Over the Wall

It began on a brisk, cool night looming over Equestria. The stars littered the sky as the moon shined its brilliant light over the citizens of Canterlot and all of its glory. It was here, in the lateness of that night, that one purple alicorn named Twilight Sparkle looked up from her studies. She sighed as she closed her book in her study, boredom and exhaustion taking her being for the night. It was here that she began heading to her chambers, her nightgown rustling gently. She climbed into bed and let out another breath of air, letting the soft silk sheets mold into her body.

"Huh…" she sighed, tossing and turning in her quest for sleep. She looked to her window, seeing her outside telescope and slightly smiled."One look wouldn't hurt." she said to herself before lifting the covers and slipping outside to her balcony. Looking through the telescope, she took in the familiar sights of Canterlot.

First, there was the Noble's Quarter, which sat at the highest point of the city, brightly lit with the ever-occurring dinners and galas. Then there was the Castle of the Sisters, which towered above the nobles and was where her teacher Princess Celestia resided. Next was the Middle District, which homed the middle class citizens as it found itself in between the Noble’s Quarter and the lower section, the Outset, which was the home of the common folk. She smiled at the familiar sights of the city, suppressing a yawn with her hoof.

"Nothing ever changes, huh? I guess I should get some sleep." she mumbled, settling back into bed. She tossed and turned once again until exhaustion finally embraced her and she fell into a deep slumber.

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Meanwhile, in another part of the city…

A certain orange pegasus looked up from his school book and sighed. His name is Flash Sentry, and despite having an army of tutors for his basic studies, he always ended up with work left over. Education just wasn’t his thing. He’d rather be on the training field, hacking and slashing away with a good round of sword training. He groaned again, shutting his book while heading to his chambers for bed. Shutting the door, he slid to a sitting position and sighed.

"Skies above, I…" He started before his wandering eyes noticed an envelope on his desk. Taking a letter opener from the desk’s drawers, he slit the envelope and took out a cream colored piece of paper.

"Geez, not another one! Doesn't father torture me enough?" Flash grumbled as he began crumbling up yet another gala invitation. "Of course, I know what to expect, even if I don't go. But I know Father's ’expectations’, and what happens when they aren't met."

He resigned himself to changing into his sleepwear without a word and collapsing onto his bed. He proceeded to let out a moan, only for it to be muffled by his pillow. Soon, his exhaustion took over as well and he entered the land of dreams.

======================

The next morning, Twilight woke up and stretched, seeing the sun rising. Sliding out of bed, she knew what came next.

"Miss Twilight? Are you awake?" came a familiar voice from beyond her bedroom door. It was Spike, her butler and guardian. He was a purple and green dragon of his middle years, though not the usual species you would expect for his job. However, Spike was far from slacking when it came to his duties, and had severed Twilight for years.

"I'm awake!" She called back, her eyes just barely opening. The bedroom door opened, and Spike walked in with a envelope in hand.

"This came last night for you, mistress." He explained as he handed her a cream colored invitation. Twilight smiled and thanked Spike before placing it on her nightstand.

"Well mistress, are you going to get changed, or shall you attend breakfast in your shift?" He partially joked, gaining a smile from the purple alicorn.

"Well, I will change, but I do need privacy." Twilight replied, looking at the door. Spike quickly bowed and walked out of the room, leaving the mare alone. She then proceeded to get out of bed, trotting up to her private bathroom. After doing her morning routine, she went to her closet, where after some consideration over what to wear, she eventually decided on a pearl-colored dress with a blue trim with a light blue hair ribbon to match. Leaving the room, she walked down a nearby flight of stairs accompanied only by Spike into the dining room. There, her parents Night Light and Twilight Velvet, awaited her arrival with calm, sunny smiles.

"Morning." She greeted, sliding into her usual family dinner chair.

"Good morning." Velvet replied before asking, "Twilight, did you receive that invitation? You know, the one for the next gala?"

"I did." She nodded as she adjusted herself in her seat. "Though it seems like I'm attending one every night these days. There is no rest for days at the gala."

