//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two: A Lavender Sunset 
// Story: A Tawny Sunrise 
// by Slurpy_Midnight 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 2


A Lavender Sunset

The room was completely silent except for the clatter from the kitchen. Twilight could only stare unsure of what to say. The fact that he was covered in cupcakes would normally be enough of a precursor to indicate a joke. But it was no joke. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. No, this was certainly not a joke. Twilight blinked blankly, and she found herself asking before she was actually ready to receive an answer. “And what did you say?”

Her tone wasn’t questioning, it was more of an automated response. Tawny looked at the letters, lifting a few as if to re-examine them. “I protested.”

“And why was that?” again, an automated response.

The parchments lowered so that his eyes may peer over them, he seemed concerned about her lack of… being. But he offered her an answer anyway. “I’ve never taught and I often keep to myself with the exception of Abby. It wouldn’t make sense for someone as inexperienced as myself to teach someone with such great potential.”

Twilight blinked, she seemed to be coming back to reality. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this. Because of her ‘great potential’ she was being denied a tutor. Not that there wouldn’t be others or possibly better teachers it felt wrong somehow. She had read his work and it was quite good, there was no reason he couldn’t teach her. “So you aren’t going to teach me?”

Her voice was a little sad, yet understanding. The parchments were placed back onto the table with the others as Tawny let out a heavy sigh. “Well…” He began with uncertainty. “The Princess absolutely insisted I teach you. She said you haven’t really had a formal education since you left the academy during the raising of the sun festival... two years ago… She sent me the curriculum guides and your letters to document your progress. And… I told her I would do my best.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile, she hadn’t had a formal lesson in so long. She realized that he wasn’t a professor but she felt better about her need to ask questions. Tawny added on at the end, “So from today on, I’ll be your teacher… I guess.”

Despite the fact he was unsure in his ability, and was covered in cupcakes. She would never forget this moment as the words sunk in. “Great! When will be my first lesson?”

Twilights words dripped with giddiness. Her teacher looked around the room for a few moments. He had been frantically preparing for the past few days and he was beat. Sleep was something he was akin to getting every night, now he hadn’t slept in three days. Only thing keeping him going was sheer determination and sweet apple tea. “How about Wednesday?”

A distraught look came across the students face. “That’s… next week.”

It was exactly a week. The lavender pony had no wish to wait! She would have her lessons begin again at that very moment if it were her choice. Tawny could see her sadness. “Twilight… please.”

Exhaustion was apparent. The mare stared for a moment as her mind took in all the cues. His voice was not only tired. It was also sad and unsure. She looked around the room again, what she had seen as chaos when she first entered made sense. It was clear; since Celestia had messaged him he hadn’t taken a break. He was hard at work to preparing for her and her studies. She gave a smile coupled with sad eyes. “Tawny… You really need to rest. Are you sure next Friday wouldn’t be better?”

He didn’t comprehend. his brain had to work overtime to conceive what she had said. A weary smile managed to work its way onto his face. “Thank you Twilight, but Wednesday will be fine…” He choked a little on his words, surprised by the sentiment. Twilight smiled before she saw him fighting to keep his eyes open. “I’m… I…”

He seemed conscious enough to let himself down slowly, but his speech functions were shutting down so he couldn’t formulate words. Twilight looked at him worry spreading over her face. “Go to sleep Tawny…” Her voice was soft and motherly. “You’ve been working too hard.”

Though she didn’t really need to tell him, as soon as he was lying his breaths became deeper, it was obvious he was already in a deep sleep. She smiled at him, joy and concern both openly on display before she walked to the kitchen. It was a nice change of scenery from the mess, no… from the hard work… in the other room. She expected wide spread destruction in the kitchen, but to her surprise, it was fairly tame. They were currently putting the cupcakes into the oven to bake. Pinkie seemed calmer than her usual self. She turned to see her lavender friend enter. “Hey Twilight, cupcakes are just going in.”

