Phase One
Spike takes care of the library during the early hours and of Owlowiscious. Rarity brings Spike a few gemstones each day. And Owlowiscious takes care of the library during the night.
Twilight ticked her mental checklist off and returned her attention to the ride. Two Pegasus guards were pulling a beautiful carriage with her inside. She had left Ponyville in the late afternoon and was almost in Canterlot now.
After a few moments of watching the city seemingly grow taller in front of her, she turned to her saddlebags and took out the letter. Spike had surprised her with it in the morning. Once again she read through it:
My most faithful Student
I hereby invite you to join me in Canterlot castle for a few days. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, I will have a few days without royal duty and would enjoy the presence of my most faithful student.
Yours
Princess Celestia of Equestria
It was short, to the point and completely worrying. Twilight had instantly torn books off the walls, just like she always did in a crisis. Or when she was relieved… or bored, happy, undecided, drunk or in any other state of mind. Her research showed that nothing had ever stopped Princess Celestia from following her duties. Well, besides the return of ultimate evil in either the form of her sister or Discord.
Twilight swallowed and tried not to think about what exactly was going on in the castle. She would see it soon enough.
The unicorn arrived after another twenty minutes of worrying, trying to ignore the worry and a small fight against a fit of panic. The guards pulling the cart had remained as stoic as usual, but she was sure that they would talk about her in the break room.
As the carriage circled the castle and headed towards the gardens, Twilight could see the white form of her beloved mentor, expecting her in front of the castle’s garden doors. She could also see Princess Luna standing next to her sister. And she could see something out of the ordinary that scared her a little!
The carriage landed and stopped. Twilight leapt out and headed for the princesses, completely disregarding any kind of procedure. Luna suppressed a light giggle and whispered to her sister. “I told you she would be worried. You should have explained yourself, sister!”
Celestia sighed slightly, but gave Twilight a big smile.
“My dear Twilight! My most faithful student! It is so wonderful to see you again!” announced the princess of the sun.
Twilight stopped dead in her tracks and stared at Celestia’s face. A huge pair of shaded hid the eyes of the alicorn.
“Princess… why… why are you wearing sunglasses?” the unicorn asked after a moment of awkwardness.
“I will explain it to you inside, Twilight.” Celestia answered, earning a laugh from Luna.
“It is good to see thee again, Twilight. We have missed thou!” greeted the princess of the moon “Especially Tia!” she added with a wink.
The sunglasses hid the glare Celestia shot to her sister. Twilight followed the two rulers quietly and confused. She had never seen the princess wear sunglasses. What was wrong?
Luna quickly excused herself to some duties, so Twilight and her mentor walked alone and currently in silence. The unicorn quickly realized that they were heading towards the wing where her old room was located. While her curiosity didn’t stop to gnaw on her, she kept silent and waited for the princess to explain the reason for the new fashion choice. Was Celestia trying to take a page out of Rainbow Dash’s book?
Still in thought, Twilight was surprised how quickly they reached her old quarters. Still without a word, the princess entered with the unicorn following closely.
“Twilight!” Celestia said seriously “I am an old pony! I do not indulge in hyperbole! You ARE the pony, I trust most in this world, besides Luna. I expect that everything that happens inside this room will remain inside this room!”
The unicorn swallowed and nodded. She knew that she could not betray the princess, even if her life depended on it. “What happened…? Princess?” she asked carefully, feeling her eyes burn a little.
Celestia turned towards Twilight and levitated the sunglasses away.
Twilight let out a gasp of shock.
Celestia’s right eye was... red. Not the iris, though, but the eyeball itself was blood red, with only the magenta circle and her pupil in the usual color.
“Princess! What? Are you possessed? Is this some kind of curse? What happened?” Twilight blurted.
Celestia sighed and gave Twilight a wry smile. “When you bruise your eye, it looks like this…” she explained “Yesterday evening, after showering. I had shampoo in my eyes and I walked into a statue…”
Twilight started to shiver.
“You may laugh now…”
And so she did. All tension fell off the unicorn as she roared with laughter. Celestia couldn’t help but join in herself. It was a bit funny.
“I’m sorry, princess!” Twilight quickly said, after the laughing slowly ebbed out “But I was so worried and…”
“It’s fine, Twilight.” Celestia interrupted “I did not want to worry you by saying that I hurt myself, but apparently I worried you even more with saying nothing.”
“But what does this have to do with your duties?” Twilight asked.
