The Misfortune of Clover the Clever

By some miracle, Clover managed to get to sleep that night. Once he was, dreams of warm summer days and sweet smelling flowers helped to ease his anxious mind. He was so relaxed, that if he hadn't remembered to set his enchanted alarm clock, he might not have woken up in time.

He reluctantly climbed out of bed and began readying himself for the day. It was still dark outside since the sun hadn't risen yet, but why would it have? Today, that was their job. Even though he wasn't the one leading, he still felt giddy that they'd be the ones doing it.

It took several minutes to go over his coat and mane with a brush, he wanted to look his best, after all. Especially since he was pretty sure that Azalea would be there, looking specifically for him. Once he was sure everything was in order, he carefully donned his ceremonial toga before leaving for the ritual hall with a spring in his step.

There were a number of ponies awake this early in the morning. There was the usual guard that patrolled the city throughout the night. They usually didn't have much to do outside of maintaining a presence while keeping an eye on the sky. With the waters around Elysium as treacherous as they were, it was the only real way to sneak into the city.

A few scholars also studied late into the night. These were the ones who primarily focused their attention on reading the movements of the stars and nudging them back into place if they started to stray too far away. Neglecting that task usually brought on either floods or quakes, but in the worst case scenario, a star beast would descend from the heavens and wreak untold havoc and destruction wherever they went.

Lastly, there was the sunrising itself. It was something that had to be done every morning, and as routine as it was, not everyone felt the need to attend every one. However, those in Clover's class whose parents still lived were sure to be there, especially since it was their first time. It was an unfortunate truth, but many unicorns didn't see old age. They were by far the least robust of the pony tribes, and their daily rituals tended to put undue strain on them as a whole. The task of raising the sun was just that stressful, and while they could mitigate the damage by taking turns, it eventually caught up with most of them. Those who no longer had homes of their own stayed in the dorms as Clover did. He might've been more saddened by the passing of his parents, but it was just a simple fact of life. Plus, they died so long ago that he barely remembered them.

Clover made his way down the crisp morning road, passing a few of his classmates along the way. Mixed measures of enthusiasm floated about them for the upcoming ritual, with some of them looking forward to it more than others. At first, Clover wasn't looking forward to having to go without his magic for a while. He did like running his various experiments, after all. That changed last night after Pyrus set him up with Azalea.

Speaking of which, Pyrus was apparently waiting for him outside his house with a tired look on his face. He perked up a bit upon seeing Clover. "Hey!" He waved him over. "I was wondering when you'd wake up." The corners of Pyrus' lips curled upward. "So... How did it go?"

Clover had thought of several things he wanted to say to Pyrus when he saw him next. He really wanted to give him a piece of his mind for that stunt he pulled last night. However, his courage seemed to have picked that moment to remain absent, making way for a deep blush to creep up his face.

Pyrus, being who he was, didn't miss a single opportunity to needle his friend. "What's this?" He asked, feigning shock. "Did something happen last night that you're too ashamed to talk about?" He scooted up beside Clover and began poking him in the ribs. "Did somepony finally become a real stallion last night?"

This time he actually did take a swing at the boisterous pony. However, Pyrus, being the one who was provoking him, was well aware of which buttons he was pushing, so he kind of saw it coming.

"Easy there, champ," he laughed as he caught his friend. "But seriously, how did it go after I left?"

"Well," Clover started. He wanted to share, he really did. Part of him was still a little annoyed with Pyrus for his stunt and he sort of wanted to lie, but he was just too excited to do so. "It was great. We just talked for a bit, and we're supposed to meet up again after the ceremony."

The look on Pyrus' face fell a bit. "That's all?" He said, a bit annoyed. "I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that nothing more happened. Besides, I already had your lady tear into me this morning, so I kinda already knew nothing happened."

How could Clover forget? He turned his attention to the house next door in a panic. The last thing he needed was for Azalea to overhead this conversation.

"Relax," said Pyrus when he saw where Clover was looking. "It's just us here. Even my father already ran on ahead to find a good seat. I told him I wanted to talk to you before we got there. Speaking of which," he said as he looked up at the rapidly descending moon. "We really should get going."

After that, they both hurried to make their way to the ritual hall without another moment to lose. They had to dodge around a number of early risers, most likely destined for the same place. Unlike them though, they were just headed there to watch.

They probably wouldn't have had to rush to get there on time, but Pyrus' insistence that he wait around to needle Clover had put them a bit behind schedule. As a result, when they finally made their way to the ritual hall, not only were they the last ones there, but they also found themselves greeted by disappointed looks from the city's elders.

While it was true that many unicorns didn't see old age, some of them did manage to beat the odds and make it to their twilight years. These ponies were usually looked up to for guidance, not just in daily life, but in the governing of the city itself.