Twilight smiled before asking, “Have any batter left?”

Pinkie grabbed the bowl, there wasn’t much but it may help her take her mind off of Tawny and her new coming studies. Placing the bowl down Pinkie retrieved two spoons and a smaller bowl, too which she poured some of the batter. Abby grabbed a spoon and lightly dipped into the larger bowl, Twilight followed her example before Pinkie ate directly out of the smaller bowl. The air was silent between them. “So new teacher huh?” asked Pinkie, her voice lightly bouncing.

“So you could hear.” Twilight looked up and smiled. “I guess I do, though he doesn’t seem very sure.”
                   
A spoon was silently laid on the table; Abby seemed to have had her fill. “Of course not dear. Even in the academy he didn’t talk to anyone with any enthusiasm. He ‘didn’t have time for friends as he put it.”
           
        Twilight tail twitched, she had said those exact words when she was attending. If it weren’t for Nightmare Moon’s return she probably would have turned out quite similar to him. Abby could see sympathy on her face, she didn’t know from where it stemmed but she took a wild guess. “He’s always been fairly lonely; maybe he thinks you’re cute.”

Pinkie smiled and shook her head lightly letting out a light giggle as Abby let out a mischievous chortle. Twilight only blushed lightly. It was a silly pedestrian thought, but it was kind of nice to think that maybe someone thought of her like that. “He’s just worried he won’t be a good teacher.”

She protested before eating a little more of the batter. The three were silent once again. Twilights’ eyes were a little dull as she put down the spoon. “What was he like after he graduated?”

Abby’s claw rose and began to lightly scratch her scales. “No different than he is now. We saw few ponies during our travels. Often we would be in dungeons or ruins.”

“How did you find them?” Twilight asked, mildly intrigued and looking to move the subject away from her and her new teacher.

“We walked.” The dragon half smiled, as if it sounded silly to herself as well. “Just explored where most wouldn’t, deep in dangerous forests, high mountains, dark caves.”

The way she said it was like it wasn’t a big deal. The lavender mare seemed a little confused. “So, after he graduated, Tawny and yourself just… left Canterlot?”

“Just left…” Sadness seeped in Abby’s voice. “That would be an apt way of saying it. He didn’t tell his parents, not even his teachers.”

Pinkie’s face was covered in batter. “You just packed your stuff up and hit the road?”

Abby’s eyes darted to avoid Pinkie’s gaze. “We… we didn’t really pack much, just some food and a few bits to keep us going.”
                   
Twilight noted her defensive tone and took a step toward her to comfort the dragon. “It must have been difficult, just dropping everything and leaving like that.”
           
        “Yes…” The dragon’s voice was distant. Possibly remembering the day she left. “Being with Tawny was the only life I had ever known… It- it wasn’t that different.”
                   
A ding interrupted the conversation, drawing the sum of their focus to the oven. “Cupcakes’er done!” Pinkie quickly opened the oven, letting the alluring aroma fill the kitchen.
                   
“Oh my, those smell divine Pinkie.” Abby was being drawn slowly toward them, seemingly unable to stop herself.
                   
Pinkie began to look for mitts of some sort, but Abby leaned over and grabbed the tray simply and lifted it onto the top of the oven. “Alright, so now we frost them right?”
                   
“Not yet. Not unless you want frosting to drip all over the place.” Pinkie said before walking over to the bowl which had housed the extra batter before throwing in. “Not that I would mind!”
                   
Twilight watched the two silently as Pinkie began to describe with great mirth the step by step process to making the frosting which she used when she made cupcakes. She knew the process already, so instead of intruding on the two’s baking time she found her thoughts beginning to wander. Her eyes slowly grew vacant as they continued to point toward Pinkie explaining how absolutely important it was to get consistency correct.
                   
So many things began running through her mind. The idea of a new mentor, what it would mean with Celestia, how Tawny thought similarly to how she used to, and what the coming teachings would entail.
                   
