The sound of her voice

Chapters

The best pageant ever!
Awakening
Growth
Thwarted explorations
Tangents

The best pageant ever!

Twilight stretched and groaned, the final touches having just been finished up around the large stage she was working on. This year, rather than star in the Hearth’s Warming Eve pageant, she and the other girls had put their talents to work on the backstage side of the production. Twilight had lots of ideas for magical effects that would really bring the pageant to life; Rarity was the head prop designer, and was working closely with Applejack on the stage. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all helped in their own ways, too. The entire crew working together under their direction was sure to make this the best pageant ever!

Twilight was about ready to call it a day, content that everything was as ready as she could make it. Besides, they had to get started on dress rehearsals starting tomorrow, and that was sure to bring a whole new set of issues to work on. She decided that she'd give the new magic effects system she'd put into place around the stage a quick once over to make sure it worked before heading to her suite, Princess Celestia having given the girls accommodations for their stay in Canterlot for the season.

Twilight was interrupted though when bronze coated golden maned earth pony went crashing down near by, his over full saddlebags ripping sending their contents everywhere as he hit the floor. Naturally everypony rushed over to help it wasn't long before everything was put back in order and the only injury had been to the earth pony's dignity.

Once Twilight was done helping the fallen pony she turned back to her testing of the magical effects. She wanted to make sure it could handle the worst the pageant and any future play might have to offer it so she was really gonna go all out on this test and put it thru its paces. Inputting a series of commands she conjured up a roaring fire and booming thunderstorm to roll across the stage. There was a low hum of power as fake clouds gathered and sparks dance thru the air and across the ground as the effects shaped up. Eyes focused on the visual in front of her Twilight failed to notice the warning lights on the control panel at her hooves which would have told her too much magic was feeding thru the system and quickly building up to be more than it was designed to handle, the illusion threatening to become all too real.

There was a crackle of thunder and Twilight grinned broadly at her own creation finally a loud pop from the control panel accompanied by sparks flying off it to strike her coat got her attention she looked down to see it was already far too late. “Get down everypony!” she shouted out focusing her magic before her doing what she could to shield all the others. Lighting struck out from the illusory clouds rebounding off Twilight's shield. It kept going and building till the bolt had become an ball of light too bright to look directly at. Pouring more power into her shield Twilight stood steadfast determined to keep her friends safe from this accident that she was responsible for or so she thought. The light grew brighter and it was the last thing she was to see for a very long time. There was a sound like a bell being struck so hard it broke and then she knew no more.

Twilight awoke to darkness and pain. Her whole body screamed at her informing her of a myriad of trouble spots she couldn't begin to catalog. She tried to open her eyes but they wouldn't cooperate with her and since the mere act of trying to open them seemed to take a mountain of effort Twilight decided to forgo opening her eyes for the moment and focused on what her other senses could tell her thru the blanket of aches that covered her. She was on a bed she could tell that much, though it wasn't her bed at home or in the palace as it wasn't nearly comfortable enough or familiar enough to be either of those. There was a soft beeping coming from nearby that would probably grow to be irritating beyond belief if left there. Was somepony nearby? She couldn't tell, she couldn't hear anything that sounded like somepony nearby but thru the haze of pain that didn't count for much. Twilight tried to speak but her voice cracked and came out as an incomprehensible noise. Swallowing Twilight tried again this time managing to coerce her parched vocal cords into making a comprehensible if garbled sentence. “Water...please...” she croaked out and quickly was answered.

“Twilight, darling! You're awake. Oh thank heavens!” answered the sweet dulcet sounds of Rarity's voice. Soon Twilight felt the cool lip of a cup being pressed gently to her lips, held firmly there in Rarity's mystic grasp waiting patiently for her to drink her fill.

Gratefully did Twilight drink the water, despite knowing she shouldn't she guzzled the water her throat and stomach thanking her for it. Feeling better from the simple glass of water Twilight found it easier to concentrate and now her curiosity was peaked, where was she and why did it seem like Rarity had been waiting for her? “Rarity, where am I? Why can't I open my eyes?” she asked.

There was a moments hesitation before Rarity responded to her questions. First Twilight felt two comforting hooves take her own hooves within them and hold them gently. Then Rarity spoke. “There was an.... accident yesterday at the stage.” Her cultured measured tones came forth. “The special magic effects you had designed for the stage, the control box for it very nearly exploded under your hooves! And it was all that oafish earth pony's fault!” Rarity sounded to be on the verge of tears though she continued on with her story. “Once everything calmed down a bit I... well the Princess and I more her than me really... we looked into what happened. When that colt stumbled he unmounted one of the ground couplings for the magic effects. Apparently without that link the safeties couldn't compensate for the amount of magic going into the system. That storm and fire they very nearly became real! If you hadn't been so bold and thrown yourself in front of it all to shield everypony Celestia knows what might have happened!”

Twilight felt Rarity pull her into a gentle but firm hug as best she could while Twilight lay bed ridden. “The doctors were scared too for a while, you have been out for the better part of a full day. No one really knew what happened in the blast only that you had taken the brunt of it. You were hauled straight here even before the Princess arrived. Everyone looked to me for answers since we had worked so close together. I didn't know what to do but the princess she took everything well in hoof. Oh, oh the others I need to tell the nurses and the others that you've awoken!” Rarity slowly parted from her hug. “Do you need anything before I go let them know? More water? Anything at all?” Rarity sounded eager to do something, anything to prove useful at the moment.

Twilight sucked in a deep breath. Everything Rarity had told her swirling around her still partially addled brain. She needed a moment alone to think on it all to make sense of it. “No... thank you Rarity, I'll be fine for a moment. Please go tell everypony that I'm awake and alright now.” Twilight felt Rarity pull further away from her then she paused. Was that Rarity's horn pressed against her hoof? She thought she felt Rarity's lips move, saying something silently, but she couldn't be sure, too much vied for her attention in her brain and she was in no state to concentrate on a thousand an one things as she normally did. There was the sound of hooves on the floor and the door opening then shutting softly as Rarity left leaving Twilight alone in the darkness.

Now without the comfort of another pony near her everything came rushing in to fill the gap. She remembered the painfully bright light of the spell gone haywire. How she had stood before it alone shielding it from all the other ponies without a second thought. The painful backlash as her shield spell failed knocking her unconscious. Then the newer sensations came to crowd out her memories. Twilight hadn't felt this bad since that time Derpy Hooves had dropped half the contents of a moving wagon on her head. It felt like the piano that had hit her head that time had hit her again, repeatedly, across her entire body. Magical backlash was something she hadn't had to deal with in ages, since she was a filly over extending herself in school desperate to prove to the princess that she was a worthy choice to be her star pupil. She hadn't recalled it feeling this bad before. But then she'd never had a spell that big fail on her either.

With a groan Twilight shifted her body, trying to find a slightly more comfortable position. The door clacked open and shut once again bringing the overly sanitized scent of the hospital in with it making it stronger. The clack of hooves on the floor grew and Twilight guessed that some pony was standing near her bed. “Lady Twilight of the Sparkle family, correct? I am nurse Willow Tree, How are you feeling?”

Twilight flinched to hear her name spoken so formally with her rank attached too. She'd never cared much to lay claim to what was her due as a member of the nobility of Canterlot and the as the star pupil of one of the Diarch's of Equestria. She paused for a moment and assessed herself again to give an honest answer to the nurse. “Please.... just Twilight I'm a normal pony like any other. As for how I feel.” she shifted again “I feel like I just took a ride on the friendship express while I was strapped to the bottom of the front grill.” She laughed weakly at her own joke. “Nurse... Why can't I open my eyes?” she asked trying to keep the edge of panic out of her voice.

There was a scribbling noise. Twilight guessed the nurse was making a notation on her chart. “Well I suppose that is to be expected with a case of magic backlash like yours. It could be a lot worse if I understand what happened correctly though I also understand you probably prevented the building from collapsing and saved the lives of all the ponies in it.” The nurse's speech slowed. “Well... We are still running tests but for your eyes... well... you were injured in the backlash, particularly your eyes. They were over exposed to an exceedingly bright light source. The doctors are checking now to see how permanent the damage is and what treatment is an option, magical or otherwise. Though I am sure there will be nothing but good news. From what I hear Princess Celestia herself has order the royal medical facilities to take part in your treatment. Now then, Give me a moment and I will return with something for the pain, are you hungry? Or is there anything you'd like me to return with?”

Twilight shook her head before her head informed her that such a movement was a bad idea at the moment. Clutching her head between her hooves. “No.... owwie... thank you nurse Willow Tree. Something for the pain will be all I need for now.” There was the sound of more scribbling “Very well then Miss Sparkle, I will return shortly.” Again the sound of hooves came and the soft click clack of the door before Twilight was left alone with her thoughts again.

Twilight laid back on her bed, time seemed to stretch out abnormally long before her when no one was around. With no way to measure the time besides the beating of her heart Twilight's subconscious soon began to play upon her worst fears. Maybe no pony was coming back? Maybe she would be forgotten about, left on the wayside to fend for herself since she was now useless without her eyes. Logically she knew that scarcely any time had passed since Rarity and Nurse Willow tree had left but it felt oh so much longer and she was so much more alone in her head than she actually was. Her perception was what was skewed at the moment but for all the Twilight was the cool headed logical pony of the group (certain isolated incidences not withstanding) her logic wasn't in control at the moment. She was BLIND she screamed in her head who had ever heard of a blind librarian? Worse yet how would she continue her studies or even care for herself without her vision. The tales of handicapped ponies leading full complete lives were far away from her thoughts at the moment. Twilight tossed and turned biting her pillow so her whimpers of pain might not disturb any pony else, if there was any pony else in the room with her or nearby to hear her. Idly part of her mind not otherwise occupied wondered if this is what Rainbow Dash had felt like when she broke her wing. Slowly Twilight curled in on herself wrapping into a tight ball and shaking since her eyes hurt too much to cry.

Untold time passed with Twilight in this position, balled up and rocking herself from side to side for what little comfort it had. The sound of hooves drawing near brought her out of her daze, she uncurled from her fetal position not wanting any pony to see her like that and worry them about her mental state. It was already bad enough that she was in a hospital, she didn't need some shrink poking around her magic addled mind as well. The door opened and shut and the cool collected professional tone of Nurse Willow tree came to Twilight's ears. “Here we are Miss Sparkle. This will help with the pain. Test are still being run as of yet and the doctor will come to consult with you as soon as the results are in.” Gently a pair of pills were pressed to Twilight's lips, she pulled them into her mouth and then felt a paper cup gently pressed to her lips as well, water to help wash the medicine down with. Twilight gratefully gulped down the water and leaned back slowly. “Those will kick in shortly, If you aren't feeling up to it I can make sure that you aren't bothered to till you are feeling better.”

