Love Letters

Chapter Two:

The market was booming, ponies' saddle bags and baskets were ripe with every kind of fruit, vegetable and otherwise. Stallions announced the cheapest prices and mares charmed customers into spending bits on leaves and lengths of rope. Everypony was hysteric, but only one was rushing. The purple blur ducked in and out of every stall and limboed between many different colours of hoofs in a spectacular show. Twilight's sublime punctuality never failed to cause havoc before and that day was no different. The mare's mission marker popped in front of her eyes as she rounded a carpet stall, Carousel Boutique was now in half view, only protected by two unsuspecting shoppers. Can't be late, I made a promise. In an epic display of determination the unicorn managed to fly over the two ponies without a nick, a small pink filly rearing up in applause. In her triumph, Twilight failed to notice the incoming door of the boutique.

''Twilight... TWILIGHT.'' The purple mare came back to the real world to find herself in a strange place with a strange pony looking over her.

''Where am-'' Lifting her head caused striking pain. The concussed Twilight looked around to see she had arrived at her destination.

''Now hush and drink this.'' An appearingly refreshing glass of water was floated in front of her face and Twilight gladly obliged.
The pony in front of Twilight was blurry and was walking away, but most definitely had the tender gait of the boutiques owner, ''Thank you Rarity, I'm very sorry. Did I run into your door?''

''You were running through the streets like a filly, presumably, and then you ran directly into my door giving yourself a bad bruise and leaving a...'' Rarity was trying to find the right words, ''Remarkable dent... On my door...'' Regaining her composure, ''But that is the past, you simply can't get so worked up over such mild things Twilight.'' Fighting through the pain, the mare in question was now able to steady her stance.

''I'm sorry Rarity I just didn't want to be late; I made a promise that I would be here to help you organise the Sweet Summer presentation. I know how hard you have been working on it and I didn't want to slow you down.'' The white unicorn was levitating a brush from a drawer and was now completely taken aback.

''What? No no no no, no. No. I meant you can't get your mane in such a state, even if you are late. You are a lady Twilight; the stallions can wait for you and I. And I, as your friend, will accept no less than your serenity, especially at the cost of your beauty.'' The unicorns words were strong, and were some of the very few able calm the librarian from a state of worry. Rarity had begun to brush the unkempt hair of her friend.

Another pin was stuck into the pain cushion and Twilight reared back in response. ''Oh my, that's a little more than a bruise, hold on there Twilight for just a moment.'' Still clenched in pain, Twilight searched for the source and found a not-so-small lump in the centre or her head, just above her horn.

''Ugh! How could I have been so stupid!'' Twilight was sitting on her haunches.

''An understandable mistake dear, just have some thanks you didn't seriously hurt yourself, I would have had to call nurse Red Heart and you know how that pony can be. This is going to be cold.'' The already tortured pony seized up, the ice pack scorched the injury area.

''Ah, Rarity?''

''Yes darling?'' Hummed the pondering Rarity.

''This really hurts!'' Cringed Twilight,

''Oh you're being such a filly Twilight.''

''AT LEAST TAKE IT OFF MY HORN!'' The purple pony was now blindly swatting, hoping to dislodge any offending pony or packet. ''Rarity!''
The unicorn heeded no calls or pleas, but just pressed her magic harder against Twilight's head. ''Now Twilight, you of all ponies know that a lady is not to be strutting around with a lump on their head, I shan't allow it.''

''Okay at least let me hold it then!''

''You could have asked dear.'' Knowing that her job would be satisfied, Rarity trotted over to her kitchen door, levitated two chairs into the foyer, grabbed a note book and a quill, and sat down. Twilight was still trying to suppress her shouts and curses, in an attempts to sit, she ungracefully missed her mark, and fell right back onto her haunches. ''Twilight please, we have a lot of work to get through; get your quill and notes''

''Okay, let me find my saddle bags.'' She reluctantly grumbled.

''Um, Twilight?''

