//------------------------------// // Chapter 15: A Royal Friendship // Story: Lunar Apprehension // by Vypor //------------------------------// Luna braced her hooves, if Celestia had raged merely because of seeing this stallion, then he must be a wanted criminal. “Who art thou?” She demanded. “Speak now, before I lose my patience.” She drew out her stare as the Unicorn simply bowed again. “To cause strife is not my intention, m'lady.” Luna was rather taken aback by his calm formality. Criminals didn't normally act like that. “Well... Then speak, what IS your intention?” The stallion stood up again, looking her in the eyes. “To help you, of course.” The two ponies watched each others eyes for a few moments. Luna was first to break the silence. “Cease your cryptic messages. Who are you, and why thus did you really call me here?” The pony cleared his throat. “My name, is Tsyreim. And I called you hither, on account of the previous night's rather... Unkempt sky.” Luna blushed, not sure what to say now that she actually did find somepony who had payed attention. “I see not what thou intends to do for me. As the stars are naught your concern.” Tsyreim looked toward the sky, issuing his reply. “On the contrary, your highness. The sky is the business of everypony whom travels by way of the alignment of the heavenly bodies.” Looking back at her, he smiled. “Do not the sailors use the sky as their guide? Such things are indeed their business, as it affects their very livelihood.” Luna opened her mouth to speak, but could not find anything to say in return. Who was this pony? He acted as if he knew her. “While thou may have disclosed thy name, I still do not know whom you really are. Nor how thou knowest me.” Tsyreim chuckled. “And no doubt, you seek knowledge of how I came to leave the note within your room. My apologies beforehand for such an intrusion, but I saw no other way by which to contact you.” “I know how you arrived.” Luna replied. “Anypony with the Prequestrian capabilities would be thus able to do so.” “Right you are.” Tsyreim smiled. “You yourself are no stranger to the ancient dialect as well, I'm quite sure of that. Or else you would not be here.” Luna pulled the note out of her bag and set it before him. “Indeed. So then explain this. What would you honestly intend to help me with? Raising the moon? Aligning the stars? Am I not good enough for you?” She sneered slightly, assuming him to be mostly unaware of her inner turmoil. “Nonsense.” Tsyreim shook his head. “For I was not born to do such things. To manipulate the heavenly bodies is beyond my capabilities. What I can offer however, is something that perhaps you seek more even than the privilege of setting the sky.” Luna blinked. “What are you saying?” “Friendship.” Tsyreim simply said, looking back out to the sky. “I know why the sky was awry the night before. I even remember when the sky was in such a similar condition not but a thousand years ago.” Luna took a step back in surprise. “Impossible... Thou are not of such an age.” Tsyreim turned to her. “And why not? No pony even remembers that there was a Prequestrian language at all by this day and age. All traces have seemingly disappeared from history, apart from the personal library of Celestia no doubt. So who then would teach me such things?” “Perhaps it could have been my very sister.” Luna eyed him. “What then art thou? A rogue student? She recognized you, that much is clear.” Tsyreim laughed. “By her mane, no. Though, I do wish she would not be so rash as to pursue me on sight.” “On that same note.” Luna raised her hoof. “Why doth my sister pursue you?” Tsyreim looked at the floor and shook his head. “I grow tired of answering this question, but I can spare another tale.” Looking up at her, he sighed. “I don't know. In all truth, and as surely as I breath, I know not why your sister despises me so. It is for that reason I have hidden away all my life, for fear of whatever drives her to rage at the very sight of me.” Luna's gaze fell, her mind running through several possibilities. None of them really had any real substance however. “If say, thou art speaking the truth, then what is your conclusion upon the subject?” Tsyreim shrugged. “Again, I know not. I had never spoken a word to her, yet the first gaze upon me reflected murder.” “That does not sound like the Tia I know...” Luna hesitated, still