After a heated argument with her sister, Sweetie Belle runs off, and meets a lonely goddess.
After a heated argument with her sister, Sweetie Belle runs off into the Whitetail Woods.
Here she meets the princess of the moon.
The two bond, and Sweetie Belle is taken in as Luna´s student.
All seems well. But does Luna still hold a grudge on her sister? (a thousand years on the moon, is a long time after all).
When Luna rises to overthrow Celestia? Sweetie Belle is forced to choose between her sister and her mentor.
"My first shot at writing, so feedback is appreciated."
Authors note:
The general idear of the story was generated before "Luna Eclipsed", hence the lesson from "Sisterhooves Social." Is left out. Also Lunas character may not match canon.
”Can I help?!”Sweetie Belle asked whilst jumping up and down, a huge enthusiastic smile plastered across her face as she was looking at her elder sister, who was currently too engaged in her work to bother looking at the smiling filly standing beside her.
Sweeties smile quickly turned into a frown when she got the more than familiar answer from her big sister.
“I am sorry Sweetie Belle but I don´t have time to both work and keep an eye on you.” Rarity said, picking up a scissor and cutting out a piece of fabric.
“Okay” Sweetie Belle said in a disappointed tone whilst looking at the ground.
Her face brightened a little as she got an idea. “Can we go to the park the afternoon?” she asked her sister, some of the happy hopefulness back in the voice. “we could have a picnic and play some games”.
“I can´t go today, I am going to the spa with Fluttershy. And this order has to be filled tomorrow morning”. Rarity answered, still not bothering to look at her sister. “maybe we can go tomorrow”.
Sweetie Belles mood suddenly changed, as the disappointment of another rejection turned into anger. “That´s what you said yesterday and the day before that!” she almost yelled whilst stomping in the ground for emphasis.
“You don´t use that tone with me young lady!” Rarity said sternly, finally turning around to look her sister in the eyes. She almost regretted her outbursts as she saw the mix of anger, disappointment and heartbreak in the fillys eyes.
“You never take time for me! Maybe I would be better off without you!” Sweetie Belle continued ignoring the elder unicorns reprimand. “You are never there anyway!”
“That´s enough from you, I will not have you talk to me like this!” Rarity stomped in the ground. “Now go to your room, you can come back down when you can behave yourself!” She said in as stern a voice as she could manage. She wasn´t used to her little sister behaving like this, and admittedly didn´t quite know how to handle the situation.
“Fine! I don´t want to be around you anyway!” the filly shouted trying to fight back the tears forming in her eyes, she turned around and started walking up the stairs, she couldn´t let her sister see that she was crying.
Sweetie Belle slammed the door shut behind her, tossing herself on the bed as tears started streaming down her cheeks.
As she was lying there on the light purple rug that was covering her bed. She started thinking. “Why do I even need a sister, it´s not like she really cares about me.” that´s when it came to her, the thought she feared the most, “Rarity doesn´t love me anymore” her expression turned from sadness to one of pure horror and then from horror to anger. “Why would I live with her if she doesn´t love me!?”. She was angry with her sister now - very angry - “What kind of big sister abandons her little sister like that!? She does not deserve to have me here!”. “I loved her you know” she said to into the empty room.
She was silent again as she laid pondering what she had just said to herself, eventually she decided on a course of action. “I am leaving, I will find a better place with a better sister who loves me and cares for me, one who will play with me and read me bedtime stories before I go to sleep.”
Reaching this conclusion, Sweetie Belle started packing her saddlebags – not that there was much to put in them – the only things she could really find that would be of any use. All she ended up packing was “Survival 101, all you need to know about staying alive in the wild” a book the Cutiemark Crusaders had gotten from Twilight when they tried to find their “wilderness survival cutiemarks”, and she found a chocolate bar for provisions, “It´s not much, I guess I will have to find some more food on the way.” She grabbed the blanket from her bed, folded it and put in her bag.
Then a thought came to her. “Although she doesn´t love me anymore, I still should leave a note telling her, that I am going to find a better place to live, one with ponies who love me!” She made a short note, just writing what was currently on her mind, she then left it on the table next to her bed.
Carefully grabbing the book with her mouth and tugging it into her saddlebag, an old thought returned “I wonder when I can start using my magic, I heard it normally comes to unicorns when they are about my age” she put a hoof to her chin as she wondered, “I will have to ask Rari.... ”she quickly put her hoof back down as she caught herself mid sentence. “NO NOT HER! She probably doesn´t even care.” the anger returned, “and by the way, I am leaving and I am never wanna see her again...ever.” On that note Sweetie Belle grabbed her saddlebags and threw them over her back, then proceeded to jump out the small window in her room leading out onto the roof. “Now how to get down from here?” She spotted the drainpipe leading down to the street bellow. Wrapping her hoofs around it and holding on to the best of her ability, she slid down the pipe and landed safely on the ground.
As she looked around there was nopony in sight, the street was empty, that’s when she noticed that it was getting dark, the sun hung low in the sky. She had perhaps an hour of daylight left before the bright sun would be replaced by the dim light of the moon. “Have I really been lying on my bed for so long?” She stopped her train of thought as she realized just how stupid her question was, off course she had, it was quite evident from the fact that the sun was going down. She shortly contemplated on going back inside, but decided against it, it was too late to turn back now. “I better hurry if I want to get out of Ponyville before dark.” Then it struck her “where do I go?”Once again she lifted a hoof to her chin as she considered her options, she came to a conclusion she thought reasonable, “I´ll have to find shelter for the night, there are plenty of hollow trees in whitetail woods, so that’s where I´m off to.”
Whitetail woods was a very large forest, best known for hosting Ponyvilles annual ´Running of the leaves´a funny name, as the leaves wasn´t actually doing any running. The forest was spreading many kilometers away from Ponyville. Along the edge of the forest was Ponyville park. Fillies and colts - including herself - often played in the outskirts of the woods. Nopony ever ventured far into the Whitetail woods as the forest grew denser and predators like wolves and bears became more frequent, the white filly had no intention of going far into the dangerous parts of the Whitetail.
By the time Sweeties Belle reached the woods the sun had set behind the trees and a beautiful full moon was rising on the horizon. Out here away from the lights of the village you could clearly see the thousands of stars in the sky, Sweeties Belle had never really taken her time to study the night sky, but when she looked up she could truly see how stunning it was. Despite her wanting to, she knew she didn´t have the time to stay and gaze at the stars. “I have to find some shelter before the cold sets in.” At that the filly set of into the forest in search of some kind of shelter to spend the night.
Rarity had gone back to her work on the dress, but she didn´t really get anything done, as none of her usual creativity seamed to come forward. She kept thinking of the argument with Sweetie Belle. She contemplated on what her sister had said about her never having the time for her. Thinking back she found – though she hated to admit it – that Sweetie Belle was right, she really had been neglecting her sister lately. The dressmaker decided that she would make up for it by taking tomorrow off, so she could spend the day with her sister.
In all her thinking she had apparently lost track of time and it was nearing dinner. In order to cheer Sweetie Belle up a little she would make pancakes, the fillys favorite dish.
Checking the cabinets in her meticulously clean kitchen - Rarity had some almost OCD-like tendencies when it came to cleaning, especially the kitchen, after all it is where you cook your food, so it was kept clean enough for someone to do heart-surgery on the table -. “well I seem to have all I need. Onto cooking then!” Mixing the dough didn´t take long, as she had the recipe memorized, pancakes was something often served in the household, as Sweetie Belle was not the only resident with a fondness for the particular food.
“Sweetie Belle, dinner is served!” she yelled out towards the stairs leading to the upper floor, as she carried a large plate loaded with pancakes and put it down on the dining table. Receiving no answer she continued “Come down now and get something to eat, it´s pancakes, your favorite!” Still no answer... “curious… that usually makes come running down here.” She thought “I better go check on her… make sure she is alright.” The white unicorn proceeded up the stairs towards her little-sisters room.
Rarity lifted her hoof and gently knocked on the door, “Sweetie are you in there?” Still no answer, “it´s okay, you can come out now” she said in the gentlest voice she could offer. Still no answer came from the other side of the door. Now Rarity was getting tired of this little game “I am coming in now” she said, annoyance clearly evident in her voice, maybe a little more than she wanted it to be.
Rarity slowly opened the door and stepped into the room, looking around she saw no sign of her younger sibling, the only evidence that Sweeties Belle had been in the room was that the blanket on her bed was gone. Assuming it had just been pulled of Raritys mild case of OCD kicked in and forced her to make the bed, as she walked closer she could see that the pillow muffled up and soaked in what she assumed was tears, this made her worry a little, “I had not expected it to be so hard on Sweetie Belle.” She thought with a frown on her face. The next thing she took notice of was the little white note on the bedside table lying next to the night lamp, curiosity getting the better of her she turned on the lamp, bathing the otherwise dark room in a soft yellowish light.
The hair on her back stood on end, when she read the few lines her sister had scribbled on the paper.
Dear Rarity
I am running away, because you don´t want me here anymore, as you say yourself “I can be quite a handful.”
A good sister is supposed to love and care for her sister.
So I am going to find a home with a sister who loves me.
Your former sister Sweetie Belle
Tears began to stream down Rarity´s cheeks as she read and re-read the message.
