The Fragrance of Dark Coffee

by stillwedding

Reminisce - 2

AUTUMN - YEAR THREE

“I want everything to be cleared this evening.”

Raven’s facial expression remained unchanged, she was unimpressed. It had started to be more of a regular occurrence for the Princess to clear her schedule on weekends in particular. Celestia raised her eyebrow waiting for a rebuttal. Raven opened her mouth to say something before closing it again, she was thinking of an argument without overstepping her bounds. “Princess, are you sure?” She started. “That would mean you would have to compensate by doing two times the amount of work tomorrow.”

Celestia gave a polite smile and her eyes danced carelessly, “That’s fine. It won’t be the end of Equestria if I push a viewing or two.”

Raven gave an agreeable curt nod, “Then it’ll be done.”

“Thank you.”

Before Raven exited the throne room she looked at Celestia hesitating. The question lingered on her tongue. “May I ask you something, your majesty?”

“You may," Celestia said turning back to meet her gaze.

Raven hesitated to try to put her curiosity into viable words, “What are you planning to do with a free schedule?”

Celestia grinned. “I have something fun planned.”

“With your student, Twilight Sparkle I presume?” Raven asked upfront. Her speculation on what the ruler of Equestria was doing, which seemingly was so important that she needed to clear everything on her already tight schedule, pressed on her mind endlessly. She wanted confirmation.

“You would be correct,” Celestia admitted and looked at her aide anticipating perhaps a berate.

Raven’s lips thinned, and she fought to bite her tongue. “I’ll see you tomorrow then,” she said blankly, finally leaving her alone in the throne room. Hearing the door close, Celestia smiled and clapped her hooves together excitedly before making an exit as well.

Weaving through the grand hallways of the castle and giving the occasional greetings, smiles, and waves to the staff she stood in front of a door. A door she would admit that she visited more than a monarch should.

☆ ☆ ☆

It started with skipping one weekend. One weekend then turned into two, and two turned into three. By the fourth weekend, Twilight Sparkle had given up on the prospect of her parent’s visits.

At first when she began living on campus, being the Princess' personal protégé and such, Twilight would experience waves of homesickness. Practically begging the guard on stand-by to let her at least visit her old home.

But as she began to become more accustomed to the arrangements of her studies she began actually becoming almost disinterested in returning to her family. However, they have never been disinterested in visiting her though now much more infrequent.

The visits, if they did visit, lasted mere minutes. Because having her time allocated elsewhere would be better than going to the carnival or the park, she was simply too grown up now. Twilight sought satisfaction in a different place, unlike other fillies; she was always prioritizing her studies, taking care of Spike, and appeasing her teachers, all of which were much more rewarding than a day with her parents not knowing where to take her.

Sometimes their schedules would be too conflicted which made it even harder for either of them to see each other, not that Twilight had minded. But when they did have a chance so much time had passed that she was practically a different pony. To put it simply, Twilight had outgrown her parents and their endless desire to enroll her in foolish, childish activities. Twilight had changed, matured completely now under the tutelage of her wise teachers. She didn't need senseless family time every weekend.

Now it was the fifth weekend. And quite frankly, Twilight was tired and indifferent to all of it. She was going to spend the only two days of the week out of school to have the time of her life at the Canterlot Archives.

Strapping on her saddlebags with her cutie-mark patched on, she grabbed some extra papers on the tables, a quill, and an ink jar. Twilight mentally checked off each item as they were dropped into her bag before double taking and remembering the massive book on her wooden oak desk.

Using her levitation she picked up the heavy tome with faded lettering, she was reading the book the previous night and was completely immersed in it. It was on magical runes, how some cities around Equestria can have strong protection like spells which were actually runes in place centuries ago. She was overjoyed when she was able to check out the book from the library, she had been on the waiting list for quite some time.

Twilight looked around her room once more to ensure she hadn’t forgotten anything before marching up to a small crate, “I’m off to the archives today, Spike! A nice guard will be watching over you in my place after I leave. Please try your best to behave!” Twilight explained to the sleeping dragon.

