I wake up with a sense of weariness that has become all too familiar. A soft sigh escapes my lips as I stretch, my muscles protesting the movement after hours of stillness. I hear in the distance the sounds of the palace stirring to life. Reluctantly I sit up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I know I have to put on my royal mask and go about my duties for Equestria and my little ponies. First on the list for the beginning of the day is raising the sun. I yawned, punctuating the quietness of my room and I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my bare hooves touching the cool floor, and with a deep, cleansing breath, I rose to meet the dawn of a new day.
I trot over to the balcony. The cool morning breeze caresses my face as I gaze into the sky, only to find, to my surprise, the sun is already making its ascent. 'Luna must have done this for me,' I think, feeling a mix of gratitude and slight annoyance. My hooves pause on the cool marble floor, a fleeting smile crossing my lips as I remember a time when Twilight and I watched the sunrise together, her excitement warmed my heart.
Shaking my head to dispel the bittersweet memories, I trot back to my bedroom. The room is bathed in the soft, early light, casting long, dancing shadows. I quickly notice that one of my servants has laid out my morning tea. Its steam rises like delicate whispers into the air, carrying a faint scent of jasmine that always seems to calm my thoughts. With each sip, the warm liquid is a small comfort as my thoughts inevitably drift to Twilight.
‘Today marks three hundred years since Twilight's coronation, a milestone that carries with it a heavy heart. Twilight’s birthday is today, but I doubt she wants to celebrate it,' I reflect, my grip on the teacup tightening as I recall the years of joy and sorrow we have shared. Three hundred years, yet the sting of time's passage never dulls. I recall Pinkie Pie's laughter and the joy that once was. Twilight has stopped celebrating birthdays, even her own, and Applejack is the last of her friends still alive; long life seems to run in that family. My heart aches as I recall fond memories of old Granny Smith. Twilight’s once happy face seems to have dulled with the passage of time.'
My introspection is interrupted by the clicking of hooves coming into my room. I swiftly turn my head to notice it's my sister Luna, her mane reflecting the morning light, concern etched across her face. “You look troubled, Tia,” Luna says, knowingly.
A heavy sigh escapes me, the warm cup now forgotten in my hoof. “It's Twilight, Luna. She's in pain, and with Applejack's time near, I fear for her," I confess, feeling the weight of my crown even heavier than usual.
“I know, Tia, and that’s why I came to see you,” she says tenderly, holding my hoof. Her touch reminds me of the bond we share, strengthened by Twilight, offering comfort in these moments.
Her eyes hold a steadfast resolve as she speaks, “Twilight and I have been exchanging letters these past few weeks, and it seems Applejack is succumbing to age. You need to be there to comfort and support her when that happens.”
Luna lets go of my hoof and drifts over to the balcony, staring out into the royal gardens where the first blooms of spring are just starting to show. “I will take over your royal duties and handle the rising and setting of the sun.”
I follow and stand beside her, feeling the solid stone beneath my hooves. “Are you sure you can handle all that, Lulu?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.
Luna smirks. “You did it for a thousand years, Tia, I think I can handle a couple of weeks,” she says with a playful smile, her words bringing a tender smile to my own face.
“Thank you, Lulu. I wanted to go to Twilight and help her through this, but I couldn't find the time… I feel like such a terrible friend,” I say, lowering my head and frowning at the ground. The cool morning breeze carries the scent of fresh earth that briefly calms me.
Luna pokes a hoof into my chest. “You’re not a terrible friend, Tia. You just have other responsibilities that take priority, and Twilight knows this. You just forget sometimes that I’m here to help shoulder the burden,” Luna finishes sincerely.
“Thank you,” I say, embracing her tightly, the warmth of her body a relief. “I love you, Lulu.”
Luna chuckles, pulling away from the embrace, and hurriedly waves me off. “I love you too, Tia, now go before I change my mind.”
Having concluded our business, I swiftly launch myself off the balcony and glide through the air. The cool rush of the wind through my mane and the freedom of flight momentarily lift my spirits. ‘I always loved flying,’ I think, smiling, heading for Sweet Apple Acres. As I fly through the air, the early morning chill reminds me of the many dawns I've greeted over the centuries, each one bringing new challenges and joys. Today, I carry a heavier weight, the weight of an old friend's fading light…
The Night Before Flight
I sit with Applejack as the moonlight filters through the open window of the old farmhouse, casting a soft glow over the room. This tranquil yet somber atmosphere is filled with the echoes of a friendship that has withstood the test of time. Memories and unspoken worries mingle in the air, as I contemplate the inevitable loss that comes with the passing of years.
Applejack's breathing has been terrible lately, and she can barely walk without me or her granddaughter helping her. Her stubborn refusal to accept help is a testament to her spirit, though I often wonder if it's more pride or stubbornness; perhaps a bit of both. Lost in these thoughts, I mindlessly stare at the pages of my book, not really reading.
“Twi?” Applejack calls out weakly, her voice tinged with that old familiar Southern drawl, even in her weakened state.
I turn to her, my heart aching at the sight of her labored breathing. “Can’t sleep either, huh?” I ask, though the answer is clear.
