//------------------------------//
// A Question of Faith 
// Story: The Dark Ages: The True Tale of Equestrian History 
// by Dragonas77 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 7: A Question of Faith


The journey took but a few days for Dawn and Celestia to travel back to Canterlot. Neither of them minded the journey; they loved each other's company. Dawn told Celestia all about her ideas throughout the day, and Celestia showed Dawn new forms of magic during the night. It was a mutually beneficial relationship.
"...And so, thats why I chose stone as the building material for Canterlot." Dawn said, finishing one of her many stories. She was amazed that Celestia was really this interested in her, and her stories. She thought it impossible, even for the Princess, to be this interested in boring details.
"Princess?" Dawn asked.
"Um... oh! Uh...yes, Dawn?" Celestia said, somewhat startled.
"Are you really interested in my stories, or are you bored and just being overly polite? And don't lie to me, Princess. I want to know the truth. I can handle it, whatever it may be..." Dawn said, absolutely.
"I... I'm sorry. I am interested, I've just been thinking a lot, and was lost in my thoughts." Celestia said, blushing a little at her blunder.
"It's fine, Princess. We aren't perfect!" she said, and skipped off further along the path they were following.
Celestia was worried. She had been thinking so intently about this, that she had completely forgotten the story Dawn had told her. She barely remembered the basic subject of the story. It was difficult for her to accept, but this decision would be worth it in the end, if she could actually go through with it.....


* * * * *


Later that same night, the two settled around a fire Celestia had ignited with her magic. They had decided to stop for the night, as Dawn was exausted. 
Dawn was intently staring at the fire when she said, "I wish I could cast spells like that....."
Celestia flinched, wondereing if Dawn had guessed her plan after all her careful planning to hide it from her until the right time. She was relieved but a moment later.
"But I know I will be able to in time, and with lots and lots of practice!" Dawn said, eagerly. She wished so much, as every young filly does, to grow up faster than her body will let her.
"Well, I think that can be arranged....." Celestia said crypticly. Dawn spun around, almost falling into the fire in her excitement to ask Celestia what she meant.
"What?! You can help me?!" Dawn asked, both amazed, excited, and suspicious all at the same time.
"I can, but I need a favor of you first." Celestia said. She looked away, and in her mind asked the Steed if what she was about to do was right. No response came. 
She sighed.
"Well, answer me this. Do you trust me? Do not answer this question lightly, as it will decide your fate. Do you trust me? With you life, in your heart, and as your creator, do you trust me?" Celestia said with all the authority of the Steed himself.
Long minutes passed, and Celestia knew Dawn was heeding her advice and truly thinking it over. She was thankful at least for that much. 
Dawn had the foresight to plan ahead, and predict what the future may hold for her. Celestia knew she was working out any possibility she could glean from her cryptic hints, but knew she would never truly know what was in store unless she accepted.
After nearly a full hour had passed since the question had been asked, the silence was broken.
In a soft voice, almost a wisper, Dawn said, "Celestia, I know not what the future holds for me, but I trust you with all my heart and with my very life. I would die for you if need be, and I will accept your offer to help me if that is needed."
Celestia opened her eyes, she had kept them closed for the time she was waiting. She nodded, then began crying. She rushed and nuzzled the little unicorn, with tears streaming down Celestia's face.  
"Um, Princess? Why are you crying?" Dawn asked, returning the nuzzle.
Through the sobs of happiness she felt, Celestia said, "Oh, I, I'm just so happy you accepted. The Steed had me ask you those questions, and here is your reward...." Celestia backed away, standing about a pony width from Dawn now. "Dawn, will you join me? Will you join me and be my personal student to teach my magic to?"
Dawn rushed forward and hugged her new teacher. "Oh yes! Of course, Princess! Thank you!"
With that, Dawn's apprenticeship began.


* * * * *


The next day, around noon, the pair arrived at Canterlot. They could see the white bricks shining off in the distance hours before they actually arrived at the city proper.
"Well, we are finally here." Dawn said, eager for what awaited her in this new apprenticeship under Celestia. She was still trying to consider what the implications may be, but she was so exited, she barely cared.
"Yes, but now the real work begins." Celestia replyed. "I have a task we need accomplished, and it will be a good start on your apprenticeship. You do need to learn finer magical control, and this will help. I want you to build an academy. An academy for you to learn in, and for future generations of ponies to come to to learn magic."
Dawn could hardly contain her excitement, but managed to get out a short "Yes." in response. 
"Good, now, please begin. And I do have one requirement. You, and you alone, must build it. No help will be given from any other pony. You may ask questions to me, and I can guide your hoof, but only you may accomplish this task. And you must use only your magic to accomplish this all. Am I understood?" 
"Um... * squeak * ... yes..." Dawn said meekly, feeling quite intimidated by the task ahead of her now.
"Good, than go!" Celestia commanded, and gave her a solid push of magic to get her to start moving forward. Dawn rushed off, her mind flying with ideas, and her worry growing with every passing second. 
She knew she could do it, but her mind proved to be the most powerful enemy. It brought doubt upon her, and she wondered if Celestia would like her work. Would she accept it? Would it be good enough? Could she even do it alone? All these and more worries crossed her mind, but she still pressed on.
"Celestia has given me a task, and I will do my best to complete it! By the Steed I will!" Dawn said to herself, saying this little mantra to herself.


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