• Published 20th Jun 2020
  • 2,273 Views, 192 Comments

The Light of a Candle - Scarheart



A little girl wants her father to be happy. In the land of Equestria, anything is possible, even for a grouch.

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Two.

Just Cadence

Berryville was less a village, more of a hamlet. Only a single main road ran through it. There was a single hotel, with a restaurant, and the farrier doubled as a general store. Both run by another earth pony. The saloon in the center of town also served as both the town hall and sheriff’s office. The pride and joy to the denizens of Berryville was the winery, which produced the majority of the hamlet’s income. There was also a meadery. Jakob enjoyed mead. As a matter of record, this collection of buildings had been founded by earth ponies half a dozen generations back.

Mead was on the shopping list and Jakob was going to make certain a few bottles found their way into his wagon.

“Father?” June tugged at his elbow, “Can I go find my friends?”

With a small smile, he replied, “You can play with your friends after we eat.”

“I first have to let Marely know I am here and get her to start loading the wagon.” He steered them over towards the general store. “Go find us a table at the hotel.”

June’s face fell. “What if I find the alicorn?” she asked in a worried voice.

“Then you will be polite to her and mind your manners. Whichever one it is, I doubt she came to start trouble. For one of them to come all the way out here in the middle of nowhere means she wants to see me or you or the both of us.” Jakob read the hamlet with his eyes. “I do not see any guards, but that means little.” After shedding the harness, he next chocked the wheels, and reached under for the kickstand. “They are here and will show themselves when they feel it is necessary.”

“But…”

Reaching over, Jakob mussed her hair. “Do not worry. I will be in soon. Once I give the list to Marley, I will be over,” his rumbling voice reassured.

From inside the general store came a muddy brown mare wearing a pair of glasses and a tattered Wonderbolt ball cap. She let out a smile when her attention shifted to Jakob. The mare shook her forest green mane. “Hey there, big fella, thought you’d like to know, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza showed up this mornin’,” she drawled, her orbs going wider as she spoke.

June hesitated in crossing the road, her thoughts on the subject of alicorns rooting her feet firmly at Jakob’s side.

“The bug horse said there was one here,” grunted Jakob as he presented his shopping list. “Do you have everything I asked for ready, Marely?”

She nodded and gave it a cursory glance. “Spent half the morning gettin’ everythin’ together. Shouldn’t take long to get you loaded and on your way.” Her eyes flicked over to June and narrowed a bit. “That ain’t your shirt.”

“June has outgrown most of her clothing,” Jakob said with a hint of discomfort. “I will need to see your catalog, so she can order some new clothing.”

The girl offered an embarrassed smile. “Yeah.”

“A new one came in. I’ll have to get some new measurements and send off for your order,” Marely said with a sage nod. Shaking her head and breaking into a smile, she looked at June, “They grow up so fast, don’t they? Makes me think of my own girls,” she finished with a wistful sigh. There was a pause before she added, “My condolences, Jakob. We miss our girl.”

The man nodded and offered a sad smile. “Thank you.” The expression faded as he tapped his daughter between the shoulders. “Go find a table and mind your manners.” He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Go,” he said in his gruff voice, pulling back and gazing full into her eyes. “Trust me. Trust the alicorn. The town would not allow her here if they thought she was not good for you or for me.”

“He’s right,” Marely quipped, “the princess is real nice. You’ll see.”

June could only nod and offer up a nervous smile. With a moment of reluctance, she turned and made her way to the hotel across the street. Jakob watched her go, a moment of worry creasing his brow before he addressed the list in his hand.


The girl was greeted by a few of the locals, each one she knew and considered a friend. For some reason, the ponies seemed more cheerful than usual. Was it because of the princess? Curiosity overcame her fear—the very thing Father had told her was unfounded. June trusted him as much as she loved the grump. She noted an earth pony she did not know standing outside the door leading into the hotel. He tried to look as though he was blending in, but the way he stood was too rigid and his eyes were too sharp. The mane alone screamed ‘not from around these parts’.

June paused as the sounds of excited cries at the far end of the street filled her ears. She could see a small group of foals, friends and playmates. They were seriously invested in a game involving a large red ball. There was a yearning to forget what she was supposed to do and join them in their play. With a sad little sigh, she approached the door and the stallion.

