It was early morning and the sun's magnificence was in full splendor. It shone all across the land, a symbol of Equestria's ruler. Every time the sun would rise, the ponies would be reminded of who brings them their each and every day. She was aware of this, of course, as she looked out over the land from her grand castle. From its windows she could see all of Canterlot, and in the distance, Ponyville. She often watched over them when she wasn't busy with royal duties. Someone in her position of power usually had many things to worry about. But not today. Today she was receiving a visit from her student and beloved friend, Twilight Sparkle, who had reported an unheard of creature in the immediate vicinity.
"Sister..."
She heard a voice call out to her. A very familiar and cherished voice. She turned to see her younger sister standing in the doorway.
"They're here."
It was too early for this. It was too cold for this. He wasn't in the best of moods for this. And yet, after a half-hour trip by flying chariot, they had arrived at the castle of the princesses. He hadn't expected to fly all the way there. The higher altitude winds had his teeth chattering the entire way, and he couldn't feel his exposed feet. He really had to look into getting shoes.
The three of them were led to a large dining room. It had an impractically long table and large stained glass windows. The windows depicted various scenes of assumed triumph, some of them featuring Twilight and her friends. Oddly enough, Twilight didn't have wings in any of the window portraits. Even stranger, a few of them had an out-of-place looking blue box. He took his seat between Twilight and Spike and waited for the arrival of the princesses.
After quite a bit of silent waiting, the doors opposite the ones they'd entered through opened, revealing a tall white pony and a smaller blue one. The white one began walking, with the other tailing right behind. Matt was actually impressed. The taller one, who he assumed to be Princess Celestia, was as tall as him. She carried herself with the grace and elegance befitting of her title. The smaller, who he assumed to be Princess Luna, just strolled in casually. He noticed that their hair seemingly defied gravity. A few days ago, he would've questioned that. It didn't even affect him at this point. He then noticed that they had both a horn and wings, like Twilight.
The two Winged-Unicorns took their seats at the end of the table, hair seeming to defy gravity. Twilight looked ecstatic to see them, though she didn't speak. Maybe she didn't know how to begin the conversation. Or, maybe she was just content enough to bask in the presence of the princesses. Seemingly sensing the building tension, princess Celestia broke the silence.
"Ah, Twilight Sparkle, how are your studies progressing?"
Twilight's face read pure joy.
"Well, I recently began reading up on early rule in Equestia and early magic development, when I stumbled across some notes by Starswhirl the Bearded. They told of a very complex spell that..." she paused and brought up the previously mentioned notes. "...'creates a dimensional looking glass through time and space.'. I'm not entirely sure what that means, though."
"It implies that it creates a hole in the space time continuum, which isn't possible." said Matt unexpectedly.
Everyone in the room locked their eyes onto him. They probably hadn't expected him to speak so freely, much less understand what Twilight was talking about.
"You seem to be quite knowledgeable about this. Please, enlighten us." said Celestia.
Of course she'd ask him to explain. He needed to learn when to keep his mouth shut.
"Well, the theory states that all of time and space is like a fabric of some kind. It's quite possible that there are tears here and there, but never concentrated holes. Although, considering I am where I am, I'd say the theory has a few holes in itself."
"I see. I assume you are Matthew Nabal?"
"Yes, your majesty. I'm honored that you took the time out of your busy schedule to meet me."
He was used to meeting powerful figures, nothing quite like a princess, though. He just had to change the song and dance a little. He heard Twilight let out a sigh. She was probably relieved that he was making a good impression with the princesses.
"It's no trouble." she said, smiling. "Unfortunately, we haven't been able to find a way to send you back to your home yet." she paused as an armor-clad Pegasus whispered something into her ear. "Ah, but we can discuss that after brunch."
As if on cue, numerous ponies rushed out with serving platters. They placed one dish in front of each person at the table before disappearing as fast as they came. Everyone was served a gourmet-looking salad along with tea. Spike was instead served a plate of gemstones. Matt watched as the tiny dragon ingested gem after gem in a rather barbaric fashion. He turned to his own food. Finally, he could eat something of substance without being sick of the flavor after two bites.
Conversation was scarce, with only occasional snippets from Twilight. Matt took a look around the table. Spike had already finished his food, Celestia's face was nearly unreadable, and Princess Luna looked dreadfully tired. She would just sit there, staring off into space, occasionally glancing his way and looking away quickly.
Before long, everyone had finished their meal and Princess Celestia got down to business.
"As I was saying, we have not yet found a way to send you back. Attempting the same spell again is far too dangerous."
He had forgotten about the reported shockwave that erupted from Twilight's home upon his arrival.
"Until we can find the proper way to send you back, please make this place your home. Do you have living arrangements?"
Twilight responded before he could.
"He's been staying with me, princess. I figured since I was responsible for bringing him here, I could at least offer him a home."
Celestia looked rather pleased with her response and Matt could see the pride in her expression.
"Yes, and she has been an excellent host." he said, smiling sincerely. "It has been both a pleasure and an honor."
Twilight seemed happy enough with his input and Celestia chuckled a bit. These ponies were too trusting. It must be the flaw of their species. They were far too easy to manipulate.
"Very well. Twilight Sparkle, I am placing him in your care. Try to make his stay enjoyable. We will be searching for a solution." Celestia said, rising from her seat at the table. Luna rose shortly after.
"Yes, of course, princess."
And then they were gone as suddenly as they came. Though Matt thought the visit rather pointless, at least he had something decent to eat. They went to exit the building and he braced himself for the cold of the autumn air.
"Sister?"
She hadn't heard Luna talk the entire time during the meeting. She was probably very tired.
"Yes?"
"Why does Twilight Sparkle still refer to you as 'princess' even though she also carries the title?"
An unexpected question.
"I'm not sure. Maybe she isn't used to it yet."