looking at the Unicorn before her. “Yet you saw it when you finally returned, did you not?” Tsyreim pointed out. “That is true.” Luna contemplated, looking up at him. She stared into his eyes, studying him for a moment. “I do not doubt my sister often, especially when the one casting doubt upon her is presumed to be a criminal. But you, you are not like a criminal. Thou speaks the truth.” The Princess kept her eyes on him as she continued. “If thou art indeed innocent, then I would certainly want to clear your name. So I would have to ask information of my sister, and I cannot guarantee that her information will be easy to swallow.” “I would accept any assistance you would willingly render to my cause.” Tsyreim bowed thankfully. “What if I required payment?” Luna stood tall, she was not one accustomed to doing favors for nothing. Tsyreim chuckled as he brushed the dust on the floor. “What is there to give to the princess that already has everything?” His eyes raised and met hers. “Everything, but something so simple, that even the youngest foal enjoys.” Luna set her jaw, trying to keep her royal stance straight. If not but out of instinct. “Might I propose a friendship?” Tsyreim tilted his head in question. “You lack ponies who would willingly ask such a thing of you, yet it's quite clear that you want friends. You envy those who have what you do not.” Luna stomped her hoof to stop him. “What manner of talk is this? Are you simply trying to undermine my emotions for your gain?” Tsyreim shook his head slowly. “That, my Princess, is something a criminal would do. But the eye of experience sees in others, what it has already witnessed. I am simply offering my friendship. Ears to listen, if you will.” He watched the moon princess. She visibly swallowed, obviously hesitant. No doubt a lot was running through her mind right now. Tsyreim held up his hoof. “Nor did I say you must make a decision now. If it makes you more comfortable, then think it over tomorrow. I shall be here again tomorrow night.” Luna motioned for him to stop. “Why? This is all I desire to know right now. Why would thou do this for me? To risk thine life, in multiple events, simply to ask myself a question, that may not even be answered how you hope.” Tsyreim smiled. “I'm not trying to force you into any position you do not want to be in.” He chuckled slightly. “I suppose in light of the events today, I could be considered a bit... Mad in the head. But in all truth, I simply do not want what happened a thousand years ago to repeat itself. I refuse to allow that to happen. It is why I risked my life infiltrating Canterlot. A thousand years is a very, very long time. I know this from personal experience. And would never forgive myself if you were ever banished again.” “You don't even know me.” Luna grumbled. “Perhaps not...” Tsyreim shrugged. “However, I wanted to bring you a small bit of appreciation, even if it were just myself. Having a citizen thank you for a deed that you feel goes unnoticed, can make all the difference in the world, as I'm sure you've come to realize tonight.” The Princess nodded her head faintly. “Thou speakest the truth...” “I am not the only one, Miss Luna.” Tsyreim continued. “There are more ponies that appreciate your work than you realize.” “How come they never show it?” She frowned. “Answer me that, Tsyreim.” “Does the farmer thank the ground that bears their crops?” Tsyreim caught her off guard. “Not often, no. For it is something that is there, it is everyday. It is a necessity, so often they do not thank anything for it, because it is tradition that it be there.” “And thus so are the stars...” Luna muttered under her breath. Her head rose, and she saw a smile cross Tsyreim's mouth. He was a strange one, mysterious, but wise. He knew much, and could be a very valuable friend. She was still hesitant though, how much did he truly know? The wise ones were always the most tricky, could he be trusted? Luna was torn in conflict over it. She wanted a friend desperately, and there one waited just before her. But her cautious side told her to wait. Tsyreim saw she was deep in thought, and directed his gaze elsewhere so she wouldn't have to worry about him staring her down. He desperately wanted her to accept his friendship. But knew if she felt forced, it would never happen. “You are having trouble deciding.” He spoke. “Again, I