Life, Lies, and Love
by
TheDeinonychus
Part 2
Rhythm
Shadows were few and far between, the harsh light of the noon day sun illuminating everything it could. Everything was cast in that bright light, any mysteries or hidden truths shone out for all to see. But still, in a town such as Ponyville, there were always some shadows lingering about, cast by the scant space between buildings, or the reaching branches of a park tree. Always there were some shadows. It was just that moving between them was more difficult.
But shadows didn't seem to be on Twilight's mind as she happily trotted her way through the market square, her violet eyes taking in the bright colors the sun's light threw back to her. The colors of brightly decorated market stands, of blooming flowers, and busy, happy ponies, each one going about their business, from doing their daily shopping, to selling their wares, to just enjoying the warm day with friends. But one pony hadn't come to the market for these things. One pony tried to avoid the bright, warm sun, and instead she clung to the shadows.
There was a slight flash of green as she darted from between two buildings, making a dash for the dark offered by the shadow of a half-empty fruit stall. Lyra peeked out from behind the stall, intent on her prey. Well, it wasn't exactly her prey; it wasn't like she was actually hunting the lavender librarian. But still, she couldn't afford to let Twilight out of her sight. The feeling of dread, the thought that somehow the other unicorn knew...she had to keep her eye on Twilight, to be there to do something if the librarian tried to expose Bon Bon in public.
Across the market square, Lyra could see the reason for her covert spying. Bon Bon was standing by a flower stand, happily talking with Rose. The two cream earth ponies laughed, chatting away as they talked about things Lyra was too far away to pick up on. Her eyes shifted back to the librarian, watching as Twilight made her way over towards a fruit stand. Good, she's not going right for Bon Bon, at least not yet. As her quarry moved off, Lyra scanned about, looking for another hiding spot.
In her mind, she could hear dramatic music playing as she tip-hoofed her way along the shadow of an overhang. It took all of the musician's willpower to keep from humming along to the tune in her head. Safely behind a pickle barrel, she peeked out again to find where her two marks had gotten themselves to.
Bon Bon had finished her talk with Rose, and was making her way towards the fruit stand. A moment of panic rose in Lyra's chest before she noticed thankfully that Twilight had already moved on. The lavender unicorn waved towards a cart set up with cakes and boxes of sweets. From behind it a blue mare waved back, her plump figure stepping out to greet Twilight. Lyra watched as Mrs. Cake listened to the librarian, her face displaying a momentary shock from something, but Lyra couldn't hear what despite her best efforts.
"Damn it! I need to get closer," she grumbled, her mind starting to form thoughts of Twilight spreading her suspicions around to every pony she met. She looked about frantically, trying to find a closer hiding spot where she could eavesdrop on the two without being spotted. At last, a stack of crates next to an alley between two shops offered her just that. It was close enough to hear, but sheltered enough for her to hide. It was just a long way off, with no easy path to it that would also keep her hidden.
Chewing her lip for a moment, she took a deep breath, composing herself to look natural, as if she was just out for a walk. Satisfied she didn't look the least bit suspicious, she stepped out from behind the shelter of her pickle barrel and trotted her way briskly for the alley. Much to her relief, nopony seemed to take notice of her. All the while, her eyes kept glancing over towards the blue and purple ponies, trying to pick up on their conversation. Mrs. Cake was telling Twilight something about her two foals, not really what the minty unicorn was expecting to hear. But still, as she started to step past the stack of wooden crates, a quick glance to make sure no pony was watching, and she flattened herself back against them, safely in the shade they offered.
Slowly, the aquamarine mare lifted her head up, just enough for her to peek over the top of the boxes, her ears twitching as she picked up bits of the conversation. Something about a spell? Why in Equestria would Twilight be asking one of the Cakes about a spell?
"Um, what are you doing?"
Lyra nearly found out what she would look like without her skin, practically turning inside out in a panic as she heard the voice from behind her. Her back legs in the air and shoulders pressed to the ground after tipping back and flipping herself over, she looked up to see just the puzzled face of an orange filly.
"That can't be comfortable," Scootaloo said as she stood on her scooter, eyeing the flipped over unicorn. Her little wings gave a small flap, pushing herself a bit closer as she looked down at Lyra. The unicorn's face was slowly calming down from the panic she had just a moment before. With some squirming and grunting, Lyra had managed to right herself. The filly just raised a brow as she took in the unicorn's odd behavior. "Are you alri-!"