“It seems as if there is no way to heal this little… problem with magical means.” Celestia explained “And you saw how you reacted. How do you expect nobility to react to me looking like a…” Celestia tried to think of a word.
“Zombie Pony?” Twilight offered.
“Exactly!” The princess giggled “Hiding it would only raise suspicion. So Luna insisted on taking over my duties until my eye is completely healed. My staff knows what happened and I deserve a break, if you ask them. So, I wondered what I should do with the free time and honestly, I wanted to spend some time with you, Twilight!”
The unicorn felt her face grow hot. The princess was having her first holiday in Discord knows how long and she wanted to spend the time with her! It was a dream come true!
“Princess, I would be so happy to…” Twilight started, but her own tears interrupted her, “Sorry…” she muttered, wiping her eyes “From worry to happy too quickly.”
“Oh, Twilight…” Celestia smiled and moved closer “You can be so adorable.”
The princess nuzzled her student gently, producing a huge smile on Twilight’s face.
“How about we go to my room for the time being?” she asked
“You don’t like it here?”
“Twilight, the furniture is too small for me.”
“Oh! Of course!”
-
After a short walk, the two mares had settled down in Celestia’s private quarters. Roomy, comfy and familiar. Twilight had been in here a few times during her lessons. The room was fitting for a pony of Celestia’s caliber, which meant that the furniture was huge.
Only the huge chessboard with figures of all international leaders and important people that many people imagined to be here was missing. True tyrants do not need this sort of crutches!
The princess herself had taken place on a nice and cozy carpet with a huge pillow-roll next to her.
Twilight was lying in front of her on an equally cozy rug. Drinks and some snacks were provided by a servant who gave Twilight a very deep bow. He could apparently remember the celebration after Discords defeat.
The two had a lot to catch up on and their conversation grazed magical spells, friendship and their common friends.
Twilight was in heaven. She had missed the conversations with her mentor, the approving smile and Celestia’s gentle demeanor. There were few moments when the unicorn felt as relaxed and happy as she did with Celestia present.
There was only one detail that irked her.
“Princess…” she interrupted Celestia suddenly “You don’t have to hide it.”
“What?” the princess asked disarmed.
“The eye. You are trying to hide it by squinting, tilting your head and with your hair.” Twilight explained “You don’t have to hide it from me… really.”
Celestia flushed very slightly. “I am not exactly used to…”
“Not being perfect?”
“Twilight, I am not delusional. I am not perfect in any way. Just… I guess I have become a little vain over the last century. Without Luna around, I got much more attention and I didn’t want to disappoint anypony.”
Twilight couldn’t help but giggle slightly. “The great princess of Equestria, raiser of sun and moon for a millennium, worried not to look the part?” she asked gently “That is something that will show up in no history book.”
“Are you making fun of royalty?” Celestia asked with an aura of fake shock.
“I guess I am…”
“Good!”
“Good?”
“Twilight, you are hardly just my student anymore. You have become more like a very dear friend. Sure, I will teach you whatever I might know, but ever since you have moved to Ponyville, you have taught me so much with your reports. And you gave me back my sister!” Celestia stressed with a smile.
Twilight followed the way of the chameleon and responded by taking on the color of the pillows behind her. A very nice crimson.
“Speaking of Luna… she wanted us to *inspect* her night tonight.” Celestia added.
“Inspect?” Twilight asked skeptically.
“Inspect… show it off… you are the judge.” Celestia winked back.
“She does seem a bit off… why is she so… overly eager?” Twilight probed.
“I have no idea.”
Twilight let it at this and got up. Celestia followed and levitated the carpet with her.
“Could you be a dear and fetch the tea pot?” the princess asked on the way out “I have some mugs ready.”
“Sure.” Twilight answered, getting the object, together with a candle and a contraption to keep the tea hot.
Celestia was already sitting on the carpet outside, two mugs in front of her.
Twilight almost dropped the tea pot. Her mug said “#1 Student”.
“I saw a mug like this in one of the guard’s rooms and thought them to be fun. I got Luna a “Cutest Sister imaginable” one!”
*Twilight’s imagination*
Luna: “WE THANK THEE, SISTER! THE SWEETNESS OF OUR VOICE WILL ELEVATE OUR CUTENESS AND WE SHALL FIT THE PROMISE EMBOSSED ON THIS WONDERFUL CONTAINER! NOW LET US THANK THEE IN THE TRADITIONAL, EIGHT HOUR TEA CEREMONY! SERVANTS, PREPARE THE NEW PORCELAN AND THE SLAVE-SACRIFICES!”
