Balance within Harmony

Saturday lunchtime couldn't have come soon enough for the two unicorns going on their first date, although both had been too busy since asking each other to really have time to sit around and think. However, Saturday morning dragged for the lavender bookworm as he paced around the library, whilst the white fashionista was trying to decide exactly what to wear Nothing too formal, it's supposed to be casual, but equally Rarity darling you want it to be special!

Twilight arrived at the cafe early, where he had booked the best table by the window. He asked the waiter for a bottle of water for the table, and waited for Rarity to arrive. Just before noon he saw his date walking towards the cafe in a stylish hat, her immaculate mane and tail swinging almost suggestively as she trotted happily towards the cafe. Twilight had never seen anything so beautiful that didn't involve magic. Rarity gracefully entered, came over to her date and gave a small peck on the muzzle quickly so no-one noticed Wow, here we go they both thought with a gulp.

The date started as a lunchtime date, but being great friends it naturally went on for hours. They started by ordering some salads along with some of Rarity's favourite tea blend, and a jug of Apple-acre's Premium Applejuice. They spent the whole day chatting, ordering afternoon tea and cakes and loads of extra tea as chatting was thirsty work. Occasionally somepony they knew popped in, and the pair asked each of their friends to join them for a while. Afterall, they currently wanted to keep their blossoming relationship casual and secret.

Twilight and Rarity discussed their pasts and the difficulties they had growing up. Twilight told Rarity all about his family back in Canterlot, including his brother in the royal guard, but thought it best not to mention how he/she was foal-sat by a Princess Afterall, you already are the rulers protege, the last thing you need is to seem even more of a show off Rarity meanwhile told of her frustration of growing up in a small town in Ponyville whilst she craved the society of a city like Manehattan or Canterlot. But she also explained how she loved her family and especially her sister who she hoped would follow her to the big city someday. Until then she was determined to make Ponyville as stylish as possible.

Of course the friends they invited over always asked why the two were spending some time alone together - Ponyville run more on gossip than any governance from Mayor Mare , and a colt and filly spending all day together was enough to raise gossip. But they simply said that they had both decided to get away from everything for the day after a hard week of report preparing and autumn line dress making. And given how close the six friends were, everypony just accepted that as the truth, much to the young couples relief.

***

In the mid afternoon, three fillies were slowly trudging through the centre of town covered with mud and brambles.

"Well, I guess we're not cut out to be explorers" Sweetie Belle sadly spoke, removing yet more mud from her ear and wiping it on the ground.

"How was I supposed to know that the short-cut went through Marshes" Scootaloo replied, dragging a branch that had get tangled up in her tail.

"You're supposed to look at the map" Applebloom laughed. She didn't mind being messy as she always seemed to end up that way after working on the farm "Lets get back to Sweet Apple Acre's and get cleaned up"

"Yes, can you imagine how much Rarity would freak if she saw you like that Sweetie Belle" Scootaloo teased imitating the unicorns squeak and they all started laughing.

At that moment they passed the cafe and Sweetie Belle saw her sister and her date in the window, sharing a laugh. Way to go sis, you look wonderful as always! I don't see how Twilight will be able to resist you.

"Oh, I think she has more important things on her mind" Sweetie laughed, and a new spring was added to her step as the three crusaders headed out of town.

***

As the sun started to set, the young sweethearts decided it was time to head home. Twilight settled the bill insisting that it was the gentle-colt thing to do for a lady, which caused Rarity to blush for the first time that day. They strolled back to Rarity's shop enjoying stretching their legs after sitting down all afternoon. The market was slowly winding down as the pair strolled together, so close that their flanks were nearly touching.

Reaching the Boutique, Rarity stood in the doorway and gave Twilight a quick rub of the muzzle, before blushing again "I had a wonderful time Twi"

"As did I Rares. So, shall we do this again soon?"

"I would love to, but I think we should take it slow. I mean, we're still young and only just met. We should take the time to get to know each other...and get to know yourself Twi"

Twi looked down at his hooves, a little rough around the edges and not painted like how she used to have them, or hooficured like Rarity's "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. After-all I have years of studying left yet and then I don't know what I'll do. Perhaps stay in Ponyville, but might have to return to Canterlot"

"Exactly, and I'm still making a name for myself. I hope to get my big break someday and then the world will be my oyster...our oyster!" Rarity gave Twilight another quick nuzzle and a little wink "We have the rest of our lives exploring the magic of this friendship" before shutting the door, leaving Twilight to almost float home like a Pegasus his spirits were so high.

***

The next afternoon Twilight was busy studying some old magic tomb, catching up on the studying he skipped the day before. Spike was off in town spending time with Pinkie and Applejack as the three best young chefs in Ponyville were comparing notes. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and opening it Twilight saw that Sweetie Belle stood there with a big smile on her face.

"Hello Twilight, it's Sunday" the small filly beamed "I'm back as you said"

"Hello Sweetie Belle, back to read more magic books?"

"Actually, I just want to write a letter, if that is okay with you?"

