//------------------------------// // Act 1 Scene 7: A Love That's Not There // Story: Bluebelle of the Ball, The Musical // by mr lovecolt //------------------------------// Tucked away in a corner of the Royal Canterlot Gardens stood what Princess Celestia called the Rose Gazebo. Four rose bushes climbed small, wooden posts and then joined one another at the top, creating a canopy of white and red. Beneath this canopy was a wrought iron table with a design of a rose blossom in the center and rose petals spiraling outward toward the edges that sat on an upraised wooden platform. On the table were scrolls with numerous scratch marks and redone plans, as well as a tea set. The table was large enough for two ponies who could sit in chairs made of the same design as the table. In these two chairs sat Prince Dusk Shine and Princess Bluebelle, who were in the midst of going over the final preparations for the ball. “So we can actually reuse five of the eight ice sculptures for the party.” Dusk Shine said. “How do you figure?” Bluebelle asked. She turned her attention to the teapot and levitated it over the cups, refilling them to the brim. Setting the teapot back down, she turned back to Dusk Shine. “And which animals?” “These ones,” Dusk Shine replied, “The bull, the deer, the elephant, the lion, and the bear.” “And why these animals? What do they have to do with the Jazz Era theme?” Bluebelle asked. It wasn’t that she questioned him; she was genuinely curious to know. Dusk Shine cleared his throat, causing Bluebelle to roll her eyes. “Are you about to give me a lecture?” She asked as she quirked an eyebrow. Dusk Shine’s eyes widened and a blush rose to his cheeks, to which she chuckled with a hint of a smile. “What’s the matter? I thought laughter was an element of friendship.” Bluebelle watched as Dusk Shine’s eyes left her and turned his gaze to the scrolls on the table. Neither pony spoke, during which, the smile that had appeared on Bluebelle’s muzzle disappeared. “I did it wrong, didn’t I?” Bluebelle nearly leapt out of her seat when Dusk Shine started laughing a moment later. Now, it was her turn to blush. “Sorry,” Dusk Shine replied between laughs, “I just never knew you had a sense of humor.” “This is coming from the prince who managed to break a guard’s muzzle with a book when he said the phrase ‘Princess Golden Dream’s Diorama’.” Bluebelle scoffed. “Sergeant Lighthoof’s hind leg is fully healed from last year,” Dusk Shine replied, trying to hide the implications from last year’s birthday party, “I saw him do a pirouette this morning.” “One would think that with as much choreography that they do they should know how to dodge things like books and statues.” Bluebelle deadpanned but then gave a worried expression. “You don’t think I’m violent, do you?” “Do you think I am?” Dusk Shine asked back. “You just don’t like being interrupted.” They both replied in unison. The blush returned to their faces as they realized what they said. Bluebelle levitated a cup and took a sip. “So,” she said, changing the topic, “What is it about these animals again?” “Right, you see, animals have different symbolic meaning in Equestrian history. For instance, the bull and the deer have often represented wealth.” “That makes sense,” Bluebelle replied as she took another sip, “The Jazz Age was a time of relative opulence, especially among the Canterlot elite, according to the book “Ponies and Perspective” by Maretchell Narym-Mazuri.” “Exactly.” Dusk Shine continued as he levitated his own cup. “Now, the elephant and the lion in Zebrican mythology represent power, at least, according to the equinopologist, Benezet Burro.” “You know, I always wondered why somepony from Mexicolt would be so interested in Zebrican folklore.” “Sometimes, it helps to have varied interests.” “So let me guess the bear, if I may.” Bluebelle said. Dusk Shine nodded. “The bear is a symbol from Curly-Horse Jung’s collected works dealing with dream interpretation. Based off of his interviews with the native buffalo-” “The bear represents protection.” Dusk Shine added. “Of course, this was during a time when the buffalo extended beyond Tall Tale and they had more contact with bears.” “So you’re thinking of using this ice sculpture in the ball as a symbol to protect the wealth and power. I like it.” The two sat back in their seats as the last scroll was set aside. “And with that, I think we have managed to save this party, after all.” Bluebelle looked at the scrolls on the table, and at some of the notes she had been making in regards to friendship that Dusk Shine had touched upon. She had written the names of the six elements of friendship, but beyond that, most of that particular scroll was blank. Finally, she looked back up to Dusk Shine, who stared off into the distance towards Canterlot proper. “So, Dusk Shine,” she asked, “When am I