Scootaloo's words were cut off as a hoof was shoved into her mouth. In one quick motion, Lyra had scooped her up off of her scooter and was pulling the filly close as she pressed herself back against the crates once again.
"Shhh! She'll hear you!" Lyra hissed quietly through her teeth as she peeked back over the crates. Twilight was still talking with Mrs. Cake, though she couldn't quite make out what they were saying. The filly in her arms squirmed about, finally managing to spit the hoof out of her mouth.
"Who will? What's going on?" Scootaloo asked, finally getting free as she sat back in the shadow of the boxes along with the green unicorn.
"I'm following somepony. Somepony dangerous." Lyra answered. Of course, she didn't know for sure how dangerous, or if Twilight even was a danger. But she had started to become wrapped up in the moment. The was something exciting about this, skulking from shadow to shadow, spying on ponies without them knowing. Scootaloo had managed to lift herself up, peeking over the boxes as well.
"Is it Mrs. Cake? Twilight?" The little filly asked, her wings buzzing slightly behind her to help hold herself up. She looked over to Lyra, the unicorn's eyes intent on one of the two mares, her ears twitching to try and pick up bits of their conversation. "Are they spies? Ooo! Maybe one of them is a changeling!"
That made Lyra jerk, her eye twitching for a moment before once again a hoof was shoved into Scootaloo's mouth and both of them were huddled up in the shadows, Lyra's other foreleg wrapped around the filly.
"N-no! I...I don't..." She sighed, hanging her head. Scootaloo was starting to get annoyed at the taste of hoof in her mouth as she started to wriggle herself free from Lyra's grasp again.
"Listen, I don't know. I just need to keep an eye on them, ok?" Lyra said, offering up a smile which she hoped would reassure the filly and maybe curb her curiosity. This was quickly becoming too complex for her to deal with.
"Ohh...ok...hey! Want me to follow them for ya?" the eager pegasus asked as she started to make her way out from behind the crates. A quick hoof to the ground trapped her tail. Lyra was almost in a panic when Scootaloo looked back to her.
"No! It...it might be too dangerous, alright?" A couple more deep breaths to calm herself down. "Listen, just let me handle this, ok? If...if I need any help, I'll come looking for you, ok?" The orange filly just looked at her for a moment, a curious look to her eyes, but eventually she relented.
"Ok..."
Lyra sighed in relief as the little pegasus got back on her scooter, giving her one last look before she flapped her wings and was back on her way to where ever she was headed. The green unicorn slumped back against the crates. How had Bon Bon managed to do this? She was at her wit's end trying to fib her way past one little filly, while the changeling had spent nearly her entire life going from one lie to the next!
With another deep breath, Lyra lifted her head to peek over the crates. Mrs. Cake was back behind her cart, waiting for the next pony to come up wanting to purchase a treat. The green unicorn gritted her teeth in frustration. She had taken so long dealing with Scootaloo that she had missed nearly the entire conversation! She scanned her eyes over the market again, searching for a peek of purple. Finally she spotted what she was looking for: that violet tail swaying from side to side as Twilight walked over to a group of other ponies. The mares smiled as their friend came over, the white unicorn wrapping her forelegs around Twilight's shoulders while the orange earth pony and yellow pegasus came closer. Together, the four friends started making their way through the market.
Lyra watched them go, now more worried than ever. All four of them were in Canterlot when the changelings attacked, and in part Lyra owed them her life. But right now, if her fears were founded, Twilight could even now be telling them the secret behind the green unicorn's reason for living. Looking about, she searched for another hiding place. Thankfully, the day was starting to wear on, the shadows were getting longer and fewer ponies were milling about in the market square. With another quick dash, she found herself curled up in the shadow of a tree, peeking around the trunk to spy on the group of friends.
To Lyra's surprise, they, along with many other ponies, were making their way towards a small cafe at one side of the market square. Several benches were set up around the outside of the little restaurant. Most startling, she could see her beloved Bon Bon making her way towards the same location.
"Why...why would they be...?" Her confusion ended as her eyes roamed about, making their way up towards the market square clock. At that moment, her eyed widened and her heart jumped up into her throat. She was going to be late!
In a panic, Lyra fumbled with her hooves for a moment or two before she got her footing and started to race off back to her home. She was going to be late for her own recital! She had spent the entire day worrying that Twilight was going to expose herself and her beloved changeling, and totally forgot about her job! Her heart racing as she sped down the streets, she had barely enough time to find her lyre at home and make it back before she'd miss her curtain call!