would advise you think it over tomorrow and return when you've made your decision.” Luna let out a silent sigh of relief as he made the choice for her. At least she could still change her mind if she wasn't comfortable with it. “Very well then, citizen. I will consider it. But know that I do not tolerate shenanigans. If thou attempts to influence me in any way, then you shall find yourself dealing with Celestia.” Tsyreim bowed. “Understood, m'lady. Then I shall await you here tomorrow.” He walked past her, heading for the staircase back below. Luna turned, watching him leave, speaking a single word. “Tilecess.” Tsyreim smiled back, repeating the word to her before heading down the steps. Curiosity made her want to follow him, but out of respect for him, she decided against it. If he had gone to all that trouble simply to meet her, then he was a pony of his word. He would be here tomorrow night for sure. The Night Princess looked around the ruined hall. So many memories here, now she had another to add to them. Would there be more to come perhaps? Time would only tell. Her wings spread wide, and with a hop, and a powerful flap, Luna flew from the old palace, arcing back around toward Canterlot. And she felt, strangely happy. Could things finally be looking up for her? Hopefully so, as it would be a most welcome change. - - - Tsyreim watched from the trees as the figure faded into the sky. He too hoped that things were looking up. Luna needed it, she needed more than just a single sister to speak to. He turned and trotted back toward home, and once within range, it didn't take long for Gem to notice. “Tsy? Is that you?” Her voice flowed into his mind. He smiled. “Indeed it is, mother.” “Oh thank Celestia, I was worried sick all day over this task you ran off to do. Please tell me it went well.” Tsyreim approached the cave, chuckling. “It went more than well. I got it, and out without attracting attention. And Luna read the note, she arrived where I requested, and we spoke.” “And? What then?” Gem probed. “She hasn't fully accepted my friendship.” Tsyreim shrugged slowly. “However, it was not hard to interpret her desire to do so. I told her to simply think it over, and return tomorrow night to make her decision.” “So you think she will accept?” Gem asked him. “If I were to predict, then yes. I'm quite sure she wanted to tonight, but she's cautious, and I'm positive that was what was holding her back.” “Then here's hoping to tomorrow.” Gem sighed. “I however, am simply grateful that you are unscathed.” “Nonsense.” Tsyreim smiled, stepping into the pool. “It would require more than a few guards and seemingly endless drops from the cliffside towers of Canterlot to halt me.” There was a pause as Tsyreim began washing up, till Gem broke the silence. “You, are learning the flight spell. I don't care what you say. You are going, to learn, the flight spell.” Tsyreim simply began laughing. “Oh dear mother, how fretful you are.” - - - - - - - The next morning, Canterlot Palace - - - - - - - Luna awoke as usual, concentrating on the moon, she began to lower it, At the same time, light began to filter over the opposite horizon. Celestia was raising the sun once more. Luna however didn't seem to mind today. It was a new day, and she was still thinking about the night before. About that strange stallion, Tsyreim. He was quite knowledgeable, and had she not been so cautious, Luna would have accepted his friendship then and there. In light of his request, she didn't seem to care about lowering the moon, aside from that nagging voice in her head. That was what was bothering her the most. Ever since she had met him, the voice would force itself back into her mind, telling her to stay away from him. Luna eventually realized that it wasn't her conscience, it was her envy. Something about Tsyreim made it fear him. And that was reason enough for her to want to keep meeting him. She understood the dangers of letting her envy start taking a foothold in her conscience. The night Princess walked out on her balcony, ready to have her morning flight, when she heard wing-beats. Looking up, she stepped aside as her sister, Celestia set down on the balcony next to her. “Sister.” Luna acknowledged her. Celestia sighed and tapped the floor. “Luna... I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I've just been so. Well...” “...Frustrated.” Luna