//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Thomas Meets The Royal Sisters // Story: A Place in Equestria // by GoebelTron //------------------------------// The next day, Twilight woke up and saw the sunrise by the hillside. She got out of bed, walked over to the kitchen, and saw Spike cooking breakfast. Each of the mares started to wake up from their peaceful slumber, and Twilight arrived in the living room, “Good morning, everypony. Did you all have a good night’s sleep?” “Yep,” Rainbow Dash said, stretching her legs and wings. “Well, I slept marvelously, darling,” Rarity said, while she bounced her mane with her hoof. Fluttershy looked down and saw that Thomas was still asleep next to her, “Aww... it looks like he had a good night’s sleep, too.” “Well, I’m glad you’re all up, but if it’s okay, I made breakfast for all of you,” Spike said. “Thanks, Spike. That was very kind of you,” Twilight said. Fluttershy suddenly lifted her wing carefully and leaned her head down to gently caress the top of his head, “Thomas? Sweetheart, it’s time to wake up.” Thomas suddenly started to wake up and then he made a soft yawn, then he saw Fluttershy looking at him with a warm smile. “Good morning, sweetie,” Fluttershy said, stroking his small form to keep him relaxed. “Did you sleep well?” Thomas nodded, then yawned, “I did.” “Well, that’s good. Are you hungry, sweetheart?” Fluttershy asked. “That sounds nice. Yeah, I’m a little hungry,” Thomas said, before me made another soft yawn. “Spike made us pancakes and omelettes for breakfast,” Fluttershy said. She and Thomas got up and walked over to the table to join their friends for breakfast. When they got there, they saw them eating. “Good morning, everypony,” Fluttershy said. “Good morning, darling. Did you and Thomas sleep well last night?” Rarity asked, while she gave Thomas a warm reassuring smile. “Yes, we did. But he was so cute while he curled towards my tummy last night,” Fluttershy said. “He even heard my heartbeat.” The mares d’wawwed at her kindness, then she and Thomas sat beside Rarity and Twilight. “Thomas, are you feeling alright?” Rarity asked, until she saw Thomas rubbing his eyes. “I also had a nightmare last night,” Thomas said. “I was being chased by a monster in the forest, and he wanted to eat me.” Fluttershy wrapped her foreleg around his shoulder to comfort him, then she patted his forearm gently with his hoof, “Aww, Thomas. It’s okay. You’re very welcome to come to me for comfort anytime.” Thomas then gave the kind mare one more hug, “Thank you.” Fluttershy gave him a kiss on the top of his head, then she turned her concentration on her breakfast. “Where’s my breakfast?” Thomas asked, while he heard a grumble in his tummy. “Oh! Here you are, darling,” Rarity said. “Spike made these just for you.” Thomas suddenly saw his plate full of 3 fluffy buttermilk pancakes with plant butter and maple syrup, and some orange juice. “Thank you,” Thomas said to Spike. “No problem, buddy. Just trying to help,” Spike said, until he felt his stomach grumble and he burped a scroll. “Oh! It must be from Princess Celestia,” Twilight said, as she finished her breakfast and read the letter. ‘Dear Twilight Sparkle, After I’ve read about what you’ve told me over your letter earlier this morning, I’ve decided that I would certainly appreciate if you and your friends come over to my castle, so that me and Luna can meet the little colt that you spoke to me about. I’m sending you and your friends a couple of train tickets for an express ride to Canterlot, and when you arrive, a couple of guards will escort you inside. Luna and I will be waiting for your arrival. Sincerely, Princess Celestia’ “Alright, girls. Let’s finish up so we can head over to the train station later,” Twilight said. “Why?” Thomas asked. “Because Princess Celestia and Luna want to meet you,” Twilight explained. “Plus, it’ll be your first time visiting Canterlot.” Twilight suddenly saw Thomas felt nervous about the news. “Okay, but I hope they don’t think of me as a monster,” Thomas said. “Don’t worry, darling. They’ll think you’re adorable,” Rarity said. Thomas suddenly felt better. After an hour passed from a nice breakfast, the mares, along with Spike, and Thomas, who was riding on Fluttershy’s back, left the Castle of Friendship, until they made it to the Ponyville train station. “Excuse me, sir. We’re here for a one way trip to Canterlot,” Twilight said to the conductor, after she showed him the tickets. “Alright, all aboard,” the conductor said, then the mares and Spike boarded the train and took their seats in the passenger car. Suddenly, Fluttershy’s mane started shaking. “Thomas, it’s okay. The coast is clear,” Rainbow Dash said. Thomas then crawled out from underneath Fluttershy’s mane and sat beside her and Twilight. Then, Thomas