Training a Princess

Day 71, Year 1, May 20th, Monday

Well, today I got warned that I’ll need to be socially active next week, and not just for any event, but for a memorial day that the whole country observes. I’m hoping that I can simply be present and not have to do any kind of speeches or talks beyond giving support, perhaps being honest by saying that I can only try to imagine and empathize as a guest, but give as much support as I am able.

I think I’ll be ok, and I’m glad Twilight gave as much warning as she could. Now I can prepare with more than just a couple days like last time…

A knock came to Dawn's door and had the familiar sound of metal on wood, announcing who it was.

Dawn blinked and called out as she went to the door. "Coming! … Commander, nice to see you! What's up?"

"I need to speak to you about something, may I come in?"

"Of course… what's going on? Did something happen?"

"Well, not exactly." Twilight said as she stepped in. "You remember what I said about Tirek months ago?"

"Yeah... a horrible affair." Dawn said solemnly.

She nodded. "Well… each year on the anniversary of Tirek's defeat, we hold what we call ‘The Day of The Fallen’ to remember all those who were lost defending Equestria at that time, and before and after."

"Like a memorial day." Dawn nodded, trying to understand why that would warrant a visit from Twilight.

"Hm. I suppose, but yes.” Twilight said, pausing before continuing to explain, “It is a major event in Equestria with pretty much every town and city celebrating and remembering those who fell."

"Why do I get the feeling this isn’t like a normal celebration or just speeches about the fallen?" Dawn asked dryly.

"Well, it is and isn’t… pretty much all businesses close that day and we celebrate and remember people, tell stories, and speak about them, as well as sing. We remember them."

"Ok… fair warning, I’m not a good singer."

"Eh, Music of Harmony will take care of that."

"Assuming I have that." Dawn said worriedly.

"Dawn… you are standing in our world… It’s this world doing it, not you."

"Oh." Dawn blinked. "Didn't know that."

"Yes. If it wants you, you will do a whole song and dance number in perfect sync with everyone else." She said with a shrug, knowing it was a normal thing.

"We will see." Dawn said. "So anything I should do to prepare?"

She scratched the back of her head. "The main event is held in Canterlot. It's a good idea you attend, or at least be in the public eye. The main event… We show recreations of the event that started this… the war with Tirek… I know how you are with surprises and public events, so I wanted to warn you."

"Oh… so I may need to have my emotions cut off to function during…" Dawn gulped, nodding, taking a deep breath, and letting it out slowly. "Ok."

She nodded. "If you don't want to attend the main event, that’s fine. You can remain here, but I strongly encourage you to join the celebrations for a time here in Ponyville. It could look poorly if you didn’t."

"No, I will attend. I'll go with you." Dawn said firmly. "As much as my instincts tell me to, I won't hide from my fears."

She nodded approvingly.

Dawn took a deep breath, then smiled. "It’s good to see you, commander… we don’t get to see each other as often as we used to, and I understand why, but I do miss it."

She nodded and smiled as she ruffled Dawn’s mane. "Tell you what, I'll take the rest of the day off. Court’s over and I can delegate paperwork to my staff."

"Oh, you don’t have to!" Dawn said, not wanting to hold her back just to have visiting time.

"I don't have to,” Twilight agreed, “I want to."

"Well, thank you." Dawn smiled, her foals prancing up to her side, only to pause and look up at Twilight.

Twilight smiled down at them. "Hello there little ones! How are you two?"

Rise grinned and looked up to her while Beacon turned to hide behind his mom and look up shyly at Twilight, causing Twilight to chuckle. Rise approached and started to butt her head and legs against Twilight, grinning like she was being a bad filly and getting away with it.

Twilight laughed as she watched her and the suddenly fell over as if Morning Rise knocked her over with her strength.

Rise made a squeal and climbed over her, continuing to play fight with Twilight.

Twilight pretended to struggle, flailing about slowly. "Ack! Noooo!!"

Rise squealed again, turning into a feline-pony and pounced, imitating Zera’s cat movements, and then after a few pounces began to press herself against Twilight's chin and purr.

Dawn blinked. "That's new."

Twilight chuckled and ran her claw-like fingers down Rise’s back. She chuckled at the filly’s gasp and subsequent flop against Twilight, the purring not stopping.

"I’ve not seen her do that before…" Dawn hummed, her daughter turning into a pegasus again and trying to entice Twilight into playing more.

Twilight smirked and started to get up

Rise quickly climbed to stand on top of Twilight's back, showing no fear as she grinned wildly while Beacon went back a ways to his approaching father to stand between his legs.

"Hey Commander, how goes?" He asked.

"Goes well Stalwart." Twilight said as she got to her hooves.

"Good, got some time to spare then?" He asked, noting Rise keeping her balance and staying on Twilight with the help of some flapping of her wings.

"Already cleared my schedule." Twilight said smiling.

"Awesome. Glad to have you." Stalwart grinned. "Looks like Morning is too."

"Yup" Twilight said before arching her back suddenly.

"You ok?" Dawn asked worriedly at the sudden movement.

"Yeah, why?" She asked as she used her wings to catch Rise as she tumbled from the sudden movement.

"You arched your back out of nowhere, I worried you might have been hurt." Dawn said.

"No…” Twilight blinked, speaking as if it were obvious while her passenger landed on her back, “just playing with Rise."

Rise giggled and hugged Twilight tight, grinning wide.

"Sorry." Dawn chuckled nervously.

Twilight blinked and then suddenly imitated a train whistle before she started moving along the floor by skidding her hooves.

Dawn laughed quietly and Rise whooped, riding on the back of Twilight, and then Beacon couldn't resist approaching Twilight, wanting on her back too.

Without looking, as Twilight made chugging noises, she used her magic to lift Beacon onto her back.

Beacon giggled and clung to Twilight once he was aboard, Dawn starting to shake in place with laughter as she tried to keep quiet.

Twilight played along, showing no shame in how ridiculous she might look as she chugged around the room. Her experience as a parent showing by how much she just focused on looking after their happiness.

Dawn watched and pulled out a camcorder to start recording the moment together, stalwart chuckling a bit louder.

Twilight paid them no mind as she chugged and then made break hooves as she reached the couch. "Last stop, Sofa Kingdom! Please be sure to have all luggage with you when you disembark." She said, extending a wing to the couch.

The foals both squirmed and hugged Twilight, loving their game and not wanting to go. Twilight started to tip towards the couch and they squealed, trying to stay on.

She smirked, tipping them more and more till she fell onto the floor beside the couch making sure they landed on it. They squealed and squirmed playfully, nipping at Twilight for ending their game but were incredibly happy by all the giggling and laughing they made.

Twilight smiled and rolled inter her back as she hugged them close, nuzzling them and ignoring the potential audience. They were all friends or better here after all, and the foals were too young to care. They were just foals, and they hugged and nuzzled back eagerly, enjoying their new playmate and the silly games they played.

Dawn and Stalwart blushed only lightly, but the important part was how the foals were doing, and it kept them behaved.

Twilight cuddled the twins close and the twins squealed and made their little happy noises, making Dawn and Stalwart dawww at the sight.

Twilight leaned her head back to look at the two upside-down ponies.

"I am keeping these." She said seriously.

"Uhm, no. Not permanently. Maybe for a weekend or three." Dawn smirked.

"How about… mmmmm, a century?"

"Uhm, no." Dawn said.

"How about a couple years?" Stalwart asked, only to get a punch in the side.

Twilight couldn't help laughing.

"What! If you were with them as much as me or Zera, you'd be willing to." Stalwart grinned.

Twilight chuckled more, letting the two go at it and wondering if she should get popcorn.

Dawn rolled her eyes. "I’ll get the chicken ready."

Twilight smiled and sat up. "Okay, I suppose they can stay with you… for now."

"For now." Dawn agreed. "If they run away, they’d just run to you anyway."

She chuckled as she got to her hooves and moved the twins onto her back.

Stalwart smiled and watched over their handling as Dawn got the chicken meat out, having gotten it to marinade some. She got out the frier and began prepping it so they could have fried chicken strips alongside some barbecue baked chicken.

"Mmm…" Twilight said watching her cook. "You know how to handle meat well with your hooves. Must be a lot of practice." She said smirking.

