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Surprise Acceptance2,091 words
Early Bird2,216 words
Uncomfortable Tea1,772 words
Conflicting Information1,348 words
A Princesses Dilemma3,113 words
A New Day in Canterlot Pt:12,008 words

A Princesses Dilemma

The Lavender alicorn lost all decorum as she nearly galloped over the white stallion. The Guard had his helmet in his soft raspberry magic. He clearly looked nervous as he was nearly trampled by the lavender mare as she came in like a charging bull. Yet his dignity was mostly saved as the Alicorn stopped just before running down the second Lieutenant of the solar guard. Twilight pulled the slightly shorter stallion into a hug before he had the chance to escape. All while Luna looked mildly surprised by the scene that played out before her.

“Shiny, It's been too long. How is aunty Velvet? And uncle Light? I haven't gotten a letter from you in nearly a month.” The mare stood only half a head taller than Shining Armor, a excited smile pulling at her lips as she felt him hugging her back. his hooves clearly avoiding her wings as they shifted after her dash..

“Haha… ya, sorry about that Twi. It's kinda the same thing day in and out when you're a guard. I can only make a drunken noble so interesting.” Shining Armor said as he rubbed the back of his neck softly. A sheepish smile on his lips as he patted her back softly. Before he continued he pulled back. Glancing at Luna before he continued. He was clearly nerves but Twilight didn’t seem to notice or care as she smiled happily. “Other than that it's the same paperwork and daily hall decoration.”

Luna, who was quite amused by the fact that she had been completely forgotten about only a few hooves away, watched and listened to the pair. Yet her own mind was restless as she thought about what Twilight had said. The princess of a foren kingdom is related to the royal astronomer, My aid, and a Lieutenant of the guard. All without a single clue. The Light house was well known if it only spanned back a century. A modest noble house but nobel. Luna did her best to hide the frown from her lips as she looked at the pair. it was clear that she had some questions to ask.

“Oh, are you still hiding behind battlements to spy on the guard? Or have they decided to have you standing outside the kitchen doors?” Twilight joked as she nudged him with a wing. However the guard didn't take that without complaint as his magic retaliated and flicked her nose. making the young alicorn's eyes cross as her muzzle scrunched up like she had just smelled something distasteful.

“It’s my job now, unlike you and that rag doll you probably have stuffed between some books in your crate. Smarty pants? Or have you finally gotten a toy more fitting or royalty? Maybe a sock puppet?” Shining said with a small smirk on his lips as the lavender alicorn blushed slightly, looking away from the stallion. Twilight then smiled softly as she took a deep breath. Raising her head as her wings reagusted on her back. it was only a moment where the young lavender mare looked like a dignified canterlot elite nose held up as if the ground itself was repulsive. Eyes closed before a smirk pulled at the corners of her lips.

Opening her eyes she leaned in close loudly whispering, clearly to get back at her brother for his remark. glancing at Luna with a silly smirk. “Oh? And how is your crush dear brother? She's a few shades of lighter pi-” The Alicorns muzzle was surrounded with the raspberry glow of the Lieutenants magic. horn glowing as a dark red blush flooded his cheeks. Luna raised an eyebrow as the normally stoic stallion muzzled a foren princess as he sputtered for a moment.

“Sorry, lets call it even and not spill things we would rather remain unknown. So Twi, How are you enjoying the castle so far? It may not be Aroran but it’s still quite the sight. Reminds me of dutchess Comets manor, even if it’s a lot smaller. Oh? and have you seen the royal archives yet? Almost twice as large as the castle's library.” Shining spoke, clearly hoping to distract the book-crazed mare before she could continue. His magic released her muzzle even as she giggled. Clearly the distraction worked as she looked back at the tall midnight blue alicorn eyes sparkling in excitement and anticipation. Luna Just smiled softly as she rolled her eyes.

“We can always stop in the Archives before we return to our sister's side. I see no reason that you wouldn't be able to grab something to read for the two days until the gala. After all you are a guest, and we can't expect you to go without entertainment before the festivities.” Luna said as she watched the pair move to face her, one with a nervous smile and the other with excitement. It almost reminded Luna of herself. Devouring books with a thirst for knowledge and the arts. “And Lieutenant Shining Armor, I will be awaiting a report on my desk. And inform my aid that I wish to speak to her. Once this days preparations are finished.”

Shining nodded, His helmet finding its place back onto his head as he bowed. Clearly he was worried about what might happen. After all, his family could lose their positions in the castle. Three positions of political import and sending his family into the limelight. He took a deep breath and focused on being a guard. “Yes princess, I will inform Lady Velvet and will be glad to answer any questions you have to ask.” He stayed in his bow for longer than normal before standing tall in his golden and purple armor. Nodding to Twilight before he turned and left, Moving down and away from the pair of alicorns before vanishing out of view around a corner.

