Their most faithful student

by Wendy Crescent

Rating: mature
Tags: Slice of Life, Human, Anthro, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 9384

Twilight Sparkle, newly ascended princess, and now student to both the princess of the sun and moon. She has to learn to become a proper princess, and on top of all her new duties and lessons she has to come to terms with unexpected feelings.

About human/Antro tags: Human/Antro tag for humanized ponies, there are not actual humans in it.

Special thank so Zakharra from Darknest for Proof reading/editing the story up to chapter 1.

[size=1.05em]Twilight Sparkle[/size], the newly ascended princess of Equestria, faithful student to not only princess Celestia, but also to princess Luna as they guide her in the intricate workings of being an Alicorn Princess, and leading her subjects.

It has been quite a few months since the battle with Tirek, and everything has slowly been settling down to a semblance of normalcy. For most ponies that is, not for Twilight Sparkle though. The young princess has much more worries then she had before.

Aside from her lessons with Princess Celestia and Luna, she also has to hold court and attend to duties she had never even imagined. Add to that that she is slowly developing feelings for somepony and has to cope with that along side of all the stress.

Note: The story is in an alternate universe and deviates from the television series from season 4 onwards. There maybe some similarities though these will be far and in-between.

[size=0.75em]Obligatory Disclaimer:[/size]
[size=0.75em]This is a work of fan fiction using characters from My little pony: Friendships is magic. All characters and the setting are created, owned and copyrighted by Hasbro. And I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of My little Pony Friendship is magic. The story I tell here about is my own invention, and it is not purported or believed to be part of the story canon. This story is for entertainment only and is not part of the official story line. This work of fiction is not for profit, in accordance with the fair use doctrine, codified by the Copyright Act of 1976.[/size]

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-02-15 17:59:45 UTC

Chapter 0: Prologue

"No... No... NO!" the bookish Alicorn bemoaned as she tossed book after book behind herself, eyes half lidded in frustration. She huffed in frustration her hands slowly running through her blue hair, as she used her red-ish pink magical aura to lift up the book she had just finished searching through, Her eyes closed as she lay herself onto the desk with a sigh of resignation. The book she had thrown landing on a larger pile of books, the entire library's contents worth of books in one large unstable pile to be exact. "Nothing..." she muttered to herself. “There is NOTHING."

"What's wrong Twilight?" Spike asked, as he came down the stairs into the library proper, he slowly eyed the massive pile of books with an arched eyebrow. Turning his gaze to the crestfallen Alicorn Princess "Did I forget re-shelving day?" he asked with a slightly worried tone, motioning a claw at the lightly swaying pile of tomes, starting to walk to the windows to pull open the curtains to let in bright rays of early morning light. "Have you even slept?"

"No! How could I sleep, I have gone through every single book in Ponyville Spike. And I can't find anything about being a princess." She said, turning around in her chair, blushing slightly as she looked at the pile of books that was currently defying all the laws of physics. She spread her wings and flapped to the top of the towering pile, placing the last book atop it causing the pile to sway just a little more. Landing besides the dragon she straightened herself and her pleated skirt that reached to her ankles.  "Spike take a-" she was about to say, though she was interrupted by a small young dragon belching out a puff of green flames from which a sealed scroll materialized bearing the royal seal.

The young drake cut open the wax seal and unrolled the letter "Seems like the Princess beat you to it." He said, grinning slightly as he started to recite the letter's content.

My dearest Twilight,

It has been a while and I hope you are getting used to your new form, I can imagine it has been quite an adjustment getting used to having wings. Not to mention getting used to the idea of being a princess of Equestria.  I am sure you have been worrying about what is expected of you from now on? I would not be surprised if you have been combing through all books in Ponyville.

Regarding what is expected of you, my sister and I would like to invite you to come to Canterlot this upcoming weekend. So we may discuss this. Not to mention it has been a month since your coronation and the summer sun festival is drawing closer, it would be lovely to see you again.

Love,

Celestia

"How did she know I was...?” Twilight trailed off and blushed slightly as she looked to spike questioningly, her cheeks turning a rather cute shade of crimson as she realized just how informal the letter sounded to her, as if she and the solar goddess where... equals. Her hands clasped over her heart as she checked her pulse, she opened her eyes wide at that thought. She was stricken with nervousness although she was quickly snapped out of her freak out moment by the snapping of a claw.

"Equestria to Twilight, wake up Twilight." The smaller drake said, giving her a deadpan look. "You're predictable like that, is how she knew.  Shall I take a letter in response?" He looked at her already having a blank parchment and quill at the ready; a small smile adorned the young drake as he watched his older sister.

"W- Yes, take a letter Spike." She nodded gently, sitting down crossing her legs as she does so starting to recite a letter in return, a bit more formal than Celestia’s letter had been by habit mainly.

Dear Princess Celestia and Luna,

It has indeed been a while princess, much to my regret. Getting used to my wings is coming along slowly, I have been training with Rainbow Dash and I am slowly getting better at flight. Even though there has been more than one embarrassing situation. I have indeed as you mentioned been trying to read up on being a princess to no avail there seems to be no books about that! It is something that should be corrected, even if I have to author it.

But that is not why I am writing you, I would like to accept your offer, and will be coming to Canterlot this weekend. It would indeed being lovely to see you and Luna once more. I must admit i have missed you both, especially your lessons Princess Celestia.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Twilight nodded her satisfaction as her number one assistant signed it with her name; she stretched herself with a small yawn. Her wings spreading to their full length, poking against the massive unstable stack of books causing it to topple over onto the young drake burying him under an avalanche of dusty old books just as he sent off the sealed scroll to the princess. Some of the smaller tomes caught in the puff of green fire being sent off along with the letter.