“NO!” the word exploded from Twilight's lips almost before thought. “I mean uh, please, let my friends visit I wouldn't want to worry them.” Twilight gave a weak laugh.

Nurse Willow tree was silent a moment “As you wish Miss Sparkle” she finally said. Softly did the nurse leave the room with the door gently shutting behind here. Twilight could hear voices just outside her room familiar ones and couldn't help but smile. “Well hurry it up will ya?” came Rainbow Dash's voice impatient and loud.

The door opened and there was a thunder of hooves as Twilight's closest friends piled into the room filling it with the warmth of their presence. Though she couldn't see them she could feel them and her cheeks hurt from the broadness of her grin. Just having them there made her feel better. Voice came crashing down at the same time, impossible to individuate. There was a stamp on the ground and then Rarity's voice as the fashionista came to the purple pony's rescue. “Girls, One at a time please, remember Twilight isn't well so we'll take turns.” A comforting hoof placed itself on Twilight who could only presume it was Rarity's. She settled her other hoof on top of Rarity's and squeezed lightly to let her know she appreciated the gesture.

“Ah just wanted wanted to say that we're here for you sugarcube, not just all us girls here but Granny smith and Big Macintosh and Applebloom, shucks even all of Ponyville. Anything you need Twi you just let me know.” came Applejack's voice.

“I've already flown to Ponyville and back” said Rainbow Dash. “I let Mayor Mare and Spike and all the others know. Spike is packing up a few things and will be here on the next train in. Mayor Mare has already gotten some volunteers together to run the library while you're away she said to tell ya that you just worry about getting better ok?”

“And I'm going to make you the yummiest bestest biggest get better cake and party and everything in all of Equestria! So you just get better super duper fast okie dokie lokie?” bounced Pinkie's voice, yes some how even the voice of the hyper active pink pony seemed to bounce about like its owner did.

There was some soft almost dainty scraping and the scent of flowers filled the room “Fluttershy ah'd wondered where you got off to.”

“Oh Fluttershy dear that is just the loveliest bouquet I have ever seen.” Exclaimed Rarity.

“Oh...I just thought they'd smell lovely and make Twilight feel more at home here while she got better” came Fluttershy's timid voice.

Twilight let forth a small giggle “They smell lovely Fluttershy Thank you girls all so much. I can't tell you how much it means to me that you already got all this done for me.” Twilight felt the warm presence of her friends come closer as they pressed in for a group hug.

“Well isn't this a lovely scene.” sounded the warm tones of Princess Celestia. “Now now, stay as you are girls this is no occasion for formality as I am here to visit a sick friend just as you are.” Though slowly the group hug did dissipate one pony did stay close her hoof over Twilight's. “So my star pupil how are you feeling currently?” Asked the Princess.

“Well all things considered I feel pretty good right now. The medicine they gave me for the pain is just starting to kick in so my head doesn't hurt so bad but it is a bit disconcerting to not be able to see. I'd never realized just how much I depended on my sight till now and it hurts not to be able to see you all right now. I'm sure I'll be fine though, the doctors think its just an extreme cash of backlash or so I've been told.” Twilight informed her mentor and friends.

Rarity scoffed. “Backlash, Darling? Backlash never gave anypony worse than a bad head or stomach ache, what you have is clearly something more serious than backlash.”

“Lets not jump to conclusions now Rarity, I'm sure the doctors are treating this with all seriousness as I know my own medical team is too When they are sure what is going on they will let us know, but if they think it is backlash for now then we will trust them.” said the Princess. “Nevertheless I do tend to agree with Rarity this seems like more than simple backlash though if it is only backlash then surely its the worst case ever recorded. Anyway, I came by Twilight to see how you were doing, unfortunately duty calls and I cannot stay long though I did wish to offer you the choice. Once the doctors feel you are well enough to be moved, you are more than welcome back to your rooms at the palace while you get better any and all of your friends and family of course would be most welcome to visit during your convalescence.”

Awakening

After helping that oafish colt get up and gather his things, Rarity had gone to her props mistress to continue her discussion over a few set elements that just weren't harmonizing right. She had been on the verge of a decision when Twilight's voice rang out clear and strong above the general bustle of the backstage. “Get Down, Everypony!” she'd heard and naturally turned to see what was the matter this time.

Twilight leapt forward, heedless of the danger to her person. She quickly formed a mother of pearl shield around the malfunctioning stage show, a fuchsia- and magenta-swirled beam of arcane power gone wrong roaring thunderously skyward. It was the bravest thing Rarity had ever witnessed. The light of the deflected spell grew impossibly bright, and Rarity raised her hoof to shield her eyes even as she turned away.

“Somepony hit the power!” called out Applejack's voice from somewhere in the confusion. There was a pained cry and the sound of glass shattering; the bright light disappeared, as did all the other lights in the building. Somepony must have been successful in cutting off the power.

“All unicorns please create a simple light on your horns, low power please. I'm sure every ponies eyes are still smarting after... whatever that was,” Rarity said, amazed at the calmness of her own voice. She credited shock for letting her act like this, rather than reaching immediately for her fainting couch as she otherwise would have. She also followed her own direction, a gentle blue-white glowing ball forming at the tip of her horn. Moments later, the room was softly lit by the ephemeral glow of a dozen more such balls.

Rarity managed to look calm and collected, her years of blending in with the fashionable crowd standing her in good stead. She kept a firm grip on her panic for now and took charge of the situation, though she could not fathom why she felt the need to do so. Rarity stepped thru the debris scattered around by the accident and made her way to Twilight's side. The violet unicorn laid still on her side, and Rarity couldn't tell if she was breathing or not.

The thought hitched her panic a dozen notches higher, making it that much harder to control. Rarity felt tears flow down her cheeks. She was unable to stop them, nor could she do anything else for the moment. She didn't know what to do! Twilight was the planner of the group, the organizer who made sure everyone and everything was in its perfect place. Oh how she adored and envied that keen eye for detail that Twilight had-- she shook her head. Now was not the time for that.

Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her. Thankfully, the semi-darkness remained long enough to hide this from everypony nearby. With a swoop and the thud of hooves on the ground, light spread throughout the room with the full intensity of the Harvest Moon. In such an enclosed space, it was enough to see by at least somewhat comfortably.

Princess Luna had entered the damaged theater, having been drawn to it by the signal flare of magical energy and the hundred-foot-high column of fuchsia and magenta light. Her eyes drifted downward to Twilight’s unconscious form.

“What happened here? Oh my, Twilight Sparkle!” The princess looked distant for a moment, then shook her head. “The proper authorities are on their way, if they weren't already drawn by the light. Are there any other seriously injured ponies? If so, I will transport them all immediately to the hospital.”

There was a murmur around the room as every pony took stock of him- or herself. No, no more major injuries; Twilight had seen to that. Cradling Twilight in a gentle magical embrace, Luna disappeared in flash violet light, carrying the unicorn as she would a young foal.

Applejack apparently wasn't as fazed as Rarity felt at the moment. She made sure the magical effects box that had started the whole mess was firmly and physically disconnected from everything before calling out.

“RD, could yah hit those lights again? I got this contraption over here disconnected so it should be safe to turn the power back on.” There was a clank and a brief hum, and slowly the lights began to return to the undamaged parts of the room. Some of the wires that had been pulled out of their mountings when the ceiling over the stage collapsed sparked and popped fitfully.

A few moments later, a squadron of the city watch was on scene, as were a number of ambulances with paramedics dutifully going over each pony for injuries. Apart from Twilight, the worst injuries were a few cuts and bruises left by flying debris. Rarity herself was shocked to discover a long shallow gash across her flank. While it would heal cleanly without leaving a mark, she was nonetheless disparaged to see the ugly red line marring her beautiful white flank. The city watch painstakingly took statements from every pony there as the paramedics attended to the injured. It was a laborious job, and Rarity was glad she didn't have to do it.

Rarity had just finished her turn giving her statements when a young watch-mare approached her, bowing her head courteously.

“Miss Rarity,” the mare stated, “you’re the last one for me to find. There is a chariot outside waiting to take you to the hospital; your friends are already seated and ready to go. Princess Luna requests you join her there as soon as possible. Now that you've been treated and your statement has been taken, you're free to go.” The watch-mare bowed her head again and trotted off to other duties. Rarity thanked the officer who had been questioning her and made her way outside. It was easy to spot the large royal chariot even without Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash waving at her to hurry up.
Rarity climbed aboard the chariot, and before she was even properly settled it darted off through the streets of Canterlot.

‘How rude,’ she thought to herself. Her natural instincts for social grace played off any outward signs of irritation.

“I'm sorry girls,” Rarity began, addressing her friends. “The stallion questioning me was particularly diligent in his duties. You'd think he'd never seen a mare as beautiful as me. Oh what am I saying I know there is only one mare as beautiful as me and that is me--”

‘And only one more beautiful...’ She bit her tongue to keep from saying more, wondering what in the world was coming out of her mouth. The blast must have addled her wits more than she thought. Good thing she was on her way to the hospital anyway, just in case.

“Still,” Rarity continued, “I think he was hoping to ask what my 'special talent' was.” She flounced her mane to emphasize the point. A look of distaste graced her features as she noticed bits of plaster and wood embedded in her hair, and began working diligently to clean them out as best she could by hoof, even as the chariot raced towards the hospital.

Inside the hospital, an aide directed them down a hallway to a small private waiting room, where they were expected. The small waiting room contained a solemn Princess Luna.

“She's stable, that much is good,” said the princess without ceremony as the group entered. “The medical staff haven’t finished examining her yet, but they should be done shortly. I've talked with the doctors, and they have agreed to let one of you stay with her, should any of you desire. The rest of you should return to the castle and get some sleep, as there probably won't be any more information until tomorrow.”

Rarity raised her hoof instantly to volunteer. The girls stared at her momentarily.

“Oh don't be that way,” she said, cutting her friends off before they could raise any objections. “I'm fresh as a daisy since all I've done is sat on my haunches and talked.” She looked over each of the girls, addressing them in sequence.

