Thy Namesake

The morning's first kiss of sunlight was but a cozy caress from its successor vividly reflecting through the clear glass windows.

Twilight, still in the bliss of slumber, sought out that mild source of peace and serendipity as if it were her last salvation. Her rest was coming to a regrettable end by the light radiating from above. She lazily stretched her limbs and reveled in the peaceful feelings of consciousness returning to her dozing mind. Funny, her pillow somehow smelled of strawberry perfume and a sweet musk that was nothing like herself; and her blankets felt softer than usual, like Egyptian silk threaded precisely for moments like this. It was disorienting, but nonetheless gratifying to her dull senses. Rolling deeper into the comfortable depths with a smile she managed to submerge herself into the leverage of not yet releasing such a joyful way to wake.

Until, that is, she finally recognized that oh- so- familiar smell overpowering the entire bed, a bed of which was most certainly not her own; but a more grandiose canopy bed fit for that of a Queen, or in this case, one particular Supreme Goddess.

What in the name of Cerberus was she doing in Celestia's bedroom?!

She immediately sat up- her world became a sway of dewy pastels blending in a lively manner, as if laughing at her discretion- and fell back down as soon as she did. Wow, did her head hurt. Too fast did she force herself up to see what couldn't be possible- how did she end up here last night of all places?! The last thing she remembered was Luna pouring her a third glass of wine; but no, wait, she faintly remembered cool air fluttering past her wings and some bright lights on a bridge and-

"Holy Cerberus," Her morning voice rasped to no one in particular. She had kissed Celestia. Not only once, but twice.

"Ohhh Tartarus. Tartarus, Tartarus, Tartarus," She swore around a glaring headache while contemplating if everyone who drank wine for the first time felt this way the morning after, or if that was just her stroke of luck.

Trying to remember the events leading up to the kiss- kisses!- just made it worse. It was all one giant blur, except for small rapid glimpses of her pastel mane and magenta eyes that she somehow remembered as gleaming. Totally fine, she told herself. At least she was still clothed in her pajamas, so no need to assume the worst had happened. Yep, totally absolutely one-hundred-and-ten percent okay.

She smacked herself on the forehead and groaned.

"You know, for one as concise as yourself, I don't understand how you get so swept away in those panics of yours," Celestia's voice came crawling to the front like the first dip of an ice cube in lukewarm water.

With a deeper calming breath she slowly moved herself and sat with her back to the headboard. Her eyes, now adjusted to the unsaturated morning filter, immediately scoped a note on the bedside table with her name on it. A tall glass of water sat with light sweat on a violet sun- marked coaster along with two oblong white pills next to it. Twilight surmised that it hadn't been too long since whoever her visitor was left the items for her. She reached for the penned letter and began to read with a slight flush as she immediately recognized the handwriting.

"My Dearest Twilight,

I suppose you will be shocked to find yourself waking in my bed, but worry not. Your presence and company last night was not unwelcome. On the contrary, you occupying my bed was rather... Cozy. Yes, I slept beside you; and yes, I watched while you curled yourself in my arms. Would it surprise you to know that I think you are absolutely adorable when you're sleeping, even now as I write this note for you? If that does in fact surprise you, then we have much to discuss. Take the medicine I've left for you, as you will undoubtedly need it- I imagine your head must feel explosive right about now- and come downstairs and join me for a bit of breakfast.

Forever yours,
Celestia"

"Sweet Merciful Celestia," Twilight muttered. Complete disbelief washed through her bones even after reading over the parchment several times. Her cheeks felt hot, probably a side effect of the hangover, she lied, and she was sure she resembled that of a roasted beet. With a groan she plopped back down into the bed- Celestia's bed!- and pulled the duvet above her head. This was completely unexpected. Just what happened between them last night to bring about this sudden change in Celestia's attitude towards her? What had she said? And why couldn't she remember most of it?!

Would it surprise you to know that I think you are absolutely adorable when you're sleeping?

Yes, Celestia, it most certainly would surprise me! She thought. What the Hell, woman! You can't just suddenly say things like that with no proper build up or warning!

But Twilight had the deep suspicion that they did have a proper build up, just one she was trying desperately to remember. She hoped and prayed that she had not said anything overly embarrassing. But then again, whatever she said certainly didn't seem to bother Celestia. In fact, whatever she did come to reveal had a most unexpected turn in the Sun Goddess' behavior. Allowing Twilight in her bed, admitting to- Twilight blushed- cuddling and watching her sleep, oh, and don't forget the fact that they shared a kiss- kisses!!! She hated a mystery and this one was starting to greatly agitate her.

Forever Yours.

