> Eternal Love > by Selene Bright > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Fading Light > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wake up with a sense of weariness that has become all too familiar. A soft sigh escapes my lips as I stretch, my muscles protesting the movement after hours of stillness. I hear in the distance the sounds of the palace stirring to life. Reluctantly I sit up slowly, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I know I have to put on my royal mask and go about my duties for Equestria and my little ponies. First on the list for the beginning of the day is raising the sun. I yawned, punctuating the quietness of my room and I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my bare hooves touching the cool floor, and with a deep, cleansing breath, I rose to meet the dawn of a new day. I trot over to the balcony. The cool morning breeze caresses my face as I gaze into the sky, only to find, to my surprise, the sun is already making its ascent. 'Luna must have done this for me,' I think, feeling a mix of gratitude and slight annoyance. My hooves pause on the cool marble floor, a fleeting smile crossing my lips as I remember a time when Twilight and I watched the sunrise together, her excitement warmed my heart. Shaking my head to dispel the bittersweet memories, I trot back to my bedroom. The room is bathed in the soft, early light, casting long, dancing shadows. I quickly notice that one of my servants has laid out my morning tea. Its steam rises like delicate whispers into the air, carrying a faint scent of jasmine that always seems to calm my thoughts. With each sip, the warm liquid is a small comfort as my thoughts inevitably drift to Twilight. ‘Today marks three hundred years since Twilight's coronation, a milestone that carries with it a heavy heart. Twilight’s birthday is today, but I doubt she wants to celebrate it,' I reflect, my grip on the teacup tightening as I recall the years of joy and sorrow we have shared. Three hundred years, yet the sting of time's passage never dulls. I recall Pinkie Pie's laughter and the joy that once was. Twilight has stopped celebrating birthdays, even her own, and Applejack is the last of her friends still alive; long life seems to run in that family. My heart aches as I recall fond memories of old Granny Smith. Twilight’s once happy face seems to have dulled with the passage of time.' My introspection is interrupted by the clicking of hooves coming into my room. I swiftly turn my head to notice it's my sister Luna, her mane reflecting the morning light, concern etched across her face. “You look troubled, Tia,” Luna says, knowingly. A heavy sigh escapes me, the warm cup now forgotten in my hoof. “It's Twilight, Luna. She's in pain, and with Applejack's time near, I fear for her," I confess, feeling the weight of my crown even heavier than usual. “I know, Tia, and that’s why I came to see you,” she says tenderly, holding my hoof. Her touch reminds me of the bond we share, strengthened by Twilight, offering comfort in these moments. Her eyes hold a steadfast resolve as she speaks, “Twilight and I have been exchanging letters these past few weeks, and it seems Applejack is succumbing to age. You need to be there to comfort and support her when that happens.” Luna lets go of my hoof and drifts over to the balcony, staring out into the royal gardens where the first blooms of spring are just starting to show. “I will take over your royal duties and handle the rising and setting of the sun.” I follow and stand beside her, feeling the solid stone beneath my hooves. “Are you sure you can handle all that, Lulu?” I ask, arching an eyebrow. Luna smirks. “You did it for a thousand years, Tia, I think I can handle a couple of weeks,” she says with a playful smile, her words bringing a tender smile to my own face. “Thank you, Lulu. I wanted to go to Twilight and help her through this, but I couldn't find the time… I feel like such a terrible friend,” I say, lowering my head and frowning at the ground. The cool morning breeze carries the scent of fresh earth that briefly calms me. Luna pokes a hoof into my chest. “You’re not a terrible friend, Tia. You just have other responsibilities that take priority, and Twilight knows this. You just forget sometimes that I’m here to help shoulder the burden,” Luna finishes sincerely. “Thank you,” I say, embracing her tightly, the warmth of her body a relief. “I love you, Lulu.” Luna chuckles, pulling away from the embrace, and