The wind howled past the glazed window of the library. Behind it stood Twilight Sparkle, staring out into the dark night. Giving out a sigh she turned from the window, back into the warm depths of her library. Several candles littered the room, a large pile of books making up a small reading area in the corner. In the midst of the fort lay a pile of pillows and a blanket on top. Nearby a fire blazed in the hearth, making the sweet smell of roasted hazelnuts.
Twilight trudged over to the structure, it's multicoloured form dominating most of the room. Letting out a deep breath she lay down in the midst of knowledge, her eyes darting through the towers searching for something to read. She settled for a tattered copy of early equestrian history. It told of the times before Celestia, a book she had had since she was just a filly.
Wrapping the book in her magical aura Twilight levitated it over to her, carefully laying it down on the silk fabric of a pillow. Turning over the cover she read the writing on the inside. 'To Twilight, love mommy.' was gracefully enscribed in black ink.
Smiling Twilight turned to the first side of the manuscript.
Chapter One - The Three Tribes.
Twilight had read the book hundreds of times over, its pages were tattered and partially burnt due to an incident the occurred over ten years ago. Through the years she had memorized each of the stories this old manuscript told. But only recently did she come to appreciate the final one. The one concerning friendship and all of its merits.
The wind continued to howl from behind the protective walls of the library. It rattled the windows, consuming everything in its path with ice and snow. Twilight didn't think that the blizzard would be this bad at the town meeting the day before. She would have prepared more, but it was a bit late for that.
As the minutes went by Twilight lay under the blanket, her pupils skating over the words as though they were a frozen pond. No matter how many times she read a book she would always be able to read it again. This was not true of all ponies, especially of Rainbow Dash who never seemed to have gone near a book in her life.
C'mon Rainbow Dash you can do this. All you have to say are those few, tiny, insignificant words.
The cold bit hard down on the cyan Pegasus' coat. The snow freezing to her pelt like the inside of a freezer. In the distance she could see the dark silhouette of the library set in front of her. Just a small speck of light escaping from a crack in the curtains.
Her limbs felt spent, as though she could hardly move them. But she kept on, driving towards her goal. Just in the way she always did.
In the midst of Twilight's thought a sharp knocking resounded from the framework of the large oak door that shut out the cold. Twilight looked up startled. She had not expected anyone to be outside now, not at this time or in this weather.
Getting up she paced over the solid wood floor to the dark outline of the doorway. As she opened it she was hit by a chilly blast of cold air and sleet. She was about to tell whoever it was out there that the library was closed but was surprised to see her dear friend Rainbow Dash, soaked through and through, her mane glistening with partially frozen droplets of water.
"Rainbow? What are you doing outside?" said Twilight showing immediate concern over the state of her friend. The only answer she received was a small shudder from the Pegasus whose limbs looked nearly frozen in place, barely able to move. "Quick, come inside." Yelled Twilight through the wind and snow. With a little help from Twilight she made her way onto the dry oak floor of the library.
There was now a little pile of snow beside the door, the warmth of the building already turning it to a slushy mass. The snow that coated Rainbow also began to slide off, the fire making it less gluey on her coat.
"Rainbow are you okay?" said Twilight, helping the Pegasus over to the fire. Her friend only managing to give a wry smile in return. "Here" said Twilight pulling the blanket over her friend, wrapping her in it to make sure she warmed up quickly. "I'll go make some cocoa."
Rainbow lay shivering in the blanket. The fire beginning to warm her body, Rainbow contemplated why she came to the library. Normally she would go to Fluttershy's house in such weather. She didn't know what drew her to the home of Twilight Sparkle.
The purple mare emerged from her kitchen, the two mugs of steaming chocolate floating beside her surrounded by magenta hue. "Here you go Rainbow." she said sympathetically. "So... why were you outside?"
Rainbow still didn't feel like she could really speak coherently. Instead she gave a small sigh and pointed to the fire.
Twilight understood what Rainbow meant. Although it still didn't explain why Rainbow was outside in this weather, she would have expected her to go to her own home at least several hours ago. "That doesn't really help me Rainbow."
Furrowing her brow Rainbow summoned all her willpower in order to speak. "I... Cl...oud houses aren't th...the best at keeping out th... the cold." she croaked.
Twilight hadn't considered that, or even remembered that Rainbow lived in a cloud house. "Then why didn't you come here sooner? Come to think of it why didn't you stay with Fluttershy or Rarity, after all they live far closer to you."
Rainbow considered this. Her voice returning she felt she could keep up a reasonable conversation. "I dunno. I usually stay with F...Fluttershy during a storm. But I've never stayed with you so I thought I may as w... well come here." saying this she picked up the mug and took a sip of the hot cocoa. The warmth spread through her body, revitalizing her. She felt much better now. "Mmmmmm... th... that's good."
"Why thankyou, Spike taught me how to make it. I got the cocoa from Zecora, it's meant to make you feel really cosy on a cold night like this." said Twilight.
