Twilight was almost finished with the first book she had investigated - a journal written two years after the Battle of Everfree and less than a month before the formation of the Equestrian Commonwealth. It was written by a Haldurian trader and, while largely insignificant, frequently referenced the threat of rebels. The trader seemed paranoid about traveling into the heartland. Most major histories of Equestria made no mention of early rebellion, although Celestia had confirmed that the Prophetic Text she found was written by cultists after Nightmare Moon's defeat. Twilight wondered whether there had been a previous attempt to minimize these rebellions. In any case, Twilight noted that the four hours she had spent reading this journal had been worth it and looked for a second book to investigate.
"Twilight, still deciphering that book?" Spike chortled as he traveled down the stairs.
"Yeah, I found some historical discrepancies," Twilight mumbled as she faced the young dragon. "I was just planning on investigating a second book now."
"Not before we go to Rarity's. You promised we'd visit her boutique to try on your festival uniform."
"Oh yes, it seems I'll have to continue later," the unicorn mumbled, slightly disappointed.
***
Soon, they both left the library and traveled through the town. The boutique was located in the town center, a rounded tower with a dome, tiered between a lower and upper half. Twilight looked at the foundation, which was clearly far older than the boutique itself, before knocking on the door.
"I'm coming," Twilight heard a singsong voice that was notably younger than Rarity's. Soon enough, a young unicorn opened the door and looked up at Twilight. "Oh hey, you're the pony from Canterlot. I'm Sweetie Belle," the young pony said.
Twilight looked at Sweetie Belle and asked, "Oh yes, I'm Twilight. Is your mother home right now?"
The young pony started giggling. "Rarity is upstairs. She's just helping some friends with something. And I'm actually her sister."
"Oh, can I go upstairs then?" Twilight requested awkwardly.
"Of course," the small unicorn responded before going to the lounge, where she joined two other fillies who were crowding around a radio. Twilight started moving upstairs, before being stopped by Spike. "I'm gonna stay downstairs. I don't want to get in the way of your fitting," Spike joked.
Twilight nodded before going upstairs and hearing some muttering.
"You need to be more careful, you can't keep getting injured like this," Twilight heard Rarity muttering. "What would I do if you actually got hurt?"
"Well, ah couldn't just let 'em eat the livestock, Rara," Twilight heard another voice as she approached the door and knocked.
"Hey, I've arrived for our appointment," Twilight stated demurely as she knocked. Soon Rarity opened the door, and Twilight saw that she was with two ponies: an orange earth pony with a golden mane and a yellow vesperine pegasus with a styled pink mane. The vesper pony was closing a deep gash on the earth pony's shoulder, using her leathery wings for increased precision.
"What happened here?" Twilight gasped.
"Don't worry about me. Ah just got jumped by a timberwolf. I'll walk it off," the orange pony responded.
"You're going to stay put. I'm not letting you leave until your wound is healed," Rarity exclaimed.
The pegasus stayed quiet, focusing exclusively on closing the wound. "You must be Twilight. Rarity said that you'd be coming in tonight. Pleased to meet ya," the pony tried switching topics. "Ah'm Applejack, and this here is Fluttershy," the vesper pegasus suddenly noticed that Twilight had entered the room and gave a meek wave.
"Twilight, I'm so sorry, but I may have to postpone our appointment for a bit. I need to make sure my fiancé is properly treated. I hope you understand," Rarity apologized, her voice trembling. "It's really not that bad. Ah don't think the varmint bit into any veins," Applejack assured, turning to Fluttershy. "Right, Flutters?"
"It could have been worse, but you got lucky this time. If I hadn't been there, I don't know what would have happened," Fluttershy added, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't mind waiting," Twilight offered, struggling to find the right words. She then turned to Applejack and hesitantly asked, "Are these attacks common here?"
"Not really, but this is the second one this week, so we're all a bit on edge. But this was better than the first one; the varmints almost got grandma last time," Applejack replied.
Rarity's frustration erupted, "That's why you should be more responsible! If Fluttershy wasn't nearby and they got you, what would have happened? What if they got Applebloom?"
Now fully stiched up, Applejack embraced Rarity, "Ah know you're scared, Rarity, but ah'm safe now, and so is everypony else." Rarity sobbed into Applejack's uninjured shoulder, prompting the folksy pony to embrace her tighter. "Your whole family is staying here until we can find out where they're coming from. First thing tomorrow, I'm getting the mayor to involve the guard," Rarity declared through sniffles.
The orange pony looked a bit conflicted but responded, "Sure, we'll stay. Ah won't fight you on this one." "Good, now go let your family know that you're stitched up, Big Mac was worried sick when you got here," Rarity sternly stated, her tears starting to dry up. reassured her. "Once they're settled in, I'll be back." When the pony was out of earshot, Rarity turned to Fluttershy. "You don't know just how thankful I am. I don't know how you got there, but if you were even a second late, she would have died." Rarity hugged the yellow pony, slightly startling her. Fluttershy continued to let Rarity hug her in silence before slowly responding, "I was tracking them. I couldn't let them hurt anypony." The elegant unicorn almost started crying again before restraining herself and smiling at the yellow pony. "Just know that I'm grateful."
