Cuori Intrecciati

The Sun had already set when Twilight and Rarity left Ponyville, and by the time their chariot landed in Canterlot, the Moon was well into its nightly voyage across the stars. So bright were the lights shining from those celestial bodies that the braziers leading to the party grounds beside the southern gardens were all but unnecessary.

That Luna wished to host the party at night was not terribly surprising, all things considered. Still, between the late season, the outdoors, and being in Canterlot, a definitive chill nipped the air which made Rarity glad she was wearing such an extravagant ensemble. Though she had no particular plans to go beyond socializing, and ‘wingmaring’ for Twilight, the idea of taking to the dance floor was beginning to sound more appealing. For the moment, however, she sufficed with pulling her shawl just a little tighter about her withers.

It would be another half-hour before the celebration began in full, but a fair number of other guests had already arrived, all of whom were clothed in brand new outfits for the occasion. Mares and stallions alike wore fancy dresses and suits with all manner of masks hiding their faces, from minimal dominos like her own, to full muzzle masks that covered all but their lower jaw.

To compliment the night-themed dress Rarity had made her, Twilight wore a silver crescent moon mask that covered the right half of her face and both eyes. Rarity’s own dress was more inspired by the sunset over the ocean, waves of gold silk and blue lace. A small golden domino mask—edged with the frilly lace—framed her eyes.

They were a scant few lengths from the entrance gate when Twilight came to a sudden stop, forcing Rarity to fall back a few paces to stand at her side.

“Are you alright, darling?”

“What?” Twilight’s head snapped toward her, only to fade back toward the garden entrance and the glimpses of decorations beyond. “Oh. Heheh, yeah, I think so.”

Rarity recognized that tone and leaned over, nudging the side of Twilight’s head with her own, careful not to disturb either’s mane. “Best to get it off your saddle now.”

Though Twilight’s blush may have been hidden, it was no less obvious through her ears and stance. “Just nervous, I guess.” She sighed. “I’m just… I don’t want to screw this up by saying or doing something embarrassing.”

Rarity tsked. “Really, Twilight, there is nothing to worry about. You and Princess Luna have known each other for years now. Just treat her as you do when she visits for your little get togethers, and everything will go swimmingly, I’m sure.” Bumping shoulders, Rarity added, “Now, come along. The sooner we go in, the more time you can spend with your beau.”

Twilight sputtered and blushed adorably, but didn’t voice any protests as Rarity took the lead with a prancing gait.

Stepping through the gate, they got their first full view of the party grounds. Unfortunately, the first thing Rarity noticed were the distant statues and the hedge maze off in the distance. Once, that sight would not have caused her even the smallest pause; now, she brushed her mane with a hoof, surreptitiously tapping her horn.

With that embarrassing little tick out of the way, she reined in her eyes.

The party grounds themselves were set in a wide open courtyard abutting the palace wall and southern gardens. Against that wall was a raised, wooden platform with the Canterlot Orchestra already in the process of tuning their instruments. A polished wood dance floor had been constructed directly below the band.

Most of the courtyard was occupied by wide, circular tables with long, white table clothes that brushed the lawn. Tall, silver candelabras stood at the center of each, surrounded by place settings for as many as eight ponies apiece, with two bottles already opened and breathing in preparation for dinner. The head table was set upon its own dais opposite the band. A horseshoe shaped table, it was surprisingly small, only having seats for six ponies, though with similar accoutrements.

A steady thrum of conversation already dominated the atmosphere, filling the air alongside the chaotic notes of orchestral tuning.

Rarity took in the social scene, doing her level best to put names to faces, no matter the lack of face to work with. She was forced to rely almost exclusively on the stallions’ cutie marks, using them to divine the identities of the ponies around them.

Still leading the way, Rarity took Twilight on a swerving path, cutting through the party from one group to the next. They never stayed for long, simple greetings and introductions used to identify who was who. Twilight, bless her, remained at Rarity’s side the entire time, ensuring that everypony took notice of her, not to mention the dress she wore, and readily informed those curious few of the responsible party. It took a concerted effort not to giggle like a school filly; oh, the business she would have come the next event.

By the time they stepped onto the dais, more guests had arrived, filling the tables below as they began seeking their seats. Rarity’s own was the first she came to, set at the end of the U-shaped table, right beside Twilight.

It was obvious that Princess Celestia and Luna would be seated at the center of the table, but the identities of the other two were a mystery. Though, she felt fairly confident that she could guess who they were.

“I’m surprised Princess Cadance and your brother have yet to arrive,” Rarity said as she took her seat.

