Chapter one: A Tawny Sunrise
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Chapter 1
The Tawny Sunrise
The early twilight was a soft orange as it came through Twilight’s window. As the light of the sun graced her face her eyes opened, the sunlit them like amethyst. It’s as if the suns rise and fall were connected to her sleep schedule. She slowly crawled out of her bed, almost hesitant as she reached the end of her blanket. There was that pause, the ‘I want to sleep for five more minutes’ pause. But her will to learn far overpowered her lethargy. She did however take the blanket off of her bed. It kept her wrapped up in a literal blanket of warmth as she moved down into her library. She didn’t need to find a new book to start. Instead she came to her desk, which had a book with a bookmark in it. She opened it to her page which read, “Fundamentals of group teleportation.”
Transporting herself was one thing, but moving more than two ponies was a tough feat. She began to sink her teeth into the reading. Unsurprisingly Twilight began to get wrapped up in her studies, even though she was the prize student of Celestia there were certain advanced spells she couldn’t just pick up. She had been away from school for two years, and without her tutor. She loved living in Ponyville that she couldn’t deny, but certain magic just couldn’t be self-taught. Spike wouldn’t wake for several hours still, which gave her the opportunity to cram that extra bit of knowledge in before she made the daily checklist. Peewee landed lightly on her back, providing extra light in the early hours.
The reading went on for not even an hour, it would have continued, if not for a knock at the door. Twilight blinked away her focused and sleepy eyes to make her way to the door. Only to find on the other side, a bright and energetic Pinkie pie. She bounced, but the energy was not reciprocated as Twilight only blinked. “Hi Twilight!”
Twilight blinked again and placed weary smile on to see her friend. “Hey Pinkie…” Her own sentence was interrupted with a yawn. “How can I help you?”
Light tufts of dust spread with each bounce “Didn’t’cha hear? Somepony moved in last night!”
Again Twilight blinked again knowing what was coming she still felt inclined to ask. “Okay… and?”
“Well we got to go meet them silly!”
“Pinkie…” Twilight blinked a few times as she thought about her words. “How about you go gather everyone else first then come back?”
“Oh!” Pinkie chuckled delighted with herself, “I already woke them up!”
Twilight tilted her body and leaned her neck around Pinkie who respectfully took a step to the side so that she may see. Yup, there they were. Fluttershy was letting out a soft yawn, Applejack was laying in the bush sleeping, Rainbow’s eyes were closed, it looked like she would fall over if not for Rarity taking a step over to keep her balanced, her eyes were wrought with exhaustion, she even still wore her nightgown with her sleeping mask on her head. Twilight sighed as she could only concede; at least she had been awake for a while. Some other ponies looked like they were dragged straight out of bed. “Alright Pinkie, give me a moment.”
Twilight retreated and simply placed a bookmark back in her book. Then returned to the door. “Alright let’s go.”
The troupe trod taciturnly toward their goal, with of course the exception of Pinkie. She hopped with her usual vigor. Rarity tilted half-awake toward Twilight “How does anyone have that much energy this early?”
Twilight shook her head lightly with a smile. “Pinkie is a bundle of energy, truly a phenomenon.”
It wasn’t long before the six reached their destination. It was just on the outskirts the main road. With the exception of Fluttershy’s own cottage it would be the closest house to the Everfree forest. The streets were completely empty as they approached, not uncommon for this time of day. Pinkie bounced up the stairs onto the porch while the rest merely stood at the bottom, seeming to be too lethargic this early in the morning. Pinkie knocked the door with her head, a grin stretching across her face as she couldn’t wait to meet her new friend. Nothing, there seemed to be no answer. Pinkie looked over her shoulder a moment to see her sleepy friends before turning and knocked again. There were another few moments of silence. “Pinkie… Maybe they’re still asleep.”
Pinkie was about to rap more vigorously on the door before the lesson she learned from Cranky Doodle popped into her head. He hoof withdrew in a flinch. She didn’t want to annoy some pony again. “Maybe you’re right Twilight.”
Rainbow, as well as a few of the others seemed annoyed, being awoke so early only to head back before their objective was complete. Twilight smiled, “Alright, lets head back to the libr-”
Her sentence was cut short by the sound stirring from inside the house. Pinkie turned half way back toward the door. They all stared a moment before the door opened. An androgynous face with a horn poked out. The six were greeted with a light yawn followed by a smile. “Why hello there, how can I help you all this fine morning.”
Their coat was a creamsicle orange with a brown mane and deep green eyes.
Pinkie perked propitiously. “Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie! We’re here to give you a warm welcome to Pony Ville!”
The new pony simple blinked with light confusion and amusement. Pinkie’s squeaked out happily as she spoke. “This is Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow dash, and Fluttershy!”
The group of them let out an amorphous greeting. Each other’s words lost in the mash. The pony looked at the five concerned; he then looked at Pinkie before opening his door wide. He was wearing a large cloak similar to those worn by the high mages of Canterlot. “Well thank you all. Why don’t you come in?”
Pinkie bounce with a smile before rushing in, the new pony only watched quizzically before turning to the others who were now making their way up the steps and into his door. The last to reach him was Twilight who looked at him concerned. “Are you sure it’s alright? You look like you need sleep.”
He raised a hoof and waved it dismissively. “Oh no it’s alright; I’ll have plenty of time to sleep later.”
The mare was hardly reassured by his smile, he seemed like he could fall from exhaustion at any moment, and it was obvious he was able to sense this as he spoke again. “Now come in, I’ll put on some tea.”
Twilight dipped her head respectfully and proceeded to make her way inside. The new pony followed suit closing the door behind them both. Twilight was, for some reason surprised to find no furnishings. But instead cardboard boxes stacked into the corners of the room were all that there was to fill the empty space. Twilight turned to him, “How long have you been here?”
The pony turned lightly as he passed her toward the kitchen. “I only finished getting the boxes off the wagon an hour ago.”
Twilight blinked as he passed into the kitchen. Applejack looked to Pinkie “Ah ya sure that we had to do this now? It couldn’t have waited until at least noon?”
“Or after noon?” Rainbow chimed in annoyed.
Rarity withheld a comment about beauty sleep and found herself taking off her sleeping mask so that she may tuck it into her night gown. The coming tea would be quite welcome to this otherwise early morning. Beside Pinkie Pie and Twilight, Fluttershy also seemed to be awake. Taking care of the chickens was probably work done early. It didn’t take long before the pony returned with a tray of cups on his head. He moved to the sole table in the middle of the room. “Sorry about the wait, I had to find the rest of the tea cups.”
