//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Gift-Giver // by vazak //------------------------------// Chapter 2 The early morning rays of the sun were just peeking in through the window, illuminating the darkened room and the struggling lump wrapped up in a blanket. Twilight pulled herself free from her linens, arching her back and stretching her wings while letting out a deep yawn. She shivered against the cold. Rubbing her eyes, Twilight glanced over at the her bedside clock and gasped. "I'm going to be late!" she cried. In only fifteen minutes Princess Celestia's scheduled chariot would be arriving to pick her up and she hadn't showered or eaten breakfast yet. "No, no, no ,no I can't believe I stayed up so late cataloging!" she ranted, prancing in place. "It's alright Twilight you have time," she assured herself. “Um, shower first! I can't be grotty and bed maned in front of Princess Celestia!" she shouted, making a dive for her bathroom. The shower lasted barely five minutes and Twilight made it a point to brush her teeth and shampoo her mane simultaneously. Mane still brimming with bubbles and her mouth still slicked with toothpaste the alicorn made her way upstairs, wings twitching in anticipation of a flight they would not get, as she rushed through her thoughts, 'I can’t believe I overslept, I need my hoof cups, even if this is a casual visit.' Flinging open her small cupboard, Twilight levitated out her regalia and slipped it on hurriedly. 'Almost ready, I don't need breakfast, I'll be fine!' she insisted frantically. That was when she heard a creak. Somepony was coming into the library, not just the library but walking up the steps she could hear the powerful trot of pony approaching her from the hallway. 'I forgot to lock up!?' Taking only a moment to see her messy figure in the mirror Twilight turned to face the uninvited guest and spoke. "I'm sorry, but we're not actually open just yet, I’m sure if..." Twilight could feel her eye's trying to to explode out of her head, there in all the radiant glory of the early morning sun was Princess Celestia, flowing mane and all, smiling down at the younger princess sweetly. "My apologies for arriving so early Twilight. I suppose I was over excited for today and didn't realize you weren't ready yet. The sign on the door was still flipped to open and I simply assumed,” the princess explained. Twilight was desperately grasping for something to make this less embarrassing. Here she was messy, bubbly wet mane and coat, toothpaste dribbling out of her mouth and her regalia a complete mess. Hardly the sort of state she'd ever want to be in-front of the princess. "I'm sorry, I-" she was interrupted though when Princess Celestia moved forward. The Princess’s mighty wings spread and gently ran them over the young alicorns head, tickling her horn and somehow drying her. Even this close Twilight couldn't sense what ever pegasus magic the princess was employing, ‘The princess’s skill is as incredible as ever.’ A second wing stroke came and dried off her coat, practically pulling Twilight into a hug, then the princes leaned down and wiped the toothpaste from her chin, Twilight's blush increased a thousandfold while the eldest Alicorn in existence was using her magic to clean toothpaste off her chin'. Celestia only chuckled fondly at her. "There's no need to be so stressed, my dear," the princess insisted, as her golden aura surrounded Twilight's regalia and straightened it out. "Thank you princess, I'm sorry I should have gotten up earlier and-" Twilight was interrupted when a mug of hot chocolate was levitated in front of her nose, the sweet overpowering scent completely distracting the hungry mare as her stomach growled. Chuckling Celestia said, "I assume you haven't had breakfast yet? Don't fret my dear I had something brought with me, we can eat and speak on the flight back to Canterlot. That is when we set off ‘for real’. I have already informed Spike of our plans and he seemed quite excited at the prospect of staying with his 'crush' I believe the term is," the princess said cheerily. "Oh and you'll need a scarf," the princess instructed, her alabaster horn shone and floated Twilight’s usual scarf to her draping it around her neck gently. The purple alicorn’s ears smacked against her head guiltily at the touch of the lavender material, that scarf had been made by Rarity. Shaking her head Twilight dismissed her dreary thoughts, ‘You haven't lost your friends it’s an argument but those happen, just stay focussed,’ she reminded herself firmly. The princess turned and beckoned for Twilight to follow her. Eagerly and with only some embarrassment, Twilight did so. Happily drinking down her hot chocolate as she accompanied the princess into the brisk winter air. en-wrapped her tiny figure, startling her with it's warmth and reminding her of her days as a young filly under Celestia's care. 