“Princess Luna, I can understand if you're worried about where my loyalties lay. But they are Equestrians, a family of immigrants that moved to Canterlot to live under you and your sister. They may be family but Shining Armor is a Royal guard to the heart, And Velvet loves assisting you. My mother knows nothing more than a few stories of little importance.” Twilight spoke as she stood up straight, Looking up into Lunas eyes as she smiled softly. It was clear she cared for her family, speaking out on their behalf even if her words would do little to sway the older alicorn. “Mostly your sisters escapade for cake and cake related items.”

They shared a laugh before Luna moved closer to Twilight, putting a hoof on the mare's shoulder. leaning her head down so they could be closer to eye level. With a mischievous smirk, Luna spoke, clearly it was now time to share further stories of her sister. After all, Luna had a feeling that Tia would do the same. “Let us head to the Archive, maybe i can tell you another story of my sisters obsession with cake. Or maybe centuries of pranks.”

Twilight laughed softly as she nodded. Stepping to the side so the alicorn of the night could lead the way. Delving into a story of one wonderful prank involving cake. All the while Queen Evertide listened, hearing how her daughter happily eating up Luna’s tale of one poison joke infused cake. and the week of a three century old alicorn being left as a five year old earth pony all while having to deal with ambassadors from the minitor lands. Evertide sighed softly as she looked at the now recomposed and formal Alabaster alicorn that sat in front of her. Hair drifting on an unfelt lazy breeze. Setting down her tea cup with perhaps too much force she got Celestia's attention before she spoke.

“I will not let you have my daughter, Twilight is the only heir of Aurora. My only child.” Eventide spoke as she glared at the alicorn before her. If it had been anyone else then they might have whilted at the Queen's look. But this wasn’t a noble or common pony. Celestia’s small smile remained as she let the words hang in the air. “However… you made a good point. I will speak to my daughter about this. I will let her think about it herself before I decide what will happen. In all honesty I would be happy to return home and forget that this ever happened. To remain disconnected let Equestria slip back to believing we are nothing more than a magic bedtime story.”

“If that's what you wish Queen Eventide, However if I may be so bold. I believe that after the Gala, Arora may not be able to slip back into the past as it had before. Equestrians hold Alicorns in high regard. Three live and run their home, Live in their capital, and bring the day and night respectively. Princess Twilight will become The first Alicorn to not be born or live in Equestria, The nobals will reach out. Ponies will want to know more, and the gossip rags will likely spin some half baked rumor that she is secretly the love child of myself or my sister and sent away to hide their shame.” Celestia spoke, a smirk on her lips as she thought about the thousands of rumors she had heard about something similar.

“Perhaps, But it only took one generation for ponies to forget about us. It only took one generation for Equestria to forget about the Crystal Empire. It will only take one or two for ponies to move onto the next thing and my Kingdom will slip there minds once more. Your Nobles can send all the letters and bribes that they like but after getting the cold shoulder they will learn that they won't have a quick way to gain more power.” Eventide said firmly in response, There would always be fools who believed that with a few thousand bits and a couple honeyed words that they could buy themselves anything and everything. No matter where you were, be it in griffonia or zebrica. Someone with wealth, influence and a taste for power would try for more. She had already had to deal with suters that had tried to worm their way close to her daughter. She was just glad that Twilight would rather delve into books then be interested in anyone wanting her hoof.

“Yes, I have had the same experience with my niece Cadence. I remember a rather distasteful stallion who had tried to trick her into marriage before Luna found out. I believe he might be enjoying his time doing community service. Someone had to sweep the sand back into the Badlands.” Celestia responded as she hid her devilish grin behind another sip of tea. It only took a moment before Eventide shared the sun Alicorn's devilish smirk.

“Well, I must remember that if any attempt the same tricks on Twilight. However, Princess Celestia, I believe that it is time for me to retire. I have had quite the trip and wish to rest. That and I believe my daughter may be driving your sister mad with questions. Lets go rescue the poor mare before her ears fall off.” Eventide spoke as she stood up. Celestia nodded as her horn glowed for a moment.

“They are currently in the royal archives, After we grab them I shall show you to your room for this evening.”

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Twilight stood frozen in the middle of the Canterlot Archive. Even the main room, open to the public, was massive. Three stories of massive book shelves. And that was only the first three stories. Below this was the beginning of the Restricted section. Three subfloors of even more knowledge, even if it was restricted, were larger than the Royal Library of Arora. All this and Twilight had no idea where to start. The smell of old parchment, ink, the slight twinge of dust was like the elysium fields for the young alicorn. Luna hadn’t been able to stop her laughter as she stood beside the entrance. She had felt her sister's magic was over the castle and knew that Tia and Eventide would be coming. So Luna let the dazed mare stand in the shock and joy of seeing the archive. Until a few of the younger patrons noticed the Lavender mare.

