It was hard to hear anything over the din of the city. From the outside, near the main streets it would appear a busy metropolis, but still maintain a somewhat rustic charm. The ancient buildings from the very beginnings of the princesses’ rule were marked clearly with bright plaques, banners, and the occasional set of magic lights. Today was the eve of yet another Summer Sun Celebration. It would only be a matter of time before ponies of all walks of life would gather near the castle to stake out their claim on a proper viewing place. Luna's night would come soon, and with it, all the bellows from the vendors trying to push this year’s merchandise.
Down the cobblestone streets, in well preserved older part of town stood a large brick house. Not quite a mansion, but far larger than the small family that dwelt within required. From somewhere deep within a makeshift library a blue pony sat trying to block out the noise, bracing herself for the onslaught of even more to come. She was one of very few words, often keeping herself tucked away with various books or her art. As it should be, Papa had insisted. It wouldn't do for a mare of her age to be out gallivanting around with a giggly bunch of friends at some boutique, or dancing with a strange colt at a nightclub. No, that simply wasn't ladylike. Better for her to be studying the arts, as her cutie mark seemed to suggest. She felt deep within her, that it had another meaning, but circumstances never seemed to allow her to explore that. True, she had gotten her cutie mark while in the museum, but it had been after a painting inspired her to write a short story about the ponies in it. Papa was convinced the quill that seemed to be drawing a lovely flower meant that she was destined for work as a curator or some other job concerning museum staff. She had tried to voice her opinion as to what it meant, but Papa's decision had been made. She was not to be a creator, but one of many staff that displayed the many things other ponies had made.
In the corner of her private study, a grandfather clock chimed. It was 6 o'clock, and time to give her normal studies a quick scan before trotting down the stairs to give the daily report to Papa. He would be interested to know if she’d been researching the different decorations that were to be used at the celebration. It was tiresome really, the way he drilled her each day, it all just seemed so incredibly dull. Wasn’t the purpose of your cutie mark to represent the thing in life you loved most ,or was it only what you were talented at? Was it meant only to show where you fit in the grand scheme of things? All of these questions and more swirled around her head as she reached the bottom of the stairs, just in time to greet Papa at the door.
The door swung open gently, and a tan stallion stepped through the door. His every movement seemed to be predetermined as he mechanically closed the door only to open a nearby wardrobe and carefully place his things inside. It would appear to the young mare that he was in a good mood, a fact that would be impossible to tell for anyone not close to him. She waited patiently in the archway leading to the modest dining room, trying her hardest not to fidget in her excitement. Perhaps today would be the day, perhaps today she would finally have his blessing. It would be a great relief, no more hiding away with her books, no more having to shuffle her papers around whenever he came near. Surely today would be different....
“Hello Allegora.”
“Hello Papa.”
That small interaction filled her with hope as she moved towards her usual seat at Papa’s right side. The chair across from her a grim reminder of what had transpired just a year prior. Such matters existed only in the back of her subconscious as she sat, eagerly waiting for Cook to bring out the first dish. She waited a full thirty seconds before finally blurting out, “Papa, if it isn’t too much trouble I have a question to ask.” She waited with wide eyes until he nodded once confirming that she had permission to speak. She twiddled her hooves together as she talked, trying to work out how she would word it this time. “Well…Papa…I’m going to be coming of age soon…that is…I’m more mature than I was in the past…and well…” A knife of terror shot through her as Papa raised an eyebrow at her fidgeting. “Oh! You see, I’ve finished up on all the extra reading on the Summer Sun Celebration, as well as the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala and Fall Cordial Event the Princess will be holding…I’m farther ahead in my studies by a few months and…I would like permission to spend my time in the royal library. I was told I need only apply for a time slot and I will be granted entry.” A small,” Humph,” came from Papa as Cook finally entered with two plates of a light salad,” What exactly would you spend your time doing?” She stiffened slightly,” I…I wish to try my hoof at writing. I want to research further on the many types of writing styles and compare my work to others.”
There was a small crunch as Papa froze mid-bite through a carrot slice, he carefully chewed, and swallowed before looking at his daughter directly to await her response. She had made a fatal mistake, and it was too late to cover it up now,”Th-that is…in my few moments before bed each night I have been trying to-“
“No.”
Well that was that, the matter was closed. There would be no arguing with him now. Allegora slumped in her seat slightly before regaining her composure and nodding, “Yes, Papa.” Had Mama been here she might have spoken up for her. It was silly to think she might be allowed this time. These thoughts swirled about her mind a few hours later as she prepared for the next day. Papa would come for her a few hours before sunrise.
A loud bang pulled her from packing her saddlebags and towards her still open window. She glanced out to see hundreds of ponies filling the streets, rejoicing in the night, eagerly anticipating the following day. She thought she could make out Princess Luna among them, her face covered in a paint and playing with a few small foals. Perhaps if she were a princess then she too could come and go as she pleased. An unlikely and foolish dream, but the thought was still nice. Her eyes wandered over the various decorations for the nightly festivities, she tried to shift her gaze back to Princess Luna, but found she had gone. She was startled as she suddenly heard a voice call out from just above her window.
”A wonderful night, is it not?”