An Ancient Reunion

The following days came and went, with the brothers still developing their newly rediscovered abilities, as well as the sisters working out how to help them adapt more and more to this modern era. And yet, with these days coming and going, all four alicorns were growing closer to each other, though neither were yet able to admit their feelings towards the other. Celestia and Solstitio, as well as Luna and Messis. These four were only a breath away from confessing their feelings, but slight worries crippled these efforts.

It was on one such morning, Solstitio was walking around, when he noticed the coming dawn. Curious, he followed the light of this until he came across Celestia on a balcony. The solar alicorn looked absolutely radiant in the growing warmth of the dawn. The way the sun’s light as it cracked over the horizon made her mane and tail shimmer and sparkle in such a manner that Solstitio was at a loss for words. But this might be the perfect chance he was hoping for.

"Morning, Celestia." Solstitio greeted, smiling at the mare as he trotted over to her. “Hope you slept well.”

"Morning." Celestia replied with a warm smile. “And I slept well. Only just finished raising the sun.”

“That is very impressive.” Solstitio nodded, marveling at the beauty of the dawn’s glow. "How long have you been raising the sun?"

"Centuries, although I have to admit, I never had anypony closer to me.” Celestia replied, her voice sounding a mix of calm and nostalgic. “I know that I have a closer relationship with the sun, but that is nonsense."

“I see.” Solstitio nodded as he hung on every word, working up the courage to admit something. He broke his silence. "Recently, something feels different about me."

"What do you mean, Solstitio?” Celestia finished raising the sun, turning to him. “Is something bothering you?"

"No, it's just..." Solstitio stopped in the middle of his sentence as he was lost in words, then blurted out. "Would you ever have somepony closer to you in life, I could be that."

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked, confused by the vagueness of her friend’s words. “Is there something wrong?” Blushing profusely, Solstitio ducked his head and cleared his throat.

“I was thinking…” Solstitio struggled to say as the words were caught in his throat. Sighing to swallow the last of his courage, he tried again. “Maybe you and I could go out on a date?"

Celestia blushed brightly, her white muzzle was now the shade of an apple and she started to feel warm, her heart pounded in her chest as she tried to form her words. Was this it? Was Solstitio hitting on her? Was he confessing to her? The alicorn’s mind was racing as her eyes were darting about. She couldn’t stay silent forever, she had to say something to him. Solstitio was telling her his feelings, she had to return this bravery in kind. After a few deep breaths, she smiled.

"What made you ask that now?" Celestia asked, she blushed a little. “N-not that I’m…well…oh my…” Blushing brightly himself, Solstitio cleared his throat to answer.

"I didn't know if you were taken.” Solstitio replied, feeling a little more confident in his voice. “But since you said otherwise, I thought I’d ask.".

"Well, I'm glad you talked to me about this.” Celestia nodded, smiling from ear to ear as she started walking, Solstitio followed from behind. “Yes, we can go on a date together."

"Celestia, even though you have not dated before, are you good at dating?" Solstitio asked, looking sheepishly. “It’s been so long since I even thought about such things. I don’t want to ruin it by being out of date.” The mare nearly cooed at how adorable the alicorn looked with the blush on his face.

"Yes, but it varies depending on the pony." Celestia answered. “I think we can take it slow, and then see where the day takes us.” Looking back at him, she couldn’t help but giggle a little. “So let’s have some breakfast, and then I can show you around Canterlot.” As Solstitio followed her, she thought to herself. ‘This is perfect! I get some time with Solstitio, and I’m sure Luna is going to have some fun with Messis today as well.’

Following a hearty and full breakfast, Celestia and Solstitio made their way into Canterlot. Wanting to be more private and alone, the princess ordered her guards to keep at a distance. Since there was no way for her to order them to leave the two of them alone all day, the best she could do was instruct them to be more hidden but vigilant. And while she liked the idea of Solstitio being out in his full splendor, but wanted his wings to be covered for his own personal protection.

"Celestia, is this necessary?" Solstitio asked as he received a blue cloak from Celestia. “I mean, I’m not complaining. It looks really nice.” Looking himself over, he looked like an especially tall unicorn with an ethereal mane and beard.

"Throughout my reign, ponies still do not know if alicorn stallions exist, we may reveal you two as a surprise when the time is right." Celestia replied with a wink. “Besides, I think you look quite stunning in it.”

“I mean, I kinda stand out already.” Solstitio chuckled, looking himself over. “But I’ll do as you say.” Donning the cloak, he followed behind the princess.

Canterlot was better than Solstitio thought. Even when he and Messis walked the streets with Twilight and her friends, the most they saw were just the main street. And even then, they were moving too fast to really enjoy the sights of the city. With Celestia at his side, the two alicorns were going to have a much better time. The cobblestone streets clopped under his hooves, almost echoing a little as it matched with the pace of the busy ponies starting up their day.

