Lyra's moving away to University and Bon Bon knows what that means, the two of them should split up, long distance relationships just don't work. Lyra disagrees, can she convince her marefriend that things will work out?
Lyra's moving away to University and Bon Bon knows what that means, the two of them should split up, long distance relationships just don't work. Lyra disagrees, can she convince her marefriend that things will work out?
A story about Lyra's last day in Ponyville and first day in Canterlot and what Bon Bon was doing at the same time.
Set in the Lunaverse.
My entry to the December writing challenge on the topic of 'Something ends / Something begins'
Thanks to Grass and Clouds2 and Rainbowdoubledash for their pre-reading and comments.
Note that some two chapters cover the same events from different POV's
Two mares lay on a bed facing each other, forelegs intertwined, bodies held closely. This wasn’t exactly how she had expected the two of them to spend their last day together, thought Lyra, but she wasn’t complaining. The aqua unicorn leaned back admiring how Bon Bon’s mane looked splayed out around her dozing form. The blue and pink strands formed a halo around her head, highlighting the gentle curve of her muzzle. Bon Bon always kept her hair so well controlled, unlike Lyra’s own messy do. She’d miss that look, just like the look’s owner, once she was gone.
Trying not to disturb her marefriend Lyra swung her eyes towards the window, the sun had almost set. She sighed, she’d had so much planned for today, but like always the time had just seemed to slip through her hooves. Her early start had turned into a late morning start once she’d fully recovered from last night’s goodbye party at Berry’s. The party had grown into a sort of farewell concert after enough pleading from her friends, and drinks from her host. Packing had taken longer than she’d expected, Dad and Pop kept launching into stories about all the stuff she was leaving behind, it wasn’t like she’s need to hear the story of how she’d used to love her first winter saddle so much, it was far too small for her now.
She’d barely made it to Bon Bon’s by noon, knowing how poor her time keeping normally was Bon Bon hadn’t expected her earlier, then the two of them had trotted over to the Hay Bale for lunch. There were so many things Lyra had planned for them to do in the afternoon, a romantic walk through White Tail Woods, boating down at the lake, she’d even heard that somepony over in Hoofington had a hot air balloon for hire. But when the time had come she couldn’t think of anything she wanted to do more than just hanging out with Bonnie for the afternoon. The earth pony had once again tried to show her how to make sweets and once again she’d ended up covered in sugar with her hooves stuck together. Once she’d tidied up they’d gone for a wander around town for an hour or two before returning to her marefriend’s room.
She’d meant to give her marefriend a really special time to remember her by, thanks to a few tips she’d picked up from a recent issue of Cosmarepoliton Rarity had passed on to her. Bonnie’s parents were a bit more open minded about the two of them spending time together than her own, her dads still seemed to think she was a little filly rather than a grown mare, with all the needs that that implied. Maybe it was just because Bon Bon’s room was better sound proofed. However, once they had ended up in bed together she couldn’t think of anything she’d rather do than just lying there in Bon Bon’s arms cuddling and gently kissing her marefriend’s lips. After a while they’d both begun to doze eating up even more of their last day together.
While she’d been thinking the shadows around her had continued their inevitable lengthening, where was the time going? She’d told Dad and Pop that she’d be home tonight, they wanted to have a family meal to say goodbye. She didn’t want to upset them, Dad had been acting strangely recently and even Pop was getting a bit clingy.
Lyra looked up at her soul mate dozing in front of her and almost couldn’t bring herself to move, but she had to. “Bonnie,” she whispered. “Wake up.” The cream mare remained unmoving. Lyra gently reached forwards and poked her. “Bonnie!” she called a little louder. Bon Bon gave a loud snort and pulled Lyra closer to her before settling down again. This was odd, Bon Bon was normally the much lighter sleeper of the two of them, and maybe that snore had sounded a little too theatrical, could she be... “Bonny are you faking?” the ‘sleeping’ mare gave another loud snort, Lyra wasn’t fooled, “You’re awake aren’t you? How long have you been awake?”
Bon Bon finally opened her beautiful blue eyes. “Um, I didn’t fall asleep, well not for long anyway. I, well... I don’t want you to go.”
“Oh, Bonnie,” said Lyra nuzzling Bon Bon. “You know it’s not for long, a few years and I’ll be back again.”
Bon Bon smiled weakly. “I know and I know this is best for you, Luna’s school of magic is the best school in all of Equestria and I know how much it can do for you and how hard you had to work to get in.”
Lyra preened a little, it had all come as a surprise to her really, she’d thought her music was quite good and that her magic was better than average, but Mrs Sharpener had thought she was exceptional and she’d gone to the interview she’d organised, and sat the test, and well everything had just seemed to work out.
“And I know it’s not that far,” continued Bon Bon.
“I can visit every weekend,” said Lyra brightly.
“No, Lyra, you can’t,” said Bon Bon shaking her head sadly, “It might not be that far, but you can’t afford the train every week.”
“But I can write, and I’ll be back for the holidays, it’ll almost be like I wasn’t away,” protested Lyra.
“Oh, Honey. I know you’ll try, but... well long distance relationships can be hard, and you’ll be in a big city with so many new friends and maybe it’ll be better if we... if we... well stop being together, while you’re away.”
Panic gripped Lyra, she felt a cold touch slip down her back. “Bonnie, you’re not breaking up with me are you?! No! I’ll stay here, I promise you, just stay with me! Please!” This couldn’t be happening!
“Lyra, I don’t want to break up but I don’t want to hold you back either. We’ve been together such a long time, but don’t you think you can do better than me? There will be so many important ponies at the magic school and while you’re there you’ll... You’ll meet a big city mare in Canterlot and... and you’ll forget all about your little small town Bon Bon,” she whispered tears starting to drip from her muzzle.
“No! No, Bon Bon, I love you! There’ll never be another pony for me, ever! Not even if Princess Luna herself offered herself up to me. I’d say nope, I’m Bonnie’s girl!” She drew the earth pony closer to her. “Although a threesome might not be out of the question.”
Bon Bon hiccupped as she tried to sob and giggle at the same time. “Now I know you’re being silly!”
“No I’m not, you’re the only pony for me... ever! Now stop being silly.” An idea struck Lyra. “You could come with me! Your sweets are the best, I’m sure they’d love them up in Canterlot!”
“Lyra, I could hardly afford a shop out here, let alone in Canterlot, and I’ve got no real qualifications, they wouldn’t take me on at any of the big shops up there.”
“Then you could live with me!”
“You’re staying in the school dorms and we know you couldn’t afford your own place.”
“We could get married! They have rooms for married couples at the school. Let’s get married!” She announced, that would solve everything!
“Lyra!” gasped Bon Bon, “Did you seriously just propose to me?”
“Yes! No! Maybe!” cried the unicorn. “I don’t know.”
Bon Bon leaned forwards and kissed Lyra on the muzzle, “Did you get me a bracelet or anything?”
“Well no,” said Lyra rubbing her head awkwardly, “This was sort of a spur of the moment thing, but what do you say?”
Bon Bon paused for a moment and almost seemed tempted. “Oh Honey, we can’t,” she shook her head, “You’re going to go away and I don’t want to hold you back. But thanks for the gesture,” she smiled weakly, “Tell you what, ask me again once you’ve graduated, and we’ll see.”
“Ok,” agreed Lyra quickly. “But no more of this silly breaking up thing, we belong together, for ever.”
“Well long distance relationships don’t work for most ponies...”
“We aren't most ponies,” interrupted Lyra, “We’re us, Lyra and Bon Bon, together forever. I love you,” she leaned forwards and kissed her lover deeply.
“Well, ok,” said Bon Bon gently pulling away. “I just don’t want to be a burden on you.”
“Burden! I’d never have gotten this far without you! Who made sure I studied for my entrance exam?”
“Mostly Mrs Sharpener.”
“Well yes but I preferred your method of encouragement much more than hers,” said Lyra, wiggling her eyebrows, her horn glowed without obvious effect, then Bon Bon gave out a quiet groan, her body writhing for a moment.
“Have... haven’t you got to go?” said Bon Bon trying to control her voice as her body still quaked under Lyra’s magical manipulation..
Lyra glanced over at the window again. “Yeah, I suppose so,” she said with a frown, unwillingly she unwrapped her legs from Bon Bon and rolled onto the floor.
“I’ll see you off tomorrow,” said Bon Bon shuffling off the bed herself and landing on still somewhat wobbly legs.
“Thanks, but you don’t need to get up early for that.”
“I want to, plus I have some other plans for tomorrow,” Bon Bon gave Lyra a peck on the cheek.
“Oooh! Anything exciting?”
“Quite boring, but also scary,” said Bon Bon mysteriously.
“Bonnie!” whined Lyra. “Don’t be a tease.”
“Sorry, my lips are sealed,” she said proving the lie by kissing Lyra again. “But I’ll tell you about it in my first letter.”
“I’ll write to you as soon as I get to the school,” promised Lyra.
The two young mares trotted out the room and towards the front of the shop Bon Bon and her family lived above. There Curry, Bon Bon’s father was closing up for the day. “Evening Mr Bon Bon,” said Lyra politely.
“Evening Lyra, good luck with the magic school, I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Thanks.”
Lyra stopped at the front door and turned back towards Bon Bon, “Well I g-guess this is goodbye then.”
“I said I’d see you tomorrow,” whispered Bon Bon.
“I know, but this seems so final,” she leaned forwards and kissed her marefriend on the lips again, she wrapped a forearm around Bon Bon as her passion started to grow.
