The soft sound of hooves against the tile floor echoed throughout the throne room. For many years Canterlot hadn’t changed at all, it was just as Twilight remembered it from her fillyhood. There was no one except her as she looked at the stained glass windows; Parts of the throne room were faintly washed in a colorful palette, projected from the stained glass with the aid of the faint moonlight. As she looked up at one of the window panes, the purple unicorn unwittingly fell into reminiscent thought.
One window, told the story of six multi-colored ponies that defeated an evil mare whose intention was to curse equestria into an eternal night. The crude depiction of rays of light that emanated from the heroines, lead to the villain and wrap around her in a blanket of multiple colors; sort of like a rainbow. the colorful magic was able to wash away the evil; her bitterness and her resentment clean from her heat. Twilight remembered well how scared she was when she first conjured the power that was the elements. A force that powerful and seemingly wild should have exhausted her, but yet felt tame and easily flowed from within her and out through her horn. it astonished her that great energy such as this was able to come from nowhere, but at the same time, she felt her confidence rise and a small hint of happiness swell from within as she thought she was doing the right thing.
Another stained glass window depicts a similar scene but in place of the enemy mare, was the revived spirit of chaos and disharmony. Under his jester exterior concealed a cruel and merciless soul, ready to inflict pain on others for his own amusement. The second time using the power of the Elements was not as unnerving, but since it is remembered well that Harmony is not stored in magical ornaments, but in the hearts of Twilight and her friends, this lesson nearly cost them their friendship.
The third window is...unusual. It was about a centaur, shrouded in fading darkness and surrounded by three Alicorns at once. They were supported by the strength of the Elements, coming from five ponies. Twilight considered this stained glass window the longest. It caused heavy, but at the same time heartwarming memories. The greatest dark magician, who managed to slip out of the eternal imprisonment in Tartarus, which nearly turned the power of the Elements into an evil force. The unicorn sighed. This has probably been the most difficult test of friendship in her life. She would never forget it.
The Elements of Harmony have not been used since then, and for many years, the welfare of Equestria has not been threatened. Twilight was glad of it, though, to be honest, she longed for a real adventure and the ineffable euphoria of magic of fairy tales.
Casting a last look at the stained glass windows, Twilight went to the exit of the throne room.
There was still a few hours before the dawn and the castle was still asleep. Twilight knew that in this moment, there are only three ponies that are awake: She, Luna, Celestia and perhaps a night guard. The unicorn sighed. Being a court magician and advisor to the Princess was a great honor, but the post has permanently deprived her of sleep. Twilight slept a few hours a day, but even those were restless and broken. For this reason, most of the night she wandered through the castle, or sitting in the library. But now she did not want either one or the other. Increasingly Twilight felt the need to stay with the Princess alone as long as possible. When she had the chance, she was very happy but after she felt that the time was wasted, as if of their conversations had something important missing. This greatly upset Twilight, but she could not understand what was wrong. Sometimes when she looked at the Princess, she suddenly had a wave of a feeling that a little more, and she will understand what disturbs her. Except that the feeling lasted for only a moment then faded away as fast as it appeared.
Twilight never shared it with the princess. Not because she did not trust Celestia but because she believed such a thing is not worth the royal time, although she understood that it was nonsense. She knew how Celestia can be virtuous, patient, understanding and forgiving. At least Twilight assured herself that she knows more about the princess than anyone else.
The purple unicorn sighed. Somewhere deep inside she knew that it was a pure lie. The personality of Celestia, great and powerful, eternally young keeper of the sun, evaded Twilight, as a mountain which can not be avoided on all sides; as an ocean that is far and wide and cannot be swam. Even though the unicorn’s life was coming to an end, she knows the princess a little more than when they first met.
Twilight became very bitter at the thought, and she suddenly felt an irresistible desire to see the princess at once, to talk with her. But at this early hour, she could still be asleep. Or not?
By the sound of of her own heart, Twilight suddenly found herself in the hallway leading to the royal apartments. The guards were standing at every corner, and if she had not been the advisor to the princess, she would have been stopped long ago. Over the next corner loomed a wide double door, before which stood two white unicorns of the princess’s personal guard. Feeling her knees shaking, Twilight approached them and asked:
-Tell me, is the princess awake?-
-Yes Twilight Sparkle. Do you have any official business?-
-Not really, but... Can I talk to Princess Celestia?-
One of the guards nodded and knocked then disappeared behind the doors. A minute later he returned.
-The princess is waiting.-
The doors slowly swung open and the unicorn went inside as the doors closed behind her.
Twilight stood in a spacious room with a cozy crackling fireplace and the drawn curtains. Right behind them was the entrance to the balcony where Celestia usually began a new day.The appearing sunlight would pour through the tall casement windows and did not leave the princess’s room until sunset. The rays of light seemed to be a continuation of the day, there was nothing superfluous or ridiculously extravagant, on the contrary, it was as if the entire interior repeated the day and emphasized the sun princess. Each time, observing this detail, Twilight’s heart sank.
-Twilight?- A quiet melodious voice brought the purple unicorn back into the dim lighted room. Celestia was lying on a soft rug by the fireplace, her front legs folded on the pillow -I just woke up. Nice to see you so early.- She turned and looked at her pupil. -Something wrong? Come, sit beside me- The purple unicorn walked to the fireplace.Twilight tried not to look at the princess, she did not understand why she came here and felt embarrassed to have awoken the princess. The unicorn wanted to teleport, but it would be indecent, so she just quietly sat down beside the princess and looked off to the side. Her eyes fell on a large oval mirror, standing against the wall. Twilight saw in it an old pony with her pale purple mane in a bun, with gray streaks creeping into the strands of hair. In the corners of the eyes and mouth lay still shallow wrinkles. There was a dark crease settled between the eyebrows.
Beside her reclined the mare with a brilliant white coat. Flames of fire have layed a glare on the mane, which magically is swaying gently in time with her breathing. Magenta eyes under long lashes were quiet and peaceful. An unnoticeable smile to the eye rested on the princess’s lips. Celestia was exactly the same as Twilight remembered in Canterlot, on the square, at the golden stele during the Festival of the Summer Solstice, and has not changed. Not a single hair of her mane has changed its magical powers. Not a single strand of fur on her body is faded and has not lost its luster, as eyes with the same clarity and love. Those eyes looked at the princess with her Twilight reflection in the mirror and saw the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. The smile gone from her lips.
-Twilight, please tell me what troubles you.-
The purple unicorn lowered her eyes, turning to Celestia. -Your highness, princess...-
-Now you can forget about titles. I do not want them because you lose sincerity- Gently but firmly the princess interrupted Twilight.