Market stalls were setting up for the day. The shouts and calls of ponies trying to sell their wares. The sights, colors, smells, and even the way the breeze felt on Solstitio’s face was sending a shiver down his spine. For a moment, it reminded him of the bazaars and markets of Skyros. The way these ponies were working hard, the way they were toiling away to make their living, and yet the look of fulfillment and joy across their faces were beyond impressive to the stallion.

"Things have changed around here, right?" Solstitio asked with a surprised look on his face. “So maybe it was smart to take it slow with them. Don’t wanna cause a scene if they see my wings.”

"Yeah, society is like that, life changes constantly throughout my reign, ponies came and went, the changes in food, the list goes on." Celestia replied with a smile on her face. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it soon enough.”

"Since I'm not very familiar with this time, could you guide me on this?" Solstitio asked. “With the splendor of this city, I don’t want to get lost.”

"Sure, just follow me, and you will understand." Celestia replied. “But please, don’t go staring with your mouth hanging. Ponies might stare if you’re just standing there.”

Following behind the Princess, Solstitio looked around to see not only what was happening on the streets, but the surrounding buildings. Skyros was a city designed around alicorns, and so with the mix of magic and flight, the architecture was designed to not only allow flight, but could be constructed in a way that almost defied contemporary laws of physics and structure. Canterlot was a different design altogether, not just in age, but in shape.

Built not only with the idea of the three pony tribes coming together, the architecture reflected this. Some buildings were low and stout, while others were narrow and tall, and then some were seemingly decorated and built by magic. It wasn’t just a show of the unity of the three tribes, but also a metaphor of what earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns could do when they worked in harmony. Solstitio was impressed, seeing such a marvelous blend of ponykind coming together like this.

“Wow, this is what modern Equestria looks like, the buildings look so different.” Solstitio exclaimed with shock. “It’s just so much to take in. So different from Skyros.”

“Yes, though this is just what the city looks like now.” Celestia giggled, looking back at him with a cheerful smile. “Why, only a few centuries ago, it was mainly columns, pillars, and more marble stones. But the expense became too great to maintain.” She then sighed a little, sounding more scholarly again. “And even before that, Canterlot was a mainly unicorn population before the unity of the three tribes. So this city is a testament of what ponykind can accomplish when they work together.”

Trotting along the road, the two alicorns came across a bakery named, Fine Hooves Bakery. It was a quaint looking place, not too big or too small. Even having a more rustic looking log wooden exterior as opposed to many of the more brick styles that neighbored it. The scent of warm toast wafting through the air as Solstitio pushed open the wooden door as the two of them entered. The inside was just as cozy looking as the outside. The tables were made of fine carved wood, and there was a massive hearth and chimney in the far back that gave the place an additional scent of burning hickory.

“Why, good morning, your highness.” The baker, who was a stout looking unicorn, greeted Celestia and Solstitio. Before he finished a thought, he gestured over to the tables. “By all means, sit, sit. Sit anywhere you’d like.” The two alicorns walked over to a nearby table while the unicorn approached them. “What can I start you off with?”

“I wanted to show my friend around the city. And so I figured one of the best places to start would be a lovely place such as this.” Celestia answered with both worry and enthusiasm. “Anyways, we would like to have a raisin pastry, a croissant, and two small coffees please."

“Would that be all, your highness?” The baker asked, magically scribbling the order on a pad. “We have a new shipment of chocolate biscuits from Griffonstone.”

“Yes, thank you." Celestia said as she paid the bits required. “And we’ll consider the biscuits for another time.”

“Amazing, such a warm place to be.” Solstitio commented, leaning in a little to whisper. “And that baker. I didn’t want to say anything, but he’s rather short for a unicorn.”

“Oh yes, that’s right. This wasn’t a common thing back in those days.” Celestia nodded, leaning in to whisper as well. “Since the unification of the three tribes, many families and clans have interbred. Our friendly baker here is both a unicorn and earth pony.”

“That’s amazing!” Solstitio nodded, smiling as he looked over to the baker. “Such a wondrous age to live in. Such unity was practically unheard of back in my time.”

“Remind me to introduce you to this lovely family in Ponyville.” Celestia giggled quietly. “Both parents are earth ponies, but their son is a pegasus, and their daughter is a unicorn. Truly a gifted family.”

The baker eventually returned with the pastries she ordered, moved them onto a well crafted looking wooden tray, along with the two coffees that were foaming at the top of two well crafted clay mugs. Celestia took them, handing Solstitio’s coffee over to him, along with raisin pastry. The stallion looked at it, curious about the flavor of such a tasty looking treat. Celestia couldn’t help but giggle a little, looking at the alicorn as if he were that curious colt she once knew so long ago.

“So this is how ponies today spend their mornings?” Solstitio asked as he looked around the establishment and the baked goods with curiosity. “Looks pretty good, so I can’t complain.”

“Yes, I suppose, but not all ponies do this, there are some that prefer to eat at their residence and some that prefer to go to these places on some days depending on their schedules." Celestia said with a gleeful smile. “Enjoy the pastries."