He lowered his head and placed the tray. He then pushed it to the center. “Nah, it’s alright. We’re the ones knockin on your door so early.”
Apple Jack said with a smile. She knew for herself, if it were anyone else but Pinkie, she would have stayed in her bed. Waking this early was strictly reserved for harvest season. “So… ah, do you have a name?”
The pony perked realizing he had yet to introduce himself “I am Tawny Blast. I just moved from Canterlot to continue my studies in quiet. Sorry I’m a little sleepy.”
He gave a light bow before taking a sip of the tea, his voice held a light regality with the lack of haughtiness. Rarity and Fluttershy were taking small sips of the tea, though their eyes still had light weary infecting them. Rainbow smelt the liquid, her nose curled and she brought her head back. Though she did her best not to seem rude and forced herself to take a sip. Finding the concoction wasn’t completely intolerable, though it certainly could use a tea spoon of sugar.
Rarity looked up, at Tawny. He seemed rather quiet for a Canterlot pony, and the occasional sound of sipping did little to lighten the awkward air. She supposed it was time to take a shot in the dark and try to start a conversation. “So, Um, this tea is from Canterlot?”
Tawny nodded lightly as he took a ginger sip, his green eyes didn’t rise to meet her. “Yes, If you like I could give you some. I can always send Abby to get more.”
Pinkie smiled wide once again as she put down her, now empty, tea cup. Her eyes lit immensely as she asked, “Abby!? Is there another new pony??”
Everyone took a moment to stare at the Pinkie’s cup, which was now empty of any traces that I once contained a scalding hot liquid. “Uhm, no. Abby is a Dragon.” Tawny answered
“Ooh is she around!?”
Pinkie seemed to be simply bursting she began to run around the house, looking for aforementioned dragon. Meeting more new people, how could this day get any better? But Tawny shook his head with an amused smile as the pony returned to the room. “No she won’t be here for a few more days.”
Pinkies head drooped, like a child being scolded for drawing on the walls. “Aww.”
He took a moment watching with some sort of empathy before he quirked eyebrow. “How
about when she gets in I’ll bring her around town and introduce you two?”
Without a beat she bounced. “That would be super-duper fantastic!”
The seven chat about little things for a little while longer. They have some tea, laugh and smile, their discussions don’t wander far from pleasant conversation. There was discussion about the difference between Ponyville and Canterlot, Twilight obliged some tips on adjusting to a slower paced town. All was taken in mental notes and met with understanding nods. Time passed and Tawny looked out to see the high sun. “Alright, it’s getting…. Uh… early. I should probably take a nap before going to the market. If you’d all like to come back tomorrow we can have tea again.”
The six got up, the first to show herself out was Applejack “Ah right there we’ll just see ourselves out. It was great meeting ya Tawny.”
Pinkie clicked her heels. “Yeah! And I can’t wait to meet Abby!”
Rarity smiled “You are by far one of the most civilized ponies I’ve met from Canterlot. I do hope to see you in my boutique.” She grabbed a small parcel of tea leaves that Tawny had prepared for her and exited, looking far more elegant now that she had time to wake up.
Rainbow Dash hopped into the air and began to fly out. “Yeah, you’re pretty cool, for an egghead.”
Fluttershy silently moved toward the door. “mm. uh. Pleasure.”
She dipped her head shyly before exiting, which left Twilight who was finishing a cup of tea. She readied a farewell. “Alright Tawny I’ll-“
But Tawny held up his hoof to silence her. “You know, you’re not what I had expected Twilight.”
She blinked, before running the words through her mind again. “I’m sorry… do you know me?”
The orange stallion shrugged and shook his head. “Well… we’ve never met. But I’ve heard a lot about you from the other mages. You know… ‘Celestia’s star pupil’ and all.”
Twilight felt a little uneasy as she felt her hooves shift uncomfortably underneath her. “What do they say…?” concern was lightly wafting throughout her voice.
Tawny gave an awkward smile with a quirked eyebrow. “Nothing bad, C’mon… Not everyone is terrible and uptight in Canterlot. Mainly they just talk about how you have much prowess for one so young. They all see much potential and expect great things from you.”
Twilight blinked she was unaware she held such high interest with the mages of Canterlot. She was happy that people were excited to see what she could do, but what if she didn’t meet what they thought she should be able to achieve. “So… what do you mean not what you expected?”
She thought maybe he thought she would be more powerful by now. Perhaps he expected her to be prettier. Maybe she didn’t smile enough, but all of her worries were put to rest with his next sentence. As he spoke, he stared out a window, allowing the sun to shine on his face. “I guess… I just expected you to be ungracious. To look down on others because of your status, but you’ve surprised me. You entertain the company of earth ponies and pegasi. You don’t look down on them like many others mages do. It’s nice to see, I haven’t seen that in many academy students.”
After a moment he turned to her inspecting her stance. “Twilight Sparkle…”
Twilight picked her head and looked into his eyes. “Y-yes..?”
“Don’t ever lose that grounded presence. It’s nice to see a pony that could actually represent the academy. The princess was right to choose you.”
It wasn’t what she had expected to hear. She blinked half sure she hadn’t heard correctly. But she didn’t get a chance to ask before he nodded, indicating that she should join her friends. “Oh. Um. It was good to meet you Tawny.”
He nods to her and she makes her way out. Tawny turns around seemingly so that he may rest like his original intent.
Applejack had been waiting for her friend. She looked quirk eyed toward the door then her friend. “What the hay was that about?”
Twilight felt herself unconsciously tilt her head for a moment. “I’m not really, sure. I think he was informing of what’s going on in Canterlot.”
Apple jack began walking with her friend toward the library. “What d’ya mean ‘in Canterlot.’”
She shrugged and shook their head. “I’m not sure. I guess people are looking forward to my work.”
Her hatted friend looked at her with a smile “Well that’s good ain’t it?”
“I guess…” she began. “But what if I don’t meet their expectations?”
Apple Jack smiled lightly. “Now sugar cube, I’m sure they’ll like whatever you present. After all, the princess seems to really like what you’re doing.”