Behind them Curry averted his eyes and coughed loudly.
The couple continued to make out for a few seconds before breaking apart. “I love you!” said Lyra as she turned to go.
“I love you too!” said Bon Bon, her eyes watery as Lyra slowly trotted away towards her own house.
Bon Bon stared at the sleeping form of her lover and wished that today was yesterday again. She bit back a sigh, she considered herself a sensible mare, as grounded as her tribe’s name suggested but she wished by the soon-to-rise moon that things could go differently. She chided herself, she was being selfish, Lyra had worked hard to earn her place at Luna’s school, for all the opportunities it represented, for the life away from her and Ponyville it opened to her. But it just seemed so unfair! Why should she lose the best part of her life like this, what about her?
This time she did sigh out loud, gently blowing into her marefriend’s mane. She didn’t understand why Lyra had dyed that stupid black stripe into it, she’d said it made her look cool, but Bon Bon thought it made her look like a skunk. Lyra scrunched up her muzzle against the gentle breeze and tightened her grip slightly. A beautiful angelic skunk, stupid sexy skunk! Lyra had really tried her best to make today special for them, she’d talked of a balloon ride, of expensive meals and other wonders. Bon Bon grinned, as usual Lyra’s poor timekeeping had spoiled most of them, her marefriend just didn’t understand that she didn’t care for things like that, just the two of them spending time together was enough for her, and in that way today was perfect. Still she wouldn’t change her spontaneous forgetful sweetie for anything.
The two of them had snuck up to Bon Bon's room, Lyra, as romantic as ever, promising to 'rock her world'. But once they had started, both of them had been content just to cuddle. She was glad if things had gone any further than that it would have seemed so final, knowing that this was the moment their relationship ended. Bon Bon knew as much already, that this was their last time together. She’d have to wake her lover up eventually and tell her things were over, Lyra would argue of course, say that even though their bodies were miles away that their hearts would be forever intertwined. She was such a romantic, but Bon Bon had to be the sensible one, as much as it hurt, to be the one to tell her that a relationship needed two ponies who saw each other frequently, that Lyra... that Lyra would find someone better in Canterlot, that their childish romance would be over, they’d both grow up and move on. Well Lyra would, Bon Bon didn’t know if she’d ever manage it. Better that it be done now and properly, rather than just drifting apart over the following months.
She looked again at her true love’s sleeping face, yes once she woke up she’d have to tell her. At least she’d have a few more hours with her.
Lyra’s eye’s started to twitch. She was waking up! No! No! This was too soon! She had more time! Bon Bon shut her own eyes and tried to relax her body against her rising panic, maybe if she pretended to sleep then Lyra would go back to sleep and she’d have more time before the inevitable.
“Bonnie,” whispered Lyra softly. “Wake up.” She poked Bon Bon gently with a hoof. Bon Bon struggled to keep her face blank, she was very ticklish, as Lyra knew. “Bonnie!” she called again a little louder.
Bon Bon tried to fake a snore. I’m asleep, she thought, this isn’t happening.
“Bonny are you faking?” said Lyra suspiciously. Great she’d dropped so many hints for what she wanted for her birthday and Lyra had got her another mixing bowl, but now she turned into Sherclops Holmes. “You are awake aren’t you? How long have you been awake?”
Busted, though Bon Bon as she finally opened eyes. “Um, I didn’t fall asleep, well not for long anyway. I, well... I don’t want you to go.” She admitted, she had to stay strong, she had to do this.
“Oh, Bonnie,” said Lyra nuzzling Bon Bon. “You know it’s not for long, a few years and I’ll be back again.”
“I know, and I know this is best for you, Luna’s school of magic is the best school in all of Equestria and I know how much it can do for you and how hard you had to work to get in and I know it’s not that far.” But it felt like the other side of Equestria.
“I can visit every weekend,” said Lyra brightly.
Bon Bon felt her heart both lift and sink at once, she wonderful impractical, Lyra would say that, but she’d looked into the costs involved, even a season ticket would still be far beyond what her marefriend could spare. “No, Lyra, you can’t, it might not be that far, but you can’t afford the train every week.”
“But I can write, and I’ll be back for the holidays, it’ll almost be like I wasn’t away,” a little pleading crept into Lyra’s voice, maybe she was starting to realise where the conversation was going.
“Oh, Honey. I know you’ll try, but... well long distance relationships can be hard, and you’ll be in a big city with so many new friends and maybe it’ll be better if we... if we... well stop being together, while you’re away.” Hold it together, she thought, be strong for Lyra!
A look of panic flashed over Lyra’s face. “Bonnie, you’re not breaking up with me are you?! No! I’ll stay here, I promise you, just stay with me! Please!”
Oh no, no! She couldn’t let Lyra do that, she wanted it so much but Lyra deserved so much more than she could give. “Lyra, I don’t want to break up but I don’t want to hold you back either. We’ve been together such a long time, but don’t you think you can do better than me?” They'd had a good run she supposed, she was surprised that Lyra hadn’t found someone better already, it was a tribute to her marefrieds loyalty that she had stuck with her. “There will be so many important ponies at the magic school and while you’re there you’ll... You’ll meet a big city mare in Canterlot and... and you’ll forget all about your little small town Bon Bon.” She couldn’t keep a catch from her voice and a tear from her eye.
“No! No, Bon Bon, I love you! There’ll never be another pony for me, ever! Not even if Princess Luna offered herself up to me. I’d say nope, I’m Bonnie’s girl!” She put on a devilish grin. “Although a threesome might not be out of the question.”
Even now Lyra could make her laugh, in all her romanticness. “Now I know you’re being silly!”
“No I’m not, you’re the only pony for me... ever! Now stop being silly. You could come with me! Your sweets are the best, I’m sure they’d love them up in Canterlot!”
“Lyra, I could hardly afford a shop out here,” Should she tell Lyra about that? No she’d probably offer to stay to help, “Let alone in Canterlot, and I’ve got no real qualifications, they wouldn’t take me on at any of the big shops up there.”
“Then you could live with me!”
“You’re staying in the school dorms, we know you couldn’t afford your own place.”
“We could get married! They have rooms for married couples at the school. Let’s get married!” she announced.
“Lyra!” Bon Bon’s heart leapt in her breast, “Did you seriously just propose to me?” She gasped.
“Yes! No! Maybe!” cried the unicorn. “I don’t know.”
Bon Bon felt herself melt, she couldn’t do this, she couldn’t break up with this wonderful, stupid, spontaneous mare. “Did you get me a bracelet or anything?”
“Well no, this was sort of a spur of the moment thing,” she admitted, “But what do you say?”
For a moment she wanted to scream, yes! But she had to be the sensible one and point out the flaws in Lyra’s plan. “Oh Honey, we can’t, you’re going to go away and I don’t want to hold you back. But thanks for the gesture,” she managed a smile, “Tell you what, ask me again once you’ve graduated, and we’ll see.”
“Ok,” agreed Lyra. “But no more of this silly breaking up thing, we belong together, for ever.”
“Well long distance relationships don’t work for most ponies...”
“We aren't most ponies,” interrupted Lyra, “We’re us, Lyra and Bon Bon, together forever. I love you,” she leaned forwards and kissed her lover deeply, there was something in that kiss that made all of Bon Bon’s sensibleness, her down to earthiness just sprout wings and fly out the window, it made her really believe they might work.
“Well, ok, I just don’t want to be a burden on you.”
“Burden! I’d never have gotten this far without you! Who made sure I studied for my entrance exam?”
“Mostly Mrs Sharpener,” said Bon Bon with a grin.
“Well yes but I preferred your method of encouragement much more than hers,” said Lyra her horn glowing. Bon Bon felt her lover’s magic work it’s well, magic, on her body, inside and out, she couldn’t keep her mouth shut and she groaned. Lyra could always do that to her with only the slightest touch of her hoof or glow of her horn.
“Have... haven’t you got to go?” said Bon Bon regretfully as soon as she regained control of her mouth.
“Yeah, I suppose so,” said Lyra unwrapping herself from Bon Bon and throwing aside the sheets.
“I’ll see you off tomorrow,” said Bon Bon shivering slightly, the room felt so cold now she wasn’t in contact with her fiery lover.
“Thanks, but you don’t need to get up early for that.”
“I want to, plus I have some other plans for tomorrow,” now that temporary madness meant they were still together the importance of tomorrow started to creep up on her, she had so much to prepare.
“Oooh! Anything exciting?” asked Lyra hunting around for her saddlebags.
“Quite boring, but also scary,” admitted Bon Bon.
“Bonnie! Don’t be a tease.”
Bon Bon couldn’t help but grin at the unicorn’s childishness but she couldn’t help but kiss her lover. “Sorry, my lips are sealed but I’ll tell you about it in my first letter.”
“I’ll write to you as soon as I get to the school,” promised Lyra.
The two of them trotted through the house towards the front door. Bon Bon’s dad was just closing up, it was later than she thought.
“Evening Mr Bon Bon,” said Lyra, she’s always referred to Bon Bon’s parents as Mr and Mrs Bon Bon ever since they’d been foals, it was sort of endearing for her to think of them as extensions of her marefriend rather than as separate ponies.
“Evening Lyra,” said Curry his eyes flickering towards his daughter, “Good luck with the magic school, I’m sure you’ll do well.”
“Thanks,” said Lyra before she turned back to Bon Bon, “Well I guess this is goodbye then.”
