Five Stanzas: Chapter I

~Five Stanzas~
[Chapter I]
|Adante|
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>Everyday was the same
>Time had started to blend into nothingness as you would sit for hours at a time, trying to draw words from your imagination. It didn't help that you always kept your curtains closed. You hadn't seen the sun in twelve days
>As much as you hated to think about it, there'd be no denying that your life had become extremely bland in the passing month
>Which was a painful irony for Manehattan's most talented poet
>Many would think your life would be full of various colors and spontaneous emotions. So why wasn't it?
>This not only effected your mood, but your poetry as well. From what you hear, your work had started to lose its original passion.
>Did you even have the will to write anymore?
>"Monsieur Anon. I zink you should come quickly. We 'ave a guest~!"
>Your trance is broken by the songbird voice you've grown to love over your months in Equestria. Behind you, your wonderful maid leans over the doorside nightstand, propping her head up with the underside of her hooves. Her dark gray coat complementing her darker brown mane as always. Done up in the little bun she always liked.
>You roll your chair backwards, placing your quill back into its ink well
"Who is it Dusty? I'm busy..." As much as you'd like her to believe this lie, she had already glanced over your shoulder to see the empty page that's been there for hours
>"Oh Monsieur Anon. You couldn't possibly be too busy~ Just the zought of you keeping 'er vaiting is enough to make my blood boil! And vhy are you still in your pajamas? Go! Change into something more suitable!"
>Dusty pushes you into the master bathroom. Throwing you a rag, perfume, and some 'suitable clothes'
>After your quick wash and dressing, you stand in the full body mirror. You had forgotten how good you looked in your black suit.
"Could you at least tell me who's here?" But a solar guard interrupts the both of you
>"Mr. Anonymous. You mustn't keep the princess waiting."

"The what?"
>The guard spends no more time dealing with you and promptly returns to his session.
>You turn to Dusty, who's absolutely beaming with excitement. Like a balloon, she'd pop if you even so much as poked her
>The both of you hear a loud clamor from downstairs followed by a dainty "Oops..."
>Several questions are flying through your mind. Why is she here? Are you in trouble? Is she down there braking your shit?
>Again, Dusty pushes you along as you round the banister and risk being pushed down the stairs.
>But she stops just as your toes hang over the first step
>Taking a few deep breaths, you descend into the lower story of your house. The scene seems to play out in slow motion as the gigantic white pony princess slowly comes into view.
>Along with her expanded wings, and broken vase, and magical dustpan and broom stick.
>You'd be somewhat upset if you weren't captivated
>"Oh! Anonymous, I see you've decided to join me." She says, the dustpan and broom disappearing along with the shattered porcelain
>Do you bow? Something tells you you should but, you also get the feeling that bowing would be unnecessary. Nevertheless, Dusty forces your head down with a hoof and you're nearly kissing the floor
>What would be the first words out of your mouth? You've never addressed royalty before. What if you say the wrong thing and insult or offend her? You may be a poet, but your completely beyond help in actual social interaction
>Through the awkward silence, she giggles. A girlish laughter that resonates throughout the comfy living room. A laughter that has become synonymous with Equestria's most richest joys.
>"A simple 'Hello' would be fine." she smiles at you warmly, her hoof accompanying the upturned cracks of her lips
"Oh, uh..Hello. Princess."

>You can't help but sound like an idiot.
>Aren't you the world most famous poet? It'd be natural that with your talent, you would have an insurmountable amount of charm, right?
>That illusion disappeared the moment you laid eyes on this giant white pony
"Uh, Ms. Dusty, would you mind getting the tea?" you look over your shoulder to see the still bowing maid who instantly snaps to attention.
"Right avay, monsieur~!" and in a dash she's gone
>But now that you think of it, it probably wasn't a good idea for her to leave you alone. Your heart is threatening to beat out of your chest from all the nervousness
>"So, Mr. Anonymous. First allow me to say that I've been a huge fan of your work and regret not meeting you sooner. Truly it is an honor to meet such a talented young mind here in Equestria." she says, the sincerity carried across the space between you
"I...do what I can. To be honest, I've been in sort of a rut lately." you finally take a seat in your favorite arm chair
>"I could tell, which is why I made it the most important item on my checklist to come meet you and hopefully get you 'back in the saddle' as they say."
>You're flattered to say the least
>She practically just said you were the most important thing in Equestria.
>Or nothing was going on today.
"Really? Well, thank you. I don't know what to say." you try to hold your modesty
>"You're very much welcome. Say, have you any new pieces you've been working on?"
>The blank page sitting on your desk flashes through your mind. Your last piece was about a month ago. You're not too keen on telling her you've been doing nothing this whole time
"Honestly, no. I don't know what the problem is. I guess along the way, I just lost my muse. I figured I needed a brake but it didn't help much."
>You bury your face in your hands, thinking of a possible solution to your plight. Celestia on the other hand looks like she's already decided.
>"Well Anonymous, would you like to accompany me for a day on the town?"

