Chapter Thirteen: Quiet Before the Storm

Canterlot Palace

Twilight sat in the dining hall with her friends and Princess Luna while they all settled down to have breakfast. Even with a mild loss of appetite, Twilight knew she had to eat, especially since Luna gently encouraged her to do so. The past twenty-four hours had certainly been an emotional roller coaster she had not expected, not to mention the fact that she could do so little about any of what was happening around her. It was at times like this that she realized that when somepony had so little control over a situation, it could be terrifying. The fear of the unknown was already bad enough, but facing such uncertain future only further added to the anxiety of the entire matter.

In all her life, Twilight had never truly faced this kind of thing. Not with her family, not with the Princess, and not with Spike. Sure, there’d been little bouts of worrying when either would be sick, but that was it. Nothing drastic nor life-threatening had ever come about. Even the debacle against Nightmare Moon had nothing on this. There was a very scary possibility that Rainbow Dash would not survive. There was a chance that they would all lose a dear friend due to cruel circumstances.

Sighing, the unicorn turned over to a contemplative Luna, who also ate at her breakfast slowly and silently.

“Is there really nothing more you and Princess Celestia can do?” Twilight asked softly.

Luna shook her head. “I am afraid not, Twilight Sparkle. I nor my sister possess the kind of healing mastery required to tend to such a wounded pony. Thy friend Rainbow Dash was quite lucky in that she was still alive when brought in. Our doctors are the best and have been able to do a truly amazing job so far. However, dead is dead, Twilight. No sort of magic or spell can ever change that. Even my magic can not bring a pony back.”

Twilight cringed; the mention of death was a topic she would rather avoid at the moment due to her friends situation. However the topic of such magic perked the young scholar's interest. “Is there... really no way?”

“Well...” The Princess of the Night exhaled, looking to her seriously, “It is not something we encourage. Life and death are mysteries of our world even Celestia nor I can understand. But to tamper with it? We cannot. However, it does not stop many a pony from trying. From potions to rituals, to complex spells. We have seen this sort of pursuit many times. It is a fruitless effort. Many theorize in bringing back the dead, though it is truly uncertain as to what sort of circumstance will result in.”

“Kind of like those zombie pony outbreaks in stories,” Twilight muttered dryly.

“Mm....we do not know of such prose....” Luna admitted, looking amused, “But we suppose it is certainly curious.”

“Right...” Twilight smiled slightly, before growing serious again. “Is there anything else we can do?”

“Our sister will monitor the situation, and we do have the finest doctors on staff making sure all goes smoothly. But, only time will tell. There is little more we can do till we see further results of her recovery.” Luna stood from her chair, “We must be going, for we have certain duties to attend to. But if thou should need us, you may come to our private study. Otherwise, we will return later to see how you all are doing. You all may stay in the castle for as long as Rainbow Dash is here, if you would like.”

“Okay,” Twilight nodded, giving her a smile. “Thank you again, Luna... it really means a lot to me that you’re here to help us.”

A smile overcame Luna’s face as she nodded as well, “Think nothing of it, Twilight Sparkle. We have made it a point to be sure to help our citizens, no matter who they may be... and in your case, you are extra special.” She gave nods of farewell to everypony else before gracefully exiting the room.

Moments later, a warm and fuzzy head nestled into Twilight’s shoulder. The corner of her eye caught sight of a pink curly mane, confirming that it was none other than Pinkie Pie.

“Hey, Pinkie. You doing okay?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie smiled and gave her a hug, “Of course, Twilight. I’m just worried about Dashie. I can’t believe some meanie-weanie griffin attacked her like that!”

“I know... I’ll have to ask Fluttershy about the situation,” Twilight said with a frown before turning back to the pink Earth pony. “But, I’m really glad you girls all came. I think it’ll really help a lot.”

“Well duh! Of course we were going to come and make sure Dashie was okay!” Pinkie told her with a grin. “We all made sure to come as soon as we got the letter! Don’t worry, Twi-Twi! We’ll be here till Dashie gets better... Is Flutters going to be okay?”

A heavy sigh escaped the unicorn as she snuggled against Pinkie for comfort. “I don’t even know, Pinkie. She was really torn up and distraught yesterday. According to Princess Luna, she was in shock. It took a long time to stop her from crying and begging for Rainbow Dash to be there. It took a while before we could get her to fall asleep. At least she was doing okay this morning, so I guess that’s good. …I just don’t think we’ll be able to pry her away from Rainbow’s bedside.”