supposed to ask you if I can be your friend?” Dusk Shine returned his gaze to Bluebelle with a puzzled expression. “I thought we had already established that.” “What? But I haven’t asked you yet.” “Bluebelle, it’s not something you ask somepony. Friendship is something that just grows naturally from interaction. To be honest, I’m a little disappointed in myself that I didn’t try to become friends friends with you earlier. I had no idea that anypony read as much as me.” “Sometimes, it helps to have varied interests.” Bluebelle replied with a smile. “And if I can be honest, as well, I’m glad that I spoke with Aunt Luna today.” “Oh, you spoke with Luna?” Dusk Shine asked as he levitated the teapot and filled their cups once more. “Anything interesting?” “Well, we spoke about you and about how you aren’t like other stallions. You aren’t like any of the ponies in Canterlot, actually.” “You still believe that the ponies of Canterlot can’t be trusted?” Dusk Shine asked. “I’ll have you know that it was none other than Fleur De Lis who helped me with finding the decorations and the band for tomorrow’s party.” Dusk Shine took the moment to close his eyes as he enjoyed his tea, and so he didn’t notice that Bluebelle suddenly jolted upright in her chair. She furrowed her eyes and looked back at the city of Canterlot. “I see,” she replied, trying not to let the new information show through her features, “And how is she doing?” “I learned that she and Fancy Pants are no longer together, which is a shame.” Yeah, Bluebelle thought, a shame for that social ladder climbing, pony head stepping, two-bit-. “Are you all right?” Dusk Shine asked. Bluebelle levitated the scrolls she had written on and got out of her chair. “Yes, I’m fine. I just need to get some work done with the Anemoi.” Bluebelle kept her attention on Dusk Shine as she backed away from the gazebo. “If I can work really hard, maybe I can get Zephyrus to work with the other Anemoi to work tomorrow out themselves.” “You have to work even on your birthday?” Dusk Shine asked with a bit of concern. “The winds stop for no- eep!” Bluebelle screamed when she felt her back hoof reach the edge of the gazebo. Her hind quarters flew backward and her head was thrown back. In the instant she fell, she twisted her head to see a mud puddle on the ground. Suddenly, she felt herself wrapped in a warm aura and was levitated back onto the gazebo platform. Even when she was back on all fours, however, she still stared at the mud puddle. A moment later, she felt a hoof on her back. “You weren’t kidding.” Dusk Shine said. “You really do hate getting dirty.” Bluebelle took a few steps forward and then stopped. She looked back down at the dark brown mud that had collected somehow near the gazebo. Bluebelle imagine it to feel thick and sludgy, as though it would stick to whatever touched it. “Yes,” Bluebelle replied, “yes I do.” As she took a few more steps, her trot turned into a cantor. Behind her stood a confused stallion, who turned his attention to the mud puddle, then back to the retreating form of the princess. ***** Princess Luna watched the scene from a distance. Her mane was covered by a camouflage helmet with small branches sticking out of it. On one of the branches was a bird’s nest which held a robin’s egg. Her coat was covered by a camouflage jacket of the same material, which Luna had cast a spell on to appear worn and battered, as though she had worn it on numerous occasions. Two black streaks of paint underlined her eyes, to which she levitated a pair of binoculars. She looked down at the scene with particular interest, given what her niece had said to her that morning. All she had to do was avoid being seen as she observed the two ponies that sat beneath the Rose Gazebo. She gasped as Bluebelle said something as she smirked to Dusk Shine that caused him to blush and turn his head away. She sighed when she saw the smile fade from Bluebelle. Princess Luna tried to suppress a giggle when she saw both of them laughing once more. “Sister, what are you doing?” The voice of her older sister called. “And what are you wearing?” Princess Luna turned to her sister and used her magic to pull her down closer. “Shh,” she said, “We don’t want to attract attention.” “Are you eavesdropping on Bluebelle and Dusk Shine?” Princess Celestia asked. “Yes, and if you don’t work to keep hidden, you will surely expose our cover.” “I see. Hence, the camouflaged outfit. Little sister, I-.” “Oh look,” Princess Luna interrupted as she levitated the binoculars to her sister’s eyes. “They’re laughing. Surely this is a good sign.” “Luna, please, just take off the camouflage, and-.” “Neigh, sister. I must use the camouflage. Tis the reason why such clothing exists.” “Luna, that only works if you’re in a wooded area, not on a castle balcony.” Princess Luna made note of her surroundings – the