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// Chapter 12: Canterlot 
// Story: Of Men and Insects 
// by VeganSpyro97 
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Allan​ ​sat,​ ​fidgeting​ ​in​ ​the​ ​train​ ​car​ ​as​ ​it​ ​made​ ​it’s​ ​way​ ​along​ ​the​ ​winding​ ​track​ ​through​ ​the mountain​ ​path​ ​to​ ​Canterlot.​ ​Why​ ​the​ ​castle​ ​had​ ​been​ ​built​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​side​ ​of​ ​a​ ​mountain​ ​was​ ​a question​ ​that​ ​Allan​ ​had​ ​yet​ ​to​ ​find​ ​an​ ​answer​ ​to,​ ​but​ ​it​ ​was​ ​one​ ​that​ ​he​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​hear.​ ​The​ ​history books​ ​that​ ​Twilight​ ​had​ ​given​ ​him​ ​had​ ​been​ ​broad,​ ​not​ ​deep,​ ​in​ ​regards​ ​to​ ​it’s​ ​subject​ ​matter, describing​ ​only​ ​that,​ ​after​ ​“Nightmare​ ​Moon’s​ ​banishment”,​ ​Celestia​ ​had​ ​led​ ​her​ ​ponies​ ​to​ ​the mountain,​ ​and​ ​began​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​a​ ​new​ ​city. 

Looking​ ​out​ ​towards​ ​the​ ​steadily​ ​enlargening​ ​castle,​ ​Allan​ ​could​ ​not​ ​help​ ​feeling​ ​a​ ​little​ ​glad that​ ​he​ ​was​ ​the​ ​only​ changeling​ ​present.​ ​After​ ​all,​ ​no​ ​need​ ​for​ ​everyone​ ​to​ ​know​ ​exactly​ ​how nervous​ ​he​ ​was. 

“Relax​ ​Allan.”​ ​Fluttershy’s​ ​voice​ ​startled​ ​him,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​barely​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​himself​ ​from yelling​ ​at​ ​her​ ​for​ ​startling​ him.​ ​“You’ll​ ​be​ ​fine.” 

“Yeah,​ ​you’ve​ ​got​ ​nothing​ ​to​ ​worry​ ​about.”​ ​Rainbow​ ​said,​ ​nonchalantly​ ​batting​ ​a​ ​tiny stormcloud​ ​between​ ​her​ ​front​ ​hooves,​ ​something​ ​Twilight​ ​definitely​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​disapprove​ ​of.​ ​Not that​ ​Dash​ ​cared​ ​all​ ​that​ ​much.​ ​The​ ​little​ ​tuft​ ​of​ ​water​ ​vapour​ ​was​ ​perfectly​ ​controlled,​ ​even​ ​in​ ​the rocking​ ​train​ ​car.​ ​“The​ ​Princesses​ ​are​ ​both​ ​pretty​ ​cool.”​ ​The​ ​pegasus​ ​had​ managed​ ​to​ ​wheedle​ ​her way​ ​out​ ​of​ ​Wonderbolt​ ​training,​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​give​ ​Allan​ ​all​ ​the​ ​support​ ​he​ ​needed.​ ​Not​ ​that​ ​she​ ​was 
Providing​ ​much,​ ​but​ ​Allan​ ​wasn’t​ ​going​ ​to​ ​complain. 

Applejack​ ​had​ ​tipped​ ​her​ ​hat​ ​forward​ ​over​ ​her​ ​eyes​ ​and​ ​fallen​ ​asleep​ ​some​ ​time​ ​ago,​ ​while Rarity​ ​sat​ ​nearby,​ ​a​ ​frown​ ​on​ ​her​ ​face​ ​as​ ​she​ ​noticed​ ​a​ ​line​ ​of​ ​drool​ ​start​ ​dribbling​ ​down​ ​the farmpony’s​ ​face.​ ​No​ ​doubt​ ​she​ ​was​ ​possessed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​desire​ ​to​ ​wake​ ​AJ​ ​up​ ​and​ ​force​ ​her​ ​to​ ​clean​ ​her face.​ ​AJ’s​ ​snores​ ​were​ ​surprisingly​ ​soft,​ ​and​ ​were​ ​easily​ ​ignored​ ​by​ ​all.  
Twilight​ ​once​ ​again​ ​had​ ​her​ ​nose​ ​in​ ​her​ ​notes,​ ​quill​ ​hovering​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​as​ ​she​ ​ran​ ​numerous calculations​ ​based​ ​on​ ​what​ ​they​ ​already​ ​knew​ ​about​ ​Alan's​ ​world,​ ​the​ ​portal,​ ​and​ ​various​ ​other important​ ​pieces​ ​of​ ​information.​ ​Pinkie​ ​sat​ ​next​ ​to​ ​her,​ ​munching​ ​away​ ​on​ ​pre-packed​ ​snacks​ ​as​ ​she played​ ​her​ ​pet​ ​Alligator,​ ​(Allan​ ​failed​ ​to​ ​see​ ​why​ ​she​ ​had​ ​even​ ​brought​ ​him.)​ ​Gummy,​ ​at​ ​a​ ​game​ ​of Chess.​ ​Though​ ​nopony​ ​had​ ​seen​ ​the​ ​Alligator​ ​move​ ​the​ ​pieces,​ ​Pinkie​ ​Pie​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​losing.​ ​Spike 
Watched​ ​the​ ​game​ ​with​ ​minimal​ ​interest,​ ​sticking​ ​instead​ ​with​ ​his​ ​comic​ ​book.  

With​ ​Fluttershy​ ​there,​ ​comforting​ ​him,​ ​Allan​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​himself​ ​calm.​ ​He​ ​offered Fluttershy​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​smile,​ ​allowing​ ​himself​ ​to​ ​soak​ ​up​ ​some​ ​of​ ​her​ ​love.​ ​He​ ​was​ ​glad​ ​that​ ​she​ ​loved​ ​all her​ ​friends.​ ​It​ ​made​ ​getting​ ​enough​ ​emotional​ ​energy​ ​so​ ​much​ ​easier​ ​for​ ​him.  

Still,​ ​his​ ​worries​ ​continued​ ​to​ ​plague​ ​him,​ ​and​ ​her​ ​kind​ ​words,​ ​though​ ​they​ ​were​ ​greatly appreciated,​ ​did​ ​little​ ​for​ ​him. 
The​ ​light​ ​from​ ​outside​ ​vanished,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​mountainside​ ​swallowed​ ​the​ ​train​ ​with​ ​a​ ​powerful rush​ ​of​ ​air.​ ​Allan​ ​sucked​ ​in​ ​a​ ​breath​ ​as​ ​the​ ​light​ ​outside​ ​dimmed​ ​to​ ​pure​ ​darkness.  The​ ​ride​ ​was​ ​smoother​ ​in​ ​the​ ​tunnel,​ ​but​ ​as​ ​they​ ​travelled​ ​through​ ​it,​ ​the​ ​train​ ​lurched​ ​as​ ​the wheels​ ​hit​ ​something​ ​that​ ​wasn’t​ ​track.​ ​Every​ ​last​ ​occupant​ ​of​ ​their​ ​car​ ​flew​ ​off​ ​their​ ​seats,​ ​and​ ​all 
Save​ ​one​ ​landing​ ​on​ ​the​ ​floor​ ​with​ ​very​ ​audible​ ​smacking​ ​sounds. 

Surprisingly,​ ​the​ ​only​ ​pony​ ​to​ ​hit​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​on​ ​all​ ​four​ ​hooves,​ ​was​ ​Applejack,​ ​whose previously​ ​peaceful​ ​sleep​ ​was​ ​now​ ​replaced​ ​with​ ​amusingly​ ​groggy​ ​alarm.​ ​“Huh?​ ​Whu-​ ​What​ ​in​ ​the hay​ ​just​ ​happened?” 

