Chapter 1:
Royal Thoughts
Welcome to Canterlot, the capitol city of a magical land called Equestria. The shine from the sun off the marble used to build the city gave the illusion of a diamond atop the mountain. It is where many ponies dream of living one day. Looking into the center of the city, the royal palace stood out among the other opulent buildings. The polished white walls gleamed brighter than any other building. Inside ponies could easily lose their way from the sheer number of hallways. In one hallway, a lone pony stomped along her way. Her blue coat contrasted the white walls she passed. Regal wings were tucked into her body and an ethereal mane and tail flapped in the air as she moved. Her name is Luna, Princess of the Night and co-ruler of Equestria.
Contrary to her usual regal appearance, Luna's crown, breastplate, and greaves did not adorn her today. She was wearing dark blue saddle dress that flowed down her form. By royal standards it was a very simple and some would say unbecoming of one of Luna's stature. However, no pony dared to question her choice of attire as the look in the Princess's eyes was a mixture of anger and disgust. As she quickly trotted through the halls she passed several guards and attendants before coming to a large set of double doors. Bursting through them Luna found herself in the dining hall.
Seated at the massive table were two more alicorns in their regal attire. The smaller one was pink and had a tri-streaked mane and tail of purple, pink, and cream. Her cutie mark was a heart shaped diamond and she co-ruled the Crystal Empire with her new husband. Her name was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but she preferred to be called Cadence. Seated next to her was a larger white alicorn. Her alabaster coat gleamed as her flowing mane and tail of blue, green, pink and purple flowed to and fro. The sun cutie mark symbolized her dominion over the day. Her subjects knew her as Princess Celestia, but Luna knew her simply as "sister." As Luna stormed in, the documents in front of Celestia and Cadence went flying from their surprise. Celestia looked up to see the intruder. She was shocked to see her sister was still awake this late into the morning.
"Good Morning to you, Luna," Celestia started. "I didn't expect to see you awake this late into my day, Luna."
"T'was nothing joyful here this morning, sister," Luna said harshly. She stomped over to the table and sat at Celestia's right hoof. Cadence's eyes locked on Luna and she could see something was amiss.
"Aunt Luna?" she mused. With her hoof, Cadence called for an attendant to come over.
"Luna, what's the matter?" Celestia asked. One of the attendants came over to Luna and helped her out of her dress while another brought her a cup of tea. But she didn't want any. Luna pushed the tea away and laid her head into her forelegs on the table. Cadence looked upon Luna with concern. She could tell something was wrong with her. Celestia took note of Cadence and what she had seen. The Princess of the Day bit the bullet and revealed to her niece what might be the cause of Luna's bad mood. "Did something happen on your date, Luna?" she asked.
"Date?" Cadence exclaimed wide eyed. "Aunt Luna, you went out on a date?"
"Please, dear niece," Luna began as she raised her head up to the two. The look on her face was of utter disgust. "Do not remind us of our vexation. T'was an engagement that ran afoul and we wish to banish it from our memories." Luna's head returned to her forelegs while Celestia and Cadence looked at each other.
"She only speaks traditionally when she's upset," Cadence said.
"I know," Celestia answered turning to the guards and attendants present.
"Date?" Cadence questioned again. Celestia nodded her head and turned to the guards and attendants.
"Leave us," she ordered. Those Celestia addressed left the room and gave the princesses their privacy. Celestia extended a hoof and ran it through Luna's ethereal mane. Luna responded by looking up and locking eyes with her older sister. "Considering you just got home, that would indicate a wonderful time. But your actions tell another tale, Luna. Tell us what happened?"
"Awful, just awful," Luna said upset. "Tonight we shall journey to the archives to find a charm to exile the memory from our mind."
"What happened?" Celestia asked. Luna took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She could now think clear enough to abandon her traditional speech.
"Well, Celestia," she began calmly. "After we lowered the moon and raised the sun, I took a quick nap before I met a unicorn for a breakfast engagement."
"Any pony we know?" Cadence asked.
"No, Cadence," Luna said and continued. "I met him at a fundraiser a week ago. We started talking and I was invited to breakfast. That is where I went this morning." Celestia and Cadence listened in on Luna's story. "During our meal we spoke on many subjects. I was enjoying myself as well as the company. We spoke of art, literature, philosophy, and astronomy, it was going well. He then invited me for a walk through his garden." Celestia nodded and Cadence took a sip of her tea. "The garden was lovely. I had never seen an abundance of so many different flowers and freshly grown vegetables. In the center of the garden was a grand pond with fish of all types and sizes." Luna began to blush as she reached this part of the story. "It was there that my gentlecolt caller acted most inappropriately. I dare to say scandalous." Luna's blush intensified as she reached the climax. Cadence's mouth gaped opened in shock and she was speechless. To think any pony would act in such a manner and with a princess. Celestia's mood was the opposite. The look on her face was as deadly as manticore venom.
"Luna," she began sternly. "Tell me exactly what he did to you." Luna saw the look in her older sister's face and knew it was best to suppress her embarrassment and continue.