looked out the window and saw the train moving. “It sure is nice around here, huh?” Thomas asked. “Mmhmm. Equestria’s just a big world. But don’t worry. You’ll get used to it,” Twilight said. “I know,” Thomas said. An hour passed, and the train arrived at the Canterlot train station. “Those leaving for Canterlot, please exit,” the conductor said. The mares walked off the train and went downtown. Thomas held onto Fluttershy’s right hind leg and saw some big towering building and small cottages, “Whoa... it’s so big.” “Yes, darling. Canterlot is a big place in Equestria,” Rarity said. “It’s also where most delegates live, mostly for special occasions but on royal business.” Thomas realized that Canterlot was like in a storybook, until he saw some ponies staring at him, then he covered himself with Fluttershy’s tail. “You alright, sugarcube?” Applejack asked. “Some of these ponies are staring at me, just like the ones in Ponyville,” Thomas said. “Don’t worry, darling. They’re just curious about you,” Rarity said softly. “We’ve got your back, little buddy,” Rainbow Dash said, until Fluttershy lowered her head towards Thomas and kissed his forehead, then they saw the two guards at the entrance of the castle. “Princess Twilight and fellow Elements, Sir Spike, the royal sisters are expecting you in the throne room,” the white guard said. “Thank you, guard,” Twilight said. Fluttershy then turned her head to Thomas, “Thomas, stay close to me, okay? And don’t be scared. The princesses are very kind and polite, and I’m sure they’ll make sure you’re feeling safe here,” Fluttershy said. Thomas nodded, until she hid him with her right wing, “Are you ready to go meet them?” Thomas then responded with a soft nod, then wiped his tears, then jumped after hearing the gate being opened and then the drawbridge, then the group entered the castle. As they walked through the halls of the castle, they stopped at the doors to the throne room that were guarded by two guard ponies on each side, while Thomas saw how beautiful it looked, and it made him feel better. They suddenly saluted them, then stood aside, “You may all enter.” The doors suddenly opened and the group saw the two alicorns sitting on their thrones. Princess Celestia, on the the left, had pale light pinkish white fur, pale magenta eyes, a mane and tail that flowed in four streaks of pale pink, blue, purple and green, a cutie mark of a golden orange sun on her flank, a gold tiara on her head but behind her horn, a gold necklace with a purple gem on her chest and neck, and fancy gold shoes on all four hooves. Princess Luna, on the right, had dark blue fur, moderate cyan eyes accented with light blue eyeshadow, a mane and tail that flowed with countless stars that were joined with galaxies and nebulae in both a shade of royal blue and light grayish blue, a cutie mark of a black blotch with a white crescent moon on her flank, a black tiara on her head but behind her horn, a black glittery necklace with the white crescent moon, and fancy and glittery bluish silver shoes on all four hooves. Twilight and her friends, including Spike, bowed before the royal sisters, until they both walked over to them. “Twilight! Welcome, my little ponies! And welcome to you too, Spike,” Princess Celestia said, as Spike nervously blushed. “It’s always a great pleasure to see you all again!” Princess Luna nodded, “I agree. I assume your train ride here was successful?” “No, no, no! It was totally fine!” Twilight said. “Indeed. It was absolutely marvelous. And pretty relaxing if I say so myself,” Rarity said elegantly, until she made a light chuckle. “It was pretty peaceful, just like the calm quietness at my cottage,” Fluttershy added. Princess Celestia nodded, “Well, I’m glad.” She suddenly couldn’t find the little boy that was mentioned in the letter, “So, where is this little boy you told me about?” “Oh, he’s right here, Princess. If you don’t recall, he’s just a little shy around others,” Twilight said, pointing her hoof at Thomas, who was still hiding behind Fluttershy’s hind leg and covered by her soft tail. “Hmm... I see. May we see him?” Princess Celestia asked. Fluttershy nodded, then turned her head towards Thomas and saw him hugging her leg, “Thomas, it’s okay. There’s nothing to worry about or be afraid of. They just want to meet you, okay?” When Thomas looked at Fluttershy, she gave him a comforting warm smile as she nuzzled his cheek, until Thomas hugged her neck. Thomas slowly stepped out from hiding behind Fluttershy’s hind leg and took some small steps forward, lifting his view from the colorful checker-tiled floor to the two alicorn sisters. When he stopped, he nervously gulped and fidgeted his hands. Princess Celestia and Luna walked slowly to him, until Princess Celestia slowly reached out her left front golden slippered hoof out to gently touch his shoulder for comfort, then she gave him a warm smile, “There’s no need to be afraid, dear one.” Thomas realized her voice was very soft, then he saw Princess Celestia and Luna sit down their hunches, and gave them both a small warm smile. Princess Celestia then let Thomas hold her hoof to calm himself, “Welcome to Equestria, dear one. I am Princess Celestia, Goddess of the Sun and Princess of the Day. This is my sister, Princess Luna, Goddess of the Moon and Princess of the Night. We rule Equestria together, by helping keep peace, friendship and harmony all around.