//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: Moon-Bun and Sunray 
// Story: A tryst with destiny 
// by Monki 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 3:



By train it would have taken less than an hour or two to reach the capital of Equestria. Eva however reached it in the late afternoon. Even from afar she could imagine how large this city must be. Much larger than any village she had visited before, its white walls and high buildings reared up behind them, intimidating her a bit.
By entering through enormous opened gates she saw a lot of activity going on. Many aristocratic-looking ponies were over the whole place. The mares wore expensive and decadent looking dresses, stallions with suits and ties wearing silk hats and one even had a monocle on his nose. Ponies in golden armor stood next to the gate and other strategic locations, diligently looking out for trouble. Large buildings built of white stone, possibly marble, reared up from the paved main-road. Eva's eyes widened from the mere splendor the city exuded. She had to shake her head to come back to her senses reminding her quest. On the other hoof she could have stood there for some more time watching the scenery and never grew tired of looking around. She turned her head and pulled out the letter Big Macintosh gave her. He said Cousin Apple Cookie ran a shop selling apple pie at the eastern wall.

Judging by the position of the sun she trotted down a street leading in the east. After walking for quite some time, looking from side to side to soak up every detail, she got terribly lost and had to ask for the way, but ponies refused to answer and acted like she didn't see the gray-coated young mare asking for help. It seemed that those ponies were too stuck up to help a 'random hobo' in the streets - like one exceptional rude mare wearing a diamond necklace told her. Another hour passed with her wandering around without finding her way to the bakery. The sun was about to set when she decided to ask one of those guard ponies for help.

"Excuse me, Sir, do you know where Apple Cookie's bakery is? It should be at the eastern wall somewhere."

At first the guard looked straight ahead then he turned his head towards her mustering her for a moment.
"Do you mean the "Golden Apple Shed"? Yes, I do know where that is. However it's quite a distance from here." He explained the way to her, but Eva couldn't memorize the whole way he described her.

"I am sorry would it be possible to show me the way, personally?" she asked him putting all the kindness in her voice that she could offer. The sun was about to set and soon this city would be covered by nightly darkness. It would be much harder to find the right way in murkiness.

"I am sorry miss, but I am afraid I can't. I have to guard the royal library and I am not allowed to dismiss my post."
Eva looked at the building for the first time. It was a quite high tower build out of the same white stone ornamented with delicate gilded details like most of the city. However the windows and balconies where paneled with dark wood which added a majestic flair to the tower. Instead of a roof the tower was covered by a dome made of crystal, reflecting the remaining light of the setting sun.

"Please, this is an emergency. I am unfamiliar with this city and need to find my shelter, soon."

"I am really sorry ma'am, but I have my orders. There were several attempts of stealing the ancient books and scrolls from the royal library in the past. If something happens during my shift while I show you around I'll be screwed. But I do wish you good luck finding your way" He then continued to stare right ahead.

Around her the street lamps lining both sides of the street, magically started to shine while the sun mercilessly continued to sink.
Eva was about to panic, sitting down on the sidewalk when the sun vanished below the horizon, while the street lamps started to fight against the spreading darkness. All of a sudden a voice behind her said:
"Young mares like you shouldn't be alone in the streets at night time. Allow me to show you the way, miss." Eva turned around startled. Before her stood an older stallion wearing a red cloak who offered her a hoof.
"I couldn't overhear your discussion with this guard here. I know where that bakery is, because I have been there quite often in my youth."

His voice was calm and polite and the way he phrased his sentences provided him the appearance of wisdom and urbanity. Eva reached out for his hoof and he gently pulled her on her legs. Eva blushed a bit because of his chivalry so she only nodded. Because of the hood of his cloak she couldn't see his face nor could she recognize his Cutie Mark or coat color.

She followed the mysterious stallion though alleys and snickelways. They turned right, crossed a street, turned left, walked past several shops which already had closed down business for today and crossed another street. After some minutes Eva lost track of the way and would have been totally lost, but her guide seemed to know the way very well. He stopped in front of a half timbered building with a thatched roof, which was enlightened by a light post next to it. A large sign was hanging from the wall of the second floor with a golden apple painted onto it. The house looked rather misplaced in this marvelous city next to the white, more modern looking buildings. It wasn't dirty or shabby but the house looked much too pastoral to belong here.

"Miss, this is the ‘Golden Apple Bakery’." The place you were looking for if I am not mistaken?"
Eva nodded.
"Well then, I wish you a good night and welcome to Canterlot, young miss." He slightly bobbed his head then turned around and was about to vanish in the night when Eva called:

"Wait, I didn't have the time to thank you properly for your help, sir."

"You are welcome, young lady" he replied while walking down the street further without turning around.

"At least tell me your name, sir." Eva called him begging.

"My name is Sunray, milady." Saying that he finally merged with the darkness that surrounded him.

Eva's eyes widened. He said Sunray didn't he? The same Sunray who was her teacher's best friend back in his youth? Her mouth dropped open. So he was still alive and he appeared to be quite healthy as well. She stood there for a few more minutes before she turned to the bakery. She quietly knocked on the half door three times. The upper side of the door got opened after a moment. The head of a middle-aged light green colored stallion appeared in the door looking at her with questioning eyes.

