//------------------------------// // Dance of the Knight // Story: A Knight's Tales // by Modern Masquerade //------------------------------// The day had started like many others, with Prism and Aura taking the carriage up to the school in the morning. Even still, Prism could sense a tension from Aura as her friend fidgeted in the seat, worse yet she hadn’t spoken. Trying to figure out her friend’s discomfort, Prism noticed a few strange things. Not only had Aura freshly done her mane, a soft scent of chrysanthemum found its way to Prism, who smiled at the scent of her favorite flower. Unable to deduce why her friend was nervous this fine morning, or why she had been so uncharacteristically reticent, Prism finally admitted defeat and asked. “Aura, is something on your mind?” The quiet question seemed to startle Aura somehow, snapping her away from the silent daze. A hint of a blush grew across Aura’s face as she responded, “Oh, it’s nothing.” Flashing an insincere smile at her friend, she was met only with a skeptical eyebrow from Prism. It took all of a second before Aura finally cracked under the pressure, “Okay okay, but promise not to laugh.” Both young mares crossed their hearts with their hooves and nodded silently in a gesture long practiced. Satisfied, Aura continued, her voice rushing, “The thing is, my family is going to this ball, and I’m supposed to bring somepony to dance with. If I don’t bring my own partner I’d have to dance with this gross colt from Trottingham because our parents like each other. I know you don’t like crowds, but would you please go with me?” Prism could hardly believe what she’d heard. She couldn’t handle pressure like that, and was ready to respectfully decline, until she saw Aura’s face. Her friend was awaiting her response with bated breath. In that instant she understood how much it meant to Aura that she come, “Only for you, Aura.” No sooner had the response come than Prism found herself wrapped in a tight hug from Aura, who wasted no time filling her in on the details. --- Double Stitch groaned at the fidgeting filly that she was fitting. “No, sweetie, for the last time I don’t have anything more protective. It’s a dress, not armor.” Prism opened her mouth to speak, but was immediately interrupted, “I know it’s heavy and uncomfortable, but it’s still not armor, just fashion.” Pouting slightly with disappointment, Prism did her best to cooperate for the rest of the fitting. Hammer, who’d been sitting in the corner of the tailor shop posed his own question to Prism. “So, you said you needed this dress for a dance your friend asked you to?” Prism nodded very slightly, not wanting to disturb Mrs. Stitch. “Alright, alright...” Hammer continued, “Say, how much longer will this take?” This question earned him a scolding look from Mrs. Stitch, who hissed back, “Mr. Hammer, I’d expect more patience from a stallion that works with armor fittings. I assure you that fashion demands at least as much precision and care. Especially with such short notice.” Satisfied with her fitting, a flare of magic engulfed the seamstress’s horn, closing all the seams at their precise and perfect measurements. Prism looked herself up and down in the mirrors, loving the draping flow of the fabric, the way its subtle colors accented her mane and eyes. She couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful dress, but even still she felt exposed and vulnerable. Then she had an idea, remembering a spell from her studies. One trip to the wand shop (and a very convincing argument to her Pa) later, Prism was the proud owner of a wand of Mage Armor. Invisible, it wouldn’t ruin the look of the dress even as it protected her. While not on the level of real armor, it could at least give her the sense of mind. It’s only weakness would be that she may need to reapply. Thinking of something she’d seen some students use, Prism pulled the back of her mane into a bun with a twist of magic, holding it together with the wand. Hammer laughed at seeing this display, but complemented Prism for her forward thinking as they finished preparations. --- Prism was expecting a crowd, but this was above and beyond that. It looked like nearly every noble family in Equestria was present. Taking deep breaths, Prism forced herself into the great ballroom, limbs shaking subtly with her nerves. As she looked around, lost in the posh crowd, Prism was startled enough to jump as Aura greeted her from behind. “Thanks so much for coming, you look great!” Acting halfway on instinct, Prism turned rapidly in a near panic, but stopped as soon as she saw Aura. Her friend had pulled out the stops, dressed from horn to tail in an elegant gown. Happy to find a familiar face, Prism composed herself and gave a soft bow as she remembered the formality of the evening, “The pleasure is mine-” Prism was suddenly interrupted by Aura lifting her from the bow with a chuckle, “You don’t have to bow to your partner, silly.” While she was a touch embarrassed by her blunder, Prism looked around only to find that nopony had been watching, all too consumed in their own conversations or dances. “You really do look great, though.” Prism confided in Aura as they moved to get some hors devours. Even here at the event itself, Prism could notice that something was different