This is the 20th chapter. Before I begin with the chapter 'Call of the Cutie', I'm going to let you know that I've added the two characters of Nya and Kai from the previous chapter which they're based on the series of Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu. Also, I'm planning to add a chapter and a human turned into a pony named Lilja from Akureyri, Iceland. She lived in an old orphanage with no family and no friends to look out for her. But that will change when she's planning to be under her care with none than...Fluttershy!
There you go.
So, I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Icelandic Pegasus
One day at an orphanage from Akureyri, Iceland, many kids were being picked for the adoption, but some managed to get lucky. All except one. There was a small little girl name Lilja, who was 5 years old. She was the lonesome one of the orphanage, because she had no friends to look out for her, and for worst part, after the kids were being picked for the adoption, she was never picked by the people looking for a child. It made her heart break, but she kept hoping that she would be lucky to be picked someday.
She also lost her family after hearing her parents were swept by the tsunami during their travel overseas to look for a job, her mother was a nun for the church and her father was a fisherman. She really had a loving family after hearing of their death, she was sent to the orphanage to start a new life.
She had plenty of food to eat, she read her most favorite stories called 'The Snow Queen', 'White Fang', and 'Pinocchio', she was always being picked on by other kids, and when she misses the adoption, the owner of the orphanage would comfort her.
"Don't worry, dear. There's always next time." The owner said with Icelandic accent.
Two months later, new kids were being brought in for shelter, and it was time for Lilja to make some friends, but they already went ahead of her. It made her very sad because she wanted friends to play with.
One night, before she went to sleep, Lilja saw a bright star in the sky. She kneeled towards her bed, folded her arms, and clasped her hands together, then made a wish.
"Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I made tonight." Lilja prayed. "I wish to leave this place and have another home to live with my family that will love me forever and care for me. Amen."
Lilja finished her prayer, and then she climbed under her bedsheets and blankets, and then she suddenly hugged her teddy bear and quietly cried herself to sleep. She also put her shoes and socks next to her.
Two hours later, when the rays of the moon passed by a window, Princess Luna appeared through the window and over to the little girl's sleeping form and then she picked her up and cradled her. It felt warm for Lilja and she was still asleep.
"You poor little child." Princess Luna said softly. "You do carry a broken heart and hurt soul. But never fear, young one, for your wish shall be granted."
A few seconds later, Lilja was wrapped around in aura, then in a flash, she and Princess Luna were gone.
Princess Luna appeared in front of the doorstep of Fluttershy's cottage, and then conjured a small woven baby basket made of the roots and branches of a pine tree with the scent of pine. Lilja was now a Pegasus which Princess Luna was able to alter her DNA a while ago.
Lilja's new appearance is a Pegasus with snow white fur coat, snow white mane and tail with pale light grayish rose streak.
Lilja was then placed into a basket and wrapped in a baby blue blanket made of plush fabric. Suddenly, Princess Luna then turns to Lilja with a soft smile on her face.
"Good luck, young one." Princess Luna said. "For when you wake up, you shall meet your caregiver."
Then, Princess Luna disappeared, and then Lilja was calmly fast asleep.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies.
Do you know all you're my best friends?
The next morning, the sun was shining, and a couple of birds were chirping. Suddenly, a couple of animals saw the basket at the doorstep and went to take a look. A woodpecker knocked on the door to alert Fluttershy.
"I'm coming!" The voice of Fluttershy said, heading to the door.
Until, the door opens and Fluttershy looked down at the basket and saw Lilja sleeping in it.
"My goodness! Where'd you come from, little one?" Fluttershy asked.
She saw no note next to her, only storybooks, and then she looked around, but suddenly she saw Angel appear and sniffed Lilja. They heard a soft groaning as the sleeping Pegasus moved without waking up. Fluttershy suddenly smiled warmly and realized that the poor Icelandic filly needed shelter, so she asked her birds to help bring her inside to her cottage, and then she took her upstairs to her room and placed her on the bed, removed her from the basket and tucked her under the blankets.
"She's so cute." Fluttershy said softly.
Though, Fluttershy was wondering where Lilja come from, and who left her on her doorstep last night.
"Don't worry, little one. I'll take care of you." Fluttershy whispered, gives her a kiss on the forehead, then went downstairs to make some breakfast for the Icelandic filly.
While Fluttershy fixed some breakfast for herself and started to make some for her, Lilja started to stir in bed. She could suddenly feel warm and comfy in bed, until she made a soft yawn, and slowly blinked her eyes open, revealing her arctic ice blue eyes. After rubbed her eyes and her vision cleared, she looked around and found herself in a bedroom.
"Where am I?" Lilja asked herself in Icelandic accent. "This isn't an orphanage. How did I get here?"
Lilja then realized she was snug and warm.
"It's a nice bed, but whose house is this?" Lilja asks, starting to feel scared and noticed her hoof. "My hand!? What's happening to me?!"
Suddenly, she heard the sound of hoofsteps coming from upstairs, and she covered herself under the blanket, shaking like a leaf. Fluttershy made it upstairs with Lilja's breakfast on her back, which was a bowl of oat porridge with milk and mixed berries. It was put on a tray with a spoon and napkin next to the bowl. After she placed it on the side of the table, she saw movement underneath the bedsheets, and heard rapid breathing like she was shriveling.
'Aww, the poor thing must be frightened to death.' Fluttershy thought to herself.
Fluttershy removed the blanket from Lilja's head and stroked her forehoof with her hoof.
Lilja then saw Fluttershy comforting her, then crawled back and covered herself with the blanket again.
"Please don't hurt me. Have mercy." Lilja whimpered.
Fluttershy felt her heart break about how scared she felt, then she wrapped her forelegs onto the Icelandic filly and brought her over for a hug.
"Shhh...don't be afraid, sweetie." Fluttershy assures her. "I'm not going to hurt you."
Lilja suddenly felt warm because of the softness of the fur, then feeling better.
"I'm sorry for being scared of you." Lilja apologized.
"Aww...It's okay." Fluttershy said. "I just wanted to make sure if you were awake, because I brought you some breakfast. I made you some oat porridge with milk and berries. It's very sweet, tender, healthy with a lot of fibers."
Fluttershy gave Lilja her porridge and she started eating. When she was done, Fluttershy took the bowl away from her and she saw the Icelandic filly rubbing her tummy.
"My, you're such a cute little one, aren't you?" Fluttershy giggled, and then lifted her up for a nice cradle.
Fluttershy sat on her hind legs and then she used her right foreleg to hold Lilja for a cradle, and she used her left hoof to rub her belly, until Lilja gently touched her hoof, and she started to blush warmly.
"It's very nice to meet you, sweetheart." Fluttershy said sweetly. "My name is Fluttershy, by the way. What's your name, sweetie?"
"My name is Lilja. It's nice to meet you too, Miss Fluttershy." Lilja replied, seeing how kind Fluttershy was being.
Fluttershy felt her heart melt from her politeness.
"That's such a nice name, Lilja. But you don't need to call me 'Miss'. Fluttershy's just fine, okay, sweetheart?" Fluttershy suggests, earned a nod from her.
"Umm, Fluttershy?" Lilja called her. "How did I get here from the orphanage?"
Fluttershy realized what the Icelandic filly meant, so she put her down and let her walk, but Lilja was having trouble of walking. Luckily, Fluttershy taught her how to walk like a pony.
"You see, I found you, you were asleep...inside this little basket." Fluttershy explains, showed Lilja the basket she came from. "Do you remember anything else?"
"Well, you wouldn't believe me if I tell you." Lilja states.
"Care to tell me?" Fluttershy asks when Lilja nods.
"You see, I was a human from another world. I was born from Akureyri, Iceland." Lilja explains. "It's a name of a Nordic Island in the North Atlantic Ocean and it's mostly sparsely populated in Europe."
"You're a human in another world?" Fluttershy asks surprisingly, earned a nod from the Icelandic filly. "And you're from Earth as well?"