>It must be the end of the world. Evacuate the cities and protect the women and children because you're not sure but, did the princess just ask you on a date?
>Or are you letting her simple request go to your head?
>Did it matter? Of course it didn't!
"Yes!" you say it with a bit too much enthusiasm, but it flies over everyone's head
>"Perfect. Oh, and before I forget." her horn glows a golden aura and out of thin air appears the once shattered vase that sat on it's pedestal beside the couch
>"I'm afraid I'm not used to these high risen couches." She levitates the highly expensive vase over to you and you carefully grab it out of her magical grasp
"Don't worry about it. It's not that expensive." Would the lie lessen her guilt? Who knows. She already stood and made way to the foyer.
>"Monsieur? Are you going out?" Dusty asks, the tray of tea resting on her back
>Now you'd feel bad if you let it go to waste
>You politely leave Celestia's side and squat down to Dusty's eye level and hold your palm up to your mouth
"Sorry about this Dusty. But I'm pretty sure the princess just asked me on a date, so I'll have to be going. Is that alright?"
>Her squeaks of glee almost shatters your eardrums and nearly send the tray of tea tossing over from her back as she bounces up and down
>Your wrap your arm around her to keep her grounded and calm her down
"Honestly, I don't know what to do, what if I make an ass of myself in front of her. I mean, it's not everyday that I hang with royalty y'know?" you whisper
>"I zee. You're right. Listen monsieur Anon, don't blow zis. It could be your vone and only chance to redeem yourself in the poetic vorld! And vhen you get back, I'll be sure to have a hot cup of tea vaiting. In exchange for how the day vent~"
>Dusty was a huge romantic, so you figured that she couldn't possibly ignore something like this
>Knowing her she was probably counting all your future children. The thought only makes you more nervous
"It's a deal."

>You rise and pat Dusty on the head before she turns back towards the kitchen, wishing you luck
>You rejoin Celestia in the foyer and open the door for her. Just as you do so, the incredible shine of her sun assaults your eyes and you're forced to look away
>You hadn't actually seen the sun in so long, your eyes would have to do some major readjusting
"After you." You motion for Celestia to take the lead, to which she does and you follow behind her
>Her guards tail not too far behind, keeping a close eye on the pair of you
>"So Anon. If I may call you that. How is life here in Manehattan? Judging from your manor I imagine you've obtained quite the fortune."
>No kidding
>When you first arrived it was like ponies never even heard of poetry. You were constantly earning money over night
"Life's great. I'm rich, got a good house. And even managed to make a living off of my talent. Though Dusty can annoy me at times, I don't know what I'd do without her."
>Celestia giggles to herself as the two of you round a corner and enter onto Mane Street.
>The heavily crowded street is bustling bout with ponies and taxi carts. And as the both of you weave and comb through the crowd, each citizen greets the both of you politely
>You never got used to it. But you could tell Celestia had time to grow accustomed. The way she nods and exchanges greetings with the common folk is a skill practiced over her long years
"Not that I mind but..is all we're doing today just walking, or...?"
>Celestia's gaze never deters from straight ahead, shes searching the main road for some sort of entertainment
>"Well. To get your muse back, let's start with some of the more quaint things you enjoy. Perhaps a bakery or a stroll through a park?"
>Come to think of it, you did love taking walks through the large park at the heart of the city
>You haven't been in weeks though
"That sounds like an alright idea."