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young child. We hope your stay here has been a pleasant and peaceful one,” Princess Luna said, giving Thomas a warm smile. “It’s pretty nice,” Thomas said. Princess Celestia gave him another warm smile, “If a princess may ask, what is your name, sweetheart?” Thomas then made a small gulp, “M-My name is Thomas. It’s nice to meet you and your sister, Princess Celestia.” Princess Celestia gave him a warm smile, “Thomas? That’s such a lovely name.” “Could you tell us how old you are?” Princess Luna asked. “I’m 5,” Thomas replied. The princesses were shocked about his age. “Oh my, you’re a young one,” Princess Celestia said. “I know,” Thomas said, until he scooted closer to Princess Celestia’s chest and nestled into her soft warm fur. She smiled at him, then wrapped both her forelegs around him for a hug, and stroked him with her golden slippered hooves. Princess Luna suddenly saw Thomas starting to cry, “Sister, I’m starting to sense that the boy is feeling very hurt.” The group suddenly looked down at Thomas, who was rubbing his hand on Princess Celestia’s chest fur, until she could feel that something was wrong with him, like internal pain. She looked down at him in the eyes and placed her hoof under his chin, “Thomas, what’s troubling you, dear?” He suddenly had a look of nervousness, until he started to explain everything, “The truth is... I’m an orphan.” The group gasped in shock, then he continued, “While I lived in the orphanage, I was never picked for adoption, I had no friends to play with, and there was no one to look out for me. I was lonely.” He then started to cry, until he placed his head on his legs and wrapped his arms around his knees, then continued crying. “Oh, you poor child, I’m so sorry,” Princess Celestia said sympathetically, then Fluttershy trotted over and helped comfort him by wrapping both her forelegs around him and pulling him into a warm hug again her chest, “Shhhhhh... don’t cry, sweetie. It’s okay.” Princess Celestia rubbed his back and gently wrapped her other hoof around his stomach. “I’m sorry, princess. I’m just scared to talk about it!” Thomas said while his crying began to grow louder. “I’m so, so sorry!” “It’s alright, darling. You don’t need to apologize,” Rarity said, giving him a comforting, warm smile. “Besides, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Twilight said kindly. “Indeed, little one,” Princess Luna said. “You mean it?” Thomas asked. “Of course. Just think about it, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “If you have something that’s botherin’ you or anythin’, you can always talk to us and we’ll listen. You understand?” Thomas nodded, then sniffed after he smiled. “Here, darling. Dry your eyes,” Rarity said, giving him a tissue from her saddlebag with her magic, then he blew his nose. “So I assume that’s the child’s problem. He was just suffering from a broken heart because of his loneliness,” Princess Celestia said, while she stroked Thomas’s hair with her golden slippered hoof. “Aww, the poor little darling,” Rarity said cutely. “If only there was something that we could do to make him feel happy at home again,” Rainbow Dash said. “I think I know,” Twilight said, then she motioned her hoof to Princess Celestia, then the princess leaned towards her and Twilight whispered her idea into Celestia’s ear. When she heard what Twilight said, Princess Celestia nodded in agreement, “Thomas, would you like to have a small tour of the castle?” Thomas heard what she said, then nodded softly, “I’d like that, your highness. It’a nice to be inside a castle.” “Thank you, dear. Me and Luna try our best to make sure it’s suitable enough for guest from all over Equestria to visit, which is in here, the throne room, and where me and my sister keep Equestria in order, and where we usually expect many visitors. Now this way please. There’s something I want to show you at the end,” Princess Celestia said, as the group followed the princesses from behind. Thomas rode on Twilight’s back along the way, as she walked next to Fluttershy. After a tour of the bedrooms, coronation room, ballroom, and the dining hall, they arrived at their