-Ce...Celestia- Twilight shuddered because she directly addressed her by name -I...I...- as Twilight tried to restrain them, the tears rolled down her cheeks. Sobbing, she could not utter a word. Celestia got up and hugged Twilight with her wing.
-I was too self-confident...- She finally squeaked -I thought... I thought I could be like you, understand you. I thought that if I could become stronger, that if I learned a lot, then I would be a support for you- Twilight lifted tearful eyes -But, Celestia, you are much stronger than me. I will never understand you, your feelings, I won’t be able to help. You...- The purple unicorn smiled and began to wipe the tears. -I’m silly, right? I have been talking nonsense.-
Celestia got up and walked to the window, her magic opening the curtains of her room slightly, allowing a small ray of moonlight to enter the princess’s room. Twilight looked back on what she just said, letting her mind scroll through the words over and over again. She looked at the princess, now more than ever, Twilight felt ashamed. Certainly the princess did not like whining from her own student and adviser. Adult, grown wise over the years the pony thought not to behave like a small mare, but Celestia, she released the curtains from her magic’s grasp, slightly bowing her head.
-You are very much mistaken, my dear Twilight. You have no idea how much.- Celestia turned around and saw the purple unicorn, her eyes full of affectionate kindness with a touch of sadness. Twilight did not know what to say to those eyes, and looked down.
-Perhaps, now is the time to tell you a story- Celestia was once again on the soft carpet -She is very old, but applies to you personally.-
Twilight lifted her head. What else did she not know about the princess? She settled down on the carpet next to the princess, she prepared to listen and smiled to herself. It has been a long time since she had heard any stories from Celestia! It seemed an eternity since she last lay down beside her, listening to the wonderful stories about the past Equestria in which harmony and chaos fought in mortal combat, the lands inhabited with wandering, magical and dangerous creatures. It was a time of great characters and amazing adventures, many of which involved Celestia herself. Sometimes the stories were so fantastic that Twilight hardly believed in their truthfulness. As if by order of the princess before the inner eye of the unicorn appeared mysterious far lands, lost in time and space, covered with sand of the ages and preserved in its original form only in the vast memory of Celestia. Twilight did not even have to turn a blind eye too. As in reality, to see the dewy sunlit valley at the foot of the two high mountains. The ridge rose far was beyond the horizon, disappearing behind the mountains, like it was opening the way into the distance. The castle with towers and battlements were standing high in the middle of the valley. Above the gold shining roofs was a hovering flag, whose look still confused inhabitants of the city, which was situated near the walls of the castle. The ponies who are living there have not forgotten the frightening and formless flag. Its mocking and proud shadow loomed against the purple sky for an entire two centuries. How many tears were shed at the whim of its master! However, this flag inspired peace of mind, and gave hope to the heart and merry eyes. It depicted two winged unicorn in terms of two-colors on a background of stars.
________________
One of the two who were depicted on the flag of Equestria, was now standing on the balcony at the top of the tower. She stared unblinkingly at the sun, and softly whispered something to herself. Three hours ago, with great difficulty she managed to raise the star, and now the direction of it seemed wrong to her.
-Phew!- Celestia snorted, hanging from the railings, annoyed then shouted. -Clover! Clover! Hey, guard! Yes, you! Call Clover Stargazer.-
Ten minutes laters the princess’s call was answered by a light turquoise mare with a dark as the night sky mane. She immediately bowed. -Your Highness?-
-Can you look at the sun, I think I got it wrong...-
Stargazer walked to the railing and pulled over the goggles, then used her magic to set-up a golden device in front of her eyes. On a gold disk there were several plates that are moving with surprising accuracy. On the disk was a engraved map of the sky, and on it, after some clever manipulation, you can find the exact position of the stars. Stargazer was proud of her invention. More precisely, it was not her invention. Several years ago she had a hard time finding a collapsed cave, inside was a whole untouched wealth. Scrolls with the spells, whole libraries of various sciences: mathematics, chemistry, engineering and astronomy. The latter was particularly interesting to the unicorn. And when she, after many months, was able to create drawings of this astrolabe, and on her flank, there was an exact copy of the instrument, Stargazer’s joy knew no bounds.
But there it was waiting for more hard work. During the reign of Chaos the stars which shone in the sky where very chaotic and were moving as they please, and sometimes stood still for weeks. Stargazer, would sit reading astronomical books for days and nights, calculating where each star should be and then helping the princesses to restore the appearance of the sky. During this time she became very thin and the dark circles under her eyes became more prominent. So when it was finished, Celestia personally cared for her until Stargazer returned to her former young and youthful appearance. Exactly then a close friendship began between them.
-No, they are alright.- Said the unicorn with a blue mane, as she placed the astrolabe back into her bags and removed her goggles.
Celestia sighed with a relief. -I’ll never learn to determine like you- she said grumpily. -it is too difficult.-
-Your Highness...-
-Do not call me that!- The princess resented -You know, I can not stand this treatment. Luna might like it, but I am the regular pony, why should I be extolled?-
-But you’re the princess and the co-founder of Equestria.- Stargazer smiled. -You and your sister agreed to to take the throne after the fall of chaos. Get used to it now.-
It was true. When the evil tyrant was turned into the stone by two sisters, it appeared that the country laid, literally, in ruins. Not all ponies wanted a new order, so much madness had penetrated into their souls that they no longer cared for another way of life, except for strife and war. Fortunately the sisters kept the powerful wizards, unicorns, brave pegasus warriors, and the earth ponies who were loyal to them till the end. Many of them, and parents of StarGazer as well, sacrificed their lives in order to reign harmony in their homeland. And when the enemy was defeated, they asked Celestia and Luna to stay and rule the country, vowing to serve them faithfully. The younger sister briefly hesitated, but the older sister had to be persuaded. When they finally agreed, the young sisters were crowned as rulers of the land of Equestria. Land that had yet to be revived.
-I guess I’ll never get used to it.- Said Celestia with a sigh. -It’s too much responsibility.-
They descended from the tower and entered the courtyard where there was a sparkling fountain with a little rainbow above it. Flowerbeds were intertwined with carved pillars, enlacing them and creating a view of a charming idyll. Every time Celestia saw this place, as if it descended from a picture of some young provincial artist, her soul was filled with a painful sense of restraint, tiara on her head suddenly become heavy and itchy. The colours around usually start to fade and lose their brightness.
StarGazer saw the expected expression on the face of the princess and hastened to distract her.