'The princess is always so warm,' Twilight thought as she stepped into the carriage, parked outside her home. The chariot was Celestia's favourite, an intricate golden gem studded bracers, connecting the pegasus guards back to the golden framed chariot. Atop the back of the throne there was a vane, adorning it were two diamonds and a golden star topped with a royal flag. Surrounding the miniature throne was a base of solid white, laden with golden star and moon studs, it stretched out and curved around itself at the front; where probably the largest hood ornament in Equestria sat it was a purple, almost see-through orb, jutting out of it were golden points and surrounded by a silver halo. She'd always found the chariot somewhat ostentatious, the level of gold and wealth on display in complex and sophisticated patterns seemed rather out of character for her mentor. Celestia was after all usually a mare of simple tastes. Twilight eyed the large back wheels of the chariot, a great sun sat in the center, but in it's heart, eclipsing it, was a crescent moon. 'If there's one thing the princess likes as much as simplicity, it's symbolism,' Twilight reflected. Celestia stepped onto the wall-less carriage first, resting her form against the plush purple seat. As Twilight clambered on, Celestia revealed a small pile of bakery delights, their scent showing them to be fresh from either the palace kitchen or Doughnut Joe's. "Thank you princess, I'm so sorry about all the trouble," she said as the pegasi fliers prepared for take off. Around them, a number of ponies had gathered, drawn by the chariot despite the snow, to gawk at the solar monarch. Chuckling, Celestia responded by giving Twilight an affectionate hug with her wing. "Twilight helping you is never trouble,” the princess assured before smiling mischievously, "Now, are you ready to take off?" With that the chariot seemed to burst into action. The pegasi, whose wings had been rustling lightly in the background sprung into action. They galloped down the street and flung themselves into the sky. The only thing protecting her breakfast was her and the princess's magic holding it in place. "The flight to Canterlot should only take us half an hour, but I hope we can find the time to talk on the way," the elder princess suggested. Celestia levitated a small muffin to her mouth and, rather than the dainty polite bites Twilight was used to, she took the entire muffin and gulped it down in one bit, licking her lips and smiling. "Of course princess, even now it feels like it's been a long time since we talked or studied together," Twilight replied, careful not to let her own disappointment regarding that fact slip. "You know Twilight, I really would prefer it if you simply called me Celestia when we aren't working," the princess replied. 'And just yesterday I was complaining about being called princess,' Twilight reflected, nervously rubbing the back of her head, unintentionally messing up her mane. On some level Twilight wondered when she had come to be so nervous around her mentor, former mentor. When she had lived in Canterlot she'd been proper certainly, but also more relaxed. Since leaving her and moving to Ponyville...Twilight was distracted from her thoughts by the odd look Celestia was giving her. Snapping back to the present Twilight replied, "Of course princ- sorry, hard habit to break, but aren't we doing something 'official' today?" she asked timidly. "Excellent diversion there Twilight, but I'll get you yet," the princess said good humoredly. "As for where we are going, we shall be visiting the town of Nichola~ it's a small but industrious place that borders onto the Crystal Empire's territory. Even with the empire’s return it is a cold place and I've made it a point to visit there unofficially for years. I find the cool mountain air tends to be quite refreshing. In fact we shall be arriving just in time for their mid-winter gift giving ceremony, something of a local holiday, not dissimilar to Hearths Warming Eve. It's a celebration I'm quite fond of.” The princess's smile as she said this was almost wistful. For her part, Twilight's brain was frantically going over any and all facts she could remember about the town. History had always been a great interest of hers and the name was ringing some form of bell. "Nichola? Wait, that's one of the oldest towns in Equestria! It even predates the Nightmare Moon legend!" Twilight cheered, only to immediately clamp her hooves over her mouth, worried she had offended the princess. Looking up her, ‘former’ mentor did not seem to react to the mention of her sisters fall, but Twilight had gotten good, she liked to think, at reading the princess over her apprenticeship, even if there had come to be a distance between them she could still recognize that her mentor was at least reacting if not openly. Gazing out over the fields and mountains Celestia replied, "You are correct, it predates that dark time and throughout even the most turbulent years of Equestrian history Nichola has stood strong. Luna and I visited the town over twelve thousand years ago and have gone back sporadically ever since." Twilight gaped, beyond Canterlot