Anonymous asked: Have you tried to preen Celestia’s wings?
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As she had on nights prior, Twilight found herself cuddled up to the chest of her mentor as the larger pony took care of their grooming for the night. Having groused and fidgeted in suffering through a few stubborn burs, the tiny pony could finally relax as she watched her mentor go through her own cleaning routine.
Perfect teeth combed through the feathers of one wing, nipping and plucking at the few that the Princess deemed unworthy of remaining. One by one they formed a neat pile to the left. Most of the feathers were scapulars and small in size. But a few were the length of Twilights own body. Celestia had told her these were the primaries and very important when it came to flying.
Watching in rapt attention, the tiny unicorn shifted with her mentors weight as it came time to work on the other wing. Her head tilted back as she watched from a angle that made the world topsy turvy from over the princesss forearm.
Can I help?
Mnn? The princess had just gripped a feather within her maw and had begun to gently work it from the rest.
Before the solar mare knew it, Twilight was at her wing with a feather in her mouth. Celestia let go of a gasp, her wing jerking as with all her might, the tiny foal pulled the unwilling quill free.
Twilight!
Twilights proud smile dropped as her body did the same. Her belly hit the floor the instant she heard the Princesss tone and she stared up at the mare with uncertainty, the feather still hanging from her muzzle.
Wing smarting, Celestia sucked in a breath and gave her student a patient smile. You must be gentle, Twilight. She reminded while reaching out to nuzzle the startled pony. Not every feather is pulled free so easilly. Some are still quite attached
Im Sorry!
Its alright, my little student. She nuzzled her again and licked a tear away. As always, your heart is in the right place. If you truly wish to help, allow me to teach you how to tell these feathers apart