Rainbow's eyes fell on the bastion of literature that was Twilight's book fort. "So, what were you planning on doing tonight Twi'?" she said, hiding a smirk.
Twilight looked at the towers of books. "I guess I was going to do some reading. You can join me if you want." she asked hopefully.
"Reading? Reading's for eggheads like you Twilight." giggled Rainbow Dash.
"I'm not an egghead. I think you would really like reading if you tried Rainbow. There are some books, such as this series here which I think you would really like." Twilight reached into the walls of her fort and began to pull out a blue hardback when Rainbow stopped her.
"No offense Twilight but books aren't really my thing." said Rainbow "I prefer flying. Fast."
"Well you aren't doing any of that in here." said Twilight giving Rainbow a small frown.
"Don't worry Twilight, i'm not really planning on messing up your library." smirked Rainbow, putting a hoof on Twilight's shoulder.
Twilight looked at the clock on the mantle. "Well maybe we could get some sleep. You can help me get out the guest bed." she began to walk towards the stairway leading up to her bedroom. Rainbow followed her up the solid steps. She noticed the everything, from the bookshelves to the fireplace were all carved from the tree.
The door creaked as Twilight pushed it aside, filling the darkened room with a shaft of white light. Two shadows moved along the carpet, Twilight going to the light switch. Suddenly the room came to life with vibrant colour. All of the different books showing off the rich gold lettering that adorned their spines..
A small set of stairs led up to a balcony like room overlooking the clamour of colour that was the full shelves of Twilight's personal library. Twilight gestured toward them. "C'mon Rainbow. Lets get the guest bed out."
The wind still moaned outside the shuttered windows. It's strength still rattling the frame of the tree.
Rainbow flew up alongside Twilight to land on the oak floor of the balcony. Looking around she saw what was familiar. The telescope, the bed and everything one would associate with Twilight. Especially books, lots of books.
The two ponies walked over to the closet containing Twilight's spare bed. Opening it Twilight pulled the metal frame out with her magic, placing it opposite her own and unfolding it. Rainbow slipped out the mattress, setting it down beside the bed so that Twilight could piece it all together.
Once she finished Twilight turned to Rainbow. "Rainbow. Just a thought, do you want a bath? I often feel they make me feel really nice after I've been cold." she said with a smile.
"Thanks Twilight, but no thanks. I'm fine." insisted the Pegasus.
"Are you sure Rainbow?" said Twilight, her kind voice shifting slowly to one of concern. "I won't feel happy unless i'm sure you're okay."
Rainbow considered this, it was probably best she just had the bath rather than Twilight pestering her about it. And besides it felt nice to have Twilight care about her so much, almost as though she knew. "Ugh, fine."
"Spike usually wastes the whole supply with his bubble baths but he's in Canterlot so there should be plenty of hot water for both of us." said Twilight. "You can go first."
"Wouldn't you like to join me?" said Rainbow, then she realized what she said. "Oh no, sorry. I didn't mean it like that."
"It's okay Rainbow. Slip of the tongue." said Twilight smiling.
Then Rainbow realized. She didn't actually know where the bathroom was in the library. "Uh, Twilight. Where... is the bath?"
"Oh it's in that room over there." Twilight pointed to a doorway between two bookcases. "Towels and everything are in there."
"Thanks." and with that Rainbow trotted off towards the door. "Twilight?..."
"Yes Rainbow?" replied the unicorn, who was levitating a book towards her.
"Ummmmm... Nothing." she said as she hung her head down and continued on her way to the bathroom.
When Rainbow turned the light on she closed the door, bolted it shut and trotted over to the tub. Turning the tap she began to think. Why is this so difficult? Why can't I tell her?
The warm water flowed steadily from the mouth of the tap. Dipping her hooves in it Rainbow felt the calming sensation of warmth spread throughout her body. She sighed and slumped down against the side of the tub. "Oh Twilight why can't I just tell you?" She unfurled a wing, bringing it out in front of her. She inspected each feather, to see which was her best. Picking out the third primary she took a deep breath and pulled.
Rainbow felt as if her wing was on fire, she yelped in pain. The sharp stab rocketed through her system like an out of control carriage. She sat there, leaning against the side of the bath, caressing her wing. A small speck of blood appeared where the feather used to be.
Twilighted banged on the door. "Rainbow are you alright? I heard you scream."
"I'm fine Twilight." said Rainbow through the door. "I... uh, just bumped my knee."
Twilight contemplated. "Well if you're sure you're okay..."
"Yeah. I'm fine." said Rainbow, picking the feather up in her hoof. She inspected it in her hoof, turning it over. Deciding it was perfect. She carefully placed the feather down on the sink.
Turning round she found that the bath was nearly full. Trotting over she turned the faucet and the trickle of water ceased. Testing the water she shuddered. She wasn't used to warm bath's. She would normally fly under a raincloud, let the freezing air dry off the moisture from her coat. She only really had used a bath when Fluttershy had forced her to in the past because she was staying there, but she would still have it cold.