"You kidding? I cheat and use hands!" Dawn smirked. "Easier cleanup and less fur in the food. I’m open to ideas for food to go with… green beans and diced ham with a bit of mashed potatoes?"

Twilight chucked as her joke went over Dawns' head. "Anything's good."

"All right." Dawn said, getting out the things to cook what they would eat.

Twilight moved and sat beside the couch, letting the twins tumble down. They tumbled off, giggling and turning to wrestle with each other.

Twilight smiled as she sat there, watching.

Beacon yelped after his sister got too rough, and scrambled to get away, sniffling as his sister tried to play on.

Twilight blinked and lowered her head down. "Hey, hey, what’s wrong?"

He pressed against Twilight's muzzle like taking cover, and Rise was still squealing, trying to get to him and get him to play more.

"Hey, hey Rise? Why don’t you go play with your daddy? He is sooo primed for a surprise attack." She said, gesturing over to Stalwart while he wasn’t looking.

Rise looked between Twilight and Stalwart, grinning wide before trying to pounce Twilight's muzzle.

"Ack!" She said standing up with her face-hugger.

Rise squealed and continued to play with Twilight now that Beacon was no fun.

Beacon hopped down off the couch area and stayed between Twilight's legs like taking shelter away from his sister.

Twilight was careful not to take any steps so she wouldn’t hurt him as she swung Rise around gently and blew on her stomach.

She squealed happily and continued to wrestle and poke at Twilight until she had to let go.

Twilight kept her eyes closed for safety as she wondered if Stalwart would notice and come help her so she could deal with Beacon.

Stalwart popped back into the room and swiftly moved over to Rise.

"Morning! Play nice!" he said firmly, still smiling as he reached for her with his mouth to lift her away carefully.

Twilight nodded her thanks and moved to lay down, Beacon between her front hooves. "Hey there little guy. How you doing?"

Beacon sniffed then hugged Twilight's front leg, looking up at her with big eyes. His innocent pouty face earned him some nuzzling and he smiled up at her, calming down before making a chirping sound.

"There we go. That’s better. Foals should be happy." Twilight said calmly.

Beacon smiled, nuzzling her leg and staring up at her face like he was studying something.

She tilted her head as she watched, and he turned his head with her, leaning into her metal leg. She smiled down at him, watching the foal smile until he sneezed. She watched as he quickly turned into a little purple alicorn colt. It was an impressive imitation of her, minus the augments or cutie mark.

"Hmm… so that’s what I would have looked like." She chuckled. "Very good little guy."

He grinned wide and gave a squeak. She nuzzled him, idly wondering if she was caring for herself in a way before he nuzzled her back happily, sneezing again and becoming himself. She chuckled at his antics, making him giggle back and jump toward her and wanting to play.

Stalwart kept Rise busy, having her play with his hoof as her opponent. She clearly loved facing off against anypony and everypony as she wiggled her butt and pounced or otherwise fought against the hoof.

Twilight smiled, dodged Beacon, and pushed him over with her muzzle. He fell over and giggled, waving his hooves at her. She grinned and blew on his stomach and he squirmed and wiggled, squealing as he tried to get away from the funny feeling.

Twilight smiled and used her legs to trap him and he playfully squirmed and wriggled, trying to escape the confines of the place. She leaned in and blew another raspberry on his stomach, making him squeal and squirm more, trying to bury his head under her hind leg to hide.

"Hey, hey,” She chuckled, “I don’t think there’s anything there for you."

He sighed as he calmed down, closing his eyes and began nipping at her. He was hungry, and it felt like he was in the right place. Stalwart failed to notice since he was busy wrestling his daughter with a hoof, acting like he was losing half the time.

"Hey! Ow! … forgot how much that hurts."

He whined and continued for another moment before pulling back and whimpering up at her.

"Dawn, your son is hungry and trying to eat me!"

"Well,” Dawn chuckled, “it’s about that time for both of them. Rise, Beacon!"

When Dawn called to them, the pair seemed to perk up and quickly got to their hooves and approached her as she laid down on her usual cushion and watched them trot over.

Twilight headed into the kitchen to keep an eye on the food for Dawn. She discovered a simple meal, and based on the smell, had no seasonings put in yet. There was a larger pot of water boiling for the potatoes and a smaller pot for the green beans, and Twilight went to work without missing a beat.

The twins ate on, taking quite a while to get their fill from their mother. Food was finished cooking before they were done. Twilight moved around in the kitchen, addressing multiple things at once as she made sure their meal was ready, cooking up some bacon for them to crumble or tear onto their mashed potatoes before being ready to serve everyone’s

Dawn smiled and let her foals settle in for sleep after having eaten.

"Thanks Twilight. I'm not all that good about getting food made and tasting good... maybe I can make that my next hobby." Dawn said, thinking and smiling at that idea.

"A lot of practice… I basically learned how to cook at a young age for Spike." She said as she set the table. "Came in handy with Violet"

"Yeah. I haven't had to practice for anyone beyond myself…" Dawn hummed, "Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Spike at all since coming here. Not a big deal I mean, just realizing it."

"He’s in the Dragonlands on Ambassadorial duties." Twilight explained.

"Ah." Dawn hummed.

She nodded and began to place the plates of food at each spot on the table for the household, humming a tune as she worked with the speed that only came with years of practice. Dawn stayed on the cushion, letting her foals sleep against her.

"You know, I’m surprised at how far along they are for only being six months old." Dawn hummed.

"Probably the Changeling in them. Twilight said holding Dawn's food out with magic.

Dawn accepted her food and laid it on a nearby low table, sniffing at the food and sighing appreciatively.

Twilight smiled as she sat. "Hope you like it, was in a bit of a rush out of habit. I'm used to getting out everyone I need for a meal ahead of time."

"It's fine Twilight. None of us would rush you here." Dawn smiled gently. "But thank you."

She nodded and began to eat.

Dawn started to eat her meal, sighing happily as she tasted how much better it was now that it had proper seasonings to it, not to mention the bacon. Stalwart hummed appreciatively, giving his thanks after a bite or two, while Twilight ate in silence.

"This is amazing as always Twilight. Thank you." Dawn said as she munched, echoing her husband.

Twilight smiled and nodded before returning to eat. Soon, the meal was over, and Dawn let out another sigh of contentment.

"All full?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, thank you." Dawn said, curling up around her foals.

Twilight merely smiled at the scene and the resting young before going back to her meal, being the slowest eater of the three adults.

“So... how much do the other princesses eat? What are their food budgets like?” Dawn asked.

"They eat a lot more than I do, and their budget is… hmm. I never really checked. It's just part of the normal food budget of the castle."

"Ahh. ... So, do they do their heavier eating or grazing out of public eye then? Or when they’re at an event, do they get a pass for how much they eat because they are princesses and need to eat a lot?"

"More just that while at events, there is an expected type of behavior." Twilight explained.

"Ok, so even when I get bigger and need more, only eat what others would and eat more in private life." Dawn said, believing she understood.

"Well, I guess? I mean they eat as much as they want when not at parties."

"Makes sense." Dawn smiled. It wasn’t actually an answer to what she said but she could infer that she understood correctly.

Twilight simply nodded at Dawn, who stretched out carefully as she tried to consider what to talk about..

"So, plans for this afternoon?" Twilight asked.

"Not much, was thinking about showing my electronics eventually to you and Stalwart, but they're still being experimented on." Dawn hummed.

"Ah, yes. How’s that going?"

"They're still investigating the physical pieces and the coding for them. They really want to be able to reverse engineer everything, including how the CPU's work, and only so much can be theorized about the physical pieces and how they work that still require working with the units themselves." Dawn explained.

"Hmm. Odd… I wonder why they want to do that, or need to…" Twilight said, thinking.

"So that the existing platforms you guys have for entertainment could copy the games and play them directly rather than need to recreate them with existing game engines. Recreating the games, assuming we can decompile them accurately and not miss anything, still takes a lot more time and effort for each individual game. The upfront labor cost is higher normally, but a fully working emulator for the platform is a more efficient use of time for the long run, and I have plenty of games and data to work from."

"Ah." She said.

"Besides." Dawn smirked, "It'll be fun to take a jump into that world, buy a bunch of games, and copy ‘em for money… though… that wouldn't be legal."

"Why not?"

