Echoes against the crystal
''One week... One week so far. So far so good. Nothing went wrong. Finally going to ask her... No. don't do it. You'll look like a creep and she is way out of your league. But she's so beautiful and kind. What if she doesn't even like mares? Maybe just befriend her first and then ask her out. Yes, that's a good idea. but how? By Luna! Why is this so hard?'' Ember yelled to herself as she walked around the street. She looked up, realizing she had said it all out loud when she noticed the strange looks other ponies were giving her. She shook it off, it wasn't important at right now.
Eight days ago Blue Ember had arrived at Ponyville after a long exhausting trip to nowhere in particular, just straight ahead like always. Normally she would stay in town for two, three days tops. So why would she stay here so long? Well the summer morning she had arrived into town she had seen ponies going in and outside a gorgeous castle. She was about to walk past it when she noticed a sign standing in front of the gate. She decided it wouldn't hurt to take a look or so she thought.
Castle Summer Tour. 12:30 to 15:10. Last day. Next tour: in three months. A tour, that was nothing for her. Yet, the mystery and the satisfied smiles of the ponies walking out already her legs moving towards the entrance. Suppose one look could do no harm. She walked after a group of tourist unnoticed, looking around, admiring the beautiful decor. She had found her way to the library, most ponies had walked in an out in 5 minutes. Ember however had her eyes locked on one of the StarSwirl's early original novels. Silk like features with beautiful deep purple ey-. The pony reading it was actually the reason that had her at the edge drooling. She had been gazing at the enchanting mare for several minutes before she realized she must come across as a creep. She quickly made her out the castle, heart pounding. She had no exact idea what had happened in that moment. She had never experience such a feeling before.
The next day she returned to the castle. Luckily it was open. The library section was made a public place ever since the castle had appeared. The beautiful purple shimmer had decided it would be illogical not to. Days past as she spend her time reading between the books. Occasionally looking over the pages to search for the friendly smile of a certain princess. She wondered if that smile was meant for her. Probably not. She was probably just smiling out of civility, like anypony would if they caught someone looking at them.
Now the day had finally come. The nervous unicorn had fueled her legs with courage, fear and adrenaline towards the castle grounds. She was finally going to ask her... or at least try to start a conversation. She walked into the tall hallway, hoofsteps echoes against the crystal walls as she made her way to the place of books, hoping she would find the young Sparkle there.
She entered the library to find Twilight at one of the tables with her head between two stacks of books. ''Yes! She's alone. Now's my chance to finally ask h-'' Ember's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar sounding voice.
"What's wrong Twilight?'' Spike said, who had walked just into the room.
''Great, there goes my not-so-genius plan.'' She thought to herself as she rolled her eyes.
''I’m bored! I’ve read all of these books five times, probably even more.'' Twilight said with an growl. She raised her head to look at Spike but stopped halfway when she noticed Ember standing in the doorway. She waved and offered a soft smile. She then turned back to Spike who had climbed his way up the table, clearing up the books in front of her.
D-did she just wave at me? Ember was so nervous that even in her mind was now able to stutter. She felt her cheeks turning red at the sight of Twilight's beautiful soft smile. The fact that Ember's coat was colored cinnamon did not help to hide her deep blush. At least the redness of it all colored nice with her mane. But nothing could beat the absolute refinement and beauty of the purple and blue combo that she had found laying with her head between the books, like always.
''Are you saying you're actually getting tired of reading books?'' Spike said surprised.
''NO! I would never.'' Twilight said trying to defend her favorite passing time with an adorable voice. Spike looked at her with a goofy grin, not believing a single word. ''Okay fine. I'll admit. Maybe I am today. Happy?'' she said before she petted the dragon playfully on his head.
''Very.'' He said as he smiled back to her.
Meanwhile Ember was trying to gather her thoughts. ''No more games. Let's do this while you still have a chance.'' she mumbled to herself. She then took a deep breath, swallowing her pride and confidence down her throat before she slowly walked up towards Twilight. She had prepared a whole speech on her way to the castle but it seemed her mind had planned to abandoned her right now.
"H-hey Twilight.'' Those were the first words that came to her. Nothing special as she still trying to play it cool. ''I know you don't know me very well and all but if you are feeling bored, not that I was listening in on your conversation of course. If you don't have anything important to do, I mean I can imagine being a princess keeps you pretty occupied, but if you could, if you want... uhm.'' Her nerves shut down her mouth, she was unable to think any further. There was a small moment of silence coming from the nervous mare as she collected her thoughts.
"Yes?" Twilight asked questioningly, raising her head as she ignored the snickering coming from behind her.
''Would you like to hang out? You seem like a nice mare and I would like to get to know you." She said finally. She stood there, expecting the worse answer possible. Who am I kidding? She's never going to fall for somepony like me. Ember looked at the princess, studying her face for any expression that would confirm the rejection she was quite certain get.
