Canterlot was always so beautiful at dawn.
I could see it from here in the train, illuminated by the rising sun, its light gleaming off the marble spires and golden eaves of the kingdom. Its many waterfalls were lovely as well, the sun’s light bringing about so many rainbows as it rose beyond the horizon. It was a wonderful sight, and one I hadn’t had the pleasure of viewing in months.
I’d missed it.
Though as beautiful as it was, the city itself wasn’t what I was missing, I missed my life from before. The library, my private lessons with Princess Twilight, my secret nightly rendezvous. Many things I had talked about on the ride here, and the one that I had kept secret, instead thinking about overnight as I slept restlessly.
Hopefully we’d be able to talk tonight. My parents had planned to stay over the holiday, so I should have a few nights to speak with the spirits again. They were my friends too, after all, and I had to make time for them. Especially Sombra, he was by far the one I was closest too, and the one most willing to talk. I’m sure he’s managed to help a few of them while I was away. Of course, I’d be sad to see them gone, but I knew it was for the best,
“I take it you’re excited for the visit?”
Turning with a surprised squeak, I was face to face with Mother. Had she been there the whole time I’d been reminiscing?
“I could have sworn you were still sleeping, what are you doing awake so early?" I asked.
Mother laughed, brushing through her hair with a comb as she said, “After years of running that school, I think it's an ingrained habit to wake up early. And really, you might not believe me, but this is almost late for me. I try to rise before the sun does. Did you sleep well?”
I began to nod, then decided against it, shaking my head. I hadn’t slept well, and there was no point in lying about that.
“I take it you were too excited to be visiting again?” She asked. This time, I did nod, and she smiled, “Understandable. I’m pretty excited too, it’s been so long since I’ve actually been able to talk with Twilight, and I’m sure your father will be happy to hear about Flurry’s recent magic studies. It’ll be a busy couple of days, I’m sure.”
I nodded again, wordlessly. I’d forgotten that Princess Flurry Heart was to be there as well, though I wasn’t sure why. Neither Princess Cadance or Prince Shining Armor were scheduled to arrive, so maybe Flurry was simply visiting her aunt? Perhaps she needed a break from her siblings, I know most ponies find them annoying, though I’ve never had a brother or sister of my own.
“Is Father awake as well?” I asked.
Mother nodded, “He’s being lazy about it though, lying in bed and reading his book. Says he won’t have time to read at the castle, so he’s trying to finish it now. I suppose I can’t blame him, though I do wish he’d comb his mane for once.”
I stifled a giggle, “You’re beginning to sound like Grandma.”
The face Mother made at that comment got that giggle to escape, and with that she looked at me as if insulted.
“I really wish you were wrong,” She said, “Maybe I’m getting old.”
“Maybe just a little,” I quipped, unable to hide the cheeky grin making way to my face. I meant it in good fun, of course, Mother was far from elderly, but it was hard not to poke fun at her sometimes.
“Well, you better watch yourself then, because it won’t be long until you’re my age,” She shot back, leaning forward to place a quick kiss on my forehead, “Now get ready, alright? It won’t take much longer to get to the city.”
“Yes Mom,” I nodded, giving her a quick nuzzle back. She smiled at the gesture, heading back to her and Father’s room, right next to mine.
Grabbing my own brush, I began to comb through my mane, watching the sun rise as we approached Canterlot. It hit the train about when I got my ponytail in, its warmth bringing a feeling of comfort as it engulfed me like a hug.
It would probably surprise no one to know that I love the daytime, dawn especially. It was in my name, after all. Sunlight was warm and welcoming, and reminded me so much of Princess Twilight. She may rule over both Day and Night, but I only ever really spoke with her under the light of the sun, while meetings under the light of the moon had been reserved for someone else.
I sat in that sunlight for the rest of the train ride, embracing its warmth as I thought about what this holiday might entail. I hoped it would be peaceful, and perhaps a bit informative, since it’s always nice to learn something new. Not that I’d be upset if I didn’t learn anything, it might be nice to have a relaxing break, but I’d like to try and learn a thing or two.
After all, I had a few spells in mind that I’d like to test. I’m sure those results may teach me something.
The train lurched, and I was pulled out of my thoughts, as well as my bed. The muffled voices of more than a dozen creatures began to fill my ears, and I knew we were at the station. Quickly bagging my loose belongings, then checking over the room to make sure I hadn’t forgotten any, I slung my bag over my back and followed my parents as they made their way past my room.
It was both overwhelming and relieving to finally exit that train. There were so many creatures, from Yaks to Kirin to Ponies, waiting to board their own trains or welcome their visiting family. It was certainly the busiest I’d seen any train station in a while, which was saying something, because Canterlot was always busy.
It was so much more active than Ponyville, though it wasn’t as annoying as I’d expected. Because as much as I’d enjoyed being in Ponyville again, and as much as I appreciated my new friends, there was something I missed about Canterlot. Not just the wonderful sunrises, nor the hustle and bustle of the grand city, but the memories it contained. Memories about what I’d learned, memories about my days with Princess Twilight, and of course, memories of the secret I’d been hiding for all this time.