Twilight bit her lip a moment. “That’s why I’m worried; I’m the princess’ student. They might all be expecting some phenomenal work, maybe new spells or a new theory on magic.”
Apple Jack and Twilight reached the library. Twilight was opening the door. “Well, Twi, I don’t know anything about magic. But if you think there is any way I can help just ask.”
A grin reached Twilight’s face. “Thanks AJ, I know I can always count on you.”
She went to shut the door, before Applejack chimed in. “Uhm, Twi, would you mind if I took a nap here? I think I would collapse if I tried to make it back to tha farm.”
A smile was returned. “Sure AJ my bed is just upstairs.”
She watched her friend, who gave her a thankful nod, walk up the stairs and flop over on the bed. She seemed to be out like a light. As she watched she noticed Spike, who was cleaning. “The morning chores are almost done Twilight.”
She smiled to him. “My Spike, you’re vigilant even in my absence. I’m going to have to buy you a treat later.”
He let out a small child like laugh. “Gee, thanks Twilight.”
Twilight smiled as she closed the door behind herself. “Now spike, I need some parchment.”
He blinked and went and got the parchment she asked for, she already had a quill. “I’m going to write a letter to the princess, if you could do me a favour and go to the market to grab some groceries that would be great.”
He blinked a moment looking at her, a little skeptical but he had no reason to question her. “Yeah… Sure Twi.” He moved over to the desk and took out a bag of bits before heading to the door. He looked at her confused at first but then opened the door and moved on. “Alright, time to learn a little about Tawny Blast.”
It had been two days since Tawny had moved into Ponyville. Twilight hadn’t seen him, but apparently he had been in the boutique to buy a new cloak as well as Sweet Apple Acres to buy apples for tea. He never went to the sweets shop but Pinkie had seen him around the market gathering ingredients for supper, apparently she invited herself over and ate her fair share of food. But other than that Tawny seemed to keep to himself. Meanwhile Twilight was educating herself on the pony. He was actually quite prestigious. She even got Celestia to send him some of the tomes he wrote. Though most of the spells they contained were advanced and she couldn’t use them, or not immediately or without proper preparation anyway. This morning she noticed that a dragon was flying in from the direction of Canterlot. She could only imagine that it was Abby, Tawny’s dragon. She was considerably larger than Spike, this was to be expected. By her math Tawny was at least six years older than herself. Abby came down by his house and walked in casually. Twilight retreated back to her chair, where a book lay. She opened it and continued to read. After the investigations she had been doing, along with her regular studies it was about time she had time to sit and read a good book purely for enjoyment.
The day slowly passed. Twilight dominated chapter after chapter of her mystery novel before Spike had interrupted. “Hey Twi, Pinkie and a dragon are at the door.”
Twilight finished reading her paragraph before gingerly placing a bookmark, she seemed hesitant to leave it but she managed to pull herself away so that she may see her friend with the cotton candy mane. She trotted down the stairs with Spike following closely behind. “You didn’t wonder about the fact she had a dragon with her?”
Spike looked up at her with a half bored stare. “Asking Pinkie would give me more questions than answers.”
Twilight smiled as she met miss pie at the door. “Hey Twilight, This is Abby! Look at how tall she is!”
She looked up at the dragon before her; it stood about a heads length above her. The crimson scales had a light sheen in the sun, topaz eyes gazed down at her for a moment before she gave a smile. “You must be Twilight.”
The voice was surprisingly soft, though it was spackled with a hint of knowledge. Twilight had caught it, but she convinced herself that it was just her imagination. “Yes, and you are of course Abby, it’s so good to meet you.” Twilight lightly dipped her head in greeting, possibly channeling some forgotten class about proper manners.
“Yeah! She’s been telling me all about Canterlot and all the things she’s seen!” Pinkie chimed in.
The dragon looked down with an amused grin. Twilight tilted her head for a second before steering this conversation forward. “You must have seen quite a bit of the world Abby.”
The topaz eyes lit for a moment as if remembering the adventures of her life. “Yes, well Tawny likes to travel. Result being, I’ve seen much of Equestria.”
She blinked away her memories, placing them into the back of her mind. “But that’s not why I’m here. Tawny was wondering if you’d like to stop by for tea again this afternoon.”
A grin attacked the cotton candy pony, she was about to speak before Abby continued, “To discuss studies.”
Obviously disheartened, the normally bouncy Pinkamena put her best pouty face on. Twilight looked in concern for a moment before returning her attention toward her new scaled acquaintance. “I’m sure Tawny’s not sooo busy he can’t afford to exchange some pleasantries first… Right?”
The scaled being attempted to keep a stern expression, but it was easy to tell as the corners of her lips twitched. Abby had obviously found a friend in Pinkie Pie “Oh of course,” She looked down at Diane. “Having you would be a treat.”
There was a hop and skip followed by a turn as the pink pony began to leave. “Awwright! I’m going to go make some cupcakes! I’ll bring them around later to share!”
“So…” Twilight began as she watched her friend run off mirthfully. “What do you think of Ponyville so far?”
The dragon looked around for a few moments. “I haven’t been here long…” her voice trailed off as she began to process the town and the inhabitants she met. “It’s quiet, and that Pinkie Pie is a bundle of joy.” There was a pause before she grinned lightly. “I think we’ll like it here.”
Twilight smiled glad to hear, from what she understood Tawny wasn’t one to stay in a single place for long, his pursuit of magic had taken him all over Equestria. Perhaps he finally had enough data to sit down and piece it all together. Perhaps… perhaps he wanted her to help! Tawny Blast, graduate and grand mage wanted her help! Wait! It was best not to get ahead of herself. As the thoughts raced through her head Abby looked at her confused. “Uhm. Miss Sparkle? Are you alright?”
“Oh?” Twilight flicked her tail as she was pulled back into reality. “Oh right, so this afternoon then?”
She was met with a quirked eyebrow as she dodged Abby’s question. “Yes. This afternoon, Shall we expect you?”
A slight nod was passed. “Yes, I’ll be there. It was great meeting you Abby.”
The two lightly bowed to each other before Abby turned and was on her way. Twilight watched silently for a moment before closing her door and turning toward her books. “I wonder what studies he could possibly want to discuss.”
Spike had long since retreated the door. He seemed to be looking for a book. “Maybe he wants to discuss your findings?”