>You still can't shake the thought out of your mind
>Why would Princess Celestia, ruler of all of Equestria, be here with you?
>But you also ignore it every time it burrows into your thoughts
>Maybe you should just shut up and take the blessing
>She's easy to talk to. So much that you're afraid that you'll slip up and say something you shouldn't. Each word that comes out of your mouth is pre-planned and calculated. Just as the words formed from your quill and onto paper are.
>It doesn't take long for you both to reach the park and your soon standing under its gates, gazing at the seemingly infinite expanse of grassland
>"It's been ages since I last visited! It still looks the same after all these years." She turns her nose up to the sky and inhales the summer air
>A simple, yet beautiful act. One that you can't stop staring at
>She exhales, her chest collapsing. A butterfly daintily lands on her muzzle and her large magenta eyes hone in on it. It's wings opening and closing naturally
>There is nothing but silence as you witness the scene
>Though Celestia was very much attuned with modern pony society. She more so seemed to belong to nature itself. Almost as if she was the sole embodiment of the Earth and all its creatures
>But the moment passes with a lady like sneeze as the butterfly is blown away by the sudden burst of wind
>A small well of emotion sat dormant at the bottom of your heart. But this moment caused a slight stir within it
>Celestia glances at you and gives her signature smile
>You smile back and continue onward into the park
>The well dying down into a stagnant state once more

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>"And then when he asked who I was referring to....I told him....the aristocrats! You should have seen the look on his face!"
>Celestia. Equestria's most civilized pony. The epitome of high class. Was now snorting and laughing hysterically on the grass
>It slightly made you uncomfortable to say the least
>You sat on a park bench, observing the fountain and many birds bathing while small foals threw their parent's bits into the water, making a silent wish
>Now you remember why you loved the park so much. It was a great place to people watch. To witness the more trivial things in life.
>Celestia finally recovers from her fit and rejoins you on the bench, nearly taking up it's entire length as she lays across it.
>If you were nervous before, you could now amplify that by a thousand now that her muzzle is inches away from your head
>She turns to watch the fountain as you do and is perplexed just as you are
>"Anon. What do you think the meaning of life is?"
>A question not only you, but ever creature in existence has pondered since the beginning of time
>And also a question you nor anyone else has ever answered correctly.
>But you'll give it a try nontheless
"Well. I'd have to say life doesn't really have a meaning. I can't say why we're here, or who put us here. All I can tell you is that I enjoy being here and the experience one shares with others in this world give it meaning enough. As if it's a meaning hidden within the question. If that makes since.."
>The world around you starts to blend, and you can't make out any distinguishable shapes or objects as you stare into the mesmerizing power of the fountain as it bursts into the air
>The Princess is silent. Probably thinking on your small speech.
>Out of the corner of your eye, you can see a smile form on her lips
>"A fitting answer. But one I'll have to disagree with."
>This catches your attention and you turn to her with a questioning gaze. What you weren't prepared for, was her returning your stare.

>These two giant purple orbs seemed to lock you. Freezing you and time. As if pulling at the pit of your soul.
>Once again that small well in the depths of your heart started to stir
>"I'll have to say the meaning of life is simply, to -give- others meaning. For instance, your life was beginning to go bland was it not?"
>You nod.
>"When I read your last poem. It was so, solemn and detached. I had feared that you had begun to lose sight of the wonders of life. 'Perhaps he had no one to give him purpose?' Is what I asked myself. And then I decided that I'd come pay you a visit. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I let my favorite poet spiral into despair."
>She pokes a hoof into your chest, slightly pushing you back
>A shadow is cast by her stature. The sun had begun to set and fireflies now danced in the afternoon realm
>Celestia was but a silhouette against the orange and red sky as the sun began to disappear beyond the horizon
>Small rays of Sun light pierced her translucent mane, giving it an almost otherworldly effect
>It was nearly impossible for you to describe.
>The only word that came to mind was 'Surreal'
>The fountain waters spring into the air again, causing the tiny droplets to reflect its own received sunlight
>In this moment, time stood still.
>Birds stopped mid-flight. Fireflies froze in the air, their glow still shining. Playing foals came to a stop. The swaying trees halted. Even the water spout came to a steady stop
>And the well that sat patiently in your heart began to bubble and boil. As if a mighty eruption threatened to blow you out of your form
>What was the feeling? You've written about it countless times. The main feature of your poetry in fact. So why is it you can't think of it now?
>Why is it so close, yet so out of reach?
>After searching high and low within yourself, you find an answer.
>And an understanding to Celestias meaning of life