-But your sister is...-
-My sister- angrily blurted out Celestia -Says it all fun! Sure its fun, to have a whole kingdom in her own hooves. Whatever you order them to do, all will be instantly performed. Well, yes! Because she is a Princess!
Celestia’s cheeks flushed, her lips stretched squeamish arc. Stargazer frantically began to look for the right words, but the disappointment of the princess has shifted to concern tiredness.
-Sorry, Clover...- she said -I did not want to say that. You know, I am not used to all this yet, but I am trying. Suddenly, I became responsible for lives of hundreds of thousands of ponies. Somewhere out there, where the influence of Harmony has not yet reached, they still suffer, because there are those who are disgusted with the peace and quiet. I want to go, Clover, you know? Where I'll be back in the forefront. When the last enemy shall fall at my feet, or repent, only then I can feel that I really liberated my...my people. But what can I do here? I can’t see anything from here. Forced to be locked in the rear as a ruler, I can not get out of the castle. I can not even see my subjects!
-Your Highness, this is a temporary measure.- StarGazer tried to calm her, but immediately stopped, realizing what a mistake she just made.
With the perturbed “There you go again!” Celestia quickly galloped away from the courtyard into the arms of the hated halls of the palace. The first impulse StarGazer gained was to follow her, but instead the unicorn wandered into her personal library. She knew too well that Celestia will calm down quickly, if she wasn’t disturbed.
The room where she lived and worked as a court astronomer, was narrow and seemed very small because of the heaps of books and scrolls. Back in the days the walls hung a variety of graphs and charts, diagrams of the stars and a huge map of the sky, which occupied the whole wall, and inflicted by StarGazer carefully point by point over the years. Now this important document has been placed in the royal library, and its place was taken by other circuits and diagrams. More recently and quite unexpectedly the unicorn found that the vast wisdom of the ancestors, found it in a god-forsaken cave... it was not ordered and, literally, laid down like a pile of junk in the basement of the castle. This led her into such an excited state that several prominent figures of magic court had lots of troubles. Then StarGazer began to compile a catalog in splendid isolation.
Most of the books and scrolls was brought to her room from the basement and was constantly changing as the work goes on.At the place of some books and scrolls appeared others, thick black dust became a frequent guest of the court astronomer. The only table was now occupied by a heavy book with a cover of oak wood, which slowly swelled with notes. Stargazer peered over the catalog for a second month, but the huge storage of wisdom in the basement does not become smaller. But the library, which was reorganized with departments and sections by an active unicorn, was gradually filling with the most valuable specimens, starting to serve for the young Equestrian society. Squeezed into her little room and lit a candle, the owner of the night sky-colored mane sat at the table and looked sadly at her clenched oak book. She would give everything in life for a chance to make Celestia’s rule as simple and griefless as possible. But lately Stargazer started to become too tired, and more often just fell asleep at work. Equestria just got rid of the tyranny and began to rise back to normal, becoming the same beautiful and powerful nation, but despite all their efforts, there was still too much work to do.
Once upon a time, when Stargazer’s mother was still alive, she told her daughter about the wonderful land that prospered under the generous sun, standing up at the behest of the wise and loving ruler. Ponies who lived there did not sorrow or misery, they never felt desperate, poverty or hunger. War passed them by, and the monsters were just a scary tale, which her mother sometimes frightened children that got up to mischief. Laughter and loving friends, good health and kindness to strangers; The hard work which was a pleasure for their hearts. All this and more was the everyday life of inhabitants of a beautiful country. Stargazer’s mother argued that it was an Equestria before it dropped into a dark shadow of the tyrant. These stories are deeply sunk into the soul of a small unicorn, so deep that when she first saw Celestia in blazing battle armor, causing her enemies to panic, once and for all she was assured that this is the leader, who will lead the ponies to prosperity.
The reality was more dismal than it seemed before. The ponies did not want to prosper and thrive, did not want to love and laugh, to work for their own pleasure, and become kinder to each other. Like a virus in some patients, they continued to deceive each other, to lie, to gloat, to steal and even to kill. Stargazer realized that it will take a while to create a happy society, even for the princesses. But she, being dissatisfied with their new status as a princess, was not going to retreat. Celestia loved Equestria, Stargazer knew it.
The court opened the astronomer’s catalog and looked over the last records. All of them belonged to that part of the scrolls, which talked about the magic of healing, medicinal tinctures, and potions that give strength and endurance. The unicorn knew that her soul is desperately looking for an opportunity to live next to the princess as long as possible. But she read all the scrolls with similar content in the last two months and so far she found nothing. Stargazer closed her eyes. No matter what it will cost, she must find it. Even if she will have to be separated from her for a while. The unicorn blew out the candle.
The one Stargazer thought about slowly walked through the castle, trying not to get into anyone’s sight. She already regretted her outburst and decided to apologize at the first meeting. In the end, Stargazer sincerely wished her only the good. But the duties of a ruler frightened Celestia. It was not as she expected, and not everyone liked it, that the country is now ruled by two young princesses. Celestia and Luna had a chance to experience the hatred of those ponies on their own skin. Once, when Celestia and Luna came back in the carriage to the castle after a visit to the city of Cloudsdale, they were attacked. A desperate fight and chase did not frighten the rising sun; When was Celestia ever afraid of battle? Except, what could be worse than realizing that your own people are rebelling against you? Celestia fought with the tyrant and took the crown, for the happiness of every-pony...but when she saw an expression of hate on the pegasus’s face, it hurt her more than any sword. After the incident, counselors of the princesses did not dare to let them go out of the castle, fearing for their lives. Celestia was indignant, because it looked like the fact that she was frightened of her killers, but the councilors were adamant. Only Stargazer and another unicorn supported her, but no-pony listened to the young astronomer, and the majority’s choice prevailed. The counselors always had a strong case, reasonable arguments and were pretty gab. Accustomed to taking action, rather than talking, Celestia felt herself like little filly among them, she yield to their entreaties, which further pushed her out of balance. The Princess was not a princess, she could not rule her own subjects and she didn’t know how to do it. Others were solving this problem instead of her, and the only duty of the princess was to raise and lower the sun. But Celestia thought that she could not cope, even with that.
The Princess went to the castle and felt herself disgusted. Even her sister seemed to have adjusted to everything so much better. Celestia is sometimes jealous of her - the world of the night was different, she was not worried about daycares, thoughts, plans and hopes. At night, the world forget about their problems and froze for a brief moment, watching the moon. Always for a little, wonderful moment, which lasted for an amazingly long time.
