The interior of the restaurant was pleasantly cooler than the sun-heated outside world. The interior was vaguely similar to what one might have seen upon entering a cafe back home. Adrian admired the familiarity of the structure as he cast his gaze about for the particular ponies he was looking for. Windows were spread throughout the place, to provide light and a view, as were a few small booths and tables. Of course, everything was miniaturized in order to accommodate this world's smaller residents, but that was to be expected. The place was certainly a cozy, little eatery.
The general chatter that had been floating through the air transitioned into muffled murmurs as his presence was noticed. He wasn't singularly surprised. His height made him stand out in a rather unfortunate manner, as it had in the market. He did his best to appear at ease while ignoring the shielded words of his “admirers”.
His height actually served to his advantage as he easily spotted Fluttershy with an unfamiliar pony. The unidentified individual was doubtless to be Rarity. She bore a white coat with a stylised, purple mane and tail. She, like so many others, was watching him curiously. He noticed the sharp blue of her eyes as he briefly returned her gaze.
Adrian lifted a brow as a server approached him. “Hello… Would you, er, like a seat?”
Evidently, word had spread that he was no mere animal. While the attempt at acting courteous and natural was flawed, Adrian did appreciate the effort that the poor server was going through.
Adrian gently smiled at the poor pony before him. “Thank you, but I've come to meet a friend who just so happens to be sitting over there.” With a gesture he indicated the table at which Fluttershy and Rarity were seated.
The server almost completely hid his surprise, but Adrian was a perceptive fellow. “Ah, one moment then, if you would be so kind. I just need to ask them if they, er...”
“Want me there?” Adrian chuckled at the server's discomfort.
“Yes. Thank you for understanding.” To his credit, the server was taking this all in stride as best he could.
Adrian patiently waited as the pony walked to their table before briefly conversing with them in hushed tones. After a brief moment, the serving pony waved him over with a foreleg. Adrian did not hesitate at the invitation. The ponies gradually returned to their own conversations as his novelty wore off. He clearly wasn't about to do anything particularly exciting or dangerous.
Rarity put on a smile as he finally got close to the table.“Ah, so you are the peculiar individual that dear Fluttershy has spoken so highly of. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Adrian could almost feel the propriety in her voice as she spoke. Her manner of speaking betrayed the eloquence of one familiar with the styling of an upper class. “The pleasure is mine. I'm relieved to hear that I have made a good impression thus far. If all goes well, then that trend will continue.”
Fluttershy seemed pleased that he and Rarity were getting along well right off the bat. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot that you're getting to meet my friends before you go.”
Adrian smiled winningly as he said, “Ah, it would not become me to deny the only request given by such a gracious hostess.” With that said, he took a seat next to the table. It was a little small, but not particularly uncomfortable.
Adrian noticed that Rarity's eyes clearly held a certain something or other. He could almost feel her evaluating his bearing and manner of speech. He hoped he was behaving satisfactorily. Doubtless, she at least had some appreciation for his own semi-formal wordings.
Rarity seemed to suddenly relax, as though coming to some unknown conclusion. “Well, I'm certainly relieved that you were raised with good manners. If only more of the natural inhabitants of this world were more like yourself.”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Oh yes, Adrian is very well behaved. Even my animal friends realised it after a little while.”
Adrian grinned. “My ego can scarcely take anymore stroking, so let's turn the limelight on another.” He gestured towards Rarity. “What do you do for a living, Rarity?”
She beamed winningly. “I just so happen to be the finest seamstress and fashionista in all of Ponyville. Speaking of, your garments are beyond fascinating.” She had clearly been examining what he was wearing as he approached the table earlier. “The precision of the stitching and the design suggest masterful work. Though, that seems only fitting for one who was so clearly brought up around high culture.”
Adrian was about to respond when Fluttershy, unexpectedly, beat him to it. “Adrian said that he was raised in a rural place. He didn't grow up in a fancy city.”
Rarity seemed taken aback. “Oh, pardon me. I did not mean to presume anything about your upbringing.”
Adrian waved it off nonchalantly. “Don't fret. I'm very difficult to offend.”
Rarity let out a small sigh of relief. “It seems my own manners are poor at the moment.”
Fluttershy reassured her with a touch. “Adrian is very nice and understanding. I'm sure he doesn't mind at all. Isn't that right?” She turned her eyes towards him.
He dipped his head. “Of course not. I'm simply glad you didn't look on me with horror, disgust, or disdain when you first saw me.”
