Twilight's Red Velvet

3

“Spike, is it alright if I leave for Canterlot in a few days?” Twilight called from her desk, tapping a quill against its surface; she had all the information she needed. Despite her title, time management was hardly a challenge. She hadn’t had any real royal duties since coronation and even then, she wasn’t tasked with anything other than showing up for the sake of attendance. As such, Twilight chose the day following tomorrow, so she’d have at least a little time to plan and pack accordingly. The only things that really worried her were: her mother’s approval and the location's validity. Though, she made sure not to think too hard about the location at hoof; she still doubted Rarity’s workload sanity long after her visit.

“I guess. I mean, it’s not the first time I’d be home alone; I do the cooking around here anyway. Did you finally choose a day?” Spike wandered closer, looking over Twilight’s shoulder to check her letter thus far. There was little progress.

“I did,” Twilight jotted down her premeditated time on a separate piece of paper, “I was just seeing if it was alright with you; I know you have a schedule of your own.”

“I do?”

“Well, sure, Spike! I see you off doing things all the time.”

“Really?”

“I would think so,” she nodded off the idea, “Now, could you get my bags from upstairs? And find my clothes. Come to think of it, I don’t know what I’m going to wear.”

“What you’re wearing is fine, Twilight.”

“Nothing?” Twilight gawked at the idea, “You want me to wear nothing?”

“Why not?” Spike held his breath before digging into one of Twilight’s dresser drawers. As put by the expert, the task of locating Twilight’s evening outfits was more akin to an underwater expedition; it would be dark and dangerous.

“I’m sure that’s what she’s going to be wearing.”

“I’ll just wear my ribbon, just to be safe,” Twilight thoughtfully tickled her chin with the plume of her pen. "It's cutesy, right? Is that the look I should go for? What do you think, Spike?"

Like the heroes in one of his comic books, Spike dramatically raised an arm from the dresser, brandishing a lone red ribbon, untied and without fancy.

“Oh, Spike. My dressers aren’t that bad, are they?”

Gasping for air, Spike could hardly make a reply. Twilight giggled, turning away from her desk for the first time in hours.

“Mm, that’ll do, Spike. Good work, sailor!”

Spike saluted before bursting into laughter; Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Would you like me to do the rest of your packing, Twi? I know you have a hard time with that.”

“Eh heh,” the violet mare returned to her work, looking away ashamed, “Thanks, Spike. Not sure what I’d do without you.”

He bowed and the two returned to their work.

“Alright, Twilight. Think. How should I reply?” She stared down her paper, a freshly unrolled piece of parchment spanning her desk; she’d have to cut it later, “How about something like this?”

She picked up the quill and placed it at the top of the paper, beginning with:

~~~

“Dear Mother,

Thanks for your letter! It’s been so long since I’d heard from you, I almost forgot you were still around!”

~~~

In an instant, she lifted the paper and cleanly tore off the top, crumpling the tiny piece of scrap and launching it toward Spike, “No, Twilight, No! That’s harsh! Not to mention, disrespectful, she's still my mother!”

She took a deep breath, “Okay, how about this.

~~~

“Dear Mother,

Thank you for your letter! I’m so glad to have finally heard from you! How are things in Canterlot?”

~~~

Twilight hissed at the paper, tearing it off and repeating punishment. It was better, she admitted, but still a little cold. After all, this was her mother.

~~~

“Dear Mother,

Thank you for your letter! I’m so glad to hear from you! How are things in Canterlot? Were you at the coronation?”