And now it was midday and Luna was asleep. Only in the evening could Celestia talk to her, and now needed at least someone who could calm her down and put her thoughts in order. There was only one pony, except Stargazer capable of such a thing. His name was Basson of Greenhill.
Throughout Equestria you could not find a more noble unicorn. On the battlefield, he fought with a dragon's fury. At social gatherings, he was courteous and gallant, and his eloquence in council could convince anyone. It was rumored that he was of royal blood, and was even offered to take the throne of Equestria, but Bassoon declined it in favor of Celestia. He was the only one with whom the princess could talk to freely and was not afraid of reproach in her address.
Not thinking about the rules of propriety, Celestia opened the door and found a unicorn in his room at work. On the table before him lay a pile of papers, half of which had already been reviewed and signed for sure. In an open casket, tightened by a ribbon, were business letters waiting to be sent to the following addresses by a servant. -Did I interrupt you?- Asked Celestia unabashedly and climbed into a low chair.
-What? No, of course not- Said Bassoon, not looking up from his reading. Celestia remained quiet and the silence between them grew for a long time. When the intense presence of the princess was about to pierce the skin of the emerald unicorn, he looked up at her, and as if incidentally asking: -Are you here to visit me, or are you here on business?-
At such times, Celestia could not stand his calm tone of which, like a rock, a wave of her indignation broke against it. But it was even more useful, allowing her to blow off steam, not causing unnecessary noise. -According to the case, I want to talk.- She said, slightly raising her voice.
Bassoon gently sighed, magically closed his door, set down his papers and with an expression of a sympathetic listener looked at Celestia. She, while catching the air, gathering her righteous anger and inspiration, for a hundredth time jumped off the edge, asking her most faithful companion: -Why, please tell me why I chose a princess? Yes, I understand that the elements of harmony, the mighty rocks, belong to me and Luna. I clearly remember, that the decisive battle against Se...-
Celestia stopped short when she felt a knot form in her throat, she swallowed it hard and shook her head -We took Discord and imprisoned him in stone. I know that Luna and I defended the Gates of Tartarus, not letting Pandora's evil escape and created Cerberus to guard the Gates. I know all that well, but tell me why all of a sudden everypony decided that we will become wonderful princesses? I swear, my oldest sister is much better suited for the role of ruling Equestria; Though she payed little attention to and lost the country...-
As she said it all, Celestia crossed her hooves over her chest and puffed out her cheeks, staring at Bassoon. The unicorn, accustomed to the princess’s bouts of irritability, thought that it would be better to pour her some refreshing cider, which was just delivered yesterday from a nearby agricultural town. By putting a goblet in front of her, as he served himself first. -Please, Celestia, have a drink. With that you can calm down and understand what I’m going to say...- Celestia hesitated for a few seconds between her pride and the golden color of the cider. After a moment, the princess pulled the goblet to her and drank.
-I will not remind you that you and Luna, the daughters of The Great King in ancient times, had come to rule the young Equestria. This is one of the main reasons why you are best suited to this role, you are the heir to the throne. But there are other equally important reasons.-
-What reasons?- Celestia asked interestedly. Before that, Bassoon could only use her birthright as an argument. To sustain a spectacular break and find the right words, the unicorn stood up and walked to the window, looking out to the outside of the castle. Seeing as the sun crossed the center of the sky, scattering its rays on the river nearby, making it look like a shining diamond strip.. Bassoon smiled to himself and said: -I just believe that you’ll become a better ruler for Equestria. And, of course, Luna. You both can find a way out in situations where your sister was unable to cope. You'll take care of each other, because you are loving sisters, and together you’ll bring Equestria to prosperity. You're not just a princess, Celestia...- Bassoon turned to her with a smile -I believe that you, exactly you, will find the very Equestria, which we all dream about, but cannot describe. All the ponies want something and all of them are afraid of something, anything and everything, but they do not know why. You...you will find your own dreams, and when you understand what they are, you will become the most powerful of all the ponies.-
Celestia was confused, she had not expected such words. The goblet clinked against the surface of the table and now was back at its place. Celestia slowly rose, she wanted to leave immediately but something kept her. Hesitantly stamped on the spot, she went to the unicorn, and sat down beside him. Diamond strip appeared before her, far below, clinging to one edge of the mountains and disappearing somewhere in the distance. Celestia looked at her friend and saw his tired eyes and a smile just visibly pacified.
-I do not understand- She said at last.
-Well, you'll understand. With time. I'm sure.-
-But why? Am I better than you?-
it took a few minutes before an answer was heard. -You know, all my life I dreamed of a free Equestria. An Equestria without Discord. An Equestria where the sun and moon rise in their periods, and winter is after the autumn, not vice versa. I dreamed that one day the cities will no longer be haunted by ghosts and shadows, and the earth will stop from suddenly going from under our feet, swallowing homes and the food, which we grew with incredible effort. I dreamed to drive Chaos from this earth, and now my dream has come true. But what next?- He asked and looked at Celestia.
The princess frowned, trying to capture the essence of his words. Bassoon smiled and continued: -I just do not know what to do next. I'm empty. My imagination has run low. Equestria free from Discord’s sorcery, but what do I do with it next? How do I make its inhabitants happy? I do not know.-
-And you think I can find the answer?- Asked Celestia.
-I believe in it.- said the unicorn and took a sip from his glass of cider. Licking his lips, he sighed. -I am old, Celestia. As I can not say, but I feel that my time is running out. My soul is becoming thinner and thinner, and soon will disappear altogether. But you!- He exclaimed, interrupting the princess, who wanted to argue. -You are young and full of energy! You're sure to find the answer, I do not doubt it. For you are the future of our nation, and that is why I gave up the throne, when everypony around were praising my courage and valor. I have lived too long and dreamed too much of only one. Remember, Celestia...- Bassoon turned to her and placed his front hoof on her shoulder, looking into her eyes. -The unicorn is not age to age, but only when the age of his soul. Only when life starts to leave. As long as your soul is young and full of strength, thou shalt not die. Remember that.-
The princess smiled and nodded sheepishly, not knowing why. The words of Bassoon touched something in her soul. The same feeling expressed by a unicorn, sometimes slipped in the eyes of Stargazer when she looked at her with a mixture of admiration for children. -I guess I sometimes forget why I agreed to become a princess- Celestia said with a smile. -But thanks for reminding me. The welfare of my subjects, that's the royal duty, which i swore to observe. And I will perform it until the end!- She exclaimed.
