by Fuzzyfurvert
***
“Princess, conditions are deteriorating rapidly.” Twilight Sparkle spoke calmly enough, even though her hair was mussed and her lab coat hung off one shoulder. Her mad rush up to Celestia’s personal chambers had announced her arrival a moment earlier better than any trumpeting fanfare.
Celestia formed her lips into a mildly concerned frown as she watched Twilight straighten her askew glasses. The young archmage paused to gather her thoughts at the door before stepping into that sacred realm. She looked Celestia up and down as she approached, taking in all the tiny details of her posture and carefully constructed image.
“There has been an increase in the flare-up rate. They’re lasting longer and arching higher through the coronal layer than we’ve ever recorded before.” Twilight sighed tiredly.
Celestia gestured for Twilight to approach her closer. Twilight had permanent permission to do so, but even now she needed a gentle nudge. The girl worshipped the very ground her princess stood on, would do anything Celestia told her to do, even things she never ordered, but Twilight simply assumed Celestia would want attended. The weariness Twilight wore at the moment around her eyes was enough to catch Celestia’s breath.
She’d been too aloof.
Celestia cursed herself silently. She knew full well the extent that Twilight Sparkle would chase an idea or worry, especially if it had to do with her personal paragon. She patted a plush pillow next to her own seat and smiled politely as Twilight’s face shed its fatigue and split into a grin. Far from the first time, it reminded Celestia of the dawn. Her student took the offered seat and after a moment leaned ever so lightly against Celestia’s side, a pleasantly warm spot on her arm.
“I know you said it was nothing, that everything would be alright in time. But… I’m just worried. About the solar activity we’ve seen. About Equestria.” Twilight lowered her voice to subvocalize. “About you.”
Celestia heard her of course. She could hear Twilight’s blood flow through her veins if she focused on it. She made no move to signify any of this, of course. She remained silent and silently supportive. It had been her experience that her subjects were more honest and free with their thoughts and actions if she didn’t make herself a part of the conversation.
“I’m frightened. I don’t want anything bad to happen to anyone. And I’m powerless to make the changes needed to save everything.” Twilight sighed again. “You can though. I trust you completely, Princess. If you say it will be ok, then I’ll believe you.”
Celestia looked down into those large amethyst eyes, holding Twilight’s gaze for perhaps two seconds longer than she really needed to. She just liked losing herself in them sometimes. Celestia nodded solemnly and turned back to her stargazing. In the morning everything would be ok.
There were always fireworks on her birthday.