[Abes]
I awoke with the moon rise. The others were long since asleep, even the studious Twilight. I crept from my new bed in the corner, using the glow of my rings to help me see. I made my way down through the library to the basement to make use of the tunnels.
Once outside, I made a beeline to the post office for a night of work. The workers there seem to appreciate the help I give them over the night.
One mare even leaves me a couple muffins.
The post office itself was shaped like a giant mailbox, with large bay doors on one side for carriages and smaller doors on the farther side for workers and customers. Approaching the door marked “Employees Only”, I sat down and waited a moment before scratching on the door itself. It wasn’t long before an older unicorn mare let me in. It looked as though we were the only ones on shift again.
Once inside, I followed her to the sorting room. We began to work right away. Once, I may have just been there keeping the mare company, but now I was an unofficial worker there. The mare, whom I learned to be called Rainy Shines, was getting along in her years and her magic was starting to grow feeble. She could still handle letters and light parcels, but she couldn’t lift the heavier packages anymore.
That’s where I stepped in. Once, I could push or drag the mail that Rainy couldn’t. Now, I was trying to tap into my new form's power. If there was anything we couldn’t sort properly, we would leave a note explaining why. Since I joined her, there were less notes left in for the morning.
Tonight turned out to be a slow night, with only a few small mail bags to sort through. I was neck deep into the last sack when I found it: a package for me. I carried it into the break room, and saw that Rainy had finished her work as well.
“Wazzat ya got there, Moony?” The old mare squinted at my mail. ”Don’ know where tha’ goes?” I placed the package on the table and pawed at the label. “Wait, aren’t ya this ‘Abes’ fella?”
I nodded, and began to tear off the wrapping. Inside was a well-made chess board and set. “That looks pretty pricey, there, Moony.” Rainy lifted a, I’m guessing, queen of polished ebony wood. “Who would spend this much for a creepy dog?”
I whined, pawing at her legs. <<You know you like my company…>>
She smiled down at me. “Hey, ya may be creepy, but yer our dog…”
Five nights later, Celestia had decided to check in on her sister before turning in for the night. Night court had been slow for the last week or so, and Celestia was curious as to what Luna did to pass her time. Leaning into the throne room, she could see Luna bent over a side table that she had placed beside the throne.
Celestia paced up to Luna, noting the look of concentration on her face and the chess board on the table. “Playing against yourself?” Celestia smiled as Luna jolted at her presence.
“Sister!” Luna quickly picked up the pawn she dropped. “Sorry, I didn’t notice you come in.”
“I can tell.” Celestia looked over the board, and watched for a brief time. “I can see you’re losing.”
“Hush up, you!”
I gently carried my board into the library. Concentrating, I lifted the board into its hiding place, the golden glow from my rings brightening. I turned and made my way up the stairs.
I passed Conner on his way out. He was carrying a small bag “You’re up early.”
Conner paused. “Need t’get over to Fluttershy’s t’help gather eggs.” He yawned. “Need to stock up for the Social…” He mumbled.
“What were you doing back here?”
“Getting’ m’toys.” Ah, right. Spike had gotten us regular dog toys to stop us scrapping in the library.
“Fair enough, then.” I turned and made my way to an early bed.
[Conner]
I briefly watched Abes make his way up the stairs before turning to the tunnels. I had an appointment to keep. I quickly made my way to Fluttershy’s cottage. The entire trip there, I was dreading the job ahead of me. Fluttershy’s chickens hated me, especially Elizibeak. I think they think I’m a fox?
Still, I had promised her, so I will do it, even if I don’t know why I did it in the first place. I hate mornings just as much as Leo does, the chickens hate me, and I think Angel likes me! That last one terrifies me….
I quickly turned my thoughts away from such disturbing things to the mare I was doing this for. There was something about her that made me want to see her smile. Hear her laugh.
I will gladly suffer the chickens for that.
I was so lost in thought, I didn’t realize that I had reached Fluttershy’s cottage. Angel was waiting for me by the front door. He waved his carrot at me, and led me around to the coop. <<Fluttershy’s distracting the chickens for ya.>> He gestured to the chicken coop. <<Let’s get started.>>
We got to work. I gathered the eggs as Angel cleaned out the coop. Once I had all the eggs in a basket, I helped him with the cleaning. With the two of us, we were done quickly.
On a side note, I had discovered Angel’s ability to speak by accident. Fluttershy had been in town for something, and I had been bringing the otters their fish, when I overheard him telling Harry Bear that she was out. He came around the corner, saw me, and carried on as if it never happened. I never told anyone, and I think that was the start of him liking me.
Anyways, we continued with that day’s work. It didn’t take as long as I thought it would take, and we were done with the daily chores. We were given the rare chance to relax, and all done before Fluttershy got home.
When she did, we spent the rest of the evening just relaxing. It wasn’t until we were settling in for the night when Fluttershy paused in her evening routine and sheepishly turned to me.
“I’m so sorry, but I forgot to tell you, Cy and Vince are looking for you to teach them something….”