"Is she going to be okay?" Twilight muttered what she had been thinking. "She's mostly unharmed. The only injury barely made it into her muscle. I think that she'll recover within two weeks," the vesper pegasus stated clinically. "Rarity mentioned that you live in the Everfree Forest. Aren't you scared of that happening to you?" Twilight stammered out. "They won't attack me," the pony said as she stretched her wings, her intense cyan eyes staring back at Twilight. "Why?" "Because she can paralyze creatures with her gaze," Rarity quickly responded. "It's how she stopped them."
"That's amazing! I've never heard of any pegasi having magic that powerful," Twilight said, looking at the yellow pony in curiosity. Fluttershy stayed quiet, clearly unsure of how to deal with compliments. She looked down, and her wings deflated slightly. "I don't like using it. It feels wrong to take away a creature's control like that," she said softly.
Twilight seemed unsure how to respond and merely stayed silent. Rarity looked at both of the awkward ponies and quickly changed the topic. "Twilight's here to have her uniform measured. I think you'll like this one." The yellow pony perked up. "Is it the Maredarine one you've been working on?" she asked. "Of course, and I need you to help me judge whether it fits our esteemed representative," Rarity said, sounding excited again.
Quickly, Twilight received the uniform. It was a black suit with a Maredarine neckline and bold, angular golden trimmings with a solar emblem stitched across the chest. It was hand-stitched with years of experience while adhering to a uniquely minimalistic style. The elegant unicorn telepathically dressed Twilight, carefully noting how it fit her before sighing in relief. "The fit is perfect. Whoever took your measurements in Canterlot was very thorough," the pony commented. "How does it look, Fluttershy?" "It looks marvelous! It really works to accentuate Twilight rather than stealing all my attention. But it also strikes a bold impression with its angular trimmings," the yellow pegasus said excitedly. "Last year's suits were a disappointing overblown mess, so I decided that we should be a bit more humble this year," the unicorn looked at Twilight. "Do you like it?" Twilight didn't know the first thing about fashion, but the suit felt comfortable, and she thought it was far less silly than last year's uniform. "I like it."
Rarity looked at Twilight with a hint of skepticism, "Is that all?"
Twilight, feeling a bit self-conscious, replied, "Yes, I like it just the way it is. No changes needed." Fluttershy let out a small giggle, "Twilight doesn't pay as much attention to fashion as we do, Rarity."
Twilight nodded and added, "I don't really need anything fancy in my everyday life."
Rarity sighed, slightly disappointed, "Well, it'll have to do then. I'll be done with your pants in a week. I assume Celestia will be wearing the Millennium Crown this year."
Twilight corrected her, "Actually, she's not planning on wearing one at all this year. She actually wants a laurel instead."
Rarity's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh, that gives me some ideas!" Twilight watched as Rarity mentally assembled the dress. "I need to quickly get something, just stay up here," the unicorn said before rushing downstairs, leaving Twilight alone with Fluttershy.
The yellow pony appeared like she was about to say something, but held back. "Did you want to say something?" Twilight asked. "Oh, don't mind me. I was just curious where you were from. I haven't met any other Vesper Ponies before," Fluttershy said, bluntly. Twilight was amazed by her straightforwardness, as ponies rarely commented on her Vesperine features. "I'm from Bridlewood, but my dad is from Nocturne. I'm only half Vesperine," Twilight explained.
"I'm sorry that I assumed. I grew up in Cloudsdale, so I always wondered what Nocturne was like," Fluttershy replied. "I've been there once. It's very pretty," Twilight responded. She realized that she didn't know much about her father's homeland. "It was the most beautiful at night. There were these luminescent flowers that would light up the city at night. It was almost like going to another planet."
"That sounds wondrous," Fluttershy looked at Twilight, then out the window. It had turned dark, with a full moon. "Some ponies say that Luna still watches over Nocturne. What do you think?"
"I don't think about it, really. I know Celestia, and every Summer Sun she tells me how much she misses her sister. If she were still watching, she'd have sent Celestia a sign, right?" Twilight pondered out loud.
"Oh, I'm sorry that I brought down the mood," Fluttershy apologized prematurely.
"You didn't bring it down," Twilight assured her. "I actually despise it when ponies try to make small talk, so this at least feels like a real conversation." Looking at the pony, Twilight could see that Fluttershy was looking a bit more comfortable.
Soon enough, Rarity came upstairs, holding a laurel almost twice the size of her head. "I knew that I'd find a use for this someday!"
"Do you think it would fit her?" Fluttershy asked quizzically.
"It is a bit big, even for Celestia," Twilight responded.