Twilight hesitated, shrugging her wings before joining her. “I don’t think they’ll be coming.”

“No? I wouldn’t think them able to pass up such an event. There haven’t been any more crises, have there?”

“No, at least I don’t think so,” Twilight said, not meeting Rarity’s eyes. Before she could press for more, Twilight looked up and continued, “Luna put a lot into the stars tonight.”

Rarity obliged her friend, turning her eyes toward the sky. She recognized a subject change when she heard one and wouldn’t risk ruining the night by pressing… for now. There was a juicy bit of gossip there, however, and she would extract the whole story in good time.

“They are exquisite, darling.”

With her eyes turned up, Rarity didn’t notice the couple approaching until he coughed politely into a fetlock. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, Lady Rarity.” Fancypants dipped his head toward both of them. “How wonderful it is to see you both this evening.”

Twilight smiled and nodded, either finally used to her title, or at least hiding it better than normal. “A pleasure, Lord Fancypants.”

“Fancypants, I was hoping to see you this evening,” Rarity said, already lining up business proposals in her mind. “There are a few things I would like to discuss with you, if it is not too much trouble.”

He smiled behind a simple band of red silk covering his eyes. “Not at all. It is good that we are sharing a table.” Rarity blinked, eyes shifting to the seats opposite her and Twilight. Fleur de Lis gave her a small smile and wave from her seat there. Apparently noticing her surprise, Fancypants chuckled. “Princess Luna and I have developed something of a friendship, though perhaps rivalry would be a more accurate term. She is a rather ruthless chessmaster.”

Rarity recovered as well as she was able, putting up a pleasant smile. “Oh? I had no idea. Though I suppose it isn’t terribly surprising.”

“We shall speak more after dinner?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“Until then.” He bowed to both of them before turning and trotting back to sit beside his wife.

Rarity watched him until he shared a nuzzle with Fleur, the blush forming on her cheeks enough to make her look away.

“Why are all the good ones taken?” she whispered without intending to.

“Rarity! He’s old enough to be your father.”

“Oh?” Rarity asked, giving Twilight an appraising look. “And you are one to talk?”

Twilight tried to respond, but quickly dropped her gaze, mumbling something through a deep blush that no amount of mask or makeup could hide.

A high pitched squawk cut through the murmur of conversation, drawing everypony’s eyes toward the sky. Philomena left a trail of flickering embers as she flew overhead, diving toward the gated entrance and the alicorn sisters striding purposefully into the courtyard.

—————————————

Philomena soared overhead, drawing all eyes toward Celestia and Luna as they entered the courtyard. She squawked, wheeling above them before dashing off for a nightly flight. It was quite a spectacle, but Celestia barely noticed, all her attention still consumed on the task of not staring at Luna.

Luna’s dress…

She’d kept it a secret from Celestia, going so far as to order her against looking for it. That had only made it harder not to scour the castle. What had nagged at her the most was whether Luna expected, or even wanted her to search for it. She had her own style of mind game, after all, and Celestia wouldn’t put it past her to have some sort of trap or punishment planned, had she gone against her sister’s orders.

In the end, she’d followed Luna’s instructions and made no attempt to locate the dress. Luna didn't make it easy either, constantly alluding to it and teasing her. It all proved worthwhile in the end, when Luna joined her outside the gardens not five minutes past, and Celestia finally saw it for the first time.

Fur tight, Luna's dress was pure platinum silk. Shimmering in the silver moonlight, It seemed to flow like so much mercury from her shoulders and along her back to fall off her left flank, leaving her right completely exposed. Her mane had also been styled, pinned up at the back with a lock curling on either side of her jaw, making her neck look all the more graceful. She, like Celestia, had yet to dawn her mask, a simple silver domino.

It had taken all of her restraint to not cancel the whole party and keep her sister to herself.

Celestia’s own dress was nothing to scoff at. A rosewood and gold vest covered her chest with a white skirt dropping over her flanks, hemmed by vibrant red lace, and a sheer bronze train flowing behind. Her mask was an effigy of the sun, gold with stylized sun-rays along the top and sides.

They walked side-by-side through the tables, nodding silent greetings to the ponies they passed. So early in the evening, the nobles were sedate, but their anticipation of the coming party showed in their postures and voices. Every time she glanced Luna's way, Celestia saw a sparkle in her eye; the only visible sign of her own excitement.

Only once they cleared the last table, stepping into the small space at the base of the dais, did she glance up at their guests seated there.