Sliding into the water she felt a wonderful sensation of warmthness spread throughout her body. Almost as good as when she sat next to Twilight, but not quite as good. She kneeled in the water, letting her fur soak up the liquid. She let out a sigh. Most of the pain in her wing had gone, it still itched a bit but wasn't anything the warm water could take her mind off. Besides, Rainbow had bigger problems right now.
Twilight sat on a pile of cushions in her personal library. The book that had been thrown to the floor when she heard Rainbow scream was now once again safely enveloped in her magic. She turned the page, completely mesmerized by the text that rolled over the yellow parchment.
The wooden door clicked behind Twilight, her captivation in the book coupled with the dim clamor of the wind and slow outside rendered the rest of the world obsolete to her senses. She didn't even hear the thud of hoofsteps coming up behind her, or the words. "Twilight."
"Twilight!" shouted the Pegasus for what was the fifth time.
"Hmmm?" stirred Twilight, emerging from her trance.
"It's your turn." said Rainbow, tutting. "How do you do that?" she said to herself.
"Oh okay." said Twilight, slowly rising from her spot. She put a leather bookmark in the novel, placing it on her desk. "Feel free to get comfortable." She walked through and slowly put the bolt through, locking out the rest of the world. She looked around, surveying the room. Everything looked just the same, the sink, the vase. She turned on the tap and waited.
The minutes seemed to go by endlessly, each tick from the clock on the mantle became ever slower. Rainbow Dash sat, deep in thought. What would be the best way to go about this, how could she ask her? Would this ruin their friendship... forever? She grimaced at the thought. Twilight wouldn't want to hurt her like that. Would she?
What was only a matter of minutes felt like hours, but finally Twilight emerged from the bathroom. Drying the last drops of water from her mane.
Dash stayed where she was, giving Twilight an awkward look. "Uh, Twilight. Can I talk to you about something.
"Sure Rainbow. What's up." enquired Twilight as she lay down opposite her friend.
"You know how I told you a few months ago that i'm into... well, mares." said Rainbow, hiding her face. A blush creeping it's way onto her face.
Twilight looked puzzled. "Umm... Yeah." She cocked her head. "Why?"
"Well. You know how you told me to tell our friends." said Rainbow, still turned away from Twilight.
Twilight bolted up. "Ohmygosh Rainbow. Did they not accept you? Is that why you came to stay with me?" She pulled Rainbow's neck towards her, trying in any way possible to help her friend. But she wasn't met with a sad face. If anything Rainbow just seemed confused.
"No Twilight." she said, pulling away from the unicorns grasp. "I haven't told anypony. You're still the only one who knows."
"Oh..." said Twilight. "Why not then?"
Rainbow turned away again. "It's difficult Twilight. I don't know why but I think you're the only pony who can know this." she stood and trudged over to a bookshelf.
"Why do you suppose that is?" said Twilight, standing up amidst the pile of cushions.
"Because. There... There's somepony I think I like." she picked out a dusty maroon book.
"Well Rainbow. If there's anything I can help you with then just ask me." said Twilight, joining her friend at the shelves.
"Umm... You probably know far more about this pony than me." said Rainbow. " I don't even know if she likes mares. Let alone if she would be into me."
"Well who is it Rainbow. You know I want to help you."
Rainbow turned to Twilight. "I... Uh, oh who am I kidding? Twilight. I don't want this to ruin our friendship but... I think I like... you."
Twilight stumbled, did she just hear that correctly. Her mind surely had to be playing tricks on her. "W... what?" she exclaimed.
"I... like you."
Twilight swooned, her hooves clattering over the wooden floor. She landed on the pile of cushions, a small squeak came from her mouth.
Rainbow hid her face once again. "I should probably go. If you hate me now... that's okay." as she walked slowly towards the door a tear slid down the side of her face. She blew it. There was no way to go back. No way she could fix this.
"Please don't go."
Rainbow stopped, more tears rolling down her face. "W.. what?"
"Please don't go." reiterated Twilight.
"But..." stammered Rainbow.
"Please... come and sit with me." said the unicorn. "I don't want you to go." Her mane was already a tangled mess, she looked as though Rainbow's confession had taken it all out of her.
"Twilight." said Rainbow. "You look awful. We should probably get some sleep."
Slowly, through her tears, she guided Twilight off the cushions. They climbed the stairs, each one being taken with care. When the two ponies reached Twilight's bedroom balcony Rainbow helped the unicorn onto her bed.
Rainbow then turned away from Twilight. plodding over to the spare bed. Then she remembered something. Gliding back down to the lower level she reached into her bag. After some searching she pulled out the shining cyan feather she had plucked from her wing.
When she landed at Twilight's bedside she noticed the unicorn was already asleep. She looked cute. Rainbow chuckled and laid the feather on the bedside table. Turning around she headed for the guest bed. She would have to work all of this out after the storm.