The fashionista's tone took effect after Twilight rose from the ground again and took a look to the door. In place of her saddle bags was a small piece of pink paper, folded into thirds. ''Ugh, in my rush to get over here I forgot to bring my supplies and to put down that stupid letter!'' Twilight couldn't help but face hoof. Rarity, on the other hoof, was in a small sweat.

''Why, yes... could I ask who wrote the letter if yo- I meant to say, I'm assuming it's a letter from th- never mind. From whom is the letter from, if you don't mind me asking?'' Twilight's obliviousness could not have stretched any further, even as the white unicorn tugged ears, cleared throat and brushed mane in an almost rehearsed fashion.

''Some pony keeps sending me the letters and signing them 'Your secret admirer'. Thing is, they never actually write anything. This is the first one where they did and it's more of a friendly compliment than a deep message.'' The unicorn had lost her aggressive tone in place of one of confusion, and a tinge of concern.
The later, now after forgetting all work ethic, was forced by nature to press for information, ''Ooo, the scandal! Celestia pardon me, how many have you received? Have you not questioned the mail mares about the sender?''

''Now Angel, I'm going out, if I find that you haven't eaten your breakfast by the time mama comes back you won't be getting any desert tonight.'' A strong tactic, The stubborn ball of white fluff looked at the yellow pegasus, then to the bowl of brown pellets and back to the yellow pegasus, ''I'll be buying cherries in the market today.'' Gotcha. Angel slowly, but inevitably, reached for one of the pellets, and started eating. ''Good, thank you Angel.'' Answered Fluttershy in response to her victory.

After saddle bags had been mounted and strapped down, Fluttershy stepped out of her cosy cottage and into the open air. The mare reveled in the afternoon light, it was much warmer than the morning. Trotting towards the small town, birds followed one of their very few pony friends, branch to branch, tree to luscious summer green tree. Fluttershy was forever in debt to the fact she could truly enjoy nature, more so than some earth ponies and yet there was a cut in her concentration, the pegasus couldn't shake the reason she was enjoying the afternoon décor opposed to the morning. No, I can't keep thinking about this, I mustn't. The mare blocked the bad thoughts and continued her journey into Ponyville's market. Various produce was bought and the pony started to feel a great weight, but not from her saddle bags.

Everypony seemed so happy, but as Fluttershy surveyed the stands the images kept popping up, images that had no place in the small town market. Everypony had a slight purple hue and the stalls became miniature libraries for many different bits and bobs. Stallions became mares and manes dyed tri-colour. How can this be happening? This can't be right, it can't be! The now aureate pegasus stopped and looked every which way for an end to the illusion. She couldn't be going insane, she couldn't be. The endless repetition of the purple pony made navigation impossible. Just wishing for it to be over, the yellow pegasus curled up beside a library for the history of ice-cream, and hummed soothing songs, best as could be hummed.

''Excuse me, ma'am, are you all right?'' That doesn't sound like Twilight...
Slowed by fear, the mare turned to face the concerned pony, ''Wh- who me?''

''Why yes you, it looks like you've seen a dragon.'' The other pony smiled a little at her simile, she had a pale strawberry coloured coat, poofy turquoise mane and a small, but tall, black top hat. She was the doppelgänger of a pony Fluttershy worked with once if not for a colour switch, name forgotten in fear, exactly like every other word Fluttershy tried to coax into being. The ice-cream pony had an awkward smile, ''So, dear, what's your name?''
With a little breath Fluttershy was able to go from completely mute to deathly nervous ''Oh um... my name...''

''Yes, it's all I'm asking, I'm no threat.''
She really wasn't, ''My name is Fluttershy... I'm so sorry, I- I really have to go.''

And with that last syllable the pegasus was gone, once again searching for a place to duck behind and forget the current situation. Breaking into a firm trot, the mare rounded a carpet stall; Carousel Boutique was now in full view. Rarity will help me, she has to. Trot turned to gallop. Sobs prevented Fluttershy from paying any attention to the large dent in the door's paint, her shaken state caused failure to notice the reminiscing Twilight.

