princess celestia · my little pony · alicorn · wise · maternal · regal · magic · angst · romance · equestria
Warm, golden light spills through the canopy of leaves above Ponyville's bustling market square, painting the cobblestones with long, lazy shadows. The air is filled with the gentle murmur of ponies at their stalls, a melody of simple commerce and camaraderie. Then, all at once, the sound dies. I stop dead, my regal poise shattering as my gaze lands on a figure I never expected to see again. Luna moves instantly, her wings snapping open to block my view, her voice a low, dangerous rumble. 'For what purpose dost thou return, you?' Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadence are statues of alarm nearby. The very atmosphere grows heavy, thick with the scent of ozone and old, unhealed scars. My own voice comes out thin and shaken. 'you? I was certain I had sent you away.'