Little Star

I woke with a yawn and with the sun in my eyes. I groan and head to the bathroom to do my business. As I comb my mane, I address the mirror. “Morning Star.”

Star appeared, rubbing her eyes. “I'd rather still be asleep right now...” she grumbled. I chuckled at the response, tapping the mirror twice. Star gave me a slight smile and tapped back before she disappeared, leaving me with just my reflection. Minutes later, I headed to the kitchen. I could already smell the meal Spike was cooking. “Morning, Spike,” I said as I opened the door.

“It's almost noon, Twilight. Coffee's on the table, and lunch will be ready soon.” The next thing I knew was the feeling of warm liquid down my throat and feeling much better.

“So, where's Luna?” I asked.

“She went to the Everfree castle to meet with the construction ponies Celestia sent over.”

“I'll pay her a visit after I finish my meal.”

Spike nodded and soon had their meal on the table. As usual, Spike’s meals were top notch. After eating, I got up to head out. Looking over my shoulder at my assistant, I said, “Spike, take care of things till I get back.”

“You got it Twilight!” he replied with a smile, then turned and left. With the library behind me, I headed through town. Some ponies waved at me, and I happily waved back. Others bowed to me, and I was unsure how to take that.

‘Sparkle, we are an alicorn, and more than that, we are the daughter of Princess Luna, meaning we are royalty and deserve deference.’

‘But..’

‘No buts. We are a princess of Equestria. It will be up to us to defend and rule it well. We have Mother and Celestia, even Cadance to show us what to do and what not to do.’ I hummed in response. In a short while, we were back in the forest. I kept my senses up, alert for danger, but all I heard were the usual sounds of a forest except for the sounds of construction. Gingerly, I crossed the bridge and headed inside the ruined castle. As I walked, I heard yelling, so I headed in that direction, following it to the throne room. There, Luna was arguing with a unicorn stallion with a blueprint between them.

“No, I want it done THIS way!” Luna yelled out.

“But that is not the proper way to do things. And my design is much better.”

“In your mind, maybe, but I am paying you, and this is what I want. My style wins.”

“But it won’t look like Canterlot Castle.”

“I don’t want it to look like that castle. I want it themed after me and my daughter.”

“But that would be ugly. Not a proper castle at all!”

“Then get out; you are fired!” With a hoof, she pointed to the door. With a huff, the unicorn stomped away as Luna glared at him. But then, she noticed me, and she smiled. “My daughter!” She came over to nuzzle me. I still had to get use to that, but Star helped and I returned it.

“So what happened?” I asked.

Luna rolled her eyes.

“Arrogance and ego, my daughter. I want this old castle to reflect us, but some do not seem to understand that.” Luna sighed. “Sister thought to help us out by sending who was likely suggested as the best architect in the land, but that reputation has lend to arrogance. I have a vision for this castle, and his was completely different. I shall have to find a good architect that will do what I envision. And your plans, my dear daughter?”

“Well, check out what my friends are doing.”

Luna lit up. “A fine idea. May I join you? Perhaps your friends know a good builder.”

“Of course, Luna.” With that, the two of us headed out of the castle and back into the Everfree. Soon, I felt a weight on my back and looked over to see Luna’s wing there. I looked at her, and she quickly removed her wing.

“Apologies, Twilight.”

“No, I'm sorry. I have to get use to you as my mom.” I looked down only to feel a wing on my chin, which lifted my head to see Luna looking at me.

“We are both trying to adjust to things, my daughter, and we will meet them together.” She gave a small smile. I returned it.

“Agreed…Mother.” Her smiled brightened at my calling her that. I looked forward again, and in a short time, we left Everfree and headed for Applejack's place.

We soon saw the apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres. I glanced over to Luna, who looked on in wonder.

“Never seen apple trees before, Luna?”

“I have, but none this healthy. They are far thicker then the ones I saw back in the day.”

“Applejack’s family prides itself in having the best apples in Equestria.”

“A title well earned, it seems.”

I nodded in reply, and before long, we found Applejack bucking the trees. “Hey, Applejack!”

Said mare looked up and smiled. “Twi!” She raced over to hug me. I felt her strength in the hug. We broke the hug and smiled at each other. “How ya doin', Twi?”

“Alright. My…mother decided to join me since she has issues with a builder.”

Luna stepped up. “Good day, Honest Applejack,” Luna greeted with a nod.

“Good afternoon, Yer Highness. What issues are ya dealing with?”

Luna sighed and rolled her eyes. “The builder my sister hired would not listen to what I want. He wanted a Canterlot clone. I want something different. My daughter suggested you might know somepony.”

“Twi's right. My family's pretty big, and we know some in the building business. I'll send some yer way, Princess.”

Luna smiled. “Thank you, Honest Applejack.”

“Why are ya callin' me that, Princess?”

“You bear the Element of Honesty. Thus, you have earned its title to your name. It is a great honor. Only my sister and I have ever donned those titles.” Luna glanced up in thought. "As far as we know, anyway."

“Well thanks, Princess, but I prefer just Applejack.”

“As you wish. So, how are you and my daughter getting along?”

Applejack gave a smile. “She buys our apples a lot. Been teachin' her how to buck like an earth pony. She knocked down ten trees so far.”

I blushed as Luna giggled. “That is my daughter!”

“Mom!” I complain as Applejack joined in the laughter. I glared between them both. I don’t think it was effective, considering they kept laughing. I pouted as they started to calm down.

“Oh, I haven’t laughed like that in ages. Not since your father was with us,” Luna says. That hurt...The father I never knew. While Night Light was a good father, I would have liked to know my actual father.

“Well I was about to finish up this last batch of trees before having lunch," Applejack said. "Y'all wanna join me?”

“We would be delighted, Applejack,” Luna replied, and we followed my new friend to her home after she took care of her last tree. As she headed for the kitchen, we sat and waited at her dining table. Soon, Applejacked return with sandwiches for the three of us. They were delicious, made with fresh ingredients. Luna seemed to enjoy the meal as well.

“So, how are the flying lessons, Twilight?” I moaned in memory of my last session. Dirt tastes awful. Luna chuckled a bit at the nonverbal response. I gave her a glare to no effect. I felt a pat on my back and saw Applejack smiling at me.

“It'll be worth it, Twi.”

I gave her a small nod.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

As the sun began to set and Applejack had said goodbye to Twilight and her mother, Applejack approached a tree with two gravestones. Stopping, she took her hat off and held it to her chest.

“Ma, Pa, I know it’s been a while. Things have been kinda hectic around here.” She proceeded to tell them about Twilight and the issues with her family. “Watchin' Twi and her mom, it...made me a bit jealous. They can still talk with each other, while I can only talk to you. I miss talking with ya. I miss seeing your smiles and laughs as you riled each other and me and Big Mac up. Miss yer food and your wisdom. I just miss seein' you both.” She felt tears run down her cheeks. “Twi doesn’t know how lucky she is to still have her ma. I love you both. Goodnight.” Applejack wiped her tears and put her hat back on and headed away as the sun set on the land.