Now she was readjusting her saddlebag as she goes through her checklist:

A great book? Check!

Sleeping dragon? Check!

Babysitter in place? Check!

Access to the archives? Check!

Everything was ready for her to have a great weekend. Albeit without the ponies she should be seeing, nonetheless, she didn’t want that to be a hindrance to her plans.

Satisfied with everything she turned to leave. Her horn glowed, opening the door to reveal—

“Gah!” Twilight exclaimed falling back a little, she bumped into something. She looked up, and her eyes widened, “Princess Celestia?”

“Hello, Twilight! Where are you headed off to this evening?” Celestia asked with a warm smile.

Twilight shook her head to snap out of her daze before she replied, “The Canterlot Archives!”

“On your day off?” Celestia frowned, she found it disturbing how other fillies and colts would spend their time off leisurely whereas Twilight wanted to work. Perhaps a day away from books would do her good, apparently, there's a new festival happening– she stopped her train of thought. It wasn't her business how Twilight spent her time, it wasn’t like she was a parent herself.

“Mhmm!” She said, eager at the idea of spending her whole day surrounded by Equestria’s best historical books.

“And you're not going to spend time with your parents? I heard they came to visit you this morning,” she asked, honestly curious about the lack of appearance of Velvet and Night Light.

Twilight shook her head. “Nu-uh.”

Celestia frowned again, “And why’s that?” Though she had expected her adamant answer; she couldn't help but feel saddened for her student, for missing something that should be fundamental regardless of whether you were incredibly mature.

“I have work to do, I can see them next weekend or I can visit them, but it's not every day I get to go to the archives all by myself! Besides, they’re very busy ponies, they have their own important jobs and lots of responsibilities,” she explained. And waved her hoof dismissively that she was far too old to have a day out.

Any free time she had should be spent wisely. Her parents being prominent astronomers and authors, respectively, could attest to that. Except what she said didn't translate into her features. Her eyes were suddenly overcast, and her expression translated everything Celestia thought. Was she regretful?

“Twilight, although they have important jobs they always manage to take time off to visit you frequently at the castle. I hope you know that they do care and love you very much, and I suggest you not hide from them. I think it's a good idea to spend time with them as much as you can before you get caught up with the things around you. After all, we tend to forget to enjoy things at the moment before it is too late.” Celestia reasoned and gave her an encouraging smile.

Twilight’s expression stayed even. She looked away, trying to be casual and mask her growing guilt and avoidance. “I know, Princess. But for now, I want to spend my time doing something I think is fun instead. It’s okay because with this I’m certain I'm going to have a good time!”

She winced, it wasn’t particularly a normal thing for young fillies to brush things off so callously. “Actually, I have a better idea! I have an idea of something we can do, though I can’t promise if it’ll be better than a day in the archives…”

Twilight perked up at the offer. “I always have fun when I’m with you, Princess!” Celestia should’ve felt guilty upon hearing those words uttered toward her. Was she stealing Twilight’s time and attention away to the point where she preferred to see her over her own family? But at the same time, she couldn’t help but revel in it.

☆ ☆ ☆

During the walk, Twilight asked her a million questions about where they were going. Celestia would always wave her off or change the topic entirely. Sometimes ponies would stare at the pair, it was unusual to see the Princess out and about without her royal guards or extra percussion, it was expected of them to at least dart questioning looks. But Celestia paid them no mind happily enjoying her time off with her student.

When they reached Pony Joe’s Twilight made an audible gasp and jumped excitedly. Celestia laughed at the reaction and simply opened the door for the young scholar to enter the building.

Celestia followed suit. The pair didn’t need to look at the menu as they both had been at the establishment many times prior. Twilight very vividly recalled all the times Cadance and Shining Armor would take her out after achieving a good grade on her assignment. And because she had gotten good grades all the time they saw the storefront of Pony Joe’s a lot.

