The sound of frantic hoof steps filled the treehouse as Spike and I watched, standing next to the door as Twilight ran around, panicking. She ran back and forth from the bookshelves to her bag next to the door, packing various items, from papers and quills to giant encyclopedias on magic and humans. Seeing her like this did not raise my hopes for meeting Celestia.
I was already ready, as I had my bag packed with what I deemed necessary. Inside my backpack was the glowing gem along with a change of clothing in case my clothes got dirty, or we had to stay in Canterlot, as well as three books. One was a fiction storybook called 'Attack of the 40-foot Hummingbird', while the other two were 'The Royal Book of Magic, Magical Artifacts, and Creatures' and 'Elementals of the Elements.'
"What if we need more paper? Or maybe another encyclopedia? Spike, can you get me 'Humans Vol 21,'" Twilight said as she continued to walk back and forth.
"Is she always like this?" I asked Spike.
Spike shrugged his shoulders as he turned his head to look at me. " It is only this bad for getting ready. Once she's on the train, she will calm down a bit more."
"Should we step in? I don't think she and I will need all this," I asked, a bit worried.
"Yeah, let's stop her before she makes me carry a heavy book for no reason," Spike responded.
Spike and I approached Twilight as she looked around for a book. As we approached, I reached out and tapped her on her side, causing her to jump in the air in surprise. As she landed, she turned to look at us.
"Spike, Jack, don't startle me like that. I'm still getting ready. Speaking of which, Jack, are you ready?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, Twilight, I am ready, and I think you are too," I responded.
"No, no, no, still so much to pack," Twilight said as she tried to turn away before Spike began to speak.
"Twilight, calm down. You have nearly packed up half the library. You don't want to be late for the train ride, right?" Spike asked.
"Yeah, Spike. At this rate, and with your heavy bag, you're going to be walking slower than Stonehenge. We have enough, so you can relax on the packing," I said.
"I just want you to be prepared to meet Celestia. Even though she is nice and perfect, she can be intimidating the first time you meet her," Twilight said.
"I believe you, but I don't think we'll need 'Humans Vol 21'. We have about ten minutes before we leave to meet the others at the train station. Let's make sure we are only packing what we need," I said.
I turned to look at Twilight's bag. It was stuffed to the brim, and it looked like it was about to explode. Walking over to the bag, I turned to Twilight and gestured for her to come over. As she walked over, I crouched down to the bag, preparing myself to unpack.
Twilight used her magic to open the bag before asking," Okay, what should we take out first?"
"First things first, let's remove all the encyclopedias to help with the weight," I responded.
Reaching into Twilight's bag, I tried to pull out two thick and very heavy encyclopedias belonging to the 'humans' volumes. Grunting in surprise at the weight, I pulled them out and set them to the side of her bag before taking a moment to catch my breath. Spike walked over and started to drag them to where they belonged.
"Thank you, Spike. Okay, those Bricks of Books are out. What's next? We could put half of these scrolls and quills back. As it stands, we probably won't use that much," I said as Twilight and I looked into the bag, seeing a pile of scrolls and quills.
"Hey, you never know when you need to write," Twilight replied.
"Yes, but there are like forty scrolls and twenty quills in here. We're meeting the princess, not writing a book about meeting the princess," I said as I pulled out half of the scrolls and quills, setting them next to the bag.
"he's right, Twilight. Last time, we barely used an eighth of the scrolls and quills you took last time," Spike said from across the room.
"Humph, fine, but I think that should be fine," Twilight said as she used her magic to close her bag.
"I agree it looks a lot less heavy, but I didn't see much in the way of self-entertainment. Are you not going to pack a book or two for the train ride?" I asked.
"Oh yeah, hold on one moment, let me see," Twilight responded before turning to the bookshelves.
Twilight made her way to the bookshelves to look through the books she wanted to take for the train ride. I turned my attention to the scrolls and quills on the floor, picking them back up and walking them over to the desk so as not to leave a mess. As I set the scrolls and quills on the desk, the sound of Twilight's bag opening filled my ears. I turned to see that she was no longer looking at the books.
