> A New Era Dawns
>  by Mystic Sunrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> A Coronation to Remember
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was the day, the day that all of Equestria was looking forward to. And Princess Twilight Sparkle would not stop fidgeting. So much so that Rarity growled in annoyance as she had to redo another stitch on her friend's coronation dress.

"Twilight, darling. I understand that this is an important day for you. But will you please hold still? You will never be ready in time at this rate. And I know how much you hate being late," the fashionista said, shooting a pointed glare at the alicorn.

That seemed to settle Twilight down a little, but she was still nervous. "I'm sorry, Rarity. But I can't help. Everything is going fine so far. But what if something goes wrong? What if this is all just one big mistake? I don't think I'm ready yet!"

Rarity's frown melted into a smile. "Darling. What makes you say that? Do you really think Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would do this if they didn't think you are ready? All of Equestria knows you are ready. You seem to be the only one who thinks otherwise."

Twilight smiled sheepishly, but finally relaxed, allowing her friend to continue. "I know. But I can't help it. I've been like this for as long as I can remember."

Spike snickered, as he and Cozy Glow went over the itinerary for the celebration. "Ain't that the truth. Though you're not as bad you used to be, Twilight."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Spike. How are we coming along?"

Spike looked again at the list. "Pinkie is supervising setting up the after-party with Princess Luna. They've had to make Princess Celestia Pinkie Promise not to touch any of the cakes."

Cozy giggled. "Miss Fluttershy had to go buy the right kind of snacks for the birds who are gonna crown you. Not sure why she wouldn't have them herself. But she should be back any minute."

Spike nodded. "Rainbow and the Wonderbolts are warming up over Canterlot. They'll be in place in time. Rainbow won't let them be late. Not for this."

Cozy nodded. "Miss Applejack and Mr. Big Mac are making sure the crates from Sweet Apple Acres are here and ready. I think I heard her say she would rip him a new one if he messed it up somehow."

Spike rolled his eyes. "And Starlight is busy preparing a special surprise for you. But that's all I'm allowed to say." He checked just to be safe. "We're actually ahead of schedule. If you'll just hold still long enough."

Twilight took the hint and stayed as still as she could. Outwardly at least. Inside, she was still unsure about all of this. But she trusted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to know what they were doing.

"Oh, Twilight. You look beautiful," Princess Celestia said as she and Luna entered the room, the two of them waiving off any attempt to bow to them by the group. "I must say you might look even more radiant than you did during your first coronation."

Twilight blushed and bowed her head. "Thank you, princess. I'm just so nervous. Something could still go wrong."

Luna rolled her eyes. "I'm glad to see that somethings never change."

Cozy and Spike shared a look. "What do you mean?" The Pegasus asked.

Celestia giggled at a long-ago memory. "Luna and I were nervous wrecks before our own coronation. Just ask Starswirl. He can tell you the full story. I had much the same fears as Twilight does, I feel."

Now Twilight was really worried. "What happened?"

Celestia and Luna shared a look before breaking out into hopeless giggles. "Absolutely nothing went wrong. There was no plan for us, so we just made it up as we went along," Luna replied after a moment.

Celestia nodded. "We all shared a good laugh at our paranoid I was being afterward. It wasn't perfect. But I wouldn't have changed a thing about it."

Luna sighed, as she looked out a nearby window. "Neither would I."

That seemed to finally put the young alicorn at ease, as she sighed. "I just hope nothing goes wrong tonight. Equestria doesn't need another disaster after the Legion of Doom."

Everyone winced at the reminder of the Battle of the Bell. It was still too fresh for most of Equestria. How easily they had been torn apart by racial hatred and grudges long thought lost to the Three Tribes Era.

Twilight knew that she had her work cut out for her. This wouldn't be fixed overnight. But she had confidence that she and her friends could do it.

She still had one question though. "What about my crown? I still don't have one. My old one doesn't feel right to use. Not after the coronation."

Celestia nodded. "We have that in mind, Twilight. But that is something you must wait for the coronation to know about."

Luna nodded, her smile softening. "Consider it a final gift from the two of us to you."

Twilight snorted. But she could see that she wouldn't be getting any answers out of the Royal Sisters. No matter how hard she tried to glare at them.

A few more moments of work and Rarity stepped back with an excited squee. "Well, darling. I dare say that this is some of my best work yet! You look stunning. Fit for a princess."

Everyone nodded as they admired Twilight's gown. Twilight took her first real look at it as well. She would never call herself an expert on fashion, but even she could see that her gown was beautiful.

The blue complimented her mane and tail colors, almost like Princess Luna's own when she had first returned from being Nightmare Moon. On her left front hoof was a representation of her cutie mark, while along the train were smaller takes on her cutie mark. Her mane had been done up in a rather fancy style, the latest in Canterlot fashion as Rarity had said earlier.