“Pinkie Pie, you helped get the catering done while we worked, and helped Applejack in props. Applejack, I don't think I saw your tools leave your hooves for any longer than it took you to eat all day long! Surely you must be exhausted. Dash, you must have flown the distance from Canterlot to Ponyville and back twice today with all the errand flying you’ve done. And Fluttershy, while I know you're such a kind soul that you'd stay too, I know how you dislike large hospitals, especially when they are meant for ponies and not animals. Besides, who else could be depended upon to find the absolutely perfect get well gift for Twilight?” The other girls looked mostly cowed, save Rainbow Dash. She opened her mouth to speak, until Rarity shot her a death glare that would have given even Discord pause.

Princess Luna broke the silence. “Well then, that being settled it is getting on, and I am due to hold an open court in half an hour. Rarity, is there anything of yours at the castle that you might need tonight? Any of your belongings you can't do without?”

Rarity bowed her head low. “No, your highness, nothing that I can think of. If there is any important news I will be sure to send word. Otherwise, good night girls. I will see you all in the morning.” The others said their goodnights and left the waiting room with the princess, who paused to inform the nurse that Rarity would be staying.

After the others left, the nurse eyed Rarity. “Seems like you're about dead on your hooves, too. Are you sure you don't want to go get some rest too?” Rarity rubbed at her eyes, finding them surprisingly heavy now that the adrenaline was wearing off. She shook her head though. “Alright, now normally we don't let visitors stay like this, but it was a special request from the Princess so we're bending the rules. Please don't give me cause to regret this.”

The nurse motioned for Rarity to follow her down a small maze of hospital corridors. “Your friend is out of the examination room now, so she'll be staying here. She's still unconscious, so please don't be too loud. There is a call button on the bed, by the door and in the bathroom should an emergency crop up, otherwise the nurses station is the first left down that way.” Her short briefing complete, the nurse walked off to attend to her other duties.

Rarity sighed softly to herself after the nurse left. She was grateful to finally be alone after the accident. Truth be told, she wasn't sure how much longer she could have kept up the front. Gently, she shut the door behind her before looking into the room. Twilight was there, hooked up to several machines whose purposes Rarity didn't know. The sight of Twilight laying helplessly in that bed, a bandage around her eyes and tubes going into her, broke Rarity’s heart. She just couldn't take it any more.

Walking over to the edge of the bed, Rarity rested her head at Twilight's side, and cried. These were not the great sobs she used when she was being dramatic for emphasis, but rather real tears. She did her best to keep her sobs quiet, mindful that she could disturb others or perhaps wake Twilight before she was ready.
Rarity cried for a short while as the evening played out in her head. The confusion of the accident, the fear for her safety and that of of everyone else there, and most of all the fear for her dearest friend who had thrown herself into the path of danger and saved them all swirled in her mind, with the exhaustion of a long day on top of that. It had all been too much. She felt better having cried herself out, her mind clearer albeit somewhat fogged with the need for sleep.

Rarity sat in a chair next to the edge of the bed, thinking. What had come over her at the theater tonight? She was never the kind of pony to take charge like that, or at least she had never thought of herself that way. As she tried to search her own mind for answers, she kept coming back to one simple, overriding, and powerful reason.

She was concerned for Twilight.

Rarity rested her head on the side of the bed near Twilight's hoof as she kept trying to tease out her reasoning. Truth be told, she had never much indulged in self-reflection. Was there perhaps a book she could read that would help her make sense of her own mind? She'd have to ask Twilight about such a thing later; for now, she would do her best alone. As her thoughts kept circling each other in her mind, sleep crept up on Rarity, and gently claimed her.

]-*-*-*-

Rarity awoke to painfully protesting knotted muscles, and the start of a killer headache. Groaning, stretching, and generally trying to get some movement back into her stiffened body, she looked around, taking stock of her situation. Her sleep-addled mind couldn’t tell where she was, or why she had slept in such an uncomfortable position. Rarity rubbed sleep from her eyes and spotted Twilight in the bed next to her, the sight bringing the events of the past day crashing down onto her.

She eyed the clock on the wall, and was shocked to see how long she'd slept. It was well past noon! Had the others come by? Had they not seen fit to wake her? Still, perhaps she could go find a place to freshen up. Her growling stomach amended finding food to the idea as well.

Rarity stepped out of the room. Shutting the door as softly as she could so as to make sure there was no possible way she disturbed Twilight or any other pony, she then set out to find a bathroom where she could at least freshen up somewhat. She vaguely remembered the nurse pointing one out last night, and set off in the direction she thought she remembered being told. Turning a corner, she spied the sign for her target, as well as Applejack further down the hall. She waved to Applejack and trotted to meet her. The bathroom wasn’t going anywhere, after all.

“Well hello there, sugarcube,” greeted Applejack. “Ah was just coming to find you. How's Twi doing?” The solid earth pony had an ugly bruise along one cheek, but seemed otherwise none the worse for wear from the events of last night.

“Oh, Applejack! How good to see you dear. Are you feeling alright?” Rarity managed to return Applejack’s cheer. “As for Twilight... Well, she's still asleep, or she still was when I woke up. I was just coming here to freshen up.” She motioned to the nearby bathroom.

Applejack reached up and pushed her hat back out of her eyes a bit. “Well ah was just coming up to see if you might like a rest. RD just left for Ponyville, but she should be back soon. Pinkie said something about a get well party before she left, and Fluttershy wandered into the gardens at the palace for something, ah don't know what. So why don't you just leave things here for me for a bit, and you go take care of yourself for a while? I don't think I've seen your mane this frazzled since that sleepover with the tree.”

Rarity smiled at the memory of that sleepover long ago. “Thank you, Applejack, I appreciate all of it. Do you need me to show you to Twilight's room?”

Applejack just shook her head. “Nah, ah got directions, ah was just surprised to see you. You just get yourself on down to the castle, ya hear? Ah got things under control here for a while.” Applejack then paused, before pulling Rarity into an unexpected hug. “You're tougher than ah gave ya credit for, Rarity,” said Applejack, maintaining the hug. “Staying up at the hospital like this when someone you care for is hurt... that's tough.”

As Applejack broke the hug, Rarity saw something in her eye: an old shadow of recurring memory. Rarity could not help but think of how Applejack and her siblings lived with their grandmother instead of their parents, an unusual arrangement in a small town like Ponyville. Applejack turned and loped down the hallway towards Twilight's room before Rarity could react further.

Rarity freshened herself up before heading off to the castle. She made her way up to the suite she was using, and was pleased to see that someone had both found her saddlebags in the wreckage of the theater and had laid them neatly down by her bed. Rarity eagerly headed into the large private bathing chamber attached to her room, and spent the next hour luxuriating in a hot bath.

After bathing and taking time to make sure she was looking her absolute best again, Rarity felt much more like herself. She decided to eat her small lunch while in the bath, her haste brought on by lingering worry in the back of her mind over Twilight. Applejack was probably getting bored about now, too, and would most likely appreciate some company. The unicorn hadn't seen or heard from the others that had left Applejack to handle their respective errands. Not that she minded; she was just as eager to know how Twilight was doing as any of the other girls.

Keeping a fruitless eye out for the others on her way, Rarity cantered back towards the hospital. She found her way back up to Twilight's room with a minimum of trouble, and let herself in. There she was surprised to see Applejack quietly reading, a pair of black rimmed glasses balanced on her nose. The sound of the door shutting brought Applejack's attention to Rarity.

The earth pony blushed and quickly whipped the glasses off her face, trying and failing to effectively hide them under her hat. “Please don't tell anypony! Ah'd never hear the end of it if RD knew ah wore glasses! Besides, its not like ah really need them! its only for things up close, like when ah read.”

Rarity smiled and nodded, giggling softly. “Don't worry, Applejack dear. Your secret is safe with me,” she assured her friend.

Applejack looked up at the clock on the wall. “Ah asked the others to meet here before dinner, so they should be by soon. Do you want to go meet them?” Applejack still fidgeted nervously, thankful for a change in subject.

Rarity continued smiling. “Oh no dear, why don't you go meet them? After all, you've been cooped up in here all afternoon. I'm sure you'd like a break to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. I'll stay here.” Applejack nodded her agreement. “Though before you go out,” she continued, gesturing to Applejack's head, “you might want to hide your glasses better if you don't want Rainbow Dash to see them.” Applejack's blush intensified as she left the room, adjusting her hat to better hide her glasses under it.

Rarity settled down into a chair. She picked up a copy of the Equestria Daily newspaper laying beside the western novel Applejack had been reading, and busied herself with the crossword. A few moments later, there was a croaking sound, drawing Rarity's attention immediately. Twilight seemed to be awake, and was attempting to speak. Twilight stirred and swallowed a couple times before trying again.

“W-water, please.” Her voice came out hoarse and thin. Rarity, spying a cup and pitcher nearby, quickly poured a glass for Twilight and held it gently to her lips. Rarity felt her lips quirk into a grin as she watched the mare gulp it down like an eager foal. The sensation was accompanied by her heart speeding up and a soft blush on her alabaster cheeks.

'Is there something wrong with me,' Rarity thought, 'maybe something that wasn't immediately apparent after the accident?

Twilight spoke again, interrupting her thoughts. “Rarity, where am I? Why can't I open my eyes?”

Rarity reached out to take the mare's hoof in her own, not knowing what to say or how to answer Twilight honestly. She explained what had happened yesterday as best she could, though her thoughts were still a bit jumbled as she answered. After giving her explanation, she considered offering to stay, completely ready to do so for as long as was necessary. She couldn't do that, though; everypony else was waiting for news, too, and she had a duty to their friends to let them know that Twilight was awake. Reluctantly, she left the room to go inform everypony of the news that Twilight was conscious and able to speak.

Rarity rushed to find her friends after leaving the room, nearly bowling over a nurse in the process. She stopped, and turned to apologize.

“I'm sorry miss, my friend is in that room,” said Rarity, motioning behind her. “She just woke up and I wanted to inform my friends, as well as the nurse. I, uh, guess that's you.” Rarity blushed a bit. She could feel the nurse's cool gaze upon her.
The nurse nodded. “I was just making my rounds, though I do appreciate being told. I understand that you're happy your friend seems to be feeling better, but remember: this is a hospital. You shouldn't go running down the hallways like that.”

“Yes,” Rarity said, “again I'm terribly sorry. I was in a rush to find my friends, too; they are all eager for news as well. I will be more careful, I promise!” Seeing the nurse turn her attention away from her after the admonishment, Rarity took her leave. Heading down to the lobby, she found Applejack just walking in the door with Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. She rushed over to them, exchanging hugs and greetings.

