//------------------------------// // 3: Ice Cream First... // Story: My Little Girl // by CrackedInkWell //------------------------------// When one wakes up, asking oneself where they are isn't what comes to mind. Lauren was waking up in a bed that seemed a little too soft, in sheets and blankets that are a little too warm, on pillows a little too firm. She was starting to wake up, almost thinking that she’s still in her room in a bed that’s more comfy than usual. But then, the memories started to kick in. She realizes that the bed she’d slept on for years wasn't this comfortable. She opened her eyes to find that she was not only in a different bed but in a different room entirely. After all, she remembered going to sleep on a couch somewhere, so it was natural that she was startled that she’d woken up somewhere else. She got out of the huge, low bed. All around her were bookshelves that held books and scrolls. There was a table stacked high with paper, a quill and inkwell nearby ready for use. There were chests, a few plants, and even a small table for a waiting tea set. On the wall was a clock that tells it’s almost six o’clock. Yet, what really got her attention were the glass doors to the balcony outside. The sun was still in the sky, and Lauren got a good view of the landscape before her. Somehow, in some way, it seemed a little familiar, but she couldn't put her finger on why. By the look of it, the castle she was in was on a mountainside. Below she was valleys, rivers, lakes, forests and a desert in the distance. Also, dotted throughout the land here and there were towns or a few buildings. It was as if- A few knocks on the double doors behind her snapped her out of her thoughts, “Hello? Are you awake yet?” “Uh, yeah.” “May we come in?” She stepped aside, gesturing for them to come in. The door opened up to one of those ponies in golden armor. “Princess Celestia is asking if you would like to join her and her sister for dinner this evening.” Lauren looked down at the pajamas she was still wearing, “Don’t I have to get dressed first?” “She said that you can come as you are.” “You sure?” He nodded. The guard told her to follow him, and she did. Lauren walked behind the guard, taking in the high arched hallways, the windows, the paintings as they passed by countless doors. She noticed that the only other ponies they kept walking past our guards, who stood at attention staring at her. The guard led her to a room where, in the back, behind all the food and staff, was a table with three chairs. One of them sat Celestia; the other was a dark blue horse whom she’d never seen before. She was like Celestia in the fact that she too has a horn, a crown and a pair of wings, but unlike Celestia, her mane looked like it was a floating night sky. Looking at both of them, she couldn't help but noticed the marks on their rumps. Celestia had a sun while the other had a crescent moon. “Lauren, nice of you to join us,” Celestia said, taking notice of her. “Come in, take a seat.” She went up to the third empty chair near the table; Lauren asked what they were having. “Anything you want,” was the reply. Lauren raised an eyebrow. When her parents cooked, she’s given whatever they made and has to eat it whether she wants it or not. “How about a chocolate sundae with whipped cream and sprinkles?” she joked. But apparently, the cooks nearby didn't get the joke and served her a bowl of it anyway. “Anything else?” Celestia asked, holding back her giggles as she saw Lauren’s look of wide-eyed surprise. “Um... Some cherry soda?” and in no time, they gave her a glass of cherry soda to her. “And a stack of waffles.” It was presented to her immediately. Luna couldn't help but smile. “That’s a little unhealthy for a child, is it not?” “Hey, I didn't expect they would actually give this stuff to me. And who are you by-the-way?” “Call me Luna, I’m Celestia’s sister. Now are you going to eat or shall I?” Lauren took the spoon and took a bite out of the ice cream. And another. And another. “Excuse me, Lauren.” Celestia piped up, “How long do you expect to stay here? You have a family I trust?” She stopped eating her ice cream, “How long? Well... I just wanna stay here a little longer; to see what this place is like.” “But what about family? You do have a family, right?” “Yeah, but can’t I just take a look around for another few hours? I want to meet more talking ponies and horses like you. I don’t want to miss this for the world.” “But your family?” “I don’t think I’ll be gone for too long. I just want to have a look around first.” The two sisters looked at each other for a moment, Luna was smiling with confidence while her elder sister with uncertainty. “Lauren,” Luna began to ask. “Do you wish to meet somepony in particular while you’re here?” “Like who?” “Oh, like Twilight Sparkle or-” “Wait! What did you say?” “Twilight Sparkle.” “You mean, she’s real!?” “Why yes. There’s also honest Applejack, Rainbow Dash-” “Who?” “Rainbow Dash.” “Never heard of her.” Luna blinked, “What about Pinkie Pie?” Lauren shook her head. “Fluttershy?” Another shake. “Rarity?” “I’m not really sure. But I know Twilight and Applejack from the show.” “What show?” both sisters asked. “My Little Pony. I have almost like, fifty dolls which come to think of it, they don’t look like any of you. I wonder why.” “Dolls? A show?” Celestia asked, “Forgive me, but I don’t quite understand.” “You mean you don’t know?” Lauren asked. “Well, then again, I don’t think this castle is in the show…” “Your Majesties,” they turned around to the guard. “The Elements of Harmony have arrived.”