Chapter Four

She didn't trust Tia for one second, there was to many signs that pointed to her sister being up to something.

One thing. The housekeepers and scullery maids were at full speed, scrubbing, dusting, washing and replacing linens.

The kitchen was packed, hardly leaving room for Luna to sneak in and take her lunch to her chambers.

Though most importantly?

Tia was nowhere to be found which meant only one thing.

Luna was in for it, whatever it was.

Somepony clearing their throat behind her gave her a start as she spun around.

Tia’s attendant and scribe Flare Script stood there, a warm if not secretive smile stretched across her muzzle.

A dark stable colored coat and fiery red and yellow maned earth pony; Flare was beautiful and unorthodox in her coloring. Her eyes were bright emerald, covered by wired glasses on her snout and a scroll being surrounded by white light as her cutie mark.

“Flare Script, thou should halt this sneaking up upon us. We fear what we might do from a fright.”

Flare chuckled, her hoof pushed her glasses closer to her face as she shook her head.

“Princess, you are the night goddess, I highly doubt you could be scared that much by my presence. Celestia requests your company for dinner tonight at six sharp. She does have a guest so she hopes you'll dress appropriately.”

Luna snorted, she hated playing dress up for the dignitaries or for ponies of the court. It never made her feel comfortable.

“We shall be there. Go now Flare, we will keep our word.” With a nodded, Flare Script was gone a moment later.

Wandering her way back to her royal chambers, she stepped inside and made her way into her private washroom.

Maybe a long soak would put her in a better mood.
***

As the gods were favoring her this day, Luna strolled out of her bedchamber. Dressed and ready for whatever Tia had planned, she smiled. Nothing was perfect, but so what? Sure, Tia was doing it again…

Pushing aside quality time for royal duties. As much as she understood the importance of running the nation, she also remembered who’s punishment it had been when her feelings had taken the best of her and she had become jealous and resentful of all the attention and adoration that her sister had gotten instead of her.

Pushing that away for the moment, she made a mental note to tell Tia this when the timing was appropriate, and made her way into the private dining area.

Knowing that with only one guest dining with them tonight, Tia would use the smaller room that seated six ponies, instead of twelve. She grabbed the handle in her light blue aura and pulled it open with ease and confidence.

She would make Tia proud tonight, then she would finally tell her everything that had been bottled up inside of her for over a thousand years.

Wearing her crown, but not her regalia, she stood out against the warm gold colored silk, adorned with pearls and cream ribbons that criss crossed her barrel through the silver ringed corset front, trailing behind her, the dress’ lace trail just barely touching the floor. Luna worn no coverings for her hooves, she wanted some kind of freedom.

When her eyes caught on to who Celestia had invited to dinner, she wished she just worn her normal attire.

Never knowing herself to be nervous, her cheeks puffed out as she stumbled out a failed hello.

“Greetings Twilight Sparkle, dear sister.”

She drawled on a tad for emphasise, for Celestia’s sake, her sister was aware that Twilight was a young and prime alicorn mare and she knew her sister’s less than perfect control.

Then there is also Tia’s past with Twilight to consider.

What the Tartaros are you up to, sister of mine?

Twilight blushed. Somehow she had embarrassed the other alicorn princess with her tone towards Celestia, not knowing how that had occured, she cleared her throat.

“You look lovely, Luna.” Twilight smiled at Luna in a funny way, sliding her eyes towards Celestia, almost desperate for a sign of acceptance or of rejection, Tia just smiled softly, her golden aura lifting a teacup to her lips as she sipped with no other show of emotion.

Even after all this time, she could never read Tia when she did that.
Luna’s own cheeks lit up in realization, Twilight had just complimented her in such a way that almost convinced Luna that she meant it and wasn’t making jest of her appearance or feigning polietness.

Twilight was…Gorgeous.

Her purple and pink hair neatly braided and tied up into a loose bun with her delicate gold and gem encrusted crown resting above her straight cut bangs. Little make up, that made her plum eyes lighter and her lavender cheeks darker, she wore a gown of royal blue and lilac, bright white diamonds threaded into the fabric to create a sparkle that was fitting for her.
She stuttered,

“A-as are you Twilight Sparkle.”

Stunning. She was more stunning, why did her mouth have to run away with her and make her sound like a moron. Tia barely hid her amusement behind the tea she was still nursing, wearing only her crown and regalia, she knew for a fact she had been set up, but for what?