Allan​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​flip​ ​himself​ ​back​ ​upright,​ ​as​ ​Rainbow​ ​shook​ ​her​ ​head.​ ​“The​ ​train​ ​hit something​ ​on​ ​the​ ​track,​ ​that’s​ ​all.”  
“Oh,​ ​is​ ​everypony​ ​okay?” 

“What​ ​do​ ​you​ ​think?”​ ​Rainbow​ ​quipped​ ​as​ ​she​ ​stretched​ ​her​ ​back​ ​out,​ ​resulting​ ​in​ ​a​ ​view clicking​ ​noises​ ​from​ ​her​ ​vertebrae.​ ​“Sleepyhead.” 

Applejack​ ​looked​ ​ready​ ​to​ ​retort,​ ​but​ ​then​ ​light​ ​flooded​ ​through​ ​the​ ​compartment, momentarily​ ​blinding​ ​the​ ​ponies,​ ​the​ ​dragon​ ​and​ ​the​ ​changeling.​ ​Allan​ ​blinked​ ​repeatedly​ ​to​ ​get​ ​his sight​ ​to​ ​return,​ ​before​ ​finally​ ​getting​ ​to​ ​see​ ​the​ ​capital​ ​of​ ​Equestria​ ​up​ ​close​ ​for​ ​the​ ​first​ ​time. 

The​ ​entire​ ​city​ ​was​ ​fashioned​ ​of​ ​pearly​ ​white​ ​stone​ ​and​ ​metal,​ ​gleaming​ ​gold​ ​and​ ​purple highlights,​ ​with​ ​mild​ ​blue​ ​paving​ ​slabs​ ​that​ ​served​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ground​ ​in​ ​this​ ​city​ ​suspended​ ​above​ ​air.​ ​The entire​ ​place​ ​shone​ ​with​ ​a​ ​splendor​ ​that​ ​no​ ​city​ ​on​ ​Earth​ ​could​ ​have​ ​replicated.​ ​Ever​ ​wall​ ​was​ ​pristine and​ ​no​ ​trace​ ​of​ ​mud​ ​lingered​ ​on​ ​the​ ​sidewalk​ ​for​ ​more​ ​than​ ​a​ ​few​ ​seconds,​ ​quickly​ ​being​ ​erased​ ​by some​ ​cleaning​ ​enchantment.​ ​Alan's​ ​mouth​ ​was​ ​hanging​ ​wide​ ​open​ ​as​ ​he​ ​stared,​ ​​ ​flabbergasted,​ ​at the​ ​beauty​ ​before​ ​him.​ ​Towering​ ​columns​ ​of​ ​hollow​ ​stone​ ​stood​ ​proudly​ ​and​ ​defiantly​ ​against nature’s​ ​wrath,​ ​their​ ​elegant,​ ​domed​ ​and​ ​pointed​ ​peaks​ ​shining​ ​brightly​ ​in​ ​the​ ​light​ ​of​ ​the shimmering​ ​sun​ ​on​ ​high.​ ​No​ ​city​ ​could​ ​ever​ ​match​ ​this​ ​one​ ​in​ ​elegance​ ​and​ ​beauty.  

Ponies​ ​trotted​ ​about​ ​outside,​ ​and​ ​Allan​ ​quickly​ ​shifted​ ​shape​ ​before​ ​any​ ​of​ ​them​ ​spotted him.​ ​Unlike​ ​Ponyville,​ ​where​ ​clothing​ ​was​ ​only​ ​rarely​ ​seen,​ ​these​ ​ponies​ ​practically​ ​strutted​ ​about​ ​in regal​ ​and​ ​fancy​ ​clothes,​ ​with​ ​more​ ​varied​ ​styles​ ​of​ ​suits,​ ​dresses​ ​and​ ​accessories​ ​than​ ​Allan​ ​had​ ​ever before​ ​seen.​ ​Allan​ ​could​ ​have​ ​sworn​ ​he​ ​saw​ ​a​ ​few​ ​wearing​ ​products​ ​of​ ​Rarity’s​ ​handi-​ ​no,​ ​hoofwork, among​ ​the​ ​masses.  

“Allan,​ ​are​ ​you​ ​coming?”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​asked,​ ​standing​ ​with​ ​the​ ​others​ ​by​ ​the​ ​door.​ ​Allan grinned,​ ​before​ ​dropping​ ​off​ ​of​ ​his​ ​seat​ ​and​ ​trotting​ ​easily​ ​over.  
 

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The​ ​girls​ ​each​ ​took​ ​great​ ​delight​ ​in​ ​showing​ ​Allan​ ​some​ ​of​ ​their​ ​favourite​ ​places​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city, with​ ​Rarity​ ​showing​ ​off​ ​her​ ​second​ ​boutique,​ ​Fluttershy​ ​taking​ ​Allan​ ​to​ ​a​ ​neat​ ​little​ ​pet​ ​shop​ ​that took​ ​great​ ​care​ ​of​ ​it’s​ ​many​ ​inhabitants,​ ​with​ ​each​ ​animal​ ​given​ ​more​ ​than​ ​enough​ ​space​ ​to​ ​feel comfy​ ​and​ ​relax.​ ​Twilight​ ​showed,​ ​or​ ​tried​ ​to​ ​show​ ​him,​ ​every​ ​library​ ​and​ ​bookstore​ ​she​ ​had​ ​visited during​ ​her​ ​foalhood​ ​(which​ ​would​ ​be​ ​all​ ​of​ ​them!),​ ​but​ ​by​ ​then,​ ​the​ ​young​ ​stallion​ ​had​ ​caught​ ​sight of​ ​their​ ​destination.

While​ ​the​ ​city​ ​itself​ ​was​ ​the​ ​epitome​ ​of​ ​elegance,​ ​the​ ​castle​ ​took​ ​it​ ​up​ ​to​ ​eleven.​ ​Ever​ ​spire looked​ ​like​ ​it​ ​was​ ​carved​ ​from​ ​daylight,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​gold​ ​and​ ​purple​ ​highlights​ ​were​ ​stunning​ ​additions. On​ ​many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​visible​ ​windows,​ ​there​ ​were​ ​flower​ ​boxes,​ ​and​ ​Allan​ ​knew​ ​from​ ​his​ ​friends descriptions​ ​that​ ​the​ ​actual​ ​garden​ ​was​ ​a​ ​sight​ ​all​ ​of​ ​it’s​ ​own.  

Half​ ​an​ ​hour​ ​later,​ ​after​ ​a​ ​little​ ​more​ ​sightseeing,​ ​the​ ​group​ ​approached​ ​the​ ​castle,​ ​with Twilight​ ​at​ ​the​ ​front.​ ​She​ ​produced​ ​an​ ​official​ ​seal,​ ​her​ ​own,​ ​which​ ​a​ ​replica​ ​of​ ​her​ ​cutie-mark​ ​in burnished​ ​gold,​ ​hanging​ ​from​ ​a​ ​chain.​ ​The​ ​guards​ ​proceeded​ ​to​ ​check​ ​each​ ​if​ ​her​ ​friends,​ ​one​ ​by​ ​one, before​ ​they​ ​came​ ​to​ ​Allan.​ ​Before​ ​they​ ​could​ ​cast​ ​the​ ​Changeling​ ​reveal​ ​spell,​ ​Twilight​ ​held​ ​up​ ​her hoof.  

“No​ ​need​ ​to​ ​check.​ ​I​ ​can​ ​confirm​ ​that​ ​Allan​ ​is,​ ​in​ ​fact…”​ ​Allan​ ​dropped​ ​his​ ​disguise​ ​at​ ​the predetermined​ ​words.​ ​“A​ ​Changeling.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​here​ ​under​ ​the​ ​invite​ ​of​ ​Princess​ ​Celestia,​ ​as​ ​proven​ ​by this​ ​letter.” 