"Yes?" he asked long drawn out.

"I am Eva and I am here to deliver a letter to you, Sir," she shyly replied.

"At nighttime?" he asked lifting a brow. "That's rather unexpected- lemme see it."

Eva opened her saddlebag and handed him the letter from the apple-family. He opened the envelope hesitantly with his wary eyes glued to Eva's. Then he looked down reading it. She saw his eyes flying over the lines while he read what Big Macintosh wrote to him. His face lit up when he finished the last sentence.
"So yer are a friend’a my cousin, eh? Come in, come in it's quite cold outside."

He opened the other partition of the door and stepped aside, so she could enter the building. Inside a warm fire happily burned in a chimney, next to a three piece suit. Now it was bright enough to inspect her host a bit more detailed, too. He was a middle aged stallion with straggly light brown mane and light green coat. On his flank three small cookies formed his Cutie Mark. He wore a set of glasses carved like a crescent moon and he had the same freckles and a similar accent like his relatives in Ponyville.
"So err- Eva right? What brings ya here? How are my cousins? Is Granny Smith still that energetic like she used to be at our las' family reunion? Now that ah think about it ah haven't heard from them for quite a while."

"The ponies at Sweet Apple Acres are fine, I guess. I traveled to Canterlot to uncover my ancestry. I was told that I might find answers here. Your cousin Big Macintosh suggested that I may come to you for a resting place- If that's OK?"

"Well yes o' course. If ya are a friend of good ol' Big Mac you're a friend of mine, too. However ah didn't expect a guest so ah have te prepare a room fer ya first. Now thatcha mentioned it ah reconnize the markin’s on yer cape. It's the crest of Apple Bloom's society ain't it? What was the name again? Cutie Mark Comrades? Cutie Mark Companions?"

"It's the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Sir. And yes, I am a member of their club." Eva corrected him snickering.

"Ah yeah, Crusaders - right, right. An' please don't call me 'Sir'. It sounds so old. Just call me Apple Cookie"

"OK, Sir- I mean Apple Cookie. Thank you again for letting me stay here."

"Yer welcome, kiddo. Just lemme prepare our guest room for ya real quick. Ya certainly must be tired of the journey. Ah need to go to bed soon, because I have to get up early tomorrow to bake fresh goods for the hungry ponies’ breakfast. Don't worry, ah’ll letcha sleep in. In the meantime make yourself comfortable an' just ask if ya need anythin'."

He quickly stepped up the stairs and Eva could hear him rumbling on the second floor. Eva used the time to look around. The interior of the bakery reminder Eva of Sugar Cube Corner, but without the fancy candy and gingerbread decoration. The displays and counters were empty and flawlessly clean, ready to present the baked goods for customers in the morning. After a while she heard Apple Cookie calling her name from upstairs. Reaching the second floor he presented her his guest room. While inspecting it she noticed that it got tidied in a rush, because she saw some dust on the frames of the pictures attached to the wall on the opposite of the freshly sheeted bed. Once again he asked her if she needed anything or had another question, but she denied. He then bid her Goodnight  and went into his own room on the opposite of the hallway.

Before Eva laid down on the bed she inspected the pictures on the wall. She saw an older picture of a cute filly with bright blond mane and freckles on her orange face. Next to her sat a slightly older red colt with shaggy blond mane, looking at the foal with caring eyes. This must be Applejack when she was a baby and next to her is her brother when he was a kid, Eva figured. Right next to that she recognized a baby photo of Apple Bloom sucking on her hoof. She looked at the next golden frame containing an even older black and white picture. It showed an old stallion with a mustache, with a hoof resting on the shoulder on a young filly, standing in front of the bakery. Both ponies smiled proudly. It appeared that this picture was taken shortly after the bakery was built. Eva turned away from the pictures and laid down on the bed. Now she realized how tired she really was. It has been an exciting day. She said goodbye to the Apple family, became a Crusader, met Pinkie and Mrs. Cake and tasted their unique banana muffins. She roamed to Canterlot got lost in the city and was found and rescued by her teacher's formerly best friend. Thinking about all those events Eva dropped off to sleep.

The next day she awoke because of a sweet scent lingering in the air almost tickling her nose. It was the scent of cinnamon, caramel, apples and freshly baked bread. She jumped out of the bed stretched her back and slowly walked downstairs where Apple Cookie just served a customer. The customer had a blue dashing mane and wore a dressy formal uniform. Apple Cookie just handed him an apple pie when she reached the ground floor.

"Good morning," she said to both of them.

"Good morning Eva, did yer sleep well?"

Eva answered his question with a nod while smiling.
"Who's this beautiful young pony, Apple Cookie?" the agile looking customer with the uniform wanted to know.

"That's my cousin's mare-friend. Ya do remember Big Macintosh, don’tcha Soarin?"

Did he just say mare-friend? Blood got pumped into Eva's face almost looking like a big tomato. Did Big Mac write this in his letter? No wonder Apple Cookie had welcomed a total stranger in his house that easily.