Okay, so there was a little bit of guilt, but it was for the greater good. Besides, who would believe me if I said I talked to ghosts anyway?
Lost in my thoughts again, I bumped into something. For a moment I was worried it was another creature, and that I’d be dragged into an apology that would spiral into a conversation, but to my relief it was simply my mother.
“I can’t remember, was someone supposed to meet us here?” She asked, looking to Father. He was looking at a sheet of paper, one that I was hoping was a letter and not a map, “It’s not as if we can’t make it to the castle on our own, but I’d have thought Twilight would have sent Gallus at least.”
“Well, the train did have a bit of delay, perhaps whoever she sent went back to the castle?” Father suggested, folding the paper and shoving it into his bag, “Maybe we’ll run into them on the way.”
To my relief, we were finally on our way to the castle. If I had to wait any longer, I might have abandoned my parents and went on my own, if at least to get away from the busy platform. I’d done it many times before, and knew the best shortcuts, so I probably could have made it there before them. Oh, I was so excited to get there, I almost wanted to race!
But I didn’t, for courtesy’s sake. This was a holiday after all, and Princess Twilight wanted all three of us there, so it would be more polite to arrive together.
When we were finally at the castle, we were greeted by two guards, and their captain. They were probably the only three active outside right now, and I knew each of them by name, though Gallus was the only one I’d spoken with on more than a few occasions. He had been one of the first students at the School of Friendship, so Mother and Father knew him well.
“Sorry about not picking you up,” He said, leading us inside, “Planning for the Festival of the Two Sisters is always a bit hectic, Princess Twilight always wants each one to be the best, so we’ve been helping her out.”
“She knows she could call us for help? I’m sure the others have dropped by, right?” Mother asked. Gallus nodded.
“Pinkie and Fluttershy dropped by for a bit, but they had to leave again. The others have also been busy, but I’m sure they’ll all try and make time to be here on the day of the event,” He answered, stopping in front of the throne room door, “You may want to brace yourselves for this.”
He pushed open the door and announced us, but before any of us got the chance to say hello, a high and excited whinny interrupted us.
“Uncle Sunburst! Auntie Starlight! Luster!” Flurry squealed, shooting over and embracing us all in her wings and arms. Somehow, she managed to lift us all, but I suppose that’s the sort of strength Alicorns have, “I haven’t seen you all in so long!”
“Hello, Flurry Heart,” Father greeted, “It’s nice to see you again, how have you been?”
“I’ve been wonderful! When Auntie Twilight told me you were visiting, I just knew I had to come over, and it’s nice to get away from all that nonsense in the Empire. Charming has been driving me crazy!”
Well, looks like I was right about the sibling thing.
“That’s very nice,” I said, shifting uncomfortably in her grasp, “But could you please put us down, Princess?”
“Oh, sorry!” She practically dropped us, though it was hardly a fall at such a short distance, and she blushed in embarrassment, “Sometimes I forget my own strength.”
“And perhaps a bit of self control,” Twilight added, approaching at a much more casual pace than her niece before stopping beside us, looking to me specifically as she said, “And no need to be so formal, Luster. We’re friends here, not princesses, and it’d just be a mouthful to say our full titles.”
“Yeah, no need for all that stuff right now, it actually gets pretty annoying,” Flurry agreed, brushing a strand of mane out of her face, “But enough about that, you guys are gonna be here for a few days, right? You should probably settle in real quick, would you like me to show me to your rooms?”
Mother and Father nodded. I shook my head.
“I appreciate the offer, but no thank you. My old room is still up, right?” I asked. Twilight nodded. “I can just take my stuff over there, if that’s alright?”
“That works just as well,” Twilight agreed, turning back to her throne and the paperwork beside it, “Come to the dining area once you’re finished, they should be making breakfast, and we’ll be able to talk more over that. Sorry I couldn’t offer a better greeting.”
“It’s fine, we all know you’re busy,” Mother assured, before following the overly excited Flurry Heart.
This finally left me on my own, and I was more than excited to make my way down the other side of the hall. I was very hopeful for this Holiday, and so ready to see what I could learn, and to catch up with both Princess Twilight and King Sombra. It would still be a while until I could see the latter, but maybe if I were lucky I’d catch a glimpse or hear the whisper of one of the spirits.
I stayed alert as I listened for them, glancing at every mirror on the chance one would glimpse back through them. The foals were particularly playful and seemed the most likely to greet me even by day, and though I didn’t want to encourage them to reveal themselves, I began to hum a soft tune in the hopes of one humming back.
Much to my disappointment, none of them showed themselves. I suppose it wasn’t too bad, they were simply obeying their king’s law, but it was still disheartening.
“Fine, be that way,” I whispered, quickening my pace. At least I could hope to see them tonight. “And I was hoping at least one of you would have missed me.”
“And who exactly are you talking to?”
I froze in place, a bolt of panic welling up inside me, because the voice I just heard was somepony who was very much alive. Racking my brain for an excuse, I turned around far too quickly and smiled awkwardly at the cobalt Unicorn in front of me.
