(Disclaimer: I don't own My Little Pony . . . and a part of me can't believe I'm writing a story about. This story is a little experiment. I'll explain what I mean later. And there is so much nodding in this chapter.)
Twilight flew towards Canterlot, it was certainly faster than going on hoof. As soon as Celestia had sent a message to the library for Twilight she'd hurried over.
As the castle came in sight Twilight landed and ran in. The guards didn't bother to stop her. They knew who she was after all, and even if they didn't know about Celestia's letter they suspected they knew why Twilight was there.
Twilight ran for the throne room but when she came in no one was there.
"Huh?"
Twilight looked around in confusion. No princesses, no guards, no anything. She tried not to panic. Had something gone wrong? Had a new threat to Equestria captured the princesses? Was she not fast enough?
Then Luna came in, yawning. Twilight relaxed. If Luna was here, and still tired, everything was fine. Hopefully.
"Luna!" she cried, running over.
Luna looked up in surprise, but that woke her up a little. "Twilight. Hello."
"Luna, have you seen Celestia?"
Luna smiled. "You know the room why used to have tea in while Cadence still lived here?"
Twilight nodded. "She's there?"
Luna nodded. "She should be."
"Thank you Princess Luna!" Twilight shouted as she ran out.
Luna watched her with amusement for a moment, then she got onto her throne and looked around, still tired. She had a lot to do at night after all, being awake for that and during the day was a lot. Someone had to be in the throne room though.
Twilight meanwhile, headed into the room they usually had tea in. It was small, and there wasn't much there except a shot table and some pillows to sit on. Today there was also tea set ready on the table, and Princess Celestia.
"Princess Celestia," Twilight panted. "I got your letter. Is everything alright?"
Celestia looked surprised, then bemused. "Yes Twilight, everything is fine. I've brought you here about good news." For once, Celestia added internally.
"Oh," Twilight said. She stood staring blankly for a moment, then smiled. "Well, that's good. What is it?"
"I'd like to meet an old friend of mine," Celestia said. She stepped to the side and Twilight realized with a start that they weren't alone in the room. "This is Millennium Iris. Millennium, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle."
The pony behind Celestia was a male unicorn, although his horn was tiny. Twilight frowned slightly as she looked at him. She had no doubt this was an old friend, in more ways than one. His mane and coat looked like they used to be purple, but were dulling to a gray, especially the mane. His eyes reminded her of the dulled eyes unicorns got when Tirek drained their magic, but he still managed to look at her with the same scrutiny she was giving her.
Millennium broke first, giving her a smile.
"Hello Twilight, always a pleasure to meet a new princess."
He bowed to her.
Twlight perked up a bit. She smiled and returned the bow. "And it's always a pleasure to meet a friend of Celestia. How did you two meet?"
The two exchanged looks.
"Oh I don't think you'd believe us if we told you," Millennium said.
Celestia smiled and seemed to agree.
"Come now Twilight, we're going to have tea," she said.
She sat back down on her pillow, and Millennium took a seat next to her. Twilight continued to stand for a moment, sputtering slightly at having her question unanswered, but then she recomposed herself to the best of her ability, and took a seat across from Celestia as said princess used her magic to pour the tea for all of them.
"So Twilight, Celestia tells me you and your friends are the current bearers of the Elements of Harmony," Millennium said.
"Yes, you should hear about all the times they've defended Equestria together," Celestia confirmed.
"We're just doing our duty," Twilight said.
She tried not to let her embarrassment, and pride, show.
"Hmm." Millennium picked up his tea, not using magic despite having a horn, and took a sip. "So which Elements do you bear?"
Twilight looked confused. "Elements? I only bear one. We all only bear one."
"Oh. Oh there are six of you then. Sorry, my mistake," Millennium said. He actually did look rather embarrassed about messing it up as he carefully put the cup down. "Which Element do you bear then?"
"Magic," Twilight said.
She smiled and sat up a little taller.
Millennium nodded. "A good Element. Celestia used to bear it if I recall. . ."
He turned to Celestai, who nodded.
"But Luna could've used it too if she needed too," Celestia said.
Twilight frowned. She knew the princesses had each carried three of the Elements, instead of using six ponies, but she thought which Elements they used was set in stone. Apparently not.
Well of course not, she thought. Celestia used all six elements to send Nightmare Moon to the moon.
Twilight suddenly started wondering if there were any more books on the Elements of Harmony, they were confusing objects and she'd like to read up on them more if she got the chance.
"So, how has Equestria been fairing while I've been gone?" Millennium asked.
That brought Twilight's attention back to the conversation.
Celestia almost wanted to laugh. The answer 'messy' came to mind. Never the less, she and Twilight began to tell him about the crazy things that had happened over the years, almost overwhelming him if his expression was anything to go by.