“You’re being really quiet Twilight.” Pinkie’s words violently pulled Twilight out of her meditation. She blinked unsure of how much time had passed; it must have been at least ten minutes. Pinkie and Abby had not only prepared the frosting but were beginning to decorate the cupcakes. “Oh I was just thinking.”
                   
Pinkie smiled before holding the frosting apparatus to her friend. “Here you do one.”
                   
The lavender mare simply stared at the tool for a moment before smiling and taking it in her hooves. She found an amused smirk on her face as she stepped toward the undecorated pastry. A blank surface for her to create something beautiful, she lifted the decorating bag, lightly she bit her bottom lip. She lightly began to squeeze the bag, moving slowly to try and garner some beautiful unseen shape. But quickly the shape was lost. The icing became as unformed on the top of cupcake as the thoughts bouncing around her mind.
                   
Twilight giggled lightly as she piled on a little more icing, adding two makeshift eyes to the mass. She lifted the cupcake. She took the tip of the decorating bag and used it to carve out a little mouth before picking it up. She looked at the horrible mess of icing with fondness. She turned holding the cupcake up for the others to see. “How’s it look?”
                   
Pinkie blinked before giggling. “It reminds me of the trees in the Everfree forest.”
                   
Twilight turned the cupcake, its horrid smile and crooked eyes were certainly not unlike those ghostly’s she giggled at. After a moment of reminiscing she stuffed the cupcake into her mouth and chewed it happily. Abby smiled as she watched the two. After the giggling subsided Abby found herself turning her eyes toward a window. The sun had set some time ago. “Alright my dears, it’s getting fairly late. I’m going to turn in.”

                   “Awww.” Pinkie stuck out her bottom lip in attempt to pout, but Abby merely ruffled the pink mane. “Now now dear, we’ll gladly have you again tomorrow.”
                   
“I would love to but I have to watch the kids for the cakes tomorrow. Ooh maybe I’ll stop by for dinner.” Pinkie said with a smile.
                   
“Pinkie, you can’t just invite yourself over for dinner.” Twilight chastised.
                   
But Abby waved a hand to dismiss the notion. “No please do, you two may stop by anytime you like. Some social interaction will to the colt good, and I’m sure Tawny wouldn’t mind making extra for you.”

                   “Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude.” Twilight said defensively.

                   Abby slyly smiled and lifted a knuckle to her chin. “Well then Twilight I cordially invite you to have supper with us tomorrow.”

                   “W-well…” Twilight stammered. “If you insist… I could oblige.”
           
        “Beautiful!” Abby exclaimed clapping her hands together. “Well then girls, we shall reconvene tomorrow evening for a spot of tea and a nice dinner. For which Tawny will cater.” The dragon fell into light giggles to which she could not stifle.

                   Pinkie giggled and curtsied, Twilight followed the light comedy sketch before speaking. “Very well my good lady tomorrow it shall be.”
           
        They turned and the two ponies were ushered to the door by the gracious dragon. Passing the passed out cupcake covered pony and heading out the door. “Well thank you.” Twilight said before turning and dipping lightly toward Abby. “I suppose we’ll see you tomorrow.”
           
        “I hope you make a plenty, Cause I’m going to eat lots and lots!”
           
        Abby smiled and nodded. “Well, I’ll make sure to note it.”
           
        The group nodded to each other and began their separate ways.

Twilight made her way back to the library, when she opened the door she found Spike and Peewee flipping through a book. “You’re not asleep yet Spike?”

He looked up with a yawn. “Not yet, Just reading Peewee a bedtime story before we go to sleep.”

