//------------------------------// // Early Morning Visit // Story: PlutoVerse: Tirek's Arc // by Vchart920 //------------------------------// So this was the castle that took the place of the tree house all those years ago. Tirek stood in front of the crystal castle along with Rarity. After learning about the library it held, he inquired, almost demanding, that they go there. Rarity didn't decline the idea, it would be a good to see what Twilight was up to and to see Evening again. The castle greeted them with a warm aura and the scent of firewood and pine, mixed with a hint of earth, one that you would find in a cave. “I didn't expect this to be as big as it is,” the centaur remarked while his eyes scanned the interior. “Well, it is a castle, after all.” “That isn't what I meant. The interior is very spacious. And has given a great number of rooms of all sorts. I simply find it odd that it planted itself with these spaces.” “We did have to bring in quite a bit of furniture. A lot of the rooms are still empty. Despite that fact, we try not to question the more odd happenings that have occurred in our lives.” “Most likely for the better.” “Ah, Miss Rarity and Sir Tirek! Good to see you both. Miss Sparkle is already waiting in the library.” The grey pegasus had greeted them once more. He was waiting close by, expecting their arrival. “Would you like me to go fetch some tea?” Rarity gave him a friendly smile. “That would be wonderful, Steward.” His bushy white mustache pushed up signaling his smile. “Sir Tirek? Tea for you as well?” “Coffee. It’s still early.” “Very well. I will return in a few minutes with your drinks.” The door they entered where the pegasus came out was the room Tirek had been anticipating to see. The walls were lined top to bottom with books of all sorts. Hardly any room was left on the crystal shelves which explained the books that were neatly stacked in one of the corners. Twilight was flying around, pulling out books from the shelves. “Hello, darling,” Rarity called from below. Twilight gazed down from here height, smiling when she saw Rarity but still a little uneasy seeing Tirek. “Ah, Rarity. Just in time.” She flew down and landed, setting another few books on the table with some others. Her attention turned to Tirek. “I hope you don't mind, but I grabbed some books ahead of time for you. These are what I think you're looking for, but feel free to call me if you need any more.” “It is appreciated.” Tirek began to look through the book titles and see if there was anything there that piqued his interest. “Evening wouldn't happen to be around, would she?” “Yeah.” Twilight turned her head to look around. “At least she should be. Evening? Ah, let me go find her.” Tirek began to make his own pile that he felt the need to go through. Rarity also made observation about the books he was choosing. “How old is the child?” he asked rather suddenly. “I think she's two or almost. With kids coming around, it's hard to keep track, especially when Pinkie isn't always here to remind us.” “The pink pony? Why is she important in that?” “Oh, she remembers everyone's birthday and keeps a log of what you prefer and don't prefer. She's quite odd that one. Though, she's usually up near the Crystal Empire and in Yakyakistan nowadays. After marrying Prince Rutherford, she's become kind of a queen herself, though she doesn't enjoy that title at all. It makes her feel separated from the rest of us.” “Then what title does she prefer?” “Ambassador.” “Fitting, I suppose. Are there any other title changes I should be notified of?” “No. The rest of us are still the same.” “I have brought your beverages as you requested.” Steward came walking in with a tray and the little foal on his back. “It also seems that I had some help, too.” He took a look around for Twilight. “I suppose she will return soon.” He set down the tray in which Tirek took his hot cup. “There she is, the little darling.” Rarity took the little filly into a hug. “How are you?” “I'm doing good, auntie.” Tirek observed the little child and hummed. “Why is her father not around?” Rarity answered this for Twilight, “Oh, he's off doing his stuff. He still has a job he needs to do.” “So she has found a husband herself?” “Yes, but he's not Evening's father. I swear, I thought I knew her better than to have a fling with someone she wasn't going to marry. Then getting pregnant on top of that.” She looked to Evening. “Not that I mind having her around. It's simply the fact that she was careless.” “You're never going to let that go, are you?” Twilight sighed, strolling back in. Her expression had changed from a smile to one of unamusement after hearing Rarity say that. “Perhaps one day. I know I would never make such a mistake.” Twilight gave a tired groan catching the alicorn’s attention. “If you have any questions, feel free to ask,” she offered to Tirek before going back to her own tasks. Minutes past that soon turned to an hour, continuing on from there. Tirek was deep in his readings, unfortunately only the books Twilight allowed him to read. He supposed he should be grateful or at least act like it. He was gaining a lot of knowledge of the new world around him, especially since he hasn’t been around in a thousand years. But none of this is what he desired. He was starting to doubt if he was going to get anywhere. That was until he found one that caught his eye. In his hands was a bright purple book. It was trimmed with gold along with the horseshoe on the front. A gem similar to Twilight's cutie mark was embedded in the center. “What is this?” Twilight's eyes lit up after noticing the book in his hands. Proudly, she stated, “That is our journal of friendship.”