She didn’t know.

“Please Luna, we talked about this, call me Twilight.” She motioned towards Luna, then the empty seat across from her and next to her former sister, now traitor, Celestia.

“Come sit. Food should be here soon. So. How would you like to be my student?”

Twilight almost held her facial expression still, but she cracked a smile, a light giggle leaving her muzzle. “That was more fun to say than I thought. Come Luna, tell me what your thinking.”

Luna was nothing if not honest.
She trotted over to the seat, placed herself down and then pursed her lips.

“We think that perhaps we are dreaming or else every pony has gone crazy. No offense Twilight Sp-” she stopped herself and then went on, “but why would we need to be under your supervision?”

“Lulu dont be daft. You know as well as I that you haven’t made friends or connected with anypony really since returning.”

Surprise, Luna arched a brow at Tia. So, she was paying attention.

“Twilight was able to help you become more comfortable with modern pony culture and you’ve even eased on using the voice for every little thing, so…” Twilight saw an opening and took it.

“So, we talked it over and decided that it might be best if you took a sabbatical. You would come to Ponyville where I know you have had some connections with other ponies and learn about them. See if you can find meaningful friendship. We can start with the girls, but I’m most excited for you to meet Starlight! She’s been doing so well with her magic and friendship studies, I imagine you two could have a lot to talk about.”

Having no idea who Starlight was, but finding it impossible to gather the energy to delay Twilight long enough to ask, she let her carry on, hating that she found Twilight’s rambling to be most...Adorable.

“You’ll still be responsible for the lowering and rising of the moon but your court and other royal duties will be taken care of by Celestia and your attendant Lunar Letters. You will pack tonight and we will take the train back tomorrow, it will be a good test run for you. My castle is plenty big enough, and with the amount of times I’ve stayed here over the years… You’ll be staying with me, erm in one of my guest rooms! Starlight lives in one of the rooms herself, so you will have some companionship. What do you think?”

Luna looked between Tia’s incisting face and Twilight’s eagar one, she sighed. She wasn’t getting a choice, they didn’t play fair, and somehow she had lost the game before it started.

“When’s the food getting here?”

Luna asked, her answer being begrudged quiet acceptance, she was going to throw another coup when she came back to Canterlot, just to get back at Celestia for this.

Tia smiled in triumph and Luna groaned once more.

Plan B then. She glanced back at Twilight happy and gentle expression, her heart fluttering in her chest.

You give me no choice Tia, its like your gift wrapping your student to me and I can’t help but rise to the bait. I’ll mend Twilight’s broken heart and maybe if I’m lucky…

Twilight’s scent wafted over the table and into Luna’s nostrils, she smelled of blueberries and sea salt, Luna’s body twitched, wanting to bury her muzzle into Twilight’s flesh.

I’ll get to bend her back and take her as mine.

Razor sharp eyes filled with intent and lust met Tia’s, she nodded at Luna and mouth the words,

Friendship comes in all forms, my little sister.

Difficulty with accepting her loss in control over her own life, she sat back and snorted. Even being a princess didn't mean you always got your way.

Except if your Celestia. If she puts in any effort for something, she got what she had intended for all along and had it seem easy.

When the food finally arrived, Luna wasn't hesitant about immediately pouring herself a full glass of red wine and drinking it down.

She was going to need it.
***

Rarity's mind couldn't seem to stop whirling around, which was most unfair as her sweet farm pony was tucked up under her foreleg, head and mane splayed across Rarity's chest and belly. Her soft snoring was delightful and charming, normally lulling her into deep sleep, but many things were hovering on her mind.

Sweetie Belle and the crusaders were over at Fluttershy's having a bonfire and camp out, so there wasn't a need for sneaking or before sunrise morning trot to the farm. Applejack had given her one of the most passionate nights of their time together and was currently knocked out from it.

Affection and lust swirled inside of Rarity, she couldn't believe how in short of a time a pony could become so important and needed in another's life.

Doubts were rushing into her ruthlessly.

She had recently become unsettled in what her life was like, she wanted more of Applejack, in many ways. She always was the needy type, desiring selfishly but never unfairly. She thought a sexual relationship with Applejack would solve her needs and wants for the farm pony, but all it had done was intensify them.