The mare looked at the children’s book and smiled. She then went to the kitchen to prepare herself some food. As she walked in she was surprised to find it fully stocked. Spike must have gone out and replaced what they had used. He really did seem to keep on top of things recently. His chores were always done early. Parchment and ink were always stocked, now the fridge seemed to be acquiring the same attention. She thought about it a moment before looking around and grabbing some ingredients for a sandwich. She also grabbed a few cookies she kept hidden. She munched on her sandwich as she walked out to the main library. She floated the cookies over to Spike. “Here.”

Spike looked up, he took the cookies confusedly. “What are these for?”

She had already bitten into her sandwich and was making her way for the bed. “You’ve just been keeping the library in such good shape. I know it’s not much but I’ll get you a proper reward tomorrow.”

Spike looked at the cookies in his hand for a moment, he wouldn’t refuse them. He still watched as if something was concerning him. But she left his sight, so he looked to Peewee who was already asleep. The dragon sighed lightly before closing the book and gingerly taking Peewee to his cage to let him sleep in peace. He didn’t head to his bed. Instead he simply grabbed himself another book. “I’ll just read this for now. Don’t want to bother Twilight while she’s trying to go to sleep.” He told himself.

The sun was well below the horizon at this point. The moon seemed a little dimmer tonight making the constellations in the sky sparkle brilliantly. Twilight sat on the balcony by her room looking up at the sky. Munching silently on her sandwich as she tried to put together all of the day’s events and try to figure out what she’ll do about tomorrow In silence she finished her sandwich and turned in.
                   
The next day could have been any other if it weren’t for the dinner plans looming in the distance. Sure Abby had insisted she come over but that didn’t mean Tawny would share the same sentiment. She couldn’t focus on that right now; instead she opened one of the tomes Tawny had written. She felt the need to educate herself on his discoveries and work before she saw him this evening. It was only supposed to be a nice dinner between friends, but there was no denying the topic of magic could come up. What with the both of them being from the Royal Academy.
                   
The day was passing over her slowly, but she refused to notice, or pull her eyes from the book in any manner. Not until Spike placed a sandwich on the pages in front of her. Twilight blinked a few times before she pulled her head back, finally allowing her eyes to focus on the room around her. Finally looking to Spike with a simple quirked eyebrow. “C’mon Twi. You haven’t eaten anything all day. It’s already afternoon.”
                   
The lavender mare blinked before looking up in confusion. She had been absorbed in studies before, but being pulled out of the blanket of knowledge she was currently cradling was like being pulled out of a haze. “Sorry, I’ve just been really focused today.”
                   
Twilight lifted the sandwich and stared at it blearily. She shook her head lightly before taking a bite and chewing slowly. She didn’t reply to her assistant who took a step toward her placing a hand on the bottom of her neck and leaning in to try and catch her eyes with his. “Twilight… is everything okay?”
                   
Perhaps she should have been asking him the same question. As of late the Dragon was studious, organized and ahead on every chore. Not that this was a bad thing, it was just different. What could have warranted this change? That’s what really bothered Twilight.  “I’m alright Spike.” She said after swallowing a small bite of the sandwich.
           
        Even if he were deaf he would have been able to pick up the sadness and uncertainty in her voice. He stepped back a moment and examined her unsure of how to proceed. “Alright Twi… You know you can talk to me if you need anything.”
           
        Though the pony continued to refuse to look him in the eye she smiled and nodded before taking another bite of her sandwich. He continued to stare for a few seconds wanting to deeply press the issue and help his friend from this malady that struck her. But instead, he turned, she was entitled to her privacy and she knew he was here if she needed him.
           
        Only now as the purple dragon walked away did she realize just how hungry she was, though the sandwich was nice it did little to tame her hunger. Looking to the window she saw for the first time late day. As the sun lit up the horizon one could almost see placid flames. Twilight located a bookmark only now realizing that the time of dinner would soon be on her.
           