"Well," she began. "We sat at the pond and then he..." Celestia's brow furrowed and Cadence raised her hooves to her mouth. "He..." The tension was building as Luna continued to stutter.
"Tell me now!" Celestia demanded border lining her Royal Canterlot Voice. Luna shuddered a bit more and finally spoke.
"Hetriedtoholdmyhoof!" she said as fast as she could. Luna flopped on the table and covered her head with her forelegs in embarrassment. She waited for a loud objection of rage from Celestia. But to Luna's surprise, it never came. The only sound the Princess of the Night heard was laughter. She raised her head and was shocked to see Cadence with her head thrown back and Celestia maintaining a dignified laugh. Luna's eyes widen in a mix of horror and confusion. Her family was laughing at her. A tear formed in her eye. "Why do you mock me? Can you not see the shameful behavior I endured?"
"Is that all he did?" Cadence asked. "I thought it was something serious."
"Serious?" Luna gasped. "Surely you jest, Cadence. Physical contact is most inappropriate on the first date. A stallion should not touch his mare companion until they are formally committed to each other." Celestia and Cadence let loose another set laughs and Luna was beginning to get frustrated. "T'is not an amusing situation!" Luna said stomping her hoof on the table. The two other alicorns slowly stopped laughing.
"Stop it, Cadence," Celestia said. "We are upsetting Luna." Cadence calmed down and regained her composure. "Luna," the white alicorn started. "That may have been true in our youth. But times have changed in the millennium you were gone. Holding hooves on the first date is a common act used to show affection. There is nothing scandalous about it." Cadence nodded in agreement and took another sip from her tea. "It is also common place for the potential couple to kiss on the first date. It is how they can tell if there is a spark between each other." Luna was frozen in place with a bewildered look on her face. Cadence enchanted a lounge chair from the wall and placed it behind her aunt. She was convinced Luna was about to faint.
"Kiss?" Luna whispered. She was in awe that once intimate acts were now commonplace.
"Should I tell her that Shining Armor and I were kissing, and more, long before we were married?" Cadence whispered to Celestia. The sun goddess quickly shook her head at her niece.
"She is sure to faint if you do that," Celestia whispered back. Luna recovered from her shock and began to drink the tea she had been given to calm her nerves.
"Are you alright?" Cadence asked.
"Y-yes," Luna stammered. "I was simply overloaded by this realization. I knew my views on courtship might be dated. But apparently I underestimated just how dated they would be. Times truly have changed." Luna took another sip of her tea and looked to her sister for guidance.
"It is understandable, Luna," she said. "You were gone for so many years. The world evolved while you retained all of your traditional knowledge, values, and virtues."
"Yes, it would appear so," she answered. "Now I feel just awful of how I treated my date." Cadence took another document from her stack and looked it over as she spoke to her aunt.
"I'm sure all you have to do is explain the situation and you'll be forgiven," Cadence said as she levitated a quill pen.
"That is quiet impossible," Luna started. Cadence started writing as she spoke.
"It's not as if you threatened to throw him in the dungeon," she said with a giggle. Luna's eye began to dart back and forth suspiciously at Cadence's suggestion. The two other alicorns blinked at Luna as she gave an awkward chuckle.
"When he touched me," she started. "I may have released all of my emotions on him." Cadence cringed at the notion while Celestia listened intently. "I told him if I ever saw him again, I would send him to the dungeon for the rest of his life."
"Luna, you completely over reacted," Celestia said condescending. The Princess of the Night lowered her head and eyes. She had no argument to offer. "Anyway, why this sudden interest in dating?" Cadence listened intently when this was brought up. She had been wondering about this herself for the last few minutes. "You have been home for some time. What prompted you to start now?"
"It was Cadence's wedding," Luna began. "It was there I began to notice the jubilation in the eyes of the couples of Equestria. Knowing they bathed in love and companionship everyday. Everything I lacked during my banishment as Nightmare Moon. I just..."
"You want some pony special in your life," Cadence interrupted. Luna's eyes glossed over and she nodded.
"It is so hard finding some pony to be in your heart when you are of the status we are," Luna began. "We are the monarchs of Equestria. Every pony from east to west is our subordinate or subject. How do we choose whom to love? How do we identify those who would look upon us as a means to increase their own status? How can we tell when others hide who they are?" Luna shed a tear as she spoke. Celestia saw the pain her sister held and left her seat. With us unequaled grace, she sauntered to Luna and took her in a hug. When they broke it, Celestia sat down with her little sister. The elder alicorn took a napkin and dried younger one's tears. "Ever since my return," Luna continued. "I have been shunned by many of our subjects. The curse of Nightmare Moon will not let me be. Because of that beast, my circle of friends is still very small. And my choice in potential suitors is significantly smaller."
"I thought you had a wonderful time in Ponyville last Nightmare Night?" Cadence asked.
"I did," Luna responded. "But one small village versus the whole of Equestria. Tell me Cadence, how big would the hole in your heart?" The Princess of Love thought about for a moment. She got up from her seat and went over and embraced her aunt. Cadence was the physical embodiment of love. The thought of having a hole in her heart, even a small one, was weighing heavily on her. Celestia got an idea and reached to retrieve a piece of paper. Quickly, she authored a letter. "Celestia?" Luna asked.
