Star Bright looked at her mother with excited eyes as she tucked her into bed, nuzzling the covers beneath her small body.
"Will you tell me a story?" she asked, her voice tinged with all the energy of the young filly she was.
Her mother met her gaze, peering into yellow eyes so like her own.
"Of course, my dear Star Bright. What kind of story would you like?" She smiled as Star Bright looked down at her hooves, thinking. When she spoke again, her voice was
softer and more serious.
"One that will give me happy dreams."
"Do you still have nightmares, my sweet?" Star Bright looked at her mother sadly and nodded. Her mother buried deep into Star Bright's beautiful black and yellow mane,
nuzzling the side of her head. When she pulled away, her eyes were bright, her smile warm.
"Then I will give you the happiest of tales, my sweet filly." She sat down, organizing the words in her head, preparing the story for her daughter.
The young pony stood at the edge of the Everfree Forest, staring into its depths with wide, fearful eyes. A quiet voice spoke from somewhere in the back of her mind,
gently urging her forward. She wasn't sure why, and she certainly didn't like it, but she felt inexplicably drawn to the forest. She swallowed, bracing herself, and
took a tentative step forward, leaves softly crunching beneath her. She continued on, humming her mother's lullaby to herself. Her heart began to ache as silent tears
fell to nourish the ground. She missed her mother terribly, and now that she was gone, she felt terribly alone. She had friends to keep her company, but none of them
could fill the deep void in her chest. She tried to remember her mother's warmth, to protect her from whatever terrible things laid waiting. The quiet noises echoed
in her ears, but still she pressed onward.
After what felt like ages, she came upon a strange tree, where various colored bottles hung from the branches and a large mask kept watch above a door, built right into
the tree. She was very shy, but also very scared, so she approached the door, seeking shelter from the forest. She raised her hoof to knock, wondering what awaited her
on the other side of the door. She heard hoofsteps approaching and as the door opened, she was greeted by a quiet, foreign voice.
"You are a long way from home, little one. Come inside; you may stay until the sun." She looked curiously at this strange, striped pony who spoke in rhymes, but her
heart leapt at the promise of safety, and so she entered. The strange pony smiled as she looked around, intrigued by the shelves covered in more colored bottles, masks
hanging from the ceiling. The flickering flames of the candles cast menacing shadows, and she began to tremble.
"What business do you have in the forest, child? You are too fragile, your temperment too mild." The pony turned to face her, unsure of how to answer her question.
"I... I don't know." She spoke softly, as if afraid of disturbing something. "I just... I feel like I'm supposed to be here. But I'm afraid." She sat down, her eyes
shining with tears threatening to spill, as the strange pony approached her, tucking her head beneath her chin, picking her up.
'I sense a touch of destiny about you. But for eyes and mane so bright, you are much too blue. You must be strong if you wish to succeed. And I am always here, if ever
you are in need." The strange pony nuzzled her gently, and gestured towards a bed in the corner. "Sleep now, child, and rest your head. I offer you a place in my bed."
The young pony looked at her gratefully, climbing into the bed, snuggling deep beneath the animal-print cover. She lulled herself to sleep with her mother's lullaby.
As Celestia's sun rose proudly over the horizon, the young pony woke, feeling guilty upon seeing the strange pony sleeping on the floor. She approached her, burying into
her mane to wake her.
"Thank you," she whispered, looking into the kind, blue eyes. The strange pony stood, stretching and shaking herself awake.
"You do not need to thank me, little one. Are you ready to venture towards the sun?" The young pony nodded, walking towards the door.
"Wait!" she cried, turning around. "I never asked your name." The strange pony smiled warmly at her.
"I am called Zecora, the 'evil enchantress'". She chuckled slightly at the nickname as the young pony looked at her curiously. "What is yours, my little pony in distress?"
She smiled softly before answering.
"I'm Illumine," she whispered, remembering the last time her mother ever said her name.
"Illumine. That name is just right, for my little pony with eyes and mane so bright." Zecora smiled as Illumine giggled, hugging Zecora tightly before leaving, turning towards the sun shining brightly in the distance, soaking in its warmth.
