“The losing feathers thing I get. But why does she get so fat?”
Philomena looks at me from her perch with tired, unfocused eyes, letting out a cough.
“Because since she gets to be reborn at the end of the week, she doesn’t need to take care of her weight, so she spends most of the time stuffing her beak till she can’t fly,” Celestia explains, glaring at the bird like a misbehaving child.
“So, she gets a very long cheat day,” I say facing away from the phoenix. “Lucky bird.”
Celestia looks at me, giving me a knowing smile. “I envy her too.”
I neither confirm nor deny her statement. “How do you feel about today’s vision?”
Celestia looks out the window, spotting Ponyville in the distance. “Honestly, I think I’ll enjoy this one. We all laugh at the end.”
I nod with a smile. Seeing her not being an anxious mess is very refreshing. “I certainly would like for all your visions to end like that.”
Celestia keeps looking at Ponyville for a few seconds before turning her head towards me. “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me?”
“Your vision didn’t show me being there.” They never mention me in any way, which I’m thankful for. I don’t want to imagine what this thing would make me do.
“You don’t need to be with me at the party. I’m sure there are many ponies in Ponyville that would like to see you again,” she offers me with a warm smile that shows how much she cares.
I slowly shake my head. “My place is right here your majesty. Serving the kingdom and you, as assistant and friend.”
Celestia’s expression turns to worry as a question pops into her mind. “When was the last time you left the castle?”
I tap my hoof on my chin. “I believe that was during the Young Fliers Competition.”
Celestia shakes her head. “That was because of a vision. And you were really nervous about being in the sky.”
“Yes. And I wouldn’t like to repeat it.”
“Let me be more specific. When was the last time you left the castle, and enjoyed yourself?”
“I need to be here,” I remind her calmly.
She doesn’t like that answer. “Inkwell, not even I spend all my time between these walls.”
“Which is more reason for me to stay here. I swear, if you left for more than a day, the castle would be on fire.” Sadly, I’m not kidding. That could actually happen.
“Inkwell.” Celestia lays herself on the floor to be closer to my eye level, which is impossible since her neck is taller than my entire body. “I already had to convince you to take half a day off. I appreciate all you do, but you can’t be my assistant all the time. You must have other things you want to do.”
I take a deep breath before exhaling, suddenly feeling a lot more tired. “I enjoy my work, your majesty, I really do. It’s what I’m good at. And helping you deal with these visions is as important to me as for the rest of Equestria. This is all I want.”
Celestia shakes her head. “No Raven. It isn’t.” She takes a long, deep breath before rising up. “My dependence on your aid may have convinced you of it, but I know you’ve more things to look forward to.”
I don't answer. I know insisting won't change her mind. Her caring can make her incredibly stubborn. And if she's right…
Celestia places a wing over my shoulders. "Please think about it while I'm gone."
I slowly nod. "I'll."
“I’m technically out of the castle.” I tell myself as I drink my coffee in the middle of the castle’s gardens, enjoying the silence only interrupted by the chirping of birds and nearby whistling. “I’ve to admit, it’s quite relaxing.” Letting out a sigh, I look up at the sky. Celestia’s words keep running around my mind. “Was she right?”
“Talking to yourself isn’t very healthy. I would recommend whistling instead.”
“Is that your way of telling me to keep the noise down?” I ask, turning my head towards the castle’s only gardener.
“Nah, I like the company.” Greenhooves walks up to me, setting his rake next to the stone bench I’m sitting on. “What’s weeding your thoughts?”
“Celestia thinks that she depends on me.” I take another sip of my coffee. “Celestia thinks that I’m not happy with my job.”
Greenhooves scratches his long chin beard. “Everypony knows that you love your job, Ink. Celestia more than anypony. Why are you worried that she thinks this way?”
“I know she does, she told me herself. And what worries me is that I don’t want her to think that I’m helping her out of obligation, or that she’s inconveniencing me in some way.”
Geenhooves chewed his words before saying them. “So, she thinks you’re overworking yourself for her sake. Which, knowing you, is probably true.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not a workaholic. I sleep well, drink a safe amount of coffee, do things on time-”
“And how much time of your day does it take to do your job?”
I try to come up with an answer that doesn't shatter my previous statement, but my brain doesn’t give me any. “Point taken.”
“Why don’t you just take a day off? It’ll ease her mind and give you some respite. I also love my job, but it isn’t as stressful as yours.”
I look down at the grass, holding my mug a bit more tightly. “Because I need to do my job. Things may fall apart if I’m not helping her keep everything together.”
Greenhooves gives his beard another scratch. “Is that what’s keeping you here? Instead of leaving like all of those before you?”
“Of course not.” I throw away what little is left of my coffee. “I’m staying because I like my job and I don’t want to leave Celestia alone to deal with everything on her own.”
“Well, as somepony who has been around longer than you, let me tell you that your worries are unfounded. She has ruled for far longer than any other. She knows how to run a country even if you aren’t there. She needs you for more personal reasons.” He stands back up and grabs his rake. “And after some time, she won’t need you for that either. Times change, and we need to adapt to them. You won’t be her assistant forever, so try and enjoy the position while you can. For your sake and hers.”
Greenhooves walks away and I just look at my empty mug.
Celestia needs my help for her visions. They’re what keeps her from ruling the kingdom properly. I’m the one keeping balance between the three.
Once they stop, I can take my break.
Just need to wait for Twilight's ascencion.