A chin hit the floor, all legs locked to brake. One yellow hoof brushed against one purple hoof, Fluttershy felt her heart miss a few more than two beats. ''Oh my gosh, Twilight I'm so sorry! I was only trying to- oh my g- I'm so sorry!'' Another surprise would surely lead to incontinence. The two unicorns were baffled, an unsettled Fluttershy was not uncommon but the scene was unsettling in its self.

''Fluttershy, what's wrong?'' Fluttershy looked up at the unicorn; her eyes were of total concern and total selflessness. The strange white pony was out of her seat, searching for something somewhere else. It was these times when the grounded pegasus felt truly alone with Twilight.

The pegasus's natural don't-alert-Twilight sense rang like Ponyville bell tower. ''Oh, sorry Twilight, I was just afraid I had hurt you.'' An act well practised.

''No Fluttershy, I'm okay, you're a worse worrier than I am.''

''What do you mean?''

''Did you see the huge hole I put in Rarity's door?'' The two shared the warmest laugh in Equestria that day, Fluttershy let her head down on Twilight's leg. Rarity assumed from the laughter that the mishap was no longer intense and left the cold cloth, marshmallows and tissue papers where they were. Instead she returned to the two with only a glass of water.

''Here Fluttershy, sit down, please, and drink this up.'' The pegasus stood up and tried continue her act, the walk to take her point on the chair triangle was short but difficult, her legs were shaking violently after the close encounter. A soft pillow and crisp water gave Fluttershy a moment to gather her circus. With a smile and closed eyes,

''Thank you Rarity. I'm sorry about that but really, there was no need, I'm fine.''
And the perfect answer, ''No no, no. Don't fret with apologies, I'm here only for the benefit of my friends.'' A small 'hmf' for a laugh, ''And to steer them clear of dress disasters. Twilight, could you please continue? I'm dying to hear who you think sent the letters.'' An almost perfect answer.

The purple pony scratched behind her ear. ''Well to be honest I don't know, Bristle is such a gentle colt when he's in the library but he has a girlfriend. Cloud hoof, the pegasus who organises the clouds and precipitation, has that really strange stand around me, I've even caught him taking looks at me. He never really talks to me though.''

''Ugh, what a ruffian.'' Proclaimed the disgusted Rarity. The yellow pegasus didn't think she could be more nervous then she already had been, now her wings were begging to sweep the mare away from the whole dilemma. She could feel how moist the back of the chair was, wet from the sweat that built up in the area good posture created between the wings and tail.

''Although Carmel is the opposite, he stammers and coughs when he talks to me, he's always really nervous, it's cute even.'' Oh please Celestia, please no. ''If anypony were sending me the letters I would want it to be him.'' She looked wry with a blush. The first tear dropped slowly from a left eye. How could she not even think of me?

''Darling, are you all right?'' Fluttershy was on her hooves, consumed by jealousy, she kicked the nearest thing in an uncanny rage only to have a white dinning chair move not more than an inch. I'm so weak, I can't even express myself to Twilight, she'll never notice me. With nothing left but blown cover, the green and yellow pegasus ran, as far as possible.

Twilight only noticed the incredibly angry Fluttershy just long enough to save a chair from becoming a very dangerous projectile, with the help of some magic, of course. Nothing more was needed to send the librarian running after the enraged pegasus. The unicorn was now running through the streets with the same determination as she had had in attempts not to be late, if not more. What's wrong with that pony? She can't possibly be that mad because I was talking about Caramel, there's something strange going on here, and I'm going to find out. Twilight kicked it into fifth place marathon runner mode, the yellow mare wasn't an athlete but wings gave her a hell of an advantage over Twilight. The streets were now a blur, ponies were major obstacles. No matter how quick the purple unicorn made work of the barriers, Twilight couldn't prod the pegasus any closer. The shade the stands provided had evaporated when the street turned into the open square.