hurriedly waves me off. “I love you too, Tia, now go before I change my mind.” Having concluded our business, I swiftly launch myself off the balcony and glide through the air. The cool rush of the wind through my mane and the freedom of flight momentarily lift my spirits. ‘I always loved flying,’ I think, smiling, heading for Sweet Apple Acres. As I fly through the air, the early morning chill reminds me of the many dawns I've greeted over the centuries, each one bringing new challenges and joys. Today, I carry a heavier weight, the weight of an old friend's fading light… The Night Before Flight I sit with Applejack as the moonlight filters through the open window of the old farmhouse, casting a soft glow over the room. This tranquil yet somber atmosphere is filled with the echoes of a friendship that has withstood the test of time. Memories and unspoken worries mingle in the air, as I contemplate the inevitable loss that comes with the passing of years. Applejack's breathing has been terrible lately, and she can barely walk without me or her granddaughter helping her. Her stubborn refusal to accept help is a testament to her spirit, though I often wonder if it's more pride or stubbornness; perhaps a bit of both. Lost in these thoughts, I mindlessly stare at the pages of my book, not really reading. “Twi?” Applejack calls out weakly, her voice tinged with that old familiar Southern drawl, even in her weakened state. I turn to her, my heart aching at the sight of her labored breathing. “Can’t sleep either, huh?” I ask, though the answer is clear. Applejack looks at me, a mix of discomfort and her usual honesty in her eyes. “How can I... when ya've got that dang candle shinin' right in my face? Twilight, do ya ever sleep?” I quickly blow out the candle, apologizing. “Sorry AJ, I don’t have to sleep as often as I used to,” I say softly. She tries to sit up, each breath a clear effort. “Twi, there's somethin' that's been botherin' me... Why ain’t ya found yerself somepony special? Ya ain't no spring chicken, and yet ya haven't settled down once.” I'm taken aback, unsure how to explain my true feelings. “W-Well, I’m always busy studying, or being princess for everypony, and the only pony I ever loved... doesn’t return my feelings,” I confess, a lump forming in my throat. Applejack raises an eyebrow, her expression a mix of playfulness and concern. “It ain't me, is it?” “What!” I gasp, “No-no, Applejack, it’s not you,” I reply, nervously rubbing a hoof through my mane. ‘Does she know I like mares, or is she just teasing?’ “AJ, what did you mean by that?” I ask, a frown creasing my face. She rolls her eyes, a hint of her usual spunk showing. "Twilight, it ain’t exactly a big secret that ya like mares... I’ve known for a while, but I never poked my nose in 'cause I figured it was yer business… But I'm worried 'bout ya... I just wanna know y'all be happy.” she says, each word a struggle. My heart breaks as I look at her, the strength in her voice revealing her frailty. “Ok, it’s Celestia,” I admit, with a sigh. “AJ, please stop talking like that, you’re upsetting me,” I say, moving to her side to offer what little comfort I can. She pauses, coughing slightly before continuing. “Hold on, did ya just say Celestia?” I nod, finding it hard to speak. Applejack looks at me intently. “I always suspected but have ya ever told her how ya feel? What’s stoppin’ ya, sugarcube?” I feel a lump in my throat, torn between my feelings and concern for her. “AJ, you need to rest. We can talk more about it later,” I say softly, holding her hoof. She insists, her voice barely a whisper. “Twilight, I don’t wanna leave ya here all alone... Just ask her, alright? The worst she can say is no.” “Ok, AJ, I’ll ask. I promise. Just try to get some rest, ok?” I plead, my voice trembling. She drifts off to a fitful sleep, and I return to the rocking chair, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. I eventually fall into a restless sleep myself. The next morning, I wake to find Applejack gone, having passed away in her sleep. Her family buries her under the largest and oldest trees at Sweet Apple Acres. I remain by her grave long after everyone has left, my heart hollow, the constant state of dread and loss overwhelming. It feels like there’s nothing left to live for; my life was always defined by being a good friend. As I remember the times spent with my friends – the parties, the adventures, and even the hardships – I've never felt more alone. It's then that I