she hadn't known of any township that had lasted from early Equestria to modern Equestria and remained unchanged, Stalliongrad was the only close contender and had started as a small fortress but was now a bustling city and it had gone through such a process numerous times. Smiling affectionately the elder alicorn spoke, "That's quite an understandable reaction, but don't get your hopes up about vast historical knowledge. It is a fine town, with a strong oral tradition. But any and all books written there regarding history would have been copied into the Canterlot archives long ago," the princess assured her. Somewhat dejected Twilight took another sip of her hot chocolate the strength and sweetness contained within bringing a smile to her muzzle. "Of course," the elder princess spoke, "it does have a number of interesting myths, legends and stories to hear, one of them tied to the festival itself.” 'Stories, legends? This must be why the princess invited me. It all connects!' But a number of questions were already coming to mind and Celestia had said she wanted to talk. Coughing into her hoof, trying to affect appearance of an professional statespony, Twilight asked her first question, "I'm sure even if there aren't any history books there that I haven't read, it will still be a fascinating trip. But if you and Luna, sorry, Princess Luna used to visit this place together, wouldn't you two... well like to go together?" She didn't want to miss this chance to bond with the princess but the question had escaped her lips to fast to stop it. Quirking an eyebrow the elder alicorn replied, "I'm glad to know you would have liked Luna to come, but she and I visited her first year back. Oh she was so pleased she was practically dancing in the snow! I think the locals liked her royal Canterlot voice as well, even if there were a few small avalanches that we had to deal with.” The princess laughed and Twilight was certain she had scarcely ever seen a more genuine laugh from the princess in her life. "But as to why she will not be accompanying us today, there are a few reasons, the first of which is that we can't make these visits too often, today is a special exception, but I can usually only go once every two decades or so. If I went more often some noble family would try to bring the holiday to Canterlot or would join me on the visit and they'd suck all the life out of it just like they did the Gala." the princess huffed, she actually huffed in annoyance before turning and winking at the small purple pony. "Did you know the Gala was genuinely fun once?" the princess asked. Twilight could only shake her head. "Oh yes back when it first started it was a great party, welcome to everypony who could make it; young and old, rich and poor, pony or none pony. But it didn't last, I made too many appearances and more nobles started arriving viewing it as 'popular'. At some point a committee was commissioned to organize it and most of them were wealthy ponies. You can guess what happened next, all the delicious food was replaced by those tiny salads and I might as well say it, no cake!" the princess cried, though given it was Princess Celestia it still came out graceful and somehow quieter than it should have. The princess was acting so...casually. Yes, that was the best word, thought Twilight. Given how accustomed she had become to her former mentor maintaining her regal posture it was somewhat odd to see such a turn around. Sighing, Celestia continued, waving her hoof dismissively. "But as I said that was only one of the reasons, the other is that Luna has been wanting the chance to spread her wings in Canterlot. She has been reacquainting herself with our subjects, modern ways of thinking and magic, as well as that holiday Cadence took her on has slowed our attempts to reintegrate her back into politics." "I didn't know they went on a holiday," Twilight said. "Hm, oh yes it was shortly before the Gala. Cadence refuses to attend them anymore unless she absolutely has to and convinced Luna to go and visit some famous tourist spots with her, with your brother as their 'honor guard' of course," the princess winked and Twilight chuckled a little. "I had no objection, Luna wanted to reconnect with her subjects and I can't imagine she'd have enjoyed the Gala. I was proven right this year," she said conspiratorially. "By the way, I'm sorry for not sending you tickets but I thought you and your friends might not enjoy it as much as I did." The princess's tinkling laugh carrying perfectly over the wind. "I've brought Cadence with me as well, quite a few times and I intended to bring you along some time ago, but I felt you might struggle to appreciate it back when you lived in Canterlot." Twilight blushed, still remembering the abrasive pony she'd been back then. She certainly would not have appreciated being pulled from her books to learn about some town, even the presence of her mentor likely wouldn't have diminished her annoyance. "You're probably right Pr- Celestia, but why is Luna only just