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Lyra waited backstage, or at least what could be considered backstage. It was just a small area off to the side of the cafe, hidden away by heavy curtains suspended by polls, just to give performers a bit of privacy before they went out on stage. It wasn't really needed, though. Lyra was the only one performing tonight. She had performed in concert halls before, going on before and following other acts. But the fact that this was just a small performance for a local restaurant did little to help with her stage fright. The fact that she had ran all the way home and back wasn't helping either.
Secluded behind those curtains, Lyra tried to compose herself, pushing back both her nervousness and her labored pants for air. She had just made it back in time, only a few minutes before her curtain call. Scant little time to get herself in order, much less steady herself to perform. Her case rested on the ground next to her, holding her instrument. She had just managed to get her breathing under control when a hoof gently touched her on her shoulder.
For the second time this day, she nearly did a flip in mid air, her attempt at calming herself ruined for the moment. Half expecting a certain purple unicorn, she jumped back with a yelp, turning to eye who it was. Her eyes met with Bon Bon's, wide as they saw the unicorn's reaction.
"Easy! Are you alright, hun?" Bon Bon asked with concern. Seeing it was her lover, Lyra managed to calm herself down again, reaching out to wrap her forelegs around the earth pony's neck in a tight, warm embrace.
"Heh, I know you get nervous before you have to perform, but that was a bit much, don't you think?" Bon Bon said with a laugh as she returned her sweetheart's embrace, nuzzling softly along the unicorn's cheek. "Is something wrong?"
"No...well, I don't know..." Lyra could just rest her head against the back of Bon Bon's neck, sighing softly as she settled down a bit more. "I'm just...worried. About Twilight."
"Twilight? Wait, this is about her coming over all the time, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Lyra nodded at that, finally letting go and running a hoof through her mane, in part to smooth it out, but also to collect her own thoughts. "I'm starting to worry she might...you know...know."
Bon Bon took a moment to let that run through her mind. In the end she just shook her head at the idea, her eyes shifting to gaze at the ground, a look of seriousness in them.
"No, I'm pretty sure she doesn't." The cream earth mare looked back to her lover, her face a little fallen as they both considered the issue. She reached out, resting a hoof once again on Lyra's shoulder "Don't worry about her though. We'll deal with it somehow. Even if we have to tell her the truth, I know we'll get though this."
Lyra smiled back, leaning in to press her lips tenderly to her beloved's.
"I know. I just don't want to lose you again." Her words ended as Bon Bon's lips pressed back to her own. They both shared a tender smile as the market square clock chimed the hour.
"Heh, well, if you don't get your flank out there, your fans might run you out of town for making them wait." The candy mare chuckled, her expression brightening. "I'll be cheering for you, hun."
Lyra smirked a bit. You don't really cheer at a recital, at least not till it's over. But still, knowing her love was out there in the crowd helped her get through her persistent stage fright. She watched as Bon Bon slipped back out through the curtain. With a deep breath, it was time for her to do the same. Glancing back to her case, it lifted up in the unicorn's green magical glow as she made her entrance onto the stage.
Well, there really wasn't much of a stage. In fact, it was simply just a round area of blue carpet, placed to designate where the performer was to stand. Two elegant candelabras were placed to either side to provide low but sufficient light for one to perform. As she stepped up to her place, she took a moment to look about the crowd.
The front rows of benches were taken up by what high class ponies called Ponyville home. Lyra took in their fancy clothes and expertly groomed appearances. Their faces were impassive, as if it was beneath them to let their feelings show on their faces. No doubt they had all come to listen to a bit of class and sophistication in what was otherwise a very rural town. A few even brought their families along. A nice touch, Lyra thought, though she was sure it was more to give themselves the appearance of being family oriented.
Past them, Lyra's eyes brightened as she looked at the rest of the crowd. The common ponies, the ones she would count as her real fans and friends. Most went bare as the day they were foaled, casual and comfortable. Most had come with their families, fillies and colts held in laps or perched upon shoulders to get a better view. She even saw Twilight among them, sitting with her close circle of friends. Lyra was relieved to find they were on opposite sides to where her true audience was. Almost lost in the crowd, she spied the candy-striped mane of her beloved.
Her lips pulled into a bright smile, and she had to suppress a giggle as she saw Bon Bon waving enthusiastically at her from the crowd.