"You mean that strong red silent guy, don't you? Yeah I remember him," Soarin replied.

"I- I am not his mare-friend" Eva said with a burning face, looking at the ground.

"Oh what a shame. Ah think yer two would look great together. He would definitely marry up with ya." Apple Cookie replied snickering. Eva didn't know that she could become more embarrassed than she was before but she was immediately proven wrong.

"So that means you are free, eh? Maybe we could meet up later, if you like?" Soarin winked at her.

"I- um- maybe another day?" She hardly spit out that sentence because of her embarrassment.

"At whatever time you like," he said grinning while picking up the brown paper bag Apple Cookie had wrapped his pie into. Then he left the shop.

"That Soarin, always the charmer don't let him tease you that way. Did ya know that he's the second in command of the Wonderbolts? He comes here every day t’buy an apple-pie ever since Applejack sold him one at the "Grand Galloping Gala" the other day."

Slowly the blood drained off her head and returned into Eva's body.
"Do you live here all by yourself?" she asked her host to change the subject.

"Well yeah, I mean ever since my pa passed away last year. He bequeathed me the bakery and I have run it ever since."

"Oh I am so sorry I didn't know. My deepest condolences."

"Nah, that's OK. Ah mean yeah ah was real sad when he died but he was old an' lived a happy life. Ah don't think that he could complain about anythin'. Oh that reminds me. The Apple-cinnamon buns should be cooled down now. Care for a bite?"

"Yes of course." She fetched a chair and sat down next to him in the bake house.

"It's a new recipe. Ah was asked by no other than Princess Luna herself to create somethin' new for her. I call 'em 'Moon Buns'."
He carefully touched the buns on the baking plate to test their temperature and then threw one of them over at Eva. Somehow she got used to catch food flying in midair by now. After tasting it, she commented:
"Well this is delicious, but I think it could be even better if you just reduced the amount of sugar by a tiny bit. That way the customer gets to taste the natural sweetness of the apples more."

"Less sugar, eh? Didn't know that there could be too much sugar," he replied snickering. "Ah'll think about that. Here, have some more. Ya haven't had breakfast yet, did ya?"

While he kneaded another ball of dough she ate three more of those special 'Moon Buns'. Between the bites she asked him:
"Do you know a stallion called Sunray?"

"Yer mean Master Sunray? Well yeah of course! He's a respected scholar, a talented magician and adviser of the royal two. Ah heard that he got trained by the legendary Clover the Clever. Ah can remember that he used t’ come here frequently with his friend t’buy some of the goods of my pa when I was a lil' foal. Ah heard that his friend vanished out of the blue and Master Sunray didn't come back here ever since. He is a very secluded pony and spends much time alone in his laboratory in the royal library. Why do yer ask?"

"Well when I came here to Canterlot I got lost finding my way to your shop. He was kind enough to pick me up and show me the right way. I just want to thank him properly. Do you remember what he bought when he came here regularly?"

"Oh that's mighty nice of him. Hmm- I might be wrong but I think that he liked donuts best," he continued after some intense thinking.

"Apple Cookie, I can't express how much I appreciate it that you gave me shelter. I mean I am a complete stranger to you. Is there some way to repay you the favor?"

"Nah, it's OK, Kid. In his letter Big Mac wrote that although he doesn't know ya for very long ya seemed to be a nice pony and he couldn't find any ulterior motives in yer eyes. I must say that I have t’ agree with him. It feels good to have a companion around. I felt kinda lonely ever since my pa died. So in other words ya don't have t’thank me for anything."

"But I insist!"

"OK kid. Hmm I needa restock some ingredients. You may go there and fetch 'em for me."

"OK Got it- err but last time I got lost in this city-"

"Don't worry- here take this city plan with you. I can mark the shop fer ya to find it more easily. I'll also mark my supplier fer ya, too."

Some minutes later she was in front of the bakery with an empty set of saddlebags on her back but with a map in her hooves. By reading the map she could reconstruct the way Sunray and she had taken from the library yesterday. It really was the quickest route. Using the map it was quite easy to navigate herself towards the supplier, whose trading warehouse was located at the northern wall. While walking past several restaurants with white round tables, each equipped with a colorful umbrella, she even came by the castle gates. The castle was surrounded by another polished white wall with several entrances to different sides. All those entrances were endued with those very thick and large doors made of ancient looking wood framed with golden bricks.

So it was said that her father was the commander of the royal force. Its headquarters was located within the inner castle ring according to the map, so it was very likely for him to be in the castle. Encouraged she stepped near the gate she just came by, but got blocked by two Royal Guards in golden armor who stepped in her way.

"Hold it, citizen. What business brings you to the castle?" the beefy right guard wanted to know in a strict but calm deep voice.

"I um- I need to see the commander of the royal force-"

"Do you have an appointment?" he asked lifting a brow.

"No- "

"Have you got an invitation, tour ticket or ID ?" This time the left guard asked. He was a unicorn, more lanky than the right one and had a higher voice fitting his appearance. He wasn't as brusque as his companion, so she liked him better than the beefy right guard who appeared to be a Pegasus.