now taking a role in leading the country?" She knew that until recently the singular solar monarch had still been doing most of the public work for the nation. "That's simple enough my young friend. Political systems are complicated and while I did arrange the government so that Luna would be able to slot back in with relative ease, organizing everything nationwide has taken time. Luna has ’other’ responsibilities that she wished to take care of first such as dreams and other matters of importance that couldn't wait." Twilight nodded in understanding as Celestia continued, "Besides we still cannot agree on how to break up the court session between us." The princess sounded amused by this. "Why is there trouble? I'd have thought that you would handle the day and Luna the night?" Twilight asked. The elder princess shook her head in response. "The Night Court is something of a myth, while many ponies work late at night, handling petitions and such can be difficult and impractical for the most part and Luna certainly does not wish our subjects to avoid their dreams, so the current court system is being maintained, if extended somewhat." Twilight nodded her head, ears twitching with curiosity. The current court was broken up quite simply, the princess would arrive in the morning and there were four court sessions, morning court, midday, afternoon and evening. "The evening court is now being extended until eight o'clock before we close our doors, but we've debated if I should have the morning and midday, or morning and afternoon. There's some pleasant symmetry to me giving over the reigns as evening comes, but there is also symbolism in me looking after the evenings as well, as the sun sets, and all that." "Still, Luna said she would appreciate managing the court by herself for the next few days. We've been sitting side by side for the last few months and I'm more than happy to let her be buried in paperwork instead of me, fair enough wouldn't you say?" The princess offered her a cheeky smile and Twilight couldn't help but giggle in response. Despite her boyed mood Twilight couldn’t help but become focussed on part of what the princess had said when inspiration struck, "Why don't you two just break the days you attend court up?" she asked simply. Celestia looked at Twilight quizzically. "I mean, you could attend on Sunday, Luna on Monday and so on. Maybe with two princess's working you'd both be able to have Saturday off?" she asked tentatively. . "That, is a very good idea, I'll have to discuss it with Luna but I do not see her finding fault with the suggestion and a day off would be a nice change of pace,"the princess gave her a lopsided grin and nuzzling Twilight affectionately. A particularly cold jet of wind struck her in the face and Twilight squinted, scrunching up her face as her eyes stung. Without a moments warning Twilight found herself snugly wrapped in the princess's wings once again, shielding her from the intense cold front, while Celestia herself didn't even seem aware of it. "My apologies," the princess said, almost awkwardly, "you seemed cold.” Twilight nuzzled deeply into the older princess's coat, something she had scarcely had the opportunity to do in years and just basked in the elder princess's warmth. No matter how cold it seemed Princess Celestia was a bastion of warmth and kindness for her and all of Equestria. "So, if this isn't a big event and you try to keep it to yourself, what's this 'gift-giving' festival about?" she asked. Another one of the princess's tinkling laughs met Twilight's ears. “Oh that is a fine legend, and an old one. It starts as most legends do, as a story with a grain of truth," she announced dramatically. Twilight's leaned in closer, her curiosity was peaked. "Long, long ago in the cold mountain town, that had yet to even name itself there lived a small family, grand parents, parents and children all living under one roof in a home barely large enough for two,” the princess started, her tone becoming slightly wispy. "But this year, one like so many others, became a desperate struggle for survival. A terrible storm had come to the land and isolated as the town was, nopony realized how miserable they had become. Icy winds and snow would pelt against the walls never stopping, not even for even a moment. This was the worst winter in fifty years, maybe even in a century and their stocks and small harvests had not brought the town enough food and all the trade roads had been overwhelmed by sleet. Food was growing scarce as was the warmth in everypony’s hearts. They grew bitter and jealous, wanting what other families had even when no one had anything." Celestia's tone was sad, but still distant enough to remind Twilight this was a story and not a tragedy in the making. The princess grinned down at her. "But there was one little pony who understood better than others selflessness, but even they would need a lesson to learn the importance of the fires of friendship," Celestia intoned gravely. "Princess was this pony a filly or a colt? And