The​ ​guards​ ​hesitantly​ ​took​ ​the​ ​proffered​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​paper,​ ​scrutinizing​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​last​ ​detail.​ ​At last​ ​they​ ​nodded,​ ​standing​ ​to​ ​let​ ​the​ ​group​ ​pass.​ ​As​ ​Allan​ ​was​ ​about​ ​to​ ​cross,​ ​though,​ ​the​ ​guard​ ​to​ ​his right​ ​stepped​ ​in​ ​his​ ​way.  

“Proceed.​ ​But​ ​be​ ​warned,​ ​bug.​ ​Any​ ​funny​ ​business​ ​and​ ​you’ll​ ​have​ ​a​ ​hundred​ ​guards​ ​on​ ​you in​ ​moments.”​ ​He​ ​said,​ ​voice​ ​a​ ​low​ ​growl.  

Allan​ ​nodded,​ ​eyes​ ​wide​ ​and​ ​lip​ ​quivering.​ ​The​ ​guard​ ​moved​ ​off​ ​to​ ​the​ ​side​ ​again,​ ​and​ ​Allan very​ ​quickly​ ​put​ ​as​ ​much​ ​distance​ ​between​ ​himself​ ​and​ ​the​ ​guards​ ​as​ ​possible...without​ ​looking​ ​like that’s​ ​what​ ​he​ ​was​ ​doing.  

The​ ​entire​ ​exchange​ ​had​ ​taken​ ​moments,​ ​and​ ​Allan​ ​had​ ​to​ ​catch​ ​up​ ​to​ ​the​ ​group,​ ​though they​ ​were​ ​so​ ​caught​ ​up​ ​in​ ​their​ ​own​ ​excitement​ ​that​ ​none​ ​of​ ​them​ ​noticed​ ​Allan​ ​get​ ​delayed. 


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Allan​ ​was​ ​pacing.​ ​Rarity’s​ ​immaculately​ ​designed​ ​and​ ​fabricated​ ​suit​ ​fit​ ​perfectly,​ ​but​ ​Allan was​ ​too​ ​nervous​ ​to​ ​​ ​notice​ ​the​ ​smart,​ ​crisp​ ​lines​ ​of​ ​the​ ​suit​ ​and​ ​overcoat,​ ​or​ ​the​ ​intense,​ ​azure​ ​blue waistcoat​ ​and​ ​deep​ ​blue​ ​tie​ ​cinched​ ​around​ ​his​ ​neck. 

Rarity​ ​herself​ ​was​ ​glad​ ​in​ ​an​ ​elegant,​ ​frilly​ ​blue​ ​gown​ ​that​ ​looked,​ ​to​ ​Allan,​ ​far​ ​too​ ​big.​ ​To​ ​one side​ ​of​ ​her​ ​sat​ ​a​ ​parcel,​ containing​ ​her​ ​dress​ ​for​ ​Princess​ ​Celestia.​ ​On​ ​her​ ​opposite​ ​side,​ ​sat Applejack.  Applejack​ ​had​ ​a​ ​much​ ​fancier​ ​version​ ​of​ ​her​ ​hat​ ​on,​ ​apple​ ​patterns​ ​embroidered​ ​onto​ ​the rim,​ ​coupled​ ​with​ ​a​ ​western​ ​inspired​ ​dress​ ​that​ ​somehow​ ​managed​ ​to​ ​make​ ​tassels​ ​look​ ​good.​ ​It​ ​was a​ ​lovely​ ​brown​ ​and​ ​green​ ​affair,​ ​with​ ​red,​ ​stitched​ ​apples​ ​that​ ​made​ ​the​ ​dress​ ​pop.  Twilight​ ​was​ ​in​ ​a​ ​ball-style​ ​gown,​ ​complete​ ​with​ ​her​ ​signature​ ​stars,​ ​the​ ​cloth​ ​a​ ​mix​ ​of​ ​pale blues​ ​and​ ​faint​ ​orange,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​hints​ ​of​ ​dawn​ ​in​ ​the​ ​morning.  Rainbow​ ​was…​ ​actually​ ​looking​ ​rather​ ​nice​ ​in​ ​a​ ​short,​ ​spunky​ ​looking​ ​dress​ ​that​ ​was​ ​coloured to​ ​mirror​ ​her​ ​mane,​ ​coupled​ ​with​ ​violet…​ ​were​ ​those​ ​supposed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​Equestria’s​ ​version​ ​of​ ​gloves? 

Allan​ ​wasn’t​ ​sure.​ ​Either​ ​way,​ ​they​ ​looked​ ​nice​ ​on​ ​her.  

Pinkie’s​ ​was​ ​just​ ​as​ ​vibrant​ ​as​ ​she​ ​was,​ ​and​ ​energetic​ ​to​ ​boot.​ ​A​ ​bright​ ​red​ ​thing,​ ​accented with​ ​green,​ ​and​ ​oh​ ​so​ ​poofy.  

It​ ​was​ ​​ ​his​ ​landlady​ ​whose​ ​appearance​ ​drew​ ​his​ ​eye​ ​though.​ ​A​ ​delicate​ ​shade​ ​of​ ​soft​ ​green and​ ​highlighted​ ​with​ ​the​ ​same​ ​bright​ ​pink​ ​as​ ​her​ ​mane,​ ​her​ ​dress​ ​was​ ​stunning,​ ​or​ ​rather,​ ​she​ ​was.​ ​A carefully​ ​crafted​ ​tiara,​ ​fashioned​ ​to​ ​resemble​ ​a​ ​wreath​ ​of​ ​flowers​ ​sat​ ​on​ ​her​ ​head,​ ​and​ ​while​ ​the fabric​ ​of​ ​the​ ​dress​ ​was​ ​relatively​ ​plain,​ ​it​ ​was​ ​layered​ ​in​ ​three​ ​tiers​ ​of​ ​transparency.​ ​And​ ​Fluttershy looked​ ​adorable​ ​in​ ​it. 

Still,​ ​Allan​ ​was​ ​worried.​ ​He​ ​paced.​ ​And​ ​paced.​ ​And​ ​paced​ ​some​ ​more.​ ​None​ ​of​ ​the​ ​others said​ ​anything.​ ​At​ ​this​ ​point,​ ​he​ ​was​ ​oblivious​ ​to​ ​what​ ​they​ ​had​ ​to​ ​say,​ ​so​ ​there​ ​was​ ​no​ ​point.  

“Allan​ ​Ryder.​ ​Your​ ​Royal​ ​Majesties,​ ​Princess​ ​Celestia​ ​and​ ​Princess​ ​Luna​ ​will​ ​see​ ​you​ ​now.”  

The​ ​voice​ ​of​ ​the​ ​courts​ ​announcer​ ​jerked​ ​Allan​ ​back​ ​to​ ​reality,​ ​as​ ​his​ ​mouth​ ​attempted​ ​to twist​ ​up​ ​on​ ​itself​ ​in​ ​fear.​ ​Fluttershy’s​ ​reassuring​ ​pat​ ​on​ ​the​ ​back​ ​forced​ ​that​ ​panic​ ​back,​ ​if​ ​only​ ​a​ ​little, allowing​ ​him​ ​to​ ​breathe. He​ ​breathed​ ​in,​ ​then​ ​out,​ ​then​ ​in​ ​again,​ ​and​ ​out​ ​again.​ ​Stiff​ ​legged,​ ​he​ ​marched​ ​towards​ ​the door,​ ​which​ ​was​ ​opened​ ​by​ ​the​ ​two​ ​guards​ ​on​ ​either​ ​side.​ ​Flickers​ ​of​ ​distrust​ ​hovered​ ​about​ ​them.  