//The meaning of life is simply, to -give- others meaning.\\

>To give others meaning...
>Right now, in this compressed time and space
>Celestia is the only one who gives you meaning. In every sense of the word.
>Would it be right to call it, dare you say, love?
>Time seems to resume as the realization hits you and the fountain waters fall back into the pond
>If you would be so bold, you'd say you've fallen in love with this gentle goddess.
>That wellspring of untapped emotion and potential was bursting.
>Dusty was in for one hell of a story when you got back
>Celestia stands from the park bench and stretches her wings. Shielding her eyes from the sun with her massive feathers.
>"Come Anon, I'd hate to leave Ms. Dusty alone for too long."
>You do nothing but stare, but it doesn't seem to phase her
>"And close your mouth, you'll catch flies." the tip of her wing pushes against your chin to close your agape mouth.
>You shake your head and laugh it off. Standing up too fast causes you to go dizzy and your vision goes black for a second. And in a cliche manor you stumble forward to be caught by Celestia's chest
"Oh, sorry." you correct yourself and she giggles as she starts to lead the way out of the magical park
>You follow without a second thought. As if your chasing her. Or chasing the emotion she instilled within you. If you reached out to her, would she grasp your hand? Or turn it away?
>The fear of rejection was already starting to sink in. Or maybe you were moving too fast!
>Nevertheless, something happened in this magical park in the center of Manehattan. Something you'll never forget.

>By the time you return to your manor, the sky had begun to turn a dark blue in the east
>"I enjoyed our talk Anon. Hopefully I was able to spur some inspiration into your being."
>You laugh a bit. She hit the nail on the head.
"Yeah. I'd say you did." You open the door to the foyer, the chandelier illuminating the entrance.
>You call for Ms. Dusty, and she hurriedly rushes into the foyer to greet the both of you.
>"Velcome back monsieur, and your majesty~! How vas your day?" she winks at you, and you give a small thumbs up, your secret deal being recalled to the front of your mind
>"It was fantastic. I seem to have been able to get him back on track!" She leans in close to Dusty's ear and whispers something you can't hear.
>Dusty's cheeks become completely red and her muzzle scrunches
>"Oh~! You have to tell me more!" She shouts and bounces on the tip of her hooves
"Maybe after you get the tea." you remind her and she quickly calms herself before bowing. She squeeze all the way to the kitchen to reheat tea from earlier
>You and Celestia navigate to the living room and take a seat beside each other
>Earlier today, you wouldn't have dreamed that you'd sit so closely to royalty
>"I'm afraid I cannot stay very long Anon. The guard is flashing me 'the signal' and I must be heading back to Canterlot."
>The thought sends your leaping heart tumbling down a hill
>You had to say something that'd make her stay longer
"Hey uhm.. Thank you. For today I mean. It really helped a lot." You stare straight ahead, not risking eye contact
>"It was absolutely my pleasure Anon. Whenever you feel you need a little boost, give me a call." She says
>You take comfort in the offer. But can't shake the worry that you'll lose this passion immediately after she walks out the door
>You visibly sulk and she takes notice
>"Is something wrong?"
>She leans in closer, her body radiating warmth
"Nah, it's fine. Just scared of losing this inspiration I guess."

>A worry that's stayed in your mind since you left the park. Maybe such passion was only meant to be experienced once in a life time. An emotion so fleeting, but when grasped, can brighten the world of the most miserable being.
>It's an understatement to say your scared of losing it
>But Celestia seemingly just thought a solution and it beckons your curiosity.
>"Well that certainly won't do. But lucky for you, I have just the remedy."
>She stands and looks back to you, giving you that smile that sends your heart over the edge
>"What would you say if a certain princess invited you to accompany her to Canterlot? I hear she's a huge fan of your work and would hate for you to lose any sort of motivation."
>A loud clamor of metal teacups hitting the ground erupts from the kitchen as Dusty peeks out her head from behind the corner. >You look over to see her profusely nodding her head. So fast it might fall off
>Looking back at that certain princess, your heart begins to soar and you immediately say yes.

>Love. That once in a life time experience. An emotion so fleeting, but when grasped, can brighten the world of the most miserable being.
>Your understanding of the emotion just made a breakthrough
>"I'm glad to hear it. Did you hear that Ms. Dusty? Mr. Anon has accepted an offer for the both of you to accompany me to Canterlot. I suggest you pack your things. The guard don't like waiting~!"
>Dusty's screams can be heard for miles as she rushes upstairs to pack. Hardly paying attention to what it is she's packing. Mostly the essentials
>"And as for you Anon, I'll meet you outside."
>She turns from you and exits the living room. Leaving you to stir in your thoughts.