Rarity wanted all of Equestria to know that AJ was hers, she wanted AJ’s attention, care and her love. That simple country pony’s sweet honest heart and smile was all Rarity really wanted.

She just wished AJ would ask her to be her marefriend already.
It's not like Applejack was inclined to the feminine fancies of romance, but then again she did have to be the one told that she found them attractive as more than a friend.
It's like it was yesterday.
Applejewel had to be the prettiest name. Even though it was just AJ. Her friend. She shouldn't be feeling these emotions towards her friend. They desperately didn't get along and everything that was important to the farmer was hardly placed in Rarity's mind.

Yet.

She cared so deeply for the mare that she took what Applejack said seriously, even if AJ felt silly in her marvelous outfit that Rarity had created herself the previous day.
Rarity had never taken Applejack more seriously than in that moment.

A few weeks went by, the twisting heat in the pit of her stomach didn't falter as Rarity gathered her stomach and courage to truly find understanding in AJ’s work.

Soon, she couldn't believe she didn't get it to begin with. They were so similar it was oddly terrifying. They woke up early, got a good meal into them selves and then start with house and then work chores before having lunch then back to work until dusk.

Sure they did entirely different lines of work and AJ was sure to be physically stronger but they we both hard headed, stubborn, and fluid in business.

One day, while Rarity had been helping Applejack with some of the chores, AJ cleared her throat, nervously chewing her bottom lip.
Rarity finished feeding the pigs when she glanced up at Applejack.

“Cat got your tongue darling?”
Seeming frustrated, she huffed, wiping sweat from her forehead.

“Rare, how do y'all turn down other ponies when they keeping on asking you out? Ah didn't do so well with Trenderhoof, and ever since Ah have had more trouble with that department. Did you know Carrot Cake came to me yesterday and asked me out on a date?”

Rarity laughed good naturally, placing a hoof on Applejack's shoulder in sympathy.

“Applejack I swear, the longer you don't go out with anypony the more ponies you are going to get asking you out. Just purely to figure out if you even like other ponies that way. Not to be a nosy pony but I can state that we are close friends yet I can't clearly say if you like stallions or mares. You never talk about which way your um barn door swings, so all of Ponyville being the nosy busy ponies that they are, try to find out for themselves.”

Applejack sighed in exasperation.

“Well even if Ah was to say who Ah liked it wouldn't matter much, her barn door swings no where near mine.”

Excitement filled Rarity, well at least she knew that AJ liked mares.

“AJ, please. I want to help you, you should tell her how you feel!” AJ gave me a sardonic glance, before shaking her head.

“Ah ain't worth it, she won't like me back, besides Ah can't call myself pretty, Ah look like a fool next to her.”

Rarity wouldn't stand for such a statement, she whirled Applejack around to face her and pressed them nose to nose, a blush stealing across her orange cheeks.
“Applejack. You are beautiful. No pony is as strong or as dependable as you, whoever this mare is, if she doesn't take you for who you are, that is her fault. Not yours. And well, see. I haven't been honest fully. I'm a little jealous. Who could get little Applejack so down on herself? Some pony has your affection? It's hard, I suppose. I can't explain it, but maybe I can show you…”

The next moment, a burning inferno swept through Rarity as her lips were firmly pressed against Applejack's.

Sliding hooves and twirling tongues met each other as both mares tried to feel every inch of one another.
When the lack of oxygen was finally too much, they pulled apart, gasping, and embarrassingly warm.
An apology was on Rarity's lips when Applejack chuckled and said with brutal bluntness,

“My day dreamings must of finally become lucid or else the mare of my dreams just kissed the stuffing outta me.” Rarity blushed. Finding comfort in knowing that she hadn’t miss read the situation and AJ’s desire for her, she stepped closer to Applejack.

She shivered as AJ’s grassy green stare was hard with confusion and compassion.

“Applejack. Do you think I'm attractive?” AJ shook herself out of her stupor, her cheeks lighting up in embarrassment.

“Ah have always thought you were the most gorgeous mare in all of Equestria and honestly Ah want to be able to put my hooves all over you.”

Rarity was not naive to think that if she allowed AJ access to her body she would love her, but if she could get even that much closer to Applejack… it was worth the risk to her own heart.

“Meet me at my boutique tonight after sunset. Applebloom and Sweetie have plans to go with Scootaloo to one of Twilight's friendship sleepover lessons. If you plan on walking the talk I suggest you show up on time. I'm am not opposed to having you touch me in ways that are not in friendship.”