"I have an idea, Luna," Celestia started as she wrote. "I am writing a letter to Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Cadence and I are in the middle of trade agreement and cannot stop at this time. Perhaps they can help you if you wish to begin dating."
"That's an excellent idea, Aunt Celestia," Cadence said. "Aunt Luna, you aren't going to find some pony among the elites in Canterlot. They are too much for you to start with."
"But didn't you and Shining Armor meet here?" Luna responded.
"Yes," Cadence said. "But he was a rare find. Shining Armor was already an up and coming officer. He is caring, humble, and a true gentlecolt. We also knew each other for years in high school. And with me being Twilight Sparkle's foal sitter, it was easy to grow close. But Ponyville is a simple town full of ponies that will be truthful with you. Twilight Sparkle and her friends are just the ponies to help you with modern dating customs."
"Perhaps they know of some eligible stallions you could date," Celestia added. "I hear Big Macintosh may be looking for some pony." Luna looked at her family and pulled them both in close with her magic and into a tight hug.
"Oh thank thee dearest family," Luna boomed in her Royal Canterlot Voice. Quickly, she regained her composure and spoke delicately again. "Surely my friends in Ponyville will be able to help me in my venture to find some pony. At the very least give me the knowledge I need to find one on my own." Once the letter was complete, Celestia used her magic to incinerate it in a puff of green fire.
"Twilight Sparkle will be expecting you tonight, Luna," Celestia said. "Take a couple of days to stay in Ponyville and enjoy yourself."
"Days?" Luna said in surprise. "But my royal duties, I cannot abdicate them."
"Luna, for a thousand years I took on the duties of both of us," Celestia started. "I can handle it for a couple more days." Luna looked Celestia in the eyes and saw she was speaking as a loving sister.
"Dare I even try to quarrel with you?" Luna asked. Celestia gave a gentle smile that Luna knew all too well. "As you wish. But raising the moon remains my task."
"Agreed," Celestia answered. Luna hugged her sister before she gave a yawn. "It would seem that some pony has stayed up past her bedtime."
"Over a millennium of life and I am still a baby to you," Luna said sarcastically. Celestia nuzzled her sister lovingly from the joke.
"It is a perk of being the elder sister," Celestia said. The two exchanged another hug and Luna took her leave. Celestia and Cadence watched as Luna made her way to the doors of dining hall. "Go and get some rest, Luna."
"Sleep well, Auntie," Cadence added. Luna turned to her family and quietly nodded at them. She reached up to open the door and left the hall. Outside were the attendants and guards that had been dismissed.
"You may all return to your duties," Luna said with another yawn. The ponies bowed to their ruler and they all parted ways. Luna slowly made her way along the halls and up a large flight of stairs. As she walked along, the white walls of the palace began to grow darker. The guard's armor switched from solid gold to shades of dark and light blue. The decor turned more antique gothic. Many of the items decorating the halls were remnants of past centuries, paintings, furniture, tapestries, armor and swords. Other items were much older than most ponies could guess. Many were from before the time of Nightmare Moon. Tomes, documents, and jewels were protected behind glass and magic. Luna continued on until she came to a double set of black doors with a crescent moon on them and two guards standing watch on either side.
Entering her bed chambers, Luna was greeted by a white earth pony with a pink mane and tail. Her cutie mark was a pair of pink stars and a pink moon. She smiled as Luna entered the room and bowed to her princess.
"Good morning, Princess Luna," she said.
"Greetings, Moondancer," Luna said to her hoofmaiden. Luna immediately made her way to the bathroom. She was overjoyed to find a bubble bath already drawn for her. "Moondancer, do you possess the gift of clairvoyance?"
"No," Moondancer said with a laugh. "I helped you get dressed this morning for an important engagement, Your Majesty. You acted very tense and nervous. I guessed you might need a bath to relax when you return." Luna smiled and fluttered into the air before slowly lowering her body into the water. She sighed in bliss as the hot water nipped up her legs and then her body. The aroma of lavender from the bubbles soothed her mind. Taking a breath, Luna dove under the water in the large tub. Moondancer took this moment to leave some fresh towels by the side of the tub. She watched as Luna resurfaced with a sigh. "Will there be anything else, Your Majesty?" Luna thought for a moment before answering.
"Yes," she said. "Please, tell me of modern courtship customs." Moondancer looked confused at the request.
"You mean dating?" she responded.
"Yes," Luna said.
"Um, well," Moondancer began. "This is an odd request, Princess. What would you like to know?" Luna suddenly realized the pickle she had put herself in.
"Oh, um," Luna stuttered. Quickly she thought of a cover story. Only Cadence, Celestia, Twilight Sparkle and soon her friends knew she was interested in dating. "Many customs have changed in the thousand years I was gone. I understand romance is the norm in courtship these days. Arranged marriages were the custom in my youth. It peaks my curiosity to how ponies proceed in this day and age."