"Yes." Lilja nods. "But how did you know I was from Earth?"
"Well, there are some things I have to explain." Fluttershy answered. "You see, you're not the first human that came here in Equestria."
"Who?" Lilja asks curiously.
"His name is Comet Stardust, who is formerly known as Elijah." Fluttershy answered. "Apple Shine is the second, and Rose Lotus was the third. But Lilja, you also said you lived at the orphanage."
"You see, me and my parents were trying to keep our home afloat because we're poor. My mother was the nun of the church and my father was the fisherman." Lilja explains. "But I loved my parents, we may not have a rich life, but we still have each other. My family left Iceland to travel overseas to try and find a new place to live and to find a new job."
"But why did they leave you behind? Don't they care about you?" Fluttershy asks.
"They do, and I stayed with one of the friends of my father. He was nice enough to keep an eye on me." Lilja answered. "And things have turned bad when the storm hits the sea, the tsunami have hit the boat and it swept my parents away. I was now an orphan, and they took me into the orphanage ever since."
Fluttershy couldn't help but gasp with shock, felt sad for Lilja losing her family and live at the orphanage. Lilja lowered her head down and began to cry, until Fluttershy walked over and wrapped her forelegs around her for a hug. Fluttershy shushed into her ears and rubbed her back to calm her down.
"Do you feel better, dear?" Fluttershy asked, earned a nod from Lilja. Fluttershy then gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Hey, Lilja? How would you like to go to Ponyville and meet my friends and my godson?"
"Yeah, I'd like to, but do you think they'll like me?" Lilja asked nervously. "Are they nice and caring as you are?"
Fluttershy realized how the Icelandic filly felt, then she placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"Of course they are." Fluttershy answered with a warm smile. "I'm sure they'll think of you as a sweet, precious little filly like I do, and I'm sure you'll like them too."
Lilja nodded and then she walked downstairs with Fluttershy, which she still having trouble. Fluttershy is right beside her, teach her how to walk like a pony. Suddenly, she saw the animals looking at the Icelandic filly.
"Now, now, there's no need to stare. Her name is Lilja and she's going to stay with us." Fluttershy told the animals, introducing the Icelandic filly. "Do you think you could all help me make herself at home by treating her with some care and respect?"
The animals responded with chirps, chitters, and squeaks of agreement, then they came over to Lilja and played with her, causing her to laugh. Fluttershy saw how happy she was, until she saw Angel nuzzling her leg.
"Thank you for treating our guest with your kindness, Angel." Fluttershy said, walked over to Lilja. "Are you ready to go, sweetheart?"
Lilja nodded.
"Um...would it be okay if I ride on your back?" Lilja asks. "I'm still not use to walk like a pony...or fly."
Fluttershy giggled softly, understands what Lilja told her as she crouched down to her level.
"Of course you may." Fluttershy replied.
Lilja smiled, then she carefully wrapped her arms around her neck, and then climbed onto Fluttershy's back, placed her hooves around the sides of her neck.
"Wow, you're not heavy at all." Fluttershy said which it got Lilja blushed with embarrassment. "Alright then, I'm going to take Lilja over to Ponyville so she can meet my friends and my godson, so I want you all to behave while I'm gone, okay?"
The animals replied in agreement with chirps, chitters, and squeaks.
"Good. Angel, you're in charge." Fluttershy said, leaned towards the rabbit and gave him a kiss on the top of his head between the ears, Angel then nuzzled his caregiver. "I love you too, Angel."
Then she left the cottage with Lilja on her back.
While Fluttershy trotted over the bridge, she suddenly felt Lilja hiding underneath her mane.
"Are you okay, Lilja?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yes, I don't like meeting strangers who stare at me." Lilja replied, muffling.
"Aww, poor baby." Fluttershy said. "Don't worry, I'll be right here. If it makes you feel safe from other ponies making you feel nervous, I'll let you stay in there."
And with that, Fluttershy use her wings to cover her hooves.
"Okay, first. We're going to Carousel Boutique." Fluttershy suggests. "I have a friend there and I'm sure she can wanted to meet you."
"Okay." Lilja said underneath her mane.
'She's such a precious little filly, but I hope they like her.' Fluttershy thought, until she walked over the bridge and entered the town.
When she entered Ponyville, some of the ponies waved at her, then Fluttershy waved back with a smile.
"Good morning, Fluttershy." Rose Lotus greets with a smile, wearing her red bandana and a golden earring.
"Good morning, Rose." Fluttershy greets back. "How are you?"
"I'm doing good, except for Djali being sassy and protective." Rose Lotus answered, causing Fluttershy to giggle. "Pinkie is right now taking a time off, just to hang out with Rainbow Dash."
"I see." Fluttershy said. "You're still not accepting Pinkie Pie as your new mother?"
"No, I'm still not ready to call Pinkie Pie 'Mom' yet." Rose Lotus answered. "It just doesn't feel right for me, that's all."
"I understand, even Pinkie Pie understands that." Fluttershy states. "But Rose, your old parents and your people would understand. They would've wanted what's best for you and I'm sure they want you to be happy. We'll make sure of it."
"Thank you, Fluttershy." Rose Lotus said with a smile. "I better get to school; I don't want to be late."
"Bye, Rose." Fluttershy said as Rose Lotus heads to school.
Fluttershy the continued to make her way to the Carousel Boutique.
"Fluttershy? Who's that you're talking to?" Lilja asks.
"That's Rose Lotus, she's a former human called Penelope." Fluttershy explains. "She's a gypsy and she had a pet goat named Djali. He's nice, but he's very loyal to her, and a bit protective and sassy."
Lilja couldn't help but giggle a bit of that part about Djali.
Just when Fluttershy made it to the Carousel Boutique, she heard a recognizable voice.
"Hey, Fluttershy! How's it going?" The voice of Rainbow Dash asks when she and Pinkie Pie arrived.
"Oh! Rainbow Dash! Pinkie Pie! Umm...hello. H-How are you?" Fluttershy asks with a warm smile.
Fluttershy giggled nervously until she felt Lilja shaking nervously in her mane.
"We're doing pretty good." Rainbow Dash answered. "We're on our way to what Twilight's doing today."
"Yeah! We're probably going to hang out!" Pinkie Pie exclaims.
Until, Lilja covered her ears while she held onto Fluttershy's neck with her elbows.
"Well, I'm on my way to visit Rarity today, probably for some social teatime, but I hope you two have fun." Fluttershy said.
"Thanks, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said. "Well, we're gonna head over to the library now. We'll see you later!"
Fluttershy waved her hoof nervously, then sighed in relief.
"Okay, Lilja." Fluttershy called her. "Let's go see if Rarity's available today."
Then, Fluttershy and Lilja went over to the Carousel Boutique while the Icelandic filly hid underneath her mane.
As they finally approached the Carousel Boutique, Fluttershy made sure Lilja was completely hidden, then she nuzzled her head to the Icelandic filly's head that was peeking out from her mane, then she gave her a kiss on the forehead. After Lilja went back underneath her mane, Fluttershy reached her left hoof up and knocked on the door 3 times.
"Coming!" The voice of Rarity said.
The door suddenly opened with a light cornflower blue aura surrounding the doorknob, revealing Rarity with a smile on her face.
"Oh, Fluttershy! Good morning, darling." Rarity greets her, then she stepped to the side of the door. "Please do come in. I will make you some tea after I finish up the latest designs for the couple of delegate mares from Manehatten."
"Thank you, Rarity." Fluttershy said, entered inside the boutique and sat down on the couch.
"Darling, which tea would you like?" Rarity asks, set up her tea set with her magic.
"Do you have the usual breakfast blend?" Fluttershy asked.
Rarity looked through the tea bags and found the breakfast blend tea bags.
"Now, just wait in there and I'll get the kettle running." Rarity suggests, earned a nod from Fluttershy.
Then, Rarity filled the kettle with water and turned on the stove to heat up the water in the kettle. While Rarity set up the tea set, Fluttershy felt something popping out from underneath her mane.