“Deadbolt,” I greeted, “I was just, uh…”
I really didn’t have an excuse, and I couldn’t lie. I took that as a sign I may have spent too much time on the Apple Farm recently, but in my defense, Sugar Belle made some good fritters. At least Deadbolt didn’t seem overly concerned by my anxiety.
“You’re still a weird kid,” He said, walking by and patting me on the back with an armored hoof. I flinched back at the contact, “What’re you doing back in Canterlot anyway? I thought Princess Twilight dropped you off in Ponyville on a permanent friendship mission.”
“You do know she and my parents are friends, right?” I said, stepping away as I hid a shudder of disgust. I hated being touched without warning. “And the Festival of the Two Sisters in a few days. Shouldn’t you be outside, guarding the castle?”
“Nah, I’ve got the indoor shift today,” He grinned, leaning his spear against his shoulder, “Gives me plenty of time to waste, and it’s boring as sin.”
I nodded with a hum, mostly just wanting to get the conversation over with. I didn’t want to waste any more time getting to my room and then to breakfast, but I also didn’t want to turn my back on Deadbolt. I never did like him, I always thought he was always so lazy and uncaring of his job, I don’t even know why Princess Twilight kept him around.
Why did he even have a spear, anyway? The guards almost never carried weapons in broad daylight, it was hardly necessary. All it did was make me not want to turn my back to him even more, and I wasn’t sure why…
“So where are you off too?” He asked, “Or, were. You don’t seem to be going now.”
“My room,” I answered. I almost added onto ‘around the corner’ but opted not to. The last thing I needed was to be followed by him.
He didn’t seem to get the memo. If anything, he approached me.
“Well, need an escort then? I can take ya,” He offered, patting himself on the chest, “I can assure you that nothing will bother you with ol’ Deadbolt around, and It’ll give me something to-”
CRASH
Deadbolt jumped back, spear at the ready as he turned in the direction of that horrible noise, only to step onto the busted mirror on the floor. Something flashed inside it, and though I knew what it was, Deadbolt suspected nothing.
“Blasted maids, can’t even place the mirrors in the right spot, and now I gotta fetch one to clean it up,” He hissed, shaking his hoof to make sure no shards had embedded in it, “S’pose that means you’re on your own then, Lust. Not that you mind.”
I didn’t mind. I wanted him to go away. I also wanted him to not refer to me with such a horrid nickname.
“Please never call me that again,” I said, not even bothering to hide my annoyance.
He shrugged, running off with the intention to yell at the first maid he found. I felt bad for whoever it would be, but at least he was out of my hair. I really just wanted to get to my room now, and then head straight to breakfast.
“You’re welcome for that, by the way.”
“Eep!” I jumped back in surprise, practically doing a 180 in midair as I turned to see who was behind me now. Except this time, no one was there, and at the lack of anything I felt a cold shudder run down my spine.
To a normal pony, that would be a sign of unease. To me, it was a sign of comfort.
“Oh, thank you,” I said, glancing at the mirror shards. A flash of brown and green shone within them, and I knew it to be one of the spirits, “Jack Pine, was it?”
A quiet hum. I took that as a yes. I remembered him well enough, he was always a bit less caring if anypony saw him, and I knew that frustrated Sombra.
“Have you and the others been well?” I asked, “How’s Sombra?”
“Define ‘well’, because I don’t think that’s what this is,” He said, and I recoiled a bit at his tone. I suppose that wasn’t the best to ask, but some spirits took it better than others, “Sombra is Sombra. Insufferable, crotchety, overly focused on the others. You probably won’t see him tonight.”
He must be resting, and though I understood I was still disappointed, “Perhaps tomorrow then. Thank you.”
Jack Pine hummed again in goodbye, and I continued on to my room. It was just as I left it, if not a bit dusty. I guess the maids hadn’t come through in a while, but that was okay. I’d always been put off over the fact they’d come into my room to clean up, so I’d get to it later.
Tossing my bag onto my unkempt bed, I looked at my shelves. I should think about taking back some of my things. I hadn’t gotten the chance when Princess Twilight had taken me back to Ponyville, considering she had just teleported me, though it was partially my fault for not saying anything. Not that there had been any sort of urgency to get my photos of course, and most of my personal items had duplicates back home with my parents.
Something shifted behind me. Why was it always behind me?
“Luster?”
My ears perked, and my hair stood on edge as I turned to see a rather dim and dark mass behind me. It hardly resemble any solid shape, and its voice was hardly a whisper in my ear, but I immediately knew who it was.
“Sombra? What are you doing in my room?”
For a moment, silence. Then, the mass shuddered, and a word on the wind simply said, “Tired.”
“Ah.” I suppose an abandoned bedroom would make a good resting place, “Well, go back to sleep, okay? I just came in to drop something off.”
A quiet noise. I wasn’t sure if there had been a message in it or not, but the shadow faded and the room seemed to warm. With that, I quickly and quietly exited my room, rushing past the mirror shards in the hallway and down the quickest path to the dining area, all while thinking about what had just happened.
I supposed I was going to have to be extra quiet tonight, though it was probably going to be a bit awkward knowing there was a dead king in my room.
Then again, I could only imagine how awkward it would be if I didn’t know.