“Wonderful news, girls,” Rarity began. “Twilight is awake, and feeling somewhat better. I already let the nurses know, and was just now on my way to find Applejack to let her know, but it's wonderful that all of us are here now!” The girls all eagerly headed back up towards the room Twilight was recovering in.

As they approached the room, Rarity spied the Nurse slipping out. She turned and addressed her friends. “Here we are, girls. Now remember, Twilight's blind and probably still not feeling very well, so be understanding--” She flicked her eyes to Rainbow Dash. “-- And not too loud please.”

Seeing the group of girls, the nurse stepped over to them. “Ah, you've returned, and with more friends I see. That's good; she'll need a lot of support right now. I was off to get the doctor, he should have word on her condition by now. I hear she has a special visitor coming soon, too.”

Rainbow Dash tapped an impatient hoof. “Well hurry it up will ya!” She immediately blushed at her own outburst as everypony shot her withering looks. Fluttershy alone spared her a look, being further down the hall carefully bringing a vase and bouquet up with her.

“I mean, uh... Heh... Please hurry. I'm sure Twilight is just as eager to know what they have to say as the rest of us are.” Rainbow Dash sheepishly rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. The nurse just shook her head and walked off. Together, the girls entered the room.

Growth

Twilight found the thought of returning to the castle to recuperate from her injuries invigorating. While she understood the need for treatment, she had no great love for the idea of staying at the hospital for who knows how long. At least the castle was familiar, and held plenty of ponies she had grown familiar with during her days of studying there. There would be plenty to do, as well; there were the gardens, the library...

That last thought hit Twilight hard, quickly souring her mood. Reading was her favorite past time! A night spent curled up with a good book was as necessary to her health as air and water. She was thankful for the bandage she could feel around her eyes, surely hiding some of the emotions playing across her face.
What was she to do? While she wasn't as stubborn as Applejack, she nevertheless didn't want to be a burden on somepony. She had to think; surely, if she applied herself to the task, she could come up with some way of getting around and doing things as she always had independently. Still, when faced with the options of staying in a place she barely knew for who knows how long or relocating to the familiar comforts of the palace, the choice was clear.

Twilight was about to voice her thanks to the Princess and accept her offer when a calm and authoritative voice cut in, having previously gone unnoticed amongst her friends.
“Pardon the intrusion ladies,” the voice intoned. “I am Dr. Steadfast. I had come by hoping to discuss Miss Sparkle's condition. Is this a bad time, miss? I can come back later, if you'd rather speak in private.”

Twilight perked up at the doctors words. Maybe... Maybe there was good news, and everything would be back to normal in a week or two?
“Please, doctor,” she began, “let them stay? I know they want to know just as badly as I do, and this way it doesn't have to be explained more than once. Also, I know that they’ll think to ask questions I wouldn't think of right now.” This was true. It was also true that she didn't want to hear this alone, fearing terrible news. She heard the stallion clear his throat.

“Very well then. I'm sure the first thing on your mind is the condition of your eyes. I'll start with the good news first. All the tests we have run indicate that you should, with treatment and time, regain your sight.”

Twilight reached out at the news, feeling her hoof come into contact with a silken, pampered coat.

Rarity.

She clung to her friend’s assenting forelimb, grinning from ear to ear at the welcome news. The doctor continued.

“So, that is good news. However, we cannot begin to forecast how long recovery will take, nor what your sight may be like afterwards. It will almost certainly not be what you were once used to. Our Ophthalmologist is still devising treatment options with the aid of her majesty's medical team, who have graciously offered their assistance.”

“Oh, that's most wonderful news, isn't it Twilight darling?” Rarity returned the pressure Twilight applied to her forearm. Twilight merely nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment. Pinkie bounced around the room exuberantly judging by the hyperactive squeaks. Twilight shared her enthusiasm, even if she didn't show it. She would have her eyes back! Relief coursed through her body, relieving tension she hadn't realized she'd been holding. With relief came determination, to do anything and everything she could to hasten her recovery.

Dr. Steadfast paused for a moment to let the girls calm down.
“Apart from your eyes,” he continued, “your physical condition is wonderful, considering the circumstances. However, your mystic reservoirs took a beating holding back the illusion spell. It would seem you have suffered a case of magical backlash, Miss Sparkle. Your magic will be weakened for at least the next month, and I most strongly advise against using your magic at all for at least that long. Even if you are the strongest mage since Starswirl the Bearded in terms of raw talent, you could still overtax yourself if you are not careful. Listen to your body and take things slow--”

“Don't worry doc,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “All of us here will make sure she takes it easy. You can count on us!” The rest of those gathered voiced their agreements.

“Excellent, it’s good to see friends and family come together in situations like this. Anyway, those two issues are the most serious ramifications of your injuries. Beyond them, you have experienced a number of minor cuts and bruises, which have been treated and should heal swiftly. Now, do you have any questions or concerns?”

Twilight only shook her head. Elation at the news that her sight would eventually return overrode any other concerns she may have otherwise had.
“How soon might my student be able to be moved to the palace?” asked Princess Celestia.

“Well, your majesty,” answered the doctor, “so long as she remains under the supervision of your medical team for the next two or three days, I see no reason she could not be discharged from our care as soon as it is wished. Your staff merely needs to watch for unexpected after-effects from the backlash.”

The prospect of leaving the hospital brought Twilight back to reality.

“Would you see that they begin the discharge paperwork please, doctor? I think that being someplace familiar will help me recover faster.”

“As you wish, Miss Sparkle, I will see to it. If there is nothing else, then I will bid you ladies and your majesty good day.” The door shut softly as Dr. Steadfast left, leaving the girls on their own once again. Immediately, Twilight was engulfed in a crushing group hug, which she tried to return just as fiercely.

“This is wonderful news, Twilight,” said the Princess. “I am very happy to hear the good news, and I promise you that my medical specialists will do everything they can for your treatment. Now, if you girls will excuse me, I will head back to the palace and send a chariot to bring you all along.”
There was a round of assent from everypony else in the room, followed by the soft hum and pop of a teleportation spell. A knock was then heard, followed by the click of the door opening as Nurse Willow Tree entered the room.

“Dr. Steadfast informed me that you were to be discharged, Miss Sparkle.”
The nurse gently began to disconnect Twilight from the myriad of machines she had been hooked up while she was unconscious. It was the work of a few moments to unhook the monitors, which left Twilight feeling somewhat more comfortable.

“Now then,” the nurse continued, “lets get you on your way. We have a wheelchair ready for you.” Nurse Willow Tree gingerly helped Twilight out of the bed and into the waiting wheelchair. She then wheeled Twilight down the hall and into an elevator, her friends all in tow. The group paused once they had reached the ground level.

“Now then, Miss Sparkle, if you would just sign these few forms you will be free to go,” the nurse informed her. What felt like a clipboard and quill were gently placed in her lap.

Twilight instinctively reached for her magic, before a sharp pain in her horn and skull reminded her that magic was a bad idea at the moment. She fumbled about for the feather pen with her hoof, seeking to ascertain its position before she could take it into her lips to write with. Her penmanship without use of her horn must have been illegible at best, though given her state she supposed the hospital would forgive her for it.
“Would you like me to help you?” asked Rarity. Twilight nodded, and with the forms soon finished her wheelchair rolled out into the waiting world.

Twilight stretched in the wheelchair as she felt the light of the sun on her face. The living breeze was a pleasant change after the sanitized air of the hospital. The weather wasn't exactly warm, being winter as it was, but it was a pleasant change nonetheless. Unwilling to wait any longer, Twilight carefully stepped out of the wheelchair and onto her own four hooves.
‘There, I’m not a complete invalid.’ A light nudge of the wheelchair behind and away from her signaled Twilight’s refusal to be a burden. She was a little weak on her hooves, but stayed standing and steady.

“Now,” she said with a smile, “to the palace!” A smooth and supple coat pressed lightly against her side, wordlessly guiding her along. Twilight was grateful for the assistance; she loved all of her friends, but Rarity had an air of grace and tact that helped Twilight feel less awkward with her new condition. Moments later, there was a soft hitch as the chariot took to the air, winding its way through the Canterlot skies towards the Palace.

-*-*-

Twilight breathed in deeply as she left the chariot, the soft scents in the air reassuring her that she was in a well loved, familiar place. Her years of education at the palace made it as familiar to her as her childhood home with her parents or her library in Ponyville. Trusting to her mental map of the castle, she tried to navigate on her own. She paused when she bumped into the stone of a decorative planter, and felt leaves tickling her nose. Embarrassment blossomed in her mind.
‘Hopefully nopony noticed that,’ she thought to herself. ‘I may be blind for now, but surely I can do better than this!’

“Why yes, darling, these do smell lovely,” said Rarity aloud, “almost as lovely as the bouquet Fluttershy got you. I can well understand why you would choose to stay here in the palace to get better rather than some dreary old hospital. Why, I imagine you feel better already, don't you Twilight dear?” Laying a gentle hoof on Twilight's shoulder, she dropped her voice to a low whisper. “I'll stay close and guide you, you can lean on me.”

Twilight felt relieved hearing and feeling Rarity close by, helping her save face.
“Thank you,” she whispered back. Twilight then spoke up, so the rest could hear her clearly.

“I really do feel better just being here,” she started, though further words failed her. Her stomach saved her from having to say more by embarrassing her with a loud growl. “Maybe dinner would be better right now though?” she said, as a soft blush warmed her cheeks.

‘Ugh,’ thought Twilight. ‘When did I become such a klutz?’ A dark cloud descended upon the back of her mind as the six friends went in for dinner.

After a pleasant meal together, the girls mutually agreed to turn in for the night, their pact unspoken. Rarity once again provided a sure guide for Twilight through the palace halls, quickly making their way to Twilight's suite. Warm air greeted them upon entering, the smell of sweet incense wafting through the open doorway.
‘Someone must have lit the hearth,” thought Twilight. It was a humbling reminder that she probably couldn't have done it on her own, as she would have normally insisted upon. ‘All I need is time. I'll get used to this quickly enough, I'll get treatment, and before you know it things will be back to normal. Buck up, Twilight, you can do this! You helped beat Discord, didn't you?’

“Lady Sparkle.”

The voice was unfamiliar, though it held the crisp tone of a palace staff member. Twilight had forgotten the intensity of her distaste for formality involving herself.

“Everything has been prepared for you this evening,” the handmaiden lilted. “Do you desire a bath before turning in for the night?”

Twilight fidgeted for a moment as she thought the offer over. It wasn't all that late, nor was she all that tired...
“Yes, please,” she decided. “A bath would be lovely.”