“Why are you snickering, Twilight?”
“Nothing, Princess!”
Twilight was about to sit down, when a small gust of wind hit her. Not expecting how cold it had already become, the unicorn shivered for a second.
“Oh are you cold?” the princess asked immediately “I have an old scarf inside. Take a seat, while I get it for you.”
“Princess, you don’t have to…” “I am not invalid, my dear pupil. And fetching you a scarf is not below a princess. I get health care for all my subjects, so I can fetch you a scarf.” Celestia interrupted Twilight and gave her a wink as she entered the chambers.
The lavender mare looked after the monarch and turned around. Her eyes caught Celestia’s mug. It was a similar model to hers, but as blank as Scootaloo’s flank.
*Time to earn you a cutie mark…* the unicorn grinned and focused her magic.
A small rectangle of magical ink appeared on the side of the mug. Twilight quickly moved and wrote, before she let it disappear. With a smile, she turned around.
Meanwhile, Celestia had found the yellow and orange scarf and finally returned. The princess sat down next to Twilight and moved the scarf around her neck, gently tugging it steady.
Twilight looked up thankfully and poured them some tea, while the princess took place next to her pupil. Twilight floated the mug over to Celestia andjust as the princess wanted to take hold of it, she turned it quickly.
Celestia let out a small gasp, as she read “Worlds best Princess”.
“I might have to hide this from Luna…” Celestia said softly.
“As much as I like Luna, you are my favorite.” Twilight said very softly and moved a bit closer “She has Pipsqueak and her cultists.”
“And I have you? That seems a little unfair. Luna might get terribly envious.”
“Oh, let her be…” Twilight said and nudged the princess ever so gently.
Celestia looked over to her student. “I mean Nightmare Moon levels of jealousy.” She said with a wink.
Twilight felt her cheeks warm up. And it was not the tea. “I beat her once, bring her again!” she answered. “And please don’t praise me so openly… You are spoiling me, princess.”
“I have to concentrate my praise to the times we meet Twilight. Letters are much too easily misunderstood. Your earlier exploit show that.”
“I’m sorry, Princess.”
“Don’t be… and Twilight, do me one favor.”
“Anything!”
“Just call me by my name when we are alone. Luna is the only pony who calls me Celestia. And sometimes I miss being addressed casually.”
Twilight looked up in surprise. Luna would probably faint, if she heard this complete violation of protocol. “You mean just Celestia?”
“Without the just”
Twilight swallowed again. “If you want so, Ce… Celestia.” The word almost remained in her throat. It was weird to say the least. Ever since she was a little filly, the princess had been a titanic figure. A goddess so far out of reach and above her, she had been looking at her in awe, whenever she saw her, even from afar. And now she was calling her by her name. Like… like friends! A surge of electricity ran over her spine, making the unicorn shiver.
Twilight thanked her body for this unexpected response. The princess had apparently misread it and slowly extended her wing to warm the smaller pony.
If there was one thing about Pegasi that Twilight envied (besides the flying part), it was their ability to embrace with their wings. Whoever had the pleasure of being engulfed would be treated to a tickling allegretto of harder pinion feathers brushing over ones coat. The slight shift that followed was almost like a light massage or a grooming. And finally there were the downs… OH CELESTIA, THE DOWNS! Forget pillows or clouds! A well kept Pegasus had the softest thing in Equestria right on their wings.
No wonder that some burnt out pegasi sometimes sold them to shady pillow-producers during their moult.
Twilight let out a deep sigh and almost dropped her mug. The princess of the sun had the best kept wings in Equestria. She had learned wing keeping from a phoenix after all.
The unicorn shivered again and snuck yet again a little closer. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt brave tonight. There had been moments when she wanted to just let it all out and snuggle up to her mentor, but tonight the voice that told her that that would only lead to awkwardness was much more silent. Twilight felt strong tonight, she felt brave, she felt… tipsy.
Neither of the ponies had realized it, but both had been drinking a lot of Celestia’s tea for the extended evening. Long ago, Celestia had asked her servants to spice her tea with a generous shot of “Captain YARRR’s Special Spiced Rum”. This had been so for about 360 years. The alicorn’s sheer size and metabolism rendered her extremely resistant to intoxication, so she never felt any effect, besides a nice sting in the flavor. Twilight on the other hand was neither an alicorn, nor was she very good a holding her liquor. Even Ponyville’s cider season had not changed that. While not being outright drunk, the pony would not be allowed to drive or pull a carriage at the moment.