As he finished his sentence he pulled a book from the third shelf in the middle of the room. Something else Twilight had noticed was Spike was reading, quite a lot. She noticed it last week but for what she knew this could have been going on much longer. She didn’t really question it though; a healthy dose of reading was never something to be suspicious of. “I don’t have any findings to present.”
The soft sound of a page turn was all that filled the silence. She wasn’t sure what he was reading but he seemed fairly focused on it. “Sure you do Twi, you may not have it written down but you know plenty and can probably teach him a thing or two.”
She looked at the ground, thoughts about her time in Ponyville spun around her head. She found a smile catch on to her lips. “Yeah, maybe you’re right Spike.”
Twilight saw a grin creep onto Spikes face as he continued to read. The two stayed in silence a moment. Watching gave her the itch to read as well. She picked up the tome about glyphs and opened it to the first page.
The two read in silence, the sound of the clock muffled itself out of their minds. The only sound they would hear was the occasional scrape of paper on paper as a page was turned. Several hours had easily passed and it wasn’t until Spike looked up at the clock and blinked a few times to refocus his eyes. He closed the book, rather forcefully actually, which caused Twilight to look up at him. The dragons’ green eyes were staring at her questioningly. “So Twilight, what have you been talking to the princess about?”
Twilight blinked blankly for a moment. “Nothing in particular. I just wondering about some stuff.”
The answer provided little to slake the dragon’s curiosity, though he didn’t seem to have the will to press the matter further. “Twilight, I’m not only your friend but also your assistant. I trust if there is something you want to talk about you won’t hesitate to.”
He hopped off the stool he had been sitting on and proceeded to walk up stairs. Purple eyes could only follow him blankly. Even as he disappeared, to whatever task he had gone to do, her brain continued to try to connect dots that didn’t exist. Unsure what had brought that on she looked to the window. Only now did she realize how much time had passed. She found her bookmark and placed it before readying herself to see Tawny. All the while what Spike said pressed on her mind.
The walk wasn’t long and she wasn’t any closer to knowing what was going on with Spike or putting together any findings to discuss with Tawny. She unconsciously head butted the door. The shock forced her to take a step back, but also it brought her to reality, out of her dream like state she had been walking in. The door opened moments later. “Hello Twilight.”
It was Abby, her smile was warming and welcoming. “Hello Abby, I hope I’m not too late.”
“Of course not dear.” The dragon said as she stepped aside to let her in. “The tea isn’t quite ready yet.”
Twilight nodded in understanding. “That’s alriiiii…” her sentence trailed off as she walked into the room. It was a mess. No, calling it a mess would be an insult to messiness. This was a disaster. Books were strewn about all over the place, there were still unopened boxes all around, and many were being used as tables. Pinkie sat at one of the makeshift tables where several boxes of cupcakes were stacked. Tawny would have been invisible if not for his tail at the side where Twilight could see it. Parchment on the table they had sat at for tea the first time, it similar to what she used for her letters had writing to Celestia but these had writing scrawled all over them.
Abby could see the obvious shock. “He’s normally not this messy I promise…”
“What happened in here…” Twilight’s shocked gaze slowly turned to see Abby. It was clear that she felt uncomfortable in the mess.
“I’m not sure dear…” Abby began before looking at the stack of cupcake boxes which hid Tawny. Pinkie and he seemed to be talking about something amusing, or at least amusing to Pinkie. “Yesterday he began researching and working frantically. He won’t tell me what it is or why.”
A low whistle, which had been ever present, only now became apparent as it turned high pitched. “Oh, excuse me, the tea is ready.”
Twilight watched her walk out of the horrible place of chaos, into the kitchen, which seemed extremely clean and well organized. She was tempted to go in just to escape but instead she looked at the ground and began walking making sure to avoid tomes, books, or any other items that didn’t belong on a floor. “Hey Twilight!”
The unmistakable voice of Pinkie called. Twilight's head didn’t look up but she returned the greeting. “Hello.”
“Greetings Twilight.” Tawny said abstractedly.
As she managed to finally make it to a point she could see the pony that had sent the invitation she found an amusing scene. Tawny sat, deeply concentrating on a piece of parchment which was held up by the soft orange glow of his magic, similarly to a half-eaten cupcake which he slowly took a bite of, his body and cloak however were covered in cupcakes. Twilight had to force a giggle to stay put before Pinkie interjected. “Watch!”
The cotton candy pony reached to the top of the cupcake boxes and pulled out a perfectly pink frosted cupcake. She readied herself by pulling her hoof back and closing one eye. Twilight refused to believe this was happening, she stuck her tongue out and bit it to stifle her laughter. But it was no use, Pinkie hurled the cupcake. Not even sitting a foot away Tawny did nothing to budge as at full speed the cupcake found him, and stuck. It stuck to the side of his head but his eyes kept reading the parchment. “Thanks Pinkie.”
Twilight exploded with laughter, Pinkie pie following suit. Abby walked in with a tray, almost immediately a cup of tea was lifted with Tawny’s magic followed by him sipping from it. “Thank you Abby.”
Abby only stared at the two on the floor, killing themselves laughing, and her friend who was covered in cupcakes. In all of her years with him, never before had she seen Tawny look so ridiculous. He still wore the serious expression he always did when he was studying or exploring. Abby made sure to place the tray down before trying to conceal her laughter, it was a fruitless endeavour. Though even with the three laughing Tawny seemed to refuse to turn his eyes from whatever he had his focus on. He seemed to be off in his own little world, but as the laughter subsided it became apparent he was well aware of what was going on. “So, Princess Celestia sent me a message the other day.”
Twilight wiped a tear from her eye as she snuffed out her last chuckle. “Oh yes? What did it say?” she asked as she tried to regain her lost breath.
“Oh not much…” His voice slightly trailed a moment as his eyes squinted, possibly trying to discern a smudged word from what he was reading. “Just pleasantries.”
Pinkie smiled as she chimed in. “It’s good that the princess is able to keep in touch with her subjects.”
Twilight nodded lightly in agreement, Abby however looked confused. It was obvious she knew nothing about this letter which was cemented by Tawny’s next line. “Never before had I met or communicated with her.”
As he said it, his eyes broke from the page to look at Twilight. It wasn’t even half a second but his deep green eyes pierced her, and she knew why. She had asked the princess about him, and it seemed the princess had communicated this with Tawny himself. Twilight was frozen; she wasn’t sure what to say. Though it seemed she didn’t need to as Abby pulled a cupcake from the box and a cup of tea to give to her. Twilight looked thankfully before taking a large bite out of the cupcake. As long as she had a full mouth there was no need to talk.