“I said I’d see you tomorrow,” whispered Bon Bon, it was supposed to be goodbye, but she had been a fool to think she was ever the one that could end this relationship, Lyra just wouldn’t let her.
“I know, but this seems so final,” said Lyra passionately kissing Bon Bon on the lips. Bon Bon leaned forwards into the kiss, never wanting it to end, she raised a hoof and began to draw it over Lyra’s cutie mark. They were interrupted by her father giving a cough. Her parents were ok with public displays of affection, but there were limits.
“I love you!” said Lyra as she turned to go.
“I love you too!” said Bon Bon trying to blink back tears as she watched Lyra disappear into the distance.
“I take it you didn’t break up then,” said her father gently from behind her.
“I tried, I really did,” she said closing the door and turning. “But she kissed me and I thought, I really thought, could this work out? I know how crazy it is but could it? Can we stay together even if I only see her a few times a year?”
With a sigh Curry put an leg around his daughter. “Now you might find this hard to believe but I have some experience at being the sensible one in a relationship.” Bon Bon tried to stifle a giggle. “And it’s often not that much fun, most of the time you’re the stuck in the mud pointing out the problems, but there are some times when you really have to let yourself be swept off your hooves and just go with it!”
“How do you know if this is one of those times?”
“I have no idea,” he sighed, “Only you can answer that, I’ve taken some risks in the past, marrying your mother, having you, helping develop pony sized Venus fly traps, most of them worked out quite well, not so much that last one I suppose,” he grinned.
“She... she makes me believe that we can still be together even though we’re so far apart, that she won’t find somepony else.”
“How about you, won’t you find somepony else?”
“Never!” she said fiercely, “They’re never be anypony but Lyra for me!”
“I think you might have answered your question then, don’t you?”
Bon Bon looked up and frowned. “I think you’re right. No, I know you’re right! Thanks.”
“It’s what I’m here for, sweetie. Now help me close up and I’ll make you a snack. You mother wants to try out her Asparagus / Chocolate hybrid for dinner so I doubt any of us will be eating much then.”
“Lyra Honey! Time to get up!” came Davenport’s call.
Lyra groaned and stuck her head out of the cocoon of blankets she had wrapped herself up in last night. She was a bit annoyed not to find her marefriend in bed with her but it wasn’t common for Bon Bon to spend the night here, it made her fathers a little uneasy, they still seemed to cling to the idea she was about five years old. Then she remembered what today was, today was her last day in Ponyville, excited, nervous, tingles ran up and down her skin.
She glanced at the sun just rising above the horizon, she was booked for the early train so she didn’t have too much time to get ready. “I’ll be down in a minute Dad!” she cried as she untangled herself and trotted over to the bathroom. She quickly showered and examined herself in the mirror as she dried. The black streak she’d dyed in her mane was starting to show her natural roots, she considered colouring it again but she was starting to get a bit tired of it, maybe a new colour? Or go back to her natural white and mint? She’d wait until she’d spent some time in Canterlot before deciding, they were sure to know what the latest fashions were up here.
She headed back towards her room again and looked around feeling a little melancholy, much of her stuff had been packed and the room looked almost bare. She picked up a discarded doll from a shelf, she and Daisy Dreamer had been through a lot together when she was a filly. For a moment she considered taking the toy with her, but no, she was a grown mare now. “Look after Dad and Pop while I’m away Daisy,” she whispered to the doll as she gently placed her back on the shelf. Taking one last look at her room Lyra gently closed the door behind her and trotted down the stairs.
Tin Taylor was sitting at the table glancing at the paper while his husband Davenport was cooking at the stove. “Morning Dad, Pop,” called Lyra as she entered giving both her fathers a kiss on the cheek. Both of the stallions had the morning off work to see her to the station, it was odd to see Tin out of his work clothes.
“Morning Lyra. I’m making your favourite, pancakes,” explained Davenport turning to show her the content of the frying pan.
“How did you sleep dear?” asked Tin looking up from the paper.
“Pretty good, I’m excited about today... and well a little nervous,” she admitted. Last night’s meal had been a little tense, she had still been worried by Bon Bon’s suggestion and all three of them had been quiet. It was good that the air seemed to have cleared a little today.
“It’s not too late for us to come into Canterlot with you. We could pick up some extra tickets for the train.”
“No Pop, I can do it myself, I’m not a little filly anymore, I’ve been to Canterlot by myself before.”
“I know,” said Davenport laying out the pancakes in front of her, “But we still worry about you.”
“I know Dad, but I’m going to be fine,” she started to tuck into her breakfast, “These are good!”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” admonished Davenport. “You’re going to need to be mindful of your manners if you’re going to be hobnobbing with the nobles up in Canterlot.”
“Ah, don’t listen to him, kid,” said Tin, “Them nobles eat just the same as the rest of us, no need for you to change to fit them.”
“Well excuse me if I try to give our daughter some class!”
“She’s plenty classy, with fathers like us how couldn’t she be?” said Tin taking Davenport in his arms and hugging him, Davenport nuzzled him in return.
Lyra make a gagging face while she continued shovelling pancakes into her face, but she couldn’t help but smile. She was going to miss her dads.
The train station wasn’t too far from their house and Tin insisted on pulling the cart containing Lyra’s luggage by himself. It wasn’t all that much really, a few books, a case of clothes, a few knickknacks and her small collection of lyres. The new one that her fathers had gotten her as a going away present sat proudly on top of the pile, it was a beautiful instrument, with a full ten strings and even using a traditional turtle shell in its construction, it probably cost as much as all the others combined. It still felt a bit awkward in her hooves compared to her older more familiar instruments though.
They were running a little late and by the time they arrived the train was already in the station although it was taking on water so they had a while before it left. As she helped unload the cart Lyra glanced around nervously, she couldn’t see Bon Bon yet. Could her marefriend have decided to break up with her after all? Should she gallop off to see her? She’d miss her train, but there would be others.
She was relieved when she finally spotted Bon Bon’s two tone mane as she galloped into the station at full pelt. To her surprise the earth pony was dressed quite formally in a grey suit she hadn’t seen her wear before. “Bonnie!” she cried rushing over leaving her fathers to load the bags onto the train. “You came!”
“I’m sorry I’m late, I wanted to finish these off,” she took out a large bag from her saddlebags opening it reveal a wide range of sweets. Lyra’s mouth watered despite having only just finished breakfast.
“Bonnie! You didn’t have to!”
“Well I don’t know what they’ll be feeding you at the school,” she looked down a little awkwardly, “I wanted to make sure you got the best.”
“Of course they’re the best, you made them!” Lyra nuzzled her marefriend. “You look very... smart today.”
“I’ve got something, well, official to do today.”
“What?”
“Well it was going to be a surprise but... I’m going to set up my own shop, to sell my sweets. I’ve got an interview at the bank to get a loan.”
“Bonnie, that’s amazing, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“You’ve got your own thing, and I don’t know if it’ll work out...”
“Of course it’ll work out, one taste of your sweets and anypony would give you the money, are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you?”
“No you need to go, I think you’re fathers are waiting,” she nodded over to the older ponies standing by the train.
Together the two young mares trotted over to Lyra’s parents.
“Bon Bon,” said Tin with a nod before turning back to his daughter. “Come on kid, almost time to go. Here,” he levitated her a small pouch which clinked, “A few spare bits, make sure you have a good time, don’t study too hard.”
“Thanks Pop,” said Lyra leaning forwards to hug her father.
“I’m sure you’ll do really well at magic school, I wouldn’t be surprised if Luna herself takes you on as her apprentice,” said Davenport.
“Thanks Dad, I’ll be sure to mention you to her when I meet her, she probably needs a few more sofas, or maybe a few quills,” she joked, hugging her other father.
“I’ll give her a good deal if she does.”
Lyra turned towards the open door to the train and suddenly everything seemed so real, she was moving away from home, she was going to a school with the smartest ponies in Equestria, she was leaving her Dads and Bon Bon behind, she wouldn’t see them again for months. The door seemed to telescope away from her and she couldn’t seem to get her hooves to move.
She was being silly, she told herself, she was a strong, mature, independent mare, she could do this. Yes, she was a strong, mature, independent mare, who really wanted a hug from her daddies right now. She turned and somehow her parents already knew, Tin and Davenport almost collided with each other as they reached out to hold their daughter. “I’m going to miss you so much,” sobbed Tin.
“I know Pop I know,” mumbled Lyra partially crushed by the two stallions.
“We’re both so very proud of you,” added Davenport with a sniff.
“I know, I’ll write whenever I can,” said Lyra.
Bon Bon stood to the side looking a little awkward until Tin and Davenport moved aside slightly giving her room and she rushed into the gap joining the family hug. “I’ll miss you Bonnie,” said Lyra, “Don’t say anything more about splitting up, ever.”
“I won’t,” said Bon Bon, her eyes screwed up tight. Lyra kissed her on the lips.
“I’ll be back before you know it, and you’ll have your new shop then. You’ll be so successful.”
The scene was broken up as the train blew its whistle.
“You need to get going now,” said Davenport releasing his grip a little.
“I know,” said Lyra pulling back. She turned once again and waved at her family. “I’ll see you all soon.”
She stepped onto the train and the conductor slammed the door shut behind her. She rushed down the train to find her place and looked out the window, Tin, Davenport and Bon Bon were still standing there, she waved as the train slowly began to pull out of the station until they were lost from sight.
With a sigh Lyra dropped into her seat, she was on her way.