"Oh, I see," Moondancer said with a smile. Luna sighed in relief on the inside. The white pony sat down at the side of the tub and began to talk with Luna. "It's all very simple. All you have to do is find that one pony that makes you heart flutter and stays in your thoughts constantly. The type of pony where it feels like you cannot live without him or her. At least that's what my mother taught me about finding love."
"Is it difficult to discover this pony?" Luna asked swirling some of the bubbles in tub.
"It can be," Moondancer said. "I dated almost a dozen ponies before I found my husband."
"A dozen?" Luna said in disbelief. Moondancer laughed at Luna's reaction.
"Most of them never went beyond the first date, Princess," Moondancer continued. Luna relaxed a little at this knowledge. "It's essentially trial and error until you find the right one. But when I met my Salty, I just knew there was no pony else I wanted." Luna looked at the gaze in Moondancer's eyes and saw nothing but love. It was that look she craved.
"And what advice would you offer to one who was dating?" Luna asked.
"Well," the white pony answered. "I would say be yourself and listen to your heart." Luna took in Moondancer's words and laid her head back on the side of the tub. "Will there be anything else, Princess Luna?"
"No, Moondancer," Luna responded. "Thank you for everything." Moondancer bowed to Luna and left her alone in the bathroom. Luna settled deeper into her bath when she was alone. As Luna sat in the tub, she pondered Moondancer's words and started talking to herself. "Who would be the perfect mate for me?" She sat up in the tub and lowered herself into the tub as far as she could go. There she stayed for sometime. Luna's mind was racing at some points and calm another. Soon Luna began to clean her wings. One at a time, Luna flared her wings out to let the water soak into her feathers. "He would have to be very intelligent, brave, and certainly chivalrous." Luna took a final plunge under the water and pulled the plug. The bubbles clung to her body like a second skin as the water fell. Luna turned on the overhead shower and rinsed off the remaining bubbles. She used her magic to wrap herself in towels and dry off. "He would have to be good with children; as it is my duty to continue the royal bloodline." Discarding the towels, Luna left the bathroom and went back into her bedroom. Moondancer had already drawn the curtains and turned down the covers on Luna's bed. The Princess of the Night hopped into bed and covered herself with the silk sheets. She laid her head on her pillow and had one more thought on whom her perfect mate would be. "And he'd love me for who I am, even with my quirks." The blue alicorn watched the sun try in vain to bleed through her curtains. Luna spoke one final thought as sleep conquered her. "Where are you, my prince? Nay, where is the other half of my heart?"
/)*(\
Author's Note
A/N: Greetings FIMFIC. After a few years of exclusively posting to FF.net, I've decided to start posting my pony fics here as well.
Some of you may have read this story already. Some may have not. But for those that have, please continue. There are always new ideas coming to my mind that I should have added to this story a long time ago. Please understand this fic was written after the end of season 3. So Twilight is not an alicorn yet and she still lives in the Golden Oak Library. But look at all the questions raised from this chapter.
Will Luna find the love she craves?
Will Twilight Sparkle and her friends be able to help?
And just whom, if any, will capture the princess's heart.
Tune in next time for the continuing adventure of "Line in the Sand."
/)*(\
Read & Review
Chapter 2:
That Was Unexpected…
A knock on the massive door of the bedroom stirred Princess Luna from her slumber. She stirred from her sleep with a mighty yawn. Today’s sleep had been particularly relaxing after an eventful morning. Luna saw Moondancer walk into her room and smiled at her. She stood on her luxurious bed and stretched out her back, legs, and wings.
“Good Evening, You’re Majesty,” Moondancer said walking up to the windows and opened up the drapes. Luna jarred her head from side to side to crack her neck.
“Good Evening to you, Moondancer,” Luna responded and hopped off the bed. She made her way to the double doors that led out to her balcony. Moondancer waited at the entrance and watched as Luna eyed the disappearing sun. Luna waited patiently as the sun lowered in the sky and closed her eyes. A light blue aura surrounded the Princess’s horn and she fluttered into the air. Moondancer watched as the moon and stars appeared in the sky as the sunlight disappeared over the horizon. The white pony was always taken aback as Luna’s stars popped into sight like fireworks in the sky.
“So beautiful,” the royal aide said. Luna turned to the pony and smiled at her compliment.
“Thank you, Moondancer,” she said. “Has my chariot been prepared for my journey?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the earth pony answered. “Your chariot is waiting outside for you. Princess Celestia informed us of your visit to Ponyville and all is ready for your departure.” Luna felt a twinge of fear in her gut. She didn’t want rumors to spread of her intentions.
“Did she mention the nature of my journey?” Luna asked.
“Only that you were going to visit some friends in Ponyville for a couple of days,” she said. “But it is not my place to question where you go for a little weekend getaway. I just hope you have fun.”
“Yes,” Luna said sighing to herself in relief. “A weekend away from Canterlot is precisely what I need to relax my mind.” Moondancer made her way to the Princess’s closet and took out a small trunk. Luna went into the bathroom and retrieved her toothbrush and shampoo. When she returned, Moondancer was waiting for her by the bed. The white pony had laid out a dress, make up, and a bed liner to pack. Luna nodded in approval and Moondancer packed the small trunk for her. Luna went over to her vanity and put on her greaves, breastplate. After she ran a brush through her coat and tail, Luna put on her crown. A final look in the mirror satisfied Luna that she was presentable. She smiled at the image and went into her top drawer. She pulled out a midnight blue pouch and counted out its contents. Twenty five golden bits floated in the air before returning to their home. It was a small amount Luna always took while travelling for brief periods.