"Lilja? Are you okay in there, sweetheart?" Fluttershy asked, earned a nod from the Icelandic filly.
"Do you think she'll like me?" Lilja asked.
"Of course she will." Fluttershy replied. "I promise there's no need to be afraid. Rarity is very kind to her customers, and she's very polite when handling ponies with their requests. I'm sure she can get to know you."
"Get to know with who, darling?" Rarity asked when she came back with the tea.
Lilja is back underneath Fluttershy's mane, shaking like a leaf. Rarity levitated two cups of tea with her magic, giving one for Fluttershy and giving one to herself.
"Who are you talking about, Fluttershy?" Rarity asks when Fluttershy nervously gulped with a nervous chuckle and a blush. "Darling, there's no need to be shy. I'm not mad, I just want to know."
Fluttershy sighed, and then stood up.
"Umm...Okay, there's somepony I want you to meet. But the problem is, she's a human from another world and turned into a pony." Fluttershy explains. "And she's very shy."
"Oh? Of course, Fluttershy dear, I would be absolutely honored to meet this young filly you spoke of. I'm sure she'll be just fine." Rarity said, stood up with a soft concerned eyebrow. "So, may I see this little one?"
Fluttershy nodded, then crouched down and turned her head towards her mane.
"It's okay, Lilja. You can come out and say hello." Fluttershy said.
Fluttershy then reached into her mane with her nuzzle and helped Lilja climbed off her back and onto the floor. When she finished, Fluttershy stood and let Lilja walk in front of her, then she wrapped her right foreleg around her for comfort. Rarity saw the Icelandic filly that was being hugged by her.
"My goodness! Aren't you the sweetest little darling I've ever seen?!" Rarity exclaimed while she beamed with a smile at the filly.
Lilja had a soft blush on her cheeks after hearing Rarity generous kind words, Fluttershy then smiled warmly.
"Lilja, this is my friend, Rarity." Fluttershy told her. "She's the fashion designer here in Ponyville. Rarity, this sweet little filly right here is Lilja. She was born in Akureyri, Iceland from another world. She's also very gentle and a real sweetheart."
Lilja hugged Fluttershy's foreleg, until she looked down at the Icelandic filly.
"Lilja, would you like to say hello?" Fluttershy asks.
Lilja nodded, and then waved at Rarity.
"Hi." Lilja greets nervously.
Rarity then walked over and lowered herself to her level.
"Darling? Can you look at me, please?" Rarity asks.
Lilja turned towards Rarity and she saw her stroking her hooves with her hoof.
"It's such a pleasure to make your acquaintance, darling. Do not be afraid." Rarity said.
Lilja then looked into her eyes and then she went over and wrapped her forelegs around her chest and nuzzled her chest fur with her cheek, until Rarity hugged the Icelandic filly back with her left foreleg, rubbing her back.
"It's nice to meet you too, Miss Rarity." Lilja said.
"Oh my. You have such manners, darling. But you don't need to call me 'Miss', you may just call me Rarity." Rarity said politely. "I must say, you really are so adorable."
Fluttershy smiled at them liking each other, but then realized Rarity turns to her.
"Fluttershy darling, could you be a dear and assist Lilja upstairs to the bathroom to prepare a nice, warm bath for her?" Rarity offers. "She'll look a lot better clean and refreshed."
"That sounds like a great idea, Rarity. You really are a good friend." Fluttershy replied with a smile as she and Rarity escorted Lilja upstairs to the bathroom.
Rarity then looked at Lilja one more time.
"Lilja darling, if you want, I'll let you borrow my favorite shampoo and body wash soap bottles." Rarity said.
"Thank you." Lilja nodded.
Rarity nodded back, then she went to her workplace in her bedroom.
'My she is such an adorable little filly, and I really appreciate her kind manners. But I wonder how did she end up her in Equestria. I'll have to ask Fluttershy when she's done.' Rarity thought, hoping to get answers.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy took Lilja inside of the bathroom and turned on the tub faucet on both hot and cold. When she dipped her hoof into the water, it was just right. She then put Lilja in the bathtub and grabbed two bottles consisting of shampoo and body wash. Then she leaned towards the Icelandic filly.
"Sweetheart, me and Rarity will be right across the hall in her bedroom if you need anything or if you're finished, okay?" Fluttershy said, earned a nod from Lilja.
When Fluttershy left the room and gently closed the door, she walked over to Rarity's room to have a discussion with her. Rarity suddenly saw Fluttershy entered the room and turns to her.
"Fluttershy, there's something I've been meaning to ask you. How were able to find her?" Rarity asks.
"Well...I found her in my doorstep, sleeping inside of the basket." Fluttershy answered. "With no note, or who sent her here in my home. There were only storybooks next to her."
Rarity had a feeling that somepony must've gotten Lilja in Equestria with a reason, just like Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus, who came here for a reason.
"But did she tell you?" Rarity asks again.
"Yes, she did." Fluttershy nods with a sigh. "Like I said, Lilja was born in Akureyri, Iceland. She used to live with her parents and a home. Her mother is a nun at the church and her father is a fisherman. They were trying to earn some money while try to keep their home afloat because they're poor. However, they decided to find a new place to live and new jobs. So, they left Lilja behind and have somepony to watch over her until they get back to pick her up when they found a place to live and a new job to find. However, her parents were killed when they get swept by a tsunami."
Rarity gasp, covered her mouth after hearing Lilja's tragic story.
"And now, she lived at the orphanage." Fluttershy finished her story. "I don't know who left Lilja in my doorstep, but I couldn't just leave her out there by herself. She's just a child."
Rarity then walked over and placed her hoof on Fluttershy's chest, where her heart was.
"You did the right thing, darling. Lilja has been through a lot after the loss of her parents and living at the orphanage." Rarity said with a smile. "Giving the little one shelter and caring for her is the right thing to do. It's one of the most kindest thing anypony could've done."
Fluttershy smiled, then she gave Rarity a hug.
"When she woke up, she was scared of me like I would hurt her." Fluttershy said. "Do you think something's bothering her?"
"Oh, pff. Kch. Fff. Tsk! Don't be ridiculous, darling. Besides, if there was something really bothering her, she would just tell us." Rarity states. "I think she's like the sweetest little filly I've ever met."
"But I'm telling the truth." Fluttershy points out. "I know there's something bothering her, and I think there's more than the loss of her family. Maybe we should wait until she's ready."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, darling." Rarity said, agreeing to Fluttershy's suggestion. "How about if you make yourself at home while I go check on Lilja to see if she's finished with her bath?"
Fluttershy nodded and then she found a book to read while Rarity walked out of the room.
Meanwhile, Lilja was playing with the bath toys, until she heard a knock on the door.
"Lilja? Are you done with your bath, darling?" Rarity asked from behind the door.
"No, not yet." Lilja answered. "I just need to get washed, but I can't reach my back."
"Don't worry, darling. I'm coming in." Rarity said, opens the door and saw Lilja in the tub soaking wet from the soapy water. "Would you like to wash you?"
"Yes, please." Lilja answered politely.
"Don't worry, darling. I'll have you washed and dried, and you'll look totally new." Rarity said. "Now, just stay still."
Rarity dunked a little shampoo onto Lilja's mane and scrubbed it with her hooves, then she rinsed off the soap off by using her magic to levitate the pitcher full of water from the tub. Rarity then grabbed a sponge brush and rubbed some of her body wash around Lilja's body, and then when she was all clean, she levitated her out of the tub, unplugged the drain, and dried her off with a towel.
"Do you feel refreshed now, darling?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah, I think so." Lilja answered.
"Excellent. Now, when you're ready, come to the hallway to my room so we can have a look at you." Rarity suggests. "And if you want, you may take a nap on my bed while me and Fluttershy have a nice talk."
After she was dried, Lilja followed Rarity to her room, still not use to walk or flying, but Rarity is helping her. Rarity and Lilja walked to her room and saw Fluttershy read a novel.