As the train began to eat up the miles that separated Ponyville and Canterlot Lyra felt a growing excitement. She was on her way, the decision had been made and there was no turning back now. She still felt a touch of worry about Bon Bon’s words last night but she was sure her marefriend was just being silly, she’d see her again in a few months. It wouldn’t be easy, but there was no way this was going to break them up.
She glanced around the carriage, it was mostly empty, with only a few ponies filling the seats either staring out of the windows or talking quietly with each other. Lyra sighed, she wished she’d thought to keep a book on her or something, she should probably start studying, her new classes would start in a few days. Her hoof automatically reached into the bag of sweets Bon Bon had given one and she popped one into her mouth. Then another, then she paused, she realised it could be a while until she’d get more of them. She carefully closed the bag again and put it aside, a sick feeling in her stomach despite the sweetness in her mouth.
She should take her time practicing her magic then, and her music. Biting her tongue she concentrated one of her older, more familiar, instruments locked in the luggage carriage. Her horn glowed, she’d never tried this when both her and her lyre were moving but she didn’t think it would make it any more difficult. She was right, there was a quiet pop and the instrument appeared in front of her, she grabbed it with her hooves, it was slightly warm to the touch. Good, she hardly ever got that spell wrong nowadays. Contorting her body into her playing position Lyra began to gently strum the instrument.
A few hours later the train pulled smoothly into upper Canterlot station and Lyra lowered her instrument. The station was a bustle with busy ponies rushing to and forth, for a moment it made Lyra feel very small and alone as the other passengers started to disembark. She’d been to Canterlot many times before, but it seemed so much more alien now she actually lived here.
Shaking off her apprehension Lyra rose from her seat and staggered out onto the platform. She was struck with a sudden fear that the train would pull away taking her stuff with it and galloped alongside the train to get to the luggage compartment. To her relief everything was there and undamaged. It took her and a porter several minutes to unload all of her things. She pulled out a map from one of the bags and examined it, it looked like the school wasn’t that far away, only two tiers above her, not far from the palace itself. With a grunt of effort she took her bags in her aura and swaying slightly began to make her way through the crowds towards the exit.
Sleep had not come easily for Bon Bon, she had spent hours tossing and turning before she finally drifted off into memories of happier times. Even then she still awoke, unrefreshed, several hours before sunrise. Today was the big day! Not only was Lyra leaving town but she had an appointment at the Ponyville bank to apply for a loan to start her own business. Her whole life could hinge on how things went today!
Ponyville was a growing community, Rarity had recently started work on her own fashion design business and several local farms were expanding, the bank was making more and more loans to fund the growth. However, its resources weren’t limitless she certainly wasn’t guaranteed to get the loan she’d need. She gone over the sums again and again, it made sense to her, but the bank manager might not feel the same.
It had been Lyra’s idea that she try to set up her own shop, she was always saying how great Bon Bon’s sweets were and how many ponies would pay for them. She’d even mentioned the old bakers shop, abandoned since Sugar Cube Corner had opened up almost a decade ago now, would be an excellent building to sell them from. Lyra might have only mentioned it in passing but the idea had stuck with Bon Bon. It was only with her lover’s acceptance to Luna’s school that she had fully considered the idea. She had to do something with herself now that even Lyra was moving on. Dad had offered her a job helping him, he’d even talked about passing it on to her in a few years, but she felt she should strike out by herself, follow her dreams! Still it was rather scary.
She wanted to crawl back under her sheets but she knew she’d never get back to sleep now. Shivering a little, from both the cold and her nerves, she rolled out of bed, there was only one thing she could do now that would calm the shaking of her hooves. She trotted downstairs and into the kitchen and started to remove ingredients from the cupboards, cooking always calmed her, carrying out her talent at creating sweets was like mediation to her. She started to hum gently to herself but jumped as there was a loud thud from beneath her.
She glanced around nervously, there was no way her father would be awake yet, he was a deep sleeper, her mother however often stayed up late or got up early when inspiration struck. Putting aside her mixing bowl she trotted down into the basement come laboratory set up beneath their home.
“You’re a disgrace!” came a cry from ahead. “Look at you! I created you, raised you, fed you, loved you even, and you repay me like this!” Bon Bon sighed and stepped out into the brightly lit laboratory area where electric lighting (the only example in Ponyville) illuminated rack after rack of plants. “You scrawny little! Gahhh! You could have been so much more!” Honeydew, Bon Bon’s mother threw aside a small mass of roots and leaves.
“Things not working out mum?” asked Bon Bon.
“Huh?” said Honeydew turning to her daughter and adjusting her glasses. “Oh, sorry dear. Yes, my Lettot plants aren’t cooperating, I want roots of a carrot, leaves of a lettuce, I keep getting leaves of a carrot, roots of a lettuce.” She sighed again poking another small green shoot.
The two mares stood in silence for a few minutes, Bon Bon never really knew how to talk to her mother, it wasn’t that she didn’t love her, she did, dearly, it was just they didn’t have that much in common.
Finally Honeydew broke the silence. “What are you doing up so early?” she asked, “It is still early? Isn’t it?” She glanced over at her experimental florionic clock, it showed quarter to wilting.
“Yes, I couldn’t sleep, too nervous,” Bon Bon admitted.
“Nervous?” she frowned, “Oh you’ve got that interview at the bank today, that’s nothing to worry about, why they should be throwing money at you!”
Bon Bon smiled at her mother's support. “And Lyra’s leaving today as well.”
“Oh,” Honeydew looked back at her plants for a moment. “I’m sorry, I know how much you care for her,” she looked back up, “But she’ll be back soon, and you can write, or... maybe I could come up with a plant that can help you communicate! A snapdragon that can transmit messages like real dragon fire, or a plant based telegraph! Its roots could act like the wires!” Seized by inspiration she rushed over to a chalkboard buried amongst the vegetation and began to scribble something, ignoring her daughter.
Bon Bon smiled, this was one of the few things she had in common with her mother, they could both get caught up in their work. Maybe she should make something for Lyra, something to remind her of her marefriend while they were apart. A selection of treats, some chocolate covered Brazils, macaroons, humbugs, she could even try marzipan flowers again, she’d almost gotten them right last time. Still thinking she trotted back out of the laboratory and up into the kitchen.
Smiling proudly Bon Bon looked at the lay out she’d prepared, over a dozen types of sweets and made in far less time than she would have thought was possible. She gently removed another batch from the oven, they should cool soon.
“Good Morning Sweetie,” called Curry as he walked past heading towards the shop front. “Have you seen your mother?”
“She’s down in the lab dad, she probably still in one of her creative moods.”
“Thanks, I better make sure she gets something to eat before she faints,” he looked up at a clock. “Isn’t Lyra leaving soon? And your interviews not much later.”
“What!” cried Bon Bon looking up. Where had the time gone! Without thanking her father she rocketed up the stairs and practically threw herself into the shower desperately trying to make her coat and mane look their best in less than ten minutes. Washing finished she galloped back into her room and screeched to a halt in front of her closet, there hung the bag containing... the suit.
The grey business suit was brand new, apart from the fitting she’d never worn it before. It had been made for her by Rarity, one of the first to be made from her new store, Carousel boutique, it wasn’t even officially open yet. The white mare had suggested that the skirt should be a little tighter on the flanks and that Bon Bon should make sure that she bring a pencil into the meeting with the mortgage advisor. She’d hinted it might help her chances if she dropped the pencil at some point and had to bend down to pick it up, she even offered to show her how to use her mouth to do so to best get the advisor’s attention. Bon Bon had quickly pointed out there were some limits to how far she was willing to go to get her loan, and was a little worried about the lengths that the fashionista might have gone to to get financing for her own business.
Still thought Bon Bon as she carefully clambered into the ensemble, the outfit did do what it was supposed to. It made her look like a mature business mare, hopefully just the sort of mare that a bank would be willing to lend a lot of bits to. Giving herself a final glance in the mirror she trotted downstairs to the kitchen, careful to not damage or crease her outfit in the process. There she found her father had already bagged up her earlier work and had also placed a few choice delicacies in a small box.
“Maybe you could give these to the advisor to show how good your work is?” he suggested.
“That’s a great idea, dad,” she said kissing him on the cheek.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you? I could close up the store for the morning.”
“Thanks but I-I want to do this by myself.”
“I understand, remember whatever happens both me and your mother are very proud of you,” he gently nuzzled her. “Even if this doesn’t work out you can try again in a year or so.”
“Thanks dad,” she checked the clock again. “I’ve got to go or I’ll miss Lyra!” Turning she quickly galloped out into Ponyville paying no attention to her new clothing.
“Bonnie! You came!” Bon Bon heard Lyra cry as she rushed into the train station. She glanced up just as minty marefriend ran over and gave her a quick nuzzle.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” panted Bon Bon, “I wanted to finish these off,” she took out the bag of sweets from her saddlebags and opened it.
“Bonnie! You didn’t have to!” cried Lyra, eyeing the bag hungrily. Bon Bon grinned she loved how Lyra seemed to enjoy everything she made.
“Well I don’t know what they’ll be feeding you at the school, I wanted to make sure you got the best.”
“Of course they’re the best, you made them! You look very... smart today.” Lyra’s glance ran up and down Bon Bon’s form making her feel very self-conscious, did she just look like a foal playing dress up?
“I’ve got something, well, official to do today.”
“What?”