The young princess gasped as she leapt off her chair, lifting the books off of the groaning drake with her magic, allowing the spell to sort the books and replace them into their shelves as she knelt down to help Spike up "Are you all right?" she asked, speaking softly in a worried tone.

"I'm fine" he assured her, his emerald eyes a little unfocused, though there were no apparent wounds on the young dragon's form.

"Good, I am going to rest Spike. You're in charge for the day" She informed her little brother as she kissed the drake on his cheek tenderly. Her free hand softly patted him over his head, before slowly trotting up the stairs to her bedroom. "No parties while I am sleeping." She said, jokingly.

***

Celestia let out a contented sigh relaxing at the ancient oaken desk inside of her study, it was early in the morning she had just raised her sun and finally sent her and Luna’s letter to Twilight. Her eyes fell to the adorable sleeping form of her younger sister, the sight coaxing a small loving sisterly smile. The dark blue princess of the night had been so excited when she found out she heard of the plan to invite her faithful student over for lessons in being a princess. Luna had been bouncing like a young filly. The elder Alicorn stood up, levitating her empty coffee cup in her brilliant white magical aura, hands slowly straightening the simple gold trimmed cream coloured gown.

As she passes the mirror she took a moment to admire herself, flashing a little smile as she examined her outfit for the day. She was not vain in anyway, but she was a little proud of how the thin white dress hugged her hourglass figure, bringing attention to her curves. It had a modestly cut V-neck showing off a tasteful amount of cleavage, but not excessively so. As always her outfit was finished by her golden crown and the sun medallion she wore as her badge of office.

She was pulled out of the admiration of her tailor's handy work as a puff of green smoke entered through the open window, materializing in a letter before herself. She allowed herself a fond smile as she took it in one hand, starting to read the letter quite fondly. "I am sure Luna will like it that you are coming in two days." she said softly rolling up the letter and levitating it to her desk.  She nodded and put down her cup on the trolley that the maid had left with her breakfast,, then slipped out of her room silently to allow Luna her sleep.

Nodding at the guards that stood watch at her door, she offered them a radiant and truthfully joyous smile. "Good morning, Moonshadow and Starsong," she greeted the two, causing them both to start a little at the cheery tone in contrast to her usual graceful and soft spoken way.

"Good morning, your majesty." The blond and silver haired guard inclined her head as they both followed their princess, one to her left and right,  each one step to the side and two steps behind her, as they had been trained to. "Did you receive good news princess?" Starsong asked, daringly as they walked through the mostly empty halls.

"Yes! My faithful student will be visiting this weekend." She informed Starsong, peering over her shoulder with a loving motherly smile. She  gently pushed open the doors to the throne room with her magic and walked in, taking a deep breath as she approached the already waiting assembly of dignitaries, and nobles that came to appeal to her day court. “Good day my little ponies.” Celestia said, holding up a hand to prevent them from bowing to her.

Chapter 1: The arrival

The week had passed with stunning speed; it had been a calm and gentle summer week. No earth shattering disasters, No long lost deities returning from their imprisonment, all was normal. That is to say normal relative to Ponyville standards where every other day a particularly well liked pink, puffy haired girl hosted parties for the most insignificant of things, or where three little girls caused chaos in their quest to earn their cutie marks.

The day itself was serene at least for the moment quiet little village, it was just past dawn and Celestia's sun was already making promises of a very hot summer day one might speculated that today would be one of the hottest of the summer. A nervous yet happy grin crested Twilight’s lips as she stood just outside of the tree library that was her home, her left hand softly gripping a small bag that she had slung over her left shoulder. Far off in the distance she could already see the golden glimmer of a chariot. She had protested against the chariot in her last letter, though Luna had insisted on it adamantly. She took a moment to inspect her own reflection in the library's window, her hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail a pair of slim glasses rested on her nose. Her feathery lilac wings were settled in a resting position on her back, she gently patted down the simple navy blue top and matching, long pleated skirt that she was wearing. The look completed by the thigh high socks making her the clean image of a proper and diligent student, pleased, she gave a nod of approval at her own appearance.

As the chariot approached, it was hard for her to contain her excitement, the lilac wings urging to flutter and flex in her currently ecstatic state. It would be a bold lie to say that Twilight Sparkle was not looking forwards to studying not just under Celestia, but under both elder Alicorns. ‘I'm unsure of this, what would the lessons of being a princess consist of? Would I be required to hold court... could I even do that? What if I messed it up? I could start a war!’ The newly minted Princess lost herself in the endless ocean of what if scenarios, one more wild than the previous entering her mind as she stood there in front of the library lost in the proverbial sea, that is to say until she was snapped back to reality by a soft gentle voice breaking her from the cyclical thought pattern.

“Princess Sparkle?” asked the sergeant, a worried look in his eyes as he stood before Twilight. The four royal guards that were with him bowed to her as they had finally caught her attention.

‘How long was I lost in thought? I... should break that habit.’ She thought to herself, her cheeks growing a little hot as she noticed the four guards bowing and remaining lowered. "P-please, there is no need to bow!" she squeaked out in what sounded like panic and indecision. Her lips still set in that nervous but happy smile as she climbed into the chariot, settling herself comfortably and placing down her bag to her left. The princess took in a sharp breath as she felt the chariot leaving the ground at a startling speed, being unused to traveling by royal chariot she grasped for the soft velvet cushions allowing herself to be carried towards Canterlot.