-That Is another matter. Speaking of the duties - Bassoon coughed and pulled out a stack of papers -Will you not help this old stallion to deal with a few things? I just want to know your opinion on some issues. Here, for example…-
The sun has passed its zenith and began to diminish. Approaching dusk, a time when the sisters met on the balcony of the highest towers to hold a daily ritual. It was one of the few moments when they could meet each other and talk in private. No one is allowed to disturb the princesses at this point, and the sisters are valued at twilight. In fact, it is only intended for them. Bassoon had kindly agreed to accompany Celestia.
Careful attention to important papers and the reports distracted her from sad thoughts, and now they fought a serious conversation about the policy advisers to decide all important matters without the participation of princesses. On the one hand, it was reasonable, because they knew little about, in fact, politics. On the other hand, they do not even really tried to explain the situation in the kingdom. Celestia, as always, frustrated about the situation and was proving to Bassoon, that the council was seriously mistaken in acting as they did.
While talking, they met Luna at the entrance of the tower. She was accompanied by Rime Diem, unicorn-Counselor of the house of Starlight. I must say that Starlight and Greenhill were the most powerful families of the Equestrian unicorns. Of these families out the most talented and powerful unicorns. Even in the darkest of times, both houses were against tyranny, and throughout Equestria their names were well known. They brought a lot trouble to the self-styled governor, and one of his greatest desires was to crush resistance of the unicorns. But as it always happens, the two most powerful clans became the most bitter enemies. From a simple rivalry, they quickly moved on to the mutual hostility. Even their magic was different in its properties. But when Celestia and Luna brought a revolution of the Equestrian lands, Greenhill and Starlight decided to unite. There was a marriage made between Bassoon’s sister and Rime Diem’s brother, to consolidate the union of the two houses. But they still did not have good relations among themselves. Bassoon coming up with Luna and her companion, made all of his contempt for the house of Starlight expressed in a graceful bow, and sugary greeting. -Good evening, ladies. Princess of the Moon, my compliments. Mrs. Rime, how painfully nice to see you in this wonderful evening.-
Rime had not failed to respond in kind. Waving her silvery mane, she weighed a low bow and said sarcastically: -My respects to the princess. Dear Bassoon, I am also infinitely glad to see you in good health. I hope the court’s concerns do not tire you.-
-Of course it does not- The unicorn smiled cheerfully. -I feel like never before. Work brings me real pleasure, because I do care for the needs of the people.-
-And yet it is not necessary to squeeze out all juices. There is a time for work, and to rest.-
-Speaking of rest. I hope you will not be like the last time, distracting Princess Luna the whole night from the important things with a game of chess.-
-The game of chess develops the mind and intelligence. You should try to play it at least once.-
-Is this challenge?-
The princesses did not hear further development of this ‘sweet’ conversation. They decided that the two unicorns will be able to resolve their argument without them, and ascended the the steps of the tower to its roof. The sun slowly rolled down to the horizon, tinting the edge of the sky orange. If it does not whip up the magic, it would stop in confusion, not knowing how to continue and where to go. So it was born once, and no one could remember why. Magic took on a variety of creatures to drive their shining paths. The sun remembered the very first magic that brought it to the world's first dawn. And then the whole world was celebrating the birth of a bright and warm flower in the sky. They walked over the world in all its splendor, majesty, and gradually descended to its apartments over the edge of the world, and since then, rising above the world of magic on the orders of countless number of times. But every day was special for the sun, because the world was constantly changing, and watching to it was fun. This day, like thousands of others, will live forever in its memory. Obeying the orders of the white-winged princess unicorn, the sun sank in the tender embrace of the universe.
At the same time, on the other side, the moon rose, the eternal companion of the sun. It was much younger and carefree than the sun. The moon did not like to just watch the ground below, it liked to fool the heads and hearts of creatures living there. In light of the world turned round, the secret became clear, and explicit - by secret ballot. Luna loved this game, she never tired of it. Because of their unpredictable nature, the moon is not subordinate to any magic. Only a creature similar to itself, could cope with obstinate nocturnal luminary. Fortunately, the little princess with a blue mane liked the moon, and it allowed her to effortlessly lift itself up at the night sky.
Having finished her part of the work, Luna sighed and sat down, looking at the night kingdom. Her sister sat beside her and yawned.
-Tired?- Asked Luna.
-Yes. Royal duties tire me.-
-Are you kidding? In my opinion, it's pretty amusing. And then, you see, after all this war, we should lay and rest.-
-And how long are you still going to rest?- Celestia asked sternly.
Luna shrugged.
-All that I'm really doing is looking for our sister. My ponies searched all the places where they can get to.-
-And what?-
Luna shook her head.
-Oh, Harmonica. Why did you have to take the love poison from that silly prince... Where is she now?-
-Do not worry, my sister, we’ll find her eventually...- Luna smiled. -Equestria is large and not always safe. However, it is only a matter of time.-
Celestia sighed and lowered her ears. That would be a bit of her confidence. But instead it is constantly gnawing doubts.
Glancing at her sister, Luna said: -You look tired. Go to bed and I'll take care of the night.-
The sisters came down from the tower and said goodbye. Celestia went to her room, and Luna decided to walk around the castle. At night there was a very empty and quiet, only her own footsteps echoed in the stone walls. But it did not upset the youngest princess. She saw in the night much more than all the others, whether through her connection with the moon or something else. During the night the world for her revived and flourished, opening up their secrets. Luna could see the dreams of ponies, they passed by as strings of colorful ghosts, sometimes pulling you into their dance. But the princess could well change the course of any sleep if she did not like it, turn it into a nightmare, or conversely, to make it good and calm.
-How interesting, sir.- Luna smiled when she saw the see-through silhouette of one of the court advisers. He went skipping down the hall, and his striped shirt-front sometimes slapped him on the chest. Luna decided to look, why he is in such a hurry. The dream of the advisor brought her into the inner courtyard of the castle. Flowers, binding the marble pillars around the fountain, their buds closed, were asleep too. The advisor approached one of them breathed a dizzying fragrance and disappeared with a laugh. Luna sat by the fountain and looked into the water. The stars and moon reflected in its surface. The Princess’s horn flashed, and the water in the fountain began to shine, illuminating the courtyard with silver. Luna smiled and sighed. Games are games, but Celestia was right, she could not rest forever. As a princess, Luna was obliged to bring harmony into the lives of Equestrian ponies, and she had a plan how to implement it.
-Princess.- The familiar voice brought Luna out of her reverie, and turned. She saw Stargazer next to her.
-Stargazer! Glad to see you.- Luna cheerfully greeted her.
-Me too, Princess.-
-Look!
