//------------------------------//
// Part 1 
// Story: Changing Lanes - Fun With The Sun 
// by AutoPony 
//------------------------------//

A gentle prod at your ribs stirs you from the embrace of sleep.

"No," you mumble.

It still continues in sporadic moments. Rather than give in, you roll over, hopefully far enough away from the intrusion.

Yeah, right.

"Come, Anon. It's time to wake up," sings a sweet voice.

"Time for you  to wake up. I don't have any obligations today."

"Oh, alright then."

With that simple reply, everything is silent. There's no way it was that easy, ri-

The blankets that form a cocoon around you are suddenly yanked away, sending you almost spinning off the bed. You get a grip on the mattress to prevent smacking into the floor, as laughter fills your ears just as much as your racing heart.

"Looks like you decided to get up after all," Luna says as you turn to face her. The covers that were seconds ago on you now float beside her, seized in the blue glow of her magic.

"You wouldn't be laughing if I had hit the floor and gotten hurt, would you?" you grumble. The playful grin on her face fades just a bit, but remains steadfast.

"I suppose not. Fortunately, that didn't happen," she says.

With a groan, you sit up and rub your eyes, freeing your vision of the fog set upon them. As you do so, Luna's hoofsteps slowly circle around to your side of the bed. As everything comes into focus, she sits right in front of you, wide awake and ready to seize the day.

"Good morning," she says, leaning inward. You lean in as well for a wake-up kiss.

"Good morning," you properly greet her back. "I've lost count, is this your last day?"

"It is indeed," she says, the grin she has been sporting this whole time somehow growing even wider. "After today, I'll finally have a few days off we can spend together."

That is music to your ears. 

The last two weeks have been dull during the day as Luna serves her punishment for the lies she fed Celestia regarding Nightmare Moon and you. It didn't take more than three or four of those days to tear apart the Superbird, but you are unable to progress further until you can get both spare parts from your old home in Ponyville and new parts fabricated.

Both would be easier once Luna had some time off to help.

Since then, it's been a matter of entertaining yourself in other ways. But you can only do so much reading until you begin to zone out or lose focus, and as of yet neither Luna nor her sister has figured out a way to get your TV to work you had brought into Luna's (and now half your) room.

That was going to be a future project for Twilight Sparkle, it seemed. You're still giving her some space, to adjust to... well, everything that happened. You don't know what took place in her home before you arrived that awful night the changelings came.

Part of you wonders if that spell Chrysalis had cast upon her had required more... in-depth ritual.

Enough of that, mind out of the gutter.

After getting dressed in fresh clothes and making yourself halfway presentable, you followed Luna down into the dining room for breakfast together. After that, the two of you would go separate ways until evening, except for a possible check-in around lunchtime, if she wasn't swamped with duties.

This morning, you're surprised to find Celestia seated at the table. Usually at this time, she's been off into the world, enjoying the vacation gifted to her. There have been a few days you haven't seen her at all, usually when the sun princess is spending a couple of days in another land or resort.

"Good morning, Celly," you call out to her as you take a seat opposite her. Luna takes a seat at the end of the table, a compromise to sit both near you and her sister.

Celestia's face lights up at the greeting and the sight of both of you. "Good morning, Anon. And a belated good morning to you too, sister."

"Indeed, the final morning of our two-week stint at last. Good morning, Tia," Luna responds. Her sister's face gains the slightest hint of mischief in her grin.

"Oh, has time passed that quick? I was certain it had only been a week as of today," she teases. Not to be outdone, Luna begins to smirk.

"Is that so? Such a shame the Annual Canterlot Bake Off begins in two days. I suppose I will have to judge the entries," she says. "I cannot wait to see what delightful culinary creations will be introduced this year."

"Well, I suppose I can let you off the hook early," Celestia quickly suggests. "After all, you haven't complained too much."

"I haven't complained at all!" Luna protests, garnering a chuckle from her older sister.