Nothing more had been said. Rarity and Applejack had been intimate ever since, stealing kisses and bedtime cuddles whenever they could.

At the time it had seemed like a sound plan, enticing Applejack into her bedroom and showing her what true affection could be.
Rarity could make love in her sleep, the adoration she felt for AJ guided her hoof and tongue wherever it needed to flee to. But Applejack?

She could destroy a mares mind and lady bits in mere minutes, her dominating attention and attitude overshadowed any doubts or reservations Rarity should of been thinking of during her first time.
Applejack had been with a few other mares but had refused to mention any names. As much as she respected AJ for that, she resented the fact that she couldn't be allowed to feel a ting of jealousy because she had no one to direct it to.

Though Rarity felt flattered. Even if she wasn't the first for Applejack, she was the only one who had been this close to AJ prior to becoming physical with one another.

Applejack shifted in her sleep, mumbling about a runaway apple tree and settled back down, her snoring back to normal.

Rarity laughed quietly, sometimes she didn't understand why AJ dreamed of such weird things but she supposed her mate got a pass. Since every once in a while a dream about her dress’ dancing the night away and ripping any non animated dress’ apart came up.

She felt silly for silently judging Applejack's dreams.

Closing her eyes Rarity tried to sleep once more. She just hoped she could figure out a way to tell Applejack that she wasn't as generous as she claimed to be and wanted more of her.

Determination straighten her spine as she made a decision.

She was going to tell Applejack that she loved her and wanted to be mare friends. She just prayed she wasn't going to be making a total mess of her heart.
* * *

Luna awoke to a pounding at her door, Celestia’s voice rang out, full blown volume, shaking her walls, her own royal wee coming forth.

“If thous flank is nah up within a moment so help me Luna Dia Crest, I will march in thou chambers and flounder you with thee pillows!”

Luna peeled herself from her bed, her eyes barely open as she shuffled towards the door, which still was producing Tia’s presently loud banging.

Pulling the bedroom door open quick enough with Luna’s aura that Tia fell forward, her open hooves catching her just in time. Bringing a smile to Luna’s sleepy expression.

“Dear sister, tis not like we were ignoring thee or avoiding anything, did thou find it necessary to call us by our full name?” Wincing at the memories that brought forth, layered with dust and age, she pushed her pain back, trying to stay in the moment.

Tia stood back up, her face covered in a light stain of pink, she cleared her throat.

“Sorry sister, it, uh has not been an easy morning or night before. Breakfast should be ready soon, though I suppose you wish to talk?”

Luna snorted, and held a hoof out towards her bed chamber. Tia finished walking inside as Luna shut the door again.

Facing back towards Luna, she took a deep breath, head down and then asked,

“So. What are you thinking?”

That your a control freak, manipulative, irrational in the most rational sense and somehow think that giving me the love of your life will repay some kind of debt you think you owe me.

“Truthfully? Things that aren’t nice Tia and things that are so very far from our realm. What in Equestria’s world do you think your doing sending us to be so close to Twilight of all mares? We won't last a week! Do you wish to punish us or theeself? It boggles the mind. Don’t you have feelings for her?”

Seconds ticked by. Luna wondered if Tia would ever speak, but slowly she raised her head back up, tears gleaming in her fuchsia colored eyes.

“I have come to an understanding with Twilight, she doesn’t feel that way about me anymore, and it's only been until recently that I had been able to listen and accept my feelings for my student. It’s too late for past mistakes, but I can help the future. Sister.”

She stopped a moment to gather herself, tears spilling over, but she went on.

“You care about Twilight and myself, if not you wouldn't hold back on getting a potential mate, we both know that you haven’t taken one since before your banishment. Besides. I think I can tell after all these years when somepony has an attraction to another, disregarding my own love life of course. Luna.”

She grabbed onto Luna shoulder with her hoof, smiling at her with love.

“You deserve to be happy and if nothing else, Twilight will help you open up to the idea of friendship and furthering relations down the line. Please Luna I do ask one thing. Just dont hurt her, she is my precious student as you are my precious little sister, I care for both of you deeply.”

Luna couldn’t have been more shocked if Pinkie Pie herself had crashed through the windows demanding somepony find cake and decorations for an all night party bash.