why couldn't the pegasi clear up the storm?" Twilight asked, certain that the lack of identification had some explanation. "Nopony remembers, just that they were a very good and kind pony. As for the pegasi, this was a time of great difficulty for the empire, which in-turn affected Equestria and so the storm could not be fought off, there were simply too few pegasi to have any impact and weather magic was not as well understood then as it is today." "But where was I?" she asked, a golden hoof tapping her chin in thought before she brightened. "Ah yes! You see the young foal saw how cold their family was and so while they slept the child slipped out, despite the storm, certain that their family’s fire would not last long through the night. That child wandered for hours, the cold winds and ice beating against the little foals coat. But thoughts of their family warming by a fire made thanks to their efforts kept the foal going, after many long hours they had finally collected enough wood and returned home." Now Twilight felt silly for being so bothered by a strong winter breeze and yet she could not find the strength to pull away from her mentor, almost being lulled to sleep by her melodic voice. "What happened next?" she whispered. "Finally, the foal returned home. They were greeted as a hero by their beloved family and the fire was built higher than it had been in weeks!” the princess explained cheerfully. “But, despite the new warmth of the flames there was still a coldness in their hearts. The foal looked outside and saw the dwindling smoke from other homes, icicles the size of a full grown pony hanging down in front of snow blocked houses, wood and mud are poor protectors against the cold," Celestia's voice became serious again. "Even amongst their own family with a warm fire between them there seemed to be a chill in the air, a distance between them all far worse than any winter breeze. Despite the foals best efforts sadness still seemed to fill their family and the town would fare no better,” Celestia said. Twilight, despite the sadness of the story had to resist rolling her eyes at the princess's flowery speech. Celestia flung one hoof out dramatically panning over the landscape, Canterlot just now coming into view. "So once again the foal set out, intent on finding something to bring the ponies of the town warmth and cheer alike." She smiled, almost proudly, Twilight thought. "That child travelled deep into the mountain forests. While there they face many dangers, wolves and mountain lions, ice, snow and the most terrible of biting winds. But nothing would stop that pony on their quest," Celestia’s voice dropping to a harsh whisper as she came close to Twilight. The young pony was starting to get swept away into the fantasy, easily imagining a thin, but strong pony, brown winter clothes wrapped around their frame battling against the elements. "But as they traveled the young foal found more and more wood for the fire and would drag it back down to the town. But instead of selfishly hoarding it for themselves the foal offered it to the other villagers. Each one gladly accepted, shocked though they were, and would offer the foal a blanket or a something to eat or drink in thanks. The young pony never took too much though mindful of their own family’s difficulties." "But even then something seemed lacking, so as they traveled the foal would offer the blankets and cloaks they had received to other villagers. The young foal had made it their intent to warm the entire village by their own four hooves. For all their efforts it seemed that the young foal was more likely to freeze to death before the village was warmed, but somehow over the last few days their story had passed through the houses of the village and it touched their hearts. The cold that had consumed the village washed away by the innocent determination of one child seeking to help as many ponies as they could." Twilight could tell by the princess's tone the story was about to reach its apex. She pressed herself deeper into Celestia's coat listening intently, while her subconscious silently rallied against the improbability of such a story. "When the foal returned to town, muddy and exhausted, with only a small pile of logs dragged behind them for their efforts. What greeted that child was a sight to behold!" the princess practically cheered. "The town was out, no longer hiding from the cold within their homes, instead they worked together, building a great bonfire in the town square. Together they coiled together blankets, warm meals and drinks and suddenly the cold didn't seem so unbearable," the princess uttered reverently, her tone joyful and proud. "They welcomed back the young foal and together they stood against the cold, warmed as much by one another's hearts as they were by the fire. Seeing what their efforts had brought forth that young foal realized what they wanted to do with their life. They wanted to foster the fire of friendship between their fellow ponies and to help warm them throughout the