"Okay, I'm ready," Twilight said.
"Sounds good. Let's start walking," I said.
"Wait before we go," Twilight said as she turned to look at Spike." Spike, I have Applejack coming over at six. If Jack and I aren't back by then, she said you could spend the night with her. I'll pick you up tomorrow morning if we aren't back."
"Okay. Wait, what about Stonehenge?" Spike asked.
"Applejack said he can stay in her barn. Just take him with you if you leave. Oh, and make sure to lock the door when you leave as well," Twilight said before turning and walking out the door.
"See you when we get back, Spike," I said as I turned to the door.
"Bye, Jack. Good luck, Spike said.
As I exited the library, the cold fall air filled my lungs as the sun hit my face, momentarily blinding me. I turned to my right to see Twilight talking with Stonehenge as she looked like she was explaining something to him. Walking over, I caught the tail end of the conversation.
"… Spike and Applejack to the barn from a few days ago," Twilight said.
"Why leaving?" Stonehenge asked.
"Because Princess Celestia has requested to speak with Jack," Twilight replied.
Stonehenge shifted at the sound of Celestia's name before standing up, speaking as he did," I go to. I protect friend."
"Wait a second, big guy. It is just going to be Twilight and me for now. We only have two tickets, and I think you might have difficulty fitting on the train," I said.
"Need protecting," Stonehenge said, pointing at me.
"I know, but I have Twilight, and you trust Twilight to help me if I need it, right?" I asked.
"Hmm. Right," Stonehenge said before turning to look at Twilight. "Protect friend. Please."
Twilight was stunned for a moment before looking Stonehenge dead in the eye with a serious face and speaking, "Stonehenge, I promise you that Jack will come back unharmed."
Stonehenge narrowed his eyes and looked into Twilight's eyes as she remained stone-faced. After what felt like minutes, Stonehenge let out what looked like a sigh before returning to his awning.
"Promise accepted," Stonehenge said as he sat back down under his awning, shaking the ground.
Twilight let out a sigh of relief before turning to me, " Come on, Jack, the train won't wait forever."
"Okay, Twilight. See you, big guy," I said as I waved him goodbye.
Stonehenge waved back before I turned to Twilight, who was standing waiting for me. I walked over to her as we started to walk down the dirt road toward the edge of town, where I assumed the train station was located.
"So, Jack, I was so busy packing my stuff I never got to ask you what you were bringing," Twilight said.
"Oh, just some books and a change of clothes in case mine get dirty or we have to stay the night," I replied.
"Is that all?" Twilight asked.
"I don't own a whole lot of stuff that isn't broken or not needed, so I pretty much took what I own. Oh wait, I did forget I was taking my glowing gem," I said.
"Glowing gem? I didn't know you had one of those," Twilight said.
"Yeah, I found it in the castle, but I never really had a reason to talk about it. I'm just bringing it, just in case," I said.
"You know I can make light with my magic," Twilight said as her horn quickly started to glow brightly before fading again. "And technically, you can, too."
"I don't know that spell. I only know the freeze spell and telekinesis," I responded.
"Well, you know the basics of magic, so when we get a chance, we can go over some of the widely used spells," Twilight said.
"Whenever we have time, but I don't think we are going to get much of a chance to do so today," I said.
"Hey, you never know. Celestia might be done with you quickly. The train ride is only two hours, so that is 4 hours on the train, which hopefully lets us get back with some daylight," Twilight said.
"What if we have to stay the night?" I asked.
"Well, we're set here, so if we do have to stay, I'll show you around the castle," Twilight responded.
"Yeah, that would be nice," I said.
My mind flashed to when all those guards were chasing me. I did not really get much of a chance to look around as I was just dodging from hallway to hallway. I really hope that none of the guards will want to do that again or that no one will say anything. My only hope was that because I was being requested by Celestia, that would mean none of them would want to hurt me.
"Oh, there's the station," Twilight said, and her voice caused me to snap back to reality.