Pinkie nuzzled Twilight, hugging her more. “Flutters loves Dashie! it’ll be like trying to tell a cupcake not to have icing!”

“...Right, yeah...” Twilight didn’t feel in the mood to point out that both situations were far from comparable. She hugged Pinkie back, finding herself really warming up to the sweet comfort the party pony was offering. It even her scent was nice, a mixture of sweet baked goods and sugar. “Well, I guess all of us being here should help Rainbow a lot. I hope it will.”

“It will, Twilight!” Pinkie pulled her head back and, much to the unicorn’s surprise, pecked her on the lips. “And we’ll all wait here until she wakes up!” Pinkie Pie then resumed her hug, enjoying the contact.

Twilight blushed immensely within the embrace of the happy-go-lucky earth pony, unsure of what to make of that little moment of contact. This was the first time anypony other than her parents had kissed her-and on the lips too! It felt surprisingly nice, actually. Twilight smiled. She didn’t mind that it had been Pinkie Pie who had stolen her first kiss as the ever happy mare was definitely one for random acts. Pinkie was also one of her closest friends. Perhaps it had been a simple random morale booster... Or maybe it was more... From within the warm confines of the spastic earth pony’s hold, Twilight wasn’t about to break the moment to ask about motives.

After a few moments of sedate silence, Spike settled down next to Rarity, sighing. “Well I guess it’s a case of ...and now we wait.”

“Yes. I hope my Spikie Wikey won’t get too bored,” Rarity wrapped a hoof around the already dull eyed dragon.

“Nah, I’ll be fine.” Spike smiled a bit at the snow-white unicorn in appreciation. “I guess I’m just worried. I had a feeling something like this would happen, I just didn’t know when.”

Rarity gave a nod, smiling sadly, “Indeed.”

Spike nodded, looking around at the other ponies, then at his claws, “I just hope Rainbow will be okay, though. I don’t think I’d ever seen Fluttershy or any of you this upset before.”

Applejack reached over and petted his head, making him giggle. “Believe me, sugarcube, Ah have a huge family, an’ yet ah’ve never experienced something like this before.”

The farmer sat down beside Rarity and quickly found herself leaning against the soft white coat of her friend. It was warm and inviting, but she knew she could go no further when said unicorn had a baby dragon in her forehooves. She let out a sigh as the group sat in thoughtful silence.

Applejack glanced across to Twilight who continued to snuggle with the baker. From where she sat, she decided they looked rather cute together. As her mind wandered, aided by the welcoming presence at her side, a thought struck her. Could this mean their group of six was about to divide up as they found their special somepony was someone they already knew? Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had each other, as did Twilight and Pinkie Pie it seemed. However Spike was getting on too well with Rarity for her liking.

Applejack stiffened. Where did that come from? Was it because it would mean she would be left alone while the rest of her friends shared a special connection with somepony else in the group? Was that a sudden pang of jealousy she felt? The farmer felt as if she could do nothing but watch and be happy for her friends. After all, as a well brought up mare who was a part of a hard working family of ponies who never sought after same-sex relationships, she did like stallions right? Therefore there was no reason to be jealous of Spike. Then the seamstress cut the farmer’s thoughts off by leaning on the tense earth pony. The added weight of the soft mare at her side made Applejack slowly relax.

“All I can say is that there was one time a couple of years ago: my dear darling Sweetie Belle fell ill to pneumonia. If not for having been taken to the hospital, it was likely she would not have survived....” Rarity murmured sadly, her gaze downcast at the young dragon in her forehooves. “It really does open one up to the gradual possibility of losing somepony you care for.”

“Sorry, Rarity,” Spike gave her a little hug. “I uh...well, don’t really know first-hand what you went through or what Fluttershy’s going through... but you know, I’m still here to help if you guys need it at all.”

Rarity smiled warmly, “Thank you, dear. It’s very compassionate of you. I think we all very much appreciate it.”

“Hey, I just want to be there for Twilight and her friends,” Spike said with a bashful grin.

“Now don’t say that! Yer our friend too, Spike!” Applejack grinned as well. “Ya know we love ya!”

Casting a meaningful look toward Rarity and Twilight, Spike smiled, “Thanks.”