“What did’ja guys end up talking about?”
Pinkie’s body wiggled back and forth with curiosity as she asked. Abby was able to tell there was a reason that he had asked Twilight. Obviously it had everything to do with the mess. He lowered the page of parchment and looked up, seemingly at the cupcake boxes. “Oh nothing in particular; I told her what was pertinent or what I thought she may find interesting.”
As he spoke Abby could sense he wanted Pinkie to leave so that he may speak privately with Twilight. “Pinkie dear,” Abby begun. “Could you show me how to make such delicious cupcakes?”
A smile found her as the cotton candy pony bounced with an audible ‘sproing.’ “Oh of course!” Pinkie grinned as she began to make way to the kitchen Abby following behind. “It’s pretty simple really! First we’re going to need some flour, salt, vanilla…” Her voice seemed to fall into the distance and usher in the clatter of rummaging around the kitchen. Twilight seemed distraught as they were leaving. She attempted to chew the cupcake faster so that she may protest, but it was far too late. She looked at Tawny for a moment before he finally spoke, putting his eyes back on the parchment. “So what exactly did you ask the princess about me?”
Twilight slowed her chewing to a leisurely pace. Silence filled the room until she was able to swallow the unhealthy chunk of cupcake she had taken. “It wasn’t anything bad; I just wanted to know a little more about you.” Her voice lightly wavered.
Tawny quirked an eyebrow before he felt obligated to ask, “What could you possibly want to know about me?”
Twilight looked up with small smirk on the corner of her mouth. “Well, you’ve been on adventures, written tomes, and traveled across all of Equestria.”
He lowered his reading material for a moment to look at her. He blinked a moment before his magic carried the inked parchment to its brethren on the table. Twilight looked out the window; the sky was turning a shade of lavender similar to her coat as the sun dipped below the horizon. “Well doing so has prompted her to ask me something rather interesting.”
Twilight turned her attention away from the sky and refocused on him. Her questioning was apparent even without words. Yet Tawny took his time to take a few sips of tea before standing and walking to the table where all the parchment lay. As he did so a few cupcakes fell off from their places and landed messily on the floor. Twilight watched and felt the need to follow, even without instruction. He was looking over all that lay on the table, and so she did the same. It was obvious. It was so obvious, how could she have missed it? “These are my letters…”
She hadn’t been able to pick it out immediately, possibly because of all the comments scrawled on them by the princess. Tawny nodded lightly as he spoke, “Every single one since you’ve arrived in Ponyville.”
She blinked in confusion as she looked over the table. The messages brought back memories of what had been the best two years of her life. “Why…?” She asked herself before looking at Tawny. “Why did she send them to you?”
“Because Twilight.” His head turned to meet her awkward gaze. “She’s asked me to be your teacher.”
Chapter Two: A Lavender Sunset
Chapter 2
A Lavender Sunset
The room was completely silent except for the clatter from the kitchen. Twilight could only stare unsure of what to say. The fact that he was covered in cupcakes would normally be enough of a precursor to indicate a joke. But it was no joke. She could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. No, this was certainly not a joke. Twilight blinked blankly, and she found herself asking before she was actually ready to receive an answer. “And what did you say?”
Her tone wasn’t questioning, it was more of an automated response. Tawny looked at the letters, lifting a few as if to re-examine them. “I protested.”
“And why was that?” again, an automated response.
The parchments lowered so that his eyes may peer over them, he seemed concerned about her lack of… being. But he offered her an answer anyway. “I’ve never taught and I often keep to myself with the exception of Abby. It wouldn’t make sense for someone as inexperienced as myself to teach someone with such great potential.”
Twilight blinked, she seemed to be coming back to reality. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this. Because of her ‘great potential’ she was being denied a tutor. Not that there wouldn’t be others or possibly better teachers it felt wrong somehow. She had read his work and it was quite good, there was no reason he couldn’t teach her. “So you aren’t going to teach me?”
Her voice was a little sad, yet understanding. The parchments were placed back onto the table with the others as Tawny let out a heavy sigh. “Well…” He began with uncertainty. “The Princess absolutely insisted I teach you. She said you haven’t really had a formal education since you left the academy during the raising of the sun festival... two years ago… She sent me the curriculum guides and your letters to document your progress. And… I told her I would do my best.”
Twilight couldn’t help but smile, she hadn’t had a formal lesson in so long. She realized that he wasn’t a professor but she felt better about her need to ask questions. Tawny added on at the end, “So from today on, I’ll be your teacher… I guess.”
Despite the fact he was unsure in his ability, and was covered in cupcakes. She would never forget this moment as the words sunk in. “Great! When will be my first lesson?”
Twilights words dripped with giddiness. Her teacher looked around the room for a few moments. He had been frantically preparing for the past few days and he was beat. Sleep was something he was akin to getting every night, now he hadn’t slept in three days. Only thing keeping him going was sheer determination and sweet apple tea. “How about Wednesday?”
A distraught look came across the students face. “That’s… next week.”
It was exactly a week. The lavender pony had no wish to wait! She would have her lessons begin again at that very moment if it were her choice. Tawny could see her sadness. “Twilight… please.”
Exhaustion was apparent. The mare stared for a moment as her mind took in all the cues. His voice was not only tired. It was also sad and unsure. She looked around the room again, what she had seen as chaos when she first entered made sense. It was clear; since Celestia had messaged him he hadn’t taken a break. He was hard at work to preparing for her and her studies. She gave a smile coupled with sad eyes. “Tawny… You really need to rest. Are you sure next Friday wouldn’t be better?”
He didn’t comprehend. his brain had to work overtime to conceive what she had said. A weary smile managed to work its way onto his face. “Thank you Twilight, but Wednesday will be fine…” He choked a little on his words, surprised by the sentiment. Twilight smiled before she saw him fighting to keep his eyes open. “I’m… I…”
He seemed conscious enough to let himself down slowly, but his speech functions were shutting down so he couldn’t formulate words. Twilight looked at him worry spreading over her face. “Go to sleep Tawny…” Her voice was soft and motherly. “You’ve been working too hard.”