“You jest Tia! Furthermore, how are we supposed to promise not to hurt her when all we want to do is...is rut her! Surely we do care for her and she was the only pony to understand us when everypony during Nightmare night turned against us and she was the most stubborn and determined to turn us back from the edge of darkness multiple times… Yet tis not right, you had her first! Why do we get to be selfish and get what we want, yet our sister wants and gets not.”

Tia pulled her into a full embrace, tightly squeezing the air out of Luna, she sniffled, chuckling before saying,

“Luna. I never had her. I was a fantasy, an illusion to her. An infallible goddess who could never waver from my podium, yet with you Twilight sees your flaws and your struggles and she doesn't feel disappointment cause her mentor is failing. She feels pride and affection for one of her friends making their way through life, trying with everything in them to be the best they can be. Your image in her mind is true and genuine, she could never see you as anything other than what you were. A simple pony. Placing her in the mentor role for you allows the control to be given to Twilight, so she may come to understand what she feels for you in her own time and in her own way.”

“What makes you think she could ever care for us in that way?”

“I’m not always right Luna. I am not a goddess as much as our subjects proclaim it to be so, I am a simple pony with simple desires and wishes. I know both you and Twilight all of your lives, you have a connection between one another, whether it be friendship, mentor and student relations, physical attraction or love, it doesnt matter Luna. I want you to try something new, go out there and stretch your wings, you may find the freedom, actually freeing.”

“Coming from the queen of structure herself.”

Tia pulled back, eyes still wet, but her muzzle was tugged into a sincere grin.

“You really don’t know my student. Come, she will be your mentor and she will teach you well. Trust in me. I basically raised her myself, she is good at what she does.”

As Tia opened the door of the bedroom and trotted out, Luna’s playful taunt could be heard down the hall.

“What being narotic like her mentor?” Tia’s delighted laughter was all the answer she needed.
***

Luna couldn’t believe that she had agreed to be a passenger on the express train. She wished she had protested with anything, admitting her fear of crowds in close quarters or her disagreement with her staying in Twilight’s castle. Though her words would of fell on deaf ears irregardless.

So she took a deep breath, and tried not to notice the stares of every pony, outright curiosity buzzing from their faces. The princess of the night was rarely seen, especially during the day time hours.

Seeming like an eternity went by before they pulled into Ponyville’s train station. Ponies filed out, still glancing sideways at not one but two alicorns in the same space.
Once the main group had left, Twilight guided Luna towards the exit and onto the platform.

The train hissed as the engines start to cool down, steaming rising around them as Luna squinted in the sunlight.

Sudden confetti exploded in Luna’s face and a loud welcoming hello came from none other than the pink party pony herself.

“Pinkie! I told you not to make a big deal.”

Pinkie huddled over to Twilight, her hooves grabbing on to her shoulders and shaking her. Wearing a saddle bag with two portable confetti cannons attached.

“Twilight this is of top priority, serious friendship matters. Luna must feel like she belongs.”

With that Pinkie let go of the rattled princess of friendship to stare back at Luna. Feeling awkward, Luna looked away from the pink pony and tried not to meet eye with any other pony.

“Luunnna.” Pinkie Pie hummed at her, trying to draw back her gaze.

“Whats with that upside down smile, miss sour pony?”

Before Twilight could chaste the pink pony, Luna sighed and caught Pinkie’s sweet and meaningful eyes.

“We are just worried leaving our sister to carry out our duties as well as her own alone will prove to be too much after doing it for a thousand years. Tia doesn't have anyone she is close with-”

Luna stopped as Pinkie bopped her on her nose, silencing her.

“Does she need a friend?” Pinkie asked, her face serious.

A tad more than that, I think.

Luna chose her words carefully.

“She needs companionship and has to learn to loosen up a little…”

Twilight gaped at her as the pink mare bounced up and down, an excited noise escaping her.

“Twilight!” Pinkie exclaimed with a semblance of authority in her tone. “Keep Luna smiling. My mission is elsewhere!”

A grin a mile long, Pinkie turned on her hooves and dashed off deeper into Ponyville.

“That was strange.”

Luna glance back as her companion to see her reaction.

Twilight sighed, a small smile touching her muzzle.

“That was Pinkie Pie.”

Author's Note

Thanks for reading, any advice (besides gramtical) is appreciated.
---Flutterpon