Celestia's eyes immediately locked onto Twilight, and nothing could hold back her smile, Twilight’s wider still by a fair margin. It had been a few weeks since she’d last seen her former student, though it seemed so much longer. There was an energy and earnestness about Twilight that she’d sorely missed since the young mare moved to Ponyville.

The sisters parted ways to mount the dais, Luna to the left and Celestia to the right. She greeted Rarity as she walked by, whispering her thanks for the mare’s attendance and receiving a thanks for the invitation in kind. Stepping up to Twilight, her former student rose, leaning in to share a welcome embrace.

“I am so glad you could make it.”

Twilight giggled as she pulled away, turning to glance over her shoulder toward Luna who was saying a few words to Fancypants. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

After Twilight reseated herself, Celestia took the last few steps to meet Luna at the table’s center. Sharing a private smile, they turned as one to face their guests.

“Good evening ladies and gentlecolts,” Luna said, her voice raised to carry over the crowd. “Thank you all for joining my sister and me to celebrate my one—” Celestia’s wing shot out, jabbing Luna in the ribs. She didn’t meet her sister’s glare, keeping her eyes turned toward their little ponies and the mixed reactions of humor and scandal. After a second, Luna relented and resumed her speech. “As I was saying, thank you for joining us to celebrate my birthday,” eyes drifting toward Celestia once more, her voice dripped with sarcasm, “the number of which appears to be a state secret.” A small fit of chuckles washed over the crowd, forcing Luna to pause and allow it to pass. When she started once more, her voice, smile, and stance were that much more relaxed. “We hope you will enjoy this evening’s festivities.”

The applause that followed only lasted a few seconds, disturbed by the immediate arrival of dinner and the orchestra striking up a quiet tune to fill the air without disrupting conversation. Wait staff flooded out from the castle in droves , pushing carts filled with silver platers. They moved with a practiced choreography, slipping between the tables and delivering each pony’s pre-chosen meal before hurrying back to the kitchens.

Their own table was the first served. Once all six platters were set, Celestia uncovered her meal and nearly stuck her nose in the brick of lasagna and steamed vegetables.

“Mmm, it has been too long since chef cooked Roanan,” she said, having to speak up over the chime of silverware and murmur of conversation that started to fill the air. Selecting the red wine, she poured herself a glass, saying, “Of course, it was a difficult choice. How did you settle on the curry, Twilight?”

“I just…” Twilight stumbled, seeming to glance past Celestia for a moment before finishing, “I flipped a coin.”

Celestia’s eyes sparkled, a whimsical smile on her lips. “A wise choice when confronted with two equal options. That is, after all, why our coins have two sides.”

Twilight stared at her, eyes scrunched as she struggled between accepting Celestia’s word wholesale and the doubt building up against it. When the dam broke, Celestia was rather pleased with the result. “No, it isn’t.”

“Oh?” she asked, carefully slicing into her lasagna. “What, then, is the real reason?”

Twilight started to respond, then stopped, blinked, thought for a moment, reconsidered her hypothesis, looked down at her curry, scrunched her face, and finally, gave up. “I have no idea. But I know that that isn’t it.”

“Verily, Twilight Sparkle, ‘tis not,” Luna chimed in, leaning forward to peek around Celestia. “Would you wish to know the truth of the matter?”

Twilight latched on to the promise of secret knowledge in predictable fashion, her head resembling nothing so much as a chicken pecking at dirt. Not that Celestia was any less intrigued to hear what her sister had to say. The moment she caught sight of Luna’s expression, however, her intrigue turned sour.

“‘Tis plainly obvious at a cursory glance.” Luna paused to draw out the tension, eliciting the attention of the others. “Tia wished for everypony to worship her fla—Oof!”

The sisters shared a pointed look, Celestia’s wing slow to fold back against her side. "Really now, Luna."

Luna only smirked, silently celebrating the successful jab. For her part, Twilight looked as though she couldn't believe her ears and eyes, while the others ranged from shocked to politely amused.

It was Fancypants who stepped in to bring the conversation back to more conventional grounds, asking Luna about her recent meeting with the trade guilds from Vanhoover. From there, dinner took an almost mundane turn, their conversations sticking to pleasant, innocuous topics.

The meal and wine pairings were as delicious and spot on as she had grown to expect from Chef. Sneaking a bite of Luna’s curry almost made her regret choosing the lasagna. Of course, Luna did the same, going so far as to try stealing Celestia’s entire plate at one point.

