the shrinking image of the burning house. Scared of what? She wondered. There’s nothing to be scared of. “What are we safe from?” Her mother, Summer Rain, moved closer to her and wrapped her in a protective hug as she glanced at her former home. “The fire,” she said calmly. “It can’t hurt the rest of us.” Summer’s voice cracked and she hugged Serenity tighter. “I’m glad that at least you and your sister made it out safely.”       Tranquility hugged Summer and sobbed quietly. Why are mama and Tranquility crying? Serenity sighed as the burning building disappeared from view. “How can something so pretty hurt us?” “Fire isn’t pretty!” snapped Tranquility. “It’s dangerous and bad.” “But why is it bad? How is it dangerous?” “It just is, Serenity.” Summer Rain gently placed a hoof on her daughters’ heads. “That’s enough talk of fire tonight, girls. Go ahead and get some sleep. It’s going to be a long ride.”      Two years later, the three of them were settled into a new home in the city of Nocturne. “Are you ready for your first day of school, Serenity?” “A little bit, mother.” Serenity tried not to squirm too much as she was bathed. Water’s not as fun with soap and bubbles in it. “Only a little bit? Why’s that, sweetie?” “Why do I have to go to school to learn? Can’t father teach me?” Summer lathered soap into Serenity’s mane, taking care to avoid her horn. “Your father would love to teach you, but his duties wouldn’t give him a lot of time to do so. Besides, he and I think it would be good for you to start interacting with ponies your own age.” Serenity closed her eyes and pouted. I don’t want to talk to other ponies. “What about Tranquility? She’s my age.” “And she’s going to the same magic school as you. She can help you make friends.”      Summer rinsed Serenity off and levitated a towel to herself. “You’re four years old, Serenity. This is the time to start building social skills. Promise me that you’ll at least try to make friends.” Serenity sat in silence for a few moments. I don’t want to make friends with foals I’ve never met, but I don’t want to disappoint mother. “I guess I’ll try to talk to the other fillies and colts.” I can’t say I’ll make friends because that would be a lie. Father says you should never lie. Summer Rain smiled and gave her daughter a light hug. “That’s my good little filly. Now let’s dry you off so you can get ready to go.”      After her mother dried her off, Serenity descended the spiral staircase of her grand home. Beautiful paintings decorated the walls. Each pillar bore intricate carvings of majestic Alicorns and dragons. While the mansion wasn’t filled wall to wall with extravagant décor, the furniture present was tasteful and in moderate quantity. “Good morning, Serenity. Your sister is eating breakfast in the dining room,” said Equilibrium. “Your food is ready and waiting.” Serenity nodded in acknowledgement. “Yes, father. I’ll go join her right away. Good morning.”      Serenity walked into the dining room and sat across from her sister. “May you pass me my food, Tranquility?” The plate, glass and silverware glowed with a light purple aura as they were levitated over to Serenity. “Why not just sit next to me?” Serenity took a sip of her juice. “I’m fine over here. Besides, you already passed my plate over. I don’t really need to move again until I’m done.” Tranquility gave an annoyed groan, then took a few bites of her oats. “Well, are you excited about starting magic school? It’s really fun and the teachers are—“ Serenity raised her hoof. “Yes, Serenity?” “Thank you, sister. Mother asked me the same question. I’m not excited, I don’t want to make friends with strangers and I don’t want to learn from schoolteachers.” “You have to learn to be smart!” “I never said I didn’t want to learn, dummy! I just want father to teach me, not strangers.”      Tranquility ate the rest of their food in silence and then walked to the front door where their father waited for them. “You know stepfather doesn’t have time to teach us. If he did, he would already be teaching me,” Tranquility whispered.      She smiled at Equilibrium, then turned to her sister. “I liked school when I started to go, so I’m sure you’ll like it too.” “Did you both eat breakfast?” They both answered “yes father” and he gave a satisfied nod. “Then let us be on our way.”