“And there is Canis Minor…” Celestia said quietly while looking upwards “Now… what was it Luna wanted to show me?”
Twilight suddenly remembered their agenda for the night and followed her mentor’s example. There was indeed Canis Minor and a whole heaven full of stars. Usually, Twilight would have started looking for unusual details or added stars, but she had already seen what was odd. The stars were brighter than usual. They had to be… why else would the princess be as radiant as she looked right now.
A lock of multicolored hair had covered her bruised eye and with the last flaw hidden, the beautiful alicorn quickly dominated Twilight’s attention.
“Oh, I see it now!” Celestia suddenly said, a smile creeping on her face “Wonderful idea sister! That completes it! What a beautiful night, indeed!”
“Not as beautiful as you… princess. Not as beautiful as you, Celestia.” A very happy unicorn mumbled, the sky forgotten. Twilight looked at Celestia for a long time, enjoying the eternal beauty of her favorite princess. Yet again, she felt a surge of courage. Carefully, the unicorn pressed her form against the princess. Shivers ran over her as she felt the full warmth of the god-pony besides her. With a happy smile on her face, Twilight leaned against her friend, her head resting on Celestia’s regalia.
-Maybe things will be a bit awkward… maybe she will ask me to give her space… maybe she will tell me to go to my room- went through the unicorns mind.
Meanwhile Celestia’s thoughts were somewhere else. How long had it been since she was given a good cuddle by someone else than Luna? Her rank as supreme ruler and basic protocol had robbed her of any opportunity to simply get a hug, enjoy another pony’s warmth and care. Things got even worse when Twilight had entered her life. Soon after taking in the eager filly, she had learned to enjoy her presence and not long after she had run into a terrible dilemma. Celestia was old. She had witnessed several changes in pony society, behavior and manners. And she was not sure how much closeness would be appropriate towards her student. Always worrying to engage Twilight physically, worried to be too open or worse, to sate her need for closeness on the young filly. But now, as her student, no, her friend was cuddling up against her. The alicorn felt her ancient heart flutter.
Meanwhile Twilight’s very lively imagination went on and on, passing over Celestia banning her from Equestria to a very detailed execution. Just when the sheer terror was about to make her tense away, Twilight felt movement in the Princess’ neck. Before she could move, Celestia’s head had circled hers and muzzled her. The thoughts disappeared as quickly as they had appeared and the unicorn relaxed.
Both ponies remained in each other’s embrace for a long while, the night sky forgotten.
*Meanwhile at the other end of the castle*
Luna lowered the binoculars slowly, a broad grin on her face.
“Phase one complete!” she announced.
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D'aawwwwwww
It's so adawwuble!
Five stars for you! There's a few grammatical/spelling issues that I noted, but so few that I can hardly even count it as an issue. I've given four and a half stars to stories significantly worse, so this is definitely up there.
Hmm, a piece that's sweet and close, but not shippy between those two is exceedingly rare. Greatly looking forward to -
D'aaaawwww attack!
*Wakes up in a puddle of oddly candy-scented drool*
Where was I? Oh yeah, hope to see more.
Luna is at it again. And Twilight is pleased because of it.
"Only the huge chessboard with figures of all international leaders and important people that many people imagined to be here was missing. "
Hmm why would it be missing....
"True tyrants do not need this sort of crutches!"
Ohh of course explai...wait what
*goes on to read* aww damn i would just need to quote the whole thing to point out what i love in it...
Twilestia is best shipping
181595 Thank you for all the praise. Yes, my old enemy, Language-barrier is here again. Sadly I can't ask my usual beta-reader to do another fic for me, so I hope it doesn't irk my readers too much
Curse my Horsetrian... erm... AUSTRIAN roots!
181706 Should I dispatch Paramedics or just be very happy about the reaction? Probably both... thank you a lot
But I warn you... it might get a bit shippy... depending on how the characters behave. I usually don't plan ahead on these parts. My stories get done Pinkie Pie style!
181982 Do you really expect Celestia to need a chessboard or map? Hay, she probably prevented two wars, caused one riot on the other end of the world and brought education into a third world country before brushing her teeth.
And I agree! Those two may have much going against them, but there is something there. Right Twilight?
“WE THANK THEE, SISTER! THE SWEETNESS OF OUR VOICE WILL ELEVATE OUR CUTENESS AND WE SHALL FIT THE PROMISE EMBOSSED ON THIS WONDERFUL CONTAINER!"
