The Moon's Shadow

Chapter 14

As Celestia entered her chambers, she tossed aside her regalia. It was at this point she finally laid her eyes upon it. She saw possibly the most beautiful thing her eyes have ever seen in their lives. It sat upon a small tray right next to her bed and it was gloriously beautiful. Words couldn’t describe it, but the single tear in her eyes did that job well. She had longed for this for ages, desired it and even craved it. She couldn’t ask for a more perfect time for it either, as she needed it after the conversation she just had with her sister not more than ten minutes ago.

‘Sweet sugary delights...how I’ve missed you...’ she thought as she trotted over to the tray with a very wide smile. While to most, it was simply just a slice of cake. To Celestia however, it was the most beautiful work of the culinary arts she could imagine. With the thick brown frosting and the multiple layers, with finally the cherry on top. She couldn’t ask for a more beautiful creation in her life. Even if the work of art was only going to last a few more minutes in the world.

The mare sat motionless before the tray for a moment or two before her horn finally lit up. The golden aura quickly enveloped the plate her favorite pastry sat on, along with it a pastry fork. The first bite was cut very slowly before being scooped up into her mouth. She was then met with a rush of flavor on her tastebuds. It was in that moment she felt the world around her vanish and all she could taste was the chocolate.In that one singular moment, Celestia thought of nothing but the taste of the chocolate. It was pure bliss. The texture of the cake was absolutely perfect. It wasn’t too moist, nor was it too dry. The frosting was sweet, but not overbearing. All of this was followed by a very soft moan as she swallowed that very first bite.

‘Its...perfect...’ she smiled, allowing that single tear to finally slide down her cheek. ‘So, he finally perfected the recipe? Its a shame tomorrow is his retirement.’ Celestia once again glanced at the cake with the wide smile still present. For just a moment, she set the cake aside and lifted up the nearby glass of milk to take a sip. Just as she did a very familiar feeling washed over her. This resulted in her nearly flinging the cake to the other side of the room as a reaction. Because just as she did a scroll appeared in a green flash, before plopping right on the tray. It was followed by a sigh of relief as she glanced at the cake. ‘That was too close...’

She seemed befuddled by the scroll, having to actually shift a glance between it and the clock on her nightstand. The clock itself read well past midnight, which was even stranger to her. She knew full well that it wasn’t very common for Twilight to be up at this hour, let alone Spike. Had her student decided to pull another all night study session? If so, why had she sent the letter? Perhaps it was another friendship report? But what possible lesson could she have learned at this late hour? Celestia soon figured that instead of just considering what it could be about, she should just set aside her cake for the moment and read through it.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Normally I wouldn’t write you at this late hour, as you could potentially be asleep or working for that matter. However, I...I feel this is relatively important as I find myself feeling relatively confused regarding my feelings for somepony. My confusion was only made worse when I went to Rarity for advice. While she honestly did try to help me through the issue, it only seemed to make matters far worse than they had been, which left me pacing the floor wondering about it.

I looked through every book I could find on the subject, but sadly even that seemed rather limited in what it could tell me. Which is why I write this now. I simply do not know what to do and I felt as though you might be able to help me. Allow me to explain: You see, about a month ago I found a stallion at the edge of the Everfree Forest. He was in pretty rough shape too, so I helped him back to my home to treat his injuries. Thankfully none of them were severe...but...he was a real sweetheart.

In the single month we spent together, he was possibly one of the nicest stallions I have ever met, even though he did act like a bit of a pervert. Even considering that though, it was just really cute how he did it. He even made me laugh a few times with some of the things he said. Adding onto this, he was also really charming. On occasion, he said some of the most amazing things to me. Especially that very first thing he said...but I won’t go into that for now.

It wasn’t just what he said though that made me feel like this, but what we did too.

Celestia froze at this moment, taking a second to re-read that particular line. For just a moment she assumed possibly the naughtiest scenario. At least until it dawned on her that her student was far better than that. It only made her smile softly before she laughed at her own thoughts. She couldn’t believe she thought of such a thing. It was before long where she actually began to read the letter again, right where she left off.

I...never knew cuddling with somepony was such a wonderful feeling. He was so warm and comfortable...he was almost like a living pillow. His wings even kept me warm all night, it was better than a blanket! This is part of the reason I’m awake now...because in that month I had grown so accustomed to his warmth...I’ve forgotten what its like to be without it.