Twilight couldn't help but shed tears as she pulled the unicorn into a hug. "It's beautiful, Rarity. Thank you."

Rarity was more than happy to return the hug, careful not to mess up Twilight's look in the process. "You're very welcome, darling. Now go knock 'em dead."

Twilight giggled as they pulled apart. Princess Celestia herself couldn't hold back her tears, as she and Luna's smiles grew. "We really are both just so proud of you, Twilight. I know Equestria will be in better hooves."

Rarity took the cue, and ushered Cozy Glow and Spike out of the room, down to their seats along with the other countless guests in attendance. It seemed all of Equestria and beyond had shown up for the coronation.

Twilight steeled herself. "I won't let you down, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna."

Luan nodded, placing a hoof on the younger mare's shoulder. "We know you won't, Twilight. Are you ready?"

Twilight looked out the window, finally noticing the time. The coronation had been timed so that she would lower the sun and raise the moon for the very first time tonight. She gulped. "As I'll ever be."

Celestia and Luna shared a knowing look before the three of them pulled each other into a hug. One they all embraced happily.

***

Down below, the crowd waited rather impatiently. They all knew what was to come. But couldn't they hurry it up?! The dragons and yaks especially were getting impatient, and they weren't known for their patience as it was.

In the front row, Twilight's friends and family had the best view. Velvet and Night Light couldn't have been more proud of their daughter. Velvet's heart might just burst from all the pride she felt at the moment.

Finally, though, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna appeared on the balcony, to thunderous applause.

Celestia smiled as she raised a hoof. "Citizens of Equestria and beyond!"

The crowds cheered, while the dragons breathed fire into the air.

Celestia waited a moment until the noise had died down. "My sister and I have ruled this land for quite some time, but even we know that change eventually comes to us all. And though we know it can be unsettling, it is as natural as the rising and setting of the sun and moon."

Luna nodded. "Both of which my sister and I feel confident leaving in the hooves of the pony who will come after us."

The crowd cheered, more subdued now.

Celestia's pride could be heard by all as she turned back to the door that she and Luna had come from. "And so without further ado, I give you the new ruler of Equestria. Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

The crowd held its breath as Princess Twilight joined the sisters on the balcony. Even from a distance, she radiated confidence and surety. 

As Twilight took her place in between Celestia and Luna, the sisters closed their eyes and ignited their horns. In a shimmer of magic, they removed their crowns from their heads. In awe, Twilight watched as the Solar and Lunar crowns floated toward each other, before merging together into a single golden crown. In the center of the crown was Twilight's own cutie mark.

As the glow from the merging subsided, a trio of Fluttershy's birds flew up and took the crown in their beaks. With a gentleness that surprised some, they settled the newly forged crown onto Twilight's head, settling carefully into place before letting go and settling into a rhythm as they hovered next to her.

As soon as the crown touched her brow, Twilight felt the magic contained within merge with her own magic. It was not all of Celestia and Luna's magic, but it was enough that she felt her own magic increase a hundredfold, even as the sun and moon themselves connected to her.

She giggled at the feeling that was filling her. It was warm and comforting. The sun and moon were welcoming her to the bond they all shared. It was a beautiful feeling, and it was something Twilight could get used to.

She looked up at the crown. No. Her crown. And it was truly hers now. Oh sure, she could take it off of course. But it would look really dumb if somepony else wore it.

Stepping up to the front of the balcony now, Twilight spread her wings. By her side, Celestia and Luna bowed to the princess. Not out of duty. But out of reverence.

"Hail, Princess Twilight!" Celestia began.

"May her reign be as eternal as the Armor of Eternity itself!" Luna finished.

The crowd went ballistic, the cheer they sent up echoing loudly off the distant mountains it seemed. Together, all the ponies in the crowd bowed to the new princess. And while the other creatures did not bow, they bowed their heads in respect.

And for Princess Twilight, as she waived to the crowds below and the Woderbolts took to the skies, that was all she could ask for.

***

With the Coronation itself now over, the After Party was now in full swing. With the serious business out of the way, everyone was far more relaxed than before.

Twilight finally allowed herself to all but collapse at the table her friends were all sharing, an exhausted sigh escaping her lips. She had spent the last hour or so personally greeting each and every ruler in attendance, and while she was friends with many of them, this had been the first time she had spoken to them as one ruler to another.

Fluttershy gave a concerned look. "Did something happen? Were they not happy about something?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. Everyone was as nice as could be. I think I even saw Prince Rutherford smile. But it's just so exhausting. I don't know how Celestia and Luna did it."

"With a lot of practice," Celestia said, as she and Luna joined the group. "You will get used to it in time." Her smile softened. "You did very well, Princess Twilight."