feel a warm embrace, wings wrapping around me. Celestia's beautiful voice, soft yet firm, reaches my ears, “I’m here, Twilight. In your darkest moments, in your happiest days, I will always be by your side.” Tears flow freely as I let out all my pain, my body trembling with each sob. Celestia strokes my mane gently, her touch soothing. “Let it out, Twilight. It's okay to grieve, it's okay to feel,” she whispers, her voice a comforting melody in the cold night air. I cling to her, my tears soaking her coat, seeking solace in her presence. After a moment, I pull back slightly, looking up at her through tear-stained eyes. “How do you deal with such loss, Celestia? How do you keep from becoming an emotional wreck?” I ask, my voice choked with emotion. Celestia's eyes, reflecting centuries of wisdom and love, meet mine. “Twilight, every loss is a star in the night sky – a reminder of love, of shared moments. I carry them in my heart, each memory a treasure. It's not about avoiding the wreck, it's about learning to sail in the storm, guided by the light of those we've loved and lost,” she says, her voice tinged with both sadness and strength. Taking a shaky breath, I try to compose myself. “Celestia, I think I’m ready to go back to the castle. I’m so tired, it feels like I could sleep for an eternity,” I say, wiping away lingering tears. There's a part of me that yearns for the escape of endless slumber. I gaze up at the stars. “Celestia, I don’t want to be alone tonight,” I plead softly, my voice barely above a whisper. Celestia's response is immediate and filled with unwavering support. “You will never be alone, Twilight. I made a promise long ago to always be there for you, and I stand by it now more than ever,” she assures me, her voice enveloping me in a blanket of comfort and care. I nod, a small spark of gratitude igniting within me. “Thank you. And, there’s something I need to ask you – a favor I owe to Applejack,” I say, finding a sliver of resolve amid the sorrow. Celestia tilts her head, curiosity lighting up her features. “What is it, Twilight?” “It can wait until morning,” I reply firmly, feeling a need for reflection. “Right now, I just need to process everything, to think.” “Of course, Twilight,” Celestia says, her tone sympathetic yet respectful of my need for space. Together, we spread our wings and take to the skies, leaving the somber quiet of Sweet Apple Acres behind. The flight back to Canterlot Castle, beneath the vast canvas of the night sky, offers a momentary escape from the pain – a fleeting period of peace in the midst of loss and unspoken love. > Fleeting Garden > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I stand outside the balcony as Celestia soundly sleeps in my bed. Her warmth is always both a comfort and a curse. ‘I couldn’t sleep. I have too much on my mind.’ I thought as I quietly trotted over to the doors leading to the balcony. My hooves click on the solid stone deck as I make my way outside in the cool night air. I stare up at the moon bathing the castle in its serene glow, creating a tranquil oasis in the stillness of the night. I move over to the edge and drape my hooves over the stone railing as I ponder the events of the evening and my life. The cool night breeze whispers through the air as I close my eyes. ‘I long for simpler times, for moments of innocent joy and uncomplicated friendships. I wish I could go back and tell them how I truly felt,' I thought, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I struggle to remember their faces, but all I can conjure are blurry images of where their smiling faces should be, and their beautiful laughter that once filled my world now echoes distantly in my thoughts. ‘I wonder how long it will take for me to forget Applejack's youthful face.’ As I open my eyes and gaze out at the starlit sky, each star feels like a distant, warm reminder of cherished memories. I think about all my friends, and my heart aches as I realize how I never fully opened up to them, never fully trusted them with who I am. They knew me as Twilight Sparkle, the princess, the friend, the problem solver… but not the whole me. I've always been drawn to mares, a truth I've kept hidden from even those closest to me. This part of myself has been buried deep, shrouded in layers of fear and uncertainty. 