//------------------------------// // Bonding at Breakfast // Story: Collars and Cuffs Tailoring // by Melancholy //------------------------------// Chapter 7 It was early morning in Canterlot and the two royal sisters were just sitting down to breakfast. It was their favourite time of day, while the sun was setting and the moon was rising, both on the edge of the sky at the same time, a beautiful twilight state perfectly reflecting the opposing natures of the Solar and Lunar sisters. Strictly it was too late for dinner, and too early for breakfast, but this was their time. One they could share together. “Did you manage to find a dress in the end?” Celestia was the first to speak, breaking a silence which had persisted between them since the previous morning. She did it with an innocent smile, the kind that said ‘Inside, I’m grinning wider than my face will actually let me right now.’ It was all Luna could do not to burst out in hysterics. This was too rich. While their conversation the day before had been originally about whether they were going to dress up for the Garden Party it had taken a rather different turn. ------- ”Did you decide yet whether you intend to come to the garden party yet sister?” Celestia had passed on the invitations the day before. Luna had been sceptical about going, it would have been the first major public event for Luna since her return. She’d even missed out on the wedding. She’d actually been looking forward to that, but then the changelings had messed that whole thing up, leaving Luna to clean up the mess. At least she’d gotten to enjoy some of the reception. An honest to goodness Pinkie Pie Party. It had been a hellova thing, who knew Twilight Sparkle was such a good singer? “Yes, I think I’ll attend,” Luna had responded at length, “It would be good to reconnect with our subjects.” “That’s fantastic!” Celestia was beaming at the news. The prospect of her sister finally getting out had made her day. ”If you’re coming then you’ll need something to wear, I’m afraid your wardrobe didn’t come through a thousand years of disuse and obscurity as well as you did.” “You mean....my..all of them?” Luna had been heart broken. Many of those clothes had good memories attached. The moon alicorn hadn’t thought to check through all her old possessions since her return, many were still in storage and this revelation had taken her by surprise. “What do I do then ‘Tia? I can’t go to an event like that underdressed?” “Of course not,” Had been the calm reply. “There are many ponies who would give their back hooves to make you a new ensemble. I know a few personally, or you could look in the papers.” She tossed that morning’s paper towards her sister. “In fact there’s an advert in here.” “Will you be dressing up ‘Tia?” It had seemed an innocent question at the time. Luna hadn’t been expecting the sad glint in Celestia’s eyes, nor the response which followed. “No, I won’t be. It tends to....engage the stallions a little too much.” This has surprised the Moon Princess, causing her to let out a surprised gasp louder than she had intended. “You mean, the sight of you...causes...?” Celestia only nodded. “And yet you suggest I dress up so?” Celestia smiled, “It’s a little different with you Luna dearest.” “How so!” That was the indignant cry of a pride wounded. “Art thou saying we cannot elicit a reaction from stallions?” And that was the antiquated speech of a flustered Moon Princess. “Why we believe that if thou can then we should have no problems at all attracting a stallion, or three even!” “Care to bet on that, Woona?” The guards had blanched at that. When Celestia brought out the baby talk, things usually went downhill, very fast. “Whichever of us gets a stallion first at the Garden Party can say.....order the other around for a day?” Luna was on her hooves in an instant, “Thou has a deal! We shall waste time no longer, we shall need a new dress!” “Hehe, not if I get one fiiiirrrrsssttt.” Celestia already had her wings open and was halfway out the window. “Why I think I’ll just ask Rarity for a new dress myself.” “Thou would not dare! Get back here foul temptress!” Luna was bursting after her sister in a heartbeat, leaving the guards standing in a stupor in the empty dining chamber. They looked at each other for a few moments before seemingly spontaneously engaging in a game of rock, paper, scissors. The loser walked off, tail between his legs while his comrades breathed a sigh of relief. Nopony wanted to be the one to explain to Shining Armour the guard captain that both sisters had taken off, again. ------------ Luna smiled sweetly back at her sister, the kind which said ‘go buck yourself’. “Why yes sister dearest, we have. I took your advice and followed one of the adverts in the paper, and I found simply the most marvelous designer.” She couldn’t help but giggle slightly, despite herself. She’d found a designer alright, one which would serve a double purpose. “I was thinking, why not invite Twilight Sparkle and all her friends along to the Garden Party as well?” the Princess of the Moon suggested, trying to keep a crowing note from her voice. “I’m sure they would love the opportunity. Doesn’t it also coincide with Twilight’s birthday? You could make that a theme if you wanted.” Celestia considered for a moment, “That sounds like a wonderful idea! They can spend the day in Canterlot with us before heading on the party in the evening. Heavens know that I haven’t spent as much time with Twilight as I should have.” Or as much as she wants, Luna mentally added. “That’s a lovely idea. I’ll write to her after morning court.” Luna rubbed her hooves together with glee. Yes, let your faithful student come and see your shame sister. I will outshine you, win our bet and then I can spend my first few orders making you regret underestimating my charms. -------- In the back of a small shop in Ponyville, somepony shivered.