The train station looked to be on the smaller side. It was only a small building with an outdoor staging area, and a pair of train tracks next to it. Other ponies seemed to be waiting next to the tracks, while the others were in the middle of the staging area, and they looked like they were talking with each other. Pinkie Pie was the first to notice us as we started walking up to them.
"Look, they are here," Pinkie Pie said as she pointed toward Twilight and me.
The girls stopped their conversation and turned to look at Twilight and me, as Rarity was the first to start speaking, "You two took your time. Nearly fashionably late."
"Oh well, we would have been here sooner, but Twilight wanted to be prepared," I said, causing Twilight to make a quick giggle in response.
"Sounds about right. The last time we had to leave for Canterlot, she nearly packed her house," Applejack said.
"Hey, it's not Twilight's fault. She just has a harder time letting loose and going with the flow," Rainbow Dash said as she hovered on her back like she was floating in the water.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, laugh it up, everypony, but when stuff happens, you can't be too prepared," Twilight said as she held her nose up in the air.
I rolled my eyes before looking at the tracks. "When will the train be here?"
"Only a few more super quick minutes, that's what the train clerk said. I think," Pinkie Pie said as she scratched her chin and narrowed her eyes.
"Oh, Applejack, I can't thank you enough for agreeing to look after Spike and Stonehenge. I would have asked you, Fluttershy, but I don't know how well you could accommodate Stonehenge," Twilight said.
"It's all right, Twilight. I will say Applejack was probably better because my cottage can handle a baby dragon just fine but not very well to Stonehenge's stature," Fluttershy said.
"I do agree with Fluttershy. I can house Stonehenge in my barn just fine, and I know that Apple Bloom likes havin' Spike around, although I did tell Apple Bloom the rest of the Crusaders could also spend the night," Applejack said, causing Twilight to chuckle.
"Well, you sound like you got your hoof full. But like I told you yesterday about Jack and me if we get done soon enough. Well, you'll know if not; I'll be there to pick him up in the morning," Twilight said when the sound of a train whistle caught everyone's attention.
A pink steam train quickly pulled up next to the staging area before slowing and coming to a stop. As the train doors opened, a few ponies exited the train and started to head toward the inside of the train station. As the crowd dispersed, an older-looking brown pony with greying hair and what seemed to be a train worker's uniform stepped out onto the staging area.
"Next route, Ponyville to Canterlot. Please have your tickets ready to board. The train will be departing in ten minutes," the train worker said.
"Just in time. Do you two have your tickets?" Rarity asked.
"Yes, I have them right here," Twilight responded as she used her magic to pull out the two tickets from her bag. She held one of the tickets in front of her while she held the other one in front of me to grab. "Here's yours, Jack."
I grabbed the ticket from her magical grasp, responding as I did so, "Thank you, Twilight."
"Enough, dilly dally, you two. Ya'll got a train to catch," Applejack said as she motioned for us to get walking.
"Bye-bye. Have a safe ride, you two," Pinkie Pie said.
"See you girls later. Come on, Jack, we got a train to catch," Twilight said as she started to walk toward the train worker.
"Okay, I'm coming. Bye, everyone," I said.
Turning to follow Twilight, we made our way to the train worker, where a line had formed from the other ponies that had been waiting for the train to arrive. We stepped to the back of the line. The line slowly started to move forward before it was Twilight's turn to get her ticket checked by the worker. She held out her ticket, and the worker used his magic to stamp the ticket as he started to talk to Twilight.
"don't see many of these tickets. Are you on royal duty, miss?" the train worker asked.
"What do you mean? Is it not a first-class ticket, Mr.…?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, you can call me Ironbark Express, ma'am, and this is definitely first-class, but it is better as it is royal first-class. You can see the princess's signature," Ironbark responded.
"Let me see," Twilight said as she held her ticket up closer to her eyes.
I did the same thing as Twilight, and I brought the golden train ticket closer to my face to see it better. Then I noticed what seemed to be golden ink with a P.C. cursive signature on the bottom right.