She slowly allowed herself to relax against the velvety pillows of the chariot that carried her high above the landscape. Flying was still new to her even though she was able to fly using her own wings now, but it still left Twilight awestruck being this high up in the air. Staring at the castle that loomed in the distance Twilight noted how deceptively close it looked while in fact it was a good two hour flight. It’ll be good to see princess Celestia and Luna once more. It has been far too long since I have seen them. she thought to herself, closing her eyes to enjoy the wind blowing through her dark blue hair, allowing it to caress her pale skin and sweep past her glasses. “This is going to be the best weeke- No... Not that, this is going to be an interesting weekend.” She said softly, correcting herself, noting at how calling something the best thing ever was still tarnished after the Grand Galloping Gala.

***

“And so you see princess, it would be both a profitable venture for the crown, and a definite increase in Morale for the common folk.” The white coated unicorn said, a small stick in his telekinetic grip indicating pie charts and other diagrams. He offered the Solar Deity a hopeful radiant smile after finishing.

The princess looked like the perfect image of gentle motherly love and sweet and caring kindness, although saying her exterior composure was entirely truthful would be a gross exaggeration. Internally the Alicorn princess was seething at the preposterous thing Blueblood was proposing. So now he wants the funds to build a giant statue of himself... that can be used as an apartment complex. She thought to herself, letting forth a small sigh before speaking “I will, take it into consideration, Lord Blueblood. Thank you.” She gave him a gentle, and what looked to be earnest smile. For wasting three hours of my life she thought to herself.

The pompous noble bowed deeply and allowed his assistant to carry the charts and all other presentation materials that he had used. Taking his leave in a quick timely manner, and burst into a full sprint after a few seconds clearly able to feel the scorching sensation from the angry glare Celestia was throwing at him.

The princess’ eyes fell onto Starsong “Please my little pony, tell me he was the last one?” she asked, her voice full of desperation, unashamed of showing her true emotions to the first sergeant of her house guard. And her personal aid when holding court.

“He was princess, permission to speak freely?” Starsong looked at the princess, holding the day court schedule behind her back standing at attention besides the throne. Speaking only after she noticed the subtle nod from her princess. “Why is it, you entertain his ideas? Would it not be better to...? Have someone inspect his ideas before allowing him entry into the court?”

The solar goddess let out a gentle chuckle as she rose up from her throne stretching herself out as tall as possible, coaxing a light crack from her neck. “Perhaps my little pony, though what would be the fun in that? It’s more enjoyable to watch him run off.” she said, walking to a side door to the right of her throne, followed by Starsong to her left. “And... I couldn’t put anyone else through his nonsense that would be cruel.”

The blond haired guard nodded in response, clipboard tucked under one arm, the other hand casually resting on her short sword, walking one step to her princess’ left and two steps behind her. Her golden armour rattled slightly with each step. “I see your Majesty, and I can understand that choice. With his attitude we would need a new attendant every week... Regardless of ‘prince’ Blueblood the rest of your afternoon is clear” She said, with a gentle nod to her own words, unable to help but smile as she watched her Princess’ smile grow.

“Good, then make sure I am not disturbed. I wish to spend as much time with Princess Twilight as possible.” Celestia said, walking at a brisk pace towards the castle’s observatory. The eternal gentle loving smile constantly on her lips as she walked with Starsong in tow. “If you wish Starsong, You may go take the afternoon off.”

“Are you sure, your Majesty? Who would guard you?” the guard asked, taken aback by the princess’ sudden breach of guard protocol, which to her always felt a little silly considering that the princes was an all-powerful goddess compared to her guards. “I mean no disrespect, though...”

Celestia interrupted Starsong with a light chuckle, causing the other mare to stare at her in confusion had she said something amusing? She pondered for a long few seconds, though her considerations were cut short as the princess spoke to her again. “My little pony please, me and Luna can handle ourselves within these walls. You need not worry about us when we are not in public.” The princess offered Starsong a loving motherly smile while softly patting her on the back. Walking ahead without her guard Celestia looked over her shoulder “take an afternoon off Starsong, if any mare in my personal house guard has earned it is you.” She said disappearing around the corner on her way to the observatory leaving the blond mare alone and confused.

***

The main chamber of Luna’s observatory was dark, the floor, walls and ceiling were pitch black, indistinguishable from one another, on the surfaces were the constellations. The celestial patterns tracing across  all of the surfaces, reflecting the night sky with impossible accuracy. Papers lay scattered across the floor, along with large open tomes and several large pillows. In the middle of it all stood a short woman in a dark almost black dress, her hands raised on high as she moved stars around creating intricate shapes and new constellations. In the darkness, it would have been hard to spot  her if it wasn’t for the woman’s  pale skin, her flesh glowed with an almost  ethereal light, , illuminating strands of, her deep blue hair waving in the ethereal winds of her magic.

Princess Luna hummed to herself, a happy smile on her purple painted lips. She had taken the time to make herself up a little after the nap she had, ensuring she was rested for Twilight’s arrival in Canterlot. Lightly applied black eyeliner, some purple eye shadow matching the shade of her lipstick, nothing over the top or flashy but enough to appear tasteful and perhaps slightly Gothic in her matte black dress.

She parted her lips slightly, her tongue lolling out in concentration as she readjusted her night sky with her magic, making room for the six new constellations she was creating. The shapes representing each of the elements of Harmony’s cutie marks, it has been a project that had spanned multiple months of preparation, not to mention the months of creating the incantations for this process. Anyone who would assume creating stars was easy for the Princess of the Night was sorely lacking in knowledge, and common sense.

Luna grinned broadly, elegant fingers shaping the last motion needed to complete the spell, a flawless victory for the Princess of the Night. Her body was surrounded by a dark deep blue aura, the power radiating from her in a gentle graceful manner, unlike the force and scorching heat of her sisters Solar magic. Moonlight magic was cool and gentle like the wind upon a warm summer’s night.