"Are you doing okay, Lilja?" Fluttershy asks, earned a nod from the Icelandic filly.
"She had trouble walking and flying herself, so I managed to help her out." Rarity explains, wrapped her foreleg around her shoulder. "Are you feeling comfortable, darling?"
"Yes, Rarity." Lilja nodded, suddenly scooted closer towards her chest and leaned softly on her barrel, gave her a hug, until Rarity smiled warmly and wrapped her foreleg around her.
Suddenly, Lilja felt tired and rubbed her eyes, so Rarity led her to her bed and let the Icelandic filly climbed on. After she was on the soft mattress, Lilja then laid on her stomach until Rarity used her magic to cover her red plush satin blanket over the Icelandic filly.
"Lilja, me and Fluttershy are going to be downstairs for a little while, but we'll come back to wake you up. Alright?" Rarity said, earned a nod from her.
"Thank you, Rarity." Lilja thanked her.
"You're very welcome, darling." Rarity said, then she leaned forward and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Now, get some rest. We'll check on you later."
Rarity then left the room with the door halfway open, and her blinds closed so that Lilja wouldn't wake up from the light of the sun. After the Icelandic filly was warm under the blanket, and the room was left dark, she drifted off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Rarity and Fluttershy made some new cups of tea and then they decided to have a nice talk.
"So, Fluttershy, what exactly did you have in mind for the little darling?" Rarity asked.
"Well, after she had her few minutes rest, I was thinking about taking her to the Golden Oak Library so that she could meet the others." Fluttershy explains when Rarity gasped adorably.
"That's an excellent idea, Fluttershy!" Rarity said. "The girls, Mario, and Comet will absolutely adore her!"
"I'm sure they will do." Fluttershy giggled.
They suddenly saw Lilja coming downstairs from her nap.
"Hello, Lilja. Glad to see you're awake, dear." Rarity greets with a smile. "Did you have a good rest?"
"Yes, I feel much better." Lilja nods.
"By the way, we're going to the library at downtown. I was thinking...how would you feel about meeting the rest of our friends?" Fluttershy asked. "Would you like that, sweetheart?"
Lilja looked up at Fluttershy, then went to her chest and gave her a hug.
"Yes." Lilja answered.
"Well, if you two are ready to go to the library, then allow me to assist you." Rarity offers, stood up.
"I won't mind if you are coming with us, Rarity." Fluttershy said with a soft smile.
"Oh, please. I insist you let me tag along." Rarity said, earned a nod from Fluttershy when she felt Lilja poke her flank.
"Yes, Lilja?" Fluttershy asks.
"Can I ride on your back?" Lilja asks.
"Sure." Fluttershy replied.
Then, she crouched down and let Lilja ride on her back, then she stood back up. When she tucked Lilja's hind legs with her wings, Fluttershy and Rarity left the boutique.
As Fluttershy and Rarity were walking around the streets of Ponyville, they saw some ponies staring at Lilja riding on Fluttershy's back with curious faces and making some murmuring comments about the Icelandic filly, causing Lilja to hide underneath her mane again. Fluttershy saw that she was feeling nervous from the stares by the ponies.
"Why is she hiding underneath your mane, darling?" Rarity asked.
Fluttershy turned her head and Lilja nervously shaking underneath her mane, then saw the ponies with concerned looks.
"She's probably just nervous about those other ponies looking at her." Fluttershy explains. "Meeting strangers upset her, so that's why I let her hide underneath my mane before we came to see you."
"Oh, I see." Rarity said, understands why Lilja is hiding as she pokes her leg gently. "You alright in there, darling?"
Lilja shook her head underneath Fluttershy's mane.
"Don't worry, sweetheart." Fluttershy assures her gently. "They're not against you, but somehow curious about you."
They suddenly saw a familiar ponies they recognized, it was Applejack, Mario Star, and Apple Shine.
"Howdy there, Fluttershy." Applejack greets.
"Applejack, Mario, Apple Shine, darling!" Rarity exclaims.
"Hi." Fluttershy greets.
"Where are you two heading?" Mario asks.
"Oh, we're going to the library." Fluttershy answered.
"What for?" Applejack asks curiously.
Until, she, Mario, and Apple Shine saw Fluttershy's mane shaking, and they could hear Lilja softly whimpering while breathing.
"Is somethin' wrong with yer mane?" Apple Shine asks.
Though, Fluttershy nervously smiled, then softly giggled nervously.
"If yer too shy to say it, it's fine." Applejack assures her.
"No, no, no, I don't want to say right now, I just wanna wait until we get to the library." Fluttershy protests.
"But can we at least know who it is?" Mario suggests. "Fluttershy, we're not forcing you, we're just curious."
Fluttershy then let out a heavy sigh, then she turned towards her mane.
"Lilja, you can show yourself." Fluttershy said.
Lilja then revealed herself from Fluttershy's mane and she saw Applejack, Apple Shine, and Mario staring at the Icelandic filly.
"Well Ah'll be." Applejack said. "Ah can't believe we have another human from another world, but turned into a pegasus. Ah'll admit, she's kinda cute lookin'."
Lilja suddenly blushed, then Applejack, Apple Shine, and Mario walked over a little, then she softly ruffled her mane.
"So, yer name was Lilja?" Apple Shine asks with a smile, earned a nod from her. "My name is Apple Shine, it's nice to meet ya."
"I'm Mario Star." Mario greets.
"And Ah'm Applejack, it's really a darn tootin' pleasure to meet ya, sugarcube." Applejack greets with a smile.
"Hi." Lilja greets adorably.
Applejack and Mario then went over and gave her a hug. Rarity and Fluttershy were pleased by their kindness towards Lilja.
"Mind if we tag along?" Apple Shine asks.
"Okay, but can you keep it down?" Fluttershy asks. "Other ponies are watching."
"Don't worry, we won't say anything." Mario said.
Then, the six ponies walked over to the Golden Oak Library.
When they got there, they walked to the door, then Fluttershy looked over at Lilja underneath her mane.
"We're here, Lilja." Fluttershy said when Lilja peeked a little.
"What is this place?" Lilja asks, looking at the Golden Oak Library.
"This is called the Golden Oak Library. It's a good home to our friend, Twilight Sparkle. And her son and our godson, Comet Stardust. Twilight is good with books and magic, and she's very polite. Comet is also good with book's and magic, but he's a natural martial artist. He's polite and he's very wise." Fluttershy explains.
"Like you and Apple Shine, he's a human from another world." Mario adds.
"They're probably understand, sugarcube." Applejack said. "Just hope they're home."
"Let's find out." Rarity said, then she knocked on the door.
Suddenly the door opened, and it revealed to be Twilight Sparkle.
"Oh, Fluttershy, Applejack, Mario, Apple Shine. Hello." Twilight greets. "Come on inside. I'll ask Spike to make some snacks."
She then let the five ponies inside and then sit on either the couch or on the pillows on the floor, until they saw Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Comet playing cards while Rose Lotus practice on telling fortunes with the tarot cards.
"Hey, guys! Glad you could make it." Rainbow Dash said.
After they got settled in, and when Spike brought some snacks, Fluttershy suddenly remembered why she came.
"Fluttershy, Applejack told me that you were taking care of a human from another world." Twilight told her. "And maybe we can help you take care of her."
"Thank you, Twilight." Fluttershy thanked her. "Do you want to meet her?"
"Of course." Twilight answered.
Fluttershy reached into her mane with her nuzzle to find Lilja.
"Lilja, are you in there?" Fluttershy asked as Lilja shook nervously and made a small peek at her face. "Don't be scared, sweetheart. My friends just want to say hello to you. You can come out."
Lilja then carefully let go of Fluttershy's neck and she used her wing to introduce the Icelandic filly to her friends. She stood there by Fluttershy's foreleg, until she wrapped both her forelegs over her.
"Hi." Lilja greeted nervously.
Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped, then she zoomed over and wrapped her forelegs around Lilja and gently squished her towards her barrel and belly for a hug.