“I’ll try.” Solstitio chuckled a little, lifting the pastry up to his mouth. “I mean, after the breakfast we had, I don’t even think I’ll have the room.” Celestia only smiled, sipping at her coffee as she watched him.

Solstitio took a moment to admire his raisin pastry. Shaped like a swirl, flakey, and with raisins between the layers. It certainly looked very appetizing, and even without touching it, he could feel some of the warmth radiating off it; as well as the faint wisps of steam which caused the raisins to glisten a little. Swallowing his appetite a little, he took a bite of the pastry, crumbs fell, and he felt the texture, followed by its richness, sweetness, and acidity hitting his tongue. The pupils in his eyes shrank.

“Oh, oh…wow…” Solstitio hummed, chewing and savoring the bite for a moment. “This is…just wow…”

“Uh, are you okay?” Celestia asked, giggling only a little, but not wanting to presume he was joking around. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anypony react like that.” Solstitio then shook his head side-to-side to get back to reality.

“Yes, Just admiring the flavor." Solstitio answered as he continued to eat and speak with Celestia. “It’s so rich, and so warm.” Taking another bite, he couldn’t help but hum a little more. “I mean, don’t get me wrong. I normally love cold foods, but there’s something about a warm bite of something that just sends a shiver throughout your body.”

“I know what you mean.” Celestia replied, calmly yet cheerfully eating her own croissant. “I’ve always loved these. It’s just butter in a warm and crispy roll.” She sighed, feeling a sense of joy that only sent more warmth as the food ran down her throat.

Finishing up their meal, Solstitio quickly made his way over to the baker. The unicorn, who was just putting in various breads, pastries, and cakes in the oven, walked out of the back to see the alicorn looking at him with such a smile on his face. He had been a baker long enough to know what "look" meant. It was the sheer joy of another satisfied customer. Pride only filled the unicorn as he approached Solstitio.

“Looks like you enjoyed the pastry.” The baker nodded, smiling warmly at the stallion. “Is there anything else I can make for you?”

“Enjoyed it? I loved it!” Solstitio chuckled, looking at the unicorn with a cheerful smile. “That was one of the greatest things I have ever eaten. And I can say nothing but my highest compliments to you.”

“Well, that’s pretty kind of you.” The baker smiled, rubbing his chin for a moment. “Tell you what. Since you enjoyed it so much, and of course, I can never dare charge the Princess for gracing my bakery with her presence. How’s about I get you two fresh loaves. On the house.”

“Oh? Thank you, thank you!” Solstitio nodded, then a thought struck him. “If it would be okay with you, kind sir, I would like to see how such magnificent pastries are made.”

“Of course, I would be honored to.” The baker replied, laughing merrily at the two. “Just so long as you don’t steal my family recipes.” Solstitio and the unicorn shared a cheerful laugh at the comment. “How’s about you coming back when I close as soon as the sun goes down? I’d love to show you everything I got.”

“Sounds good.” Solstitio smiled, almost giddy with anticipation. “I can’t wait.” With that, both he and Celestia bid their farewell and left the bakery. Now back walking along the streets of Canterlot, he noticed the look on Celestia’s face. “What? You’re looking at me funny.”

“It’s nothing, it’s just you’re quite the curious one when it comes to baking." Celestia said, enjoying her time with Solstitio. “Like a colt standing near the oven looking at and waiting for the finished product.”

"Yes, I am curious, but my true passions were sorcery and knighthood." Solstitio laughed between his blushing. “And who knows, since Messis and I are relearning our magic, then we can see where that goes.”

Celestia pondered for a moment what manner of treats Solstitio could make. Given his preference for colder things, maybe he could work towards pastries that added a pleasant chill when bitten into. Or perhaps the opposite, a warm bite of food that would push away the cold on the chilliest of wintery nights. Either way, Celestia couldn’t help but feel her own appetite being wet by the desire to try whatever Solstitio makes.

"Everypony has their own talents and personalities that define themselves, they don't have just one.” Celestia said, looking at Solstitio warmly. “And who knows, maybe you can be a big strong knight someday.”

“H-how about we move onto a different topic.” Solstitio asked, blushing as he looked away from the mare. "What do you like to do then, Celestia?"

"Well, I like to cook when at the castle because I prefer not to have servants cook for me.” Celestia answered, her voice sounding so sweet and sincere. “Occasionally I may sing in the shower or at karaoke night in some clubs or bars, but when I’m not handling any political affairs I make the time to come out of the castle and socialize with the rest of my subjects."

"Really, Celestia, I did not know you like doing these things." Solstitio replied with a chuckle. “Still, that all sounds lovely. Please, tell me more.” Celestia only smiled, more than happy to share with him.

As the two continued to talk, the more they shared. The closer and closer the two of them were getting. Not only with the meal, but the company. Celestia and Solstitio were growing closer, and the more they learned about each other, the more this warm, pleasurable feeling swelled within their being. It was a good feeling, it was a pleasant experience. And for both Celestia and Solstitio, their date was nearly over, and it was impossible to tell which shone brighter, them or the blazing sun that illuminated the great city.