“I had no idea she had such troubled thoughts, I have been a simply horrible sister… I was to blind to see it… and now I have lost her!”
Rarity could no longer stand, she dropped to her knees and started sobbing. Lying there flat on the floor, the dressmaker started thinking back, for once considering her own efforts, after a short evaluation she found her performance as a sister to be inadequate.
“I have to find her, I have to fix this!” Springing to her hooves, head held high and with as much determination as possible, she declared “I swear by all that is good and beautiful in this world, that. I Rarity will get my sister back!”
On that note, the fashion designer bolted down stairs, using her magic to grab a white- and purple-striped scarf hanging by the front door. There was no time to waste, she was a mare on a mission, and no force in Equestria would be powerful enough to stop her, she would take on the combined power of Discord and Nightmare Moon if it meant getting her beloved Sweetie back.
The white unicorn was running through the otherwise quiet streets of Ponyville, calling out her sisters name as loudly as her voice could muster. The dressmaker had set her course for the town square as she believed that would be the most likely place for the filly to have run of to and it was not to far away.
Reaching the the fountain in the middle Ponyville town square, Rarity slowed down, breathing heavily, She could see no sign of the filly. A renewed sense of terror welled op in her when it finally dawned on her, that really she had no idea where Sweetie Belle would go. She stood still for a moment, thinking and catching her breath after the intense running.
“Where would she go, Sweetie Belle is a smart filly... She would go somewhere with shelter from the cold.” A flood of thoughts went through her head, as she tried to figure out where the younger unicorn, would be able to find a good place to spend the night. “Why yes off course... she will have gone to the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse, down at Sweet Apple Acres!” Her face lightened up a little, as she allowed herself a brief moment to enjoy her own brilliance. Snapping back to reality, Rarity set off towards the apple orchard.
Sweetie Belle was currently heading into the Whitetail woods, The first kilometre or so was only light forest, due to the frequent use of the area, there was hardly any undergrowth and the old trees were about to pony-lengths apart. As she progressed deeper into the less frequented parts of the Whitetail, the trees stood closer and plants like gout weed and fern were flourishing on the forest floor considerably slowing her progress.
After two hours of tracking into the woods, her mane was a mess full of leaves and branches and her clear white coat was stained with dirt all over. Finally Sweetie Belle found a large hollow tree, the hole seamed large enough to accommodate a filly her size, as she was about to take of her saddlebags she heard a voice in the distance, it barely sounded like a whisper, like most other fillies and colts, her curiosity got the better of her and she started walking towards the sound. As she got closer to the source, her ears caught the sound of singing, slowly approaching, she could start making out the words of the song.
“But somewhere in a private place”
“She packs her bags for outer space”
“And now she's waiting for the right kind of pilot to come”
“And she'll say to him”
“She's saying”
The voice was some of the most beautiful Sweetie Belle had ever heard.
She got to a clearing lit up only by the soft white light of the full-moon. She hid in a bush and looked around in the clearing to find the origin of the beautiful vocal.
There in the middle sat a dark-blue alicorn, stars sparkling in her ethereal blue mane. It was the princess of the night, Sweetie Belle had only seen her once, that was at the celebration of her return. The princess just sat there singing to the moon.
The filly had no idea how to handle this. “Can you just walk up to a princess?” She decided to stay hidden, as the princess continued her song.
“I would fly to the moon and back if you be...”
“If you be my baby”
“I've got a ticket for a world where we, we belong”
“So would you be my baby?”
Sweetie Belle shed a tear as she could hear the clear melancholy of the singing. The alicorn sang with such passion and sadness... It was an indescribable feeling, like all the emotion in the song just flew straight into your heart, as you felt the hidden pain in your own heart. Sweetie Belle could not find any words - in her relatively extensive vocabulary - , that could be used to explain the way she was touched by the sound.
She made a sudden kick as she felt a spider crawling up her left hind-leg, as a result, the rustling of the leafs made a noise, Sweetie Belle almost panicked, closing her eyes, she just held her breath while lying completely still, hoping the other pony had not seen her.
Her worst fears were confirmed as the singing suddenly stopped and she could hear hoofsteps coming her way. She didn´t know what to do, so she just stayed there holding still holding her breath, hoping the lunar princess would dismiss the sound and return to her singing.
No such luck.
The hoofsteps stopped and the little unicorn could hear the sound of somepony poking the surrounding shrubbery with she assumed was a hoof. As the noise stopped, Sweetie Belle slowly opened her eyes to try and see what was going on outside. The filly bolted back in shock. Because there right above her was two teal eyes staring down on her, as she looked into the alicorn´s eyes she saw that there was no trace of anger, only kindness and curiosity, the later undoubtedly as to why she was hiding in a shrubbery in the middle of the night. The kind eyes made Sweetie Belle relax a little, though part of her was still nervous as to the princesses intentions.
“Hello” the moon goddess said in a low and kind voice. “what is your name?”
“Swe... Sweetie... Belle...” the white filly muttered.
“You can take it easy now, I´m not mad at you.” Luna said whit a reassuring smile. “My name is Luna.” The princess made an effort to sound as kind as possible, to the slightly scared filly hiding in the shrubbery.
“You’re not?” Sweetie Belle lightened up a little. “I just heard you singing... and it was so beautiful, I didn´t want to interrupt.”
“It is quite alright. Actually it is nice to have somepony else here.” The princess said smiling.
Sweetie Belle could feel the alicorn´s breath, it was a warm and pleasant feeling, sort of relaxing. She was starting to calm down. The lunar princess withdrew her head out of the bush, in witch Sweetie Belle had been hiding.
“Soo... What are you doing out here all by yourself?” Luna asked quizzically.
Sweetie Belle had a thoughtful expression on her face, as she contemplated on whether or not she should tell truth. “Will she be disappointed if she finds out I have run away like a little filly?” and in case she did tell the truth , “would the princess then take me back to Rarity?” She did not want that to happen. “But then, what happens if she finds out I am lying?” Some unpleasant thoughts of dark dungeons crossed her mind.
After a brief silence she had reached the conclusion, that it would be unwise to lie to one of the rulers of Equestria. Sweetie Belle would rather face the wrath of her sister, then that of an immortal goddess.
Hence her answer was. “I... I had an argument with my sister... and I sort of... ummm... ran away...” She deliberately avoided the princess gaze, as she felt a little ashamed of her own actions.
The alicorn princess was not one to judge the actions of others – except perhaps her sister, when she decided to banish her to the moon for a whole millennium, but forgiveness was a work in progress, as it seemed to only be Luna who still help a grudge. (To be fair, it was Luna who spend a thousand years on the moon) -. Luna herself was still being judged for her own past sins. It was especially the noble ponies who showed mistrust in her. Right now she was actually happy to be running the night. It was true that she would sometimes get lonely, as nopony ever showed up at her court sessions. Probably because they did not see her as fit to rule, but mostly it was because now – as it was a thousand years ago – the ponies were sleeping. It was true that stargazing had become increasingly popular over the cause of the last one-thousand years, but the size of her audience was by no means, extensive.
The night princess turned away and started walking to her previous place in the middle of the moonlit clearing. After a walking about 5 meters, she turned her head and looked at Sweetie Belle, who was now sitting up in the bushes. “Are you gonna stay in there all night, or are you joining me.” Princes Luna paused a few second before she continued, “I would be nice with some company.”
The prospect of spending all night in a bush was not particularly appealing, so Sweetie Belle made her way out of the shrubbery, and slowly walked up next to the princess, who was now laying with her legs folded in under herself. Sweetie Belle lay down next to the princess in a similar fashion.
For what felt like hours Sweetie Belle was content by just laying there, listening to Luna softly humming various (to her) unfamiliar tunes, some more than a thousand years old, from times long past.
The filly yawned. Running around the forest for hours, had really exhausted her, and the soft humming of the night-princess made relax and feel safe. The little unicorn curled up next to the alicorn, she could feel the warmth of the princess next to her.
Luna who´s eyes were focused, looked down when she felt the filly next to her. There she saw the most adorable thing, a sleeping filly curled up next to her. She draped a wing over Sweetie Belle, to keep her warm.
Luna just lay there enjoying the closeness. For the first time since her return, she met somepony - other than her sister - who didn´t treat her either like a princess or a monster in disguise. With Sweetie Belle titles didn´t matter, for once she could simply be... Luna.
Eventually Luna also drifted of to sleep, her wing still covering the sleeping filly.
Luna Woke up the next morning. Normally she would eat dinner now, and then go to bed, leaving the governing of the day to her sister. The Lunar princess looked around and shortly wondered why she was waking up in a clearing, that was when she noticed the little warm lump pressing in on her side, lifting her wing she saw a white unicorn filly curled up in a ball beside her. Now it came back to her, how she met the filly. “Ah... yes.. the little filly who ran away from home” Luna had a thoughtful expression on her face when she thought “What was her name again”, she smiled as she remembered, “Sweetie Belle... yes that is it.”
“Sweetie Belle.” Luna whispered as she gently poked the filly with her muzzle. Sweetie Belle stirred a little and muttered “mmmm... mommy...”, she pushed herself a little closer to Luna.
Luna´s heart turned into jelly, it was the sweetest thing she had ever heard.