"Well, there's one," she replies. Luna's muzzle scrunches up in frustration, while you can't help but laugh.

You always thought that Celestia only toyed with you in the short stint you were in Luna's body because she knew it was you. In the short time you've been staying in the castle, you have learned this banter back and forth is very much the norm.

Of course, this pretty much only happens behind the scene - if you told anyone about their true relationship as siblings, it would be doubtful you could find a believer.

That's fine with you; it means you get your own personal show.

But just as Luna is about to respond with her own smart-ass comment, the doors to the kitchen swing open, a unicorn in a stark white chef's outfit trotting around the table with two plates, one for you and one for Luna.

While Luna gets a bowl of oatmeal topped with peaches and whipped cream, you get a hot, fresh blueberry walnut muffin.

Or perhaps blueberry loaf is more appropriate. This thing is massive . Neither of you hesitates to chow down, though Luna is certainly more elegant and proper in her demeanor, from a simple stirring with a spoon to sizing up each bite.

You're more of a savage, tearing into your oversized muffin with your bare hands. Not that either princess seems to mind. Though curiously, Celestia is already done with her meal, an empty plate sitting before her. 

Evidently, she just wants to see the two of you before setting off for the day.

Now you have a burning desire to sate your curiosity.

"So, what are you up to on your last day of vacation, Celestia?" you ask. The question gets the slightest hint of a cringe from her, though she recovers quickly.

"Funny you should ask because I have been trying to decide since last night," she replies, focusing her eyes upon you. "I had a whole list of ideas for this vacation that I was certain would last me far longer than two weeks. As it turns out, I was mistaken."

"Sister, forgive me if this suggestion does not appeal to you, but perhaps you and Anon could spend some time together. He has been complaining of boredom over the last few days, the two of you seen to be facing the same situation," Luna says, her voice teeming with optimism as her eyes dart between the two of you, before settling squarely upon you, one brow raised as her smile grows devious.

Having just seen this setup, you don't take the bait she's laid out for you.

"Yeah, I suppose I've mentioned my boredom a few times in the past couple days," you admit, much to Luna's chagrin. "I'm up for a change of pace."

"I think it's a wonderful idea, little sis," Celestia says, beaming with enthusiasm. "I have to say, I've been wanting to get to know you a bit better, Anon, especially since you're living with us now."

The conversation is interrupted as the doors leading out into the hall swing open, yet another unicorn appearing before the three of you. This time, it is Celestia's personal secretary that helps her during the day.

Raven... Inkwell? You think that's her name. To be honest, you've only heard her mentioned a few times and seen her; you haven't ever had a chance to speak to her.

"Princess Luna, the delegates from Saddle Arabia have arrived and await your presence," she says, her eyes shifting between Luna and the scroll she holds up, partially obscuring her face. "Right after meeting with them, you have a few ponies from Manehattan's city counci-"

"Again? Were they not here but a few days ago?" Luna interrupts, her nostrils flaring in slight irritation.

"Two days ago, yes," Raven replies. "But now they request an audience to hear their zoning disputes in one of the boroughs."

"Oh for the love of Equestria," Luna huffs. Throwing grace and manners to the wind, she scarfs down the rest of her breakfast and slides out of her chair. "Come, let us begin this day," she says, trotting out the door. Raven remains stoic, glancing at Celestia and giving her a brief bow of acknowledgment before setting off after Luna.

Now just you and Celestia, you start feeling a bit awkward as you try to finish eating. It's not that you necessarily feel uncomfortable as if you didn't know her, it's more of a sense of how to begin the conversation.

The simple fact is the only times you've talked to her in-depth have been in times of distress. Aside from talking to her when you discovered your dreamwalking ability, though that was still a rather tense moment.

"So... what did you have in mind for us?" you speak up.

"Well, I'm afraid we are a bit limited," Celestia admits. "Judging by the rather dreary clouds when I rose the sun this morning, the rain is going to move in earlier than anticipated."

"You can't just tell the pegasi to hold off?"