Later in the morning, Twilight entered the throne room to find her teacher there. As she entered the dreamlike room, the only sound was of hooves on the sun painted floor. Though the majestic alicorn didn’t acknowledge her presence, Twilight knew that she was aware of her entrance. Slowly, the unicorn approached her longtime mentor, sitting before her on her haunches. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike followed in silence, allowing the purple unicorn to take the lead.

“Is there something you wished to see me about, my dear Twilight?” Celestia asked kindly, a small smile on her face.

“Well, it was about what Fluttershy said... about the fact that Rainbow Dash was attacked by a griffin.” Twilight said.

A small frown overcame the Princess’s face as she nodded slowly, “Yes, I recall. I had wanted to ask her further of the matter, but I also do not want to stir the trauma I’m certain she has faced.”

“I know what you mean,” Twilight agreed, shaking her head. “I might try later on, but I don’t know. It’s like you said. I don’t want to upset her even more, but I think it’s important we find out about it. Um...we did have a griffin recently come to Ponyville a few days ago, actually. She was in Junior Speedsters Flight Camp with Rainbow Dash.”

“I see...” Celestia said thoughtfully, gently urging her to continue.

“Well, the thing is, she just wasn’t nice to anypony. Of course nopony did anything about it because she was much bigger and stronger... Heck, some of them even justified her behaviour saying that we all go through a phase of not liking anypony,” Twilight rolled her eyes a bit. “Fine, sure, but that doesn’t justify their behaviour and doesn’t mean they shouldn’t own up to it and learn something from it. She stole from and tormented some ponies, including Fluttershy. But, nopony did anything about it. It came to a head when she was mean to Pinkie Pie, telling her to stay away from Rainbow Dash. Even after all that, Pinkie threw a party for her to try to make things better.”

Celestia chuckled, “Bless her heart. I can’t say I’m surprised.”

Twilight smiled as well, a little blush overcoming her cheeks. “That’s for sure. It was really nice of Pinkie to at least try to reach out to her. Unfortunately, the griffin, Gilda set off all these pranks that Rainbow Dash set up. That was part of the fun of the party. It was all bad luck on Gilda’s part and it’s no wonder Pinkie was blamed for it. Anyway, so then Rainbow told Gilda off after the way she treated her friends, and so Gilda left in a huff.”

“I see...” The alicorn of the sun murmured.

Twilight bit her lip, wondering if maybe, just maybe, there was some kind of a connection to this. “Princess, I could be wrong, but I wonder if... nah, it’s probably too far-fetched.”

“Twilight... Please share, you normally have wonderful insights. There is a very good reason I chose you to be my student.” The princes encouraged.

“Okay... Well what if the two events are connected? First Rainbow Dash has a rough encounter with Gilda, her old friend, then she gets beaten up by a griffin who wasn’t supposed to be in Canterlot. What if more griffins will come?” Twilight posed.

The princess sighed. “I had hoped it would never come to this...”

This caught the unicorn’s attention as she gazed up at her teacher curiously, “What do you mean? Come to what?”

“War. The griffin council have made threats for some time now. I have denied them what they have been searching for and it seems they now desire to take matters into their own claws.” The normally peaceful gaze of the sunny mare turned into something surprisingly violent.

“War?” Twilight repeated, a tinge of fear in her tone. “Princess... I....”

The others in the group stared, slack jawed at Celestia too. There hadn’t been a war for many thousands of years.

“Do ya’ll mean a war, as in ponies get killed kind of war?” Applejack asked, stunned as shockwaves of such an unreal mention continued to radiate around the once peaceful room.

“I do,” Princess Celestia said gravely. “However, I wish to stress that nothing is set in stone just yet. I do not want any of you to panic, nor to spread panic, either. If it comes to a confrontation, I will seek other ways to reinstate the treaty with the griffins. It has lasted for well over two thousand years and I do not wish to see it fail now.” The princess paused with a sigh and took a moment to gather herself. “That aspect is a long story, and one I shall share another time. Please, do not worry. It’s probably likely that the griffins are merely persistent and a little more aggressive in their attempts to gather the artifacts they desire, but I don’t believe it’s cause for alarm. Just please, keep calm, but do keep your guard up. I suspect that one in the griffin council is seeking war. If we stop him, all will be okay.”

Rarity felt the dragon by her side cuddle in close and put a reassuring hoof around the youngster’s shoulders. She gazed around noticing that her friends were doing no better. As a mare of art and fashion, a potential war was her worst nightmare.

“I understand, Princess,” Twilight said softly. “We’ll keep that in mind.”