Rarity seemed further relieved. “I will admit that your height was rather intimidating at first. Fluttershy's description of you as a 'gentle giant' was exceedingly accurate.”
Fluttershy reddened before seeming to notice something behind Adrian's back. “I wonder what's going on out there?”
Adrian turned his head to see armoured ponies wandering through the streets in pairs. Strangely enough, they all bore blue manes and coats of white or grey. Their armour was golden in colour and fit each pony well. These were clearly trained, outfitted soldiers or guards.
Rarity piped up with an answer. “How odd. It would seem that the royal guard are here in Ponyville. I do wonder what they're here for.”
Adrian had his suspicions but sought confirmation. “I take it these royal guards are in service to the alicorn sisters.”
“Indeed,” Rarity seemed more than happy to answer, “they protect the Princesses and anyone important to them. It is most curious that they would be here without the sisters.”
Adrian had a creeping suspicion as to the reason for their presence. He sincerely hoped his instincts were wrong for once. This had never happened before, but there was certainly a first time for everything.
One of the guards noticed Adrian and casually motioned towards him with a tilt of the head. A little too casually for Adrian's taste. His partner briefly glanced at Adrian before nigh imperceptibly nodding. Adrian tensed for the briefest moment, but the two of them proceeded on their way without further incident or acknowledgment. Maybe this was the day after all.
“...alright, Adrian?”
Fluttershy's partially heard inquiry snapped Adrian's focus back to the two ponies at hand. The server was back with a pad and quill in his possession. He had clearly taken orders and was awaiting Adrian's. “I'm fine with just water. Thank you.”
“As you will.” He scribbled something down before dipping his head and leaving.
Fluttershy still seemed concerned. The look in her eyes was utterly unmistakable. Rarity seemed rather curious as well.
Adrian gave the pair a reassuring smile. “Sorry about that. I was just distracted by their armour. My apologies.”
Rarity seemed to buy his excuse, but Fluttershy still betrayed a certain degree of uncertainty. “Are you sure? You were awfully focused on them, and you tensed up for a little bit.”
Adrian was partially disturbed that she had noticed such a subtle change in his bearing so quickly. He was about to respond when he felt a peculiar tingling sensation all over his skin. Adrian startled, but it faded just as quickly as it started.
“Are you quite alright, dear? You seem fidgety. Is something making you uncomfortable?” Rarity's voice held a note of concern.
Adrian was touched that a being he had just met was already concerned with his well being. “Don't fret. It was just a weird sensation. Nothing to fret over.”
Neither of them seemed singularly convinced. Adrian was about to try to reassure them again when he suddenly got the sense that something wasn't right. He felt like something was coming. Something potentially dangerous.
Fluttershy's eyes widened for the briefest moment and a look of shock appeared on Rarity's face. It didn't take a genius to realise that something was going on behind him, yet again. He now understood why some people liked to sit with their back to a wall and their face directed towards an entrance. He turned completely around in his chair. The sight before him was interesting, to say the least. More guards had appeared and were flanking a rather large pony just outside the entrance to the Cornerstone Cafe. In fact, this particular individual was nigh upon the size of an actual horse. Based on the presence of large wings and a horn, he presumed that this was one of the alicorn sisters. With her white coat, golden adornments, and flowing rainbow mane, he highly doubted she was the sister of the moon. That meant she must be Celestia.
Adrian briefly pondered why he ever doubted his instincts. Fortunately, she was currently distracted by a conversation with what appeared to be the cafe's owner and the adoration of the few ponies in proximity to her, excluding her attentive guards. Adrian could tell that she was only giving those around her a part of her attention. Her eyes were roving through the cafe. He had no doubt as to what, or who, she was searching for.
“Princess Celestia herself is here.” Rarity and Fluttershy both turned their attention to Adrian. “I highly doubt she chose this place without due cause.”
Fluttershy seemed happy. “Wow, you're getting a personal visit from Celestia. How nice.”
It was at that moment that the aforementioned alicorn finally spotted him. Her eyes widened in an instant. It was as though she hadn't actually expected to find him in such a place. She turned her attention back to the manager and politely finished their conversation. He bowed before granting her passage into the cafe. Two guards accompanied her within. To the surprise of no individual present, she moved straight towards the table Adrian was presently occupying.
Adrian briefly pondered fleeing, considering her retinue of guards. However, he had always stood by the idea that only the guilty run. He was guilty of nothing. There was no need to flee.
She paused for a moment. “My little ponies, there is nothing to fear. We are not here to bring conflict. Please, continue enjoying the food provided by this fine establishment.”