        She walked in a haze similarly to how she had done on her way back to the library. But she could have no fear of barreling into any wooden structures, for when she drew near Tawny’s residence a beautiful scent lifted her nose and mind. The aroma of a variety of spices brought her a warm sensation. She stopped her reserve of meeting Abby and Tawny for lunch wavered. Perhaps it would have faltered completely if it weren’t for the persistent aroma that seduced her. After a minute of introspection the mare placed one hoof in front of the rest, and then repeated the process, until she was close enough to rap on the door. After she did, it only took a manner of seconds before the door opened, revealing the crimson dragon. She smiled mirthfully as she saw her guest. “Twilight! Please do come in.”
           
        The gracious scaled creature took a step to the side, bringing out her hand to invite the mare in. Twilight nodded to her host and stepped into the fragrance, now being able to pick out the scent of tomato. Almost immediately she was able to pick out one other guest, who was already sitting at the table sipping on some tea. “Oh Rarity! I didn’t know you would be here.”
           
        The pony with the purple mane smiled toward her friend. “Well, it was rather short notice… But I hadn’t taken a break all day, and well, I couldn’t deny a well cooked meal.”
           
        Twilight sat across from her friend, each spot at the table had a cup of tea and a fork. Rarity took a sip of the tea and Abby walked past them both to the kitchen. “How long have you been here?”
           
        Rarity took a look out the window, as if to confirm the laws of time hadn’t stretched before answering. “Not long, only ten minutes.”
           
        The marshmallow coated mare nodded to herself before looking at Twilight. “My, doesn’t the smell make you hungry?”
           
        Twilight was quite hungry herself. Not having eaten anything but a single sandwich all day. She was personally proud of the fact she could keep herself contained as the gentle smell of garlic tickled her receptors. Abby walked back into the room still smiling. “What have you two girls been up to today?”
           
        “I’ve been working on a dress all day.” Rarity replied before taking a sip of her tea. “I have finally found the perfect colors and was just beginning the stitching before I came over.”
           
        “Who’s this one for?” Twilight asked before taking the first sip of a cup a tea.
           
        Rarity smiled. “Why, only the great Photo Finish.”
           
        “Congratulations Rarity! What does that make? Three now?” Twilight smiled at her friend’s accomplishment. Abby looked between the two nodding, seemingly to pretend to know what they’re talking about.
           
        “Yes thank you dear,” Rarity said proudly before continuing. “And what have you done today?”
           
        Twilight smiled awkwardly for a moment before replying. “I studied…”
           
        Rarity smiled while shaking her head with a half quirked smile. To many others it was some young are wasting her life away by sticking her nose in some dusty old books. But that’s what made Twilight happy, and as long as Rarity was her friend she would defend Twilight’s right to that happiness.
           
        “Well, my dear, what did you read?” She asked for courtesy’s sake.
           
        Twilight took a moment recall the information of the book, not that she had any intention of attempting to regale Rarity with it. “A book about ancient pony civilization.”

She answered her eyes still away in thought. Before the conversation could continue there was a knock at the door which Abby was prompt to move toward. “Howdy ya’ll. Sure smells good’n here.”

The beautiful accent bounced off the walls of the room. There was certainly no mistaking the loved voice of Applejack. Following her inside was none other than Pinkie Pie. “I know, I can’t stop drooling, I can’t wait to dig in!”

On her back sat two boxes meant for baked goods which she sat on a free space in the middle of the table. “Oh? You came as well Applejack?”

“Well sure, been workin the fields since sunrise. Ah only stopped to munch on an apple or two, must say it was kind of him to invite us all in gain like this. ” The mare tipped her hat lightly to Abby before proceeding to the table followed closely by Diane. The two sat down on opposite ends from each other. Rarity looked to AJ curiously. “What about the other two?”

The orange mare rolled her eyes. “Well Rainbow didn’t seem to have any intention of coming down. Not like her ta turn down a chance for free food.”

“Oh ohh!” Pinkie placed her hooves on the table leaning into Rarity’s vision. “And Fluttershy had to go to the garden to meet somepony!”