'Well, I shouldn't keep her waiting anymore.' The thought slipped through Lyra's mind as she unlatched her case. Inside was her lyre. It was a far cry from the golden harp that graced her flank. That was a symbol, the representation of the pony's talent and destiny. But this, the simple wooden instrument that floated in her magical hold, was the simple, beautiful truth of her talent. Hoof-crafted, sanded, strung, and tuned. It was honest and true, and its sound would reflect that.
With a deep breath, she sat herself down on the cushion provided for her. It had a low back, allowing her to rest comfortably even as she let it take her weight in an odd position. It was one the unicorn had gotten used to, and even enjoyed when not performing. Slowly she brought the wooden instrument closer. With her eyes closed she reached her hooves out to it. The feel of the smooth, time-worn wood against them was reassuring. She could use her magic to both pluck and hold her lyre, but this felt more right to her. Not only hearing but feeling each note as it passed from the wooden lyre and up her limbs. Together the sound and feel both flowed together into a harmonious feeling of joy.
As the crowd quieted down, she reached out with the little fingers of her magic, a short moment taken to stroke them along the strings before she found just the right one to start off with.
#PLING!#
The note rang out into the still afternoon air, seeming to blend with the warm glow of the setting sun. Another soon followed, each tone gently flowing into the next as her magic deftly selected the next string and made it give up its voice. The notes were not as soft nor as delicate as the ones made from a true harp, but they carried not the same loftiness. They were simple, honest, and maybe even a bit harsh. But in her hooves, in her caresses, they spoke volumes.
They spoke of days long past, of times almost forgotten. Of great halls and warm fires. They spoke of times both simple and arduous. Of great struggles and grand heroes. When a pony's life could be short, but full of family and friends, glory and honor. A voice from the distant past, wishing only to be heard again. To be remembered.
As each note carried across the crowd, Lyra slowly let her eyes open, just to take in their reaction. Her head tilted slightly towards her lyre, she slowly looked over each pony before her. As always, the upper class ponies were impassive as always. But experience allowed her to pick up on the signs. Many of them were moved, their eyes shifted slightly. A few even had their eyes closed, a slight up turn of their lips showing they relished in the sweet, earthy tones that filled their ears.
Lyra needed no experience to see the reactions of the other ponies. She saw them all wearing their feelings openly. Lovers and close friends in each other's embrace. The dreamers with their eyes closed or cast skyward towards the rising moon, letting the music whisk them off towards fanciful heights. The lonely ones letting themselves be gently moved to quiet tears. This was Lyra's true talent. Her notes, the voice of her music. It brought the emotions, the true feelings out in those that listened. All pretense and illusion stripped away, leaving only what each pony felt, what each pony knew was true in their hearts. Perhaps that was why it happened.
Her eyes drifted towards the edge of the crowd as that thought formed in her mind. She found more tears, but these, she knew, were tears of happiness. The watched them fall slowly from the trembling blue eyes of her lover. It seemed almost funny to the mint unicorn. To watch a changeling cry with such tenderness. Had she not known the false mare, she wouldn't think it possible. But with each note she played, she watched a tear fall, filled with love and desire. It was the few times Lyra could watch her beloved Bon Bon cry without worry.
Lyra let her eyes slide over the crowd, up to the market square clock. Fifteen minutes. That should be more than enough to appease the first row. With a gentle sigh she slowly let her tones relax, each note getting softer and softer as the music slowly faded off into the night sky. Slowly, Lyra let her lyre drop, her magical hold taking it from her hooves as she closed her eyes. A moment or two later she heard the applause. It wasn't loud or riotous. Just the gentle, soft applause of the upper class expressing their gratitude for the sweet tones she played. She heard a few others, more vigorous than the others, the few common ponies not too overcome with emotions.
She was grateful to be sure. But if she was being completely honest with herself, everything she had done was only to get to this moment. It was time for her to enjoy herself, to indulge in what she truly loved about her music. She knew not everyone would enjoy this, that there were those that thought this was too brash, too rowdy. Buck 'em.
A wide, mischievous grin spread across her face as she listened to the applause die down. The crowd was waiting on her, to see what was coming. She shifted her hold upon her lyre, this time taking it fully in the grip of her magic. Testing her hold for a moment, she felt the press of the strings as she pushed gently on them from behind. Sure her hold was true, she took a deep breath, filling her lungs as she pushed herself up onto her hind legs. She let her head tilt back, lifting her face to the rising moon as her lips parted.