They approached the nervous cashier, who seem to be a new hire, and Celestia placed an order of half a dozen donuts. “What do you want, Twilight?" She tapped her hoof to her chin, "I think half a dozen donuts will be enough, but anything else you have in mind?”

“A dark roast?”

Celestia smiled but shook her head, “No, how are you supposed to sleep with caffeine in your system?”

“That’s the point, Princess,” she said flatly like the answer was as obvious as Star Swirl’s imbrication spells. “I want to finish this book!” Twilight explained holding up the giant tome.

Celestia laughed and turned back to the cashier, “The six donuts will be all.”

The two chose a seat in the corner, away from the rest of the patrons of the local donut shop. As soon as they sat down Celestia took no time to devour the vanilla-glazed donuts while Twilight flipped through her book.

“I forgot how good these were!” Celestia said in-between bites. Twilight nodded and took a Boston cream, taking small bits instead. The only thing on her mind was how she wished her parents were here right now to be able to taste the delicious donuts. Such a preposterous thought, they were busy with their jobs after all.

“I think they have a delivery service, you could always have them delivered to the castle for you, Princess.” Twilight pointed out.

She jokingly rolled her eyes, “It’s not the same as eating them in-house. It’s like reading a book in your room compared to reading it in the library.”

Twilight laughed at the comparison, “I suppose.”

Celestia shallowed before she asked, “What are you reading?” Twilight perked up, the Princess never fails to ask her about the things she learned and actually understands them. A trait her parents lack, which just made Twilight more frustrated when she tried to explain the simplest of concepts to be met with an awkward grin and a nod.

“The Displacement of Notable Runes!” Twilight said eagerly. She pointed the book towards the Princess. Celestia squinted to try to make out the title to no use. How anyone could read the faded letters was beyond her.

“Runes? You won’t touch the topic until maybe in a few years from now…” she said pondering the curriculum for a second. “Is it interesting?”

Twilight nodded, “Oh yes, Princess! It’s crazy to see how magic is so consistent in Equestria. It’s something that can remain unchanged for so many centuries, and the structure can stay exactly the same as if it was cast yesterday!”

Celestia smiled at her excitement over magic, “Magic is truly remarkable. You can spend a lifetime learning it and you wouldn’t have made a dent in fully understanding it. Even I don’t understand it completely. It doesn’t help that magic is ever-changing. We will continue to develop new spells for centuries to come. After all, magic is eternal, as it takes shape in many different forms.”

Twilight’s eyes widened at the idea and the endless pursuit of magic. Truly endless if the Princess herself hasn’t learned everything there is to learn about the subject. Magic was infinite.

Twilight continued to take small bites out of her donut until she was finished. When Twilight was about to take another she noticed the center plate completely empty. Looking up at Celestia, she had her mouth stuffed with the reminisce of the last donut.

Celestia shallowed and used a napkin to wipe the evidence, the crumbs, away. “Ahem– those were really good,” she said cooly trying to uphold her perfect image.

Twilight laughed earnestly at the dismissive attempt which made Celestia smile. “We should probably head back to the castle now, I have to raise the moon,” she said after glancing up at the clock behind them. “I’ll teleport us back, to avoid the crowd,” she winked.

With a glow of her horn, they instantly appeared on her room balcony. Celestia stood tall overlooking the small towns below Canterlot and waited to feel the gust of wind blow her mane. Flaring her wings out she closed her eyes. Feeling the celestial body of the sun being lowered she brought the moon up.

The sky was now dark and she stared intently at the moon for a few moments before turning behind her to meet Twilight whose eyes were wide. “That was amazing, Princess!” She clapped.

“It becomes less impressive after doing it for so long, but I’m glad you think that, Twilight.” She smiled. “Say, how about we have a sleepover with some hot cocoa too,” she offered, hoping to prolong their time together.

Celestia was being selfish.

Twilight beamed, “That would be great, Princess.”

Celestia smiled, “I’ll be right back, then.” She teleported to the kitchen briefly to collect some mugs of hot chocolate before joining Twilight back in her chamber.

