“Oh hey Rainbow, what brings you here? Not looking for a book are you?” Twilight asked the cyan mare, who had just flown in the open window, miraculously having not crashed into anything. Yet.
“Yeah, right. The Dash doesn’t spend all her time reading Twilight. That’s for eggheads like you. No, Rarity said that she wanted us all to meet up at her store for lunch. Hey, do you have that new Daring Do book in yet?” Rainbow asked, zipping around the bookshelves, searching for the rather distinctive series.
“I thought you just said only eggheads read? No, it isn’t in yet, I’ll be sure to tell you the moment that it is though.” Twilight replied, turning and dusting the top shelves of the bookcase she had just finished reshelving. The likelihood of there actually being anything for her to dust was slim, but it had been almost three days since she had last dusted, it needed to be done.
“No!” The pegasus yelped, flushing a gentle red. “I said that only eggheads read all the time, but reading is like, cool, if you do it every now and then. You just go overboard. Too much like… work. You and AJ need to relax every now and then, you know?”
Twilight grinned, biting her lip to keep the chuckle silent, amused at her easily flustered friend. Yes, it takes such a razor wit to go hoof to hoof with “The Dash”. Try as she might, a giggle escaped her. Rainbow thought Pinkie was random, but she wasn’t exactly stable either. The Element of Loyalty must change her mind about as fast as she flies.
“So is there anything else you want? There are books that have educational value as well, not just adventure novels.” Twilight let the teasing enter her voice, knowing that of all ponies, Rainbow would take the jibe in stride. Or would that be in flight?
“Yeah, there are, but they are so NOT cool. I don’t do not cool. Heck, I’m like twenty percent less cool just being in here.”
“Oh really? So if I were to have, oh I don’t know, maybe a copy of Spitfire’s autobiography-“
“WHAT? GIMME!” Rainbow shrieked, voice cracking.
“I don’t know Dash, it is kind of valuable. I mean, she only signed five copies…” Twilight trailed off, simply adoring the look on her friends face. Well, she enjoyed it for the half a second before Rainbow’s lack of flying sent her plummeting to the wooden floor. Her face was a study in how a pony looks when two aspects of her life which she never thought could ever mix, were combined into a four hundred page narrative of pure, unadulterated awesome.
“Fine, I’ll let you borrow it.” Twilight finally relented, starting to wonder if her friend was even breathing. “Just make sure that it stays… clean? It really is valuable.”
“You know Twilight, I was wrong. You aren’t a totally lame egghead.” Rainbow gushed, before catching herself and adding “But you’re still an egghead!” And, stupid smile plastered on her face, she flew out the window, holding the bright blue book
before her like her firstborn foal.
I wonder what Rarity wants? She thought, flicking an imaginary mote of dust from the gold bound copy of “The Collected Writings of Star Swirl the Bearded”. It can’t be urgent or dangerous since she isn’t coming around herself. Maybe she wants to make dresses for us again? I can’t imagine what for though; we don’t have any parties coming up. Well, whatever Pinkie throws together, but no REAL parties. Maybe she just wants some ready? I doubt it, but she might want to put on another fashion show. That would make sense.
“Spike, have you got that book order in yet?” She called, placing the duster on the table next to the window.
“One, one second. This stuff is really, urp, big.” The dragon panted from around the corner, a loud belch and a gout of green flame interrupting him. The last time she had checked, almost half the delivery had been sent, and Spike was resting his sore neck on the growing pile of books.
“Next time,” The dragon began, his annoyance probably clear to the ponies on the other side of town. “Have the Pegasus Express deliver it.” He grumbled, before another belch landed a copy of Modern Numerology and Astrology at Twilight’s feet. “I can’t feel my stomach.” The dragon ended lamely, whining as he rubbed his stomach.
“Well, when we’re done you can help me practice a new spell.” The unicorn said brightly, grinning at the young dragon.