“It´s time to wakeup now Sweetie.” Luna said softly.
Sweetie Belle slowly woke up and rubbed her eyes, her vision cleared, and all the memories from the night before returned. The argument with Rarity, her running away and meeting Luna in the forest. A good nights sleep had cleared her mind, with the anger no longer clouding her judgement, she felt guilty for just running away like that, She should have known better. “Rarity must be worried sick for me.”
Sweetie Belle shot to her hooves “I have to get back home and apologise to Rarity!” For despite the things she had said and thought in her anger, she knew that her sister loved her dearly. Sweetie Belle looked around franticly, trying to remember which direction she had come from. When she turned her head to the Right she found herself staring into the same Teal eyes from the night before, the calm kindness in Luna´s eyes, as deep and sparkling as the night sky itself.
Luna spoke in her soft voice “What is the matter little one?”
“I need to get back to my sister!.... I have to tell her that I am sorry for running away!” Sweetie answered quickly.
“Why... Then let´s go little one” Luna spoke softly.
“But... I... I don´t know the way back.” said Sweetie Belle, with a frown.
“Well there is a way to solve that problem.” Luna said, and spread out her large dark-blue wings.
Sweetie Belle stared at the princess in awe. The alicorn was a majestic sight to behold, her wings casting long shadows in the low morning sun.
The filly let out a small squeak as she was enveloped in a dark-blue glow, and lifted of the ground to be placed on the princess´s back.
“Oh... sorry if I scared you.” Luna said apolitically. Not waiting for answer she took to the air with a few beats of her powerful wings.
Sweetie Belle had wrapped her hoofs around the princess´s neck, and was holding on for dear life. As they passed the treetops Luna halted her ascend, and hovered in place. Luna turned her head around and spoke her usual soft and calming tone.
“You can look out now little one, I will keep you safe.” Her voice sounded so assuring. Sweetie Belle slowly moved her head from her hiding place in Luna´s flowing mane. The view from up here was staggering. The rising sun was casting its bright orange light over the brown, yellow and orange of the autumn leaves, and she felt the light autumn breeze in her mane.
Sweetie Belle snapped out off it when Luna spoke again. “So... where are we going then?”
Sweetie scanned the surrounding area for any sign of home. Not far away she spotted the top of Ponyville town hall.
“That way. To Ponyville.” Sweetie said pointing in the direction of the village.
Lune nodded and said. “Hold on little one!” The little unicorn tightened her grip around Luna´s neck. Beating her mighty wings, the princess head off in the direction of Ponyville.
Rarity was running full speed through the orchard, whilst yelling her sisters name out between breaths. The clubhouse was located in the northern part of the field. The apple trees blocked most of the weak moonlight, so it was impossible for Rarity to see more than 10 meters ahead of herself.
After 15 minutes of running, she eventually reached the clubhouse. The lights were out, and there was no indication of anypony being present inside the tree house. Rarity climbed the ladder ad stepped onto the platform in front of the door, she carefully opened the door and stuck her head inside. The only light inside was a small streak of moonlight coming in through a window in the side, the only sound that could be heard was her own breathing.
She softly called “Sweetie Belle.” Receiving no response she tried again, this time a little louder, but still just as gentle. “Sweetie Belle!” Still no response.
Rarity stepped inside and looked around as best she could in the poorly lit room, when scanning the room it became clear that Sweetie Belle was not in the clubhouse, like Rarity had otherwise assumed she would be.
“Okay Rarity... stay calm... were else could she have gone?” she thought whilst wandering around the field, occasionally calling out for Sweetie Belle.
After walking around for what felt like – and probably was – hours, she gave up. Realising it was better to get a short nights sleep, and then call upon the help of her friends in the morning.
By the time Rarity got home, the moon hung low in the sky, it would be sunrise in a few hours. She pushed the front door open with a hoof, head hung low, she went up the stairs, on the way to her bedroom she poked her head into Sweetie Belle´s room, quietly hoping that her sister would have returned, whilst she had been out searching. Not surprisingly, the filly´s room was still empty.
Rarity walked to her room and tossed herself on the queen size bed in a very unladylike way.
The white unicorn lay twisting and turning in her bed, unable to fall asleep. Whenever she tried to close eyes, she got pictures of all the horrible things that could have happened to her younger sister.
After tossing herself around for about an hour, Rarity finally fell into an uneasy slumber.
Sweetie Belle held on tight as she soared over the treetops, on her way to Ponyville. More and more buildings became visible. As they neared the town square, Luna started descending, her hoofs almost touching the roofs of the houses. before landing gracefully next to the large market-fountain.
Luna was thankful, that the streets where completely deserted at this hour. The last thing she wanted now, was for the ponies to make a fuss about her presence. She was here helping the sweetest little filly she had ever met, and that was nopony else´s business.
Luna lay down on her knees, to let Sweetie Belle slide of her back, and then said, “we have arrived little one.”
Sweetie Belle slid of the princesses back, first touching down on her hind legs, she stepped backwards letting her front legs land on the ground as well. She walked up next to the alicorn´s head and pressed her cheek against Luna´s.
“thank you princess” she said.
The princess turned her head and looked into Sweetie Belle´s eyes. “Just Luna... please. I get plenty of titles back in Canterlot.” she said.
“Okay... Luna” Sweetie Belle said, with a huge smile on her face. Sweetie Belle´s smile faded when she thought of what was coming next. How would Rarity react, would she be mad? Had she even noticed that she was gone, after all she didn´t say anything when she left.
Luna noticed the troubled look on the little unicorns face, and asked “Are you anxious to meet your sister?” Sweetie Belle just nodded in response. Luna nuzzled the filly, and in a comforting voice she said. “I can go with you... if you want”
Sweetie Belle was visibly relieved. Her smile somewhat returned at the comforting words of the dark blue alicorn.
“I would like that” Sweetie Belle said. Retuning the nuzzle.
Luna rose to her hoofs, standing tall, Sweetie Belle only reached Luna to the knees, so Luna had to lower her head to talk to her.
“Let us be off then!” Luna said with over exaggerated determination in her voice, while striking a pose with her head held high, and a front leg stretched out over her head.
“To the boutique and beyond!” Sweetie Belle added, while posing in a similar way.
Next thing they knew they were both rolling on their back laughing at their own silliness.
Luna was the first to rise, having returned to her usual kind voice, she asked. “Shall we be off then?”
Sweetie Belle stood up next to the princess and answered. “I guess we better.” She turned right, and trotted down the street in the direction of the boutique, Luna followed close behind.
Sweetie Belle was now standing in front of the door to the boutique, Luna had positioned herself a few steps behind her, Sweetie Belle swallowed a lump, she lifted a hoof to knock on the door, but then she hesitated and looked back at the princess, who gave her a reassuring smile. Sweetie Belle turned back around and knocked twice on the door.
Knock knock....
Rarity woke up at the sound of knocking on the door, she sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes.
Knock knock....
It came again from downstairs.
Rarity climbed out of her queen size bed, and used her magic to grab a bathrobe from the hanger next to the door, the unicorn wrapped herself in the robe before walking down the stairs to answer the door.
She had a horrible bed mane, and her eye-shadow was smeared, as she hadn´t bothered removing it the night before. Under any normal circumstances she would never appear in public looking like this. But these weren´t normal circumstances, her sister was still missing, and anypony who could provide a clue as to Sweetie Belles whereabouts, was not to be kept waiting.
Still groggy from only getting a few hours of uneasy sleep, Rarity finally reached her front door. The fashion pony grabbed the the doorknob with her magic, and turned it.
When she opened the door, she was in for a big surprise.
The first thing her eyes fell upon was - the normally white, now dirt-brown from dirt – filly standing on her doorstep.
Next thing she knew, she was being tackled by the little filly, who was wrapping her forelegs around her neck in a tight embrace. After taking a moment to register what had just happened, she returned the hug. Sitting on her haunches, she pressed her sister against her chest.
For a while they just sat there. Eventually Sweetie Belle broke the silence as she said. “I´m so sorry for running away.”
Rarity´s eyes started to tear up as she said. “No Sweetie I am the one who should be sorry... I really should have paid more attention to you.”
Luna who had been standing a few steps behind Sweetie Belle, was smiling a warm smile at the scene unfolding before her eyes. She didn´t feel the need to interfere, as things seemed to be working out just fine. Her job being done, she was about to turn around and head back to the castle, to enjoy a good meal before going to bed for the day. When Sweetie Belle spoke again, saying.
“Rarity, I made a new friend you should meet.”
“Really... that´s nice Sweetie, who is it?”
Luna stepped in through the doorway. - Having to bow her head slightly to fit through the door, that clearly wasn´t build with alicorns in mind. - Standing regal as ever, she extended a hoof in greeting, and said.
“A pleasure meeting you... miss... I am not sure I got your name...”
Rarity lifted her head to identify the source of the unfamiliar voice. With a shocked expression on her face, she almost feel over backwards as she scrambled to her hoofs, proceeding to bow.
“You... you... your... majesty...” Rarity stammered. She regained her composure, as she stood back up and said. “Your majesty it is an horner to...” she trailed off, when Luna lifted her hoof to silence her.
“No need for such formalities miss...?” Luna said.
“Ah.. Rarity... your majesty.”