"Because they're not actually mine." Dawn blinked, still frowning at what she was trying to suggest.

"… and how exactly do you expect their laws to work here?"

"I..." Dawn blinked, then froze as realization dawned on her. "Oh... Oooooooohhhhh."

"I am surprised your hive didn’t explain this to you."

"I... didn't think about it, so they didn’t answer it." Dawn blushed.

"Ah." She said

"I… think I may have found a way to get funding then." Dawn smirked, though still feeling guilty at the idea since it still amounted to theft.

Twilight chuckled.

"As much as I say that, I am wondering what the money should be put toward then." Dawn said, thinking.

"Anything you'd like."

"I know that, dork." Dawn said playfully. "Just… not sure what specifically I should do with it…”

"Porn... lots and lots of porn."

"Only a few of the games are porn." Dawn said, then blushed deep as some of them came to mind.

"Oh? What are your other plans then of only some involve buying porn?"

"Not really sure. That's what I was getting at." Dawn said, then facehoofed as she realized what Twilight actually asked. "Though, for some reason, I actually thought you were asking if some of the games I had were porn… Yeah, I need to do better at listening."

Twilight blinked at her.

"What? I made a mistake." Dawn blushed.

Twilight chuckled shaking her head

"Awww, come on..." Dawn whined, feeling self-conscious and looked away.

Twilight just at her meal, pretending to ignore Dawn’s plight.

Dawn pouted, giving a smile a moment later. "So, what kinds of things do you like to do in downtime?"

"Read, train, go for walks." She said.

"Ah, and here I almost expected more mundane things like playing games or the like." Dawn chuckled weakly.

"Not much into games." Twilight said.

"Ah. Interesting." Dawn hummed.

I was really glad to have the conversation with her, and while it took a bit of warming up, we managed to chat about different things, mostly my lessons. I went to bed with my husband and foals, trying to relax and think of what I might encounter, but then my mind turned to half-dreaming and half-watching the drones work on tests on her electronics.

==========

Day 79, year 1, May 28th, Monday

Today was… intense. Today was the Day of the Fallen, much like the memorial day of back home. I was present for the events, to show my support, but the empathy almost overwhelmed me at times. I’m glad everyone was there, mother especially through the link. I was glad she forgave me when I had to switch my empathy off and almost shut down internally to keep from accidentally making a scene. It’s so different, actually seeing Memorial Day as something that seemingly the whole nation cared about for most of the day, that it was more than just another reason to have a sale for advertising or for hanging out with family and having a barbecue.

Perhaps it had to do with how recently their engagements had been, that it might fade with time like all things do. I don’t remember how somber everyone was back home for memorial day thirty or fifty years after the last world war, I was too young for that, so maybe it would have been similar on both sides and this holiday will change to like what I’m used to in a few decades… I don’t know. I can still taste the mourning of everyone, their sadness was such a bitter note I could barely eat without tasting it.

Dawn took up her brush one more time while on the train, getting every strand of hair in her mane in the right spot as she fretted over everything, trying to keep calm.

'Relax, all will be fine Daughter.' Chrysalis said in the link.

'I know…' She relayed, still feeling worried. She looked over to the commander, then felt herself calm as she began talking out loud. "I will be all right…"

"Hm?” Twilight looked over at her from her book. She spoke factually at her. “Course you will be."

"Yeah, just nervous about going out and about… I worry about doing things right for the right impression and so on…" Dawn explained.

"Dawn, you will be fine. If you keep thinking like that, you are going to cause a self-fulfilling prophecy."

"And that is why I'm telling myself I am going to be fine." Dawn said, "I will get over my social anxiety… or maybe it's just a fear of the unfamiliar."

Twilight moved and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"I will be fine… 'I will not let my life be ruled by fear.'" Dawn intoned, taking a breath and calming herself, mentally preparing as they almost arrived.

Twilight nodded her agreement as Dawn began packing her things again.

"I'm honestly expecting to give my consolations, and potentially show admiration or empathy as appropriate. Am I about right?"

"No, you are more just expected to be seen." Twilight explained. "You aren't planned to give a speech or anything."

"I understand, but I could still be approached, so I want to be prepared." Dawn said.

Twilight nodded as Dawn felt the train come to a halt and she took another breath.

"I will be ok…” Dawn repeated, then turned to Twilight with a smile, “onward my friend. I will face this and probably realize it's not nearly as bad as my emotions try to tell me."

Twilight nodded yet again as she got to her hooves and began to head for the door. Dawn followed, putting her best face forward and getting a genuine chuckle as she pictured Twilight being a bobblehead with all the nodding she did.

They entered a world of hustle and bustle, with banners the colors of the Equestrian flag, the royal guard banner and the EDF colors, as well as banners with Equestria's insignia as ponies went about to get to places they needed or handing out food and drinks.

Dawn observed, noting the banners and the behavior of the others as best she can

Twilight moved through the crowd, most of whom bowed to her as she walked by in her polished regalia, looking at her best. Dawn walked along, trying to keep up and smile at those who bowed to the commander, keeping up her public face, glad she was similarly attired.

Twilight nodded to the crowd and greeted them as she walked towards the castle, Dawn doing similarly and trying her best to be friendly.

As they neared the square in front of the castle there was a large screen set up along with a stage. The banners of Equestria, the Royal Guard, and The EDF were flying high together above the stage.

Dawn saw it and internally braced herself. She knew her emotions were running high, but she couldn’t help it. She hoped she could safely ignore what was played if it was too much, somehow.

Twilight moved to the backstage area, where they found Luna and Celestia but Cadence and Flurry Heart were absent.

"Princess Celestia, we are here." Twilight said as they approached and Celestia gave a small smile.

"It is good to see you, Twilight and Dawn."

"Good to see you as well." Dawn gave an awkward bow, staying quieter after that greeting.

"Dawn, if this is too much, there are other areas you may go. The city is a large place." Celestia suggested.

"I appreciate it, though I expect the best place for me is where other princesses are. I am not exceptional socially, but I can still sense the best place for a princess is with other princesses." Dawn said. When Celestia only smiled back, she nodded back and continued. "I may be nervous, but I don’t run away from my fears, at least, if I realize I'm doing it. I would ask we continue on with my at least lending presence to the event, guest or whatever you feel is appropriate."

Celestia nodded.

Dawn waited for further reaction or instruction. She thought to herself as she constantly analyzed her behavior. 'Perhaps I made myself sound too altruistic or virtuous by trying too hard? Maybe she's just agreeing though. I can’t tell when they are just agreeing or if I've gone overboard…'

'Dawn, stop. You are just going to make yourself more nervous and jittery.' Chrysalis instructed.

'Yes, mom... I will try.' She relayed, feeling smaller for the reprimand before trying to calm herself and be less wound up. She was just trying to make sure she didn’t make a mistake and she genuinely couldn’t tell.

Her mother hugged her.

'Thanks, mom. I will be ok.' She relayed, giggling in the link as she began thinking it was becoming a new intonation, like monks in movies who go 'ohmmm'.

Her mother nuzzled her before departing.

Dawn felt a bit better for the hug and let a more genuine smile appear on her face as she returned to the situation at hoof.

The three princesses were discussing the coming events and what they'd do after the presentation.

Dawn listened in, as if to get a sneak peek at what was to come and what she should do during.

It seemed after the events, they planned to go around and enjoy the party and just be seen listen to family stories and perhaps tell a few. It seemed Celestia and Luna were actually part of the Unicornian army, back before the Exodus that lead to the Unification, so while it was centuries ago, they were former military and had stories of their own.

Dawn made note of this, already telling herself it was looking better than she might have feared with the potential of war clips being played from what she saw earlier.

They chatted about various things and stories they hoped to tell.

Dawn waited, feeling awkward but knowing she wasn't expected to do much.

"So, I’m curious what your plans are Dawn." Celestia asked.

"Honestly, I don't know." Dawn said shyly. "I'm open to being anywhere you feel appropriate."

"Dawn, besides the main event, there is nowhere you are ‘required’ to be. You are free to do as you wish."

"So, the stage and the like is where what I'm assuming a video will play is a background item, that this is more a public social event than a place for speeches?" Dawn asked, berating herself. 'I really, really should have asked more about what to do or what role I could have done. So much for thinking this through with the time I had.'