“Well it was going to be a surprise but... I’m going to set up my own shop, to sell my sweets. I’ve got an interview at the bank to get a loan.” It suddenly seemed both so real and so unbelievable to hear herself say that. “Bonnie, that’s amazing, why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“Well you’ve got your own thing, and I don’t know if it’ll work out...” she hadn’t wanted to tell Lyra while there was still a chance of things not working out, or that her marefriend might have cancelled her own plans to help her. “Of course it’ll work out, one taste of your sweets and anypony would give you the money, are you sure you don’t want me to stay and help you?”
“No you need to go,” Bon Bon let out the breath she found she’s been holding, yes she could do this, Lyra had said so, and she was never wrong, apart from all the times she had been. “I think you’re fathers are waiting,” she said trying to change the subject.
“Bon Bon,” said Tin Taylor politely, as the two mares approached him and Davenport, before turning back to his. Bon Bon stood aside feeling a little awkward as she watched the parents say their goodbyes to their daughter. Finally Lyra turned towards the train and Bon Bon was surprised to see her stumble a little, and a worried look spread over her face. Her brave, brave sweetie was actually scared! She started to move to embrace her but was beaten to it by Tin and Davenport who cradled their nervous filly whispering reassurances to her.
Bon Bon trotted awkwardly from hoof to hoof, she wanted to be able to comfort her sweetie but she didn’t want to disturb the family moment in front of her. After a few moments Tin noticed and moved aside allowing her to approach and join in the group hug. “I’ll miss you Bonnie,” said Lyra, “Don’t say anything more about splitting up, ever.”
“I won’t,” whispered Bon Bon trying to keep her voice level. This was really happening! Lyra was going away, she wouldn’t see her for months! How could she worry about the stupid bank with this happening? She screwed up her eyes to stop her tears escaping. Suddenly Lyra’s soft lips were on her own.
“I’ll be back before you know it,” said Lyra, “and you’ll have your new shop then. You’ll be so successful.” Bon Bon leaned forwards and kissed her marefriend again. Off ahead the train whistle blew. No! She had to have more time!
“You need to get going now,” said Davenport starting to withdraw from his daughter.
“I know,” said Lyra, Bon Bon felt cold as the mint unicorn unwrapped her legs from around her. “I’ll see you all soon,” said Lyra as she walked towards the train.
Bon Bon wanted to say something, something that would show Lyra how much she’d miss her but she didn’t have the words so she just nodded dumbly as her marefriend disappeared into the train. She stood there numbly for a moment before rushing along the side of the train to catch a glimpse of Lyra as she took her seat. They waved at each other as the train started to roll away, Bon Bon kept waving until the train was only a dot in the distance, only then did she let her hoof fall to the ground. Lyra was gone!
Next to her she heard a quiet sobbing and turned to see Davenport huddling into his husband’s arms. “What if something happens to her?” he cried, “Canterlot’s such a dangerous city.”
“I know Dav, but she’s a smart kid, she’ll do fine... fine without us,” said Tin tears flowing from his eyes as well.
Bon Bon wanted to say that the city was almost as safe as Ponyville itself but she felt her own tears falling as well. Lyra was gone! What was she going to do now?
Sniffing Davenport drew himself away from Tin and turned to Bon Bon. “You look like you need a hug to kid,” he said.
Before she could even think about it Bon Bon rushed forwards and was embraced by both stallions. “Thanks,” she mumbled.
“Don’t mention it,” said Tin, “You’re Lyra’s filly, that makes you practically family. Feeling better?” he asked after a few moments.
“Yes,” said Bon Bon drawing back and trying to wipe away her tears while straightening her suit.
“So,” Tin cleared his throat while giving Davenport’s hoof a squeeze. “I heard you’ve for an interview at the bank?”
“Yes, in about an hour.”
“You looking to move into the old bakery right?” Bon Bon nodded, she’d mentioned her plans to Lyra’s parents a few weeks ago while waiting for her marefriend to get ready for a date. “If you get it call me, I’ll give you a good deal on refitting the place, it’s mostly sound, got a lot of potential.”
“And-and if you’ve got the time you can go over your pitch with me, I’d be happy to help,” added Davenport trying to wipe his eyes. “I remember what it was like when I was setting up my store, I might be able to give you a few pointers.”
“Thank you,” said Bon Bon, reaching for the paperwork in her bags. She could hardly able to believe that Lyra’s parents were being so helpful.
“Like I said,” said Tin, “You’re practically family.”
Lyra’s flanks were covered in lather by the time she reached the school, her horn flickering dangerously as she continued to drag along her belongings. It didn’t look very far on the map but in person it had been much, much further and most of it up a steep gradient, not for the first time she wished she’d inherited Skyla’s wings, but then, she supposed, she wouldn’t be going to a school of magic. Maybe she should have just hired a taxi?
Dropping her luggage she looked up and up at the building in front of her, it was huge! She’d been here before, for her interview and test but now that she was going to be living here it seemed so much more real. The central building stretched up into the sky seemingly carved from the mountain itself, around it were large grassy grounds were many ponies of all tribes were wandering chatting to each other and paying the gawping new arrival no heed. Other smaller, newer, buildings were scattered around the campus. The whole area was overshadowed by the castle itself standing not far away.
It suddenly struck her that she was actually here! She, Lyra Heartstrings was really standing at the entrance to Princess Luna’s School of Magic! That blue clad ponies with fangs and snake like eyes standing at the gate was a real member of the Night Guard! She gave a little squeal and pranced in place, her tiredness momentarily forgotten, it was just a shame Bon Bon wasn’t here with her. Then she tried to bring herself back under control, she was a mature, independent mare, she told herself again. She closed her eyes and felt the power around the place, a buzzing at the back of her horn which seemed to run all the way down to her hooves, the feel of centuries of spell casting by some of the greatest mages in Equestrian history.
She opened her eyes again and looked around. Ok, she’d made it to the school now where? She needed to register somewhere. Everypony around her seemed to move with certainty, apparently on important business, she didn’t want to interrupt them, well almost everypony. Screwing up her courage she turned to one of the two night guard, a large grey coated stallion, his horn long and thin, protected by his dark blue armour.
“Um, excuse me, sir,” she stuttered. His draconic gaze rolled onto her making her quake a bit. “Could you tell me where...” she looked down at her papers, “The Nova Sparkle reception hall is?”
“Why do you want to know?” he grumbled.
“I’m new and I need to register and the place seems so big and I don’t know where anything is and...” she replied nervously, her mouth starting to run away from her.
“How do I even know you’re supposed to be here? Do you have any identification?” he demanded.
“Oh, well, here I think...,” she started to rummage clumsily through her bags.
“No need to frighten the poor filly, Glimmer,” said the guard’s partner, a slightly smaller bat winged mare.
“Sorry Sergeant!”
“Now, Lyra isn’t it?” said other mare.
How does she know my name? thought Lyra. “Yes ma’am.”
The night guard took Lyra’s papers and looked through them. “Ok, you go that way,” she pointed towards the main entrance to the building. “Then turn right, it should be signposted from there. I didn’t know you got accepted here, your fathers must be very proud of you.”
“Oh, they are, thanks for the help,” said Lyra feeling a bit creeped out by how much the guard knew about her. She hefted up her bags again with a bit of a grunt. “Thanks again!” she called as she set off towards the building.
It was a fairly short journey across the campus to the indicated building. The inside was awe inspiring, the walls were lined with paintings of famous ponies from history. Lyra only recognised a small fraction of them and she stopped every few steps to read the plaques. By the time she reached the registration desk she was actually a bit late. She apologised to the bored-looking stallion behind the desk and showed him her identification before quickly filling in the various forms he passed her. In return she received a key to her new room and had an identification spell cast on her, it make her hooves itch but she was told that would pass. She was instructed to step into a nearby meeting room and she would be shown to her dorm.
The room contained about two dozen ponies of about her age, and their luggage. Most of them seemed to be dressed rather ornately and were talking amongst themselves. Before Lyra could introduce herself to anypony an attractive grey mare of about her age with a carefully arranged black mane wearing a pink bowtie slammed her hoof onto the wooden floor. Talk died down as the echoes died away.
“Greetings,” said the mare. To Lyra’s surprise there was no sign of a horn on her head, she frowned, she hadn’t expected to meet any earth ponies at a magic school. “My name is Octavia Melody, I am the upperclassmare assigned to look after you as you settle into the school. Now that you are all here I will show you to your rooms and give you some time to unpack. Then we will meet up again in a few hours and I will show you around the campus and its facilities. The building is rather large and I suggest you familiarise yourself with the map you will find in your packs.” She held up and unfolded a sheet of parchment, Lyra quickly scrambled through her papers till she found hers, to her surprise there was a ‘you are here’ arrow pointing to this room, she took a few steps back and noticed that the ink shifted slightly across the page to follow her movements, that was clever!
“Do not lose your map, they are expensive and you will be charged for them! They show all the common areas of the campus as well as indicating areas which are off limits to you. Some highly dangerous magic is carried out in this building so it is very important that you pay attention to all signs and keep well away if so instructed. Ignorance is no excuse in these matters! Lessons do not start for two days but you will need to sign up for your classes tomorrow and there is a formal dinner tomorrow evening hosted by the Headmaster, Open Door, which the Princess will be attending.” Lyra’s ears pricked up, the Princess! She’d never actually seen her in person, she wished she had something suitable to wear.