A short white unicorn filly trotted closer hesitantly, Her cherry red mane pulled back into a tight braid as the fillys horn held a large tome in her equally red magical glow. She came to stand a few hooves away, looking up at Twilight who still seemed lost in her own little world. The filly let out a small cough, trying to get the lavender mares attention. After failing a few more times she moved onto the next step.

“E…Excuse me Miss. Are you alright?” The fillies' words didn’t have a response for almost a minute before the words seemed to find their way into Twilight's brain. Blinking and shaking her head to get her thoughts working again she looked around then down at the short filly. Her eyes looked over her in the pattern. Head, Back, Flank. Horn and ruby red eyes, no wings, and an exploding cherry cutie mark.

“I… I’m sorry. I spaced out for a moment. What did you ask?” Twilight spoke as she smiled down at the filly. noticing the large book. Transfiguration 101: From Tea Cups to Tea Houses. It was a silly name for the book but it was still a great resource for Transfiguration magic. and seeing the filly with the book reminded her that there may be spell books she had never seen here in the Archive.

“Oh! well princess I asked if you were alright. Um… I noticed you come in and then stop moving for almost three minutes.” The filly spoke in a slightly timid voice even as she bowed slightly, yet a hoof stopped the filly before she would bow down any further. Twilight smiled as she crouched down to the fillys level.

“I am doing good, and there's no need to bow. I’m hardly older then you are. What's your name?” Twilight asked, not noticing the growing attention she was getting. or the two new royals that joined the night princess. Eventide looked on with her same indifferent mask, even if the corner of her lips were lifted up into a small grin. The entire library's focus was on the lavender alicorn as she spoke to the filly.

“I’m Cherry Fizzle, but all my friends call me Fizzy. I’m a student at Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorns.” The filly answered happily as she nearly jumped in place. “What about you princess? What's your name?”

“Twilight Arora Sparkle, But you can just call me Twilight Fizzy.” Twilight responded before she smirked softly. her horn glowing as she grabbed a piece of scratch paper from a table, bringing it over to hover between them. “I see your reading about transfiguration, how about I let you in on a little secret?”

The filly looked ecstatic as she nodded, Moving closer as her eyes danced between the paper and the lavender alicorn in front of her. It only took Twilight a moment as her horn glowed brighter. The paper slowly folded and glimmered as it was changed. Jeweled wings and silver antanas moved as the magic transformed the paper into a butterfly hair clip. Wings shining in a rainbow of color as it was held in Twilight's raspberry magic. Fizzy gasped as she looked at the accessory, eyes filled with amazement and surprise. That only grew as it was clipped into her hair, sitting right at the top of her braided mane. Twilight chuckled softly as her horn dimmed before winking out.

Fizzy didn’t hesitate as she reared up on her hind hooves as raped her arms around the lavender alicorn. Who hesitated for a moment before hugging the filly back. her wings nearly hiding her from view. “A good guide to help with Transfiguration is Alterations and changes by Tempered Geminite. read that and you will get a perfect grade.” Twilight whispered soft;y as the filly giggled, nuzzling into Twilight’s neck. After a few more moments they seperated, Leaving a slightly blushing Twilight as she noticed all the eyes on her.

“Thank you Princess Twilight. I’ll get to reading it right away!” Fizzy chirped as she skipped away, happily flaunting the new hair clip that she had been given. ponies around laughed or smiled as they muttered amongst themselves at the now abashed alicorn. Celestia smiled to herself as she watched twilight nearly trot towards them. making a beeline to stand beside her mother using her stacher to hide away from the ponies that had watched everything.

“I have to say Princess Twilight, That was an interesting form of encouragement. I believe you just had a fillies year, I almost feel bad for Miss. Frizzle's parents.” Luna spoke as she winked. Not only intelligent but great at magic and wonderful with fouls. Yet timid in public and young at heart. This is a large change from the first impression that we had been given over tea. Before she was not Twilight, She was Princess of Arora.

“It was a simple spell, Tempered Gemimite learned that all one needed to transfigure anything into metal and imitation gems was the right amount of components in the air and a bit of magical elbow grease. While the gems are only imitations they can pass almost any test except the common dispellment test. Anything stronger then a B level dispellment will turn the gems into glass.” Twilight explained, glad for the chance to have a distraction from the attention she had been receiving. Even if they were still here in the Archive at least she had others for ponies to look at other than herself.

“Well princess Twilight I believe that now would be a good time to show you to the room you will be staying in. Until we can get the one beside it prepared for you." Celestia spoke as she gestured to the exit with a wing. A gentle smile on her lips as she made a mental note to remember about Cherry Fizzle.

Eventide nodded as she moved beside her daughter, the two following a step behind the alicorn sisters as their crystals began to glow brighter. A mental conversation starting between them.

"I never expected you to start showing off in front of the princesses. Yet I have to agree with Luna, you have already changed that little filly's life. After all, it's not everyday that someone gets a gift from a princess."

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