Twilight smiled from her hidden case. Never before had Celestia designated that specific letterhead in any of their correspondences. In a moment of giddiness she could admit; it had a nice ring to it. But did that mean... Could this mean that Celestia was actually.. Or was she reading too much into it? She heaved another groan of frustration. Without a clear answer of intent it was hard to tell. This felt like a fantasy, like she was still dreaming even though she knew herself to be awake. Maybe it was more than that. She peaked from the covers and greeted the morning sunlight once again. This was no fantasy. This was reality. She really was in Celestia's bedroom-!!- and her lips had truly brushed against Celestia's-!!!- and not by mere accident, either-!!!!

Deciding that this one time she didn't want herself to get swept away by the confusion, she made a decision to confront Celestia head on. She needed more answers than just a simple note and vague memories. She sat up, took the medicine, and considered the possibility of what a royal breakfast here in Canterlot would consist of, and who exactly would be present. She didn't think her current state of dress would be polite if there were going to be other guests included, and she definitely did not want to have this conversation in front of leering eyes. Maybe she could get away with skipping the ordeal altogether...

But no, she resolved herself, this had to be dealt with and properly this time around. Clutching the parchment Celestia left for her, she made her way down the castle steps into the main foyer where a Royal Guard met her.

"Good morning, Princess Twilight. How may I assist you on this fine day?"

"Umm, can you point me to where Princess Celestia is?"

"Certainly, Milady. The Princess is currently with Princess Luna in the Royal Buttery. Would you like an escort?"

Twilight chuckled. She shouldn't have been as surprised as she was to learn the Royal Sisters had a wine buttery somewhere in their castle. She wondered how often the pair of them drank together, or if they ever had a reason to need an entire room dedicated to such affairs. And yet she remembered that, according to Luna, Celestia was the one who seemed to like it the most. Suddenly she remembered a taste of distinctly bitter grape cherries and a brushing of hands as she reached out to take hold of a glass someone else was holding, someone with long, delicate fingers that she had also felt lovingly caress the side of her cheek...

"Eep!" She squeaked, turning a lovely shade of maroon resembling the curtains flowing in the morning breeze.

"Milady? Are you alright?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine. And yes, I'll need an escort, if you would be so kind."

"Of course, Milady. Right this way."

The guard led her in the direction she knew to be the dining area, but then took a left down a narrow hallway just shy of the chef's kitchen. As they passed the open area Twilight could see the kitchen was decorated radically different than the rest of the castle. Instead of marble there was wood, glossed with a maple tint and paneling that gave it the picture straight from a cottage. Centered on the left was an old style wooden stove, which was rare to find such a commodity in this day and age. She slowed her steps to fully appreciate the antiquity behind it and wondered what other relics of the distant past she could find hidden in the walkways of this castle. One day she vowed to find out, the history nerd in her demanded she take an oath on it.

After her elongated appreciation of the kitchen style, Twilight noticed the guard was stopped midway down the path. Thinking he was patiently waiting for her she quickly resumed step and effortlessly caught up to him; then suddenly realized by look of his pale face that he was stopped for a different reason. Yelling voices could be heard from beyond a closed wooden door up ahead. It was faint, but Twilight could make out a half moon and full sun carved in the top half. The two guards that stood watch also wore the same frightened expression as her escort.

"Just what were you playing at?!" Celestia's voice rang throughout the hallway and all three guards flinched as if they were on the receiving end of her scolding.

"Pray tell, why are you angry with me when I was the one who practically handed her to you on a silver platter?" Came the answering voice recognized as the younger of the siblings.

"Because, she was well beyond drunk! Don't you have a modicum of self control in that idiotic brain of yours?!"

Twilight found herself once again slapping her forehead and groaning indignantly. She did not have the patience for this right now. Her head was still pounding like a rocket and she just wanted a little peace and time to herself.

"Men, your services are no longer needed in this parameter. You are all excused," She paced forward and addressed all three guards at once. Her voice was ladled with great annoyance and the guards did not question her glare. They were no fools, they knew the wrath of Celestia was only shadowed by Equestria's newest Princess.

As they fled the scene, Twilight advanced closer to the door but remained overtly quiet, deciding she instead wanted to hear how this argument would play out before she would reprimand them both herself.

"Drunk or not, I think you are missing the point. She was having a good time before you so rudely interrupted us. Is that not part of the fun in drinking? Not everyone can be so extravagant as you are when it comes to savoring the taste of a brew."

Celestia seethed, "You mistake me for some naive dolt, Sister. Pinot Noir, Tasmanian brew no. 7, from my stock? You know damn well that is my favorite bottle. When did you even have the time to take from my personal quarters without my permission?"

"One always finds the time when matters are as pressing as yours, Sister," Twilight could hear the smirk from the way Luna purred.