"Hmm, she sure does want to meet you, Jack," Twilight said as she stepped to the side for me to get my ticket checked.
"I can tell," I said as I stepped forward and handed Ironbark my train ticket, which caused a bit of shock.
"Two royal tickets in one day. You two must be important, especially a human like you, Jack, was it," ironbark said as he stamped my ticket with his hole punch.
"Uh, Jack is right, and why do you say that?" I asked, a bit worried.
"Well, not many humans travel out this far, let alone using a royal ticket. You must be pretty important back in Canterlot," Ironbark said.
"Not really. Technically, she is more important than I am, or at least I believe so," I said as I pointed at Twilight, who was now standing on the steps of the train door.
"Very humble of you, sir. Well, you are free to board. Royal first class is to the left, near the front of the train. Enjoy your ride," Ironbark said.
I shrugged my shoulders and started to climb the train steps before turning to my left to catch up to Twilight, who was halfway down the section's train cart. Catching up to Twilight, we walked through the different train cart sections as we made our way to royal first class. As we walked through the carts, the room seemed to get fancier and fancier, and I seemed to be getting multiple ponies staring at me. It was not long before we finally reached the door for royal first class.
Opening the door and stepping inside Twilight and, I gasped at what we saw. The room was much larger and fancier than what we had seen in the regular first class. It held a self-service bar stocked to the brim with fancy-looking alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with a bar counter and six bar seats. Across from the bar were two large and one normal flat seats that almost looked like beds. The first large one was pure white, and the other was dark blue, and lastly, the normal one was light pink. In the far-right corner of the room was a door that I believed led to a restroom.
"Woah, this place is fancy," I said as I walked closer to the bar.
"You aren't kidding. Look at this place. This must be where Celestia and Luna ride for train trips," Twilight said as she walked beside me.
"Hmm, I'm just going to say it now: we should probably avoid the larger seats and stick to the bar seats," I said as I placed my bag down next to one bar seat.
"Probably the best idea. Wait, what's this," Twilight said as she found a note left on the bar counter addressed to her and me.
"It looks like a letter. What does it say?" I asked as I leaned in closer.
Twilight opened the letter and started to read it before speaking, "It's from Celestia. She says that we are free to take from the bar but does not recommend drinking any alcohol."
"Well, that's nice of her, though I probably wouldn't have touched the alcohol even if I could. Not much of a drinker," I said.
"All that's good, but aren't you just barely old enough to drink?" Twilight asked.
"Yep, I'm twenty-one," I responded.
Twilight was about to respond when a voice came over through the intercom above the door we had just walked through," Attention, all passengers. The next stop is Canterlot. We will now be departing. Please enjoy your ride on the Friendship Express."
The sound of the train horn blew as the train started to move very slowly. Twilight, not wasting the opportunity, ran over to the cabin window and opened it before sticking her head through the window. Curious, I walked over to see her waving to the rest of the girls, who were all waving back. Not wanting to miss out, I walked over to the next window, did the same as Twilight, and waved the rest goodbye.
Slowly, as the train started to pick up speed, it started to leave the station, and we continued to wave goodbye. As the train began to go faster and as we left the station, the others started to get smaller and smaller before finally fading from view. We pulled both our heads back inside the cabin, shutting the windows behind us as I turned and walked back over to the bar seat where I had placed my bag and sat down.
"What do we have to do now? What, two hours before we get there?" I thought aloud.
"Well, you have your book, right? Just read one of those," Twilight replied as she took a seat next to me.
"I definitely could," I said.
I started to reach for my bag before I realized something very important. We had been so busy yesterday getting ready that we had never sat down and worked on my letter to the Ponyville school board, and Twilight had all the supplies on her to let us get it done.
"You know, I just thought of a better idea that we can both do," I said, catching Twilight's interest.
"Oh, and what could that be?" Twilight asked.
"We could work on the letter to the Ponyville school board about me becoming a music teacher," I responded.
"Sure, might as well we will have plenty of time to write it now," Twilight said.