"Aww...aren't you such a little wittle cutie wutie?! Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" Pinkie Pie exclaims excitedly, nuzzling her cheek against the Icelandic filly's which it got Rose Lotus giggled a little. "Hi there, little filly! My name's Pinkie Pie! And you're just so cute I could just eat you up! I like to set up big or small parties, bake yummy treats, like cookies, cakes, pies, cupcakes, muffins, and throw partied-!"
Lilja suddenly felt Comet used his magic to levitate away from Pinkie Pie as Djali headbutted her. Comet then placed Lilja next to Fluttershy.
"Alright Pinkie Pie, simmer down now." Applejack said.
"Oh, you're such party poopers!" Pinkie Pie exclaims with a pout.
Lilja suddenly shook nervously, until Applejack offered her a small box of apple juice, which she accepts and took nervously. Lilja took a sip from the straw and was suddenly amazed about how sweet and tangy it tasted, so she decided to finish it slowly.
"Thank you." Lilja thanked her.
"You're welcome, sugarcube." Applejack said.
"Sorry about that." Rose Lotus apologizes with a smile, approaches her. "Pinkie Pie might be a little bit crazy, but she's nice once you get to know her better."
Lilja nods with an understanding, but remembered what Fluttershy told her.
"So, you're Rose Lotus?" Lilja asks.
"That's right, I'm Rose Lotus. I was formerly known as Penelope from Varanasi, India." Rose Lotus nods when Djali walked next to her. "This is Djali."
Djali greeted Lilja with a bleat. Comet then approaches her.
"I'm Comet Stardust, I was once a human known as Elijah from Brooklyn, New York." Comet introduced himself. "I'm living with mom at the Golden Oak Library."
Apple Shine then approaches her, tipped her hat.
"Ah'm Apple Shine, Ah was also a human known as Emily from Houston, Texas." Apple Shine introduces herself. "Ah'm livin' with mah family at Sweet Apple Acres."
Rainbow Dash then came over with a smile.
"Hey, I'm Rainbow Dash, one of the best and fastest flyers in all of Equestria!" Rainbow greeted her, ruffled her mane gently. "By the way, I know it's your first time in Equestria and that you're still trying to calm your nervousness, but how about next time, I'll teach you how to fly?"
"I think that'd be wonderful, Rainbow Dash." Fluttershy said. "But we need to give Lilja some time to get used to the place."
"Don't worry, I said I'd give some time to calm herself and until she gets used to being around here and I promise I'll teach her." Rainbow Dash points out.
Twilight went over to the Icelandic filly and smiled.
"Hello, sweetie. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and it's a pleasure to meet you." Twilight greets with a smile.
Twilight saw Lilja blushing nervously, so she leaned forward and gave her a small kiss on the cheek.
"There's no need to be afraid anymore." Twilight said softly.
Lilja then looked into her eyes.
"It's nice to meet you too, Twilight." Lilja said. "Are you really Comet's mother?"
"Yes, I'm taking care of him." Twilight said. "You see, Comet lived a very hard life in his old world along with his old parents. He ran away from home after his uncle and aunt wanted him for becoming an Italian Mafia along with the heated argument. Comet was able to help them beat the gang members in the streets and protecting his old friend, but he has killed by getting shot."
Lilja was astonished of Comet's backstory. Comet gives the Icelandic filly a nod.
"Ah'm also the mother while Mario is the uncle of Apple Shine." Applejack explains. "Apple Shine lived at the ranch with his family in Texas and helpin' them do the chores before she gets to school. She and her family did everythin' together. She's one of the most outgoin' filly we've ever met. But that changed when the Tropical Storm Imelda was about to hit. She helped her family take the animals to shelter, but she got bit by a timber rattlesnake. They took her to the hospital to get her vaccinated, but it was too late of her."
Lilja was shocked and sad of Apple Shine's backstory. Apple Shine nods with a tip of her hat.
"I'm the one who's taking care of Rosey, but she wasn't accepting me as a mother, yet." Pinkie Pie told her. "She came from a long line of gypsies, and she lived with her family and her people. They traveled around in Europe to make money by telling them fortune, magic, became peddlers, and dancing. Though, gypsies do have a bad history because of the discrimination and for being different. When Rose became 6, the Anti-Romani managed to find them and massacred the entire gypsy. Her parents were able to pull out the magic mirror to get her and Djali, but her parents stayed behind to protect her by smashing the mirror. Rose is only one who survived the massacre, but now, we're trying to mend the big scar in her heart."
Lilja was astonished of Rose Lotus' story. Even though, she knew what was like to lose a family, but Rose Lotus have lost more than that. Then she saw Spike enter.
"Is that a d-dragon?" Lilja asks nervously.
"Yep, the name's Spike." Spike greets. "Nice to meet you."
"Thank you." Lilja thanked him. "I thought dragons only exists in fairy tales, especially unicorns and pegasi."
"Believe me, it's real." Comet said. "Neither of us didn't start out that way either when me, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus came here."
"He's right, it's your first time." Twilight agrees, walked back over towards Lilja. "Sweetheart, are you actually a human from another world?"
"Yes, I'm a human from Akureyri, Iceland." Lilja nods. "And I'm actually 5 years old."
"Wait, Iceland?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"It's a name of a Nordic Island in the North Atlantic Ocean." Lilja explains. She suddenly started to yawn and blink her eyes tiredly after rubbing them.
"I think she's getting tired." Comet points out.
They saw her rubbing her eyes as she saw tears in some of them.
"No, wait...is she crying?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"What's wrong, sweetheart?" Fluttershy asked.
Until, Lilja went to her for a hug and buried herself underneath her chest. Fluttershy then hugged her back and stroked her mane with her hoof.
"Shhh...I'm here, sweetie." Fluttershy said calmly. "I've got you...Shhh..."
The others felt concerned about the Icelandic filly as well, but Mario thought of an idea. While knowing of a way to calm her down, he walked over to Fluttershy.
"Fluttershy, can you try sing a song for Lilja?" Mario suggests. "It might help her calm down."
Fluttershy was somehow hesitant, but she knew what he means as she thought of a song after remembering a book called 'Pinocchio'. Lilja then began to cry.
"Shhhhhh...it's okay, sweetheart. It'll be okay. We're here." Fluttershy soothes her, until she began to rock her gently while making a soft hushing sound. Lilja's crying continued until Fluttershy started to hum a soft lullaby.
Fluttershy (Sings):
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your desires will come to you
If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do
As Fluttershy sang a song, Lilja's sobs turned to sniffles as she rocked her gently and made another soft hushing sound once more while stroking the back of her mane.
Fluttershy (Sings):
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dream comes true
Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing
Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dream comes true
Twinkle, Twinkle
Little star
How I wonder what you are
When you wish upon a star
Your dream comes true
Lilja suddenly yawned and fell asleep on Fluttershy's forelegs, as she kissed the Icelandic filly on the forehead and laid her down on a cushion Twilight provided from one of the chairs. Fluttershy lowered herself towards the Icelandic filly's level and wrapped a wool blanket over her, and then she laid beside her, placed her right wing over her as a blanket. Then Lilja scooted closer towards her tummy and curled up into a fetal position, but she had one foreleg wrapped around her wing.
"Goodnight, Lilja." Fluttershy said, gave her a kiss on the cheek. She then could feel Lilja's soft breathing touch her fur. "She is indeed a sweet little filly."
"How about if you all stay over for the night?" Twilight suggests. "I need to write to Princess Celestia about Lilja."
They nodded with an agreement as Twilight and Spike went to the writing desk and started to write a letter.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today, my friend, Fluttershy discovered something unusual this morning. This discovery was a human turned into a Pegasus. Her name is Lilja, she's 5 years old, and she was born from Akureyri, Iceland. She's a little shorter than Apple Shine, and she's sweet, caring, and polite. If you and Princess Luna aren't too busy, I was wondering if me and my friends would come over to Canterlot and the young one to meet you both. I'll wait for your reply in the morning.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
Spike then put the quill back on the stand and then rolled up the scroll and tied it with a sealed red ribbon. Spike blew the green flames and it magically disappeared into the sky.