Celestia chuckles a bit as you finally finish off your breakfast. "No, I try to keep my royal influence in check, except in the most extreme circumstances," she replies, slightly amused. "I just thought we could talk, maybe show you around a bit more."

You shrug. "I'm game. Wherever you lead us is where we go."

Celestia's smile is practically blinding at this point as she rises from her seat. "In that case, why don't we go to my private study first? There is something I'd like to show you that is... relevant to recent events."

Her cryptic reply strikes you as odd, but you nod your head and scoot out from the table and stand.

Celestia likewise slips out of her seat and begins her graceful stride toward her planned destination, as you join her side.

"So, aside from everything that's taken place, are you enjoying living here?" she asks.

"Yeah, but I'm not going to lie, it's been hard to adjust," you reply.

"Oh? How so?"

"Not really used to the luxury, having someone right there to serve you all the time. All the guards present, it's a little unnerving."

"I can understand that in some respects," Celestia replies. "I will admit, there are times I find myself frustrated; there is only so much privacy one can get when a guard exists around every corner. Sometimes I think they forget my sister and I once protected all of Equestria, but I see no need to argue, because their presence allows me to relax more than I could without them."

"I'm guessing you weren't always accustomed to it, then, judging by that comment."

"Aside from a couple of weeks ago, it's been a long time. But yes, I've certainly mastered the art of sleeping with one eye open in my past. Of course, my sister was always the night owl considering her special talent, so that afforded some sense of security even in the early years."

"I gotta ask, do you miss being normal?"

Celestia looks perplexed by your question as she comes to a halt. "I'm going to assume you mean not ruling g over Equestria, correct?"

You nod your head, leaving Celestia silent as she ponders your inquiry.

"In some respects, yes," she admits, looking a little uncomfortable. "I admit, I do sometimes wonder about what life would be like without all the pomp and circumstance that comes with royalty. But on the other hoof, I don't think I would find anything that gives me as much joy."

"What do you mean?" Upon your further inquiry, Celestia relaxes, beginning to move forward again as she beckons you to follow with a wave of her hoof.

"My sister and I just had a discussion about this when you - well, when we thought  you had died," she says.

"Yeah, that was a fun day all around, wasn't it?" 

Celestia gives you a coy smile to go along with a raise of her eyebrows. Nonetheless, she doesn't respond to your sarcasm as she continues 

"While it can be hard sometimes doing what I do day in and day out, I don't think I would be the caring pony I am today if I hadn't undertaken this journey. Furthermore, while I indeed mourned the loss of my sister so long ago, the experience also allowed me to open up more to those I watch over, and take a vested interest in their trials and tribulations. Just because I live in a castle and am surrounded by ponies who will cater to my needs does not mean I cannot have a vested interest in my subjects. Having assistants allows  me to have the time to pay attention to the smaller items that get lost in between trade agreements and treaties."

"I... huh." You really aren't sure how to even follow up on her explanation. But what little you do say apparently speaks volumes, as Celestia turns to you with the slightest hint of concern.

"Is something the matter?"

"It just occurs to me how... I can't say that I've ever seen nor heard that from someone in power back where I'm from. Usually, they just forget about the little person," you sigh.

"The nation you lived in, or the world?"

"Both."

Celestia ushers you over to a door in the hall, not far from the sisters' personal rooms. Before opening the door, her eyes gaze upon you as her ears drop.

"I'm very sorry to hear that, Anonymous," she says. "But I suppose you can understand even moreso why I am so glad my sister and I rule. Rulers should be watching over our ponies and serving them in their time of need, not indulging ourselves. It can be tiring, but fulfilling."

She opens the door to the room, stepping aside for you to enter first. You do you, albeit somewhat cautious as you aren't sure what to expect.

It certainly looks cozy, contrasting with the rest of the castle. Rather than seeming cavernous, the ceiling sits at a more reasonable height, with the royal purple hues of the walls contrasting with the hewn oak bookshelves that dot the room. Though the shelves aren't completely restricted to books; you note more than a few sculptures and figures of all sorts interspersed.