"Well, it is the main event. There will be a few speeches and the video to remind everyone what this day is about and why it is important." Celestia said. "After that, you are free to do as you wish."

"Ah, that's what you meant. I will probably look at joining some of the others, listen to the stories, maybe share a meal and the like." Dawn said.

She nodded. "For this day, food and drinks are often free from vendors, at least within reason."

"So usual guest etiquette. Sample, but leave plenty for others." Dawn nodded.

"Oh no. if you want a meal, just ask for one. Think of this like a fair or festival, only it doesn’t cost anything."

"I understand." Dawn nodded. She saw Celestia nod and looked for a clock. "How much time till things begin?"

"About 2 hours."

"Any recommendations on what I should do as a first time visitor?"

"Hmm.” She thought before giving a shake of her head. “No. Sorry."

"Not a problem. If there's no issues I'll try to mingle for an hour and then be back an hour ahead in case of any plan changes or updates. Sound good?" Dawn asked.

They nodded

Dawn bowed again and excused herself, turning to look and head for the ponies that might be present and not busy.

The city was filled with ponies and changelings going about the streets, either handing out food and drinks to those who desired them, or simply chatting with others and enjoying various booths. The booths were, of course, set up to talk about things or display items from Equestria’s past with history, often from multiple sides or personal anecdotes.

Dawn walked along, taking it slow as she decided to start looking at items of the past. She didn't want to accidentally interject herself into any conversations already in progress.

Most of the items on display were family heirlooms from long ago. Some were simple spearheads, some bows, or even articles of clothing that were carefully preserved. Sometimes they had small placards with information on when and where the item was from, and sometimes a member of the family who owned the item was present to answer questions.

There was even a large entrance from the Canterlot Historical Museum with even older pieces in glass cases. It was an example of the only people outside of restaurateurs who were still working, overseeing the museum employees since they needed to oversee the antiques.

Dawn spoke with a few of the ponies who had stories to tell, and Dawn gave them her full attention, thanking them for their time and for sharing after they were done, constantly mindful of her time by pinging through the link until she returned an hour later.

The stories were sometimes brief as time had dulled details or not much had happened outside general service.

Some were longer, and it was here Dawn learned of what was called The Discordian Wars. It was the name given to a multi-year long war that took place in the vacuum of power after Discord was sealed in stone. Hundreds of people tried to carve out their own kingdoms of what was Equestria, or to try and claim the throne of the ravaged nation. Luna and Celestia had the support of what would later become the Council, to eventually sit upon the throne and unite everyone.

It was a dark and bloody time and many records consisted of just stories handed down through families.

Dawn learned a great deal, though she couldn't help the link trying to help her understand the stories more fully, when they may not have said the whole amount, knowingly or not. Her heart ran heavy out of sympathy to the ponies, but she was also glad such times were behind everyone.

The stories of the Discordian Wars were rather inaccurate at times, mostly due to age or because of unintended bias from the perspective of a single pony’s limited views. The whole picture wasn't there with their stories, just a small fragment.

What was right was the War was a long, drawn out, and bloody affair, with many dying and fighting for their ideals or those ponies they believed in. In the end, the Royal Sisters prevailed and united the land, sometimes through diplomacy and sometimes through forcing others to submit and a few times… complete eradication of a faction.

It had cemented the Royal Sisters as those not to be taken lightly, even though they act calm and nice, and at times silly. Under it all was a steel mind that had carved out Equestria from a war-ravaged hellscape, with them leading the charge and staring into the jaws of death and war without flinching.

Dawn was glad that wasn't quite the case in her world, that things were more peaceful, possibly explaining more of the differences between them and their attitudes.

'Perhaps. This history is old and most don’t know it, their records lost or forgotten. Who’s to say the same didn’t happen in your world?'

'Hard to say… and while I don't want to believe it, it doesn't make it less true…' Dawn admitted.

'The only ones who truly know the truth are those who lived it and possibly the Changelings… hard to say if they have memories like us.'

'If they really don't have the link where I come from? Probably not…' Dawn frowned.

'If not, then the only ones who know the truth are those who lived it… the Sisters.’

'Fair enough.' Dawn thought as she walked the streets, thinking about the past.

The booths told various stories or handed out all sorts of goods or art related to this day.

Dawn took her time, making sure she did what she could to take time for as many stories as she could. Even so, there were hundreds of old family stories and she could only listen to so many at once. Her time was over and she needed to return to the stage.

Dawn looked around once she was back, expecting to figure out what they may want, any instructions for when they would begin and the like. She found herself being gestured at to come over by Twilight, and moved to join them.

"Enjoy your walk?" Twilight asked.

"It was an experience, nothing like home." Dawn nodded.

"Oh? How so?" Luna asked

"Where I was born, stories were rarely shared except between close friends and family. Memorial Day growing up was more about the barbecue and visiting family for most of the country it felt like… though perhaps I was sheltered or ignorant of how things were back there." Dawn said, thinking. "I'm not aware of a similar holiday home… and I just realized I said the wrong place earlier saying similar to home instead of place of birth. I hope my intent was still understood."

"Ah. No, it is fine Dawn, but yes, this holiday is meant to emphasize history and our subjects are encouraged to share that history with others."

"I can tell. I can already see trying to bring this tradition to my Equestria." Dawn nodded, and smiled back at Luna’s smile. "I'm really glad I came so far."

Luna continued to smile and Dawn stood, waiting for something else to be said, or perhaps instructions.

Soon the alicorns started to move onto the stage.

Dawn followed, her heart beginning to pound, but she tried to see if she could piece things together then since no one had given her any instructions.

Soon, they were out on stage, the crowd beginning to take note of them and stopping what they were doing to watch.

'Where do I go? Where should I be?' Dawn asked her mom quickly.

'Exactly where you were told to be when you got back.'

‘Except I wasn’t told!’ Dawn panicked.

‘Stand next to Twilight and stay there for the event.’ Chrysalis relayed.

Dawn moved to be by Twilight in as calm a pace as she could, heart pounding as she now knew what she should be doing.

They stood at the back part of the stage as the crowd’s chatter slowly died down. The crowd began to gather. At the front before the stage, active duty troopers and guards from the Canterlot Garrisons and Guard stations stood facing the stage in their dress uniforms.

Dawn looked out calmly, as if she had everything together. It was then that she noticed something she hadn't expected but realized she should have.

Nightfall was in the ranks of royal guard in their dress uniforms. He did not look at her, Dawn not realizing he had looked on with surprise back when she first entered, and he grimly stared at someone else on the stage as jealousy and bitterness ate at him from the inside. It disappointed Dawn that he felt that way, being able to sense his emotions over that of most of those present, but she wasn’t going to let that bother her here or now.

Storm was a bit further into the crowd behind him, as close as civilians were permitted, though she was still an aide for the commander and technically in the EDF still because of it.

After a minute of waiting for the crowd, Celestia approached the podium, and Dawn and all ponies present watched attentively. Celestia cleared her throat and the crowd quieted down.

"Welcome to the 98th Day of The Fallen Celebrations, a time we all gather together to recall those who passed, whether in service to Equestria or other nations. We gather to honor them all the same." She said, the magic microphone amplifying her words.

"We honor those who have put their lives on the line so that others may know peace. Some lost their lives in that service, some passed peacefully away in their sleep after having served. We honor them all for what they did.

"While most of us here know how this holiday came to be and have been here before, I would like to take a moment more of your time before the main event. A few months ago, an item was donated to the Canterlot Museum of History, and upon hearing the story of this item, I think it should become part of the main event." Celestia paused and summoned an old, leather-bound journal from her magical storage, showing it to the crowd over her shoulder, rotating it slowly so others could see it.

“This was the personal journal of Guardpony High Tower, who served in Vanhoover on the day that brought about this holiday. The history of High Tower is one that I think this holiday was meant for, for you see, while defending the city and evacuating other ponies, High Tower’s own family… they did not make it, caught in the crossover of those defending the city and Tirek. … High Tower passed away in his sleep, in a retirement home paid for by the Royal Veterans Fund. He passed away without anyone to tell his story once he was gone, and it is for that reason I plan to read passages he wrote about one of the darkest days in Equestrian History."

'Mothers keep me strong…' Dawn thought to her mother, bracing herself and preparing to shelve her emotions.