“Please, miss Rarity... just call me Luna” The princess said with a kind smile.
“Ah.. of course your...eh... Luna.” Rarity said, with a nervous smile. The princess gave her a genuine smile in return. This made the white unicorn relax a little.
Rarity nuzzled her little sister, who was now standing next to her. She looked back up at the night princess and said. “I can´t thank you enough for bringing my sister back. And I am very sorry if she has been any trouble.”
“No. On the contrary, I rather enjoyed Sweetie Belle´s company, and I issue an invitation, for her to come and visit me at the castle, any night she wants.” Luna smiled warmly as she turned to Sweetie Belle and said. “Would you like for me to show you around the castle... say this weekend?” That is of course if it is okay with your big sister.
Sweetie Belle nodded happily, eager at prospect of spending more time, with her favourite princess. She jumped over to Luna and hugged her foreleg – as she only reached the alicorn to the knee – and said. “Yes yes yes.” She let go of the leg and looked at Rarity with pleading eyes. “Oooh, Rarity can I go.. please?”
Rarity smiled affectionately, and answered “Of course you can go darling.” Her face turned slightly stern, but still speaking gently, she said “As long as you are at your best behaviour.”
Sweetie Belle was beaming as she said. “I will be my best ever, I promise.”
“It is an agreement then.” Luna said smiling at the both of them. “I shall arrange for a royal chariot to pick you up at Friday afternoon. Be well rested, it will be a long night.” The princess began turning towards the door as she said. “It has been a long night, I will head back home and turn in for the day.”
Luna walked out the door, and as she spread her mighty wings to take off, she could hear Rarity yelling. “Thank you again... for everything!” With a few beats from her powerful wings, the midnight blue alicorn took off in the direction of Canterlot.
Rarity and Sweetie Belle just stood there looking, as the princess turned into a small speck on the horizon. Rarity turned to Sweetie Belle with stern expression, and said. “You are still grounded you know.”
Sweetie Belle sighed heavily and sourly said “humf... no fair”
Rarity struggled to keep her stern look and said “That is how it is going to be.” Rarity´s smile returned as she said in a sing-song voice. “But first... pancakes!”
“Yay!” Sweetie Belle yelled while jumping up and down. Her punishment temporarily forgotten.
“Now go take a shower, you must have dragged half the forest with you in here. Breakfast will be ready when you are done.” Rarity said.
Sweetie Belle sighed, and headed up the stairs to the bathroom. While Rarity used her magic to close the front door, before heading for the kitchen.
When Luna arrived at Canterlot Castle it was almost midday, it was way past her usual bedtime, but she wasn´t particularly tired, as she had gotten a nap in the woods. The night princess was getting hungry, as she had missed dinner/breakfast (depending on who you ask.) So instead of going straight to bed, she headed for the kitchen.
As the night princess was walking down the long hallways, she started thinking.
Celestia would be in the throne room now, holding court. A time where everypony in Equestria, regardless of wealth or social standing, could voice their trouble to the ´ruler of the day´. Opposite of Luna´s night-court sessions, that – just like a thousand years ago - had had zero attendance, the day-court was always full of visitors, from all over Equestria. Then again the ponies had never liked her, why would they start now?
The worst thing was the mask she had to wear in front of her sister. She could not let her elder sister see her frustration. The last thing she needed was for Celestia to hover over her. Any undue attention would just make her plan more difficult. Every time she forced a smile she thought “This is only temporary, I shall be rid of her soon enough.”
The night princess knew that soon, might be rather optimistic word. Gathering the necessary books on dark magic, was taking longer than expected. It wasn´t easy to sneak such delicate material out of the hight security department, of the royal library, without anypony noticing.
With the speed of her progress, it could easily take a few more years, before she was ready. She would just have to keep the I-am-so-happy-to-be-back-and-I-don´t-mind-that-nopony-likes-my-nights mask on, until then.
While she had been lost in thought, her legs had carried her all the way to the private royal dinning hall, here her and Celestia ate their meals in peace from all the obnoxious nobleponies. In a thousand years, there was one thing that hadn´t changed, the snooty Canterlot elite was still a massive pain in the ass.
Luna used her hoof to push open the large oak door, and entered the dinning hall. It was a fairly large room with a long table in the middle. At opposite ends of the table were two large chairs, one was white and trimmed with gold and the other was a deep purple with silver trim. The tablecloth was a bright white, at the eastern end of the room was a huge glass mosaics depicting the sun, in the form of Celestia´s cutiemark. The coloured window cast a soft yellow light over the room.
The dining room was generally decorated in white and gold, Celestias trademark colours. The architect who had designed the room, had designed a spell that made the décore change according to the movement of the sun and moon. When the moon was up, the colour theme would change from white and gold, to various shades of purple, blue and silver.
After seeing how well it worked, the spell had then been cast over the entire castle. It was quite an impressive sight, to see the interior change so drastically in mere seconds.
At the sound of the princess´ hoofsteps a waiter appeared from the kitchen. The earthpony mare walked to the chair were Luna was now seated, and asked for her order.
Luna ordered her usual salad. The alicorn ate her salad enjoying the silence, before eventually going to her room for a good days sleep.
That day the princess of the night slept like a baby, having sweet dreams about a certain white filly, who had warmed her cold heart.
After a portion of the best pancakes her hungry stomach had ever ingested, Sweetie Belle was off to school. The filly had gotten strict orders to return directly home after school. When she was grounded she was only allowed outside to go to school. Luckily Rarity had been mercy full and only given her two days.
It was a beautiful autumn morning, the sun was shining from a near cloudless sky, the morning air was still chilly, so Sweetie Belle was grateful for the red scarf she had around her neck, as she trotted through Ponyville carrying her saddlebags, her destination was the Ponyville Elementary School.
Despite her punishment Sweetie Belle was smiling, she couldn´t wait to tell her friends what had happened the night before.
In the recess after the first two lessons, Sweetie Belle met up with her fellow crusaders at the school playground. She spoke up, and said. “You guys will never guess who I met last night.”
Sweetie Belle finished her recollection of the events of the previous night. The two other crusaders stared at her in disbelief.
Apple Bloom broke the silence, saying “waaw... visitin´ eh´ princess.” Scootaloo spoke, “I have an idea.” The other two turned their heads and looked at her. “You should totally ask her how she got her cutiemark... I bet her story is really cool, maybe almost as cool as Rainbow Dash´s.”
“Ya´maybe she´s even got an idea t´ how we ca´ get our cutiemarks” Apple Bloom added enthusiastic.
“Great idea Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle said.
“Yay awesome!” Scootaloo shouted.
Ring ring ring...
Their conversation was interrupted, when the bell rung for the next lesson, and all the fillies and colts ran in for class.
Two hours later, the school bell rang once again, indicating the end of the school day. Sweetie Belle said goodbye to her friends, and then – following Rarity´s orders – she went straight home.
Sweetie Belle was getting bored, she would have loved to run out and play in the sunlight, but being grounded, she could only look out the window and watch the ponies outside, go about their business. At least she had something to look forward to. Tomorrow she was going to Canterlot, to visit none other than, the immortal ruler of the night.
As she sat there staring out the window, she got an idea to beat her boredom. Normally unicorns would develop control over their magic, at about her age. As Rarity had explained last time Sweetie asked. The mind had to mature to a certain degree, before being able to control and manipulate the power, as opposed to the raw uncontrolled outbursts that unicorn foals sometimes experienced.
She had also been told that the maturing process could be accelerated with practise, she had tried a few times, but quickly given up when she didn´t accomplish anything, after all, crusading for ones cutiemark, was more fun than fruitless attempts at magic. Now there was no potential crusading to distract her, so why not try again?
The most simple form of unicorn magic was levitation, something most older unicorns could do in their sleep. Her older sister was particularly skilled in this art. Rarity was able to lift and control an unusually large amount of items simultaneously, a talent developed through many years of working scissors, fabric and sewing machines, all at the same time.
Sweetie Belle decided that this was as good a time as any, to practice. As she had nothing better to do. And, she was going to spend the weekend with one of the two most powerful spell casters in existence, - or so Sweetie Belle assumed, after all not just anypony could lift the moon, – and it could be a little fun, to have something to show.
Oh.... and maybe she would get a magic cutiemark.
She opened a drawer in her night stand, and used her mouth to lift out a small rubber ball, it was about half the size of her hoof, and had a dark red colour. When training levitation, she would try and lift the ball off of the ground, so far she hadn´t had any luck.
She dropped the ball on the floor, where it jumped twice before rolling to a halt in the middle of the room. The young unicorn stood with the rubber ball in front of herself, pointing her horn at the red half-hoof sized ball.
Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and focused on the object in front of her. At first nothing happened, but then she started being able to feel the target object, and her horn was enveloped by a faint blue light. – much the same colour as Rarity´s – The ball was now encased in an aura of the same blue colour, it started to wobble slightly, but didn´t leave the ground. Sweetie Belle smiled as she could hear the ball moving, she assembled more power in her horn. Sweetie Belle shut her eyes tighter and furrowed her brows, as she worked harder to control the flow of magic. The ball began to wobble faster, and sweat was now running down the filly´s forehead, as she pushed herself to the limit. The round object steadily rose from the carpet, Sweetie Belle could feel the ball rising, as it defied the laws of gravity. The rubber ball stopped it´s ascend about ten centimetres of the floor, Sweetie Belle held it there for about three seconds, before she had exerted all her strength. Sweetie Belle could feel her legs failing, and she fell flat on her belly, next to her, she could her the ball landing with a satisfying “thud”
After her success, Sweetie Belle was content with just laying there on the floor, a big smile plastered on her face. Certainly Rarity would be proud, she thought.