"No but-you see I need to meet him."

"What for?" the Pegasus wanted to know.

"I need to talk to him personally."

"About what?" the beefy guard asked obviously annoyed by the uncommunicative answers.

"Well you see it's a private issue-" she started but got interrupted by the right guard.

"A-ha-ha! A private issue. You hear that, sergeant? This filly has some private issues with the Prince," saying that, the beefy guard's voice got softer while he stepped back, shifting his weight onto his lance. It was obvious that he didn't believe her, and that he was making fun of her. Eva couldn't miss the mocking sound in his voice.

"Yes, sir, I heard it!" The other, thinner, guard replied.

"Listen, Missy, did you think you could come here and roam the royal castle just like that? Without an appointment, without any documents?" Now his voice had returned to its former tone, only considerably more annoyed, while he bent towards Eva, entering her private space very deliberately, more with every word to intimidate her.

"Maybe you are a troublemaker? Maybe you are an assassin? Maybe you are even a disguised changeling? How should we know? Sergeant, scan her for any changeling-magic!" he snapped like rolling thunder. He then stepped back to grand his thinner partner some space.

"I- err I think I heard my laundry calling. Sorry gotta go-" Eva stuttered and tried to quickly turn around to escape.

"Oh no you don't, Missy. All this makes you really suspicious-" He quickly had lowered his pole-weapon to block her way back while his assistant came closer with a glowing horn.

Trapped between the lowered weapon and the grumpy guard, Eva saw the thinner guard coming near her. Her heart started to race, she wondered why they didn't hear the loud noises it caused. Eva stared, terrified at his blue glowing horn. She quickly looked around to find a way out of this situation but couldn't figure out a solution. If the unicorn-guard really can detect and uncover disguised changelings she will be screwed. A bluish glow surrounded her, caused by the detection-spell of the sergeant. Eva closed her eyes, sweat was dripping down her forehead. She prayed silently for an easy way out and she was about to faint, but nothing happened. Yes, nothing happened!

"She doesn't feel like a changeling, sir- But strangely she doesn't feel like a pony either." The guard interrupted his magic and the blue aura around Eva vanished. She opened one eye, then the second. Somehow her pony-form had still stayed on. Maybe the detection-spell had failed? The puzzled unicorn turned towards his boss to wait for further instructions.

"Not a pony, eh? Your horn must be broken or something- stupid magic. OK Missy, you got lucky this time. Now go and don't even dare to get any ideas."
He pulled back his weapon to grant her freedom again. Eva slowly backed away from that intimidating guard before she finally turned around and started to gallop down the street, until she dashed around a corner pressing her back against the wall of the building she was standing in front of.

Phew that was a close one. Stupid Eva, what were you thinking?! Breathing heavily she hid behind the corner trying to calm down. It took her several minutes, though. She carefully looked around the corner, but luckily none of the guards had seemed to follow her. When she finally had settled down she took another look at the map. She had enough excitement for today and decided to keep a low profile for some time. She managed to find the warehouse of Apple Cookie's supplier and entered the building. A sign stated: "Quills and Sofas." Now that was a strange name for a wholesaling trade.

The inside looked much bigger than it appeared from the outside. Next to the door a long counter separated the entrance room from another big room containing many high shelves with different cardboard boxes, burlap bags and buckets. A male pony with strong looking legs wearing a white jumpsuit appeared in the door behind the counter.
"May I help you, Miss?"

"Yeah I was sent here by Apple Cookie to fetch his order."

The male pony rummaged around under the counter and took out a small book which he flipped open and leafed through the pages.
"Ah, Apple Cookie, here it is. OK, the order is already paid for. Please wait a minute while I get your stuff-"
He vanished into the room with the large shelves but came back shortly after carrying three paper bags of flour, five boxes of eggs and some smaller sachet containing different kinds of spice. He put everything on top of the counter and checked if he got everything by a quick glance at his book.

"That would be everything. Do you need something else?" he asked while scribbling something in that book.

"No I don't think so, thank you," she said while she stowed the order away in her saddlebags.

"Thank you for your order, come again. And best regards to Mr. Apple Cookie."

She nodded, then opened the door and left the warehouse. On her way back she gave a wide berth to the castle gates and frequently looked back over her shoulder to check if somepony was following her. But she reached the golden apple bakery without any trouble.
Apple Cookie was pleased to see her return. He just put a steaming baking plate with freshly made 'Moon buns' on the table when she entered the shop.

"Ah, Eva! Did ya get everything? Look, ah made some more Moon Buns with less sugar just like ya suggested."
She nodded. She decided to not tell him anything about her encounter at the castle gate. It would only draw more unpleasant questions. She sat down on her chair next to him with dangling legs, while watching him cleaning his kitchenware.

"Apple Cookie? What do you know about the prince?" she asked after a while.

"The prince, eh? Well his name is Shining Armor and he was the commander of the royal force for several years before he married Princess Cadence, a very beautiful and bonny alicorn. By marrying her he became a Prince. Cadence is the ruler of the Crystal Empire located in the north of Equestria. Ah heard that both of them will move there soon. Why’dja ask? Didja meet him somewhere?"

