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A temple is a serene place, intended for contemplation and meditation. A place; where one could study the inner and outer mysteries, of one's life.
I am walking along the street; and it is late, very late. For some reason beyond my understanding; highly unearthly serenity is sinking over me and the surroundings, where I am walking. This may be twilight, but still. The calm, before the storm.
While I had been walking on a fairly regular suburban street, I am finding myself stepping onto a path; laid with lavender, crystal stones. Not something one is expecting, and certainly not in this part of town. Maybe this is reflecting in my mood, but I should have found this change in scenery eerie and uncomfortable.
The road is surrounded with a tall stand of trees, in a highly unfamiliar forest. I can not identify the species of trees to the right and left; which I am finding highly curious and fascinating today. Or, is it tonight? Either way, I am following this path, nonetheless. Curiosity peaked, I can not resist the pull; slowly walking down this path, to wherever it may take me.
I probably should have been in bed, by now; safely, and sound asleep. The path is narrow, but I can easily follow it; through the forest around me, as the path continues to wriggle and twist, this way and that. The trees stand too close, for me to even see where I came from, or where I am going. There is a chill and frisky breeze, pulling me ever forwards; as if it had been calling my name.
While the path seems to be twitching, like a worm on the hook; time feels, as if it had been standing still. I continue, no hurry; why should I worry, I am bound to reach the goal soon enough. Maybe this is a dream? It is the surrealistic unearthliness you could only experience in a dream.
Of course, there it is. An octagonal temple; looking as if cur out of the very stone this path had been laid with, untold ages back. Had I known better; maybe I could have pointed out, just what kind of a structure it is. Though it is reminiscent of the Mayan step pyramids, for all I could see. Aside from the octagonal structure being cut out of a purple crystal more reminiscent of Amethyst, or possibly Sapphire?
I am confused; yet I do continue, forwards.
Before me, an opening or a door is opening up; as if I had been invited, to enter this sanctum. Naturally, I could not stop now; I continue, towards this marvelous building before me. If this is a dream, I have to see where I had been lead. If this is real, it is far too late; to turn back, and walk home. Or, maybe I should have been running? Twilight?
If not for the entrance, I could have continued to walk all the way to the top; then continue to walk, all the way down to the other side. All assuming, there is another side; and that the path does indeed continue, on the other side of this structure. I continue, up the stairs; ending up facing the entrance, I had been looking forwards to.
The door is indeed open, and I had been invited. By whom, and why; I have no idea. But, I would love to find out.
“Welcome!” I hear the unknown voice, belonging to Twilight Sparkle.
I step in, feeling secure in the warm welcome I had just received. Maybe I should have been suspicious, but I can not help myself, I enter, and continue into the structure.
The door slams shut, behind me; I can't return, or escape. Not now. A torch is flickering into life. The flame, warm, welcoming; leading me forwards, into the temple I had just entered. I had after all been welcomed. Even if the voice of the person is unknown and unfamiliar to me.
I had understood her words, as well as the welcome she had just imparted me with. I feel special. I could not have turned back now, after she had so graciously invited me. To wherever I had just entered. To see, whatever I am about to see. I have no idea.
While the room is ageless, as if lost in the mist of time; the floor is spotless, polished smooth and glossy. It is, as if none had ever been here, almost as if the room had just been built.
“Take of your shoes, please; before you enter my temple!” the voice pronounces, in a quiet whisper; indicating where I could place my shoes.
“Where are my manners?” I respond; “Of course!” I add, as I step out of my shoes.
“There, much better!” she responds; “You do not wish to disturb the tranquil serenity?” she continues.
There is a momentary, distinct breeze; from her yet unseen tail, twitching in an equine manner.
“Please, slip into these!” she offers; indicating something I could wear, on my now bare feet.
“Thank you!” I respond.
I find what is passing for a pair of indoors shoes; looking like something between a pair of cotton socks, and a pair of rubber foot replicas in what appears to be my size. Strangely enough; they fit comfortably, though I barely feel them on my skin. Naturally, they are a vibrant lavender. I guess these belongs to Twilight, so they had to be purple.
Had I looked down; I would have seen a pair of doll-like feet, in the rudimentary anime-like style. Everything is there, and it feels comfortable; though it is strange, to see these where I am used to see my own feet.
“I hope these are your size; and comfortable enough, for you!” she offers.
“Yes, thank you!” I respond, careful to express my gratitude genuinely and honest.
“Then, by all means; let us continue!” she suggests.
A door, opposite the entrance is sliding up before me; presenting a passageway, further into the temple I had just entered. As I step through, I do see a new torch on the wall. I feel the floor under my feet.