“Will there be anything else, Princess?” Moondancer asked.
“That will be all, Moondancer,” Luna smiled. “Thank you for everything.” Moondancer bowed and took her leave. “Guard,” Luna called. The door opened and one of Luna’s unicorn soldiers entered.
“Yes, Princess Luna,” he said with a bow.
“Please take this trunk to my chariot,” she said. “I’ll be down forthwith for our departure.” The guard gave salute and took the trunk out of the bedroom. Luna took one more look in the mirror and winked at herself. “Perfect,” she said before leaving the bedroom. After a brief walk through the palace, Luna greeted the evening sky outside. Her gothic chariot was hitched to her guards and ready to go. Once she boarded, the two ponies in front took to the air and Luna was on her way to Ponyville. The flight was calm and uneventful. Luna’s mind returned to Moondancer’s words from the morning before. She hoped her friends would elaborate and build on the knowledge Luna just learned. Her hopes were high.
The citizens of Ponyville were going about their evening business. Many of the shops were closing up, restaurants were packed for dinner, and others were out to enjoy the night. Many who were passing the library were surprised to see a chariot approach in the sky. Luna had learned that her theatrical entrance on Nightmare Night was more intimidating than she anticipated. Ever since then, she had adopted a more subtle approach. Once on the ground Luna hopped down from the chariot and her bat winged pegasi moved the retrieve her trunk. Those who saw her arrive bowed in respect to the monarch. Luna took note and answered in kind with a friendly nod and hello. One child trotted up and was answered with a hug from the deity of the night. Luna let the child go and knocked on the door. It opened up to show a little dragon greeting the Princess of the Night.
“Hi, Princess,” Spike called. Before he could bow with respect, Luna pulled Spike into a hug. “Good to see you again.”
“Hello, little Spike,” she said crushing the little dragon a bit. “It has been too long my fire breathing friend. I see you have abandoned your redundancy.” Spike looked at the Princess a little confused after she broke the hug. Then the joke clicked with him.
“My costume from Nightmare Night,” he laughed. “A dragon dressed as a dragon is kind of redundant. You could say the dragon was doubled.” The two shared a laugh as Spike welcomed the Princess into the library. She was greeted by a series of pillows, drinks, and a plate of marshmallows and other sweets. It appeared as though several of Luna’s friends would be joining her and Twilight Sparkle tonight. Adjacent to the snacks was a pair of bowls with a cream of some sort, brushes, and rollers.
“Hello, Princess Luna,” Twilight Sparkle called from her upstairs loft. The unicorn came down the stairs quickly and embraced her friend. Twilight then backed up and gave a respectful bow to the Princess.
“Hello, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. “Thank you for seeing me so quickly.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Twilight said. “You know my door is always open to you. I hope you are comfortable here while you are in town.” This caught Luna off-guard.
“Here?” she asked.
“Yes,” the purple unicorn said. “Princess Celestia asked if you could stay with me in the library. It’s my pleasure to welcome you to my home.”
“I’m touched you would accommodate me, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said. “But I must protest. I wouldn’t want to impose on you and Spike.”
“See you in a few days, Twilight,” Spike said grabbing a backpack by the door. “Have fun, Princess,” he said bowing to Luna. Spike left the library with excitement leaving the two mares alone.
“A few days?” Luna asked. Twilight nodded and went over to the closet.
“As luck would have it, Princess,” she began. “Spike is going camping with Lickety Split, Snips, Snails, and Archer for a couple days. Tonight I’m having a slumber party with my friends. So it will be just us girls having girl talk all night. Then it will be you and I until you return to Canterlot. I love it when everything pans out perfectly.”
“Well, since you are insisting,” Luna said. “I accept your invitation, my friend.” Luna turned to the door and went outside. She ordered her pegasi to bring in her trunk right away. The guards brought it upstairs where Twilight had her spare bed ready for the Princess. Once they were done, Luna dismissed them and the alicorn and unicorn were left alone in the library. Together they sat by the fireplace as Twilight lit it. “So,” Luna started. “Do your friends know of the nature of my visit?” Twilight shook her head after the fire was lit and growing.
“Not yet,” she said. “I’ll tell them when they get here. Something this personal should be discussed in complete privacy. I don’t want to risk any eavesdropping or rumors, Princess.” Luna thanked Twilight Sparkle for her discretion on this matter. No sooner had they finished their conversation, a knock came at the door. “Come in.” Twilight called. The door opened and Rarity and Applejack trotted into the library out of the night air. They came up to Twilight and gave her a hug before turning to the Princess and bowing to her. Luna acknowledged them and the two ponies laid on two of the pillows.
“I’ve been lookin’ forward to this sleepover all day,” Applejack began. “It’s just what I need after a hard day’s work in the fields.”