"What is this place?" you ask, stepping over to the brick fireplace. Above the mantle sits an enormous portrait or Celestia and Luna, standing stoic.

"This is my personal study," she says, a hint of pride in her voice. "I know, it seems odd considering I have a bedroom, but I like to keep the two separate. That way, my more treasured and secretive items stay away from prying eyes. But please, indulge yourself."

You take a closer look at one of the sculptures, what looks to be a large bird enveloped in flame.

"A phoenix?" you ask. Celestia's muzzle breaks into a smile, before she suddenly lets loose a melodic whistle.

Instantly, you hear a ruffle of feathers, the abrupt sound making you turn to face the origin. A blaze of red and orange swoops down from above, practically grazing the top of your head before you can even duck in response. 

"What the hell was that?" you exclaim, spinning around as you hear Celestia's soft laughter break out. She has one of her wings is flared out, and upon the top of her outstretched limb is perched a large bird.

No...

"You were right, it is a phoenix," Celestia teases, practically reading your mind as she glances over at her companion. The bird stretched out its wings in a proud display, easily four, maybe five feet wide tip to tip. Aside from the red and orange plumage you noted as the avian startled you, it is also decorated with yellow, most notably its featureless eyes which seem to glow with energy.

"Anon, this is Philomena," Celestia says softly, her voice beckoning you to come closer to get a better look. "Don't worry, she's harmless aside from being a bit of a troublemaker."

Philomena's head darts from you to Celestia, her body language and short squawk making it clear she does not necessarily take kindly to that final note, even as Celestia suppresses a giggle.

"Is there anything here that isn't real?" you ask, half-joking. But the quip is lost on Celestis, who cocks her head in curiosity.

"What do you mean? You don't have phoenixes in your world?"

"Just in legend and the hood of Pontiacs." You expect that joke to be lost on her, and it indeed is. "Don't worry about it, it's lame."

Celestia just nods her head, her attention drawn back to her bird. "You know, it occurs to me even after all this time, I don't know a whole lot about your world. I've heard bits and pieces from my sister and Twilight, and I've seen  some of your history when I used a spell on your mind upon first arrival, but other than that..."

You shrug your shoulders. "There's not a whole lot for me to say, really. I can't help but sometimes draw comparisons between then and now, but overall I'm set on staying here, so it's irrelevant."

"Then I suppose you won't be upset if I admit after the first month of your arrival, my sister and I had exhausted all ideas of how you got here and how to send you home."

"If you want, I can pretend to be up in arms about it."

With a short cry, Philomena streaks away from Celestia, over toward you. Instinctively, you flinch, before realizing the phoenix is merely sating her curiosity about you as she gently perches atop your shoulder.

You've never held any sort of bird before so maybe it's normal, but you're surprised by how light Philomena is as you turn and arch your neck back to get a better look at her.

"Uh, hi," you mumble as her bright yellow eyes dart around your features.

"Phoenixes are quite rare even here, Anonymous," Celestia says as she watches the two of you with a cheerful expression. "They don't live forever, but as I have described our regenerative properties my sister and I - and now you - possess, they do undergo a similar process. Though for them, it's more frequent and normal."

"Really? I'm guessing it's not as painful for them, then," you muse as you tepidly reach a hand up to Philomena's head. Really you don't know the first thing about birds and what they like as far as physical touch, but the phoenix makes it easy on you, leaning into the palm of your hand.

"Erm, no," Celestia says, her voice shifting a bit as something has caught her off-guard. "Anon, the way you mentioned that... I thought you said you didn't remember, well, dying."

"I didn't," you reply as you turn to face her. "But Nightmare showed me the memory that she somehow possessed, and I experienced it. Hope I never go through that again."

Celestia shrinks back in embarrassment in response, much to your confusion, but is quick to explain herself. "I just realized after all of that, neither I nor my sister asked is Nightmare Moon was still with you."

