The Youngest Alicorn

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One (RE-WRITE)
Chapter Two (RE-WRITE)
Chapter Three (RE-WRITE)
Chapter Four (RE-WRITE)
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seven

Prologue

A gray unicorn filly flinched as another blast of cold, biting wind blew through the streets. She shivered hard, and sneezed, wiping her muzzle on the threadbare cloak draped haphazardly around her. She looked up, looking to see where she was within the great city. She did not really know where exactly she was, but perhaps if she could find the castle...

She suddenly bumped into something warm and solid, propelling her backwards.

"Oh, 'm ever so sorry, young miss! Are you alright, little filly?"

The filly looked up into the kindly face of a young pegasus. Her coat was a silver color, and she had a golden mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a scroll tied with a royal blue ribbon, and she wore the outfit of a royal mail carrier, with slippers on her hooves that had wings on each side and a hat with wings as well.

"Oh, poor thing! You look chilled to the bone! And why in Equestria are you wearing this raggedy old thing?" One of her fore-hooves brushed against the cloak. She paused for a minute, thinking. "Where are your parents?"

The filly's face darkened, and she looked away.

"Oh, you poor filly! Come with me. I shall bring you to the princesses."

The filly looked up, alarmed. "Y-you're t-t-taking m-me to the p-princesses?!"

The pegasus smiled warmly at her. "Of course, little one. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna care deeply for the well-being for their subjects. Oh," she suddenly exclaimed, "I do not believe I have properly introduced myself. I am Silver Quick, a private mail courier for the princesses. What is yours?"

"Lily, miss. Lily Note."

Princess Luna yawned. It is too damn early, she thought to herself grumpily. She glanced at a clock - 5:15 pm. It would be a few hours before she would have to open Night Court, but she usually got up about a half an hour before she had to be there. However, her dear sister, Celestia, had decided to get her revenge upon Luna by setting her alarm clock to a much earlier time than Luna preferred. As for what she had done? Luna had found it amusing to set up a date for Celestia and Discord. As a creature of chaos, Discord had of course agreed to the delightful prank. What Luna did not mention was that she knew that this formerly-evil draconequus had quite the crush on Celestia (and that Celestia might return the feelings)!

Luna looked around her personal library situated in her royal suite. Might as well read something, seeing as how I am awake. She picked up a book titled, "Broken Land: A Dystopian Society." It was a pretty good fiction book that had a theory of what could have happened to Equestria if Celestia had never recovered from locking away Nightmare Moon 1,000 years ago. It described her as becoming a merciless tyrant who forced everypony to be friends with each other. When Celestia had found out about it, the author had been scared of portraying one of the rulers of Equestria as a villainess, but Celestia had actually enjoyed the book and had copies printed everywhere in Equestria. The book was quite popular, now, and a sequel was on the way.

She had gotten quite far into the book by now, and while at first she had been skeptical, she now was very invested in the events taking place. She was on chapter 10 of 20, and there were still many more pages to be read.

Suddenly, before she could even pick up from where she had left off, she heard a rapid knocking at her bedroom door.

"Come in," she said to whomever was knocking, somewhat sadly. She had just started to read! The door opened, and Captain Nebula of her Lunar Guard stepped into her room. He was a strong thestral with a very dark purple coat, almost black, and a light blue mane and tail that slowly turned to green, which turned to purple. She found him very handsome, but that had nothing to do with anything.

"Good evening, my Princess." Nebula bowed low to Luna. "I have an urgent message from your sister, requesting your immediate presence in the Throne Room." He must have sensed her unhappiness, because after a pause, he asked, "Princess Luna, is everything alright?"

Luna nodded, waving a hoof. "Yes, it's just that I was about to read a book."

"Ah," said Nebula, in understanding. "Should I escort you, my Princess?"

"No, I shall be fine, Captain." Luna got up from her reading cushion, and put her book upon her table.

"Of course, my Princess."

The two of them stood silently for a moment, before Nebula awkwardly coughed into his hoof.

"Well, I guess that I'll be going, my Princess." He started for the door, but stopped for a second. "And, ah, have you considered my question, Princess?"

Luna felt her face become slightly warm. "Y-yes, Nebula. But, um, now would not be the proper time and place to give such an answer. After all, you have informed me that Tia requires my presence in the Throne Room."

Nebula nodded, his face also slightly red. He bowed one last time, before trotting off down the hallway. Luna watched him for some time, before shaking her head. She rubbed her face with a hoof, and stifled a yawn. Yes, it was truly way too early for her to be awake.

Celestia had lived for thousands of years, so she thought that she had seen everything worth being surprised over. However, when she and Silver Quick had removed the cloak of the little unicorn filly that Silver had brought in, she had been completely surprised by what she saw. It was not that it was the first time she had seen something like this, but she was never-the-less surprised.

This filly, this unassuming looking waif, was an alicorn.

Chapter One (RE-WRITE)

Chapter One

Luna teleported to the hallway in front of the Throne Room. She wondered what could have happened that required her immediate presence in it. Perhaps another overly zealous cult member spouting nonsense about Celestia being a monster trying to take over Equus? Honestly, some ponies just took things way too seriously. It clearly said "Fiction" as its genre! There was also another time where a would-be assassin had tried to harm Luna during Night Court, but that had been a complete failure, and was actually pretty comical, as Luna looked back on it. She would never quite understood how that crazed stallion had gotten the idea that a combination of baking soda and vinegar would kill her.

She yawned one last time, before opening the large doors of the Throne Room, and stepping inside. She was slightly confused by what lay before her. The room was completely empty, except for a shocked looking pegasus (Silver Quick, if she remembered correctly), an equally shocked-looking guard, a gray unicorn filly who looked confused, and a surprised Celestia.

That got Luna's attention. Her sister was almost never surprised. She trotted over to Celestia, Silver Quick, the guard, and the filly to find out what had happened.

"Sister? What has happened? Why do you n- oh. Ohhhhhh. What???"

Luna stared dumbfoundedly at the unicorn filly in front of her. Except that she was an alicorn. How is this possible, Luna thought incredulously. I am completely certain that no other alicorns live except for me, Tia, Cadence, and Twilight!

Celestia must have seen the look on her face, because she said, "Luna, it is possible that she was born to a non-alicorn couple." This was true, but it was extremely rare. It usually happened to very powerful unicorn couples, or ponies who had a mixed heritage. "Little filly," Celestia continued, "what is your name, and where do you live?"

The alicorn filly raised her shining turquoise eyes to meet Celestia's. "It's Lily Note, your Royal Highness." She bowed her head respectively for her ruler, but Celestia waved a hoof impatiently.

"Now, now, Lily. There is no need for bowing to me, or to my sister, Princess Luna."

Lily suddenly whipped her head around to face Luna. She let out a small gasp, and her eyes seemed to sparkle with the youthful admiration that only a child could possess when meeting their idol. Lily bowed to Luna.

"I'm really excited to meet you," Lily exclaimed once she had gotten up. "You're my favorite princess! I was really jealous of Pipsqueak when he told me that he got to meet you on Nightmare Night!"

Luna smiled smugly at Celestia, who had an annoyed look on her face.

"Why does every single foal like you better," she grumbled to herself.

"Well," said Luna, "it could be that I just have so much charm and beauty."

"Pfft. They should see you when you wake up in the morning, and when your favorite Neighponese shows don't air an episode on time."

"And they should see you when the kitchen runs out of cake."

The two sisters glared at each other, before they both broke out into laughter. Silver Quick joined in as well, but she was soon stopped when the guard angrily elbowed her.

"Silver Quick," he said, "it is not in your place to laugh at your princesses."

Celestia and Luna stopped laughing.

"Lieutenant Steel Grip, correct?" Celestia peered down at the guard, who nodded in reply. "Well, Lieutenant, it is not in your place to tell a Royal Mail Courier what they can and cannot do. Silver here actually outranks you, like it or not."

"Owned, bitch," said Luna to herself.

"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that."

Lieutenant Steel Grip, obviously embarrassed, mumbled an apology. Celestia dismissed him, and he galloped out of the Throne Room.

Luna turned back to Lily, who looked like she was enjoying the events around her. "So you know Pipsqueak, Lily?"

Lily nodded. "Oh, yes, Princess! I met him a while back when his family was staying in Canterlot."

Luna smiled. "Ah. He was a very nice colt, although he didn't exactly help with all of the mayhem, at first."

"By the way, Lily, where do you live? And where on Equus are your parents? Silver told me that you never exactly answered her." Celestia gestured to Silver Quick, who nodded in agreement.

Lily's smiled slipped off of her face. "Um... I kinda don't have any parents, or family, Princess... I live at High Hopes Orphanage, near the big park. It's run by Miss Sunny Smiles."

Celestia, Luna, and Silver Quick also stopped smiling. "How unfortunate," Celestia said. "Strange, though, I don't remember seeing you when Luna and I visited there last Hearth's Warming season."

Luna nodded. "Indeed, I think that I would remember seeing you, especially since you are an alicorn."

"Miss Sunny always has me working in either the kitchen or with the little fillies and colts. She told me that she was sorry that I couldn't meet you, but you two would detect the illusion spell I always had on me."

"Illusion spell?" asked Luna.

Lily nodded. "It would confuse everypony else, so she put an illusion on me so that I looked like a unicorn pony. I didn't really mind, but I was sad, because I never got to fly around."

"Oh, that makes sense."

"Yes," agreed Celestia. "We would have easily detected such a spell."

"Lily, just to make absolute sure, were you happy at the High Hopes Orphanage?" Luna looked down at Lily with concern. "And please don't lie. Tia and I like to try our best to help everypony in need."

Lily shook her head. "Oh, no! Miss Sunny Smiles was really nice! I mean, there were some mean foals there, but we were still treated kindly. It was fine, except for, well, it's an orphanage. The worst thing Miss Sunny ever did was that she just never introduced me to any grown-ups looking for a foal, because they would see that I'm an alicorn. She was going to pay me as an employee when I turned 18, but I don't really know what she would have done about my being an alicorn."

"If you were happy there, why would you run away?" Luna was slightly confused, now.

"I had a bad day. These fillies that I don't like were giving me a hard time about 'never being wanted' by the grown-ups who visit. I had been thinking about how Miss Sunny wanted me to work for her, and I kinda snapped inside. I was never really let out of the orphanage without a unicorn with me who could perform the illusion spell, so I hid my wings with an old cloak that I found. I tried to teleport, like how Miss Sunny had taught me, but I accidentally had a magic surge and landed way too far away from where I had meant to land. I got lost, so I tried to find the castle. Miss Silver Quick-" she looked at Silver, who smiled at her "-found me, and now I'm here." Lily stopped to catch her breath.

"It makes sense that you could have a magic surge trying to teleport at a small age," Celestia remarked. "Alicorn foals can often lose control of their magic if they try to perform a spell that they don't know completely. It can even happen to adults!" She smiled slightly, while internally pushing away a particular memory. "You should also be careful with your emotions, Lily," she warned. "If you lose control of yourself, you can go into a bad magic surge, one that is hard to get out of."

Lily nodded gravely, but her expression soon turned to sadness. "I suppose that I'll have to go back to the orphanage, won't I?"

"If you don't want to go back there," Luna blurted out, "you could always stay here." She suddenly realized what she said when Celestia gave her a look, but she was interrupted by Lily speaking up.

"Y-you mean it? I dont h-have to go back there?" She started to tear up. Lily rubbed her eyes with a hoof. "'M sorry, Your Highnesses. I-it's just..." Her voice broke, and Luna walked closer to her. She draped a wing across her body, and held her as the filly cried. Celestia smiled sadly at the sight, while Silver thought she would just about die from the cuteness.

Once Lily had calmed down, Celestia put a motherly hoof upon her shoulder. "Of course you don't have to. Anypony who is living unhappily should be able to find their happiness elsewhere, as soon as they can." She looked over to Luna.

"One of us will have to adopt her, Lulu," Celestia told Luna telepathically. "After all, it is our own law that any foal without a legal guardian must stay in an orphanage until they are adopted, or until they turn eighteen."

"Yes," Luna replied. "Tia, perhaps I could?"

"And I should let you because?" Celestia's voice had a tone of teasing in it

"Tia, I know that you are busier than I. Besides, you know that I love children. I just don't want to actually have any yet. Besides, I want my first foal to be a filly."

Luna could tell that Celestia was rolling her eyes internally. "Fine, fine. I'll send Silver over to High Hopes soon."

"Lily," Luna said aloud, "you cannot leave the orphanage without being adopted. No, we insist that you are not going back," she said quickly as she saw Lily's face fall slightly. "Instead, I shall adopt you as my daughter."

It took a minute for this to register in Lily's mind. When it did, she let out a high pitched "eeeeee" of delight, her wings fluttering and her eyes shining.

"Wait until Pips hears THIS!"

Silver Quick flitted above the streets of Canterlot - not so high that she was above the buildings, but high enough so that she flew over the ponies in the streets, and the normal mail pegasi. Royal Mail Couriers were the only pegasi allowed to fly at this height, so that any mail or messages that the Princesses sent in Canterlot could reach their destination as quickly as possible. Only the swiftest and most agile pegasi could ever hope to achieve this job.