harshest winters forever." "And so the Gift-Giver received their Cutie Mark, a fire light flame, and with it, a new name. From that point onward each year that foal would travel deep into the woods for weeks and would return to the village at the same time every year, bearing not only wood and blankets but gifts, wooden crafted toys for the foals and even pillows for older ponies." Celestia smiled wistfully. But then the princess's expression grew shadowed. "But few things can last forever, none that I have seen do, it’s such a long time afterall…” Celestia seemed to trail off for a moment before the light returned to her eyes. "It had been many years since that fateful day, it was so imprinted into ponies minds that each year the town held their festival, gathering wood, and food and fighting the cold of winter together. But the Gift-Giver had grown old, the wood piles they came back with grew smaller and the gifts fewer in number. They would not think to be angry, each year they welcomed their beloved friend with open arms and basked in each others warmth.” "But" the princess continued sadly, "one year the Gift-Giver did not return. The villagers searched for months but could find no sign of their beloved idol. Sadness seemed ready to consume their hearts until the very next year.” A small smile of pride edged it’s way onto her face as she continued, “But the Gift-Givers message was too strong to ignore now; so they still gathered the wood, the food and sat together by the bonfire, as much for a funeral as anything else." The princess let out a wispy breath and Twilight resisted the urge to dance around impatiently, something that would be hard to do on a chariot currently wrapped in a giant wing. Twilight's ears were pressed against her skull in sadness, 'So we're attending a funeral' she thought. Her eyes holding firm against the carriages floor. Twilight’s melancholy introspection was interrupted when the princess blew on her face, an excited smile on her normally regal features, "But that was when something amazing happened" Celestia said breathlessly. "The townsfolk had gathered by the fire, braziers were lit and the full moon rose into the sky as they prepared to say goodbye to their friend when a roar of laughter could be heard echoing through the mountains, it was the most jolly laugh anypony had heard in years. Up above the village rode a pony in a great red sleigh, they were held aloft in the sky by not by pegasi but by the mighty mountain rams the Gift Giver had befriended long ago.” Leaning down the princess whispered mischievously, “But in some tellings it’s Star and Solar ponies." "Star and Solar ponies?" Twilight asked confused. Waving a hoof carelessly the princess replied, "Ponies made out of stars and space matter and light, similar to Ursa Majors or phoenixes, though a little less corporeal, they show up in quite a few stories. "It was the Gift-Giver as if returned to their prime, wearing a great green coat that stood out against the stark white mountain tops, and behind them sat a sack filled to the brim with gifts. The villagers welcomed back their beloved hero with a mighty cheer, but after the presents had been distributed and the town warmed by the fire the Gift-Giver told the town that they could not always appear and asked, nay, begged the villagers to keep the flame of friendship burning brightly and they happily swore to do so," the princess said, pride clear in her voice, her tone distant. "With the presents dispatched and the townsfolk enjoying the blankets, meals, toys and comfort items the Gift-Giver took to the skies once again, disappearing underneath the moonlight. To this day the ponies of Nichola keep this tradition alive, each year on the coldest day of the year they gather in the center of town, create a great bonfire, exchange gifts and enjoy one another's company, friend and family alike." The princess leaned down to whisper in Twilight’s twitching ear as they came in for a landing, "And some years, presents will appear from the skies, sleigh tracks will appear on rooftops and a booming laugh can be heard all over town and many believe that the Gift-Giver, most generous of all ponies is still watching over them." Pulling away, the two princesses moved slightly apart so that they would appear properly ‘proper’ Twilight thought as they landed. The palace staff were watching as the chariot came to a gentle stop, Twilight's mind abuzz with questions and criticisms at the heartwarming, but absurd, tale she'd just been told. But Twilight scarcely had the time as the princess hurried her deeper into the palace and into her private chambers, a room Twilight had been quite familiar with in her early years. The doors were open, as they so often were, given Celestia always wanted to be open with her subjects. She looked around and saw that little in her mentor’s room had truly changed. Artifacts and strange trinkets and items lined the walls and books upon books were gather on the shelve. The princess’s overly large bed still seemed as