The other reason is, I find myself still thinking about him. I mean, how could I not! He’s handsome, he’s intelligent and to add onto that, he’s even an alicorn! At first, I honestly thought he was some sort of dream...that there was no way a stallion like him existed. That was incorrect though, after spending a month with him...I know he’s very real. Its just that...how come you never told me that there were other alicorns? How come I never met this stallion before either? He claimed he worked for you directly! As a spy...or an ‘informant’ as he put it. How come I didn’t see him around the castle?! I would’ve loved to have met somepony like that sooner! But I digress...do you have any advice that could help me in this situation? Because I’ve never felt like this before, with anypony and I just...want clear answers.

Your faithful, but emotionally confused student,

Twilight Sparkle.

By the time she had finished the letter, the cake had also vanished from her plate. That however, was the last thing on her mind at this point as she was lost in her own confusion as to how to respond to her student. It was rare for Twilight to ask for advice, very rare in fact as she was an extremely intelligent mare. It was an entirely different story this time though. As she had been put into a very complicated social situation and simply just needed some guidance. It took a couple of minutes before she picked the letter up again and re-read it completely as if searching for maximum clarification. It was then she smiled softly.

‘Silver really is one of Equestria’s most charming ponies...’ Celestia laughed softly, ‘But what should I do about this? Should I write her a letter?’ That thought however was cut short by the clock in her room gonging once. It was far too late for her to be sending letters at this point. She might as well just go herself and give the advice. Not only would it be simpler, but it would also be more efficient. That way she could figure out if she needed to talk to Silver about this when she returned.

The most difficult thing about living with Twilight was possibly that very bad habit of hers. The habit of overthinking on certain scenarios and making matters far worse than they needed to be. Thankfully, unlike the previous times. This particular time didn’t really seem to be as bad as the others. It just consisted of quite a bit of groaning, talking to herself and a tremendous amount of pacing all about the library. All the while, Spike was simply curled up in his basket with a pair of earmuffs on. It was almost as if he had grown accustomed to this sort of thing and adapted to better fit the situation.

Dark circles were visible beneath Twilight’s eyes as she paced all about the library. She awaited the advice from her mentor, waiting to hear that familiar belch from the dragon before he went back to sleep again. The longer she waited though, the more impatient she became. Going as far as to tap her hoof on the floor near Spike before resuming her pacing. Why hadn’t Princess Celestia written back yet? Certainly it shouldn’t take this long to do that. Even though it had only been about ten minutes since the letter had been sent, it still felt like an eternity to Twilight as her mind continued to run over the possible scenarios as to why her mentor hadn’t replied yet before shifting back over to her original issue.

It wasn’t until she began to trot downstairs at a quickened pace did she notice something out of the ordinary. In the very center of the room, within the darkness she could make out a figure. A figure with a very large, white body and a flowing rainbow mane. This caused her heart to jump the moment she saw it, thinking it was something else at first. The brief burst of adrenaline waking her up even more than she already was.

“Good evening, Twilight,” Celestia said, a playful smile on her face.

“P-princess! What are you doing here!?” Twilight nearly screamed, confused as to why her mentor would show up unannounced to her place. On top of that, as she approached she took notice that Celestia was even without her regalia. This was something she hadn’t ever seen before. “And...where’s your--”

“Shhh...” she hushed, “Take a deep breath and relax...” Celestia didn’t just do this for herself. She also did this for Twilight. Not wanting to see her get worked up and disturb the other occupant of the library or half of Ponyville for that matter. “I’m here informally. Not as a princess, but as your mentor. That is why I’m not wearing my crown.”

“It...just feels weird not seeing you without your regalia...” Twilight said, taking another moment to look over her mentor. It indeed did feel strange seeing her like this. She seemed so...normal now. Almost like she had been just a regular pony, even if she was an alicorn.

“Well...not many do see me without it,” Celestia smiled, “In fact...because of that, most ponies actually think they’re a part of my body!” This is where she laughed very softly, “Its silly really, but funny too when I remove them in front of some ponies.” Twilight laughed right along with her mentor. Realizing just how funny it actually was. Even though at one point she had thought it herself.

“B-but...why would you come for...such a trivial issue?” Twilight asked as the laughter died down. “I mean...its just over a stallion...” This seemed to bring back a hint of laughter to Celestia. Who seemed to think just slightly different than Twilight.

“That may be true...” she began, “But...consider it a part of your studies of friendship too.” This made Twilight tilt her head just slightly in her confusion. She hadn’t really seen that part coming, nor did she know a way to respond to it either. It was a bit of a head scratching problem for her as she tried to understand what her mentor meant.