"No, I wouldn't recognize him either, because I don't know what he looks like-"

"Well he's a white-coated unicorn an' his mane has a similar color like yers. He either wears a red vest, or his purple chest plate. It's said that he's very nice and obliging, and a fair commander of the troops. However ah never met him in person so ah can only say what ah heard about him... "

She then sat there silently for a while staring into empty space while he was washing up several pots encrusted by dough.

"Did ya find out anythin' about yer pa yet? Apple Cookie suddenly wanted to know giving Eva a start.

"No, not yet."

"Maybe ya should visit the library. Ah think there are some pedigree records stored as well."

"Mm-hmm, maybe tomorrow-" Eva had enough action for one day.

Another silent moment passed by before she asked:
"Apple Cookie could you teach me how to make apple donuts?"

"Well of course. I didn't knew you were into baker's craft-" he smiled saying that. She washed her hooves in the sink and put on a white apron hanging from a coat peg on the wall.

The rest of the day he showed her how to set up and roll the pastry. He obviously enjoyed her eagerness and taught her with pleasure. It was like he said before, he has been lonely for a long time but now enjoyed every minute with his guest. Eva had fun too. After several failed attempts Eva managed to come up with a perfect baking plate of apple donuts. He had a bite and his skeptical face expression lit up even more and he applauded to Eva. She quickly tasted them, too. The donuts tasted terrific. Eva cheered and was proud of her work.

"Almost like my pa used to make 'em," he remarked and got eagerly hugged by the flattered disguised changeling. He wasn't prepared for this so he stood there for a moment with red cheeks not knowing what to do before he returned the hug.
They had been so eager to bake the donuts that they didn't realize that night has already fallen over Canterlot. Apple Cookie put Eva's products into a food storage box while she went upstairs to have a shower to wash off all the flour in her coat and mane. She returned to him with wet mane hanging down her head to say good night.

The next day Soarin leaned nonchalantly against the counter while Apple Cookie prepared his daily apple-pie. Seeing her he smiled and said:
"Good morning Eva, do you want to go out with me today?"

"Thank you Mr. Soarin, but I got other plans for today," she kindly rejected his offer.
He seemed disappointed. Obviously he wasn't used to be rejected by a mare. However this only fueled his eagerness. Apple Cookie, who had silently witnessed the scene snickered quietly into his hoof.

"Well then maybe next time." He took his paper bag and stiffly marched out of the bakery.
Apple Cookie couldn't hold onto it anymore and burst into laughter.

"Did ya see his face? Priceless. Ah bet he won't give up on ya that easy," after wiping away a tear he continued: "So whatcha plans for today?"

"I will visit the library just like you suggested yesterday. Maybe I find a clue about the whereabouts of my father. What will you do today?"

"I'm goin’ t’present the new buns to Princess Luna at noon."

After a delicious quick breakfast Eva equipped her saddlebags and filled them with a package containing the apple donuts they made yesterday and her trusty map. After wishing him luck and saying goodbye, she was on her way to the library. She took the same route Sunray showed her before and soon she stood in front of that impressive tower with the crystal dome on top. After opening the richly ornamented door she stepped into a round room filled with bookshelves. In the back she saw a spiral staircase with a golden hoof rail curling up the inner wall to the second floor. There were several tables with ponies sitting on chairs reading books and scrolls. In the center of the room she saw an older mare sitting at a desk writing something on a piece of paper. The desk was enlightened by a small magic powered lamp with a lampshade made of green glass covering the table with a comfortable light.
The mature mare looked up at Eva through her round glasses when she heard the sound of the door. She had a gray mane pinned up to a bun hairstyle and she made a very strict impression.
Stepping near the mare Eva quietly asked her where she could find Master Sunray. The mare nodded towards an open door and said: "He is in his office."

Eva thanked the mare for the information and trotted towards the door the caretaker referred to before. "Wait where do you think you are going?"

"Err- to Master Sunray?"

"Oh, no, no, no. He is a very busy pony and doesn't wish to be disturbed," the mare said while she galloped over stepping in front of the door. "If you are here asking for apprenticeship I can assure you that there are no vacancies at the moment."

"No actually I am here to thank him for his help, because he saved me the day before yesterday-"

"No his orders were strict. He hasn't received visitors in ages. I repeat, he doesn't wish to be disturbed!" she explained more loudly.

"It's OK Primrose, let her pass" a male voice from inside that room called.

"But Master Sunray-" she turned towards the open door, where the voice came from, with an amazed face expression.

"I'd like to meet that mare. Haven't you got other things to attend to?" he asked in a calm way.

The caretaker groaned silently and returned to her desk in the middle of the room watching Eva with displeased eyes.
Kind of surprised she entered Sunray's office and closed the door behind her.
It was a room with round walls. On the right hand side the wall was covered with an old but sturdy looking bookshelf filled with dozens of bulky tomes. On the left hand side the wall was decorated with a map of Equestria with several notes written on the side, a star map showing different star signs and a golden framed picture of a wise looking pony with a pink and purple mane. This must be his teacher Clover the Clever, Eva assumed. Below the pictures a sitting room suit was located. Next to the entrance door she saw his red cloak he had worn at their first meeting, hanging on a coat hook.
In the center behind a big oak desk in front of a wide window sat Master Sunray in a large comfy looking armchair. His coat had the color of a slightly washed out sunflower and his mane was gray traversed by orange streaks. He watched her looking around his office with patient old eyes. Eva nervously stepped near him and cleared her throat.