finished her sentence, staring out at the sunrise. “I understand, sister.” Celestia walked next to the younger. “I just want you to feel more welcome. You're always hiding away.” “That is because your citizens choose to fear, rather than respect.” Luna rolled her eyes. “OUR, citizens.” Celestia turned to her sister. “Luna, we are Princesses, TOGETHER. It's not just me, give it time, they'll warm up to you.” “Perhaps.” Luna looked away. The two sat awkwardly on the balcony, till Luna once again turned to her sister. “Tia, tell me. Who was that pony whom you pursued at the old palace?” Celestia's mouth curved down into a frown. “You shouldn't ask such questions.” “I have a right to know.” Luna stood her ground. “What did he do that broods such anger within you?” Celestia turned slowly to her sister. “I would have thought you would know.” The younger raised a brow. “And how would that be? I've never seen the stallion in my life.” Celestia watched her sister. Her expression reflected sternness, but also confusion. Luna tried to pry further, but Celestia seemed to be locking away the true reason she was so hostile. The Night Princess finally just gave up. “Very well then, sister. Forget I ever inquired.” Without any further words, she leapt off the balcony and glided away. Celestia's neck drooped. Why didn't she tell Luna? As she began to contemplate it, she realized that to accuse her sister of conspiring with a pony she had never seen till the end seemed rather silly. But it had to be him. Who else was there besides the guards? Luna WAS talking to someone, surely that stallion was the one. ...Right? Flustered, Celestia trod back to her room, unable to even solidify her unspoken claims with herself. - - - - - - - Two hours later, Ponyville Market - - - - - - - Tsyreim strode into town calmly. After last night, he felt excited, and far more hopeful than ever before. Perhaps the events had been set in motion for him to finally clear his name. He trotted towards Applejack's stand, where she was helping load up a bag of apples for an elder pony. “A good morning to you, Honesty.” He greeted her. Applejack sighed and turned to him. “Ya know, ya can call my Applejack. It don't feel as... Foreign.” Tsyreim simply chuckled, leaning against the stand. “This I am well-aware of. Perhaps you have not considered that I was simply being facetious.” Applejack stared. “I'll take it ya mean you were joking.” “Quite.” The Unicorn replied, walking to the stand, breathing in the aroma of fresh apples. “Good produce today. And while on that same subject, I believe I am overdue with rendering my assistance on your farm.” AJ grinned. “So finally ready to give Big Mac a hoof, eh?” “That, I am.” Tsyreim bowed. “Doth he require my assistance today?” “Mmm... Lemme think here.” Applejack tapped her chin, pondering. “Most of the harvestin' has been done already, but there's still a few trees that need buckin'. After that, there's always some order that needs loadin' on the cart.” “Lifting work is it then?” Tsyreim smiled. “Count myself in, Sir Macintosh and I shall have it done in no time at all.” “Sir, Macintosh?” AJ stifled a giggle. “Uh-huh... Right. Well, just follow me then. Ah can leave the stand fer a bit so to show ya'll round the farm.” She closed up her stand and motioned for Tsyreim to follow. The two ponies trotted along the path out of the market. “Ah'll introduce ya to the family when we get there.” Applejack told him. “There's only four of us there, but we can take care of the farm just fine.” Tsyreim looked about as they traveled, and once he came over a hill, he saw the rolling fields of apple trees below. “Goodness, that is quite the harvest.” “Oh you know it is.” AJ nodded. “Big Mac and I have to work near nonstop to finish it all on time.” They traveled through the neatly planted rows of trees, a large red barn and quaint little house sat next to each other in the middle of the fields. “That there's the Apple Family Farm.” Applejack said with a tinge of pride. “I like it.” Tsyreim smiled. “Homely. And not drowned in a bizarre range of colors.” Applejack laughed. “Not particular to the town?” Tsyreim shrugged, plodding along the hardened earth of the path with her. “While I don't mind it, sometimes it can be a bit much. This here simply feels more natural.” “Natural is what we here specialize in. Natural