All while flying, Silver's eyes deftly searched the buildings below for her destination. She soon arrived at High Hopes orphanage, and landed expertly on the sidewalk in front of it. The ponies who had been walking there quickly moved out of the way, knowing that Royal Mail Couriers must be treated with respect, and must always have a clear path. Silver smiled and nodded in greeting at several ponies, before walking up the steps of the orphanage. She knocked thrice at the large wooden doors, taking in the appearance of the building.

It was large, and made mostly out of weathered, gray building stone. It looked cozy and old, but not in a dilapidated sort of sense - more like a "well lived in" sort of building. It had a garden on the side of it, which seemed as if the orphaned foals were allowed to help. It was a bit messy, but added to the feeling of welcome that the building seemed to expel.

Soon, a middle-aged housekeeper opened the door. She was a pale pink unicorn with a straight light blue mane and tail tied into loose buns. Her lilac eyes widened when she saw who was waiting outside.

"Come in, come in, Miss!" She ushered Silver into the front hallway. As she got into the brightly lit room, she saw the mare's cutie mark, a group of purple and light teal flower petals that appeared to be falling. "What is your business here, Miss...?"

"Silver, ma'am. Silver Quick." She smiled at the mare. "And yours is?"

"Oh, it's Petal Shower, Miss Silver. I'm the housekeeper around here, and I take over when my boss, Sunny Smiles is incapacitated or away on business and such."

"As for why I am here," Silver continued, "Princesses Celestia and Luna have sent me here to call on the head of this orphanage, Miss Sunny Smiles. Is she in today?"

Petal smiled. "Yes, you've actually come just in time! She got back from a visit to her sister in Manehatten yesterday. I'll take you up to her office. Just give me a moment." She walked over into an office, and spoke over a loudspeaker system. Silver didn't hear what she had said, but reminded herself that it was not any of her business. Petal soon returned from the office. "I was just letting Sunny know that you're here," she explained. Silver nodded in comprehension.

Petal led her past what must have been the cafeteria, as she saw rows of tables with benches on either side of them. An old stallion, who must have been a janitor, was mopping the floor. He looked up from his work, through the open doors, and nodded in greeting to the two. Petal smiled in return, and continued walking.

As they walked, a young pegasus filly who couldn't have been older than five stared at SIlver. A pegasus colt (about ten, give or take a year), who looked like he was probably her brother, scolded her gently for staring. Silver stopped, and smiled at the little filly.

"Hello, little one," Silver said kindly to her. "What's your name?"

The filly, slightly startled, looked up at Silver. "A-a-a-ah'm D-d-desert R-r-r-r-rose, M-miss."

The colt looked sadly at her. "Sorry, m'um, but she 'as a stutterin' problem. My name's Oasis." Silver took note of his Trottingham accent. She opened her saddlebag, and pulled out two sweets that she remembered were popular in that particular town. Oasis' eyes widened. "W-where didje get these, m'um?"

"Ah'm a Royal Mail Courier. Ah've been ta many places, young suh." Silver said it all in a perfect a Trottingham accent, winked at the two foals, and ruffled the mane of Desert Rose, who giggled. Oasis smiled, his eyes watering as he looked at the little sweet in his fore hooves.

"Thank ye kindly, m'um!" He and Desert Rose waved to her, and they both popped the candies into their mouths.

Silver smiled, and trotted over to Petal, who had stopped for her. She smiled at Silver. "That was a very kind thing you did, Miss Silver."

"Oh it was nothing," said Silver humbly.

"No it wasn't. Those two used to live in Trottingham, but their parents were killed in a horrible fire at a theatre that they were performing in. Oasis and Desert Rose got out unharmed, thank Celestia. However, an aunt of their's took them in, and she lives here in Canterlot. She, well, she didn't like them very much. Eventually, a judge ordered that they had to be brought here. Poor Rosie was only three when they arrived, and Oasis was eight. He misses his parents terribly, but I'm certain that they'll be adopted soon. The last couple we had in here seemed interested in the two of them, and they're coming back tomorrow."

"Well, I hope that they choose them," said Silver. "They seem like very nice foals."

Petal led her up a flight of stairs, and down a hallway with a few more offices. She stopped at the last door, at the end of the hallway, and rapped at the door.

"Sunny? It's me, Petal, and a Royal Mail Courier."

"Come in, the door's open!"

Petal and Silver stepped into Sunny Smiles' office. It was a nice, big one, with a large, open window facing the street in front of the building. Sunny's desk was made of oak, and it looked simple, but practical. On the desk was a work lamp that was not turned on at the moment, a neat stack of paper, some paperwork on the desk that looked like it was being filled out, a pot of ink, and a framed picture facing the window. The office was simply decorated, with portraits of the previous heads of the orphanage. There was also a portrait of Sunny at the very end of them all. There was a large filing cabinet on one side of the room, marked A-F, G-L, M-N, O-T, and U-Z. On the other side was a bookcase. Sitting behind the desk was Miss Sunny Smiles herself, head of High Hopes Orphanage.

Sunny Smiles was a young unicorn mare, which was an uncommon age in orphanages. She had a yellow body, and a wavy orange mane and tail with streaks of yellow. Both were cut razor-straight up to her chin and fetlock. She had kind, reddish brown eyes, and her smile was as well. She looked up from her work, and put down her quill.

"So, what brings you here, to our humble establishment?" Sunny walked out in front of her desk, revealing a cutie mark of two smiling suns - one with a blue bow tie, and one with a pink bow.

"The princesses would like to ask if you could come to the castle, as soon as possible."

Sunny paused. "Whatever for?"

"They will explain when you get there."

"Well, alright." She smiled once more, and turned to Petal. "Petal?"

"Yes, Sunny?" Petal stepped forward.

"You know what to do."

"Sure thing, Sunny!" Petal trotted to the desk, and sat behind it. She looked over the paperwork on it, and was soon busily writing.

"I'm sorry," Sunny said to Silver, "but I never introduced myself. I am Sunny Smiles, head of High Hopes Orphanage. What is your name?"

"I'm Silver Quick, Miss Smiles. Shall we go, then?"

Sunny smiled. "Lead the way!"

Chapter Two (RE-WRITE)

Chapter Two

Sunny Smiles was still in awe of the princesses. Yes, she had met them when they had visited High Hopes, but she just could not believe that they had sent one of their Royal Mail Couriers to fetch her! She had been ever so surprised when Petal had called her office from the main office, saying how one was here for her.

As she walked with Silver Quick through the gates of the castle, she nervously wondered what they needed her for. A small part of her wondered about Lily Note, but she quickly ignored it. After all, she had taken great pains to cover up Lily's appearance to outsiders. While it was possible for a couple to have an alicorn foal, it was extremely rare, and most gave up their child to royalty. When Princess Cadance had ascended, her adopted family had told her to live with Princess Celestia, so that she could live the life that she deserved.

Sunny almost did not know why she had kept Lily. She supposed that her motherly instincts had kicked in when Lily's father had dropped her off at High Hopes. She could even recall his words as he pressed the sleeping alicorn into her arms.

"Her mother died during childbirth at our home. I have sworn the midwife into secrecy, and I am not long for this world."

"Sir, whatever do you mean?"

"It's a familial disease. Please, take care of her! And some day, she will rise from her small beginning to a new life. Promise me that you will look after her!"

"I-I will, good sir. And what of her mother's and your names? I must tell her one day of you two."

The sickly looking pegasus smiled sadly. "Her name was Sweet Zephyr, and mine Gale Force. Possiamo rivederci nella morte."

Before Sunny could even ask what that meant, Gale was gone. He had disappeared in the cold, rainy night.

Sunny never did find out what those strange words had meant. She had never heard that strange language before, but it had sounded so beautiful...

"Miss Smiles? Is something wrong?"

Sunny snapped out of her thoughts. "Come again?"

Silver Quick was looking at her. "Well, you've been awfully quiet."

"Oh, it's nothing. Just lost in thoughts."

Silver nodded. "Well, we are here."

They were approaching the large doors of the throne room, which were closed. Sunny had never been to this part of the castle, or in it at all, as she had never needed the Princesses' guidance. She nervously tucked a stray hair behind an ear.

Silver nodded in greeting to the two guards standing next to either side of the doors, they nodded curtly in response, and opened the wide doors. Two other guards were on the other side.

"Your Highnesses, Royal Messenger Silver Quick has arrived, along with Miss Sunny Smiles of High Hopes Orphanage," announced one of the guards.

Sunny trotted over to her two rulers. Princesses Celestia and Luna were both standing in front of their two thrones, Luna's being covered in a yellow shroud for Day Court. When she got in front of them, she bowed respectfully. She looked up somewhat apprehensively, still unsure of her business there.

"Miss Sunny Smiles," Princess Luna began, "you are probably wondering why we have called you here, yes?"

Sunny nodded. "Yes, I was curious as to why you have called upon me, Your Highnesses."

"Miss Sunny," Celestia began, "my sister, Luna, would like to adopt a foal from your orphanage."

Sunny was in total shock. "W-w-what?! A-adopt?? From MY orphanage?!" Surely, this was not actually happening. Yes, this was just an odd dream! Why on Equus would a royal want to adopt a foal from her orphanage? Unless, of course, they knew... No, no, no! There was no way they could know about her!

"Yes, it is true," Celestia said, smiling kindly to the shocked mare.

"And which foal would this be?" Sunny anxiously awaited their answer.

"A young filly named Lily Note. If I remember correctly, she is of the alicorn race?" Celestia found it most difficult to hide her internal mirth. Just seeing the look upon this poor mare's face was highly entertaining. I'm too evil for my own liking, she thought to herself.

Sunny had already been shocked by her one of her ruling princesses wanting to adopt a foal from her orphanage. But now, THEY KNEW ABOUT LILY?!?!

She did not realize that she had said that last part out loud, but she was too busy fainting from the shock of it all. As she lost consciousness, she could vaguely hear somepony trying to hid their snickering.

Celestia lost it completely, giggling hysterically like a little filly. Luna rolled her eyes, fed up with her "older" sister's ridiculous antics. Silver, meanwhile, was trying anxiously to wake up the unconscious Sunny.

"I don't really see how you are the elder, Tia. Honestly, it's not even funny."

Celestia tried to calm down. 'I-I'm sor-rry, Lu-una, i-i-it's-s just- BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Her sudden outburst startled Silver, who gave her with an annoyed look.

"Forgive me, Princess, but she has gone into quite a state of shock. I fail to see the humor in this situation."

Celestia calmed herself down, wiping a tear from her eye. "Of course. I'm sorry, it's just that I love 'trolling' ponies, as they put it today. I also have a weird sense of humor."

"I'll say." Luna snorted. "One time, she was done with an... issue with Twilight Sparkle, she started laughing like a mad mare!"

Celestia sniffed haughtily. "You just had to be there, Lulu. Those screaming townsponies were running all over the place! Besides, Twilight's friends' reactions were just too perfect."

"Yes, ha ha ha," said Luna sarcastically. "Twilight sending almost all of Ponyville into complete chaos is just too funny."

"I think that she's waking up!"

Celestia and Luna were snapped out of their disagreement by Silver's sudden exclamation. Sure enough, Sunny's eyes were beginning to flutter open, and with the help of Silver, she got back to her hooves, although somewhat shakily.

"F-f-forg-give m-me, Y-your Hi-i-ighnesses. I th-thought you said that you wished to adopt an alicorn from my orphanage." She giggled somewhat hysterically.

Celestia smiled brightly. "Yes, and her name is Lily Note!"

Sunny went silent. "I-I see," she said after a pause. "And how did you come to know of her?"

"Well," Luna began, "Silver here found her..."

"... we sent for you, and now, we are here."

Sunny nodded. "I am terribly sorry for hiding her away, Your Highnesses." She bowed he head apologetically to them.

Luna smiled sympathetically. "It is fine, Miss Smiles. However, I am quite curious as to why you did so."

"I guess that I felt somewhat responsible for her. After all, her father made me promise to take care of her. I suppose that my maternal instincts kicked in as well, and I felt protective of her. I feared that she would be taken away, somewhere where she wouldn't be happy..."

Celestia nodded. "What were your plans should she ever want to leave the orphanage, once she turned 18?"

Sunny paused, and thought for a minute. After a moment, she replied, "I never really thought about it. She is 12 now, so I had six more years left to plan. It just seemed far off enough that I didn't really plan anything. I suppose that I would've sent her to you two, eventually, claiming that a unicorn had ascended somehow.

"Do you really plan on adopting her, Princess Luna?"

"Yes," replied Luna. "I feel that it would be good to raise a child, and it would be nice for her to have a family."

Sunny's smile faded somewhat. "Of course..."

Luna cocked her head. "Is something wrong, Miss Smiles?"

"It's quite alright. I come to care for all of the foals at the orphanage, and it's always hard to see them leave."

"If you'd like, you are always welcome to visit," offered Celestia. "After all, Lily spoke highly of you, saying that you were kinder than most heads of orphanages are made out to be."

"I could?" Sunny brightened considerably. "Oh, thank you so much!"

"It is always a pleasure," responded Celestia.

"If you do not mind," Luna said, "when is a convenient time to complete the adoption process?"

"If I could just quickly get the papers from my office, and gather up Lily's belongings, we could do it now."

"That won't be necessary," Silver said helpfully. "I'll go and get them from Miss Petal Showers straight away!" With that said, she flew out of the Throne Room, towards High Hopes Orphanage.