"Master Sunray- please excuse the interruption. Maybe you don't remember me but I am-"

"The mare who got lost in Canterlot the other day, yes I do remember. So what do you want from me?" His face showed no emotion. Eva couldn't tell if he was angry, because of the interruption or happy to see her.

"I- err- I just wanted to thank you again for your help-" she continued speaking shyly.

"Didn't I already told you that it was fine and you don't have to think about it anymore?" he asked in his calm motionless tone.

"I also came here to hand a gift to you- ," she said and pulled out the wrapped donuts from her saddlebag. She put it on his desk and stepped back a little.
Lifting an eyebrow he examined the package that just got presented to him. He slowly opened the brown paper packaging, while looking at Eva with inquiring eyes. He was surprised to find a couple of hoof-made apple-donuts in the box.

"What is the meaning of this?" he wanted to know. Eva still couldn't figure out his mood.

"I heard that you used to like apple-donuts when you were younger and so I brought you some. I made them myself at the 'Golden Apple bakery'."

"I haven't eaten one in ages-"

"Ever since your best friend Midnight left Canterlot?" she asked the wise sorcerer perky.

"Who told you that?" now Eva noticed an angry sound in his voice.

"My teacher- Mr. Midnight!"
The whole time he appeared motionless and collected. Now his mouth had dropped open. An unpleasant silence followed before he composed himself. His face returned to that motionless poker-face.

"Before we continue, please show me you your true form."

"I don't know what you are talking-"

"Do I look like a fool to you? Ever since Midnight revealed his true form to me I studied everything I could learn about changelings. I studied their culture, I studied their anatomy and I was even able to see through their disguises. I can see small little details that disclose your true origin that most others cannot. However you seem different though, you don't seem like the changelings I have studied. That's why I couldn't tell right from the start but you are a changeling, aren't you? I should have seen it when I met you in the alley the day before yesterday but it was too dark and I was too tired to notice. So please show me your face now."

Eva hesitated. What if it was a trap? After thinking about it for a moment she decided that it would be of no use to keep lying to him. After days of being a pony she changed back into her normal form for the first time. However she lowered her head, being too afraid looking him in the eyes. He mustered her for a longer while, mustering every detail on Eva's body. Her black coat, the bluish multi-colored mane, the tiny transparent wings before he spoke in a softer voice than before:

"So it's true- Midnight- I haven't heard from him in ages. How is he?"

"He is fine, I guess. He became my teacher back in my village."

"So you got trained to be a spell-weaver then?"

"No, he educates me and my classmates in the basic subjects. Two weeks ago I didn't even know that changelings were able to wield magic."

"That's surprising. I remember him as an excellent spell-caster, maybe even better than myself."
With a sigh he turned towards the large window in the wall behind his desk staring outside. Looking into the far distance he continued:

"As you might imagine I was shocked when the pony I considered as my best friend changed into something else. I had never heard of changelings before. I was furious. I was hurt. I felt betrayed. We shared everything with each other. I even helped him getting a date with my sister- " he closed his eyes and shook his head, snickering.

"I was really hurt when he suddenly disappeared, however now I can understand his reasons. I felt so betrayed like something of me was torn out of my heart. I don't know what I had done to him if he had stayed. Then my Master, Clover the Clever, explained everything to me. He told me that Midnight wanted to reveal his true form to me from the start, but Clover advised against it. And now you are here- his student- two generations later-"
He turned back towards Eva again and looked at the apple donuts on his desk being indulged in reminiscences.
"Yes we used to meet up at the ‘Golden Apple Bakery’ every day. I clearly remember him praising the Apple fritters while I liked the donuts best. When he disappeared I never returned to that bakery, once. Too many painful memories- It's so long long ago, it feels like it happened in another life." The whole time he was telling her that, he had stared at the donuts but now he blinked and looked up at her.

Tell me, little changeling, what is your name?"

"I am Evasion, sir, but please call me Eva."

"Why are you here Eva? You aren't here just to talk about my youth aren't you?"

"No sir, since I was going to travel to Canterlot anyway, Mr. Midnight asked me to find out about your whereabouts."

He now started pacing restlessly in front of the window behind his desk.
"Me? Well after I recovered from the shock, I felt sorry for yelling at him. I wanted to meet him and apologize to him. While I searched Equestria for him I learned everything I could about changelings. You might say I am an expert in this regard. However I was never able to trace him in all those years and I finally grew tired and quit looking for him. I became the royal sister's adviser after Clover had passed away, taking up his position. But what about you? You said that you were going to Canterlot anyway, what was your reason in the first place?"

"Well you see I am actually a daughter of Queen Chrysalis. I was born some months after the Canterlot Invasion. I recently learned that my father is actually a pony-"
She saw him lifting an eyebrow in surprise.

