Featured Song: "Deck the Rooftop" by Glee cast
Ki-Adi Mundi got himself in his best robes as it was time for the royal family's Heartmas ball to begin. Now he needed to retrieve Comedia.
Master Mundi knocked on the door.
"Comedia, are you almost ready?" He asked.
"Coming." said Comedia.
The door opened, and out came Comedia in her gown, sparkly silver polish on her hooves, and her curly hair was tied in a neat side braid, a little red and white propeller hat in place of her usual purple and white one on her head.
"What do you think?" Comedia asked, trotting around a little bit.
"You... you look beautiful, Comedia." Ki-Adi said, unable to believe how lovely and mature Comedia looked, except... "Except, I think you might want to lose the hat."
"But I like this hat." said Comedia.
"This is a royal ball."
Comedia scrunched her nose at that. "You already picked the dress I'm wearing. You said I could pick my accessory."
Ki-Adi sighed. He did promise Comedia that. He insisted on picking out her outfit because Comedia was not that interested in fashion, especially not royal gowns, most of which were very itchy for her. And even though most of the equines didn't normally wear clothes, there was no way Ki-Adi would let Comedia go to the party naked.
As both her rider and Comedia's guardian, Ki-Adi's job was to care for her and set a good example for her. And what kind of example would he be setting if he told her she had a choice in her accessory and then didn't let her wear it?
"I did promise you that." said Ki-Adi. "If you want to wear that hat, it's fine with me."
The clock chimed, signaling the time for the ball to begin.
"Oh, the party's starting!" Comedia exclaimed.
"Then I guess we best-" Ki-Adi began, but Comedia began to run.
"Hurry up, Daddy!"
Ki-Adi froze for a moment.
"What did you just say?" said Ki-Adi.
"Uh... I said hurry, Ki-Adi." Comedia said, slowing down and walking away.
Did I just call my rider Daddy? Comedia scolded herself in her head.
Queen Reigna, King Orpheus, and their three daughters were the first to enter the ballroom.
Winter arrived with her rider Colden and his mom Queen Eleanore. And Summer and Aqualia came too. Even though Orpheus' side of the family was not royalty, Summer was still part of the family, and her rider was royalty.
Some might've expected this to be strictly for the royal members of the royal family, but Queen Reigna found a loophole. The party was for members of the royal family. And Orpheus was a member of the royal family, whereas Summer was his niece by blood, thus technically making Summer a member of the royal family despite not being royalty herself.
And, of course, the Evermares were at the party as well. Emeraldi looked particularly lovely in the green gown she wore.
That was when the steward announced the arrival of two more guests.
"Lady Comedia Adira Evermare and Jedi Master Ki-Adi Mundi."
And the doors opened to let the young alicorn and her rider in.
Comedia looked and sighed to see her sister approaching.
"Ugh, here comes the queen bee herself." Comedia groaned.
"Comedia, I'm sure she only wished to greet you with the utmost respect and-"
Ki-Adi was interrupted by Emeraldi's presence.
"Lady Emeraldi," bowed the Jedi.
"Master Mundi," said Emeraldi respectfully before looking at her younger sister. "Hello, Comedia. Merry Heartmas."
Comedia was a bit surprised that her sister wasn't insulting her like she usually did in their parents' presence. Usually, even at social gatherings with the rest of the family, Emeraldi tended to avoid her sister altogether.
"Um... Merry Heartmas to you too, Emeraldi."
"You look beautiful tonight."
"So do you."
Comedia was confused. Emeraldi was being nice to her now. She started to wonder if Emeraldi had some ulterior motive, but she didn't sense any sinister energy. Nevertheless, she decided to play it cool.
"How has your new rider been treating you?" Emeraldi continued.
"Very well, thank you. Master Mundi has been taking excellent care of me."
Emeraldi was about to say something else, but Duchess Cordelia called Emeraldi over for something. And Comedia and Emeraldi each went their separate ways.
Ki-Adi smiled a bit. Comedia was behaving very maturely so far. And she seemed pretty happy when she started talking to Fantasia and Dream Heart.
But then...
NEIGH!
Comedia kicked a centaur.
"And that, funny colt, is what happens when you try to peek under a lady's dress." Comedia said, holding the centaur upside down with her magic.
"Comedia, put him down right now!" Ki-Adi said.
"He's the one who was looking up my skirt." Comedia said.
"Only because Duke Gentry asked me to frisk you for pranks." said the centaur, who turned his attention to Comedia's parents. "And she appears clean, Your Grace."