When she returned Twilight was sitting on the couch across from the fireplace, reading her book. She offered the mug to her and Twilight took it with her own magic. She took a sip of the drink and smiled, satisfied at the flavours. “Thank you, Princess.”

“Better than bleak coffee?” Celestia asked, taking a sip from her own mug.

Twilight pondered for a moment and shook her head, “No, close though.”

“Fine. But it won’t be long until you become an avid tea lover,” Celestia jokingly said.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “I am not going to your tea parties, Princess.”

“I’ll start hosting them on weekends to avoid them affecting your schedule, you should give them a chance getting to know your peers is a wonderful occasion!” Celestia said taking another sip of her hot cocoa.

She had expected Twilight to give a snarky reply, in fact, she wanted it and the sarcasm that came with it. But instead, the small filly was silent. Tears were flowing down her face. She tried blinking them away, but they just kept coming. Celestia panicked, she hadn’t meant for her to cry. “Oh, Twilight, I was just teasing you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” she said trying to calm her down.

But Twilight just shook her head. Not meeting Celestia’s eyes, “I’m not upset over that, Princess,” she said quietly.

“Then what’s wrong, my faithful student?” She softly asked.

“I'm not supposed to be free on the weekends. I should be with my parents," Twilight said, rubbing her eyes to dispel the teats. "I want to go on stupid rides around the city, I want to casually get donuts and just talk about things I used to enjoy before I thought I was too old to enjoy them! It's just not the same as it was!" She cried.

Celestia pulled Twilight close to her and brushed her mane in a comforting gesture with her hoof. That seemed to help. “Twilight, even though you have changed their presence in your life hasn't, although they have a hard time understanding you now it doesn't change the fact they still love you very much,” she whispered in her ear.

“I know, I know...” Twilight repeated, it was as if she was grieving someone, something. And the more she was saying it the more it seemed like she was trying to convince herself. That she hadn’t believed Celestia’s words at all so perhaps if she agreed to it verbally it will be the truth.

Pathetic memories and new memories were all morphing together.

Celestia didn’t know what more to do except hold her close and reassure her and repeat the simple statement that they indeed loved their own daughter was indelible even if they don't understand her as well anymore.

But for now, all Celestia could do was book her schedule off on weekends to compensate for her woes. And make it so each time they spent time together she would be able to forget about the change in the relationships around them. It was the least she could do for a filly she had grown to care and love for. A love as infinite and unchangeable as magic itself.

☆ ☆ ☆

“I didn’t see much of my parents after I got my cutie-mark,” Twilight said evenly in an attempt to hide her underlying feelings for the topic. Upon seeing the frown appear on Starlight's face Twilight continued to forgo any bad connotations to the claim. "We just got caught up with our own schedules and when they tried to make plans I was so absorbed in dusty old books that I didn't bother. They never gave up though and eventually I was coaxed out of my shell. I guess it is possible to be too caught up in academia," she said with a light-hearted chuckle.

Starlight smiled. “Huh, so Princess Celestia acted as a secondary parent figure for you when you had your nose in the wonders of books or whatever,” she said with a twirl of her hoof and a roll of her eye.

Celestia’s eyes widened, she was ready to deny the comparison entirely. “Actually, I think Twilight—”

“Yeah, I suppose she was,” Twilight answered simply.

Celestia looked down at Twilight, she met her gaze. Magenta met vibrant purple, Twilight, and smiled. Celestia’s heart soared at her response. What was this feeling?

Author's Note:

I didn't want to shove the blame and say that her parents outright abandoned her because that isn't true, they have a good relationship but I needed to patch up the plothole on why exactly she lived strictly at the castle. I think her driving her parents away consequently brought Twilight and Celestia closer as she sought someone else to entertain her needs?? I don't know how to word it LMFAO.

Comments

[The Blue EM2]

11341858
The 17th Century was a pretty wild time.

[DarkSnowGaming]

Celestia was being selfish.

When was the last time Celestia enjoyed being selfish for once? She is the ruler of a frickin kingdom! Free time is basically just a concept to her.

She should enjoy this.