"So you are a changeling pony hybrid? That's quite unexpected- No wonder your aura feels different from the changelings I met so far- So your father is said to live in Canterlot?"

"Well err- yeah- kinda- it isn't that easy you know? My father was the commander of the royal force back then-"

"Prince Shining Armor was in charge back in those days, as far as I remember-" he looked up at the ceiling scratching his chin. After turning towards Eva again, he saw her nodding.
"Unbelievable. So you are telling me that you are in fact a child of the Prince?"
Eva nodded again. Amazed he sunk back into his armchair.

"My mother took Princess Cadence's place, to manipulate him and weaken the defenses, so they shared a bed as a consequence. My mother doesn't know that I am here, she would never allow it. It was Mr. Midnight who revealed the truth to me and encouraged me to come here."

"Now that you mention it, you do share similar traits with the Prince, beginning with your mane- I now see why this is a complicated situation."

Both of them remained silent. He then reached out for the donuts and had a bite. While chewing a broad smile spread over his face.
"Those are very good! You said you made them? Maybe I should finally pay old Applepie a visit?"

"Apple pie passed away last year. His son took over the business."

"What a shame. Poor Apple Cookie. I should have been there. But it is good to see that he continued business since he was just as talented as his father."

"Did you meet your father yet?"

"No, I tried to enter the castle but the guards wouldn't let me pass."

"You were lucky that they didn't try the detection-spell that I taught them on you  . They wouldn't be so nice to changelings after your mother destroyed half the castle."

"Actually they did try it, but somehow it failed."

"Now that's interesting. I guess, it's because you are not 100% changeling after all. The unaware guards certainly can't tell the difference, so because you appeared not as a changeling, they assumed that you have to be a pony. Your presence offers so many undreamed-of possibilities. Studying you would be a scientific breakthrough. Please tell me more about you and your race," with wide opened eyes he demanded a reply from her.

Eva however wasn't quite sure if that would be a good idea. She barely knew that old stallion after all. He might pass the information over to Celestia to launch a counterattack against her tribe. She looked him deep in the eyes, searching for any evidence of treachery or guile, but all that she could see was an old scholar, looking for a way to improve his wisdom, acting like an excited little foal on Hearth's Warming Eve. Sunray noticed her hesitation and his excited grin vanished.

"I know that I am a stranger to you and you might even consider me your enemy, but I will do you no harm nor your family. For the sake of my friend Midnight I will try to help you meet your father. We have to hurry though, because the Prince will leave Canterlot soon, moving over to the Crystal Empire to take over the reign alongside his wife. How about I lure him here so you can speak with him in private? However this is a delicate issue- honestly I have no idea how he might react. He may get mad and put you in jail- or worse-" he looked directly into Eva's green eyes.

Eva gulped. Looking at the ground her courage faded but then her facial expression suddenly changed. She had made up her mind, saying: "I came a long way just to meet my father at least once. I have to try it! Even if he imprisons me he at least knows the truth and I will accept my fate"

Impressed by her courage he broadly smiled at her nodding.
"You really are your father's daughter. So it's settled then. I will ask him to come here tomorrow morning the rest is up to you. But in return I would like to hear more about you and your race, if that's OK?"

Eva felt like he was honest with her. In fact, he was her only hope to meet her father. She decided to trust him.

"Oh, excuse my manners. Please have a seat. Do you want a drink? Are you hungry?" he pointed towards a couch beneath the picture of his former master before he opened the door to his office, calling:
"Primrose, would you be a dear and make us some tea, please? Do we have some of the biscuits left?"

"Yes, Master Sunray-" Eva heard the damped voice of the female caretaker from the library room.

Eva quickly changed back into her pony-form again and sat down on the couch, which was offered to her while he fetched his massive armchair and sat down opposite her. After a knock, the door opened and the caretaker came in carrying a silver tray with a bowl of cookies, two pots, one filled with sugar, one filled with milk, and two cups of tea on it. She silently put the tray down on the standing table next to the couch. The whole time the older mare's eyes were glued to Eva with a suspicious look on her face.

"Primrose, make sure we won't be disturbed by anypony, not even royalty. How about you close down the library and go home early today?"

"But Master Sunray, it's not even noon-" she replied amazed.

"I am sure the ponies of Canterlot can take one day without borrowing some books, can they?"

"Well- I know at least one pony who couldn't-" She was about to disagree but caught his narrowing gaze.
"Of course, Master Sunray." With a shake of her head she turned around and closed the door from the outside.

A golden glow surrounded one of the tea cups and it floated in mid air before Sunray had a sip.
"Go on, try the tea. It is best quality tea from the Gryphons. I know that they seem like a bunch of churls, but they know how to make exceptional tea."
He had another sip before he put down his cup onto the saucer again using his horn magic. Patiently he watched her drinking some tea before he returned to the other topic.

"What do you want to hear?" she asked him not knowing where to start.

"Well if you ask like that, absolutely everything!" Eva thought she had seen a manic expression on his face for a moment. She blinked while he continued smiling at her.