"Since you are here already," said Celestia, "perhaps you would care to join us for dinner?"

"Princess, I'm not really sure if I am worthy t-"

"Oh, stop with this 'I'm not worthy' nonsense," scoffed Luna. "Of course you can dine with us!"

"Miss Lily Note, I just wanted to remind you that dinner will be served in about an hour."

Lily looked away from her luxurious room, so different from the small room that she had shared with Gumdrop and Bluebelle. They had been nice roommates, but it had been a bit cramped. Now, however, she would have to start sleeping in a silent room, without the sounds of two other fillies peacefully slumbering. The bathroom was also amazing, with a large tub (she felt as if it were a hot tub!), a big shower, a porcelain throne and sink, with a large mirror to top it off.

Feather Duster, the maid who had showed her to her room, smiled kindly. She placed the folded quilt she had been carrying upon the foot of the regal, queen-sized bed.

"Here's an extra blanket, just in case you ever get cold."

"I don't believe I'll ever get cold in such a lovely room," said Lily, giggling.

Feather smiled. "But of course. If you ever need anything, just give us a ring." She showed Lily a tasseled rope near the bed. "Oh," she said after a pause, "would you like to freshen up before dinner? I can call some ladies in waiting to assist you. Here, I'll show you how to call for them." She pulled on the rope three times, the first two for exactly a second, while the last one was for two. She lowered her hoof. "We usually employ unicorns for this job, because they can teleport, but quite a few are pegasi and Earth ponies."

Soon enough, four young mares appeared in the doorway. One was a cream-colored unicorn with curly, rosey locks, golden eyes, and a cutie mark of a dove holding a rose. The second mare was a sandy pegasus with windswept sea-colored hair and green highlights, sea-green eyes, and a cutie mark of a wave. The third was another unicorn, who had a coat of orchid, long violet hair with pink highlights that almost reached the floor, magenta eyes, and a cutie mark of a lavender flower. The final mare was a unicorn with a pale blue coat, blue and cerulean hair, sky blue eyes, and a cutie mark of a morning glory flower.

All four started slightly at the sight of the alicorn, before hastily bowing. Feather explained the situation to them, and all four nodded in understanding.

"Lily," Feather started, "these four mares will be your ladies in waiting. This-" she gestured to the cream and rosy unicorn, who stepped forward- "is Rosebud..."

Rosebud smiled kindly at Lily. "It will be a pleasure serving you, Princess Lily."

"U-um, 'Princess??'"

"Well, if Princess Luna is adopting you, then that will be your title!"

Feather nodded in agreement, and Rosebud stepped back. The sandy pegasus stepped forward next. "...Foamy Sea..."

Foamy Sea held out a hoof in greeting. "I will also enjoy my time serving you, Principessa." She had an Italian accent.

Lily smiled. "Grazie mille!"

Foamy started slightly. "Sai parlare italiano?!"

Lily frowned. "Umm, somewhat. So dire un-ummm...-qualche frase."

Foamy smiled happily. "I will gladly teach you the language, Principessa." She stepped back as well.

Feather gestured to the purple unicorn. "...Lavender..."

Lavender grinned at Lily. "It'll be fun serving you, Princess! I'm really good at styling manes and tails." She brought a hoof to Lily's mane, and felt it. "Seeing as how you were born an alicorn, your hair will become ethereal pretty soon. I'll show you how to keep it under control! Oh, and just call me 'Lav,' 'kay?" Lav stepped back.

Finally, the blue unicorn stepped forward.

"...and here we have Morning Glory!"

Morning Glory nodded politely, mustering a smile. She did not say anything, which confused Lily.

"She's mute," explained Rosebud. "Something happened to her in her past, but we don't ask."

Lily looked at Morning. She had a sad sort of look to her, and her upper eyelids seemed to droop either sadly or drowsily over her eyes. Lily walked up to Morning, and hugged her. She seemed somewhat surprised, but soon returned the hug.

"Now," interrupted Lav, "I believe that we need to freshen you up for dinner!"

"So, Rosie, how are things going for your sister?"

Lily Note listened silently as Rosebud, Foamy, and Lav all gossiped, while Morning quietly worked a vanilla-scented shampoo into the filly's mane.

"Oh, Rose Luck is always the same. She and our cousins have such a bad case of paranoia. It's completely ridiculous!"

"I'm not very surprised," responded Foamy, "considering all that happens in that città pazza! I mean, there's always something going on, is there not?"

"Psh. 'Something going on' is an understatement." Lav levitated a pitcher of water above Lily's soapy head. "Close your eyes and mouth now, Princess." She poured the water, washing away most of the shampoo. "Didn't you hear the story of how Princess Twilight ascended?" The other three shook their heads. "Well," Lav continued, "apparently, Princess Celestia sent her this old journal of Star Swirl the Bearded's, and she accidentally switched around the cutie marks of the other Elements of Harmony!" Rosebud and Foamy gasped. "I know, right? It's hard to believe how that town became so depressed and angry without Lady Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter, to cheer them up."

Rosebud nodded. "Yes, Luck did send me a letter about that. It was mostly about how Lady Rarity had messed up the weather, which messed up her garden. Honestly, she cares too much about her flowers." She drained most of the bath water, and replaced it with some fresh water. She then began to rub an orangey soap into Lily's coat.

Foamy giggled. "Imagine the chaos that would ensue if our principessas had their cutie marks mixed up!" She also began to work the soap into Lily's coat.

Lav rolled her eyes playfully, levitating a brush off of a small stand next to her. "Well, I'm sure that Discord wouldn't mind much. I still don't really understand how Lady Fluttershy was able to reform him, anyways." Morning nodded, and got out a washcloth to wash Lily's face.

"Oh, I remember that! Luck wrote me a letter about that time, and how nervous everypony vas. It lasted for about a week, until this dinner party where he kept fooling around with the Elements, and apparently, Discord accidentally let slip that he didn't want her friendship at all, and he was playing her for a fool. She found out, and was of course upset about it. He felt guilty, and tried to apologize, but he found her being attacked by these demon beavers or something that he had cursed earlier in that week, and he actually saved her from them. Then, there was this thing about Sweet Apple Acres flooding, because of those beavers, and he actually fixed all of it just because she asked him politely."

Lav, Foamy, Morning, and Lily all stared at her, the former three immediately stopping what they were doing.

"What?" Rosebud looked confused.

"Scusa, ma come fai esattamente a saperelo?" Foamy looked at her confusedly.

"Uh... pardon?" asked Lav.

"Oh, excuse me," said Foamy. "How exactly did you come to know of this, Rosie?"

"Oh, Luck is pretty good friends with Lady Fluttershy. Apparently, they're both in a gardening club together."

"Wow," sighed Foamy. "Imagine being friends and neighbors of the Elements themselves! Especially Lady Rarity. She has quite the eye for fashion."

Lav nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I wish that I could find out how she styles her mane and tail! It's such a beautiful style, and I believe that it's unique."

"Yes," agreed Rosebud, "I don't believe I've ever seen anypony else sporting such a style here in Canterlot."

"Mmhmm!" Lav rinsed off the remaining soap lingering on Lily. "Ok, Princess, you can step out now!"

Lily stepped out of the tub, and resisted the urge to shake all of the water off like a dog. She let out a startled squeak as Foamy and Morning descended upon her with two fluffy towels. Within seconds, she was completely dry. Suddenly, Lav stopped dead cold.

"U-um, Princess??"

"What? What's wrong?"

The other three looked startled as well. Morning levitated a hoof mirror off of the cart, and held it so that Lily could see her blank flank. Rather, it had been blank. Now, there was an image of a jet black eighth note. Lily just looked at it.

"Oh, that's just my cutie mark. What's all the fuss about?"

Chapter Three (RE-WRITE)

Chapter Three

"Oh, that's just my cutie mark. What's all the fuss about?"

Rosebud, Foamy Wave, Lavender, and Morning Glory all stared at Lily Note, speechless.

"F-fuss?!" Rosebud yelped.

"I-it w-w-was not there when w-we met you!"

"Could you please tell us how and when it got there?" Lav was trying very hard to calm herself down.

LIly blinked. "Uhh, I got it when I was like, eight. I was calming down a rejected filly, but she finally fell asleep after I sang to her." A realization came upon her. "OH! You mean why wasn't it there earlier! When I snuck out of the orphanage, I knew I wouldn't have enough energy to cast any sort of spell after a teleport, so I put paint over my cutie mark to disguise it. I didn't want to risk anypony recognizing it."

"So that's why the water turned greyish..." thought Rosebud aloud. "I thought it was just that you hadn't had a proper washing in a while. No offense, Princess," she said quickly.

Lily giggled. "None taken. I really haven't. We didn't have many baths or showers, so we had to take turns."

Foamy shuddered. "Sorry, Principessa, it's just that I cannot imagine not washing at least once every other day..."

"Me neither," agreed Lav. "I guess that's just our position speaking."

"It's ok! I'll probably get used to it, too."

Lav nodded. She quickly got to work on brushing Lily's mane and tail, although they did not need much work. She then took out a gilded mane clip, and made Lily's mane into a slightly loose ponytail. Morning took a curling iron, and lightly curled Lily's tail, as well. When the two were done, Rosebud held out a large mirror in front of Lily, so that she could see herself. Lily gasped softly as she saw her reflection. She had never felt so... clean in her life!

Suddenly, they heard knocking on the bathroom door.

"Excuse me? I have to show Princess Lily the way to the Dining Hall." Lily soon recognized the friendly voice of Feather Duster, who had been assigned as her personal maid.

Rosebud smiled. "We just finished prettying her up!" She opened the door with her magic, and there was Feather Duster. She reacted very positively to Lily's look, and complimented the four mares. Soon, she and Lily were trotting down the hallways, towards the Dining Hall.

Celestia smiled warmly as Luna finished up the paperwork with Sunny Smiles. Silver Quick had left after dropping off the papers, and had disappeared to, well, Celestia knows where! She chuckled softly to herself at her choice of word. Her's and Luna's names really were the only ones to use in phrases such as those. Perhaps she would try to find a different one, one that even they could use...

"Tia?"

Celestia snapped out of her thoughts. She turned to Luna and Sunny, who had turned a paper towards her. She smiled apologetically to them.

"I'm sorry, I was just thinking to myself."

Luna nodded. "Ah. Sunny needs you to sign as well."

"Whatever for?"

"It's just a thing so that we know that the child has another guardian, should anything happen to the one who adopts them," Sunny explained.

Celestia signed the paper, and Sunny sent it back to the orphanage with her magic. She then turned awkwardly to Celestia and Luna.

"Um, when will dinner be served? I'm quite hungry." She giggled slightly.

Luna smiled warmly. "It should be served soon."

Sunny looked around. "I've been wondering for some time, but where is Lily? I actually hadn't noticed she had left the orphanage until Miss Silver Quick had called upon us."

"She was shown her room," said Celestia, "and her ladies in waiting were assigned. They should be finished washing her up."

Sunny nodded. "I bet that she was excited about that. At High Hopes, we don't have many showers and baths, so the foals have to take turns every week."

"I see. Lily is 12, correct?"

"Yes. Why do you want to know?"

Luna shifted uncomfortably. "Well, when Silver brought her to us, her flank was bare. That is quite odd, seeing as how most ponies get their cutie marks around the ages eight and nine."

"No cutie mark?" Sunny looked shocked, but she started laughing. "I mean no offense, but I am quite sure that she earned hers four years ago!"

Celestia and Luna blinked. "Are you sure?" Celestia asked. "The two of us, Silver, and Lieutenant Steel Grip saw clearly that her flank was bare."

Sunny stopped laughing. "Is this some sort of joke? I assure you both that I can see properly."

Luna frowned slightly. "As do we."

Celestia sighed, and put her hoof on the table lightly. "How exactly did she earn her cutie mark?"

"She comforted a rejected foal," said Sunny instantly. "Nothing she did worked, so she sang to the poor filly. Eventually, she got her to sleep, and her cutie mark appeared." She smiled at the memory. "I remember her running over to me, and she wouldn't calm down for quite some time. It was a really happy day for her. We threw her a cute-ceñara the day after. Nothing big, just a small party with her friends."

Celestia was thrown off by the lack of hesitation in Sunny's story. It sounded as if this had really happened. "Well," she began, "I suppose we'll see when Lily is brought here."

Lily trotted alongside Feather down the long hall. "Are we there yet," she whined.

Feather looked at her. "A princess does not whine," she teased.

Lily harrumphed in response. She felt something tugging at her tail, but ignored it and kept walking. Her wings flapped to give her some aid, and she soon got to hovering, before she looked back, and saw Feather holding her tail in her magical aura. Sheepishly, she landed, and smiled innocently. Feather merely rolled her eyes, and pointed to a large set of doors beside them.

"In you get!"

Lily opened the doors, and was surprised at what she saw. Miss Sunny Smiles was sitting at the dining table, chatting pleasantly with Princesses Celestia and Luna. She cleared her throat to get their attention, and the three mares turned to her.

"Oh, Lily," cried Sunny. "You look so beautiful!"

Lily blushed. "Thank, you, Miss Sunny. But, why are you here?"

"I was filling out the paperwork with Princess Luna here, and she and Princess Celestia invited me to stay for dinner."

"I see. So, this is really happening?"