Twilight used her horn to open her bag, pulling out a scroll, and placing it between us. Next, she pulled out a quill and placed it above the scroll. I thought of what we could write to try to convince them.
"Okay, what should we write first?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, how about this," I said as I took the scroll and started to write.
Taking the quill, I started to write the start of the letter, introducing myself and giving my name and species. After that, I wrote down why I was writing them, about wanting to be a teacher but not having proof of my training. Raising the quill, I let Twilight look over the start of the letter.
"Not bad, not bad. Next, you should probably go over the qualifications even if you don't have proof. You should be able to say at least what they are," Twilight said as she pointed to the middle of the paper.
"Yeah, that would probably be the best idea," I said as I grabbed the quill and started to write.
Taking the quill to the middle of the scroll, I started to write about my school teaching and the years I had gone through my classes. I also mentioned my time with my internships and the amount of qualifying hours I had done. Lastly, I brought up extra skills that were not required in my world for the degree but were good to know in case of emergency, like first aid / CPR.
"And there we go," I said as I set the quill back down before asking. "how's that?"
"Let me look," Twilight said as she leaned over to read the scroll. As she read, she let out a little gasp before turning to me. "I didn't know you knew first aid."
"Yeah, to be fair, I have never actually had to use it here yet. It's a skill that I hope I don't have to use very much unless it is for simple stuff like small cuts or bruises." I responded.
"I understand, but still now, I know. Anyway, you should probably close out your letter." Twilight said.
"Right, what is the best way to close out a letter?" I asked myself.
"Just thank them for reading and considering the letter and that you hope to hear back with a response soon," Twilight responded.
"Yeah, that will work," I said as I started to write one last time.
Bringing the quill to the paper, I thanked them for reading and considering why I was writing them. I then closed out the letter with hopes of hearing from the school board very soon. Signing my signature in the bottom left, I raised the quill from the scroll, placing it back down.
"Good. Now let's double-read the letter to see if we need to fix anything," Twilight said as she started to read the letter aloud. "Dear Ponyville School Board…."
~~~Jack's letter~~~
Dear Ponyville School Board.
My name is Jack Marrow, and I am a human new to Equestria. I am writing after being recommended to do so by one of your schoolteachers, Cheerilee. I am writing because before arriving in Equestria, I was aspiring and learning to become a music teacher with barely a month of extra credits to pass. Unfortunately, I have no proof of my classes and internships due to my sudden relocation, but I will review them.
Before arriving, I had over 118 credits and over 650 hours of internships over four years. I was taught the education process, the basics, and advanced materials during these four years. In extra credit, I was taught how to be First-aid and CPR-ready.
Finally, I would like to thank you for reading and considering what I have written. I hope to hear back quickly and in a timely manner regarding your consideration.
Sincerely, Jack Marrow.
~~~Jack~~~
"…Marrow. Yeah, that seems about as good as it will get. I don't know what else you could add," Twilight said as she slid the scroll away.
"Me neither. We should probably put it somewhere safe where no one can touch it or where it can get messed up. Too bad we didn't pack any envelopes," I said.
"Well, you could place it in one of your books at least until we find an envelope. That way, it doesn't get bent," Twilight said.
"Not a bad idea. Let me grab one," I said as I reached down and grabbed my bag.
Bringing the bag up, I opened it and felt around the bag until I felt the unmistakable feeling of a book. Pulling it out, I saw it was 'The Royal Book of Magic, Magical Artifacts, and Creatures.' Looking down at the book, I realized it was probably the best one I could have grabbed, as it basically had its own locking system. Opening the gold book, I placed the scroll inside before closing it and putting it back into my bag.
"Woo, now, that's done. I'm going to read one of my books till we arrive," Twilight said as she pulled out one of her books and began to read.
I stood up and stretched my legs before speaking," I'm going to grab something to drink behind the bar. Do you want anything while I'm back there?"
Twilight looked up from her book at the drinks on the wall before speaking, "Can you get some of that cherry soda?"