impartial as ever, though Twilight knew that Celestia barely slept on it, preferring her long cylinder floor pillows and cushions instead. "Come, come," the princess insisted, "We have to be dressed properly before arriving.” "Wait, what does that mean?" Twilight stood ramrod straight as clothes burst into existence over her slight frame, summoned by Celestia's magic. It was all winter gear obviously and despite being a little overly fluffy in some cases very practical. At least they looked comfortable, especially compared to some of the clothes that Twilight had been forced into upon her ascension. She truly wished she could travel further back in time, maybe a few centuries, so she could smack who ever invented the bridle. All of them were also Twilight's size, "Princess, aren't you going to put anything on?" she asked. Nodding, Celestia's horn lit up and a ray of light shone at the base of each hoof, spinning like a discus before exploding upwards and engulfing the elder princess's frame with a blinding flash. When the light faded Princess Celestia stood tall and proud. Her hooves were covered in thick fluffy boots with a lavender tinge to them, leaving the rest of her long legs uncovered. A red ribbon wrapped itself around her swan like neck in a bow. Draped over the princess's back was a simple red cloak with a thin white trim and openings that allowed the Princess's wings to move freely. Sitting on her head was a loose red hat that resembled a red and white night cap. "Is that really going to be warm enough princess?" Twilight asked. It looked so simple and she couldn't even make out the princess's regalia. "Of course Twilight, as I said, this is a casual visit. Now Nichola is a cold place so you'll need something very warm. Do you mind if I pick, or do you want to choose?" the princess asked. Shrugging, Twilight allowed the princess the choice. She'd never been good at picking out clothes and the princess knew this place better than her. A set of woolly boots were dropped down in front of her hooves and Twilight stepped forward slipping herself into them easily and finding them almost too warm in Celestia's heated chamber. Then Twilight felt something long and thick draped across her back. It was not a saddle, but instead was a deep royal red cape, with a white trim. 'Is she trying to dress me better than her?!' she wondered confusedly, Twilight glanced at her mentor. Celestia's response was to simply smile back, her eyes closing as she did so. Along with her scarf Twilight definitely felt very warm. "Are you sure we'll need all this princess?" she asked uncertainly, feeling very overdressed; not an uncommon occurrence these days. Nodding, the princess replied, "Oh certainly Twilight, I'll also be bringing along some muffs too, just in case, now I have a question for you. How are going to get to the other side of Equestria quickly and without being noticed?" she asked. Her tone was jubilant and very similar to the one Twilight had grown used to as a filly. Coughing into her hoof Twilight considered her options quickly, 'We can't travel by chariot to slow and we'd be seen, we can't fly even if we were invisible I'm not fast enough, could the princess fly that fast?' shaking her head, 'no, she couldn't' Inspiration dawned on Twilight. "You mean to teleport that far? But it'd take everything I have just to get to Canterlot, once!" she stressed, flailing her hooves. Chuckling the elder alicorn responded, "Perhaps so, but you've never had me by your side. Combined spell casting should come quite naturally to you thanks to your experience with the Elements, and I'll simply need you to ‘ride’ on my spell." Excited, Twilight clapped her hooves together and her eyes lit up. ‘Magic!’ was all she could think, rushing to the solar alicorn’s side with enthusiasm. Chuckling at her student’s enthusiasm Princess Celestia's wing draped itself around Twilight’s body, pressing them coat to coat as Twilight looked up at her teacher and channeled magic into her own horn. Ethereal tethers reached out, barely discernible to the normal eye, but the slightest nod from the princess told Twilight she was doing it correctly. Slowly but surely Twilight's magic pressed up against Celestia's body, an invisible layer of magic already surrounding the alicorn. They twitched and flinched at the contact, before easily melding together like water. Twilight slowly surrounded her own body with magic, careful to keep her patterns in line with her teacher’s. The connected energies flowing between them and wafting around Twilight like a cloud. Princess Celestia's magic stretched out, no longer just accepting her student’s presence but instead surrounding her. The solar monarch’s magic spread with speed and confidence, like a rolling wave and Twilight found her body consumed. The two energies mingling as the power built up around them. She pressed herself deeper into her mentor’s coat, her eyes shut against the bright light. 1... 2.. 3. "Pop!" With an audible pop and a flash the two alicorns vanished from sight.