Sweetie Belle was woken be the sound of her older sister, calling for her from downstairs. The white filly rubbed her eyes, she looked around and realised that she was lying on the floor, “I must have dozed off.” Shaking her head, the little unicorn got up on her hoofs. The filly´s legs shook slightly, and she got dizzy. Sweetie Belle shook her head to clear her vision, she was still both physically and mentally exhausted from her first time using magic.
After eating a decent meal, and happily telling a proud Rarity about her magical adventures. Sweetie Belle went to bed early. The unicorn filly´s head only just hit the pillow, before she was fast asleep.
Friday morning, when Sweetie Belle woke up, the sun was already high in the sky, a quick glance at her clock radio told her that it was almost midday. Rarity had let her sleep in, as there was no school today.
Ponyville elementary was a rather small school, with only one teacher. So because of the limited resources the school – like most other village schools – ran four-day school-weeks.
Sweetie Belle jumped out on the floor, landing on all four. Not bothering to make the bed, despite the scolding she would likely get from Rarity, for leaving such a mess. The younger unicorn hurried out of her room and down the stairs, to get some much needed breakfast/lunch.
Downstairs the younger unicorn, found the dressmaking elder unicorn, currently being busy putting the finishing touches on another one of her magnificent creations.
“Good morning sis” greeted Sweetie Belle, in her cheerful little voice.
“Ah... Good morning Sweetie” Rarity said happily as she turned away from her work, to look at her sister. “If you can still call it morning, that is.” Rarity said with a smile.
“I left some bread slices in the basket on the kitchen table, you can help yourself to some butter from the fridge.” Rarity said as she turned back to her work, picking up a needle with her magic, she started stitching the dress together.
As she went to the kitchen to eat her late morning meal, Sweetie Belle could hear the dressmaker humming a cheerful tune from the room next door. Sweetie Belle couldn´t stop smiling herself, today was going to be a great day. In a few hours the royal chariot would arrive to pick her up, and take her to, Equestria´s capitol... Canterlot.
The little unicorn, let out a content sigh, as she prepared her breakfast, consisting of two slices of buttered bread and a glass of milk.
After enjoying her simple meal, Sweetie Belle went back into the fashion-pony´s workshop. Rarity had insisted on making Sweetie Belle a set of formal attire, for her meeting with princess. Sweetie Belle had protested, and argued that, Luna didn´t seem to mind her not looking fancy, last time they met. But Rarity was having none of it, and eventually the younger sister had given in.
As a result Sweetie Belle now found herself standing on the boutique stage, surrounded by various measuring equipment.
After a painstakingly boring two hours, Sweetie Belle was turning around in front of a large mirror. She was wearing a dress fit for a princess. As unnecessary as she found it for the occasion, Sweetie Belle still loved her new gown.
“It´s lovely big sister” Sweetie Belle said happily, jumping down from the stage, and hugging her sister.
Rarity happily returned the embrace, and said. “Now go pack your things, your ride will be here in an hour.” Rarity grabbed the dress with her magic, and hung it on a mannequin, so it woudn´t be curled.
The filly went up the stairs to pack the few belongings she believed she would need, for a weekends stay, at the castle.
Luna woke at the sound of her alarm clock, it was only late afternoon, which for Luna was rather early. Usually she wasn't up before dinner, but today was special, today she had a guest, and she had to prepare. So she quickly jumped out of bed landing on all four hoofs.
Prepare?... I struck her like lightning, Luna hadn't had a guest in a thousand years, and she hadn't had a friend in, well.... forever. So she had no idea as to what they should do, what sort of activities did you engage in with your friends? (well Luna hoped she could call Sweetie Belle her friend.)
“What am I to do? You can't just invite guest, and have noting planed.... Can you?” Luna´s face turned thoughtful, as she considered how to solve the issue, and went trough what she had planed already. “Well, there is a tour around the castle, but that will only take an hour or so.” The princess´ expression brightened a little at her next thought. “I shall seek the counsel of those, more experienced in the matter. I am certain that a simple servant, can provide the answers I seek.” The night alicorn´s horn was enveloped in a pale blue light, as she cast a simple spell.
The castle was fitted with a calling system. The princess only needed to cast a simple spell, to activate an enchanted bell in the servants quarters. The ringing of the bell would the call a servant to her cambers. It was simple yet clever system, that had been used for centuries, despite being old, it had always worked, so nopony had seen fit to change it.
A few minutes later, there was somepony knocking on the door from the other side, followed by a voice saying, “your majesty called.”
“Yes, please come inside” Luna answered.
The door opened, and in stepped a brown earth pony mare with a long blonde mane. She bowed deeply, after standing up again, she asked. “ How may I be of service?”
Luna nodded in response to acknowledge the waiter´s bowing. Luna sat down and gave the waitress a genuine smile. This made the tense earth pony loosen up a little. The night princess signalled for the other mare to sit down, facing her. When the brown pony had made herself comfortable on the floor, Luna spoke.
“This may sound strange, but I need your advise on an urgent matter.” The waitress looked surprised at this, never before had she been asked to provide advise to a princess. Luna could see the confused look on the other pony´s face, and hastily continued. “You see. I am having a friend visit me, this weekend. And to be honest, I have not had a personal visit in a thousand years.” Luna took a long breath, before she went on. “So I was hoping you could tell what sort of activities one engages in, with ones friends, in this day and age.” The servants face turned from surprise to thoughtfulness. After thinking for a while, the waitress spoke.
“Princess, if you don´t mind me asking. Can you tell me more of this guest you are having?”
Luna smiled and answered. “No I don´t mind at all. She is a little filly, approximately twelve years of age. I have promised her a tour of the castle, but that will not take more than an hour or so.”
The brown mare was a little surprised at this piece of information, but then she smiled and answered calmly. “Then she the same age as my daughter.” The brow mare seamed generally happy at the thought of her beloved little daughter. “Well you could always start out with a cup of tea, and some pastries, that what I do.” The earth pony paused and thought for a moment. “Little fillies that age, usually like to play different games, like catch or hide and seek. When it is cold or raining outside, they play games or tell stories.... Your majesty must have more than a few stories to tell, from old times.” She said with a smile.
Luna had been sitting still, and listening the entire time. As the earth pony was done talking she just nodded and said. “Thank you for your advise, you have been very helpful.”
The brown mare bowed and said, “a pleasure.” She then turned around and went for the door, but stopped when the lunar princess spoke again.
“Would you see to it that I have a royal guest bed, and tea for two sent to my chambers?”
“Of course your majesty, at once.” The servant said. She bowed again, before leaving.
Luna caught herself smiling after the servant had left. It had actually been nice talking to somepony, Usually Luna just treated servants for what they were... Servants, there to serve, not to make chitchat. Luna didn't even bother to learn their names. But she liked this one, and made mental note to learn the mare´s name.
So the royal preparations ended up being. Setting up tea and cake, and moving in an extra bed. A royal guest bed, was more fancy and luxurious than what most ponies, slept in on a daily basis. Dune and pillow were made of the finest silk, and adorned with little moons and stars, matching Luna´s own bedding.
Luna took a shower, and then lay down on her bed with a good book, not one of those cheesy romance novels her sister so enjoyed; Luna preferred more action packed tales, were at least a few dozen got either, shoot, crushed or blow up once or twice.
The two sisters were as different from each other, as night and day. They always had been. The younger one had always had more direct, hoofs on approach. Whereas the elder one, would aim for a more diplomatic solution. In Luna´s opinion, Celestia was too soft, she loved ‘her little ponies’ too much. Celestia´s entire rule was build on her subjects love for her. A princessdom build on love, is a fragile thing, it only works as long as everypony is satisfied. This everlasting quest to please all the ponies, made the sun princess a weak, and hence unfit leader.
Love is but a waste of time, all you need is a well written law, that separates right from wrong. And then for the ponies, to fear the consequences of breaking said law. If they fear the law, they fear the one who upholds it.
And, as a wise pony once said. “It is far safer to be feared, than to be loved.”
Sweetie Belle had just finished packing, when knocking could be heard at the door at the Carousel Boutique.
The dressmaker who had returned to her current project, went to open the door. Outside stood a huge grey stallion, clad in a light-purple amour; with his bat-like wings folded in along his sides, he looked at her with his yellow draconian eyes. He spoke, his voice deep, jet soft, “we are here to escort a miss Sweetie Belle, for a private visit to her majesty, princess Luna of Equestria.
Rarity had to look up to make eye contact with the giant, standing in her door, he was a full head taller than the fashion designer. “Just a moment, and I will get her for you,” Rarity said.
In her room upstairs, the filly could hear her sister calling from downstairs. “Sweetie Belle! your ride is here!” She gapped her saddlebags with her teeth, and tossed over her back. She had packed light, actually she had only brought the basic toiletries, like toothbrush, toothpaste, a wash cloth and a hairbrush. The whole thing was stuffed in one side, so she would have space for her dress in the other.