After the spell was finished, the ethereal winds died down and vanished, leaving a heavily panting Princess of the Night to slump down onto a nearby pillow, her eyes up cast to admire her own work with the most fond of smiles. “It is perfect” she said, to no one in particular.

The Lunar Princess allowed herself to drift into a dreamlike state, leading her physical form to restore its magical energy, standing on her own astral plane she sat down, conjuring up a large blue pillow to recline on, which she rather eagerly did with an almost childlike giggle. Ever since she was a young filly she’d spent time on this plane to amuse herself without the limitations of the material world. Unlike Equestria, her plane worked much like a dream she only needed to will something into existence. Along with the pillow a pot of ink and some blank sheets of paper appeared in front of the deep blue haired princess.

On the sheet of paper were her mental notes that made up Twilight’s lesson plan, having taken Celestia’s suggestion to heart, she had kept it in her mind rather than on a piece of paper. The young princess could never resist keeping ahead in advance to what she was supposed to be learning. That said Luna looked over the schedule with a small frown letting out a sigh as she went through the plan line by line. ‘It’s so much... Is Twilight even ready for such a schedule? I mean Tia said she had a thing for schedules though having her hold court so soon... Maybe I should allow her some more time.’ Luna thought to herself, her wings flexing.

‘Then again, seeing her panic would be... cute... yes the way she would squirm walking up the throne with everyone watching those pale cheeks turned crimson.’ Luna giggled at imagining the bookish princess sitting on the throne fidgeting and trying to keep her wings under control, her own cheeks turning a soft pink as she, the Lunar Princess, realized she was getting aroused by her train of thought. Luna shook her head vigorously, trying a futile attempt to relieve herself of the imagine of Twilight sitting on the throne curled up with her knees to her chest, looking up at Luna over the rim of her glasses with those big, expressive eyes. Deep enough to dro- ‘Okay! Enough of this foolishness focus , Luna! ’ She mentally chastised herself taking a deep breath.

A sweet adoring smile played over her lips as she lay back on the mound of soft velvet pillows. Taking a while to catch her breath and allowing her magic to recharge. Luna’s eyes closed oblivious to the sound of the large double door to her observatory opening.

“Very impressive I knew you were working on a thank you for Twilight and her friends but you outdid yourself Lulu” Celestia said, stepping in through the door. A small grin appeared on her lips when she noticed she’d caught Luna off guard, causing the slightly younger Alicorn to jump up in alarm, her wings spread out to their full span, her eyes wide and her breathing heavy from her previous exertion.

“Tia! Thou knoweth better than to enter as such! We almost died of fright, not to mention we could have failed our spell if we had not finished seconds ago!”

Celestia chuckled as Luna eyes her with mock offense glinting in her eyes, though her face was contorted in an angry scowl at the sight of her elder sister’s amused smirk. Stomping her bare foot down she hissed a little at the Solar Princess. “Tis no laughing matter sister dearest! Thy mischief is most unbecoming of a princess, what would Twilight bethink of her regal mentor, after beholding such uncouth behaviour from her?” She asked her eyebrow perked up high waiting for a response from her elder sister.

The Princess of the Sun gazed at Luna, regarding her for a long while with a thoughtful expression on her face, as if she was contemplating some deep philosophical query rather than a rather simple question from her younger sister. The prolonged silence offered Luna some well needed time to calm down from her outburst and shock. After a long silence, Celestia approached the blue haired woman, her pastel colour hair blowing in a non-existent wind, her face held a neutral expression leaning in to whisper to Luna.

“What if Twilight Sparkle likes unruly pranksters more than by the rules kind of mentors? She might be a prim and proper student, but do you truly know what is below that appearance Lulu?” She asked, the solar deity’s voice soft gentle and definitely mocking her sibling with secrets that not even Celestia should know.

“Sister has't thee been reading our diary again!?  Has't thee no shame!?” The Lunar princess looked outraged, voice raising a little before she suppressed her bad habit of shouting with stone shattering volume, barely. Her faux playful sisterly anger had turned to actual proper anger as she rose to her feet, hand to slap her sister with.

“Lulu, I did not read your diary, I swear by mother’s grace I did not. You were mumbling her name in your meditative state. Quite amorously I might add, sister dearest. It’s not hard putting one and one together from there on.” Celestia said, running her hand through her silky mane, offering Luna a loving sisterly smile as a blush slowly started creeping along Luna’s pale cheeks.

“S-sorry sister, we were acting foalish...” The Lunar princess said, bringing her hands to her chest, holding them over her heart. A sigh of resignation passing her lips upon realizing she could not hide it from her elder sister any longer. Or perhaps it was a sigh of relief at the fact she did not have to go through the effort of hiding it anymore, “Yes sister, we- that is to say I, have feelings for Twilight Sparkle.” She said, looking down at her bare feet with embarrassment. “Ever since the first nightmare night after my return if I am to be completely honest about it all.”

Celestia smiled warmly at her, wrapping the smaller princess in her soft downy wings to draw her closer in a tight loving embrace. She rested her cheek on the top of Luna’s head with a soft sweet giggle of joy. “You’re a silly filly. You do not need to hide that... you should be proud of yourself that you found a mare to love. My lips are sealed though, Lulu.”

“T-thank you Tia” Luna said, nuzzling herself against Celestia’s form arms wrapped around her shoulders in the tight sisterly embrace. The embrace was short lived though as one of Luna’s batpony guards entered the room, bowing down to one knee besides the two princesses.

“Your Radiance, Mistress Luna. I report that Princess Sparkle will be arriving any moment now.” He said, his voice like honey and steel, the combination making him sound confident and ever so smooth.