“Um...Princess...what do you mean?” Twilight inquired, “A part of my friendship studies? How can these feelings be related to friendship? Especially when they’re this confusing!” That made Celestia giggle a tiny bit harder, having to cover her mouth in an attempt to be polite.

“Didn’t Rarity explain it to you?” Celestia asked, only for Twilight to shake her head in response. She was clearly growing more confused by the minute. The fact that Celestia’s words didn’t seem to be helping any either only made it worse. “She didn’t say...you have a crush on this pony?”

“Oh! You mean that?!” Twilight exclaimed, “She explained that...but she wasn’t that clear on it...she seemed more interested in the actual stallion over everything else.”

‘Gossip lovers...’ Celestia rolled her eyes at Twilight’s response. This wasn’t going to be as easy as she had originally thought. Having hoped that Rarity would at least cover a little bit of this. It was at that point where she wished Cadence was right next to her to give a little bit of back up. That was out of the question though as it was far too late to ask her for any assistance. “Well...to put it simply. A crush is the first stage of love. But this kind of love is different from say...the love you have for your friends or family.”

“Different, how?” Twilight asked, now growing intrigued by what her mentor was saying.

“Its a deeper kind of love, Twilight,” Celestia smiled, as she observed the look on her student’s face. It was such an adorable look as she listened and absorbed the information like a sponge. “Its tough to describe, but...its a love that’s like friendship...only...you’re closer to that particular pony. To the point where you’d even trust your deepest secrets to them.” She dug deep here, reflecting on everything to draw forth what she was saying. As if picking it out from her own experience. “This type of love is the type that can sometimes bring new life into the world. It can easily be the most beautiful and wonderful thing anypony could ever experience. But at the same time, it could also be the most painful thing to experience too. Because...that kind of love sometimes doesn’t last. Sometimes...it just fades away...and other times still, it turns sour.”

Celestia’s demeanor seemed to change at this point. The mentioning of this seeming to hurt her just a tiny bit. While it only lasted for a brief second, it seemed she was carrying quite a bit of pain with her. It even looked as though she was about to cry as she thought about it. However, just as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished and she returned to her typically bright demeanor. It was rather startling for Twilight to see at the very least.

“I-It can?” she asked, now a little worried about her own feelings.

“Yes...it can...” she whispered, “But...its not something you should fear...” Celestia brought her hoof up slowly to Twilight’s chin, lifting it up to gaze into her eyes. What she saw only widened her smile just a tiny bit, trying to hide what she saw in her student’s eyes. “Its something you should embrace...because...sometimes it only comes along once in a lifetime.”

“But...what if...?” she tried to ask, only to have Celestia shake her head very slowly.

“That’s not a question you should ask me,” she whispered, “But one you should trust your heart for the answer...” After a couple more seconds of gazing into the eyes of her student, she lowered her hoof. ‘Plus...I’m certain this stallion feels the same way...’

“T-thank you...” Twilight replied, smiling up at her mentor. The words had been enough to relax her quite a bit, she even felt her own exhaustion catching up with her finally.

“Was that helpful?” Celestia asked,

“Yes...very much, Princess,” Twilight replied, that was until something else dawned on her. It took a couple seconds before something else had dawned on her. “B-but...wait! How can I know if its a special connection, like you said...if I can’t talk to him anymore!? He left for Canterlot this morning!” This only made Celestia giggle again. She had actually expected this kind of thing and came prepared with an actual response to it.

“Don’t worry...I’ll send you a spell tomorrow afternoon which will allow you to send and receive messages through Spike to him,” Celestia answered, “And...just for reference, the stallion IS Silver Crescent, isn’t he?”

“H-how did you...?” Twilight asked, dumbfounded at the thought of her actually getting it right.

“He works under me after all,” Celestia grinned, “Plus, the personality description matches up flawlessly...I don’t think I could’ve described him better myself. Charming, intelligent and a bit of a pervert.”

“Y-you know him that well?”

“Of course!” Celestia nodded, “Oh...and one more thing. Don’t try to rush. Try to take it slowly.” Twilight only nodded in response, even if she didn’t quite understand what her mentor had said to her. Then again, it was late in the night and she was also extremely tired. Which is why, moments after saying that the alicorn mare just seemed to vanish in a bright, golden pop before Twilight trotted her way upstairs to finally get some rest.