final part of the tour, which was a long hallway with handcrafted and color-stained windows with pictures on each wall. “And finally. This, Thomas, is the Hall of Elements,” Princess Celestia said. “If you’re wondering what we’re saying, sweetie, it’s because this hallway used to be the vault of six sacred relics of all time: The Elements of Harmony,” Twilight said. “What do they do?” Thomas asked. “You see, dear one, the Elements of Harmony have a powerful magic. They bring all of the inhabitants of Equestria in peace, happiness and perfect harmony, but sometimes they protect us and this land from the forces of evil, ones who plan to bring chaos, destruction, despair, sadness or darkness to all of us.” She then pointed to a glass window with Twilight and her friends in many battles together against evil forces, “As you can see, these six ponies here are also the current Elements of Harmony.” Thomas suddenly realized she meant Twilight and her friends. “Really?” Thomas asked. “Yes, little one. They each represent and possess each element that helps them ensure the safety and balance of Equestria.” “For example, even though I may seem like a typical fashion designer, I am very generous of others who, so therefore I am the Element of Generosity.” Rarity said, then gave Thomas a wink. “Sometimes I can usually find out if somepony’s telling the truth or not, so I’m the Element of Honesty, meaning I’m always honest and I sometimes encourage others to be honest as well,” Applejack said, tipping her hat. Rainbow Dash came over to Thomas and placed her foreleg around his shoulder, “If you feel let down or just want somepony to talk to, I’ll be there for you, little buddy. You know why? Because I’m the Element of Loyalty, and despite my attitude and love for competitions, I’m always loyal for others, meaning I never leave their side.” She then gave him a gentle noogie. Pinkie Pie came over and tickled Thomas, causing him to laugh, and her friends to laugh too. “See?! Because I’m the Element of Laughter, meaning if people are feeling let down, I like helping them with giving them a chance to smile or make them laugh from the joy in their hearts!” Thomas then hugged her foreleg, until she patted him on the back. Fluttershy came over and gave him a hug, “Do you why I took you in and gave you shelter? Because I’m the Element of Kindness, meaning I’m extremely kind to those who need help, especially you.” Thomas then hugged her back. “Thomas, you wanna see a little trick?” Twilight asked, then she lit up her horn, then she surrounded him with the warmth of her comforting purple aura, carefully lifting him up in the air,” Don’t be scared, sweetheart. It’s okay. It’s just harmless magic that’s keeping you warm and cozy.” She then helped Thomas do some cool stunts, like him spinning like a tornado, then as a bowling ball, and then he flew like an airplane. When Twilight was done, she placed him onto Fluttershy’s back, “You see how I did that? The reason is because I’m the Element of Magic. I use all my research and knowledge to help my friends use our magic to defend Equestria from the evil forces that use dark magic,” Twilight said. “And since you’re here, we’ll use our magic of friendship to protect you.” When Thomas felt better and nodded, he started to softly yawn, “Aww, looks like someone’s getting sleepy,” Fluttershy said as she smiled warmly. “Thomas, you can lay on my back, okay?” “Thank you, Fluttershy,” Thomas said. “You’re welcome, sweetie,” Fluttershy replied, then Thomas curled up into a ball and snuggled with her fur, and rested his head on her rump. Twilight smiled warmly and then casted a calm sleeping spell on Thomas, until he slowly closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep, and he smiled warmly. Rarity then placed a small blanket over him, and brushed Fluttershy’s mane over his legs. “Princess Celestia, do you think we should welcome him to Equestria?” Twilight asked. “I believe we shall, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “I too wish to welcome the child,” Princess Luna said, while she looked at Thomas, then gently stroked him with her hoof without waking him up. “But how do you suggest we welcome the poor thing to our home? There has to be something that might cheer him up,” Rarity said, until she looked at the sleeping child, and gave him a kiss on the temple. “Ooh! Ooh! I know! I know!” Pinkie Pie excitedly exclaimed bouncing with an idea. “What is it, Pinkie?” Twilight asked. “What if we throw a party?!” Pinkie Pie excitedly asked. “Marvelous idea, darling!” Rarity said, then she happily gasped. “Maybe I can make us some new dresses to wear, and some dress clothes for the little darling!” “And maybe I can get him to meet some of my family members and treat him with some traditional recipes!” Applejack