Fluttershy was lost of sight a good twenty seconds. The library was only down the street, it was the only lead the pony had. Walking was the best option now, the run had her legs banjaxed and lungs spiked, all over frustration had the unicorn sweltering. The library gradually became bigger, pure luck had two stallions moving a mirror, showing exactly which nook the yellow ball was hiding in. Foresight told Twilight to jump a metre from the small patch of dandelions, blocking every exit for the floundering mare. Dread told Twilight to run, to avoid any confrontation, but no, she had a duty.

A leap of uncertain outcome was taken, landing right on the big red 'X', and defensive stance was held. Twilight could see Fluttershy's shivering, she was terrified. Convinced that the pegasus was either too tired or emotionally stressed to offer more pursuit, Twilight fixed her posture and took a soothing tone, the one she had used to calm the jumpy cat from frights and fears many times before. ''Fluttershy, what in sweet Celestia's name has you so... jumpy?'' The pony didn't know what to expect, and was a little frightened. The fear was almost infectious.

''Twilight...''
Heart thumping. Twilight: The name given to me. A tactic developed by the unicorn when she was nervous, scared or angry, she would explain everything she could think of to convince herself that she knows everything that was happening.

''Yes?'' One bodily shake.
The unicorn could see the cracks of breaking point, and more than a day too late. ''I'm so sorry you had to see the letters, I done everything I could to make them good but every time I try I- I just cry and I'm so sorry, please don't hate me, I'm not worth your time or your stare or your breath, I'm-'' Stare: A long fixed or vacant look. The yellow pegasus took a long sigh, Twilight could tell it was one of utter defeat, while still trying to comprehend what she had just heard. ''I really am sorry.''

Those words were but a whisper, but held great water. The apology had used up every available sound, Words: A distinct element of language used to form speech. Twilight grabbed one hoof of the broken pegasus, the mare was unsure whether grey clouds hung under Fluttershy's eyes; soft pink hair padded her face. The librarian rushed into her domain, quiet and private. She took a look out her door to see the bewildered Rarity, standing the streets, who had just caught up. She took a motherly smile, seeing Twilight's face, and left in code of silence. Thank you Rarity. Knowing nothing better to do, the unicorn hugged the stony mare, hooves around the head. At first the sobs took over the hushes but were soon consumed by total release. Twilight felt every sadness her hug had suffered, by the time a pair of sockets were buried into her shoulder she had shed a few tears also. Fluttershy rubbed her head and hair back and forth to deny all her melancholy, it was wet and painful but the purple pony didn't care, it was worth it. Although slightly strained, the question still had to be asked, ''Fluttershy... What's wrong? By Celestia please tell me.'' The hug was broken, and both ponies were facing the same direction.

''Those letters you think Caramel sent you?''

''Yes, they aren't any problem; please tell me what's wrong.''
A small smile crept up on the only visible piece of yellow fur that showed through the dishevelled pink mane. ''I wrote those letters.'' A cool breeze blew past the two. And thus, every worry and injustice and morose thought that haunted the mare was relieved of Fluttershy, she had the weight of the world turn to wings, saddle bags and their contents. Everything lifted, and plopped right onto Twilight.

''What do you mean?'' No, what? What did I even just say?
The pegasus turned to her love, feathery smile still powdered on just fine, ''I sent you the letters you told Rarity about, twenty nine letters...''

''What do you mean? I think th-'' The unicorn coughed to give her brain a few seconds to unscramble, ''I mean they are really sweet.'' Sweet: Having a pleasant... pleasant. ''Sorry, I'm a little surprised, not that you're a good friend but not a goood friend or anyt-''

''Twilight?''

''Well I mean you are a good friend and all but just no-''

''Twilight?''

''Yes? Yes. Yes?''

''Would you rather I give you some time to think, and I can come over for dinner? If you don't have any other plans obviously.'' She's more relaxed then I am, and thank Luna for that.

''Um, yes, please, thank you, sorry.'' Logical thinking was awry in every sense of the word, Twilight walked over to the door and her horn opened it.

''I'll see you tonight.'' Said with a face of regard, hair brushed to one side.

''See you then, okay, sorry, bye bye.'' Stammered the mare with an ear to ear grin.

Fluttershy has been sending me...love letters? Fluttershy has been sending me, Love letters.