'I am here daughter.' Her mother said and held her.

Celestia opened the journal and flipped a few pages to near what most likely was the end of it and cleared her throat.

"December 19th, 1659, 07:41

I had another dream again. The same one as before, though this time I woke before the Princess could save me. I do not dare close my eyes for more than a second.

Despite all these years, I can still remember that day vividly… I cannot remember Rose Bloom's face, but that day… I can recall every detail… every smell, taste, and sound. It is burned into my memory.

The sound of automatic weapons fire from those EDF troopers, barely old enough to live on their own and tossed into Tartarus. I still don't know why that thing targeted them like it did.

I can hear it… them firing their weapons in a doomed attempted to defend the city or stay alive. I don't know which. The… sickening sound as magic and debris tore through hide… the smell of smoke thick in the air and the taste of iron from my broken tooth.

We did all we could… and it wasn't enough, and yet despite our defeats, somehow we came out on top. As I had laid there in the crater, having dragged myself to the closest cover in case that thing came back to take more than my strength, contemplating everything… I fully expected to die like those troopers.

Then my strength returned and I could move without feeling as if there was cart loaded down with rocks on my back!

What I saw when I climbed out of the hole… I hope no one ever has to see… The city was in ruins. Other guards began to climb out of the rubble. I couldn’t help thinking of the spring flowers during winter wrap up, how they came out of the snow.

We organized under Lt. Fire Starter and started searching for anyone else.

And then the dream repeats… over and over again never letting me rest.

I think I'm going to go for a walk. The nurses here don’t like when I slip out, but I think some air will me good.
Sergeant High Tower, Guard Station 117"

Dawn took a deep breath, her expression solemn, but understanding. It was bad, but not as bad as she expected. She missed her eyes glistening, quietly blinking them away.

Celestia closed the journal and set it on the podium. "High Tower was a pony who served with distinction, and he paid for it with never having a moments rest from his service, like many others. While there are thousands of similar stories, I believe High Tower represents the price paid by those who serve, and it encapsulates what this day is about. Remember their service and thank them for paying that price."

Celestia’s voice had been strong, though filled with empathy as she took a moment to look over the crowd before speaking again.

"Now, without further ado, we remember those who sacrificed themselves in the most recent conflicts." She said and stepped away from the podium as the screen turned on.

Dawn gave a small nod at their speech, responding to the remembrance, then subtly gulped as the screen turned on.

Music started to suddenly come from nowhere as a…feeling, an urge, began to overtake Dawn.

Dawn felt like she wanted to do something, and yet she felt afraid of doing something wrong, knowing the wrong words. She wasn't attuned to this world yet as far as she knew, and she might not do things right. What if the world magic didn’t affect her because she was attuned to her own world’s version and might not react?

'Let go daughter.’ Chrysalis encouraged. ‘Let it take you. Don’t fight it and it will guide you.'

Dawn slowly let go of her control, letting it happen.

She heard Twilight's voice sing out as the screen showed numerous military ponies and changelings, going out against their fears, preparing for battle.

The video switched as the battle began, and she and the crowd sang one line, only to have Twilight sing a new one and hear their response.

She did her best to ignore the screen, to hide from it and just focus on the music and song itself, even as it showed Tirek and what could only be described as a massacre of a battle, yet everyone in that fight still continued on.

The screen showed other images, including slaughter of civilians that were forced to hold weapons for their very first times, only to die as they tried to do what they could to survive. Dawn could feel her emotions running high as she tried to focus on the song itself, Twilight singing on another verse before they finally would begin the back and forth.

Another scene played, showing near defeat as Dawn fought back tears, and then the whole crowd sung the chorus together, as if responding to the video itself.

Things continued this way, Twilight singing another small verse, and then the back and forth of the chorus was run, finally showing victory at last.

As the video faded, so too did the music and the desire over the crowd to sing, and then all was silent.

Dawn was trying to hold it in. She hadn’t managed to avoid feeling for those who fell. Her feelings wouldn’t change anything, she knew that, yet she felt them all the same.

Celestia approached the podium once more, her emotions showing sadness yet controlled like the other alicorns around her.

"Thank you all. As always, we remember this day for those who are no longer with us. Thank you all for your service and thank you all, those who served. Past, present and future."

With those parting words, she turned and began to walk back behind stage as the others followed behind.

Dawn followed, not recognizing her body shaking as she did so. Even so, it wasn’t more than a minute before they were backstage, out of the public eye. Dawn looked for an empty chair and sat down, trying to get her breath back.

Twilight walked over. "You did great out there Dawn."

"T-thanks." She said, only then noticing her shaking through her voice.

Twilight and Chrysalis both gave her a hug at hearing her shake.

"I… I'm ok." She said, taking a deep breath and trying to calm herself.

They both held her as the Royals approached with concern.

"Are you alright Dawn?" Luna asked.

"Perhaps you should take the rest of the day off." Celestia suggested.

"I will be alright, just a bit too emotionally invested. It was something I knew I would face." She said, trying to push herself onward.

"If you need time, it will be okay if you take it." Celestia said. "You were seen here, so there wouldn't be any backlash."

"Maybe a small break as I re-center myself." Dawn admitted.

Celestia nodded encouragingly.

"I'll stay here." Twilight said, gaining a pair of nods from the royals before they departed. She turned to Dawn again. "Shall we go to the castle for a drink?"

"Sure." Dawn said quietly, giving a nod.

Twilight nodded and moved to help her up.

Dawn chuckled weakly, getting up mostly fine on her own, "I'll be alright Commander, really."

Twilight stayed close, concerned as they walked toward the castle gate, currently blocked off so they still had privacy. Dawn continued to walk with Twilight, her shaking slowly going away, and they soon were entering the castle and heading toward the kitchens.

Dawn began wondering what drink they'll get as they entered the kitchens. She saw only a couple ponies were present, appearing to be doing preparations for dinner. They bowed to Twilight as they passed, who nodded back as she went to a door at the back of the kitchen.

Dawn followed Twilight, nodding her thanks to the kitchen staff as Twilight opened the door to a set of old stone steps and began to descend them.

As they descended, the light began to fade and Twilight’s horn glowed. She lit a set of lanterns along the wall to reveal a well-stocked wine cellar, which of course held other drinks meant to stay cool as well.

"Ah… you're going to have me drink then?"

"Just a glass of wine. Nothing major." She said looking over the shelves.

"All right." Dawn agreed.

She nodded grabbing a lantern to see. The light flickered gently against the cool room’s objects, giving a comforting air to Dawn as she began to calm with the feeling of safety and privacy. She was still tense, but feeling better as Twilight scanned the racks, seeming to look for something particular.

"Ah! Here’s a good year." Twilight said from near the back, pulling a bottle from the shelf. She also grabbed two glasses from the kitchens, floating them down the stairs to sit on a barrel against a wall as she returned to Dawn.

Dawn followed her host, moving toward the barrel in question, wondering what it would taste like. Twilight removed the cork and poured them each a glass.

"This is an excellent year from what Celestia has told me." She said, stopping the bottle after they were done filling the small glasses they both had.

"I wouldn’t know yet,” Dawn nodded, “though I expect I will have to know eventually."

"Eh, I don’t know wines well. Not my drink of choice.” Twilight shrugged.

"Yeah, that’s whisky." Dawn smirked.

She nodded and smirked back, grabbing her glass as she sat on her haunches.

Dawn grabbed her glass, sniffing at it and smiling gently, "Very gentle, almost fruity smell to it I think."

"Well, it is made of grapes." Twilight chuckled before she sipped her glass. Her face winced very slightly, the reaction heavily suppressed.

Dawn took a sip and hummed as she tasted it. She never was one for the taste of alcohol. She might not have minded the fruity flavor of it if the alcohol wasn’t more noticeable. It wasn’t bad, but just not for her.

Twilight smiled at Dawn’s trying the drink, sipping more to finish her glass, despite not liking the taste.

Dawn continued to drink hers, taking it slowly. Twilight knew that anything Dawn liked, she readily consumed unless she was saving the best for last. Her pace was a subtle indicator if she liked it.

Twilight ignored this. In her mind, this wasn’t about liking it, this was about helping her.

Dawn drank it all in the end, and her shaking had gone away, though she would have attributed it to a calm environment instead of the alcohol if she had known what Twilight thought of it.