"Of course, blowtorches exist for a reason, darlings," Rarity stated nonchalantly. "I'm testing whether the leaves fit the style. I need you to strike a pose, Twilight."
Twilight couldn't think of a pose on the spot and stood still. Rarity gave her a pout, but quickly slipped back into her imagination. "I've got it. This is going to be just marvelous." Awkwardly, Twilight looked to Fluttershy for guidance as the fashionista pony started her planning phase.
"Rarity, I think that Twilight's done for today. We wouldn't want to hold her up," Fluttershy spoke in a near whisper.
"Oh, yes, of course. I should also make sure that Applejack doesn't overexert herself too much. I wouldn't want her reopening her wound over a mattress," Rarity placed the laurel on a shelf and started walking the other two downstairs.
***
As they descended the stairs, they noticed Spike conversing with three young fillies around the radio, while Applejack and another pony were deep in discussion in a corner. Fluttershy caught sight of Spike and eagerly turned to Rarity. "He's a dragon!" she exclaimed in a hushed tone, before hurrying over to him. "Hi there!" she greeted him, taking him by surprise. "Oh, hey. You startled me a bit," Spike said, glancing over at Twilight and Rarity. "I'm Spike, here with Twilight. And you are?" "I'm Fluttershy," she responded loudly, breaking from her usual whisper. "I've never met a dragon before!" "Yeah, there aren't many of us around," Spike replied, feeling a bit awkward.
"I'm sorry if I'm being rude," Fluttershy quickly whispered, sensing his discomfort. "No worries. I'm just not used to people being excited to meet a dragon. Usually, when strangers point out that I'm a dragon, it's because they have a problem with dragons," Spike explained, scratching his head. "Oh no, I would never dislike a dragon. I'm just thrilled to meet one, as I've only ever seen them from a distance," Fluttershy replied, her demeanor brightening considerably.
"Well, there aren't any dragons here, are there?" Spike asked, intrigued. "No, not here. I've only encountered dragons deep in the Everfree Forest, and they're always quite skittish around me. I've started to worry that I might frighten them," Fluttershy explained, becoming more animated as she spoke. "You have a real knack for sneaking up on ponies, you know," Spike teased, but Fluttershy took it seriously. "So, maybe I should approach them head-on next time?" she asked earnestly. "I'm not really sure. I'm the only dragon I've ever met, after all," Spike replied, laughing awkwardly.
The yellow pony apologized, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... Uhm... I'm sure you'll meet another dragon." Spike looked at her with a questioning expression. "Don't worry about it. I'm actually quite happy. I have Twilight as a sister," he smiled at the yellow pony. "While I'd love to meet another dragon, it's more out of curiosity than anything else."
The yellow pony responded, "Oh well then, if I see any and manage to talk to them, I'll make sure to tell them about you."
Twilight found the conversation amusing but wanted to return to the library and allow Rarity and Applejack some rest. "I'm sorry, Fluttershy, but I'm pretty tired right now," she said to the pegasus.
Fluttershy replied, "Oh of course. It was nice meeting both of you. I'll see you again tomorrow."
Twilight was a bit confused, "Tomorrow?"
Rarity clarified, "Oh, apologies. You're slotted to meet the planning committee tomorrow. Both Fluttershy and Applejack are helping."
Applejack waved at the group and said, "Ah'm glad that I got to meet both of you early, even with the circumstances." Twilight and Spike said their goodbyes and left the boutique.
The streets were dark compared to the brightly lit streets of Canterlot. Despite this, Twilight and Spike managed to make it to the Library. Exhausted from the day's events, Twilight decided to call it an early night and headed to the upper floor residential section.
Similar to the bottom floor, the upper floor was made of living wood, and the furniture and stove were arranged to accommodate the natural curves of the tree. "Goodnight, Spike," Twilight said as she made her way to her room.
"Goodnight," Spike replied, and Twilight opened the door. Her room was split between a lower floor and an alcove by the window. As Twilight climbed into bed, she had no trouble drifting off to sleep.
***
Despite her exhaustion, Twilight had a far from restful night. In her dream, she found herself back at the castle, but this time she was trapped in thorns. The thorns dug into her skin, and every movement she made caused them to bite deeper. Her magic only seemed to anger the thorns further. The silence from before was replaced by howling wind echoing through the halls. Despite the thorns, she eventually broke free and started running. She fled from the howls and took refuge in a room with broken windows. Each window displayed an image of Celestia engulfed in flames.
When the howling stopped, she turned to leave, but she was paralyzed. She felt a presence staring at her through the window frames. Something approached her from behind, and she felt a coldness traveling up her neck. She could swear that something was next to her, its abominable eye opening. When she opened her mouth to scream, no sound came out.
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she was in her bed, frozen. A dark figure was staring at her from the corner with piercing blue eyes. There was little she could do as the paralysis continued. Only when dawn came did the figure leave her...