“As did I,” Rarity added. “Thank you for the invitation, Twilight darling. And it is a privilege to be in your presence again, Princess Luna.” Applejack nodded in agreement with Rarity.
“It is my pleasure to be with my friends again,” Luna said. “When will our other friends arrive? I look forward to seeing the rest of them.”
“Pinkie Pie is babysitting for the Cakes tonight,” Twilight said. “The twins always wear her out. So she’ll be here for breakfast in the morning.”
“That is most disappointing,” Luna said. “I was looking forward to Pinkie’s style of fun.” Applejack chuckled and whispered something to Rarity. The unicorn giggled at the remark. “And what of Rainbow Dash and the gentle Fluttershy?”
“They’re in Cloudsdale for the Winter Weather Conference,” Applejack added. “Pegasi gotta coordinate something fierce when the seasons change. Fluttershy just went along so she’d have an idea of when her critter friends will have to hunker down for the winter. They’ll be home in a few days. So it’s just us tonight.” Luna’s brow arched a little in sadness. She was expecting to see all of her friends.
“I hope you aren’t too disappointed, Princess?” Rarity asked.
“I am a little,” she said. “But my visit was a last minute decision. I understand that even the Elements of Harmony have previous engagements.”
“Speaking of visits,” Applejack chimed in. “Twilight said y’all were in Ponyville for a special reason.
“I am, fair Applejack,” Luna said. She got a little nervous as she readied herself. Rarity and Applejack picked up on her mood change and listen intently. “I am here to learn of…modern courtship customs.” Rarity and Applejack looked at each other.
“Beg pardon,” Applejack said.
“The Princess wants to learn how ponies date these days,” Twilight said. Luna cringed expecting some level of mocking.
“Is that all, Princess?” Applejack said.
“I thought for a moment we had another quest on our hooves,” Rarity added. The three elements began laughing for a moment and as they did, Luna joined them.
“What would you like to know, Princess?” Twilight asked. Luna looked at the three and began to relax. Rarity took this moment to levitate a few drinks over to the group.
“Thank you,” Luna said taking a bottle of apple juice. “And please, we may speak informally during this visit.” The others nodded as Luna began. “I wish to seek out companionship, but my understanding of courtship is dated and obsolete. So I wish to know how one goes about choosing a mate.”
“Well that’s easier than finding a crow in the cornfields,” Applejack said. “To start with, y’all got to find somepony you share some common interests and traits with. That’s the basics of any relationship.”
“Indeed it is,” Rarity added. “Every stable relationship is based on how well ponies fit together. No romantic relationship will succeed if you don’t have commonalities.”
“I assumed as much,” Luna said. “And how would one go about meeting somepony? My most recent engagement was a chance encounter at a fundraiser.”
“A chance encounter is one way to meet somepony,” Twilight said. “There are also formal introductions and matchmakers. I’ve known of ponies making arrangements for each other in what is called a blind date.” Luna nodded as Twilight spoke. “There are lots of ways to meet somepony.”
“What of conduct during these dates?” she asked. “This is what is vexing me to some degree.”
“Y’all don’t have to fret none,” Applejack said. “Y’all can start with being yourself. Try and get to know a little about each other first.”
“Talk of basics to begin with,” Rarity added. “You talk more in depth as the date goes on. You start with hobbies, musical tastes, literature for example. Later on, you talk of your goals, beliefs, and dreams.” Luna was listening intently at her friends. But she still was not getting all the answers she was hoping for.
“I think Luna was talking about how you should act,” Twilight chimed in. “Such as holding hooves and stuff like that.” Luna’s gut tightened at hearing of holding hooves.
“Oh why didn’t you say so, darling,” Rarity said. “Holding hooves is an excellent way to use body language to gauge interest.” Applejack nodded with Rarity.
“If a stallion tries to hold your hoof,” Twilight began. “It’s his way of saying ‘I am enjoying myself and your company’ without talking.”
“And it’s the same for us if we take his hoof,” Applejack finished. “But it is the fella who should make the first move.”
“So it is merely a non-verbal communication?” Luna asked. “Holding hooves in no longer an act of intimacy?”
“Exactly,” Twilight said.
“Not every form of physical contact is intimate,” Rarity said. “Some colts put their arms around you. I once dated a pegasus who put his wing around me.”
“And what of kissing your date?” Luna continued. The girls blushed a little at the subject Luna brought up. Even Applejack had to lower her hat to cover up how red her cheeks turned.
“Well…” Twilight began. “I can’t comment on that.” Everypony snapped around and looked at Twilight Sparkle. “The few dates I’ve had never made it to the goodnight kiss.”
“Twilight, darling,” Rarity gasped. “I never imagined your standards were so high.” Twilight’s eyes dilated at Rarity and shook her head quickly.
“No, no, no, Rarity,” Twilight said in her defense. “The few stallions I have dated showed me a wonderful time. But they never challenged me on an intellectual level. One was all brawn and not a single brain. I’d always hoped my perfect stallion would make my brain and my heart go crazy.”