"Well, it's about time you two showed up," said Elder Gladiolus, a broad smile making its way out from behind his beard. "Were you both up a little too late partying? You know you're supposed to save that for tonight, right?" Even now, you could still tell that the distinguished pony once had a very colorful mane in his youth. Sure, it had long since faded and he had refused to use spells to bring back the full spectrum of colors it once had. Despite his advanced years, Gladiolus could usually be found milling about with the younger crowd. He was always willing to listen to the dreams and troubles of young ponies, making him immensely popular among them.

"You take it far too easy on them," Elder Dahlia looked down her nose at him. "Attitudes like that leave them thinking that such behavior is perfectly acceptable." Dahlia did not appear to be as old as she really was. Neither her vibrant red mane, nor the black stripe that ran down its length had even started to show signs of fading. Unlike her associate, she didn't mingle with younger ponies. Choosing instead to work with the more influential individuals in the city as she curried favor and arranged deals. This might've seemed like she was just looking out for herself, and she might very well have been, but many of her actions had led to improved conditions throughout all of Elysium. Unfortunately, her prowess had created a degree of distance between her and the average pony, and as a result, many felt intimidated by her.

"Here we go again," Gladiolus said as he rolled his eyes. "Going on about the proper way everypony should act. Young ponies are just going to get into trouble, you know that. You were young once. You know how it is."

"And that's exactly why we need to reign them in," she went on like he had just agreed with her. "The unicorns of today are far too rambunctious for the most dignified of the tribes."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it," Gladiolus snapped back at her. "All you're going to accomplish is..."

The third elder stepped forward. With her long white mane and wrinkled old face, everyone in Elysium knew who this was. All it took was her being in the room, and any argument or discourse seemed to lose any meaning, as was the case now. Elder Lily barely spared her fellow elders a moment's glance as she walked between them. She didn't stomp her hooves or even remotely raise her voice, and the bickering between Gladiolus and Dahlia ended as quickly as it had begun.

As for all the young unicorns that readied themselves to raise the sun, they all turned and bowed deeply to Elder Lily. All the elders were worthy of respect, but the degree she received it from others bordered on worship.

A gentle smile graced her lips as she opened her mouth. "Raise your heads," she said, the words feeling more like a statement of fact than an actual command. "This is the day you all become true unicorns. The day of your first sunrising." She paused for a moment to look over each of them. "Take pride in what you do here today and keep your heads held high. Now," she said as she turned her attention to the black-coated pony in front of her. "Pyrus Sunflare. Have you finished your preparations?"

Not even Pyrus, known for all his mischief and general mayhem, dared to speak to the oldest among them with anything other than the highest respect. "Yes, Elder Lily," he said with a polite nod. "I am ready to begin at any time."

"Very good," she said, the smile she gave now was only meant for him. "Whenever you think the time is right, we'll be watching you from our seats. I'm sure you'll make us proud."

After that, she slowly started making her way towards the stairs with the other elders close behind. Someone would likely be there to help her climb them, she wasn't as young as she once was. However, when one of their number lagged behind, she stopped. "Elder Dahlia?" She questioned the other mare. "Is something the matter?"

"Forgive me, gracious elder," said Elder Dahlia as she showed deference to the most senior of their number. "But I require a moment of young Clover's time before the ceremony. It's something of a personal matter."

Clover's ears perked up upon hearing his name. Elder Dahlia wanted to speak with him? He could understand if Gladiolus had words for him, but Dahlia would never be seen talking to a pony like him."

Lily raised an eyebrow at the request, so she was apparently caught off guard as well. She looked between the two of them for a moment as the gears in her perceptive mind began to turn. A smirk, so brief that it may as well have been imagined, played out across her lips before her features returned to the very picture of serenity. "Very well," she said as she once again turned her attention back to Pyrus. "It seems we will need a moment before everypony is truly ready to begin. See to your preparations and young Clover will join you shortly."

Pyrus gave another short bow before turning to leave. He spared a moment to shoot a quick look to his friend. Words weren't exchanged, but the look that Clover saw in his eyes made it clear that words would've been insufficient. Whatever the elder wanted him for, he needed to be careful with what he said to her.

Clover stood there, not once taking his eyes off the elder mare. She didn't even blink as she stared down her nose at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that a dangerous predator was sizing him up, taking his measure, and that feeling only got worse as everyone else filed out of the room.

"So," Elder Dahlia said once they were alone, the lack of inflection in her voice only serving to unnerve him further. "You're Clover." She began to circle around him and he could feel her eyes bore into him. "Hmmm..." She pondered. "You're not exactly much to look at, but I hear you're quite studious and a surprisingly clever spellweaver, despite not having near the same raw power at your disposal as some of your peers."

Clover swallowed hard. Why was Elder Dahlia, one of the most powerful ponies in the city, taking an interest in him? He wasn't anything special. Did he do something he shouldn't have? Nothing that came to mind.

"Tell me, Clover," Dahlia continued unabated. "Do you have aspirations after finishing the basic curriculum?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" Clover said quickly, almost squealing in his haste to answer. He lowered his head when he realized he was probably being rude. "I was hoping to pursue runic studies and arcane transfiguration."

