I left Filthy's office, confident I'd get my way. It had been a load of crap that he'd have to find the pics, but I wasn't really going to stick around. It's awkward to be around when someone's having sex...

The secretary gave me a wide grin. "That sounded like fun."

"Eh, could have gone better."

"Well, at least the mayor didn't join into the argument. I'm actually astonished about that."

"...She was... preoccupied."

"...Ah. Well, you pissed off Rich. I certainly enjoyed that."

"You do realize I think he's going to fire you for letting me in?"

She snorted. "Good! I can get my old job at the salon back."

"Well then, good luck! By the way, would you know where a nice gift shop is?"

"This is the only one- Mr. Rich drove everypony else out of business."

"Oh... Ok, well... what else is there in this community to give as a gift?"

She perked right up. "Here!" she pulled out some kind of ticket. "This is a ticket to the spa I used to work at. There isn't a mare in town who doesn't love it!"

"Thank you! Who knows, maybe she'll see you there. Have a good day."

"You too, Lantra. And you have my support against the mayor." Well then, this put me ahead of schedule. Let's see, what to do now... Food sounds good!

Unfortunately, the town ponies had other ideas. As shop after shop pretended to be closed, I started to wonder if the mayor hadn't threatened to shut down any place that fed me.

If memory served, there had been an apple stand last time I'd passed through town. Closing my eyes I felt around me for energy shifting forms. Several small gardens here and there, and flowers were blooming absolutely everywhere! Some entropy over there as Pinkie burnt some cupcakes... Wait, what? I paused to focus on Pinkie. How precisely does one absorb the natural chaos from the world and intensify it? Maybe she had some kelpie blood... I nearly laughed at myself- that was utterly foolish.

Back to my search... Ah ha! There, on the edge of town was a massive orchard. The mayor might be able to shut down a small business, but a huge farm like that would be too precious an industry. Laughing at my own cleverness, I trotted towards the farm.

In a few uneventful minutes, I reached a large sign reading Sweet Apple Acres. Framed by the sign was a beautiful barn and farmhouse. On a guess, I trotted to the farmhouse. "Hello? Anyone home?" I leaned in the open half-door.

The ancient earth pony from my house yesterday was here, fast asleep on a chair. Somehow, my call had not woken her up. Ah, the slumber of the safe... A quick check on the barn revealed a complete lack of anypony about. A farm this size had to have more ponies than this!

I wandered into the orchard, basking in the feeling of growth. Such a peaceful, yet powerful thing... I could still remember the taste of the Zap Apples Father and I had discovered. Such a pity we lacked the skill or time to share them with the world...

Ah, there's that orange mare I'd seen. Had I gotten her name? Hmm... Oh well, names had never been a strong point of mine. "Hi!"

"Oh, hey Lantra! How ya gettin' on?"

"Not too bad. Has the mayor said no one is allowed to sell me food or something?"

My tone had been joking, but she saw straight through the ruse. "Right in one, sugarcube."

"But this farm is too important an industry to shut down, am I correct?"

"Right again."

"How much for a half-dozen apple pies, then?"

"Well now, that'd be 30 bits."

"An excellent deal. Shall we fetch them?"

"Sure thing! This way." She led me back to the house and in. "Don't worry about Granny Smith- ya won't wake her up."

"So I'd noticed."

She laughed as she pulled out my pies. I paid her, ad started in on the first one. "Ya really plan on eatin' all those!?"

I spared her a moment's glance. "Yep." I dug back in with gusto. This was excellent cooking! I'd always loved apple pie, but I'd never eaten anything as good as this! If the mayor tried to shut this farm down, they could easily move on to act as the royal cooks! The mare's eyes got bigger and bigger as each of the pies quickly vanished, until I was done. I was still hungry, but any more and my eyes would outdo my stomach's capacity.

"Are ye sure yer not related to Pinkie!?"

I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"

"Only she can possibly eat that much! here on earth does it fit!?"

I shrugged. "In my stomach? But, no. We're not related." I think...

"Well, All righty then. So, you gettin' all settled in?"

"Indeed. I set up a delivery of a great deal of glass earlier, so I should be able to open shop soon."

"Yeah, Rarity told us all about what ya did to her door. Sounds a bit flowery to me, but in involves knives, so it can't be that bad."

"Thank you. Now, I'd better go pick up that delivery."

"sure thing! By tha way- we're havin' a barn-raisin' tomorrow. We could use a strong stallion like yourself."

"I will see what's going on tomorrow. Have a good day!" I waved and trotted off. I hadn't even gotten her name... Oh well- I'd get or remember it at some point.