Though she didn’t really need to tell him, as soon as he was lying his breaths became deeper, it was obvious he was already in a deep sleep. She smiled at him, joy and concern both openly on display before she walked to the kitchen. It was a nice change of scenery from the mess, no… from the hard work… in the other room. She expected wide spread destruction in the kitchen, but to her surprise, it was fairly tame. They were currently putting the cupcakes into the oven to bake. Pinkie seemed calmer than her usual self. She turned to see her lavender friend enter. “Hey Twilight, cupcakes are just going in.”
Twilight smiled before asking, “Have any batter left?”
Pinkie grabbed the bowl, there wasn’t much but it may help her take her mind off of Tawny and her new coming studies. Placing the bowl down Pinkie retrieved two spoons and a smaller bowl, too which she poured some of the batter. Abby grabbed a spoon and lightly dipped into the larger bowl, Twilight followed her example before Pinkie ate directly out of the smaller bowl. The air was silent between them. “So new teacher huh?” asked Pinkie, her voice lightly bouncing.
“So you could hear.” Twilight looked up and smiled. “I guess I do, though he doesn’t seem very sure.”
A spoon was silently laid on the table; Abby seemed to have had her fill. “Of course not dear. Even in the academy he didn’t talk to anyone with any enthusiasm. He ‘didn’t have time for friends as he put it.”
Twilight tail twitched, she had said those exact words when she was attending. If it weren’t for Nightmare Moon’s return she probably would have turned out quite similar to him. Abby could see sympathy on her face, she didn’t know from where it stemmed but she took a wild guess. “He’s always been fairly lonely; maybe he thinks you’re cute.”
Pinkie smiled and shook her head lightly letting out a light giggle as Abby let out a mischievous chortle. Twilight only blushed lightly. It was a silly pedestrian thought, but it was kind of nice to think that maybe someone thought of her like that. “He’s just worried he won’t be a good teacher.”
She protested before eating a little more of the batter. The three were silent once again. Twilights’ eyes were a little dull as she put down the spoon. “What was he like after he graduated?”
Abby’s claw rose and began to lightly scratch her scales. “No different than he is now. We saw few ponies during our travels. Often we would be in dungeons or ruins.”
“How did you find them?” Twilight asked, mildly intrigued and looking to move the subject away from her and her new teacher.
“We walked.” The dragon half smiled, as if it sounded silly to herself as well. “Just explored where most wouldn’t, deep in dangerous forests, high mountains, dark caves.”
The way she said it was like it wasn’t a big deal. The lavender mare seemed a little confused. “So, after he graduated, Tawny and yourself just… left Canterlot?”
“Just left…” Sadness seeped in Abby’s voice. “That would be an apt way of saying it. He didn’t tell his parents, not even his teachers.”
Pinkie’s face was covered in batter. “You just packed your stuff up and hit the road?”
Abby’s eyes darted to avoid Pinkie’s gaze. “We… we didn’t really pack much, just some food and a few bits to keep us going.”
Twilight noted her defensive tone and took a step toward her to comfort the dragon. “It must have been difficult, just dropping everything and leaving like that.”
“Yes…” The dragon’s voice was distant. Possibly remembering the day she left. “Being with Tawny was the only life I had ever known… It- it wasn’t that different.”
A ding interrupted the conversation, drawing the sum of their focus to the oven. “Cupcakes’er done!” Pinkie quickly opened the oven, letting the alluring aroma fill the kitchen.
“Oh my, those smell divine Pinkie.” Abby was being drawn slowly toward them, seemingly unable to stop herself.
Pinkie began to look for mitts of some sort, but Abby leaned over and grabbed the tray simply and lifted it onto the top of the oven. “Alright, so now we frost them right?”
“Not yet. Not unless you want frosting to drip all over the place.” Pinkie said before walking over to the bowl which had housed the extra batter before throwing in. “Not that I would mind!”
Twilight watched the two silently as Pinkie began to describe with great mirth the step by step process to making the frosting which she used when she made cupcakes. She knew the process already, so instead of intruding on the two’s baking time she found her thoughts beginning to wander. Her eyes slowly grew vacant as they continued to point toward Pinkie explaining how absolutely important it was to get consistency correct.
So many things began running through her mind. The idea of a new mentor, what it would mean with Celestia, how Tawny thought similarly to how she used to, and what the coming teachings would entail.
“You’re being really quiet Twilight.” Pinkie’s words violently pulled Twilight out of her meditation. She blinked unsure of how much time had passed; it must have been at least ten minutes. Pinkie and Abby had not only prepared the frosting but were beginning to decorate the cupcakes. “Oh I was just thinking.”
Pinkie smiled before holding the frosting apparatus to her friend. “Here you do one.”
The lavender mare simply stared at the tool for a moment before smiling and taking it in her hooves. She found an amused smirk on her face as she stepped toward the undecorated pastry. A blank surface for her to create something beautiful, she lifted the decorating bag, lightly she bit her bottom lip. She lightly began to squeeze the bag, moving slowly to try and garner some beautiful unseen shape. But quickly the shape was lost. The icing became as unformed on the top of cupcake as the thoughts bouncing around her mind.
Twilight giggled lightly as she piled on a little more icing, adding two makeshift eyes to the mass. She lifted the cupcake. She took the tip of the decorating bag and used it to carve out a little mouth before picking it up. She looked at the horrible mess of icing with fondness. She turned holding the cupcake up for the others to see. “How’s it look?”
Pinkie blinked before giggling. “It reminds me of the trees in the Everfree forest.”
Twilight turned the cupcake, its horrid smile and crooked eyes were certainly not unlike those ghostly’s she giggled at. After a moment of reminiscing she stuffed the cupcake into her mouth and chewed it happily. Abby smiled as she watched the two. After the giggling subsided Abby found herself turning her eyes toward a window. The sun had set some time ago. “Alright my dears, it’s getting fairly late. I’m going to turn in.”
“Awww.” Pinkie stuck out her bottom lip in attempt to pout, but Abby merely ruffled the pink mane. “Now now dear, we’ll gladly have you again tomorrow.”
“I would love to but I have to watch the kids for the cakes tomorrow. Ooh maybe I’ll stop by for dinner.” Pinkie said with a smile.
“Pinkie, you can’t just invite yourself over for dinner.” Twilight chastised.
But Abby waved a hand to dismiss the notion. “No please do, you two may stop by anytime you like. Some social interaction will to the colt good, and I’m sure Tawny wouldn’t mind making extra for you.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude.” Twilight said defensively.