Celestia smiled warmly. "It is indeed happening, Lily. You'll be living here in the castle with Luna and I. Or, should I say, your mother and your aunt."

Lily grinned like a little filly, squealing. She pranced excitedly in place, before running and hugging the two princesses. Sunny chuckled at the filly's glee. Lily removed herself from the princesses' embrace, beaming happily. Suddenly, her smile faded.

"I'll still be able to visit my friends though, right?"

"Of course you will, Lily," Luna said gently. "They are also welcome to visit you here, provided that they give us time to prepare for guests."

Lily nodded. "Alright! Is dinner gonna be served soon?"

Lily fidgeted as she ate, struggling not to greedily scarf down every bite. She looked up from her plate, noticing Prin- no, Auntie Tia- trying the same. She giggled to herself, before taking another bite of her scrumptious salad.

Sunny, who had been quite tense at the beginning of the meal, relaxed as she swallowed a bite of her own salad. "I cannot thank you enough for letting me dine with you, Your Highnesses."

"It is our pleasure, Miss Smiles," replied Luna. She turned towards Lily. "Lily, are you enjoying your salad?"

"Oh, YES, Pri- I mean, M-mom?"

Luna laughed lightly, waving a hoof. "Now, Lily, you do not have to call me 'Mom' so soon. Just 'Luna' will be alright, until you feel comfortable."

Celestia nodded. "You can just call me 'Celestia,' as well."

"But 'tía' is the Hoofspanic word for 'aunt!' Wouldn't it be easier to call you 'Tia?'"

Celestia paused. "You know, all of the years, Cadance has always called me 'Auntie Tia,' and I never even noticed!"

"Really?" Luna lowered her fork. "I thought that you knew. She always called me 'Auntie Luna,' so I guess that she just picked up the nickname that I used to call you. It's much easier to say than 'Celestia.' What do you think, Miss Smiles?"

Sunny thought for a brief second. "I agree, it's easier. Although, 'Auntie Aunt' does sound a tad silly."

Lily, using the distraction of Celestia's nickname, quickly shoved a large forkful of salad into her mouth, her eyes closed in bliss.

"Lily?"

Lily gasped, her eyes popping open. She began to cough as small bits of her salad got caught in her windpipe. A guard rushed over to her side, giving her the Heimlich Maneuver. She spat out her mouthful of salad, leading the other three mares to wrinkle their muzzles slightly in disgust. Lily gasped for air, and regained her composure. She looked at the half-chewed ball of green mush on her plate, and smiled sheepishly.

"Eh, heh heh... sorry?"

The other three stared at her. The silence was broken by Celestia, who began to snicker, which turned to laughter. Luna simply rolled her eyes at her sister's mirth, smiling to herself. Sunny also giggled, and soon, Lily joined in as well. She turned to face the guard, a winged-batpony. She had short, spiky hair that was a dark brown with black highlights.

"Thank you, umm...?"

The guard smiled. "First Lieutenant Felicia, of the Lunar Guard, Your Highness." Felicia saluted.

"Thank you, First Lieutenant Felicia of the Lunar Guard!"

Felicia nodded, and went back to her post beside the Dining Hall doors. Celestia had calmed down by this point, and called for a server to take away their salads. Soon, another server brought in four plates of spaghetti. The four mares chatted and laughed throughout the rest of their dinner until finally, it was finished. Sunny hugged Lily goodbye, and she bowed to the three princesses. She waved goodbye, and trotted away, escorted by a guard.

Luna turned to Celestia and Lily. "Forgive me for leaving, but I must hold Night Court. Goodnight, Lily."

"Goodnight, Luna." She hugged Luna, who soon returned the hug. She waved goodbye, and teleported to the Throne Room. Celestia yawned.

"I'll show you where mine and Luna's rooms are, just in case you ever need us for something." Lily nodded, and followed Celestia. It turned out that their rooms were very close to her own room, and she bid Celestia goodnight. She then trotted to her own room, and into her bathroom. She removed the hairclip that Lav had put into her hair, and placed it onto the large sink. Before she left for bed, she looked at herself in the mirror.

Her mane was so much prettier than it used to be. She brushed a hoof against it gently, feeling the silkiness that it had acquired. Her coat seemed brighter, and it looked as if she radiated a new kind of glow about her. She brought a hoof to the mirror, touching her reflection.

Will I lose the humility that I have, just because of a new ranking? I don't want to forget my family at High Hopes... Lily looked her reflection in the eyes, and set her expression to one of stubbornness. No, I will always have my memories. I don't care if society wants me to be a perfect princess. I'm going to remain myself! Satisfied, she turned off the bathroom lights, and jumped into her massive bed. She fidgeted around for a while, trying to find a comfortable position. When she did, she sighed, and turned off the lights of her room. She closed her eyes, and tried to fall asleep.

The key word there is "tried."

Chapter Four (RE-WRITE)

Chapter Four

Lily, after shifting around listlessly in her bed for quite some time, had finally fallen asleep. As she breathed softly, she instinctively drew her tattered blankie closer to her. It had once been white, with little pictures of bunnies on it. However, time and multiple washings from slightly dirty water had led it to become tinted gray, with some small holes in it from her playing with scissors. Lily found it extremely difficult to sleep without it, and immediately yanked it from the box that Silver had been carrying. There was also a small teddy bear under the covers, and a Daring Do plushie beside her head. Her poster of Neighlor Swift playing the acoustic guitar had been hung above her writing desk, and a small, framed picture of Bluebelle, Gumdrop, and her sat on the desk. Another framed picture of Pipsqueak and his friends from Ponyville had been placed on a nightstand next to her bed.

A soft knocking came at the door. Lily's ear flicked at the noise, but she did not wake up. The knocking continued after a moment's pause, slightly louder this time.

"Princess? Are you up?"

Lily's ear flicked again, and her eyebrows dropped slightly. The knocking returned once more, quite loud.

"Princess!" Apparently the voice had gotten impatient, because the door opened. Lily sat up, startled by the sudden noise. Feather Duster smiled at her. "Ah, you're awake!" Lily grumbled, and rubbed her eyes with her hooves. Feather walked over to the two windows, and opened the curtains, letting the morning sun shine through. Lily hissed like a vampire, which made Feather laugh. "Oh, calm down. Your ladies in waiting will be here soon to-"

There was a sudden burst of bright light in front of the door, which nearly blinded Lily. She yelped and rolled out of her bed. She quickly stood up, and saw a disoriented Foamy, an annoyed Rosebud and Morning, and a sheepish Lav.

"-or I guess not so soon..."

"Lav, could you perhaps tell us when you're teleporting us?" Rosebud bonked Lav's horn with a hoof, who yelped in pain.

"OW, JEEZ, I get it!"

"Per amore di Celestia..." Foamy muttered, regaining her composure. "Ah, good morning, Principessa!"

Morning smiled slightly, and bowed in greeting.

"Forgive our sudden arrival, Princess," Rosebud said, "but SOMEPONY decided to transport the four of us without warning." She glared at Lav.

"For Luna's sake, I said SORRY. Jeez," Lav huffed. "Good morning, by the way."

Feather tutted at their actions, and turned to Lily. "I heard that your new guard will be christened today, Princess."

Lily started. "Guard? As in, my own guards??"

"Yes," Feather replied. "You'll meet your Captain, and decide upon what to call your guards."

"I-I see..."

Feather smiled reassuringly. "I have to go now. Two of the Solar guards will have to escort you to the Dining Hall, but tomorrow, it will be your own." She waved goodbye, and trotted out of the room.

"Well," said Rosebud, "let's get started!"

The four mares decided to put Lily's mane into the same style as last night. As they prettied her up, Lily listened happily to their gossip. She got the feeling that they appreciated her silence, so that they could chatter in peace. Once they were done, the two Solar Guards bowed to her in greeting, and escorted her to the Dining Hall. Lily felt uncomfortable during the whole journey, as nothing she attempted made the guards pay any attention to her.

Once she had arrived, she saw Celestia sitting at the table, already eating. Luna was also present, though half-asleep.

"Ugh... why couldn't have we had breakfast earlier, Celly?" Lily giggled to herself as she noted Luna's obvious change in nickname.

"Shut up, Lulu, I'm trying to eat."

"Good morning," chirped Lily happily. Luna cringed slightly, and took a generous gulp of her black coffee.

"Sorry, Lily, it was a long night."

Celestia smirked over her tea cup. "Did it last forever?"

Luna calmly put her cup of coffee onto the table and glared daggers at Celestia. There was a still silence, before she sighed dejectedly.

"What happened last night?" Lily tilted her head curiously as she sat down next to Luna.

"Let's just say there was a bunch of imbeciles last night, and leave it at that..." Luna took another gulp of her coffee, before turning apologetically to Lily. "I must be a sorry example for a mother, huh?"

Lily shook her head. "Nah, you're just tired."

Luna smiled. "I'm afraid that I'm nocturnal, however, so we shan't be able to spend much time together."

"Then I'll become nocturnal too!"

Luna blinked. "Are you sure? The transition would be quite hard."

"Eh, I'll get over it."

Luna stared at Lily, and her eyes watered slightly. "T-thank you..." She hugged Lily, who gleefully hugged her back. Luna yawned widely, earning some concern from both Lily and Celestia.

"Lulu, you should go to bed if you're so tired."

"No, no, I'll finish my meal first. By the way-" Luna turned to Lily "-when is your birthday, Lily?"

Celestia snorted. "You can't remember the date of birth from the papers?"

"Long night."

"Ah."

"Anyways, when is it?"

Lily paused from her eating to think for a minute. Eventually, she said, "May 15."

Celestia's fork clattered to her plate. "May 15," she cried. "That's in less than a month!"

Lily smiled sheepishly.

"We'll have to send out invitation," Luna stated.

"Invitations?" Lily looked confused. "Invitations for what?"

"Invitations for your birthday party, of course!"

Chapter Five

Twilight Sparkle sighed in contentedness as she lied down on the picnic blanket. "You've really outshined yourself this time, Applejack!"

Rarity nodded. "I don't care much for so many apple byproducts, but these pies were simply divine!"

"Hecks yeah! And thanks for the cider, too," Rainbow Dash added.

Spike nodded rapidly. "Yeah, it really hit the spot!"

AJ smiled and blushed slightly. "Aw, shucks, it was nuthin', ya'll!"

"Oh, but it wasn't nothing," Fluttershy said. "You didn't have to make us apple pies. It wasn't for a special occasion, or anything."

"Uh, yes it was!" Pinkie Pie looked incredulously at FLuttershy. "She made them as a sign of our friendship, and if she thinks that we don't value her friendship, then she might get sad, and if she gets sad, she won't focus on her responsibilities, and she neglects those, then we won't have any more apples, and Ponyville will sta-"

Applejack shoved her hoof into Pinkie's mouth. "That's enough, Pinkie. Don't make it that important." She turned to Fluttershy. "But ya'll don' hafta say that mah pies weren' for an important occasion. Isn't wanting to share a pie with a best friend reason enough?"

"Oh, I'm sorry that I didn't think they were important..."

Rarity frowned. "Fluttershy, darling, you don't have to apologize for every single thing. And don't apologize for apologizing," she said quickly as Fluttershy began to speak, "because that is just ridiculous."

The others giggled, when Spike suddenly belched.

"Eww!" shrieked Rarity. "Spike, that was completely and utterly rude of you!"

Spike looked sad, but then held up a scroll that had been sent to him. Rarity blushed.

"Ehem, sorry, darling."

Twilight levitated the scroll out of Spike's claws. "I wonder what Prin-no, Celestia could want?" She cleared her throat.

"Dear Twilight, my good friend,

"I have the most wonderful news for you! My sister, Luna, has adopted an orphan from High Hopes Orphanage in Canterlot. Her birthday is on the 15th of May, and we would be delighted if you, Spike, and your friends could attend her party, and if you could visit us to meet her as soon as possible. Just send a letter back through Spike!

"Your Friend,

"Princess Celestia.

P.S.: The filly's name is Lily Note. She is a delightful little filly, and I'm sure that all seven of you will love her."

Rarity gasped in shock. "Princess Luna adopted?!"

The other five mares and Spike reacted with equal shock.

"Well, buck an apple tree! That filly is mighty lucky! What did the Princess say her name was?"

"Lily Note," responded Twilight. "What a pretty name."

"Yes," said Fluttershy, "it sounds like she must be good with music."

"Oh, oh, oh!" Pinkie bounced up and down. "Maybe she could sing with you!"

Fluttershy frowned. "Me? Sing with a princess? I-I don't know, I-I-I'm n-not that g-good at singing..."

"'Not good?' Pfft, you're amazing," Rainbow exclaimed.

"I don't know about 'amazing-'"

Rarity shook her head, frowning. "Really, darling, we simply must work on building up your confidence. But, more importantly, WE'VE JUST BEEN INVITED TO CANTERLOT BY THE PRINCESS!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!"

Lily followed Celestia into the Throne Room. She had postponed Day Court for the time being, until she and Lily were done with the christening of Lily's new Guard. The large, double doors opened, revealing a familiar winged batpony.

"Felicia!" Lily cried.

Felicia bowed to the two of them, smiling. "Greetings, Your Highnesses." Lily noticed that the purple armor that she had been wearing last night had been replace with a metal that had been enchanted to be the same blue as Lily's eyes. There was also a blank circle on the front most part of the armor. Lily turned questioningly to Celestia.