"Father, was that really necessary?" Emeraldi whispered to her father.
"Hush, Emeraldi." Gentry said. "This is none of your concern."
Suddenly, Reigna scrunched her nose when she saw her cousin's attitude toward his oldest daughter.
"Comedia, please drop him." Ki-Adi said.
"Okay." Comedia said, and she dropped him, not even bothering to turn him right side up again, making the poor guy hit his head.
"Ow!" groaned the centaur, getting up.
"One cannot be too careful with you." Gentry said, not smiling even as he greeted his younger daughter. "Merry Heartmas, Comedia."
"And to you, Father." said Comedia.
"Hmm. Your manner has improved." Gentry said. He looked at Ki-Adi. "I see you've managed to discipline her, unlike those who failed."
"Comedia has matured since the incident." Ki-Adi said. "And she is being very well cared for."
"It appears there may be some hope for you." Gentry said. "Keep it up, and you just might be as perfect as Emeraldi eventually."
"Who says I want to be like her?" said Comedia.
Unnoticed by the others, Emeraldi walked over to Queen Reigna and whispered something to her.
Gentry held great disappointment in his eyes when his daughter questioned that. And that was when Comedia's mother, Cordelia approached.
"Is that supposed to be one of your jokes?" Cordelia wondered.
Ki-Adi wondered why Queen Reigna wasn't stopping this, only to find that she was busy talking to her sister Snowflake and Emeraldi to notice, and Comedia's parents talked too quietly for anyone else to hear or notice.
"Comedia does love jokes," said the Jedi. "but I assure she is a fine young mare."
"This doesn't concern you, Jedi." said Cordelia. "This is a family matter."
"Oh, Emeraldi." Gentry said. "Why don't you serenade us with your golden throat?"
"It would be my pleasure, Father" Emeraldi said, putting on a smile (though now that Comedia was really looking at her, it looked a little forced). She tapped her hoof twice for the musicians to play, and the young green pegasus sang a lovely solo of "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"
"My turn!" Comedia said excitedly when her sister finished. "Let's have some fun!"
Comedia brought a candy cane to her like a microphone and began to sing a fun song.
Comedia:
Fa la la la oh whoa
Fa la la la oh oh
Fa la la la oh whoa
Fa la la la oh oh
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Fa la la la la la la la la
Comedia then grabbed some ribbon and coaxed Winter and Summer to join in.
Winter:
Up on the rooftop, reindeer paws
Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones' Christmas joys
Summer:
Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go?
Up on the rooftop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick
Soon, Fantasia and her sisters were joining in too. And soon they were all prancing and dancing all around, being silly. All except Emeraldi and her parents of course, as Cordelia placed a wing in front of Emeraldi before she could step up.
Fantasia, Dream Heart, and Forsythia:
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Fantasia:
First comes the stocking of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa, fill it well
Dream Heart & Forsythia:
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that will open and shut her eyes
All:
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la la la la
Troll the ancient yuletide carol
Fa la la la la la la la la
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Deck the halls, he's up on the rooftop
Comedia:
Up on the rooftop, (All: oh woah)
Winter:
Up on the rooftop, (All: oh oh)
Forsythia:
Up on the rooftop, (All: oh woah)
Summer:
Up on the rooftop, (All: oh oh)
Comedia:
See the blazing Yule before us
Fa la la la la la la la la
Strike the harp and join the chorus
Fa la la la la la la la la
Comedia & Winter
Follow me in merry measure
Fa la la la la la la la la
Sing the joyous song together
Fa la la la la la la la la
Fantasia:
Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go?
Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go?
Up on the rooftop, click, click, click
Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick
All:
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Hear the bells of Christmas calling
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la la la la
Everyone was cheering and laughing and smiling, including Comedia. But, the other Evermares looked less than pleased.
"Ugh. What do they even see in all this goofing around?" Emeraldi asked her parents, resuming the demeanor they expected of her.
"Not to worry," said Gentry. "We'll take care of her."
"You'd better. Before she turns this whole place into a circus." Emeraldi grumbled. "Or worse, Queen Reigna considers her for heir to the throne."
Ki-Adi hugged Comedia and pet her, telling her he was proud of her for having the courage to be herself tonight and just have a good time with her cousins and Fantasia's cousin Summer. Comedia also felt so good when she saw how many people she'd made feel so jolly tonight.
That was when Gentry and Cordelia approached their youngest daughter.
"Comedia. Walk with us." said Cordelia. "We have something important to discuss with you."