“Greetings, young citizen,” the stallion said, his smile professional.

“Um, hi,” she smiled and waved.

He did not bar June from entering. Rather, he opened the door for her and gave a small bow. “The princess is expecting you.”

The lobby and main room were not large, befitting the hamlet. To the left, there were three tables for the restaurant and the kitchen door hovered over them. To her right was the staircase leading to the rooms upstairs. Beneath the steps was the front desk. The wood was old and polished and everything smelled of flowers and bleach. The ceiling hung low. June could jump and touch it with little effort.

The hotel was run by a retired couple of earth ponies, the Swaybacks. They insisted on being called Papa and Mama, as anything else would be too formal. Papa and Mama Swayback were kindly and treated all who came into their establishment as family. To June, they were surrogate grandparents, and they had told her more about her mother than Father.

“June!” called out an old mare’s voice. From behind the counter came the owner of the voice, a forest green mare with a peppered mane drawn up in a bun. She wore a homespun shawl of white with yellow flowers stitched into it. A motherly smile was drawn over her wrinkled muzzle. “So nice to see you, filly. How have you been?” Trotting to the girl, she gave a nuzzle.

“I’m good,” June said as she hugged the old mare. “How’s it going?”

“Oh, fine, just fine,” chuckled Mama. “Papa’s already in the kitchen fixin’ up somethin’ nice for you and your daddy.”

There was the sound of hooves upstairs moving until they found the steps. A pink leg shod in a fancy gilded shoe appeared, followed by another. A head poked down and scanned with a pair of light purple eyes. They lit up when they found June and a smile broke over her muzzle.

“Oh, you must be June!” she called out in a warm voice, her ears erect. Hurrying down the stairs, the girl could see the horn and the wings. A horn and a pair of wings! The mare was beautiful and had a distinct lithe form when compared to the earth pony body June had grown up around. “You are adorable,” she gushed when she reached the bottom of the steps.

She was also very pink and very pretty, like a perfectly proper pretty pink pony princess. There was an urge to rush over and hug the approaching princess. This is an alicorn? June blinked and wondered why she had been afraid. Maybe Father was right?

“My name is Mi Amore Cadenza. I rule over the Crystal Empire to the north,” the alicorn said as she began to approach with slow and deliberate steps, “but I prefer to be called Cadence. Here, I have no titles other than ‘friend of the family’.”

“June,” the girl introduced herself with an awkward curtsy. It felt unnatural, yet at the same time it seemed like the right thing to do.

“Yes,” the alicorn giggled. “I already know your name. I’ve been wanting to meet you for a very long time.” Her eyes roamed over the girl. She nodded to herself, “Yes... There is so much of your mother I see in you. The love coming from you is very strong, as strong as hers. I wish she could see you now. I miss her very much.”

June blushed, not knowing what to say.

“Can we sit at one of the tables?” Cadence asked, motioning with a hoof. “I think if we are going to know each other, maybe we should be a bit more comfortable sitting down?”

“Father will be here soon,” June blurted, conflicted with Jakob’s words, her instincts, and the presence of the princess before her.

“I am expecting him, but I would also like to get to know you a little before he arrives.” The alicorn’s smile felt right to the girl. It was as though no matter what was going to happen, everything was going to be all right. “Specifically, I would love to talk to you about your Father,” the alicorn went on. “But first, let us sit. Mama Swayback?”

“Yes dear?”

“Tea for me and whatever Miss June would like, if you please.”

The old mare waved the princess off, “I know what the little one likes. Just a jiffy and I’ll have your drinks, girls.”

“June, would you care to sit with me?”

Feeling a little numb, the girl nodded and found her way to the same table Cadence was now occupying. The chair was made for ponies to sit on, but it was comfortable enough for her. The princess watched her intently, the smile never leaving her lips. Her wings fidgeted as the alicorn attempted to get more comfortable.

“I have to admit,” Cadence began, then paused to collect her thoughts. “I have to say I had hoped to visit you long ago, but I respected your father’s wishes. The last time I saw you, you were just born and your mother held you as though she was never going to let you go.”

“How well did you know my mother?” June asked in a tiny voice.

Cadence let out a small sigh as she closed her eyes. When she opened them, her gaze locked with June’s own. “She was my best friend.”