“Oh yes, that will help so much.” Oh, you could almost taste the sarcasm on that one. Twilight giggled to herself, looking off to the side abashed.
“Oh well, I guess you do deserve the day off then. I mean, I think I’ve already finished everything I need to do today. Just leave these here; I’ll put them up when I get back, okay? You have fun now.” She called, trotting over to the door. The dragon had been astoundingly helpful this last week. Ever since she had gotten back from Canterlot, her little assistant had been waiting on her hand and hoof. If she so much a thought of something, the dragon somehow had it waiting for her.
As Twilight walked out the front door, locking it behind her, she wondered at that. Maybe he just feels grateful for the sapphire? It wasn’t that unreasonable a thought. Those gems were very rare, and very powerful. She could swear that Spike had grown almost an inch right in front of her when he ate it. None of her books had ever said anything about the effects of different gems on dragon growth, beyond the general statement that as a dragon consumed more and more gems, they grew, similarly to amassing their hoard. She should probably make a note of that, if that single gem had made so much difference.
Walking through the town, Twilight was lost in her own thoughts. By the time she barely avoided introducing her nose to Rarities door, she had the essay on dragon growth already outlined. Now to somehow control and measure the growth with the consumption of certain gems. Maybe if I-
As she walked into the room, she noted that all of her friends were already there, with a very impatient Rarity tapping a hoof on the tile. “Oh finally. I was worried that you would never show up Twilight. You shouldn’t keep company waiting, it’s so rude.”
“Aw cut ‘er some slack Rarity. Ah just got here a few minutes ago, an’ you didn’ bite MAH head off, no did ya?” Applejack asked a bizarre mixture of challenge and amusement flavoring her voice.
“Yeah, I mean, none of us really got here on time Rarity. It’s not like we don’t have anything else to do.” Rainbow said from her seat, more of a perch really, on top of the lone bookshelf. She flicked her tail, glancing back out the open window. Someone wants to read that book. Twilight hummed in contentment, glad that at least one of her friends was excited about reading.
“I. Well. Fine. Far more important than a little tardiness,” The Fashion Queen said, flipping her mane, and ever so slightly emphasizing tardy. “Is that I realized something. None of you have any kind of wedding dresses. It is simply unacceptable.” She said somehow expanding the last word into three.
“Whoa whoa whoa. I am NOT wearing another dress. Remember what happened last time?”
“Ah hafta agree with Rainbow on this one, Sugarcube. Dresses just don’t suit me.”
“Applejack, you are wearing a dress. Even if I have to tie you down, you. Will. WEAR IT!” Rarity growled advancing on the orange mare, horn glowing menacingly. The last words came out in a mangled screech. As the unicorn fumed, Twilight tried not to grin. Typical Rarity. Typical AJ for that matter.
“Oh Rarity, that sounds simply wonderful.” Fluttershy gushed in the ensuing silence, swiftly locking the unicorn into a discussion involving such arcana as hoof polishing, stitch types, coloring, a spa appointment for the entire group, and Twilight could have sworn she heard the word glitter in there.
One thing that did stand out to Twilight was the lack of energy from a certain pink pony. Said pony also appeared to have evaporated, as she was no longer anywhere in the shop. Over in a corner, Applejack and Rainbow were conversing in hushed tones. Every few seconds one of them would send a look at the two in the light, and on any lesser pony that look would have been called fear. The two Iron Ponies couldn’t be afraid of Miss Prissy who was afraid to walk outside because dust would ruin her coat, and the panphobic pegasus. Could they?
“Ah’m telling you Dash, we need to move. Fast.” Applejack’s whispered carried over to the middle of the room, turning Twilight’s head.
“Darling, you wouldn’t happen to know where my rope is, do you?” The white unicorn’s smile was sweet as any that had graced the lips of the Canterlot elite when she asked Fluttershy. As she turned to face Applejack though, the smile changed. It now bore more than a passing resemblance to a spiders, spotting not a fly, but a particularly juicy beetle.