The​ ​hall​ ​inside​ ​was​ ​huge,​ ​borderline​ ​cavernous,​ ​and​ ​was​ ​bordered​ ​with​ ​ornate​ ​pillars​ ​and stained-glass​ ​windows,​ ​depicting​ ​the​ ​various​ ​landscapes​ ​of​ ​Equestria.​ ​The​ ​floor​ ​was​ ​so​ ​white​ ​it​ ​shone, mirror-like​ ​in​ ​its​ ​purity,​ ​and​ ​was​ ​divided​ ​in​ ​two​ ​by​ ​a​ ​long​ ​length​ ​of​ ​incredibly​ ​soft,​ ​deep​ ​pink​ ​and magenta​ ​coloured​ ​carpet,​ ​that​ ​stretched​ ​from​ ​the​ ​door,​ ​all​ ​the​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​new​ ​pair​ ​of​ ​thrones​ ​that sat​ ​at​ ​the​ ​far​ ​end,​ ​on​ ​top​ ​of​ ​a​ ​tiered​ ​gold​ ​platform.​ ​Sun,​ ​moon​ ​and​ ​star​ ​motifs​ ​were​ ​ever​ ​present, with​ ​a​ ​few​ ​hearts​ ​thrown​ ​in​ ​for​ ​good​ ​measure.​ ​Allan​ ​could​ ​tell​ ​they​ ​were​ ​new,​ ​because​ ​neither​ ​of​ ​the Princesses​ ​sat​ ​on​ ​top​ ​of​ ​them​ ​seemed​ ​all​ ​that​ ​used​ ​to​ ​them​ ​yet. 

Speaking​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Princesses,​ ​the​ ​Alicorn’s​ ​were​ ​the​ ​two​ ​largest​ ​ponies​ ​he​ ​had​ ​seen.​ ​The​ ​deep blue​ ​Alicorn​ ​sitting​ ​on​ ​the​ ​right​ ​hand​ ​throne​ ​snuck​ ​in​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​wave​ ​to​ ​Allan​ ​as​ ​the​ ​changeling​ ​entered, and​ ​he​ ​felt​ ​a​ ​little​ ​calmer.​ ​At​ ​least​ ​Luna​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​okay​ ​with​ ​him.  

Princess​ ​Celestia​ ​sat,​ ​regal,​ ​large,​ ​elegant​ ​and​ ​imposing​ ​all​ ​being​ ​good​ ​descriptions​ ​for​ ​her, with​ ​her​ ​great​ ​height,​ ​long​ ​sharp​ ​horn​ ​and​ ​flowing,​ ​ethereal​ ​mane​ ​making​ ​her​ ​every​ ​inch​ ​the enigmatic​ ​ruler.  Not​ ​that​ ​Luna​ ​didn’t​ ​have​ ​those​ ​things,​ ​but​ ​she​ ​seemed​ ​more…​ ​hooves​ ​on.​ ​Celestia​ ​had​ ​the air​ ​of​ ​a​ ​pony​ ​who​ ​was​ ​several​ ​steps​ ​ahead​ ​of​ ​everypony​ ​else​ ​at​ ​all​ ​times…​ ​or​ ​just​ ​thought​ ​she​ ​was.  Her​ ​crown,​ ​a​ ​gold,​ ​triple​ ​pointed​ ​thing​ ​that​ ​was​ ​set​ ​with​ ​a​ ​single,​ ​purple​ ​gem,​ ​was 
Accompanied​ ​by​ ​a​ ​thick​ ​necklace,​ ​a​ ​kind​ ​of​ ​choker,​ ​which​ ​also​ ​held​ ​a​ ​solitary,​ ​purple​ ​gem.​ ​Her​ ​hooves were​ ​covered​ ​by​ ​gold​ ​shoes,​ ​each​ ​one​ ​bearing​ ​the​ ​same,​ ​tri-pronged​ ​design​ ​as​ ​her​ ​crown.  

The​ ​regal,​ ​white​ ​coated​ ​mare​ ​was​ ​sipping​ ​tea​ ​from​ ​a​ ​small​ ​teacup,​ ​which​ ​clinked​ ​back​ ​down onto​ ​it’s​ ​little​ ​tea​ ​plate​ ​as​ ​Allan​ ​and​ ​the​ ​others​ ​approached.​ ​It​ ​floated​ ​off​ ​to​ ​the​ ​side​ ​as​ ​Celestia’s lavender​ ​eyes​ ​settled​ ​on​ ​Allan.  

“Greetings,​ ​Allan​ ​Ryder.”​ ​Celestia​ ​spoke,​ ​her​ ​voice​ ​soft​ ​as​ ​velvet,​ ​and​ ​her​ ​gaze​ ​welcoming.​ ​“I have​ ​heard​ ​much​ ​about​ ​you,​ ​from​ ​Twilight,​ ​and​ ​from​ ​my​ ​sister.” 

“Well​ ​met,​ ​again,​ ​Allan.”​ ​Luna​ ​called​ ​in​ ​welcome.​ ​“I’m​ ​glad​ ​you​ ​came.” 

Allan​ ​swallowed​ ​his​ ​fear​ ​and​ ​stammered​ ​out​ ​a​ ​reply.​ ​“Thank​ ​you,​ ​your​ ​majesties.​ ​I​ ​am grateful​ ​that​ ​you​ ​invited​ ​me​ ​to​ ​your​ ​city.​ ​It’s​ ​beautiful.” 

Celestia​ ​regarded​ ​him​ ​for​ ​a​ ​moment,​ ​before​ ​chuckling.​ ​“So​ ​polite.​ ​I​ ​didn’t​ ​think​ ​I’d​ ​see​ ​a changeling​ ​as​ ​polite​ ​as​ ​Thorax,​ ​not​ ​for​ ​some​ ​time​ ​yet.”​ ​She​ ​smiled,​ ​a​ ​charming,​ ​motherly​ ​thing, practiced​ ​over​ ​countless​ ​years.​ ​“You​ ​need​ ​not​ ​be​ ​afraid.​ ​I​ ​think​ ​I​ ​understand​ ​why​ ​you​ ​are​ ​scared​ ​of meeting​ ​me.” 

Allan​ ​gulped,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​could​ ​feel​ ​his​ ​friend’s​ ​eyes​ ​staring​ ​at​ ​him,​ ​some​ ​surprised​ ​that​ ​he​ ​was still​ ​afraid,​ ​and​ ​one​ ​in​ ​particular​ ​encouraging​ ​him​ ​to​ ​push​ ​past​ ​it.  “And​ ​why​ ​would​ ​that​ ​be,​ ​your​ ​majesty?” 

“Please,​ ​you​ ​don’t​ ​need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​so​ ​formal.​ ​“Celestia​ ​will​ ​do.” 

“Um….​ ​why​ ​would​ ​that​ ​be…..​ ​Celestia?”​ ​Allan​ ​could​ ​almost​ ​hear​ ​Twilight​ ​having​ ​a​ ​miniature mental​ ​overload​ ​behind​ ​him.  

“Because​ ​you​ ​are​ ​afraid​ ​I’ll​ ​judge​ ​you​ ​for​ ​being​ ​human.”  

That​ ​was​ ​it,​ ​right​ ​there.​ ​Celestia​ ​was​ ​wise.​ ​She’d​ ​read​ ​him​ ​like​ ​a​ ​book.  Allan​ ​bowed​ ​his​ ​head,​ ​not​ ​out​ ​of​ ​respect,​ ​but​ ​as​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​of​ ​admittance.  

“Like​ ​I​ ​said,​ ​you​ ​don’t​ ​need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​afraid​ ​of​ ​me.”​ ​The​ ​voice​ ​was​ ​directly​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​him.​ ​He hadn’t​ ​even​ ​heard​ ​her​ ​move!​ ​“I​ ​judge​ ​each​ ​and​ ​everypon-​ ​forgive​ ​me-​ ​everyone,​ ​I​ ​meet​ ​by​ ​their​ ​own actions.​ ​You​ ​have​ ​already​ ​proven​ ​that​ ​you​ ​are​ ​no​ ​threat.​ ​Come.”​ ​She​ ​said,​ ​gesturing​ ​for​ ​the​ ​group​ ​to follow​ ​her​ ​and​ ​Luna.​ ​“We​ ​have​ ​much​ ​to​ ​discuss.” 
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“Please,​ ​take​ ​a​ ​seat.”​ ​Celestia​ ​said,​ ​gesturing​ ​to​ ​the​ ​small-ish​ ​table​ ​in​ ​the​ ​center​ ​of​ ​the​ ​much cozier​ ​break​ ​room​ ​that​ ​she​ ​and​ ​her​ ​sister​ ​had​ ​led​ ​them​ ​to.​ ​“Would​ ​you​ ​like​ ​tea?​ ​Or​ ​perhaps​ ​we​ ​can find​ ​some​ ​way​ ​to​ ​satisfy​ ​your….emotional​ ​needs.” 