“Thank you Stormreaver. You may leave us.” Luna replied, a small smile on her lips as she slowly drew back from Celestia’s embrace, giving her big sister a small nod. “Come we should get ready to greet twilight, And I still need to change I am still dressed in my nightgown!” She chuckled lightly at her own comment, though a genuine concern audible in her soft voice.

“Yes... I should change too, we cannot welcome our student looking like this I will meet you there.” Celestia said with a gentle smile as the two of them left the observatory, each heading towards their rooms to change and get ready to greet princess Sparkle.

***

The sun the sun had raised to its highest point in the sky, signalling midday in the land of Equestria, its gentle warmth flooding the streets of Canterlot. As her chariot landed on the small pad that protruded from the castle Twilight could already see the two other Princesses waving at her, Luna being quite energetic about it like a little filly seeing her favourite niece again. While Celestia offered a gentle motherly smile, carrying herself in a more mature and dignified manner than her sibling was currently, that being said, Luna was displaying enough glee for the both of them. The chariot slowly started to descend towards the landing platform. Touching down on the stone surface was bumpier than Twilight had expected, almost knocking  her out of the rather comfortable seat. Luna rushed towards Twilight barely allowing her to climb out of her chariot before enveloping the new Alicorn princess in a tight sisterly hug.

“Twilight Sparkle!  It hath been far too long since we has't seen one another! I desire to know, thou has't hadst a pleasant trip?” The Lunar princess asked, her eyes glowing with joy at seeing her friend again.

Twilight arched an eyebrow as she looked down at Luna, eying her head to toe with a gentle smile plastered on her lips. The slightly smaller princess was wearing a deep blue kimono, with various constellations depicted on its surface neatly trimmed with a regal purple lining that matched the inside material and the sash, her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, the sash was pinned shut with a crescent moon shaped broach wrought from diamond and a deep blue colour silver that looked unlike any metal twilight had seen on Equestria. She looked ever as regal as Twilight remembered her being, although perhaps a little more in her role as a princess. She... looks so beautiful in that, the bookish Alicorn thought to herself.

“It’s good to see you too princess, I’ve missed you quite a bit I have to admit.” She chuckles lightly as Luna finally releases her from the tight and affectionate embrace, the princess of the moon blushed slightly to Twilight’s surprise, although it’d be a lie to say she did not enjoy the view of her fellow princess blushing so bashfully. Her eyes finally set on Celestia, watching her approach in a similar garb as Luna, though it was shorter more brazen compared to the slightly younger Alicorn’s long floor touching Kimono.

Celestia offered one of her radiant motherly smiles to Twilight, embracing both her and Luna as she nuzzled her cheek fondly; much like a mother would to a daughter she had not seen in months. “Twilight, it is good to see you again, my faithful student.” She nodded ever so gently after taking a step backwards. She was dressed in her shorter knee height Kimono with a deep purple lining and trim. Her clothes much like Luna’s depicted constellations on it, her sash though was mainly made of a foreign gold looking metal that matched her bracers and shoulder guards. It was a sleeveless outfit, allowing the sun cutie mark on her left shoulder to be visible through a thin blue veil and her multi-colour hair hung free over her shoulders reaching down to her hindquarters.

“Come Twilight, you must be hungry after your flight. I have had the servants prepare tea and some sandwiches for us to enjoy as we talk.” Celestia said with a sweet smile as she turned on her heels to head back inside. Twilight followed the princess with Luna to her left who was smiling quite eagerly; apparently Twilight wasn't the only one that was hungry right now.

“Thank you Princess, I was so eager to see you both I had forgotten breakfast this morning...” she said with slight embarrassment audible in her voice. The statement earned a disapproving tsk from the smaller princess to her left. She didn’t speak though her look said everything Twilight needed to know. It was the kind of look that conveyed the message you should take care of yourself better young lady, the kind of look her mother had given her many a time after a night’s worth of studying without sleep.

They walked through the maze like castle in relative silence, although occasionally Luna would ask a question, about what Twilight had been doing the past few months or how one her friends where doing. And Twilight would answer the question in perhaps typical detail and enthusiasm for the princess of friendship that is. It was quite a walk as they had to be at the other side of the castle though after a good fifteen minutes of walking they finally arrived at the smaller dining hall that was reserved for the princesses’ private use. Pushing open the large double doors the Celestia revealed a room Twilight was unfamiliar with; it was tastefully decorated with a small oaken table in the centre with six pillows placed around it. In the back was an unlit fireplace, the walls were decorated with scrolls of poetry and there were even some plants placed around the room. The room was lit by the sunlight flooding in through the large stained glass window. From the roof hung a small chandelier above the table that currently supported an expensive looking tea set along with a plate of various sandwiches.

“Welcome to our private meeting room, Twilight. This is a part of the castle not many get to see.” Celestia said, taking off her shoes before entering the room to take a seat on one of the large fluffy pillows. The studious Alicorn flexed her wings a little before she followed Celestia’s example, taking off her shoes before entering to sit across from her mentor, smiling warmly, her eyes scanning the room in particular the poetry that hung from the wall.

“It is, tranquil here Prince- Celestia” she said quickly correcting herself this time. This... is going to be difficult you get used to she thought to herself, pulling her legs to one side sitting on her pillow in a relaxed position. “May I ask who wrote that?” She nodded towards the scrolls on the wall with a gentle smile, a curious glint in her amethyst eyes.

Luna chuckled softly as she sat beside Twilight, subtly pushing her pillow a little closer before speaking up, “You’re sitting across from her Twilight Sparkle.” The comment coaxed a blush from the Solar princess who gave an awkward smile in response to Luna’s words. “She was quite the poet in her youth!” The Lunar princess continued with a slight teasing tone in her voice, quite enjoying the sight of a deeply blushing Celestia. She shook her head slightly leaning in to whisper to Twilight. “She’s sensitive about it... poor thing thinks she’s not skilled at it.” The whisper was just audible enough for Celestia to overhear it causing her to blush even deeper.