said. “I could help the Wonderbolts with a stunt show!” Rainbow Dash said. “I can bring some yummy treats, including cake!” Pinkie Pie said. “Would that be alright, Fluttershy dear?” Rarity asked. “I think that’ll be wonderful,” Fluttershy said, until she heard him peacefully moaning in his sleep, covered by both the warmth of Rarity’s blanket and silky softness of Fluttershy’s mane, then she smiled at him. “Maybe I can have some of my animals help keep the party in touch, and have some of my birds do some beautiful chorus for him.” “Princess Celestia, is it okay if I bring him up to you when you welcome him?” Twilight asked. “I’d be honored, Twilight,” Princess Celestia said. “Great! Spike and I will start on writing invitations to ponies in both Ponyville and Canterlot, including my parents, Princess Cadance and my brother!” Twilight exclaimed. “Then, it’s settled. Tomorrow night, we will host the party at the ballroom,” Princess Celestia said. “But it would be best if we could have everypony help make our young one feel more welcome here and show him in our hearts that we truly care, so it is very important for us that we all unite to kindly show him the gifts of friendship, healthful care, and the love he truly needs.” “I agree. This poor child truly deserves to have a good home and loving family and faithful friends,” Princess Luna said. Princess Celestia nodded, then cleared her throat, “Now, that we’ve planned on the special event for tomorrow night, I believe it is time you all left so we can rest. Guards, escort them to the train station please.” “Farewell, thy little ponies! 'Tis was a pleasure meeting you all again and the dear child,” Princess Luna said. “Thank you, Princess Celestia and Luna for allowing us to bring Thomas with us so he could meet you. We’ll be sure to let you know if he ever wants to visit,” Twilight said, until the girls and Spike bowed their heads, until the royal sisters nodded back bidding the ponies farewell and then watched them walk out of the castle with the guards leading them. “What an interesting creature that boy was,” Princess Celestia said. “It’s seems that he isn’t like those humans in the book.“ “Hmm... indeed. I think he was pretty... adorable and kinda reminds me of you and I when we were fillies,” Princess Luna said. “But I hope he won’t be too overwhelmed or nervous with all the guests that will be here and meeting new ponies. He’s merely a child, but maybe they might understand what he went through.” “I understand, sister. But do not worry, I’m sure he will have the best time in his life as a special guest,” Princess Celestia said. “Now, since we have nothing else to do except help decorate the dance hall, let’s go discuss some plans about dinner with the chef, and then come up with a plan about decorations and musicians for the ballroom.” Princess Luna nodded, then she and her sister got started on plans. Later on, when the sun started setting, the guards let the group walk to the train station and then they boarded the train back to Ponyville. After they got inside the passenger’s car, they started to find some seats, but Fluttershy still had Thomas on her back. “Let me take care of that, darling,” Rarity said, as she held Thomas in a warm aura without waking him up, then after Fluttershy laid flat with her legs tucked underneath her belly, Rarity levitated Thomas onto Fluttershy’s back, then sat down with her. Fluttershy suddenly came up with an idea, until she gently lifted him with both her forelegs and then cradled him close to her soft chest, then she wrapped the blanket Rarity gave around his lower body, and then gently rocked him after she covered his prescience with her wing. “He’s simply adorable when he sleeps,” Rarity said, giving Fluttershy a warm smile and sitting next to her. “Yeah, looks like he is,” Fluttershy said, then she kissed his forehead. After they returned to Ponyville, they all said goodnight to each other and went to their homes to turn in for the night so they can help prepare for Thomas’s party tomorrow. When Twilight and Spike made it back to the castle, she unpacked her saddlebags and went to her desk to begin writing some invitations to the welcoming party for Thomas. “Twilight? Is there anything I can do for now?” Spike asked. “I’m good, Spike. Why don’t you go get dinner ready?” Twilight requested. “Okay. That’s fine,” Spike said, then he went to the kitchen and started cooking. Rainbow Dash flew back to Cloudsdale to rest for the night, but she suddenly thought about Thomas’s party, “I’m gonna blow that kid’s mind when he sees how awesome the Wonderbolts really are! We’re gonna perform the awesomest stunt show ever!” She then started to yawn, “But maybe practice can wait after a good night’s sleep.” She then tucked herself under the blanket and went to