//------------------------------//
// 16. Exercise by Knight of Cerebus 
// Story: The Sun and the Stars: A Twilestia Prompt Collab 
// by Fuzzyfurvert 
//------------------------------//


by Knight of Cerebus


***



Celestia was stopped in her tracks by the sound of a resounding splat. She turned around to see her lover, the hero of Equestria three times over, spitting out a mouthful of twigs and mud. The forest stayed silent for a few scarce moments, the trees shedding a few leaves around the hooves of the pair. Eventually, Twilight broke the silence.

"I knew this was a bad idea..." 

Celestia pursed her lips, helping Twilight to her feet and gently nuzzling her. Massive wings helped brush the blushing unicorn down, and to Celestia's great...surprise, Twilight seemed to lean into the touch as if it were ambrosia itself.

"I'm terrible at it, I'm slowing you down, I'm muddying up your coat and we're both wasting time we could be using studying, or talking, or, or..." Twilight still couldn't bear to even look at Celestia. The look of disappointment she was sure was coming kept her eyes pinned to the gold-encrusted hooves that it was attached to.

"Does that mean you aren't enjoying yourself?" 

Twilight's eyes widened in horror, and her head whipped up to brave the potential glare long enough to show her absolute refusal at the idea.  "O-of course not! It's just that...well..." 

Celestia could see the tremor in Twilight's eyes, and silently berated herself. Of course Twilight would see her inability to keep up as inadequacy. Of course she would blame herself for failing to match Celestia's example. Fortunately, she also knew the solution. The day was far from lost, and until Twilight could rest assured that she was in no way Celestia's lesser, there was one solution that she knew would always work.

"I for one was having a wonderful time. I always love the fall. The tableau of colours are so breathtaking a natural sight. It reminds me of my sister. A jog through the woods is one of many activities I have regretfully had to often sacrifice for the sake of Equestria." Celestia watched the gears grind in Twilight's head.

"You mean...this is making you happy?"

"It is." Celestia knew that these words alone were enough to reverse Twilight's spirits, but she would not have her lover martyr her afternoon simply for her sake. "However, there is one thing I would gladly sacrifice it for." 

The Princess wrapped a wing around Twilight, leading her along the pathway slowly. "A long, peaceful stroll with you." 

The tender smile on Twilight's was matched by her mentor as the pair leaned in to each other.