Adrian hadn't even noticed the tension that the ponies were feeling until it lifted. With that selfsame tension lifted, nearly every pony present bowed to their ruler before doing as she said. Adrian did not fail to notice that the hushed whispers were back in force.
Celestia continued until she arrived at their table. “Fluttershy. Rarity. Adrian” She dipped her head to each in turn.
Fluttershy and Rarity rose from their individual, equine genuflection. Rarity was the first to speak, “It is such an honour to see you here, Princess.”
Fluttershy merely nodded in agreement. The collective attention from every pony present seemed to make her mute. This came as no surprise, considering her timidity.
“The pleasure is mine, my little ponies,” she turned her full attention to Adrian, “And my reserved human guest.”
Adrian waited for her to continue, but she seemed to be expecting something. He decided that a greeting was in order, at least. “Greetings, Princess Celestia. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Her features betrayed a hint of amusement before she schooled them. “I came to speak to you, but would prefer to do so privately.”
Adrian got the impression that this was no mere preference. It felt more like a suggestion and a rather firm one at that. From the looks on their faces, Fluttershy and Rarity apparently got the exact same impression.
Rarity cleared her throat. “Is he in some form of trouble?” Her words were slightly strained.
Celestia gave her and Fluttershy a reassuring smile. “He is most certainly not. I merely need to speak with him alone. I assure you both that he will be perfectly safe in my presence,” she turned her gaze on Adrian, “You have my word.”
Adrian clapped his hands to gather attention, causing the guards to flinch and enter slightly more defensive stances. Celestia seemed unperturbed. Adrian turned his attention to Fluttershy. “Thank you for inviting me to lunch with you and Rarity.”
Fluttershy smiled shyly. “Thank you for coming. It was very nice.”
He turned his attention to Rarity. “Meeting you was a delight. I look forward to when next we'll meet.”
Rarity smiled back. “Oh, it was a pleasure to meet a gentlecolt like yourself. I wish you the best.” She looked pointedly between him and Celestia.
Adrian considered the word “gentlecolt” weird, but it made sense when taken in the context of their society. He still felt odd about being referred to as a horse. He shrugged off the unwelcome feeling. He might have to get accustomed to that for now.
Celestia's pleasant demeanor never faltered. “With that, I must bid you both farewell.” She discretely winked at them and quietly said, “Don't worry. I'll take good care of him.”
Adrian finally rose from his seat. Celestia was very nearly at eye level with him. It felt weird to not have to look down after having to do so for so long. His full height seemed to make Celestia's guards slightly uncomfortable. Their discomfort was discreet and very near unnoticeable. It was only their eyes that betrayed them in any way.
Celestia's next words were quietly uttered. “Walk beside me, but don't make contact.”
Adrian subtly nodded. He'd save his questions for when they were talking in private.
~~~
It took some time for Celestia, and her entourage, to walk through town. It seemed that the rulers were much beloved, considering the number of ponies that came to pay their respects when they saw her. A few were clearly still nervous about the large, scary being calmly standing next to her. Most seemed to consider him harmless while he was with the Princess. Of course, all of this admiration served to slow their progress. Adrian had to admit that it was rather nice to see a leader that was so clearly admired and loved by their people. Given the bright nature of this world, he had to believe that political corruption was highly unlikely. Adrian jealously considered what such good rulers could do for his own world.
Eventually, they reached an edge of Ponyville that was unfamiliar to Adrian and continued along the path that led to outskirts that were unknown to him. She ordered her guards to follow a good distance behind them. They followed her orders without question, but Adrian highly doubted that they approved of her being effectively alone with him.
When the guards were far enough away, Celestia broke the silence, “I can scarcely believe that you're awake. My sister and I thought that you never would.”
“Are you the ones who put me in that chamber?”
She nodded. “Indeed. We thought it best to keep you somewhere secret and safe.”
He sighed. “How long have I been… Slumbering?”
Celestia seemed to hesitate before answering, “A very long time. Millennia, at least.”
Adrian briefly admired the countryside as his insides roiled in fear and desperation. Adrian's mind lingered on the possibility that time flowed at the same rate in both worlds. That would mean that his entire family was long dead and gone. His home was probably gone. His life was effectively gone. Even all memory of him would be gone. He had to hope that time passed differently here. Otherwise, his world might be unknown to him now.
He needed to distract himself. “How did you know my name?”