The​ ​room​ ​was​ ​spartan,​ ​at​ ​least​ ​when​ ​compared​ ​to​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​castle.​ ​The​ ​other​ ​rooms, chambers​ ​and​ ​corridors​ ​were​ ​all​ ​so​ ​abundantly​ ​and​ ​lavishly​ ​furnished​ ​that​ ​a​ ​single​ ​item​ ​removed from​ ​any​ ​room​ ​would​ ​make​ ​the​ ​average​ ​man​ ​rich​ ​beyond​ ​his​ ​wildest​ ​dreams,​ ​such​ ​was​ ​the​ ​quality​ ​of the​ ​work.​ ​This​ ​room​ ​was​ ​different.​ ​While​ ​everything​ ​was​ ​still​ ​fine,​ ​there​ ​was​ ​a​ ​far​ ​older​ ​feel​ ​and​ ​look to​ ​it.​ ​The​ ​walls​ ​were​ ​not​ ​marble​ ​or​ ​laced​ ​with​ ​gold,​ ​but​ ​well​ ​crafted,​ ​smooth​ ​stone,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​table​ ​was not​ ​ornate,​ ​but​ ​instead​ ​simple,​ ​round​ ​and​ ​wooden.​ ​The​ ​tea​ ​set​ ​here​ ​had​ ​once​ ​been​ ​pure​ ​white,​ ​but had​ ​yellowed​ ​with​ ​age,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​decorations​ ​that​ ​had​ ​been​ ​lovingly​ ​and​ ​carefully​ ​painted​ ​on​ ​were​ ​all but​ ​gone.  

Allan​ ​shook​ ​his​ ​head.​ ​“What​ ​emotions​ ​I​ ​get​ ​from​ ​my​ ​friendships​ ​are​ ​more​ ​than​ ​enough.” 

Luna​ ​nodded,​ ​while​ ​Celestia​ ​simply​ ​shrugged.​ ​“Tea​ ​then?”  

“Please.”​ ​Allan​ ​had​ ​never​ ​been​ ​big​ ​on​ ​tea,​ ​but​ ​an​ ​offer​ ​from​ ​the​ ​goddess​ ​of​ ​the​ ​sun​ ​wasn’t​ ​an offer​ ​you​ ​turned​ ​down.  

Luna’s​ ​magic​ ​lifted​ ​up​ ​the​ ​coffee​ ​pot,​ ​which​ ​had​ ​been​ ​full​ ​and​ ​steaming​ ​when​ ​they​ ​arrived, and​ ​divvied​ ​up​ ​the​ ​liquid​ ​inside​ ​between​ ​all​ ​the​ ​cups.​ ​Celestia​ ​pulled​ ​up​ ​her​ ​own​ ​chair​ ​and​ ​sat​ ​down, letting​ ​out​ ​a​ ​pleased​ ​sigh. 

“It’s​ ​rare​ ​that​ ​the​ ​two​ ​of​ ​us​ ​get​ ​to​ ​share​ ​time​ ​together​ ​as​ ​sisters,​ ​so​ ​we​ ​come​ ​here​ ​as​ ​often​ ​as we​ ​can.”​ ​Luna​ ​offered​ ​the​ ​explanation​ ​when​ ​she​ ​noticed​ ​Alan's​ ​continued​ ​observation.​ ​“We​ ​prefer this​ ​room​ ​to​ ​the​ ​larger​ ​rooms​ ​we​ ​usually​ ​use​ ​when​ ​hosting​ ​nobles.​ ​It’s​ ​a​ ​little​ ​more​ ​personal.” 

Allan​ ​nodded,​ ​smiling.​ ​“I​ ​understand​ ​the​ ​need​ ​for​ ​comfort.” 

Twilight​ ​was​ ​looking​ ​at​ ​the​ ​place​ ​with​ ​reverence,​ ​while​ ​Rarity​ ​was​ ​taking​ ​a​ ​critical​ ​look​ ​at​ ​the older,​ ​more​ ​antiquated​ ​details​ ​of​ ​the​ ​room.​ ​Allan​ ​noted​ ​that​ ​the​ ​others​ ​were​ ​all​ ​more​ ​comfortable with​ ​the​ ​Princesses,​ ​having​ ​been​ ​loyal​ ​subjects​ ​and​ ​friends​ ​for​ ​years. 

Allan​ ​graciously​ ​accepted​ ​the​ ​cup​ ​of​ ​tea​ ​that​ ​Celestia​ ​took​ ​from​ ​Luna,​ ​before​ ​passing​ ​it​ ​to their​ ​shapeshifter​ ​guest.​ ​Alan's​ ​magic​ ​wrapped​ ​gently​ ​around​ ​the​ ​handle​ ​and​ ​lifted​ ​it​ ​up​ ​to​ ​his mouth,​ ​before​ ​taking​ ​a​ ​sip.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​best​ ​cups​ ​of​ ​tea​ ​he​ ​had​ ​ever​ ​tasted.​ ​Celestia​ ​and​ ​Luna chuckled​ ​when​ ​he​ ​told​ ​them​ ​as​ ​much.​ ​“We’ve​ ​had​ ​a​ ​long​ ​time​ ​to​ ​get​ ​it​ ​just​ ​right.” 

The​ ​two​ ​sisters​ ​took​ ​the​ ​time​ ​to​ ​talk​ ​with​ ​each​ ​and​ ​every​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​group,​ ​asking​ ​Rarity​ ​and Applejack​ ​about​ ​their​ ​businesses,​ ​Pinkie​ ​about​ ​her​ ​latest​ ​party​ ​plans,​ ​Rainbow​ ​about​ ​the​ ​upcoming Wonderbolts​ ​performance,​ ​and​ ​Twilight​ ​about​ ​her​ ​progress​ ​in​ ​researching​ ​interdimensional​ ​travel​ ​(in other​ ​words,​ ​the​ ​portal​ ​to​ ​Alan's​ ​world.)​ ​When​ ​they​ ​finally​ ​got​ ​through​ ​the​ ​pleasantries​ ​dictated​ ​by etiquette,​ ​they​ ​finally​ ​turned​ ​their​ ​attentions​ ​to​ ​Allan.
  
“Luna​ ​has​ ​told​ ​me​ ​what​ ​little​ ​she​ ​knows​ ​about​ ​you,​ ​but​ ​it​ ​admittedly,​ ​isn’t​ ​all​ ​that​ ​much.” Celestia​ ​said,​ ​stirring​ ​her​ ​tea​ ​with​ ​a​ ​spoon.​ ​“Could​ ​you​ ​tell​ ​us​ ​more​ ​about​ ​yourself?​ ​If​ ​you​ ​feel​ ​up​ ​to it,​ ​of​ ​course.” 