“Tain’t nothing wrong with that, Twilight,” Applejack cheered. “Y’all need a stallion just as smart as you are. I always pictured a teacher or scientist catching your eye.” Twilight blushed and released a giggle.
“And you, Applejack,” Luna asked.
“Actually,” she started. “I ain’t had a date yet.” The realization made Twilight and Luna look at each other in disbelief.
“Darling…” Rarity said with shock. “With your looks you could have any stallion you wanted. It’s a crime you haven’t partaken of the opposite sex yet.”
“I know, but I ain’t had the time,” Applejack responded. “I spend all day tending the farm and selling my apples. When I’m not doing that, I have to look after Apple Bloom and Granny Smith. I just ain’t had the time to date.”
“I applaud you, fair Applejack,” Luna said. “You place your family above your own needs.”
“You’re too kind, Luna,” she replied. “I’ve had my eye on a couple studs though. Don’t tell Rainbow, but that Soarin fella’ from the Wonderbolts…” Twilight and Rarity squealed at this sudden confession making Applejack blush again. Soon the two started laughing at her embarrassment. Applejack eventually laughed with them and Luna joined right after.
“And what of you, Rarity?” the Princess asked. Applejack got very evil smile on her face and Rarity noticed.
“Don’t…you…dare…” Rarity said glaring at Applejack.
“Prince Blueblood…” Applejack said quickly. Luna watched as Rarity got a very angry look on her face.
“Have at you!” she screamed and jumped on Applejack. The two began wrestling around and hitting each other with pillows. Luna jumped up from her pillow and Twilight leapt over beside her to avoid the fight.
“We must stop them, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna declared. She moved forward to break the two up. But Twilight held a hoof up to stop the princess. “You intend to let them continue?” Twilight nodded at the Princess’s question. “This is madness.”
“This is a slumber party,” Twilight said taking her own pillow in her mouth. Using her magic, Twilight pulled her copy of Slumber 101 from the shelf and opened it to the pillow fight chapter. Luna gasped as Twilight jumped in the fray after she took the book in her own magic.
“Pillow Fights,” she read. “A free spirited game in which the combatants fight using pillows to moderately strike each other.” Luna was so focused on reading she failed to notice a stray pillow had found its way from the fight towards her. “Use caution when unicorns…OOOF!” she called as the pillow hit Luna in the face and stayed their. Rarity, Twilight, and Applejack gasped in terror at what they had just done. When the pillow finally fell from Luna’s face, her pupils had contracted in shock. The four were silent for a moment before Luna’s horn glowed azure and all the pillows in the room levitated. An evil grin curled on Luna’s face. Twilight’s memory flashed back to Nightmare Moon upon seeing that grin. “The proper phrase, Rarity,” she said. “…have at thee!”
Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight Sparkle screamed in fear and fun as they were barraged by an onslaught of fluffy doom. Luna jumped into the fray and her reserved nature was left in the dust. Anypony passing the library at this moment would have wondered just what was going on inside. Pillows, hooves, hair, and magic were flying everywhere. After a few minutes the four fell to the floor laughing and panting. Luna had finally relaxed and was enjoying herself. It was now hanging out with friends instead of a lesson in courtship.
A few minutes later the girls began to get hungry. Applejack expertly toasted marshmallows while Rarity assembled the s'mores. Luna had joined Twilight in the kitchen to make ice cream sundaes. They all gathered by the fire and ate to their hearts’ content. While they were eating they played Truth or Dare. Applejack and Rarity’s rivalry was reborn as Rarity dared Applejack to get dolled up in make-up and a new hair style. Applejack commented that she looked like a hussy when she looked in the mirror. She got her revenge by daring Rarity to eat her ice cream face first ala Pinkie Pie. Twilight Sparkle and Luna laughed hysterically when she came up for air and her face was covered in melted ice cream, chocolate, and peanuts. Applejack grinned with a lot of pleasure seeing the new look on Rarity. Twilight revealed the origin of her secret shake with Princess Cadence from her truth. Luna revealed her most embarrassing moment of stumbling down the grand staircase at her first Grand Galloping Gala. As they continued the discussion turned to back to stallions and dating. Luna learned more of how courtship had changed. They discussed acts of kindness, proper attire, manners, the futile attempts to turn bad stallions to good, and much more.
“It all seems so much to learn in such a short time,” Luna said chomping on her last s’more.
“Look, Princess,” Applejack started. “Like I said earlier, y’all just need to relax and enjoy yourself. You always have the option of leaving if you don’t like how your date is going.”
“As long as you carry yourself as a lady, it will be clear he should be a gentlecolt,” Rarity added. Twilight Sparkle nodded and Luna took a deep breath.
“Thank you so much for all of your help,” she said. “I cannot tell you how I treasure you all.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Rarity said getting up and trotting over to the beauty supplies Twilight had set out. “You can thank me after I give you a new look that will stop a stallion’s hearts.” Twilight squealed and clopped her hooves together at what was next.
“New look?” Luna asked Applejack. The country pony had a very annoyed look on her face.
“Makeovers…” she drawled. “It’s just like ripping off a bandage. Best grit your teeth and get it over with as soon as y’all can.” Luna gulped and turned back to Rarity to decline her offer. What she saw puzzled her. Rarity stood absolutely still with eyes wide in awe. She was staring out of the large window in Twilight’s loft.