"Once you christen Felicia here as the Captain of your Guard, your cutie mark - or really, any symbol pertaining to you - will appear in the blank space." Celestia got off of the dais, Lily following. She stood in front of Felicia, and looked to Celestia for guidance. "Touch your horn to the blank space, and say, 'I, Princess Lily Note, hereby christen you as the Captain of my *insert Guard Name here* Guard.' Then, just think of what you want the symbol to be."

Lily nodded, and touch her horn to Felicia's blank circle. "I, Princess Lily Note, hereby christen you as the Captain of my..." She thought for a second, trying to think of something. An idea popped into her head, and she smiled. "... Musical Guard." She then thought hard of her cutie mark, and the eighth note appeared on Felicia's armor. Lily looked to Celestia once more.

"Now, this next part is optional. If you want to, you can make it so that every guard appears the same, similar to mine and Luna's guards."

"Um... how do I do that?"

Celestia chuckled softly. "There will be time for all of that later. Now, I must open Day Court. How about you go to the library? Captain Felicia here can show you the way."

Felicia nodded. "'Captain Felicia,' huh? Sounds nice. This way, Princess."

Lily sighed with boredom as she put down her book. She looked around the library once more, seeing that absolutely nopony was around.

"You'd think that they would give me something to do besides read," she muttered to herself. Resigned, she went back to her book, listening to the slow, constant ticking of the clock.

Tick...

Tock...

Tick...

Tock...

Lily closed her book, and looked at the cover. A Brief History of the Wonderbolts. She wrinkled her nose. Why had she even chosen this book in the first place? She stood up, and went to find a more entertaining book. She prowled along the rows and rows of books, looking for something of interest. She eventually found a book about musical theatre, and beamed with satisfaction. Carrying the book in a levitation spell, she set out for her table.

When she got back to it, she noticed a CD player not too far away. She put down her book, and trotted over to the CD player. There were even some musical soundtracks around it! She let out an excited 'squee,' and picked out the Into the Woods soundtrack, and placed the CD into the player. She quickly found the song she wanted, and hummed along with the music.

Youtube Video

When the singer, Anneigh Kendrick, began to sing, Lily sang along. It really was a good song! However, she had the volume up quite loud, and she never heard the library doors open. She also never saw a certain purple alicorn rush into the library, with five other mares and a baby dragon behind her...

"Geez, Twilight, you need to slow down." Rainbow had to fly fast to just keep up with Twilight.

"Yeah, Twi," agreed AJ, running alongside Twilight. "Those books will be there if ya just walk!"

Twilight suddenly skidded to a stop, leading AJ, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike to crash into her.

"B-but they're books from the Royal Library! I'm hardly ever in Canterlot, and I haven't read any books in that library in over a year!" She quickly heel-face turned, and continued running. Her friends all rolled their eyes, before running to catch up with her. Twilight rushed through the wide doors, and spread her wings, her eyes widening with nostalgia. Rarity and Fluttershy gasped at the beautiful grandeur of the library, before Fluttershy looked confused.

"Um... does anypony else hear that?"

The others all stopped to listen, and heard music coming from some distant part of the library. Twilight trotted off to investigate, the other six following in her hoofsteps. What they found at the source of the noise certainly shocked them!

A gray alicorn filly was singing along with a song coming from a CD player in front of her. Fluttershy's ears flattened at the loud volume of the music, while Pinkie started bobbing her head in beat.

"Wow, this filly's got good taste!"

The filly froze, and stopped singing. She awkwardly fumbled with the player's controls, pausing the song. She turned to face them, revealing her turquoise eyes and embarrassed face.

"Umm... sorry..."

Twilight cleared her throat. "No, no, it's alright. I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is my assistant, Spike, and my friends."

"Howdy!" Applejack tipped her hat. "The name's Applejack, but ya can call me 'AJ.'"

Rainbow landed on the floor. "Mine's Rainbow Dash. Please, contain your excitement!"

"My name is Rarity."

"I'm Fluttershy..."

"AND I'M PINKIE PIE!!!"

AJ rolled her eyes. "Oh, calm down, Pinkie." She turned to face the filly. "Anyways, what's yer name?"

"I'm Lily Note! Aren't you the Elements of Harmony?!"

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically, before turning to Twilight. "Oh, oh, oh! Didn't your letter say something about a filly named Lily Note?"

Twilight's eyes widened. "Yes! You must be the filly that Luna adopted!"

Lily nodded, smiling. "Mmhmm!"

"How are you an alicorn, Lily?" Twilight sat down next to Lily.

"Yeah," said Spike. "Twilight here ascended back in February."

"So you're Princess Twilight?"

Twilight nodded, before frowning. "You don't have to add the 'Princess' part, though."

Lily tilted her head in confusion. "But isn't that your title?"

Twilight sighed. "Yes, but I don't really feel comfortable with the title yet. Anyways, can you tell us how you became an alicorn?"

"I was born one. I don't much about my parents. All Miss Sunny told me was that their names were Sweet Zephyr and Gale Force, my mom died giving birth to me, and my dad died of this disease."

"Oh, you poor darling," said Rarity sympathetically.

"'Miss Sunny?' Who is that?" asked Twilight.

"Well..."

"... and Celestia sent me here after I christened Felicia as the Captain of my Musical Guard."

"That's a fitting name for your Guard," said Twilight.

Rainbow snorted. "More creative than yours, too." Twilight grumbled, and blushed.

"WHy? What did you call it?"

Twilight sighed. "Twilight Guard..."

Lily cocked her head. "Umm, pardon?"

"She called it the 'Twilight' Guard," explained Spike, rolling his eyes.

"Honestly, it sounds selfish, naming your Royal Guard after yourself," added Rarity

"I wasn't thinking about myself!" yelled Twilight, blushing. "I was thinking about the time between day and night!"

"Aren't Princesses Celestia's and Luna's Guards called 'Solar' and Lunar,'" asked AJ. Fluttershy nodded.

"Why didn't you just call it the 'Magic Guard,' Twi-Twi?" Pinkie asked.

Twilight frowned. "I didn't call it that because that sounds stupid. 'Twilight' just seemed the best name. Besides, what would you call yours if you had one?"

"Oh, that's easy! The Party Guard, of course! They could help me plan parties all across Equestria!"

Fluttershy giggled. "It seems fitting for her." She then lowered an eyebrow somewhat. "I don't think you quite understand the duties of a royal guard, though, Pinkie..."

Lily giggled as well. "What would the rest of you call yours?"

"I guess the Kindness Guard."

"Definitely the Gemstone Guard. Oh! I would also have to come up with designs for their uni-"

"WE GET IT, Rarity," said AJ quickly. "Ah guess I could just call mine the Apples Guard. Nuthin' much to it."

"Mine would be called the R-" Rainbow suddenly stopped, and blushed. "Umm... I don't know, how about you Spike??" The rest of the girls and Spike all looked at her questioningly. Rainbow sighed. "Ugh, fine... Rainbow Guard..."

They all burst out into laughter, as Rainbow blushed in embarrassment. "Hey, it's not like that!!"

"Wow, Rainbow," said Pinkie between giggles. "I knew you were a bit full of yourself, but I didn't think you would say something like that right after we made fun of Twilight for doing the same!"

Twilight stopped giggling, and glared at Pinkie. "Ha ha, yes we've established that I named mine something stupid. But in all seriousness, Rainbow, you are being a hypocrite..."

"I SAID IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! I just couldn't think of something better, like with Twilight! I would name it something like 'Storm' or 'Weather,' but I realize that those would be more fitting if my special talent was like, weather."

"How about the Lightnin' Guard," suggested AJ.

Rarity nodded. "Or perhaps Blitz? That is the Germane word for lightning."

Rainbow thought for a second. "Yeah, I guess Blitz does sound cool. Anyways, how about you, Spike?"

"I guess the Fire Scale Guard? I don't really know, or care for that matter."

"That actually sounds pretty cool," said Lily.

"You shoulda helped Twi come up with hers," suggested a snickering AJ. The others also started snickering, while Twilight just sighed. The group swapped stories and jokes for a while, Lily feeling happier each time that they complimented some feature of herself. After quite a long time, the eight of them met up with Luna and Celestia for dinner. It was decided that Rarity would help the Royal Designer with dresses for all nine of them (Spike would just wear a simple suit that she had already given him), as to spread the work evenly. Rarity looked at Lily for a while, pondering over what to make, until suddenly-

*GASP* "I-DEEEEEEEEE-YAAAHHH!

Chapter Six

Soon, the month of April had passed, and it was the night of Lily's birthday party. She fidgeted nervously as Rarity prepared her for her birthday party. She had gotten Lily into her outfit with the help of Rosebud, Foamy, Lav, and Morning, and had asked for some privacy with Lily to give her advice.

"Please stop fidgeting, Lily, darling."

"I understand your nervousness, but acting so will not solve your problems." Rarity smiled reassuringly. "I felt the same way when I first made my debut into Canterlot's society." She frowned slightly, and mussed with Lily's mane, before smiling with satisfaction. "Just have confidence, darling!"

Lily swallowed. "B-but, what if I make a fool of myself? What if I say something stupid? I'll be laughed at forever!"

"Hush now, dear. Yes, you may do something silly or embarrassing, but you should not be worrying. All you have to do is walk into that ballroom like you own the place, which technically, you do! Besides, all that matters is that it is your birthday, and to act like yourself."

"Okay..."

Rarity brought Lily's face up. "There's a dear. Now, smile, hold your head up high, and make some friends! I asked Princess Celestia, and she told me that there would be many fillies and colts here tonight that could be your friends."

Lily frowned. "I'm not really comfortable with being friends with a bunch of stuck-up prissies."

"Yes, yes, many of the nobles are annoying. I'm also sorry that we had to invite many of the annoying ones and their children, but I assure you, Lily, that we also invited foals with your same interests. I also know quite a few of their parents, and rest easily, because they're all very nice." Lily nodded, and put on a confident smile. "Good girl!" Rarity carefully smoothed Lily's mane. "Now, look at yourself in the mirror!"

Lily did so, and was pleased with she saw. A turquoise blouse with a flipped collar rested on her torso, with a long, dragging gray skirt behind it. The end of the skirt had silver coloring that went up and down the skirt, with eighth notes on it, just like her cutie mark. Her hair had been put into a ponytail, and a small, golden crown was on her head.

"Follow me," said Rarity, smiling.

Rarity led Lily out of Lily's bedroom, and into another room just outside of where she, the Elements of Harmony, and the Princesses would all enter. Twilight, AJ, and Rainbow all smiled comfortingly at Lily, who smiled somewhat weakly in response.

"Are you ready, Lily?" Fluttershy softly hugged the slightly trembling Lily, who let out a meek "yes." Fluttershy giggled.

"I'm really, really really, *really, REALLY, REEEEEAAALLLLLLYYY*** excited!!!!!" Pinkie Pie suddenly burst out behind Fluttershy and Lily, who both let out startled "eeks!" Pinkie chuckled nervously. "Eh heh heh, sorry 'bout that!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Just calm down, Pinkie. After what happened at the Gala, I don't think that the guests out in the ballroom will be too pleased to see you again."

"Yeah, Pinks," agreed Rainbow. "You need to take it down, like, 20 or so notches."

Pinkie pouted. "Aww, but calming down is soooo boring!"

"We ain't sayin' that ya shouldn' act like yerself," AJ said, "but ya really should respect their personal space. Just 'cuz we're used to yer random hugs doesn' mean that they will."

Pinkie nodded sharply, and saluted. "Roger that!" She then turned to Lily. "Don't worry, I'll try my extra bestest not to let ANYTHING ruin this party!"

"Thank you, Pinkie." Twilight sighed. "It's a shame that Cadance and Shining Armor couldn't be here, though."

"How come?" Lily asked her.

"Well, they wrote to me about a small pocket of Windigos up in the North. The Crystal Heart can repel them, but Shiny felt that it would be smarter to deal with them before they turn their eyes to the south..."

Celestia cleared her throat, and they turned to face her. "Alright, everypony, they'll announce our entrance soon."

"Do not be fearful, Lily," said Luna. "After all, this is a party for you."

A soft knocking came at the door, and Celestia smiled at those gathered in the room. "I believe that this is our cue."

"FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS, THE HEROES OF OUR KINGDOM, THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!"

Twilight, AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Spike all stepped out into the ballroom, and the three princesses heard the cheering and hoof stomps of the guests of the party. Luna quickly grasped Lily's hoof, and gave her a look of encouragement.

"THEIR ROYAL MAJESTIES, PRINCESSES CELESTIA AND LUNA!!"

"Break a leg, Lily," whispered Celestia quickly. She and Luna stepped out of the room as well. There was a slight pause before the cheering this time, which was most likely everypony bowing to the two of them.

Lily, who was very nervous, took large breaths to prevent herself from hyperventilating.

"FINALLY, THE HOST OF THIS PARTY, PRINCESS LILY NOTE!!!"

Lily closed her eyes, took one last deep breath, and stepped outside. Luna and Celestia were on her left, both smiling at her. On her right stood Twilight and her friends. As for what lay below...

Countless amounts amounts of ponies, both young and old, were dressed in the finest that the Canterlot nobles could buy. Well, except for her friends from High Hopes. Lily had asked Luna if they could donate some outfits to them (nothing too fancy, but something that none of the nobles could insult). Luna had agreed, and sent invitations via Silver to Sunny Smiles.