“Coming!” The young unicorn yelled in response, as she made a mental checklist, to make sure she had remembered everything. After confirming that everything was in order, Sweetie Belle trotted downstairs. She met her sister, who held her new dress with her magic. The dress was folded neatly, and carefully packed in a plastic bag, as to not damage the delicate design, during transport.
Rarity put the dress in the filly´s saddlebags, and hugged her goodbye, once again Sweetie Belle was reminded, to behave her best.
After the hug and the words of wisdom from her older sister, Sweetie Belle went for the door, to catch her ride to Canterlot. Sweetie Belle stared wide eyed at the guard stallion, as she exited the building. She had never seen a pony this large – except from the princesses of course, - and the yellow dragon-like eyes made him sort of intimidating.
Despite his scary appearance, Sweetie greeted him with a smile, and said “Hello my name is Sweetie Belle, what's your name?” A smile inched itself across the guards usually expressionless face, as he introduced himself in his deep but kind voice. “My name is Strong Wing of her majesty, princess Luna´s royal guard.”
“Nice to meet you.” answered the little white unicorn.
“Shall we be off?” Asked Strong Wing, to which Sweetie Belle nodded, and bounced past him, and jumped into the royal chariot.
Strong Wing hinged himself up next to his slightly smaller colleague, and the chariot took off in the direction of the nations capital, and residence of the two royal sisters.
As the two royal guards, flapped their bat-like wings. Sweetie Belle waved goodbye to Rarity, as Ponyville, was becoming smaller and smaller behind her. In the distance she could see the mighty towers of Canterlot rising. The great white city was a stunning sight, as it was bathed in the low afternoon sun.
Author´s note:
This chapter got a little short, but I just felt like posting something, and I figured this would be a good place for the next chapter to start.
The transport came to a halt at the castle gates, where Sweetie Belle was greeted by another one of Luna´s guards, who had come to escort her through the castle. Sweetie Belle said goodbye to Strong Wing and his colleague, before following the new guard through the gates.
Sweetie Belle was in awe when she entered into the entrance hall. Sure the castle seemed large on the outside, but nothing could quite prepare you for the sheer size of the interior. The room had to be at least five storeys tall, and all this was just the entrance hall. Canterlot castle truly was a grand place.
The guard led Sweetie Belle down a long corridor, lit by torches on both sides, the corridor led to a long circular stairway. At the top of the seemingly endless staircase, was an alicorn-sized door, the door was embedded with stars and in the middle was a large crescent moon resembling the princess´ cutie mark.
Lying on her bed Luna heard three knocks on the door, and called “Yes, who is it?”
“Your majesty´s guest has arrived!” Came the response from the other side.
Luna smiled as she got out of bed, and ran a hoof through her mane to make sure she was presentable. Contrary to common belief, the ethereal manes of the royal sisters were merely enchanted hair, and as such it could curl up, just like mane made of common hair. Confident that she looked as stunning as ever, the night princess called out. “Good let her right in!”
The door opened, and in stepped the first creature – except from her estranged sister - to show her genuine kindness, since she returned from her banishment. Well at least her guards were no longer afraid of her. Most of the servants however did their best to hide their terror, when they were around her. Luna wasn’t stupid, she could smell the fear, and some part of her actually enjoyed the feeling. They were right to fear the wrath of their almighty ruler.
The blue alicorn smiled at the sight of the white unicorn entering the royal chambers of the night princess.
Sweetie Belle looked around, taking in her surroundings. The size of Luna´s chambers made her own room look like a broom closet. The walls were all painted in midnight-blue, matching princess Luna´s coat. Across from the door was a massive four poster bed, along one wall was a bookcase going from all the way from the floor to the ceiling, it had hold just as many books as the Ponyville library. Opposite the bookcase was a set of double doors leading out to a balcony overlooking the city, the windows on either side of the doors were covered in lavender drapes, in the corner opposite the bed was a fireplace and a pile of large pillows. As her eyes ran up the giant bookcase, she noticed the most amazing feature in the room, the ceiling was an exact replica of the night sky, the whole room was lit by the soft glow of the stars.
Luna chuckled when she saw the amazed look on the filly´s face. “Beautiful isn't it?” she said.
Sweetie Belle jumped and let out a sqeek in surprise, as she snapped out of her trance. Only now did she notice the blue alicorn looking at her. It took her brain a couple of seconds to process the information, before she remembered what Rarity had told her and proceeded to bow deeply.
“Just stand up little one.” Luna said in a smooth and reassuring voice. Sweetie Belle got back up, and looked into Luna soft turquoise eyes. “There is no need for such formalities between us.” Luna reassured her. The usually so regal night princess, gave the filly a short nuzzle as she said “I am so glad to see you little one.”
Sweetie Belle smiled and returned the nuzzle, and answered “I’m happy to see you too Luna.”
“Would like some tea?” Luna asked as she pointed a hoof at a coffee table in front of the fireplace.
The table was set with two teacups along with several different kinds of tea. And most importantly, loads of different cakes, cookies and pies.
Sweetie Belles eyes grew wide at the sight at all the sugary goodness placed before her. She just nodded in response to Luna´s question, she was afraid she would drool on the carpet if she opened her mouth.
The two only just got seated before Sweetie Belle forgot all Rarity´s lessons on proper table manners, and greedily dug in. So much cake, it was impossible to decide what to taste first, so Sweetie Belle concluded that the best solution was to just taste everything at the same time, so she filled her plate to the brim with the sugary goodies.
Luna chuckled at the sight of the little filly happily stuffing her head with sweets. This complete lack of etiquette would usually have disgusted Luna, but the little white filly was too adorable for Luna to get mad at her.
Sweetie Belle blushed and looked down in embarrassment, her hoofs and face were covered in jam, wiped cream and various kinds of frosting.
Luna just smiled and levitated a napkin to Sweetie Belle, and said “Think nothing of it I have seen worse through my many years.” Luna´s thoughts drifted off to ‘the alfalfa monster incident’, a fond memory from her carefree fillyhood. Back when she had a working relationship with her sister.
Sweetie Belle cleaned herself and said, “I wish I could use magic to lift my fork, it would make eating easier.”
Luna smiled as she got an idea. “If you want, I could teach you. You have reached an age where that should be possible.”
Sweetie Belle nodded eagerly, “YES!... I mean yes, I would like that.”
Luna lifted a hoof over her head, and with a goofy grin on her face she loudly stated “It’s settled then, your lessons shall begin after moonrise!” The princess put her hoof back down and in a normal voice said, “but first, I believe I promised a certain filly, a tour of the castle.” Luna gestured towards the door with her head “let’s be off then, it’s only two hours to moonrise.”
During the tour, Sweetie Belle got her suspicions confirmed; the rest of the castle really was as stunning as the small part she had already seen. Something that really fascinated Sweetie Belle was when Luna told her about the spell that magically changed the decorations, the uses of magic was truly only limited by ones imagination.
The tour ended shortly before Luna had to raise the moon, and begin the night.
“How does it look when you raise the moon?” Asked an exited Sweetie Belle. “It’s so pretty when princess Celestia raises the sun at the summer sun celebration.” “It actually doesn’t look that special. The summer sun celebration is just for show. Celestia always loved all the public attention.” Luna frowned a little at the mention of all the attention her sister received . “Attention whore” Luna thought with disgust.
“But you shall be welcome to watch” Luna said as she stepped out on the balcony, waiting for her sister to lower the sun, and make way for the night, Luna´s beautiful lonely night. But this night was going to be different, because tonight Luna was not going to be alone, she had somepony with whom she could share the mysterious beauty.
Sweetie Belle eagerly skipped after the princess out on the balcony. The view was staggering, you could see the white city of Canterlot stretching down the mountain into the farmland below, Ponyville could be seen as a tiny speck in the distance.
Luna sat down and lowered her head. Luna closed her eyes and her horn began to glow brightly, the moon peaked op over the horizon. Luna slowly lifted her head beckoning the moon to follow her movements, when Luna sat back up straight and opened her eyes, the moon was on its path across the sky and the started showing, their glow no longer hidden by the sun.
Sweetie Belle sat there and took in the view, when she noticed Luna looking at her. She looked back up at the night alicorn who was smiling at her.
“Beautiful isn't it?” Luna asked.
“It is, I always liked the light of the stars.” Sweetie Belle replied.
“I glad to hear that.” The night princess turned her head to gaze at the stars, into the endless debts of space.
Authors Note:
The final exams are approaching, so there will be some time between updates. But I shall return full force, in the summer.
Luna and Sweetie Belle sat still for a moment dwelling in the beauty off Luna´s work.
Luna turned to Sweetie Belle and in a playful voice said “now I believe I promised a certain filly a lesson on magic.”
The filly in question was quickly on her hoofs, eager to learn.
Even though Rarity had strictly instructed her to stash her cutie mark crusading, when around the princess, Sweetie Belle couldn't help but silently hope that a magic related cutie mark, might be within her grasp. She visibly smiled at the thought.
Luna noticed her wide smile and said “It seems, somepony is eager to get started.”