Twilight blushed. "Please. You two, of all ponies, don't need to call me that." She tried to smirk. "Don't make me make it a Royal Order."

Luna scoffed, seemingly offended, but her smile said otherwise. "Already issuing a Royal Order? And to us? How times have changed."

Everypony laughed, as Spike and Starlight finally joined them, a book held in Spike's claws. "We wanted to give you this before we left Ponyville. But we kinda ran out of time."

Twilight took the book in her magic, as Starlight continued. "Since you're moving away, we thought if you missed any of us or Ponyville, this might help."

As Twilight opened it to the first page and began to look through the book, her eyes welled up with tears. But they were tears of joy.

"It's a book of memories," Pinkie said, seeing the effect it was having on her friend.

"And we all chipped in some," Applejack added.

Fluttershy's smile grew. "No matter how much things change, you'll always have this to look back on."

Twilight sniffed as she tried to dry her eyes. "I love it. Thank you all so much. But I don't want to only look back. It's our relationships that really count, and we have to maintain them."

Rarity looked thoughtful. "But now that we'll be living in different places, I'm not exactly sure how."

Twilight closed her eyes. This had been bugging her for some time now, and now it was time to make her choice. Her head was saying one thing. To move back to Canterlot, abandon the town that had all but adopted her as their own, to leave her friends. It was the right thing to do politically.

But in her heart, she knew where she truly belonged. And as she opened her eyes and looked at her friends and family, Twilight made her choice, and damn what came from it. She smiled as she stood to her full height. "Spike. Take a letter. No. A Royal Proclamation."

Spike dutifully pulled out a parchment and quill, ready to write down whatever his big sister dictated, though he bore a look of confusion, as did everyone around her, though Celestia and Luna seemed to guess what might be coming, for their own smiles grew.

Twilight cleared her throat. "As of now, the seat of the reigning Princess of Equestria will no longer be Canterlot. Henceforth, the Throne of Princess Twilight Andromeda Sparkle will be Ponyville and the Castle of Friendship. The seat of government will remain Canterlot. But no longer will the princess be so removed from those she serves and protects."

You could hear the jaws drop in shock as Twilight finished. Even Spike was shocked, as he finished the proclamation and handed it to Twilight, who signed and sealed it with her Royal Seal. As the wax seal was removed, it was now official.

"But. Why, darling?" Rarity asked.

Twilight looked out toward the small town. "Because I wouldn't the pony I am today without everything we all did in Ponyville. I won't change that."

Rainbow was still lost. "So why did you pack everything up at the castle then?"

Twilight's ears dropped. "Because Rainbow. I wasn't sure. I didn't know where I truly belonged. Now I do. Canterlot was where I was born. But Ponyville is where I grew up. I won't change that now."

Spike looked worried. "Does that mean I have to unpack everything?" He wasn't looking forward to that.

Twilight giggled as she pulled him into a hug. "No, Spike. I'll do it. You deserve the break. I'll even help you with your room." She winked at him. "Besides. I need something new to read. Maybe it's time I start trying some of those comics you like so much."

Spike looked excited at that at least, but the others were still lost. "So does this mean you're taking back the School of Friendship?" Starlight asked, trying to sound happy, but they could all hear her worry.

Twilight shook her head, smiling gently. "No, Starlight. The School of Friendship is in better hooves with you. I'll still keep an eye on it. But the school is yours now. I won't have time enough to be Princess and Headmare at the same time."

Applejack looked back at the castle. "So how the hay are ya getting back and forth? Long trip. Even for you."

Rarity nodded. "And this is going to cause quite a stir, Twilight. What will the staff and the Royal Guard do?"

Twilight nodded. She had thought of this. "I and Starlight have been working on a faster way to teleport for awhile now. I can be in Canterlot within a few minutes from Ponyville."

She tapped her chin. "I plan to stay in Canterlot a few days to work out all the details with the staff and the Royal Guard. As you said, Applejack. Change is as natural as the passing of the seasons. It's time for a new change."

Luna nodded her smile now a match for Pinkie Pie's. "We always knew that whatever adversity you faced, you and your friends would find your way through it together."

Celestia nodded. "We know Equestria is in the perfect hooves with you and your friends looking out for it. And while we will always be here if you need us, it is time for us to be on our way.

The group gasped. "You're leaving?" Cozy Glow asked.

Luna grinned. "We hope you'll come and visit us in Silver Shoals."

"But now it's time for you to rule on your own." She placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "You are more than capable."

Twilight's felt her tears gather once more. But it was more out of joy. "Thank you. Thank you both. For everything."

Without warning, Twilight rushed forward and pulled her mentor into a hug. One that Celestia was more than happy to return. And as Twilight felt her friends and Luna join the hug, she knew one thing for certain.

Everything was going to be just fine.