‘Yes,’ Twilight thought to herself. ‘A nice warm bath would help me relax. Hospital beds clearly aren’t made for comfort.”

Twilight was shaken from her thoughts by Rarity's voice from the other room.

“You know, darling,” she began, “I know Princess Celestia is a wonderful pony who appreciates all that we have done as the bearers of the elements of harmony, and there is very little she wouldn't do for us if we asked; but really, I feel that she may be playing favorites, if only slightly. Calling this a bath is like calling a pitcher a tea cup. Your 'bath' is very nearly a swimming pool, it has to be at least twice the size of mine. I'm very nearly jealous!”

Her teasing tone betrayed the playful nature of her banter, bringing a smile to Twilight’s face. Rarity was clearly exaggerating, as she often did; Twilight had seen her bathing chamber before the accident, and while it was rather large, it wasn’t that big...

Twilight heard Rarity's steps as she returned to the main bedroom.
“Do you wish me to stay,” her tone still teasing, “or shall I leave you at the mercy of the palace staff, Lady Sparkle?” Twilight could almost hear the smirk. Rarity had quickly learned, as had all of her friends, that Twilight had a distinct distaste for being referred to by title. Twilight’s grin, however, did not fade.

“You can stay if you like,” Twilight said, “but only if you want to. Clearly that mare is new, or she'd have known not to call me that; but I can put up with it for a little while. But if you stay and you continue to call me that, be prepared to be splashed!” She laughed and threw her hoof around Rarity's neck, pulling her into a hug which was warmly returned.

‘She always seems to know how to make a pony feel better,’ thought Twilight. ‘Here I was, wanting to be alone and stubborn and do things on my own, and before I know it she's got me laughing and forgetting what I was upset about. I'm lucky she's around like this. Besides... It would be nice to have some help, I guess. The tub might be a bit too large for me to find things easily once I'm in the water.”

Soon Twilight was sitting up to her neck in the steaming water, sighing contentedly. Warmth soaked into her bones and eased her sore muscles. Rarity, having elected to stay, was currently sitting just outside the tub, playing at being her bath attendant. Twilight was still grateful for Rarity's presence; her genteel grace set Twilight at ease. She wasn't sure she'd have let any of her other friends stay to help her like this, even if they'd asked to.

“I wish you'd let me do something with your mane,” said Rarity, as she helped Twilight wash her hair. “It's beautiful as it is, don't get me wrong, but there are so many things I could do with a mane like yours.” Rarity’s hooves would not tarry amidst the strands, occupied with keeping up the act of being an attendant for her friends needs. She drew upon her memories of Ponyville's spa and what its twin attendants Aloe and Lotus did, attempting to mimic them to the best of her ability.

“I just never bother to take the time to do anything with it,” countered Twilight. “I like it practical, I'm a practical pony.”

“I know, dear,” Rarity stated, “but while your normal style is lovely on you, it wouldn't hurt to beautify it on occasion. After all, you never know when the mare of your dreams may come along!”

Twilight relaxed further into the water. She wasn't sure how she'd been talked into letting herself be pampered like this, but here she was. It was odd, but comforting; and Rarity was just as good as, if not slightly better than, the twin attendants back at Ponyville's spa. Twilight hadn't frequented the spa very often, but to her it certainly felt just as good. Perhaps Rarity was right, a little pampering now and then was a good thing.
Rarity paused for the briefest of moments, as if unsure about something, before resuming her treatment of Twilight’s mane once again.

“What are you looking for in a pony anyway, dear?”

“I'm not sure,” Twilight answered, her voice languid. “I've never really thought about it. I guess I’ve treated love like I did friendship before I met you girls: something I don't or didn't really need. Maybe I should put some thought into it, but not tonight. Whatever you're doing there feels amazing and is about to put me to sleep.”

A short time thereafter, Rarity and Twilight left the oversized bathing room. Twilight was feeling better about herself in general, and was very relaxed. Even though she had hardly stood on her own four hooves today, she was now feeling oddly tired. She failed to fight back a yawn.
“Thank you, Rarity, for everything today... And everything ever. Thank you. You're the best friend a mare could have.” Twilight fought and failed against another yawn. “I'm going to go to bed now. So, I guess this is goodnight?” she asked.

There was a pause.
“Yes, I suppose this is good night. Unless, of course, you want me to stay over with you? I could fend off the staff who want to call you ‘Lady Sparkle’ and bring you everything you ask for! Besides, your bed is big enough for three,” teased Rarity.

Twilight smiled softly. She thought about Rarity's offer for a moment, and found herself wanting to accept. She knew she had a tendency to overanalyze things, especially when left alone with her thoughts. The prospect of solitude within her own private darkness frightened her a little, even if it was at night. She knew she'd told herself she didn't want to be a burden on anypony earlier, but she found herself leaning on Rarity anyway.
There was something in the way she worded things, in the grace and tact with which she approached others, that made her so easy to just be around. Besides, Rarity had asked if she could stay, right? She was the bearer of the Element of Generosity! She wouldn't have asked if she had minded, now would she?

“I don’t mind if you want to, Rarity, though you have to promise not to be a cover-hog. I've seen you during sleepovers, all cocooned up in your covers. So, you can sleep over only if you promise I won't wake up cold and shivering,” Twilight said, teasing back a little as payback for all the earlier jesting.

“Why, I never!” said Rarity. Her voice carried an indignant tinge, though Twilight could hear the smile in Rarity’s voice letting her know she was playing along. “A cover hog? Of all the things you could accuse a lady like me of being! Well.... you are injured, so I suppose that my vengeance will have to be delayed until later, though mark my words I am keeping a tally.”
Twilight tittered and climbed into her bed, Rarity guiding her to it. A moment later, she felt Rarity shimmying her way under the covers in her characteristic fashion.

Twilight let her mind start to drift off to sleep. In fact, she had almost fully drifted off into the currents of sleep when a sudden thought moored her firmly on the banks of wakefulness yet again. Her eyes would have gone wide were they not bandaged shut. “Did Rarity ask me about the mare of my dreams?”

Thwarted explorations

Rarity awoke the next morning from one of the best sleeps she had remembered having in ages. The pleasant sensation of another pony curled up against her, sleeping contently with its hooves wrapped around her in an embrace, made itself known to her senses.

“Mmm, this does indeed feel pleasant. I don't think I've woken up in another pony's hooves like this since I was a foal. Pity it hasn't happened more often... A few more moments couldn't hurt...”

Rarity kept her eyes shut against the mid morning light, and attempted to go back to sleep in order to enjoy the moment for a while longer. Unfortunately for her, her body was feeling mutinous and refused to listen to her mental urgings to go back to sleep. Rarity reluctantly extricated herself from Twilight's nocturnal embrace and sat up.

“I would have enjoyed sleeping longer, but oh well. A mare could get used to waking up like this,” she thought to herself as she stretched and slid out of the bed to go about her morning routine.

Rarity turned back in time to see Twilight shiver. Rarity's leaving the bed had left the covers disturbed. Gently she tucked them back in around her friend. She paused to look over the sleeping mare. She was slack with sleep, freed from the anxiety that she had unconsciously showed throughout her hospital stay.

“Twilight is rather adorable asleep, perhaps more so than when awake?” She thought to herself with an affectionate smile.

Rarity sincerely meant what she had said the other day. If Twilight would expend even a sliver of the effort she expended on her studying onto her appearance, she would have suitors beating down the door of the library to beg for her attention. Strangely, the thought of Twilight being courted by some strange pony left a sour taste in her mouth.

Rarity went about her daily ritual. While in the middle of her routine, her thoughts wandered. “Why haven't I ever become serious with any pony? I haven't exactly abstained from the dating game as far as it exists in Ponyville, even if my exploits are not nearly as prolific as some others seem to believe. Maybe once I return home and things stabilize a bit more, I will put some serious thought into the idea. Mother will be pleased to hear it, if nothing else.”

Still, Rarity's heart wasn't much into the idea. She had her boutique, which boasted clients from all over Equestria, thanks to Hoity Toity and Fancy Pants; she had the pleasure of knowing that she had helped save the world twice, in the most literal of fashions; and she had her close-knit circle of friends, which was more than enough for her. She had always thought so since that fateful Summer Sun Celebration two years ago, when they had all come together for the first time.

She thought over the last night and smiled. “None of my romantic engagements, short or long, have ever had the camaraderie and warmth that last night had, or that I've ever had with any of my friends for that matter. I've always been content with my relationships as they are, and there seems to be no reason for that to change.”

Rarity continued thinking, hooves working on auto-pilot. She was just beginning to wonder if she couldn't slip off to her room to grab a few of her beauty products when a cry of fright from the bedroom grabbed her attention. Heedless of her less-than-perfect state, she charged into the bedroom.

Twilight had tumbled off the bed in a jumble of limbs and blankets. “Twilight! Are you alright?” she asked as she came up to her friend. Rarity did what she could to help untangle her from the twisted sheets.

Twilight blushed and struggled to her hooves. “I was having a dream... I woke up when I fell off the bed. It shocked me. I'm sorry, did I wake you?” Twilight asked as she began to smooth the blankets back out onto the bed out of unconscious habit.

“No, I was awake already. I was just making myself ready for the day when I heard you. I'll admit that for a moment you had me worried. No harm done though, right?” she responded, a grin overtaking her face as she watched her friend. “Shall I help you brush out your mane? The sleep-tousled look is cute on you, though perhaps not the best idea for an all-day fashion.”

Rarity was shocked at herself mentally even as the words left her mouth. “When did I become so flirtatious with my friends?! What is going on with me?”

Twilight blushed brighter, sheepishly lowering her head. “Well... If you want to...” she said before giving into a yawn.

The pair moved over to the vanity in one corner of the room. Rarity began to work, while standing perhaps a touch closer than was strictly necessary. “Rarity,” stated Twilight, “I really appreciate all of this, but don't let me be a burden on you, okay?”

“Oh don't be silly, dear, I want to help,” said Rarity, while she concentrated on smoothing out the mussed mane before her. “It's only been... what, two days since the accident? I know you're a very self-reliant pony, but it's going to take you a little while to fully get back on your hooves. If anything, I should be telling you not to humour me too much. So please, if you need space do let me know, as being a bother to you would be the last thing I'd ever want.”

Twilight let out a wistful sigh. “No, you're probably right, Rarity. I spend too much time with my own thoughts as it is, and that was before all this happened. You haven't pressured me into anything at all. I'm being silly, at least I feel I am, and I don't know why I'm being this way.”