June smiled. It felt good to hear someone else speak about her mother.

“I knew her shortly after she and your father arrived.”

“Arrived?” the girl blinked.

Cadence nodded. “To this world. Your mother and father came from somewhere else. Another world, another place. Did your father tell you this?”

June gave a single nod.

“How much do you know?” pressed the alicorn.

Mama Swayback appeared, placing a cup of tea in front of the princess and a glass of milk in front of June. “You two enjoy.”

“Thank you,” Cadence smiled at the old mare.

“I’ll leave you both to get acquainted.” The old mare disappeared through the door leading into the kitchen.

The alicorn sipped her tea, her horn glowing with magic. June had little interaction with unicorns, much less an alicorn, and watched with fascination. The tea cup was shrouded in the same color as the glow encompassing Cadence’s horn. The girl grasped her glass with both hands and slurped slowly as she watched. Her eyes were round. Cadence winked at her, then set her cup down.

“First time seeing telekinesis?” she asked with a cute giggle.

June shook her head, “There aren’t any unicorns around here. Just earth ponies.”

Cadence sipped her tea. “Earth ponies are the backbone of pony society. You can find some very dependable friends through them. Almost all vegetables and fruits are grown by them. Did you know that?”

June deadpanned. “I’m eight, not four.”

The alicorn was surprised by the reply, rearing her head back and burst out laughing. “I’m trying too hard, June. Forgive me!” she chortled. “The truth is, I want to be your friend. I also want to be your father’s friend.”

“He doesn’t like alicorns,” June told her, “but he also said I shouldn’t hate you.”

The princess’ smile faded, “Hate is a very strong word, June.”

The girl mumbled an apology into her glass. “I don’t hate anyone.”

“I know you don’t. You have a very big heart.” The princess flicked an ear, “My special talent gives me a sort of insight to the feelings of others. I spread love wherever I go.” She closed her eyes for a moment, her ears flicking, first one, then the other. “I can feel the love in this town. It is very strong. So many ponies with such unity and devotion to one another.” Inhaling deeply, the princess opened her eyes and smiled at June. “A lot of love is directed at your father, though muted. He is respected.”

June’s heart swelled as Cadence sang praises about Father. “He never talks about how the ponies feel about him,” she admitted.

“Does he help them?”

June nodded. “Lots. He spends a lot of time going around and helping to fix things when he’s not doing things around the house.”

Cadence’s smile grew wider. She leaned forward. “Does he accept payment for his work?”

“No. Father says we don’t need money.”

Sitting up straight, assuming a rather regal bearing, the princess’ smile never wavered. “That, my dear, is because your Father is very wealthy. He wants for nothing. He makes sure you want for nothing. He makes sure his barony provides for its ponies.”

June blinked. Barony?

“Bestowed by Celestia herself upon both your mother and your father before you were born. I do not think your father has told you of the reputation and respect he holds in the eyes of my peers. I was so glad to sponsor them and Jakob has done a remarkable job with no mansion, no staff, and no servants. I knew he was very down to earth…,” Her muzzle twitched, her smile holding as eyes sparkled, “June, are the ponies here happy to you?” The tea cup rose and met lips.

June couldn’t answer. It wasn’t that Father was mean to ponies, far from it. He was a hopeless lump, really. Father enjoyed working with his hands. The ponies of Berryville were always in need of something being done requiring some sort of help. She reflected upon her memories, digging through them, always Father’s no-nonsense expression while ponies milled around him, happy and willing to work alongside the chronically grumpy man.

“Father likes the ponies,” she said lamely. Barony? Really? What’s a barony?

The last thought found a voice and it escaped her lips before she was even aware.

This confused the princess. “You didn’t know?” she tilted her head to one side.

The girl hesitated, her thoughts swirling. If Father wasn’t working outside, he was usually at his desk, writing letters and then lighting them on fire with the funny green candle. Sometimes letters would burn into wholeness and appear above the candle! His expression seemed more sour whenever he sat at that desk, she recalled, and sometimes making threatening growls at whatever he was reading. June had dared ask a few times what he was doing.

“There are things I must see to. You are too young. When you are older, I will teach you. One day, it will become your responsibility. How are your writing lessons going?”