Abby slyly smiled and lifted a knuckle to her chin. “Well then Twilight I cordially invite you to have supper with us tomorrow.”
“W-well…” Twilight stammered. “If you insist… I could oblige.”
“Beautiful!” Abby exclaimed clapping her hands together. “Well then girls, we shall reconvene tomorrow evening for a spot of tea and a nice dinner. For which Tawny will cater.” The dragon fell into light giggles to which she could not stifle.
Pinkie giggled and curtsied, Twilight followed the light comedy sketch before speaking. “Very well my good lady tomorrow it shall be.”
They turned and the two ponies were ushered to the door by the gracious dragon. Passing the passed out cupcake covered pony and heading out the door. “Well thank you.” Twilight said before turning and dipping lightly toward Abby. “I suppose we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I hope you make a plenty, Cause I’m going to eat lots and lots!”
Abby smiled and nodded. “Well, I’ll make sure to note it.”
The group nodded to each other and began their separate ways.
Twilight made her way back to the library, when she opened the door she found Spike and Peewee flipping through a book. “You’re not asleep yet Spike?”
He looked up with a yawn. “Not yet, Just reading Peewee a bedtime story before we go to sleep.”
The mare looked at the children’s book and smiled. She then went to the kitchen to prepare herself some food. As she walked in she was surprised to find it fully stocked. Spike must have gone out and replaced what they had used. He really did seem to keep on top of things recently. His chores were always done early. Parchment and ink were always stocked, now the fridge seemed to be acquiring the same attention. She thought about it a moment before looking around and grabbing some ingredients for a sandwich. She also grabbed a few cookies she kept hidden. She munched on her sandwich as she walked out to the main library. She floated the cookies over to Spike. “Here.”
Spike looked up, he took the cookies confusedly. “What are these for?”
She had already bitten into her sandwich and was making her way for the bed. “You’ve just been keeping the library in such good shape. I know it’s not much but I’ll get you a proper reward tomorrow.”
Spike looked at the cookies in his hand for a moment, he wouldn’t refuse them. He still watched as if something was concerning him. But she left his sight, so he looked to Peewee who was already asleep. The dragon sighed lightly before closing the book and gingerly taking Peewee to his cage to let him sleep in peace. He didn’t head to his bed. Instead he simply grabbed himself another book. “I’ll just read this for now. Don’t want to bother Twilight while she’s trying to go to sleep.” He told himself.
The sun was well below the horizon at this point. The moon seemed a little dimmer tonight making the constellations in the sky sparkle brilliantly. Twilight sat on the balcony by her room looking up at the sky. Munching silently on her sandwich as she tried to put together all of the day’s events and try to figure out what she’ll do about tomorrow In silence she finished her sandwich and turned in.
The next day could have been any other if it weren’t for the dinner plans looming in the distance. Sure Abby had insisted she come over but that didn’t mean Tawny would share the same sentiment. She couldn’t focus on that right now; instead she opened one of the tomes Tawny had written. She felt the need to educate herself on his discoveries and work before she saw him this evening. It was only supposed to be a nice dinner between friends, but there was no denying the topic of magic could come up. What with the both of them being from the Royal Academy.
The day was passing over her slowly, but she refused to notice, or pull her eyes from the book in any manner. Not until Spike placed a sandwich on the pages in front of her. Twilight blinked a few times before she pulled her head back, finally allowing her eyes to focus on the room around her. Finally looking to Spike with a simple quirked eyebrow. “C’mon Twi. You haven’t eaten anything all day. It’s already afternoon.”
The lavender mare blinked before looking up in confusion. She had been absorbed in studies before, but being pulled out of the blanket of knowledge she was currently cradling was like being pulled out of a haze. “Sorry, I’ve just been really focused today.”
Twilight lifted the sandwich and stared at it blearily. She shook her head lightly before taking a bite and chewing slowly. She didn’t reply to her assistant who took a step toward her placing a hand on the bottom of her neck and leaning in to try and catch her eyes with his. “Twilight… is everything okay?”
Perhaps she should have been asking him the same question. As of late the Dragon was studious, organized and ahead on every chore. Not that this was a bad thing, it was just different. What could have warranted this change? That’s what really bothered Twilight. “I’m alright Spike.” She said after swallowing a small bite of the sandwich.
Even if he were deaf he would have been able to pick up the sadness and uncertainty in her voice. He stepped back a moment and examined her unsure of how to proceed. “Alright Twi… You know you can talk to me if you need anything.”
Though the pony continued to refuse to look him in the eye she smiled and nodded before taking another bite of her sandwich. He continued to stare for a few seconds wanting to deeply press the issue and help his friend from this malady that struck her. But instead, he turned, she was entitled to her privacy and she knew he was here if she needed him.
Only now as the purple dragon walked away did she realize just how hungry she was, though the sandwich was nice it did little to tame her hunger. Looking to the window she saw for the first time late day. As the sun lit up the horizon one could almost see placid flames. Twilight located a bookmark only now realizing that the time of dinner would soon be on her.
She walked in a haze similarly to how she had done on her way back to the library. But she could have no fear of barreling into any wooden structures, for when she drew near Tawny’s residence a beautiful scent lifted her nose and mind. The aroma of a variety of spices brought her a warm sensation. She stopped her reserve of meeting Abby and Tawny for lunch wavered. Perhaps it would have faltered completely if it weren’t for the persistent aroma that seduced her. After a minute of introspection the mare placed one hoof in front of the rest, and then repeated the process, until she was close enough to rap on the door. After she did, it only took a manner of seconds before the door opened, revealing the crimson dragon. She smiled mirthfully as she saw her guest. “Twilight! Please do come in.”
The gracious scaled creature took a step to the side, bringing out her hand to invite the mare in. Twilight nodded to her host and stepped into the fragrance, now being able to pick out the scent of tomato. Almost immediately she was able to pick out one other guest, who was already sitting at the table sipping on some tea. “Oh Rarity! I didn’t know you would be here.”
The pony with the purple mane smiled toward her friend. “Well, it was rather short notice… But I hadn’t taken a break all day, and well, I couldn’t deny a well cooked meal.”
Twilight sat across from her friend, each spot at the table had a cup of tea and a fork. Rarity took a sip of the tea and Abby walked past them both to the kitchen. “How long have you been here?”