"There, all done." Spike said.
"Thanks, Spike." Twilight thanked him. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I'm just happy to help." Spike said, yawned. "Is it okay if I turned in for the night?"
"Sure." Twilight replied. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Twilight." Spike said, walk into the bedroom to get some sleep.
"Maybe we should all get some sleep." Twilight suggests. "We can have breakfast early tomorrow morning. It should give us time to prepare to leave for Canterlot. And don't worry, Fluttershy, I'm sure Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will love to meet Lilja."
"Oh, I know. She's just so cute and polite." Fluttershy said. "And Mario, thank you for suggesting a song."
"You're welcome, Fluttershy." Mario nods with a smile. "It was just a little something me and Applejack used to do for Apple Shine when she first came here."
They then yawned as they walked upstairs as Mario went inside of Comet's room that's been borrowed by Applejack and Apple Shine. Twilight then heads to her room and then went to sleep next to her son. Fluttershy then took one last look at the Icelandic filly.
"Don't worry, sweetie. You'll be safe here." Fluttershy said, gave her one kiss on the cheek and then she rested her head on top of her.
The next day, Twilight and Comet woke up and saw the sunrise by the hillside. They got out of bed, walked over to the kitchen, and saw Spike and Mario cooking breakfast. Each of the ponies started to wake up from their peaceful slumber and both Twilight and Comet arrived in the room.
"Good morning, everypony." Twilight greets. "Did you all have a good night sleep?"
"Yep." Rainbow Dash said, stretching her legs and wings.
"Well, I slept marvelously, darling." Rarity adds while she bounced her mane with a hoof.
Fluttershy looked down and saw that Lilja was still asleep next to her.
"Aww...it looks like she had a good night sleep, too." Fluttershy said.
"Well, I'm glad you're all up, but if it's okay, Spike and I made breakfast for all of you." Mario offers.
"Thanks, Mario. That was very kind of you both." Twilight thanked them.
Fluttershy suddenly lifted her wing carefully and leaned her head down to gently caress the top of her head.
"Lilja? Sweetheart, it's time to get up." Fluttershy said softly.
Lilja suddenly started to wake up and then she made a soft yawn, she saw Fluttershy looking at her with a warm smile.
"Good morning, sweetie." Fluttershy greets her, stroking her form to keep her relaxed. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did." Lilja nodded with another yawn.
"Well, that's good. Are you hungry, sweetheart?" Fluttershy asks.
"That sounds nice. Yes, I'm a little hungry." Lilja answered, before she made another yawn.
"Spike made us pancakes and omelettes for breakfast." Fluttershy said.
Fluttershy and Lilja got up and walked over to the kitchen to join their friends for breakfast. When they got there, they saw them eating.
"Good morning, everypony." Fluttershy said.
"Good morning, darling. Did you and Lilja sleep well last night?" Rarity asked, while giving Lilja a warm reassuring smile.
"Yes, we did." Fluttershy nods with a smile. "But she was so cute while she curled towards my tummy last night. She even heard my heartbeat."
The d'wawwed at her kindness, then Fluttershy and Lilja sat beside Rarity and Twilight.
"Lilja, are you alright?" Rose Lotus asked, noticed Lilja rubbed her eyes.
"I was just having a nightmare last night." Lilja said. "I was watching my parents being swept away by the tsunami. And I think it was more than just a dream, it was a reminder of how my parents died."
Fluttershy wrapped her foreleg around her shoulder to comfort the Icelandic filly, then she patted her foreleg gently with her hoof.
"Aww, Lilja. It's okay." Fluttershy assures her. "You're very welcome to come to me for comfort anytime."
"Thank you." Lilja thanked her, gave Fluttershy one more hug.
Fluttershy gave her a kiss on the top of her head, then she turned her concentration on her breakfast. Comet used his magic to levitate the plate full of 3 buttermilk pancakes with butter and maple syrup, and some orange juice.
"Thank you." Lilja thanked him.
"You're welcome." Comet said.
Spike then felt his stomach grumbled and let out a belch with green flames transformed into a scroll.
"Oh! It must be from Princess Celestia." Twilight states as she finished her breakfast and read the scroll.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
After I've read about what you've told me over your letter earlier this morning, I've decided I would certainly appreciate if you and your friends come over to my castle, so that me and Luna can meet the little filly that you spoke to me about. I'm sending you and your friends a couple of train tickets for an express ride to Canterlot, and when you arrive, a couple of guards will escort you inside. Luna and I will be waiting for your arrival.
Your teacher,
Princess Celestia
"Alright everypony. Let's finish up so we can head over to the train station later." Twilight suggests.
"Why?" Lilja asked.
"Because Princess Celestia and Princess Luna want to meet you." Twilight explains.
"Also, it'll be your first time visiting Canterlot." Rose Lotus adds when Djali bleats with an agreement, but noticed how nervous Lilja felt.
"Okay, but I hope they don't think of me differently." Lilja said.
"Don't worry, darling. They'll think you're adorable." Rarity states which Lilja was feeling better.
"What Rarity is trying to say is, the Princesses won't think of you differently." Comet points out with a sigh. "They're probably aware that you're a human from another world. And I don't think it'll be the first time about, either."
Lilja knew that Comet is making a valid point which it makes it easier for the Icelandic filly.
After an hour passed from a nice breakfast, the Mane 6, the four foals, Mario, and Spike, left the Golden Oak Library and made it to the train station. Of course, Djali has to stay behind and live in Fluttershy's cottage when Angel was left charge. Lilja was riding on Fluttershy's back and hid underneath her mane.
"Excuse me, sir." Twilight called the conductor, earned his attention. "We're here for a one-way trip to Canterlot."
She then showed those tickets to the conductor.
"Alright, all aboard." The conductor said.
Then they boarded the train and took their seats in the passenger car. Suddenly, Fluttershy's mane started shaking.
"Lilja, it's okay." Rainbow Dash said. "The coast is clear."
Lilja then crawled out from underneath Fluttershy's mane and sat beside her and Twilight. Then, Lilja looked out of the window and saw the train moving.
"It sure is nice around here, huh?" Lilja asked.
"Equestria's just a big world." Twilight nods. "But don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"I know." Lilja said with a sigh.
An hour passed, and the train arrived at Canterlot train station.
"Those leaving for Canterlot, please exit." The conductor said.
They walked off the train and went downtown. Lilja held onto Fluttershy's right hind leg and saw some big buildings and small cottages.
"Whoa...it's so big." Lilja said.
Lilja realized that Canterlot was like in a storybook, until she saw some ponies staring at her, then she covered herself with Fluttershy's tail.
"Ya alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asks, worried.
"Some of these ponies are staring at me, just like the ones in Ponyville." Lilja answered.
"I'm not surprised, because they're high-class ponies." Comet explains with a deadpan expression, staring at the ponies. "It's filled with nobles and stuck-up snobs."
"Comet!" Rarity scolds her godson.
"What? I'm just saying." Comet said innocently.
"And he's not wrong, either." Mario adds.
Rarity glared at the two boys while Applejack and Rainbow Dash snickered a bit, but turns to Lilja with a soft smile.
"Don't worry, darling. They're just curious about you." Rarity said.
"We've got your back, Lilja." Rainbow Dash adds.
Until, Fluttershy lowered her head towards Lilja and kissed her forehead, then they saw two guards at the entrance of the castle.
"The Royal Sisters are expecting you in the throne room." The guard said.
"Thank you, sir." Twilight thanked him.
Fluttershy then turned her head to Lilja.
"Lilja, stay close to me, okay?" Fluttershy suggests. "And don't be scared, the princesses are very kind and polite, and I'm sure they'll make sure you're safe here."
Lilja nods as she hid the Icelandic filly with her right wing.
"Are you ready to meet them?" Fluttershy asks.
