//------------------------------//
// On the Third Day 
// Story: Beyond Blind Eyes 
// by Lunaric 
//------------------------------//

Cotton breathed back in and looked up from the textbook on the ground in front of her. "Did that help at all, Aqua?"

"Um, give me a minute. I think it'll help, though."

Cotton nodded and closed the magic textbook with the bookmark in place. "Alright." As Aqua faced the ground in concentration, Cotton looked upwards at the rest of the foyer. The foals and fillies were mostly in bed by now, with how late it is. It wasn't quite bedtime for them yet. Another hour, give or take.

Cotton looked at the clock on the far wall.

Yep, another hour. Cotton began stretching. It felt terrific after not moving for a while. Cotton had been reading passages aloud from one of the magical textbooks recommended by Inkwell. Cotton's focus drifted to her fetlock. She raised her right hoof and stretched it out gingerly. Still a little sore. Kind of like going on a run... It has been a long time since I went on one. Aqua had been struggling with the light spell, so she offered to help. Cotton knew Aqua didn't really find learning that fun but, despite her hyperactivity, the little filly calmed down and sat in place while Cotton read to her. It's kinda cute... Though if Cotton was reading something like an adventure book, Aqua would even stop levitating those training balls she somehow kept getting more of. 

Cotton turned back to the said filly, who was still concentrating. It's... impressive how much she's improved. With how Raven describes every little detail about the magic and what is average, Cotton, at the very least, knew that Aqua was improving at her telekinesis exceedingly quickly. Hm... I wonder... Eyes having drifted off while thinking, she looked back at the filly.

The first thing Cotton noticed was that the filly was beginning to sweat, concentrating hard on her task for light. Cotton smiled. It's inspiring. Just how much effort she's putting in. It's just like how I was with cleaning when I was young. It's always cute to see that passion in these ones. She looked up at the dwindling amount of little ones still awake in the foyer. They always try their best, and all we can do is try to help them. Her smile began to droop and she deeply sighed. ...to be young... 

A small flash to her left. Cotton looked and smiled. She did it! The little filly was lightly panting with a small light emitting from her horn. The light wouldn't light up a dark room enough to read, but it was a light nonetheless. Cotton watched Aqua hold the light and began to frown. I... Wait... why did Raven assign a light spell to a blind pony? Maybe just to practice? I'll ask next time. Shaking her head, Cotton focused back on the filly and her light... Only for it to cut off suddenly with a gasp. 

Cotton leaned over and wrapped the filly in hooves and wings. She leaned down to whisper, "Good job... How do you feel?"

"Like ass."

Cotton snorted with a smile and pulled away, leaving her left wing on the filly's back. "Now now... Language. Buuuuut... I'll let it slide this time."

"You better," Aqua quietly said with that lopsided grin of hers.

The two sat together, in their corner for a few silent minutes in content. Cotton glanced at the clock. "Alright, young lady. I know you like staying up late, but after that workout, you're gonna be tired. It's time for bed."

Cotton turned back to the filly, only to see a snoring pile of fur. Cotton smiled and shook her head.