They were silent for a moment and Twilight had to wonder if Celestia was taken by surprise by that comment somehow.

"Still, that does not give you precedence to-"

"Do not presume to know what I was going to say when you were the one who eavesdropped in the first place," Luna cut her off in that same smug tone. Twilight barely remembered the same feeling from last night, the feeling of a shared secret between the two that made her a bit nervous. She knew whatever the classified information was, it was about herself, and she did not appreciate being kept out of the loop like a child being handled.

Celestia's tone was that of disbelief as she shouted, "You were just about to-"

"You assume I would tell her how you were spying on her in disguise in Ponyville because you are too stubborn and jealous-"

"I am NOT jealous!"

"Oh please, you are so jealous! You come running as soon as you think anyone else will snatch her from your grip-"

"Protectiveness is not the same as being jealous!"

"-And you're one to talk, Miss Perfectionist! Just where is our Twilight this morning? Still recovering from whatever bliss you bestowed upon her in the woes of passion?"

Taken aback, Twilight glanced around in complete shock as the argument escalated. Celestia had been in Ponyville? In disguise and spying exclusively on her? Was that the secret she had been trying to protect? But why? What was so important that she couldn't simply pen a letter to Twilight and ask herself? One thing was for certain, and the more she listened to them fight, the more she affirmed it for herself- she did not much care for Luna's tone right now.

In fact, it outright pissed her off.

"You DARE insinuate that I would lay a hand on someone I LOVE while they are intoxicated and vulnerable?" Celestia's voice was so malignant that Twilight was sure her venom would seep through the wooden barrier and infect all of the castle if she didn't calm down. And honestly, she didn't blame her.

"I do more than insinuate considering she spent the rest of the night in your bedroom," Luna replied, her demeanor resembling that of a pompous know-it-all.

"How dare you."

"And just how is it that today you can easily admit your feelings when yesterday I had to corner and damn near forge it out of you? Care to elaborate, Dear Sister? Its obvious something happened between the two of you last night. I ask you this; how would this latest development arise had I not first paved the way?"

Enough was enough for Twilight. Deciding this was the best possible time to intervene before Luna unintentionally- or perhaps intentionally- started a war, Twilight moved to open the door. However, thinking the oaken door would be far heavier than its actuality, she severely overestimated the force of which was needed to budge it open and ended up stumbling in on the scene like, well, like a person still drunk from the night before. She just barely managed to catch her balance before hitting the stone floor all at once. At the expense of another palpitating throb of her head she shot both sisters down immediately with the fiercest glare she could muster. Both Royal Sisters flinched. Never had they seen that sort of malice from the youngest Princess before.

"We will finish this at a later time," Celestia grit through bared teeth at Luna and made for the doorway. Twilight held up a hand to stop her.

"We will discuss it now, all three of us," Twilight fumed, "Firstly, I don't ever remember giving either of you permission to discuss my private life with anyone-"

"We weren't-"

"The handful of guards standing outside and the one that escorted me sure got a good earful of you two screaming at each other!" Luna glanced apologetically at her sister and Celestia nervously bit her bottom lip. "I am a private person, who I choose to love and when I do so is nobody's concern but my own. If I confide in you that part of me, you should know I expect you to treat it with the respect it deserves! Just because I've shared that part of me with you both does not give you the right to scream it for all of the castle to hear!"

"Luna!" Twilight wasted no time in snapping at the younger Princess, "I do not care for the way you taunt your sister. How dare you even speak such an accusation! I have half a mind to assume whatever reason Celestia has for being jealous or stubborn or protective was caused by you in the first place. Stop stirring the pot!"

Stunned speechless, Luna could only stand and gape at Twilight while she ranted. She couldn't offer any rebuttals because, put plainly, she was right. Feeling ashamed and reduced to that of a child being scolded by a parent, she turned her gaze to the floor.

"And you," Twilight turned to Celestia, but upon meeting those majestic eyes her lecturing mood seemed to filter and left her speaking at a normal tone, "You seem to keep forgetting that I am of age to make my own decisions in regards to alcohol. I believe I told you myself I was enjoying my night with Luna before you interrupted us." Deciding that her current change in tone was not as effective as she had hoped it would be, Twilight folded her arms over her chest. She really was annoyed; even if she didn't sound like it, she wanted Celestia to take her seriously about this. Her head pulsed again, however, and Twilight couldn't help but stumble as the pain seared like a rippling shockwave.

"Careful!" Celestia moved quick to pull her up and into her arms before she lost her balance. The amount of care she poured into her voice was evident as she replied, "I was only concerned about you being moderate and not reckless, like Luna has a tendency to be. I was afraid-"

"She was going to tell me about you spying on me?" Twilight bitterly cut in and shrugged out of her embrace. Honestly, she wasn't as angry about that as she should have been. She was curious, of course, but she was more put off by the fact that they treated this like some sort of game to be held over each other's heads and not really caring about how Twilight felt at all.