Sweetie Belle looked into the ground, a small embarrassed blush forming on her cheeks.
The princess chuckled and smiled, “don't be embarrassed, your eagerness to learn is admirable, ponies' thirst for knowledge is what has made Equestria into what it is today.” Luna looked in to Sweetie Belle´s eyes and gave her a warm and gentle smile, “learning is important, and don't let anypony tell you any different.” Luna gave Sweetie Belle a short nuzzle, which the filly quickly returned.
“Now, let's get started.” The night princess said, sitting herself down on a pillow she had levitated from the bed. “Before I start teaching you new, I want to see what you can do already.”
The white unicorn filly looked nervously upon the princess, and said “It's not much, I usually practise by lifting a little rubber ball I have.” Sweetie Belle used her hoofs to show the approximate size of her 'practise ball'.
The princess smiled, and used her magic to conjure a ball fitting Sweetie´s description. “Show me” Luna said.
Sweetie Belle gulped and focused on the task at hoof. She lowered her head, pointing her horn at the ball, she extended her magic, feeling for the desired object. After about 20 seconds of searching she finally found her target. Directing all her attention to the ball, she clenched her eyes in concentration, and just like last time she tried, the ball was slowly lifted of the floor.
Sweetie Belle had only held the ball suspended for a few seconds before Luna interrupted her saying. “Very well, you may stop.” Sweetie Belle anxiously looked up to see the princess' reaction to her performance. The night princess looked pleased.
“Very good Sweetie Belle, I see that you already have a basic understanding of the application of your own magic.” Luna said whilst smiling at the filly in front of her. What you lack is not the ability to use magic as much as it is the understanding of its inner workings.” Luna paused to allow Sweetie Belle to process what she had been told, she then continued by asking “Tell me Sweetie Belle, has anypony ever told what magic is and how it works?”
Sweetie Belle just shook her head.
“Then allow me to explain.” Luna mentally prepared her lecture on the inner workings of magic, she had never actually taught this to anypony before. “I guess I will just have to go with it then.” Luna thought. Now having an idea what to say in her lecture Luna started out.
“Now listen carefully, for it is a complicated subject and I do not expect you to understand all of it.”
Sweetie Belle had positioned in a sitting position in front of Luna. Luna continued the lesson.
“To understand magic, you must understand energy. Energy is a universal constant, there is a finite amount of energy in the universe. As you may or may not be aware, all actions are effected by energy in one form or another, energy comes in many forms, for example, thermal- and kinetic energy. All forms of life are dependent of energy to survive, if the energy contained in a life form - whether it be a plant or a pony -, is removed, the life form will wither and die”
Sweetie Belle nodded, silently confirming that she understood, what she was being told. Pleased that her student was following, Luna went on.
“Magic is – just like heat, a physical manifestation of energy. Contrary to common belief a unicorn does not create energy to conjure spells or use levitation. Since energy is, as I said before a constant, it is impossible to create, so instead the unicorn manipulates existing energy, far most magic users are – partially due to lack of the knowledge of an alternative – limited to the application of the energy stored within themselves. However it is possible for the capable practitioner to extract energy from ones surroundings, even other life forms, this method is generally frowned upon, as it is considered immoral to take the life force of another being. None the less this method is still taught to the best in the field, as it is also possible to store energy in inanimate objects, ponies typically use gemstones for this purpose since they are the best material for storage of energy.”
Sweetie Belle had raised a hoof, to indicate her desire to ask a question. Luna couldn't help but smile, as she stopped and said. “Yes Sweetie, do you have a question?”
“But if you are limited to using the energy stored in yourself, will you not at some point run out of power?”
“That is a valid question Sweetie Belle. There are of course more conventional means of acquiring magical energy, magic users who are unfamiliar or simply not powerful enough to access external energy sources, regain power by ingesting substances containing energy, mostly in the form of food but there are also some potions with the same properties.”
“Can I take any form of energy and use it for myself?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“Well there are forms such as kinetic energy, you can't absorb directly, due to the nature of them, telekinetically catching a falling object will not let you absorb the kinetic energy it contains. All energy can be utilized, it just has to be in the right form.”
“Aaaa...” was all Sweetie Belle said as she understood what the princess was talking about.
“She is a clever one. This is not easy stuff for a filly.” Luna thought. Her new friend/pupil was all she could wish for, she was bright, kind and downright adorable, Luna hadn't been this happy, in a very long time. It had been eons since she had last found joy in socialising with another living being, who would have thought this new found happiness, would come in the form of a little white filly.
Luna smiled down at a dear friend and said. “That is the basic workings of magic and energy, there is much more to learn, but that is for another time. Because now we are moving on to the more exiting part of the lecture.” Luna´s smile grew, she knew this was what Sweetie Belle had been waiting for all along, so she moved on. “It is time to practise the practical application of magic.”
Sweetie Belle wore a smile that could rival Pinkie Pie´s, she stood on her hoofs and eagerly waved her tail, her eyes glimmering with anticipation. Even though the theory lesson had been fascinating, this was what she had really been waiting for.
Luna remained sitting on her pillow as she was already much taller than Sweetie Belle. The princess of the night lit up her horn and brought over the rubber ball from earlier and dropped it at the filly´s hoofs and said, “Let's try the levitation exercise again.”
Sweetie Belle´s smile dropped a little “This again?” She thought. Her train of thought was interrupted when Luna continued.
“But this time, I want you to look inside yourself and find the place where you store your magical energy.”
“huh..?” Sweetie Belle looked questioningly at her.
“To find the direct path to your magic, you have to search your mind, and find the source within.” Luna elaborated.
“I think I get it” Sweetie Belle said.
“Just. Free your mind.” Luna dramatically added.
Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and ignored the world around her. “Okay, free your mind. How hard can it be?” she thought. Sweetie Belle dived deep into her own thoughts. After seaching here and there she at last she found what she was looking for. A bubble in the same light blue colour as her magic, but as she consciously tried to enter the bubble it resisted, it felt like a wall was set up around her magical deposit. “Free your mind” Luna´s words echoed in her head. Sweetie Belle´s consciousness slammed into the wall as hard as she could muster. She could feel the wall budge under the force of her attacks, and she slammed into the wall again and again and again. Eventually the mental wall gave in and the power behind it was set free like a storm flood.
Sweetie Belle could feel the surge of power in her entire body, as she returned to the real world. She reached out and found the ball, she commanded it to rise, and with incredible ease it did so. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes and saw a proud looking princess staring down at her. That's when she realised that she was still holding the ball, she barely had to concentrate.
“Very well done Sweetie” the proud princess said, “I take it you found the source?”
“Yes!! This is amazing.” Sweetie Belle said triumphantly. Her excitement broke the last of her concentration and the ball fell to the ground, “ups..” Sweetie Belle said sheepishly with a small embarrassed blush on her cheeks.
Luna just chuckled, “You may be more powerful than before, but you still have to concentrate.”
Sweetie Belle was about to say something, but the only thing that came out was a long yawn.
The princess giggled, “I suppose it is getting rather late, we should get to bed.”
Sweetie Belle did not object, the 'exploration' of her own mind, had taken it's toll on her. She quickly found her guest bed and dived under the covers.
Luna walked over to her own bed and was about to lay down, when Sweetie Belle looked up at her with shiny puppy dog eyes and asked “Luna. Can you tell me a story before I go to sleep?” Not being particularly tired Luna agreed and sat down next to Sweetie Belle´s bed.
“So what kind of story would you like to hear?” Luna asked.
Sweetie Belle contemplated this for a while, and then said “how about the story of how you got your cutie mark?”
The night princess thought for a moment before answering. “I suppose I could tell you that story.” Luna paused thinking of a way to begin the tale. Satisfied that she had found the best way to describe the events leading to her acquisition of a cutie mark, she started telling the story.
A long long time ago, shortly after the three pony tribes had united and founded Equestria. A powerful draconequus named Discord, came down from the great mountains in the north where nopony has ever ventured.
Discord saw how the ponies lived happily in harmony, Discord was disgusted by the sight of the happy ponies. Using his powers of chaos and disharmony. He led Equestria into an era of pain and misery.
The pony goddess Queen Faust saw how her little ponies suffered, and decided she had to intervene. She took the strongest traits of the three races. The magic of the unicorns, the wings of the pegasi and the strength and resilience of the earthponies, and combined them, to create what we call alicorns.
Queen Faust made two alicorns, one pure white with a bright pink mane, she named this one Celestia, and the other a midnight blue with a light blue mane, she named Luna.
After losing countless battles against Discord, the alicorns sought out the ancient dragon prophet Luther, who lived to the south, far beond the Everfree forest.
Luther told the alicorn sisters of some powerful artefacts unknown to ponykind, they were called the elements of harmony. Long before the emergence of Queen Faust they had been taken by the death god Hades, who had hidden them in the endless depths of Tartarus.
The two sisters set out on a dangerous journey to the farthest reaches of the realm of the dead, here they faced countless dangers. After searching for months they finally found the elements.
Celestia and Luna then returned to Equestria, and using the elements of harmony, they defeated Discord and turned him into stone.
To make sure such harm would never come to her beloved ponies again, Queen Faust crowned her two daughters princesses of Equetria. Celestia was given responsibility of the sun, and Luna was given the control of the moon.