Lily found more nervousness creeping into her mind, making her want to hide in a corner, but she quickly pushed it out of sight for the time being. Now was not the time to give up. She was surprised when the guests cheered her arrival, seeing as how she had only been a member of royalty for under a month, and she had been spending almost every second of it being prepared by Luna and Celestia for this moment. She had not met any of the nobles at all, except for Fancy Pants, who Rarity had stressed upon that he be the first one Lily should meet. He had been very pleasant, and Lily was looking forward to seeing him again, and to meet his wife, Fleur Dis Lee.

Luna and Celestia stood at the center of the balcony, on either side of Lily.

"Thank you, everypony, for attending this party," announced Celestia to the crowd, once they had calmed down.

Luna nodded. "Indeed. We look forward to a night full of pleasantries. Let the festivities commence!"

Twilight and her friends immediately descended the stairs, giggling and chattering all the while. Once they had reached the bottom, Lily, Luna, and Celestia also descended.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't say something myself," said Lily to Luna as they walked down the stairs. "I got too nervous."

"It's quite alright, Lily," said Luna easingly. "It's perfectly understandable. Just tell Celly and I when you are comfortable, and we'll let you announce openings to parties! Now, brace yourself..."

Lily gulped, and did so, as a crowd of nobles descended upon the three princesses.

"How did you become an alicorn, Princess Lily?"

"Oh, your mane looks ever so beautiful, Princess!"

"How did the Princesses find out about you?"

"Princess Lily, it would honor me if you could talk with my filly!"

The nobles kept talking over each other, until Lily could barely make out a sentence. She tried to respond politely, but she found herself becoming frustrated as none of them ever let her finish.

"Princess, I-"

"Princess, my children would-"

"Oh, Princess Lily, what a marvelous gown-"

"Princess-"

Princess-"

"Alright, my friends, I daresay that this is enough for the new princess."

Lily turned around to thank her sudden savior, and was overjoyed to see that it was Fancy Pants. He was wearing a well-tailored tuxedo instead of his signature tail-coats jacket look today. His wife, Fleur Dis Lee, was wearing an elegant champagne pink gown that clung attractively to her body, showing off her natural curves. It had a slightly dragging skirt, and the whole dress was embedded with pearls here and there. Luna and Celestia also smiled at his well-timed interruption.

"Ah, Fancy Pants," said Celestia. "It is good to see you again."

Fancy Pants smiled at the three princesses. "The same to you three." He turned to his wife. "I don't believe you've met Princess Lily Note yet, right Fleur?"

Fleur smiled. "Not yet, my love. Happy birthday, Princess," she said, turning to Lily.

"Thank you," replied Lily.

Celestia began a conversation with Fancy Pants and Fleur, leaving Luna and Lily to leave and socialize. Eventually, they found Sunny Smiles.

"Princess Luna! Lily! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" Sunny bowed to Luna, and hugged Lily. Luna smiled as the pair chatted.

"Are Gumdrop and Bluebelle here?" asked Lily excitedly.

Sunny merely smiled, before calling out to two ponies somewhere behind her. Suddenly, two fillies galloped out of nowhere, and tackle hugged Lily. Some of the guests around them started to step forward, but Luna help up a hoof for them to stop, so that they did not ruin the moment. Gumdrop, Bluebelle, and Lily all stood up.

Gumdrop was a light, bubblegum pink with a short, light green mane tied up into a ponytail. She had shining violet eyes, and a small smattering of freckles on her muzzle. She appeared to be a quiet filly, but got quite energetic and friendly once she had warmed up to a pony.

Bluebelle was, well, blue. She had a slightly pale blue coat with a darker blue mane with purple highlights tied into a braid. Her sleepy looking eyes were a deep green. Although she emitted an aura of peace and serenity, Lily knew that she had anxiety and abandonment issues. Bluebelle also did not like being alone, and often craved some sort of physical contact with those she was around.

"Lil'!" cried Gumdrop excitedly. "Why didn't you ever tell us!"

Bluebelle turned from happy to worried. "Yes, Lily, why didn't you? We are your friends, right? U-unless..."

"Psh, calm down Bellie," said Gumdrop to Bluebelle. "I'm more concerned with why you didn't tell any of us that you're an alicorn!"

"Well," Lily began, "Miss Sunny just wanted me to have a normal foalhood without the pressure of the responsibility of wearing a crown - well, as normal as living in an orphanage."

Bluebelle's face lit up lightly. "It's okay, Lily. I forgive you." She hugged Lily once more, who returned it. Gumdrop joined in as well.

"We saw some delicious looking cake over there," said Gumdrop, gesturing off to the right. "I think it's your birthday cake. C'mon!" The three fillies giggled, running off towards the cake. They did not notice a unicorn couple frowning at their quickly retreating backs.

A light green-blue unicorn filly sat at a table, sighing with boredom. She had a pine green mane and tail, with golden highlights, and reddish-brown eyes. A mahogany coated, red-maned unicorn colt with deep blue eyes sat across from her, frowning.

"What's wrong, Orchestra?" asked the colt.

Orchestra sighed. "I'm just... bored. I have to wait a while before I perform, and I hardly know anypony here, except for you, Heart."

"What about the daughter of Jaunty Tune... Bluesy Tune, was it not?"

Orchestra lifted her head up, giving Heart a look. "Didn't you hear? She and her family couldn't make it tonight. They're vacationing in the Crystal Empire right now." She paused for a minute, before gaining a sly smirk. "Why did your thoughts turn to her first, anyways...?"

Heart merely rolled his eyes. "I find her company enjoyable and her features attractive. I don't see what the big deal is, Orchestra."

Orchestra smiled genuinely. "That's what I love about you, Heart Throb. You're never abashed by anything."

"I wouldn't say everything. I just see no need for embarrassment over certain things."

The two chatted and laughed together some more, until Heart Throb's eyes widened at something behind Orchestra.

"Hey... isn't that the new princess?"

Orchestra blinked in surprise, and looked behind her. Sure enough, the gray and silver Lily Note was walking by, chatting animatedly with two other fillies: a light pink unicorn filly with a light green mane and tail, and a blue unicorn filly with a darker blue for her mane and tail.

"Why don't we introduce ourselves to her?" suggested Heart Throb. "I heard that she's into music. She might be into theatre as well!"

Orchestra and Heart Throb got up to go head over to Lily Note, when out of nowhere, an aqua-green mare with golden curls done up into a fancy mane-do snatched Orchestra's hoof. She let out a small cry of surprise.

"Orchestra," snapped the mare waspishly, "where do you think you are going?! I told you to sit at your table until you perform, which is NOW!!!" The mare, most likely her mother, trotted off importantly, Orchestra right behind her. She looked behind at Heart apologetically, and waved, before her mother dragged her off once more.

Lily, Gumdrop, and Bluebelle all waited excitedly for the performance to start. Lily had introduced the two to the Elements (Gumdrop liking Pinkie Pie especially), and then to Luna and Celestia. The two nearly died upon personally meeting the two rulers of their land.

As for the performance, the child prodigy - Orchestra - would be singing for Lily's birthday. She was an exceptional singer, having done shows on Bridleway since she was only a small filly. Recently, she had also started to look into opera, at the young age of 14!

Soon, the young Orchestra walked out onto the stage. She was tall for her age, and had a slightly slimmer body shape than most fillies her age. She waved to her audience, and bowed to the princesses.

"Hello, everypony, and happy birthday, Princess Lily Note!" The audience stomped and cheered for the blushing Lily. Orchestra levitated the microphone out of its stand, and tapped it with a hoof. "Okay, in honor of tonight, I am singing 'The Mare in 14G.'" She nodded to her accompanist, a pianist, who began to play the song.

Youtube Video

Orchestra had a beautiful voice, hitting every single note with perfection. She was particularly talented at the operatic section on the song, stunning everypony in the ballroom. Lily watched in awe as Orchestra subtly interacted with the audience, sometimes looking at ponies as she sang, and gesturing with her hooves as she sang with everything she had. Once the song was over, the audience cheered loudly and enthusiastically for her performance, as Orchestra bowed, and then placed the mic back on its stand. The members of the string quartet that had been playing earlier picked up their instruments, and began to play once more.

Gumdrop turned to face Lily. "Hey, Lil'?"

"Yeah, Gummy?"

Gumdrop's ears flattened. "I thought I told you that I hate that nickname," she whined, causing Lily and Bluebelle to giggle. "Anyways, why don't you go talk to some other ponies?"

Lily's face drooped slightly. "You... you don't want to hang out together?"

Bluebelle frantically shook her head, looking panicked. "No no no nononononononoo!!! She just meant that you should, y'know, mingle."

"I guess so..."

Gumdrop smiled sadly, and picked up Lily's head. "Hey, don't worry about it. We'll still be here until Miss Sunny takes us back home before our curfew. She extended it to 11 pm tonight."

Bluebelle nodded. "If you don't want to hang out with some new ponies, you'll be able to find us again."

Lily sighed, and paused for a moment, looking away. She finally looked back, and smiled happily. "Sure thing. I'll make sure to introduce you to any new fillies and colts I meet! Especially the colts~" she teased. Bluebelle blushed, but Gumdrop merely smirked.

"Pshh... I don't need help." The two of them hugged Lily, and reluctantly ran off. Lily waved goodbye to them, turned around, and almost immediately crashed into a red and mahogany pony. They were both flung back somewhat by the momentum of crashing into each other, Lily going further away because of her smaller weight.

"Oh, dear, I am so sorry, Princess Lily!" cried what sounded like a colt. He lifted her off of the ground, and dusted her off. "Are you alright?"

Lily took a quick second to get a better look at him. His dark red mane and tail were expertly styled, and had heart-melting blue eyes.

"Y-yes," she stuttered. "I-I'm fine."

The colt smiled. "That is a relief. My name is Heart Throb. My friends call me 'Heart.'" Heart Throb held out a hoof for Lily to shake. She gladly grabbed it and properly introduced herself.

"I'm Lily Note, but you can call me Lily. Is it alright if I call you, like, 'Heart,' or something?"

Heart Throb smiled in relief. "I was hoping you'd say that! Anyways, what's your cutie mark?"

"A black eighth note. Yours?"

"A beating heart with the comedy/tragedy masks."

Lily's face brightened with interest. "Cool! Your special talent is acting?!"

"Yeah, and I have great charisma as well," answered Heart, who also gained interest. "You like to act as well?"

"Big yes!"

The pair giggled, and chatted some more. Lily learned that he was 14, and had already been in a few shows on Bridleway, such as playing Gavroche in "Les Misérables," and Jack from "Into the Woods." Right in the middle of a discussion of Lily's favorite musical, "Miss Saigon," Orchestra appeared right next to Heart Throb.

"Dear Faust above," she sighed in exhaustion. "Those frickin' ponies won't get off my back about having me perform for theee------" She trailed off as she finally noticed who had been talking to Heart. "OH MY GOSH," she cried, bowing hastily. "I-I'm so sorry, Princess, I-I-I didn't notice y-you there!"

Heart rolled his eyes, and levitated Orchestra into a standing position. "Calm down, Orchy, she's really cool."

Orchestra shakily stood up, and looked Lily up and down. "Hmmm... Ok!" She brightened considerably. "You don't carry yourself smugly like most of the other nobles of Canterlot do." The three giggled at the jab. Orchestra and Lily also traded some information about each other, Lily learning that her cutie mark was a blue heart with a golden edge around it, forming an eighth note as well. The three of them were laughing and chatting away, until suddenly, four ponies trotted importantly right behind Lily. Orchestra's and Heart's faces betrayed a hint of annoyance, but they both kept their composure. Orchestra cleared her throat, alerting Lily of the newcomers. Lily turned around, not knowing who she faced.

Two adult ponies, a mare and a stallion, and two fillies stood in Lily's line of sight, all four of them being unicorns. The mare was a pale yellow, her mane a pale indigo with white streaks, and she had moderate persian blue eyes. She was wearing a frilly purple dress with pearls embedded into the fabric. The stallion had a coat of light gray, a mane of dark gray, and azure eyes. He was wearing a traditional black tuxedo, albeit looking very expensive. The two fillies were practically carbon copies of each adult, except with the colors swapped.

Lily, noticing the less-than-friendly looking posture of all four, smiled nervously. "May I help you?"

"Oh, of course, Your Highness," said the mare with a simper. "You see, my name is Upper Crust, this-" she gestured slightly to the stallion next to her "- is my husband, Jet Set, and these two precious fillies are our daughters, Pretty Picture and Devil Devine." Upper Crust smiled smugly, as if introducing one's offspring to a princess was no big deal.

Pretty Picture (the pale yellow one), flipped her expertly-styled, dark gray bangs artfully from her eyes, and smiled, although it lacked any sense of warmth. Devil Devine (the light gray one) shifted uncomfortably, itched her right foreleg, and smiled shyly.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness," said Pretty Picture. "It is the highest of pleasures to meet you this fine evening." Heart and Orchestra struggled to contain snorts of laughter at her exaggerated speech. Lily merely smiled awkwardly.

"Thank you, Pretty Picture."