Nodding,​ ​Allan​ ​began​ ​his​ ​story​ ​as​ ​far​ ​back​ ​as​ ​he​ ​could​ ​remember,​ ​starting​ ​in​ ​his​ ​childhood, with​ ​his​ ​friends,​ ​and​ ​Anna,​ ​and​ ​his​ ​family,​ ​before​ ​progressing​ ​on,​ ​into​ ​his​ ​teenage​ ​years,​ ​school, teachers,​ ​science,​ ​his​ ​first​ ​jobs,​ ​earning​ ​money,​ ​getting​ ​his​ ​own​ ​apartment,​ ​he​ ​and​ ​Anna​ ​deciding​ ​to date,​ ​and,​ ​most​ ​recently,​ ​Chrysalis’s​ ​attack​ ​and​ ​his​ ​time​ ​in​ ​Equestria.​ ​The​ Princesses​ ​were​ ​quite​ ​for the​ ​most​ ​part,​ ​just​ ​listening​ ​and​ ​nodding​ ​for​ ​the​ ​most​ ​part,​ ​only​ ​asking​ ​questions​ ​when​ ​they​ ​needed clarification.​ ​When​ ​he​ ​was​ ​finished,​ ​they​ ​continued​ ​to​ ​sit​ ​quietly​ ​for​ ​a​ ​moment​ ​as​ ​they​ ​digested​ ​the story​ ​of​ ​his​ ​life.​ 
He​ ​had​ ​left​ ​out​ ​the​ ​details​ ​of​ ​his​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​Anna,​ ​beyond​ ​being​ ​good​ ​friends, though,​ ​he​ ​wasn’t​ ​entirely​ ​sure​ ​why.​ ​There​ ​was​ ​something​ ​about​ ​the​ ​Alicorn​ ​sisters​ ​that​ ​made​ ​him hesitant​ ​to​ ​divulge​ ​that​ ​information.  

After​ ​a​ ​few​ ​minutes​ ​of​ ​Celestia​ ​sipping​ ​her​ ​tea​ ​and​ ​thinking,​ ​she​ ​set​ ​the​ ​cup​ ​down​ ​and​ ​spoke. “Well,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​certainly​ ​very​ ​interesting​ ​to​ ​hear​ ​about​ ​a​ ​new​ ​world.​ ​​ ​I​ ​have​ ​had​ ​some​ ​experience with​ ​multi-verse​ ​traversal​ ​before,​ ​but​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so​ ​from​ ​a​ ​planet​ ​without​ ​magic,​ ​is​ ​something​ ​I​ ​don’t think​ ​should​ ​even​ ​be​ ​possible.”​ ​She​ ​paused,​ ​before​ ​smiling​ ​in​ ​Allan’s​ ​direction.​ ​The​ ​smile​ ​faded​ ​away as​ ​she​ ​prepared​ ​herself​ ​to​ ​broach​ ​into​ ​the​ ​next​ ​topic.​ ​“Anyway,​ ​I’d​ ​like​ ​to​ ​get​ ​a​ ​little​ ​more​ ​serious​ ​for 
A​ ​moment.​ ​You’ve​ ​told​ ​us​ ​about​ ​your​ ​life,​ ​and​ ​through​ ​it,​ ​a​ ​little​ ​of​ ​your​ ​world​ ​as​ ​well.”​ ​She​ ​turned her​ ​enigmatic​ ​purple​ ​eyes​ ​to​ ​face​ ​his​ ​directly,​ ​holding​ ​his​ ​gaze.​ ​“Tell​ ​us.​ ​What​ ​can​ ​we​ ​expect​ ​from Chrysalis,​ ​given​ ​what​ ​she​ ​can​ ​do?” 

Allan​ ​wished​ ​he​ ​could​ ​tell​ ​her​ ​something​ ​reassuring,​ ​but…​ ​it​ ​just​ ​wasn’t​ ​possible.  “Nothing​ ​good,​ ​I’m​ ​afraid.​ ​She​ ​has​ ​access​ ​to​ ​an​ ​entire​ ​world​ ​that​ ​doesn’t​ ​even​ ​consider magic​ ​to​ ​really​ ​exist.​ ​The​ ​closest​ ​we​ ​have​ ​is​ ​stage​ ​magic,​ ​and​ ​that’s​ ​all​ ​just​ ​sleight​ ​of​ ​hand​ ​and technical​ ​trickery,​ ​nothing​ ​on​ ​the​ ​level​ ​of​ ​real,​ ​Equestrian​ ​magic.​ ​The​ ​damage​ ​she​ ​could​ ​do​ ​is​ ​beyond comparison,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​strength​ ​she​ ​could​ ​gain​ ​might​ ​be​ ​even​ ​worse.​ ​As​ ​a​ ​race​ ​of​ ​beings without​ ​magic,​ ​humans​ ​have​ ​grown​ ​very​ ​good​ ​at​ ​creating​ ​new​ ​and​ ​more​ ​destructive​ ​ways​ ​of​ ​killing each​ ​other.​ ​I​ ​don’t​ ​know​ ​much​ ​about​ ​Chrysalis,​ ​besides​ ​what’s​ ​in​ ​the​ ​history​ ​books,​ ​but​ ​Earth​ ​and Equestria​ ​are​ ​in​ ​great​ ​danger.” 

Celestia​ ​bowed​ ​her​ ​head.​ ​“Thank​ ​you​ ​for​ ​telling​ ​us​ ​the​ ​truth.​ ​I​ ​promise,​ ​we​ ​will​ ​do​ ​everything we​ ​can​ ​to​ ​stop​ ​this​ ​travesty​ ​from​ ​happening.”​ ​Celestia​ ​took​ ​one​ ​last​ ​drink​ ​from​ ​her​ ​teacup​ ​before cleaning​ ​it​ ​with​ ​a​ ​simple​ ​spell.​ ​“I’m​ ​also​ ​grateful​ ​that​ ​you​ ​accepted​ ​our​ ​invitation.​ ​I​ ​am​ ​glad​ ​we​ ​got​ ​to meet​ ​like​ ​this,​ ​even​ ​if​ ​the​ ​circumstances​ ​were​ ​not​ ​so​ ​pleasant.​ ​I​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to​ ​seeing​ ​you​ ​again, Allan​ ​Ryder​ ​of​ ​Earth.”  

“As​ ​do​ ​we,​ ​Allan.​ ​Your​ ​dream​ ​when​ ​we​ ​first​ ​met​ ​was​ ​most​ ​entertaining.”​ ​Luna​ ​smiled​ ​in agreement,​ ​cleaning​ ​her​ ​cup,​ ​and​ ​putting​ ​it​ ​away.  

“Consider​ ​yourself​ ​as​ ​one​ ​of​ ​our​ ​citizens,​ ​until​ ​further​ ​notice.”​ ​Celestia​ ​said,​ ​as​ ​all​ ​the​ ​others stood​ ​up.​ ​“You​ ​have​ ​just​ ​as​ ​much​ ​right​ ​to​ ​be​ ​here​ ​as​ ​anypony​ ​else.”  

As​ ​the​ ​girls​ ​all​ ​voiced​ ​their​ ​approval,​ ​Allan​ ​gave​ ​the​ ​Sun​ ​Princess​ ​a​ ​very​ ​sincere​ ​thank-you.  “Thank​ ​you,​ ​Princess.​ ​It’s​ ​been​ ​an​ ​honour​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​you.​ ​I​ ​just​ ​hope​ ​I’m​ ​worth​ ​all​ ​the​ ​trouble.”

Celestia​ ​smiled.​ ​“Trust​ ​me,​ ​Allan.​ ​It’s​ ​very​ ​rare​ ​for​ ​these​ ​efforts​ ​to​ ​be​ ​worthless.​ ​Very​ ​rare, indeed.” 

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The​ ​group​ ​of​ ​friends​ ​decided​ ​not​ ​to​ ​return​ ​back​ ​home​ ​until​ ​morning,​ ​as​ ​it​ ​was​ ​already​ ​quite late​ ​when​ ​they​ ​left​ ​the​ ​Princesses​ ​to​ ​the​ ​running​ ​of​ ​Equestria.​ ​Instead,​ ​they​ ​were​ ​led​ ​by​ ​several members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​palace​ ​staff​ ​to​ ​the​ ​guest​ ​rooms.​ ​The​ ​Elements​ ​each​ ​had​ ​a​ ​room,​ ​which​ ​meant​ ​that there​ ​wasn’t​ ​enough​ ​for​ ​them​ ​and​ ​Allan.  