Rarity had just set down the brush when Twilight turned around, not quite pulling her into a hug. They were quite close, not even a full inch separating the two of them. The air between them felt positively electric. Rarity felt a blush colour her alabaster cheeks. She drew in a short breath, which only heightened the sensations as it carried Twilight's soft natural scent in with it. The whole situation set Rarity's heart racing.

Rarity wasn't sure what to do or say, her mind working at a breakneck pace to process all that was going on at the moment. “Should I? Is she? She smells... nice. No, nice is too generic a word. What is the word I want? Maybe it will help if I know what I'm feeling. So what is this? Why do I feel this way?”

Rarity was on the verge of realising just what her emotions actually were when the moment was shattered by a knock on the door. A member of the palace staff entered the room a short moment later.

“Miss Sparkle,” began the servant, “breakfast is ready as soon as you wish it. As soon as time permits, Her Majesty's ophthalmologist wishes to see you as well.”

Rarity stepped away from Twilight after the other pony finished speaking. “Ah! Well, darling, shall we go to breakfast?” Twilight nodded, unaware of Rarity's disconcerted state. The two of them headed off to breakfast in the hoofsteps of their guide, whose carefully-schooled features betrayed nothing of what she had seen upon entering the room.

Twilight and Rarity sat together over breakfast, talking over inconsequential things. They didn't linger too long, mindful that the doctor was waiting for Twilight. As they stood to leave, Twilight spoke. “I was gonna go see the doctor on my own. I'm sure you have a few things you want to get done. No need to stay with me the whole time.”

“Very well, Twilight, if you're sure,” said Rarity. She took a moment to make sure Twilight was being safely guided on her way by one of the palace staff before going her own separate way. Now that she was alone, Rarity decided to get out of the castle for a bit. Perhaps some fresh air would straighten out her thoughts a little.

-*-*-*-

Rarity wandered the streets of Canterlot, window shopping as she went. She made her way down the boulevards. Nothing particularly caught her eye, though she did spy several things that she thought Twilight would simply adore. As Rarity went about her shopping, she accumulated several bags from various shops and a few new bolts of cloth that she knew from experience were difficult to acquire in Ponyville.

Rarity had just turned back to return to the palace for the evening when her route took her by a small and nondescript book shop nestled into the corner of a modest square. “I wonder if they have any books Twilight might enjoy. I don't think I have ever seen her happier than when she is buried in a new book. I'm sure the thought of a book waiting to be read will make her happy, if nothing else.” A warm, fluttering feeling overtook her, settling her decision to stop into the book store. Her nose was greeted with the smell of parchment as she entered the modest shop.

“Hello!” called out an elderly stallion, most likely the proprietor of the book store. His voice warbled. “What might I help you find today young lady?”

Rarity smiled at the owner. “Well, I'm not sure,” she answered the shop keeper. “I stopped in on impulse. I guess I'm shopping for a friend more than myself. She absolutely adores reading; it is her favourite past time. She was injured recently, and, well, I thought that something new to read might help cheer her up.”

A sudden realisation brought Rarity pause. “Now that I think of it, I am terribly remiss in my duties as a friend. Why, I don't even know what Twilight's favourite genre is! Oh, I do hope I don't end up getting her something she has already read, or worse yet something she doesn't like! That would be just the worst possible thing of worst possible things!”

The older stallion peered at her over his half-moon glasses with a warm smile. “Is that so? Let's see...” Slowly, he began to walk around Rarity in a wide circle, sizing her up from every angle, almost like she would when gathering ideas for a customer's outfit. The old stallion grinned. “I think I know what you are looking for, but let me be sure. This friend you have in mind, would you say you are close to her? And would you say that this gift might be an expression of feelings?”

Rarity gave the stallion a quizzical look. She found his questions a little odd, but nevertheless thought on them for a few moments before responding. “Well, she is a very dear friend of mine; perhaps not as close as some friends are, but yes, I would say we are close. And, well, aren't all gifts an expression of feelings of some sort between the giver and receiver?”

The shop owner laughed softly. “I see, I see, and you do make a good point. Please feel free to browse around a moment and see if there is anything else you'd like. I have a book in mind for you, though it may take me a moment to locate it.” Before he had even finished his statement, the old shop keeper had started heading off deeper into the shop to search for this book he believed Rarity would want for Twilight.

Rarity browsed up and down the cramped and somewhat dusty aisles. She spotted a book on fashions that she wasn't familiar with. While it was aged, maybe it could help inspire her with her newer creations. After that, she found a few more contemporary novels that could serve as back-ups just in case this promised book proved to be way off the mark.

Shortly thereafter, the shop keeper returned, wiping dust off of a well-loved leather-bound tome. There was no title on it that she could see. She set her other choices on the counter next to the book that had been chosen for her, and graciously paid the surprisingly-reasonable price for them all.

“Thank you, kind sir,” Rarity told the shop keeper as she made her exit. “When my friend is feeling better, I will be sure to send her here to look for herself.”

-*-*-*-

Back at the palace, Rarity sought her friends out, Twilight foremost among them. It seemed all of them, save Twilight, had returned to the theatre to help salvage what they could of the pageant. Rarity felt a twinge of guilt upon hearing this. She knew that she should probably join them and help, too, but it sounded like such a dirty and unpleasant job. She also wanted to check on Twilight as well; the urge to be near her for even a little bit more was quite strong. She asked after Twilight, and learned through a thoughtful message left with the palace staff that she had finished with the doctor and was in her chambers. Spike had finally made his way in from Ponyville as well.

Rarity made her way through the halls of the palace, pausing only to drop off her bags in her own room. She kept only the paper bag that held the books she had picked out for Twilight. After that she quickly made her way down the hall to Twilight's room. Inside, Spike and Shining Armour were both hanging around talking to Twilight, who was laughing at something that had just been said. The bandages which had been obscuring her face were gone, replaced with a big pair of dark-tinted sunglasses. An odd platinum ring had been situated around Twilight's horn.

Rarity had hardly stepped into the room when Spike hopped up. “Rarity! You're here!” He ran over to her, and Rarity ruffled his head affectionately with her free hoof. “Twilight said you'd gone out but didn't know when you'd be back.”

“Hello Spike, Twilight, Captain Armour,” she greeted them all, before moving to take a seat on the bed near Twilight. She set her package at the foot of the bed for later, not wanting to interrupt this reunion too much. “Yes, I went out into town to do a little shopping while Twilight was with the doctor. It ended up taking longer than I expected.”

Shining Armour chuckled softly, a low sound to compliment the tinkling of his uniform regalia. “Please don't be so formal, any friend of my sister's is a friend of mine. Just 'Shining' is fine. Besides, you were at the wedding, weren't you?” He peered at her for a bit, struggling to remember for a moment and clearly a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, with what went on and the incident with Queen Chrysalis some of the details are a little blurry.”

He turned back towards Twilight and hugged her softly. “Well Twily, it's been good talking with you. I promise I'll stop by again soon, but duty calls; I've probably already spent too much time away as it is. Some days it feels like the entire guards corps would fall to pieces without someone there to dot every I and cross every T. Make sure you talk to mum and dad, I'm sure they'll want to hear what happened.” He broke the hug and stepped away, pausing at the door. “Love you, Twily”

Twilight beamed a smile back at him. “Love you too, B.B.B.F.F. And don't worry, I'll be sure to see mum and dad while I'm here. Go back to your duties, I'll be fine; I have Rarity and Spike here if I need anything, along with the whole palace too.”

Shining Armour left the room, leaving the three together. Spike sat on the other side of Rarity, leaving her sandwiched between him and Twilight.

“So, darling, how did things go with the doctors today?” asked Rarity. As she reached for the paper bag full of the books she had recently purchased, a sudden thought struck her. “Oh drat, books? What was I thinking, she can't read yet! What should I do?”

“Things went well,” answered Twilight. “Dr. Bright Field went over some of what they had learned in more detail with me, though she didn't really have anything new to tell me. If everything goes as planned I should begin treatment within the week! Also, she gave me this.” She motioned to her horn and the ring wrapped around its base. “This device uses magic energy propagation to measure the arcane resonance and refraction of barriers and other possible impediments in my immediate vicinity, allowing for rudimentary sightless navigation without unduly straining my precarious physical recovery.” Twilight just smiled.

“Well, obviously,” Rarity thought, bemused.

Spike furrowed his brow. “It does what to the who now?”

Twilight stopped smiling. “This should help me get around without bumping into walls and things while I walk, so I won't have to be guided by the hoof everywhere. What about you Rarity? What did you do with your day?”

“Is that so dear? That's wonderful, but don't forget I am here to help you with anything you need; all you need to do is ask. As for what I did, oh nothing special really. I wandered about Canterlot, did a little shopping, and just enjoyed the sights and sounds of the town. We'd been so busy with the pageant that I hadn't really had a chance to get out and about, so I took advantage. I picked up some wonderful bolts of cloth and a few things here and there that were just too lovely not to buy...”

“And went to a book store too, it seems,” chimed in Spike, as he reached for the paper bag where the corner of a book could be seen poking out. Rarity slid it out of his reach on the other side of her. Grinning sheepishly, guilt washed over her as she saw the mixture of emotions flowing across Twilight's face at the mention of books.

“Ah, and yes a book store too. Heh, you see well I thought... Well, I know how much you love to read, and thought that, since you can't right now, that maybe if you like... I could read to you? If you want?” said Rarity, covering her thoughtlessness quickly.

Twilight instantly brightened at the suggestion. A wide grin spread across her face. “You'd really do that? Oh thank you Rarity!” she said, hugging Rarity tightly with glee.

“Maybe the stop at the book store was a better idea than I thought,” said Rarity to herself as she returned the hug.

Spike picked up the bag containing the books. “So what kind of books did you buy Rarity?” He rifled through the bag's contents without bothering to wait for a response. “Ooh, is this one of the new Daring Do expanded universe novels?

Rarity looked over at the novel in the young dragon's claws. She didn't recall consciously choosing that one, but there it was. “So it seems it is, but I'm going to insist on Twilight getting first pick of what to read,” she said. She pulled all of the books out of the bag so she could announce their titles for Twilight's approval.

Twilight chose at that moment to lean over, sticking her head under Rarity's chin in order to smell the new books. Their scent begat a contented smile. “Mmm, I do love the smell of new books... but, uh... Why don't you pick, Rarity? Surprise me?” Twilight asked.