~~~

She stared at the question for a moment. As she was being crowned, Twilight was debating the same thing. She scrapped yet another slip of paper from the top.

~~~

“Dear Mother,

Thank you for your letter! I’m so glad to hear from you! How are things in Canterlot? I’ve set up a reservasion—”

~~~

“AAAGH!” In one fell swoop, Twilight craned down and rid the parchment of another slip of paper, launching it into orbit before it could demoralize her further. “LEARN TO SPELL!” She shouted, returning to the page. There would only be room for one more attempt before she’d have to gallop down the road and pick up another roll.

~~~

“Dear Mother,

Thank you for your letter! I’m so glad to hear from you! How are things in Canterlot? I’ve set up a reservation for three at the “Royal Robin” three days from this letter (Saturday) at 8PM. I look forward to seeing you there!

Your daughter,

Twilight Sparkle”

~~~

She let out a victory sigh before wrapping it up and passing the note to Spike. He kept his giggles to himself this time, knowing Twilight was but an inch away from being deemed “hazardous”. In a bright green glow, the letter had evaporated into blowing ash and smoke.

“Off it goes! See? That wasn’t so hard, Twilight! I’m sure you two will have a blast.”

And with that, Spike wandered to mind his own.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. At least, when I get a reply,” Twilight brushed herself off, her knees cracking as she stood from her seat, “Let me know if I get anything, Spike!”

“Nnngh,” she moaned, “I hope everything goes okay.”

The thud of head on wood sounded throughout the library. Twilight looked about her, "What was that?" She called out to Spike. He made a waking grunt.

*THOOMP*

“AAAH!” The princess jumped from her seat; she looked up toward one of the library windows, finding nothing suspicious, “Hmm.”

*THOOMP*

Her head snapped toward the window once again, too slow to catch anything. Shaking her head, she stood and marched toward the door, peeking out its window hoping to spot the violators.

“Oh, it’s just them,” She sighed, “bouncing a ball against my house. I’ve seen worse.”

The door to the Golden Oak Library creaked open softly, “Girls? Could you please not do that here.”

“Sorry, Twilight,” a yellow farm pony bowed her head with shame, “we didn’t think you were home.”

“Applebloom, that doesn’t mean you should hit things against my house; you know I live here. Scootaloo, you too.”

She was being strangely quiet, but Scootaloo was present.

“Where’s Sweetie Belle?” Twilight shut the library door behind her, taking a step outside to further immerse herself in the morning air.

“Sweetie’s been gone lately. I heard she went to her parents’ house while Rarity was taking care of business,” Scootaloo inspected her wings, flapping them for kicks.

Twilight shooed the thought of Rarity for the time being; only Celestia knew what fared within that mare’s tampered mind.

“Right,” she agreed, “that makes sense.”

In recent days, Twilight had become somewhat of a role model to the young fillies and colts whom dropped by on occasions, more specifically to the children of the schoolhouse across town. While the members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders were the most regular customers to the Golden Oak Library, other ponies traveled to either seek advice from the Princess or obtain an autograph.

“Well, now you know,” Twilight chuckled, finding humor in the mistakes of the young. Scootaloo stared into space as the ball that once offended Twilight’s home had become Applebloom’s seat.

“I’m bored,” Applebloom announced.

Twilight blinked, watching the two dissolve into colored mush. She knew this game well; as soon as she turn’d her head, they would return to their “malicious” activities. In order to protect her windows, she’d have to suggest something else to do. That was easy enough, but the hard part was finding a replacement activity suitable to their standards of engagement.

“How about I find some books for you? I know of a few responsible for some of my fondest memories,” Twilight opened the library door, stepping inside, but keeping a close eye on the fillies.

“Nah,” the two said in unison.

“I’ve never heard of a cutie mark for reading books,” Applebloom finished off their distaste for the idea. Twilight cocked her head trying to counter their claim, but to no avail.

“Hmm, well,” She thought harder now, “Don’t you have things to do in your clubhouse?”

“Hah, no way,” Scootaloo snapped out of her trance, growling at the proposition, “The second we walk into Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack is going to put us to work. There’s no way I’m going back there.”

“Okay, why don’t you two come inside and I’ll get you a glass of orange juice for the road.”