"Hmmm... Those are quite the advanced fields of study, but not outside the realm of possibility given your record," she nodded her approval. "Still, excellence isn't outside of your reach, and you may some day be a pony worth knowing."

"Thanks..." Clover said quietly, still not really sure why she was going out of her way to delay the sunrise ritual just to give him a compliment.

"But that day is not today," Dahlia snapped as she now hovered over him. "Right now, you're a nobody. A peasant, a worm, barely more important than an earth pony," she went on as she continued to lay into him.

Clover tried to back away under the onslaught, only to meet resistance as a light red glow lit up his hooves, preventing his escape. What had he done to bring this kind of attention down on his head?

"So what makes you think a pony like you is good enough for my daughter?" She demanded, answering Clover's silent question.

He swallowed hard as the pieces started to come together. "Y... Your daughter? Respected Elder..." Clover added at the end after getting a cross look from the mare.

She continued to examine him, only the slightest trace of curiosity painting her features. "Did you not share in libations with a certain young lady last night between the twilight and midnight hours?"

Clover continued to sweat as he tried to think of what he had done to anger this pony. He had been seen drinking with her daughter? Last night even? That didn't make any sense. The only pony he had any interaction last night was with... His eyes grew wide as the last few pieces fell into place. "A... Azalea? Ma'am?"

Elder Dahlia swooped in so close to his face that Clover thought he might catch fire under her incendiary glare. "Hmmm..." She pondered. "You don't actually appear to be lying," she said, more under her breath than to him. "I guess this is as much my fault as is it anypony else's. We're seldom seen in public together. However," she snapped before addressing him again. "Know this, little pony," she accentuated with no small amount of malice. "I'm not about to just let some nobody have my daughter. Have I made myself clear?"

Clover was having trouble breathing by this point, much less talking. It was everything he could do just to rapidly nod his head, eliciting a smile from the powerful mare.

"Good," she said, her voice suddenly getting a lot more chipper. "Glad we could have this little talk, Clover. Now, don't let me keep you," she made a shooing motion with her hoof. "I'm sure everypony is anxiously waiting to see the sun rise. Best be on your way." With those parting words, she happily trotted her way towards the stairs, eager to catch up with her fellow elders.

It was a solid minute before Clover felt like he could breathe again. What had he gotten himself into? Would he have avoided Azalea had he known who her mother was? Well, actually, he had avoided talking to her even without that knowledge. There was no doubt in his mind that Pyrus knew who she was, he had been living next door to her for years. They were going to have to have some words about this after they got the whole sunrise thing out of the way.

He hurried along to the door leading to the courtyard, pausing only for a moment when something flickered out of the corner of his eye. He might not have even noticed that something was out of place, but his recent encounter had left him a bit on edge. Clover turned his head to look in the direction of where he had seen the disturbance. Now that he was looking more closely, he could very clearly see where the light was bending around the space beside him. It was a spell he wasn't very good at, but he was at least familiar with its effects. There was someone invisible right next to him. Someone who smelled of mint and honey.

"I should've guessed you'd notice a simple invisibility spell," said the familiar voice. "And I'm sorry about my mother."

The empty space shimmered like the air bent around an open fire. The light buckled and bent until the illusion peeled itself away, revealing the pink mane of a crestfallen Azalea.

"Azalea!?" Exclaimed Clover as his breath caught in his throat. "What're you doing here?" The recent encounter with the girl's mother had set him a bit on edge. "How much of that did you see?"

A deep sigh escaped her throat. "All of it," she said solemnly. "I should've known my mother would stick her nose in my business," she huffed her apparent annoyance. "She's always been like this. Watching everything I do, who I talk to," she began to blush, "and who I might be interested in."

Azalea had been advancing on Clover's position as she listed off the ways her parental unit bothered her. Clover, still feeling nervous, found himself backing up until he bumped into the door behind him.

"Sorry about that," she quickly apologized. "Not just for the door, but for my mother putting you on the spot like that." Her ears began to droop. "I'd understand if you wouldn't want anything more to do with me after this."

"No," said Clover, not even sure where he was finding the courage. He shouldn't have any left after his recent encounter with the elder. "It's not that," he said. "I mean, sure she was a bit intimidating... ok, maybe very intimidating. But I want to be with you. I want to see where this goes." He reached down and took a hold of her hoof and pressed it against his chest. "Regardless of what your mother thinks, I do want to get to know you better. I don't want to let this chance pass us by."

Azalea began to tear up at his sincere words. The smile that graced her lips made Clover feel like he could've faced down her mother a thousand times more if it meant he could have her by his side. "I'd like that, too," she said as she leaned in, and before either of them knew what was happening, she presses her lips against his.

Clover felt like his soul had caught fire as the warmth rushed through him. He had never kissed anyone before, and it felt like he was wrapped in a dozen sunny days. Even when she pulled away from him, that warmth refused to leave.

"Good luck out there today, Clover," she said, her cheeks aglow. "I'll see you later."