“Do you have any questions?” concluded Octavia, she looked around the room but nopony seemed to want to speak. “Good.” She brought out a clipboard, “Now if you would follow me, our first stop will be dormitory B, Sunny Showers, Presto Changeo and Beauty Brass, you will all be housed in that area.” Without glancing back the mare started to stroll out of the room leaving the rest of the crowd to quickly grab their luggage and rush to follow her.
Slowly the crowd started to thin as one by one they were dropped off at their rooms. Lyra’s anxiety slowly grew, she glanced at her papers, she was in dormitory M, she hoped there hadn’t been a mistake. She had visions of being told she had no room and being kicked out of the school to try and survive on the streets of Canterlot! Her worry increased when she found herself the last member of her group to be roomed. Octavia, however, did not seem to be fazed, she checked her clipboard again. “Ah you must be one of the scholarship students, follow me.”
“What were all those other ponies then?” asked Lyra looking back towards the other dorm rooms they had just dropped most of the group off in.
“Their tuition is either being paid by their families, or by a noble sponsor from their province,” explained Octavia.
“Oh, North Everfree doesn’t have a noble at the moment.”
“North Everfree? You are not far from home then.”
“I suppose not, it seems a long way though. I miss my family and marefriend already.”
“I can sympathise, my home of Trottingham is a very long way away indeed, I have not seen my family for some time. Ah here we are,” she gestured to a rather non-descript door with the number fourteen on it.” Octavia gently pushed the door and it swung open. “You will have a roommate but it appears she hasn’t arrived yet.”
Lyra rushed past the older mare to look around her new living space, it wasn’t as large as the ones that her fellow students had been assigned but it was still bigger than her room at home. There was a large window in one wall giving a view of the castle and two large canopy beds surrounded by curtains, which took up a good chunk of the floor space, there was still room for two desks and several cupboards and drawers. Currently deactivated magical lighting was set into the walls, she’d heard that part of the curriculum was to learn to create your own lights. “Wow!” gasped Lyra rearing up and slowly turning to take in the whole of the room.
A small smile graced Octavia’s face at her companion’s joy. “I am glad you like it. The bathrooms are at the end of the hall, if you want anything I am in room twenty nine.”
“You stay in this dorm? Didn’t you say these were for scholarship students?”
“Indeed. Countess Perfect Melody may run Trottingham, but I am only a very minor cousin of that family. I got my place here purely on skill, like you.”
“Oh, well I wouldn’t say I was all that good, I mean I was top of my class for magic and well my music’s good but I’ve heard better...”
Octavia frowned. “You do realise how lucky you are? Every year thousands of ponies apply for scholarships here and only a few dozen are successful.”
“Oh, I didn’t know. It just sort of happened,” Lyra bit her lip, there had to be better ponies out there surely?
“I would suggest that you try your very hardest while you are here, you really have been most fortunate.”
“Oh, I will, um... can I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
“I’m not tribalist or anything, my dad’s an earth pony, but what are you doing in a magic school?”
Octavia cocked her head for a moment. “All of the tribes have magic Ms Heartstrings, not only unicorns,” she said a little icily. “But have you never suddenly felt the urge to sing just for the joy of it? Or to join in a song with your fellows even though you have never heard it before? Music is magic, Ms Heartstrings, just as much as invisibility or the ability to teleport. As such it is studied here at Luna’s school and is open to ponies of any tribe.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to...”
“Now if there is nothing else, I will meet you back at the assembly room in an hour,” giving a short bow Octavia turned and left.
Oh dear, thought Lyra, that hadn’t gone well.
As her roommate hadn’t arrived yet Lyra unanimously decided that the bed nearest the window was hers and she started to lay out her things in that part of the room. Despite seeming so heavy as she was lugging them around the city when it came to unpack her belongings they seemed rather meagre. She found herself tearing up a little when she found a little encouraging note from her fathers packed away in her bags, she gently placed it by her bed before packing her few items of clothing were into a cupboard. She opened each lyre case to make sure the instrument within was undamaged then stacked them away in the corner. Her books were lined up in a bookshelf and her few other belongings laid out around the room.
She laid back on her bed, it seemed both softer and strangely less comfortable than her smaller one at home. She turned towards the bedside table where the only two photographs she owned sat, one had been a formal sitting a few years ago with her dads. The other had been taken at last year’s Running of the Leaves, it was odd to think she’d miss this year’s one. Somepony from Hoofington had a camera and had charged a pretty sum to take pictures, she and Bon Bon’s smiling faces shone out, Lyra reached up a hoof to gently touch the black and white image of her marefriend. She suddenly felt lonelier than she ever had in her life. What was she doing here, so far from home and the ones she loved? Everything seemed so different, did she really belong here?
She was broken out of her reverie by the sound of the door opening. She hopped off the bed to see an old unicorn stallion enter, his coat was white and his thinning mane was a purpley-grey, a long moustache covered his muzzle. He looked around the room and sniffed like there was a bad smell. “Look,” he announced, “See how small it is! It’s not too late to change your mind you know.”
A short rotund mare with a pale pink coat and a deep purple mane trotted in after him, she looked around seeming a little shocked but tried to put on a happy face. “It’s fine Daddy, I’ll be fine.” She seemed to notice Lyra for the first time. “Oh, could you please unpack my bags,” she instructed.
Lyra frowned. “Um, hi, I’m Lyra Heartstrings, your roommate.”
“Roommate? Sorry I thought you were one of the staff.” She blushed, “Oh, um, pleased to meet you! I’m Lady Confidant of House Schere.”
Lyra’s eyes popped for a moment, her roommate was actual nobility? “Oh, um pleased to meet you your highness.” She tried a bow. “I hope you don’t mind but I already picked a bed, I can switch if you want.”
“No,” Confidant looked around the room a little unsurely, “I’m sure this will be fine.”
“You can change your mind at any point dear,” said the stallion again, as an earth pony mare started to bring in a large number of bags and boxes. “I’ve got some pull with the headmaster, I could get you moved to... more suitable accommodation at any time.”
“No Daddy, I want to do this by myself, I got the scholarship on my own, now I’ll live on that.”
“I’m very proud of you, you know, you don’t have to do this to prove a point, I just want to help you,” he walked over the gently nuzzled his daughter.
“I know Daddy,” said Confidant returning the gesture. Lyra felt a little embarrassed to be watching, although it sent another little jolt of homesickness into her heart.
“At least have Sturdy Back stay with you,” he indicated the mare bringing in a further pile of bags, the other side of the room was rapidly filling up. “They have rooms for servants.”
“No Daddy, no servants, I want to do this alone.”
The older stallion sighed. “If you’re sure. I have to be back in court soon, you know where my office is, if you have any problems just see me there.”
“I know Dad.”
“And you young mare,” said the stallion talking to Lyra for the first time. “I hope you will be accommodating to my daughter while you share this room. If you try to take advantage of her in any way, I will know, and you will be sorry.”
Lyra swallowed painfully, she didn’t understand what was going on. “Of-of course sir.”
“Good. Goodbye Connie, I’ll see you soon,” said the stallion as he left not giving Lyra a second glance.
“Sorry about that, Daddy can be a little protective sometimes,” said Confidant, she looked around at the large pile of bags covering most of the floor. “Um, could you help me unpack?”
It turned out that Confidant’s luggage took up all the space on her own side of the room so Lyra offered some of her space, almost all of which was used as well. She found out that her roommate was attending on a Divination Scholarship, she seemed willing to talk about magical theory for the rest of the day given half a chance, Lyra had to remind her that she was supposed to meet back at the reception soon in order to shut her up. Confidant apparently was due to meet another group of new students a bit later so Lyra left her to finish settling in.
Her new roommate seemed alright, thought Lyra as she weaved her way back towards the entrance to the building, although she was a bit patronising. She seemed to think that Ponyville was some sort of wilderness town, she’d been surprised to be told they had gas lighting.
After a few false starts and a quick check of the magic map Lyra found herself back at the reception room along with the others in her group. Octavia had been joined by a handsome tan stallion with a white mane and two musical notes on his toned flanks. “Greetings everypony,” he began in a loud and posh sounding accept. “I am Frederick Horseshoepin Junior, you might have heard of my father?” Lyra had indeed, he was a famous musician, it looked like his son was following in his hoofsteps. “Like Octavia I will be showing you around today, I apologize for not being here earlier but I was a little unwell.” Octavia looked over at him with a raised eyebrow. “I overindulged a little last night celebrating my return to the school this year.” He didn’t seem very shame faced at that.
“Now, if you would follow us,” said Octavia, “We will show you around the important parts of the campus. The school has grown rather organically over the centuries so many of the lecture theatres and labs are quite far away from each other. My understanding is that all of you are at least minoring in music so we will also show you the practice rooms as well, there will be opportunities to apply for entry various ensembles tomorrow if you so wish.”
“Unfortunately Octavia is as boring as she is beautiful and talented,” said Frederick. Octavia seemed to try to scowl and blush at the same time. “I’m sure she’ll show you round all the ‘necessary’ parts of the campus without showing you the more ‘interesting’, so I’ll be hosting a little tour of all the fantastic drinking establishments in and around the campus this evening.” A little cheer went around the room, Lyra grinned, that certainly seemed a good way to get to know her classmates. “Nothing like a little liquid lubrication to help everyone get together.”
“Now remember that we are here to study as well as socialise,” said Octavia glaring at Frederick, who grinned back. “I would suggest you do not overindulge,” Octavia reminded them sternly.