“Ah really should tell Big Macintosh... He’ll wan’t ta keep a close eye on tha farm... Ah don’ need any stray griffin folk stealing our apples.” As was expected of the honest farmer, her first thoughts of defence was for her home.

Celestia smiled with assurance. “I understand, Applejack. If you do wish to depart for Ponyville, you’re welcome to, all of you.”

“O’ course, but Ah’ll write ‘em a letter fer now. Like ya said, no need ta panic,” Applejack relaxed herself a bit. “That’s really all Ah need, to let’ me know ta be careful.”

“What a good idea darling,” Rarity piped up, sounding rather more perky than before.

“I asked a few ponies back home to look after Fluttershy’s animals and Angel,” Twilight stated. “I’ll let them know to keep an eye out for anything as well and make sure the animals are safe. Griffins are carnivorous, after all.”

Pinkie Pie looked around the room, trying to think of a way to contribute to the conversation. “I guess I’ll have to make sure that Mr. Snuffles and Flubber look after the place! Oh! And I absolutely must tell the Cakes! We can’t have any mean old griffins invading my partyhouse!” Pinkie jumped up.

With that, the alicorn used her magic to summon some blank parchment over to the ponies along with a few quills, smiling. “There you are, my little ponies. Go ahead and compose your letters. Just be sure not to spread a panic, just that they should keep this in mind. As I said, nothing is for certain.”

Each in turn took their time to write the message they desired to send home onto the parchment. Once each mare had written their messages, Celestia used her magic to send the scroll off to its destination. Even Spike looked relieved to have his normal duty taken care of, and even looked more relaxed to see that the rest of his friends were at ease now, too.

Once each letter was sent, Celestia turned to the small group with a stern look on her muzzle. “What I am about to tell you is not to leave this room. At least not yet. Am I understood?” She paused, and was gratified to see each of the assembled ponies and dragon nod.

“Sure. But what is it about now?” replied Twilight, uncertainly.

“A long time ago, when I was but a young mare and my parents had only recently passed their rule over to my sister and I, our land was at peace. We had brought all ponies together under one banner and were on their way to forming Equestria as you know it. Outside our great nations’ bounds dwelt many other species. Dragons, changelings, the zebra tribes, and even the griffin colonies.”

“Okay... but what does this have to do with us now?” asked Twilight. After all, she had read more than enough history books to know the setting for the founding of Equestria.

The princess’s horn lit up and with her magic, she brought forth the box that contained the 6 elements of harmony. “You all know what is in this box?”

“Yes. Th’ elements of harmony,” replied Applejack, unsure as to where the mighty princess was headed.

“These were not the only magical artifacts to exist back then. To keep balance with my sister, myself, and the elements of harmony, my parents helped the griffins create their own elements to better govern and protect their lands.”

“You mean those meanies have their own elements of harmony?” asked Pinkie Pie, unable to believe what she had heard.

“Yes. Of sorts, although they chose their own name for their elements,” confirmed Celestia. “After all, in those days Equestria was but a fledgling and every creature strived for good in the knowledge of what war brings upon the land. But for the griffins, instead of using their elements for the betterment of all, they chose to use them to empower their ruler. He became a tyrant and all of ponykind were thrust into a brutal war against a nigh unkillable foe. ...Warbeak as he called himself... the monster was defeated, but the cost of victory was almost unbearable for me as that day, I lost my only daughter and my coltfriend, to whom I was engaged.” Celestia paused for a moment, as ancient painful memories returned unbidden to her.

The room fell silent as Celestia’s subjects awaited her recovery. Everypony couldn’t believe what they had just heard, not only had their princess endured a war with the griffins before, but she once had a daughter.

After several moments, the princess continued. “My sister and I hid the griffins artifacts. We erased their memory from the history books. No creature could contain the evil the malicious elements carried, nor could we destroy them. If ever the six griffin elements are reunited, Warbeak could very well return once more, in another form.” The mighty alicorn sighed. “As my sister and I no longer hold the elements of harmony, we are unlikely to be able to personally put a stop to him if he were to return. I have long hoped for peace between pony and griffin-kind, yet each generation, the griffins become more and more antagonistic toward Equestria.”

“So where are these dark griffin elements?” tentatively asked Twilight.

“They are hidden. However I know the location of a hooffull of them. If you wish to begin the search for one of them, then I would ask that you, my dear Twilight, seek them.”

“Ah hope Rainbow gets better soon...” muttered Applejack. “Then we can send her out too.”