It turned out that Twilight hadn’t realized what she was getting into when she ordered the curry. Celestia had a short lived panic-attack when the younger mare began gasping and coughing after her first bite, drinking both Rarity’s and her own glass of ice water in quick succession to cool her tongue and throat. After that, she slowed down, enjoying the spicy soup and rice one careful bite at a time.

What caused Celestia the most pause throughout the meal was Twilight herself. Despite being seated side-by-side, not once did she engage Celestia on her own. Oh, they spoke, but every time one conversation ebbed, or was interrupted, it was left to Celestia to restart them on their course. This was not the case with Luna, whom Twilight seemed primed to interact with.

Celestia wasn't certain how to feel about that, and the conflicting emotions set her on her back hooves. She was thrilled at how well they were getting along. It was one thing for them to tell her and quite another to witness it first hoof, after all. That only made the sense of loss all the more prominent. Twilight was no longer seeking her opinions and approval as she once had. Highlighted by the way in which Luna and she interacted, as friends rather than student and teacher, and Celestia began questioning her own preparedness for Twilight to step from beneath her wing.

Letting go had never seemed so daunting a task.

To Celestia's surprise, Rarity was the first to finish her meal and excuse herself, trotting off to mingle with the plethora of colleagues and potential clients attending the party. As she stood to leave, Celestia had no trouble noticing the meaningful look that passed between her and Twilight. Intrigued, she filed it away for future investigation.

The murmur of conversation picked up as more and more ponies finished their meals. At some subtle clue, the orchestra ended the ballad they had been playing and the first chords of a waltz filled the air with it’s bouncy melody. With an excitement that belied her age, Fleur dragged Fancypants off to the dance floor, the stallion only offering up a half-hearted protest before allowing himself to be taken.

More waitstaff soon appeared, scurrying between the tables with trays of drink or clearing away emptied plates. Their table was the first visited once more, every plate whisked away save Twilight’s, who’d only made it through half her meal.

"I'm glad that Rarity was able to accompany you tonight," Celestia said as she dabbed her lips with a napkin.

Twilight giggled at that, hiding her smile behind a hoof. "A pride of manticores couldn’t have kept her away."

Celestia's eyes traveled over the herd of nobles and merchants below them. What organization they'd had at the start was gone, lost in the swirling chaos of mingling and dancing. Between that and the extravagant dresses on display, she'd already lost sight of Rarity, though she held little doubt that she was in the thick of it.

"What of Lady Pie?" Luna asked. "After all the invitations she had sent us, I admit to believing she was returning our responses in kind."

"Oh, no no no. Pinkie would never do that!" Twilight said, leaning forward and shaking her head. "She was really torn up about not being able to come tonight. It's just that she'd already pinkie promised to be Dash's cheering squad at The Manehatten Cross City Blitz."

Luna's eyebrow twitched. "Pinkie promised?"

"Your Highnesses." All three alicorns turned toward the mare now standing at the edge of the dais. While she wore a dress and mask the same as everypony else, the camera held in her aura made her purpose clear. "Would you mind posing for a picture? It's for The Canterlot Times."

That was merely the first such interruption. Many soon followed the photographer’s example, approaching the princesses in search of favor or attention. Thankfully, many had the good grace to allow them some peace between each visit. That didn't make it any easier for them to engage in a meaningful conversation. Before long, Celestia noticed the warning signs of Luna's steadily rising ire, most evident in the slight tick of her left ear.

The long tablecloth proved indispensable in Celestia's efforts to calm her sister. Hidden from sight, she slid her hoof over until it found Luna's, petting her fetlock and reminding her that she was there for her. As small a gesture as it was, it worked splendidly.

The petitioners—as Celestia couldn’t help thinking of them—were dealt with as they came, many only wanting to personally wish Luna a happy birthday. A small number went so far as to bring gifts. Small things, jewelry and baubles, but undoubtedly expensive. These were the moments that their entwined hooves tightened around each other, Luna’s in agitation and Celestia’s in sympathetic comfort. How they could miss the tension in Luna’s shoulders, wings, and smile, Celestia would never know.

“Is this truly what the nobility have been reduced to?” Luna asked once the latest petitioner was out of earshot, teleporting the most recent gift somewhere it would likely never be seen again. “What need have I of meaningless trinkets and baubles?”

Celestia ran her hoof higher up Luna’s canon and put on a placating smile. “Now, Luna, a gift is a gift and should always be accepted with grace and elegance.”

“I see.” Luna rolled an eye toward Celestia. “It did not pass my notice that you received no such attentions during the Summ—Oof!”