“Lulu! Stop that, it is not appropriate.” She objected to her sister’s teasing antics, her eyes narrowed into what was supposed to be an intimidating stare. Though instead of having the desired effect it only caused Luna to burst into a fit of laughter, falling back onto the soft pillow, unable to form any sentences at all she mumbled about Celestia’s look being priceless though other than that there was not much being said that made any semblance of sense.

In the middle of it sat Twilight, a stunned look on her face at the informality the two Alicorn sisters displayed towards one another and her at the moment; it was as if they were not princesses but normal everyday individuals. It was odd seeing the two in any other way than their former selves. Although it wasn’t unwelcome at all, it made Twilight feel quite humbled and special that she was allowed to see Luna and Celestia be actual sisters with their own sibling banter going on. It made her feel closer to the two of them. The thought of being this close to them caused her to chuckle gently, her cheeks flushing ever so slightly as she managed to retain her balance unlike the princess of the Night, although it did not last long as she noticed the two princesses looking at her entirely baffled by her response to their actions. “S-sorry P- Celestia, Luna I was not laughing at you... it is just adorable to watch you both behave like actual sisters.”

This time it was the Luna and Celestia’s turn to laugh, realizing just how silly and childish they must have looked to Twilight. The three princesses shared the laughter this time, all formalities seemingly having been left at the door. Their little banter shifted towards a more light hearted conversation, about little nothings, just simple little facts about each other getting to know one another on a more personal level rather than student and mentor. Celestia poured out the tea filling everyone’s cup while Twilight passed out the sandwiches so everyone had two each. The conversation went like that for what seemed to be hours, each of them taking turns to tell little facts about things they are passionate about.

“Pleasantries aside though, Twilight there is something I want to give you. Something a princess should not be without even in the safety of peaceful Equestria.” Celestia smiled warmly as she conjured up a package in her hands it was wrapped in a matte black paper and it was cylindrical in shape.

Twilight tried to take the present into her telekinetic grip, but her amethyst aura seemed to rebound off of the package causing her to not pick it up, although she did knock the fine earthen tea pot off of the table to her great shock. She sighed in relief witnessing Luna catch it just before it was about to hit the ground and shatter “W-what is it princess?” she asked, shaken by her magic misfiring.

Luna chuckled softly nudging Twilight in her side, earning herself a cute little yelp from the girl. “Take it with thy hands and open it Twilight., Thee will be shocked, as I have no doubt.” The Lunar princess said, nodding at Twilight encouragingly.

Twilight did as she was told, taking the package in her hands, she started  ripping away the wrapping paper. The first thing she saw was an amethyst inlaid in gold, then a deep almost black purple shaft of wood with the same constellation pattern the princesses had on their clothing. Twilight gasped loudly as the last piece of paper tore away to reveal the simple hilt of a sword, the end having a similar ending as the scabbard had. “Celestia is this... a sword?” She asked softly, drawing it partway out of the sheath,her emotions quite mixed by what she was holding.

She stared at the blade for a moment inspecting it; the blade confirmed what the scabbard  implied, that the blade was curved ever so slightly. Drawing it out further, she saw it had  a single cutting edge. It was quite exotic, considering the royal guard officers employ long swords which took far less time to create. She recalled a legend of a country to the Far East; legend had it that they used metal  fallen down from the heavens, and employed the aid of dragons to forge the perfect blade. It was said that one blade could take a full cycle of the months to complete.

“It’s not any sword, Twilight,” Celestia stated as she noticed her student’s ponderous look. ‘It is a blade crafted for you by the youngest descendant of the Imperial-blade caste of smiths in Neighpon. His family has provided the royal family with such weapons for generations now.” She smiled gently as she allowed her words to register with the still shocked Alicorn, placing a hand upon Twilight’s.

“C-Celestia It is a work of art, the tooling on the scabbard is sublime, it must have taken months to create...” Twilight said her voice filled with stunned awe as she looked between the two other princesses, a hand running along the smooth painted wood. “W-why though? I mean there is no use for such things in Equestria.”

Luna chuckled and answered before Celestia could say anything. “It has taken one year and four months to forge the blade alone. That includes the enhancements that have been put upon it to. As to why, well it is Traditions my dear Twilight. Our mother had one and so do we each have one...” She said, smiling warmly at Twilight.

Celestia nodded in agreement with her younger sibling, her lips curled into a loving smile, hands softly caressing Twilight’s “Yes, and we did not want to deprive you of a new form of magic that is associated with these blades, a thing only Alicorns are able to wield. Although I think you could have as well when you were still a Unicorn.” Celestia said.

“Add to that that was a guilty pleasure for Starswirl.” Luna chimed in to the conversation, once more nudging Twilight’s sides to earn just another cute squeak from the mesmerized Princess of Friendship, resisting the urges to play her fellow princess like an instrument by tickling her more. “He was rather well known for it in his time, although historians seemed to have not done his prowess justice, my dear Twilight.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide as she leaned in a little closer to Luna. Her look left no doubt that she was buying the story hook, line and sinker, not seeming to care if it was truth or a fabrication of the Night Princess. “Teach me! Please please please!” She eagerly pleaded, her free hand grabbing one of the Lunar Deities, coaxing a chuckle from Celestia’s side of the table.

“Yes, really my faithful student. He was on par with me; he gave Luna a thorough spanking in her day! Although she needed to learn some humility” She said, giving a slow nod as she recited the fact about her little sister in a rather carefree manner, ignoring the foul look she was receiving from her younger sibling.