“I second that,” added Rarity. “Although, I’m not sure it is a good idea sending Twilight out all alone.”

“I can go with her!” offered Pinkie Pie with an energetic bounce. She placed a forehoof around the purple unicorn’s shoulders in support for her friend.

“Thanks, Pinkie. But are you sure you don’t want to stay and keep an eye on Rainbow?” Twilight asked.

“Dear. I’m sure that as long as Fluttershy is watching over her, she will be sure to get better,” comforted Rarity. “And if I go with you as well, then at least we will have half our group to make sure our mission is a success.”

“What do you think, Princess?” Twilight turned to her mentor, a questioning look upon her face. “Should... should so many of us go? Or just me?”

“I think that it is a delightful idea if Laughter and Generosity go with you.”

“Me too!” Spike called out. “Please, Twilight is like a sister to me and I don’t want to see her get hurt.” He glanced down at his feet in mild embarrassment.

Celestia smiled brightly at the young dragon. “I think that sounds like a lovely idea. Although I have a feeling your request comes because of another pony too.” She smiled, delighted for him.

This caused Spike’s blush to intensify and his eyes began to examine the glossy floor closely as a way of avoiding the mighty alicorn’s gaze.

“Well Ah’m in too.” Applejack added defensively. “Ah don’t really want to jus’ sit around and twiddle mah hooves while you gal’s are off on an adventure.”

“It would still be nice to be there for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash,” admitted Twilight.

“Fear not.” Celestia replied, her eyes sparkled knowingly as she continued. “I am sure it will take a day or two for you all to prepare yourselves. You may also use the time to visit your friend in hospital. Twilight, I shall give you some background reading to assist you in finding the first of the griffin elements.”

At the mention of research, Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Just give me the books and I’ll do the study!”

Celestia smiled down at her ever eager student. “That’s wonderful to hear Twilight Sparkle. I’m sure that the faster you all can accomplish your goal, the faster you will be back to continue your support for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.”

“That’s right. I just hope her and Fluttershy will be alright.” Twilight sighed, the mention of her hospitalized friends brought her back down to reality. “It’s a shame they can’t come with us...”

“Do not worry about Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Of the three griffin elements I hid, one is rather far away. I think that if we were to send the two pegasi to retrieve it, they would be able to do so in the most timely manor. It would allow you four to retrieve the one other I know of, after Rainbow Dash’s recovery. That is... providing she awakens sooner rather than later.” Celestia chose to leave out the part where she explained how long the coma my last. The mood was sombre enough without such information out in the open.

Twilight nodded solemnly at her mentor’s words. “I think that’s a great plan, Princess. But do you think it’s safe to break the elements of harmony up like this?”

“While the griffins elements are broken up, they are useless. The only need for all six elements of harmony would arise if the griffins were to obtain their six. So, to answer your question, I think it will work better if you split up now and maximize your chances of success.” Celestia advised in a calm manner.

Twilight nodded in agreement before she remembered something else and turned to her mentor, “Princess...if it’s okay, could I go and see Rainbow? I know Fluttershy is there with her and you said that it should only be one, but I’d just like to see her for a minute. I won’t be too long.”

Celestia’s permission was forthcoming with a sad smile. “Yes. That should be okay. But I would like the rest of you to give the couple their space till tomorrow.”

Applejack gave an understanding smile, “O’ course, Princess. We’re here ta help anyway we can. An’ we’ll be there ta see ‘em whenever we can.”

“Absolutely,” Rarity agreed.

“Oh! I know! We could plan the bestsest party in all of Equestria for them once they get well again!” Pinkie looked overjoyed at the idea of a party in the palace.

Celestia giggled, “I think a nice party would set everypony in high spirits.”

“Yay!” Pinkie exploded with joy. “That will give me something extra fun do when we are out on our super duper adventure!”

Twilight gave a smile as well, before she stood and headed toward the door flanked by her friends. “Okay, I’ll be right back, I just want to make sure everything’s okay with Fluttershy and Rainbow too.”

“Absolutely, dear. We’ll be waiting for you in the lounge,” Rarity replied as she split off from the scholar.

Pinkie bounded over to the lavender unicorn, giving her a tight hug. “Good luck, Twilight! See you later!”

Recalling a certain little moment from earlier, Twilight blushed a bit, but smiled, “Thanks Pinkie. I’ll see you later.” She gave the Earth pony a quick hug before her mentor drew her attention once more.