"YEAH!"
Her cry pierced the night sky as she brought one of her hooves across the strings. Gone were the sweet, tender notes. In their place was a riotous string of sound, a melodious crash ringing out to the crowd. She heard the shocked gasps closest to her, heard the shuffling of hooves. Many of the upper class ponies leaving, their supposedly delicate ears offended by what they now heard. But she couldn't care less. Lyra heard what she wanted, the excited cries and applause that carried from further back. With their feelings exposed, their hearts moved, her friends now took in the excitement her chords brought to them.
Block and strum, that was what it was called. When Lyra had first heard it, all those years ago in music school, it had excited her like few things had since. Gone were the pretenses of elegance and sophistication. In their place was the raw emotion and feeling of the performer. She came back down on three hooves, the fourth raking across the strings again and again. Each stroke the notes were different, her magic pressing on different strings to mute some and let others ring true. She could feel the rake of the strings against her hoof each time, the sensation making her heart race. This was what she loved to do.
She would sooth her crowd, make them open up with sweet notes and delicate plucks. Wait till their hearts were open and waiting, free from any complications of appearance. Then she would pour into them, let the feeling, the joy fill them as she strummed along. After a moment she let her eyes open to see the effect.
Nearly the whole first row was cleared out, the padded benches empty of the upper class. In their place, ponies danced and cavorted. Laughter danced with them, spinning joyous motions with her music above their heads. Lovers who had been nearly weeping in each other's arms were now holding close as they whirled around each other. The dreamers had come down from their lofty heights to stomp their hooves in excitement. The lonely ones forgot their pains to find others to join in the merriment with. Lyra's smile widened as a chuckle escaped her lips.
She let her eyes close as she continued to rake her hoof across the strings. The great halls and grand heroes forgotten, this voice spoke of crowded taverns and good friends. Of nights spent as the reward for simple labors, warm cider and basic pleasures. The voice called out not just to be remembered, but indulged and embraced. Let your cares drift away and live for the moment. Her music spoke all this and more as she let herself be swept up in the moment.
Plucking the strings wasn't easy, but it had been simple to do, easy to continue. As her hoof moved back and forth in a blur, she could feel the wear it was being put through. This music, as powerful and exciting as it was, was difficult to do for long. She could feel the strength slowly starting to leave her foreleg as she continued. Pushing herself towards exhaustion as the crowd cheered and laughed. She could feel sweat starting to form on her brow as she kept pushing chords out again and again. But then she felt something else, a press against her side.
Her eyes opened to gaze into the deep blues of her lover. Bon Bon had come down from the crowd. Indeed, there was little that separated the performer from her audience now. All around ponies danced and laughed, jumped and spun. She had become one with the merriment. Her beloved's eyes twinkled, drinking in her mate's excitement and adoration. With a deep breath and a tender smile, she felt new strength to her limbs. Pressing herself close to that warm mare, she let her music carry on into the night.
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The two mares walked down the street in the soft moonlight, their bodies pressed tightly against each other. Their hearts were still racing from the performance they had left just minutes before. The source of their excited mood rested safely in the black case perched upon Lyra's back as she walked in step with Bon Bon.
"That was beautiful" The cream earth pony said, leaning into nuzzle against her lover's cheek for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. Lyra could just blush, giggling like a school filly at the praise.
"Hehe, nah. It wasn't anything special," she said. Her hoof still ached a bit from her intense performance, but it was easily forgotten with her beloved so close. The both laughed softly as they swayed back and forth, causing Lyra's lyre case to rock slightly on her back. Bon Bon's saddle bags didn't seem to mind.
"Mmm....but it was..." The earth pony smiled, her eyes half lidded as she leaned in close. Her warm breath gently blowing against her minty mate's ear. "In fact, I think it was so special, that you should get a treat when we get home..."
Lyra's blush deepened at those words. Her aching hoof totally forgotten as she almost spun in a circle. Thankfully she wouldn't have long to wait for her reward; their house only a few yards away. But still, she was too eager to wait that long. Leaning into her beloved, her lips pressed softly against Bon Bon's, caressing them slowly.
Together they walked like that, their kiss lasting as they stepped up to the front door. A soft sigh escaped them both as they had to part for a moment, Bon Bon reaching out to open the door to the dark house. Her cheek still burning a warm pink, Lyra watched her mate as she slipped inside, her eyes slowly roaming over that flank as it slipped into the darkness. Her excitement building, she followed it in.