"Oh, please, call me Picture," responded the flank-kissing Pretty Picture. "All my friends do." Lily noticed Devil Devine roll her eyes. Picture, never noticing, elbowed her, causing Devil Devine to let out a small "oomph!" of surprise. "Go on, now, Denny. Introduce yourself!" Lily noticed just a hint of mockery in Picture's voice. Obviously, she thought that she was superior to her sister.

"H-hello, Y-Y-Your Highness," the shy filly said. Devil Devine cleared her throat, and began to speak in a steady voice. "Happy birthday! I heard that you turned 13 today, right?"

Lily was beginning to prefer Devil over her snobbish sister. "Yes, I did! And may I call you something other than your full name? It sure is a mouthful."

Devil, who was starting to open up, giggled softly. "Of course. Just call me Dev."

Lily and Dev began to talk, but Orchestra noticed an annoyed looking Picture just off to the side. Jet Set and Upper Crust were long gone, probably schmoozing up to the princesses or somepony important. Orchestra and Heart shared a look, knowing that drama would most likely ensue if Picture remained to the wayside.

And man, did it ensue, alright!

Picture unceremoniously bumped Dev out of the way, causing her to yelp as she slid across the shiny floor for a few seconds. Lily, worried, began to start off towards her, but was stopped by Picture.

"I heard that you are quite the music-oriented mare, Princess Lily..." Picture went off on a rather one-sided conversation about topics relating to her, leaving Lily to attempt to get a word in here and there. Dev, resigned to let her sister win this battle, trotted off to go find her parents. Orchestra and Heart shared a collective giggle as Picture dragged Lily deeper and deeper into the sinkhole that was her narcissistic talkings.

Eventually, Orchestra and Heart also became bored of Picture, and decided to help Lily get out of the situation. Orchestra scanned the crowded ballroom for a server, and quickly grabbed a cup of punch with her magic. She walked by Lily, and bumped into her, maneuvering the drink so that it only splashed onto Lily's dress. Orchestra gasped dramatically.

"I am so sorry, Princess!" cried Orchestra, pretending to be mortified. "Here, take this." She materialized an ordinary-looking cloth, which Lily grabbed with her magic. "My mother gave this to me some time ago, for cases like these. You just have to wet it, dab the stain, and it will wash it away!" Lily gave her an appreciative look, and hurried away towards the bathroom.

Picture, annoyed that her talking had been interrupted, sniffed haughtily, and trotted off to go mingle.

MEANWHILE

A neon yellow filly sighed out of boredom. Her spiky mane was an electric green, with magenta stripes and dyed black tips. She was also wearing heavy eyeliner, mascara, and navy blue eyeshadow, and her eyes were a deep violet. To her right was an off-white unicorn mare with light green locks put up into an elegant bun kept glancing wearily at the filly. Next to that mare was another unicorn mare, with a yellowish white coat, an extremely spiky cobalt blue mane with lighter blue streaks, and moderate cerise eyes.

"I need to go to the bathroom," the filly suddenly announced. Before she could even get up out of her seat, her mother stopped her, and gave her a look.

"What do you want, Mother?" asked the filly in a tired sort of voice.

Her mother scowled. "I want you to take off that ridiculous amount of makeup while you are in there. What if one of the Element Bearers or princesses saw you? And do not speak to me with that tone of voice, Electric Glide!"

The other unicorn mare rolled her eyes. "Aw, lighten up, sis! I think she looks pretty cool."

The mare rolled her eyes, and glared at her sister. "Of course you would say something like that, Vinyl. She looks just like those... weirdos that you are always around at-" she shuddered "-rock and roll concerts."

Vinyl scoffed, and imitated a posh, Canterlot accent, over-exaggerating it. "Well, I never! I would like you to know that I know Miss Octavia Melody, the famous 'cellist herself! Who do you know, Miss Graceful Glide? Jet Set? Upper Crust?" Electric laughed with her aunt, but the mirth was soon silenced as Graceful Glide shut them both up with a silencing spell. She released it after a quick second, and grimaced.

"Would you please just take off that hideous makeup?"

"But-" Any argument that Electric could have conjured up was silenced forever at the look that her mother gave her. "Yes, Mother," she said with a resigned sigh. She got out of her chair, and left for the bathroom, never pushing it back into the table.

BACK TO LILY

Lily dashed through the door of the mares' bathroom, and was relieved to see that nopony else was in there. She turned on the cold water tap, and held the cloth under the stream. She started to dab at the stain, and was amazed at how quickly it vanished, but just when she was about to be done...

Flush.

She groaned inwardly as the presence of another mare/filly was made known to her. Resigned to her fate, she closed her eyes for a moment, and finished cleaning herself up. Lily looked in the mirror in front of her, and saw a painfully-bright filly walk out of a stall right next to the one behind her. Surprisingly, the filly paid no attention to Lily, and instead used a towel to wash off the amazing amount of makeup on her face. She must have noticed Lily looking at her out of the corner of her eye, because she paused, and looked right at Lily.

"What, never seen a hygienic pony before?" The filly suddenly started as she realized who she was talking to. "Oh, yeah! You're that new princess. Filly Tote, or something..."

Lily giggled at the wrong guess. "No, it's Lily Note."

"Oh, right, right. Anyways, my name's Electric Crash." Electric held out her wet, makeup-smeared hoof to shake.

Lily smiled, and accepted Electric's hoof. She winced slightly as she saw the amount of makeup that Electric had been wearing.

"Geez, that's a lot of makeup!"

Electric smiled, and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, my aunt usually helps me put it on, but I did it myself tonight. Wasn't too shabby, either. Too bad my mom made me wash it off, though..." She shrugged, and pulled out a makeup kit from a fold of her dress. She put it down on the counter, opened it, and then paused. She turned to Lily once more. "Say, could you help me put it on?"

Lily started somewhat. "A-are you sure? I'm not completely confident in my makeup skills..."

"Psh. It's not so hard. Just put on a lot of mascara and eyeliner around my eyes, and then add some eyeshadow. Or maybe a lot."

Lily picked up a mascara brush, and began to brush it gently over Electric's eyelashes. Slowly but steadily, she had both eyes fully covered. She put it down, and picked up the waterproof eyeliner, and daintily dragged it around Electric's eyes, making it a bit thicker at the top. She added a bit more here and there, before she was satisfied. She then took up the small q-tip, rubbed it into the navy blue eyeshadow, and went to work. She first put it on the upper eyelids, but made long, wide, winged spikes on either side. Once she was finished, she carefully cleaned up any mistakes, and stood back. Electric turned back to the mirror, and looked surprised.

"Huh! You're pretty good at this!" Electric got closer to the mirror, and inspected her eyes further. "Nice touch, the eyeshadow wings. I'll have to do that from now on." She closed up her makeup kit, and tucked it back into its hiding place. She and Lily trotted out of the bathroom, getting to know each other as they walked back towards where Lily had left Orchestra, Heart Throb, and Pretty Picture.

"Orchestra! Heart!"

Orchestra looked up from her plate of salad to see a clean Lily hurrying back, with another filly in tow. The new filly was almost painfully bright to look at, but once her eyes had adjusted, Orchestra found her pleasant to look at.

"This is Electric Crash," announced Lily once she had arrived back at the table. Electric Crash nodded in greeting to Heart, and turned to Orchestra. The two's eyes met, and just then, they both felt... something between them. A visible blush appeared on Electric's face, and her eyes averted from Orchestra's gaze. Orchestra merely blushed and smiled, waving a 'hello.'

Lily, blind to this silent exchange, left in search of Dev.

"So," said Heart after a pause, "are you into musical theatre?"

Electric, whose blush had subsided by now, snorted and rolled her eyes. "Pfft, that's like asking if water is wet. Yeah, I dig it, but I personally prefer electronic music, remixes, and classic rock. Makes sense, seeing as how my special talent is mixing and elctronica-style music."

"What are your views on anime?"

"One of Neighpon's finest creations, in my opinion. Are you a gamer?"

Heart's eyes narrowed competitively. "Oh, please. The fact that I'm constantly being tutored how to function properly in the society of Canterlot has done wonders for my inner gaming strategist."

Electric looked impressed. "Didn't expect you to actually be into it." She turned back to Orchestra, blushing slightly. "How about you?"

"I don't really have time to play games that much, considering how often I'm performing, or on tour. However, nothing beats playing with your best friend." Orchestra paused, taking a sip of her new cup of punch. "Say, who are you related to? I don't recall a family with any 'Crashes' in their midst."

Electric's smile faded from her face, and her expression turned stony. "Oh, y'know... Graceful Glide and Perfect Duo are my 'rents..."

Heart raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that."

"Graceful Glide and Perfect Duo are my parents..."

Orchestra opened her mouth to question further, but Electric interrupted her.

"GRACEFUL GLIDE AND PERFECT DUO. I'M THEIR KID." Electric looked around nervously, before putting her head in her hooves, mortified.

Heart brightened. "You are? I've met your father before, and is was such an honor to meet one of Bridleway's biggest stars! Your mother is also such a great supp-" Orchestra snatched a cupcake off of a server's plate and shoved it into his mouth. He gave her a look, but it faded as he enjoyed the fluffy sweetness of the treat. Orchestra rolled her eyes. Heart always had a tendency to stick his hooves in his mouth.

Orchestra stood up from her seat, and walked over to Electric. "Hey, just ignore Heart. He has a tendency to say stuff without thinking, but he means well." She lifted Electric's head up, and giggled slightly as she saw her blushing face. "Besides, it doesn't matter who or where you came from. All that matters is what you think of yourself. Well?"

Electric hesitated, before smiling mischieviously. "I think that I'm the best, most good-looking remixer and DJ the world will ever see!" Her blush faded somewhat as she straightened her back. "And I've got you guys as friends." She hugged Electric, who returned it gladly. Suddenly, Electric must have realized what she was doing, because she practically catapulted herself backwards, her face a beet red.

Lily chose that moment to reappear with a happier-looking Devil Devine, and a new colt.

"I found her! What did I miss?"

Lily, feeling rather lost, looked confusedly about her trying to get her bearings. She had left Electric Crash with Orchestra and Heart Throb, and had immediately gone to the left of where they had been sitting. Occasionally, she would chat with a guest or two, often introducing herself to their children. Seeing as how she had to keep turning around to talk, she had lost her starting point at a rather embarrassing rate. She finally found a less crowded spot in the throng of guests, and sat down at an empty table. She was considering flying up near the roof to find her table, when she noticed a certain gray batpony guard at another table, and trotted over to it.

"Captain Felicia! I'm so glad I found you!"

Felicia looked up, and brightened. "A happy birthday to you, Princess Lily! I was worried that we wouldn't be able to find you."

Lily noticed that two other ponies were with Felicia. On her right was a stallion who looked around Felicia's age, and had the familiar tufted ears of a batpony, along with the slitted pupils and yellow irises. However, he had no wings, and instead had a unicorn horn. His coat was a navy blue, and he had bright blue hair. The other pony was a pegasus colt whom Lily could not guess his age. He was a tannish color, with a brown mane and tail, with black highlights. He also had dark brown eyes.

"Oh, forgive me for being so rude," said Felicia apologetically. "This is my fiancé, Comet Tail-" the unicorn batpony bowed his head in respect "-and this is my younger brother, Nimble Shield." He looked up as he was mentioned, and for Lily, it felt like the world had been paused.

His deep brown eyes seemed as if they were staring into her very soul, and they were so beautiful, as if they had specks of gold in them. She blushed, and looked away. His spiky, slightly unkempt bangs partially covered his eyes, heightening the allure of his face. Lily blushed harder as she thought this, wondering what the frickin' heck was going on with her. He had blushed as well, and averted his eyes somewhat.

Nimble had blushed because of Lily's face, as well. Her forelock stylishly covered her right eye, and her irises were a beautiful turquoise color. She was already cute enough, but her blushing just made it even cuter.

Unbeknownst to Lily and Nimble, Felicia and Comet Tail knew exactly what they were going through. Felicia coughed, getting Nimble's and Lily's attention.

"Comet and I actually have to meet up with some of our friends. And Nimble-" Felicia looked pointedly at her brother, causing him to shrink slightly under her gaze "-you'd better stick with Lily, because Mom and Dad will kill both of us if I somehow lose you."

Nimble rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, sis." Lily's blush returned somewhat as he spoke.

Oh, feather down, his voice is so nice!! WHY DO I CARE?!

Felicia and Comet left, leaving Nimble in the hooves of a nervous, blushing, and 13 year old girl whom he had already noticed was pretty in her own right. Yeah, nothing could go wrong with THAT scenario!

"So..." said Nimble after an awkward pause. "You're Lily Note, yeah?"

Lily sputtered for a minute. "Y-yeah..." She blushed with embarrassment. "A-anyways," she continued, "I'm looking for my friend, Devil Devine. Wanna join us?"

Nimble nodded, and the two happily - and awkwardly - introduced themselves further. They soon found Dev sitting alone at a table, and the trio made their way back to the table.

"I found her! What did I miss?"

Lily squealed excitedly as she saw her birthday cake, which Pinkie Pie had called the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. While similar cakes had been prepared, seeing as how an entire party could not eat just one cake, this one had been specially prepared by the Cakes back in Ponyville (which most of the snooty guests frowned and whispered about). 13 candles had been placed atop the tower of a cake, which meant that Lily would have to fly up there to put them out. She looked off to the right, and saw Twilight and her friends all licking their lips expectantly. To the left, Luna also looked considerably interested, albeit not as much as Celestia, who was trying hard to not drool at just the sweet aroma of the delicious cakey goodness. Behind Lily was her new group of friends, which had also added a brother and sister named Improvise and Foxtrot respectively. All six of them were all staring wide-eyed at the amazing delectableness before them.