food, natural livin'.” AJ grinned, turning her head toward the barn, she saw a hay bale fall into a cart. “Ah, this way. He's up at th' barn.” They soon arrived at the barn, and Tsyreim looked up to see a large well-built red stallion heaving hay bales around. The stallion paused for a moment, wiping some sweat from his brow as he took notice of the visitors. Applejack waved toward Tsy. “Remember that new stallion I told ya was causing all that commotion in town?” Big Mac simply nodded. “Eyup.” “Well this is him, name's uhh... Tsyreim was it?” She raised an eye. “That is correct.” Tsyreim affirmed. “But I suppose I'll also answer to Tsy, Tsyreim, and oh yes... Stallion-that-causes-commotions. If that be what I am known for.” He couldn't help but grin. Applejack rolled her eyes. “Well I reckon I should get back to my stand. Big Mac can fill you in on what needs done. Ah got customers waitin'.” She waved and trotted off back down the path. Tsyreim watched her go, then looked back up to the farm stallion. A long tuft of hay hung off at an angle from the corner of his mouth, it waved slowly as he chewed thoughtfully. “While ah don't really need help t'day. Ah know my sis would get all up in my mane if ah were to turn ya'll down.” Big Mac huffed with a smile. “So welcome to the Apple Family Farm. A'll see what ya can do 'round here.” Tsyreim pointed to the cart. “Do you require assistance loading up your goods? I am no stranger to heavy lifting, if that is indeed what this is considered.” “Welp...” Big Mac chewed again. “Wouldn't hurt. Come on over to th' back, there's a staircase ye ca-err...” He blinked as Tsyreim leapt into the air, casting a spell that bounced him further upwards, landing on the side of the haystack opposite to the red stallion. “Yer a showy one ain't ya?” Mac chuckled. “Only when I so wish to be.” Tsyreim bowed, taking a glance at the hay. “Now then, shall we?” “We shall.” Mac nodded. Between both stallion's brawn and Tsyreim's magic, the cart was loaded and ready within five minutes. Macintosh looked back at Tsyreim, who apparently felt compelled to organize the stack in whatever he saw to be the most efficient and stable pile he could make. Tsy turned his head to see the large red stallion simply blinking. “I should probably cease my arranging of what is inevitably going to end up being a messy pile shouldn't I?” “Eyup.” Mac said, chewing on a long strand of hay. “Ah should get this delivered now. Ya'll can head back into town if you like. Ain't much else t' be done here.” “That's it?” Tsyreim raised his brow. “All I assisted with, was simply loading a cart? Are you quite sure there's nothing else to be done?” “Eyup.” Mac replied again, still slowly chewing the strand of hay. “Well... I suppose I'll simply accompany you back to town then.” Tsyreim shook his head, trotting out of the barn as Big Mac began lurching it forward. “Ya know, most ponies would be mighty appreciative of not having to work as much.” Macintosh grunted, pulling the cart to a steady pace. “Then allow me to clarify something for you wit ha question.” Tsyreim smiled knowingly. “Do I appear to be most ponies?” A simple chuckle was all he needed to hear for an answer, as the red stallion shook his head. “Nope. Not at all.” The wheels creaked with the slow steady movement of Big Mac, the haystack bumping in a slow settling manner from the road. Being as neither of the stallions were very talkative, the trip was mostly silent. Tsyreim listened to the steady clop of their hooves on the hard earth, and the occasional metal tink when he stepped on a stone. Finally after awhile, and many metal clunks from Tsy's hoofguards, Macintosh looked down at the black pony's hooves and grunted. “Ya already got hooves, so what'r those for? Why ya need a horseshoe that covers your whole hoof?” Tsyreim chuckled. “That question was inevitable I suppose. But to answer it, they're more than simply for aesthetically pleasing reasons, or even for protection. I have inscribed enchantments into each set of hoofguards that I have made, that slightly enhance my abilities, based upon what I have chosen to enchant them with.” “So they're uhh, magical shoes.” Mac chuckled. Tsyreim couldn't resist a grin. “Very true. Magical shoes indeed.” “Kinda reminds me of some necklace thing Granny Smith goes on about.” Big Mac continued. “Said it was enchanted too or something