"Sure," I said as I walked behind the bar.
Looking over the drinks, I grabbed Twilight's cherry soda, then looked over the rest before landing on an orange soda. Turning around, I grabbed two cups from under the bar and poured both the cherry and orange sodas into the cups before I realized I could not find any ice, only ice trays. Thinking for a moment, an idea came to my mind.
Grabbing one of the ice trays, I walked over to the sink and filled it with water. After filling the tray, I brought my right hand up and looked around, allowing it to glow blue before plunging the tip of my finger into the water. Quickly, the water froze, leaving nothing but ice cubes.
"Innovative," Twilight said with a proud smile on her face.
"I'm a walking ice maker," I joked as I walked over to the drinks and placed a few ice cubes inside before placing Twilight's cup in front of her.
I dumped the rest of the ice in the sink and returned the ice tray to where I had found it. I grabbed my drink and walked back to my seat. Sitting back down, I took a sip of the orange soda, letting the carbonation burn for a second before swallowing it as I reached for my bag and grabbed 'Attack of the 40-foot Hummingbird.'
Turning to the next page, I was so enthralled with my book that I did not realize how long I had been reading. As I started to read the next page, I was startled by a voice coming over the intercom. It was the same voice that we had heard when the train started.
"Attention fillies and gentlecolts, if you look out your window, you can see that we are less than a few minutes away from our destination. We recommend that those departing be ready with your luggage and thank you for riding on the Friendship Express," the voice from the intercom said.
"Oh, we're here," Twilight said as she closed her book and placed it back into her bag before standing up and walking over to the window.
I closed my book and put it back into my bag before standing up and grabbing the two empty cups. Walking back behind the bar, I started to wash and dry the cups before placing them back where I had found them. Going back around, I joined Twilight at the window to look at the fast-approaching mountain city. It looked the same as it did when I first saw it when I was nothing but a soul returning to my body.
"Almost there," I said, feeling butterflies in my stomach from what I was approaching.
"I know. are you ready?" Twilight asked while looking up at me.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I said, my voice sounding weaker but not too noticeable.
We watched as the train entered the outer layer of Canterlot. It then started to go down a straight path and began to slow down. It was not long before the screeching of train wheels was heard before the train came to a stop, blowing its whistle as it did. Looking out the window again, you could see the train station with ponies waiting outside.
"Come on, Jack," Twilight said as she levitated her bag onto her back before walking to the cabin door.
"Right behind you," I said as I walked right behind her.
As Twilight opened the cabin door with her magic, we walked out into the first class, where a few ponies were grabbing their belongings while others were still sitting. I continued to get stares from those who were still sitting as we made our way to the next cabin door. Walking by those who were grabbing their belongings, we opened the cabin door before exiting the train.
"Watch your step, Jack," Twilight said as she walked down the train's boarding and exiting stairs.
"Thanks," I said, taking one step at a time before my feet reached the ground.
Feeling the solid ground on my feet, I took a deep breath of the fresh air before speaking," Ah, fresh air."
Twilight sighed before poking me in the leg, "Come on, we have somewhere to be."
"Okay… how do we get there?" I asked as I shrugged my shoulders.
"Come on, I'll lead the…." Was all Twilight could say before a deep voice interrupted her.
"Twilight Sparkle. Jack Marrow," the loud, deep voice said right behind us.
Twilight and I turned around to look at the voice's body. Upon turning around, we were met with three guards standing in golden armor. An older male grey unicorn with grey hair stood in the middle group. To his left is a much younger-looking female pegasus with green fur and blue hair who looked familiar, like I had seen her before. And to the right was a red earth pony with black hair. I felt a pit in my stomach looking at them.
"What is the royal guard doing here?" Twilight asked herself.
"No idea," I whispered under my breath.
"My name is Knight Commander Battleborn," Battleborn said before pointing to his right." This is Knight Hidden Mist," then he finally pointed to his left." That is Corporal Thistle's Thorn. We are here to escort you and … Jack to see the princess. Princess orders."