“A torch!“ I ponder; “What had I been expecting; from a building, carved out of rock?” I consider.
At first, the hall seems to go on forever; but somehow, I know there is an end. She is still by my side, even if she may be a shadow or a ghost.
My feet feel a bit squishy, with a slight hint of a squeak with each step I take; though the grip is unparalleled, and the floor under my feet is surprisingly comfortable to walk on. I have a perfect grip, as if I had been wearing sneakers; walking on dry stone floor. The floor feels more like smooth, wet ceramic tile; to me, though.
I could have counted the individual torches: one, two and three; but I did not, because it felt redundant and silly from the start. I could have cast a side-glance, hoping to see the person guiding me through the hall; I did not, but I can always do that later. Had I looked, I may have seen a hint of a shadow; of the owner of the voice, speaking to me.
“Clip, clop; clip, clop!” I hear, from the side where my companion is guiding me.
“Wait!” I ponder; “What is that?” I consider; “Why does it sound; as if I had a horse, beside me?” I conclude.
That is most certainly hooves, against the hard floor; even if I guess, it could be someone other than a horse? Zebra and Donkey have identical hooves. While I know a Pony is just a smaller Horse; but in this case, this Pony is not a Horse.
As I listen to the mare, beside me; I notice little signs, details that is pushing me of the original assumption. Even if she may be a Ghost, but still. Wait, is she actually a Ghost?
“Since you came to my Temple; it is in order, for me to show you the room you are looking for!” she offers.
“Thank you!” I respond; “That sounds delightful!” I add.
“This is the Twilight Temple!” she offers, seemingly out of the blue.
“I guess, that would make perfect sense!” I respond; “Is that, why you are here; guiding me, to the room?” I inquire, not grasping the width of what I had just said.
“You could say that, again!” she points out; “Even if I fear, you will never quit grasp the depth of where I just invited you!” she adds.
“Twilight, is the border-realm!” I suggest; “The border between where I came from, and where you are?” I point out.
“It is, in more ways; than you care to know, I am afraid!” she offers.
“Rumours has it, this place is haunted by a very special Ghost!” I mumble, somewhat embarrassed.
“That is one meaning, of the word; even if it may not be the place, you would want to go!” she points out.
“I was not looking for a Ghost, exactly; and I did not want to visit the hereafter, or the afterlife!” I put forth.
While it may have been late, as in twilight; but this is just that, a possible key to this place.
“Maybe the border, between what is possible; and what is not, is more appealing?” she inquires.
“If Twilight is not just a name, or a time of day; that is as good a reason, as any I ever heard!” I respond.
“It most certainly is not just a name!” she points out; “While the temple did need a name, but it is named after me: Twilight!” she explains.
In surprise, I look up. As I do, I notice a new light; glowing from a point just before her forehead. I may not know it is her head, but the light is glowing; leaving stark shadows around us. A door appears before us, on her right; soon swinging up, wide open. What is unmistakable, is the deep, purple hue of the steady glow. I do not know, or understand the significance of what I see; and she is not forthcoming, explaining what it is.
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There are no torches in this room, yet it is obviously well lit.
As the door is closed behind me, I can no longer see the torches in the hall; but I could see the hall being stark black. Of course, there is no point in the effect of torches; when I can't see the light. What's the point?
“I hope you like tea, because I do!” she points out.
“Tea?” I inquire; “Of course!” I then add; “Who does not love a good cup of tea?” I ponder, quietly; without a word, smiling inwardly.
“Good, because I will be brewing tea; for the both of us, and I would hate to see you not enjoying it with me!” she exclaims.
This room seems rather small, but it could as easily have been a kitchen. Then again, there is the kitchen-sink. I know, partially; because it has a tap, from which she is effectively extracting fresh, cold water for the tea.
The desktop could have been made out of a single stone, polished to perfection; or stain-less steel. Who am I to say? Either way, it is three feet deep, and ten feet long. The sink is clearly on the right side. There is a seam, three inches under the top-surface, other than that; it is perfectly smooth, and spot-less. This is a temple, but still.
Of course, there is one unexpected event taking place. As I look towards the origin of the spoken words; I see my companion, clear as daylight. She is in fact quite real; a lavender Pony mare. Her features, quite equine; just not the Pony, or Horse I had been expecting from the sounds of her hooves. How could I have been expecting a living, breathing Unicorn; standing before me, speaking and brewing tea?
“Sorry, if the revelation startled you!” she pronounces, just as I gasp, in obvious surprise.
“I think I prefer this, over the rumoured Ghost!” I offer.
“Thank you, dear!” she says; “I am very much alive, just like you!” she then adds.