“Sister we demand a duel with thee! This offence wilt not wend unpunished!” Luna said. Raising her voice, she slammed her open hand onto the table, scowling at her elder sister whom was looking less than amused about the challenge. Twilight on the other hand flinched back opening and closing her mouth repeatedly though not uttering a word to stop the two sisters, stunned to silence by the sudden talk of duelling.

“Lulu, you know I meant no offence by my statement. It was a jest and you know that no need to...” Celestia said, trying to explain herself. Her words though fell on deaf ears as her younger sister stood up and walked out of the room with a frustrated huff slamming the doors behind her.

Celestia sighed, looking to a still stunned Twilight, whose eyes had widened to the diameter of the small tea cup saucers that stood on the table. “Twilight... I am sorry for Luna’s behaviour she can be a little temperamental when it comes to this.”

“I know Pri- Celestia. Luna has a strong sense of honour.” The smaller Alicorn said with a sweet smile at her mentor, “I am sure she will be back to normal after cooling down... right?

Celestia shook her head and stood up with a surprisingly serene smile on her lips for a woman who was challenged to a duel by her younger sibling. “No Twilight, this is a thing that must happen for her to regain her senses worry not though we have never harmed one another.”

“But...”

“No buts my dear, now come we will fetch my blade and I shall teach you the spell on the way.”

“A-alright Celestia, if you are sure.” Twilight nodded, standing up to follow Celestia out of the room, her sword held in her left hand. She looked at Celestia unable to help but worry for her safety.

***

Luna stood in the courtyard of the castle, still wearing her Kimono, she wore her blade at her left hip, the deep abyssal blue colour of the wood almost blending seamlessly in with her clothing. She wore an angry scowl as she tapped her foot impatiently; her Kimono was now a bit more open showing off her the sports bra she wore below her dress along with similar spandex gym shorts. Around her in an arch of three-hundred and sixty degrees there was a twelve meter circle  with a circle of plain wooden posts set into the ground marking the perimeter. Outside of the boundaries of the duelling arena simple wooden posts, a group of guards had gathered around the ring, looking confused although they did not question their princess about her business. After all it was her right to do as she pleased even if the Captain had objections. Amid the gathering of guards, a tall man with shocking blue hair, azure highlights running through the shoulder length haircut stood. He wore a clean white dress uniform, the collar was adorned with the golden Captain’s pin, with an officer’s longsword at his left hip; about his neck hung a chain of a blue shield with Amethyst star in its centre. A worried expression painted across his facial features.

“Worried I might humiliate my sister, Captain?” Luna’s voice startled him, causing the distracted captain of the guard to jump a little. Luna giggled in response to it, a soft mischievous giggle. “Worry not we won’t harm each other.”

“That is more what I am worried about Princess, Celestia and yourself can handle a loss even in public though I rather not see either of you hurt.” He said, giving a slight nod in response to the princess. He approached her placing a hand on the smaller woman’s shoulder. “You’re both capable with a blade, though... I do not know how Twilight will handle seeing you both like this.”

“It’s actually for her; my sister was only teasing me. Though it was a good opportunity to show Twilight the spell we are going to teach her.” She nodded, placing her own hand on to his.

In the distance she could already see Celestia in her shorter less clumsy dress, a similar blade hanging from the belt at her left hip, though hers was a brilliant white, like the most flawless marble, Besides her walked Twilight Sparkle, looking both curious and anxious at the same time, a rather adorable combination Luna mentally noted, her left hand casually resting on the pommel of her blade making the princess of the night appear more militant, radiating an aura of authority. “Sister thee decided to show up!? Art thou ready?” She called out in what else, but her royal shouting voice, sticking to tradition perhaps a little too much.

Approaching her sister the Solar princess bowed before entering the arena that had been set up, returning Luna’s shout with one of her own something that was definitely out of character for her “Yes, sister dearest. I am ready.” Looking at Twilight, Celestia frowned a little, her hand not touching her blade yet, “My faithful student whatever happens do not interfere alight? Observe and take notes of how we use this spell.” She said, kissing her student on the top of the head with a gentle reassuring smile before turning to Luna.

The crowd had grown, drawn in by the Lunar Princess’ shouting, all off duty guards and even a hand full of the nobility had shown up to watch this odd occurrence. After all last time such a thing happened was a thousand years ago, most present looked curious though perhaps a little fearful of Luna’s intent.

“Gathered mares and gentlecolts.” Shining Armour started wrapping an arm around his little sister Twilight, “We are gathered here for a very special occasion indeed. Princess Luna has challenged her elder sister to a duel. Its purpose is to show who the superior swordswoman of the two is.” He announced with a small smile on his lips. “The rules are simple, Magic will cover the blade edge, making impact with skin cause a bruise at most. Blows to the head not allowed, neither is flight. Anything else goes that is, within what is befitting for a princess.”

“Big brother?”

“Yes Twily?”

“Is this... normal?”

“It doesn't happen often, though mostly they do this in the guard’s barracks, in private, with just me and the officers to keep an eye on them.” Shining Armour said. Smiling lovingly at his little sister, ruffling her hair a little with his right hand. “Both of them will be entirely fine my dear sister.”

“T-thank you.” She whispered and leaned against his side, eyes locked on Celestia and Luna.

“Begin!” the captain of the guard announced to Luna and Celestia.

Luna drew her sword in a swift motion, staring at Celestia with a small smile on her dark painted lips, eyes narrowed in concentration as her blade was enveloped in a midnight blue aura. The sharp gleam of the metal vanishing becoming more blunt as if it were a practice sword. Both her hands wrapped around the hilt as she stood at the ready.