Luna went to one of the flowers, and touched it with her horn. The dark purple bud slowly opened, and out flew a little glowing ball. It sailed through the air to the nose of Stargazer and is conveniently located on it. The unicorn smiled. On her nose bobbed the little creature, like a pegasus, but with transparent wings. It waved them and disappeared.
-This is a dream of a flower. Imagine, the flowers have dreams too. Isn’t it wonderful?- Luna laughed.
- I think so, Princess.- The unicorn faltered. -Princess...could you do me a small favor.-
-Yes, what?- Enthusiastically asked Luna.-
-You see, I want to leave the castle for a while.-
-Did something happened?-
-No, I just... - Stargazer went to the fountain and sat on its board -I just have something I want to find. If it exists, of course.-
-What is it?- Luna went to Stargazer with sincere interest in her eyes.
-This is what you and Princess Celestia...well...you are not like the other ponies. You came from far away, and although similar to everypony, you are... something more. And with all this, you are not different from the ponies themselves. Oh, it’s so hard to say- The unicorn banged her forehead.
There was an awkward silence, and Luna looked back at the moon's reflection in the water fountain. -My sister and I were born in Equestria. We are different, but at the same time we are not. And what are we, in your opinion?-
-You are the most wonderful things in Equestria. And in general in the world. But I would like to be beside you always. Always helping and always supporting- Stargazer raised her gaze at the stars -But I’m just a regular pony, a unicorn, though, I can not live as long as you do. My time will come much earlier, and I'm afraid...afraid that I won’t be able to help Celestia.-
-Do you want to become immortal?-
Direct question caught off guard the unicorn. She looked at Luna. Luna stared at her seriously, waiting for an answer. Stargazer slowly nodded her head.
-This world is a mystery to me...- said the princess of the night -if there is immortality, then I do not know where it is. But I think you can find it if you search hard. Since then, as the Elements of Harmony became a part of us, I can see many things ponies, and even Celestia can not; I know that my sincere desire of the heart come true, anyway. So do not worry, you will find the immortality, maybe even in places where they do not suspect.
Stargazer smiled.
-Thank you Princess. Please pass this on to Celestia. I'm afraid to say goodbye to her, but hopefully it will not get mad at me that I left so suddenly. Goodbye, Princess. -
-Goodbye, Stargazer.-
The scroll laid next to Luna and the unicorn trotted away.
After saying goodbye to the princess, the court astronomer hurried to her room. There, waiting for her, was a hiking bag with everything she needed. She decided to leave at night. And go back to the very cave where she found her destiny. Maybe the answers were there waiting for her. Grabbing the bag, she closed her room with a key and gave it to the librarian unicorn.
-Finish the catalog, alright?- Stargazer said.
-Of course, Miss.-
As she went downstairs, Stargazer saw that there was a small wagon, which was drawn by a pegasus and was waiting for her at the front gate. She glanced at the castle for the last time, in which she spent so many wonderful years. But there it was, waiting for an adventure on the outcome of which it is hoped all the soul. -I leave you, but not for long. I promise you- said the unicorn quietly, and with a smile turned to the pegasus. -Let’s go. Get me to the edge of the forest.-
He spread his wings, carriage shuddered and began to rise into the air. Stargazer, not having flown through the air before, was so frightened at first that she cringed at the bottom of the cart. Only when they rose to a respectable height, she finally decided to look out over the edge. The Castle below seemed like a toy on emerald blankets of valleys. Stargazer suddenly felt a wave of fear and anguish. With eyes filling with tears, she raised a hoof to wave to the castle, but it almost immediately disappeared behind the mountain range.
Meanwhile, Luna and Rime Diem sat in the chambers of the princess for the next game of chess. The unicorn admitted that Bassoon somehow managed to beat her, and now she dwelt not in the best frame of mind. Luna, on the contrary, was very happy, and shared her royal thoughts with Rime.
-Just imagine if a pony could see what I see. They would realize how beautiful this world is, how unusual they are. I think it would have blessed them.-
-Of course, Your Highness.- Rime commented calmly, moving her rook -but how do you imagine that in practice?-
Luna thought, and missed the bishop who was eaten by the unicorn’s queen immediately . The princess snorted with anger, raising her eyes to Reim and asked. -What do you think about this?-
-If I may, I think the idea itself is good. However, I advise you not to hope that all the ponies in Equestria will understand you; Not everyone can see the beauty of the night. But you already have loyal companions.-
-It's true. And I am glad of it- Luna smiled. -But still I would like everypony to understand it a lot more. And in particular, Tia. She...- The princess frowned and looked down at the board. Black and white queens stood facing each other, protected by their shapes, but are open to attack. At any time, each of them could grab another, but she would not have escaped the same fate -... she takes everything too seriously. Although this is Celestia, she was always such, an older sister.
-Well, I think, Her Highness also has those to whom she is able to speak candidly to.- Reim smiled.-
-Yes- Luna nodded. She remembered the scroll, which was left by Stargazer. Now it laid in a safe place, waiting for Celestia to wake up. -Well, Rime, check. - Luna moved her knight.
-Hmm. Not bad. You’re learning very quickly, Your Highness.-
The Princess of the Night waved her wings with pleasure. The night, lit by the magical light of the moon and candles was certainly passing pleasantly, like many before it. Luna enjoyed dreaming, and she dreamed, leaving all the royal troubles to her big sister. The only thing that the younger princess wanted is to share her view on this world, which was filled with wonders and wonderful secrets. The world that was opened only at night.
________________
The next morning, after the ceremony of the sunrise. Luna presented Celestia with the scroll and told everything that happened during the night.
-That is how it went?- Princess narrowed her eyes in fright, and the scroll fell down on the floor.
-That's it. Stargazer said she is looking for immortality to be with you forever.- Luna suddenly felt guilty and thought that it would’ve been better to stop the unicorn.
-No. No, no, no, silly, stupid, stupid!- Celestia grabbed the scroll with her magic and galloped away.
A minute later she barged into the office of Bassoon. The unicorn instantly decided to postpone his lectures about politeness of knocking on the door, but seeing her eyes full of despair he said briefly and seriously. -What happened?-
-Stargazer! She ran away from the castle!- The princess blurted.
-What?- Bassoon blinked his eyes.
-She went out at night when everyone was asleep. She asked Luna to convey this to me- Celestia glanced at the scroll, which she still levitated by her side.
Bassoon realized quickly. Having asked the princess not to leave his office, he instantly went out. Celestia, left alone, began to recover from the initial shock. Only now she decided to expand the parchment and read what the unicorn written in it.
