"What did you say you were going to Filly for again?" Octavia asked me, stepping over a small puddle as she did.
"There's a conference happening there for writers and journalists and it was suggested to me by Princess Celestia that I go to it," I told her. Octavia had been kind enough to accompany me to the train station, and we were getting close to our destination.
"Hm... I'm going to guess that it wasn't actually a suggestion, was it?" my friend giggled.
"No, it wasn't. I told her I didn't want to go. She told me I had to. I told her I didn't. So we compromised and now I'm going,"
"Why don't you want to go? It sounds like it could be a good opportunity."
"Yeah, I know it's a good opportunity. I know I should go, but it's still two days of listening to people drone on about things that I don't really care about. Eugh... I wasn't kidding about the compromise thing either. Celestia paid for my train and hotel, so I don't really have to spend anything while I'm there," I thought aloud. The fact that I didn't have to spend any of my bits was somewhat of a comfort to me.
"Hm, well that was very generous of her," Octavia said, glancing ahead.
"Well, here we are. Wait here for minute, I'll be right back," I told my friend. She nodded, and I approached the ticket booth.
"Hello sir, how can I help you?" the mare asked me.
"One round trip ticket to Fillydelphia, please," I told her, pulling out a golden slip from my back pocket.
"Alright, that'll be sixty bits, please," she said. I slid the piece of paper from the Princess under the glass window.
"Ah, I see. Alright, thank you sir... here you are, we hope you have a lovely trip," the mare bid me as she took my travel slip and handed me my ticket. I nodded my thanks, moving back over to find Octavia sitting underneath the awning to the train station.
"Well, that's it I guess. They let you board the train anytime while it's here, and mine leaves in twenty minutes, so I guess I'll just go wait. Gotta get a good seat, you know?" I chuckled.
"Alright Daniel... wait, where is your luggage?" Octavia tilted her head.
"I have everything I need in my backpack. It's only two days, and it's a big bag. It'll be fine, trust me," I explained to her.
"Ah, I see. Yes, two days isn't that long, really. Alright, well... I hope your conference is enjoyable. Do take care in Filly, Daniel," Octavia said, straightening up as she did. I smiled, before kneeling down and opening my arms. Octavia giggled, before embracing me in a hug.
"It's only two days, I'll be back before you know it," I said, standing back up as I released her. Turning to walk away, I yelled over my shoulder.
"See ya later Octavia!"