She then began to talk. She told him everything about the origin of the changeling race, the happenings after the invasion and their current lifestyle. While explaining how they leech love from critters and in this cause their corruption she noticed a frown on his face. She even mentioned Regard's little sister's disease and the symptoms leaving him in consternation. He had remained silent the whole time she had spoken and only nodded a few times during her changeling lesson.

"I know I've read about a similar case in one of my books. In that case the weakness wouldn't go away because of a natural abnormality. In simple terms, it's like a leak in her body and she can't contain the love-energy she absorbed for very long. Or her body can't handle the energy because it came from the critters. It is a mystery how she could survive that long. How old is she again?"

While answering Eva lowered her head looking to the side thinking about Regard. She knew that Lily only survived because of his constant efforts. She hasn't thought about Regard for some time but now she remembered their last conversation in the village and got overwhelmed by a heavy sadness. Sunray realized that he had hit a soft spot and granted her a moment of silence. Meanwhile Sunray arose stepping near one of the large wooden book shelves, pulling out an old looking tome with leather binding. After leafing through the pages he said while be hunched over the book:

"There might be a way to help her. You said changelings can't siphon love from other changelings, but you are no changeling since you are half a pony. She might be able to feed off of your emotions. While this may only be a temporary solution, it will be enough time for me to close the leak and stop the constant decay of love-energy." Eva looked up at him abruptly.

"For you? I don't think that it's a good idea to bring her here, nor do I think that mother would allow a pony spell-caster in her village."

"I see how that might be a problem..."

"Besides that there is another thing I don't understand. Your ancestors leeched energy from dogs who lived with them, didn't they? But why didn't got the dogs corrupted?"

"Mr. Midnight said that they were special in some way-"

"No, I don't think that this is the answer. Midnight lived several years among ponies, and you say he used my masters energy to stay healthy, but why didn't it affect Clover in any way? Even though he was a strong magician he could never countered such a feral magic for years without leaving a small impression at least. And what about you? You lived several days in Ponyville and several days here- did you notice any indication of the corruption among your hosts or the ponies around you?"

"Um- I don't know- No I don't think so-"

"There has to be a connection between the ancient dogs, Clover the Clever, the population of Ponyville and me. I will need time to think about it. It’s getting late my dear, you should go back to the bakery before nightfall."

Eva looked out of the massive window behind his desk. Surprised, she noticed that dusk was falling. Confused, she realized that they had spent several hours in Sunray's office just talking. Both of them got up and he chivalrously opened the door for her using his glowing horn. The round library was abandoned and the light was switched off. A sign attached to a window next to the entrance stated that the library will remain closed for the rest of the day. He turned an ornamented golden key in the lock and opened the library door for her.

"So I guess I will see you tomorrow then?"she asked him.

"Of course. I am a colt of honor, I will keep my promise," he replied gently smiling at her.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Princess Evasion, pupil of Midnight."

She stepped outside and the door got closed. She heard the golden key getting turned in the lock to shut the door. Just as she started to trot down the road the street lamps around her magically started to shine. Since she had followed this way before she found the route back to the bakery without looking at her map.

Reaching the bakery, night was about to fall so she stepped inside and was immediately greeted by a psyched up Apple Cookie.
"Eva! Thank Celestia, ah was worried somethin' had happen'd to ya. I haven't seen ya all day long."
He quickly stepped next to her embracing her with his hooves. She was never greeted like that before. Nopony was ever worried about her whereabouts. Not knowing how to react in this situation she just stood there stone still, until Apple Cookie stepped back looking at her curiously.
"Well did ya find out anythin' 'bout yer pa yet?"

"Well yes I did find out quite a lot. If everything goes well I might meet him tomorrow," she replied with an excited grin.

"Well, ain't that good news. I'm gladja’ll  finally meet ‘im. How’dja find out his identity?"

"Well Mr. Sunray was kind enough to help me with my research-"

Apple Cookie's eyes widened.
"Sunray? Ya mean Master Sunray, the scholar? I'd never have guessed that he helps ya. It's said that he is a rather reserved pony who avoids meetn' other ponies. So not even he could resist yer charm, eh?" he giggled, while blood rushed into Eva's cheeks again.

"Ah have good news myself. I met up with Princess Luna to present my 'Moon buns' to her. Ah brought a sample of my original recipe and the modified version taking yer suggestion into account. Well, what shall ah say, she liked yer bun better than mine." He said that without any grudge in his voice.

"She even said the same thing you did yesterday and placed a big order for more and generously paid in advance. Since I owe some of my success to ya, ah think it would only be fair to share the payment with yer, too."
He shoved a small bag with jingling contents into her puzzled face.
"Here take it and don't even dare t’ say no!" Amazed she witnessed him continue smiling while taking her hoof and pushing the small purse into it.
He then continued raving about the grace and loveliness of the moon princess and her fine taste in traditional craftsmanship. The praising even continued until it was time for bed. He wished her good night and both of them went to their room upstairs.

Lying on her bed with a fluffy blanket wrapped around her body she tried to imagine what character her father might have. With a mixture of anxiety and excitement she dropped off to sleep.