“Um, rope? Why do you need rope?”
“Because, Fluttershy dear. I meant every word I said, and I said I would make Applejack a dress. Even if I have to tie her down to do so. Twilight dear, can you please come over? I would like to talk to you. Besides, if someone makes a run for it, you can help me get them back.”
Twilight chuckled as she walked towards her home several hours later. After the white unicorn had taken all of their measurements, they had sat down for a quite lovely little lunch. After lunch, Rarity had treated them all to a spa trip. Applejack and Rainbow had promptly avoided the trip, claiming work or in the case of the pegasus, a nap.
The look of annoyance on Rarity’s face had been slightly marred by the small grin she hadn’t been able to contain as she watched her friends trip over themselves to escape. It had really been a fun day, and the spa twins really knew their stuff. Twilight finally felt like she could relax.
“Spike, I’m back.” She called as she opened the door to the library. It was almost nightfall when she had left the spa on the other side of town. Admittedly, it wasn’t a bustling metropolis, but walking clear across it had taken her from twilight to dusk. She looked around, wondering if maybe the young dragon was already asleep, or maybe lying in wait for her. Closing the door, she noticed a note pinned to the back of it.
Twilight. I finished bringing all the books over, and I stacked them in your room so you can go through them in a little while. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle asked me if I wanted to stay over tonight, to fill in for Scootaloo, so they can try and be Cutie Mark Crusader Dragon Tamers. Pretty funny huh? Well, I should be back in the morning, if I haven’t been caged and taught to jump when they move their hooves.
Spike
P.S. Oh. A letter came for you just as I was finishing with this. I left it on the table for you. See you tomorrow.
A letter? Twilight thought, the memories of her night in Canterlot flooding back into her mind. As she sat there replaying the memory, she felt the tears return. But on the heels of the tears was hot, boiling anger. How could she do this to me. After all of that she decides to send me a LETTER? I serve my heart up on a gilded bucking platter, and she spits on it. And a bucking letter is supposed to make everything better? She fumed, tears still flowing. Her anger acted as her shield against the onslaught of pain, but every shield has weaknesses.
“Twilight when you build a shield, you have to remember that magic isn’t solid.” The voice from a lesson long past raised its head, scenting the air. The alicorn looked down at her student, almost disappointed. “You can do better, we both know that you can. You have the power to make some of the best shields I have ever seen, but you keep them too rigid. A good shield, one made correctly, flows and bends.” the princess reprimanded softly, ramming home the fact that Twilight had failed. “Think about them like water. If you have a lot of water, then the fire can’t get to you, correct?" At a nod from the young teenaged unicorn, the Princess continued.
“But if it is rigid, like wood, then the fire will consume it, and burn you along with the defense.” Of course she would bring that up, again. She never had seemed to let go of the fact that while her parents had been screaming and dying, Twilight had been curled in a corner instead of helping them.
“I’m sorry Princess, I was with Emerald. She said that our studies could wait and that we should-“
“Twilight Sparkle.” The sharp tone bit into her side like a whip. “Do not lay blame on others for your own lack of focus. You have to learn how to protect not only yourself, but others from your magic. You are simply too strong to not guard against yourself!”
“Yes Princess.” The pubescent mare had looked down, eyes watering once more. She had only been trying to make friends. Nopony wanted to be her friend, they all thought she was strange.
“Now, try again, and this time make the shield flow.” Twilight hauled herself from the depths of memory, ending the sentence for the Princess. That had been the only time she had ever tried to make friends before she moved to Ponyville. It had made the Princess disappointed in her, and after a night of sobbing to Smarty Pants the girl had sworn that she didn’t need friends, that her studies were more important. That had been the only time the Princess had been failed by her student, the only time Twilight had shown anything less than the complete mastery of anything.