Twilight finished her drink and smiled, setting her glass down. Dawn stayed quiet, not sure what was next.

"So… feel better?

"I guess." Dawn shrugged subtly. She didn’t think the drink did anything, but she wasn’t about to say 'no.'

Twilight smiled and went to put the bottle back and Dawn stayed put, not saying much more before she returned.

"Ready to go back, or want to remain here for a bit and relax?"

"I’m not sure if I'll be ready to go back for a little bit." Dawn said.

Twilight nodded and smiled as she sat on her haunches once more. She was going to stay with Dawn as long as she needed to for Dawn’s sake.

Dawn took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to let her mind blank.

"So… I did good?" Dawn tried to confirm quietly.

"Very." She nodded.

"All I did was stand where I was supposed to and didn’t cry in public." Dawn said, trying to understand what she did right.

"Exactly."

"You were expecting me to cry?" Dawn asked.

"Kinda." She said. "It’s why I warned you. I know how you are with very sad things and while you cried a bit, you didn’t break down."

Dawn nodded, trying to calm herself, "I'm still sad, but I will live."

"So is Luna and Celestia." Twilight said. "You'd have to be some sort of nut to not be sad."

Dawn snorted and Twilight smiled.

"So then, what’s left in the day?" Dawn asked.

"Just the same as before, enjoying the festival. I usually visit the Memorial."

"Ahh. Would you like me to come with or would you rather be alone?" Dawn offered.

"You can do whatever you'd like. Not like I'll be the only one at the memorial.

"Ah." Dawn said, taking that as a dismissal. "I am not sure what I'll do. Part of me is tired out from being in the public eye, but part of me wants to keep going and learn what I can, since this is a day to hear all of the stories."

'That wasn't a dismissal daughter.' Her mother said. 'She is leaving the choice to you.'

'I understand.' Dawn replied, thinking about what she'd like to do. 'Just feels like I'd be a puppy following its owner if I continued to stay at her side after that. Plus, I know myself well enough that I need to keep looking around at things to stay entertained.'

'Then look around and you can meet her there later.' Chrysalis said, 'But there is nothing wrong with staying with your friends at such a festival. It is rather normal especially when you are not from here.'

'I think I will…' Dawn nodded, liking the suggestion and getting a nod back from her mother. She relayed an idea to Twilight, looking for approval. "Mom gave a good idea. Perhaps I will go out and get more stories for a time and then meet you there."

Twilight simply nodded, much like Chrysalis had.

Dawn took another breath and let it out slow. "I think I'll be ok now."

She nodded and walked over to hug Dawn. Dawn gave a gentle hug back, taking in that moment of solitude, knowing that when it was over, she would be in the maelstrom of people and feelings once more.

Twilight held her till Dawn let go first. Dawn let go after a couple minutes, breathing calmly as she finally settled down.

"Thanks Twilight."

"Any time." Twilight smiled and ruffled Dawn’s mane.

Dawn chuckled weakly and then got ready to leave and go to the town again to get stories.

"Hmm… I may track down Storm to show her the memorial." Twilight said as she walked, using magic to put out the lanterns.

"All right. I was surprised to see Night and Storm out in the crowd at first, but then it made sense when I remembered his assignment… he refused to look my way though." Dawn said with a small note of sadness.

She shrugged. "His problem not yours."

"Yeah…" Dawn agreed. "Hope you enjoy your time with Storm when you track her down."

"Yeah. Looking forward to you joining us." She said as they walked through the castle

Dawn nodded, "How soon should i join you, or when would be too long?"

"Whenever you'd like. I plan to be there the rest of the day.”

"All right. I'll probably join you in a couple hours then, maybe sooner depending." Dawn agreed.

Twilight nodded as they began to part ways. Dawn walked off slowly toward the town and Twilight went to look for Storm, activating a little location spell on a certain article of clothing Storm always wore.

Storm was at the memorial, paying her respects to the fallen and thinking about the battle of Manehattan that she somehow lived through. Nightfall stood by her in support.

The memorial consisted of a garden that wasn’t much in line with the idea of being tamed. All that was missing were weeds, but the flowers and bushes grew wild, randomly blending their colors in a tangle of flower blossoms. The only clear space was the cobblestone path leading to a raised dais with the twisted and scorched remains of a first generation tank, the twisted barrel aimed out toward the street as if the remains stood guard over the area.

There was a small plaque before the tank, a small chain around it to indicate to everyone not to go close or climb on it. Past the tank was an obsidian wall, polished to a shine. Thousands of names were carved into the wall, below which many, many flowers rested on the cobblestone.

Storm and Nightfall were standing near the large obsidian wall, and Storm stared emptily at it, thinking about how many passed away in their battle, or if she might find her sergeant that she promised a drink once they got home.

"Hell of a read." Twilight said from behind her.

Storm and Nightfall turned around in surprise at the familiar voice, the pair of them nodding their hello at her.

"Commander." Storm greeted.

Twilight walked up and stood beside her, looking over the wall. "You look like a mare lost in her own head."

"Oh really?" Storm asked, tone hollow.

"Yeah.” Twilight responded, looking at her closely, “want to talk about it?”

"I…" Storm hesitated, "I probably should…"

"It is your call."

"No, I don’t run away from my problems. I face them head on, like I always have." Storm said with a grin, then frowned as she turned to the wall as she thought about what bothered her. Nightfall stood at her side, extending his wing onto her back. "I still think about that fight… the ponies killed on both sides…"

She nodded and looked at the wall, moving to her other side. "Yeah… know that feeling."

"Yeah." Storm agreed.

The pair stood in a respectful silence for a moment among the few others present to pay their respects.

"If you'd like,” Twilight offered, “I could arrange for a therapist."

"Probably should." Storm nodded.

"Yes, you should." Nightfall agreed, hinting at a smirk.

Twilight nodded and remained there, watching Storm closely for how she was holding up, Meadow assisting her with subtle scans to provide the clues early.

Storm sighed, a sad expression surfacing on her face. Flashes of those who were dead from the helicopter crash surfaced, causing her to relive that moment where she followed the Sergeant. She couldn’t stop her fear from showing before she felt a breeze and something else that snapped her out of it. She let out her breath slowly, trying to focus on anything but that memory as she came to her senses.

Twilight had moved to Storm, grabbed her, and hugged her tight. The expressions they showed, she knew very well from her own struggles and in seeing it in her soldiers who saw their first bout of real combat.

Storm gasped in surprise once she knew she was held tight, her need to defend herself surfacing almost to the point where she instinctively punched twilight, but she stopped herself after her hoof raised.

Storm calmed slowly as she was held, first by Twilight, then by Nightfall, both of them staying by her as she let the hug anchor her into reality instead of memory, finding calm once more. After a minute when she knew she would be fine, Storm took a step back.

"I'm good now Commander, thanks.”

"Course you are.” Twilight nodded, “You are going to be okay Storm."

"Duh. I have your training. How could I not?" She smirked, trying to play off her usual confident self.

Twilight smiled and ruffled Storm’s mane, watching as they chuckled and Nightfall stood at his wife’s side, giving Twilight a nod. She nodded back before speaking again.

"So then, you two enjoying the festival?"

Night shrugged. "It’s decent."

Storm smirked wryly and gave him a light smack on the shoulder. "That wasn't what you were saying half an hour ago."

"And you Storm, what do you think?" Twilight said, smirking back at them.

"I liked it. Very respectful about a lot of this." Storm said. She noted Twilight only nodding and continued. "So yeah, I like it." Storm paused, smiling gently before looking at the memorial and repeating. "Really wanna see Sarge at some point."

"Hmm… I can look into it. Find where he's stationed."

"I mean, I would want to visit at least." Storm said before Nightfall chimed in.

"I wouldn't mind sharing a drink with the guy who kept her safe."

Twilight nodded "That can be arranged."

Night nodded, his expressions muted.

"Thanks Twilight." Storm said, giving a much more genuine smile.

"So, I usually hang out around here and tell stories till the festival is done. You two got plans?"

