“The Pillar of Harmonious Enlightenment.” That’s what they called Twilight.
In Kiria, where order and harmony were prized above all things, she gave speeches before vast and adoring crowds. In temples that taught that all life was sacred, and where the monks refused to so much as step upon ants, she spoke of the value of peace. In immaculate gardens that had stood unchanged for a thousand years, she took tea with royalty, drinking from teacups once reserved only for Celestia. To seekers of wisdom, who hoped to one day achieve such enlightenment as her, she spoke of friendship, and magic, and offered mentorship. She even let them touch her wings.
Spike was likewise welcomed, for the Kirian people had long been friends to the dragons. Dragons watched their ancient highways, took roost on their sacred mountains, and gave their most gifted drake to serve as the Emperor’s bodyguard. Dragons were guardians, they said, and so it was only right that this most enlightened of ponies should have a dragon as her protector. Surely, they said, he was the most faithful of servants and the most humble of warriors, and they asked him for tales of his travels.
Spike said nothing, and after a time, he found Twilight’s ear and asked if he could go see to their travel arrangements. She hesitated before answering, a grimace briefly touching her face. Spike had already stressed himself out so much with their travel plans, she said. She would see to it from this point on. She said he should take this time to relax, and see the city, and perhaps meet other dragons.
Spike considered that, and then nodded. He excused himself. He went back to their quarters and crawled into bed. He remained there for the rest of the day, staring at the walls.
Had he walked the city, he would have smelled the stagnant water pooling in the lowtowns. He would have bought noodles for a utility worker and listened to her complain about burst pipes and delayed spare parts. He would have visited the Guild house and witnessed Artificers sitting idle, and heard their complaints that the Kirian government hadn’t paid its bills in nearly four months. He would have seen rust on the train tracks and rot in the cross-ties.
But he didn’t walk the city.
Later that evening, when Twilight returned to their quarters, she was distressed to find Spike in such a state. She hugged him, told him she loved him, and expressed her fear for his well-being. She promised that the trip was almost over, and soon they’d be back in Equestria, and he could have all the time he needed to heal.
They were about a hundred miles into the countryside when their train derailed.