grey stones of the castle spires did seem to make her stand out a bit, now that she thought about it. She looked down once more at the two ponies she was spying on before her horn glowed with her aura. A moment later, the camouflage attire disappeared, leaving behind only the princess in her natural state. “Now,” Princess Celestia continued, “do you want to explain to me what you’re doing spying on our niece?” “Oh sister, it is wonderful news.” Princess Luna replied. “Just this morning, I was working on a new celestial design, and-.” “What was that?” “Nevermind about that.” Princess Luna said as she thought about a certain blue stallion astronomer. “Bluebelle came to visit me and was asking a lot of questions about Dusk Shine.” Princess Celestia looked down at her niece and ex-protégé and then back at her sister, who was giddy with excitement. “No, Luna.” She said. “This is not your area of… expertise.” Her attention turned to her other niece for a moment before Princess Luna interrupted her thoughts. “Nonsense, sister. You just didn’t see how Bluebelle was asking the questions. I actually think she may be ready.” “You do not know whether she is ready, Luna.” “But Tia.” “No.” Princess Celestia held up a hoof. “You do not know the ways of Aeolus, nor the customs and duties that are required of the Emissary of Aeolus. Bluebelle has to find her own way. Besides, she is still too young, not to mention how busy she keeps herself.” “But if you’d simply look.” Princess Celestia sighed and humored her sister for a moment and took a look through the binoculars she held up. “I know what you think you see, sister, but you must remember that it is Dusk Shine’s job as both the Prince of Magic and one of the Elements of Friendship to seek out those who do not have friends.” Princess Luna snickered for a moment before pulling the binoculars away from her sister and setting them on a nearby table. “Oh, sister, I may not be able to traverse the political scene that you have become adept at, but I am able to see that there is something there.” She turned back towards the gazebo, where she saw the two poring over some scrolls and bantering back and forth. Though she wished she had cast a spell to amplify her hearing abilities, even she knew that was going a bit too far. She turned back to her sister. “And what kind of stallion do you think will set our niece’s heart aflame?” “Aeolus will guide him to her.” “I understand that, but what do you think he will be like?” “At this point, it doesn’t matter.” Celestia replied. Bluebelle does not have any time for love She prefers her wind spirits to a stallion’s company She is simply not ready for it now. Princess Luna held up a hoof. Dusk Shine’s not the same, Bluebelle just came to me Asking about him, what sayest thou? Princess Celestia smiled softly towards her sister. That she is simply getting used to him. Bluebelle is not ready for love She needs to prepare Aeolus will guide her to him Let’s face it, that when push comes to shove- “That you are frightened of the stallion she may love?” Princess Luna asked. Princess Celestia shook her head. Bluebelle may be curious now just wait, and you’ll see Dusk Shine is just teaching her how Just how great friendship can really be Sister, please, hear me out Sister, don’t interfere Do not search for a love that’s not there. Princess Luna levitated the binoculars once more. See how she blushes when he comes near. He blushes back. There is something there. “Something there?” Princess Celestia asked. “Something is there.” Her sister replied. Though it is quite faint, I could see in her eyes That spark, just like his She’s taken a ‘shine’ to the prince Tia please, can you help me with this? Because I’d be remiss If I were just to sit back and wait I just need to know If Dusk Shine has feelings for her Prove me wrong and I’ll just let it go So just talk to him please If I’m wrong, I shall swear To not search for a love that’s not there. Princess Celestia looked at her sister, whose eyes had managed to grow even larger than before. “Sister, please don’t do that.” She pleaded, but Princess Luna’s eyes continued to burrow into her own. How do little sisters keep getting away with doing that, she thought as she finally nodded her head. “Very well, sister.” Princess Celestia relented. “I will find time to speak with Dusk Shine this evening.” “Thank you-.” “But I will not simply ask him how he feels. I do not want him to think I am playing matchmaker.” The two sisters nodded and looked one final time down to the gazebo, where they saw Prince Dusk Shine levitate Princess Bluebelle back onto the platform before placing a hoof on her back. Princess Luna looked up to her sister with a smile, but Princess Celestia simply rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t mean anything.” She added before reentering the castle, followed