“Oh, Luna, I do apologize,” Celestia said, turning her gaze and motherly smile back over the crowd. Out on the dance floor, the orchestra announced their next piece, ‘It Had To Be You.’ Almost all the dancers returned to their tables, only to be replaced by others. As the first chords of the fauxtrot filled the air, and the dancers began their choreography, Celestia’s free hoof twitched, imagining Luna and herself joining them. Still, she held her composure, letting no sign of her thoughts through. “My wing seems to be acting up today.”

“There is no need to apologize. In truth, I worry for you, Sister.” Luna’s own wing opened, laying across Celestia’s back in a show of comfort. Her whole body stiffened at the familiar contact and all thought of their banter fell away. Heart hammering in her chest, her eyes cast out to spot everypony paying them even the slightest attention. It was the act of compiling a list of names and faces that kept her mind and body in check. “Have the years taken such a toll as to dull your razor wit and leave you to such base defenses?”

Grasping onto Luna’s words, Celestia managed to hold onto her composure by the velvet of her lips. “Nothing so dreary, Sister. I merely thought to try doing things your way for once. I take it you did not appreciate my efforts?”

Her difficulty did not pass unnoted by Luna. An evil smirk tugged at her supple lips as her bright eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Luna’s wing flexed, a single primary feather caressing Celestia’s neck, slipping into her flowing mane. That she didn’t moan at the sensuous touch was a victory in itself. But it would be a hollow one if things continued, for a tightness had gripped her chest, working its way down. “Verily, your aim was poor and lacked sufficient force.”

A battle waged in Celestia’s mind. A siege between her embedded better judgement and the wellspring of hormones threatening to batter down the gates.

An enticing scenario began to play itself out in her mind. She’d turn to Luna and kiss her with wild abandon, much to the shock and disgust of everypony present. That would only be the start. Once that barrier had been broken, there would be nothing to hold her back. Brushing the table clear with a single telekinetic push, she would fall onto it, draggin Luna with her. There, in full view of nearly every noble in Equestria, they would fuck. She’d be lucky to last a full minute like that, cumming all over her sister’s muzzle where everypony could see. It would be the greatest sex they ever had, and, for a while at least, she’d be able to convince herself it was worth it.

It wouldn’t be, of course. Everything she’d built, her friends and relationships, all the things that had kept her sane over the past millennia of waiting would be washed away for but a few seconds of ecstasy.

Her eyes met Luna’s, and she could only hope her sister would see what she was doing to her. Despite all of it, her voice remained constant, unaffected by her turmoil. “I shall endeavour to improve my performance for the next time.”

Luna’s wing slid away, letting the chill night air rush in to fill the void. The fire abated, though its embers were long in cooling. She gave Luna’s leg a final squeeze, both in thanks and to reassure her that it was alright. For a brief second, Celestia thought that everything was fine. Then she heard the distinct sound of teeth clicking shut to her left.

Celestia’s heart did not miss a beat; it froze solid before leaping into a heedless gallop. She’d forgotten about Twilight, forgotten that she was sitting there, right beside her, quietly watching her every move. Had she noticed? Had she seen Luna's wing and Celestia's reaction?

Terror, undiluted by lust, gripped her while the need to know forced her to turn. With the casual ease that had been the hallmark of her life, Celestia faced Twilight.

“Is something the matter?” she asked with that same false calm, hoping that she was wrong. If Twilight had noticed anything… picked up on… Celestia didn’t dare consider the ramifications.

Twilight was staring at her, eyes wide in shock, ears stiff to the point of quivering. A hint of red tinged her cheeks. On something like instinct, Celestia smiled at her, the same motherly smile she wore for nearly every one of her subjects the first time she met them. It had some effect, loosening her ears and calming her, but not nearly as much as she would have liked.

The light of understanding that flared behind Twilight's eyes did nothing to ease Celestia's worries. Then a blush of embarrassment lit her cheeks just before she buried them in her hooves. Twilight groaned, mumbling something that Celestia could not make out. Again, her instincts took control, placing a comforting hoof on Twilight's shoulder and asking what was wrong.

"Nothing," Twilight finally said, lifting her head, but not her eyes. "Nothing is wrong because you are sisters, and I shouldn't be surprised when you act like it."

Celestia covered her laughter behind a hoof, tension fleeing in each muffled expulsions. “Yes, I suppose we are.” Giddy from the passing adrenaline, she was unable to stop herself from leaning in to whisper, "But let’s keep that as our little secret, shall we?"