Rarity tensed as Twilight leaned under her like that. She could feel Twilight's breath softly once more, throwing her thoughts into complete disarray. Rarity tried to re-order her thoughts so as to come up with a coherent answer, but couldn't. Thankfully, she was saved by the door opening unannounced and Pinkie Pie bouncing her way into the room.

“Hi Twilight, Rarity, Spike! We're all back now. I came by to see how you all were doing? Oh also the princesses said they wanted to do dinner together with everyone. That should be soon now, so we should head down!”

“Thank goodness Pinkie Pie arrived when she did,” thought Rarity. Twilight moved her head and Rarity shook hers to clear it some. “Dinner with every pony sounds delightful, doesn't it, Twilight dear?” asked Rarity. Twilight stepped off of the bed, Spike hopping into his customary place on her back.

“I guess we should get going,” said Twilight as she headed towards the door. “We don't want to keep any pony waiting on us, now do we? Especially not the princesses.”

“Of course dear. Just let me get these books put back in the bag, I wouldn't want to leave them lying scattered about,” called Rarity as she gathered the books together, ordering them neatly by size before sliding them into the bag. Twilight exited the room and Pinkie grinned broadly.

“So how did things go today between you two, did you ask her? Oh wait no I bet that's what the books are for, silly me! You have to tell me how things work out!”

Rarity just gave Pinkie a quizzical look. “I'm not entirely sure I understand what you mean, Pinkie. Did I ask her what?” she asked as the two headed out of the room themselves, trotting a bit to catch up with Spike and Twilight.

“Ohhhhhh! You haven't... Oh, I see. Okay then! Don't worry, you'll get it later! Let's worry about dinner first. Food always makes ponies think more clearly. It's why I work in a bakery! That reminds me,” said the bouncing pink Earth pony, who then sped up to catch up with Twilight. “What's your favourite kind of cake so I can bake you a ginormous get-better-quick cake Twilight?”

Rarity continued to give Pinkie a puzzled look as she bounced ahead of her, leaving Rarity trailing some ways behind the group. She tried to decipher the strangeness of her friend, before giving up as she had so many times before. Filing the effort under “futile,” she decided to just go ahead and enjoy dinner with her closest friends.

Author's Note

Again i'm back. here is the complete and edited version of this chapter, once again many thanks to Campisi for putting up with my writing habits.

Tangents

Through the window, one could see clouds scuttling across the moon, occasionally obscuring it for a moment until the winds whipped them further past. A wicked storm that had been prepared all day by the pegasi weather bureau kicked up, promising a wild night and torrential rains that would keep any sane pony indoors. Obsidian Shine was shocked, then, to see the mare walking into her office this late in the evening; a beautiful white-coated mare dressed to kill in a crimson evening dress, with rich lilac hair artfully arranged so that only one big beautiful azure eye was visible. Shine tilted the brim of her fedora higher up to get a better look at the new potential client. The only sounds in the room were the soft crunch of Shine's favorite cherry-lime rock candy and the howling wind outside.

“Pretty mare like you out on a night like this, must have a pretty powerful need. I should warn you now: I don't do unfaithful spouses, if that's why you're seeking my services. Any two-bit unicorn who fancies themselves a P.I. can tail a soured sweetheart. My services are expensive for a reason, I get results. However, I'll at least listen to your case, and if I don't take it…” Shine paused to flick a business card lazily towards the stunning mare. “… He's a friend of mine. Not as good as me, but he can get the job done and he's less finicky about the cases he takes. So what story do you have for the best and only mare in the P.I. biz?

There was a break in the sensations then, as the reader paused at the end of the chapter, and slowly warmth came back to suffuse all of Twilight's senses. It was quite the pleasant sensation to the mare. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth of her room. A soft blanket was wrapped around her and Rarity, keeping them intimately close. Their sides pressed up against one another, sharing body heat and further keeping the winter chill outside at bay. Pillows were piled around them, making a cozy nest just for the two of them.

Twilight slowly closed her sightless eyes and let out a languid sigh of contentment. Dinner had been most pleasant, and the night was further promising to be wonderful as Rarity had insisted on making good her offer to read to her.

“This is nice. I don't think I've been read to since I was a filly.” She thought to herself as she shifted further into a relaxed pleasant state.

Rarity's voice brought to life the images of her mind’s eye stronger and more acutely for her than her own mental voice had done in a long while. It was amazing what the addition of another’s accent and inflection on the words did to the way they immersed themselves in the violet librarian's mind. How fully she had in her mind become for a short time Obsidian Shine, hard-boiled unicorn detective, rather than Twilight Sparkle, favored pupil of Princess Celestia.

“We're nearly out of wood for the fire, shall I ask for some more so we can continue? Or do you wish to stop here?” asked Rarity, the reverie and daydream having been broken.

Twilight stretched a little and hrmmed. “We just hit a chapter break right? It's as good a time as any to stop, I wouldn't want to keep you from your beauty rest.” She teased softly and continued to drowse lazily against her companion. “How did you know?” she asked after a yawn.

Rarity set the book down. “Know what dear?” was her puzzled response as she smoothed out the blankets and pillows, preparing them for bed.

“That I enjoy a good hardboiled detective novel?” said Twilight as she stretched out, sleep creeping up on her. She felt Rarity crawling into the bed next to her once again, unasked for, but quite welcome. A pool of warmth opened in her chest unexpectedly as she felt the silkiness of Rarity's coat so close against her.

There was a soft chuckle as Rarity got comfortable next to her. “To tell the truth darling... I rather didn't. When I stopped by the bookstore this afternoon to pick out a few things that I thought you might enjoy, I realized that I don't actually know your favorite genre. Which reminds me, what are your favorite kinds of books? But anyway, did I do a good job?”

Twilight thought for a bit. “As for favorite kind, mmm… Anything, really. I love books, I love reading. Yes, I enjoy detective novels, but I wouldn't say I like them strongly enough to call them a 'favorite' or anything else, really. I love them all too much to pick one above the others; I can't possibly pick a favorite genre. Also, do a good job of what?”

“Do a good job reading, dear. I don't think I've ever really read aloud to somepony else. I was away from Ponyville when Sweetie was that age. So, I wasn't really sure if I was reading too fast or anything.”

Twilight reached over and took Rarity's hoof with her own. “Yes, you did a good job; I don't know why you'd think otherwise Rarity. You always seem to know just what a pony needs and just when they need it. At least, you always have with me, you know. Besides, you're my friend! I'd like anything you'd do for me.”

“Oh I don't know Twilight, I've never really noticed doing such a thing. But what are friends for if not to help one another? You know I'll be here with you through this and long afterward, as I know you'd be for me.”

The two settled into bed after a little while longer. Rarity seemed to fall asleep almost instantly. Twilight lay awake for a while longer, her mind churning somewhat still. Part of it was still engrossed with the story Rarity had been reading, A Quicksilver Night-Mare, though the larger part of her mind was distracted by something else. Twilight wasn't a filly with her head in the clouds; while it was true what she had told Rarity the other day about never putting much thought into love and romance as it concerned herself, she found that, now that the subject had been brought up, she was wont to put some thought into it. Still though, the languid warmth suffusing her drained thought from her mind and slowly sank her down into the gentle welcoming arms of sleep.

-*-*-*-

Twilight sighed contently as she shifted a bit and pulled closer to the warm source that was Rarity sleeping next to her. There she dozed happily in that state between being awake and dreaming. Slowly, though, the everyday needs and demands of her body pulled her towards wakefulness.

Twilight stretched as she got up from the bed. She tucked the covers back in around Rarity, not wanting to disturb the other mare's beauty rest. She made her way to the bathroom and prepared herself for her day. Little by little, Twilight was feeling more like herself again. Once done with her routine, she decided a bit of breakfast was in order. Ordinarily she would have considered waiting for Rarity to awaken, or at the very least awaken her enough to find out if she wished to join her or not; but this morning, she didn't think to do so.

Twilight was in her thinking mode, which did tend to put blinders on her thoughts when it came to things outside of her current track. Unconsciously, she decided to head to one of the dining halls for breakfast, and as she made her way her thoughts returned to the other night, when Rarity had first stayed over with her. “You never know when the mare of your dreams may come along,” Rarity had said.

“What did Rarity mean by that?” Twilight thought. “Maybe it was just a turn of phrase and didn't mean anything? Does it mean she thinks I'm a, uh... What’s the term again? 'Filly-fooler?' Or does it mean she is?” Twilight moved. “Okay, so then let’s work it out. Premise: Rarity is a filly-fooler. What then?”

Twilight's stride slowed as she mentally worked over the train of thought. “So what, I guess. I mean, she's still my friend, nothing has changed about her. All that's changed is my perception. Okay, so how do I feel about that? Huh, well it doesn't bother me. She's still been the kindest best friend I could have. I might have to ask why she hasn't been more open about it, but that would be all. And well, if so... I wonder if she has a marefriend.”

Twilight attributed the odd sinking sensation that came along with the last thought in that line to hunger. She ordered breakfast from the serving pony that waited on her without really considering it. When she got into this state, she could be a very one track minded pony.

“Alright then. So, premise: what if instead of Rarity being a filly-fooler, she for some reason thinks I am.” Twilight sipped at her water and gathered herself. “What, if anything, have I done to give her that thought? Let’s see... Well all my closest friends are mares, but does that mean anything? I mean really, with the numerical disparity between genders in Equestria, it can't be that odd, can it? Besides, that's not wholly right. What about Spike? He's a boy, right? I mean, uh… Isn't he? I don't know; I've always presumed he was, but how does one tell gender differences between dragons? Maybe I should ask...”

Twilight shook her head and returned to the main track of her thoughts from her digression. “Well I have admitted before that I never really put my efforts towards relationships or social standing. I mean, I knew of it, but never how I related to it. Okay then, so… Am I a filly-fooler?”

Twilight would have continued further in her train of thought, but was interrupted by two things, which together brought her out of her tunnel-visioned thought process. The first was the arrival of breakfast, and the second was the arrival of another pony at the table with her.

“Oh, good morning, sugarcube! How're you today? Your eyes feeling any better?” asked Applejack as she joined Twilight at the breakfast table. After a moment, she placed her own breakfast order.

“Good morning Applejack. I'm doing quite well, all things considered. My horn still twinges a bit, but that’s the only thing aside from still being temporarily blind. What about you? How goes the pageant? Have you repaired the effects panel yet? Oh, I wish I could go down to the theater and fix it myself to be sure...”

“Don't you worry your head about nothing but getting better there, Twi. We're getting everything cleaned up. We've even got another theater lined up to take the pageant, too. Several places offered to do it. You'd have thought there was a stampede going on the way they hurried in to offer! You'd think they'd be more worried about offering their place for a play that blew the roof off the last place that had it.”