"Now now, remember Twilight. It is common courtesy to accept any invitation, and decline only when absolutely required." Night Light replied while shaking his head. “After all, that is one of the many duties of a princess.”

"I know." Twilight said as she leaned slightly over, her hoof under her chin as she let out a frustrated moan. "I just feel like...like something's missing in my life. I don’t know, I’m just missing something that I just can't put my hoof on."

Velvet just gave a small smile before hugging her daughter."Don’t worry so much. Whatever it is Twilight, you will find it."

As she ended the hug, the rolling sound of the chef's cart could suddenly be heard. This noise alone brought Twilight out of her stupor, especially when the smell of freshly baked goods entered the room. Breakfast soon began, and as they started to eat, Twilight looked out the window at the morning sun.

"Let's hope I find it soon." She said quietly.

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On the same morning, Flash Sentry exited his own dining room and entered the garden. Here, he quickly made his way to a series of weapons littered across the garden, all of them on pedestals and racks. Taking one of the swords off it’s pedestal, Flash spun the weapon around, seeing if it was the blade he wanted to use. Satisfied with the grip of the sword, the stallion then stripped down to a basic white shirt and baggy brown pants, making sure his formal wear would not be used in such an exercise. The young pegasus then turned around and smiled at the sight that was in front of him. It was his swordplay tutor, Broad Edge.

"Ready to go, old sport?" Flash asked, gaining a smile from Edge.

"When you are ready." Edge replied, beckoning Flash forward as he assumed a defensive stance. Seeing this, Flash dashed towards his opponent, blade in hoof. A whirlwind of exchanging cuts and parries followed as the two dashed around the yard. As they did this, another orange coated stallion observed the battle with well-trained eyes. He was Lord Aegis Sentry, and he was watching the unfolding practice match from a nearby window. Aegis was a well-muscled stallion with long, still working wings despite the fact that his age had worn away at his vigor. A black and grey beard graced his face, and he wore a pair of foggy, square shaped glasses. Watching the ongoing fight reminded Aegis of his younger years before he met Flash’s mother, back when he was rough and well-trained as well. Aegis had lost Flash's mother to childbirth, and it was no secret that even though Aegis had a hard exterior, he treasured his son. As he watched, Aegis smiled slightly as his son's well-executed strokes and parries.

"You learn well, son." He said to himself. "I hope you can make the Sentry name proud."

=================

Later in the day, Twilight sat in the house’s parlor, sipping tea with some of her few friends from other noble houses. She had invited them over for their usual get-togethers they would schedule every week. Her five friends were sitting with her around a large white round table, all of them drinking their own refreshments as they kept talking.

To the left of her was Rainbow Dash, a lieutenant in the Wonderbolt Brigade. She was a rainbow-haired mare in an official military styled jumpsuit, complete with a pegasus military-stylized mane.From there, next was Applejack, a mare wearing a more traditional country-styled clothes, complete with a brown stetson hat. Her family was most known for owning one of the largest distilleries in Equestria. After that was Fluttershy, a buttercream colored pegasus with long flowing pink hair. She was dressed in more conservative attire, and was a well-respected member of the Breeze Family, most known for her gardens in the Canterlot park.The next noble was Pinkie Pie, a renowned noble whose family parties were known to be riotous. Twilight and her other friends found her to be a true source optimism, despite other nobles usually hating her noisy, happy-go-lucky lifestyle. The pink party pony was also the heir of several rock-mining sites, which was the source of her family’s wealth.Finally, there was Rarity, who belonged to House Belle. Sitting to the right of Twilight, she was clothed in a more traditional noble fashion compared to the others, as she wore a silk white sungown, and a large well-crafted sunhat. known for their clothing, described as works of art by many. Their conversation though, was how most conversations started between these friends. It started with Rainbow Dash.

"Well, I mean, when Captain Spitfire discharged that poor sap, her face was livid, I tell you." Rainbow said, laughing as she took another sip of her drink. “I had never seen a more angry face than that one.”

"Indeed." Rarity commented. "I can imagine it. I would have definitely gotten angry if it was me, even though the fellow deserved it."