Rarity took a look out the window, as if to confirm the laws of time hadn’t stretched before answering. “Not long, only ten minutes.”
The marshmallow coated mare nodded to herself before looking at Twilight. “My, doesn’t the smell make you hungry?”
Twilight was quite hungry herself. Not having eaten anything but a single sandwich all day. She was personally proud of the fact she could keep herself contained as the gentle smell of garlic tickled her receptors. Abby walked back into the room still smiling. “What have you two girls been up to today?”
“I’ve been working on a dress all day.” Rarity replied before taking a sip of her tea. “I have finally found the perfect colors and was just beginning the stitching before I came over.”
“Who’s this one for?” Twilight asked before taking the first sip of a cup a tea.
Rarity smiled. “Why, only the great Photo Finish.”
“Congratulations Rarity! What does that make? Three now?” Twilight smiled at her friend’s accomplishment. Abby looked between the two nodding, seemingly to pretend to know what they’re talking about.
“Yes thank you dear,” Rarity said proudly before continuing. “And what have you done today?”
Twilight smiled awkwardly for a moment before replying. “I studied…”
Rarity smiled while shaking her head with a half quirked smile. To many others it was some young are wasting her life away by sticking her nose in some dusty old books. But that’s what made Twilight happy, and as long as Rarity was her friend she would defend Twilight’s right to that happiness.
“Well, my dear, what did you read?” She asked for courtesy’s sake.
Twilight took a moment recall the information of the book, not that she had any intention of attempting to regale Rarity with it. “A book about ancient pony civilization.”
She answered her eyes still away in thought. Before the conversation could continue there was a knock at the door which Abby was prompt to move toward. “Howdy ya’ll. Sure smells good’n here.”
The beautiful accent bounced off the walls of the room. There was certainly no mistaking the loved voice of Applejack. Following her inside was none other than Pinkie Pie. “I know, I can’t stop drooling, I can’t wait to dig in!”
On her back sat two boxes meant for baked goods which she sat on a free space in the middle of the table. “Oh? You came as well Applejack?”
“Well sure, been workin the fields since sunrise. Ah only stopped to munch on an apple or two, must say it was kind of him to invite us all in gain like this. ” The mare tipped her hat lightly to Abby before proceeding to the table followed closely by Diane. The two sat down on opposite ends from each other. Rarity looked to AJ curiously. “What about the other two?”
The orange mare rolled her eyes. “Well Rainbow didn’t seem to have any intention of coming down. Not like her ta turn down a chance for free food.”
“Oh ohh!” Pinkie placed her hooves on the table leaning into Rarity’s vision. “And Fluttershy had to go to the garden to meet somepony!”
Rarity quirked an eye before inquiring to make sure she had heard correctly. “Really?”
Pinkie nodded ferociously. The marshmallow mare blinked before looking at Twilight for a moment. “Well good for her.”
At some point Abby had receded into the kitchen. Applejack tapped her hoof on the bottom of her chin a few times in thought. “Don’t you think it strange that she never said nuthin bout it before?”
“Not really, this is Fluttershy. It’s not like she talks about her personal life that much.” Twilight explained with a light shrug. Rarity simply nodded in agreement.
As the group collectively took sips of their tea their two hosts stepped in, Tawny, lifting a large pot filled with the unknown delicious smell that had so invited them in, and with a fresh kettle of tea. “Hello everyone.” The stallion greeted simply as he walked in.
Each of the guests greeted him, though together it was amorphous. As Tawny set the pot down in the middle of the table Rarity questioned, “So what is that divine smell?”
Tawny lifted the lid of the pot, revealing spaghetti mixed in with a sauce of some sort. “The smell would most likely be the sauce.”
He smiled politely before pouring himself a cup of tea and taking a seat with them. At first their was an awkward pause between them, as if no one had a clue where they should begin. They still didn’t know much about their host so it was Twilight who began with the questions. “So, Tawny. What did you major in?”
He was already scooping large platefuls of spaghetti to everyone. “Not really dinner conversation… But I ended up majoring in pre- Equestria history.”
“Pre- Equestria? Like, before Equestria was made?” Applejack, a little confused.
A spark flared in Twilight’s eye. “That sounds interesting, what made you choose that?”
The orange stallion was now placing the pot in the middle of the table. “Well it’s an interesting thought, we all know why ponies came to Equestria in the first place. But what happened in their home land? Is it still an ice covered wasteland? Do ponies still live there?” As he placed the lid on the pot it was clear his eyes were no longer focused on the task at hand. He seemed to be staring through the pot in thought. After a moment he blinked and looked at his guests. “Oh sorry… Not time for a lesson is it?”
Twilight grinned and opened her mouth, but she caught the idea when a glance from Rarity in her peripherals. Not sure how to follow up without it becoming a discussion Twilight tended to her food.
“My… Tawny, this is delicious.” Rarity looked up, pasta was not exactly her favorite food, being as it was fairly messy. Which could be evidenced by the fact Pinkie had already had a plate devoured and had Abby loading on more. Rarity continued. “How did you make this?”
The stallion slowly chewed before swallowing and rubbing his chin with his hoof. “It wasn’t too difficult. I sundried some tomatoes and cured them with some spices so the flavors would set. After that process was done I pureed them and added some herbs. This essentially makes what you’re eating right now.”
“So hows them tea sales comin?” AJ asked a small smile on her face.
Tawny seemed to blink away some sleep for a moment before looking over to the corner of the room. “Very well. Now that you’ve reminded me, would you mind if I came by early morning tomorrow to pick up some more apples?”
The smile on the country mare’s face couldn’t help but spread slightly. “Course not. I’m up early for harvest these days anyway.”
The two exchanged a nod. No one really seemed to be surprised by this conversation but Twilight. She just looked at the two out of the corner of her eye. Since when had they become business partners?
The idle chatter continued between them all, discussions of the few days he had been here, how many people he had already met, how gracious everyone here was. He seemingly had nothing negative to say about the town or its citizens. Not that that should be a surprise in such a warm and loving community. Needless to say, the evening was quite enjoyable. It reminded Twilight of all the simple outings she’s had with her friends, all the picnics and get together. But part of her worried, sure Tawny seemed to be enjoying their company. But if given a choice to meet with them instead of them invading his home, would he go out? Even though he smiled now the purple mare got the distinct impression he was still antisocial.
