//------------------------------// // The Council // Story: Another Last Problem? // by Cocoa Fortune //------------------------------// “Well, at least the coronation is over.” Surrounded by the aftermath of the party, Pinkie drank applesauce straight from the cup. It was sweet, if not the drink everyone wanted. A very tired Twilight, wearing her coronation gown with her mane all frizzled and messy, gave a massive sigh as she walked up to the table. She slammed her face down onto the table, tired from the day’s antics. Pinkie was the first to laugh, fitting for the element she once represented. Soon, the entire table was giggling away at just how terrible the coronation went. It was a complete and utter mess but they had done it together, just like always. “That was something!” the newly-crowned Princess Twilight exclaimed as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “I was just about to say the same thing,” Starlight Glimmer and Spike walked onto the scene, Spike barely concealing a gift,” I know maybe it wasn't the coronation you planned, but it's good to see all of you laughing.” Spike kicked up some dust on the floor. “We wanted to give this to you before you left Ponyville, but things got a little hectic.” He said, holding out the present. “Since you're moving away, we thought if you missed any of us or Ponyville, this might help.” Twilight leapt up off her seat and magically unwrapped the gift. It was a book! A book with moving pictures, capturing the memories that the six had shared. Twilight couldn’t help but feel her eyes water, caught in remembrance. “Awwwww…” “It's a book of memories.” Started Pinkie. “And we all chipped in some.” Continued Applejack. “No matter how much things change, you'll always have this to look back on.” Fluttershy finished. “I love it,” Twilight closed the book, “Thank you so much. But I don't want to only look back. Obviously, the coronation wasn't perfect, but that doesn't matter. It's our relationships that really count, and we have to maintain them.” “But now that we'll be living in different places, I'm not exactly sure how.” Rarity’s voice drooped towards the end of her sentence, feeling a bit sad. “I am.” Twilight boasted, catching the attention of the group, “I suggest we meet once a moon. In fact, my first royal decree as ruler of Equestria is to establish this Council of Friendship!” The ponies cheered at this decree, giggling at the thought of ruling together. “And what a wonderful decree it is!” Former Princesses Celestia and Luna entered the scene. “We always knew that whatever adversity you faced, you and your friends would find your way through it together.” “We know Equestria is in the perfect hooves with you and your friends looking out for it.” Celestia smiled at her pupil’s progress. “And while we'll always be here if you need us, it's time for us to be on our way.” “You're leaving?” Twilight asked, concerned. She didn’t realise that the princesses would be leaving so soon. “We hope you'll come and visit us in Silver Shoals,” Luna reassured. “But now it's time for you to rule on your own. You're all more than capable.” The tears returned to Twilight’s eyes, raising her hoof to her chest and accepting her position as ruler of Equestria. “Thank you. For everything.” Twilight leapt at Celestia and the two embraced in a big hug, everypony else quickly joining in and becoming part of Celestia’s great wingspan. Laughter filled the courtyard as a new era was heralded in.