Celestia seemed amused, and vaguely surprised, by such a mundane question. “Twilight Sparkle is a student of mine. She sent me a letter containing details about you and your plans. Imagine my great surprise when I realised exactly who she was trying to describe.”
Adrian chuckled grimly. “The realisation couldn't have taken too long. It doesn't seem that there are too many of my kind around here.”
“I suppose not.” Celestia paused in her step for a brief moment before resuming her steady stride. “Discord will not be able to help you return to your world.”
The sudden declaration caught him unawares and his heart leapt into his throat. “Why?”
Celestia seemed solemn as she regarded him. “He was indeed the one who brought you here. Not too long ago, my sister and I secretly convinced him to attempt to send you back. He could not.” She stared straight ahead as she finished shattering his hopes.
Adrian could scarcely believe what he was hearing. “That's impossible. If he brought me here, then he should be able to send me back.” It was a struggle for him to remain calm.
Celestia took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You are not of this world. You have no magic of your own. Your body turned into a sink for magical energy the moment you entered our world.”
Adrian stopped walking. “I don't understand.” In fact, he did. So many mysteries were resolved in mere moments. He wanted her to be lying. He knew she wasn't.
Celestia clearly heard the silent desperation in his statement as she turned to face him. “My sister and I were there when Discord drew you into our world. The first magic you absorbed was the massive amount of chaos magic that Discord had used to summon you. You then started draining magic from your surroundings, including us and the Elements. It was like an implosion of magic with you at the center.”
Adrian's voice was flat, “That must have been unnerving.”
Celestia closed her eyes. “The worst part was your screaming. It carried over the roaring torrent of magical energy being drawn into you. It was the scream of a being caught in agony beyond comprehension.”
Adrian couldn't physically support himself as the crushing weight of this realisation bore down on his mind. He sank to his knees before coming to rest on his calves. “I absorb the chaos magic that would otherwise send me home.”
Celestia simply bowed her noble head. “I am so sorry.”
The only way to return him to his home would not work. He was trapped here. There was no way out. All of his efforts had been in vain. He repeated his favourite mantra in desperation. Acquire. Assimilate. Adapt. The last part was proving difficult for him at the moment.
Adrian could have sworn he felt the exact moment his hopes truly died.
He looked up at Celestia in despair. She simply stared back. Even through his mental anguish, he could recognise the empathy in her eyes. She seemed to truly comprehend the depths of his suffering.
He reached out a hand. “Please, I need to be sure.”
She sighed before extending her horn towards his hand. Wisps of what appeared to be magical energy began flowing from her horn to his hand before she'd even made contact. The wisps became tendrils as she drew nearer. The tendrils became a stream within a few centimeters of his palm. His skin began tingling when her horn made contact. He finally understood the sensation of powerful magic being drawn into him directly. She withdrew her horn.
His voice was flat. “If this world is full of magic, then why don't I constantly feel that?” The question had no energy behind it. He had asked it simply to fill the crushing silence.
“The traces of magic you are constantly absorbing are too weak for you to feel. It seems you only feel when magic is used on you directly or when you touch something that is filled with powerful magic.”
Adrian realised that she was probably correct. Even if it was merely an educated guess, it matched the situation closely enough. However, he couldn't bring himself to care all that much. It didn't really matter to him now. He lifted his head and met Celestia's eyes with a vacant stare.
She seemed so sad. “I am sorry you had to learn this from me. Truly, I am. However, I wanted you to learn this from me, rather than from Discord. He may be reformed, but he is still a trickster. He may have convinced you to do something foolhardy.”
Adrian almost managed to force a smile. “I suppose I owe you my thanks for that small grace.”
Celestia smiled for him. “It would be strange to accept thanks for causing you such suffering.”
Adrian sighed and stood up.
Celestia took a single concerned step towards him. “Are you feeling alright?” Her question was tentative.
It needn't have been. He'd simply had enough of moping. This was his reality now. He just had to adapt. He drew on his inner reserves of willpower and forced the mountain of despair from his mind. He, not his emotions, was the master here.
“What now?” His voice carried renewed strength.
Celestia seemed pleased by this change of pace. “That, Adrian, is entirely up to you. Several paths lie before you and the impetus to choose one lies with you.”
Adrian grinned. “Well, that was appropriately cryptic and lacking in details.”
Celestia lightly laughed in relief at his display of humour, sharp as it may have been. “I suppose so. Do you want to continue our walk as we talk about your options?”
“That sounds utterly delightful.”