"She has been the whole time, but there was a period where she was silent and couldn't manifest, yeah," you respond. "It's only been very recent that she's started showing up again, evidently reanimation takes a lot of power."

A nod of Celestia's head confirms your suspicion. "That it does, Anon. I've only experienced it a couple of times, Luna has experienced it more than I. But every time one of us has come back, we've been weak for a spell. In our case,  it results in a more dramatic, physical change."

"What do you mean by that?"

Celestia gives you a coy smile as she turns to a bookshelf, carefully picking through various items with her magic before seizing a particular, decent-sized book. 

"You remember the picture I showed you of Luna back in the days she still competed in races, don't you?" she asks, the golden glow of her magic whisking through the pages.

"How could I forget? I'm still not thrilled that you knew I was Luna but didn't say anything," you lament, folding your arms. The response only makes Celestia chuckle again, as Philomena suddenly departs your shoulder, taking to the air with spread wings before perching on top of a shelf.

"Here it is," Celestia says, stopping on a page as she steps toward you and turns, inviting you in for a closer look. You oblige her, focusing in on the particular picture of this apparent photo album.

It's a picture of Celestia and Luna... though Luna is a lighter shade of blue, and her mane is normal. Not to mention, she is even shorter than Celestia compared to now. Really, she looks even younger than the photo Celestia had shown you months ago, even though this picture has been taken much more recent. Aside from Twilight Sparkle off to one side - sans wings - there are a few other ponies you recognize in the background.

"What is this?" you ask, confused.

"This is the day of Luna's return, after being freed from her jealousy and anger. She was basically stripped of all her magic; it took a month or two until she returned to the form she is in now."

"Hell, she's barely taller than Twilight," you note.

"Yes, I would appreciate it if you didn't mention this to Luna, she gets a little sensitive."

"What is not to be mentioned to me?" inquires Luna, as she waltzes through the door. Celestia quickly scrambles to hide the album in her possession, turn to face her sister, as do you.

"Luna, what are you doing? Were you not supposed to be meeting with delegates?" Celestia asks.

"Yes, and I have done so. But it would seem the pair are keen on meeting with both  of us, rather than just I. I can only assume they have come to discuss further negotiations regarding the relationship between our nations, and they know I am more difficult to bargain with than you."

"So... are they still waiting for us?" Celestia inquires.

A slight smile spreads across Luna's face. "They appeared quite star-struck by the sheer size and opulence of Canterlot, I may have suggested they take in the sights under the guidance and protection of a few of our most trusted assistants," she replies. "So now, I merely wait to oversee the meetings. Now, what is it that I am not supposed to know about?"

"Nothing,  stop being so paranoid, sister," Celestia lies, albeit poorly. She exaggerates her tone way too much, sounding like a rebellious teenager.

So of course, Luna turns her attention to you, though her gaze softens from the stern glare she had given her elder sister.

"What did she show you, Anon?" she gushes, batting her eyelashes as those bright turquoise eyes gleam in the light.

"Stop, that's cheating," you protest. "Why do I have to be in the middle of this?"

"Because my sister is a brat," Celestia chimes in beside you. Daggers shoot from the sudden narrowing of Luna's eyes.

"Funny, I am not the one keeping secrets. It would seem you  are acting bratty more than I."

"I think you're both childish," you interrupt.

"Thank you," the pair says in unison.

You hear the distinct sound of feathered wings again, and find Philomena has dropped down to a shelf nearby behind you, apparently interested in the sudden bickering. You back up a few steps to join the phoenix.

"So, I'm guessing you've seen this a lot?" you ask her.

Philomena is quick to nod her head.

"...I am not threatening you, I am promising you that I will do such a thing if you do not show me what you have."

"Luna, I don't have anyth-"

"I saw the book when I walked in, dearest sister!"

Oh boy, she's bringing out the 'dearest sister' line again.

"Sister, I was merely showing him some photos. It's pictures you've seen before."