I think I literally laughed for five minutes. Haha. This is amazing.
182033 What can I say? Canon-Luna is the best thing that has happened in the last few years of animation. I wish we had some Luna emoticons on the page, thought
I'm glad you enjoyed it
This was rather sweet. I enjoyed it, though I found the narration to be a shade clunky at times, but that's due to your roots, I suppose. Far better than anything I could do in Austrian, that's for sure. If you can, find a beta-reader for future chapters, but even if you can't, keep writing, and keep up the good work!
182196 Thank you for your... oh my gosh Did the guy who writes "Composure" just comment on my story? And he thinks it was sweet?
OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOHOHMYGOSH 
Thanks for the feedback. I will be searching for a beta reader for both "Celestial Bodies" and "Between Day and Night". But I will focus on "Draconic Troubles" in the near future. It's still my main story.
(BTW: Austrians speak German... well... something that can be confused for German)
As obligated, I award you bonus points for Twilestia.
Dawwwww worthy, and I MUST HAVE MORE! Phase two, soon, please?
Looking forward to phase 2. This story is great
Ooooh... it was a plan the whole time.. I've been noticing these types of things in stories lately. Random evil plots from other characters and stuff.
phase one?!?!??! I need phase 2 right now!!!
one of the cutest Celestia I've read so far!
Obviously Luna has been beating Celestia, which is why she has a bruised eye. Running into a statue? I should think not!
I'm thinking this is less an evil plan and more a, see my sister get hitched, plan. Or, get romantic, anyways. But Luna's still allowed to ACT shady and sneaky for the part if she likes. At any rate, i'm amused, and, hey, Twilight/Celestia. ALWAYS love it.
259224 damn dude youre everywhere.
loving this, tracked a million times
i.imgur.com/jRZeO.gif
Luna: “WE THANK THEE, SISTER! THE SWEETNESS OF OUR VOICE WILL ELEVATE OUR CUTENESS AND WE SHALL FIT THE PROMISE EMBOSSED ON THIS WONDERFUL CONTAINER! NOW LET US THANK THEE IN THE TRADITIONAL, EIGHT HOUR TEA CEREMONY! SERVANTS, PREPARE THE NEW PORCELAN AND THE SLAVE-SACRIFICES!”
You made me spit my spoonful of cereal with that line... keep it up.
Now imagining crazy Pipsqueak cultists. Nonsensical rituals, bad imitation British accents, and a curious fixation on the idea that his true form is female.
Ok... just finished Chapter 1, and I am moving this story to the Favorites list. I may be rough and tumble... but every Jarhead and Biker has a soft spot as well. This story has touched that side of me. Thank you.
915340
That line was my favorite line as well. Almost killed me when i read it. (severe head and chest cold, so laughing is painful as hell and very difficult... but I desperately needed said laughs)
181982 Hmm, the use of the term 'tyrant' in this context may appear to be a rather republican thing to say, until you remember what 'tyrant' actually means. Tyranny is actually the same as a coup d'etat.
915340 I did the same thing xD , except with Soda.. And I went all over my sister
And she didn't notice anything about the "World's Best Princess" mug?
... CelestiaCare?
Read first chapter, loved it... but alas, being 6:30am right now, I REALLY need to get some sleep. So favouriting this, and gonna read more tomorrow. I can't wait.
LOL LOVE IT
hope to read more soon
Luna is feeling shippy tonight?
Oh so it is Luna who is the Chess Master this time, not Celestia, well well well this should be very interesting, very interesting indeed.
“WE THANK THEE, SISTER! THE SWEETNESS OF OUR VOICE WILL ELEVATE OUR CUTENESS AND WE SHALL FIT THE PROMISE EMBOSSED ON THIS WONDERFUL CONTAINER! NOW LET US THANK THEE IN THE TRADITIONAL, EIGHT HOUR TEA CEREMONY! SERVANTS, PREPARE THE NEW PORCELAN AND THE SLAVE-SACRIFICES!”
media.tumblr.com/c555fb951252542dbc68005813b7e76d/tumblr_inline_mg8a10bhXQ1rvxbdh.gif
Twilight followed the way of the chameleon and responded by taking on the color of the pillows behind her. A very nice crimson.
Very good, young grasshopper.
New person speaking requires a new line.
great... lunas is shipping!
i feel Cadence would absolutely love her in this story