Twilight's blush redoubled as she buried her head once more. Celestia almost felt bad about that, but couldn't help but find it completely adorable. Beyond that, she counted it as another victory in her quest to break Twilight of her continuing idolatry.

That was a day she looked forward to almost more than any other, when Twilight finally saw beyond her constructed image, and they could sit down to enjoy a pot of tea as nothing more or less than friends.

Resting a wing across Twilight’s back, Celestia comforted her former student. “Do not be embarrassed. It is normal to assume we know everything there is to know about those closest to us, and to be greatly mistaken. Even I am guilty of such.” Leaning in again, she whispered, “You should have seen my reaction the first time Luna brought a stallion home.”

“Sir Rugged Ridge,” Luna said, revealing how closely she’d been listening in, a wistful tilt to her features.

Celestia nodded, sitting back and allowing all three of them to converse unobstructed. “He was quite the charmer, as I recall.”

Luna’s expression turned along with her head, setting into one of annoyance as she faced Celestia. “Oh? As I recall, ‘twas your intention to see him exiled for the heinous crime of returning my affections.”

“He was far too old for you,” Celestia said with a dismissive shrug of her wing. The hoof she’d been holding for the past hour pulled away. The shift threw her off, sparking her own agitation. Before Luna could say anything, Celestia spoke with perhaps a little more force than she would have liked, “He was almost forty.”

Luna reacted about as well as she should have expected. “And I was well into my second century!”

“Barely a young mare!”

“And might I remind thee of thine own age on the date of thy first marriage?”

Celestia caught her sister's shift in dialect. Realizing that she had poked an old wound, she tried to reel back the conversation. “That was an—”

“‘Twasn’t three years later, eighty-five and two hundred years of age.”

“An arranged marriage to help unite our lands," Celestia rejoined, reacquiring her own edge. "We didn’t even share a bed until I turned three hundred.”

“Ah." Luna leaned back. “What issue, then, hadst thou with Duchess Palladium?”

“She was a poor influence for you and our little ponies. Far too caught up in her mother’s mythos.”

“If by that thou meanest she waseth fun!”

“She led you into a basilisk den!”

“We were fine!”

“Your right wing was solid marble for three weeks!”

"It got better!"

Celestia started to retort, but stopped when an entirely different memory sparked. In a far less confrontational voice, she said, "Or the time you both went stomping through the Everfree and ‘discovered’ poison joke by sleeping in it?"

Luna sat up straight, becoming rigid as her voice passed into a calm that held far more threat than the anger from before. "Thou wouldest not dare."

Celestia's eyebrow quirked. "Oh?" She turned to Twilight, saying, "You have encountered poison… Twilight?"

Twilight Sparkle was sitting up straight, eyes wide and pupils contracted almost to invisibility. While her mouth moved up and down, not a whisper of sound escaped it.

Celestia waved a hoof in front of her muzzle to no effect. "Oh dear, I think we broke her." She bopped Twilight's nose. "Twilight?"

"Excuse me, Your Highnesses?"

Celestia and Luna turned away from the still frozen Twilight toward the newest arrival. The Baron Much Hausen stood before them, bowed in deference and waiting to be recognized.

The Baron was an odd sort. A gold coated earth pony, he was getting on in years. His curled mane had gone white long years prior, the waxed to a curl mustache and pointed beard no less pale. He wore his old but still vibrant red and gold officer’s jacket with white lace at the sleeves. The golden mask he wore covered his eyes and the top of his nose, extending beyond it to a ridiculous degree.

Beneath his flamboyant exterior lay a relentless charmer and unscrupulous liar. There was not a mare in all of Equestria that he considered beyond his reach, and, if rumor was to be believed, he'd proven it numerous times. Even Celestia had been the subject of his blarney tongue and attempted wooing.

At worst he was a mild irritation, though many a married stallion had sought satisfaction for his rather open attempts to entice their wives. More commonly, he was an oft sought after party guest, prized for his fantastic tales of high adventure that defied all rationality and reason, but were never anything less than immensely entertaining. For all the trouble he caused, not once had he taken what was not offered, nor stepped beyond the law.

“Luna, it is my pleasure to present to you the rather infamous Baron Much Hausen.”

He rose up, only to bow his head toward Luna. “It is a supreme pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Your Highness.” Reaching a hoof into his jacket, he produced a rose and held it up toward Luna. “In all my travels I have never laid eyes upon any to match your magnificent beauty.”

Celestia stilled her eyes from rolling as Luna accepted the gift, twirling it in her field. “Thank you, Baron Much Hausen, for the gift and the words.”

