//------------------------------// // Chapter 9- Flurry Heart: Am I getting through to them? // Story: A Little Hope // by DougtheLoremaster //------------------------------// Dear Diary, am I doing this right? I don’t know what’s going on with them. A strange phenomenon seems to be occurring, but I’m not sure why. Months have gone by. From what I can tell, I’m not reaching them. I’ve been as kind and patient as possible, but I’ve seen no progress!  I’ve already written Aunt Twilight about my worries and she says she couldn’t have done better. What is it I’m not seeing? Mom says I’m doing fine and if I have such concerns that Grandmares Celestia and Luna would be the ones to ask. I’m not sure why but she insists that Luna and Celestia have some insider information about this kind of thing. I might have to wait a week though, as they no longer have the magic they once wielded, so they use normal Pegasus Post. I’ll write the letter tonight, we’ll see what they say. *** It’s been one day since I wrote the letter to my Grandmares and something strange has happened. Cozy Glow came to my chambers last night. It started with her timidly knocking, very unlike her. She seemed agitated, frustrated and seemed to have been in tears just minutes earlier.  She told me. She told me everything. Her entire past and broke my heart. I know what she did was horrid, but I can’t help but feel for her. I couldn’t stop myself, I grabbed her up in my wings and gave her a fierce hug. She didn’t squirm, she didn’t complain. She just cried into my feathers for a good five minutes. Diary, I think she’s finally opening up to me. After she calmed down, she asked me for a favor. To meet the current Captain of the Guard in Canterlot. I think if I ask Aunt Twilight she would gladly allow it; after all, it would help with Cozy’s recovery.   I’ve never had a foal of my own, but watching her childish antics makes me want one. I bought her some of the best art supplies I could. I can’t wait to see what she does with them. That picture she made sure looks beautiful in its new frame, hanging behind my throne. She is quite talented, for an 8-year-old filly. Furthermore, she expressed an interest in attending school again. I’m fairly certain if I pull a few strings, I could get her enrolled once more. I’ll visit the register tomorrow. See what can be done. *** Dear Diary, the meeting with Cozy Glow is all set up and ready to go. Aunt Twilight seemed overjoyed at the request. It has been three days since I wrote my Grandmares. Today Chrysalis approached me in the garden. And just stood there, staring at me. I asked her if she needed something, and she gave a rather abrupt request. A one-on-one meeting with Queen Ocellus. She didn’t say anything else, but I did notice her hum for half a second, with a happy melody. I’m inclined to indulge her. Normally, I would be apprehensive, with the 'no guards and no guests' condition, but she never mentioned her anti-magic ring. In fact, she never complains about it. She seems content with using just her hooves and not her magic. I’ve even caught her smiling when she thought nopony was watching, as she secretly watered flowers in my garden using an Earthpony watering pail.  Could it be her magical ability that made her miserable? What a silly notion, of course, she had been happy using her magic. If that’s the case though, Diary, why does she seem almost proud to be wearing that ring?  Something tells me, Chrysalis isn’t looking to reclaim her throne and won’t be causing trouble. I’ll contact Queen Occellus tomorrow, I’m sure we can work something out. The fact Chrysalis even wishes to socialize at all after self-isolating for so long is a huge leap forward on her road to recovery. *** Diary, I have dreadful news; I fear Tirek may be suffering from an unknown illness. He seems to be staring off into space during our meetings and insisting he isn’t hungry during dinner but has been ordering room service from Featherduster exclusively, late into the night, though he still eats almost nothing. And why has he suddenly stopped working out? I had him see the nurse and she confirms he is a peak specimen of health, though mom told me he has the most destructive illness there is and that I should be happy for him. I’m confused. If he is suffering from such a disease why should I be glad about it? Has mom lost her mind? Despite all this, he has made a rather cryptic request; a pilgrimage to find a sacred flower of his people. When asked about the flower, I didn’t recognize the name he gave. I asked Aunt Twilight and she has no clue, but mom seems to know all about it; yet refuses to explain. Apparently, Tirek wants mom and my maid, to go with him.  Featherduster was strangely overjoyed after hearing this, but she seems to be more and more fatigued each morning, with a possible fever from how sweaty she is after her breaks. I'm worried for her. I guess she really needs this flower's magic, whatever it is, too. I’m not sure what to do. Should I allow them to go? The area where this strange flower grows is forbidden; the monsters there are considered devastatingly powerful even for an Alicorn to face, so the area was just declared off-limits for not only the public but all Princesses as well. Still, mom says it’s very important this trip be allowed. I suppose I’ll have to trust my mother’s wisdom.  I’ll permit this trip, against my better judgment, if it helps him and Featherduster recover from this strange illness of theirs. Mom says it isn’t contagious and she’ll be fine. I hope she knows what she’s doing. *** It's been a week and still no letter from Celestia or Luna, I hope it arrives soon. I’m really scared. Why is this taking so long? Isn't Harmony supposed to be instantaneous? Doesn't hope just happen? Am I doing something wrong? They've barely opened up to me!