Without warning, Celestia's form is enveloped in Luna's magic, a cool blow glow seizing her body and abruptly twirling her upside down.

"Hey, let me go!" Celestia shouts.

"As soon as I get what I want, I will gladly release you," Luna retorts. She shakes her sister a few times, before the photo album she had tried to hide falls from her mane and onto the floor.

No sooner does the book hit the floor, it disappears, as Celestia's horn lights and evidently teleports it to parts unknown.

Unceremoniously, Luna lets her sister fall to the floor, at least being kind enough to spin her around right side up.

"Why we're you showing him pictures of what I can only assume was my return? You know I hate that," she grumbles.

Despite the light abuse she was just subjected to, Celestia is unperturbed as she rises back to her hooves, grinning all the while. "Luna, it isn't that bad," she reassures her.

"Yeah, I didn't think so, I thought you looked adorable," you chime in.

"It's embarrassing," she whines in response. "What was the point of all this, anyway?"

"Well, I was showing Anon Philomena, and then we got onto the subject of rebirth after death, and how it manifests differently for us. For example, when you were freed by the Elements of Harmony," Celestia explains calmly.

"Why not show him a picture of you?" Luna responds sternly. Her eyes turn to you. "And I am not adorable."

"Yes you are, even when you're angry," you tell her. Luna can only blush even as her face scrunches up in frustration.

"You realize I don't mean that in a negative sense, right?"

"Yes.." she replies hesitantly.

"And that's why I love you?"

"...yes." For a moment, you swear Luna's face loses all hints of blue pigment, replaced with a bright cherry red blush, even as she shuffles over to you so you can throw an arm around her neck. The smirk Celestia has been sporting for a while softens up gradually, finding the sight endearing as she looks on.

"See, there's nothing to be embarrassed about, sis," she says quietly.

"Thank Anonymous for saving your hide, Tia," Luna replies, her wing extending out to pull you closer to her as if to emphasize her point.

"Thank you, Anonymous," Celestia says, her eyes flicking over to you. Oddly, her voice contains nothing but sincerity, though you don't have much more than a passing thought. A knock on the open door behind your little group draws away everyone's attention.

For the second time today, you find Raven Inkwell patiently awaiting Princess Luna. "I hope I am not interrupting anything of importance, your Highnesses," she says politely.

"Not at all, I suppose I have dawdled too long," Luna quickly replies. She arches her neck, reaching up for a kiss from you before departing, which you oblige. It's clear she's reluctant to leave once again.

"It'll be fine, Luna. Just think, get through today and we get a few days together with nothing to do but what we want," you reassure her. You at least get a smile coaxed from her before she pulls away and joins her secretary, who, for the first time you have seen, has the slightest hint of emotion upon her face, allowing the slightest grin to touch her muzzle.

As the two depart the room, Luna pauses for a second to take a glimpse of her sister. "Please, I know it is difficult, but behave yourself, sister," she teases, failing to keep a straight face.

"I'll see what I can do, little sis," Celestia says, cocking her head.

As Luna trots off to continue her day, you turn back to Celestia, still looking quite amused.

"I can't imagine what Equestria would do if they knew how their leaders acted behind closed doors," you quip.

"Probably with the same stare you're giving me right now," she replies with a chuckle. "All jokes aside, we're just like anypony else. We like to have fun, but she and I also know each of us is here for the other in times of need. Really, we've gone back to how we were as fillies because acting our age is... how do you act at least eleven hundred years old?"

"What do you mean 'at least?'"

Celestia shrugs. "Do you know how hard it is to keep track of the years as they go by? I honestly have forgotten how long I've been here. I only know Luna is a couple of years younger than I."

"Fair enough. But why did you thank me? I could tell that wasn't just because Luna told you to do so."

"Because that was an adorable show. I haven't seen my sister blush that hard in many years," she says playfully. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, your presence unlocks a side of her I have not seen in quite some time, perhaps never before. And I love it."