“I must say,” Celestia said, “I am surprised by your attendance. I was not informed of your return to Equestria.”

He faced Celestia once more, a cock-sure smile on his lips and mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Unsurprising, my dear Princess, as I have only returned this very eve.”

“Ah, what fortuitus winds guide your path to return on such an important day. And how was you visit to… Prance, was it?”

“Alas, my vacation was cut short, and long, once again. We were set upon by pirates not a hundred leagues off—”

“Tut, tut, my good baron. You know my rule.”

“Ha, ha! Of course, of course. I forget myself. A time and place for all things! To whit…” The Baron turned his gaze toward Luna and dipped his head again. "My gorgeous Princess, would you do me the grand honor of granting me your company upon the dance floor?"

After all that had transpired over the past few minutes, it took no great effort for Celestia to hold back her laughter. Instead, she settled a little, anticipating Luna’s quick but vicious response. While Luna and Hausen would make excellent drinking partners, trading long-winded and exaggerated tales of their exploits, Luna’s patience would grow thin at his endless stream of compliments and flattery.

In her cold, dismissive tone, she asked, "Tell me, my good Baron, have you made this same request of my sister?"

“Many times.”

“And has she ever granted it?”

“Not once.”

Luna was quiet, still gazing at the rose held in her field. When she did look away, it was to catch Celestia’s eye. There was something there that she had never seen before. Something about the angle of her eyelids, the exact position of her ears and the tilt of her lips. She only saw it for a second before Luna turned back to the Hausen. In that second, however, the meaning was as clear as if it had been spelled out for her.

“That is unfortunate.” Luna’s mane seemed to grow, wrapping around her entirely. As though she were nothing more than a cloud of stars and darkness, she slipped over the table to reform beside the Baron. Taking his hoof in her own, she said, “Allow me to atone for my sister’s continued inhospitality.”

Celestia did not mimic Twilight’s gaping. She watched her Luna and the Baron step away from the table and toward the dance floor with no less grace than ever. Behind that mask, however, there was a spark that caught fire, a miniscule flame like a candle struggling to stay alight.

—————————————

“Twilight? … Twilight? … Oh no! Philomena got into the library again!”

Whatever thoughts had filled Twilight’s head went up in smoke as she jumped to her hooves, heart thumping wildly in her chest, eyes wild, seeking without seeing. “Quick! Somepony get—”

Her muzzle snapped shut against her will, a strong force preventing her from calling forth reinforcements to save the defenseless books from that demon bird. Rather than fight and waste precious seconds, Twilight turned her efforts to identifying her location versus that of the library. She would save her… the archive’s books all on her own if that's what it took.

She was outside, at night, stars and moon shining brightly. There was a large crowd of ponies on the ground below her, only a few of the closest having taken notice of her silenced call of alarm. Though there were a number of braziers burning away around the park, they failed to produce that unique scent of ancient paper and ink transforming into smoke and ash. That was the first clue to stick with her, telling her that her assumptions were off. In the space of a second, with what seemed like glacial slowness, she remembered where she was; that and she finally noticed the golden aura surrounding her muzzle as it dissipated.

Twilight flopped back down, crossing her forelegs and pouting, refusing to meet Princess Celestia's eye. “That wasn’t funny.”

"No?" Twilight could almost hear the uptick of her brow. "Are you certain?"

"Yes."

"Hmm… I think I must disagree. All I seem to recall is a little purple filly with a singed mane chasing Philomena through the castle, trying to cast a polymorph spell and shouting threats about newts and frogs.” Princess Celestia chuckled. “I found it rather humorous, more so for the look on Philomena's face when you succeeded."

"She deserved it," Twilight said with a huff, refusing to acknowledge her mentor’s laughter. “I don’t understand why you keep that demon bird around.”

Princess Celestia tutted. “I know she can be a bit of a pain, and that was not the nicest of pranks, but I wouldn’t go so far as to call her a demon anymore than I would say the same of Luna.”

The mention of Luna’s name drew her eyes to the empty seat beside Princess Celestia and her thoughts to her last solid memory. “You and Luna were arguing!”

“We were,” she admitted. “It happens from time-to-time.”

Twilight groaned, burying her face in her hooves. “And I made a complete foal out of myself.”

“You did,” she admitted, though in a comforting tone, patting Twilight’s shoulder with her wing. “That also appears to happen from time-to-time.”

Once Twilight finally got her blushing under control, she allowed herself to lift her head again.