Twilight was a bit shocked by the news. “It needs a new roof? Rarity told me the panel had failed, and that it blowing is what caused my backlash and blindness! She didn't say that the theater had been damaged! Was any pony hurt?! What about practices? Oh, this is a problem!”

Applejack laughed a bit “Didn't I just tell ya to not worry your head over it? It's all being taken care of. Pinkie Pie is handling the change in venue. The pageant will still open on time. Actually, it might even run longer than we thought it might; no other place in Canterlot is as big as where we were, so we'd want to get in a few extra nights to make sure everyone gets to see it. The only thing you need to do, sugarcube, is get better, and decide on if you'll at least make it to opening night or not. Nopony will be upset if you don't, but the rest of the cast is worried about you, too; they'd be right happy to see you there for it, even if you still couldn't see the play. So you think about it, and just let me know when you decide how you feel.”

Twilight fell silent for a moment as the information sank in. She'd been rather distracted the past couple of days, and now she felt a bit guilty about not doing more to keep in contact with her pageant crew, something she resolved to fix today if at all possible. She was sure they would forgive her, given the situation, but that seemed to only make her feel even more embarrassed. She sighed a bit at the thought, then drew up her mental checklist and added her intention to visit the rest of the pageant cast and let them know she was well on the road to recovery.

Twilight's thoughts were not to be forgotten, though, and her mind turned back towards her earlier train of thought. Once she got onto some subjects, if they were important enough to her, she wouldn't let them go until she was well satisfied that she had an answer. She hesitated a moment, but decided that if her usual habits of studying and research buried deep in books wasn't available right now, she might try asking other ponies. Who better to start with than her friends?

“So Applejack, let me ask you something. If one of your closest friends, say I or one of the other girls, thought you had romantic interests in other mares, how would you feel about it?”

There was a pause before Applejack answered. “Well, Twi, ah'm not rightly sure. First, ah guess ah'd have to ask why one of my friends thought ah liked mares. Then, ah'd see how things went from there before doing anything about it. Why do you ask, Twi? Do you think ah like mares?”

Twilight face-hoofed at the question. “No, no, it's not that. I ask because, well, I think a friend of ours thinks that I like mares, and I'm not sure what to think or feel or do about it. And, well, I just... It’s...” Twilight was about to continue on when Applejack placed a warm hoof on her shoulder.

“Ah understand, sugarcube. Well, there's a few things you might should know before you decide on how you feel about things. First, don't you want to know why they might think you're a filly-fooler and what it might mean to them?

“What it might mean to them?” Twilight echoed. “What do you mean by that?” she had to ask. She could think of several things, but she always liked to be sure. It was one of the reasons she loved books so much: the lack of ambiguity in the meaning of what was written for most things.

“Well, you said this pony who thinks you might be a filly-fooler is a friend, right? Well, if they are going to stop being your friend because you might like mares, then they aren't much of a friend, and it’s no great loss. But if they are just being curious, well then that might be all there is to it, wanting to know more about a friend of theirs. On the other hoof, well, they could be wanting to know because... well... they might want to be more than just friends with you, Twi. I mean, if it’s a stallion asking and he has reason to think you might prefer mares, he could just be being cautious and not wanting to make things awkward if he's right. Or, if it’s a mare, it could be the same thing, but in reverse.”

Twilight nodded along to Applejack's explanation, thoughts whirling through her mind. “Clearly, I need more information. Oh, why haven't I put more thought into these things before?! It'd make things so much simpler if I had!” she asked herself aloud.

“Well, Twi, you're a smart pony. Ah'm sure you've had plenty of other things on your mind before now. It's just never come up for you is all, but now it has, so just think about it now is all you can do, right? … Since you brought the subject up, if you don't mind my asking... Do you? Like mares, that is.”

Twilight's sightless eyes blinked as she pondered the question. “I... I don't know. I think I might... If it was the right mare... But then I can see a stallion if that were right, too. I don't know. Is that odd? A pony is a pony, right? Doesn't mutual attraction mean more? That's what books I've read in the past have said, that solid romantic relationships are built upon mutual attraction, commonality of shared interests, and interactions, as well as interchange of emotions and time spent together. But others have said that...”

Twilight was suddenly cut off by a hoof being pressed to her lips as Applejack interrupted her before her monologue segued into a full blown tangent and no one could get a word in edgewise.

“Twi, sugarcube, your books may have a point, but they can't fill you in on the whole orchard. Some things you have to feel for yourself. If you like mares, you like mares and we're still friends. If ya like stallions, the same. Even if you're one of those who finds that they like both, Ah'll be by your side no matter what. We've been through too much to let a little thing like that get in the way.”

Twilight nodded, breathing a little slower now. “Thanks Applejack. You've given me something to think about. And it’s good to know that you're behind me on this, too. I never would have thought you'd be a pony to talk to on a subject like this.”

Applejack let out a sound somewhere between a long suffering sigh and a laugh. “Seems like every pony forgets that ah lived in Manehatten and have family there. Ah don't spend all my time on the farm.”

Twilight grinned sheepishly. “Sorry-” she started to say before she was cut off by Applejack.

“Don't be sorry, Twi, Ah've gotten used to it. I'm glad Rarity is helping you out so much these past couple of days, but don't forget we're all here for you if you need us for anything. We all want you to get better, and no pony wants another late friendship report either. So now then, Twi, just what are your plans for the day gonna be then?”

Twilight thought silently for a moment. “Well, first I plan on finishing breakfast here. Then I think I'll go visit the theater and everypony there, and make a decision about showing up for opening night if nothing else. After that, I'm not sure. I still want to think on this more. I can't stand not knowing something when it’s been made so clear to me that I don't know about it this way. Do you think maybe we could talk more on the way to the theater?”

“Ah reckon we could, Twi. I reckon we could. But- oh good, breakfast is here!” The two ate in companionable silence for a time, and were soon ready to head out into Canterlot. “Anything you think you'd need with you, Twi? Any medicines the doc says you need to take?”

“No, the doctors haven't prescribed me anything yet. There isn't much a pony can take for backlash, anyway. Anyway, I wanted to ask: I thought you only lived in Manehatten when you were a filly before you even got your cutie-mark. How long did you stay there?” asked Twilight.

Applejack chuckled a bit. “Well, sugarcube, Ah did live there the longest time when ah was a filly. Ah stayed with my aunt and uncle Orange for a little over a full year trying to fit myself into big-city living. It wasn't completely a bad time for me. Oh, ah missed the farm and the pace of Ponyville life, but it wasn't all bad. Still, as my apple-spotted butt shows, Ah'm much happier in Ponyville than Ah was there.

“However, it wasn't the only time Ah lived there. A few years back, once Ah'd finished schooling and had grown up a might, I thought that maybe Ah could try again. Ah was smarter this time; Ah wasn't planning on living there, but I thought maybe I could stay a while, get to know some ponies, and make a name for Sweet Apple Acres up there. Auntie and Uncle know so many people up in the city, and there it's all about who you know rather than what you do. Still, Ah reckoned that it'd be good for business if Ah went there myself to make the contacts rather than just going through my aunt and uncle.

“Ah stayed for just over six months that time. Made a few friends. Not as many business partners as Ah'dve liked, but it wasn't completely wasted. Every season, Ah ship off a few barrels of cider and a few bushels of apples and make a tidy profit off the deal. That was when Ah learned some of the things Ah now know about how ponies comport themselves with others. It was a shock then, but Ah learned to just get used to it.

“Besides, Ah've known some ponies who seemed to be the nicest ponies you’d ever met on the surface but were rotten to the core on the inside. And Ah've met ponies there who seemed no-good and even downright sinful, as Granny Smith would say it, who are some of the most steadfast and worthwhile ponies Ah've ever known outside of you and the other girls. It's true what they say that there is one bad apple in every bunch, but it's not true that one bad apple ruins the barrel. That's how Ah learned that, while Ah might not be cut out for the city life, there are good ponies everywhere if you look for them, and that fancy clothes or fancy speaking don't always count for much.”

Twilight was almost dumbfounded to hear the tale Applejack told her. Clearly, she had a lot more research to do into her friends. She'd never known this side of Applejack existed. “I... I never would have guessed at any of that Applejack...” she said softly.

“It's alright Twi, we all have things we don't talk about much. Or things that just never come up much. It's also been a busy couple of years ever since we became the element bearers. Our adventures have brought us so close as friends that sometimes its easy to forget that we haven't always been friends and a team.

Twilight fell silent, digesting the new information about one of her closest friends. She had just opened her mouth to ask a question that had come to mind when Applejack put a hoof out to stop her. “Easy there Twi, we're here.” She said confirming for Twilight that the ghostly lines she saw in her head due to her, visio-mystical refractor sensor ring, indicating that they were in front of a building.

Together the two ponies entered into the building Applejack had guided them too. Twilight could only logically presume that this was the new venue for the play that Pinkie Pie had lined up. Her presumption was soon proved correct as a short trip down the hallways of the building led them into a larger open area or so the purplish lines hovering in her minds eye showed her. It was soon apparent that the crew of the pageant was on hand. As she was quickly flooded with a tide of voices, all the pony's she had gotten to know over the past few weeks running up to greet her, to inquire to her health, to tell her how amazed they were at her actions saving them and so on. Time easily got away from the violet unicorn as she conversed with her friends and cast.

Several hours passed at the theater. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both showing up a while later. It was well afternoon before Twilight was able to return to the palace. She had scarcely set foot on the grounds when she was summoned to the infirmary. Where she met with Dr. Bright field again.

The doctor began almost as soon as she was in the room. “Well Lady Sparkle. I'm glad we were able to meet so soon. I've been discussing it with the rest of my staff and there is a treatment option we'd like to try with you. It is rather new and while it has passed all safety protocols so far it still isn't widely practiced or well known yet. It's a rather interesting combination of magical healing combined with a course of pills based upon research that has recently been done into traditional Zebra medicine. Of course I will explain more in depth before asking you to consent to treatment but I wanted to see if you were at all interested in this first. We are still devising treatment options along more normal courses as well. But this does show much promise. What do you think Lady Sparkle?”

Twilight managed to keep her flinching at her title to a minimum, aided by the news of a treatment, even sooner than she had anticipated. She nodded her assent and began to listen as the doctor began to explain the details of proposed treatment. Though to herself she thought that if it could return her sight to her even one day faster she was prepared to try it.