"Er, thanks?" you awkwardly respond. Celestia nods her head before quickly clearing her throat.

"But I suppose, I'm keen to return to something you mentioned earlier. So, phoenixes don't exist in a physical sense in your world, and you also said there are many other creatures that exist in nothing other than legend. What else?"

"Where do I even start? Unicorns, pegasi, dragons, griffins... heck I don't even know if 'alicorn' is a word in my world.  You might just be referred to as a winged unicorn."

Celestia looks taken aback by the short list you've given her. "I... well, I wasn't expecting you to knock off what amounts to a great deal of the sentient species here," she finally manages to spit out. "Though it's quite interesting that aside from alicorns, you're familiar with the others."

Celestia turns her head to the bookshelf nearby, as her magic abruptly manifests the book that had disappeared only moments ago back into its spot. "I should have known my sister would recognize that photo album as soon as she saw it," she laments with a smile.

"Why does it bother her, anyway?" you ask.

"Well, consider this: if you had one word to describe my appearance, what would it be?" she replies, spreading her wings outward in all their glory as she poses. "Quickly, no thinking about it."

"Regal. Majestic, maybe?" you blurt out. Celestia nods, approving of your answer as she relaxes once again.

"Now, that picture of my sister that I showed you, how would you describe her?"

"Ador-" You stop, but it's already too late, as Celestia once again nods.

"Adorable. Cute. Not nearly as royal sounding as what you came up with for me. It's always been like that, and Luna tends to feel less respected than I. It's better now with her current form, though there's still one trait that irks her."

"Her height." Once again, a quick nod and grin is confirmation.

"Yes, she evidently wasn't gifted as I was in that department. But enough of that, I want to return back to the start of this whole conversation if we could," Celestia says, shaking her head.

You really aren't sure where the 'beginning' is exactly, so you merely shrug your shoulders.

"Luna told me you've been dwelling a bit on immortality ever since this whole situation finally resolved itself. I too have noticed you have been - well, rather preoccupied as of late, even in the short moments I've been able to talk to you," she explains.

"You got that just from a couple five-minute conversations over the past few weeks?" you ask, somewhat skeptical.

"I've been around long enough to get a good read of others in a short time span," Celestia replies. She lowers her form down to the floor, laying down upon a plush rug as she motions for you to join her with a light tap of her hoof upon the floor. "Perhaps I can help further ease your mind; I understand the thought can be overwhelming for somepony so foreign to the idea."

You sigh, but reluctantly squat down to the floor and have a seat directly across from her. You weren't really planning on a day full of self-reflection, but she is quite keen on offering support.

"So this was your idea of a relaxing day, huh?" you joke. Or, at least you try; what comes out doesn't sound very light-hearted.

"In time, Anon," she says. "I get the sense you don't often talk about your feelings with others."

"Not really. Kind of a hallmark of my species, I guess," you respond. "I will say I do it more here than I did in my old life, but it still feels odd."

"I see. But tell me, what troubles you the most about the idea of immortality, aside from outlasting your friends, which I can completely understand."

You don't answer right away. Instead, you just stare back at Celestia as she awaits your response, her eyes locked upon yours. You can feel the care and concern they possess, not unlike a mother watching after her child. Even so, her face remains calm, offering the slightest reassuring grin.

Yes, this is a different world. And yes, the thought of living forever does bother you. It sounds more like a curse than a gift.

"How do you do it?" you finally ask. "Doesn't it get boring, seeing the same things over and over without end? How do you stay sane when you know everyone around you will come and go, while you remain?"

Celestia closes her eyes, a short hum emanating from her as her smile grows just a bit. "Ah, I thought that might be your response. Not to say such thoughts are unjustified. I know Luna gave you some advice based upon what I had told her, but with all due respect, even she does not have quite the experience that I do, considering her time away."

"I mean, what she told me kind of helped, I guess. It's just hard to think about regardless."