Gentry glared at Ki-Adi and said, "Alone."
Comedia didn't know what her parents wanted. But, she walked with them anyway. She looked at her rider in a way that assured she was okay doing this.
So, she walked off.
Queen Reigna approached Ki-Adi.
"Master Mundi," greeted Reigna.
"Queen Reigna." Ki-Adi bowed.
"I trust Comedia has been doing well under your care?"
"I believe so." Ki-Adi said. "She seems much happier since we've become family."
Ki-Adi told Reigna all about how Comedia was unhappy before, and that she felt unloved and unimportant, which was why she tended to pull so many pranks. But once her new rider chosen by the Equinary had her, she actually opened up to him, and when he started caring for her, she changed a lot.
However, to Ki-Adi's great surprise, Queen Reigna was surprised when he told her that Comedia's family mistreated her.
"That can't be right." Reigna said, sounding unsure. "Gentry and Cordelia are good folks."
"Do you know them that well?" Ki-Adi asked.
"Yes. Gentry and I were close as children. Although, he did tend to be a little too serious when we hit plumerty, but still."
"I meant no offense, Your Majesty. However, has Comedia ever spoken to you about how her parents treated her?"
"Now that I think of it... Emeraldi was just voicing some concerns she has held for a while regarding her sister. At her request, however, you mustn't let Comedia know what I'm about to tell you, as Emeraldi wishes to speak it herself."
Comedia walked with her parents down the hallway of the palace.
"It came as a great surprise to us that you even came to this event." said Cordelia.
"Especially considering your poor taste in royal assets and formalities." Gentry added.
"I may not be some fancy pants socialite, but I'm still a member of the royal family." Comedia said. "And I came because Ki-Adi said this would be the time of year to make amends."
"Ah, and he is correct." Gentry said. "Go on."
"Go on and what?" Comedia was confused.
"What do you mean? Did you not just say you came to apologize?"
"Apologize? For what?"
"For embarrassing our family with your foolishness and refusal to attend charm school as your sister did." said Cordelia. "You could've been a suitable bride to a prince or stallion of high society."
"I told you from the beginning I didn't care about any of that fancy stuff or getting a boyfriend. I don't even know if I wanna be married." Comedia said. "Besides, my heart's in making people laugh, making people smile, and I don't care about being a potential heir to the throne!"
Cordelia practically fainted, but said, "Thank heavens for that."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Only the truth." Gentry said. "If anyone is qualified to be queen, it's Emeraldi. Not that Princess Fantasia. Reigna isn't even suited to be leading this kingdom."
"Equinaro is very happy under her rule." said Comedia.
"That is where they are wrong." Gentry said. "I was born long before she, I take the rules seriously, and unlike her, I have a more reasonable strategy to match equines with proper riders."
"The Equinary has never been wrong, and Cousin Reigna is very wise too." Comedia said. "You tried to make me have posh people who didn't care about me as my riders, and they gave up on me in less than two days."
"Well, they were weak." said Cordelia. "Sooner or later, our family will be on the throne. They just need to see how unfit Reigna is. I always knew I deserved more than a simple manor as my home."
"What system could you possibly use? Every rider and horse duo Reigna has matched, they all love each other!"
"Love? Since when does that have to do with a good match. Do you suppose your mother and I 'love' each other?"
"Well, you've been married for twenty years. You must at least a little."
Cordelia and Gentry looked at each other and both grunted in disgust.
"Of course not," said the two in unison.
"Marriage is a partnership," said Cordelia. "A business arrangement, if you will."
Comedia couldn't believe all these things her parents were saying. She might not have taken a lot of things seriously before, but she knew for a fact that Reigna was a great ruler and more of a mother than Comedia's actual mother ever was to her. She was even the one who named her when she was born. She was the first pony to nuzzle her, and she genuinely cared about who Comedia went with for a rider.
"You know, you're both very ungrateful for what you have. You have wealth beyond that most can only dream of, you live in a big beautiful mansion, you all have endless wardrobes, and you still aren't happy with yourselves! When I was little, I tried any way I could to make you smile, but you tossed me away like nothing! Emeraldi gets praised all the time, she can do no wrong, and she's always perfect in your eyes. But not me. You only see everything about me being wrong. Just because I'm a silly-corn doesn't mean I don't know what a family is. I've spent time with just Cousin Reigna and her kids. So, I know the difference between you and what a real family is like. What is it going to take for you to see me as family?"