by Princess Luna. ***** Princess Bluebelle stormed into her suite and allowed her magic to slam the door behind her. She made her way from the parlor to The Wind Room and trotted straight to the glass dome. She quickly levitated a crystal from its holding spot and placed it on top of the dome. “Zephyrus, spirit of the western wind, I call you forth. Come forward, and perform your duties to the earth.” The red stallion appeared in the dome before her. Zephyrus’ blackened eyes stared straight into hers. “Your Highness, Princess of the Winds,” Zephyrus replied, “How am I needed today?” The spirit of the western wind paused for a moment as he watched Princess Bluebelle pace back and forth in front of him. “For your knowledge, I have spoken with Lips, Boreas is finally under control, and-.” “No it’s not that. Something else is wrong!” Princess Bluebelle shouted. “I will admit, the Doldrums have been a bit lazy as of late, but-.” “No!” She replied. “It’s Dusk Shine!” “Oh.” Zephyrus replied, until the realization dawned on him. “Oh! I mean, I’m sure we can get Boreas to apologize to the prince for his behavior.” Zephyrus paused for a moment. “Unless, the prince would like to meet him personally. I didn’t think he would be that eager to meet him again, but who am I to judge what-.” “No, it’s not…” Princess Bluebelle began, “Wait, what? Nevermind. Somepony is trying to take advantage of him.” She continued to pace back and forth in the room. As she paced, the scrolls she had been carrying were flung across the room. Zephyrus looked at the scene before him, cocking an eyebrow at the sight of the items being out of order. “I don’t know how he’s done it, but not even a day in Canterlot proper and he meets that conniving, self-centered-.” “Your Highness?” “What?” “If I may ask, can you please control yourself? I need you to remain calm if I am to help you.” Princess Bluebelle fell onto her haunches in front of the dome. She took a few deep breaths. Finally, after she had calmed down, she looked into the dome at Zephyrus. “Now, tell me what is happening.” “All my life,” she began, “I have seen nothing but back-stabbing and treachery from the ponies here in Canterlot. I honestly believed that all ponies were like that. Everywhere I looked, I saw only ponies who associated with one another so that they could climb up the social ladder.” Bluebelle took a few more breaths before she continued. “And then he comes along.” “Prince Dusk Shine?” Zephyrus asked. “Yes. And at first I thought he was just naïve. But it’s not that. I’ve met naïve ponies, and they always end up either leaving Canterlot or holing themselves up in the academic towers so that they don’t have to deal with the others.” Bluebelle looked over at the scrolls she had tossed around the room and levitated them over to her side. She unwrapped one of the scrolls and pointed to it. “But he’s not naïve. The stories he has told me about his stay in Ponyville – he actually returned the tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala because he didn’t want to hurt his friends’ feelings.” She stood up and took a few steps away from the dome. “There is a spark in him. And I don’t want to see him lose that spark. Especially not to her.” “And who is this her?” “Fleur De Lis.” Bluebelle replied with a shudder. “I swear to Celestia that mare is part changeling. She only married Fancy Pants so that she could be associated with his philanthropies.” Bluebelle charged back to the dome and looked straight at Zephyrus. “And now she’s trying to get her hooves on Dusk Shine. She’s going to use him.” “Why don’t you just tell the prince about her?” “It won’t work. Dusk Shine truly believes that there is good in everypony. Besides, he thinks that I’m paranoid about not trusting any of the Canterlot ponies.” “Paranoid?” Zephyrus asked. “Well, he never actually said it out loud, but I know he thinks that.” “Do you think he does not trust you?” Bluebelle held a hoof up to her chin. “No, it’s not that. He just sees the good in her.” “Quite the predicament. Perhaps you can talk to Miss De Lis yourself?” Bluebelle nodded her head as she took in the information. “You’re right. And I know exactly where she will be this evening. Thank you Zephyrus. Thank you so much.” Bluebelle turned down to the scrolls once more. “Maybe I can find some way to appeal to her. If not, then I’m sure I can use other means to get the point across that she is to not hurt him.” Bluebelle trotted out of the Wind Room and into her private quarters. Zephyrus remained in the dome and chuckled as he looked around the room at the state Bluebelle had left it in. The scrolls were now piled near the column. “Her Highness is certainly out of character, right now.” Zephyrus mumbled to himself as a smile crept onto his face. “Father, if this is your work, I certainly hope you know what you’re doing.”