"Not really." Storm said, shaking her head, Night shaking his head once as well. "I just wanted to pay my respects to the ponies I served with in the place that made the most sense for a bit…"

"Yeah… this place is for the first major conflict Equestria saw in centuries, but it's sort of taken on a life of its own as a symbol of all those lost in conflict." Twilight said, looking at the wall. "Sort of happens when those who knew who those names belonged to are nearly all gone…"

"I mean… We don't mean anything bad by it..." Storm frowned, ears drifting back slightly as she feared they were disrespecting the fallen.

"No, no. I was saying this is the perfect place for it… just has a bit of a different meaning for me is all."

"I can understand that a little, yeah." Storm nodded.

"It's how things were back home." Nightfall agreed. "Those who live on and aren't related or connected to them don't feel quite the same things as those that are."

Twilight nodded and looked at the names. "Yeah… I mean, I look at these names, and I see those ponies behind them… like Topeze here." She said pointing at a name. "Stallion was always chewing some mint flavored gum. Only time he wasn't was when he was asleep or eating. Never could figure out how he could stand the taste… he was down in the streets of Manehatten…

Sargent Salt there I know for a fact came from a criminal background… he knew way too much about how to move through Fillydelphia unnoticed and couldn’t stop swearing. Got I don't know how many people to safety before he was caught… from what we could tell, he pulled the pins on all of her grenades and brought down an old service tunnel that was from the early days of the city, except the thing wasn't on any modern maps." She said.

"Wow..." Storm muttered, thinking about what that would mean for them.

"Yeah, there’s those things that the rest of us mortals don’t get to know about them, just you with that curse of carrying on." Nightfall said quietly.

"Yeah, history may forget, but I won't." Twilight said. "And I am sure I’ll tell those who will listen all about those lost to time. I would hardly call that a curse."

"Maybe i can hear a few sometime." Storm said.

Night shrugged. "I view immortality as one. Not something I'd want."

"It’s not for everyone and we all got our ways of dealing. Celestia's has her politics, Luna her dream-walking, Cadence her shipping, and Flurry builds things." She said and looked at them. "And I tell stories."

"I'll take my chances with mortality." Nightfall said. "Glad it works for all of you though."

Storm stayed quiet, not saying much more. Twilight nodded and went back to looking at the names. Storm joined her, standing next to them, and Nightfall joined Storm, returning his wing over Storm’s back.

Twilight simply read the names slowly and individually. She’d done this many times before. She knew them all by heart now, but she still read them, as if reading them will continue to etch them into her mind deeper every time.

Storm stood, feeling herself give support to the commander in emotion, perhaps 'spirit' or something like what a couple zebras had suggested to her before.

Twilight would spend her time this way, answering questions from ponies, telling stories about the names on the wall. She enjoyed telling the stories, gesturing and imitating the fallen or even imitating their voices to represent them. For foals, she’d tell funny stories about them, for adults she’d tell more serious stories about other details, all with that same animated storyteller vibe.

Storm stayed and listened, Nightfall, keeping Storm company for a couple hours before Dawn returned.

Dawn arrived when Twilight had a small crowd of foals and their parent around her listing to her telling the story of the time a recruit had the brilliant idea during a training exercise to try and go through some air vents to flank the other team. The recruit soon discovered the vents usually weren’t big enough for ponies to slip through, just as much to prevent actual enemies from getting in this way, and ended up stuck for hours and had to be cut out of the wall.

Dawn snorted, smiling at the story and waiting just outside the group.

The story ended with the recruit being both commended for his ‘outside the box thinking’ but reprimanded for such a dumb idea, especially when it was clear he wouldn’t have fit.

Dawn nodded, approving of that kind of reaction as well, thinking her shapeshifting would let her take advantage of that kind of flexible thinking if she were to go through anything similar.

With the story concluded, Twilight spotted Dawn and smiled.

"Dawn, you made it." She said before excusing herself from some rather disappointed foals, only being allowed to leave after promising she’d be back later for more story time with a Princess. She then approached Dawn. "Hey, have a good time around the festival?"

Dawn chuckled, waving gently at the foals before answering. "Yeah. There's a lot to learn from others."

Nightfall stayed back, not wanting to deal with Dawn but trying to stay polite.

"Yeah, life’s filled with stories. Everyone's got one."

"Yeah..." Dawn said quietly, thinking about what stories she would have to tell.

"Yup." Storm echoed, moving up to join them.

"Oh! Hey, look who I found here." Twilight said gesturing to Storm and Night.

"Oh, hey guys." Dawn smiled, despite knowing nights clashes with her husband.

"Hey Dawn." Storm said with a smile, Night only nodding at Dawn slightly.

"So, any interesting stories you’ve heard, Dawn?"

"Too many to retell." Dawn smirked, though her eyes were still sad, showing not all were positive. "My favorite so far is probably the one where the soldier in their history got lost, found a strange statue, and then got displaced before coming back."

"Hmm… Ah! You mean Delta-Siera-4-5-2? Yeah, that was an interesting event."

"Yeah… the story of sphinx ponies found there was interesting." Dawn chuckled. She saw Twilight nod and her chuckling faded into a sigh.

"Well, at least you're out and about again." Storm smirked. "You never did like to go anywhere that I could tell."

"I dragged her kicking and screaming." Twilight said.

"Yup. Guilty." Dawn agreed bashfully.

Storm snorted and smiled, Twilight joining her while Nightfall didn’t react, outwardly impassive or mildly entertained, yet Dawn could sense his still low-burning resentment and felt her mood fall.

"Well, I'm glad I was brought for the ride, for what it's worth." Dawn said, trying to smile despite of what she sensed. She only got another nod out of Twilight before deciding to encourage Twilight instead, “Well, looks like those foals are waiting for more fun stories."

"Not just foals." Storm smirked. "You know you want more too, Green."

"Uh huh." Dawn rolled her eyes with a smile.

Twilight chuckled, but stopped and started heading back toward the crowd, ready to return to her storyteller self.

'You know… if things had been different, I could see her becoming a teacher or running a school.' Chrysalis commented in the link.

'Yeah, definitely…’ Dawn agreed. ‘I'd almost say she still should, but she's a major player in running the country.'

'Yes, and as her army to run and…’ Chrysalis paused, evaluating how much more Twilight does, ‘to add more to it would cause it all to suffer.'

'Yeah…' Dawn thought sadly.

'Though who knows what the future may hold.'

'Maybe one day she can.' Dawn thought, doing her best to ignore the subtle sour notes she detected from Nightfall. She could feel their nod of agreement and looked for where the best place to listen would be.

'Anywhere would do.'

Dawn ignored that they missed the point of her thought and took up a spot nearby, intent on listening for the rest of the day. Storm and Night joined in listening, though Night had guided them away from Dawn.

Twilight told many stories. Some were of her recruits’ antics, troopers doing their duty, even told an old story of her first-ever squad with the humans, back when she became a medic and took her first steps into becoming a soldier. There was even a mention of a Chief Petty Officer who, no matter what she did or how good she got at fighting, she never beat him. He always got the upper hand and beat her.

Dawn chuckled a little at that story, enjoying herself. Nightfall wandered off to get food, sharing the plate with Storm as it hovered between them with his still functioning bracelet bracer thing. Dawn realized she didn’t have a proper name for it, but it didn’t matter.

There were many stories told. Some were funny, some amusing, some happy, and some sad. She told personal stories and stories about those she knew.

Sooner than most of the listeners realized, the sun began to set and the moon rose, signaling night and the end of the festivities.

Nightfall looked up at the sky to notice the moon rising, "Well, time for us to get going."

Storm let out a sigh, having enjoyed several of the stories Twilight had told. "Yeah, I guess."

"It was good seeing you both again." Dawn said gently, only to feel a renewed feeling of resentment from Night that had subdued an hour prior. Storm on the other hoof was giving a small bit of something more positive, though Dawn couldn't tell what.

Slowly ponies took off for their destinations, ready to get home or to bed, wherever that may be.

Dawn, Storm, and Night approached Twilight, the latter two to wave goodbye. Twilight finished her story, watching the last of her audience leave as they approached and she sighed.

"Hey, you ok?" Storm asked, Dawn similarly concerned in her own way.

"Yeah, just always sad to see them go."

"Yeah." Storm nodded. "It's tough when you have a good time."

"Yeah,” Twilight agreed, “that and I never get to get through all the stories…"

"Maybe one day you will." Storm encouraged.

"Maybe..."She said watching the last of the audience vanish from sight.