“Oh!” I exclaim; “Though I guess the option of a dream could have been pleasing, too!” I put forth.
“This will become quite clear, after a cup of tea; I assure you!” she points out.
“I guess the tea would be quite nice, right about now!” I respond.
“Since you can see me in the flesh, it would be in order for me to present myself!” she points out; “I am Twilight Sparkle, a Unicorn!” she presents herself.
In embarrassment; I am momentarily looking down, at my own feet. Or; what had originally been my now bare feet. My feet still very much bare, but now clearly purple, in a hue, matching her coat-colour. Though, it is looking more; like a vague approximation of what had been my feet.
“With feet like these; I guess I could stand to show up bare feet!” I realize; “Even if they would stand out, anywhere else!” I ponder.
Though it is nothing that could not be fixed, with a little bit of Make-up magic. Even a simple girl like me, could carry that out; so long as it is not unexpectedly hot, or humid at the time. Then again, how well could I manage to walk on the side of the swimming-pool, with wet tiles?
“Could, or would I put on nail-polish; even if I just made due, with a clear coat?” I ponder, not saying anything right now.
Maybe I should wait, until after the tea, or when I leave? Would asking her, hurt her feelings? Would it hurt her more, if I assumed the answer? Maybe she would prefer, I ask; learning the truth, so that I could avoid damaging these wondrous shoes?
Of course, there is another question; much more urgent, pressing here and now. Aside from, what teas she could be having. What kind of a temple is this? I have no idea, as to what the Twilight temple really is.
Had I forgotten to ask, or is it better to wait; until after the tea, when she may be more eager to answer questions? I do not know; but I have the impression, she is very eager to have her tea. Right now. Maybe sharing it, makes her happy? If so, I would be only too happy; to share the tea with her, as well. She gave me no reason, to believe it is anything wrong with the tea; anything that could hurt me, if I drank it with her.
She pours water into the crystal-clear teapot, as I am watching her. Once it had been filled up, she inserts the net; filled up with fresh tea-leaves. I notice a faint, purple glow around the pot; before the water is starting to heat up, then boil. No need for electricity, when you have a Unicorn at hand?
I watch her, as she is extracting the spent tea-leaves; dumping them into a bucket she readily stashes away out of sight. Now she is producing a pair of large tea-cups.
“Would you take it with sugar, or milk?” she inquires, courtly.
“Two lumps of sugar, please; but no milk!” I respond.
She picks up two lumps of sugar, dropping them gently into my cup. I watch the sugar dissolve into the hot brew. A vortex appears in the brew in my cup, as the sugar is spreading evenly in the tea.
“I hope this will be to your taste!” she offers, generously.
“Thank you, Twilight!” I respond, smiling.
“Have a seat, please!” she offers; as she is pulling the chair out, for me.
“Thank you, Twilight!” I respond; as I accept the seat, and comfortably sit down.
She is standing on the other side of the table, picking her cup up; as my seat is sliding on, and I pick my cup up with her.
“Cheers!” she exclaims, lifting her cup in a warm salute.
“Cheers!” I respond, lifting my cup.
“I hope you are comfortable, here with me!” she now puts forth.
“Oh, yes; Twilight, I am quite comfortable here!” I respond; “Though I am still struggling with the situation; I had not exactly expected to see you here, or anyone like you!” I then confess.
“Since you did not run away; or ignore me, as if I had not been here!” she offers; “I do enjoy having you here!” she puts forth, grinning.
She takes a sip, of her tea, and I follow her example, enjoying the tea she had offered me. I guess the guys at the pub would have compared it, with how they enjoy sharing a glass with a friend. Maybe I am mistaken, but it is my impression.
“I am curious!” she offers; “I am a very curious Pony, and I love learning new things and meeting new friends!” she then continues.
“It hurts me, when they run away; as if I had been a spectre, or a dangerous beast!” she puts forth; explaining her situation, further.
“Curiosity, killed the Cat; you know!” I tease her.
“Still, curiosity is vital; for the personal growth, and enjoyment of life!” I offer, generously.
I take another sip, leaning back in thought; considering the situation, and what she is just telling me. I nod.
“I can't help, but sympathize with you!” I then offer.
“When I heard you, I felt summoned; thus I teleported up, to greet you!” she puts forth.
“You heard me, as I entered the temple?” I inquire.
“Yes, but of course; though I guess it is not quite like you would describe hearing, but rather a sense of something interesting I just had to investigate!” she explains.
“Summoned? How do you mean?” I inquire.
“Technically speaking; I could have ignored it, and you!” she explains; “Though there are some things, one can simply not ignore!” she adds; “I felt, as if it had been knocking on the door, or I had been summoned to this place; to greet you, and to learn more about you!” she concludes.