Applejack looks at me, a mix of discomfort and her usual honesty in her eyes. “How can I... when ya've got that dang candle shinin' right in my face? Twilight, do ya ever sleep?”
I quickly blow out the candle, apologizing. “Sorry AJ, I don’t have to sleep as often as I used to,” I say softly.
She tries to sit up, each breath a clear effort. “Twi, there's somethin' that's been botherin' me... Why ain’t ya found yerself somepony special? Ya ain't no spring chicken, and yet ya haven't settled down once.”
I'm taken aback, unsure how to explain my true feelings. “W-Well, I’m always busy studying, or being princess for everypony, and the only pony I ever loved... doesn’t return my feelings,” I confess, a lump forming in my throat.
Applejack raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of playfulness and concern. “It ain't me, is it?”
“What!” I gasp, “No-no, Applejack, it’s not you,” I reply, nervously rubbing a hoof through my mane. ‘Does she know I like mares, or is she just teasing?’ “AJ, what did you mean by that?” I ask, a frown creasing my face.
She rolls her eyes, a hint of her usual spunk showing. "Twilight, it ain’t exactly a big secret that ya like mares... I’ve known for a while, but I never poked my nose in 'cause I figured it was yer business… But I'm worried 'bout ya... I just wanna know y'all be happy.” she says, each word a struggle.
My heart breaks as I look at her, the strength in her voice revealing her frailty. “Ok, it’s Celestia,” I admit, with a sigh. “AJ, please stop talking like that, you’re upsetting me,” I say, moving to her side to offer what little comfort I can.
She pauses, coughing slightly before continuing. “Hold on, did ya just say Celestia?”
I nod, finding it hard to speak.
Applejack looks at me intently. “I always suspected but have ya ever told her how ya feel? What’s stoppin’ ya, sugarcube?”
I feel a lump in my throat, torn between my feelings and concern for her. “AJ, you need to rest. We can talk more about it later,” I say softly, holding her hoof.
She insists, her voice barely a whisper. “Twilight, I don’t wanna leave ya here all alone... Just ask her, alright? The worst she can say is no.”
“Ok, AJ, I’ll ask. I promise. Just try to get some rest, ok?” I plead, my voice trembling.
She drifts off to a fitful sleep, and I return to the rocking chair, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. I eventually fall into a restless sleep myself.
The next morning, I wake to find Applejack gone, having passed away in her sleep. Her family buries her under the largest and oldest trees at Sweet Apple Acres. I remain by her grave long after everyone has left, my heart hollow, the constant state of dread and loss overwhelming. It feels like there’s nothing left to live for; my life was always defined by being a good friend.
As I remember the times spent with my friends – the parties, the adventures, and even the hardships – I've never felt more alone. It's then that I feel a warm embrace, wings wrapping around me. Celestia's beautiful voice, soft yet firm, reaches my ears, “I’m here, Twilight. In your darkest moments, in your happiest days, I will always be by your side.”
Tears flow freely as I let out all my pain, my body trembling with each sob. Celestia strokes my mane gently, her touch soothing. “Let it out, Twilight. It's okay to grieve, it's okay to feel,” she whispers, her voice a comforting melody in the cold night air. I cling to her, my tears soaking her coat, seeking solace in her presence.
After a moment, I pull back slightly, looking up at her through tear-stained eyes. “How do you deal with such loss, Celestia? How do you keep from becoming an emotional wreck?” I ask, my voice choked with emotion.
Celestia's eyes, reflecting centuries of wisdom and love, meet mine. “Twilight, every loss is a star in the night sky – a reminder of love, of shared moments. I carry them in my heart, each memory a treasure. It's not about avoiding the wreck, it's about learning to sail in the storm, guided by the light of those we've loved and lost,” she says, her voice tinged with both sadness and strength.
Taking a shaky breath, I try to compose myself. “Celestia, I think I’m ready to go back to the castle. I’m so tired, it feels like I could sleep for an eternity,” I say, wiping away lingering tears. There's a part of me that yearns for the escape of endless slumber. I gaze up at the stars.
“Celestia, I don’t want to be alone tonight,” I plead softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Celestia's response is immediate and filled with unwavering support. “You will never be alone, Twilight. I made a promise long ago to always be there for you, and I stand by it now more than ever,” she assures me, her voice enveloping me in a blanket of comfort and care.
I nod, a small spark of gratitude igniting within me. “Thank you. And, there’s something I need to ask you – a favor I owe to Applejack,” I say, finding a sliver of resolve amid the sorrow.
Celestia tilts her head, curiosity lighting up her features. “What is it, Twilight?”
“It can wait until morning,” I reply firmly, feeling a need for reflection. “Right now, I just need to process everything, to think.”
“Of course, Twilight,” Celestia says, her tone sympathetic yet respectful of my need for space.
Together, we spread our wings and take to the skies, leaving the somber quiet of Sweet Apple Acres behind. The flight back to Canterlot Castle, beneath the vast canvas of the night sky, offers a momentary escape from the pain – a fleeting period of peace in the midst of loss and unspoken love.