“Rarity,” Twilight said standing up. The alabaster unicorn just lifted her hoof and pointed out the window. Twilight, Applejack, and Luna looked up and what they saw cause all of them to run out of the library. In the sky, they saw a silver object trailing smoke and heading for the ground.
“Lansakes!” Applejack called.
“What is that thing?” Rarity asked.
“A comet or meteor?” Twilight questioned.
“Nay,” Luna started. “We have not summoned one from the heavens.” With a thunderous roar, the object passed over Ponyville and towards the hills.
“It’s heading for Sweet Apple Acres!” Applejack called taking off for her home. Luna, Twilight, and Rarity took off after her. Many of the citizens of Ponyville had come out to see what caused the sound and began to follow the trail of smoke towards the hills. Thinking quickly the Princess flared her wings and took to the air.
“Citizens of Ponyville,” Luna called in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “We declare that thou all shall remain here until thy safety is ensured.” A sudden boom filled the air while the ground rippled under hoof. Luna didn’t even wait for anypony to respond. She turned and flew off in the direction the object. She caught up to Twilight and her friends in seconds. Soon they were at Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack breathed a sigh of shock and relief at what she saw. The object had crashed outside the entrance of the farm but had carved a scar in the landscape through her fence and plowed into the cornfield. There it rested in a pushed up mound of dirt.
“Mercy me,” Applejack cried. The rest of the Apple Family had come out of their home to see what the commotion was. Applejack quickly ran over to her family and embraced them. She was beyond thankful they were safe and sound. Rarity joined her friend by the house while Luna and Twilight investigated the crash. Dirt, grass, and corn had been strewn about. Parts of the object hissed and steam came of different areas. The few flames that remained were snuffed out with Twilight’s magic. The Princess’s eyes began to glow a bright white and her horn illuminated again. She needed help.
“Guardians of the night appear to thy princess!” she called. In a flash of light, 15 of her guards appeared. “Leftenant,” Luna called and one stepped forward. “Secure the area. Only admit emergency ponies. I do not wish to risk harm to the general populous.”
“Yes, Princess,” he said. Orders were shouted and all but four guards went off to set up a perimeter. Twilight took this chance to get closer to the object.
“What is this thing?” she asked inching closer.
“Twilight!” Luna exclaimed. The unicorn stopped and the Princess trotted up to her. The two were flanked by the guards Luna didn’t order to the perimeter. “Wait here,” she added. The blue alicorn stepped towards the silver structure. She tried taking in as much as she could. But the object dumbfounded her. It appeared to look like a giant bird of sorts. Closer she stepped until she was inches from what looked like a wing. Luna touched the skin with her hoof and discovered it was made of. “Curious, thou art made of metal,” she said.
“Should I write a letter to Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked.
“Nay, Twilight,” Luna answered. “Celestia has taken on my responsibilities during my visit. I would assume she is likely resting at this point.” A sudden rumble from inside the object startled the Princess and her guards backed her up. The unicorn guards charged their horns while the pegasi took the air. Another rumble came from inside and was followed by a loud squeak and a bang. Nervous eyes watched and waited. Princess Luna stood next to Twilight behind the guards with their eyes shooting all over the structure. They watched and gasped as a section started to move just behind the wing. “T’is a…door?” Everpony watched as the door opened and saw something crawling around. The guards stood firm as they heard grunts and howls coming from it. Inch by inch it came out of the object. Suddenly, the creature collapsed and tumbled down onto the grass. The pegasi guards hovered over it while the unicorns stepped towards it with glowing horns. Another grunt from the form caused them to stop and they watched as it struggled to get up. With a final grunt the creature collapsed to the ground with a thud and failed to move again.
“What is it?” one of the guards said. Luna took this moment to step forward to get a closer look. “Your Majesty?” one guard questioned as she passed them.
“Ensure Twilight Sparkle’s safety,” she answered drawing closer to the still body. Luna illuminated her horn to get a better view. The creature was wearing clothing of some sort. It was torn in places. Most likely from the impact. What caught her immediate attention were streaks of blood on its body and a pool forming from its head. “This creature requires medical attention! Summon a physician at once,” she ordered to one of the pegasus guards. With a salute he took off for Ponyville. Applejack and Rarity took this moment to dash up to Twilight.
“Oh, my stars,” Rarity gasped.
“What in name of applesauce is going on, Twi?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” Twilight responded. Her eyes were locked on Princess Luna and the creature. Luna took her hoof and wiped some of the dirt from the body’s face.
“What art thou?” she asked the form. Silent and still, the body didn’t answer. Everypony was left wondering what was going on.
Author's Note
A/N: By now, you probably can guess what this mysterious creature is. Chapter Three is in its editing phase and will soon be up.
So many twists, so many turns, so many in ands outs?
What in heaven’s name just happened at Sweet Apple Acres?
Who is this mysterious creature?
And what will happen next?
All answers and more questions to come with next chapter of “Line in the Sand.”
/)*(\
