As we ponder the complexity of arcane constructs, a familiar voice fills the air.
“Hello again, my faithful student”. The soft, sweet voice brings a smile to Twilight’s face the likes of which nothing else could.
”Princess”! Twilight exclaimed as she rose to stand before her mentor. “Where have you been”? She politely bowed before returning to her studies. I too bowed courteously as to set a good example for Twilight.
“Just away my dear student”. She said with a serene smile. “Some business outside of Equestria. I hope you don’t mind but I’ve left your brother behind for a short while to tidy up a few loose ends”.
“He can handle it no problem”. Twilight said obviously very proud of her dear brother.
“He certainly can”. The princess said turning her attention to me.
“Twilight dear, do you think the Princess and I could have a word alone”? Twilight agreed and made her way inside the castle.
Celestia smiled as she turned to face me and caught me in the middle of a blush. "That color looks good on you Shadow". Her words made my blush worse and I attempted to hide my face from her gaze.
"So you saw then".
"I always keep a watchful eye on my faithful student".
"I want to keep as much of that a secret as I possibly can ok"?
"Of course...miss Shadow". She said with a laugh which caused me to blush even more and I completely turned away from her.
"Honestly Celestia"!
"Lighten up, I'm sorry Shadow. Now on to business, I know you didn't send Twilight away to talk about that. So what's bothering you"?
"Well" I said turning back to face her. "It was but it wasn't. You see, apart from my discomfort, she accomplished something incredible and I'm certain she sapped my magic to do it".
"She's quite talented no"?
"Stop it"!
"Stop what"? She knew what I meant as evident by the slightly devious smile she now wore.
"You are hiding things from me I know you are. This filly is destined for greatness and we can both feel it. But, you have confirmed it somehow. Show me". Out of respect for her and twilight both I bow low. "Please".
"Follow me". She said slowly and calmly as she lifted up my chin. She then walked inside the castle with me following closely behind. Watching carefully I noticed that she seemed lower to the ground than usual. As if bearing some large unbearable weight. I almost thought I saw a tear form before being dashed away. "Wait here". She spoke with a voice that was less like a stone wall and more like a rope bridge. But still I felt authority in the words she spoke and I waited for her to return as she entered her bedroom.
Not long after, she emerged wearing a regal cloak and we began to walk back outside the castle. She said a few words to some of the guards but I couldn't make out what. Then she kept walking and again I followed her becoming more curious.
"Where are we going Celestia"? I said softly so I wouldn't intrude on her thoughts.
"To a small agricultural village named ponyville". She lifted her head up and seemed a little happier after I asked.
"I think I've heard of it". In truth I had forgotten if I had or not.
"We will have to take the trains". She said as we exited the castle grounds and made our way to the station on the south west side of Canterlot. She paid for the tickets and we boarded the car without a word. The band wasn't playing today. It was as if the whole of Equestria was saddened. We made small talk to accompany the ride but we didn't say much more than formality. I told her everything that happened since she was gone and she told me what she could about her business outside of Equestria. As we exited the car Celestia put a few bits in the jar that the band normally collects from and we made our way into town.
The wind was blowing hard in the town when Celestia stood up high and tall, her horn glowing brightly. She outstretched her wings and hovered in the air. I watched in awe while the sun was engulfed by her ethereal energy and lowered to make way for the moon which came up slowly on the opposite horizon. When she finished she gently drifted down and caught herself before standing back up. My eyes were wide in amusement even though I'd seen her preform the spell at least a hundred times or more it was always special when she did it and I had never been so close before. I shook my head to regain myself and she looked back at me smiling. I smiled back and we continued on our way to our destination.
"Amazing" I whispered under my breath as we walked to the outskirts of the town. The wind was still blowing harshly and we put up our hoods to fight the chill. As we got to the very edge of the small village I turned back to see ponies darting inside and slamming their shutters to keep out the severe wind.
A few Pegasus ponies were flying around, blowing out the lanterns throughout the town and one by one they all prepared for bed. I wished I could join them but I turned back to my guide and called out to her. "Now where Celestia"? She stopped at the start of dirt path that lead into a dense forest. She pointed to the thick collection of trees and called back to me saying.
"The Everfree Forest"…