Immortality: Lyra's Suspicion

"Good day, Miss Heartstrings," called a passing stallion to Lyra as she elegantly walked through the roads of Canterlot.

"It is indeed!" She returned happily, waving. The stallion looked vaguely surprised at the informal gesture, but continued on his way.

"Lyra! Please wait!" A voice from behind called. Lyra turned to see her friend Jewel walking up.

"Hello, Jewel!" Lyra replied cheerfully, stopping and turning around. Jewel quickened her pace slightly to reach Lyra.

"How is everything today, Lyra?" Jewel asked as the pair began walking again.

"Just fine!" Lyra responded. "The sun is shining, and the temperature isn't too warm." Jewel nodded, her red and blue curls bouncing.

"I would like to have you over for tea this afternoon. Is that alright?" She asked. Lyra nodded.

"What type of tea will it be? Green Tea? Herb Tea?" Lyra asked. Jewel frowned slightly.

"I see no difference; tea is tea, after all." Jewel adjusted her parasol and pulled the cuffs of her dress lower. Lyra tapped her chin for a moment.

"I'm sure they taste different," she suggested. Jewel tossed her head.

"Not so different," she responded. "I just came by to invite you. I expect you to be there." She gave Lyra a hard stare. Lyra suddenly felt a knot forming in her stomach. She stopped walking.

"Jewel, will any... stallions be there?" She asked. Jewel closed her eyes. She took a deep breath and opened them again.

"Lyra Heartstrings, it's high time you were settled down with a gentlecolt," she said. Lyra rolled her eyes.

"Think what you like, Jewel. Who have you invited?"

"Ravenwood," Jewel replied primly. "If I wasn't seeing Mr. Charm, I would love to see him." Lyra stared at her.

"You don't like Charm, then?" She asked. Jewel twisted her parasol.

"Of course I do, Lyra. Let me continue. As your best friend, not to mention being two years older than you, I take it as my responsibility to see you have a fit husband, since your mother has passed on and your father is abroad." Lyra felt her face get red.

"Lyra, did I hurt you?" Jewel asked. "I'm sorry I mentioned your parents. I just thought you- that is, it's been so long since-" Lyra cut her off.

"I don't think I'll be joining you and Ravenwood for tea," she stated. Jewel put out a hoof.

"Please, Lyra-" Lyra was already galloping away, not caring that she looked far from dignified. Lyra tried not to let tears well up in her eyes.

Lyra wasn't quite sure why the subject of her parents bothered her so much. Her mother had been dead a long while, and there was no reason to be ashamed that her father served in the Equestrian Army. Still, she did not like to bring them up in conversation.

Lyra ignited her horn with a golden glow and turned the doorknob. She stepped inside her small house. The air was cooler than outside. It was also dark.

"Didn't I make a note to fix my lamp?" She muttered, climbing the stairs to her loft.

Lyra's loft was the size of a medium-sized room in larger houses. In her house, it was large compared to her tiny kitchen, the parlor, and her father's neglected study.

Lyra flung herself onto her bed. She curled some of the linen sheets around her front hoof. She stared at the map of Equestria on her wall.

"I wonder what it would be like to walk, free of responsibility, through Equestria," Lyra murmured to herself. "Just for a day." Then it hit her: Why couldn't she? Her only responsibility was to be a proper, well behaved young mare that kept her house clean. The house was paid for on her father's wages. She had nothing to stop her from doing whatever she pleased!

Except society, Lyra thought glumly, turning and burying her muzzle in her pillow. What would Jewel say if I were to gallop around, carefree? What would Princess Celestia say?

"But they don't have to know if I stay out of Canterlot," Lyra decided. "If I snuck out- perhaps in a comfortable shirt- than maybe nopony would notice!" She opened up her dresser. Lyra had always owned a pair of trousers and shorts, though nopony knew. She shed her frilly pink dress and pulled on the shirt and pants. An afternoon of exploring the mountains around Canterlot! Wouldn't that be an adventure!

Maybe I'll write a book about it when I'm through, Lyra thought, brushing her minty hair down from an elegant bun to its natural curves. Except I might not have enough information.

Lyra looked out of her window. Nopony was in the street. Excitement ran through Lyra, from her horn to her back hooves. She opened the door and ran into the shadows of the alley.