like that. Been passed on down from pony to pony for Celestia knows how long.” Tsyreim looked at the red stallion curiously. “Really? Sounds very... intriguing. And yet familiar at the same time. I would like to examine it sometime if that's fine by you.” “Well good luck to ya.” Mac shrugged, adjusting the cart's yoke. “You'd have to talk to Granny about that one. She never lets a pony even touch it. Guess she's afraid they'll break it.” He had to chuckle again. “Break a necklace that grants strength... Hehe.” Tsyreim kept trotting, the prospect of another bit of jewelry that was enchanted seemed unusual. Enchanting such things was not a skill most ponies were really aware of. Or even thought possible. But magic is still magic, it's supposed to do things you wouldn't expect. Ponyville came into sight, and Tsyreim's mind was immediately distracted from the Apple Family amulet by the sound of young foals laughing and prancing around the edge of the road. He turned and looked just as the sound died down, and saw a host of little faces, their curious eyes watching him intently from what they probably thought was a hidden spot in some tall grass. Tsy waved to them with a smile, and they immediately retreated, giggling further into the grass. “Ah think they like ya.” Mac spit out his well-chewed strand of hay, pulling a new one out of the stack. “Nay, tis more a matter of curiosity than anything else.” Tsyreim looked ahead again. “Any pony that the young have heard rumors of will always draw their unwavering interest.” “Rumors? Ya'll think rumors been spreading about ya?” Mac glanced back. “Is that even a question you think is appropriate here?” Tsyreim replied, giving his own stare. “A pony wanted by Princess Celestia herself, somehow granted temporary secrecy by the mayor of Ponyville. Is capable of calming dragons with an unknown language, and impressive magical capabilities. That's not a pony for rumors to be spread about at all.” “Charming feller ain't ya?” Mac shook his head. “Well I reckon this is where we part ways. I'll go ahead and take this load to the barns. Ya can go wherever ya want I s'pose.” Tsyreim nodded and looked around. “I thank you for your accompaniment. Farewell Sir Macintosh.” Turning away, he heard a stifled laugh. “What, does nopony utilize 'sir' in these times anymore?” Being as he didn't have much else to do, Tsyreim meandered about Ponyville, checking on the storage barns he helped build. By now they were completed, and he felt a degree of satisfaction seeing that his handiwork was so fruitful. Remembering the work for the job, his stomach rumbled. And fortunately for him, he still had some of the money from his reward for the work. He turned and trotted back towards the marketplace, contemplating what he felt like having this time around. - - - - - - - Around the same time, Canterlot Palace - - - - - - - A dulled clank met Luna's hooffall on the old tiled floor of the palace. She paced about the library, glancing over the shelves for certain books. She was in a very antiquated section, the texts reaching clear back a thousand years. A small pair of reading glasses graced her muzzle as the Princesses eyes skimmed the pages. She had looked through so many books that day, she had trouble recalling them all. Yet none of which had any reference to this mysterious 'Tsyreim'. Who was he? What history did he have? Hearing somepony else entering the Library, she raised her eyes to see the golden ceremonial armor and flowing mane of her sister. “May I assist you in some way, Tia?” She spoke, clearly surprising the Sun Princess with her presence. “Luna dear, you frightened me. What are you doing down here?” Celestia looked down the hallway, her face showed much confusion as she recognized the section that her sister sat amidst. “And more importantly, why a section so old?” Luna closed the book and looked down at the old worn cover. “Searching for information withheld by my own sister of course.” Celestia ground her teeth together at the retort. “I didn't tell you for your own safety...” “Then tell me sister, what harm is there in such information?” Luna took off the glasses, looking back up at the overly concerned Alicorn. “The harm that may arise from an event we should all forget.” Celestia glared. “I care about you very much Luna, I'm afraid telling you of it will only brood the same strife