The light slowly rose as Bon Bon turned on a lamp, the soft light coming through the shade leaving the living room dim, but manageable. She looked back to the unicorn as she pulled off her saddle bags, setting them down next to the couch. Lyra was still by the door, her horn glowing softly as it closed. A faint click ringing out as the lock was set. The earth mare raised a brow at that, watching Lyra's lyre case settle on the floor as curtains were quickly closed by that green magical glow.
"Hehe, cant wait till we're in bed, hmm?" Bon Bon giggled as she settled herself down onto the couch, stretching her limbs out as she murmured softly. She watched with her eyes lidded as her mint lover slowly stepped closer, sharing the sly smile she had across her lips. The last of the curtains drew shut, their edges fluttering back and forth for a moment in the unicorn's haste.
"Now it's your turn."
Bon Bon's eyes opened wide in surprise, confusion across her face at her lover's words.
"My turn for what?"
Lyra settled herself down next to the couch, her hooves coming up to gently hold her sweet mare's cheeks. The tender smile and soft eyes welcoming Bon Bon.
"I want you. The real you." Lyra said in a soft, sultry voice. Bon Bon's tail went stiff at that. Could her sweet unicorn really mean what she was saying?
"But...I...I don't know...I mean, we've never-" The soft press of a hoof stilled her lips. She looked down at it, the same hoof that had brought out such wonderful, heart-felt music only a few minutes ago. Her gaze followed from that hoof, up the green foreleg and into those tender, golden eyes. She let the moment stretch out as she looked into those eyes, her apprehension melting slowly in to a puddle of warm, sweet love. Her soft smile slowly returning as she closed her eyes, a green shimmer rippling over her body from tail-tip to nose, replacing the appearance of the common little earth mare with the jet black form of her changeling self.
Lyra watched it, her eyes brightening slightly as that green glow was reflected in them. A faint giggle threatened to slip past her lips as she felt it reach her hoof, making it tingle softly before she pulled it back, only to replace it with her lips. Like this, Bon Bon's lips felt cool and soothing, yet still soft and tender. It was an odd sensation, but one Lyra had come to love.
Bon Bon's eyes opened, a small glint of lingering worry in them as she slowly rolled over onto her back, letting her insect-like wings tuck under herself. Lyra's lips came down to her own again, the kiss growing deeper as a hoof slipped over to her lover's chest. Slowly it started to caress, stroking over the short coarse hairs as it made it's way down. She reached her lover's belly, feeling the gentle folds and ridges of the thick hide. With a tender murr she caressed them, gently stroking her hoof back and forth over them as if they were the strings of a beloved harp.
Together, in that dim room, the two lovers, pony and changeling, explored each other, their limbs slowly entwining, caressing over each other's forms as their lips met again and again. Secluded away behind locked doors and closed curtains, they became as one.
Only, the curtains were not all quite closed.
Faint hoof steps from outside never made it to the lovers' ears. The sounds of a lone pony making her way closer to their home, questions on her mind.
Twilight had said her good nights to her friends, leaving them to make her way back through town. It was late, and they were all tired, but her mind would not rest. Could not rest as long as these questions kept swirling around inside. She knew the only two who could answer them would be at home now, hopefully not yet tucked into bed. Quietly, her curiosity pushing her onward, she made her way up to the house Lyra and Bon Bon shared.
The curtains were drawn shut, but light was seeping through the windows. With a relieved sigh, the librarian realized they must still be awake. She went up to the front door, hoping they wouldn't be too upset at such a late visit as she lifted a hoof to rap on the door. As her hoof started to come down she heard something. A soft, muffled moan. Something wasn't quite right about it. It sounded strange. Twilight held still, straining her ears to listen for any other sound. A gasp, this time sounding like a proper pony's. The unicorn's mind started to wander. Was somepony hurt in there? Was somepony in danger?
In her mind, one part told her to go get help. Another urged her to buck the door down and jump to the rescue. But another demanded that she know what was happening first. Eventually the curiosity won out, taking control of the unicorn's limbs before she could even fully realize it herself. Creeping along the bushes, her mind forming all sorts of scenarios, she spied a window low enough to see inside, with just enough of a gap between the curtains.
Hidden in the bushes, the lavender unicorn pushed herself up onto her hind legs, peeking slowly over the window sill. What she saw inside made her heart forget its purpose for a few moments...
####Author's Note####
I must be insane. Nearly 5.8k words? GAAHH!!