As she thought and remembered, she let the anger go. It helped nopony, and like all those years ago, it was rigid. Anger was a shield yes, but one that left more exposed than guarded. And if water could protect all sides, then what could ice do? Twilight looked up from the floor, all traces of pain vanished behind the mask of frigid indifference. Walking over to the table, she picked up the letter.
Dearest Twilight Sparkle,
Tonight I write to thee in the hopes that I may plead an audience. After my long sojourn upon the moon, as you must know I have been deprived of a large portion of modern Equestrian social conventions and practices. My sister tells me that in the time that I was otherwise engaged, a new form of recreation was developed. During my night, rather than sleep, some ponies would stay awake. They would talk to their friends and accomplish little with the intent so, and occasionally would play games involving the exchange of challenges and the understanding that one must accomplish these challenges or forfeit.
Needless to say, I find myself interested in any aspect of ponies and my night. I find both peace and joy in the thought that while I was away, they have found a manner in which to not only admire my night, but enjoy it. So I find myself tonight writing both in hope and fear. May I bequest you and your friends allow me to partake and join of one of these “sleepovers”? I wish not for this to be a formal request, far less a formal appearance, as my sister tells me that a sleepover is about enjoyment rather than politics.
May I join you of an eve? Would your friends be able to accompany us in this venture? I spend little of my time away from my sister, and you are one of my only friends. You and your friends need feel no obligations to me, either with regards to rank nor to our putative friendship. If you are not busy however, may I join you?
I also would ask that I be allowed to properly thank the young pegasus, your animal loving friend. Her advice has served me well in the time that I have walked in the Palace, and I have yet to thank her for her aid.
Yours in trust and faith,
Princess Luna
Twilight read the letter several times. So Princess Luna wanted to have a sleepover? Well, she was sure something could be managed. If she moved her library cleaning back one day, then she would be fine. The extra day on her calendar marked “Friendship” had come in handy once more.
I spend little of my time away from my sister. The line from the letter returned to her, biting at the edges of her thoughts. Twilight shook her head, and began to plan out the sleepover. She would need to ask her friends first. That would have been easier to do today, as they had all been at the boutique at Rarities behest. Now though, she would have to track them all down. Fluttershy would be easy, all Twilight would need to do was mention that Princess Luna wanted her there and the yellow pony would cave, joining them. The rest of her friends were slightly more problematic. Rarity would be busy with the dresses, and Twilight expected her to be working at odd hours, crafting one of her ~IDEAS~. Applejack would be slam drunk tired. She, Big Mac and Caramel were the only farmhands left, and they needed to keep the trees from freezing. Rainbow had to keep the weather in check, which would be exponentially more difficult in the winter with so much more ground to cover. Figurative ground anyway. Pinkie was out, there was no way Twilight would let the Party Pony spend the night in her library. She simply could no risk the “Party Cannon” spewing cake batter all over her books.
You need feel no obligations to me with regards to rank. Yes, well not all ponies can take that attitude now can they? Even if you can Luna, some ponies feel the weight of their crown, reveling in it. Someponies go out of their way to remind others of their crown. And SOMEponies use it as an excuse to sit by and watch the pony who offered her heart up. Then they spit on the poor mare, and tell her that she doesn’t even matter. The mare thought. She wasn’t angry, not how other ponies were. There was no heat to her thoughts, simply a cold hard edge.
With that same impassive look, she wrote her reply to be sent in the morning. She would accept the Princess, it was an obligation whether the innocent young mare realized it or not. One does not turn out royalty. More than that, she wanted to ask Luna a question, and the alicorns was one of the two beings in Equestria that knew the answer. Satisfied that her letter was both respectful and inviting, she placed it on the table. As the mare walked up the stairs though, she turned her head. Looking at the Princess’s letter she wondered.
I spend little of my time away from my sister. Twilight’s eyes narrowed to slits, and her horn glowed. The parchment bearing the royal bequest exploded in flame, held suspended in the air. As the smoke curled around the ceiling, a small smile played near the edges of the unicorn’s mouth.