'What would they think of me?' I often wondered, 'Would they see me differently?' These questions haunted me, creating a barrier I never dared to cross. In all these years, amidst all the adventures and trials we've faced together, this one truth remained my lone secret. And now, as I sit here, engulfed in the silence of the night, I feel the weight of that unspoken truth more than ever. It's a heavy cloak of isolation, one I draped over myself, convincing me that keeping this secret was for the best. ‘But was it?’ In keeping my truth hidden, did I distance myself from the very ponies who might have understood me the most? This question gnaws at me, prompting a surge of frustration that leads me to strike the railing with my hoof. It's a regret that persistently tugs at the very fabric of my heart, leaving me to ponder the paths not taken. ‘Maybe it's time,’ I think to myself, ‘time to start trusting someone with all of me.’ The idea is terrifying. But who? The answer, as clear as the moon in the sky, has always been there, yet acknowledging it feels like stepping into an unknown realm. The stars above, once symbols of distant wishes and dreams, now seem to urge me towards a path of vulnerability. A path I know I must eventually take. The loss of Applejack, so recent and raw, pierces through the quiet. Her laughter, her dependable presence, now only echoes in the hollows of my heart. Her once comforting, strong voice now a haunting absence in the silent night. A poignant memory of Applejack surfaces. "Now listen here, Twi," she said, holding me in a hug. "feelin' down's part of life, but y'ain't alone. We're family, and family sticks together, rain or shine." Her words, her steadying hoof on my shoulder, had been a constant in my life, grounding me during my lowest moments. It was after one of those many losses, as we left the cemetery under a gray, overcast sky, that she asked the question I dreaded. “Have ya talked to Celestia 'bout this, Twi?” Her keen eyes caught the turmoil I was in, reflecting the stormy clouds above. "No, AJ, I don't wanna bother her," I replied, a hint of evasion in my voice. My pace quickened, trying to outwalk the conversation I feared. “Why not, Twi? She’d wanna help, don'tcha think?” Applejack had pressed on, her earnest gaze seeking mine. I sighed, feeling the weight of my own words. "It's different with you, AJ. We're peers, friends. With Celestia, I... I don't want to burden her." Applejack stopped, her expression turning serious. “Twilight, Celestia's more than just yer mentor. She cares 'bout ya, more than ya might think. She’s been askin' 'bout ya, worried-like.” Her words struck a chord, yet I brushed them off. "You help me enough, AJ," I said softly, my voice barely hiding the fears I held within. Applejack gave me a long, somber look. “Twilight, I might not always be here...” Now, alone with my thoughts, I place a hoof over my heart, trying to quell its aching beat, only to feel the void left by her absence. Her unwavering support, once my sanctuary amidst the storm of emotions, is now a gaping hole in my existence. I close my eyes, the image of her still and lifeless body at the funeral a stark contrast to the vibrant, lively Applejack I knew. The sharp sting of her loss cuts through me, a reminder of the lonely path I must now walk. Shaking my head, I attempt to dispel the vivid memory, yet the void where her comforting embrace should be is painfully tangible. My thoughts inevitably shift to Celestia. Her embrace last night, a mix of divine warmth and heartache, lingers with me. Her words, meant to soothe, now echo in my heart, stirring confusing feelings of gratitude, sorrow, and longing. ‘What if I lose you too, Celestia?' The thought sends a shiver down my spine. The fear of losing another guiding light is almost unbearable. Centuries of friendship with Celestia, coupled with the depth of my concealed emotions, converge into a relentless tide of contemplation. One memory stands out, from a time not long after I was crowned a princess. Overwhelmed by the weight of my new role, I sought solace in the tranquil beauty of the setting sun over the castle gardens. That evening, Celestia had found me in my solitude. Her approach was as gentle as the night's embrace, her presence a comforting rock in my unsettled thoughts. "Twilight," she had spoken softly, her voice easing my mood, "the weight of a crown can be heavy, but you are not alone in this journey." As we walked through the gardens, under the gentle glow of the evening's first stars, Celestia shared a part of herself that was often hidden from the rest of Equestria. "During the early days of my reign, I concealed my feelings and