sleep. When Applejack made it back to Sweet Apple Acres, she went inside the house to check on the rest of her family, “Apples, I’m home, y’all!” She looked and suddenly saw her pet dog, Winona barking excitedly and she ran over to her and jumped happily, giving Applejack licks on her face, and it caused Applejack to pet her dog. “Howdy, Winona. Who’s been a good girl while I was gone?” Applejack asked, ruffling the dog’s fur. “Applejack, you’re back!” A young voice appeared, running over to her big sister for a hug on the neck. It was Applejack’s little sister, Apple Bloom. She was a small filly with yellow fur, red mane with a dark pink bow, and amber eyes. “Don’t worry, Apple Bloom. I’m here,” Applejack said, patting her little sister on the back and returning the hug. “Ain’t it past your bedtime, by the way?” “Oh, no!” Apple Bloom said. “I forgot! I’m sorry, Applejack! Please don’t ground me!” Applejack lightly chuckled, then took Apple Bloom to bed, “Come on, young filly. Time to get some shuteye.” After Applejack tucked Apple Bloom into bed, her little sister started asking, “Why’d you go over to Canterlot for, anyhow? Did ya do somethin’ wrong” “Well, li’l sis, tomorrow night is special and we’ve got a lot of bakin’ to do, but don’t worry, I’ll tell y’all everythin’ in the mornin’. Now you need some rest,” Applejack said. “Okay, goodnight,” Apple Bloom said. “Goodnight, li’l sis,” Applejack said softly, then she turned off the light and left the room, and then went to bed. Rarity walked back to her boutique and entered the building, until then she took her saddlebags upstairs. When she got to her bedroom, she drew a design for Thomas’s dress clothes for his welcome party tomorrow night. After that, she saw her cat eating cat food in the kitchen, “Oh, Opalescence, my precious darling, my baby! Did you miss Mommy?” Rarity smiled as the cat nuzzled her forelegs while purring. “I suppose you did. Hopefully Sweetie Belle was taking care of you,” she said, while she softly patted Opal on her back. After being petted, Opal let out a big yawn and stretched, then Rarity carefully lifted her cat upstairs with her so that she can tuck her pet into bed, then she leaned down and gave the sleeping cat a kiss on the head, “Goodnight, my sweet and precious little Opal. Mommy’s going to check on you in the morning.” Rarity then finished with sorting her dresses, until she saw Thomas’s pajamas on the floor, “Oh, I must’ve forgotten to wash these. Well, might as well get started.” After she finished washing his pajamas, she put clips on them and hung them in the laundry room clothesline, “There. That should do it. Maybe I should...” She suddenly gasped, “Yes, I suppose, but maybe... Idea!” Rarity suddenly went back upstairs and decided to make some more clothes for Thomas to wear. After all that hard work, she turned in for the night. After they finally came back, Fluttershy entered the cottage as quiet as a mouse so that Thomas wouldn’t wake up as he continued to sleep peacefully on her back. Her animal friends were also asleep, including Angel, but he quietly got up, made a soft yawn and saw Fluttershy with Thomas sleeping on her back. The bunny happily bounced towards the pegasus mare and hugged her foreleg. “Hi, my precious little Angel Bunny,” Fluttershy said quietly, while she patted him between his ears, then kissed his forehead, causing him to quietly thump his foot. “Did you and the others behave?” Angel nodded warmly, “Good boy. Now you go back to bed and I’ll see you and the others in the morning. I’ll go take Thomas upstairs and tuck him into bed.” Angel nodded, then nuzzled Fluttershy’s hoof, and hopped back to his kennel outside. After everything was now peacefully quiet, Fluttershy carefully trotted upstairs to her bedroom with Thomas on her back. When she got in, she took off her saddlebags and placed them on the stool. After that, she turned her head towards Thomas. She very carefully, without waking him, grabbed the hood of his jacket with her teeth, and placed him in her hooves, then carefully placed him on her bed, then carefully climbed onto the bed and laid beside him. After she was on the bed, she tucked both herself and Thomas under the comfy blanket, until she pulled him towards her belly again for comfort and placed her wing over him, then she leaned her head down and gave him a soft kiss, then whispered softly into his ear, “Goodnight, Thomas. I promise we will do everything to give you what you deserve: a loving family, caring friends, and a good home.” She then laid her head down on her pillow, and went to sleep while she kept the boy warm. Thomas looked at her one more time and then looked at the star he wished upon, ‘Thanks for granting my wish, and giving me a home.’ He smiled warmly and then closed his eyes and went to sleep.