Lily flapped her wings, having gotten much better at flying during the month, and flew up to the top. She thought for a second, before blowing out all 13 in one breath. The guests all cheered, and she landed back on the ground.

"What was your wish?" asked Orchestra.

Foxtrot frowned. "You can't tell your wish! It won't come true!"

As the two started to bicker about wishes actually coming true, which caused the others to roll their eyes or chuckle, Lily smiled happily.

I wish that these are friends 'till the end...

Luna sighed with boredom as the pesky unicorn couple (Jester Cet and Uset Jrust or something) finally left her alone. She decided to get away from the general area before some other annoying pony tried to talk to her. She whispered something to Celestia, slipped back up the stairs, went into the chamber that she had been in before entering the party, and teleported to her private bathroom. She quickly cast an appearance-altering spell on herself, making her look like she had when she had been younger, only as a pegasus, and dressed in a form-fitting, black dress that reached the floor. Her navy blue coat had become much lighter, and her hair became light blue, and no longer flowed in an invisible breeze. Her cutie mark had been changed to a full moon, with a glow around it. She then cast an invisibility spell on herself, and teleported to the ballroom's mare's bathroom. She ducked into an empty stall, and flushed the toilet.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Luna sighed with content. It would be much easier to enjoy the party without a bunch of flank-kissers trying to curry her affections. She checked the clock, hurried over to a certain spot, and waited expectantly. After a few minutes, a flustered batpony in a traditional black tuxedo trotted over to her. He was a very dark purple, with a mane and tail that turned from light blue, to green, to pink.

"Hello, Lu-I m-mean-" he cleared his throat "-Moon Glow."

'Moon Glow' smiled, and blushed. "The same to you, Captain Nebula."

"Please," he said, fighting off a blush of his own, "call me Neb."

"Sure thing, Nebby." Moon Glow giggled as his ears flattened at the nickname. "And just call me Moony."

Moony moved to his side, the two of them blushing slightly, and they walked out together to the dance floor. They danced to a lovely waltz, and to a faster song, as Pinkie Pie and Vinyl Scratch took over, getting the younger guests attending the party to dance as well. Moony smiled to herself as she saw Lily Note dancing and jumping around with her new posse of friends.

When the song had ended, Nebula turned to Moony. "So... do you want to get something to drink?"

"I would love to, Neb."

Lily sat down, completely winded from the nonstop dancing. She could not recall how long she and her new friends had been dancing, but it must have been for hooouurrrrssssssss. It had been a lot of fun, but she had been very saddened when Miss Sunny Smiles had to take Gumdrop and Bluebelle back home. The three had said somewhat tearful farewells, but promised to meet up again some day.

As Lily quenched her thirst with her cup of apple juice, her new friends sat down with her. She found it faintly amusing, as if the entire group mentality was to do whatever the pony with most power happened to do. She had also not missed the way that Orchestra and Electric Crash (whose real name, she had found out, was Electric Glide. She had apparently knocked over and crashed into so many things when she was little, that her Aunt Vinyl had called her "Electric Crash," and the name stuck) kept looking at each other and blushing. Improvise and Heart Throb had started talking about symbolism in musicals, with Foxtrot and Devil Devine occasionally joining in. When her eyes got to Nimble, who had probably been looking at her due to his reaction, he shifted his gaze to the dance floor, blushing slightly.

"Ugh," said Foxtrot after a moment, "my hooves are KILLING ME. What time is it, anyway?" This question was aimed towards Heart, who for whatever reason carried a pocket watch with him.

"It's 11:37 pm."

Foxtrot banged her head against the table, but immediately regretted it, as she let out a muffled "ow." Improvise rolled his eyes at his younger sister, while the others giggled. However, the mirth was soon interrupted by various yawns all around the table.

"This birthday party was a lot of fun," said Lily, "but I really wanna go to bed..."

Electric nodded. "Same." There was a nodding by all.

"So," said Dev somewhat sleepily, "I guess that this is goodbye, for now?"

Orchestra nodded gravely, before perking up. "Yes, but we'll catch up some other time."

"Agreed!" exclaimed the whole table. They got up, wincing as they put pressure on their sore hooves, and said their good nights. Lily and Nimble made small talk as they went to go find Celestia, Luna, Felicia, Comet Tail, and the Elements of Harmony. It seemed as if the latter had also been tired out, as they were nearly asleep on their hooves. Nimble nearly bowled his sister over, and she chuckled as she held the half-asleep colt.

"You really aren't a night-pony, are you?" she joked. Felicia and Comet said good night as well, bowed, and left with Nimble. Celestia excused herself to thank the guests for coming (and also to later slip away to her royal chambers). Luna turned to Lily.

"How was your party, Lily?"

Lily thought for a second, before grinning massively. "It was the best night ever, Mom."

Chapter Eight

Lily was undoubtedly, undeniably, completely, totally, and utterly bored. She was trying her best not to fidget, but every time she made the slightest movement, Razor Straight would give her a look, making it even harder not to move. While she disliked all of her lessons, she found some harder to pay attention in than others. Today's lesson? What else could it be?

Sitting on a throne.

Although she was not old enough to rule anything yet, there would come a time in Lily's long life that she would have to be the ruler of something. Lily had raised some questions over this matter, claiming that there were not many kingdoms to rule over, and any that did were not a part of Equestria (she was rather relieved that she would never have to live amongst the slightly violent and carnivorous griffons).

Added to the fact of complete lack of interest in this lesson was the fact that Lily had the worst sort of teacher for the job: Razor Straight. Although he was not a cruel teacher, his stern discipline was certainly not one that anypony would ever want. While his teaching methods were pretty effective, he lacked any sense of warmth, and did not seem to enjoy his job very much (which made Lily wonder why he would even become a teacher in the first place).

As Lily sat completely still upon her "throne" - an uncomfortable wooden chair - she began to nod off, but was soon startled awake by the rapping of Razor's cane on the arm of her chair. She sneaked a glance at the clock to her left, and was annoyed to see that she still had an hour before the horrid ordeal was done.

If I ever have to sit on a throne, Lily thought grumpily, I'm putting the softest cushion I can find on it.

"Lose that surly look, Princess," came Razor's stern voice. He too looked at the clock, and turned back to Lily. "Get out of that chair, Princess, we must work on your knowledge of proper dinner etiquette." Lily nearly sagged in relief, but quickly fixed her posture to avoid his wrath. She gladly removed herself from her wooden prison, and quickly followed after her instructor.

"And which fork is the one on the far left, Princess?"

Lily looked at the fork, which seemed indistinguishable from the one beside it. "The salad fork?"

Razor nodded - making Lily somewhat proud of herself - but was quick to find an error in her answer. "A proper mare does not answer in questions. And do not forget to address ponies as 'sir,' 'madame,' or by their proper titles."

Lily's small hope faded, but kept a neutral mask, lest her instructor correct her once more. "Understood, sir."

"Good," said Razor, bowing his head. "And the fork beside it?"

Lily stared at slightly bigger fork. "It is the dinner fork, sir."

Razor nodded once more, finding no error with her answer this time. Lily allowed herself a small smile for this small victory.

"That will be all for today, Princess. I expect to see you in the throne room tomorrow morning, 8 a.m. sharp."

Lily nodded with a smile, and trotted away from Razor's room. As soon as she heard the door close, she collapsed on the ground, slumping her posture. She winced, as keeping her back straight for the whole afternoon had been very tiring, and suddenly changing position had hurt. She suddenly shot back up, however, as she realized that Razor might open his door again. She galloped like a madmare towards the sweet, sweet sanctuary of her room, and dramatically opened the door with a loud **BANG!

Feather Duster nearly jumped out of her coat, she was so startled. "Forgive me, Princess," she said after she had calmed down, bowing low, "but I did not expect you to be back so soon!"

Lily opened her mouth, but stopped herself from speaking further. She shut the door quietly, and looked around cautiously. She leaned in towards Feather conspiratorially, motioning for her to lean in as well. Feather, who had had to deal with so many of the Royal Sisters' shenanigans that she had become rather jaded, decided to humor her.

"Don't tell Razor Straight, but I HATE him!"

Why am I not surprised, thought Feather wryly. She had known tried to get to know him, but had failed spectacularly. The stallion seemed to have a stick permanently shoved up his plot. Even Rose Glow, the Head Gardener and the sweetest mare Feather had ever met, had failed to melt his icy front.

"And why is that, Princess?"

"He keeps telling me what Princesses are not to do, and which fork to use, which spoon for soup, how to sit uncomfortably-" Feather let out a snort at that one, causing Lily to shoot her a look. "It's not funny, it's irritating! He hasn't taught me anything useful, like how to actually socialize with the upper class, or how to pass a law, or anything!"

Feather smiled maternally. Reminds me of my little one... "Princess, if you would like to learn those things, perhaps you should ask your mother, Princess Luna."

Lily groaned, and dragged a hoof down her face. "But I don't wanna have more lessons!" she whined.

"Princesses often have to do things they would rather not do, and it would be good for you to learn sooner." Feather picked up her duster, and dusted off a bookshelf absentmindedly. "Besides, there will be more ponies like Razor in your life, and it's best you learn how to deal with them. Do I have your permission to leave, Princess?"

Lily waved a hoof dismissively. "Yeah, sure, you can go."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Lily started at the sudden shift from 'Princess' to 'Your Highness,' but Feather was already gone. She took a random book off of the shelf, but only half read the words as she mulled over Feather's advice.

Chapter Nine

Lily-

For Celestia's sake I can't even write a letter in this house without my parents riding my ass saying how a letter to royalty is supposed to be proper. I literally had to write out this ridiculous sounding letter that I'm sure you would get concerned about and probably think that I lost my fucking mind. But whatever.

So, how's your life been since the party? Have you talked to that colt you were talking with a lot that night again? Wink wink, nudge nudge?

Anyways, Orchestra and her parents were at this party my parents were throwing. We hung out together along with this filly Bluesy Tune that Heart Throb has a crush on (he wasn't there because he was sick or some shit). She's nice, but she's too much of a rule follower for my likings. She was sooooooo jealous when she found out that we became friends with you. She has a really good Alto voice, and her dancing skillz are pretty neat as well. We were thinking about hanging out again sometime at Donut Joe's or something on Friday at noon. We're gonna meet up at Bluesy's house, at 12 Mountain View Avenue. Wanna join us?

Please write back! ;]

- Electric

Dear Electric,

Wow, you really do NOT want to meet my stupid tutor, Razor Straight. He's supposed to be teaching me how to act like proper royalty, but it's booooooooorrrrrriiiiinnnnnnnngggggg. I also don't understand why he hires himself as an etiquette tutor for kids, because he seems to hate every single foal on the planet. He's super strict and my Auntie Celestia said he has a stick shoved up his ass (and then Discord started laughing and saying that he "loves the new Celestia," and then my Mom kinda yelled at Auntie for cursing in front of me). I talked to my mom about the pointlessness of his lessons, and she told me to suck it up, and that I could get diplomacy lessons as well. Oh, joy and rapture.

Isn't Bluesy Tune the daughter of Creative Tune and Echo Wing? As in the pegasi who founded the MultiTune Recording Co.?? It's too bad she couldn't be at the party! I've heard AMAZING things about her, and I can't wait to meet her!

Also, I asked my mom about the Donut Joe thing, and she said that I can go! She's sending Razor home for the weekend (YES!), so I don't have ANY lessons!! She also said that I could have you guys over for a sleepover once we're done eating!! Please write back!

Sincerely,

Lily Note

Lily-

THAT SOUNDS AWESOME!!! I asked my parents about it and also told Orchestra, Heart, Bluesy, Foxtrot, and Dev. They all said that they would get back to you but my parents said yes!

See ya on Friday!

-Electric

Dear Lily,

Hey, this is Orchestra! Electric told me about the sleepover idea, and I'm all for it! My parents green-lighted it, as well. I cannot WAIT for you to meet Bluesy! She's really sweet (and she's sweet on Heart), and you'll love her to BITS. Heart says that his parents agreed too, so we're both excited to see you on Friday!

Best Regards,

Orchestra

Hey Lily!

This is Nimble. I'm hanging around my sister for the day on Friday to check out guard shit, so I'm not allowed to leave her side. But she said I could join you guys for the sleepover party! See ya then!

Yours,

Nimble Shield

Dear Princess Lily Note,

OMG!!!!!!!!!! I was so annoyed that I missed your party!!! It sounded like a lot of fun! I was out of town for a week in the Crystal Empire with my family on a vacation, in case you were wondering. It was really beautiful there, and we even got to meet Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor! My older sister Jazzy Step was mooning over him, but then she witnessed the couple being all cutesy and lovey, and she did the smart thing and stopped.

So, I'm pretty excited for Friday! We're meeting at my house on 12 Mountain View Avenue at EXACTLY noon, so please be on time! Can't wait to meet you!!

Yours Truly,

Bluesy Tune

P.S. Do you prefer Lily? Because I bet you feel awkward being called "Princess" all the time!

Chapter Ten