Dawn gave Twilight a light hug.

"Well, see ya soon Twilight. Time for bed if I’m gonna be back to work tomorrow." Storm said.

"Rest well you two." Twilight nodded.

"Will do." Night answered.

Twilight waved as they left.

"Suppose we should head for the castle."

Dawn nodded, staying close to twilight.

Twilight gave one last look at the wall, taking in how it bathed in the light of oil-burning lamps, the lamps used out of respecting no electricity being laid in the memorial. After a minute of paying more respects to the ponies she knew and were gone, she walked away, Dawn at her side.

"So, did you enjoy the day?' She asked.

"Most of it."

"Most?" Twilight questioned.

"I can do without wanting to cry from empathy." Dawn said softly, “But it wasn’t bad.

"Ah… right."

"I will do better in the future though." Dawn reassured.

"Better?"

"Not be so sensitive that it cripples me."

"Ah, yeah.” Twilight agreed as they walked through the street lamp lined streets.

Dawn walked along, feeling both happiness and sadness at the day… it was an odd sensation, one she rarely experienced.

Twilight lead the way back toward the castle and headed for the kitchens, not having eaten at all. Dawn continued to keep her company, preferring to be together, though stifling a yawn.

Twilight entered the kitchen of the castle, only to find Celestia and Luna inside. None of the staff were present, just two royal sisters sitting at an impromptu table, eating and drinking, freezing in place as the door had opened and their chatter stopped, looking very much like two large teenage ponies who were caught raiding the fridge.

A crumb fell from one morsel of food still hovering inches from Celestia’s face, everyone but Dawn frozen like deer in the headlights. Dawn simply thought that this was expected, since Twilight was needing to eat, surely the sisters needed to. They even had the talk about how much they otherwise needed foodwise when outside the public eye!

Celestia cleared her throat and very quickly wiped crumbs from her chin as she swallowed what was in her mouth, quickly letting the food float down to the plate.

"Um, Welcome! Did you two enjoy the festival?" She asked, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.

"Oh yes.” Dawn grinned, trying to show her support and inferred knowledge, “Twilight was showing me how a princess would go to the kitchens after the festivities were over. Guess it’s a whole Princess-only kind of party eh?”

"Actually this is the first ive seen this." Twilight said staring.

Luna coughed into her hoof. "You are usually gone longer than this…"

"Well, I’m not telling, as long as we get to join you." Dawn said playfully, turning to Twilight and expecting them to roll with it

"Uh… sure?" Luna responded, both sisters radiating a flavor to Dawn that indicated embarrassment.

Dawn smiled, taking a moment to realize they were in shock.

"Hm. Guess she is super surprised. Guess you'd better finish what you can!" Dawn said mischievously.

"At least she didn’t blue screen." Luna commented

"True." Dawn said, patting Twilight's back with a wing, only to watch as Twilight jumped and she pulled her wing back swiftly in case Twilight thought she was under attack or something, looking on in alarm.

Twilight stood there, blinking as Celestia giggled. Dawn took a step to the side, giving Twilight a little space as she reassessed the situation.

"What are you doing?!" She asked.

"Eating." Celestia said bluntly. "Now come in or out and close the door before someone sees."

Dawn smiled a little again, watching to see what would happen. Twilight stepped in and the door closed.

"Thank you, I could only image the papers having a field day if someone saw." Celestia said as she looked for where her food had gotten off too.

Dawn hummed quietly, staying aside since she was going to be far less hungry than them. ‘Does the public really not realize how much they need to eat? Is it really that devastating to be caught eating after a festival if they otherwise are aware of the dietary needs? This really doesn’t make sense if that’s the case…’

"So… now that you are here, come join us." Luna said.

"Yes, lets." Dawn agreed, looking at twilight.

Twilight blinked and slowly approached, still somehow in shock. Dawn was unbothered. They all came for the same thing, food.

"Come, sit." Celestia said, using her magic to pull up two more stools.

The food on the table was still cold and unprepared, meant to be an informal thing and ready to be put away again after they were done.

Dawn took up a stool readily, enjoying the idea of more companionship. Twilight was showing off her own deer in the headlights impression as she sat nearby.

"So, grab whatever you like from the fridge." Celestia said

Dawn grabbed some lettuce and made a salad, noting Twilight still sitting put, stunned.

Luna sighed. "I told you, you should have told her about our private late night meals."

"I was going to, but wasn’t sure how to explain it that wouldn’t do this.”

"Well, the pony's out of the hat now." Dawn said.

"Yes, and its going splendidly." Luna said with a sigh.

"Relax Luna." Dawn said, slowly eating, "maybe this was the only way it could have happened.

"Perhaps." She said eating her sandwich

Dawn ate slowly, enjoying the simplicity of the meal.

Slowly, Twilight took her seat, still not eating as she tried to make sense of this seemingly normal behavior from the royal sisters.

Dawn shrugged, eating on just as the others did.

After a while of eating and chatting between the sisters, they finished and departed, bidding Dawn and Twilight goodnight. Dawn waved farewell and made sure their mess was cleaned.

When they left, Twilight stood and began to make her way to the door, still being quiet, now being followed by a closely watching Dawn.

She said nothing as she walked back to her room, or the room she always used when visiting Canterlot anyway.

They soon entered the room and Twilight automatically removed her regalia as she walked toward the bed, letting pieces drop to the floor as she did so.

Dawn let her own outfit fall and moved to the bed to join her. After Twilight said nothing for a while, Dawn laid in bed with them and let herself wind down, bothered at how much Twilight was quiet.

'She's really bothered by this.' Chrysalis commented.

'Clearly.’ Dawn replied, suppressing an eye-roll. ‘But why and what can I do about it? It seems trivial to me.'

'She has never seen the Sisters as anything but prim and proper, even with their informal meetings, they still had that air about them to her.’ Chrysalis explained, ‘Them raiding the fridge like a couple of teenagers seems to be quite a shock to her.’

'I would have thought she would have realized they would.' Dawn relayed. 'Hell, even we were going to, so why wouldn’t they?'

'Despite how she may act, Twilight still looks up to the sisters as if they are near perfect beings like she always has. They aren’t like the way she thinks, so seeing something so contrary to how she sees them behaving is a lot to take in.’ Chrysalis continued, ‘If you were to say Celestia and Luna couldn’t handle a situation, she would deny it and she'd have a twitch of her eye at the thought of them not being able to. I’ve been working on it with her for years, but its ingrained from her time as a foal.'

'Ah…' Dawn hummed, still unsure what to do about it.

'Just… talk to her. Distract her so she can process it.'

"So, Twilight, I've been thinking… I don’t know what your work is like, or what Tia or Luna do for their courts. What is it like?"

"Hmm… Well, depends on the day. It’s mostly listing to people talk and making decisions." She said.

"Ah… that doesn’t sound too bad." Dawn hummed.

"Depends on the topic."

"Ah. What are the harder ones?"

"Well, sometimes when the lower houses are talking, it can be quite annoying."

"Spewing forth propaganda and not even knowing it, huh?'

"Yes, or some selfish things like diverting pubic funds to help them build summer homes or whatever crap they want."

"My first instinct is to ask, 'and how will this benefit other equestrians?'"

"Oh I’d love to, and have. They have some sort of slippery answer to try and get it." She said.

"Yeah, they always do." Dawn smirked wryly. "Do you just tell them no or do you make something else, like they have to spend twice as much on helping a homeless shelter first?"

"I tell them I will consider it."

"Ah. Technically true. We considered it for a second and went 'Nope, nope, nope, fuck off, nope.' Right?" Dawn grinned.

She smirked. "Exactly."

Dawn grinned more, settling in close.

"Hmm… How would you like to sit in in a court session?"

"Oh? You want to risk me making a mistake there already?" Dawn asked confused.

"Oh please, nothing you do can be any worse then what I do." she chuckled.

"Oh? Now I do want to see, if that’s what you're saying." Dawn smiled.

She chuckled and winked at her

"When will we do it?"

"Hmm next session?"

"When is that?"

"Two days from now"

"Sounds good. I'm in."

I definitely will be bringing this over once I figure out a way to hold such an event. It’s sad, but I really liked how they paid their respects to the past and unite under that. Now I just have to be ready for whatever might come in two days!