The ponies stood around in the grand hall of Twilight's castle, talking among themselves as they waited for their hostess to make her appearance. Princess Cadence stood next to her husband and his parents, catching up on what had happened since they had last seen each other and speculating on what was going on. Princess Celestia spoke with Applejack, telling the farm mare about her ancestors from the founding of Ponyville. Meanwhile, Princess Luna was learning about changes in style and culture from Rarity and Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie assisted Spike in passing out snacks and drinks, the pair moving from group to group.

"Hey, Spike," Rainbow Dash asked as she grabbed a cookie, "any chance of you might give us a hint here? Just between us friends?"

"Sorry, Rainbow," Spike answered. "Even if I wanted to, I can't. She just came out of her room and had me send out the invitations. Never told me what it was about."

"Well at least she's no longer being a mopey-dope," Pinkie said, bouncing around. "I can't wait to find out what the big announcement is. Maybe she created a new spell she wants to tell us about. Or maybe she met her special somepony and want us all here to meet them." She let out a gasp, eyes going wide. "Or maybe she found a book of really old recipes that she wants us to try out."

"Sorry Pinkie," Spike said, "but I don't think it was any of those. None of them would explain why she was moping for a week."

"Maybe she's giving up on science and magic experiments," Rainbow Dash suggested.

"I am doubtful of such," Princess Celestia stated. "Twilight has never been one to give up on an idea easily. It would take quite a bit to get her to give up on a project, and I do not think she would ever quit experimenting fully."

Before the conversation could go any further, Twilight Sparkle entered the room. All of the other ponies stopped talking, turning their full attention to the new arrival. Twilight walked further into the room, head held high. Her wings gave a slight flicker against her sides.

"Thank you all for coming," Twilight Sparkle announced. "I know many of you are busy and appreciate that you were able to make it. I have something important to announce, and figured it was best to do it face to face than by letter."

All eyes were already on Twilight, waiting to hear what she had to say. Even Rainbow Dash was standing still instead of flying, and Pinkie Pie was keeping all four hooves on the ground as well.

"I'm pregnant."

Nearly all in the room let out a gasp of surprise at Twilight's announcement. Eyes went wide and jaws dropped. Most stood there in shock as they tried to process what they had just heard.

"Congratulations!" Pinkie Pie squealed, running up to Twilight and giving her a hug, pressing cheek to cheek. "That is so incredible. We have so much we need to do. We need to plan a baby shower. We need to set up a nursery. If you ever need a babysitter, you can always count on Auntie Pinkie Pie."

"Thanks Pinkie," Twilight said, returning the hug before pulling away. "That's going to have to wait until later though."

She turned her attention back to the others.

"I'll admit that this is not the way I expected things to happen, and I'm pretty nervous about being a mother, but I am also excited about the possibility."

"How did this happen?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Ooh, ooh," Pinkie shouted, bouncing up and down. "I know. I know." She cleared her throat and straightened up. "When a mare and a stallion like each other, they--"

"I know that!" Rainbow snapped. "I mean how did this happen? None of us knew you were even dating anypony, much less sleeping with them."

"Well, I wasn't," Twilight answered, shifting. "It's kind of complicated."

"So," Shining Armor stepped forward, "who is the father? When do we get to meet him?"

Twilight's ears pulled back as she looked away, tears starting to fill the edges of her eyes.

"I'm... afraid you can't. He's... he's not around anymore."

Shining Armor's own ears pulled back as he moved back, chewing his lip. He then moved forward, nuzzling his sister.

"I'm sorry Twiley."

"Don't be," Twilight replied. "You didn't know."

"Is... is that why you've been depressed, lately?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes." Twilight moved away from her brother and took another deep breath. She wiped the hints of tears from her eyes before turning her attention back to everypony and speaking again.

"I'm sure there is a lot of confusion and curiosity, but I'm not going to answer them all. I'm sorry if that bothers you. It's just that the matter of the stallion is still a very sensitive subject that I don't really want to get into too much. Plus, it's kind of hard to believe. I will tell you that he was a brilliant and very talented unicorn that I loved very much, and miss a lot. That being said, I would appreciate it if we left the subject alone until I'm ready to share it."

"I believe we can do that," Rarity said. "Although I feel I should point out that there will be quite a bit of gossip on the matter."

"Yeah," Pinkie Pie agreed. "The Cakes are still dealing with rumors about Pumpkin and Pound."

"Nothing we can really do about it," Twilight said giving the shrug.

"Yes there is," Rainbow Dash retorted. She raised a hoof. "We can make it very clear that it's not true."

"Easy there," Applejack said, placing a hoof on Rainbow's back. "Walloping ponies ain't gonna solve anything. Best we just correct 'em if it comes up and wait. I'm sure the truth will win out in time."

Twilight turned her attention to her parents and the princesses.

"You've been relatively quiet about the whole matter."

"It's quite a surprise," her father said. "Not exactly what we expected." He smiled and let out a chuckle. "But then, you never were one to do things the way others expected, were you."

"I think we still have a few things from when you and your brother were born," her mother added. "It might take some time to find, but we can send it to you once we do."

Twilight smiled.

"That would be nice."

"Allow me to congratulate you," Princess Celestia stated. "The foal will be quite fortunate, seeing as it shall have such a large and loving family to help raise it. I am also certain you will be as wonderful a mother, as you were a student."

"Thank you," Twilight said, giving a small bow.

During all this, Princess Luna had stood and stared. Her ears twitched and her lips shifted as her mind worked. She took a step forward.

"Twilight, I wish to speak to you a moment in private, please." She then started to head for one of the doors.

"Of course," Twilight said as she started to follow after. "Excuse us a moment."

As the two left for the moment, Spike turned and looked up to Shining Armor.

"Does this mean I'm going to be a big brother?"

"Actually," Cadance answered, "it means that you're going to be an uncle."

"Uncle Spike, huh?" He rubbed his chin, thinking. "You know, I kind of like the sound of that."

"Just don't spoil the kid too much," Shining Armor said, pulling Spike in for a noogie.

In a different part of the castle, Twilight Sparkle now stood alone with Princess Luna. Twilight turned to Luna, looking up at her curiously.

"What is it?" she asked. "Is there something wrong?"

"Nay," Luna stated, holding up a hoof. "Nothing is wrong. We simply wished to say something away from the others in regards to your announcement."

Twilight said nothing, her head tilting to look at Luna curiously.

"While most have said little on the matter," Luna continued, "the truth remains that we were banished for one thousand years. Consequently, this has us missing out on a millenia of history and culture which must be learned about. Conversely, there are certain things that we recall with greater clarity than our sister as it seems to have been more recent for us. Included in the latter are stories which my sister and I were told when we were younger."

At that point, Luna paused, watching Twilight Sparkle and gauging her reaction. When she saw Twilight's eyes go wide with understanding, Princess Luna gave a small nod.

"So..." Twilight started. "So, you know?"

"There was a suspicion," Luna replied, "which your reaction has just confirmed.

"Worry not, dear Twilight. Your wish for your privacy and his anonymity shall be respected. So long as you wish, no mention of him as the sire shall be made."

"Thank you," Twilight said, giving a gentle smile. "Maybe another time, when I don't have so many others over, we can talk about it?"

Luna gave a small bow of her head.

"I would enjoy that very much."