"Of course." Twilight smiled and walked back into the Library with the white filly following her. He levitated a quill, paper and and an ink-pot to a side table, and sat down at the main table to carry on working "You can write quietly over there and if you need anything please ask - I don't want books everywhere or spilled ink". He didn't mind Sweetie visiting, especially being the sister of his secret filly-friend, but wanted to ensure that if she was going to visit out of public hours that she understood it was on his terms.

Sweetie nodded quietly and went over to the table. She took the quill very gently in her mouth and slowly started scribing. Not being able to use magic, or having the details of a claw, meant it took a lot of time and effort to write neatly. Spike came back from Sugarcube Corner and was surprised to see two unicorns so engrossed in their work that neither paid much attention as he started his chores. After a long time, Sweetie put down the quill, rolled up the parchment and walked over to Twilight.

"Ah Twilight, I have a favour to ask you?"

"Anything Sweetie Belle, what is it?"

"Well, I was wondering if Spike could send this letter to the Princess for me?"

"Oh, what is it about, something wonderful you've learnt about the friendship with Scootaloo and Applebloom?"

"No Twilight, this is about Magic"

Twilight looked at the little filly and put on a bit of a stern face "Sorry Sweetie, I can't just send anypony's letters directly to the Princess"

"Awwww, but before you say no, again, let me read you the opening" Sweetie opened up the parchment, cleared her throat and started reading

Dear Princess CelestiaMy name is Sweetie Belle, and I am the sister of Rarity. I asked Twilight to send you this message and I hope it is not too much of an inconvenience. I apologise if it is and will take full responsibility as I have written this myself. If you don't respond I will never write to you again, but I have a question that I want to ask you.

"What is the rest of the letter about?" Twilight asked

"Well, it's something I want to discuss with the Princess only, so please don't read it"

Twilight looked at the innocent young filly and thought deeply. I'm not sure if I should bother the Princess, but I guess one letter can't hurt and Celestia never has turned down anypony's request yet. Besides, one day we may be family and so I don't exactly want to disappoint her "Spike, would you send this letter for Sweetie"

"Really?" the unicorn squeaked

Twilight nodded and Sweetie looked on in delight as he dragon consumed the parchment in the magical green sending fire he could produce. Sweetie thanked them both, giving Spike a quick hug and trotted out of the Library back towards her parents home.

A few hours later Twilight was relaxing with a novel when Spike burped up two quills in quick succession, one addressed to Twilight and the other to Sweetie Belle. Twilight opened the first letter from the Princess, which explained that she had replied to Sweetie's letter and that it was to be read by Sweetie only. It thanked Twilight for taking a chance in forwarding the mail. It went on to say the Princess would allow Sweetie Belle to write again, on top of any friendship reports which could be sent at any time.

Twilight smiled and gave the scroll addressed to Sweetie back to Spike and asked him to deliver it. Spike was happy to get out of the Library for a while and went for a walk to Sweetie's Parents house at the edge of town. However, on the way he bumped into the crusaders who were hanging out in the middle of town. He gave Sweetie the scroll and the filly put it in her bag, thanking Spike.

When her two friends asked her what it was, she just said it was extra homework she had done. She didn't like lying to her friends, but until she had read it she didn't want to let on it was from the Princess. And although she couldn't wait to get home and read it, planning for the next weeks adventures was more important to the other Crusaders, and so more important to her.

***

The following few weeks led to a lot of adventures for the Bearers, as well as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. There always seemed to be something happening, just enough new lessons learnt to send regular weekly friendship reports to the Princess.

Rainbow Dash won the young fliers competition with a Sonic Rainboom - Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had spent the days before bonding over cheer-leading, with Rainbow forcing Fluttershy to learn the elements of a good cheer. Rainbow was later delighted to find out that Fluttershy had lost it with joy when he had performed the Rainboom, which was completely out of her normal reserved behaviour. He had never felt so attracted to her, and she had never felt so proud of the cyan rainbow pony she considered her best friend.

Also Rainbow had saved Rarity's life in the process of winning, much to everypony's especially Twilights relief. Rarity felt so guilty afterwards that she had allowed her vanity to get the best of her, especially as Twilight had to work hard to get the powerful spell cast in the first place. Of course all that Twilight had cared about is that Rarity was safe and as soon as they back on the ground, and alone at the Boutique, he gave her the most tender hug he had given anypony. They talked all evening and spent the whole time holding each other.

The annual Ponyville Running of the Leaves also took place, which to everypony's surprise was won by Twilight. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had spent the whole time battling each other, meaning they came joint last. Twilight had run with the main pack and had been able to mount a last minute sprint finish, no doubt helped by Rarity waiting and cheering at the finish line. What the two colts, and the rest of the runners, had not realised is that Twilight had been doing a lot of running to release some of the "stress" he had felt since first noticing, as a colt, Rarity.

The friendship of the bearers was growing stronger every passing week, and the attraction between Magic and Generosity was growing stronger with each semi-date and shared adventure. The two corresponding elements were glowing brighter back in vault in Canterlot castle and much to the Princesses delight, the elements of Kindness and Loyalty had also started developing a soft glow.