“So,​ ​uh….”​ ​Allan​ ​stared​ ​at​ ​the​ ​doors.​ ​“Where​ ​am​ ​I​ ​going​ ​to​ ​sleep?”  The​ ​servants​ ​turned​ ​disapproving,​ ​distrusting​ ​​ ​eyes​ ​on​ ​him,​ ​but​ ​Fluttershy​ ​interjected​ ​before they​ ​could​ ​say​ ​anything.  

“You​ ​can​ ​share​ ​my​ ​room,​ ​if​ ​that’s​ ​okay​ ​with​ ​you.”​ ​The​ ​servants​ ​stared​ ​at​ ​her​ ​incredulously. Her​ ​face​ ​lit​ ​up​ ​red​ ​at​ ​their​ ​stares,​ ​but​ ​she​ ​was​ ​able​ ​to​ ​hold​ ​her​ ​composure.​ ​“We’re​ ​already​ ​living​ ​in the​ ​same​ ​house.​ ​This​ ​shouldn’t​ ​be​ ​a​ ​problem.” 

“Are​ ​you​ ​sure?”​ ​Allan​ ​asked,​ ​trying​ ​hard​ ​to​ ​ignore​ ​the​ ​stares​ ​and​ ​negative​ ​feelings​ ​that​ ​the servants​ ​were​ ​leveling​ ​his​ ​way.​ ​“I’ve​ ​already​ ​been-” 

“No​ ​no!”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​exclaimed,​ ​waving​ ​her​ ​hooves.​ ​“It’s​ ​fine!​ ​Really!”  

“Well,​ ​I​ ​don’t​ ​want​ ​to​ ​impo-” 

“Enough​ ​with​ ​that​ ​excuse!”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​snapped.​ ​“I’m​ ​sick​ ​of​ ​it!​ ​You​ ​are​ ​not​ ​imposing,​ ​and​ ​I like​ ​having​ ​around!” 

A​ ​warm​ ​feeling​ ​bloomed​ ​in​ ​Alan's​ ​chest,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​smile​ ​formed​ ​on​ ​his​ ​face.​ ​“You​ ​do?” 

“I​ ​do.​ ​You’re​ ​just​ ​as​ ​much​ ​a​ ​friend​ ​as​ ​anypony​ ​else.”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​seemed​ ​quite​ ​determined​ ​to make​ ​her​ ​point,​ ​despite​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​her​ ​friends,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​palace​ ​servants.​ ​“Now​ ​stop​ ​worrying about​ ​it.​ ​We’re​ ​already​ ​sharing​ ​my​ ​cottage,​ ​and​ ​your​ ​snores​ ​aren’t​ ​that​ ​loud.” 

“Wha-!”​ ​Allan​ ​spluttered,​ ​red​ ​faced.​ ​“I​ ​do​ ​not​ ​snore!” 

“Yes​ ​you​ ​do.​ ​It​ ​sounds​ ​like​ ​a​ ​recording​ ​of​ ​a​ ​bear​ ​with​ ​sinus​ ​problems​ ​turned​ ​down​ ​low.”  

“I​ ​don’t​ ​snore!​ ​I​ ​just….​ ​Uh,​ ​breathe​ ​deeply​ ​when​ ​I​ ​sleep!” 

“In​ ​other​ ​words,​ ​you​ ​snore.”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​grinned,​ ​eyes​ ​narrowed​ ​slyly,​ ​and​ ​in​ ​a​ ​victorious manner.  

“Your​ ​hearing​ ​must​ ​be​ ​funny.”​ ​Allan​ ​accused,​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​deflect​ ​the​ ​allegation. 

“My​ ​hearing​ ​is​ ​perfectly​ ​fine,​ ​I’ll​ ​have​ ​you​ ​know.”​ ​Fluttershy​ ​replied.​ ​“If​ ​you​ ​have​ ​never​ ​heard yourself​ ​snore,​ ​that’s​ ​your​ ​fault.​ ​Now​ ​please​ ​stop​ ​arguing​ ​and​ ​get​ ​inside.”  

“I-”​ ​Allan​ ​realized​ ​that​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​exchange​ ​had​ ​been​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​a​ ​small​ ​crowd,​ ​all​ ​of​ ​which were​ ​still​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​him,​ ​several​ ​unreadable​ ​expressions,​ ​at​ ​least​ ​two​ ​overjoyed,​ ​and another​ ​two​ ​incredulous​ ​stares.​ ​Not​ ​something​ ​he​ ​wanted​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​around​ ​for​ ​long.​ ​Ears​ ​splayed​ ​back and​ ​blushing​ ​furiously,​ ​he​ ​trotted​ ​quickly​ ​through​ ​the​ ​door​ ​to​ ​Fluttershy’s​ ​room.​ ​A​ ​moment​ ​later,​ ​and Fluttershy​ ​joined​ ​him.  

She​ ​walked​ ​past​ ​him,​ ​her​ ​own​ ​embarrassment​ ​catching​ ​up​ ​to​ ​her​ ​as​ ​she​ ​realized​ ​how​ ​her friends,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​servants,​ ​might​ ​take​ ​the​ ​exchange.​ ​Allan​ ​had​ ​to​ ​admit​ ​similar​ ​feelings.​ ​There​ ​were numerous​ ​ways​ ​that​ ​their​ ​conversation​ ​could​ ​be​ ​interpreted,​ ​and​ ​several​ ​were​ ​less​ ​than​ ​appealing.​ ​In fact,​ ​the​ ​only​ ​way​ ​it​ ​could​ ​be​ ​worse,​ ​that​ ​Allan​ ​could​ ​think​ ​of,​ ​was​ ​if​ ​Discord​ ​had​ ​decided​ ​to​ ​show​ ​up, or​ ​if​ ​the​ ​Princesses​ ​had​ ​been​ ​there.
  
“So…​ ​um…”​ ​Fluttershy’s​ ​voice​ ​interrupted​ ​his​ ​panic.​ ​“Would​ ​you​ ​like​ ​the​ ​bed,​ ​or​ ​should​ ​we...” 
She​ ​didn’t​ ​finish.  

“Um….” 
 

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Twenty​ ​minutes​ ​later,​ ​Allan​ ​regretted​ ​his​ ​complete​ ​ineptitude​ ​at​ ​being​ ​able​ ​to​ ​say​ ​the​ ​right thing.​ ​After​ ​several​ ​back​ ​and​ ​forth’s,​ ​both​ ​he​ ​and​ ​Fluttershy​ ​requesting​ ​that​ ​the​ ​other​ ​use​ ​the​ ​bed, and​ ​that​ ​they​ ​could​ ​use​ ​the​ ​floor,​ ​Alan's​ ​brain​ ​had​ ​come​ ​to​ ​the​ ​absolute​ ​worst​ ​compromise​ ​by suggesting​ ​they​ ​​both​​ ​use​ ​bed,​ ​just​ ​staying​ ​on​ ​separate​ ​sides.​ ​The​ ​frightening​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​shame​ ​and embarrassment​ ​that​ ​permeated​ ​the​ ​room​ ​were​ ​enough​ ​to​ ​make​ ​him​ ​nauseous,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​cursed​ ​his changeling​ ​biology​ ​for​ ​his​ ​abilities​ ​as​ ​an​ ​emotivore.  

Fluttershy​ ​was​ ​as​ ​far​ ​away​ ​from​ ​him​ ​on​ ​the​ ​bed​ ​as​ ​possible,​ ​a​ ​confused​ ​maelstrom​ ​of emotions​ ​clouding​ ​up​ ​her​ ​side​ ​of​ ​the​ ​room.​ ​Allan​ ​closed​ ​his​ ​eyes,​ ​curiosity​ ​driving​ ​him​ ​to​ ​try​ ​and​ ​see if​ ​he​ ​could​ ​sort​ ​through​ ​it​ ​all.  