"It is. As callous as it sounds, you do get used to it, in a certain sense. Not to say there aren't particular ponies you will still miss years later. Even I have my thoughts drift to some of my favorite assistants and pupils over the years. But as for your other questions, I have a question for you."

"A question to answer a question?"

As her eyes open once again to focus upon you, her head cocks curiously. "More like an idea to consider. Tell me, have you ever experienced a rainstorm?"

"Uh, we're kind of having one right now," you say, pointing to the windowpane behind her scattered with raindrops.

"But have you truly paid attention?" she replies. "Have you made note of all such an event has to offer?"

"I'm not following," you admit, scratching your head. Without a word, her magic flares outward from her horn to envelop the two of you, before a flash causes the room around you to disappear. You feel your posture change upon its own, as does Celestia's, who is now standing like you are.

Man, teleportation is something you will never get used to or understand.

But even before the environment appears before your eyes, you feel it as raindrops spatter across your skin. With the warm temperatures Canterlot has been experiencing, the rain is cool, but not uncomfortably so.

Gradually, you find yourself with Celestia just outside the garage where you've spent a fair amount of the past few days. The dour sky lets little light from the sunshine through to illuminate the land, creating a feeling closer to twilight than mid-morning.

It doesn't take long for the moderate fall of rain to soak you as well as Celestia. Even so, Celestia is beaming brightly, her aurora mane beginning to cling to her in places.

"Very few ponies have really allowed themselves to sit and truly experience rain with all of their senses. Not just feel and sight, but smell and sound as well," she says, looking up at the sky. "It's understandable; everypony is on the move, eager to accomplish the next task. Everything they do dictated by time, what they can get done in a day, a month, a year. But time is merely a reference point for my sister and I. And now, you."

Without warning she pulls you next to her with a wing, a soft reassuring hug as she remains fixated on the low cloud cover on the move overhead, sighing lightly.

"The world has many experiences to offer that most pass by without a thought. But with no limit of time, what excuse do I have to not stop and take advantage of the free show nature has to offer?"

"I... really? What about your hectic schedule ruling over Equestria?" you ask, glancing around the area. You spy a few guards watching over the nearby castle walls, ignoring the rain, while others run for cover from the raindrops. "I get it, it isn't as bad now with Luna back, but-"

"I tend to the needs of my subjects, but it does not stop me from taking in the small things in life. Studying the small wonders of objects, of ponies around me, there is always something of intrigue. That is how I remain optimistic, that is the secret."

"So you're telling me you just have spontaneous ADHD?" you joke. Her confused look is enough to tell you the term is completely foreign to this world. "Nevermind."

"With Luna back beside my side, I have enjoyed life even more. Now with you joining us in this neverending journey... well, I think it's just going to add to the fun," she replies. "Yes, we keep a strong and straightforward presence in public, but behind the scenes - what you witness is how we are with each other, how we were when much younger. It breaks up the monotony and relieves the stress of ruling Equestria."

"I may not have the intimate interest in you that my little sis has, but I still care a great deal about you and your well-being. By all means, if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to lean on me."

"Careful, I might just do that," you reply. While you've never really felt uncomfortable around her, the fact that Celestia had set aside this day just to converse with you and ease your inner qualms has been eye-opening. 

"Thanks," you tell her after a brief moment. She nods her head.

"You're quite welcome. Though if you don't mind, I think it's time we get out of the rain, don't you?"

"You were the one that put us out here, not me," you protest, watching as Celestia's magic once again teleports the two of you away. This time, it's to a destination a few feet away - inside the garage itself. However, you note your once soaking clothes and body are bone dry now.

"Now, I know this is in no shape to be out on the streets even if it weren't raining," Celestia says, motioning toward the Superbird in the corner. "But I want to sate some curiosity I've had for a while about your transportation, and today seems like a good day."

"You really want to open that door? Surely Twilight and Luna told you how I can ramble on for hours on end about my car," you tell her. But the solar princess is unperturbed by your warning.

"I'm all ears," she responds cheerfully. "Give me your worst."