The party was in full swing. Ponies danced as the band played. More stood and sat and walked around, chatting as they sipped drinks and pecked at the dessert table. A few ponies had broken off to more secluded places to talk in privacy, some even disappearing into the hedge maze, whether for the seclusion, the quiet, or some other reason, Twilight didn’t know or particularly care.

All of her attention was quickly captured by the ponies on the dance floor. Specifically the tallest pony in attendance—other than Princess Celestia. Stomping her hooves to the music, her dress swaying in a way that was risqué without ever quite becoming inappropriate, Luna seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit. The glances she shot her way sent Twilight’s heart aflutter and were almost enough to make her miss the stallion dancing at Luna's side in his flamboyant red jacket.

"Is that…?" Twilight started to ask, not really trusting her eyes.

"It is," Princess Celestia answered, already knowing to what and whom she was referring.

"I thought he was dead."

The Princess hummed thoughtfully. "Why Twilight, do you not recall? He has surely died no less than three times by his own admission."

Twilight heard her, but her attention was focused on the dance floor in its entirety. That Baron Hausen was still alive and kicking held no sway compared to the envy and annoyance that consumed her.

Hausen and Luna shimmied and shook side-by-side along with the other dancing ponies, the Baron taking time to teach Luna the steps to the decade old dance. Luna’s movements were initially uncertain with each new step, only in so much as she paid more attention to the other dancers than her own hoof work. She only needed a single repetition to master the steps, however, quickly adding in her own flair and grace that made the others appear the novices and she the master.

All of Twilight’s dreams and imaginings of Luna paled in comparison to the sensual fluidity of her reality. Just watching her brought a warmth to her cheeks and made her hindlegs squirm in growing discomfort.

Still, as their flanks bounced and bumped together in time with the music, Twilight couldn’t help but frown. That should have been her. That should be her. But it wasn't. She'd chickened out, waffled aimlessly instead of taking action, allowing the old storyteller to slip in and steal Luna away from her. The night was still young, however, and turnabout was fair play.

All she needed was a plan.

Once the arrangement ended she would go ask Luna for the next dance. Before that, it would be better to make sure the next song was one she herself could dance to.

That quickly became the focus of her thoughts. There were only so many scores that she knew, and even fewer that she felt comfortable with dancing to. Then again, if she picked something slower, more intimate… Yes, that sounded much more to her liking.

As Twilight’s mind focused on her growing plans, a small group of guests approached the dais, addressing themselves to Princess Celestia. She barely noticed when her mentor rose, bidding her to speak later before trotting off to converse with the group in a more private area.

It wasn’t until the orchestra’s music faded that Twilight’s conscious mind resurfaced.

She jumped to her hooves and berated herself. Unless she wanted to make a small scene by teleporting, there was no way she would make it to the band in time to request the next song. All the plans she’d just made crumbled, leaving her standing alone on the dais and staring out at the laughing crowd of masked nobles who’d just finished their dance.

Her options for her next move were now limited to two choices: ask for a dance now, or wait to request the next song.

With a surge of courage, Twilight sprang into action. Trotting as quickly as she could without drawing attention to herself, she dropped from the platform and weaved her way through the party.

An odd euphoria settled deeper into her with each step. Her imagination began to recall the dreams and fantasies she’d been having since driving that hydra off. Originally, only a few of them started with dancing, but it became a near constant theme since receiving the party invitation and speaking with Rarity.

Things might not have gone perfectly so far, but that was about to change. Just a few more lengths and she would be on the dance floor, then at Luna’s side, then dancing with her. That’s all it would take, and the rest of the night would be perfect.

Twilight spotted Rarity, her friend noticing her at the same time and offering a supportive smile and wink. That didn’t help, but even the blush that it brought was miniscule compared to her forward momentum. Her path was clear and simple. Locate Luna and ask her to dance. Nothing could be easier.

Twilight’s gait faltered as her hooves clopped against the hardwood of the dance floor. She could see her, standing in the midst of the crowd, tall and regal, her silver dress hugging her every curve and sending Twilight’s already engaged imagination to less and less appropriate places. Every drop of moisture in her mouth dried up. Like dipping a hoof into an icy pond, her courage was shocked from her in a single instant.

Her mind went blank. What moments ago had seemed so simple a task, now appeared as unscaleable as the walls of Ghastly Gorge. The last of her momentum carried her three more paces before petering out. She could still see it, the image of her approaching Luna and asking for a dance full and clear in her mind’s eye, but of the words, there was nothing.

She took a step back. After another moment’s hesitation, she sighed and turned away, slinking toward the refreshments table. It was still early, after all, and there would be plenty of opportunities to try again before the party ended.