The next few hours were spent following Octavia and Frederick around the school’s campus being shown room and after room and being introduced to a few of the teachers. Lyra found most of it fascinating but she was sure there was no way she’d be able to find her way around, it was just so labyrinthine. Finally their tour ended up in one of the schools dining halls, it looked large and grand enough to host an official banquet in. Octavia suggested that they eat while they had the chance and Frederick reminded them of the pub crawl he had planned for a few hours’ time.
The menu contained many options that Lyra had never had before, food from all corners of Equestria. For a moment she considered playing it safe and going for something familiar then she shrugged and decided she might as well try something new. The curried vegetables she found she liked, the spotted dick less so, the name alone put her off but Octavia seemed to be gobbling it down with gusto, each to her own she thought. She tried to chat to some of her fellow new students, although they seemed to be just as apprehensive as her, she couldn’t seem to find any common topics of conversation with the young nobles.
With a full belly Lyra returned to her room, well eventually she did, she still found navigating the various passageways of the school a little difficult. At least she found the swimming pool, she assumed it was a swimming pool, something was swimming in it. Her roommate was there when she arrived, the pink unicorn lying on her bed reading a book she was levitating in front of her face.
“Hi,” said Lyra.
“Hi,” replied Confidant, there was a long moment of awkward silence.
“So, what do you think of the place?” said Lyra eventually.
“Oh, it’s very exciting to think of all the ponies that have passed through this place over the years and the things they went on to do. I’ve been waiting for years to be here!”
Once again Lyra felt a bit awkward, she’d not really put that much thought into her future, her teacher and parents had just sort of pushed her in this direction, and it sort of happened.
“Of course Dad thought he’d be able to get me in as long as I met the requirements, but I wanted to do it without his help.”
“He’s important is he then, your Dad?”
“He’s a count, our family used to be some of The Princess's closest advisors you know.”
“Wow! So you’re going to be part of the night court some day?”
“Oh no, I have two older sisters, Advistrix will follow after Dad. No, I want to be an archmage. How about you?”
“Oh, I haven't really made up my mind, I’m majoring in magic and music so maybe a bard? There aren't that many around now a days.”
“That sounds interesting,” said Confidant with a slight frown. “What does your family do, are they musicians to?”
Lyra laughed. “Pop can’t hold a tune to save his life, and Dad only sings in the shower. No Pop’s in construction and Dad run a shop selling Furniture and Stationery.”
“That’s an odd combination.”
“Yeah, well Dad saw a gap in the market and just had to fill it.” Sensing a pause in the conversation she wandered over to her cupboard. “Are you going to the party tonight?”
“Party?”
“Yeah one of the older students showing us around was going to organise a get together so the new students can get to meet each other.” Lyra flicked through the few clothes she had brought with her to see if anything caught her eye for tonight.
“Is that all you have?” asked Confident looking over Lyra’s shoulder. “Oh, um, I mean you can borrow one of mine if you want.”
Lyra looked down at her significantly shorter and rounder roommate. “No, thanks but I think I have just the thing.” She brought out a short black dress and levitated it over herself. “What do you think? My marefriend bought it for me for my last birthday.”
“You have a marefriend?”
“Yeah Bon Bon, she amazing. She makes sweets, here try one,” she passed Confidant one of the chocolates she’d received this morning to Confidant.
“It’s very nice,” said the pink mare politely.
“Yeah they’re the best. It’s going to be hard without her being around, but I’ll see her soon enough.”
“I’ve never had a special somepony,” said Confidant a little mournfully, “I told myself I’d wait until after I graduated at least.”
“I don’t think you can just schedule your life like that, you never know when the right pony will turn up. How about you come to the party tonight? You never know who you’ll meet.” She started to rifle through Confidant’s dresses. “This’ll look great on you.”
There was an annoying tapping sound in the waiting area. It was faster than the ticking of a clock it seemed to change in pace occasionally, what was it? Bon Bon looked down, oh, it was her hoof nervously striking the tiled floor, with some effort she forced herself to stop. She had been waiting for, she checked the clock, about an hour now and it felt like an eternity. The inside of the bank was one of the poshest locations in Ponyville, done up in something approaching Canterlot style. It was supposed to make its customers feel that their money was being kept safe, it made Bon Bon feel like a foal. She was worried that she might trip and accidentally break something.
She’d arrived with a little time to spare and had told Tin and Davenport that she didn’t need anypony to wait with her. The loan officer had apparently had some sort of hold up and was delayed so she’d had to wait, and wait, and wait. The tapping was back again, she rested one hoof on the other to stop the twitch. She considered reading through her proposal again, but the last time she’d tried that the words had just seemed like so much scribble on the paper.
The teller, a middle aged unicorn mare, her sky blue mane just starting to turn grey, glanced over at her and gave a smile, she looked like she was about to say something when the door opened and two stallions entered. One she instantly recognised as Filthy Rich, the owner of Barnyard Bargains, the other was a unicorn with a dark blue coat and a thinning black mane. Filthy gave the other stallion a friendly slap on the back. “Nice doing business with you Penny,” he cried, “Shame about your score though.”
The other stallion flinched a bit. “It wasn’t my greatest game, Mr Rich,” he agreed.
“Well, see you again next week, you might even break par next time,” said Filthy turning to the door.
“Goodbye,” called the other stallion but Filthy was already gone. Penny quickly did his best to smooth down his coat before turning to the teller and holding a whispered conversation, their eyes flicking over to Bon Bon who could feel a lather forming on her sides. With a nod the stallion walked over towards a side office and let himself in.
The teller waiting a few painful moments before nodding to Bon Bon. “You should go in now,” she said, “Good Luck!”
Nodding her thanks Bon Bon got up from her seat, as she did so one of her legs caught on her skirt and she tripped forwards. Her papers flew from her bags and she lashed out to try and catch them before they scattered. Skidding across the floor she came to a stop in front of a large vase of flowers which wobbled for a few perilous seconds before coming to a halt. She’d managed to grab most of her papers in her mouth but a few had escaped, she quickly retrieved them and stuffed them into the bundle before taking a deep breath and tottering towards the office door. She briefly considered if she had time for a bathroom break before steeling herself and knocking on the door.
“Come in!” came a cry from within.
Bon Bon pushed the door open to reveal a cramped office containing a large desk behind which lounged the stallion from earlier. “Good morning Miss,” his eyes flickered to some papers on the desk, “Bon Bon. I am Mr Pincher, I believe you are interested in taking out a small business loan with the bank?” he raised an eyebrow and gestured to the chair at the other side of the desk without standing himself.
“Yes Mr Pincher,” said Bon Bon stepping forwards and carefully lowering herself into the chair, it bent her spine in a way only Lyra would find comfortable. She briefly wondered how the other mare was doing, had her train arrived in Canterlot yet? Before trying to settle her mind on the events at hoof. She carefully placed her papers on the desk sliding forwards the application form she’s spent the last week carefully filling out.
Pincher glanced down at the document distastefully before reaching out a hoof and pulling it towards himself and flipping through its pages. “You’re looking to buy the old bakery on Smith Street?”
“Yes, sir. It’s been empty for several years but it’s close enough to the town centre that it should get a lot of passing trade. It’s not plumbed into the town gas supply but I’ve checked and it’s close enough to the main for it to be easy enough to do. The building’s in good shape it will need some refurbishment to be fit for purpose, but that won’t cost that much.” She pushed forwards a sheet of paper Tin had completed after taking a look at her earlier quote, it showed a significantly lower sum.
He didn’t look down at the new paper. “You have the money for a deposit?”
“I have...,” she nodded, “Investors willing to provide me with that.” It sounded better than saying her parents were willing to give her... to lend her the money.
“And just what is it you plan to be selling?”
“Um, sweets sir,” hadn’t he seem that in the application form?
“Sweets?”
She reached into her bag and brought out the box her father had packed earlier, opening it she showed it to Pincher. “It’s my special talent.” Her cutie mark was covered by her skirt at the moment.
“Ah, well many ponies think they can make a living out of their talent alone, but many aren't successful.” Her eyes flickered down the golf club on his flank as he took one of the chocolates from the box and popped it in his mouth, he chewed for a moment and his eyes bulged slightly. “This is very nice though,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“But doesn’t Sugar Cube Corner already provide similar? You would be in competition, and Ponyville is a rather small market, isn’t it?”
Bon Bon swallowed, she’d been worried this might come up. “They produce cakes and some confectionaries but I will be providing a wider range of treats, such as chocolates, boiled sweets and the like.”
Pincher took another chocolate and swallowed it. “These are, as you say, treats. Do you think the local ponies have enough disposable income for such luxuries?”
“Ponyville is a growing community, not just a tiny Everfree outpost any more, the standard of living is rapidly increasing,” she hoped this all made sense, she was parroting most of it from some books her parents had gotten her on business management, “Even the surrounding farms are making good profits, and a day working the soil many farm workers feel like splashing out on something special, something to make them feel good, something like my sweets!” She gave herself an imaginary pat on the back, that had sounded very persuasive to her.
Mr Pincher didn’t look impressed, he took up the application again and flicked through it again. A few silent minutes passed by.
“Look, Miss um. Bon, I’m sure that you think that your sweets will be very popular,” he popped another in his mouth, “But I am afraid I don’t think the market in Ponyville is enough to support your store, maybe you could start smaller? A cart in the market maybe? You could apply again in a few years when you’re a little older and more experienced.”
“You lent money to Rarity to open her boutique,” stuttered Bon Bon starting to feel cold shock run through her, followed by something much warmer, “She’s my age, and aren't clothes even more of a luxury than my sweets?”