Lilja responds with a soft nod, then wiped her tears, then jumped after hearing the gates opened and then the drawbridge, then the group entered the castle.
As they walked through the halls of the castle, they stopped by the doors to the throne room that were guarded by two guard ponies on each side, while Lilja saw how beautiful it looked, and it made her feel better. They suddenly saluted them, then stood aside.
"You all may enter."
The doors suddenly opened and the group saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sitting on their thrones. The Mane 6, the three foals, Mario, and Spike, bowed before the royal sisters, until they both walked to them.
"Twilight! Welcome, my little ponies! And welcome to you too, Spike." Princess Celestia greets. "It's always a pleasure to see you all again."
"I agree." Princess Luna nods with an agreement. "I assume your train ride here was successful?"
"No, no, no! It was totally fine." Twilight answered.
"Indeed, it was absolutely marvelous." Rarity adds. "And pretty relaxing if I say so myself."
"It was pretty peaceful, just like the calm quietness at my cottage." Fluttershy agrees.
"Well, I'm glad." Princess Celestia nods, but she suddenly couldn't find the little Pegasus that was mentioned in the letter. "So, where is the little filly you told me about?"
"She's right here, your majesty." Rose Lotus answered. "If you don't remember, she's just shy around every pony."
Comet and Apple Shine then pointing their hooves at Lilja, who was still hiding behind Fluttershy's hind leg and covered by her soft tail.
"Hmm...I see." Princess Celestia said with an understanding. "May we see her?"
Fluttershy nodded, then turned her head towards Lilja and saw her hugging her leg.
"Lilja, it's okay." Fluttershy assures softly. "There's nothing to worry about or be afraid of. They just want to meet you, okay?"
When Lilja looked at Fluttershy, she gave the Icelandic filly a comforting warm smile as she nuzzled her cheek, until Lilja hugged her neck. Lilja slowly stepped out from hiding behind Fluttershy's hind leg and took some small steps forward, lifting her view from the colorful-checkered tile floor to the two alicorns. When she stopped, she nervously gulped. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked slowly to her, until Princess Celestia slowly reached her golden slippered hoof out to gently touch her shoulder to comfort, then she gave her a warm smile.
"There's no need to be afraid, dear one." Princess Celestia assures the Icelandic filly.
Lilja realized her voice was very soft, then she saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna sit down their hunches, and gave them both a small warm smile. Princess Celestia then let Lilja hold her hoof to calm herself.
"Welcome to Equestria, dear one." Princess Celestia said with a warm smile. "I am Princess Celestia, Princess of the Day. This is Princess Luna, Princess of the Night. We rule Equestria together, by helping keep peace, friendship, and harmony all around."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, young child." Princess Luna said with a warm smile. "We hope your stay here has been a pleasant and peaceful one."
"It's pretty nice." Lilja said.
"If I may ask, what is your name, sweetheart?" Princess Celestia asks.
"M-My name is Lilja." Lilja said shyly. "It's nice to meet you and your sister, Princess Celestia."
"Lilja? Such a lovely name." Princess Celestia said with a smile.
"Could you tell us how old are you?" Princess Luna asks.
"I'm 5." Lilja replied, leaving the princesses shocked.
"Oh my, you're a young one." Princess Celestia states.
"I know." Lilja said.
Until, she scooted closer to Princess Celestia's chest and nestled into her soft warm fur. Princess Celestia smiled at her, then she wrapped both her forelegs around her for a hug, and stroked her with her golden slippered hooves. Princess Luna suddenly saw Lilja starting to cry.
"Sister, I'm starting to sense that the filly is feeling very hurt." Princess Luna points out.
The group suddenly look down at Lilja, who was rubbing her hoof on Princess Celestia's fur, until she felt that something was wrong with the Icelandic filly, like internal pain. Princess Celestia looked down at her in the eyes and placed her hoof under her chin.
"Lilja, what's troubling you, dear?" Princess Celestia inquires.
Lilja suddenly had a look of nervousness, until she started to explain everything.
"The truth is...before I was an orphan. I use to have a family." Lilja said. "My mother was a nun from the church, and my father was a fisherman. They're trying to keep our home afloat only because we barely have money to live. They decided to travel overseas to find a new place to live and a new job, but the trip went wrong when the storm have hit the ship and the tsunami swept my parents along with the ship. And now...I'm an orphan."
The group gasped in shock, but Rose Lotus can tell something was up since she knows what it's like to lose a family.
"While I lived in the orphanage, I was never picked for the adoption, I had no friends to play with, and there was no one to look out for me. I was alone." Lilja continued.
Until, she started to cry, placed her head on her legs and wrapped her forelegs around her knees, then continued to cry.
"Oh, you poor child, I'm so sorry." Princess Celestia said sympatetically.
Until, Fluttershy trotted over and helped comfort the Icelandic filly by wrapping both her forelegs around her and pulling her into a warm hug against her chest.
"Shhh...don't cry, sweetie. It's okay." Fluttershy said softly.
Princess Celestia rubbed her back and gently wrapped her other hoof around her stomach.
"I'm sorry, I'm just scared to talk about it!" Lilja said while her crying began to grow louder. "I'm so, so sorry."
"It's alright, darling. You don't need to apologize." Rarity said, giving her a comforting, warm smile.
"Besides, you didn't do anything wrong." Twilight said kindly.
"Indeed, little one." Princess Luna agrees.
"You mean it?" Lilja asks.
"Of course. Just think about it, sugarcube." Applejack said. "If you have something that's botherin' ya or anythin', you can always talk ta us and we'll listen. Ya understand?"
Lilja nods, then sniffled after she smile.
"Lilja, we're so sorry for your loss." Comet said sympathetically. "We really are."
"Thank you." Lilja thanked him.
"Lilja, I know what it's like to lose somepony you care." Rose Lotus said with a soft smile. "If you remember what Pinkie told you, I've lost to those I care, too. We both have something in common, and for that, I'm sorry for what you've gone through."
Lilja nods, understands what Rose Lotus is telling her.
"Here, darling. Dry your eyes." Rarity suggests, giving her the tissue from her saddlebag with her magic, then Lilja blows her nuzzle.
"So, I assume that's the child's problem." Princess Celestia states, stroking Lilja's mane. "She was just suffering from a broken heart of her loneliness."
"It would seem so." Mario agrees. "And as far as we can tell, all Lilja ever wanted was a family and a friend. Like Rose, she had a scar in her heart."
"Aww, the poor little darling." Rarity said cutely.
"If only there was something that we could do to make her feel happy at home again." Rainbow Dash adds.
"I think I know." Twilight said.
Then, Twilight motioned her to Princess Celestia, then the princess leaned towards her and Twilight whispered her idea into Princess Celestia's ear. When she what Twilight said, Princess Celestia nodded with an agreement.
"Lilja, would you like to have a small tour of the castle?" Princess Celestia offers.
Lilja heard what she said, then nodded softly.
"I'd like that, your highness." Lilja said. "It's nice to see inside a castle."
"Thank you, dear." Princess Celestia thanked her. "Me and Luna try our best to make sure it's suitable enough for guest all over Equestria to visit, which is in here, the throne room, and where me and my sister keep Equestria in order, and where we usually expect many visitors. Now this way please. There's something I want to show you at the end."
As the group followed the princesses from behind, Lilja started walking while Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus supports her, walking next to Fluttershy.
After the tour of the bedrooms, the coronation room, the ballroom, and the dining hall, they arrived at their final part of the tour, which was a long hallway with handcrafted and color-stained windows with pictures on each wall.
"And finally. This Lilja, is the Hall of Elements." Princess Celestia explains.
"If you're wondering what we're saying, it's because this hallway used to be the vault of seven sacred relics of all time: The Elements of Harmony." Twilight adds.
"What do they do?" Lilja asked curiously.
"You see, the Elements of Harmony have a powerful magic." Princess Luna explains. "They bring all of the inhabitants of Equestria in peace, happiness, and perfect harmony, but sometimes they protect us and this land from the forces of evil, ones who plan to bring chaos, destruction, sadness, despair, or darkness to all of us."