“Like hearing the doorbell of your home, or when your Boss asks you to perform your job; as opposed to a Daemon, or Ghost being summoned?” I inquire, hoping to gain some additional understanding and knowledge here.
“I guess that description, is as good as any I could have conjured up!” she responds.
“That is reassuring, to me; and I guess, that would feel good for you too!” I put forth.
“Thank you, my dear; yes, it actually does!” she points out.
Just as curiosity had opened the door, between us; familiarity is pushing fear away, leaving us in a warm and friendly situation. I relish in the new-found friendship, sharing a moment with the mare I had never expected to see.
Once the cloak of differences and alieness had been cut away, we are free to enjoy a moment together. I can see and recognize the friendly smile, on her face; where previously, I could see nothing recognizable. She is the friend, I had not previously met. Even when her facial details and expressions was completely different, from expected cues; I can learn to interpret them, for what they are. By listening to her voice, and what she is saying; I learn, what she feels, and how she is feeling about her world.
Of course, that could be said; from the perspective of the mirror, helping her understand me as well.
“Then I can put all these Ghost-stories to rest, knowing you are just like me; just wearing a different skin, with a very different life behind you!” I offer.
“A friend, is indeed a friend; even if you may have to go through hard times, to realize it!” she puts forth.
“You can never get too many friends, right!” I suggest; “Just as a good cup of tea, can save the day!” I offer.
“That does sound, just like an old friend of mine!” she responds; “Exactly!” she merely puts forth.
Then I look at her, smiling back at her. As I observe her, from the other side of the table; I see the purple coat of fur, the horn, and finally the mark on her flank. A large, deeper purple star; with a group of five diminutive companion stars, surrounding it.
“Nice tattoo!” I probe; “How did you come up with it?” I inquire.
“That is not a tattoo, it's my Cutie Mark!” she points out; “It is a sign of who I am, the Element of Magic!” she explains.
“Magic?” I exclaim; “Oh, yeah; you are a Unicorn, right?” I offer.
“Yes, exactly!” she responds; “You know of Unicorns?” she inquires.
“Yes, of course; though most of it is from legends, and mythology of old!” I respond; “But it seems, at least some of it is true; since you are standing before me, drinking tea!” I then add, hastily.
“Myths and legends, we do have these too!” she responds; “Most of the time; there is a core of truth behind it, distorted and twisted by time and countless retellings!” she explains.
“Makes me wonder; who these ancient Unicorns were, and how they lived!” I offer.
“There are two possible answers to that question!” she puts forth; “I only know one of these answers; assuming you speak of people from my own past; coming over here, seen by your ancestors!” she explains.
“That would be a very convenient answer; I half by half wish that is in fact true!” I respond.
“Convenient, but only one possibility!” she offers; “Still, better than the degraded myths and Ghost-stories!” she adds.
“What if Ghost-stories, is a means to explain; events you experience, when your mind refuses to acknowledge the witness of your own senses?” I propose.
“That could account for a good deal, of these stories!” she responds.
“Exciting; now I am growing even more eager, to get to know you!” I point out.
I take a sip; stop and observe the Pony, standing before me. A smile spreading over my lips, as I enjoy the situation she had invited me to share with her.
“In that light, there are a few things I need you to see!” she points out; “If you like, what you see; maybe I could invite you back, to see more?” she offers; “I do know; you are enjoying the tea, with me!” she concludes.
“Yes, the tea is lovely!” I confirm; “I would love to see, what you want to show me!” I add.
As her tea runs dry, when she takes a sip, she pours herself another cup. She takes a sip, as she is intently observing me. I note a curious look, on her face.
“She seems the curious, inquisitive character!” I ponder, giggling at the observation.
“You need another cup?” shew inquires, as she notices my cup being empty.
“Yes, please!” I respond.
She pours up more tea, for me; in the delicate white porcelain cup. First now, I actually notice the curious design. Not a Human design, by any means; but clearly a cup, intended for a Pony to use. Maybe the design is responsible; for the slightly awkward feel of the cup, I had been drinking from?
She clearly handle her cup, expertly; with the grace of long practice, and perfect control. I am finding myself envious, of her; the delicate control of the cup, she is demonstrating, as if it had been nothing. I can't help it, and I can barely hide or disguise it; hoping she is not bothered, by it. She says nothing, letting me know; she understands, where I come from.
This is a Royal design, intended for Unicorns; not even for Pegasi or Earth-ponies. She made no mention of these; even if she is clearly more than just aware of them, but clearly value their friendships.
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Author's Note
Private Tour