that drove us apart before.” Luna calmly slid the book back into it's place, a soft puff of dust fell off the shelf. “How he is related to that event I do not know. But you keeping it a secret will surely only make accepting your claims of protection all the more difficult to swallow.” The dark blue Alicorn stood up again, looking into her sister's eyes as she walked out of the library. She had made her decision. She would accept Tsyreim's request, if nothing more than for piecing the puzzle of who he was back together again. If her sister would not tell her, then she would just have to find out on her own. She looked out the window, and sighed as she noted the sun still high in the sky. This time she longed for night again, but for an entirely different reason than usual. - - - - - - - Several hours later, Ponyville Market - - - - - - - Tsyreim sat by Applejack's stand, the farmpony educating him on the finer points of apple cultivation. Tsy however seemed more interested by the fact that ponies didn't seem to watch him with a fear of sorts as much. Turning to the orange mare, he motioned for her to stop. “I'm sorry to interrupt you, Miss Applejack. But may I pose an inquiry?” She blinked a few times. “Ask a question?” “Essentially, yes.” He nodded. “Sure, ah'm always willin' to listen.” She shrugged, leaning to the side expectantly. Tsyreim looked down at the ground, his jaw shifting slightly as he contemplated how to word it. “Do you... Fear me?” Applejack raised an eye. “Well... What d'ya mean?” Tsyreim turned to her. “Do you consider me, as dangerous? After all, for the most part ponies tend to fear me in regards to Princess Celestia's apparent hatred of me.” Applejack shook her head. “Now look here sugarcube, ah don't know what it is that th' Princess has against ya'll, but I've seen you. Ah've seen that you can be kind, and a hard worker.” She pauses and thinks a bit. “Now I don't really understand all yer weird magic mumbo-jumbo, This weird language stuff you spit out. Ah won't even try to figure it out if not even Twilight knows.” She looks up at him and shakes her head. “You may have the potential t'be dangerous. But you choose not to be. And ah respect that.” Tsyreim smiled warmly. “It calms me to know you feel that way.” He turned his head slightly and watched a mare and her foal picking out various fruits at another stand. “All my life I've hid away from everything for fear of Celestia. To know that some would give me such a chance and look beyond the blind views of their leader to see the truth means more to me than I think you could understand.” Applejack simply nodded slowly. “Ah wish Celestia could see you as we do. Whatever reason she's got against ya has to be a misunderstandin'.” Tsyreim looked up at the sky. “Hmm... Dusk is approaching. I should be on my way.” Applejack stopped him. “What's the hurry sugarcube?” You got a date or somethin'?” The stallion blinked. “What is this 'date' of which you speak?” Applejack chuckled. “Well alright, ah guess I forgot ya aren't really... Socially educated are ya?” “Not particularly.” Tsyreim replied. “Well a date is where a mare and a stallion go out and have a night where they have dinner or something, and get to know each other.” AJ explained. Tsy shrugged. “A 'date' huh? I thought that was simply the expression of a particular time of the year.” Waving to her, he began trotting off. “Sounds close enough, except for the dinner part I suppose.” Applejack shook her head, watching him go. “Without the dinner part...” She froze. “Wait a cotton-pickin' minute! Did he just say he had a date?” - - - - - - - One hour later, Everfree Forest - - - - - - - Tsyreim trotted through the darkened wood. Everything had a faint orange glow from the small bit of setting sunlight filtering in through the thick trees. Tsyreim liked this time of day. In fact, regular daytime seemed to be his least favorite. He contemplated that fact as the top of the old palace came slowly into view. Surely this conflict with Celestia didn't have anything to do with it did it? He found that he often had to fight his own confliction over the Sun Princess simply because of her seemingly irrational hatred of him. He strolled inside, examining the floor as he did so. It would appear there were no new hoofprints in the dust on the floor. But he couldn't be entirely sure. Regardless of whether