Princess Luna then pointed to a glass window with Twilight and her friends in the first battle against Nightmare Moon.
"As you can see, these seven ponies here are also the current Elements of Harmony." Princess Celestia said.
Lilja suddenly realized she meant Twilight and her friends.
"Really?" Lilja asked.
"Yes, little one." Princess Celestia nods. "They each represent and possess each element that helps then ensure the safety and balance of Equestria."
"For example, even though I may seem like a typical fashion designer, I am very generous of others who, so therefore I am the Element of Generosity." Rarity said, then gave Lilja a wink.
"During times of danger, I have to risk my life and fight against the forces of evil. And to protect my friends, so I'm the Element of Courage." Mario said with a smile.
"Sometimes Ah can usually find out if somepony's tellin' the truth or not, so Ah'm the Element of Honesty, meaning Ah'm always honest and Ah sometimes encourage others to be honest as well." Applejack said, tipped her hat when Apple Shine hugged her mother.
Rainbow Dash came over to Lilja and the foals with a smile on her face.
"If you feel let down or just want somepony to talk to, I'll be there for you." Rainbow Dash said. "You know why? Because I'm the Element of Loyalty, and despite my attitude and love for competitions, I'm always loyal to others, meaning I never leave their side."
Pinkie Pie came over and tickled Lilja, causing her to laugh, and her friends to laugh too.
"See?! Because I'm the Element of Laughter, meaning if ponies are feeling let down, I like helping them with giving them a chance to smile of make them laugh from the joy in their hearts!" Pinkie Pie states happily as Lilja and Rose Lotus hugged her.
Fluttershy came over and gave Lilja a hug.
"Do you know why I took you in and gave you shelter?" Fluttershy asks with a warm smile. "Because I'm the Element of Kindness, meaning I'm extremely kind to those who need help, especially you."
Lilja then hugged her back, as the three foals smiled warmly.
"Lilja, you wanna see a little trick?" Twilight asked, lit up her horn, surrounded the Icelandic filly with the warmth of her aura, carefully lift her up in the air. "Don't be scared, sweetheart, it's okay. It's just harmless magic that's keeping you warm and cozy."
Lilja then turns to Comet when he smiled.
"It's okay, Lilja, you can trust her." Comet said.
Twilight then helped Lilja do some stunts, like spinning her like a torpedo, then a bowling ball, and then she flew. When Twilight was finished, she placed the Icelandic filly onto Fluttershy's back.
"You see how I did that? The reason is because I'm the Element of Magic." Twilight said when she hugged her son. "I use all of my research and knowledge to help my friends use our magic to defend Equestria from the evil forces that use dark magic. And since you're here, we'll use our magic of friendship to protect everypony."
When Lilja felt better and nodded, Princess Celestia then approaches the Icelandic filly.
"And Lilja, there's some addition between these windows." Princess Celestia told her.
Princess Celestia then points at four color-stained windows which it got them shocked. The first color-stained window has Twilight Sparkle hugging Comet Stardust, along with the background that had an Italian flag and the US flag, a dreamcatcher, and Twilight's cutie mark. The second color-stained window had Applejack, Mario Star, and Apple Shine, along with the background that had a Texas flag, and Applejack's cutie mark. The third color-stained window has Pinkie Pie, Rose Lotus, and Djahi, along with the background that had an India flag, a lotus lily, a Romani flag, and Pinkie Pie's cutie mark. The fourth color-stained window has Fluttershy hugging Lilja, along with the background that had an Iceland flag, and Fluttershy's cutie mark.
"Is this us?" Rose Lotus asked.
"Yes, these four foals were you ever since you first came in Equestria." Princess Celestia explains. "And the five ponies are the ones who treated them as more than a friend, but family. But the fourth one, it had recently revealed of Lilja and Fluttershy, meaning Fluttershy is taking care of her."
Lilja then realized it, as she began to cry a little with a smile on her face.
"And Lilja, we may need to change your name." Princess Luna suggests, earned her attention. "The only reason being is because your name doesn't fit here in Equestria, and so that the ponies won't be confused by your usual name."
Lilja then nods, understands what Princess Luna is telling her and the reason why.
"Fluttershy?" Princess Celestia called her, earned her attention. "Will you choose a name for her?"
Fluttershy nods as she pondered a bit, thinking of a good name for the Icelandic filly. She noticed Lilja's fur coat is white as snow and remembered the time of Winter Wrap Up, which it has something to do with the season of winter. Fluttershy then come up with an idea.
"Winter Breeze." Fluttershy said with a smile, turns to Lilja. "Your name...it'll be Winter Breeze."
"Winter Breeze?" Lilja repeats. "Why?"
"Well, it just pops my mind." Fluttershy answered. "The reason I choose 'Winter' as your first name is mostly because of your fur coat, and a reminder of wintertime. And the last name 'Breeze' is a name after my brother, but it suits you best because of it."
Lilja then thinks about it, remembered the time when her late parents had her at the month of January, which it's the season of winter, and remembered playing in the snow with the children. She then finished thinking, smiled.
"I think I like it." Lilja, now Winter Breeze replied.
"Indeed. Thus, we shall inform all of Equestria about a new filly." Princess Celestia said with a smile, then turns to Fluttershy. "And Fluttershy, take good care of her."
"Oh, I will, your highness." Fluttershy replied. "And I have my friends to help."
"Indeed, Winter Breeze truly deserves to have a good home, a loving family, and faithful friends." Princess Luna agrees.
"But now that we made a plan for informing everypony for the announcement, I believe it is time for you all left so we can rest." Princess Celestia suggests. "Guards, escort them to the train station please."
"Farewell, thy little ponies." Princess Luna said. "'Tis was a pleasure meeting you all again and the dear little filly."
"Thank you for allowing us to bring Winter Breeze with us so she could meet you." Twilight thanked them. "We'll be sure to give her some love and support."
Until, they bowed their heads as the royal guards nodded back, bidding the ponies farewell and then watched walk out of the castle with the guards leading them.
"This is quite an event, especially to Winter Breeze." Princess Celestia said with sigh. "And it seems she'll be in good hooves with Fluttershy."
"Indeed. I think she's pretty...adorable and kinda reminds me of you and I when we were fillies." Princess Luna states with a smile. "But I hope they mend the scar on the poor filly's heart. She and Rose have shared in common."
"I understand, sister." Princess Celestia said. "But don't worry, they'll do what they can to give her all the love and support she need. However, Rose Lotus is what I'm worried, she may not accept Pinkie as her new mother, but she's taking time to adjust and I'm hoping she'll accept her."
"Indeed, and I know she will." Princess Luna agrees. "Winter Breeze may not accept Fluttershy as her new mother, not yet, but like Rose, it takes time."
Later on, when the sun started setting, the guards let the group walk to the train station and then they boarded the train back to Ponyville. After they got inside of the passenger car, they started to find some seats, but Fluttershy still had Winter Breeze on her back, whose now asleep.
"Let me take care of that, darling." Rarity offered, as she held Winter Breeze in a warm aura without waking her up.
Then after Fluttershy laid flat with her legs tucked underneath her belly, Rarity levitated Winter Breeze onto Fluttershy's back, then sat down with her. Fluttershy suddenly came up with an idea, until she gently lifted the Icelandic filly with both her forelegs and then cradled her close to her soft chest, then she wrapped the blanket Rarity gave around her lower body, and then gently rocked her after she covered her with her wing.
"She's simply adorable, is she?" Rarity asks, giving Fluttershy a warm smile and sitting next to her.
"Yes, looks like she is." Fluttershy nods, then she kissed Winter Breeze in the forehead with a warm smile.
That's it for the 20th chapter.
I put a song called 'Wish Upon a Star', it's part of a soundtrack of the movie Pinocchio in the year of 1940. Also, the actress, Julie Andrews, sang that song after borrowing it in the year of 1971.