vulnerabilities, even from those closest to me," she confided, her tone reflective and tinged with regret. “Luna wasn’t the only one alone and hurting. She was isolated, longing for a world that seemed out of reach, while I was surrounded by smiling faces, yet felt utterly alone. For a thousand years, my greatest regret was not reaching out to her. You, Twilight, were the one who finally brought her back to me." Her smile, warm with gratitude, softened her regal appearance. I paused amidst the fragrant blooms, absorbing her words. "I didn’t realize you felt so alone, Princess," I responded, my voice tinged with doubt. "You've always seemed so wise and unshakable.” Celestia stopped, turning to me with a gentle yet earnest expression. “Twilight, wisdom often comes from making mistakes, from understanding our vulnerabilities. Yes, I am wise, but unshakeable? No, I'm as much a pony as anypony else. I feel sadness, anger, and yes, even regret. Those painful lessons were my teachers in wisdom. In times like these, it's crucial to have someone you trust and care about by your side to help shoulder the burden… a lesson I learned too late during that difficult era," she said, stepping ahead to lean over and smell a bed of roses. Watching her, I contemplated her words. ‘How can I tell her my feelings? I'm an ignorant child to her. How could she ever return them when she sees me more like a daughter than a potential lover? What if once revealed she avoids me?’ I tried to shake the unpleasant thought from my mind as she looked back at me. "Are you coming, Twilight? We don’t want to miss Luna raising the moon, do we? I always love the way she decorates the sky in stars," she called out. A rush of emotions welled inside me, but I managed to keep them hidden behind a veneer of calmness. "Of course, Celestia. There's no place I'd rather be than here, under the stars with you. Even if it's just as friends, it means the world to me," I had replied, my voice barely more than a whisper, heavy with unspoken feelings. Our walk had continued in serene silence, the night air fragrant with blooming flowers. That evening remains etched in my memory. It served as a poignant reminder of the depth of our bond, a depth I had often contemplated, yet kept carefully hidden under layers of respect and… cowardice. As I make my way back into my room I watch as Celestia stirs, her innate connection to the sun drawing her from slumber. ‘Her presence has been a constant in my life, offering silent support and reassurance in moments of doubt.’ "Applejack," I whisper, more to myself than to her, "how do I confess these feelings, what if she rejects them and I lose her forever?" Looking over toward the bed I notice Celestia awakening. Her gaze, filled with gentle concern, meets mine. “Good morning, Twilight. You seem troubled. Did you find rest?” she inquires softly, as she breaks into a yawn, her voice as soothing as ever. A sad smile touches my lips as I shake my head. “I couldn’t, Princess. I had too much to think about," I confess, feeling the weight of unspoken truths pressing down on me. Part of me yearns to reveal all that I feel, yet fear, like an ever-present shadow, holds me back, locking away my deepest emotions. Understanding flickers in Celestia's eyes, softening her expression. She reaches out, her touch gentle as she plants a kiss on my forehead. "You don’t need to be so formal now Twilight we are both princesses," she says with a chuckle. It's a gesture that brings warmth, reminding me of the sun's first rays. “Once I've raised the sun, let's spend some time together. You're not alone in whatever you're facing,” she offers, her voice resonating with a depth of care that feels as nourishing as the sunlight she embodies. Together, we move towards the balcony window, which Celestia opens, welcoming the new day. I stand by her side, not just witnessing the dawn but also Celestia herself, radiant in the morning light. The emerging sunlight filters through the curtains, bathing the room in a soft glow of gold and pink. In this moment, Celestia is more than my mentor; she is the unvoiced love that anchors my heart, my eternal beloved. Watching the dawn unfold, the light illuminates and warms the whirlwind of emotions within me, a reflection of the inner turmoil I face. I realize, standing here, that this moment, is an eternal one, a memory to be treasured. Celestia and I, enduring in this ever-changing world, are like two timeless roses in a fleeting garden of beautiful flowers.