“Twilight. May I have a quick word with you before you check on your two friends?” The tone of the alicorn’s voice gave nothing away as she stood up from her throne to approach her student.

“Um... Sure.” The uncertain unicorn trotted back to meet her long time teacher.

As the sounds of clopping died down, Celestia used her magic to shut the doors to the throne room. “I have been meaning to tell you something for a while now...”

“Um... okay?” A sense of foreboding fell upon Twilight. She didn’t like where her mentor was headed, not that she had any idea what was forthcoming.

Although the ancient alicorn stood proud, a look of sadness filled her features. “I have failed you, Twilight.”

“What!? No you haven't-” protested the young mare, only to be cut off by the sage-like alicorn in front of her.

“Of all the things I was required to teach you. There is one topic I never touched upon. Ever since you were a little filly I have been training my possible replacement.”

The news hit Twilight like a ton of bricks. The young scholar felt like running away, to hide or simply evade the underlying implications of why she had been raised as the mighty alicorn’s replacement.

“When you were young, the griffin council and I met here in this very room. They were angry. One of their number even hinted at war if I didn’t step down and allow somepony more... normal to take over in my place. They required that I teach you the ways of war as well as peace. Although I promised them I would teach you at least some of the art of war, in the years since I chose not to. It now appears that my actions will cost everypony dearly. You see Twilight, when the time comes, you are to be the new princess of Equestria. It is time to take the steps to fulfil your destiny.”

Twilight stood in shock as she slowly digested the news. “But... but... what...?” She stammered. “A princess...?”

“Yes.”

“Does this mean I won’t be your student anymore?” asked a highly worried Twilight.

“I will still be here for you, to see you take your final steps to becoming the new leader Equestria needs. It has become clear to me that my time here as Princess is ending. It shall come to an end whether I like it or not.” Princess Celestia’s motherly gaze never left her student and despite the shocking news, the mighty alicorn did her best to exude calm.

“Is... is there a book or something that I can study on how to be a princess?” Fumbled the bookworm as she fought to calm herself from the sudden rush of nerves.

“It is not something books can teach. Luna is happy to help you pick up what you require to know about war. She will also be your teacher, if you allow her to be.”

“I-I would be honoured to have her as my teacher as well. But... Princess... I’ve been wondering... Why not just send Luna or the guards out to retrieve these ‘griffin elements’?” The future princess asked, eager to take the conversation off the topic of her impending coronation.

“The absence of one of the princess’s would attract too much attention. We here in Canterlot are being watched. I do not know how closely or by whom, but I know for certain that we are. Even one so reclusive as Luna cannot go unnoticed for too long. After all, she is the one who raises the moon. My guard are required for other tasks, such as border patrol and the defense of our outer cities. Changelings have been spotted as well as griffins and both appear to be antagonistic toward my little ponies.”

“Changelings...?” The well studied youngster knew little about the shape shifting creatures, save that they were not ones to play nice. “Y-you don’t think... that maybe they are working with the griffins?”

Celestia sighed and turned to gaze out one of the mighty windows that looked out over the city. “I have given it thought. I dare say that if they are, the two sides will not be able to work together for long as changelings are not creatures to be trusted, even by griffin-folk.”

“Oh... well ...I hope they turn on one another before they attack us. I would hate to be caught up in a war” managed Twilight. She didn’t like the thought her home coming under attack from two sides.

Celestia nodded but otherwise kept her silence for the moment.

“So... is there anything else? Or do I go see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy now?” Asked Twilight as she started to feel herself get antsy for some kind of action.

“You may go.” The queenly alicorn nodded.

Twilight paused at the door and turned to face her mentor. “Oh and Princess... I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your only daughter.”

Celestia smiled a sad smile as her eyes met the bright shining orbs of her student’s. “Maybe I should tell you about her one day. It comes with quite a story.”

The young mage nodded, a smile formed on her muzzle. “I think I would like that, thanks.” She waved goodbye and with that, departed for the hospital rooms.

Celestia walked up to the stained glass and gazed outside to her realm, deep in thought. “Maybe I should visit him one day...” she considered as she continued to gaze outside in the direction of the Canterlot Gardens.

Suddenly the ruler’s mood shifted and she tore her gaze away from outside. “No... those days are long gone.” She let out a final sigh before allowing her serene exteriour to return.

If somepony were to walk in on the princess now, they would have no clue that anything was ever wrong.