As they were granted control of our heavenly bodies, the both got their cutie marks, Celestia´s depicting the sun and Luna´s the moon.
Together the two princess led Equestria into a period of peace and prosperity.
“Wow...” was the only ting Sweetie Belle could say.
“I take it, it was a satisfying bedtime story” Luna said giggling.
“That was so cool!” a wide eyed Sweetie Belle answered. “Did you really go into the depths of Tartarus? What happened?”
Luna smiled and said. “That is a story for another time. Now I believe it is time for bed.”
As if on cue Sweetie Belle yawned.
Luna chuckled and whispered “goodnight little one”, before she magically turned of the candles and climbed into her own bed.
That night a violent unscheduled thunderstorm had rolled in over Canterlot. It would later be proved that the newly appointed weather manager had messed up his paperwork.
BANG!!
Sweetie Belle shot awake at the sound, she frantically looked around to identify the source of the noise. But before she could gather her thoughts, there was a bright flash followed by another.
BANG!!
Outside Sweetie Belle could hear the raindrops slamming against the window, and then another flash and a loud.
BANG!!
Sweetie Belle curled up and buried herself under the dune. She wasn't proud of it, but she was very afraid of thunder. Usually when she was scared, she would go to Rarity´s room and curl up next to her big sister. Oh. How she missed Rarity right now.
In the bed next to the terrified filly, the princess of the night was sleeping soundly, but her peaceful slumber was interrupted by a little white unicorn tugging her mane. Luna turned to look at Sweetie Belle and was about to ask what it was she wanted, when she was rudely interrupted by a loud.
BANG!!
Followed by a whimper from the filly who was now covering on the floor. “Does the thunderstorm scare you Sweetie?” Luna asked.
Sweetie Belle nodded and almost whispered, “yes.” Sweetie Belle looked into the floor, as she didn't know how the princess would react to her next question, but eventually she gathered the courage to ask. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Luna was certainly surprised at the filly´s request, but before she could really contemplate it, there was another.
BANG!!
Followed by another frightened whimper from the filly, a look at Sweetie Belle´s terrified expression and the decision was made. “Of course you can Sweetie, climb on up,” Luna patted the spot next to herself on the bed.
Sweetie Belle didn't hesitate to climb up under the covers and snuggle up next to her favourite princess.
Luna was taken aback by the sudden closeness, but found it pleasant and as such, did not complain.
Sweetie Belle lay comfortably pressed against the alicorn´s chest, listening to soothing sound of Luna´s heartbeat.
Luna lay awake watching the sleeping filly´s chest move up and down in a steady rhythm, just enjoying the little ball of warmth pressed against her chest, as she herself drifted of to sleep.
It was a couple of hours past midday when Sweetie Belle slowly returned to the realm of the waken, she blinked a few times to clear the sleep from her eyes. Despite her vision now being clear, the only thing she could see was dark blue. Upon further inspection Sweetie Belle found herself covered by a snoring feathery blanket, which she strongly suspected to be the wing of a caring alicorn.
Luna soon joined Sweetie Belle in the waken realm, as the princess felt something stir under her wing, she lifted the dune and looked down her body to find out what it was. At first glance Luna couldn't find anything out of the ordinary, but then noticed the absence of a certain filly, Sweetie Belle was gone, that is, until she moved her previously disturbed wing and found the little unicorn staring grumpily up at her. Luna just smiled sheepishly.
Sweetie Belle smirked, right before she jumped assaulting the alicorn´s neck in a bear hug and saying “Good morning Luna!”
After recovering from the initial surprise, Luna managed to say “good morning little one. Do you want to go get some breakfast.”
Sweetie Belle looked at the bedside clock and said “It isn't really breakfast any more, is it?”
“With my sleep schedule, it is” Luna answered.
The filly contemplated this and said “I suppose so.”
And so the princess and her guest headed for the dining hall.
Sweetie Belle soon found out that breakfast at the castle, was nothing like breakfast at home. The filly had barely placed herself on the decorated regular-pony-sized chair set up next to Luna´s somewhat larger one, before a servant was all over her, ensuring that her seating accommodations were satisfactory. After Sweetie Belle for the third time had reassured the servant, that the royal guest was indeed satisfied with the arrangement, - in fact Sweetie Belle had never been seated in something quite this fancy – the servant finally relaxed enough to take her order, Sweetie Belle could see out of the corner of her eye that the princess was already busy ordering her meal with another servant.
“So what's for breakfast?” Sweetie Belle asked the servant.
“Anything you may please ma'am, the royal kitchen goes to great lengths to fulfil the desires of our honourable princesses and whoever they may invite to dine with them.” the servant answered. He couldn't help but sound a little proud when he got to tell about his work, which he obviously took great pride in.
Sweetie Belle was slightly taken aback by the way he addressed her, nopony had ever called her ma'am before.
Being hungry, the filly ordered her all time favourite, pancakes.
The castle cooks clearly not being used to servicing foals, had prepared a portion large enough to feed two adult ponies (or one hungry princess). The pancakes were not merely stacked, like any commoner would be satisfied with. No, they were folded neatly on the middle and put in a long line half overlapping each other. On a separate platter was – put in different bowls – a grand assortment of toppings. Marble syrup, sugar, several different kinds of marmalade and a number of things Sweetie Belle had never seen before. Over all it was quite a stunning meal.
After indulging herself till she could barely stand, Sweetie Belle had to leave the other half on the plate.
On Luna´s suggestion the two of them went on a stroll on the castle gardens, to help digest the wast amounts of food Sweetie Belle had ingested.
Thinking of the ginormous portion Sweetie Belle couldn't help but ask, “Do you eat like that every day?”
Luna smiled and nodded “yes. The staff are doing great job, are they not?”
“They sure are.” Sweetie Belle said and accidentally thought out loud. “So that's probably why princess Celestia has looked larger, on her more recent visits in Ponyville.” Sweetie Belle immediately covered her mouth with her fronthoofs when she realised that she had said that out loud. But the expected scolding never came. Instead Luna started laughing loudly, a melodious and highly contagious laughter, and they were both rolling on their backs laughing.
Luna was the first to recover from her laughing fit. Still laying on her back Luna dried the tears from her eyes and said, “Don't be embarrassed, because it's true, Celestia is getting fat. I have told her, but she refuses to acknowledge it. I suppose she will find out herself at some point.”
The rest of the day and most of the night, was spend talking, playing games and practising magic.
They would spend the last hours of sunlight playing games like hide and seek, Luna was able to produce a number of illusions looking like herself to spice up the game a little. In the night they retreated to Luna´s chambers to practise magic like the did the previous day.
That night Sweetie Belle didn't sleep in her own bed, instead she curled up to Luna, like a foal would do to its mother. Through the days conversations Luna had learned that Sweetie Belle did not have a mother. Both her parents had tragically died in a fire when she was very little, and she had been raised by her big sister, with whom she now lived.
It was late afternoon when Sweetie Belle woke up alone, she sat up in bed and looked around for the princess, and found Luna sitting at her desk bend over some paperwork.
Luna heard something moving on the bed, and turned around to see that the filly had awoken.
Sweetie Belle yawned loudly, Luna grinned “she is so adorable” the night princess thought.
“Good morning little one” Luna said from her place at the table.
“Good morning Luna” the sleepy filly answered.
“I took the liberty of ordering you some breakfast” Luna said, and gestured with a hoof towards the night stand, where a plate of waffles with syrup and jam was placed. “Your chariot will pick you up soon, I'm sure your sister misses you, and is probably exited to hear about your stay here.”
“Aww... do I have to go home already?” Sweetie Belle asked sadly.
“Yes you do, you have school tomorrow.”
“Do I have to go?” Sweetie Belle complained.
“Do you remember what I told you about learning?” Luna asked.
“Yes I do” Sweetie Belle looked defeated as she recalled Luna´s lesson on the importance of acquiring knowledge.
“Good” Luna said. Satisfied that her lecture had been understood. “Now I don't want to hear another word about not going to school” Luna said sternly. “Are we clear?” she asked in the same strict tone.
“Yes ma'am!” Sweetie Belle said and made a mock salute.
An hour later a chariot arrived in the castle courtyard to bring Sweetie Belle back to Ponyville.
Sweetie Belle said her goodbyes to the princess with promises of coming back to visit the next weekend for more games and magic study.
After hugging the night princess goodbye one last time, Sweetie Belle got in the royal transport, and took of to Ponyville.
During the flight Sweetie Belle reflected on her weekend spend in the company of the princess, she had had a great time, and was ecstatic at the fact that she was now finally able to use her magic. And Luna had said that they had barely scratched the surface, with the right training, any unicorn could become a powerful magician, regardless of what their special talent may be.
As Ponyville came into view Sweetie Belle started mentally preparing herself for the endless torrent of questions she would get from her no doubt exited sister, if anything involved high society and especially royalty, Rarity was sure to be all over it.
And right she was. As soon as they landed Rarity was at the door, ready to greet her little sister. Sweetie Belle got of the transport and thanked the guards for the ride, to which they smiled proudly enjoying the praise.
Sweetie Belle ran over to hug her sister, a hug Rarity gladly returned. They both walked inside and shut the door, as the guards took off again, headed back to the castle.