It was late evening, shortly after Jonathan’s first lesson and two large alicorns were sitting together in a room in Canterlot Castle.
“To be honest, Luna, I’m a little worried about our new alicorn. He says he comes from a land of little magic, and as such, he is quite far behind where he should be for a pony of his age. He knows no written Ponish and lacks any magical ability. Not even that which comes instinctual to most ponies.”
“Oh Celestia! Quit your petty worrying! If anypony can get him up to speed, it’s you. Remember, you already run the most prestigious magic school in Equestia. And remember how much you have helped me adjust to modern Equestria!”
Celestia winced slightly at that part.
“I suppose you’re right. But while I can help him adjust to our society, teach him our history and help him learn our written language, I fear that I’m out of my depth when it comes to how to handle his magic. I tried every trick in the book, that lesson, Luna; every trick in the book and nothing has worked! He’s like a newborn foal, he knows nothing of his own powers, or even those that should normally come instinctually to ponies. Luna, he doesn’t even know how to pick things up with his hooves!”
“Sister, remember how low his magical reserves have been. I’m sure it’ll come to him in time, he probably just needs to recharge.”
“But even then, all the ponies I’ve taught magic already had a great magical potential or were already highly proficient in magic from a young age. Jonathan is barely a foal anymore. What will I do when his magic reaches capacity? I fear that I will have to call on outside help for this.”
“Hmm? So who do you have in mind, Twilight Sparkle?”
“Actually, no. Not this time. While Twilight does have near unrivalled knowledge of magic, I fear she may simply run into the same problems as me. You know how she has a tendency to overcomplicate things… I believe our niece, Mi Amore Cadenza will have a better shot at this. If you recall, she was originally a pegasus before she ascended. I know you weren’t there, but seeing her attempts at getting a grasp on her new horn was quite the sight. If anypony knows what it’s like to suddenly have unicorn magic for the first time, it would be her.”
“Of course! She would be perfect for the job, we should write to her at once! Although do you plan on telling Twilight, still?”
“I had already let Cadence know of Jonathan the first time I saw him and confirmed him a true alicorn. She visits next week with Shining and Flurry, although I haven’t yet updated her on the situation as it stands. As for Twilight… I fear what would happen if we were to tell her that an alicorn had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, right here in Canterlot. As much as I trust her, I do not think that Jonthan is quite ready to face the bearers of harmony… Therefore I shall simply inform her that we have a special guest from a foreign country.”
“Tia, when do you actually plan on announcing the presence of our new alicorn in Equestria. I hear that rumours have already started to spread throughout the castle staff, it is only so long until word escapes the castle. You’re not going to be keeping him locked up this whole time are you?”
“I had hoped to keep his status secret for as long as possible, or at least until he can get a proper handle on his magic. Although I do not plan on keeping him ‘locked up’ as you say. A solution is already in the works that will allow him to leave the castle without exposing his alicorn status. Although, I still fear what would happen if word of this reached the Canterlot nobility.”
Luna shuddered at the thought.
“Agreed. He is so not ready for that…”
There was a short pause, in which Celestia quietly sipped on her tea. Luna broke the quiet.
“Say, isn’t Jonathan and Flurry around about the same age now? Do you think that they may become friends?”
“Your right Luna! They are the same age. I do hope they get along when they meet. So, Luna, any progress with finding out more about our young alicorn through the dreamscape?”
“Unfortunately, it seems his magical core hasn’t yet stabilised. I was unable to find his dreamscape at all the first night, due to his low magic levels. And last night, his dreams were unstable. I put what magic I could into it to strengthen them, but they just wouldn’t stabilise and were utterly nonsensical. I do hope that tonight will be different and that I’ll finally be able to find out something from his dreams. His magic levels have nearly recovered.”
“Very well. I wish you good luck in your endeavours dear sister.”
Celestia let out a yawn as she got up on her hooves.
“And I, you. Sleep well dear sister! Sleep well.”
And with that, the two sisters separated for the night.