"Dear Princess Celestia,
For a long time I was with you, and it was the most wonderful days of my life. You gave hope not only to me but to thousands of other ponies. I understand that the responsibility lies on you. And I have only one desire...to be a support to you, to help with all of my strength. Not only for my entire life, but much longer. I want to never leave you and be with you forever, but this irony...for this I must leave you. But I will definitely be back! And then nothing can separate us.
Your faithful servant, Clover Stargazer.”
As soon as she forced herself to finish reading the last line, Celestia threw the letter away and lowered her head. Her eyes were full of tears and only the princess’s willpower kept her from sobbing. She was very willing to break, even now, from the castle to find her friend. But it was a stupid and reckless act, and realizing this, the princess was numb. Thoughts rushed through her mind in a messy dance. Her heart was ready to jump out of her chest, her legs weakened and as if rooted to the floor. Celestia was standing in the middle of the room and was horrified to realize her momentary helplessness.
Basson, who just returned, touched her shoulder and brought her back from this state. Celestia took a deep breath and wiped her tears.
-I'm all right...- she said to the unicorn, then asked a dumb question -What did you find out?-
-Maybe you should drink?- He suggested and retrieved the bottle of cider from yesterday. Pouring a large glass for Celestia. The princess drank it in one gulp and demanded more.
-At first I found the person to whom Stargazer left the keys to her room. It was easy to guess that she gave them to the librarian. He only told me that she asked him to complete the magic catalog which she started. Then I questioned the night guards, and they told me that Stargazer asked one of the pegasus guards to get her out of the castle. I found this Pegasus and he told me the rest.
-Where she headed?- Excitedly asked Celestia.
-He told me that he dropped her off at the edge of the Everfree Forest, but you're not going to fly for her on your own.- With pressure, said Bassoon
Celestia stopped at the door and turned around, frowning, almost angrily looking at the unicorn.
-I would have been worthless ruler, if I had not been able to save my friends from danger.-
-You'll be a good ruler, if you will act wisely and not rush into the frying pan without thinking.- Bassoon retorted with a sigh. -I understand how you feel. But let me solve this problem, please. If you want, I can find her and order to return her to the castle. Just tell me and I'll do it.-
Doubt flickered in the eyes of the eldest princess. She sat down and looked thoughtfully at the scroll lying on the floor against the wall. Celestia levitated it to herself and reread the words, It still burned a fire within her heart, but now she hesitated. Suddenly, a thought flashed in her head. ‘Will Clover actually find immortality? Indeed, Equestria stores many secrets.’ Celestia got up and looked at Bassoon. He was still waiting for her decision.
-No...- She said softly, shaking her head -So be it, as she wants.-
-Then at least let me send her the assistance of a protectorate. I have a pegasus in mind, who would accompany and protect her from danger.-
-It's a good idea- Celestia smiled faintly. -Do whatever you think is right. I'm sorry, I...want to be alone for awhile.-
The door closed behind her, and silence swallowed up the remaining space. Only sad thoughts sounded here, echoes repeated like some quiet requiem. The rest was filled with silence and a certain sense of irrevocability, when the decision changed her life forever.
________________
Twilight looked up at Celestia. The Princess looked at the smoldering embers in the fireplace, but her eyes have seen quite a different picture from the distant past. So far, that she managed to change many times since then. And yet something else flashed in her eyes. Some subtle shine, as gleam of gold lying on the bottom of a lake.
-A minute till sunrise- Celestia said and stood up. Twilight winced and jumped up.
-You can stay- Added the princess.
The Princess’s magic opened the curtains and the door to the balcony. Outside, the stars went out, and the moon was almost hidden behind the horizon. If Celestia lingered a little, then a pitch darkness would come, but the princess wings spread and her horn shined brightly. Submitting to Celestia, the sun appeared on the other side of the world and became a grand stand, illuminating a new day. The rays entered into the room and lit it, the light reflected from the surfaces of the walls and the ceilings. The sun came into the room and now will not go away until the end of the day.
For Twilight such moments have always been something special. Watching as Celestia calls the sun...it always causes her to begin trembling. The feeling of being a present eyewitness of the most powerful and pristine magic and Celestia was the one who embodied it. Twilight timidly went to the balcony and sat down next to the princess. ‘She has not opened her eyes’ The unicorn thought, her little horn gleamed. Suddenly, it turned out that she was not the only one who felt this feeling to the princess, as she did. Although Twilight thought that there was nothing strange about it. It is impossible not to admire the princess, it is impossible not to love seeing what she does for others. She understood Stargazer now, with all of her heart, except that she herself did not occur to seek immortality, perhaps because of the very absurdity of such thinking. But who, if not Twilight, was faced with the absurd?
The Unicorn sighed from her own thoughts.
-This was the first letter I received- Celestia spoke, and the purple unicorn looked up. The Princess looked at her for its clean, smiling eyes. -She wrote me many letters while traveling around the country. I learned a lot from them about the lives of ordinary ponies, their anxieties, worries and hopes. They helped me to understand a lot. Clover left a priceless legacy, because all Equestria, as you know it, dear Twilight, grew out of it. With every letter I received a piece of her dreams, aspirations, desires; until, finally, it clearly lined up in front of me as a picture of the kingdom, which would be the best place for everyone. But...- The Princess sighed deeply, and Twilight felt that something is wrong.
-What happened to Stargazer?- She asked.
-I never saw her since then...- said Celestia, looking somewhere into the distance.- She died, never having found eternal life.-
The Unicorn’s ears drooped. -Thats awful... I'm so sorry- She murmured, but then faced the princess’s smile.
-Do not regret it, Twilight. It was inevitable. In addition, Stargazer’s story has not ended.-
Celestia returned to her room, and her faithful disciple of interest followed the princess. She slyly winked at twilight, going to a bookcase and used her magic to pull out an inconspicuous little red book. A lock clicked and shelves full of books, turned on their hinges, opening and revealing a secret closet. It contained hundreds of scrolls of various size and age. The ones lying on the top of the shelf looked terribly old. A sign above them had Clover Stargazer’s name. But there were also other names, including her own, Twilight Sparkle.
-This is my cache....- Said the princess. -Where I have kept the most precious thing to me, letters of ponies that were close to me.-
Twilight read the name plates. Some of these ponies she knew from history, but most of the names were unknown to her.
-When Stargazer died, I could not get over the grief. Many good, decent ponies died in the struggle against evil, who continued to fill Equestria even after the fall of Discord. But her death, I experienced sharper than the rest.
Celestia used her magic to pull out a small book with a wooden cover, from one of the shelves. When she untied the ribbons and opened it, Twilight saw that it was an album. The first page was a picture of a smiling unicorn with a light pale blue coat and orchid eyes. Her mane was like a piece of dark night, but only a quiff was falling over her eyes as a sunbeam. On the flank of that unicorn was a golden astrolabe.