Celestia how ever did not draw her blade, at all. Its scabbard was enveloped in a similar aura signalling she was also casting the same spell; she raised a hand and motioned for Luna to come at her passing up initiative.

Luna looked apprehensive for a moment, though the chance for getting a free hit in overpowered her more rational senses. Swiftly she charged at her fellow princess, blade shifting in her grip to make an overhead slash at her sister’s chest area, going for what would normally be a killing blow. Bringing the blade down on forced and along with her momentum would leave a large bruise.er sister needed a lesson she reckoned.

The blade cut through thin air, but Celestia was nowhere to be seen. At least not in front of Luna, she re-materialized right behind her sister, blade in hand to deliver a stinging slap against Luna’s rear with the flat of her blade. The smack of the spank could be heard by all attendants. “Did, losing to Starswirl teach you nothing, sister?” She teased, leaping back out of reach of Luna’s blade. Even with not being allowed to fly,she was still allowed to increase her jump distance with her wings.

Luna growled in response, spinning and slashing at thin air once more, following her attack up with a leap forwards to Celestia. With blinding speed and accuracy she slapped her blade across her sister’s flank, leaving quite the bruise for later. She did her best to recover though it was too late, Celestia had already taken a swing the blade almost striking Luna’s throat

With an incredible feat speed the Lunar princess shifted the blade to above her head allowing the other woman’s weapon to stroke hers and slide off harmlessly. The lighting quick parry drew a cheer from the amassed crowd. It was clear some seemed to favour the Princess of the Night Breathing steadily, she leaped back from her elder sister she started circling the calm and composed Solar deity. Stalking around her like a predator looking for a lapse in concentration from her prey. She’s too calm. She is planning something. Luna thought to herself.

Celestia stood still, that is to say she stood as still as a warrior being circled by her opponent, following the other woman with all her senses, listening for a change in her steps as she was behind her. Registering every little noise created by the rustling of her sister’s robes. Her blade was already back into its scabbard, her hands at her side fingers moving in what the casual observer would think was nervous twitching. But the casual observer would be dead wrong in their assessment, and clearly would lack any knowledge of the subtleties of magic.

Two of the observers were not casual observers, not in the least. both were experts on magic and the Solar princess. “Brother... is she?” Twilight started to ask, but was cut off by her brother’s hand covering her mouth, giving her only a nod as response. After a moment, he leaned in to whisper to her, “Yes, though Luna has not noticed of it. She is distracted.”

Twilight was about to answer, but was interrupted by a loud shout of exertion as Luna set in for another attack. The Lunar Princess charged, aiming her protected blade at her sister’s back, her eyes filled with a fierce fury, though her lips were oddly enough curled into a loving smile. The Princess of the Night seemed to be having fun with her duel.

“Igins” Celestia said softly, a force of magic erupting from her form, the air around her burned with the fury of a sun, bathing everyone in a radiant light warm light. It felt like the embrace of a mother’s gentle, warmth, but most of all it felt like safety. Turning, Celestia snap-drew her blade once more while Luna was still dazed by the blast of pure energy. Raising her blade to a low guard, the Solar Princess darted in low while her younger sister staggered on her feet.

Luna gasped for breath, not having been prepared in the slightest for such a concussive force to smack into her body, the wind knocked out of her, it had almost taken her balance away at the same time. Staggered and stunned, the Lunar princess managed to remain standing as she tried to catch her breath. She brought up her sword in defence, but not a second later she felt Celestia’s blade hit her in the chest in a diagonal slash from shoulder to hip. Shocked by the blow, she was unable to do anything as the Solar Princess’s blade came up with a clean flourish, tip pressed lightly to her throat.

“Dost thou yield, sister?”

“Nay! We doth not yield” Luna protested, knocking Celestia’s blade away with her own and took up a more aggressive stance, wings flared and her eyes locked to her sister’s. “Have at ye!” She cried, charging forwards once more. But it was a feint, seeming to move to the right, Luna  corrected at the last moment, her blade slipping past Celestia’s parry. Lunar magic clashed with Solar magic, penetrating through the magical barrier that that surrounded her sister.  Luna’s sword touched Celestia’s neck. That  blow, unlike Celestia’s, would have been a guaranteed kill, if not for the magic that surrounding the blades. Luna skipped back, wing fluttering, leaving a large red line, on the flawless pale skin of her sister’s throat.

“The winner is Princess Luna of Equestria.” Shining Armour announced with a proud tone to his voice, smirking at Twilight a little “Luna did well, Celestia is stronger with magic than her although less talented with the blade.” He explained with a gentle smile nudging Twilight towards the Princesses who were embracing each other tightly.

“I hope you learned from this Twilight, I expect you to explain how the spell that we used works.” She smirked at the smaller princess, whom eagerly nodded in response. “And now for my reward!”

“Yes Luna! What rew...”She said, squeaking slightly as she was lifted up by the marginally taller Princess of the Night. Stunned, Twilight didn't make  move when Luna kissed her in her excitement. Luna kissed her full on the lips, arms and wings slipping around the newly minted princess. The kiss was deep and passionate, Luna’s tongue caressing along Twilight’s lips a little before she was lowering her back down to her feet.

“What!? ‘Tis tradition!” The Lunar Princess huffed at the stunned crowd. Tossing back her head she casually walked off with a satisfied smile on her lips,leaving behind a confused crowd, stunned sister, and a deeply blushing Twilight Sparkle. The new princess trembled on her feet, as if having a massive internal freak out about what had just transpired, but she did a good job not having it aloud. A cocky sway to her hips, Luna whistled a merry tune as she strode into the castle, a massive grin straining against her lips. Perhaps too quick, though well worth it. she thought.