Twilight and the others just nodded in acknowledgement, though Twilight found it hard to focus on Rainbow's story. As she did, Fluttershy spoke up,"It does seem rather crude though. Did she at least get her severance pay?"

"Of course." Rainbow replied with a shrug. "Truth be told, it was almost her who got the promotion instead of me. I lucked out in the end though."

As Rainbow continued to brag, Twilight started to lose focus. She wanted to have a good time with her friends, but she could still feel the nag that was in the back of her head from this morning. Letting out another sigh, Twilight’s head slightly drooped down, causing Pinkie's eyes to drift towards her.

"You okay?" She asked, leaning her head over with a small frown.

"Just thinking." Twilight replied in a glum, low tone.

"What about?" Rainbow asked. “You’re letting out a serious uncool, depressed vibe Twilight.”

"Just...last night, something couldn't leave my mind. It just...it felt like I was missing something." Twilight explained, causing several faces of confusion to appear on their faces. Seeing this, Twilight recomposed herself and continued. "What I mean is, I just feel like I’m not doing enough. I know I am a princess now, an alicorn and everything but...I know I’m missing something. I just don’t know what it is.”

Her friends all looked at each other, not sure what to say. As they did this, a lightbulb went off in Rarity’s head. Following her new thought, she spoke up. “You know darling, perhaps you’re missing somepony and not something. Did you ever give that a thought?”

Twilight just blinked at Rarity, surprised at the sudden suggestion. She began rubbing her chin in response while the others just stared at her. “Well...not really Rarity. After all, I know that I’m expected to marry somepony due to being a princess and a noble and all...and I believe that I'll eventually marry, but I just don't know who. I mean, I want somepony who truly loves me, not some status-pursuing snob."

"I can sympathise with you there, dear." Rarity commented, ner hose twitching at her own comment. "I mean, we'll all have to marry someday. As they say, the bride chooses the groom, but society tests their love."

"Yes." Twilight nodded. "I can see that."

"Miss Twilight!" Came Spike's voice, causing the others to turn and see the young butler drake walk into the parlor. He quickly bowed to Twilight’s friends before continuing. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I have been informed by your parents that it is time to prepare for the gala tonight."

"Oh, that’s right!" She replied before turning and looking up at the sky, noting that the sun was setting in the sky. "Ladies, thank you for your time."

"Anytime, love." Applejack said with a wave of a hoof. "Go have fun."

Twilight nodded and walked out.

==============

Soon, the carriage bearing Twilight and her family rolled up to the Canterlot Castle. The princess quickly left the vehicle and proceeded to the ballroom. She was wearing a pale lilac gown that was expertly ruffled and embroidered along with her hair fully wrapped in a graceful half ponytail. Her family followed her as they all walked into the ballroom, Twilight being the only one slightly hesitating in joining in the festivities. She couldn’t get the thought of missing something out of her head as she walked inside, sighing slightly at the sight of the large amount of nobles attending the gala. All of them looked the same, nothing she wanted or needed. It wasn’t long till the dancing and dining began, causing Twilight to take a seat near the garden door. There, she leaned back into the chair, relaxing as she tried to gain a little piece of mind before going back into the gala. That is, till a certain voice spoke up.

"Twilight!"

Twilight turned and saw a very familiar sight. "Shining!" She quickly got up and hugged her brother, Shining Armor, husband to Princess Cadance. As Cadance herself walked up, they smiled and hugged as well.

"Good to see you, Twilight." Cadance said as she ended the hug.

"You too, sister." Twilight replied. "How's life in the castle?"

"Oh, it's the same as always." Cadance waved her hoof with a mischievous smile. "Like I can't get a moment to myself and Shiny."

"Fair point." Twilight shrugged before turning and pointing to another part of the castle. "Say, do you know if the gardens are open yet?"

"I believe they are. Do you need some air?"

"Yes. Please excuse me."