he wanted to trust Luna, he still had to compensate for the fact that she may have informed Celestia out of concern about him. And no doubt there would be a trap in waiting. He trotted along calmly, though keeping tense in case a trap was to be sprung. He hadn't lived this long in the forest by frolicking along without a care in the world, that's for sure. Tsyreim looked around the main palace as he strolled in, dimly lit through the broken stained glass windows. He moved to the center of the room and calmly sat down, looking out one of the windows toward the faint outline of Canterlot in the distance. Now had begun the waiting game. A half hour passed as Tsyreim resorted to drawing different runes in the dust to entertain himself. He had to account for the fact that perhaps Luna would not accept his request. And he only hoped that she would respect his desire for secrecy. But however, none of it was guaranteed. If she saw fit to report him in the name of Equestria's security, then she would do so. His ears perked up and he raised his head, taking a look around. His mouth curved into a smile as he saw the familiar blue flowing mane sparkling in the rafters. “Dleerubdf, your highness. So you have returned.” The Alicorn glided down from the rafters, landing softly on the floor. “I have indeed.” She took a look down at the runes in the dust. “Thou hast been here awhile have you not?” Tsyreim shrugged. “Time is irrelevant at this point. It was not a worry. I would have waited longer had the need to do so arisen.” “Touching.” The Princess turned back to him. “I will presume that your arrival brings news of your decision on my proposal?” Tsyreim tilted his head. “I have indeed.” Luna walked closer. “Celestia would not see fit to answer any of my questions regarding you. Which most intrigues me, as clearly she is attempting to hide something. Therefore, I will have to piece it together with you instead.” “I did not ask you to solve this mystery for me.” Tsyreim shook his head. Luna raised her hoof. “Nevertheless, I do not see you as a particular threat. And feel compelled to find out why she harbors such adverse feelings toward you.” “And?” Tsyreim raised his own hoof. Luna shuffled slightly. “And you posed a most tempting offer, of which you were entirely correct in assuming.” “You want a friend.” He smiled. “Indeed.” She raised her eyes. “I shall accept thine offer. In return for assisting you with your conflict regarding my sister.” Tsy had to chuckle. “It was my impression that a friendship is not such a business investment, but rather, unconditional. As my other friends have taught me.” She raised a brow. “thou hast made friends amongst the subjects?” “That I have, among the most seemingly unlikely subjects as well.” Tsyreim had to chuckle. “They trust me, and well. Never having had friends before, it means a great deal to me.” “Why then doth you seek my friendship if you already possess friends?” Luna watches him. Tsyreim stared right back as he made his response. “Because in you, I saw something I myself have witnessed. Something I have experienced. The longing of friendship. And despite how many would offer their friendship to you simply for their own gain. And others who would but do not for their great fear and respect for you...” “...Fear, mostly.” Luna sighs. Tsyreim continued. “Regardless what the reason is. I recognize that sometimes, it simply requires one bold enough to step forward and just initiate it.” “And bold thou are.” Luna smiles slowly. “Infiltration of the Royal Palace simply to leave a note when I could very well be home. Thou rarely witnesses one so bold as that.” “The word stubborn comes to mind more than anything.” Tsyreim chuckled. “My mother did not approve of my doing this.” “Your mother still lives as well?” Luna stopped him. “Technically speaking... No, she does not.” Tsyreim lowered his gaze. “But as a guiding voice, she is my wisdom.” “So I see...” Luna paused. “Nevertheless, you may count me among your, 'friends' now. I suppose we should find something to do that friends do then.” Tsyreim chuckled. “From what I have learned in my few dealings, is that friendship isn't some sort of event. But rather just hanging out, doing things that you both enjoy.” “Such as?” Tsyreim raised a hoof to his chin for a moment, a grin beginning to cross his face. “Tell me Luna, are you fond of races?”