//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Zecora's Wisdom (WIP) // Story: Princess Twilight's Solace // by Word Worthy //------------------------------// Twilight had spent the rest of that fateful night in a comfortless, solemn sleep. Her dreams were dominated by images of vacant thrones, demonic alicorns, and of all things... cemeteries. To her surprise, nopony had attempted to chase after her. She had neither heard nor seen roving bands of searching guardsponies, or any sign of pursuit for that matter. The now runaway princess had elected to hide herself deep within the White Tail woods. It was just too risky to return to Ponyville so soon. The young alicorn stretched her wings stiffly as she awoke on the branch that had served as her makeshift bed throughout the night. Her mane was still a ragged mess, and her hooves rubbed away at irritated, almost bloodshot eyes. She took a look around at her surroundings, confused at first. “Wha..?” Quickly realizing where she was, and with it, her predicament. With the sun shining at her back, she bowed her head in weariness. Locked in thought, a part of her wanted to just up and fly back to Canterlot, to beg the Princesses for forgiveness. They offered you the world Twilight. Infinite power, wisdom, transcendence, all could have been yours! Why deny yourself such a grand gift? How could you turn your back on your own dear mentor? Time is running out. Return to them, before your chance is lost! Another, larger part of her violently shut the doubtful voice out. I’ve made my choice! And now there’s no going back, there will never be any going back. My friends come first, nothing else matters! That’s final! Finally putting her conflict-addled mind to rest, at least for the moment, Twilight set about her new task. What to do next. Ponyville was likely still too dangerous and risky to attempt to approach directly. She would have to wait awhile just in case her possible pursuers were searching the town for signs of her. Twilight was not sure what the Princesses would do if they managed to apprehend her. The rogue alicorn was not necessarily eager to find out, and the possibilities left her with a feeling of dread in her stomach. Then there was also of course, the matter of her friends themselves. Goodness, what must be going through their minds right now? They must be worried sick... or maybe the Princesses told them I am a traitor, and they... NO! You can’t think like that. Luna would never be able to convince any of them that I’m capable of treason. How was trying to refuse immortality even an act of betrayal? Princess Celestia never told me this could happen, never mentioned it even in passing. If anything, they betrayed me! But, no, Celestia wouldn’t do that... I, I... Why oh why did this all have to happen like this? Her thoughts were getting out of control again. She tried to calm herself, breathing as Cadence had taught her so long ago. Calm down Twilight! If you keep dwelling on it, you’ll go mad! Just figure out what your going to do. You can’t stay up in this tree branch forever, thinking yourself to death! Wait, dwell...dwelling? Tree branch, trees, forest... That gives me an idea... Wait, Zecora! She might know how to help me deal with all of, well, this! I just pray she doesn’t take my predicament the wrong way, why would she? She’s a reasonable zebra. I’m sure she’ll understand. Stretching her wings a second and final time, Twilight spread them and took flight. She flew as stealthily as she could towards the southeast. Towards the dark canopy of the Everfree Forest. Meanwhile... Canterlot “Morning is here, Tia. I presume all of Twilight’s friends have finally been sent home, my sister?” Luna inquired. Her sibling nodded slowly. “They were reluctant to leave, they still seem to hold on to the hope Twilight will return and sort all of this out.” Celestia sighed. “In all my years I had her under my tutelage, I had presumed her ready by now to accept the mantle of a princess. Is it possible my judgement may have been impaired by my affection for Twilight?” The Sun Princess stared expectantly at her younger sister, tears threatening to break from her eyelids. Luna’s face remained stoic, but her eyes betrayed it, silently voicing the midnight alicorn’s deep concern. Luna laid a wing on her older sibling, trying to reassure her. “Do not doubt your judgement even for a heartbeat my sister! Twilight is ready, she merely needs time to collect herself. Don’t you remember how Cadence reacted initially to her own Ascension? It was an almost identical scenario to this.” Celestia gave Luna a ghost of a smile on her ancient, regal face. “I suppose you are right, Lulu. My faithful student just needs time. It’s just that dealing with the emotions of Ascension is always so painful, for you, me, for all those like us.” Luna’s wing tightened around Princess Celestia’s shoulder. “Indeed, it is tough Tia. But it is necessary. T’is all for the greater good of Equestria. If we went back to the Old Ways, no good would come of it. We alicorns alone are worthy of bearing the power we do.” At that, Luna’s face morphed from impassive stoicism, to one of fierce determination. “Twilight Sparkle is a Princess, and like it or not, she will accept her duties in the times to come. Her friends are indeed problematic in this process, but like all others of their kind, time will deal with them.” Outside of Luna’s gaze, Celestia hid the frown that was now dominating her features. The Princess of the Night removed her wing from Tia’s shoulder and took a seat on one of the exquisite cushions in the corner. “Again, time will heal the wounds Twilight’s friends’ inevitable passing shall bring, and they have taught her all she needs to know about friendship. It is time now for her to be taught instead the wisdom and principles befitting an ageless monarch such as ourselves, sister.” Hastily putting a smile back on her face, a skill honed from centuries of diplomatic work, Celestia turned to regard her younger sister. “You are right, Luna. Forgive me for my doubts, but you know this isn’t easy.” “Nothing is ever easy, dear Tia.” Luna got up from the cushion and slowly made her way out of Celestia’s bed chambers. “Everything shall pull through, my sister. Twilight will snap back to her senses and return to us. Even if she tries to resist it, the royal blood that powers her alicorn abilities will inevitably lead her back here to the embrace of our waiting wings.” Princess Celestia watched her go, disappearing around a corner. Why must the price for all of our power be so high? I know we have to take our positions because fate demands it, but why at the cost of so much from our subjects? Sometimes I find myself questioning the decisions we made so long ago. With a deep sigh, the monarch gathered herself, and prepared to journey to her throne room to begin the business of the day. Not now, I need my mind clear for today’s agenda. Luna’s right. Twilight will see it our way, I know it in my heart. She wouldn't turn against us like that, against her own Princesses! Against her own mentor? It’s all impossible, insane. I mustn't dwell on this. Equestria demands her rulers to be sound of mind, body, and judgment. Well now.... Off to work then...