Well, she admitted to herself, it was exactly how he would say it, but she knew Father well enough to consider her recollection to be accurate enough. June had heard it enough, curiosity unrewarded, and she was left wondering if his scowl was worth earning as her own. There were nights he would proclaim the arrival of an unwanted headache, pour himself a cup of coffee, stare at whatever was offending him from the top of his desk, drink it down in one gulp (still boiling hot, the girl assumed), utter words she was unfamiliar with, and go back to responding to the offensive thing on said desk with the furious scribbling of quill upon parchment, neither of which were deserving of such unholy abuse.

“Father sometimes scares me when he is at his desk,” she admitted, remembering her first taste of coffee and how the stuff was so bitter and gross.

“Administrative duties can be a chore,” Cadence mused. She sipped her tea. “I can tell he’s done right by you.” She then hummed, “I find it interesting he has not introduced you properly to the barony. Then again, he was not born into the nobility and therefore has not fallen into the pattern most parents pass down to their foals in preparing them for their futures.”

June blinked, finding the princess’ words a tad over her head. “Still eight,” she reminded Cadence, then drank her milk. “I don’t know anything about baronies or barons.”

This brought forth another giggle, “So you are, June. So you are. I think I know what your Father is doing. He’s letting you be you.” Her eyes shifted from one side to the other before the alicorn leaned in, from the side of her mouth she whispered, “If I were to guess, I’d say Jakob is several steps beyond the run-of-the-mill nobility of Equestria.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?” June asked. She was not upset, but most certainly confused. Father did things he did not want her to know about and would almost always explain why he did things the way he did.

Cadence settled back into her seat. “More than likely, June, he did not want you to worry. He wants you to enjoy your foalhood, er, childhood. How does he teach you? Do you go to school? Do you have lessons on history, on math, on subjects most foals learn in a school?”

June had her own desk, with its own candle. “I have a tutor that flames me in my lessons. I live too far from town to go to the school here, but Father sometimes lets me stay with one of my friends for a week so I can learn with them. Miss Flores is nice and she sometimes gives me extra things to do to take home.”

Cadence was impressed. “Well, just from speaking with you, I can tell you have been exposed to some very good teachers. Your vocabulary is impressive for somepony… someone your age.” The alicorn giggled, “Ah, you’d think I should be versed well enough to know the difference between somepony and somebody! I’ve gotten way off track. I asked you how much you know about how your mother and father arrived in Equestria and the conversation just wandered off on its own! I’m so sorry, June. In my own excitement of wanting to know you, I’ve lost track of the things I need to ask you.”

The girl tried to remember, finding she wanted to tell the alicorn everything she wanted to know. There was something inviting about Cadence. The mare was warm and compassionate, willing to laugh, and most importantly, her smile went into her eyes. Father had told her how it was possible to read a face and one thing she remembered clearly was to look someone in the eye when they smiled. June thought she was doing it right, and believed she could trust the princess.

Her thoughts stumbled upon the two reporters. “Miss Cadence,” she asked, turning her glass in her hands as she fidgeted, “why do ponies want to know about Father and me?”

“Why do you ask?” Cadence queried with concern. “Did something happen today?”

June explained her encounter with the two reporters. Cassandra’s appearance was not left out, rather she was immortalized in the girl’s words. The cheeriness slowly drained from the face of the princess, only to be replaced with an expression of profound disappointment.

Working her jaw slowly from side to side, Cadence let out a sigh, her ears drooping, “I am so sorry, June. I’m afraid I must take responsibility for that one.” —The girl gave her a curious look— “Those two came at my request. I had wanted to allow them to publish the interview if your father would permit it. I had not… No, I had not expected them… Oh, June, I am so sorry! I am livid! I am absolutely furious!” Her formerly neat and lovely mane had sprung in all sorts of directions, and spectacularly so.

“Furious about what?” rumbled an all-too-familiar voice from the door.

“Oh crapbaskets!” Cadence sighed.

Author's Note:

There were several corrections in the first chapter. The whole thing has been reposted, but the changes should be subtle, as well as clarifying Cassandra for those who might have been confused.

A second editor has been added and his suggestions were the reason for the repost of the first chapter.

Words bleed. I can still hear the screams...