Twilight curtsied to her brother and sister, before walking out into the gardens. As she walked, she noticed that she had the garden to herself. That is, till as she entered the middle of the garden. There, a gasp came out of her mouth due to the sight before her. It was a stallion with a blue mane and orange coat sitting on the middle grassy hill, gazing at the stars. Even to Twilight's standards, he was handsome, with a kind face and a ready demeanor. She could feel her heart beating at the very sight of the stallion, sweat already beginning to form under her hair. Before she knew it, her hooves started to move and she began to walk over to him. As she did, his ears twitched, causing him to turn and notice her.

"Hello." He greeted, waving his hoof.

"Hello." Twilight replied and nodded before standing right in front of him. "May I sit here?"

"Sure." He quickly made room, shifting his body as Twilight patted her dress before sitting her flank on the ground. As they sat next to each other, Twilight could feel her cheeks starting to burn..

"What's your name, miss?" He asked.

"Twilight Sparkle of House Sparkle."

"I see. I am Flash Sentry, of House Sentry."

Twilight’s eyes went wide, hearing this. "Sentry...do you know the Lord General Aegis Sentry?"

"That's my father." He replied, slightly grimacing from her obvious reaction of his reply. He quickly decided to change subjects. "I normally can't stand balls. This is the only thing I enjoy about them."

Twilight just blinked at this, not sure what to say. A moment later, she realized what he meant and said, "You mean...being alone?"

"Yeah.” Flash admitted, slightly looking away. He ruffled the cuffs on his suit as a snort flew out of his nostrils. Twilight could tell he was uncomfortable in his clothes, much like herself. Seeing this, she shifted in her dress as well, causing him to look back. As he did, he looked her over, as his first glance at her was him just barely acknowledging her. When his eyes scanned her over, her mouth reacted before his brain. “I must say Miss Twilight, you look beautiful." Flash suddenly blurted, making him want to shut his mouth immediately.

Slightly blushing from the complement, Twilight quickly replied, "Thank you.” She shook like a leaf for a second before following with a compliment herself. “You don't look half bad yourself."

"Thanks.” Flash grumbled as he shook the suit, giving Twilight a smirking look at her. My butler spent, and I swear on this, an hour just getting my suit done." Twilight chuckled as this, causing Flash to smile. "Ramsey's a good stallion, but he just has a tendency to overthink things."

"I can see that." Twilight nodded before looking him over again. “I think it works though. You look good.”

"Thanks.” Flash accepted before standing up, shaking off the grass on the suit with his tail. As he did this, Twilight just sat there, staring at the stallion. It was here that she started to see his muscles hiding under the clothes, causing her heart to beat faster. A second later, he turned to her and presented his hoof. “Well, seeing as we're out here...May I have this dance?" He asked, a small smile gracing his face. Twilight blushed and accepted, taking his hoof. As they started to waltz, Flash's thoughts were flustered as he too looked her over. His eyes widened at the sight of her long, flowing hair and beautiful, almost star filled looking eyes. She's beautiful. I’ve never seen such beauty before. This must be a dream

As his thought so continued, the dance began to twirl, causing Flash to spin her around. Twilight could feel his calm hooves motioning her around, and it felt wonderful. She blushed as they stepped apart, and Flash bowed, and Twilight curtsied. Then, Twilight slipped and was about to tumble down when Flash stretched his hoof and caught her, setting her down.

"You okay?" He asked her.

"I'm fine." She replied as she got back up. Seeing that the dancing was now done, the two sat down in the starlit night. As they sat there, Twilight glanced over, staring at the stallion. The very sight made her blush as she looked his body over. She knew she had saw the muscles under his clothes earlier, but she was now seeing his true physique. And she liked it. That is, till she heard a bell ring out from the castle. The gala was over.

"I guess I should head back in." She said in response of the sound. "You’re Flash Sentry, right? If you like, could I stop by sometime for tea at your residence? I would truly like to get to know you more."

"Of course. I'll be ready for you, Twilight Sparkle." He replied kindly, kissing her hoof. As they departed from each other, Twilight looked at the leaving form of Flash.

"He might be the one." She whispered to herself before entering the ballroom once more.