Rarity quirked an eye before inquiring to make sure she had heard correctly. “Really?”

Pinkie nodded ferociously. The marshmallow mare blinked before looking at Twilight for a moment. “Well good for her.”
                   
At some point Abby had receded into the kitchen. Applejack tapped her hoof on the bottom of her chin a few times in thought. “Don’t you think it strange that she never said nuthin bout it before?”
                   
“Not really, this is Fluttershy. It’s not like she talks about her personal life that much.” Twilight explained with a light shrug. Rarity simply nodded in agreement.        
                   
As the group collectively took sips of their tea their two hosts stepped in, Tawny, lifting a large pot filled with the unknown delicious smell that had so invited them in, and with a fresh kettle of tea. “Hello everyone.” The stallion greeted simply as he walked in.
                   
Each of the guests greeted him, though together it was amorphous. As Tawny set the pot down in the middle of the table Rarity questioned, “So what is that divine smell?”
                   
Tawny lifted the lid of the pot, revealing spaghetti mixed in with a sauce of some sort. “The smell would most likely be the sauce.”
                   
He smiled politely before pouring himself a cup of tea and taking a seat with them. At first their was an awkward pause between them, as if no one had a clue where they should begin. They still didn’t know much about their host so it was Twilight who began with the questions. “So, Tawny. What did you major in?”
                   
He was already scooping large platefuls of spaghetti to everyone. “Not really dinner conversation…  But I ended up majoring in pre- Equestria history.”
                   
“Pre- Equestria? Like, before Equestria was made?” Applejack, a little confused.
                   
A spark flared in Twilight’s eye. “That sounds interesting, what made you choose that?”
                   The orange stallion was now placing the pot in the middle of the table. “Well it’s an interesting thought, we all know why ponies came to Equestria in the first place. But what happened in their home land? Is it still an ice covered wasteland? Do ponies still live there?” As he placed the lid on the pot it was clear his eyes were no longer focused on the task at hand. He seemed to be staring through the pot in thought. After a moment he blinked and looked at his guests. “Oh sorry… Not time for a lesson is it?”
                   
Twilight grinned and opened her mouth, but she caught the idea when a glance from Rarity in her peripherals. Not sure how to follow up without it becoming a discussion Twilight tended to her food.
                   
“My… Tawny, this is delicious.” Rarity looked up, pasta was not exactly her favorite food, being as it was fairly messy. Which could be evidenced by the fact Pinkie had already had a plate devoured and had Abby loading on more. Rarity continued. “How did you make this?”
                   
The stallion slowly chewed before swallowing and rubbing his chin with his hoof. “It wasn’t too difficult. I sundried some tomatoes and cured them with some spices so the flavors would set. After that process was done I pureed them and added some herbs. This essentially makes what you’re eating right now.”
                   
“So hows them tea sales comin?” AJ asked a small smile on her face.
                   
Tawny seemed to blink away some sleep for a moment before looking over to the corner of the room. “Very well. Now that you’ve reminded me, would you mind if I came by early morning tomorrow to pick up some more apples?”
                   
The smile on the country mare’s face couldn’t help but spread slightly. “Course not. I’m up early for harvest these days anyway.”
                   
The two exchanged a nod. No one really seemed to be surprised by this conversation but Twilight. She just looked at the two out of the corner of her eye. Since when had they become business partners?
                   
The idle chatter continued between them all, discussions of the few days he had been here, how many people he had already met, how gracious everyone here was. He seemingly had nothing negative to say about the town or its citizens. Not that that should be a surprise in such a warm and loving community. Needless to say, the evening was quite enjoyable. It reminded Twilight of all the simple outings she’s had with her friends, all the picnics and get together.  But part of her worried, sure Tawny seemed to be enjoying their company. But if given a choice to meet with them instead of them invading his home, would he go out? Even though he smiled now the purple mare got the distinct impression he was still antisocial.