Hours Loom

The desk lamp flicked on, illuminating the papers and pens that lay scattered across the desk. It was the only light source in the room, but it was bright enough for the purple alicorn. Scribbling a few words on one of the papers was all she could manage before slumping down in the chair to relax.

She tried to write as much as she could, but the ability to rest her back on a soft cushion was too pleasant to pass up. It was new to her, for the last few months she hated it whenever something touched the stub. Blankets, cushions, the bandages that were wrapped around it. All of it was a grim reminder of the severed wing. Now, it felt nice to rest her back without the painful stinging.

Though nothing was more painful than the humility she felt, having to live with her parents once more. Canterlot was nice, but she wanted to return home – to her home. Orders had come from Celestia herself to prevent that from happening, worried that the alicorn was not emotionally stable enough for her to return. She was right to worry, Twilight knew that, but Canterlot felt too claustrophobic compared to the quaint town of Ponyville.

A knock came to the bedroom door, startling the alicorn from her relaxed position. “Yes?” she called out.

“Twilight dear, you have some unexpected company!” the singsong voice of her mother rang out from behind the door, followed by the trotting sounds of her leaving.

Company, she thought. At this hour? She exited her room slowly and made way down the steps to the living room, immediately gasping at the two fellow alicorns that stood together. “Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! Wait, Luna? You’re back?”

The moon princess had been gone for a month on a trip to the Crystal Empire, guarding the Princess of Love as she made her first appearance in her kingdom since that dreadful night. If she had returned, then that meant the pink alicorn had returned as well.

“Hello Twilight,” a voice rang out from behind the two elder alicorns, who quickly parted to reveal who had spoken.

A wheelchair bound pony was sitting patiently with a smile on her face. Twilight quickly rushed up and wrapped the mare in a hug, surprising the blind pony. The Princess of Love had far more problems than Twilight did, but they never seemed to get to her. The lack of sight and ability to cast magic had left her weak, but not helpless. What had left her helpless was the slit tendons in her back legs, preventing her from ever walking again.

“It’s so good to see you again!” Twilight exclaimed, and then realized what she had said to the blind mare, causing her to recoil at her own words.

Cadance had worked hard at listening and feeling those around her, she could even tell the awkwardness in Twilight’s tone. She let out a giggle and said, “Don’t worry Twilight, it’s good to see you too. A month was far too long to be apart.”

“I absolutely agree. Your mane is coming in nicely, I think short hair may suit you,” Twilight replied as she fluffed the pink and purple hair.

“We’ll be going again in a few weeks, you should join us next time,” Princess Luna said, placing a hoof around the purple alicorn.

It was true Twilight wanted to get out of the house and Canterlot, but every time the suggestion was brought up, she chickened out. When she wasn’t home, she was usually at the Canterlot castle by Celestia’s side, or hiding away in the Canterlot library.

“I’ll have to think about, but first you should tell me all about your trip and how it went,” she dodged the invitation.

As the three spoke, Celestia meandered her way over to Twilight Velvet and Night Light, who stood at the other end of the room. She motioned them into the kitchen so that they could speak in a more secluded area. Once they were alone, Celestia spoke up, “So, do you think Twilight will go?”

The two looked at each other, then back to the princess. Night Light answered first, “She’ll go as long as we’re going – she wouldn’t want to be left alone here in Canterlot. She’ll also want to see Applejack again, so I can’t imagine she’ll want to stay here.”

Celestia winced at the name spoken, hesitantly replying, “Unfortunately it seems she has declined, while her brother and grandmother have accepted.”

“Oh dear,” Velvet replied. “It may be a good idea to lie about that, then. Her being there is a good incentive for Twilight to go, since they haven’t seen each other since she was moved here.”

“Yes, I see. Then I’ll let her know of who all was invited, but not who has actually accepted.”

The two parents nodded in unison, and then Night Light asked, “When should she be told? Also, will Cadance be coming along?”

“The ship will be ready in two weeks, so I suppose I will tell her tomorrow morning,” Celestia said as she held her hoof to her chin, contemplating for a moment. “Oh, and no, Cadance will be with Luna in the Crystal Empire during that time. I fear she is not yet ready for large crowds, from what I have discussed with Luna after their return.”

“The poor thing,” Velvet whispered her pity. “I suppose that would be for the best.”

“She’ll be in good hooves. As will you two. You should start packing soon, it won’t be long before you’re off to Manehattan!” Celestia said with glee.

Night Light smiled and replied, “Thank you for doing this-“ He was cut off by a sudden gasp.

The trio turned to the kitchen entrance, only to witness the shocked purple alicorn that stood in the frame. “Manehattan?” Twilight confusedly asked. Celestia looked to the two parents who gave a simple shrug, then back to Twilight. She gave a brief smile, knowing the surprise was ruined.