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Fools Of Us All (2/2) -
07/16/11(Sat)05:03 No.27753767 File1310806980.jpg-(35 KB, 434x398, Fools Of Us All 2.jpg)
>>27753726
A wrinkled old mare stepped forward onto the carpet, slowly, gingerly. The once-blonde mane and tail were now shock-white, whiter even than her faded pearl coat. Bifocals perched upon her snout, hiding her sea-green eyes. She smiled, the wrinkles around her mouth curving with her lips.
A gasp escaped Celestia's lips. That couldn't be proud Pearl Delight, the filly with so much energy and a wit sharper than her horn! What had happened to her?
And then she remembered. Though the reports still came every week like clockwork, it had been decades since she had last seen her friend. Every time a scroll appeared, she imagined that same young mare she had sent to Zebrabwe during the unrest. Her dragon, Scale, had to be as tall as Pearl by now. It had simply never occured to her to update her memories with what was surely the reality.
How much longer did Pearl have? A decade at most? How fragile was she now? Might this be her final visit? With a start, Celestia realized her cheeks were wet.
She rose to her hooves, descended, and embraced Pearl Delight. "My faithful student, it is good to see you again," she said, nuzzling her friend.
Her voice was steady, but her heart was breaking. |