about Aura, in this context. Everything about her friend was normally very composed, and indeed she was composed outwardly here as well, but there was something off. Aura accepted the compliment gratefully, “Thanks, I’m glad you like it, it took me forever to get just right.” As the two walked around the dance floor, their conversation turned between topics, telling old stories, talking about families, and even discussing their plans for the future. Eventually, as the moon started to grow high in the sky, Aura leaned in close for a question, “Prism, I’ve been meaning to ask, do you know how to dance? We don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’m supposed to make an appearance on the floor.” Prism had been growing more comfortable in the crowd as the night had endured, ignoring the crowd in favor of her friend, but even still the prospect of the dance floor scared her. “Well, my Ma taught me how to dance, but I’m not sure with this many ponies…” Aura gave a sweet smile of understanding, but then looked deep into Prism’s eyes, “Don’t even worry about them, just keep your eyes on mine.” Prism did as her friend suggested, and the rest of the room seemed to fade away as she was lost in Aura’s sapphire eyes. She had never really looked at them so deeply before, or realized how beautiful they were. Looking in each other’s eyes, Aura led the two young mares onto the dance floor, where they began to dance as the band played a new song. Starting with a mutual bow, the two ponies danced together as if practiced, interchanging between lead and follow, moving around the room in a masterful display. The song came to an end as Prism dipped Aura low, sweeping her off her hooves with a pull of magic. For a golden moment, the two smiled with satisfaction at their performance and with each other. Then, a round of applause began to thunder through the ballroom, drawing Prism’s attention to see her nightmare. Every single pony in the room had been watching their dance, with the other dancers leaving the floor to join the spectators. Prism froze, hardly able to keep enough control to set Aura down gently. Able to see the young mare’s discomfort, many in the crowd stopped their applause, but it wasn’t enough as Prism made her way to the nearest exit, galloping into the moonlit gardens. Aura followed her friend, finding Prism desperately trying to compose herself at a stone bench away from the window, overlooking a clear pond that reflected the full moon. “I’m so sorry,” Prism choked out, “I ruined your party.” Aura sat next to her friend on the bench, putting a hoof lightly on her shoulder. “No no no, that’s impossible Prism,” Aura consoled, “You’ve been the best part of this whole party, just like you’re the best part of my day.” Prism wiped her eyes dry and looked to her friend once again with a small smile. “Thank you Aura, I don’t know what I’d do without you.” she intoned softly. “I do have one question though,” Prism perked up as she looked to Aura sincerely, “Was there really a Trottingham colt?” Her face scrunching involuntarily, Aura started to laugh at her ruse being discovered, quickly being joined by Prism. Doubling over onto each other, the two mares had never felt closer on that stone bench under the moonlight. After they shared their laugh, Aura took a deep breath, as she visibly steeled herself. Looking into the moon’s reflection seemed to give the last touch of strength she needed as she spoke with a nervous tone, “Prism, you really helped me tonight, so I wanted to give you something to show just how much you mean to me.” Perplexed by her friend’s sudden shift, Prism decided it’d be best to play along. “If you say so, where is it?” She looked around, trying to find this unexpected gift. Taking another deep breath, Aura spun to face Prism on the bench. “It is here, but it’s a surprise. You have to close your eyes.” Her tone sounded even more nervous now, but Prism obliged, closing her eyes shut tight. As her world went dark, thoughts raced through Prism’s head on what was happening, on the night so far, especially on their dance. Still, as the seconds ticked by with her eyes closed, she could hear Aura moving next to her, ever so slightly. The anticipation seemed unbearable as seconds practically stretched into eternity. Finally, Prism felt something peculiar, a warm wind interrupting the light cold of the night around her muzzle. It took a moment for Prism to decipher what this could be, and by the time she did, all her thoughts were interrupted. Feeling a soft pair of lips on her own, Prism couldn’t help but open her eyes, seeing Aura’s own closed. The rush of thoughts in Prism’s head stopped like a river over a waterfall, leaving only her happiness in this moment, as she returned the unexpected kiss. Their lips locked, Prism was surprised by the rush of feeling that overcame her with the sweet kiss. Though it may have lasted only an instant, it felt like a blessed eternity, the unicorn’s horns coming alight with their unbridled joy. Finally, the two pulled away, now both opening their eyes, and each seeing their own happy surprise reflected. With their own lights joining that of the full moon’s reflection, the two mares simply smiled widely and moved closer together, leaning on each other as they enjoyed the stars.