//------------------------------//
// 287. Overture by Jonesly 
// Story: The Sun and the Stars: A Twilestia Prompt Collab 
// by Fuzzyfurvert 
//------------------------------//


by Jonesly


***



Outside the castle in Canterlot, the streets were awash with excitement. It wasn't everyday that a new princess was coronated, after all. Work had been canceled for the day, school likewise. All throughout the city game booths had sprung up for the holiday. Food vendors had set up shop along the streets, hawking their wares and contributing to the festival atmosphere of the evening. The whole event had taken on the feel of a giant, city-wide party.

Inside the castle, the party continued, but in a more regal, sedate way. The great hall had been filled with a feast fit for a king, or at least four princesses. Tables groaned under the weight of food, goblets splashed with wine overflowing. The mood was more subdued, but no less joyful then that on the streets.

Music called to the party goers, drawing them into the ballroom. As people gathered, the chamber orchestra appeared prepared to play far into the night, providing all with a grand ball. People gathered in groups, waiting for the guest of honor to take her rightful place as the first dance of the night.

The newly crowned princess, dressed in a lavender gown custom designed for the event, was currently sheltered in a small group of similarly dressed young women. Each had a look of love and pride on their faces, they were there to support their princess. Almost as one, they placed their hands on the shoulders of the princess, nodded towards the dance floor and smiled encouragingly. The princess made a gesture towards her crown, perhaps checking to make sure it was still secure. She swallowed visibly, brought her arm up to her heart while taking a deep breath, then pushed her fist outward while exhaling.

Having composed herself, the princess moved off in a determined stride. As she passed her family, murmurs started to arise from the onlookers. Traditionally, the first dance of a young unwed royal went to her father. Said father looked on with pride, but not surprise at the breach. The crowd looked on with curiosity as she walked towards another small grouping of women in gowns. This group with crowns firmly in place on their heads.

She walked up to the tallest of the group, bowed, and extended her arm in invitation. The elder princess, dressed in a brilliant white gown, looked down at her, eyes widened in shock. Her lips parted slightly and her head tilted quizzically. Seconds stretched out, the young princess growing visibly more nervous. Her arm started shaking, and her eyes dropped down, dimming as they left the face they had been staring intently into. Shaking her head sharply, as if to dismiss the shock or perhaps lecherous thoughts, the taller princess smiled with all the warmth of the sun, reached out a graceful hand, gently cupping Twilight's chin, Celestia raised her face to hers, whispered a few words, accepted her arm and swept her out onto the dance floor, perfectly in sync as the music swept up into a waltz.