The two fillies looked at each other then glanced toward Twilight with suspicion. There was nothing harmful about orange juice; in fact, it was hard to turn down. Though it was autumn, the mornings were still rather heated; the weather had not yet become too chilly for a drink.

“Alright, Twilight,” Applebloom gave in first, taking her first steps into the library. As expected, Scootaloo was not far behind.

“Great!” Twilight remarked, “Spike! Could you make three glasses of orange juice for Applebloom, Scootaloo, and I?”

There was a distant acknowledgment, but an acknowledgment nonetheless.

“Please excuse the mess, girls,”The scrap papers from earlier flew across the room, making their way into the wastebasket, “I was in a little trouble this morning.”

“Trouble?” Scootaloo jumped on it first, “Can we help?”

“Oh, no, Scootaloo, it’s alright.”

“What was the problem?” Applebloom clung onto Twilight’s leg.

“Uh, it was just a letter. I was writing a letter.”

“Oh please, you used to write letters all the time! How could that be a problem?” Scootaloo took a more aggressive approach to the situation, picking a crumpled wad from the trash. Luckily, Twilight was able to snatch it out of her hooves before it was unrolled.

“It’s been a while, Scootaloo. You shouldn’t worry about it.”

“Here we are!” Spike called out, holding above his head a tray with three neatly crafted glasses of orange juice, “enjoy.”

“Thank you, Spike.”

“Thanks, Spike,” the two smiled, grabbing hold of their glass and quickly gulping it down. Twilight sighed as she took the occasional sip from her glass. It was a nicely chilled glass of orange juice for sure.

“Welp, I guess we better get going,” Applebloom was the leader of the pack today, “See you around, Twilight! Thanks for everything!”

As the two fillies marched out the door in a surprisingly straight single-file line, Twilight waved to them.

“Goodbye, girls! Come back if you ever need anything!”

Scootaloo broke her formation to turn and wave again.

“How does Fluttershy do it?” Twilight shut the door behind her.

The reply came later in the afternoon while Twilight was reading through her own copy of “The World of Business and You”. Since the incident with Pinkie Pie, she’d become increasingly more interested in the topic. Personally, she couldn’t believe Pinkie Pie was more keen about something than she was. Of course, baking wasn’t always her forte, but it was something she knew a little bit about; there was a difference between talent and knowledge, and Twilight had no issue settling to be the victor of the latter.

“Twilight, special delivery for you,” Spike did a fancy bow, revealing a letter addressed to hers truly.

“Mm, put it on my desk,” Twilight muttered, turning the page to analyze a pie chart, “Did you know that success in the business world is based on the idea of supply and demand? If there’s too much supply, but not enough demand, the owner loses money.”

Spike coughed, “It’s from your mom.”

“And that if the demand is too high- WHAT?” Twilight ripped the letter from his claws, unrolling it hastily.

~~~

“Twilight,

I think this weekend is going to be great! I’ll see you there.

Love,

Twilight Velvet”

~~~

“B-But,” Twilight’s expression melted.

“But what? Isn’t that the response you wanted?” Spike scratched the side of his head.

“But what did she think of the restaurant choice? She didn’t say anything about it!” Twilight’s book fell from her bed as the alicorn clutched the paper.

“Did you get your ticket from the station?” Spike reached down to collect the book, placing it on a shelf not far away.

“No, Spike, not yet. I’ll have to get that tonight before they close.”

“Better hurry, it’s getting late. You don’t want to have to fly to Canterlot,” Spike hobbled down the ladder to return to business of his own. The dreaded thought of having to fly to Canterlot returned in an instant; it still seemed like an impossible task. Twilight rolled out of her bed.

“You’re right, Spike. I’ll be right back. I’ll leave tomorrow for the train and hopefully find a place close by to book a hotel.”

“Good luck, Twilight!”

“Thanks, Spike,” Twilight tightened her saddlebag, “I just hope she still remembers me.”