Embarrassment?​ ​Check.​ ​Shame?​ ​Mmmmm,​ ​nope,​ ​not​ ​ashamed.​ ​Humiliation?​ ​Mnope,​ ​not there​ ​either.​ ​Confusion?​ ​Yep.​ ​Concern?​ ​Always.​ ​The​ ​kind​ ​ones​ ​are​ ​always​ ​worrying​ ​about​ ​someone, and​ ​Allan​ ​knew​ ​exactly​ ​who​ ​it​ ​was​ ​she​ ​was​ ​concerned​ ​about.​ ​There​ ​was​ ​another​ ​emotion​ ​there​ ​too. 

Was​ ​that….​ ​Excitement?​ ​Why​ ​would​ ​she​ ​be​ ​excited?​ ​Weird.  

Spying​ ​on​ ​her​ ​emotions​ ​felt​ ​wrong​ ​though,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​swiftly​ ​retreated.  The​ ​world,​ ​which​ ​had​ ​seemed​ ​somewhat​ ​muted​ ​during​ ​his​ ​focused​ ​state,​ ​burst​ ​back​ ​into bright​ ​realism,​ ​despite​ ​the​ ​sky​ ​being​ ​dark,​ ​and​ ​glittering​ ​with​ ​diamond​ ​stars​ ​that​ ​twinkled​ ​and​ ​shone high​ ​overhead,​ ​billions​ ​of​ ​miles​ ​away.​ ​How​ ​Luna​ ​could​ ​reach​ ​them​ ​all,​ ​Allan​ ​couldn’t​ ​fathom.​ ​That kind​ ​of​ ​action​ ​would​ ​take​ ​more​ ​power​ ​than​ ​there​ ​was​ ​in​ ​all​ ​of​ ​those​ ​stars​ ​combined!​ ​You’d​ ​need so​ ​much power​ ​that….​ ​Well,​ ​Allan​ ​couldn’t​ ​really​ ​think​ ​of​ ​anything​ ​that​ ​he​ ​knew​ ​of​ ​that​ ​could​ ​actually​ ​produce that​ ​much​ ​power. 

Still,​ ​it​ ​was​ ​a​ ​beautiful​ ​night,​ ​and​ ​he​ ​was​ ​feeling​ ​quite​ ​tired.​ ​Maybe​ ​he​ ​could​ ​talk….​ ​Allan​ ​let out​ ​a​ ​big​ ​yawn,​ ​jaws​ ​stretching​ ​wide​ ​and​ ​showing​ ​off​ ​his​ ​impressive​ ​set​ ​of​ ​canines.​ ​Maybe​ ​he… could….could….talk​ ​​ ​to…...Luna………​ ​*Snore* 

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That​ ​night,​ ​Allan​ ​dreamed.​ ​He​ ​dreamed​ ​of​ ​far​ ​off​ ​places​ ​he’d​ ​never​ ​seen.​ ​He​ ​dreamed​ ​of flying,​ ​higher​ ​than​ ​the​ ​clouds​ ​and​ ​faster​ ​than​ ​a​ ​rocket.​ ​He​ ​dreamed​ ​of​ ​falling,​ ​a​ ​smile​ ​on​ ​his​ ​face​ ​as he​ ​let​ ​gravity​ ​take​ ​him.​ ​He​ ​dreamed​ ​he​ ​was​ ​swimming​ ​through​ ​the​ ​vast,​ ​blue​ ​expanse​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ocean, weightless,​ ​and​ ​free​ ​of​ ​burden.  

Then,​ ​eventually​ ​the​ ​dreams​ ​faded​ ​away,​ ​leaving​ ​him​ ​standing​ ​in​ ​a​ ​void​ ​once​ ​again,​ ​a​ ​place his​ ​dreams​ ​always​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​deposit​ ​him.​ ​No​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​time​ ​existed​ ​here,​ ​as​ ​though​ ​it​ ​was​ ​Alan's own​ ​personal​ ​universe​ ​to​ ​play​ ​with.​ ​That​ ​thought,​ ​naturally,​ ​twisted​ ​everything​ ​around​ ​him​ ​into​ ​a vast​ ​replica​ ​of…​ ​well,​ ​everything.​ ​Galaxies​ ​spun​ ​and​ ​danced​ ​to​ ​the​ ​tempo​ ​of​ ​time,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​rhythm​ ​of the​ ​universe​ ​rippled​ ​and​ ​danced​ ​around​ ​him,​ ​eons​ ​passing​ ​in​ ​minutes,​ ​and​ ​creating​ ​the​ ​greatest 
Spectacle​ ​of​ ​all​ ​time:​ ​Creation​ ​itself.  

Allan​ ​walked-​ ​no,​ ​drifted​ ​through​ ​it,​ ​past​ ​galaxy​ ​after​ ​galaxy​ ​until…. 

A​ ​familiar​ ​sight​ ​greeted​ ​his​ ​eyes.​ ​A​ ​galaxy​ ​as​ ​seen​ ​by​ ​its​ ​own​ ​inhabitants,​ ​an​ ​image​ ​plastered into​ ​every​ ​generic,​ ​general​ ​science​ ​textbook​ ​in​ ​schools.​ ​Home.​ ​The​ ​Milky​ ​Way.​ ​In​ ​all​ ​it’s​ ​spirally goodness. 

“My​ ​my.​ ​Such​ ​detail.”​ ​Allan​ ​grinned,​ ​turning​ ​to​ ​face​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​universe.​ ​Princess​ ​Luna walked​ ​through​ ​a​ ​hole​ ​in​ ​his​ ​conjured​ ​reality,​ ​as​ ​though​ ​she​ ​was​ ​the​ ​ultimate​ ​power​ ​in​ ​the​ ​world​ ​he had​ ​fashioned.​ ​“You​ ​really​ ​do​ ​have​ ​a​ ​knack​ ​for​ ​dreamscapes.​ ​This​ ​goes​ ​on​ ​for…..I​ ​can’t​ ​even​ ​tell.”  

“Well,​ ​welcome​ ​to​ ​the​ ​universe,​ ​or,​ ​what​ ​my​ ​people​ ​perceive​ ​of​ ​it.” 

“It​ ​truly​ ​is​ ​incredible.​ ​How​ ​a​ ​civilization​ ​without​ ​magic​ ​could​ ​learn​ ​so​ ​much​ ​about​ ​the​ ​world they​ ​live​ ​in​ ​is​ ​astounding!​ ​Your​ ​science​ ​has​ ​showed​ ​you​ ​all​ ​of​ ​this?”  

Allan​ ​had​ ​to​ ​cough​ ​to​ ​withhold​ ​a​ ​little​ ​shameful​ ​grin.​ ​“Well,​ ​actually,​ ​what​ ​I​ ​know​ ​of​ ​how​ ​the universe​ ​looks​ ​is​ ​a​ ​mixture​ ​of​ ​special​ ​effects​ ​from​ ​television,​ ​and​ ​my​ ​own​ ​imagination.​ ​It​ ​probably looks​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​different​ ​in​ ​reality.” 

Luna​ ​chuckled.​ ​“All​ ​of​ ​what​ ​we​ ​see​ ​is​ ​seen​ ​through​ ​our​ ​own​ ​perceptions.​ ​How​ ​I​ ​see​ ​you​ ​and how​ ​you​ ​see​ ​yourself​ ​could​ ​be​ ​vastly​ ​different.” 

“I​ ​suppose.”  

“It’s​ ​been​ ​some​ ​time​ ​since​ ​anypony​ ​was​ ​willing​ ​to​ ​talk​ ​with​ ​me​ ​about​ ​things​ ​like​ ​this.​ ​May we…?”​ ​She​ ​indicated​ ​the​ ​fissure​ ​through​ ​which​ ​she​ ​had​ ​come,​ ​a​ ​small​ ​smile​ ​on​ ​her​ ​face.  

Allan​ ​smiled​ ​back.​ ​“I’d​ ​love​ ​to.” 

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