//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Felt Heart 
// by Tchernobog 
//------------------------------//

The rumors surrounding Princess Celestia had long since been blown out of proportion. The list of sources claiming to have discovered her 'feelings' had reached a dizzying number, and the potential suitors could now fill an entire royal army battalion. As much as she and Luna had enjoyed tittering at the misconceptions, she would eventually have to make a statement to clear the matter up. An exclusive newspaper interview might do the trick. The Foal Free Press would be a good start.

In the wake of these widespread rumors, the princess's mail had doubled, if not tripled overnight, with communiqués ranging from foreign diplomats to starry eyed foals swamping the overburdened Royal Mail Division.

When a number of large boxes arrived at the castle, they sent the Guards in a frenzy of activity. Despite the sender being the princess's student, the packages were subjected to a barrage of tests, magical scans, and even prodding only marginally less time-consuming than that for the general public. Finally, they found themselves within Princess Celestia's chambers.

Events in the last few days had clearly been hectic for Twilight and her friends. Her student had, of course, attached a letter, detailing the events since Rarity’s departure from Canterlot. The young designer herself had written an entire page of her own, filled with profuse apologies for her until-then unnoticed eavesdropping.

As Celestia looked down at her bed, however, she knew that their troubles had all been worth it.

Six dolls sat on her mattress, paired into three separate groups. On one side sat Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, with the latter’s arms thrown around the pegasus’s body in a tight, but adorable hug. In the middle were Applejack and Rainbow Dash, one relaxing on top of the other as they appeared to laze about. And finally, on the right, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity were side by side, laying down next to each other as closely as possible. And every doll was sporting a small but colorful felt heart on their breast.

According to Twilight’s letter, these were all the original dolls, those which had caused the group much trouble, but also such joy. They’d decided that, while the gesture was indeed well intended, they’d preferred to stay true to the tradition, and make the dolls with their own hooves instead. Celestia giggled at one of Twilight’s margin notes, where the unicorn shared that Pinkie and Fluttershy had already started on their own dolls, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash had taken much cajoling and teasing before they eventually agreed to make their own.

By the sound of things, Rarity had been the most eager supporter of the idea. Twilight herself had suggested sending the first set of dolls to Celestia, both for safekeeping and to share the news of the relationships. But she’d insisted on sending the entire set, and that meant convincing Rarity to craft a doll of Twilight. It had taken a bit of prodding on the librarian’s part, but the wonderful little lavender doll was a testament to her success.

Celestia’s gaze wandered over to her desk, where another pair of dolls stood proudly. The replica of Luna matched her sister’s air, exuding all the grace and mystery that the younger alicorn projected with ease. Opposite to it sat Celestia’s own doll, which she’d finally completed the previous night. She allowed herself a mental pat on the back, smiling at how lifelike it appeared, though she had to admit Rarity’s touch of gemstone eyes was a wonderful addition she wished she’d thought of.

A small smirk formed on her lips as she levitated the midnight blue doll towards the others, and sat it in front of the lavender and white pair.

“Twilight Sparkle!” she said, imitating Luna’s tone. “I have heard of thy good news. I have decided to give thee a gift!” She then attempted to match Twilight’s voice. “Oh thank you, Princess! Is this a book?”  Her smile grew as she switched back to Luna. “It is indeed. It is the Pony Sutra, a book I co-authored many millennia ago! You can practice its lessons with your marefriend!”

“It was only fifteen hundred years ago, ‘Tia, and you know it. Besides, I recall you posed for several of the plates.”

Celestia jumped as the voice spoke up from behind her, flaring her wings wide and latching her hooves around the dolls, in a pitiful attempt to hide them. Her face growing increasingly warm, she twisted her neck to look at Luna, standing in the doorway.

“What… What did you see, Luna?”

The young alicorn’s expression was neutral, but Celestia could swear she saw the hint of a smirk at the corner of Luna’s mouth. “I did not just see you playing with dolls, nor did I see you put my doll in an awkward situation with your student’s.”

“… Very well. Carry on.”

“I shall.” But Luna did not move, still staring at the white alicorn.

Celestia sighed, asking the question she might regret. “What is it, Luna?”

Luna’s cheeks colored slightly. With her dark coat, it tended to be very hard to see if she blushed, but after so many millennia together, even a millenium apart could not prevent Celestia from seeing it as clear as day.

“Can… Can I play too, ‘Tia?”

Celestia stared, then smiled gently at her sister. “Of course you can, Lulu. Always.”






A symbol used by rich and poor
to show love true and great.
To make a doll that means much more,
your replica create.

There are two rules you must obey
at any and all cost:
It must be made by you alone,
else magic will be lost.

And bear a heart of reddest felt,
sewed tightly as can be,
upon its breast, to show the world
your love for all to see.

Now take this gift straight to your dear
and change it for its pair.
And with this trade, you'll forge a link
that you shall always share.