Twilight was taken aback in surprise before asking, "Why would Celestia send guards to escort us?"
"No idea, ma'am. She just said you two needed an escort. Now, if you don't have any more questions, I would like to get this show on the road," Battleborn said.
Twilight's brow furled before she finally spoke, "None at all. Lead the way, commander."
The three guards nodded before Battleborn started to walk away while Hidden Mist and Thistle's Thorn waited for Twilight and me to start walking. Once Twilight and I began to walk, the three guards made a triangle formation around us with Battleborn in front, Thistle's Thorn on the left, and Hidden Mist on the right.
As we walked down the streets, I noticed that the buildings were very different from those in Ponyville. They looked much sleeker and glossier, as if made of porcelain. The ponies that we walked by also looked fancier than almost any pony I had seen in Ponyville, with the exception of maybe Rarity, as most were dressed in suits, dresses, and hats. But what surprised me with how many times I had heard it, I had yet to see a single human.
"Man, not a single human in sight," I said.
"That's cause most humans don't leave their gated community near the castle. You might be able to see one once we get near," Hidden Mist said.
"I'm not going to lie. Most humans here seem kind of pompous," I said, a little upset.
"Are they not like that where you're from," Thistle's Thorn asked.
"Well, some are, but most aren't. Most are just people living life as each day goes by. How many humans live here?" I asked.
"a little over nine-hundred-fifty. Leaving the other fifty or so in different spots in Equestria," Hidden Mist responded.
"Only one thousand humans. You weren't kidding when you said humans were rare," I said, looking at Twilight.
"I'm never wrong about my facts. You make one-thousand-one," Twilight said with a bit of pride in her voice.
We continued to walk towards the ever-enlarging castle. I looked to my left to look at Thistle's Thorn to try to remember where I had seen her from. Looking her over, I did not see anything that looked out of the ordinary until I landed on her right wing. The feathers looked slightly bent while the wing was not fully touching her side, like what you would see with a normal pegasus.
As I continued to look at the wing, I realized who I was staring at. This was one of the guards that had been chasing me when I first got here. She was the one who got injured when I threw the maid, saving her life. She was the one who tried to save me as I started to fall from the mountain. And now she wasn't saying anything of that matter as she escorted Twilight and me towards the castle.
"Small world," I whispered to myself.
"What was that?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing, just talking to myself," I responded.
We walked for a few minutes before finally arriving at the castle gate. As we approached, the gate opened, allowing us to walk through before closing behind us. Continuing, we made our way past multiple guards, who all looked at me with side eyes as we made our way to the castle door. Two guards held the door open as we approached the castle doors, allowing us to enter.
"Thank you," Twilight said as she walked inside.
"Thanks," I said as I entered the castle.
Looking around, the castle looked very much the same as it had been when I had been running around the hallways. However, now I would have the opportunity to actually look at the décor as Battleborn started to lead the way again.
"Almost there, you two," Battleborn said.
As we continued to walk, Twilight whispered to me, "Are you nervous?"
I gulped my fear before looking at her and responding, "A little bit. I am meeting a ruler, after all."
"Well, when you meet her, make sure to give her as much respect as you can. Oh, and make sure to bow when you first see her," Twilight whispered.
"Okay," I whispered back.
With every step we took, the pit in my stomach grew more and more with each step. The hallways seemed to be full of guards, all giving me funny looks, but it was not long before we finally made it to a very long hallway with a very large door in the middle. Battleborn stepped to the side, nodding at both Hidden Mist and Thistle's Thorn.
"we're here. You two stay out here. I'll notify the princess," Battleborn said as he cracked the door before walking inside.
I stood there nervously when Twilight walked up to my side before speaking, "Remember, Jack, take deep breaths and show respect. She is a nice pony, so you don't have to worry."
"Thanks, Twilight," I said as Battleborn stepped out of the doors.
"She is ready to see you two," Battleborn said as he stepped out of the way of the door.
"Ready?" Twilight asked.
Letting out a sigh, I responded, "Ready."