-Stargazer...Twilight said softly.
-Yes, that's her... All that time, the only thing I was able to do is to draw her, being afraid that I would forget how she looks. I was afraid of many things...- Celestia paused, looking at the portrait, and then smiled- But a hundred years later, I met another unicorn- she turned over the album, and on the next page Twilight saw a pony with honey locks. -Honey Crisp. When I first saw her I was almost stupefied. Her eyes flashed the same spark as in the eyes of Stargazer. Maybe then it just seemed to me so...but eventually...-
Celestia transferred thoughtful look at Twilight. Unicorn then looked at the picture, then on the shelf with the letters. Lowered ears and muzzle expression showed that she was obviously ill at ease, while at the same time, she was painfully interested, what does the princess mean. The snow-white pony began quietly leafing through the album. Each page stored an imprint of the past, gone forever, such a warm and dear time to the princess. But Twilight felt that within this album was stored another mystery. All the pictured ponies were unicorns. And all of their eye colors were somehow similar to the color of Twilight’s eyes. She thought about it and unexpectedly said aloud. -It looks like it is only me, but just in different colors.-
The rustling of pages stopped abruptly. So dramatically that Twilight shuddered, shook her head and looked at Celestia. In the eyes of the ruler was hidden fear. She was breathing heavily, her mouth opened, gathering courage to the most important recognition of her life. After all, she did not even know what will happen next... Another sigh, and with a sinking heart, through force, sounded the innermost thoughts of the Solar Princess.
-Every time...from that day...as if Stargazer came back to me...dying again, again and again. Then being born next to me...and you...you...Twilight.-
-Am I Stargazer?-
In the silence that froze, the flecks of sunlight glared on the ceiling, and then began it’s leisurely course. The sun, listening to the last remark, as it found it absurd, walked on, leaving a great princess and her no longer young student to delve into the meaning of the phrase just uttered.
Celestia was the first to recollect herself. She smiled gently.
-No, of course. You are Twilight Sparkle, one of the most prominent sorcerers of all of Equestria. But at the same time, you and Clover are inextricably linked. We can say Stargazer’s spirit is in you. Her love for Equestria and almost childish delight in me. Or is it just seems to me...-
The princess bowed her head, drooping her wings, ready to humbly accept any stroke of fate, which could cause such a frank admission of a shocked Twilight. But the unicorn was in no hurry to lower the sword of her decision. Of course, this was unexpected, and the purple pony could not say with certainty, if she believed in what she just heard. Whirlpool of emotions and thoughts whirled inside her harder and harder, unable to find an answer. Twilight just could not understand anything.
The purple aura of her magic raised the album and flipped through to first page, stopping at the first portrait. The unicorn peered into the image of ponies, which meant so much to the princess. The pony, who admired Celestia as well, who was ready to follow her through thick and thin, infinitely respected and loved her friend and ruler.
-I think if there is something in common between me and Stargazer, it's a great affection for you, dear princess Celestia- Twilight said with a smile.
The Princess raised her head and her eyes were filled with tears. She leaned over and hugged the embarrassed unicorn.
-And I am eternally grateful to you for it. You, Stargazer, everyone who looked at me with a spark in their eyes.-
The sun waved its rays, peering into the room and smiled graciously. The question had been tormenting her snow-white friend, had finally been settled. Now she can be calm.
Touching moment of embrace was shamelessly interrupted by a knock at the door. Twilight only blinked, as the album had disappeared, and the bookroom closed with a slight click of a secret niche.
-Yes?- Exclaimed the princess. -Come in!-
The door opened, and one of the guards poked his head in.
-Excuse me, Your Highness, but ministers are interested about today's meeting.-
Twilight felt the tips of her ears turned red. For all today's events, she forgot about all public affairs. Unicorn looked at the princess, but she herself was imperturbable.
-Tell everyone that I'll be there in ten minutes.-
Guardsman, bowed, and departed. Celestia sighed and laughed.
-Well, see you at the meeting, Twilight my dear...- she said.
Unicorn realized that they really need to freshen up. The night vigil had affected her appearance, not in the best of ways. She bowed too and hurried away, but at the door she was stopped by a call from the princess. Twilight turned. Celestia looked at her strangely, thoughtful, and almost smiling.
- I...- like coming to her senses, said Celestia, but found no further words, and sighed.
-Have a nice day, Princess- Twilight smiled and walked away.
________________
The same evening, when the castle once again plunged into the darkness and silence. Once again sounded the soft clatter of hoofs from the purple unicorn. She hesitated for a long time to go to the princess’s room, but she felt that she would not sleep tonight, if she did not meet Celestia. if she did not not tell her everything that had accumulated in her soul for the entire day... She thought a lot about what Celestia said. Thoughts, again and again, returned to her words, arguing with the feelings. All her knowledge and experience told her, that these mysterious things did not exist, but for some reason her heart refused to take the reasons. It was necessary to clarify once and for all.
Twilight moved through the guard posted outside of the princess’s chambers.
Celestia could not sleep and waited for her. She stood on the balcony and looked at the stars. Twilight came over and stood next to her.
The silence lasted for about twenty minutes, then Celestia decided to interrupt. -I probably flustered you too much. You were so scattered...-
Twilight was silent.
-Did I somehow offended you?- Asked the princess.
-No, no, certainly not.- The unicorn shook her head.
-Then why are you so confused?-
-Celestia...- The purple pony looked up at the princess once again. -You told me yesterday that I was wrong, considering that I'm weak and silly, and unable to help you. Tell me, what have I done?-
Celestia tenderly and sadly looked at her.
-You proved to me that all I do is not in vain. The dream of Stargazer embodied, and continues to live... That's what I am confident, thanks to you. My life does not go to waste.-
The purple pony, master of magic, a royal minister unicorn, Twilight Sparkle suddenly understood and blushed. Throughout her life she had no idea that there is such a huge significance for the one she adored. She considered herself only able, but quite an ordinary pony, no better and no worse than others. And then she heard this...
-Can you tell me more about the adventures of Stargazer?- Suddenly asked Twilight. -Please. I would love to hear about her.-
Celestia smiled. -Well, of course.-
They came back inside...and sat by the fire.
________________
The End
Та, что ждёт и та, что возвращается; The one who waits and comes back
Written by: Silver Fox
Translated by: Reggie The Griffon & The Firemane
Special thanks to: Jackie
In memory of Silver Fox.
