By the time that Sunny was back at the lighthouse, the stars started to appear in the sky, as the shades of orange in the sky began to fade to blacks and dark blues. She walked up to the front doors, pushed them open, and her stomach immediately grumbled when the inviting aromas wafting over from the kitchen hit her nostrils.
"And that, Pippsqueaks, is how you make the super simple grilled cheese and tomato soup, one of the best comfort dishes that I grew up with in Zephyr Heights. If you're gonna try this yourself, let me know in the comments how it turned out! That's all from me tonight, and I'll see you tomorrow!"
With that, Pipp pressed a button on her phone to end the stream, set it down, and turned around to see Sunny.
"Finally, there you are! Thought I was going to have to re-heat this!" Pipp greeted, coming to the dining table with the platter containing a bowl of steaming hot tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich fresh off the griddle. Sunny sat down at the table in front of the platter.
"A Zephyr Heights specialty, huh? My dad has definitely made this for me before," Sunny commented, as she took her first bite of the sandwich, immediately followed by a spoonful of tomato soup.
"Well, not really surprising, what with all the research your dad did; you've probably had quite a few pegasus- and unicorn-inspired dishes," Pipp replied.
"So where are the others?" Sunny asked as she continued with her surprise dinner.
"Izzy's out making another trip for more decorations before every place closes up for the night, and Zipp is up top with Flurry. She's been working on her first art piece pretty much all afternoon and evening," Pipp answered.
"Does she have enough light up there now that the sun's gone?"
"I think so. Izzy moved a lamp up there, plus there's the light from the crystals," Pipp told her. "I've already given the two of them dinner; call them practice runs before I did my weekly cooking stream."
Zipp reclined in the folding chair Izzy had set up, content to relax and watch Flurry Heart paint as her delicious dinner settled, compliments of her younger sister.
The alicorn had gotten quite a few splotches of paint on her hooves and barrel, but was determined to keep working.
"I suppose all this paint everywhere doesn't make me look very Princess-ly," Flurry commented, as she gave her blue-covered brush another stroke on the canvas.
"Well, Flurry, the fact that you don't act very Princess-ly is probably my favorite part about you," the pegasus responded.
"Really?" Flurry asked, turning back to look at the pegasus. Zipp immediately nodded. "I guess some things don't change. My mom always told me I had to stand on ceremony more often, because 'it's what ponies expect', but I really didn't, except for really important events."
"I don't even like the really important events. My little sister enjoys all the regalia of it all, but not me," Zipp told her.
"What would you rather do?" Flurry asked as she returned to her painting.
"Do crazy insane flying stunts, and help ponies in need. I've always felt that's where my time is best spent, instead of entertaining pegasi who can afford tours of the castle," Zipp said.
"I saw the Wonderbolts regalia that was set up in the museum. Sunny tells me you've been thinking about reforming the team. Think you're up for something like that?"
"The trick is finding others who are just as daredevil-y as I am," Zipp answered.
"I'm sure they'll come along. And as for your 'royal' duties, Zipp, I know they can be overwhelming at times, or they don't seem important, but I do hope you don't completely shrug off all the fans and ponies that look up to you. You did help return flight to pegasi for the first time in generations. It's hardly farfetched that they love you for that."
Zipp gave Flurry a soft smile.
"I guess I don't want to have to meet anypony's expectations but my own," she admitted.
"As long as those expectations are realistic, Zipp," Flurry replied.
Zipp noticed the elevator get called down to the second floor, and coming back up a few moments later, with Sunny standing on the lift.
"Hey there, Sunny. Good shift at the museum?" Zipp asked.
"Yep. Fantastic meal afterwards, too. That sister of yours can cook," Sunny answered.
"That she can. Speaking of, I think I'll go and get some seconds."
With that, Zipp got up from her chair, and got onto the lift as Sunny stepped off, descending back down inside the lighthouse, leaving Sunny alone with Flurry. The earth mare stepped up behind her to see what she was working on.
"That's absolutely beautiful, Flurry," Sunny commented, taking in the in-progress portrait of Princess Luna, against a backdrop of a full moon and starry night sky.
"I figured it was the least I could do for them, to honor their sacrifice for all of us," Flurry commented. "I'm actually pleasantly surprised at how quickly I'm picking it back up. But I may try a more modern take on art. Pipp is telling me that 'digital' art is fairly popular, where you draw on a tablet, like a bigger smartphone, and you can very quickly correct mistakes, switch layers, colors, and brushes. She made it sound pretty interesting, so I think I'll be giving it a try."
"I'm looking forward to seeing whatever you create, I'm glad you're settling in here. Anyways, I wanted to give you an update on the Crystal Empire; Phyllis and Cinnamon think it's best to restock what little we used and head right back up north, since I had already scheduled the time off. I figured you'd want to come with us, so we've got a couple tailors at CanterLogic who can get your measurements and can get you some cold weather gear. You can do that anytime you like tomorrow, as long as it's before six. We should be ready to go in another couple days."
"Thank you, Sunny. I would like to go along and get a better look at what's become of my city. Who else is coming?" The alicorn asked.
"Sprout and I will do most of the driving, Zipp, and Pipp. Hitch is staying behind; he has some sort of egg he's looking after," Sunny answered.
"That certainly sounds interesting. Do you think he'd mind if I stop in to take a look at it?"
"Not at all, I'm sure he'd appreciate any insight you could give him."
Flurry smiled.
"Then I think I'll do that tomorrow. Thanks for being so patient with me, Sunny. I'm still not sure where I'm going to fit in with all this, but I truly appreciate how you've been making me as comfortable as you can here. It means the world to me."
Sunny nodded.
"I don't think the Crystal Heart would keep you in limbo for no reason. I'm sure you'll find your place here sooner or later. Take all the time you feel you need, Flurry."