Celestia lowered her head and averted her eyes, "You knew?"

"Not before this morning, you can thank this stupid argument for that," Even in annoyance Twilight did not like to see Celestia in such a downtrodden mood. She couldn't help but approach and lift her chin; she needed to see her eyes as she made her next point, "I can take care of myself, you know. I won't always need you looking out for me like that lost little girl I used to be. You should know that by now."

As much as she wanted to reach out to her, to grab her by the waist and pull her closer, to reclaim those lips in the most apologetic way she knew, Celestia resisted. "Twilight, I-"

"Save it," Twilight released her grasp and took a step back. "Talk to me about it later."

"Now, I'm going back to Ponyville where I will not be disturbed by either one of you until you both have thought long and hard about the consequences of your words and actions," Twilight spoke as she turned on her heels to make her exit, "I thank you both for the wonderful night."

And with that, Twilight took her leave.

The buttery felt somewhat smaller in her wake. The pair of sisters stood for a long while staring at the spot where Twilight stumbled in. All of the previous tension had now been eradicated, replaced by instant regret and a need to make amends lingering on their minds.

"Sister, I am so sorry," Luna was the first to break the silence. Celestia glanced at her with a weary expression. "It was not my intent to anger Twilight."

"Luna-"

"She yelled at me," Luna said with heavy amazement.

Celestia gave a small laugh, "She yelled at us both." Even though her tone had been calmer when addressing Celestia, the Sun Goddess did not misplace the meaning behind her lecture.

"Aside from you, no one has chastised me like that since-"

"Starswirl," Celestia finished the thought. They shared glance that brought back fond memories of a past so long forgotten; back when they were innocent to the harsh reality that awaited them, before they shared the dream of possessing and cleansing this land to make it their own. They were far from perfect beings, even before they swore on the oath Starswirl left for them. What mattered now was their ability and experience in admitting their flaws, instead of escalating them.

"Will you be able to handle this, Sister?" Luna asked somberly, as she did feel partially responsible for Twilight's anger. She wanted Celestia to know she would help in any way she could to make it up to the both of them.

Celestia remained silent in a moment of inner reflection. She did feel remorse for her behavior, and yet there had been something... More.... Resonating through her mind. Luna's shock mirrored her own but there was something that her sister had missed; perhaps something that only Celestia could detect. Oh yes, she had seen Twilight angry before. She had witnessed her fury be relinquished upon foe after foe in and out of battle. But never before had Celestia seen her quite so fierce, so demanding, and so... Passionate.

Yes, Celestia had settled on the word passionate to describe her in the moment. Seething and all, the gleam in her eyes was not unnoticed by the Sun Princess. It was that exact difference that now sent cold chills of anticipation down her spine and, for reasons she wasn't quite sure were appropriate, left burning lashes of desire coursing through her veins hot like her blood suddenly felt.

She thought herself mental for a split moment, until further inspection brought to the forefront the fact that all of her previous lover's had been complete pushovers that laid down for her every whim. She would sometimes go out of her way to offend them and yet each and every one would tolerate, if not exonerate, the behavior simply because of her title and position. She remembered that she had been jaded in the ways of love long before her time had come; she remembered the past heartache of yearning for someone who could truly love every aspect of her being, and not look at her as a perk or an item to be flaunted.

But here, Twilight had shown her that fire; had shown her that she had limits and would not sit idly by while they were being tested. Here, Twilight even directed that flame towards her, had outright called her on it. Nobody, and she meant nobody, ever had the audacity to dare try it. But Twilight did. And she hoped- no, she knew- that Twilight would continue to do so, that Twilight would not give in to her just because of her fame, and that Twilight would not abuse the amount of power that granted her. Time and time again the young Princess continued to impress Celestia, but now she had a newfound appreciation, respect, admiration, and renewed urge to possess Twilight in ways that only she would be allowed to have.

Yes, Celestia mused with a wicked grin, it was time to make Twilight hers for good.

"Sister? Are you alright?" Luna asked for the third time and finally succeeded in knocking Celestia out of her inner monologue. To her surprise, Celestia was smiling. Not a forced fake smile that concealed her true thoughts, or a dubious smirk that hid her intentions behind a veil; but rather a small, genuine, bright smile. Luna hadn't seen her smile like that in a long while. It always seemed that Twilight Sparkle was the only one who could bring it out.

"Hmm?" Celestia responded thoughtfully, "You asked if I would be able to handle this, right?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"My answer is yes," She cut in before walking to the doorway, "I will be able to handle it just fine."