I found my glass waiting for me- twelve massive panes, all sparkling in the early evening sun. I gladly paid the price for them and headed home. My heart was singing with joy, and I barely noticed the walk home, even with the awkward load. Before I knew it, I was gently leaning them up against the house. A moment's pause to consider the possibilities opening before me just couldn't be helped before going inside...

The interior of the house looked little different than the barren state I'd left it in, except for a crackling fire in the fireplace, around which sat Twilight, Whooves, and my precious Derpy.

"Lan!" She flew across the room and wrapped me in a tight hug. "I missed you!"

"Hey, Derpy. Can I please breathe?"

"Oh, sorry!"

"It's ok, dear." I looked ast her to a smiling Whooves. "You two visiting, or do you need me for something?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were all right." He gave me a concerned look, and I nodded assuringly.

"Come, Lantra- take a seat." Twilight said. She was acting friendly, but I could feel an ulterior motive.

"All right." The fire was warm and inviting. "So, what si it?" I leaned on Derpy's neck happily.

"Well... I was hoping you could... tell me a little bit more about yourself. You know, since we're friends and all."

By the stars, she's a bad liar, but I went along anyway. "What else do we need to know? I don't like to remember my past, and I'm opening shop as a glass etcher here in Ponyville, mayorial preferences he damned."

"Well, what about family? Surely they could be considered important?"

I caught Whooves' worried look, but ignored it pointedly. "My family is dead." Twilight gasped, her eyes wide. "I would prefer not to talk about it, thank you."

"I, um... right, I'll just... I have to..."

"Get to your studies. I'll hopefully be able to get to our discussion at the hospital soon."

"That reminds me! Will you explain what-"

"No."

"But-"

"Later."

"It's alter now!" I gave her a look, and she awkwardly left. There was several moments of silence before anyone spoke.

"Well... that was odd..." Whooves said. "Why did she want to know about your family? Granted, I'm curious about them too- You've never told me anything about your real parents in all our time together."

Derpy looked from him to myself and back. "You two already know each other well? Real parents?"

"We met before my ba- ... journey."

"Oh! You worked in Canterlot for Photo Finish too!?"

"...Something like that."

"How cool! I've always wanted to be a model."

Whooves shot me another look, and I nodded slightly. This all went unnoticed by the daydreaming pegasus. "Derpy, can I please have a private word with Sky?" He asked.

"Who?"
"Lantra. Sorry, I'm distracted."

"Oh, ok!" She happily flew upstairs, and I let out my breath.

"Watch it, Whooves."

"Sorry. Speaking of which- Turner. It's Time Turner."

"Right, I'll try to remember. What's up?"

"You need to be careful. My Canterlot informants tell me Celestia is in a flap about something. She's been moody and brooding, and is avoiding public appearances, as if afraid of violence against herself from the people. She hasn't acted like this since the mutterings after your banishment were quelled.

Do you have any idea what's causing the Queen of the Darkened Sun to show a bit of her true self?"

"If I judge her and Twilight correctly, something was discussed between them about your rescue of the foals. I have no idea what it could be, but her paranoia is going through the roof. The elements have even dropped out of sight, like she's afraid someone who knows how to actually use them will be coming after them. She may not know, but the suspicion of your return seems to be plaguing her."

"Wonderful... I'll try to keep inconspicuous. Thank you for keeping me informed, my old friend."

"No problem. I'll take my leave too now. If my informants tell me anything further, you will be the first to know."

Derpy flew back downstairs as the door shut. "Hey, dear. I have something for you." I floated the spa coupon to her level, and the took it curiously. A quick look later, and she dropped out of the sky. I dove and barely caught her. Or, rather, was crushed under her flank. Ooof! She packed some punch for such an averagely-built pony, a pegasus most of all!

"Oh, sorry Lan! Just, of my!" She flipped over and hugged me. Already winded, the new source of oxygen-lack went unnoticed as I hugged her back. "It's wonderful! Ooh, I'll go to bed now to get there bright and early tomorrow before my rounds!" And she was gone, leaving me breathless, confused, but happy. Despite any trouble ahead, this was a good day to be back in Equestria.

Another new chapter, as promised? So, did anyone catch my name reference at the end of last chapter, or did I mangle the name too much to ponify it? (No giving away what I already told you, Bluemane. ;P) Any thoughts in general? I'm honestly curious what people think- it helps guide my writing.

We're finally to where I don't have a full chapter written out and waiting, but it's planned and started. Kudos for any of you who can recognize what's coming next. ;)

I do not own MLPFIM. Nope.