Laughter echoed from the opposite end of the library, “Don’t worry about it, Twi. I’m sure she still remembers you. If not, then you’ll see her first. Besides, I don't think moms forget who their children are.”

There was some logic to that. Twilight shrugged, opening the door to witness the last hour of sunlight.

“I’ll see you in a little bit, Spike.”

“See ya.”

For as long as she’d lived in Ponyville, she’d always observed the later hours of the day to be the quieter ones. Nopony wandered the streets in the golden sunlight, and the few that did spoke less. It was a peaceful time of day, as if the whole world was reflecting that day’s events, determining its importance by a tally. Yet, though the sun was most beautiful at this hour, the time was humble. Save for a few bench-sitters curling in each other’s lap, the hour was to be observed like a special event. The warmth shared sent chills down the backs of ponies whom bathed in it. It was already a golden time of year, but the time of day was what really set the mood. Twilight took a deep breath, the air was starting to become chilly, but that didn’t abridge the beauty of the evening. Few ponies waved, even for courtesy; it was like an unwritten rule not to wander the streets in the evening, unless without reason. The time was completely reserved for couples.

“Ticket for one, please.”

“Will that be round-trip, or one-way?”

“Round-trip, please.”

“When’s your return date?”

“October 24th, 1473 A.F.D”

“Hmm, that’s a busy time. I’m going to check to see if there are any availabilities.”

“Okay.”

. . .

“Well, princess, you are one lucky mare. With so many ponies leaving town for the ball, I’m surprised there are three more seats left! Are you going to attend?”

“I . . . haven’t decided yet.”

“Hmm, well, you’d best hurry. I hear they’re selling like hot cakes, but I suppose that won't be a problem for you, Princess. Here’s your ticket, ma’am. I’m sure it won’t be as crowded on the way back.”

“Thank you. . ."

Twilight clutched the tiny paper in her hooves, reading the date over and over to make sure her plan was flawless. A few more days in Canterlot would give her enough time to spend with her mother. She knew the trip would last longer than just the dinner; at least two days longer would suffice. She’d leave tomorrow, the twenty-first and make it there just in time for dinner. She could sleep on the train if it was necessary. From there, Twilight was certain she and her mother would be able to come up with something to do. After all, they hardly knew each other; there was no reason they wouldn’t be busy trying to fix that little mishap.

“I’m sure she won’t mind. If I remember correctly, she hasn’t been in school for at least six years; I’m sure she’ll have time to entertain.”

Regardless of how sure she was, the thought still remained: What if she didn’t like her mother? What if they met, but had little to say? What if they simply didn’t get along? It was all very possible; mothers were like that, but would hers be? For all she knew, Twilight Velvet could become her greatest enemy and perhaps threaten Equestria. The idea was ludicrous, but still a possibility to keep note of. Guilt had become a welcome guest in the past few days. No matter how many times Twilight dismissed the emotion, it kept coming back; how could she neglect her mother’s existence? How could her mother neglect her existence? It was a two-way fault; but there was one question that reigned supreme: Did her mother feel as guilty as she did?

She’d have to find out for herself.

“Spike, I’m home,” A monotone voice echoed throughout the library. It wouldn’t be hard to meet her mother. Simply put, if they didn’t like each other, they didn’t have to meet any more. It wasn’t a healthy idea, but it was one worth taking a look at. Twilight placed her ticket on the library’s center table. The train left later in the afternoon, but she hardly ever received company on a weekday. Twilight laid back in her bed. Now it was up to mental preparation. She considered her social abilities to be just fine when it came to meeting new ponies; but this time, it was different. This time, it was family, but not like meeting a lost cousin or relative. It was close family, something to be weary of for future relations. Twilight yawned, blinking twice before rolling over to one side and closing her eyes for the rest of the night. She’d have to think on it tomorrow. If it kept her up any later, she might have to post-pone the trip.

“Good night, Spike.”

“Good night, Twilight.”