"You could stand to learn more respect, young mare." Gentry said. "Your sister never talks back to-"
"Oh, here we go again. You said you wanted to speak about me," said Comedia. "And here you are, still talking about Emeraldi."
"It is only because we still never received answers." said Cordelia. "Where we went wrong, how this could've happened, what cure exists-"
"Cure? You think I'm sick? Because I was born a silly-corn?" Comedia almost found herself laughing at that point. "Do you even hear how ridiculous you sound right now?"
"Silly-corns do not exist in a royal family."
"Then why even keep me if you didn't want me?"
"Oh, nothing would've made me happier." said Gentry. "Sadly, keeping you was my only option to keep Reigna's trust. Otherwise, it would be impossible to convince her that her daughters are no better to inherit the throne."
Comedia couldn't believe her birth father had the gall to say that.
"Well, she definitely won't trust you once I tell her what you just said." Comedia threatened with a snort.
Cordelia and Gentry laughed.
"You really think Queen Reigna would believe you?" Cordelia said. "You are a silly-corn, and that's all you will ever be."
"It's only sad that that Jedi could not fix you as Reigna claimed he would." Gentry said.
That was the last straw for Comedia.
"The Jedi's name is Ki-Adi Mundi." she snorted. "The only 'fixing' I needed was in my heart. You never cared a lick for me, and Ki-Adi is a better father than you could ever hope to be... Gentry."
Reigna couldn't believe her ears when Ki-Adi told her all the things Comedia told him. Child protective services, therapists, and even memories thanks to a little spell from a few friends all provided evidence that Reigna couldn't believe.
Comparing Comedia and Emeraldi, favoring one child over the other, calling her a disappointment all the time, letting Emeraldi bully her sister, and willingly giving her to abusive riders.
"How did I not see any of the signs?" Reigna asked herself. "I thought I knew him."
"It isn't your fault." said Ki-Adi.
"That's not the only thing you didn't know." said Comedia, coming back in.
"Comedia Adira Evermare," said Gentry, scolding his daughter. "You know it's very rude to interrupt the queen."
"Now, now, Gentry." Reigna said. "Comedia, what do you wish to say?"
"The Evermares do not respect you as well as you might've thought." Comedia said. "Gentry Evermare confessed to my face that he only kept me because if he'd given me up for adoption, you would've seen him in a bad light, thus ruining his chances of convincing you that your daughters shouldn't rule after you so Emeraldi could be the next ruler and he could rule the kingdom through her."
Gentry forced himself to laugh and said, "Very funny, Comedia. A jokester she is."
Reigna, however, wasn't amused.
"I don't believe Comedia is joking this time." Reigna said. "Comedia, can you provide any evidence to support your claims?"
"Yes. Under my hat." Comedia said, taking off her hat and revealing a recording device inside.
Everyone, including Ki-Adi was shocked by this revelation.
"You see, for years, I've been trying to tell Queen Reigna and King Orpheus that my parents are abusive beings, and have been since they discovered I was born a silly-corn. But everyone I confided in said I was being dramatic because they'd only seen my parents acting politely in front of Cousin Reigna because they wish to be in her good graces, but they never saw what happened behind closed doors with me, including just a few minutes ago."
Comedia connected her recording device to a speaker, and everything her parents said in the other room was played, including things Gentry said about Reigna's immediate family.
"What was she thinking marrying some farm pegasus? Was she trying to embarrass this family?" said Gentry's voice.
"She is just too blind to know the difference between who is beneath the royal family." said Cordelia's.
"Not to mention she doesn't see how foolish it would be to allow one of those half-common offspring of hers. Fantasia is claimed to be a dream, she wouldn't be qualified to rule over a carboard box even in her own dreams."
Ponies gasped at those words.
Gentry tried desperately to shut it off, but Ki-Adi held him back with the Force.
"And does Dream Heart really believe in this true love business? What does love have to do with marriage?" Cordelia said. "Marriage is an arrangement. It is about status, not some childish Happily Ever After fantasy. Not to mention Forsythia has the grace of a crippled duck."
That made Forsythia cry, King Orpheus comforting her.
"Snowflake had it simple. Her daughter got a rider years ago," said Gentry's voice. "Why wasn't it that simple to rid ourselves of that joke Comedia?"
"I think we've all heard enough." said Reigna.
"I couldn't agree more." Gentry said as the recording finally stopped playing. But, his ears fell back when Reigna looked at him. She looked very angry.
"Gentry." said Reigna.
"Dear, cousin. I can explain." said Gentry. "You see, Comedia has been learning impressions, and..."