“I am afraid I cannot comment on other clients, although Ms Rarity’s business plan was... more attractive than yours,” Bon Bon shivered as the stallion ran his eyes ran over her body for a moment.
“But surely...” began Bon Bon.
“I am afraid I have other interviews today, and I am already behind schedule.”
“But look...” she tried again.
“I will send you my final decision in writing in the next working week, but I doubt it will be positive.”
“Did you even...”
“Goodbye Ms Bon Bon,” he said pointedly, “But thank you for the sweets.” He tossed away the now empty box of chocolates.
The chocolates she’d made for Lyra, the ones for her to remember her by, the ones he’d just casually eaten and thrown away! “Look if you’ll only read my...” she tried to keep her temper under control.
“Goodbye Ms Bon Bon,” repeated Pincher rising from behind the desk.
“Sit down!” cried Bon Bon her vision turning red.
“What?” shock showed all over the stallions face.
“I said Sit Down,” she snarled, “Now!” Pinchers legs dropped away beneath him. “Good, now if you will look at the reports I brought you will see that my sweets have in fact been on sale in Ponyville for the last three years at my father’s shop.” She forcefully shoved the papers in front of his snout.
“Ms Bon Bon, selling something from your family store is hardly the same as your own business, there are extra costs...”
“There,” she angrily poked a section of the report with a hoof tearing it a bit, “My father has been keeping separate accounts for his and my produce for the last two years, consumables, fuel, everything. As you can see my work has made a profit almost every month apart from a post-holiday slump, for hearts and hooves, and a few other holidays the profit was significant. It’s not uncommon for us to sell out.” Dad had offered to pay her a wage for her work, she’d refused of course, but she hadn’t minded an increase to her allowance.
“I... I see,” said Pincher taking up the papers and actually looking at them for the first time.
“Now the extra space and equipment in the new store will allow me to produce not just more sweets but also a greater variety than I can at the moment. Yes, there is some risk in lending me the money, but there is a good chance of profit! Only an idiot would give up this opportunity without even looking at it!” She panted as the anger starting to drain out of her. She swallowed painfully, what had she done!
Penny Pincher seemed a little shell shocked as he looked over the younger mare. “You... you might have a point,” he finally managed. “This may need a little more investigation,” he gathered up the papers on the table, all of them, and began to read.
The minutes slowly ticked by and Bon Bon veered between wanting to flee from the room and wanting to punch Pincher in the face. She really wished she’d decided to visit the bathroom before entering the office.
Pincher finally put the papers down. “Miss Bon Bon,” he said, “I think I might have been a little hasty in my earlier opinion. We might be able to come to some agreement on this matter.”
The room was hot, and crowded, full of happy ponies. This was the third stop on the pub crawl organised by Frederick. Alcohol had done a good job of breaking the ice and the new intake for the magic school were all chatting amongst themselves. Lyra was cheering as Frederick was challenging some blue unicorn she’d not met before to a ‘yard of ale’ race. It seemed like the ale was winning.
She glanced around the bar, everypony seemed to be having a good time, then she saw a solitary grey mare sitting in the corner with a glass resting on her hoof. Octavia had been doggedly following them from bar to bar, although she didn’t seem to want to join in the festivities. Excusing herself from the group around her (Confidant nodded and went back to chatting to the mare next to her) Lyra walked over to the older mare.
“Would you like to come over and join in the fun?” she asked. Behind her the blue unicorn proclaimed herself the victor and demanded Frederick provide bourbon for everypony present.
“Thank you, but I do not think I would fit in,” said Octavia sipping at her small drink, it looked like an ale of some sort. Lyra didn’t recall her drinking anything stronger, or larger in any of the previous bars.
“Hey, I thought I’d have nothing in common with anypony here but I’m having a good time! Don’t be a party pooper.”
“I am not against ponies having a good time, but in moderation. I have seen too many squander their talents. Take Frederick, he is a very talented pianist, he could possibly be as good if not better than his father, but he does not put his all into his craft. We have played together many times, he can do wonderful things with his hooves...”
“That’s not a euphemism is it?” joked Lyra.
“No, it is not,” said Octavia blushing, “But so often he doesn’t try and his work is merely adequate rather than superb. He has no goal, he is happy to just live each day as it comes.”
“Is that so bad?”
“Not in all cases, but, we are all talented ponies, even those sponsored by their family must pass certain tests to show they are worthy of entry to the school, but to not use that talent to its fullest extent, that is a sin.” She slammed a hoof down on the table, then looked a little shamefaced. “I am sorry I do not normally drink as much as this.”
Lyra mused for a moment, was Octavia right? She had just taken her abilities for granted, she didn’t really have a plan for her life. She hadn’t even chosen to be here, it just sort of happened. She liked music and she liked magic but did she really deserve to be here, would it be better if she just went home to be with Bon Bon? She really needed to think about it more, probably when she’d had less, or more, to drink.
“I can see your point,” she admitted. “I’m not very driven, I tend to go with the flow. Maybe you can help me?”
Octavia smiled. “I will do what I can, but ultimately only you can motivate yourself.”
“Fair enough, and in return I’ll help you chill out a little.”
“Thank you, I do not need any help,” said Octavia with a frown.
“Yes, you do,” said Lyra taking her new friend by her hoof and gently tugging her towards the crowd of celebrating ponies. “Let’s get you another drink, and talk to somepony. Timber over here seems to think for some crazy reason that Beethoven’s early pieces are better than his later work, I’m sure we can talk him out of his madness.”
Lyra wandered into her room with just the slightest of sways to her step, it was late and her head felt heavy. Most of her new friends were still out enjoying themselves, they had asked her to stay but she had heeded Octavia’s words and had walked back to the dorms with the grey mare. She assumed Confidant was back already as the curtains around her roommate’s bed were drawn and quiet snores could be heard. Lyra tried not to giggle as she made her way to her bed on tip hoof. She slumped onto her bed and laid back, what a day!
She lay there for a while waiting for sleep to take her. She couldn’t wait to tell Bon Bon all about it when she saw her... oh right, that would be months. The reality struck her like a glass of cold water to the face. It would be months until she saw her marefriend again. She couldn’t remember a time when more than a few days passed without her seeing the cream mare. She rolled over and took the bag of sweets she’d been given, already it was half empty, she took one in her hoof and looked at it for a moment. She should ration herself, she popped the treat in her mouth, she’d start tomorrow.
Drawing herself up from her bed she walked over to the window, and looked out, the moon was high in the sky. She wasn’t sure in which direction Ponyville was, but it felt good to think that Bonny could be looking out at the same moon out there somewhere.
“Good night Bonnie,” she whispered, “I miss you.”
She looked down at the desk next to the window, there was one last thing to do before she let herself fall asleep. She levitated a quill (a present from Dad), ink and parchment from a drawer and laid them out. She thought for a moment and started to write.
As she staggered out of the noisy bar Bon Bon couldn’t help but once again think that today had all been a dream. She’d got the loan, not quite the sum she’d wanted, but enough for the building, most of the refitting, and setting up costs. There was some more exotic equipment she’d hoped to purchase that she’s have to get later now, but certainly enough for her immediate needs.
After leaving the bank she’d galloped home as fast as her hooves would carry her and announce the good news to her family. Her father had vaulted the counter when she’d told him, it gave the mare he was serving at the time quite a surprise. Her mother had even stopped in the middle of an experiment, and the two of them had insisted they take her out to dinner to celebrate and then after, on to a bar.
Somehow word of her good fortune had spread around town and the place was packed with well-wishers. Her friends, and just passing ponies, all congratulated her and promised to purchase her goods just as soon as she opened, which would still be the better part of a year away, but the intention was nice.
She took a deep breath and shivered a bit, autumn was well on its way now. There was only one thing that was missing, one thing that would always be missing now, Lyra. On any other day in the past the mint unicorn would have been there with her, would have been the first pony she would have told, would be her first customer, but now she was away in Canterlot, and would not be back for quite a while yet.
Bon Bon sighed, watching her breath fog in front of her and started to trot home. Her parents had left a few hours ago, and the rest of her friends had been slowly drifting away in ones or twos, leaving her to walk alone. She and Lyra would normally be one of those twos, she thought morosely. Then shook herself, no she couldn’t be like this. Well maybe for today, but she had to get over it, move on, Lyra had told her she did want to stay together, that just being apart would not break them up, and she had to believe that.
She looked up at the house in front of her and searched for her key. Once the new shop was finished she’d move there, another change. She supposed it was all part of growing up, she grinned, that wasn’t something nopony could accuse Lyra of doing. Looking up again as she opened the door she saw the moon in the sky silhouetting distant Canterlot. That same moon must be shining down on Lyra, whatever she was doing right now.
She quietly trotted up the stairs and into her room before slumping onto the bed. She sniffed, there was still a trace of her lover's scent from yesterday, another day or two and even that would be gone. She glanced over at the picture by her bed, her and Lyra at the running of the leaves last year, she reached up and gently touched the image of the unicorn. “Goodnight, Sweetie,” she whispered before rolling over and closing her eyes.
After a few minutes twisting and turning it looked like sleep wasn’t going to be forthcoming. Sighing Bon Bon rolled from the bed, maybe she should start in the kitchen again... no, this time there was something else she needed to do to settle her mind. She searched through the well organised contents of her bed side cabinet for a moment and brought out a pencil and paper. She paused for a moment before starting to write.