Adrian caught up to Celestia in a few steps and the pair continued their walk. Adrian had failed to notice that the guards had stopped when he and Celestia had. He only realised this when he saw that their distance had not changed throughout that unusual exchange. He was impressed by their ability to remain stationary in spite of his, admittedly peculiar, behaviour. He had clearly been correct when he had considered them to be well trained.
“As far as I can perceive, you have three paths available to you.” Celestia's voice was far more at ease now that such unpleasant topics were behind them.
“Oh? Let's hear them.” Adrian was truly curious as to what she had come up with.
“Firstly, you could remain in Ponyville. This, of course, would have its collection of problems that you would have to overcome.”
Adrian hummed. “I don't think I have enough knowledge or resources to survive such a path. Actually... It seems as though I don't need to eat or drink, so I would technically survive.”
Celestia seemed mildly surprised. “Twilight failed to mention that detail about you.”
Adrian chuckled. “Yeah, I only realised it fairly recently myself. I probably should've realised it earlier, but, hey, I had a whole new reality to process.”
Celestia smiled. “That does make sense. So, are you considering that option?”
Adrian shrugged. “It's not really viable. I have nowhere to stay and I don't really want to mooch off the kindness of others.
Celestia nodded. “Very well, then. Let's move on to your second option: wander the wilds of this world and survive as most life does.”
Adrian considered the option briefly. It didn't take long for him to realise why this was a poor idea. “I drain magic from things. Who knows what kind of unintentional mischief I could get into?” He idly cracked his knuckles as he continued. “I'd rather not go wandering about when I'm still not sure what kind of effect I might have on this world.”
Celestia seemed pleased by his response. “Well, it seems that you have naturally come to the option that I had so hoped you would choose. You will come to Canterlot as a guest of the royal family. That is, of course, if you find this agreeable.” She seemed to be hoping he would, based on the hints that leaked through her otherwise placid expression.
Adrian gave the matter all due thought. It seemed to be the best option, but there were still a few minute details he needed to inquire about. “What, exactly, would this entail? I'd rather not be experimented on, if I can avoid it. I also did mention not wanting to mooch off the kindness of others.”
Celestia's smile had a touch of sadness. “Twilight had told me that your world is such a grim place compared to ours, but to think that you would be worried about such a thing from one offering help. It fills me with sorrow.” Her expression truly showed a small hint of reserved pity for him. “No. There will be no experiments that you yourself do not request or agree to. You will also not be coerced to do anything that you do not wish to, so long as you are my guest.”
Adrian drew a deep breath. “Sorry to be so suspicious, but it's as you say. My world isn't so nice. It doesn't help that this world is still so unfamiliar to me.” He cast his eyes to the sky above. “So much is similar. So much is different. It's taking all I have to sort it all out while remaining sane.”
“Well, I believe you have done an admirable job thus far.” Celestia smiled as he turned his face towards her. “Your endurance in the face of uncertainty is certainly inspiring.”
Adrian couldn't help but chuckle. “Well, thank you. There is little sense in moping over what was and is. When one faces adversity in the present, then it is best to take action towards making a better future.”
“You are quite wise, Adrian. You also seem to be good and kind.” Her voice was gentle. “I would like to give you your best possible chance in this world. You would be provided with a place to stay and anything that you should request, within reason. You would be protected from any who might wish to harm you. You would be allowed to learn and adapt to your new home at your own pace. As such, I must ask: will you come to Canterlot?”
Adrian shrugged. “I meant to ask when you first mentioned it. What, exactly, is Canterlot?”
Celestia had seemed taken aback by his shrug, but she fell into laughter as he asked his question. “I am sorry, Adrian. I do not mean to laugh at you, but rather at myself. Canterlot is the capital city of Equestria.”
Adrian smiled. “So, I've been invited to the capital city of Equestria by one of its rulers.”
Celestia seemed amused. “Yes, it certainly seems to be so.”
“Well then, I'm not one to turn down an invitation from royalty. Plus, I'd rather stay near the individuals who seem to know anything at all about me.”
Celestia beamed. “I will gladly take that as a yes. Oh, Luna is going to be so surprised when she wakes up. I certainly know I was when I realised that you were finally awake.”
Adrian turned his gaze upward. He had a place to stay. He would be protected from any who might “harm” him. He was still uncertain about who would want to harm him, but it stood to reason that someone might. Most importantly, a capital city would likely have a significant library that he could use to learn about this world. Maybe those same books might give him a hint as to a way for him to return. Adrian felt his hope rekindle from that small ember.