"Oh, save it. Comedia may have been out of control with her pranks before, but she's not the only one who spoke with me. Master Mundi is a highly respected Jedi and has been vouched for by many as a kind fatherly figure. When he told me of how you've treated Comedia all these years, I didn't want to believe it... but this evidence here has really shown me that you only saw me as your ticket to power. It's shameful. And worst of all, you abused your own child! How could you do that?!"
"I never mistreated her. I love my daughter." Gentry said. "She means the galaxy to me."
"Emeraldi perhaps. But what about Comedia?" Reigna asked.
"Of course! Of course." Gentry said.
"Oh, really?" Comedia said, approaching her father. "What's my middle name?"
"Uh... it's... Ah! Maria."
"Adira!" Comedia corrected. "You literally said in not ten minutes ago, and you already forgot it? How pathetic."
No one could believe this. A father not knowing his own daughter's middle name. Talk about bad parenting skills.
"That was just one thing."
"You don't know Comedia at all, do you?" Ki-Adi said more as a statement than a question.
"Oh, and what do you know, Jedi? You didn't even know a Sith Lord used to be leading your Senate?" Gentry said.
Ki-Adi didn't let that deter him though.
"Comedia's favorite color is purple. Her favorite treat is gummy bears, her favorite subject in school was dancing, and she dreams of being a stand-up comedian when she grows up. Her gift is making people laugh, and the only reason she began pulling pranks was because you made her feel humiliated as she grew up, and thus sought to have you see how you made her feel every day."
Comedia couldn't help but feel touched by how her rider was standing up for her like this.
"The last time we met, I wanted to believe you were merely speaking out of anger for your daughter getting into trouble." Ki-Adi continued. "But I see now that you only cared about your status. And unlike you, I more than just care about Comedia. I love her. You should be proud to have her as a daughter. She is kind, she's funny, she has a great sense of humor, the children love how she goes out of her way to make them laugh when they feel sad, and she knows how to loosen up and have fun. And most of all, she gave me a gift of a second chance of taking care of a child. Although we are far different in species, I am proud to have her, and consider her as my daughter."
Comedia didn't think twice before rubbing up against her rider affectionately.
"I think you should leave." Reigna told her cousin. "You and your wife. Emeraldi, you may stay if you wish."
"But Cousin. It's the holiday." Gentry said.
"And clearly, you don't know what they are about. My only regret is not seeing your true colors sooner. I wish you the best of luck in finding a new house to live in."
"What?"
"That manor belongs to royalty, and as queen, I have the power to strip titles. As of now, you just lost your title as duke. Comedia and Emeralid, however. They will be the only Evermares to keep their title if they wish it."
"You can't do that!" Cordelia cried.
"I can do whatever I want. I am the queen." Reigna said. "I suggest you go to your former home and pack your things. And I hope my Heartmas wish can come true that one day you will see how wrong you were about this family."
Gentry snorted and said, "Well, my wife and I won't stand for this. We will hire lawyers. We will-"
"Make sure you get one to handle our divorce." said Cordelia, being the first to walk out.
"Cordelia! Darling! Please, let's talk about this." Gentry said, going after his soon-to-be ex. "Emeraldi, come."
Emeraldi hesitated, but walked away with her parents, feeling unsure what else to do. But to Comedia's surprise, Emeraldi actually looked scared.
Gentry glared at Comedia and said, "You're going to regret this big time!"
Comedia froze for a moment.
"Did all that really just happen?" she said.
Ki-Adi stroked her muzzle and told her it was okay to feel whatever she felt right now.
"We can go home if it would make you feel better." Ki-Adi offered.
Comedia sadly smiled and said, "I know who my real family is."
"Comedia," said Reigna. "I'm so sorry I didn't believe you about your parents before. I just-"
"I know. I'm a silly kid. I probably wouldn't have believed me either. And you and my former father were close." Comedia said. "But now, I have a new father. A real one who loves me and never gave up on me, even when I made it seem impossible to take care of me."
Comedia nuzzled her rider again, and he hugged her.
Meanwhile, Emeraldi was packing her bags to leave, while hearing her parents arguing about whether it was a rash or reasonable decision to get divorced. She grumbled as she got annoyed.
"Will you keep it down?! I am trying to pack my things!" Emeraldi screamed at her parents downstairs. "GRR! What did I do to deserve this?!"
Tears began to fall from Emeraldi's eyes. Unbeknownst to Comedia, she wasn't the only one to have suffered greatly under their parents' abuse.
